In honor of:
S. Kaiba receiving his soul,
Hope for the future of creativity,
Singing the entire medley of West Side Story mindlessly on a bus,
Just finishing this.. thing,
____________________________
Leia slowly walked out of the cell. Fully clad in storm trooper armor, she accepted a utility belt from Chewie.
"Thanks, Chewie. Now remember, if we're to move at all, it'll be tonight. Go to your cell until then and we'll be back with these." She held up Davin's binders.
"Keep the blaster incase anyone comes along.. and this extra com-link." Both her and Davin would have to be on patrol to remain inconspicuous.
"Arfive, just go about your business, alright? Meet us back here at 1700 hours; That's when they're planning to unload the prisoners, right?"
Davin nodded. Something just told Leia that this trooper was sincere. The little red droid beeped an affirmative. While on patrol she would find out where Luke was, see how she could help him, and if she did get her friend back.. then Han was next.
____________________________
Han Solo could still feel it; The phantom cold of carbonite, not just surrounding but plastered to his skin, that had encased him. He was still shaking and was disoriented from something that being frozen must have done to him. Han fought to push down the panic that he could no longer see and hoped that it was only a temporary effect of the carbonite. He could feel the filthy of Gammorean gaurds pushing him along with their bulging bellies of slime and he honestly didn't want to know where he was going unless it was home. Well, home being where ever the next make-shift rebel base would be. That and
*Leia.*
Jabba the Hutt had for once not invited most of the usual attendants of his palace this night. Sy Snootles and her back-up singers were out of the main throne room tonight as well as the Max Rebo band. Salacious Crumb had orders to not be jester. Everything was quiet as Han; unknown to him, entered Jabba's throne room. Only Bib Fortuna who stood respectively at the doorway, Oola who was condemned by chaining to the throne, Salacious Crumb, and about twelve choice low-lives were present. Han was blind but not deaf as he heard a low chuckle that turned into a full booming laugh.
"Jabba.." he started.
"(It's too late, Solo. I see you've all too easily forgotten everything that we've helped you accomplish.)"
"I was trying to bring in a little more Jabba, for you know, interest. Things got in the way and I-"
"(You were a good smuggler Solo, it is a shame for this incompetence. I gave you everything, paid your miserable hide much more than anyone ever could have and now I've seen how you repay my hospitality. Tell me, before you die, what really happened.)"
Han knew that tone, had seen many receive it years ago.
"I told you Jabba, I got side tracked. The Empire isn't so easy to-"
"(I've heard enough of these excuses! I will take great pleasure in hanging your bones in the place of your carbonite slab.)"
Han heard the excited ramblings and murmurs of only a few and his suspicions of only a small crowd were confirmed. He felt the gammorean guards take a tight hold and push pull on his upper arms, dragging his feet over a grate. Well, at least he knew where he was as he stood with their blasters were bruising his back. But first, Han had a few things he would like to tell that sickening worm fodder, himself.
"And I, Jabba," he declared "Will take great pleasure in knowing that after you run out of food and attempt to eat Crumb over there, his bones will be the ones you choke on!" Han, afterwards, muttered under his breath. Definitely better insults out there, but let anyone in his place try to think of one.
It took a while but Jabba's eyes genuinely widened in insult and the little lizard monkey's eyes widened in surprise as he skittered behind the throne.
Jabba gladly went along with the plan as he added it to the pile of outrage that Solo had accumulated, slamming his fist on the button.
Han felt himself begin plummet into the pit of the rancor, but suddenly a hand grabbed onto his. Lando Calrissian, who had been mixed in with the crowd, had grabbed his hand as planned and slowly pulled him up, grunting, and let Han pick himself up off the floor. Lando then performed.
"Jabba, wait! You're losing a lot of money here! At least work him to repay you, before you eliminate him." Han had no idea where Lando came from and if he thought he had enough strength he would have tried to to slug him again.
"(Fool, he would only run like the coward scum he's turned in to.)"
Lando took a few thoughtful paces.
"You could send a bounty hunter with him. Besides, he has no one to go to."
Han turned quickly in the direction he thought Lando's voice was.
"If you haven't noticed, _pal_, I have friends that I've never dreamed of double-crossing, no matter what's happened, and they've never double- crossed me!" In a regreaful tone, Lando went on softer.
"That's just it, Buddy.. not anymore."
____________________________
There was no resting sleep. It was a bottomless state of unconsciousness that leaves you just as miserable and energy deprived as before. Luke Skywalker had faintly felt the outer layers of confinement being ate away until he laid still, molded into the bottom half of the carbonite slab. He tried to regain a sense of consciousness of all his body parts but it was hard through the haze of it all. Why wasn't his left hand..
*Uggghhh*
He didn't want to remember; not one detail before nor the end of it all. He felt sick, nauseous. Something not quite cold, but definitely disturbing, kept prodding at his mind, and if he had the strength he would have tried to roll away. Suddenly, he was looking out but his world was beyond blackness, nothing.
*Am I..blind..? Where was he? As he paused to think, his ears caught on his father's breathing and he immediately tensed. The sound didn't come closer and Luke just lay still until he heard a voice. It was cold, stern, and mocking a friendly tone. "I've been expecting you young Skywalker.. I'm looking forward to completing your training."
