The Power to Save Her
Chapter 18
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.
In mere hours after awaking Anakin was attempting to stand. Padmé objected to this of course, but he couldn't put it off any longer. He knew Piett wasn't just making up reasons to come see him. The men on the ship had been unruly since her open rebellion and Piett had mentioned this to him. After asking a medical droid to fetch him an extra dose of painkiller, he'd immediately administered it and felt some relief.
Their conversation about taking down the Sith Lord was something he'd thought about for years but never been able to put into motion. Before, of course, he had a whole different reason for wanting to face the Emperor, but now he and Padmé definitely agreed on this one thing, though there was something keeping them from moving forward, and that was the informants for the Emperor. Spies aboard the ship had always been a concern, but now they were a liability. Piett had been instructed to weed them out, though he could only do so much without Vader there to sense their lies.
He was sitting on the edge of the mattress now, palms on either side of him, testing the leg prosthetics out for the first time. He was used to them of course, after all these years, but having the sense of touch back was another matter entirely. It'd been years since he'd felt cold floors under his feet, and he rightly shuddered at the sensation. He tried again, this time attempting to stand, doing so unsteadily. Padmé stepped forward to help him but he held up a hand and shook his head slightly. The cold of the ship started getting to him and he shivered a little bit. As he rose to his feet, he grabbed a robe, feeling vulnerable at this human reaction. Slowly, he walked over to his workbench, growing steadier with each step.
His mask and other respiratory equipment were damaged from the Emperor's attack but not beyond use. Immediately he went to work with it, fixing broken wires, the voice modulator, and processors for the overall system. The ins and outs of this was familiar to him, and it didn't take him long to figure out how to fix it. The metal of the helmet was singed but he worked on this as well. Once done, the armor was all intact, only slight hints at it ever being damaged.
Holding the mask in his hands was surreal. The soulless eyes stared back at him, giving him a slight feeling of uneasiness. Padmé noticed this and put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her in appreciation, giving off a bittersweet smile. With a sigh, and a sense of resolve, he began putting on the armor and gloves, saving the mask for last. After it attached, came the dreaded inhale and exhale of the respirator.
"I'll go speak with Piett.", came the modulated voice. "Once I've spoken with the identified spies, we'll be able to move forward with your plans."
"Of course, Anakin.", she answered somewhat dejectedly. He knew she didn't want to be stuck there again, but it was necessary in light of what happened on Naboo.
He nodded slightly, before turning away from the woman he loved. Once outside, he ensured that there were locking protocols should anyone try to get in, though if she needed to leave, it would let her go immediately. She'd even given her an access key for his private hanger.
Familiar sights were about him. Stormtroopers froze slightly at the sight of him and cleared his path and officers stood at attention on his way to the bridge, though it gave him little satisfaction. The bridge was its usual orderly self, and he could feel the surprise of the officers at his arrival. He stormed past them and approached Piett who was speaking to his first officer.
"Lord Vader.", Piett greeted and turned away from the officer. "The officers are ready for inspection."
"Very good.", he replied, and turned to leave the bridge. Piett stepped slightly behind him, but nonetheless led him to the detention level.
This place was far from the bridge, almost at the bowels of the ship, for this detention level was the most secure and private sector of the ship. Vader could feel more surprise from the men at the sight of him as he passed down several levels with the admiral. Not only was it the first time they'd seen Vader in days, it was also quite unusual to see two high ranking officials this far below. At last, they made it to the place, it's blast doors heavy and well-guarded. As they approached, Piett nodded to the guards and they left immediately. Without a word, both of them stepped through the doors which sealed shut behind them. Soon it was just them and the six other sealed detention cells.
Suddenly, Vader turned on Piett who stiffened at his threatening posture.
"Before we proceed Piett, I must know where your loyalties lie.", he began, sensing the heightened fear of the admiral. Though he trusted Piett with his competence, and he'd proven discreet with the situation surrounding Padmé, he needed to know that Piett wasn't a loyalist to the Empire. Keeping private affairs, a secret was one thing, however, doing something so blatantly against the Emperor was another.
"My Lord?", Piett began, face growing alarmed.
