Much Ado
By Rhea Jediknight
Disclaimer : Blah Blah Blah. I make no claim on the Star Wars copyright.
I have not nor will I ever make any money from the sale of this story.
This is written with the intent to support the fan base and not in an effort to make money. This work is based on characters and situations that
are owned by George Lucas and Lucasfilms Ltd and Timothy Zahn.
Part Two
Mara collapsed on to her bunk after securing her door. She didn't want to be disturbed as she sorted out what she had learned. Luke Skywalker was in love with her? The thought both astonished and surprisingly buoyed her spirit. Impossible. Leia had to be wrong.
But she was his twin. And if anyone should know the cryptic heart of the Jedi Master, it should be her. Was it possible? How did she feel about this revelation? She just couldn't believe it. Mara thought of all the times he had come to her aid. He had always been there when she really needed him. Had it all been because Luke loved her?
Mara recalled the numerous occasions when he had tried to offered a gesture of reconciliation and she had rejected it. She thought of the rare quiet moments they had spent together in companionable silence, and of all the occasions when he placed his very life in danger to save her own. How had she failed to see it?
She felt her heart break for him when she thought of all the hurtful words she had flung at him over the years. Why had she always made him the focus of her attacks? Did she suspect that he would always return for more no matter how hard she tried to push him away? Was she testing him? She definitely had to get him a nice birthday present. Maybe she better buy a new dress, too. How was she going to act around him now that she knew? Her heart fluttered in nervous anticipation. Mara didn't want to let Luke know of what she had overheard. How long had he felt that way about her?
All the dormant regard that she held for the Jedi Master came to the forefront of her mind. He was incredibly attractive. There was no denying the way her heart raced whenever he was near. She'd thought it was irritation but perhaps she'd been wrong. She loved the way he could work out any problem. He was optimistic to a fault, and she secretly admired him for it.
Luke Skywalker loved her!
Knowing that he loved her gave her the courage to examine her own feelings honestly. She knew that she liked the Jedi, and was often times puzzled by the strong emotions that he evoked in her. Mara tried for once to be completely honest with herself no longer allowing herself to deny her affection for the Jedi.
Why did Luke always make Mara's blood boil? Why did she always put him at arm's length? Was it because he was a Force user? Corran Horn was him a close friend, and his Force abilities only enhanced their friendship. Was it because she had once had a death mark against Luke? But that was the past, and even Luke had things in his past that he wasn't proud of -- his parentage for one. No. None of these reasons were valid. It was because she cared for him and her pride hadn't wanted Luke to find out. The last thing she would want to become is the source of someone's laughter or pity.
How was she to know that he cared so deeply for her? A huge smile spread across Mara's face, and for once she didn't try to quell it. Luke Skywalker was in love with her. Even with her terrible temper and questionable past, he loved her. Mara's arms wrapped around her waist, and she was hugging herself unconsciously.
He loved her! She kept saying this over and over to herself growing more elated with the repetition.
And she returned his love.
Mara Jade loved Luke Skywalker.
How had this happened without her even knowing it? She had briefly suspected long ago, but had openly rebelled against the concept. But knowing that he returned her feelings, that by her very rejection of him, she caused him pain was enough for her to reconsider her life.
Did she want a life with the Jedi Master? Could they live and work together? Yes! Once the door had been opened it would never truly be shut again. She could no longer be satisfied with her lonely existence. Enough time had passed. She would go gradually, give Luke time to realize that she didn't truly dislike him as she had always led him to believe.
Luke Skywalker loved her! Mara wrapped the knowledge around herself and smiled widely.
The next day Mara decided to arrange to "accidentally" run into Luke. Not knowing his schedule, she called to ask Leia if she knew of his whereabouts. The blank vidscreen seemed to mock her for a good five minutes before she gave the command to make the connection.
Leia answered immediately and smiled warmly. She didn't seem the least bit surprised to see Mara.
"Hello, Mara. What can I do for you today?"
Mara smiled, and only someone that really knew her would recognize that it was not genuine. "Do you know where Skywalker is today?"
Leia acted as if Mara asked daily about her brother's agenda, but Mara could sense her amusement.
"Luke said he would be at the central library all day today."
Feeling that an explanation was needed, Mara said, "I just wanted to make amends for the other day. I'm not certain why I said the things I did, and I wanted to ask him something about a lightsaber fighting move he told me about. I've scheduled time in the gym later on and thought he might like to have some sparring practice."
Leia regarded the red haired woman thoughtfully and then said "I try to keep up with him in lightsaber techniques, but he's so far advanced. No one can give him a run for his credits like you can, Mara. We wouldn't want him to get sloppy, because you know what that would mean."
"Another bacta bath?" Mara smiled conspiratorially.
Leia nodded with a friendly smile. She was pleased at their easy banter and already felt the change in the woman. Mara would be very good for Luke. "I think that would mean a lot to my brother."
Sensing the direction of her thoughts, Mara's face reddened slightly.
Leia was almost unsuccessful at suppressing a smile. "Is anything wrong?" Leia asked innocently.
Mara shook her head vehemently, mumbled a quick thanks, and signed off.
Leia allowed her smile free reign and tried to contact Karrde. After she was informed that he was dining at a tap café a short distance from her house she eagerly set forth to share this latest development with her co- conspirator. It was time to arrange Phase Two.
Han Solo desperately wanted to head home. He enjoyed the opportunity to go flying with Chewbacca just like the old days, but he missed his family. He had gotten waylaid by some old friends to go with them to a local tap café and had agreed only because it was on his way home anyway.
Chewbacca made a snuffling noise that caused him to glance up. Leia entered the establishment.
Han caught the unexpected sight of his wife hurrying into the restaurant, a large grin stretched across his face. When she hurried unseeingly past him his grin faltered. He sat up straight in his chair, intending to call her name when she grabbed a man in a fierce hug. When she pulled back, a huge, happy smile made her face glow.
