After a quick detour Mara found where she would be staying for only the
force knew how long. Hitting the button the door opened and she strode in,
only to come to a complete stop a second later. The doors closed but Mara
didn't move. She continued to stare blankly and opened mouthed. She then
came together and let out as many curses as she could think of repeating
some. Finally her lips came together in a frown and her eyes narrowed into
green slits, bringing her glare back to her previous target.
"O-No, NoOoOo." She trailed off causing the one syllable word to turn into a six syllable one instead.
"I knew I should have killed you when I had the chance," she growled out and began pacing the room. "I at least shouldn't have come after you. I knew it was a bad idea. I mean why did I? Because I'm stupid that's why!" She exclaimed not giving him a chance to answer but answering herself instead.
"You would have gotten yourself out of trouble eventually if I didn't come after you.. AND I would still be in our time, with my ship, without you!" She finally finished nodding at her own conclusions. She looked back at him and let out a frustrated sigh.
"You're not staying in here!" Mara said pointing an accusing finger at him.
The object of her frustrations finally stood from his seat and took a few steps towards her. He smiled and she took a step away to further the distance between herself and that smile.
"It wont be that bad Mara," he said finally and she gave him a doubtful look. He didn't look bothered at all by the glare that made its way back onto her face.
"It wasn't my idea. It was Han's," he defended himself, deflecting some of her anger away. "But he was right; they can't know my last name and with us being married it makes me Luke Jade." Luke finished fast and took a deep breath.
"Couldn't you have said you were my brother?"
He gave her a look then blushed slightly. " I don't feel very brotherly towards you," he answered shuffling his feet. He then gazed into her eyes "And I know you don't feel very sisterly towards me," Luke answered knowingly. Knowing of what, Mara was not certain but she wasn't sure she wanted to find out. If she thought on it she realized her thoughts were taking her somewhere she didn't want to be.Or did she?
"Good going earlier, you almost blew it right then and there when you called out R2," Mara said changing the subject.
"Hey I covered it pretty nicely," he answered and when she snorted he frowned.
"Are you kidding?" she asked unbelievingly then mimicked him from before, "R2.-D4! That looks exactly like our droid back home." She laughed and after a few seconds he joined in also. When they finished he smiled at her, " See it won't be that bad being married to me."
Mara ignored the comment and began checking out their living quarters. He followed her with his penetrating blue eyes but stayed rooted to his spot. He would smile at her when she would mutter something about how big the fresher was and that he should check it out. When he saw her disappear into the bedroom.the only bedroom he cringed and waited for the response he knew was to come
"Skywalker!" Mara yelled from the other room and stalked back to where he was. He slumped back onto the couch and noticed for the first time just how hard it was.
"There's only one bed," Mara stated the obvious and glared at him once again.
Luke just nodded with her agreeing and closed his eyes waiting for the rest. Nothing came. He opened one eye to peek at her curious but closed them tightly shut again as a pillow hit his head.
"Hey!" He yelled standing up holding his hands up for protection. She delivered another blow to his head, then another finally stopping obviously satisfied.
"Feel better?" He asked taking his arms away from his face.
She smiled, "Actually.yeah I do," he returned her smile. What he said next, however, earned him another whack from the pillow.
"We can share the bed." After delivering the solid blow to the head that Mara hoped would knock him unconscious, Mara walked towards the door shaking her head and muttering about stupid naive Farmboys. Luke followed anyway like a lost Ewok, guess her plan didn't work.
"No, you will be sleeping on the couch." After that was said, Mara headed out to go meet with Obi-Wan and Anakin. Luke followed her the whole way whining.
Han finished tucking in Jaina and Jacen and went in search for Leia. She was sitting down watching the HoloNews with a blank look on her face. Han sat down next to her and she gave him a smile.
"Things were so different, the galaxy was so different."
All Han did was nod and wrap her in his warm embrace because he learned the hard way; in times like these it was best for him not to open his big mouth and say something stupid that landed him sleeping on the couch.
"Do you think we were sent here to change things?" she asked after a moment and Han sighed not really knowing what to say but wishing he could give her the answer.
" I don't know Princess, but I'm sure we'll figure it out."
They sat there silently for another few moments until Han spoke up " I wonder if Luke's still alive?" Leia moved to look up at him with her curious brown eyes and he chuckled and explained the living situation. When the story was finished Leia was laughing also and grinning slyly at him.
"You're idea?" Han brought a hand up to his chest in mock shock "Who, me?"
" I don't see why we can't just take turns?"
Luke was still whining to Mara. She turned at his question and gazed at him with a thoughtful expression.
"You mean like.flip a credit?" She asked after a second and Luke's look grew hopeful as he eagerly shook his head yes.
"No!" was her short answer as she turned on her heel and continued walking. "Come on please." He continued to beg following her once again but Mara just ignored him.
" I don't see why it's such a big deal if we take turns," Luke commented when they got to their destination.
Mara turned to look at him once again and this time gave him a smile. "Because I need the satisfaction of seeing you sleep on that hard, cold couch because you couldn't think of a better excuse about your last name. Let's just say for the sake of argument that I can't think of a better excuse in this instance and you're just gonna have to deal with it like I am." Mara said calmly and Luke frowned then opened his mouth to ask another stupid question. He never got it out because Mara cut him off before opening the door.
"It's your own fault Farmboy. You went along with Han's brilliant plan in the first place."
When the door opened he ceased his reasoning and followed her inside. There was no sign of Obi-Wan; however, they heard voices coming from behind the door that leads to Padmè's area. Mara put her ear to the door to listen, as did Luke, they wanted to see what these two were talking about.
"And when the plan works the assassin will come for me and you will catch him." Padmè finished and Mara smiled wide getting the jist of it. She looked towards Luke and he raised an eyebrow in askance. " Padmè's using herself as bait to catch the assassin," Mara supplied the obvious and Luke's reaction was the opposite of hers.
"But Ben said they weren't." he trailed off when he looked at Mara's face. Her expression was confusing him, why she was smiling he didn't know. She thought the plan was good of course, was his only conclusion.
The voices in the room grew quieter then stopped. Luke and Mara faces were of the same confusion as they strained to hear anything. Then, all of a sudden the door opened and Luke and Mara fell to the ground in a tangled mess.
"Get off me!" Mara muttered to him and he smiled, "Sure thing honey." He said this of course to infuriate her more.and it worked.
"I thought you were shielding us?" she asked angrily standing up.
" I thought you were," he countered and stood to his full height. She glared at him then spit out "And why would I be shielding us?"
Luke was going to answer.he just didn't know what. She was probably right and looking at her smirk he knew she already knew.
They finally glanced at the other two occupants in the room. Anakin and Padmè looked both baffled and amused. They had no idea why Luke and Mara were listening through the door but the pair was hilarious anyway.
