17
CHAPTER TEN
CALAXIA-PRESENT DAY
Mara groaned and clutched her stomach. It was the most severe gastrointestinal pain she had suffered in some time. A red rash had broken out on her hands, arms, and side of her face. Just what the hell was going on?
Garrett had helped her to the spare bedroom, followed by the rest of the family. Mara rubbed her fingers across her forehead. "What the hell happened?" Mara asked. "I can't remember the last time I felt this bad.
"Do you have any other symptoms?" Garrett asked, as he took her pulse.
"A headache," she replied, plopping down on the bed.
"When did you first start feeling bad?"
When you son started performing, she thought. His over-the-top performance of Luke Skywalker was enough to make anyone sick.
"Sometime after we had finished dinner," was all she could say under the circumstances.
"Oh no," Arnelle's hands flew up to her face in horror. "I was distracted by the children fighting outside. I had the cooking droid take over. I must have forgotten to program him not to add Ajamadin to the dinner."
"Oh damn," Mara muttered.
The Ajamadin spice was a major staple in Calaxian cooking. It was used in a variety of dishes, from soup to desserts, in its most pure, organic form. The Calaxian genetic makeup benefited from the seasoning, but to other humans and species it caused serious side-effects. Whenever a non-Calaxian visited, special care was taken to insure the safety of the guest. However, mistakes did occur. Most homes had antidotes to help remove the spice from their systems when that happened.
"You're going to need more than what we have here. Dad," Garrett ordered. "Contact the hospital. Have them send over an IV, with a medic droid. And, get my bag from the room. Make sure you bring the syringe with the red top." He looked at Mara. "The injection and pills will help with the nausea and headache."
"Thanks," she mumbled. Can this evening get any worse, she thought.
"THIS IS YOUR ALL YOUR FAULT!" Kaina exclaimed, pointing her finger in Arnelle's face.
Oh damn, it just did.
"My fault?" Arnelle's jaw dropped in horror. "You're the one who brought your cooking droid and insisted I use it. It was an accident."
Kaina looked like a wild tauntan, ready to attack its prey. With her eyes wide, her lip curled in anger, she verbally attacked her daughter-in-law. "You deliberately had the droid put Ajamdin in the food because you're jealous of Mara. How could you do something so despicable?"
"How dare you say that to me?" Arnelle met the woman's gaze with an equal intensity.
"Mama," Tate tugged his mother's dress. "Mama."
Arnelle ignored him as she vented her fury to her mother-in-law. "It was an accident."
"HA!" Kaina back her head. "I'll bet."
"It was."
"Mom, Arnelle, please, stop it," Garrett stepped between the two women in attempt to make peace. "This is no time for an argument. We have to help Mara."
Tate watched the interaction between the two women, puzzled. Why were they fighting? Did he do something wrong? Tears began to run down his face. The poor child believed that he had done something bad, and his mother and grandmother were angry at him.
"Tate, son, don't cry. Everything's going to be fine," Garrett consoled his son.
"Here, Garrett," Binz handed the bag to his son. Garrett fumbled frantically through the giant bag. He pulled out a bottle of pills and a syringe, but not the one he needed. "Dad, I said, the one with the red top. This one is green," he mumbled.
"You said it was in the bag," Binz frowned.
"I'll do get it," Garrett moaned. "Dad," "he pleaded. Do what you can to stop Arnelle and Mom from fighting."
"I bet Miss Jade got sick watching you act," Dilys teased him, a know-it-all look on her face.
"No she didn't," Win answered in a defiant tone. "It was because of the spice."
"Naw-uh," Dilys retorted, hands on her hips.
"Uh-huh," Win stuck out his tongue.
"You got Miss Jade sick," Dilys began her torment in a sing-song kind of way. "You got Miss Jade sick."
"Stop it Dilys." He shoved her so hard that he almost knocked her off her feet.
"Don't push me," Dilys shouted. She retaliated by shoving him back. The two siblings pushed each other back and forth, back and forth, until they dropped to the ground, still fighting with each other.
"You're jealous of Mara because she's so much better than you," Kaina taunted. The triumphant, childish tone in her voice; combined with the smug look on her face, made Arnelle want to slap it off her face.
"Ladies, please." Binz held up his hands as he got between the two women. "This is not right. Look at what you are doing?"
"She started it." Arnelle tilted her head towards Kaina. "She says I intended to get Mara sick."
