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Author Topic: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20 Humor
U_KnOwWhOo  246 posts
Registered: May '02
14749_Jawa 'Toon
Date Posted: 5/13/06 4:43am Subject: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20 Humor - Date Edited: 5/22/06 10:34pm (2 edits total) Edited By: U_KnOwWhOo
Title: The Morning Will Come
Rating: PGish
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of the Star Wars universe--not to say that I wouldn't want to own them--I just don't *sigh*
Summary: What if Luke, Mara, and the rest of the gang got transported through time to a place familiar, yet...different. There, they'll meet up with the loveable characters of Episode 2.
Character Pairings: L/M, A/P, H/L

AN Hey everyone or anyone! I Started this here story many, many moons ago. I have decided to repost and edit in preparation for the upcoming sequel and "inbetweenquel" that I have planned. Those stories should start being posted at the beginning of June praying if all goes according to plan. I hope that maybe I can get the attention of more readers batting because I'm addicted to reviews. I actually am trying to get help, going to RR meetings and everything but until I'm cured completely , reviews are key to my survival grin If you have any questions about the upcoming fics I'll be happy to answer them




Prologue

The warm sun shone brightly in the soft blue sky. The day was hot but it didn't seem to faze her at all. A young woman lay in the grass by a pool of crystal clear water that traveled up into beautiful falls. Her eyes were studying the sky as if searching for answers she knew were hidden there. She had been humming a light tune but all noise ceased as she leaned up on her elbows gazed intently at the top of the hill.

She pushed her breeze blown tangled red hair away from her face and continued to wait. What she was waiting for was not clear but it all seemed to come together when he appeared at the top of the green hill.

The young woman gave a soft smile but then bit her bottom lip as if to hide her happiness. She stood up and started to slowly make her way towards him.

Stopping a few meters away she studied him closely. Her dark green eyes took in every part of him and unbeknownst to her, he did the same. She looked into his bright blue eyes, so much like the sky she was just admiring, and he gazed into hers with the same intensity.

"Luke," she breathed out hoarsely and he gave a huge grin in return while taking more steps towards her. Now they only stood an arm apart. Her confused eyes gazed questioningly into his as his mood changed. Gone was the Jedi calm, now replaced with nervousness.

"Mara, I..." he trailed off but never got to finish as the ground began to shake violently underneath them. He fell through a huge gaping hole and Mara tried to reach out to him but wasn't fast enough.

"Luke," she cried out, her voice thick with emotion. The ground shook again and Mara fell to her knees. Rain clouds rushed overhead and lightning lit up the dark sky. She looked into the hole but saw nothing. Nothing! Reaching out with the force she felt his signature slightly.

She jumped to her feet and ran as fast as she could go through the fields. The rain began to fall slightly but she continued on, not even slowing to cross the jagged mountain of rock. The scenery morphed once again from jagged rock into a harsh windy desert and still she pushed onwards. The rain was now coming down in floods, as if someone was deliberately pouring it over her in order to prevent her from continuing forward. She froze suddenly when she reached a battle arena and saw Luke lying in the center of it.

When she got to his side she dropped to her knees and cradled his head gently. His body was so different from what it had looked like before. It was now bruised and had two long slashes, one across his chest and the other went from his chin to his brow. She swallowed visibly and for the first time in years she felt a stinging in her eyes. She hadn't cried since she was a little girl. She had injured her elbow and made the mistake of crying about it to the emperor. Never again had she let her emotions take control, until now.

She felt her grief take over and rested her forehead against his. Her tears were silent as they fell and mixed with the rain. She felt so weak. So weak, because she knew she could do nothing to help and Luke Skywalker, her naive farm boy, was dying...

Mara awoke with a start and cursed silently at her dream, nightmare, or even vision of the man whom she has grown way too attached to, in her opinion, dying. With her luck it was probably the latter and she'd have to go and save his sorry butt once again. But this time, she was bringing in reinforcements. If she had to suffer, so did his family!

She swung out of bed and went to her Com terminal dialing the number by heart. As she waited for someone to answer, she stretched out with the force to see what trouble that stupid Jedi was in now.

Han Solo's face came up drowsily to the screen. "What!" he snapped irritable that someone would dare and call in the middle of the night disturbing his beauty sleep.

Mara snapped out of her searching and gave him a smirk

"I'm sorry to interrupt your family's vacation Solo but it seems that Skywalker's gotten himself into some trouble—again!" He let out as many curses as he could think of and Mara's grin brightened.

"What's wrong?" Leia asked from off screen.

Han finally calmed himself enough to answer Leia's question and he did it with only one word. Only one word was needed to make her understand his grumbles.

"Luke."

She groaned and Mara titled her head enough to see Leia throw her pillow over her head. This, Skywalker getting into some kind of trouble, happened all too frequently in her opinion.







Chapter 1: Eww and I Didn’t Know You Cared

Luke dove out of the way as the sharp point came down. It, the Sharp leg, which was attached to a bug looking creature, a very big bug, followed to where he landed and he rolled under it and kicked. The creature let out an angry cry and raised its weapon for the kill. Luke force leapt away on to the mountain of jagged rocks.

The creature followed with murder in his eyes. Luke gave a grim smile at it. He was running out of ideas. With no lightsaber it was going to be hard to kill. The razor sharp leg came up again but before it had the time to strike it was cut off.

Mara now stood next to Luke, lightsaber ablaze. She looked him up and down studying him to see if he was hurt. The only visible wound he had was a large cut on his left thigh. This confused her as she thought of her vision. He didn't have any of the same injuries.

"Hey Mara! What brings you here to this lovely area?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm. Mara's eyes narrowed at him but she didn't say anything as she turned to the creature and severed another leg. The giant creature let out another howl and fell to the ground. Mara put away her lightsaber and pulled out her blaster silencing it.

She turned again to Luke brows raised.

"Where's your lightsaber Skywalker?"

He gave a slight blush and looked toward the dead creature then to R2 who was only a few meters away.

"Well, we thought we should try that one thing we did on Jabba's sail barge, only this time it didn't work. He got to it before I could and ate it." R2 beeped a few times to confirm his sad story. Sad and pathetic Mara thought with a snort. Why he even hid it in the first place was beyond her.
" So why are you here anyway?" He asked beginning to make his way to the creature to retrieve his weapon.

"Isn't it obvious? I’m on vacation."

He rolled his eyes as his lightsaber flew to his outstretched hand. It was covered in green slime and Mara's lips rose in disgust.

"Ew...

I thought rescuing you was going to be more of a challenge though," she continued on as she explored the dry, dusty area that they were in. It was the second part of her vision. Luke gave her a curious look and she explained with a slight shrug.

"I had a vision of you dying."

Luke brought a hand to his heart dramatically, "Awe...Mara I didn't know you cared."

She only had time to snort in reply as her danger sense flashed in warning. She was too late, however, and the creature flew at her with a swipe of its huge clawed paws. The feline looking creature swished its tail as Mara flew backwards and landed against the jagged rocks, instantly knocked unconscious. The mouth filled of sharp teeth turned towards Luke and then looked back at Mara as if trying to decide which would be the easier prey.

Luke ran to her side flipping on his lightsaber to keep the creature at bay. The creature paced back and forth while Luke took in his surroundings looking for an escape route. Nothing! There was nowhere to go. He looked down at Mara but she was out cold.

"Well at least things can't really get worse," he commented watching the creature lick its lips. As soon as the words were out of his mouth more than a hundred flying creatures began to surround them.

"Great!"






"Daddy, can I fly?" Jaina asked eagerly from the Copilots seat of the Falcon.

Han smirked down at his 6-year-old daughter.

"Maybe later," he answered as he flew through the mountain planet. Jaina pouted knowing her daddy would never let her fly his prized ship.

"We're on our way to rescue your uncle," Han continued.

Jaina sighed, it seemed as though they were always going after Uncle Lukie, and usually with Mara Jade. Jaina smiled then, she liked Mara. Maybe she would let her fly her ship. Of course it would probably never happen, she thought with a frown and began to plan a way of guilt tripping her idol into it.

Leia came through the door with Jacen and Anakin trailing behind her bickering over some silly thing. She paid them no mind as they both pulled on her pants to get her attention.

"I can sense Luke around here so be on the look out."

Han nodded and soon after they spotted Luke, surrounded by odd-looking creatures.

"What has he gotten himself into this time?"





Chapter 2: This Should Be Easy and I Didn’t Do It!

"Ok, no big deal," Luke tried to reassure himself.

It didn't work.

"You took on the Emperor, this should be easy. It's just a million against one. Plus a big creature ...with big teeth ... long nails... a spiked tail!? Yep! No big deal at all."

One of the flying creatures flew at him and he easily cut it in half. He glanced towards Mara to make sure she was all right and then waited for the next attack. Two more of them came at him from different sides and he spun taking them both out. He was beginning to feel better about the situation until the big feline thing decided it was its turn. It headed towards Luke not even bothering to watch out for the other creatures. He just stepped on anything in his way.

"Sith," Luke cursed craning his neck to look at the things face. It was drooling, ready for its meal, and it obviously had Luke in mind for the main course.

That's when he felt Leia. She was on her way and Han and the kids were with her—to rescue him no doubt. Luke gave a slight smile then looked at the creature again. There was only one thing to do. Luke swung at the creature's legs causing it to fall in pain for the few seconds Luke needed to pick up Mara and run for the Falcon.

Han flew low to the ground with the ramp lowered so Luke could easily jump in. He looked over to Jaina and Jacen brows raised in askance. They both gave him a big smile and told him that Uncle Lukie was on the ship and he could raise the ramp. Han did so and shook his head. It was pretty funny how he took advice from his kids. He felt weird about it though. It could get pretty lonely sometimes. Even if he was surrounded by family, he still felt at times that he was missing some important secret.

He glanced at Jaina and Jacen again and they giggled. Han couldn't help the laugh that came from him and as he let happiness take over he realized that he would rather not have the force and be with his family, then have the force and be alone. It was obvious he couldn't have both, but he was happy with what he got.

Leia was at Luke's side the instant he was on the old ship.

"Is she ok?" Leia asked concern in her eyes as she glanced over at Mara in Luke's arms. She followed Luke as he placed Mara on the med bed. Luke looked at Leia and gave her a smile.

"She'll be fine."

Leia didn't know if he was trying to reassure her or himself but didn't ask. Leia looked over Mara's injuries then turned back to Luke.

"I think we should go to Coruscant to get her looked over anyway."

Luke nodded in agreement.

"Good idea, little sister."

He just missed the hand that lashed out to hit him.

"Who ever said you were the oldest? You don't act like it."

Before Luke could add his two sense in she quickly changed the subject, "What about her ship? Mara never goes anywhere without the Fire. "

Luke looked down to study the floor obviously trying to fluff over the detail by avoiding her question. It didn’t work. She raised her brow and crossed her arm in her “mothers” pose and waited.

"I told R2 to watch it until I could go back and pick him up."

Leia's eyes widened in shock and dismay at his gull and courage, "But what will you tell her when she wakes up?"

Luke gave Leia a bright smile, "I'll tell her Jaina flew it in."

Leia laughed, "Don't you want to live?"

Luke was about to answer when he heard his name being called from the bed in a tone that he had never heard from the ex-Emperor’s Hand before. Her voice was laced with pain and a hidden vulnerability.

"Luke!" Mara called out again but Luke was too shocked to move. Mara had used his first name, twice! Leia rolled her eyes and nudged her brother towards Mara muttering, "Let's just hope she doesn't ask about her ship."





Mara woke up and didn't know if she was alive or dead. Then the pain hit. She was definitely alive and usually she would be thankful for that but at the moment she wasn't too sure. Her head was killing her and her body felt like it was on fire. She tried turning onto her unhurt side but changed her mind instantly wincing as she returned back to her old position. She called out to Luke thinking he could stop the pain and he was at her side almost instantly. She used her index finger to motion for him to come closer. When he did she grabbed his shirtfront ignoring the pain that shot through her as she did so.

"You did this to me Skywalker. Fix it! Take the pain away now!" He smiled and gently took her hands off his shirtfront saying calmly, "I'll put you in a healing trance." Mara liked that answer and lay back down.

He touched his fingers to her forehead lightly and in seconds she was sound asleep. Pain still clouded her features but it was less now. He got up and went to go see Han, Leia and the kids straightening his shoulders in preparation for the teasing to come.





Mara awoke a few hours later and as she sat up slowly a pain shot through her side to back. It wasn't as bad now. She stood up cautiously and looked about the room sensing someone was there watching her. Sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed was little Anakin Solo. Her eyes narrowed at the four year old boy.

"What do you want kid?" He just shrugged slightly and mimicked her, "What do you want?"

Mara shifted from left foot to right obviously uncomfortable at the kid's knowing look. What he knew, however, she had no idea. Anakin smiled then and jumped down from his seat. "We're here!" He told her excitedly.

"Wonderful! Where are we?"

His smile grew and he ran to the cockpit motioning her to follow. Mara bit her lip to keep from smiling. The kid was weird. She figured he meant they were on Coruscant.

The **** pit was crowded and Mara came in slowly holding her side.

"Hey Jade!" Luke called out when he noticed her. She gave him a look that meant you're-being-way-to-cheery-stop-it-before-I-rethink-my-vow-to-kill-you. He just smiled at her.

Jaina stood from the copilot’s seat and walked over to Mara looking up. It was time to put her plan into action.

"Can I fly your ship?"

Mara's eyes narrowed slightly while looking down at the pint sized Leia. "Huh?" She asked confused at the girl's question. Jaina clarified with a stubborn jaw, "When we get it back...can I fly it?" Jaina waited excitedly for the answer not really anticipating the blow up to follow. It took a couple of moments for it to click.

"Where's my ship?!!!"

No one paid her any attention because they were too busy looking at the strange planet before them. It wasn't Coruscant, but then again they all knew it was. Mara was oblivious as she just continued to shoot death glares at Skywalker. Once they were out of their stupor they all agreed it would be a good idea to land and see what in sith was up.

Mara was second off the ship making comments about how stupid it was of him to leave her ship there. Luke ignored her. She growled in frustration, tired of being ignored and flung her arms up in annoyance.

“I feel like blowing something up!"

No sooner had the words left her mouth than a big explosion threw them all to the ground. Mara groaned in pain and slowly stood. Now the other side of her body felt equally as bad. She turned her head to see what exactly happened and there, not too far away, was a ship blown to pieces. People from the ship were on the ground either hurt or dead.

Mara's brows rose and she looked back to everyone who was staring at her with suspicion in their gazes. She rolled her eyes towards the sky.

"I didn't do it," she stated the obvious. No one looked convinced.

Luke looked at her with a slight smile to appease her then went to see if he could help the wounded. Mara shook her head muttering something about Jedi and stupid Farm boys who thought they could do anything and help everyone. She followed him but stood a distance away. There was a young woman holding her injured friend and speaking in soft tones. A guard stood over them, his eyes scanning the area for danger. When Luke approached them the guard drew his blaster but Luke being, well...Luke, ignored it and kneeled by the hurt woman’s side.

"I'm going to put her in a healing trance, maybe she'll make it."

The young woman looked at him questioningly and as the guard moved to take Luke away she stopped him. She noticed the lightsaber on his belt and knew he was there to help. She nodded her agreement and Luke placed his fingers lightly on the injured woman's forehead.

A blaster shot cut through the calm winds and headed straight in Luke's direction. Before it could hit Mara had her lightsaber there to block it. She gave them a grim smile then narrowed her eyes searching for the shooter. There, across the way, someone was getting into a speeder. There was no way they could catch the assassin without a speeder of their own but Mara could tell from the distance that the assassin had to be a Changeling.

"Get everyone to safety!" She ordered Han and then knelt down by Luke.

"Hurrying would be nice! Are you through yet?" He gave her a sickly sweet smile before answering her.

"Just."

She raised one of her eyebrows at his comment and was about to make a sarcastic reply when they were interrupted.

