DEATH STAR
When Imogen came to, she was surprised to find herself in silence. For hours, she had the sound of war and screams in her mind and now she lies in a room where there wasn't even the small hum of an engine. Imogen took her chance to look around the small room, it was bare and didn't exactly give her much of a hint as to where she was: the walls were a deep shade of black yet the floor and the ceiling was a soft orange, where the door was sat stairs, and a bed that was as soft as a brick. So this was a cell, an Imperial cell, but where exactly was she and what had happened to Leia after she was harshly tugged from away from the Alderaan princess.
It wasn't a Star Destroyer, no, Imogen had been on one of those before. You could always feel the engines below your feet but this was different, this was almost as silent as death. Darkness consumed the Onderon senator quickly, that malevolent darkness made her gut twist because it grabbed onto her like an unwelcome hug; the evil that neared was reaching out for something, and was desperate to grasp some type of information. It curled around the area and it wasn't long before it stopped right outside her cell.
Imogen gave the false mask of calm as the door opened and revealed a person clad in black robes and wore a mask on the lower half of their face, on their hip rested a red metal lightsaber. A sith, like Darth Vader? Imogen remembered the rumors of Darth Vader taking an apprentice and to have them standing before her right now was slightly unsettling, Vader hadn't come himself so he sent his apprentice instead, someone Imogen couldn't predict the actions of. Yet it was great to hear no rasping from her mask but it was also of no comfort to have her silence and only piercing dark blue eyes were the things that let Imogen know that they were alive at all.
"Imogen. . .Flores. . ." they may have not got the raspy breathing down but they do have the voice, it was distorted and sharp, calculated but up front. "Senator of Onderon."
Imogen jumped up at the mention of her title, "I am a member of the Imperial Senate. I have certain rights, including the right not to be illegally detained!"
The apprentice tilted their head, eyes crinkled with a sick mirth. "The same spirit as Senator Organa...It'll be quite entertaining to break it down." Their voice was contented and amused as they stepped down the stairs, hands clasped behind their back.
Imogen watched their moments closely but she couldn't ignore the anxiety she felt upon the mention of Leia and her determined spirit. She clenched her jaw, burying her emotions deep and bringing the senator out; with more control, she stated again flatly. "I am a member of the Imperial Senate. It is illegal to detain me."
"There is no need to worry about that now, the Imperial Senate has been disbanded." They drew closer to the senator and waved a hand. "You have nothing to hide behind now, Flores."
"...Disbanded?" Imogen repeated quietly to herself but she refused to let the shock seep onto her face, she didn't want to give this monster the satisfaction of a reaction. This could only mean that the Emperor had all the power now, he had all the cards and now controlled all the leading powers in the Empire. Not that it wasn't like this before but it meant that he wouldn't need approval from the Senate or anyone for that matter, he could do as his sick and twisted heart pleased.
The being moved their hand and Imogen was sat upon the bed once again with such force she lost her breath, coughing as the apprentice grabbed her chin. "The Emperor will pleased to see you again, he's rather displeased with your denial of your place-"
Imogen slapped the hand away and glared in defiance, "I don't care. Where is Princess Organa?" She snapped.
The apprentice's eyes flashed with rage before they turned and pounded a fist against the door. "You will know soon enough." Was all they said as the door slid open and revealed a spherical interrogation droid, gleaming red lights and silver lined the middle but what got Imogen's attention the most was the shining needle on its right, menacing and surely going to make her talk.
Imogen didn't say much, only moving her attention back to the apprentice. "Where is the droid?" They demanded sharply, hands clenched at their side.
Not a word came from Imogen and she closed her eyes, prepared to endure any and all pain she got in order to keep the Rebellion safe.
"So be it. Droid," The apprentice gestured the droid forward. It took its place and in a split moment, hot pain spread from Imogen's neck up into her head.
Imogen would later describe this moment as the worst moments of her life. She was no longer on the Death Star, no, she was on vacation with her family to Coruscant where her mother would go to the Senate while her father kept her company. She was older though and would accompany her mother on her trip to the Senate while her father ventured his old roots, pointing out whatever silly object he could and diving into some type of story on how it connected to his younger self.
