Chapter Ten:

Shmi had never known she had so many different muscles in her legs alone. But today she was really feeling them, and she was amazed that her instructors could cause her to work each one... or that's how it seemed.

Shmi had been working all day and most nights now that she was in a routine. It had been twelve days by her reckoning since her 'training' had begun, and she was bone tired. However, the hope of any sort of reprieve was far out of sight.

Her classes were going well overall, but Shmi had one issue that she'd found consistent: any time her instructors put her in a place that was too small or narrow... Shmi began to feel jittery and afraid. It hadn't been like that in the cell she shared with Venussia because, for a jail cell, it was actually quite roomy.

She was exceedingly careful not to let that show after the first time... when she'd almost had a full-blown panic attack. She didn't understand it, but her instructor had noticed... and had reported it to Palpatine.

Shmi had waited for days afterwards for the Emperor to do something along those lines, but so far he hadn't. She was nervous about that because Mara had told Shmi that the Emperor wasn't afraid to use weaknesses and fears against a recruit.

As Shmi lay in cell 239 once again— for however long she had to rest— she tried and tried to get her body to go to sleep, but it wouldn't relax.

And she hurt! Oh how she hurt all over!

"Shmi."

If she wasn't so worn out, the shock of hearing her name from the lips of her birth mother would have frozen the child in shock. As it was, Shmi managed to sit up and stare at her incredulously.

"Did you just use my name to address me?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes," Venussia answered. "Get up."

"Why?" Shmi flopped back down with a groan. "I'm too tired."

"Do you want out of here or not?" Venussia growled.

That got Shmi's attention. "Get out how?"

"They'll bring us a meal shortly," Venussia replied, gesturing for Shmi to rise. "And when the dinner gets here, it's just the one stormtrooper who delivers it."

Shmi was on her feet now, paying close attention.

"When he comes in, hide by the door on the left side so he doesn't see you," Venussia instructed. "I'll distract him, and while he's paying attention to me, you get yourself out."

Shmi nodded... and then paused. "Wait, what about you?"

"It won't work for both of us, girl," the woman replied.

Shmi frowned. "You're not coming? Why?"

"Someone will need to keep the guard busy. Find some way out: maybe the vents, I don't care. But I suspect you've had a little bit of training for stuff like this."

Shmi nodded. Indeed she had had stealth training, and she was proud to say that she was succeeding quite well in that area. But to leave this woman behind... Shmi knew Luke would agree that it was wrong.

"I can't go without you," Shmi tried to argue.

Venussia gave her a look. "Shmi, I appreciate your valor; you are very much like you're father. That's a good thing. We wouldn't want you to be like me, would we?" Venussia asked pointedly.

"In any case," Venussia went on over Shmi's attempt to respond. "I am done. Literally. I just want to be free. And I won't ever be able to walk away from here alive— the Emperor saw to that— so if I can go out helping you... then I will have done one good deed by my daughter."

Shmi gasped at the implications. "What do you mean he made sure?"

Venussia gave her a look. "Its best you didn't know."

Shmi shuddered. "But..."

"Please, let me have this one thing from you." Venussia placed a hand on Shmi's shoulder. "I don't deserve you, but please, give me this one chance to go down fighting."

Shmi trembled, trying to think of what her parents would say. She remembered the few times her father had lost a friend in battle, especially Zev. She remembered how it had been that pilot's choice to go down fighting... so that their deaths meant something.

Shmi wondered if Mara would tell her to let Venussia die with some honor, and that it would be the right thing to do in this situation.

With a heavy heart Shmi finally nodded. "Alright. Thank you... mother."

Venussia glanced down in shame. "I don't deserve to be called that by you."

"But you are my mother... no matter what happened before." Shmi hugged her lightly. "You need some love."

Venussia stood stiffly for long seconds before she tentatively returned the embrace.

"Thank you... Shmi," the woman whispered. "You are so strong, and I am proud of you. Don't ever give up, you hear me?"

"I promise!" Shmi answered.

"Good."

At that moment the guard's footsteps sounded outside their door, and Venussia waved Shmi into place, while she got to her knees on the floor on the far right side of the cell. Shmi hugged the wall to reduce her image while the man stepped inside with a tray of food.

He paused uncertainly upon seeing Venussia, who was now hunched over and clutching at her stomach.

"Oh good, help has arrived!" Venussia moaned.

