Author's Note: It would've been so cool to see Ben Skywalker and his cousins; Jacen, Jaina and Anakin Solo after the original trilogy films of Star Wars, but sadly that never happened. If I ever make a sequel of this story, I'll make sure to include them since I am not a fan of the films produced by J. J. Abrams. In my point of view, he really messed up the whole Star Wars Saga:(
I don't own Star Wars Rebels or its characters
I own only Lisa Skywalker and my other OCs
Enjoy!
Sparks of Rebellion
Chapter 66: Shadows of the Empire
Aboard the Redemption...
Lisa sat down quietly as she watched Luke fiddle with his new hand that was given from the medical droid while Leia, Ferus and Nadia were informed that Imperials have spotted them and Rogue Squadron led by Wedge began defending the Rebel side in a space battle so that their point remained secret.
"Princess. Master Jedi. I'm altering our course."General Dodonna declared. "Just as a precaution. It may be some delay if you still intend to go to Tatooine."
"We understand, General Dodonna."Ferus assured. "The safety of the fleet comes first."
General Dodonna nodded and ended the call as Leia looked at Ferus and Nadia.
"A short delay will do no harm. Chewie and Lando will let us know as soon as Fett arrives. I have alliance duties to attend to."Leia commented before glancing at Luke and Lisa. "Both Luke and Lisa badly need the extra time."
"You're right, Leia."Nadia answered and looked down with a sad frown, remembering seeing Darth Nihilus' in her dreams. "I know from experience that facing a Sith Lord is never easy."
Ferus notice Luke and Lisa were both staring out the window, looking at the empty black starry space.
"They've been intense and withdrawn ever since their encounter with Vader."Ferus thought. "I can't help wondering if something happened between them. Something they're not telling us…"
A worried feeling suddenly appeared on Ferus' face as he thought about the possible reason of the twins' behaviour.
"Is it possible that-"Ferus started.
Threepio glanced at Artoo as the little droid beeped at him.
"I'm sure you didn't properly fix my leg, Artoo!"Threepio complained. "I keep getting this unnatural urge to kick myself!"
On the Executor…
An imperial officer rushed over to Darth Vader to tell him that the Emperor has contacted him.
"Lord Vader!"the Imperial Officer called out. "Your communication with the Emperor is ready!"
Darth Vader walked away from the bridge and headed to his private chamber.
The Sith Lord knelt down as the hologram of Darth Sidious appeared in front of him.
"Your failure on Bespin distresses me, Lord Vader."Darth Sidious stated.
"Luke and Lisa Skywaker's escape was unfortunate, but not fatal."Darth Vader declared. "I have sown the seeds of ambition in their minds. Rest assured they'll be ours."
"Rest assured! Ahh, put my faith in you!"Darth Sidious scowled. "Were I to judge you by your deeds rather than your words. Lord Vader, I would be forced to conclude you do not wish to ensnare the young Skywalkers!"
"You know that is not true!"Darth Vader protested. "The idea to bring them to the Dark Side was mine!"
"Yes, yes."Darth Sidious replied.
"Even now I am redoubling my efforts to find them."Darth Vader stated. "I have a report of a possible sighting of the rebel fleet."
"I'm afraid that must wait. I have a more pressing matter for you to attend to. Construction of the new weapon proceeds apace. The imperial fleet alone cannot handle our delivery requirements."Darth Sidious declared. "To that end, you will return to Coruscant to conclude shipping arrangements with Prince Xizor."
"Xizor?"Darth Vader said with a hint of suspicion. "Do you think it is wise to involve him in the protect?"
"Xizor controls the largest merchant fleet in the galaxy."Darth Sidious explained. "He can be useful to us."
"His ties to the Black Sun are too well known."Darth Vader admitted. "He is dangerous and not to be trusted with a military cargo."
"Black Sun, indeed!"Darth Sidious strictly. "Do not concern yourself with schoolboy rumours. Better to attend to your own duties. You have your instructions."
The hologram of Darth Sidious vanished causing Darth Vader stood up from the floor.
Behind his mask, Vader's hidden yellow eyes showed a raged expression.
He knew of the crime Lord Prince Xizor and his rank of power was almost between the Emperor and the Dark Lord himself, due to his exceptional wealth and influence through his criminal activities.
However, Vader knew if he would have to answer to the Emperor's wrath, if he refused to work with Prince Xizor.
Seeing that he had no other choice, Darth Vader stood up and left his private chamber to go do his duties.
The sooner those duties were done, he would focus back on capturing Luke and Lisa.
At Coruscant…
Prince Xizor was speaking with Darth Sidious in the Imperial Palace.
"Darth Vader has no love for me that's for certain."Prince Xizor stated. "Regrettable, the Dark Lord of the Sith has many admirable qualities, but he can be a triple…rigid in his thinking. I hope his judgement is not impaired by his emotions- his hatred for me and the love for his children."
"Vader is above that."Darth Sidious responded in a firm tone. "His loyalty to the Empire is unquestioned. Unlike Shade was."
Prince Xizor knew who Shade was.
A clone of the former Jedi Padawan of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi; Nadia Aomori.
But unlike the Republic, Aomori's clone was created to serve the Emperor and do his bidding without showing any mercy.
However, the creation's strong loyalty for the Empire became crippled when she developed emotions for Ferus Olin; Nadia's husband.
"Of course."Prince Xizor answered. "I trust Lord Vader will not be objective?"
"He will drive a miser's bargain if that's what you mean."Darth Sidious declared. "But Vader knows the importance of the Endor Project. He will do nothing to delay it."
"Good. Then I will enjoy dealing with him."Prince Xizor answered with a smirk. "Thank you for your time, Emperor. Your are most gracious."
After bowing, Prince Xizor left the Imperial Palace to meet up with his his lieutenant, Guri.
"Your meeting went well?"Guri asked.
"The Emperor saw the advantages in our participation."Prince Xizor replied. "Contact Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine. Tell him I wish to confer with him here immediately."
"Why here?"Guri asked.
Prince Xizor stopped in front of his ship known as the Virago to glare at Gurgi.
"I have my reasons to follow orders, Guri."Prince Xizor warned. "Do not question."
"Yes, sir."Guri answered.
"You have made contact with the bounty hunters?"Prince Xizor asked.
"Through intermediaries, yes."Guri responded.
"Very well. Make the arrangements."Prince Xizor ordered. "And be careful. My hand must not be detected in this."
Prince Xizor then went inside the Virago and became lost in this thoughts.
"Yes, Vader. I am dangerous. Especially if you hope to deliver the young Skywalkers the Emperor alive."Prince Xizor thought and then thought about the Skywalker twins. "Their next move must be to rescue Solo. Little heroes they are. It is a wise hunter who remains one step ahead of his quarry."
In one of the ships among the Rebel Fleet…
Lisa sat in a cafeteria by herself, fiddling with a fork while lost in her thoughts.
Lisa wore a dark magenta battle dress woven with energy-absorbing fibers to protect her against blaster fire. It featured a high collar that concealed a blast-absorbing pad, and the cloak was clasped in the front down to her waist. Her full sleeves were lined with fabric of a bright magenta. The shoulder seams were lined with a yellow fabric and a calf-length coat skirt protected her legs. She wore black pants with a black utility belt that was set with the Naboo royal emblem. High-traction tactical boots that went from dark purple to yellow as it approached her toes completed the outfit. She wore her blonde hair pulled back into two half-crescent buns stacked one on top of each other, to keep her hair out of her way.
People would usually come to a cafeteria to drink or eat something, but she wasn't in the mood to do any of those.
The blonde haired girl was busy thinking about two figures; her mother and father.
Lisa had no memory of her late mother, Padme Naberrie and only memories of a beautiful yet sad woman that she usually see in her dreams.
The brown halo of her hair spread out around her, softened here and there by white blossoms that had blown through the air to find their rest amongst her curls. Her skin was pale and perfect. Her face was peaceful. Her eyes were closed and her hands were clasped across her stomach as she floated in water, the element she was so connected with.
Naboo had carried on without her mother.
Even though Padme wasn't around when she became Queen of Naboo, Lisa had ruled well.
She had grown in wisdom and experience, and had done both rapidly.
She had faced the trials of her position unflinching and unafraid.
