Death Star II Mobile Battle Station
Luke glanced up at his office's wall chrono and realized he'd better get moving or he'd miss his own wedding. As he reclasped his uniform collar and moved toward the exit, he felt a disturbance in the Force: a surge of panic from the bridge crew followed by his father's presence in the Force. Luke palmed the entry panel near the door frame allowing the door to slide open just in time for his father to march into the room.
"Hello Father," Luke said softly, wondering what prompted this visit.
Emperor Vader gave a curt nod as he unceremoniously sat down at the conference table at the center of the room. He leaned back in the padded chair and placed his gloved hands on the table in front of him. "Is everything prepared?" he asked in a deep booming voice.
Luke nodded. "Yes, I am just waiting for the Karrde crew to arrive. They should be here any minute. The Grand Admiral and Commodore Vanto arrived earlier today. Mara is getting ready. I think she elicited the help of the battle station's barber to do her hair." Luke came around the table and sat across from his father. "Are you ready to do your part?"
"The ceremony is simple enough," Vader rumbled.
"Good." Luke replied and then fell into a long silence. He could sense his father had more to say, but Luke knew better than to prompt dialogue from the man. It was prudent to let him speak when ready.
The lull in conversation drew out awkwardly until Vader eventually sighed in resignation and spoke. "I have been doing research on the societal expectations of the father of the groom."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "You mean monetarily or gifts? On Tatooine the father of the groom usually provides ten gallons of water to the happy couple."
Vader's hands balled up into two fists. "No, not gifts. My research indicated that a father usually has a heart-to-heart talk with his son before his wedding. Since I had no father...I did not benefit from any paternal wisdom. If I did..." The emperor trailed off.
Luke stared at his father in confusion for a long moment before his eyes widened in horror. "Father...I hope this isn't a talk about...uhh...you know the talk."
"No!" Vader sounded just as appalled as Luke. "Any Force user on this battle station is keenly aware that you need no advice on bedroom matters...other than learning the ability to shield your emotions."
Luke blanched. "Oh Kriff! You can...you can sense me and Mara..."
"No! Only you. The former Emperor's Hand has no problem when it comes to hiding herself within the Force. Have her train you on that particular technique."
Luke dropped his head in his hands as a blush heated his face. "Is that what you wanted to talk about...shielding?"
"That was not a subject I intended to bring up for discussion, but I am thankful you are now aware." Luke couldn't see his father's face, but he was sure it was just as flushed with embarrassment as his own.
"You are embarking on a new chapter of your life, and I thought I would impart to you the wisdom I gained through the years...some through painful experience." Vader spoke the last part of the sentence in a hushed tone. "It would be hypocritical for me to offer you advice on how to be a good husband." He looked down at his clenched fists and forced himself to relax his posture before continuing. "But possibly, you can learn from my mistakes. During the time I was married to your mother, I was prone to anger. I did not listen to Padmé...at least not deeply. I blamed her and others for my failings and worst of all...I betrayed her." He gazed up and looked into Luke's eyes. "The agony of betrayal goes far beyond any other pain one can experience because it never comes from your enemies. I know this to be true because I felt it. When Padmé arrived on Mustafar with Obi- Wan I was sure she betrayed me...and the level of pain I felt was indescribable. I lashed out and destroyed the very thing I loved the most."
Luke's heart clenched knowing how difficult this was for his father. "Obi-Wan was a stowaway," he whispered to his father. "He told me so. She didn't know...my mother did not bring him to you knowingly."
"She tried to tell me as much, but I did not listen." He pulled in a deep breath. "Do not make the same mistakes I have. Control your anger and avoid the darkside. Mara Jade will be your Empress. Rule together and heed her advice."
"Yes, father. I will stay to the light." He looked up to the wall chrono nervously. "We should make our way to the throne room...unless you have more to say."
"Only one thing," Vader's voice was low and ominous.
"And that is?"
"Give me a grandchild before this suit fails me and I perish grandchildless."
Luke stood and chuckled. "I will get right on that as soon as the ceremony is over, and Mara teaches me to shield my emotions."
"See to it." His father tried to sound serious, but Luke could hear the hint of joviality in his father's voice.
Luke walked to the exit with his father close behind. "To the throne room, then."
.
.
