20
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Leia sat in front of her vanity mirror and applied the last makeup touches to her face. She stared back at her reflection with a quiet satisfaction. It had nothing to do with her appearance. Her satisfaction resulted from many months of secret diplomatic negotiations between herself, Mon Mothma, the Royal Family, and the chief minister. Several governors had serious reservations about joining the New Republic, but they eventually agreed to the treaty. The Qui'Tan System would gain protection to their outer borders. In return, they would share their environmental technology.
Leia closed her eyes, her forefinger on her lips. She reached out to the Force. A smile came to her lips with when the image of Padme Amidala appeared.
"Congratulations, Leia. We are so proud of you. Your father, Bail, and Breha Organa, and I knew you could do it. We love you very much"
She opened her eyes. Her smile grew wider when she saw the reflected image of her loving husband in the mirror.
Han leaned over to whisper in his wife's ear. "May I say that you are the loveliest Senator who ever brokered a treaty.?" He kissed her on the cheek. Han took her hand, and gently brought her to her feet, with a mischievous look.
"I can't take all the credit, Han." She blushed. Every time he had that expression on his face, it made her heart melt, making her fall in love with him all over again. "Mon Mothma worked just as hard as I did. She deserves as much recognition as I do."
"But, I'm not married to her," he cooed, softly caressing her cheek with his fingers. Han straighten up, and turned serious. "However, in all fairness I promised that when I see her…."
Leia narrowed her eyes. She had her humorous "I dare you" glare on her face. It was times like this when they each took delight in lovingly teasing the other.
Han raised his brow, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "I will give her the biggest….handshake."
Leia laughed, and playfully punched him in the arm. Han pulled his wife closer, and engaged in a passionate kiss. It was times like this when nothing else mattered except their love for each other.
"Ahem."
Luke stood in the doorway, dressed in his formal Jedi robes. He had a silly little grin on his face, with an innocent look in his eyes. It was the same expression Luke had whenever he accidentally walked in on the couple. Deep inside, Luke hoped to have a relationship like Han and Leia someday.
"Threepio let me in," he explained. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"No, Kid, not at all." Han rolled his eyes, a sarcastic tone in his voice. "We love it when you interrupt our intimate moments."
"Leia," Luke kissed his sister. "You look lovely."
"Hey, Kid," Han tapped Luke on the shoulder. He did a little pirouette that caused the two siblings to laugh out loud. "What about me?"
"Eh," Luke dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "I guess you look okay," he chuckled. "I hate to ruin this happy moment, but I will be late to the ceremony."
"What?" Leia was taken aback. "Why?"
"One of the students, Talia Myzan, called for a meeting with the members of the Jedi Council. Some believe she is not ready for the next level, while others disagree."
"But, why today of all days? Doesn't she know what today is?"
"I know, and she knows it as well, but according to the rules, she can call a meeting to state her case two weeks before the vote. Unfortunately, that happens to be today."
Luke hugged his sister. "Don't worry Leia. The meeting won't take too long. I'll still be able to attend the ceremony; I'll just come in through the side exit through the Gardens."
"I'll inform the guards," Leia said.
"Yonga will take my place on the stage. But, I can make the reception after the ceremony. As well as the dinner tonight."
"Okay," she shrugged, disappointed.
"By the way, have either of you talked to Mara?"
Leia glanced at Han, who shook his head. "No, not since we had dinner the other night."
"She left a brief message with Artoo a couple of days ago, saying that she was running an errand for Karrde," Luke explained. "Artoo said that she wanted to talk to me before the Royal Visit, but she never showed up. I was so busy yesterday I didn't have a chance to call until late last night. But the communications systems went silent due to the Royal Visit.
"You could have used the special channels to contact her." Leia reminded him.
"I know, but it didn't qualify as an emergency. I'm not worried. She knows what to do for the ceremony."
"Did she say who the errand was for?" Han asked.
"She was to transport the Ultans back to Calaxia."
"The Ultans?" Han groaned, and rolled his eyes. "Poor Mara. If she had to deal with them, she's probably in the nearest cantina having her fifth stiff drink."
Leia was surprised at Han. "Why do you say that? They are one of the most successful business people in the galaxy. After the Empire fell, they helped to build hospitals, schools and housing units. What's so bad about them?"
"Sweetheart, did you ever have to deal with them?"
"Well, no."
