A/N: Wow thanks everyone for the kind reviews and favourites! I'm going to be following the Star Wars timeline more or less so yes, Boba Fett will be making an appearance soon. :) I hope to get a chapter finished every day or two as long as my muse holds out.

As they reached her rooms Mara quickly excused herself to the fresher to clean up while he settled in. Once the door shut behind her and the water was running to muffle any noise she might make, Mara exhaled deeply and sighed. Her Master wanted her to seduce Skywalker. It hadn't been hard for her who knew her Master so well to read between the lines of what he said. It was far from the first time he'd requested her to to seduce someone to sway them to the Empire… but this just felt different. Wrong somehow. Previous men had all been politicians and many corrupt. She'd felt no guilt about leading them on, and they had felt no guilt about using her. Skywalker was different though. He was innocent and naive… and she had a sinking feeling he was falling for her. Still, an order was an order, even if it was unspoken, she knew what her Master wished of her. Beyond just obeying her Master she knew in a way this was the best of all possible outcomes. If he did not turn, stayed a Rebel… she would almost certainly be ordered to kill him… something she found she would prefer to avoid. Sighing she muttered to herself "Get a grip Jade." and began scrubbing herself clean and rubbing the exotically scented oils on herself she always used for such jobs. Stepping out she roughly towelled her hair dry, and wrapped a towel around herself… then realized her predicament. She'd been in such a rush to get away from Skywalker she had totally forgot to grab clean clothes. Her clothes were on the other side of the door where Skywalker waited. "Shavit." she muttered under her breath. Steeling herself she opened the door hoping to slip past him… and slammed into him instead. His grab to stop her stumbling backwards dislodged her towel and both stood staring for a moment before Mara bolted from the room and quickly shut the door on the sleeping quarters. Luke stood still outside the fresher door still holding Mara's towel, blushing from head to toe. He'd never been so mortified in his life. Judging from the swearing coming from the adjoining room, Mara was ruffled as well. After a few minutes of crashing she emerged fully dressed.

"Um, sorry about that… I'm used to being on my own." Mara muttered taking in Luke's still flushed face.

"It's uh ok. It's mostly my fault. This is kinda a new experience for me too." he said quietly, shuffling his feet slightly. Mara tried to figure out what to say to disuse the tension. This was proving to be a spectacular lesson in how not to seduce someone she thought darkly. Skywalker would need to be far more relaxed if this was to work.

"It's been a long day… why don't you clean up and we can go for dinner?" she suggested, trying to salvage some dignity in the whole mess. Nodding Skywalker headed to the fresher unit when she called out "And don't forget clothes! There's some clean ones on the dresser." They would get there eventually.. but this definitely needed easing into with Skywalker.

Sometime later a now cleaned and calmed down Luke followed Mara through the streets of Coruscant. He was amazed. He'd seen cities but never like this. There was lights and people as far as the eye could see. Settling on a choice, Mara steered him into a building the sign called The Rimworld Grill. Settling into their table Luke ordered bantha ribs and Mara ordered the Mon Cal special and some wine for them. Pouring them each a glass Mara raised hers to toast "To new friends." she said simply.

"To new friends" Luke agreed. His world had done a complete 180, but at least he had Mara. Catching his thoughts, Mara thought darkly no you don't Skywalker, but kept it to herself. Dinner was quiet enough, though Mara downed a considerably amount of wine and Luke wondered what was bothering her. Or was she always like this? He realized he really didn't know her that well… but he found himself drawn to her and feeling concerned so he asked anyways "Is something wrong Mara?" Her eyes widened for a split second, but she answered calmly.

"No, why would you think that?" and as she did Luke realized she didn't sound particularly intoxicated. He'd drank not even half as much wine as was definitely feeling buzzed.

"Just a hunch" he answered. She shook her head delicately no.

"I'm fine Luke. Just adjusting to having company around me is all" she said. Well it was somewhat true, even if not exactly on point. Luke seemed to accept that though.

