A/N: Basically Mara's story told from different perspectives of those around her. Includes Mara/Palpatine pretty explicitly. You've been warned. This stemmed out of a comment made by Isard in By The Emperor's Hand about her and Mara both serving the Emperor equally or something similar. Given how it's clearly stated Isard and Palpatine were lovers, it seemed to be inferred Mara and Palpatine had more then just a working relationship. There's very little material at all which goes into Mara's time with the Empire very deeply. I wanted to try go into it more. This is written from different characters perspectives and bounces between a few years before A New Hope and 20 years after on Luke and Mara's wedding night. It's my goal to keep this as canon as possible, so I'm drawing a fair bit on the prequels for Palpatine's speech and mannerisms, which I imagine even as a Sith lord would still carry a bit.

Chapter 1: Relations

20 ABY

Luke Skywalker

"You know we really should actually… get to know each other. I think we did this a bit backward. We're married but in some ways we hardly know each other." I note to my wife who is sprawled sleepily on the bed. She throws a pillow at me in response.

"For sith's sake Skyw- Luke… it's early. We had a late night. Why must you wake up so kriffing early? And be philosophical at that?" she grumbles. A morning person Mara definitely is not.

"I'm not saying you have to get out of bed… just talk." I try reasoning with her.

"Fine, fine whatever. Ask away." she sighs "You aren't going to shut up about it and let me sleep til this is out of your system so lets get it over with."

"Ok… how about firsts?" I ask. Eyeing me sharply she responds.

"Little more specific there? First mission, first kill, first what?" she snaps at me. She's clearly not thrilled over the idea of discussing her past. I really don't know much about it beyond the Emperor trained her. I know she's let on some of that training was pretty brutal… the maker knows I saw the scars from some of that last night, but I get the sense beyond painful memories she'd holding something back.

"Those sound like a good starting place."

"Starting place to what? Nevermind. Whatever. First mission I was probably 8 or 9. My job was to spy on some corrupt politician, find out if he was embezzling funds."

"Was he?" I ask, trying to keep her opening up.

"Yes, and answer to question two… he was my first kill. My orders were to find out why he'd been acting so suspicious. If those reasons were treasonous in origin, I was to terminate him. So I did. End of story. Are we done yet?" she snapped, glaring daggers at me. It's a good thing she no longer wants to kill me… at least I think she doesn't.

"Is there anything you want to ask me?" I ask, and she raises an amused eyebrow at me. I know exactly what she's going to ask before she even says it

"Why yes my dear husband… are you always this chatty in the morning? Because if so I might have to resort to drugging that awful stew you seem so fond of so I can get a sound nights sleep. I'm pretty sure you know I could. Not enough to kill you… just enough to knock you out for ohhh a standard day or two" she says to me, and I can feel her laughter through our force bond.

"Yes dear, I know you could knock me out if you wanted… but I'd be far less fun that way now wouldn't I?" I tease her lightly. "Hmm… on that note, who was your first?"

"Again specifics?" she challenges laughing.

"You know what I mean Mara…" She goes quite with that. When I try reach across our bond a wall slams up. "Mara?" I ask a little alarmed at her sudden mood shift and guardedness. Turning away from me she mumbles into the pillows.

"Ask another question."

"Why are you being so defensive? How horrible can it be?" I press her "It's not like you were boinking Palpatine or anything." Her posture goes rigid and a mix of rage and hurt flies across our bond before she slams her shields up blocking me entirely. Sith… I really rammed my foot in my mouth there. She's curled herself into a ball, her face in the pillow and back turned to me. Though she tries to hide it I can tell she's crying. "I'm sorry Mara that must of been-"

"Awful? Horrid? It wasn't Skywalker. You'd be wise to shut up now about what you don't understand." she snapped across are bond. She was right, I really should shut up about it, but I was too stunned to listen to that logical part of my brain. Surely there was no was she could of… being raised by him and her life dedicated to him she'd of felt a bond but… to enjoy being with him… in that way? "Yes, I could and I did. I loved him. How else do you think we were able to communicate so well?" Mara answered his unspoken question, her voice muffled slightly by the pillow her face was still pressed into. Unable to stop myself from ramming the other foot in now I blurted out

"But he's so.. old! I mean his face and… I don't think I want that mental image…" Feeling her brewing rage I knew I was in trouble. Her tone was ice cold when she regained enough calm back not to grab her hold out blaster off the night stand and just shoot me with it as I'd seen her consider through our bond.

