As anyone knows, these characters are not of my mind, but of that of George
Lucas.
No Apologies Necessary
Luke entered the small room he shared with Wedge-completely exhausted. Han's rescue had been a complete success and they had returned to the fleet safely before schedule. He was edger to return to Dagobah, he had a feeling his time with Yoda was running down, but in his new situation it didn't look like he'd be able to go anywhere anytime soon. The Alliance had recently established the funds to build a space-worthy outpost. They hoped that a mobile base would make the Empire's tracking of them that much more difficult. And it was a marvel of a creation, he thought with yet another sigh, except that the hyperdrive had died two days ago. leaving High Command and a large part of the Rebel fighting force stranded. The pilots could leave, thanks to the hyperdrive rigged X-Wings, but the helpless station needed some defense. Luke, like most of the people on the outpost, had a bad feeling about it.
"How're you doing, Luke?" Wedge asked from his sprawled out position on his bunk.
"All right." He replied.
"Hmm, I'm convinced." After Luke gave him no answer he continued, "Have you be debriefed by Hi-C yet?"
Luke raised an eyebrow at Wedge's abbreviation of High Command, "No, not yet."
Wedge sat up, "Luke, do you need to talk? 'Cause you know if you do I'm here for you- you know that right?"
Luke was silent for a moment longer than Wedge liked.
"It's been nearly four weeks since Bespin, and you haven't opened a crack- you've let no one help you. Please Luke, we're you're friends. and whatever he di-"
Luke knew where this was going.
"I'm fine Wedge, thanks" he smiled weakly as he cut his friend off.
"Oh!" Wedge's eyes lit up. "I almost forgot," he gestured at Luke's bunk, "You got a package."
Luke looked down at the plain brown package sitting on his flat pillow, a line creased his forehead, "That's odd." he mumbled.
"I'm headed down to the mess hall to meet the guys," Wedge continued. "You coming?"
Luke glanced up as his friend headed towards the door, "I'll be right down."
"Ok." The door slide open silently and Wedge was gone.
Luke sat on his bed, carefully looking over the package. What the hell could this be.?
Gingerly he pulled the package apart, as he removed the contents a note fell into his lap.
He stared at it for two full seconds before unfolding the rare paper and reading its words.
Words written in an expert hand, he observed as his eyes absorbed the brief epistle.
Your Destiny, My Son.
He absently brushed his fingers across the words, as if he could connect with their maker in doing so.
Turning his attention back to the contents of the package he noticed the black fabric spilling onto his bed sheets. He pulled the soft material out. clothes. His father had sent him clothes. And not just any clothes, he noted with unease, really expensive clothes. He let them flow through his hands. really, really expensive.. He'd never seen such material, not even in Leia's wardrobe. Biting his lip he looked over the ensemble he now had laid out on his bed. pants, shirt, boots, cape. everything. A slight smile crossed his lips, and he began to try them on.
As he finished lacing his right boot he paused, and then slowly, almost mechanically he moved to the mirror.
Sith!
His eyes grew wide as he stared at the reflection before him. It wasn't him, it was a stranger. These clothes, he thought, look like they were made for a prince.
They were. A voice in his head remarked.
Startled Luke focused on the voice and held his breath as he realized to whom it belonged.
I'm glad to see you received my gift.
"Father!" Luke exclaimed aloud.
Yes.
You sent these? Luke berated himself as he thought it, stupid question.
I did. His father replied.
Luke was silent for several moments. He didn't know whether to be mad or.
"Thank you." He whispered.
He felt his father acknowledge his thanks and then his attention seemed to sway- his father was doing something.
Luke ran a finger along his collar.
What are you doing?
He felt amusement and. [Was that pride?] radiate from Vader.
1 You have grown very insightful, Son. My ship is about to come out of hyperspace.
2 "Oh," Luke acknowledged out loud.
In six minutes, Vader continued, in Sector 38 at Quadrant 0.937.
Luke slowly looked up from studying the hem of his cape; his face grew pale.
3 Father.
Yes Son? The dark humor spilled like waves off the Sith Lord now.
