Mon's shuttle, which was piloted by Luke, and the Millennium Falcon both landed in the hanger of the Remembrance. Mon said she would figure out something to tell High Command by the time they returned to the fleet about it's presence on the Executor.
"Luke, I may be able to postpone your meeting with him, if you would like me to try?" Mon said putting her arm around Luke.
"No, it's alright. I'll go. Han said he would take me over there. Leia is riding along. Chewie is going to stay here. He found the whole experience traumatizing. I'll let you know how it goes," Luke said quietly.
"I'm actually not comfortable with all of you over there on that ship, it's bad enough it's just you. I know you are all capable people, and that does give me some relief. You could take the shuttle. I'll come on board just before you leave and see you off," Mon whispered.
"Leia's been handling it, so it's probably good to have back up, and the Falcon has already been on the hanger, so it won't be as suspicious to any other crew who see it. Thanks though."
Chewie had been quite popular when the Falcon had been stationed here, and that it was good for him to meet so many friends in the hanger after being frightened by being on the Executor. "I hated putting him through that," Leia said to Han from the cockpit as they watched their friend shake hands and hug some of the passersby. "It wasn't fair to him."
"I hate going back over there myself, but I can't just let the kid go by himself," Han added.
"Yes, me either. If he tries something, I'll be there. I don't think he will though, and we can stay on the ship. I'll sense something if there is trouble. Threepio can stay with Chewie, he'll like the job of translating," Leia said smiling at the Wookiee who finally seemed relaxed. "I don't think he will be so relaxed when we are gone, but at least he won't have to stay in the circuitry bay hiding."
Luke came on board with Mon following. "I'm not staying, I just wanted to talk a bit before you go. I hope you know what you are doing," Mon said putting her hand on Luke's shoulder.
"Thanks, Madame Mothma," Luke smiled. "I need to. I have questions, and I'm hoping he can answer them. It's important to me. I'll be careful."
Artoo beeped.
"I know my way around, I'll make sure he gets back," Leia added. "Ward though? No way."
"Perhaps he can work out something," Mon said. "I don't know how I'm going to bring that up to High Command. I may just leave that to you or just wait and see. He said he had been taking some of your advice. That move over Sullust after our takeover was a gesture in the right direction."
"Yes, that was my idea. He woke me up asking me if I were him, what would I do in that situation to make it appear that the Empire wasn't weak, but also a measure of goodwill," Leia answered gritting her teeth.
"It was a good move, and showed a peaceful solution. We're still cautious, but we've lessened our own attacks within the Alliance. I can't control some of the fringe groups... I just hope we don't get blamed," Mon said patting Leia's back. "I'll be off. Good luck, Luke, and May the Force be with You."
The Falcon left the hanger and approached the other ship hailing Admiral Piett directly. The hanger was opened and the ramp was lowered. Stepping off was Luke Skywalker with his astromech, R2-D2, and waiting in the hanger was Darth Vader.
"We meet again," Darth Vader took a long look at the R2-D2 and then spoke, "follow me".
Luke wasn't sure what to say, when usually he had a lot of things to say, but he wanted to keep calm. Once they got to Darth Vader's private chamber, it was much more relaxed. "You'll excuse me while I check the data from Coruscant."
Luke looked around and saw the large meditation chamber in the middle of the room and saw a series of seats and sat down watching Vader go over all the information that was coming in to him. He tried not to think of the horrible things that this man had done, or the fact that Luke had been basically lead by his masters that his goal was to destroy him. With all the horrible things that he had done to Leia before he knew she was his child, she had not, didn't even try after they found some middle ground. He could feel that he wasn't as dark as he had been the first time he had met him, though he wasn't light either. He was probably still a Sith Lord though, wasn't he?
"I apologize Luke, but I had to be updated. Stand up." Darth Vader commanded he reached out and into the Force to get a feel of his presence. So full of light, yet, there was a hint of darkness in there somewhere. He was quite strong and confident. Darth Vader pulled Luke's lightsaber to him.
"You might have just asked to see it," Luke said and then looked Darth Vader up and down as he studied the lightsaber.
"You're skills have improved," Darth Vader noted as he carried it back to Luke using the Force.
Luke caught it then answered bluntly with a hint of warmness, "Conflict, you're so full of conflict. You may not think so, but the man who was Anakin Skywalker is still in there. I can feel him."
Darth Vader pointed at Luke, "That name means nothing. I am Darth Vader, acting Emperor of the Galactic Empire. You would do best not to forget it. I too sense anger in you."
"I'm conflicted, yes, but I won't let the dark take me. The Force will guide me. I am in the Force and the Force is in me," Luke answered nodding politely.
"You have questions. As do I. What poison has Obi-Wan and Yoda fed you?" Darth Vader spoke quietly turning his back to Luke.
"They've instructed me on the ways of the Jedi to some extent. I haven't had the training that the Jedi of old had been privileged to receive. Much of it I have been learning on my own," Luke answered thinking of his encounters along the way that taught him much beyond the little training he had gotten from Yoda and Obi-Wan.
"I want to show you something, come Artoo," Darth Vader commanded.
Artoo cowered and beeped frantically.
"It's alright, Artoo," Luke answered calming the droid.
"He belonged to your mother. Have you always had him?" Darth Vader said trying to soothe the astromech by rubbing his dome with his mechanical hand.
