Anakin flew furiously, they had to know! They had to be warned! Oh force! By the time he got there the Emperor could have killed them all! He wished that there was a way that these bulky Imperial freighters would speed up! He looked to his side, Padme lay sleeping in the first mates seat. His thoughts calmed for a moment, she was so beautiful...
Then his mind raced again. Luke and Leia...even Mara! He didn't want any harm to come to any of them! If the Emperor read the data in Mara's behavior chip not only would he know that she had been disloyal it would also interpret what made her become that way!
He couldn't tell Padme about the chip, he didn't want her to panic. He was panicking enough for the both of them.
He still had to deliver her and the rest of the alliance safely to Borleias, then take the Jedi to Coruscant to hide them. Eventually he would have to go back for the storm troopers he left to 'search' the Naboo wilderness for further rebel hiding places he knew didn't exist.
He glanced at the ships chrono, the wedding was today...he would never make it in time. Padme was irked that she couldn't be present for her son's wedding day she felt that she had missed so much in his life and now this too, she was very irritated.
Anakin was too at this point, he knew that Luke would be worried about him.
He kept visualizing the Emperor punishing or even murdering his children...it was maddening. He knew that his son was strong and could withstand an assault from the Emperor at least for a time, but Anakin knew that Luke would throw every ounce of his strength to protect Mara and Leia.
He also feared that if something were to happen to Mara that Luke would fall to the will of the dark side and he would be lost to them forever.
If only he could get there in time to intercept the data! He had the priority clearance to wipe it out and the Emperor would never see it. 'Please, please' he thought...'let me get there in time.'
Luke watched Mara as she slept peacefully at his side. He was clutched with fear, fear for Mara, fear for his son. What if he failed at destroying the sith? What would happen to her and their son? Could he and Mara protect him? What kind of galaxy would he come into? What kind of parents would he have if they failed? What if they were killed? What if they succeeded? Would his son have to carry a burden of being part of the 'chosen one' dynasty? Those were big shoes to fill, Luke understood that well enough. He didn't want his son to be encumbered with his father's destiny.
Mara tossed gently and waves of protectiveness rushed over him. He silently cursed himself bringing his thoughts back into the present. He should have made sure that Mara had been sleeping well, and he honestly couldn't remember ever seeing her consume a square meal. He was nearly tempted to wake her to eat something substantial but couldn't bring himself to do it.
She had finally set aside her guilt about the behavior chip after much influence from Luke as well as Leia and L'wren. She had accepted with Luke's help that the things that she had done in the past were not of her free will and she could not take responsibility for them. That these things were not fault, nor should she be made to suffer for them.
Now they were going to be married, and they were going to have a son. Luke began his mental tirade again...what if he wasn't around for his son the way Anakin wasn't around for Luke? Not because there was a greater purpose but what if he was dead! What if Palpatine killed them all!
Mara opened her eyes and yelled, "Luke! Will you please just relax! Your thoughts are screaming into my brain!"
Luke jumped at her sudden brashness and said, "I'm sorry! I'm just worried."
She sat up, and looked at the chrono, it was the middle of the night. She had completely slept through the previous day! "Force Luke! I've been asleep for so long!" Luke nodded and said, "Yes. But I figured you needed it so I refused to let anyone wake you."
She asked yawning, "Have you been in here with me the whole time?"
He replied affronted, "Of course I have! I'm not leaving your side until all of this is taken care of."
She sighed and said to him softly, touching his arm "Luke, I'm not going anywhere."
Luke thought of his force vision...not only Mara now but his son as well in the clutches of Palpatine, he shuddered and said, 'I know you're not going anywhere of your own choice. But what if someone takes that choice out of your hands? I want to be here with you to protect you by any means necessary."
Mara replied, "Honey, I can look out for myself you know?" Luke nodded, "I know, and you're extremely capable. But this is the Emperor we're talking about. The most powerful sith lord the galaxy has ever seen. I will not underestimate him."
