Heart's Destiny

Chapter 11 A fter braving the sandstorm on foot for a quarter of the distance, Luke and the rescue party made it safely to their hidden ships. Han was back with them, blinded by the carbon freeze, but unharmed; he’d recover his eyesight in time. Great relief washed over Luke at the thought that their plan had worked. At least something had gone right for a change. To have his friend back, and seeing Leia and Han reunited, gave him much needed happiness. The storm continued to rage outside as Luke took shelter in a cave. The rest of the party had sheltered inside the Millennium Falcon, but Luke had stayed outside, waiting for the storm to wind down so he and Artoo could hop on his X-Wing. There was no way any ship could take off in that sandstorm, and although it was keeping them stranded, it also provided enough cover from anyone who could have venture to follow them. Luke doubted this, after mayhem had broken out, and with Jabba the Hutt out of the way, he was sure all of his minions would be busy quarrelling amongst themselves, trying to seize power over the others, and wouldn’t bother to follow them. Still, he kept his newly trained Jedi sense on alert. While the novice Jedi waited with patience, memories of the recent escape floated in his mind. 97

HEART’S DESTINY Luke reminisced that, for a moment, while standing on the plank of the sail barge, he’d felt that all things could be lost. Seconds later he’d jumped towards the abyss that separated him from the Sarlacc’s jaws with blind faith, trusting completely in the Force and in the new skills he’d harboured while following its guidance. Everything had developed like clockwork after that… The feel of his brand new lightsaber in his hand had detonated everything. Soon the emerald blade had ploughed through enemy lines. Mara had been there! And she’d said she loved him! “Artoo, you better power down. There’s no need for you to keep watch,” Luke told the droid, his voice echoing oddly around the cave. The droid’s sensors would not help picking up much amongst the rumbling sand and it was best for it to save power. The droid let out a raspberry of displeasure. “I’ll keep watch for the both of us,” his human gently insisted. Not completely convinced, the droid did as he’d been told. Artoo stood quiet by Luke’s side, powered down to standby mode. Luke drew his attention back to their surroundings. Then a blurred feel of a presence… Her presence? Was Mara there? Had she braved the storm on foot just like they just had? Or his need of seeing her was playing tricks with his mind? Feeling his body tense, he stood up and remained still. Through the narrow entrance of the small cave, a cloaked figure appeared. Luke’s hand was immediately on his bladed weapon. The figure of the recently arrived stranger stood still for a few moments… Then the familiar, distinct energy signature of its owner floated towards him without restriction. “Mara?!” He uttered with disbelief. When hearing her name, the visitor approached him without hesitation. He walked fast steadily towards her. Both met midway in a tight embrace. 98

CHAPTER 11 Luke looked at Mara, amazed at finding her there. She’d come looking for him after leaving Jabba’s doomed sail barge, and he was so glad. His fingers delicately trailed along her beautiful features; still afraid she could be just a vision. “I’m for real, Farmboy,” she greeted. He kissed her with passionate desperation as an answer. Their lips parted. “It’s been ages since I last saw you…” he said, catching his breath as he closed his eyes, placing his forehead on hers “… until Jabba’s sail barge.” Mara smiled softly. “I like to keep an eye on you, Farmboy,” she teased, “So you don’t get into much trouble.” Luke opened his eyes and looked into hers, “Why are you here?” He could sense a specific reason. Mara knew she had to tell him the truth, she wanted to. “I came here to kill you,” was her blatant answer. Despite the weight of her words, to Luke these didn’t feel like a threat. He already knew her too well, and although she hadn’t been open about it, he also knew how deep her feelings for him ran. He could see it right now in her eyes. “I guess that mission was unsuccessful,” he gave her a tiny smile. “Very,” Mara confirmed. Both chuckled. The situation they found themselves in was insane! “I guess your superior officer is going to be quite upset when he finds out,” Luke added, trying to ease some of the tension in the seriousness of the situation. He perfectly knew who Mara’s superior was: the Emperor himself; but he could not bring himself to mention it. Mara’s fate under the cruelty of that man was an unbearable thought. “You don’t think I can handle it?” Mara countered, a challenge in her teasing. “Oh! I’d never doubt that,” Luke earnestly answered, “but I’m worried, deeply worried… about you.” 99

HEART’S DESTINY “I’ll deal with it, never fear.” Luke nodded and silence took him over. Something that happened to him a lot lately. In the dim, velvety light in the cave, Mara looked at the silent man standing in front of her with great care. Something had changed, she realized. Luke’s Force sense felt stronger, it was obvious that he’d exponentially grown in the Force. His training with that gnomish Jedi Master obviously had provided that, but there was more there. Somehow, he looked older. Only months had passed since they last had seen each other, and although he still looked young and handsome as ever in that dark outfit, funny enough he also looked as if a number of years had passed all at once over him. It was a strange dichotomy. The young farm boy looked more mature now. Luke’s posture had changed too. His somehow juvenile stance had completely disappeared; he now stood tall, strong, surely a result of all that training, but he also looked like if he were carrying the weight of the Galaxy on his shoulders. He had a deeply sad look in his eyes too, there was a shadow in them. Mara could feel him radiating his love for her unabashedly, but there were other feelings in the mix, feelings he was desperately trying to hide from her. When probing his presence in the Force, his Force signature felt… scarred. All too different from the shining ray of sunlight his presence had always been. His smile was still warm, sincere, kind… His demeanour gentle… but underneath it all Mara could sense acute sombreness. The spark of gleefulness had died. “What happened to you?” Mara asked in a whisper, her brow furrowed in worry. Showing calm, but almost screaming in pain inside. Luke kept quiet; he could not bring himself to speak the truth. To tell her his secret. For a moment he looked away, his lips pressed in a thin line. “You can tell me!” She encouraged, pulling Luke down by the hand, 100

CHAPTER 11 inviting him to sit next to her. Luke gave a deep sigh, looking for courage. “I… found out about something I was not expecting…” he started, “…or could have ever been prepared for.” Something unexpected? In war times unexpected things happened all the time! How bad could this be? Mara was really, utterly worried now. Mara’s intense stare urged Luke to continue. There was no way to soften things or tell them in an agreeable manner… He might as well just say it. Luke braced himself, “Darth Vader… Is my father!” It took Mara a few seconds to process his words. ‘What? Darth Vader had a son? And it was Luke?’ But she’d never heard of anything! The Emperor would have told her… Did the Emperor even know about it? “He told me…” Luke answered her unspoken question, “…Vader.” “He must be lying!” Mara spat in outrage. “I don’t think he is,” Luke said with calm resignation. He’d told himself the same words so many times already, to always get a strong confirmation that it was all true. “You’d better tell me the rest,” Mara urged at last. Luke told her what had happened. How he’d faced the Sith Lord in a lightsaber duel. How he’d lost is hand… How he’d chosen death over being captured by darkness. As he told his tale, Mara could feel Luke’s struggle, and how he kept back tears of sorrow at bay, surely to show some dignity and, knowing him, to not worry her too much. And she deeply knew it all came down to this: he was devastated. “He asked me to join him,” Luke confessed, “So we could rule together,” he then snorted at such nonsense. Mara’s ingrained reaction was to flare with indignation, Vader was infringing into traitorous ground! Mara then soon realized that the Emperor wasn’t any better, and that she too was already involved in 101

HEART’S DESTINY treason. Mara felt herself soften; her heart hurt for Luke. No doubt such revelation must have been painful to him. A few months back she could have even thought that this revelation could work on their favour, that Luke could have come home with her… But now, after everything she’d discovered about the falseness of the Emperor and his Empire, she could only feel sorry for Luke and perhaps even sorry for herself too. There was one thing she was sure of: whatever had happened with Vader, that one event had forged Luke into the man she was looking at now. “That’s quite the world-shattering discovery,” Mara admitted, “What’re you going to do with it?” “I don’t know what to do…” Luke admitted, “I can’t follow him!” That was a preposterous notion! “You’re still you despite it all,” Mara observed, putting her conclusion about how Luke was still fundamentally himself into words. She hoped they would be encouraging. “I don’t even know if I can trust myself anymore,” he desperately added, his blue eyes full of doubt. The same darkness that resided in his father must reside inside him too. His words infused Mara with raw anger. “Listen to me Skywalker!” She warned. “I’ve been around Vader my whole life! And I can tell you this: you are nothing like him!” She said with firmness. Luke looked back at her with an odd look on his face. She was defending him! And could tell she was being absolutely honest about it. Mara still believed in him! He granted her a tiny smile; her words meant the Universe to him. “What now?” For the first time since they had started their relationship Luke didn’t know where things should head to. Mara knew what he was referring to and reached out to grasp his hand in silent promise. Taking her hand, Luke accepted her proposition. They would stick 102

