Chapter Seven

Not long after the excitement died down, Leia and Obi-Wan hurried into the infirmary, concerned about the disturbance they'd felt through the Force, and shortly afterwards both Talon Karrde and Garm Bel Iblis also appeared.

Standing in the waiting room, Garm was not happy. "If Vader is telling the truth, then the Empire surely knows we're here. We should start evacuations immediately."

"Don't believe anything Vader says," Leia responded grimly. "If that woman was his apprentice, what was she doing? Spying on Darth Vader? It makes no sense."

"Father said she was also one of the Emperor's Hands," Luke argued.

Leia glared at Luke. "Did he explain what that means?"

"No, but I'm guessing her job was to do whatever the Emperor asked her to do, then report back to him."

"I hope so," Han said. "Another possibility of the term 'Hand' is just too disgusting to contemplate."

Leia arched an eyebrow at Han. "Oh? I'm confused. Could you expound upon your theory further?"

"Not in mixed company," Han replied quickly, as Luke laughed.

"Let's not get off the subject. There is a strong possibility that the Empire is aware of our base of operations," Garm reiterated.

"I've been having my security personnel review all outgoing messages, and none have been unidentified or have been transmitted to Coruscant," Talon pointed out. "As soon as they review her personal ship's outgoing logs, I'll be able to confidently state that our location is still a secret."

"Your security personnel allowed Brie to enter the base, even though they were on high alert," Leia said. "I'd have to say their skills leave a lot to be desired."

This comment irked Talon. "My personnel are highly qualified, Your Highness. This woman had unusual skills, and she fooled me, too. So are you saying that I'm not qualified to run this base?"

"That's not what I meant," Leia responded. "I simply don't trust Vader."

"I could tell he wasn't lying," Luke said stubbornly. "He was surprised to see her."

Leia blew out a hiss of frustration. "Vader was trying to kill us! What's it going to take to convince you and Padmé that he's beyond redemption?" Leia spun around to face a quiet Obi-Wan. "Luke's your apprentice. Why won't you tell him it's time to face the cold, hard facts? I'm tired of being the bad, hard-hearted person in this situation."

The older Jedi sighed in tired resignation. "Luke, your sister may be right."

"I can't believe this," Luke spluttered out. "You're suggesting we should execute him, now that he's completely helpless?"

"He won't be helpless very long, kid," Han pointed out. "Strike while the dura-steel is hot, I say."

"And who do you suggest should do that final, fatal strike?" Luke shot back. "Me? You? Master Kenobi? Who is going to step forward and volunteer to kill someone so weak he can't lift his head without assistance? Who is going to play the role of judge, jury and executioner? And once he's been disposed of, how will we claim we have the high, moral road, or that we're any better than Palpatine?"

Leia was equally outraged. "History will be Vader's judge, and the jury is the entire galaxy. If we end his evil life with an overdose of medication before he wakes again, it will be a far kinder execution than what he deserves."

"Are you willing to be the one injecting that overdose?"

"If no one else has the spine to do it, then yes, I am willing!" Leia said adamantly. "I wish that bar had impaled him through whatever device acts as his heart instead of his side. Then we wouldn't be having this discussion."

"I'm starting to think you're the one with no heart, Leia," Luke muttered. "I'm going to relieve Mother vigil. It looks like one of us had better be by Father's side at all times." With those words, he turned and walked away from his fuming sister.

"I have a heart," Leia yelled after Luke. She turned to look at Obi-Wan. "Tell your padawan I have a heart."

"It might be in your best interest to soften your stand against Darth Vader," Obi-Wan said gently. "I sense a great deal of anger and hatred toward your father. It's what led to Anakin's downfall and it could lead to yours."

"Darth Vader isn't my father, and I'd appreciate it if everyone would stop calling him that," Leia replied, annoyed at Obi-Wan's small lecture. "I have a father, and his name is Bail Organa." She pulled her lightsaber off her belt, tossing it on the floor. "Don't worry about me turning into a Sith, General Kenobi. My job here is finished. I'm renouncing the Force entirely." She looked up at Han, grasping his hand as she pulled him down the hallway. "Come on, Flyboy. Let's go somewhere where we can be alone. I don't much enjoy the company in this infirmary."

Obi-Wan picked up Leia's lightsaber. "You can't renounce being a Jedi, Leia," he called after her. "Just like you can't renounce being a Princess or a human being. It's who you are." To his dismay, Leia refused to turn around or even reply to his statement.

Coruscant

"Rise, my Hand," the Emperor's dry voice crackled out. "I have an assignment for you."

Mara Jade, Emperor's Hand, slowly stood while keeping her head bowed. "I am privileged to be asked." She didn't add, 'in person,' although the thought flitted briefly through her mind. Normally, as the Emperor's Hand, Palpatine would simply contact her through the mental connection they maintained Calling her to his Throne Room was unusual, although not completely unprecedented.

"You are here because I could not risk any type of misunderstanding," Palpatine wheezed out, knowing he was unnerving her by reading her thoughts so clearly. He smiled down indulgently at his other red-headed Hand. Neither Jade nor Brie knew about each other, of course. None of his Hands were aware others existed. That way, they all believed they were special, therefore valuable and irreplaceable. Little did they know just how disposable the Emperor considered them to be. Brie's failure to communicate had irritated the ancient Sith, and he knew it was highly unusual, even given the circumstances. "The female mind is so easily confused."

Jaw clenched, Mara nodded her agreement while fighting off the urge to disagree. He was merely baiting her… testing her. She would not fail. Mara Jade never failed. "Yes, My Lord."

"Good. I'm glad we are in total agreement. Now, listen carefully to what I am about to tell you. Lord Vader has betrayed me."

She gave a sharp intake of breath. "That is unfathomable, My Lord."

"For the weak minded, undoubtedly it is," Palpatine replied, his tone amused. "Nevertheless, it is something I have foreseen for a long time." When Mara said nothing, the Emperor continued, "Lord Vader once was married. Did you know that?"

"No, I did not."

