"In an exclusive report, it appears that the Master Jedi may not be so desired after all. We have insider reports that his companion during the premier of 'Rise of the Galaxy'. While most critics were reserved in their comments on the disappointing performance, it appears that the red-headed Mara Jade, former Emperor's Hand and associate of Luke Skywalker, has spared no language in describing the night, as well as her companion's poor taste apparently. Many users across the galaxy have lashed out at Jade's comments, defending Master Jedi Luke Skywalker's taste. We have reached out to Luke Skywalker for comment, but have yet to receive a response."
Mara curled up in her bed, holding her knees to her shoulder. She had been weeping for hours, her eyes now dry and sore red. Watching the holonet only made her want to cry more. She could only imagine the frenzy Luke was in. The poor guy was not trained to handle political situations like this. Even Mara, who was, had trouble dealing with those journalists. She couldn't fathom how Luke would react.
Snapping out of it, she commed Karrade, as calmly as possible asking him to track down Luke. If he'd noticed her uneasiness he remained silent, merely agreeing before signing off. He was surprised at her request for leave, but quickly granted it after Mara gave him a look that made Emperor Palpatine's scowl seem like a smile.
Where would a saddened Luke Skywalker, hero of the galaxy, Jedi Master, Rebellion Commander and loving friend go? Tatooine? No that'd be to obvious. Yavin? No, he wouldn't want to traumatize the Jedi adepts. She sighed, suddenly a thought popping into her mine. Coming Ghent, she stated, "I need a favor. Pull me all the records of Darth Vader's estate." Ghent kept any remarks or retorts to himself, assuring Mara he'd send them over as soon as possible.
Above the sky, Naboo's citizens didn't flinch, not knowing that a cloaked yacht with the firepower of a medium sized corvette was silently entering the long forgotten estate. Luke stepped out, and was greeted by an officer in a dark uniform, a badge with a black fist and "501st" engraved.
"Welcome Master Skywalker. I am Erv Lekauf." The man offered a crisp salute, and Luke smiled for the first time in days.
"This was Lord Vader's mansion, complete with hidden turbolaser batteries, shield generator, and enough munitions for a legion. The Tie advanced is in the emergency hangar, all the other ships along with your yacht will be stored there, pointing to a wide hangar with ten different craft stowed carefully, each unique but equally fast and armed. Will you need a tour of the residence or require any assistance?"
Luke politely shook his head, and the man continued, "Very well my lord. If you need anything just call my comm. It is a pleasure to meet you," briskly saluting. Luke extended a handshake, much to the man's surprise, but he quickly accepted, and they parted after Luke's thanks and dismissal.
He walked out a balcony overlooking a quiet lake. At least he was now free from the politics, free to hone his force abilities. His training had been neglected recently, with other more emotional matters at hand. He could feel Yoda shaking his head in the distance at the reckless young Skywalker, the same one that rushed off to face Darth Vader. The same one that threw his lightsaber away against the Emperor.
In the Senate hall, Leia could not have been paying less attention, sitting on the podium as senator Fey'lya levied some accusations at Admiral Ackbar being negligent. Luke had been missing for a week now thanks to the stupid red-head. Leia finally snapped, turning off Fey'lya's microphone and angrily telling him to shut up and sit down.
The whole Senate, filled with conversations and uproar moments ago, was now silent, all the senators looking shocked at the president. Leia had never shouted like this in an official capacity. But right now Leia did not care.
"Jedi master Luke Skywalker is missing. Unless any of you have anything that may help find him, I adorn this session."
Fey'lya pod immediately moved forward in protest, and Leia steamed, yelling, "Security, escort ex-senator Fey'lya from these sacred halls. He is unfit for duty," before exiting the chamber to many shocked faces and some restrained applause. Fey'la's fur rippled in anger, but quickly acquiesced to the blaster muzzles of New Republic security.
Adjourning the senate indefinitely and issuing an executive decree to find Luke Skywalker, Leia watched the skylines of Coruscant go by as her speeder streaked at top speed along the private skylane reserved for New Republic officials. Holding her head on her elbow as she stared into the distance, she couldn't stop thinking about Luke. He'd always been there no matter how dire the situation. She couldn't begin to imagine what could have drove him away so suddenly. Perhaps she was being overprotective? Perhaps it was really some Jedi mission? Or maybe Luke had somehow been betrayed by the one person outside of Leia, Han, Chewie, Ackbar and the Jedi council that he trusted-Mara Jade.
