Ch. 4 The Trap
Nubian Palace
"Anakin? Anakin what happened?," Padme questioned as she saw him weeping unashamedly upon the floor. I love you father. Please understand. That being the last message he heard from his son. "I do understand my son. Please come back you must!," Anakin yelled.
"OH, Ami I didn't sense you there.," he sighed. " Ani?, what's wrong, why are you weeping?," Padme inquired once again. "My son he's gone. And its' all my fault I shouldn't have let him develop a relationship with that girl. She took him away. That wench stole him from me heart, soul, and body. I'll kill her! Do you hear me? I'LL KILL HER!!," Anakin shouted through his tears.
"Ani you mustn't say such things. Besides you're a Jedi now remember? Another thing Mara didn't steal Luke. As much as you'd like to think that she somehow manipulated his mind she was as much of a 'victim' as your son. They fell in love Ani just like you and me. Mara didn't come here to take Luke to the emperor. They're running away from everything everyone,"
"But that's impossible. There's no way that they could runaway forever. They'll get caught someday I know they will.," "Anakin they built a star cruiser practically from scratch and they weren't even teenagers yet. Plus they both have the force on their sides. Who knows what they're really capable of?," "Yes indeed who knows?," Anakin sighed d turning from the open window and heading out toward the launch bay.
Jade's Fire
"So? Where to Miss Jade?," Luke asked. "I haven't the slightest clue fly boy," Mara teased. "Maybe we could just live in this star cruiser forever," "As appetizing as that sounds I think I'll pass. The atmosphere in here could quickly become stale," Luke bantered. "We could quickly fix that problem flyboy.", Mara purred placing a strategic kiss on his neck. Luke's body shuddered.
"Not now Mara this is important," he wined. "So is this Jedi," she growled running her hands up and down his sides needing the tense muscles found there. "Ohhh, Mara. Pleeeeeassse s..ss stop," Luke, moaned. Every place she touched lightening spears of desire pulsed through his body. "Mara ooooh, no wait ahhhh," Luke stammered as Mara continued her gentle menstruation's. "Wait for what Skywalker? For your precious Father to give you the green light?," Mara mumbled running her tongue over his ear lobe nibbling it with her teeth. "Mara I d..ddd.dd.don't know how much longer I can deal with this," Luke wheezed. "Then don't.
Make love to me oh prodigy of the Jedi. Oh this is more then I can stand Luke thought. With a low rumbling growl Luke turned and latched on to Mara's delicate neck. Sucking methodically he slowly moved down the neckline. Then taking her jacket zipper in his teeth he slowly ever so slowly pulled it open as he lowered them to the bed...
Early the Next Morning
Mara lazily opened her eyes to find that Luke was already up and gone. Giving a mighty yawn Mara stumbled bleary eyed into the ships common room. There she found Luke sipping at a strange brown concoction. He seemed deep in thought for he didn't notice her presence in the room.
Silently approaching his chair Mara wrapped her arms around his neck kissing his cheek in a morning greeting. "G' morning Luke. What are you thinking about?," she questioned. "Oh!, good morning Mara I didn't notice you there," "Still rising with the sun I see," Mara teased. " Always enjoyed a good run through the forest," Luke said. " You never answered my question," "What question might that be Mara?," "I'd asked what you were thinking about! Weren't you listening?," Mara exclaimed. "No sorry. Guess I had been thinking of my father. How he must be feeling right about now..."
Naberrie Palace
"Ani you know you can't go before the council with this kind of attitude. Anger is of the darkside," Amidala pleaded. "Padme I just want my son back. I'm sure Yoda knows something about this I'm sure of it. Don't try to stop me Ami. This is something I must do. I love you," Anakin sighed gently placing a light kiss upon her forehead. "I love you too my knight go and fetch back our son Ani. I know you can.,"
Jedi Council: Courasaunt
"Becoming a trend with you this suddenly barging into meetings Jedi Anakin? Watch yourself more you must," Yoda calmly admonished him as he once a gain barged into the room. "Ma apologies Master Yoda, but this is important. My son he's run off with Mara Jade," he explained. "Ahh! Yes, known of this I have. Bonded in marriage they've been for three years now," Yoda stated. "Married? For three years! When did this happen? How could you have let it happen?!," Anakin yelled appalled at the actions of the council.