"He believed his wife had died in childbirth. Apparently she is quite alive and has lured him into meeting her on Myrkr."

"Myrkr," Mara mumbled to herself, trying to place the planet. "Isn't that where those Force-depraved creatures live?"

"Very good," Palpatine said, nodding. "I am certain that is why Vader's wife requested he meet her on Myrkr. I fear Vader may have fallen into a trap."

"So he didn't betray you?"

"Of COURSE he betrayed me!" Palpatine roared, leaning forward and watching as Mara Jade fought off the urge to cringe in fear. "I ordered him NOT to go to Myrkr! I TOLD him it was a trap! He went anyway. Is that not betrayal?"

"Yes, Master."

Palpatine smiled, relaxing against his armrest. "I am so very glad you agree with me. Now for your orders – you are to go to Myrkr. Once there, you will contact me within twelve standard timeparts of arrival and give me an update on the situation you find. You will update me every six timeparts thereafter. If you find his wife is there, you will kill her immediately. If Lord Vader is there, you will contact me after she is dead and I will determine at that point whether I should forgive Vader for his betrayal."

That comment surprised Mara. Palpatine was not known for his generous, forgiving spirit. "What if there are others there, besides his wife?"

"Find out who they are, and contact me. I will decide what course to take once I have the full facts at my disposal. All good leaders understand the necessity to take the proper action based on a full and complete set of facts. To do otherwise, would be foolish."

"Yes, Master."

Without warning, lightning bolts flew from Palpatine's fingers and encased Mara in a crackling blue web of electricity. Stunned and in raw agony, the Hand writhed on the floor, gasping and clawing at her body. Long moments later, the assault stopped, and Mara Jade lay on the floor, her clothing smoking from the burns, her skin criss-crossed with burns. Unable to articulate words, she stared up at the Throne in shock at the unexpected and unwarranted cruelty.

"I have a special ship for you to fly to Myrkr," Palpatine stated calmly, as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. "It was once owned by a wealthy family. The ship's outer hull was badly damaged in a hijack attempt by pirates, and the family was murdered. All of their personal belongs are still onboard, so you can go through these items during the trip to decide what to keep onboard to help aid your cover story, then jettison whatever you do not need. Once you drop out of hyperspace, you will use an explosive to disable your hyperdrive, and limp the rest of the way to Myrkr, where you will send a distress signal to the surface, saying you've been attacked by pirates and you are in desperate need of assistance. If more than just Vader's wife is on the surface, they will not question your story once they see your appearance." He smiled again, this time showing his yellowed teeth. "Everything I do has a reason, my Hand. Even if I cause you pain, it is only done because it is necessary."

"Yes, Master," she managed to whisper as she struggled to stand.

After Mara had left the room, Palpatine pressed several control buttons on the armrest of his throne. Seconds later, a holo shimmered into view. "Grand Moff Tarkin," Palpatine said, his tone sounding quite condescending. "I am glad to see you are still alive and well. I was starting to have my doubts."

The Moff straightened his back. "I have been lax in my updates, Emperor. I humbly apologize."

"So tell me now, since I grow weary of waiting. When will my Battle Station be fully operational?"

"Two weeks, Your Highness."

"Forty-eight timeparts."

Tarkin looked confused. "Your Highness?"

"The Battle Station will be fully operational in forty-eight timeparts. I have a planet I desire to eliminate."

"I was planning on testing it on Despayre," Tarkin replied, flustered at his new timetable. "A successful firing would eliminate a great burden on Imperial funds, since there is no one other than slaves and criminals alive on that filthy planet."

Palpatine mulled this over, then gave a sharp nod. "After you have successfully tested it, you will contact me immediately. Only then will I inform you of your next target. Remember this clearly - I will not tolerate the slightest failure, Moff Tarkin."

He pressed the 'off' button, confident that Tarkin would have his new Battle Station armed and operational, or Tarkin would come to understand what the word deadline meant to the Emperor.

Myrkr

Laying curled on her side, with Han pressed up against her back, Leia stared at the wall inside their berth on the Falcon. "I want to leave," she finally whispered. "I want to go home now."

"So you're really quitting?" Han questioned. "Both the Rebellion and being a Jedi?"

"I won't quit the Rebellion," Leia replied. "I'll just keep doing what I'd been doing before coming here... raise awareness about Imperial injustice and funnel credits to the Rebels through covert accounts."

Han raised himself up on an elbow, looking down at his lover. "Don't you think, after all that's happened, that Palpatine might figure out just how deeply involved you are? What if Brie managed to get a message through that Talon's men haven't traced? Won't you endanger your people?"

Considering his words, Leia said bitterly, "This is all her fault."

"Padmé?"

"Who else? She's been doing nothing but lying and manipulating us since the beginning. I don't know who I resent more – Vader or her. At least Vader doesn't say one thing, and then do another."

"Would you really kill him, if you could?" Han questioned. "I mean, now that he's injured and helpless."

"Yes."

"Then why did you help him?"

It was Leia's turn to sit up. "I never helped him!"

"Yeah, you sorta did," Han said. "Back in the bunker, when Padmé was frozen in fear? I'd like to point out that you're the one that pressed the bars to retract."

Leia opened her mouth to disagree, but realization suddenly dawned. She had been the one to retract the bars. "Well… if I wouldn't have done it, Obi-Wan or Luke would have, anyway. So it didn't matter."

"And you could have taken that opportunity to finish him off. So, my question is still – why didn't you?"

"I… I don't know," Leia admitted.

"I do," Han said. "You may like to talk tough, but you're a big old softy inside."

"It takes one to know one," Leia shot back. She picked up a pillow and whacked it over the smuggler's head.

Han laughed as he grabbed her waist, pulling her back down on the mattress. "Yup. Just like that pillow. Nice and soft." Then he kissed her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Leia gasped for air as they finally parted. "Sometimes I hate you."

"Sometimes people don't know the difference between love and hate," Han replied, deciding it was time to make Leia forget about Padmé, Vader and that hokey religion for a little while.

"I'm still alive."