Death Star II Mobile Battle Station, Throne Room
Mara arrived to the Emperor's throne room for the wedding ceremony and was surprised that her betrothed was nowhere to be found. She reached out through the Force and sensed he was with his father. She quickly broke contact with Luke, not wanting to intrude. She gazed around the room to the people currently in attendance. There was Grand Admiral Thrawn in the corner of the room talking with Commadore Vanto. Next to him was a female Chiss in civilian clothing. Mara's brow furrowed as she tried to remember if the Admiral was married or not.
At some point the Admiral caught sight of Mara and waved her over. She reached down and lifted the skirt of her dress a few centimeters so it would not drag on the floor. The last thing she wanted was to accidentally step on the fragile chiffon and ruffled lace gown.
"Grand Admiral," Mara greeted the Chiss officer. "Luke and I are honored that you are able to attend our wedding."
The officer gave a nod. "The honor is all mine." He gestured to Eli Vanto. "I believe you know Commadore Vanto." His hand moved to the beautiful young woman with light blue skin and bright red eyes. "And this is Vah'nya, formally an ozyly-esehembo—a Chiss Navigator—and soon to be a member of my family."
Mara's brow went up in surprise. "Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials."
Mara noticed a discomfited expression from Commadore Vanto while the two Chiss remained stoic.
"I apologize." The Grand Admiral said. "I assumed the Supreme Commander had briefed you on Chiss Navigators...Vah'nya in particular."
"No, he did not." Mara got the impression that Luke may have been told to not discuss the subject and the Grand Admiral was testing Mara's knowledge on the topic. If that was the case, then Luke passed the test since he never mentioned the navigators to her.
"Ah," Thrawn said thoughtfully. "In that case it is understandable that you are unaware. The Chiss navigators are not common knowledge. In fact, the Chiss government prefers to keep their existence confidential. But now that you are to marry the Supreme Commander, I see no need to keep this particular secret from you," Thrawn said matter-of-factly. "After all, Emperor Vader's decision to soon stand down from the throne means you will become Empress, and this will undoubtedly gain you full access to Imperial secrets." He gestured to the young woman again. "Vah'nya until recently was our most experienced and skilled navigator. Chiss navigators use a Force power called foresight to guide ships through uncharted territory. Unfortunately, at the end of her last mission a proficiency test determined a slight decreased in her navigational skills. Experience has shown us that once there is a noticeable decline in abilities it is only a short time before they cannot fulfill their mission. At that time, they are retired from service. Vah'nya is now retired from her duties."
Mara noticed that last comment made Commadore Vanto smile. "How does that make her a future family member?" she asked.
"Young navigators, all of which are female, are taken away from their parents as soon as their Force skills are discovered. At that point, all family ties are severed. The process is comparable to what the Jedi Order did with young Force users. It may sound cruel, but it is to ensure their loyalty lies with the Chiss government and not beholden to any one family. Once a Oxyly-esehembo is retired they have the option to returning to their birth family or they may choose to become available for adoption to a family with more influence, wealth, and power. Chiss families are hierarchical, with Nine Ruling Families and the lesser Forty Great Houses. It is not uncommon for promising young Chiss to leave their birth families when recruited into another, more powerful family...this is called rematching. Having a retired oxyly-esehembo in one's family is a sign of prestige and good fortune." The Grand Admiral gestured toward the young woman. "As you can imagine, because of Vah'nya's long and illustrious service to the Chiss Ascendency, many of the Great Families have offered Vah'nya a merit-adoption...including the Mitth family, of which I am a member. The Mitth family is also one of the Nine Ruling Families." A rare smile crossed the Admiral's lips. "Vah'nya has chosen to join my family."
"Congratulations," Mara said to Vah'nya who remained silent during the conversation. She turned to Vanto and said, "So why are you so happy about her retirement and adoption?"
Commadore Vanto's jaw dropped, and a flash of panic crossed his face. Mara immediately realized she brought up a subject he was uncomfortable discussing.
Before she could retract the question, and apologize for prying, Vah'nya reached out and took Eli's hand in hers and answered. "When I was serving as a navigator, romance was forbidden. Eli and I have a platonic friendship that can now be explored further."
"Oh," Mara muttered before smiling widely. "Congratulations again." She looked to Vanto, Vah'nya and then to Thrawn. "To all of you."