"I stopped by Lando's office one day when they were there discussing a business deal. All they do is talk, talk, talk, about anything and everything. I'd rather be frozen in carbonite than deal with them on a regular basis."
"Oh, come on, Han." Leia shook her head in disbelief. "I'm sure they're not that bad."
"I'll remind you of that if and when you meet them. And, when we're finished, I will treat you to stiffest drink on Coruscant."
Leia laughed, as she glanced over to Luke. But, he was not laughing. Instead, her brother was deep in thought.
"Luke, what's wrong?"
"I don't know," he slowly replied. "I just feel that something just isn't right. It's not about the treaty but rather." Luke paused for a moment. An uneasy look appeared on his face. "Something more ….personal."
Mara adjusted her cape as she ran out of her apartment. Her journey back to Coruscant had problems. The spice was completely out of her system, and left Calaxia at the time Garrett had promised. Once she exited hyperspace, she tried to contact Luke, via the hologram.
The image of a security officer appeared. "I'm sorry, but the blackout of the communications systems is in effect until 1200 hours. Is this a security, medical or other emergency?"
Mara winced. That's right, she thought. The communications blackout is to prevent any kind of outside threat to the Royal Visitors. I have to talk to Luke, but it doesn't qualify as an emergency.
"No, thank you."
Mara leaned back into her seat. I'll stop by his place. We can talk then.
There was were a great deal of ships waiting to fly into the Transport Area. She had to wait a couple of hours before she could dock in Hanger Bay 120. To make things worse, she was starting to feel drowsy. Garrett had said that she might have a lingering effect from the pills, but would be gone by the next day. To add to her problems, she found it difficult to get an air-taxi back to her place.
Oh well, I'll just have to get up early and try to see him.
Mara managed to share a vehicle with a group of visitors that talked non-stop. Once she finally got to her place, she was exhausted. Mara undressed, stepped into the fresher, put on her nightdress, and climbed into bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was fast asleep.
Several hours later, Mara slowly opened her eyes. The chrono-clock read 8:05.
"Damn!" she exclaimed as she bolted out of the bed. "I have to be there by 9!"
Mara dressed quickly, and was soon out the door. She managed to hail an air-taxi to the Jedi Temple. Yonga would be there waiting for her. Together, they would travel to the transport area to meet the Royal Visitors and the Qui'Tanian delegation.
The residents of Coruscant have had seen a number of celebrations throughout the years, but this was the most important and extravagant one to date. Human and droid city workers worked days to prepare the city for the ceremony. The new embassy displayed the Coat of Arms of the Qui'Tan System on Embassy Row near the Senate.
Jedi students, from the Padawans to Masters, had arrived early in order to get a good spot to view the procession. Yonga was speaking to a pupil when Mara arrived.
"Hello, Yonga."
The Jedi Master had been one of the first students to train with Luke after he had reestablished the Academy. Despite being a no-nonsense, strict teacher, she was an esteemed faculty member and was well liked among the teachers and students.
Yonga dismissed the young student with a nod. "Mara," she acknowledged; a touch of sarcasm in her tone. "Nice to see that you have decided to grace us with your presence."
Mara made a face. The woman had a knack for being sarcastic at times. "I'm sorry, but I had to run an errand for Karrde. I got back late last night. "
"Mara," Yonga shook her head, sadly. "I admire your devotion to your friends. But, you must decide if you will be a Jedi or an employee of Karrde's."
"Yes, well," she stammered. "I was sick, and only got back late last night."
"Oh?" Yonga touched Mara's arm, concerned. "Are you sure you're up for the ceremony?"
"I'm fine now, thanks."
"Good," Yonga smiled. "Let's go."
They soon climbed into a droid-driven land speeder and headed towards the main transport area where the dignitaries would arrive. The protocol was as follows. Once the Royal vehicle came to a stop, and the minister and guests emerged, Yonga would greet them. They would lead the procession to the Senate for the Official Welcome to the New Republic.
Mara gazed out the window. Humans and non-human spectators waited for hours to get an excellent space to view the procession. She was disappointed that she had not been able to talk to Luke or Leia and her relationship to the Duke and Duchess. However, this was not the time or place to reveal her identity. Mara decided to cover her head to not show her face. After the ceremony, she would have the chance to talk to Luke privately.
