Star Destroyer Redeemer

Mara returned a few hours later to find Skywalker in a nicely tailored Imperial uniform, his hair neatly combed, and his mood a bit brighter.

She walked into his quarters and circled around him appraisingly. "It looks like you took the advice I gave you last month and got a uniform that actually fits."

He looked down at his clothing and blushed slightly. "I was never a slave to fashion, but you were right. Now I just need to get rid of my rimworld accent and I'll be set."

"This is a great start for improving your image." She looked him up and down and smiled. "You really look great."

"A compliment from the former Emperor's Hand," he said with a grin while tugging his tunic straight. "That makes all the measuring the tailor did worth it. I swear he was a perfectionist. He measured my trouser inseam a half dozen times."

Mara laughed. "He was either a perfectionist or a pervert, either way, he's definitely an excellent tailor." She dropped her travel bag on the ground before gazing into his blue eyes and letting out a slow and controlled breath. "Before we begin...I want to apologize to you."

"For what?"

"For getting so upset and yelling at you earlier today. The rebel's response was just as upsetting to me as it was to you—probably for different reasons—but upsetting nonetheless."

He took a step closer to her and considered reaching out and putting a comforting hand on her shoulder but didn't know if she would tolerate the gesture. "How so?"

"I didn't realize how good life has gotten within the Empire until now. The thought of things falling apart was a shock to the system. If there is an uprising, your father could end your reforms. And even though I hate to admit it...you have made this galaxy a better place...for everybody. You're a great leader." She shook her head sadly. "I'd hate to think what would have happened if I killed you when I had the chance."

Luke was startled by not only her admission, but the underlying remorse and honesty he felt flowing through the Force. This time he did reach out and pulled her into his embrace, smiling when she didn't resist. "Hey, don't worry. With your help we'll tackle this problem."

She allowed him to hold her for a few more seconds before she pulled away awkwardly, looking embarrassed that she revealed her softer side.

"Yeah...we need to repair the damage the rebels inflicted on your image." She motioned to the couch. "Let's sit down and work on your response."

"Of course." He said, disappointed that the tender moment ended so quickly. He followed her to the couch and sat down next to her.

"There are five basic rules of propaganda," Mara instructed Luke. "Keep it simple, discredit the opposition, manipulate the values of your target audience to your own ends, present your argument as if all sane people should think the same way and then repeat the message over and over in a multitude of variations."

"Okay," Luke said slowly. "That is easy enough...I think. So, what do you suggest?"

"You told me how you were hidden from your father on Tatooine and how you were swept up in the rebellion. Start there." When Luke stared at her blankly, she rolled her eyes and came up with a possible counter argument.

"You can say, 'The Jedi kidnapped me as a baby and gave me to a family with anti-imperial leanings. They were moisture farmers on the rimworld planet of Tatooine. My foster family knew who my father was but hid my parentage at the request of the Jedi."

"Wait," Luke interrupted. "You're saying Jedi...like the order still exists."

"The Jedi might be gone, but we need an enemy for the Imperial population to latch onto," Mara said. "They already hate the Jedi for attempting a coup to overthrow Chancellor Palpatine based solely on his religious beliefs."

"Religious beliefs?" Luke said incredulously. "You mean him being a Sith?"

"Yes, a Sith. Look up the term on the holonet. It is an ancient religious order of Force-wielders."

"Yes, Force-users devoted to the dark side."

"That didn't give the Jedi cause to attack Palpatine. There is no law against being a Sith. If Palpatine did something wrong, they should have brought up their grievances to the Senate. They could have impeached and removed him from office. The Republic had a system in place to remove tyrants. The Jedi thought they were above all that and tried to murder the man based solely on his religion."

Luke shook his head wide-eyed. "I can't believe what you're saying."

She scowled melodramatically. "You disagree?"

"It's not that," Luke said with a chuckle. "You sound just like my father."

"Well," her mouth ease into a grin. "You father and I did serve the same Master."

"That is true." Luke gestured toward her. "Please continue."

"Didn't you once tell me that you applied for the Imperial Naval Academy?"

Luke shook his head. "No, I wanted to, but my Uncle kept telling me I needed to wait another season. I was their free labor, so if I departed, they would be hurting."

"Okay, you can say. 'I dreamed of going to the Imperial Naval Academy, but I was always told no... because the Jedi didn't want my father finding me. A Jedi Knight, who was also a rebel sympathizer, secretly watched over me...preventing me from leaving Tatooine. Unfortunately, Princess Leia involved my foster family in espionage and they paid the ultimate price when they were inadvertently killed during a law enforcement raid."

