Summary: After leaving Nom Charios and approaching his Forties, a deadly Law for all Tatooine citizens comes into effect One that will force Mara Jade to make a decision once and for all...

Chapter 1-Despair
Luke Skywalker tried to hold his grief at bay for the loss goingthrough his entire body as
he waited in the aft cabin of the Millennium Falcon The pain washed through him in
giant waves, he could no longer detain them. He failed,there was nothing he could do.
Trying to breathe through heartbreaking sobs and tears stung his eyes and draining all his
strength. "Why can't I ever find a woman who will have me?! what am I
doing wrong?!
Luke brushed his eyes and blew his nose on his handkerchief .
Disgusted, he flung it into the recycler.
Luke cursed himself for going on so foolish a mission and being naive
to believe love could cure anything . He reached under the bed to the
small liquor cabinet there staring long and hard at the tatooine gin
bottle, he opened it and took a deep drink off it hoping his pain to go
away
As he did so, he heard the door behind him slide open. Immediatly ,he
turned to see Han standing in the doorway.His expression grim "Can I come
in Luke?" he asked.
Luke gestured to his bed . Watching him, Han sat down with a
seriousness Luke had never seen before.Luke kept the bottle hidden from
Han's eyes.
"We have to talk" Han stated.
"About what?" Luke asked. Did it have to be now?
"Luke, I tried talking to you about this before. But I can't hold this
back anymore. I"m concerned about you. You acted so much like a Jedi for
so long you've forgotten what it means to be human!"
"Han I don't want to discuss this-"Luke began, then hiccupped softly
and giggled
"You're gonna have to admit it sometime Luke!" Han yelled "The weight
on your shoulders is killing you! It's destroying you inside and out!"
"Yeah well, you really should care Han." Luke said with bitter sarcasm
dripping off his voice Han flinched, then threw his hands up in
resignation at his brother in laws obstinacy.
"Leave me alone Han.Your son's calling you." Han knew his son had done
no such thing but Luke laughed anyway. Annoyed, Han stomped out, bumping
into Leia on her way in.
"Han-' she began trying to brush past him, but Han caught her.
"No,Leia."
'But Han Luke is-"
"-is in pain and needs to be alone.Both of us are going to do more harm
than good if we see to him now. Come on,We're going back to Courascant."
 
 
 

Luke chugged the contents of the first bottle easily. With his force
powers, he could easily swallow three bottles before feeling the effects of
the alcohol. Already he was starting to feel a bit fuzzy. he snickered.
"Fools, fools. "he berated himself "this wash you only shance at
seeing love shlip through those dang fingers of yours. Now this last chance
has been lost forever"he giggled at the thought of what was lying ahead of
him in the next three weeks...and promptly collapsed onto the deck!
 
 
 

Several hours later,Luke woke from his unplanned nap. He winced in
pain. "Oh gods Why in the heck did I do this?" he sat on the edge of his
bed and waited for the worst of the pain to subside. Noticing how quiet it
was.
"Han?" he called
No answer.
'Leia?"
Slowly, he got up out of bed and walked to the cockpit his footsteps
echoing in the loneliness of the deserted ship and looked out.They were
indeed on Courascant . Han and Leia must have left hours ago.
Glancing at the cockpit again, he disembarked and headed for his
quarters. Opening the front door ,he went to the small kitchenette and
fixed himself a drink as his answering machine played itself back.
There was one message from Mara Jade, saying she was heading out on a
private mission for Karrde and would have to cancel her planned arrival to
Yavin again. Luke snorted in disgust.
Then a trivial message from Lando Calrissian saying how tough his
underground housing project was coming and his brand new girlfriends .
Boring.
But the third one terrified him...
 
 

"Artoo Deeto where are you?" See Threepio Luke's protocol droid
exclaimed. A soft whistle and a toot in a corner of the office turned the
golden droids head .Stiffly he walked over with a very annoyed tone of
voice.
"Artoo! What in the stars of Courascant do you think you're doing?
Captain Solo said we have to head over to the Millennium falcon to check on
Master Luke. Oh, I do hope our poor master is not ill from a virus going
through all the computer systems recently. How dreadful!"
Artoo made a series of whistles beeps and electronic sounds. Threepio
whipped his head back to his companion.
"Don't you tell me about how to handle our masters mood you walking
hunk of tin! Why after he wakes up, he'll be as bright as a sunflower on
Yavin! you'll see Artoo. Ah! here we are. Master Luke?"
No answer.
"Master Luke where are you?''
Moving stiffly through the corridors of the ship and calling every few
minutes Threepio finally met Artoo back in the cockpit.
"Oh dear ,oh dear Artoo! where could have our poor master gone.
Mistress Leia isn't going to like this one bit. Not one bit!I knew this was
all your fault you rustardly overweight blob of grease you!"
Artoo let of a series of shrill beeps and whistles and the two droids
bantered the rest of the afternoon.
 
 

Han was getting Jacen ready for a family trip together. He deserved a
rest . After Leia's kidnapping Han knew he and Leia needed some time alone.
Luke too, needed to get rid of his pain as well, But not with him or his
family.
A ring of the doorbell startled him, who in the heck was it? He and Leia
weren't expecting any kind of company.
There standing in the doorway, was Luke smiling .
Han didn't know exactly what to expect as he slowly opened the door and
stepped out to talk to his brother in law. But he had a strange feeling
about it.
"Hi Han." Luke said good naturedly.
"Hi. What's going on? I-I wasn't expecting you to come here."
"Yeah well, things happen." he shrugged his shoulders on the matter and
got right to the point of why he came.
"Look Han, I'm sorry I treated you so badly in the falcon. "Luke's tone
changed a bit as he spoke the next part. "I want to make it up to you.
Let's go out tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Yes." Luke said softly. his blue eyes innocently stared right at Han's.
filling the space between them with a mesmerizing energy. "You do...want to
have..a guy's night out...don't you Han?"Luke's tone was coyly innocent and
suggestive.
Mesmerized by his brother in laws eyes, a wave of fog went through
Han's brain. What was he doing on a boring night here?
"You...have...some time free? Don't you? just a few hours"
Time?free?a few hours. A few hours wouldn't hurt him. He'd be back,
Leia wouldn't miss him. Shaking his head a bit ,he slowly headed for the
speeder Luke parked in front.
"Sure...Luke" Han said slowly "Let's...go"
 
 