Luke suddenly felt a firm grasp on each of his arms that peeled him off from the slab. As he began to rise, the strange, yet chilling voice continued flatly.
"You are feeling the effects of hibernation sickness. Do not worry, my young apprentice, the blindness is only temporary."
No.. Yoda had warned him, Ben had warned him.. Everyone had said it was dangerous, everyone had given a reason.. Slowly, attempting to clear his mind, Luke softly spoke as firmly as he could manage.
"You're wrong. I am not your apprentice."
Suddenly, he felt his father's presence in the Force strengthen as his strength joined his master's, raising his son off his feet and up the stairs that led to the emperor's throne. Once hovering above the top platform, they set him on his feet and released him. The emperor grinned as he gave a small wave of his hand. Luke suddenly wobbled on his still stiff legs and caught himself on his hands, as he fell to his knees. Emperor Palpatine smiled as sudden fear of falling back at an unknown height and sheer frustration suppressed
"I am afraid that it is you who is mistaken, my young apprentice. You see," he paused, "You are already kneeling before me."
He gave Luke only time enough to rise to his feet. "
Your friends are captured, or dead.. by now. I understand that you have been very active in the rebellion. If you could only see where you are."
Luke held his tongue and his thoughts. All he needed to know was how to get out.
____________________________
"What the hell are you talking about? No, forget that! What the hell are you doing here?!"
"It wasn't my choice."
"Just like it wasn't your choice to betray me, huh old pal? Just like it wasn't your choice to almost get us all killed!?"
"There were innocent people in Cloud City at stake, Han!"
"It was your hide that was at stake! What did you come here to do, check up on me!?"
"Vader sent me as a punishment for nothing! The Empire wouldn't stop until every ones' lives on my city were as miserable as those of your rebellion. I feared for my life as well, but I was the administrator and it was my job to do what was in the best interests of the people!"
"Yeah, but what about your friends?"
Lando was quiet for a moment, until his eyes squinted and his face twisted.
"Damn it, Han, don't you think I thought of that?! A million times over, I've regretted it and don't tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing if the princess was at risk!"
"And that's exactly right where you put her! Her and Chewie! Don't preach morals to me, you knew what Vader was capable of!"
"He said that they would be left in the city under my supervision! You know I would've taken care of them!"
Lando then flashed a forced sign to Jabba that indicated he would continue to carry out the plan.
"And what about me? You knew he wouldn't go easy on me, or a wookie! You should've expected this. No.. I should have expected this from _you_! Fett wears wookie scalps slung over his shoulder! Not only Chewie too but what about Luke!? You destroy the lives of people you haven't even met!"
"How was I supposed to know who Skywalker was!? I thought you would be let go after being used as bait. You and everyone else! I never knew things would go this far!"
"What happened to Chewie and Leia!? Did you see Luke?"
Jabba had been lost from the conversation long ago.
"I had the guards rigged all along for safety precautions. I knew Vader was dangerous. Leia, Chewie and the droids tried to find you before-- Well we made it in time just to see Slave One take off. The storm troopers were shooting at us and didn't obey stun commands. They were gunned down Han.."
"I don't believe you.." Han said through clenched teeth. Lando started to try to stitch something together.
"Vader was furious. I told you that rebellion was dangerous Han. He was still angry at Skywalker for what ever he had done. He's not around either.."
"Take it back," growled Han. "I never thought you could lie so low. Vader just has them."
"The storm troopers killed them, Han. You and I were sent here and Skywalker never made it out alive. Droids are easy to blast into tiny pieces, You and I've seen it countless times at Mos Eisley. The golden one didn't even have any legs!"
"You make me sick.."
"Listen to me here, I'm sorry.."
"You lie!"
Lando gulped.
"She said she loved you.."
Han had been gauging in on that voice and took a flying lunge at the spot where Lando's voice had been coming from, toppling them both over as he landed a punch wherever he could. Quickly, the gammorean guards re-gained control of his arms and pulled him up, standing, and off Lando.
"This place is all that's left Han.." Lando ended.
Jabba spoke up, pleased with Calrissian's performance.
"(Guards, take Captain Solo back to his cell!)"
"I know they're alive.. Just wait 'till I get my hands on your throat-"
The gammorean guards had grabbed him and drug him off struggling.
____________________________
With Threepio, Artoo, and Chewie in their cells, and Arfive milling about casually until later notice, Leia had gone of patrolling with Davin close by. One thing that most of the other storm troopers, Leia, and Davin didn't count on was the grave majority of the storm troopers being called to the docking bay. Leia was both amazed and wanted to scream in rage. This place, this cursed place where Vader's ship had docked was another Death Star!
Mon Mothma had thought the Empire might try another grand-scale project, but never this. She was slightly comforted by the fact that by now, the rebellion must know about its existence. They had too many secret agreements and Bothan spies about.
Something was happening, something big; Important. She could feel it. There were the fabled Royal Imperial Guards. Each clad in blood red, towering in height and so composed, making storm troopers appear as clumsy children. Vader. He was here, waiting. But for what? Leia stood facing forward in her row, almost daring to twist her head to the side and see a shuttle landing. The perfect rows were separating, forming a walkway in which Vader stood front and center, kneeling with other commanders. As the boarding ramp came down, two Imperial Guards on each side, a dark figure emerged. Who could they possibly- Her throat tightened and her body went cold as now no one had to tell her who was coming aboard. The myth of The Emperor become real to her as she saw the man, himself, shrouded by his cloak. He paused next to Vader and the ominous, deadly man obediently rose, and they continued on their way, leaving the commanders kneeling.
