Chapter Two:

"I will accept a total of fifty thousand credits for this batch of ruthenium." Yuan Pawan informed his buyers.

Mara Jade straightened in her seat, barely keeping the anger from her eyes. Even so, her voice hardened substantially. "You previously agreed to a sum of forty thousand credits."

The Ongree man across the desk from them shifted his chin-level eyestalks, his lipless mouth— which was situated above the eyestalks— turning upward into a smug grin. "Yes, well, it has recently become much more valuable to a more... lucrative buyer."

Mara frowned, resisting the urge to look to her companion, who was silent behind his black full-face mask and helmet combo. But she could sense his interest, and yet he allowed Mara to do the talking for the moment.

"And what buyer would that be?" Mara asked.

"The Empire, of course," Yuan said.

"What do they want with it?"

Yuan shrugged. "I did not ask, and I do not care. They have purchased quite a lot from me, and I have happily done business with them."

Mara did not like that news, and she added it to the growing list of items that the Empire had been purchasing in bulk lately. Something she found rather suspicious. But Mara wasn't here to talk about the Empire. However, she would also not be able to justify to Karrde on why she had spent an additional ten thousand credits on this shipment.

Mara's masked companion sat forward. "Is there nothing you can do to lower the price?"

Yuan shook his head. "My price is final."

The masked individual considered. "Why are you charging us so much more?"

"Because the Empire is paying that much per batch," Yuan replied without hesitation. "And unless you can match it, we are done here."

Mara knew that the Empire was doing so in order to buy out anyone else, so they would have the first and thus best selection of goods. And, of course, they were not afraid to show off their wealth in out-buying others in such large numbers.

"How about instead of the additional ten thousand," the masked man suggested, "you accept some information on top of the forty thousand we were promised?"

Yuan snorted. "What information could possibly be worth that much?"

"How about the location of your brother?"

Yuan straightened in surprise, and then narrowed his eyes in distrust. Yuan's body guards, feeding off of their boss' emotions, shifted their stances and weapons to an almost-ready position.

"And what do you know of my brother?" Yuan demanded in a low voice.

"Your younger brother, Buk Pawan... he disappeared three years previous on a shipping mission to Thyferra," the masked individual replied fearlessly.

Yuan considered this, and then he stood, placing his hands upon his desk. He leaned over to try and intimidate the masked individual.

"I warn you, I am not to be trifled with. How did you know my brother went missing?"

The masked man did not even flinch. "I have my ways. Do you want his location, or not?"

Yuan glanced between Mara and her companion, but try as he might, he could get no reading of any kind on the masked individual.

"Is he serious?" he asked Mara.

"My friend here does not tend to joke on such matters," Mara replied. "And in my experience, his information is always spot-on. If he says he knows, then he truly does."

Yuan considered, and then slowly sat back down, motioning for his men to relax. "Very well, I accept your proposition. However, if I later find that you are playing me, you will no longer find me willing to do business with your organization. Ever."

Mara nodded once. "We understand."

Yuan pressed a button on his desk, and moments later an Ongree woman appeared, a datapad and a keycard in her grasp.

"These are yours... after payment has been made, of course," Yuan said with a pointed look at the masked person.

Said individual stood and held out a datachip. "Your brother was seen by a contact of mine. He was in cuffs and boarding a shuttle headed for the Imperial moon installation at Vendaxa."

Yuan paled considerably. "What has he gotten himself into this time? Where has he been before that?"

"That I do not know," the masked person said, holding out his hand for the datapad and keycard.

Yuan glanced to Mara, who showed that payment had been sent to Yuan's account. Only then did Yuan hand over the two items.

"Pleasure doing business with you," the masked man said, turning.

"Wait," Yuan said.

The masked man turned back to him.

"Who is your contact that saw my brother?" Yuan wanted to know.

"It would not be safe for their identity to be made known," the masked man answered. "Rest assured that all the information I have on your brother is on that disk. Use it well."

Mara and her companion left then, and together they loaded the shipment of ruthenium. Finally, after an hour of work, they were able to depart. However, it was only when they were safely in hyperspace that Mara turned to her companion.