Something about this day was different though. Imogen laid against the grass of their estate, the stars were unseen due to the lights that covered the planet but she still felt the warmth of the day on her skin, hair fanned out unusually and she felt almost pinned to the ground. Imogen had laid in a similar position years ago, just before her father passed away; she remembered that day, how disconnected from herself she felt and then the news of her father's death had only confirmed her heart's bitter warning of the heartbreak she would endure.
Yet it was nothing like that day at all, next to her was her father as healthy as ever and smiling like he had no worries in the universe.
"Papa?" Imogen whispered, a frown taking her stone like features.
"Imogen, my darling," Buris whispered fondly, hand cupping his daughter's cheek and meeting the matching green. They shared many features but Buris always made sure to tell her that she had her mother's heart, that she was as stubborn and as witted as the Queen of Onderon. "what is on your mind?"
Something wasn't right, wasn't she just somewhere else?
Death Star.
Tantive IV.
Scarif.
Only hope.
"Papa, I'm not feeling well." Imogen jerked away from his hand, suddenly uncomfortable with the caring gesture.
His features twisted, "Imogen, where are the plans?"
Imogen's gut twisted and eyes opened, meeting his own again to find them filled with rage. "What plans?" she breathed, feigning innocence.
Baris pinned her to the ground, hands so tight around her wrists Imogen just waited to hear some type of snap. "The Death Star plans, you foolish girl!"
She didn't answer fast enough for his liking and he tightened his grip. "Where?!"
Imogen cringed and let out a cry, "I don't know, I'm sorry, I don't know!" She let out a pitiful sob. "I don't have them, leave me alone, father!"
She hadn't, the plans were with R2 and 3PO now. They were the last hope for the Alliance and they could be anywhere on Tatooine by now. Imogen clenched her eyes closed and prayed that she was back in the real world, to get away from her father's rage and his terrible grip on her wrists. She'd much rather be under Vader's mercy then in her father's presence.
When she opened her eyes, she could vaguely make out the apprentice's figure. 'The Death Star, you are on the Death Star and they're trying to make you break.' Imogen took a large breath and glared as best as she could: "I am Imogen Flores, Senator of Onderon."
The apprentice's eyebrows twitched up in shock but their steely gaze didn't move nor waver from Imogen's spot on the metal cot. Finally, as if knowing they wouldn't get anything from her, they turned and walked toward the door; they made a clicking noise and the droid exited first. Before the apprentice made their own exit, they turned and spoke over their shoulder: "If you're not careful, Senator, you'll be nothing."
After their exit, Imogen reached up with her numb hand to feel the welt that graced her neck; she hissed in pain upon the contact. She let out a big breath and fell back against the cot again, eyes unseeing at the orange popcorn on the ceiling and just hoping- praying, that those plans got to the right person.
Luke Skywalker was hunched over with a vapirator, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows to ensure his only tunic would stay clear of any grease. A little bage hat was nestled on his head to protect his scalp from the burning suns, the two things that usually comforted him were now the two gleaming reminders of the worlds that lie beyond the horizon of Tatooine. He couldn't worry about that now because the shock that just went from his fingertips up to his whole right side. Luke let out a loud yelp as he jumped away, his other hand messaging his right in an attempt to stop the electrical popping feeling, he flexed it as he sighed and turned to Stumpy.
Stumpy was the little droid that had accompanied him to the vaporator and was trudging desperately to catch up with him. Luke decided that he wanted to head to Tosche Station, Owen had grounded him for the rest of the season and wouldn't allow him to go anywhere without either him or Beru. This was his chance to go in, get a power converter, see everyone and then go back home like nothing happened. Luke looked back, some of his sandy hair flicked into his eyes, "Don't worry, I'll come back to you." He reassured softly. He jumped into his speeder and quickly turned it in the direction of Tosche Station.
He was unsure of himself, it wasn't anything new but he wasn't sure how Fixer would feel about him waltzing in once again. Luke felt pride over his win that he had kept the Skywalker title from losing probably one of the only good things they've received names for. It's always been 'Wormie' this and 'Ice queen' that. Luke felt like the small praise from Beru about his time around the canyon was like recieving a medal. The farmboy just wanted one thing in his life to be proud of and this record was that, if Luke was 50 defending this then so be it.