For a moment, The Emperor seemed to pause in conversation and stride, almost as if something had caught his attention. Of course, Vader had also stopped course and gave a questioning glance, but just as soon he to shrug it off and walk on. If The Emperor was with Vader, and Vader had Luke, then- she didn't even want to think about it. It all came down to the fact that they needed help, and very badly. Afterwards, when all the storm troopers started to leave, Leia and Davin had casually strolled back to "Executer", only to find that it was gone.
Leia was running out of time.
____________________________
Han Solo didn't move from the bench in his cell. If you followed the lone strands of light that passed through the chamber's door you might of seen his fists clenched in anger or his eyes, pressed closed firmly in pain.
*Nothing happened..*
Han knew that the chances were slim that Leia or Chewie had made it away from the city, but he had to hope. And even if they didn't make it, they still had Luke.
Who was he kidding? Luke couldn't even save himself.
Han heard muffled shouts and scuffles coming down the hall. A new prisoner? There were more shouts. Calrissian..?
He nearly jumped when his door was slammed open and Lando was pushed through by two gammorean guards who watched eagerly through the bars. Lando looked nervous and was lucky that Han couldn't see that.
Han pounced and missed. One of the guards squealed directions at Han and he didn't miss a second time. Lando was on the defense as his former friend tried to see if he could hurt him as much as he had his friends. Both gammoreans cheered, flailing their fists until they heard palace chef, Momaw Nadon call out that the food was prepared for all guards. They grunted in disagreement until they saw the fight had worn down, and they walked off, planning to separate the two humans later. Both former friends lay on the cold, dank floor, exhausted and slightly gasping for air. Lando was the first to turn over.
"Feel better now!?" he said with frustration.
Han looked in his general direction.
"You know what, I do."
"Oh come off it Han-"
"You first you dirty, lying, son of a-"
"Don't you get it, yet? Jabba's just not going to let you go. He's angry Han; furious."
"No I haven't noticed."
Lando chose to ignore the sarcasm.
"Do you want to get out of here?" Lando got no answer.
"Han?"
"What is this? Is this all some sick joke to you? What don't you have a choice in now?"
Again, Lando chose to ignore him
"Chewie, Leia, the droids, they escaped from Cloud City. The officials, they double-crossed me; didn't fix the hyper drive."
For the first time Han was really listening and had never been so relieved to hear the unpleasant truth.
"Vader caught up with us. The droids might get a memory wipe but after all that chasing and planning he wouldn't want anyone dead."
Han closed his eyes let out a sigh of relief.
"You're friends with that Skywalker, right? He was captured too."
"Luke, you found him?"
"Actually, it was Leia who told us to turn around; he was hanging from an antenna on the underside of the city. We got him in the Falcon though."
Han didn't know how Luke managed these crazy stunts.
"How is everyone?"
"They were all worried most about you. Chewie tried to strangle me, which went over pretty well with Leia until I told them where Boba Fett was. I guess you can tell we didn't make it in time. No one was hit by any storm trooper blasts escaping from the city. We were pulled into the tractor beam aboard Vader's ship when they burst open the hatch. I took a few down, but then I was stunned. I'm guessing that's what their orders were so no one should be hurt more than that."
"Threepio still legless?"
"The little droid managed to get one leg back on. But Skywalker's missing a hand."
"What?"
"We were guessing Vader must've took it off. For whatever reason he seems to like your friend and went pretty easy on him considering the stories I've heard. He was shaken and beaten up pretty good though."
"And what about that whole big your-life-is-over-be-a-smuggler speech? D'ya do that for fun?"
"It was Steve's idea-"
"Who?"
"Some big-eyed alien. I think I can trust him. He has a friend working here; an exiled Ithorian chef."
"So Was it really nec-?"
"We made a deal and I'm trying to include you in it."
"Oh no, I don't want to be included in any more deals that I don't already know about."
"I meant we're helping each other escape."
"Escape! Are you kidding me? Listen, I know this place, and you're going anywhere."
"We're going to meet up the alliance and you're our and your own ticket, Han."
"Now just wait a minute.."
"Don't you see? It's all fake! Not for you, but for Jabba. If you can pretend to be so crushed that you'd go back to smuggling, then he might trust us both."
"And we all know how good you're at of breaking trust."
Lando sighed.
"I get it. I'm scum and you've known it for years, Buddy. But if you ever want to see anyone besides me and Jabba's court members, then you don't have a choice."
"What's the Itorian chef got to do with it?"
"He's in on the alliance and knows what goes around here. Look, before they drag me away here's how it goes..."
Lando whispered even quieter before, the details.
____________________________
Fareuhn Treb was in the service of the rising Empire. As a mere storm trooper who dreamt of having the garb and prestige of a royal guard, he was pleasantly surprised when he was trusted to unload the elusive prisoners. He had never really met royalty before. Well.. ex-royalty. And he was wondering why a princess would travel with two beat up droids and a wookie of all things! Strong, but distasteful creatures indeed! And such loud manners when upset..
