Warning: Spoilers: This story practically ruins The Hand of Thrawn series. (Mostly Vision of the Future) If you haven?t read it yet, this is your warning.
Rated: What the hey. This should be rated R. But, if you are reading this, you likely don?t care.
If you have any comments, mail me at [email protected]
Part 1.
A familiar Truth.
Luke Skywalker looked up over the horizon and smiled to himself as he felt a familiar presence behind him. He turned around and stared at the lovely young woman approaching him.
?Luke? What?s the matter? I got the feeling?? She started showing a slight air of concern, but not more so than usual.
?I?m fine Mara, I just wasn?t able to sleep.? He answered cutting her off. He smiled and she looked at him with her dark green emerald eyes, probing his soul. ?No sense lying to me Skywalker? she sent over to him, and turned to look at Yavin rising above them. A slight smile moved her usually serious expression.
?I?m not lying Mara, I?m just not using the whole truth? He shot back at her.
?Go on. Why couldn?t you sleep then?? He felt enter his mind. He bit his lip and looked at Yavin.
?I couldn?t stop thinking about you last night. That?s all. I mean, well, ack.? Luke sent over and started to blush. Mara turned to look at him, and kissed him tenderly on the cheek.
?Skywalker. You amaze me even now.? Mara stood up, placed a hand on his shoulder, kissed him on the cheek again, and walked off the top of the temple. ?I?ll leave you alone with your thoughts for a while.? She sent and then seemed to vanish. Luke let out a long sigh and leaned back on the temple. This was gonna be different.
?Mara? Where?s Master Skywalker? I didn?t know that you two were back yet!? Tionne questioned Mara. She stopped as she noticed Mara smiling. ?Mara? What did you do to Luke while you were gone??
?I didn?t do anything to him, he did all this to himself.? Mara turned around and walked into the temple, a smile growing across her face.
Tionne hung back and blew some hair out of her face. She looked up at the top of the temple, and there sat Master Skywalker, one of the few men she truly admired. He seemed to feel her stare and look down at her. His silhouette stood up and jumped off the edge of the temple. He glided safely down to the ground and stood in front of Tionne. He smiled.
?You were looking for me??
?Yea, Master Skywalker. Leia called. She was hoping to talk to you about a wedding.? Luke let out an exasperated sigh.
?Thanks Tionne. I?ll go talk to her now. Is there anything else?? Luke said turning more serious as he noted that something must be bothering her.
?Master Skywalker, you rode in with Mara and, well?perhaps you could explain about this whole wedding thing? I mean, who are you marrying?? Tionne said trying to illustrate her feelings into words but then changing the topic.
?Mara and I were on a mission together for a while. That?s all. I just got a ride here with her. Nothing to worry about, she doesn?t want to kill me or anything. And the wedding, I?ll explain it during breakfast alright? I think that I?m going to go call Leia back now. Thank you.? Luke walked off towards the temple. Tionne just stared hoping this whole ordeal wasn?t what she thought it was.
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?So you think that she?s as good as me?? She asked seriously at Karrde.
?Well, not as good, but pretty close. I mean, unless you know of any other Hand?s that would love to work for me.? He said turning the conversation to a lighter tone.
?No, no other Hands. I should be going. I just wanted to see how the whole Smugglers Alliance was going without me.? Mara said.
?It?s alright. I think that some of the members of the organization miss you though. You have a way of impressing people don?t you. I trust that if we need you??
?You can count on me Karrde. Don?t worry. Just, be careful. The Alliance is still pretty young and it?ll be finicky??
?I know Mara. Congratulations again.?
?Thanks.? Karrde noticed an unfamiliar sight as Mara blushed slightly.
?Okay then, I should be going. You need anything, I?ll be here.? Karrde shut off the com. channel and Mara leaned back on the chair. She started to think about what she was doing when a loud knock on the door brought her back to reality.
?Come on in Skywalker? She sent out. The door opened and Luke stood in the doorway. Mara stood up and walked over. She shut and locked the door behind him. Luke wrapped his arms around her and they kissed. Mara leaned her body into his as if asking for something. Luke broke the kiss and looked down at her. ?You didn?t tell Tionne. She?s seriously confused now.? ?I know, it?s kinda funny? Mara smiled at him and looked deep into his blue eyes. She kissed him again, running her arms up and down his back. She could almost feel Luke?s yearning to be with another. She broke the kiss and escaped from his hold. ?I said that we?d explain it all at breakfast? He shot at her. ?Alright. That gives us about 10 minutes. Did you want to go eat before everyone gets there?? Mara?s thoughts entered his head.
?That?s a good idea.? Luke said as he unlocked the door and opened it. Mara seemed to straighten her hair and she walked past him out the door. He shut the door and walked behind her, with a light hand on her back. ?You wanna wreck the whole surprise Skywalker?? She sent as she felt the hand on her back. ?No? ?Then you had better not do this? ?Sorry? He sent and his hand fell back to his side. They reached the mess hall and Luke held the door open. They both wandered in and Mara sat down as Luke retrieved some food. A few minutes later a tray of food was set in front of Mara and Luke sat down with a similar tray across from her.
