Luke was sound asleep when Artoo rolled into the bedroom. The little 'droid rolled over to the side of the bed. He extended his welder and let out a short charge. Luke jumped and almost fell off the bed. When he realized what had happened, he threw Artoo a dirty look.
"What did I tell you about doing that?" he said as he smacked the 'droid's head. Artoo let out an irritated whistle. "Now you know how I feel." Luke stood up and put his robe on. When he walked into the living room, he heard someone knocking on the door.
"Artoo, did you come and wake me up because someone is at the door." Artoo answered with a short beep. "Why didn't you tell me?" Luke walked over and opened the door. To his surprise, Mara was on the other side. "What's up?"
"We need to talk."
"Come on in." Luke said as he moved out of the way. Mara walked over and sat down on the couch. She pulled a datacard out of one pocket and a datapad out of the other. She slid the datacard into the datapad and started pushing buttons.
"I just got this from Leia." Mara said as she continued to push buttons. Luke walked over and sat beside her. After a few minutes, she handed the datapad to Luke.
"We have a problem. You especially, the way you keep getting hurt."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just listen. There's a Bacta shortage. A serious one. The counsel tried to buy some more, but both of the big corporations that produce Bacta refuse to do business with the New Republic."
"There's a pilot on Wraith squad-"
"They already tried that." Mara interrupted. "He couldn't talk his family into anything. And he couldn't get any information out of them as to why they won't do business with us." Luke smiled at the fact that she finally considered herself part of the New Republic.
"So what does this have to do with me?"
"They want us to go undercover. We have to infiltrate one, or both of the big Bacta corporations, find out why they aren't doing business with the New Republic and try to get them to change their minds."
"They want me and you to go undercover?" He asked dubiously. "Us going undercover is like hiding a Bantha in the middle of the Dune Sea. It's not going to happen very easily, if at all."
"I know, but they said that we are the best for the job. They want to use Jedi because we can read people. They want you because of your piloting skills and because you are a much stronger Jedi than I am. They want me, because I was very good at going undercover when I worked for the Emperor, and because I can be very persuasive." She looked down at the datapad again.
"What else?" Luke asked suspiciously.
"Oh, nothing. Just that they wanted a couple, but they decided they didn't want there to be any chance of something happening on the mission that shouldn't happen, if you know what I mean."
"And just out of shear curiosity, why would they think that would happen?"
"Because we have to act like a married couple."
"And they think that isn't going to happen with us? Two single, attractive adults?" He smiled at her.
"That's the general idea."
"I'm glad they don't see us as being more than just friends."
"Well, we go before the counsel in three hours. Leia wants us to be disguised. None of the other counsel members knows that we're coming. She wants us to sit through the entire meeting and see if anyone recognizes us. If we can do it, we leave tomorrow. If not, we have to stay until we can go without being recognized for an entire day."
"She wants us to try our disguises out on the counsel? They're not exactly the smartest bunch in the galaxy. We need to try them out on someone who is trained to find people in disguise."
"You are looking for every possible way to get out of this, aren't you?" Mara got up.
"What was your first clue?" Luke said as he stood.
"She wants us to meet with her individually before we go in so that she knows what we look like. She doesn't want us to see each other before the meeting, though. I have to go get ready, and you do to." She started walking toward the door. "I guess I'll see you in three hours." She said over her shoulder.
"If you do, I'll need a new disguise." Mara laughed as she left. Luke walked into the bedroom and started getting dressed.
Two hours later, Luke walked back into his apartment. He walked over to the mirror and did a double take before he remembered that it was his own face he was looking at. He had cut his hair differently. It was still long on top, but it was only about a half a centimeter in length on the back and sides. He also dyed it black. He had gone to medical and to have the scars on his face removed. Something he had been thinking about doing for a long time, anyway. Now it just helped his disguise. To top it off, he was wearing glasses. The lenses were not prescription, but no one needed to know that. He was wearing boots that made him look taller, a bright blue shirt, black pants, and a bright red vest. Besides the glasses, he was wearing colored contacts so his eyes were no longer blue; they were brown. He smiled. It's not going to be easy to get used to. He looked at his watch.
