The Power to Save Her
Chapter 19
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.
Luke was inside the Falcon, clipping his newly constructed lightsaber to his belt. The Naboo refugees were huddled in the common area with the droids, occupying themselves with Threepio's recitation of what happened to the Death Star and how Luke had blown it up. Luke had deferred to the golden droid as he'd recounted that story far too many times for his liking. He didn't mind people knowing of course, but it always felt too close to bragging if he was asked to tell it.
Even now he could feel them glancing his way in amazement, which made him feel a bit awkward.
Suddenly there was a surge of something familiar surrounding him. A presence. It wasn't Obi-Wan, but it was comforting in the same way. Cautiously, Luke reached back, strengthening the tie between himself and this other Force signature.
Luke? He heard in the Force clearly now.
He quite noticeably paused and turned to the voice no one else could hear.
Leia? He called back, not sure if she would hear him. What's wrong?
The Empire is coming tomorrow. She responded, though her voice was distant, as she was new to the Force. We must leave. Tonight.
I'm on my way. Luke replied evenly, though fear settled in his core.
The company of people and droids must've noticed when he'd spaced out to talk to Leia, for Sola, Pooja, and Ryoo were staring at him. He could sense them wondering at his distant and troubled gaze. Quietly, he shook himself and explained the situation to them. They were silent for a moment, but they accepted this news. Ryoo stepped forward, a look of determination in her eyes.
"Do you need us to come with you?", she asked, and Luke shook his head.
"I couldn't put you in danger. Not now.", Luke replied, feeling some protectiveness come over him.
"Luke, we're not about to let you do this alone.", came the authoritative voice of Sola, his aunt. "We may not be fighters, but there must be something we can do."
Luke thought on this, before realizing that the answer was quite literally all around them.
"Can you fly the Falcon?", he asked, if a bit reluctantly.
"My sister taught me how to fly.", nodded Sola looking around at the ship. "And Solo did tell me a thing or two about this beauty."
"I'll need to be taken somewhere close to Jabba's Palace.", Luke replied and then motioned to Artoo. "If you're caught while I'm inside searching for them, Artoo can help. All that's required of you is manning the guns and flying the ship, but he can get you to safe coordinates."
"Luke, please promise to be careful.", called out Sola, before pausing. "My… my sister wouldn't want you to get hurt."
Luke paused and looked at her with a half-smile while his cousins both grew confused.
"You know?", he asked, finally certain that she'd figured it out.
"I've suspected for some time Luke.", she admitted, gaze uneasy. "About you and Leia."
"What are you talking about?", asked Pooja finally, growing impatient.
"He's my sister's son… your cousin.", replied Sola, and they turned to Luke who nodded. "And going straight for danger."
"Yes, you know what we're probably up against." Luke replied somberly and she nodded.
"I do, but if I know one thing, it's that tyrannical governments can't handle the opposition of both the Naberries and the Skywalkers combined."
Luke smiled somewhat amused by the statement.
"That may be true, but now we must go.", Luke prompted and strode for the cockpit.
Once there, he took a seat at a terminal and opened up the communications channel. Quickly, he sent message to Lando, warning him of the situation. Satisfied, Luke turned for the controls of the ship.
Luke started the engines of the Falcon, having barely touched the controls of Han's ship, and it rose slightly into the air. The desert was still displaying the magnificence of the galaxy, but Luke knew that in mere hours the skies would be filled with the twin suns, and quite possibly, star destroyers. With the Falcon, he made haste to the palace, while uncertainty of the situation engulfed him. At his rising emotions, he silently called out to the Force. At once, he embraced the calm that it granted.
Padmé was looking at the datapad without actually reading it when she set it aside frustrated. With too many things on her mind at once, she couldn't focus, so she decided to use this time alone to think of all that'd transpired. Her mind first went back to Anakin and what he did on Naboo.
