Author's note: I'm pushing all my ratings up to M. There's no smut but graphic violence that I realize in hindsight might be pushing it.

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Chapter 28

The texture of sand was engrained between her fingers. Mara clenched her jaw, her fingers reacting similarly by digging her nails into the ground. Her mind spun as she'd dreamed of the hundreds of ways that she was going to get out of this. She didn't know how to explain this to the Emperor. She felt apologetic, but to have been detected by someone almost instantly was still frustrating.

She believed the trick would have worked on Vader. To keep any communication with him non-existent, to grow closer with this Force Adept, and to bring him before the Emperor to face the justice he'd deserved. She'd believed strongly in the ideals of the Empire and understood that any traitors to it would have to face the tribunal, no matter how reasonable they were.

"Mara."

The Emperor's Hand groaned in her sleep, trying to keep herself in. She had been plagued by a stronger source of exhaustion, and kriff the bastard if he'd gotten upset over it. She only ever answered to one man after all.

"Mara..."

She grunted and finally stared up at him, finding his form beaming in the sunlight.

"Mara, you and I are different people, are we not?" Luke Skywalker paced around her. "You're the Emperor's Hand. I am a Jedi. But, you forget that minds can still be changed, and the Force have led to this for a reason."

Skywalker stopped and stared at her for a long moment.

"We are not to be define by the past, for there is a new road forward for both of us."

Before Mara could think of formulating a spiteful response, the Emperor's Hand was stopped short when he disappeared into an abyss. Emerging from the darkness, a grey mist presented itself and slowly boiled into a blurred image of a healthy-looking middle-aged man. Mara approached cautiously, wondering who he was.

"What… who are you?" Mara demanded as she stopped just in front of the man, receiving no response.

The ghostly figure remained silent for several seconds, a smirk crossing his lips. Its voice emerged, distorted, and vibrated within the hollows of her mind.

"You are… baffled…"

The ghostly figure stopped as it muttered something, which Mara barely picked up.

"You are… infuriated…"

The figure examined her.

"You want to know where Luke Skywalker came from…" The voice continued, "But most of all… you are… drifting."

Mara's eyes widened, and she wet her lips. It didn't matter to her that he'd known her name aside from exposing her identity. But a small part of her was afraid, that much was clear. She knew that spilling away too many emotions and not remembering her control would have Vader on her quicker than a drug dealer on spice, but in some ways, Luke Skywalker was far more... terrifying.

If he possessed so much power as he had, Luke Skywalker could single-handedly tear the entire Empire down to ashes. The Force came with limitations, but it was possible to use it in aggression. The Jedi, being the cold maniacs they were, would most definitely use it.

And she was most likely the first victim.

"What… who are you?" She managed to say, composing her fear.

The figure smirked. "A reasonable query, but it doesn't matter, for I can only watch from afar. A better question might be who the man you travel with is."

"Skywalker?" Mara murmured.

"There is potential within you, young one. Yet, the Force lured you away from the Emperor. Mara, Luke Skywalker needs you as much as you need him."

The words gave her pause.

"What do you mean?" Mara demanded, conquered by what she was missing here.

The figure shook his head. "You are meant for much brighter things than serving an Emperor. You will leave your impact in history-as you will eventually leave your impact… on him."

The ghostly form slowly faded before disappearing altogether. Mara stepped forward, needing to know more answers, "Wait!" She called out, but there was nothing she could do: the vision in her mind fading into nothing. One final proclamation echoed.

"Heed my words, know your fate. Know Luke Skywalker. Respect him. Your confrontation is by no means a coincidence."

"Bu-"

"Goodbye, Mara."

Her eyes shot open. Within her view stood the light of the ship's light or wherever she had been stored away, though she felt no danger. She gradually crawled off her side, cracked her ribs, and rubbed her orbs, discovering that within her hand still accessed her lightsaber.

She tilted her head and observed around the small room-there was no trace of the Jedi.

"Skywalker?" she called out, her voice still engulfed by weariness and barely carried out. There was no point. He may not hear her. She groaned as she stumbled up onto her feet. Her hand traveled through the rips of her skintight outfit, massaging her painful thighs. She stepped over and slowly made her way towards the door.

Soon, she remembered where she was and who was in the room with her. In a way, Mara felt relieved that she wasn't alone. That resulted in her thinking better of it. If she decided to make her escape, it would have to be through timing and out-maneuvering. She was relieved to open her eyes again and that the Jedi monster didn't try to do anything to her in her sleep.

She'd been aware of the issue of the Imperial court where nasty Imperial officers tried to do something as low as rape, even killing a few of them herself. She wouldn't pretend there weren't some issues there. But, the Emperor and the Empire stood for good.

