Two Weeks Later

The freighter Wild Karrde exited hyperspace at the coordinates specified by Mara Jade. They were in the Corellia system but far enough away from the four planets of the sector that they were nearly indistinguishable from distant stars.

Talon Karrde walked up behind Chin who was piloting. "Are sensors picking up any other ships?"

Chin glanced over to the sensors while shaking his head. "Nothing so far."

Karrde walked over to the communication station and reread the cryptic message Mara sent earlier that week. 'Working on your behalf. I will be back to the core soon. Meet me at the following location, time and date. We can discuss details at that time.' The message was followed by a string of numbers indicating the coordinates and rendezvous time.

"I wonder why Mara wanted us here?" Chin mused to his boss. "We are days away from habitable planets using sub-light engines."

Talon sipped from a warm cup of caf as he considered the possible answers to that question. "Perhaps she is wary of another attack from the Resistance and picked a point in space away from prying eyes."

Chin shrugged noncommittally. "Maybe, but if that was true, why a location in the Corellia system? If you don't want to be seen, you go out to Dagobah or Tatooine."

Talon let out a sigh. "I suspect she will use the proximity to the planet as a way to persuade me to visit Karrina."

Chin gave a snort. "And Mara would be right to nag you to do so. You really should go see her."

Talon's mouth flattened to a line. "The doctors said the profound injury to her head will most likely mean memory loss. I was told I shouldn't be surprised if she doesn't recognize me."

Chin let loose a fiery sigh. "Boss, if she does remember you...she'll be devastated that you're not around. She's going to think you are no longer attracted to her because of her injuries." Chin turned around in his chair so he could face his boss fully. "Women are self-conscious about stuff like that. Scars on guys, especially smugglers, are badges of honor and add to the allure...but women don't think that way. She'll believe you took one look at her and bailed."

A spike of anger shot through Karrde. "You know I'm not that shallow."

"Yes, but I also know you are not a coward, but you are willing to break her heart, so you won't have to face the pain of her not recognizing you." He paused to let his words sink in. "If she doesn't know who you are...then you will just have to reintroduce yourself."

Talon took another sip from his cup as he contemplated Chin's words. "You're right. If she doesn't know who I am, I can identify as a friend and at least lend support through her recovery."

The pilot smiled widely. "You won't regret it." He settled back in his seat as he checked his scanners. "When is Aves going to return from his supply run?"

Talon finished his drink before answering. "He should be on the way to our location shortly."

Chin glanced over his shoulder to his employer. "You never told me what shipment you sent him on."

Talon paused before answering. "You're right, I never told you."

Chin watched his employer for a long moment before nodding in understanding. "I guess it is something I am better off not knowing."

"You can say that." Talon admitted with a curt nod.

Karrde startled as the ship's proximity alarms blared suddenly. "Oh, kriff!" he muttered under his breath as the entire front viewport of his ship was filled with...with something big and bristling with weapon systems. "What the hell is that? A Super Star Destroyer?"

"Ahh," Chin nervously applied back pressure to the steering yoke causing the nose of the ship to rise while remaining at the same coordinates. "It is bigger than any ship I have ever seen. I would say it was a space station, but they usually don't have hyperspace capabilities."

"It's a battle station," Karrde whispered. "Mara came here in a Death Star."

"You sure Mara is aboard?"

Talon wasn't certain, but he was positive there was no point in trying to run. "Hail them on Imperial frequencies and find out."

Chin reached down and toggled the short-range radio. "This is Freighter Wild Karrde. We are part of the Imperial trade league. Request identification of unknown...craft."

After a few moments a familiar voice came over the comm. "This is Supreme Commander Skywalker. Welcome to my mobile battle station. Mara will be happy to see you. Transmitting docking coordinates at this time."

"Affirmative." Chin disconnected the signal and turned to Karrde. "Skywalker has a Death Star."

Talon stared at the looming battle station, shocked at its enormity. "I am now exceedingly glad we became legit traders." He motioned toward the Death Star. "Take us in."

.

.

