Force of Destiny - Chapter 16
TattooineThe shuttle Tydirium lifted off smoothly from Nar Shaddaa Space Port and soon broke orbit. Its pilot punched in the coordinates for his next destination. When he pulled back the levers which activated the hyperdrive, the stars elongated, streaked past, and the swirling patterns of hyperspace engulfed the small shuttle. Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, was on his way.
-----The twin suns rose over the Dune Sea on Tattooine, their light glinting off the polished hulls of two droids. C-3PO had been constantly complaining about their assignment, the desert, the cold night air, the danger they were in ever since he and R2-D2 had left Obi-Wan Kenobi's house to take Master Luke's message to Jabba the Hutt. R2 twittered sympathetically.
Of course I'm worried. And you should be, too. Lando Calrissian never returned from this awful place, 3PO said as they were nearing the crimelord's desert palace.
R2 beeped a comment, causing his counterpart to continue: Don't be so sure. If I told you half the things I have heard about this Jabba the Hutt, you'd probably short-circuit.
R2-D2, however, was not convinced. C-3PO tended to worry too much.
The pair finally reached the tall steel doors that led into the Hutt's lair.
R2, are you sure this is the right place? 3PO inquired. R2 beeped an indignant answer. Of course he was sure!
The tall droid lifted his hand to knock. I'd better knock, I suppose, he commented, and tapped the door lightly with his fingers before turning to his companion. There doesn't seem to be anyone there. Let's go back and tell Master Luke, he suggested, the words coming out so quickly they were nearly jumbled when a small hatch suddenly popped open and a mechanical eyestalk appeared, speaking in Huttese.
Goodness gracious me! 3PO cried. The eyestalk spoke some more, and 3PO proceeded to introduce R2-D2 and himself and state their business in the same language. Laughing, the eyeball retracted. The tall protocol droid was clearly shaken.
I don't think they're going to let us in, R2. We better go, C-3PO noted and turned to leave when the massive doors started to rise with the grinding screech of metal on poorly lubricated metal.
R2-D2 immediately rolled into the cool, dark opening, leaving C-3PO to call after him: R2, wait! Oh, dear... R2, I really don't think we should rush into this. R2, wait for me!
The protocol droid followed his friend as quickly as he could on the sand. If there was something that scared him more than going into Jabba's lair, it was being so close to Jabba's lair alone.
-----Wrenga Jixton dialed the Executor's bridge from the comm unit in his quarters. He had to talk to Admiral Piett immediately. The longer they waited, the smaller their chances were to catch up with Lord Vader before the Sith arrived at his destination and got himself killed. What possessed Vader, anyway? Jix thought. Was he suicidal? Or just plain crazy? To say that Wrenga Jixton was annoyed with his employer would be an understatement.
-----Yes, Captain, what is it? Padmé Naberrie answered the summons from the bridge of her small flotilla's flagship.
Madam, the repairs are complete. We can now continue on our way.
Finally! Padmé suppressed a sigh.
Very well, Captain. Recall all personnel and lift off as soon as possible. I want to be in hyperspace within the hour. Set a direct course for Sullust, Padmé instructed. After all, they did not want to be late for the battle.
-----Admiral Piett, or, more correctly, ex-Admiral Piett, moved to take Jixton's call when Stevens intercepted him.
Incoming ships, Sir, the crewman manning CommScan cried. Two Star Destroyers, bearing two-o-three by seven-four. It's the Devastator and the Avenger, Sir.
Good. Commence evacuation procedure, Piett ordered.
They are hailing us, Sir, Stevens announced.
Maintain radio silence, Piett snapped.
You want to keep them off guard? Veers, who was standing in his usual position at Piett's elbow, inquired quietly. His friend smiled.
I want to avoid having to blast them out of the system... yet, Piett whispered back.
Sir, Mister Jixton insists on speaking to you, a young lieutenant called to Piett.
