Chapter 10

'Who are you?' asked a voice?

Nea jumped, she had been quietly attending to the Princes IV when he spoke. She stared, frozen to the spot in fear. Like every room there was a panic alarm somewhere, but right now she could not even think to answer her name let alone remember where it was.

Luke stared back, probing her mind, not that he needed to do that to tell she was terrified. A nurse, and year or so younger than himself. She had dark brown hair twisted into a clip to keep it off her face, deep brown eyes, and olive skin. A touch of makeup gave her lips a rich red glow. She was beautiful Luke thought. She wore a neatly pressed white tunic and trousers, cinched at the waist with a utility belt, likely to hold emergency supplies. Probing a little deeper, underneath the fear she had a placid mind, she certainly did not appear to mean him harm.

'You speak basic?' he asked again, getting a little impatient.

'Err yes, I'm Nea, I am assigned to care for you,' she answered, her voice shaking.

Luke was not particularly pleased with his current predicament, but this girl did not deserve the full brunt of his anger. Feeling much better, the stiffness and dull ache in his body gone, he sat up swiftly and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Alarmed she jumper back.

'Calm down I'm not going to hurt you. Now what is in this, you think you could take it out?' Luke said pointing to the IV in his right arm.

'Its fluids, nutrients and painkillers your Highness, I guess now your awake you could try eating something. Are you in pain?' asked Nea, still a little apprehensive about being so close to a man she had grown up fearing.

'Don't call me your Highness,' Luke said shaking his head, 'I'm not in any pain and yes I'll give eating a go, now can you take this out?' He did not much like the idea of the Rebels continuing to pump fuck knows what into him, he stuck out his arm. Nea took out a dressing pack from one of the rooms many storage cupboards and approached her patient. She still felt on edge but focusing on her task helped. Turning off the IV she removed the cannula from his arm and quickly applied a dressing, 'Just press on that a bit.' She cleaned up the pack, washed her hands and took a ration bar and bottle of water out of another cupboard. Placing them on the small table next to the bed she stood back again, wary to keep herself between the Prince and the door.

'Thank you, any chance of some clothes, or at least a shirt?' asked Luke.

'There are some standard issue items in the closet my Lord, just there next to the bathroom,' she pointed and smiled, 'the showers are real water in this room to.'

'Really?!' Luke laughed, his apartments on the Interceptor as comfortable as they were, did not even have real water showers. He was so exhausted when he had been in the bathroom earlier, he had not even noticed the shower. Neas smile and Luke's laughter eased the tension somewhat. 'I'll leave you to it my Lord, if you need anything else please press the com,' said Nea heading to the door, on reaching it she turned back, 'oh and you will want to start slow with those rations my Lord, you've been out for six standard days.'

That revelation brought Luke back to reality, he had wasted too much time being distracted by the nurse, now he wanted answers. 'Six days!, What happened to me, where am I anyway?!' he snapped standing up. Nea jumped, 'I'll get someone to come speak to you my Lord,' she said as she quickly opened the door and hurried out, locking it behind her.

Darth Vader entered the Bridge of the Executor, he was growing impatient, and the Emperor was due to arrive any moment.

'Have you located the Rebel fleet yet Admiral?'

'We don't have their exact co-ordinates, but our spies have informed us the fleet is making multiple jumps along the Hydian Way, away from Yavin 4. The many jumps are making it hard to get a lock on them, but we are close my Lord,' answered Admiral Piett.

'Excellent work Admiral, have we sent out probe droids should the Rebels decide to form a new base?' asked Vader.

'Yes, my lord, the smaller vessels are dropping probes along all the systems of the Way, we will have them soon,' said Piett.

'My Lord, Admiral!' came the voice of the newly appointed Captain Venka, 'The Emperors shuttle is approaching, I have given instructions to land in the main hangar and for a display of stormtroopers, technicians and personnel to be there to welcome him.'