"Kaina!" Binz scolded. "You know that's not true."
"It is."
"Mom, Arnelle, stop" Garrett said when he reentered the room. "This is not helping anyone," he stressed wearily.
"You mother," Arnelle pointed her finger at Kaina. "Said I deliberately made Mara sick."
"Mom! How could you say such a thing," Garrett stared at his mother in horror.
"You don't have any proof of that," Binz countered.
"I don't need to have proof. I just know it." Kaina folded her arms, in defiance.
"I did not try to hurt Mara," Arnelle countered.
"Yes, you did," Kaina retorted.
Meanwhile, the two children kept fighting. "Take it back," Win started pulling on his sister's hair.
"Ow! I will not," Dilys screamed. She retaliated by grabbing his shirt.
The fighting, fidgeting, crying and wrestling was just too much for Mara to endure. She rose to her feet, fists curled, her emerald green eyes blazing in anger.
"QQQQQQQQUUUUUUUUUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!"
Silence.
No one moved.
No one dared to move.
"I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS FIGHTING!" Mara screeched at the top of her lungs. "YOU ARE ALL ACTING LIKE CHILDREN. AND THE ONLY ONES IN THIS ROOM WHO SHOULD BE ACTING LIKE CHILDREN ARE THE CHILDREN."
Everyone stared at Mara in shock and fear. Dilys and Win slowly picked themselves off the floor, and ran behind their mother. Kaina gripped her husband's hand. Arnelle wrapped her arms around her children. Garrett gulped. What would she do next?
Mara paused and momentarily closed her eyes. "Okay, here's the situation." Mara held up her hand to the crowd in order to get her point across. "I HAVE to be on Coruscant the day after tomorrow because I am part of the Jedi Guard who will escort the dignitaries to the Senate that morning. I HAVE TO BE THERE," she stressed angrily. "IF I'M NOT, THERE ARE GOING TO BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WILL BE VERY DISAPPOINTED AND UPSET. AND THAT INCLUDES ME!"
Mara breathed heavily. Her outburst had made her tired, and she knew she needed to conserve her energy. She turned her gaze to Garrett. "Okay, how long will it take to recover? What are the side effects? From the pills and the IV?"
"Uh, well," he stammered. "You may have a loss of appetite, perhaps a dry mouth. "However," he paused. "The pills, combined with the IV will cause you to sleep for several hours."
"Several hours?" Mara repeated the statement, as she lowered her head. Her eyes locked on him like a laser on its target. "Just what do you mean by 'several hours?'"
Garrett glanced at his chrono-watch. "It's 20:45 right now. I'd say, oh, give or take an hour, and, if the spice is out of your system…." His voice drifted off as he tried to ignore the cold glare from her green eyes. "I'd say you'd be out of here no later than late afternoon tomorrow."
"WHAT!?"
His head jerked back. "I'm sorry, but it does take time. If it's not totally out of your system, it could cause problems for you in the future. However," his voice struck a hopeful tone. "You are in good health, so it might be a less, like an hour or two."
Frustrated, Mara slammed her hand into her forehead, but it only added to her pain. "Damn," she cursed under her breath. "Okay. Fine." Mara took a breath. "Kids, I want to speak privately with the adults."
"Are you going to hurt them, are you Miss Jade?" The little girl's voice trembled in fear.
Mara breathed a very heavy sigh. The people in the room were frightened, and she was only made it worse.
Damn, Mara, how could you do that?
The look on her face softened as she addressed the little girl. "No Dilys, I'm not going to hurt you, or your family. I'm sorry. I let my anger get the best of me." A weak, little grin formed on her face. "The one thing a Jedi must learn is control anger," she stated gently. "I guess you can say I haven't really learned that lesson. Master Skywalker will not be happy with me."
Mara knelt down so that she could be at eye level with the children. "Tate, Dilys, Win, I am very sorry that I scared you. I promise it won't happen again." She looked up at the adults. "That includes all of you as well."
Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. "Oh my dear Mara," Kaina smiled. "We are so sorry we got on your nerves."
Dilys came out from behind her mother. "Don't worry, Miss Jade. Our Daddy is best doctor on Calaxia. He'll make you feel better real soon."
"I'm sure he will," she nodded.
"Trust me, Mara," Garrett said. "I'll make sure you get back to Coruscant in time."
"Miss Jade," Win asked, with a bashful look on his face. "My acting didn't make you sick, did it?"