Tell him I'm busy, Piett barked. He could not use the distraction now. He had to keep his mind on the two ships out there.
I did, Sir.
Damn, Piett thought. Of all the times the agent could pick to call him... Moving swiftly to a comm unit, Piett took the call.
Whatever it is, Mr. Jixton, it has to wait, he snapped before Jixton had the chance to utter a word.
The Correllian raised his eyebrows.
Are we going into battle? he asked.
I hope not, Mr. Jixton. Stay in your quarters. I shall contact you as soon as the situation permits.
Men who had been locked in their quarters and, in some cases, in the brig, were hurried to the hangars in record time. Many of them had to be guarded, and some even cuffed and chained.
Avenger and Devastator tried in vain to contact the Executor, their calls becoming more frantic as the minutes passed. Communications passed between the two Destroyers, closely monitored by the Executor, who remained silent. Finally, both smaller ships started to move into attack position. Executor raised her shields.
From all docking bays of the mighty battle cruiser, craft were launched, carrying those crew members who did not want to join the Rebel Alliance toward the two smaller ships. Piett's estimate of the number of loyalists among his crew had been somewhat too high. Instead of ninety thousand, only a total of seventy-six thousand crewmen and officers left, a fact that made the former Admiral proud. Still, almost all troop transports and even some of the escape pods had to be employed to send these men on their way. Their communications devices had all been disabled, except for an emergency beacon. And they could not be retrieved later.
Sir, all craft have launched, Captain Durreen reported. The whole evacuation had taken only a little more than half an hour.
Good. Helm, take us out of here. Plot a course to Sullust, best available speed.
We're taking the direct route? Veers asked.
Piett shrugged. Since we know where the Rebel fleet is, the rest of the Imperial fleet also knows it. No point in pretending we're going anywhere else.
That's the wrong system, a voice called, making both Piett and Veers jump.
-----Wrenga Jixton frowned when Piett cut the connection. Whatever was happening, it could not be good. Piett seemed on edge. Never a good sign when the commanding officer got jumpy.
Guess I have to go look for myself, Jix thought. If he thinks I'm going to sit in my quarters like a virgin maiden, he's got another thought coming.
Palming the door open, Jixton peered cautiously into the corridor. Only one guard was placed by his door. Either Piett trusted him, or he was a fool. Probably both.
The soldier turned to Jixton.
Please stay in you quarters, Sir, he asked politely.
Jixton smiled. And if I don't?
Then I am under orders to keep you there, Sir. I'm sorry, Sir.
I'm sorry, too, Jixton quipped, drew back his fist and delivered a right cross to the guard's chin that immediately knocked the man out cold. He caught the soldier before he could crumple to the floor and dragged him into the cabin.
Sweet dreams, Jixton murmured before he closed the door. Now which way to the bridge?
-----C-3PO caught up to his companion when R2-D2 ran into one of the ever present Gamorrean guards. The pigfaced guard snarled at the small droid.
Just deliver Master Luke's message and get us out of here! 3PO cried. Behind them, the massive steel doors clanked shut. Another guard shoved C-3PO out of the way as Bib Fortuna, Jabba's TwiLek majordomo, appeared.
Dtay tola! Dtay wonna wan ga? he demanded. The TwiLek was already in a foul mood. What did these droids want, at such an early hour?
Oh, my. Dtay wonna wan go, 3PO answered, bowing to the majordomo.
But hoo! Fortuna called.
We bring a message to your master, Jabba the Hutt, the droid explained.
Dtay Jabba wan ga.
R2 twittered something, and Fortuna's eyes darted to the small astromech droid.
And a gift, 3PO translated his friends comment. Its meaning dawned to him a bit belatedly. A gift? What gift?
R2 beeped a short answer. Fortuna, momentarily pacified, bowed down to R2 and stroked the small droid's dome with his long-nailed fingers, purring: Neh Jabba no badda. Iz dye yoto. Say gotto oh mooty. Me chaade soh goody. Greed gleamed in his orangeish eyes.
