IN THE HANDS OF TIME

(previously titled: "What if the Empire Went Back in Time to Ep. I?")
Part Two

by Darth Pipes
and ami-padme

Based on an idea by Darth Sean.

Disclaimer: All things Star Wars belong to LucasFilm.

The Naboo Royal Palace's Shelter

Mara Jade completed the final connection hookup between the shelter's main computer and the alien comlink. If her plan proved successful, she would be able to locate the whereabouts of Queen Amidala.

She had arrived at the palace a few hours earlier. Or at what was left of the palace. It was in absolute ruin. The only thing that remained was the shelter, which was built for the purposes of protecting the Naboo monarch from planetary bombardment.

The shelter also had several other purposes. It housed a computer system used by the Queen's security forces for military purposes, and stored various kinds of information. Mara hoped to use this computer along with the comlink to find the Queen's royal starship.

The ship had been unaccounted for when Naboo was destroyed. It had been believed destroyed. Perhaps with Amidala aboard it, for the Queen's body had never been found. Now that Palpatine knew that she had indeed survived, it was likely that she escaped aboard the vessel she had often used.

As for the alien comlink that Mara wore, it had many functions. One such was the ability to "slice" into a ships communication device. Mara had studied the information about these ships' systems that the Emperor had provided. Among the information she discovered was a way to access a ship's communication system without being detected. Only the Queen and her Chief of Security knew this. Although it sounded risky to have such a feature on a ship, many planetary leaders used to have it in case of security purposes, such as the ship falling into enemy hands. Now, Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand, would use it to locate the Queen and fulfill her mission.

She would have to do it swiftly. An hour ago, she sensed a great disturbance in the Force. She knew what it was. Darth Vader had traveled back in time to stop her. He knew more about this planet then she did. It would not take him to long to arrive at the palace.

She had no doubt she could defeat Vader. The Dark Lord had always looked down of her and her abilities, but she was more powerful than he, or the Emperor, had thought. Soon, they would find that out. Soon, the entire galaxy would know the power of Mara Jade.

Mara made the final connection set-ups and sent out a "slicer field" connection to the Queen's starship, hoping to make some contact. If she was successful, she could tap into the ship's communications and not even be noticed by any one on board.

It took quite some time but she finally got access to the starship's communication system. It had changed codes to avoid detection but it made little difference. She then downloaded the most recent communications sent and received from the vessel. She quickly closed the channel. She was sure she had done it without alerting anyone. She then set about reviewing the most recent communications. After a quick search, she found the information she was looking for.

A message sent by Obi-Wan Kenobi to Ki-Adi-Mundi. He informed Mundi that he and the Queen would be arriving on the planet Drayos by the end of the week.

Mara did a quick search on the computer on where to locate this planet. Drayos was located on the outer rim territories. It was sparsely populated and was home to a long-abandoned military base. No doubt that was where Obi-Wan and the Queen would be heading.

Ki-Adi-Mundi. That name Mara knew. He had been one of the last surviving members of the Jedi Council.

He had not been present when Vader had destroyed the Council or the Jedi Temple. He had been on his homeworld of Cerea, leading an unsuccessful defense of the planet against the Empire. He had escaped and was later killed at...

Drayos. He had been killed on Drayos fighting the Empire, the same planet that Obi-Wan and Amidala would be heading.

Mara smiled.

This is too perfect. While the Jedi and this resistance mentioned in Obi-Wan's communications were busy preparing for their encounter with the Empire, she could slip between the cracks and kill the Queen.

With the Queen's death, Mara Jade could return to the past and take Vader's place as the Emperor's second-in-command. The power she would wield. Palpatine would take her on as his apprentice and Mara would grow even stronger in the Dark Side of the Force. She would be even more than the Emperor's Hand. She would be the Empire.

With the information she needed, Mara disconnected her comlink from the main computer and put it back on her wrist. She then took out her blaster and fired a single shot at the computer, destroying it. That way, she made sure that this information wouldn't fall into Vader's hands.

Now she would have to find transportation of the planet to get to Drayos. That would be no problem. Not only was this shelter used as a bomb shelter but it was also a hanger deck.

Mara exited the room and headed to the far end. She opened the doors and entered the small hanger deck. These ships had been used by members of Naboo's Bravo Squadron for covert missions. She was pleased to discover that there were still ships inside.

N-3 Naboo starfighters. They had been constructed during the Clone Wars and were considerably faster and better-armed then their predecessors. The ships maintained the basic design from the N-1 series, save for the modifications to its engines and weapons array.

Mara turned to her side and saw a control panel. She pressed the center button and above her the roof began to retract. Some debris came crashing down, forcing Mara to dodge out of the way. Mara regained her footing and headed to the N-3 starfighter to her left. She climbed aboard into the cockpit and checked the controls. She turned on the engines to see if they worked and they roared to life.

Good, Mara thought, I'll be able to get off this planet and onto my mission.

Mara powered down her engines and exited the N-3. Withdrawing her lightsaber, she picked apart the engines on the three remaining ships. She would make sure that no one, be it Lord Vader or anybody else, would follow her. These ships were probably among the last functioning ones left on the entire planet. When she was finished, the engines on the three ships were cut up into tiny pieces.

Mara got back into her ship and prepared to blast off from Naboo. Before she took off, Mara removed something from her belt. It was a thermal detonator. She dropped the little silver ball from her ship and then blasted off. Just after she left the detonator exploded. It was not strong enough to destroy the shelter but it was strong enough to wipe out what was left of the ships she had disabled. Now they would never fly again.

The N-3 Mara was flying soared through the atmosphere of Naboo. She could now get a full view of the planet and the destruction that it had caused. Mara suddenly remembered something that there was one more thing she wanted to take care of before she left Naboo for Drayos.

Mara activated her comlink, opening a communication channel to Darth Vader.

--------------

The Naboo parade. His return to the planet after ten years of training under Obi-Wan. His courtship and marriage to...Amidala. He remembered them all. It began to fill him with a sense of...

NO! That was his past. Anakin's past. It was a past that belonged to a weak and insignificant man in another time. He was no longer Anakin Skywalker. He had shed that identity years ago, lost forever the moment he had crawled out of that lava pit twenty-three year earlier. He was Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith. That was all that mattered...and all that remained.

Vader continued his swift journey to the Queen's palace. He knew this planet well and would be at the palace shortly. He would then show Mara Jade what a true master of the Dark Side could do.

Vader saw a mountain in front of him. Behind it was the ruins of the palace. All he had to do was climb over it.