"Uncle Lukie, Uncle Lukie," Anakin said tugging on Luke's sleeve. Luke and Mara watched as the hurt woman was carried into the safety of the buildings, followed by her friend, then looked at Anakin.

"I don't think we're in Coruscant anymore...at least not where my home is."

Luke gave him a smile then swooped him into his arms. "It sure doesn't look like it, does it?" Anakin nodded his head excitedly then pointed towards the tall tower. It had a round top as if it's a large room for something.

Luke looked at Mara questioningly and she shook her head, "It almost looks like...the old Jedi Temple I saw in the Emperor's Data Banks, but that couldn't be...unless we..." she trailed off and looked at Luke again. They both knew then, what had happened, and said it in unison.

"Time Traveled."






Chapter 3: Enemies Never Forgotten and Damned Straight!

"Did you see that ship? I can't believe it got blowed up!"

Leia rolled her eyes and turned away from the twins. At times Jaina seemed to be too obsessed with blasted ships. If she enjoyed learning about anything that didn't involve ships at least half as much as she does about those scraps of metal, she'd be a genius child. Of course they don't really need another "genius" in the family, she thought glancing toward Han who had just joined the children's debate. She sighed then looked towards the door as Luke, carrying Anakin, and Mara stepped in.

Leia was grateful for the interruption, until she saw their faces. Something was not right.

"What is it?"

Luke gave Mara a look then handed Anakin off to her. She started to argue and held the child away from herself. The boy squirmed to get down, so she let him do just that.

"Well... Mara and I were talking..." Luke started but Anakin quickly cut in "And me Uncle Lukie." Luke nodded, "And Anakin." Anakin smiled then ran toward his brother and sister.

Luke tried to begin again just as Han came to Leia's side. "You see, the reason Coruscant looks so different is because... well..."

"Skywalker!" Mara snapped irritated at his hesitance. She glared blaster bolts at him and he just spit it out "Were in the past."

Leia's eyes widened and Han's jaw nearly hit the floor. Even though it really wasn't a laughing matter their faces were very amusing and Mara had to let out an eruption of laughter she had been trying to hold in. She quickly covered her mouth. Not in the slightest embarrassed, but shocked that she was laughing in the first place.

"Look kid, I know it looks different... but how could we be in the past?" Han tried reasoning but it didn't really work. There was really no reasonable explanation for this. It was pretty hard to believe and Han wasn't even attempting to.

"It's the will of the Force..." Luke trailed off slowly as the three adults snorted.

Mara narrowed her eyes at Luke, "Look Skywalker! Don't give me that Jedi crap! I admit that we're in the past but this could be some weird dream. Maybe I took too many pain meds or something..." Luke cut her off then in clipped tones. "Jedi. Don't. Dream." Mara's eyes grew hard and turned a light green.

"Well I'm not a Jedi!" She snapped. Han chuckled but stopped when Leia slapped his arm. Even though you could tell by the way she was biting her lip she was trying not to do the same.

Luke and Mara continued to argue, they could argue until they were both hoarse. Luke yelling was something only Mara could make him do, so no one attempted to stop their bickering. Most likely afraid to get in the way, because if you did...

"Excuse me?" A soft voice asked from behind. They ignored it and continued. The voice repeated itself once again but louder this time. After one more try irritation was evident in the young woman's voice. "Excuse me?!" The young woman sounded exasperated. Everyone finally looked at her.

"What?" Mara snapped only shifting her death glare from Luke to the woman for a second.

The young woman's eyes narrowed at Mara and she met her glare with one of her own. "I just wanted to say thank you for saving my friend."

They recognized her then as the woman before. She was dressed differently, gone was her flight suit, she was now in a blue and black dress.

Leia, being the diplomat she was, was the first to step forward for introductions. "My name is Leia Solo, This is my husband Han and our three children Jaina, Jacen and Anakin."

At the mention of Anakin's name the young woman's eyes brightened and she smiled. Leia continued, "That's my brother Luke..." she trailed off watching Luke shake his head. Confused, she never finished and the young woman nodded in greeting.

"I'm Padmè Amidala."

Padmè looked to the fiery red head standing beside Luke in askance. Mara rolled her eyes and snorted. "I'm Mara Jade and not related to any of them, thank the Gods."

Padmè cocked her head to the side and gave Mara and Luke a curious look Mara didn't care for too much. Padmè was about to make a comment on the two when the guard from before interrupted. "M’lady, they will see you now. They thought you had died." Padmè nodded then looked to the Motley crew and asked, "You're Jedi, no?" Luke nodded and her smile brightened "I'm meeting with the council now."

Luke's eyes widened and he gave a look to Mara. Leia gave that same look to Han but he was oblivious. Luke finally came out of his stupor and asked if they could go along. Padmè agreed and went through the doors telling them to follow.

Mara watched the door close behind her then hissed through clenched teeth, "Are you sure this is wise Skywalker? We have no idea who she is!" Leia answered her sensing what Luke did. "There's something familiar about her...she' not dangerous."

As they finally walked through the door they heard a voice. One that was very familiar to Luke. "Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."

Luke smiled wide and took a step forward to see his old teacher, Jedi Master Yoda. Yoda felt his penetrating gaze and motioned for them to come forward. "Cloudy your future is, but in motion it always will be."

Mara gave a slight grin at the troll and his riddles. Luke had told her of the amusing and sometimes annoying way of speaking he had. She thought it was funny before, but it was even funnier in person. She glanced towards Han and Leia and they obviously thought the same. The children were giggling.

After studying the other Jedi in the room she finalized that none were familiar. Padmè was conversing with the dark skinned master and was obviously not too happy about what he had to say. "I do not see why this is necessary. The situation is not..." She was cut off then. By a man who, up until that moment hadn't spoken a word since they came in. By a voice Mara thought she'd never have to hear again, a voice that only haunted her in her worst nightmares.

Luke cast a worried look at Mara when he felt her emotions drastically change. Her face was white, as if she'd seen a ghost. Her eyes held something Luke had never seen in them before; fear. He followed her gaze and all became clear.

It was Palpatine.

Luke watched as Mara's face returned to its normal color. Gone was the ash white and her attitude was shifting quickly from fear to anger. She clenched her fists as if she was about to punch someone, Palpatine most likely. Luke would have found the way she was acting amusing if it wasn't Palpatine she was feeling this towards. He knew a little of what she had been through and all that the Sith had done. Luke knew revenge was of the dark side but with Palpatine he could almost care less what Mara did. He knew he had to interfere though, as he saw her reach for the blaster at her hip.

Mara was torn. This old man, standing a little off to the side used to be; gods help her, a father figure. But now she didn't see how she could have ever thought he could ever be anything close to what a father should be. He didn't love her, force he didn't even care if she died. He used her to do his most horrid biddings. He took her away from her family and forced her to be what he wanted her to be. What he molded her to be. By taking away every opportunity she had to have love in her life from friends, parents and it turned her into a heartless assassin.

It turned her into a killer.

* You're not that anymore Mara. He doesn't have that hold over you anymore. And you have friends, at least when you’re not holding a blaster. *

It seemed as if Luke had only whispered it but then she realized that he must have been listening to her thoughts. She turned to face him eyes narrowed ready to draw her weapon for a whole different reason now. His gaze didn't meet hers as he stared pointedly at her blaster. She rolled her eyes then narrowed them again but she took her hand away never the less.

"Stay out of my head!" She gritted out through clenched teeth.

Everyone looked in her direction. She raised her eyebrows "What?!" She finally snapped out at all of them in a clear signal to mind your own business. Some turned away hiding from her penetrating gaze, Palpatine gave a thoughtful smile like he was planning something and Yoda looked her in the eye.

"Hmmm.... much anger I sense in you!" Mara looked at him like he was just stating the obvious but gave him the benefit of the doubt and nodded once in agreement.

"Damn straight!"

Luke's eyes widened slightly and he glanced around the room. Most, were trying to contain their laughter, the rest just weren't trying. Luke finally smiled and shook his head. That's Mara for you, no beating around the Wookie. She attacks head on with no fear, even if it means she's going to get her arms ripped off. She'll fight to the end. Luke gave a worried look towards Yoda and waited for the Master's response.

Yoda glanced at her from head to toe then his eyes locked with hers as if searching for something. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully then finally a little grin broke out on his face and he chuckled hobbling towards her. Mara didn't like the way the troll was looking at her one bit. Then he had the nerve to laugh. She was dead serious about what she said. Of course he sensed anger in her. She WAS always angry when it concerned Farm boy over there.

The green troll's, as Mara calls him, chuckling stopped as he hobbled to stand in front of her. Without saying anything he whacked her across the knees with his stick. Mara let out as many curses as she could think of while hopping away from him.

"What is your problem?!" She asked in deathly low tones while rubbing her hurt knees. Now thanks to him Mara was hurt all over. Her knees had been the only place that didn't hurt after that pointless mission but now that's all changed. Yoda looked at her calmly then said firmly, "Troll I am not."

Mara was all ready to make a sarcastic comment about that when she realized he read her mind. Her face grew red and her eyes narrowed into green slits. Mara then glanced at the stick and decided against lashing out now. She figured it would be wisest to wait until she could steal the stick and then she could get him back without adding another bruise. "Yeah," she muttered convincing herself not to act now.

Luke watched the whole scene attempting to hold in his amusement. He knew that if Mara saw he was laughing at her, she would vent all her frustrations out on him. Mara turned her glare onto him then and he groaned. Who was he kidding? She'd do that anyway. He wondered why Yoda didn't say anything further but one glance at the Jedi's face showed him the answer.

He had seen the kindness in her and knew as well as he himself did, that Mara had more goodness in her than evil. Of course her temper was painful at times, literally, Luke thought with a wince. He chuckled, but when it all came down to it, Luke knew she would never betray a friend she trusted. He just hoped he was one of them.

The children were giggling at 'silly Mara' and Padmè smiled brightly and looked from them to the fiery redhead. The girl had spunk she had to give her that. Padmè wouldn't mind having this moody woman and the rest of the crazy bunch around to keep her life interesting. Luke and Mara were both highly amusing and what Padmè had seen from before, they were great to have around in times of danger.

It looked as if these poor people were getting tangled in her messy web now. They looked like they have enough problems on their own; they don't need her problems added. But it looked as if it was too late, Mace Windu and Palpatine, she sneered just thinking of that man, seemed to have already decided. At least they'll bring laughter to her life. Because of the death threats and the even more hectic turn her life had taken recently, Padmè couldn’t even recall the last time she laughed before she met this crazy group.

She was glad to have met these people but she still did not like this idea at all. How many Jedi are guarding her now, 5? That's just crazy! Padmè glanced at Palpatine out of the corner of her eye. He was hidden half in shadows. All of this was his idea and she still couldn't get her mind off his disregarding Count Dooku as if the man couldn't possibly do any wrong. She knew in her gut that he was behind the assassination attempts and she couldn't shake the feeling that Palpatine was too.

Mara tried to avoid looking at Palpatine for it only made her angry. After the speech Yoda just gave her on the dark side she thought she would never get angry again if it meant she didn't have to be a part of that speech again. Then she thought more practically and decided to just not get angry in front of him, so she will never be in listening.... or hitting distance. Happy with her conclusion, Mara was about to suggest they leave when Yoda spoke up.

Now, tell us where you're from you will."

Mara looked at Luke, who looked to her then Leia, who looked at him then to Han. Han just shrugged and scratched his head before looking at the kids. Leia rolled her eyes and looked back at Luke and Mara. They opened their mouths to speak then thought better and shut them. Leia tried thinking of some reasonable explanation but none came.

"Well..." she trailed off and after a minute Mara finished for her.

"Why should we have to tell you?"

Luke gave her a strange look and she just shrugged as if to say it was the best I could do. They all looked to Yoda and he 'humfed' which meant that wouldn't work. Mara stood behind Luke when he stepped closer raising his stick for every other step. She didn't want to get hit again. Luke frowned sensing her thoughts. She didn't care if he got hit, that was ok.

"Reklawyksaram," Mara said from behind Luke wincing as she did so for only the force knew why.





Chapter 4: Can I Shoot Him, Please Let Me Shoot Him

"Can I shoot him? Please let me shoot him!" Mara said following Luke.

"For the last time Mara, no!" Luke snapped out at her. Mara froze and glared at him

"Why not?" she asked obviously confused.

She new Luke himself was getting fed up also. She gave a sithly glance in HIS direction, and then looked back at Luke. She would never understand his farm boy ways and only force knows why she listens to him. If it was up to her she would...

"Mara!" Luke ceased her thinking with a gasp. He must have read her thoughts and for once Mara didn't care. She gave him a sly smirk.

"I would appreciate it if you wouldn't kill Jar-Jar Mara" Padmè said coming from behind.

Mara looked unconvinced and Padmè smiled and continued, "He comes in handy if I need a vacation. I can just leave him in charge and not have to worry... err wait I worry but only because he's so clumsy. There was, however, that one time he created Political chaos-but I came home early and fixed it. I really don’t go on may vacations..." she winced at her own comments. The truth is she didn't know of anything good he's done in the past ten years.

Mara was grinning thinking she might get her way when Luke cut in "He's great with kids and they obviously like him."

Mara and Padmè looked over where Jar-Jar was standing with the children. Jaina was talking her head off about ships; obviously a distraction while Jacen was standing on the couch reaching out to pull his ears. Little Anakin was trying to help by attaching himself to the Gungan's leg.

Mara snorted. "Luke, they're antagonizing him, there's a difference between that and liking someone. "Padmè nodded in agreement and Luke had to admit she was right. Of course he wouldn't tell her so.

"Never-the-less Mara, at least he's keeping them occupied."

Leia and Han had 'mysteriously' disappeared leaving Luke and Mara in charge of the kids. The comment made Mara think twice about killing the annoying Gungan. Luke was right; of course she would never tell him so. But when Han and Leia returned they might not be so lucky. She couldn't believe it when she read that blasted note they left her, to watch over the children…and Luke. Ok, the Luke part she understood a little but since when did she become their babysitter?





The lift doors opened and Leia and Han stepped inside.

"I told you the Falcon would be fine," Leia stated matter-of-factly.

Han gave his famous sly grin and encircled her waste from behind. "I know Princess; I just wanted to get away for a while. Plus you have to admit the look on Mara's face when we return will be priceless—before she kills us for leaving her that note to watch over the children, that is."

Leia laughed and he gave her a kiss. The lift door began to close when they heard someone call out to hold it. Han almost didn't but when Leia elbowed him he stuck his hand out to stop the doors from closing. He grumbled while doing so because he knew Leia would never resume her affections in front of someone.

Two men walked in smiling in appreciation. "Thank you," the older of the two said. Leia smiled back and then gave a slight nod.

They were obviously Jedi, Han noticed looking at their robes and the lightsabers that hung from each of their belts. The oldest had longish hair and a beard. He was also shorter. The younger, taller one had blond hair and blue eyes. There was also a long single braid hung from his right ear, the older one was without one.

They stood in silence, obviously uncomfortable about talking in the others presence. Han shifted from left to right foot and began to whistle something. Leia was about to bring it to a stop when the older Jedi began also. Leia's eyes widened slightly and then she grinned. Han just broke the silence and now the atmosphere between them wasn't so uncomfortable. The whistling stopped a few seconds later and the lift still rose, but everyone was grinning.

"You look nervous," the older said breaking the silence. The other was fidgeting and fixing his robe. Leia glanced at them brows raised; she too had noticed the nervousness in the young one.

"I haven't felt you this tense since—since we fell into that nest of Gandarks."

The other rolled his eyes and gave him a ‘you-don't-know-what-you're- talking-about-look.’ "YOU fell into that nightmare Master, and I had to rescue you," he replied just a little too proud of himself.

"Oh yes, I forgot."

Han and Leia smiled at each other, apparently reminded of the same accident-prone person, Luke. The bearded one rolled onto his heels and then chuckled giving the other another glance.

"Relax, you're sweating."

