A Journey of Discovery -- Book One: Pendulum Chapter 6 By Michele See Chapter 1 for disclaimer Rated PG-13 Later that day, Luke was waiting with a smile when the door to his suite opened. Behind Mara, Captain Herkin gave a feral grin, then stalked back to the turbolift. "Hi," Luke said quietly, giving her a quick kiss. Mara knew the kiss was only for the benefit of the holocams, but still... "How long can you stay?" he asked as he led her into the room. "I'm to stay all night," Mara replied tentatively, trying to gauge his reaction. His mouth had just started to curve into a smile, but abruptly it disappeared when she dropped the other shoe. "And we're not to go into the refresher together." Luke narrowed his eyes, and Mara knew he had figured out instinctively that the Emperor was on to them, or at least had suspicions. "But..." Luke's mind raced through the implications of Palpatine's orders. Mara forced a smile. "We'll just have to try out that big bed you have in there." "You don't expect us to ... out in the open?!" The indignation was starting to build in his voice. Whirling around, he looked directly into one of the holocams. "I am NOT having sex with an audience watching," he announced defiantly. Mara touched his arm. "Skywalker," she said warningly. He pulled away from her. "Listen, maybe you're used to this kind of thing, but allow me to retain at least a shred of decency." "Oh, come now, Luke..." She batted her eyelashes seductively, knowing she shouldn't appear to back down so easily. "Don't be so shy. We'll be under the covers." He glared at his companion, but the thoughts he sent were apologetic. *I can't do that, Mara. I'm sorry.* She studied him a moment, then, resting her hands on his shoulders, gave a little laugh. "Well, then, lover, I guess we'll just have to sleep, for a change." Luke raised one hand and cupped her cheek. He leaned forward and kissed her other cheek, whispering "Thank you." Darth Vader stood beside his emperor's throne as they watched the flickering real-time image of their prisoner and his guest. "Interesting," Palpatine murmured as Luke declared his objections to having relations with Mara in the bedchamber. "Your son seems to have developed a sense of probity all of a sudden, Lord Vader." "Having moral integrity is not something to be ashamed of," Vader spoke up in his son's defense. "After supposedly joining with her on a daily basis? No, I believe his little act has nothing to do with timidity in view of the holocameras. I have my doubts they have been having any relations whatsoever, despite the assurances of my Hand." You're just now reaching that conclusion? Vader reflected cynically to himself, keeping his thoughts carefully shielded. "Your opinion, Lord Vader?" Palpatine broke in on Vader's musings, giving him a shrewd look. "It may be as you say, Your Excellency," Vader replied carefully. "Perhaps they are playing for time." "Yes," Palpatine intoned slowly. "Time ... however ... will soon run out, for both of them." He rose and ambled slowly over to gaze at the spectacular vista of colorful auroras flashing through the atmosphere of Imperial Center. "A regrettable loss of Force potential, admittedly, but the Sith order shall endure." He gave his servant a mocking sideways leer. "They should have taken advantage of each other while they had the chance." Luke and Mara settled themselves on the couch in the common room. Luke rubbed his palms over his knees. "So, it's still early. What would you like to do?" Mara knew the unspoken translation was "what CAN we do out here?" She glanced around the room. They couldn't practice Force skills. They couldn't risk much communication through the Force. "You have a dejarik table," she noticed. "Do you know how to play?" "Of course," he said with a frown. "I'm not that uncivilized." Mara switched the board on, and the game pieces materialized. Instead of the alien creatures Luke was familiar with from Han's board, however, this set featured three-dimensional tie pilots, stormtroopers, Royal Guards, and various other Imperial figures. "Ahh, the glory of the Empire," he smirked. Mara moved a miniature red guard in a first strike, and soon they were fully engrossed in attempting to outmaneuver each other. "You play quite well," Mara complimented Luke as she narrowly won their first game. "Where did you learn?" "From Chewbacca," he murmured as he reset the board for a rematch. "The Wookiee?" Mara asked incredulously. "You're joking, right?" Luke gave her an indignant glare. "Of course not. Wookiees are very intelligent." "But to play dejarik? I mean ... well ..." "What did you think? That they're only good for manual labor in slave camps?" He casually reached over and tapped the gameboard monitor. "Have you ever even met a Wookiee?" "No, not really." She gave him a warning look. *I don't think these are plausible arguments for someone leaning toward becoming a Sith lord.* Luke bit his lip as he concentrated on his next move. "Perhaps the Empire should make better use of the talents of their captives," he muttered. Mara absently poked her own monitor, directing one of her tie pilots to march to a square currently occupied by one of Luke's stormtroopers, causing his piece to wink out of existence. She was disturbed by the close-minded sulk he had lapsed into. *Skywalker, I'm not sure I can fit in with your Rebels.