Those softly spoken words instantly woke up Luke, and he quickly stood up from the chair next to his father's bed. "There is no reason you shouldn't be."

The scarred man gave a wan smile. "I still have my hearing, and the waiting room is only a short distance away. I overheard a little bit of the very loud discussion. Your sister hates me."

Luke shook his head. "Hate is of the dark side."

"How about despises, then?" Vader said grimly. "Not that I blame her, really. I made a huge error coming here." He looked past Luke with a frown. "I see they have placed a ysalamiri in my room. Dreadful creatures, aren't they?"

"They have their purpose in the galaxy," Luke said. "The doctor has assured us you are now strong enough, so their being in the room wouldn't affect your recovery."

"That purpose would be to cage the Sith." Vader shut his eyes. "How long has it been since …?"

"The accident happened three days ago, and Brie attacked you the first night."

"Accident?" Vader repeated, opening his eyes and looking up in disbelief. "So you are sticking to the lie that your mother lured me here with her siren song for my own good, intending for us to become one happy family. You are insulting my intelligence."

Luke pulled the chair closer, and sat down. "Not exactly. She recruited both Leia and myself by claiming you needed to die, and we were the only ones that could pull it off. But after Obi-Wan and Yoda trained us as Jedi, I started having second thoughts about killing you, and so did Mother."

"Yoda?" Vader questioned sharply. "He's here, too?"

"He was," Luke explained, casting his eyes toward the floor. "Brie murdered him."

"I see." Vader thought for a moment, then said, "Your sister does not agree with the idea that I can be turned away from the dark side of the Force."

"No, she doesn't. Leia's been pretty single-minded about this whole affair," Luke admitted. "You didn't help matters by trying to kill us in the bunker. Threatening Han doesn't help, either."

"Her Corellian lover."

"Han's not a bad guy," Luke said defensively. "Mother's told me he reminds her a lot of how you used to be, before you fell to the dark side."

"That comparison does nothing to alleviate my concerns."

It was Luke's turn to laugh. "So you admit it! You do have feelings and concerns for your family!" Grinning, he sat back in the chair. "A true Sith wouldn't care about us. I knew there was still good in you."

"Smugness is unbecoming," Vader chided. "What has the Rebel leadership decided to do with me, now that they have successfully captured a Sith Lord?"

Luke squirmed around, uncomfortable with the question. "They're not sure. Some of them have suggested putting you on trial, while others just want to execute you. But some of us think that would be sinking to the Empire's level, so we simply want to keep you surrounded by ysalamiri so that you can't escape."

The Sith Lord laughed. "Escape? Where would I go, Luke? I imagine that if I should return to Coruscant from this foolish endeavor, Palpatine would strike me down for disobeying his orders. No, I am afraid by coming here I have set forth on an unchangeable course, and my future as the Emperor's second-in-command is over."

"Seems to me that's the best thing that could possible happen to you," Luke argued. "Why continue to embrace the dark side, if the dark side is rejecting you?"

"You are sounding like a broken holo-gram," Vader complained. "Don't tell me your sister is single-minded, when, apparently, you are exactly like her."

"We are twins," Luke said with a satisfied nod. He knew his persistence was getting through to the stubborn man. It was only a matter of time.

Mara Jade, Emperor's Hand, wondered if the ship that Palpatine had supplied her with would even make it all the way to Myrkr in one piece. Dropping out of hyperspace close to Myrkr had caused the ship to shudder and shake so hard it was very possible that the hull was about to breach. The woman glanced into the cockpit windows, seeing her reflection and the burns her Master had so painfully inflicted on her with his Force-lightning. Even though she understood his reasons, the eerie calmness he'd shown to her while he watched her twist in agony made a small part of her mind question her own blind servitude. Quickly she damped down those traitorous thoughts. Her Master had only done what was essential for her mission to succeed. He surely hadn't enjoyed watching her pain.

Palpatine had supplied her with a small explosive device, which was supposed to finish off the hyperdrive before landing. As she looked down at the controls, Mara could see that the device would not be necessary – the panel was blinking with red lights, signaling that not only had the last jump into and back out of hyperspace finished off the hyperdrive unit for good, the life-support was failing, while the shields were down to fifteen percent and continuing to fall. If they dropped below eight percent the ship would burn up upon entry into the atmosphere.

Mara sent a distress signal to the planet below, and seconds later, a harsh voice responded. "Unidentified ship. Transmit your clearance code immediately, or prepare to be shot down."

Mara felt a warning tingle through her body. Clearance code? Who would be asking for a clearance code?

She spoke into the comm unit, keeping her voice panicky. Considering her circumstances, it wasn't too difficult. "Assistance Request! Red Alert! I'm crash landing! Assistance Request!"

The stern voice came back, sounding a bit less suspicious. "Do you have brake thruster control?"

"Barely," Mara shouted back. "Shields down to twelve percent. Please advise."

"Escorts are on their way to you. Please follow them down to the surface. Emergency landing personnel are being placed on stand-by."

"Thank you," Mara said. "I'm doing my best to retain control." She watched as two X-Wings grew closer on her viewing screen. X-Wings? The warning tingle grew stronger, and Mara suddenly understood … this was the Rebel Base. Quickly, she tried to send out a mental message and suspecting she might already be too close to the planet for her Force-connection to work, she also sent a short comm message to the Emperor's private code, 'Rebel Base located on Myrkr.' She desperately hoped that one of her messages would get through.

"May I ask what happened to your ship?" the Controller questioned.

"We were attacked by pirates," Mara lied. She let out a choked sob. "I…I accidentally killed him!" She followed this up by a loud wail of grief, even as she fought for control as her ship screamed down toward the planet's surface. "I saved myself by sacrificing my own brother!"

The Controller's voice sounded sympathetic now. "You did what you had to do. Now just calm down and follow the X-Wings. Everything will be okay."

Mara smiled, pleased the first person she'd spoken to had already accepted her story. Now she just had to land this piece of kriff without dying. She pulled up the yoke, trying to slow the descent of the wildly gyrating ship, and saw details of the Rebel base flash past as she fell out of the sky. But if I don't make it down alive, she thought, at least I've sent word to My Master that this is where the worthless Rebels are hiding.