Mara giggled. ."No Win. However, I think you need to tone it down a bit. Luke is not that dramatic."
Since when did I become a holo-theater critic?
"Excuse me, Dr. Ultan."
A protocol droid stood in the doorway. "The medic droid has just arrived with the IV for Miss Jade."
"Excellent," Garrett nodded. "Send them in."
"No, wait." Mara held up her hand. "Kids, I need to talk to the grownups for a few minutes alone. Okay?"
"Okay," the children responded in unison, and left. Mara waited until the children and droid left.
"I wanted to say a few words, and I didn't want to do it in front of the children," she began. "First, I want to apologize for screaming and frightening you and the children. Second," mara turned to Arnelle. "I believe you."
"You do?" She gasped, her eyes widened in surprised.
"Yes I do. It was a mistake. You had your hands full, cooking dinner while watching the children. It was a mistake that anyone could've made." Mara turned to Kaina. "If I believe her, why can't you?"
Kaina stared down at the floor. A tear rolled down her face. Deep down inside, she knew Mara was right. But it was not going to be easy. She and Arnell differed, but the woman was a good wife and mother.
"I'll get you a nightdress," Arnelle offered.
"What happens now," Mara asked.
"First, take these." Garrett handed two pills to her. "It will help relieve your headache," he poured a glass of water and gave it to her. "After you change clothes, I'll hook you to the IV. It should take effect within the hour. The medic droid will monitor your vital signs throughout the night and into the morning."
Forty minutes later, the serum from the IV had started to flow into her body. Her eyes were getting heavy, and she was ready to sleep.
Thoughts of seeing Selah and Tiran again brought a little smile to her face. As she went deeper into her subconscious, she remembered the last few days on Qui'Tan.
And, her final evening with Sebastian.
QUI-TAN SYSTEM-YEARS EARLIER
Mara walked to the library to meet the family before dinner. Her day had gone extremely well. The Jade's Fire was now fully operational. Everything was on schedule for her to leave the morning after the Inaugural.
"Well, hello stranger," a familiar voice bellowed from the top of the stairs.
"Stranger?" Mara laughed. "Really? I saw you at breakfast."
Sebastian chuckled as he approached. "That was only for a mere few minutes before I rushed off to a meeting." He kissed her on the cheek.
Mara averted her eyes. The thought of saying goodbye weighed heavily on her psyche. It was not going to be easy. Saying goodbye to the family and everyone else would be challenging, but her farewell to Sebastian would be the most difficult. She had genuine feelings for him. Despite that, Mara had come to a decision.
Mara ate sparingly that evening while not engaging in conversation. A shiver went down her spine. She was so deep in thought that she took no notice of the question that was asked.
"Mara?"
Selah's voice jolted Mara to her senses. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I asked if you had a good day?"
Mara stared at her, Tirenne, and Sebastian. She blinked. I may as well break the news now. "Forgive me, my mind was elsewhere. I have some very good news. The ship is fully functional, and will be ready to leave the day after the Inaugural."
"Happy to hear that," Tirenne nodded. "I'll notified the council that we will convene an hour later to bid you farewell."
"That would be nice, thank you."
Sebastian said nothing. A servant poured him another glass of wine. Mara could not help but notice the look of disappointment on his face.
After Selah and Tirenne retired for the evening, Mara joined Sebastian on the terrace for tea. "How were you able to escape from the empire?"
"The Imperial forces suffered major losses, and the Emperor had lost interest in my service. Instead, he turned his attention to another young man who had blown up the Death Star. It was rumored that he possessed a great power, even greater than Vader's."
A brief pang of guilt rippled through Mara's thoughts. It was the first time she disappointed her Master. "Luke Skywalker," she muttered under her breath.
"Yes. However, the Emperor still believed that my service would be of some benefit to him. Therefore, my training continued, but it was not as intense as it had been. My security detail had been relaxed. It allowed me to make contact with those officers sympathetic to the Rebels. A few weeks later, the Emperor decided that I should continue my training on Hyn'Ta. While en-route, many crew members, along with two officers, staged a mutiny. We secretly landed on Azerana, one of the eight sectors of the Qui'Tan System. The Rebels had established a secret encampment. More Rebel troops soon joined us. After some time, we were able to overthrow the Imperial forces in the sector. I fought in the Battle of Korlan, and later, along with our military, and the Rebels, we defeated the Empire on Welsania."
