Tattooine: Nine Hours Later:
For the last three years, Obi-Wan and Luke had worked side by side on the Lars Homestead posing as honest hardworking Farmers while training in the afternoons and evenings when it was either to hot to work or when sandpeople were bound to be out lurking on the farm.
Luke had highly excelled in his training and he now considered himself a Jedi Knight. He had replaced his red lightsaber crystal with a green Jedi crystal making his lightsaber a Jedi lightsaber. He had purged his soul of the Dark Side much to his relief. Just two months before, he had killed two Tusken raiders in self defense and much to his shock and relief he had taken no pleasure in killing the two beings.
Luke knew that he still had a far way to go in terms of learning the ways of the Force and learning to use the light instead of the dark, but he knew that he was walking farther and farther into the light with each passing day.
Luke at that moment ended his thoughts as he looked at Obi-Wan and spoke, "Do you think that my Father sensed us Master?"
"Most likely. I think that that battle you witnessed with your electrobinoculars has him distracted and whatever it was it had to be big."
Luke nodded as Obi-Wan spoke, "I want to go out. We have to go to town and collect some supplies anyways. Come with me."
"Yes Master."
Obi-Wan smiled at Luke nineteen years ago Luke had fallen into the hands of his father, Darth Vader. Much to Obi-Wan's relief, Luke had more of a desire to be a Jedi than a Sith despite being raised in the Darkness from infancy. It was a miracle in the Jedi Master's mind that Luke was so eager to redeem himself with the Light rather than let the Darkness taint him. He knew that Luke regretted the evil's that he had taken part in alongside his Father and although Obi-Wan regretted failing to save Anakin from the Darkness, he felt as though he was making up for it by helping Luke to fulfill his destiny along with that of Anakin's destiny.
Obi-Wan ended his thoughts as Luke ran towards him, "There is a Sandcrawler outside and the Jawa's are looking for business."
"Fine, we can use a few more droids. Let's see what they got."
Luke nodded as he followed his Master towards the front door of the homestead.
A short time later Obi-Wan smiled at the sight that awaited him, Anakin's old Droid, R2-D2 and Padme's Protocol droid, C-3PO were among the droids that were for sale. He may have been an old man and the Galaxy was a large place but Anakin and Padme's droids were the only Droid duo in the Galaxy that he knew of that had the appearance that R2 and 3PO had.
Obi-Wan found himself smiling at the familiar sight of the two droids though he decided to keep the information of recognizing the droids to himself.
He looked towards Luke and spoke, "We'll take that golden plated Protocol Droid and the blue R2 unit. Just buy them, they are all that we need," Obi-Wan stated.
As Obi-Wan paid for the two droids, Luke glanced at the R2 unit and then spoke to one of the Jawas, "Remove his restraining bolt."
The jawa obeyed immediately as the Protocol droid approached Luke and Ben. At the same time the R2 unit rolled up to the Protocol droid's side as the Protocol droid spoke,
"Hello sirs I am C-3PO human cyborg relations and this is my counterpart, R2-D2."
Obi-Wan nodded as R2 whistled several beeps as 3PO spoke
"Don't mind my friend he is claiming for some reason to be the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi, a resident of these parts."
Obi-Wan almost laughed as he spoke, "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi."
R2 whistled in response.
Obi-Wan smiled, "Well my little friend lets see what you are all about."
Within moment an image of Princess Leia appeared before him.
"Who is she? She's beautiful," exclaimed Luke.
Obi-Wan shook his head as the girl spoke, "General Kenobi Many years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs me to come and find you so that I can take you to Alderaan. I regret to inform you that my mission to bring you to Alderaan has failed and that my ship has fallen under attack.
"Within this R2 unit is information vital to Alderaan's survival. Take this R2 unit to Alderaan. My Father will know how to retrieve it. Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are my only hope."
Obi-Wan was silent for a moment as he stroked his beard. He then looked at Luke, "Load them up in our speeder. Pack your bags and seal the Homestead up, we will be heading to Alderaan immediately!"
"Yes Master."
Obi-Wan then turned to Luke as he felt the Dark tremor vanish as though Vader had left the system. He must be focused on whatever R2 has inside of him, thought Obi-Wan.
A short time later the Two Jedi left their homestead. Luke carried his travel bag that contained his weapons and his black robes from his time as a Sith and all of his Credits that he had from the stash that his grandfather had given him on Naboo three years before.
As the Jedi left Luke spoke, "I am glad that our time has finally come."
