Chapter Nine

Mara Kanos stared at the mirror. If she had a choice between this party and the Death Star, she'd take the latter. When she knew Luke wasn't home she had paid a visit to Beru Lars, to ask where the local women get their dresses from. So later that day Mara had found her dress, making a few adjustments so it resembled a dress she would wear if she wasn't in the Outer Rim.

But now, she felt sick. It had been a while since she had been out in an occasion like this, and even back then she suffered from anxiety. What was it that Talia used to say? Stand at that mirror, and make peace with the enemy.

Mara smiled, and took a breath. Her wavy dark hair was tied up in a low-key loose updo (it's all she could manage alone) and her dress was light pink in colour. It was a multi-layered chiffon a-line, with the straps criss-crossing at the back and forming a bow at the end. The many layers of chiffon would keep her cool but protect her skin from the sand and the sun when she's outside.

But now, it was time to meet Luke.

She threw a wrap around her head and shoulders, and headed out into the heat. The cafe was closed early as everyone from Anchorhead and the surrounding area was invited to the Municipal Council building. She walked around the corner and in a few minutes she had arrived. She had heard the party before she saw the council building loom over her and envelope them all in shadow. There were people talking to one another outside, some going inside, and everyone appeared to make an effort with what they're wearing. Well, they usually wore rough tunics so Mara couldn't blame them for dressing up. Mara had found that the Anchorhead dwellers were proud of their little town - it didn't seem to hold the scum that reside in the bigger space ports, and if anybody suspicious did turn up they were soon chased out of town.

Mara hovered by the doorway, peering inside, holding the wrap over her hair in place. Soon enough, she heard a voice.

"Mara." She turned her head back around and saw Luke approaching, his aunt and uncle bringing up the rear. He smiled widely, and Mara greeted him and his family. They entered the building, and Mara slid the wrap from her shoulders, revealing her full outfit. Beru and Owen continued on into the main hall, but Luke hovered back, looking at Mara in awe. He placed a hand on her arm.

"You look...uh," he stuttered nervously. "You look beautiful."

Mara smiled shyly, feeling nervous to even look Luke in the eye. "Thank you." She slid her arm over his. He gently placed his free hand over hers that was resting atop his arm and squeezed.

"Are you ready?"

She nodded, and together they entered the main hall. She held her head high as they headed over to where Owen and Beru were sitting, and she noticed Luke's friends staring at them, some looking shocked. Mara couldn't help but feel smug on Luke's behalf about this - they probably never dreamed that Luke was ask Mara, or that she would say yes, because that's what they think of him. But they don't know him, not really. Biggs's father was sitting on their table, Huff, as was Kay Tallon and her partner at Mara'a request, and a few others she didn't know very well.

After her last encounter with Owen and their slight argument about Luke, he was acting completely normal with her, and she wasn't surprised. Mara suspected either Beru or Luke, or both, spoke to him about it. She was relieved, because his attempt at an apology, if he thought she was owed one, would probably have been very awkward.

The party started off when everybody was finally seated. Mara and Luke chatted away animatedly, sipping at their drinks, until those involved with the council began their mini speeches at the front of the hall. Announcements were made, thanks were said, and even awards were given out. After all of this, the food was served, and it was probably the best the locals would eat until the next party. It seemed they had been saving for a long time to get all of this together.

Mara felt happy, but sad at the same time. She sat, twirling her fork in her fingers, watching Luke laugh at something Windy was telling him, who had come over to their table to say hello. She smiled without realising, but felt her butterflies return. She placed a hand over her tummy and breathed slowly, wishing she could stay here with him rather than go off to battle. He caught her eye and smiled back at her, until Beru tapped Mara's arm.

"Tell him, Mara," she said quietly. "I know I said I wouldn't get involved, but I can't bear seeing two young people who like each other not doing anything about it."

"I'll try," Mara muttered, staring down into her drink. That was something easier said than done.

"I'm surprised my nephew hasn't said anything, but I think he may need a nudge from you," Beru continued. "And only you."

Maybe Luke has tried to say or hint at something, in the past. When they've been alone, and when they've been in their skyhoppers together. But she was never sure. Beru turned her attentions back to her her husband, and Mara looked at Luke again. Windy was whispering in Luke's ear and glancing at Mara furtively every now and then; she guessed they were talking about her. Luke was laughing slightly, looking embarrassed.

She felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning Mara saw a smiling Roger Stern. "Hey, Mara," he said warmly, pulling up a chair. The new commander of Anchorhead base turned his voice into a whisper, a worried look taking over his smile. "We think there may be something wrong with the A."

The A was the Alliance. "What makes you think that?" Mara asked him quietly.