Luke's hands tightened around the steering in anxiety, his heart palpitating and sweat collected at his brow. With a deep and shuddering breath, he thought of something else and that was his dreams to travel the stars; every planet out there couldn't have been travelled by one man so maybe he'd become that one person. Luke Skywalker "Mister Galaxy Man"! He could advertise his drawings of the planets he's been to, drawings of animals and plants, he'd have a real life while everyone on Tatooine would be stuck on their farms.
Luke Skywalker would be someone, someone good.
Yet he worried that he couldn't be good because of the way he was left to fend for himself.
Luke was an orphan. At only minutes old, he lost his mother and lost his father to the Clone Wars. His father wasn't anyone that was serving the Separatists or the Republic; the man was a laborer and his work got him killed. Owen nor Beru spoke much of his father but Rene was rather easy to get talking; she spoke of wild stories of their father, how he's saved people but he was nothing but a navigator. That he was always on the move. That Anakin Skywalker was tantive to his work and determined to give them a good life, even if he was a spice runner. Something that almost seemed to bring Owen joy to remind Luke of. Yet never once was Rene ashamed to reclaim their father as a good man- an amazing man.
When Rene was small and Luke even smaller, they would play Jedi and Sith. Usually, they were the Jedi and the womp rats around were the Sith. That little game eventually got Luke the name of womp rat sharpshooter. A title he's held since he was 13 years old. Proudly, at that. There wasn't much on Tatooine you could find good respect for. For Luke, it was taking out the little buggers that seemed to annoy a lot of farmers. He'd gladly do that any day.
Tosche Station came into view and Luke was surprised that he'd managed to block out the whole ride. His eyebrows turned up and he tugged the little hat on his head down. He stopped the speeder and gladly hopped out. He rushed up the steps of his friend's usual hangout. Luke's blue eyes were quick to find Camie and Fixer.
"Did I hear a boom outside?" Fixer pulled his face away from Camie's long enough to ask.
Camie regarded Luke in disdain. "It was just wormie on another rampage." She retorted.
Luke winced a little but masked it quickly. 'Wormie' had been something he was called since probably the age of five. Luke couldn't remember where it started or who it came from but he knew it was meant to hurt him, it did for a long time. But he has heard it so many times, for so long, he's just grown used to it. Maybe he'll always be Luke 'Wormie' Skywalker, who knew?
"Shape it up, you guys!" Luke exclaimed, slapping his hand on the table causing both woman and man to glare at him.
Camie had been the only real girl that'd talk to him. Not that she was nice or the greatest of friends but she was the only thing he had close to a friend. That included Fixer who was probably one bad step from punching Luke. The sun beamed boy turned and went to get everyone up when his eyes landed on Biggs Darklighter. His eyes brightened.
"Biggs?" He breathed. In an instant, the two friends laugh and envelope each other into a hug. Luke felt a sense of normality that he hadn't in months, without pulling away he asked: "I didn't know you were back. When did you get back?"
Biggs pulled away so they could look at each other, "Just now," he answered. "I just wanted to surprise you, hotshot. I thought you'd be here... .certainly didn't expect you to be working."
As Biggs laughed, Luke's face turned into a big grin. "The Academy didn't change you much. . .hey, speaking of which did you see my sister?" The young farmer asked hopefully, wanting to hear some type of information.
The air around them seemed to cool but Biggs let a smile curve his lips, patting Luke on the shoulder. "Of course I did. She told me to make sure you're not causing problems for your Aunt, that you're doing your part." He pointed a finger in the other's face making Luke roll his eyes.
"He's caused us problems, that's for sure." Camie spoke, glaring at Luke.
Luke, like always, ignored this. "Oh! I forgot, I need a power converter."
"I'm sure you got the money then?" Fixer asked, his feet coming up to the table to rest. His eyes rested on Luke bitterly, taking a large swig of his juice. It was obvious he was still very unhappy with what happened yesterday in Beggar's Canyon and he wouldn't let Luke get away with getting a part for free. He let out a breath, raising a brow. "Nothing's for free, Skywalker."
Luke redended slightly and shrugged, "I'll have to go get the credits from Owen." He said firmly.
"I'm sure you do." Fixer spat.
