Along the Ison Corridor - Aboard the MC75 Star Cruiser Arbalist

After the third consecutive successful mission, the crew of the Arbalist were in the mood for celebrating. Indeed, General Kota ordered that the officers organize something or another for the pilots, marines, commandos and crewers of the ship after a job very well done. "Don't let them go to off the bulkhead, gentlemen;" he said. "I'll have another mission ready for them soon enough and I need them to be ready."

Even so, the celebration was pretty spectacular. Music was playing over the intercom and anyone who wasn't on duty was either in the main hanger bay or in one of the many other open areas.

Luke was laughing with Col Serra, Wedge Antilles and X2, a drink in his hand as they discussed the missions when Rianna sashayed on over. "Hey, Flyboy;" she said, "want to dance? I'm feeling antsy."

The others backed up and said, "He sure does!"

"I just thought of something. See you later."

Rianna yanked him to where the improvised dance floor was and began to dance. "Remember that favor you owe me?" she asked, whispering silkily in his ear.

Luke nodded. "Well;" she drawled, "when this party gets boring, you and I are going to see it settled. Sound good to you?"

He nodded dumbly as she pressed her body against his. Every curve and contour of her body molded against his. "You feel good;" she purred.

"So do you!" he said, enjoying the silky smooth feeling of the bare skin on her waist.

Suddenly, the music cut off and the general's voice came over. "Skywalker, report to my command room immediately."

Rianna scowled, "Blast! Can't he let you relax just a little bit? Well, hurry back, flyboy. I'm not even close to done with you yet."

Luke nodded and hurried to the office. Inside, Kota looked grim. "Have a seat, Son. We need to talk about the dangerous situation we're all in now."

Luke sat cautiously and waited. "It would seem that someone defected from our command to the Empire - or perhaps I should say back to the Empire."

Luke was stunned into silence before asking, "Who?"

"A young pilot named Sarkli. He defected with the group lead by Crix Madine and Kasan Moore. Apparently, he's been feeding information to the Imperials for some time now - a reverse-Fulcrum if you will. Well during the Ralltiir operation, he stole a freighter and defected. Because of that, the Empire knows that I am still alive and also who you are, who your father was and what you have done."

Kota waited as it all came together for the young Jedi apprentice and commando. He was Luke Skywalker, son of Anakin Skywalker and the destroyer of the Death Star. "They'll be gunning hard after us now, won't they?" he murmured, "Harder than they ever did before."

"Yes, they will." said Kota. He rose to his feet with a scowl and began to pace. "This comes with a list of advantageous and disadvantageous. For one thing, the rest of the Alliance will be able to set up bases and cells without needing to worry about Darth Starkiller - or Grand Admiral Thrawn. Apparently he has been sent to the Unknown Regions for a mapping expedition of some kind. This will help them greatly. However, it would seem that we now have our most dangerous enemy gunning for us now. Another bit of news - I doubt you'll get to see your Imperial girl friend again."

Luke frowned. "Imperial girlfriend, Sir?"

"Yes;" chuckled the old man. "You know who I'm talking about. Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand. She will be pulled off this assignment and sent to hunt down or investigate other defectors or perhaps several facilities that they suspect are supplying or helping us."

Luke sighed with relief. "That's a relief. She makes me blasted nervous, General."

"I'm sure she does;" chortled the general. "Anyhow, our next mission will be soon. The reason Farlander isn't here is because he's going on a scouting mission to the Imbaar System. We hear that the Empire is working on a project there thanks, once again, to Fulcrum. When he returns, we'll need to be ready. In the mean time, keep up with your training and enjoy yourself. You have certainly earned it."

Luke stood, hiding a smile. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."

"If Sergeant Saren has anything to say about it, you won't have to try very hard;" said the old general. "Oh stop blushing, boy. You're both consenting adults. Now get outta here and go celebrate. I need to meditate and make some contacts with Alliance command. Go on! Beat it!"

Luke nodded and left, resisting the urge to chuckle at the irascible old man.


Imperial Center - The Private Training Hall of the Emperor's Hand

Captain Atharious Rawshek stepped cautiously into the hall. He hadn't seen or heard from his lady for almost six hours. She had told him that the crew of the Conviction could go to the planet below on shifts for a half a day at a time to see family or shop in the many, many markets but that they all needed to be prepared to be called at a moments notice. That was the last thing he had heard from her. Now, he had gone where Lady Jade's dark side operatives had directed him. There she was, engaging in a sparring match with a lightsaber training droid. It was giving her a run for her money too, chasing her around the room and forcing her to be on the defensive. It was clear that she was exhausted and Rawshek desperately searched for a cut off switch. His fears were unfounded however and Mara finally cut down the droid. "Come clean this one up;" she commanded to a many-armed maintenance droid; "and prepare to release another on my command."