'Good work Captain, you will accompany me to the hanger to meet him. Admiral make sure the Emperors suite is ready for him and the throne room is prepared,' ordered Vader.

'Erm yes My Lord,' said Piett, he felt a little put out the Captain was to have the honour of greeting the Emperor and not himself. Venka was a proud man and would no doubt relish in this privilege.

Darth Vader and the Captain left the command bridge for the main hanger. When they arrived an imposing display of Imperial might awaited them and the Emperor, it was an intimidating sight for anyone. Even with the loss of so many on the Death Star the Imperial force was now so far spread throughout the galaxy they had been able to gather more numbers quickly, the number of training academies was growing rapidly.

The Emperors shuttle, a Lambda-class like Vader's own, arrived and landed smoothly in the hangar. The shuttle had been heavily modified to boast a cloaking device, superior hyperdrive and the ability to be crewed by a limited number of the Emperors Royal Guard. Charged with the personal protection of the Emperor, they were the most import unit in the Imperial military. The ramp lowered and six guardsmen, towering in their red helmets and robes, armed with vibroblades, marched down and to the sides awaiting their Emperor who followed. Vader knelt and the Captain bowed deeply, awaiting his address.

'Greetings Lord Vader, an impressive welcome, rise my friend,' said the Emperor gesturing with his hand. Vader rose and turned, the two men heading off between the rows of stormtroopers.

'Thank you my Master, you will be pleased to hear we have located the course of the Rebel fleet and are closing in on them. We will have my son back soon,' said Vader as they headed towards the throne room that would be the temporary seat of the Empire whilst the Emperor was here, away from his usual seat at the Imperial Palace. They had converted one of the audience chambers used for ceremonial purposes into the throne room. The room was not large, but its split levels made it seem so. On existing the turbo lift there were two sets of stairs to either side which led down to the

lower viewing area, just an area of space for stormtroopers and alike to gather. Ahead was a long walkway lined either side with railings, that ended in a staircase leading up to the small, raised stage area that now contained the Emperors throne. Behind the throne was a large viewing window that wrapped around the end of the room. The six guards remained by the doors to the turbolift, and Vader and the Captain followed the Emperor until he was seated on his throne.

'You may leave us Captain, please convey my thanks for your efforts in locating the Rebel fleet to your Admiral,' said the Emperor.

'I will your highness, its has been an honour to be in your presence,' replied Captain Venka, bowing, and turning to leave.

The Emperor watched the doors to the turbolift close and addressed Vader, 'When the fleet is located you will take all measures to retrieve your son, the force is growing increasingly disturbed around him Lord Vader. Ensure the Death Squadron is prepared for attack.'

'Yes, my Master,' said Vader.

'Have you tried to contact him yet?'

'No, my Master but I will attend to that immediately with your permission,' replied Vader bowing his head.

'Granted, and remember Lord Vader, I grow increasingly impatient with young Skywalker. A true Sith would have taken no time in killing and escaping their captor by now,' said the Emperor.

Vader raised his head, 'I have no doubt of my son's devotion to the dark side and to you my Master, and he will prove it when I return with him.'

'We will see Lord Vader, we will see. You may go,' the Emperor ordered, turning round in his throne, his back to Vader.

….

Luke had showered, the water had felt wonderful flowing over his body, it always felt good to get rid of that bacta smell. It had been a long time since he had had a real water shower in his apartments at the Imperial Palace. The warm water had calmed him down somewhat from his outburst. He was impatient to get answers and hoped Nea had gone to find someone to give him them. Nea, he thought, she had been kind and he had lashed out at her, lost control of his temper again, the Emperor would be proud he mused. Why then did he feal terrible for doing that to her. And it wasn't just because he found her attractive. Ever since that attack he had led on Teralov he had this growing and nagging feeling that he could not quite pin down. It was a mix of guilt, regret, but also pleasure at having succeeded and relief at finally doing something the Emperor was entirely pleased with him about, it was very conflicting. He was extremely proud of his command of the Interceptor and that had been enough to settle his mind for a while. But then his dreams brought him the faces of innocent civilians he had killed, that just happened to be in the way. All the time during and since he had told himself over and over, they we just Rebels after all. It had been working, that and the many missions he had been assigned distracting him, but why not now. This incident with Nea was bringing it all to a head again.