Lisa's thoughts then went to her father, Anakin Skywalker.
There were mixed feelings growing inside of Lisa as she thought about her birth father.
Anakin Skywalker.
Originally a slave boy from Tatooine, who was later believed to be the "Chosen One", a legendary Jedi destined to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force.
After the Invasion of Naboo ended, Anakin was then trained under Obi-Wan and afterwards secretly married Padme since the Jedi Order had a code of Jedi weren't allowed to get married since they believed giving in to feelings of anger toward other life forms, which would help them resist fear and prevent them from falling to the dark side of the Force.
A scoff escaped Lisa's mouth at the thought of the set of rules that governed the behaviour of the Jedi Order.
Love wasn't something dangerous: it was something precious and beautiful.
That was what her Aunt Sola and late Grandmother Jobal always told her when she was a little girl.
"I am your father."
Lisa felt butterflies in her stomach at remembering the words that Darth Vader previously said to her and Luke.
It had to be a lie.
There was no way, Darth Vader underneath that haunting mask of his was Anakin Skywalker.
The Emperor's second-in-command was the one who killed her and Luke's father.
That was what both Ferus and Obi-Wan said to them.
Then why was she now having doubt that what her adopted father and his old friend told them was a lie?
"Lisa?"
Lisa snapped out of her thoughts when she saw Ezra arriving next to her.
"Hey, Ezra."Lisa responded with a small smile.
"I've been looking for you."Ezra commented as he sat down next to his girlfriend. "I heard you and Luke were nearly captured by Vader in Cloud City. Are you alright?"
Lisa looked down, not knowing what to say.
"I don't know. I feel so weird."Lisa admitted with a confused and sad look. "I have so much on my mind and I can't talk to Uncle Ferus about it. I don't think I can talk to anyone."
"Yes, you can. You can talk to me, right? That's a thing that boyfriends do. Listen. I'm all ears."Ezra assured and puts his hand on Lisa's hand. "Just talk to me."
Lisa takes a small deep breath as she prepared to reveal a shocking revelation to the guy she loved.
"You see, when me and Luke were heading to Cloud City to rescue my uncle and the others, we ended up confronting Vader."Lisa stated as her hands began to shake a bit. "Luke and I both tried to defeat Vader together, but he overpowered us…and…"
"And what?"Ezra asked in concern. "Tell me."
"Vader told us…he was our father."Lisa admitted with a few tears in her eyes.
Ezra's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Your father?"Ezra said. "But your father was Anakin Skywalker. Ferus said he was murdered by Darth Vader."
Lisa rested her forehead onto Ezra's as more tears fell down her beautiful face.
"I don't know what to believe in anymore."Lisa cried. "But please don't tell Hera and the others about this."
Ezra gives Lisa a small kiss on the lips and held her hands tightly.
"I won't I promise."Ezra vowed.
In Darth Vader's Palace...
Darth Vader tests his injured hand with an ASP-series droid while briefing Wrenga "Jix" Jixton about his foresight that Luke and Lisa will approach Jabba to rescue Han from his clutches.
The slight ache in the Sith Lord's shoulder where Luke had cut through his armor during their fight was definitely better.
He hardly felt any soreness at all with that series.
Darth Vader moved in, swung a feint at the droid's neck, twisted his wrists and pivoted the lightsaber for a second feint at the same side, then a third feint, a jab at the midsection.
Luke and Lisa had felt the power of the dark side. It was up to Vader to find them and allow them to feel it again. The dark side was addictive, more potent than any drug. Once Luke and Lisa accepted it, they would be more powerful than Vader, more powerful than the Emperor.
Then together, the three of them could rule the galaxy.
The only obstacles that were keeping his children away from him now was Ferus and Nadia alongside the Rebellion.
But that didn't matter since he was sure that they would meet their end just like Obi-Wan and the rest of the Jedi Order did.
"Luke and Lisa Skywalker have eluded me again!"Darth Vader retorted as he duelled against the droid. "One possible sighting since they and the rebel fleet left Bespin since then nothing!"
Darth Vader gives the ASP droid a slash on the chest before speaking to Jix.
"Stand to attention in my presence, Jix!"Darth Vader ordered. "You are not in one of your seedy dives now!"
"Apologies."Jix answered. "What is it you want me to do, Lord Vader?"
"The bounty Hunter Boba Fett has not yet delivered Solo to Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine."Darth Vader exclaimed as his red lightsaber clashed with the droid's green one. "When he does, the Skywalkers will doubt attempt to rescue him."
Darth Vader slashed the droid again, breaking off one of its arms.
"The Hutt is not to be trusted to carry out my bidding."Darth Vader exclaimed. "I require my own agent in his camp."
"Ahh! So I go to work for the fat guy? Suits me. I've worked for worse."Jix declared. "Not much worse, though..."
"I suggest your best course is to insinuate yourself into the hutt's gang."Darth Vader stated as he slashed the training droid to pieces. "By all accounts they're an undisciplined foul-mannered band of renegades and criminals. You should find many like minds."
The Sith Lord deactivated his blood red lightsaber as an imperial officer rushed into the room.
"My lord! Prince Xizor will be here shortly for your meeting!"the imperial officer stated.
"I have not forgotten."Darth Vader replied and glanced at Jix. "A ship is waiting to take you to Tatooine. You will find everything you need aboard. Keep me informed. If the Skywalkers turn up, I want them captured alive."
"That may not be easy."Jix commented.
"Do not fail me. You have your orders."Darth Vader warned in a grim tone. "I know you, Jix. No mistakes on this. If the Skywalkers die, you die as well."
In Space...
Ferus, Nadia, Lando, Leia, Chewbacca and Threepio were in the Millennium Falcon while Luke and Lisa were piloting on X-Wings with Artoo and R2-KT.
Lando wanted to redeem himself of his treachery in Cloud City and had sent Rendar to discover traces of Han Solo.
"I hope you are right about this, Lando."Ferus said with a hint of suspicion.
"I assure you; my information came from a very reliable resource."Lando assured. "Fett was on his way to deliver Han to Jabba when another bounty hunter attempted a little smash and grab. Fett's ship Slave 1 was badly damaged. The safest place to make repairs was the imperial enclave on Gall. It may have been heavily fortified."
Leia frowned. "The thought fills us with great comfort, Lando."
"Oh dear!"Threepio said nervously. "This all sounds most dangerous!"
"It's not a surprise, Threepio."Nadia complemented as she remembered her time in the Clone Wars. "We've always been in dangerous situations in the past."
"So, while Luke, Lisa and Rogue Squadron draw out the opposition; we just sneak in the back way, find Slave 1 and save Han."Leia responded. "Any risk is worth taking Han. The...the alliance needs him."
Chewbacca let out a growl.
"Yes, Chewie."Nadia agreed with a small smile. "We'll get Han. Don't worry."
Ferus took out his comlink to contact Luke and Lisa.
"Time to part company, Luke and Lisa!"Ferus stated.
"Alright, Uncle Ferus!"Luke answered.
"Be careful and may the force be with all of you!"Lisa remarked.
Suddenly two Star Destroyers appeared and each with a wing of star fighters.
TIE fighters started emerging out of a Star Destroyer that was above Gall as Wedge, Luke and Lisa and the rest of the Rogue Squadron prepare to attack them.
"I count 23 enemy fighters coming out to meet us!"Luke warned.
Lisa smirked at her twin brother.
"That won't be a trouble for us, Luke."Lisa responded.
R2-KT gives a frowning beep at Lisa's confidence.
The Millennium Falcon followed Dash and its crew to Boba Fett's coordinates.
"You should have a clear run to your target, buddy!"Dash exclaimed. "Are you still with me?"
"Hot on your heels!"Lando answered.
"That's good because Fett's ship is docked at the space port straight ahead and I am out of here!"Dash declared.
"What are you talking about, Dash?!"Lando demanded. "You're not backing us up?!"
"Sorry! I was paid to guide, not to shoot!"Dash remarked. "I don't take risks that I am not paid for!"
"Darn you, Dash!"Lando snapped.
"Forget it!"Leia ordered. "We don't need him!"
"Chewie, ground fighters are coming out to meet us!"Nadia warned.
Ferus spotted Boba Fett leaving the space port to head back to the Slave1.
