Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars; I just write stories for fun. :-)
Warnings: None really...pretty tame.
Story: Taneth tries to protect Luke and Leia.
Many thanks to my buds that have been supportive in commenting on my stories. ;-)
Because you asked for it, here's the second part! So please stop the threats! (JK LOL)
Hidden Daughter
Xizor stood near the Emperor watching the old man converse with the Dark Lord of Sith, Vader. He stood far enough away to not be seen in the conversation but was close enough to hear every word. Vader had recently returned from Bespin. His failure's to retrieve his son had put a smile to Xizor's thin lips. Every chance he got, he always wanted to make Vader look bad.* His agents were already after Vader's son.
"Lord Vader, I see you failed to bring Skywalker before me.", the Emperor commented dryly. Vader who was kneeled raised his head up.
"He shall come to me, my lord, and then, he shall join us.", Vader said confidently. What reason was Vader to be so sure of himself? Vader continued, "There was also another problem. A rouge Jedi stepped in the way making claims to be the daughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi." Xizor didn't have the force, but he knew there was something in Vader's tone that made him believe that Vader wished the girl dead. Did he fear her? Or, maybe he just had a strong hatred for Jedi in general.
The Emperor didn't speak for a second. He then leaned forward a bit then answered, "Something tells me Vader, you already have plans to deal with this.... Jedi." Vader nodded. If Xizor caught the Jedi then he could turn her over to the Emperor or better yet have her join him against Vader.
"Then, Vader, I leave you to the job.", Palpatine said then clicked the holo off. He turned to face Xizor. "And, you, Prince Xizor, shall prove whether or not this female Jedi is really the daughter of Obi-Wan."
Xizor bowed slightly, "As you wish my lord." Xizor left to his chambers deep in the city. He notified his agents to get to work on this 'Kenobi' mystery. The data banks had long since been destroyed leaving the past of many peoples lives blank. He would check up to seen if there was any on the girl.
He pulled up a topic about Obi-Wan Kenobi then did search for any blood relatives. None were to be found. Obi-Wan did a very clever job of hiding her, but Xizor would found out soon enough. His fingers drummed on his desk a bit annoyed. Xizor decided to try the computers at Bespin. Security cameras, agents own cameras and other sources all pointed to one major person.
The person appeared many times before the struggle then afterwards. A tall female with dark hair braided down to her waist in basic civilians clothing. A photo of her walking to a room was frozen. A lightsaber hung on her hip. Either she has a high opinion of herself or truly was a Jedi of some sort. He sent the information to his agents giving them orders to direct her attention to him. The beginnings of a plan were formed, and all the pieces were in place. Only time would tell how the next course of events will happen.
Considerably time had passed when Taneth finally woke up. She had been left there after Darth Vader knocked her out. She got up and carefully walked around the now empty halls of Cloud City. Vader may be gone, but his presence was still there giving everything a dark feel.
When Taneth reached her ship, she saw her sister's ship fly away Bespin. A slight smile came to her face sensing her siblings' presence safe and sound for now. Taneth climbed into her ship and set a course for Tatooine. She needed to relax. As she left the system, a group of TIE fighters swarmed her. Oh great. She banked a hard right and flew between two of them. Blast fire came pouring down on her, but thanks to the force, Taneth easily maneuver through.
The coordinates were set, and there was nothing left but to punch it into hyperspace. She spared no time and watched the star lines appear on her viewer. 'Tatooine here I come.', Taneth thought and went into a deep meditation.
Tatooine was in site when Taneth woke up from her long rest. She felt completely rejuvenated. Taneth eased her ship down landing outside Mos Eisley. Rouges, bounty hunters and pilots (oh my) were here. With her torn jeans and many weapons, Taneth would fit right in.
As Taneth's presence graced the town, she took note of who was here. So far, there were no Imperials, no strange looks and no assassins; this may turn out to be an ok day. She headed to the normal cantina and sat at the bar. Her usual Tatooine ale was place before her. A familiar presence followed by a familiar voice spoke up behind her.
"What is a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this?", Lando asked and took the stool next to her. Behind him she saw her sister snickering at Lando's approach. Taneth didn't expect to see any of them here. She smiled.
"This place isn't as bad as your establishment at Bespin.", she said. Her half insult didn't phase him a bit.
"We didn't know if you had made it out of there. I'm glad you did; your company was missed.", he said putting on the most sincere look ever.
"That's very sweet; thanks Leia for missing me after Bespin.", Taneth said walking to Leia. Leia played along and began to talk about her woes and such. Lando shook his head wanting to explain what he meant, but Leia cut him off.