?I don?t know if they are going to like this Luke.? Mara ventured as she took a first bite of her food. ?They don?t like me much here. I think that they?ll think that I?m just going to be using you or something.?
?Mara, it doesn?t matter. All that matters is that we love each other.? Luke said as he reached over and clutched her hand. A door opened behind them and Luke retracted his hand and went back to his breakfast. Streen walked past them with only a slight glance. The Bespin Hermit went over to grab his own tray and he sat across the room.
?Streen? Did you want to come over here to eat?? Mara asked looking at the lonely man. He smiled and walked over.
?If you don?t mind. I have missed your presence Master Skywalker.? Streen said as he sat down. He smiled and went at his breakfast. Luke looked at Mara slightly surprised. ?Well, I do have a heart?
Streen looked at Luke and Mara then back at his food. The slight vibration in the force at that moment was strange to him. He knew that it was something between Mara and Luke. ?Congratulations Mara on becoming a Jedi? he offered
?Why thank you Streen. I didn?t think it was that obvious.? Mara said as she looked down at her own dish.
?Only when you look closely,? Streen smiled ? I just noticed when you and Master Skywalker were communicating.?
Luke turned to look at Streen as he finished his food. ? I didn?t hear you, I could just feel it. I hope that I wasn?t intruding or anything.? Streen continued. He was on the defensive. ? I knew that you had gone on a mission or something, and when you came back I could feel the presence of two Jedi. I take it that you completed your training on this mission Mara??
?Not purposefully, but yes I did.? Mara said as she scooped up the last of her cereal.
?I see? Streen said and went back to work on his own breakfast.
?I didn?t think anyone else could tell? Mara shot at him.
?I didn?t either.? Luke said. He turned as the rest of the academy seemed to enter the mess hall. His niece and nephew at the beginning of the line. He stood up and gave each of them a hug.
?Uncle Luke. You?re back! I thought you were. See Jacen. I told you! Mara is here.? Jaina said as she escaped the hug to look at her brother. Her brother mearly stuck out his tongue. And then behind them, little Anakin appeared. Luke gave him a hug and Anakin gave Luke a kiss, then walked over to Mara and whispered something in her ear and gave her a quick kiss as well. Mara?s eyes widened and she smiled. ?How does he do that?? She sent. ?Do what?? ?He welcomed me to the family Luke.? Luke?s own eyes opened wide.
?Master Skywalker?? Kyp asked from behind him. ?Welcome back. And you too Mara?
Simultaneously Mara and Luke answered ?Thank you? and then they looked at each other
?Okay, you ready?? Mara asked. Luke smiled. They both walked up to the front of the room and waited as everyone sat down. ?Ready?
The whole room quieted and Luke cleared his throat. ?Mara and I would like to??
?Announce our wedding to all of you? Mara finished for him. They looked at the crowd, Mara expecting disapproval and Luke expecting confusion. Neither happened. In the middle of the room Kyp stood up and started to clap. Soon the rest of the Academy joined him.
Kyp looked up at the happy couple and smiled. Finally Luke had found his match. Jacen and Jaina smiled at each other knowing that they would eventually have cousins. Tionne started to sing an old folk song that she was taught.
?For they?re a jolly great couple, for they?re a jolly great couple?? and soon the rest of the Jedi were singing with her. Somewhere in the back of the room someone tapped their fork against a cup causing a ding to ring around the room. Anakin Solo grabbed his fork and did the same seeming to know what it meant. Mara and Luke looked at each other and their lips met in a passionate kiss, that left the academy cheering. Mara and Luke soon left the mess hall and went outside for a quiet moment together.
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?Mara, I missed you.? Luke said striding over to the ship.
Several weeks passed and the wedding was fast approaching. After a quick trip to Coruscant, Mara returned quiet and defensive. ?I?m sure you are Skywalker.? Mara said ignoring his open arms that she wanted to just melt into. He could feel his mind stretching out to find out what was the matter. She brushed him off and ran into the academy, yearning for the solitude of her own room.
?Mara?? Luke?s voice came through the door. She used the force to open the door but refused to turn and look at him. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She didn?t turn, but stayed in his arms. She closed her eyes.
?Luke??
?Are you alright Mara? You have closed yourself off to me a while ago and I was so worried.? He began. Mara only grabbed his hands and placed them onto her abdomen. His eyes opened wider. ?Mara??
?It?s yours Luke. This is why.?
?I don?t know what to say.? He said quietly, afraid to let her know how happy is was.
?Tell me you want this child.? She responded quietly.
?More than anything.? Luke whispered into her ear. He could feel her let out a relieved sigh and smile. Her barriers feel and once again the Mara he loved was in his arms.
?I?m glad Luke. I was afraid you wouldn?t want it, and I?d have to leave you. I didn?t want that.?