"I'll go use the top cannons!"Ferus exclaimed.
The Rogue Squadron's luck was running out as the second Star Destroyer released its TIE fighters.
"They've got more firepower than we reckoned on, Luke and Lisa!"Wedge protested. "These odds are beginning to sink! Got to take evasive action!"
Luke suddenly felt a disturbance in the force causing him to call out to his twin sister.
"Lisa, do you feel that?"Luke asked in concern.
"Yes, Luke!"Lisa answered with a hint of shock. "I sense a threat!"
"Move!"Wes yelled out.
Suddenly Wes Janson's malprogrammed R2 seizes control of his X-wing and attempts to shoot both Luke and Lisa down.
"Rogue 6!"Luke shouted. "What are you doing?!"
"Something's wrong with my computer, Luke!"Wes exclaimed. "I can't control it! It's targeting you and Lisa!"
Luke and Lisa quickly dodged Wes' X-Wing shots before any of them could get hit.
"We can't keep dodging!"Lisa stated. "I have to go on the attack!"
After avoiding the shoots, Lisa made her X-Wing go behind and managed to shoot Wes' R2.
"Are you okay, Wes?"Lisa asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine."Wes answered. "My R2 unit is gone and my weapons are disabled!"
"Luke! Lisa!"Wedge shouted as he blasted a TIE fighter down. "We can't win! It's time to go!"
"I hope we've bought Lando enough time."Luke commented. "Go ahead, Wedge! Give the order!"
"Rogue Squadron!"Wedge called out to his group. "Cut and run!"
Luke, Lisa and the rest of Rogue Squadron all jump to hyperspace at Wedge's order.
The Millennium Falcon got badly damaged by Fett's Slave 1 and withdraws too; the mission had failed.
Afterwards…
The Rogues landed on Kile and Nadia examined Wes' Artoo, only to find it malprogrammed by an unknown agent.
"Somebody paid one of our techs to tamper with Rogue Six's computer so that it targeted on Luke and Lisa."Lando declared. "Wedge was forced to blast the tech before we could get anything out of her, but we traced the payment back to a dummy corporation run by the Empire. It's got Darth Vader's all over it."
"But Vader wanted Luke and Lisa alive."Leia said.
Luke frowned. "He lied."
Nadia shook her head at the blonde haired boy.
"No, Luke."Nadia replied and folded her arms. "Vader wants both you and Lisa alive to serve the Emperor. I hate to say it but it's somebody else that want the two of you dead."
"If not the Emperor or Darth Vader, then who?"Lisa questioned.
"This could probably be the work of the Black Sun."Leia suggested. "The trouble is we don't have hard enough information to suspect them. We've got to get someone inside Black Sun's intelligence network. They have eyes everywhere."
Chewbacca let out a growl in agreement.
"Too right, Chewie."Lando agreed and looked at Leia. "You don't want to get near a criminal organisation as bad as the Black Sun, princess. They're dangerous."
"The Black Sun are slavers and assassins who don't care about anything but body counts and quotas."Nadia commented. "They'd kill their own comrades too for a profit."
"Vader would never want to kill Padme's own children since his planning to capture them and be delivered to Sidious."Ferus thought suspiciously. "It's obvious there is someone else behind this assassination attempt…"
Ferus was silent for a moment before looking at his nephew and niece.
"Luke, Lisa, I want the two of you to go to Tatooine. Fett maybe already be on his way to deliver Han to the Hutt."Ferus ordered. "Stay at Obi-Wan's place and keep out of Mos Eisley. It's best that the two of you are not seen around until we know what's going on."
Luke and Lisa nodded at Ferus.
"Right."Luke answered. "We'll take Artoo."
Artoo let out a beep as Lisa smiled and bent down to stroke the droid's head.
In Coruscant…
Prince Xizor was heading to his ship with Guri after his meeting with Darth Vader.
"Your meeting with Lord Vader went as planned, Prince Xizor?"Guri asked.
"Yes. Just as planned. I bowed and I scarped and acceded his demands."Prince Xizor declared. "Three hundred ships for the construction project on Endor standard imperial terms. Lord Vader could not have found a more amenable business partner."
"Or a more dangerous enemy."Guri added.
"Yes."Guri answered. "However, they may be unnecessary. Boba Fett's ship has been sighted on Gall."
"If Luke and Lisa Skywalker's deaths acts true to form, their deaths are assured."Prince Xizor sneered. "With enough clues left behind to implicate the Empire."
Guri stood silently as Xizor considered his plan.
Vader wanted the Skywalkers, wanted them alive to give to the Emperor.
Xizor's memory of that conversation he'd been privileged to overhear some months back was that the Emperor very much wanted the young man alive and in his control.
Black Sun's reach was long and wide, and what information there was on Vader's quarry was now in Xizor's personal computer system.
The Dark Lord of the Sith had all but promised to deliver the Skywalkers not only alive but made pliable to the Emperor's wishes.
If Vader should fail in his promise, if it could be made to appear that he had never really intended to produce this young would-be Jedi for the Emperor, if it could be made to seem that he had killed the boy rather than risk facing him …
Well. The Emperor put great stock in Vader's abilities, probably trusted him as much as he trusted anyone. But the Emperor demanded total loyalty and total obedience. If he could be made to believe that Vader was disloyal or disobedient or had simply failed in his assigned task, things would not go well for Vader.
If the Emperor thought that his trusted right hand, Darth Vader, his own creation, was any kind of threat, even the Dark Lord of the Sith would not be immune to Imperial anger.
Yes, it was a good plan. A bit complicated, but all the possible sequels had been examined and considered and covered.
In the end, he knew he had found the perfect weapon with which to finally defeat Darth Vader: The deaths of Luke and Lisa Skywalker.
On Tatooine…
Lisa watched as Luke tested his new lightsaber that had a green kyper crystal this time while hiding in Obi-Wan's hut.
"My new lightsaber is working."Luke remarked as he smiled at his new blade. "The plans in Obi-Wan's book were complicated. It could have just as easily blown up in my hands."
"It took not just physical tools but also the Force to put it all together and bring the crystal inside to life."Lisa remarked. "Obi-Wan would be proud of you, Luke."
Luke and Lisa headed out of the hut as Artoo beeped at them.
"It's touching that you have such confidence in us, Artoo."Luke chuckled.
"Artoo was close to us like he was to our parents."Lisa said with a sad smile.
Luke's smile vanished when he remembered something.
"Lisa, did you tell Ferus of what Vader said to us?"Luke asked.
Lisa shook her head.
"No, Luke."Lisa answered with a small frown. "I told Ezra, but-"
Luke and Lisa suddenly felt a disturbance through the Force and quickly moved out the way from being shot.
The Skywalker twins spotted swoop bikers arriving with blasters and heading towards them.
The bikers were Big Gizz, his buds and Jix.
"Those are-"Lisa started.
"Trouble!"Luke shouted and looked at Artoo. "Hide inside, Artoo!"
Artoo let out a panicking beep and immediately headed inside Obi-Wan's hut to hide.
"Blow the little runts to Bespin, boys!"Gizz ordered.
"They're not taking any prisoners!"Lisa shouted.
Luke deflected several blaster bolts before he slashes aside one of the riders and steals a bike.
"Hope in, Lisa!"Luke instructed.
Lisa jumped on the bike and held her brother by the waist tightly before they headed off to a massive canyon with Gizz and his buds went after them.
"After them!"Gizz demanded.
Unaware to the raiders, Dash was coming behind riding his own bike.
"Luke, any idea on how to ditch these guys?"Lisa questioned.
"Our best shot to shake them off is in Beggar's Canyon."Luke stated. "But they're coming in fast."
"Here it comes, Skywalker!"Gizz sneered.
When Gizz gets a clear shot at Luke and Lisa, Jix rams his swoop into his to keep them alive.
This caused Jix to break a leg in the crash and Gizz nearly dead.
Lisa notice Luke was bringing them to a narrow side of the canyon that had some sharp rocks sticking out.
"Lisa, take out one of your lightsabers!"Luke ordered. "Let's see how well the rest of them handle those swoop bikes!"
"Right!"Lisa answered.
Lisa activated her blue lightsaber and slashed the wall next to them causing some rocks to fall on two riders while the rest continued chasing after the Skywalker twins.