Mara could not help but notice the large number of women, from late teens to middle age, had assembled along the route. "I haven't seen this many women gathered to welcome a dignitary, since the actor Tol Davik was here to promote his last holo-movie."
"Well," Yonga mused. "I hear he's quite handsome… and available." A wry smile crossed the woman's face, a slight blush on her cheeks.
"What?" Mara asked, confused at what she had just heard. "Available? Duke Tirenne is married."
"You haven't heard? Oh, that's right. You said you got in late last night, and didn't hear the news."
"What news?" An uneasy feeling started to take hold in Mara's consciousness.
"The Duchess was seriously injured in an accident, and the Duke decided to stay with her. His son, Sebastian is taking his place."
Mara clutched her stomach as though she had been punched. She turned pale and a little gasp escaped her lips.
"Mara, are you still sick? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
"NO!" Mara took a deep breath. "No, I'm fine. Really."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." Mara gave her a weak smile. "It's nothing, really, just a lingering effect from what I ate."
"Very well."
Now, what do I do?
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. I will be taking Luke's place on the stage. He has a meeting to attend."
Good, she thought. Once we get inside the Senate Chamber, I'll sneak out the side entrance, and head to his office. I will tell him everything.
The vehicle pulled up to the entrance of the transport center. Mara and Yonga exited, and walked to the welcome area. Mara covered her head with the hood of her cape.
Thank goodness I don't have to give the formal introduction.
The ship slowed as it glided into the transport area and stopped. Moments later, the doors opened, and the ramp lowered to allow two groups of Royal Guards to exit. They wore dark green uniforms with the golden coat of arms, displayed over their hearts. Their helmets covered their eyes; and each guard carried each carried a blaster.
Once the guards were in place, the dignitaries descended. Mara lifted her head only slightly to get a better view. She pressed her lips together in a little smile when she saw that the delegation was led by Kohle. After they had taken their places in line, a lone male figure stood in the doorway.
The man bowed briefly, but before anyone could get a good look, he covered his head with the hood of his cape. He descended down the ramp, where he stood just a few feet away from the women.
"On behalf of Jedi, we welcome Your Grace to Coruscant," Yonga greeted the man with bow of her head.
"Thank you. I am honored to be here."
That's not Sebastian's voice, she thought. Of course, he's a decoy. This is to avoid assassination or kidnapping. All of the male dignitaries do not have their faces covered. Sebastian must be among the guards.
Force, she begged, please get me through these next several minutes.
Han settled into his seat, and browsed through the event program. He sat in the back row of the mezzanine and waited for Lando to join him. Han was the spouse of the most popular Senator; but preferred to sit on the sidelines with administrative officials. He was very proud of his wife's accomplishments, but did not want to be a distraction. Besides, this was her day and she deserved all the attention as well as the accolades.
Han smiled as he spotted Lando, and waved. The look soon faded as his friend got closer. Lando was anxious, almost scared.
"Have you talked to Luke, or Mara," Lando asked. "I just got back early this morning right before they closed the air space, but couldn't reach Mara."
"I saw Luke this morning, why?"
"Did he talk to Mara?" Lando demanded.
"No," Han's forehead creased.
"Oh damn," Lando pounded his fist on his forehead. "I can't believe this. This is going to be a disaster."
"What is?" Han's lip curled. "You know something we don't?"
"I hoped that Mara would've said something," he sighed. "Mara and Sebastian were," Lando waved his hands. "Friends."
"Friends," Han repeated. He waved his hand back and forth. "What kind of friends?"
"I wasn't going to say anything, but you'll soon find out." Lando leaned close to Han. "Mara and Sebastian were lovers," he whispered.
"Lovers!?" Han exclaimed.
People turned around to stare, with looks of anger or surprise. Han nodded apologetically to the crowd, a silly grin on his face. He waited until they turned away before talking to Lando.
"Lovers?" He repeated, in a shocked, but hushed tone. "How, when?"
"It happened years ago. Mara was on a mission with Sebastian. She was injured, so Sebastian took her back to Qui'Tan to recover, and well…" Lando waved his hands as he tried to find a subtle way to describe the relationship. "Their friendship became a bit more serious, even though Mara broke it off."
"Oh brother," he groaned. "How did you find out?"
"When Mara left Qui'Tan, we met to handle a business deal. She was upset, and confided in me. When she heard about the upcoming visit, she told me that she was going to tell Luke and Leia about her past."