The bar Luke chose for their outing was not appealing, in fact it was
very disgusting. Han was revolted and anxious at the bizzare assortment of
aliens around the room. Many of whom were very drunk and violently
unstable.
"What in the seven suns of Corellia are we doing here? This is even
worse than the Cantina on Tatooine" .Beside him, Luke giggled and laughed
deliriously while chugging happily on his beer. Now on his third round Luke
wasn't caring what was going on.
'Luke," Han suggested carefully standing up and trying to take his arm
"I think it's best if we went back to the Palace and-'
"Palace, scmalace Let me be Han-' Luke waved his arm back and collapsed
to the floor,giggling.
'Luke you're acting like a jerk here! Can't you see-'
'I can see you've got everything this galaxy has offer Han! and I've got
none of it!" Luke shrieked. Han flinched, part from the harsh words and
part from the brandy.
Still sitting on the floor Luke looked hazily around the room. Slowly
his eyes focused on an argument happening on the other side of the room.
"Ohh, Han look." he lisped . "Something to have fun with." Luke
scrambled to his feet and staggered slowly over to the aliens.Not hearing
or paying attention to Han's protests.
Luke approached the arguing bonthan and twelik cautiously.Listening to
the conversation. Shaking his head slowly he tapped the bonthan on the
shoulder and smiled.
"Hello." Luke said sweetly, knowing full well the bonthan didn't
understand him and punched him hard in the face sending him reeling into
the table across the room ,knocking two gammoreans in the process and a
barmaid laughed in delight.
Angrilly the bothan got to his feet and charged Luke which he easily
side stepped making him ram headfirst into the lower part of the bar.
'Ohh, must've hurt!" Luke sneered ,flinging himself onto another
civilians back who drew a knife. Several occupants in the bar were cheering
and stamping their heels and clapping. Some for Luke and some for the
civilian.
Han couldn't believe what was happening here. During the war years he and
Luke had gotten into a fair share of brawls in taverns. But this was
unacceptable!
"Luke!" Han bellowed to Luke over the din of the crowd "Stop it!What
are you-" but was cut short as Luke walloped him with a hard right to the
chin sending him crashing into a nearby table.
Luke didn't have time to notice who he'd hit before a Gammoreans came
charging at him with his axe raised. Grabbing his lightsaber Luke charged
the gammoreans as well. In one deft move, Luke stabbed his saber into the
gammoreans stomach and bashed his head.
Stepping back with a bit of a stagger. Luke surveyed the damage merrily.
"That was fun."he said walking over to Han and pulled his brother in
law to his feet.Who'd gained consciousness.
After Han had regained his legs back and was in good enough condition
to drive back home he got both of them in the nearby speeder. Both men were
very quiet as they headed back to the palace. Han suspected something was
very very wrong. But couldn't figure out what. Luke just kept quiet keeping
his eyes on the road ahead. Not seeing it or Han either. He stared out to
the darkness ahead of them.
Luke's silence sparkled in the air like static electricity. There was
something very wrong and very secret building up in that mind of his.
Something was bound to cut loose sooner or later. But Han knew he couldn't
say anything to him. Not now. But he wasn't sure if he wern't making a
bigger mistake by letting his brother in law go home alone without talking
things over. Which would do the worser damage?
Finally ,they pulled up to the front of the palace. It was close to one
in the morning. Their evening out had been much longer than either one
expected. Han glanced over At Luke and both men got out. Luke walked with
Han to the door as he quietly opened it. Luke had his eyes downcast and an
expression of genuine sorrow on his face.
"Come on in?" Han asked softly. But Luke, his voice low and surprisingly
strong said."No. I can't. You have a vacation to go on with your family
tomorrow.I-I have some business of my own to take care of myself. Han,
I,I"m sorry for what I did back there I don't know what came over me. Tell
Leia it wasn't my intention to keep you out so late."
"I'll tell her."
"Good. and Han?"
"Yes?"
"Give my best to the kids. Tell them I'll be thinking of them. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Well. I'll see you later then Han." he paused and added with a shake in
his voice. "Have fun" then he turned and ran back before Han could chase
after him.
 
 

The next morning, after watching Han and Leia leave in the falcon
from the Imperial palace balcony. Luke made a hasty departure in a
un-marked shuttle to Tatooine.
 
 

Chapter2-Secret Trip
(The next day)
Luke waited in his prison cell . Knowing his hope was gone. Whatever
happened now, Leia wouldn't hear about him until it was too late. It was
best. And, Mara would finally be happy. She would see his death notice.
He didn't know why Mara gave him such confusing messages. He didn't
mean to hurt her. Maybe things would be better after all this. He only knew
he'd suffered enough in this life with all his relationships
Ben,Yoda, Uncle Owen,AuntBeru all lost Orphaning him over and over
again. Leia mocked him with her happy family life ,torturing him with
seeing her get all the happiness in life as he was forced to take the high
and hard roads to love. Mara's manipulation created an underlying tension
between them while Callista used him for her own selfish purposes.
Well no more!
A loud click shook Luke out of his reverie as the door opened to reveal
a man in long robes. with hollow eyes
"Private citizen Luke Skywalker. Are you aware of what awaits you ,are
you willing to abide to it?"
"Yes ."
"Have you come here of your own free will and abandoned your powers and
relations to follow this procedure ?"
"Yes. I am mortal ."
"Very well, then we may proceed." the priest reached under his robe to
remove a small bottle from the folds. Luke swallowed hard and looked
stonily at what the priest was holding.
"The first of your termination shots commander." the priest said. Luke
nodded and whispered with tears filling his eyes.
"I know, get it over with . Give me the first shot."
Slowly Luke took the flask from the priest then brought it to his lips
and drained it.
"My first step in this ceremony. Four more shots to go. Let this poison
work quickly I want this to be fast."
The priest took the flak back from Luke after he drank the last of it.
Handing him a Handkerchief to wipe his mouth he opened the door and left
 
 

Mara Jade walked through the trees at Dagobah, hearing the mud squish
softly under her boots. She could feel the flow and ebb of the Force
thickly in the mists surrounding her and her ship when she landed.
Smelling the scent of herbs, moss, mud and vegetation she felt uneasy
Not with the connection of the Force, but in her struggle over her feelings
with Luke.
"Confused are you?" came a voice from behind her.
Crying out, she spun around ,firing her blaster. The shot passed
through the small, glowing and transparent green skinned creature behind
her.
Yoda. It had to be him.
Stunned, Mara could only stare but Yoda, amused by her, laughed happily .
"Away put your weapon child. Work it will not on me"
Hesitantly and with a small grimace, she did so. Once her blaster was
holstered, she adressed the deceased Jedi Master.
"Why are you here?" she asked it.
"Why ask you, if sent me here you did."
"I sent for no one!" she cried out turning away , only to find Yoda in
front of her again.
"Sent for me you did Mara Jade" Yoda repeated more firmly than before
"And truth you seek. But admit it, you will not."
Mara backed away her eyes brimming with rage to Yoda's serene ones."Get
the hell out of here you stupid green skinned Elf!" she screamed,turning
and running through the dense foliage back to her ship.
But when she reached the clearing where she landed...her ship was gone!
Baffled, Mara looked around searching for her ship her face a mask of
panic. Finally she screamed out and began slashing at the trees and the
foliage for an hour. Then she collapsed to the ground exhausted.
Several hours later , she opened her eyes again to find Yoda sitting on
a nearby tree. Wiping her tears away she drew herself up to her full
height.
"Fight this battle you have for ten years Mara Jade." Yoda said quietly.
"What battle? I don't know what you're talking about!"
" Lie to me ,you will NOT Mara jade! The truth I know!" Yoda said
harshly in a tone of great command. Sitting up ,she stared wide eyed at
him.
"And if leave this planet is what you wish, than listen to me you will."
the wizened jedi Master sat on his log gazing patiently at her as she
winced and paced back and forth in front of him. Finally she stopped and
turned to him.
"All right what is it?"
" Fight a great battle you do Mara Jade with your heart and mind. Many
years you have helped Luke find his way. Care for him deeply you do"
"It's a lie!" she cried. But Yoda held up his hand, silencing her.
"The only enemy ,in this battle, is yourself, Mara Jade.And resolve it
you must. Great danger lies ahead for him as well as for you.Find him"
"Why? Why must I resolve this battle you claim to exist?"
"Because if resolve it you do not, death comes for your soul."
Mara stood back feeling a chill course through her body. Yoda wasn't
lying. She knew what he was trying to say to her. Carefully she selected
her next words.
"What's going on here?"
"Only this I can tell you.Five days you have to find him Mortal he is,
as when you first found him. In your hands is his fate and this galaxy Miss
jade.Use it wisely. Trust you he does...as well as love"
Mara stood up and looked behind her to see the Jades fire Damn him!
she thought to herself trying to open the door. It stayed shut. But Mara
could hear the jedi's voice in her mind.
"Apologize" the voice said simply. "Take your ship away I can, if you
make me."
Snorting in contempt at conversing with a dead jedi Spirit and cursing
herself for coming here in the first place, she finally managed with real
sincerity to whisper "I'm sorry"
Then the ramp lowered to her.Anguished now,Mara ran on board and began
punching in the take off sequence. Her mind was filled with a wild grief
and confusion she never felt before.
Why couldn't she have life easier?
 