"Got to turn up the heat!"Lisa remarked with a smirk.
The blonde haired girl deflected the blasts of the rider while her other hand gripped Luke's waist tightly as they went into the stone needle which was a tall stone tower with a "loop" rock on top of it situated in the middle of a ditch and lined with jagged rock teeth, was just large enough to allow small repulsorcraft to pass through.
This caused two more riders to fall off their bikes and down to their deaths.
Dash started firing at the remaining riders causing them to retreat and go back to Jabba.
"They've got help!"An alien warned. "We ain't gonna win this one, Spiker! Let's go back!"
"Jabba ain't gonna be happy about this!"Spiker scowled.
Dash went up to the Skywalker twins as the riders rode away from them.
"Dash Rendar!"Luke said. "What are you doing here?"
"Saving your butts from swoop scums it looks like."Dash replied. "I got a look at their tattoos."
"And you said you weren't the one that takes risks."Lisa commented smugly before becoming serious. "Those riders work for the hutt, right?"
"Yes. That gang works for Jabba."Dash agreed. "I was in Mos Eisley sniffing around when I overheard them talking. They had orders to kill you. Add to that the assassination attempt at Gall and you have to figure Darth Vader is no longer your number one admirer."
"He never was."Luke said. "But if he is behind this-"
"Look!"Lisa gasped.
Luke and Dash followed Lisa's gaze and saw something coming down from the sky causing them to follow after the item.
The item lands near Obi-Wan's place and immediately identified it to be a message droid to Tatooine for Leia, asking her to come to Bothawui.
"It's a message for Leia from Koth Melan, the Head of the Bothan Spies!"Lisa exclaimed, looking at the droid. "His spies have uncovered information about a secret project the empire is cooking up. He wants to see Leia immediately."
"Then he's out of luck."Dash declared. "The Princess and the others are on Rodia, trying to infiltrate the Black Sun criminal organisation."
Luke and Lisa's eyes widen in disbelief.
"What?"Lisa said in shock.
"Black Sun?!"Luke scowled. "Is she out of her mind?!"
"Someone's trying to have you guys killed, Luke and Lisa."Dash reminded. "She's looking for answers. Black Sun's spy network can provide them."
"They'll provide more than that if they catch her."Luke added. "And she thinks me and Lisa need help."
"The information could be vital to the alliance."Lisa suggested. "If Leia can't go to Bothawui, we have to."
Artoo beeped in agreement.
"Don't mind if I tag along?"Dash asked. "Gotta earn my reward."
In Coruscant…
Darth Vader went to speak with the Emperor in the Imperial Palace.
"I have received notification of your plan for delivery of the Endor project computer to Bothawui, my master."Darth Vader stated. "I consider it most advisable."
"Do you object, Lord Vader?"Darth Sidious questioned.
"With respect, my master, the rebels would trade half their fleet for the information on that computer, if they what it contained."Darth Vader argued. "It should be under heavy escort! To send it aboard a lone freighter is madness!"
"The plans are made."Darth Sidious replied strictly. "I see no reason to revise them. Your advice has not been notably successful in other matters of late."
"If you proceed with this plan it is against my sternest warning, Emperor!"Darth Vader snapped.
"Your objection is noted."Darth Sidious declared. "That will be all, Lord Vader."
Unaware to the Emperor and the Dark Lord, Prince Xizor was listening to their conversation with Guri via comlink.
"Lord Vader was most unhappy with the Emperor's plan. In this case, with good reason."Prince Xizor declared. "Time and route on the freighter. You will pass the information to the Bothan spies."
"Is that wise, Prince Xizor?"Guri asked. "It is not in your best interests to go against the Empire."
"It is always best to keep a foot in both camps, Guri."Prince Xizor retorted. "In the unlikely event the rebels win this war, they won't forget the Black Sun's generous contribution to their victory."
In Space…
Ferus, Zack, Gwen, R2-KT and a bunch of Corellian soldiers were on the Defender Class Light Corvette flying in an asteroid field to search for Boba Fett's ship, Slave 1.
"Father, was it wise to sent Leia to investigate Black Sun with only mother and Chewbacca?"Zack asked with an unsure look.
"Leia is a strong independent woman, Zack."Ferus explained. "While I don't trust Black Sun hosting her, it's best if Nadia and Chewie are there as well. Prince Xizor is a dangerous being."
"If he's the one trying to assassinate Luke and Lisa, we need to get rid of him quickly."Gwen suggested and looked down in worry. "I…I don't want anything bad to happen them again."
Zack glanced at Gwen, knowing his twin sister was still effected at what happened to Nial and the rest of Alderaan.
"And we won't, Gwen."Ferus assured with a small smile and thought. "I did promise Padme that I would protect them and Leia no matter what."
Suddenly an alarm went off inside the shop to warn the Olin Family and their comrades that the bounty hunter's ship has been spotted.
"It's Fett's ship, Master Jedi!"A soldier warned. "But we have a few more bounty Hunter ships as his aides!"
Ferus glanced at Zack and Gwen.
"Get to your battle positions!"Ferus ordered.
"Yes, father!"Zack and Gwen said in unison.
"KT, be ready!"Zack ordered. "We're gonna need the other cannons to destroy the asteroids in our path!"
R2-KT beeped as she prepared to activate the extra cannons.
In Kothlis…
Luke and Lisa were listening Koth Melan and Bothan technicians, who were decoding the Death Star plans on Kothlis.
"Our best computer experts are based here at the safe house on Kothlis."Koth explained. "If anyone can break the imperial security codes, they can."
"I just hope whatever's on it is worth the lives of twelve Bothans, Koth."Luke commented.
"The entire galaxy is in danger."Lisa agreed with her arms crossed. "We can't risk the Empire to destroy more planets like he did with Scarif and Alderaan."
Suddenly gun shot was heard as a Barabel bounty hunter raid led by Skahtul barged in to attack the Skywalker twins and the Bothan technicians.
Luke and Lisa activated their lightsabers to deflect the attacks as the technicians went to get the plans.
"I thought this was a safe house!"Luke shouted.
"Not if someone is hiring bounty hunters to kill you!"Lisa scowled.
Luke and Lisa slashed a few barabels down as Koth took out his blaster to help the two Jedi.
However, Koth got shot by Skahtul, horrifying Luke and Lisa.
"Koth!"Luke shouted.
"No!"Lisa cried out.
More barabel bounty hunters rushed into the safe house to surround Luke and Lisa.
"Turn off your sabers."Skahtul hissed. "You can't win."
Luke and Lisa deactivated their lightsabers before their weapons were taken away by the bounty hunters.
"It kind of looks that way."Luke retorted.
"Was is it that you want?"Lisa demanded.
"We want the two of you, Skywalkers."Skahtul sneered.
Meanwhile…
Leia was heading to Coruscant with Guri in the Stinger, taking Nadia (Disguised as an Alderaanian handmaiden named Rachel) and Chewbacca with her.
To allow the two rebels to make it onto Coruscant without being identified, Guri helped them into disguises.
Leia takes the guise of the Ubese bounty hunter named Boushh and Chewbacca was disguised as Snoova, who was an outlaw and occasionally teamed up with associates from Aurodium Sword and the Black Sun criminal organizations.
Leia wore a thick leather suit covered by several hard leather plates, leather gloves and boots as well as a helmet. The helmet covered her physical appearance and distorted the sound of his voice, it also allowed her to adapt to almost every type of atmosphere and was equipped with a laser visor that increased her shooting accuracy.
Nadia wore a hooded dress that was tinted with spectra-fade dye and made from soft trevella cloth. This dress was dyed from blue at the hood to bright purple at the lower hem. The underdress was of bright blue which showed through the full, slit sleeves of the trevella dress. Also, the bright blue peeked out once more as a bill-like hood, which shadowed her face and around the waist was capped off with a purple sash. Her lightsabers were hidden underneath her dress.
"We are clear to land on Coruscant, Princess."Guri declared as she held Boushh's helmet. "Black Sun has contacts there, but we cannot make it too obvious you are under our protection. These should get you past customs."
"They stink."Leia said in disgust.
"What happened to this Boushh gentleman?"Nadia asked gently. "He retired?"