"Artoo. I still have an hour until the counsel meeting. I'm going to get something to eat." The 'droid beeped and whistled, then Luke walked out the door.
As he walked, Luke decided to have a little fun with his disguise. He turned down the hall that led to the hangar. This time of day, Corran was usually working on his X-Wing. When he walked into the hangar, he saw the other man sitting on top of the ship working. Corran looked up.
"Can I help you?" he asked. Luke noticed him go back to work for a moment and smiled. Corran hadn't recognized him yet. To help with the charade, Luke disguised his voice.
"I'm looking for Wedge Antilles."
"He's not here right now. What do you need?"
"He and I are old friends, I had to stop in on business and thought that I would surprise him."
Corran looked up and took a long hard look at Luke.
"What's your name?"
"Laryl Sayr." He answered.
"Wedge never mentioned you."
"It's not surprising. We haven't talked in years." Just then Luke felt a disturbance in the Force. Corran could tell he was lying and was trying to find out the truth. Luke tried to block him, but it was too late.
"That's a good disguise. You almost had me fooled for a second. Why did you try it out on me first, though?"
"It was a double test." Luke answered. "The first test was to see how good my disguise is, the second was to see if you would use the Force to try and figure me out. Both tests were passed." Luke turned and walked away.
"It really is a great disguise." Corran yelled after him.
Luke sat through the entire meeting trying to figure out where Mara was. He didn't want to use the Force until he had given up on visually finding her. After an hour of searching, he decided to cheat. He reached out with the Force and found her. He heard her voice in his thoughts say No Fair.
She was absolutely gorgeous. She was wearing her hair down instead of in her usual braid. She had curled it as well. It cascaded down her shoulders and ended at the small of her back. She had dyed her hair brown, but some of the red still showed through to make it appear auburn. He couldn't see her eyes from this distance, but he was sure they weren't green any more. Her skin was darker making her look like she had spent hours in the sun. He wasn't quite sure how she had pulled that off. She wore a tight red dress that accented every curve. It took every ounce of concentration for Luke to keep his mouth shut. He saw Mara look his direction, then smile and blush. Apparently, she had picked up on his thoughts.
Mara could tell by Luke's expression that he thought she was blushing because of what he was thinking about her. The truth was she was blushing because of what she was thinking about him. He looked so handsome. That hair color made him look years younger. The glasses made him look more intelligent. The blue shirt would have set off his eyes if he hadn't covered the blue. The red vest only made it look like he had red highlights in his hair. Other than the fact that the haircut seemed to make his ears stick out a little, he was very attractive. Mara looked up at Leia and realized that the meeting was almost over. It was time for the unveiling.
"I'm sure that all of you have been wondering who the two new counsel members are. If you would please stand." Luke and Mara both complied. "All of you are aware of the recent Bacta shortage. You are also aware of the fact that the Bacta companies will not do business with us. Well, these two people will infiltrate at least one of the Bacta corporations and find out why they will not help, and try to get some Bacta for us." While she was talking, Luke and Mara moved to join her. "I would like you all to meet Laryl Sayr and his wife M'Rina. They are very good at their jobs, and are not easily recognized."
"So, how do you intend to keep yourselves hidden?"
"As Leia said, we are very good at our job. We have infiltrated numerous businesses for Talon Kardde, and gotten away with millions and no one has ever been able to find the thieves that robbed them blind. We are masters of disguise." Leia smiled at the fact that Luke wasn't using his real voice. He had addressed the counsel so much on behalf of his Academy that he would be instantly recognized if he did.
"If you are husband and wife, why did you not sit together?" Fey'lya asked.
"If we sat together, you would have known we were together, because we didn't, you had no clue that we even knew each other." Mara answered this time. Her voice was deep and sultry. Leia noticed Luke's expression and smiled. Could it be he has feelings for her?