The doors to the throne room slid open and Luke and his father entered. When Luke noticed Mara, he stopped so abruptly that Vader bumped into him. Luke barely noticed, he stared at Mara with adoring eyes, his gaze raking up and down her body and she could feel a spike of longing emanating from him through the Force. Vader regained his balance from his collision with his son, looked up at Mara and then back down to Luke's and his doting expression. The big man shook his head and then gave Luke a soft slap on the side of his skull. Mara wasn't positive, but it sounded like the former Sith Lord remarked, "Learn to shield!"
Luke brought up his hand to the side of his head when his father's gloved hand stuck him and blushed sheepishly. Vader didn't wait for a response. He walked up the short staircase leading up to his throne. He didn't sit but stood waiting to start the ceremony.
Luke moved over to where Mara stood. He captured her hands in his and smiled wildly. "You look beautiful in that dress."
She looked down at the green gown that hugged her body from shoulder to waist before the skirt portion fanned out. "Thank you." Her gaze fell upon his newly tailored white uniform. "You look handsome yourself."
"You know what they say," he quipped. "Women love a man in uniform."
"Or out of uniform," she added. She turned toward Vader that was pacing in front of his throne. "Why did he slap you upside the head?"
Luke gave an embarrassed grin. "I may have been having some impure thoughts about you and it seems that my father can pick up my emotions more than he would like. He would like you to train me to shield my emotions, so that he doesn't get a disturbing play-by-play Force visions during our honeymoon."
Mara's hand flew up to her mouth and she suppressed a gasp. "What? He's been spying on us while we..."
"Not spying!" Luke clarified. "More like unwillingly overhearing my emotions through the Force...when...ummm...I'm experiencing intense emotions."
"Force help us." She brought a hand up and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You don't know how to shield when we're...doing...things?" She looked up at him in exasperation. "What the hell did Obi-Wan and Yoda teach you?"
Luke looked put out by the question. "We were at war against the Empire. I don't think my old masters saw the need to teach me how to not Force project skinholo visions while having sex."
She sighed deeply. "I'll make sure to shore up that lack of training tonight," Mara promised him. He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Thank you."
"I guess we are just waiting for the Karrde Crew." Hopefully they will get here before your father gets irritated over waiting."
Luke put a calming hand on her shoulder. "I got word they docked a few minutes ago. They'll be here any minute now."
As if on cue the throne room door slid open, and Aves and Chin walked in wearing what she could only describe as business casual. What they wore wasn't a suit or tuxedo, but clean pressed tunics and trousers and polished boots. She was just happy they didn't arrive drunk and in grease-streaked coveralls. They grinned wildly when they saw her and gave her and Luke a wave before claiming two of the dozen folding chairs placed in the room for the wedding guests. Karrde and Lieutenant Karrina Shotts were the next to enter. Karrina was wearing the Imperial Dress Mess uniform with ankle length skirt and white short coat. Karrde was dapper in his charcoal waist coat with white shirt and puff tie. The couple were gazing as each other in the way that lovers often do—deep eye contact, matching smitten expressions of affection, both laughing over something said. The spell broke when Lieutenant Shotts looked up and noticed all the top Imperial Leadership were in the room observing her arrival. She stuttered stepped to a stop as her eyes widened. She turned to Talon and whispered something in his ear. Talon looked over to Vader and then the Grand Admiral and whispered something back. Whatever he said had a calming effect on the woman and she noticeably relaxed. There was no way to be sure what words of encouragement he offered but she imagined Talon reassured the woman that no tracheas would be crushed during the ceremony.
"Are we ready to commence?" Vader bellowed as he struck a menacing pose—head up, arms akimbo with fists on his hips. Mara knew he wasn't consciously trying to intimidate anybody in the room...this was simply his baseline stance. When he turned in her direction she frowned and gestured to him to knock it off.
She couldn't see his facial expression, but she could feel his confusion. He literally didn't realize his posture and tone of voice was one she would expect of a Sith Lord giving a battle speech to a division of Death Troopers. She took a deep breath and pantomimed Vader's body language. He obviously understood the hint as he lowered his arms to his side and then, much to her surprise, started to fidget.
"Let's go," Mara whispered to Luke. He grinned eagerly and offered her his arm as they went to stand at the bottom of the steps and centered on Emperor Vader who stood three steps up from them.
"If you would all be seated," Vader boomed a little firmly, in Mara's opinion, but it quieted the small knots of people who drifted to the remaining folding chairs provided for the occasion.