"Quite suddenly."Guri answered. "He tried to rascal Black Sun for more credits on a delivery for which there was an agreed-upon contract. That was...unwise."
"Sure."Leia murmured as she placed on the helmet.
Chewbacca let out a complaining growl since he didn't like being disguised as an outlaw that was a traitor in his home world.
"Meet Snoova."Guri introduced. "A well known wookiee bounty hunter."
"Stop complaining, Chewie."Leia instructed. "The dye will wash out in a couple of weeks. You'll be back to normal."
Nadia glanced at Guri suspiciously as she stood next to Leia.
"We're taking a risk allowing Guri to guide us into the heart of Black Sun."Nadia thought. "But Leia believe this is worth it, if Prince Xizor can tell us who is trying to assassinate Luke and Lisa. Guri may look human, but she's a replica droid. If she'd wanted to harm us, she could've done it anytime."
The group make it onto Coruscant without being identified and arrived at the Black Sun organisation; Prince Xizor's Palace.
They drove for a long time; they probably covered ten or twelve kilometers.
Finally the tunnel opened out into a large chamber, in the middle of which sat a bullet car floating on magnetic repulsors over a single rail track.
Not long after that, they arrived to Prince Xizor's palace and found a small bounty hunter waiting for them.
"This way."A small bounty hunter instructed.
Leia, Nadia and Chewbacca followed the bounty hunter into a hallway as the notice two royal Falleen guards approaching from behind.
"Seems like we've been travelling around beneath Coruscant for hours since Guri left us."Leia thought. "We could be halfway around the planet by now. Black Sun take their security seriously, if we ever have to find a way out of here-"
"Ah, Princess Leia Organa and Chewbacca."
The two women and the wookiee turned around to see Prince Xizor walking forward.
"Welcome, I am Xizor."Prince Xizor responded. "I regret some business has arisen which I must attend to immediately. You must be tired from your trip. Refresh yourself, change clothes before we delve into serious matters."
"I didn't exactly bring my wardrobe with me."Leia replied.
Nadia narrowed her eyes behind her disguise at the sinister way that Prince Xizor was looking at Leia as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Easily remedied. We have other visitors from time to time and a gracious host looks after his guests."Prince Xizor remarked. "Perhaps there are a few articles of clothing you might find acceptable in your room. Refresh yourself. Re-join me when you've rested."
"Alright."Leia answered quietly. "We...we are a little tired."
Prince Xizor glanced at the small bounty hunter.
"Show Princess Leia, her servant and Chewbacca to their rooms."Prince Xizor ordered.
"At once, Prince Xizor."the small bounty hunter answered.
The bounty hunter and the royal guards led the three rebels to their rooms as Nadia glanced at Leia.
"Are you alright, my lady?"Nadia asked gently.
"I don't know what's the matter with me."Leia answered, glancing at Prince Xizor. "I feel so attracted to him."
After being captured Skahtul and his bounty hunters, Luke and Lisa were taken inside a cell.
The walls were plain, of some hard substance, a neutral gray.
The heavy door was sheathed in durasteel plate and a window at eye level was crisscrossed with metal mesh, the strands of which were as thick as his little finger.
Suddenly the lock on the cell door clicked and the door swung inward, revealing Skahtul.
"I am Skahtul. We are bounty hunters."Skahtul explained. "There is a very large reward on offer for any who can deliver both Luke and Lisa Skywalker alive and well."
"I wondered why we are still in one piece."Luke commented.
"Oddly enough, there is a second reward being offered. This one if both of you are dead."Skahtul declared. "Fortunately for you, it is slightly smaller. However, we feel we may be able to play the parties off against each other."
"Who's offering these rewards?"Lisa questioned.
"That I cannot say."Skahtul answered. "Our contacts have been very circuitous."
"And if the ones who want us dead come up with more?"Luke asked.
"Like I said, it's not personal, just business."Skahtul declared smugly.
Luke and Lisa glared at Skahtul.
Lisa frowned. "Is that so?"
"You'll excuse us, if we take it personally."Luke responded.
At the Imperial Palace of Coruscant...
Darth Vader entered and knelt down before the Emperor.
"My master."Darth Vader said.
"Rise, Lord Vader."Darth Sidious ordered.
He hoped whatever the Emperor wanted was something easy and brief.
He had just received word from his agents that Luke and Lisa had been found.
Their captors, it seemed, were a ragtag band of bounty hunters who were demanding more money.
Vader's agents knew who they were but not precisely where they were hiding.
And it seemed there was another bidder who also wanted Luke and Lisa.
Darth Vader would have his people offer whatever it took; money meant nothing when compared to the dark side, and he fully intended to turn his son and daughter in that direction.
He considered going to collect Luke and Lisa himself, to Kothlis, where he was reportedly being held, but to leave Imperial Center just now would be dangerous.
He needed to be here to watch Xizor.
The criminal's twisted plans had ensnared the Emperor, and to walk away might well be a fatal mistake—
"You will go to Kothlis and collect young Skywalkers."Darth Sidious ordered.
"I have already sent my agents for them, Emperor. I have pressing matters here."Darth Vader answered and thought. "I have only just learned of Luke and Lisa's presence on Kothlis. The Emperor must have another source, Xizor."
"More pressing than my commands, Lord Vader?"Darth Sidious questioned.
"No, my master."Darth Vader responded as he stood up.
"I thought not."Darth Sidious said. "Agents are not to be trusted and there is another reason Prince Xizor's scheme has been implemented. The plans for the Death Star are also on Kothlis. We must appear to be anxious to recover them to convince the rebels the plans are of great value. If you are on Kothlis, they will be convinced."
Darth Vader bowed at the Emperor before heading out to get to Kothlis to capture his children.
"And while I am out of the way what other mischief that scheming reptile Xizor be concocting?"Darth Vader thought in a cold tone. "I will hasten my return."
In his mind, Darth Vader considered his upcoming meeting with Luke and Lisa.
He would turn his children.
He knew he could, because he had felt the dark side rise in Luke and Lisa, had felt the power of their anger.
His son and daughter had loosed it once; they could be made to free it again.
The Dark Side was a path that grew wider and deeper each time you trod upon it.
Soon it would be no effort at all for Luke and Lisa to allow the Dark Side to rule.
And the Emperor was right. Luke and Lisa had much power in them.
Their potential was larger than the Emperor's, larger than Vader's.
But it was still only potential and not focused energy.
When he would next meet them, Vader would still be more adept, still the master.
He would defeat his children and bring them to the Dark Side.
They would be in accord, father, son and daughter.
And when that happened, nothing in the galaxy could stop them.
None would dare oppose them. All would bow before them. Worlds would tremble at their approach.
Luke and Lisa sat down together in the dark cell with their eyes closed.
Though not having their lightsabers, the two siblings were connecting with the Force to guide them.
"Concentrate Luke."Lisa instructed in her head. "The Force is with us. You can do this."
"Alright, Lisa."Luke answered and looked at Skahtul. "Open the door."
"Huh?"Skahtul scoffed.
Lisa watched Luke took another breath, let half of it out and allowed the Force to connect him to the mind of the bounty hunter in the hall.
"Put down your rifle and open the door."Luke ordered.
"Must...open the door."Skahtul repeated.
"It's working Luke!"Lisa remarked with a smile. "Keep concentrating!"
"Put your rifle down and open the door now."Luke ordered.
Lisa grinned a bit as Skahtul opened the door after putting his rifle down.
"You're very tired."Luke stated. "Come in and lie on the cot to take a nap."
Skahtul went inside the cell and laid down on the cot as Luke and Lisa headed out.
"Got to take a nap."Skahtul yawned.
The leader of the bounty hunters fell asleep as Lisa closed the cell door and Luke picked up the rifle.
"I am definitely getting better."Luke complemented.
"Indeed you are, Luke."Lisa chuckled.
Luke and Lisa carefully sneaked around the hallway area of the bounty hunters base to not alarm Skahtul's men.
"Two rewards on our heads wanted, alive and dead."Luke complemented. "It worked to our advantage. The Bounty Hunters thought they could play one off against the other."
"Well, the only thing they've done is given us enough time to make a break."Lisa amused.
Luke and Lisa spotted their lightsabers laying down in any empty control room before one of the Barabel bounty hunters pointed his blaster behind them.
