The Executor
Leia, accompanied by Admiral Piett, entered Darth Vader's private quarters while he was in meditation.
"Miss Zia, His Excellency is not accustomed to be disturbed while in his meditation chamber. You may wait here until he is finished. Is there anything I may be able to get for you? Some caf perhaps or something to eat?" the Admiral stood stiffly.
"No, thank you. When are we expected to arrive?" Leia answered, taking a seat in the corner of the room.
"It shouldn't be more than two hours, miss. Is there anything you would like me to go over with you?" the Admiral Piett asked.
"I am to keep quiet from what 'His High Exulted Excellency' has told me, Admiral," Leia answered with a tone that made the Admiral twitch.
"You know he is quite powerful, it would make your life much easier if he did not hear you speak in that manner," the Admiral warned.
"I'm well aware of how powerful he is, Admiral, but thank you," Leia laughed.
"I don't know exactly how to address your position in the negotiations. As a representative of His Excellency? And I am not exactly sure why he chose you for this position," Admiral Piett answered with a bit of worry.
Leia laughed, "Just say I'm a private assistant. I imagine that will do."
"And you are trained to use a blaster?" Admiral Piett asked, a bit worried for his well being.
"I am, but we won't be needing one. Trust me. You shouldn't worry, Admiral. I apologize if you find me disrespectful, but you will find that I am quite capable of taking care of myself and 'His Excellency'. I won't embarrass you. I just like to taunt the man in the black suit because I can. That is it. It's no reflection on you. You do seem like a man who is merely here to do his job, which probably is why you were able to rise in the ranks. Just waiting until 'His Excellency' kills off those above you until it's your turn. I'm I right?" Leia smiled with a very knowing smile.
Admiral Piett took a gulp.
Leia stood up and patted him on the front of his uniform. "Don't worry, Admiral. For some reason, I believe he likes and trusts you. As much as he can a person anyway. Keep your nose clean, and you might live a while."
Admiral Piett's eyes widened as he spoke, "Miss Zia, I'll be sure to give you notice when we approach Lau'mu."
Leia stared at the closed chamber thinking of ways of waking up Vader like he had done her so many times, but figured he would just torment her in some other annoying way that she thought twice about it. It amused her to think about it though. It wasn't long before the chamber started to whir open and for a brief glimpse, she saw the skin on top of his head. Scars from the burns that had been inflicted on him around the time she had been born. After the chamber was opened completely, he emerged, and standing before him was Princess Leia, in black garb, holding her mask with her hand on her hip rolling her eyes.
"Dramatic entrance, there Emperor," she smirked at him.
Darth Vader stood over her a moment and stared at her intently. Trying to bury deep some of his feelings, those of his late wife and her mother. Something reminded him too of his aprentice, the one he had in his previous life. He pushed those feelings down, and then he decided to concentrate on the recent revelation that Leia had somehow found herself married to that criminal mercenary who seemed to always be flying her around and barely remembered to mention it.
"So, Princess. I hope that you finally have gotten some rest," Darth Vader started as he paced around the room checking messages from the capital.
"Yes, finally. No thanks to you," Leia answered.
Darth Vader shut off one of the screens then turned around walked towards her, "So, this marriage of yours?"
"That really is none of your business," Leia answered angrily.
Darth Vader continued, "I had him investigated as a means to find Luke. I was not aware at the time of our relationship. Has it been consummated? Do you really think that is a well suited match for you?"
"I can not believe that you would ask such a question! As I said, it is none of your business. And if you must know, we were under the influence of a substance which made us forget the whole event, but who knows, we may do it again just for kicks." Leia snickered.
"So you were drunk? On death sticks? With just a few inquiries I may have it annulled," Darth Vader asked angrily.
"Death sticks! No, it was just a tiny bit of something Chewbacca was drinking and it wasn't suitable for humans. I'm not sure drunk was the right word. You though, to question anything about Han as to being suitable? You have absolutely no right! And as for..." Leia fumed and twirled her face mask.
"Were you with him when Jabba the Hutt was murdered?" Darth Vader stood questioning her. "Inquiries I have made had placed him on Tatooine at the time of Jabba's death."
"Yes, and I'm the one who blew him up. Was he a friend of yours?" Leia smiled though the memory of killing the Hutt merely felt necessary, she found it enjoyable to tell Vader that it was she who had in the end, put an end to his horrible reign.
"I have had dealings with him, but no, he was no friend. They were merely necessary. I have no love of the Hutts. My mother and I were once slaves to one of them," Darth Vader said turning around. "My former self that is."