?Now why wouldn?t I? I love you. You know that. Now, let?s get you unpacked and ready for the wedding. It?s only a few days until we are husband and wife.? Luke said, still not letting go of Mara. He reveled at the feeling of his child growing inside of his fianc�e. She leaned back into him, agreeing with him, but not wanting this moment to end. They sat at the window looking outside. Mara had a brief vision of the future. She and Luke were standing on a field somewhere. She smiled as Luke turned to look at her, he was holding a child in his arms, a little girl with red hair and blue eyes. And then, from behind him a little boy came running with blond hair and blue eyes, smiling, to Mara. She scooped him up into her arms and kissed him on the cheek. The child slithered out of her arms and ran around until out of nowhere a man came and grabbed the child. Luke and Mara started to run after him, but the vision blurred. Mara came back to reality but a tear still ran down her cheek. From behind her, Luke clutched her harder and whispered in her ear. ?They won?t get him, I promise.? Mara leaned her head back into Luke and let out a sigh.
?I know. I don?t think that our marriage will be boring though.? Mara smiled. Luke smiled and kissed her. Even after the terrifying vision, she felt safe in his arms. The future could wait.
Part 2 Coming Soon. *I gotta write it first!*
Got any thing to say? Write me at [email protected]
Disclaimer: Well, the same stuff as before. You know, this is all Lucasfilms stuff and all.
Spoilers: Same as before. Vision of the Future, my previous story ?A familiar truth?, I think that?s it!
Rated:
A Familiar Truth, part 2.
Elise Stephenson
Mara Jade sat on her bed looking out the window. Thoughts of change and difference danced through her head. Her hand came down to her belly where her new child grew. She closed her eyes and let out a slow groan as she felt her morning sickness reappear. She laid back on the bed and took a quick bite off of a toast like substance that seemed to ease the sickness to a more manageable level. At her door she heard a knock and she quickly sat up attempting to try to cover her body with more than the simple nightgown that she had been sleeping in. She reached out with the force confirming who she thought it was, then used the force to open the door. Tionne, the Jedi Knight walked in. She smiled and put down a tray of food by her nightstand.
?Master Skywalker was wondering how you are doing.? She said more as a statement than a question.
?Tell him, no forget it. I?ll tell him.? ?I?m fine Luke, you don?t need to worry? Mara sent out to her Fianc� a couple of doors down.
?You need some help getting ready?? Tionne asked looking at the white lace dress that hung on the back of the door.
?I?m not sure if I can do this. I?.? Mara started but was unable to finish. For the first time in her life she was afraid. The future seemed to loom ahead of her and she was helpless to change it.
?I know. You are worried. Don?t be afraid.? Tionne offered. She then walked over and unhooked the dress from the handle. She then helped Mara to stand up and get into it. ?You look lovely. I know that Master Skywalker will love you in this.? She eyed Mara and then frowned. She then started to rummage around the room.
?What are you looking for?? Mara asked. Tionne finally stopped looking, there she found a beautiful white hair piece. She then stood behind Mara and put her hair up. Mara spinned around and eyed herself in the mirror. The door opened behind her and in walked Leia. Tionne nodded her head, gave Mara a quick kiss on the cheek and went off to get ready herself.
?Good morning Leia.? Mara said. Leia shut the door and walked up behind her. She turned her around and smiled. Mara looked at her.
?Well, I guess that if we are going to be sisters in law we may as well try to get along.?
?Yea. I won?t hurt Luke. I promise.?
?I know. At least I think that I know you will. Mara, let me be frank. He?s got a good heart. And I don?t want to see it broken again. It?s been so hard for him, and I know that he genuinely loves you??
?And I love him. I don?t intend on ever letting anything hurt him, don?t worry.? Mara interrupted, then grabbed her hands and looked into her eyes. ?We love each other. I have seen many?visions. We will be together for a long time, don?t worry. Please. Can we just put our past differences aside and start off as friends, not enemies?? Mara ventured.
?I would like that? Leia said then pulled Mara into a hug. ?It?s time to go? She said escorting her out the door.
Mara stared out at the whole crowd that was here at the wedding. She put on a smile and looked at her soon to be husband. He was out of his normal Jedi grub and was wearing a tux. She smiled and looked at Karrde that was holding her arm. He was the only one that she wanted to give her away. As they walked down the isle, Mara smiled through her veil at all the smiling faces and love that seemed to emanate out of the room. She walked down to the end of the isle and Karrde gave her a kiss on the cheek and walked off to the side to sit down. Luke took her hand and smiled at her. ?Are you ready?? She felt enter her mind. ?Of course. No?cold feet?? She sent out. ?No, I love you.? ?I love you too.? She smiled and they turned to Leia.
?I have seen many things in my life. But never have I seen a relationship grow in this sort of a manor. Luke and Mara have survived many ordeals together, and we can only hope that they will get through the hardest, marriage.? A chuckle ran through the audience. ?But, here we are. We are here to see this happy couple get married. Luke Skywalker, do you take Mara Jade to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, ?till death do you part??
Luke looked at Mara. ?I do.? Luke grabbed the ring from Han and put it on Mara?s finger.
?And you, Mara Jade. Do you take Luke Skywalker, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, ?till death do you part??
Mara smiled. ?I do.? Mara took the ring from Tionne and put it on Luke?s finger.
?Then in front of this group and the force, I proclaim you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.? Leia smiled. Luke lifted up Mara?s veil and kissed her passionately on the lips. The whole congregation stood up and cheered. Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade had found they true mates in each other.
Luke walked Mara to their room after the festivities had finished. Once the door shut, Mara fell onto the bed and kicked off her shoes.