"Inadvertently?" Luke protested. "Mara, they were killed by Oppressor flamethrowers wielded by 501st Storm Commandos. My father sent those men...not Leia."

"Luke," she said slowly gazing at him with tired eyes. "Was anything the Princess said about you true?"

"No."

"Then stop worrying about the veracity of our story."

Luke let out a frustrated groan. Mara had told him he was going to piss off people...and he can see that was an understatement. "Go on."

"Then you tell the people what happened next. Say, 'The very Jedi Knight that kidnapped me from my father, and essentially imprisoned me on that harsh rimworld planet, talked me into joining the rebellion and encouraged me to kill the man I later discovered was my father."

Mara gazed at Luke looking for approval or at least some response, but he remained silent with a miserable look on his face.

Mara heaved a sigh before continued. "Then you firmly state, 'I am not the bad guy in this story. I am the victim that was used and lied to and tricked into fighting for a cause whose goal was the destruction of my family. My father and I did not know the truth until after the destruction of the Death Star. Yes, I am guilty of killing Imperials, but I was told the Death Star destroyed Alderaan.'"

"Wait," Luke interrupted. "The Death Star did destroy Alderaan...my father forced Leia to watch its destruction."

"Luke, haven't you read your own Imperial propaganda? Alderaan was destroyed by one of their own superweapons." She shook her head in disbelief. "Your father and Princess Leia are the only two survivors who witnessed Alderaan's destruction. Imperial citizens don't want to believe their tax dollars went toward a space station that destroyed an entire planet...that's why they believe Imperial propaganda saying Alderaan was to blame."

Mara took a deep breath before continuing. "We are going to say the Rebels convinced you that Alderaan was destroyed by the Empire and that is why you fought with the rebels. Later you realized you were deceived. The Death Star was sent to Alderaan to encourage them into giving up their aggressive biological warfare program. When the Death Star arrived, the planetary government attempted to destroy the battle station with their own planet busting weapon, but it was untested, and it ended up destroying the planet instead."

Luke scoffed. "Nobody is going to believe that."

"Sure, they will," Mara insisted. "People believe what they want to believe. Loyal imperials want to remain loyal, and they will latch onto to any conspiracy theory that will justify their beliefs."

"Imperials will still be pissed that I killed a million troopers."

"Yes, but they've known that for years. What you need to do is own up to your actions, state you were duped by the rebels and apologize. You then earmark billions of credits to help Alderaan survivors…people who were off planet when their world was destroyed. It can be in the form of college tuition or funds to attend tech schools for surviving children or spouses."

"We should do that anyway. That is a good gesture that might improve my image," Luke said after some thought. "You are probably right, but I hate lying about the Jedi and the rebels. Leia watched her planet get destroyed and with it everybody she knew and loved. This is blaming the victim. She will never forgive me."

"Oh, for Sith sake," Mara said softly, her voice bristling with frustration, tired of his ability to object to her every suggestion. "You need to stop worrying about what that woman thinks." Mara rose and started walking toward the exit. "I need a break. I think we both need a break. You need to decide what you are willing to do to save this galaxy ...save it from the Rebels and your father's wrath if an uprising does occur."

"Sorry, Mara. Please don't leave." Luke rose off the couch and ran to the door, blocking the exit. "Please, you have to realize, this isn't easy for me."

"It's not easy for anybody. Skywalker...this is war. The Empire and the Rebels are at war." Mara poked her finger into his chest for emphasis. "And whether you like it or not, you and Princess Leia are on different sides of this conflict. She's not letting any warm feelings for you to stay her hand. She denounced you as a traitor to the Empire and the Rebels. You need to stop worrying about her and her feelings."

Luke gazed at Mara for a very long time, his expression unreadable. "You really don't like her... why?"

She gritted her teeth, hating the fact that he can read her so easily. "It is just a bit irritating seeing you pining over a woman who is determined to destroy you. You worry about what she's thinking or feeling, but she doesn't reciprocate the same concern for you. Face it, she is just not that into you."

His expression went from perplexed to incredulous. "Are you jealous of her?"

He immediately regretted the question as he felt anger radiating off the former assassin. He took a step back, putting his hands up defensively. "Sorry I asked...I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part. I like you, Mara. I wish..."

"You wish what?" she said through gritted teeth.

"I wish we could have a relationship. Or at least try. I have such a great time with you. When we're separated, all I do is think about you...and miss you. Leia was my friend. We fought side-by- side...but she's just a friend."