CHAPTER 11 together, no matter what, wherever it may take them. For some moments they both sat in silence, processing their exchange and comforting in each other’s presence. “Why did you help me?” He suddenly asked, “Back there at the warehouse… When that deal went all rotten on me.” Luke had always wondered why Mara had followed him that night, when they had met, but hadn’t asked yet. He’d been so full of adrenaline after their narrow escape and the thrill of getting to know Mara better after that, that the questions about her intervention had got drowned in all the excitement. Mara shrugged, “It was like a Force nudge. I just went with it.” That was all she could say, but when giving a second though to that impulse she was now starting to understand. “The Force?” Luke smiled. “Do you think it’s what brought us together? Regardless of our situation?” “Maybe Ashla has a romantic sense of humor,” Mara quipped, using the Lasat name for the Force. In silence, she looked at him… her palm on her face, her thumb grazing his lips. She’d given up so much for this man, she was risking everything! But she didn’t regret it. Mara kissed Luke, giving herself completely in that kiss. That storm outside would rage on for a few more hours, giving her just more than enough time to show him how much she’d missed him, how much she cared about him, how much she loved him. In the dimmed light in the cave, love took over them both. * * * As they lay holding each other, treasuring the moments of quiet peace, the sandstorm outside slowly wound down. The time to leave had come. “I have to visit someone,” Luke cryptically explained, “ I have a promise to keep…” he abruptly stopped. Mara didn’t ask more; she had a feeling that Luke would return to his 103

HEART’S DESTINY atypical Master. She’d agreed to say nothing of her visit to Yoda, and she was one to keep her promises. Maybe someday down the line she’d be able to tell Luke all about it. “Where and when shall we meet again?” Luke urged before she could say anything. He knew he could not press Mara to stay with him, to leave the Empire behind, so he’d have whatever she wanted to give him. “I don’t know,” Mara said, “But we will.” In the meantime, she’d go back to the Emperor. She could already hear his calling in the reverberations of the Force. Secretly, she planned to do some confirmation of her own, she still hadn’t bought all this “Daddy Vader” thing. So she’ll investigate whether Vader was telling the truth and the Emperor’s motives behind it; there was no way the Emperor didn’t know Vader had a son. This was one more piece of knowledge he’d kept hidden from her. Things continued to make more and more sense as she unveiled more lies. What was behind that order to kill Luke, held now more layers of motive on the part of the Emperor. So she’d go back. She ought to find a way to help Luke. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone with them,” Luke stressed when thinking about Vader and the Emperor. He knew Mara was more than capable of dealing with dark Sith, but still he didn’t like it. “I know how to keep my true intentions veiled,” Mara assured. “They won’t discover anything I don’t want them to.” This time Luke didn’t hold back, “Don’t leave… Stay with me!” He felt sick with worry. “The Alliance will provide asylum; I’ll make sure of that!” Mara sighed. “It’s not time, yet. Don’t worry…When it’s the right time for that, I’ll know and there won’t be any doubt.” So Mara would leave once again and he’d just have to hope and wait for her return. “Whenever I see you again, I have a feeling everything will be different for both of us.” Mara continued. 104

CHAPTER 11 Luke listened in silence. She was right, things were going to change. The next move of the Alliance was close, he could sense it in the flow of things… The final showdown was near. For now all was left for him to do was to trust Mara. * * * Back in Imperial City, Mara had had to give the Emperor the bad news: Skywalker and his friends had managed to escape. Palpatine had not been happy, and she’d gotten a warning. And a warning from the Emperor was something that should never be taken lightly. Mara could get away with just a warning just because of how good she was at what she did, and Palpatine valued that about her. She was after all, the perfect tool. She was sure the Emperor had believed her, but she wondered for how much longer she’d be able to hide her true feelings in all this matter from the Sith Lord. To make things worse, she’d heard that Admiral Thrawn was on planet, and she very well knew that a visit to the Imperial Palace and a briefing with the Emperor was going to happen. That night, Mara had the reunion she had much dreaded. “I must admit to no little surprise that the vaunted Emperor’s Hand let her prey slip away, unharmed?” Thrawn mused, with an air of keen amazement. “Either your reputation is much exaggerated, which I doubt, or you let them get away, intentionally.” There was a heavy pause. Mara dared not answer or give anything away even with a twitch of an eyebrow. “Now, whatever reason for that could there be in all the worlds?” Thrawn asked rhetorically. Mara finally stirred. “You are jumping at shadows, Admiral.” She was pleased to find her voice was steady, the tone coolly dismissive. “Tread carefully, Mara Jade,” Thrawn warned, “One wouldn’t want to 105

HEART’S DESTINY mistakenly think that the Emperor’s Hand is involved in treason.” The Chiss’s glowing red eyes gave her a knowing look. Thrawn knew! There was no doubt. The following day, Mara had her new assignment. Mara had been assigned to track the Rebels in the Endor system. She’d follow orders just as she’d always had. She’d follow the Rebels to the end of the Galaxy if necessary, just as she’d been asked. And this time, she was not coming back to the Empire. 106

Chapter 12 T he moment she arrived on Endor, things had felt out of place right away. The TIE Fighter squadron escorting her down towards the landing deck was not standard procedure. Her orders were to not change speed or course, or she’d be taken down immediately. Mara did as she was told and assessed the situation. Had Admiral Thrawn orchestrated this? No, this was not his style… Mara thought while surrounded by the tight escort. No, Thrawn would have openly confronted her and would have made her suffer before coming forth with everything he knew to the Emperor. This was Palpatine’s doing! All of it. Somehow, the Sith had found out. Maybe she hadn’t been shielding in the Force as good as she’d thought. Mara ran the normal procedure in her mind. Once she landed she’d be taken into custody by a unit of Stormtroopers. They would keep her locked up until her ride back to Imperial City arrived – if it had not arrived yet, surely a unit of Royal Guards would be assigned the job of taking her before the Emperor. The closer she got to Coruscant, the slimmer her chances of escaping and survive would get. To think of what the Emperor would do to her once he had her, sent a chill down her spine. No! She would not give him the satisfaction! 107

HEART’S DESTINY Soon Mara came to the conclusion that her best and only chance of survival was to engage the TIE fighters and then make a run for it. She was already in the moon’s atmosphere; all she could see were vast expenses of trees down below. ‘Nowhere to land without making a mess,’ she thought. Mara braced herself and pressed some switches, changing her velocity and putting the ship’s controls on manual. “Phantom fighter, stay on course or you will be shot down!” A voice cracked in the cockpit’s speakers when her custodians realized the changes in her ship’s readings. “Here I go, boys!” Mara muttered. The Phantom class starfighter veered abruptly in an evasive manoeuvre, breaking formation. The TIEs immediately compensated and moved into pursuit. But Mara’s plan was not just to escape, her plan was to take them all down or they would never leave her alone. Without second thoughts, she engaged the Imperial fighters. The TIE pilots never expected an attack. The fight was fast and vicious. In her first try, using the advantage of her surprise manoeuvre, Mara took down one of the four without much effort. But Imperial pilots were well trained, and soon they realized what was going on and adjusted accordingly making laser cannon fire rain on the Phantom from every angle. The Phantom’s deflector shields sustained the first wave of fire without losing much power. But this wouldn’t last long, a second and third wave would definitely do major damage. Following her thorough training, Mara manoeuvred, trying to get the advantage position, but the other pilots matched her move for move every time. It was obvious that these were not just regular TIE fighter pilots, just as she was not any regular Imperial Agent. Mara realized the pilots were actually Imperial Royal Guards. Palpatine had thought out everything. All right, it was time to try and pull out one of the oldest diversions 108