Han nodded in agreement when he looked in his direction for his opinion. The younger one's lips thinned and then he finally explained the reason for his nervousness.

"Master, I haven't seen her in 10 years! Maybe I'm a little nervous." he trailed off when he looked at all of their brows raised. "Ok not maybe, I am nervous. It's just that, what if she doesn't remember me? I don't think I could deal with that because I've thought about her everyday since I've been away."

Leia opened her mouth to ask who she was when Han elbowed her, which meant to not be so nosey. She glared at him then muttered, "I'm not nosey."

The comment drew everyone's attention towards her. She looked at each one smiling and tried to come up with a cover up. She couldn't so she gave them an sheepish grin and shrugged. Then she quickly changed the subject so the attention was once again focused on the young Jedi.

"Don't be nervous and fidgety and it will be fine."

The eldest laughed, as did Han and he was about to comment when the lift doors finally opened. That was one long lift ride. All four of them stepped out, each wondering what the other was doing getting off on the Senator’s floor. A tall orange creature with floppy ears greeted them.

"Obi, Obi!" It said excitedly to the older Jedi. 'Obi' smiled and shook his hand then stepped aside.

"Ani? Oh Ani mesa so happy to see yousa," the creature gushed crushing the young man in a strong embrace.

The creature was smiling wide as he called for Padmè. Anakin looked up anxious but instead of Padmè he saw some other woman come out followed by a young man. He held his frown of disappointment in check and gave them a small smile. They ignored him and went straight for the other two that were in the lift.

"I can't believe you guys! Don't ever do that again or I'll—“ Mara yelled at them but her threat was cut short when Luke placed his hand over her mouth. Her eyes narrowed into green slits and Jar-Jar swallowed visibly.

Han and Leia weren't threatened at all and didn't even attempt to hide their laughter. Mara pushed Luke's hand away and was about to say something when Padmè stepped in front of them to address the two strangers.

"Master Kenobi! It's been far too long." She said to 'Obi.' Her gaze then traveled to the younger one and her eyes widened.

"Ani?" she asked and at his nod her smile brightened and she continued, "Anakin Skywalker, my goodness you've grown."

At his name Luke, Mara, Leia, and Han's eyes all widened. Mara glanced at Luke and his face lost all of its color. His mouth hung open and then it closed and his jaw clenched. He was confused and she couldn't blame him. If she were looking at her father who was at least seven years younger then herself she would be confused also. Not to say she wasn't confused anyway, because she was. She was confused for a whole different reason though. Like why they were there in the past in the first place and what were they supposed to do about it? And why she couldn't shoot that thing now that Han and Leia were back.

Padmè, Anakin and Obi Kenobi all went to sit down. Luke watched as they did, and then followed Mara who sat next to Padmè. He looked over at his father and then towards Ben or Obi-Wan Kenobi as most called him.

Luke gave Mara and Leia another glance and they looked at him with the same intensity. Mara gave him a look and then a sly smirk to obviously put him in a better mood. It worked because he gave a smile back then tuned into the conversation at hand.

"I want to find out who's trying to kill me." Padmè stated giving them a defiant look.

Obi-Wan and Anakin argued about if they were meant to catch this assassin or not. "You will learn your place Padawan." Obi-Wan finished and the room was silent. Padmè looked from Obi-Wan then to Anakin in sympathy. Mara held back a smile and Luke watched in amazement of what was to come next.

"BOOM!"

All three children jumped up from behind the couch breaking the silence. Mara burst out laughing as both Jedi drew their lightsabers. The kids all went to Mara's side and she smiled at them as if to say 'nice one.' Padmè had a hand covering her heart frantically trying to calm it but she wasn't angry. She also smiled at the children happy they broke the tense moment. Anakin and Obi-Wan put their weapons away and sat back down. They finally gave the others in the room a second glance.

"Who are these people anyway?"

Mara smiled as she watched everyone shift uncomfortably in their seats. Obviously when they started this little adventure they hadn't expected to meet their father. Luke cleared his throat twice and Mara's smile brightened when he looked her way. She had to admit seeing them in distress was all too entertaining.

They all obviously had no idea what to say to these two men waiting for the response that would have come in normal situations right after the question. Leia glanced in her direction but Mara just shrugged not intending to help out at all. Leia glared right back at her then looked towards Han. He of course was of no help either and Mara was curious as to what she was going to say.

"Well, I'm Leia and this is my husband Han Solo," she finally started and to anyone listening it was the perfect answer, that is until she introduced her kids.

"That's Jaina, Jacen and…well…Anakin."

Mara burst out laughing at her timid attitude. She sounded so unsure and a mother talking about her children isn't usually like that. Obi-Wan and Anakin didn't seem to mind though as they stood and gave a bow to each. Anakin Skywalker's face brightened as he looked at the little boy that shared his name. Obi-Wan groaned, "Oh don't tell me you named him after HIM!" He exclaimed indicating his Padawan.

"What's wrong with that Master?" Anakin asked slightly offended.

"I swear Anakin that's the what, 7th kid we've come across that's been named after you and all because you blew up that blasted Battleship when you were nine!"

Mara laughed even harder when she noticed Leia just nodding in agreement with the duo's statements. It seemed the easiest way of getting out of really explaining the name, and it looked like Leia was using her skills as a politician; whenever you're in doubt just nod and smile. Of course that can back fire, which it has, almost getting Leia engaged…twice. Thank the force for communication droids!

"You blew up a ship?!" Jaina said in an accusing tone and when he nodded she shook her head in disbelief and glanced at her father who just agreed with her to make her stop talking.

Anakin looked a little confused by the little girls comment but let it slide because, well, almost everything about these people confused him. He gave them all a look then turned towards his master. They all had very strong force signatures except, that is, for the Han fellow.

"You're Jedi, no?" Obi-Wan asked knowing what Anakin was thinking.

It was peculiar though, because they knew a lot of the Jedi but didn't recognize any of these people. Only the blond headed man nodded but they took that as a yes and stared at him waiting for his name.

Luke was smiling, that is until everyone's gaze turned towards him. He gave Mara a wide-eyed look real quick and Mara had to cover her mouth to hide to snort that escaped. She had no idea why she was acting like this and she had no idea why she found it all so amusing, but she did. It was not like her at all. Mara knew she really didn't have worry about using her name or running into any relatives from the past because the truth of the matter was even if she did, she wouldn't really notice. Her thoughts were interrupted when Luke finally decided to answer.

"I'm Luke," he trailed off and Mara smiled brightly waiting for what was to come. But nothing came from him as Han cut him off, "And this is Mara Jade."

Mara's laughter ceased then and a frown crossed over her features. She sent a glare in Hans's direction and he shrugged and smiled as she had before. Mara was sure he knew he made it sound as if they were together.

Together!? She glanced at the other occupants in the room seeing if they were buying it at all. Anakin and Obi-Wan didn't really seem to care but Padmè was smiling wide in an, 'I knew it!' sort of way.

Mara growled and was about to deny it when Jacen spoke up for her, she thanked the force for that boy, her only friend. "She's not our." Han grabbed him to shut him up and the others gave him a curious look. He hugged Jacen and grinned, "He has a cold, he's not supposed to talk," he explained then looked to Leia for help.

She just nodded and smiled. Mara rolled her eyes and shook her head in disgust. Like no one was going to see through that act right away.

"Awe, that's too bad. I had the exact same thing only a few days ago," Obi- Wan said nodding his head in sympathy. Mara groaned in disbelief and muttered "Jedi!" They all looked in her direction waiting for an explanation.

"You guys aren't very bright are you?" She asked and when she saw them narrow their eyes she began to explain. "I'm not, in any way related—‘Jaina cut her off then catching on to her daddy's game. "Auntie Mara ‘member you said I could fly your ship?"

Mara gave her a curious look before realizing everyone was against her and unless everyone left the room she wouldn't get the truth out. Unless, of course Luke said something, she thought and glared in his direction. Nope! He looked to be enjoying it. Mara smiled at that, not a happy smile mind you, but a mischievous one. If he didn't mind being married, then she would make him mind. She didn't know how yet, but she'll make sure of it. If it's the last thing she does, she'll make him regret not speaking up.

"I want to find who's trying to kill me, that's why I'm glad the Council chose you...uh, six to protect me, but I don't need anymore security." Padmè said changing the subject but stopped as Obi-Wan began to frown.

"We're not here to investigate," ha said firmly and his frown deepened "I thought we already went over this."

Padmè's eyes narrowed and she glanced at Mara and Luke. "The assassin was a changeling," Mara supplied and once again all attention was on her.

"And how would you know?" Anakin asked interested in finding the creep.

"We were there to see her take off," she stated the obvious and Obi-Wan nodded and then asked another stupid question, in Mara's opinion. "How do you know he was a Changeling?"

Mara gave him a sickly sweet smile, "I just know ok? I know how assassins work." Luke snorted and gave a small laugh. That was the under statement of the day considering she had been an assassin for most of her life.

Anakin, little Anakin that is, crawled up in between Mara and Luke and rested his head on Mara's shoulder as he gave a big yawn. She raised an eyebrow and gave Luke a look that meant 'why-is-he-laying-on-me-and-get-him- off.' Luke just smiled at her discomfort and looked down at little Ani. He gave them a grin before yawning again and murmuring "I tired."

Padmè laughed and chose that moment to stand and take her leave. "I think I'll follow his lead and retire. I shall see you all in the morning." She left and as she did so a little astromech droid followed her, a very familiar astromech droid.

"R2?"

 

-----signature-----
The Morning Will Come (AU) L/M A/P & Co
Read me ----> http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=7173087
"He's a bodacious babe" -Ferngully
"Well in that case I'd better call a phone, may I use your cab?
-Meg Ryan I.Q.
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Ariapaige  451 posts
Registered: Feb '02
5998_Anakin's Shadow
Date Posted: 5/13/06 7:48pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P - Date Edited: 5/13/06 8:15pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Ariapaige
do you realize this is my very first 'first post' ever!! grin

i'm loving it all over again UKW! now i can't wait til june, though- for the sequels.
wink paige

 

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sometime lurker
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U_KnOwWhOo  246 posts
Registered: May '02
14749_Jawa 'Toon
Date Posted: 5/14/06 8:56pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P
Crazy! Thanks! grin I actually had no idea where I should repost it, which of the boards it belonged on because its been so long! There are all these new boards. Technically it falls under teh Saga and also beyond...hmm. hypnotized

 

-----signature-----
The Morning Will Come (AU) L/M A/P & Co
Read me ----> http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=7173087
"He's a bodacious babe" -Ferngully
"Well in that case I'd better call a phone, may I use your cab?
-Meg Ryan I.Q.
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ZaraValinor  4736 posts
Registered: May '02
47805_Ben Skywalker
Date Posted: 5/14/06 8:59pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P
This is wonderful. I loved it before, but lost it. So I'm glad to find it again.

 

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Proud Master to Meredith_Kenobi & Lolly_Tolly
"He full-on Obi-Wan'd me!"
Dean Winchester - Supernatural
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Ariapaige  451 posts
Registered: Feb '02
5998_Anakin's Shadow
Date Posted: 5/17/06 10:09am Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P
bumpsies dancing

wink paige

 

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U_KnOwWhOo  246 posts
Registered: May '02
14749_Jawa 'Toon
Date Posted: 5/20/06 6:55pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P
Thanks Zara! I'm glad you found it again too! grin

Thanks for keeping it up paige! cool







Chapter 5: Clumsy Assassins and Free Fallin’ Jedi

After a quick detour Mara found where she would be staying for only the force knew how long. Slapping the button the door opened and she strode in, only to come to a complete stop a second later. The doors closed but Mara didn't move. She continued to stare blankly and opened mouthed. She then came together and let out as many curses as she could think of, and then repeated some. Finally her lips came together in a frown and her eyes narrowed into green slits, bringing her glare back to her previous target.

"Oh no, no…" She drawled out causing the one syllable word to turn into a six syllable one instead.

"I knew I should have killed you when I had the chance," she growled out and began pacing the room. "I at least shouldn't have come after you. I knew it was a bad idea. I mean why did I—because I'm stupid that's why!" She exclaimed not giving him a chance to answer but answering herself instead.

"You would have gotten yourself out of trouble eventually if I didn't come after you—A ND I would be in our own time, with my ship, without you!" She finally finished nodding at her own conclusions and ceased pacing he room. She looked back at him and let out a frustrated sigh.

"You're not staying in here!" Mara said pointing an accusing finger at him.

The object of her frustrations finally stood from his seat and took a few steps towards her. He smiled and she took a step away to further the distance between herself and that smile.

"It won’t be that bad Mara," he said finally and she gave him a doubtful look. He didn't look bothered at all by the glare that made its way back onto her face.

"It wasn't my idea. It was Han's," he defended himself, deflecting some of her anger away. "But he was right; they can't know my last name and with us being married it makes me Luke Jade." Luke finished fast and took a deep breath.

"Couldn't you have said you were my brother?"

He gave her a look then blushed slightly. "I don't feel very brotherly towards you," he answered shuffling his feet. He then gazed into her eyes and answered knowingly “And I know you don't feel very sisterly towards me." Knowing of what, Mara was not certain but she wasn't sure she wanted to find out. If she thought too long on it, her thoughts would take her a place she didn’t want to be, a place she isn’t ready for.

"Good going earlier, you almost blew it right then and there when you called out R2," Mara said changing the subject.

"Hey I covered it pretty nicely," he answered and when she snorted he frowned.

"Are you kidding?" she asked unbelievingly then mimicked him from before, "R2—D4! That looks exactly like our droid back home." She laughed and after a few seconds he joined in also.

"See, it won't be that bad being married to me."

Mara ignored the comment and began checking out their living quarters. He followed her with his penetrating blue eyes but stayed rooted to his spot. He smiled when she muttered something about how big the fresher was and that he should check it out. When he saw her disappear into the bedroom, the only bedroom, he cringed and waited for the response.

"Skywalker!" Mara yelled from the other room and stalked back to where he was. He slumped back onto the couch and noticed for the first time just how hard it was.

"There's only one bed," Mara stated the obvious and glared at him once again.

Luke just nodded with her agreeing and closed his eyes waiting for the rest. Nothing came. He opened one eye to peek at her curiously but closed it tightly shut again as a pillow hit his head.

"Hey!" He yelled standing and throwing his hands up for protection. She delivered another blow to his head, and then another before finally stopping obviously satisfied.

"Feel better?" He asked taking his arms away from his face.

She smiled, "Actually, yeah I do." He returned her smile. What he said next, however, earned him another whack from the pillow.

"We can share the bed."

After delivering the solid blow to the head that Mara hoped would knock him unconscious, she walked towards the door shaking her head and muttering about stupid naive Farmboys. Luke followed anyway like a lost Ewok, her plan of rendering him unconscious failing.

"No, you will be sleeping on the couch," Mara answered in a tone that left no room for argument—or would have, if she had been trying to scare anyone else, but this was Luke—and so he followed her trying to change her mind.






Han finished tucking in Jaina and Jacen and went in search for Leia. She was sitting down watching the HoloNews with a blank look on her face. Han sat down next to her and she gave him a smile.

"Things were so different, the galaxy was so different."

All Han did was nod and wrap her in his warm embrace because he learned the hard way; in times like these it was best for him not to open his big mouth and say something stupid that landed him sleeping on the couch.

"Do you think we were sent here to change things?" she asked after a moment and Han sighed not really knowing what to say but wishing he could give her the answer she was searching for..

"I don't know Princess, but I'm sure we'll figure it out."

They sat there silently for another few moments until Han spoke up "I wonder if Luke's still alive?"

Leia turned her neck in order to peer up at him with her curious brown eyes and he chuckled and explained the living situation. When the story was finished Leia was laughing also before grinning slyly at him.

"You're idea?" Han brought a hand up to his chest in mock shock "Who, me?"





"I don't see why we can't just take turns?"

Luke was still whining to Mara. She turned at his question and gazed at him with a thoughtful expression.