She didn't respond to his words but silently turned and returned to the couch. "Luke, you have to think of the galaxy...your people," she said evenly, completely ignoring his heartfelt admission. "You must risk infuriating your former friends. What you say and do now, despite how furious the rebels get, is for the good of the galaxy. If the rebel propaganda succeeds your father will squash any uprising with bloodthirsty glee. You've succeeded in tempering his homicidal tendencies, but I can tell he misses the days when he could crush his enemies. We don't want to give him an excuse to go on a killing spree."

"You're right. I know you're right." His shoulders sagged in defeat as he walked back to the couch and sat next to her. "It's just...I just can't win."

His words were steeped in emotion, and she could feel him dropping into despair. Mara suppressed a sigh, realizing she was never good at comforting people. It was not a skill useful to an assassin. All she could do was improvise.

"Luke," she said as she pulled him into a reassuring, one-arm hug. "Don't let this get to you. You are doing a great job. The Empire has never been this..." She took a deep breath as she tried to find the right word. "It's never been this humane. Your Rebel friends are fighting when they should be supporting you and your changes." She dropped her arm off his shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "I've talked to Karrde and he's okay with me staying here to help you for a while."

Luke nodded and smiled weakly. "I would like that."

"I'll help you write up a response to the Rebels. We'll practice it and get it recorded and put it out to the galaxy."

"Thank you. You're a good friend."

"You're welcome." She put her hand on his knee and gave it a squeeze. "I know this is uncomfortable for you, but you'll get through it."

Luke looked down at her hand then into her emerald eyes. He turned and leaned in toward her. Mara's eyes went wide thinking he was about to kiss her, but instead he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gave her a warm hug...a warm, friendly, platonic hug.

Mara was confused that she was both relieved and inexplicably disappointed at the same time. "It'll be alright, Luke," she muttered. "It'll be alright."

"Now that you're here, it will be," Luke said softly.

.

.

Obi-wan was furious. "You are portraying me as a child abducting villain!? I saved you from your father!"

Luke sighed when the Jedi spirit appeared. He had a long day and after hours of practicing, recording and then airing his response to the rebel's accusations, he was tired of talking. He was getting ready for bed when the spirit showed up. "Go away," he grumbled his voice still hoarse from hours of speaking.

"I will not go away. You have told the entire galaxy that I spirited you away from your father and imprisoned you on Tatooine."

"You did take me from my father and left me on Tatooine where I had no money or any real job prospects. I was trapped on that dunghole of a planet."

"I did not kidnap you. I thought your father perished on Mustafar and I watched your mother die after giving birth to you and..." The Jedi apparition paused midsentence. "And...ummm...and I feared Emperor Palpatine would go after you. I had to put you into hiding."

"So, you place me on my father's home planet and allow me to have his surname. You give me to my grandmother's stepson to raise. How is that hiding me?"

"You father hated Tatooine. I thought there was little chance of him returning. I stayed nearby in case he did."

"You said you thought my father was dead...so your explanation of why I was placed on Tatooine is nonsense."

"I said I thought he was dead...but I didn't feel his death in the Force. So, there was always a chance that he lived."

"You know what I think...I think you placed me on my father's home planet with his surname in the hopes that he would find me. I was bait. You wanted him to come to Tatooine so you could kill him."

"That's utter hogwash." The specter shook his head before sitting on Luke's bed, pissing the Supreme Commander off even further.

"Get off my bed. I don't need to get blue ectoplasm all over my new sheets."

The apparition stood with a frown. "Your father never looked for you because he thought your mother was dead before giving birth. He strangled her himself...Force choked her."

"You told me that before, but my father's interpretation of those events differs greatly."

"He's lying."

"That is something you both do." Luke slipped on his sleeping tunic and pulled back the blankets on his bed. "You're dead. What do you care what I tell people?"

"Because I was a member of the Jedi council and well respected."

"Until Palpatine told everybody that the Jedi tried to overthrow him. Admit it, your legacy is shot. It doesn't matter what I say."

The spirit sighed deeply. "Luke your destiny is to rebuild the Jedi Order, but that will not be possible if you insist on vilifying the Jedi.

"I will never rebuild the Jedi Order, so you don't have to worry about that," Luke said adamantly as he climbed in under his sheets. "If I do train Force Adepts, they will be Imperial Knights—Force strong defenders of the new Empire."

"They will end up as darksiders."