"Calm yourself Anakin. The joining of the two destined through the force it was. We of the Jedi council notice have we that the Jedi is a dying breed," Yoda intoned. "This is mainly because of the simple fact that we do not marry and reproduce. As you Anakin have kindly showed us the offspring of a Jedi are very powerful. Especially your son," Mace Windu continued. "Why wasn't I notified of this before?," Anakin inquired.
"Since you have gone through the love affair routine with Amidala we thought you could help your son along the path pre-chosen for him. Little did we know the skill with which he hid his feelings from both you and us? He and Mara married not long after their seventeenth birthdays. I believe you were told he was going to pick up parts for his ship?," Mace explained. "So? What, they could be half way across the galaxy by now.," Anakin replied. "Contact your son must you. Hot upon their sense Palpatine is. Find him before he does must we. Or war break out in the land it will," Yoda said slowly shaking his great long eared head back and forth. "Anakin remember the bond of teacher and Padawan is a great one but stronger still is the bond of a father and son. Force sensitive or no," Mace Windu counciled.
Meditation Room Jedi Temple
Luke, Luke my son you must come back. I love you and under stand your situation.
Jade's Fire
Hearing his father's message Luke replied. I love you too father, but what will the council say? I 've married Mara I know my son and the council knows. In fact they've known it since the beginning. We must get you back before Palpatine finds you Anakin sent back. "What's up?," Mara asked spotting the faraway look in Luke's eyes. "We have to go back to the Jedi council for protection.," Luke told her. "The Jedi Council!! Aren't they on of the groups of people we're running away from in the first place.," She questioned perplexed.
"Yes, but now Palpatine is after us. Let's just put it this way. He wants you back and me turned or you back and me dead. I of coarse don't plan on turning to the darkside therefore if he catches us its going to turn out as you back and me dead clear?," Luke reasoned.
"But Palpatines still my Mater. He has a unique hold over my mind. It won't be easy for me to leave him.," Mara sighed. "Well you did once didn't you? ," Luke said circling his toned arms round her perfect waist. "That's only cause I've got an impeccable soft spot for you flyboy.," Mara teased. "Yes I know and I'm pretty lucky that you do too," Luke chuckled into her neck.
Suddenly a cold chill filled the room killing the light mood between the young couple. Soo my Assassin running off with the dashing young protégé? Palpatine leered. Stay out of my mind Palpatine! I'm not your slave anymore Mara snarled. tsk,tsk,tsk, that's no way to address your master Sensing the mental communication and summarily guessing it's origin Luke quickly grabbed Mara by the shoulders and plunged deep into her mind.
Mara? Mara! Break free I know you can. Here take my hand I can help you Luke yelled. Luke? No leave it's a trap you must go now Please! Not without you Aww how cute the Jedi knight and the soon to be IMPERIAL assassin in love? Hah! Do you really think they'll let you two stay together? You're from two different ends of the spectrum Palpatine hissed feeling the mental contact with his ex- servant begin to waver. The Young Skywalker was strong. Strong indeed. Don't you read the news Chancellor? The council has contacted my father. They know about us and are quite happy with it. Good'bye Palpatine Luke whispered breaking the Chancellors hold upon Mara. Well young Skywalker they'll have to get to you first. Heh, heh, heh, heh he hissed his chilling presence disappearing from her mind. "Luke? Is he really gone?," "Yes, but I don't know how long he's going to leave us alone. We'd better get moving,"
Chancellor Palatine's Office
"Jervis, you are now my best agent," "Thank you master." " Your first duty as such will be to fetch Mara and her disgusting protégé of a husband. Then you are to bring them before me.," Palpatine instructed. "It will be my pleasure master," Jervis smiled.
Jedi Council
"Anakin can you pinpoint Luke's location?," Mace inquired. " I know of his general whereabouts but the exact spot and distance are difficult to ascertain. "Anakin explained/ "Go then must you. Find them. Fate of the galaxy depend on you it does," Yoda implored. "I will not fail Master Yoda.
Jervis' Cruiser
(Jade was to be mine! Curse that pompus Jedi!) Jervis fumed. "She was meant to be mine!" He growled slamming his fist into the wall. Now now Jervis don't think you've lost her yet.I'm almost certain of the Jedi's adamant to turn. When he is dead I will give her to you, but only if you succeed Palpatine purred. "It will be done Master . I assure you Skywalker will not escape me," Light-years away the emperor smiled. Everything was was going well. Jervis knew well, or thought he knew, the horrible price he would pay for his failure.