CHAPTER 12 in the book. She would fake her own demise. It was a very high-risk measure, to be performed in complete manual settings, thus rarely tried; but if she did it correctly, they wouldn’t even notice. This would make crap of her ship, but would give her the chance to get rid of her pursuers and try her chances on the surface of the moon forest. Mara set the shields to their highest power, and put the ship into security lock down – this would isolate the charges in the cannons so these would not blow up on its own; leaving just one charge available, set to its lowest power setting. This low-level set charge would do the charm. She aligned the ship into the right trajectory and waited for the right bolt of enemy fire to hit her… When it did, everything was set into motion. The Emperor’s Hand held the helm of her ship tightly, making her bend trajectory into an awkward position. The screeching of metal panels and bolts when resisting the G forces and wind resistance made her teeth grit. When the timing felt right, she pressed the fire button in her controls. The Phantom came down in a huge ball of fire. To anyone witnessing the ship’s rapid descent, would undoubtedly appear as if the ship had been taken down by laser cannon fire. It was more of an emergency landing than anything, but engulfed in a spectacular blaze that gave all the dramatic effect that Mara needed. After skidding several hundred meters, leaving a trail of heavily raked soil and broken and burned trees behind, the wrecked ship stopped. Mara’s pursuers passed, flying rapidly over the crash site, scanners at full power. The heat of the wreckage would cover any heat signature of their prey’s body. Knowing this and following standard procedure, they would go back to the Base and suit up to come back and do an on-site search, looking for her remains; but Mara’s second part of the plan was that they would not find her. What they would find would be expertly 109

HEART’S DESTINY set up charges. So when the Royal Guards came near the ship looking for her, they’d become part of the wreckage. Freeing herself from the safety harness and the security foam that had blasted out at the moment of the crash, Mara climbed out the doomed star ship. She felt a bit battered, but there was no time to rest; she’d administer herself medical aid on the go if necessary. Retrieving the compass from her survival kit, Mara searched the coordinates. She had all the information on the Rebels Palpatine had given her, thinking that she would not make it without being captured by his Royal Guardsmen. The Emperor had underestimated her, and she would make sure he paid for that dearly. It looked like it was time to ask for that asylum Luke had insisted on so much. And in order to do that, she had to walk right into enemy’s reach. * * * In the darkness of the forest, Luke walked away from the Ewok village. His movements mixed with the nocturnal sounds and activity of the creatures of the night of Endor. He didn’t need the light of his emergency lamp, extending his Jedi sense ahead of him, he was able to clearly discern the way. His steps were light, but his heart was heavy; heavy with sorrow, aching for Leia because of what he’d just revealed to her. The Princess of Alderaan knew everything now. The young Jedi knew it had been all too much too fast, but he hadn’t had much of a choice. Leia had to know. He still hadn’t fully recovered from his own shock at finding out that they were siblings, twin brother and sister. This knowledge remained a pristine source of comfort, despite the task ahead. Facing Darth Vader and his Emperor was a dreadful prospect, but it was where his path led, the Force was very 110

CHAPTER 12 clear on that. He still had his own trials to face. After his visit to Dagobah and his return to the Alliance, things had fallen into a fast spiral, and the end of it meant that the final show down he’d been sensing in the flow of things for some time now was right ahead. Tonight, many things would be decided. Luke felt fear slowly creeping in, like an invisible predator trying to find the right opportunity to jump on its prey. Yes, he was afraid. Afraid of facing his father again, of facing the darkness of the Emperor… Afraid of never seeing Leia and Han ever again, of what could happen to any of them… They were all walking into insurmountable danger. Afraid of losing Mara, his Mara. And in the middle of all this, fear of losing himself and to never come back from a fate more horrible than dying. As he moved farther and farther apart from the Ewok village, Luke’s thoughts felt heavy in his mind. Then, a faint sound of something or someone brushing past nearby foliage… He snapped out of his musings and stood in alertness. It had been a very muted sound, but his senses were permanently enhanced by his connection to the Force, and in a very short time he’d learnt to trust these little nudges. He knew what he’d heard. Luke prepared himself. Taking cover behind the trunk of one of the massive trees of the Endorian forest, using the Force he tracked and located his objective. It was sentient, and the energy signature was definitely human… but he could not get anything else, like if a soft veil of blurred energy was in place around it; a human figure moving stealthy towards the direction he’d come from, the Ewok village. What did this stranger want with the Ewoks? He’d better find out and make sure he or she didn’t mean any harm. In a stealthy manner too, he followed the trail the stranger followed in a parallel trajectory, narrowing the distance. There was nothing he could pick up with his normal senses, it was very dark all right, but at 111

HEART’S DESTINY this distance he should be able to make out at least a silhouette, but there was nothing… so probably this visitor was using some sort of personal cloaking device. These devices were rare and highly illegal, but existed. Luke kept at it, until he left the unknown figure a few meters behind. Once he felt the distance was appropriate, he cut the mystery figure off. Standing a few meters in front of it, Luke raised his hand and created a thin Force wall, something that would not harm the intruder, but would definitely slow it down. To his surprise, the figure stopped just centimetres away from the etheric wall before bumping against it. Had it sensed it? The figure turned around, trying to take cover; but Luke was faster. With the will of his mind he extended the thin Force wall around his target, like if it were a long piece of flowing silk, imprisoning it inside a tubular invisible wall of energy. “I don’t mean you any harm,” Luke called as he walked towards the cylinder, holding it in place, “Show yourself!” “I don’t mean any harm either, Luke,” the other’s voice called when recognizing him. His heart skipped a beat. How had he missed her? “Hello, Farmboy,” Mara greeted with relief, while tuning her cloaking device off. The very moment she felt the Force trap vanish, she walked fast towards the Jedi to meet him in a fierce kiss. Luke held her tight, kissing her back with unrestrained passion. He felt giddy of having her back in his arms. It felt like her thing now, to pop up like this, in such unexpected ways; but he didn’t mind, for as long as it meant he’d have more of his beloved, she could pop into his life any way she pleased. Mara broke their kiss. Trying to catch her breath, she explained, “I didn’t know it was you. I didn’t sense you until I almost bumped into that thing you put in front of me.” Then something occurred to him, “Perhaps we were both shielding too hard?” Luke wondered. He knew he was. He’d been doing it since 112

CHAPTER 12 he’d sensed his father’s presence so he would not put the others in danger. Mara frowned. Probably that was it… She’d been shielding very tightly since her escape from those Royal Guards, hiding her presence from any Force sensitives, particularly from Palpatine. “That was a very impressive barrier you erected - quickly, too,” Mara complimented him. It was beyond doubt that he was becoming more and more powerful in the Force by the day. “I wondered if you’d show up before my next mission,” he gently teased with warm affection. “You know me, I’m an expert at the unexpected.” Putting his delight of seeing her aside, then Luke noticed she looked a bit battered. “Are you hurt?” He asked in concern. “What happened?” “Nothing I couldn’t handle. I had a run in with some Guards.” Mara had shed her spoiled flight suit and sported the dark Imperial Uniform she’d been wearing underneath. “So they know,” Luke stated, clear worry in his words. “Yes, but I covered and disguised my tracks well enough to buy some time. But there’s something you need to know.” Luke became totally engrossed in things beyond the personal. “What?” “On Endor there is a secondary power station and 8 relays, besides the main shield,” she started. Luke’s blood chilled at her revelation. It would take a lot more of what the Alliance had planned to take down the Death Star’s shield generator. “It is a secondary but vital objective. I can slice into it and link everything to the controls in the main bunker,” she explained further. Luke listened attentively, the main bunker was Han and Leia’s primary objective. “Once linked, all the terminals, secondary power stations and relays will explode together,” she finished. So Mara knew about the extra generators that the Rebel’s weren’t 113