Death Star II Mobile Battle Station

Talon wasn't surprised to see Mara Jade and Skywalker waiting for them at the docking bay. As Chin finished the ship's shut off sequence Talon went to meet his friends. Mara was the first aboard. She gave Talon a friendly hug before stepping back and smiling at him smugly.

He cocked his head to the side. "Why do you look like the Loth-cat that caught the Canary-moth?"

Mara's grin grew wider as she removed a small datapad from her nicely tailored jumpsuit and handed it to him. He looked down at a string of numbers. "What is this? Coordinates?"

Mara turned to Luke who had joined her onboard the Wild Karrde. "He wants to know if those are coordinates." She tried to keep a straight face but eventually broke out in laughter. Once she regained her composure, she explained. "No, that is the amount of credits we calculated as the finder's fee for the Katana Fleet. There was a lot of damage within many of the ships...so you aren't getting the ten billion you hoped for, but we figured you should get just under five billion credits."

Talon took in a shuttered breath. He opened his mouth to say something, but realized he was at a loss for words. He turned and walked back to the ship galley and sat down. Mara and Luke gave each other a knowing look as they went to join him.

"I know this must be a shock to you," Luke said as he sat across from Talon at the galley table.

Talon chuckled. "That's an understatement."

Mara slid into the booth seat next to Luke. "Talon, I think this might be a good time for me to put in my resignation notice. I've decided to stay with Luke." She gazed at him apologetically. "I figure you are probably going to retire anyway."

"Uhh," Talon swallowed a lump in his throat. "Yeah." He wanted to say more, but he was having trouble focusing.

"Before you completely retire," Luke said slowly. "We were hoping you could help us. We need a skilled information broker."

Karrde's mind was whirling at the thought of being one of the richest men in the galaxy, but he pulled in a deep breath and forced himself to concentrate. "Sure, whatever you need."

Luke sat up straighter in his seat before glancing over to Mara before returning his attention back to Karrde. "I need your help locating Princess Leia and Han Solo."

Talon flinched in surprise, then blanched when he noticed a marked change in Luke and Mara's demeanor. He realized they felt his shock though the Force. Karrde wasn't sure of the exact relationship between Luke, Han and Leia, but he knew Luke still cared about the two rebels. He was not going to be happy when he found out what happened to them.

Talon ran a hand over his beard as he slowly stood. "Sure, I'll put out feelers." He wandered toward his cabin wanting to put some distance between him and Luke. "I don't feel well. I think the shock at my change of fortune was a bit too much." He opened the door to his cabin hoping the Supreme Commander wouldn't question his surprised response to his inquiry. He turned in the doorway and noticed Luke had already stood and was making his way toward him.

"Talon, you know something." Luke's voice was even, but Karrde could tell he was doing everything in his power to control the modulation.

The smuggler looked to Mara for help, but she simply stared at him in confusion. Talon stepped into his cabin with Luke right on his heels.

'Kriff!' he thought wondering what Skywalker would do when he discovered the truth. Karrde realized the best way to deflect the subject was to throw Luke off balance.

"If you felt my shock in the Force it is because I am wondering why you are looking for the Princess." Talon gestured toward Mara who was now standing in the doorway with an expression of concern. "You're with Mara. Don't you think it is a bit rude to be looking for another woman."

It seemed to work. Luke looked taken aback. "No, it's not like that."

Talon pressed his advantage. "Then why are you looking for her? You have the Katana Fleet. I heard the Resistance was decimated and I haven't heard of any attacks from the Rebellion in recent weeks. I am fairly certain they are on the run."

Luke paused looking like he was deciding on saying something or not. Talon happened to glance over to his cabin's dresser and panicked when he realized he had put the blaster he had taken from Han Solo in the top drawer...which was now open. He averted his eyes as quickly as possible, but the damage was already done. Luke walked over and picked up Solo's blaster, his eyes wide with dread.

"Talon...how did you get this?" The younger man took a step closer to Karrde his eyes hardening. "She's my sister! Leia is my sister! Talon, is she dead? Did you kill her like you threatened to kill the rebels after Karrina was hurt?"

"Sister?"

Luke grabbed Talon's tunic and Karrde realized he was crying. "Is she dead?"