"You mean like.flip a credit?" She asked after a second and Luke's look grew hopeful as he eagerly shook his head yes.

"No!" was her short answer as she turned on her heel and continued walking. "Come on please." He continued to beg following her once again but Mara just ignored him.


"I don't see why it's such a big deal if we take turns," Luke commented when they finally arrived at their destination.

Mara turned to look at him once again and this time gave him a smile. "I need the satisfaction of seeing you sleep on that hard, cold couch because you couldn't think of a better excuse about your last name. Let's just say for the sake of argument that I can't think of a better excuse in this instance and you're just going to have to deal with it—like I am." Mara said calmly and Luke frowned then opened his mouth about to ask another stupid question but didn’t succeed in asking as Mara cut him off while opening the door.

"It's your own fault Farmboy. You went along with Han's brilliant plan in the first place."

When the door opened he ceased his reasoning and followed her inside. There was no sign of Obi-Wan; however, they heard voices coming from behind the door that led to Padmè's sleeping area. Mara put her ear to the door to listen, as did Luke, they wanted to see what these two were talking about.

"And when the plan works the assassin will come for me and you will catch him." Padmè finished and Mara smiled wide immediately understanding the senator’s plan. She looked towards Luke and he raised an eyebrow in askance.

"Padmè's using herself as bait to catch the assassin," Mara supplied the obvious and Luke's reaction was the opposite of hers.

"But Ben said they weren't..." he trailed off when he looked at Mara's face. Her expression was confusing him, why she was smiling he didn't know. She thought the plan was good of course, was his only conclusion.

The voices in the room grew quieter then stopped. Luke and Mara strained to hear more when all of a sudden the door slid opened and they fell to the ground in a tangled mess.

"Get off me!" Mara muttered to him and he smiled, "Sure thing honey." He said this of course to infuriate her more—it worked.

"I thought you were shielding us?" she asked angrily standing up.

"I thought you were," he countered and stood to his full height. She glared at him then grumbled back "And why would I be shielding us?"

Luke had a good answer to that answer, he really did, he just didn't know what. The truth was she was probably right; he should have been the one to shield, and looking at her smirk he knew she already knew.

They finally glanced at the other two occupants in the room. Anakin and Padmè looked both baffled and amused. They had no idea why Luke and Mara were listening through the door but the pair already proved to be an amusing addition to the group.

"Why didn't you guys just knock?" Padmè questioned brows raised.

Mara first looked at Luke and then back to Padmè then with an answer, "We wanted to make sure you weren't planning anything stupid without us. Luke knows about stupid plans that’s for sure." Luke glared at her and Anakin laughed enjoying the bickering between them.

Padmè looked at her pointedly "Are you saying my plan is stupid?"

Mara's smile just brightened at her question but "Yes," was her only answer.

Padmè looked at her to explain so she shrugged and did. "I didn't say I didn't like the plan; however it is stupid because Obi's not going to be too pleased. I, however am all for it and will gladly help."

Padmè smiled and looked at Luke. He gave the same answer, only a little afraid of Mara's wrath if he didn't. They talked for a few more moments, Padmè explaining the 'plan' then Luke, Mara and Anakin went into the front room where the security cameras were.

Mara looked at Anakin and gave him a sly grin, "You like her." Luke watched his father shift uncomfortably and blush before changing the subject.

"Where's the rest of your gang?"

Luke smiled in response. "They had to put the kids to bed and we just told them they could go too. It's not like Padmè actually needs all of us to watch her. I think Yoda was just fed up with Mara and wanted us gone." At that last comment Anakin laughed and Mara whacked Luke on the back of his head causing the laughter to continue.

When all was calm once again Anakin looked at them both and gave a confused smile

"So, you two are married?"

Luke nodded and tossed his arm over Mara's shoulders earning him an elbow in the gut.

"How long?" was Anakin's next question and Mara looked at Luke and bit her lip in thought.

"Uh, actually—we just got married two standard months ago." Luke finally answered when he noticed Mara wasn't even going to try. The answer earned him a smile and he was about to ask another question when Obi-Wan strode in.

"Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin would dare try going that way." Mara snorted and everyone looked to her in askance.

"No assassin would go that way in the first place. It's a waste of time and unless they're stupid they'd go another way. Honestly, who’d use the front door?"

Obi-Wan and Anakin looked to Luke brows raised and he just shrugged. "I've given up trying to figure out how she knows this stuff. All I know is that she's usually right." Mara smiled at all of them and they just shrugged.

"So how are things going up here?" Obi-Wan asked while getting his view scanner out and checking the screen. He looked up at them confused when he could only see R2 and a little bit of the door.

"Senator Amidala didn't like me watching her so she covered the cam." His Padawan quickly supplied and Luke continued knowing what 'Ben' was thinking. "Don’t worry; R2 is programmed to let us know of any intruders."

Obi-Wan's face tensed and he let out a growl "There are other ways to kill a senator."

Mara smiled and shook her head in agreement.

"You're using her as bait," Obi-Wan realized in disbelief. Anakin's face showed that he clearly agreed with the plan but he protested for his Master's benefit.

"It was her idea." Obi-Wan opened his mouth to comment but Anakin quickly continued, "Don't worry I can sense everything that's going on in there."

Obi-wan knew that the plan would most likely work but stated the obvious anyway "It's too risky."

As the two continued bickering, Mara tuned them out and keep a close watch of the room next to them.

"Besides your senses aren't that attuned." Luke smiled watching the two. "And yours are," Anakin suggested. "Possibly" Obi-Wan admitted and both of them looked to the laughing Luke. Anakin walked over to the balcony and Obi-Wan leaned against the couch.

"You look tired," he commented and Anakin glanced at him "I don't sleep well."

This was not news to his Master but Luke looked intrigued.

"Because of your mother," Obi-Wan answered with little doubt and with Anakin's nod continued, "You know not every dream is a vision. Your love runs deep—of course you miss her."

Luke looked towards Mara and she gave him a look when Anakin was talking about Padmè. It told him she was thinking the same thing, and that maybe—maybe the senator had more of a connection to them then had had believed.

Mara's expression and thoughts changed when she sensed what she had been waiting for. The assassin was striking again.

"Uh, guys," she tried and they ignored her and continued," Padmè isn't like that and the Chancellor doesn't seem to be corrupt."

At that comment Mara gave a look of disbelief as if to say want to bet?

"Palpatine's a politician and he is very clever at following the passions and prejudices of the senators." Obi-Wan stated and Mara snorted in a yeah- right manner.

"Guys… there seems to be," she tried again but Anakin cut her off "I think he's a good man."

This time Mara couldn't hold in the anger even though Luke tried to stop her. "Look he's not a good man! And if you don't mind there's an assassin droid in the next room." they all three gave a start and Obi-Wan commented, "I sense it too." Mara rolled her eyes and followed all three men to Padmè's room.

Mara walked into the room after the boys all the while muttering under her breath about stupid Jedi not listening to her. Anakin was there, lightsaber on, with the two assassin worm creatures lying on the ground both severed in ½.

"Droid," Obi-wan said and every one glanced in his direction just in time to see him jump through the window shattering the glass and grabbing on to the assassin Droid.

"I didn't know Jedi could fly" Mara said sarcastically and Luke smiled at her.

"Anakin?" Padmè asked him, noticing his stare. Their eyes locked for a moment—but only for a moment as he gives her a nod and is once again on the move.

"Stay here!" he instructed then looked at Luke and Mara and R2 as if telling them to watch her. In a matter of seconds he was gone.

The handmaidens and guards came in quickly, immediately going to Padmè's side. Luke looked at Mara and she was watching the window where Obi-wan jumped out of, shaking her head and muttering once again about Jedi.

"Stay here!" he instructed in the same manner and ran from the room following Anakin. Mara heard him and nodded not really noticing what exactly it was that he said. She glanced at Padmè and the Senator gave her a look before stating shocked, "I can't believe you listened to him."

Mara's face showed her own shock and her eyes narrowed. "Like sith I am going to wait here!" she muttered running out the door. Padmè laughed.

Four droids, three annoying senators, two jammed doors and one minute later, Mara reached the docking bay level just in time to see Anakin fly away and Luke jump on his speeder last minute.

"Sith!" she cursed then glanced at the other speeder and smiled. No, she wasn't going to miss the fun. Mara jumped in and turned it on—It didn't start. She frowned, then went to the next one and tried it. The engine roared to life and she zoomed after them.






"Move over!" Obi-wan instructed to Luke. "I can't there's no room". Obi- wan growled in frustration and looked at Anakin "What took you so long?"

Anakin looked at him in a calm fashion before replying "I couldn't find a speeder I really liked, one with an open cockpit, and the right speed capabilities… and you know I had to hold out for just that right color, plus this nerf had to follow me." Luke shot him a glare but Anakin just laughed.

"There!" Obi-Wan said pointing to the speeder he recognized from before. Anakin turned hard left causing his Master to be slammed into Luke.

"Ouch," Luke said pushing Obi-Wan back over. "This really isn't that comfortable," Obi-Wan stated the obvious sending a glare Luke's way.

"So jump!" Luke replied returning his former Master’s glare.

It was obvious Luke had been spending way too much time around a certain redhead. Luke shook his head and gave a smile, of course he didn't really mind all that much. Anakin looked at them both and gave another roar of laughter. He thought he was the only one who could give his master a run for his money, obviously he was wrong.

"Watch the road!" Luke commanded as Obi-Wan seemed to lose his voice, and stomach. Anakin gave the wheel a hard turn and they just missed the speeder heading in their direction. He only smiled and glanced at his nervous Master.

"If you'd spend as much time working on your lightsaber skills as you do on your wit you'd rival Master Yoda." Obi-Wan stated dryly and ducked as they just missed the underside of a speeder above them. Anakin gave his Master a cocky grin, "I thought I already did."

Luke smiled at their bantering and waited for Obi-Wan's response. "Only in your mind my young Padawan," he finished.

Luke laughed as he finally realized what they were saying. The duo glanced at him sideways and he explained, "I just think it would be funny to see Yoda and Anakin duel, that's all." Before anyone could reply a sound cut through the silence, someone honking in front of them.

"Oops!" Anakin said diving down out of the way and swerving in and out of traffic. "You know I don't like it when you do that!" Obi-Wan said clutching his stomach. Luke inched away from him as far as he could cautious that Ben would lose his dinner.

"Sorry Master, I forgot you don't like flying," Anakin said in a way that was not very convincing and smiled before taking the speeder through another series of twists, turns, and dives.

"I don't mind the flying, but what you're doing is suicide!" Obi-Wan returned then looked at Luke as he nodded in agreement. The difference though, was that Luke was enjoying the ride immensely. Anakin pushed the throttle forward and followed as the assassin's speeder went straight up, then left. As he continued to dodge the blaster bolts aimed in his direction another speeder pulled up beside them.

"You know, it's illegal to have three people in a two-seated speeder." Mara said giving them all a cheeky smile.

Luke smiled back and glanced at the other two. "I don't like breaking the law, so if you two don't mind I'm going to hitch a ride with the pretty lady." They nodded and Luke stood up waiting for the right time to jump.

Mara brought the speeder closer and steadied it waiting…and waiting...and waiting. "Jump already!" She yelled finally, annoyed that he was taking so long.

He jumped landing near the back of the speeder and began to make his way up. Anakin zoomed ahead of them and Mara went from side to side so not to get hit with blaster bolts that came whizzing by. Luke almost fell—twice, and he flopped around every time the speeder made a sharp turn.

More blaster fire came at them missing by at least a meter and Mara growled, "I'm going to kill her!"

Luke finally plopped down beside her and opened his mouth to say something when Mara cut him off "She's a disgrace Skywalker! What trained assassin can't hit a speeder at full speed?" She exclaimed obviously put out. Luke gave her a soft smile and said nothing.

"I could've hit it," Mara muttered calming down.

They continued their pursuit of the bad-at-her-job-assassin, according to Mara. As Anakin drove his speeder in all different twists Mara did the same cursing with each new turn. Luke laughed at her and watched as Anakin skimmed the side of a building before heading into a tram tunnel. Mara didn't follow this time, "He's loony—he'll be back."

As soon as Mara said it, Anakin's speeder sped right back out followed by the assassin’s speeder and a lot of trucks.

"Great, just great," Mara said leading the group now. Luke glanced behind them and smiled, "It feels like we're the ones being chased!" Mara rolled her eyes and told him deprecatingly that they were. "You know, sometimes you have just a little too much farm boyishness in you Skywalker."

She gave him a glance and he just smiled brightly at her comment, taking it as a compliment. Mara danger sense flared before she had a chance to set him straight and she had to duck as a blaster bolt flew past her.

"That's it! I'm tired of being leader!" Mara told him angrily as she slammed on the brakes causing the others to zoom past her.

She gave a sigh then smiled at Luke's scared face "That's better," Mara added pleased as she began to follow again.

"Now, this assassin needs a lesson on firing a blaster properly." Luke snorted and replied defiantly, "And who better to learn from, then the Master assassin Mara Jade!" She gave him a sly grin and drew her blaster.

Luke groaned in response and stated wryly "Mara, we want him alive." Mara ignored him and brought the speeder up closer.

"I just wanna scare her a little." Mara defended herself taking aim. Luke rolled his eyes heavenward then watched her take a clear-cut shot at the tail end of the assassin's speeder. Satisfied that she was successful and now the speeder was going slower Mara put away her weapon. "See—still alive."

Mara dropped behind in line once again as Anakin flew behind the other speeder, only to cut to the side not particularly wanting to go through the power couplings. Anakin went straight through the purple shocking energy.

After that they both watched as Obi-Wan stood and slowly crawled onto the front engine to remove some sort of cloth.

"How he talks Ben into doing that I'll never figure out," Luke stated and watched in amusement as he almost fell then crawled back in. Mara shook her head and watched as Anakin went a totally different way then the assassin. Not wanting to dive first into a building or something Mara took the safe way and followed the assassin once more through a tunnel. She went in and out of traffic only hitting the wall once before the tunnel ended. Mara brought the speeder closer but slowed as Luke told her to look up. There, she saw, Anakin Skywalker falling fast.

"What is up with Jedi plummeting to their death all the time," Mara stated as Luke smiled and Anakin caught onto the assassin's speeder.

They watched as Anakin slid to the tail when the assassin sped up. He quickly crawled up to the closed cockpit and drew his lightsaber slicing through the cover. The lightsaber flew out of his grasp and only seconds later Obi-Wan caught it. Luke smiled and glanced at Mara who was still trying to figure out why Jedi like to jump out of things. The speeder went right and left out of control and finally crashed down into the streets. Mara continued to fly above them, with Obi-Wan at her side. They landed near the club Anakin was running to and began walking his way.

"Well, that was fun," Mara raised her eyebrow and smiled then thought better and glared "And you wanted me to stay put!"

Luke winced as she punched him in the arm. Violence seemed to make her feel better but had quite the opposite effect on him.

"Let's catch up with them," Luke supplied rubbing his arm and Mara agreed with a nod and a satisfied smile. Heading into the bar they arrived just in time to hear Obi-Wan reprimanding Anakin. "But you haven't learned anything Anakin," Obi-wan said glancing at Luke and Mara who were both trying to hide their amusement...or well at least Luke was. Mara let the bright smile shine through as she answered his comment.

"He learned how to jump off high heights and fly through the air to his death just before catching onto something," Mara supplied for the Padawan and was answered with a smile.

"I try, Master."

Luke knew there was amusement mixed with sincerity in Anakin's voice but the amusement had the right to sneak through. His Master had, after all, leapt out of a window hundreds of stories above the streets of Coruscant.

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" Obi-Wan asked over the loud music of the bar.

Luke froze mid-step and glanced at Ben. If only he knew how close to the truth he was.

"I get the feeling you’re going to be the death of yourself if you keep up this jumping out of buildings bit. He might not even get the chance to even try." Mara stated matter-of-factly obviously holding in her laughter.

Anakin smiled faintly. Obi-wan shrugged slightly and gave a sheepish grin before quickly replacing it with his Jedi clam façade.