Suddenly, a ship roared in the air, heading out into space. Vader looked up and knew who it was instantly. Mara Jade. She had found what she was looking for and was heading to find...Amidala. He was too late.

Suddenly, his wrist comlink communicator began beeping. Vader activated the button next to it, opening the communication channel.

"Mara Jade," he said, neutrally.

"Ah, Lord Vader," Mara Jade said. "It is so good to see your trip through time was a safe one. It is unfortunate that you will spend it trapped on this planet while I eliminate your wife and your son."

Her words infuriated Vader. He knew that she might be right. It would be very difficult to find a functioning ship. He might very well be trapped here.

He could return to the future but he could not come back to the past. He had learned from Tharon and Jerjerrod that more than one trip through time and back would kill a person, even if that person were strong in the Force. Multiple trips through time could destroy the very cells inside of a being's body due to the time shifting. They would dissolve the cells into nothing. Vader cursed himself for not traveling in time an hour ahead of Jade but he had not had the time with the Emperor's forces closing in on the section. He was stuck in the past until he could deal with Jade. However, it might be too late.

"Do not underestimate Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jade," Vader warned, trying to control his anger. He would not let this woman get the best of him. "He was...is, one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy, and a formidable opponent."

"Yes, indeed," Jade said mockingly. "Except I will do what you couldn't do in this time. Eliminate him. He will not leave me as a helpless invalid, as he left you."

Vader was infuriated. Now Jade was mocking him and his injuries. When he got his hands on her, he would make her pay.

"Now, my Lord, I leave you," Mara said. "You know, this planet will one day make quite an archeological discovery. Maybe in a thousand years, you Lord Vader, will even be worth something." With that, Jade cut off communications.

Vader turned to his side to see something coming down from the side. It was Mara Jade, abroad a N-3 Naboo royal starfighter. It was headed for him.

From the cockpit of the starfighter, Mara Jade fired two proton torpedoes. It hit the mountain behind Vader and exploded, causing rocks and debris to come crashing down.

Vader saw this and made a Force-enhanced run away from the rocks. He could not outrun it. The rocks and debris overtook him, burying him in a mound of rocks and debris.

Mara Jade took her starfighter in for a closer inspection. She wanted to make sure she had gotten Vader.

She combed the entire area. She sensed nothing. Vader was dead, killed by the hand of Mara Jade. The Emperor would be pleased.

With her last bit of business on Naboo taken care of, Mara pointed her starfighter upwards and into space, leaving Naboo far behind.

In space, she punched in the coordinates for Drayos. It was now time for Mara to fulfill the Emperor's mission. She would not fail.

--------------------

The ruins of Theed were very quiet. The pile of rock and debris caused by Mara Jade's lay several feet high. Any person caught in that would surely have been killed.

Suddenly, an arm emerged from the rubble. Then a second one. The arms picked up a piece of debris between them and then the figure of Darth Vader emerged from the rubble, breathing heavily and covered in dirt. Vader got to his feet and was surprised to find that he was laughing.

Foolish girl. Did she really think that would stop me? He had survived more than a week consumed in molten lava. He had survived a full-scale battle against the Jedi Council that had left the Jedi Temple completely destroyed. Did she really think a mere mountain could stop Darth Vader? And this was the woman who was supposed to replace him as the Emperor's second-in-command.

However, Vader knew he had problems. He needed to find a functional ship and find it fast. There were likely few on the planet. He was already losing too much time to Jade. If only he could locate...

A sudden thought hit him. There was one ship he hadn't considered. One that the Empire might not have wasted their time destroying. It was located in the Museum of Naboo.

Vader made his way towards the museum through the ruins of Theed. When he got there, he found it in rubble just like the rest of the planet. Using the Force, Vader cleared the rubble as he made his way through the museum.

It was located in the back, Vader remembered. He had been there when it was dedicated to the museum.

Clearing the last of the rubble, Vader found exactly what he was looking for. He was surprised to find it in relatively good condition, considering it had long since been retired.

In front of him was an N-1 Naboo royal starfighter...the very same one he had flown in the Battle of Naboo all those years ago.

Vader did a visual check of the ship. It had been decommissioned but the hyperdrive, communications array, and the engines were still intact. However, they would need to be repaired and recommissioned. Laser cannons were still on the ship but they obviously were emptied, as well as the torpedo array. Still, he wasn't concerned with whether or not he had weapons. He just needed to get to wherever Mara Jade was going. This would be difficult but he had proven long ago that he could fix anything, including an outdated, decommissioned ship.

Vader went to his belt where he had a small tool kit. He rarely carried such things now but did bring it along on certain missions such as this where he might need to make use of his technical skills. Vader then proceeded to get to work on the ship.

It took him an hour to fix the engines and an hour to fix the hyperdrive. It had been difficult with the old wires and the cross circuiting he had to do but he still managed to do it. Vader then climbed into the cockpit to work on the ships systems.

Removing his wrist comlink, he hooked it to the ship's main computer. Although he considered this technology insignificant next to the power of the Force, Vader was still impressed by it. This comlink alone served many functions. Now it was helping him to fix and update the ship's systems. He could get this ship on-line and running better than it was when it was still active. The alien civilization that had built this was quite advanced, indeed. When he became Emperor and crushed the rebellion, Vader promised himself that one of his first actions would be to explore the Unknown Regions and see if he could find more of this technology.

Vader finished his final computer updates for the ship. He kept the comlink connected to the ship. He would have other purposes for it shortly.

Vader closed the ship's cockpit and activated the engines. This might mean the last chance he had for getting off the planet in time to stop Mara Jade.

The engines roared to life and the ship hovered off the ground. He did it. The ship was once again fully functional.

In the back of his head, Vader could hear the joyous shouts of a child who had just completed his podracer after many years.

"It's working! It's working!"

Vader pushed the thought aside and got to work on his communication system. Mara Jade had underestimated Vader's knowledge once again for he knew how to locate a Naboo ship. Something Captain Panaka had shown him.

Using the comlink and the ships communication system, Vader managed to locate Mara Jade's ship and find out where it was heading.

Drayos. Vader had heard of that planet before. It was there that the Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi led a force of Jedi and former Republic military officers against the Empire. He had failed and the Empire crushed his resistance force. Mara Jade was heading there. If she was heading there, he knew that his wife...Anakin's wife would be there.

Vader considered the situation. If memory served correct, the Empire would attack Drayos at the end of the week. Vader knew how Mara Jade operated. She would wait until the Empire struck and while the resistance was fighting the Empire, slip between the cracks and kill Amidala. He would not let that happen. He had to get to Drayos.