 

The next day began the same for Luke. He waited in his cool dark cell.
The effects of the poison were starting He was prone to dizzy spells as
well as powerful headaches ,lasting several minutes at a time. Every day he
felt weaker and weaker.
Then in the darkness came an irredecscent light "No" Luke muttered,
shutting his eyes and his face away from it.
"Luke..." It was the voice of Ben Kenobi. In that moment, Luke felt both
tremendous joy and betrayal.Nonetheless, when he spoke, he couldn't keep
the bitterness out of his voice.
"What is it Ben? Haven't you done enough to me already?!"
"Luke I'm sorry." Kenobi said, in a broken whisper. "I'm sorry for
everything that's happened. This wasn't supposed to ."
"This is part of the Force's flow isn't it?" Luke asked his tone was
irascibly patient.
"No it's not. Luke-"
"Go away Ben. Couldn't you you have waited to apologize until I arrived."
"No we couldn't." came a different voice. One he'd only heard once before.
Anakin Skywalker.
"I'm afraid we have put you in an akward situation My son."
"Well, It won't matter, I'll be joining you soon."
"My son. That's why we are here. I have a message for you.It's not your
time.There is still much you need to do."
"Leia will carry on your legacy Father. I have done what you ,Yoda and
Obi-wan have asked of me "
"Luke-" Ben began. Luke ignored him, continuing tenaciously.
"I've brought back the Jedi knights and trained them. Others will follow
them. Others will follow me. I've done my duties. I'm no longer needed
here."
"Yes my son"Anakin said, trying to calm him."But that's not why Obi-wan
and I are here. We both have amends to make to you. And things to explain."
Luke's brows drew together in an agonized expression at his fathers
words. Anakin stepped closer to him, Luke found himself unable to move
away.
"My son, You have followed a long ,hard path here.And a part of you is
still bleeding inside.Wounds, Owen, Ben and I have given you. Wounds we are
sorry for and must help heal for you to carry on."
"Father...'Luke's voice trembled " Ben I-I'm not sure I can believe in
you anymore. I don't know if I can trust you."
"Luke I know this is hard for you. But your meeting with Callista was not
supposed to happen."
"Father, if it were so, then why did it happen?"
Anakin moved even closer to his son and for the first time looked deeply
into his eyes.
"It is in the nature of the force for humans to make mistakes. But
Callista committed a crime against the force it cannot forgive."
Luke felt his heart crumble. "And that was..? "he asked in a choked whisper.
"She cheated death. She refused to die when it was her time."
Luke felt the familiar hot grief searing through his heart again.A pain
beyond tears. "Then this is the way of the Force's punishing me!" he cried,
falling to his knees.
"Luke. If the Force truly abandoned you,Obi-wan and I could not be
here. We have come to give YOU a second chance."
"a second chance at what?"
"Life my son."
"Life!" Luke spat the word like an insult. "Life hasn't given me what I
wanted for years! I thought I would be able to marry and have a family of
my own.Instead ,it just drives people away from me, you, Ben Callista, Mara
,Han Leia. How can I go back if it will hurt so much!"
Anakin stood near his son with a look of quiet pity. He waited a moment
or two before speaking to allow the scorching remarks to cool before
answering.
"My son." Anakins said softly. The words, though deep, were crisp and
clear.:"You are a creature of great kindness and great love. Without the
strength of your love I would not have been set free."
Luke's intention when he replied, was to insult again but somehow he was
able to whisper very softly and sincerely "I know father."
"Your path with Callista was not to have happened, but SHE made it so,
with the help of Cray. Listen to me, carefully my son, You had the power to
love but Callista and Cray had the love of power, and that ,in the eyes of
the Force, is never right."
"Then father, If is so, How am I supposed to know when Love is right?
I've failed so many times before."
"That''s the reason why we are here Luke" came another voice. Luke
turned around to see another figure standing nearby.
Uncle Owen.
"What- what are you doing here?" Luke whispered his face turning pale
"Is this your way of getting back at me for not obeying you as a child? Is
this your punishment for my desertion of you by having Callista desert me?"
Owen gazed at his nephew with sincere compassion.Something Luke never
really saw before. It fascinated and frightened him.
"No Luke 's not why I'm here Don't be afraid. I have concealed the truth
from you too. Now both Beru and I will make amends for it."
"Why? I don't understand."
"You have known the truth about your heritage Luke. But only the bad,
now it is time for you to know the other half:the good half.My brother and
I have put you through a terrible ordeal And we are sorry, We should have
been honest with you from the beginning but it was necessary to lie to you
at the time. And lying for love is not right either."
"What do you intend to do?" he asked them all. But they smiled softly
and disappeared as Luke awoke in his cell he could hear his Uncles voice in
his mind telling him
"Trust us just one more time Luke. Just one more time."
 
 

Chapter three- Plans and Talks.
Mara paced back and forth in her cargo hold on her ship. She tried to
practice with the remote earlier in the darkness she couldn't see anything
except Luke's face.
Throwing the helmet down to the floor in disgust she found herself
shaking with emotion. Dammit! What was happening ? Why hadn't she been able
to concentrate on anything over the last few days except for Luke Luke
Luke.
When she destroyed the clone of him on Jomark she thought she was set
free and she had been... for a while,why was she endlessly chasing after
him in the last ten years. She didn't even like him...didn't she?
Luke was in danger now, she knew it.. The talk Yoda gave her on Dagobah
spooked her too.But knowing what lay ahead of her, with Luke's life in the
balance, was terrifying.
Yoda knew, the green skinned wizard knew all along didn't he? He knew
her vow to kill Luke was a bluff, if it were so then could he know...
...NO! that musn't be! she'd rather train on Hoth than admit to the
creature the feelings she developed for Luke.
What was she to do now? Luke needed her, even though he might not know
or care. She couldn't go back to Courascant now, Leia didin't know
anything about Tatooine culture or how to act there. She'd stick out like a
sore thumb! Not to offend her ,but her element was in a palace or a fancy
city, not among peasant folk who could barely afford to buy their daily
meals. so who could she go to? She needed someone to help her in this mission .She couldn't pull this off alone. When she found Luke she would need a put to take him to recover and keep him alive until the "termination" law could be dissolved. It had to be someone who understood the rules and regulations of Tatooine folk like him? So who could help her?Mara stopped her pacing as a new piece of information hit her. Someone who knew and worked with Luke a few yeas ago,
Someone Luke sent occasional letters and holovids to. Angletris, anglis Anglethorn! what was her name? Dariel that was it! Luke hadn't told Leia about her. Threepio and Artoo knew Luke went to her home planet of Beheeboth several years ago but hadn't pressed for Details. When Luke and Mara's relationship, began to soften
Luke told a little bit about her.And was astonished at how alike they
were...to a point.
She knew with Dariel there was a real chance of rescuing him with both of them working together since Anglethorn had a really strong back up.Racing to the volovid she traced the number to her, there wasn't much time left.
 