"You know as well as I that this is a treasonous affair.", explained Vader, sensing his every intent. "You've seen much and proven your ability to keep quiet, in regard to my personal life, but I need to know where you stand on this."
"I believe I've made my stance abundantly clear.", responded the admiral with some trepidation. Vader could sense the truth, but he had to be absolutely sure.
"Perhaps I would like a clearer explanation.", he responded, knowing that it would be difficult for the normally neutral man to state his side.
"I will not speak of this to anyone.", Piett supplied, though Vader continued to push him.
"The Emperor knew about her before we met.", he tested, hoping there'd be an emotional response, and at once he could sense that Piett was offended. Good, thought Vader.
"I never said a word to him about Padmé Amidala!", Piett replied almost forcefully, and Vader could sense the truth in his words. The normally calm man clearly had an opinion on this. "I cannot prove it to you, as you know all conversations with the Emperor are to be deleted upon termination."
"Why should you turn on the Empire now?", Vader continued questioning, growing more satisfied by each answer.
"My loyalty goes first to you and then my men.", Piett responded with conviction.
"Why?", he asked, feeling genuine curiosity.
"I respect that you have more interest in the well being of the Empire than the Emperor himself.", Piett replied, though Vader could see that it was terrifying for him to admit. "The Emperor made it abundantly clear what he thinks of his citizens when he allowed the destruction of Alderaan."
"So more than three years ago you hated the Emperor?", Vader asked, though Piett stiffened at the fact that hate and Emperor were in the same sentence.
"And it is why that I trust you, yes.", affirmed Piett, his voice even, though Vader could sense his fear. Vader was satisfied that his trust in the man was justified.
"At ease Piett. I believe you already. Your treasonous opinions just needed to be out in the open.", replied Vader finally, and Piett let out a breath. "But be wise in who knows your thoughts."
"You are the first to hear it.", replied the admiral.
"Very good Piett.", he replied turning his gaze to the cells. Piett shuffled beside him, glancing at him from the corner of his eye.
"Why question me now?", asked the admiral, hands stiff at his sides.
"Dangerous times are coming.", Vader replied seriously. "I need to know whom I can fully trust."
"You fully trust me?", Piett asked, and Vader sensed some strange sentimental feeling off of the admiral.
"Clearly.", Vader supplied gruffly before turning away. He'd never grown attached to his men, though he respected the admiral more than the others. Quickly, he pushed the subject forward, "Who are the spies?"
The desert at night was cool and quiet. The dry winds swirled around him, its featherlight touch rustling his hair as he sat cross legged on a large flat stone near the Falcon. He tried not to think of what was going on, of the fact that Han was in danger and Leia had insisted on going ahead, disguised as a bounty hunter. He'd told her not to do anything unless Han's life was threatened directly and she'd just barely agreed on those conditions. Earlier they'd contacted the Rebellion for backup, though they were still actively hunting down the spy, they'd cleared Lando Calrissian, who'd volunteered to help with a few other Rebels.
Luke had told them to convene at a location just outside of Jabba's palace, for Luke himself wanted time alone to complete his lightsaber. Though he felt far from ready to make one, he knew it'd be necessary if Jabba refused to let Han go. Luke closed his eyes, releasing his emotions into the Force. Everything that haunted him in the past and even the present fears. All his negative emotions regarding his father and the positive ones surrounding his mother. The truth that he had a sister. All these things that Obi-Wan had hidden from him, he let go in the moment.
The pieces began to rise slightly.
Then the face of the hooded figure stalking him on Naboo came to mind.
The lightsaber parts gently lowered back down.
Luke sighed in frustration.
His feelings, despite trying to let go, were difficult to ignore.
"I can't do this alone.", he whispered to himself. His mind went from the difficult task of saving Han from Jabba to the impossible one of taking down the Emperor. Something in this overwhelmed him. The responsibility of it all, despite the fact that Leia could help him someday, made it difficult to grasp.
"Ben, help me.", he uttered quietly, despite the fact that his old master had ignored his past calls to speak with him.
"I am here.", came a quiet voice and Luke turned sharply at the sound.
"Obi-Wan?", Luke questioned and after the initial shock of seeing him again, continued, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was wrong not to tell you.", came the voice of his master. "I suppose I was afraid to lose you the way I lost your father."