"Yeah it's a change for me too… but it's nice isn't it?" he asked, a bit too hopefully. Mara shut her eyes and thought to herself, oh Skywalker… you have no idea what you are getting into… but took a steadying breath and answered him.

"I'm not sure yet. You're fun… but it's all new to me."

The rest of the meal went without a hitch and Mara found she did indeed enjoy chatting with him. His naivety was a breath of fresh air in amongst all the corruption she usually faced. When they got back to Mara's rooms she put on a holo. As the vid progressed she leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. He was startled for a moment, then smiled wrapping his arm around her. So far so good. As the hero of the film kissed the romantic lead passionately Mara spoke up wistfully. "I wish someone would kiss me like that.." she said, letting the trailed off sentence paint a picture in Skywalker's mind. He blushed and looked at her and she met his gaze. The next moment they were indeed kissing passionately, Skywalker trembling with emotion under her hands. Things were just starting to heat up when Luke pulled back.

"Wait, I'm sorry… I shouldn't have. We hardly know each other." he offered by way of explanation. Mara sighed. Well there was always another night.

"Don't be. I think it's a fine way to get to know each other." she laughed and Luke blushed. Settling back down, they finished watching the vid then made their way to bed. Luke felt a little awkward now about their shared bed, but Mara shrugged it off

"Night Luke" she whispered, planting a soft kiss on him before turning away and going to sleep.

"Night Mara" he answered back after a moment to her dozing form beside him.

Han hated Hoth. The only redeeming feature of the frozen planet right now was Leia… and since their near kiss she'd been avoiding him. It had been several days and she was still darting away every time she saw him, claiming she was busy. He was determined to corner her and figure out what was going on with them. Making his was over to her room where he knew she'd finally retired to he slipped in. "Hey Princess" he greeted her warmly. "I've missed you." Leia jumped as Han closed the door behind himself.

"H-Han what are you doing here?" she asked startled. Sitting on the bunk beside her he entwined his fingers with hers.

"Look sweetheart, I'm not good with emotional things… but there is something between us. I know you feel it too. So why do you keep running from me?" Leia flushed.

"I'm not running away!" she snapped.

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked softly.

"Afraid? I'm not afraid of you!" she said but her voice shook. He was getting to her alright. Raising his free hand to caress her cheek he smiled.

"Then why are you trembling sweetheart?"

"I'm not-" her protests were cut off as Han drew her too him, kissing her deeply. She froze for a moment totally startled, then kissed back. As their kisses became more heated, Leia was suddenly glad she had a private room. Between kisses she whispered to Han.

"Lock the door." Han paused for a moment.

"Sweetheart are you sure? We don't have to rush things…" Leia nodded though.

"I'm sure." she said breathlessly. Han scrambled for the lock button as Leia removed his shirt, and just hoped these blasted ice caves wouldn't echo too much.

Jade had been summoned to her Master for a private chat. Vader was certain he knew why. It left his son alone but he didn't dare openly defy his Master by going to see his son. Instead he waited for Jade to emerge from giving her report in the throne room, and caught her as she walked by. "A word with you Jade?"

"Yes Lord Vader?"

"I must go off planet soon to deal with the Rebellion. We are close to discovering their new base. I'd like your help in sorting through the Intel I have received. You intuition has served well before." Mara shrugged.

"I'm not too busy right now so you can send the files to my data pad and I'll take a look at them tonight."

"And Jade?"

"Yes Lord Vader?"

"With the Skywalker boy… I know what our Master asks of you, but I ask you to also consider my so- the boy's feelings." Vader intentionally stumbled over his words, knowing Jade would not miss the slip.

"Your son?" she asked sharply, her voice low.

"Do not discuss this with our Master. He forbade me to tell you." he watched the conflict in her face before she settled on a choice.

"I can't promise anything. If our Master asks I will have to tell him… but I won't inform him of your slip up if he doesn't ask. This changes nothing though Lord Vader." she said. Vader nodded.