Mara responded, "You're not going to become my shadow now are you?"
Luke looked at her and replied seriously, "If that's what it takes to keep you and our son safe. Until the Emperor is gone then yes."
Mara reclined slightly and put her head on Luke's shoulder acquiescing and asked, "Let's say everything goes as planned and we win? What do we do then?"
Luke replied, "Well, we'll help build a new democracy. Rebuild the republic. I want you to meet my mother as well. I know she'll like you."
Mara smiled, "I think I'm more nervous about that than anything else! Will we continue to live here?"
Luke thought for a moment, "I don't know. I don't care where we go as long as we're safe. That may not be here for awhile. I just want you to be safe" he repeated " you and our son. I don't care about anything else."
Mara looked at him and said vehemently, "Well I do! I want you safe too! Do you understand me Luke? We're all in this together now. I'm concerned about the baby's welfare just as much as you are. But I know that my heart would not survive without you. So you need to look out for yourself just as much as you look out for us. And I'll look out for you too Skywalker. We need to have each other's backs on this one okay?"
Luke nodded, knowing that if it came down to her or him, that he would gladly take her place. But he wouldn't tell her that, she would never accept someone doing that for her.
He changed the subject aptly, "What should we name him?"
She smiled softly touching her abdomen and said, "I want to name him for his father."
Luke's heart swelled with pride but his reasonable head asked, "Won't that be kind of confusing having two Luke's running around. We'll never know who you're bawling out." she laughed and said, "You have a point there, maybe his middle name could be Luke. I just want you to be honored somewhere in there. I want him to have the legacy of the most wonderful man in the galaxy."
Luke ran his hand down Mara's naked back, mentally cringing as his fingers crossed the texture of her long scars that Palpatine had left on her. He silently vowed that he would never hurt her again.
She mumbled, her drowsiness claiming her "We have time sweetheart. We'll find just the right name." he knew that she would fight going back to sleep again so he encouraged, "Go to sleep Mara, we have a big day tomorrow and I want you to rest."
She hummed, "Mmm...Mrs. Skywalker." he sighed happily and she fell back asleep. Neither of them were happy with the type of ceremony that was to take place but they were both overjoyed with the outcome...man and wife forever.
The Emperor sneered at the information in front of him asking, "Are you certain this is accurate?" the senior cybernetics officer stepped forward and replied, "Yes excellency. I translated the data myself. There is no question of its validity."
The Emperor rose from his chair and said venomously, "So be it."
Luke and Mara woke suddenly to their bedroom door being banged on furiously, and they could hear Leia yelling, "Luke! You have to get out of here!"
They both leapt from the bed, throwing on their robes. Luke flung the door opened and cried out, "What's happened!"
Leia smiled and said, "Silly! Its your wedding day! You're not supposed to see Mara until later this afternoon! It's bad luck!" Luke rolled his eyes and replied, "You couldn't have simply told us when we woke up?" Leia grinned and said, "No, and L'wren agreed with me. She wants to begin Mara's preparations as early as she can."
Mara cringed, all she really wanted to do was lay abed with Luke all day long. Not sitting perfectly still while L'wren turned her into a fussy Imperial princess.
Luke turned to her, "We'll have time for that afterward and don't worry, you'll look beautiful." Mara knew that he had heard her mental complaint and she replied putting her hands on her hips, "Well you have to say that."
Leia tugged on her brother's arm, "Come on! We're just inviting bad luck now!"
Luke pulled his arm from Leia and said, "I will be right out I swear. Just give us a few moments."
Leia scowled, "Moments Luke! Moments! We don't have all day, so don't get...involved in...anything."
Luke laughed and said, "I understand. My sister clamoring at the door doesn't exactly inspire an amorous mood coincidently." Leia nodded and pointed at Luke threateningly, "Well I'll be back in five minutes." She turned and left.
Luke went to Mara and pulled her into his arms tightly, she felt an ominous chill go down her spine. She asked concerned, "What is that Luke?" he replied, "I'm sorry, I just have a bad feeling. I just don't want to let you out of my sight."