Obi-Wan shook his head, "Master Yoda always said that a Jedi craves not adventure."
Luke smiled, "I think we know what my Father would have said right?"
"He would have said that he wasn't your typical Jedi."
Luke laughed, "Do you miss him?"
Obi-Wan looked at Luke in near tears, "Everyday Luke, To me your father was my son. You and your father in my mind are both my sons and your father a brother as well."
Luke nodded as he climbed into the speeder with his Father as they drove away from the Moisture Farm that had been their home for three years.
Mos Eisley:
As Luke and Obi-Wan drove into the Mos Eisley Spaceport they noticed a squad of stormtroopers in their path, the squad Commander immediately motioned for them to stop their Speeder.
The squad Commander then spoke "How long have you had these droids?"
"About four or five seasons," replied Luke on cue with Obi-Wan.
"They are up for sale if you want them," added Obi-Wan.
The stormtrooper then spoke, "Let me see your identification."
"You don't need to see my identification," stated Luke with a smirk as he used the Force to influence the stormtrooper's mind.
"We don't need to see his identification," replied the Commander as he looked at his comrades.
"These aren't the droids that you're looking for," added Obi-Wan with another Gesture.
"These aren't the droids that we're looking for," stated The stormtrooper.
"I can go about my business," added Luke with another cocky smirk.
"He can go about his business," the stormtrooper replied.
"Move along," said Obi-Wan.
The Stormtrooper immediately began to wave in response, "Move along, Move along."
Luke smirked as they drove off, "All to easy Master."
"The Force always has a strong influence on the weak minded my Young Apprentice. Remember that," stated Obi-Wan with a smile
Obi-Wan's smile slowly faded as something came to mind, stormtroopers were all over the planet looking for R2 and 3PO he knew that their time to leave was going to have to be as soon as possible in order to get off Tattooine in time. For whatever reason, Obi-Wan knew that the fate of the Galaxy depended on leaving Tattooine.
Luke frowned as they parked their speeder outside of a large cantina. "Are you sure that we are going to find a pilot here that will take us to Alderaan?"
"Most of the good freighter pilots and smugglers drink here, only watch your step my young Apprentice this place can be a little rough."
Luke nodded, "I have my lightsaber."
Ben smiled as he noticed Luke fingering his lightsaber, Although Luke was still eager to draw a weapon and reluctant to hide from a fight the boy had come a far way from the sixteen year old that had arrived on Tattooine three years earlier.
Together the two Jedi walked into the cantina in silence with R2 and 3PO behind them as an angry bartender spoke, "Hey we don't serve their kind here."
"What?" asked Luke.
"Your droids we don't want them in here they will have to wait outside."
Luke immediately turned to R2 and 3PO.
"3PO we don't want any trouble just wait outside."
"Very well Master Luke come along R2."
Luke then turned and walked into the dark Cantina and headed casually towards the counter.
At the same time an angry Alien growled at Luke in a dialect that he didn't understand. Another alien man spoke, "He doesn't like you."
Luke calmly spoke in response, "Sorry."
The man glared at him, "You just watch yourself we're wanted men. I have the death sentence on twelve systems."
Luke did his best to hide his amusement, if only the man knew just who he was. The Son of a Jedi General turned Sith Lord who had been raised to kill. He knew that he would have both men dropped within seconds in the brawl that was brewing.
"I'll be careful," Luke casually replied.
The Man grabbed Luke by his farmer's tunic as he coldly spoke, "You'll be dead!"
"Back away or I will be forced to kill you," Luke stated.
The man prepared to shove Luke but before he could Luke's green blade entered his gut as Luke moved upon his companion and sliced the arm off of the now horrified creature.
Obi-Wan then approached Luke with a large Wookiee at his side, "Chewbacca here is first mate on a ship that might suit us."
Luke nodded as he followed his Master towards a table where a man of around thirty sat. The man had the appearance of a scoundrel and Luke sensed that the man was fairly arrogant.
The man spoke, "Han Solo. I am Captain of the Millennium Falcon. Chewie here tells me that you're looking for passage to the Alderaan system."
"Is it a fast ship?" asked Obi-Wan.
"Fast ship? You have never heard of the Millennium Falcon?" asked Han.
"Should I have?" asked Obi-Wan with a raised eyebrow.
"It is the ship that made the Kessel Run in eleven Parsecs. I have outran Imperial Vessels and I am not talking about the giant bulky cruisers I am talking about fighters. It should be fast enough for you old Man."