"Do you see him yet?" Anakin was glancing around the bar "I think he is a she and Mara was right, she's a changeling."

Mara gave them both a sideways smile as if to say I told you so. Obi-wan nodded and gave another brief smile "Then be extra careful."

A snort came from Mara's direction they both looked at her curiously "That girl is no assassin… I bet she’ll probably try and 'sneak' up on you or something." She trailed off laughing a bit as Obi-wan shook his head and went the opposite way.

Mara knew herself that sneaking up on a Jedi was not done easily. Especially when attempting to poor a pitcher of Juri juice on them.. Mara winced slightly remembering that horrific occurrence at the Jedi academy when she attempted just that with Luke.

Anakin looked at Luke a little concerned. Mara followed his gaze and rolled her eyes stepping in front of the "Jedi Master" who seemed to be frozen in place. Mara cocked her head to the side and studied him. His calm sky blue eyes she remembered were darker, like a storm, and behind them she could see his pain. She could feel his pain. The pain he felt when Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker, killed his mentor. With that one comment made by Obi-wan, memories seemed to bombard him all at once and Mara could feel each and every one. Why? She wasn't so sure if she wanted to know why and right now she wanted to get as far away from his pain as she could. As far as Mara was concerned, he could deal with it himself, because Force knows she had enough to sort through on her own.

Mara turned and began to follow in the direction which Obi-Wan disappeared to. It only took four steps away from him for Mara to change her mind. She walked back to stand in front of him sighing in defeat.

"Farmboy?" She said failing to prevent a soft smile but quickly hiding it with a mischievous smirk.

"Farmboy?!?" Mara said again waving a hand in front of his face.

Luke finally snapped out of his reverie and locked eyes with her. Blue met green and Mara felt the need to break contact but found she couldn't look away. His eyes were back to a bright blue she remembered and as the intense gaze continued Mara couldn't help but realize there was something else hidden.

"You ok?"

Luke gave her a bright smile happy that she was concerned and touched that she cared. "Come on wife, we must catch a bad-at-her-job-assassin," he said lightening up the mood and moving quickly away before she could whack him again.

Mara growled in frustration and followed him in mock agitation. Truth was she was trying desperately to hold back the grin, amused with his playful banter. She was also happy that what was bothering him only moments ago seemed to disappear for the time being.

Mara and Luke both froze, side by side as they watched Obi-Wan as he spun gracefully around from his position at the bar lightsaber ablaze. The blue blade slashed with accurate precision cutting off the threat from its source. The assassin screamed in pain and fell to the ground; her arm lay on the floor still clutching her weapon. Luke couldn't seem to stop the laugh that came.

"Every time I've seen him in a bar he has cut someone's arm off." He shook his head smiling and looked to Mara. She ignored him and muttered something of her own in obvious disbelief.

"I can't believe she actually tried it! She actually was trying to 'sneak' up to him." Mara shook her head in disgust not really believing it herself. Earlier when she made the comment it had been sarcastic—a joke—now, well, now it was official. That changeling shouldn’t—“

Her thoughts were cut off when Anakin spoke up, "Jedi business."

As if it were a normal occurrence every one went back to what they were doing before and Obi-Wan and Anakin went to help the assassin out into the streets. They lowered her gently to the ground and Luke and Mara kneeled next to them.

Luke's gaze immediately went to the wound and he winced in sympathy unlike Mara who thought she deserved it. The assassin gave a growl as Luke reached out to help and fixed a glare on the four of them. Mara's eyes narrowed as she met the glare with one of her own. The woman seemed to falter slightly then her lips snarled and Mara laughed.

"I wouldn't quit your day job. You do have one other than this right cuz'…" Mara trailed off as Luke laid his hand atop of hers.

"Who hired you?" Luke asked softly then gave Mara a brief smile and intertwined his hand with her own. Mara moved her glare to him and then quickly to their hands. She pulled hers away firmly but stayed silent nonetheless.

"It was just a job," was the short, yet truthful, answer they received. Mara rolled her eyes to the sky but bit her lip to refrain from speaking.

"Who hired you?" This time the question didn't come from Luke but from Anakin, and it wasn't asked but commanded. The Changeling kept silent and her hateful glare stayed firmly in place. Anakin's face contorted with anger, mostly out of fear for the senator, but as he gave a little snarl Luke raised a hand to calm him.

// Anger leads to hate//

Luke whispered the into the force while giving the young Padawan a look. Anakin nodded and took a steadying breath. Obi-Wan gave Luke a bewildered look then turned back to continue questioning.

"Tell us who sent you," Obi-Wan waving his hand slightly giving his words more strength.

"It was a bounty hunter called..." she began but before she could finish a sound cut through the calm winds causing the assassin to gasp and grimace in pain. Her features turned into her true form and she finally collapsed, dead.

All four of them looked up just in time to see a man in armor power up his rocket and take off into the sky.

"That looks like Fett," Mara and Luke muttered softly at the same time. When they both realized this they gave each other a sudden glance before turning to look at the duo next to them.

Obi-Wan plucked something from the Changeling’s neck and held it up to get a closer look.

"Toxic dart," Mara pointed out to him and he gave her an exasperated look before nodding in agreement.





Han walked out of the fresher smiling and went over to where Leia was fixing her hair. He kissed the side of her neck, surprising her slightly and causing her to shy away. She smiled at him and ordered him to hold a piece of her hair away while she braided the first bit. He did so obediently but not without making jokes about it the whole time.

"Almost done ya’ Nerf," she told him amused and finally took the piece away form him braiding it into the other into a bun type style on the top of her head. When she was finished he turned her towards him and drew her closer. As he leaned down to capture her lips with his own she stopped him. He sighed and shook his head in frustration. Her brows were drawn together in confusion.

"Do you hear that?" she asked as if listening to something. Han strained his ears but after not hearing anything, gave her a questioning glance.

“Silence," she explained and now he understood and was confused also.

"They must be up to something," Han said stating the obvious.

They both sighed at the same time and headed in the direction of the kitchenette…the direction of the children.

It was a mess! Plain and simple that's what it was. There was food everywhere; the walls, counters, floor and they even managed to get some on the two plates set up. How they found this much food in the first place was a mystery. All the appliances were out –and running. Jaina, Anakin and Jacen were all covered in different substances, and oblivious that their parents had entered the room. They brought the pan of, whatever it was, and piled a big glob onto a plate with the rest of the “food”. They did the same to the other plate then added a little bit of kaff on top.

Jacen finally looked up and noticed both Han and Leia's shocked faces. He smiled brightly at them and nudged his sister who looked up and gave the exact same smile.

"We made breakfast," Anakin supplied pointing with his finger to the plates of goo.

Han and Leia both gave each other a look and shrugged sitting down. The children each bit their lips and watched, as each took a bite. As soon as the mush hit their mouth the horrible taste came through. Both swallowed hard and looked at each other once again knowing that the children wanted their responses. Han said the first thing that came to mind looking at the hopeful faces.

"Mmm..."





Chapter 6: Bitter Sweet Revenge

Han and Leia were very relieved when a Com call interrupted the “meal”, if it could be called that, informing the whole family to meet with the council. But with that relief followed closely was apprehension. Leia knew that Yoda 'knew all' but how he found out about the food that was stolen…and the food fight in the kitchenette was beyond her comprehension. It just happened and already they had to experience the wrath of Yoda.

Maybe she should have let Mara follow through with her mission to steal his stick in the middle of the night after all, Leia thought with a grimace then looked at the children still covered in food. On the other hand maybe she needed one of those sticks for herself.

Han did his best to get all visible areas on the children clean but Jacen's hair still held a tint of white from the powdery substance he had gotten himself into. Force knows if it would ever come out, Han thought with a grimace and gave up.

The cleaning droids that were assigned to the living quarters they were staying in had 'mysteriously' disappeared or at least been 'conveniently' absent so they were stuck cleaning the big mushy glob the kitchenette had turned into.

Giving up after 20 minutes of scrubbing they decided to head for the meeting early to face the consequences of having force sensitive children who knew how to force throw food. Not taking any chances of the kids getting into any more trouble on the way to the Council room Han had the bright idea to keep them on a firm leash, literally.

He fashioned a chord he held to attach onto Anakin, which then looped around Jacen, then finally hooked onto Jaina. Han walked in front smiling with Leia at his side. The kids followed slowly, shoulders slumped, heads bent in their convoy exile.

Upon arriving at the council doors they spotted Luke and Mara also waiting to go in. Leia blew out a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding in respite. Obviously the troll hadn't found out about the little disaster the quarters were. Han must have realized it also for he quickly untied the trio and smiled brightly.

Mara wasn't even attempting to hold in her amusement at the Solo family. When they first arrived it was a funny and pathetic sight and Mara was quite curious as to what caused it. Han noticed her amusement and gave Mara a frown that clearly stated ‘stop-laughing-or-we'll-leave-'em-with-you.’ Mara got the picture and sobered up real quick.

Han smiled happy with himself and turned to Leia who was keeping a close eye on all three monsters. Shaking his head Han glanced at Mara and Luke with his brows raised.

"I trust you slept well?" he asked them both waggling his eyebrows up and down.

Luke shook his head in disagreement but smiled while setting the old smuggler right, "We didn't sleep at all," he happily informed his amazed brother-in-law.

Everyone's eyes widened in response and Mara covered her face while shaking her head in bafflement. No one can be that naïve she thought biting her lip to refrain from growling aloud. Luke was oblivious to Han grinning like a madman and Leia's dropped jaw astonishment.

"Close your mouth Leia, Farmboy here means that we were out all night catching that stupid assassin," Mara informed them all and was glad to see Leia close her mouth and nod in understanding. All conversations became serious after that.

"Is Padmè safe now?" Leia asked concerned for the welfare of the senator. Luke shook his head no and quickly explained, "There's a bounty on her head. More assassins will come until Obi-Wan finds the true source of the attempts." Before more could be said on the matter they were admitted to enter the Council chamber.

Mara stayed a little behind, only a little worried that she might say something to upset the troll again and only a little afraid that the stick will strike back. Her knees were still a bit sore from the last attack. Interrupting her thoughts was a tug on her jacket. Glancing down when the tug came again her eyes met with little Anakin's hopeful ones.

He raised both arms at her and gave a big toothy grin. As to what the kid was trying to prove Mara had no idea and furrowed her brow in mystification. Anakin bit his lip and wiggled his fingers at her.

"Up!" he ordered when Mara showed no initial reaction besides confusion.

"Up!" he repeated standing on his tiptoes waving his arms about. Mara finally understood and gave a distressed look in Luke's direction. He just smiled at her offering no help what-so-ever just as she should have predicted and Mara grimaced.

Looking down at the child once again Mara shook her head in denial of his sway. Of course that didn't convince him and he repeated his command and gave her his best Ewok face. Mara rolled her eyes and groaned a bit but relented nonetheless and finally picked him up. He sat comfortably on her hip and wrapped his little arms around her neck in an embrace. Mara rolled her eyes at the ceiling once again and finally glanced about the room. Everyone was watching her in amusement and Yoda gave a light chuckle at her uneasiness.

She gave them all a snide look and asked, "What is it you wanted?" When this was said Jaina came to her side and grabbed her hand, gripping it firmly to get her attention.

"We were just makin' breakfast Auntie Mara," the little girl explained softly a little fearful of what was to happen. Mara looked down confused again then gave out a laugh when she realized the children thought they were in trouble.

"Don't worry guys, I won't let the troll get you," the ex assassin reassured the children. Now she really wanted to know what the little ones did.

"Jedi Jade," Yoda started looking directly at Luke. Luke was, however, oblivious that they were addressing him because he was too focused on watching Mara interact with the kids, whether willingly or not. Leia gave him a nudge with her elbow and he gave his full attention to the Masters.

"Go with Padawan Skywalker to Naboo you must." Luke nodded happily in agreement glad he was getting the chance to spend more time to get to know the young man his father was...err, is.

"Senator Amidala has also informed us that if she has to go so does Mara," Mace explained in an exasperated tone but smiling.

This time Mara smiled in return happy she didn't have to argue with them about going. They probably knew she would've gone anyway so they agreed hastily to Padmè's request, Mara thought with a smirk. She was also wondering how they swindled Padmè into going but she saved that question for later.

Mara shifted Anakin to sit higher on her hip and then shifted again uncomfortably. A person wouldn't guess that this kid weighed a lot but for a little guy he was pretty heavy. It could possibly be that Mara wasn't really used to carrying small chidren, never before had she had to hold a kid like this and she wasn't planning on doing it again in the future.

"Solos, stay you will," Yoda said answering the question that was bound to come up next. He then glanced at Leia looking her up and down. He gave a soft look and nodded as if an answer was just whispered to him and he agreed.

"Training half way done, far worse it can be than no training at all." He gave a glance at Mace and the other Master nodded in agreement.

"Help you, I will."

Mace glanced at the children who now were all attached to Mara and smiled, "Your children can be put in training with the other younglings." Satisfied they glanced at Han as if asking his approval. Han shrugged, "Ok, yeah sure."

Han opened his mouth to ask what was in store for him but closed it firmly when Yoda dismissed them. He did not want to say something stupid that earned him a whack with the stick from the troll like Mara or stuck sleeping on the couch like Luke. Instead he smiled and was the first one to head out of the room. Everyone else turned to leave when Yoda spoke up once again.

"Know about the mess I do, hmm, yes...and disappeared all my food has, hmmpf!" Leia and Han froze and shot each other an alarmed glance. How the green master does that no one knows, and how their children gathered all that food was just as confusing.





Mara tried and failed to hide her smile as she watched an obviously wound up senator address the clueless Gungan. She quirked an eyebrow when she noticed Padmè cut off the creature mid sentence instead of listening to his worthless babbling. She was obviously not as excited about this little trip as Mara herself was and in a bad mood about it. She had to admit it though, much to her consternation, she felt bad for Jar Jar.

Her smile faded slightly as a wave of dismay washed over. How can someone be this disaster prone and still be alive? He's got to have a lot of enemies, Mara decided and in that same moment she also decided she'd help him out.

She was shocked with her own conclusions and wasn't happy about them either. The sympathy from only seconds ago vanished as soon as they came, when the silly Gungan tripped over his own robes and stumbled into her almost knocking her down.

Now, back to her old self she gave him a frustrated glare and resolved she'd just let Luke be his friend instead. Jar Jar's goofy smile faded as he maneuvered around her muttering his apologies softly. "Ex-Squeeze me," his voice was uneasy as he turned quickly hitting her with his ears. Mara rolled her eyes and gave a few curses wondering about how much trouble she'd be in if she just put him out of his misery.

Thinking better on the matter Mara figured she shouldn't shoot him, not just yet anyways. When she noticed Padmè approaching Anakin in a huff Mara turned her gaze towards them and her lips quirked up in amusement. He was going to get a good talking to.

"I do not like this idea of hiding!" The senator stated matter-of-factly to the Jedi Padawan giving him a look that showed her dissatisfaction about the whole situation.

Anakin took a step closer to her as she moved around packing, "Don't worry; Master Obi-Wan will find who ever hired the bounty hunter and then you'll be able to come back. It's for your own protection." He added the last bit with a look of confidence and puffed out his chest slightly as if to remind her that he was her bodyguard, and he knew best. Mara bit her lip to hold in her laugh and waited eagerly for Padmè's reaction.

"I HAVE to hide?" The stubborn woman asked him giving him an up and down glance. Anakin, thinking he's won, gave her a bright smile and nodded. Padmè of course still wasn't convinced and gave a sigh of frustration tossing clothing into her bag. Anakin unconsciously took a step back and his smile faded slightly. She was going to fight it till the end just like he told the Masters' she would.

"I haven't worked for a year to defeat the Military Creation Act not to be around here when its fate is decided." Anakin met her comment with a calm stare as if he was looking not just at her, but also through her.

Luke does that, Mara thought biting her lip, and she didn't like it when he did it. Padmè seemed to be oblivious of it though.