"Who was he to you? Really?", Luke asked his gaze fixed on the apparition.
"He was—is exactly as I told you. A good friend. Though his downfall was my fault, and for that reason, I hid the truth of your connection."
"There's still good in him. I've seen it firsthand.", Luke insisted, though all he had was his father's warnings to convince him.
"I know.", replied Ben, a smile appearing on his face. Luke grew puzzled at this admittance, and Ben continued. "I spoke with him mere days ago."
"You did?", Luke asked, hungry for more.
"Yes, and it is with great joy that I can say he's expelling the darkness within."
"How? I thought that the dark-side forever dominated your destiny?", Luke asked, brining Yoda's words to the forefront.
"So did I.", admitted Obi-Wan. "But Anakin as it seems, cannot follow even those rules."
"What changed?", Luke asked, knowing the dark history of the Emperor's second in command.
"His love for your mother and for you.", came the apparition's reply and Luke instantly felt some emotion he couldn't describe overcome him.
"What will happen? Now that he's changing, I mean.", Luke asked, voice slightly uneven, not knowing how to process that his father loved him.
"When the time is right, you will meet with him to defeat the Emperor.", instructed Ben, a knowing smile on his face. "Now the responsibility is not your sole concern. You have not just your family, but your friends to help you."
"And Leia, as well as my mother?", Luke asked, hoping to get an explanation about them.
"Yes, from your sister, who was hidden for her safety," he supplied, "and your mother, whom until recently, I thought was dead."
"You were with her when she died… and she said something to you. Something Artoo's holo recorder couldn't pick up."
Ben smiled.
"She told me, with her very last breath, something you yourself professed mere minutes ago. Which makes you more like your mother than you realize.", Ben replied.
"What did she say?", Luke asked.
"That there's still good in him… your father.", revealed Ben with some contentment. "For which I can report did come to fruition."
Luke let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and smiled gently. A sense of warmth filled his being. It was as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
"What do I do now?", he asked after a moment, his mind seeming to forget the troubles of the galaxy.
"Now, you complete your lightsaber.", Obi-Wan stated, motioning to the pieces on the rock. "You've been doing very well, but now comes the challenging part."
"Am I capable?", Luke asked, the uncertainty returning.
"Only you can know that.", Obi-Wan stated, but continued. "But remember to let the Force flow through you."
Luke nodded slightly and closed his eyes, once more releasing his emotions into the Force, which was easier this time. The parts of the saber lifted off the ground, as well as the kyber crystal. Slowly, they danced in the air, a seeming mess to an onlooker, but to his mind, drawing on the Force, was complete harmony. Ever so slightly, pieces would come together, most of which was assembled in minutes before it was just the kyber crystal and few other pieces. Here Luke concentrated, keeping the alignment perfect while also listening to the nudges that the Force gave him. At last, it settled into place, a soft click letting him know that the hilt was completed. Slowly the saber came down to rest into his waiting hands. He held it, quiet for a long moment, taking deep breaths as he acknowledged the momentous accomplishment.
Luke turned to look at Obi-Wan who simply nodded.
This was all he needed before he switched it on, a brilliant green blade rising in the darkness. He did not know that sand people, miles from him, scattered at the sight. He only knew that he'd finally finished what he set out to do, and what he had yet to overcome.
"This one is certainly a spy.", Vader supplied coming out of the cell, and the door hissed shut behind him. Piett nodded.
"He'd been caught sending outgoing transmissions.", Piett supplied, though grew wary.
This was the fifth about of the six that were indeed spies for the Emperor. Their plan was to formally accuse them of being spies, though they wouldn't be saying Imperial spies. The supposition would be made that they were tied with the Rebellion, as most Imperials would easily accept this. Besides, who but the Emperor himself could override Vader's judgement?
"This one's an officer.", Piett informed, while they stood outside the last cell. "He's likewise sent outgoing transmissions, though he's a fairly young initiate."