Han froze, wondering if he had been mistaken. The man returned her hug, making his stomach clench. It was Talon Karrde. He sat back watching them. Their faces almost pressed together they were so close.
Han stood up and stalked to their booth intent on confronting them. Leia gave a guilty start of surprise when she saw her husband. "Han! I thought you were still on Kashyyyk?"
"I returned early." He said softly. Leia was too flustered to notice the ominous note in his voice. She did not want to tell Han about Talon and her machinations with Mara and Luke. She was certain he would feel obligated to tell Luke the truth, and that would ruin everything. He wouldn't like them setting up Mara and Luke the way they were planning.
Talon Karrde stood up and said "Leia I must get going. I'll see you later?"
She nodded and smiled, unable to keep the pleasure at their success from shining on her face. She missed Han's darkened expression.
"Don't let me intrude." Han said sarcastically.
"Nothing's wrong." Leia moved forward to embrace her husband but something in his face made her hesitate. Leia began to register that something was wrong. "Is anything the matter, Han? Did you enjoy the trip with Chewie?"
"It was just dandy." He turned on his heel, walked backed to the booth. He threw down some credits and said to the Wookiee, "We're leaving. Now."
Chewbacca followed the man silently. His eyes traveled from Han's stiff back to Leia's confused face. He moaned softly. Humans!
Mara used the Force to cloak her presence, not wanting the Jedi to sense her before she was ready. She was beginning to feel nervous about facing Luke; it was sheer stubbornness that made her proceed. She would not allow herself to be cowed by anyone.
Mara saw him almost instantly. His face was drawn in concentration, his eyebrows lowered as he read from an illuminated screen in front of him, sitting at a small table along the Eastern wall of the library.
The place was relatively empty. A human librarian's head was bent, engrossed in some data files at a far kiosk. No one paid Mara any attention as she made her way quickly towards Luke, not giving herself an opportunity to retreat.
Luke glanced up, catching sight of her and smiled broadly. Mara could almost hear his thoughts as she saw him recall their last encounter as the smiled slipped off his face. She felt a growing hollowness as his face grew colder until it became a controlled mask. Luke's eyes watched her intently, and Mara gave him a tentative, almost shy, smile.
"Hi." She said as she sat down across from him at the metal table.
At her tentative expression, Luke's face softened, his mouth not as pinched, but his smile did not reappear. "Hello."
"Doing some research?" She inquired politely.
He nodded cautiously. Mara wondered if he thought that she had come here to continue their argument. Well, he was wrong this time but he wasn't making this any easier, Mara thought with a mental snort. Better to just jump in a get it over with quickly.
Mara lowered her gaze and fidgeted nervously. "Look Skywalker. You're maybe wondering why I'm here? I wanted to apologize for the other day. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I'm not even certain why I lashed out at you like that. It was unwarranted."
When Luke remained silent, regarding her thoughtfully, Mara opened her mouth to gabble something else, but she felt uneasy. This wasn't a situation she was used to, apologizing to the man you had just discovered you were in love with. She almost jumped when Luke reached forward and took her hand. His skin was comfortably warm in her chilled palm. Her heart thundered in her chest at the contact, but before she could give it much thought his hand was gone.
Mara's gaze flew to meet Luke's. He smiled tentatively at her and Mara could feel her answering smile spread broadly across her face. Force! He was gorgeous. His blue eyes were so bright. His hair was slightly mussed as if he had combed it a few too many times with his fingers. She felt her heart go out to him, and she marveled at the effect he had on her. No one had ever been able to get to her the way this man did.
"Thanks. I wasn't exactly the picture of politeness myself. You can get me angrier than an inebriated yuzzum."
Mara chuckled and said, "Gods preserve us!"
They sat in silence for a moment, regarding each other surreptitiously.
"How did you know that I was at the library?" Luke finally broke the silence.
Mara shrugged, "I asked Leia. I was wondering if you'd like to do some saber practice with me while we're both on Coruscant. I could do with the workout and I don't want my skills to get rusty."
A huge grin spread across his face, and from the look of it, Mara could almost imagine that she had told him right here that she was in love with him. When Luke cast aside the Jedi Master role, his emotions were so plain to see. Force! It warmed Mara tremendously to know that he valued spending time with her. It was easy to see in the warmth on his face how much she must mean to the Jedi. She felt some sympathy for all the times that she had hurt him. Somehow, it didn't seem to matter if she lashed out at him, if she believed that he was relatively unaffected by her verbal barbs.
She smiled broadly back, allowing some of the pleasure she felt with his company to leak past her shields.
"Tomorrow morning then? At the Coruscant gym?"
"At eight?"
"Don't be late. I hate to be kept waiting." Mara said flippantly. She felt suddenly flustered by all this goodwill flowing between them.
She turned around ready to leave, but just before she disappeared Luke's voice stopped her. "Mara. Thanks. I really appreciate it."
Mara nodded, smiled, blushed slightly, and almost ran away.
Luke had found the ancient Jedi texts fascinating, but something pulled him out of the lore, almost seeming to call to him. It was odd really because his Jedi senses didn't detect any reason for the interruption. But when his eyes went to the entrance, he was not at all surprised to see Mara Jade headed toward him.
Joy fanned through his soul, showing on his face. Luke smiled warmly without volition then he recalled the things she had said. How Mara must despise him. He grew cold inside at the thought, trying to isolate the pain and hoped that one day he would become immune to it.
Why had she come? And why was she shielding from him? Did she find even the thought of sharing her presence thought the Force abhorrent to her? It took all of his Jedi abilities to keep the hurt from showing on his face. Hadn't she said enough earlier? Did she think of some more reasons to hate him and seek him out to further vent her rage?
"Hi." Her voice was surprisingly soft and there was a shyness that seemed at odds with her personality. For the first time, Luke began to suspect that she had not come to perpetuate the fight, but to end it. A ray of hope shone inside the dark places of his heart.