"No!" Karrde shouted. "She tried to abduct me. She was going to use me as bait to get to you and Vader. Aves stunned her and Solo. They're in a stasis cylinder and stashed away on Myrkr."

"Oh, thank the Force." Luke let go and took a few calming breaths. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Talon threw his hands wide. "She said she was going to put you in stasis and keep you in the machine until the senate was reestablished. She was willing to keep you locked away for years, decades, or however long it took to get her system of government reestablished." He turned to Mara. "I wasn't going to let that happen."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Luke repeated.

Talon scrubbed a hand down his face in frustration. "I was determined to keep them out of the way until..." He trailed off realizing he really hadn't thought out what he was going to do with the two rebels in the long run. "I just wanted to keep them from meddling with your government or trying to kidnap you or kill your father. I would have eventually told you, but I got abducted by the Resistance and then you ran off to search for the Katana Fleet."

Luke appeared to center himself as he replaced Han's blaster back in the dresser. "They are probably safer on Myrkr...at least until my father's purge of the Resistance is complete."

Karrde nodded and let out a relieved breath. "She's your sister?"

"Yes, I just found out a few weeks ago."

"How?" Karrde prompted when Luke failed to elaborate.

"Ummm," Luke said hesitantly before Mara blurted out, "A ghost told him."

Talon nodded thinking he understood. "Okay, I can appreciate wanting to keep your informants confidential."

It looked like Mara was going to say something more, but Luke put up a hand stopping her. "Thanks Talon."

"What do you want me to do about Organa and Solo?"

Luke folded his arms across his chest and looked down at the deck for a long moment before answering. "With your cooperation, I'll make arrangements to retrieve them. I do think they will be safer in stasis until our insurgent problem is completely resolved."

Talon nodded. "Yes, of course."

Luke walked out of the room and made his way to the galley. "Meanwhile, we have a lot to talk about."

.

.

Death Star II Mobile Battle Station: Level 88-Room I-1

After discussing salvage details with Karrde and making arrangements for the retrieval of Solo, Organa and the Millennium Falcon from Myrkr, Luke and Mara made their way back to her quarters.

She glanced over to Luke as they walked through the long corridors. "I am thankful that you kept your cool when you found Solo's blaster. Talon did threaten to kill the rebels, you had every reason to believe he killed your sister, but I didn't once feel a hint of the Darkside...just grief at what you suspected had happened." She paused in thought. "I don't know if I could have reined in my anger if I was in that position."

He smiled sadly as he reached out and grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. When he saw a group of military officers walking down the corridor towards them, he quickly released her hand causing her to stifle a grin. In a few short years the Imperial military had trained the farmboy and former rebel to avoid public displays of affection while in uniform. He was becoming a true Imperial officer.

"Talon and Karrina were nearly killed by the insurgency," he said softly. "I could understand it if he retaliated against them. I was terrified and grief-stricken at the thought that he had managed to exact his revenge...but I could understand if he did. Given the circumstances he described, Talon exhibited great restraint. My sister and Han lured him into an ambush."

Mara nodded. "Are you going to tell your father?"

Luke sighed deeply. "I must. He is the emperor... and my father. If I keep this from him it will indicate that I don't trust or respect him. He has done everything I have asked. He gave me the reforms I requested, and he's changed his leadership style."

Mara gave an unladylike snort. "You mean he isn't Force-choking officers impulsively?"

He gave her a sideway glance. "Yes, he's toned down his psychopathic tendencies. He's really trying. I have to trust that he really doesn't want to hurt his daughter."

She nodded as they reached the door to her quarters. "For some reason I think he will show her the same...I don't know if benevolence is the right word or not...but I don't think he'll kill or torture her." She opened the door and ushered Luke inside. "But if he thinks Solo has been kriffing his daughter...he might kill him."

Luke chuckled as the door sealed behind him. "I don't know. My father seems to be anxious to become a grandfather." He reached out and brushed his hand down her arm in a gentle touch. "Speaking of grandchildren. Is it possible..."

"No," she cut him off. "I'm not pregnant. I don't know why your father was able to communicate with me through the Force, but it is not because I am carrying his grandchild."