"No, in fact, he's how I got involved with the Rebel Alliance. He and Threepio came to the farm, after you destroyed Leia's ship. I've had him ever since," Luke explained. "So he belonged to my mother? Really? I imagine he had been with Leia's family since that time. As it was she who sent them to Tattooine."
"Ah, the droid with the secret plans. He was my astromech during the clone wars," Darth Vader explained then rattled off a few codes.
A holo image came up. It was silent, but it was of a young woman who was smiling. "Is that my mother," Luke asked as Darth Vader observed the image clutching his fist then quickly turned it off.
"Enough!" Darth Vader said angrily.
"Leia said she felt that you had wanted us, before we were born, why did you turn to the dark?" Luke pleaded wanting to know how a man who loved his family would become what was before him.
"I was deceived by everyone I knew. Were those visions put in my head or were they real? I do not even know anymore. It did happen! In the end, he was all I had left," Darth Vader answered turned away from Luke and gripping his fist then breathing heavier with his respirator as if he needed to catch his breath. "He told me I killed her. I felt her. She was alive! He lied to me. You are proof that he lied to me. Lying is not the Sith way," He gripped his fist again and Luke could hear something breaking across the room.
"I understand. I felt betrayed, but I still love them. They told me you were dead, not that you had become Darth Vader. My Uncle Owen told me you worked on a freighter. I don't know what he knew. Then I was told you were a Jedi and I was proud, I wanted to be like you this great hero and they lied to me. Was I raised for the purpose of destroying you? I can not do that. They told Leia who you are, but they didn't tell me. They assumed that she would be the one who wouldn't care, who would want to kill you anyway even if she knew the truth, but me, they knew I wouldn't. What happened? She never killed you. You know she could have. I feel the sympathy she has for you. Oh don't get me wrong, she isn't too fond of you, but she hasn't killed you yet has she? On that they have failed. But father, I know. You are still there. You are not lost. All of those others may have given up hope for you, but you are not lost. You have done some horrible things in the name of the Empire, but you are not lost," Luke spoke as he walked around and then in front of his father.
"You are wrong. Luke, you do not know the power the dark side. The Jedi were wrong. I was a slave to them as well. Be careful of that path, Luke. All those lies. However, you were lost to me, and now you have been returned. Stay, I want you to join me," Darth Vader reached out his hand.
"I can not. I'll be back, but I can not join you. Your path is not mine," Luke answered calmly stepping away from him.
"Our destinies are intertwined. You can not deny that. Are there others that you know of, tell me this at least," Darth Vader asked.
"Yoda is dead. I am the last he said," Luke spoke calmly.
"So be it, Luke. We will meet again," Darth Vader said walking away. "You may return to the ship."
"Goodbye, father. Come, Artoo."
Vader followed him out as Luke returned to the Falcon, maintaining his distance. He saw him board the ship, then he turned around, and returned to his quarters.
"How did it go?" Leia asked as came into the cockpit.
Luke stood there and leaned to the side, "We talked. I got a sense of some of the things you said. He wanted me to stay, but gave me the choice to leave. Artoo. He said Artoo belonged to our mother. He used him as his astromech during the war. He even brought up a holo in Artoo's memory."
Leia's face went pale, "Threepio. He said he built Threepio as a child. That must be why they were often together on the ship. Artoo must have never had a memory wipe. Father used him occasionally for various purposes."
"Artoo, how far back do you remember?" Luke asked rubbing his dome.
Artoo made some beeps that were interpreted as I don't know.
"Artoo!" Luke shook his head, rubbed his dome, but sounded as if he was chastising the little droid.
Artoo beeped.
"I think he was protecting us," Luke answered quietly.
Artoo beeped.
"We should get out of here. He said you could go, let's take him up on it," Leia insisted.
"Then let's leave. I don't want to stay here any longer than we have to," Han said clicking a few buttons on the console. "Take a seat junior." Han motioned to Chewie's seat and Luke strapped in.
"Are you heading back to the fleet, Leia? When we get back to the Remembrance," Luke asked as they moved towards the hanger, already opening up for them.
"Yes, Mon wants me to, and they'll need me. She said she'd tell something to High Command. I'm sure she figure something out," Leia said leaning behind Han in the navigator seat.
"You're quarters are nice on the Remembrance, Madame Mothma was using them when I visited her. I imagine you'll be staying on the Falcon?" Luke asked.
"Probably, so Luke, did anyone see you in her room? You don't want to end up in any of the pools," Leia teased laughing. "Han did you hear this one? Mon supposedly has a lover. Luke told me."
"Aw now, Leia, I don't know it for sure. It was just something my friend, Vank heard in confidence from Mon Mothma's assistant. You know that guy who is in her office and is always helping her out. Don't spread that around," Luke said laughing and putting his hand on his face.
"It's Lando, he told me," Han laughed.
Leia smacked him, "You knew! You never said anything!"
"It's none of my business. I didn't need to know that, but she should be allowed to get some action if she wants it. I'm sure Lando doesn't mind," Han said as they moved into the hanger. "You all should keep that quiet. I never liked when they were talking about you, Leia, and Mon Mothma's got needs like anyone. It has to be stressful to have her job. If she wants to have fun with Lando, let her. You know what though? I bet she dumps him before he dumps her. Who wants in?"
"I just can't see it, but alright. I can see Lando moving on to the next woman. He seems the type," Leia answered laughing.