"My thanks Jade." he said walking off down the hall "I will send you those files shortly." Vader knew the girl well enough to know she would be mulling that info over, and with some luck would share it with Luke. Phase one was complete.

Mara was on edge as she returned to her rooms. Did she tell Skywalker? Was Vader even telling the truth or was he up to something? If her Master had wanted it kept from her, he almost certainly wanted it kept from Skywalker for the time being… but if Vader was truthful… could she deny him that? Besides… it might lower his guard enough to get close enough to him to fulfill her Master's wishes. Why would her Master want this a secret? Wouldn't knowing Vader was his father only bring Skywalker closer to the Empire. Maybe without even needing to seduce him and no doubt break his heart. Oh her head was a mess. Slipping into their rooms she decided she needed a good stiff drink. Grabbing out some potent Corellian Brandy she poured herself a generous glass as she mulled over what to do. Coming up behind her Skywalker wrapped his arms around her. "How did your meeting go?" he asked. Mara downed a large gulp before answering.

"Fine. Nothing exciting. I'm looking over files tonight to help Vader locate the new Rebel base." she said and saw him flinch. Sighing she turned to face him "It's my job Skywalker. Yours too now." Luke stared down at his feet. For a moment he'd forgot. Corrupt Imperials he was ok dealing with… but the idea of helping Vader sniff out his friends…

"I know I just…" he trailed off but Mara knew exactly what he meant.

"Perhaps if we help Vader could be convinced to bring them back alive to be tried and serve time vs killing your friends." she suggested. "He'll be more likely to agree if he's in a good mood, which he will be if we can locate this base sooner rather than later."

"I suppose… it just feels wrong though."

"Sometimes even though something feels wrong it's still the best option in a situation." Mara said sagely. "But if you prefer not to be involved in this I understand." Hesitating Mara decided Skywalker had a right to know the rest of what Vader said too. "Vader also said something else. He slipped it out. I'm not sure if it's the truth or if he was just messing with me but…" Mara froze. Maybe she should contact her Master and ask first.

"What did he say?" Luke prompted, his blue eyes staring earnestly at her. Steeling herself Mara met his gaze and answered.

"He called you his son."

"What! No no… Vader murdered my father. Ben told me that! How can that be true! No it can't be true! It's impossible!" Luke blurted out. Putting a hand on his shoulder to steady him, Mara tried to calm him.

"Maybe he did from a certain perspective. Darth Vader replaced the man your father was, so he did kill him in a way." Luke paused at that. It made sense in a way. A horrible kind of sense.

"But why would he not tell me?" Luke whined.

"I understand my Master forbid him to speak of it. Perhaps he thought it would be too stressful to learn this while you are still adjusting to life here. I'm sure he planned to tell you once you were more settled." Mara said, though she was less then certain of that herself. Her own parentage was a mystery and she wondered if that wasn't intentional too. Realizing what she was thinking she cursed herself inwardly. How could she think that about her Master. He was always kind to her. If he was keeping information it was for a reason. Who was she to question it? Except she just had… and she'd told Skywalker to. "Shavit." she muttered, and Luke looked at her confused. "I just realized if he forbid Vader he wouldn't want me speaking of it either." She buried her face in her hands. How did things get so complicated since Skywalker arrived? She was slipping. Luke stood between her legs and wrapped his arms around her.

"Hey it's ok. It will be our secret." he assured her, certain she was worried about the trouble she'd be in. Blinking up at him with bright green eyes their gazes locked… and he leaned down and they kissed. Oh stars how they kissed. Her legs wrapped around him, Mara was about to propose a change of venue when he drew back slowly. "it's late." he said regretfully. "We should probably get to bed." Well right venue. She'd just have to heat things up again once they got there.

"Right" she said, asking along side him to their shared room. He turned his back respectfully as she changed to sleep clothes, and flushed as he turned around to see what she was wearing. Mara had changed into a lacy, nearly decent sleeping shift and some equally lacy underwear… and nothing else. Luke swallowed hard and she pretended not to notice.

