A/N: Well folks, here we are! Welcome to Ep. V! I hope you all are as excited as I am I'm totally quivering like a dork right now, geekin' out to the Nth power, but that's okay! And for those of you who've been clamoring for Mara Jade…she's in here! Woot, right? Onward!

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SW Ep. V: Jedi Assassin Ch.1— Command

"What is thy bidding, my master?"

Vader knelt before the most feared man in the galaxy, Darth Sidious, more universally known as the Emperor, in one of his many throne rooms on Coruscant.

Vader hoped whatever had made Palpatine summon Vader from his watch-post on the Fondor shipyards would be a quick and decisive matter.

He had kept a vigil at Fondor now for many months; waiting for his future apprentice to arrive to destroy Vader's new super-class destroyer, which was nearly competed.

His future apprentice, the most terrifying assassin in existence: the dread-inspiring Specter.

The Specter, who had swathed a path of Imperial deaths and matchless destruction long enough to span the galaxy itself a couple times over…and was naught more than a mere boy.

A mere boy with incomprehensive skills, intelligence—and Force sensitivity.

The boy was touched by the Force; more to the point, he was alive with it, like a brilliant star of flesh, bone and gushing with Force potential.

Force potential Palpatine would never bend to his will, because Vader had every intention of claiming the boy first.

"You will take command of the Imperial Death Squadron from Admiral Piett and uncover the rebels' new base," the Emperor said at length, staring out the immense, gold-framed window to the glittering spires of the city below, "our operatives have informed us that the rebels have cleared the last of their numbers from their previous central fortification and are now established at some new location—which they have not been able to discover."

"But they were able to locate the temporary refuge the rebels fled to after Yavin?" Interesting; why was Vader learning of this only now?

His own spies would be 'addressed' about this later on.

"Indeed." The other Sith's tone was thin with barely repressed anger.

Vader knew better than to press; firstly, he didn't want to inadvertently confess he knew nothing about this matter until now; secondly, Palpatine wasn't above inflicting Sith lightning on his apprentice when Vader displeased him in any way.

The dark lord could still feel the painful effects of Palpatine's…displeasure when Vader brought the news of the Death Star's obliteration.

The Emperor's time would come, Vader promised himself again; events were now in motion that would make this inevitable.

Vader had to only wait.

"I want this rebellion finished," Palpatine quietly, darkly avowed, the reflection of his poisonous yellow eyes narrowing on the glass, "it has grown beyond what ought to have been possible already."

And Vader knew why: the Specter. New rebels were rallying to the one who had a fired the deciding shot of the Yavin battle. He was beacon of hope for the rebellion, for all worlds everywhere seeking to cast off Imperial rule. Secret wishes were now being acted upon on worlds all over the Empire because the Specter had proven the Empire was not all-powerful.

One boy had dealt them a deadly blow; surely Palpatine realized by now why: the boy's immense Force power.

"The rebels have been vigorously campaigning all over the galaxy," Vader replied at length, "our spies have reported the princess in particular"—

"Senator Organa's daughter is not our main concern," Palpatine snapped, turning at last to face his apprentice, "as you well know, Lord Vader."

Vader was silent, not wishing to betray his hand.

"The boy who destroyed my battle station must be found…and made an example of," the ruler finished, the glint of vengeance flaring his toxic gaze, "therefore, Lord Vader, you will find the boy…and bring him to me."

Vader's stomach fell. No; somehow Palpatine must realize he had his own plans for the child.

Two fighters crushed with one shot; typical of the old man.

Not only would Vader's own plans be erased, but Vader would be used to thwart his own machinations.

But Vader was not so easily outdone. He had reached the end of his kneeling days; again, he wordlessly swore it.

It was his destiny to sit the throne now…with the Specter kneeling before him, asking his bidding.

Palpatine turned back to regard the city again. "COMPOR has just completed an updated version of the probe droid. Take all that have been constructed thus far and send them into the reaches of the galaxy. Once we attend to their new base, I want the leaders captured alive as well. One or two rebel leaders killed would be martyrs…but all of them at once will be a mortal-blow to rebel morale. Without their precious leadership they'll be scattered and lacking direction. Inner factions will form and do the rest. The rebels' own ambitions and foolishness will utterly wipe them out. But the princess, the pilot and the others…will be brought here to face my judgment."

"Yes my master."

"And have no anxiety over your ship, Lord Vader," the Emperor suddenly added, his tone casual and reassuring—too casual and too reassuring, Vader thought—"I have sent many agents to Fondor already. They will protect the super-ship."

"As you wish, master."

Vader rose, Palpatine waved him away.

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As Vader walked the long corridors of the Emperor's palace, Vader struggled to not brood.

Palpatine was sending him to hunt the rebel leadership, the insolent princess and the rest, but surely not Specter.