Then her ship hit the ground, followed by an impressive explosion.

"How is he doing?" Obi-Wan asked, as he entered Vader's room where Padmé once again kept vigil.

"He's recovering slowly," Padmé replied softly, so as not to disturb her sleeping husband. "He complains about the ysalamiri whenever he's awake."

Obi-Wan shot a glance over toward the corner of the room where the creature sat upon its leafy branch. "I can't say that I blame him." The Jedi pulled up a chair next to Padmé. "Have you spoken to Leia?"

"I tried," Padmé answered glumly. "She's being stubborn beyond words."

"There is a lot of Anakin in her."

"Don't tell her that," Padmé admonished. "She really will leave, like she claims she wants to."

"Has Anakin been threatening Han?"

"So you're calling him Anakin now, instead of Vader." Padmé smiled, pleased at that small concession on Obi-Wan's part. "He hasn't threatened Han again that I'm aware of. It's probably a good thing he's had time to get used to the idea of Han Solo as his future son-in-law."

Obi-Wan looked astonished. "Are you telling me they're engaged?"

"Not yet," Padmé said, laughing. "But I see the look in Leia's eyes whenever Han's around. They'll eventually get married. Trust me."

"I wonder what Bail Organa will think of that," Obi-Wan remarked.

"The veins in his head will explode," a third, deep voice piped into the conversation.

Startled, Padmé looked over to her now-awake husband. "We woke you up. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. I'm tried of constantly sleeping." He turned his head slightly, to look over at Obi-Wan. "So, the three of us are together again. Who would have thought it would ever be possible?"

Obi-Wan used his normal senses to assess Anakin's attitude. His former padawan's eyes seemed sad and haunted. Obi-Wan felt the heavy weight of guilt for his part in Anakin's fall to the dark side on his shoulders. "The Force works in mysterious ways."

"Even when its presence is denied."

"I wish Leia could understand that," Obi-Wan stated with a nod. He could hear a shift in the Sith's tone of voice, and his very demeanor seemed less hostile. Perhaps Padmé and Luke had been correct all along; depriving Anakin from all Force-contact would allow his own mind to heal and gain the strength to fight Palpatine's control.

"My daughter is not inclined to forgive her old father for his myriad of sins, is she?" Anakin asked, sounding amused.

"It's causing a huge rift with Leia," Padmé said sadly. "But at least she's on speaking terms with Luke. She barely looks at me."

"That is her loss," Anakin said, managing a wink at his wife, and showing a small piece of the man he once was.

"This isn't a joke, Anakin," Padmé chastised lightly, while pleased her husband was slowly resurfacing. "Something has to be done."

"What do you suggest? Locking us together in a room until we get along, or one of us ends up dead?"

"At this point, I'd put my credits on Leia being the survivor," Obi-Wan put in.

"If those wicked creatures are in the room with us, your bet would be safe," Anakin said.

"Those creatures aren't wicked," Padmé said firmly. "They've been a great help to us."

"Yes," Anakin agreed dryly. "They certainly have."

"I'm sorry for what occurred on Mustafar, Anakin," Obi-Wan said unexpectedly. "I wish things could have ended differently."

"You mean you wish I'd died."

"No, not that. I wish you could have seen what Palpatine was doing…how he was manipulating you."

"I've been manipulated my entire life, Kenobi," Anakin commented softly. "First as a slave-child by my owner. Then as a teenager by the Jedi Order. And now, my entire adult life by Palpatine."

"So you finally believe Palpatine has manipulated you?" Padmé asked hopefully.

"I've believed that since the day he put me inside that cursed suit," Anakin replied. "But it didn't matter anymore at that point. You were dead, Padmé, so nothing else mattered to me anymore. Every time I Force-choked an insubordinate, I pictured you lying on that hot planet, and I used that mental image to focus all my rage and anger into believing what I was doing was justified. With every death I caused, I pretended I was punishing you for betraying me, hoping that eventually I would find peace. That elusive peace never came to me. One day I finally realized nothing would satisfy me until death claimed what remained of my body, because my soul had died the day I killed you." He sighed. "How could I hate you, and at the same time, still love you? It makes no sense, yet that is exactly how I've felt about you for twenty years."

By this time, tears were running from Padmé's eyes. "Would things have been different if you knew I wasn't dead?"

"I would like to say that I would have struck Palpatine down and rushed to your side," Anakin answered. "But in reality, he held such a grip on my mind and emotions, I'm uncertain what I would have done."

Obi-Wan felt a heaviness in his heart. Without knowing it, both he and Padmé had nourished his padawan's rage, contributing to Anakin's being condemned to live in a terrible hell. A shift had occurred, and not just in Anakin Skywalker's attitude. Obi-Wan Kenobi was now firmly on Luke and Padmé's side in the fight to save Anakin from Palpatine's evil command.

"Who is she?" Luke whispered as he looked through the dura-glass window at the newest arrival on Myrkr as doctors hovered over the injured woman, preparing her for the bacta tank.

"We have no idea," Talon answered the young man. "When she entered our communication range, she claimed her ship had been badly damaged by pirates. From the remains of the ship, I'd have to say she was telling us the truth. There was considerable damage to the outer hull by laser fire, and her earlier injuries are consistent with a blaster fight at close range. Unfortunately, her control panel was completely destroyed in the crash and most of the ship was destroyed by fire after it crash-landed. We were lucky to get her out alive, and we weren't able to salvage anything that identifies her."

"Another red-head," Han remarked as he and Leia peered through the clear pane. "A coincidence?"

"Are you saying the Emperor collects red-heads to train as assassins?" Leia asked, fighting down the urge to smile.

"Everyone has their quirks," Han said. "Maybe red-hair is Palpatine's special fetish."

Leia glanced over at her brother. "Or Luke's."

The young Jedi whipped his head around to glare at Leia. "What? Now you're thinking I'm in love with her?" He jerked his thumb back toward the window. "I don't even know her name!"