When she rushed through the words offering an unexpected apology, Luke was deeply touched. He knew how difficult it was for Mara to admit she was wrong. To go out of her way to do so to him was virtually unheard of. He tried to peer into her eyes, attempting to sense her emotions, but her face was downcast. Mara's gaze was fastened onto her hands. She was nervous. Luke began to reassess her motives. She wasn't shielding herself from him because she hated him. Perhaps she was shielding herself so that he wouldn't sense her embarrassment or even regret over their recent encounter.
Luke's heart went out to her. He knew how difficult it was for her to accept friendship. It didn't take him very long to learn that it was not due to a coldness within her, but of a long learned self protective instinct. He reached forward to grasp her hand and felt Mara's shields falter. For one glorious, instant Luke was bathed in Mara's emotions. Her green eyes widened in surprise as they met his gaze. He felt her remorse for their fight, as well as her respect and affection for him. Luke even felt something, a faint residue akin to attraction, before her shields were once again in place.
The Jedi withdrew his hand, feeling that he had gotten a glimpse of something she did not wish to share. Before he even knew that she intended, Mara asked him if he'd like to get together for sparring practice. There was something about the way she asked that he felt as if she had just asked him out on a date. He couldn't suppress the grin that had spread uncontrollably across his face. He must have looked like an idiot.
No. She just waned to spend some time with a friend. She might feel bad about her angry words, but he couldn't help but wonder if she actually regarded him with something other than contempt. Perhaps, when he saw her tomorrow he could do something about the empty, hollow despair he had sensed within her. What ate at Mara Jade?
And then Mara had fairly flown out of there as if he were holding a thermal detonator in his hand.
No matter how much Luke tried to return his concentration to his reading, his mind refused to forget about Mara's behavior. What was it about him that always made Mara become extremely angry? If she didn't hate him, why did she always seek to fight with him, to put him at bay? Did she view him as some sort of threat?
He would have to meditate on it. Perhaps the Force would give him the answers that his mind failed to unveil.
Luke shut down the reader hours earlier than he had planned. Jedi training or not, he could no longer remain focused on the texts. He made his way to the exit and neatly avoided being run over by Han Solo.
"Han! What are you doing here?"
First Mara and now his brother in law. What was it about this place?
Han's face was dark and it didn't take a Jedi to sense the man's distress.
"What's the matter? Is something wrong with the kids? Leia?" Luke asked anxiously.
"Wrong! You ask me if anything is wrong?" Han laughed, and there was no doubt that there was a faintly hysterical edge to his voice. "That's what I came here to ask you."
Realizing that Han needed to calm down before he could get a coherent answer, Luke ushered him to a small booth behind the glowing stacks. "Tell me what has happened." He urged calmly.
Han took a deep shaky breath, dragged his fingers unsteadily through his hair, and said, "I think Leia's having an affair."
Luke sighed in relief. There was no way that his sister would ever cheat on Han. She was devoted to her husband and deeply in love with him. Nothing had happened. The galaxy wasn't about to implode, and his family and friends were still safe. "An affair? Why do you think that?"
"I saw her with Talon Karrde."
"You saw her?" Doubt began to assail him. "I don't believe it. Why don't you tell me exactly what you saw?"
"I had just finished securing the Falcon at the docking bay when I ran into some old friends. They convinced me to go with them to a local tap café. I agreed because it was on our way home, and I didn't think Leia would be home just yet anyway. We were there no more than a few minutes when I saw Leia rushing in to meet Talon Karrde. She didn't see me at first, which is a good thing too, since I saw her hug and kiss him."
"She kissed him!"
"Well she was certainly close enough to. They were all buddy buddy."
"I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation, Han."
"You didn't see the smile she gave him." He moaned. "I can't believe that she would do this to me. Why did I ever agree to leave on that trip with Chewy? Do you think I've been gone to long? Has she been acting lonely lately? And how could Talon Karrde betray me like that? I thought he had more honor than that."
"I know that Leia loves you, Han. And the Wild Karrde has only been on Coruscant for a few days."
"How do you know that?" Han asked pointedly.
Luke blushed and lowered his gaze. "Because I make a point of tracking Mara's location."
"Hmmmm." Han said.
Luke looked up and said defensively, "Hey. She tried to kill me once. I figure it's always a good idea to keep track of her."
"Yeah. Sure kid. That's all it is." Han smiled sadly and then asked. "Would you watch them for me? See if you can figure out what's going on?"
Luke had no trouble keeping up with Han's switch in subject. Luke was just as curious to learn what was going on between Talon and his sister, and he was less likely to become inflamed with anger and inflict some bloodshed. Not that he thought Han would do anything to harm his sister, but he wasn't as certain he could say the same for Talon Karrde. He nodded his head in agreement. He would find the underlying cause of this. But Leia and affair, no...never. She would not betray Han like that, it wasn't in her nature. There was something else going on here.
Luke's COM beeped. He looked at the display.
"It's Leia."
Han nodded "Go ahead."
Leia's voice sounded frantic. "Luke! I've been trying to find Han everywhere. Do you know where he is?"
Han shook his head. There was no mistaking that he didn't want to be found.
"Uhh....No. Is he missing?" Luke winced at the awkwardness of his question and hoped that his sister did not pick up on his evasiveness.
"I think he's mad at me for something. Before I had the chance to talk to him about it, he took off."
"I thought he was still with Chewie?"
"He returned some time today. I saw him at that tap café that's right up the street from our apartment. Chewbacca's with me now. He has no idea where Han disappeared to. If you see him, will you tell him to come home?"
Luke gave Han a pleading look and Han shook his head.
"I'll tell him." He closed the connection.
Han sighed heavily.
"You have to talk to her, Han. This isn't good for her or for you. Why don't you just ask her why she was there with Talon?"
"You think she'll just admit that she's having an affair? If I do that, she'll know that I suspect something and I'll never learn the truth."
"Don't you think that she'll realize something's wrong when you keep avoiding her?"