Captain Rawshek's gray eyes widened and he called, "My Lady Jade!"

The Emperor's Hand turned to face him, her brows furrowed. At first, Captain Rawshek was about to insist she stop but instead, he chose what he considered the wiser option. With a formal bow, he said, "I have just come to report that the replacement commandos have been assigned and that we are, once again, fully crewed and to ask if you ave any new orders."

At first it appeared that Lady Jade would be perturbed at his intrusion of her private training chamber. However, her hard face softened and she even chuckled, though the chuckle was tinged with the breathlessness of exhaustion. "No you weren't, Captain. You're here because I've been gone for hours, haven't answered any attempts to comm me and most likely because I look exhausted. Isn't that right?"

In an attempt to keep her mood up, he smiled rather abashedly and replied, "Perhaps because I was also interested to see what you looked like in your training attire."

Mara looked down at herself. She wore a pair of pants that stretched and hugged her and a sleeveless top that also hugged every curve and contour.

With another chuckled, she clipped her lightsaber to her belt and brushed a sweaty strand of hair behind her ear. "Well I'm sure it would be interesting if I wasn't covered in sweat and flushed."

Relieved that she wasn't chewing him out, Atharious decided to go for the main reason that he was there. "My Lady, I must confess that I was concerned about you. You haven't contacted anyone since your audience with the Emperor ended. I just wished to be certain that everything was alright."

Just like that, her mood seemed to darken. With a sigh, she went over to where a duffel bag lay on the floor next to a bench. Plopping down, she bent forward, elbows on her knees and looked down at the space between her feet. "I failed again, Captain. Twice now, I have failed and I'm afraid that it is going to become a habit. I hate failure. My father and brother insist, insist that it was not my fault but I feel as though it was."

Rawshek went over and knelt at her feet. "My lady, forgive me, but I do not believe that the fault was yours. We weren't sure who we were dealing with. Surely someone skilled enough and strong enough in the force, if Lord Starkiller is correct as you and I believe he is, would be full of surprises, especially if we were unaware of just how strong. I've been reading reports of Anakin Skywalker and if this Luke Skywalker is his son and he inherited just a fraction of his father's power, guile and inventiveness, he is an opponent to be reckoned with. You could not have known that going in."

"Wherever he goes;" said Mara, as if not paying attention to his words, "if I go there, I fail. It is he that is causing this. It's all because of Skywalker."

Very carefully, Atharious chose his words. "General Kota and his task force have become your brother's mission now. Your father is making a list as we speak, of manufacturers and suppliers that may have deep ties with the rebellion. That is where we are to go next."

Mara scowled. "I know. It's absurd, sending me after them when I and my operatives should be used to hunt down these rebels with my brother. I'm wasted in this."

Rawshek thought very carefully before speaking. "My lady, Kota and Skywalker are still only two pieces of the Rebellion. By attacking there suppliers, we will be affecting the entire outcome of the war. It's something that is truly very important."

She was suddenly glaring at him. "Anyone could do it."

"Not so, my Lady;" he said, daring to take one of her hands. "To be effective, this is going to have to be more than just an inspection tour. We are going to have to go under deep cover - or more specifically, you are. This is something that no one else could do. If they could, your father would not have sent you."

"Unless he is punishing me;" she muttered.

"I doubt that. Anyhow, I should probably return to the ship and make sure all is ready. Please, my Lady, don't punish yourself to harshly for this. No one who faces enemies like Rahm Kota or like someone who managed to destroy the Death Star can expect to always win."

He stood and waited for her dismissal. Ever several long moments, he murmured quietly, "Lady Jade, if you allow two failures to crush you and turn you into a fanatic, the only thing you can expect is self doubt, which will then lead to more failure. Besides, the young woman that I admire would never allow that. The Lady Jade that I have become fond of and have a great deal of respect for would learn from her mistakes and correct them, therefore becoming a far better Emperor's Hand."

Mara looked up at him and studied his blushing face. It seemed that he refused to meet her eyes. The bashfulness and nervousness caused Mara to smile. "Captain Rawshek," she said, making her voice cool, despite her smile.

"My Lady;" he replied.

Mara allowed the silence to lengthen as she stood. Rawshek dropped to one knee. Unable to help herself, she took off his hat and said, "Rise."

Atharious stood and looked at her, only to find a mischievous smile on her face and his cover on her head. "You are such a serious, dower man, Atharious;" she chuckled.