"And, since she was on that errand for Karrde, the chances are she may not have known about the change in plans until the last minute," Han concluded. He started to rise from his seat. "Come on, we've got to find Luke."
"Senators and distinguished guests," the pro tempore of the Senate announced. "Please rise to welcome the delegation of the Qui'Tan System."
"Damn," Han cursed. "We're going to have to wait."
The first group of guards filed into the chamber. Yonga followed them to the stage, while Mara stepped off to the side as soon as she entered. The dignitaries soon followed, along with the final group of guards. She sensed Sebastian was somewhere in the last couple of rows.
Mara slowly inched her way to the side door. She opened it, and left. But, as she did so, the hood of her cape fell back to expose her long red hair.
From out the corner of his eye, a certain guard standing in the second row from the back, caught a glimpse of her locks. He knew of only one woman who possessed long, beautiful red hair, but she had been out of his life for several years. While the Qui'Tanian anthem played, he handed his weapon to the guard to his right, and followed her.
The side door opened out into the gardens. Mara walked down the path to the exit, thinking of what to do next. I'll talk to Luke, then Leia, she thought. But, what will I do about Sebastian? I'll take some time to think about what to do.
She froze when she came face to face with Luke. Mara was horrified. "Luke."
"Mara," Luke was puzzled. She possessed a desperation he had never seen. Mara tried to push him away, frantically trying to get away from him and this place. "What is it?"
"Luke, you don't understand. I have to talk to you, but not here."
"Why?" Luke had never seen Mara so upset. He was truly concerned. "Mara, what's bothering you?"
"Trust me, if I had known about this sooner, I would have talked to you, you have to believe me." Mara was both fearful and anxious as she tried to explain.
"You know I do. What is it?"
Mara pushed Luke away. "There's something I have to tell you." Mara took a breath. "It happened a long time ago…" she began.
"Mara?"
Sebastian stood several feet away from them. He had removed his mask, and stared at the couple, stunned at seeing the woman he had loved those many years ago.
"Is...is it really you?" He gazed at her, thinking that he was in a dream. "Mara… Mara Jade?"
Mara stepped away from Luke. Fond, romantic memories began to flood her consciousness. Here was the man from her past, the one with whom she had loved. "No, you are not seeing things. It's me, Mara Jade."
Luke glanced from Mara to Sebastian, not knowing just what to make of the situation. What was going on between the two of them?
Sebastian broke into big smile as he rushed towards Mara and scooped her up into his arms. "You don't know how I have prayed for this day to come, to see you again."
Once on her feet, Sebastian and Mara engaged in a very passionate kiss. Luke was dumbfounded. He had never seen Mara with anyone; much less see her kiss like that. His eyes widened in surprise, his jaw dropped. Mara and Sebastian? Together?
Meanwhile, inside the Senate Chamber, Minister Kohle finished his speech. He stepped back to introduce Sebastian.
"Noble Senators, esteemed guests, it is my deep honor to introduce to you His Royal Grace and Legatee of the Qui'Tan System, the noble Viscount Sebastian Al'Guion."
Kohle stepped off to the side to allow the young man to walk down the aisle to present himself to the Senate. But, no one appeared. An awkward minister looked at the Senators, then back at the delegation. They were just as confused as he was.
The silence soon gave way to whispers. Leia and Mon Mothma exchanged curious glances.
"What's going on?" Mon Mothma whispered. "He was under heavy guard. How could he have disappeared?"
"I don't know," Leia responded, each word slowly rolling out of her mouth, deep in thought. "Yonga, do you have any explanation for this?"
"No, Leia," Yonga shook her head. She was just as surprised as everyone else. "Everything went smoothly. No incident whatsoever."
Leia reached out to the Force. Sebastian was close by, as was Luke. Just what is going on?
Fear and panic gripped Kohle as he scanned the room. "Excuse me, Senators." Just where was he? Whispers began to grow a bit louder as he questioned the guards in the last rows.
"Where is His Grace?" Kohle angrily asked.
"He gave me his blaster, and left." The guard with his head towards the side door.
"You let him go?" The man was angry at this security breech.
"I couldn't stop him, Sir."
It was a different story outside. The young Viscount paid no attention to the growing clamor inside the room. Sebastian and Mara held each other at arm's length, both excited to see each other again.
