The following morning, Mara awoke to hear Luke knocking on her bedroom door.
"Mara, are you awake?"
"Yes, come on in." Luke jumped on her bed. He seemed anxious about something, he was attempting to hide it though, but like most Skywalkers it was often difficult to hide their feelings. Luke grabbed Mara's pillow shielding him, "Luke, what's wrong? You can tell me."
"You might think it's stupid or that I'm just scared."
Mara leaned forward and patted Luke's head, "Meet me downstairs we will go to the river, after you get dressed."
Luke ran out and returned to his bedroom and was ready in fifteen minutes. Mara dressed casually with her cloak and lightsaber. She told Anakin and Padmé where they were going. Luke grabbed Mara's hand and they left for the river, unaware of the danger that lurked just around the corner, Prince Xizor's assailant was waiting for them.
Luke and Mara sat by the large tree and started to talk, Mara then sensed imminent danger and she pulled out her lightsaber but before she could activate it she was hit by a dart that would render her unconscious and Luke attempted to run and screamed, "Father, help us!" Anakin heard it and ran as fast as he could, but it was too late, the ship was taking off with his apprentice and his son. He stretched out with the force and managed to take a swipe at the pilot's mind that was so gleeful that he managed to pull it off, Prince Xizor would be most pleased.
Anakin slew curses in Huttese as he did when he was angry or frustrated. He knew that something was bothering Luke last night, especially the way he was holding on to him so tightly. He returned home and told Padmé about what had happen, he expected her to break down and start sobbing, but instead she became resolved. Fortunately, Obi-Wan and Adi Gallia were there and they were able to formulate a plan. Adi would stay here to protect Padmé and Leia. Obi-Wan and Anakin became a team once again.
"It will be just like old times, my friend."
"Just don't get into any trouble you two." Padmé admonished.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm going with them." Han replied.
"No, you are not, Solo; you're responsibilities are here."
"What ship are you taking?" Obi-Wan asked.
"We are taking the Falcon, Solo and no you aren't coming, that's final."
Han rolled his eyes and sighed deeply, disappearing down the hall to finish packing his bag. He grabbed Mara's swoop bike and quickly accelerated to the hanger bay. He would stow away in one of his compartments, until the ship was in hyperspace. Anakin was too focused on the task to notice that Han wasn't around and neither was the swoop bike. Both Obi-Wan and Anakin boarded the Falcon and sought take-off authorization and once it was granted he took off.
"Where do you want to start looking, Anakin?"
"Coruscant first."
"Luke and Mara will be just fine. At least they aren't alone, Anakin."
"True. Its just Luke was worried last night, but he wouldn't say anything to me, but I felt great waves of anxiety coming off of him, he wouldn't even let go of me. That's why I slept in his bed last night. He was scared."
Obi-Wan nodded his head, "Luke worries about you Anakin."
"Why?"
"Sometimes he awakens in the middle of the night and he has to search for your force-signature to ensure you are safe."
"He's too young to worry about me; he needs to concentrate on his studies."
"Yes, I agree."
"Has he said anything to you about his feelings?"
"The only thing he would say is that he is afraid that you will one day fall into the dark side."
"I wouldn't. I'd lose too much if that were to happen, my angel, my family, apprentice, and my soul."
"Yes, I know."
Anakin relaxed but then felt something very familiar. "I'm going to kill him."
"Who?"
Anakin stormed away and opened the smuggling compartments and found Han Solo smiling up at him.
"What part of you aren't coming don't you understand!"
"Look, Anakin, Luke and Mara are my family too. You can't just keep me home why you go have your adventures." Han replied.
"Solo, you disobeyed a direct order!"
"So sue me!"
"I'll do better than that I dock your wages for a week." Anakin threatened.
"Oh, come on, how's a guy to earn a living? Haven't I always done what you wanted and even gone above and beyond the call of duty?
Anakin rolled his eyes. Han followed him to the galley to prepare something to eat.
"Hello, there." Obi-Wan greeted.
"Hi, Master Kenobi; Tell his Lordship that I can take care of myself."
"Solo, you are nothing but trouble." Anakin replied as he shook his finger at him.
"Yes, but then so are you, my old padawan." Obi-Wan laughed.
Mara awoke to find Luke laying his head in her lap; they were currently in a cell, Mara's lightsaber was gone. "Luke, are you okay?"
"Where are we?"
"I don't know; we are on some kind of ship."
Mara stretched out with her feelings and felt three people on board including a pilot. "Well, look who's awake. I hope you will enjoy your stay. We are headed to Tatooine. You will be sold for a hefty profit I believe."
"I hope you purchased a hefty life insurance policy, because you are going to need it, sir." Mara stated.
The individual laughed and left the cell bay, but suddenly became frightened. What if she was right? Suppose the Jedi Master was after him? Prince Xizor's android Guri would take care of a Jedi wouldn't she? She would protect them right?
"Guri?"
"What?" Guri replied curtly.
"Do you think that Jedi Skywalker will follow us?"
"It will be too late by then. You worry too much."
The man sat in the chair and hoped that he would get his payment soon and be able to give up this life of smuggling and kidnapping.
"Mara, I'm hungry." Luke stated.
"Me too." Mara felt for her small leather case, she found a note and a small ration bar she shared the ration bar with Luke.
"What's that?"
"A note."
"Are you going to read it?"
Mara sighed; she really didn't want to, most likely it was a reprimand. But it wasn't like she had anything better to do.