She could respect his sincerity, even go as far as to admire the honor of his words.

She made her way towards him, halting just a few meters away from Luke as he continued to sleep. She flinched slightly, at the tingle, the jolt, that was surrounding her again.

'He is pragmatic for an enemy. Mature for another. I didn't expect this...'

'Maybe if he joins you, you could be able to fill that fantasy.'

Mara was thought not to believe in personal pleasures. Yet, if she could get the Jedi to see the virtues of the Emperor's leadership, the future would be up to the wind concerning their dynamic.

She shook her head. Was she seriously even considering this for a second? Kriff it, Wilhuff Tarkin must be rolling with his exploded space station.

It wasn't allowed, and deep down, she knew that unless she had the Emperor's direct permission, she doubted either of them would be allowed even if Skywalker was given a similar role to her. It just wasn't meant to be...

'But still, the Emperor can't punish you for having thoughts.'

"You know, you're lucky I hone my reflexes," a teasing voice echoed in her mind.

He was awake.

'Bugslut...'

Well, she had to keep the act going.

"Why would that be necessary?" She asked, almost reconsidering her stance as well as fighting the frustration that came with the thoughts in the first place.

The tired eyes of Skywalker's eyes blurred in and out, "Well, waking up to two quite lovely but still terrifying green eyes staring down at you isn't exactly the lively experience."

Mara forced down the laughter that rose in her chest and glared at him, "Considering I didn't kill you in your sleep, you might as well be thankful."

"Fair enough, though that might be a mercy."

Why would he... Mara huffed. "Do you have such a low regard to life?"

Skywalker gave her a dumbfounded stare before facepalming, "Of course not. Boy, I forgot you were really bad at this-"

Mara mashed her teeth together.

"-though why would anyone stand over someone while they're sleeping unless they're checking on them?" Skywalker shrugged. "At least you didn't pull your lightsaber on me. Had a bad dream of me doing that to someone once. Really bad dream. Pretty nasty hangover." He shivered slightly.

At that moment, the door opened, and an old man walked in. A human male with light skin, blue eyes, and gray hair.

His concern was obvious as he practically fondled over Skywalker.

"Hey, are you alright, Luke? Your father told us you didn't want to be disturbed bu-"

He waved it off dismissively as he pushed himself up from the bed and stood up. "Ah, don't worry, Uncle Owen. I have been through worse."

"Not in this body, Luke," sighed the older man with concern and frustration. "You have to be kriffing careful."

Not in this body? What the kark was he talking about?

"Thanks, Uncle Owen. Your parental presence will never cease to be endearing." Luke remarked sarcastically. "Did she put you up to this?"

Ah, so they were related?

Was that love and adoration in both of their eyes?

From what Mara heard, the Jedi didn't have any families and friends. They coldly swore off anything that made them connected to humanity. Yet, Luke Skywalker was a living contradiction, and maybe, she didn't see much appeal in killing him anymore with the heartbreak that she could cause this old man.

"Oh, you know women, nephew," the older man shrugged. "They aren't the type who takes no for an answer."

Luke looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding, "Yeah, I do..."

Owen eyed her, "So, young lady, you're the one Luke picked up?"

She was respectful to her elders as a general rule and now would be no different. "Not the words I'll use, sir, but yes."

"Oh, be careful with him. He might cause a mess in the kitchen when you aren't looking and try to clean it up with your robes." He scowled.

"Oh, you're still on that," Skywalker groaned. "Weren't you supposed to overcame that a long time ago?"

"It took me five fraking days to get all of the karking robes clean and even afterwards the sandstorms kept messing them up!" Owen exclaimed.

"I was 9-"

"10."

"-and your robes were the only ones available."

"You had your Aunt's!" Owen hissed.

"Hey, I said I was sorry," Skywalker defended in a not-so-innocent tone. "What do you want from me?"

"Why do you like to vandalize all of my stuff?!"

"Not all of it, and besides, if you don't want your stuff to be used, don't leave it where it's easily accessible," Skywalker replied cheekily.

"It's still a bad excuse."

"Oh, and you gave me hell for it afterwards. Now, shall we move on, my loving Uncle?" He smirked between his teeth as if accomplishing something.

"I'll consider you getting shot my repayment, but if you die on us, just know she'll drag you back. I will too." he threatened in a fake angry tone.

"Noted," Luke said.

The man started walking out, stopping, before turning around, a mischievous gleam in his eyes, "Also, Luke, if you do have sex with your girlfriend, use protection."

"Wh-" she started

"Uncle Owen!" Luke yelped.

"Still can't teach a old farmer new tricks," Owen smiled triumphantly before walking out, a dance in his step.