The ridiculous picture of Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand and his lady, wearing his officer's cover caused Rawshek to chuckle. "I am not always, my Lady. Only when I feel it appropriate."

Mara stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I appreciate your concern and your words, Captain. Now I think I will shower before I go and eat something. Stars above, I am hungry!"

As if completely forgetting the hat on her head, she strolled casually over to the showers. Rawshek, unsure of what to do since he was now bareheaded, something that was highly against regulation either indoors or out of them, just stood, watching her walk away. "Captain;" called Lady Jade from her private 'fresher. "You should probably come and get your cover."

Sighing with relief, he hurried over to the open fresher door only to cover his eyes with a startled exclamation. Mara burst into laughter at his reaction to her stark nakedness. "Captain, you have seen all this before. It's nothing new. I would not have called you in here if I didn't want you to see me. Now you may come and get your hat and leave or you can stay and... attend to me."

Atharious stole a glance at her. There stood Mara Jade, in all of her feminine glory, wearing nothing but a smile and his cover as the room began to fill with steam. Gulping, he said, "My lady, are you sure?"

Sighing with exasperation, Mara used the force to send a thousand water droplets at him, soaking his uniform. "There, now you can't leave. Now get undressed and throw your uniform in the drying unit."

For good measure, she pulled the cover off and held it near the water stream, grinning wickedly. "My lady, with all do respect;" rumbled the Captain, "don't you dare."

But, oh, she dared. With what could only be described as a mischievous giggle, Mara pushed that hat under the water and allowed it to soak before throwing it at him. "I am going to get you for that, Lady Jade;" said Rawshek as he began to strip out of his wet uniform.

"You're all empty threats, Captain;" said Mara with a smirk, her hands on her hips. "What exactly are you going to do to me?"

"Just wait until I catch you and find out;" he said as he dumped his uniform into the washer/drying unit and carefully advanced across the wet floor. Grinning rather foolishly at her own childishness, Mara backed into the shower, the captain following closely.


Darth Starkiller went to his sister's personal training hall, hoping to find a way to cheer her up. When he got there, he noted the large scrap bin of destroyed lightsaber training droids to one side. Her bag was also sitting by a bench and he could see steam coming from the refresher. Cautiously, he went towards it, not wanting to encroach on her privacy but also wanting to get a sense of her mood. Reaching out with the force, he sensed her giddy excitement and mischievous delight at the same time that he heard her shrieking, hysterical laughter. "Atharious, stop it!" she said, "that tickles!"

"It's supposed to, my Lady! Serves you right for soaking my uniform."

Starkiller smiled and turned to leave. It seemed that his little sister had taken his advice and finally gotten herself a lover. He would have to have his one-time lover Roganda Ismaren keep an eye on Captain Rawshek and make sure that he behaved himself to his sister's satisfaction. If he didn't, Starkiller would make sure he lived only long enough to regret it.

As he strode away, he commed his command ship. "I would speak with Admiral Griff at once."

"Of course, my lord;" came the comms officer's reply. There were several long minutes before the Admiral showed up. He looked disheveled and his uniform looked as though it had been hastily thrown on. He also appeared to have lip stick on his neck. "My lord, I apologize for causing you to wait. I was not expecting a call."

Starkiller waved it away. "I expected to wait. Just make sure whatever lady you have with you is off the ship when the time comes to depart. We're only waiting on intelligence to find our target or to at least figure out their most likely target. The next time I comm you, it will be to depart so be ready. And I'd be careful about what guests you have aboard. I'd hate for word to get back to your wife."

Before the Admiral could reply, Starkiller cut the connection and sighed. It was time for him to get back to his quarters. Switching frequencies, he activated his comlink again. The beautiful voice of Juno Eclipse came from the other end. "Galen, where are you? I'm waiting in your quarters."

Galen smiled. "I wanted to check on Mara and contact Admiral Griff. I'm on my way back now."

"Do please hurry. I can't wait to see you alone."

"Neither can I;" replied the Sith Lord as he quickened his stride.


The short break only lasted a day and a half. The Emperor's Hand was sent with her Raider-class corvette and her team of Dark Jedi out towards the Doldur Sector world of Druckenwell. Apparently the rebels were somehow getting their hands on large numbers of advanced and powerful blasters - weapons that were said to be even too expensive to arm the Imperial military with, such as A280 Blaster Rifles and the more advanced A280-Covert Field Edition weapons systems - weapons that could be modified for several different configurations as the need arose. More and more rebel groups that were popping up seemed to be thoroughly and well armed with weapons like these and others. Because of that, the Emperor suspected treachery, either on the production line itself or in the shipping department of the company. Therefore, the Emperor's Hand was sent to investigate.