"I guess you're right. I shouldn't have just run off on her like that. I'll go back, but I need to know Luke."
"I'll make it my top priority. I promise." Luke vowed. "But don't you think that Leia will feel just as betrayed as you do now when she finds out what you suspect her of? I think you're being stupid, Han."
Han rubbed his hand tiredly across his eyes. "Maybe but you didn't see them together. Luke, I'd better go. I need some time to think."
"Don't think too long."
Han nodded and left.
Luke watched his retreating back. Things were certainly never dull.
Han returned home shortly after Leia's call to Luke. He gave her a quick, perfunctory kiss. His demeanor was more reserved than usual. He then claimed that he was tired and that he had dashed off to pay for the docking fees on the Falcon.
Leia thought he must have been exhausted to forget such a thing. Didn't he remember that they had an account with the docking bay? He was acting odd, and she urged him to take some time and get some rest. She had so much to do. She used the comunit to order a gift to be delivered for Luke's birthday. She failed to see Han just out of sight, listening to this exchange. She then called Talon to arrange a meeting.
Han's expression grew darker as he heard her talking to Talon. It took every ounce of his control to not let Leia know that he overheard. She never saw the storm brewing in his eyes as she left in a hurry to see the businessman.
Han turned on his heel and stalked away just as Leia closed the front door behind her.
Luke didn't have to wait long for Leia to leave her house. There was little doubt that she was oblivious to his presence, and he followed her easily. His sister took an air taxi. He hardly had to use any effort to cloak his Force signature. He hailed an air taxi and instructed the driver to follow Leia's vehicle.
Leia got a good ten minutes ahead of him but he could see her destination. A little dive cantina called the "Last chance." He wondered if the name had any symbolism.
Leia made her way quickly into the cantina and sat down across from Talon Karrde. She smiled warmly, feeling a kinship with him that she had never felt before. They were partners in crime now. Karrde was already sipping some steaming brew that smelled awful. Leia tried hard not to wrinkle her nose in disgust.
As if he knew what she was thinking, Talon gestured to the drink. "A bad habit I acquired while I was on one of the outer rim planets. I took the liberty of ordering you a cup of caf."
"Sounds wonderful." She was so eager to get to the next part of their plan that she started talking about it right away. "I don't have much time, because I think Han is beginning to suspect that something is up. I still haven't figured out how we can arrange for my brother to overhear us without arousing his suspicions."
"I think we just found the answer to our problem," Talon said dryly.
"What?" Leia asked.
"Don't look directly up, but Luke just walked into the cantina."
Leia was astonished to find Luke in the out of the way cantina. "What is he doing here? Do you think he's following us?"
Talon shrugged and answered under his breath. "You tell me. He's your brother."
"It could be a coincidence, but something tells me that he's here to find out what we're up to." They watched him covertly, noting the uncustomary stealth to his motions. Leia refrained from reaching out with the Force, knowing that it would only alert him to knowledge of his presence.
"I don't think he realizes that we saw him. This could actually make things rather convenient," Talon said.
Leia nodded wondering why her brother would be following her. Had he discovered that she was arranging a party for him? Perhaps she had let something slip, or he had sensed her deception and wanted to find out what was going on. She decided to let him learn about the secret birthday party, so that he would be more likely to believe them when he learned of Mara's undying affection for the stubborn Jedi.
Luke slid into a booth beside them. He was out of sight, but well within earshot.
She whispered under her breath to Talon. "I think he suspects the party I'm planning. I'm not going to keep it a secret here."
Talon nodded slowly with growing understanding.
"Are you certain you can't get Mara to attend the surprise party?" Leia asked at just a little louder than normal level. Her choice of words made Talon realize she was trying to make it sound like they were already in the middle of a conversation.
Talon's eyebrows rose quizzically, but he attempted to answer naturally. "I don't think I should push Mara to do anything she doesn't want to. Not even for your brother."
"Maybe you're right. They did have an awful fight the other day."
"Yes. But that happens a lot when passions are high. But I have to say that it is sometimes hard to believe that Mara's in love with him." Talon agreed. They heard something clatter in the other booth, and Leia covered her mouth with the back of her hand. She was grateful for the fact that he was cloaking himself, knowing from the last time he tried to train her about Force shielding that he was almost blind when he cloaked himself this tightly. Hopefully, he would not be able to sense her amusement.
"Mara Jade! In love with Luke! Are you sure?" Leia said with fake astonishment.
Talon made frantic hand gestures to tone down Leia's voice. She smiled at him and stuck out her tongue in an extremely uncharacteristically childish gesture.
"Come on Leia. Couldn't you tell? Although now that you mention it, her anger is a good smokescreen. It has managed to convince most of the galaxy that she truly has little time for your brother. I think even Luke himself doesn't even have a clue." Talon shrugged, a huge grin gracing his refined features.
"How did you find out?" Leia asked Talon.
"She told me. It was years ago. We had drunk too much Corellian ale and she just started talking. She never mentioned it again, and I'm not even certain that she remembers confessing to me. Her mouth is usually locked up tighter than a Kuati Telbun's chastity belt. But ever since then I've seen the signs. Haven't you ever wondered why she gets all prickly whenever Luke is around? It's because she's afraid that he'll guess. The last thing she would want is his pity. No, if she admitted her love and Luke rejected her, it would give him too much power. I don't think she could live with that. I think she'd rather live her life alone than ever take a chance."
"That's so. . .tragic," Leia said. She didn't have to fake the sorrow in her voice. "Well, either Luke will come around and notice that he has a beautiful woman right under his nose that loves him, or Mara will eventually find someone else to love. Love can't remain unrequited forever." Leia said philosophically. "Do you think we should say something?"
"No!" Talon said sharply. "I would never betray Mara's confidence like that. Besides, it would be unethical to interfere, don't you think?"
Leia shot daggers at Talon, but said, "You're right. So let's finish planning Luke's surprise party and be on our way. This cantina makes the worst caf."
Phase Two complete.