She pulled back, still in his arms and said, "Aren't all grooms supposed to have those feelings? What is that, wet feet?"
Luke laughed and corrected her, "Cold feet. And no that's not it. I can't put my finger on it, something is wrong but I don't know what. I just don't want to let you go."
Mara replied, "Well then you face the wrath of your sister and possibly my handmaiden. Everything is going to be ok love. I will see you later this afternoon."
He put his hand between them on her abdomen and sighed. She smiled and said, "Ok, we'll both see you this afternoon."
He returned her smile, then grew serious again "Be careful. Don't leave your apartments unless you absolutely have to. Promise me?" She kissed him and said, "Of course I won't. I love you Luke."
Luke replied with a passionate kiss and said, "I love you too. I will see you later today."
Padme looked at Anakin furiously, "Anakin Skywalker! Something is wrong I can sense it all over you!" Anakin sent a fake grin her way then snapped back to the controls and said, "Nothing's wrong Padme. I'm just anxious to get back and make sure Luke and Leia are all right."
Padme's eyes narrowed and she asked, "Why wouldn't they be all right?" Anakin looked down and said, 'It's nothing."
Gentle Padme nearly snarled at his brush off and exploded, "Anakin! You tell me right now or so help me I will not leave your side until you do! You will walk back into the Imperial Palace with me attached to your back I swear it! You tell me...NOW!"
Anakin sighed, he knew these weren't idle threats...Padme didn't make idle threats.
He began, "Luke contacted me, he dissolved a behavior modification chip in Mara's brain, after it triggered. Luke and Leia told her everything, that's what caused the chip to activate. The chip records all the data regarding the disloyalty including what caused it and transmits it to Palpatine. But my comm link is broken so I don't know what is happening."
Padme sat shocked absorbing this terrible news, "We have to get back there Anakin now! We don't have time to take the rebels to Borleias, we all have to go there now!" Anakin grasped her hand and said, "We don't know anything yet! Luke hasn't contacted me through the force, and he would only do that if they were in danger, I hope."
Padme's eyes were full of fear and fury and she shot back, "He could be dead Anakin! Luke and Leia could have been killed by that monster!" Anakin shook his head trying to allay her fears, while building on his own uncertainty "No love, I would have felt that."
She looked at him and said, "Are you sure?" Anakin nodded.
No he wasn't sure, the Emperor could be completely concealing them from him. Unfortunately with someone as dark and obscenely powerful as Palpatine anything was possible.
Padme read the fear in his eyes, her own filling with tears of helplessness and Anakin said, "You're right. We'll all go to Coruscant. It's now or never."
"Force L'wren! This thing just can't get any tighter!" L'wren chuckled as Mara attempted to sit. The thing she so lovingly referred to was her stunning wedding gown.
It was a tightly fitted white strapless bodice covered in jewels and crystals. After the swell of her hips and thighs the dress plunged outwards and into a massive train. L'wren left Mara's hair down and laced crystals and small white flowers throughout. The affect made Mara look like an enchanting goddess. She of course found it altogether too much, but knew that Luke would appreciate it nonetheless.
She took a deep breath and blew it out, then again, and again. L'wren finally looked over at her and asked, "My word! Mistress are you nervous?" Mara smiled and said, "Aren't all brides?" L'wren shrugged, "who can say for certain. But you and Master Skywalker seem to be doing extremely well. I don't think you have to be concerned about him leaving you at the altar my dear." Mara laughed along with L'wren at the idea that Luke would ever do anything like that.
"No." Mara said wiping her eyes gently, "I'm not worried about that. I just hate the idea of people gawking at us like we're fish in a bowl. Luke and I are very private people. Our relationship isn't something I wanted broadcast across the galaxy for everyone to see. Especially since, other things have developed."
