Disclaimer: Oh, the manuscripts I'd tear into tiny pieces and BURN if I owned Star Wars . . .
Author's Note: Righto. Okay, sorry for the wait, I had writer's block. But it's all gone now, and it won't be very many more of this story's token short chapters before this thing wraps up ;-) I shouldn't be too long between updating the next few chapters, so keep your eye on this thing!
Dedication: To Kat Tru, who would attempt to kill me for the upcoming cliffhangers if she were near enough to physically do so
Chapter IXX: Six Standard Hours
Mara's eyes were round as she spoke to Jaina. The Rock Dragon was still several systems away, but Jaina had dropped out of hyperspace to talk to her and give her an update. "Aunt Mara, everything's okay here. Anakin's working on getting his body up to snuff – it's never been used, after all. Jacen and I are fine, and we'll be at the Errant Venture in about six standard hours. Are Mom and Dad there?"
"You bet, niece. Leia dragged Han over here to talk to Luke – she felt something in the Force when you brought Anakin back, and she's been asking Luke what it is. They're going to go into shock," Mara shook her head, adjusting Ben's position on her shoulder. "The three of you are going to make a huge difference back here."
"There's only one person Anakin's worried about making a difference with, Aunt Mara. He – he asked me to tell you he doesn't want anyone else told that he's back until he's gotten to Tahiri."
Mara's eyes widened, then she nodded. "He'll be mobbed. Won't be able to get away, and you must know she's been hovering on the knifepoint. Is he so sure he can bring her back?"
"He's the reason she didn't go through with it in the first place. I don't know if she realized he came to her or what, but he reached across all that distance to get to her. And he'll be able to get around the Errant Venture without anyone who doesn't know him knowing it's him – he's three years younger and has hair down to his knees."
Mara thought about this for a moment. "You realize that makes him a year younger than Tahiri, right?"
Jaina laughed. "Yeah, but he's still Anakin. Same as always, if a little – mellowed. He says that his memories of what went on while he was dead – the whole afterlife deal – are fading faster every minute. He does come bearing messages for certain people, though. So you'll do it? Not tell anyone about Anakin until he gets to Tahiri?"
"I think I'll have to tell Luke. He can stall your parents, and the two of you can help. I'll get Anakin to Tahiri, alright?"
"Got it, Aunt Mara. See you in six hours."
Jaina disconnected the comm unit and put the Rock Dragon back into hyperspace.