Luke's Room Jedi Temple
"Do they really expect us to sit around and so nothing while they decide our fate?," Mara a raged to a superficially serene Luke. "Well they did ask us to leave so I would suppose so," "This just isn't me or you for that matter. I've been trained to take my destiny into my own hands. Not sit and wait while some Jedi council decides it for me," "I understand Mara really I do, but my instincts tell me that we should trust in the judgment of the council. They've had more experience after all.," "Yes, I know Luke, but its our life not theirs," "Why don't we test a theory of mine then," "What theory," Mara asked spotting the mischievous glint in her husbands eyes.
Luke then suddenly pulled Mara to himself with the force then grabbing her around the waist sealed her surprised lips with his own. Mara's apparent shocked rendered her nerveless. This theoryLuke sent. Meanwhile in the door way of the great Temple... ( How dare he touch my Mara my prize alone? You shall pay for this Jedi. By all the sithian teachings I swear that you shall perish by my hand.)Jervis seethed slinking unnoticed into the large Jedi Temple. ( I'm coming love) he snickered.
Jedi Council
"What options do we have? I'm sure the emperors already sent one of his lackeys after them.," Mace stated. "Perhaps Masters the time has come for us to rise up against Chancellor Palpatine. Then we shall permanently rid the universe of his tyranny.," Anakin said. "True as that may be how are we to accomplish that? He has an extremely force enhanced hold on the senate. He can very easily turn them against us," Mace cautioned. "True this id force on our side it is. Prevail we shall. Crucial role Luke and Mara have," Yoda concluded.
Luke's Room Jedi Temple
AS Luke and Mara conversed a shadow fell across the window. Jervis slipped in heading straight for where he felt Mara's relaxed presence. Meanwhile in Luke's living room... "Do you think they're finished?," Mara asked relaxing into Luke's warm embrace.
"Not likely. Seeing, as it's not only our lives at stake but the fate of the universe and Jedi as well. We've probably got a major role in it somewhere. ," Luke sighed. "You're probably right AGAIN! No matter. What do you say to a duel Skywalker?"
"I'd say that'd be a welcome distraction Jade," "You don't think they'll be angry at us do you?," "Nah!, I do it all the time. Besides these training rooms are sound proof for a reason," Luke teased waggling his eyebrows.
Later in Training Room
Jervis who'd been looking on for some time now decided it was time to capture his prey. "Mind if I join you?," Jervis asked. Startled, Luke and Mara turned to stare. "Jervis! What are you doing here?," Mara asked. "Claiming what is rightfully Mine!," "Jervis we've been through this I DON'T LOVE YOU!!," Mara yelled. "That's only because this Jedi here's been playing with your mind," Jervis hissed stepping closer to her.
"NO, Jervis you don't understand. I only agreed to marry you cause the emperor commanded me to. It wasn't ever prompted out of Love," "Oh, but you could easily grow to love me Mara. You don't have to give up your service to the emperor for me. Unlike Mr. All powerful Jedi prodigy.," Jervis sneered shooting darts of his heated stare at the young Jedi. "Well this 'Jedi Prodigy' of mine is my predestined soul mate. Nothing can pull me away from that," Mara snarled. "Anything but the death of your love you mean.," Jervis whispered clutching at the lightsabre hanging from his belt. "What are you d..," but before Mara could finish her sentence Jervis charged Luke lightsabre drawn a menacing gleam of hatred lighting an insane gleam in his eyes. "You shall perish by my hand today Jedi. I swear it by the blood of my clan!," Jervis screamed bringing his blood red lightsabre up to bear against Luke's blue one. "Jervis we don't have to fight like this. Don't you see Mara never loved you and the emperor is only using you as a tool against me." "What would you know of such things Jedi!! Of love and control. Ha! You've been on the up track since the day you were born. Now not only do you have the greatest ships, most amount of power, and the most prestigious of positions in the Jedi Order next to the council, you had to take my Mara too. She was to be mine Jedi!! Mine, and you have taken her away from me!," Jervis spat. "Very well then." Luke sighed concentrating into the force. "Let us begin." Blue flashed against red as the Sith and Jedi whirled and fought each other. Parry, flip, slice, parry went the pattern, then came a sudden dead lock.
