Mara Jade is one of the most interesting characters in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Not only is she a fierce and skilled warrior, but her backstory is deeply intertwined with the fabric of the Galactic Empire. A key figure within the Empire's shadowy ranks, Mara is a member of an elite group known as the Emperor's Hand. But what exactly does that mean, and how does Mara Jade fit into the greater Imperial fabric? Let's take a closer look at the secretive role of the Emperor's Hand, and how Mara plays a role in the Empire's complex web of power and intrigue.
The Nature of the Emperor's Hand
The Emperor's Hand is an extremely powerful position, but also a secretive one. Only Emperor Palpatine himself can bestow this title, and agents who hold it operate under the noses of most of the Galactic Empire's leadership. These agents are essentially Palpatine's personal enforcers, tasked with handling missions that are too sensitive, dirty, or dishonorable for the Empire's official institutions to touch.
Unlike other Imperial officials, the Emperor's Hand has nearly unlimited power when carrying out their missions. They can commandeer warships, mobilize entire fleets, and even act in Darth Vader's place when he is away or a mission is better performed by someone outside the Imperial bureaucracy. The Emperor's Hand is essentially an extension of Palpatine's will, protecting the Empire from behind the scenes and, in many cases, enforcing his personal vendettas.
Mara Jade's Journey
Mara initially emerged as the Emperor's most trusted agent. Born on the planet Mirk, she grew up in the shadow of the Galactic Empire, with the Dark Side leaving a deep mark on her life. As she continued to grow, her sensitivity and potential in the Force brought her to the attention of Emperor Palpatine, who saw in her not only extraordinary skills, but also a deep connection to the Force, especially the Dark Side. As one of the few chosen by Palpatine to join his secret organization, the Emperor's Hand, Mara's fate was inextricably linked to the Emperor's rise and ultimate fall.
Her loyalty to Palpatine was unquestionable, she believed in Palpatine's vision for the galaxy, and was willing to enforce his will at all costs. It wasn't until after Palpatine's death that Mara's life trajectory changed, as she joined the Rebel Alliance and eventually began a new life with Luke Skywalker.
Mara Jade's Role in the Galactic Empire
Mara's role in the Galactic Empire was unique. While many members of the Emperor's Hand operated in obscurity or behind the scenes, Mara held an important position. She worked closely with high-ranking officials such as Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn, often serving as an enforcer or agent. Her relationship with Palpatine allowed her to move freely within the Empire and take on missions that others could not.
Despite her power and influence, Mara's position was always somewhat outside the official hierarchy of the Empire. She was not part of a formal military or government structure, making her ideal for handling the Empire's most secret and dangerous missions.
Mara Jade's Legacy
After Palpatine's death, Mara Jade was confused about her identity. She had been a tool of Palpatine's will for most of her life, and his sudden death left her in a state of confusion. But Mara eventually found new purpose, first as a member of the Rebel Alliance and later as one of the most skilled Jedi Knights in the galaxy. Although Mara was freed from the control of the Dark Side, this role as the Emperor's Hand still influenced Mara's journey.
Mara Jade's Position in the Empire
Mara Jade's role as the Emperor's Hand gave her unparalleled autonomy within the Empire, with the power to command the army and override other Imperial officers. Most Imperial officials did not even know who the Emperor's Hand was, and those who did kept this information to themselves, and this secrecy allowed Mara to work without interference.
Unlike other officers or agents in the Empire, Mara's loyalty was not to the Imperial hierarchy or the various factions vying for control of the Empire, but to Emperor Palpatine. Her entire role was dictated by his will. While some officers worked under the chain of command or served the Empire, Mara's missions were always personal.
Despite her secret role, Mara occasionally worked with more well-known figures in the Empire, including Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn. However, her position always put her somewhat at odds with the normal Imperial hierarchy. While Vader and Thrawn commanded the respect of their subordinates, Mara's work as the Emperor's Hand often put her in situations where her autonomy was crucial.
In some cases, Mara was called upon to complete tasks that even Vader could not accomplish. This made her invaluable to Palpatine, who trusted her to carry out some of the most dangerous or secret operations, from assassinations to infiltrating Rebel cells.
Notable Emperor's Hands in the Imperial System
While Mara Jade may be the most well-known figure to hold the title of Emperor's Hand, she was by no means the only one to hold this unique and secretive position. Several other figures were also chosen by Emperor Palpatine to enforce his will in the darkest corners of the galaxy. These individuals played their own roles in the Imperial system, but what they had in common was their absolute loyalty to Palpatine and their ability to enforce his will with unparalleled authority.
Sassef Questor
Sassef Questor was one of the most important figures in the early days of the Emperor's Hand. Originally a member of the Imperial Ruling Council, Questor was well respected within the Imperial hierarchy, making his role as the Emperor's Hand all the more powerful. As a trusted leader, Questor had access to the highest levels of Imperial leadership and was tasked with carrying out missions that required political skill and ruthless efficiency.
However, Questor's story ultimately ended in betrayal. After Palpatine's resurrection within the Dark Empire, Questor's loyalty to the Emperor began to wane. He eventually sided with the forces of former Imperial Inquisitor Cano Jax, who had ambitions to usurp Palpatine's throne. Questor's role in the plot to poison Palpatine's clones marked the end of his time as the Emperor's Hand, and it was this act of betrayal that led to his ultimate downfall.
Lord Kronar
Lord Kronar is perhaps the most mysterious and evil character ever to hold the title of Hand of the Emperor. Kronar's story is one of manipulation, dark powers, and survival in the shadows of the Empire. As a member of the Dark Side Prophets, a secret sect within the Empire, Kronar had a deep understanding of the dark side of the Force, making him an ideal fit for Palpatine's inner circle.
After a series of political intrigues, he replaced Armand Isard as head of the Galactic Intelligence Agency, becoming a key figure in the Imperial covert operations. His expertise in Sith alchemy and shadow manipulation gave him a near-godlike influence within the Imperial hierarchy. As Hand of the Emperor, Cronar was responsible for overseeing many of the Empire's darkest projects, using dark forces to control these genetically engineered creatures. His manipulation of these creatures and his eventual rise to warlord after Palpatine's death made Cronar one of the most dangerous figures in Imperial history.
Maarek Stele
While most of the Emperor's Hands are known for their shadowy roles in espionage and manipulation, Maarek Stele stands out for his background as a pilot. A former mechanic and low-ranking officer in the Imperial Navy, Stele rose through the ranks using his exceptional flying skills. He became a renowned pilot within the Imperial Navy and was eventually selected by Darth Vader to assist in important operations for the Empire, including the defeat of the renegade Admiral Zaarin. His prowess in battle caught the attention of Emperor Palpatine, who was impressed by Stiller's abilities and Force sensitivity and made him his Hand.
Conclusion
Mara Jade is a representative figure among the Hands of the Empire, and is Emperor Palpatine's right-hand man. Her status in the Empire is self-evident. Her own journey is also full of surprises, and she is a representative character of Star Wars.
(The above pictures are from the Internet)
