Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Luke glanced around the immense area. The garden seemed even larger now, now that it would change his life. It would change his life forever, or so it seemed. He was marrying Mara Jade, and this was where it would happen.
Not as daunting as the Death Star, but it will have as profound a change on your life, Luke." Wedge commented as his eyes wandered the area.
Luke clenched his hands together and glanced down. "But that was a focus for hatred, Wedge... Here we will celebrate love and union."
Han shook his head. "Don't worry, kid. We've gotten you through all sorts of adventures. We'll get you through this."
"I can make through this day fine, Han. I'm not afraid of me or Mara not making it through the wedding, no anxiety there..."
Han eyed him uneasily, "The way you say that, you do have anxiety..."
"Vague and unfocused."
"You must have seen the reception menu."
"Back when we all first met, I'd never have guessed we would find ourselves here." Wedge mussed, "especially not at a wedding."
"'Specially not Luke's wedding," Han pointed out. "He'd not even been kissed by then. Freezing on Hoth was when I figured we'd never be here."
Luke nodded slightly. "Even after I met Mara, I never imagined this." Especially seeing as when I met her was when she had a blaster to my head. "
"But here we are."
"Right, and, as you pointed out, it's all your fault. You know what that means?"
Han and Wedge glanced at Luke as he lowered his head. "When Mara kicks me out, you'd best have a guest room ready."
"I thought Jedi didn't know pain."
___________________ "C'mon, we don't want to be late," Hobbie urged Wes Janson as he pulled at his shirt collar slightly.
"We'll get there, we have plenty of time," Wes said as he care freely shrugged his shoulders and leaned against the desk.
___________________ "Banner and the Moff's wife are off with the hit team. Is the Moff in position?"
"I got him there then he sent me away, best if we don't know his plan." ___________________ "No, Master Solo, protocol dictates right-hand loops equal to you age in standard years." Threepio's prissy voice sounded as he took the bow tie around Jacen's neck.
"It'll choke me and never come loose," Jacen complained as Anakin peered at his older brother. ___________________ "Time to mount up." One of the swoopies said as he straddled his bike.
"Slip it over their head, choke, twist, and it'll never come loose." ___________________ "Not fair, Mom. Myri had my dress. Why did I have to get a new one?" Syal pouted as Iella eyed her daughter out of the corner of her eye.
"That question will come back to haunt you when you're old enough, Syal." ___________________ In their wildest imaginings, they never would have thought... And that will be their undoing. The Moff smiled evilly to himself. ___________________ "Mon Mothma, this way!"
"Mom, it's Talon Karrde!"
"Senator Fey'lya, give us a smile."
The crowd gathered around and the guests to the wedding smiled kindly, all of them did, except for Fey'lya. ___________________ The swoopies smirked as they headed off to the Imperial Palace, the heroes would die tonight. ___________________ "Greetings Madam President. This way to your seat." Kam said with a smile.
"So gracious, Jedi Solusar. Thank you." ___________________ The swoopies glared at each other across their swoops as they readied for the attack to begin. ___________________ "It's natural to be nervous, kid, but you're doing the right thing, here." Han tried to assure the younger man.
"I know, Han, no regrets, but those vague feeling I had before are more concrete." Luke leaned back and glanced around nervously.
"We can have things checked out if you want..." ___________________ "Good, you have it all loaded," the Moff's wife smirked at the blue- skinned Twi'lek. "That will make things so much easier."
"Emperor's black bones!" Jari'Kyn cursed as she saw the woman. "Who are you? What are you talking about?"
"The dress, we'll be taking it."
"I have a comlink."
"I have a jammer," the woman pointed out. "Do your job, Banner. Get rid of her."
"But there has to be another way," Banner began, not wanting to kill the Twi'lek.
"You've failed enough on this mission, my way or no way, understand?"
Banner nodded his head, "yes, Ma'am."
"You can't!"
Banner turned towards the Twi'lek as it touched on his feelings, he didn't want to. He knew he didn't want to. Then he made his decision and turned his blaster onto the two guards of the Moff's wife. "You've right, I can't." He turned and fired on them as they yelled in pain.
"Traitor!" she yelled at him as she pulled a vibroblade from its hiding place and turned towards him, slashing at him. He dropped the blaster and his other hand went to his bleeding hand as she stood over him. He knew that this was the end; that it was now that he was going to die.
Jari'Kyn debated in her mind for a moment then took the hydrospanner and smashed the woman over the head with it. The woman dropped to the floor, unconscious, and she couldn't help but grin. Jari'Kyn was no longer as helpless as they had thought she was.
"Thanks for the save," she said as she brought the hydrospanner behind her.