The trooper stood awkwardly for a moment, and Venussia glared up at him. "You do remember the Emperor's orders for me to stay alive right?"

The trooper noticeably stiffened, but stepped forward to stand over her.

"What seems to be the trouble?"

Shmi didn't wait for the answer. She snuck silently into the hall after checking the area with the Force for other guards. She glanced back at Venussia, but the woman was too engrossed in her act to notice.

May the Force be with you... Shmi thought at her. And thank you.

Then she was creeping down the hall in the same direction she always went when she was taken from the cell. However, Shmi knew that there was always an officer stationed at a desk by the turbolifts, so she would have to find another way out. Shmi spotted a vent as Venussia had suggested, and realized she'd be able to fit.

Shmi stopped, glanced each way down the corridor, and then worked the cover free. She squeezed inside, and then used Mara's levitation lessons to put it back so the troops didn't know where she'd gone.

However, the moment the hatch was in place, Shmi felt that odd pressure on her heart, her very soul... and she felt her mind beginning to shut down as panic threatened to take over. Fear zinged through Shmi, and she tried again to decipher what was going on.

Her heart rate was climbing and her breathing was abnormal... and to her utter shock, the walls seemed like they were... closing in on her!

They were! The walls were suddenly much closer!

Shmi began to tremble, and she found she could no longer move... and instinctively, Shmi reached out to the one sure source of comfort she'd always known...

Daddy!

00000

Luke Skywalker jolted upright in bed as Shmi's panicked voice screamed through his mind.

Daddy!

Luke gasped at the intensity, and he felt her so strongly that it was almost as if she was in the room beside him. Mara sat up next to him, her concern clearly radiating in the Force.

"Luke?"

"It's Shmi!" Luke breathed, closing his eyes and focusing.

He touched her mind through their link despite Mara's warning, though he was extremely careful to skirt Palpatine's awareness. Shmi instantly latched on to him, much like a person afraid of the sea would cling to a life-preservation device.

Daddy help me! Shmi begged, the hysteria in her voice making Luke worry deeply.

Shmi, what's wrong, where are you?

I... I'm in the air ducts! B-but I... I can't move!

Luke frowned; she was in the air ducts? Why? What are you doing in the air ducts?

I... Venussia told me to get out while she distracted the guard... but I... I c-cant move! D-D-Daddy!

Despite his hope that she would be successful in her escape attempt, Luke forced himself to focus. Luke tried to send her calming waves, but he sensed that her fear was feeding from her subconscious. Then a possibility hit him: Shmi was in a tiny, cramped space... and she was afraid...

Why can't you move? He asked, fishing for information.

B-because the w-walls a-are m-m-moving closer! Daddy w-what's g-going on?

Luke felt understanding come to him, and he sent her even more soothing waves. Shmi, listen to me: you're experiencing claustrophobia.

W-what?

It's a fear of small spaces... and it's probably something left over from when you were frozen. Luke explained. Beside him, he felt Mara monitoring their conversation, while also keeping a mental eye out for the Emperor. She made a 'hurry' motion in his mind, and he obeyed. Calm down, take deep breaths. The walls aren't actually moving. You are safe in there. It's just your mind playing tricks on you.

Okay.

Focus on your calm center like we taught you and you will be okay.

Luke felt Shmi obey, and he helped guide his daughter to her center, where her Force presence shone with the light of the twin suns on Tatooine. Only when she was once more calm did Luke move on to a new topic.

Shmi, are you trying to escape?

Yes! She replied instantly.

Please... be very careful! If you get out, try to get to our first home, and we will meet you there. Do you understand?

Yes, Daddy.

Good. I love you, so much! No matter what anyone says... I love you. Luke said fervently.

I love you too Daddy, I miss you and Mommy so much!

We miss you too, Sweetheart. Be strong, we are coming for you, I promise!

Luke allowed Shmi to break the connection, and then he had to take a moment to center his own turbulent mind. After a moment, he felt a soft hand on his arm.

"Luke?"

He opened his eyes, and saw that at some point Mara had upped the lighting to a low setting, allowing them to see each other's faces.

"Shmi is claustrophobic now." His voice cracked. "Of all the things..."

Mara's eyes widened. "How?"

"It had to be her time in carbonite," Luke deduced bitterly. "Because it's never bothered her before." He frowned. "Han hasn't shown any signs of claustrophobia."

