Mirror Manifest (PG)

By : RebelMom

Archived on: Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Summary:
During her honeymoon, Mara meets a familiar woman in a mysterious manner and learns information important to her husband, and herself.

Bridal Suite, Grand Hotel, Imperial City

In the semi-quiet of the late night, Mara Jade Skywalker stood on the hotel balcony gazing at the Manarai Mountains. The lights of the city illuminated the mountain range, making it seem like midday. Musing over the events of the day, she knew that everything had turned out fine but the stress had burdened her heavily. Inner peace prevailed now that the three-ring circus masquerading as her wedding was completed. As soon as Ackbar had said ?I present to you the Skywalkers?, she felt the load lift and lighten. The reception was a blur, at least of everyone and everything except Luke.

Their arrival at the Grand Hotel had gone off without a hitch. The night at the hotel was a wedding gift from the Horns. Mirax and Corran had registered the suite under their own name to provide a modicum of privacy for Luke and Mara and had even checked in for them. The concierge, a friend of Mirax?s, had surreptitiously escorted Luke and Mara to the suite, and had advised them of the hospitality services available. The Grand Hotel had been, or rather still was, the most luxurious hotel on all of Coruscant. Room service was available at all hours and provided the most gourmet items to be found on any menu. The concierge promised to tell the wait staff to leave any items they wished to have delivered on a tray outside the door, if the ?Do Not Disturb? sign was lit. After keying in the door entrance code, the concierge gave Luke her private comlink number, congratulated them and left them alone.

The suite revealed an opulence unrivalled in the known galaxy. Polished wroshyr wood chairs in the anteroom exhibited minute etchings of a myriad of sentient beings. The sitting room contained a nerf leather sofa, two conform loungers, and a small dinette. The bedroom contained the largest size bed in existence, sporting a gaberwool blanket and a multitude of pillows. To one side of the room was a balcony, to the other an alcove providing access to the refresher. Tucked into the alcove was an antique vanity, its mirror framed with intricately carved wood.

After the concierge had gone, Mara sat on the sofa and placed a box on her lap. Just before they had left the reception, the dress designer, Jari?kyn, had presented a gift to Mara, with instructions to ?Wait until you are alone, the two of you, then open it.? Mara had opened Jari?kyn?s gift while Luke watched. When she removed the lid, Mara caught a glimpse of a shimmering green material. Mara had lifted the material out of the box and held it up for inspection, awed by the beauty of the gift. It was a translucent jade sleep gown. Mara had luxuriated in its silky feel, then headed for the refresher to change. The garment had fit her perfectly, and its seductive cut had even brought a slight blush to her cheeks. She?d exited the refresher and looked for her husband.

Holding a bottle of Alderaanian champagne, Luke had been standing near the bed. At the sound of the refresher door opening, he had turned his head and through their Force bond, Mara could tell that she had taken his breath away. Stepping across the soft carpeting, Mara had approached him, stopping in front of him. After gently taking hold of her hands, his blue eyes lovingly inspected her face and figure. ?You are beautiful,? he murmured, then leaning in, captured her lips with his and lowered her to the bed.

Finished with her reverie, Mara turned around on the balcony to peek inside their room. In the middle of the huge bed, Luke lay asleep, covered with only a thin sheet. Mara watched him intently as he rolled over. His well-defined muscles were relaxed but still noticeable, and his blond hair, disheveled by the pillows, was more unruly than she had ever seen it. He turned on his right side to face her, his left arm dangling at his hip. His movements had displaced the sheet, and left it tangled around his legs. He reached for the sheet to pull it up, and with it clutched in his hand, grabbed hold of a pillow, which he hugged to himself. Mara smiled seductively. It?s time to replace that pillow with something a little warmer.

As she moved to the door, an enormous gust of wind slammed into her. Cold and biting, the wind roused every hair on her body, causing her to shiver. A second gust beat into her from the other side, causing her to stumble. Grasping the doorframe, Mara pulled herself inside, the transparisteel door sliding shut behind her. She glanced at Luke, who mumbled but otherwise didn?t stir. Mara reached her hand up to run it through her hair, but was stopped by a tremendous knot, which would take her quite some time to untangle. There?s no time like the present.

Mara pattered over to the alcove and sat in front of the vanity, which automatically brought up dim lighting. She reached for a brush to begin the slow process of untangling her hair. When she looked into the illuminated mirror, Mara was startled by what she saw.