?Wow, I didn?t know your life was that hilarious.? She commented.
?Only when Han tells it. He has a way of seeing life differently than most.? Luke smiled and sat down next to her.
?I could tell. Lucky the Emperor wasn?t there. I wasn?t always this way?? Mara said.
?Oh really? You know, you have smiled more today than I have ever seen in the entire time that I have known you??
?Well, for once I have been truly happy.? Mara stood up and walked into the refresher shutting the door. She emerged minutes later in a lacey green nightgown. Mara looked at Luke who stared at her with a wide mouth. ?What???
?You look?phenomenal! I?I?? Luke started stuttering.
?Thank you, I guess.? Mara said slightly blushing. She sat down on the bed and kissed Luke hard on the lips. ?You don?t look to bad in that Tux either.?
?Well I??
Mara interrupted him with a long kiss on the lips. Her hands started helping him off with his Jacket, Cumberbun and the rest of the Tux. He smiled and looked at his new wife. Finally, all seemed right with the universe.
Luke woke up with Mara?s head on his shoulder. She was fast asleep, having a dream about their child again. She seemed to marvel at the fact that it was possible for her to be a mother. He sat up and gently laid her head onto a pillow then stood up and got dressed in a robe. He then went down to go grab some breakfast for himself and his wife when she woke up.
?Master Skywalker?? A voice inquired from behind. ?Are you alright??
?I?m great Kyp. Why?? He turned around and addressed the young man behind him.
?Usually newlyweds don?t leave their rooms for several days?? He said smiling.
?I was just going to grab us some breakfast. Perhaps you would walk with me. You have something on your mind.? Luke said and started to walk towards the mess hall. The young man caught up with him quickly
?I do. You know that I don?t like Mara much right??
?I know. Many people don?t.?
?Well, I guess I just wanted to say, well, if she makes you as happy as you were last night, I think that she?s truly right for you.?
?Last night??
?The whole academy could feel the?passion coming from your room.?
?Oh. Sorry.? Luke blushed a bit.
?Don?t be, we are all happy for you. You deserve it.?
?Okay then.?
?I?ll take your classes for today, I don?t expect you to want to take them.?
?Give them a day off. This is a great day. They should go out and have a day to themselves or with each other. The Jedi should have some fun too.? Luke said startlingly out of character. Kyp stopped and watched as Luke, the man that had been his teacher, his friend and his confidant, changed into a new man.
?Luke??
?I?m just getting some breakfast, I?ll be right there.?
?Oh, okay.? Mara had awoken to an empty room and a hungry child. She sat up and threw on a green robe. She then sat down on a chair and caressed her belly.
?Dads off getting food for the two of us. Patience.?
?Usually I start training after the child is born.? Luke commented from behind. He placed a tray of food in front of Mara and sat down next to her. He weaseled an arm around her and kissed her on the lips. ?So, how did you sleep??
?Better than I have in a long, long time? She leaned a head on his shoulder and smiled to herself. ?He?s gonna be a lot like his dad. He?s strong.?
?I know. I could feel it last night.?
?Luke??
?Yes Mara??
?You are the first man I have ever loved. Truly loved. I have never been with another, nor wanted to be. Thank you.?
?For what??
?For being you. For being here for me even when I had wanted to kill you.?
Luke only smiled and pulled her closer. They finished their meal in silence. It was their first meal alone as husband and wife, but not their last.
* * * * *
?Damn you Skywalker for getting me pregnant.? Mara screamed as another contraction sent a wave of pain through her body. Luke only smiled and held her hand. For the last hour and a half Mara had been screaming curses and accusations. From the minute the first contraction happened in the middle of their living room, Mara had seemed to be in control. As Luke rushed her down to the Medicenter, he control seemed to depart and the pain consumed her.
?You never should have done this to me. I hate you. I would have been better off?owww!? Mara continued until the contraction subsided. ?Oh Luke, I?m sorry. It just hurts so bloody much! Ah, oh, owww!? She started before the contractions took her into another fit of pain. Luke did his best to try to get rid of the pain but it didn?t seem to be helping much.
?Just one more push, you can do it.? The MD said as he prepared to bring one of the most powerful children into the universe. Mara pushed and a head poked through. Luke smiled so widely as the rest of the child appeared and his wife was no longer in pain. She smiled and let out a sigh, he wiped a piece of hair from her forehead and took their new son into his arms.
?Welcome to our Universe Ben.? Luke said and tried to hush the crying child. He then passed it onto Mara who smiled and looked at him with wonderment.
?So you were the one kicking me and making me sick. My, my, we are going to have to teach you some lessons. Number 1, don?t kick the one feeding you, number two, I love you, your dad loves you, the whole universe loves you. Try to keep it this way and you won?t get into trouble.? Luke smiled as Mara seemed to dictate to the little child. Soon the child was asleep and the mother was barely awake. Luke helped Mara back to their room when she was soon fast asleep, and placed the child in his new crib. He watched the little child dream a thousand dreams and smiled to himself. A little piece of him, and a little piece of his wife was in front of him. The Universe had finally given him everything he could ever want. He had a loving wife, a beautiful boy, a great sister, many friends, and for once it seemed, no enemies.
