Chapter 15 - Getting Acquainted
Obi-Wan sat motionless in deep meditation, trying to discern some source and direction for the subtle tremors that continued to ripple through the Force. He had engaged in this effort every spare moment since the start of this journey, but he was still no closer to any definitive answers. The source was always vague and elusive, though undeniably dark and powerful. The direction was always unfocused. However, it was clear that there was a storm brewing, growing in intensity with each new disturbance that followed ever closer on the heels of its predecessor.
With no clear images surfacing from the mire of his visions, Obi-Wan began sending tendrils of inquiry into the storm as he formulated theories of his own. Such a directed effort was not the preferred the method of seeking answers as the response was often tainted by the Jedi's expectation, but with the sense of time running short growing stronger, Obi-Wan felt justified in the decision. The starting place for his theories was easy to determine.
'Vader could be the source,' Obi-Wan put forward immediately, prodding the Force for a sense of verification as he rode the turbulent flow of the storm. That Sith Lord was certainly powerful and dark enough, and he had certainly been present for the events that had transpired over the skies of Tatooine. However, the lack of a defined direction testified against him being the only cause, for Anakin had always quickly determined his goals and driven straight at them with a conviction that would not be diverted. The Force seemed to whisper a teasing confirmation to this last thought.
'Leia perhaps,' the Jedi tested another theory. The girl did not have enough Force potential for her involvement to generate this level of sustained energy by itself, but Vader had likely captured her at Tatooine. It was possible Vader had discovered her true identity and had decided to keep this child of his rather than simply hand her over to the Emperor to be destroyed as Luke had been. A twinge in the Force seemed to tell Obi-Wan he had hit on something, but the fleeting grasp was gone as quickly as it had arrived.
Leia was involved then, Obi-Wan concluded. Vader could be planning to bring her to the dark side for an eventual attempt at usurping the Emperor. Such a scheme would likely upset the balance of the Force, and Vader's dependence on another would add the necessary uncertainty. Again though, this could not be the whole picture. The Princess had only recently been captured, and her lack of training would take time to overcome. Vader manipulating her now would not explain the speed with which the disturbance was building. Again the teasing, almost mocking confirmation emanated from the storm.
There had to be another piece to this puzzle that Obi-Wan was missing, something that would better join these elements and make everything clear. Pressing harder for answers, the only response the Jedi received from the Force was "Alderaan." He had to be at Alderaan soon to fulfill whatever the role the Force had planned for him.
Obi-Wan was probing for more insight into his own possible future when he felt yet another ripple pulse through the Force. This one brought a sensation of wakening, of life being breathed back into that which was thought dead. A calm had just been created where there had been none, but this did not serve to lessen the storm. Rather, it seemed to herald another strengthening, like the eye forming at the center of a swirling hurricane.
The wave of the disturbance caught Obi-Wan up its flow as it washed over him and carried him gently out of his meditation. Though he opened his eyes and brought a hand up to tug at his beard, he remained self-involved in concerned consideration of this most recent development. He did not see the droids and Wookiee engaged in a hologame across the Falcon's hold area, nor did he immediately respond to the entrance of the ship's pilot.
***
Han had spent the beginning of the journey busying himself with systems checks and minor repairs, anything to stay clear of his passengers and reminders of the nature of this run. He was quite annoyed that he would have to forge another IFF identification for the Falcon after that exit from Mos Eisley. Even though he doubted the old man was the cause of the trouble - in retrospect the Imps had likely just been searching all departing ships in a routine crackdown on smuggling – Han was still considering adding the price of the new ID to the fare.
But as far as travel companions went, these three were less of an annoyance to him than Han had expected. The droids either entertained themselves or occasionally occupied Chewie with the Dejarik game. The old man had spent the majority of the time just sitting quietly by the engineering station with his eyes closed in that stoic pose, hardly taking any breaks to eat, drink, or even move. They were easily ignored, so that's what Han had done, staying mainly in the cockpit or crew's quarters and letting Chewie handle the galley duties to tend to the meager needs of their passenger.
Now the pilot had completed all the tinkering he could easily and safely accomplish in hyperspace and had verified for the umpteenth time that he had indeed lost the Imps trying to track him. He was getting bored. Even Chewie, tired of his sour mood, had abandoned him to seek company with the droids of all things. Letting out a snort of disgusted surrender, Han decided to check on the activities in the main hold.