Fareuhn had a squad of armed storm troopers in tow, all armed with blasters. They could either come peacefully or be stunned. Either way it was fine by him. Maybe he'd even get to carry the princess. He'd heard how feisty the woman could be. As the head of the troop, he definitely had skills for promotion and he would enjoy bringing the prisoners to Vader himself. After all, Vader was the Emperor's personal pet. Fareuhn motioned for all storm troopers to have their weapons ready inside Vader's ship.
They were outside the wookie's door and he knew how obnoxious they could become. The wookie didn't seem surprised at all to see the squad of storm troopers. As four members of the squad tried to approach him with blasters, he bellowed in protest making all of them slightly stumble back. Before anyone could fire a shot, Chewbacca held out both arms to be cuffed with binders. Chewie was glad he had taken off the storm trooper belt outside of the cell or it might raise some questions, but he knew it was only a matter of time.
He wanted Leia to get away, at least.
As he was cuffed, he was pushed down the corridor by all four troopers with their blasters at his back. The rest stood in front of the last three doors. Now,, Fareuhn was all business but he stopped his men. In a no nonsense tone of voice he simply stated
"Save the best for last."
Everyone knew what was meant by that, as one trooper pressed the button to open one of the droids' door. This one belonged to R2-D2. Remembering Leia's words to pretend to be memory wiped, the small droid softly whurred and looked around in confusion. One of the storm troopers spoke up.
"Hey. Where's your restraining bolt?"
Number 5284 just shook his head.
"He's had a memory wipe, Dein. What's he gonna do, run away to some place he doesn't even remember?"
A few troopers chuckled. The trooper just dropped it.
"Maintenance workers.. can't even do a simple job right."
As C-3P0's door was opened, he too knew what the princess's instructions were as he began to go into a tizzy.
"My goodness! Who am I? Oh, hello my name is.. oh no I've forgot! Who are you?!"
Some troopers snickered.
"Yeah, yeah, get on with ya. Guess you don't have a bolt either."
No one worried about that droid escaping. They can be told they work for the Empire, if they have the nerve to ask. Finally it was time for the princess. When the door was opened two storm troopers were inside. Everyone became quiet.
Out of the two troopers both were missing their weapons and their utility belts but one was missing his entire armor set!
At their feet lay one pair of broken binders. They looked as if they had been sawed off in the middle then some one had sawed off segments, almost to the skin where a prisoner could just use each hand to break them off. There was not only a traitor trooper imposter but it looked as if a droid had been involved as well. Probably an astromech.
Fareuhn was furious. Those incompetent!-- And the princess was gone! She couldn't have gotten far.
"Where is she?" Fareuhn asked calmly but with ourage in his voice. Threepio spoke.
"I would tell you but I don't know who she is! I don't know who I am. Oooh.."
"Shut up!"
The two stormtroopers inside the cell looked at the golden droid strangely.
"What do you mean you don't know who you are!? You were never given a memory wipe! That overgrown furball over there jumped us. He held our own blasters to our head, made us call off the memory wipe, and locked us in here!"
"Where - is - the - princess?"
"Afterwards she came in and stole Idaqn's armor, sir! With the wookie!"
Furiously, Fareuhn turned to the remaining three captives.
"So, you two never got memory wipes?"
Then he pointed to Chewbacca.
"And _you_.. You will tell me where the princess is."
Chewbacca just growled defiantly.
"That's all right. He then pointed to Idaqn.
"Trooper, what's your identification?"
"ST54, sir."
"Troopers, go to your quarters immediately and get on some decent armor. I'll deal with you both later."
"Yes sir." they both replied.
He then turned to Threepio, Artoo, and Chewie.
"It's no matter if you three don't tell, we can always track down that storm trooper's number. But with everything that is going on we can't afford to have a rebel loose. The memory wipes can wait. You three will pay! Take them to the cell blocks!"
All the storm troopers obeyed. Fareuhn then pulled out his com-link.
"Yes. I request ST54 here immediately. No, nothing's wrong. Just a routine check on troopers.."
____________________________
Leia remained absolutely quiet. Crates upon crates of supplies were being carried off. Seeing this on holo-vid several times, she had always wondered what it would have been like to have been the brave stow-away. She didn't feel brave.
Right after The Emperor had came for his visit she knew things were getting bad, but when she and Davin had walked back to where Vader's ship was, and it was gone.. They would no doubt be looking for her.
She never gave them the chance. At the last minute she had clambered into a crate waiting to be filled, her un-large form was among only a few med kits. Through the thin slats, thank goodness the storm troopers hadn't considered camouflage armor by now, her armor matched the kits' white exteriors. Davin,
*His bright idea..* h
ad volunteered namelessly, to help carry the crates onto another ship, sealing her inside one. Leia cursed herself for agreeing to something this ridiculous, not even knowing how she would escape from the crate undetected, when the time came, let alone how to escape at all.
She hoped no one could link Davin to her. They'd interrogate Chewie for sure. * Get him through this..* Storm troopers got in the way of everything.
Arfive was probably safe, too. Threepio wouldn't be of any help to The Empire, but she was so close to getting to Luke.. She hadn't even had any time to acquire any information on the second Death Star! It had been hide or be shot away.
That wouldn't do anyone any good. And she just couldn't leave things like that between her and Han. In the meantime, Leia would pray for her friends and hope wherever she landed, she could get out of this crate alive and go back to the rebels. They'd understand. Han was just too much to lose. And if she didn't hurry, they'd both lose their good friend.. whoever he was with.
