Chapter Three

by Saber Girl Leia

Shortie chapter...

Relyan: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you like it!

Feelings... always the lever in the good-evil battles, aren't they? Yes... you are very insightful ;P now if only I can write well enough to incorporate that sort of thing...

"hidden weapons won't do much damage against two Sith Lords..." So true. And yet she has to try something, right?

tensixtythree: Thanks for the review! Here's some more!

SHAWN PROVONCHA: You're welcome! Glad you like it!

Janna Silver Hawkins: Glad to hear you like it!

I'm on your fav stories list! bows cookie for you:D

Shadow131: Indeed...

Thanks for the review!

Saber Girl Amidaala:

You are a bad little girl. Bad mommy!

Bad evil genius admiral husband-torturing person!

BAD!

LOL

Disclaimer: Again, the characters and situations are George Lucas's and much of the dialogue is James Kahn's.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

"Your overconfidence is your weakness," Luke challenges our opponents. His voice rings out, brave but small in the dark emptiness.

"Your faith in your friends is yours," the Emperor replies, a wicked grin plastered on his face. "I assure you, we are quite safe from them here. Your friends on the Sanctuary Moonthey're walking into a trap! And so is your Rebel fleet!"

He knows! Alarms klaxon through my brain and soul. How? How? Han! NoI mustn't think of him; mustn't draw attention to him. I can tell Luke is similarly shocked. We must stand strong.

The horrid man continues. "It was I who allowed the Alliance to know the location of the shield generator. It is quite safe from your pitiful little bandan entire legion of my troops awaits them there."

Han!

No! There is nothing I can do for him now. Luke needs my help. I do not know as of yet how to use my powers at will, but Luke is in such... loud is the only word I can think of to describe it, pain that I can sense it very clearly. I need to break the Emperor's concentration. But how?

Apparently, Palpatine can also tell that Luke (and I too) are quickly spiraling out of control. He cackles. "You want this, don't you?" his voice is seductive as he offers the lightsaber to Luke. "The hate is swelling in you now. Very good, take your Jedi weapon. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger. With each passing moment you make yourself more my servant."

"Never," Luke and I say in unison. We have time to share one glance. Perhaps not all is lost. We still have each other.

"It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now... mine."

"Your minion can not defeat us both," I challenge him. It is rash, I know, and I see Luke motioning me to stop, but what I am to do? They will not take my brother, my friend.

Another bout of laughter; ominousness rolls in waves about the room. "You have much to learn, my young apprentice. I'm quite confident that Vader could defeat you both... but I have a better plan in mind. One that may prove much more... entertaining." His rotten teeth protrude from his rotting face; reflecting his putrid soul. He claps his hands, and rolls his head back so that he may call over his shoulder into the blackness. "Approach, my Hand."

X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Interlude One

Han, Chewbacca, and a small force of soldiers tricked and forced their way into the shield generator and subdued the Imperials inside, but Han barely knew what he was doing. He was running on autopilot, and if anyone were to ask him later to recall, all he would remember would be his inner litany.

Leia... Leia... Leia...

It was interrupted frequently by thoughts of Luke, his other dear friend, but Leia was foremost in his mind. Leia, his sweetheart, Leia his friend, Leia Luke's sister!, Leia commanding him, Leia kissing him, Leia rescuing him, Leia coming to him when she needed a shoulder to cry on...

Luke had better be taking care of her.

She can take care of herself.

I don't care! So long as we all end up safe, and together.

Leia...

Through this haze, Han saw an Imperial officer aiming a blaster at him. Han threw the first heavy item that came to hand at him, accurate even in his distraction, and the man flipped backwards and went down.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Reviews much appreciated. Constructive criticism welcome!