"Why didn't you guys just knock?" Padmè questioned brows raised.
Mara looks at Luke then back to her answering, "We wanted to make sure you weren't planning anything stupid without us. Luke is the Emperor of stupid." Luke glared at her and Anakin laughed enjoying the bickering between them.
Padmè looked at her pointedly "Are you saying my plan is stupid?"
Mara's smile just brightened at her question "Yes," was her only answer.
Padmè looked at her to explain so she shrugged and did. "I didn't say I didn't like it, however it is stupid because Obi's not going to be too pleased. I, however am all for it and will gladly help."
Padmè smiled and looked at Luke. He gave the same answer, only a little afraid of Mara's wrath if he didn't. They talked for a few more moments, Padmè explaining the 'plan' then Luke, Mara and Anakin went into the front room where the security cameras were.
Mara looked at Anakin and gave him a sly grin, " You like her." Luke watched his father shift uncomfortably and blush before changing the subject.
"Where's the rest of your gang?" Luke smiled "They had to put the kids to bed and we just told them they could go too. It's not like Padmè actually needs all of us to watch her. I think Yoda was just fed up with Mara and wanted us gone." At that last comment Anakin laughed and Mara whacked Luke on the back of his head causing the laughter to continue.
When all was calm once again Anakin looked at them both and gave a confused smile
"So.you two are married?"
Luke nodded and tossed his arm over Mara's shoulders earning him an elbow in the gut.
"How long?" was Anakin's next question and Mara looked at Luke and bit her lip in thought.
"Uh, actually . we just got married two standard months ago." Luke finally answered when he noticed Mara wasn't even going to try. The answer earned him a smile and he was about to ask another question when Obi-Wan strode in.
" Captain Typho has more then enough men downstairs. No assassin would dare try going that way." Mara snorted and everyone looked to her in askance.
"No assassin would go that way in the first place. It's a waste of time and unless they're stupid they'd go another way."
Obi-Wan and Anakin looked to Luke brows raised and he just shrugged. " I've given up trying to figure out how she knows this stuff. All I know is that she's usually right." Mara smiled at all of them ad they just shrugged.
"So how are things going up here?" Obi-Wan asks getting his view scanner out and checking the screen. He looked up at them confused when he could only see R2 and a little bit of the door.
"Senator Amidala didn't like me watching her so she covered the cam." His Padawan quickly supplied and Luke continued knowing what 'Ben' was thinking. "Don't worry, R2 is programmed to let us know of any intruders."
Obi-Wan's face tensed and he let out a growl "There are other ways to kill a senator."
Mara smiled and shook her head in agreement.
"You're using her as bait," Obi-Wan realized in disbelief. Anakin's face showed that he clearly agreed with the plan but he protested for his Master's benefit.
"It was her idea." Obi-Wan opened his mouth to comment but Anakin quickly continued, "Don't worry I can sense everything that's going on in there."
Obi-wan knew that the plan would most likely work but stated the obvious anyway "It's too risky." As the two continued Mara tuned them out and keep a close watch of the room next to them. "Besides your senses aren't that attuned." Luke smiled watching the two. "And yours are," Anakin suggested. "Possibly" Obi-Wan admitted and both of them looked to the laughing Luke. Anakin walked over to the balcony and Obi-Wan leaned against the couch.
"You look tired," he commented and Anakin glanced at him "I don't sleep well."
This was not news to his Master but Luke looked intrigued. "Because of your mother." Obi-Wan stated and with Anakin's nod continued, " You know not every dream is a vision. Your love runs deep.of course you miss her."
Luke looked towards Mara and she gave him a look when Anakin was talking about Padmè. It told him she was thinking the same thing, and that maybe.maybe she had some part in his life.
Mara's expression and thoughts changed when she sensed what she had been waiting for. The assassin was striking again.
"Uh.guys," she tried and they ignored her and continued," Padmè isn't like that and the Chancellor doesn't seem to be corrupt."
At that comment Mara gave a look of disbelief as if to say wanna bet?
"Palpatine's a politician and he is very clever at following the passions and prejudices of the senators." Obi-Wan stated and Mara snorted in a yeah- right manner.
"Guys. there seems to be," she tried again but Anakin cut her off "I think he's a good man."
This time Mara couldn't hold in the anger even though Luke tried to stop her. "Look he's not a good man! And if you don't mind there's an assassin droid in the next room." they all three gave a start and Obi-Wan commented, "I sense it too." Mara rolled her eyes and followed all three men to Padmè's room.
Mara rushed into the room following the boys all the while muttering under her breath about stupid Jedi not listening to her. Anakin was there, lightsaber on, with the creatures lying on the ground both severed in ½.
"Droid," Obi-wan said and every one glanced in his direction just in time to see him jump through the window shattering the glass and grabbing on to the assassin Droid, "I didn't know Jedi could fly" Mara said sarcastically and Luke smiled at her.
"Anakin?" Padmè asked him, noticing his stare. Their eyes locked for a moment before he breaks it jumping off the bed, and landing on the floor.
"Stay here!" he instructed then looked at Luke and Mara and R2 as if telling them to watch her. In a matter of seconds he was gone.
The handmaidens and guards came in quickly, immediately going to Padmè's side. Luke looked at Mara she was watching the window where Obi-wan jumped out from shaking her head and muttering once again about Jedi.
"Stay here!" he instructed in the same manner and ran from the room following Anakin. Mara heard him and nodded not really noticing what exactly it was that he said. She glanced at Padmè and the Senator gave her a look before stating shocked, "I can't believe you listened to him."
Mara's face showed her own shock and her eyes narrowed. "Like sith I am going to wait here!" she muttered running out the door. Padmè laughed.
Four droids, three annoying senators, two jammed doors and one minute later Mara reached the docking bay level just in time to see Anakin fly away and Luke jump on his speeder last minute.
"Sith!" she cursed then glanced at the other speeder and smiled. No, she wasn't going to miss the fun. Mara jumped in and turned it on. it didn't start. She frowned, then went to the next one and tried it. The engine roared to life and she zoomed after them.
"Move over!" Obi-wan instructed to Luke. "I can't there's no room". Obi- wan growled in frustration and looked at Anakin "What took you so long?"
Anakin looked at him in a calm fashion before replying " I couldn't find a speeder I really liked, one with an open cockpit, and the right speed capabilities. and you know I had to hold out for just that right color, plus this numbskull had to follow me." Luke shot him a glare but Anakin just laughed at him.
"There!" Obi-Wan said pointing to the speeder he recognized from before. Anakin turned hard left causing his Master to be slammed into Luke.
"Ouch," Luke said pushing Obi-Wan back over. "This really isn't that comfortable," Obi-Wan stated the obvious sending a glare Luke's way. "So jump!" Luke said returning his former Masters glare.