Instinct had been whispering to Vader for months since Yavin that the formidable child was not with the other rebels. His intuition had been validated when his best spies had brought him information that a 'covert rebel group' led by the Specter had been attacking Imperial projects all over the galaxy.

And the projects were all focusing on the same objective: developing new super-weapons.

Apparently Palpatine had not been satisfied with just the Death Star, he had scientist, researchers and the like scattered across isolated worlds, moons, asteroids and such, all striving to create an armada of weapons capable of reducing the galaxy itself to dust.

Vader had been brought word of goals such as the Sun Crusher, the World Devastators, the Dark-Saber (a sleeker and more compact version of the Death Star), and so on.

Vader let the anger warm him, the blazing rage at Palpatine's demented ambitions driving him to grind his teeth and fight the singular urge to march back into the throne room and impale the twisted old man while he sat on his precious throne.

Palpatine's ambitions had truly consumed him; Vader saw it as yet more evidence the old man's time was on the horizon.

Palpatine had forgotten that the Sith were feared for themselves; their very presence was meant to strike terror into the hearts and minds of all who stood before them. World were meant to recoil from their very approach. But instead, the Emperor was investing the Imperial fortune, resources, talented personnel and so on into these 'endeavors' meant to strike the fear for him.

No; the Emperor must realize on some level his time was drawing to a close and these projects were just a last grab to keep his power a little longer.

What had the Emperor told him so long ago?

'Those in power fear losing their power'? Yes.

And he had joined their ranks, apparently.

Vader mulled over their losses as he neared the hanger. The Empire had lost some enterprising minds in the Specter's several -month –'extravaganza' of sabotage and mayhem. The boy had devastated all these projects the past few months; either killing or kidnapping the top figures heading up the projects: Qwi Xux had been a particular loss, Vader knew. According to the reports, the Specter had abducted her after demolishing the secret installation where Xux had been crafting new weapons. All records of her work had been wiped out as well; the Empire had nothing left of its costly investment in her, or the Maw Installation, which had been utterly shattered by the Specter's own super-weapons.

The boy had razed every installation to ash, no survivors at any project, no intact Intel, nothing.

The boy was disturbingly efficient; it was one of the many skills Vader had come to admire in him.

The boy was unstintingly ruthless and effective; great raw material for nurturing a new Sith Lord.

An aide greeted Vader with a bow as the dark lord approached his shuttle.

"I will rendezvous with the Avenger at once."

"Yes, milord."

Well; Palpatine could play his games. Surely if he 'sent agents' Jade was among them. If Specter did make an appearance at Fondor, it would be a perfect test of his worthiness to face the Hand. If he could defeat the Emperor's top agent (and Vader had no doubt he would), then it would be worth all of Vader's work in capturing him.

And knowing his beloved Hand lost to a rebel boy would rankle the old man to no end—

Which would entertain Vader to no end.

He let out a contented sigh, which was smothered by the shuttle's whine as it prepped for take-off.

He'd have to remember to thank the boy for all of the amusement he'd provided these past months since Yavin; first the Emperor's pet Death Star, then the super-weapons initiative, and imminently Jade.

Palpatine did have much reason to long for vengeance against the child; Vader admitted.

But that didn't mean he'd allow it.

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Palpatine watched as his 'loyal' apprentice departed, the Crimson Gaurds on either side of the double doors not even twitching as Vader passed them.

The Emperor let out a soft, low breath, his expression darkening.

So; Vader had plans of his own it seemed. How…not surprising.

It was the traditional dance of the Sith: one to embody the power, the other to crave it.

However, Palpatine was not about to go the way of Plagueus, not now…or ever.

Palpatine would endure the ages, all of them, as the Galactic ruler.

However, Vader's purposefulness was reaching its end. For now, his apprentice would hunt the Jedi, hunt the rebels and bring the rebel pilot to him.

The rebel pilot…who was Force-sensitive—and would serve as Vader's replacement.

After all, the boy had proven himself worthy of conversion; and as reports revealed to Palpatine's wonderment that the 'rebel' pilot was in fact, a boy supposedly related to the impudent smuggler Han Solo…it was easy enough to see through the façade.

Ergo, what he had felt on the Death Star, when Vader faced the Specter and breeched the brat's armor, revealing his power, there was no effort needed to link the two together.

And when the 'official' records provided a holo-pic of the smuggler's 'cousin' showing a boy that would be the right age to be both the Specter and the pilot, the brown hair and eyes did not fool Palpatine.

The records were just imperfect enough to be false; 'Luke Solo' then had blonde hair and blue eyes.

So, there was no doubt he was the same boy from the vision; the one who'd trashed a portion of Palpatine's castle.

The boy, a Force-gifted assassin- what intriguing material to mold a new apprentice from.

Palpatine grinned; he did so love a challenge. He reached for Mara Jade.

She was instantly responsive, as always: What is your wish, my master?

Child, I have sent Vader to fetch me the rebel leadership. That leaves the Specter to you.

