Prologue: Trapped

A boy of 13 sat up in the cot that he had in the blank grey room which he called his own. He didn't know where he was but he did know that he lived here for the past 10 years of his life. And if there's one thing he learned in all those years, it was that it was incredibly boring inside that metal cube.

He had one window in the room, though he wasn't sure if what lay outside it was real, or just a holoprojection. He knew all about the universe and it's history up to this point. This room was equipped with everything he needed to educate himself. He was a studious young man, even if he didn't want to be. He did his studies just so that he could concentrate on something. He had a robotic tutor, who guided his education. He did the majority of his work on a small holopad, which constantly updated itself with that days curriculum as decided by his tutor.

A year back he had made up his mind that he was going to get out of the hell hole. And that was a promise he planned on keeping, but until opportunity presented itself he was forced to sit. Study. And wait.

3 Years Later

Luke Skywalker woke up in a cold sweat and looked at the woman who slumbered beside him. Mara Jade, one of the most beautiful, deadly creatures he had ever met, his wife. It was one of the few moments where the two had no pressing needs to look after. They'd enjoyed a pleasant evening with his sister, Leia, before turning in for the night. Letting out a deep breath, Luke ruminated on the dream that had awoken him for a moment before sighing. He cursed his luck and shook Mara out of her slumber.

"What is it, Luke?" She grumbled as she slapped his hand off of her shoulder

"I had a dream."

"Damn your dreams." She pushed herself up off of the bed, and sat against the headboard. Her fiery red hair fell across her face, forcing her to push it out of her eyes. She looked at her husband expectantly.

"It was sent to me through the force. Someone needs our help, Mara."

"Someone always needs our help. What happened?"

"I was on Yavin. A shadow flew across the foliage and I followed it. It stopped at one of the Temples where Exar Kun channeled his energy, then it went inside. I followed till I found the shadow standing at a section of the wall that looked like it had been broken. There was a child in its grasp, and he was engulfed in flames. Then the exploded out towards me and everything went black."

"Why can't the galaxy ever be saved by somebody other than my husband?" Mara closed her eyes and tilted her head as far back as she could before letting out a long breath. Luke climbed out of bed, and began to put on his robes. "We can never get a minute of peace."

"Sorry Mara, but I have to g..." But Luke was cut off as Mara kissed him. He hadn't noticed her get out of bed.

"We, have to go to Yavin." She said with a rare smile as she stepped away from Luke to gather her own robes.

Luke smiled as he watched his wife walk around. He was glad to have her with him. He had a bad feeling about this one.

"Thanks."