Shaking his head Luke rummaged around in the closet and found the only clothes in his size, or at least the only ones that were not white pyjama like things. He found a black long sleeve shirt, brown pants, and black boots. He also found a belt that had a gun holster attached, clearly in his case standard issue Alliance clothes included the holster but not the blaster. Checking himself in the small bathroom mirror he went back to the bed, reached for the ration bar, and sat on the bed leaning against the wall. It felt good to be able to fully control the force again he thought, chewing on the ration bar. The tension amongst the few crew members that knew he was here was easily palpable within the dark energy flowing through him. He smiled, clearly making them on edge, he could use that to his advantage to try and escape, assuming his Father was not already on the way with his Death Squadron. My Father! I have not even tried to contact him! The thought suddenly came to him. Truth be told he had not really missed the constant faint buzzing in his head that was his connection to his father. He finished the ration bar and sat up to get the bottle of water, taking a drink he sat back,

*Father? * he reached out, nothing, *Father are you there? * he waited again.

*Luke, my son, finally, it is good to speak to you, are you well? * came his Fathers voice.

*I am well thank you Father, I was injured but the Rebels treated me, and I assume I am on their medical frigate* replied Luke.

*What happened? Have you spoke to anyone? The Emperor is most anxious for your return, although I must warn you, he is not pleased* asked Vader. Luke thought for a moment, of course the Emperor was not pleased, he was rarely pleased with him.

*My fighter crashed I think, I have not spoken to anyone other than my nurse. She went to find others to come and see me, but she has not returned yet. The Emperor blames me, doesn't he? *

*Yes, my son, I have tried to convey the seriousness of Grand Moff Tarkins mistake in the destruction of the Death Star, but seeing as he is dead the Emperor seeks another. You did fail in your mission nevertheless, that cannot go unnoticed*

*The Emperor blames me for every mishap* snapped Luke.

*The destruction of the Death Star and your failure to retrieve the Princess was not a mishap, the Empire has been dealt a profoundly serious blow, we have more defectors now than before, even Deek* said Vader, letting that last comment just linger.

*Deek? Deek defected? That traitor, I gave him second in command of Black Squadron, he was my wing mate, after everything I did for him. Has he been located? * said Luke getting even angry now, how dare Deek betray him like that.

That made Vader happy, his son using his anger again, his hatred growing *No, we cannot chase after every defector or we would not get anything else done now would we, especially now. Never mind, I am sure Deek will get what he deserves. We are on our way to finding you my son, the Rebel fleet is known to be jumping along the Hydian Way, we just need to get a lock onto exact co-ordinates, and we will stage an attack for your retrieval. I need not remind you to prepare to see the Emperor when you return. *

*No Father, but I sense someone is coming. I look forward to being off this ship and back with you. Please convey my apologies to the Emperor, I have failed him* said Luke.

*I shall, may the force be with you my son* finished Vader. Luke felt the buzzing in is head quieted down again signalling his Father had ended their connection for now.

There was a click and the door slid open, Luke stood, immediately prepared to defend himself, Nea had no doubt told them of his outburst. In walked two Rebel soldiers, blasters immediately trained on him.

'Move over there, by the window,' one of them ordered gesturing with his blaster.

Luke thought about yanking the blasters away and flipping them round to train them on the guards when Nea walked in behind them, 'Wait I just need to check something,' she said heading over to Luke.

'Hold out your hand please my Lord,' she said timidly, placing a small medical scanner on his right wrist. It started beeping, Luke raised is left hand and covered Nea's hand with his own, obscured from the guards by Nea herself. She suppressed a startle and looked him directly in the eye, her brown eyes to his yellow.