Staring at her, with an astonished look which Mara was sure her own face mirrored, was a young woman with brown hair and eyes, holding a brush in an exact reflection of Mara?s pose. Both women blinked several times and looked again, only to be met with the same reflection. Each then raised her free hand to touch the mirror?s surface. Though Mara touched only the mirror?s reflection, she felt a spark in her fingertips, and the look on the other woman?s face showed that she had felt it, too. Mara could feel a connection to this woman, whomever she was, and instinctively knew that the woman could feel it also. Mara looked at the woman as she attempted to organize her thoughts. What is happening? Who is this woman? What is our connection? Mara leaned forward to attempt to find answers in the other woman?s eyes. Mara?s movements were mirrored by those of the young woman. Mara was mesmerized by the bond they seemed to have, but knew she had never met the woman before. Curious, Mara knew there was only one logical thing left to do.

?Who are you?? they said simultaneously.

Never one to pass up a challenge, Mara figured that the best way to get answers was to give answers. Might as well be the first one to respond. ?My name is Mara. And you??

?Padm?.? Tilting her head quizzically, she asked, ?Why are you in my mirror??

Mara?s eyes wandered over the other?s features, trying to figure out the puzzle. She saw no indication of the woman being a holographic presentation. She ran her hands along the edges of the mirror searching for wires, but found nothing. ?I was going to ask you the same thing.? Mara shook her head, keeping her eyes on the mirror. ?I honestly don?t know what is happening. Perhaps?Maybe we can determine something. How about location? I?m on Coruscant...?

?As am I.? The woman appeared to be looking around Mara, her eyes searching for clues.

Furrowing her brow, Mara focused her eyes on Padm?. There?s something familiar about her. ?You remind me of someone.?

The other straightened her shoulders at the comment, then tilted her chin up slightly. ?As do you. So of whom do I remind you??

Mara was surprised by the royal bearing Padm? held. The only person she knew who carried herself similarly was Leia. That was the disturbing thing. Padm? was almost a younger version of Leia. Mara had heard talk of each person in the galaxy having a doppelganger but hadn?t believed it. Until now. ?You remind me of my sister-in-law, Leia.? She leaned forward, her eyes probing the other?s face. ?You mentioned that I remind you of someone. Who??

?My handmaiden, Sab?,? Padm? replied in a somewhat devoted tone.

Mara snorted softly, not wanting to wake Luke.

Padm? raised an eyebrow. ?You find that amusing. I see no humor in my words.?

?My apologies, Padm?. It?s just that I am the least likely person to be considered a mere handmaiden,? Mara said, covering her smirk with her hand.

Padm??s glare was defiant. ?A mere handmaiden? I?ll have you know that Sab? is one of my most loyal and trustworthy handmaidens. She has defended my life many times, literally putting herself in the line of fire. She is proud to be one of the hands who do my bidding.?

Mara choked on her words. The last statement that Padm? used hit Mara hard and deep. However twisted it was, Mara had been a handmaiden. Now, Padm??s handmaidens must have...Wait a micron. Handmaidens are for royalty. If Padm? has handmaidens, then... Reverting to courtly manners learned long ago, Mara said, ?Padm?, accept my humble apologies. I spoke out of turn on an issue I didn?t totally comprehend. Please, forgive me??

With a regal nod, Padm? accepted Mara?s apologies. Mara swallowed and then asked, ?You say you have handmaidens. That would make you royalty, correct? Might I ask your title and where you rule??

Padm? stared at Mara as if the red-head had just sprouted wings, then replied, ?I was Queen Amidala of the Naboo. I?m currently serving a term as Naboo?s senator.?

Well that didn?t help any. Never heard of Naboo. Mara was confused now. Padm? was telling the truth; Mara could feel it. But queen or senator of a non-existent kingdom? I need more answers, not more questions. Okay, back to the beginning. We?re are both on Coruscant. Time to narrow down the location. ?We?re both on Coruscant, let?s narrow down locations. I?m in Imperial City at the Grand Hotel. And you??

?Galactic City at the Grand Hotel.? There was a short pause. ?In the bridal suite,? she said with a blush.

?Galactic City is now called Imperial City,? Mara corrected.

Disbelieving, Padm? remarked, ?Since when? It?s been Galactic City since the beginning of...?

?Since the Emperor renamed...? Mara interrupted.