Vader turned his controls forward and blasted off of Naboo. The ship ran smoothly, as if it was still in the service of Naboo.

Once in space, he began preparing for the jump to hyperspace. He again considered what he might find. The Jedi, long dead in his time but still alive. Maybe he would get the chance eliminate a few more Jedi. He always regretted not being the one to kill Ki-Adi-Mundi, one of the Jedi Councilors who had rejected him for Jedi training. Vader had never forgotten that and it would please him to hold Mundi's bloody head in his hands.

Obi-Wan. There was a chance he would run into his old Master again. In this time period he was an even more formidable. He knew that well. As much as he would love to fight Kenobi again, he knew he could not. He knew of the importance that Kenobi had been in Luke's life. He had trained the boy and trained him well. He was responsible for bringing Luke to him. He could not interfere in those events.

Finally, he thought of Amidala. What would happen if he had to confront his wife again? Could he still have any feeling left for her?

No! Those feelings had long since disappeared, replaced by the black heart of Darth Vader. He would protect Amidala from Mara Jade, nothing more. He would then return to the future and deal with the Empire once and for all.

With the coordinates set, Vader made the jump into hyperspace abroad the old N-1. He was heading to Drayos and back into the past he so wanted to avoid. But after all these years, he knew it was the way of things. It was the way of the Force.

The Coruscant System

Inside the ship's small cargo hold, Leia wielded the lightsaber of Qui-Gon Jinn as she deflected another shot from the seeker droid floating above her.

This was difficult for her at first, but she was starting to get the hand of it. She blocked another shot, and then another.

Luke watched Leia, very impressed. In a short amount of time, she had managed to learn the basics of using a lightsaber as quickly as he had three years earlier. He had been practicing with her often during their journey to Coruscant.

Luke himself had also learned to use Qui-Gon's lightsaber on the trip. It was a fine weapon, worthy of the Jedi Master who had previously wielded it. Now that it was known Leia was also strong in the Force, it was important for her to learn how to use it. Luke was not a master, not even a full Knight but he began to teach Leia all he knew. So far, she had made great progress. This was good, for the mission ahead of them might require both the children of Skywalker to utilize all of their skills.

As Leia continued her exercises, Luke thought back on the events of the last few days. After their meeting with Yoda and Obi-Wan, the two had returned to the rebel fleet and met with Mon Mothma.

Convincing the leaders of the Rebellion to let them go through this mission was not easy. They had to explain the whole situation to them. About the Emperor's time machine, his mission to kill their mother, about Darth Vader, and the effects it could have on the galaxy.

Mon Mothma had been surprised to learn that Luke and Leia were the children of Queen Amidala and Darth Vader. She had met the Queen early in her own political career, and was familiar with her role in forming the Rebellion. Still, Mothma was still skeptical about letting Luke and Leia go to Coruscant.

It was only after Leia's plea that she relented. She could tell from the seriousness of Leia's words that this mission was too important. Indeed, if the Emperor had found a way to travel in time and kill Amidala, then the Rebellion might not be formed and Leia and Luke would not be born.

Besides, she trusted the two, especially Leia. Despite some differences the two had had in the past, Mothma respected Leia and considered her a friend. She would not turn her back on her.

She agreed to allow them to go through with this mission and had turned to Admiral Ackbar and General Madine. The two military officers had been even more skeptical then Mothma about such a dangerous mission but agreed to help go through with it.

They helped devise a plan. Luke and Leia, along with a rebel commando team, would travel abroad a stolen Imperial shuttlecraft the rebels had recently acquired. They would use an Imperial code, acquired by the Rebellion, to get by Coruscant's Central Command and then land the shuttle. They would later make contact with a rebel agent of the planet who would help them find the section.

Shortly thereafter, they were off. When the two were finished reviewing their plan with the commando leader, Colonel Wes Jakked of the rebellion's Special Forces unit, the two retreated to the cargo hold where Luke helped Leia learn the nature in the Force.

"AAAHHH!" Leia screamed breaking Luke's thoughts. The seeker ball had broken through her defenses and fired a shot into her back, dropping Leia to the ground.

Luke shut off the seeker, and went over to Leia. "Are you all right?" he asked as he helped Leia off the ground.

"Yes, I'm fine," Leia said, dusting herself off. "I shouldn't have allowed that to happen."

"You did well Leia, considering this was your first time using a lightsaber."

"Still," Leia said. "I should have had it. I was..."

"Thinking of Vader," Luke said, interrupting her.

Leia sighed as she switched off Qui-Gon's lightsaber and walked to the corner of the cargo hold. Luke followed her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"He's there Luke," Leia said. "He in the past, we both sensed it. I...just don't know what's going to happen when we face him. I know we're going to face him again."

Luke nodded. He had sensed it as well. Vader had traveled to the past to stop Mara Jade. He had been thinking about what would happen when they saw their father again too. They knew the truth now.

"I don't know, Leia. We will do what we must. Perhaps...we can talk to him, tell him..."

"Tell him what Luke," Leia said, turning to him. "Do you really think you can turn him back? Even Obi-Wan said it couldn't be done."

"We don't know that Leia. Maybe when he learns the whole truth, he might..."

"He might nothing. Luke," Leia said. "He's evil, Luke."

"But at one time he wasn't Leia. You have to remember that. How do we know that there isn't still some good left in him?"

Leia was going to say something but was cut off by a beep from the intercom. Luke walked over to the comlink and turned it on.

"Skywalker here," he said.

"Commander," came the voice of Colonel Wes Jakked. "We need you and Senator Organa on the bridge. We are approaching Coruscant."

"We're on our way," Luke said, turning off the comlink and turning toward Leia.

The two stared at each other for what seemed like and long time.

"Leia, I know this won't be easy but we have to put this aside. Our first duty is to stop Mara Jade from attempting to kill our mother. The rest, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Leia smiled. "You're right, Luke. Let's just get to the bridge."

She handed the lightsaber back to Luke, who hooked it back to his belt.

The two turned and left the cargo room. Here was where the fun would begin.

Luke and Leia made their way to the bridge. When the door opened, they came face to face with Colonel Wes Jakked.

Jakked was a tall, imposing man in his mid-forties with brown hair and eyes. He had earned his reputation as one of the best Special Forces soldiers in the rebellion. He had led his twelve-man commando team into over a hundred missions behind enemy lines, destroying enemy targets and gaining valuable information. Their last mission had included the theft of this Imperial shuttle. It was rumored that the man had also taken part in numerous assassinations.

They saw the scowl on Jakked's face as he looked at them.

"You're late."