4 Those are our coordinates!
I know.
You can follow me!?
Your presence is very strong, he replied with the equivalent of a mental shrug.
Luke swallowed, Well, do you think you could not come out of hyperspace right on top of us?
That is for you to take car of, Son. Five minutes.
A jolt of panic electrified his spine and with Jedi speed he ran for the bridge, nothing more than a black blur to those he passed.
He came to a sudden halt at the turbo lift. Looking up he could see the railing of the bridge; the outpost had been designed with open floors.
"Luke!"
Luke turned to see Wedge, Han, and a few other Rogues walking towards him.
"Um, just a minute!" He called lamely, and then he jumped---
And landed neatly on the deck of the bridge, immediately striding towards controls of the station.
Everyone on the bridge was gaping at what he'd just done.
"Commander Skywalker!" Mon Mothma exclaimed.
"What are you wearing?" Leia asked, staring at his attire.
Luke looked down and swore under his breath, he'd forgotten all about his father's his gift.
"Nevermind." He said flatly. "We need to turn four-point-five-eight degrees and." He trailed off as he read a screen, "Move back two-point-oh- three degrees."
"What do you think--" General Madine began.
Luke lifted a hand to silence him. "Please, just trust me." He pleaded urgently.
Mon Mothma met his glaze and after a stifling moment she sighed, "Comply with Command Skywalker's orders."
Luke nodded his thanks and looked back down at the display before him, trying to recall the exact size of a Super Star Destroyer.
"Move back more," he said absently, deep in concentration, "We need more room."
The crew exchanged glances of confusion, just as Han and the others stepped out of the lift onto the bridge.
"More room for what, Kid?" Han asked, looking out the view port with everyone else- at the nothingness surrounding them.
Just as the Executor came careening out of hyperspace-
A collective gasp sounded throughout the bridge, as Luke leaned heavily against the rail before him.
Through he heard no words, he felt his father's domineering presence aboard the spearheaded giant.
The comm. sounded, "Incoming. from the Executor." The shaky voice of the communications officer announced.
Mon Mothma inhaled sharply, throwing a sidelong glance at Luke as she stepped up to the large screen.
"Open the line," She commanded.
The screen flickered, and the form of Darth Vader appeared before her.
There was silence, except for the mechanical hiss of Vader's breath- until he spoke.
"Skywalker is on the bridge." No question laid in his tone. "I wish to speak to him."
Mon Mothma paled slightly, wishing, once again, that Commander Skywalker had done his Bespin briefing. She stepped aside, allowing him to move in front of the screen.
"How can I help you, Lord Vader?" Luke asked, a bit of sarcasm creeping into his voice.
Luke! Leia watched him desperately; This isn't the time for derisions!
"You almost didn't make it." Vader observed simply.
"Well, I don't use strangulation to motive a crew." Luke retorted.
Leia heard Han curse behind her.
"Perhaps you need to change your methods."
"Perhaps.perhaps not." Luke replied evenly.
"You dress the part."
Luke felt his cheeks burn; he did look just like Vader.
"I will be arriving shortly, gather my prisoners in the landing bay."
After a brief pause he added, "Be prepared for my arrival."
"Oh, I'll be ready." Luke snapped, and cut the transmission.
He spun sharply in frustration, his ebony cape swirling behind him, and then he raised his eyes to look at his companions.
Everyone stared at him in confusion and fear.
"You heard what he said." Luke said quietly.
Leia's mouth dropped open. "You expect us to surrender?!"
"No, not you anyway." He said quietly.
"What's that suppose to mean?" She demanded.
"It means," he replied sharply, "That we will negotiate."
"What?! Negotiate with what."
Luke set his jaw grimly. "With the one thing he really wants."
He began to walk towards the lift when an outspread palm caught him in the chest, stopping him in his tracks.
His eyes met Han's.
"What's going on here, Kid?"
Luke bit his lip.
"Commander Skywalker," Madine called from behind him, "I think your statement regarding your encounter on Bespin can wait no longer."
Luke turned slowly, regarding them all.
I can do this. I can.