* Luke raised an eyebrow, then went back to studying the gameboard. *Why not?* *You associate with all these ... these creatures. You treat them like equals.* She frowned as Luke maneuvered to knock out one of her moffs. *They are equals,* he shot back. *They're sentient beings, Mara, just like you and me. No species is better than any other. Some of my best friends are aliens, like Chewie.* He looked up, waiting for Mara's response. "It's your turn." "Don't rush me." Mara shifted her grand admiral out of the path of Luke's next anticipated action. *Maybe I just need the right person to introduce me to his non-human friends.* Luke gave her a satisfied grin as he replaced Mara's emperor with his Vader figure. "Checkmate." *I'd be happy to.* "Ready to call it a night?" Mara asked Luke, yawning. *We can't stay up all night playing games.* "Of course," he agreed, smiling warmly while reaching over to switch off the board. Mara scooted closer to him on the couch, running a hand lightly over his shoulder and up into his hair. "You know, when you join the Empire, we'll be able to spend many evenings together like this," she murmured, realizing she'd better get back to business. "Really?" Luke drawled, joining in her act for the holocamera's benefit. "Playing dejarik every night?" "Among other things," she purred. Mara straddled his lap, facing him as he rested his hands on her waist. "His Excellency has promised that I could be your mistress if you will remain here voluntarily." Running her fingers softly across his jawline, she leaned in and kissed him lightly. "Would you like to have me as your mistress?" she whispered. Luke ran his hand through her shiny red-gold hair, then gazed into her sparkling emerald eyes. "Yes," he murmured quietly. "I believe I would enjoy that very much." He pulled her against him and returned her tender kiss. They broke apart briefly, eyes locked onto each other, then abruptly their lips met again in a passionate joining, arms encircling one another in an almost desperate embrace. Luke pulled back slightly to catch his breath. The thought of 'were they still pretending?' ran through both their minds simultaneously. They sat unmoving for several moments, their faces only inches apart. "Mara, I..." Luke finally whispered. She laid her fingers lightly on his lips. "I think we should go to bed," she whispered back. He nodded, taking her hand as she backed off him, and together they headed for the sleeping chamber. As they entered the room, Mara hesitated in her step. "I need to use the 'fresher," she murmured. "Of course," Luke smiled. As the refresher door closed behind her, he perched himself lightly on the edge of the bed. He pulled his boots off, then ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't worried about having to actually have sex with her for the benefit of the monitors. No, what gnawed at him was that a part of him, deep down, wanted to. As if he even knew how... Luke smirked to himself. Now wouldn't that be humiliating? Jade would probably laugh her head off. Imagine, a 22-yr-old fighter pilot who'd never... But he was also a Jedi Knight, sort of. He wasn't even sure if Jedi were supposed to ... allowed to... But obviously his father had. One of a thousand things he'd never gotten around to asking Ben or Yoda about. It hadn't really seemed like an appropriate question when he was in training to save the galaxy. Luke leaned back on his elbows and sighed to himself. He very possibly had less than two days to live, and he was worried about his non-existent love life. Mara Jade bent over the sink and began washing off her heavy make- up. After drying her face, she stared at the reflection in the mirror. She felt like a stranger's face was staring back at her. How could her whole world be turned upside-down in just a few days' time? All because of some upstart, Jedi-wanna-be. Why did all his persuasive arguments have to make so much sense? A week ago she was blindly following Palpatine's every order, ready to give her life for him and his Empire. But now... Mara leaned against the counter and closed her eyes. Even from the other room, she could feel Skywalker's warm presence. At least he'd had enough sense to get them out of actually having to have sex tonight. Wouldn't that have been a shock? Mara Jade, Emperor's Hand, trained assassin,...virgin. Sure, she'd flirted with men before, even accompanied them home. Enemies of the Emperor, that is. Targets. Fools. She'd always managed to complete her mission before they ever reached that degree of intimacy. She wondered if Palpatine knew, or even cared. His Excellency had never ordered her to sleep with anyone before now. At the time, she had resented this directive to give herself to the Jedi. When she ultimately went to bed with a man, she'd always hoped it would be her choice, not Palpatine's. Her thoughts went back out to the bedchamber, and the gentle person waiting for her there. Would she have made a different choice for a first lover? Could she have made a better choice? She doubted if Skywalker would be that naïve, not to be able to tell the difference. He was a hero in their Rebellion. Probably had women lining up to keep him satisfied. Mara frowned slightly. Not that he really seemed the type, though. But he