"Maybe you shouldn't ask questions you don't want the answers to Skywalker. I knew you couldn't handle it… be mature about this. It's why I didn't want to tell you. You wanted to know, now you do. Are we done?" Cautiously laying down beside her, I reached across our bond as I spoke so she could feel I meant what I said.

"I'm sorry Mara, I'm being a jerk. You're right. I don't understand. I'm so new at this. I've never really been with, well anyone… too busy being the great Jedi Master and hero of the Rebellion. The only other woman I've really been truly close to is Leia before we understood our bond"

"Uh do I want to hear this?" She asked, cooling down a little "Because it is starting to sound a lot worse then boinking Palpatine as you so delicately put it"

"Oh no no! Nothing like that!" I hastened to reassure her. "We kissed once was all. She did it to make Han jealous."

"And you question my judgement?" she asked, raising a brow at me. Ok, touché, I deserved that one.

"Will you tell me about it? Not details please! But about your relationship to Palpatine. I assumed with the scars I know you said were from training it was all bad, but it clearly wasn't. I want to understand. Please Mara?" I could sense she was debating not answering, but finally signed and said

"Fine… lets start from the beginning. It was several years before Yavin…"

5 BBY

Palpatine

She would never say who put her up to it, but I had a good guess. They probably regretted it to given the outcome. Served them right for playing their petty games, insecure in their role as they were. Still, I'd forgive their meddling as I'd learned some interesting things as a result. It also expanded on the number of… skills Mara Jade could employ. Still it had all been rather unexpected.

Earlier that night…

"Master?" Mara asked, bowed respectfully, trying to sound so sure of herself, but a slight hint of anxiety coloured her voice. Motioning her to rise and approach the throne I waited for her to speak. Hesitantly she proceeded. "I was told I'm not doing all I can to please you… how is it I can please you my Master?" A bit caught off guard, I studied her for a moment. How old was she anyways? In years not very old at all… but then she'd never had a normal childhood, and was wise well beyond her years as a result.

"Do you know what you ask?" I questioned her. She flushed slightly under my gaze and bowed her head.

"I have… some idea. I hear the dancers talk." she answered softly.

"I see." I said plainly. "You've never… been with a man before have you?" She shook her head no. "But you wish to be with me?" to this she nodded.

"Yes my master… if it pleases you." she said nervously, worried she'd said something wrong no doubt. She had shifted back into a bow, her head rested against my knee. I stroked her head while I considered how to respond. Caressing her face I tilted her chin up to look at me, trying to gage if she was truly ready for this. I sensed something big was coming soon and it would not do to have her in a shell shocked state. Her ability to be my eyes and my will where neither I or Vader could go was key. If she was ready however, pushing her away would leave her hurt and sulking no doubt. Her bright eyes had a determined look however, and I knew she would see this through. Dropping my hand to her shoulder and down her arm I took her hand and rose, pulling her up with me.

"Come." I told her, guiding her back into my private chambers. Leading her to a couch I gathered two glasses and some sweet wine. Pouring it into the glasses I offered one to her, which she accepted graciously. Sitting close to her, we each sipped the wine in silence, helping steady both our nerves. Her pose was still slightly rigid, torn between her training to always remain the upmost formality with me, and the knowledge of the intimacy she asked and the sheer… informality that required. "Relax" I told her "Here in this room we are not master and servant. We are two beings seeking companionship. You are free to do what pleases you" Catching the general direction of her thoughts I wrapped an arm around her as she leaned into me. Seemingly overcoming the last of her nerves she tilted her head up and I met the kiss. Laying back I pulled her down so her lithe form lay over mine caressing her back as our kiss deepened. As things became more heated I sat up, gently pushing her back a little.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked "I'm sor-" I put a finger to her lips and shook my head.

"No, I merely wish to move us to a more comfortable location." Guiding her towards the bedroom I felt a twinge of nerves rise up in her again "You can still change your mind my dear. Its not too late." I offered, granting her an escape if she wished it, was having second thoughts… but she shook her head firmly no as we crossed the final threshold.

"I want this. I want to be everything to you I can be." she answered, clear and maturely. Dispensing with my outer robes I lay her back on the bed, unfastening and sliding off her sheer dancers top as we went down. My human side felt a moment of lack of confidence as she worked my inner robes free. I'd never been a great looking man, and the years and heavy dark side use had not treated me kindly. The Sith in me sneered at those weak human emotions, but it didn't seem to matter. Mara had noticed my hesitation and had taken the lead. As our bodies joined and entwined she reached out in the force to me. As I opened my force sense to her something shifted in both of us. I could feel her pain merging into pleasure, and her voice crystal clear in my mind questioning "Is this normal… I can hear you… feel you… without effort."