The door hissed open to reveal said officer and Vader recognized him immediately. This was the officer that Padmé had befriended before the mess on Bespin. His name was Officer Dannen Caltrel if he remembered correctly, and he most certainly did, for his open talk of setting his sights on Padmé. The young officer's eyes widened at the armored figure, all traces of color leaving his face. The bright lights of the detention cell revealed a disheveled and unshaven mess of a man, but otherwise untouched. Vader approached this one with special interest.
"So, you've been caught spying on the Empire.", Vader began coolly, pacing around the chair like a predator.
"I don't know what they're talking about!", denied the officer, but Vader detected the lie immediately.
"Don't bother trying to cover up what you've done.", Vader replied, an edge to his voice. "I can sense your lies."
"Listen, I'm not going to incriminate myself.", came the response of the rattled younger man. "I don't intend to tell you anything."
"No doubt that's your intent,", came Vader's response, standing right in front of the man. "But you like the others will admit to spying on me."
"I wasn't spying on you.", came the response, and Vader could tell it was truth.
This was interesting.
"Then who?", Vader demanded, and no sooner than he said those words did Padmé's face come from the man's mind. Something in him grew protective and he took a threatening step forward. "You were sent to spy on her?"
There was silence.
"Not initially no.", came the response finally but officer was tight lipped otherwise.
"What did the Emperor want to know about her?", demanded Vader, his voice harsh. Immediately there was confusion on the officer's face.
"The Emperor?", he replied brows furrowed.
"Yes, the one who sent you.", replied Vader, his voice low, taking in this man's confused nature.
"I'm not a spy of the Emperor.", came the reply and Vader sensed the truth once again. Then something clicked and Vader knew exactly who this man worked for.
"You're a Rebel spy.", Vader stated, looking at him in a new light. The officer didn't say anything, but Vader knew he was right. "What did they want to know of her?"
"I'm not telling you anything.", came the response from the officer, though Vader could tell he was feeling terror.
"You will if you wish to walk free.", he replied, turning his head.
"I've heard what happens to Rebels who talk.", came a fierce reply. "I'm not about to play into your sick Imperial tactics."
"Your thoughts betray you. I know that you were here to tell them that she was alive and well.", Vader replied, easily seeing his mind. "You'd hoped to draw her out to be rescued by the Rebellion."
"So, I did.", came the response, no longer deny it. "She was a hero of the Republic. She deserves to live free of your terror."
"Very noble of you.", came the dry response. Vader began thinking, planning something in his mind. "But unnecessary. When you return, tell your Rebel friends that I don't plan on harming her."
"You're letting me go?", came the incredulous tone.
"Unless you'd rather remain here", Vader replied pacing in front of him. "You are to leave this ship tomorrow."
"Why?"
"My reasons are my own, but you will be taking another message with you."
"I will not carry a message unless I know for certain that she will be unharmed.", came the defiant reply and Vader stepped back.
"As you wish.", he replied before exiting the cell. Piett was outside, an expectant look on his face. The door hissed shut behind him and Vader answered the admiral's silent question, "He's not a spy for the Emperor."
Piett's eyebrows rose.
"That's good news, but he's still been caught sending unauthorized information."
"He's a Rebel spy.", came Vader's clarification.
"Oh.", was all Piett said, growing a downcast again.
"He will be useful in getting information to the right people.", Vader supplied, knowing Piett wouldn't understand. Sure enough, the admiral grew incredulous.
"You want to talk to the Rebels?", came the surprised tone of the admiral.
"No. Just certain people.", came the cryptic response. He could sense Piett's questioning mind, but he wouldn't reveal more. Though he trusted the admiral, the less people knew of his children the better.
It was safer for the admiral not to know.
"Shall I give the order to have these prisoners transported?", Piett asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Just the five.", he responded, glancing over to the cell he'd just left. "Officer Caltrel will have to wait."
Jabba's palace was a dirty haven for bounty hunters and criminals, and a place where so many were subjected to the rule of the slug. Leia was currently inside the palace after having witnessed much of the unsavory lifestyle of Jabba himself. The palace was crawling with the worst scum imaginable, though she tried to blend in with them by being as equally contemptible. They'd bought her charade as a bounty hunter as she was able to remember several aspects of the bounty hunter code in her conduct, to which Boba Fett seemed satisfied. He'd barely spoken though gave her a nod of mutual respect. Now with less eyes on her, she silently she thanked her curious and expansive reading habits during her downtime on Hoth.
