Author´s notes: Sorry it took so long, guys! The story is nearing it´s end, I´m afraid – only a few chapters left.

East Coast Ryder – Fixed corrected. Here you go.

Mara look-a-like – Umm… yes. I will add romance… but there´s nowhere I can put it right now! But it´ll be there, I promise.

lili brik – it´s hard, but worthwhile. Mara and Yoda conversations are always a pleasure to write.

Classic Cowboy – thanks, here you go.

Urazz - It´s gonna happen soon ;)

Amylion – (hands chocolate) Yes, well done. Here you go!

X X X

Chapter XIV

X X X X

Inside the chieftain's hut, C-3PO and the Ewoks were having a no doubt eventful conversation. Well, the droid was telling them some Rebel fairy tales and the fleebags were listening like little children. While it was clearly very fascinating… I was rather bored. We were wasting time once again and if I constantly kept looking at my chronometer.

After about fifteen minutes of listening, I decided that I might as well check out the exterior of the village. These Ewoks seemed to live in a way similar to that of the Wookiees on Kashyyyk – huts in treetops, villages and chieftains. All on a rather primitive level, but at least Wookiees were capable warriors and knew how to handle technology. Well, those who occasionally went off-world did, anyway. These Ewoks seemed to be on the technological level of a Tatooinian womp rat.

I left the Chieftain's hut and walked around the walkways for a while. The only thing that caught my interest was just how clear the sky was. All stars were visible, unlike on the industrial planets of, say, the Corporative Sector or the busy Core Worlds. This was a world peaceful in its primitiveness, unaware of the evils of the galaxy, unaware of the great battle that was about to take place directly above it. At least it was going to be a space battle, not a ground assault. Not that there was much to assault down here.

I still kept thinking it was a bad idea to build the shield generator outside the shield. It's not that I don't trust the Imperial army, but it just seemed a bit ridiculous to leave the only thing protecting the Death Star somewhere where anyone could destroy it. But it was all part of the Emperor's plan. A very risky plan.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I sensed ripples pass through the Force… a wave of emotion. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was quite strong. And the closer I sensed Skywalker´s presence, the stronger it became. It would seem that he finally decided it was time to face Vader. So, this part of the plan worked quite perfectly. Insane as it sounded, he was going to walk straight into an Imperial camp, where they might shoot him on sight. Great.

"Just where do you think you're going?" I asked after he passed me by, folding my arms. He was probably so focused on what he was going to do that he wasn't really paying attention to his surroundings. That's a mistake that'll kill him someday.

Skywalker stopped to glance at me. There was something weary in his eyes – I'm not sure if someone else tried to stop him, but something definitely was wrong. "Mara." It seemed that he was holding back a sigh. So yes, someone tried to stop him.

"Who did you think it was, Exar Kun?" Even my sarcasm didn't lighten the mood. "I was thinking you'd never decide to go seek him out." I smiled wearily. "He's expecting you."

"What are you talking about? How can you know that?"

"From the moment we met, Skywalker, you knew that I'm not your friend. I have been sent to kill you… now my orders are to bring you to him."

"How…?"

"…do I know this? My mind and the Emperor's are linked. I am his Hand, Skywalker. And he commanded me to bring you to Vader… so they could turn you. Or kill you."

His gaze dropped to the ground. "It will be believable, then. The Emperor's personal assassin brings him his prize. The one Vader failed to bring. I imagine this will be great for your career – the Emperor will be proud of you. If I fail and they kill me… you will be rewarded nonetheless. Congratulations, Mara." There was something empty in me the second he said that. I should have felt pride and happiness. I didn't. There was only hollowness. I opened my mouth to say something, but he raised a hand to silence me. "Each of us has a destiny in this universe. And once it is complete, the Force takes us. If this is yours, then seize it."

It was my turn to study my boots. "Damn it, Skywalker. Why must you make this so difficult?" I whispered, partially to myself. He was supposed to be a target, nothing more. He wasn't… well, not anymore. I think. It was difficult to explain. Probably for the first time since Dagobah, I wasn't really sure what to think. I had memories of valor and honor, great deeds that brought glory, even when those who accomplished them never sought it. And then there was him. I wasn't sure what to think about him. Remembering Solo's remarks didn't really help, but I could see that he wasn't being his scoundrel-ish self when he said that.

"Mara, one day, you will have to make a choice. I can only hope that it will be the right one." Skywalker smiled, "But don't burden yourself with the future just yet."