"That was pretty impressive... Jirik."

Her friend looked to her, and then reached up to remove his helmet and mask, revealing a pair of blue eyes and a shock of blond hair.

"It was also the truth," Luke Skywalker— or Jirik to all outsiders— replied simply.

Mara eyed him openly. "Which contact got you the information?"

Luke used a free hand to ruffle his hair a bit. "A man named Biggs. He was recruited off of Tatooine for the Imperial Academy, but he tried to defect. I found him trying to escape when I was at the school retrieving intelligence for the Alliance." Luke set his mask aside. "I asked him if he would be willing to instead be an inside man, one that could pass along intelligence from within the Empire from a trooper's standpoint. He agreed, and he has been feeding me information ever since."

Mara nodded slowly, finding that she rather liked the way his hair was imperfect after being trapped under his helmet. She did not stare, however. But she was growing ever more interested in the man beside her, and to her chagrin it was many of the little nuances that she found most appealing at times. Such as now, with his hair.

When Luke and Mara had first met, such things meant little to her, and she could have cared less what someone's hair looked like. If it did not need to be a certain color or style for a job, then it didn't matter.

Luke stood from his seat and headed aft, taking his helmet and mask along. He detoured to place them in the cabin, and then went to the galley.

"Are you hungry?" he asked when Mara appeared at the doorway. "I'll make dinner if you want."

Mara shrugged. "Sure."

Neither she nor Luke had eaten since leaving on this mission, and Mara's stomach was beginning to growl. Luke set to work preparing a small amount of vegetables, some fruit slices and a pair of drumsticks to eat.

As he worked, Mara could not help but note the definition in his arms, a byproduct of the rigorous training he had been undergoing with Jedi Master Yoda. It had been five years since Luke had begun to train as a Jedi, and the man had grown substantially in his abilities from his time as merely one of Vader's Shadows.

Mara had seen his abilities on display often, and she was impressed. But what she appreciated the most about Luke was that he did not use the Force as a crutch. He could function just as well without it as he could with it. Luke had even asked Mara and other instructors to teach him things like hand-to-hand combat and such, so he could be an effective warrior all around.

Luke had also traveled extensively, learning from various cultures about the Force. That included how and why they used it in the manner that they did.

Mara had to begrudgingly admit that even before he had started Jedi training, Luke had been handsome and well-built. But now... his body was toned to perfection...

...and Mara felt her face grow a little warm when Luke spied her simply staring at him.

Mara moved away from the galley to put distance between them. Mara did not quite feel comfortable with the fact that she now looked at Luke as more than just a friend. But was it love just yet?

Mara did not know, and she wasn't inclined to figure it out right then, so she let the subject drop, pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind. She busied herself with the manifest she carried on her ship.

It wasn't just the ruthenium that she and Luke had picked up on this trip: she also carried a selection of jewels and three crates of some kind of plants that were supposed to have healing properties. Mara was a little skeptical on the plants, but nor was she a botanist. Yes, there were known healing herbs in the galaxy, but this particular one was said to be able to help slow the growth of cancerous cells in the bodies of some species in the galaxy.

Mara decided to leave such claims to those who were interested in them. She was simply delivering the goods.

"Dinner's ready." Luke announced minutes later, and Mara joined him at the table. Luke set plate of steaming food before her, and then set an empty glass down too.

"Water or juba juice?" he asked.

"Water is fine, thanks," Mara replied.

Luke nodded, disappearing momentarily and returning with a small pitcher containing clear liquid.

Once they had both seated themselves, Mara began to eat. As the delicious morsels touched her tongue, Mara willingly admitted that Luke had turned out to be a good cook. She found that a little amusing, since as a former prince, he'd not really had occasion to cook his own meals.

Luke had told her that he had in fact insisted on cooking lessons while he was younger. But once his parents had found out, they'd told him to stop.

Still, Luke really knew his way about the kitchen, and Mara wasn't about to complain.

"This is really good, Luke." Mara complimented.

"Thank you," Luke murmured with a warm light to his eyes.

"You know, if this Jedi mission doesn't pan out," Mara said around bites, "you have a future as a chef."