didn't seem the type to be a war hero, either, or a Jedi for that matter. Mara slipped off her outer clothes. Surely she had better things to worry about. If they didn't fine tune their escape plans, they'd both be dead in less than two days. Luke sat up abruptly as Mara exited the refresher. Her scant attire, a black camisole and panties, was similar to what she wore during their training sessions in the whirlpool. But they weren't going to be sitting across from each other, practicing Force skills this time. They were going to be climbing into bed with each other. Under the scrutiny of a half dozen holocameras. Mara sat down lightly next to him on the edge of the bed, her fragrant scent assaulting his senses. Blast those holocams, Luke thought. If it weren't for them, they wouldn't have to be pretending like this. Luke stiffened slightly as Mara laid a hand gently on his leg. If it weren't for those holocams, they could do whatever they wanted out here. He was afraid to answer himself on the question of what he wanted to do with her. "Would you like me to help you undress?" Mara asked seductively, moving to unfasten his tunic. Most men would give their right arm to find themselves in a position like this, Luke mused. He glanced at his hand as Mara eased his tunic off his shoulders. Well, he was close. When Mara moved to unfasten his pants, though, Luke hopped up. He could tell Mara was as uncomfortable about this whole affair as he was. "I need to use the 'fresher too," he blurted out, then hurried from the room before she could respond. Letting her help him out of his shirt was one thing. Having a woman take his pants off -- that he wasn't ready for. Especially one that was stirring up in him all kinds of emotions he wasn't ready for either. Mara stared at Luke's retreating back, then pulled the covers back and slipped underneath. He seems as nervous as I am, she thought. And he always knows just when to pull back, as if he's reading my mind. It amazed her how attune they were with each other, like they'd known each other all their lives. Luke returned moments later, palming off the light panel on his way. Mara smiled as she noted he wasn't any more undressed than when he left. "You always sleep in your trousers?" she teased. "Why?" he retorted, slipping his black pants off. "You getting anxious?" "For you? Always." Mara held the covers up as Luke slipped in beside her. She'd seen him strip down to his boxers before, when she had finally talked him into joining her in the tub. But that was worlds apart from joining her between the sheets. *Infrared lenses on the holocams,* Mara sent, as she leaned up on one elbow and kissed him lightly. *I figured as much.* He reached up and ran his fingers through her hair, then pulled her close for another kiss. *The sacrifices I have to make,* he wisecracked, earning him a pinch in the ribs. They laughed lightly, and Mara soon made another discovery about the Jedi. He was quite ticklish in the stomach. Luke grabbed both her wrists in self-defense, flipping her over on her back. Hearing the dangerous Emperor's Hand giggle and squeal like a schoolgirl made him nearly forget the peril awaiting them. He leaned down and covered her mouth with his, loosening his grip on her hands, which then encircled his back tightly. After several moments, they broke apart, breathless, gazing at each other in the dim light streaming in from Coruscant's brightly-lit night sky. *I think we should have them convinced by now,* Mara sent, though she made no move to let him go. *Probably so,* he concurred reluctantly. Luke rolled away, keeping one arm around her shoulders as she nestled her head against him. This is still just an act for her, he thought sadly. She doesn't care anything about me. I was just the catalyst to her discovering the true nature of Palpatine. *Do you really think we'll make it?* Mara sent, as they pretended to be drifting off to sleep. *I don't think anyone has ever tried to escape the palace before and actually succeeded.* *We aren't going to just try,* he returned silently. *We're going to prevail. You have to think positive.* *Skywalker,* she began, hugging him a little tighter. *I'm ... I'm glad you talked me into joining you.* If he only knew how hard it was for her to admit that to him. How out-of-character it was for her. *I'm not sure I would have ever had the courage on my own.* *Hmmm,* Luke brushed her forehead with his lips. *One thing I've discovered about you, Ms. Jade, is that you are definitely not lacking in courage. You could easily escape the Emperor without any help from me.* *Maybe. But without your encouragement? I don't know. And he's powerful, Luke, we can't forget that. It's going to take all our skill, and then some, to make it off planet.* *We'll make it,* he repeated. *The Emperor will be defeated soon; I can feel it. And then you'll be free to go wherever you want, and do whatever you want.* But not with you, Mara thought to herself, hiding her disappointment deep down inside. You're a hero of your Rebellion. You could never consort with the likes of me. I'm only the means of your escape, nothing more. And you're only going along with this ruse of being lovers to protect me from further beatings. *Mara?* Luke sent after a few moments of quiet. *Why did the Emperor insist we stay out here tonight? Does he suspect...?