He approached the hold area with a strut and a cocky smile, preparing to make an entrance. "Well you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. Told you I'd loose 'em," he announced smugly and looked to the occupants of the hold for some recognition as he dropped into the chair at the engineering station.
This was hardly news to Chewbacca, who chose to ignore the comment and keep his concentration on the game he was losing to the astromech, intent on finding a move to even the field. The droids likewise paid the pilot no attention. When Han looked to the old man and saw only an increase in his look of self-involved concentration, he realized he would receive no acknowledgement.
"Well, don't everybody thank me at once," Han grumbled as he spun the chair to face the console and pretended to verify something.
Obi-Wan had heard the pilot's remark, but took no comfort in it. He knew they were going toward the heart of the storm, and that those few Imperial ships had merely been the outer rainbands. "How long before we arrive at Alderaan?" he asked without turning to the pilot.
Han looked up, surprised to hear the man speak after his uninterrupted silence since they'd fled Tatooine. "Should be tomorrow around oh two hundred hours," he replied and curiously watched Obi-Wan for a response. However, the old man just furrowed his brow deeper yet, giving no indication of having any desire to extend their brief exchange.
Disgusted, Han started to turn back to the engineering console when Chewie suddenly began barking and howling in frustrated aggravation. Suspecting that this would provide some entertainment, he looked over at the game players and leaned back in his chair to watch the argument.
"He made a fair move. Screaming about it can't help you," Threepio reproached haughtily.
Chewie ignored the golden droid and increased the volume of his complaints as Artoo answered back in a stream of irritated beeps.
Han watched in amusement for a moment as his friend became more animated with his aggressive gestures before deciding to intercede. "Let him have it," he advised seriously, raising his voice to be heard over the din. "It's not wise to upset a Wookiee."
"But, sir, nobody ever worries about upsetting a droid," Threepio complained back in annoyance.
"That's because a droid don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Wookiees have been known to do that," Han smirked, thoroughly enjoying the agitated motions the droid made in response to the veiled threat.
Chewbacca played along perfectly, leaning back and placing his arms behind his head to clearly display his powerful muscles with a satisfied grunt.
"I see your point sir," Threepio hurriedly conceded. Turning to Artoo he added more quietly, "I suggest a new strategy, Artoo. Let the Wookiee win."
Obi-Wan watched this scene play out before him, knowing full well that the Corellian and the Wookiee were bluffing to share a joke at the droids' expense. Despite all of his bravado, this pilot was a good man at heart. His current occupation as smuggler was more the result of circumstances and an easy fit to his innate abilities rather than a conscious choice. Chewbacca was a noble being, loyal to his friend without question or fault. Obi-Wan was sure the Force had brought him to these two for a reason. He let a smile cross his face as he recalled some of the unlikely companions Qui-Gon had always managed to acquire.
As Han turned back away from the game, he caught the smile creeping onto his passenger's face and was instantly annoyed. He didn't like the smug, know-it-all demeanor this man demonstrated at times and was unnerved by the withdrawn calm he affected the rest of the time. This geezer was a reserved observer, and in Han's experience, that made him potentially dangerous.
Believing that the old man was paying him no attention, Han took a moment to further study his passenger to satisfy his wary curiosity. On the surface, those weatherworn clothes he wore that covered everything save for his similarly weatherworn face made him look as old as a fossil. His lack of communication and self-involvement suggested he was not accustomed to company and was likely a hermit made crazy by the blazing suns of Tatooine. But when the man did speak it was always with authority and purpose, and his poise in the cockpit during the skirmish over Tatooine suggested the old man had seen some action in his day. Han's instincts told him one image was being projected as a disguise for the other, but which was the truth had yet to be seen.
As Han let his eyes drift over the rest of the man, he noticed an odd metallic cylinder attached to his belt and laid carefully across his lap. Unlike the rest of him, this equipment seemed to be very well cared for. Han focused on it further to attempt to discern its purpose.
"It's a lightsaber," Obi-Wan suddenly said, answering the unspoken question without having given any indication of being aware of the pilot's study.