 
 

Star Wars Deadly Laws ChapterFour-Suspisions
Things were quiet this morning on Courascant. Something didn't feel
right. Leia gazed at the suns piercing rays from her spot on the balcony
where her brother stood several times when he came to visit. She herself
,had never been to the roof of the Palace before, always so busy with the
affairs of state and her own family she never didn't have time to enjoy a
view like this.
Han insisted not to contact him through the Force during the last
week. After Han told her about the brawl Luke started in the bar,Leia made
her mind up to leave him be. She couldn't do anymore good if she kept
smothering him with duties he didn't want.
"Oh your highness! Your highness! There you are!" the prissy voice of
See Threepio interrupted her thoughts as she heard the soft whining of
Threepio joints coming towards her. Beside him, his counterpart whistled
excitedly. What in the worlds could they want?
"Calm down Artoo before you melt all those internal systems of yours! I
will tell her Highness myself since Im the one who's rehearsed in protocol!
Your Highness-"
"What is it Threepio." Leia asked, eying both of them wearily. she had a
lot to do today and was in no mood to have trouble.
"Mistress Leia, Artoo has picked some rather distressing news concerning
master Luke"
Lea sighed tiredly and took another sip of tea" Threepio, if you're
talking about the trouble in the bar last week I'm sure-"
Artoo was very close to squealing now and Leia looked down at the
spinning droid in concern. "No your Highness, we know nothing of that ,
Master Luke is in serious danger to himself."
When wasn't he? she thought to herself. Not reacting to the droid, she
asked calmly "How so?"
"According to Tatooine Law when a civilian reaches the standard age of
forty and does not have a mate or children to care for, he or she is
considered a disgrace to the planet and sentenced to death!"
Leia's eyes were wide as she whipped around to face Threepio.
"What do you mean, sentenced to death, how?"
"According to the law, a citizen is given five doses of poison to claim
their life. If the civilian is still alive or the poison isn't strong
enough they are hung in a public display as a warning to other citizens"
"By the gods.." Leia whispered softly to herself. Covering her mouth,
she turned back to Threepio "Where is he now?"
Artoo began whistling and beeping frantically to Threepio who patiently
took it in before replying " Artoo says Master Luke's ship left Courascant
three days ago and hasn't been seen since. Mistress Leia what are we going
to do? our poor Master is surrendering himself! surrendering! Oh Your
Highness-"
"-quiet threepio!" Leia snapped .Walking as calmly as possible to the
door. It couldn't be true! It couldn't! Luke was an official member of the
New Republic now. He was a hero. He couldn't be going to Tatooine to commit
suicide!
But feeling his mood before he left Nom Charios less than a month ago.
He was liable to do anything.
 