Biggs must've felt how tense everyone was and just how angry Fixer was so he wrapped an arm around Luke's shoulders, pulling him forward. "Don't worry, Luke and I will return with the credits, Fixer." In all truth, Luke's only friend was Biggs. He was the only one to truly see Luke for something other than wormie. Biggs had been a lot of Luke's firsts, first friend, first fight, first. . .everything. Of course, they had moved past a lot and remained friends but that's what mattered. They were best friends.
R2 wasn't all too shocked when the escape pod opened and revealed the Tatooine desert. 3PO however seemed beyond shocked, he seemed disgusted. Huffing and complaining like it was nothing to him which didn't surprise R2 seeing as it was 3PO's most redeeming quality. R2's photoreceptor tried to process where Obi-Wan could possibly be but it was sand dunes for miles upon miles.
"How did I get into this mess?" 3PO asked desperately. "I really don't know how. We seemed to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life."
R2 let out a series of beeps: MAYBE YOUR LOT. I'M DOING AS MASTER IMOGEN ASKED.
"I've got to rest before I fall apart. My joints are almost frozen." 3PO ignored his counterpart and slows down. R2 continued on with his own mission. "What a desolate place this is."
R2 whistled at him sharply: YOU'RE WASTING TIME.
"Where are you going?"
WHAT I WAS TOLD.
"Well, I'm not going that way!" 3PO snapped at him. "It's much too rocky. This way is much easier."
R2 snapped at him once again: THE MISSION IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW.
"What mission?" 3PO inquired. "What are you talking about? I've had just about enough of you! Go that way! You'll be malfunctioning within a day, you nearsighted scrap of pile!" the golden droid gives R2 a sharp and swift kick in the side. "And don't let me catch you following me begging for help, because you won't get it."
R2's response is swift itself: I WON'T BE NEEDING YOUR HELP. YOU'LL SEE.
"No more adventures. I'm not going that way!" 3PO shouted.
The two droids go in opposite directions, anger somehow boiling in their parts.
"So I cut off my power, shut down the afterburners, and came in low on Fixer's trail. I was so close I thought I was going to fry my instruments. As it was I busted up the speeder pretty bad. Uncle Owen was pretty upset. I don't know why, it was Rene's speeder. . .but he grounded me for the rest of the season. You should have been there. . .it was fantastic." Luke told Biggs. The two now sat on the peak of Beggar's Canyon, overlooking the vast desert and for once, it was peaceful to do so.
"You ought to take it easy Luke," Biggs said softly, bumping shoulders with the younger man. Luke rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest. "You may be the hottest bush pilot this side of Mos Eisley, but those little speeders are dangerous. Keep it up, and one day, whammo, you're going to be nothing more than a dark spot on the downside of a canyon wall."
Luke's eyebrows drew together and he gazed at his best friend with a little irritation. "Look who's talking. Now that you've been around those giant starships you're beginning to sound like my uncle. You've gotten soft in the city. . ." He smiled sweetly, tilting his head. "Why'd you take us out here anyways?"
"Old time sake," Biggs shrugged, "And. . .I've missed you kid."
"Well, things haven't been the same since you and Rene left, Biggs. It's been so. . .quiet." Uncomfortable, Luke wiggled in his seat and directed his finger out to the Stone Needles. "That's where all the magic happened."
Biggs started to laugh, shaking his head. "I don't know how I lived through half of the crazy stunts we pulled." He sighed happily, staring out at the canyon while Luke eyed him from the corner of his eye. It was so surreal to be sitting with Biggs reminiscing about the past. It was like one of the dreams that Luke has been having recently, especially last night. That girl that had comforted him, told him that this would pass soon just...it felt so real but he knew it to be a dream.
Luke bit his lower lip, his fingers rubbed together. "If we had a hopper we could give those wamp rats some hell." He said with a soft chuckle.
Biggs puffed his chest and straightened. "Sorry, I-I am now valuable property. Any cadets after graduation must refrain from unnecessary danger."
This caused both boys to burst into laughter, falling against each other and trying to catch their breath. Luke stared up to the sky and took in a sigh, the warmth of the suns made him close his eyes and bask in it. He could feel Biggs' eyes on him and he was sure the man was trying to inspect him for some answers.
"Do they know what type of trouble you've gotten into?" Luke asked, his lips slanted up. "More trouble than me, that's for sure."