By Rhea Jediknight
Disclaimer : Blah Blah Blah. I make no claim on the Star Wars copyright.
I have not nor will I ever make any money from the sale of this story.
This is written with the intent to support the fan base and not in an effort to make money. This work is based on characters and situations that
are owned by George Lucas and Lucasfilms Ltd and Timothy Zahn.
Part Two
Mara collapsed on to her bunk after securing her door. She didn't want to be disturbed as she sorted out what she had learned. Luke Skywalker was in love with her? The thought both astonished and surprisingly buoyed her spirit. Impossible. Leia had to be wrong.
But she was his twin. And if anyone should know the cryptic heart of the Jedi Master, it should be her. Was it possible? How did she feel about this revelation? She just couldn't believe it. Mara thought of all the times he had come to her aid. He had always been there when she really needed him. Had it all been because Luke loved her?
Mara recalled the numerous occasions when he had tried to offered a gesture of reconciliation and she had rejected it. She thought of the rare quiet moments they had spent together in companionable silence, and of all the occasions when he placed his very life in danger to save her own. How had she failed to see it?
She felt her heart break for him when she thought of all the hurtful words she had flung at him over the years. Why had she always made him the focus of her attacks? Did she suspect that he would always return for more no matter how hard she tried to push him away? Was she testing him? She definitely had to get him a nice birthday present. Maybe she better buy a new dress, too. How was she going to act around him now that she knew? Her heart fluttered in nervous anticipation. Mara didn't want to let Luke know of what she had overheard. How long had he felt that way about her?
All the dormant regard that she held for the Jedi Master came to the forefront of her mind. He was incredibly attractive. There was no denying the way her heart raced whenever he was near. She'd thought it was irritation but perhaps she'd been wrong. She loved the way he could work out any problem. He was optimistic to a fault, and she secretly admired him for it.
Luke Skywalker loved her!
Knowing that he loved her gave her the courage to examine her own feelings honestly. She knew that she liked the Jedi, and was often times puzzled by the strong emotions that he evoked in her. Mara tried for once to be completely honest with herself no longer allowing herself to deny her affection for the Jedi.
Why did Luke always make Mara's blood boil? Why did she always put him at arm's length? Was it because he was a Force user? Corran Horn was him a close friend, and his Force abilities only enhanced their friendship. Was it because she had once had a death mark against Luke? But that was the past, and even Luke had things in his past that he wasn't proud of -- his parentage for one. No. None of these reasons were valid. It was because she cared for him and her pride hadn't wanted Luke to find out. The last thing she would want to become is the source of someone's laughter or pity.
How was she to know that he cared so deeply for her? A huge smile spread across Mara's face, and for once she didn't try to quell it. Luke Skywalker was in love with her. Even with her terrible temper and questionable past, he loved her. Mara's arms wrapped around her waist, and she was hugging herself unconsciously.
He loved her! She kept saying this over and over to herself growing more elated with the repetition.
And she returned his love.
Mara Jade loved Luke Skywalker.
How had this happened without her even knowing it? She had briefly suspected long ago, but had openly rebelled against the concept. But knowing that he returned her feelings, that by her very rejection of him, she caused him pain was enough for her to reconsider her life.
Did she want a life with the Jedi Master? Could they live and work together? Yes! Once the door had been opened it would never truly be shut again. She could no longer be satisfied with her lonely existence. Enough time had passed. She would go gradually, give Luke time to realize that she didn't truly dislike him as she had always led him to believe.
Luke Skywalker loved her! Mara wrapped the knowledge around herself and smiled widely.
The next day Mara decided to arrange to "accidentally" run into Luke. Not knowing his schedule, she called to ask Leia if she knew of his whereabouts. The blank vidscreen seemed to mock her for a good five minutes before she gave the command to make the connection.
Leia answered immediately and smiled warmly. She didn't seem the least bit surprised to see Mara.
"Hello, Mara. What can I do for you today?"
Mara smiled, and only someone that really knew her would recognize that it was not genuine. "Do you know where Skywalker is today?"
Leia acted as if Mara asked daily about her brother's agenda, but Mara could sense her amusement.
"Luke said he would be at the central library all day today."
Feeling that an explanation was needed, Mara said, "I just wanted to make amends for the other day. I'm not certain why I said the things I did, and I wanted to ask him something about a lightsaber fighting move he told me about. I've scheduled time in the gym later on and thought he might like to have some sparring practice."
Leia regarded the red haired woman thoughtfully and then said "I try to keep up with him in lightsaber techniques, but he's so far advanced. No one can give him a run for his credits like you can, Mara. We wouldn't want him to get sloppy, because you know what that would mean."
"Another bacta bath?" Mara smiled conspiratorially.
Leia nodded with a friendly smile. She was pleased at their easy banter and already felt the change in the woman. Mara would be very good for Luke. "I think that would mean a lot to my brother."
Sensing the direction of her thoughts, Mara's face reddened slightly.
Leia was almost unsuccessful at suppressing a smile. "Is anything wrong?" Leia asked innocently.
Mara shook her head vehemently, mumbled a quick thanks, and signed off.
Leia allowed her smile free reign and tried to contact Karrde. After she was informed that he was dining at a tap café a short distance from her house she eagerly set forth to share this latest development with her co- conspirator. It was time to arrange Phase Two.
Han Solo desperately wanted to head home. He enjoyed the opportunity to go flying with Chewbacca just like the old days, but he missed his family. He had gotten waylaid by some old friends to go with them to a local tap café and had agreed only because it was on his way home anyway.
Chewbacca made a snuffling noise that caused him to glance up. Leia entered the establishment.
Han caught the unexpected sight of his wife hurrying into the restaurant, a large grin stretched across his face. When she hurried unseeingly past him his grin faltered. He sat up straight in his chair, intending to call her name when she grabbed a man in a fierce hug. When she pulled back, a huge, happy smile made her face glow.