It was obvious Luke had been spending way too much time around a certain redhead. Luke shook his head and gave a smile, of course he didn't really mind all that much. Anakin looked at them both and gave out a roar of laughter. He thought he was the only one who could give his master a run for his money.he was wrong.
"Watch the road!" Luke commanded as Obi-Wan seemed to lose his voice, and stomach. Anakin gave the wheel a hard turn and they just missed the speeder heading in there direction. He laughed and glanced at his nervous Master.
"If you'd spend as much time working on your lightsaber skills as you do on your wit you'd rival Master Yoda." Obi-Wan stated dryly and ducked as they just missed the underside of a speeder above them. Anakin gave his Master a cocky grin before replying, " I thought I already did."
Luke smiled at their bickering and waited for Obi-Wan's response. "Only in your mind my young Padawan."
Luke laughed as he thought about what they were saying some more. The duo glanced at him sideways and he explained, " I just think it would be funny to see Yoda and Anakin duel that's all." Before anyone could reply a sound cut through the silence, someone honking in front of him.
"Opps!" Anakin said diving down out of the way in and out of traffic. "You know I don't like it when you do that!" Obi-Wan said clutching his stomach. Luke inched away from him as far as he could cautious that Ben would lose his dinner.
"Sorry Master, I forgot you don't like flying," Anakin said in a way that was not very convincing and smiled before taking the speeder through another series of twists, turns, and dives.
"I don't mind the flying, but what you're doing is suicide!" Obi-Wan returned then looked at Luke as he nodded in agreement. The difference though, was that Luke was enjoying the ride immensely. Anakin pushed the throttle forward and followed as the assassin's speeder went straight up, then left. As he continued to dodge the blaster bolts aimed in his direction another speeder pulled up beside them.
"You know, it's illegal to have three people in a two-seated speeder." Mara said giving them all a cheeky smile. Luke smiled back and glanced at the other two. "I don't like breaking the law, so if you two don't mind I'm going to hitch a ride with the pretty lady." They nodded and Luke stood up waiting for the right time to jump.
Mara brought the speeder closer and steadied it waiting.and waiting.and waiting. "Jump already!" She yelled finally, annoyed that he was taking so long.
He jumped landing near the back of the speeder and began to make his way up. Anakin zoomed ahead of them and Mara went from side to side so not to get hit with blaster bolts that came whizzing by. Luke almost fell.twice, and he flopped around every time the speeder made a sharp turn.
More blaster fire came at them missing by at least a meter and Mara growled, "I'm going to kill her!" Luke finally plopped down beside her and opened his mouth to say something when Mara cut him off "She's a disgrace Skywalker! What trained assassin can't hit a speeder at full speed?" She exclaimed obviously put out. Luke gave her a soft smile and said nothing.
"I could've hit it," Mara muttered calming down.
They continued their pursuit of the bad-at-her-job-assassin, according to Mara. As Anakin drove his speeder in all different twists Mara did the same cursing with each new turn. Luke laughed at her and watched as Anakin skimmed the side of a building before heading into a tram tunnel. Mara didn't follow this time, "He's loony.he'll be back."
As soon as Mara said it Anakin's speeder zoomed right back out followed by the other assassin and a lot of trucks.
"Great, just great," Mara said leading the group now. Luke glanced behind them and smiled, " It feels like we're the ones being chased!" Mara rolled her eyes and told him deprecatingly that they were. "You know, sometimes you have just a little too much farmboyishness in you Skywalker."
She gave him a glance and he was just smiling brightly at her comment. Mara sensed danger then and ducked as a blaster bolt flew past her when it missed the Jedi.
"That's it I'm tired of being leader!" Mara told him angrily as she slammed on the brakes causing the others to zoom past her.
She gave a sigh then smiled at Luke's scared face "That's better," Mara added pleased as she began to follow again.
"Now, this assassin needs a lesson on firing a blaster properly." Luke snorted and replied defiantly, "And who better to learn from, then the Master assassin Mara Jade!" She gave him a sly grin and drew her blaster.
Luke groaned in response and stated wryly "Mara, we want him alive." Mara ignored him and brought the speeder up closer.
"I just wanna scare her a little." Mara defended herself taking aim. Luke rolled his eyes heavenward then watched her take a clear-cut shot at the tail end of the assassin's speeder. Satisfied that she was successful and now the speeder was going slower Mara put away her weapon. "See.still alive."
Mara dropped behind in line once again as Anakin flew behind the other speeder, only to cut to the side not particularly wanting to go through the power couplings. Anakin went straight through the purple shocking energy.
After that they both watched as Obi-Wan stood and slowly crawled onto the front engine to remove some sort of cloth.
"How he talks Ben into doing that I'll never figure out," Luke stated and watched in amusement as he almost fell then crawled back in. Mara shook her head and watched as Anakin went a totally different way then the assassin. Not wanting to dive first into a building or something Mara took the safe way and followed the assassin once more through a tunnel. She went in and out of traffic only hitting the wall once before the tunnel ended. Mara brought the speeder closer but slowed as Luke told her to look up. There, she saw, Anakin Skywalker falling fast.
"What is up with these Jedi plummeting to his death all the time," Mara stated as Luke smiled and Anakin caught onto the assassin's speeder.
They watched as Anakin slid to the tail when the assassin sped up. He quickly crawled up to the closed cockpit and drew his light saber slicing through the cover. The light saber flew out of his grasp and in a second Obi-Wan was by their side catching it. Luke smiled and glanced at Mara who was still trying to figure out why Jedi like to jump out of things. The speeder went right and left out of control and finally crashed down into the streets. Mara continued to fly above them, with Obi-Wan at her side. They landed near the club Anakin was running to and began walking his way.
"Well, that was fun," Mara raised her eyebrow and smiled then thought better and glared "And you wanted me to stay put!"
Luke winced as she whacked the back of his head. It seemed to make her feel better but had quite the opposite effect on him.
"Let's catch up with them," Luke supplied rubbing his head and Mara smiled nodding. Heading into the bar they arrived just in time to hear Obi-Wan reprimanding Anakin. " But you haven't learned anything Anakin," Obi-wan said glancing at Luke and Mara who were both trying to hide their amusement.or well at least Luke was. Mara let the bright smile shine through as she answered his comment.
"He learned how to jump off high heights and fly through the air to his death just before catching onto something," Mara supplied for the Padawan and was answered with a smile. "I try, Master."
Luke knew there was amusement mixed with sincerity in Anakin's voice but the amusement had the right to sneak through. His Master had, after all, leapt out a window hundreds of stories above the streets of Courescant.
"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" Obi-Wan asked over the loud music of the bar.
Luke froze mid-step and glanced at Ben. If only he knew how close to the truth he was.
"I get the feeling your going to be the death of yourself if you keep up this jumping out of buildings bit. He might not even get the chance to even try." Mara stated matter-of-factly obviously holding in her laughter.