Vader cleared his throat and began the ceremony. "Friends and comrades, we come together this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of Mara Jade and my son, Luke Skywalker. Their bond was first forged through the Force and that union was strengthened through their growing love and commitment to each other." Vader gaze passed over those in attendance before he continued. "The bride and groom have written their own wedding vows." He nodded to Luke who pulled a ring out of his uniform pocket. He held it in his right hand while holding her left hand in his other.
As he slid the ring on her finger he said. "We started out as foes, but despite that fact, you saved me from a cold lingering death in the darkness of space. Eventually we became...maybe not friends, but acquaintances, but you still helped me when I ran into obstacles in my job as supreme commander. As our friendship grew into love you continued to stand by and support me." He had finished slipping the ring on and gently clasped her hands in his. "Mara Jade, I love you. I think I have always loved you...even as far back as Myrkr when you swore you would kill me. I was certain we would be together...forever. Mara Jade, I will love you till my dying day."
His expression was of pure love, but his mentioning her wanting to kill him made a chill run down her spine. She loved this man with all her heart, and it made her sick to her stomach to think she almost killed him. On that humid day on Myrkr she fully intended on murdering Luke Skywalker. She recalled the blaster in her hand and the barrel pressed so hard to his temple that it had left a small divot in his skin that lasted over an hour. Her stomach lurched as she recalled taking the slack out of the trigger and fantasizing about splattering his brains against the back wall. If Karrde didn't stop her, there was a good chance she would have fulfilled that dark fantasy. Luke knew she wanted him dead, but she never told him that she had went to his room to murder her unconscious captive. He didn't know how close he came to death. She didn't think it was fair to enter a marriage without him knowing. And once he knew what she tried to do...would he still want to marry her? The thought made her knees weak and her heart pound in her chest.
"Mara?" Luke's voice pulled her from her despondent musings. "What's wrong?" He reached forward and wrapped her in his arms as he whispered in her ear. "Are you having second thoughts?"
Her eyes misted and a lone tear danced down her cheek. Luke must have felt the moisture on her face. He pulled back to look at her fully. His expression was of panic and sadness. "Mara, what is it?"
She took a few calming breaths and then blurted out. "Luke, I not only wanted you dead, but as you laid unconscious, I came to your holding cell with the clear purpose of ending your life." She sobbed quietly as the enormity of what she almost did hit her like a lightsaber to the gut. "I almost killed the man who I now love. I put a blaster to your head and got close to pulling the trigger."
He gave a relieved laugh. "Mara, is that all?"
His comment irritated her. Was he making light of what was now ravaging her soul? She pushed him away. "What do you mean, is that all? I wanted you dead and tried to kill you."
Luke reached out and put his hands on her shoulders. "Mara Jade, with few exceptions, everybody in this room wanted me dead at some point." He gestured to his father. "He actually did try to kill me."
"Twice," Vader clarified as he held up two fingers.
"Mara, I was the most hated man in the Empire," Luke continued. "I had an Imperial bounty on my head: dead or alive." He shook his head sadly. "I was a rebel, I killed hundreds of thousands of people on the first Death Star...most were young men and women who joined the military the same reason I initially wanted to join...a desire to serve their government and find adventure. After I was done with them millions of parents grieved and prayed to any god that would listen that I would be struck dead. I have come to terms with this. Please don't dwell on the past. We need to look to the future. We are going to be husband and wife and hopefully raise a family and rule this galaxy into peace and prosperity."
She nodded as she tried to shake off her lingering guilt. With a shaky hand, she reached into the small pocket she had the Imperial tailor add to her gown and pulled out Luke's ring. He presented her with his hand, and she slid the ring on the proper finger as she recited her rehearsed vows. "Luke, you have always seen the best in me, even when I kidnapped you and tried to sell you to the highest bidder." She stopped and shook her head. "These are the worst vows."
Luke laughed. "No, they simply show the growth of our relationship. You wanted me dead but couldn't bear to shoot such a handsome guy."
She gave an amused snort. "That must have been it." She took a breath and continued. "You are a virtuous man, Luke. And you constantly perceive the goodness in others. You saw something in me pure and although I never imagined I had a virtuous bone in my body...you managed to make me a believer. You saved me from myself, from my upbringing. We are both survivors and with perseverance and dedication, there is nothing we can't accomplish together. I want to say this is the best day of my life, but the thought of spending my life with such a wonderful husband only makes me believe the best is yet to come."