After this, she'd dedicated her time to finding information about Han. Her plan was to wait it out, never outright asking for fear of blowing her cover, but listening for any conversation about him. Hours of searching passed, and Han was nowhere to be found, though she knew he was here. Characters that lingered around this place spoke of the smuggler with glee, though none had mentioned where he was being held. Unfortunately, this place housed hundreds of cells, most of which were lifeforms dedicated to Jabba's entertainment. Finding him would be near impossible in one night, but she would do it. Not for the first time, she inwardly she sighed at Han's knack for getting into trouble, though she couldn't judge, for she'd been a prisoner of Lord Vader when she first met them.
At the thought of her biological father she felt cold and conflicted. Such a strange thing, and very disorientating. The same man who'd mercilessly questioned her about the location of the Rebel Alliance was the same young man, seemingly happy in another life with Padmé Amidala. It was difficult for her to combine the two people. Between those two lifetimes something horrible had happened to him. Before they'd been called here, Luke had tried to explain that there was something changing within Vader. Unfortunately, there hadn't been much time for him to do it. By the time the subject had been broached, the suns were rising, and as were the company on the Falcon. After this, there'd been little to no time alone with Luke, though she supposed it was just as well. She needed time alone to think on this. With a shake of her head, she shoved it aside and focused on the task at hand.
As she crept into the main hall, there came the sounds of sleeping drunks, most of which were snoring. She'd promised to be careful to Luke, though she didn't consider it dangerous to roam the place at night. Especially not when she had explosives and weapons at her disposal. On the platform, Jabba was sleeping, his bulbous eyes shut. He remained just where he'd lingered all day. On the platform with him was a girl who was chained in place. The sight made her absolutely sick, though there wasn't much she could do right now.
Quietly, Leia turned her head away from the sight and took a careful look around the room. All occupants were still sleeping. She hated being here, but she knew it was necessary. In this main hall she'd seen several palace guards take a route through here, coming and going regularly. She could only hope that one of the passages from here led her to him.
There was rustling behind her.
"Are you looking for the smuggler?", came a whisper and Leia turned sharply at the sound. It was the green skinned Twi'lek girl who was enslaved to the Hutt.
"I am looking for the spicebrew.", replied Leia trying to sound cold.
"Oh, well you might find it in the hallway to your left.", came the reply, though she had a knowing look in her eyes. "The best spicebrew will be found near the droid foundry."
Leia relaxed her posture a bit.
"What's your name?", Leia asked, keeping her tone even, despite the voice modulator.
"Oola.", she replied, quite surprised by the question.
"Thank you, Oola.", Leia said, nodding to the Twi'lek once. She turned away and descended the stairs on the left.
The air grew mustier the more she descended and the ground softer, almost turning into mud. There were various living things down here, though she did not linger. Her hopes were on finding Han so that she and Luke could free him.
From what she knew from listening in, Jabba had taken the credits and claimed that interest was not paid back. Most of the unsavory characters above her new were clearly amused by Jabba's thinly veiled revenge. He'd clearly wanted to make an example of Han, and no amount of money was going to get that slug off his back. If Leia had her way, Han never would've come to this place, though the damage was done. Now she could hope that they'd be able to escape with Han and Chewie alive and they could leave this all behind.
The plan was relatively simple.
She would locate Han and Chewie and tomorrow, when Lando, Luke and any available Rebels arrived, they'd assist in reinforcements should Leia get caught while trying to free them. Leia felt the thermal detonator at her side, knowing that at some point she may use it, though she hoped she wouldn't have to.
She listened for the sound of the droid workshop and even followed one for some time in hopes that she'd find Han along the way. After some time following, the droid went through a door that revealed a host of parts on shelves and in boxes. The door hissed shut and she stopped following. Knowing she was close, she turned to the left and to the right, hoping she'd make the right decision. It was a labyrinth down here and she knew one wrong turn would cost her precious time. Thankfully, she was saved this choice when she heard the soft growl of a Wookiee. Leia's heart raced as she approached a cell on the right. The sounds continued and she felt relief when she began hearing the voice of Han also. He was muttering in hushed tones.