HEART’S DESTINY aware of. Luke’s mind raced, if Mara could only reach Leia and tell her this. But Mara should put herself far away from Imperial forces, not dwell amongst them. If her Master found out she was still around, the Force only knew what he’d do to her if she got caught. The thought made Luke terribly uneasy. He could tell his love for her was blinding his judgment, but he had to insist, “You should stay away from this. Tell Leia what you know and then go as far away from here as you can,” he begged, “You can help us, but you must put yourself out of the Emperor’s reach first.” “Oh sure,” Mara retorted. “While you walk right into the Rancor pit?” Luke kept quiet. She was right, here he was urging her to get out of Imperial territory and he was determined to walk right into it. But his path lay on a different line than Mara’s, this he could sense. He met her fierce emerald glare. “I have to face my father…” Luke started, “I can turn him back to the light, I don’t know how, but I know I can!” “You think you can face down two of the most ruthless and adept Force users?” She demanded. “I know it’s risky, but I must do it!” His sincerity was overwhelming. Mara sighed. She hoped this wasn’t just Luke’s consistent optimism at work, that he really had a chance to succeed. Luke looked at Mara with soft, loving eyes… He sighed softly and granted her a reassuring smile. Amongst all of the gloomy prospects, all that was left for him to do was to hold on to hope, to the light within. He had to believe… No, he needed to believe. Believe that his father could be turned back to the light, that the Emperor wasn’t as treacherous as rumour had it, that Leia and Han would be all right and that he’d see them and his other dear friends again… He needed to believe that, once this was all over, Mara would be back at his side again, to never part. He needed to believe that, no matter what, he’d survive this. And the most important part of all this was that, he had a reason to. 114

CHAPTER 12 Yes, Mara was his reason. So no matter how deep into darkness he’d go, the beacon of Mara’s love would always show him the way back. Somehow, Luke felt the fear that had taken a hold of him moments before vanishing within, like meek snow melting under the first rays of the morning sun. The sound of running vehicles reached them. “Those must be Imperial patrols,” he muttered. “No doubt,” Mara agreed, feeling a sense of urgency. “Find the Rebels,” he told her. Then taking her hand he placed his Alliance Commander insignia in her palm. “Take this and ask to see Leia… When you meet with her, she’ll want proof. Tell her that the day she and I met, she told me I was too short for a Stormtrooper.” Mara gave him an odd look. “I’ll tell you the full story sometime.” “I have a feeling it’ll be a good one,” she quipped. The Imperial vehicles were up close now. Luke gave her a meaningful look. She took the hint. Without words, they understood what they must do. Before putting their unspoken plan into motion, Mara reached out and kissed him once more, infusing all of her love in their exchange. Luke returned the kiss, promising to himself that he’d survive just to kiss her again. “Make sure you come back to me,” she warned. “I will,” he promised. Suddenly, both were aware that the patrol party would soon arrive. There wasn’t much time left. The vehicles would soon close in on them. Quickly, Mara retrieved the handcuffs she carried in her utility belt and bound Luke’s hands with them. When the patrol party reached their location, they were ready. 115

HEART’S DESTINY It was a larger than usual patrol team, consisting of an assault vehicle full of stormtroopers and a dozen speeder bikes. The bikes followed a circular formation surrounding their quarry, tracking lights blazing in the dark night. Soon all blasters were pointing at the couple. A tall, dark haired, thin faced man descended the vehicle and approached them. Mara eyed the man, measuring his character just like she only knew how. Palpatine should never trust his Senior Officers to deal with her. “This is a Rebel spy,” she stated with authority, “He’s surrendered.” “And you are?” The Senior Officer asked with a hint of despise in his question. “Sleeper Fenix Aurek-Besh-Seven-Zero-Two,” Mara stated, “Run that in you data base, Lieutenant,” she ordered while recognizing the man’s rank, and moving in a way she made sure her own Imperial insignia showed on her uniform. The Emperor’s Hand had several aliases or code names, all unknown to any high-ranking officials, some unknown even to the Emperor. Names she’d given herself and were out of anyone’s reach, precisely to avoid any high-ranking Imperial to mess with them, and there was no way Palpatine had had access to all of them just yet. She’d kept them very well hidden for security reasons, although she’d never thought she’d need to use them against the very master she once served. These aliases were inputted in the Imperial Military records, laying dormant until she needed them and call them up, and all entries would self-delete a short time after being used. Right now, Mara was using one that granted her a rank equivalent of a Captain General in the Imperial Military. Showing too much arrogance, the Officer ran what he’d been given in his datapad; when the data came back, his eyes went wide with surprise. With clear shock on his face, he looked back at her and stiffened. “Give me that!” She ordered. Probably her biometrics will rise a flag in the Emperor’s private intel systems, but by the time they realized it she’d be long gone. 116

CHAPTER 12 The Officer extended his datapad and Mara placed her hand on the screen. The system beeped green. When looking at the results of the scanning, he then extended a sharp military salute. “Madame! What are your orders?” The Lieutenant stated, trying to show more confidence than what he was really feeling. With awe, Luke watched Mara fall with ease into her Imperial role. She was so good, no wonder she’d had such an extraordinary career within Imperial ranks. “Give me a quick debrief of the situation in the area, Lieutenant,” she commanded. “Fargis, Madame… Lieutenant Fargis,” the man gave his rank and name, then proceeded to provide Mara with the information she’d asked for. This would give her a clear notion on where the Rebels stood, and then she could plan to their favour. “Take this rebel directly to the Lord Darth Vader,” Mara ordered, “Make sure this scumbag gets to his lordship expeditiously and unspoiled.” “Yes, Madam.” The Lieutenant made a signal with one hand and the prisoner was taken into custody by a group of Stormtroopers. Afraid of risking being detected by his father too soon, instead of communicating through their Force bond, Luke only gave Mara a faint smile. The Emperor’s Hand didn’t smile back, she could not have her façade fall, but in her eyes she made sure he could see everything she wished for him. Mara watched as Luke was taken away, right into harm’s way. She wished she could do something. She wanted him back, soon and unharmed… but she understood that for now all she could do was to stick to their plan. So much depended on that. With the Imperial patrol gone, Mara focused on what she needed to do to further their plans with the single-minded resolve that was 117

HEART’S DESTINY second nature to her. She resumed her route towards the Ewok village, losing herself in the darkness of the forest. 118

Chapter 13 T he first traces of light showed over the high treetops of the forest. The chill of dawn made Mara’s body shiver as she saw her own breath transform into small clouds of vapour. Her sophisticated stealth device and her shielding in the Force had allowed her to remain undetected as she climbed amongst the tall trees by using the narrow hanging bridges that led to the Ewok village. The device she wore was a high-tech piece of equipment, unknown to most and only supplied to those the Emperor trusted, which narrowed the list to a very few people; the danger of having Imperial rogues accessing these devices had always unsettled her former master, and now this was working to her advantage. How sure had Palpatine been of her loyalty, of the hold he had on her… And how blindly she had trusted him, followed his every order, believing that she was serving the greater good. Her loyalty had been absolute. It had taken the presence of Luke Skywalker in her life to shatter all that. In a sense, the young Jedi had been the catalyst for her awakening. This gave her a bittersweet feeling, in so many ways made her feel stupid, deserving of punishment… but for now there was no time to dwell on that. She had a mission to accomplish, something she had to do for Luke, at whatever the cost. Avoiding Ewoks standing guard and Rebel sentinels, she reached the 119

HEART’S DESTINY summit. In the small main square of the village everything was quiet, peaceful even. Small military tents were scattered in between the branch huts of the locals. The light was still dimmed since it was very early, and everyone was resting, saving up energy for the mission ahead. Mara had to find the Princes of Alderaan. Knowing how royal protocol worked, she was sure the Princess would not be sleeping in one of the tents… No, by the looks of it the Rebels had made an alliance with the villagers, and the Princess would had been offered a place of honour. This meant she’d be housed in the main building in the village, and she was just looking at it now. With light steps, Mara approached the building made of logs, thick branches and foliage. She went through the main door and carefully stepped over sleeping Ewoks, heading to the door of the room at the far end. When she reached it, slowly she pushed the wicker door. There she was. Lying on a rustic bed, Leia Organa with Han Solo sleeping by her side. “Leia,” Mara barely whispered, next to the sleeping woman. Immediately a pair of startled, deep brown eyes were staring back at her. “I know you!” Leia let out, unable to hide her surprise. “The dance girl at Jabba’s… Arica!” Mara nodded. Leia sat up, pulling her legs from underneath the pelts that had served as blankets. “What are you doing here?” The Princess asked. “I’m more than a slave girl,” Mara said softly. “I can see that,” Leia stated, but that hadn’t answered her question. “What the…?!” Han’s startled, deep voice muttered. He’d just woken up. “I’m here to help,” Mara explained, “Luke sent me!” The shock on Han and Leia’s face was very evident. What was she saying? Was Luke all right? That made Han reach out to his utility belt 120