"Yes, we must not forget that you are two people," Leia replied stiffly.
"I am Darth Vader, Princess," his finger pointing at her face she didn't flinch. Her constant tormenting of him, and her lack of fear. It was fascinating him.
"Oh, I am well aware of that. So, how did that drop on Sullust go? Did you honestly go through with that?" Leia asked.
Darth Vader spoke, "Come." He went went to a console and pulled up a holo showing some footage of the drop. "The commander of the Rebel ship inspected the items before the items were sent down and we were formally thanked by your General Dodonna and Admiral Ackbar."
Leia nodded. "It wasn't an embarrassment for you?"
"My advisers were against it, however, they seemed pleased with the results. They can not always be counted on to do what is in the best interest of myself or the galaxy. It is good to see them pleased," Darth Vader noted.
"And if they aren't? You just kill them?" Leia smirked a bit giving him a knowing look.
"When necessary. It is important to know which tools are important and which are not," Darth Vader commented. "My advisers had an interesting proposal had you been found for the negotiations. They suggested an arranged marriage for you," Vader stated in a sense to taunt the Princess in the style that she had taunted him.
"WHAT!" Leia answered.
"That was exactly my reaction," Vader turned and swished his cape not telling her everything that was suggested as the mere idea of it disgusted him. "I suggested making you my ward and heir."
"Excuse me! That's ridiculous. I am a leader in the Rebel Alliance and I am twenty two years old! You must be joking," Leia answered shaking her head with a laugh. "I had parents, until the Empire destroyed them, and just because..."
Darth Vader held up his hand and spoke, "Have we not worked together well so far?"
"I can't forget that you tortured me, Force choked my friends, tortured Chewie, who I may add has really been stressed out so badly since our arrival here that his fur may be coming out in chunks, and put my brother in carbonite," Leia noted, "But yes, you have been helpful as far as the information you have provided and your willingness to cooperate. I will give you that. I only wonder if you are trying to manipulate me. As 'Your Master' Emperor Palpatine did to you. I will never forget how creepy he was when I first joined the senate. I was barely a child. He actually flirted with me. He was disgusting. I have no desire in being your new apprentice."
"Encasing your brother in carbonite was to make him safe. It was an extreme process, yes, but I myself have had to use it as a way to be undetected. The Emperor would not detect his Force presence and I would be able to hide him on Mustafar in the way I hid you for a short time. It was my belief that the Emperor wished to make Skywalker his own apprentice and do away with me. I needed help in destroying him as you remember, and in the end, your help was elsewhere. I was aided by Yoda which was a surprise," Darth Vader explained with anger. "Enough! No more talk of Palpatine!"
"I agree, but Luke would have never gone for it. You don't really know him. He is very kind and gentle really. He does get frustrated and reckless. I can't imagine him being evil," Leia noted sadly, missing him and hoping that wherever he is, that he was alright. "I never told him about my going to Mustafar. After what happened at the Emperor's palace, I didn't know how to explain my being there, and honestly, I have seen very little of him since."
"I was never given the chance to get to know the boy. If a certain young lady hadn't taken him from me, I may have," Darth Vader said then turned away from her.
"Think of it as the will of the Force," Leia answered with a laugh. "I'd like to return to the ship, if that's alright with you. I'm sure Admiral Piett will let me know when it's time to leave."
"You know your role, use the Force or your identity to make sure the meetings go peacefully. Though the later should be a last resort. It would be in both our interests if they did not know that you or I had been having these meetings, nor that I was your contact within the Imperial government. You know these people, Admiral Piett does not. You may advise him privately, if need be. I'm sure he finds the whole situation distasteful, but it is necessary. I want you to trust me, Leia," Darth Vader added then swooshed to one of his mobile screens. "I have work that needs to be done, you may go!"
"Gladly," she said heading back to the Falcon.
A short time later Admiral Piett returned to Darth Vader's quarters surprised that the individual he knew as Zia had left. "Your Excellency, we are approaching Lah'mu."
"Zia has returned to her ship, you may inform her there. Is there anything else, Admiral?" Darth Vader replied.
The Admiral stood straight and tall, "Your Excellency. I thought it important for you to know that the individual accompanying Mon Mothma will be Luke Skywalker, sir."
Darth Vader put his fist to his chin. They did promise that it would only be the Admiral and one representative of the Emperor. Would Luke be willing to come to his ship?