They talked with the counsel members for several more minutes before Leia finally ended the conversations.
"You have doubts that these two will be well enough disguised that they can get the job done, don't you?" Leia asked. Several of the counsel members nodded.
"Well, what if I were to tell you that they are actually my brother, Luke Skywalker, and Mara Jade?" There were murmurs of disbelief throughout the chamber. Finally, Luke spoke, using his real voice.
"It's true. I have spoken before this counsel enough that you should be able to recognize my voice. You also know that I would have no good reason to lie to you. You can ask us any questions necessary until you believe us, but if we could sit through an entire meeting and talk with you for several minutes, and not be recognized by any of you, don't you think we can do it elsewhere." The counsel was silent. When it was clear no one had anything to say, Leia dismissed the counsel members and pulled Luke aside. She had a big smile on her face.
"First off, I would keep the hair and the glasses. They make you look very handsome."
"Thank you." He said.
"Second, are you sure you're going to be able to control yourself around Mara?"
"What?" he asked in disbelief.
"I saw the way you looked at her. Han still looks at me like that sometimes."
"She looks very nice, but that's it. I'll be able to control myself just fine."
"If you say so." Leia turned. Before she walked away, she looked at him again.
"I hope you know what you're doing."
"I hope so, too." Luke muttered. Leia smiled.
"I'll need to brief you before you head out. There have been some changes since we last dealt with the Bacta Corps."
"When should we be in your office?"
"I told Mara before the meeting to meet me one hour after the meeting was over. That gives you about forty five minutes."
"I'll see you then." They walked away in opposite directions.
They met in Leia's office. Luke hadn't changed other than to take the vest off. Mara had gone back to her apartment and changed into a tunic and slacks. Even in that outfit, she looked great, Luke thought. He shook the thought away.
"Are you okay?" Mara asked him.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He replied.
Leia sat down across from them. She handed each of them a datapad. The necessary information was already pulled up on the screen.
"There has been one important change since the last time we had any major dealings with the Bacta corporations." Leia began. "The Xucphra Corporation has changed hands. The original owners decided they were through with the business and sold it. At least, that's the rumor going around. No one knows for sure why the corporation changed hands. It is now run by a family named Srofaa." Luke looked up quickly.
"I've heard that name before."
"I know you have. According to the information I have they owned about two thirds of Mos Eisley and a piece of Anchorhead. It says here that they sold that to be able to afford the Bacta Corporation, though."
"If I remember correctly, you didn't want to mess with them. I never had to do any business with them, but Huff did and I remember Biggs telling me to stay as far away from them as possible."
"Well, I'm afraid you may have to ignore your friends advice. I think that this one is going to be your best bet. The other interesting thing is the fact that the Zaltin Corporation is looking to sell also. For some reason, the two largest Bacta suppliers are looking to get out. I think there may be something going on that they don't want to be a part of anymore."
"If Zaltin is looking to sell, wouldn't it be easier if we went in as potential buyers?" Mara asked.
"We thought of that. The only problem is that if you are interested in buying the company, the sellers aren't going to tell you that something bad is going on and take a chance on scaring you away."
"But if they are looking to sell, why doesn't the New Republic just go in and buy it? That would solve the Bacta shortage right there." Luke questioned.
"We don't have that kind of money. Luke, we barely have enough money to keep things running as it is. To be honest, at the last few counsel budget meetings, they came really close to shutting down the Academy due to a lack of funds. Luckily, there is always a very generous, but anonymous, donation specifically designed to keep the Academy open. Some one out there wants some Jedi around.
"Why didn't you tell me that? I could have made some changes, dealt with a lower budget."
"That's beside the point now. We need to talk about this."
"Well, I still think that best thing to do is pose as purchasers. You said you wanted us to infiltrate both if possible, right?" Mara asked.
"Yes." Leia responded suspiciously.