Lying dejected on the side, a cracked holopad lay forgotten as Mara lay in her bed, reminiscing the times she had gone undercover with Luke and had slept with him. She had always insisted that it was just platonic, yet always told Luke to grow up when he offered to sleep somewhere else. How ironic that it was Mara Jade, former Emperor's hand who feared nothing, that was too afraid to admit her feelings. Luke had always been patient, respecting Mara's wishes and pushing at just the right times. And now he had finally snapped, thinking that Mara had shoved him away in the most undignified manner possible. She had tried to be there when Luke needed someone in the past, lending a shoulder and embracing his warmth, offering her own when he needed it most. Perhaps this made it even worse, the fact that he had trusted her to open up in a way even Leia was not entitled to, only to be pushed away again. Mara burst out in more tears at the thought of Callista, how Luke had never truly recovered from her sudden flight, how he had talked to Mara on so many nights, opening up his deepest fears of losing Mara. If only then she had told him how she felt. She had pushed away his other opportunities, so often threatening to leave him for merely talking to other females. In true Skywalker fashion he had respected Mara's "requests", expecting nothing in return, never complaining when Mara openly flirted with other men, even if she never intended to pursue any relationship in those instances. She couldn't begin to imagine the betrayal he felt.
She was living the dream, being best friends with the single most desired man in the galaxy. But no. If she had been able to say a simple yes they may have been much more already. But no. Because she was Mara Jade: Stubborn and stupid, reckless and ruthless. She didn't deserve him. This is perhaps the one thing she got right. "Well at least find him. You're driven him to some unknown corner of the galaxy while you live in the apartment he gave you working with the people he introduced you to," a voice chastised Mara inside her head.
Finally controlling the tears flowing down her cheek, Mara got out of bed. The first time in three days. She imagined Luke worried crazy seeing her in such a state. She had only been so depressed once, and Luke had led her, even as she kicked and screamed, back to sanity. Given the chance Mara would have gladly lay down her life for Luke, not that she had ever admitted it. Now it was too late, she supposed. Luke had left, probably in his mind to spare her of the pain.
Mara bit back tears, finally sitting down at her comm unit. She held a flicker of hope that Luke might have messaged her. She had been sending him apology after apology, biting back her pride, but had never received a response. She doubt he had even bothered reading. No, not bothered, dared. She knew he felt betrayed.
Luke had seen the good in Darth Vader and Mara Jade, two of the most hated beings before Palpatine's downfall. He had gone through so much to redeem both of them, in spite of the fact both had hurt Luke in more ways than one. Perhaps this was too much for him.
Luke had never felt so hollow. For the thirtieth hour in a row he had been battling a sparring droid, conjuring his anger and frustration in a flurry of lightsaber moves he previously thought impossible. He had even managed to train with a shoto, mastering the use of two lightsabers in little over a month. His father was truly an amazing mechanic, his sparring droids able to replicate a weakened version of force lightning through the use of pulse generators and modified stun gloves. Luke felt confident now he could deflect force lightning, both with his lightsaber and the force. Spurred on by his father's collection of artifacts and training manuals, Luke progressed quickly, unlocking holocron after holocron and savoring the conversations he had with the faces that popped up. Jedi or Sith, it made little difference to Luke. If he wanted to defeat a future enemy he had to know them, right?
Luke knew he should be happy and proud. With little guidance, he had managed to master many force abilities and lightsaber techniques. He was more powerful than ever, by Yoda's own admission during a visit as a force ghost, even more powerful than the former Grand Master. Now able to utilize force speed, battle precognition, shatterpoint, force cloak, force deflection and much more. Away from the prying eyes of force ghosts, Luke had also began experimenting with battle meditation, force lightning and force drain. He knew he shouldn't, yet it was only in the moments he used these powers, that he truly felt alive, a luxury for Luke.
Suddenly, his danger senses flared up, and he immediately launched in a backflip, igniting his lightsabers and holding the blade to the chin of Erv Lekauf. Luke sighed in annoyance. He liked the man but right now he had just interrupted a very productive training session.
The man looked concerned, calmly stating, "Master Luke, I hate to interrupt, but you have not stopped for several days. It is imperative that you rest and consume some nourishment. What meal would you like?"