"He denied it when I asked him, but I knew he was lying," Luke laughed as the ship came to a stop. "Will be nice to get some time alone. They have me in a room by myself, it's not too bad. I could have a bigger one if I shared, but I need the quiet."
"Come meet us for dinner later, Luke. I imagine Mon will want to have a meeting and a debriefing, but we'll comm you," Leia said standing up and giving him a hug as they got up from their seats.
"Might as well ride back to the fleet in the frigate. I'll get some work done on the ship while you have that debriefing," Han said as they walked towards the ramp.
"Oh no, you've been gone too and didn't you forget you're now a general? You aren't getting left out. It will just be Mon here. So it shouldn't be too bad," Leia said laughing and leaning on Luke's shoulder. She did miss him.
Coruscant
The shuttle landed and waiting were the few advisers that Palpatine had left from his reign who were left in Coruscant. Vader could sense something coming from those who greeted him, and wondered if purging the whole lot of them would be ideal and just start over. He wasn't of the mind to do that just yet, and the few that surrounded him had been adequate bait to weed out the others. There were still those out in the galaxy, the admirals, the moffs and generals, those in the IBS who he knew would try some conspiracy against him. Oh he was well aware that technically, they were no match for him, but Palpatine held some kind of power still even as a memory, though he was sure he was dead.
There had also been some strange phenomenon that had occurred since his rise to acting Emperor. In cities around the galaxy, there were actually people who decided that Darth Vader was worth worshiping and they would use graffiti and objects in support of that. They would try to find anything related to him or to his twenty odd years in service to the Empire. Models of his special tie-fighter were sold as trinkets. Homages to him could be purchased in stands. It wasn't that strange, the Emperor had done the same with the younger image of him being sent all over the Empire, however, Darth Vader himself never ordered this, nor did he encourage it. The Emperor, while Vader knew he was a powerful Force user, never made that fact public of his being Sith and only his closest advisers were aware of that, but it was well known that Darth Vader had that power. In part, that was what fed this sudden public awe. While he thought the loyalty itself harmless, it unnerved him in the sense of any cracks that may be in his past that would be uncovered. Everyone knew who Sheev Palpatine was before he was Emperor, but Darth Vader was this mysterious individual who had come from nowhere after the formation of the Empire. Just over twenty years wasn't enough time for those who were older not to remember that. As he was led into the new throne room that Mas Amedda insisted he have, Tashu introduced him to five individuals who fit this description of the cult of Darth Vader. They had saved their credits for a voyage to Coruscant from Corellia in order for the chance to touch him and be in his presence. When they over stayed their welcome, he picked one up from the throat and briefly choked them, putting the whole group in awe. The victim was so overjoyed by the experience that he bowed several times and burst into tears. Tashu was so joyful at the whole incident, that it was beyond ridiculous. Darth Vader really was not amused.
Darth Vader started noticing who had moved through the ranks quickly and wondered why. What was their purpose he did not know, and many of them had been out of his own sights. He remembered some who had been career soldiers and those who had some heroic feats, yet there were a few that were mysterious as to their sudden rise. One or two he recognized as favoritism, or being the son or daughter of a high ranking Imperial officer, but there were a few things that seemed off and Tashu seemed to be at the center of it. He began questioning him and others in the inner circle about various individuals, but there was always some lame excuse or some explanation he knew was just to appease him. He needed to find someone he could trust to do an inspection on each and every star destroyer, every Imperial academy, every prison, every factory, every mine and major planet in the system. After his updates with the advisers, he called for every member of the 501st to come to him for an important meeting.
The auditorium was large and he dismissed his advisers. "You will be divided into five divisions. Each division will be given an assignment where you will personally inspect every facility without question and without prior warning and report back directly to me or Admiral Piett. Your itinerary will be given to the leader of each subdivision."
He had detailed what to look for, what to find, and what to report on. If whoever was in charge protested the opening of any room, factory, place on a ship, they were to shoot to kill. There would be no prisoners, and no questions. The divisions were each assigned a leader and they would go down by numbers who would be next in charge in case of losses. Darth Vader expected there to be no losses of his own men unless it was for insubordination. He was cleaning house. He knew when word got back to the palace, he would know who to eliminate next. Several of Palpatine's previous advisers not here had been sent to the Death Star. There were few he trusted. Was he being paranoid? No, he felt, he was being smart. The 501st were loyal to him, as was Piett.
He would take a small squad with him throughout Coruscant. They called them the "bloody days". Darth Vader would go into what looked like an innocent business, but it turned out to be a hotbed of government corruption and atrocities. Some of which had been going on for years. When he hit the head Imperial Bureau of Security, he had a private slicer who had been arrested two years prior come in and break the codes of the racketeering going on within the government. Apparently it had been going on since before the death of Wullf Yularen. After culling the herd of the guilty with lightsaber and blaster fire. He pulled out a capable young man who was more than willing to point out everything he saw which had gone on in the office which did not include the aid of the splicer and appointed him acting deputy when he suggested to the interrogation crew to clean up the mess. There was one fact that became quite interesting that he held on to it and decided he would deal with it himself. It meant confronting Yupe Tashu when the time came.
There was a sudden surge of Imperial officials scrambling to clear their files before they were caught, but with no where else to go, and the interrogation and search of every ship which arrived and departed from each spaceport, with almost all of them not escaping. It left management to those who had not managed before, yet had been working as underlings for years. Secretaries became bosses, and often it was the janitor who knew more than anyone and was given an officer's commission.