"Well, all we have to do is pose as buyers for Zaltin and get in good with these Srofaa people in Xucphra and we'll be in."
"Easier said than done." Leia said. "How are you going to convince Zaltin that you have enough money to buy them out?"
"Leave that to me." Luke answered.
"We have some plans to set into motion." Mara said as they both got up.
"I hope you two know what you're doing." Leia said to their backs as they walked out the door.
The next morning, they met in the hangar next to the Tatooine Sunset. After Luke made sure that everything was secure, he headed for the cockpit. When the door opened, he saw Mara in the pilot's seat.
"I don't think so." He said.
"What?" Mara asked innocently.
"You are not doing the flying." He said.
"Why not?" she demanded childishly. Luke started counting off on his fingers.
"Well, first of all, it's my ship, and second of all, it's my ship. Besides, you said the other day that I'm a better pilot than you are."
"I never said you're better, I only said you're good."
"Well, that doesn't matter because, it's my ship." Mara started to get up.
"Oh, alright, you big baby. I've never seen you act this immature before."
"I didn't have much of a childhood. Not a whole lot of time to be immature. Because of that, it kind of breaks out unannounced every now and then. It's also an involuntary territorial response."
"In other words, it's a guy thing."
"Pretty much." Luke laughed. "You better get strapped in. We've been cleared for take off."
Mara sat in the copilots seat and buckled herself in. She didn't like the fact that she was going to have to spend close to a week in this ship, but it was larger than her's. She also wasn't very happy about spending that much time in close quarters with Luke. Another thing she liked about this ship was the fact that it had two separate sleeping areas. Her ship only had one. Even though they weren't ever supposed to be asleep at the same time, she didn't want to take any chances. When she shook the thought away, she realized that they had already left the atmosphere and were getting ready for the jump to hyperspace. She was going to set the navicomp, but she noticed that Luke had already done that. There was nothing for her to do, but sit back and relax. After a few moments, she watched as the stars turned to starlines, then the mottled sky of hyperspace. They were on their way.
They had been enroute for about an hour when someone finally said something.
"So, how are we going to convince Zaltin that we have the money to buy?" Mara asked.
"We're going to buy it." Luke responded. Mara's jaw dropped.
"But, Leia said that the New Republic doesn't have that kind of money."
"The New Republic isn't going to buy it, I am."
"How?"
"You know how Leia said that they always come very close to shutting down the Academy until there is an anonymous donation to keep it open. Where do you think that money comes from? Who else would want the Academy to stay open more than it's founder?" He smiled.
"Where did you get the money?"
"My father. Vader was a very rich man. After he found out about me, he drew up a will leaving everything to me. The only stipulation was that I couldn't tell anyone that I was being given the money. I had to keep it a secret from those closest to me for five years after that, I could tell anyone. Today makes exactly five years."
"So that's why you didn't say anything to Leia yesterday."
"The lawyer told me something rather strange, though. According to the way the will was worded, I could have told a complete stranger, and had that stranger tell everyone I know, and I still would have met the requirements of the will. I just didn't feel like telling anyone."
"So how much did you get?"
"Five separate accounts. 17 billion-"
"17 billion, that's a lot of money."
"In each account." He finished. Mara's jaw dropped again.
"That's a total of 85 billion credits. You have enough money to own the entire galaxy. The New Republic could use that money and you have been hording it." She reached over and hit him in the arm.
"I told you, I couldn't tell anybody. I have been making anonymous donations, though."
"But only to the Academy."
"Yes, but by donating the money strictly for the Academy, enough money to run it for a year, that frees up money to be used toward other things."
"Well, true." She admitted.
"And now, by purchasing one of the Bacta corporations, I can help the New Republic even more. And, maybe get to the bottom of this."
"But if you buy the Bacta Corporation, why do you need to get to the bottom of what's going on?"
"Because what ever it is that's happening to the others, may start happening to us."
"Who are they?" Etymon Jace asked.
