The Disgraced Jedi By: The disgraced Angel Written: March 19 and 20, 2004
Disclaimer: The depressed characters in this story are all Lucas' creations. I have only just mutilated their reputations and their story to entertain my evil self. I have made no money off this, and if your rich daddy happens to be a layer, I tell you now: you'll only receive lint, on that can't pat any of your bills.
A/N: Thank you soooooo much for the reviews! They inspired me to get off my lazy starburst obsessed butt and start this chapter! Hope u like, this is gonna be a long one...................................................................................................
Dedicated to: Princess-Kinky & Bloody Akiko Nagi the Insane & Orinoco Flow (Brittany) (Thanks u guys! You made me smile!)
Chapter Eleven: Disturbance Of Fatal Fate
Lord Darth Vader paced the bridge, scrutinizing the crew, checking for the minor errors he would "dismiss" his crew for. His thoughts were centered mainly on, however, Courascant, the planet He and his Master would be soon residing on.
He remembered the Imperial palace, the lush gardens, the lights, the sounds, and the excitement. Before, due to his nuisance medical condition, he had never experienced the full effect all those things could have on one.
How he despised staying on a ship with bland recycled air, and the food! Flavorless, He thought. Now that he could actually eat regular food, he wanted it to be flavorful...He sighed, and continued thinking...When the attack on the rebels is done, he thought, I shall find Leia and begin training her...she did not accept me when I was in armor, but maybe like this, I can better convert her...It is a pity, he thought, that her and Luke's children perished. The little one, Ben as I think he was called, would have made a fine apprentice..........
Vader made his way back to his private chambers, when suddenly an admiral confronted him, terror in his eyes. "What is it?" Vader asked, very annoyed that he was being interrupted. "L-Lord Vader, The Em-emperor wishes for you to-to contact him immediately." The man swallowed hard, and focused on the floor. Vader took notice of how his crew were even more fearful of him, despite the armor. Fear is good, though. It powers the galaxy He thought. Snapping back from his thoughts, he nodded at the Admiral. "You may go." The Admiral did not need to be told twice, and quickly walked as fast as he could from Lord Vader.
Member's in the room gaped at Wedge Antilles, at this point believing him to be insane. Before Han or Leia could so much as counter that declaration, Mon Mothma stood up and hotly addressed the Rouge Squadron Leader. "General Antilles, I am sure you are already aware of this, but Luke Skywalker has been deceased for four years! And, whatever kind of prank or misunderstanding this is, it is incorrect." Her eyes bore into Wedge's. Anger radiated from nearly everyone in the room except Han, Leia, and Wedge. Leia was aghast at how they could have found out. The bomb had to drop sometime Han thought wearily. "President, I mean no disrespect, but I have the Picture and the results right here. These tests do not lie." Wedge said, sadness evident in his voice. He glanced at Leia and mouthed, I'm sorry.
Leia opened her mouth to speak, but Admiral Ackbar beat her to it. "General, Luke was proven dead. The evidence is all here. Those tests could have been tampered with. Or a computer mistake could have caused that error. It is very unnecessary for us to bring up such a painful topic. Leia and Han themselves practically witnessed his passing." Wedge nodded, and looked at Leia and Han. "I am sorry...I just, seeing his face and all these things...it was enough to freak anyone out. Maybe a small part of me hoped my old buddy was still alive." He said, the pain and sorrow he felt obvious in his voice. He bowed his head, and let the picture turn over.
"Don't apologize, Wedge. I believe that is for me to do." Leia muttered. Everyone looked at her, puzzled. "Leia, you don't have to say anything. The case is closed." Han murmured. He looked into her ashamed eyes, and felt all his tiredness leave him. "I shouldn't have hid it this long. They have got to know. It is not my secret to keep." She whispered. Everyone's eyebrows were raised at her whispering. "It isn't a crime to keep him secret. It is for his safety." Han said, his eyes pleading for her. How could he keep Luke safe and out of trouble, if everyone knew, and shamed him for his actions.
"It is a conspiracy against the New Republic." She said. "They'll understand. They love Luke." But Leia didn't sound so convinced herself. What if they find out about his dealings with the empire! She thought. But it was too late to cover it up. Turing to her friends and collogues, her voice shaking, she said, "Wedge is very correct. Luke Skywalker is alive, and currently residing in our home."
"You seem so different, Chip." Adowen, current leader of C.O.T.E said. He and Luke were sitting in a chilled office, discussing Luke's long absence. For once, he was glad he was being addressed as the only name they knew him by, Chip Donnel.