/
The Remembrance-hanger
Mon had ordered Luke to make preparation on the shuttle as the Admiral was due to arrive very soon. The captain had received a hail when the Executor left hyperspace and they would soon be with in sight. One word that the Admiral's shuttle was ready, they would travel to the surface, on planet, at the location they had previously arranged. It was in open space and there were no buildings. Mon Mothma was open to allowing her shuttle to be used as a shelter in case of foul weather, but Luke had said that he knew how to set up the tent quickly if necessary for neutral ground. Usually the weather was decent here and there would probably be no call for it, but that it was good to be prepared. Mon had sent him a comm that she was on her way, and Luke took the opportunity to take a seat in the cockpit and relax, until she arrived. He could have meditated, but instead, he watched those working the hanger laughing and doing their daily chores.
Then he knew. The Executor was coming closer. He could feel it. It was the presence of Darth Vader and he was actually aboard the ship. Did he intend to come to the meeting? He closed his eyes and and tried to focus. The only image that came to him for some reason was Chewie and it was a warm hug. That was odd, he thought. He had hopes that Vader intended to stay on the ship, but knowing Luke was here, it may be impossible. He closed his eyes again and tried to make contact with Ben or Yoda. He hadn't felt their presence since he left Dagobah, but he would try anyway. The future was still cloudy, he didn't feel danger though, so he took it as a good sign.
He heard Mon board the shuttle call out, "Commander Skywalker? Are we ready to go?"
"Yes, ma'am. Strap in," Luke yelled back as the leader of the Rebel Alliance made her way to the cockpit.
"Thank you, Commander for doing this. Their shuttle hasn't left as of yet, but this will give us a chance to check the area before landing. After all, it was the Admiral who picked the location. We have a squadron ready inside the frigate if anything should go wrong and the captain is patrolling the space for ships leaving the Executor," Mon Mothma explained.
"I'm sure it will go well, ma'am," Luke spoke as he did a check around the perimeter of the landing area. "I don't sense anything out of the ordinary, however, Darth Vader is on the Executor."
"Really? I imagine it is his ship. Let's hope he stays there. Take the ship in for a landing, we'll wait," Mon ordered as the ship gently descended.
They got down into the canyon and opened the ramp. Luke went out first taking in the environment and his surroundings. There didn't appear to be a lot of animal life, at least nearby, but he could sense the plants and the insects which stuck close to the ground. Nothing seemed to be very threatening here on the ground. After Mon Mothma went over a few notes on her datapad and sent a transmission back to the Remembrance, she came out and took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "It's been a while since I have been planetside, and this is lovely."
"I thought about setting up the tent, just because of the breeze. We can always keep the front open if you want a sense of being outside." Luke suggested going back in the ship and getting the items.
They had packed the tent as well as repulsor chairs and a repulsor table. Luke thought that a couple of crates that they had inside might be better than the table, but Mon had stated that they may believe them to contain items to sabotage the meeting.
"You've done a fine job, Luke," Mon grabbed his shoulder. "I'm glad you were able to accompany me. I do hope this initial meeting goes well, though I really don't know what to expect. I feel as if we are taking a great risk."
"Everything we do is a risk, ma'am. I'm sure things will go well, at least I see us leaving here alive," Luke said looking toward the sky.
"Well, that's something then," Mon laughed. "I admit to being a bit put off by the idea of having these meetings, however, I can't help to feel that this is all just some kind of ploy."
Luke nodded.
"Now, we just wait," Mon leaned on the ship enjoying the scenery as they stood together in anticipation.
/
Millennium Falcon- hanger- The Executor.
"So, I'm just supposed to stay here and wait! Alone! With HIM on board?" Han shouted. "It's one thing when you're here, but you're down there, with the Admiral."
"He promised he wouldn't hurt you, though he knows about what happened to Jabba now, and we talked more about what happened on Nar Shaada," Leia answered patting his shoulder.
"You talked to him more than me about that," Han noted. "Is he going to kill me? He tortured Chewie to get at Luke. Chewie's hiding. It takes a lot to scare Chewie."
"Yes, like trash compactor monsters and Darth Vader," Leia spoke. "Poor Chewie. I wish you could take us down there, but Mon would recognize the ship right away."
"Maybe he's using it," Han said trying to figure something out.
"What do you mean?" Leia answered finishing her caf before the trip to the planet.
"I mean, any tie-fighter comes out of the Executor, our guys are going to fire on it right? Suppose Darth Vader wants to drop in on this meeting, he takes my ship, maybe kills us, then flies it down there and takes Mon Mothma down," Han conjectured with worry.