Biggs let out an airy chuckle, "I figured it was better not to mention those troubles to my piloting instructors." He teased.
Luke shook his head. "Yeah, I'm sure they would've been thrilled." He teased back, nudging him with his elbow.
"Luke...did you ever wonder why we're friends?" Biggs asked slowly, moving slightly to look at his face fully.
Confused, Luke opened his eyes and sat up with a frown. "What?" He had never really wondered because Biggs just was so natural with him, was so swift to be there for him and Luke never once questioned Biggs why he was friends with the farm boy everyone picked on. It was never a doubt that Biggs was friends because he truly cared.
"Well, no one is going to leave Tatooine, maybe never get as far as Mos Eisley. Have you ever thought about that?" Biggs started, dark and thick eyebrows raised.
Luke looked to the distant with a soft scoff he shook his head. "Well, not exactly like that I haven't." He said simply.
Biggs took a deep breath and started to explain. "Fixer is a small enough fish that he knows he's better off staying here where he's the biggest noise in a small room, Camie is dumb enough to think she's got the prize catch here, WIndy is a big enough follower, and Deak's the follower of a follower!"
Luke's eyebrows drew together. "What are you saying Biggs?"
Biggs' eyes grew bright as he passionately declared: "You will get off Tatooine, Luke. That's why they won't accept you."
'That's why they won't accept you.' Luke's eyes returned to the horizon as he contemplated Biggs' words. They had never accepted him, no one had ever truly accepted him and a part of Luke knew that but he hadn't really cared. Some day none of what happened on Tatooine would matter, it'll be nothing compared to life he envisioned; everyone here will be jealous of Luke and he'll look back with a laugh. Proudly, he knew he'd be more than the farm boy he was now.
Soberly, Luke shrugged. "Well, they're not so bad. I-I don't really mind them."
Biggs looked unconvinced as he snorted indignantly. "Then why do you try so hard to be the hottest pilot around, huh?" His nimble fingers came up to stroke his mustache as he regarded Luke seriously.
"Well, I-"
"Hey, did you see that?" Biggs asked, leaning forward in his seat and squinting into the distance where four figures were in the canyon.
Luke followed where he was staring and let out a short gasp: "Tuskens." He reached into the back seat and nabbed his macrobinoculars, turning back to get a better view of them. He let out a little huff and slumped in his seat as Biggs took the binoculars from his hands. "I'm supposed to keep a watch out for them out on the farm. Owen said that there's been a lot of activity from them recently."
"Hey, I don't think it's anything to worry about." Biggs tried to reassure him, smiling thinly.
"There's some excitement for your return," Luke tapped his knee and chuckled a little.
Biggs stared at him sympathetically. "You think this planet is so boring because you've never been anywhere else." Luke shrunk even more but kept his eyes level with the pilot's. Biggs hesitated, his face pulling up in thought before he spoke: "Luke, I didn't come back just to say good-bye. . .I shouldn't tell you this, but you're the only one I can trust. . .and if I don't come back, I want somebody to know." His voice was soft, even a little unnerved.
Luke's eyes widened into ones of innocence, pulling away from Biggs to convey true concern. "What are you talking about?"
"I made some friends at the Academy." He spoke softly. "When our frigate goes to one of the central systems, we're going to jump ship and join the Alliance."
Luke's jaw dropped. "Join the Rebellion?! Are you kidding! How?"
Biggs grabbed his shoulder, "Quite down will ya. You got a mouth bigger than a meteor crater!" He snapped.
"I'm sorry. I'm quiet." Luke brought his voice to a whisper and his hands fiddled in front of him. "Listen to how quiet I am. You can barely hear me."
Biggs shook his head. "My friend has a friend on Bestine who might help us make contact."
"You're crazy!" Luke shook his head, still shocked. He couldn't imagine how he'd react if Rene were to come home and tell him she was part of the Rebel Alliance. It was a lot more dangerous than the Empire! Surely. "You could wander around forever trying to find them."
"I know it's a long shot, but if I don't find them I'll do what I can on my own. . .it's what we always talked about." Luke looked down while Biggs continued, trying to brighten his mood. "Luke, I'm not going to wait for the Empire to draft me into service. The Rebellion is spreading and I want to be on the right side- the side I believe in."