?You are just like your father, you are. Yes you are. Awww, what?s wrong. Stop your crying, please. Mommy loves you. Mommy does. Yes, she does.? Luke awoke to Mara trying to comfort a crying child. As he opened his eyes he saw his wife pull the child into her arms, kiss it on the forehead and the child stopped crying. Mara smiled. ?Morning Dad.?
?Morning Mommy.? Luke said smiling. Mara walked over to the bed and sat down, the child still in her arms. She was still smiling and he kissed her lightly on the lips, then kissed his son on the cheek and lifted him out of her arms. He held the little boy as Ben yawned. He smiled even wider. ? I didn?t know babies could yawn!?
?Had you been up an hour earlier you would have. He?s very tired. He made his way out of the comfortable Mommy and into the big scary world. It?s a terrifying thing, I?d loose sleep over it too.?
Luke looked up at Mara and kissed her lightly on the cheek. ?I love you.?
Mara was about to answer when there was a loud knock at the door. Mara opened the door and let the Solo family in.
?We just got here kid. Sorry. So, how?s the new nephew of mine??
?Tired. He had a long day and night? Mara responded closing the door. ?You want something to drink?.?
?Wow Jacen, he?s here. I can?t believe he?s here.? Jaina said crowding around Luke and the child with her brothers. ?I know, he?s so little. We used to be like that!? ?I know, but we were much cuter!? Luke had to smile at that one. Nothing was as beautiful as his baby boy.
As the rest of the academy flowed into the rooms, Mara and Luke escaped briefly to get changed and to have some alone time. They had left the child with Leia.
?Luke, this is going to be different?
?I know.?
?I?ve never done this before, I?m improvising.?
?I know, you?re doing fine. Don?t worry.? Luke said pulling Mara into an embrace and kissing her.
?Okay then. If you say so.? In the last few days Mara had seen her life change more drastically than ever before. She was a mother. She couldn?t run away anymore. The freedom she had once held so highly didn?t matter as much anymore and then again, nothing she used to hold highly mattered as much anymore. All that mattered was that Luke loved her and her child needed her to love him. She needed to protect him from the ?vision man? that she had been so afraid of. But even as she and Luke watched the hustle and bustle of the other room over their child, Mara knew that they could handle whatever the force threw at her.
Continued in Part 3. *Hey, you got part two, stop complaining*
Once again, if you got any problems, my email is [email protected]. Hope you enjoyed this part!
Disclaimer: Well, just the basic little doodad. This is my story and I?m not earning anything off of it. The characters are a part of Lucasfilm?yaddy yaddy yaddy?enjoy
Spoilers: Part one, two, Vision of the future
Rated: R
A Familiar Truth, part 3
Mara Skywalker woke up to the sound of a child crying in another room. She opened her eyes and blinked several times. She looked over at her husband still asleep besides her. That man could sleep through a herd of Rancors storming the room. She stood up and walked over into the adjacent room. There she found her small son crying in his crib. She lifted him out and took him into her arms.
?Hush little one. Mommy?s here. Daddy is just being lazy. Hush.? Mara said kissing the child softly. She sat down in a rocking chair and started to rock the young child back to sleep. She quietly hummed the tune to a song she had once known, but hadn?t remembered until now. The child?s eyes grew heavy and Mara stopped her rocking and started to stand up. She yawned. The child started to cry again, and Mara rethought her course of action. ?It?s okay Ben, I?m here. I am always here for you.? She sat back down again and sleep took her again.
Luke Skywalker woke up to the sun shining in his face. He turned to look over at his wife but was surprised to find her missing. He sat up and took an inventory of where she was. He reached out with the force and found that she was in Ben?s room. He wandered over to see her. As he opened the door to the room, he found that Mara was asleep and Ben was in her arms asleep as well. He smiled to himself and took Ben out of her arms. Ben uttered a small cry and then was sound asleep again. He placed him in his crib and walked over to Mara.
He slowly ran a hand over Mara?s face, brushing away a strand of hair. She seemed to smile at him. He lifted her into his arms, her head leaning on his shoulder. He took her into their bedroom and placed her softly on the bed. He placed a blanket on her and left the room.
?Master Skywalker, how are you doing this morning?? Kyp asked as he encountered him in the halls.
?I?ve had better nights, but I can?t complain.? Luke said smiling.
?And how?s the latest edition to the Skywalker Clan?? Kyp said silently congratulating Luke on the birth of Ben.
?Well, he kept Mara up most of the night, I found her asleep in the babies room this morning.?
Kyp chuckled a bit, and seemed to wish that he was as lucky as Luke. The man had saved the galaxy countless times, recreated the Jedi Order, got married, had a child and still managed to look young and alive. ?I think I can understand why. He definitely has a voice.?
It was Luke?s turn to chuckle. ?You wanna grab something to eat? I figured I?d let Mara and Ben sleep for a while.?
Mara woke up again to see Luke in the refresher. He turned around to look at her and smiled. She rubbed some sleep out of her eyes and started to stand up. Luke rushed over and helped her to stand. He kissed her passionately and smiled even wider.
?You still amaze me Mara.?
?How?s that?? She said as she walked over to the refresher and the adjacent closet.