Luke could feel himself sweating, his eyes race toward the doors that led to closets and storage, his hand fiddle with a useless scrap piece of loose metal. "It has been awhile...friend." He swallowed.
Normally he would never have been frightened of the Chiss Swordsman. But that was when he was a powerful Jedi, and not a force scared broken man. He was defenseless. Oh stars, why did I come back. He thought.
"A while indeed. We have missed you." The Chiss smiled, and embraced Luke. "Is everything alright?" He asked, concern in his voice. Luke cleared his throat and pulled away. "Yes...I was just...surprised to find the base empty. Where is everyone?" Adowen's smile grew bigger. "We have allied ourselves with the true Empire. Now the fight begins..." Luke's throat went dry. "The Empire?" The Chiss shook his head. "I am surprised you of all people haven't heard. The Emperor has returned." Of course Luke knew this...Leia had told him. But it surprised Luke to hear that the alliance came about so quick...The Chiss nodded, and began to explain things clearer, and with relish. Stay Calm. Try and be evil again...Concentrate! Luke thought frantically. He put on a fake smile. "Wonderful." He said thickly. "But that is not the best part." The Chiss continued. "They have constructed a new Death Star." Luke nodded, and tried to express happiness and excitement. Adowen nodded, and took a deep breath. In an awed voice he said, "And The Emperor has put his new apprentice in control. The rebels do not stand a chance." Any courage and ploy he had worked up was instantly gone. APPRENTICE! His mind screamed. Could a new emperor have found yet another force sensitive crony? It was De'je'vu...It was another evil Vader And Palpatine match..."Chip." Luke felt like passing out. How could so much happen? How could he have missed it! The one consonance Luke had was that at least they did not know he truly was. They knew him as Chip, the Jedi outcast that had supported the Empire. They knew he was an ex-ex-rebel, and that he had fought Vader once. But they did not know he was Luke Skywalker. Luke intended to keep it that way.
"Our new base is aboard the Star Destroyer Vanquisher. I have been waiting for you, Chip. We now serve the Emperor." He saluted to the Emperor, and gestured for Luke to do the same. What am I getting myself into!? He thought. Adowen turned to him, and gazed at him fondly. "You were a great leader to us, Chip. You helped us bring the Mighty Empire where it is today. We would be honored if you would rejoin our ranks at the Vanquisher, and become commander. Will you?" The proposal felt like a death sentence. How could he have been so destructive! I'm a member of the New Republic! Not a to be commander of an imperial star destroyer! What to do...what to do...But if I did this, it might benefit us. I could get information...yes, I see an opportunity... He thought. Looking at the blue skinned man, he saw that he could not refuse.
"It would be MY honor, Adowen." The two men smiled, one because of the love he felt for his new government, and the other, because it was the only thing he could do at the moment. They walked out of the room, Luke feeling more and more like an imperial. Questions raced around his mind like flies. He was leaving to go and serve the empire, leaving Leia, Leaving Han. The imperials were the culprits for his son and his niece and nephews deaths. But I can't turn back now, he thought grimly. Better start acting like an Imperial. I've got a new mission. And despite his anxiousness, he grinned. He knew that he was somehow walking into the biggest mess of his life, but for now, he felt he could almost hear Obi-Wan's soothing voice tell him to go with the flow. His old masters advice had never steered him wrong before...Luke took a great breath. He had to scold himself. He was getting excited about fighting again. His rebel days were back...Except he was on the other side of the fight this time.
"I have proof right here, Commander." Leia said hotly. She, Han, Commander Skzyhil, Admiral Ackbar, Mon Mothma, General Antilles, and countless guards were standing outside her apartment quarters. All but Leia and Han stood watching her skeptically, in sheer disbelief that Luke Skywalker had returned and was in Leia's apartment.
They stepped in as a group, eyes trying to still adjust to the dimness of things. "Leia, turn on a light or something..." Han said, squished between Wedge and Admiral Ackbar. Within seconds, the apartment was in full illumination, and the tightly packed people began slowly disbanding.