Luke smiled. "Good to know I have a plan B in place."

Mara smirked. "Exactly."

The two shared a laugh and returned to their meals. After they were done, Luke looked to her. "When we get back to the Wild Karrde, I will be leaving with Master Yoda."

Mara inclined her head. "I know, Karrde told me."

"I don't know how long we will be gone this time," Luke went on, "but hopefully I will find time to see Leia."

Mara eyed her friend, who looked lonely all of a sudden. Mara was one of the rare few people who knew of Luke's relationship to Leia. To the galaxy, Luke Vader was dead and gone, and that was how it had to stay until Luke was ready to take on his parents and their empire.

But though Luke got to see his twin sister on occasion, their separations were long and often. And the moments they did have together could not be public, lest people begin to wonder and ask unwanted questions.

Mara softened and reached across the table to touch Luke's hand. "Things will not always be so... hard. You and your sister have sacrificed much to help the galaxy see freedom. That will pay off, and you two will be able to live fulfilling lives once this all blows over."

Luke offered a grateful look, and Mara finished her thought.

"Hang in there, Luke. You will see the fruits of your efforts soon, I think."

Luke nodded. "You're right. Thank you Mara."

She resumed her meal, though when Luke tried to clean up, Mara shook her head. "Nope: you cooked, I'll clean."

"I don't mind." Luke insisted.

"Put it down." Mara ordered with finality. "My ship, my rules."

Luke knew better than to argue with her, and so he acquiesced. "Yes Ma'am."

Mara snorted once in mild amusement and finished her final bite. Then she stood and began the clean up as promised.

00000

Starlines became the pinpricks Han loved to look at, and his ship's engines lowered in pitch as the Millennium Falcon slowed from lightspeed to sublight. The astronomical object known as Vohai was nothing more than a waypoint on the galactic map. Its sole purpose was to provide directional aid to space travelers.

Since the Empire saw itself as too well equipped to have to rely on such things, they rarely frequented the place. That made Vohai the perfect spot to meet up and deliver their commandeered goods to the Rebel Alliance.

In this case, it was thousands of credits, which would not be missed by the Empire. Over the course of months, they had been carefully siphoned from anywhere that Leia and her friend Sergeant Quane could get them.

Han was both amazed and grateful that Leia had been able to stay afloat this long in her role as double agent. It was not an easy task to pull such a trick under the ever-watchful gaze of her mother and father: the Emperor and Empress.

"Is our contact here yet?" a female voice asked from behind Han.

Han glanced over his shoulder to the navigator's seat, where Nakari Kelen sat. The woman had proven to be a great asset to Han and Chewie's crew, and had more than pulled her weight. It helped that her father, a wealthy and well-equipped man named Fayet Kelen, was also aiding the cause. The man was under scrutiny from the Empire for past mistakes made by his wife. However, he still managed to give the Alliance— and especially his daughter— help under the table so to speak.

Nakari had come to Han via Luke, who had bought and freed her from Jabba the Hutt. Nakari had been offered a chance to help the Rebellion and she'd accepted, and Han knew she wanted revenge for what had been done to her family.

"Not yet," Han replied at last, turning back around. "We are a little early. They should be here any moment though."

[Keep focused, just in case,] Chewbacca suggested. [You never know who else may show up.]

Han nodded. "Yes, but I don't think we have to worry about that right now. This was a clean job, after all."

"We still need to keep alert," Nakari said in agreement with Chewie.

Han made a face. "Why can't you two keep a little optimism?"

"I prefer to be realistic," Nakari muttered, though Han noted that her tone had softened a little.

He felt like he understood why Nakari was a little standoffish. She had been a slave for several years to Jabba the Hutt, and that left scars, no matter who you were. She wasn't as bad as she had been early on, but she still tended to lean more towards distrust and caution.

A proximity alert sounded in the cockpit, and moments later a group of three Alliance ships appeared from hyperspace. Han straightened in his seat, waiting for them to contact him per the usual method.

"Attention freighter," a gravelly male voice said, "what was the weather like on Hoth?"

