Author's notes: And here comes the first plot-twist. I won't spoil it to you, though. Read and find out for yourselves.
chris063 – Major thank you. Read on.
Urazz - I hope the wait was not too long… thanks and read on.
drizztsdeath – oh, don't you worry about that.
Jellyman + Squirt – Thanks. Here's the next part.
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Chapter IV
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I. Am. Royally. Screwed.
No, really, I am. I, Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand… have failed. Those two statements just don't fit together! I never, ever, fail an assignment. I… I don't know what to say.
I blended with the surroundings. I had the disguise, the plan, the chance… and I still failed.
I was sitting with my back to a larger obelisk-shaped rock in the Tatooine desert. I had my usual black jumpsuit and violet cape back, because I definitely didn't want to wander around the planet in Arica (that was my alias at Jabba´s) clothes. My hair had its normal color – flame golden red – back. How, I have no idea. But I was glad to be back in my attire.
Jabba had decided to drop Skywalker co. into the pit. That meant the entire Palace was going to party. Or so I had thought. Someone had to stay back home… and guess who had to stay? They had no need for dancers on the Sail Barge. Just the band. I requested, asked, and begged no effect. Oh, and the Hutt eventually lost patience and fired me. Big deal. Of course, I had to kill a couple of Gammoreans, since getting sacked from a Hutt´s Palace isn't exactly standard procedure… but I was successful and the Gammoreans were now bacon-based products. That, unfortunately, didn't make up for the fact that I missed my big opportunity.
There were still chances to get to Skywalker – I didn't know where Jabba´s went, but the Hutt didn't leave the planet, since I could sense Skywalker´s aura… miles and miles away. Great.
I finally stood up, after the melancholy of recalling the previous assignments (much tougher than this one, I might add) that I've completed perfectly. And here, I failed to kill a stupid quasi-hero farmboy. That really infuriated me.
The worst thing I felt, however, was fear. At any moment, my Master could call me via our Force Bond. Lying to the Emperor? Hah! That was next to impossible, even if he wouldn't be able to read my mind. I had to come up with a plan. And fast. One small failure means nothing if I achieve the goal of my mission, right?
And then, I heard it.
'Mara Jade.' The voice in my head was unmistakable (plus, I was alone out in the desert).
'I am here, Master.' I immediately replied. Keeping Palpatine waiting was not wise.
'You have failed me, my Hand.' It was as if someone had slapped me in the face. He didn't hurt me in any way, but I knew that physical torture was not the worst punishment he could dish out. But the pure hated truth in that statement made me wince. I knew he was right.
'The Hutt had refused to let me to the Sail Barge, Master. I tried…'
'Be silent, Jade.' He snapped at me. I obliged happily, since I truly didn't know what to say. How was I to explain this?
'Your task is over, return to the Imperial Palace. Skywalker shall be dealt with later. You will receive further instructions there.'
My mind suddenly started working at astonishing rate. Skywalker was planning something. He wanted to get away. Which meant…
'Master, I believe I know what Skywalker is planning.' I quickly thought.
Silence. Then… 'Speak.'
'He was missing his lightsaber at the Hutt's Palace.' I explained. 'I believe he plans to somehow escape his execution. If he does, I could track down his vessel and kill him before he leaves the planet.' I added hopefully.
For half a minute, I was in agony. I knew that trying to pry into the Emperor's thoughts would be insane. I had to wait for his response. And as cruel laughter sounded in my head, I knew that I have won.
'You never cease to amuse me, Mara Jade.' My Master thought to me, 'Very well. Consider this a second chance.' I really brightened up, 'But you won't kill Skywalker on Tatooine.' Can you spell 'downright confusion'? 'Follow his ship. Find out where he's headed and report whatever you find out back to me. There must be some Jedi alive, one that has survived Lord Vader's purges – Skywalker couldn't have learnt all he knows on his own. He doesn't have the knowledge needed for such an achievement. Locate his Master and eliminate them. Then you can turn your attention to Skywalker.'
'I will not fail you, Master.' I thought, my thoughts showing sincerity.
'See that you do not, Mara Jade.' The eerie voice boomed in my head, but I didn't shiver as others would. I was Force-bonded to the Emperor, and that allowed me to sense his emotions and prepare myself for any kind of actions. Whether I could resist the Sith Lord's power was another thing. 'For you will deeply regret it if you do.'
But he already punished me. He knew that living with the knowledge that I have failed, that I have been given a ´second chance´ to complete my assignment, was the greatest of punishments he could dish out. I shoved my thoughts away – I couldn't afford to get desperate. Cold logic. I had to remain calm.
I sensed that the Emperor had returned to his own thoughts, mentally dismissing me. I exhaled loudly – it went bad, but I expected worse. As degrading and embarrassing as this second chance was, it was another chance. And I wouldn't waste it. I stood up, and bolted to my ship (which was still intact, since I hid it very well). I immediately began tracking the nearest signal. Several miles from me, an X-wing must have beeped once, since I located it. With a smug smirk, I set the pre-launch sequences and guided my TIE fighter to the horizon.