Han drew back in surprise at the man's unsolicited announcement. More surprise, accompanied with suspicion and doubt, followed when he recognized the name the man had given the object. "Like those Jedi used to carry," Han scoffed, though with some childhood respect for the stories he'd heard growing up.
"Yes," Obi-Wan replied and turned to meet the pilot's eyes. "Would you like to see it?" he offered.
"Ha," Han scoffed again, not believing the implication in the old man's affirmation. "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side," he declared, dismissing the supposed lightsaber and the old legends together.
"You don't believe in the Force," Obi-Wan stated with no hint of query in his voice.
Han was immediately put on the defensive by Obi-Wan's tone. This crazy old man was actually trying to make him believe he was a Jedi, and Han did not care to play along and get stuck in some philosophical discussion. "Look here, I've flown from one side of this galaxy to the other. I've seen a lot of strange stuff, but I've never seen anything to make to me believe there's one all-powerful force controlling everything. There's no mystical energy field that controls my destiny," he proclaimed. "It's all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense."
Obi-Wan just gave an accommodating smile. "Time will tell," he answered simply.
Han tensed in instinctive reaction to the threat he perceived in the response, but was too unsettled by the knowing expression on the man's face to call him on it. "Yeah, whatever," he mumbled and quickly got up to leave the old man and his unnerving behavior behind.
Heading back to the cockpit to find a distraction, Han swore to himself again over the circumstances that had caused him to take this job. He couldn't be rid of that crazy old man fast enough. The pilot quickly settled back into his familiar chair and began checking the Falcon's systems and course heading once again, resolving to stay clear of his passenger for the remainder of this trip.
***
Leia emerged from the refresher and walked through the now straightened bedroom to resume her post in the front room of Arkus' quarters. His continued absence had given her plenty of time to first clean up the mess they both had made and then see to herself. Despite the circumstances, Leia had found she actually welcomed the opportunity to shower and groom herself, and she remained surprised at how well the dress he had provided for her fit. The bodice, though cut to fit snuggly about her arms and upper body, remained loose enough to allow her comfortable movement. Likewise, the skirt was full enough to allow free motion without being the least bit cumbersome. The hem was perfect, just a few centimeters off of the ground so that the material flowed easily away from her footfalls as she walked. Even the low-heeled boots were a comfortable fit.
When Leia had completed the essential conciliatory tasks and still had seen no sign of Arkus, she had at first occupied herself experimenting with hairstyles. After some time, she had decided finally to pull it completely up off of her neck in a braid that stacked circularly on top of itself about the crown of her head then trailed off in a tail that hung loosely from the back. Then with nothing left to do, she had simply waited.
Hunger had eventually prompted her to try contacting the lieutenant Arkus had offered. Leia had found that officer willing to assist her, if not overly cordial, so she had ordered enough food for two, in case Arkus did return. She had ended up eating alone.
More time had passed and boredom had overtaken her, making her bold enough to further explore her prison. There hadn't been much to find. The 'fresher was sparse but had the essential grooming items to suggest Arkus took care with his hygiene. The clothes locker in the bedroom contained a cloak and a few other articles clothing with a decided lack of variety in style and coloration. Still, he obviously wore more than just the intimidating nerfhide attire she had always seen him in.
The front room had a desk placed close to the wall immediately across from the apartment entrance so the occupant could greet visitors from the chair. A couch and decorative table were located to the side by the entrance to the bedroom. A small table and two chairs were placed to the other side of the room. There were no decorations or personal effects anywhere to be found. Nor were there any items indicating work was accomplished here except perhaps via the computer station at the desk, which was rendered inaccessible to her by passwords. There was nothing at all to give her any insight into Arkus' character or what his intentions for her might be. Giving up her exploration in frustration, Leia had finally decided she would simply have to listen to Arkus and try to keep his focus on his personal objectives and away from the Alliance.
She had eaten again since then and pestered the lieutenant into bringing her additional amenities, including jewelry to accent her dress and make-up to improve her appearance. She had even dared to take a short nap. Still, Arkus remained absent.
'He has to return soon,' Leia reasoned, 'so now I'll just wait for him.'
Settling back down on the couch, the Princess took care to neatly arrange the skirt of her dress and sat poised as if posing for Alderaan's royal court.
