Mara Jade a Force-sensitive human female who was the Emperor's Hand. She was raised as a servant and assassin to Emperor Palpatine and became a high-level Force-using operative. As the Emperor's Hand, Mara Jade carried out the Emperor's bidding, killing Rebels and corrupt Imperials alike with cold professionalism, even as a young woman. As Palpatine's assassin, she received top-notch training from experts in a variety of fields as well as training in the Force. Palpatine's death caused her to go rogue. Eventually she joined smuggler chief Talon Karrde, becoming one of his best smugglers and his second-in-command. During the predations of Grand Admiral Thrawn, she was forced to work with Luke Skywalker, and developed a grudging respect for him.