?What Emperor?? Padm? intruded this time.

Mara couldn?t believe the ignorance of this supposed ruler. What Emperor? Like there could have been another. And she claims to be in the bridal suite of the Grand ... Wait. Bridal suite. She said bridal suite. ?You said bridal suite. I?m in the bridal suite of the Grand Hotel.?

Padm? gave Mara a sly glance. ?I certainly hope you keep your distance. I have no plans to share my husband.?

Mara rolled her eyes. ?Very funny. I can guarantee you that the only husband I want is my own.? She glanced over her shoulder. ?He?s sleeping now.?

Padm? nodded knowingly. ?So is mine.? After a thoughtful pause, she said, ?Tell me about your husband.?

Mara?s first response was to glare. It was none of this woman?s business, yet somehow, it was. She pursed her lips, thought a moment, then spoke. ?How can I describe Luke? He?s half of my soul; we complete each other. He?s gentle, idealistic, selfless, passionate, intense and countless other adjectives I could name but won?t. He?s had rough life, but then so have I. He was thrust into leadership and war while still grieving the loss of his guardians and mentor, but he overcame the odds.? She paused. ?He?s taught me so much in the ten years that I have known him...?

?Ten years!? Padm? exclaimed in awe. ?Is this a second honeymoon then??

Mara blushed slightly. ?Actually, we just got married today.?

Padm??s astonishment was evident. ?You?ve known him ten years and you just got married. What happened??

Mara turned her head away for a moment, then turned it back again. ?Let?s just say there were many obstacles to hurdle and emotional baggage to discard.?

Padm? smiled sympathetically at Mara. ?Tell me what he looks like.?

?He?s not very tall and he?s compactly built. He?s got blond hair and blue eyes. And his smile.? Mara sighed. ?He has such an innocence when he smiles. He looks every bit the Tatooine farmboy he...?

?He?s from Tatooine?? Padm? asked excitedly. ?So?s my Ani. As a matter of fact, you could have been describing Ani, except for the size. Ani is tall.?

?Really? Here we are, each of us sitting in bridal suites, talking about our new husbands who mysteriously hail from the same planet and have the same physical characteristics save one.? Mara shivered at the thought.

?Not to mention the character qualities. Many of those fit Ani as well. He used to be a slave...?

?But slavery is illegal,? Mara interrupted.

?Not yet. I have been working in the Senate to abolish it...?

Just when Mara thought Padm? had proven herself sane, she said something anachronistic. Mara felt a tingle in the Force and knew that she was close to the answer. She could vaguely hear Padm? continuing to talk about the Senate. ?Mon Mothma agrees with me...?

?Padm? wait a minute. Let?s pull back a moment. This whole conversation is eerie. Luke would probably say it was the Force at work...?

?So would Ani. He?s a Jedi Knight.?

Mara let her mouth drop. She didn?t know all the Jedi personally yet, but she knew that none of them went by the name Ani. The Force tingle grew stronger. ?But Padm?, I don?t know of any Jedi Knight named Ani. Luke is a Master...?

?It is highly logical that you don?t know any Jedi Knight named Ani. He?s been a Padawan...?

Another tingle hit Mara.

?He hasn?t passed the trials yet. Obi-Wan thinks...?

Then it hit her. The answer was obvious. Mara just needed one more piece to complete the puzzle. ?Padm?, what is Ani?s full name??

Padm? smiled with glee. ?His full name is Anakin Skywalker.? She looked over her shoulder as if hearing something. ?Sorry Mara. I?ve got to go. Ani is calling for me. Bye.?



Bridal Suite, Grand Hotel, Galactic City

?Padm?? Where are you, love??

His low voice was so seductive that Padm? almost melted on the spot. She blushed as she remembered the trail of his kisses... She considered herself the luckiest woman in the galaxy. The senator from Naboo and the Jedi. There were people who had actually opposed the union. The Jedi contended that those in the Order could not be burdened with marital ties; it would distract them from the calling of the Force. Many of her own advisors tried to dissuade her; an arranged marriage with someone of noble bearing would have benefitted the Naboo. What about my feelings? And Ani?s? Our marriage is right. Anakin and I are soul mates; we belong together. They were married secretly, despite what the critics might say. ?Padm???

She called softly to Ani. ?Coming.?