R2 shook in disgust. He would rather be melted down than belonging to this creature, for it was clear what Fortuna was saying, even without 3PO translating. He chirped and beeped his answer for 3PO to interpret.
He says that our instructions are to give it only to Jabba himself, C-3PO explained. R2 twittered an affirmative, and the Gamorrean behind 3PO growled, amused that the high and mighty Bib Fortuna apparently did not always get what he wanted. Fortuna himself was looking daggers at the tall droid. How dare he!
I'm terribly sorry, but I'm afraid he's ever so stubborn about these things, 3PO apologized.
Noh chaa! Fortuna snarled and turned to lead the two droids to his master.
R2, I have a bad feeling about this, 3PO observed as they followed the indignant TwiLek into Jabba's throne room.
-----Darth Vader put the helmet down with a satisfied grunt and stretched. He had spent the past hour on modifications to his suit and helmet so he could still use them as a flight suit. There was no doubt in his mind that he would have need of one soon.
Making his way into the cockpit, he checked the time. Still a few hours to his next destination. Enough time for a wash, a snack, and a nap, exactly in this order. Vader stretched again and yawned. It had been a long day, and he wanted to be fresh and alert when he began the next step in his self-assigned mission.
-----Jabba looked up from his first waterpipe of the day when Fortuna led the two droids into his throne room. The TwiLek climbed up to stand behind his master and whisper into his ear as the smaller of the two ran a holo message. Although as a matter of pride he never spoke Basic himself, Jabba perfectly understood what the young man said, and laughed out loud. This Jedi wannabe was in for a nasty surprise!
Fortuna obviously was of the same opinion. Master, bargain rather than fight? he hissed into Jabba's ear. He's no Jedi.
Jabba agreed with the TwiLek. There will be no bargain, he rumbled in his native language. I will not give up my favorite decoration. I like Captain Solo where he is.
The Hutt pointed to the far wall where Han Solo was hanging.
R2, look! It's Captain Solo, and he's still frozen in carbonite! the taller droid cried out. Jabba's whole court laughed cruelly at the droid's apparent distress.
-----Piett exclaimed and gestured the guards who had drawn their weapons on the intruder to stay calm. You were supposed to stay in your quarters.
And miss all the fun? Nah... Jix sauntered over to the Admiral.
Veers stepped between the two men. What do you mean by the wrong system? he addressed Jixton. The agent regarded the spectacular view of the stars from the bridge for a few moments before answering.
I know where Vader's gone, he said.
We already know he's going to the Alliance, Jixton, Piett interjected.
But not directly. Right now, he's headed for Tattooine, Jix answered.
Veers threw Jixton a puzzled look. His home planet? What would he want there?
Interesting, Jix thought. So Vader was from Tattooine. He stored the information away for later use and turned to the General with a broad smile. Why, to pick up a gift for Princess Leia, of course!
Veers gaped openmouthed at Jixton.
Conference room, Piett quipped, and steered both men into the ready room adjacent to the bridge.
A gift? What gift? he demanded as soon as the door had closed behind them.
A carbonite statue of one Captain Han Solo. Jixton studied his fingernails. I believe Jabba has the original, and Princess Leia Organa is more than interested in it. Don't you agree?
Veers plopped down into one of the chairs. He can't take Jabba on alone.
I agree. Jixton hopped onto the table, while Piett remained standing, arms crossed before his chest.
What equipment do you need, Mr. Jixton? he asked. The agent smiled.
Only my courier ship and a pilot.
You have one. Veers got to his feet.
Jixton's eyebrows shot up. Are you sure, General? Things might get messy, he teased.
Veers gave him a thin-lipped smile. I never got into the habit of staying behind when my men were fighting.
Good. Hope you did not forget how to take orders, either. Because I'll be the one giving them, General.