"Move and I'll shoot."the Barabel bounty hunter warned.
In respond, Lisa used the force to bring her lightsabers to her and slash the bounty Hunter down.
"Skywalkers!"
Luke brought his lightsaber to him as more bounty hunters showed up.
"So much for sneaking out undetected!"Luke said.
"Then let's make this quick!"Lisa insisted.
Luke and Lisa worked together as they used their lightsabers to slash the Barabel bounty hunters that tried to shoot them down with their blasters.
"How did they get loose?!"
"Rot them!"
The Skywalker twins headed to the other side of the hallway to confront a few more bounty hunters preparing to shoot them.
"No chance of taking them alive! Dead'll do!"
"Rapid fire! They can't block them all!"
Just before the bounty hunters could use their blasters, the Millennium Falcon crashed in and knocked them all down.
"Luke!"Lando's voice called out. "Lisa!"
"Lando!"Luke remarked.
"You're right on time!"Lisa chuckled.
"Like shooting snakes in a shoebox!"Lando commented holding his blaster. "I've got a land speeder parked outside! Let's go!"
Luke and Lisa followed Lando to head onto the land speeder to escape the bounty Hunter ship.
"Dash told me you two were on Kothlis, a few locals owe me favours."Lando explained. "They told me where these yabbo's had set up shop. I left Threepio with Falcon."
"How did you find us?"Luke asked.
"That's a long story."Lando answered. "Let's get back to the ship before I tell it."
The landspeeder went inside the Millennium Falcon, where Luke and Lisa were greeted by Threepio and Artoo.
"Master Luke! Lady Lisa!"Threepio said happily. "I didn't think I would ever you both again!"
Artoo beeped in agreement.
"Save the reunions!"Lando insisted. "An imperial convoy just entered the system, heading this way!"
Lando started powering up the Millennium Falcon as Luke and Lisa looked at him.
"The lead ship is a star destroyer super class."Lando stated.
"Vader?"Luke guessed.
"Even if it isn't, we don't want to tangle with that monster."Lando commented causing Lisa to look down. "Sit back! We're going to slingshot out of here and hit light speed fast!"
Luke and Lisa went to sit on their seats as the Millennium Falcon jumped into hyperspace.
"Where are we going?"Lisa asked.
"Find a place to hide and fix the Falcon before we bump into the Imperial Navy."Lando exclaimed.
"That sounds like an excellent idea."Threepio said.
Artoo whistled in agreement.
The Skywalker twins smiled at the two droids.
Luke and Lisa both suddenly felt a disturbance in the Force, a dark blot on its perfection.
It felt familiar somehow like…
"You'd better find a safe place fast, Lando."Luke declared.
"What's the hurry?"Lando questioned.
"I think we're about to have company."Luke stated.
Lando looked at Luke and Lisa with a questionable look.
"What?"Lando said in disbelief. "No way anybody could find us in here."
"Yeah?"Lisa scoffed. "Want to bet?"
Luke and Lisa headed for the cockpit to check the sensors.
If it was who they thought it was, hiding in a clump of rocks wasn't going to do much good.
You could run, but from some things, you couldn't hide.
Back in Coruscant…
Nadia did Leia's hair in loose style with a black jewel chain on her forehead and gave her stylish pure blue clothing to wear with long gloves, rope and shoes.
The 'handmaiden' later stood outside with Chewbacca and the small bounty hunter while Prince Xizor and Leia were inside a room together.
"Something to drink, princess?"Prince Xizor asked. "Luranian brandy? Green champagne?"
"Tea would be fine, Your Majesty."Leia answered.
"Call me, Xizor."Prince Xizor insisted. "We can dispense with titles now that we are alone."
"I, we, the alliance feel that while Black Sun's aims are not ours, the empire is our common enemy."Leia said.
"So the alliance might be interested in doing business with Black Sun."Prince Xizor commented.
Leia's mind went in loops trying to make sense of his logic and suddenly felt lightheaded.
"War does make strange bedfellows."Leia exclaimed.
As Prince Xizor spoke, Leia's vision blurred and she found it increasingly hard to concentrate.
"What's wrong with me? I feel dizzy being near him. His skin seems to glow."Leia thought. "I want him to touch me. I want him to kiss me."
Nadia couldn't contain her anger and disgust, so she quickly came into the room to safe Leia from the disgusting pervet.
"Princess Leia!"Nadia cried out in worry, acting like a harmless handmaiden. "Something is wrong with Chewbacca! He seems very upset!"
"Okay, Rachel."Leia said as she stood up and looked at Prince Xizor. "I better see what Chewbacca wants."
"As you like."Prince Xizor responded and thought. "This woman is mine. She will return."
Once Leia followed Nadia out, the black haired woman grabbed her by the wrist when the door closed and passed the small bounty hunter that was knocked out by Chewbacca.
"What is the meaning of this, Rachel?!"Leia demanded. "Let go of me!"
"Leia, get a hold of yourself!"Nadia scowled. "Prince Xizor was trying to seduce you! Don't you love Han?"
Hearing Nadia's words, Leia managed to control herself.
"Sorry, Nadia."Leia apologised. "How could I forget myself like that? Maybe there was some drug in the tea?"
"No. It's not a drug in the tea, Leia."Nadia declared with a frown. "He's trying to use his pheromones to take advantage of you. If you move away from him you won't get trapped in his scent."
Chewbacca let out a small bark and showed an activated com device above the wall, revealing someone was listening to Prince Xizor and the conversations he was having.
"What?"Leia said in shock. "Someone is listening."
Nadia frowned. "I think we better consider an alternate plan."
In Space...
Darth Vader's Executer arrived to Skahtul's ship location to capture Luke and Lisa, only to discover that his children have once again escaped his grasp.
A hundred stormtroopers surrounded the building while their blasters were ready to cook anybody who twitched.
Darth Vader stood in the darkness staring at the breach that had been blown in the building's wall. Night insects hummed, and the air smelled of burned insulation. He didn't need to go inside to know that Luke and Lisa was not there; if his children were anywhere within fifty kilometers, he would certainly have felt them.
These bounty hunters had captured them—then they had lost them.
Vader was not pleased.
The commander of the stormtroopers stood nervously nearby, waiting for a command.
"Bring me the highest-ranking survivor."Darth Vader ordered.
"At once, my lord."the Storm Trooper Commander answered.
The commander waved and a squad moved into the building.
Shots were exchanged as time slowly passed.
The Sith Lord stood silently calm as a group of stormtroopers threw a hand cuffed Skahtul on the floor.
Skahtul became frightened seeing Darth Vader looking down at him.
"The Skywalkers escaped, my Lord-"Skahtul started.
"I know they escaped, fool!"Darth Vader snapped. "They are no doubt off Kothlis by now!"
Darth Vader lifted up his hand and started force choking Skahtul.
"Tell me what happened here!"Darth Vader demanded.
"Uhhhh!"Skahtul cried out in pain. "They got free! I don't know how, but we hit them with everything we got! They were so fast with their lightsabers! It was real!"
Darth Vader felt a mixed feeling of pride in knowing his son and daughter were getting stronger in the Force.
"My children's skills and powers are increasing. That is at least one conclusion."Darth Vader thought and looked at the bounty hunter. "Who else wanted the Skywalkers. Who?"
Skahtul's eyes widen in terror, seeing the Sith Lord's gloved hand that was ready to choke him again.
"I don't know! Lord Vader!"Skahtul panicked. "Wait! Please! We dealt with agents! But some of us heard rumours! We heard it was the Black Sun!"
"I see."Darth Vader responded. "And the reward was for the Skywalkers alive?"
"No, my Lord."Skahtul admitted. "They wanted them dead."
Darth Vader glanced away from Skahtul and clenched his fists in anger upon realising it was Prince Xizor the one who wanted his children dead.
"Black Sun, of course! No one stands to gain more by embarrassing me in front of the Emperor than Xizor!"Darth Vader thought in anger. "And what better way to kill my son and daughter?"
In Coruscant…
Leia returned to Prince Xizor, but didn't go near him while Chewbacca and Nadia were taking down the royal guards in the hallway.
"Come sit here beside me."Prince Xizor ordered. "Why do you keep your distance?"
