Objects in Motion

by Cyranothe2nd

Rating: PG

Timeline: This fic occurs between ESB and RotJ.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars.

Chapter Four-Friction

"This has got to be the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me," Luke boomed.

Vader tried not to wince as his head throbbed at the volume of his voice - Luke's voice -whatever.

"Agreed, " he said. "I suggest that we -"

There was a slight rustling in the trees and a half dozen Stormtroopers came pouring into the clearing, weapons drawn.

"Freeze!"

Vader saw Luke start guiltily, before seeming to realize that every gun in the clearing was pointed at him.

"Oh, yes, don't move, rebel!" he said. Vader tried not to roll his eyes.

"Hands up!" The nearest trooper ordered. Vader gave Luke a disgusted look and reluctantly raised his hands. A pair of troopers came forward, one holding a pair of cuffs.

"I will not be shackled," Vader said flatly. The trooper reached for him, and Vader's hand strayed to the lightsaber at his belt.

"No!" Luke bellowed. Everyone but Vader jumped. He lowered his voice. "It will not be necessary to bind him. Just, bring him to the ship."

"Sir, the ship was damaged in the crash. Repairs are being conducted as we speak. We are confident that we shall be able to leave the planet within the hour."

Luke nodded at the trooper. "Yes, good. Lead on." He gestured in front of him, and then dropped back to walk to one side of the "prisoner".

"What are we supposed to do now?" he whispered furiously.

"My Lord?" queried the nearest trooper.

"Nothing," Luke said quickly. He waved the trooper away, and when he was out of earshot he hissed, "What do we do?"

"Well, first, I think it would be helpful if you lowered your voice. The vocoder can pick up normal speech, there is no need to shout."

"Sorry," Luke said in a more modulated voice.

Vader nodded. "Second, I think that it is best if we leave this planet. You may have noticed the dampening of our Force abilities since entering the atmosphere?"

"Yes," Luke admitted. "Its strange, I can still feel it, but I can't use it."

"I believe that if we leave the planet, we will regain the use of the Force."

Luke nodded. "You will have to be my prisoner."

"I am aware of that, my son," Vader's voice sounded amused. Luke cut him a look.

"You think this is funny, don't you?" Luke accused.

Vader was saved from answering by the fact that they had reached the shuttle. He stepped forward, almost demanding the status of repairs from the nearest trooper, before realizing that he was a prisoner. The trooper moved to flank him, drawing his weapon. Vader lifted his chin, which did no good, as he was still shorter than the Stormtrooper. He frowned and watched Luke deal with his subordinates.

"My Lord," another of the troopers was addressing Luke. "The repairs are complete. We may lift off whenever you are ready."

"We will leave immediately," Luke said. He strode up the shuttle ramp in a fair impression of the Dark Lord's purposeful walk.

Vader felt a push from behind, and contemplated cutting the offending trooper in half. He settled for a glare.

They broke atmosphere a short time later and Vader breathed again as he felt Luke's mind brush against his own.

Father? Do you hear that?

Vader tried to ignore the pleasure of hearing his son's voice in his head, and using the moniker of 'father' no less, as he focused.

It sounds like...voices, in the Force. Strange, I didn't hear it when I first came to the planet.

Vader frowned. Nor I, he sent.

Luke said nothing else, merely concentrated on maneuvering the shuttle into the Executor's hanger bay, landing the shuttle gently on the deck. A moment later the shuttle depressurized. Luke stood up and motioned the troopers to disembark ahead of him, leaving him, and the "prisoner" for last. Vader stepped to the door behind Luke and felt him hesitate as he caught sight of a compliment of officers and various military personnel awaited their commander.

I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Luke groaned.

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Luke drew in a deep breath. One of the men broke away from the rest and moved forward.

Admiral Peitt, Vader helpfully supplied.

"Admiral Peitt, my quarters, now."

Luke swept past, Vader and Peitt following behind.

What now?

You must order a communications blackout immediately. No one must know that you are here. And then turn left here.

Luke turned.

And then, I suggest you order a detail of Stormtroopers to go down to the planet and retrieve your ship.

Artoo? I completely forgot about him!

Artoo? Vader queried. Artoo Detoo?

Yes. You know him?

Stop at the door on the left, Vader evaded the question.

Luke frowned, an expression lost in the helmet, and stopped, keying in the code that Vader fed him. He stepped aside and let his father and Peitt precede him into the room. He followed, locking the door behind, and turning to the nervous looking Admiral.

"Piett, I am going to have to ask you to trust me."