Let us just say I will follow your expertise as a field agent, Mr. Jixton, Veers conceded.
Are you sure about this, Max? Piett asked quietly.
I am, Veers nodded. Lord Vader needs all the help he can get when he's going up against Jabba's gang. You take the ship to Sullust, and we'll meet you there in a couple days.
We could put a team together, Piett began, but Jixton interrupted him: No. Too conspicuous. We'll never get in there with a whole army.
He's right, Tomas. A strike team would draw too much attention. Jabba has his eyes everywhere. Two men have a better chance of slipping through.
Tell you what, Admiral, Jixton said in a soothing voice. If we're not at Sullust in four days, you can send a team to pick up our bodies. He chuckled at the Admiral's sullen expression.
-----Luke Skywalker was sitting crosslegged on the floor of Kenobi's house, meditating. The droids where in place, as was Lando Calrissian. Soon he would send Leia and Chewbacca into Jabba's palace for the next step of his plan. But not yet. Another player was about to enter into his game, and he had to give him some time.
Reaching out with the Force, Luke felt his father's essence coming closer, careful not to give his own presence away. There was a chance that Vader was coming for him, but Luke did not believe this. Not after the vision he had. He could clearly feel the change in Vader now. In Anakin. Ben and Yoda had been wrong. There was a way back from the Darkside.
He could almost hear Yoda's voice. Difficult to see the future is, the old Jedi master had taught him. Always in motion. But he was not trying to glimpse the future. It was the present he focussed on, and it showed him everything he needed to see.
-----The Tydirium dropped out of hyperspace close too Tattooine. Vader, now dressed in dark pants, a light colored shirt reminiscent of a Jedi robe, and a hooded cloak, steered the small craft into orbit and contacted Mos Eisley Space Port for a landing permit.
This is Tydirium calling Mos Eisley, he spoke into the microphone. Request landing permit.
Tydirium, this is Mos Eisley Space Port. Please state the nature of your visit.
, Vader replied curtly, knowing he would not be questioned further.
Thank you, Tydirium. You are clear to land in docking bay 94. Have a nice day.
Docking bay 94, acknowledged. Vader cut the connection and shook his head. Have a nice day, indeed. Bureaucrats! He guided the shuttle down to Mos Eisley and into his assigned docking bay. He could have landed closer to Jabba's palace, but that would only draw attention, which he did not need. Better to follow procedure, although it meant he had to buy a speeder.
-----A fast courier ship reached orbit around Tattooine not much later. Veers and Jixton had made good time, and they had had the advantage of being closer to Tattooine to begin with. Veers had changed into some civilian clothes he kept on board for shore leave before leaving for Tattooine.
We could still be too late, he mused, gently guiding the ship into a landing cycle. He could be dead already.
I don't think so, Jixton said. He's crazy, but he's not dumb. I think he stopped over someplace else first and prepared for this.
You didn't need much preparation.
Hey, I was borne prepared.
Veers rolled his eyes and groaned, which made Jixton chuckle.
In fact, I brought a few toys with me. The former combat instructor squeezed his tall frame into the courier's cramped back cabin and rummaged through his bags.
he called, tossing Veers a blaster. The General caught it and looked it over.
Nice hardware, he acknowledged. Not your usual military equipment.
No. It's sighted. Got a few more goodies here. Jixton dug out several thermal detonators and handed them to Veers who stuffed them into the pockets of his vest.
Anything else? Veers asked.
Binoculars, canteens, flash grenades, lock picker, grappling hooks. Jixton grinned. Now all we have to do is find Uncle Dee before he gets himself into trouble.
He's already in trouble.
Okay, before he gets himself into more trouble.
Veers took the ship to one of the docking bays. A deep frown crossed his features when he looked out the viewport just before setting down.
I think we just lucked out, he said. There is a Lambda class shuttle only two bays down, in No. 94.