"I returned home after the Empire fell. I worked with my family to repair the damage done in our galaxy. One way to help our spiritual healing was to search for and bring back the Ancient Artifacts."
Sebastian rose. He stood before her and took Mara's hands into his, gently bringing her to her feet. "You will never know how much you have done for us. We will always be grateful to you for what you have done."
Before she could say a word, he kissed her passionately. To Mara's surprise, she returned the kiss with equal passion.
"I love you Mara," he whispered.
Mara broke away from his embrace. Her back stiffened as she winced in emotional pain. So many thoughts raced through her mind.
"I've had feelings for you ever since that day I saw you at the Imperial Palace," he continued. "When we met again on Devoltan, I was happy. I believed that fate wanted us to be together. My feelings for you have only grown stronger in the last few weeks, and, they have been the happiest ones in my life."
"Sebastian," she breathed. "I care for you very much, but…I must leave."
"You don't have to," he pleaded. "Stay here, and be a part of our world. You have the love and respect of my family and our people."
Mara clasped her hands together, brought them up to her mouth, and lowered her head so he could not see the anguish in her eyes. "This isn't easy for me to say." She took a little step back, dabbed her eyes. "These last several weeks have been some of the happiest I have ever known," she began. "And I am grateful for your friendship as well as your love." Mara took a breath. "I care deeply for you. I love you, but not in the way you want."
An uneasy silence filled the air. His face fell when he understood what Mara was trying to say. "I understand, or at least I think so," he sadly responded. "You are not in love with me, as I am with you."
Mara stared into his eyes. "I'm sorry. I will always care deeply for you and your family, but I can't lie and tell you otherwise." She did not have to have a Jedi sense to feel his pain. It only made her feel worse, to hurt someone she cared for.
"I understand," he uttered sadly.
"I am so sorry," she whispered. "Will you excuse me? I'd like to go to my room."
"Before you go, I have something I would like to say."
Sebastian took her hand, drawing her close to him. "I give you my word that, if you should ever need me, I will do what I can to help. You are my friend, and will be until I cease to live."
"Thank you, Sebastian."
With a little smile, and sad eyes, Sebastian gave her a nod. "Uh, there is one thing."
"Yes?"
"This may be a little awkward to ask. And, I'll understand if you say no, but…would you still be my consort for the Ball? I mean, you leave the next day, and we may never see each other again."
"Yes," she replied, softly.
"And, a dance?"
"Yes. It will be my honor."
"My honor as well. Good night."
"Good night."
Safely inside her room, Mara leaned against the closed door, tears streaming down her face. No, she reasoned, you did the right thing. You have your own life, Mara, and you need to get back to normal as soon as possible. It is wrong to lie, to yourself as well as to him.
As she calmed down, Mara reached out to the Force. Drifting deeper into consciousness, the male figure that she had seen before returned. His face was hidden in a mist, but his voice was kind and warm.
"I will see you soon," was all that he said.
Who was this man? What was the purpose of their meeting, and what would be the outcome?
Mara kept busy during her last two weeks on Qui'Tan. Most of her free time was spent working on Lando's business deal. The work comsumed most of her time but kept her mind off Sebastian. He and his parents were preoccupied with state matters. The Palace was abuzz in preparations for the Inaugural. Dinners had become less intimate and more formal as guests and government officials joined the family in the evening.
When she did see Sebastian, he was gracious and kind but distant, almost formal. It did not offend her. She knew they both needed to move on.
The Inauguration of the newly-elected Governors took placed in the basilica in the Capital City of K'zal. Tiran, Selah, Sebastian and Evonne were seated on an elevated platform so they may address the audience that were comprised of the Governors, their families, and special guests. The ceremony was every bit as regal and formal as Mara had expected. It opened with a blessing from the High Priestess, followed by speeches from Tiran and Selah. Then, each Governor ascended the stage, one by one, to take the oath of office and swear allegiance to the Qui'Tan System.
Mara, along with Peri, Kael and the rest of their team, were awarded the Medal for Bravery. As she accepted the medal from Tirenne, she glimpsed at Sebastian. He gave her a proud and loving smile.
After the medals had been awarded, Sebastian emerged from his chair and walked over to the podium. He spoke of the mission and the heroics of the team. But, it was his poignant and heartfelt tribute to Melchik that touched Mara deeply. Sebastian acknowledged how, as Keeper of the Ancient Artifacts, Melchik worked with him to bring the treasures back to the Qui'Tan System. Mara bowed her head in tribute. The respect and admiration of Melchik reminded her of how wrong she had been upon their initial meeting. His courage had earned her respect. Sebastian then presented the medal to Melchik's sister and her family. Mara was moved to tears as she watched him warmly embrace the woman, before stepping aside for Tirenne, Selah and Evonne to do the same. Everyone in the room broke into thunderous applause.
