Epilogue: New Beginnings

Luke guided his X-Wing through the atmosphere of Coruscant toward the landing platform at the peak of the Imperial palace. The battle had ended just hours before with the New Republic emerging victorious. Following Luke's failed mission, a commando team had been inserted onto the planet a month later to deal with the planetary defenses based at the Imperial palace. This time, Luke had been more than happy to stay with the fleet to plan and participate in the space battle.

The Battle of Coruscant was Luke's first real action since being shot, but he hadn't noticed any ill effects. His natural flying skills and abilities in the Force had been more than enough to keep Luke at peak performance. The fight had been long and hard, but when the commando team had not only taken out the planetary defenses, but captured the top Imperials, including Isard, the Empire's forces had crumbled. With the battle well in hand, Luke was preparing to join in the victory celebration beginning at the taken Imperial palace.

Luke set down his X-Wing on the platform and removed his helmet. He quickly popped the canopy and jumped down from the cockpit without worrying about a ladder. Luke smiled at the quick series of beeps that followed his landing and turned back up to look behind the empty cockpit. "You want out?"

An annoyed whistle quickly answered Luke's question and he levitated R2 out of his socket in the fighter to the ground. The droid beeped happily as he put down his third wheel and started to roll toward the exit. "I'll catch up with you later. Why don't you find 3PO?"

R2 simply spun his dome and whistled an acknowledgement as he rolled away. Luke didn't notice, however, as he turned his gaze to the other side of the platform. He smiled as the X-Wing of his wingmate set down and entered the landing cycle. Luke waited impatiently for the canopy of the other fighter to open. He had enjoyed rejoining Rogue Squadron as part of a supplemental fighter pair, but it wouldn't have meant nearly as much without his new wingmate.

Luke's smile widened when the cockpit finally opened and Mara made a graceful leap out of the cockpit and twisted in midair to land facing Luke. "Show off."

Mara simply grinned in response as she walked over to where Luke was standing. "How else am I supposed to fit in with those friends of yours?"

"Maybe I don't want you to be like them."

Mara's smile grew wider as she wrapped her arms around Luke's neck. "And how would you like me to be?"

Luke shook his head slightly at the flirtatious tone in Mara's voice. "Any way you want."

"You do realize that I'm going to hold you to that, don't you?"

"I do." Luke leaned down and gave Mara a soft kiss, causing her to wrap her arms around his tighter. She had no desire to let him go again after Luke had died in her arms only to come back by the grace of the Force. With the Emperor's last command banished from her mind, nothing was keeping her away from Luke and Mara intended to take advantage of that fact.

When Luke finally relinquished her lips, Mara sighed contentedly and smiled up at him as she reopened her eyes. "I still can't believe I fought on the Rebellion's side in this battle."

"The New Rebublic's side, Mara." Mara simply rolled her eyes at Luke's correction. She had more important things on her mind. Luke finally releases Mara from his embrace and took her hand. "Why don't we go join the party?"

In response, Mara picked up the pace and moved to lead Luke rather than following him. "We can join them later. I know the perfect place for a more private celebration."

Luke smiled as Mara practically started dragging him toward the exit of the platform. As he started to catch up to her, Luke got a brief vision in the Force of a red haired, blue eyed boy. Luke disappeared into the palace right behind Mara and into their new life. Together.

Fin.