Anakin smiled faintly. Obi-wan shrugged slightly and gave a sheepish grin before quickly replacing it with his Jedi clam façade.
"Do you see him yet?" Anakin was glancing around the bar "I think he is a she, Mara was right. she's a changeling."
Mara gave them both a sideways smile as if to say I told you so. Obi-wan nodded and gave another brief smile "Then be extra careful."
A snort came from Mara's direction they both looked at her curiously "That girl is no assassin.. I bet she will probably try and 'sneak' up on you or something." She trailed off laughing a bit as Obi-wan shook his head and went the opposite way.
Mara knew herself that sneaking up on a Jedi was not done easily. Especially with attempting to poor a pitcher of Juri juice on them.. Mara winced slightly remembering that horrific occurrence at the Jedi academy when she attempted just that.
Anakin looked at Luke a little concerned. Mara followed his gaze and rolled her eyes stepping in front of the "Jedi Master" who seemed to be frozen in place. Mara cocked her head to the side and studied him. His calm sky blue eyes she remembered were darker, like a storm, and behind them she could see his pain. She could feel his pain. The pain he felt when Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker, killed his mentor. With that one comment made by Obi-wan, memories seemed to rush him all at once and Mara could feel each and every one. Why? She wasn't so sure if she wanted to know why and right now she wanted to get as far away from his pain as she could. As far as Mara was concerned, he could deal with it himself, because Force knows she had enough to sort through on her own.
Mara turned and began to follow in the direction which Obi-Wan disappeared to. It only took four steps away from him for Mara to change her mind. She walked back to stand in front of him sighing in defeat.
"Farmboy?" She said giving a soft smile but quickly hiding it with a mischievous smirk.
"Farmboy?!?" Mara said again waving a hand in front of his face.
Luke finally snapped out of his reverie and locked eyes with her. Blue met green and Mara felt the need to break contact but she couldn't look away. His eyes were back to a bright blue she remembered and as the intense gaze continued Mara couldn't help but realize there was something else hidden.
"You ok?"
Luke gave her a bright smile happy that she was concerned and touched that she cared. "Come on wife, we must catch a bad-at-her-job-assassin," he said lightening up the mood and moving quickly away before she could whack him.again.
Mara growled in frustration and followed him in mock agitation. Truth was she was trying desperately to hold back the grin, amused with his playful banter. She was also happy that what was bothering him only moments ago seemed to disappear for the time being.
Mara and Luke both froze, side by side as they watched Obi-Wan as he spun gracefully around from his position at the bar lightsaber ablaze. The blue blade slashed with accurate precision cutting off the threat from its source. The assassin screamed in pain and fell to the ground; her arm lay on the floor still clutching her weapon. Luke couldn't seem to stop the laugh that came.
"Every time I've seen him in a bar he cuts someone's arm off." He shook his head smiling and looked to Mara. She ignored him and muttered something of her own in obvious disbelief.
"I can't believe she actually tried it! She actually was trying to 'sneak' next to him." Mara shook her head in disgust not really believing it herself. Earlier when she made the comment it had been sarcastic now.well, now it was official.
Her thoughts were cut off when Anakin spoke up, " Jedi business." As if it were a normal occurrence every one went back to what they were doing before and Obi-Wan and Anakin went to help the assassin out into the streets. They lowered her gently to the ground and Luke and Mara kneeled next to them.
Luke's gaze immediately went to the wound and he winced in sympathy unlike Mara who thought she deserved it. The assassin gave a growl as Luke reached out to help and fixed a glare on the four of them. Mara's eyes narrowed as she met the glare with one of her own. The woman seemed to falter slightly then her lips snarled and Mara laughed.
"I wouldn't quit your day job. You do have one other than this right cuz'." Mara trailed off as Luke laid his hand atop of hers.
"Who hired you?" Luke asked softly then gave Mara a brief smile and intertwined his hand with her own. Mara moved her glare to him and then quickly to their hands. She pulled hers away firmly but stayed silent nonetheless.
"It was just a job," was the sort answer they received. Mara rolled her eyes to the sky but bit her lip to refrain from speaking.
"Who hired you?" This time the question didn't come from Luke but from Anakin, and it wasn't asked but commanded. The Changeling kept silent and her hateful glare stayed firmly in place. Anakin's face contorted with anger, mostly out of fear for the senator, but as he gave a little snarl Luke raised a hand to calm him.
// Anger leads to hate.// Luke whispered the undertaking into the force giving the young Padawan a look. Anakin nodded and took a steadying breath. Obi-Wan gave Luke a bewildered look then turned back to continue questioning.
"Tell us who sent you," Obi-Wan waving his hand slightly giving his words more strength. "It was a bounty hunter.called." Before she could finish a sound cut through the calm winds causing the assassin to gasp and grimace in pain. Her features turned into her true form and she finally collapsed, dead.
All four of them looked up just in time to see a man in armor power up his rocket and take off into the sky.
"That looks like Fett," Mara and Luke muttered softly at the same time. When they both realized this they gave each other a sudden glance before turning to look at the duo next to them.
Obi-Wan plucked something from the Changelings neck and held it up to get a closer look.
"Toxic dart," Mara pointed out to him and he gave her an exasperated look before nodding in agreement.
Han walked out of the fresher smiling and went over to where Leia was fixing her hair. He kissed the side of her neck in surprise causing her to shy away slightly. She smiled at him and ordered him to hold a piece of her hair away while she braided the first bit. He did so obediently but not without making jokes about it the whole time.
"Almost done ya Nerf," she told him amused and finally took the piece away form him braiding it with the other into a bun type style on the top of her head. When she was finished he turned her towards him and drew her closer. As he leaned down to capture her lips with his own she stopped him. He sighed and shook his head in frustration. Her brows were drawn together in confusion.
"Do you hear that?" she asked as if listening to something. Han strained his ears not hearing anything and gave her a questioning glance.
" It's silence," she explained and now he understood and was confused also.
"They must be up to something," Han said stating the obvious.
They both sighed at the same time and headed in the direction of the kitchenette.the direction of the children. It was a mess! Plain and simple that's what it was. There was food everywhere; the walls, counters, floor and even on the two plates set up. How they found this much food in the first place was a mystery. All the appliances were out .AND running. Jaina, Anakin and Jacen were all covered in different substances, and oblivious their parents had entered the room. They brought the pan of, whatever it was, and piled a big glob onto a plate. They did the same to the other plate then added a little bit of kaff on top.
Jacen finally looked up and noticed both Han and Leia's shocked faces. He smiled brightly at them and nudged his sister who looked up and gave the exact same smile.
"We made you breakfast," Anakin supplied pointing with his finger to the plates of goo. Han and Leia both gave each other a look and shrugged sitting down. The children each bit their lip and watched, as each took a bit. As soon as the mush hit their mouth the horrible taste came through. Both swallowed hard and looked at each other once again knowing that the children wanted their responses. Han said the first thing that came to mind looking at the hopeful faces.