"Um Mara?"

"Mmm?"

"I think you're forgetting something." he mumbled flushing a deep crimson. Mara laughed. Skywalker certainly became embarrassed easy.

"You don't like it?" she asked, giving a little twirl for his benefit.

"I do I just…"

"Relax Luke. Remember to breath." she said, nudging him onto the bed. He was so startled by her appearance he sat frozen so she bent to remove his boots. She slid his belt and lightsaber off next. It was only as she started unbuttoning his top he regained his speech.

"Um, what are you doing Mara?"

"Relaxing you. You're way too wound up."

"Uh relaxing me how Mara?" Luke asked, more then a little nervous. She laughed and kissed him lightly.

"Just trust me ok?" she told him as she slid his shirt off. "Now lie on your stomach." Hesitantly Luke complied while Mara fished a container of something out of the night table drawer. Pouring a line of oil down his spine, she began to rub his tense muscles with experienced hands. As she did she planted little kisses on his shoulder blades. "Feel better?" she asked softly. Luke gave a moan of pleasure.

"Much… how do you know… ah how to do this so well?" A dark look crossed her face for a moment before she answered.

"I sometimes assume the role of a dancer or courtesan in the Imperial Court when my Master requires me to do so… generally to spy on people." Luke was startled.

"You… with people… just because you are told to?" he stammered. Mara shrugged.

"Why not? It's not always so unpleasant and it serves my Master. I'm hardly innocent Luke." Taking that in he sighed.

"No I suppose not. How long have you uh, worked in Palace?" he asked.

"I think I was about 14 the first time I danced for something… probably 16 the first time I took someone to my bed."

"But you don't love them?"

"Of course not."

"How can you be with someone you don't love?" he asked and Mara sighed.

"It's my job Luke. All jobs have unpleasant elements. It's for the greater good of the Empire so who am I to say no?" Flopping down beside him she sighed. "How can you be so naive about how the world really works?" she muttered half into the pillow. "Love and sex aren't the same thing."

"They should be. That's how I was raised."

"Is that why you push me away? Because you don't love me?" Mara asked. It was cutting below the belt, but she couldn't care about that now. She had a job to do.

"No." Luke said steadily "I do love you. That's the problem. I don't know if you feel the same or not… now I'm even less sure. I thought when we were kissing maybe… just maybe you felt something too… but it seems maybe I was wrong." Mara cursed herself. Why was this so hard? Wait… he loves me? Oh shavit.

"Luke I… I feel something for you. I don't know what it is… but it's not like with other men." she admitted. "Ive never been in love." Sighing she pulled the sheets over them, enjoying the feeling of Luke's bear chest pressed to her back, and the warmth of his embrace. "We should go to sleep." He leaned over and kissed her gently before settling down.

"Good night Mara"

"Night Luke"

It was several nights before Han discovered just how much the halls of the Hoth base did indeed echo. Leia was mortified. Even Han was a tad chagrined. His mind was taken off things however by Chewie calling him. A probe droid had been sighted and shot down but not before it could send a message… and there was a good bet the Empire wouldn't be far behind. They began the evacuations immediately. It wasn't fast enough though. ATATs had been deployed and they lost a number of good pilots trying to hold them off while the rest of the base cleared out. Han was one of the last to leave, hauling Leia onto the Falcon just as Darth Vader himself smashed through the walls of the base. As they raced their way into space Han hit the lever for hyperspace… and nothing happened. Luckily Han was still a skilled pilot, much as Leia questioned his sanity as he flew them into an asteroid field. Focused on navigating the dangerous path they never noticed the ship which tailed them. Once free of the asteroid field and another incursion with the Imperial ships they plotted a course to the nearest system for repairs. Bespin was the nearest inhabited system so they would limp their was along at sunlight speeds and hope they made it before the Empire caught up. As they settled in for a long trip they never saw the Firespray which shot off past them