"Why are you guys here?", she asked leaning against the seat. Leia explain how they were attacked by Imperials then managed to escape. There was also a mention about how Luke's life was threatened. Taneth became very concern but didn't show it to the others.
"Maybe Vader wants you dead, Luke.", Lando said.
"I thought Vader wanted you alive.", Leia quickly put in.
"Or so I thought.", Luke glumly added. Vader would not try to kill his own son. But who else would be after him? The group discussed a bit farther till Luke got up and said he was heading to 'Ben's'. Taneth went to catch him before he got too far off.
"Luke, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more on Bespin.", she sadly said looking at the ground.
"It's not your fault. You did what you could. I couldn't tell the rest in there, but I know Vader's not after my life.", he said. Taneth looked up to meet his look. 'I know' was what she wanted to say. Again, she couldn't bring up their relation just yet.
"Why do you say that?", she asked trying to look puzzled.
"He's my father. Deep down he wouldn't try to kill me." Taneth looked at him surprised. She knew this but let her face show different. He knew about his father. Darth Vader would now look to claim his 'Skywalker' son. Luke left leaving Taneth in the midst of roaming aliens. She would visit him later.
Taneth walked around trying to clear her mind and form a new plan. An odd feeling came to her and she turned around seeing nothing. 'A bit too jumpy.', she thought and laughed nervously. After she continued to walk, Taneth sensed something else. A large hand grabbed her by the throat and took her off the main street. He held her high in the air looking about twice her size as . Taneth planet a foot in his chest then with the other kicked him in the face and flipped back when his grip was released.
He took out a small sword and sliced at her thigh making contact. Taneth reached for her bloody side then used the force to through him against the wall. She ran as fast as her wounded leg would take her. After ducking into an open alley she inspected the wound. It was deep but not too bad. She ripped part of her blue over shirt and tied it around the cut. Later on she would heal it. What was that about anyway?
Price Xizor paused the screen at the female looking directly at the camera. Just days ago he had sent an agent to take some blood from the prime suspect in the 'Kenobi' mystery. Xizor kept tabs on a few people and had watched this female talk to the son of Vader then look at his hidden camera. Vader wanted this vision dead; it seemed like a waste then again he hated to see any female of such beauty wasted.
A red light flashed to his right then a screen came up. The blood had been analyzed with astounding results. They screen printed:
Name: Taneth Kenobi
Species: Human
Sex: Female-force sensitive
Parents: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme' Amidala
Birth Place: None found
Amidala? She was Vader's wife long ago. No wonder he hated Kenobi so much, or maybe Darth Vader never knew of this 'love-affair'. Vader always did seem ignorant to the big picture. Xizor laughed softly under his breath.
As Xizor promised, he returned to the Emperor with information on the girl. He took the data card with the sample and handed it to Palpatine. Vader stood beside Palpatine also looking at the data card. Neither of the three men spoke for a time.
"As you can see, my lord, the rumors are quite true.", Xizor said letting his eyes shift to Vader.
"Very good Xizor. Now, what are the plans for the Kenobi child?", Palpatine asked. Vader had already left the throne room. Xizor didn't need the force to see that Vader was clearly pissed.
The mornings bright light peeked in the bunker of Taneth's ship. She had been here for a few days, and already she wished Vader would catch her and put her out of her extreme bored. Talking to the group kept her busy until everyone left, except Luke. Taneth decided to head out to visit her father's small home.
Her clothes each day showed their worn out look, but she didn't care about style. The trek across the desert wouldn't be too bad. Taneth reached Ben's old house and looked for Luke. Footprints around the area lead to Beggar's Canyon. 'A struggle took place here.' Aliens' presences surrounded her. The main one, leader she thought,. was about twice her size. 'He looks very familiar', she thought still gazing at the aliens. Each carried their own weapon of choice as they slowly circled around her.
"I must warn you; I'm no one to be messed with. Anything you demand shall be given to you in a reasonable amount of time.", Taneth stated. Some of the group chuckled a bit. 'I knew that wouldn't work. Nothing is that easily accomplished.'
"We just want you, angel.", the big one said grinning. Taneth sneered at his comment clearly disgusted.
"I'm off limits, buddy.", she warned. Two aliens from opposite sides dashed and grabbed her arms; Taneth struggled failing to free her arms. One of the smaller ones stepped in front of her. She planted a foot in his chest then flipped over the two aliens holding her. Startled, they let go of her arms and tried to turn around to get her again. Taneth spin kicked them both cleanly in the face then grabbed the one to the right and used him as a shield as blows came her way. Others of the group came to help their friends. Taneth saw an opening, let go of the creature she was holding then whipped past them with Jedi speed.