?You have been up all night with Ben, and you still look fabulous in the Morning?
She smiled and picked out a green jumpsuit. She turned to look at him and ran a single finger down his chest. ? And you can sleep through a child screaming his lungs out.? She turned around and walked back into the bedroom. She took off all off her nightgown and started at her body in the mirror. She looked herself up and down and wrinkled her nose. She threw on the jumpsuit and was about to go do her hair when Luke caught her in his arms. ?Mara, you are lovely.? She wrinkled her nose again and tried to escape from his grip. He smiled and held onto her. ?Luke, my breasts are the size of Ewoks and my stomach is still bigger than before.? Luke had to smile wider. ?Having kids will do that Mara, you know that. It?ll come back in time, don?t worry.? Mara ran her finger down his chest again until she hit a particularly advantageous spot, the place where the almighty Jedi Master was ticklish. She started to tickle him and as he started to laugh she escaped his grip and ran into the refresher. He was quick on his feet and caught up with her quickly. He took her into tighter embrace and kissed her. ?That was cheap Mar? ?I know, but it worked.? She said as she returned his kiss with more passion. His hands started to run up her back as they heard a cry coming from the other room. Luke pulled out.
?Looks like someone decided to face today again.? He let her go and walked over to Bens room. He lifted the small child out of the crib and bounced him up and down. His crying stopped and he started to smile.
?Mar, look at this. He's smiling!? Mara rushed into the room to find her husband and son smiling. Luke?s eyes sparkled in bewilderment and Ben just looked around. Mara ran over and gave them both a hug.
?Lets go get some breakfast Luke, I?m starving.? Mara said as she walked out of the room. Luke wrapped Ben up in a blanket and started after her.
?He?s adorable Master Skywalker.? Tionne repeated for the umpteenth time as she took the newest Jedi into her arms. She softly sang to him and his eyes lit up. She handed him back to Mara and they resumed their meal. Luke then took him out of Mara?s arms and placed him into the makeshift baby carrier. He put it onto his back and kissed Mara. ?Take it easy love, you are tired and weak? ?Am not Skywalker? ?Sure Mara, just take it easy okay, Please?? ?Fine you win? Mara sent reluctantly. She helped get Ben comfortable in the carrier and kissed him
?Take care of him Luke, I don?t want anything to happen to him? Mara warned, putting on a stern face. He just smiled and went off for the run.
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Luke placed the sleeping Ben into his crib and kissed him lightly on the forehead. He wandered back into his bedroom and found Mara laying in bed reading a datapad. He walked over and took off his robe. He slipped into bed and Mara put down the pad. She turned to look at him. He smiled and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
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?Okay then Ben, how many credits is this?? Mara said holding out several credits. The little Boy looked at the credits and smiled. He grabbed them into his little fist and started to throw them at her. She started to laugh and took the little bundle of energy into her arms.
?Mommy?? He said as she pulled him into her arms. She looked at him. When he repeated it again she started to cry. Luke wandered in wondering what had shocked his wife. He found his son parading around the room repeating ?Mommy? several times. She was smiling even as tears fell down her cheeks. Luke walked over and picked up Ben. He kissed him several times and helped Mara to stand. Her bulging stomach seemed as though it would topple her over but she mearly smiled and rubbed it.
?I can?t believe it. He?s growing up too fast. I mean, he?s talking, he?s walking, barely, he?s growing. Luke, I?m so proud. I mean, he?s already started to master the concepts of the force. Luke, we did this. We...? Luke looked at her and interrupted her with a kiss. She smiled and kissed Ben. She wandered over to their bedroom and resumed the packing. Luke followed her and sighed. She turned around. ?What??
?DO you have to go. I mean, you are almost in your 8th month. You really shouldn?t be out doing work for Karrde.? Luke said looking down on the little boy falling asleep in his arms. ?I just??
?Luke?I?ll be fine. I mean, I?ll be with Lando. Everything?ll be okay. He?ll take care of me if anything goes wrong. Besides, it?ll only be a week or two. Don?t worry Skywalker? She said resuming her packing. She shut the bag and started out the door. She walked out to the new Jade?s Fire and placed her bags outside. Lando came out and gave Luke a firm handshake and assured him that he?d take care of her. Mara reappeared shortly after and took Ben out of Luke?s arms.
?I?ll be back in a few days okay sweetie? You gonna be good for daddy? Please. He needs all the help he can get.? She told him quietly. The little boy looked up and uttered a small Mommy and started to cry. Mara was about to put off the whole thing, but knew this was important. She kissed the young boy and then handed him to Lando. She then went over and pulled Luke into a long, passionate kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and held her near.
?I?ll be back soon love. Don?t worry.?
?Take care, I love you Mara.?
?And I love you Luke? With that Mara kissed him on the cheek and walked into the Fire. She sat in the cockpit and looked out to see her husband and son looking at her. Luke waved and Ben just whimpered. She smiled and they took off.
?Master Skywalker, there is someone requesting an audience with you as soon as they land.? Tionne said as they watched the Fire disappear and a new glimmer appeared. Luke backed off the landing pad and waited for the ship to land. As it did, Ben fell asleep. He walked over to the ship, and there he found someone he had not been expecting.
?Luke?what??