Both opponents glared into the eyes of their adversary pushing against the other hoping to pull out in triumph. A quick motion of his foot and Jervis was down his lightsabre spinning into the hand of his foe. It was over. "You are now beaten it is over surrender." Luke cautioned. "Well if I can't have her then neither can you!," "Jervis no AHHHH!," Mara wailed in agony white blue lightening pulsed through her body. No Sooner as it started it stopped. Through her haze of pain Mara could see Luke motionless standing in disbelief at what he'd done. "Luke, Luke it's okay.," "No Mara!, I killed a man in cold blood.. Worse I did it in anger. Mara I must go. Stay here with the council and my father. They'll see you get immediate medical attention.,"
With that he was gone. "NO! no please," Mara sobbed felling his presence gently torn from her awareness. "Luke please! Don't leave me!," she cried falling into dark blissful unconsciousness. Deep within the recesses of the senate building Chancellor Palpatine smiled. The sick satisfied smile of a satisfied predator. Indeed Jervis you have served me well.
Starship Silverblaze
Luke stared blankly out of his starships' view port. He was dead! Jervis was dead of his own hand. Killed by the rushing rage he held within himself. He couldn't go back. Not after what he had done. Did this make him a sith?, never, he would never turn to the darkside. Confused and disheartened Luke steered his ship towards the planet Byss. Knowing full well that Chancellor Palpatine awaited him.
Med Center Courasaunt
Consciousness came slowly to Mara Jade after her dip in the bacta tank. When she finally reached it she wished she hadn't. She felt as if she could count every single nerve within her body. The pain would have been more bearable with Luke beside her. But no he was gone, gone, gone....." Luke's gone! No I have to go get him back," "Mara you must be calm. You haven't fully healed yet. Please you must listen," Anakin coaxed the desperate young woman. "No!, you don't understand Luke's gone I must find him!," Mara wailed hands tightly clenched and whitening on Anakins' forearm. "Mara please we will get him back. To that end I can promise you. First we must figure out his destination.," Anakin whispered. "Byss he's gone to byss to confront the Chancellor. He's so unsure of his destiny. He could be easily turned at this point.," Mara replied. "Byss?? I thought the planet had been disbanded for hazardous waste purposes. NO matter there's no time to lose. You're right Mara we must get him back.
Byss
As Luke landed despite his calming techniques he couldn't help but feel a bit afraid at what lie behind those large double doors. Summoning his courage Luke pushed through into the dimly lit chilled room that lie behind them. There at the far end of the room sat a black throne like chair atop a plateau of a staircase. The diminutive figure upon the chair smiled, a menacing toothy smile of self-congratulations. "Welcome to Byss my young friend I sense much confusion in you. Yes I know of the murder of Jervis. Don't be afraid I'm not angry. He was becoming a most troublesome weight anyway. No, now I move on to you. You have traveled her to ask me about my plans, to stop me if you will. Deep down inside I'm sure you know of my ambitions," Palpatine sneered in silent challenge. "You wish to become emperor to rule the entire universe as you see fit unchallenged. That is your ambition. Yet I can't as yet perceive why you've not yet attempted to eliminate me.," Luke pondered allowed. "Yes about that. You see by killing Jervis from pure rage you've opened yourself to the possibility of the darkside. With yours truly by my side I could hold the universe within my hands for an eternity. Of coarse I'd have to change your name. Can't very well have a Jedi..," "NEVER!," Luke interrupted the emperors musings. "What's that?,:" the emperor softly questioned. "Never! My allegiance is to the Jedi order and the Republic alone.," Luke vehemently denied. "Thought you might say that. Come Skywalker take a look out of this viewport. Tell me, what do you see?," Palpatine instructed. Reluctantly Luke stepped up to the viewport and froze. There within plain view hovered the Jade's Fire. After a quick force scan he found Mara and his father on board. They didn't even sense him. "Now let me rephrase my proposition. Either you serve me for eternity or your wife and Father are finished," Palpatine sneered a feral smile curling his lips back from his decaying yellowing teeth. "What will you do if I'm forced to decline your offer," Luke whispered afraid for his should yet more so for the lives of his family. "The answer is simple my young friends. First I destroy their ship then I kill and clone you using your power for my purposes anyway. You will gain nothing through resistance. It is a futile weak gesture which has ceased to amuse me," Palpatine snarled. "I would easily destroy you before the order of fire is placed.," Luke countered. "Do you honestly think I didn't prepare for you? You are gravely mistaken my friend. Any forceful movement will trigger my hidden electrocution machine. Yes ingenious isn't it? Now make your choice !! I grow weary of these futile deliberations!!," Palpatine seethed in an angry impatient glee. "I... yes master," Luke whispered
TBC: Turn About Reverse......