"I don't know" I answered her through our linked minds "I've never, ah been intimate with another force user. Jedi were rather strict in their forbidding attachment. Perhaps this is why." The bond deepened as or physical connection intensified and coherent conversation, even through the force, became impossible. Less shielded then me, Mara's thoughts and emotions flowed into me at a dizzying pace. I saw in that though her motives for seeking me out were indeed as pure as she'd said. Unlike Yssane or Roganda or any other woman, she had no agenda. She had no disgust towards me the way others had. Love and loyalty shone through clearly, and for the moment I shoved the Sith in me to the back of my mind as he protested that that was the light side. When it was over we were both breathless… and still clearly connected through the force. As she recovered she too shielded, the intense bond overwhelming her as well… but she kept a small connection open, and through it we could speak clearer then I'd ever experienced before. Strange… unexpected… but it could certainly prove useful. Recovering her voice she asked me softly

"May I stay here tonight? With you?" I nodded an affirmative, pulling her towards me, so she lay in my arms.

"Nothing would please me more, my dear." I told her "I may not be here in the morning as my duties as the Emperor call, but you are welcome here whenever it pleases you." with that assurance she went to sleep peacefully, and I watched her sleep for a little while before giving into sleep myself.

20 ABY

Mara Jade Skywalker

Luke's still looking at me funny. I suppose it's fair he never really knew the Emperor. He's struggling to accept the idea that the man he hates so had good in him. I know he's reflecting on Vader now, and trying to reconcile that if Vader had good in him maybe I'm right the Emperor did too. Of course I'm right… but I know him. Luke needs to reach that view on his own. Finally apparently recovering his voice from the wide eyed look he'd been giving me since I started my story he spoke "So, that was how it happened? You went to him? No if you'll pardon the pun, force required?"

"That's how it happened. I think Isard had hoped she'd make a fool out of me, not push me closer to Palpatine, the one person she wanted me away from… but from there our relationship continued. Given our positions of course there was an understanding it was in no way exclusive. He saw other women and when the need arose I would seduce other men to get information, get them off their guard, whatever. Our relationship was unique though. Our bond allowing us to speak freely and secretly through the force." I told him. Pondering that for a minute he spoke.

"You know I had wondered if you could teach the students at the academy about speaking clearer through the force… but if it requires a near death experience like we faced or… a lot of intimacy… I don't think we'll put that on the curriculum." He stated reasonably. I laughed at the idea.

"I'm sure some of your teen students would love the idea… " I laughed shaking my head at the mental image. "You'd sure increase enrolment though!" Luke was laughing with me, the tension between us gone for the moment. It was still definitely an adjustment. I was married… married to Luke Skywalker. The man I'd spent years wanting to kill. I'd never been an open person… too many years of training not to be. I wanted to learn to be more like Luke who was so free and unguarded with his emotions. In a military situation he was all business… but as soon as that was over, he bounced right back into being the silly farm boy he was. I was still learning to let my guard down and let him in more, not hold my thoughts and emotions back… but it was still an adjustment. Apparently catching the tone of my thoughts, I felt his warmth flowing through the force, reassuring me he loved me and nothing would change that. Just to reinforce that he pulled me into his arms and kissed me deeply.

"I love you Mara Jade Skywalker… this is a change, but it's a change for good" he sent across our bond. I flushed and bowed my head still uncomfortable with all this emotion. "It's just us Mara. You don't need to hide or be ashamed or embarrassed to express yourself."

"I know Luke… but this is me. I need time to adapt. I spent years with trainers beating me if I betrayed the slightest emotion, unless it was an acted one to suit a mission. Outside those moments with Palpatine, I wasn't allowed to feel." He strokes my hair in a comforting motion and I curl into him.

"What was it like?"

"Hmm?"

"Your training I mean?" he askes.

"Brutal." I mutter into his shoulder. "You've seen the scars."

"How old were you when they started?"

"I don't know how old I am now Luke." I sighed "Probably 5 when they started my training. Physical endurance, combat training with weapons and hand to hand, education, politics, court etiquette, dance… and I was beat and tortured for every mistake. If I cried they would just beat me harder til I shut up. They used whatever was handy to punish me. Whips, belts, blaster bolts, blades, locking me in a dark room, stripping and humiliating me, starvation… whatever they needed to break me entirely. I don't really like to think about it." I grumbled, not sure why he felt the need to drag up every painful memory I had kept buried. This wasn't really how I wanted to spend my honeymoon.

