[Short Stories] - Dark Emperor 4(16)

The Emperor’s shuttle emerged from hyperspace in the Deep Core, surrounded by a glorious profusion of stars. The closest was a binary, a blue star and its blue dwarf companion, and Pestage told Mara to plot a course for the world orbiting them. So they came at last to Byss, a world full of the energies of the dark side where the Emperor and his adepts had built a model of the galactic society they were striving for. Warm and peaceful blue-green sunlight shone on the billions of citizens that had followed the lure of this beautiful planet, and settled among the islands and canyons in the luxurious cities. The life force of these billions was gently leeched away by the dark side adepts while they complacently enjoyed endless resort life. On Byss, the dark side had total sway without anyone firing a single shot. And Mara Jade could sense none of it.

Mara flew over the Imperial Control Sector, which dominated an entire continent. She approached the Imperial Citadel, an enormous spire several kilometers high. Pestage informed her that, were it not for the recognition codes being broadcast by their ship, they would never have penetrated the defensive zone of the Citadel alive. As it was, they registered the tracking signatures of hundreds of turbolasers as they sailed smoothly into Palpatine’s private docking bay. Three hundred Sovereign Protectors were ceremonially lined up in the bay to receive them.

Pestage and Mara descended the ramp and stood wearily before one of the Emperor’s dark side adepts, Savuud Thimram. Thimram was visibly shocked to see the dirty, exhausted looking pair, and he could not suppress his anxious questions. “Grand Vizier! Where is the Emperor? We have heard rumors of his death, and indeed, we have felt the weakness in the dark side. You have come in the Emperor’s personal transport. What can you tell us?”

Pestage summoned as much dignity as he could. “I would speak with you privately, Savuud. But first we need some rest. We have been mistreated and sorely pressed. See that quarters are prepared for us.” Pestage gave Thimram a certain signal that told the adept to probe his surface thoughts: Palpatine is dead, but there may yet be hope. He has somehow preserved himself in the mind of this woman. She must be brought to the clone labs as soon as possible.

Thimram nodded and signaled that he understood. He spoke rapidly into his comlink, then led Mara and Pestage out of the bay and into the halls of the Citadel. Mara stumbled along, and her face showed that she still needed a lot more sleep. Her headache was still plaguing her, and only the thought of a real bed kept her going. Thimram gave Pestage a significant look. They were nearing the clone labs. Stay close to her, Pestage thought.

And even as Thimram stepped near to Mara, she suddenly cried out, clutched at her head, and collapsed into the adept’s arms.

“It is done, my Master,” sighed Sate Pestage.

*

“Are you sure you will not stay, Mara Jade?” asked the Grand Vizier. “Byss is a soothing place, it is said, and after your help in getting me here, the least you are owed is a secure life among those who were loyal to the Emperor.”

Mara stared out at the beautiful city of lights, glistening under the five moons of Byss. They were standing in the Emperor’s docking bay, several days after Mara’s collapse. She had awakened in a comfortable bed, her headache gone at last. But her Force powers were still gone, and she had still dreamed of killing Skywalker. She had explored Byss for a while, but despite its beauty, she had only seen Palpatine’s ghost, staring at her wherever she went. She knew she could never find peace here, not until she carried out the Emperor’s last command.

“I appreciate the offer,” Mara said sadly, “but I have unfinished business to take care of.” Her hand strayed to the lightsaber at her belt.

“Where will you go?” asked Pestage.

“I’m not sure. I can’t go to the Empire, or what’s left of it, and I can’t go to the Rebels either. I suppose I’ll try to survive on the Fringe…I don’t know.”

“At least you will accept this gift,” Pestage said firmly, indicating the shuttle. “The coordinates of Byss will be erased when you leave, but the codes protecting you from hostile Imperials will still be there. I’ll know you are safe.”

“I accept,” she smiled. “You know, I’m going to miss you. You’re a good man. Thanks for sharing your secrets with me. I feel like you’re my grandfather, in a way. Is that okay?”

Pestage nodded, smiling.

“May the Force be with you, Grand Vizier,” Mara said, and went up into the shuttle.

“May the Force return to you, Mara Jade,” he said softly, after her.