"We have to get the dresses to the wedding. There is no time." Banner said as he felt for the Moff's wife's pulse.
"I'll fly, you make sure they stay on." ___________________ "You agreed to keep the kids quiet during the ceremony, Booster..." Mirax angrily turned to face her father.
"Your kid, Mirax, singular... I have a new Rebellion here on my hands."
"We're all next door, in the gardens... They're not going to get the better of you, are they?"
"Kids, never..." Booster Terrik said with a smug expression on his face.
"Good, it's settled. Later, Father, and thank you."
___________________ Valin Horn glanced over at the other younger kids. He heard what his mother had told him to say as he approached Syal Antilles.
"Want one?" she asked as he came up to her.
"Hi, Syal. My mom said to say your dress looks pretty."
"It will be until Myri good something on it." Syal grumbled as she glanced at the younger girl on the other side of her. "You don't have a little sister, do you?"
"No." ___________________ "Never thought I'd see you this nervous, Mara. It's actually refreshing."
Mara shook her head and glanced over towards the door once again. "I want the gowns to get here... Once we have them, nothing can go wrong." She told Talon Karrde as she turned back.
A few moments later she heard a noise and rushed out the door to greet Jari'Kyn. "You made it!"
"Barely," Jari'Kyn exclaimed.
"Trouble?"
"Don't ask."
Mara glanced suspiciously at Banner. "Who's he?"
"Don't ask."
Jari'Kyn hurried inside and rushed Banner and Talon out. "Both of you, out of here. Thanks for you help, Banner."
"Help? You're a dressmaker?" Karrde asked skeptically.
"Um, no, just a delivery man."
"Wait, you were at the Red Rancor, I remember you..." It all clicked suddenly.
Oh, Sith! ___________________ "Here you go." Jari'Kyn said as she began pulling the dresses out. "Someone tried to kidnap your dress... A crazy woman."
"What?! What happened?"
"Not important, but, by the way, that kick you taught me really works."
Mara took the dress and glanced around nervously. Something big was going to happen, Luke had to know. ___________________ "Is it okay, Leia?" Mara asked, a bit worried. "What do you think?"
"You're more beautiful than ever, Mara. You and Luke will be happier today than you have ever been."
Mara knew she was nervous. If anyone tried to ruin this day for them...
The day that they had waited for had finally come. The day she would become Mrs. Luke Skywalker.
___________________ "That's a great place for a honeymoon. I'll fly you there myself." Han said as he glanced at Luke. Luke kept his cool demeanor but Han could tell he was nervous.
"Thanks, Han. What is it, Talon?" Luke turned towards the other man.
"We may have trouble." Karrde said as he placed his hand on Banner's back and pushed him forward. ___________________ "Being here, I saw he was wrong, so when I had to kill Jari'Kyn, I couldn't."
Luke nodded his head as Banner finished explaining. Trouble was brewing. "Good for you, Banner. What are the Moff's plans?"
Banner shook his head. "Need to know, and I didn't. None of us did... We were the distraction: swoopies, my friends, and the ventilation system..."
Luke glanced at him then turned around taking off his jacket and picking his lightsaber up from where it had been lying. "That's the story. I'm going to go." He said as he started heading towards the door. In the formal clothes he felt strange but he had to go. He had to end this. As soon as he took one step out the door he was stopped by a pair of hands holding him back. Wedge stepped in front of him to face him.
"No, Luke, you're not going anywhere but to the altar."
"But, you heard what I said..." Luke realized he suddenly couldn't order them around any more. "Mutiny," he muttered under his breath, "it's mutiny."
"I heard you. You, Han, Karrde, you all have parts in the ceremony. So, you're going nowhere."
Luke silently conceded with Wedge. Besides if I left Mara alone at the altar she would kill me. I have a duty to her. I can't abandon her. But, the galaxy, the New Republic is at risk.
"You've saved the galaxy enough," Wedge continued.
What? Can Wedge read my mind?
"Now the galaxy is going to pay its debt to you."
Luke nodded his head grabbing his jacket and putting it back on. Then he laid the lightsaber back down.
Wedge nodded his head at that then turned towards the others. "Chewie, Tycho, Corran, Kam, the rest of you, on me. We have trouble. Threepio, get Jacen Solo---you're the ushers now. Go!"
"Oh my!" Threepio's prissy voice sounded in the midst of the crowd. ___________________ "Corran, Kam, We have swoopies incoming from somewhere."
The two Jedi raced over to one side as Corran yelled back at Wedge. "We'll cover the left flank."
"Good. Chewie, someone is going for the vent system, they're yours. Rogues, we have center."