"Sometimes we have to let go of our pride and do what is requested of us," Anakin said finally in a calm manner and Mara tuned the rest out. She was too busy thinking about what Padmè said just seconds ago. It was funny how the assassination attempts would come at a time like this, and aimed at one of the key senators involved in the defeat of the Act. Storing that new piece of information in the back of her mind, she decided watch these two a little closer. If she was right and Anakin did in fact like Padmè then maybe, just maybe…

Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Padmè smiling at her as if asking for her agreement in something. Mara nodded and smiled then began to listen to the conversation the two were having.

"Don't get me wrong," Anakin started placing the silver ball ornament he had been levitating back in its rightful place.

"Obi-Wan is a great Master, as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu. I am grateful to be his learner only in some ways—in a lot of ways—I’m ahead of him." Mara gave a snort in disagreement, even though it most likely was true, she just liked to disagree.

The handmaiden, Dormè, came to stand next to her smiling in obvious interest. Padmè didn't look at him in disbelief but instead curiosity as she finished tossing clothes in her bag.

"That must be frustrating," Padmè said giving him a sympathetic look.

"It's worse!"

Anakin continued whining about it. Mara though, had had enough of it already. She groaned in disbelief, this guy was way too much like a certain Farmboy she knew. Of course that shouldn't be a surprise to her, they were related after all, lucky for her though Luke isn't this whiney anymore.

"Stop whining! I get enough of that with Luke," She interrupted not in the least bit caustic. He stopped and looked towards her in shock, as did Padmè but the woman's giggle didn't escape her notice and she knew that she agreed. Anakin looked like he was about to disagree when Dormè also began to laugh. He looked away a little embarrassed and hurt and that made all three women sober up. Padmè was the only one though; who looked apologetic as she walked to stand in front of him.

Anakin gave Padmè a brief smile and she seemed to act on instinct as she reached out to gently stroke his cheek. He leaned into her warm touch and she must have realized what she was doing for she quickly withdrew her hand as if burned.

"Don't try to grow up too fast," she said giving him a soft grin as if to lighten the mood. He stepped closer looking with an intense gaze as if she was the only one in the room.

"I am grown up, you said it yourself," he told her reminding her of the comment she had made only moments before. Their gazes locked for a moment, only a moment, but it was enough for Mara to catch the attraction sizzling between them. Padmè looked away breaking the connection.

"Please don't look at me like that," she said turning away from him.

"Why not?" The question held a hidden meaning, obviously not very well hidden because Mara and Dormè continued to look on with great interest.

"It makes me feel uncomfortable!" Was Padmè's firm, defiant response as she turned to walk back into her closet giving it a last glance to make sure she hadn’t forgot to pack. Anakin was not put out, for he smirked mischievously in her direction and apologized softly, "Sorry Milady." Of course the way he said it held no sincerity and Mara laughed. This was going to be a very interesting trip to Naboo.

The room was silent as Anakin went to stare out the window and Padmè and Dormè went to repack the things she had just thrown into her case when she had been angry.

The door whooshed open breaking the silence and causing everyone to look up. In walked Jaina Solo with a bright smile on her face. She noticed the situation of the room and frowned slightly before walking over to Mara.

"Auntie Mara, why is everyone so nontalkable?" the little girl whispered pulling at Mara's hand.

Mara smiled in an ‘I'll-tell-you-later look’ and Jaina nodded eagerly biting her lip. Mara then gave her an expectant look but the girl just shrugged. Sighing Mara finally spoke "So, what happened?"

Jaina gave her another smile then looked at the ceiling as if it held the answer.

"Where's.. ." Padmè started only to be cut off by the little girl.

"Can I fly your ship, when we get back that is?" Mara looked down at her confused and frowned asking cautiously "Are you avoiding something?" Everyone was listening on now curious and Jaina just shrugged.

Mara sighed frustrated and started again "Was there something you wanted to tell—“ Once again the girl interrupted her, "Do you wanna drink? I'm thirsty." Mara frowned and irritation clearly shone on her face.

"You're doing it again," Mara said after taking a steadying breath. The girl looked up confused and gave an innocent look, "Doing what?"

Mara kneeled down to her level and looked her directly in the eye searching for something, anything that showed the girl had a reason for doing what she was. "Trying to push me off center," Mara answered after a moment. Jaina smiled wide and giggled.

"I can't push you anywhere Auntie Mara, you're too big." Everyone laughed and Mara cracked a smile.

The smile didn't last long though as a man yelled her name in aggravation. It was a very familiar man, who Mara wasn't too sure she wanted to see just yet. Especially if he found the little surprise she'd left them in their apartment.

"Jade!" The call came again and Mara winced slightly then turned back to Jaina. "Was there something you were supposed to tell me?" she asked calmly and the little Solo narrowed her eyes in thought. It only took a second for her eyes to widen as she obviously remembered.

"Oh yeah, the plan thing-a-majiger worked and Uncle Lukie is looking for you." Mara rolled her eyes then stood waiting for the lecture on revenge to come.

Mara knew he was upset. She could feel he was upset and she was prepared for the lecture to come. She wasn't prepared to see Luke walk into the room only wearing a towel around his hips. That threw her off a bit. Of course it shouldn't have come as a shock because she was, after all, the culprit who had stolen his Jedi blacks. The thing that surprised her was that he walked all the way here in only that.

"I knew I should've taken the towel," Mara muttered under her breath.

He stood in the center of the room. Luke didn't even seem the least bit embarrassed as everyone stared. His face clearly showed his frustration at his ‘wife’. She had obviously done something that put him in the position he was in now and everyone watched on in interest to see what it was she did and why he looked like he did.

Mara was still staring at him, eyes wide and mouth open. He was...he is...Mara couldn't even describe what she felt looking at him like this. Her stomach formed tiny knots and she swallowed hard knowing that what she was feeling shouldn’t be what she should feel. Force help her, but she was attracted to the farmboy

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she watched as he began to walk slowly towards her, his eyes filled with something she didn't recognize. She fixed her eyes on his stomach and arms watching as his muscles moved with each determined stride. She let her eyes linger on his broad shoulders and then neck before finally allowing them to with his penetrating gaze.

Their eyes connected blue to green; green to blue and nothing else mattered. The fact that he was standing in front of her in only a towel was now forgotten. Instead she starred into his intense bright blue eyes and without having to speak a word they were communicating to each other. There was something happening between them and they both knew it. Neither of them would admit it, however, so it would remain unspoken. In that moment, with Luke staring at her, neither of them speaking, she felt more alive than she had ever felt before.

"Why is Luke's hair green?" Padmè asked first leaving the fact that he was only in a towel for her next question.

Mara and Luke both stepped away from each other a bit startled and both turned their attention to the floor as if finding it very interesting. Jaina went to stand by Mara smiling brightly.

"Juice Mix," the little girl supplied giggling. She obviously had had a part in all this and wasn't even trying to deny it. Mara grinned slyly at Luke but quickly looked away.

"He deserved it," Mara smiled answering the unspoken question. Padmè and Anakin gave a questioningly glance as if awaiting an explanation but she just looked at Luke as if he had all the answers to their questions. His lips thinned and he gave her a frown.

"Mara, revenge is of the Dark side," Luke started only to be interrupted by the fiery tempered woman.

"Look, Yoda," she started emphasizing the name of the troll Master because of his greenness.

If you want to explain to them the reason I'm doing all this, than be my guest. I could care less and Padmè would most likely help me out." Mara glanced at the senator for agreement and Padmè nodded smiling amused by the whole situation.

Mara gave a smile to Luke and glanced up and down one last time. "Of course, then they'd know," Mara stated challenging him to reveal everything. After that she walked out of the room motioning for her partner in crime to follow.

Luke was left in the room staring at the door at which Mara left from. Sometimes that woman could be so...so...

"Hey! What about my clothes, I need clothes Mara!" Luke called out just realizing that she hadn't given him a chance to ask and now it was too late. He turned back to the Senator and Padawan, face red with embarrassment and they burst out laughing.





Chapter 7: Important Missions and Slacking Off On the Job

"I can't believe you didn't give him back his clothes!" Padmè chided Mara without any real force to her tone. It was obvious that she was trying desperately to suppress her own amusement at the situation.

Mara gave a dainty shrug and glanced at Luke, who sat next to Anakin on the opposite side of the room.

"It's not like he has to wear a towel, " Mara said caustically giving the Farmboy an up and down glance. No longer was he in a towel, much to Mara's dismay, but now he wore his refugee outfit. The brown tunics helped them to blend in—of course Luke's green hair didn't help matters in that sense. It’ll fade.

Leia also gave a look to her brother finding it all very amusing. Sensing his sister's eyes upon him, Luke turned around and flashed a bright smile before glaring at Mara. Mara didn't seem fazed in the slightest as she rolled her eyes and chuckled. Leia had to admit; these two always fought and bickered but they are closer than they let on. She just knew it.

She could feel the mutual affection—even Han could tell! Just by looking at the duo anyone can see the affection between them. Even if they both deny it they respect and care for each other very deeply. Leia looked over at her husband and he gave her a sly grin and wiggled his eyebrows slightly causing her to laugh.

Luke continued to glare at Mara but it lacked any real fury. Don't get him wrong, he is angry; he just can't stay mad at Mara long. He watched her as she talked and laughed with Padmè and Dormè. He was sure their laughter was because of him. He was most likely the brunt of the jokes and it should've bothered him. But it didn't. To his surprise he kind of liked being the center of Mara's conversation. Now all he had to do was think of something to get back at her with; a good, wicked plan.

The first thing that came to mind was stealing all of HER clothes. He didn't mind going to all that trouble in the slightest, or care that it wouldn’t be original and that it had already been done. He shot Mara a sly grin and watched as her smile faded and she gave him a what-are-you-up-to? Look.

When her suspicion grew into frustration and she shot him a death glare he began to think more on the matter and he realized that maybe that idea wouldn't be such a good idea after all. Still, it would be very interesting.

She continued to stare angrily at him as if reading his thoughts and stood up. For a moment Luke thought she had in fact heard what he was pondering and that she was going to kill him for it, but quickly realized he was wrong when every one stood up also. Anakin went to stand behind Padmè and Luke followed to stand beside Mara flashing a hesitant smile. She looked at him confused then muttered something about weird Farmboys.

"It’s not me Malady, I worry about you. What if they realize you left?"

The handmaiden's concern gained Luke's attention and he focused on them instead of the fiery red head next to him.

"Then my Jedi protectors will have to prove how good they are."

Even though the comment was made for all three of them, Padmè glanced at Anakin. He smiled wide obviously ecstatic from her compliment. Luke looked at Mara brow raised and she rolled her eyes in return.

Mara tried to hide her smile as she watched Obi-Wan lecture his Padawan on what he could or could not do. It was very unnecessary. She herself knew that Anakin would do what he felt needed to be done without asking first if need be. She was also certain that Obi-Wan knew this as well. When Anakin answered what he wanted to hear, Obi-Wan turned to reassure the senator that he would find the person behind this. Mara felt a tug on her sleeve and she glanced down knowing this time that it was the children.

"Auntie Mara go?" Little Anakin asked frowning.

He held out his arms and Mara glanced at him cautiously. This had happened before and she knew what he wanted. Sighing she kneeled down in front of him and tentatively reached out to wrap her arms around the little one.

As soon as the deed was done the other two solo kids tackled her in a fierce hug. Something was up, Mara had no idea what was causing this show of emotion and she wasn't too sure if it was a bad thing or good.

"We have to go now," Anakin said motioning for Luke, Mara and Padmè to follow him. Mara tried to pull away from the kids but they wouldn't budge. Han, Leia and Obi-Wan each pulled a kid away and Mara left shaking her head in bewilderment. Those kids are really weird.

When she caught up with the rest Luke was smirking at her, a smirk Mara didn't really appreciate.

"What?" she muttered and he laughed and followed beside her behind Artoo.

"Suddenly I'm afraid," Padmè said softly to Anakin. He gave her a solemn nod answering quietly "It's my first mission alone. I'm scared too."

Mara gave Luke a look at that as if to say 'what happened to fear leads to anger, anger to hate mumbo jumbo Yoda was spewing on and on about?' He shrugged then hooked his arm with hers.

"Don't worry, we have Artoo," Anakin said lightening up the mood. Padmè laughed and glanced back just in time to see Mara push Luke away from her. He stumbled but caught himself before falling completely. Luke stood up and began to chase her around the little astromech droid.

From far away the scene was even more amusing than close up. Han laughed, as did Leia, and they looked over to Captain Typho and Obi-Wan who were both trying to hold back a grin. Obi-Wan turned his into a disapproving stare as he muttered, "I hope he doesn't try anything foolish."

The four, by this time, had mingled with the crowd about to board the shuttle. Captain Typho gave him a look and shook his head disagreeing, " I'd be more concerned with her doing something foolish, than him." Han and Leia both shook their heads but didn't voice the obvious reality. Luke and Mara were the ones to worry about.

They watched until the cargo ship took off. Only then did they realize that something was wrong. Someone was missing. Han glanced around the room counting. "One," he muttered and pointed at Anakin.

"Two," he said nodding at Jacen and giving the room several glances. There was no sign of her and Han looked to his wife and let out as many curses as he could think of.

"Jaina!"

Leave it to Jaina to get lost. Leia shook her head and stretched out with the force searching for her mischievous daughter. She let out a deep sigh of relief when she found her close to Luke and his 'wife.' Leia touched Han's arm to silence his muttering and gave him a bright smile. He instantly caught on and he let out a loud laugh.

"Mara's not going to like this," Han stated the obvious and reached for his comlink in anticipation.






"Who are we going to see?" Han asked walking beside Obi-Wan down the streets of Coruscant. Instead of staying at the temple being bored while Leia and the kids learn some more tricks, he had decided to follow Obi- Wan.

"My old friend Dex, he owns a diner just down the street a little ways. He'll know where this toxic dark came from." Obi-Wan told him obviously not bothered by his company. "You know, Mara could have probably told you where it came from," Han said flashing the Jedi a quick smile. Obi-Wan frowned and rolled his eyes.

"No she couldn't have," his reply indicated his frustration about something, or someone. Han laughed, "Actually buddy I'm afraid so," Obi- Wan shot him another look.

"How does she know so much about this stuff anyway? I mean weapons, buildings, places..." His questioning trailed off as he saw Han's still amused face.

To Han it was extremely funny that the great Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was irritated by the fact that someone knew more than he did. It kind of reminded him a little of Mara herself. Maybe they are related or something he thought then shook his head to clear that outrageous notion. No, he didn't really think that a logical possibility.

Obi-Wan was still waiting for a response and cleared his throat a couple of times before Han finally answered. "I've given up trying to figure it out. All the information or most of it at least, came from her training from the past, when she was little."

Obi-Wan was about to ask something else, most likely about her so called training, but Han didn't give him the chance not willing to answer what he knew the Jedi was about to ask. That wouldn't be good for two reasons, one: Obi couldn't learn anything about what was to come in the future, at least not yet anyways and two: He didn't want to say things about Mara that would get him into more trouble then he was already in. Of course the whole Jaina sneaking along with her wasn't exactly his fault but Mara and Luke both seemed to think it was.

"Look, isn't this the place?" Han said wisely changing the subject. Obi- Wan nodded and they went inside. They were greeted by a droid waitress with an attitude, a spunky little thing. Nothing like golden rod, Han groaned just thinking about 3PO. One thing about this journey that Han liked was that the communication droid didn't come along.

"Someone to see ya' honey, a Jedi by the looks of him," The droid yelled out. A big head popped out of the opening, a huge smile formed on its face.

"Be right with ya' old buddy!" He exclaimed obviously happy about the visit. Obi-Wan and the still smiling, slightly confused Han took a seat. "You wanna cup of Ardees?" The droid asked in a nicer tone of voice, relieved that the three were friends.