"Just making some tea."Leia replied as she poured tea in a cup. "It's kind of warm here."
"If you're warm why don't you remove your clothes and get comfortable?"Prince Xizor suggested.
"I've gotten a little bit cooler now."Leia answered.
"Take them off anyway."Prince Xizor ordered hypnotically. "It would please me, you want to please me, don't you?"
Leia remained where she was as she calmly drank her tea.
"No."Leia thought. "What I really want to do is give Nadia and Chewie another few minutes to get out of here and get help."
Leia pretended to struggle to remove the rope of her dress to distract the Falleen Prince as Chewbacca and Nadia took out a few more royal guards.
"Wait."Leia said and took off her rope, leaving her only with the shirt and trousers. "There it is."
"Now the rest of it."Prince Xizor ordered.
Leia glared at Prince Xizor in complete disgust, but hoped her companions have done their part.
"I don't think so."Leia replied with a frown.
Prince Xizor became furious and walked over to Leia.
"What?"Prince Xizor scowled.
"It's improper for one to remove one's clothes in front of a stranger."Leia responded.
"You can't refuse me!"Prince Xizor snapped and looked at Leia. "No female can!"
Prince Xizor tried to use pheromones to seduce Leia, but the Alderaanian Princess quickly rebuffed his advances by kneeing him in the groin.
"So you resist me!"Prince Xizor growled. "It was your handmaiden! If she hadn't interfere-"
"Handmaidens are smart and very loyal."Leia answered firmly. "Especially to those that they work to."
Prince Xizor glared at Leia with an enraged look as Guri came into the room.
"So be it. Guri, take her to her room and her lock her in."Prince Xizor ordered. "Sooner or later, I believe she will find I am not such bad company."
"Don't count on it."Leia scoffed.
Guri took Leia back to her room as Prince Xizor took a sip of his drink.
"Did the handmaiden and the wookiee escape?"Prince Xizor questioned.
"Yes, your majesty."A guard replied.
"You did not allow them to think it too easy?"Prince Xizor asked.
"No, sir."the guard answered. "They took down ten of our troops, but we singed the wookiee with blaster beams."
"Good."Prince Xizor responded lightly and went into his thoughts. "The handmaiden and the wookiee will no doubt contact the Skywalkers, who will come running to rescue the Princess. Right into my hands."
In Space…
Darth Vader was travelling back to Coruscant in his Star Destroyer as Jix contacted him via hologram.
"What news do you have?"Darth Vader questioned.
"I'll make this quick."Jix said. "The Skywalkers were on Tatooine. Jabba sent me and the swoop troops to kill them."
"Yes."Darth Vader agreed. "There is a second reward. It seems Black Sun entered the bidding."
"Black Sun. Nothing."Jix stated. "The offer came from you."
Jix then ended his conversation with Darth Vader as the Sith Lord was thinking what to do next.
"So, Xizor not only plans to kill my son and daughter. He intends to implicate me in the deed. Such treachery."Darth Vader thought, trying to think of away to reveal Xizor's schemes to Darth Sidious. "But rumour is not enough. I need proof. Sound evidence to present the Emperor. And while I am away, what other devious schemes is the Dark Prince hatching back on Coruscant? I must return will all speed."
The Millennium Falcon was among a crowd of other ships that were heading to Coruscant, but was below since it was hiding from the Imperial Navy.
"We encountered Boba Fett, but he was able to escape with Han in his grasp."Ferus stated. "But one of our spies reported he will be going to Tatooine and deliver him to Jabba the Hutt."
"At least we know Han is still fine despite still being frozen in carbonite."Lisa complemented.
"I'll see you all in Tatooine."Ferus answered.
Ferus ended the call in Lisa's comlink as Artoo let out a beep.
"Aunt Nadia and Chewie's message said Leia's being held on Coruscant by Black Sun."Luke stated. "We cannot just abandoned her."
"Easy, Lando."Lisa demanded. "If we can hide the Falcon in the freighter's blind spot, we'll be invisible to security sensor."
"I know, I know."Lando assured as he carefully moved the Millennium Falcon. "Believe me, this is the easy part."
"Staying here all the way down. That's the hard part."Luke admitted. "They got half the Imperial Navy out there."
Afterwards...
Nadia and Chewbacca were running in the sewers after escaping Prince Xizor's guards.
The black haired woman no longer wore her handmaiden disguise since now she was discovered by the enemies.
Nadia and Chewbacca continued running in the sewers until they spotted Luke, Lisa, Lando and Dash coming to the other side.
The sludge was a greenish black, thick, oily, and it stank worse than anything Luke had ever smelled before.
Dregs of the dregs, the silty goop was liquid, or at least fluid, and it flowed around their feet, sloshing sometimes deeper than their ankles.
Luke was very glad he had calf-length boots with his new black clothes as Lisa revolted at the entrance they were forced to take, but knew this was the only quick way to save Leia.
"This is the sub-sewer for the entire sector."Nadia exclaimed. "The branch that drains Xizor's castle is just ahead."
"It's going to take a real long hot shower to wash this stench off."Luke said in disgust.
"You wanted to come too, buddy."Lando reminded.
"We have no choice, Lando."Lisa complemented. "Black Sun is holding Leia. We have to get her out of there before it's too late."
Suddenly monstrous tentacles burst out from the sewer water revealing a dianoga.
"Look out!"Dash shouted with his blaster in hand.
"Don't shoot Dash!"Luke protested. "The noise could give us away!"
Luke activated his lightsaber to slash the tentacles to defeat the dianoga before Lisa stabbed it in the eye to finish it off.
"That was a dianoga."Lisa exclaimed and deactivated her orange lightsaber. "We ran into one before in a trash compactor. It nearly got Luke."
The group arrived into an entrance as Nadia carefully opened it.
"Xizor's outflow is right through this rate grate."Nadia stated and looked down. "During Order 66, I had to use the sewers to save the survivors when the clone troopers were hunting us down. Though the rest weren't so lucky…"
After listening to Nadia, Luke and Lisa contacted Leia through the Force.
"Leia, we're coming for you."Luke stated.
"Hang in there."Lisa commented.
Nadia, Luke, Lisa, Lando, Chewbacca and Dash arrived inside Prince Xizor's palace.
The moment they came inside, the group immediately started ambushing against Prince Xizor's palace.
Nadia used her orange force lightening to hit most of the guards as Chewbacca growled at Lando.
"Chewbacca says this is the floor!"Lando declared.
Luke gripped his lightsaber as he answered his comlink.
"Master Luke!"Threepio panicked. "There are men with guns coming towards the ship!"
"Great!"Luke said sarcastically. "Just what we need!"
The group rushed past the hallway as they encountered more royal guards with blasters in their hands.
"Threepio, you've got to take the Falcon out of there now just like we planned!"Luke ordered. "Artoo, knows the system! You can operate the controls! Keep the ship low under the security scanners! Bring it to the coordinates I told you."
"Yes, Master Luke."Threepio answered.
Lando blasted the security breaker as he glanced at his companions.
"Security breaker!"Lando said. "Surveillance cams and sensors are routed through it! Take them out as we go and they'll go blind!"
The doors of the elevator opened as everyone got ready and it revealed Leia wearing her bounty Hunter clothes.
"Hold your fire!"Nadia ordered. "It's Leia!"
"Leia!"Lisa chuckled happily as she hugged her childhood friend. "Your okay!"
"Lisa. I'm happy that you're all here."Leia remarked and looked at Luke. "Luke. It's a trap. Xizor's the one who is trying to kill you and Lisa. Not Vader. He used me to lure you both here."
"He hasn't caught us yet."Luke assured. "Don't worry. We got our exit planned."
"It's about time somebody did."Leia commented.
The group started running upstairs to get to the Millennium Falcon as Lando blasted down another security breaker.
"They'll be looking for us to come out at ground level, so we keep going up."Luke instructed. "There's a landing pad on level 50."
Threepio contacted Luke again in his comlink.
"Master Luke!"Threepio spoke up. "We appear to have caught the attention of a robotic police vehicle!"
"Try to fly like Han, Threepio."Luke ordered. "But do what Artoo tells you."
"I'll do my best."Threepio replied.