"And I'm stuck here. . ." Luke muttered.
Biggs frowned, "I thought you were going to the Academy next term. You'll get your chance to get off this rock."
"Not likely!" Luke exclaimed, his frustrations immediately coming back. "I had to cancel my application. There has been a lot of unrest among the Tuskens since you left. . .they've even raided the outskirts of Anchorhead."
Biggs stared at him sympathetically but also with some knowing glint in his eyes. "Your uncle could hold off a whole colony of Tuskens with one blaster. Look, he uses that 'I feeded you, I clothed you' talk to keep you here, he's never truly cared."
Luke snapped the speeder on and yanked it in the direction of Tosche Station, eyes narrowed at the bitter truth. The truth that Owen used him for just that: his crop. "My aunt and uncle are the only family I've got- they're all I've got! I don't care what you or anybody else thinks about me, they need me!" He protested.
Biggs rubbed his forehead, "Luke, Owen is us-"
"I don't care, I know, Biggs!" Luke finally snapped over the wind, his hands itching to find each other to rub together for some type of stimulation. "Go and find your Rebellion! You think I don't want to leave? That I don't like to be left behind?"
Biggs blinked at his outburst. "I never thought that, Luke."
"It sure sounded like it!" Luke sighed and closed his eyes momentarily and then returned back to the desert in front of them. They sat in silence and once the speeder came to a stop Luke felt guilt welling up in his gut and he looked to Biggs who had climbed out and ran a hand through his hair, looking back at Luke. The sand blonde boy looked at him innocently then clenched his jaw and nodded. "I'll see you around, Biggs."
Biggs pinched the bridge of his nose, "Luke…"
"What, Biggs?" Luke snapped.
Biggs glanced around and leaned down against the speeder, staring deeply into Luke's baby blues. "Don't end it like this, I came for a good-bye not a bad-bye." He teased softly. When Luke didn't react, the older man sighed and pinched his eyes closed. "Don't be like this."
"I'm not being like anything." He muttered.
"Things will change, Luke, I promise." Biggs confided.
Luke shifted, eyes soft. "Are you going to be around long?"
"No, I'm leaving in the morning. . ."
"Then I guess I won't see you."
Biggs gazed at him reassuringly. "Maybe someday. . .I'll keep a lookout." They gazed at each other for a long time until Biggs reached up and ruffled his hair. "So long, Luke."
Rene Skywalker entered the quiet conference room, a bruise blooming on her cheek. She took in her surroundings. Grand Moff Tarkin sat at the head of the empty table, with the looming figure of Darth Vader behind him. She took a calming breath and placed her hands behind her back, her hat pulled far enough down to hide her eyes.
Five years she had worked for the Empire. All the while, she had worked on her stealth. It wasn't exactly the same as sneaking a droid through Chalmun's cantina when Wuher was working but it was still easy work to the Skywalker. Rene had only joined the Empire to get some education on their tactics, take it home and use it to avoid them but now...Rene felt as though she had some different power that she couldn't help but dwell in.
Yet that nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her of her true self, of the one person depending on her: "Take care of him, Rene, it's what your..parents wanted." The older man's eye swerved down to the bundle in his arms, looking incredibly sad and heartbroken. He wrapped both children in his cloak as they neared a farm, Rene leaning back against his chest to gaze out at the twin suns coming down. "Luke will depend on you. Promise me you won't fail him."
She had closed her eyes and reached out for some comfort from her real uncle, whispering: "I promise, Uncle Obie." Her six-year-old mind didn't realize that this was the start of a goodbye from Obi-Wan until she had woken up later in a bed that wasn't here with a young woman sitting beside her. Beru, she introduced herself, had told her gently that Obi-Wan had left shortly after bringing them here and now they would take care of them. Rene had felt betrayed but deep down she knew that Obi-Wan would never do anything without reason.
It had taken years of hard work for Rene to finally reach this moment, years to finally stand before Tarkin and Vader themselves. Something within Rene almost didn't see this as a good thing, it worried her beyond belief. Why exactly did they want her?
"General Tarkin," Rene bowed. "Lord Vader." Another bow for the Sith.
"General Lars, I believe?" Tarkin inquired, sounding skeptical.