"We haven't heard from them all week, they failed to commence their weekly transmission," he muttered. "And last we heard, they were trying to gather fragments of data that would complete the plans of the Star, right?"

"Right," Mara confirmed. "I'm sure everything's fine. They're probably just focusing all of their resources and manpower on getting those plans...but I'll be leaving soon, so as soon as I hear anything I'll report it straight to you, I promise."

"Thanks," he said, sounding grateful and relieved at the same time.

"The plans Biggs Darklighter and I received were only about five percent of the whole readout," Mara sighed. "If the Empire have split the plans and readouts into small parts, imagine how many transmission interceptions there will need to be, as well as the amount of ground troops needed to smuggle them out and then transfer them to Leia on her diplomatic cruiser. I hope her diplomatic immunity lasts long enough until we have the last pieces."

"That could take a while," Roger mused. "They could destroy many planets before that happens. No wonder they need you back."

Mara placed a hand on his arm. "I would suggest that you have somebody stationed at the base constantly. Then if there's an emergency message for us, at least we'll know straight away."

Roger nodded. "I'll get onto it. Thanks."

"Do you want me to come back with you now?" Mara asked him.

"No, no, you stay here and enjoy the party, it's one night off!" he answered. "I can see Luke Skywalker looking at us. He might suspect something's going on," he went on to joke.

"He already did at one point," Mara told him, smiling. "He overheard you saying to me: have you told him about us yet? At the cantina, remember?"

"Ah, yes," Roger recalled, laughing. "Does he know, though? About you?"

Mara shook her head. "I think I'll tell him tonight. He needs to know before I leave in any case."

"From what I've heard, he's a great pilot," said Roger. "When we've got space, I'd love to have him train with us." He frowned when he saw the look on Mara's face. "You don't look thrilled at that idea."

"It's not that, it's just…" Mara sighed. "I'm scared of ever losing him, you know? Life expectancy isn't high within the A, as you know."

Roger smiled sympathetically, taking Mara's face into his hands. "I know what it's like to lose everyone you love. I lost my family to slavery, remember?" Mara nodded. "And you have many friends in the A, don't you? Wedge, Talia, Ani, Nolan...to name a few. You've told me so much about them, I feel like I know them myself. And you're scared of losing each and every one of them. But Mara, I'm equally scared of losing you."

"You are?"

"I almost begged you not to go and fight this thing," he admitted. "But I know you have to. I know they need you, as you need them. And-"

"-and they need Luke," Mara finished for him. "As Luke needs them. The A is the purpose he's looking for."

"Exactly." Roger lowered his hands and gently kissed Mara on the forehead. "Now, enjoy tonight and tell Luke everything."

Mara smiled in thanks as Roger left his chair and eventually disappeared through the throng of people. She was so glad she met Roger Stern, he truly was wonderful. But what he said was right. Who was she to stop Luke from doing what he was supposed to do? After all, Anchorhead was chosen by Roger as the location for the Rebel base. Luke was always bound to be involved, even if she never met him. His piloting skills would have got him there alone.

And then, Luke himself approached Mara who looked in deep thought. "Mara?"

"Luke."

"Is everything alright?" he asked, looking troubled. "I saw Roger over here. I thought you...er, and him…" He closed his eyes and bowed his head, struggling to find the words. He was apparently trying to find out if anything had happened between Roger and Mara just then…

"Luke," Mara said gently, reaching out to hold his hand. "It's all fine, OK? It's not what you think." He opened his eyes and she nodded, trying to communicate what she meant without using words. He seemed to understand, and they stared at each other for a few seconds. Mara traced his beautiful face, his bright blue eyes, his blonde hair and felt overwhelmed - proud, happy, sad, lucky; it was all at once. The butterflies returned, and she couldn't help but wonder if he felt anything she was feeling. If he was feeling all of these emotions at once, if he liked her as much as she realised she liked him.

They were broken from their little trance by Luke's friends, when Fixer, who seemed oblivious to the whole thing, invited them up to dance. Many of the partygoers had abandoned the food now in favour of dancing to the live band. Mara decided to lose herself in the music for a bit, as they all danced in the crowded group. Mixed with the drinking and the adrenaline to dancing around, it was a lot of fun and Mara revelled in what could be her last night of normal for a while.

Luke every and now, when he could, placed a hand on Mara's waist and pulled her close, tracing his fingertips on her bare skin. This felt nice, and it gave her goosebumps. They moved in time with this music; once, when she was sure they were far into the crowd that Beru and Owen couldn't see, she turned around and leaned against him, running her fingers down his arms and clutching his hands. She twisted her body slightly so she could see him, and he returned her smile. His breath hitched as they swayed, but eventually they let go of each other - it was just too busy, and they were soon surrounded by their dancing friends.