"Laryl and M'Rina Sayr."
"Never heard of them. Do they have an appointment?"
"Yes, sir. I believe they are here to talk about purchasing the company from you."
"Show them in." Arles walked out and a few moments later walked back in followed by two very unfamiliar people. He was young looking and handsome, she was out right gorgeous. The way they were dressed showed they had money to burn. Arles showed them to the chairs in front of the desk. He noticed that they did not sit down.
"Please, have a seat." Etymon said. M'Rina sat, but Laryl continued to stand.
"My husband is very picky about when and where he sits." M'Rina said.
"Don't apologize for me." Laryl said gruffly. "I only sit where I feel it is safe to let me guard down. And when it comes to business I never let my guard down."
"You must have very sore feet." Etymon said with a weak laugh.
"I also do not find business amusing."
"Laryl, sit down." M'Rina ordered. Etymon noticed the man complied. "It's a little test to see how someone reacts. I'm really the one who does all of the business dealings. Laryl does not have a head for money."
Luke had to try hard to keep from throwing her a scowl. They were supposed to be working together, and Mara was making him out to be an idiot and a trophy husband, and he didn't like that one bit.
"So, my assistant said that you are interested in buying the corporation from me. Do you mind if I ask why?"
"Well, I have always wanted to own a big company. Plus, they way my husband and our children keep getting hurt; I was coming close to needing my own Bacta reservoir. This way, I've got as much as I need." She laughed slightly. Mara noticed a smile spread across Etymon's face. He was a very good-looking man, but there was an air about him that made him very unattractive. Probably arrogance.
"How much are you asking?" Luke queried. He and Mara had both agreed that no matter what the price was, they would act like it was chump change. Especially since it probably was compared to how much money Luke had.
"45 million." Etymon said.
"That's pretty reasonable." Mara said. She could tell by the look on Etymon's face that he wasn't expecting a response other than shock. "Does that include everything?"
"What do you mean, everything?"
"Everything. The production plant, the laboratory, the shipping company, everything."
"Oh, yes. That does include everything."
"Now I've got a question." Luke said. "If this is such a profitable business, why do you want out?"
"Just tired really. Looking to retire. I've been in this business for as long as I can remember, and my family has been in it even longer. I think it's time to move on."
"Well, have you gotten any other offers?" Mara asked.
"To be honest, you're the first one." Etymon said.
"Well, you can take the for sale sign out of the window, you've got yourself a deal." She stood and motioned for Luke to do likewise.
"That's it? You don't want a tour, you don't want to look anything over?"
"No need." Mara said.
"Yeah, we'll be sitting at home watching the credits roll in while somebody else does all the work." Luke commented.
"I'll have my lawyers draw up the contract. We can meet tomorrow morning for the signing and money exchange."
"I hope you don't mind if I have my lawyers look over the contract before we sign it."
"Not a problem. As soon as it's drafted I'll send a messenger to your hotel with a copy."
"Sounds good to me." Mara said and they started out the door.
"I know." Etymon said. "Why don't we go out to dinner to celebrate the deal? My wife is coming home this afternoon and she can join us, kind of a double date."
"That'd be great." Mara said.
"I'll have a car pick you up at eight." Etymon replied. "And dress formal."
"See you then." Luke said, then they turned and left.
"What were you thinking?" Luke whispered as they walked.
"If I didn't accept, he would think something was up."
"And what was with making me look like an idiot?"
"You do that so well on your own-" she began, but paused mid sentence. "It threw him that I was the one doing the talking. I thought it would be better to keep him on his toes. Did you see his face when we didn't even flinch at the price? We have got this made."
"Well, I hope you're right." They got into the cab and headed back to the hotel. The entire time Luke kept thinking one thing. I've got a bad feeling about this.
"I want background checks on both of them. One of them looks familiar. I want to know who they are, where they come from, and how much money they have." Etymon said.
"Yes, sir." Arles said.