* *He said the atmosphere out here would be more conducive to ..., that we might ...* *Might what?* *They're hoping you'll get me pregnant,* Mara admitted. *What?! You're joking!* Luke struggled not to react outwardly, knowing they were supposed to be feigning slumber. I'm sure not ready to be a father, he thought to himself. Mara shrugged in his embrace. *Makes sense. It would be that much more incentive for you to join them. And if you don't...* *They'd have a Force-strong child to manipulate,* Luke finished sourly. *But that means, they wouldn't kill you if you were pregnant, even if I don't turn.* Mara didn't reply. *You weren't going to tell me, were you?* *What did you expect me to do? Ask you to knock me up just to save my own hide? Can you honestly say you would even consider subjecting a child to being raised by Palpatine? Because that's how I was brought up, and I'd take my own life before I would allow that to happen to any child of ours ... er, mine ...* Mara buried her head in her pillow, hoping Luke wouldn't comment on that last slip of the tongue. 'Child of ours' she'd said, Luke thought. Strange how natural that had sounded. *Mara, you should know me better than that by now. No child should be born into an environment of darkness.* He paused in thought a moment. *That's why my mother fled from my father when she was carrying me. And why I was hidden when I was born.* Mara scooted a little closer in the darkness. She wondered how differently her life might have turned out if she could have been hidden from the Emperor. *It's a moot point anyway,* she sent, *because we're both going to escape.* *Right. By the way,* Luke lightened his tone. *What did you mean by 'more conducive' out here? How would the bed contribute better to ... you know ... than the floor of the refresher?* *Not ... the floor.* Mara braced for his reaction. *The tub.* This time Luke started to jerk up on one elbow. *You told them we were having sex in the whirlpool?!* *You're supposed to be falling asleep here.* Mara hurriedly pulled him back down. *We come out every time with our hair damp. I was sent here to seduce you, remember?* Luke let a little groan escape him. *Every time you visit? My father must think I'm some kind of sex fiend.* *Your father doesn't believe we're doing anything at all.* *He told you that?* *Yes.* Mara put her fingers on Luke's lips, hoping he would get the message that she didn't want to discuss the matter right now. She still found it unsettling to think of gentle Luke as the son of the Dark Lord. *We should get some sleep.* *You're right.* Luke shifted his position slightly, careful not to lose contact with her sensual body. His curiosity about Mara's apparent conversation with his father would have to wait until she was ready to talk about it. *Goodnight, Mara,* *Goodnight, Skywalker.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Luke awoke first, early the next morning. He was instantly aware of Mara's body lying close to him, the beginning rays of sunlight highlighting the gold in her crimson hair. I've never even slept with a woman before, he mused to himself. Never mind not having ever ... He sighed quietly. He considered getting up for his usual morning meditation, but just then Mara moaned softly in her sleep. No, Luke thought, this may be the only chance I ever get to hold her like this. He curled up behind her, and soon drifted back into dreaming bliss. Not long after, Mara stirred into wakefulness, an unaccustomed warmth pressed against her back, a strong bare arm curled around her stomach. She lay still, not wanting to spoil this incredible moment. She realized with a start that she had never slept with another being before. Was this what she had been missing? This feeling of intimacy ... of being special to someone else? She thought back to all the men who had come on to her through the years, wanting her to warm their beds, and more. She had found them all detestable, and was not gentle in discouraging them. But not Luke ... Never had anyone affected her like he did. Mara Jade was usually an early riser, not wanting to waste time on the boredom of sleep. But not this morning. Through the bedroom's secured window faintly drifted the twittering of Pellata birds, imported from Ithor to inhabit the palace's many hanging gardens. She was as much a prisoner here as they were, Mara thought drowsily. Behind her, she could hear Luke's gentle breathing in her ear, lulling her back to sleep. This morning was magic, and she would let it last as long as she could. Barely an hour later, Luke and Mara both jerked awake as the sound of a harsh voice filled the room. "Well, well, isn't this cozy?" snarled Captain Herkin, leering at them from just inside the bedchamber's doorway. A stormtrooper stood on either side of him, blaster rifles held ready. "What are you doing in here?" Luke protested vehemently, raising up on one elbow but careful to keep the covers over them. "I'm allowed my privacy." "You are allowed what I say you're allowed," Herkin retorted as he stalked closer toward the bed. Mara stared daggers at him, biting her lip in an attempt to keep from lashing out. A mere concubine should never talk back to an Imperial officer. But her effort was doomed as Herkin reached out to yank the coverlet