"I don't know! It seemed like a good idea at the time.", Han's voice said as she approached the door. The door was an iron cage which she could see through.
Chewie growled a response.
"Yeah Leia was right, but don't go telling her that.", he muttered, sounding tired.
Chewie made a derisive noise.
"Yeah I know. When I get out, I owe her an apology.", Han said, and Leia waited outside the door, listening. "She's all sorts of spirited. Though sometimes annoying, I can't deny she's quite beautiful when she's mad."
The Wookiee let out a sound like laughing.
"You know, I don't know why I bother telling you these things.", came the annoyed response of Han.
Leia held back a laugh but wasn't quite as quiet as she needed to be.
"What's that?", came Han's voice, and suddenly Leia saw him at the iron door. His eyes narrowed at the sight of her. "Who're you?"
"The person to whom you owe an apology.", she responded, though she didn't remove her mask.
"Leia?", Han asked, his eyes going wide. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to rescue a nerfherder who managed to get cornered.", she said, finally turning the voice modulator off. To her surprise, Han was giving her a serious expression.
"Listen carefully Leia, you can't be here.", came Han's response, and Leia grew confused.
"I know it's not safe.", she replied, furrowing her brows. "That's what I tried to tell you."
"No. That's not what I mean.", Han clarified, looking down the hallways. "Jabba has it out for Luke specifically and Boba Fett has been tasked with capturing him next."
"How do you know this?", she asked, fearing for Luke.
"He told me himself, when he activated my comm to draw you both in.", Han said quietly. "You and Luke both need to get out of here."
"Why does Jabba want him?", Leia asked, ignoring his request.
"Though Fett never said a word, Jabba let slip that more Imperial troops are arriving on Tatooine tomorrow.", Han warned, his gaze mournful.
"The Hutts hate the Empire.", Leia reasoned though Han grimaced. "Or at the very least don't deal with them."
"I thought so too, but something's changed.", Han replied, hands up on the bars. "This tells me that something much worse is coming. If the Empire is willing to cut a deal with Jabba, then someone higher up is after Luke. Probably Vader."
"It isn't him.", replied Leia automatically, without thinking, and Han looked at her strangely. "I just know."
"Regardless, that's why you must go. I'm not valuable to the Rebellion like you or Luke."
"Yes, you are.", Leia said, heatedly. "You must know how much you are."
"That doesn't make this risk okay Leia.", Han said quietly. "I've made mistakes in my past. Don't let them ruin your life too."
"Then consider this:", Leia began coming up to the bars, quite decidedly, and removed her mask. "I'm not doing this for the Rebellion or any other noble cause."
"Then why?", Han asked, eyes searching hers.
"Because I love you.", she said quite simply.
There was a beat of silence.
"Oh.", was all he said, face growing quite slack.
Leia smiled back at him, knowing he'd have a difficult time saying it aloud. Their moment was cut short however, when they heard footsteps coming from somewhere. They both glanced in the direction of the sound before Leia quickly put the mask back on. Han called out to her.
"Go find Luke and get out of here Leia.", he tried one last time, and she shook her head.
"Not without you. You're escaping with us. Tonight.", she said, and switched her voice modulator back on. Quietly she left him behind and moved on from his cell. Her thoughts grew troubled at the impending arrival of Imperials on Tatooine and closed her eyes, trying to calm her mind.
Then doing something she'd never done alone before, she reached out, calling for her brother in the Force.
A/N: And things are ramping up once more! So many things are happening, and I'd love to hear what you all think will happen next. Also, do you remember Dannen Caltrel? He's not a main character, so no worries about me overusing him. He's just a side character ;)
Also, so sorry for the lack of Padmé in the chapter! I'll be sure to make up for it in future ones :)
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, ariana (Guest), The God of Perverts, MMM73181, Reconzilla117, Jeda31, and ichigo urahara Shihoin for reviewing the last chapter! Thank you to those who favorited and followed my story and me as an author! What did you all think of this chapter? Go ahead and review with any thoughts or opinions you have about this chapter. As always, I love hearing from you! Thank you so much for continuing to read :)