"Mmm..."
"O-No, NoOoOo." She trailed off causing the one syllable word to turn into a six syllable one instead.
"I knew I should have killed you when I had the chance," she growled out and began pacing the room. "I at least shouldn't have come after you. I knew it was a bad idea. I mean why did I? Because I'm stupid that's why!" She exclaimed not giving him a chance to answer but answering herself instead.
"You would have gotten yourself out of trouble eventually if I didn't come after you.. AND I would still be in our time, with my ship, without you!" She finally finished nodding at her own conclusions. She looked back at him and let out a frustrated sigh.
"You're not staying in here!" Mara said pointing an accusing finger at him.
The object of her frustrations finally stood from his seat and took a few steps towards her. He smiled and she took a step away to further the distance between herself and that smile.
"It wont be that bad Mara," he said finally and she gave him a doubtful look. He didn't look bothered at all by the glare that made its way back onto her face.
"It wasn't my idea. It was Han's," he defended himself, deflecting some of her anger away. "But he was right; they can't know my last name and with us being married it makes me Luke Jade." Luke finished fast and took a deep breath.
"Couldn't you have said you were my brother?"
He gave her a look then blushed slightly. " I don't feel very brotherly towards you," he answered shuffling his feet. He then gazed into her eyes "And I know you don't feel very sisterly towards me," Luke answered knowingly. Knowing of what, Mara was not certain but she wasn't sure she wanted to find out. If she thought on it she realized her thoughts were taking her somewhere she didn't want to be.Or did she?
"Good going earlier, you almost blew it right then and there when you called out R2," Mara said changing the subject.
"Hey I covered it pretty nicely," he answered and when she snorted he frowned.
"Are you kidding?" she asked unbelievingly then mimicked him from before, "R2.-D4! That looks exactly like our droid back home." She laughed and after a few seconds he joined in also. When they finished he smiled at her, " See it won't be that bad being married to me."
Mara ignored the comment and began checking out their living quarters. He followed her with his penetrating blue eyes but stayed rooted to his spot. He would smile at her when she would mutter something about how big the fresher was and that he should check it out. When he saw her disappear into the bedroom.the only bedroom he cringed and waited for the response he knew was to come
"Skywalker!" Mara yelled from the other room and stalked back to where he was. He slumped back onto the couch and noticed for the first time just how hard it was.
"There's only one bed," Mara stated the obvious and glared at him once again.
Luke just nodded with her agreeing and closed his eyes waiting for the rest. Nothing came. He opened one eye to peek at her curious but closed them tightly shut again as a pillow hit his head.
"Hey!" He yelled standing up holding his hands up for protection. She delivered another blow to his head, then another finally stopping obviously satisfied.
"Feel better?" He asked taking his arms away from his face.
She smiled, "Actually.yeah I do," he returned her smile. What he said next, however, earned him another whack from the pillow.
"We can share the bed." After delivering the solid blow to the head that Mara hoped would knock him unconscious, Mara walked towards the door shaking her head and muttering about stupid naive Farmboys. Luke followed anyway like a lost Ewok, guess her plan didn't work.
"No, you will be sleeping on the couch." After that was said, Mara headed out to go meet with Obi-Wan and Anakin. Luke followed her the whole way whining.
Han finished tucking in Jaina and Jacen and went in search for Leia. She was sitting down watching the HoloNews with a blank look on her face. Han sat down next to her and she gave him a smile.
"Things were so different, the galaxy was so different."
All Han did was nod and wrap her in his warm embrace because he learned the hard way; in times like these it was best for him not to open his big mouth and say something stupid that landed him sleeping on the couch.
"Do you think we were sent here to change things?" she asked after a moment and Han sighed not really knowing what to say but wishing he could give her the answer.
" I don't know Princess, but I'm sure we'll figure it out."
They sat there silently for another few moments until Han spoke up " I wonder if Luke's still alive?" Leia moved to look up at him with her curious brown eyes and he chuckled and explained the living situation. When the story was finished Leia was laughing also and grinning slyly at him.
"You're idea?" Han brought a hand up to his chest in mock shock "Who, me?"
" I don't see why we can't just take turns?"
Luke was still whining to Mara. She turned at his question and gazed at him with a thoughtful expression.
"You mean like.flip a credit?" She asked after a second and Luke's look grew hopeful as he eagerly shook his head yes.
"No!" was her short answer as she turned on her heel and continued walking. "Come on please." He continued to beg following her once again but Mara just ignored him.
" I don't see why it's such a big deal if we take turns," Luke commented when they got to their destination.
Mara turned to look at him once again and this time gave him a smile. "Because I need the satisfaction of seeing you sleep on that hard, cold couch because you couldn't think of a better excuse about your last name. Let's just say for the sake of argument that I can't think of a better excuse in this instance and you're just gonna have to deal with it like I am." Mara said calmly and Luke frowned then opened his mouth to ask another stupid question. He never got it out because Mara cut him off before opening the door.
"It's your own fault Farmboy. You went along with Han's brilliant plan in the first place."
When the door opened he ceased his reasoning and followed her inside. There was no sign of Obi-Wan; however, they heard voices coming from behind the door that leads to Padmè's area. Mara put her ear to the door to listen, as did Luke, they wanted to see what these two were talking about.
"And when the plan works the assassin will come for me and you will catch him." Padmè finished and Mara smiled wide getting the jist of it. She looked towards Luke and he raised an eyebrow in askance. " Padmè's using herself as bait to catch the assassin," Mara supplied the obvious and Luke's reaction was the opposite of hers.
"But Ben said they weren't." he trailed off when he looked at Mara's face. Her expression was confusing him, why she was smiling he didn't know. She thought the plan was good of course, was his only conclusion.
The voices in the room grew quieter then stopped. Luke and Mara faces were of the same confusion as they strained to hear anything. Then, all of a sudden the door opened and Luke and Mara fell to the ground in a tangled mess.
"Get off me!" Mara muttered to him and he smiled, "Sure thing honey." He said this of course to infuriate her more.and it worked.
"I thought you were shielding us?" she asked angrily standing up.
" I thought you were," he countered and stood to his full height. She glared at him then spit out "And why would I be shielding us?"
Luke was going to answer.he just didn't know what. She was probably right and looking at her smirk he knew she already knew.
They finally glanced at the other two occupants in the room. Anakin and Padmè looked both baffled and amused. They had no idea why Luke and Mara were listening through the door but the pair was hilarious anyway.
"Why didn't you guys just knock?" Padmè questioned brows raised.
Mara looks at Luke then back to her answering, "We wanted to make sure you weren't planning anything stupid without us. Luke is the Emperor of stupid." Luke glared at her and Anakin laughed enjoying the bickering between them.
