Title: The Illusionist
Chapter: 11. Flight
Keywords: Luke Skywalker, Vader, father, son, Boba Fett, Tremayne.
Author: Wellingtonboots
Archive: Slytherin Serpent
Summary: Post-ESB. Traumatized and in denial, Luke is unwittingly thrown into a dark underworld of sinister intrigue and brutal murder, where only his father can save him. (Xizor, Inquisitors and Boba Fett)
Disclaimer: Everything apart from Kay, Ronin and Doctor Lassion belongs to Lucas Films. All characters described, other than original ones, have been researched to conform to canon where possible.
Dedicated to: VFSNAKE for your continued encouragement that has kept this story alive and kicking.
AN: This is the chapter I placed on my website a while ago. I have been writing over the Christmas Holidays but the next chapter has yet to be betaed.
I hope to get the next chapter on my site in two weeks.
"We'll never get of this one alive!" hissed Wes' voice from the darkness that engulfed the three escaped rebels.
"Patience, my good friend, patience, I think there should be another ventilation shaft sometime soon."
"You think!" snarled Leia as she brushed several wild strands of hair from her face. Though they did not obscure her vision for there was nothing to see, they excelled in providing an irritable itch.
When was the last time I washed my hair?
She had long since lost track of time in this pitch black tunnel. Only the cold sensation of steel beneath her palms and their continued bickering kept her insanity in check.
"How long have we been in this tunnel?" asked Wes from somewhere behind her.
"I don't know exactly, your worship, but considering we all slept in that junction place, it could be morning by now," said Dash.
The trio had clambered for seemingly endless hours through the maze of ventilation shafts that crisscrossed the Star Destroyer but Leia knew that they had not managed to escape from the detention level. However, one by one, they dropped from sheer exhaustion and Dash suggested the sleep in a wide circular junction where several major shafts met.
For how long they were unconscious, Leia did not know. Night and day did not have any affect in this dark environment. Light only penetrated into the shafts where they cross vents in the ceiling of rooms, which always caused her heart to thump with fear as they clambered as quietly as possible over the wire meshing. Many rooms they passed but never did she dare to look down for fear that someone below might notice her presence.
Lost in her thoughts, Leia was unable to prevent herself from banging straight into the rear end of Dash Rendar who had inexplicably come to a standstill.
"Listen," he whispered, undeterred by their collision. Behind her Leia heard the ragged breathing of Wes Janson as he too tensed with fright.
A low rumbling, so quiet that Leia thought at first it was but her imagination, penetrated through the thick walls of the ventilation shafts.
"What is it?" muttered Wes over her shoulder and suddenly the noise wilted away.
"That, my friends, is the roar of a TIE fighter taking off," declared Dash in such a smug voice that Leia had to consciously restrain herself from retorting.
"How long will it take to get there?" demanded Leia sharply.
"Soon, your worship."
It did not take Jedi perceptions to know that Dash Rendar was grinning like Toydarian with too much money.
So they hastily clambered onwards, towards light and freedom but somewhere in the dark bowels of the Executor was Luke Skywalker.
"I can't leave him!" the words were so suddenly that somewhere behind her, Leia heard Wes curse in fright.
"Pardon?" the incredulous tone of Dash Rendar cut through the thick blanket of darkness that separated them. "Are you suggesting that we go back? And find him? Because if you are, lady, you are the craziest rich girl I have ever met, and I've met a lot of 'um!"
"Leia," said the calm reasoned voice of Wes Janson from the darkness, "We've been through this already…we can't help Luke while he is being held captive by the Empire on this ship and in the presence of Darth Vader. Our only hope is to get back to the Rebellion in one piece -,"
"And then what?" cried Leia far more loudly than she intended, "wait for the Alliance to launch a rescue attempt! How long will that take? Weeks? Months? Years?"
"Leia, you are not being rational," protested Wes as his fingers found her arm, "You know we have no other choice. Think, what would Luke do in our situation?"
"Or even better think of what your heroic buddy would want you to do in our situation?" hissed the voice of the Dash, which was far closer to her than Leia had previously imagined.