"Ah you know," Han said back, unable to resist adding his own flair, "it was colder than a snowman's rear end. But the wampas tasted good."

Once the pass-code had been given, the voice continued. "It's good to see you, Captain Solo. Hangar three is open for you."

"Copy that, Admiral Ackbar, thank you."

Han and Chewie piloted the Falcon to the designated hangar, and he was pleasantly surprised to find not only Wedge Antilles waiting to greet him, but also Princess Leia. Han and Chewie set the ship down without any problems, and Han left his copilot to do the cool down sequence.

Nakari followed Han aft, though she disappeared into the cargo hold to begin preparing the shipment for unloading. Han lowered the boarding ramp and walked down it, his gaze landing on Leia first.

Han had never laid eyes on a more beautiful woman, and he had admitted that to himself the first time he'd seen Leia. Of course, both of them had technically been too young then to do anything, but as they'd both grown in years, so too had Han's feeling for her.

He had already asked Leia to join him for a private dinner or walk on occasion; when she could be here, and not back on Coruscant with her family.

"Hiya Princess." Han greeted, his gaze moving to Wedge next, and he extended a hand. "Wedge, good to see you."

Antilles took the offered limb. "Hi Han. Thanks for this shipment."

Han nodded. "Nakari is already preparing for unloading. Want to lend her a hand?"

Wedge nodded and gestured to a few other people who had no doubt been gathered to help as well. Leia stood to the side as the unloading began, with Han joining her.

"Hello Leia," Han said softly, shifting to stand a little closer.

Leia glanced his way, and Han could see the warmth in her gaze. "Hi Han. Was there any trouble getting this?"

Han shook his head. "None. It all went as smoothly as you had predicted it would."

Leia sighed in relief. "That's good."

Han and Leia watched the unloading until it was completed and everyone went their separate ways. Chewie and Nakari left the Falcon, no doubt wishing to stretch their legs. Han noted that he and Leia were alone now.

Turning to her, Han motioned. "Come with me, please."

Leia was openly curious, but she didn't deny him. However, she did glance around before entering his ship to see if anyone was looking at them. But there were no other people around, so Leia relaxed.

Han disappeared into the master cabin and returned with a wrapped item, which he handed to her. "This is for you."

Leia blinked in surprise. "What is it?"

Han lifted a wry brow, his lips quirking also. "Open it and find out."

Leia looked to the gift handed to her and proceeded to unwrap it. Inside was an unmarked box, and Leia opened that next. She discovered two items inside: a small dagger, and a necklace.

The weapon had a bone handle and an almost rounded blade that tapered to a finer point. It looked sharp too, and Leia tested it on the hem of her shirt, finding that it sliced through like the fabric was butter.

The necklace was a delicately braided chain of silvery material, and bore a blue goldstone that had been carved into an intricate flower pendant.

"For me?" Leia asked, almost afraid to know.

"Yes," Han murmured, stepping up to take the necklace and place it about Leia's neck for her.

Leia realized that, as his fingertips grazed her skin at the neck, she quivered. She swallowed, a little afraid of how his touch made her feel. Han and Leia had managed to spend a fair amount of time together in the five years they'd known each other. At first it had been nothing more than an acquaintance, but Leia had seen how Han looked at her even then. He'd not been overbearing, but it had been clear that he found her attractive. And Leia would be lying if she said she hadn't seen him in the same way.

But her focus had mostly been on her job, and so she hadn't done anything on her end to pursue things. Neither had she fought it much when Han had not been so... hesitant. He had been surprisingly subtle at first about his interest in her, but had also accepted Leia's answer of no. She had insisted that she was not ready to begin any relationships.

Han had accepted that, for which she was thankful. But after things had been well established with Leia and the Rebellion, and she'd grown into her roles, he had once more started to seek time with her. He'd done her favors, made extra trips for her, and helped her however he could.

Leia's heart had grown for him, and though she had told the Rogues that she and Han were just friends, Leia admitted that she liked him far more than that. The main reason for her hesitation, however, was her ever-attentive parents. Leia had not wanted to risk the two of them finding out about Han. Yes, Leia cared deeply about Han, and yes they were closer than she would admit openly to others... but her mother and father would definitely not approve.

