RAY OF LIGHT
I know I haven't finished Released but I have writers block on that one. So I decided to start another story. This one takes place in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Alternate Universe. Luke is captured by Vader and accepts the fact that Vader was once the man Anakin Skywalker, his father. Luke and Vader's competitor for the Emperor's favor, Mara Jade become close.
1: Capture
It's been five long moons since Han's capture and Vader revealing that he was Luke's father. Since then Luke and Leia had been laying low, waiting for word from Lando on where Han was being held. For now they're stationed on the planet Klorvian, a lush planet with palm trees and beautiful waterfalls. Luke and Leia were often found strolling the banks of the streams, wrapped up in memories of Han and wondering if they were ever going to see their friend again. Neither of them noticed the probe lifting away from the water, a blinking red light transmitting the location.
Luke sighed forlornly as he thought of his Jedi training. It's been so long since he had gone to Dagobah to be trained by Yoda. The Jedi master was probably thinking the worse by now. But Luke couldn't bring himself to leave Leia in the state she was in. She missed Han so desperately and was in a state of despair. Luke's constant companionship was the only thing keeping her from sinking deeper into the depths of despair. He stayed with her during the nights when she had nightmares and held her when she cried for her lost love, reassuring Leia that they would find Han and free him.
"Are you ready to head back now?" Luke asked his friend, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly.
Leia shrugged. "I guess. If only Han could see this view Luke..."
"He will Leia. We'll bring him here. He'll love it," Luke smiled reassuring her.
"Luke…I know I haven't shown it. But I'm grateful to you. For being such a great friend. For some reason I can't explain, I feel so connected to you."
Luke smiled, touched by her tender feeling for him. Sure it wasn't romantic love, but it was love all the same and he took what he could get. Besides with Vader and his lies waiting in the woodwork, friendship was all he could really have with Leia.
Meanwhile on the Deathstar…
Lord Vader readied his shuttle to retrieve his son. When there was an important job such as the retrieval of Luke Skywalker, it was better done himself instead of depending on a wet behind the ears trooper.
(Son I'm coming.) Vader sent out through the force and started his shuttle. Ten minutes later he's entering the planet's atmosphere.
"Lord Vader, the rebel base has been sighted."
"Set your weapons on stun. I shall take care of young Skywalker myself," Vader answered through his comlink.
"But sir, are we not taking any prisoners aboard?"
"Only Skywalker. I need the others knocked out so there will be no one to help him."
"Yes my lord."
(Soon Luke. Soon you will be mine and we shall serve my master together. With the both of us at his side, nothing can stand in his way. Not even your precious rebellion.)
Rebel base…
Luke and Leia heard the sounds of surprised and terrified screams mixed with blaster fire before they even reach the base.
"Oh no," Leia gasped. "They must have found us."
Luke grabbed her hand and pulled her in the other direction just to face Darth Vader approaching them.
"You! You slime!" Leia hissed angrily. There was the man who had taken Han away from her…who had put her friend through so much torture. "I hate you!" She cried, running towards him, her hands balled up in tight fists. She didn't know what she was planning to do to Vader but her intentions weren't good. In fact, she wanted to dismantle the monster with her bare hands.
"Silence!" Vader just held out his hand and sent Leia into a nearby tree with the force, knocking her unconscious.
"Leia!" Luke started to go to her, but Vader blocked his way. "Get out of my way!"
"It is useless to resist son. Come with me willingly and I won't have to use force. But resist…and things will be quiet unpleasant for you."
"I'm going nowhere with you!" Luke glared at the monster that claimed to be his father. He had never felt so much hate for anyone before.
"So be it," Vader took out his blaster set on stun and shot Luke, knocking him unconscious. "Sorry son. You gave me no other choice," Vader lifted Luke up in his arms and carried him back to the ship. The operation was a success…and quite an easy success at that.