CHAPTER 13 and blaster and jump out of bed. “Well, we’re going to need proof of that,” Han said before Leia could say anything, “And you better not have harmed him,” a clear threat in his voice. With everything that was going on, this unknown girl could very well be just lying to create a diversion. Mara retrieved Luke’s insignia from a pocket in her utility belt. “He gave me this…” she extended the trinket to Leia. Under Han’s watchful eye, the Princess took the insignia in her hand. “…and told me that the very first time you and he met, you found him to be too short for a Stormtrooper.” The puzzlement on her face couldn’t be faked, it was evident that Mara didn’t have a clue of whatever that meant. Leia smiled and chuckled, the memory of that first encounter was still vivid in her mind. Somehow this woman didn’t feel like a threat. “You did save my life once,” Leia remembered. “Do you trust me now?” Mara asked. Leia gave Han a meaningful look. “As much as a wild vornsk can be trusted…” Han said sarcastically, “… but yeah, we trust you.” Despite his words, the tall man seemed to feel more at ease. Mara swiftly filled them in on the power stations and how they worked. “I have no small amount of skill in disarming that sort of thing,” she finished. “I believe I can be of use in that regard.” But in order to do that, she’d have to be sitting at an Imperial computing terminal. * * * Luke was brought before the Emperor by his father. There was a sparring of words between the old ruler and the young 121

HEART’S DESTINY Jedi, but soon it was clear that reality was all too different from what the Rebels had thought at first. As he listened to the tale, the words of the Emperor embedded fear and desperation in Luke’s soul. “It was I who allowed the Alliance to know the location of the shield generator. It is quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them. Oh, I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive,” the Emperor’s voice crackled, mocking him. If all this was true… Luke feared for Han and Leia and the rest of his dear friends. But he should not despair, there was always hope, something that could be done. And the Emperor didn’t know about Mara. He could not know, couldn’t he? Like if sensing what had just crossed Luke’s mind, the Emperor spoke, “I know you’re involved in a clandestine relationship with someone who was once close to me.” Luke kept his shields tight, his feelings for Mara hidden deep in. “Don’t bother to hide it from me,” Emperor Palpatine dismissed, “You have her stench all over you!” He spat. Despite the dread he felt, the young Jedi remained passive, showing no affection. Yes, the Emperor could perceive the link that bonded the two lovers. “It was hard at first, to distinguish it, to isolate it from everything else,” he elaborated. “But the glow of a woman in love is unmistakable, too powerful to remain hidden.” Once the old Sith had found it, it had all been too easy to uncover his Hand’s treachery. Of course it had been hard to identify, Luke rationalized. Love would be an energy unrecognizable to any Sith Lord. “But I’m taking care of everything. As we speak Mara Jade is being hunted down,” Palpatine gloated, “Her treachery will cost her her life!” The Emperor’s words shook Luke to his core. But Mara was 122

CHAPTER 13 resourceful and a formidable foe, so he should not fear for her, she’d be all right; and from what the Emperor had spoken of, Luke could tell the Sith didn’t know Mara already knew all about his plan and that she was several steps ahead of him. The thought of having Mara backing up the plans of the Alliance gave Luke great hope. * * * Mara’s rank had given her quick and easy access to the Imperial Garrison on Endor. As she entered the facilities, soldiers and officers saluted their superior officer. “I want to see Lieutenant Fargis,” she ordered right after she crossed the main access. Minutes later, the Senior Officer in question came to her location, followed by an escort of four Stormtroopers. Blasters in hand, the white-armoured soldiers took position around her. “What’s this?” Mara commanded. “We have instructions to keep you under vigilance until your extraction back to Imperial City,” Lieutenant Fargis stated, trying to show more confidence from what he was really feeling. The man looked clearly confused. Mara’s eyes slightly crinkled. Right, this sure was the Royal Guard’s doing. Those bastards were the Emperor’s hounds after all. “I’m not going back to Imperial City,” she cut the Officer off, “Not until I’m done with my business here.” “We’ve been ordered to hold you until…” “Under whose orders? Lord Vader? The Emperor himself?” Mara demanded. “We don’t have the specifics…” “Of course you don’t! We are under Rebel attack Lieutenant! Your 123

HEART’S DESTINY communications are surely compromised. That’s certainly a fake order! Some sort of insert made by Rebel spies!” Mara was playing all of her cards. “Why do you think my presence here was kept top secret? Until you made me use that scanner!” To turn the table on someone was always a good psychological tactic. The Lieutenant was at a loss for words. “Madam… Uh, I am just…” He wasn’t able to finish his sentence, as a Junior Officer came rushing in seeking his attention. “Sir, our speeder bike unit on the east side has come offline and is not responding.” “A communications failure?” Fargis eyed Mara with nervousness. “Very unlikely, Sir,” the Junior Officer dismissed, “All equipment is working properly and the signal is strong all over the surface of the moon.” “Is that the shield generator bunker?” Mara cut in. Fargis nodded. “That’s Rebel activity,” Mara stated with confidence. “They must be tapping into our communications…” She faked indignation and anger. “Are our mapping systems compromised?” She gestured the newly arrived. “That would be impossible, Madam.” The Officer reassured. “Very well,” Mara turned to the Lieutenant, “Get every man out there and find the source of this tapping!” “We cannot leave the Garrison understaffed!” Fargis objected. “I would suggest…” “Are you going to question my orders, Lieutenant?” “No, Madam,” Fargis sharply answered, showing respect to her rank. “Good, I wouldn’t want to have you locked in a cell for insubordination,” she darkly warned. The Lieutenant gulped in apprehension. “Leave a unit of Stormtroopers patrolling the surroundings of the 124

CHAPTER 13 premises, the rest must be out there, searching.” Mara ordered, “I need access to the control room, I want to see the maps. Lead the way.” The Officer did as he was told. “We can still trust our mapping relay. Have every man in the garrison go out and follow every lead the system provides,” she instructed as they walked, “And have them keep communications at a minimal until we’ve found the source of this Rebel eavesdropping. We cannot overlook anything!” “Very well, General.” Fargis agreed as he opened the door of the Control Room for her. “Leave me!” Mara ordered, turning around and eyeing the techs in the room. “We need you out in the field. Find that tapping device!” After everyone had left the room, the Lieutenant saluted and also left. Once alone, Mara had just one objective, the rigging of the relay generators. She could not blow the bunker remotely, that was made impossible as a security measure, but once she managed to break into Imperial programming, she’d be able to trick the system and activate the self-destruct command in every Imperial power supply on the moon, leaving it in latent mode; if compromised, the automated systems in the facilities would activate the relevant protocols, ensuring the deflector shield of the mighty weapon floating in space above their heads would not be rearmed. But first, she’d raise some flags in remote locations to divert the troops’ attention to fake targets, so the Imperials would leave the Rebels approaching the bunker mostly alone. With great expertise, Mara logged in the system. Using her Emperor’s Hand’s codes she quickly accessed the system through a virtual back door. Quickly she keyed in the commands. If Han and Leia were successful, everything would blow to hell. * * * 125

HEART’S DESTINY Events had developed in a blur of pain, desperation and raw rage. Standing there, in front of the Emperor, his beaten father beneath him, Luke had never felt more alone. The tint of darkness felt fresh in his consciousness; he’d gone too far, been too close. The dark side had beckoned, presented itself with promises of victory, of absolute power… But despite the temptation, he’d been able to pull himself back from the abyss, and let the light within shine bright. Still trying to recover his breath after the thrill the vicious duelling and dark elation had given him, in the flash of a second, Luke analysed his options. There really weren’t any. With a heavy heart he came to terms with it. He’d tried to survive this, for Mara’s sake, for his own sake… but it all seemed like the only way to win was by surrendering. Otherwise he’d be lost forever. Knowing exactly what his fate would be, Luke sent out one last tendril of love to Mara, hoping it would reach her through their bond. He’d be unable to fulfil his promise to her, and she’d have to forgive him. ‘I love you, Mara.’ Having done this, gathering all of his courage and aplomb, Luke faced the Emperor. “Never…” he switched off his green bladed weapon, “I’ll never turn to the dark side.” Having said this, he tossed his weapon right at the Emperor’s feet. “You’ve failed your Highness.” Defiantly, Luke faced the demonic features of the Emperor. “I am a Jedi, like my father before me.” Silence that chilled the blood followed. The Emperor’s features turned into a visage of vileness, “So be it, Jedi.” * * * ‘I love you, Mara.’ Then… nothing. 126