Skywalker looked more his age than she ever thought he would as she gripped his wrist with bruising efficiency, "Er... forget about him."

"I don't think I will," Mara growled, suspicious, "don't even think about having sexual contact with me. I'm not having sex to anyone at my age, especially not you."

"I'm not planning to, Mara."

"Good," she scoffed. "You have been through a strenuous ordeal, and I would hate to exacerbate it-"

"Eh, the bacta patch would be off in a few days. Probably even tomorrow." Skywalker shrugged. "Glad to know that you care so much."

"-which means that you're not in the position to fight," she continued, ignoring him.

"And?" Luke probed.

"You seem to have a steady enough leadership," she admitted.

"A true leader knows to take the recommendation of their followers. I have met far too many military leaders whose incompetence led to worse outcomes." Unbeknownst to her, a certain Bothan flashed through Luke's mind at that moment.

Giving him a lingering glare, she said, "I have considered your offer and shall ask the Emperor to spare you as long as you continue honoring your side of the deal." She responded, choosing to let it drop.

Skywalker let out a throaty chuckle, "I feel so protected."

"You should," Mara gave him a glare, "having the word of the only Emperor's Hand is influential, Skywalker. It is one of the most cherished value one can have."

"You still don't trust me. I don't blame you given what you were told about the Jedi. Yet as a follower of the Empire you believe that I should be obliged to trust you because of that fact." Luke stated.

"I never insisted such a thing." Mara retorted, irritation building within her. "The Empire doesn't kill people for the simple fact that they disagree with it."

"Oh? Then am I not to trust you? Maybe not. Passionate. Convicted. Arrogant at points." Luke paused, regaining his smirk. "Verbally abusive. Quick to act."

"I am not quick to act on my feelings nor none of those things you have described me!" She exclaimed, her voice seemingly afraid to regain its fire.

"Like I said, you're bad at this.."

Luke crashed his head to the side and casually looked at her. Mara blinked her eyes twice and shook her head, realizing that she'd just fallen for a trick. If the Jedi sought to infuriate her, he had succeeded. It would not be a mistake that should be repeated.

She sighed, "Well… one is expected to faltered. Yet arrogance? You think I'm actually arrogant?"

"You are quick to allow despair to blind you. These qualities doesn't define you solely, Mara. But enough of this-you are conscious, alive and your lightsaber in your hand. Except you don't want me dead..."

Mara narrowed her eyes. She was aware that Skywalker had been a fundamental threat that she may not be able to contain until she could find the time to lure him to a trap but that didn't mean that she had to continue rising to his bait dangled before her. The grip over the lightsaber tightened, her eyes glaring deep into his eyes. She said she would stand with him, to show him that the Empire wasn't directly evil. While Mara prioritized bringing traitors to the Empire before the Emperor, she also cared about Imperial civilians, and this Jedi was different from the stories.

He was open-minded, unlike the cruel bastards who abused their powers and descended on civilians for opposing them in the name of the fracturing system which was the Republic. Perhaps with time and management, he could be persuaded to see that the Empire wasn't evil, and he could even join them. His journey needed not to end on Coruscant, surrounded by Imperial Moffs and Admirals, watching him get his head chopped off from an Imperial tribunal.

An organization of hypocrites who didn't care about who they exploited along the way.

"I don't," she said. "I'm not obsessing over your death, contrary to your beliefs."

"That's good to know," he shrugged, "I'm surprised you didn't take a walk while I was out."

"A walk?" the redhead responded, eyebrows extended.

"You could have left at any time."

"Well, I didn't have a choice," she said darkly.

"Oh, but you did."

"Hmph?"

"I left the door open the entire time. You could have walked out hours ago."

"Skywalker!" Mara fumed. Kriff the damn lesson, she had hated being in enclosed areas for long. "Are you seriously telling me I've spent days inside of that room and you said nothing?!"

"It was not days..." Luke retorted, rolling his blue eyes. "Don't be dramatic. It was barely even 24 hours. I thought you'd noticed. I gave you your lightsaber. What else was I supposed to do?"

Cursing her oversight, Mara glared. "Well, I was taken by you; a Jedi. I expected cruelty eventually."

"That's not always an excuse, you know." He began to walk with a slight limp, leading Mara's eyes to continue following him. He stopped, turned, and looked at Mara who was still remaining motionless, staring at him. "Well, better late than never..."

You know, would it be wrong for her to leave him with a nasty bruise?

Mara shook her head but scowled and followed Luke, remaining cautious to linger several paces behind him in case he attempted to do something.

"Do you know where we are?" Mara asked as they both traveled through the ship.

Luke replied, "You're at a secret Rebel Base in an underground bunker. I brought you with me after what the Empire did what it did on Alderaan."