Jakked and his co-pilot, a man named Latch, got out of their pilots' seat. Luke took over the pilot console, Leia the co-pilot console. Jakked and his second took the seats next to the two, monitoring the operations console.

Before Luke and Leia was the planet Coruscant. It had the normal amount of space traffic. Luke prepared for the ship to pass Central Command.

"Are you sure this code will pass?" Luke asked Jakked.

"It's an older code but it will past. Then we can get you to your time machine and you two can go wherever the hell you want," Jakked responded, adding that last line with some annoyance.

Luke understood why. When Jakked had been told he would be leading a mission into Coruscant, to bust into a secret facility, and travel back through time, Jakked had looked at them like they were growing another head. But he complied, as the solider he was. Still, he hadn't bothered to hide his annoyance about this mission.

The Tydirium continued its way to Coruscant. A beep on the comlink signaled that Coruscant Control was contacting them. Luke turned it on.

"We have you on our screen now," the controller said. "Please identify."

"Shuttle Tydirium requesting permission to land at Imperial Square Spaceport," Luke said.

"Shuttle Tydiruim, transmit your clearance code to land at the spaceport," the controller said.

"Transmission commencing," Luke replied.

"Now we find out if that code is worth the price we paid," Leia said.

"It'll work," Jakked said confidently.

Several seconds passed. No response.

"What's taking them so long?" Luke said, turning to Jakked.

"These are Imperials that we're dealing with. You know how they are. One of them probably had an idea and the other ones are crowning him Emperor," Jakked replied, bringing a smile to Luke and Leia's faces.

"Shuttle Tydirium, you have permission to land," said the controller.

"Thank you," Luke said, turning off the comlink and piloting the ship straight down into Coruscant.

The atmosphere soon filled up with the magnificent buildings of Coruscant. Luke looked at it, quite in awe. He had never been to Coruscant before and despite what he had seen in his lifetime, he was still impressed with this world, completely covered in cities. It's so huge! he thought. Luke also noticed that blaster fighter had hit some of the buildings. A battle on Coruscant...Luke had an idea who was involved.

Luke landed the shuttle at the Imperial Square Spaceport. It landed and the ramp opened. Luke noticed a few Imperials coming towards the ship.

"I'll take care of this," Jakked said as him and Latch left the bridge and off the ship. Luke and Leia followed shortly thereafter.

Jakked and Latch were gone for a little while but came back dressed in Imperial uniforms. Luke and Leia left the bridge to meet him. They met him in the main hall. Soon, the entire hall was filled with Jakked's commando team.

"All right, listen up," Jakked called out. "You know the mission. We are heading for Imperial Square where we will meet with a member of the Coruscant resistance named Nin Dinub, a Sulluestan. He will take us through the sewers to this Section 327 and to this time machine. That's where Skywalker and Organa will...go back in time. That will be Micro's department to get that working. We will then return here and return to the fleet. Latch and Haamas."

Two of his soldiers stepped forward.

"You two stay in the shuttle. We have permission to stay here for twelve hours. If we're not back by them or you're in danger, take off and return to the fleet. It's important that the Alliance keeps this shuttle."

The two men nodded.

Luke and Leia stepped forward.

"This mission is very important," Leia said. "I know many of you scoff at the idea of this time machine but I assure you that this threat is real. If the Emperor's mission is successful, there will be wide-ranging effects for the galaxy, especially the Rebellion. Is that understood?"

The team, despite their doubts, nodded in compliance.

"Here," Jakked said, handing Imperial uniforms to Luke and Leia. "You better put those on. Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa stick out like a sore thumb on Coruscant. The Rebellion would stop paying me if you two get shot."

That comment brought a laugh from the group.

"We're not planning on it," Luke replied as he and Leia put on the uniforms.

"We can't travel in one group. We have to split up into groups of two. We'll meet at Imperial Square. Understood?"

The group nodded.

"All right...move out!" Jakked yelled.

The group dispersed slowly, group by group with Luke and Leia leaving last.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Leia said, looking toward Luke.

Luke simply nodded. He was thinking the very same thing.

Drayos
Twenty-three years in the past

Obi-Wan brought the Queen's starship out of hyperspace as it entered the Drayos System. After almost a week, they had finally arrived.

Obi-Wan turned to his right to Amidala. She was now in the co-pilot's seat, helping him fly the ship.

She had woken up over an hour ago but the two barely had spoken to each other. It had been like this the entire trip. He sensed that she was deep in thought and in conflict. However, he couldn't quite get a read into what she was thinking.

He thought it best not to mention about the disruption in the Force he felt. He would discuss it with Ki-Adi-Mundi first and discover the origins of this great disturbance. The only thing Obi-Wan could sense was that it might concern him, and Amidala especially.

As the starship approached the planet, they saw four Z-95 Headhunters heading toward them. They were Mundi's scout ships; here to make sure this is not a deception.

The ships entered formation around the starship. One of the ships hailed the starship and Obi-Wan opened the comlink.

"Starship," the voice said, "state your identification and purpose."

"This is General Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am abroad the royal starship of the Queen Amidala of Naboo, who is with me. We are here at the invitation of the Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi."

"Transmit your code to us for verification," the voice said.

Obi-Wan did as he was asked and transmitted the ship identification. A few seconds later, the pilot of the lead ship again opened his comlink.

"All right, follow us."

Obi-Wan followed the ship as they entered Drayos' atmosphere. The planet was a multi-environment mix. The landing platform they were looking for was located in the forest environment up north.

Soon, the old military base lay ahead of them. Drayos, a planet abandoned years ago by its inhabitants, had served home for this base for many years. It was abandoned shortly after the Hyperspace Wars. Now, it was the hideout for a resistance cell made up of Jedi and military officers.

Obi-Wan landed his ship at the bases spaceport and opened the ramp. He got up from his seat at the same time Amidala did.

"Are you ready?" Obi-Wan asked.

Amidala simply nodded.

The two of them headed for the ramp. C-3PO and R2-D2, who were bickering as usual, joined them. The four descended down the ramp and face the crowd in front of them.

There were many different species represented in front of them. Human, Wookie, Bothans (of which there were several) and others.

But only one stood out the most prominently. A Cerean, tall and imposing despite his years, stepped forward to Obi-Wan and Amidala. It didn't take much to know who it was.

Ki-Adi-Mundi.

The Cerean stepped forward to meet them.

"Thanks be the Force that you're still alive," Mundi said, extending his hand. "How are you my friend?"

"As well as can be expected," Obi-Wan said, shaking Mundi's hand. "I believe you remember the Queen."