Wedge raced outwards with Tycho and Gavin on his heels. Then he noticed Hobbie and Wes not too far off and Wedge couldn't help but grin. They may not be the most mature but Wes had a killer aim with the blaster.
"There's Wedge. I told you we'd be late."
"You're not late, not for the fun."
"Something in his voice I don't like..." Wes began.
Wedge pointed over towards another way. "You tow, take the Annex Building, secure it."
As Wes and Hobbie race off Wedge heard Gavin's voice. "Wedge, incoming. Very hot!"
All three of the Rogues raised their blasters and began firing at the swoopies as they attacked innocents.
"I'm hit, I'm hit!"
"My baby? Where's my baby?"
"Mommy!"
"We're going to die!" ___________________ "There's a group breaking right!" Corran yelled a warning to Kam as they tried to protect the people. He heard the yells of the swoopies.
"Ouch!" Kam yelled out as a blaster bolt made its way through his defenses. "We need to get them before they come back."
___________________ Mara glanced down at her dress and parted her veil. It was a beautiful dress. She glanced over at Karrde and noticed he was smiling.
"Don't worry about it Mara, he'll love it."
Mara nodded her head and Leia joined her by her side.
"The time has come," she whispered.
She smiled as she glanced down at the dress once again. The full skirt gathered around her and the small flickering designs around her waist. They looked almost like small flames. The roses gathered at her shoulder. It was the grandest thing she had ever worn. ___________________ "Swoopies are here, people are running." Iry reminded Chala.
"Right on time. Connector is on; give me the canister."
Iry swallowed hard as he saw what was before him. "Uh-oh!"
"I need the tanks, c'mon. What's the prob, here? What's the hold up, Iry?" Chala turned to see the angry Wookiee with its hands wrapped around his partner's throat. "Sithspit!"
"Nice Wookiee." ___________________ "Hooray, we'll make it to the building before the swoopies will. We can defend it as ordered, Janson!" Hobbie yelled as he began racing towards the building.
"That leaves us only one problem," Wes said with a smug look on his face.
"What's that?"
"Uh, Hobbie, what are we defending with?"
"Our good looks and trenchant wit?"
Wes finally groaned. "That's quite enough defeatist talk, thank you."
___________________ "A bunch have broken for the Annex," Gavin warned them.
"Nice shooting, Gavin."
"Isn't this the gang from the bar last night?" Tycho asked them. ___________________ I've made it. Into my disguise now, to finish the mission. The Moff pulled off his suit and put on a single green cloak. The diversion drew off security, letting me slip into place. He took the Ithorian mask and put it back into place. Their best heroic efforts may stop my diversion, but will not stop me. ___________________ "They're breaking."
"Watch them. Make sure they don't regroup." Wedge told the other two as he continued to fire.
"Keep shooting like that, Wedge, and there won't be any more to regroup."
___________________
Luke Skywalker glanced up as Mara came up to him with a beautiful smile on her face. As she stopped right in front of him he smiled. "Mara, oh Mara," she whispered.
"I know Luke, I know."
"Friends, family, peoples of so many diverse worlds, we are gathered here to celebrate..." Admiral Ackbar began before he was interrupted as an Ithorian stepped forward and reached up, pulling at his face.
The mask was removed to reveal the hating face of the Moff.
"Celebrate a travesty. Celebrate the destruction of a people and their culture... Imperial culture. I cannot allow this abomination to take place."
People backed away from him as he took out a remote.
"Stay back, do nothing," Luke warned as he took Mara's hand and pulled her back, away from the mad man.
"Built into this costume is a datapad and comlink that will download a virus into the New Republic computers in this facility." The Moff boasted as he smiled evilly at Luke and his bride.
"In an instant it will go out, destroying the communication system that was once Imperial, severing all worlds from one another. My thumb comes off this switch, the virus downloads. Your Republic dies the way my Empire did, in pieces."
___________________
"I'll take the ones to the..." Corran began as he looked at the plummeting shapes. People would die if they continued on.
"Hang tight, I've got them."
"All of them?!"
"I don't mind taking my fair share."
"No reason for you to break a sweat, Kam." Corran concentrated on the swoopies, knowing his gifts to twist minds and make them think they see something. "Weak minds, all thinking alike. Wait until they see this."
They spun into darkness, crushed together, an absence of light.
"You did the black hole thing? Projected it into their minds?"
"Well... I had no time for finesse, it was ugly."
"But effective, now we just have to pry them apart."
___________________
It was an ugly group and what they wanted to do was ugly too as the leader pounded his fist against his other hand and glared at Wes and Hobbie. "You can't run no more, pretty boys, I pounded you the other night. Now I get to finish the job."