"He's also very private," Mara reminded her husband. "But I don't think that's it: Shmi is a child, Han an adult. His psyche could better handle the trauma."

Luke couldn't fault his wife's logic. Then the reality of what had just happened caught up with him.

"We spoke, Mara!" Luke rejoiced, tearing up. "I know it was dangerous... but I got to speak to my little girl!"

Mara smiled understandingly and touched his face before she spoke. "She's trying to get out?" Mara frowned. "Alone?"

"Apparently." Luke sighed. "I hope she's successful."

Mara swallowed with difficulty. "So do I."

Luke felt fear touch his heart at her tone. "Mara?"

"Luke, if she fails, Palpatine will go berserk." Mara looked truly disturbed. "Shmi will realize that whatever is happening now was a child's game. His gloves will come off if she's caught again."

Luke found he was having trouble breathing. "Mara... he wouldn't..."

"Yes," Mara whispered, and Luke saw her memories through their bond. "Yes he would torture a child."

Luke stared at her agape, unable to formulate words. "Mara... we can't..."

"Let her?" Mara closed her eyes. "What choice do we have Luke? We're light-years away."

Luke began to tremble, and he wrapped Mara into an embrace as much to comfort her as himself.

Please, dear Force. Protect my Shmi...

00000

As soon as her father and she were disconnected, Shmi got down to business, forcing herself not to panic anymore. She had to get out, and she had to get home, end of story.

Shmi belly-crawled the length of the ducts until she met a junction that angled upwards. At that point Shmi looked up, but it was dark now that she was away from the hall. Shmi bit her lip, trying to figure out what to do next.

Recalling something she'd read in her stealth book, she wormed her way to a standing position, and tried bracing herself on opposite sides of the walls.

Then she applied pressure and walked up a few inches with her hands and feet. She nearly shouted with joy when it worked, but caught herself just in time. It wouldn't do to give herself away by making unneeded noise.

Shmi shimmied her way up what felt like an eternity of air-ducts before her hand came to a new grate. And she hadn't been more grateful for something so simple in a long time. Her arms and legs were beginning to quiver with the exertion of getting herself up the vents. Shmi peered through the grate. The room beyond was dark and silent, but Shmi still stretched out with the Force.

To her relief the coast was clear, and she shimmied up to just above the grate before she stopped, released one foot and kicked the cover off. She followed the grate into the room, and once again replaced it.

Shmi breathed a sigh of relief that she was free of the ducts, and crept to the window to see where she was. She spotted the nearest landing pad of the Palace to be a surprisingly short distance away.

Shmi took a deep breath to prepare herself, and then carefully opened the front door. Peeking out through a tiny crack, Shmi saw no stormtroopers or Crimson Guard, so she slipped into the hall, sticking to the shadows.

Shmi wondered if the halls were always this deserted in the palace at night. Shmi made relatively quick time by hopping from one shadowy hiding spot to the next, avoiding patrols whenever needed... until a sudden alarm sounded.

I've been discovered missing! Shmi knew that had to be the reason.

She picked up her pace, her heart pounding. She was so worked up that she nearly ran into a group of guards who were— thank the Force— facing away from her. Shmi instantly dove for the nearest pillar and hid behind it, crouching low to the floor.

Shmi strained to hear what they were saying.

"The child has been reported missing," someone said. "Find her! Spread out!"

Feet moved by and Shmi stayed utterly still until they had passed and were out of sight. She then kept low and crept up to peek cautiously around her pillar. There were no other guards... but Shmi did see her destination outside a nearby viewport.

Encouraged by her current success, Shmi unknowingly sent out a mental 'I'm goin g to make it out!' through the Force.

Shmi made good time to the hangar, where she was chagrined to see more guards. She peered at the pilots who were lounging about, most of them standing by tables.

Why aren't they more alert? She wondered.

She supposed that no one was planning on her trying to steal a ship.

Shifting her attention to the few rows of TIEs, Shmi bit her lip, remembering how her father and the Rogues had taught her the difference between the classes of TIE fighters. Not all of them had hyperdrives. Shmi quickly recounted the model she'd need, and spotted it at the far end of the hangar.

Once her ship was selected, she realized she'd need a flightsuit and helmet. Nothing here would really fit her, but she'd have to make due.

Shmi spotted a locker-room and crept toward it with exceeding caution.

00000

Darth Vader didn't know what was happening to him. One day he was a fearless and fearsome Dark Lord of the Sith... the next, he was grandfather to a brilliant and beautiful young girl.