Sebastian was speechless when he met Mara that evening. She was absolutely stunning. The gown was exquisite, and her long, red hair flowed loosely on her shoulders and down her back.
"You are lovely, Mara."
"Thank you." Mara took his arm, and they proceeded to the Ballroom.
"I did not get the chance to say this at the luncheon," Mara said. "But, I was very moved by your tribute to Melchik."
A solemn look crossed his face. "He believed it was his responsibility to help recover the Artifacts. I had doubt that he could handle such a mission."
"When I met him at the cantina, I thought he was just some rich guy who wanted to have an adventure. But, I was wrong. He gave his life to protect us."
A young servant greeted Sebastian and Mara when they entered the Ballroom. "Excuse me Your Grace, My Lady," he said, bowing first to Sebastian, and then to Mara. "Governor Wesnan wishes to have a word with you."
"Will you excuse me, Mara? I promised the Governor that I would speak to him privately."
"Yes, of course." She took a glass of champagne from the servant's tray and mingled with the other guests.
"Now, let me tell you about our newest pod-racer, Vida Smythe."
With a frozen smile on her face and a glazed look in her eyes, Mara suppressed yet another groan. She had the misfortune of being seated next to Claxor Rvye, the husband of Governor Bettina Rvye. Her mistake had been to sit next to him at dinner, and ask him about his occupation. He happily launched into a diatribe of his business, building pod-racing vehicles. As she listened to yet another boring story, Mara casually glanced around the room. Sebastian was seated next to her during dinner, but they barely spoke to each other. He was engaged in political discussions with a variety of officials. Sebastian did give her a fleeting look from time to time, hoping that she would understand the situation. Everyone wanted to further their own personal agenda before the start of the session in the morning.
"There you are."
Governor Rvye stood before the couple, hands on hips, her stern gaze focused on her husband.
"Are you bothering Miss Jade with another one of your stories?" After all these years living with him, she knew that once he started talking about pod-racing, he would not be able to stop.
"But, she's enjoying them," he protested.
"I'm sure she hasis," Governor Rvye wrapped her hand around his arm, and lightly pulled him to his feet. "Say goodnight, dear. We have to leave."
The room was almost except for the musicians and a few servants. Mara rubbed the back of her neck. It had been a very long day. Tomorrow, she would leave and go back to work.
"I'm sorry I left you alone for most of the evening." Sebastian had an apologetic look on his face.
"You had business to attend to. I totally understand."
"We haven't had a chance to dance."
Mara shook her head. "It's late."
"Please," Sebastian took her hand. "One dance. The musicians have agreed to stay. The ballroom will be all ours."
"I don't know."
"Please?"
Mara sighed. She had promised him a dance. "Very well."
Sebastian guided her to the middle of the ballroom. The musicians took their seats, and waited for the cue.
"Play the A'Valtna," he ordered.
The music began. Sebastian and Mara bowed, and then grasped each other's forearm. They danced to the right, then to the left. Mara released his arm and turned around with her back to him. Sebastian touched her waist and took her left hand into his. He guided her a few more steps, then twirled her around where they faced each other. His hand was still on her waist, and hers was on his shoulder. They pirouetted, and danced together in perfect harmony, staring into each other's eyes with affection.
Mara wanted to pull away, but the rhythm of the music had captivated her senses. She was so enthralled with the dance that she was caught off guard when he swept her off her feet.
A slight gasp escaped her lips. Sebastian had a twinkle in his eye.
"The next time I do this, imagine you are flying," he whispered.
They danced a few more steps, and then he lifted her into the air, and spun her around. Mara stretched out her arms, threw back her head and laughed.
Yes, she thought it was just like flying.
For the first time in her life, she experienced a freedom that she had never known. Free from the past. The freedom to let go and live in the moment without worry or fear. Mara danced without abandon, happy with life.
The dance and the music ended. They stared into each other's eyes, not saying a word. Sebastian raised Mara's hand to his lips and kissed.
"Thank you for the dance," he whispered. "I hope you enjoyed it."