Luke forced a smile. Annoying as it was, he felt that Erv was a true friend and loyal companion, and did not want to hurt him. "Thanks. I'm fine, just got a bit carried away. Please don't approach without warning in future. I know you mean well, but I could've accidentally killed you!"
Erv calmly responded as he offered Luke a towel, "As you wish sir. If nothing else I will await your orders."
Luke graciously accepted and nodded in thanks. Just as Erv turned to leave, Luke had a change in heart, telling Erv, "Thanks again. Take the week off. Go see your daughter. You've been waiting too long here for me. Trust me, family is a treasure you must protect."
Erv looked stunned, but quickly composed himself, offering Luke a bow and responding, "Thank you Master Luke. You are most kind. If there is anything you need just let me know." With that, he walked away. Luke simply stood there, hearing the distant thump of the door closing as Erv went back to his family.
A smile emerged on Luke's face, certainly a rarity ever since he arrived on Naboo. It was good to know at least he had been able to help reunite one family. If only he was capable enough to start his own. But no, it was his own fault. Always trying to little, unknowingly pushing away his loved ones. There was nothing left for him to return to. Now all he could do was learn the power of the force and prepare for the extragalactic invaders his father had forewarned.
Father. Unknown to anyone but Luke and Mara, Vader had not died on the Death Star. Instead, he had recovered in secret, built a new suit with Luke, and went off to the unknown region, fighting off the Yuuzhan Vong while Luke united the galaxy. I'm sorry father. I've failed you, Luke thought to himself. Soon I will join you, and buy Leia more time to unite the galaxy.
Anakin had told Luke that the Yuuzhan Vong were terrified of robots, and extremely vulnerable to force lightning. Though blinded and distracted in the past, Luke now had the time and finally the will to learn the ability. And learn it he did, managing to conjure up a whirlwind of lightning surrounding him like a shield. Though untested, Luke had a feeling anyone who touched it would instantly be vaporized instantly. Even the Emperor's lightning was not as strong, though the Emperor's arrogance caused him to be complacent. Luke had learnt his lesson.
"Your faith in your friends is yours." The words still echoed in his mind, yet he never truly accepted this until now. Only now did he finally release his emotions. Oh if only he knew that his "friends" were only holding him back he could have progressed so much quicker!
New Republic Intelligence was a mess. In spite being led by Talon Karrade, who had a network even the Empire would envy, no one had found a lead on the jedi Skywalker. It certainly did not help that the legendary slicer had gone missing.
Bound and gagged in Mara's apartment, Mara watched over Ghent carefully as he pulled up logs of Vader's estate. Confirming her suspicions, a mysterious transaction had gone through just as Luke disappeared.
Of course the assets were relayed through hundreds of accounts spread across the galaxy, but they all converged onto one account. An account that happened to be based in Naboo. Mara noted the planet grimly-Home of her former master Emperor Palpatine and still reeling from Operation Cinder-and muttered a quick apology.
Before Ghent could flinch, he collapsed to the floor, Mara holstered her blaster, checking that she had restrained Ghent sufficiently before taking her go-bag. She had waited for days, prepared for days, to find Luke. She called the Jade's Shadow, thinking briefly of the Jade's fire that she had sacrificed to destroy the Hand of Thrawn. How she cherished that night with Luke. But now was no time to lament. She walked up the ramp, determined to find Luke wherever he was. Punching in the coordinates, she silently hoped she would find the Luke she knew and loved. She had a bad feeling about this.
At that very moment, Leia Organa lay hidden in a maintenance closet within the Jade's Shadow. Though she would not admit it openly, she knew that Mara was the best bet to getting to Luke.
Mara landed her ship in the Naboo spaceport, reminiscing Luke once offering to take her here for a vacation. She had denied him. It seemed only fitting that she had to confront him here.
Grabbing her lightsaber and backpack, she strode down the ramp, not noticing a shadow creeping out of the ship as she closed the ramp with a remote, never even thinking to look back. "Now we wait," Leia thought, her grim determination only surpassed by Mara, not that she would ever admit such.
Mara put her cloak on, her Jedi attire cloaking her flight suit inside. She normally hated this, and never failed to chastise Luke about his lack of fashion sense, yet with him gone for what has been over a month it brought her comfort to think she wore what Luke wore. At least the hood helped avert prying eyes as she reached out in the force, trying to sense Luke's presence.