***
Arkus gradually eased out of his meditation, feeling incredibly rested but also vaguely nauseous. He had never gone quite that deep into a trance before, and he now took a moment to linger in the strange calm that remained in its wake. Then the queasy feeling in his stomach increased slightly and snapped him the rest of the way out of the trance with a brief flare of annoyance. The concerns that had plagued him before this rest came back into his thoughts as he shoved the nausea away with a quick brush of focused anger. He had calmed down now and was back in control of his emotions. It was time to see the Princess about that Rebel base and get Vader off of his back.
Arkus easily worked his way out of the cockpit and dropped to the ground in one fluid motion, belatedly realizing that he had just used his hand with no pain. Looking down curiously at the appendage, he began flexing it and turning it over to inspect the fluid and full motion of his fingers. It was completely healed, as if the injury had never occurred. Perplexed by the rapid recovery, Arkus reached out to get a sense of the time to check just how long he had been in that trance. It had been several hours, but no longer than he had initially estimated.
'It must have been the depth of the trance,' he reasoned. 'Either that or the bacta treatment was worth more than I thought.'
Brushing this mystery aside, Arkus began working his way through the station's corridors to return to his quarters and the waiting princess. She was still there, he knew. Vader had not been so bold as to remove her from his control, yet. Arkus considered briefly what, if anything, he could do if it came down to that. Vader was right after all. The Emperor would not tolerate any secondary objectives interfering with the elimination of the growing Rebel nuisance. The punishment for such foolishness would be severe and would involve the utter destruction of the distraction.
Not wanting to dwell on this thought, Arkus reached out for a sense of the Princess's state of mind to better determine the next course of action. He could feel she was apprehensive about his return, but she was far from being intimidated into surrender by the threat he had made. That outburst had served only to cause her to reconsider her own tactics. Now she was settled in her determination once more, rational and ready for their next round.
Arkus was satisfied with this, for rational was something with which he could work. He would dispense with any attempts at pleasantries and simply reason with her. He knew where to start now: with the one vague threat he had made on Imperial Center that had affected on her – her father. That man was an easy target indeed, for even though the noble Viceroy of Alderaan might be seen by some as a hero fighting for the rights of oppressed species and systems, he was also perpetrating continual treason that served to spur on an armed rebellion. This action caused the daily bloodshed of innocents as the Empire, the legitimate government, was forced to maintain control. The large majority of beings in the galaxy would see Bail Organa's imprisonment and even his execution as justifiable if the charges against him came to light.
Now if she would submit, the Princess would have a chance to affect changes in the Empire's policies from within. A pardon could even be arranged for her father and perhaps the lesser pawns of the Rebellion if the other leaders of the Alliance where handed over and the military bases dismantled. Surely she would see this peaceful approach as preferable to open warfare. Surely she would surrender this to save her beloved father.
Arkus finalized this plan as he turned the last corner on the path to his quarters. Resolving to remain in control and not allow the Princess to rile him under any circumstances, he quickly brushed passed the guards still stationed at his door and walked determinedly into the front room. He knew exactly where she was and immediately turned toward her presence on the couch only to be stopped dead in his tracks by the sight of her. Instantly spellbound, Arkus realized he had already lost a degree of control even before the entrance door finished closing behind him.
She was absolutely beautiful sitting there with the serene expression of a queen accepting an audience, challenging him to impress her. Though this attitude still reflected her unbreakable spirit, it was quite obvious even without the Force that she had changed her outlook considerably sometime in the course of his absence. Slowly absorbing the shock of this unexpected development, Arkus gradually allowed his posture to relax as he drank in the full power of the aura now surrounding her.
Her physical appearance was nothing short of stunning with her hair pulled up and back to reveal her exquisite neck and jaw line. The subtly applied makeup supplemented her natural facial beauty by softly accenting her high cheekbones and drawing the observer's attention to her enchanting, deep brown eyes. The richly colored dress also served to heighten her attractiveness, clinging tightly to her upper body to accentuate her generous contours then flowing out around her on the couch to give the air of graceful elegance.