"I'm sorry Mara" he said softly into my hair. "I am not trying to upset you… I just wish I could understand you and your past. I know about you since the end of the Empire, but I know nothing about your time in the Empire other then you miss it… something I struggle to see the reasons in since it seems you suffered so much there." Ok, it was a fair enough question.

"My training was hard and cruel yes.. but I also experienced great joy and pleasure. One of the Emperor's favourite pastimes was going to the opera. I often went with him. Sometimes to spy, other times just to enjoy. They put on some truly spectacular shows back then, and it was pure joy to watch." Fingering the necklace around my neck I recalled the night it had been given to me…

3 BBY

Mara Jade

A few minutes before the opera was to begin Palpatine pulled an ornate box out and handed it to me. Surprised I asked "What's the occasion?"

"Open it then I will explain." he answered. So I did. Inside the box was an elegant looking necklace, the central charm of which appeared to be a carved tooth of some kind. Lifting the necklace out of the box he clasped it around my neck. "It's carved from the tooth of a Corellian Sand Panther." He said noticing me fingering the charm.

"Thank you master, it's beautiful!" I said, leaning in to kiss him gently. He smiled, something he rarely did these days with the increased stress of civil wars.

"As to the occasion, today marks 14 years since I found you. I don't know your real birthday, but this seemed close enough." he said with a shrug. My past… my origins… it was something he seldom spoke of. Since he seemed to be open to discussing it now, I asked the question that had long been burning in me.

"Where am I from master?"

"I can't say for sure. I found you on a vacation moon of Coruscant, so I suspect your family was vacationing there before the disaster."

"Disaster?"

"They had an idea to bring in more tourists with a zoo of the galaxy's most dangerous creatures. It was a foolish idea. The enclosures were not secured properly. A single power short and it was slaughter of everyone. You'd managed to hide yourself in a tube, though a Sand Panther… one of the last creatures to be destroyed was trying to fish you out when I arrived to survey the damage. The tooth is from that very panther. I had it carved for you, knowing someday, when you were ready I would tell you. It's the one tangible piece of your past I can give you." tears welled in my eyes and I embraced him. Wiping my tears away, he guided me back down to my seat as the house lights dimmed and the curtains rose. My hand remained entwined in his for the duration of the show however. A silent statement of love and comfort.

20 ABY

Luke Skywalker

I'm a little discomforted she still wears that necklace knowing it's origins now. Mara knows this. I'm not good at masking my feelings from her. She's looking at me, daring me to say something about it. Actually I'm less discomforted that she keeps something from her time in the Empire which links to her past… assuming Palpatine was remotely truthful about that… then I am knowing the extent of their relationship and that it was given as a gift from a lover. I know I'm playing with fire, but I have to ask "Mara, do you wish you were still with him?" She considers it. Sith. I'd been hoping for an outright no to reassure me.

"Yes and no. Do I miss him? Of course. He was my first love, my world for years. No matter what else he has done, it doesn't change how I feel. I suppose it's somewhat how you see Vader."

"Please don't say that… I definitely don't see Vader that way!" I cut her off, cringing at the mental image. She throws a pillow at me.

"Not like that perv. I mean… even knowing all the bad he's done, a part of you forgives and loves him. Not everything is about sex you know." she shakes her head at me. Ok, I probably deserved that… but is she right? Vader turned to the light side before he died.. but did that erase decades of cold blooded kills? Were Mara and myself any better in that regard? We'd both killed countless sentients believing what we were doing was the right thing. Killing was killing though wasn't it? Perhaps the world wasn't so black and white as I'd like it to be. She gives me a minute to digest that before continuing. "But also no. I no longer long how tightly controlled I was under him… well that and you know at his age he really couldn't last that long." she grins mischievously at me.

"Mara!" I blurt out, totally caught off guard by that statement.

"What?" she laughs "You asked for the truth, and I gave it to you… besides, it's a compliment. I enjoy your youthful stamina over his… experience."

"Well that's good I suppose." massaging my temples with my hands I try erase that mental image. "I'm not even going to ask what you mean by experience. I really, really don't want to know."

"Does that mean you'll shut up and kiss me and stop asking questions?" she asks playfully. Catching her mood and definitely eager to replace the mental images with some new ones, I roll her onto her back and kiss her deeply.

"For now since you are offering ah" I break off as her skilled hands start finding all my most sensitive spots "suitable distractions!" I manage to finish with a squeak.

"Mmm then how about actually shutting up for a bit and focusing on the ah… task at hand." she laughs between kisses.