In addition to this information, there were a pair of recon X-wings sighted in the Imbaar System where Admiral Sarn was overseeing one of Grand Admiral Martio Batche's pet projects. An Executor-class Star Dreadnought named the Terror was being fitted with an advanced cloaking shield generator, as was a Sienar Fleet System's factory where they were studying the cloaking shield technology and finding applications of them. If the rebels were planning a strike there, then Darth Starkiller and his fleet would be waiting for them.

From his observation tower in the Imperial Palace, the Emperor Darth Vader watched as the fleet departed with numerous flickers of pseudo-motion. He was proud of his son. Despite Starkiller's many failures, he had always pulled through and succeeded when it counted. Besides, remembering the numerous times he had failed in the past, the Emperor understood that it was inevitable. As Grand Admiral Thrawn had said numerous times to him and to Vader's daughter, "The difference between an error and a mistake is that an error only becomes a mistake if it remains uncorrected."

Well Lord Starkiller would correct his error of not being sure that the nuisance General Rahm Kota was truly dead years ago.

Over his shoulder, he heard the outer door to his observation chamber hiss open. Turning away from the transparasteel ceiling, he faced the Director of Imperial Intelligence Ysanne Isard stood there, her hands behind her back. "Your Excellency;" she said as she dropped to one knee.

The Emperor smiled fondly at her. "Ysanne, you and I are alone up here. No need for formality."

Ysanne gave a wicked grin, her multi-colored eyes gleaming. "Perhaps but you seem to enjoy it when I'm on my knees in front of you."

Laughing with delight, Vader strode and lifted her, embracing her and kissing her. "You are a dangerous woman, my love. I fear the day you decide you wish to rule the Empire yourself."

"Don't you hear the rumors, my Lord?" she purred before kissing him again. "You are simply my puppet. I use my body to manipulate you to do my bidding. I already rule the Empire."

Vader snorted. "Is that what the holo-tabloids are saying?"

"Not just the tabloids, my Lord. I've heard that several Generals, Admirals and Moffs seem to honestly believe that. I had a group of them approach me and suggest some agenda or another, I honestly didn't care enough to listen that carefully, and also suggested that I could make you do it."

Vader chuckled dangerously. "And what do you think?"

"I think that I would never risk my position or any of its numerous benefits by trying to push my own agenda. I simply bring things to your attention and allow you to choose the shrewdest course of action. I know who rules this Empire and who hopefully will for decades to come."

"And I;" said Vader, directing her towards the lift that went down to his suite, "am supremely glad to hear that. Now, before we get to pleasure, there are a few matters of business that I do want to discuss with you. We know that General Kota is out planning an attack, most likely in Imbaar but do we have any word of the rest of the Alliance?"

"We do, my Lord. If our intelligence is correct, there High Command is scattered with their command ships in different parts of the galaxy. Where exactly, we aren't sure but there have been actions against our facilities and outposts in several different sectors. Judging by the ships and equipment used, we can guess which ones are within the sector or even within the system, assuming they are foolish enough to stay. Not many of the targets are very meaningful, however. Most are little more than nuisances."

Vader rubbed his smooth, chiseled chin. "Well I highly doubt that they're hanging around after their attacks. I doubt that Mon Mothma, Jan Dodanna or Garm Bel-Iblis are that bold - or foolish."

Ysanne gave him a satisfied, bordering on smug grin. "You didn't know, my Lord? I must have neglected to tell you during our last rendezvous and you clearly aren't thoroughly reading my reports. Garm Bel-Iblis has split with the rebellion."

The Emperor gazed at her. "Is that so? Are you sure?"

"I am, your excellency. According to our most recent battle reports, there have been none of the tactical signs that he is involved - except, of course, when it comes to Rahm Kota. However, before he left, Grand Admiral Thrawn gave our analysts several patterns to watch for to help us tell between the two."

The Emperor chuckled. "Well I will more thoroughly read your reports from here on. I also wouldn't be surprised if Thrawn suspected that our enemies would have a schism. Has there been any action from Bel-Iblis?"

"None reported. If he is going to continue fighting, he needs to rebuild his base and regather resources."

Vader nodded slowly. They reached his suite and Ysanne smiled at him. "Does that mean that our business is concluded, your Excellency?"

Vader removed his outer robe, standing in a simple black tunic, trousers and boots. "Yes it does, Madam Director."


