Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Author's notes: Well, I had a bit of time and I was in the mood to write this so... here's Chapter II.

X X X

CanaceErinn – Thank you. Read on.

Mirwen Sunrider/Elrondiel – well, I needed a bit of introduction and she has to be proud of who she is. But your idea is noted, and I hope this is more "philosophical"(translation: Mara's thoughts on things.) Dialogue comes in the later chapters, when Mara herself has some conversations. I´m not ending it when she fails on Tatooine... read on.

X X X

Chapter II

X X X X

I watched the "Palace" arena with a mix of disgust and amusement. Entering the Hutt´s... mansion... was not much of a problem. Show that you've got some skin to show, that you´re at least a semi-good dancer and you´re in. Of course, being the best wouldn't be good right now – I knew damned well I could dance better than all those Twi´leks wiggling their head tails in front of the space slug, but I had no intention of voicing my option publicly or anything like that – I saw enough of the dancers chained to the Hutt or raped by the other lackeys just for their boss´ amusement. Oh, sure, they would fail in doing so to me, but it would blow my cover.

Skywalker was sure taking his time. I spent several days in the "Palace", so I had enough time to spot the hidden trap door in front of the Hutt, sense out the rancor monster underneath us and have my theory confirmed by seeing a disobedient bounty hunter torn to shreds by the aforementioned beast.

He first sent two droids – a protocol and an astromech – to give the Hutt a polite request to bargain for the smuggler Han Solo's life. I snorted at that while the Hutt and his lackeys laughed. But the gift of the droids was accepted and the entire Palace eagerly awaited Skywalker´s grand entrance.

But first came an odd bounty hunter with an aura suspiciously showing concealment, dragging a Wookiee by a chain. It seemed that someone had managed to capture Chewbacca, Solo's companion. Jabba´s collection quickly expanded with him and the bounty hunter, who foolishly revealed herself to be the rebel Princess Leia Organa. Such amateurism.

At last, I could sense the presence of a Force user approaching. The only Force Sensitives I've met so far were my Master and Vader, so I took time to examine the guy. What struck me as odd was the... light... I sensed there. I knew of the Light Side, of course, but I have never met one who would wield it. The creatures and people I hunted mostly had an aura of darkness, though there were some closer to neutral, but never a full-fledged "lightsider". I immediately began examining his aura more closely.

The darkest feeling I could feel there (and that disturbed me, though it didn't surprise me at all) was bitterness. But not because of betrayal. The bitterness seemed to come from a sadness that I couldn't place. Compassion, kindness and overall goodness. The very sight made me want to vomit.

The weakness. My Master often reminded me that my anger is what makes me strong, my hatred fuels my power and the Dark Side is my greatest ally. That was why I couldn't possibly conceive how he could have survived all I was told about. But experience has taught me to never underestimate an enemy. Even one who seems inferior.

I was sitting in the shadows behind Jabba´s throne, casting the heaviest shields I could muster into my mind. I knew well that Skywalker should be able to detect my presence, as I was able to detect his. But with him focusing so much on his mission, I could cast Force shields without him noticing. I waited patiently for Skywalker to be escorted into the main arena. The Twi´lek who seemed to be in charge (right after the Hutt) announced his arrival to a highly irritated Jabba the Hutt. I watched Skywalker, who stood directly on the trap door in front of Jabba. My only wish was that the Hutt wouldn't get irritated by the Jedi's babbling and allow his pet rancor to have Skywalker. I wanted to do this myself. But one can´t always have all that they want, huh?

Skywalker lowered the hood of his cloak. He was dressed in all black. I knew it was him even before I saw the face my Master showed me back at the Imperial Palace. Some tension was in the room and I immediately searched for the one thing no Force user can be missing. To my utter surprise, I could not see a lightsaber on his belt. I rolled my eyes – the guy was idiot enough to wander into a rancor pit unarmed. I didn't think even my Force powers were honed well enough to handle that thing in such a small space. But no! Mr. I´m-a-Jedi wants to play solitary hero. I began wondering if he was really that dangerous, or just a lucky bastard.