"He won't kill you. I don't think he's fond of you, but he won't kill you. He doesn't want to displease me, or that's the impression I get. I can handle him," Leia answered trying to soothe him. "Where's Threepio?"
"I shut him down. He was getting on my nerves. He's in the cabin." Han said pointing to the back.
"You better turn him back on, if Darth Vader comes on the ship, he might be an advantage, trust me," Leia answered kissing his cheek.
There was a signal from the Admiral.
"That's him," Leia said putting the mask on top of her head and grabbing the black cape. "I've got to go." She kissed him, pulled the mask over her face, lifted the hood of her cape. She then pushed a few buttons and then put the ramp down.
"Miss Zia, I trust you are ready to depart?" the Admiral asked stiffly.
"Yes, is the shuttle ready," she answered calmly.
The Admiral directed her towards that direction. "The pilot is warming her up right now. They are already waiting for us down on the planet."
Leia nodded and then worked her way to a seat and strapped herself in. After they departed the ship, the pilot noted, "Admiral, one frigate, hanger is closed. No other ships are in orbit."
"At least they are keeping to the plans of the negotiation, for now," the Admiral stated. "Do you have the location of the meeting point?"
"Yes, I'm locking in now for a landing," the pilot said as he flicked a few buttons on the console.
Leia could feel Luke. She sought him out with the Force. (Luke?)
(Leia? Where are you?) he answered.
(In a shuttle on my way to a meeting) she answered back. (You must be near)
(I am, I'm with Mon Mothma. Looks like you will be at the meeting after all.) Luke laughed.
"Is there something the matter?" Mon looked at Luke as he chuckled to himself. "No, ma'am. You know you just remember something funny?"
Mon shook her head and went back to her datapad.
(How?) Luke asked talking to Leia in the Force.
(Vader convinced me to represent him at the meeting, since he knew that the Alliance wouldn't allow me there to represent them. I'm in disguise. I'll reveal myself if I have to, but there is a reason for all of this.) Leia answered.
Luke was a bit startled. He didn't sense the dark side with her, she was just Leia, (You haven't joined the Empire? Please don't say you've joined the Empire?)
(No, but you might say that I have been doing negotiations with Darth Vader for some time now. He was my contact who had been giving me information to High Command. I never told anyone in the Alliance.) Leia answered.
(Vader's there, I felt him. Why didn't I feel you until you came to the surface?) Luke asked out of curiosity.
(I had my shields up so Vader wouldn't bother me, though once we came down, I wanted to feel the situation, and here we are. We can talk without them knowing while they have their negotiations. I'm supposed to be silent, and only advise the Admiral quietly.) Leia answered.
(Does Vader know that I'm here?) Luke asked.
(I am not sure,) Leia answered. (I'm glad it's you.)
(Leia, did you really get married? Without me?) Luke sulked a bit.
"Are you alright, Luke?" Mon asked puzzled by his expression.
"Yes, ma'am just thinking," Luke replied.
(Luke, how did you... I don't even remember it. Try not to think about that right now.) Leia answered him back.
(Sana, I saw Sana before they sent her on a job. She didn't tell anyone else, neither did I.) Luke answered. (She said you talked about me though and thought I should know.)
(Sana, yes, that's who told us. Of course it was her. I was afraid the Alliance found out some other way like Vader did.) Leia answered and was biting her lip.
"Nervous Miss Zia?" the Admiral said looking at her expression.
"No, Admiral. Only thinking. Everything is fine," Leia answered with a slight smile.
(Do not tell anyone in the Alliance about what happened about that, alright? I have my reasons. And as for this? Mon will probably think I joined the Empire. I'm not supposed to say who I am. The Admiral doesn't even know, just Vader. He keeps telling me he really wants peace. He won't hurt you or I. It's not you or I that I worry about. It's Mon on the ground, and he has Han and Chewie on the Executor.)
(What?) Luke answered.
(Like I said it's a long story. There is a lot I haven't told you. He wanted us.) Leia answered.
(Wanted us?) Luke was puzzled.
(There was a time he was happy we would be born. Did you know you were supposed to grow up on Naboo, and not Tatooine? Han laughed about that. He said you would flip out with all the water there. You would have been used to it though, it wouldn't be a novelty.) Leia answered.
(What's it like there?) Luke asked.
(It's beautiful. Lots of lakes, and cities. Where our mother's family is. Can you imagine the two of us growing up together?) Leia said and then laughed out loud.