It can't be that easy! Jixton exclaimed. He did not trust this.
With Lord Vader, you never know, Veers commented cryptically. It might be coincidence, or luck, or it might be the Force. Whatever it is, I'm not going to question it.
-----Vader stepped into the dealer's yard, the hood of his cloak drawn deep into his face to protect him from the hot afternoon sun. Although he had used sun tan lotion quite liberally, he knew his skin could not take much of the glare of Tattooine's twin suns yet.
, the Rhodian running the shop called to him.
Hello. I'm looking for a used speeder. What do you have to offer?
Ah, we have the best nearly new speeders in town. Allow me to show you one of my top models. The dealer led Vader to a dark blue sedan. This is one of my best. Notice the condition of the paint job. The previous owner kept her in mint condition! He started the engine, and Vader immediately heard the slight whine that meant the turbine would give out soon.
, he said. I need something sturdier.
Sturdier? Sturdier, you say? You will never find a sturdier vehicle than this, my good man!
Provided you fit it with a new engine, you mean. Darth fixed the dealer with a glare, and the Rhodian gulped.
I think I will just look around.
Uh... of course. Be my guest, the Rhodian whispered.
Vader looked around, starting the engines of one or two other speeders, but was not satisfied with any of them until he moved to an older, beat-up looking ST-model in the back of the yard. It surely did not look like much. It definitely needed a new paint job, and it seemed to have been in too close contact with a Gaffi stick or two. But the engine purred like a kitten. Vader had a good feeling about this speeder. A very good feeling.
What about this one? he asked.
Oh, this one. Has been here for years. The previous owner bought it from some farm boy and was never able to sell it. I make you a good deal on it.
How much?
Three thousand. A look into Vader's face made the Rhodian reconsider. Alright, two thousand five hundred, but that's cutting my own throat!
Two thousand, Vader rumbled.
Two thousand, the Sith repeated.
The Rhodian sighed. Today was not his day for good deals. At least he got rid of the old speeder. Okay, two thousand, but you have to buy the fuel.
I'll prepare the papers, and you can pick it up in half an hour.
I'll be here. Oh, and don't try to harvest any parts before then. I would not like it. Understood?
The Rhodian blinked his enormous black eyes. I wouldn't dream of it, Sir! he squeaked.
Vader smiled. Of course not.
He returned to his shuttle to pick up the things he would need in Jabba's palace when he saw two familiar faces in the crowd. Swearing under his breath, he ducked into the entrance of a building. Veers and Jixton passed, apparently arguing among themselves. He followed them until they reached a seedy cantina.
Are you looking for me, Gentlemen? he called. Both men whirled around to face him.
Hey, Uncle Dee. What a strange coincidence. Jixton grinned.
Veers appeared much less relaxed than his companion. , he began, but Vader silenced him with a glare.
In there. Now, he growled. The two obeyed in the blink of an eye.
Vader ushered them to table near the back of the room.
What possessed you to follow me? he demanded. I won't even ask how you found me.
Glancing around, Veers answered in a hushed whisper: Sir, it would be foolish to go up against Jabba alone.
Who says I'm going against Jabba? This is my home planet, Veers. Maybe I want to retire here. Buy a moisture farm.
In a Gammorrean's eye. Jixton was as direct as ever. You're going to the Alliance, and you're not going there empty-handed.
, Vader sneered. What does Jabba have that the Alliance would want?
Captain Solo, Jixton answered.
Vader slumped in his chair. So you know. Very well. I can understand that you would not pass up an opportunity to annoy me, Jix, but what brings you here, Veers? You have a career.
I also have some honor left in me, Sir, Veers replied stiffly.
Hey, are you guys going to buy drinks, or do you plan on just taking up a table? the bartender, a greasy looking human, called to them.
Juri Juice, Jix called back. Three, and make them large ones.
Three large Juris coming up.
Vader leaned closer to Veers while Jix picked up their drinks.