Wes held his fists out and faced them still trying to look brave. "You didn't walk away last time, you won't this time." Then Wes turned towards Hobbie. "Get that door open, will ya?"
"It's stuck..."
The man grabbed Wes' shirt and dragged him off the ground as the door behind him opened. "I'm gonna smear you into a thin paste, pretty boy."
An angry voice sounded from inside the building. "Be quiet..."
It was followed by a fist smashing into his face and knocking him down soundly. "If you wake those kids after I got them to sleep there's going to be serious trouble."
"What are you idiots doing here?"
"You said to guard..." Hobbie tried to explain.
"Not you, them."
"Booster?" They suddenly asked.
"We didn't know Booster, let's go guys."
As they hurried off Wes grinned. "Another dangerous mission accomplished."
"Don't push your luck or I'll give you real had work."
"Yeah, like what?"
A little voice sounded from inside. "My sister needs to be changed."
Wes grinned widely, "oh, Hobbie..."
___________________
Luke measured him with an even gaze. "I don't understand. Why here, why now?"
The Moff stared at him angrily. ""Because they are all watching, Skywalker. Everyone will know your actions doomed them. When the virus goes, all trade between worlds will stop. Famine, disease, poverty... All the things given to Imperials."
"You're protesting an evil: what was yours has been taken away. Others have been given what was taken from you."
"I don't want charity. I just want what is mine."
"I just want what is fair," Luke challenged him. "You want to be treated equally, not punished because of your family and its status."
The Moff glanced up at him startled. "Yes, exactly, that's right."
"Congratulations, you want what all of us wanted: the freedom to be who we want to be. You've just become a Rebel, and that's okay because we welcome that change in anyone."
"Oh, was it that simple?" Takkar asked as he looked at the Jedi Master, mystified.
"Only in hindsight."
"Or, if someone was willing to think."
Mara came up closer to Luke and rested her hand on his arm. "We don't always have time to think."
"I should have. It occurs to me now that you, a Jedi Master, could have kept the button down on this deadman switch no matter what."
"I could have."
"You didn't, why?"
"If I stopped you, you'd still be angry. If I let you stoop yourself, a doorway to peace would open for you. You saw this as a travesty because by marrying Mara, I was taking an important icon from you. But this is about starting a new life, not ending an old one."
Luke smiled slightly as he glanced over at Mara then back at Takkar. "Come join with us, join the celebration."
"You can't mean it."
"I do, let everyone see the rifts be healed."
___________________
"The virus thing would have worked, would it, Senator?"
"Been shielded against that since we took Coruscant."
___________________
"The New Republic is a family, we always have room for new members." Luke told him encouragingly as he nodded back towards the officiator and turned back towards Mara. The time had finally come.
"Mara Jade, do you freely bind yourself to Luke Skywalker, to be his companion, aide, and comfort for all the days of your life?"
Mara breathed hard and looked into Luke's eyes, this was it. "I do."
"And you, Luke Skywalker, do you promise to forsake all others, to be Mara's comfort and confidant, friend, lover and companion for your mortal days?"
"I do," he said softly.
Mara smiled brightly at Luke as the excitement grew. "For a relationship that started with me trying to kill you, this has become more than I could have imagined. I have never felt more complete than now, knowing we will be together for eternity."
Luke's gaze didn't divert from hers as he leaned in closer. "Well, since Leia always wanted to kill Han, I knew where this could lead."
I did not! You were imagining things.
A mysterious smile crossed Luke's lips. "You are more than I deserve, all that I desire, and all I need to feel whole, I love you. Mara."
"The rings, please."
Han nodded and brought his hand over to Artoo as the rings were dropped into his hand. "Got them right here. Thanks, Artoo."
"The rings are a symbol of your love, unbroken and shining. They show the galaxy the vows you make here today."
They exchanged the rings, their thoughts only one each other.
"You have exchanged vows and rings. I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Luke leaned forward and kissed her deeply. A single kiss meaning more to them than anything else ever in their lives before.
As they separated Luke took Mara's hand and led her down the aisle. "I present to you, the Skywalkers."
___________________ The crowds in the streets cheered as the smiling faces of Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker were displayed on the screens for all to see. A symbol of the union that was possible of former enemies.
___________________ "Do you remember?" Han Solo asked his wife as they danced at the beautiful reception.
"Always and often..." she said with a laugh.
"Were two people ever meant more to be together?" Corran glanced at his beautiful wife.
"Just like us, dear."
___________________ Luke held Mara close as he heard the soft music. They were meant to be together, he knew that. They would always be together. Nothing would change. He had finally found her, after so much suffering and confusion, had found the woman that was meant to be his bride and she had been right in front of his nose. And finally she was with him, in his life, forever.