Han froze, wondering if he had been mistaken. The man returned her hug, making his stomach clench. It was Talon Karrde. He sat back watching them. Their faces almost pressed together they were so close.
Han stood up and stalked to their booth intent on confronting them. Leia gave a guilty start of surprise when she saw her husband. "Han! I thought you were still on Kashyyyk?"
"I returned early." He said softly. Leia was too flustered to notice the ominous note in his voice. She did not want to tell Han about Talon and her machinations with Mara and Luke. She was certain he would feel obligated to tell Luke the truth, and that would ruin everything. He wouldn't like them setting up Mara and Luke the way they were planning.
Talon Karrde stood up and said "Leia I must get going. I'll see you later?"
She nodded and smiled, unable to keep the pleasure at their success from shining on her face. She missed Han's darkened expression.
"Don't let me intrude." Han said sarcastically.
"Nothing's wrong." Leia moved forward to embrace her husband but something in his face made her hesitate. Leia began to register that something was wrong. "Is anything the matter, Han? Did you enjoy the trip with Chewie?"
"It was just dandy." He turned on his heel, walked backed to the booth. He threw down some credits and said to the Wookiee, "We're leaving. Now."
Chewbacca followed the man silently. His eyes traveled from Han's stiff back to Leia's confused face. He moaned softly. Humans!
Mara used the Force to cloak her presence, not wanting the Jedi to sense her before she was ready. She was beginning to feel nervous about facing Luke; it was sheer stubbornness that made her proceed. She would not allow herself to be cowed by anyone.
Mara saw him almost instantly. His face was drawn in concentration, his eyebrows lowered as he read from an illuminated screen in front of him, sitting at a small table along the Eastern wall of the library.
The place was relatively empty. A human librarian's head was bent, engrossed in some data files at a far kiosk. No one paid Mara any attention as she made her way quickly towards Luke, not giving herself an opportunity to retreat.
Luke glanced up, catching sight of her and smiled broadly. Mara could almost hear his thoughts as she saw him recall their last encounter as the smiled slipped off his face. She felt a growing hollowness as his face grew colder until it became a controlled mask. Luke's eyes watched her intently, and Mara gave him a tentative, almost shy, smile.
"Hi." She said as she sat down across from him at the metal table.
At her tentative expression, Luke's face softened, his mouth not as pinched, but his smile did not reappear. "Hello."
"Doing some research?" She inquired politely.
He nodded cautiously. Mara wondered if he thought that she had come here to continue their argument. Well, he was wrong this time but he wasn't making this any easier, Mara thought with a mental snort. Better to just jump in a get it over with quickly.
Mara lowered her gaze and fidgeted nervously. "Look Skywalker. You're maybe wondering why I'm here? I wanted to apologize for the other day. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I'm not even certain why I lashed out at you like that. It was unwarranted."
When Luke remained silent, regarding her thoughtfully, Mara opened her mouth to gabble something else, but she felt uneasy. This wasn't a situation she was used to, apologizing to the man you had just discovered you were in love with. She almost jumped when Luke reached forward and took her hand. His skin was comfortably warm in her chilled palm. Her heart thundered in her chest at the contact, but before she could give it much thought his hand was gone.
Mara's gaze flew to meet Luke's. He smiled tentatively at her and Mara could feel her answering smile spread broadly across her face. Force! He was gorgeous. His blue eyes were so bright. His hair was slightly mussed as if he had combed it a few too many times with his fingers. She felt her heart go out to him, and she marveled at the effect he had on her. No one had ever been able to get to her the way this man did.
"Thanks. I wasn't exactly the picture of politeness myself. You can get me angrier than an inebriated yuzzum."
Mara chuckled and said, "Gods preserve us!"
They sat in silence for a moment, regarding each other surreptitiously.
"How did you know that I was at the library?" Luke finally broke the silence.
Mara shrugged, "I asked Leia. I was wondering if you'd like to do some saber practice with me while we're both on Coruscant. I could do with the workout and I don't want my skills to get rusty."
A huge grin spread across his face, and from the look of it, Mara could almost imagine that she had told him right here that she was in love with him. When Luke cast aside the Jedi Master role, his emotions were so plain to see. Force! It warmed Mara tremendously to know that he valued spending time with her. It was easy to see in the warmth on his face how much she must mean to the Jedi. She felt some sympathy for all the times that she had hurt him. Somehow, it didn't seem to matter if she lashed out at him, if she believed that he was relatively unaffected by her verbal barbs.
She smiled broadly back, allowing some of the pleasure she felt with his company to leak past her shields.
"Tomorrow morning then? At the Coruscant gym?"
"At eight?"
"Don't be late. I hate to be kept waiting." Mara said flippantly. She felt suddenly flustered by all this goodwill flowing between them.
She turned around ready to leave, but just before she disappeared Luke's voice stopped her. "Mara. Thanks. I really appreciate it."
Mara nodded, smiled, blushed slightly, and almost ran away.
Luke had found the ancient Jedi texts fascinating, but something pulled him out of the lore, almost seeming to call to him. It was odd really because his Jedi senses didn't detect any reason for the interruption. But when his eyes went to the entrance, he was not at all surprised to see Mara Jade headed toward him.
Joy fanned through his soul, showing on his face. Luke smiled warmly without volition then he recalled the things she had said. How Mara must despise him. He grew cold inside at the thought, trying to isolate the pain and hoped that one day he would become immune to it.
Why had she come? And why was she shielding from him? Did she find even the thought of sharing her presence thought the Force abhorrent to her? It took all of his Jedi abilities to keep the hurt from showing on his face. Hadn't she said enough earlier? Did she think of some more reasons to hate him and seek him out to further vent her rage?
"Hi." Her voice was surprisingly soft and there was a shyness that seemed at odds with her personality. For the first time, Luke began to suspect that she had not come to perpetuate the fight, but to end it. A ray of hope shone inside the dark places of his heart.