L'wren rose an eyebrow, 'Other things?" Mara smiled looking at her knowing handmaiden. L'wren hopped up throwing the contents in her lap to the floor, "Mistress! You're not? Are you! You are!" L'wren enthusiasm was contagious as Mara leapt up from her seat too albeit more carefully. L'wren pulled Mara into a tight embrace and said her voice breaking, "This is wonderful!" Mara fought very hard not to tear up and replied, "I know! It was so unexpected! Luke told me that it's a boy, he was able to feel him. We're not telling anyone yet but I just had to tell you. I'll need your help now more than ever."
L'wren put her hand over her heart, clearly very touched and said, "My lady, I was so very worried for you when I began this position. But now, seeing you becoming a wife...knowing how much you and Master Skywalker love one another. It just thrills my heart to no end. And now a little one for the both of you. I will help you in any way I can of course, but not because it is my duty. Because it is a joy to do so."
Mara smiled and said, "Well, I suppose we can relax now. It's almost time...hard to believe it. It's been so quiet today."
Indeed it had been quiet that day...eerily. Luke walked to his father's chambers to ready for the ceremony and noted it himself. There was no one rushing in and out of the palace making last minute preparations and adjustments, no one clamoring or yelling out orders. Everything was strangely still.
He walked into his father's apartments and longed for his presence. 'Today is my wedding day, last night I found out that I am to very soon be a father, and today a husband. I wish that my father and mother were here.'
He sighed and put down the heavy garment bag which housed his fine black linen suit. Always black...
He moved over to the fresher to shower quickly his nervous energy making him feel almost lightheaded. He shaved in his father's mirror, and dried moving to put on his suit.
As he dressed he dazed...thinking about Mara floating to him down the aisle, looking radiant and beautiful. Them pledging their love and promise to one another. Formalizing their love and Luke bringing Mara into his family.
Then into the future, Mara's taut stomach expanding sweetly with the growth of their son. Luke laying his hands on in to feel the life move within, feeling him through the force. Mara holding their son by the lake on Naboo.
Luke's own life had come together there, he wanted Mara's and their son's to as well. It was home. He knew at first Mara would be restless, but he would try and counter those effects as best as he could. After all, the Jedi would be out of hiding he could train her and teach her all of their ways. Not to mention the rebuilding of the republic would need as many allies as it could muster.
Luke and Mara, and their son. Together. Mara's beautiful smile lighting her face, their son's small warm hand in his. The world calm and at peace, everything right...everything perfect.
The door slamming open jarred Luke violently from his daydream. Three storm troopers entered the apartments and said, "The Emperor demands your presence immediately."
Luke felt fear rip through him, but took a breath to steady himself and asked commandingly, "What is all this about? The ceremony is set to begin soon."
The trooper who had spoken before replied, "I am following orders sir. I know nothing else."
Luke wanted to lash out in anger at the troopers lack of information but knew that it wouldn't have been fair.
He waited for them to leave, turning. They didn't. He looked back at them and the spokesperson said, "We're to escort you sir."
Luke swallowed...this wasn't good at all. He gestured for them to go and followed them out into the hauntingly silent hallway.
L'wren was putting the final touches on Mara's makeup when they were greeted the same way by two different storm troopers. Instead of conveying the Emperor's message, they simply walked over to the stool Mara sat on and grabbed her by her arms and lifted her forcibly from her seat and led her out of the room yelling, "What the kriff is the meaning of this! You bumbling numbskulls! Let go of me you plastic moron! Let go of me!"
L'wren rushed forward to aid her mistress and she was kicked to the ground painfully by one of the troopers who didn't even spare her a glance. L'wren knew that at least one of her ribs had been painfully broken but attempted to rise anyway to attempt to block their exit, but by the time she had struggled to her feet they had gone and dragged her mistress with them.
Luke stood in the empty throne hall with the trooper who refused to leave his side. He eyed them threateningly, disconcerted by the rapid turn of events. The double entrance doors burst open and Mara was pulled into the room violently by the two uncouth troopers. Luke was immediately incensed seeing someone treat her this way.