"Yes I know the law you're referring to Miss Jade" a woman's voice
acknowledged over the comm system. Her voice was smooth and calm and
attractive. It was a strong voice and commanded respect without sounding
the least bit husky or sultry.
Smiling in relief at the system she spoke into the addressing unit
again"So is there a chance you can help me"
"Luke saved the life of my people a long time ago, now I will help you
help him. I have a dwelling outside of Anchorhead where we can talk.I 'll
meet you in Mos Eisley in three hours."
"All right where ?"
"There is a small night club in Mos Eisley where the farmers hang out
for social gatherings in the alley west of the Pilots Cantina. Meet me
there"
"I'll see you then Dariel, Jade out."
Mara sat back in her chair and sighed. Why in the heck was she going
through with this? Mara never followed anyone's orders except her own and
maybe occasionally Karrde's.What was happening to her? was she growing
soft?
She couldn't sleep, not tonight. She'd tried several times but in
nine hours she'd be on another mission, not to save but to claim him, court
him and marry him.
Marriage! The very word terrified her. Throughout her entire life Mara
never got to experience real emotions. The Emporor enslaved her in more
ways than one, even after his death.
That was, until Luke.
What was it between them?
A strange but brilliant light filled the cabin as Mara slowly lifted
her head from the pillow, her fear mounting. What was happening?
The light became brighter and closer, and so did a voice. One so
gentle and kind that Mara couldn't believe she was hearing it.
"Mara...Mara Jade" the voice intoned, hypnotic.
Mara tried to make a grab for her blaster but by now the light engulfed
her. She was alone in a vast sea of white light and defenseless. Where was
she?
She couldn't stay here and face this creature or whatever it was
without a weapon!She was really out of control here. She had to get her
control back!
But how?
She looked around and gasped as she saw a figure approach her ,dressed
in a white robe. The human figure was short and she couldn't make out her
features from this distance. But she sensed the woman approaching her
meant no harm. Slowly gathering in her breath she tried to relax and drive
her suspision away.
Hoarsely, as if testing her vocal cords out. She adressed the woman as
she came up to her. "Who...who are you?"
"Don't be afraid, Mara." the woman said in a feminine, motherly voice.
The light around her dimmed and her vision cleared enough to see the womans
face clearly. Round, wrinkled a bit and with a dark brown salt and pepper
look . Serene and calm eyes almost the same color as Luke's. "This has not
been a good day" Mara thought to herself. Unarmed, nowhere to run and
placed in a situation where she had no control over she adressed the
elderly woman in front of her.
"Who are you, Please answer me."
"Don't be afraid." the elderly lady said again."I will not harm you. I
couldn't harm you." her face broke into a beautiful smile as she reached
for her cheek.
" I know you are frightened young lady but you are strong. You need to
have things explained to you."
Mara's normal reaction to such a statement would have been to snap and
push the hand away. But her feet refused to move and her eyes were
mesmorized by the lady's stare. Was it possible...?
"Yes, I am an angel" the woman said softly "And I am here to help you
understand and prepare you for this mission that frightens you so."
"Why have you come to me?"
"Because you need someone in your life. The mother you never had."
Mara's eyes filled with tears at the word "mother" and they streamed
freely down her cheeks.
"No. No! I can't do this! I can't" Mara fell to her knees sobbing. The
elderly woman took her trembling body and placed her in a hug. Slowly
rocking her back and forth.
"Yes, you can Mara. You can do it! Don't be afraid . Luke cares very
much for you. He can learn to love you."
At that, Mara sat up."No he can't! it's not true! He loves Callista!He
loves her! Not me."
"Mara....Mara." the woman's voice said softly placing her face in her
hands and bringing her to face her...and the truth.
"Mara Jade I am about to tell you something very important here.
Something to help me and my husband get to where I have to go.If you
refuse to listen to me ,when you die ,you will end up hanging in this limbo
forever. Do you understand me."
"Yes."
"Good." the woman took a deep breathand released her. Standing up and
walking around as she spoke. Mara stayed where she was, listening intently
to every word she spoke.
"Several years ago My husband and I were married in a simple ceremony.
Our life togtether was plain and happy. Except for one thing. My husband
bore a grudge against his older brother. He claimed he was too proud of
himself to see what he was doing.And in a way ,I guess he was right. But I
liked him, he was a good man. someone who wanted to make a difference. or
so I thought."
"What happened?"
"He turned his best friend into a monster. Or so my husband said. What
I didn't know is, that he had his own share of monster qualities in him. He
and I both. No one knew what happened to him but our galaxy became
restless.We were lucky to have escaped the slave herdings. Shortly after,
war came."
"The clone wars" Mara remembered.
"Yes.My husband and I fled to Tatooine and found freedom there. But the
War and the role my huband's brother played in it made him bitter for the
rest of his days. I still loved him but I wanted something more that he
couldn't or didn't want to give me for his own reasons: a child."
"A child." Mara echoed.
"Mm-hmm. In the early days of our marraige My husband said that he
couldn't wait for us to have a large family. That is, after he tried to
flee the influence of his brother. While we were fleeing to Tatooine, our
ship was hit by a strange kind of radiation. I was the only woman on
board the ship at the time and our ship didn't have any shielding. We
passed through unharmed but when we reached Tatooine, I found the
radiation had affected my reproductive system. I couldn't give my husband
the children he wanted. He blamed his brother for the accident and my
sterility then went into a silent rage and vowed disownment "
"Then a few years later a miracle occured. One I never thought would
happen. I finally got my wish fufilled. I would have a child. My husband's
brother returned to us with a small bundle in his arms. He explained to me
that this child was an orphan and needed to be cared for. But my husband
wouldn't hear of it. As far as he was concerned, his brother was bad luck.
I finally manged to convice him to take the baby under his wing but only if
his brother wouldn't have anything to do with him. My husband agreed to his
terms and handed the baby over to us. He wanted to name the child after
himself but I disagreed, I would not let the child grow with a mistaken
identity. So we called him by his orginal name; Luke Skywalker."
Mara gasped in realization as the truth hit her. "You... you're Luke's
aunt!"
"Yes I am. But please let me finish my story. I was delighted to have
won the round on two counts. Getting my wish fufilled and having the child
keep his given name. Luke was a happy child and put a good effort into
everything he did, I was proud of him and even though Owen wouldn't show it
or say so. He was too. It took some time, but Owen began to soften to his
nephew and wanted to protect him. But what he and I did to protect him was
something I'm not proud of."
"What did you do?"
"We lied to him. Told him things that never should have been said, but
was neccessary at the time. I couldn't bear the thought of having Luke
kidnapped or taken away from us by his father who had become Darth Vader
and was rousing terror through out the galaxy. So in an effort to delay
things and prevent Luke from becoming influenced by the wrong typoe of
people, Owen kept Luke at home and arranged for him to have a tutor.I was
saddened by all this."
"What's the point of all this Beru?" Mara asked, sounding a bit impatient
"My point is, that Luke, like my husband Owen, can learn to love. And so
can you. If you are willing to take the time for it. And don't. not for
second, get too proud of yourself.It carries a heavy price."
"How?"
"Owen's pride in himself kept him from reconcilling with his brother and
telling the truth to Luke. Ben's pride created Darth Vader and created war
in this galaxy and your pride in your business, money and freedom keep you
from seeing Luke's more human side.Is that not true.?"
Mara eyes mometarily filled with anger but realizing it would not do
her a bit of good, bowed her head in chastisement.
"No I guess not." she whispered.
"Mara. Pride is like alchohol, A little is good ,even a cup is okay but
after a while it impairs your judgement and blinds you and turns everything
out of focus. Don't take too much of it."
"Thanks for the story and the talk but I really need to go back. "
"And you will my child, just know that I will help you during this
mission. And you need not be afraid of it."
Mara looked at her a long time and spoke with much more confidence and
conviction."I'm not afraid. Not anymore"
"Then you are free to go Mara." Beru's voice echoed in her ears and
before she knew it Mara was back on the sleeping pallete in her quarters.
 
 

Star Wars Deadly Laws
Chapter five-The ceremony and the Bantha hunt history..
The next two doses of the poison were easier to take for Luke as he
waited in his dark cell. Waiting for the terrible end he knew was coming.
He was silent and defeated. Over the last two days Luke felt his body
becoming weaker and weaker, and he didn't look at all like the healthy blue
eyed Jedi Master of recent years. His health and appearance deteriorated
in the last several days. His skin paled and his irises dilated to an
almost white shade.
"Believe in us Luke" his father, Ben, and uncle told him. Bitter sarcasm
and anger crept into his thoughts.
It wouldn't be long now, he could tell immediatly from the sound of
boisterous voices outside an event was starting, an event Luke knew well.
The Bantha Hunt celebration.
Luke heard the beating of the drums and the sound of footfalls in unison
knowing exactly what was going on. Closing his eyes he allowed his mind to
drift back to a much more earlier time......
... the sunlights glare was pale in comparison as six year old Luke
Skywalker leaned out eagerly from the back of his Aunt Beru and Uncle
Owen's speeder. He'd never been to a party this large before and heard
endless stories from his Aunt Beru about the three day festivities.
Exciting her little nephew to the point where he bounced on her knee.
Laughing and squealing in delight and anticipation.
"Can I go? Can I go?" he would always ask. And Aunt Beru would shake her
head explaining. "Farm boy's can't go until they reach the age of six.
it's just a rule . But I can help you prepare for the party and tell you
what to expect if you'd like"
Her tiny nephew practically flung himself at her squealing in delight
"Tell me! tell me! tellme!" he would squeal. Then Beru sat her rambunctious
nephew down and told him stories. .
Traditionally a dance was held for the Farm boys to welcome them to the
festival and to warm them up in preparation for the upcoming hunt. All farm
boys were expected to learn it, either at or during the party. Luke was one
of the luckier ones,Aunt Beru patiently taught her nephew the steps and the
expectations of what happened at the party to prepare him when the event
came. Luke learned to love the dancing...then.It was wonderful exercise and
it was a dance thatcould be done alone or with a partner if he so wished.
Usually he opted to dance it alone, for he was extremely modest and
embarrased easily. But Beru promised to keep her nephews hidden talent a
secret until he wished it otherwise.
Now he was here and it was even better than he ever expected. But before
the festivities were to begin, there was a gathering to welcome the newer
members to the hunt.
Holding his aunt's hand Luke listened to the quiet chanting in
Traditional Tusken, their tones solemn and the song sung in a semi somber
tone.
On this day we welcome the hunt
we welcome the hunt
we welcome the hunt.

Remind us oh suns of our world
of the danger,
the terrible danger
we must face.