Anakin's decision to save their son was incredible and gave her hope, though she wished she got to see more of that side of him. The Anakin she knew years ago wasn't the same one now, but neither was he needing any reproof for his choices. He was just… different. He was no longer the idealistic, do-gooder. He'd seen things, done things, that no doubt shaped him to being this different version of himself. Though he was going in the right direction, he was more aloof and wary of the world. This fact was apparent in his decision topple the Empire. His reasons for doing so was because Sidious was a danger to her and their children, not because it was for a good cause.
She knew she couldn't force him to care, and he'd already made so much progress, but she couldn't help but miss the idealism of the little boy on Tatooine to the man who'd fought for a cause he believed in. She smiled to herself, a bittersweet smile overcoming her. Anakin had always been loyal to people, not institutions, which is probably what she loved about him. He was always quick to pick out the flaws of the leadership, which she herself could acknowledge to be true. It had been refreshing to be with him after hours of squabbling and manipulative bureaucrats. She supposed that was one thing that remained consistent about him. Yes, a little bit of his younger self was there, existing in his love for her and his children, but his distrust in everyone else was a testament to how much he'd changed.
Not for the first time she wondered where the necklace he'd given her had gone. She knew she'd had it with her on her last day alive, but upon waking she couldn't find it. It had been a small reminder of the selflessness of a boy who'd lost his home and his mother, yet still had compassion for her in her time of uncertainty. From that day on, they'd been kindred spirit and years later, lovers.
The whole factor of having children, who were now adults, with him was another matter, and these days she thought often of them. Though she'd never approved of Luke fighting the Emperor, and she never would, she knew the necessity of it. She'd be selfish to deprive the galaxy of its best chance for deliverance. Her daughter, Leia was already fighting the good fight, and she was grateful to Bail for raising her right, though when it came to both of her children, she wished she could've been there. One day they would be together. She would see to it.
As she continued pondering these things, the door to the room opened up. Immediately the armored figure came into view and she furrowed her brows at the sight. She'd not been expecting him back so soon, but she rose to her feet.
"You've been requested.", came his modulated voice, and she approached.
"What's going on?", she asked, noting his fatigued posture. Then she continued, somewhat admonishingly, "You've been on your feet too long."
"I will rest soon, but first, we must go.", he answered dismissively. "There's a Rebel spy aboard this ship who wants to verify your safety for the Alliance."
"A Rebel spy?", she wondered aloud but finally followed him.
"Yes, and a familiar face.", was all he said before turning and she was close behind.
She wasn't able to ask questions the entire way down, as there were stormtroopers everywhere, but she was able to keep pace with him. She didn't know if he'd slowed down for her, or he was still recovering, but regardless of it she was grateful. She took notice of the way troopers eyed her, as they never truly stopped after Bespin. The way she was able to walk as an equal with Vader was very noticeable. Anakin had told her that this caused quite a bit of disorder among the more adamant Imperials. She hoped her presence wouldn't continue to fan the flames.
At long last they reached some heavily armored doors and it opened automatically. They passed through them and upon entering, Padmé noticed that it was very empty. Inside, there was a room with a circle of consoles, five opened cells, and Piett who was waiting for them. She greeted the admiral, though Anakin moved past him briskly going over to the sixth sealed cell.
"Before we talk to him.", Padmé began, tentatively. "What am I telling him?"
"That you're here of your own free will.", Anakin answered. "But you do not have to tell him about… this."
"I'm pretty sure everyone on this ship and many witnesses on Naboo, for that matter, know something.", she said quietly, crossing her arms. "I think, in order to convince the spy that I am not being imprisoned here against my will, he must first understand why I'd agree to be with you in the first place."
"Your name would be dragged through the mud.", he said lowly, so only she would hear, and she had to smile at the thoughtfulness.
"I've already openly aligned myself with you in the sight of many people.", she replied, attempting to be realistic. "It's too late, and quite useless to go back now."
"I would undo it if I could.", he replied, his voice a little resigned.
"I wouldn't.", she replied decidedly, quirking a smile. "I know who you are."