Padmè looked at her pointedly "Are you saying my plan is stupid?"
Mara's smile just brightened at her question "Yes," was her only answer.
Padmè looked at her to explain so she shrugged and did. "I didn't say I didn't like it, however it is stupid because Obi's not going to be too pleased. I, however am all for it and will gladly help."
Padmè smiled and looked at Luke. He gave the same answer, only a little afraid of Mara's wrath if he didn't. They talked for a few more moments, Padmè explaining the 'plan' then Luke, Mara and Anakin went into the front room where the security cameras were.
Mara looked at Anakin and gave him a sly grin, " You like her." Luke watched his father shift uncomfortably and blush before changing the subject.
"Where's the rest of your gang?" Luke smiled "They had to put the kids to bed and we just told them they could go too. It's not like Padmè actually needs all of us to watch her. I think Yoda was just fed up with Mara and wanted us gone." At that last comment Anakin laughed and Mara whacked Luke on the back of his head causing the laughter to continue.
When all was calm once again Anakin looked at them both and gave a confused smile
"So.you two are married?"
Luke nodded and tossed his arm over Mara's shoulders earning him an elbow in the gut.
"How long?" was Anakin's next question and Mara looked at Luke and bit her lip in thought.
"Uh, actually . we just got married two standard months ago." Luke finally answered when he noticed Mara wasn't even going to try. The answer earned him a smile and he was about to ask another question when Obi-Wan strode in.
" Captain Typho has more then enough men downstairs. No assassin would dare try going that way." Mara snorted and everyone looked to her in askance.
"No assassin would go that way in the first place. It's a waste of time and unless they're stupid they'd go another way."
Obi-Wan and Anakin looked to Luke brows raised and he just shrugged. " I've given up trying to figure out how she knows this stuff. All I know is that she's usually right." Mara smiled at all of them ad they just shrugged.
"So how are things going up here?" Obi-Wan asks getting his view scanner out and checking the screen. He looked up at them confused when he could only see R2 and a little bit of the door.
"Senator Amidala didn't like me watching her so she covered the cam." His Padawan quickly supplied and Luke continued knowing what 'Ben' was thinking. "Don't worry, R2 is programmed to let us know of any intruders."
Obi-Wan's face tensed and he let out a growl "There are other ways to kill a senator."
Mara smiled and shook her head in agreement.
"You're using her as bait," Obi-Wan realized in disbelief. Anakin's face showed that he clearly agreed with the plan but he protested for his Master's benefit.
"It was her idea." Obi-Wan opened his mouth to comment but Anakin quickly continued, "Don't worry I can sense everything that's going on in there."
Obi-wan knew that the plan would most likely work but stated the obvious anyway "It's too risky." As the two continued Mara tuned them out and keep a close watch of the room next to them. "Besides your senses aren't that attuned." Luke smiled watching the two. "And yours are," Anakin suggested. "Possibly" Obi-Wan admitted and both of them looked to the laughing Luke. Anakin walked over to the balcony and Obi-Wan leaned against the couch.
"You look tired," he commented and Anakin glanced at him "I don't sleep well."
This was not news to his Master but Luke looked intrigued. "Because of your mother." Obi-Wan stated and with Anakin's nod continued, " You know not every dream is a vision. Your love runs deep.of course you miss her."
Luke looked towards Mara and she gave him a look when Anakin was talking about Padmè. It told him she was thinking the same thing, and that maybe.maybe she had some part in his life.
Mara's expression and thoughts changed when she sensed what she had been waiting for. The assassin was striking again.
"Uh.guys," she tried and they ignored her and continued," Padmè isn't like that and the Chancellor doesn't seem to be corrupt."
At that comment Mara gave a look of disbelief as if to say wanna bet?
"Palpatine's a politician and he is very clever at following the passions and prejudices of the senators." Obi-Wan stated and Mara snorted in a yeah- right manner.
"Guys. there seems to be," she tried again but Anakin cut her off "I think he's a good man."
This time Mara couldn't hold in the anger even though Luke tried to stop her. "Look he's not a good man! And if you don't mind there's an assassin droid in the next room." they all three gave a start and Obi-Wan commented, "I sense it too." Mara rolled her eyes and followed all three men to Padmè's room.
Mara rushed into the room following the boys all the while muttering under her breath about stupid Jedi not listening to her. Anakin was there, lightsaber on, with the creatures lying on the ground both severed in ½.
"Droid," Obi-wan said and every one glanced in his direction just in time to see him jump through the window shattering the glass and grabbing on to the assassin Droid, "I didn't know Jedi could fly" Mara said sarcastically and Luke smiled at her.
"Anakin?" Padmè asked him, noticing his stare. Their eyes locked for a moment before he breaks it jumping off the bed, and landing on the floor.
"Stay here!" he instructed then looked at Luke and Mara and R2 as if telling them to watch her. In a matter of seconds he was gone.
The handmaidens and guards came in quickly, immediately going to Padmè's side. Luke looked at Mara she was watching the window where Obi-wan jumped out from shaking her head and muttering once again about Jedi.
"Stay here!" he instructed in the same manner and ran from the room following Anakin. Mara heard him and nodded not really noticing what exactly it was that he said. She glanced at Padmè and the Senator gave her a look before stating shocked, "I can't believe you listened to him."
Mara's face showed her own shock and her eyes narrowed. "Like sith I am going to wait here!" she muttered running out the door. Padmè laughed.
Four droids, three annoying senators, two jammed doors and one minute later Mara reached the docking bay level just in time to see Anakin fly away and Luke jump on his speeder last minute.
"Sith!" she cursed then glanced at the other speeder and smiled. No, she wasn't going to miss the fun. Mara jumped in and turned it on. it didn't start. She frowned, then went to the next one and tried it. The engine roared to life and she zoomed after them.
"Move over!" Obi-wan instructed to Luke. "I can't there's no room". Obi- wan growled in frustration and looked at Anakin "What took you so long?"
Anakin looked at him in a calm fashion before replying " I couldn't find a speeder I really liked, one with an open cockpit, and the right speed capabilities. and you know I had to hold out for just that right color, plus this numbskull had to follow me." Luke shot him a glare but Anakin just laughed at him.
"There!" Obi-Wan said pointing to the speeder he recognized from before. Anakin turned hard left causing his Master to be slammed into Luke.
"Ouch," Luke said pushing Obi-Wan back over. "This really isn't that comfortable," Obi-Wan stated the obvious sending a glare Luke's way. "So jump!" Luke said returning his former Masters glare.
It was obvious Luke had been spending way too much time around a certain redhead. Luke shook his head and gave a smile, of course he didn't really mind all that much. Anakin looked at them both and gave out a roar of laughter. He thought he was the only one who could give his master a run for his money.he was wrong.