Luke scoffed as he rolled over in bed. "If you believe I can train Jedi, then why do you think I can't train light-side Imperial Knights? Your way is not the only way." He reached over and turned off his side table lamp. "I'm going to sleep now. Please go back to...wherever you go when you're not bothering me." Luke waited for a response, when none came, he rolled over and looked for his ghostly stalker, but Kenobi was gone.

"And stay gone," Luke grumbled. He rolled over and closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep, and trying to not worry about any consequences from his actions today.

.

.

The next day he found himself nervous to see the reaction to his prerecorded news conference that aired the night before. His speech was first transmitted to his father on Coruscant. After getting his father's approval, his Address to the Empire was broadcast across the holonet to all Imperial worlds. By now everybody would have had the chance to view his response to the Rebels' accusations.

He sighed deeply knowing Leia and Han would never forgive him. He had to come to grips with the fact that his closest friends now, most likely, despised him. Despite his misgivings, he knew Mara was right, it was something that needed to be done. If the citizens of the Empire did revolt against his father, the results would be catastrophic.

He showered, thankful that his rank granted him the privilege a hot water instead of a less-that- soothing sonic shower. He stood under the torrent of hot recycled water for a good ten minutes, allowing the heat of the water to seep into his skin and loosen his tense muscles.

He exited the shower and quickly dried off before moving to his closet and setting out his dress uniform. He smiled as he pulled on his trousers remembering how Mara admired his highly tailored look. She tried to hide it, but he sensed her attraction...and that in itself was frustrating.

He was dejected that she kept him at arm's length, but, knowing her background, he really couldn't blame her. According to his father, Emperor Palpatine had forbidden Mara from having any friends or romantic attachments. All she had was the emperor and he was a harsh an unforgiving Master.

'He was a ruthless, manipulating egomaniac,' his father described Emperor Palpatine. 'He controlled people by first isolating from their loved ones...then the intimidation, physical and emotional abuse came next. He convinces his victims that without him they are nobody.' Luke remembers a very long pause before he continued. 'That is how he controlled the Emperor's Hand.' He was talking about Mara Jade, but at the same time, Luke knew Palpatine did the same to his father. Mara and is father were bonded in a way...there were both survivors of Palpatine's cruelty. Luke didn't ask but wondered if that was the reason his father spared Mara after she admitted to kidnapping his son.

After dressing, he walked out of his room and was surprised to see Mara in his kitchen setting out plates on his dining table as the aroma of eggs, sausage and hotcakes seeped out from under domed plate covers centered on the tabletop. She turned to him and smiled. "I ordered breakfast."

"Thank you." He walked over and stood for an awkward second before clearing his throat. "I hope the guest bedroom was comfortable."

"It was luxurious." She gazed at him, a mixture of interest and compassion filling her eyes. "How are you? I know how upset you were yesterday."

He heaved a sigh before his mouth flattened to a hard line. "The whole speech made me feel dirty. I know it was for the best, but I was outright lying about some things, and I've always prided myself on being honest."

"I understand."

He shook his head. "No, I don't think you do. No matter how inaccurate the rebels' statements were about me...they believed they were telling the truth. I, on the other hand, said things that I knew were blatantly false."

"Luke, I understand. I'm not without a conscious or moral compass. You lied...but you lied to your people to avoid uprisings...to prevent needless deaths...because you know your father will not tolerate unrest."

Her words did not bring him any comfort. He abhorred dishonesty, no matter what the circumstances.

"And your speech succeeded," Mara said as she sat down and motioned for Luke to join her. "I've looked at the analytics from yesterday's announcement and you received a very positive response."

Luke sat down and removed the plate covers revealing a mouthwatering assortment of breakfast food. "How so."

Mara threw a few flat cakes on her plate before explaining. "Your statement about being abducted by a Jedi garnered sympathy from female Imperials. The assertion that the last surviving Jedi had told you that Darth Vader killed your father and convinced you to avenge his death by killing Darth Vader had a compassionate response in both male and female Imperials. Everybody thought that was a cruel deception. All in all, you have a 33% positive increase in how Imperials think of you."

"Great," he said scornfully. "Unfortunately, I have a 100% decrease in how I feel about myself."

"I know this is hard for you, but it's for the best." She poured syrup on her flat cakes and cut off a piece. Before putting the food in her mouth, she commented, "I guess my work here is done."

Luke pulled himself out of his self-loathing and locked eyes on her. "What do you mean?"