Luke pulled her into his arms and kissed her ardently with great longing. He could have stayed that way forever, but his father cleared his throat and even the mechanical voice synthesizer couldn't hide his irritation.
Mara and Luke turned to the emperor. "It is not time for that...yet," the emperor said tersely before he squared his shoulders and announced, "By the power invested in me as Emperor of the known galaxy, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He then looked down at them pointedly and said, "Now you may kiss the bride."
Luke leaned in and brushed his full lips back and forth over her lips lightly before crushing his mouth to hers in a wildness that surprised him. All he could think about was Mara Jade in his arms and both of them bonded together as a couple. He forgot all about the guests in the room until Chin boomed out, "Get a room!"
Luke pulled away embarrassed. He looked up to his father who simply shook his head before pointing a gloved hand to Mara. "Teach him to shield his thoughts."
She suppressed a grin. "Yes, Emperor Vader."
Luke turned to the guests in attendance. "There is food and drinks in conference room three doors down the hall to the right." The group slowly stood and mingled together until Luke added, "And there is an open bar."
Aves and Chin almost sprinted out of the room, followed by Talon and Karrina. Luke turned to Mara and took her hand in his. He grinned at her with a twinkle in his eye. "Let's party."
.
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Death Star II Mobile Battle Station
The next morning Luke woke with his body tangled in sheets. He extricated his arms then kicked his feet loose from the satin fabric before rolling over and draping an arm over Mara's nude form. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear. "Good morning, Mara Skywalker."
She turned in his arms, her eyes remaining closed, and answered drowsily, "Mara Jade Skywalker."
He chuckled happily. "Good morning, Mara Jade Skywalker."
She opened her emerald eyes, gazing into his blue, and smiled. "I like the sound of that."
"I do too." He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. "We never discussed where we wanted to honeymoon."
"We can hold off if you like. You have an upcoming coronation to deal with...soon-to-be Emperor Skywalker."
"Emperor Skywalker," he whispered before letting out a frustrated breath. "This is surreal." She laughed. "What's surreal about going from a poor farmboy to Emperor?"
He ran his hand lovingly down her side. "Oh, that's not the surreal part," he joked. "The surreal part is the farmboy marrying the most beautiful woman in the galaxy...oh yeah, and his father is a Sith Lord that cut off his hand...and the princess he rescued from that same Sith Lord is actually the farmboy's sister." His eyelids fluttered shut in frustration. "A sister who is now in my custody and awaiting trial... after I betrayed and captured her."
She put a hand on his chest. "Luke don't go there. If you never joined your father...she would probably be dead. The Rebels had zero chance of winning."
He frowned. "As a former rebel...I am a bit hurt by that comment."
She rolled her eyes. "Perhaps the Rebels would have had a chance if your father hadn't captured you...but he did."
"Yeah," Luke said almost reluctantly. Then the corners of his lips curled up slightly. "I get captured a lot, don't I? First, my father snatches me and later I'm abducted by my future wife."
"And despite being taken hostage twice...things worked out. Perhaps your sister will experience the same fate."
He gazed up at the ceiling. "I hope so."
"You know," Mara said after a short pause. "Maybe we should go on a honeymoon...to get your
mind off things."
"I know how you can get my mind off...things," Luke murmured with an almost feral grin as he pulled her against his body.
"Oh," she said with a tone of mocked innocence. "What could I possibly do to preoccupy your mind?"
He leaned in and whispered in her ear.
She burst out in laughter before leering at him seductively. "Okay, but I hope you took your shielding lessons to heart." Before he could answer she silenced him with a passionate kiss. .
.
.
~Two Weeks Later~
Death Star II Mobile Battle Station
Luke had spent the most enjoyable two weeks with his bride. They had visited the Great Western Sea on Coruscant, the Theed Royal Palace on Naboo and later the Karrish Mountain range on the planet Maicombe.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. He had to prepare for the forthcoming coronation and the approaching trial of his sister and Han. Originally, he was going to postpone the trial until he was Emperor, but his father was concerned that if the judge went easy on the princess that the public would believe he interceded on her behalf.
Vader suggested they conduct the trial while he was still emperor. Nobody would believe Emperor Vader would ever go easy on the rebels. His father also suggested that Luke have a talk with his sister to convince her to keep quiet during the legal proceedings. Luke agreed to his father's plan but dreaded seeing Leia. It hurt him to see the anger and disappointment in her eyes. To her, he was a traitor...and that broke Luke's heart.
