Epilogue

Kyp spent about a quarter outside the Skywalker's apartment, first laughing, then trying to stop.

He wanted also to give Master Skywalker some time to digest Mara's show. Ann Shirley of Agamar...THIS was passable, but the hair colour... Kyp chuckled again, remembering the program preceeding 'Anybody seen? Anybody knows?', and the lady complaining about her hair dye. He guessed the company producing it has just managed to gain a new and very ferocious enemy... Poor guys. They don't know what it means to be on Mara Jade's black list...

Eventually he decided it was high time to say his goodbyes to Master Skywalker and leave. After all, Mara would be returning home anytime now.

xxx

When he entered the living room, Luke wasn't watching the HoloTV anymore. Instead, he was pacing back and forth, fumbling with his fingers nervously.

"Kyp!" He exclaimed, relieved.

"Hi, Master." Durron smiled a weak, wry smile, and nodded toward the turned off HoloSet. ''What about the rest of the program?"

"Nothing special. Mara just asked for help, described Ben, and showed some pictures of him, but..."

"But You're still worried she will blame You for the whole mess when she comes back (Not without the reason...). Including the hair dye. I truly feel for You Master."

Luke's face wore a really frightened expression as he looked at the younger man.
"Kyp..." he hesitated.

"Don't worry so much Master" Durron said reassuringly. ''She won't kill You, I think." Well, that didn't sound very much convincing. ''You know, if it were me, I would be a dead man, but with You it's a different case. After all You are a father to her son."

"Thanks." Luke said weakly.

"You're welcome." Kyp offered with a smile. "And for me it would be time to go. It's late already, and I have things to do tomorrow morning."

"Kyp wait!...Could You..ummm.., maybe You could stay a little bit longer?"

"Need someone to cover Your back when You face Your Other Half?" he teased.

"No, it's not that.."

"Yes ,it is. (Otherwise You wouldn't ask) Anyway, I don't think that having me here will help You. Rather the opposite. You know how Mara reacts to me.
Oh, and better not mention to her that I've seen her new image at the HoloTV" he added, heading for the door. It was really time to make an exit: From the steadily decreasing distance, he could already feel Mara's presence. No doubt Luke Skywalker felt it too, thus his nervousness.
"Goodnight Master. Contact me tomorrow if You're still able to." he said, sneaking out.

"Kyp!"

The younger Jedi Master sticked his head through the door: ''Tell her that Ben is asleep, and she shouldn't wake him up. Maybe it won't save Your neck, but it should at least save Your ears. And may the Force be with You." With that he disappeared.

xxx

He jumped into the speeder and took off. Hardly did he finished to mask his presence in the Force, when an aircar driven by Mara Jade Skywalker hissed by.
That was close Kyp sighed with relief, as he maneuvered the speeder away from the Skywalkers' place, and from the building up turmoil in the Force he could feel from his Master.

xxx

Back at his quarter he heard his commlink beep.

"Durron" he said warily.

"Hey kid! Good I've caught You!" Han Solo's familiar voice came through. ''Do You have some free time this week? I could use some help with the 'Falcon', ya know."

"What's wrong with her this time?"

"Hey! What do You mean by 'this time'?" Han sounded offended. " Nothing has happened. It's just that Leia and I are going on a diplomatic mission soon, so she has to be in perfect state."

"Again?" Kyp wondered "I thougt Leia decided to quit with the politics ?"

"Yeah, basically" Han sighed heavily. " Trust me kid, I'm not happy with that either, but she is too good to refuse when some officials in need ask her."

"Who was it this time? Omas?"

"Nope. Not primarily at least. The question came from the authorities of Naboo."

"Naboo?" Kyp mused. "What do they want? As far as I remember they weren't invaded during the war, and generally used to keep low profile."

"Mhmm.That's true.Yet, the queen of theirs asked for Leia's assistance personally."

"Does she have red hair?"

"Who? The queen?" Han asked, surprised. "No idea. Why?"

"Never mind. I'll drop by tomorrow so we can look at the 'Falcon'."

"Excellent! I knew I could count on You. Just leave Your lightsaber at home this time" he added before breaking the connection off. Kyp could swear that Solo was smickering when he said the last sentence. He smiled as well. Han was irreverent, but he was his best friend anyway. Kyp decided that he was looking forward to working with him at his beloved ship. Even though he wasn't an expert mechanic, it should be fun.
And maybe Jaina will be there too.

xxxxxxxxx

So that's it.

Originally I planned to write next parts, but somehow I lost the muse. Maybe (very big MAYBE) I'll come back to this story one day.

Anyway: I hope You've enjoyed. :)