Obi-Wan nodded as Han spoke, "What's the cargo?"
"Myself, The Boy, two Droids and no questions asked," Obi-Wan firmly stated
"What is this? Some kind of local trouble?" Han asked.
"Lets just say that we would like to avoid any Imperial entanglements."
"Thats the real trick huh?" asked Han.
"Alright, for that It will cost you extra, ten thousand," Han stated.
"Ten Thousand?" asked Luke in disbelief.
"We could almost have our own ship for that much," stated Luke.
"But who is gonna fly it kid you?"
"You bet I could I'm not such a bad pilot myself," Luke replied in anger.
If he had met Han three years before, he would have killed the arrogant man where he stood for talking the way he was but now here Luke was having to be the bigger man, something that he wasn't used to.
Han smirked as Obi-Wan spoke, "We can give you two thousand now plus fifteen once we reach Alderaan."
"You got yourselves a ship. Docking Bay ninety four we leave when you're ready."
Obi-Wan nodded knowing that Vader was closing in on them.
"We have to sell our speeder and then we will be there."
"Alright Old Man we will be waiting for you," Han replied with a smile.
Obi-Wan then motioned for Luke to follow him and together the Two Jedi left the Cantina together and headed towards their speeder. Luke at the same time spoke, "How did I do Master?"
"You controlled your anger better than your Father would have. It is because you have your Mother's reasoning," Obi-Wan stated.
"I wish that I had known her," Luke replied.
Obi-Wan said nothing in response as he thought back to the dreadful day nineteen years before as he climbed into the Speeder alongside Luke.
As they drove through the streets of Mos Eisley, Obi-Wan thought of one thing, If only he had had Anakin's trust. If only Anakin had confided in him. How much different would the Galaxy be if his former Padawan had confided in him instead of Palpatine? Obi-Wan didn't know but he knew that he would give his life to change the past if it was possible.
Obi-Wan paused from his thoughts and looked at Luke with a smile as they approached the used Speeder Lot. Luke then hopped out of the Speeder as a female alien who was no doubt the owner of the lot approached the Speeder.
Death Star:
Within the Death Star inside of the Main conference room sat various Imperial Officers at the table as they debated over their cups of caf. Currently General Cassio Tagge was speaking, "Until This battle station is fully operational we are vulnerable the Rebel Alliance is to well equipped they are more dangerous then you realize."
Admiral Conan Motti spoke arrogantly in response, "Dangerous to your Starfleet Commander not to this battle station."
"The Rebellion will continue to gain support in the Imperial Senate..."
"The Imperial Senate is no longer of our concern," interrupted Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin as he entered the room with the dark hooded form of Darth Vader at his side.
"I have just received word that the Council has been dissolved permanently."
Tagge was in shock, "That is impossible. How can the Emperor maintain control without democracy?"
Tarkin smiled cruelly as he sat down, "The Regional Governors now have complete control over their systems. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
Tagge who was still skeptical spoke once again, "And what of the Rebellion? They have obtained a complete data readout of this battle station and there is a chance though however unlikely that they will find a weakness and exploit it."
Vader smiled, he always found himself impressed with Tagge one of the few men that Tarkin kept in his presence that he actually liked. He liked how the man always spoke his mind.
Vader spoke in response, "The plans that you refer to will soon be back in our hands."
Motti then spoke, "Any attack made on this Station is a useless gesture this Station is now the ultimate power in the Universe and I suggest that we use it."
Vader sneered, He never had liked Motti and his arrogance and the pathetic ego that came with him. He in fact hated the arrogant Admiral.
"Don't be to proud of this Technological Terror that you have constructed, the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force."
"Don't try to frighten us with your sorcerer ways Lord Vader. Your sad devotion to that Ancient Religion has not conjured up the stolen Data Tapes or found the location of the Rebel Base or..." Motti's words trailed off as he gasped in horror as the Collar of his uniform began to constrict. Everyone at the table looked at the Dark Lord in horror as Motti struggled to breath.
Vader glared at Motti with his blazing yellow eyes of anger, "I find your lack of faith disturbing."
Tarkin then spoke, "Enough of this, Vader release him."
"As you wish," Vader replied
Vader then let go of his grip on Motti as Tarkin spoke, "This bickering is pointless now Lord Vader will provide us with the location of the Rebel Base and we will then crush the Rebellion in one swift stroke."
Vader in response turned to leave the room to begin his interrogation of Princess Leia Organa as his comlink buzzed, "Yes Mara?" Vader asked as he answered his Comlink.