Did you bring Piett as well?
Uh... not exactly, Mylord...
Don't call me that, Vader hissed. If you have to use a name, call me Anakin. He waited for Veers to continue. What about Piett? he finally asked.
Well... he didn't want to leave the ship behind, Veers said lamely.
Good man. Vader leaned back in his chair and accepted a glass from Jixton. He's more sensible than you, Veers. Setting down his glass without tasting it - he wouldn't put it past Jixton to spike his drink - he looked first at Jixton, then at Veers again. Return to the fleet. I don't need you two here. he stated.
Jixton snorted. You're going to need some backup at least. How do you plan to get into Jabba's palace and safely out again? Solo will probably not be in the best of shapes.
Leave that to me.
You must have a death wish, Jix stated, glaring at Vader.
You should know, Vader retorted.
Veers looked from one to the other. These two were bickering like a married couple.
Gentlemen, can we be sensible about this? Anakin, you have a plan worked out. A plan that does not include us
Vader nodded curtly.
Well, we're not going to back down. At least allow us to be your backup.
Vader rubbed his forehead in exasperation. Alright. I can see that I cannot get rid of the two of you. He paused, thinking. There is a farm out of Anchorhead. The owners are dead. I'll meet you there with Solo. If I'm not at the farm in two days at noon, you can try to rescue us.
Jixton wanted to mouth a protest, but Veers nodded. Two days it is.
Vader got up from the table and turned to leave when Veers called after him: Anakin? Good luck!
The former Jedi smiled. There is no such thing as luck.
-----Sneaking into Jabba's palace had been laughably easy for a fully trained Jedi. What few guards were not drunk or asleep fell to a suggestion carefully placed in their minds. Still, Anakin knew he had to be careful, and he kept his hand close to his lightsaber. There were those among the guards who were of species immune to his mind control.
He went down a short flight of stairs leading into Jabba's main reception hall. The palace itself had not changed much in thirty-three years; it was a bit shabbier then it used to be, but that was about it. A wind chime jingled slightly when he brushed against it in passing; Anakin held his breath, but no-one stirred. Silently, he crept into the reception hall proper and looked around.
Bless Jabba's black heart! Solo, still encased in carbonite, was suspended on the wall like some obscene art object. For a fleeting moment Anakin wondered what Thrawn would think about such a display. He quickly crossed the intervening space and studied the controls on the carbonite case. Solo was still alive, and still in hibernation. The case itself was as bulky as Anakin remembered it. There was no way he could get Solo out of the palace with it, not through the passages he had used to get in. He had no choice but to thaw the Correllian right here. He switched off the repulsor that kept Solo suspended, and the carbonite case hit the floor with a loud clunk. Anakin flinched, but still there were no sounds but his own to be heard. His luck still held. He quickly worked the controls on the case and stepped back as heat emanated from it, heralding the beginning of the thawing process.
The front of the case glowed red and melted away, finally freeing Han Solo. Anakin caught him as he fell forward and gently lowered him to the floor. Solo gasped for breath and blindly reached for his rescuer.
Just relax for a moment. You're free of the carbonite and have hibernation sickness, Anakin whispered.
I can't see, Solo gasped and struggled to sit up. Anakin helped him into a sitting position.
You're eyesight will return in time, Anakin soothed.
Where am I? Solo demanded.
Jabba's palace.
Solo reached up to touch his face. Who are you?
I'm Anakin Skywalker, I'm here to rescue you. Force, he sounded like a dweeb!
You're who? Solo was dumbfounded; Skywalker, that name he knew, but who in Sith-hell was Anakin?
I'm Luke's father...
Luke? Where is he?
Anakin rolled his eyes. Come on, I've got to get you out of here.
He pulled the shivering Correllian to his feet when they both heard deep, guttural laughter behind them. Solo froze with apprehension. I know that laugh.
-----To be continued