I nodded curtly, "Right. We should be off. Now listen up, Skywalker – those Imperials will kill you on sight if you act hostile in any sense of the word. You should give me your lightsaber – it would be suspicious if I'd bring an armed prisoner. If they ask you anything, you were trying to sabotage the Imperial shuttle and I caught you. You came here alone. Say nothing else – you have to be a bit defiant. Got that?" he nodded. "Very well. Off to the belly of the beast we go."

X X X

I had to tinker a bit with the Rebel comlink to find the Imperial frequency and signal one of the many codes I knew would work. It did, naturally, and so the base got a report from agent Nuria Reid about a certain Rebel trying to sabotage out mission and kill the technicians. For the most part, he did, since I was the only survivor. An Imperial commander and a bunch of stormtroopers arrested Skywalker and the captain congratulated me, informing me of the obvious – that Vader was on the way. I nodded curtly and waited for the distinct ripples within the Force. He was sure in a hurry, since it took about five minutes for him to arrive.

The commander politely motioned to me to go first, since I was the special agent here. Two stormtroopers escorted him, me and Skywalker to the ramp exit, where we finally met Vader in the corridor. From the outside, he looked as he always did – everyone had a right to be impressed by his constitution and menacing black armor. The cape actually made him seem like a large black bird, ready to strike. Not someone a civilian would like to run into in a dark alley, I assure you.

While the commander nodded respectfully to the Dark Lord, I didn't greet him with anything more than a glare. Even now when I knew there was actually a human being underneath the mask. I wasn't sure how Skywalker planned to point that out to him, but I was quite sure it would be very touching and very insane at the same time.

"This is a Rebel that agent Reid has brought in. apparently, an ambush was waiting for our teams. Although he denies it, I believe there may be more of them, and I request permission to conduct a further search of the area." The commander reported, then extended his hand, revealing the Skywalker´s lightsaber, which I gave him once we got into the base, along with my report. "He was armed only with this."

I could sense that Vader kept gazing at Skywalker as he said, "Good work, Commander. Leave us. Conduct your search and bring his companions to me."

"Yes, my Lord."

The officer and troops withdrew, leaving the three of us alone in the corridor. It wasn't an exactly comfortable moment.

"Jade." I could sense Vader glare at me from underneath his mask. "The Emperor said nothing about your involvement in this mission."

"Everything he does is only for the good of the Empire. Perhaps he feared you would fail to capture the boy, so he sent someone with more skill in working undercover." I half-snapped at him.

"I cannot deny you have done well in sneaking into the Rebel camp… but I doubt your presence here is necessary from now on." He said that as if he were dismissing a lowly minion.

It was only natural that my eyes narrowed. "If you haven't had an unfortunate accident that involved amnesia, Lord Vader, you will remember that there is only one person I take orders from. And I regret to inform you that it isn't you. I stay as long as the Emperor commands me to stay."

"And has he commanded you to stay?" he hissed at me.

"You can ask him once we get to the Death Star. I hear he has decided to be generous and invite us aboard."

Vader straightened up to his full height, as if he wanted to show that he had an authority equal to that of the Emperor… or at least close. Well, I listened to only one Master, as I said. "Then would you be so kind and at least leave me alone with my son? I need to speak with him."

"You know well that I lack kindness in any sense of the word." I expected him to take it as a refusal, but surprisingly, he let me finish. "But I have no wish to be part of a family reunion. Do what you want. I´ll be waiting in the shuttle." Turning sharply on my heel, I stormed to the elevator, making my way up to the landing platform. Curious as I was what they might have to say to each other, eavesdropping was out of the question. But Skywalker somehow sensed my curiosity and opened up his mind for me – I´m not sure if there was any link between us, but I could hear a distant echo of voices.

Who is she, really?

You should not cross paths with that woman, Luke. Mara Jade isn't any more merciful than her Master. She is his extended arm – a tool he uses to carry out his will. And the Emperor´s Hands aren't trained to show compassion or understanding. This one even less. That is why the Emperor has been expecting you.

I know, father.

So, you have accepted the truth.

I've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father.

That name no longer has any meaning for me.

It is the name of your true self. You've only forgotten. I know there is good in you. The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully. That is why you couldn't destroy me. That's why you won't bring me to your Emperor now.

I see you have constructed a new lightsaber.

Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen.

Come with me.

Obi-Wan once thought as you do.

You don't know the power of the Dark Side. I must obey my master.

I will not turn...and you'll be forced to kill me.

If that is your destiny.

Search your feelings, father. You can't do this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go of your hate.

It is too late for me, son. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is your master now.

A silence. Until…

Then my father is truly dead.

The elevator doors opened.