Disclaimer: I don't own Obi-Wan, Siri, Luke, Mara, Han or Leia. I'm just borrowing them from Lucas for awhile.

Echoes Of The Past

Chapter 6

"Were you successful?" asked a low and sidious voice being broadcast through a holographic transmitter.

Zora didn't even dare to look at the image, instead she swallowed. "No, I wasn't," she answered honestly.

Despite the fact that Sidious wasn't even in the room, she could still feel the waves of fury the man projected. He wasn't pleased with this news. If she hadn't been well trained in controlling her emotions, then she might have shivered at that moment.

"What happened!" her master asked dangerously.

Zora didn't raise her head and spoke quietly. "Overcoming the basic security was routine and I passed through unnoticed. When I entered the room, however, two Jedi were lying in wait."

"JEDI!" Sidious roared, infuriated. "What Jedi?" he snarled.

"It was Luke and Mara Skywalker," she answered hesitantly.

If Zora thought that Sidious was mad earlier then she was very wrong. His anger was many times what it was before, and she was very grateful that he wasn't in the same room as her.

"They have spoiled my plans for the last time," Sidious said a minute later, still very irritated. "We are going to need a new plan. One that will forever rid us of those treacherous Skywalkers."

"Yes, Master," Zora said, grinning. She had a great deal of work before her. She was greatly relieved that Sidious didn't punish her for the failed mission. She assumed that his fury for Slywalker was much greater than her defeat.

Luke was pacing and nothing, even his wife's pleas would make him stop. He was worried, dismayed and mystified by the sudden appearance of the dark assassin. He repeatedly summoned the Force to calm himself, but it wasn't working perfectly. If Mara and he weren't standing guard, then Luke was sure that his sister would now be dead.

When "Zora" escaped out the window, Luke and Mara had to release the blast doors that were imprisoning Leia and Han. As an extra safety measure for the Chief of State, the doors were sealed that night. This didn't ease Luke's mind though, because he knew that a lightsaber could easily pierce such doors.

Han had his blaster out and powered up the moment the doors were released. A very concerned Leia followed in her husband's wake. It was obvious that they heard the racket made during the lightsaber duel. Seeing the blasted window, Han immediately wanted an explanation.

For the next several minutes, Luke and Mara recounted their take of the assailant who was very well trained in the Jedi Arts.

"Do you think this woman killed Mon Mothma?" Leia asked with some trepidation.

"I do," Luke answered. "And I wouldn't be surprised if she came back to finish the job."

"I would like to see her try it," Han exclaimed angrily.

"The main concern," Mara said calmly, "is to discover who Zora works for."

"It's probably the remaining faction of Imperials on the loose," Leia replied.

"You are a target sister, and until Zora is dealt with, you need to be taken to a more secure location," Luke said assertively.

"Where?" Han asked.

"Is the Falcon ready?" Luke asked.

"Chewie's making modifications on her now. We can in leave in a standard hour," Han answered.

"Then pack you bags," Luke told them.

"Where are we going, Luke?" Mara asked, looking at her husband curiously. They were sitting in the living room while Leia and Han prepared to leave.

Luke didn't meet her eyes. "Have you heard of the Dagobah system?" he asked.

Mara shook her head. "No, I haven't. I take it that's where we're going."

"Yes. I was trained there by Master Yoda before he died. The planet has no cities and sentient lifeforms don't live there. These are the coordinates," Luke handed her a datasheet, but Mara didn't look at it.

"Then why would we want to go there?" Mara asked doubtfully.

"Yoda was able to hide there for twenty years without being discovered. I do think this will be the best place for you all to hide," Luke explained.

"You didn't just say 'us' did you; you're not planning on leaving me?" Mara asked incredulously.

Luke met his wife's gaze. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" he asked cheerfully.

"Don't change the topic, Farmboy. Answer the question," Mara snapped.

Luke sighed. "I think it would be better for one of us to stay here. I need to find out what is going on. You are the only Jedi I trust enough to watch out for Leia and Han."

"I still don't like this," Mara stated.

"Please?" Luke asked, looking deep into her green eyes.

Mara looked thoughtful for a moment and then she nodded. "Ok, I will do it. But I must tell you, I wouldn't have if you weren't so adorable when you beg."

Luke pulled his beloved wife into his arms. "I love you. Be careful," he said.

Mara rolled her eyes. "Like you're one to talk." Then she sobered. "I love you, Luke. Watch out for Zora, she might not hesitate to go after you when she discovers that Leia is off planet."

Luke nodded; he had quite the job before him. One thing was for sure though. He was going to defeat Zora, no matter what the cost may be.