Clad in her white translucent sleeping gown, she stepped quietly into the bedroom. In the middle of the huge bed, Anakin lay covered only by a thin sheet. He ran his fingers through his tousled blond hair, his blue eyes tracing every curve of her body. ?Where have you been, Padm?? I was getting lonely.?

She approached the bed, her gown shimmering from the faint light of the city. Ani sat up, anticipating her arrival, and turned the sheet down so she could climb in. Smiling mischievously, she instead sat on the edge of the bed. She wanted to tell him about Mara but wasn?t sure how. ?Well, I was out on the balcony, looking at the Manarai Mountains, when the wind built up and tangled my hair into an unmanageable mess. I went to the vanity, to comb it out when...?

She was cut off by his passionate kiss. Anakin wrapped his strong arms around her. She wilted in his embrace, electrified by his touch. All thoughts of her conversation with the magical, mystical Mara fled under the assault of his presence on her senses. There were more important things to which she needed to attend. Mara would have to wait.



Bridal Suite, Grand Hotel, Imperial City

Her eyes wide from shock, Mara watched as Padm? disappeared from sight. Blinking a few times, she decided that she should tell Luke about her encounter. Walking to the bed, she sat on it and leaned over, gently shaking his shoulder. His eyes opened and he smiled. ?Hi.? Luke put his hand in Mara?s hair. ?What happened to your hair?? He sat up and leaned back against the headboard.

?The wind. Look, Luke, I need to tell you??

Splaying his fingers, Luke began to comb through her tresses. ?I kind of like the windblown look on you.?

Mara groaned, but would not be deterred. ?It looks horrible, but I need to tell ?? She couldn?t complete her sentence. Luke had removed his hands from her hair and placed his fingers gently on her mouth.

?Tell me later,? he whispered in a husky voice.

Both his hands now cupped her face, and his thumbs caressed her cheeks. Luke brought his lips to hers, capturing them in a sensual kiss. As Mara wrapped her arms around his neck, his arms moved to her waist. In one swift movement, Luke lifted her into his lap. Then, he slowly laid her down on the bed.

Padm? was forgotten.


Later, Mara awoke and went to the refresher. She didn?t return to bed immediately, stopping instead at the vanity, hoping for a reconnection with Padm?, AKA former queen, current senator of the Naboo, AKA Luke?s mother. She sat down in the chair and hugged her knees to her chest. Luke?s mother, my mother-in-law. Luke has no memory of his mother. If I could give Luke his mother... She stared at the mirror waiting patiently. She didn?t want to wake up Luke again until she had something tangible to relay. Tangible? How can a mirror offer something tangible? Maybe if I could reach in and pull Padm? through? No, that?s not plausible. Better just get information. If only she would reappear. ?Padm?, come back,? Mara murmured pleadingly to the mirror. Nothing. All Mara could see was her own reflection. Closing her eyes, she folded her arms on the bureau surface and rested her head on them.

Wake up, Mara was whispered through the Force, filtering into her subconscious. She opened her eyes and was rewarded with a new reflection. It was Padm?, yet somehow she was different. Mara scooted closer and reached for Padm?, who was reaching back. The same spark came to their fingertips. Mara wanted to reveal their connection until she noticed Padm??s troubled look. Keeping her voice calm, she said, ?Padm?, what?s wrong??

Padm? smiled meekly. ?Hello, Mara.? A confused look passed over her face. ?This is the strangest mirror. Time has passed and I have aged but you look as if you are still on your honeymoon.?

Mara smiled. ?I am.?

Padm? looked up as if she was about to beseech a request to the higher powers. ?Oh, how I wish I was still on my honeymoon.? Tears welled up in her eyes. ?What I wouldn?t give to have such joy again.?

Mara could feel the anguish radiating off of Padm?. ?Tell me. What has happened.? Mara?s hand was still touching Padm??s reflection, seeking to relieve her pain.

Padm? wiped away her tears with her trembling free hand. She looked like she dare not release her touch on Mara?s reflection and that she received considerable comfort from the connection. Padm? began her story. ?I left my husband three months ago.?

Mara drew a sharp breath.

Padm??s voice faltered occasionally as she spoke. ?Things were wonderful the first year. Then just after our first anniversary, he left the Jedi. He began to work with the Chancellor. I saw less and less of him.? She paused to wipe away tears. ?Obi-Wan tried to talk with him, but Anakin refused all counsel. He began to change.? Her voice cracked and she took a breath. ?He pushed me away. Anger, rage and mistrust were his constant companions. I became afraid of my own husband. He was being consumed...?