____________________________
Leia slowly walked out of the cell. Fully clad in storm trooper armor, she accepted a utility belt from Chewie.
"Thanks, Chewie. Now remember, if we're to move at all, it'll be tonight. Go to your cell until then and we'll be back with these." She held up Davin's binders.
"Keep the blaster incase anyone comes along.. and this extra com-link." Both her and Davin would have to be on patrol to remain inconspicuous.
"Arfive, just go about your business, alright? Meet us back here at 1700 hours; That's when they're planning to unload the prisoners, right?"
Davin nodded. Something just told Leia that this trooper was sincere. The little red droid beeped an affirmative. While on patrol she would find out where Luke was, see how she could help him, and if she did get her friend back.. then Han was next.
____________________________
Han Solo could still feel it; The phantom cold of carbonite, not just surrounding but plastered to his skin, that had encased him. He was still shaking and was disoriented from something that being frozen must have done to him. Han fought to push down the panic that he could no longer see and hoped that it was only a temporary effect of the carbonite. He could feel the filthy of Gammorean gaurds pushing him along with their bulging bellies of slime and he honestly didn't want to know where he was going unless it was home. Well, home being where ever the next make-shift rebel base would be. That and
*Leia.*
Jabba the Hutt had for once not invited most of the usual attendants of his palace this night. Sy Snootles and her back-up singers were out of the main throne room tonight as well as the Max Rebo band. Salacious Crumb had orders to not be jester. Everything was quiet as Han; unknown to him, entered Jabba's throne room. Only Bib Fortuna who stood respectively at the doorway, Oola who was condemned by chaining to the throne, Salacious Crumb, and about twelve choice low-lives were present. Han was blind but not deaf as he heard a low chuckle that turned into a full booming laugh.
"Jabba.." he started.
"(It's too late, Solo. I see you've all too easily forgotten everything that we've helped you accomplish.)"
"I was trying to bring in a little more Jabba, for you know, interest. Things got in the way and I-"
"(You were a good smuggler Solo, it is a shame for this incompetence. I gave you everything, paid your miserable hide much more than anyone ever could have and now I've seen how you repay my hospitality. Tell me, before you die, what really happened.)"
Han knew that tone, had seen many receive it years ago.
"I told you Jabba, I got side tracked. The Empire isn't so easy to-"
"(I've heard enough of these excuses! I will take great pleasure in hanging your bones in the place of your carbonite slab.)"
Han heard the excited ramblings and murmurs of only a few and his suspicions of only a small crowd were confirmed. He felt the gammorean guards take a tight hold and push pull on his upper arms, dragging his feet over a grate. Well, at least he knew where he was as he stood with their blasters were bruising his back. But first, Han had a few things he would like to tell that sickening worm fodder, himself.
"And I, Jabba," he declared "Will take great pleasure in knowing that after you run out of food and attempt to eat Crumb over there, his bones will be the ones you choke on!" Han, afterwards, muttered under his breath. Definitely better insults out there, but let anyone in his place try to think of one.
It took a while but Jabba's eyes genuinely widened in insult and the little lizard monkey's eyes widened in surprise as he skittered behind the throne.
Jabba gladly went along with the plan as he added it to the pile of outrage that Solo had accumulated, slamming his fist on the button.
Han felt himself begin plummet into the pit of the rancor, but suddenly a hand grabbed onto his. Lando Calrissian, who had been mixed in with the crowd, had grabbed his hand as planned and slowly pulled him up, grunting, and let Han pick himself up off the floor. Lando then performed.
"Jabba, wait! You're losing a lot of money here! At least work him to repay you, before you eliminate him." Han had no idea where Lando came from and if he thought he had enough strength he would have tried to to slug him again.
"(Fool, he would only run like the coward scum he's turned in to.)"
Lando took a few thoughtful paces.
"You could send a bounty hunter with him. Besides, he has no one to go to."
Han turned quickly in the direction he thought Lando's voice was.
"If you haven't noticed, _pal_, I have friends that I've never dreamed of double-crossing, no matter what's happened, and they've never double- crossed me!" In a regreaful tone, Lando went on softer.
"That's just it, Buddy.. not anymore."
____________________________
There was no resting sleep. It was a bottomless state of unconsciousness that leaves you just as miserable and energy deprived as before. Luke Skywalker had faintly felt the outer layers of confinement being ate away until he laid still, molded into the bottom half of the carbonite slab. He tried to regain a sense of consciousness of all his body parts but it was hard through the haze of it all. Why wasn't his left hand..
*Uggghhh*
He didn't want to remember; not one detail before nor the end of it all. He felt sick, nauseous. Something not quite cold, but definitely disturbing, kept prodding at his mind, and if he had the strength he would have tried to roll away. Suddenly, he was looking out but his world was beyond blackness, nothing.
*Am I..blind..? Where was he? As he paused to think, his ears caught on his father's breathing and he immediately tensed. The sound didn't come closer and Luke just lay still until he heard a voice. It was cold, stern, and mocking a friendly tone. "I've been expecting you young Skywalker.. I'm looking forward to completing your training."
Luke suddenly felt a firm grasp on each of his arms that peeled him off from the slab. As he began to rise, the strange, yet chilling voice continued flatly.
