Summery: Anakin has waited for six months and now the time as come to stop the Death Star. The lesson in hubris still continues with a terrible cost. Second in the 'Hubris' Series.

Author's Note: Many thanks go to Jedi Master Misty Sman-Esay for her summery of the beginning of 'A New Hope' without which I would have had to put this story and series on hold. You're a Force-savior for sure! This chapter is especially for you.

'Force speak '

*Thoughts*

Disclaimer : Don't own it or make money for this. I write for fun.

Chosen's Chance:

Chapter 1: Unwilling Captor

Anakin's POV:

i never was one for waiting and this time was no exception. I knew this was a Alderaan ship and I was trying not to think of who might be on it.

Steam billowed around my form as I stalked into the corridor that held the Captain. I felt his terror as he caught sight of me. And one would think it was well-founded at my next act. For I grabbed him around the throat and started choking him. "Where are those transmissions you intercepted? What have you done with those plans?" Vader snarled at him while I struggled to keep the demon from tearing him apart.

He was brave enough to defy me "We intercepted no transmissions. This is a Consular ship. We're on a diplomatic mission." he managed to choke out.

I tightened my grip, feeling nausea rising while Vader fought me for control. "If this is a Consultant's ship where's the ambassador?" Vader snarled at him. He almost broke loose as the captain lost conscious. I got control just in time to stop from breaking his neck. Though I had to act as if I had. Vader flung the captain's limp form to the side as he addressed one of the troopers with me. "Commander, tear this ship apart until you find those plans and bring me the passengers. I WANT THEM ALIVE!" we both snarled.

I stood there as the troopers raced to do Vader's bidding. It was getting out of control and I yanked the monster back to his corner. *That was way too close!* I thought as I looked around the corridor. It was empty. I bent down and checked the captain. Antilles was coming round and I quickly cocked my head to switch to my 'cover' voice. "Captain Antilles, you must stay still until one of the clones comes for you. They will assist you in getting to the Rebellion. They will mention 'The hero tried by fire' when they move you." Antilles looked up at me half in fear, half in hope. "My passengers and crew. I cannot abandon them." I sighed and told him, "They think you are dead. The best you can do for them is to get to the Rebels."

I hoped he would realize I was right. Indecision warred over his face and then he finally said," Alright. Only because the Viceroy said that I might find myself in this position. Just keep your eye on the Princess." He closed his eyes and went limp, even as my heart plummeted. As if to confirm my fears, one of the troopers called me over to their unit. They had a prisoner alright. I walked over to them, remembering to switch my vocorder back as I did so. My unease was confirmed when I saw my daughter standing small but proud in the middle of them. "Darth Vader, only you could be so bold. The Imperial Senate will not sit still with this! When they hear that you've attacked a Diplomatic ship-"

I cut her off. There was no way I would let Vader speak this time. I had to say what was necessary. And it hurt! "Don't act so surprised your highness, you weren't on any 'mercy' mission this time. Several transmissions were beamed to this ships by Rebel Spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you." Leia lifted her head proudly and practically spat in my face. "I don't know what you're talking about. I am a member of the Imperial Senate on a Diplomatic mission for Alderaan." I felt my breath catch for a second then I was able to snap,"You are part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take her away!"

I wanted to weep. My daughter was in my hands in the worst possible way. I had to pull myself together as Commander Daine Jir came to my side. One of the more intelligent officers I'd had the pleasure of working with. "Holding her is dangerous. If word of this gets out it could generate sympathy for the Rebellion in the Senate," he mentioned to me as we walked down the corridor. My answer was to the point as always."I've traced the Rebel Spies to her. Now she's my only link to the Rebel Base."

He looked thoughtful at that. "She'll die before she'll tell you anything."

I didn't need him to tell me what my daughter was going to do. My temper with Padme's sense of right? An explosive combination to say the least. It was a wonder she hadn't gotten in greater trouble before this! "Leave that to me," I told him. "Send a distress signal and then inform the Senate that all aboard were killed." I turned away to find the Commander of the troopers waiting with a report. "Lord Vader, the battle station's plans are not on board and no transmissions were made. An escape pod was jettisoned during the fighting; no lifeforms were on board." I half-turn back to Daine Jir. "She must have hidden the plans in the escape pod," I felt myself growl. Then I addressed the troop Commander. "Send a detachment down to retrieve them Commander. There will be no one to stop us this time."

I heard the Commander acknowledge me and felt DaIne Jir take his leave. Which was what I wanted. Now alone I let my indignation rise. How could Bail have been so stupid as to let my daughter be the one to carry the plans for the Death Star? Even as I asked myself that question, I realized the answer. Organa couldn't have stopped Leia if he tried. *Like father, like daughter,* I thought grimly. And now I had to take her before Tarkin? I could just see where this was going. And it nearly filled me with panic.

Master, you have to warn Bail Organa. I know Tarkin, he'll use this to destroy Alderaan. Leia will never forgive me! I called through the Force to Obi-wan.

Calm down, Anakin. I can feel you're close. What do you mean? Luke broke in at this point, his fear for his sister obvious. The Rebels managed to get the Death Star plans and the emperor sent father after them. Leia's managed to send them to the surface but now she's captive. And father has to take her back to the Death Star or the emperor will know that he's come back. I could almost see Obi-wan stroking his beard over this conundrum. I don't have to tell you to concentrate on keeping Leia safe, Anakin. I doubt you'd be ready to do anything else. Luke and I will do what we can from our end. We'll find the plans and warn Alderaan, though I fear there is not much we can do to save them. If nothing else we'll meet on the Death Star to get Leia to safety. Obi-wan finally answered me.

There was a slight edge to his voice in the Force, as if he was keeping something from both me and my son. And a great deal of weariness. What was the old man up to this time?