Ki-Adi-Mundi turned to his left to face the Queen. He bowed before her.

"Your Highness. Your presence honors us. If you require anything, we are at your disposal."

"Thank you, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi," Amidala said. "I am quite all right."

Obi-Wan regarded his old friend for a moment. Ki-Adi-Mundi was considerably old and he looked like he aged about twenty years in the last six months. Obi-Wan could understand why.

Ki-Adi-Mundi had lost as much as any of them. He had lost most of his family and friends, his homeworld, and his former apprentice. Obi-Wan could feel the pain that resonated from the man, as well as the deep sense of loss. But he could sense something else from Mundi as well. Determination. The Jedi Master was determined to go on. Determined to oppose the Emperor and his New Order. He would not stop, he would not rest, until he had destroyed the Empire and its tyranny. He would go on fighting until he breathed his last breath. He was indeed a determined man, a good one as well. Obi-Wan knew right there that he and Amidala were in good hands.

"This is a fine set-up you have here, Ki," Obi-Wan said, regarding the base.

"Yes indeed," Ki-Adi said. "We are low on supplies and still not as large as I would like but we have good people here, willing to do there best to oppose the Empire. For now, that is enough."

"Hello sir," C-3PO said, coming forward from the background to face Mundi. "I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations, and this is my counterpart R2-D2. I would be happy to offer my services to your operation."

Mundi regarded the two for a moment before finally answering.

"We could use you two at our communications center, helping to decode Imperial codes. One of my assistants will show you both the way."

"Oh thank you, sir," C-3PO said. "I will do the..."

R2-D2 beeped something indignantly at Threepio.

"What do you mean, 'stop sucking up'?" Threepio said. "I'll have you know I was merely offering my services, which is more than I could say for you."

Artoo beeped something back at Threepio. Obi-Wan could only interpret it as a profanity.

"Don't you talk to me that way you rolling garbage dispenser!" Threepio shot back. "I should have you..." the droids voice trailed off as they followed Mundi's assistant to the communications center.

"Allow me to introduce you to some of my staff," Mundi said, turning towards a small group of people. He pointed to one in particular; a tall Bothan dressed in a military uniform. "This is General Basek Ter'lya, former commander of the Bothan forces and my second-in-command."

"General Kenobi, Queen Amidala," Ter'lya said, stepping forward and bowing. "It is an honor to finally meet you both."

A second figured stepped forward. She was a female Cerean with long black hair and red eyes. She had a blaster rifle slung over her shoulder. Obi-Wan already knew who she was.

"This is Sylvn," Ki-Adi-Mundi said, turning towards her. "My daughter. My...only remaining family." He added that part quietly, and with great sadness.

"Queen Amidala, General Kenobi," she said, shaking the Queen's hand first and then Kenobi's. As he shook her hand, Obi-Wan looked closely at the young woman.

Poor girl, Kenobi thought. He could see the great sadness in her eyes. She had lost so much as well. She tried not to show it but the pain was evident in her eyes...and in her heart, Obi-Wan could sense. Obi-Wan also realized that despite the mask of sadness on her face, she was quite a beautiful young woman.

"Sylvn will show you to your quarters, Your Highness," Ki-Adi-Mundi said.

Amidala nodded and took off to follow Sylvn. Before she went, Obi-Wan turned to her and said, "Amidala, is there anything else that I can..."

"No, Obi-Wan," she said, cutting him off. "I am fine."

With that, she turned away and left with Sylvn.

Obi-Wan watched as Amidala left. She still wasn't talking to him. Obi-Wan wished he could do more for her but he wasn't sure what. He just turned back to Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"Come, my friend there is much that we need to discuss," Ki-Adi-Mundi said.

"I agree," Obi-Wan said and the two Jedi walked off to the base.

The Present

Luke and Leia made their way through the crowded Imperial Square. It was a diverse mix of humans and aliens. They also noticed more Imperial stormtroopers than usual. It probably had something to do with Vader and the Emperor's plan.

Leia looked around the bustling square. It had been three years since she had last been on Coruscant. Back then, she was a member of the Imperial Senate, fighting to keep the last vestiges of democracy alive in the Senate. Of course, her attempts had failed. In the Empire, there was no such thing as democracy and freedom.

That last time she had been on Coruscant, she was preparing for a mercy mission on Ralltiir. It was on that planet that she first learned about the Death Star. So much had changed since them. She thought about all that had happened.

Alderaan's destruction, her capture by Vader, her rescue by Luke and Han.

Han...the thought of him pained Leia. She didn't want to be here. She wanted to be with Lando and Chewie rescuing Han. She had to tell the two about her mission and why she couldn't help them. Lando looked at her skeptically when she told him the nature of the mission she and Luke were on but he wished them the best of luck and promised that he and Chewie would find Han. They had even acquired the services of an old smuggling buddy of theirs to help them. Leia would have settle with that.

Leia knew though, that this mission was too important. Their future, hers and Luke's, were at stake, not to mention the future of the Alliance. If Mara Jade killed their mother, all hope for the future would be lost. Leia would not allow that to happen, no matter what.

Leia continued her journey through Imperial Square with Luke, with the streets becoming increasingly crowded. The two held hands so they wouldn't lose each other.

"Can you see them?" Luke said, raising his voice against the noise.

"Not yet," Leia responded, looking around. "They have to be...wait, there they are!"

Luke looked straight ahead and saw Wes Jakked, in Imperial uniform, next to the cloaked figure of an individual. The other members of his team joined him. Luke and Leia made their ways toward the group.

"'Bout time," Jakked said, as the two reached him. He turned to the cloaked figure.

"This is Nin Dinub from the Coruscant resistance. He knows the underground passages well and he can get us into this section."

Nin Dinub removed his hood. The small Sulluestan said something in his native language.

"What did he say?" Luke asked.

"He said to follow him," Jakked answered. They all turned to follow Nin Dinub. A few moments later, a voice called out to them from behind.

"Halt!"

The group turned around to face the voice. Before them were five Imperial stormtroopers, weapons in hand. The order had come from the lead stormtrooper.

"You people seem to be in quite a hurry," the stormtrooper said in a harsh voice. "I want to know why."

Some nervous glances were exchanged in the group. Finally, Luke stepped forward. He was in deep concentration as he addressed the guard.

"We are civil servants of the Empire. We are on our way to our jobs. We must be allowed to get to them," Luke said with a wave of his hand.

The stormtrooper paused for a moment, saying nothing. Finally, he turned around to address his troops.

"They are civil servants of the Empire. They are on their way to their jobs. They must be allowed to get to return to them."