"You are feeling the effects of hibernation sickness. Do not worry, my young apprentice, the blindness is only temporary."
No.. Yoda had warned him, Ben had warned him.. Everyone had said it was dangerous, everyone had given a reason.. Slowly, attempting to clear his mind, Luke softly spoke as firmly as he could manage.
"You're wrong. I am not your apprentice."
Suddenly, he felt his father's presence in the Force strengthen as his strength joined his master's, raising his son off his feet and up the stairs that led to the emperor's throne. Once hovering above the top platform, they set him on his feet and released him. The emperor grinned as he gave a small wave of his hand. Luke suddenly wobbled on his still stiff legs and caught himself on his hands, as he fell to his knees. Emperor Palpatine smiled as sudden fear of falling back at an unknown height and sheer frustration suppressed
"I am afraid that it is you who is mistaken, my young apprentice. You see," he paused, "You are already kneeling before me."
He gave Luke only time enough to rise to his feet. "
Your friends are captured, or dead.. by now. I understand that you have been very active in the rebellion. If you could only see where you are."
Luke held his tongue and his thoughts. All he needed to know was how to get out.
____________________________
"What the hell are you talking about? No, forget that! What the hell are you doing here?!"
"It wasn't my choice."
"Just like it wasn't your choice to betray me, huh old pal? Just like it wasn't your choice to almost get us all killed!?"
"There were innocent people in Cloud City at stake, Han!"
"It was your hide that was at stake! What did you come here to do, check up on me!?"
"Vader sent me as a punishment for nothing! The Empire wouldn't stop until every ones' lives on my city were as miserable as those of your rebellion. I feared for my life as well, but I was the administrator and it was my job to do what was in the best interests of the people!"
"Yeah, but what about your friends?"
Lando was quiet for a moment, until his eyes squinted and his face twisted.
"Damn it, Han, don't you think I thought of that?! A million times over, I've regretted it and don't tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing if the princess was at risk!"
"And that's exactly right where you put her! Her and Chewie! Don't preach morals to me, you knew what Vader was capable of!"
"He said that they would be left in the city under my supervision! You know I would've taken care of them!"
Lando then flashed a forced sign to Jabba that indicated he would continue to carry out the plan.
"And what about me? You knew he wouldn't go easy on me, or a wookie! You should've expected this. No.. I should have expected this from _you_! Fett wears wookie scalps slung over his shoulder! Not only Chewie too but what about Luke!? You destroy the lives of people you haven't even met!"
"How was I supposed to know who Skywalker was!? I thought you would be let go after being used as bait. You and everyone else! I never knew things would go this far!"
"What happened to Chewie and Leia!? Did you see Luke?"
Jabba had been lost from the conversation long ago.
"I had the guards rigged all along for safety precautions. I knew Vader was dangerous. Leia, Chewie and the droids tried to find you before-- Well we made it in time just to see Slave One take off. The storm troopers were shooting at us and didn't obey stun commands. They were gunned down Han.."
"I don't believe you.." Han said through clenched teeth. Lando started to try to stitch something together.
"Vader was furious. I told you that rebellion was dangerous Han. He was still angry at Skywalker for what ever he had done. He's not around either.."
"Take it back," growled Han. "I never thought you could lie so low. Vader just has them."
"The storm troopers killed them, Han. You and I were sent here and Skywalker never made it out alive. Droids are easy to blast into tiny pieces, You and I've seen it countless times at Mos Eisley. The golden one didn't even have any legs!"
"You make me sick.."
"Listen to me here, I'm sorry.."
"You lie!"
Lando gulped.
"She said she loved you.."
Han had been gauging in on that voice and took a flying lunge at the spot where Lando's voice had been coming from, toppling them both over as he landed a punch wherever he could. Quickly, the gammorean guards re-gained control of his arms and pulled him up, standing, and off Lando.
"This place is all that's left Han.." Lando ended.
Jabba spoke up, pleased with Calrissian's performance.
"(Guards, take Captain Solo back to his cell!)"
"I know they're alive.. Just wait 'till I get my hands on your throat-"
The gammorean guards had grabbed him and drug him off struggling.
____________________________
With Threepio, Artoo, and Chewie in their cells, and Arfive milling about casually until later notice, Leia had gone of patrolling with Davin close by. One thing that most of the other storm troopers, Leia, and Davin didn't count on was the grave majority of the storm troopers being called to the docking bay. Leia was both amazed and wanted to scream in rage. This place, this cursed place where Vader's ship had docked was another Death Star!
Mon Mothma had thought the Empire might try another grand-scale project, but never this. She was slightly comforted by the fact that by now, the rebellion must know about its existence. They had too many secret agreements and Bothan spies about.
Something was happening, something big; Important. She could feel it. There were the fabled Royal Imperial Guards. Each clad in blood red, towering in height and so composed, making storm troopers appear as clumsy children. Vader. He was here, waiting. But for what? Leia stood facing forward in her row, almost daring to twist her head to the side and see a shuttle landing. The perfect rows were separating, forming a walkway in which Vader stood front and center, kneeling with other commanders. As the boarding ramp came down, two Imperial Guards on each side, a dark figure emerged. Who could they possibly- Her throat tightened and her body went cold as now no one had to tell her who was coming aboard. The myth of The Emperor become real to her as she saw the man, himself, shrouded by his cloak. He paused next to Vader and the ominous, deadly man obediently rose, and they continued on their way, leaving the commanders kneeling.
