Chapter 2 In the Face of Danger
"Here." Leia handed her a blaster.
Lark stared at it. "Where… you were supposed to stay here."
Leia almost laughed. "I'm the one supposed to be giving orders, not you."
Lark started to say something, but stopped at the sound of several people walking toward them. They ducked in the corner, blasters ready.
As the storm troopers came into view, Lark and Leia stepped out of the hiding place and began blasting troopers with their weapons.
"Come on." Leia shoved her sideways, and they started to run, but stun rays quickly caught both of them, sending them crashing to the ground.
> > > >
Lark looked around groggily as she woke up. They were in some kind of holding cell, most likely on some imperial something or another. She checked Leia. Not hurt, but undoubtedly she would have the same smashing headache that Lark had right now.
Lark rubbed her forehead in an attempt to soothe her aching head and hopefully be able to think again. Why was she here? She should be dead? The blasted storm troopers probably didn't know which was the princess and which was the aide. Oh well, Vader would straighten that one out soon.
"Lark?" Leia asked.
"Right here, though I can't say I'm too happy about it."
Leia sat up. "How long has it been?"
"Not sure; I just woke up. We're probably on the blockade ship or something."
"Terrific."
"At least I'll get to finally tell Vader what I think about his sense of fashion, something I never dared to do elsewhere."
"Does anything dampen your sense of humor?" Leia asked, glad for her friend's light spirits despite everything.
"I don't know; I haven't gone through everything yet. And I don't suppose I'll get a chance." Lark sighed.
"I think…" Leia stopped and the two girls sat in silence as the door opened and several clone troopers entered and hauled them to their feet.
"This way." One said.
The squad of armored storm troopers, shoving them if they were unable to keep up with their brisk march, led them down a low-ceilinged hallway. Lark struggled to maintain her balance with tightly bound hands. They finally stopped in a smoky hallway as Darth Vader emerged from the shadows. The Dark Lord stared hard at them, but neither moved. Lark had a hard time picturing the dark lord as a Jedi like her father had said. He seemed so completely saturated in evil.
"Who is this?" Vader asked gesturing toward Lark.
"She was with the princess, my lord." One of the troopers said, unwilling to admit that they hadn't known who was who.
"I see."
Leia raised her chin. "Lord Vader, I should have known. Only you could be so bold. The Imperial Senate will not sit for this, when they hear you've attacked a diplomatic..."
"Don't play games with me, Your Highness." Vader interrupted. "You weren't on any
mercy mission this time. You passed directly through a restricted system. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Rebel spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm a member of the Imperial Senate on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan..."
"You're a part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take her away!"
Leia is marched away down the hallway and into the smoldering hole blasted in the side of the ship. An Imperial Commander turned to Vader, but he held up a hand.
"Where do you fit into all this?" he asked Lark in the same menacing tone.
Lark refused to clear her throat or show any sign of weakness before the great black monster. "I'm her assistant." She said.
"I see." Vader paced back and forth. "Tell me, where were you going with the plans?"
"Plans?" Lark pretended top be confused. Vader wouldn't fall for it, but it let him know that he would get no more out of her than he did Leia.
"Take her away as well." Vader growled to the remaining troopers.
Lark looked back over her shoulder as she was led away. You really need to wear brighter colors. She told him mentally.
> > > >
Lark lost all track of time as they waited for something to happen. After the initial surprise and delight over Vader not killing her had faded it was replaced by boredom and restlessness. Let him torture them, at least it would be something. Boredom was just as painful. She paced back and forth until she could tell it was annoying Leia. Then she sat. And sat. And sat. How long did it take for them to decide how to torture someone?
Finally two stormtroopers opened the electronic cell door and allowed
several Imperial guards to enter. Leia's face filled with defiance, which slowly gave way to fear as a giant black torture robot enters, followed by Darth Vader. Lark glared at him. She didn't dare tap into the Force so close to Vader, but she still wasn't afraid. She didn't know why, but she would always feel a sickening dread in the pit of her stomach, and then it would fade and she wouldn't be scared anymore.
"And, now Your Highness, we will discuss the location of your hidden Rebel base." Vader said.
The torture robot gave off a steady beeping sound as it approached Leia and extends one of its mechanical arms bearing a large hypodermic needle. The door slid shut. The look in Vader's eyes- was always amazed at how the mask could portray his facial expressions- told Lark she would be next if Leia didn't cooperate. Which she didn't.
Vader turned to Lark. In some ways it was easier for Leia. She only had herself to fall back on, but Lark's strength was in the Force, something she couldn't use no matter how many times she and her father had practiced using it undetected.
Lark it back a scream as the robot injected the fluid into her. It felt like her head was on fire one second and turned to ice the next as the mind probe dug deep. She sank into her center, something she could do with minimal use of the Force, and pulled the top in over her, letting everything else fade. When she came back to herself, it was only to fall unconscious.