During her pretrial confinement, Luke tried to make her and Han as comfortable as possible. He couldn't bear the thought of Leia languishing in another Death Star detention center with a duracrete cot and a semi-private toilet. It was demeaning and he wouldn't let his sister or Han be treated as such. He instead took a two-bedroom visitor suite, placed a security droid inside and two human guards on the exterior door. Security cameras were placed throughout the quarters with their movements scrutinized by another droid located in the detention center. Leia and Han's privacy would be safeguarded unless either droid interpreted their actions as hostile. At that point the video feed would be flagged and sent to the Commander of Security.
Luke stopped at the entrance of the visitor suite doors. The guard outside pulled his commlink out of his pocket and spoke into it. "Supreme Commander will be entering. Make sure the prisoners are secure." He was communicating to the KX-series security droid inside the suite.
"Roger." A mechanical voice responded. "All clear."
The door opened and Luke entered to find the tall, long limbed, KX droid in an empty sitting room. Luke looked around as the door slid shut behind him. "Where are they?"
The droid pointed to one of the suite's bedrooms. "I informed them of your arrival. They are dressing."
Luke glanced at his wrist chrono. It was midway through the day cycle. They shouldn't have been sleeping. Of course, they don't have jobs, so they may keep odd hours.
Han was the first to exit. He was wearing wrinkled imperial military issue sleep pants and nothing else. He gave Luke a lopsided grin as he threw a thumb toward the door. "Leia is in the shower. She'll be out soon."
Luke blushed fiercely realizing what the couple was up to. "Sorry Han. I didn't mean to...interrupt anything."
"No interruption. We were...resting."
Luke shuffled his feet uncomfortable with the situation. He looked up making eye contact with Han. "This is good...I wanted a chance to talk to you in private." He gestured to the seating area. Han flopped down on the couch while Luke took a seat in a padded chair across from him. "Han, right now you are being tried with Leia. We all know, you'll fare better if tried separately. Leia was the leader of the Rebellion."
"She is the leader," Han pointed out.
Luke shook his head sadly. "No, Han. The Rebellion has been thwarted along with the Resistance. They are no more. All of the people who returned from exile to fight have been captured and sentenced."
Han sat up in his seat. "If that was the case, why haven't we heard anything about it?" He pointed at the holo projector. "You allow us to watch the news. We haven't seen anything about trials."
Luke looked at him sadly. "Have you seen anything about your capture and impending trial? Anything about Leia being taken prisoner?"
That shut Han up for a second before he said hotly. "Are we really getting trials or is this going to be some farce of justice?"
"We are doing military tribunals. They are not open to the public. The populace of the galaxy doesn't know you or Leia have been captured. We won't let you use your trial as Rebel propaganda. Leia is not going to become a martyr to the cause."
"Kriff," he whispered. "She has been planning some great speeches for the media."
Luke barked out a laugh. "I assume she would. That is why the tribunal is secret. But both of you will get a fair trial." He pulled in a breath and continued. "Han, I really doubt you ordered the attack on Corellia. Leia and Klanto did, and they will face greater jail time because of it. You can walk out of this with a few years' time in a minimum-security prison—one with dormitory housing —followed by exile."
"What about Leia?"
Luke shifted in his seat and sighed deeply. "I may be able to place her in a low or medium security facility." He shook his head. "Han, I can't let her go with a slap on the wrist. I already did that and exiled her...then she came back. You both came back. Imperials want her blood. You...not so much. I know the Judge assigned to your case opted for Joint-Trial, but you can contest it and I know you will win the right to a separate trial."
Han frowned. "Why don't you just tell the judge to try us separately if you want it so badly?
"Han, I was a rebel. I need to recuse myself from the proceedings, so the military judge, jurors and lawyers don't think I am tampering with justice." He looked at Han imploringly. "Please Han."
He shook his head and pressed his lips together probably to keep his lower lip from trembling. "I can't. Her fate will be mine."
"Dammit, Han. She may be facing fifty years in prison. Request a separate trial and then take a plea deal."
Han let his head hang. "If we are prosecuted together, we will sit on trial together, side-by-side. I want as much time with her as possible." He gazed at Luke and this time his bottom lip did tremble. "I love her, Luke. More than I have ever loved a woman before." He rubbed a hand over his face, brushing away any tears. "Luke, I want to thank you for putting us in this suite together. I guess..." His voice became strained with emotion. "I guess after we are sentenced, we will be separated."