Luke glanced around the immense area. The garden seemed even larger now, now that it would change his life. It would change his life forever, or so it seemed. He was marrying Mara Jade, and this was where it would happen.
Not as daunting as the Death Star, but it will have as profound a change on your life, Luke." Wedge commented as his eyes wandered the area.
Luke clenched his hands together and glanced down. "But that was a focus for hatred, Wedge... Here we will celebrate love and union."
Han shook his head. "Don't worry, kid. We've gotten you through all sorts of adventures. We'll get you through this."
"I can make through this day fine, Han. I'm not afraid of me or Mara not making it through the wedding, no anxiety there..."
Han eyed him uneasily, "The way you say that, you do have anxiety..."
"Vague and unfocused."
"You must have seen the reception menu."
"Back when we all first met, I'd never have guessed we would find ourselves here." Wedge mussed, "especially not at a wedding."
"'Specially not Luke's wedding," Han pointed out. "He'd not even been kissed by then. Freezing on Hoth was when I figured we'd never be here."
Luke nodded slightly. "Even after I met Mara, I never imagined this." Especially seeing as when I met her was when she had a blaster to my head. "
"But here we are."
"Right, and, as you pointed out, it's all your fault. You know what that means?"
Han and Wedge glanced at Luke as he lowered his head. "When Mara kicks me out, you'd best have a guest room ready."
"I thought Jedi didn't know pain."
___________________ "C'mon, we don't want to be late," Hobbie urged Wes Janson as he pulled at his shirt collar slightly.
"We'll get there, we have plenty of time," Wes said as he care freely shrugged his shoulders and leaned against the desk.
___________________ "Banner and the Moff's wife are off with the hit team. Is the Moff in position?"
"I got him there then he sent me away, best if we don't know his plan." ___________________ "No, Master Solo, protocol dictates right-hand loops equal to you age in standard years." Threepio's prissy voice sounded as he took the bow tie around Jacen's neck.
"It'll choke me and never come loose," Jacen complained as Anakin peered at his older brother. ___________________ "Time to mount up." One of the swoopies said as he straddled his bike.
"Slip it over their head, choke, twist, and it'll never come loose." ___________________ "Not fair, Mom. Myri had my dress. Why did I have to get a new one?" Syal pouted as Iella eyed her daughter out of the corner of her eye.
"That question will come back to haunt you when you're old enough, Syal." ___________________ In their wildest imaginings, they never would have thought... And that will be their undoing. The Moff smiled evilly to himself. ___________________ "Mon Mothma, this way!"
"Mom, it's Talon Karrde!"
"Senator Fey'lya, give us a smile."
The crowd gathered around and the guests to the wedding smiled kindly, all of them did, except for Fey'lya. ___________________ The swoopies smirked as they headed off to the Imperial Palace, the heroes would die tonight. ___________________ "Greetings Madam President. This way to your seat." Kam said with a smile.
"So gracious, Jedi Solusar. Thank you." ___________________ The swoopies glared at each other across their swoops as they readied for the attack to begin. ___________________ "It's natural to be nervous, kid, but you're doing the right thing, here." Han tried to assure the younger man.
"I know, Han, no regrets, but those vague feeling I had before are more concrete." Luke leaned back and glanced around nervously.
"We can have things checked out if you want..." ___________________ "Good, you have it all loaded," the Moff's wife smirked at the blue- skinned Twi'lek. "That will make things so much easier."
"Emperor's black bones!" Jari'Kyn cursed as she saw the woman. "Who are you? What are you talking about?"
"The dress, we'll be taking it."
"I have a comlink."
"I have a jammer," the woman pointed out. "Do your job, Banner. Get rid of her."
"But there has to be another way," Banner began, not wanting to kill the Twi'lek.
"You've failed enough on this mission, my way or no way, understand?"
Banner nodded his head, "yes, Ma'am."
"You can't!"
Banner turned towards the Twi'lek as it touched on his feelings, he didn't want to. He knew he didn't want to. Then he made his decision and turned his blaster onto the two guards of the Moff's wife. "You've right, I can't." He turned and fired on them as they yelled in pain.
"Traitor!" she yelled at him as she pulled a vibroblade from its hiding place and turned towards him, slashing at him. He dropped the blaster and his other hand went to his bleeding hand as she stood over him. He knew that this was the end; that it was now that he was going to die.
Jari'Kyn debated in her mind for a moment then took the hydrospanner and smashed the woman over the head with it. The woman dropped to the floor, unconscious, and she couldn't help but grin. Jari'Kyn was no longer as helpless as they had thought she was.
"Thanks for the save," she said as she brought the hydrospanner behind her.