Arkus noticed these things, as any man would, but it was the change in her emotional pose that struck him the hardest and drew his spirit toward hers. The intense defiance was gone, replaced by a willingness to listen, if not to agree. Her choosing to wear the dress and her obvious use of the lieutenant to obtain accessories were a concession on her part, an apology of sorts. Arkus could sense the duplicitous nature of the gesture, but that didn't matter. She had done this for him and had accepted his offer of companionship on some level at least for a time. This signal of acceptance was made all the stronger to Arkus by the outline of the black velvet wrap draped across her shoulders, seeming to caress her with the dark possessiveness he felt toward her. Enthralled by this striking image of her, Arkus couldn't quite contain the shudder that ran down his spine in response to the thrill shooting through his heart.
As the Princess rose to greet him with a royal air, Arkus suddenly felt somehow intimidated by her. He fought off the urge to take a step back, but was still unable to find his voice. Instead he just stood there, basking in her willing attention to him.
**
Leia noted Arkus' discomfort and took great satisfaction at having stunned him for a change. Apparently he was still a man underneath that cold facade and could be affected as such by the proper stimuli. The care she had taken with her appearance had given her a momentary advantage, one she would use to strip him of the mask he hid behind so she could deal with him more on her terms.
"You've been away for some time," she greeted him with a reproof. "You must want to relax. Make yourself comfortable while I order dinner for us. You'll just have time to clean yourself up before it arrives," she all but commanded, making the barest of gestures toward the bedroom.
Arkus smiled to himself, impressed by the Princess's assumption of control and quite amused by her turn about on the words he had used with her. She had submitted to his request, and now she was seeking a concession from him.
"Very well," he accepted. "Order the meal. I will just be a moment."
**
Arkus showered and took the time to shave and work on his appearance somewhat. He had already decided to forgo his mask, knowing that everything with the Princess would be a compromise. If they were to be associates she would eventually see him without it anyway. By dispensing with this barrier before she openly requested it, he was upping the ante and taking back control.
He dressed quickly in the black cloth trousers and shirt he usually wore in the confines of the Imperial Palace and gave his reflection one final inspection before attaching his lightsaber to his belt and returning to the bedroom. Hesitating slightly, almost nervously, at the door to the front room, he braced himself for her reaction then opened the door to reveal himself to the Princess.
**
Leia waited for Arkus by the conference table, the recently arrived dinner having been laid out neatly on the table before her. She stood behind one chair, directly facing the entrance to the bedroom, and kept herself prepared to greet him once more with a bit of reprimand for having taken so long in the refresher. When he finally did emerge, the scolding words on the tip of her tongue failed to form as the dramatic change in his appearance shocked her into silence.
Gone was the frightful mask and intimidating attire worn by the Sith that had entered that room. Gone was the instant impression of a cruel and evil monster. The man that stood before her was an unpretentious youth with a hint of uncertainty animating his exposed face. He looked so much younger than she would have thought possible; almost handsome, with a lithe but powerful build, strong chin, cropped sandy-blond hair, and the most captivating blue eyes she had ever seen. So much emotion was displayed in those eyes. Intense and guarded, but somehow vulnerable, they called to her and enticed her deeper into his gaze as they softened somewhat in response to her attention.
It was apparent that not many people saw him exposed like this, that Arkus had just allowed her into an inner circle. She knew instinctively that if she rejected him now it would hurt him deeply and likely result in her death. But she didn't want to hurt him. She knew those eyes, trusted those eyes, felt drawn to those eyes. Her hardened resolve rapidly eroded as her heart responded to the call that her spirit felt, luring her to open herself to him. Becoming completely lost his stare, Leia almost forgot he was a Sith.
***
Arkus stopped in the doorway and locked eyes with the Princess, holding his defenses at bay while she inspected him. His heart all but stopped, waiting for her to deliver a stinging retort or at the very least dismiss him. But this didn't happen. Her eyes softened, and his heart melted in response. The Force connection between them opened wider of its own accord, as if it had always been there and only needed recognition to come to life. He felt their very spirits reach out for one another, their emotions resonating together in acknowledgement of their strengthening bond. The Force beckoned to each of them, drawing them closer together.
The Princess was unaware of the source of this appeal and was defenseless against it. She was fully exposed, and was in this instant his to exploit, his to own. Arkus knew he should take advantage of her new weakness to get that Rebel base location from her. His instincts told him was time short, but as he looked at the Princess, at Leia, he couldn't do it. Tarkin and Vader be damned - he would not spoil this moment.