It's really unique and should be backed by a cool story, but I don't know it.

Ease my mind.

Jedi/Sith mind trick.

It's not that common for an ability to exactly reflect some part of the character's story since it's all so abstract but you can interpret Mara Jade's ability as a reflection of her Force abilities and her behind the scenes manipulation as the Emperor's Hand.

Either the force manipulation, or the fact that she stresses everyone she is with, due to shifting alligiances..

Either the force manipulation, or the fact that she stresses everyone she is with, due to shifting alligiances..

I was thinking something along the lines of making them very nervous because they don't know what she'll do or who she may be after.

Err... hot redhead gets REAL close. You wouldn't keep cool either man, you wouldn't keep cool either...

The Force

Or reflects her aggressive flying style, opponents get stressed dodging both incoming fire as well as a ship collision (hence the range restriction)

I think the best thematic ability is still Arvel Crynyd.

Some people just stress out everyone around them. We all know someone who does.

Arvel Crynyd....now that's a name I've not heard mentioned in a long time...a long time...

Zahn likes his character names to reflect their character. Look up what Mara (hebrew I think) and Jaded means. Stress mechanism fits.

In regards to OP, when introduced she was very unpleasant to be around.

Zahn likes his character names to reflect their character. Look up what Mara (hebrew I think) and Jaded means. Stress mechanism fits.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_(demon)

And:

It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Mara is "bitter", which carries the implication "strength". Biblical: Naomi, mother-in-law of Ruth, claimed the name Mara as an expression of grief after the deaths of her husband and sons

Zahn likes his character names to reflect their character. Look up what Mara (hebrew I think) and Jaded means. Stress mechanism fits.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_(demon)

And:

It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Mara is "bitter", which carries the implication "strength". Biblical: Naomi, mother-in-law of Ruth, claimed the name Mara as an expression of grief after the deaths of her husband and sons

Correct. Bitter and Jaded. Bitter about her lot in life after the fall of the Emperor and Jaded about her service.

Either the force manipulation, or the fact that she stresses everyone she is with, due to shifting alligiances..

Or just that she's a female redhead, unpredictable and primed to explode

She flashes the other pilots. Case closed.