Nubian Palace
"Anakin? Anakin what happened?," Padme questioned as she saw him weeping unashamedly upon the floor. I love you father. Please understand. That being the last message he heard from his son. "I do understand my son. Please come back you must!," Anakin yelled.
"OH, Ami I didn't sense you there.," he sighed. " Ani?, what's wrong, why are you weeping?," Padme inquired once again. "My son he's gone. And its' all my fault I shouldn't have let him develop a relationship with that girl. She took him away. That wench stole him from me heart, soul, and body. I'll kill her! Do you hear me? I'LL KILL HER!!," Anakin shouted through his tears.
"Ani you mustn't say such things. Besides you're a Jedi now remember? Another thing Mara didn't steal Luke. As much as you'd like to think that she somehow manipulated his mind she was as much of a 'victim' as your son. They fell in love Ani just like you and me. Mara didn't come here to take Luke to the emperor. They're running away from everything everyone,"
"But that's impossible. There's no way that they could runaway forever. They'll get caught someday I know they will.," "Anakin they built a star cruiser practically from scratch and they weren't even teenagers yet. Plus they both have the force on their sides. Who knows what they're really capable of?," "Yes indeed who knows?," Anakin sighed d turning from the open window and heading out toward the launch bay.
Jade's Fire
"So? Where to Miss Jade?," Luke asked. "I haven't the slightest clue fly boy," Mara teased. "Maybe we could just live in this star cruiser forever," "As appetizing as that sounds I think I'll pass. The atmosphere in here could quickly become stale," Luke bantered. "We could quickly fix that problem flyboy.", Mara purred placing a strategic kiss on his neck. Luke's body shuddered.
"Not now Mara this is important," he wined. "So is this Jedi," she growled running her hands up and down his sides needing the tense muscles found there. "Ohhh, Mara. Pleeeeeassse s..ss stop," Luke, moaned. Every place she touched lightening spears of desire pulsed through his body. "Mara ooooh, no wait ahhhh," Luke stammered as Mara continued her gentle menstruation's. "Wait for what Skywalker? For your precious Father to give you the green light?," Mara mumbled running her tongue over his ear lobe nibbling it with her teeth. "Mara I d..ddd.dd.don't know how much longer I can deal with this," Luke wheezed. "Then don't.
Make love to me oh prodigy of the Jedi. Oh this is more then I can stand Luke thought. With a low rumbling growl Luke turned and latched on to Mara's delicate neck. Sucking methodically he slowly moved down the neckline. Then taking her jacket zipper in his teeth he slowly ever so slowly pulled it open as he lowered them to the bed...
Early the Next Morning
Mara lazily opened her eyes to find that Luke was already up and gone. Giving a mighty yawn Mara stumbled bleary eyed into the ships common room. There she found Luke sipping at a strange brown concoction. He seemed deep in thought for he didn't notice her presence in the room.
Silently approaching his chair Mara wrapped her arms around his neck kissing his cheek in a morning greeting. "G' morning Luke. What are you thinking about?," she questioned. "Oh!, good morning Mara I didn't notice you there," "Still rising with the sun I see," Mara teased. " Always enjoyed a good run through the forest," Luke said. " You never answered my question," "What question might that be Mara?," "I'd asked what you were thinking about! Weren't you listening?," Mara exclaimed. "No sorry. Guess I had been thinking of my father. How he must be feeling right about now..."
Naberrie Palace
"Ani you know you can't go before the council with this kind of attitude. Anger is of the darkside," Amidala pleaded. "Padme I just want my son back. I'm sure Yoda knows something about this I'm sure of it. Don't try to stop me Ami. This is something I must do. I love you," Anakin sighed gently placing a light kiss upon her forehead. "I love you too my knight go and fetch back our son Ani. I know you can.,"
Jedi Council: Courasaunt
"Becoming a trend with you this suddenly barging into meetings Jedi Anakin? Watch yourself more you must," Yoda calmly admonished him as he once a gain barged into the room. "Ma apologies Master Yoda, but this is important. My son he's run off with Mara Jade," he explained. "Ahh! Yes, known of this I have. Bonded in marriage they've been for three years now," Yoda stated. "Married? For three years! When did this happen? How could you have let it happen?!," Anakin yelled appalled at the actions of the council.