They would want her to get involved with someone they deemed worthy of her princess status, not a... smuggler. But all the young men, and lately grown men, that her mother sent her way had been nothing to Leia but a bother and an annoyance. A few had outright angered her with how... selfish they were.

Han... though he wore a rough and tough exterior, had a heart of gold, and he was surprisingly tender when he needed to be.

Leia lifted the pendant off her collarbone, and gazed at the item, a smile touching her lips. Han had not moved from his position to her rear, and Leia felt her insides squirm a little with nerves when he risked wrapping his arms about her from behind.

Her pulse quickened at his touch, and Leia stood uncertainly for a moment, and then gingerly relaxed against Han's chest.

"Thank you for the gifts, Han." Leia's voice was quiet. "Though... I don't know if I can wear the necklace without my parents asking questions."

Han nodded, even though she couldn't see. "I know, and it's alright. Wear it when you can. If anyone asks, you could always say you bought it for yourself."

Leia hadn't thought of that. "True." She fell silent for a moment, casting out with the Force to see if they would be interrupted, but nobody else was around, so she spoke again.

"Why did you give me these?"

"Because I care for you, Leia," Han replied softly, squeezing lightly where he held her waist. "I care for you very much."

Leia's heart fluttered to hear him say that, and she turned in his arms. "How deeply?"

Han's eyes had never been so warm, Leia realized, as a smile touched his lips. But that smile faded as, instead of speaking a reply, Han leaned closer... and kissed her.

Leia had never been kissed before, and her heart leapt at the feel of Han's mouth on hers. At first she didn't know what to do, but then her arms snaked about his neck of their own accord, and Leia began kissing him back.

In response to this, Han's arms tightened at her waist to pull her closer. Time slowed, and the two of them lost themselves in the moment. Leia broke away first, her lips still tingling from their embrace of the lips.

She rested her head on Han's chest, listening to his heart beating. "I care for you too, Han. But..."

Han tilted his head to look upon her. "But what?"

"My parents..." Leia whispered. "I can't risk them knowing. I don't want anything to happen to you because they wouldn't approve of us dating... or more."

Han didn't take offense, knowing that Leia genuinely cared what happened to him... especially because of her. They both knew full well what Emperor and Empress Vader were capable of.

"Leia, you can't let fear stop you from following your heart," Han murmured. "However, nor do you have to be reckless. We can keep this a secret from them."

Leia deliberated. "I'll have to reinforce my shields again. You make me happy, Han, and my mother is already suspicious of me lately. I am not blind: I know of her increased interest in my... mannerisms of late. If I am suddenly happier, she will want to know why, and she will find out in one way or another."

Han pulled back and lifted Leia's chin. "Hey, stop worrying so much. I understand what you are saying, and I respect it, but you also need to accept that there is an inherent risk in all things we do in life."

"But what if, by falling in love with you... which I already have... you get hurt?" Leia worried.

Han's heart blossomed to hear her say that she loved him. "I'm tough; I can handle just about anything."

Leia laughed lightly. "I guess that's true. But still..."

Han shook his head and laid a finger to her lips. "Just let it be what it will be. Be careful, yes, but please don't fight this, Leia."

Leia looked into his eyes. "I don't want to. But, if we allow this relationship to happen, promise that you will be patient with me. I do love you, Han, but I also still fear my parents to a degree."

Han smiled just for her. "I promise."

Leia shifted back into his embrace and allowed him to simply hold her now. She would have to return to Coruscant soon, and they both knew that. But for now, she decided to enjoy this moment.

00000

"Master Luke!" Nella greeted Luke upon his arrival in the hangar bay. Luke had just received the all clear from Talon Karrde to leave with Master Yoda.

Luke looked to his droid, one he had custom built, as she floated up to him. Her posture managed to convey her happiness at seeing him again. Luke had instructed Nella to remain on the Wild Karrde with Yoda, while he and Mara had gone on their supply run.

"Nella, how are you today?" Luke inquired.