Mara interjected. ?By the dark side.?

Padm? only nodded. Mara gently prodded. ?There?s more, isn?t there??

Padm? looked down at the toiletries arranged on the vanity top and took a deep breath. ?I just discovered I am pregnant. I haven?t told a living soul yet. You are the first to know.?

In her excitement at Padm?'s news, Mara drew in a breath sharply, causing Padm? to jerk her head up, confusion evident on her face. "Mara?"

Mara smiled weakly at Padm?. ?Please don?t think me callous to your situation, but your pregnancy will have a major impact on me. I should probably explain...?

Padm? turned her head towards the bedroom, and released her touch on the mirror. ?Obi-Wan and Sab? have come. I need to go. May the Force be with you, Mara.?



Bridal Suite, Grand Hotel, Galactic City

Padm? quickly revealed herself to Obi-Wan and Sab? lest they be startled by her presence. Sure, as if I could startle a Jedi. Sab? embraced her friend while Obi-Wan said, ?I?m so sorry Padm?. I should have seen...?

?Obi-Wan. It?s not your fault,? Padm? admonished while backing away from Sab?.

Obi-Wan looked like he thought differently.

Looking from Obi-Wan to Padm?, Sab? asked, ?What can we do for you, Padm??? Sab? rested her hand on her friend?s arm, offering comfort.

Straightening her posture in an attempt to calm her fragile nerves, Padm? said, ?I don?t know. I really don?t.? She turned away from them, gathering her thoughts. The air was thick with emotion. Turning to face her dear friends again, she stated, ?I have something to tell you.? Folding her hands together and taking a deep breath, Padm? told them the secret she had only moments ago revealed to Mara. ?I?m pregnant.?

Obi-Wan and Sab? stared at each other. Surprise was evident on their faces. Obi-Wan recovered first. ?Does Anakin know??

Padm? shook her head sadly. ?I..? Fresh tears fell and her voice broke. ?I haven?t told him yet,? she whispered.

Obi-Wan looked at her intently. ?Padm?, don?t tell him - or anyone for that matter - until I have discussed this with Yoda.?

?Why?? Padm? questioned sharply.

His expression contemplative, he replied in an authoritative voice, ?A warning from the Force. It?s important. Trust me.?

Padm? nodded, and then forced herself to smile. Even though she was distraught, it was her friend?s wedding day. She pulled Sab? into a warm embrace. ?I?d better leave you two newlyweds alone now. I?ve got a room reserved. I?ll see you later.?



Bridal Suite, Grand hotel, Imperial City

The morning sun?s rays streaked into the room, banishing all shadows. Luke and Mara sat at the dinette nibbling on some fresh bofa fruit. Mara was deep in thought, and had yet to say a word. Luke asked, ?Credit for your thoughts??

Mara smiled at him. She was dying to tell him about his mother, but wanted one more time at the mirror. ?Later.?

?Are you okay?? he prodded.

?I?m fine,? she answered, giving him a look that told him to drop it.

Luke shrugged then announced, ?I?m going to shower.?

Mara had a desire to join him, but she knew this could be her last chance at the mirror. ?I?ll take one later.?

?Sure,? Luke muttered, and walked into the refresher.

As soon as she heard the water running, Mara sat in front of the bureau. She didn?t have to wait long. No sooner than she had touched the mirror, than Padm? appeared in the reflection. Losing no time, Mara began to explain their familial connection. ?Padm?. I need to tell you something. My full name is Mara Jade Skywalker. My husband?s name is Luke Skywalker.?

At the mention of Luke?s name, Padm? slumped in relief. ?He?s alive,? she whispered. ?Thank the Force he?s alive.? There was short pause. ?And Leia??

Mara realized that Padm? had already given birth and she was gratified that she could give Padm? encouraging news. Mara answered, ?Leia too. She takes after you. She has even provided you with three grandchildren.?

Padm? smiled, looking giddy. ?You have no idea what joy that gives me. I was devastated by the Jedi decision regarding Luke and Leia but to know that it all works out...to know that they are safe?? She succumbed to tears of joy.

Mara felt that time was ticking too fast. If only she could stop time. She loved this woman and didn?t relish the fact that it would all end soon. Bracing herself, Mara made a request, hoping that the implications of the revelation wouldn?t cause Padm? to break down completely. ?Padm?. Please do something for me... Actually, it?s for Luke...He has no...memory of you. Please, provide him with a memory.?