"We have to get the dresses to the wedding. There is no time." Banner said as he felt for the Moff's wife's pulse.
"I'll fly, you make sure they stay on." ___________________ "You agreed to keep the kids quiet during the ceremony, Booster..." Mirax angrily turned to face her father.
"Your kid, Mirax, singular... I have a new Rebellion here on my hands."
"We're all next door, in the gardens... They're not going to get the better of you, are they?"
"Kids, never..." Booster Terrik said with a smug expression on his face.
"Good, it's settled. Later, Father, and thank you."
___________________ Valin Horn glanced over at the other younger kids. He heard what his mother had told him to say as he approached Syal Antilles.
"Want one?" she asked as he came up to her.
"Hi, Syal. My mom said to say your dress looks pretty."
"It will be until Myri good something on it." Syal grumbled as she glanced at the younger girl on the other side of her. "You don't have a little sister, do you?"
"No." ___________________ "Never thought I'd see you this nervous, Mara. It's actually refreshing."
Mara shook her head and glanced over towards the door once again. "I want the gowns to get here... Once we have them, nothing can go wrong." She told Talon Karrde as she turned back.
A few moments later she heard a noise and rushed out the door to greet Jari'Kyn. "You made it!"
"Barely," Jari'Kyn exclaimed.
"Trouble?"
"Don't ask."
Mara glanced suspiciously at Banner. "Who's he?"
"Don't ask."
Jari'Kyn hurried inside and rushed Banner and Talon out. "Both of you, out of here. Thanks for you help, Banner."
"Help? You're a dressmaker?" Karrde asked skeptically.
"Um, no, just a delivery man."
"Wait, you were at the Red Rancor, I remember you..." It all clicked suddenly.
Oh, Sith! ___________________ "Here you go." Jari'Kyn said as she began pulling the dresses out. "Someone tried to kidnap your dress... A crazy woman."
"What?! What happened?"
"Not important, but, by the way, that kick you taught me really works."
Mara took the dress and glanced around nervously. Something big was going to happen, Luke had to know. ___________________ "Is it okay, Leia?" Mara asked, a bit worried. "What do you think?"
"You're more beautiful than ever, Mara. You and Luke will be happier today than you have ever been."
Mara knew she was nervous. If anyone tried to ruin this day for them...
The day that they had waited for had finally come. The day she would become Mrs. Luke Skywalker.
___________________ "That's a great place for a honeymoon. I'll fly you there myself." Han said as he glanced at Luke. Luke kept his cool demeanor but Han could tell he was nervous.
"Thanks, Han. What is it, Talon?" Luke turned towards the other man.
"We may have trouble." Karrde said as he placed his hand on Banner's back and pushed him forward. ___________________ "Being here, I saw he was wrong, so when I had to kill Jari'Kyn, I couldn't."
Luke nodded his head as Banner finished explaining. Trouble was brewing. "Good for you, Banner. What are the Moff's plans?"
Banner shook his head. "Need to know, and I didn't. None of us did... We were the distraction: swoopies, my friends, and the ventilation system..."
Luke glanced at him then turned around taking off his jacket and picking his lightsaber up from where it had been lying. "That's the story. I'm going to go." He said as he started heading towards the door. In the formal clothes he felt strange but he had to go. He had to end this. As soon as he took one step out the door he was stopped by a pair of hands holding him back. Wedge stepped in front of him to face him.
"No, Luke, you're not going anywhere but to the altar."
"But, you heard what I said..." Luke realized he suddenly couldn't order them around any more. "Mutiny," he muttered under his breath, "it's mutiny."
"I heard you. You, Han, Karrde, you all have parts in the ceremony. So, you're going nowhere."
Luke silently conceded with Wedge. Besides if I left Mara alone at the altar she would kill me. I have a duty to her. I can't abandon her. But, the galaxy, the New Republic is at risk.
"You've saved the galaxy enough," Wedge continued.
What? Can Wedge read my mind?
"Now the galaxy is going to pay its debt to you."
Luke nodded his head grabbing his jacket and putting it back on. Then he laid the lightsaber back down.
Wedge nodded his head at that then turned towards the others. "Chewie, Tycho, Corran, Kam, the rest of you, on me. We have trouble. Threepio, get Jacen Solo---you're the ushers now. Go!"
"Oh my!" Threepio's prissy voice sounded in the midst of the crowd. ___________________ "Corran, Kam, We have swoopies incoming from somewhere."
The two Jedi raced over to one side as Corran yelled back at Wedge. "We'll cover the left flank."
"Good. Chewie, someone is going for the vent system, they're yours. Rogues, we have center."