Out of the sand and the dunes they will come,
they will come. Large and foreboding
let us not falter or shrivel
In this the great Bantha hunt

The great bantha,
Creature of strength
Creature of size
We chase thee
we hunt thee down
Luke knew the rules of the hunt. All farmboy were to spend the next two
days strengthening up with rigorous dancing and socializing with friends
(should they be hurt or one not return from the hunt) usually the
festivities were held indoors or underground where all of the farm boys
would gather.Laughing and bonding and practicing and preparing weapons.
In history ,farmboys once used spears and knives to hunt the great
creature, as time progressed and blasters were introduced it eventually
became the weapon of choice. But the third piece a rope with a noose was
always mandatory and Microbinoculars
Killing a bantha was not an easy task. Farmers had a rule of stunning
Bantha as a sign of mercy to the creature. If a mother Bantha had young
with her, farmers were to leave the young alone for the generation to keep
on. Orphaned Bantha's or young wounded were usually brought to the farmers
house and domesticated until it was old enough to look for a mate. Then it
would be released into the wild.
Young Farm Boys were to stay with their parents or (in Luke's case) his
guardians until he was old enough to hunt on his own. By the age of twelve
,the Age of Choice, as farmboys called it. Boys could choose between
hunting on their own or selecting a partner to go with. Luke when he
reached the age of choice ended up choosing to go with Biggs Darklighter
in their speeder.
But also there was another ceremony spooked him one that wasn't pleasant.
The ceremony of preservation of the young.
Luke knew that ceremony too, usually it happened before the festivities
of the Hunt. Men and women who reached the age of Forty, the age of
Judgement were brought to the councilto fill out a form.
There they were judged. A concept unfamiliar to Luke at the time.
 

"Why must they be judged Uncle?" Luke asked the large man. Owen merely
grunted and put his hand around his nephew protectively.
"To make room for the next generation and..." Owen's eyes glinted
angrilly at some distant memory "to stress the importance of the value of
children"

Luke opened his eyes and turned his mind back to the present. All his
hope was gone. Mara Jade, who'd always wanted to see him dead,would get her
dearest wish . She would feel his death through the Force. Maybe then, she
would be able to find peace with herself. He never wanted to hurt her
intentionally. But his very existence of a jedi seemed to torture her.
What a terrible price he'd paid for his naivete' and foolish beliefs and
carefree life. What hopes were possibly left for him now as he approached
his day of judgement.?
None. None at all.
 
 

Mara waited, sipping a rare Tatooine Vintage Gin  in the lounge of the
night club  Dariel said was their rendezvous spot. Mara's eyes had to
adjust to the  change of light as she entered the dark bar.All  farmboys,
would be  out working, at the festivities of the Bantha hunt or taking an
afternoon nap to beat the scorching heat.
   Which made this the ideal time for her and Dariel to talk.
   Mara was about to take another sip of her gin when she caught the sight
of a tall, brawny but solidly built woman at the entrance to the door. Like
herself, she radiated an aura of confidence and strength.  The sun caught
on the soft red curls that fell from her head to the edge of her shoulders
loose and free. A medium sized but well worn blaster hung from her holster
as she moved smoothly to the cubicle where she was sitting.
   Dariel Anglethorn.It had to be.
   Putting her drink down, Mara approached the woman in her best business
manner ,sizing her up. "Tall, solidly built and intimidating. Looks like
you picked a good partner Jade. But can she pull off a good job. "
   As if sensing what the other woman was thinking, Dariel sat herself down
and adressed Mara in a non threatening but purely business like tone." Sit
down Miss Jade. I'm here to pay off a debt to a friend. But  I have to tell
you some rules. the faster you sit down the faster we can get on with this.
the Bantha hunt has already begun there isn't much time."
   Mara sat down.
 
 

  Star Wars Fan Fiction Chapter six. Missions
    "What are you saying Han?" Leia gasped in utter astonishment. Her mouth
hanging open.
   "Exactly what you heard Leia. You're not going on this mission" Han kept
his voice firm as he loaded his blaster and gathered a bunch of clothing
into an old duffel bag. Leia raced back and forth as he packed, her face a
mask of disbelief and shock.
   "Why am I not going!" she demanded" he's my brother and-"
   "Your place is here Leia. Tatooine is not meant for you. these aren't
politicians or royalty These are struggling people who don't have
experience with people like you. Many of them have  bigotry against  rich
people. If you step on their soil you'll get nailed by scavengers ."
   "You don't have to explain anything to me Han, I've been on Tatooine
before!" Leia put her hands on her hips and glared at him. Han glared back.
"Stop trying to protect me!"
   "I'm just pointing out the facts Sweetheart. " Han said backing down. "
You can't go on this mission. It's not your world and it's not your law OR
the New Republics! This is strictly Tatooine law . I'm only going to say
this once so you'd better listen.Stay away from this mission! if you really
want to save Luke, take care of the kids and keep the senators at the New
Republic meeting from killing each other at the table."
   Han-"Leia made for another protest But Han cut her off.jabbing a finger
in her face, each word deliberate.
  "You were the one who always said  the New Republic should come first or
the Rebellion should , Well, now's YOUR chance to prove it!" Han's last
comment caught her like the sting of a whip, but before she could say or do
anything, he grabbed his duffel bag and was gone.
 After he disappeared, Leia spun on her heel and walked to a window of her
apartment, frowning into the glass angrilly.  For once, she found herself
wishing  she hadn't been so dammed dedicated! Han was right. She HAD told
Han and Luke The rebellion or the New republic had to come first.On more
than one occasion . She never thought she'd hear her own words used against
her.
    But Han was right about another point too, She was not in her element
on Tatooine. Han was better at that sort of thing than she was.In so many
situations she'd been in control, strong and always knew exactly what to
do. But  rarely did she ever feel helpless
   "Mama?"
  Leia spun around to see her youngest son Anakin watching her. Had she
been sending her emotions out again?
   "Are you okay? where's Uncle Luke?"
   Leia didn't answer instead she sat down as her youngest son came to her
and held her.
   "Don't be scared Mama. Everything will be all right. we'll have cousins
soon."
  Ignoring the last remark. Leia hugged her son fiercely and gave a single
soft sob.
 
 

     "All right first order of business." Dariel said keeping her eyes
straight on the woman in front of her. "I need you to be aware of something
very important in this law. I'm not an official citizen here. I'm from
Beheeboth, Tatooine sister planet. Many of the rules  we have here apply to
us as well."
   "So ,what are you planning to do?"
   "I can give you and Luke sanctuary at a cabin I own here. It is well
guarded and not far "
   "Wonderful" Mara said making to stand"let's go-"
   "Wait Mara, I haven't told you the rest"
   "and that is-"
   "I can't give you access to any kind of medical help . If Luke has the
will to live, then there is a chance he can have his termination annulled.
But it's not been known to happen with others before him."
   "I understand that Dariel. What else do I have to know?"
   "Second, I can only give you sanctuary for three months. If I go beyond
that,I'm prone to punishment as well. When those three months are up, My
security teams will have no power to defend us. There have even been
stories of people betraying the condemned from inside the refuge"
   "Do you think your men can be trusted?"
   "I believe so, but I have no desire to find that out differently."
   "All right,then everythings been taken care of. When do you want me to
be ready tomorrow"
   "Around ten. the ceremony is at high noon, but we have to get there
early to get a good seat. "
   "I'll see you then Dariel. Thanks for everything."
  Mara headed for the door and as they entered the entrance way Dariel put
her hand on Mara's shoulder.
   "We'll get him tomorrow. I promise."
 