He sensed her nod in understanding. She was as aware of Vader's treachery as he.

Child, I have foreseen the assassin-boy will arrive at Fonder soon; but he will not come alone.

I shall deal with them all, master, I will not fail you.

He could clearly feel her determination, making him smile. Her devotion was so pleasing.

I do not doubt you, child; however, I want his companions captured alive as well. Therefore, I have sent other agents to assist you.

She tried to suppress her irritation.

You disapprove, my Hand?

It is not my place to, master.

Quite so. The agents are not to know your true rank. They are agents; you are to be one of their number. You are allowed to operate separately from them if you like, but do not invoke your status as my Hand for any reason; do you understand?

Yes, master.

Good, report to me should anything develop.

Yes, master.

He broke the contact, and chuckled as he strode to the doorway.

He had courtiers waiting, after all. A ruler's work was truly never done.

And the diversion would prove entertaining as he pondered exactly how he'd punish the rebel leaders once they were brought to him.

He chuckled again as his Crimson Guard fell into step behind him.

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Mara Jade gritted her teeth.

She hated it, hated it when her master didn't trust her.

Everything she had learned, had strove for, had fought for—had been for him.

And now, on what was probably the most important mission he'd ever granted her, he sends reinforcements.

Mara clutched her blaster tighter; she hated it.

But no, this went against her training; endless lessons on keeping the mind clear had been drilled into her over the years; ever since the Emperor had brought her from…someplace.

But, she'd been taught to not bother contemplating her past; her origins.

They were a only a distraction; her present and future were all that mattered; and those could be summed up in two words: the Emperor.

He was her present, and her future. She lived to serve him; that was her only purpose for existing.

Just as she'd been trained.

And so, she waited.

Her vessel, the Jade's Fire, was mostly shut-down, except for life support and the cloaking device that had been recently added for this mission per her master's wishes. A luxury yacht model, her master had it retro-fitted with the most top-level weapons systems the Empire had available—just out of experimental stage, cutting edge, and it was painted in scarlet and gold flames—like her hair.

Mara grinned; it had been a reward for crippling a branch of the Underground. A syndicate called Black Nova—some believed an off-shoot of Black Sun—had attempted a coup to overthrow the Emperor right after Yavin. Mara had assassinated the leaders, bringing their heads back to her master as a gift. So pleased was Palpatine that a few weeks later, he presented her with the ship.

Its elegance and sleek, deadly lines had nearly hypnotized her.

Use the vessel wisely, Mara; it is my gift to you, he had gravely said.

Mara swallowed hard as her throat closed. It was no secret that the Emperor dealt out gifts of any kind, much less a ship of this elite caliber lightly.

In fact, now that she considered it, she'd never heard of him presenting such a craft to anyone, ever.

Her teeth ground again; no, that wasn't entirely true.

After all, wasn't she sitting before they very proof of its untruth?

The incredibly long, terrifyingly enormous city-sized destroyer floating in space like a missile aching to be plunged into the very heart of their enemies was for Lord Vader, after all.

A reward…for his failure.

Mara's hard emerald eyes narrowed. A traitor, that's what Vader was. An ambitious Sith Lord who was thoroughly ungrateful to his master for all he had. What did Vader possess that Palpatine didn't give him?

Nothing. His rank, command, men, power, wealth, were all from Palpatine.

And he was seeking to overthrow his master, Mara had no doubt of it. Vader carried the very stench of a betrayer.

Sitting in her pilot's seat, Mara exhaled to calm herself as she watched the shipyard with fine-toothed precision. Her console had subtle scanners taking in every aspect of the ship itself, as well as the command station where the personnel and materials were housed.

If anything, even a gnat moved out of place, she'd know it.

And she knew exactly what she had to do afterwards.

She would prove to the Emperor that she needed no aid in carrying out his will.

She would prove she was worthy of the incredible ship he'd given her.

She would prove she was incapable of failure as his Hand.

And she'd prove she would be sufficient to destroy Vader when her master deemed the time right.

On one of the screens, the tiniest of markers blipped. She reached out as subtly as she could in the Force, feeling a strange, fuzzy…something.

It had to be them!

Mara stood resolutely; cocking her blaster and checking the other weapons on her person.

The Specter had finally arrived.

Time to carry out her master's command.

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A/N: Well, kiddos, I hope you liked the opening of 'Jedi Assassin'! I know not a lot of action took place, but I wanted first to lay out what had been going on and get in the minds of some of the key characters so when we get into the thick of everything you'll have a deeper perspective of what's driving everyone. I know I've said it before, but giving the characters psychological depth is keenly vital to me; it's what's lacking from a lot of fics out there, and that added dimension I think can make or break a fic. So, I hope you enjoyed, I'd LUV to hear your thoughts as always, and again, welcome to Ep. V! Ciao for now! Till next time

**Psst. Just few more days till the name change: Eversotd=L.C. Lane.