Eventually, Mara left to get a drink with a Luke, leaving Fixer to embarrass Camie with his dance moves. She saw Windy and the others double over with laughter at the sight. She sat down with Luke as they quenched their thirst, Mara wiping her head with the back of her hand.

"I'll really miss you when you go," he muttered. "I know I've said it before, but I do mean it."

"I know," she assured him. "But let's make the most of the here and now."

"I will," he replied. "I just...can't imagine you not being around. Biggs and Tank have gone, and now you're going too."

Mara smiled apologetically. "This isn't goodbye. I just feel like…" she put a hand on her heart, "I feel like we'll see each other again, definitely. Don't you feel that too?"

Luke seemed to think for a moment, before smiling slowly. "Yeah, I do. Something is telling me it'll be sooner than we expect, too."

"There we go, then." Mara felt it, as if something was telling her that they would see each other after she leaves. It was starting to give her a bit of a headache, so, reluctantly, she pushed away the positive feelings.

She looked up when the music changed. It was a slow song, meaning some sat down, but others - like Beru and Owen - had got up to dance together. Mara turned back to Luke, and she held her hand out for him to take. "Shall we?"

Luke took her hand in response, and they headed over to where everyone was dancing slowly. Luke put his hand on her waist and she took his free hand, and settling her other one on his shoulder. They shared a smile with his aunt and uncle who were near, and laughed at Fixer, who was quite drunk and struggling to dance properly with Camie.

It was exhilarating to be this close to somebody she really liked. Truly, Mara didn't want this night to ever end. "You're a natural," she teased, as they moved slowly.

"Considering I've never danced like this before," he admitted. "You make it easy."

"Well, you're my first dance too," she told him truthfully.

He looked surprised; Mara let go of his hand and slid her hands around his neck, whilst Luke held onto her waist. She played with the ends of his hair and leaned her forehead against his. They both danced like that until the song was over, with their eyes closed and lost in their own thoughts.

Mara let him go when the pace of the music changed. "Thank you for the dance." She noticed Luke's group of friends leaving the hall out the back as Luke thanked her, too. "Shall we go and see what they're up too?"

They followed Luke's friends out into the back garden. Fixer was leading them somewhere, as they hurried up a spiral staircase, eventually coming out onto the rooftop of the council building. It was dusk now, and the twin suns were setting. It looked beautiful. As they talked, Mara became painfully aware that the others were being touchy-feely with their dates, everybody except herself and Luke. He had realised this, too, as he reached out hesitantly towards her whilst Fixer was telling them the latest updates on his and Camie's wedding plans. Mara nodded encouragingly as Luke slowly put his arm around her waist and held her close as they listened. Mara sighed in content and leaned her head into his shoulder.

She shivered, and Luke massaged her arms. It was getting very cool now. Mara sighed sadly, as the others dispersed downstairs, presumably to get more of the free alcohol, leaving Mara and Luke alone. She reluctantly tore herself away from Luke and walked to the railing, leaning against it and watching the sunset on the rooftop. Luke joined her.

They stared at the beautiful view, where the stars were beginning to become visible too. "I wish I could go with you," Luke murmured, not taking his eyes off the horizon. "Get in the spaceship with you, travel to every system in the galaxy, and…"

"And what?"

"And…" he took a breath. "And be someone."

Mara looked at him sadly. "You are someone, Luke." She paused. "You are to me."

He looked grateful at that comment. She sighed, biting her lip. This seemed like a good moment to start telling Luke the truth. They were alone, after all...

"Is everything alright?" he asked her softly. Truth is, she wasn't sure; Mara wanted nothing more than for him to wrap his arms around her again, but he didn't. He kept his arms on the railing, tilting his head slightly to look at her. Mara turned her head to meet Luke's gaze, not answering his question. Her heart was racing, and by the looks of it so was his. Their elbows were touching and Mara didn't know who started moving their head first, but before they both knew it their heads were moving closer together, until-

"I-I c-can't…" Mara whispered, dropping her head when she could see his eyelashes, gripping her fingers on the railing. He looked hurt, and also confused. "It's not that I don't want to, Luke. I want to more than anything."

"Then why?" he asked quietly. "I thought...that there was a chance - for us…"

Mara waited for him to trail off. "Not until you know." His eyes widened, as he's always known that she kept something from him. "There's something you need to know, first."

The tension was heavy, now that it was clear about their feelings. They almost kissed - and that was enough, when no words were said. "You're not...married, are you?" Luke asked nervously.

Mara let out a laugh. "No, no, it's nothing like that."

"Then what?" She looked at Luke's pleading face and in that moment made her decision.

"I think it's better if I show you. Come on, my speeder's not far." Mara took his hand, and they hurried down the stairs, through the back garden of the council building, the party still going strong. They ran around the building and down a couple of streets until they reached the garages, jumping into Mara's transport. They were off, as fast as Mara could go. When he knew, the secret would finally be out, and she couldn't bear to wait any longer.