'A plan. I need a plan.', she frantically thought. Taneth stopped dead in her tracks and ignited her saber. The goons ran to her and stopped in front of her while others formed around her. She reached out with the force and threw her saber horizontally letting it spin like a deadly saw. Before each one of the aliens could move, the saber spun it's course taking off the each alien's head. Taneth called her saber to her the disignited the blade.
A wave of regret came over her. 'I didn't have to kill them.', she pondered. A small prick hit her neck. Her hand went instantly to the place and pulled out a small dart. Immediately she became dizzy then fell to her knees. Taneth looked around seeing no one around. She whipped her head around to see an alien about her size lowering a gun. He gave a signal and bigger guys came and lifted her up a bit.
"I don't think the dose was enough.", the small alien commented looking at the two holding her. Taneth's head was spinning keeping her from thinking straight. 'This is so relaxing', she dreamily pondered. What kind of drug is this?
"She's not struggling, so lets pack her.", the one above her said. They carried her off. Later on they came back and gave her another concentration of fluid. Within seconds she was asleep.
Taneth woke up from the cold floor. Her eyes adjusted seeing a blaster at her head. The alien who had caught her before had a blaster in hand. He lifted her up and drug her across a platform and to a hallway of cells. The second one to the right was to be her home for a while. Wonderful. He shoved her in.
"However much I'm worth I'll gladly pay it with interest.", Taneth said facing him.
"You don't have enough, and besides, this will make me look good. I caught a Jedi then gave her to the highest bidder.", he boasted then smiled.
"Who is the highest bidder?", she asked. Who the heck else would want her?
"That information can't be given out. Sweet dreams, Jedi.", he cheerfully answered then slammed the cell. Taneth looked at the dingy walls, a thin cot for a bed, and the lack of windows for light to enter in. She sighed deeply hoping Luke and Leia were all right.
Daughter of General Kenobi sat in a small cell after being caught by bounty hunters. Her ego was taking a dive. 'What would my father say?', Taneth thought. She placed her hands behind her head and relaxed. Might as well rest while she was here.
Just a few hours later Taneth received a rude awaking. She opened her eyes to see the alien from before leading in a new prisoner. Luke fell in landing on her legs. After helping him up she smiled and hugged him. It didn't click with her that he still had no idea they were brother and sister. Taneth pulled away a little embarrassed, but Luke didn't seem to mind it and smiled. The gate was locked leaving them alone in almost pitch black.
"Wanted alive or dead?", Taneth asked with a half-grin. Unusual way to start a conversation, but it worked.
"Worth more alive.... barely.", he said and reluctantly smiled back.
"Same here. Where did you go? I looked for you then I saw tracks leading to Beggar's Canyon."
Luke sighed, "After I finished my lightsaber, some goons attacked. I took one of their crafts and lead them into Beggar's Canyon."
"I think I was attacked by the same goons.", Taneth said. Luke looked at her with his deep blue eyes and shook his head.
"What would someone want with us?", Luke asked her in the dark. Taneth knew a few reasons why, but she had no clue of who would want her alive.
"Well, at least they want us alive.", Taneth commented trying to sound happy. It failed. Taneth wondered when to tell him that they were related, and how to tell him.
"Luke, do you remember your mother?", Taneth began. Luke had a look of sadness in his eyes. Poor child never knew his mother. Her memories were very limited, but out of the three she knew Amidala the most.
"I don't remember her at all.", he replied regretfully letting his gaze drop to the ground.
"I did know her.", Taneth put in. Luke lifted his eyes back to hers.
"How? Is she still alive?", he asked with a hint of hope in his voice.
"No, she isn't alive. My mother... our mother died when we were young.", Taneth put in staring at the wall. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Luke's surprised look. He knew it was true, but it was just hard to face.
"Older?", he wondered. She nodded a yes.
"Luke, that's why I was at Bespin. I trained to be a Jedi by my father and Yoda. Under a strict oath, I swore to protect you and Leia from harm. I failed to prevent you from losing your hand and I failed to help Leia and her friend. So far, I haven't done a good job at anything.", she angrily said hitting the wall with the side of her fist.
"Don't apologize for being compassionate, Taneth. I do want to know one thing. Did you know Darth Vader was my father?"
"Honestly, Luke I didn't. Obi-Wan told us the same stories.", Taneth answered. The guard at their door banged the door making a loud clang. After telling them to shut up, he resumed to dozing. Luke went to the door and attempted to use the mind trick on him. After a few times, they were free.