When he returned to the palace, calling on his advisers there, Mas Amedda was the most calm. He assumed he had nothing to hide, but Tashu was nervous, he could sense it. "Yupe Tashu, I understand that these communications went directly to Emperor Palpatine after the destruction of battle station DS-1? Where do those communications come now!" Darth Vader shouted knowing the answer.
"They come directly to me, Your Excellency. I didn't think they were worth your time so I handled it myself," Tashu answered meekly.
"You are to bring me every file, is that understood!" he picked up the man using the Force. Tashu with his fascination with the Force was both horrified and delighted by this at the same time.
"Yes, Your Excellency," Tashu answered after he put him down.
Darth Vader didn't know everything in those communications, but he got a sense it involved Sith artifacts and whatever else Palpatine had done behind his back.
/
Home One-Conference Room
There were few members of High Command on the ship, but those currently within the nearby fleet were ordered by Mon Mothma upon her return to come for the meeting on Home One after her discussions with Admiral Piett. She was going to explain the situation, but she was also going to lie. For one, she didn't want it known that she actually spoke with Emperor Darth Vader. It didn't set well with her, not this time, and she was sure if someone like Draven or Cracken had found out the exact details, she knew that she and Princess Leia both would be suspect for aiding the enemy. She had her story. Some on the Remembrance would have seen the Millennium Falcon departing from the Executor, knowing that Princess Leia was on board, and she could work with that. It had been suggested that she be part of the talks while they were arranging the meeting and Mon Mothma found a way to explain that as well. She only hoped it was enough. She did not wish to have Leia interrogated about the incident and she would make that clear.
Admiral Ackbar, General Draven and General Cracken were on board, General Madine was there via holo from elsewhere and the others were engaged in Alliance business in battle or in the field. Princess Leia stood next to Mon Mothma as she debriefed the focus of the meetings, the expectations, and the possibilities of destroying the unfinished Death Star.
Mon Mothma rose and then addressed the room, "Gentleman. My meeting with Admiral Piett had gone well, but first I would like to address the presence of Princess Leia at the meeting. As you remember, it was requested that she be one of our representatives and many of you voted against that, as well as the fact that we were not clear on her whereabouts. Apparently, Princess Leia took it upon herself to reach out to Admiral Piett and she was allowed to board the hanger until the meeting began. As you are all aware, Her Highness will do whatever it takes to make what she believes is right happen, and as you fully aware, she and her crew are alive and well and it did not hinder my discussion with Piett. If anything, it was a bonus. She was not aware of the suggestion put forth to have her join the Emperor's staff as an act of peace, nor did we agree to such terms. Though the talks went peacefully, there is still the matter of the Death Star. We could not come to an agreement on that issue. So I propose that we attempt to destroy it in an act of war. Now, as you know, the discussions with Piett were to promote peace, but how can we continue if we still have that ghastly menace looming over the peace we wish to bring to the galaxy. Princess Leia has been in contact with her source, and I will hand the meeting over to her."
"Madam Mothma, who is this source? Can we trust it? And Princess Leia was in fact on the enemy ship! Can we assume that Admiral Piett is our leak from the Imperial government?" Draven enquired standing and giving Leia a suspicious look.
"General Draven, I know for a fact that Admiral Piett is not her leak. Though I am unsure whom is feeding this information to the Princess, I do know that individual is not Piett. He gave me many indications of things that he did not know which had been fed to the Princess from her source. He merely knew that the acting Emperor wished for her to join the meeting, and Leia, unsure of where that meeting was, was allowed onto the ship along with the Millennium Falcon and it's crew. She took a great risk in doing that, and you should commend her for it. Piett could have taken her prisoner for as you know she is no longer on the official list, you yourself have found evidence that she is still being sought. Her presence there was an asset, and from what I understand he had little contact with the Princess at all," Mon Mothma sternly chastised the general.
"Thank you, Madame Mothma," Leia stood and gave General Draven a dirty look. "As you have been told, we will need to destroy the Death Star ourselves. As of right now, I only know of it's location. It is being built in the Endor system, and as of now, the information being fed is that it is incomplete. However, Emperor Palpatine put a priority on the fact that the importance be placed on the fact that it is operational beyond the structural facilities." Leia pulled up a holo. "As you can see, it contains very large gaps and is visibly partially complete showing a great many weaknesses. We have no idea at this time if the Death Star is capable of any attacks, however what we do know is that it is protected by a shield. We will need to send in stealth teams to find out any information that we can, and I will contact my source for anything that they may be able to add."
General Madine asked through the holo, "So, it will be necessary to take down the shields before we attempt to destroy the battle station?"
"That is correct. As of right now, we don't know where the shield originates from, nor do we know if the shield has any weaknesses." Princess Leia answered.
"We'll reconvene once we obtain more information. We should recruit and bring our fleets together at that time, and have all of High Command in attendance. This is big people, and it could mean the beginning of peace in the galaxy if we are successful," Mon Mothma stood raising her arms and then turning off the holo.
Cracken rubbed his jaw, "Do you think we really can do this? Have they found a weakness yet? Before we had plans to the battle station. Here we just have a picture?"
"I think the shields being lowered will help, if you can see half of the battle station right now is exposed. It shouldn't be hard to find a weakness, be it the main power source or blasting it to pieces. It appears we can get whole ships inside," Admiral Ackbar noted from his memory of the holo.