Wedge raced outwards with Tycho and Gavin on his heels. Then he noticed Hobbie and Wes not too far off and Wedge couldn't help but grin. They may not be the most mature but Wes had a killer aim with the blaster.
"There's Wedge. I told you we'd be late."
"You're not late, not for the fun."
"Something in his voice I don't like..." Wes began.
Wedge pointed over towards another way. "You tow, take the Annex Building, secure it."
As Wes and Hobbie race off Wedge heard Gavin's voice. "Wedge, incoming. Very hot!"
All three of the Rogues raised their blasters and began firing at the swoopies as they attacked innocents.
"I'm hit, I'm hit!"
"My baby? Where's my baby?"
"Mommy!"
"We're going to die!" ___________________ "There's a group breaking right!" Corran yelled a warning to Kam as they tried to protect the people. He heard the yells of the swoopies.
"Ouch!" Kam yelled out as a blaster bolt made its way through his defenses. "We need to get them before they come back."
___________________ Mara glanced down at her dress and parted her veil. It was a beautiful dress. She glanced over at Karrde and noticed he was smiling.
"Don't worry about it Mara, he'll love it."
Mara nodded her head and Leia joined her by her side.
"The time has come," she whispered.
She smiled as she glanced down at the dress once again. The full skirt gathered around her and the small flickering designs around her waist. They looked almost like small flames. The roses gathered at her shoulder. It was the grandest thing she had ever worn. ___________________ "Swoopies are here, people are running." Iry reminded Chala.
"Right on time. Connector is on; give me the canister."
Iry swallowed hard as he saw what was before him. "Uh-oh!"
"I need the tanks, c'mon. What's the prob, here? What's the hold up, Iry?" Chala turned to see the angry Wookiee with its hands wrapped around his partner's throat. "Sithspit!"
"Nice Wookiee." ___________________ "Hooray, we'll make it to the building before the swoopies will. We can defend it as ordered, Janson!" Hobbie yelled as he began racing towards the building.
"That leaves us only one problem," Wes said with a smug look on his face.
"What's that?"
"Uh, Hobbie, what are we defending with?"
"Our good looks and trenchant wit?"
Wes finally groaned. "That's quite enough defeatist talk, thank you."
___________________ "A bunch have broken for the Annex," Gavin warned them.
"Nice shooting, Gavin."
"Isn't this the gang from the bar last night?" Tycho asked them. ___________________ I've made it. Into my disguise now, to finish the mission. The Moff pulled off his suit and put on a single green cloak. The diversion drew off security, letting me slip into place. He took the Ithorian mask and put it back into place. Their best heroic efforts may stop my diversion, but will not stop me. ___________________ "They're breaking."
"Watch them. Make sure they don't regroup." Wedge told the other two as he continued to fire.
"Keep shooting like that, Wedge, and there won't be any more to regroup."
___________________
Luke Skywalker glanced up as Mara came up to him with a beautiful smile on her face. As she stopped right in front of him he smiled. "Mara, oh Mara," she whispered.
"I know Luke, I know."
"Friends, family, peoples of so many diverse worlds, we are gathered here to celebrate..." Admiral Ackbar began before he was interrupted as an Ithorian stepped forward and reached up, pulling at his face.
The mask was removed to reveal the hating face of the Moff.
"Celebrate a travesty. Celebrate the destruction of a people and their culture... Imperial culture. I cannot allow this abomination to take place."
People backed away from him as he took out a remote.
"Stay back, do nothing," Luke warned as he took Mara's hand and pulled her back, away from the mad man.
"Built into this costume is a datapad and comlink that will download a virus into the New Republic computers in this facility." The Moff boasted as he smiled evilly at Luke and his bride.
"In an instant it will go out, destroying the communication system that was once Imperial, severing all worlds from one another. My thumb comes off this switch, the virus downloads. Your Republic dies the way my Empire did, in pieces."
___________________
"I'll take the ones to the..." Corran began as he looked at the plummeting shapes. People would die if they continued on.
"Hang tight, I've got them."
"All of them?!"
"I don't mind taking my fair share."
"No reason for you to break a sweat, Kam." Corran concentrated on the swoopies, knowing his gifts to twist minds and make them think they see something. "Weak minds, all thinking alike. Wait until they see this."
They spun into darkness, crushed together, an absence of light.
"You did the black hole thing? Projected it into their minds?"
"Well... I had no time for finesse, it was ugly."
"But effective, now we just have to pry them apart."
___________________
It was an ugly group and what they wanted to do was ugly too as the leader pounded his fist against his other hand and glared at Wes and Hobbie. "You can't run no more, pretty boys, I pounded you the other night. Now I get to finish the job."
