As long as were together(a Luke and Mara skywalker fanfic)

CH.1

Luke Skywalker was spending his last night on Coruscant with the Solo family, minus Leia, who was at a late committee meeting. Tomorrow he would return to Yavin IV for the beginning of a new semester.

"So, Luke, who are you hitching a ride with this time?" inquired Han, after they sat down to dinner.

"Well, I was going to go on the supply shuttle, but it's being delayed a week waiting on some special orders, and I really need to go sooner than that in order to make sure everything is ready for the new semester. So I guess, if nothing else, I'll ask Wedge if I can borrow a ship, though I don't especially like doing that."

"Where's your X-Wing, Uncle Luke?" piped up Jaina.

"It's still on Yavin, with Artoo. I came to Coruscant with Lando, remember?"

"Luke, I'm not sure what you'll think of this idea," began Han, "but, well, I was talking to Talon Karrde a few days ago, before he left for the outer rim, and he mentioned that Mara was planning on going to Yavin soon. Perhaps..."

"Mara? Mara Jade?" interrupted Luke.

"Of course Mara Jade. How many Mara's do you know?"

"Isn't one enough? How soon was she leaving? Do you think she'd even agree to let me ride with her? And why didn't someone tell me she was going to Yavin? Is she actually enrolling for classes, or does she have other business there?"

"Whoa, there. I think she's leaving any day now. As to all those other questions, I guess you'll have to ask her," replied Han.

"I'd better call Traffic Control and make sure her ship hasn't taken off yet. Can I use your comm unit?"

"Sure, kid, go ahead."

Han felt Luke seemed surprisingly anxious to travel with someone who had once vowed to kill him. Mara was a strikingly beautiful woman, but deadly and cold as ice nonetheless.

Luke returned a few minutes later.

"The Jade's Fire is still docked, and Mara is there now. The controller said she has requested departure clearance for tomorrow morning." Luke glanced up at Han. "I think I should talk to her in person. Can you tell Leia I'll be back later tonight?"

"No problem."

Luke made his way to Docking Bay 16, and spotted Mara studying a datapad. She glanced up and frowned as Luke approached.

"Hello, Mara," Luke ventured tentatively.

"What do you want, Skywalker?"

"No 'Hi, Luke, glad to see you'?"

"Very funny, farm boy. Get to the point."

"Okay, I heard you were leaving for Yavin in the morning. I was wondering if I could ride along?"

"With me? Don't you have a ship?"

"Not on Coruscant. And it's going to be at least a week before another ship leaves for Yavin."

"So the great Jedi Master needs a favor. What's in it for me?"

"Beside the pleasure of my company? It never hurts for a student to do a favor for the teacher."

"Who says I'm going to be a student?"

"Then why are you going to Yavin?"

"Oh, all right. I am going to be a student. I thought I'd finally finish my training."

"Why didn't you just ask me? I'd be glad to help you with your training."

"I just wanted to do this on my own. I didn't think you did any teaching anymore."

"I don't, actually. But I still like to address the new students, and I occasionally hold a special training class."

"Sounds boring. What do you do with the rest of your time?"

"Not much, I guess. Go on hikes through the jungle, advise the teachers, meditate a lot, the usual 'Jedi Master' type stuff," Luke grinned. "So can I have a ride or not?"

"Yeah, sure. Maybe I'll get extra credit. Be here at 07:00 sharp."

"Thanks, Mara. I'll see you then."

Mara stared at Luke's retreating figure as he ambled away. She could swear she heard him whistling. 'What have I gotten myself into?' she wondered.

Luke returned to the Solos' home to say his farewells. Leia had finally returned from her meeting, and expressed her misgivings about Luke traveling with Mara.

"I can't believe you want to spend three days traveling through hyperspace with that woman."

"She's not so bad, Leia. I probably won't even see her much once we reach Yavin."

Luke arrived at the Jade's Fire the next morning a few minutes before 7. He admired the sleek lines of the beautiful ship. Just like her owner, he mused.

"What are you gawking at, Skywalker?"

"Just admiring your ship. I've never been inside, you know."

"Well, it's time to get inside now." She glanced at Luke's lone satchel. "Is that all of your luggage?"

"I travel light. Shall we?" He motioned to the ramp.

"After you, farm boy."

Mara frowned as Luke strapped into the co-pilot's seat. "Comfy?"

"Sure thing, Captain Jade. Or did you want me to stay in my cabin for the entire trip?"

"As tempting as that sounds, it's always easier flying with a co-pilot. Ready for take-off."

Luke quickly familiarized himself with the controls, and the ship gently lifted off and entered the atmosphere.

"Coordinates set for Yavin," Luke announced.

"Prepare for jump to hyperspace," came the reply.

Luke gazed out the cockpit window. "As often as I've done this, I still love seeing the star lines fly by."

"Me, too," mused Mara, to Luke's surprise.