 

Chapter Seven Atonement..-
     Large tents were propped up in the town square of Mos Eisley where the
Ceremony was scheduled to be held. Many weeks of preparation  were placed
upon this ceremony and the importance was very evident as thousands of
citizens flocked in the small marketplace with an open podium for all
citizens to see.
    The entire area was enclosed by a wall except for one or two openings
with a gate for people to come and go as they wished. Security was tight as
Thieves and Jawas were known to sneak in, and this was no exception.
Security had gotten the hang of pushing the Jawas out but pickpockets were
still a problem.
     Moving causally through the crowd, ignoring the cries and barters of
salesmen and Con artists, was Dariel Anglethorn and Mara Jade. Both women
were dressed in Tatooine loose fitting garbs, complete with a head covering
and goggles to disguise and protect their semi-delicate complexions from
the scorching suns rays. But Inside, Mara, strong anxious emotions began
the swell. Beside her, removing the goggles to get a better view of the
nearby podium and the surroundings, Dariel quietly observed Mara, the
podium and did a quick scan of the guards. Eighteen at least. Five on the
podium. Nine of them were close to a concealed alleyway, behind which their
sand skimmer was waiting for them complete with a driver. To get to it ,she
would have to first fight the crowd and the guards once they got Luke under
her wing.
   Dariel grabbed Mara's arm gently and they made their way to the front of
the podium which seemed to be getting crowded more quicker than usual.
Obviously this was the big attraction coming up and everyone seemed to not
want to miss it.
     A series of hard steady drumbeats began as a high priest emerged from
a door at the side. Making his way to the middle of the stage. Slowly the
crowds, including the loud and annoying vendors fell silent as the priest
raised his arms and spoke in a loud demanding voice.
   "Citizens of Tatooine. Let it be Heard that on this day, a very special
and sacred day. We Come together to rejoice in our worlds future and our
worlds past. We welcome a tradition passed down from our grandfathers. We
welcome the great bantha hunt!"
    The crowd broke into loud cheers and joyous waving. After a moment the
priest spoke again.
   "We the Citizens of Tatooine, Take  pride in our work. We take great
pride in our worlds future. We do not let anything stand in the way of that
future, We have learned to survive here.When our grandfathers landed people
once said reproduction and new life was impossible to establish here. But
we, we have made it happen here. Here on this world we have survived war
with this atmosphere and one with a mighty Empire! let us resume our future
as we dispose of our past!" the crowd cheered again even louder and the
priest brought his arm up and gestured to the door behind him. "Bring them
out!" he called over the roar of the din.
    Instantly Five men were dragged out. All were very pale and looked
extremely unhealthy. The crowd booed and hissed maliciously at the men and
some even jeered. Wincing in the sunlight and their own private pains, the
men had their hands bound in front of them.One of them glared and spit in
the face of the high priest.
   In the crowd, Mara felt her heart leap into her chest as the last man in
the line she recognized as Luke!
    The priest held his hand up again, and the crowd quieted somewhat. He
spoke in a condescending manner to the men and gave a warning edge for the
young people in the crowd.
   "Let it be heard and seen that these  men, all having reached the age of
forty and not having conceived or bred a spouse or child for the next
generation of our people,are considered an embarrasment and a disgrace to
us! We, the people of this world  offer these men as a last chance for
redemption and mercy. Which of you will atone for any of them? Anyone for
this one?" he grabbed the first man in line by the neck roughly and the
crowd booed and hissed and threw raw vegetables. A moment later the high
priest shoved him aside and another man led him off the podium to a back
door. The door of death to receive the final dose of poison. Or to be hung
by the neck.The same fate was met by all the others. Finally the priest
reached for the last man in line.
   Swallowing hard and trembling some, Luke was grabbed in the same fashion
as the other men and again the priest asked  "We the citizens of Tatooine
offer you Luke Skywalker a last chance at redemption and mercy. Who here
will atone for this man?" a strong series of jeers hisses and shouts rose
from the crowd....
   ... then strong and demanding  to be heard a voice cried out."Mercy!
Mercy! Mercy to this man!"
   Luke gasped. Who was speaking for his behalf?
   The crowd fell silent as a woman came to the front of the podium.
Speaking above the jeers so the crowd fell silent.Reaching the priest she
repeated again "Mercy my lord. I request to take this man under my wing and
give him sanctuary."
   "On what grounds?"
   "He is a good man who helped me once. I wish to take him to my  grounds
under conditions number 9572. Payment and restoration services."
   "Are you aware of the risks you are placing yourself under ?"
   "Yes I am. I wish not to have my identity revealed now."
   Luke turned his head to the high priest, waiting to see his reaction. A
moment later he shoved Luke into the woman's arms and adressed the crowd
again.
   "Let it be heard that this woman here ,has put in a plead of Mercy and
atonement for this this man's life. His life, as it is, is in your hands
mystery woman. You have a maximum of ninety days to restore him to our
standards of pride. If there is no physical evidence in that ninety day
period, you  will be prone to our punishment of death!"  the priest stepped
down from the podium but adressed his next word softly to Luke as he walked
by. The anger in his eyes were clear.
   "She is your saviour Former Farmboy. Respect it and her." then he
stormed out.
  All around him Luke could hear the soft whispers of various people in the
crowd.
   "..stupid ignorant farmboy..."
   "...should have known this would happen..."
   "...why in the heck would she choose a savage like him..."
   "...that girl need eyeglasses..."
     Luke stepped off the podium slowly and looked at his saviour
suspiously. Even through the Tatooine covering, he could tell it was a
woman who saved him. She was a good half head taller than him and with a
strong build. Slowly she removed her goggles to reveal strong round brown
eyes. She grabbed his still bound hands and began to pull him through the
crowd.He ignored the whispers of the upper class folk. He'd heard all the
insults before.
   "Come on we have to get you out of here!" she said in a familiar voice,
one he'd heard before but it didn't belong to Leia or Mara, if it wasn't
them then who...?
    ...a hand grabbed Luke roughly and spun him around, Luke struggled
momentarily as the farmers who grabbed him menacingly began to run his
hands over Luke upper torso. "Mind if we check out the merchandise?" he
asked coldly rousing Luke's anger.
   With an fierce growl, Luke slammed his elbow into the farmers face
sending him flying into Dariel and sprawling them both into a nearby
vendors tent. Customers yelled and scrambled to get out of the way as
another farmer came up to Luke from in front another from behind. The one
behind him, grabbed Luke and pinned his arms to his side. as the man in
front began to charge with a knife drawn Before he could stab him Luke's
strong leg came up and gave him a hard karate kick to the solar plexus
sending him to his knees. Dariel in the meantime, quickly stood up and
angrily grabbed the man holding Luke giving him a hard punch into his face,
knocking him unconscious with a bleeding nose. Luke looked up at Dariel
with an admiring look on his face.
   "Thanks." he said simply allowing her to undo his manacles. Once free,
she took him by the elbow and led him through the vendors once again.
Punching at anyone who tried to harras Luke and yanking one young lady by
the hair as she tried to approach them. Luke couldn't make out much of what
Dariel whispered but he  remembered her whispering"I wouldn't do that if I
were you..." then a few seconds later the woman left looking like she was
ready to scream and run for her life.
   Luke smiled as he followed the woman to the outer gates. This woman
whoever she was, definitely knew what she was doing.And she did it really
well. a smile of amusement played across his lips as she spoke to the
guards for a moment then gestured to him to follow her.Smiling he did as he
was told.
  Once past the outer gates Luke walked quietly and without comment past
the Wall Of death. where someone was carving in the names of the four
previous victims before him. His eyes caught sight of two names on the wall
that caused a momentary pain to come to his chest, but he said nothing.
                    Owen and Beru Lars.
 