Luke put his palms up in an I-don't-know gesture. "It will be up to the emperor."
"Vader," Han muttered miserably. "I'm sure he will have out best interests in mind." He didn't try to hide the bitter sarcasm.
Luke wanted to tell him about Leia's parentage but held his tongue. "You never know, Han. He has been fairly benevolent in the last year."
Their conversation was interrupted by Leia exiting the bedroom. She was wearing a nondescript jumpsuit and a towel wrapped around her wet hair. He expected her to start screaming at him, but she simply sat down next to Han, placing a hand on his knee lovingly.
Han smiled at her and covered her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze. Leia looked away from Han and gave Luke her attention. "You bring news?"
He was a bit surprised by her even tone.
"Yes, your military tribunal starts in three days. The Judge will be General Tilgi from the Judge Advocate Corps."
Leia's brow rose. "He's from Alderaan."
"Yes."
"Do you think he can be impartial?"
Luke's brow furrowed. "What do you mean? If anything, he will give you preferential treatment."
She scoffed. "He won't want to appear biased, so he will be tougher on me."
Luke was surprised Leia had the same concerns he had once voiced. He dismissed his worries after some thought, but perhaps he was wrong and a Judge from Alderaan wasn't the best choice. "It hasn't been announced yet, I could change it." He thought about the other Imperial Judges whose dossiers he had went over. "There is General Toffer from Coruscant."
Leia nodded. "I've heard of him. He was in private practice before Palpatine pressed him into military service. He would be a good choice."
Luke's brow went up, suspicious that his sister was being so cooperative. "For the military jurors I have officers from outer rim planets not affected by the recent Rebel or Resistance attacks."
She nodded in approval.
"Leia," Luke said softly. "Please remain silent during the proceedings unless told to speak by your lawyer. The prosecution must prove their case. Don't make their job easier. Don't go spouting off seditious rhetoric."
"Seditious rhetoric?" She scoffed. "You sound just like the Moffs and Admirals I secretly fought against when I was a Senator." She shook her head with a look of disgust. "You are now one of them. I wish we'd had gotten you back after Bespin, but we didn't know where Vader took you." Her eyes welled up with tears. "We did look for you, Luke. Vader must have kept your capture secret from everybody, even Palpatine. We had spies in the Imperial court, but you weren't seen until Palpatine was murdered." She paused and looked down at the floor. "I blame myself. You came to save me and instead you were captured and turned to Vader's way of thinking...an Imperial...and a darksider."
"Wait, Leia," Han interrupted. "Luke may be on the Imperial side, but he doesn't look like a darksider. He's not like Vader."
She pulled her hand away from Han and folded her arms across her chest. "My father once worked with Chancellor Palpatine. He was a Sith Lord and nobody in the government or the Jedi ever suspected. He blindsided them because on the surface they can appear so normal, even..." She looked to Luke. "Even...kind."
"Leia," Luke protested. "I'm not evil."
Her expression hardened. "I don't know what long game you and your father are playing." She bit out the word father for emphasis. "But I know there is no way in the nine Corellian hells that he has suddenly become a loving and compassionate leader because of his son's love. You are either in on his machinations or he is manipulating you and you are blind to it."
Luke knew there was no changing Leia's mind; she was the most stubborn woman he knew. "Leia, believe what you like. All I am asking is you don't make things worse for yourself." Luke pointed to Han. "If you don't care about your fate, think of Han. If you blast treasonous speeches during the trial, Han will suffer."
"Hold on Luke." Han stood, his movement causing the security droid to march forward menacingly. The tall, black matte droid took a position between Luke and Han. "Captain Solo," the droid said in a calm Corsucanti accent. "Please remain seated. Further encroachment toward the Supreme Commander will be interpreted as hostile action."
Han threw his hands up in a surrender gesture and sat back down. "All I want to say to the Supreme Commander is to leave me out of this conversation. Leia can say or do what she wants. I have her back."
Luke sighed as he rose out of his chair. He regarded Leia and Han sadly. "I wish I could release you, but I can't. It would cause unrest. I did it once before and now people are dead because of that decision." He walked toward the exit, but stopped and turned back to the couple. "Please listen to your lawyers." He opened the door and walked out of the suite feeling more irritated than ever.