"Yes, Leia, Luke would want us to escape and inform the Alliance. Be rational! If we go back and try to save Luke, we'll be caught again and interrogated…no one has yet been able to stand up to the Empire new truth drug, Leia. Think about it, you know all the Alliance secrets, if you don't escape now what information could the Empire extract from you?"
For several moments there was nothing but the still stale silence of the dark shafts. When Leia finally spoke her voice was devoid of the fiery passion that her spirit projected.
"I see…"
All of sudden it felt, to Wes, as if the darkness had somehow managed to grow even stronger than before.
"Glad you understood; we'd better get moving."
As Vader entered the Surveillance Centre waves of excitation rolled through the force, projected no doubt, by the personnel.
"Lord Vader, the rebels have escaped," said the leading officer almost joyfully.
"Very good, the microscopic transmitters are secure?" It wasn't so much a question as a statement for every member of the crew knew that failure was not an option.
Beside the Dark Lord the officers stood to attention in the unnatural pose of all Imperial personnel. Only the leading officer seemed to have the inner confidence to relax in his presence.
If "gentle" was allowed to describe Imperial Naval Officers than the leading officer would be the first to receive such an honour. His eyes were large round orbs that glowed almost kindly and though his face was serious his expression seemed to hold the slightest hint of a smile at all times. However, what was most striking about him to Vader was not his amiable personality but rather his actual appearance: shoulder length brown hair, wavy and thick, piercing blue eyes and tall stature.
He looked almost like…Anakin Skywalker.
"My Lord," the second officer approached, a pinched and scrawny man, who looked even more pinched and scrawny beside his colleague, "They are moving through the ventilation shafts towards hangar bay Alpha-345-E-ST. A suitable transport has been arranged."
"See that it is not too lightly guarded, they may become suspicious," rumbled Darth Vader as he strolled to stand beside the large screens. "Show me their progress"
Suddenly three blank screens flared to life. The two smaller ones displaying the location of the rebels while the third displayed something more disturbing…
An amazingly clear image of a man's backside came into prominent view. It jolted to and fro with the movement of the camera but never the less remained center stage. An empty leather holster was hanging off his hip and the material of the trousers would once in a while snag on the holster and be pulled taunt across the fore mentioned area.
No one batted an eyelid.
"I think the rumbling is becoming clearer," the hopeful voice of the rebel pilot was transmitted perfectly over the comm.
"Yeah, well we're nearly there," said the jaunting voice of the smuggler, Dash Rendar.
"All is going to plan," said Vader with a small hint of satisfaction in his voice, "Keep me updated on the situation, Lieutenant Commander."
With that the Dark Lord of the Sith strolled from the room feeling, for the first time in weeks, highly optimistic.
"There it is," whisper Dash Rendar as a blinding light hit Leia's eyes. Instinctively she braced herself to see a giant opening leading to the hangar and a hundred blinding white TIE fighters in formation. However as her eyes eventually adjusted to the light, Leia realized that it light was only a dim streak shining through a small grid around the corner.
The shock of the light has driven the heavy burden from her mind for several second but them it returned full force like a weight designed so crush her.
I'm so sorry Luke…
"Are there -," Wes paused mid-whisper.
"No, we're coming up underneath the hangar bay and there are no Stormtrooper guarding this opening,"
"How do you know?" asked Wes incredulously.
"Because we're coming up right underneath a TIE fighter, why else do you think the light is so dim? If you don't believe see for yourself."
Even as they rounded the corner Leia could see the off white underbelly of an Imperial TIE, complete with scorch marks from a recent skirmish.
Partially shielded from the full force of the light by Dash's body, Leia peered out from behind him towards the small square of wire mesh. The dull, off white colour of an Imperial TIE fighter loomed ahead. Random streaks of whiter paint marred the surface where laser shots had once scarred the metal.
Suddenly all the light was blocked out by Dash Rendar's bulky physique as he soundlessly heaved the wire mesh covering from its original position. The square covering was badly made and far too small to fit tightly into its niche, hence the panel came away with little resistance and Dash casually places it to one side.
