Talon Karrde couldn't believe what he was seeing and hearing. Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight, hero of the rebellion, pillar of justice and peace, and all-around pain in Mara's rear, was having a barely-restrained "conversation" with General Bel Iblis over his participation in a New Republic formal dinner.

Skywalker's penchant for skipping such formal gatherings was well-known in the upper echelon's of the New Republic hierarchy, so actually having him attend was a miracle unto itself. Getting him to attend and participate was something else entirely. Bel Iblis was apparently trying to drum up support for his plan to expand the military's sphere of influence beyond its current boarders with the Empire, and probably felt that having Skywalker present at the dinner he was going to announce it at would only be a good thing.

Doubtless, Bel Iblis had probably gone to Organa Solo first, trying to get her to convince her brother to attend, like she'd done in the past. Karrde also thought it was a good bet that she'd finally taken one too many requests for just that same intervention with her brother, and told the good General to ask Skywalker himself. Which really wasn't going so well, Karrde reflected, given how vigorously Skywalker was shaking his head.

He looked aside at his second-in-command and saw Mara shake her head. She couldn't tell if Skywalker was actually going to make the General get down on his knees and beg, a sight Karrde would've paid good money to see.

He glanced over at Skywalker's companing, Han Solo himself, and raised an eyebrow at the other man. Though Solo had long gone "respectable" and even accepted a short commision within the same military Bel Iblis now served, Karrde knew that Solo still felt like a backworld smuggler around all the stuffy cardboard-stiff officers he'd been forced to deal with over the years.

Solo only replied with a shake of his head and rolled his eyes in a gesture of exasperation that Karrde certainly agreed with. Dealing with Bel Iblis and others of his ilk was often like slamming one's head into a ferroconcrete wall over and over again. All one could get from that was a massive headache and no progress.

Karrde's thoughts were interrupted by Skywalker making a "that's final" gesture and breaking free of the interrogation. Then he and Solo wandered over to Karrde and Mara to finish the business they'd been discussing before Skywalker had been so rudely interrupted. Bel Iblis started out the door but was stopped short when his comlink buzzed.

"I swear, I have no idea how Leia handles those social irritations," Skywalker was muttering when they approached.

Solo answered with, "That makes two of us. But you should be thankful that you're not forced to go, like I am. At least you have the option of saying no."

"An option I'm now using."

"Oh, come on, Skywalker," Mara broke in. "It can't possibly be that bad."

"Of course it can. Four hours of constant pestering by those who want to see the Force reduced to mere parlour tricks. Thanks, but no thanks. I think I'll pass." Skywalker came around and stopped beside Mara, turning once again to look at the General. "Besides, who would I go with? You?" he asked rhetorically.

Since he wasn't looking at her, Skywalker couldn't see Mara's green eyes narrow dangerously. Karrde did. Solo did. Even Bel Iblis did. Skywalker didn't see her rear back and slam her elbow into his ribs, hard. Everyone in the room knew that she was very strong and skilled in hurting other beings, and thus everyone had a healthy fear of irritating her.

Karrde winced. Solo winced. Bel Iblis winced. Bel Iblis' aides winced. Everyone winced... except for Skywalker. The Jedi only snorted softly before finally turning to look Mara in the eye. He held her gaze for a moment before slowly smirking down at her, as if her elbow had done no more inconvience to him than a gnat to an AT-AT.

Mara scowled up at him, her nose wrinkling in disgust at his lack of reaction. She spun on her heel and stomped out of the room.

Dead silence reigned. No one spoke for fear of upsetting Mara on her way out. In fact, no one moved, except for Solo, who merely leaned over to watch her departure from the room. Solo watched and waited until...

"Okay, she's gone."

And Skywalker promptly collapsed against the conferance table, coughing and wheezing madly. One arm clutched his ribs, the other barely supporting himself.

"I'd forgotten just how strong she was," he gasped out

Karrde caught Solo's eye while the Jedi was still trying to regain control of his breathing. The two men knew what the other was thinking and put down silent bets.