"Well, we don't have time for a full debriefing- so, ask me what you feel you need to know." He said with a confidence he didn't feel.
Mon Mothma took an unconscious step forward.
"How did you survive your confrontation with Vader?"
The million-credit question, Luke thought, The one the entire Rebellion was dying to know.
"He wants me alive."
"Why?" Leia asked, horror creeping into her voice.
Ok, here we go. Luke thought.
"He. He wants his son." Those words brought forth a barrage of gasps.
As he had expected.
"And you know who his son is?" Demanded Madine.
"Yes."
"Where is he?" Mothma asked, her own building dread evident.
Luke recommenced chewing on his lower lip, too many questions.
"On this ship." Once again, came forth the gasps.
"He's part of the Alliance?" Cried Leia. "Is he a spy?"
"No."
"Does he know who his father is?"
"He does now."
Luke watched as everyone digested this new information.
Han then spoke, "So, why does Vader keep going after you- instead of directly after his son?"
An uneasy silence settled upon them.
Leave it to Han, Luke thought. Ok, Skywalker, get out of this one.
Luke heard Vader laugh softly in his thoughts, Are they really that insolent? Look at you! You look just like me!
Luke pushed his father from his thoughts with a mental scowl.
Leia was watching him, her soft brown eyes pleading with him not to say it. not to betray her, and then the comm. sounded.
The comm. officer, already having a bad enough day, simply slapped the button to open the line, and the looming image of Vader reappeared.
Luke's heart rose into his throat.
"Skywalker, NOW." The Dark Lord snapped.
Luke again stepped before the screen, silently pleading to his father. Don't, please don't.
"Enough of this nonsense."
Luke felt the shock at his father's words ripple throughout the bridge.
"Finish this. I will be arriving momentarily. My Son."
The screen went black.
Forcing himself to keep his breaths steady, Luke slowly turned to face them again.
5 The one thing he really wants.
His son.
Me.
Leia shook her head in denial.
"I'm sorry," Was all the Son of Vader could manage to mutter.
TBC
Please R&R- this is my first fanfic, and I'm curious of reactions... Should I continue on or give up before it's too late?
No Apologies Necessary
Luke entered the small room he shared with Wedge-completely exhausted. Han's rescue had been a complete success and they had returned to the fleet safely before schedule. He was edger to return to Dagobah, he had a feeling his time with Yoda was running down, but in his new situation it didn't look like he'd be able to go anywhere anytime soon. The Alliance had recently established the funds to build a space-worthy outpost. They hoped that a mobile base would make the Empire's tracking of them that much more difficult. And it was a marvel of a creation, he thought with yet another sigh, except that the hyperdrive had died two days ago. leaving High Command and a large part of the Rebel fighting force stranded. The pilots could leave, thanks to the hyperdrive rigged X-Wings, but the helpless station needed some defense. Luke, like most of the people on the outpost, had a bad feeling about it.
"How're you doing, Luke?" Wedge asked from his sprawled out position on his bunk.
"All right." He replied.
"Hmm, I'm convinced." After Luke gave him no answer he continued, "Have you be debriefed by Hi-C yet?"
Luke raised an eyebrow at Wedge's abbreviation of High Command, "No, not yet."
Wedge sat up, "Luke, do you need to talk? 'Cause you know if you do I'm here for you- you know that right?"
Luke was silent for a moment longer than Wedge liked.
"It's been nearly four weeks since Bespin, and you haven't opened a crack- you've let no one help you. Please Luke, we're you're friends. and whatever he di-"
Luke knew where this was going.
"I'm fine Wedge, thanks" he smiled weakly as he cut his friend off.
"Oh!" Wedge's eyes lit up. "I almost forgot," he gestured at Luke's bunk, "You got a package."
Luke looked down at the plain brown package sitting on his flat pillow, a line creased his forehead, "That's odd." he mumbled.
"I'm headed down to the mess hall to meet the guys," Wedge continued. "You coming?"
Luke glanced up as his friend headed towards the door, "I'll be right down."
"Ok." The door slide open silently and Wedge was gone.
Luke sat on his bed, carefully looking over the package. What the hell could this be.?