''I'm sorry,' Luke whispered, 'I shouldn't have snapped at you like that, and its Luke.' Nea just stood staring, his hand warm on hers, their eyes locked.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

The loud noise came from the scanner, interrupting their gaze, 'All is well, you can carry on,' she said to the guards, giving a small smile to Luke. The two guards fastened a set of binders around his wrists and ushered him out of the door, where Han and Chewie were waiting with another six guards, 'Rooms too small to fit us all in, didn't think we were going to let you get away with only two guards did you?' said Han smugly. Luke looked at Han, over to his large Wookie companion and then back to Han, 'I know you two, you helped the Princess escape custody, I'd recognise that walking carpet anywhere.'

Chewie roared in protest and made a go for Luke, Han just about manged to stop him, 'Easy Chewie, he's not worth it.' He turned to Luke, 'I'm Han Solo, this is Chewbacca, and yeah that was us, it was also us that helped destroy that hell hole. Now if you would kindly come this way, that Princess we rescued, she's waiting for you.' Han jabbed his blaster into Luke's chest and a guard shoved him to the left, 'move, that way,' he said. The eight guards, Chewie and Han surrounded Luke as they guided him through a maze of corridors and turbolifts. Nea was following along behind, grateful that she was at the back and no one could see her. Her mind was a jumble of emotions, she could still feel the touch of Luke's hand on hers, surprisingly warm and gentle. She could not deny the Prince was attractive, even with the yellow eyes, she wondered if they had always been that colour. But his temper, one-minute normal conversation as with any patient, they had even exchanged a smile or two, the next he had been shouting at her. His crimes where terrible, cruel, and cold, so what about him was attracting her. Looking up she could just about see him through the guards flanking him, head up, walking a little slow with his bound wrists. They reached their destination and stopped outside a locked door, Luke glanced behind him and caught her eye, he gave her a small smile as the door opened and he was pushed through.

Inside the windowless room was a large oval silver table, around which where many black chairs. Han grabbed Luke's upper arm and pulled him to the end of the room, furthest away from the door and therefore escape.

'Sit down your Highness,' Han said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, Luke glared at him and took his seat, Chewie took up post directly behind him. The eight guards entered and stood around the table, four each side, blasters aimed, laser sights appeared on Luke's head and chest.

'You sure know how to make a guy feel welcome,' mocked Luke.

'Shut up!' said Han.

At the door in rolled R2 with Threepio shuffling in behind him, Leia had asked them to record the meeting.

'Oh, look R2 there's his Imperial Highness, he looks a lot younger than in the holos' said Threepio. R2 beeped something in reply and took up position in the corner of the room, alongside Nea. Next came Leia and Captain Inara who seated themselves by the door, locking it behind them. Leia and Luke stared each other down briefly.

'Well your Highness,' said Leia, 'I gather you are well recovered; I am sure I don't need to introduce myself, this is Captain Cali Inara of the Redemption' she said gesturing to the Captain seated to her left, 'and you've met Captain Solo and his first mate Chewbacca. Nea tells us you have a great many questions, well so do we.'

'So, are ready to talk kid?' quipped in Han, Leia tried to hide the look of annoyance she gave Han, but Luke noticed, he laughed.

'And this is what the Rebels call diplomacy Princess? Eight blasters trained on my head,' said Luke, pointedly ignoring Han.

'We aint't taking any chances kid,' said Han before Leia could answer, she was getting a little irritated now, here she was trying to negotiate with the Sith heir to the Empire and Han was being cocky. Clearly Luke was getting irritated to, he stood up quickly, straightened himself and stared right into Hans eyes.

'You don't think I could take out each and every one of you without even breaking a sweat!?' he said, punctuating his words with a step towards Han.

'Think you can dodge this and eight others?!' exclaimed Han raising his blaster point blank at Luke's' chest, 'you ungrateful little brat, I saved your life and….'