"Didn't stop you last time," Han pointed out smugly.

"I feel sorry for her," Luke argued, feeling his face get warm. "Is that such a crime?"

"You feel sorry for everybody," Leia muttered in disgust.

One of the doctors exited the room, noting the small group. "She'll live," he said without being asked. "Blaster or electrical burns, smoke inhalation, cracked ribs, slight concussion. Nothing fatal."

"That's good to know," Talon stated. "Is she conscious?"

"Not yet," the doctor replied. "We're going to submerse her into a bacta tank. That way she'll fully recover from her burns and cuts. I'd imagine when we take her out, she'll wake up and be fine."

Luke turned his gaze back to the woman, watching as they placed her inside the tank and lowered her into the sticky green goop. If Shira Brie had been pretty, this lady made her look like an old hag, and Luke found himself hoping she wasn't already in a relationship.

The possibility that she was another Hand was simply too remote to contemplate.

The next day

Doctors pulled the young woman out of her bacta bath, then the nurses quickly washed and cleaned their patient. As they transferred her to her bed, her green eyes snapped open.

"Finally, you're awake," the gray-haired doctor said, smiling down at the young lady. "How are you feeling?"

"I have a headache."

"Well, you've suffered a concussion, so that's to be expected." He waved a medical device over her head. "The swelling is going down rapidly, so your headache should diminish in short order."

"Wonderful," she mumbled.

"Your ship was pretty much destroyed by fire after you crashed," the doctor continued. "Can you tell me your name?"

"Tell me yours, first."

"Sassy little thing, aren't you?" the doctor chuckled. "Doctor Kokee. My name is Hoyle Kokee. It's your turn."

The woman blinked several times, and shook her head.

"Come on," the doctor prodded gently. "Now it's only fair you tell me your name."

"I… I can't remember," she whispered, eyes wide with sudden realization mingled with fear. "I can't remember my own name!"

Death Star, over Despayre

Grand Moff Tarkin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, staring at the viewscreen which showed the murky brown world floating far in the distance, filled with a million half-starved slaves and mentally unbalanced criminals. For years, these lost souls had labored away, forced to build this mighty Battle Station, the crowning achievement of the great Empire. Now, at last, the Battle Station was about to be tested.

Tarkin turned toward Bevel Lemelisk, addressing the brilliant engineer of the Battle Station. "You may fire when ready."

"It's too soon," Lemelisk twittered nervously. "We were rushed. You can't rush a project of this type of… complex magnitude."

"Are you willing to disappoint your Emperor?" Tarkin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No…no," the Engineer stammered out. "I'm simply expressing my concerns."

"Noted," Tarkin snapped. "Now, do the test."

"Sir!" a Trooper interrupted hurriedly. "A Star Destroyer has just dropped out of hyperspace."

"Identify."

"It's the Insidious, Sir! We're being informed to prepare for the Emperor's arrival."

For a moment, the blood left Tarkin's face, leaving his already pale face even more ashen than usual. Then he straightened his shoulders. "I will greet His Majesty in the main hanger deck." He glanced at Lemelisk. "Apparently, our Emperor has decided to attend this inauguration. Pray that this Station will perform as expected. Your future depends upon it."

Unable to speak, Bevel Lemelisk only nodded and gave his tight collar a tug as a wave of fear swept over him.

Myrkr

A light tap on the door preceded the entry of Padmé, Garm and Luke into the small infirmary room.

"Hello," Padmé said, nodding at the confused young lady. "May we come in?"

"I suppose," the red-head replied, her voice betraying her uncertain situation.

Smiling, the older woman stepped closer. "My name is Padmé." She waved toward the two men. "This is my friend, Garm, and my son, Luke."

"Hello. I'd like to be able to introduce myself," the younger woman responded. "But I seem to have lost my mind."

Luke was unable to prevent himself from laughing, then quickly forced himself to look serious when his mother frowned in disapproval. "Sorry. I guess that's not funny."

"Probably not," the woman agreed. "Fortunately, the doctor assured me the vast majority of amnesia is temporary."

"Do you have any recollections prior to waking up?" Garm questioned intently. "The name of your ship? Your brother's face? Where you were headed before you were attacked?"

"No. Sorry," she answered, looking down at the blanket and picking at a loose thread. "Doctor Kokee told me that I had sent word before I crashed that my brother had died in the attack, but I don't recall even having a brother. I know I should feel guilty I can't remember him, or grieve over his death, but how can I feel guilt or grief over a person I don't remember?"

"What name would you like us to call you?" Padmé questioned gently. "Temporarily, of course, until your memory returns."

The pretty patient frowned as she considered her options. "How about Jayne? I do recollect that unidentified female corpses are tagged as 'Jayne.'"

"That seems rather morbid," Garm remarked. "You're not dead."

"Far from it," Padmé stated.

"Jayne will do fine," the newcomer insisted.

"Doctor Kokee sees no reason you should have to stay in the infirmary," Padmé said. "You'll certainly feel much better when you're up and about."

"Would you like to have dinner with me?" Luke asked suddenly. His face warmed as both his mother and Garm looked at him in astonishment. "I mean… well, you have to eat, right? And you've been stuck with infirmary chow, which can't be too great. So, um, I could show you around the base. Maybe something will jog your memory." He suddenly looked worried. "You're not married, are you?"

Jayne laughed. "Now how would I know that? Besides, even if I am married my husband isn't here, is he? Or maybe he is, since I don't know where 'here' is."

"You're on Myrkr," Luke explained.

Jayne looked outside the window at the rolling hills. "What kind of base is this, anyway"

"Base is just a very general description," Garm replied briskly, appearing annoyed as he shot a quick glance over at Luke. "This is a supply station. We're a non-profit relief organization that delivers medical supplies and food to the outer rim territories that are isolated and in need of assistance."

"Isn't that what the government is supposed to do?" Jayne questioned.