?Callista, it?s been a long time.? Luke said as the young woman approached. It was just like how he had seen her first on the eye. Her hair was long and curly, all of her feature had taken over those of Cray, the young woman who had given her body to Callista.
?You have married, or is he not yours?? She said eyeing Ben. With that Ben woke up and started to cry, attempting to escape from Luke. Luke held onto him tight, not wanting him to leave. Ben seemed to pick up on this and sat still, eyeing Callista as if she were his worst enemy.
?I have married, and he is mine. His name is Ben. Ben, I would like you to meet Callista, an old friend of mine.?
Ben looked her over again and whimpered for his mommy. Luke smoothed his hair and smiled.
?He?s adorable Luke. I am sorry that I took so long to come back Luke. I was preoccupied with finding my powers.?
?And you did. Congratulations. Have you married?? He asked wondering.
?No, but I have a friend that seems to relish the idea.? She said smiling. Behind her emerged a young man, who walked down the gangplank and wandered over to the three of them.
?And you are the famous Luke Skywalker, the one that Cally speaks so fondly of.? He said putting out his hand. Luke shook it and returned to holding Ben.
? And you are??
?Kylin.?
?A pleasure. This is Ben.? Ben managed a small whimper and buried his face in Luke?s tunic.?
?Where?s the wife Luke?? Callista asked looking around for the woman that stole Luke from her.
?She is out on work. Perhaps I should show you somewhere to stay? Will you be here long??
?I was hoping to stay long enough for you to help me retrain my abilities. It appears that I have forgotten how to use them.? Callista said, blushing slightly. Luke smiled and showed them inside.
Mara rubbed her belly and proceeded to undo the safety restraint. Lando leaned over and helped her get it off.
?Lando, I?m not an invalid, I can undo a safety belt.? Mara said in a huff. Lando sat back in his seat and looked at the star lines that was hyperspace. ?I?m sorry, I think I?ve been around Skywalker too much?
Lando smiled and thought of his wife, Tendra, back on Coruscant. He turned to look at the woman that he was once madly in love with and realized that she was happy with Luke. Though he never thought her to ever be a mother. She looked at him, almost as if reading his thoughts. She smiled.
?I?m gonna go take a nap, tell me when we get there.?
?Got it boss.? Lando said, mock saluting her. This was the Lando she had never known, fun but wasn?t trying to seduce her at every turn. She liked that, they could be friends. She stepped out of the cockpit and headed towards the back.
?Ben. Ben. Didn?t I tell you to be nice to Cally?? Luke said staring at the young boy who had just kicked the retraining Jedi. Callista screamed out in shock and eyed the young child with contempt. Ben had just sat there and eyed her right back. Luke didn?t know what had gotten into Ben but knew that it was something different. He asked Kyp to continue to help Callista and took Ben off to their room. He sat Ben down on the bed and he immediately walked started to play as if the whole matter was nothing. Luke reached out with the force to check on Mara, she was asleep. He silently wished that she was here to make everything all better. She would know what to do with this mess. He looked over at Ben and kneeled in front of him.
?What is wrong with Callista Ben? Why don?t you like her?? Luke said, wishing that he could say more than mommy. Ben looked at him and his lips moved.
?Bad. Cally bad? Ben said and then reached for a hug. Luke hugged him and started to understand why Ben didn?t like her. He thought that she was Evil. Luke just sat and hugged his son.
Mara sat up and panted heavily. Something was wrong on Yavin. Lando wandered into the room.
?We?re here Mara, are you ready to go?? He said grabbing her bags.
? I guess so.? She replied. They walked off of the shuttle, Landos arm drapped over her shoulder. She leaned her head on his shoulder and tried to appear like they were newly weds.
?Tyon and Marin. So nice to see you again. And I see that you have a little one on the way.? They were greeted by the smuggler. Mara smiled and rubbed her stomach and Lando shook his hand.
?Hinam, how you been? We came back to seal that deal with you, you ready to talk?? Lando said trying to get right to business.
?Sure Tyon, it looks like you have been domesticated. Shame.? Mara only smiled, trying to be the ball of fluff that she was originally in this deal. She flicked her hair to the front of her shoulder and giggled as Lando kissed her cheek. He hugged her and walked off to do deal. She pretended to be sad at his leaving and pouted. Lando smiled and she smiled back, following like the little eager to please wife she was supposed to be.
?Luke, why doesn?t your son like me?? Callista asked.
?He has his reasons I?m sure. Don?t worry.? Luke answered, trying to change the topic. Callista bit her lip thoughtfully and went back to her meal. Luke watched her eat. She had changed much since they last saw each other. It was obvious as well that Kylin was mad for her. It made Luke anxious for Mara to return.
? I don?t understand, I have never done anything to him. I barely even see him. I don?t like it.?
?Maybe it?s a calling of the Force. Maybe he knows that we were once?lovers and fears that I?d leave his mother for you.?
? You never even told me who his mother is.? Callista stated.
?I am.? A voice said behind them. Luke turned around to see Mara walk in, he bags in tow. He ran up and kissed her hard on the lips. She pulled him close. She then broke the kiss and looked at Callista.
?Callista, I am surprised to find you here.? She stated, her face perfectly straight and cold.