"You're letting the droids pilot the Millennium Falcon?"Nadia questioned in disbelief.
"They'll do alright, Aunt Nadia."Luke responded confidently. "I think."
Luke, Lisa and Nadia stood in front of their companions as Prince Xizor and Guri confronted them.
"The two of you caused me a great deal of trouble, Skywalkers."Prince Xizor retorted. "It will be a pleasure to deal with you both personally."
Prince Xizor took out his own blaster, but Luke deflected his attack with his lightsaber.
Lisa and Nadia used their lightsabers to help Luke block the attacks of Guri and the upcoming royal guards while Leia, Lando and Dash used their lightsabers.
"More of them coming!"Dash warned.
"Too many!"Luke scowled. "Back off!"
The group went to take cover as Prince Xizor and his allies continued firing their blasters.
"They're very interesting tricks they do with those lightsabers."Prince Xizor stated, gesturing to Luke and Lisa. "They're good."
"They are related to Vader."Guri complemented.
"We're well and truly trapped now!"Leia shouted.
Lando looked inside his bag and picked out some thermal detonators.
"Looks like it's time for desperate measures."Lando stated.
Lisa held out her hand to show a thermal detonator to show it to Prince Xizor and his comrades.
"Hey, Xizor!"Lisa called out. "Do you recognise this?"
"Hold you fire!"Prince Xizor demanded.
Guri and the royal guards stopped using their blasters as the Skywalker twins and their group came forward with the deadly explosives.
"I thought you might recognise it."Lisa commented smugly. "It's a thermal detonator. At the moment this is on a dead man's switch and I'll let it go, you, your men and castle will all go out with a bang."
"But if you release this device, you along with your brother and friends will die too."Prince Xizor warned. "We have a standoff, Miss Skywalker."
"That's why we brought extra insurance."Lando declared.
"This one's on a five minute delay. That gives you five minutes to leave."Lando stated. "If I were you, I get moving!"
Lando send a thermal detonator down the garbage chute causing everyone to frantically panic and scatter out of Prince Xizor's palace.
"Get to the basement and find that device!"Prince Xizor ordered.
"Find it yourself, Xizor!"A guard snapped. "I quit!"
Luke, Lisa, Leia, Nadia, Lando, Chewbacca and Dash all headed to the elevator to make their escape.
"Amazing what a little panic will do."Lando declared proudly.
"You do realise you also gave us five minutes to escape too, right?"Nadia questioned with a glare.
"If the Falcon's not at the landing platform, I'm going to panic."Luke complemented.
The group headed to the landing platform, just in time to see the Millennium Falcon wildly careens toward them.
"Everybody, duck!"Lisa shouted.
The rebel group ducked down as the Millennium Falcon narrowly hit them.
"Threepio!"Lando scowled. "I'm going to kill you!"
"Cut your drives!"Luke ordered in his comlink. "Bring it on the repulsers only!"
"I am trying, Master Luke!"Threepio protested. "The controllers are somewhat sensitive!"
The ramp of the Millennium Falcon went down causing everyone to make a run for it to get inside.
"That's as good as he's going to get!"Luke announced. "Go! Go! Go!"
Once everyone went inside, the Millennium Falcon closed its ramp and took off in the air.
BOOM!
Lisa turned her head to see Prince Xizor's palace blow up in smithereens as the Skyhook took off as well once the smoke cleared.
"Commander, this is Xizor!"Prince Xizor snapped. "There is an Corellian Freighter leaving the planet, a YT-1300! The Skywalkers are board! Locate and destroy it!"
In Space…
The Millennium Falcon escaped onto the vessel above Coruscant.
"Thanks for the ride, Luke."Dash thanked.
"You ought to sign on with the alliance, Dash."Lisa suggested. "You're a good man. We could use you."
Lisa frowned. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"Thanks, but I am not much of a joiner."Dash said with a smile. "Reckon I've done my bit. If you try really hard, you can probably handle things on your own from here."
The rebels notice four of Prince Xizor's own starfighters heading their way.
"Uh-oh."Luke stated. "Looks like we've got company."
"Unmarked corvette and four fighters incoming!"Lando exclaimed.
Nadia looked at Lisa.
"Lisa, the guns!"Nadia ordered.
"On it!"Lisa answered.
The rebels notice Dash defending them with flak from the laser turrets of the Outrider.
Inside the Executor…
An imperial officer reported to Darth Vader of Prince Xizor's scheme.
"We have decoded the transmission from Prince Xizor to fleet, Lord Vader."the imperial officer announced.
"Xizor has gone to his Skyhook?"Darth Vader questioned.
"Yes, Lord Vader."the imperial officer answered.
"As soon as we come within range, establish contact."Darth Vader ordered. "I will speak with him."
In Space…
Lisa used the guns of the Millennium Falcon to blast down one of Prince Xizor's starfighters.
Just then, the X-wing starfighters of Rogue Squadron joined in to attack Prince Xizor's ships and a big space battle commenced.
"Hey, Luke and Lisa!"Wedge greeted. "Mind if we join the party!"
"Wedge!"Lisa remarked.
"Dash's droid sent a distress signal!"Wedge exclaimed. "Sorry it took so long to get here!"
"We can use you, Wedge!"Luke chuckled. "Believe me! They're lousy shots, but they sure are a lot of them!"
Nadia's eyes in disbelief to see many TIE fighters join and help the Rogue Squadron take down Prince Xizor's fighters.
"Why are they firing on our attackers?"Leia questioned.
Nadia didn't reply the young princess since she knew deep down the one behind this action was somebody, who wouldn't hesitate to kill those that wanted to get rid of his own children.
"Vader…"Nadia thought in silence.
In the Skyhook…
Darth Vader, via hologram on the Executor over Coruscant, confronted Prince Xizor.
"Lord Vader!"Prince Xizor shouted in anger. "Why is the imperial navy attacking my ships?!"
"You were warned to stay away from the Skywalkers, Xizor."Darth Vader reminded bluntly. "You wilfully disobeyed those orders. You have two minutes to recall your ships and surrender to my custody."
"I will not!"Prince Xizor scowled.
"Then you'll pay for your consequences."Darth Vader announced in a grim tone.
"What?! You will destroy my Skyhook?!"Prince Xizor scowled. "You wouldn't dare! I'll take this matter to the Emperor!"
"I speak for the Emperor, Xizor."Darth Vader declared. "And in this case, I will risk his displeasure!"
In the Executor…
After two minutes, Prince Xizor still refused to surrender to the Dark Lord.
"Two minutes have elapsed, my Lord."the imperial officer reported. "His fleet is being obliterated, but Prince Xizor still remains silent."
Darth Vader then gave out the next order to end Prince Xizor once and for all.
"Carry out my orders, commander!"Darth Vader ordered. "Destroy the Skyhook!"
In Space…
The Executer and TIE fighters destroyed the Skyhook to finish off Prince Xizor.
"Somebody got on somebody's wrong side!"Lando chuckled.
"They just opened us an escape route!"Dash declared. "Nobody is going to follow us through the wreckage!"
"Yeah!"Wedge cheered. "Go for it, rogues!"
The Millennium Falcon, the Outsider and Rogue Squadron took this distraction to jump into hyperspace.
There was also a great explosion wherein the Outrider was thought to be destroyed when Dash actually made a jump to hyperspace at the last moment.
"With Xizor dead, this also means the end of the Black Sun trying to have Luke and me killed."Lisa stated with a hint of amusement.
"Yes."Nadia agreed simply. "But it's still not the end of the Emperor or his Empire."
"And Vader too."Leia added.
"Me and Lisa will deal with Vader when the time comes."Luke exclaimed, looking at his lightsaber.
Lisa didn't say anything as she looked down since she was still bothered of what Vader said to her and Luke.
"So what are we going to do now?"Lando asked.
"Get Han."Luke replied. "If he isn't on Tatooine yet, he soon will be."
"Going to dance into the Hutt's guarded palace and get him?"Wedge questioned. "Just like that?"
"I have a plan."Luke said.
Luke and Lisa turned to look at the stars.
Maybe they weren't Jedi Masters yet, but they had learned a lot.
They were Jedi Knights and that was enough for now.
This chapter has so far been the longest one in this story:)
Next is Return of the Jedi, everyone! See you in the next chapter!