Mara needn?t have worried. Like Leia, Padm? was strong and Mara felt the ripple of understanding flow through the Force. Padm? nodded in understanding and smiled at Mara. ?I?ll do that. For Luke. For Luke and for you.? She paused. ?Mara, do you know what happens to Anakin?? Her brown eyes begged for good news.

Mara didn?t hesitate. ?Luke helped him redeem himself.?

Extreme joy resonated from Padm? and the tears spilled forth. ?I knew it! I knew he is still in there. The Jedi don?t believe me but I know.?

Padm??s image was fading slowly. Mara put both her hands on the reflection in the mirror, trying to keep Padm? from leaving. She can?t disappear, not now. Padm? continued, ?Mara, I have just realized something. Even with all that has been happening,? she paused and shook her head. ?I?m surprised you didn?t say anything about it earlier. Remember how I told you that you reminded me of my handmaiden, Sab???

Mara nodded and Padm? continued, ?The last time we spoke, Obi-Wan and Sab? had just begun their honeymoon. Sab? is going to give birth to a girl any day now. Her name will be Mara Jade.?

Mara?s body stiffened. ?They named their daughter after me??

Padm??s image flickered. She seemed to be confused by the question. ?No, Mara, I never told them about you. I haven?t told anybody about you,? she said, shaking her head.

Shock washed over Mara. She was still reeling from this revelation when Padm? spoke again. ?I have got to go. Obi-Wan?s here to get me. He had a mission to get some of the Jedi off planet. He was dead set against me returning here, especially after giving birth so recently. But I wanted to try to see you again.?

Mara saw herself superimposed over Padme?s wavering image. Mara could just make out Padm??s wistful look. ?Padm?, don?t go, please,? she pled, her fingers touching the glass.

?I?m sorry to leave you, Mara. I haven?t any choice. Besides, do you really think I want Yoda to continue babysitting the twins? And there is also the matter of a memory for Luke.?

Padm? disappeared from the mirror, and Mara let her fingers slide down the smooth surface.



Dagobah ? the past

Padm? cradled infant Luke tightly. Her time with him was limited; she would never see him again. As she played peek-a-boo, she thought about his future. He would live and help redeem his father. Then he would marry the daughter of her handmaiden. It was a simple vision but it was enough to fill her with hope. Her diplomatic training paid off in regards to her plan for giving Luke a memory of her. Obi-Wan thought the risk of implanting the memory was greater than the perceived benefits, but she insisted and he finally relented. Luke would soon have his memory. At least, in Mara?s time. It was probably the best wedding gift she had ever given anyone.



Bridal Suite, Grand Hotel, Imperial City

Mara was sitting in the refresher when Luke exited the shower stall. She told him the story about the bureau and its magical mirror as he dressed. Upon her first mention of the vanity mirror, the long ago implanted suggestion was released. By the time Mara had finished the story, the suggestion had become a full-blown desire to look behind the mirror. Anticipation ate away at Mara as Luke reached behind the mirror. He retrieved a thick envelope and was shaking as he read the elegant penmanship: To Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight. He leaned against the wall for support. Opening the envelope, he found a datapad and activated it.

A message appeared on the screen.

It read:

Luke, my beloved Son:

How I wish I could see you as a grown man. Giving you up pained me more than you will ever know. The knowledge that it worked out despite my qualms has given me so much joy.

But I digress. It is a time of celebration, not sorrow. I present this datapad as a wedding gift to you and your bride. It contains my autobiography as well as a biography of your father. I have also included some holos that were taken before the dark times.

You now have a memory of me, Luke. It is the greatest gift I could ever hope to bestow on you. But I think that I have received the greater gift: the gift of hope.

Your loving mother,

Padm? Amidala Skywalker.

Luke slid down the wall and his tears of joy flowed freely. Mara slid down beside him and held him as he wept. Tears flowed from her own eyes, dampening Luke?s shirt. Gently, Mara pried the datapad from Luke?s hand to turn it off. She stopped when she noticed another sentence at the bottom of the screen.

It read:

Mara, my dear daughter-in-law,

I couldn?t forget about my kindred spirit. I have also included information about your family, though why I don?t know. I?m sure your mother has told you. It must be the Force at work.

PAS.

The End




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