Coronet City Medical Center, Corellia

Karrina Shotts was exhausted after a day of physical therapy. She always thought getting fitted for a high-tech leg prosthesis was a one-day procedure. The doctor slaps it on and you walk away after an hour of practice. She had a below the knee amputation, which is the easiest to fit and utilize, but it was a little more difficult to use than she imagined. The foot was amazingly lifelike and had microprocessors that helped her control the movements of her new foot and ankle with precision, but it didn't respond like her real foot because of her nerve damage. She would need practice. In addition, her time in the bacta tank and the weeks of neural reconstruction meant her undamaged leg had become deconditioned from muscle atrophy. She had to exercise and stretch to strengthen all her muscles.

The hospital had yet to give her a new forearm and hand. She was told it was best to get accustomed to one prosthesis at a time. The exception was her eye. That was the first thing that was implanted...and Talon Karrde wasn't kidding...she was given a Keyton bionic eye and not the clunky, but durable, military optic replacement that made most Imperial soldiers look like ugly cyborgs. He said he had connections...meaning the supreme commander. She assumed Karrde asked Skywalker to approve an upgrade and it was granted. At first, she was worried that she would be made the target of jealousy from other members of the Imperial military needing optical replacements, but she was thrilled to see other patients injured in the attack were also given the extremely expensive prosthetic device. She had asked her physical therapist if the government was now providing Keyton eyes to all blinded military members. She was told the credits for the optical devices didn't come from taxpayer money but from a philanthropic billionaire who set up a charitable foundation to aid those affected by the extremist attack on Corellia. The donor was anonymous, which was unfortunate because she would love to thank him or her for their generosity.

She reached over to her bedside table and picked up a hand mirror and gazed at the eye replacement. It was a perfect match—whiskey brown with flecks of amber. The cosmetic surgeon did a good job reconstructing her eye socket that the optical prosthesis was set in, but she did notice her eyebrow was slightly cocked higher than normal, like she was in a perpetual state of confusion or surprise. While still holding the mirror, she traced her little finger lightly over the jagged but faint white scars radiating from the corner of her eye and down her cheek and neck. The doctor said they will fade in time until they were almost unnoticeable...almost.

She put the mirror down and sighed. She wasn't a vain person, but upon discovering she had been dating a man prior to the attack, she had become self-conscious. Talon Karrde said her scars didn't matter to him...but still...she worried.

Her memory was slowly returning. Occasionally a recollection of the man would slip into her conscious thought—him lying next to her in bed with a mischievous twinkle in his light blue eyes. Her reaching up and caressing his neatly trimmed beard before leaning in to kiss him slowly, gently until sweet anticipation and the slow burn of desire curled through her.

She closed her eyes and blew out a frustrated breath wanting to see him again. She wasn't allowed visitors in the rehabilitation gymnasium, and she usually didn't get back to her room until after visiting hours. She was told it might be a week before her schedule eased enough for her to have visitors.

There was a light rap on her door followed by the sound of it opening. "Come on in," she said expecting the night nurse's arrival to get her evening vitals.

"Hello Karrina." The voice was not of her nurse. She turned to find Talon Karrde standing in the doorway with a wide smile across his handsome face.

"Talon," she said in surprise as she frantically raked her fingers of her left hand through her hair in a desperate attempt to look presentable. "I didn't expect you." She dropped her hand and looked at him frustrated. "I look terrible. I have been in rehab all day. I got a shower and then collapsed into bed."

"Oh," his smile faded as he took a half step back. "I'll come back tomorrow then."

"No!" she said almost pleading. "Please, come in."

The smile returned as he moved to the chair at the side of her bed and sat down. He pointed to the sheet covering her leg prosthesis. "May I take a look?"

She nodded and he lifted the sheet to study the cybernetic replacement. "It looks good." He dropped the sheet. "Are you getting around with it okay?"

"Yes, it takes some getting used to, but I was told that within a week or two I shouldn't have any noticeable abnormality to my gait."

