[Short Stories] - Dark Emperor 1(13)

Mara hoped she sounded professional. She was in her element now, and she wanted to impress the Dark Lord with her knowledge. Starting to plan the attack restored some measure of her confidence. She believed in herself and in her role as the Emperor’s assassin. She eliminated enemies of the Empire, and this Jedi was an ideal example of that. Wiping out their order was one of the Emperor’s greatest achievements, but the job wasn’t quite finished. It was a great honor for Mara to help complete it. She liked to think she could change history for the better, in a way no army could. Eliminating the last Jedi was a wonderful beginning for her.

“Is that what you think of Ashka Boda?” Vader demanded. “Just one old man? Then there is a lesson for you to learn before you even leave this room. Do not underestimate the power of the Force. That is what we will be facing on this hunt. Your own overconfidence could kill you.”

Of course Mara knew about the Force. She was a sensitive herself, able to sense any danger that might come from a Jedi’s powers. And with Vader there, even those shouldn’t be a threat. The Emperor had taught her that the dark side was stronger, and Vader was very strong in the dark side. “I’m sure you’re right,” she said diplomatically. “But you’ll be there to make sure that doesn’t happen, won’t you? I’m in your expert hands, Lord Vader.” Mara dared to smile at him.

“Impudent youth,” Vader said, clearly frustrated. “Do not assume that just because you are in my hands, I would not let you fall…if necessary. The Emperor knows that sacrifices must sometimes be made. Take care that you do not become one.”

The Emperor’s Hand swallowed dryly.



Mara hurried along the secret tunnel running from the Palace to Lord Vader’s Castle. It had been a long day of planning and preparation, and the time for their assault on Ashka Boda was at hand. They had studied the layout of the building and the rooftop greenhouse, and Mara had taken the time to outfit herself completely. She was ready for anything.

When she was halfway there, she received a mental message from the Emperor. His face hovered in the air before her, a vision only she could “see”. First, she picked up a feeling of reassurance and encouragement from him, then she began to receive his thoughts.

–My dear Mara Jade…I see you have done well in preparing yourself, but the true test lies ahead. You must follow my instructions carefully, as regards Lord Vader. I have much to devote my attention to, so you will be my eyes to watch him closely.

–Watch him, my Emperor? I’m not sure I understand.

–I need you to see that he follows my orders to take Boda alive. I fear that his accustomed level of aggression when dealing with the Jedi will get the better of him. He may, in his zeal, destroy this Jedi outright.

–But why would he disobey you?

–Very well, Mara Jade. You deserve to know the truth. I do not believe this Jedi is truly immortal. Such a thing has never been achieved by any servant of the Force. I believe he once escaped Lord Vader, and that Vader reported him as dead, hoping he would never surface again. Now that he has returned, Lord Vader wishes to correct his mistake and cover his shame. If Boda is dead, he can never tell anyone of how Vader once let him go.

–If he isn’t immortal, them why do you want him for questioning?

–Where there is one Jedi still alive, there may be more. I must learn what he knows about other survivors. The security of the Empire depends on it. That is why I have sent you, my servant.

–I see…I will do my best, Emperor.

–I know you will, Emperor’s Hand. You will let me know if there are any signs of disobedience. I will be ready to hear you if you call to me. We will speak again soon.

Palpatine’s face faded out as he left Mara’s mind. She stood alone, frowning. This was just what she did not need. It was already a complicated mission, and now she had to serve as a spy, too. Of course, she was trained for spying, and she had shown some aptitude for it, but this was Darth Vader they were talking about. Mara hoped Vader would behave properly. She didn’t know if she could handle another enemy on this trip…especially one so damned powerful.

Vader nodded as Mara Jade strode briskly up to him. She was exactly on time. Checking her over, he saw that she was well equipped for the mission, in her own way. Vader preferred not to carry devices and weapons, save for his lightsaber. His very life was dependent on an internal technology, and to balance this, he avoided external technology whenever possible. Instead, he relied on the Force. Mara Jade, evidently, relied on weapons.

“Well, assassin,” he demanded, “what equipment have you deemed necessary?”