For a moment, The Emperor seemed to pause in conversation and stride, almost as if something had caught his attention. Of course, Vader had also stopped course and gave a questioning glance, but just as soon he to shrug it off and walk on. If The Emperor was with Vader, and Vader had Luke, then- she didn't even want to think about it. It all came down to the fact that they needed help, and very badly. Afterwards, when all the storm troopers started to leave, Leia and Davin had casually strolled back to "Executer", only to find that it was gone.
Leia was running out of time.
____________________________
Han Solo didn't move from the bench in his cell. If you followed the lone strands of light that passed through the chamber's door you might of seen his fists clenched in anger or his eyes, pressed closed firmly in pain.
*Nothing happened..*
Han knew that the chances were slim that Leia or Chewie had made it away from the city, but he had to hope. And even if they didn't make it, they still had Luke.
Who was he kidding? Luke couldn't even save himself.
Han heard muffled shouts and scuffles coming down the hall. A new prisoner? There were more shouts. Calrissian..?
He nearly jumped when his door was slammed open and Lando was pushed through by two gammorean guards who watched eagerly through the bars. Lando looked nervous and was lucky that Han couldn't see that.
Han pounced and missed. One of the guards squealed directions at Han and he didn't miss a second time. Lando was on the defense as his former friend tried to see if he could hurt him as much as he had his friends. Both gammoreans cheered, flailing their fists until they heard palace chef, Momaw Nadon call out that the food was prepared for all guards. They grunted in disagreement until they saw the fight had worn down, and they walked off, planning to separate the two humans later. Both former friends lay on the cold, dank floor, exhausted and slightly gasping for air. Lando was the first to turn over.
"Feel better now!?" he said with frustration.
Han looked in his general direction.
"You know what, I do."
"Oh come off it Han-"
"You first you dirty, lying, son of a-"
"Don't you get it, yet? Jabba's just not going to let you go. He's angry Han; furious."
"No I haven't noticed."
Lando chose to ignore the sarcasm.
"Do you want to get out of here?" Lando got no answer.
"Han?"
"What is this? Is this all some sick joke to you? What don't you have a choice in now?"
Again, Lando chose to ignore him
"Chewie, Leia, the droids, they escaped from Cloud City. The officials, they double-crossed me; didn't fix the hyper drive."
For the first time Han was really listening and had never been so relieved to hear the unpleasant truth.
"Vader caught up with us. The droids might get a memory wipe but after all that chasing and planning he wouldn't want anyone dead."
Han closed his eyes let out a sigh of relief.
"You're friends with that Skywalker, right? He was captured too."
"Luke, you found him?"
"Actually, it was Leia who told us to turn around; he was hanging from an antenna on the underside of the city. We got him in the Falcon though."
Han didn't know how Luke managed these crazy stunts.
"How is everyone?"
"They were all worried most about you. Chewie tried to strangle me, which went over pretty well with Leia until I told them where Boba Fett was. I guess you can tell we didn't make it in time. No one was hit by any storm trooper blasts escaping from the city. We were pulled into the tractor beam aboard Vader's ship when they burst open the hatch. I took a few down, but then I was stunned. I'm guessing that's what their orders were so no one should be hurt more than that."
"Threepio still legless?"
"The little droid managed to get one leg back on. But Skywalker's missing a hand."
"What?"
"We were guessing Vader must've took it off. For whatever reason he seems to like your friend and went pretty easy on him considering the stories I've heard. He was shaken and beaten up pretty good though."
"And what about that whole big your-life-is-over-be-a-smuggler speech? D'ya do that for fun?"
"It was Steve's idea-"
"Who?"
"Some big-eyed alien. I think I can trust him. He has a friend working here; an exiled Ithorian chef."
"So Was it really nec-?"
"We made a deal and I'm trying to include you in it."
"Oh no, I don't want to be included in any more deals that I don't already know about."
"I meant we're helping each other escape."
"Escape! Are you kidding me? Listen, I know this place, and you're going anywhere."
"We're going to meet up the alliance and you're our and your own ticket, Han."
"Now just wait a minute.."
"Don't you see? It's all fake! Not for you, but for Jabba. If you can pretend to be so crushed that you'd go back to smuggling, then he might trust us both."
"And we all know how good you're at of breaking trust."
Lando sighed.
"I get it. I'm scum and you've known it for years, Buddy. But if you ever want to see anyone besides me and Jabba's court members, then you don't have a choice."
"What's the Itorian chef got to do with it?"
"He's in on the alliance and knows what goes around here. Look, before they drag me away here's how it goes..."
Lando whispered even quieter before, the details.
____________________________
Fareuhn Treb was in the service of the rising Empire. As a mere storm trooper who dreamt of having the garb and prestige of a royal guard, he was pleasantly surprised when he was trusted to unload the elusive prisoners. He had never really met royalty before. Well.. ex-royalty. And he was wondering why a princess would travel with two beat up droids and a wookie of all things! Strong, but distasteful creatures indeed! And such loud manners when upset..