"We may go," Luke said with another wave of the hand.

"You may go," the stormtrooper said.

Luke and the others departed from their positions. They resumed their following of Nin Dinub. Leia and the commando team had dumbfounded looks on their face as they looked at Luke.

"What the hell did you just do?" Jakked asked.

Luke smiled at the man as he considered the words of his first teacher, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded," he answered.

Jakked shook his head, looking surprised. "All right," Jakked said. "I'm not going to complain about it."

The group continued to follow the Sulluestan as they made their way through the alleyways of Imperial Square. The alleyways were filthy and rundown. Numerous beggars lined them, some asking for money. Others asked for food. Even without the Force, Luke could sense the despair of these people. He wished he could help them but there was little that he could do.

They walked for some time until they reached a dead end. Nin Dunub walked toward a sewer lid and lifted it up. He said something in his native language to Jakked.

"Nin Dinub said this is the trail that leads to the Section," Jakked said.

"Coruscant resistance has located the Section?" Luke said.

"Yes, they've known about it for some time. Nin Dinub will know how to get us in. It won't be too bad.

"I'm surprised that the Empire doesn't have better security for this section considering what they have stored here."

"Imperial security is strong here," Jakked said. "But their security for the sewers is terrible. They don't consider the danger it presents. They don't even believe there is a resistance cell on Coruscant because it is the Empire's capital world. That arrogance has caused their security to lapse in some areas. We have to follow Nin Dinub. He will show us the way to the section. He knows how to find the hidden passages and search the mazes."

Luke and Leia nodded. Soon they and the commando team entered the sewers system. The sewers were a smelly, disgusting mess with a stream of slime and garbage following through it. Nin Dinub led them through it.

It took three hours for them to get to their destination. Three hours of hidden passage, twisting mazes, and filthy slime. Three hours of enduring a terrible smell that made them want to vomit.

They finally reached a small, metal door with an electrical system. It was locked.

"Micro!" Jakked called out to his group and the man named Micro, the mechanical genius of the team, stepped forward. He began to work on the system, attempting to open it.

It took a little while but Micro found the right code and the door swung open. They now were in the section. Luke and Leia stepped forward along with Jakked.

"All right, this is the plan," Jakked said. "We have to find the main laboratory in this section. It should be located in the middle of this facility."

"Inside this lab will be a time machine," Luke said. "There, myself and Leia will use this to travel back in time to stop the Emperor's plan."

"This won't be easy because this place is heavily guarded," Jakked said.

"But you know the consequences if we fail," Leia added. "We must succeed."

"You heard Senator Organa," Jakked said. "Let's go."

The team moved out. It was time to find this machine.

--------------------

Luke, Leia, Jakked, and his team made their way through Section 327. They managed to avoid most of the security. The few troops that they did encounter they disposed of quickly. They continued until they reach the overview facility.

Jakked ordered his second-in-command, a female commander named Maya and to check it out. Maya did so and reported the situation.

The room oversaw the sections operations. From there, they could probably access information about the time machine. There were only a few stormtroopers. She and the half the team could handle it.

"All right," said Jakked. "Take them out."

Maya and six of the team members entered the room. A valley of blaster shots rang out. After a few seconds, all was quiet.

Then Maya came out.

"Everything is clear. Get in."

Luke, Leia, Jakked, and the rest of the team came into the overview room.

"Can Micro get us information on the machine and the rest of the security in this section?" Leia said to Jakked.

"He can get through anything," Jakked said confidently as Micro headed to the console and got to work.

Micro was able to access the files on the machine and it's operations. He then saw files dealing with demonstrations. Micro accessed it and the video screen light up with images.

Dr. Sen Tharon discussing the operations of the machine and its initial runs. Moff Jerjerrod discussing how the machine could be used.

Then, the image of a red-haired woman as she prepared to go through time. Mara Jade, Luke thought, regarding the woman.

Then more images flashed forward, and the menacing vision of Darth Vader hit the screen. Several gasps were let out and Luke and Leia's attention was magnified as they saw the images. Vader, fighting off the Emperor's royal guards. Him forcing Tharon and Jerjerrod to get the machine operating. Vader using the Force to kill them and travel through time.

After the images faded, Micro got to work on discovering how many stormtroopers were guarding the main lab. Quite a few actually. Forty. This wasn't going to be easy.

When it was finished, Micro got up from the chair to address the group.

"You saw everything I saw. With the information I have received, I believe I can get the machine working again. However, we have to get through some forty stormtroopers to get to it. We're good but we can't get pass that many."

Everyone paused for a moment. Finally, Jakked stepped forward.

"I think we can."

--------------------

Thirty minutes later, Luke, Leia, Jakked, Micro, and team members Callington and Todd, were stationed a deck away from the main lab. They were waiting. Waiting for a signal from Commander Maya.

Commander Maya and five members of the team would be confronting the stormtroopers. If all went according to plan, they would draw away most of the stormtroopers, allowing the rest of them to dispatch the remaining troops and getting to the machine.

"They should have signaled by now," Jakked said.

"They will," Luke said.

"How do you know?" Jakked said somewhat annoyed.

"Because they were trained by the best," Luke said, drawing a smirk from Jakked.

"Yeah well, I hope we can get through this mission," Jakked said.

"You could come to the past with us," Luke suggested.

"No, I'm not leaving my team and I wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do in the past," Jakked said. He turned away for a moment and smiled sadly. "Still, I wouldn't mind using that machine."

"Really, what for?" Leia asked.

"Ah, it doesn't matter," Jakked said. "The important thing is to get you to the past. After those files we saw, I know now how important this mission it."

"It's the most important," Luke said. "Possibly for all our futures."

Jakked nodded.

"You know, Luke...Leia, I use to work with the Jedi when I was in the Republic military. During the Clone Wars, I met this one named Mace..."

Suddenly, Jakked's comlink beeped and he turned it on.

"This is Maya," the voice said. "We've managed to engage the troops. We got more than half of them after us."

"Will you be all right?" Jakked said.

"Yes," said Maya. "We'll find a way to lose them. They're only stormtroopers. Their not that bright."

Jakked smiled. "All right," he said. "Lose them and get back to Nin Dinub. From there, I want you to get back to the shuttle and take off."

"But sir, what about you and the others?"

"Don't worry Commander, we'll find a way out," Jakked said.

"But, sir..." Maya began.

"You have your orders, Commander," Jakked reminded her. "Don't worry, Maya, we'll be fine," I hope, Jakked added silently.

Silence reigned for a moment before Maya answered.

"Good luck, sir."