'Enough of this!' shouted Leia from the other end of the room, glaring at the two of them, 'both of you sit down this instant. Han, please stick to your job as guard and your Highness if you would please sit down we'll start with answering the questions you posed to Nea earlier.' Luke and Han glared at each other a fraction of a second longer before Luke sat down again, Han did the same next to him.

'Thank you,' said Leia, this was not going to be easy she thought, not even five minutes in and people are already trying to kill each other. 'Your Highness,'

'Can you not call me that, my Lord is simply fine,' he smiled smugly.

Leia didn't take the bait, she calmly carried on, 'My Lord, in answer to your questions you are aboard the Medial Frigate Redemption, as to our exact location, that you will not be privy to. Your x-wing was shot down by us and you crashed into the forest not far from the base. Captain Solo and Chewbacca saw this and alerted medics, this, as well as the efforts of the medical teams at the base and on this ship saved your life. You had extensive injuries to your chest requiring surgery and time in bacta. Nea has cared for during your recovery, as Captain Solo so kindly informed you, you should be grateful.'

Luke looked at Nea, 'I am' he said, not taking his eyes off her, even as she shuffled uncomfortably. He thought it best not to revel he knew the path the ship was taking and that he had spoken to his father. The Death Squadron was on its way and Luke did not want to reveal that. 'Where is my lightsabre?' he asked looking back to Leia and Captain Inara.

'Its safe, you'll get it back as and when we see fit,' answered Inara.

'So, as it stands my Lord you owe the Alliance your life. We could have simply left you to die, as I am sure had the tables been turned you would have. As it is, we are above such cruelty, even for murderers such as you. If you were to face the Alliance and stand trial it is almost certain you would be found guilty and sentenced to death,' said Leia.

'So, you have kept me alive to kill me later when its more politically correct,' scoffed Luke.

'Well whilst other leaders of the Alliance did think that way, I disagreed, and managed to get some of the members to support my view. You see I think you are far more useful alive. In return for us saving your life, you are going to help us, by overthrowing the Emperor and restoring peace to the galaxy,' said Leia, the word rolling casually off her tongue.

Luke stared at Leia, glanced around the room at everyone else, even turning his head to Chewie before looking back to Leia, and bursting out laughing. 'And why would I do that, let me guess if I don't, you'll kill me? Well then go ahead, you got eight guns in here, go for it. My Father and the Emperor will not stop until they have destroyed every last one of you,' said Luke.

'As I said your highness, you are far more useful alive. You will help us; besides, you know full well the Emperor doesn't think you fully capable of being his heir and apprentice' smiled Leia.

Luke shuffled in his chair, yes, the Emperor always thought he could do better, but he thought that of everyone.

'What are you talking about? My Father...'

'Yes, your father believes in your abilities and may even have a shred of care for you, but the Emperor doesn't' interrupted Leia, 'how many times has the Emperor thought you weak, punished you or ordered your father to beat you, stab you even, nearly been killed at their hands a fair few times haven't you?'

Luke was stunned, very few people knew about all that, it was mainly just the medics who he treated him, 'How do you know about all that?' his tone concerned now. He had to admit it hurt.

Leia continued, 'We know you fear the Emperor, we know you hate him probably about as much as we do, we know you want nothing more than for your Father to take his place, so you and he can rule the galaxy Father and Son.'

Luke was blown away, there was some truth to that, but how could they possibly know, had they drugged him whilst he was injured, had he told them things he could not remember saying. He knew he couldn't give himself away, 'that's all lies, I will never help you kill the Emperor. I do not hate him, he has trained me since I was a child to one day take over as his heir, why would he bother if he thought me weak?'

Leia raised an eyebrow, 'Perhaps if you won't listen to us, you'll listen to another, someone who knows you better.'

'What?' Luke was very confused now. The door behind Leia and Captain Inara slid open, footsteps could be heard approaching and rounding the door.

Luke stared, mouth slightly open, at the person who appeared.

'Hi Luke' said Deek.