CHAPTER EIGHT

Corran Horn sat in the cockpit of his X-wing and listened as Leia's voice crackled from the Millennium Falcon, "Luke's on his way, but he's coming from the Varonat system. It'll be a few days before he gets there."

Corran rubbed a hand across his face. Gavin hadn't told her. "Leia…she doesn't have a few days. She's very sick." He swallowed, "She had a baby. According to the locals who have been taking care of her, the birth was complicated. She lost a lot of blood during the delivery and they haven't been able to stop the bleeding since. She was in so much pain afterward that they finally sedated her with some type of plant that is grown here. I haven't been able to wake her, but if her heart rate and temperature are any indication, she is also suffering from some type of systemic infection. She needs a medical facility now." He paused. Taking a deep breath, he spoke softly, "She may be dying, Leia."

Leia's voice shook when she finally responded, "And the baby?"

"The baby seems to be doing fine, a little hungry, but otherwise healthy. Do you want me to call for a medical transport?" He waited, as she conferred with Han, no doubt.

"No. We've just picked Anakin up from the Academy and Han says he can have us there in four hours. We're on our way."

Just before the transmission ended, Han's voice cut in, "Punch it, Chewie!"


Glancing into the sky, Corran shielded his eyes against the sun as he watched the Falcon land in an empty crop field. Leia was first down the ramp, followed by Anakin and Han, who called back to Chewbacca, "Stay here. Calculate the fastest jump to Coruscant."

Corran led them to Mara's hut where Sorada, Anise, and Miti were holding vigil. Leia knelt beside Mara's bed and reached out for her hand. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked down at the woman she had come to know and love as a sister. Mara was pale and thin, her hair matted with sweat around her face. Her breathing was fast and labored. And despite the fact that she shivered constantly, her skin was painfully hot to the touch.

"Mara?" she spoke gently. "Mara, it's Leia. We're getting you out of here. Luke is on the way to meet us. Hold on just a little longer." Mara stirred slightly and grew still again.

Leia stood and turned to find Corran handing Mara's lightsaber over to Anakin, "She'll want this when she wakes up." Anakin nodded solemnly.

Corran stood next to Leia and motioned to the others in the room, "This is Sorada, the clan leader, and Anise, the midwife. Sorada has been taking care of Mara and speaks some Basic." Smiling he lifted Miti into his arms, "And this brave little guy with the bandage on his leg is Miti."

Leia bowed and spoke with heartfelt warmth, "She is my sister by marriage. Thank you. My brother and I are indebted to you for your kindness."

Leia gestured to Han who knelt and gathered Mara carefully into his arms. "I have been told of the sickness among your tribe and have sent for help from my people to come here."

Sorada nodded her understanding, "We are…grateful."

A small cry from the corner of the room caught Leia's attention. Sorada waved her over to the makeshift bassinet, "A daughter." Picking up the soft bundle, Leia smiled as tiny arms waved in protest.

Patting the baby's head with wrinkled hands, Sorada leaned down to kiss a smooth little cheek. "Lin ata, baby," she whispered.

Walking over to Han who stood holding Mara, she bowed in respect, her black eyes glistening, "Sen tira, our…helper."

Miti leaned over in Corran's arms and kissed Mara's forehead as Han carried her gently out of the hut. Walking back to the Falcon, Corran caught up with Leia, "We've neutralized the hostile ships in the area, so you shouldn't have any trouble on the way out. A few of us will stay until the assist team arrives tomorrow."

Leia paused at the foot of the ramp and raised her voice over the now-crying baby, "Thank you, Corran."

He watched as Han carried Mara up the ramp, "May the Force be with you."

To be continued…