He smiled wider. "The eye looks perfect." After a short pause he continued. "You look beautiful."

She felt a blush heat her face. "I can see why I fell for you. You are a charmer."

His smile blossomed into a toothy grin. "Does that mean you remember falling for me?"

She nodded happily. "I remember some things."

He leaned back in his chair. "Like what?"

She suddenly became bashful. "Ummm...things. Private things."

Karrde snickered. "Ahh...I bet you are remembering my lusty inguinal crease."

She burst out in laughter. "That is such an odd thing for a man to brag about."

He smirked. "Does it look like I would even know what an inguinal crease is? It was your compliment to me. I called it my groin cleavage."

She laughed even harder. "I hope I get all my memories back."

"I hope so too." He leaned forward in his chair. "But if you don't, I would love to make new memories with you."

"I would like that."

He stood and moved closer to her. "It is way past visiting hours. I snuck in past the nurses' desk. I better go before I'm caught. Would you mind if I kissed you goodnight?"

"I would like that...very much."

He leaned forward and kissed her softly. She returned the kiss, cherishing the warm pressure of his mouth on hers. She was disappointed when he broke contact.

"Wow," he said as he straightened to his full height and blew out a shuttered breath. "I agree, wow," she whispered. "Will you stop by tomorrow?"

"Of course." He leaned back down again and brushed his lips against her ear while whispering. "Nothing could keep me away."

.

.
Death Star II Mobile Battle Station

Luke watched as his stormtroopers used a repulsor sled to float the stasis cylinder containing Han and Leia into to Death Star infirmary. As the cylinder was lowered to the ground a corpsman knelt next to the machine and pressed a sedation gas cylinder into an aerosol port at the control panel before deactivating the preservation device. The young medical specialist looked up to his supreme commander. "Sir, they will be unconscious for fifteen or twenty minutes after removal from stasis."

Luke nodded while nervously chewing on his bottom lip. "Thank you. Put them into separate recovery rooms. Secure them in four-point restraints and have a guard on the door. I don't need them escaping and getting themselves killed."

"Yes, Sir." The man stood and called out orders to other infirmary personnel.

Moments later, Luke felt a spike of fear and apprehension flooding through the Force and emanating from the hospital staff. He turned to see his father march into the room, pushing past infirmary security, his gold trimmed black cape billowing out behind him. His appearance so startled the medical staff that the two corpsmen lifting Leia out of the stasis cylinder dropped her. Leia fell a few centimeters before her decent was halted midair leaving her floating approximately a hand's length from the floor. Luke turned to see his father's arm outstretched as he used the Force to keep his daughter from striking the deck. The two medics quickly recovered from their surprise and lifted Leia onto a repulsor gurney before disappearing down the hall. Luke knew their swift actions weren't simply to follow his orders, but to get away from the emperor posthaste. As they left, two different workers moved forward and hauled Han out of the cylinder with equal rapidity and onto a second gurney. Without a word they ushered Han out of the room, leaving Luke and his father alone.

Luke turned to Vader. "Leia should awaken soon. Do you wish to talk to her?"

The emperor shook his head. "No." His gaze dropped to the floor. "I tortured her. I was unable to sense she was my daughter. She looks like her mother...I should have known." He heaved a sigh. "I tortured my own daughter...Padme would never forgive me."

Luke honestly didn't believe the knowledge of Leia's paternity would have stayed his father's hand back then. Vader knew Luke was his son, but that didn't stop the dark Lord from maiming him. No...Darth Vader, the man he once was, a man under the control of Emperor Palpatine, was ruthless and indifferent to the suffering of others.

He was no longer that man.

When Palpatine died—the real Palpatine and not the clone imposter—Luke's father began to change...and it was a change for the better. The fact that his father could not face Leia spoke volumes.

"Have you decided..." The emperor paused before continuing in a metallic whisper. "...her fate?"

Luke blew out a breath. "Mara suggested that Leia and Han are tried by military tribunal." Luke turned and looked down the hall where his sister had disappeared. "I'm going to talk to her. If I can convince her to tone down her rhetoric and show remorse..."