"What are you doing here?" Sebastian asked, not letting her out of his arms.
"I'm training to become a Jedi," she stated, breathlessly. "I've been here for some time now."
"A Jedi?" Sebastian's eyes grew wide with approval. "You will make a very fine Jedi, I just know it. Oh, Mara, you don't know how happy I am to see you."
With that, he gave her another big hug. Mara rested her head on his shoulder. She was enjoying being back in his arms again. "Sebastian," she gasped, as she reluctantly pulled away. "Selah. I heard she was in an accident."
"Yes," the smile vanished from his face. "She is still in intensive care, but the doctors are very hopeful."
Kohle entered the garden, followed by four guards. "Your Grace...I," Kohle stopped in mid-sentence when he saw Mara. "Miss Jade?!"
"Yes, Kohle." Sebastian took Mara's hand and led her over to him. "You are not seeing things. It really is Mara."
The minister kissed Mara's hand and broke out into a big smile. "My dear, how good it is to see you." His good nature soon turned back to his duties. "Sir, you are expected inside for the ceremony."
"Yes, of course." He gave Mara a mischievous smile. "I've only been here for less than an hour, and already you're giving me trouble."
"You wish." Mara playfully punched him in the arm. The two laughed as he took her hand to lead her into the Chambers. Luke slowly followed, trying to absorb what he had seen.
The Qui'Tanian delegation gasped when they saw Mara walk in with Sebastian. They burst into thunderous applause. The rest of the audience looked confused, including Leia and Mon Mothma. Lando cringed while Han looked nervous.
"Forgive me, my noble Senators," Sebastian announced. "I did not intend to delay the proceedings, but, I have been reacquainted with a dear friend." He smiled at Mara.
"Is that so?" Leia forced herself to smile. Her immediate concern was for her brother. She sensed he was nearby. Unfortunately, Luke was blocking his feelings.
"Mara Jade is a hero among my people for her bravery in helping to return the Ancient Artifacts to our home," Sebastian explained. "We will always be eternally grateful for what she has done."
"I am very happy to hear of Mara Jade's heroics to your people," Leia acknowledged. "You are very fortunate to have such a good friend."
"Well," Sebastian gave Leia, then Mara a mischievous smile. "I'd like to think that Mara and I are a lot more than just good friends."
Gasps and stifled laughter filled the room. Mara blushed, a bit surprised at his boldness. He winked at her, and she gave him a playful shove. Sebastian responded by giving her a light smack on her back, to which she retaliated by giving him a spirited kick with the heel of her boot.
The audience responded with raucous laughter. No one had ever seen a solemn occasion turn into a humorous spectacle. Luke viewed the scene from the sidelines, still in a state of shock. Lando nudged Han. He followed the man's gaze to the side door. Luke watched for a few more minutes, turned around and left.
"Oh hell," Han muttered.
"Forgive me." Sebastian stepped forward, a more serious look on his face. "I was so excited to see Mara that I forgot about my duties."
"I too would like to apologize for my behavior," Mara stated. "It was very unprofessional, and not an appropriate way to act."
"Apology accepted," Leia gave a nod. Sebastian began his formal speech to the Senate. Mara had stepped to the sidelines. Leia paid little attention to what he was saying. Her mind was on Luke.
"We have to do something," Lando whispered. "We've got to get to Luke."
"I have an idea," Han gave a nod to the hallway entrance. "Follow me."
"How are we going to get out," Lando asked. "All the exits are guarded. No one is allowed to leave until the ceremony is over."
"Yeah, well, I know a place where we can slip out undetected."
They walked to the older section of the Senate. Paint cans, cloths and other building materials lined the corridor. "Where are we going?"
"Bail Organa's original office in the old building," Han responded. "Leia has begun to move in."
Han punched in the key code. "When we were here a few weeks ago, she reactivated the evacuation tunnel. It leads to a side alley on the opposite side of the city center."
The door opened. Lando followed Han down the passage, illuminated by the emergency lights.
People were watching the convocation via large screens that had been set up throughout the city when Han and Lando entered the busy city center. "Okay," Lando motioned with his hands, "where do we look for Luke?"
Han picked up his com-link to try to call Luke, but the communications systems was still down. "Damn," he cursed. "He said he had a meeting at the Jedi Academy. I'll look there, you go to his apartment."
"You think he might try to leave Coruscant?"