She swallowed her bit of flat cake. "I mean you needed my help in formulating a response to the rebels' remarks. I did and your speech was a success. You managed to ease the tension the rebels succeeded in building. People are feeling more positive about you and Emperor Vader. Things appear to be settling down. You don't need me anymore."

Her words put him in a near panic. "No, I still need you. Leia is bound to respond to my comments. There is no way she won't. I accused her people of blowing up their own planet when she absolutely knows that's not true. I'll need you to help me reply to her counterargument."

She chewed on her food for a long moment before setting her fork down and leaning back in her chair. "If she manages to get in another propaganda video through your censors, I'll return to help you."

He gazed at her, his eyes pleading. "Mara, you've shown me that I am completely naïve about the ways of the galaxy. I need somebody like you by my side...as an assistant, bodyguard, or handler. You know the ins-and-outs of politics. Together we can make the Empire something it has never been before...a wonderful place to live and not a government that blows up your planet if you irritate the leadership."

She shook her head slowly before narrowing her gaze on his face. "Your father told me you weren't skilled at deception, but you're getting better at it. Your reasons for me to stay are almost believable...with the exception that you revealed the truth last night...your desire for a relationship. You were forthright last night...so why are you making up excuses now?"

He clenched his teeth together before answering. "Because I poured my heart out to you yesterday. I told you how much I enjoyed your company and missed you when we're apart...and you completely ignored me. So obviously being forthright and honest doesn't work."

She gave a curt nod. "Fair enough. I didn't respond because I really don't know what I want yet... and this is a much bigger decision for me than it is for you. You're not going to give up being Supreme Commander to fly around the galaxy as part of the Wild Karrde crew. No, it's me that must make all the changes. I'll be expected to quit my job and follow you around. Can't you see that, for me, this is a far more difficult choice?"

Luke poured himself a glass of green milk and took a long sip before answering. "Believe me...if I didn't think all hell would break loose in the Empire...I would leave in a heartbeat to give us a chance."

She scoffed under her breath. "That is easy for you to say because you know the Empire will go to rack and ruin with you gone." She waved him off. "Do we really have to decide about a relationship now? Can't you court me like a normal male and let things evolve naturally?"

His brow rose as a broad smile crossed his face. "Are you saying you wouldn't mind dating me?" He knew she could probably feel his happiness through the Force, but he didn't try to hide it. "You wouldn't mind me courting you?"

She chuckled and shook her head in disbelief. "Gods Luke, you would think I agreed to marry you. Yes, I wouldn't mind hanging out with you...on the occasions we are on the same planet or Star Destroyer."

"Well, we are currently on the same Star Destroyer. Do you want to go out tonight to the Officer's Club?"

She shrugged noncommittally. "I have to check with Karrde to see if he wants to stay another night...which he may because he found himself a lady friend onboard."

"Really?" Luke leaned back in his seat. "Who?"

"Some pharmacist...Karrina I believe is her name."

"Lieutenant Shotts?"

She looked at him in astonishment. With over thirty-five thousand crew members on board, she was surprised that he could recall the name of a particular service member. "Yes, I'm impressed that you know you crew members by name."

"I remember her because she made such a big deal out of my private requisition order for ten thousand units of male repress meds." He gave Mara a wink and a grin. "I told her I had a big date."

She groaned. "You've talked to Karrde lately I see."

He chuckled as he put some eggs on his plate. "He contacted me last night about an hour before I went to bed. He wanted to know how things were going. We talked for a while." He cut his eggs with the edge of his fork and took a bite, savoring the flavor of Gartro eggs yolk side up. "I'm really starting to like your employer. He's a good man...for a kidnapper and extortionist."

"You just like him because he has a big mouth and is always encouraging me to date you."

"I did not know that...the dating part that is." Luke's smile widened. "That's another reason to like the man."

"And he has a hundred thousand reasons to like you," Mara pointed out.

He raised one corner of his mouth. "As do you." He looked down at his plate as he pushed his eggs around with a fork. "But you're not the type of woman swayed by money and power." He glanced up at her. "I like that in you. If I am going to win your heart it will have to be with my good looks and charming personality."

She laughed so hard she almost choked on her food. After a fierce coughing fit, she managed to regain her composure. "And don't forget your rimworld, boyish naiveté. That's your biggest selling point."

"And your caustic wit is yours," he shot back.

"Touché." She said with a grin, liking this version of Luke much better than the somber individual he was fifteen minutes ago. "If Karrde is willing to stay another day, we can go out to the club tonight."

He gave her a devastating smile. "It's a date then."