CHAPTER 13 The message in the Force had a paralyzing and distressing effect. “Luke!” Mara whispered in anguish. “No, no, no… This can’t be happening!” She told herself as she finished her last bandage, holding tears she rejected to shed. No! This could not be! Luke would make it out of this alive! At this point in the game, she was an expert at administering first aid to herself. This time she’d had a very close call. When she’d left the Imperial facilities, Mara had had a run with the three remaining Royal Guards that had been in her pursuit. An unavoidable encounter that had been long overdue, and this time she had not come out of it unscathed. The Emperor’s Hand had fought the Royal Guards with all of her might, proving who was the superior warrior. She had finished them off one by one, showing no mercy. The exact same they would have shown to her. During the fight, her cloaking device had been damaged and deemed useless, she’d gotten a nasty discharge by one of the electric rods the guards used as standard weaponry, had gotten shot twice - grazing shots only, and stabbed once. Her wounds were painful and as she’d made her way away from the fight scene, she’d been copiously bleeding; if left unattended these wounds could turn mortal. When she’d gained enough distance and was sure she was not being followed, Mara had found a safe spot to tend to her injuries. After attaching the last bacta patch to her belly wound, with painful effort, Mara stood up. She gave a few steps forward, but her legs gave in, making her collapse onto herself. The Emperor’s Hand fell onto the ground unceremoniously. She’d need more time. Pulling herself underneath the protection of a small tree with heavy foliage, Mara sat with her back to the trunk, her senses in full alert in the lookout for any immediate threat. She reached out to the med pack she carried in her utility belt, trying to find an adrenaline shot, a standard item in every first aid kit… It wasn’t there. ‘Damn it!’ It must 127

HEART’S DESTINY have fallen off her belt during the fight. She sighed. All right, she’d have to stick to painkillers and antibiotics, the bacta would keep some of the pain off too, but she was in no condition to take the trek back to safety; so she readied herself. Blaster in her lap, she’d have to wait it out. With one more effort, she reached out with the Force… trying to find Luke’s familiar signature in the flow of all living things… Still nothing. This time Mara’s tears trailed down without restraint. * * * An acute pang frying her brain woke her up. Mara could not suppress a cry of pain. She held her head in both of her hands as she heard in her mind the cry of the Emperor. A loud desperate cry, full of hatred and doom. It felt like if the energy of that cry wanted to pull her with it, submerging her in the despair and hate its owner felt. How could she be feeling what her Master was? In a moment of lucidity, she understood: her mind was linked to the Emperor’s! Linked by a dark Force tendril that had been put in her mind without her permission. Her mind felt overloaded, as if it were about to explode. Then a second realization. Palpatine had been defeated, somehow Luke had done it! And now, as one last act of vengeance, her vile Master was trying to grab her consciousness and take her down with him. With all her might, Mara fought the pull… The manipulative bastard would not get away with it! She was no longer his Hand. Using her Force sense, she reached into the pull with determination and found the link, the point of connection… In her mind’s eye, she could almost see her Master’s face distorted with thirst of revenge. She got a hold of her end of the link, and pulled in the opposite direction, letting the momentum of the Emperor’s fall into the void of the Force put distance 128

CHAPTER 13 between them. The tendril snapped like a thread of glass; the moment it did, the dark veil Mara had been put under lifted. Leaving only quiet. Breathing heavily, she opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings… She was lying face up on the soft soil of the forest, next to the tree of thick foliage she’d taken as refuge. The day was dying out. Little by little she regained a hold of herself, her awareness in the present moment. She could tell she had a fever; she needed more antibiotics… Her sight was unfocused… She steadied her breathing, realizing that out of tiredness and meds, she’d fallen asleep! But despite the bad shape she was in, somehow she felt like if a heavy weight she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying had lifted off. Then a huge flare in the sky above blinded her for brief moments. On reflex, she closed her eyes, then opened them again. When she looked up all she could see was flaring debris crossing the sky… They’ve done it! The Rebels had done it! The Death Star was no more! Mara felt relieved, at least all of this had accomplished something. She reached out to the Force, searching for Luke… There it was! His Force signature shining bright amongst the chaos. As great relief washed over her, she fought her grogginess… She needed to get up and find a safe place, but her body had other plans. Her eyes felt heavy, she fought to keep them open until she fainted. Startled, Mara opened her eyes again. It was already very dark… She couldn’t tell how much time passed. Too weak to move, she remained laying on her side against the tree trunk that had sheltered, her face cushioned by breaking up leaves and moist soil. Then a presence. A pair of red-armoured legs came in sight, right in front of her. A man of towering height hovered upon her. The Royal Guardsman had no helmet on. She’d thought she’d taken care of them all, but obviously that had been a wrong assumption. Mara recognized the man, 129

HEART’S DESTINY that was the Weapons Master of the Emperor’s Royal Guard. This man was a true warrior, strong and resourceful, had trained Mara himself, no wonder he was still alive. “Stand up!” The man in the red armour ordered. When Mara didn’t obey, he reached out and grabbed her by one arm. “I said, get up!” He repeated between clenched teeth. “You have no right to order me about, Guardsman. I’ve learned and surpassed everything you taught me. The student outstrips the instructor.” “Don’t be so sure of yourself, Jade!” The Guardsman spat, handling Mara with roughness as he made her sit up, not making any effort to hide the fact that he was clearly annoyed. “You’ve already given us so much trouble! If it were up to me, I would kill you right here, now!” The Royal Guard warned, thinking of his fallen comrades, all dead by this woman’s hand. “But I have my orders, and I must obey our Master… Something you clearly have forgotten.” The devoted soldier pulled Mara, lifting her up with one arm and making her stand. Her legs were wobbly and she found it hard to keep her balance. “I’m sure there are better, more critical targets for you to hunt down than me. You’re wasting your time,” she snarled. “How could you fall so low?” Her former teacher eyed her with deep disapproval, “You betrayed everything you once stood for.” It was obvious to Mara that the Guardsman didn’t yet know about the Emperor’s demise. She would keep it that way. Surely things were still too chaotic amongst Imperial ranks for the news to have reached every ear. “Looks like things have definitely taken a downturn,” Mara continued, “Are you sure you’re up to this?” She took note of the man’s appearance, he was hurt. The burns on his head and face looked painful, and his armour was heavily stained with dirt and blood. 130

CHAPTER 13 The Royal Guard didn’t answer back, instead he reached behind his back and retrieved a set of handcuffs from his utility belt. “Just a precaution,” he stated as he bound Mara’s hands together. Although she looked in very bad shape, the Guardsman very well knew that the Emperor’s Hand could not be underestimated. The Guardsman definitely looked like crap, surely just as she must look too. It was very clear to Mara that the resolute soldier was still following his orders of bringing her before the Emperor alive; and she also knew the Weapons Master was a man of honour. “I’m not coming with you, voluntarily or otherwise.” “If you don’t follow me on your own two feet, I will stun you and carry you to the ship!” He menaced. The pins and needles he felt all over his body didn’t matter, he’d do whatever he had to do in order to fulfil his mission. No, she could not let him stun her. Staying full awake was a better bet. Mara continued to watch for an opening. There was no point in hiding herself in the Force anymore. ‘Luke!’ Mara sent out, opening herself completely. The trail back to wherever the Guardsman had surely hidden a backup transport took them far behind the now destroyed Imperial Garrison. As she was escorted with a mean blaster pointing at her back, the dark sky above her head was illuminated by passing Rebel ships releasing fireworks of victory. She only hoped her Jedi could find her on time. 131