"No," Han shook his head. "He wouldn't be able to leave. No one is allowed to leave or arrive until after the ceremony. Plus, he wouldn't be able to make it there, not with all this traffic."
"So," Lando reasoned. "If he's not at the Academy or in his apartment, where else should we look?"
Han ran his fingers through his hair. He searched his mind, thinking of possible places to look. Then, a wry smile appeared on his face.
"Where do we guys go when we have to get away for an hour or so?"
Lando thought for a moment before breaking into a smile.
"Revana's Place," the two said in unison.
Luke sat alone in a darkened booth in the back of the room. The local cantina was frequented by pilots, low level administrative officers, and military personnel. It was a place that provided a safe haven from day-to-day problems; where the drinks were reasonably priced and the wait staff were lovely to look at.
"Here you are. Zyla whiskey."
Luke handed his empty glass to the attractive blond haired waitress. The woman gave him a seductive smile as she placed the drink in front of him. He responded by giving her a nod, along with a quick smile.
"Anything else I can get for you?"
"Just bring another one in a few minutes."
"My name is Brea." She leaned against the table, her free hand moved a few inches away from his. "Are you sure there's nothing else I can get for you?"
Luke looked up. Her flirtations were not lost on him. If this had been any other time, he would be flattered. But, now, all he wanted to do was drink and be alone.
"No thank you. I'm fine."
"My name is Brea." She winked at him before leaving.
Luke downed the drink in one gulp. The liquid stung his throat, but he did not care. He could not get the events of the day out of his mind. He had never seen her so vulnerable before. Luke kept replaying their kiss over and over in his mind. He knew of her past when she used her body to carry out the Emperor's plans. Those encounters were meaningless. It never bothered him. But, this situation was different, and it weighed heavily on his mind.
"There you are, Kid."
A silent, inebriated Luke looked up from his drink. Han and Lando slid into the seated booth across from him.
"Leave me alone," he quietly wailed.
"How many of those have you had?" Han pointed to the almost empty glass in his friend's hand.
Luke shrugged. "Don't know, don't care."
Brea returned to the table with Luke's drink. "Hi, and welcome to Revana's Place. What can I get for you?"
She was about to set the new drink in front of Luke when Han softly waved it away. "He's had enough," he said, in a gruff voice. "Bring us a large pitcher of water, with three glasses."
Brea took a nervous step backwards. She could sense when things were getting tense between customers. The woman glanced over to security, just to make sure they could intervene if necessary.
Lando sensed her apprehension. He took out a handful of credits and put them on her tray.
"Don't worry, we have this under control." His smooth, calm tone made her relax. "Does this amount cover the drinks?"
Brea counted the credits. "Yes, it does."
Lando reached into his pocket and pulled out a few more credits. "Here's for all your trouble. Thank you, my dear."
Han waited until Brea left. "Now, listen, Kid," Han's tone was low, but firm. "I just spoke to Leia. The ceremony is over. The reception is going on now. Everyone's been asking about you. Leia explained that you had a meeting and would be late. But, she can't keep making excuses. You HAVE to be at that reception."
"Forget it, Luke snapped. "I'm not going."
Han slammed his fist on the table so hard that it startled Luke, along with a few customers who were nearby. His jaw hardened, and his eyes blazed in anger. Luke was acting like that whiny teenager he had first met back on Tatooine. Normally, he would tease him about it., but, this time was different.
"Like Hell, Kid. Now, you listen to me," Han grabbed Luke's wrist. He jerked his thumb towards himself. "My wife," he began, and then pointed his finger at Luke. "Your sister worked her fingers to the bone trying to get this treaty passed. Did you know that there were some who were violently opposed to joining the New Republic? She met with every single individual to convince them otherwise. You remember how long she was away from me and the kids?"
Luke slowly nodded. Leia was gone for weeks at a time. He, along with Chewbacca and Threepio helped to take care of the children. Mara assisted Han and Luke from time to time, with running errands to fixing dinner for the children. Han never complained. He knew his wife was working on a significant project.
"This is Leia's greatest achievement," Han fumed. "I will not allow you or anyone else to ruin it for her, you understand?"
Luke nodded. Han was right. The treaty would only help the New Republic with technology and security, especially on the Outer Rim planets.
Brea returned with the water and glasses. She put the pitcher in the middle, and placed a glass in front of each man, and then left. "You have the pills?" He looked at Lando.