A loud booming laugh escaped the emperor. "She is far too much like her mother for that to happen...idealistic, fearless and stubborn."

Luke sighed deeply, knowing his father was right. "I'm not asking her to beg for forgiveness. I just want her to stop fighting me." His hands flew up in frustration. "...from fighting us...the government."

"I did mention stubborn?" Vader said sarcastically.

Luke chuckled darkly. "I know, I know...but if she can be convinced to remain silent...to not aggravate the situation..." Luke began.

"The public does not know she is in custody," Vader interrupted in a low voice. "She need not be put on trial."

Luke shook his head. "No, I exiled her and Han with the understanding that they remain out of Imperial space. They came back and murdered people. I could understand if I was flying around blowing up planets and enslaving the population, but I'm not. She must face some form of justice. I won't be able to keep their capture quiet for long. If I let her go again...the people will revolt."

Vader dropped a gloved hand on Luke's shoulder and gave it an uncharacteristic fatherly squeeze of reassurance. "Mara Jade may be of assistance. Both are strong women. Perhaps she can reason with your sister."

"Maybe." Luke tugged on the hem of his tunic. It was a nervous gesture he developed soon after becoming Supreme Commander.

"She should be waking soon." He cleared his throat. "I should go."

He turned and walked down the corridor, hoping his father would change his mind and follow him, but when he looked back the emperor stood motionless. Luke pulled his commlink out of his uniform pocket and left a voice message for Mara to join him in the infirmary. He needed all the help he could get.

.

.

Death Star II Mobile Battle Station

When Luke walked into Leia's recovery room the on-duty doctor had just finished a quick health scan as two enlisted corpsmen were at his sister's side securing wrist and ankle restraints. Luke would have preferred Leia waking up unbound and inside a detention cell, but he was informed by his medical staff that sometimes people waking up from stasis could experience minor medical issues such as dyspnea or heart palpitations. It was nothing that supplemental oxygen or the stimulation of the vagus nerve wouldn't cure...still it was best that individuals get medically screened after release from suspended animation.

As soon as the two corpsmen finished buckling the restraints, they immediately vacated the room, leaving Luke with the physician. "How is she?"

The doctor looked down at his datapad for a second before returning his gaze to Luke. "She is in excellent health, Supreme Commander. Since she is a petite woman, she may remain unconscious longer than her companion."

As if on cue, Luke heard the voice of Han Solo calling out from down the hall. "Let me go! Where's Leia? I swear if any of you karking Imperial dwangs have hurt her I'll kill everyone of you!"

Luke blew out a frustrated breath. "It sounds like Han is not having any shortness of breath." Luke turned and exited the room. "I better go talk to him."

Luke walked approximately ten meters down the corridor, dismissed the guard, and entered the room. Han was in the hospital bed vigorously struggling against his cushioned hospital restraints. "Han!" Luke called out. "Stop struggling. Leia is fine. She's not hurt. She is just sleeping off the sedative we gave you two."

When he heard Luke's voice, Han stopped struggling. He gazed at Luke sadly, his shoulders slumping. "Kriff...Karrde sold us to you?"

Luke shook his head. "No. He didn't even tell me he had you at first. He said he hadn't decided what to do with you, but then I accidentally discovered he had your blaster. Well, I know how much you value that weapon, and you would never give it up willingly." He exhaled sharply. "I thought he killed you and Leia. I got so upset that Karrde quickly assured me you were safe and immediately gave up your location."

Han frowned at Luke. "Why would you be upset...and why would Karrde kill us?"

Luke gave a disbelieving chuckle. "Don't you remember trying to abduct him?"

Han looked up at the ceiling in thought. "Oh yeah. Still...Karrde doesn't seem like a guy to murder somebody over a little kidnapping."

"He was on Corella near the Imperial Academy when the Rebellion and Resistance attacked. He was wounded and the woman he loves was grievously injured."

"Oh," Han muttered.