"That is correct," Mon Mothma explained. "This type of demonstration can mean a lot if we can get many of our allies on board. Once Princess Leia gets more information, we'll be able to move on from there, and meet in a location with most of our entire military force. We should start recruiting more ships and systems to the cause. We will return to this once we have more information."
"Madame Mothma, a word in private if I may," General Cracken pulled Mon Mothma out as the group left the conference.
Mon waited for everyone to leave then directed him to a room that was off to the side, "Do you have something to share, General?"
"It's a report I got from my some of the operatives I have in Coruscant ma'am. Darth Vader has been taking down members of his own government along with a squad of stormtroopers. Several high officials have been eliminated without trial!" General Cracken shared a bit unnerved.
Mon rubbed her chin thinking and then spoke, "I'm sure he had his reasons, but it is rather curious. I wonder what motivated such an action. It does seem a bit extreme."
"I thought so as well. It does seem his style. After all, he did the same with those who displeased the previous Emperor when they did not comply. I've heard stories ma'am. However, to this extent..." General Cracken whispered.
"I'm not sure what it means, but whenever you have a new leader, things do tend to change do they not? If you are able to get more details, do so, but if it is not safe for them there, by all means pull them out!" Mon Mothma stated. "Is that all General Cracken?"
"I'll keep you updated, ma'am," General Cracken said as he left.
Mon got on her comm, "General Calrissian are you busy at the moment?"
/
The Remembrance-hanger-Millennium Falcon
Chewie, Luke, Han and Lando were sitting around the holochess table having a few drinks and telling a few stories when Lando got a ping on his comm.
"I have to get this, hold on a minute," Lando said putting down drink and getting up and walking to the cockpit of the Falcon. "I'm not on Home One at the moment." He whispered in the comm.
"Where are you? How quickly could you get here?" He could hear Mon speak quietly into her comm.
"I'm on the Remembrance, I had some business here. I'll meet up with you later, alright?" Lando spoke quietly, but a bit annoyed. "I'll let you know when I'm back. If you aren't busy then, alright?"
"Fine!" Mon said cutting off the comm and as Lando tried to answer, there was no response.
He put his comm away then walked back to the table. "You got another glass for me?" Lando smiled as he took his seat.
"I can't believe that you're still here. I would have sworn when I came back here, you'd be gone. Imagine you sticking out with this group," Han laughed taking another drink.
"How did you all talk Sana into doing work for the Rebellion? I saw her on Home One dropping off some supplies. I couldn't believe it. You know she probably owes me some money from a job we did not long ago. I won't hold it against her, she cut and ran when she saw me. Probably didn't know I joined. Then I heard that she got involved with you bunch, and now she's here. Just took me by surprise is all," Lando laughed and took a sip. "Luke, I don't know how to put this, but I think she's gotten really friendly with your girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend," Luke answered taking another drink.
"Luke, you have a girlfriend?" Han asked. "How come you didn't mention her?"
"She's not my girlfriend!" Luke answered getting somewhat annoyed and shaking his head.
Han laughed, "Well I didn't hear any names and you knew right away who Lando was talking about."
"I spend a lot of time with this girl, Ciley. She's not my girlfriend. We just talk a lot. You guys weren't here and she was just a good friend, that's all. It's not like that," Luke sulked.
"Well, I think Sana and her have gotten real friendly, at least when Sana's on Home One anyway." Lando laughed and took another swig.
"They could just be friends," Luke added.
Chewie roared and laughed.
"Chewie said he can't believe you hang with a girl and it's just friends," Han laughed drinking some more.
"It wasn't like that with Leia," Luke answered. "I've had a few female friends that I don't get involved with. Lately, I've been sort of celibate, if you have to know. It's helped with my focus and concentration."
Han laughed, "Leia's your sister. And that list on Wes's datapad, I was beginning to think it was some quest of yours to bang as many..."
"Well, it's not like that anymore. And just drop it," Luke said looking down into his glass.
"Leia's his sister?" Lando asked looking at Han.
Luke gave Han a glaring look and Chewie roared.
Han looked down at the table, "Yeah, Lando. It's not a secret, but it's not public either. They were twins separated at birth or something. Just drop it. And if I find out you tell anyone, I swear!"
Lando put his hands in the air, "Fine, I won't say anything. I didn't know. Lips sealed. We all have our secrets."
"We sure do," Han said quietly looking down at the table.
"So, Han, you staying here on the Remembrance?" Luke asked playing with his empty glass. "It would be nice if you guys were on Home One."
"I don't know. It depends on where they put Leia you know, and the space available. Plus, if they give me an assignment. I don't know yet. Basically," Han answered looking at his hands and then he stood up and put some hot water on.
"Where have you been all this time? I know you were on Nar Shaada, but that's about it," Lando asked innocently pouring another drink.
"Hey, take it easy with that stuff. I've only got another bottle until I can get somewhere to get more. How do you know about Nar Shaada?" Han asked with his eyes wide opened.
"That's where you sent Sana from right? I figured it was from there," Lando said nursing his last glass.
"Yeah, we were there for a bit, just some business. You know stuff is classified, you're in this outfit same as me now. We can't tell everywhere we've been. You have to know that," Han said leaning back and stretching out.
"I better go. They'll be expecting me back at Home One. Luke you want to ride with me? I've got a private shuttle, you won't have to wait," Lando said getting up and going to clean out his glass.
