Chapter VIII

The red sun of Corellia started to lie down when one of the guards came toannounce to Drake Krane the arrival of the private shuttle of the president. He turned to the delegation, his son and senator Gabe and invited them to follow him on the terrase who gave access to the presidential landing track. When they arrived they found Captain West, the president, Han and a lady that Luke, Leia, Lando and Chewie guessed to be the aunt that Han had spoken about. Mayra Solo was a beautiful young woman, a little bit taller than Leia, with long dark blond hair and sparkling eyes of jade. Leia saw in her a determination which she had only seen in Han, Lando fell immediately under her charm and Chewie glanced at her one moment before launching a growl of aprobation.

Mayra: Welcome to Corellia. You must be Lando... It's an honor to meet the man who conducted the attack of the second Death Star! Chewbacca? I must thank you for having kept an eye on my brother. Princess Leia... You and I have so much in common.

Finally she turn to Luke, smiling.

Mayra: Luke Skywalker... I would have never believed being able to meet again a jedi in flesh and bone. Don't you think he look like Ani, Han?

Luke: Ani?

Han: I don't think that it's the good moment to talk about that.

The young woman smiles, conscious that she had almost done a diplomatic incident. At this point, her politician side took over.

Mayra: In the name of the people of Corellia I would like to thank you for having released the galaxy of the Imperials. As I can see you already met senator Gabe, Conselor Krane and his son.

Dash couldn't believe what he heard. That's what all he was for Mayra: Drake Krane's son!

Mayra: Let to me introduce you to my bodyguard and best friend, Captain Kyle West...

The captain shook the head without losing the uprightness of his posture.

Mayra: ... and Adena Kale, my aunt.

The old woman smiles before joining Drake Krane. Dash moved towards the young woman, wanting to make her aware of his presence.

Dash: Ms president, the banquet prepared in honor of the delegation is ready to be serve.

The young woman smiles before turning to Luke.

Mayra: Perfect! Would you escort me to the banquets room?

Luke: With pleasure, Ms president. But call me Luke.

Mayra: Okay, but only if you drop the Ms president. Call me Mayra, after all it's because of you if my brother's still in life.

Luke smiles while offering his arm to the young woman.

Mayra: Han, will you open us the way? Unless you forgot where the banquets room is...

Han: I know this place like the bottom of my pocket, Mayra. So follow the guide!

The young woman smile while looking at her brother venturing in the labyrintic corridors of presidential palace. She felt a light pressure on her arm and turned to Luke. He turned to her, smiling with confidence. Drake Krane offered his arm to Adena Kale while Lando, Chewie and Brent Gabe discussed the last corellian aerospatial innovations. Behind the group, Dash Krane was following beside the droids. R2 went to join Luke and the president while 3PO remained close to the adviser.

3PO: I don't believe that we were introduced Sir. I'm 3PO, protocol...

The adviser coldly looked at the protocol droid before accelerating the step and joining the remainder of the group.

3PO: Ah, these human!

Mayra smiled while looking at her brother, happy to being able to watch him back where he had belong,. She felt the glance of Luke posed on her, which made her redden.

Mayra: I know this glance. My mother used it when Han and I were making silly things. You probe me through the Force, isn't it?

Luke: I am sorry... I shouldn't have...

Mayra: Please, there's no need to be sorry... I haven't felt that for so long. What have you... I mean what did you feel... through the Force...

Luke: A mixture of emotion lives in you... Joy, relief... Fear, but also a heavy secret. A secret that you don't want to share with anyone, not even with Han. It's a secret that...

Luke's glance abruptly changed.

Mayra: Please, keep it for you! Han cannot know, at least not now.

The young woman fingers contracted on the jedi's arm. Realizing what she was doing she stop it immediatly.

Mayra: Sorry... I... You're not...

Luke: It's okay. You didn't hurt me.

Mayra: I...

Kyle approached his commander in chief and glance at her.

Mayra: It's nothing Kyle.

The bodyguard shooked his head before moving back behind them. The young woman took a deep breath and started to walk again.

Mayra: Excuse me, really that...

Luke: Really, it's nothing...

Han, realising that his sister and Luke had stoped, turned over towards them.

Han: Is there a problem?

Mayra: A problem? There's no problem Han!

He largely smile at her before continuing his walk.

Mayra: We should accelarate if we want to arrive before the food turn cold. So Princess Leia, did anyone talk to you about the founders of the Corellian Republic?

The two young women then walk to the banquets room leaving their respective brother behind. Han questioned Luke of the glance. The jedi then raised the shoulders before following his sister and the president.

Han: I would never understand these two!

As the arrived in the luxurious banquets room waiter droids waiters came to bring them glasses with rosy liquid in them. Mayra was the first to raise her glass. When she finally had the attention of all the assistance she carried a toast.

Mayra: To the heroes of the Rebellion who gave us the freedom we wished so much for, to the end of the darkness and terror... To the so much hoped return of a beloved brother... To the New Republic!

All: To the New Republic!

Luke carried his glass to his lips without leaving the view of the Corellian president.

TBC