> > > >
Bob sat at a table in Mos Eisley wand watched the crowds go in and out. A pair of travelers caught his attention, and he made his way to the man as they separated.
"Ben." He said. "What are you doing here? I thought you kept to that old rock of yours."
Ben Kenobi laughed. "And I thought you stuck to that ship of yours. Is Shey here?"
"No, he was making a run with some others, and they didn't want minors to come along." Bob explained ruefully.
"Minors? Lat time I checked you were nineteen."
"In their opinion twenty-one is adult. No less." He shrugged.
"So are you alone?"
"No, I'm here with a friend of Shey's. My babysitter." Bob rolled his eyes, but from the tone of his voice, Ben figured he wasn't too put out with the arrangement.
"So what are you and Luke doing here?" Bob asked.
"Looking for a ship. We need to get to Alderaan fast."
"Fast? The guy I'm with says his ship's the fastest."
"I'm sure bragging has a place in the galaxy, but we're interested in fact. Just how fast is this ship?"
"Honestly? I've never seen one that can beat it. Come on. I'll introduce you." Bob led the way over to a where a corellian and a wookie were seated with some other rascals.
"Han, this is Ben. He needs to talk to you."
"That so?" the corellian leaned backing his chair. "Get lost, guys." He said. The scoundrels departed, and Ben sat down. "What can I…"
Suddenly Ben jumped up and whirled with a lightsaber in hand. In a flash there was an arm on the floor, a rodent was cut in two, a the giant multiple-eyed creature lay doubled,
cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and precisely turned off his laser sword and replaced it on his utility belt. Luke, shaking and totally amazed, attempted to stand.
Bob smirked as the cantina goes back to normal. Only in Mos Eisley.
Luke, rubbing his bruised head, and Bob studied the old man with new awe. Ben pointed
the Wookiee.
"This is Chewbacca. He's first-mate on a ship that might suit our needs." He said, leading them back over to where Han was still sitting.
"Han Solo." He said. "I'm captain of the Millennium Falcon. Bob here tells me you're looking for passage to the Alderaan system."
"Yes, indeed. If it's a fast ship." Ben answered.
"Fast ship?" Han leaned forward. "You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon?"
"Should I have?"
Bob wondered if Ben was playing Han or just displaying his ignorance. Of course, Han was a little self-centered; not everyone had heard of the Millennium Falcon. It was mainly well known among the smugglers and pirates.
"It's the ship that made the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs!" Han said.
Bob tried not to roll his eyes. Did not. He thought, but he didn't say anything.
Han was just getting warmed up. "I've outrun Imperial starships, not the local bulk-cruisers, mind you. I'm talking about the big Corellian ships now. She's fast enough for you, old man. What's the cargo?"
"Only passengers. Myself, the boy, two droids, and no questions asked."
"What is it? Some kind of local trouble?" Han asked, curiosity peaked.
"Let's just say we'd like to avoid any Imperial entanglements."
Han didn't drop the act. "Well, that's the trick, isn't it? And it's going to cost you something extra. Ten thousand in advance."
Bob had to raise his eyebrows for that one.
"Ten thousand?" Luke agreed with Bob's silent opinion that the price was ridiculous. "We could almost buy our own ship for that!"
"But who's going to fly it, kid! You?" Han scoffed.
Careful. Bob mentally warned. When Luke got his blood up…
Luke's blood was up. "You bet I could! I'm not such a bad pilot myself! We don't have
to sit here and listen..."
Ben put a hand on Luke's arm. "We haven't that much with us. But we could pay you two thousand now, plus fifteen when we reach Alderaan."
"Seventeen, huh! Okay. You guys got yourself a ship. We'll leave as soon as you're ready. Docking bay Ninety-four."
"Ninety-four." Ben repeated.
Bob looked over at the counter. "Looks like somebody's beginning to take an interest in your handiwork."
Ben and Luke turned around to see four Imperial stormtroopers looking at the dead bodies and asking the bartenders some questions. The bartender points to the booth.
Ben and Luke made a record getting out of there. By the time the stormtroopers looked over at the booth, they were gone.
"Seventeen thousand!" Han exulted. "Those guys must really be desperate. This could really save my neck."
"I doubt it. If Jabba doesn't get it, your big head's about to break it."
Han shooed him away. "Go back to the ship and get it ready."
> > > >
As Bob glanced put from underneath the millennium Falcon his heart sank. Jabba the Hut and a half-dozen grisly alien pirates and purple creatures stood in the middle of the docking bay.
"Come on out, Solo!" Jabba called.
"I've been waiting for you, Jabba." A voice from directly behind the pirates said.
Startled, they turned around to see Han Solo and the giant Wookiee, standing behind them with no weapons in sight.
"I expected you would be." Jabba laughed.
Han shrugged. "I'm not the type to run."
"Yeah right." Bob muttered, but no one heard him.
"Han, my boy, there are times when you disappoint me." Jabba said in a fatherly tone.