When she rushed through the words offering an unexpected apology, Luke was deeply touched. He knew how difficult it was for Mara to admit she was wrong. To go out of her way to do so to him was virtually unheard of. He tried to peer into her eyes, attempting to sense her emotions, but her face was downcast. Mara's gaze was fastened onto her hands. She was nervous. Luke began to reassess her motives. She wasn't shielding herself from him because she hated him. Perhaps she was shielding herself so that he wouldn't sense her embarrassment or even regret over their recent encounter.
Luke's heart went out to her. He knew how difficult it was for her to accept friendship. It didn't take him very long to learn that it was not due to a coldness within her, but of a long learned self protective instinct. He reached forward to grasp her hand and felt Mara's shields falter. For one glorious, instant Luke was bathed in Mara's emotions. Her green eyes widened in surprise as they met his gaze. He felt her remorse for their fight, as well as her respect and affection for him. Luke even felt something, a faint residue akin to attraction, before her shields were once again in place.
The Jedi withdrew his hand, feeling that he had gotten a glimpse of something she did not wish to share. Before he even knew that she intended, Mara asked him if he'd like to get together for sparring practice. There was something about the way she asked that he felt as if she had just asked him out on a date. He couldn't suppress the grin that had spread uncontrollably across his face. He must have looked like an idiot.
No. She just waned to spend some time with a friend. She might feel bad about her angry words, but he couldn't help but wonder if she actually regarded him with something other than contempt. Perhaps, when he saw her tomorrow he could do something about the empty, hollow despair he had sensed within her. What ate at Mara Jade?
And then Mara had fairly flown out of there as if he were holding a thermal detonator in his hand.
No matter how much Luke tried to return his concentration to his reading, his mind refused to forget about Mara's behavior. What was it about him that always made Mara become extremely angry? If she didn't hate him, why did she always seek to fight with him, to put him at bay? Did she view him as some sort of threat?
He would have to meditate on it. Perhaps the Force would give him the answers that his mind failed to unveil.
Luke shut down the reader hours earlier than he had planned. Jedi training or not, he could no longer remain focused on the texts. He made his way to the exit and neatly avoided being run over by Han Solo.
"Han! What are you doing here?"
First Mara and now his brother in law. What was it about this place?
Han's face was dark and it didn't take a Jedi to sense the man's distress.
"What's the matter? Is something wrong with the kids? Leia?" Luke asked anxiously.
"Wrong! You ask me if anything is wrong?" Han laughed, and there was no doubt that there was a faintly hysterical edge to his voice. "That's what I came here to ask you."
Realizing that Han needed to calm down before he could get a coherent answer, Luke ushered him to a small booth behind the glowing stacks. "Tell me what has happened." He urged calmly.
Han took a deep shaky breath, dragged his fingers unsteadily through his hair, and said, "I think Leia's having an affair."
Luke sighed in relief. There was no way that his sister would ever cheat on Han. She was devoted to her husband and deeply in love with him. Nothing had happened. The galaxy wasn't about to implode, and his family and friends were still safe. "An affair? Why do you think that?"
"I saw her with Talon Karrde."
"You saw her?" Doubt began to assail him. "I don't believe it. Why don't you tell me exactly what you saw?"
"I had just finished securing the Falcon at the docking bay when I ran into some old friends. They convinced me to go with them to a local tap café. I agreed because it was on our way home, and I didn't think Leia would be home just yet anyway. We were there no more than a few minutes when I saw Leia rushing in to meet Talon Karrde. She didn't see me at first, which is a good thing too, since I saw her hug and kiss him."
"She kissed him!"
"Well she was certainly close enough to. They were all buddy buddy."
"I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation, Han."
"You didn't see the smile she gave him." He moaned. "I can't believe that she would do this to me. Why did I ever agree to leave on that trip with Chewy? Do you think I've been gone to long? Has she been acting lonely lately? And how could Talon Karrde betray me like that? I thought he had more honor than that."
"I know that Leia loves you, Han. And the Wild Karrde has only been on Coruscant for a few days."
"How do you know that?" Han asked pointedly.
Luke blushed and lowered his gaze. "Because I make a point of tracking Mara's location."
"Hmmmm." Han said.
Luke looked up and said defensively, "Hey. She tried to kill me once. I figure it's always a good idea to keep track of her."
"Yeah. Sure kid. That's all it is." Han smiled sadly and then asked. "Would you watch them for me? See if you can figure out what's going on?"
Luke had no trouble keeping up with Han's switch in subject. Luke was just as curious to learn what was going on between Talon and his sister, and he was less likely to become inflamed with anger and inflict some bloodshed. Not that he thought Han would do anything to harm his sister, but he wasn't as certain he could say the same for Talon Karrde. He nodded his head in agreement. He would find the underlying cause of this. But Leia and affair, no...never. She would not betray Han like that, it wasn't in her nature. There was something else going on here.
Luke's COM beeped. He looked at the display.
"It's Leia."
Han nodded "Go ahead."
Leia's voice sounded frantic. "Luke! I've been trying to find Han everywhere. Do you know where he is?"
Han shook his head. There was no mistaking that he didn't want to be found.
"Uhh....No. Is he missing?" Luke winced at the awkwardness of his question and hoped that his sister did not pick up on his evasiveness.
"I think he's mad at me for something. Before I had the chance to talk to him about it, he took off."
"I thought he was still with Chewie?"
"He returned some time today. I saw him at that tap café that's right up the street from our apartment. Chewbacca's with me now. He has no idea where Han disappeared to. If you see him, will you tell him to come home?"
Luke gave Han a pleading look and Han shook his head.
"I'll tell him." He closed the connection.
Han sighed heavily.
"You have to talk to her, Han. This isn't good for her or for you. Why don't you just ask her why she was there with Talon?"
"You think she'll just admit that she's having an affair? If I do that, she'll know that I suspect something and I'll never learn the truth."
"Don't you think that she'll realize something's wrong when you keep avoiding her?"