She cursed in frustration, regretting rejecting Luke's offers to train her. Mara was beyond frustrated. Desperate even. She was a trained hunter, yet could not find Luke even as her life depended on it. She finally admitted this. Of all of Luke's skill, she had never thought he'd be able to hide so well. "Must have picked up some skills from Solo," she muttered.
Leia watched through binoculars in a building several kilometers away, careful to hide her presence from Mara. If she didn't know better, she would say that Mara really cared for Luke. The fact she could not find him either meant her skill was greatly exaggerated or that she wasn't really trying. There was no other explanation.
Erv was strolling down the street, happily chatting with his daughter after Luke had given him yet more leave. He could not be more grateful, and during the times Luke let him stay to help, he dedicated himself fully to serving. Luke had even trained Erv in some basic force techniques, something even Lord Vader did not do. Suddenly, he caught a pair of familiar green eyes. They were gone immediately, but Erv was trained under Vader and taught by Luke. He had a feeling bat those were the eyes of a former colleague.
Luke's comlink chimed, and he put down his lightsaber, deactivating the training droids before turning the device on. "Hi Erv, how's your daughter? Do you need help with something?"
Erv smiled and shook his head. "Thank you for the break again, Master Luke. I don't need any help at the moment, but I could have sworn I saw the Emperor's hand moments ago."
Erv hesitated for a while, wondering if he sounded stupid. Luke, sensing his hesitation, smiled encouragingly and gestured for him to continue.
"Well you see, I was walking down the streets and I saw a pair of green eyes. They were gone for a moment but I swear that they are the Emperor's hand's. Mara Jade, I believe."
Luke frowned and Erv grimaced, cursing himself inward for doing something stupid. After closing his eyes for a few moments, Luke spoke next, stating in a cold voice, "Thank you Erv. Your senses are correct, thank you for informing me. I will leave to deal with this matter. I'm not sure if I will be back, but until I do you are now in charge of the mansion. I have transferred sufficient credits to your account to cover the next fifty years. Thank you for everything. Force be willing, we shall meet again. Goodbye Erv."
Erv was speechless. He had always seen Luke as a master, yet Luke treated him as an equal. A friend. He was unable to muster a farewell, suspecting Luke knew this from his encouraging smile. If nothing else, Erv would return his kindness, managing his mansion until his master returned. As he walked to a balcony, he heard a faint whir, and instinctively looked up. He knew that was Luke's yacht. "May the force be with you, Master Luke," he said unconsciously, much to the confusion of his daughter. Finally recovering from his shock, he looked down at his daughter and smiled, continuing with her down the pathway. Luke had told him to treasure his family, and he would honour his Master's wish.
"My dear, Luke is a good friend."
Mara collected her thoughts for a moment. To any casual observer, it would seem a random servant just looked up at the sky to admire the clouds for a moment. But to Mara, she knew that it was not nothing. The man in question was Darth Vader's most trusted adviser and friend. She did not doubt Luke had contacted him, and at one point resided in the mansion that was once Darth Vader's.
A few removed ventilation shaft covers and ten minutes later, the man was bound to a chair facing a very desperate Mara, his scared daughter locked in the adjacent room. "Lekauf right?"
Erv flinched inwardly, used to Luke addressing him as Erv, but maintained his composure outwardly, hoping the Emperor's hand didn't notice. He suspected she did, in spite of Luke training him in rudimentary mind shielding.
Mara simply stated, "You will tell me where Luke Skywalker is. We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
The one defining trait of Erv was his loyalty. He had stayed at Darth Vader's side as he confronted a dark jedi. He had fought with Vader against rogue clones. He would not give up his master and friend's safety so easily. He coolly retorted, "Who are you and what business do you have with Master Luke?"
Mara offered a disarming smile, sensing Lekauf's suspicion. "I am a friend. I can imagine that you are very loyal to him, as am I. I need to know where he is, his life is in danger."
Erv looked unphased, responding, "Master Luke is well. He is in no danger apart from you. You're probably probing my mind right now, so you'll know I'll take his location to the grave, Emperor's hand."
Mara was taken aback, sensing his fierce loyalty to Luke. Unsurprising, she surmised. Erv was by nature a loyal person, and Luke's kindness build a legion of loyal friends and supporters, including her. Lekauf was polite, but she couldn't help but feel him calling her Emperor's hand discomforting.