"Why haven't you paid me? And why did you have to fry poor Greedo like that, after all we've been through together?"
"You sent Greedo to blast me." Han protested.
"Han, why you're the best smuggler in the business. You're too valuable to fry. He was only relaying my concern at your delays. He wasn't going to blast you."
"I think he thought he was. Next time don't send one of those twerps. If you've got something to say to me, come see me yourself."
Bob had to admire Han's nerve, but Jabba would only put up with him for so long.
"Han, Han! If only you hadn't had to dump that shipment of spice. You understand I just can't make an exception. Where would I be if every pilot who smuggled for me dumped their shipment at the first sign of an Imperial starship? It's not good business."
"You know, even I get boarded sometimes, Jabba. I had no choice, but I've got a charter now and I can pay you back, plus a little extra. I just need some more time."
Bob considered stepping out to confirm it, but he stayed back. Han was doing fine on his own, and he'd rather stay out of trouble with Jabba.
"Put your blasters away." Jabba ordered. "Han, my boy, I'm only doing this because you're the best and I need you. So, for an extra, say twenty percent I'll give you a little more time, but this is it. If you disappoint me again, I'll put a price on your head so large you won't be able to go near a civilized system for the rest of your short life."
"Jabba, I'll pay you because it's my pleasure." Han said.
Bo rolled his eyes. He had to come out on top.
"Nice guy." He said as Jabba left.
"Yeah, well I've got the money coming in, what do I have to worry about?"
"That he won't keep his word?"
"You'd make a great pirate, kid." Han said as he boarded the ship.
"No, thanks, I've gotten enough of it just watching you handle your colleagues."
"Oh, it's not that bad. That's the kind of stuff that makes the job fun."
Bob let him have the last word and refrained form saying that Han didn't seem to be having much fun back there as Chewie entered, leading their passengers to the ship.
"What a piece of junk." Luke said.
"Not smart, Luke." Bob muttered.
"She'll make point five beyond the speed of light." Han said as he went down the boarding ramp "She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've added some special modifications myself."
Luke scratched his head, unsure.
"I've flown in… her myself Luke." Bob made sure he said her instead of it out of sensitivity for Han. He didn't think Han could care for his own son as much as he cared for the Falcon. Not that Han would ever be able to land a woman that would stay with him long enough to raise a child.
Chewbacca rushed up the ramp, urging the others to follow.
"We're a little rushed, so if you'll hurry aboard we'll get out of here." Han said as the group began to board.
Suddenly the door burst open and storm troopers flooded in.
"Stop that ship!" the commander called.
Han looked up to see the Imperial stormtroopers rushing into the docking bay and beginning to fire at them as he and Bob duck into the spaceship.
Han drew his blaster and popped off a couple of shots, forcing the stormtroopers to dive for safety. The ship's engines whine as Han hit the release button to slam the overhead entry shut.
"Chewie, get us out of here!" Han yelled as the group strapped in for take off.
"Oh, my. I'd forgotten how much I hate space travel." The protocol droid said.
From the pilot's chair, Han frantically typed information into the ship's computer.
"It looks like an Imperial cruiser." He muttered. "Our passengers must be hotter than I thought. Try and hold them off." He turned to Bob. "Angle the deflector shield while I make the calculations for the jump to light speed."
Bob nodded and set to work. He didn't even glance up when Luke and Ben made their way into the cramped cockpit.
"Stay sharp!" he kept talking to himself. "There are two more coming in; they're going to try to cut us off."
"Why don't you outrun them? I thought you said this thing was fast." Luke accused.
"Watch your mouth, kid, or you're going to find yourself floating home." Han shot back. "We'll be safe enough once we make the jump to hyperspace. Besides, I know a few maneuvers. We'll lose them!"
Out of the corner of his eyes, Bob saw Luke opening his mouth.
"Don't." he said. "Let him work."
Luke shut his mouth.
As the imperial cruisers fired at the ship the ship shuddered. An explosion flashes outside the window.
"Here's where the fun begins!" Han said.
"How long before you can make the jump to light speed?" Ben asked.
"It'll take a few moments to get the coordinates from the navi-computer." Han answered.
The ship began to rock violently as lasers hit it.
"Are you kidding?" Luke said. "At the rate they're gaining..."
"Traveling through hyperspace isn't like dusting crops, boy!" Han said.
"Without precise calculations we could fly right through a star or bounce too close to a supernova." Bob quickly took over explaining, so Han could concentrate on saving their lives.
"Yeah, and that'd end your trip real quick, wouldn't it?" Han added.
The ship was now constantly battered with laserfire, and a red warning light begins to flash.
"What's that flashing?" Luke was beginning to sound panicked.
"We're losing our deflector shield. Go strap yourself in, I'm going to make the jump to light speed." Han said.
Stars flashed and disappeared as the Millennium Falcon zoomed into infinity in less than a second.
Really long chapter for ya. Hope you liked it.