"Miss Zia, this certainly isn't humorous," the Admiral spoke up.
"I'm sorry, Admiral, I was just thinking of something funny," Leia answered.
Admiral Piett was beginning to believe that this person that His Excellency had so much confidence in, was a very silly person indeed. He could not believe that he was here with her.
(I'll see you in a few minutes. The Admiral is getting suspicious. Is Artoo with you?) Leia spoke to Luke again through the Force.
(Alright, it will be great we can talk this way, and still keep silent, don't you think? Artoo is here. I'm wondering if I should keep him on the ship.) Luke smiled.
(Ask Mon about that first. He may come in handy. Yes, I've missed you, Luke.) Leia answered and smiled to herself.
"Ma'am, do you mind if I bring out my astromech? He may come in handy as far as communications or recordings," Luke asked starting to get up from one of the chairs.
"I hear the ship approaching. I'll ask Admiral Piett if he minds. It may go against our agreement. He will have a pilot with him. He is to stay on the ship." Mon answered.
"I'll leave him then," Luke answered back, then walked out to watch the ship land.
It landed not far from where they had landed, but far enough that they would have a walk a few hundred feet. It was just the Admiral and Leia in a black costume with a gold mask, almost exactly as he saw her in the Emperor's palace, though she wasn't wearing the hooded cape then. Luke wondered if she had been working with Vader then. He'd have to ask her. How else would she have known he was there, or maybe she just did?
"Ma'am, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, and this is a personal assistant to His Excellency, Zia," Admiral Piett spoke with authority and nodded offering his hand.
Mon stretched out her hand and shook Piett's and Zia's, "And you as well, sir, and this is Luke Skywalker."
Luke nodded.
(Leia, were you with Vader when I was in the Emperor's palace? You are wearing the same clothes!) Luke asked through the Force.
Leia responded, (Yes, we were there to get you away from there. I'll talk to you more about it later. We should pay attention here.)
(I'd really like to know.) Luke answered.
(I know you would, but not now!) Leia responded.
"I've set up a place for us to sit, shall we?" Mon asked motioning for the Admiral to follow her into the tent.
The tent was three sided with the front opened. They hadn't put any refreshments out as to not alarm the Admiral on his initial meeting as to his being poisoned, which of course they would not do, and to not make it appear that the Rebel Alliance were the hosts to the meeting.
"I hoped that you wouldn't take our setting up a tent as a gesture of our being the hosts and merely as a shelter from the breezes of the valley and the sun?" Mon Mothma asked the Admiral to feel him out on the use of the shelter.
"Not at all, it was a well planned idea. I would have suggested our ship," the Admiral replied taking a seat. "Zia, if you would, could you stay near the opening for security?"
"Or our ship?" Mon laughed, "Luke, you should do the same, just inside. Thank you."
Leia and Luke both nodded at each other pretending to be on opposite sides.
(He's not coming down here is he?) Luke asked Leia through the Force.
Leia paused, (He's not supposed to, but if he does, I imagine he'll ambush the Falcon. I'm sure Han and Chewie will be pleased.)
(It would be because of me, wouldn't it? I shouldn't have come.) Luke spoke through the Force. Leia could sense his anxiety.
(Probably, he wants the talks to go well, but he asks about you. He's been talking to me in dreams. Once when we were talking like this, while I was dreaming, he started to come into it, and I chased you off. That was why.) Leia answered.
"I would like to suggest the dismantling of the battle station we know you are building, Admiral. The fact that the Empire is still capable of destroying a planet is a great concern of ours," Mon Mothma cut right to the chase. "I'm not sure what you have been privy to yourself on the project, but I'm sure that the Emperor has informed you if he believed we were aware of it?"
"Yes, he discussed that as a possibility of topics, ma'am. That may remain on the table for further discussion," Admiral Piett replied.
(They certainly seem to be getting along,) Leia noticed. (Piett is even smiling. I wonder if he is attracted to her. I haven't seen him smile since I've met him, but then, I give him little to smile about.)
(Who knows. There's a rumor about Mon Mothma on Home One. I'm not sure how many know, but I heard it from a friend who is dating her assistant,) Luke told her.
(Luke the gossip! Does Wes Janson know? You know it would end up in the pools.) Leia laughed.
"Miss Zia, the deaths of Imperial troops are not amusing," Admiral Piett spoke aloud.
Zia nodded.
(I don't even know what they were talking about, I guess we should pay attention,) Luke said giving her a reprimanding look.