Gingerly he pulled the package apart, as he removed the contents a note fell into his lap.
He stared at it for two full seconds before unfolding the rare paper and reading its words.
Words written in an expert hand, he observed as his eyes absorbed the brief epistle.
Your Destiny, My Son.
He absently brushed his fingers across the words, as if he could connect with their maker in doing so.
Turning his attention back to the contents of the package he noticed the black fabric spilling onto his bed sheets. He pulled the soft material out. clothes. His father had sent him clothes. And not just any clothes, he noted with unease, really expensive clothes. He let them flow through his hands. really, really expensive.. He'd never seen such material, not even in Leia's wardrobe. Biting his lip he looked over the ensemble he now had laid out on his bed. pants, shirt, boots, cape. everything. A slight smile crossed his lips, and he began to try them on.
As he finished lacing his right boot he paused, and then slowly, almost mechanically he moved to the mirror.
Sith!
His eyes grew wide as he stared at the reflection before him. It wasn't him, it was a stranger. These clothes, he thought, look like they were made for a prince.
They were. A voice in his head remarked.
Startled Luke focused on the voice and held his breath as he realized to whom it belonged.
I'm glad to see you received my gift.
"Father!" Luke exclaimed aloud.
Yes.
You sent these? Luke berated himself as he thought it, stupid question.
I did. His father replied.
Luke was silent for several moments. He didn't know whether to be mad or.
"Thank you." He whispered.
He felt his father acknowledge his thanks and then his attention seemed to sway- his father was doing something.
Luke ran a finger along his collar.
What are you doing?
He felt amusement and. [Was that pride?] radiate from Vader.
1 You have grown very insightful, Son. My ship is about to come out of hyperspace.
2 "Oh," Luke acknowledged out loud.
In six minutes, Vader continued, in Sector 38 at Quadrant 0.937.
Luke slowly looked up from studying the hem of his cape; his face grew pale.
3 Father.
Yes Son? The dark humor spilled like waves off the Sith Lord now.
4 Those are our coordinates!
I know.
You can follow me!?
Your presence is very strong, he replied with the equivalent of a mental shrug.
Luke swallowed, Well, do you think you could not come out of hyperspace right on top of us?
That is for you to take car of, Son. Five minutes.
A jolt of panic electrified his spine and with Jedi speed he ran for the bridge, nothing more than a black blur to those he passed.
He came to a sudden halt at the turbo lift. Looking up he could see the railing of the bridge; the outpost had been designed with open floors.
"Luke!"
Luke turned to see Wedge, Han, and a few other Rogues walking towards him.
"Um, just a minute!" He called lamely, and then he jumped---
And landed neatly on the deck of the bridge, immediately striding towards controls of the station.
Everyone on the bridge was gaping at what he'd just done.
"Commander Skywalker!" Mon Mothma exclaimed.
"What are you wearing?" Leia asked, staring at his attire.
Luke looked down and swore under his breath, he'd forgotten all about his father's his gift.
"Nevermind." He said flatly. "We need to turn four-point-five-eight degrees and." He trailed off as he read a screen, "Move back two-point-oh- three degrees."
"What do you think--" General Madine began.
Luke lifted a hand to silence him. "Please, just trust me." He pleaded urgently.
Mon Mothma met his glaze and after a stifling moment she sighed, "Comply with Command Skywalker's orders."
Luke nodded his thanks and looked back down at the display before him, trying to recall the exact size of a Super Star Destroyer.
"Move back more," he said absently, deep in concentration, "We need more room."
The crew exchanged glances of confusion, just as Han and the others stepped out of the lift onto the bridge.
"More room for what, Kid?" Han asked, looking out the view port with everyone else- at the nothingness surrounding them.
Just as the Executor came careening out of hyperspace-
A collective gasp sounded throughout the bridge, as Luke leaned heavily against the rail before him.
Through he heard no words, he felt his father's domineering presence aboard the spearheaded giant.
The comm. sounded, "Incoming. from the Executor." The shaky voice of the communications officer announced.
Mon Mothma inhaled sharply, throwing a sidelong glance at Luke as she stepped up to the large screen.
