Summary: Different actions and reactions could plunge the galaxy into further darkness.


Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars, obviously.


Chapter 1: Confrontation

She knew he was coming; she could feel it, a steadily-growing brightness and cleanness, slicing straight through to her senses through the grime surrounding her. She slipped out of the bustling throne room unnoticed and hurried to the hall. Checking her surroundings, she ducked into a dim, quiet corner to wait.

As the large metal door loudly groaned in protest as it slid open, Luke Skywalker inhaled another cleansing, calming breath. He was a Jedi now; why was he so afraid? Perhaps it was because so many people were counting on him to execute his plan properly. Maybe it was because his friends has willingly gone into this danger, trusting him completely.

Or maybe it was because in less than four years, he had seen more death, felt more pain and destruction, and experienced more conflicting emotions than any being usually would in their lifetime. He felt the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders.

Regardless of why he had this fear, he had to let go and focus on the task at hand. Leia, Chewie, Lando, and even the droids were depending on him to get all of them out alive.

His senses fully sharpened, Luke entered the dimly-lit hall. Two dirty Gammorean guards approached him, exuding menace, but Luke simply lifted his hand and they fell back against the walls, clawing at their throats, trying to breathe. He pushed the idea into their minds that it would be best to leave him be. They stayed their distance.

Luke cautiously made his way towards Jabba's throne room. It was still quiet, but he could hear the many noises coming from the cavernous room - music, voices in many languages, fighting, the Hutt's disgusting laughter. Then a slight hum joined the din, and Luke whirled as his danger sense flared. His right hand came up in a blocking gesture, and something clattered to the ground. A vibroblade.

A figure moved the shadows, still shrouded, and Luke strained to see the features of his assailant in the low light. The being let out a small huff and Luke noticed the female tone.

"Well, well, the legendary Rebel Skywalker saves his skin once again," the voice said. She took a step forward, where the subdued light revealed her features.

The fallen vibroblade lay silent on the floor next to her bare feet. She was dressed in an inexpensive, revealing dancer's outfit; gold-red hair framed her face in loose waves, contrasting her emerald-green eyes and soft skin tone. Luke rested his gaze on her face, and she drew her mouth into a thin line.

"Who are you?" Luke asked unabashedly. An evanescent thought flitted through his mind that he could most likely Force-manipulate his way past this young woman.

As if in response to his thoughts, her gaze hardened. "Me, weak-minded? Not so fast, Skywalker."

Luke's face showed no surprise, but it was emitted through the Force. How had she known what he was thinking?

"I'm not going to put up with this kriff," she said, suddenly angry. "I have a job to do and will not fail."

Luke snapped out of his bewilderment as the woman produced another vibroblade, seemingly out of nowhere. He took a diminutive step backwards as it hummed to life.

"I would say that I'm sorry it has to be this way," she continued, "but that would be a lie. I am sorry for your friends, however, that they're destined to a life in this place."

On the last word, she dove at him with surprising speed. Luke hardly had a moment to grab ahold of her forearms. The vibroblade was mere inches from his chest. She looked up at him, frustration obvious in her eyes and tense muscles.

"Now hold on one moment," Luke said, not loosening his grip any. "What is going on here? You're no bounty hunter."

She didn't reply, but stared at him in contempt.

"Come on; out with it. I don't want to start anything here."

"Make me."

Luke physically pushed her up against the wall and with a simple thought, the second vibroblade fell to the ground. The young woman feigned surprise.

"Oh, master Jedi, please have mercy," she said contemptuously. Her sardonic expression vanished, however, when she felt her airway suddenly being blocked. Her eyes widened slightly as she tried to retain control.

"I suggest you tell me," Luke said with an edge in his voice. "I know that I have many enemies, but why you're doing this is beyond me."

"Let...me...breathe," she managed to gasp. Luke released his mental grip on her throat. Suddenly, she lunged forward, and Luke found himself thrown up against the opposite wall. He looked up to see a nasty-looking blaster trained on him.

"Don't move," she commanded. There was no emotion in her voice. Her finger tensed on the trigger, but just before she pulled back, there was a stirring in the hall and a tall, dark-skinned guard appeared.

"Arica? What are you doing out here? Jabba demands your presence now."

The young woman - Arica, supposedly - snarled before marginally turning her head. A blaster pointed at another being wasn't a rare thing in this place, so she didn't bother to hide it.

"Come on," the guard said with an odd accent. He gestured with his weapon. She slowly lowered her blaster arm and without giving the Jedi another glance, turned on her heel and disappeared into the throne room.

Luke stood up and the guard walked over. Luke recognized the face - it was Lando.

"Thanks, Lando," Luke said, looking at the doorway the young woman had left through.

"Um, you're welcome," Lando replied. "We, uh, need to get moving though, before trouble starts. More trouble, I mean."

Luke hardly heard Lando; he was feeling for the young woman, Arica, to see if she was near. He couldn't find her.

And now he was distracted.

Just focus, Luke, he told himself. They're counting on you.