"Let her go!" he yelled turning towards them walking their way, to remove them by force if necessary. Mara tried unsuccessfully to pull away from the troopers who held her tightly. Luke fury refused to ebb and he reached out with the force and choked the two brutes manhandling his love and repeated "Let. Her. GO. NOW!"
They both released Mara quickly in their panic at their lack of oxygen and she stumbled forward. Rubbing her upper arms which were red and raw. Luke touched them lightly and furiously continued to throttle the two.
An ancient rasping voice commanded, "Enough Skywalker!"
Luke wanted to ignore the order, but released them and they fell unconscious to the floor. He turned and took Mara's hand, wanting to tell her how unbelievably beautiful she looked but was still too afraid for her to say anything.
The remaining troopers, dragged the two out and left the room. The Emperor sat in his massive throne and stared at the two lovers. Luke could feel Mara trembling and sent her calm waves through the force which just made her clasp his hand tighter.
The evil being asked slowly, "Do you have something to confess to me young Skywalker?"
Luke replied cooly tired of the charade, "Nothing you don't already know." the Emperor looked behind Luke and asked, "And you Emperor's hand...do you have any secrets to divulge?" She met his sickly topaz eyes, and shook her head slowly unable to speak.
Luke knew that this was the moment. He could feel anger and fury flowing off of the Emperor. He stepped slightly in front of Mara hoping that if the Emperor were to attack them suddenly that he would take the brunt of it allowing her to escape to safety.
The Emperor saw the silent gesture and asked, "Do you think you can protect her from me?" Luke rose his chin indignantly and replied, "Yes." The Emperor laughed manically, "You fool. No one can stop me, no one can defend themselves against the dark side of the force. Especially not two traitorous ungrateful slaves!"
Luke reached out to Leia, 'You have to get out of the palace now! We've been found out. Mara and I are already before the Emperor. He may not know about you yet but he will find out, you have to get out now! Get Father!'
The Emperor rose and Luke moved Mara farther behind him...the Emperor again commented on the move, "You seek to protect her so diligently...it's honorable boy. Considering that the fire brand has damned you. I read the data from her implant...it's conclusive proof that you have committed treason, right along with that worthless father of yours and your pathetic bishwag tramp has condemned herself as well."
Luke took a deep breath and said threateningly, "Do not insult her." Mara squeezed Luke's hand in an attempt to silence him. The Emperor laughed and said, "I shall do what I please with her. She is mine!"
Luke retorted angrily, 'She is NOT!"
The Emperor walked closer to them and said, "I think you'll find that you soon will be quite unable to protect her. After I am finished with you, she will be in my clutches once more."
Mara's eyes lit with fear, not only for herself, but for Luke and their unborn son she choked out furiously, "I'll never do your bidding again. No matter what You have made me into some sort of abomination with your implants. I won't serve you ever again, you'll have to kill me."
The Emperor laughed again, still unnerving the couple with his gaiety and said, "Oh Mara Jade. You'll only be in my graces for a short time this round, you're no longer trustworthy you're a disgrace. Once Skywalker is gone, you'll only be around until your son is born...then I'll finally have my worthy apprentice. Raised from birth to embrace the dark side of the force and obey my every command. It is as I designed for the two of you all along. Your purpose has been fulfilled. I hadn't thought to be rid of you so soon, but it is of little consequence."
Mara inhaled her breath sharply, and covered her mouth with her hand so she wouldn't scream, she wanted to faint. She felt nausea like she had never experienced before, and shook her head at the man who was destroyed her life, and sought to destroy that of her lovers and her son's.
Luke tensed with frenzied wrath...he had to get them out! He turned to look at Mara and knew that it may be hopeless...
Their worst nightmare had come to pass...the Emperor had arranged all of this their marriage, the ball, the picture on the holonet only to steal their precious unborn child from them all along.
They had truly followed his design perfectly, and now they would pay a terrible price for it.