Dex came out only a moment later and hugged Obi-Wan in a friendly manner. His four arms encircled the Jedi knight like he was nothing but a doll. At that moment Han realized that he never ever wanted to be on this guy’s bad side. His huge fist could crush practically anything. The two both sat down, Obi-Wan next to Han and Dex squeezed in across from them. The waitress droid set their drinks down and left.

"What can I do for ya'?" The massive creature asked in a friendly manner.

He reminded Han of Chewie, a loyal friend to help you when you need something. There was also the fact that they could both rip your arms out if the situation needed it.

"You can tell us what this is," Obi-Wan replied holding out the dart for him to look at. Dex's eyes widened slightly as he took the dart and inspected it.

"I ain't seen one of these in a long while," he said softly and Han smiled. Success... "So you know where it came from?" Dex gave Han a ‘who-are- you-anyway?’ Look, but shrugged and turned to Ben. "It belongs to them cloners. This here's a Kamino Saber dart."

Obi-Wan echoed the name then gave a confused look at Han. "Why didn't it show up on the Archives?"

The two continued to talk about it but Han droned them out and thought more on the darts origins. The planet Kamino wasn't familiar. He honestly had never heard of the name before, at least he didn't ever recall hearing it. Dex explained where it was located and they sat in a moment of silence. Finally something that Dex said before came to Han again.

"Cloners."

Obi-Wan looked his direction and nodded in agreement finishing the question. "Are they friendly?"

That wasn't the question Han had in mind but he couldn't ask what he planned to. They wouldn't even know what he was talking about. The ‘cloners’ sounded an awful lot like they would be involved in the Clone Wars Luke talked about. He'd definitely have to comlink the kid when they reach the temple and ask him about it.

"It depends," Dex said with a mischievous smirk on his face.

"On what Dex?" The Jedi said smiling back. Han also couldn't help but smile because he himself knew what the old friend would say. "On how good your manners are and how big your pocket book is."





"So you see, that's how we got to be here! When we got off the ship the other one blowed up and then Lukie and Mara said we're in the past. AND Anakin Skywalker is my Granddaddy." Jaina took a deep breath when her story was finished and smiled. She grabbed another bowl and filled it with more mush.

"You have to promise not to tell though R2. It was supposed to be a secret but since you're my new best friend I can tell you!" The little blue and white astromech droid gave a few affirmative beeps and Jaina's smile brightened as she leaned over and gave him a hug.

"You're just the same as before R2. I'm glad with all the odther stuff that's changed you didn't at all. Nuh-uh you didn't, not one bit." She nodded at her own conclusions and they continued to gather food for the silly adults.



To Padmè this trip was a big change, but a welcome one. She wasn't used to all of this, having fun. Her life was always about other important political matters and she never had any time to just be herself. To be Padmè, not the senator, but the young woman that always seemed to stay hidden. When she was queen she hid behind the white face paint but escaped it all as Padmè. Now, as Senator, she seemed to be hiding in her duties, hiding from life itself, from family and love.

Padmè gave a Look at Anakin. He looks so different when he is sleeping, adorable. No longer did he remind her of the little poor boy she once knew, or even the Jedi Padawan she knew now. No, now she saw him as the handsome young man he is. The one she's been hiding from. No matter how much she tried to fight it she couldn't tear her gaze away. He moved about in his sleep, as if dreaming.

"I thought Luke said Jedi don't dream?" She muttered to herself confused. Shaking her head she glanced to where Luke and Mara used to stand while watching over her. Now they were both fast asleep. It was kind of funny that she was the only one up, besides Jaina and R2, yet she was also the only one in danger.

Luke sat slouched slightly with Mara next to him. Mara rested against his shoulder and Luke's head lay on top of hers. They seemed to hate each other only a little while ago after Han announced little Jaina came along. But now, now anyone could see how in love they really are. Padmè sighed thinking how lucky they were to find one another and glanced once again at Anakin.

Realizing immediately where her thoughts were leading her she quickly glanced away from him and scanned the room for R2 and Jaina. They were still gathering up a meal for everyone to eat—that was the job Padmè assigned the little girl as soon as she started to sing ' 99 bottles of Correllian Ale on the Wall' for the third time.

She watched in amusement as the server droid yelled "No droids!" at R2 and Jaina retaliated by throwing a piece of bread at it. R2 gave a few explicit beeps and Padmè could only guess the meaning. Where he learned it from was a whole different matter entirely. It was most likely from the little seven year old herself. The two surely made an amusing pair.

They started on the journey back towards the smiling Padmè but she was startled and glanced at Ankin, just missing Jaina drop a cup of drink onto a sleeping emigrant. Anakin was mumbling and thrashing in his sleep.

"Anakin?" she asked softly but he just turned the other way and continued on "Mom, no!" Anakin called out and Padmè went to his side concerned.

"Anakin?" she said firmly and gave him a good shake. His blue eyes opened slowly and he stared up at her questioningly.

"You were having a nightmare," she explained and moved away from him. He sat up and ran a hand through his messy hair looking like a lost little boy.

Jaina and R2 returned then with the food and Jaina sported a satisfied confident smile. She glanced back to the angry man a ways back and he was still wringing out his shirt.

"Who sleeps in the middle of a walkway anyways?" she muttered to R2 with no sign of remorse. He agreed with a whistle and Jaina nodded.

"Here you go Padmè, we did it!" Jaina exclaimed with a proud of herself smile. Of course the meal wouldn't be as good as the breakfast she and her brothers got for her parents but that's only because she didn't make it. It would have to do for now.

Padmè and Anakin began to eat and Jaina stared up at them biting her lip as if she wanted to ask something. Anakin gave her a grin "yes?" he asked and she looked down rubbing her shoe over an imaginary spot.

"Well," she started very business- like and clasped her hands behind her back. "Me and R2 was wonderin' if we could go play a game." Padmè gave a smile at Anakin brows raised, than looked back towards the little girl.

"What game?"

Jaina shifted from right foot to left and then looked up at them batting her eyelashes.

"Explore," she told them and R2 gave a beep while Anakin's smile brightened. "How do you play that?" He asked already knowing the answer. Her face turned from angelic-do-no-harm to very excited in a matter of seconds.

"Well, you see, me and Squirt-Squirt is what Auntie Mara calls R2, I'm tryin' to get him used to it so he doesn't get mad later on- will go all around the room and try to figure out clues to the secret." She took a big breath when she was finished then grinned up at them.

Padmè and Anakin still had a questioning look on their faces and Padmè opened her mouth to ask the obvious but Jaina quickly interrupted. "If I told you it wouldn't be a secret."

They both laughed at her enthusiasm and nodded in agreement. "Yes!" Jaina yelled and jumped up and down. R2 gave a whistle that made it clear he was happy as well and followed as Jaina left chattering about how her plan worked.

Anakin and Padmè watched them walk away then glanced over at the still sleeping forms of Luke and Mara.

"Naboo," Anakin started looking back at Padmè. "It's by far the most beautiful planet I've ever seen." His eyes locked with hers and Padmè looked away uncomfortable obviously catching the double meaning.

"Time changes perception," She argued trying to get away from his intense blue orbs.

"Sometimes it does," he started still looking at her. "Sometimes for the better."

Padmè's eyes locked with his once again and she tried to change the subject. "It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi. Not being able to visit the places you like, or do the things you like." She trailed off and he cut in, "Or be with the people that I love." His gaze was once again boring into hers.

"Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi," she quickly challenged.

"Attachment is forbidden, possession is forbidden," he began as if he was reciting a rule. Then he leaned in closer, his voice soft. "Compassion, which I define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life, so you might say we are encouraged to love." He finished off, his voice thick with emotion. Padmè bit her lip and moved slightly away.

"Just look at Luke and Mara," Anakin said noticing her discomfort and trying to lighten the mood.

"Get off of me!" Mara yelled at Luke. He opened his eyes and his sleepy blue gaze met her angry green one. "Let go of me," she stated firmly with no doubt he would do as she requested. Somehow during the nap she had moved closer to him and he had wrapped his strong arms around her. Now it seemed as if he'd never let go.

"Why?" he asked confused and obviously still dreamy.

"Why?" Mara echoed as she gave him a glare then looked over at Padmè and Anakin.

He hugged her closer and she tried to push him away, more then a little embarrassed about being caught in his embrace and also because she actually fell asleep on the job. She never used to do that. I'm getting too soft, she thought shaking her head in disgust. She looked up at Luke again and their gazes locked instantly. The tension between them increased and he dipped his head closer to hers.

"I'm supposed to be the one torturing you," Mara muttered biting her lip while she studied his face. He smiled and tightened his warm embrace once again. That's when she recovered her ability to think and she shrugged him off hard. He fell to the floor not expecting that and she walked away, back over to Anakin and Padmè who were continuing the conversation in a desperate attempt to hide their amusement. Luke sighed then stood up and followed her.

"How did you two come to be married anyway?" Padmè asked still slightly confused, actually very confused, about the whole situation.

Mara had long since given up trying to deny it but Padmè's question baffled her. She gave Luke a quick glance and he shrugged, just as puzzled as she was.

"What do you mean?" he asked the Senator and Mara nodded in agreement. Anakin gave them the whole Jedi speech about love and commitment but Luke's brows just furrowed as if trying to understand.

"It's not like that where we are from," Mara supplied when she realized Luke wasn't going to. Anakin's face now matched Luke's from only seconds ago.

"You from Correillia?" he asked bewildered even though he knew they weren't. Mara shook her head no and Luke looked up at Anakin and Padmè seriously.

"I don't get it," he started then quickly continued, " In my experience a person needs someone to care for, someone to love in order to keep on living. What good would life be, if you had no one to share it with?" Mara looked over at Luke only to find him staring right back at her. "If I didn't have Mara, I don't know what I would do. She's my best friend, she's my life."

Mara heart seemed to stop completely and she shifted uncomfortably at the odd looks she was receiving from Anakin and Padmè. She searched desperately for something, anything she could change the subject to.

"Where's Jaina?" she asked not being able to hide the true concern in her voice. Padmè smiled and pointed across the room.

"They're playing explore," she reassured Mara with a laugh. Mara nodded then Luke gave her a look as if to say so-you-do-care-eh?

"What!" she exclaimed irritated and moved away from him. "She's my partner in crime after all." As if that explained everything she stalked off to where Jaina and R2 were getting into trouble-again.

Luke sighed and followed her with his gaze. Anakin and Padmè were torn between amusement at the two and bemusement. Luke and Anakin both began to eat the mush on the trays but Padmè continued to watch Mara.

She sure is a complex woman. Her emotions change instantly and she seemed to keep them all, except anger, hidden. Like me, Padmè thought looking at Anakin. Her attention quickly returned to the fiery woman and she watched in amusement as Mara kneeled in front of Jaina and R2 with a smile on her face.

Jaina's little arms were flailing this way and that gesturing to her aunt what happened. Mara nodded in understanding and gave the little girls hand a squeeze reassuringly. Either that or it was a move to stop the assault so she didn't get hit with the girl's arms.

Mara then stood to her full height, which only reached just below the man's chest, and gave him a death glare. Mara said something and narrowed her eyes even further. The rough, burley, man left with no arguments. It was at that point that Padmè realized that it was a good thing Mara Jade was on her side. Padmè smiled and turned her attention back to Anakin and Luke.





"Wow Auntie Mara you're the greatest!" Jaina exclaimed and Mara shot her a sly smirk.

"Did you figure out the secret of the cargo ship yet?" Mara asked Jaina shook her head negatively and sad.

"How ‘bout I help then?" Jaina's eyes brightened and she took her 'Aunt's' hand in her own and pulled her along. R2 beeped and whistled happily and stayed at her side.

"So you see Auntie Mara, I was going along through here asking about stuff-you know, the stuff you need to know in order to win-and all of a sudden a monster jumped out at us. It looked like the one you and Uncle Lukie fought when, you know you did-but anyway R2 came to the rescues, did you know he has a shocker weapon thing on him." Jaina continued to explain all the details to Mara without even taking a breath.





Chapter 8: The Pushing Game and Youngling Leia

Han sat slouched in the temple archives bored. At first he thought that his day was going quite well, fun even. It had been, visiting with that Dex fellow. He was quite an interesting character. They formed a fast friendship and swapped stories.

Of course Han made sure he didn't give away any vital information that would destroy the future but it was still fun. Han smiled and put his boots on the desk relaxing a bit more. If he was going to be bored he might as well be comfortable at the same time.

After visiting at the diner a bit more they went to the Jedi Archives to look up information about the planet Kamino. Actually Han had done most of the research while Obi-Wan conversed with the Archivist. They were talking about the ‘lost twenty’ or something like that. It didn't matter, what mattered was that it was irrelevant to their situation. Why did it matter to them if they were lost or not? Han thought then shook his head confused and not caring about the topic of conversation.

His thoughts were now on Leia wondering what kind of training the troll was putting her through. If it was anything like the kid's, Han was glad he didn't have force potential. Some of Luke's stories about that were very amusing and he laughed thinking of Leia doing the same.

"What else can I help you with Master Kenobi?" Jocasta Nu asked smiling brightly. Her smile faded fast as they reached where Han was sitting and she shot him a glare. Han looked uncomfortable with her penetrating gaze on him and he was very confused.

When the old woman pointed to his feet all became clear and Han quickly removed them from the desk offering her his famous Solo grin. She held her glare still and he quickly changed the subject away from him.

"We're trying to find the planet system Kamino, but it doesn't show up on any of the charts."

Jocasta was all business now as she motioned for him to move. Han quickly obeyed her command not wanting to irritate her further, or at least not before they got what they came for.

She sat down and pushed a few buttons before giving them both a baffled look. "Are you sure?" She asked and Obi-Wan nodded then indicated where it should be. "It should be just south of Rishi Maze."

The old woman pressed a few more buttons but stopped to shoot Han another glare because he was now hovering over her as she worked. He gave an impish grin and stepped away. She went back to work on the keyboard but stopped moments later deeming it useless.

"I hate to say it but it looks like the planet system you're looking for doesn't exist."

"Perhaps the Archives are incomplete?" Obi-Wan countered and she gave him a look of frustration.

"If an item doesn't appear in our records it does not exist," She said firmly then turned away not allowing any arguments from either man.

Han let out a burst of laughter as soon as she was gone and Obi-Wan smiled his way. "It seems she was quite certain," Obi-Wan said with a grimace attempting to hide his own amusement.

"It seems I'm not the only one irritating her," Han mimicked his tone then began to laugh again. Obi-wan smiled then sat down and Han followed suit.

Han was confused; he knew that Dex's information was trust worthy; the guy wouldn't lie to Ben. But it just didn't make sense that the system didn't show up.

"What next?" Han asked intrigued by the whole mystery going on. Obi- Wan's brows furrowed and he frowned. "I don't know."





Mara took in all the sights of the serene city with a smile. Theed was beautiful; elegant, serene yet busy with life at the same time. It gave a welcome feeling, like anyone and everyone belonged. Mara knew of no other that did that. The city itself was made of stones and simple designs. There was green all over, trees, and ivy, surrounding the homes. Waterfalls served as a backdrop. They weren't in the middle of the city but no one missed them. Of course living the life she does Mara would most likely get bored of the quiet real fast, then again maybe not.

Anakin and Padmè led the way talking together softly. Mara watched in enjoyment as the two would sneak glances at the other trying to be inconspicuous about it. It was cute in a silly sort of way Mara thought shaking her head. Her musings were interrupted as Luke gave her a nudge causing her to lose balance slightly.

"Don't do that," she growled out and pushed him away.

"You mean this?" he asked giving her another good push.

Mara muttered something under her breath and rolled her eyes walking to his side once again.

"Actually… I kind of meant this," she told him sticking her foot out to trip him.

Luke sat there, on the hard floor, with a shocked look on his face while Mara laughed. Jaina and R2 strolled passed him and as they did Jaina gave Mara a smile and looked down at Luke.

"Have a nice trip?" she asked innocently and R2 gave a whistle.