"I am well, thank you. I am glad to be going with you this time."

Luke chuckled. "I'll be happy to have you aboard, Nella."

The two of them moved to the Pilgrim together, and Nella gestured for her master to go first, which he did.

"Hello Young Skywalker," Master Yoda greeted Luke once the man had entered his small ship.

"Good day, Master Yoda," Luke said in return, smiling at the Jedi Master. "Are you ready to go?"

"Ready, I am," Yoda replied. "To Lothal we must go."

"Lothal?" Luke clarified, receiving a confirming nod. "Alright."

Luke started up the Pilgrim, the small ship that Karrde had granted Luke the use of. The sleek Nabooian vessel was designed for two, possibly three, and the once-shiny silver hull had been dulled to a matte grey that Luke liked. The interior of the small vessel was warm and homey looking, done up in earth-tones that soothed Luke.

Luke had upgraded the ship on occasion, though he had only done so after receiving the go-ahead from Talon Karrde, his part-time employer. Thus the Pilgrim now boasted a pretty impressive shield package, and a fair amount of weaponry to match the size of the ship. But the thing Luke liked most about her was that she was fast and reliable.

Once Luke had the coordinates set, he glanced to Yoda. "Prepare for lightspeed, Master."

Yoda did so, and Luke sent them on their way. Once the flight checks were completed, Luke sat back, contemplating his master. In the time Luke had spent with Yoda, the aging Jedi Master had managed to remain anonymous among Karrde's crew. Whenever Yoda moved about the flagship, it was with the aid of a special pair of stilts that made him look taller than he was. He also wore a cloak that covered him entirely. Finally, Yoda always made sure to only move around whenever the foot traffic was minimal.

People had noticed him, of course, but nobody had truly bothered Yoda. Luke knew that the Jedi Master had occasionally used the Force to deflect those who got too curious for their own good.

As for Luke, he had started out using makeup and putty to alter his appearance, or simply used the Force to do so. That is, until Mara had gifted him with the helmet and mask he now used instead.

Luke smiled softly when he recalled that day.

"Luke."

The blond turned to the boarding ramp, where Mara had appeared. He was about to leave on his first solo assignment from Karrde.

"Yes?"

Mara never used his true name unless she knew they were completely alone, and with no eavesdroppers. She approached and Luke noticed the large tote that she carried. Curious, Luke gave her his full attention.

"This is for you," Mara said simply, handing him the bag.

Luke blinked in surprise, taking the offered item and wondering what the occasion was. Mara and he had known each other for about three months now, and often worked together so Luke could learn how things were done in the Smuggler's Guild.

Realizing that he was stalling, Luke cleared his throat discreetly and set the bag on the galley table, where he proceeded to remove the paper. He unveiled a black item and Luke fished it out, only realizing when it was in the open what it was.

"A mask?" Luke inquired, looking to Mara.

"I figured the mask— it comes with a helmet— would be far easier to deal with so you can keep hiding your identity." Mara explained. "Makeup and hair-dye are great, but a hassle. This is more grab-and-go." She paused almost uncertainly, and then added something in a quieter voice. "Besides, I much prefer your natural appearance anyway."

Luke blinked. Had she just called him cute?

Mara, sensing the direction of his thoughts through the Force, coughed and steered the conversation onward. "So do you think it will do?"

Luke looked to the mask and turned it over, finding that while the mask bore an elastic strap, there were a few clasps. Recalling Mara's mention of a helmet, Luke moved back to the bag. Withdrawing the final item from the sack, Luke saw that the mask clasped more securely into place via the helmet. Luke moved to the refresher, where he could see his reflection, and he put the mask to his face. Once the strap was in place also, Luke lowered his hands.

It was strange, but Luke had worn masks now and again as one of Vader's Shadows, so it wasn't completely alien to him. Luke would just have to grow accustomed to wearing the mask.

Luke then placed his helmet on, though he had to fiddle a little before he got the clasps in place. He studied his appearance and decided that he didn't look half bad. Nor was it uncommon to see people wearing masks and helmets in the galaxy.