Wes held his fists out and faced them still trying to look brave. "You didn't walk away last time, you won't this time." Then Wes turned towards Hobbie. "Get that door open, will ya?"
"It's stuck..."
The man grabbed Wes' shirt and dragged him off the ground as the door behind him opened. "I'm gonna smear you into a thin paste, pretty boy."
An angry voice sounded from inside the building. "Be quiet..."
It was followed by a fist smashing into his face and knocking him down soundly. "If you wake those kids after I got them to sleep there's going to be serious trouble."
"What are you idiots doing here?"
"You said to guard..." Hobbie tried to explain.
"Not you, them."
"Booster?" They suddenly asked.
"We didn't know Booster, let's go guys."
As they hurried off Wes grinned. "Another dangerous mission accomplished."
"Don't push your luck or I'll give you real had work."
"Yeah, like what?"
A little voice sounded from inside. "My sister needs to be changed."
Wes grinned widely, "oh, Hobbie..."
___________________
Luke measured him with an even gaze. "I don't understand. Why here, why now?"
The Moff stared at him angrily. ""Because they are all watching, Skywalker. Everyone will know your actions doomed them. When the virus goes, all trade between worlds will stop. Famine, disease, poverty... All the things given to Imperials."
"You're protesting an evil: what was yours has been taken away. Others have been given what was taken from you."
"I don't want charity. I just want what is mine."
"I just want what is fair," Luke challenged him. "You want to be treated equally, not punished because of your family and its status."
The Moff glanced up at him startled. "Yes, exactly, that's right."
"Congratulations, you want what all of us wanted: the freedom to be who we want to be. You've just become a Rebel, and that's okay because we welcome that change in anyone."
"Oh, was it that simple?" Takkar asked as he looked at the Jedi Master, mystified.
"Only in hindsight."
"Or, if someone was willing to think."
Mara came up closer to Luke and rested her hand on his arm. "We don't always have time to think."
"I should have. It occurs to me now that you, a Jedi Master, could have kept the button down on this deadman switch no matter what."
"I could have."
"You didn't, why?"
"If I stopped you, you'd still be angry. If I let you stoop yourself, a doorway to peace would open for you. You saw this as a travesty because by marrying Mara, I was taking an important icon from you. But this is about starting a new life, not ending an old one."
Luke smiled slightly as he glanced over at Mara then back at Takkar. "Come join with us, join the celebration."
"You can't mean it."
"I do, let everyone see the rifts be healed."
___________________
"The virus thing would have worked, would it, Senator?"
"Been shielded against that since we took Coruscant."
___________________
"The New Republic is a family, we always have room for new members." Luke told him encouragingly as he nodded back towards the officiator and turned back towards Mara. The time had finally come.
"Mara Jade, do you freely bind yourself to Luke Skywalker, to be his companion, aide, and comfort for all the days of your life?"
Mara breathed hard and looked into Luke's eyes, this was it. "I do."
"And you, Luke Skywalker, do you promise to forsake all others, to be Mara's comfort and confidant, friend, lover and companion for your mortal days?"
"I do," he said softly.
Mara smiled brightly at Luke as the excitement grew. "For a relationship that started with me trying to kill you, this has become more than I could have imagined. I have never felt more complete than now, knowing we will be together for eternity."
Luke's gaze didn't divert from hers as he leaned in closer. "Well, since Leia always wanted to kill Han, I knew where this could lead."
I did not! You were imagining things.
A mysterious smile crossed Luke's lips. "You are more than I deserve, all that I desire, and all I need to feel whole, I love you. Mara."
"The rings, please."
Han nodded and brought his hand over to Artoo as the rings were dropped into his hand. "Got them right here. Thanks, Artoo."
"The rings are a symbol of your love, unbroken and shining. They show the galaxy the vows you make here today."
They exchanged the rings, their thoughts only one each other.
"You have exchanged vows and rings. I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Luke leaned forward and kissed her deeply. A single kiss meaning more to them than anything else ever in their lives before.
As they separated Luke took Mara's hand and led her down the aisle. "I present to you, the Skywalkers."
___________________ The crowds in the streets cheered as the smiling faces of Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker were displayed on the screens for all to see. A symbol of the union that was possible of former enemies.
___________________ "Do you remember?" Han Solo asked his wife as they danced at the beautiful reception.
"Always and often..." she said with a laugh.
"Were two people ever meant more to be together?" Corran glanced at his beautiful wife.
"Just like us, dear."
___________________ Luke held Mara close as he heard the soft music. They were meant to be together, he knew that. They would always be together. Nothing would change. He had finally found her, after so much suffering and confusion, had found the woman that was meant to be his bride and she had been right in front of his nose. And finally she was with him, in his life, forever.