"Thanks Maya. Take care," Jakked said, turning off his comlink.

Jakked turned to face Luke and Leia.

"We're ready," he said.

"We all know the plan," Luke said. "We reach the doors, bust in, disrupt the environment, and take out the guards."

"Then I get to the time machine," Micro said.

"Exactly," Leia said. "We have to pull this off without damaging the time machine."

"We will," Jakked said. He turned to Luke, who pulled out Qui-Gon's-his lightsaber.

"Let's do it," Luke said.

Luke, Leia, Jakked, Micro, Callington, and Todd made their way to the door of the main lab. Luke and Jakked got on either side of it, with the rest of them behind the two. With a signal, Jakked hit the controls and the door opened.

The stormtroopers turned to see the six rebels charge in. Before they could fire, Leia threw a concussion bomb at them. Smoke filled the space around them, blinding them. The rebels opened fire.

Luke ignited his lightsaber and began cutting down the stormtroopers. He cut down one, then another, and his lightsaber soon became a blur as more troops fell before him. One stormtrooper managed to fire off some shots at him, but Luke deflected them. The blasts flew back at the stormtrooper, killing him instantly.

Leia also made quick work of her enemies, her shots hitting the stormtroopers with lethal efficiency. She quickly finished her work.

Jakked went straight at the stormtroopers, blasting away. He quickly shot three of them down. When one tried to jump him, Jakked threw him through a viewscreen. He slammed through the glass and hit the ground with a thud. When it was all over, the stormtroopers lay at the feet of the rebels, completely defeated.

Luke then turned and stared in awe at the time machine. A large black structure, with a small opening the size of a door, in the middle. This is what would take them back through time.

"Micro, get to work on that machine," Jakked said. "Callington, Todd, guard the door."

Everyone did as told. Micro got to work on the machine as Luke, Leia, and Jakked went over the specifics of their mission.

"Twenty-three years, huh?" Jakked said.

"Yes, just after the destruction of Naboo," Luke said.

"That was a very dangerous time. The Empire was on a warpath enforcing its will. A lot of death and destruction," Jakked said.

"I know," Leia said, remembering the stories her father, Bail Organa, had told her.

Suddenly, the time machine roared to life. The portal began to glow magnificently.

"All right," Micro said, heading towards the three. "The machine is on. I just have to set the coordinates."

"Will it send us back to were we need to be?" Leia said.

"I believe so," Micro said. "Time is very tricky. You'll probably arrive after Jade and Vader did."

Micro then took out two alien-looking comlinks and handed them to Luke and Leia.

"Put these on," he said. "These are comlinks...comlinks through time. When your mission is complete, punch in the proper coordinates to return back through time. I will provide you with those shortly. It also has several other uses. Person-to-person communication, computer upgrading...it's an incredible piece of technology."

Luke and Leia put them on.

"One more thing. Make sure you succeed. When you return, you will not be able to travel back in time. More than one full trip through time and back will kill any being, even those that are strong in the Force. Do you understand?"

Luke and Leia nodded.

"All right, I'll set the coordinates...aaahhh!"

"Micro!" Jakked yelled.

Micro slumped forward and fell straight to the ground. The trio saw that a stormtrooper had fired a shot off the ground and shot Micro in the back. The stormtrooper got up and pointed his blaster at them.

Jakked raised his blaster and fired a single shot at the stormtrooper, hitting him in the chest. The stormtrooper hit the ground, now quite dead.

Luke, Leia, and Jakked went over to Micro. Micro was on the ground and barely conscious.

"Micro!" Jakked said desperately. "Hang on, we'll get you out of here!"

"T-too...late," Micro said, gasping for breath. He grabbed Luke by the shirt and brought him closer to him. "Coordinates...are 092577...SJK1. They will...r-return you...to this t-time...as well. Punch...it...in..."

Micro's eyes closed. He was dead.

Jakked got up. His face was emotionless as he looked at the body of his dead friend. Leia put a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Leia said.

"So am I," Jakked responded. There was no time for him to mourn now. "Come on, let's punch in those coordinates."

Suddenly, Callington and Todd rushed in.

"Colonel," Callington said. "The Imps are heading this way. A lot of them. There on the verge of cutting through the doors."

Jakked, Luke, and Leia turned to face each other. They didn't have time for this.

Finally, Jakked spoke up. "Luke, Leia, get those coordinates punched in and go on with your mission. The rest of us will hold off the troops."

"Colonel...Wes, you'll never survive. You three are coming with us," Luke said.

"Luke, if we don't stop those guards, none of us are going anywhere. We'll hold off the guards, you carry out the mission. It's too important. Don't worry about us, we'll find a way to get out."

"But..." Leia tried to say.

"Your Highness," Jakked said. "We're running out of time. In more ways than one, in this case. You'd better punch in those coordinates before it's too late."

Luke and Leia hesitated for a second, but then agreed there was no other way. Luke got to work on the machine.

Jakked and his men headed out but Jakked stopped as he reached the door.

"Luke, Leia," he said.

The two turned to face him.

"Good luck," Jakked said with a grin.

The two smiled back.

"May the Force be with you, Wes," Luke said and Leia echoed that sentiment.

"And with you my friends," Jakked said. He then headed out the door to meet with his team.

Luke got to work on setting the coordinates. Second later, they heard an explosion outside of the lab. It was quickly followed by the sounds of blaster fire. The stormtroopers had broken through.

A few seconds later, Luke had punched in the coordinates. It was set. It was time.

"We're ready," Luke said, and he and Leia rushed to face the machine.

Luke and Leia turned towards each other. They stared at each other. They knew the mission. They knew the stakes.

They had to stop Mara Jade from killing their mother. They might have to confront Darth Vader. Their own future, and the future of the galaxy, was on the line.

Leia reached out her hand. Luke took it in his own hand. The two of them ran through the portal and through time itself.

It was a spectacular experience, traveling through time. The glow provided the twins with a sense of joy.

The portal opened again and threw the two through it. When they got up and walked around, they saw nothing but ruin. Devastation. Despair. They knew then that the trip through time had been successful. They were now where they needed to be.

"Naboo," Leia said.

Luke nodded. They were on Naboo but he knew something else as soon as they arrived.

Mara Jade and Darth Vader were not on the planet.

--------------------

How the hell did I get myself into this? Wes Jakked thought as the stormtrooper in front of him fell to the ground, dead from Jakked's blaster.

