Undercover Mission *COMPLETE*

Undercover Mission

Chapter 1

Luke ran as hard and as fast as he could. The lush jungles of Yavin IV passing in a blur. He felt free. The only other time he felt this free was in the cockpit of his X-Wing. He finally stopped at the edge of one of the man waterfalls hidden in the jungle.

He sank to his knees at the edge of the water, splashing the cold, clear liquid over his face. He found the jungle quite relaxing and peaceful. The jungle was filled with the sound of commlink going off. With a groan, he answered it.

“Skywalker,”

“Sorry to interrupt you morning run Luke, but it’s important.

“What is it Corran,”

“Your sister just called. She said you need to contact her immediately,”

“Alright. I’ll call her now. Thanks Corran,” After ending the transmission with Corran, Luke quickly punched in a series of codes.

“Organa Solo,”

“Leia. You called?” Luke asked.

“Luke, thank the Force. We’ve got a problem,” Leia sighed.

“What’s wrong? Are you, Han, and the kids alright?” he demanded.

“It’s not us. Mara arrived about an hour ago. She and Talon were coming back from the Outer Rim when the WILD KARRDE was attacked. Mara was barely able to get to JADE’S FIRE and escape,” she replied.

“Is Mara alright?” he questioned worriedly as he got to his feet.

“She’s here at the medical center now. The doctors say she’ll be fine in a few days. Rogue Squadron was nearby and went to investigate. The KARRDE was found, but Talon and his crew are missing,” she said.

“Any idea who attacked them?” he inquired as he began making his way back to the academy.

“Mara passed out from exhaustion before she could tell me. We need you on this one Luke,” she stated.

“I’ll leave within the hour. I’ll talk to Mara when I arrive,” he answered.

“Thank you little brother,” she smiled.

“Who says you’re older?” he chuckled.

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Mara opened her eyes and sighed. She felt a hundred percent better after that healing trance. She sat up in bed and stretched her arms over her head. That’s when she felt it, someone in the room with her. She looked to her left and found Luke dozing in the chair next to her bed.

“Time to wake up Farmboy,” she smiled.

“Huh? Oh hey Mara,” he said.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Waiting to talk to you. Leia said you didn’t get the chance to tell them who attack you guys,” he answered.

“It was a bounty hunter named Tre’Lawn. He still works for what’s left of the Empire. Thrawn often hired him,” she explained.

“Any idea what or who he was after?” he questioned.

“No. We had just dropped off our cargo on Sheria III,” she said.

“Well, I’ll see what I can find out on this Tre’Lawn, then read over Wedge’s report,” he replied.

“I’m going with you,”

“Mara, I don’t think…”

“Damnit Skywalker! Talon’s my friend. I want to help get him back!”

Luke just shook his head. He had learned over the last decade of knowing Mara Jade, that once she made up her mind, there was no changing it. He let out a deep sigh and faced her again.

*Please Luke. I have to help my friends,*

*Alright Mara. We’ll get started once you’re released,*

“Thank you Luke,” she nodded.

“Not like I have much of a choice,” he laughed.

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Luke stared at the woman sitting across the table from him. The day she was released, she and Luke had got started. Mara was a woman possessed. Turned out the NRI had quite the dossier on Tre’Lawn. Mara herself knew quite a bit about him as well.

“Jade, why are you so obsessed with Tre’Lawn? Other than the fact that he took Talon,” Luke asked.

“Drop it Skywalker,” Mara hissed.

“Just answer me Mara,” he pushed.

“The bastard raped and damned near killed me!” she yelled as she jumped to her feet.

Whatever he was expecting, it sure wasn’t that. He sat there in shock as his best friend stormed out onto his balcony. After several minutes, he got to his feet and quietly followed her.

Mara was leaning against the railing staring out over Coruscant, yet her eyes weren’t seeing the present, but the past. Luke stood patiently beside her, waiting for her to make the next move.

“It was about two months after your duel with your father on Bespin. Palpatine had called a meeting with Vader and I. Tre’Lawn was there as well. Palpatine told us he was sending me and Tre’Lawn to find you.

“I was to go to Jabba’s palace in case you went to rescue Solo. Tre’Lawn would tag along with Vader for a short time before heading off somewhere else. After the meeting, Tre’Lawn asked to speak with me in private, I agreed. Next thing I know, he shoved me into an interrogation room. Before I could turn around and defend myself, he punched me, knocking me to the floor. He was so fast, I never had the chance to fight back.

“It was your father who found me and took care of me. Even though he was a Sith Lord, he was often kind to me. He was probably the only person who was ever nice to me,” she said calmly.

“I’m sorry that happened to you Mara,” he replied.

“After the fall of the Empire, I promised myself I would bring Tre’Lawn to justice. Now, he will get what he deserves,” she sighed.

Luke took hold of her shoulders and turned her so she was facing him. Mara’s emerald eyes met his azure blue ones. Slowly, Luke lowered his head and their lips met in a tender kiss.

Mara found her arms wrapping around his neck. Her fingers threading in his hair as he pulled her a bit closer and deepened the kiss. Slowly, they came apart and just stared at one another for a moment.

“I’m…I’m sorry Mara. I don’t know what came over me,” Luke whispered.

“Let’s…um…let’s just forget about it and get back to work,” Mara said breathlessly.

Luke sighed as he followed her back inside. He retook his seat at the table and once more and began going over the data pads. However, his mind was still on the balcony and the kiss he and Mara shared.

‘What mess have I gotten into now?’ he thought as he tried to focus on the task at hand.

T.B.C