Fareuhn had a squad of armed storm troopers in tow, all armed with blasters. They could either come peacefully or be stunned. Either way it was fine by him. Maybe he'd even get to carry the princess. He'd heard how feisty the woman could be. As the head of the troop, he definitely had skills for promotion and he would enjoy bringing the prisoners to Vader himself. After all, Vader was the Emperor's personal pet. Fareuhn motioned for all storm troopers to have their weapons ready inside Vader's ship.
They were outside the wookie's door and he knew how obnoxious they could become. The wookie didn't seem surprised at all to see the squad of storm troopers. As four members of the squad tried to approach him with blasters, he bellowed in protest making all of them slightly stumble back. Before anyone could fire a shot, Chewbacca held out both arms to be cuffed with binders. Chewie was glad he had taken off the storm trooper belt outside of the cell or it might raise some questions, but he knew it was only a matter of time.
He wanted Leia to get away, at least.
As he was cuffed, he was pushed down the corridor by all four troopers with their blasters at his back. The rest stood in front of the last three doors. Now,, Fareuhn was all business but he stopped his men. In a no nonsense tone of voice he simply stated
"Save the best for last."
Everyone knew what was meant by that, as one trooper pressed the button to open one of the droids' door. This one belonged to R2-D2. Remembering Leia's words to pretend to be memory wiped, the small droid softly whurred and looked around in confusion. One of the storm troopers spoke up.
"Hey. Where's your restraining bolt?"
Number 5284 just shook his head.
"He's had a memory wipe, Dein. What's he gonna do, run away to some place he doesn't even remember?"
A few troopers chuckled. The trooper just dropped it.
"Maintenance workers.. can't even do a simple job right."
As C-3P0's door was opened, he too knew what the princess's instructions were as he began to go into a tizzy.
"My goodness! Who am I? Oh, hello my name is.. oh no I've forgot! Who are you?!"
Some troopers snickered.
"Yeah, yeah, get on with ya. Guess you don't have a bolt either."
No one worried about that droid escaping. They can be told they work for the Empire, if they have the nerve to ask. Finally it was time for the princess. When the door was opened two storm troopers were inside. Everyone became quiet.
Out of the two troopers both were missing their weapons and their utility belts but one was missing his entire armor set!
At their feet lay one pair of broken binders. They looked as if they had been sawed off in the middle then some one had sawed off segments, almost to the skin where a prisoner could just use each hand to break them off. There was not only a traitor trooper imposter but it looked as if a droid had been involved as well. Probably an astromech.
Fareuhn was furious. Those incompetent!-- And the princess was gone! She couldn't have gotten far.
"Where is she?" Fareuhn asked calmly but with ourage in his voice. Threepio spoke.
"I would tell you but I don't know who she is! I don't know who I am. Oooh.."
"Shut up!"
The two stormtroopers inside the cell looked at the golden droid strangely.
"What do you mean you don't know who you are!? You were never given a memory wipe! That overgrown furball over there jumped us. He held our own blasters to our head, made us call off the memory wipe, and locked us in here!"
"Where - is - the - princess?"
"Afterwards she came in and stole Idaqn's armor, sir! With the wookie!"
Furiously, Fareuhn turned to the remaining three captives.
"So, you two never got memory wipes?"
Then he pointed to Chewbacca.
"And _you_.. You will tell me where the princess is."
Chewbacca just growled defiantly.
"That's all right. He then pointed to Idaqn.
"Trooper, what's your identification?"
"ST54, sir."
"Troopers, go to your quarters immediately and get on some decent armor. I'll deal with you both later."
"Yes sir." they both replied.
He then turned to Threepio, Artoo, and Chewie.
"It's no matter if you three don't tell, we can always track down that storm trooper's number. But with everything that is going on we can't afford to have a rebel loose. The memory wipes can wait. You three will pay! Take them to the cell blocks!"
All the storm troopers obeyed. Fareuhn then pulled out his com-link.
"Yes. I request ST54 here immediately. No, nothing's wrong. Just a routine check on troopers.."
____________________________
Leia remained absolutely quiet. Crates upon crates of supplies were being carried off. Seeing this on holo-vid several times, she had always wondered what it would have been like to have been the brave stow-away. She didn't feel brave.
Right after The Emperor had came for his visit she knew things were getting bad, but when she and Davin had walked back to where Vader's ship was, and it was gone.. They would no doubt be looking for her.
She never gave them the chance. At the last minute she had clambered into a crate waiting to be filled, her un-large form was among only a few med kits. Through the thin slats, thank goodness the storm troopers hadn't considered camouflage armor by now, her armor matched the kits' white exteriors. Davin,
*His bright idea..* h
ad volunteered namelessly, to help carry the crates onto another ship, sealing her inside one. Leia cursed herself for agreeing to something this ridiculous, not even knowing how she would escape from the crate undetected, when the time came, let alone how to escape at all.
She hoped no one could link Davin to her. They'd interrogate Chewie for sure. * Get him through this..* Storm troopers got in the way of everything.
Arfive was probably safe, too. Threepio wouldn't be of any help to The Empire, but she was so close to getting to Luke.. She hadn't even had any time to acquire any information on the second Death Star! It had been hide or be shot away.
That wouldn't do anyone any good. And she just couldn't leave things like that between her and Han. In the meantime, Leia would pray for her friends and hope wherever she landed, she could get out of this crate alive and go back to the rebels. They'd understand. Han was just too much to lose. And if she didn't hurry, they'd both lose their good friend.. whoever he was with.