Going Under
By Serena Kenobi
Author's Note: Once again, I thank you for all of your positive feedback. I laughed at some of the reviews: they were really funny. Glad you like this different take of a Padme/Vader AU. Slowing down a bit now, just to let you know. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: If I owned Star Wars... well, I don't. Boo hoo.
Part II, Chapter IX
Prince Xizor, the cold, calculating Falleen, sat relaxed in his chair, sipping a delicious blue alcohol. His plans for Vader's destruction were beginning to take place – all that was left was for Skywalker to come and try to rescue his friends. Then he would destroy the boy, destroying Vader in the process.
Guri, his HRD, entered the room quietly, standing before him.
"Well?" He inquired.
"The Wookiee and Solo have been put in the containment cells on the twentieth level. No one except the guards there will know they're still alive."
Xizor nodded. "Excellent. But I take it you do not like this arrangement."
"No. But it is not my place to question you."
"Of course not. But feel free to speak your mind," Xizor suggested, waving his hand.
"Kill Solo, the Wookiee, and the Princess, but have Skywalker still think that they are alive, as you have done with the Princess," was Guri's reply.
Xizor paused. "I see. That would, however, not be a strategically wise decision." He stood up and began to slowly stroll around the room. "Say, for example, Skywalker contacts us, telling us that he will surrender himself, but demands that we show him the prisoners to make sure they're still alive. We would have no way to reassure him of that."
Guri was silent.
"No," the Falleen continued, "I believe we should keep everything as it is for the present. Once Skywalker is destroyed, Vader will soon follow him. But we must make sure that no one else is involved."
The HRD made a short bow and left the room. Xizor sat down once again and leaned back in his chair. Everything was going according to plan.
But then why did he have an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach?
Lando Calrissian soon joined Padmé and Luke in their hideout. After the introductions were made, the three began to plan their rescue mission.
"We'll go once Rendar shows up," The dark-skinned man said, "he has most of the contacts, and he's an good shot if we need one. And if we're going into Xizor's palace, we'll need both of those things."
The other two nodded. "Very well," Luke said, "Shadya has offered her services to us." He motioned towards Padmé, who had not taken off her helmet yet.
Lando raised his eyebrows. "Haven't met many bounty hunters I like," he said, glancing at Luke dubiously.
The young Jedi shrugged. "What can I say?"
"You trust her?"
"I do," Luke said.
Padmé cleared her throat. "Excuse me, gentlemen, I'm still here," she reminded them. Lando had the grace to look embarrassed. "And yes, you can trust me. I've been working under cover for the Alliance ever since the Empire was formed. You can trust me, Mr. Calrissian. The Emperor ruined my life and took away my family from me, so you better believe I'll do anything to make sure his precious Empire is destroyed. Xizor is one way to help accomplish that."
"Ah, I'm sorry," Lando apologized.
She waved a hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter. What does matter is that we help Luke's comrades get out of Xizor's palace safely."
Luke nodded, turning grave. "Yes, but this will be a difficult rescue. I don't know if we can do it, but we have to try."
"You sound like someone else I know," Padmé muttered. Luke gave her a look.
"Well," Lando started, standing up, "I'm turning in for the night."
"Night, Lando," Luke said. Padmé nodded towards Lando as he headed off down the short corridor.
Once he was gone, Luke said, "You should know that this might be suicidal. From what I've heard of Xizor from Lando, he's the third most powerful person in the galaxy and one of the deadliest."
"Wouldn't be the first time I was at death's door," Padmé said rather casually, but inwardly felt somewhat bitter.
Luke frowned. "You said the Empire took your family away from you. Can I ask what happened?"
Padmé was silent for a moment. "You can ask," she said, "but that doesn't mean I'll give you an answer. It's a very… painful subject."
"I'm sorry if I offended you–"
"No, don't worry about it, Luke. I'll tell you another time. We should get some rest, we'll need it for our mission." She turned and walked away, leaving Luke to himself.
"No way in Hoth are you piloting this ship," Dash growled.
Anakin glared at him. "Listen, I was the best pilot in the galaxy and fighting against millions of droid starships when you were still learning to walk," he snarled, "I think I know what I'm doing."
"Still my ship," Dash said. "And don't try to intimidate me, Vader. Won't work."
Anakin fought the urge to strangle the man. "Would you at least let me try?" he said, trying to keep cool.
"Nope. Besides, we're nearly there."
Anakin could do nothing but give in to Rendar's wishes and sit back in the passenger seat. Dash was correct: they would reach Imperial Center in less than twenty minutes, and it wouldn't do either of them any good if Anakin decided to kill the man. True, he could pilot the ship by himself and reach the planet, but then he would have no idea how to locate his missing wife and son. It would be best to control his temper for the time being.
"I'll be in the back," Anakin said, standing up, "Let me know when we're there."
Dash nodded, not replying.
Anakin went to the small dining area of the ship, and he had to admit, it was very nice. He checked the storage compartments for any edible food, but all he found were a few ration bars. Knowing he would need all of his strength, both physically and mentally, he sat down, closing his eyes and chewing on the bar. It would take nearly every ounce of his willpower not to come into mental contact with the Emperor. He would have to raise his mental shields to their highest level and try to keep a low Force profile.
He only hoped that it would actually work.
After a short time had passed, Dash's voice yelled out from the cockpit: "Hey, Vader, we're here!"
Anakin opened his eyes and hurried back into the cockpit. He saw the large and bustling Imperial Center before him, familiar and comforting in its own way. He also noticed the very grand and tallest building on Imperial Center – Palpatine's palace. He instantly cloaked his Force presence and inwardly wondered if it would work against the most powerful Sith in the galaxy.
"Did Luke say where he was located?" He asked Rendar.
The other man shook his head. "No."
"Then how are you going to know where to find him?"
"I'll call when we're on the ground, and he'll tell us. No big deal."
"But what if he's on the other side of the planet?" Anakin said.
Dash shot him a look. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
"Let's hope so."
Hope you liked the chapter. I won't know unless you review. So feel free to scroll down and press the blue button! Let me know what you think.
MtFbwy,
-Serena Kenobi