Chapter 14 L uke walked up the trail of bridges towards the village on top of the trees. As he made his ascent the far away noises of music and celebration reached his ears, and the sense of elation could be felt in the air. They had done it! The Empire had been defeated. Although he could not feel her in the Force, Luke expected to find Mara in the village, that’s where they had agreed they would meet when everything was over. When he arrived, he was reunited with his friends. Leia was the first one to notice, his newfound sister… Han and Chewie came next… Lando was there, and Wedge… and the Rogues too. He felt utterly happy and grateful of finding them all alive and well. But where was Mara? He turned around looking for her amongst the crowd… At the edge of the village, towards the last bridge he had taken to enter, two luminescent figures stood, smiling at him. He approached the newly arrived visitors feeling a mix of awe and sheer happiness… To see Obi-Wan again and Yoda brought him great joy. A third luminescent figure also appeared. Clad in his Jedi Knight robes, Anakin Skywalker as he once had been appeared before his eyes. A broad smile crossed the young Jedi’s face, his father was now in the light. The ultimate sacrifice he’d made to 132

CHAPTER 14 save his son’s life had at the same time saved the fallen Jedi from the dark. The three Jedi smiled back at Luke with approval. The young Jedi felt proud and overwhelmed with happiness, he wanted to share this moment with Mara, show her! But where was she? The warm touch of Leia brought his attention back to the events in the village. “Have you seen…?” But he could not finish his question. “Mara?” Leia filled in. Luke nodded. The Princess shook her head and frowned, “No, I have not seen her… Maybe she’s at the other end of the village?” For a moment, Luke panicked. Few hours before he’d felt Mara alive and had expected to find her in the village, back to safety. But now that he thought about it, for some reason her presence in the Force had felt clouded, hidden. “I’ll look around and find her,” he told his sister, trying to sound calmed and casual; he didn’t want to alarm the Princess or anyone else. They already had gone through a lot. Luke walked around the village, extending his Force sense as he walked passing by celebrating Rebels and Ewoks, lit fires and branch huts. Mara was nowhere to be found. Taking the first bridge on his path, the Jedi made way towards the ground level. Submerged in darkness, Luke ran through the forest, ‘Mara! Mara! Mara!’ He called through the Force. The adrenaline rush in his body made him forget the burns and injuries given to him by the late Emperor’s vicious attack with Force lightning. He could feel his legs complaining, but he would not stop now, not until he found Mara and brought her back with him. ‘Luke!’ He froze on his tracks. Although her energy signature felt klicks away, he’d heard her calling as clear as if she’d been standing next to him. Mara’s presence was clear 133

HEART’S DESTINY and palpable now, she had dropped her shields and he could sense her again. Stretching out with the Force even further, he soon pinpointed her location. Jumping on an abandoned speeder bike that crossed his path, Luke rode in pursuit of her calling. At the speed he was making, the feel of her presence became stronger and stronger by the second. A few hundred meters away, Luke distinguished the silhouette of a T- class Imperial shuttle. That ship should be cloaked, having the cloak turned off only meant one thing, the owner was nearby. Luke got to know the location of such owner when a burst of blaster fire hit his vehicle. Hitting the breaks, Luke jumped off the speederbike igniting his lightsaber as he did, deflecting every blaster bolt that came his way, the scene lit by the now familiar green glow of his weapon. A couple of dozen meters behind the trajectory he’d taken, in the direction the blaster fire was coming from, Luke could make out the silhouette of an Imperial soldier in red armour. And Mara was with him. The Guardsman held Mara with his arm around her like a predator. Her Imperial uniform was ragged and stained with blood, she’d been injured and didn’t look all right. With handcuffed hands behind her back, the redhead couldn’t do anything. ‘I’m all right, Farmboy,’ she sent out through their bond when sensing his worry, ‘But I’m afraid I won’t be of any help.’ Mara felt weak, her wounds needed proper treatment and the limits of her stamina had been pushed too far. So it was up to him. It didn’t matter, he’d free Mara one way or another. Luke had never felt more determined. While deflecting one of the many laser bolts aimed at him, Luke used the Force to direct its rebound to his opponents hand holding the weapon. The feat was successful and the man lost his blaster with a curse between clenched teeth. 134

CHAPTER 14 When being disarmed, the Guardsman released his hold on Mara and let her drop. Reaching over his back, he produced a mean Force staff, a melee weapon embedded with dark Force energy and nasty electrical currents, capable of deflecting blaster bolts and applying stun pulses; but the one particularity of this weapon that not many knew about, it was its capacity to engage lightsabers without suffering major damage. Now that his enemy was armed with a melee weapon, Luke charged. The Guardsman did the same. Lightsaber and staff met in the middle of a small clearing. The resistance of his enemy’s weapon to the power of his plasma blade caught Luke by surprise. Up until now he’d never found anything resistant to his weapon. As they fought, it was clear that the Guardsman was a very accomplished fighter; but Luke himself had accomplished so much in the past few months. Both were fighting in equal ground. In one quick, unexpected move, the Imperial got Luke on his shoulder with the tip of his staff, producing a nasty, burning wound. But pain didn’t make Luke step back, he took the chance to move in closer and assert his own blow with the tip of his lightsaber. The touch of his weapon cracked open the Guardsman’s chest plate; the piece fell off in two pieces. On reflex, both men stepped back from one another, putting some distance in between them. Keeping a keen eye on each other, they circled the clearing. “She must pay for her betrayal,” the Guardsman explained as if his reasons were unquestionable. “The Emperor’s Hand is coming back with me to account for what she’s done.” “I’m not going to let you do that,” the Jedi stated with firmness. “The Emperor is gone, and so is Vader,” Luke stated. “The rest of the Empire will crumble in no time, it’s time for you to reconsider your loyalties.” “You’d say anything to save her,” the other sneered. The Empire was undefeatable! 135

HEART’S DESTINY Despite his pride, Luke could tell the Guardsman was hurt and worn out just as much as he was, and knew he had to finish this quickly; with flesh and bones weakened by Force lightning damage, the Jedi was in no condition to sustain an extended fight, particularly not with someone who evidently knew what he was doing. On his own part, the Royal Guard was also looking for an opening to end this, he knew his own limitations, and he was already over his limit. With strong determination, he thrust his weapon against his enemy, finding the opening he’d been looking for. The Jedi was quick enough to deviate the attack and counter. A series of powerful exchanges soon followed. At the last clash of their weapons, both men grunted. They stood one in front of the other, their bodies locked with the strength each had charged against the other, their weapons crossed onto one another… The humming of the lightsaber and the crackling energy of the staff the only sounds. Even though both adversaries were tired, their mutual determination and sheer skill kept the combat at an even balance, until the saber happened to pierce the energy housing of the staff. As silence enveloped the scene before her eyes, laying on her side, hands tied behind her back, Mara watched in alarmed anguish. After that last decisive blow, neither man had moved and she couldn’t tell who was hurt and who wasn’t. Had they both hurt each other? Was Luke wounded? She’d know if it was Luke, wouldn’t she? But she was so weak that she could not discern what she was sensing anymore; trying to pull herself up without succeeding had already taken all the energy she had left. Mara strained to see what had occurred. The Force staff broke and fell to the ground in two heavy pieces. The fight was over. The Guardsman dropped on his knees, unable to hold himself on his 136

CHAPTER 14 own feet any longer. The Jedi stood victorious, but panted heavily; he felt exhausted. Looking up, straight into his enemy’s eyes, the Guardsman challenged his opponent, “If you have the strength of a warrior, give me a clean death.” That was the merciful thing to do, the Royal Guardsman did not want to be left to die like a wounded beast. “Not all the fights of a warrior must end in killing,” Luke countered. The Imperial soldier was badly wounded, Luke could tell; if left unattended it would be a matter of hours for him to be dead, but if he made it to his transport and hooked himself to the ship’s automated first aid unit he’d survive. The Jedi switched off his weapon, the green blade retracting cleanly with a hiss into the hilt. Then he reached to the back of his utility belt and tossed a small flat bag of bacta at the wounded man. “Here, patch yourself up with this,” he told the Guardsman, “Then get to your ship and leave.” Luke didn’t want any more killing, there had been enough of that on that day. The man should use the last traces of energy he possessed to save himself. The small bag fell at the other’s knees. The man in the red armour stared at the gift for a few seconds, then looked back at his opponent with disbelief. When looking into the others clear blue gaze, he understood his sentiment. “How do you know I won’t come back after you?” But there was no serious threat in his words. “After I’ve pardoned your life?” Luke smiled faintly. “No. I don’t think you’re the kind of man who would overlook something like that.” The Guardsman snorted. The Jedi was right, he now had a life debt to his enemy and he could not just let that pass. “But if you come back after Mara…” the Jedi warned, his voice acquiring a dark tint, almost threatening, “…It’ll be me you’ll be facing.” “I understand.” The Guardsman took a long look at the victor. The young man couldn’t be over twenty-five, yet he was brave and wise for 137