"Watch the road!" Luke commanded as Obi-Wan seemed to lose his voice, and stomach. Anakin gave the wheel a hard turn and they just missed the speeder heading in there direction. He laughed and glanced at his nervous Master.
"If you'd spend as much time working on your lightsaber skills as you do on your wit you'd rival Master Yoda." Obi-Wan stated dryly and ducked as they just missed the underside of a speeder above them. Anakin gave his Master a cocky grin before replying, " I thought I already did."
Luke smiled at their bickering and waited for Obi-Wan's response. "Only in your mind my young Padawan."
Luke laughed as he thought about what they were saying some more. The duo glanced at him sideways and he explained, " I just think it would be funny to see Yoda and Anakin duel that's all." Before anyone could reply a sound cut through the silence, someone honking in front of him.
"Opps!" Anakin said diving down out of the way in and out of traffic. "You know I don't like it when you do that!" Obi-Wan said clutching his stomach. Luke inched away from him as far as he could cautious that Ben would lose his dinner.
"Sorry Master, I forgot you don't like flying," Anakin said in a way that was not very convincing and smiled before taking the speeder through another series of twists, turns, and dives.
"I don't mind the flying, but what you're doing is suicide!" Obi-Wan returned then looked at Luke as he nodded in agreement. The difference though, was that Luke was enjoying the ride immensely. Anakin pushed the throttle forward and followed as the assassin's speeder went straight up, then left. As he continued to dodge the blaster bolts aimed in his direction another speeder pulled up beside them.
"You know, it's illegal to have three people in a two-seated speeder." Mara said giving them all a cheeky smile. Luke smiled back and glanced at the other two. "I don't like breaking the law, so if you two don't mind I'm going to hitch a ride with the pretty lady." They nodded and Luke stood up waiting for the right time to jump.
Mara brought the speeder closer and steadied it waiting.and waiting.and waiting. "Jump already!" She yelled finally, annoyed that he was taking so long.
He jumped landing near the back of the speeder and began to make his way up. Anakin zoomed ahead of them and Mara went from side to side so not to get hit with blaster bolts that came whizzing by. Luke almost fell.twice, and he flopped around every time the speeder made a sharp turn.
More blaster fire came at them missing by at least a meter and Mara growled, "I'm going to kill her!" Luke finally plopped down beside her and opened his mouth to say something when Mara cut him off "She's a disgrace Skywalker! What trained assassin can't hit a speeder at full speed?" She exclaimed obviously put out. Luke gave her a soft smile and said nothing.
"I could've hit it," Mara muttered calming down.
They continued their pursuit of the bad-at-her-job-assassin, according to Mara. As Anakin drove his speeder in all different twists Mara did the same cursing with each new turn. Luke laughed at her and watched as Anakin skimmed the side of a building before heading into a tram tunnel. Mara didn't follow this time, "He's loony.he'll be back."
As soon as Mara said it Anakin's speeder zoomed right back out followed by the other assassin and a lot of trucks.
"Great, just great," Mara said leading the group now. Luke glanced behind them and smiled, " It feels like we're the ones being chased!" Mara rolled her eyes and told him deprecatingly that they were. "You know, sometimes you have just a little too much farmboyishness in you Skywalker."
She gave him a glance and he was just smiling brightly at her comment. Mara sensed danger then and ducked as a blaster bolt flew past her when it missed the Jedi.
"That's it I'm tired of being leader!" Mara told him angrily as she slammed on the brakes causing the others to zoom past her.
She gave a sigh then smiled at Luke's scared face "That's better," Mara added pleased as she began to follow again.
"Now, this assassin needs a lesson on firing a blaster properly." Luke snorted and replied defiantly, "And who better to learn from, then the Master assassin Mara Jade!" She gave him a sly grin and drew her blaster.
Luke groaned in response and stated wryly "Mara, we want him alive." Mara ignored him and brought the speeder up closer.
"I just wanna scare her a little." Mara defended herself taking aim. Luke rolled his eyes heavenward then watched her take a clear-cut shot at the tail end of the assassin's speeder. Satisfied that she was successful and now the speeder was going slower Mara put away her weapon. "See.still alive."
Mara dropped behind in line once again as Anakin flew behind the other speeder, only to cut to the side not particularly wanting to go through the power couplings. Anakin went straight through the purple shocking energy.
After that they both watched as Obi-Wan stood and slowly crawled onto the front engine to remove some sort of cloth.
"How he talks Ben into doing that I'll never figure out," Luke stated and watched in amusement as he almost fell then crawled back in. Mara shook her head and watched as Anakin went a totally different way then the assassin. Not wanting to dive first into a building or something Mara took the safe way and followed the assassin once more through a tunnel. She went in and out of traffic only hitting the wall once before the tunnel ended. Mara brought the speeder closer but slowed as Luke told her to look up. There, she saw, Anakin Skywalker falling fast.
"What is up with these Jedi plummeting to his death all the time," Mara stated as Luke smiled and Anakin caught onto the assassin's speeder.
They watched as Anakin slid to the tail when the assassin sped up. He quickly crawled up to the closed cockpit and drew his light saber slicing through the cover. The light saber flew out of his grasp and in a second Obi-Wan was by their side catching it. Luke smiled and glanced at Mara who was still trying to figure out why Jedi like to jump out of things. The speeder went right and left out of control and finally crashed down into the streets. Mara continued to fly above them, with Obi-Wan at her side. They landed near the club Anakin was running to and began walking his way.
"Well, that was fun," Mara raised her eyebrow and smiled then thought better and glared "And you wanted me to stay put!"
Luke winced as she whacked the back of his head. It seemed to make her feel better but had quite the opposite effect on him.
"Let's catch up with them," Luke supplied rubbing his head and Mara smiled nodding. Heading into the bar they arrived just in time to hear Obi-Wan reprimanding Anakin. " But you haven't learned anything Anakin," Obi-wan said glancing at Luke and Mara who were both trying to hide their amusement.or well at least Luke was. Mara let the bright smile shine through as she answered his comment.
"He learned how to jump off high heights and fly through the air to his death just before catching onto something," Mara supplied for the Padawan and was answered with a smile. "I try, Master."
Luke knew there was amusement mixed with sincerity in Anakin's voice but the amusement had the right to sneak through. His Master had, after all, leapt out a window hundreds of stories above the streets of Courescant.
"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" Obi-Wan asked over the loud music of the bar.
Luke froze mid-step and glanced at Ben. If only he knew how close to the truth he was.
"I get the feeling your going to be the death of yourself if you keep up this jumping out of buildings bit. He might not even get the chance to even try." Mara stated matter-of-factly obviously holding in her laughter.
Anakin smiled faintly. Obi-wan shrugged slightly and gave a sheepish grin before quickly replacing it with his Jedi clam façade.