"Yes, sir." From the corner of Rene's eye, she saw Vader shift. His shoulders tensed and he leaned a little forward in interest, Rene's own interest peaked. With great hesitancy, she turned her attention back to Tarkin, chin raised high and back straight as a vaporator. To look into this man's sunken eyes and calculated expression caused the slightest sense of unease to grab at her gut. "You've requested to speak to me, sir?"
"Are you aware that plans for this Death Star have been leaked to the rebels?" Tarkin asked. Rene gave a small nod, she wasn't blind nor deaf. She had heard of the events that had taken place on Scarif, that there were many casualties on both sides and that the Death Star's true power had been shown. "Good. I've heard great things about your work, General. You've completed amazing missions in the name of the Empire. We've decided you'd be the best fit to go to Tatooine and search for the droid that contains the plans."
Rene's brows twitched and she nodded stiffly. "I won't fail you, sir."
"You best not, General." Tarkin said sharply.
Rene bowed a little and went to leave when Darth Vader spoke: "Lars. Are you a child of Beru and Owen Lars, General?"
Rene's face shifted into an easy mask, emotionless. "I don't believe so, sir, possibly they're distant relatives." She answered, tilting her head just the smallest bit to let off the facade of confusion.
"Hm." Darth Vader was silent for a long time until he finally decided whatever he was thinking wasn't worth it. "Continue with your mission, General."
Rene was out the door before much more could be said. Unnerved and a little shaken that Vader had knowledge of her Aunt and Owen, she turned into a storage room and pressed herself against the door. Could Vader possibly sense something within her, would he tell the Emperor, would he make her into one of those disgusting Inquisitors? The General was being foolish, the Inquisitors had been in the shadows for years now since some boy and his master had defeated the Grand Inquisitor and then the other Sisters began turning up dead after Cal Kestis began his rampage. The Empire had taught its history and their Academy was like a conditioning station, they made it clear that the Jedi were bad, anyone against the Empire or the Emperor were threats and were to be eliminated immediately. Learning all of this led Rene to one conclusion: she and Luke were both threats to the Empire. They held a power that would ultimately lead them in either following the Emperor's Inquisitors or death.
With pain in her heart, Rene thought back to the last time she had spoken to Luke; it was just as she was leaving and he had chased her outside, grabbing the sleeve of her tunic and pulling her back with a cry. She had turned around hesitantly, eyebrows furrowed and frown on her lips as she searched his face. Luke's face was pinched with pain and his cheeks lined with tears, making his baby blues ever so bright and piercing as he pleaded with her not to leave him, to take him with her on her adventure.
Because that's who Luke was: a little boy trying to venture off. He didn't know of the true pain of the Empire and that's why Rene had to look him in the eyes and tell him that she couldn't take him.
"You promised, Rene. You promised you would never leave me!" Luke cried, punching her weakly. Rene had brought him into her arms for the last time, vaguely aware that Owen's glaring eyes rested on her as she pulled back to talk to Luke firmly and without conviction: "I will never leave you, Luke. I will always be here." She tapped the place where his heart was located and smiled softly.
Luke sniffled, shaking his head. "But...but it won't be the same!" He said desperately.
Rene pushed some of his shaggy sand blonde hair back and smiled softly. "Just call out to me and I'll be there, Luke." She said and then pulled away, placing a quick kiss on his cheek. Luke grabbed her arm again and Rene sighed. "Get your head out of the clouds, Luke, I'm not going to achieve much here." Rene had said, eyes kind and sad but held firm to her beliefs. Luke seemingly gave up as he slumped and started to cry again. With a clenching heart, Rene reached out and lifted his chin to look her in the eyes. "I'm not leaving you, Owen doesn't want me here anymore. Just don't forget I'll always come back, kay? "
"I think you should get out of here, kid." Owen snapped, walking over and grabbing Luke's shoulder. He glared at Rene and she wasn't afraid to glare right back, glancing down at the grip that Owen had on Luke and straightened. She was only hurting him by staying here.
"Goodbye, Luke." Rene turned and closed her eyes, her first step was a new step into life.
Rene opened her eyes and brought herself back to reality and angrily wiped under her eyes to rid of the tears that collected. Something inside herself was buried and Rene returned to the Imperial General, it was like she could no longer be herself but she had to be the figure that they've created.