I do not own any of the Star Wars characters, although some of them I wish I did:)

This story is mine, though, even if the characters aren't, and I'd appreciate kind, but constructive reviews.

I apologize ahead of time for any inconsistencies to anything already mentioned in the Star Wars universe.

Enough from me now; enjoy the story:)

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The number of people waiting to ride the passenger transport to Alderaan seemed endless, and the noise made by them was almost unbearably loud. Babies fussed, children laughed and argued, parents scolded, and old friends chatted amiably. It was confusion in its best form.

In the middle of this friendly mayhem stood a pillar of silence, inconspicuous in her general manner, but distinctive in her beauty and silence. Fire-red hair immediately caught the attention of those not preoccupied in their own business, but the brilliant green eyes set in the porcelain face caused viewers to turn away with a shiver, though they did not know why.

Her name was Mara Jade, and she was the Emperor's Hand. She had done the Emperor's bidding from her childhood, and she had learned early on that her job wasn't pretty. Most of the time, in fact, it was cold and harsh. She was the tool that exacted his vengeance, and if nowhere else, it showed in her eyes.

"Why are you going to Alderaan?"

The young woman turned to face the owner of the overly cheerful voice. Everything about him, from his loud clothes to his cocky smile screamed scoundrel, or at least ladies man.

Mara cocked an eyebrow at his impertinence as she made her conclusions. "I'm sorry?"

The man sidled next to her, unfazed by her unfriendly tone and disinterested stare. "I'm going to Alderaan on a business trip," he explained, keeping shoulder to shoulder with her as they entered the ship. They both passed over their passports and got them back without a break in the conversation. "I deal in glittersilk and Corellian ale, as well as… other… products." He flashed her what he probably considered a charming smile. "Why are you going to Alderann, and will you be there long?"

Mara glanced around the cruiser for a free seat, hoping for one that was alone. She wasn't that lucky.

The young woman sighed as she threw a glance at her unwanted companion. She really wasn't interested in sitting with an over-talkative, over-flirtatious smuggler. She shrugged. Oh, well, time to get creative.

The smile she tossed him was equal in intensity to a minor sun. "How interesting," she said with false enthusiasm, "I'm going to Alderaan for more pleasurable reasons."

She sat down next to a heavy-set woman, and put her bag on the seat separating her from the ship's wall. Her lashes batted in a parody of shyness. "My husband and I are going on our honeymoon," she simpered.

It was really quite amusing how quickly his manner changed, first with her words, and then with the realization that she was blocking the seat off from his use. He reddened angrily, obviously unaccustomed to refusal.

"I see," he replied stiffly, eyes angrily shifting away from her mocking smile, "It was nice meeting you, ma'am. So sorry to bother you."

"Oh, it wasn't a bother at all," Mara called smugly to his departing back. He ignored her and found a seat several rows down. Just as he sat down, the copilot informed them that they were taking off for Alderaan now, and everyone buckled their crash belts. As soon as they were in space, Mara released hers, and pulled a holo-novel from her bag, pretending to peruse it so as not to be bothered by her fellow passengers and distracted from her thoughts.

Her reason for going to Alderaan was, in reality, a lot less innocent than the explanation she had given to her flirty fellow-passenger. Rather than beautiful nightgowns to wear or hoards of credits to spend on a good time, her bag contained serviceable jumpsuits hidden under fancy gowns, and weapons that were too small to register on a typical scanner for a passenger cruiser.

If all things went to plan, by the night of the next day, Senator Bail Organa would be dead.

For people who might have seen this story before. Sorry about that, my stories under my other name got erased. So this was reposted.