"No, but would you mind taking Artoo with you? I'd like to sit with Han and Chewie a bit, and it's hard on the public shuttle with him," Luke asked rubbing Artoo's dome.
"Sure, will do. Come on, Artoo," Lando said making his way out of the ship.
"Han, I'm not sure you should have told Lando about Leia and I being twins," Luke noted after he saw the man well out of range.
"It's alright, he won't say anything. I don't think she cares that much, and 'sides, Mon knows and probably would tell him in the throws of passion," Han laughed.
Chewie laughed and roared.
"Maybe. And he had to be talking about Ciley. She's really not my girlfriend. I didn't think she actually was into anyone that way to be honest. I haven't seen her since I got back though. Got anything to eat?" Luke asked as he went to look in the cupboard.
"Yeah, nothing good though. We finished most of what we had left the last time we had dinner. Have to do another supply run. I imagine I have to ask permission though to go now," Han groaned finishing his drink.
"Who is your commanding officer right now?" Luke asked coming back with some protein paste.
"Dunno," Han laughed. "Last post was on this ship, so I'll just stay here until they tell me something. Might have to eat in the mess hall."
They could hear Leia step up on the ship. "Mess hall? Mon said there was some food left in my suite here and that I could have it back, food and all. We can meet over there later and forage if you want."
"I have to go, I'm due back later, but thanks," Luke said smiling. "Did you get in trouble?"
"Mon handled it. Draven's still Draven, but I think it will be alright. Ran into Lando on the way over here, he was leaving as I was coming. Who told him you and I were twins?" Leia said smirking.
Luke and Chewie pointed to Han. "He said Mon might tell him anyway in the throws of passion," Luke said laughing.
"He said he would keep it to himself. Have you guys been drinking?" Leia said picking up some of the glasses. "Got any left?"
Han poured her a glass. Leia plopped down at the table. "I can't really tell you guys what happened at the meeting. So don't ask. You know a little about it anyway. They have a lot to plan."
"Leia, I was wondering. Is there someway you can cut me into your dreams or meditation talks? I'd like to try that with you know," Luke almost said Father, but he wasn't sure that Chewie knew about that part.
"Are you sure? You might be able to try on your own. I imagine he tried to make some connection to you while you were talking with him. You could try it with meditation. I don't ask, he just barges in," Leia said.
"That's a thought. I'll try that," Luke said getting up with his empty glass.
"You're not heading back? I just got back here," Leia got up and grabbed him.
"I have to get back to Home One. I'd rather be here, though," Luke said while cleaning out his glass.
"I'll see what I can do. I have a feeling you're being sent to another ship anyway. They are reorganizing a few things, and will have to make room on Home One. Especially for those who have private rooms," Leia said laughing and giving him a nudge.
"I guess that means more top brass is coming in then," Luke said knowingly.
"You didn't hear that from me," Leia said plopping down.
"Wonder if Mon Mothma will move Lando into her room," Luke laughed.
Chewie roared then laughed.
"No, he shares anyway with three other guys," Leia informed him. "It's a nice room, it's partitioned off inside, and there's it's own galley and fresher. The three others are officers on the bridge. I only know because there are a few quarters on that level partitioned off in that manner."
"How do you know, sweetheart?" Han asked a bit alarmed.
"Oh, you think..." Leia laughed. "I was housed that way for a brief time or two when on the ship. With other women, of course."
Chewie roared.
"Alright Chewie, we can go over there. But you're cooking. I don't even know what she left in there," Leia laughed. "She always brings more than she needs though, so who knows. Where's Threepio?"
"One of Cracken's people asked to borrow him," Han said leaning over her and smiling.
Leia laughed, "Did you beg them to take him?"
"No, they wondered if he was here. He was excited to have important work to do or something." Han said innocently.
Luke had left, and they cleaned up the glasses and made sure everything was turned off the ship to save power cells. As Chewie, Han and Leia were walking out of the Falcon and into the hanger, they saw Wes Janson waiting for a shuttle. Leia covered her eyes, and whispered, "Should we go over there."
"He sees us, just be casual," Han whispered back. "Wes! Hey, how's it going."
"Doing alright, looks like I'm stuck here. I was supposed to meet a connection at Home One to my ship, but I just missed the last one out of here, I think," Wes explained.
Leia pressed her lips together, "Luke must have just caught it. I don't suppose you saw him. There's another one later."
Chewie roared.
"Really Chewie?" Leia asked as Han elbowed her. "Did you eat?"
"Not really, I didn't have time. Want to join me for mess?" Wes asked happily.
Han stood there and scratched his head, "Um, sure, just follow us."
Leia whispered, "Wes, we're not going to mess, Mon Mothma used my quarters on the last mission, and we're going to see what food she left."
"Sounds good to me," Wes said happily following.
They went into the suite and Wes looked in awe. "This is your room? I'm sharing with nine other guys on the Liberty."
"Yes," Leia really didn't want to tell him that she rarely used it, and preferred staying with Han and Chewie on the Falcon, though it made it nice for things like showering and more intimate things as the bed was bigger than the cots on the Falcon. "It's unfair, I know, but my office is here. Technically, I'm the highest ranking officer on the ship, and the captain's quarters is right over there across the hall."
Han and Chewie were already in the kitchen digging out whatever was in there. "Sweetheart, there's wine!" He noticed a note on it, probably for Leia from Mon Mothma, but set it aside.