Jakked spun around and ran down the corridor, looking for a way out of this predicament. Away from the stormtroopers and away from the section. Callington and Todd were dead and he was bleeding from a blaster wound to his left arm. It was not getting any better. He had gotten careless in the battle against the stormtroopers and paid for it. His best bet now was to patch up his wounds and find a way to escape.

Jakked came to the end of the corridor, a good distance away from the approaching stormtroopers and turned left. He ran only a few feet before he was met with a new hail of blaster fire. Two stormtroopers were at the end of the corridor. They had seen him approaching and had opened fire.

Jakked rolled on his right shoulder, the one without the wounded arm. He rose and opened fire. The first stormtrooper fell quickly. The second stormtrooper fired at Jakked. The blast narrowly missed his head. Jakked returned fire. The difference was that Jakked didn't miss. He hit the stormtrooper right between the eyes. With that taken care of, Jakked continued down the corridor.

If I keep down this path, I should reach the way out.

Jakked reached the end of corridor and looked in horror to find in closed off. Apparently a concussion bomb had gone off and debris was completely covering the path.

He was trapped. He would have to find another way out. The Imps were hot on his trail. He needed to hide and lay low.

Looking around, he found the door to the star map room open. Jakked jumped into the room. The star map room was lit up with the images of stars and planets. Jakked knocked out the display with his blaster and the room was in complete darkness. He then hid behind a console to treat his wound.

His arm was getting increasingly numb. He ripped off part of his uniform and wrapped it around his arm tightly. He screamed in pain as he did this. It stopped the bleeding but he knew it was only a matter of time before his arm went completely numb.

Jakked thought about his next move. If I could lie low in here for awhile, perhaps I could...

No. It was time to face reality. He wasn't going to get out of here alive. He was badly wounded and all exits had probably been cut off. Stormtroopers were on alert everywhere. There was no chance he could escape.

He only hoped Maya and the rest of his team had gotten out safely. He would die but he hoped his team wouldn't be joining him.

And he hoped that Luke and Leia had gotten to the past safely. Despite his gruff nature towards them, he liked them both and wished them the best of luck.

As he lay in hiding, Jakked thought back on his own life, about how he had come to be caught in this situation.

A long time ago, he had been a child on the planet Eeos. A runaway, he joined the Republic army. He got his first taste of adventure and he loved it. He also got his first taste of combat. Fighting in the Clone Wars against the Mandolorians. He fought beside the Jedi, including the great Mace Windu. It had been an experience that helped prepare him for what was to come later. After the Wars, he got out of the military and became a merchant.

It was during those years that he met her. Feline, the woman of his dreams. She was a beautiful and brilliant young woman with a bright future ahead of her. He met her during a business deal and soon they were romantically involved. The two had many adventures as they traveled around the galaxy. He loved Feline so much that he would do anything for her and promised to spend his life with her. He proposed to her and she accepted.

That marriage never came to be. A week before their wedding, she was killed on Rampa 2. Killed by the Empire. A massacre, by Imperial troops on the planet. She had been caught in the crossfire trying to help the victims. The Empire didn't even have a reason to attack Rampa 2. It was Rampa 1 that had rebelled against them. But they attacked Rampa 2 as well, as an example of what happened to those who opposed the Empire.

Jakked remembered how devastated he was when Feline was killed. He had been inconsolable. He had even considered killing himself. But he wouldn't. No...he would fight. Fight against the Empire and its tyranny. Fight against the Empire that had killed her. He would make every Imperial scum pay for Feline's death.

He joined the Rebellion and became a member of Special Forces. He volunteered for the most dangerous missions, any mission that would destroy the Empire. He would fight, to make sure the people of the galaxy wouldn't have to suffer under the Empire.

Jakked could hear footsteps nearby. The stormtroopers were coming.

Jakked reached into his pocket and pulled out a pendant. A pendant his Feline had given him. He often kissed it for luck and he did the same now. He would need it.

He checked his blaster. He had just put in a full clip of ammunition in. That would have to do. He was going to die, he knew that now but he wasn't sad. He knew he would be reunited with his love once again.

The footsteps were louder and the Imperials were closing. Jakked was prepared, crouching and ready to strike.

A light filled the room. Emergency lights. He knew what would happen next.

Hold on Feline. We'll be together again soon...

Imperial stormtroopers flooded the room. Jakked sprung up from his hiding place and opened fire, taking down stormtrooper and stormtrooper.

He was going to die but he was going to take every Imp to hell with him!

The Emperor's Palace

The Emperor sat on his throne, considering the recent events that had just transpired. Mara Jade, followed by Darth Vader, and later Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa had all managed to travel back in time. They had traveled back to a time because of what he had planned.

Palpatine smiled. It was going exactly as he had foreseen.

He had let Vader and later Skywalker and Organa follow Mara Jade. Why else would he let security in the section be so lax? He had wanted them all back in that time.

It would be perfect. The four of them were violate elements. Both Mara Jade and Darth Vader were corrupted by the dark side. Skywalker was confused, and that would be his undoing. Then there was Organa.

Leia Organa...the daughter of Darth Vader and Queen Amidala!

Palpatine shook his head in amazement. He had always figured there was one more out there...one more strong in the Force. But even he had not expected it to be Organa. The fact that she was Vader and Amidala's daughter still surprised him. He should have seen it though. The two women were so much alike. Beautiful, intelligent, independent, defiant, naive...easily controllable.

Organa was also angry. He knew that. With Organa, Skywalker, Vader, and Jade in the same place, that anger would flare and the Dark Side would take over. He knew what would happen when too many beings strong in the Dark Side were around. They would begin to destroy themselves, just as the Sith had over two thousand years earlier.

He had no doubt though that Mara Jade would come out the winner. She was loyal to the Emperor. She would be willing to do anything, to destroy everything for her master. The others would not. That would be their downfall.

Yes, he had no doubt that Mara Jade would defeat them all and complete her mission. Amidala would be destroyed, thus ending any threat to his supremacy forever. No Skywalker, no Organa, no Rebellion. Nothing but the Emperor and his Empire would remain.

Even if Mara Jade failed, there something he knew that she didn't, and he would still win. There were always Skywalker or even Organa. He could take on either one of them as his apprentice. By the time they returned to the future, he would have them taken prisoner and brought before him. There, he would crush the will of the survivor and whoever it was would become his apprentice.

If Lord Vader were to survive, Palpatine had no doubt that he would destroy him as well. He was powerful but he would not stand a chance against his power. It was a win-win situation for the Emperor. The kind of one he always had secured for himself over the last forty years. He would not lose.

Palpatine continued to sit on his throne, staring out at the stars. He smiled. This would be a day long remembered. The day that he would rule the galaxy forever.