(Not until you tell me who Mon's lover is,) Leia asked. (I know this is a misuse of the Force, but I have to know!)
(Lando, he said she was screwing Lando,) Luke said trying to keep a straight face.
Leia put her hand in front of her face and gasped.
"Miss Zia, your sympathy for the slaves in Hutt space is most admirable," Mon noted as she must have been speaking about that to Admiral Piett when she gasped and covered her mouth.
(Wait until Han finds out,) Leia spoke back to Luke through the Force.
(It may not even be true. When I asked Lando, he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about, but I think he may have been lying.) Luke responded.
(We really should pay attention) Leia answered back.
(Yeah) Luke answered.
/
The Executor-the hanger-The Millennium Falcon.
"Come on Chewie. I don't think he's even coming in here. Relax. Come on get something to eat." Han yelled out to the circuitry bay where Chewie had been hiding.
Chewie roared back.
Han waved his hands and sat down and started to eat.
"Captain Solo, It is my understanding that Chewbacca is quite anxious being here. The odds of him coming out until Mistress Leia returns..." Threepio started before Han put his hand on Threepio's mouth. "Understood, Captain Solo." Threepio then creaked his way to the cockpit.
A few minutes into Han's meal, the lights started to flicker off and on. "Oh great," he said throwing the rest of the food into the trash then walking to the ramp.
The ramp opened on it's own. He kept his blaster near, even though he knew it would be of no use to him.
"Captain. I hope I didn't disturb you?" Darth Vader said at the bottom of the ramp.
Han stood there with both his arms up. "No, no, I'm fine. Really."
"We need to fly to the surface. I would like to join the meeting. And if I were to appear in my tie-fighter, it may not aid the negotiations if I have to shoot down all of the x-wings which will come after my ship. So we will be taking yours," Darth Vader said as he made his way up the ramp and to the cockpit.
"No problem," Han gulped. He could hear Chewie softly growling in the background and Threepio greeting Darth Vader as he strapped him into a seat.
"Ah, Vader, um, Emperor, whatever. That's my seat?" Han said as the Sith Lord took his chair.
Darth Vader merely pointed towards Chewie's chair and Han sat down and strapped in, "Alright, whatever, that's fine. However you want to do this."
Darth Vader just looked in his direction, put his hand up causing a few things to happen outside in the hanger, and flew out into space.
Down on planetside, a message came to Mon Mothma's comm. "Excuse me, Admiral. I have an important message from my ship."
Mon looked at the communication and then said, "Admiral, my captain has informed me that a freighter has just left your ship? What is the meaning of this?"
"Ah, ma'am," the Admiral stood up. "I didn't order..."
Luke and Leia both start fidgeting.
Mon looks down at the communication, "It's a YT-1300. Were you keeping General Solo hostage on your ship, Admiral?"
Mon spoke into the comm. "Hold fire until I find out what is happening here."
"I was not keeping it hostage ma'am. I assure you. I was only under orders of His Excellency," Admiral Piett said eyeing Zia with a plea for help.
(Tell them something Luke!) Leia asked through the Force.
(This was your idea!) Luke called back.
Leia pleaded, (Stall them)
Luke spoke, "Excuse me, but knowing Han, he um, probably talked his way on there? Admiral?"
"Let me get in touch with His Excellency," Admiral Piett offered. "I assure you he wanted a peaceful negotiation."
"I understand, Admiral. Somehow I have an idea who may be behind this. Shall we meet the ship?" Mon said wondering if Princess Leia somehow found a way to be part of the meeting, knowing that at some point it would be taking place.
"Yes, ma'am." Piett said pulling his collar.
Piett whispered into Leia's ear, "Do you have any idea what this is about. That is the ship you came in on?"
Leia shook her head no.
From the Falcon, Han started to speak, caught himself, then just spit it out, "Um Lord, Emperor, whatever, um, I could hail the frigate so they don't start sending out x-wings after us."
"Good idea, Captain Solo," Vader ordered.
"Captain Aymeric, this is General Han Solo. Do not fire, I repeat, do not fire." Han spoke into the comm. "That should do it. I wouldn't want her fired on is all."
"You have feelings for this ship?" Darth Vader quipped.
"Yeah, there's no other ship like her out there. I know she doesn't look like much, but..." Han suddenly found himself holding on as Darth Vader tried a few moves spinning them around. "Not bad, your Emperorship. If you could just land her safely, I'd really appreciate it."