   Once outside, Luke saw they had made their way to a side entrance where
a speeder was waiting. next to it another woman stood waiting. she too had
tatooine garb covering her eyes and head as he gazed at the other woman
next to the speeder his rescuer begin to remove the coverings from her
face, as she did so he began to speak.
   Okay, now that we're out here would you mind telling me where we are
going and who you are?"
   "You mean you don't recognize me Luke?" the woman said turning around
and allowing him to get a clear view of her. His eyes went a little wider
in recognition.
   "Dariel? Dariel Anglethorn?"
   "Yes Luke." she smiled gently. Luke gave a small laugh and came forward
pulling her into a strong hug of greeting. Pulling away to look at the
second woman he smiled politely to her. Not removing her goggles, she
gestured for Luke to climb into the speeder. Shrugging in confusion at this
woman's apparent coolness, Luke  got in as she sat down next to him, and he
blinked, she seemed familiar to him  but without the force it was
impossible to tell how or who right now.
    "Better then to find out later" he thought to himself as Dariel fired
up the speeder and they skimmed lightly over the sand into the north-east.
 

Deadly Laws-Chapter 8-At the fair and in the speeder.
Han licked dry lips that were not entirely cracked by the sun. For
once this Correlian's luck was running low. He'd gone around the
underground sections of the city asking questions and not gotten any
answers of The depressed Jedi's whereabouts. He checked three bars and
around Mos Eisley without much succes. Where could he be?
Suddenly his mind went to the events happening around town and to what
Threepio said. There was only one place left for Luke to be!
 

Han scanned the now bare podium with people scurrying around. Han gasped
in horror as he saw four corpses hanging on ropes ,their heads covered.
People still scurried around, gossiping and bartering from the vendors.
After a couple of hasty questions Han was relieved to recieve the
information that he so desperately needed. Luke had been a prisoner here,
or rather a sacrificial victim. He'd come to die in accordance of the law,
as Han suspected. But when it came to the question of who saved him. No one
seemed to know.
"Where did they go?" Han asked a civilian vendor.
"North East. But no one is allowed to see him."
"Why not?"
"Are you family?" the vendor asked.
"Yes."
"Then you can't see him."
"Why not?!" Han demanded, his tone becoming more threatening.
"Family is not allowed to inturrupt the ceromony of preservation of the
young. Only a woman unrelated to the condemmed can set him free. She must
win his heart to keep it beating for the rest of his days alive if he is to
remain that way"
"Are you saying that my brother-in law has to be married to stay alive."
"That's the sum of it. It's a tradition going back thousands of years.
We know the value of family. Any man who is single at their age of forty is
considereed dishonerable to our standards and a disgrace to our world. They
are lesson material for the men of this planet"
"Cruel examples" Han snapped
"It isn't your place to judge us Captain Solo.!" The vendor shot
back."You're not of this world! Your arrogance has gotten you into a fair
share of trouble but you were fortunate to latch to a princess to provide
for you and give you your future. It seems your brother in law has run out
of his infamous farmboy luck civilians say they are supposed to have.
Strange you should have given him some of his martial luck when you had the
chance. From what I understand, he's had hardly any kind of luck when it
comes to the ladies. How many relationships has he had so far?" the vendor
sneered in comtempt at Luke's history "Three ?and none of them worked out.
Surely after all that, you'd think he'd have learned something. He must
have some kind of curse from that uncle of his or that wizard teacher who
twisted him around so much. Maybe Papa Darth gave him a curse considering
he came from him."
That was the breaking point for Han. He couldn't stand it anymore. With
an angry cry, Han grabbed the vendor and slammed him into the wall behind
them. when he spoke his voice was in a furious whisper.
"Don't you dare speak that way of my brother in law!!If I ever bump into
you again and hear you insult him like that you'll find a blaster burn in
you stomach faster than you can blink!" Drawing in a deep breath, he
released the vendor. Luke was alive and in safe hands he hoped.He might as
well leave thie area, despite the heat a chill went up his spine.
 

Sitting in the speeder feeling the wind whipping through his hair and
bringing back a thousand bittersweet memories Luke gazed with narrow
suspicious eyes at the two women who saved him.
"All right now that we're out of Mos Eisley and we're not being
followed, would you mind telling me what's going on here?"
"Nothing's 'going on' Luke as you think. " Dariel answered him
sincerely. inclining her head a bit "We're here to help you. Nothing
more, nothing less." Luke's eyes held a 'you -don't -expect -me -to
-believe that' look. Remembering what happened with Callista . They were
obviously taking him to a moisture farm. He knew the open country of this
planet well. What was Dariel trying to pull here?
"Yeah well, before you get any ideas in your head my girl" he spat the
word out like an insult. "I have absolutely no interest in staying here.
You can try to help me if you wish but I won't accept it! You'll be the
ones who will need the luck when it comes to keeping me here. it'll only be
a matter of time before some kind of tragedy strikes you. I'm not a good
luck charm you're bringing home."
"No you're not" Dariel shot back smoothly, setting her jaw as the wind
whipped through her hair. "I don't believe in curses. And I'm not afraid of
taking this gamble on you Luke."
"You will Dariel" Luke said his voice rising half an octive and sounding
more upset than threatening "You will. just wait and see!I know what I'm
talking about."
"And I know you're just upset and tired Luke! People in your position
aren't usually in a good mood after they've recieved four doses of poison
and told they're supposed to die because they're not married and considered
discgracefull. Well I think you're worth a lot more. Both of us here" she
gestured to Mara who's eyes smiled through the goggles. "Now hush up and
calm down. We're almost home."
Luke slumped back in his seat and did as he was told. It was true. He
was tired, tired of everything that happened to him. He needed time to
grieve and a place to lick his wounds in private. With the New Republic
that would have been Impossible. Leia wouldn't cry but he never had her
strength. He needed to cry and to heal.
Up ahead, a larger than the average farmhouse started to show. It was
lovely and twice the size of the house he'd grown up in. Luke couldn't help
but let out a gasp of surprise at the dwelling in front of him In the
tatooine sun, the building seemed to have open arms and to be saying to him
"Come in! come in! you are welcome!"
He couldn't believe it. the house was so beautiful and so well kept.
looking at Dariel he said quietly "This is where we'll be staying?"
Dariel smiled her brown eyes warm. "Yes it's my rent out cottage. Your
place of santuary. I wanted to make sure it was prepared for your visit."
She stopped the speeder aand the three of them clambered out.
"Well you certainly did an excellent job of that" he said quietly.
Gaping at his surroundings.
Sensing his uncertainty, Dariel gave an easygoing laugh and took his arm
gently. "Come inside Luke and I can show you both to your quarters"