The mask itself resembled something Luke had once worn on a pellet-gun course: a game one could shoot at opponents with non-lethal bullets. But one still had to protect the face from injury; hence the masks.

The one Mara had gifted him was a matte black with mesh covering the eye-sockets. The cheeks of the mask ended in a beveled, vertical section that would cover the nose and mouth. That front part had small holes for ventilation, and so Luke could still communicate with people. The forehead of his helmet likewise came into the bevel at the eye sockets, and even formed what looked like an expression frozen in time.

"I like it," Luke told Mara, turning to her. She had followed him to the refresher doorway. "It'll take some getting used to, but you are correct: this will be far easier to use."

Mara nodded, moving away so he could exit the refresher. "It suits you."

Luke reached out a hand. "Thank you Mara."

Mara smiled softly. "You're welcome. Now get going."

Luke nodded, watching her leave, and wondering at the young woman he found alluring. Mara was a bit of a puzzle to him: tough and independent, but also caring and tender when the need arose. Plus, Luke was already drawn to her physical beauty.

At some point, Luke realized he was merely standing there, and he shook himself out of it, getting back to work.

Luke was brought back to the present by Yoda clearing his throat. The man looked to his instructor and saw a glimmer of annoyance there. Luke suspected that Master Yoda thought Luke ought to focus his full attention on his Jedi training and overall mission. But Luke could not help that he had emotions.

However, he was also conflicted: for though he liked Mara, Luke also found himself attracted to Nakari. Whenever he'd met up with Han, Nakari had not made it a secret that she liked him, and Luke admitted that she was also attractive. But was she actually interested in him, or had she just attached to him because he had set her free?

Another fact that separated Mara and Nakari was that, unlike Mara, Nakari did not know Luke's true identity. Luke had been in disguise when he had rescued her. Han and Chewbacca had agreed nto to tell her unless Luke okayed it.

So what would Nakari do when she eventually realized who he was? Luke supposed that only time would tell.

"Master, how much longer do you think I will need to train?" Luke asked curiously, watching the other's ears droop with exasperation before the older man decided to just let it be.

"Not much longer." Yoda assured Luke. "Learned much you have, and proud of you I am."

Luke smiled. "Thank you, Master Yoda."

He then fell silent, his mind turning inward once more, but on a different trajectory. He wondered what Leia was doing today. Was she with the Alliance, or was she playing the perfect daughter to their parents?

Had she met someone?

"Strong, your sister is," Yoda reminded Luke gently, "strong in her own way. Worry so much for her, you must not."

"I know, Master," Luke replied, not taking offense, "I just miss her."

"Understand, I do," Yoda said, "but see her again, you will."

"I know," Luke murmured, straightening as he chose to move on. "What should we do to pass the time?"

"Meditate," Yoda answered almost instantly, garnering a smile from his pupil. This caused the wizened Jedi to narrow his eyes. "Funny, you think that is, hmm?"

"No, Master," Luke began to deny, but then he decided against it. "Well, okay, a little. It just seems like that's your favorite thing to do."

"Enjoy meditation, I do," Yoda said stiffly before he softened. "Hmm, perhaps a bit too much, do I like it."

Luke' smile widened, relishing the chance to turn one of Yoda's teaching back on him. "It's good to be able to admit when we are too focused on something, right Master Yoda?"

Yoda grumbled under his breath about ungrateful students, and Luke chuckled, knowing that the Jedi Master was secretly amused. Luke had learned a great deal about Yoda, and he knew that the little green man had a sense of humor tucked under all his layers of calm and collection.

Luke had also come to greatly respect and care about the Jedi Master: Yoda had taught him much more than mere Force skills.

"Meditation is fine, Master," Luke said, sobering. He took up his preferred meditative pose and slowed his breathing. "Nella, man the cockpit please until we get to the reversion point."

"Yes Master Luke."

Perhaps I can get some direction with where my feelings are taking me. Luke thought, the mental images of both Mara and Nakari flashing before his mind's eye.

"Clear your mind," Yoda reprimanded. "Open and receptive you must be, not clouded and doubtful."

"Sorry, Master Yoda." Luke dutifully cleared his mind and began to meditate.