"Calm yourself Anakin. The joining of the two destined through the force it was. We of the Jedi council notice have we that the Jedi is a dying breed," Yoda intoned. "This is mainly because of the simple fact that we do not marry and reproduce. As you Anakin have kindly showed us the offspring of a Jedi are very powerful. Especially your son," Mace Windu continued. "Why wasn't I notified of this before?," Anakin inquired.
"Since you have gone through the love affair routine with Amidala we thought you could help your son along the path pre-chosen for him. Little did we know the skill with which he hid his feelings from both you and us? He and Mara married not long after their seventeenth birthdays. I believe you were told he was going to pick up parts for his ship?," Mace explained. "So? What, they could be half way across the galaxy by now.," Anakin replied. "Contact your son must you. Hot upon their sense Palpatine is. Find him before he does must we. Or war break out in the land it will," Yoda said slowly shaking his great long eared head back and forth. "Anakin remember the bond of teacher and Padawan is a great one but stronger still is the bond of a father and son. Force sensitive or no," Mace Windu counciled.
Meditation Room Jedi Temple
Luke, Luke my son you must come back. I love you and under stand your situation.
Jade's Fire
Hearing his father's message Luke replied. I love you too father, but what will the council say? I 've married Mara I know my son and the council knows. In fact they've known it since the beginning. We must get you back before Palpatine finds you Anakin sent back. "What's up?," Mara asked spotting the faraway look in Luke's eyes. "We have to go back to the Jedi council for protection.," Luke told her. "The Jedi Council!! Aren't they on of the groups of people we're running away from in the first place.," She questioned perplexed.
"Yes, but now Palpatine is after us. Let's just put it this way. He wants you back and me turned or you back and me dead. I of coarse don't plan on turning to the darkside therefore if he catches us its going to turn out as you back and me dead clear?," Luke reasoned.
"But Palpatines still my Mater. He has a unique hold over my mind. It won't be easy for me to leave him.," Mara sighed. "Well you did once didn't you? ," Luke said circling his toned arms round her perfect waist. "That's only cause I've got an impeccable soft spot for you flyboy.," Mara teased. "Yes I know and I'm pretty lucky that you do too," Luke chuckled into her neck.
Suddenly a cold chill filled the room killing the light mood between the young couple. Soo my Assassin running off with the dashing young protégé? Palpatine leered. Stay out of my mind Palpatine! I'm not your slave anymore Mara snarled. tsk,tsk,tsk, that's no way to address your master Sensing the mental communication and summarily guessing it's origin Luke quickly grabbed Mara by the shoulders and plunged deep into her mind.
Mara? Mara! Break free I know you can. Here take my hand I can help you Luke yelled. Luke? No leave it's a trap you must go now Please! Not without you Aww how cute the Jedi knight and the soon to be IMPERIAL assassin in love? Hah! Do you really think they'll let you two stay together? You're from two different ends of the spectrum Palpatine hissed feeling the mental contact with his ex- servant begin to waver. The Young Skywalker was strong. Strong indeed. Don't you read the news Chancellor? The council has contacted my father. They know about us and are quite happy with it. Good'bye Palpatine Luke whispered breaking the Chancellors hold upon Mara. Well young Skywalker they'll have to get to you first. Heh, heh, heh, heh he hissed his chilling presence disappearing from her mind. "Luke? Is he really gone?," "Yes, but I don't know how long he's going to leave us alone. We'd better get moving,"
Chancellor Palatine's Office
"Jervis, you are now my best agent," "Thank you master." " Your first duty as such will be to fetch Mara and her disgusting protégé of a husband. Then you are to bring them before me.," Palpatine instructed. "It will be my pleasure master," Jervis smiled.
Jedi Council
"Anakin can you pinpoint Luke's location?," Mace inquired. " I know of his general whereabouts but the exact spot and distance are difficult to ascertain. "Anakin explained/ "Go then must you. Find them. Fate of the galaxy depend on you it does," Yoda implored. "I will not fail Master Yoda.
Jervis' Cruiser
(Jade was to be mine! Curse that pompus Jedi!) Jervis fumed. "She was meant to be mine!" He growled slamming his fist into the wall. Now now Jervis don't think you've lost her yet.I'm almost certain of the Jedi's adamant to turn. When he is dead I will give her to you, but only if you succeed Palpatine purred. "It will be done Master . I assure you Skywalker will not escape me," Light-years away the emperor smiled. Everything was was going well. Jervis knew well, or thought he knew, the horrible price he would pay for his failure.