"You mean the Empire?" Luke asked, giving a derisive snort. "Palpatine would rather use credits to build more killing machines, and stuff his pockets with bribes from dishonest Governors. Anything would be money better spent than helping poor beings in need."

"Especially the non-human poor," Padmé added.

Jayne's emerald eyes narrowed and her expression became disconcerted as she listened to Luke describe the Empire's business dealings. "I'd like to have dinner with you, Luke," she responded, much to Luke's apparent pleasure. "Did any of my personal belongings survive the crash?"

"I'm afraid not, dear," Padmé said, patting her wrist. "But I have clothing that should fit you. I'll comm Threepio, and have him bring some over."

"Thank you," Jayne said, her gaze once again moving toward the view outside her window.

Death Star, over Despayre

The red-robed guards swept into the bridge, creating a living tunnel for the Emperor to walk through on his way toward the viewport. The hapless Engineer of the monstrous Battle Station stood waiting in dread as the ancient Sith hobbled slowly and deliberately forward.

Grand Moff Tarkin followed a respectful distance behind his Emperor, having greeted and groveled sufficiently during the long trip from the docking bay to the bridge. Having the Emperor himself come onboard the Battle Station was truly stunning, since Tarkin had anticipated that Lord Vader would oversee the first several months of operation. The Emperor had not mentioned his Second-in-Command, and Tarkin knew better than to question the Emperor on the subject.

Bevel Lemelisk dropped to his knees, his head bowed as Palpatine stopped a few feet in front of the trembling man. "My Lord Palpatine. It is my humble pleasure that you have deigned to breathe in the same oxygen as this worthless serf. I am but… but a ward to your vast and generous benevolence, Your Noble Lordship."

The Sith glanced over at Tarkin, and gave a tight grin. "You should take lessons."

"Of course, My Lord," Tarkin quickly agreed.

"Rise," Palpatine ordered the Engineer. "Show me what your genius has brought forth."

The shaking man stood, wiping his damp palms on his vest. "Shall we begin?"

"What?" Tarkin asked smugly. "Are you not going to express your concerns to our Emperor?"

"What concerns would those be?" Palpatine questioned sharply, leaning closer to Lemelisk.

"Nothing, My Lord. I have no concerns at all. None. Whatsoever."

"That is good to hear."

Tarkin clapped his hands together. "Commence primary ignition!"

The Imperial Officer quickly responded to the order, his fingers flying over the control panel. "Primary ignition… commenced."

"Focus on the target."

"Target in range!"

"Fire when ready," Tarkin said, attempting to sound bored and act as though this were just another typical day on the job.

The bright laser shot out toward Despayre, and the huge Battle Station shuddered. The observers could see a section of the left side of the planet explode outward as a large funnel-shaped cloud of brown debris headed toward the inky blackness of space. The injured planet wobbled in its orbit, and even from this vast distance, large, red cracks appeared as the hot magma bubbled to the surface. The planet was in its death-throes, although it was not completely destroyed.

"You fool!" Tarkin barked out toward the Targeting Officer. "You failed to line up the target correctly!"

"No, sir!" the Officer argued. "It was in proper range and section."

"The targeting controls are not in alignment," Palpatine stated grimly. "I am most disappointed."

"Fire again!" Tarkin snapped out hotly.

"I can't, Sir," the Imperial replied worriedly. "The first shot reduced power to less than ten percent for a second firing."

"Why is that?"

"Because," the Emperor replied for the Officer, "this Battle Station is far from ready."

Tarkin pointed to Bevel Lemelisk. "This is all your fault!"

"I told you it was too much of a rush," Lemelisk choked out fearfully. "Why wouldn't you believe me?"

"You are incompetent!"

"Perhaps you both shall spend your final moments on Despayre," Palpatine said thoughtfully, watching as the planet's molten interior oozed over the ground. "There, you can blame each other and point fingers as your lungs sear and your skin melts."

Lemelisk turned his desperate expression toward the Emperor. "It only needs some fine tuning, My Lord! Five more days… six at the most! Everything will be in order."

"Five more days? Six? While the Rebel Base is busy evacuating, you expect me to wait while they slip through my grasp?" Palpatine wasn't certain this was true, but it didn't matter. The fact was that Mara Jade had only sent one brief message, telling Palpatine that the Rebel Base was located on Myrkr, then had broken off all contact. To have one Hand disappear on assignment was unusual, but two? It was obvious the Rebels were using the Force-depraved beasts to kill his best agents. Now Palpatine would have his revenge, and witness their destruction with his own eyes.

"We will have this Station fully operational in two days, My Lord!" Tarkin stated.

"Two days ago you promised it would be complete in two days," Palpatine pointed out, barely able to contain his fury. His desire to kill both men was tempered by the knowledge that replacing them would delay the Station's completion even further. The Emperor decided the men would live and finish their jobs. Then they would die for their incompetence. "Two more days. Do not disappoint me again."

The relief in both men's faces was apparent. Little did they suspect they had only earned a temporary stay of execution, and not a full pardon.

Although the base cafeteria wasn't exactly the most private or romantic place in the galaxy, Luke felt like he was floating on air as he escorted the beautiful newcomer into the room. "I hope you like chipped nerf on toast," he said, pulling out a chair for her. "We have that a lot here."

"I'm sure it will be fine." The woman sat down, brushing crumbs from the tabletop with a vaguely disgusted look on her face.

"Hey, LUKE!" a boisterous voice thundered from across the room.

Luke felt his heart drop as he saw Han waving, tugging at Leia to follow his lead. Both headed in their direction, weaving their way through the chairs and tables.

"Who's that?"

"My sister Leia, and her boyfriend, Han Solo," Luke grumbled. "I wanted to spend some time alone with you."

Jayne smiled up at Luke. "This doesn't look like the type of place that offers a lot of privacy."

"It's not," Luke agreed as he claimed the seat next to Jayne. "The only place that offers a bit of quiet is my father's hospital room."

"Your father's in the infirmary?" Jayne asked. "Is he going to be okay?"

By this time, Han and Leia had arrived, and it was Leia who answered the question. "Unfortunately, yes."