Rubbing his arms, Commander Skzyhil looked expectantly upon Leia. "Your highness, this is no time to be playing sick pranks on the government. It is clear as anything," he said smugly, "that Skywalker is not here." He all but spat the name. Leia was shaking with rage. "I am NOT by any means jesting! My brother is alive and well. Han, find him!" She said, looking at Han's worried eyes. He left silently, and returned only minutes later by himself. "Leia," He muttered, a slight panic in his voice, "He isn't here." Leia shook her head. Commander Skzyhil smirked. "It is apparent to me that the Princess is obviously suffering er...mental confusion at this sudden outlook on Skywalker's reappearance, and not to mention the impact of his death and her children's....." Leia shook her head. "Are you accusing me of being Insane?" Her voice was dripping with anger. Han came to her and tried to comfort her. Admiral Ackbar looked at Leia, pity filling his large round eyes. "Leia, we are very sorry for the sadness this has caused you. Perhaps.......you need some time to rest. You do not look well." He said gently. And indeed she did not.
She gaped at them is disbelief. Mon Mothma turned to address Leia also, her tone firm. "Leia, Luke is dead. Whether you are referring to his Jedi ghost or not, he is not here. We must move on from this." Leia's jaw was set, and her hands were quenched. "Han, tell them. Luke was here today. We talked to him remember?" She turned to him. When he didn't respond, she gently shook is arm. "Remember?" He looked into her eyes, and shook his head. "Han! What- do-you-mean?"
General Antilles stepped up to Leia, and patted her back. "It's okay, Leia." He said quietly. She turned to him, noting the look in his eyes. "Oh not you too! Look, I'm am not insane! Luke was here, and he is probably just out...doing something." She bit her lip. Things were not looking good. Luke knew to stay inside. What had happened to him? "Han, please, tell them Luke was here yesterday. I know you saw him. I know Chewbacca saw him. Do you deny that?" An edge had set into her voice. Wedge took her arm, slowly dragging her away from Han. "Let go of me Wedge!" She said, and pulled away. Standing in front of Han she looked into his lost eyes.
"He hasn't been here Leia. Not today, or the day before. The last thing I said to him," He said, his voice starting to have that slight panic again, "Was to stay out of trouble, and not to leave. But I think he did. And he hasn't returned or left anything to hint where he has gone."
Leia bit back the urge to scream, and turned back to her colleges. "As you heard from Han, we have seen him, and he has been here. But at the moment, he has left, despite the fact we told him not to." They gave astonished looks at both husband and wife. But at least, Leia thought, satisfied, I have some proof he was here. Hoping they would believe her, she said, "My brother did not really die. He left for a while to join a small group of political activists," She said, trying hard as she could to lie but tell the truth, too. Han gave her a sly look, and nodded for her continue. Obviously, they were very interested in what she had to say, now that Han had supported her story. "And he stayed active with them, until he decided to come to us, to get his son. Well, we took him in, and he stayed with us, and slowly began to re-heal himself. He had wanted to tell all of you about what had happened, but he was worried he would be rejected. It was not until today that we realized our mistake. As wrong as it was of Luke to deceive us, it was jut as wrong for us to hide him. I am sorry. And Wedge, I am sorry he er.......stole your X-wing. I will make sure it is returned."
Commander Shzyhil was the first to recuperate from the surprising speech, and said, "And you actually expect us to believe this-this little story?" His eye's were wide, his head shaking back and forth. Wedge looked almost as surprised, and the other two were standing there like dumb-struck children.
Mon Mothma, always full of poise and confidence stepped up to Leia. Her eyes were set on the Princess determined stare. "Leia, suppose we believe this story? Then what? There are too many unexplained factors in it...it's too, too..." She trailed off, and looked a little fluttered.
"It's too far-fetched. You are quiet a sly liar, Princess. Though I must salute you on your creativity. I do not know to many people that could have invented such an entertaining explanation." Commander Skzyhil tutted. "You must get that "sly" streak from your father, eh, your highness?" He said, no hint of humor on his face.
Han stepped forward, not much caring about political etiquette at the moment. "Look Commander," He fumed, "Don't you ever make one comment about Leia's parentage." He pointed an accusing finger. "Leia here just poured out an agonizing secret to all of you, and instead of having faith in her, when she has never steered any of you wrong, you use her background against her, and accusing her of being insane!" Han was letting them have, and enjoying the guilty looks on most of the faces present. Han turned to Leia and looked at her. He felt sad and annoyed, and only wanted something to go right. His entire life was falling apart. He didn't want the one thing he loved to have to go through this much pain...again.