"Oh," Luke forced a smile on his face. "That's good. We don't want to rush things. Our relationship should evolve naturally."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't lie to me, Farmboy. You're disappointed."

He shrugged a shoulder. "Maybe a little. My father's health is poor. I would like him to see a grandchild."

She moved to the kitchen to grab a couple bottles of water. She came back and handed one to Luke as she twisted off the cap of her drink. "With technology today we can insert his brain into a nanny droid, and he can have all the time he wants with all his future descendants."

Luke shuttered. "Ahh, no. Nope. That thought horrifies me." He walked over and sat on the couch with Mara taking a seat next to him. "I'm taking a shuttle to Corellia tomorrow. There is a memorial ceremony for the fallen. I'd like you and Talon to come with me. I was told Karrina's neural repairs should be done soon. I think she would welcome seeing some familiar faces when she wakes up."

Mara pursed her lips together in thought. "That is assuming she does remember us. Her injuries were...bad."

"The one thing the Empire does well is patch up broken soldiers. She may have some scars, but she should be able to live a full and productive life." He turned and gave her a questioning look. "Talon does want to see her...doesn't he? He was by her side in the weeks that followed the attack."

"I don't know. He fears she won't recognize him. I think he wants to avoid the situation entirely."

Luke made a face. "It's not like they were married or have children together. If she doesn't recognize him, he can walk away or attempt to rekindle the relationship. I don't understand why he'd be anxious."

She leaned back in the seat cushions as she sipped her drink. "I think it's because for the first time in his life he's in love. If she doesn't recognize him, he'll be crushed."

"And if he doesn't come to see her, he'll never forgive himself." He placed his drink on the couch side table and reached out pulling Mara closer to him. "I'll make the decision for him. Tell him it's an order from the Supreme Commander. He will accompany me to Corellia tomorrow."

She shook her head. "The best way to get Talon to not do something is to order him to do it. He is stubborn."

He leaned in and brushed his lips against her cheek. "You know him better than I do. I'll defer to your wisdom. What should I do?"

"Just ask him to accompany you...as a friend."

He gave a nod. "I'll do that." He paused in thought. "At the memorial service tomorrow Grand Admiral Thrawn will give a speech about the attack on Corellia and disclose how we tracked down and annihilated the Resistance. I do have a question for you. We interrogated the prisoners and discovered the attack on Corellia was a joint effort between the Rebellion and Resistance. The subsequent attacks on civilian targets were solely the responsibility of the Resistance." He blew out a discomforting breath before he continued. "I guess my question is...should we disclose the capture of Leia and Han?"

She shifted in her seat looking uncomfortable. "That one is tricky. Imperial citizens already saw you as soft on the Rebellion when you simply exiled them. They came back into Imperial space and staged further attacks. The citizens of the Empire now want their blood. If you let the public know they are captured, Solo and Organa will have to face trial." She took enough sip of her water, her expression thoughtful. "Luke, if the populace discover that they are in custody, you can't let them go free like you did before."

He dropped his chin to his chest and closed his eyes. "What if we don't let the public know they are captured?"

She turned to look at him fully. "That decision might not be up to you once you notify your father. Their fate will be in his hands. If he lets you handle the situation, you have to consider your options carefully. You could quietly exile them again, but what are the chances that they will stop their rebellion? If it was discovered you let them go again...there might be riots in the streets. Imperial citizens are finally accepting you as the Emperor's heir apparent, you can't appear weak or as a Rebellion sympathizer."

He slouched in his seat despondent. "What should I do?"

"They were involved in the assault on Corellia...an attack that killed or injured hundreds of military personnel and civilians. You have to try them for their crimes, but not in a civilian court of law. Your princess will make it into a media circus. Try them as unlawful enemy combatants via military tribunal and bar the media from the proceedings. You only need a handful of military officers involved. The verdict and punishment can be sealed as confidential. You can then put them in a nice cushy minimum-security prison. The public has a short memory. In a few years, you can pardon them and maybe, by then, they will have had a change of heart and will stay out of Imperial space."

He sighed deeply. "That might work."

"It will...if Solo and Organa stop being rebels. If not...you might have to do something more drastic."

He reached up and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "Knowing Leia...it might come to that."