?Not as surprised as I am to see you. Who?d have thought that you?d replace me. Luke, I?m surprised that you?d choose her of anyone. I mean, look what she?s done to you??
?And I love her none the less Cally. That?s why she is my wife.? Luke said, wrapping an arm around her. She smiled and suddenly cried out. Luke looked at her and she grabbed her belly. Luke?s eyes opened wide and he understood. He helped her with her bags and they rushed out of the room, leaving Callista dashing behind, trying to figure out what was happening.
Two hours later, Mara held their daughter in her arms. She smiled at the little girl. Luke stood beside her, he seemed exhausted. He looked at her, his eyes smiling. Ben wandered up and for the umpteenth time hugged his mother. Mara didn?t mind but it seemed to bother Luke.
?Luke, what?s the matter??
?Ben thinks that Cally is evil. I don?t know why.?
?I?m sure its because she is in another?s body. There?s a reason, and when he can tell us, we?ll listen.?
Luke examined his wife and smiled. His family.
Luke took Mara out for a walk several days later in an attempt to try and help her heal. Having Ales was harder than Ben. Perhaps it was because Mara was so tired from the trip when the time came to bring her into the world.
They looked out onto a field that Luke had just found. Mara took a minute to rest and watched as Luke took Ben?s hand and wrapped the other around Ales. She stood up and Ben started to run over to her. She suddenly remembered the vision. She ran as fast as she could to catch up to Ben who was running at full speed to her. She caught up to him and gave him a hug. She whispered that she loved him and held him tight. Just was he had in the vision he squirmed. She did her best to try to hold onto him but he was so small and slid away. She watched as he wandered over to Luke, but the man came from the bushes and took him. Luke called out Kylins name but he wouldn?t answer. Luke handed Ales to Mara and started after him, knowing that she didn?t have the energy needed for the chase. She started to cry, this was all her fault. Ales joined her. She fell to her knees and wept.
Luke was in full pursuit of Kylin and finally caught him. He grabbed his arms and twirled him around. Kylin screamed and started to babble in a language Luke had never heard. Luke grabbed Ben from his arms and held him tight. Kylin fell to the ground and all Luke could understand was Cally?s name. Cally darted out of the bushes, as if expecting to get Ben, but was surprised to see Luke holding the child and Kylin on the ground blubbering like a baby. Ben gripped harder to Luke and Luke held him.
?No Luke, you don?t understand. I need Ben. It?s matter of life and death.? Callista said. Luke eyes her suspiciously. ?If I don?t sacrifice him, I will loose the force forever. I need the force?please?? Callista begged but Luke only looked at her. He held his child, and beyond words, made his way back to the field. There he found Mara crying, not answering to his force calls. As he approached, Mara stood up and ran over to him, Ales in her arms. She hugged them both, tears still falling. Luke held her. Ales stopped crying and Ben just looked at them.
?They wanted to kill Ben, so Cally could have the force. It would appear that?s why Ben didn?t like her, he somehow knew.? Luke wrapped an arm around Mara and Ales, and lifted Ben up into his arms. They walked back to the Temple.
?Luke, you can?t deny me this. I need to do this. For the force. I need to sacrifice the most powerful child in the universe. It?s him. I know it. Please Luke.? Callista said begging him. He could tell that she was no longer in tune with the force. He only looked at her. She begged him again, but soon gave up. She ran into the forest.
?Master Skywalker, Master Skywalker, its Cally.? Luke opened the door to find Kylin holding Cally in his arms. He brought her inside and placed her on the couch. Luke examined her.
?What happened?? He asked.
?She jumped from the top of the temple by the river. Oh Master Skywalker, what have I done. I didn?t mean to do this. I just told her that the force wasn?t everything and she ran to the top of the temple and jumped off. Oh, what have I done. Is she going to be okay??
?She?s dead Kylin. Broken neck. There?s nothing anyone can do. I?m sorry.? Luke said looking at his former lover. Kylin stood up and grabbed her body, hauling it out of the room. Mara walked in. ?I heard, I?m sorry, I knew she meant a lot to you? ?She did, but you, Ben and Ales mean more.? Luke sent as he walked over to Mara and held her. He cried onto her shoulder and she held him.
?Perhaps we shall meet again Kylin.? Luke said as Kylin prepared for take off. After the ceremony, Kylin decided he wanted to leave, go back to his home.
?Yes, perhaps we will. I?m sorry for all the grieve I have caused, I would have done anything for her.? He said, looking at the ground. Mara walked up and put a hand on his cheek.
?Love is hard, but you will find it again, don?t worry? And with that she retreated back to the temple
?Goodbye Kylin? Luke said as Kylin walked up the gangplank. Kylin waved and Luke walked into the temple.
?Luke??
?Yes Mara??
?I love you?
?And I love you? Luke sent as they settled into bed. It had been a long day and they were eager to have sometime to rest. Mara pulled Luke into her arms and kissed him hard on the lips. She smiled and he smiled back at her. Luke wrapped his arms around her waist and they made love for the rest of the night.
The End
It wasn?t that bad was it?
Comments, questions, death threats for bad writing?send them to me at [email protected]
Hope you enjoyed the trilogy.