Leia's eyes urged his to stop his rampage, but her voice made no effort to quell his speaking. So Han took this as a sign to continue. "It is no wonder our beloved government is falling apart! If we can't even trust our own leaders, and can't even try and believe in a miracle, then perhaps it isn't our duty to be running things..." Maybe he was going to far. The look of astonishment on General Antilles face certainly supported that thought...But Admiral Ackbar saved the speech. Clearing his throat, he said softly, "I think what General Solo is trying to say, is that Our existence is a miracle. We all are aware of the historical battle of Yavin, and the of the fight against the second death star. I think he is right." Turning to the bewildered Han, he continued, "But for four years we have had nothing else to believe but that Luke Skywalker was dead. It is hard, Han, to suddenly accept his return. But nonetheless, Han, Leia...you have never proven to betray our trust, or to mislead us. I support you in these statements, and whenever he is ready, I hope Commander Skywalker comes and reveals himself to us again."
Leia and Han were intensely relieved and thankful for the gentle Mon Calamari's' suppost. General Wedge Antilles smiled. "He is always welcome to return to rouge squadron. We'd be proud to take him on." They believe me, Leia thought, they do. She felt her hands unclench, and her face lose it's tense look. "I understand that it is quite unbelievable, but I tell you it is true." She took a deep breath, and looked from Mon Mothma's serene smiling face, to Wedge's grinning one, to Admiral Ackbar's unreadable expression, and finally to Commander Skzyhil's livid face. At least I made some progress, she thought.
Mon Mothma nodded at her, and started to speak. "I think it would be best if we all went our ways now. Tomorrow will be a busy day, I expect for us, and there is no sense in arguing over things we have no control over now. When Luke Skywalker shows up, if he does, he will be accepted back into the New Republic. But until then, we must worry about things concerning our immediate future. As you all are quite aware, the Imperial government is gaining support quickly." They all nodded. "You are all dismissed. Good Night." Mon Mothma turned to leave, flanked by Admiral Ackbar and Commander Skzyhil.
"You don't actually believe that nonsense, do you President?" Commander Skzyhil hissed. "I do." The older woman said icily. They turned a bend, and then disappeared from the three other sight.
Wedge looked at his two closest friends. I hope they are okay. And I hope Luke really is coming back, he thought wistfully. Clearing his throat, he said gently, "Goodnight Leia and Han. I'll see you Han at the meeting tomorrow." He waved to them, and gave them a comforting smile. As he too, began to walk away, he turned back to them briefly, and whispered, "I believe Luke is coming back. I know he wouldn't leave us. He's too much of hero for that."
Kneeling on one knee, Darth Vader gazed at the slick metal floor, wondering what his master would be telling him. "Arise, Lord Vader." The Emperor snapped. Vader complied, and faced his Master's seven foot holo. The Emperor's sunken face hadn't changed since death. Nor had the cold, malicious glint in his eye. My master is up to something big, Vader thought.
"I don't want you to take the Vanquisher and the Tyrant with you to Courascant. We have the Death Star to do the dirty work....There, you will launch our planned attack on the rebel base near the outskirts of the city." Vader nodded, and continued to listen, despite his obvious confusion..."And then release our troops into Courascant. When the battle is done, I want no rebels to escape. You will orbit the planet to make sure of that." Lord Vader nodded. He tried to dissolve the look of discomfort on his face, but his all-knowing master knew him too well.
"You have a problem, my young apprentice?" Lord Vader sighed, something he wasn't accustomed to doing. "Master," He rumbled, "If we took the two other star destroyers, we wouldn't need to unveil the death star until later. The best element in war is surprise...Besides, we will need more troops on ground. And more monitors to orbit the planet." The Emperor nodded, and seemed to consider the thought. "You are correct...yes, very good," The Emperor mumbled. Finally noticing his apprentice's impatience, he addressed the dark lord again. "It is settled then. You will take the Tyrant and Vanquisher to Courascant. The Death Star shall remain here. Once all is settled on the planet, you will return to your command at the Death Star." Vader seemed more settled on the matter. But he still did not relish being stuck on another Death Star....but if his master willed it so... "Yes my master." He bowed.
"Our final victory is approaching. Once we have secured our government, you will be free to capture the Princess..." Vader inwardly smiled. That had been what he wanted. "It is a pity Skywalker is dead...and a pity all his trainees as well. It seems ironic that after all the children and trainees there were, we are again left with one last Jedi...how strange fate is." Then, coming out of his train of thoughts, the Emperor said goodbye, and ended the transmission. Vader pushed the excited thoughts racing through his mind and went to contact the Commanders on the Vanquisher and the Tyrant.
A/N: How did this chapter fare? If you loved it, please review! If ya hated it, please review: Tell me what I did wrong! And expect more chapters.......But PLEASE BEFORE YOU LEAVE, REVIEW!!!! Love ya!