Mara currently was onboard the Executor which was still under construction staying in their living quarters until Vader returned.
Vader smiled as Mara spoke, "Hello Master, I just had some information to pass on for you."
"Information?" Vader asked.
"I just received word that the Emperor is going to be onboard the Death Star within the Day. Were you notified?"
"No I wasn't he doesn't always tell me when he is coming," Vader replied as a smile crossed his face as a plot started to form in his head.
"It will work out well though," Vader replied.
"In what way?" Mara asked.
Vader smiled as the doors of the elevator closed, "The Plans are still unaccounted for but Palpatine is counting on them being found. I will simply withhold them and find the Rebel base. Before we make the attack, I will kill him and then fly in the battle and destroy the Death Star with all evidence."
"Can it be destroyed?" Mara asked.
"There is one weakness that can be exploited, there are only two other pilots that I know that are capable of hitting it, one's dead and the other is my Son. I can easily make the shot though," Vader replied.
"Very well Master, I will see you when you return."
"Good, keep training, Vader out!"
Vader then turned his comlink off as he smiled at the thought of his imminent rise to power.
Ten minutes later, Darth Vader strolled through the dark corridors of the Death Star detention center as he approached the Cell that currently housed Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan.
He paused in front of the cell and turned to the two officers that had accompanied him, from the main detention center, "You may wait out here I can handle her myself."
"As you wish sir."
Vader smiled as the door opened. He bent down and entered the small cell as the nineteen year old looked at him in fear, "And Now your Highness we will discuss the location of your hidden Rebel Base."
Leia trembled as she saw what she realized to be an Interrogation droid enter the room.
Vader looked at her as he motioned for the droid to remain in position. He then approached Leia.
Leia glared at him hatefully, "I have diplomatic immunity."
"I don't know anything about immunity Princess I am also one who is above the laws and now that your Senate has been disbanded the immunity no longer exists," stated Vader with a smirk.
"Where is the Rebel Base?"
Leia stood up in response and sent a kick towards Vader's knee. Vader in response raised his left hand and brought a hard slap into Leia's face that instantly sent Leia sailing back onto her bunk as Vader removed a glove from his flesh hand with a smile.
He then cruelly raised his hand as he released a stream of Force lighting upon the young Princess. Leia in response started to scream as Vader's lightning burned through her body.
After two minutes, Vader stopped the assault as he waved the interrogation droid towards the helpless Princess. The Droid immediately injected the Princess with a type of truth serum that would enhance her pain.
After the droid had finished the injection he waved the droid back into place and looked at Leia with a cold smile, "Now answer my question Princess."
Leia shook her head as she felt a hardened Presence enter her mind. At the same time the droid began to assault her with a type of acid Jet.
It also started to tear into her flesh with its pincers. Leia screamed in response as the drug came into her system almost instantly. Vader then waved the droid away and spoke, "Will you talk now Princess?"
Leia shook her head in defiance as she rubbed several lacerations that were on her wrists from the Droid's assault. Vader in response raised his hand with a smile and released a wave of Force Lighting upon the Princess. Leia in response started to scream as the lighting burned through her body . Vader smiled as she continued to scream under his assault. He then paused before releasing another stream upon the Princess.
After hours of Torture, Vader left the Cell in anger and frustration. At the same time, he found himself impressed with the young Princess and her will to resist such torture. She had resisted torture that many men would have cried under at age nineteen or older. He in fact felt like she almost deserved a chance to live through her imprisonment because of her strength and will.
A short time later Vader headed for the Conference room as he noticed Grand Moff Tarkin at the table.
"Lord Vader how did your interrogation session go."
"Her resistance to the mind probe is considerable it may take some time before we can extract some information from her."
"What about the IT0 Droid? I mean I have more confidence in that then I do the Force."
"It did little towards her even after lowering her pain threshold I was able to tell that Force Lightning and my Mind probes actually had far more affect on her although she was still strong in terms of resistance."
Tarkin frowned in response as an Imperial Officer entered the room, "Full Checkup complete all systems are operational. What course shall we set?"
"Perhaps she will respond to an alternative form of persuasion."
"What do you mean?" asked Vader.
"I think it is about time that we demonstrate the full power of this Battle Station."
Tarkin then turned to the cruel young Officer that stood before him and spoke, "Set your course for Alderaan."
"With pleasure," replied the Officer with a cold smile as he left the room.
Alright, that is it for now. I will have more up soon. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
-Fallen Jedi 79