HEART’S DESTINY his years, and exceptionally skilful with a blade. Perhaps in an alternate universe he would have liked to take him as a disciple. “Tell me your name?” “I’m Luke Skywalker.” Oh! Yes… That name was very familiar. “You are a man of honour, Luke Skywalker…” he conceded, “…and a true warrior.” Luke assented with his head. This settled it. Turning around he walked towards where Mara lay. Using his mind he opened the handcuffs releasing her hands bent at her back, he then kneeled next to her, “Mara?” With a worried frown, he scanned her vitals using the Force. “Amazing fighting style you got there, Luke,” Mara observed, even more touched by his forgiving gesture to his opponent. He held her against his chest, careful of not pressing too hard. “I’ll try that healing technique I used on you back in Yalorum.” “That trip was worth more than one thing, I see.” Mara quipped. The warm surge of Force energy soon enveloped her, and slowly Mara fell in the placid dreamlike state of a healing trance. Luke scooped Mara up in his arms and walked away. He held his precious cargo, feeling utterly protective of her; she was now safe in his arms, and he planned on keeping things this way. Mara had no master to obey now, no master to return to now… She was free! And if she wanted to, she could stay beside him. ‘My future is mine to choose now,’ she send out through their bond. ‘And I choose you.’ He smiled, surprised that Mara could sense his thoughts even when deep in the trance, but his heart bursting with joy. She wanted to stay! Luke felt his heart singing with every step he took away from the clearing and into their lives together. Nothing would ever keep him away from his Mara. 138

CHAPTER 14 * * * Standing in the porch of their cottage, she looked out in the distance. Fully recovered from the wounds of her last ordeal, Mara admired her surroundings. The colours of the forest, the sounds of the native life forms, the faint sound of running water in a nearby spring. The sky promised a stunning sunset. Contemplating the options of her future, she took a deep breath, letting her lungs fill up with these promises. Serving the Empire was everything she’d ever known, and now that it had fallen countless opportunities lay before her; she could feel it in the flow of things, and it was a thrilling prospect she had never, ever, thought she needed or imagined she would ever have. Mara saw herself continuing as a Jedi trainee perhaps, under Luke’s tutelage; but also pursuing other interests. There was nothing said about not going into trading. Mara was now free to forge her own path, without any burdens. She didn’t have to fulfil any more duties for any master… On her own choice, her only duty was to Luke. Then, her thoughts drifted to her Jedi. Just thinking of him made her feel giddy. Nothing would ever change her feelings for Luke. Because he was himself, not defined by just who his biological father was. How he was raised weighed heavier, and she just adored his farm boy charm. Yes, she’d decided to stay with Luke for who he was, and because she loved him more than anything in the entire Galaxy. Luke was enfolded in a circle of friends and family, with a life full of purpose and a goal to strive for. Having had their relationship out in the open made her part of this circle of friends and family as well. Family… she was beginning to learn the meaning of that in her life. Lost in her contemplations, she missed the presence that joined her. As an announcement, a pair of strong arms wrapped her small waist from behind; then felt her beloved’s energy envelop and touch her mind 139

HEART’S DESTINY with utter love. His breath felt warm on her ear. “Wife,” Luke said with sweetness as he held her, kissing her neck. “Husband,” she answered in her husky voice, turning around to kiss him on the mouth, digging her fingers in his blonde, thick hair. She could kiss him forever! Once they’d been reunited, the next step in their relationship was a no brainer. Getting married had been the natural thing to do. The wedding ceremony had been small and intimate. Just those close to Luke had attended. Admiral Ackbar had acted as minister taking Luke and Mara’s bows to each other, making their marriage official under galactic law. The memory of their bows made to each other on their wedding day floated in their minds. The former Emperor’s Hand had looked radiant and more beautiful than ever, just like a woman in love must, her green eyes sparkling with joy. “Luke, when our paths crossed, you turned my life upside down in so many ways. The way I saw the worlds and my place in them took such a drastic turn. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I promise to love and trust you until my last breath; I will be there to share the burdens and joys of all that life brings.” The Jedi had never looked more sure of anything. “Mara, when I first saw you… I couldn’t recover from how stunningly beautiful you were to me, and not only physically, there was this magnetism, a glow around you that had me stunned. I remember you demanding to me to stop gawking,” he’d chuckled at the memory and everyone present had chuckled too. “You called me a farm boy, as some sorts of an insult, but I never took it as such. You still call me that, and I love it! Mainly because, every time you pronounce it, I get a glimpse into that softer side of you no one else gets to see.” He’d made a small pause, his blue eyes glittering with emotion. “I’ll be forever your Farmboy. 140

CHAPTER 14 I promise to love you unconditionally forevermore; to respect your fierce independence, that made me fall head over heels for you. Your strengths are my strengths. I will take care of you for the rest of my life, and you’ll never be alone.” Then a small reception, followed by a lengthy honeymoon they were still enjoying. To come back to the secluded moon in the Yalorum system had been the obvious choice, the scenic place had all the peace and quiet they needed for a romantic holiday. “I could get used to this in no time,” Mara said when they parted. “It’ll take a long time for the novelty to wear off!” She laughed. They didn’t have to worry about time… There were no missions to run, no reports to file, no hiding to do, no escaping by the skin of their teeth… Nothing! Their time was their own, at least for now. Luke and Mara had contented themselves with taking long hikes around the area and enjoying each other’s company. As a newlywed couple, they had also spent long hours of intimate exploration. Luke had cooked for her every day. “Here,” he offered her the small blanket he’d brought for her, “I thought you’d be cold.” She smiled in thanks. They sat on the porch, just as they had done three years back, and cuddled next to each other. The now familiar magnetic storm was starting to show the first glimpses of dancing, coloured lights, scintillating across the sky above their heads. “This view will never stop to amaze me,” Luke said. “We’ve had no small share of adventures, starting back when we were both grounded. I was so ready to be irritated. Little did I know what that stopover would lead to,” she reminisced. Luke remembered that first escapade together. He’d been so sure right from the beginning, that she was the one. It had been in this very 141

HEART’S DESTINY same place where he had told Mara he wanted her in his life forever… And his wish had come true. He turned and looked at her with adoring eyes. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the Galaxy.” “You’re getting sentimental on me, again,” Mara teased, but she would not deny she was becoming so as well. Luke was loving and trusting and his selflessness towards her and everyone in his life made him like a safe harbour and a warm source of Light all rolled into one. He took her hand and kissed it. She wore her wedding band in her finger, and this pleased him. “Where do we start? When we go back…” she asked. There was still so much to do, so many things to accomplish. A few months after the battle of Endor, the young new government was taking its first steps in spreading democracy across the Galaxy. It had been a great test for the Alliance at first. Although Luke was involved in the first decisions, after things had started to run he decided he’d leave the political aspects of things to Leia. He had his own duties to fulfil towards a dream of rebuilding. “I don’t know…” he said with sincerity. “I was thinking that maybe you and I could travel the Galaxy together… To find and start training new Jedi? If you feel like doing that for now.” “Sounds like a plan,” she said. To rebuild the Jedi Order was an enormous task. One that would take every commitment. With Mara at his side, Luke felt invincible. “It will be quite the adventure,” he warned. “With you, I’d expect nothing less.” Both smiled. The trust and loyalty the had rested in each other was their greatest strength. It had taken three years of uncertainty, of sporadic reunions, of brief, clandestine encounters… Risking everything they had to give their love a chance. Luke had never faltered, Mara recognized. As for herself, her heart had been committed right from the 142

CHAPTER 14 beginning, it had only taken her some time to see it clearly and accept it. Against all odds they had made it. Luke pulled her close. “I love you Mara, and I always, always will.” As they watched the sky turn colours, quiet excitement nestled in their hearts. The promise of a life together granted them the most thrilling adventure of them all. The End 143