Note From The Authors: Thank you everyone for your kind reviews! The chapters are short to start out but they get a lot longer... trust us hehe. Just so you all know, we have written through chapter 30, so the story is already a lot written, but were posting it when we get a chance from writing hehe.

Chapter 5:

As Vader left the medbay, an aide hurried up to him. "Milord, we're receiving a transmission from Imperial Center." Vader ignored the man and went to his private meditation chamber, where he knelt before the projection as the image swam into focus. "What is thy bidding, my master?"

"I sense that you have managed to capture young Skywalker." It was not a question, but a statement.

Vader paused. "Yes, master. My son and his friends are now in our possession."

The Emperor's smile widened. "Good. You will bring him before me."

"He is…. injured, my master. He is not yet strong enough to serve you."

There was a cold gleam in Palpatine's eyes, though the smile remained on his face. "I had foreseen it. That is why I have sent my Hand to you. She will ensure that he is ready. And, Lord Vader, do not keep me waiting once Jade deems young Skywalker fit to enter my service."

Vader said nothing for a moment, sensing the clear threat in his master's voice. Then he said, "As you command, my master." The transmission flickered out, and Vader left for the bridge.

Upon his arrival, the comm officer announced, "Receiving a request to board from a small private shuttle. The- the pilot identifies herself… as the Emperor's Hand."

Luke awakened in post-op, and watched as a medical droid tested the prosthetic hand he'd been fitted with. It appeared normal, but had a small panel in the wrist that opened for maintenance and repair. There was a tap on the door, and he glanced up. A young girl, she couldn't be more than eighteen or twenty, stepped into the room. She eyed him, critically. "You're up. Good. How's the hand?"

Luke stared at her. She cut a striking figure, with red-gold hair and emerald eyes. "It- uh, I mean, it's fine," he said, flexing it a little. "They say I might need a round in the bacta tank, but that'll be later." He hesitated. "Who are you?"

She returned his stare, coolly. "The name's Jade. I'm here to keep an eye on your progress."

Luke frowned. "Oh. Well, my name's Luke Skywalker. It's…. it's nice to meet you."

"Yes, I know your name. A pleasure. I'll see you again later." She left the room, just as abruptly as she came, leaving Luke staring after her, thoughtfully.

Darth Vader brushed past Mara Jade as he headed towards the medbay to check on his son. "Lord Vader, a word, if I may."

Vader turned. "What is it, Emperor's Hand?"

Mara looked up at him, standing firm. "Was it really necessary to take his hand? I mean, surely he would be in a better position to serve the Empire unharmed."

Vader jabbed a gloved finger towards the girl. "It is not your place to question my decisions, Emperor's Hand. Now, if there's---"

Mara's eyes flashed. "It is my place to make sure the Emperor's instructions are carried out, and to ensure that his best interests are protected. Good day, Lord Vader." She stormed off, silently cursing herself for allowing herself to lose her temper.