"You want to kill him, don't you," he added. "You'll never win. Luke is the kindest and most skilled master I have ever served. He could destroy you without lifting a finger. He blew up the Death Star at eighteen, rebuilt the Jedi Order from scratch and force knows what else."
Mara stormed out of the room, drawing in deep breaths as she slammed the door. She knew Lekauf didn't intend to, but those words were very true. Even while she wanted to kill Luke she admitted she was no match for him. He had never attempted to do so, but having the statement said out loud hurt nonetheless. It only reminded her how her best wasn't enough. Wasn't enough to find Luke.
Mara pondered for a moment. Did Luke even treat her seriously? Of course he did! How could she have such treasonous thoughts? Sighing, she returned to the room.
She tried to hide her scowl, continuing, "I suppose he wouldn't tell you. I'm his friend too. Well, was. I dare say best friends."
Erv interjected, "You want me to believe that Luke we befriend you, the embodiment of the Empire. The person who literally worked for years to kill him?"
Mara restrained herself, tempted to beat Erv into a pulp. She imagined Luke lecturing her about anger, quickly taking in a deep breath before stating truthfully, "Not a day went by since we met that I didn't wonder why he would befriend me. He was the hero of the galaxy, and I was the former left hand man of the Emperor. Every time we met he would try and get to know me better. I thought perhaps he was sorry for me. Maybe even wanted to use me as a jedi for his academy."
Erv was inflamed. Interrogation was one thing, but if she expected him to believe this…
"I was wrong of course. I rebuffed him every time…"
Suddenly Erv's comlink chimed. That was from Luke! He scowled towards Mara, expecting her to take the comlink away. Much to his surprise, she simply nodded in acknowledgment, undoing his restraints and leaving the room.
Erv glanced around, satisfied that there were no bugs or cameras. He pressed the button, and Luke's hologram came into view.
"Erv, I have been meditating, and I should have told you. Before I continue, please know that I have always considered you a friend, and continue to do so. If you choose not to return this after I tell you my mistake, I will understand. About the Emperor's Hand: I was, um, actually I'm not sure how to describe it. I suppose we were friends, though I will admit I wanted more. I don't know why she is here, but I am not ready to deal with whatever she wants to." Luke paused before continuing, "She pusher me away Erv, just as I thought maybe we had become something more than friends. She pushed me away."
Erv could feel the pain in Luke, anger for Mara slowly boiling.
"I know I promised to be honest with you. I have told you everything: about my father and most other things, but I didn't want to burden you with this. I suppose I was just too weak. I'm sorry Erv. Please, go off Naboo for a few days, take your daughter with you. I've sent you the access codes for a yacht in the hangar, and the droids have equipped sufficient provisions. I don't think Mara will hurt you, but even I don't trust my own judgement. She is capable and dangerous, and I don't want you to be hurt because of me, hence my secrecy. I hope I'm not too late Erv. I'm truly sorry."
Erv had never cried before, not even while he was burned to a crisp. Yet here he couldn't control himself as he said, "No sir, don't be sorry. I completely understand." Erv felt flattered that Luke had taken such a risk and made such an admission. Erv had no right to know, in spite of Luke's insistence of the contrary. A warm tingling feeling made its way to his heart. Even with his former master and respected colleague Darth Vader he had never been given such information. Even if it was late, the effort was what counted. In the three months Luke had spent with Erv, they had truly developed a strong connection.
Quickly recollecting himself, Erv sighed. As much as he held suspicions towards the former hand, he had a feeling she needed to know. Holding his breath, he opened the door, stating, "Jade, you should see this."
Mara was surprised to say the least, but acquiesced and nodded in acknowledgment. Watching the video, she resisted the urge to cry again. Hearing Luke's hurt voice caused her guilt to resurface, notwithstanding how even in his depression Luke managed to befriend Erv Lekauf.
Erv only managed to say, "I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't know. Let me help you," before falling silent. Mara contemplated for a moment, before shaking her head.
"Thank you for your loyalty, but you still have a promise to keep. I'll bring Luke back safely, you have my word," Mara stated, before leaving the room, contemplating her next move.
"Wait! I'm not sure if this helps, but Luke mentioned something about visiting some Hutt palace," Erv stammered. Mara turned and smiled in acknowledgement, before continuing on, Erv staring dumbfounded at her silhouette, unsure if he had just given her a lead. Or doomed her to fail.