Down on the ground, they could see the Millennium Falcon coming down through the atmosphere and spinning into some crazy moves.
(Vader's on there,) Leia warned to Luke. He shook his head.
On the Falcon, Threepio was screaming. "Stop! Stop!"
"Take over, Captain Solo," Darth Vader demanded. "Swing low by the ships then land nearby."
Darth Vader went to the ramp and opened it while still in the air, standing at the top of the ramp, his cape flapping in the wind, and when they were close to the tent, he swooped down, and landed in a crouch in front of the opening of the tent. Admiral Piett stood at attention. "Your Excellency."
Mon Mothma got up and gave Luke a worried look. He nodded his head.
"Mon Mothma, if you will excuse my intrusion, we may continue the meeting. Admiral, leave us," Darth Vader commanded.
(Let's get him away from here, Luke. Offer him some tea or something, I'll keep an eye on Mon.) Leia demanded.
Luke looked at her and nodded.
"Admiral, we have some tea on board, would you like me to get you a cup?" Luke offered walking towards his ship.
"Yes, thank you," Admiral Piett said walking towards the Rebel Alliance shuttle.
Mon looked over to Luke as he walked away leaving her with Darth Vader. "Your Excellency, what is the meaning of this!"
"I only wished to attend the meetings. I still hope for a peaceful discussion. Shall we?" Darth Vader was standing and Mon took a seat. "I wanted the Admiral out of the way so we could bring up more delicate matters. I understand you wish to have our battle station destroyed? I want to arrange that. However, as Emperor, I can not do that myself. I would like for you to attack it and destroy it as an act of war." Darth Vader suggested.
"That doesn't sound like a peaceful resolution of the matter," Mon stood up stiff lipped.
"You will find it is the best situation at the moment. I have halted production in light of the previous Emperor's death as an act of mourning. That can not go on for much longer. If the Alliance makes a stand against it, we may be able to make a public declaration of peace via a treaty. I have a few allowances and we may discuss them further, but now is not the time. Once we make the treaty, we will return the senate, under specific terms only! You, of course, could join my advisers, if you wish." Darth Vader instructed her.
"Me? I've heard what you do to your advisers who do not agree with you!" Mon Mothma cried out.
"You will watch your tone. This is to be a peaceful conversation. You are in no danger here. I would also like to to make Princess Leia my ward and my heir as a peace between our conflict," Darth Vader declared.
"She would never agree. I'm not sure exactly where she is, let alone... The Millennium Falcon? You already have her?" Mon sat back and her face turned ghostly white.
Luke, Leia and Admiral Piett were far off by the Rebel Shuttle sitting on the ramp and having tea while the Millennium Falcon made a landing in the near distance. The ramp had been raised, after Vader's dramatic entrance, and it wasn't lowering now.
"Would you believe my advisers suggested an arranged marriage between herself and I! That would be impossible for a great many reasons, and some worse than the fact that it would be unfair to her as she already has a husband apparently." Darth Vader stated.
"What! I was not aware of that!" Mon Mothma
"I do not have her, she of course will be free to live where she wishes, and I only require her advice. I understand you have Luke Skywalker here as your second?" Darth Vader was rather menacing in his speech and Mon was beginning to regret the meeting.
"So, do you still have my head on some secret warrant still as well? I knew it. It was just a ploy, a trap, take the Rebel Alliance down from the inside!" Mon reached for her comm and then Darth Vader crushed it using the Force.
"Calm down Madame Mothma. I mean you no harm. I've sent my Admiral away. I have been working with someone in your organization for some time. You wondered who was your source at the top of the government who had been feeding Princess Leia information? It was I." He slammed his fist down. "I do wish for peace. I am not idealistic, but realistic you will find. And I am willing to work with you, but you must be willing to work with me."
"Why the sudden change? You were the Emperor's enforcer. I've seen it with my own eyes while I was in the senate, before your Emperor had it destroyed. It was wise I left when I did, as I would be one of those mysteriously imprisoned and never heard from again. I've been fighting against the Empire from the beginning. I might as well tell you that." Mon Mothma spoke as if now she had nothing to lose.
"I am aware of your activities." He grew softer and he watched Luke and Leia with Admiral Piett by the Rebel shuttle off in the distance. He then saw a familiar astromech poking out from the ship's opening.
"I only remember the many times you've tried to have me or my ships destroyed," Mon Mothma fumed,
"Zia!" Darth Vader called.
Leia made a flabbergasted gesture and rolled her head and reluctantly ran over to the tent. "Call Skywalker."