"Open the line," She commanded.
The screen flickered, and the form of Darth Vader appeared before her.
There was silence, except for the mechanical hiss of Vader's breath- until he spoke.
"Skywalker is on the bridge." No question laid in his tone. "I wish to speak to him."
Mon Mothma paled slightly, wishing, once again, that Commander Skywalker had done his Bespin briefing. She stepped aside, allowing him to move in front of the screen.
"How can I help you, Lord Vader?" Luke asked, a bit of sarcasm creeping into his voice.
Luke! Leia watched him desperately; This isn't the time for derisions!
"You almost didn't make it." Vader observed simply.
"Well, I don't use strangulation to motive a crew." Luke retorted.
Leia heard Han curse behind her.
"Perhaps you need to change your methods."
"Perhaps.perhaps not." Luke replied evenly.
"You dress the part."
Luke felt his cheeks burn; he did look just like Vader.
"I will be arriving shortly, gather my prisoners in the landing bay."
After a brief pause he added, "Be prepared for my arrival."
"Oh, I'll be ready." Luke snapped, and cut the transmission.
He spun sharply in frustration, his ebony cape swirling behind him, and then he raised his eyes to look at his companions.
Everyone stared at him in confusion and fear.
"You heard what he said." Luke said quietly.
Leia's mouth dropped open. "You expect us to surrender?!"
"No, not you anyway." He said quietly.
"What's that suppose to mean?" She demanded.
"It means," he replied sharply, "That we will negotiate."
"What?! Negotiate with what."
Luke set his jaw grimly. "With the one thing he really wants."
He began to walk towards the lift when an outspread palm caught him in the chest, stopping him in his tracks.
His eyes met Han's.
"What's going on here, Kid?"
Luke bit his lip.
"Commander Skywalker," Madine called from behind him, "I think your statement regarding your encounter on Bespin can wait no longer."
Luke turned slowly, regarding them all.
I can do this. I can.
"Well, we don't have time for a full debriefing- so, ask me what you feel you need to know." He said with a confidence he didn't feel.
Mon Mothma took an unconscious step forward.
"How did you survive your confrontation with Vader?"
The million-credit question, Luke thought, The one the entire Rebellion was dying to know.
"He wants me alive."
"Why?" Leia asked, horror creeping into her voice.
Ok, here we go. Luke thought.
"He. He wants his son." Those words brought forth a barrage of gasps.
As he had expected.
"And you know who his son is?" Demanded Madine.
"Yes."
"Where is he?" Mothma asked, her own building dread evident.
Luke recommenced chewing on his lower lip, too many questions.
"On this ship." Once again, came forth the gasps.
"He's part of the Alliance?" Cried Leia. "Is he a spy?"
"No."
"Does he know who his father is?"
"He does now."
Luke watched as everyone digested this new information.
Han then spoke, "So, why does Vader keep going after you- instead of directly after his son?"
An uneasy silence settled upon them.
Leave it to Han, Luke thought. Ok, Skywalker, get out of this one.
Luke heard Vader laugh softly in his thoughts, Are they really that insolent? Look at you! You look just like me!
Luke pushed his father from his thoughts with a mental scowl.
Leia was watching him, her soft brown eyes pleading with him not to say it. not to betray her, and then the comm. sounded.
The comm. officer, already having a bad enough day, simply slapped the button to open the line, and the looming image of Vader reappeared.
Luke's heart rose into his throat.
"Skywalker, NOW." The Dark Lord snapped.
Luke again stepped before the screen, silently pleading to his father. Don't, please don't.
"Enough of this nonsense."
Luke felt the shock at his father's words ripple throughout the bridge.
"Finish this. I will be arriving momentarily. My Son."
The screen went black.
Forcing himself to keep his breaths steady, Luke slowly turned to face them again.
5 The one thing he really wants.
His son.
Me.
Leia shook her head in denial.
"I'm sorry," Was all the Son of Vader could manage to mutter.
TBC
Please R&R- this is my first fanfic, and I'm curious of reactions... Should I continue on or give up before it's too late?