"I guess you're right. I shouldn't have just run off on her like that. I'll go back, but I need to know Luke."
"I'll make it my top priority. I promise." Luke vowed. "But don't you think that Leia will feel just as betrayed as you do now when she finds out what you suspect her of? I think you're being stupid, Han."
Han rubbed his hand tiredly across his eyes. "Maybe but you didn't see them together. Luke, I'd better go. I need some time to think."
"Don't think too long."
Han nodded and left.
Luke watched his retreating back. Things were certainly never dull.
Han returned home shortly after Leia's call to Luke. He gave her a quick, perfunctory kiss. His demeanor was more reserved than usual. He then claimed that he was tired and that he had dashed off to pay for the docking fees on the Falcon.
Leia thought he must have been exhausted to forget such a thing. Didn't he remember that they had an account with the docking bay? He was acting odd, and she urged him to take some time and get some rest. She had so much to do. She used the comunit to order a gift to be delivered for Luke's birthday. She failed to see Han just out of sight, listening to this exchange. She then called Talon to arrange a meeting.
Han's expression grew darker as he heard her talking to Talon. It took every ounce of his control to not let Leia know that he overheard. She never saw the storm brewing in his eyes as she left in a hurry to see the businessman.
Han turned on his heel and stalked away just as Leia closed the front door behind her.
Luke didn't have to wait long for Leia to leave her house. There was little doubt that she was oblivious to his presence, and he followed her easily. His sister took an air taxi. He hardly had to use any effort to cloak his Force signature. He hailed an air taxi and instructed the driver to follow Leia's vehicle.
Leia got a good ten minutes ahead of him but he could see her destination. A little dive cantina called the "Last chance." He wondered if the name had any symbolism.
Leia made her way quickly into the cantina and sat down across from Talon Karrde. She smiled warmly, feeling a kinship with him that she had never felt before. They were partners in crime now. Karrde was already sipping some steaming brew that smelled awful. Leia tried hard not to wrinkle her nose in disgust.
As if he knew what she was thinking, Talon gestured to the drink. "A bad habit I acquired while I was on one of the outer rim planets. I took the liberty of ordering you a cup of caf."
"Sounds wonderful." She was so eager to get to the next part of their plan that she started talking about it right away. "I don't have much time, because I think Han is beginning to suspect that something is up. I still haven't figured out how we can arrange for my brother to overhear us without arousing his suspicions."
"I think we just found the answer to our problem," Talon said dryly.
"What?" Leia asked.
"Don't look directly up, but Luke just walked into the cantina."
Leia was astonished to find Luke in the out of the way cantina. "What is he doing here? Do you think he's following us?"
Talon shrugged and answered under his breath. "You tell me. He's your brother."
"It could be a coincidence, but something tells me that he's here to find out what we're up to." They watched him covertly, noting the uncustomary stealth to his motions. Leia refrained from reaching out with the Force, knowing that it would only alert him to knowledge of his presence.
"I don't think he realizes that we saw him. This could actually make things rather convenient," Talon said.
Leia nodded wondering why her brother would be following her. Had he discovered that she was arranging a party for him? Perhaps she had let something slip, or he had sensed her deception and wanted to find out what was going on. She decided to let him learn about the secret birthday party, so that he would be more likely to believe them when he learned of Mara's undying affection for the stubborn Jedi.
Luke slid into a booth beside them. He was out of sight, but well within earshot.
She whispered under her breath to Talon. "I think he suspects the party I'm planning. I'm not going to keep it a secret here."
Talon nodded slowly with growing understanding.
"Are you certain you can't get Mara to attend the surprise party?" Leia asked at just a little louder than normal level. Her choice of words made Talon realize she was trying to make it sound like they were already in the middle of a conversation.
Talon's eyebrows rose quizzically, but he attempted to answer naturally. "I don't think I should push Mara to do anything she doesn't want to. Not even for your brother."
"Maybe you're right. They did have an awful fight the other day."
"Yes. But that happens a lot when passions are high. But I have to say that it is sometimes hard to believe that Mara's in love with him." Talon agreed. They heard something clatter in the other booth, and Leia covered her mouth with the back of her hand. She was grateful for the fact that he was cloaking himself, knowing from the last time he tried to train her about Force shielding that he was almost blind when he cloaked himself this tightly. Hopefully, he would not be able to sense her amusement.
"Mara Jade! In love with Luke! Are you sure?" Leia said with fake astonishment.
Talon made frantic hand gestures to tone down Leia's voice. She smiled at him and stuck out her tongue in an extremely uncharacteristically childish gesture.
"Come on Leia. Couldn't you tell? Although now that you mention it, her anger is a good smokescreen. It has managed to convince most of the galaxy that she truly has little time for your brother. I think even Luke himself doesn't even have a clue." Talon shrugged, a huge grin gracing his refined features.
"How did you find out?" Leia asked Talon.
"She told me. It was years ago. We had drunk too much Corellian ale and she just started talking. She never mentioned it again, and I'm not even certain that she remembers confessing to me. Her mouth is usually locked up tighter than a Kuati Telbun's chastity belt. But ever since then I've seen the signs. Haven't you ever wondered why she gets all prickly whenever Luke is around? It's because she's afraid that he'll guess. The last thing she would want is his pity. No, if she admitted her love and Luke rejected her, it would give him too much power. I don't think she could live with that. I think she'd rather live her life alone than ever take a chance."
"That's so. . .tragic," Leia said. She didn't have to fake the sorrow in her voice. "Well, either Luke will come around and notice that he has a beautiful woman right under his nose that loves him, or Mara will eventually find someone else to love. Love can't remain unrequited forever." Leia said philosophically. "Do you think we should say something?"
"No!" Talon said sharply. "I would never betray Mara's confidence like that. Besides, it would be unethical to interfere, don't you think?"
Leia shot daggers at Talon, but said, "You're right. So let's finish planning Luke's surprise party and be on our way. This cantina makes the worst caf."
Phase Two complete.