Luke's Room Jedi Temple
"Do they really expect us to sit around and so nothing while they decide our fate?," Mara a raged to a superficially serene Luke. "Well they did ask us to leave so I would suppose so," "This just isn't me or you for that matter. I've been trained to take my destiny into my own hands. Not sit and wait while some Jedi council decides it for me," "I understand Mara really I do, but my instincts tell me that we should trust in the judgment of the council. They've had more experience after all.," "Yes, I know Luke, but its our life not theirs," "Why don't we test a theory of mine then," "What theory," Mara asked spotting the mischievous glint in her husbands eyes.
Luke then suddenly pulled Mara to himself with the force then grabbing her around the waist sealed her surprised lips with his own. Mara's apparent shocked rendered her nerveless. This theoryLuke sent. Meanwhile in the door way of the great Temple... ( How dare he touch my Mara my prize alone? You shall pay for this Jedi. By all the sithian teachings I swear that you shall perish by my hand.)Jervis seethed slinking unnoticed into the large Jedi Temple. ( I'm coming love) he snickered.
Jedi Council
"What options do we have? I'm sure the emperors already sent one of his lackeys after them.," Mace stated. "Perhaps Masters the time has come for us to rise up against Chancellor Palpatine. Then we shall permanently rid the universe of his tyranny.," Anakin said. "True as that may be how are we to accomplish that? He has an extremely force enhanced hold on the senate. He can very easily turn them against us," Mace cautioned. "True this id force on our side it is. Prevail we shall. Crucial role Luke and Mara have," Yoda concluded.
Luke's Room Jedi Temple
AS Luke and Mara conversed a shadow fell across the window. Jervis slipped in heading straight for where he felt Mara's relaxed presence. Meanwhile in Luke's living room... "Do you think they're finished?," Mara asked relaxing into Luke's warm embrace.
"Not likely. Seeing, as it's not only our lives at stake but the fate of the universe and Jedi as well. We've probably got a major role in it somewhere. ," Luke sighed. "You're probably right AGAIN! No matter. What do you say to a duel Skywalker?"
"I'd say that'd be a welcome distraction Jade," "You don't think they'll be angry at us do you?," "Nah!, I do it all the time. Besides these training rooms are sound proof for a reason," Luke teased waggling his eyebrows.
Later in Training Room
Jervis who'd been looking on for some time now decided it was time to capture his prey. "Mind if I join you?," Jervis asked. Startled, Luke and Mara turned to stare. "Jervis! What are you doing here?," Mara asked. "Claiming what is rightfully Mine!," "Jervis we've been through this I DON'T LOVE YOU!!," Mara yelled. "That's only because this Jedi here's been playing with your mind," Jervis hissed stepping closer to her.
"NO, Jervis you don't understand. I only agreed to marry you cause the emperor commanded me to. It wasn't ever prompted out of Love," "Oh, but you could easily grow to love me Mara. You don't have to give up your service to the emperor for me. Unlike Mr. All powerful Jedi prodigy.," Jervis sneered shooting darts of his heated stare at the young Jedi. "Well this 'Jedi Prodigy' of mine is my predestined soul mate. Nothing can pull me away from that," Mara snarled. "Anything but the death of your love you mean.," Jervis whispered clutching at the lightsabre hanging from his belt. "What are you d..," but before Mara could finish her sentence Jervis charged Luke lightsabre drawn a menacing gleam of hatred lighting an insane gleam in his eyes. "You shall perish by my hand today Jedi. I swear it by the blood of my clan!," Jervis screamed bringing his blood red lightsabre up to bear against Luke's blue one. "Jervis we don't have to fight like this. Don't you see Mara never loved you and the emperor is only using you as a tool against me." "What would you know of such things Jedi!! Of love and control. Ha! You've been on the up track since the day you were born. Now not only do you have the greatest ships, most amount of power, and the most prestigious of positions in the Jedi Order next to the council, you had to take my Mara too. She was to be mine Jedi!! Mine, and you have taken her away from me!," Jervis spat. "Very well then." Luke sighed concentrating into the force. "Let us begin." Blue flashed against red as the Sith and Jedi whirled and fought each other. Parry, flip, slice, parry went the pattern, then came a sudden dead lock.