Cautiously the smuggler hoisted his torso up through the opening, like a rabbit peering out of its burrow. Behind him Leia could see his short stout legs twisting in the dim light as he surveyed their surroundings. It was only then that she noticed how filthy their clothes had become.
Her senatorial gown was now a disgraceful shade of dark grey with black blotches running down the length of her shins. Wes' orange flight suit now looked as if it had been a breeding ground for various species of black and grey mould.
I guess the Imperials don't clean out their ventilation system all that often, thought Leia cynically.
"Alright, the coast is clear. There's only a few squads of stormtroopers here and they're mostly on the other side of the hangar." Whispered Dash as he retreated back into the cramped shaft.
"So, which transport do we take?" asked Wes a little too casually.
"There's a nicely unguarded standard imp shuttle 50 meters away, you can make that can't you, fly boy?"
"Stop being so childish," snapped Leia unable to control her temper at Dash's jeering. "This shuttle will need ignition codes and I suppose you know them?" she demanded sceptically.
"Sure, your worship," muttered Dash derisively, "I was a cadet once and I know the format of their codes," he paused for effect before saying in a somewhat less confident way, "There'll be a certain degree of variation though…"
"Variation!" hissed Leia but Wes placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
"Listen this is probably the best chance we've got, I'm guessing most of the vehicles here are TIE fighters," he looked to Dash for confirmation and found it, "we can't use them. The other transports are probably in a different Hangar, the imps are more organised than we think, so I say we take this gamble."
Out numbered but out matched Leia decided to concede for the time being. Perhaps, unconsciously she did want to escape at all because that would mean she really was abandoning Luke.
"That shuttle won't open on its own," said Dash grimly, "but I reckon my little baby here will do the trick." From one of his numerous pockets Dash extracted a small remote control device, very much like the one used by Han on the Falcon. "Made it when I was at the academy, it'll open any Imperial shuttle 'cos there're all standardised."
"Are you sure?" asked Wes sceptically. The remote looked a little too polished and well designed to be something a naval cadet cobbled together from spare parts.
"Wes, never judge a trader by his clothes. Anyway the plan is we all get to the shuttle as fast as possible without being seen. I reckon you'll be alright Wes, but the princess…"
"I will be fine!"
"Okay, you worship! I'll go first and you can follow, Wes will bring up the rear."
Agilely Dash eased the wire mesh away and climbed through the opening as smoothly as if he did these things for leisure. But then again, he probably did.
A comforting hand clamped on Leia's shoulder and she squeezed it back.
I'm going to be fine…but Luke…
Shoving the thoughts violently out of her mind she gripped the sharp edges of the vent and hoisted her slight frame upwards until she managed to sit on the dusty floor of the hangar.
I'm filthy!
Her dress had turned to the colour of coal dust, pure black power caked every part of her attire.
Up came Wes looking like a frightened rabbit immerging from it burrow, but he had never been into the belly of the beast.
Dash was already advancing towards his intended target like a clone trooper preparing for engagement. Perhaps it had been his military training that made him look so professional despite his smuggler's attire.
In the distance Leia could hear the clatter of stormtrooper's boots on the metal floor as the squadron patrolled the hangar bay. Stealthily she snuck behind the nearest TIE and proceeded forwards with her back plastered to the white hull of the ship. However her white gown now turned completely black had not been made for such excursions and it fluttered around her leaving a smeared trail of black soot on the paint work.
However Dash was oblivious to all this as he surged forwards with measured steps and then stooped down behind the next TIE fighter. Cautiously he looked backwards and beckoned for Leia to follow. The coast was clear, the stormtroopers were all congregated in the opposite end of the hangar.
Wes was right behind her as she rushed forwards in hurried light steps hoping the pattering of her shoes was to faint to be heard. Together they crouched down next to Dash, breathing harshly with fear.
"Right," whispered Dash softly as he pointed towards a white shuttle just visible around the hull of the ship, "that's our ticket out of here and the Imps are about seven hundred meters away, so if we can survive the laser barrage we're safe. There's enough cover to make it there in one go."