"Right here." He pulled a small bottle of purple pills out of his pocket. Lando opened it, and tapped three tablets, and put them in front of Luke.
"Now," Han poured Luke a glass of water. "Here. Take these. They will sober you up so you'll be in shape to go the reception."
"Okay." Luke popped the pills into his mouth, and drank. He held his head in his hands. "Force, why didn't she tell me?" He glared at Lando. "Why didn't you say anything about Mara and Sebastian?"
"It wasn't my place to say anything," Lando was irritated that Luke would even say such a thing. "Mara was the one to tell you, not me. Besides, do you think that was the right time to discuss it?"
"Don't blame Lando," Han stated. "It's not his fault."
"You're right," Luke nodded. "I'm sorry, Lando. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Forget it, Luke. Mara was planning to tell you. She believed you and Leia had a right to know. This is not how she wanted you to find out."
Luke leaned back, his eyes closed. The pills were beginning to take effect. He was becoming a bit more alert. "Mara and I were in the garden. She was trying to tell me something, but then Sebastian showed up." Luke leaned forward towards his friends. "I've never seen her act so hysterical before. If only I had taken her out of the garden, she would have told me everything."
"There you go, Kid." Han waved his hand in support. "Mara wasn't trying to keep anything from you. If she hadn't had to do that thing for Karrde, you would've known ahead of time."
"Yeah, you're right." Luke slid out of the booth and stood up. The effects of the alcohol had almost worn off. He was feeling physically better, but emotionally, it was a different story. "Come on. I'm feeling much better now."
"You sure?" Han asked.
"I'm sure. Come on, let's get this thing over with."
The reception was beginning to wind down. Most of the guests had left. Sebastian was taking to Mon Mothma and Yonga, while Mara and Leia had retired to a quiet corner to talk.
"So, that's the whole story Leia," Mara said. "I'm sorry I couldn't talk to you and Luke sooner."
Leia sighed. The day had been eventful, but not for the reasons Leia had hoped. She empathized with her friend. "I understand, Mara. It was just a shock, that's all."
"What do you think Luke will say?"
Leia motioned to the entrance. "You can ask him yourself. He just arrived with Han and Lando. You want me to go with you?"
"No thanks," she smiled, grateful that her friend was there to offer support. "I need to do this alone."
Mara waited until Lando and Han left his Luke's side. "Luke? We need to talk."
"That is the understatement of the year," he sarcastically responded. Luke squeezed his eyes shut. "Sorry."
Mara cringed. "I know you're upset, and I don't blame you. Everything happened so fast, I didn't have a chance to think. Can we go somewhere to talk?"
Luke looked over her shoulder. Leia and Sebastian were headed in their direction. "Not now: tomorrow, in my office."
"Your Grace," Leia proudly announced. "I would like to present, my brother, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker."
A smile froze on Luke's face as he attempted to bow, but Sebastian waved his hands to stop him. "No, please, do not bow. The honor is mine. You have my respect, and I hold you and your friends in high regard."
Sebastian, along with the delegation, bowed before Luke. He was dumbfounded. This was not what he expected. Then again, he did not really know what to expect.
Sebastian took Luke's forearm in a firm grasp, pulled him close, and embraced him. "This is a Qui'Tanian greeting amongst close friends. I hope that someday we could be great friends."
Luke felt awkward. He could sense Sebastian was sincere, but could not shake his suspicions that something was not right.
The two men stood opposite each other without a word, each taking the moment to study the other. While Luke toiled on a moisture farm on Tatooine, Sebastian risked his life to save his family and people. Luke found himself admiring the man's courage and bravery.
Sebastian examined the Jedi Master who stood before him, flattered to be in his presence. Here was a man who had come from a simple background to become a great pilot to defeat the Death Star. Luke went on to become a Jedi, defeat the Empire, and reestablish the Jedi Order. The members of the Qui'Tanian religious order spoke in hushed, reverent tones of "The Force" and of those who possessed it.
"I don't know what to say."
Sebastian chuckled. "Well, I'm sure you'll have something to say when you dine with me tonight."
"Nice," was all that Luke could say.
Lando and Han exchanged painful glances. "I've got a bad feeling about this," he whispered out the corner of his mouth.
"You and me both, my friend," Lando nodded in agreement.