Both opponents glared into the eyes of their adversary pushing against the other hoping to pull out in triumph. A quick motion of his foot and Jervis was down his lightsabre spinning into the hand of his foe. It was over. "You are now beaten it is over surrender." Luke cautioned. "Well if I can't have her then neither can you!," "Jervis no AHHHH!," Mara wailed in agony white blue lightening pulsed through her body. No Sooner as it started it stopped. Through her haze of pain Mara could see Luke motionless standing in disbelief at what he'd done. "Luke, Luke it's okay.," "No Mara!, I killed a man in cold blood.. Worse I did it in anger. Mara I must go. Stay here with the council and my father. They'll see you get immediate medical attention.,"
With that he was gone. "NO! no please," Mara sobbed felling his presence gently torn from her awareness. "Luke please! Don't leave me!," she cried falling into dark blissful unconsciousness. Deep within the recesses of the senate building Chancellor Palpatine smiled. The sick satisfied smile of a satisfied predator. Indeed Jervis you have served me well.
Starship Silverblaze
Luke stared blankly out of his starships' view port. He was dead! Jervis was dead of his own hand. Killed by the rushing rage he held within himself. He couldn't go back. Not after what he had done. Did this make him a sith?, never, he would never turn to the darkside. Confused and disheartened Luke steered his ship towards the planet Byss. Knowing full well that Chancellor Palpatine awaited him.
Med Center Courasaunt
Consciousness came slowly to Mara Jade after her dip in the bacta tank. When she finally reached it she wished she hadn't. She felt as if she could count every single nerve within her body. The pain would have been more bearable with Luke beside her. But no he was gone, gone, gone....." Luke's gone! No I have to go get him back," "Mara you must be calm. You haven't fully healed yet. Please you must listen," Anakin coaxed the desperate young woman. "No!, you don't understand Luke's gone I must find him!," Mara wailed hands tightly clenched and whitening on Anakins' forearm. "Mara please we will get him back. To that end I can promise you. First we must figure out his destination.," Anakin whispered. "Byss he's gone to byss to confront the Chancellor. He's so unsure of his destiny. He could be easily turned at this point.," Mara replied. "Byss?? I thought the planet had been disbanded for hazardous waste purposes. NO matter there's no time to lose. You're right Mara we must get him back.
Byss
As Luke landed despite his calming techniques he couldn't help but feel a bit afraid at what lie behind those large double doors. Summoning his courage Luke pushed through into the dimly lit chilled room that lie behind them. There at the far end of the room sat a black throne like chair atop a plateau of a staircase. The diminutive figure upon the chair smiled, a menacing toothy smile of self-congratulations. "Welcome to Byss my young friend I sense much confusion in you. Yes I know of the murder of Jervis. Don't be afraid I'm not angry. He was becoming a most troublesome weight anyway. No, now I move on to you. You have traveled her to ask me about my plans, to stop me if you will. Deep down inside I'm sure you know of my ambitions," Palpatine sneered in silent challenge. "You wish to become emperor to rule the entire universe as you see fit unchallenged. That is your ambition. Yet I can't as yet perceive why you've not yet attempted to eliminate me.," Luke pondered allowed. "Yes about that. You see by killing Jervis from pure rage you've opened yourself to the possibility of the darkside. With yours truly by my side I could hold the universe within my hands for an eternity. Of coarse I'd have to change your name. Can't very well have a Jedi..," "NEVER!," Luke interrupted the emperors musings. "What's that?,:" the emperor softly questioned. "Never! My allegiance is to the Jedi order and the Republic alone.," Luke vehemently denied. "Thought you might say that. Come Skywalker take a look out of this viewport. Tell me, what do you see?," Palpatine instructed. Reluctantly Luke stepped up to the viewport and froze. There within plain view hovered the Jade's Fire. After a quick force scan he found Mara and his father on board. They didn't even sense him. "Now let me rephrase my proposition. Either you serve me for eternity or your wife and Father are finished," Palpatine sneered a feral smile curling his lips back from his decaying yellowing teeth. "What will you do if I'm forced to decline your offer," Luke whispered afraid for his should yet more so for the lives of his family. "The answer is simple my young friends. First I destroy their ship then I kill and clone you using your power for my purposes anyway. You will gain nothing through resistance. It is a futile weak gesture which has ceased to amuse me," Palpatine snarled. "I would easily destroy you before the order of fire is placed.," Luke countered. "Do you honestly think I didn't prepare for you? You are gravely mistaken my friend. Any forceful movement will trigger my hidden electrocution machine. Yes ingenious isn't it? Now make your choice !! I grow weary of these futile deliberations!!," Palpatine seethed in an angry impatient glee. "I... yes master," Luke whispered
TBC: Turn About Reverse......