Luke pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed. "I'm glad you woke up before Leia. Han, can you talk any sense into her."

"Psspt," Han made a dismissive snort.

Luke sighed. "Han, you and Leia were put in stasis by Karrde. During that time the Resistance has been decimated. The Rebellion is no more. Imperial Forces have won the war."

Han's head hung down in despair before he dropped back down to the mattress. "Leia will never get over this defeat."

"Is it really a defeat, Han? Leia always talked about closing the death camps, ending slavery, making the lives better for the populace." Luke leaned forward and stared into Han's eyes. "I've done that. Han, I am not the monster she makes me out to be."

Han shook his head slowly. "I know, but she is positive Darth Vader is pulling your strings. He is lulling you in his trap."

Luke gave a grunt of irritation, tired of the fantastical theory Leia concocted to justify the continued insurgency. "What exactly is this trap?"

Han shrugged noncommittally. "She thinks Vader needs time to corrupt you. He will give you the reforms you want until he pulls you over to the darkside. Then he will have his apprentice."

"I am already his apprentice." Luke said evenly. "He completed my training...and next month he will be stepping down as Emperor and placing me on the throne."

Han's eyes widened with surprise. "And you believe him?" Luke rolled his eyes. "Yes, I believe him."

Han thought about it. "Maybe he thinks you having absolute power will be the thing that corrupts you...draw you to the darkside."

"Why would you think I'm so easily corrupted?"

Han looked away. "You are the son of a Sith. I figure it's genetic."

Luke so much wanted to reveal Leia was his sister...that she was also genetically linked to the Dark Lord. He wanted to make that revelation, but he didn't. His father wanted that knowledge hidden until his death and Luke knew deep down that Leia would never believe him. She would think it was a cruel attempt to hurt her. He could have a hundred paternity tests conducted, but she would assume every last one was forged. She would never ever believe that Darth Vader's blood flowed through her veins. And if she did believe...she might never recover from the shock. She already was traumatized over the destruction of Alderaan. This might be too much for her. As strong as she was...everybody had their limits.

Luke straightened in his chair and changed the subject. "Han, you and Leia are going on trial. It will be a military tribunal. If you and Leia can resist spouting inflammatory rhetoric...there is a good chance that they will go easy on you. Eight or ten years in a minimum-security prison...maybe less with good behavior. I will make sure you and Leia are released after that. You have to remain out of Imperial space, but you will be free...but you have to promise to stop the attacks."

Han laughed then cocked his head to the side while smirking at the supreme commander. "Luke, we promised you that before...and we lied."

Luke heaved a leaden sigh. "Yes, you did...and that is what makes this so difficult."

"She will never stop fighting. Not until Vader is dead and the senate is reestablished. She has told me so...many times." Han gave a yank on his restraints. "You plan on keeping me tied up until trial?"

Luke stood. "No, I just wanted to have the doctor look you over after being taken out of stasis. You will await trial in the detention block."

"Make sure you lock down those trash compactors," Han said in a half joking manner.

Luke stopped at the room entrance and turned to his friend. "Han, please help me help her. I am trying to make the Empire a better place...I really am."

Han smiled faintly, sadly. "I believe you, Luke, but I can't talk Leia out of quitting her fight. If I try, she will see it as me abandoning her. She is the Rebellion. It is in her heart and soul. If I suggest ending her struggle I might as well tell her I'm leaving her. She has lost so much. She lost her family, her planet, her friends..." He paused to look directly in Luke's eyes. "...you. She was abandoned recently by loyal Rebels. Some went off to the Resistance and some quit all together. She only has me."

Luke leaned against the doorjamb completely dejected. "Kriff." "Yeah," Han agreed. "This is all kriffed up."

Luke gave Han a halfhearted wave before walking down the corridor to his sister's room. He peeked inside and found her still sleeping. He was going to wait, but decided talking to Leia would be futile. He pulled out his commlink and keyed Mara's number. "Mara, disregard coming to the infirmary. I will meet you back at our quarters."