"There's something about those two that I just don't like. I can't put my finger on it, but I don't like it."
Luke was just stepping out of the shower as Mara walked in. She had a bag in each hand indicating that she had been shopping. Luke walked into the living room area of the suite wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
"I hop this fits." Mara said as she handed him one of the bags. "I appreciate you funding this trip. It makes things a lot easier."
"No problem." He said. He walked into one of the bedrooms. Moments later, he heard the shower start as Mara was getting ready. He pulled the bag off of the tuxedo she had bought for him. It was very nice. Rather than the typical black, Mara had decided on a very dark blue. The shirt's collar and cuffs matched the jacket and pants. When Luke finished buttoning the shirt, he noticed it was a little tight, but the rest of the suit fit perfectly. He walked over to the mirror.
"So, how do you like it? Does is fit?" Mara's voice came from the other room. She had finished her shower a few minutes earlier.
"The shirt's a little tight, but otherwise it fits great. You really ought to be a fashion consultant. You have excellent taste."
"Thank you." She said. Now she was standing in the doorway. Luke turned to Luke at her and almost hit the floor. He had never seen her look more stunning. She was wearing an ankle length, strapless dress that was the same color as his suit with a maroon lacework design over it. She had pulled her hair up into an intricate twist. He noticed that as he was staring at her, she was staring at him.
"You look great." He said. Suddenly, they both blushed, then turned away from each other. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Luke looked at his watch.
"That's the driver." He said. As they walked passed the couch in the living room, Mara grabbed a shawl and threw it over her shoulders. They were at the restaurant in a matter of minutes. Etymon and his wife Alia were waiting for them.
"You two look very nice." Etymon commented.
"Likewise." Luke said as they walked into the restaurant. Luke looked around as they entered. Toward the front of the room, there was a giant dance floor and a stage where a band was playing. Luke recognized the band almost immediately as Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes.
"What?" She asked. He leaned in close to make sure they weren't heard.
"That's the band that was playing at the Mos Eisley Cantina when I first met Han."
"No fair telling secrets." Etymon said with a sly grin. Luke returned the expression. They were shown to a table near the dance floor. The waiter handed them the menus.
"What is the specialty this evening?" Alia asked.
"The chef has prepared tender dewback steak with a cream sauce and charka leaves." He winked at Etymon.
"That sounds good. I think I'll have that." Luke said. Mara nodded in agreement.
"Dewback is an acquired taste in my opinion. The only people I know that like it are from Tatooine." He paused. Luke swallowed the sudden lump in his throat.
"I confess. I have a cousin that has lived there as long as I can remember. I'm sure you've heard of him. Huff Darklighter." Etymon nodded. Luke and Mara exchanged relieved glances.
"I think we'll have the trellis fish in artabarry sauce, and white wine." The waiter nodded and went to the kitchen.
"So, are you enjoying yourselves?" Alia asked.
"The evening has just begun." Mara replied.
"I noticed that you are very wealthy. How did you come into your money?"
"Inherited it from my father." Luke responded. This was the first bit of truth he had told Etymon since arriving.
"Really? Very interesting. What did your father do?"
"He was very influential in the Empire." Luke answered. He noticed that Mara smiled. "He helped the Emperor a lot and was rewarded for it. I'm not sure exactly what he did for the Empire, but it must have been of great help."
"You were, what, twenty when the Empire fell?"
"Twenty five actually." This was some of the information he could be truthful about without revealing his identity.
"And you don't know what your father did?"
"He never discussed it, and I didn't care. I'm starting to wish I had, though. He died two years ago and I barely knew anything about him." At least part of that was true.
"How long have you been married?" Alia asked. Mara answered this time.
"Eight years."
"And you said you have children?"
"Yes. Ella and Eren. We were blessed with twins." She smiled at Luke. "Well, so to speak. They are both exactly like their father." They all laughed slightly at this. Just then, a slow song started playing. Etymon stood up.