"Do you see him yet?" Anakin was glancing around the bar "I think he is a she, Mara was right. she's a changeling."
Mara gave them both a sideways smile as if to say I told you so. Obi-wan nodded and gave another brief smile "Then be extra careful."
A snort came from Mara's direction they both looked at her curiously "That girl is no assassin.. I bet she will probably try and 'sneak' up on you or something." She trailed off laughing a bit as Obi-wan shook his head and went the opposite way.
Mara knew herself that sneaking up on a Jedi was not done easily. Especially with attempting to poor a pitcher of Juri juice on them.. Mara winced slightly remembering that horrific occurrence at the Jedi academy when she attempted just that.
Anakin looked at Luke a little concerned. Mara followed his gaze and rolled her eyes stepping in front of the "Jedi Master" who seemed to be frozen in place. Mara cocked her head to the side and studied him. His calm sky blue eyes she remembered were darker, like a storm, and behind them she could see his pain. She could feel his pain. The pain he felt when Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker, killed his mentor. With that one comment made by Obi-wan, memories seemed to rush him all at once and Mara could feel each and every one. Why? She wasn't so sure if she wanted to know why and right now she wanted to get as far away from his pain as she could. As far as Mara was concerned, he could deal with it himself, because Force knows she had enough to sort through on her own.
Mara turned and began to follow in the direction which Obi-Wan disappeared to. It only took four steps away from him for Mara to change her mind. She walked back to stand in front of him sighing in defeat.
"Farmboy?" She said giving a soft smile but quickly hiding it with a mischievous smirk.
"Farmboy?!?" Mara said again waving a hand in front of his face.
Luke finally snapped out of his reverie and locked eyes with her. Blue met green and Mara felt the need to break contact but she couldn't look away. His eyes were back to a bright blue she remembered and as the intense gaze continued Mara couldn't help but realize there was something else hidden.
"You ok?"
Luke gave her a bright smile happy that she was concerned and touched that she cared. "Come on wife, we must catch a bad-at-her-job-assassin," he said lightening up the mood and moving quickly away before she could whack him.again.
Mara growled in frustration and followed him in mock agitation. Truth was she was trying desperately to hold back the grin, amused with his playful banter. She was also happy that what was bothering him only moments ago seemed to disappear for the time being.
Mara and Luke both froze, side by side as they watched Obi-Wan as he spun gracefully around from his position at the bar lightsaber ablaze. The blue blade slashed with accurate precision cutting off the threat from its source. The assassin screamed in pain and fell to the ground; her arm lay on the floor still clutching her weapon. Luke couldn't seem to stop the laugh that came.
"Every time I've seen him in a bar he cuts someone's arm off." He shook his head smiling and looked to Mara. She ignored him and muttered something of her own in obvious disbelief.
"I can't believe she actually tried it! She actually was trying to 'sneak' next to him." Mara shook her head in disgust not really believing it herself. Earlier when she made the comment it had been sarcastic now.well, now it was official.
Her thoughts were cut off when Anakin spoke up, " Jedi business." As if it were a normal occurrence every one went back to what they were doing before and Obi-Wan and Anakin went to help the assassin out into the streets. They lowered her gently to the ground and Luke and Mara kneeled next to them.
Luke's gaze immediately went to the wound and he winced in sympathy unlike Mara who thought she deserved it. The assassin gave a growl as Luke reached out to help and fixed a glare on the four of them. Mara's eyes narrowed as she met the glare with one of her own. The woman seemed to falter slightly then her lips snarled and Mara laughed.
"I wouldn't quit your day job. You do have one other than this right cuz'." Mara trailed off as Luke laid his hand atop of hers.
"Who hired you?" Luke asked softly then gave Mara a brief smile and intertwined his hand with her own. Mara moved her glare to him and then quickly to their hands. She pulled hers away firmly but stayed silent nonetheless.
"It was just a job," was the sort answer they received. Mara rolled her eyes to the sky but bit her lip to refrain from speaking.
"Who hired you?" This time the question didn't come from Luke but from Anakin, and it wasn't asked but commanded. The Changeling kept silent and her hateful glare stayed firmly in place. Anakin's face contorted with anger, mostly out of fear for the senator, but as he gave a little snarl Luke raised a hand to calm him.
// Anger leads to hate.// Luke whispered the undertaking into the force giving the young Padawan a look. Anakin nodded and took a steadying breath. Obi-Wan gave Luke a bewildered look then turned back to continue questioning.
"Tell us who sent you," Obi-Wan waving his hand slightly giving his words more strength. "It was a bounty hunter.called." Before she could finish a sound cut through the calm winds causing the assassin to gasp and grimace in pain. Her features turned into her true form and she finally collapsed, dead.
All four of them looked up just in time to see a man in armor power up his rocket and take off into the sky.
"That looks like Fett," Mara and Luke muttered softly at the same time. When they both realized this they gave each other a sudden glance before turning to look at the duo next to them.
Obi-Wan plucked something from the Changelings neck and held it up to get a closer look.
"Toxic dart," Mara pointed out to him and he gave her an exasperated look before nodding in agreement.
Han walked out of the fresher smiling and went over to where Leia was fixing her hair. He kissed the side of her neck in surprise causing her to shy away slightly. She smiled at him and ordered him to hold a piece of her hair away while she braided the first bit. He did so obediently but not without making jokes about it the whole time.
"Almost done ya Nerf," she told him amused and finally took the piece away form him braiding it with the other into a bun type style on the top of her head. When she was finished he turned her towards him and drew her closer. As he leaned down to capture her lips with his own she stopped him. He sighed and shook his head in frustration. Her brows were drawn together in confusion.
"Do you hear that?" she asked as if listening to something. Han strained his ears not hearing anything and gave her a questioning glance.
" It's silence," she explained and now he understood and was confused also.
"They must be up to something," Han said stating the obvious.
They both sighed at the same time and headed in the direction of the kitchenette.the direction of the children. It was a mess! Plain and simple that's what it was. There was food everywhere; the walls, counters, floor and even on the two plates set up. How they found this much food in the first place was a mystery. All the appliances were out .AND running. Jaina, Anakin and Jacen were all covered in different substances, and oblivious their parents had entered the room. They brought the pan of, whatever it was, and piled a big glob onto a plate. They did the same to the other plate then added a little bit of kaff on top.
Jacen finally looked up and noticed both Han and Leia's shocked faces. He smiled brightly at them and nudged his sister who looked up and gave the exact same smile.
"We made you breakfast," Anakin supplied pointing with his finger to the plates of goo. Han and Leia both gave each other a look and shrugged sitting down. The children each bit their lip and watched, as each took a bit. As soon as the mush hit their mouth the horrible taste came through. Both swallowed hard and looked at each other once again knowing that the children wanted their responses. Han said the first thing that came to mind looking at the hopeful faces.
"Mmm..."