A girl he had handed over to the most evil man in the galaxy... aside from Vader himself. He had spent most of the last twelve days in a desperate battle between the two sides of himself... one half of which he'd successfully kept locked away for two decades.

However, somehow this innocent young girl had unlocked those gates, and set Anakin Skywalker's spirit free to a degree. He was far from redeemed, but he'd be dammed if he just sat back and watched her be turned into another toy for his master.

Shmi was family... and family had always mattered the most to Anakin. It was why he'd become Vader... to save his wife.

You sentimental fool, Vader sneered at his former self. You're weak in the pathetic Jedi form you were before. We have become strong!

Strong enough to be kept in this damn suit, you mean. Anakin countered. We're not asking forgiveness from the galaxy... but we can't just...

An alarm sounded then, breaking into the Sith Lord's musings, and he was on his feet instantly. He charged into the hall, locating the first trooper he could find.

"What is going on?"

"Lord Vader," the trooper saluted crisply. "The girl has disappeared."

Vader lifted surprised eyebrows behind his mask. "Disappeared?"

"Yes, Lord Vader. We have sent out patrols to locate her as we speak."

Vader— Anakin— snorted at that under his breath. This child was a Skywalker: if she was missing, she'd be difficult to find, especially after her success in her training... and that after only twelve days. Pride surged through him, and he suddenly realized the trooper was waiting for his response.

"Very good, carry on." Vader waved him away, and the man saluted once more before obeying.

Vader stood silently for a moment, thinking. If she was her father's daughter... and his granddaughter... she'd look for a way out. And not just any way... she'd need a way off-planet. No doubt she'd been scoping out the Palace as she was moved from place to place.

Vader followed his hunch and felt for her presence in the hangar bay closest to where her cell had been. Indeed, he felt her, and once more he felt pride touch his heart.

Clever girl! He praised.

However, he couldn't just stand there... he had to do something. Vader started walking briskly down to the hangar bay Shmi was in.

00000

Shmi was wondering if her success so far wasn't a blessing of her small size, or if she was really that good already. Shouldn't she have met with more resistance?

... Or was this a ruse?

Shmi bit her lip halfway into her borrowed flightsuit. What if this was all being allowed to happen by the Emperor?

The thought chilled her... but she was so close! She decided to risk it.

Shmi donned her helmet and zipped up the suit, adjusting it as much as possible to fit her much smaller frame. Then she took a deep breath and walked out of the locker room, using the Force to create a distraction by knocking over the game table the pilots were crowded about.

That started a violent riot as players tried to snatch credits and game-cards.

Shmi walked with purpose, having learned that if you wanted to look like you belonged, you should walk and act as one of the people around you. Thus she was able to reach her craft unimpeded as the fight between the Imperials worsened.

Shmi noted again that with the alarm, the pilots should have been more concerned with their duty... but her mother had told her that credits were powerful things. Shmi climbed into the cockpit and sealed it, breathing a sigh of relief.

Then she ran her eyes across the controls, and grimaced. This was nothing at all like her father's X-wing!

Trust the Force, Shmi, always. Luke had taught her.

Shmi took a deep breath and opened herself to that power. Sure enough, it helped her figure out the controls, and soon she had the thing up and running.

00000

Vader had just stepped into the hangar when a TIE flew from the hangar, which the pilots fighting finally noticed. Ignoring their stunned looks, Vader raced to a starfighter of his own and worked the controls to bring it online.

Minutes later he was following the small form of Shmi's ship. She was heading straight for the upper atmosphere, heedless of the lanes of speeders she bypassed.

Vader followed hot on her heels, not sure what he was going to do when he caught up. He couldn't just let her go: Palpatine would go crazy. But to let her be recaptured... he knew what that would bring too.

His indecision was interrupted when a voice crackled to life on his communications unit. "Rogue TIE, this is Captain Flivven. You are not permitted to be here. By the order of His Majesty, return to the Palace or we will open fire!"

Vader saw Shmi's ship wobble slightly, no doubt as she fought the unfamiliar controls. She did not, however, obey. Instead, she veered to get away from the wing of TIEs that were advancing on her.

Vader was still undecided... while Anakin told him the obvious choice.

"TIE pilot, you have been warned, prepare to be shot down!" Flivven stated.