"Good, we'll have it with dinner, anything else?" Leia called out as she sat down with Wes.
Chewie roared.
"Dehydrated is alright. I'm sure it's better than what's in the mess anyway," Leia called out. "They'll fix it." Leia pointed to Han and Chewie, "I'm afraid I'd probably just burn it. I'm alright boiling water or something simple, but they do a much better job than me with foraging and making something good out of it."
Wes nodded. "How's Luke, I didn't see him."
"He's good, I was hoping he would join us, but he had to leave to catch the shuttle you missed. He's living on Home One for now. Maybe if you have time, you can find him when you get over there," Leia said cheerfully. She didn't want to ask about the Rogues, because she wasn't sure what they had been doing recently having been away and there was a touch of sadness to Wes's demeanor.
"If I have time, I'm due back at the Liberty. I should comm General Rieekan, if I can get in touch with him," Wes explained. "They have been putting us all on maneuvers a bit and there are a few missions going on right now that he has been so busy. He probably won't miss one pilot, but I should explain myself."
"Just wait until you get back. If you want, I can write up some excuse. Rieekan will understand. He wasn't at the meeting that I attended earlier. How is he?" Leia asked as Chewie brought her a cup of tea.
Chewie roared.
"He wants to know if you want some," Leia asked smiling.
"Sure, why not," Wes answered. "Rieekan's good, just busy. We've lost a few guys and we've been training a few more," Wes explained quietly.
Leia put out her hand, "I'm sorry. Some of your friends? You don't need to say, but if you want to talk about it."
"That's why I was here. I was visiting someone and I had to tell them about it. I wanted it to be me to tell them, is all. It happened a while ago, but she was fond of him, back on Hoth, we all you know, it was like family. Be nice to see Luke, maybe I'll stick around Home One, say I couldn't get a shuttle," Wes was nearly in tears holding back his emotions.
"Who was it, Wes? Someone I know?" Leia said holding her cup and shaking. She knew it had to be one of the guys in the Rogues.
"Hobbie," Wes lowered his head.
"Oh," Leia said sadly and held his hand. "I know you guys were close. You all were. I know Wedge knew him a long time as well."
"On a mission and he was hit. We saw it. Wedge took it hard, but he's keeping up his stiff demeanor. Not the first one he lost, but he and Hobbie went way back you know," Wes wiped his face.
Chewie brought out some tea for Wes and roared sadly.
"Yes, Chewie, that's what he said." Leia said sadly.
Han was cursing in Huttese and pounding on the counter in the kitchen.
Leia and Wes sat quietly for a while reflecting and after some time Leia decided to change the subject, "I've been entertaining myself with those books you had on your datapad. As I told you before when I had it, I transferred them to one of mine. It helps pass the time. I never knew you were a great reader."
"Yes, it's nice to have an escape from all this sometimes. I hope you know that's what the pool was. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings," Wes said looking down at the table then taking a cup of his tea.
"It was upsetting, but I understand, Wes. This isn't a normal life. I don't even remember what a normal life was like. That is if I ever really had one," Leia answered.
"Yes, that's it. Maybe one day some of us will have one, right? If we ever finish this thing," Wes nodded. "Or at least, make sure that others have one."
Chewie roared.
"Maybe, food's done. We just help ourselves and sit down somewhere," Leia said getting up.
Wes grabbed her hand, "Thanks, Princess."
"It's Leia, Wes," She said as she went to get a couple of plates.
"I don't think I can call you that," Wes laughed.
Leia gritted her teeth, "Most people seem to have the same problem."
They all sat down and Han opened the wine and they poured it into the mix match of tea cups and mugs they had in the kitchen. Leia put her mug up and said, "Too all those we have lost." They clinked and dug into their re-hydrated nerf, vegetables and fruit. After they ate, Wes offered to clean up the dishes, but they all helped and chatted and laughed a bit. It was Wes that found the flimsy note that Mon had left in the cabinet.
"What's this?" Wes said and picked it up and read it. "'Congratulations on your marriage, Mon'. Who got married?"
"Give me that thing," Leia grabbed her face turning red from embarrassment and anger.
Han answered innocently and shaking his head, "Dunno, I don't even remember."
After the meal, Leia found out when the next shuttle was expected, then Wes left in plenty of time to catch it. Han whispered something to Chewie, and then Chewie left shortly after.
"That black outfit? It's not here is it?" Han asked with a grin.
Leia plopped on the couch and said, "Of course not, it's on the ship. Why would I bring it here?"
Han snapped his fingers then had a look of disappointment.
"Um, you weren't hoping to tear it off of me were you? That thing HE made me wear!" Leia shouted.
"I dunno, you just looked hot in it." Han sat down and put his head in his hands.
Leia looked over to him with a grumpy look and told him, "It didn't make me feel good. I can't believe you just asked me to put that on for some perverted fantasy."
"Just drop it, alright. I thought it would be fun," he got up angry and turned for the door.
"Oh, you're not going," Leia commanded.
Han turned around and stared at her, her arms crossed across her chest, her lips pressed tightly, her feet up on the table.
"Look here, Princess, you can't just order me around. I need to get back to my ship," Han turned around pointing his finger at her.
Leia stood up and shouted back, "You're ship is fine, Captain. It's docked inside a hanger and it was fully functional the last time we were in it. You are going to go into that fresher and you are going to take a shower!"
"I have a shower on my own ship! I don't need your fancy shower in your fancy suite!" Han shouted back.