"Do you plan to kill him?" Mon Mothma asked. "Or get this 'assistant' to do it for you?"
"She would never kill him," Darth Vader insisted.
"Luke, I need you!" Mon called after trying her comm and realizing it had been broken by Darth Vader.
Leia stood there with her hand on her hip and her hood fallen down. "Take off your mask."
Leia paused a moment, shook her head and took it off.
Mon gasped.
"Have you joined the Empire, Princess?" Mon asked in disbelief.
"No, but I'm sure that this will be a fun debriefing," Leia sighed.
"Yes," Luke turned and looked at Leia then turned back, "ma'am."
"What is going on here!" Mon Mothma demanded.
"Put your mask back down, Leia. Admiral Piett is approaching," Darth Vader ordered.
Leia rolled her eyes and complied.
"Mon Mothma, we will be in touch. Zia, you may return to your ship. You are free to go where you please. Skywalker. After you've returned Mon Mothma to her ship, I would like to invite you with your astromech to the Executor for a short meeting. You will be allowed to return after the meeting. Admiral Piett," Darth Vader ordered.
"Yes, Your Excellency," Piett answered.
"Have your pilot prepare the ship, we will be returning shortly," Darth Vader said briskly moving towards the shuttle.
Leia stayed and helped Luke take down the tent and they could see Chewie and Han making their way over after they heard Vader's shuttle leave. Chewie gave Luke a great big hug.
"Princess, you and I will have to have a long talk," Mon said angrily as she made her way back to the shuttle alone.
"I got this Leia, you go," Luke said striking the tent.
Leia ran to Han and held him and Chewie roared got a hug in as well, and ran over to help Luke.
"I need to go speak with Mon. I'm glad you're alright," Leia said a bit shaken.
"Yeah, me too. You know what though, I think Vader liked flying the Falcon," Han said a bit unnerved.
"You let him...nevermind... I'm sure he just took it upon himself," Leia laughed uncomfortably. "I better go deal with Mon."
Leia walked up the ramp, "Artoo, why don't you see if Luke needs any help."
The droid scrambled down the ramp towards the tent as Leia walked up to Mon.
"Princess Leia!" Mon started, but Leia just fell into her arms. "I suppose I can find everything out later. Are you alright?"
"I will be." Leia answered wiping her face.
Mon pulled her back and looked at her. "How ever did you find yourself in that situation?"
"Mon, you better sit down. This is only for you. I don't want anyone else to know. This is between the two of us." Leia spoke sniffling a bit.
"Did Darth Vader do something to you? Did they make you marry someone? What happened there?" Mon asked trying to find out everything that was wrong.
"Darth Vader is just emotionally exhausting. Nothing more. Yes he's dangerous, but once he knew I could take him, he know who I was. The daughter of Anakin Skywalker. That's why he wants to see Luke. He won't harm him and he will send him back. If not, I will go and get him, do you understand? He has kept me before, but he wasn't really keeping me this time. I went willingly. He has been feeding me information. Piett didn't know, but he is the only one on that ship who knows of the mysterious, Zia, which is how I come to him. I taunt him. It seems to have melted his demeanor some. As for the married bit? I don't even remember that. I was some weird drunken blackout on Nar Shaada. And it's to Han. We don't even count it, it was stupid. There's something more. I'm not sure I should tell you, but I don't want the rest of High Command to know," Leia explained.
"Please don't say your pregnant," Mon sighed.
"NO! That's not it. It's about Darth Vader. Mon let me ask you. When did you start hearing about Darth Vader?" Leia asked and started pacing.
"Sometime after the formation of the Empire," Mon answered pulling at her neck a bit.
"Not before? He didn't exist before?" Leia questioned.
"No."
"Are you aware where he came from? Tell me if you know. Tell me if you have any idea at all!" Leia shouted.
Mon stopped for a moment, and thought on it.
"Oh Leia," she held her arms out and hugged her again.
"You knew?"
"I suspected. That's all. I even tried to ask your father once, in a round about way. He must have known. Something told me he did. The way he shut me down," Mon said rocking her a bit.
"You won't tell anyone will you?" Leia asked.
"No, of course not. He really wants to work with us?" Mon asked pulling her away and looking at her.
"Yes, he does. He seems to have changed a bit. Oh, he's still Darth Vader, but he's different. That's why he wants to see Luke. I'm afraid though, for Luke. I don't think that Vader will harm him, it's something else," Leia answered shaking. "I hope Luke's strong enough."