"Darling, may I have this dance?" Alia took his hand and stood.
"Why don't you join us?" They did not wait for a reply before they were out on the dance floor. It took Luke a moment to realize that Mara was staring at him.
"What?"
"We have to act like a married couple." She reminded him.
"Not all married couples dance." He said.
"You can't dance, can you?" She asked. She was trying to bait him.
"That's not going to work." He said.
"It had better because they are staring at us." Luke looked up and confirmed what she had said. Sure enough, Etymon and Alia were looking at them. He stood and took Mara's hand in his, then lead her onto the dance floor. He put his arm around Mara's waist and pulled her in close.
"We have to act like we're married." Luke reminded her after she threw him a dirty look. They swayed with the music for several minutes. The song seemed to go on forever. Luke noticed, for the first time, that Mara was wearing a very nice perfume. The scent reminded him of something. Suddenly, it came to him. He stepped back for a moment, then acted as nothing had happened and held her again.
"What?" Mara asked.
"Your perfume."
"What about it?"
"There were only a few occasions when Aunt Beru felt it necessary to wear perfume, when she did, she wore the perfume you are wearing right now."
"I'm sorry." She said. The continued dancing for several minutes. One song stopped and another began. Luke noticed during the second song that Mara was resting her head on his shoulder, and had her hand on his chest. He closed his eyes and just listened to the music. The song that they were dancing to at that moment happened to be a love song. Luke opened his eyes and looked at Mara. At that moment, Mara looked up at Luke, and their lips touched. They came together in a long kiss. When they opened their eyes again, reality set in. They tried not to act surprised or embarrassed as they walked over to the table to sit down. Dinner had been served and was waiting for them.
"That is a beautiful song isn't it?" Alia asked. Mara and Luke both blushed.
"It was played at our wedding." Luke blurted. Alia nodded in understanding. There was little conversation while they ate. Most of it was Etymon asking them questions. He seemed to be trying to find out as much as possible about them. When they got back to the hotel room, Luke went immediately into his bedroom leaving Mara standing in the living room.
"We can't just ignore this." She shouted.
"Yes, we can." Luke replied. Mara walked back to talk to Luke, as it was obvious he wasn't going to come to her. When she opened the door, she saw that he was standing there without his shirt on. For the first time, she realized exactly how attractive he really was. She turned more to hide the fact that she was blushing than to avoid seeing him.
"You might as well turn back around. I'm not going to talk to your back." He sat down on the bed. Mara turned and looked for a chair to sit in as far away from the bed as possible. Unfortunately, the only place to sit was right next to Luke. She sat nest to him. She noticed that he was examining his hands.
"What happened out there?" She asked.
"Exactly what the counsel didn't want happening." Came Luke's response.
"I know. What are we going to do about this?"
"Absolutely nothing." Luke stood. "We were caught in the moment. We were playing the part of husband and wife, that's all there is to it."
"So you didn't feel anything?" He gave her a dubious expression.
"Do you even have to ask? Of course I felt something. But what I felt was purely physical and that isn't enough to base a relationship on." He paused a moment.
"Look, Mara, you are a beautiful woman, but at this point in time I can't see myself as more than you're friend. Yes, I happen to find you attractive. That doesn't mean anything. To be honest, I found Leia attractive before I found out she was my sister."
"That would be really gross if I didn't know your background. Instead it's just kind of gross."
"The only thing that we need to be thinking about right now is the mission." He changed the subject. "Hopefully this new found attraction won't jeopardize it."
"That only becomes a factor if we let it." She said as she stood.
"I hope this doesn't affect our friendship in any way." He said. She leaned over and kissed him and the cheek.
"Never." She said, then she turned and left. When the door closed behind her, Luke let out a heavy sigh and threw himself back onto the bed. How can this be happening now? After a few minutes, he finished changing and went to bed. That night, his dreams were riddled with fantasies of Mara Jade.
DISCLAIMER: George Lucas owns all the rights and I was not paid for this.