"Unfortunately?"

"Leia and Father don't see eye-to-eye," Luke said diplomatically.

"I guess we don't," Leia agreed as she sat across the table from her brother. "I believe in democracy, individual freedoms and justice, while he stands for Imperialism, slavery and mass murder." She smiled sweetly at Jayne. "Those little differences have a tendency to cause tension at family reunions."

Jayne smiled at Luke. "It's nice to see that you don't take after your father, if he's actually like your sister describes him."

"He's not like that anymore," Luke grumbled. "Our father has seen the error of his ways."

"Luke lives in a special land where everyone wears flowers in their hair and spends the day playing with pink pittens," Leia said sarcastically.

Han took a chair next to Leia. "So, you gonna introduce us to your latest red-headed girlfriend, kid?"

"This is Jayne," Luke replied, shooting Han a warning glare. "She's using that name until she can remember her real name."

"Got a bad case of bump-on-the-old-noggin, huh?" Han asked. "I've had a few of those myself over the years."

"That explains a lot of things," Leia said.

"Hey!" Han protested. "I can't help it if I've made a few enemies here and there."

Jayne turned the conversation back to Leia's comment. "What do you mean by mass murder?"

"The Empire is known for committing genocide whenever they feel like it," Leia stated. "You surely don't think they use descriptions like 'Star Destroyers' and 'Death Troopers' because they go around spreading sunshine and joy."

"I can't recall ever thinking much about it," Jayne admitted. "But, then again, I can't recall too much."

"Is anything coming back?" Luke prodded gently. "The pirate attack? What your brother looked like?"

Jayne's eyes took on a distant expression. "I remember being in pain…and feeling betrayed for some odd reason. Why would I feel betrayal?"

"It will come back to you," Luke said soothingly, taking Jayne's small hand in his own. He was pleased when she gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, smiling at him in gratitude.

"Yup," Han said, shaking his head in dismay as he looked knowingly at the Princess. "It's obvious that Luke has a soft spot for redheads."

"Where's Chewie?" Luke asked, attempting to change the subject. He waved at a server droid to bring them their food.

"I've got him busy working on recalibrating the droid brains in the Falcon," Han replied. "Keeps him busy, and keeps Threepio and Artoo out of Leia's hair, too."

"Where is Padmé and Obi-Wan?" Leia questioned coolly.

"With Father, of course," Luke said. "He's changed, Leia. You need to break down and go visit him."

"Not a chance."

Luke turned his pleading eyes toward Han. "Can't you get through to her?"

"Me? Why would I want her to visit Old Gruesome? That guy makes me nervous."

"You haven't been in his room since he first woke up," Luke argued. "He's better now."

"That's what I'm worried about," Han agreed.

Luke sighed, and moved back slightly as the server droid placed his food tray on the table. "He won't threaten you again."

"Can you guarantee that?"

"Yes," Luke returned. "I'll be there to protect you if he does, Han."

"You'll protect me?" Amused, Han looked over at Jayne. "The kid's got delusions of grandeur."

Luke shook his head sadly as he picked up a fork, and looked at Jayne. "I never thought I'd see the day that Han Solo admitted he was a coward."

"Who's a coward?" Han yelled. "I'm no coward! Who went down into the cave with you? Who came rushing into the infirmary and blasted the Emperor's Hand, and saved your skin?"

"Emperor's Hand?" Jayne asked sharply. All eyes turned toward the red head, and she blinked. "I've never heard that term."

"Yeah, she was an Imperial Agent," Han said slowly, his expression turning guarded. "Her name was Shira Brie, and she was about your age. Looked a bit like you, too. Red hair and all."

"So you think I must be an Imperial agent, too?" Jayne replied lightly. "Based on my age and hair color?"

"No," Luke said firmly. "We don't."

Han pushed his tray away, leaning back into his seat. "I've changed my mind. I'll go meet your father again. But only if Jayne here comes with us, and meets him, too."

The newcomer gave Han a wary look, then shifted in her hard plasteel chair before saying, "Sure. I'd love to meet Luke's father."

"You don't have to do that," Luke said, annoyed at Han. "Han thinks this will be some sort of test, but it's not necessary. That crash almost killed you, so it couldn't have been a cover. I trust you, and that's good enough."

"Afraid of your father's reaction, Luke?" Leia goaded her brother.

"You're the one that's afraid, not me."

"Is that right?"

"Yes, it's right," Luke said. "I'll tell you what. How about all four of us going to see Father?"

Leia blanched slightly. "I'm not doing that."

"Afraid?" Luke asked, throwing Leia's accusation back.

"Fine! I'll go."

Jayne looked back and forth at the three people, all glaring at each other. "You've got a weird family, Luke." She stood, and swayed noticeably on her feet as her hand went up to her forehead. "Ow."

Worriedly, Luke jumped up. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm just a bit dizzy."

"Should you go back to the infirmary?"

"It must be the after-effects from my concussion. I really need to lay down for a few minutes." She looked up. "I guess meeting your father will have to wait. Do you mind?"

"Not at all," Luke said quickly. "Let me help you to the quarters Captain Karrde has assigned to you." Luke gave a glance over at Leia. "Now I suppose you'll use this as an excuse to back out of seeing Father."

Leia folded her arms across her chest, looking suspiciously from Jayne to Luke. "No. I'll go see him. I need to prove to you I'm not afraid of the big, bad Sith."

"Well, I am," Han admitted, his hand automatically checking for his blaster. "But if you're going into the Sith's den, I'll be right by your side. Or directly behind you. Or somewhere in the general vicinity."

Leia patted Han's forearm. "That's what I love about you, Han. You're so supportive."

Anakin Skywalker flexed his new legs, which now looked like real flesh instead of metal, and stretched out his unbound arms. These had also been replaced with ones covered with high quality, synthetic flesh. "I miss my own flesh and blood every moment of every day."

His wife forced a cheerful expression on her face. "You might not have your real arms and legs, but these new ones are a lot better than what the Emperor had given you. And the doctors say there is quite a bit they can do about those scars. Look how much they've already done for your respiratory issues. With the new lung tissue they've re-grown and implanted, you don't even require help breathing."