Aboard the MC75 Star Cruiser Arbalist

Luke awoke to the sound of his alarm telling him that it was time to go to his training with General Kota. With a big yawn, he tried to stretch, only to find something soft yet firm lying on half his body. Looking down, he saw head and a pair of lekku, one of them prosthetic. It all came back to him then: Rianna pressing him against the door of his quarters and kissing him passionately as he slapped for the door, missing a half a dozen times. The gorgeous commando stripping first him and then herself out of their clothing and pushing him onto the bed. "Are you sure you want this to be the favor?" Luke had asked as she straddled his hips. "I've a feeling I'll get more out of it than you will?"

She had leaned over him and purred, "I'll tell you in the morning."

Luke felt himself grinning foolishly, remembering the feel of her lips on his flesh and the taste of her flesh on his tongue. Suddenly, she began to shift. "Shut that noise, flyboy. I should probably let you get up and get ready. Force knows that the general does not like to be kept waiting."

Slowly, she sat up and stretched and Luke took the opportunity to look at her glorious body. It was curvy and yet lean. There was plenty of it wear it counted though. Rianna was smiling as she looked him over too. "Jedi training is treating you well, Luke. Me likey!" she purred running a hand over his torso.

Luke pulled her into another kiss and rolled her over, starting to kiss along her neck and to her collar bone. "Easy, Jedi boy!" she gasped. "You need to meet the general!"

Luke sighed and said, "I know,"

He quickly hopped up and quickly dressed, grabbing his lightsaber and blaster. Rianna just watched him hurry around, chewing a plump lower lip. When he was ready, he hurried back over and kissed her between her lekku. "I had a blast last night. Maybe next time you kick my butt for favors, we can do this again."

"Oh I don't that excuse anymore, flyboy;" chuckled Rianna. "I'll do this with you any time for nothing."

Luke blushed and grinned. "Lucky me."

Suddenly, Rianna's comlink went off. Frowning, she grabbed it and said, "This is Sergeant Saren."

"Get your orange ass out of Skywalker's bed and get to the briefing room;" growled General Kora. "And drag that cloud-headed farm boy with you. I have a mission - an important one."

Before she could reply, the connection was cut.


Luke, Rianna, X2, Keyan Farlander and two dozen of the toughest and most skilled commandos were seated in the briefing room. With them were the full roster of Rogue Squadron and Blue Squadron. Kota motioned Farlander forward and said, "Shut up and listen! The Rebel Alliance has a serious situation on its hands and we need to settle it."

Dead silence followed. Keyan took a deep breath and said, "We went to the Imbaar System and scouted around. At first, we didn't find anything but then, out of empty space, a Sienar Fleet Systems facility and an Executor-Class Star Dreadnought appeared. Judging by the scans we got, both were using a massive amounts of power and were nearly completely out of it when we scanned. I think that both have some kind of cloaking device. If they find a way to use it, they could place hidden installations everywhere and we wouldn't be able to do a blasted thing; and a Star Dreadnought with a cloak - I think it speaks for itself."

Dead silence remained. General Kota cleared his throat and said, "I will personally be leading this mission. X2 will be my executive officer on this mission. Skywalker, you and Sergeant Saren will lead a large group to the moon below. According to Farlander's report, they have a supply base below. From the base, you will hijack a shuttle and board either the station or the Dreadnought. Once you do, your first objective will be to put down as many homing beacons as possible, all on the same frequency so that we will be able to find them. Second, you will find the cloaking device and sabotage it. That way, when we arrive, we will be able to more easily engage our target. Destroying both is our ultimate goal. Once you bring down the cloaking device, the Arbalist will drop out of hyperspace and our fighters will launch - all of them. Half of our remaining commandos will board via dropships and rush over."

They were all stunned. Luke cleared his throat and said, "Sir, that's - that's pretty risky."

Kota gave a cold smile. "So was the Death Star, Son. Trust me. I have one or two ideas of how this will work out. Each team will have an astro droid with them. Skywalker, you will bring your Artoo unit. I have another droid for my team. I expect you to improvise and make sure that you are ready for us."

Luke nodded firmly. "Good;" said Kota. "You have twelve hours to prepare. Dismissed."

He left and the commando officers and squadron commanders to plan - and plan they did. For the next six hours, they discussed and theorized and even argued. At one point, Rianna punched one of Col Serra's Bothan commandos in the voice and they both had to be dragged apart before it devolved into a massive brawl. After that, anyone of the rank below commander was dismissed. Things got done more quickly and a plan was ironed out. "Though I'm guessing that Kota will have his own ideas about my part of the plan."

"Lucky you;" growled Luke as he exited. He needed to get a good meal and perhaps a few more hours of sleep and then he needed to get his gear ready. This mission, more than any of the others was going to be challenging.