"Beggar's Canyon," Luke observed as Mara carried on through the darkness.

"OK, here we are…" Mara pulled into the rock face where the skyhoppers used for training were sitting in a makeshift hangar bay.

Luke leapt out of the speeder and his mouth fell open, staring at the sight. "What-?"

"This way," Mara motioned, leading him into the main control room, the familiar flashing lights from the screens meeting her eyes and the sound of the beeps filling her ears. Luke stared around the room for a few seconds whilst Mara leaned against one of the control desks, folding her arms. She remembered what she told Roger about having personnel constantly stationed here, and assumed that whoever was on duty was in the Rec Room. Unless he or she hears a transmission coming in, they shouldn't be disturbed.

"Where are we?" Luke asked in wonder.

"This is Anchorhead base," Mara explained. "Of the Alliance to Restore the Republic." Luke looked at her in awe. "I'm Commander Kanos. At least, I was."

"Commander?" Luke repeated, moving closer to her. He looked around the room again. "Well, this explains a lot. You're with the Rebel Alliance!"

Mara smiled. "I am. And that is where I am going when I leave here. They need as many pilots as they can get right now."

Luke nodded in understanding. "Wow…" he breathed. He looked shocked, and Mara couldn't blame him. He never would have guessed that the Alliance had a base in the Outer Rim, especially on a planet such as Tatooine. "So you train pilots here?"

"Yes," Mara replied. "And we also meet up with a black market contact, sending supplies to the Alliance. The Empire doesn't bother with this planet much, so it's been fairly easy to conceal the base."

"I want to join," he says, determined. "You know I hate the Empire. I'm not a bad pilot, I can do it!"

"I know you can," Mara said softly. "As soon as a spot becomes available, I'll make sure Roger takes you on. And that's a promise."

"And then I can join you once I've finished," he continued.

"I'll still come back for you, like I promised, if you haven't finished your training by the time I'm…" She stopped short, not wanting to tell Luke too much. Not yet. "By the time I've completed my missions, I mean."

He exhaled and nodded in relief. "Commander…" He grinned. "You're a commander."

Mara laughed. "Roger's officially the commander now, but yes, I have that rank," she said. "I command ground forces too, on undercover missions for the Alliance Intelligence and Special Forces. I also fly with the starfighter corps."

"The Alliance has all that?"

"It's one hell of a force now, yes."

There was silence for a while, and Mara presumed Luke was taking it all in. "Can I...can I kiss you now?" he asked nervously.

She smiled widely, and held out her hand. He slowly walked over, taking her hand; she pulled him towards her as she continued leaning against the desk, holding his hand tightly. Mara turned serious. "Luke...I might not come back. I might not make it."

"Don't say that," Luke whispered. "Please don't."

He caressed her cheek gently with his free hand. "You're trembling," she murmured.

"Probably…"

She barely heard him as finally, finally, she felt his lips touch hers. It was gentle and he lingered for a couple of seconds. Mara guessed it was his first, so she was the first one to move her lips, and he soon followed her lead. She placed her hands on his cheeks to pull him closer, and he clutched at her waist, massaging her hips and her back. They eventually broke apart, breathing heavily, the tips of their noses touching. It felt...amazing, he tasted wonderful, and everything she had felt for him up until this moment had magnified.

Mara kept her hands on his cheeks and looked at Luke. "Now is probably the time to tell you, Luke, that I truly like you. I like you a lot."

He grinned, looking a little flushed and breathing heavily. "I like you too, Mara. So much. I...can't believe it."

She sighed in relief, glad that everything was out in the open now. Luke pulled her into him, and she clutched onto him, inhaling his scent as he played with her hair that was beginning to fall out of her bun.

Luke pulled away and held Mara's hands. "So, what happens now?"

"I don't know," Mara admitted. "I guess we spend as much time together as possible until we see each other again. I think that's all we can do."

She leaned in to kiss Luke, and he gladly received it. They stood that way for a while longer, their limbs entangled. At one point, they sat down on one of the couches, holding onto each other and talking about everything and nothing; soon they reluctantly decided to go back to the party, in case they were missed.

However, little did they both know that that would be their first and last time alone together. Mara wondered why they held each other tightly that night, but deep down they both knew events bigger than themselves were coming to a head far quickly than they would have liked.

Because in the next few days, everything changes.

Author's Note: I've honestly been working on this chapter for what feels like forever! It's been re-written about five times. But I think I'm finally happy with it...let me know what you guys think, this is an essential chapter for feedback. It hasn't been properly edited as I was desperate to finally get this story updated, so ignore mistakes for now! Thanks :)