Darkness was all around and not just in their cell. Both of them spotted their weapons and fetched them. Open blast fire lit the room as guards from all around stormed in. Both her and Luke struggled to block all the fire while guarding the other's back. A huge explosion grabbed everyone's attention. The scoundrel himself, Lando, stuck his head in.
"Come on Luke lets get out of here!", he said. Luke grabbed her arm as if to take her with him. Taneth shrugged away. Go Luke. I'll hold them off!, Taneth told him through the force. He complied and ran to the Falcon. Taneth moved her saber as fast as she could keeping the path clear for Luke. When he was in the ship, Taneth cut a beam that held the roof up letting the hole Lando made fill in.
A blaster shot to her shoulder made her stumble back. Her skin was only mildly burned, but the small distraction was enough for them to recapture her. A sharp pain hit her back and shoulders then her stomach. An alien pulled back throwing a pipe down to the ground. Taneth didn't struggle. Luke was safe that was all that was important. She was thrown aside but guarded. The rest of the goons began to clean up the place.
Hours later Vader's presence graced the bounty hunter's lair. The aliens picked up Taneth and watched Vader with a fearful eye. Had Vader come here to pick up Luke? The dark lord looked at the mess, the aliens, then Taneth.
"What happened here?", Vader questioned the bounty hunter. The hunter looked so small compared to Vader's huge size. Taneth felt bad for the little guy.
"The prisoners escaped then one left when a ship dropped in. We did managed to save one of them.", he said very nervously. Taneth look at Vader sensing his displeasure. The creature began to grab at it's throat as if trying to remove an invisible choke. Vader saw Taneth and became very curious.
"Who wanted this Jedi alive?", he asked the hunter releasing his grip to let the alien answer.
"My lord, I'm afraid we can't relea--", he was cut off by a chokehold.
"You'll be dead in less than a second if you don't tell me who the other bidder is.", Vader threatened. The alien grasped and moved his mouth to form words but couldn't find a breath to say them. Vader released the choke and waited for the alien to answer.
"Prince Xizor, my lord.", he finally said. Vader was silent for a while looking at nothing but the ground. His dark presence turned to face her. With a motion she was loaded onto his shuttle. Taneth sat down in the closet seat. Vader stepped aboard and told his pilot to go. Vader sat across from her. After take off Taneth stared out in the stars. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Vader examining her. Taneth sighed and hated to be stared at.
"Lord Vader, why do you keep staring at me?", she asked hatefully. It didn't mean to come out that way, but Vader didn't seem to care.
"Because you have your mother's most beautiful qualities, is the reason.", Vader answered.
"How'd you know?", Taneth wondered very suspiciously.
"They same person who sent hunters after you also proved you were Amidala's and Obi-Wan's daughter." Taneth sighed. With no idea of what to say, she remained quiet not looking at the Sith lord. She moved her arm up to rest her head only to have a sharp pain come to it. She looked at her shoulder remembering how it was burnt earlier. Through the force Taneth began to heal her shoulder and her leg wound from a while back.
"Why do you keep me alive?", Taneth asked Vader not facing him.
"I kept you alive before because of your striking resemblance to Amidala. Now, you will be taken to the Emperor where he will decide your fate." Taneth pondered to Luke which made Vader's senses wonder also.
"That's why you were helping Luke and his friends.", Vader stated knowing the answer.
"Yes, I was protecting my half-brother. Long ago I made a promise to protect him.", Taneth said slightly sad. Her guilt came back as she thought of Luke's missing hand then him plummeting to the bottomless hole. She turned to face Vader with a very serious look on her face, "Lord Vader... Anakin," she began using his real name, "If Palpatine said that for the good of the dark side you must kill Luke, would you?"
Vader didn't say anything. She knew the answer knowing even Vader wouldn't harm his son. Taneth looked at her old wounds seeing them gone. She let a smile cross her lips then leaned back closing her eyes. The rest of the trip remained the same way. Very few words spoken between her, a Jedi, and Vader, a Sith. Two enemies that somehow seemed to end up in strange situations.
To be continued....
*For those who haven't read Shadows of the Empire, Xizor is a reptilian alien that tries to kill Luke. Vader along time ago kill his family (don't remember how exactly been a while since I've read the book), and Xizor sends his agents to kill Luke to hurt Vader, but after his palace is blown up, he is killed by Vader's fleet (I think).*
**I did the editing very fast, so please ignore the fact there are probably a bunch of grammatical errors.