Mara crouched on the outside of the temple. The beasts of Yavin 4 battled evolution through the dense flora behind her. She reached out with the force and felt for others inside the temple. She counted 5 lifeforms in various rooms. In her mind, a presence appeared before her. She ignited her lightsaber the red gleam illuminating the stone walls of the temple. A man in a simple brown robe stood before her seemingly unconcerned by her drawn weapon.

“I am Luke Skywalker and this is the Jedi Temple. Have you come to study here?” he asked

“No.” Mara responded walking slowly towards him. She studied his face for a half moment and found no hint of emotion there. Her lip upturned slightly and she launched herself towards him. Luke spun as her blade cut through his robe, but he was no longer inside it. She looked about wildly, but she couldn’t see him. Behind me! she realized, but it was too late. She was pushed forwards with a simple Force push. Before she landed into the floor, she stuck an arm out and turned it into a graceful somersault where she landed now facing him again.

The dark clothes that Luke had worn underneath his robes were clearly made to not hinder his movements. Despite his relaxed posture, his hands rested close to his own lightsaber hanging on his belt and his feet were set for balance.

“Are you finished?” he asked his mouth turning into a smirk.

“Not yet.”

Mara again dove at Luke her lightsaber overhead. He sidestepped slightly and guided her lightsaber away with another small push in the force. The blue glow of his lightsaber competed in the dark against her own red.

“I see you’re taking me seriously now.” she said

“I have been the whole time, but I don’t think you’re trying to kill me.”

He smiled. In response, her face contorted into a snarl and lighting shot from her fingers. He caught the lightning on his blade, but by the time he caught it, she had already started moving. Mara swung low towards his leg attempting to slow him down, but he flipped sideways at the last second blocking her next attack in midair. She threw out a flurry of blows each one blocked or side stepped. Unfazed, she switched tactics.

She sliced downward in a large overhand which he blocked as he had everything else. She pummeled his overhead guard repeatedly until he was driven to his knee by the force of her strikes. Both saw the opening and their hands reached out in unison. Her lightning arced out just as his push launched her backward and her back hit the wall. Mara struggled to her feet and noticed her movements mirrored by him. They stood facing each other again with both of their chests heaving from the exertion.

“We’re done.” Luke informed her and powered down his lightsaber before sticking it back into his belt. Mara approached him distinguishing her lightsaber as well. She kneeled in front of him and bowed low.

“Truly, you are his son and are worthy to wear the mantle of Vader, my lord."

His face tightened. “Anakin was my father, true, and a good man in the end, but I will not adorn the title of Vader."

“But you must!” she exclaimed, “Your father gave me orders to find you should anything befall him."

“Why?"

She stood to meet his eyes. “The Sith were never the true enemy. The Empire was all planned to defend against another threat."

Luke took two hands on each shoulder. “Please, speak plainly."

“The Yuuzhan vong. Aliens from far outside the Outer Rim that have come to slay us all and the Force has no effect on them."

“If what you say is true, there are but 5 Jedi here not including you or I. We will have to speak to the government."

Mara smiled at Luke. “No, Son Vader, I did not come alone. I have a host of Sith warriors all ready to die at your command."

Luke’s eyes widened. “It appears my Father has been planning for this."