off them. "The Emperor will hear about this!" she screamed, leaning up to try to snatch the covering back over herself. Herkin laughed contemptuously. "It is the Emperor who sent me after you. And since when does a miserable wench like yourself care about modesty?" He ogled Mara lustfully as the delicate fabric of her low-cut top clung to her clammy skin, emphasizing her tantalizing, young figure. "Especially one as appetizing as you. Been enjoying yourself, Jedi?" The words weren't even out of Herkin's mouth before Luke was on his feet. "Leave her alone!" he shouted, lunging at the man. But his motion was halted by a pair of lowered muzzles. Without taking his irate gaze from Herkin's face, Luke held one hand out and his tunic flew from the floor into his grasp. The captain's face paled slightly at the motion, but he managed to retain his haughty composure. Luke tossed the tunic toward Mara. "Put this on, then go get dressed." Mara slipped the garment on and eased out of the bed, throwing one last insolent look at Herkin as she strode into the refresher. When she exited a few moments later, she paused, concern filling her face. Luke had donned his trousers by now, and was glowering defiantly at the arrogant captain. "I will not forget this, Herkin," Luke growled in a low voice, his fists clenched at his sides. "I will soon be your Master, and you'll be mining spice on Kessel." Mara could feel a touch of the darkside surrounding Luke, and it sent shivers through her body. She had never witnessed the normally placid Jedi lose his temper before. In that instant, she knew why Palpatine both feared Luke Skywalker, and coveted him as an apprentice. Even Herkin stepped back, unsettled by Luke's aggressive demeanor. He spotted Mara out of the corner of his eye, and seemed relieved to see his objective ready to leave. "Come," he motioned to her, leaving the troopers to continue covering Luke, "His Excellency awaits." Mara gave Luke a disquieting glance as she followed Herkin out of the room. He responded with a reassuring smile, which confused her all the more. Could he really feign anger that well? Anxiety churned inside her. Or was she trading one darksider for another? Luke's shoulders slumped as he was left alone in his room. He had allowed his temper to get the best of him, and Mara had witnessed it. Sure, it had been a convincing act, but deep down, he knew he hadn't entirely been pretending. And from the look on Mara's face, she knew it too. Luke shut his eyes and exhaled a pent-up breath. Control, control, he must learn control. Help me, Master Yoda, he sent out, as he dropped to the floor in meditation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * It was late that evening when Mara finally reappeared at Luke's door. "Come in," Luke invited his guest, giving her a quick hug. Captain Herkin retreated slightly as Luke shot a warning glare his way over Mara's shoulder. Mara sauntered in, shutting the door behind her. They made their way over to the couch, where Mara settled herself on Luke's lap. He pulled her in for a long, ravenous kiss. "I've missed you all day," he managed to get out when they broke apart to take a breath. "Can you stay the night again?" Mara shook her head regretfully. "No, only for a few minutes. Herkin is waiting for me." "I wondered why he was still out there." Luke ran his fingers through her hair. "I don't like being apart from you." "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," Mara pointed out, trailing a finger along his jawline. "That it does," Luke agreed, brushing her lips once more with his. *You weren't punished, were you, because we didn't ...?* *No,* she returned silently. *The Emperor appeared satisfied you were reluctant only because of the holocams.* Mara paused slightly. *In fact, it was almost eerie, the way he dismissed my attempts to explain.* She bent her head close, hoping to hide Luke's coming frown. *I promised him we would put all our efforts into attaining parenthood as soon as we are awarded our privacy.* *Ahh, something to look forward to,* Luke teased, pushing aside his feelings of unease about Palpatine. He had no misgivings about how insidiously treacherous the despot could be. "After tonight, we can be together every night," Mara murmured aloud, looking deeply into his sparkling eyes, at the same time poking him covertly for his retort. "His Excellency has assured me I would be your reward for joining the Empire." "He certainly knew the right bait to use." Luke closed his eyes and pulled her in even closer. *I'm sorry about this morning,* he sent silently as he nuzzled her ear. *You seem to have the Emperor convinced you are embracing the dark side.* She was silent a moment before continuing. *You were even beginning to convince me.* *I won't let that happen,* Luke was quick to assure her. *I've meditated all day, and found my center of calm. I won't lose it again, I promise.* Mara massaged his shoulders lovingly, and Luke gazed again into her mesmerizing emerald eyes. "The Emperor will be expecting your answer at noon tomorrow," she reminded him. "He will have it," Luke replied. He leaned his head back against the couch, smiling earnestly. "I believe my father lost my mother when he joined the Empire. I'm not going to risk losing you by refusing to join." * * * * * * * * *