"How do you know that we won't just be blown to bit?" hissed Wes angrily at the flippant tone of Dash's voice.
"Because they're letting us escape..." With that he dashed off towards the shuttled without caring about his cover.
There was no time for thought as the cacophony of angry shouts and laser fire rose through the hangar. Red streaks of light shot towards the shuttle but only exploding on the starboard side with nothing more than a fizzled sparks.
They are not shooting at us, thought Leia. Suddenly blood flooded back into her hands that she didn't even notice were clenched.
With a swift motion she lifted up the sides of her dress and sprinted forwards towards the shuttled. Close behind she could hear Wes' desperate curses as he gallivanted after her.
Before her eyes the shuttle loomed like a giant insect, its three wings folded upwards in a resting position. However above the chaos of the battle she could here the gears coming to lift and slowly the wings began to unfold with the hissing noise of pistons accompanying it.
Suddenly three bolt of red flashed across her eyes and to her left the explosion of energy against the metal hull of a TIE fighter. Her heart pounded heavily in her chest but instinctively she knew there had been no danger. The shots did not come close to touching either of them.
The landing ramp was coming down and on the other side Leia saw the squadron of stormtroopers in battle formation shooting a barrage of blasts at Dash who was running up the ramp.
He's not going to be shot, their aim is too bad…
Abruptly her gaze was drawn to a clone at the end of the advancing line. A sharp spike of fear shot through her.
"Dash! Watch out!"
It was too late, before her eyes the red bolt erupted from the barrel of the weapon and streaked toward Dash's leg and exploded in a shower of light as it struck its target. There was a cry of agony and a panicked scream but Dash flung himself forwards into the shuttle just as the ramp touched the ground.
It was only then that Leia realised she was much closer than she had been. The ramp was only a few meters away and growing nearer by the second. Her feet seemed to have detached from her body and were carrying her forwards without any instruction. Red flashes flew past her but did not come close to striking her. The stormtroopers were still advancing, she could almost see the pattern on their shoulder pads.
"Take up the ramp!"
It was not her voice shouting but somehow it felt as if she had commanded it. The board beneath her feet shuddered and lifted but she did not loose her balance. With one mighty leap she landed inside the shuttle. The surgically bright lights from within illuminated every inch of the ramp and the stormtroopers beneath them.
A second later Wes appeared by her side and the shuttle began to rise. The main engines had not been fired but the craft was advancing towards the exit. Below the desperate shouts of the stormtroopers and the bangs of blaster bolts could still be heard above the whirling of the shuttle's drive but the ramp shut with a shudder and the noise disappeared.
The shuttle of turning, banking to the left, probably manoeuvring around the other crafts. The floor beneath Leia's black shoes trembled as the shuttle picked up speed.
How will we get out of the hangar?
Suddenly as if she had finally regained the use of her own body, Leia ordered herself forwards towards the cockpit at the end of the passage.
Just as she approached the view from the view port swerved with the shuttle and Leia was thrown into the door frame in her hast to gain access. Before them now lay a translucent blue force field, filling most of the wall.
That must be the exit but…
As if Dash had somehow heard her mental question, he grabbed the steering stick and jammed his thumb down on the red button on its apex.
Two thick bolts of red burst forth from beneath them and exploded on the sides of the wall sending a huge shower of sparks out onto the grey metal floor. The shield disappeared and for the first time in many days, Leia found herself staring into the vast darkness of space.
With a mighty roar the engines ignited and the shuttle lurched forwards sending Leia sprawling back into the passage way.
The grey of the hangar disappeared in a millisecond and only the vast freedom of deep space filled the view port. The stars twinkled in the distance like tiny diamonds on an evening dress. The shuttle speed forwards into the abyss, to freedom and the rebellion.
"My Lord," stuttered one nervous officer as he approached Darth Vader's looming form in the corridor.
The Dark Lord of the Sith did not bother to stop as the officer hurried to catch up with him. He already knew what the news would be.
"The rebels have been allowed to escape, we are tracking their position…"
"Very well, Lieutenant,"
The officer took the cue as being dismissed and quickly scurried away in the opposite direction as fast as dignity allowed.