Mara was inclined to defend the Emperor nevertheless, "You and I both know Alderaan resisted. Bail and Breha Organas could have submitted to the Empire's custody and their planet would have been spared of such pain."

"Oh no, Mara, I do realize suffering happens in war. Yet, a preferable solution would have been sending representatives onto the surface. Instead, your Empire sent an Inquisitor with the intent to strike down a planet's leader without thought." He stopped. Mara almost collided with him with his sudden action. The Jedi tilted his head and looked at her. His eyes were hard and like daggers, yet she sensed no danger.

"…This could have been avoided with compassion."

Mara's eyes widened, yet she could concede with the point. She knew that most of the Inquisitors were cruel. Their track record has confirmed that and it was one reason that the Emperor craved to abolish them sooner or later. Mara would be happy to participate in doing the devastating blow when the time came.

"You intend… to keep me here? You are practically handing your friends over to the Empire."

Skywalker sighed and rolled his eyes, "I am aware. But I do wish for you to show me the genuineness of Emperor Palpatine's leadership before I am brought before the man. So far, I am at a loss, as you like to put it. Alderaan isn't a good first impression, I must say, and you want to show me what I need to see."

Mara placed her head on her temple.

The redhead paused and observed as Luke looked outwards; he was attentive, likely receiving communication from the Force.

"You have questions."

"Hm?" She arched an eyebrow.

"You are radiating with bemusement… and fear of me. You want to ask me questions which is perfectly okay, Mara. You don't need my approval." Luke said.

"…I do," Mara concurred.

"Then I suggest you ask your questions before I show you around. A clear mind is a functional one."

Mara exhaled. She couldn't believe that she was being tutored by a Jedi all things, yet she reasoned he had no reason to deceive her. She closed her eyes, exhaled once more, and finally spoke, "…I had dreams. Visions. Of you. I don't know what it is."

The Jedi's hands traveled to his chin in thought.

"In these dreams you spoke to me. How we were meant 'not to be define by the past'. That there is a new path forward. I need to know, Skywalker… are you toying with my mind? Were you attempting to control me by plaguing my head with visions? To motivate me into questioning my standing as a Emperor Hand?"

Luke remained quiet as he realized that she was starting to feel betrayed. It wasn't anything surprising. Mara was always an emotional figure, more than she let on. But she didn't wear her emotions on her sleeve.

"No, I'm not going to lie. You had a worm in your mind and I removed it."

Mara was too confused, despite the small anger bursting in her chest. How dare he go into her head?! "A worm? Where did it come from?"

"Places least expected," he answered anonymously.

"Mara. You have my word-that I played no part in these…visions of yours. I have not stood over you and fed you false visions while you slept; I have not used any powers to twist your mind and alter your loyalties."

"Then what is it?" Mara snapped. "Ever since I went on Vader's Star Destroyer, things have been different..."

"A Force User can leave behind unintentional echoes. Perhaps my presence is drawn to yours. Do you happen to hear and smell things that are not there?" Luke questioned.

"Yes!" she admitted, her shoulders rising. How did he know what the Emperor didn't seem to?! She'd remembered his threat to replace her, and it terrified her as well as motivated her to complete her mission!

"Mara, please... breathe..." he said.

The Jedi stepped forward. Mara's eyes began to light up with fear. He stopped directly in front of her, her head tilted up to match his gaze. He wrapped his hands around her. Her form stiffened, and she didn't return his embrace nor did she push him off. It was absolutely nothing compared to the Emperor or her advisors.

"They're going to fade through time, Mara."

"How do you know?"

"Because visions don't plague you. The less you fear it, the more they disappear."

'But how can't I fear it?' she demanded in her head.

"I would never hurt you. No… to convert one such as yourself to become my disciple… my friend… that would be a choice. For now, I would give you sacred information, and we'll have equal standing."

"And what would that be, Skywalker?" Mara questioned, her mind still revering to the life she grew up with and aspired to work for.

"I have some contacts within the Empire or at least going to shortly. There is a bigger threat from the Unknown Regions that I need the Imperials for. Unfortunately, with how badly things have been heading, I cannot depend solely on the Rebellion, despite also gaining allies from within." Luke answered.

Mara's eyes widened. That was big information. The fact that Skywalker chose to divulge such a secret to her, one that if true was threatening, was concerning. But who was the threat? She couldn't help but wonder. What was needed from both the Rebellion and the Empire that Skywalker needed? And should Mara help...?

She was curious. "And what is your plan for me?"

A tense silence passed within the distance between the two Force Sensitives for several seconds before Skywalker broke the silence...

"…To make you see, Mara, see what you need to see. And perhaps, you would do the same for me."