"I do appreciate that," Anakin said sincerely. "And I appreciate the faith that you and Luke had in me. Without Palpatine – and the dark side – pressing down and constantly surrounding my thoughts and emotions, I've been able to heal where it truly counts… in my heart and my soul." He looked toward Obi-Wan. "Any progress with Leia?"

The Jedi withdrew the Princess's lightsaber from under his robe. "Unfortunately, she won't take her weapon back."

"At least she hasn't gone back to Alderaan," Padmé added, trying to sound upbeat. "So that's a good thing. Right?"

"Right," Anakin said dryly, then decided to alter the subject. "How long do the Rebels plan on keeping those creatures in my room?" Anakin asked, waving his hand toward the corner of the room, where the ysalamiri sat on a branch and chewed contentedly on the green leaves.

"Karrde and Bel Iblis aren't fully comfortable with the idea you've turned away from the dark side," Obi-Wan said.

"Are you?"

"Mostly," Obi-Wan said.

"Obi-Wan!" Padmé chastised. "What's Anakin done that's left you with doubt?"

Obi-Wan sat back in his chair, and stroked his white beard. "He's done nothing wrong, Padmé. But with the ysalamiri blocking my Force-senses as well as Anakin's, I can't be certain what he's feeling inside. Simply because he hasn't threatened anyone lately, or hasn't attempted to escape, isn't enough proof that he's returned to the light."

"That isn't fair," Padmé stated firmly.

Anakin reached over and took his wife's hand. "It's more than fair. It's more than I deserve."

Padmé didn't appear convinced, but withheld further protest. A moment later, there was a quick rap on the door.

"Mother?" Luke's voice called through the closed door. "Is it okay if we come in?"

"We?" Padmé questioned, just as the door slid open.

Luke stepped inside, while Leia and Han lingered just outside the room. "Come on," he said, urging them to enter behind him.

"Leia?" Padmé stuttered out in surprise. "You've come?"

"Luke said I was afraid," Leia groused. "I never much liked being called a coward."

Anakin laughed, and almost said how much that comment sounded like something he would have said as a young man. But he knew that would only increase her hostility, so he restrained himself. "Thank you for coming to see me," he said instead.

Leia kept her eyes focused on the floor. "You've done a good job at fooling everyone that you're suddenly a good guy."

"I'm not trying to fool anyone," Anakin responded. "I'm well aware that I could spend eternity trying to make amends for my past actions, and never come close to full reparations."

"That's something we can agree on."

Anakin craned his neck. "Come closer, Captain Solo. I'd like to see you again, now that I'm feeling stronger."

"I sorta like standing over here," Han said, pressing his back against the far wall. "The light's better."

Luke gave a groan. "Han's afraid you're going to neuter him."

"Has he given me a reason for such a desire?" Anakin questioned Luke.

"How about taking your innocent daughter's virtue?" Luke asked. "Is that a good reason?"

"LUKE!" Han shouted. "What are you trying to do to me?"

"Oh, just pointing out the obvious," Luke said with a smirk. "Like when you pointed out to Jayne I have a thing for redheads."

Obi-Wan stood. "Perhaps this would be a good time to remove the ysalamiri from the vicinity."

"What?" Han said in panic. "Why now? No, I don't think now is a good time at all, if you ask me."

"Who's asking you, Solo?" Anakin asked calmly.

"It is a good time," Luke insisted. "We're all here, and once the ysalamiri is gone we'll be able to tell once and for all if Father is telling us the truth."

"Can I be pointing my blaster at him while that thing is hauled away?" Han questioned.

"NO!" both Luke and Padmé shouted at the same moment.

Han frowned. "You don't have to yell. I was just askin'."

"Wait here," Obi-Wan ordered. "I'll go get the guards to take it away."

In short order, Obi-Wan returned, while everyone watched as the two Rebel guards followed the Jedi into the room, then took the ysalamiri away. Soon the Force damping effect dissipated, and the Jedi and the former Sith Lord were once again aware of, and surrounded by the power of the Force.

"Anakin Skywalker, have you renounced the dark side?" Obi-Wan asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his lightsaber.

"Yes, Master, I have."

Luke gave a huge grin as he hugged his father. "I knew Mother and I were right about you."

"I am grateful to be given this second chance," Anakin said. Then, looking back at Han, he said, "Were you ever truly my wife's lover?"

"Never," Han said, swallowing hard. "I swear it was just a joke. I only wanted to make Leia jealous, and I never thought Padmé would go along with it."

"I believe you," Anakin stated, narrowing his eyes at the Corellian. "However, I still have doubts that you are acceptable material for my daughter."

"Oh, really?" Leia snapped. "Isn't that for me to decide?"

"Tell me, Leia," Anakin said. "How do you think Bail Organa will react to your bringing a smuggler home as your lover?"

"I…well, he…"

"I thought as much," Anakin said smugly, noting Han's agitation.

Suddenly, the door slid apart, and both Talon Karrde and Garm Bel Iblis hurried into the already crowded room. Giving a brief glance at Anakin, Talon said, "We have a problem."

"What now?" Padmé asked in concern.

"Our spies have reported that the Death Star has been tested. They believe it is still being fine-tuned, and will head to its next target in a matter of days. That next target may very well be Myrkr."

"The good news is that these spies have forwarded us the Death Star schematics, so we may be able to locate a weakness in its defense systems," Bel Iblis added. He looked at Anakin. "Hopefully, you may be able to help us analysis these plans, since you've had an opportunity to see that monster station up close."

"I'll do whatever I can to help," Anakin agreed, his expression become troubled. "Obi-Wan, I'm sensing a familiar presence nearby." Then, with a start, Anakin recognized who he was sensing. "Mara Jade is here."

"Who is that?" Luke asked.

"She's another Hand of the Emperor."

"Oh, great," Han muttered. "She doesn't happen to have red hair, does she?"

Anakin looked up in surprise. "How did you know?"