Everything was working out well and Vader felt a deep satisfaction in the turn of events. There was much he could do now with the Rebel firmly under wraps. It would not be long before the anarchist organisation was wiped out for good and then…then he would truly fulfill his destiny.
Luke slumped back on the bed like a woeful teenage deprived of his holovid. Being an Imperial prisoner had not been as terrifying as he had thought. No torture bots were being deployed against him but he was in far more danger than Leia.
For the umpteenth time he found himself fervently wishing that Ben would connect him again from the force. Left without guidance, Luke felt like the same naïve and defenseless farm boy of many years ago. In truth despite the horrors of war, the challenge of the rebellion and the stress of being hunted, he had not matured. There was still the burning righteousness in him that would be rekindled every time he thought about Anakin Skywalker. Thus his thoughts strayed to the familiar topic once more and a sense of warmth filled his soul, as if his father truly was watching him from the Force.
However, the fact that Anakin had never contacted him the way that Ben often did put a dampener on his joy. Perhaps appearing as an apparition was a specific skill his father never mastered but Ben had made his ability sound as if it was an entirely natural process.
"In times of dire need, I shall be with you, Luke."
Rubbing his forehead in an attempt to sort out his jumbled thoughts, Luke found himself feeling profoundly disappointed.
Why had my father not been with me all these years. If Ben could visit me as an apparition, could my father not do the same? He is the chosen one of the Jedi Order…no skill could be beyond his grasp.
Suddenly there was a beeping noise so faint, that if not for a tingle in the force, Luke would have thought he imagined it.
A much louder hissing preceded it and the door to the chamber slid open with Imperial efficiency. However the figure who scurried through the door did not look quite as dignified.
It was Captain Jirr, looking as though he was about to be executed.
"What are you –,"
The Captain waved a hand to signal Luke to stay silent and hurried over to him, quite unlike the same upright officer he had seen just yesterday.
The force shifted with anticipation but gave no other clues to Luke's predicament.
"We only have three minutes before the cameras come back on -," began Jirr as he swiped his brow with his sleeve.
"What are you up to!" demanded Luke moving away suspiciously.
"Look, the navy's a hard place to be and I don't pretend I'm on some moral high ground..."
Luke gaped back at the officer in astonishment.
"I'm not above taking bribes, even if it is from rebel scum,"
Perhaps in a different situation Luke would have given the man a piece of his mind but right now a gigantic surge of hope and amazement inflated his soul.
They've come to save me! But an equally terrible sense of fear engulfed his mind. How can they possible pull this off! Vader will find out for sure!
"I've come tell you that Ameesa Darys needs to meet you in the 34 deck library today-," Luke's jaw dropped like a dead weight. The Inquisitor could not be a rebel agent!
"I don't believe you," snapped Luke as he hoisted his jaw up from it undignified position.
"You've got no choice!" growled the officer and fear flared out from his aura in the force. "Listen, Ameesa Darys says to tell you that she is affiliated with the rebellion through a "mutual friend" and this run is her first. But she's not doing it for nothing. If she gets you safely out of here your rebel friends will have to give her some information or other…"
Luke simply stared back at the fear twisted expression in front of him.
Could it be possible…a rebel agent on the Executor? But she isn't really a rebel…just some one willing to cash in on this…but that makes it more credible…
"Will you do it?" demanded the officer with a note his hysterics in his voice.
The conversation I overheard…it must have been about this deal! I must take this chance it could be the only one I've got!
"Alright," replied Luke resolutely and suddenly he felt the force about him calm down from its turbulent state. He had made the decision and now he had a direction to travel in.
Jirr jumped up from the bed as if he had been electrocuted and said,
"You'll have to find away to get there on your own, 'cos I'm not doing anymore."
With that he dashed out and the doors shut behind him.
Great, now all I have to do is shake off a Sith Lord, nice going Swamp-wader you really got yourself in deep this time!
The force simply danced around him in jolly little spirals as though enjoying a particularly humourous show.
AN: Story's really taking off now so Please Review and Swampwader will be back in the next instalment.