"Mon left shampoo, I saw it when I was in there earlier and maybe I'll join you?" Leia said quietly.
"Maybe I can stretch out on that bed, it's um bigger than the bunks on the Falcon," Han replied a bit more quieter starting to make his way to the fresher.
"I'll race you!" Leia said laughing.
Some time later, lingering in the sheets, Leia heard the comm go off. She put on her robe and looked, but it wasn't hers. "Han, it's your comm!"
Han was sleeping and woke up groggily, he stood up and tried to find it. They could hear it beeping, and frantically searched everywhere. It ended up being in one of Han's boots. He picked it up and called into it, "Yeah"
"This is General Cracken. I've been looking all over for you. Since I can not understand Chewbacca, and you haven't answered your comms, I'm very relieved to have finally gotten an answer from you." Cracken sounded very angry.
"Yeah, um, what do you want," Han answered getting dressed.
The comm fizzled with some static, then he heard, "Can you meet me right away on Home One. I'll brief you there."
"Yeah, I'll get there, when I get there." Han then turned it off.
"I wonder what that's about?" Leia asked
Han started to get dressed, "Dunno, guess I'll find out."
"I'll come with you. We can call for a shuttle then." Leia said getting her datapad and taking care of the details.
"Maybe I can sleep on the way," Han said yawning.
"I'll put on some caf. We can bring it with us."
/
Coruscant
Yupe Tashu frantically went through his secret communications and was at a loss as to how to work this. He knew Darth Vader would find out and may be displeased. Maybe he should know? After all wasn't he also a loyal and devoted subject to our glorious Emperor? He may find joy in the plan. It seemed that they were able to keep the rebellion at bay, however, the new Emperor's recent activities were causing quite the alarm. It was true that many had taken advantage of our dear Emperor's kindness by exploiting their offices and perhaps the new Emperor was doing just that, cleaning the corruption. It still made him fearful. He sat thinking then called the battle station where a few of the former Emperor's most loyal advisers now gathered under orders of Darth Vader. Tashu sent a communication to the battle station and a holo of Janus Greejatus came into view. "Ah, Greejatus. How wonderful to see you. Are things going well?"
"Tashu, they aren't going at all. Has the mourning period ended?" Greejatus smiled then tilted his head and nodded in greeting.
Tashu frowned, "No dear, Janus, I'm afraid we are still officially in mourning, yet how will we ever forget our dear Emperor. No, I'm sending someone to you. Take good care of him."
"Of course, we will, dear Yupe. I will send word when he arrives," Greejatus spoke then bowed.
"Thank you, I must go," Tashu said cutting off the communication.
Mas Amedda entered the room. "Emperor Vader requests your presence in his chambers."
"Excellent." Tashu answered following the man.
/
Home One
Luke put his bag down on his bed in his small room, and Artoo plugged in and powered down. While shuffling through his bag, he came across the holocron he had found on Ossus. He looked at it carefully, but he felt it wasn't time to open it. He put it back in his bag and got his dirty laundry out to be cleaned. He'd get a shower later, but right now he just wanted to lean back and rest a bit and have some time to himself. He started to meditate, and then he heard a buzz at the door. He opened it to find Wes Janson.
"Um, Princess Leia said I would find you here. Thought I'd visit a bit if that was alright," Wes Janson said reaching out and giving him a pat on the arm.
Even though Luke was looking for solitude, Wes was a welcome sight. "Wes, hey, glad to see you. I know there isn't much room, but take a seat."
Wes sat on the bed and looked around. "This place is tiny, Luke, but at least you have it to yourself."
"You think this is tiny, you should have seen the place I had on the medical frigate. At least I can stand up here and move a bit," Luke laughed. "What brings you to Home One?"
"I was visiting someone on the Remembrance, then I missed my shuttle and I got to hang out with Solo, Chewie and the Princess a while. They even fixed me dinner. It was nice. Especially after the whole datapad thing," Wes explained. "She told me I should come see you. I just have to explain my absence to Rieekan, you know. I was supposed to be back already."
"They got you all on missions constantly it sounds like. I miss flying with you guys," Luke said patting Wes and smiling. "But that's Wedge's squad now, and I've been away too long."
"We thought you died you know? When you didn't come back. Wedge was sore about that. You should have told us," Wes said half seriously and half in a joking manner. "I figured Chewie would look out for you and if anyone could survive that, you could."
"I know," Luke said sadly sitting up. "I know, I hope they all understand, but I think we are going to win this thing, Wes. I really do. I have a good feeling about it."
"I hope so, Luke. We owe to all those guys who didn't make it." Wes said patting his arm.
"I know it's cramped, but stay here a while. Rieekan will understand. I'll talk to him if you want," Luke asked putting his arm around his friend.
"Um, Luke, you don't want me to put 'me' on your list of conquests do you? I mean, I like you Luke, but not that way," Wes laughed.
Luke laughed, "Same old, Wes. No, it would just be good to talk."
I know Hobbie was shot down at the Battle of Hoth, but it was often written that he survived the crash and in Legends lived on. I believe it may be canon now that he died, but it still is cloudy. I like using him and the Rogues for my stories so in this AU, he lived past Hoth. This has a mix of canon things and legends things to draw on, and I hope no one takes it too seriously. It's my story and I do what I want. Thank you for reading as I've really been having fun with this, and in the end, I'm only writing it for myself.