Green laserfire lanced out toward Shmi's vessel... and Vader snapped into action. The rogue TIE swerved to avoid the hit, and Vader had to admit he was impressed. Clearly this girl had spent time learning to fly...

Or she's just a natural like Skywalkers are! Anakin boasted.

Whatever the case, she's outnumbered, and she clearly doesn't know how to fly a TIE. Vader snapped back.

Then do something you coward! Anakin yelled back. What is the Emperor going to do to us that hasn't already been done?

Vader growled in his throat, and punched into the frequency Flivven was using. "Captain Flivven, stand down now!"

But it was too late. Shmi's TIE took a severe hit and her craft instantly began to spiral and head back toward the surface of Imperial Center.

"I expect you to be at whatever landing pad we use, Captain!" Vader barked.

"Y-yes sir!" was the stuttered reply.

00000

Shmi screamed in terror as her ship took a hit and began to fly out of control. Shmi pressed every button she could see, she also flexed the repulsors and hit the brakes, but nothing worked.

Help me! She cried.

Shmi.

She gasped as the voice from the Emperor's throne room came back.

Shmi, do exactly as I say, do you understand?

Yes!

Good, now, I want you to shut down the shields, and reroute power to the repulsors.

How? Shmi asked, even as she cancelled the shields.

A mental image came to her, and Shmi followed it verbatim.

That will reroute more power to the repulsors. Now, work the thrusters and level yourself out. Not all at once or you'll go even more out of control.

Shmi continued to follow the voice, and to her elation it worked. She managed to level out enough to where she wouldn't impact like a stone falling from above. Now she could slide to a stop.

Or so she hoped.

Shmi, there is a landing pad thirty meters ahead, aim for it.

Okay! Shmi answered.

She carefully kept the ship on-course, spotting the desired landing strip, and then delving deeply into the Force. To her utter astonishment, another presence— one familiar and cold— joined her efforts, lending her power. It flowed through her, and she felt Darth Vader's mental hands helping Shmi to guide her ship to a much safer landing, and then she felt her ship tug as he then grabbed it in the Force.

Shmi saw the edge of the lading platform approaching, and she threw her hands up to cover her face, screaming in terror.

Then, with a final slow screech, and with the edge mere centimeters away, the TIE came to a stop. Shmi sat shaking in her seat long enough to register what had happened, and then she was scrambling out. She popped the hatch and raced away from the ship, throwing the helmet away... then stopped dead.

There, in the center of the landing pad, and out of his own ship was Darth Vader, standing tall and proud in all his black-clad glory. Shmi stood trembling, wondering what he would do next.

To her amazement, her voice sounded without her approval. "Why did you help me?"

Vader cocked his head to the side. "Do you know who I am, Child?"

"Yes, you are Darth Vader."

Vader shook his head. "I was not always him. Before that, I went by a much different name: one you and your father share with me."

Shmi took a startled breath as he walked to stand before her. What did he mean?

"Shmi, I am your grandfather," Vader said as softly as his vocoder would allow.

Silence. Then: "What?!"

"I was once Anakin Skywalker... your father's father," he clarified. "And you, Shmi, were named after my mother."

Shmi opened her mouth to deny it... but then paused. That voice that had spoken to her in the Emperor's throne room, and then again in the TIE... they had both reminded her of Luke. Now she knew why, even as the Force confirmed it.

"You're really him?" Shmi breathed.

"Yes."

"Lord Vader?" a fearful voice sounded from behind them, interrupting the moment. "Y-you a-asked for me?"

Vader spun around with a snarl. Lifting a hand, Vader clenched his fist, and the pilot instantly began to gag.

"You shot her down!" he roared. "You almost killed this girl!"

"P-lease forgive m-me Milord!" the pilot gagged out. "I-it was o-orders!"

"Stop please!" Shmi cried, braving touching Vader's arm. "Don't kill him!"

Vader looked to her. "He disobeyed me, he must be punished."

"He was following orders! I was an escaping prisoner, and he was just doing his job!" Shmi argued. "Please don't kill him because of my disobedience!"

Vader stared at her long and hard... and then grudgingly released the man, who collapsed to the floor, gasping heavily.

"Captain, you will apologize to Shmi," Vader warned.

Taking the hint, the Captain bowed deeply before Shmi. "Please forgive my actions, Milady Shmi. I am most sincerely sorry."

"I forgive you," Shmi assured him.

"Thank you, Milady," he breathed.