Padawan Mara Jade,
If you are reading this you are likely in danger. If you have lost your lightsaber, do not fret they can be easily replaced, Force knows I've lost mine many times. There are ways to defend yourself both physically and using the Force, if I haven't shown these ways to you yet, you will eventually figure it out. Mind-tricks are also helpful, especially on the weak minded. Don't worry you will be rescued even if I have to return to Tatooine myself. Even though I may not say it often, I'm very proud of you.—Master Skywalker
Mara had to brush a tear away from her eye and Luke was crying too. Mara felt the ship land, "Luke, don't tell anyone your last name, okay? They will try to up the bidding."
"Are we really going to be slaves, Mara?" Luke whispered as big fat tears poured from his eyes.
"Shh, it will be okay."
Luke and Mara were pulled from their cells, none to gently either. "Easy he's just a boy, leave him alone."
"Oh, feeling a bit protective are we?" Guri sarcastically asked.
"Yes, leave him alone." Mara Jade's anger was increasing.
The landed near Mos Espa, where Anakin had grown up, to both Mara and Luke it was incredibly hot.
"Luke when I say run, I want you to run as fast as you can and as hard as you can, I'm going to create a distraction okay?"
"Run where?"
"Down to the village, it matters not. Just run and hide, I can take care of myself."
Luke nodded his head.
No sooner than he did, he felt his cuffs fall off his hands and Mara was using the Force push to knock everyone off their feet.
"RUN! Don't look back!" Mara yelled.
Luke ran as hard and as fast as he could, he didn't know where he was, but he eventually found himself in the slave quarters, he could somehow feel a familiar and friendly presence but wasn't sure who it was, he ran into that house and found a man and wife sitting down to eat. The woman was feeding a baby.
"Ani?" Kitster Banai asked, forgetting himself. The blond hair blue eyed kid looked like a Jedi padawan the braid was unmistakable so was the tunic and cloak.
"Please help me, I've been kidnapped and they also have my friend." Luke collapsed to the floor in pure exhaustion.
Tamora retrieved a glass of water and handed it to Luke who drained it in a matter of seconds. "What's your name, dear?" Tamora asked gently.
"Luke. . . Luke Skywalker."
Kitster was taken aback; he thought the boy looked familiar could this be Anakin's son?
"Are you related to Anakin Skywalker?" Kitster asked the curiosity overwhelming him.
"Yes, sir; he's my father."
Tamora helped him to his feet and placed him on the sofa. "How old are you, Luke?"
"Six, I'll be seven in a few weeks so will my sister Leia."
"Your parents must be worried sick."
"They will be coming for us, so will my Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thing is I don't think my father likes Tatooine very much. He seems to have a natural hate for sand and heat. At home he keeps his office and the meditation room very cool, sometimes I also think he loves taking really long hot showers. Mom sometimes complains; it's funny, I've never seen them get really angry with each other they seem to enjoy it when they argue, strange isn't it?"
"He hates sand and among other things." Kitster whispered.
"What other things?" Luke picked up on Kitster words.
"Who is your mom, Luke?"
"Her name is Padmé Amidala-Skywalker. She's really nice but don't get her started in politics, she will debate you until the shaaks come home."
Kitster and Tamora laughed. Luke went over to the baby and asked if he could pick her up.
"Sure, let me help." Tamora lifted her daughter out of the highchair and Luke held her, she enjoyed playing with his padawan braid.
"She's very pretty." Luke replied, noting her black hair and expressive blue eyes.
Tamora was amaze how her daughter was responding to Luke; normally the babe didn't trust anyone or like anyone to hold her.
"What's her name?" Luke asked.
"Shmi; we named her after Anakin's mother."
Luke relaxed and the babe fell asleep as did Luke. Kitster and Tamora finished eating and wrapped Luke up in a blanket.
Mara knew that Luke was safe; she on the other hand was getting thrown around and knew that she was probably going to be fighting for her life. She was taken to Jabba's palace; the disgusting slug threw her into the slave corral with an implant and fresh bruises on her arms and legs. Several children approached her including a bully.
"Give us your food." The bully demanded.
"I have none to give, you need to back off." Mara warned.
"You think I'm scared of you, Jedi!"
Mara Jade remained calm and tried to allow her anger to become one with the force, but it was becoming difficult.
"I will not tell you again, back off now."
The bully threw a punch at Mara which she blocked and forced push him into the wall. He screamed and ran at Mara, "You are either a fool or a complete idiot, I haven't decided yet." Mara yelled.
He managed to punch her and tried to strangle her, she snapped. The bully went flying into the air and landed in a heap, his arm and shoulder was broken. The other children ran to her as she cried, she used the force in anger. After she finished crying, she went over to the bully and attempted to heal him as he lay unconscious.
Before Mara could finish, the children started gathering around the door as a cart of swill and bread was pushed in before them. Mara grabbed her portion she took a small sip but it was disgusting. She saw a young girl of about four sitting in a corner she was too weak to move, due to the severe beating she had endured for not scrubbing the floors correctly.
Mara turned to her and offered her the cup of soup.
"Eat this." Mara gave her the cup; the young girl grabbed it greedily and drank it down.
"I was so hungry."
"What's your name?"
"Ayala, they call me La for short."
Two Gamorrean guards entered the cell and grabbed Mara the slave driver found out that she had given up her soup.
"Why did you give your meal to Ayala?"
"She was hungry; she couldn't move to get it herself."
"Well maybe if she was a good worker then she wouldn't have to go without meals."
"She's only four years old; you can't expect her to work like an adult."
"You will watch your mouth or it is you that will go without a meal and perhaps earn a lashing as well."
Mara glared at the slave driver who in turn yelled, "Chain her up! You will suffer greatly for your interference."
Author's Note:Sorry this is short and that I left you hanging (actually I'm not sorry about the cliff-hanger it's the way of the Sith.) Thanks again for reading and for your reviews. I always welcome ideas as well.—Darth Gladiator45