"I did." Mara was flustered and tried to regain some sort of composure. "Good night." She withdrew her hand and walked to the door. Her heart was pounding. Mara needed to get out of the room as soon as possible.
"Wait."
She came to a halt, but did not turn around. Sebastian came up behind her. With one hand on her shoulder, he slowly pulled her long red hair to one side. Sebastian then leaned over to kiss her on her neck. Mara let a small sigh, eyes closed, head lifted. Sebastian tenderly turned her around where they faced one another. They kissed, gently at first, and then with more passion.
"No," Mara broke away from him. "I can't Sebastian. This isn't right."
"Mara," he pleaded. "Tomorrow you leave, and we may never see each other again. I want to spend every moment with you."
"I can't." Mara tried to steady her voice to conceal the panic that had started to rise within her. "It wouldn't be right."
"You do love me?"
"Yes," she stammered, "but not the way you want it to be."
"I don't care." He caressed her cheek with his finger. "I give you my word that I will not stop you from leaving. Nor will I try to find you. I accept your decision, but I still want to be with you. Please, let me have some more time with you."
Mara gazed into his blue eyes. For the first time in her life, her judgment failed. The two engaged in a very passionate kiss.
Once again, she experienced a freedom, a love that she never knew possible.
The next morning, the family, along with the staff, gathered outside the Palace to bid farewell to Mara. Two servants loaded Mara's belongings in a waiting air-limo. Sebastian waited nearby to take her to the transport area. He waited patiently as he watched her say goodbye.
Tirenne took her hand. "We owe a great debt to you, my dear. None of us will forget what you have done for my family and for me and my people. Should you ever need anything from us, do not hesitate to contact us."
"Thank you Tirenne." They kissed, and warmly embraced. He stepped aside to allow Selah to come forward.
"You are always welcomed here. May your journeys be safe and your life filled with happiness and joy." Both she and Mara had tears in their eyes.
"I will never forget you and all you have done for me." They hugged and kissed each other on the cheek.
Evonne stepped forward and gave Mara a warm hug. "We're all going to miss you, Mara. It has been an honor."
"I'm going to miss you all. And, it has been an honor knowing you as well."
Kohle bowed, and then took her hand. "I have had the distinction of knowing such fine, courageous and lovely women throughout my life, starting with my mother, and then my wife, followed by the Duchess and her daughter. You are another one of those women."
"Thank you."
Aiofe bowed before she embraced Mara. "I wish you all good things Miss Jade. Take care."
"Thank you."
Beryl and Corliss bowed before her. They had tears in their eyes. Mara opened her arms wide enough so she could embrace the two women at once.
"We are so sorry to see you go," Beryl said with tears in her eyes.
"Yes, Miss Jade," Corliss agreed. "We will miss you."
"Aiofe," Mara said. These ladies are a credit to your instruction. They performed their duties with great skill and professionalism. You should be very proud of them, as I am."
"Thank you, Miss Jade. I am."
Minutes later, Mara and Sebastian climbed into the waiting air-limo. Neither one said anything. They had said everything they wanted the evening before.
The vehicle soon pulled into the transport area. As they emerged, Jex, and all of his crew were waiting. They broke into thunderous applause when she emerged from the air-limo.
"We wanted to see you off," Jex stated. "It has been an honor to work with you."
"You were the best engineering team I have ever known. Thank you for everything you have done," Mara's voice trembled. She embraced everyone who had helped her to repair her ship. All of these goodbyes had taken its toll on her. She was starting to become emotionally drained.
Yet, there was one goodbye that would be the most emotionally difficult one for her to do.
Mara walked up the landing ramp, followed by Sebastian. Away from the others, the two held hands. "This is going to be difficult for me," he began. "I will always love you, and will always be my friend."
"Thank you, Sebastian. I will always care for you, and value you as a friend."
"There is one thing I would ask of you."
Mara tilted her head, confused. He looked serious, but had a twinkle in his eye.
"If we should ever meet up again, by chance, I ask that you and I dance the Al'vanta."
Mara blushed. "Yes, I promise."
They kissed. The two held each other for a few moments, before they reluctantly pulled away.
"Take care, Mara. Be safe. And, remember, I love you."
"Take care of yourself as well. I will always love you as my good friend."
Sebastian disembarked. Mara entered the cockpit. She fired up her ship. The last thing she saw before she left was Sebastian waving goodbye. Moments later, the Jade's Fire jumped into hyperspace.
Mara was ready to return to work.