They both continued on to meet up with Anakin and Padmè not giving him a chance to answer her question but iggling hysterically. Luke rolled his eyes and grumbled making no effort to stand. When he noticed everyone in the streets was watching, he blushed and looked up at Mara with pleading, pitiful eyes. Mara sighed but relented nonetheless offering him both of her hands.

"Come on Farmboy, we don't want to be left behind."

Luke smiled and stood up in front of her. "Hi," he breathed out softly noticing her closeness then silently berated himself for saying something stupid like that. Mara just gave him a soft smile and shook her head causing her red curls to bounce about.

Mara leaned in closer and for a moment Luke thought she was going to kiss him. That surprised him but his heart did a couple flips anyway and he leaned forward too. She was a breath away now it seemed and Luke watched as she squinted her eyes at him and slowly raised her hand to his cheek.

He held his breath and leaned into her hand. Mara softly brushed something away and when the task was finished she stepped back a bit. "Food sauce," she supplied when he looked at her in bafflement. His heart fell and his face turned red all the way up to his ears.

Luke looked at the floor in embarrassment and berated himself once more for thinking she would actually care for him in that way. Sure they were married, but not really, and she was forced to go along with it.

"Come on," she said softly and walked to catch up with Anakin and Padmè giving R2's dome a pat as she did so.

Something at the back of his mind told him that he was wrong and she did in fact care but he ignored it and followed slowly behind.

The Senator and the Padawan were continuing their conversation from before but Mara had no idea what it was about so she just listened.

"I wasn't the youngest Queen ever elected but now that I think back on it I'm not sure I was old enough."

The comment caught Mara's attention. Padmè used to be a Queen? "The people you served thought you did a good job. I heard they even tried to amend the Constitution so you could stay in office," Anakin reminded her with a smile.

"How old were you?" Mara couldn't help but ask, curious about Luke's could be, most likely, Mom. "Fourteen," Padmè said rolling her eyes then smiling as she noticed Mara's non blinking stare.

"I was so relieved when my two terms were up," she continued on laughing in remembrance.

"So was my family," she added as an after thought.

"I was actually hoping I would have a family of my own..." She trailed off blushing slightly and giving Anakin a look. Their eyes locked and they held the stare for a few moments. Mara smiled then fell in step beside Jaina and R2 in order to get away from the lovesick duo.

They arrived at the Palace doors only moments later and were quickly welcomed. At least Padmè and Anakin were announced at once, no one really knew who Luke, Mara and Jaina were. The Palace was huge and they began the long journey to the throne room. When they arrived the Queen was there to greet them. There was only one problem.

"Where's Luke?" Mara asked looking around the room.

"I think he bisappeared down one of those hallways back there," Jaina said with a shrug not really concerned. He always got in trouble.

Mara groaned and Padmè smiled when she looked in her direction in askance.

"Go and find your silly husband," Padmè said taking Jaina's hand in her own.

Mara rolled her eyes and didn't even try to mention that he isn't her husband. No, instead she stalked off in the direction Jaina pointed to muttering the whole way about stupid Jedi Farmboys and his tendency to get in trouble or lost.

Jaina sat on Padmè's lap throughout the whole meeting. Even if it was very unprofessional of Padmè to let her do so, the Senator didn't seem to care in the slightest. If anyone else did they didn't choose to voice an opinion, which was a good thing. Padmè wasn't in a negotiating mood.

Jaina did start to hum a little but it only drew smiles and lightened the mood. In no time at all the meeting was over and everyone stood up. There was still no sign of Luke or Mara. Queen Jamillia motioned for everyone to leave, except Sio Bibble, so she could speak more with Padmè and her companions.

"What is your suggestion Master Jedi?" Sio Bibble asked concern for the Senator evident in his voice.

"Anakin's not a Jedi yet Counselor," Padmè clarified not giving Anakin a chance to answer. "He's still a Padawan learner. I was thinking-

"Hey, hold on a minute," Anakin started in a frustrated tone and Jaina giggled.

"Excuse me!" Padmè fought right back and continued on "I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. It's very isolated." As she finished Anakin gave her a frown.

"Excuse me but I'm in charge of security here Milady."

Everyone was watching them very amused and Padmè must have noticed this for she finally backed down. Not entirely though, she was still determined to get her way. She just wasn't going bicker like Luke and Mara so often did, those thoughts trailed off as she realized she was comparing Ani and herself to a 'happily' married couple. She smiled not really sure of what to make of that but didn't dwell on it and softened her tone of voice.

"Anakin, my life is in danger and this is my home. I know it very well-that is why we're here. I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of my knowledge in this instance." Anakin gave her a tight smile and relented. "Sorry Milady."

Mara and Luke came through the door at that moment. Mara was dragging Luke behind her by his ear, him yelping slightly in pain the whole way. The attention was now focused on only them. Mara let him go and he made a big show out of rubbing his ear as if in pain. Mara didn't seem to care and smiled brightly looking at everyone in the room. Everyone matched her smile, except Anakin who was giving Padmè a displeased look. One that matched Luke's directed towards her.

"What'd we miss?" She asked the Queen. Queen Jamillia gave a soft laugh, are queens allowed to do that? Jaina stepped forward and tugged on Mara's hand. Mara looked down in askance.

Jaina took an exaggerated big breath and began.

"Well, the meeting was very boring but I made it better by singing. Anakin and Padmè got into a fight, sounding like you and silly uncle Lukie, and Padmè won."

At that comment Jaina gave Padmè a thumb up and then continued. "And dats dasically it because you came back."

Mara looked at the Queen and Sio Bibble brows raised and they nodded to confirm the little one’s story. Padmè and Anakin wore identical red faces and Padmè quickly changed the subject.

"Where was he?" She asked pointing at Luke. Mara smiled and gave him a slight nudge. He looked at the ground and muttered, "I got lost."






Han and Obi-wan spent the rest of the day trying to figure out the mystery of the missing system. So far they've come up with absolutely nothing, besides the fact that it isn't where it's supposed to be.

The day continued to be boring, especially after leaving the Archives. Obi- Wan had decided he was going to meditate on the situation. Han sat alone for a while; he even watched a little bit of the Holo. There was nothing good on though, almost all the channels were covering the Vote and its progress; which meant there were a lot of blasted things about Palpatine and the Senate.

Thankfully Obi-Wan only spent a little time in his meditation room and came to get Han stating they needed to speak with Master Yoda. That he just had to know what was going on. Han jumped at the chance to sneak a peek at what his kids were up to and went along. He had no idea that he'd meet someone else he knew there as well.

Han followed Obi-Wan onto the veranda where Yoda stood instructing the younglings how to battle the floating training droids. Han smiled softly as he noticed the 'helmets with blast shields down' on every kid as they blocked the bolts that flew at them. He then glanced over at Obi-Wan who watched the group with a thoughtful and semi amused face.

That's the same way the old man instructed the kid all those years ago, Han thought but his flash back ended as soon as it began as he noticed something he hadn't before. Why he hadn't he had no clue, for it was something someone wouldn't notice. Han now realized why Obi-Wan looked so amused.

Leia stood in the middle of the group. Her usual short form now towered over everyone in the room. She was wearing the same get up as the rest of the children. Her lightsaber hummed with life among the others' as she battled the foe. Han watched in enjoyment as Leia got hit with a bolt she failed to block.

"Ouch!" She yelped and began to rub where it hit causing her to miss the next bolt also. Leia growled in frustration and brought her lightsaber up blocking the next few that came her way.

"Don't think, feel," Yoda said mimicking the same thing Han had heard so many years ago.

"Be as one with the Force," The troll continued, "Help you, it will."

Han glanced over at Obi-Wan just in time to catch him mouthing the words Yoda spoke. Yoda turned to both of them and smiled then turned back to the younglings.

"Younglings, enough! Visitors we have." Yoda commanded and all the lightsabers clicked off and the eye covers came up. "Master Obi-Wan, Han Solo," Yoda said nodding to each in greeting.

"Sorry about the disruption," Obi-Wan said bowing in respect. Han mimicked a slightly clumsy bow then grinned slyly at Leia. She gave him a glare that clearly stated her embarrassment and soon to be anger at him if he voiced what he was thinking.

"What help to you, can I be?" Yoda asked finally, coming closer to the two.

Obi-wan stayed silent, obviously thinking about the question so Han answered it for him. "We've been searching and searching all day for a planet that doesn't exist!"

Leia raised her eyebrows at his tone and smiled, her embarrassment now forgotten. Obi-Wan continued on explaining the situation further "The information is from an old friend, and I trust him but, the system doesn't show up on the Archive maps." Obi-Wan held up the Hologlobe he brought with him.

"An interesting puzzle," Yoda agreed bringing a hand up to rub his chin thoughtfully. He nodded then looked at the younglings and Leia with a smile.

"Lost a planet Master Obi-Wan has; how embarrassing, how embarrassing." With that said the children all let out small burst of giggles. The loudest of the group, however, was Leia. Her laughter was musical to the ears but everyone was surprised to hear it coming from her.

Everyone looked in her direction Jacen shook his head in mock disgust. Leia quickly put her hand up to stifle her laughter when she noticed Yoda staring at her oddly, but it didn't work fully and she snorted.

Yoda shook his head and continued, "An interesting puzzle. Gather younglings, around the map-reader. Clear your minds and find Master Obi- Wan's wayward planet, we will try."

Leia was still giggling softly but stopped when she heard that. She stepped forward and opened her mouth to speak, only to close it when she glanced at the gimmer stick in the troll's hand. Leia stepped back again and slowly raised her hand. She had made the mistake of speaking a few times earlier without permission, which earned her bruised knees. She didn't want to experience it again. Now she really regretted stopping Mara from stealing the blasted thing.

Yoda nodded at her, pleased, and she spoke up. "What happened to do or do not, there is no try?"

"Liam, the shades," Yoda ignored her question as Obi-Wan placed the Hologlobe down and the Star Map appeared. Yoda hobbled over to her and she kneeled down.

"Know of what you speak of I do." That was all he said and Leia stood up bewildered as he walked away. Did he mean he knows who they are? Where they're from? Or was he just getting away from the question with a statement that confused the sith out of her? That last one seemed reasonable enough, very plausible and Leia knew she would have to think on it and bug him some more about it later.

No way was he getting away with that comment. "It should be here," Obi-Wan said pointing in the exact spot and he explained. "Gravity is pulling all the stars in this area in ward to this spot. It should be here but it isn't."

The children all looked on, the excitement of the star map now past.

"Most interesting," Yoda said and turned to the younglings. "Gravity's silhouette remains, but the star and all its planets have disappeared. How can this be? Now, younglings, in your mind, what is the first thing you see? An answer? A thought? Anyone? Hmm?"

Leia shook her head no, not really understanding why he was asking them. A small hand rose up slowly and Leia smiled at the kid, impressed. Han and Obi-Wan gave smiles also but both doubted he had the answers. They had been searching all day and hadn't come up with anything. Not one thing and it takes this kid a few seconds of clearing his mind and WAM! He's got the answer. I don't think so; Han thought chuckling but didn't voice his doubt.

"Because someone erased it from the Archive memory," the student answered as soon as Yoda nodded. Anakin Solo nodded in agreement. Well, Han, Leia and Obi-Wan thought at the same time. That was simple enough.

"Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is," Yoda said chuckling at the adult's stunned faces. Obi-Wan and Han both gave a sheepish smile and Yoda motioned for them to follow him out of the veranda.

"To the center pull of gravity go, and find your planet, you will." Yoda put emphasis on the last word making sure Leia caught it and understood he had no doubt.

Obi-Wan nodded then frowned and said concerned "But Master Yoda, who could have erased it from the Archives? That's impossible, isn't it?"

Han and Leia gave each other a look and watched as Yoda frowned and answered solemnly "Dangerous and disturbing this puzzle is. Only a Jedi could have erased those files; but who, and why, harder to answer. Meditate on this, I will. May the force be with you."

After that Obi-Wan and Han started to walk away but Leia stopped them.

"I want to go with!"

Yoda turned in her direction eyes glancing up and down.

"Master Yoda I already know the things you're teaching me. There is really no point in me learning the things I already know. I believe I would learn more going with Obi-Wan."

Yoda's eyes narrowed slightly as if he was pondering her request and after a few moments he sighed and relented. "Right you are."

Obi-Wan smiled and Han moved to her side "But what about Jacen and Anakin?" Leia was about to answer him but Yoda cut her off. "Watch them, I will," He said and everyone turned in his direction, mouths open. He had a strange smile on his face. One no one could read and Leia began to have second thoughts.

"On second thought, maybe I should stay." She voiced her worry but Obi- Wan took both of the parents' arms pulling them away as Yoda went back to the children.

"Don't worry," he told them reassuringly then smiled. "Yoda's a fine babysitter."



 

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The Morning Will Come (AU) L/M A/P & Co
Read me ----> http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=7173087
"He's a bodacious babe" -Ferngully
"Well in that case I'd better call a phone, may I use your cab?
-Meg Ryan I.Q.
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KillerRomance  263 posts
Registered: Dec '05
40190_Mara Jade
Date Posted: 5/20/06 7:23pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P
I loved it the first time around, I remember doing a marathon read of it, and I love it again the second time around. Can't wait to read your new stories, anxiously awaiting them.

Love and Lightsabers,

KR

 

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Foamy the squirrel --- [face_laughing]
Humble Padawan to NYCitygurl happy
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Ariapaige  451 posts
Registered: Feb '02
5998_Anakin's Shadow
Date Posted: 5/21/06 4:20am Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20
UKW, i love your characterizations. your Mara is so vibrant and witty. Han and Ben make a great team. The kids are kids, which is a nice change from having them be all-knowing from the age of 3 the way i've seen them written before. Leia the youngling is certainly a treat. the gimer stick! laugh and Luke. all i have to say: can i have one? love

wink paige

 

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sometime lurker
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U_KnOwWhOo  246 posts
Registered: May '02
14749_Jawa 'Toon
Date Posted: 5/22/06 10:34pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20
Paige If I could give you your very own Luke, I would. Sadly cry I can not. Want some cookies instead? dancing Thanks for the wonderful compliment!

KillerRomance Gotta love those 'marathon reads' My favorite part of doing that is when a story is completed....this will be completed again, as will the others blush I swear! Thank You! grin


 

-----signature-----
The Morning Will Come (AU) L/M A/P & Co
Read me ----> http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=7173087
"He's a bodacious babe" -Ferngully
"Well in that case I'd better call a phone, may I use your cab?
-Meg Ryan I.Q.
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U_KnOwWhOo  246 posts
Registered: May '02
14749_Jawa 'Toon
Date Posted: 5/23/06 11:45pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20 Humor
Hey all! I posted the first bit of How to Marry a Jedi

Link---------------> http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=23959107&brd=10476&replies=0

Hope you like the start of it praying

 

-----signature-----
The Morning Will Come (AU) L/M A/P & Co
Read me ----> http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=7173087
"He's a bodacious babe" -Ferngully
"Well in that case I'd better call a phone, may I use your cab?
-Meg Ryan I.Q.
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Ariapaige  451 posts
Registered: Feb '02
5998_Anakin's Shadow
Date Posted: 9/5/06 9:18am Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20 Humor
i'm back, but where are you?!

wink paige

 

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sometime lurker
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U_KnOwWhOo  246 posts
Registered: May '02
14749_Jawa 'Toon
Date Posted: 9/17/06 3:37pm Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20 Humor
so sorry! I'm back too! stupid DRL !! I posted new on HTMAJ and am trying to post new of this too!

 

-----signature-----
The Morning Will Come (AU) L/M A/P & Co
Read me ----> http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=7173087
"He's a bodacious babe" -Ferngully
"Well in that case I'd better call a phone, may I use your cab?
-Meg Ryan I.Q.
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Ariapaige  451 posts
Registered: Feb '02
5998_Anakin's Shadow
Date Posted: 9/18/06 4:26am Subject: RE: The Morning Will Come *repost* L/M, H/L, A/P Update 5/20 Humor
whee! i'll go read that then grin

wink paige

 

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