"This would make it worse. I can't ask you to do that.", he said sternly, motioning to the cell of the spy.
"What? To reveal that I married Darth Vader or a Jedi?", she questioned, keeping his identity concealed in Piett's presence. The admiral grew surprised at the mention of a Jedi.
"Both."
"Regardless, I'm prepared for the possible fallout.", she replied with ease. "I've decided."
"Even now my choices are hurting you."
"I've made my peace with it, and so should you.", she replied, trying to get him away from anymore self-loathing. "What happens for the galaxy next is entirely up to you."
Meanwhile, Piett was awkwardly standing to the side, trying to busy himself with a datapad. She turned to him, as did Anakin. The admiral noticed their attention directed his way and spoke up.
"I will leave you.", he muttered, setting the datapad down.
"Not just yet.", Padmé stated and the admiral paused his attempt to exit. "You're involved in this just us much as both of us."
"Very true.", Piett acquiesced though appeared less than happy at the fact.
Padmé decided to start with a bold question.
"In your opinion, what has a better chance of leading the galaxy to a better state: a dictatorship or a democracy?"
"I'm not overtly political my lady," Piett began carefully, looking off to the side, clearly nervous. "Though my opinions of the current leader are less than favorable."
"By this, do you hope to see this ruler fall?", she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"To be replaced by someone better, yes.", Piett replied, shifting on his feet.
"You'd prefer to be given the choice to pick a leader you approve of.", nodded Padmé with some satisfaction. "Which is the very minimum essence of democracy."
"Well, I never said I was opposed to it.", Piett admitted, and glanced at Anakin worriedly.
"Then why is it that Imperials, both of you included, hate the Rebel Alliance?", she demanded, and Piett grew quiet. Anakin continued crossing his arms. "Are their demands not dissimilar to your own silent opinions?"
"The Rebels fight by informal means, and we cannot deny the troubled systems left in their wake.", Piett finally answered, though she could see he was holding back a little. "However, I would avoid fighting if I could."
"As would I.", she uttered quietly, thinking back to the Clone Wars. "I always hope for diplomacy, not war, but some would say that's too idealistic."
"Those who fight in wars do not necessarily crave it.", Piett offered, trying to be diplomatic.
"I know, but decisions made in wartime, even bad ones, are constantly justified by their leaders.", she said shaking her head. "On both sides."
"Is no one right then?", Piett asked, clearly surprised by this opinion.
"No. I do think that there are valid reasons to fight, but if we get too caught up in evils of the other side, then we fail to see the good. We fail to listen."
"What good has the Rebel Alliance brought?", Piett asked, genuinely curious.
"The destruction of the Death Star, which would've granted the worst man all the power in the galaxy.", she answered, as if prepared for the question.
There was some quiet and Piett nodded.
"You're right.", he acquiesced. "Though many would tout their disdain for the lives lost on the battle station, many more would've died by its weapons."
"And seeing as the Empire is led by an evil man, many Imperials see the dangers of it?"
"Of course.", Piett agreed. "Even I do not condone all the choices by the Empire and several Imperials left the Empire after Alderaan's destruction."
"And you?", Padmé asked turning to her husband who'd been quiet. "You fought for democracy once. You once believed that all lifeforms are intrinsically valuable and worthy of compassion."
"So, I did.", he admitted.
"Should the Rebels not be allowed to stand against the same man who hates democracy and devalues the lives of even his own Imperial subjects?"
"You want us to join forces with the Rebels in undermining the Emperor's authority?", he asked, keeping his arms crossed. His opinions on this matter were clear.
"That's exactly what I'm saying.", she replied evenly, watching the rigidness of his figure.
"They would never agree to work with us.", he finally said, hoping to reason his way out of this.
"With just you, no.", she admitted. "But with me, possibly, if we could go about it quietly."
"How do you plan on speaking to them quietly?", Vader asked, though he glanced towards the last occupied cell. He already knew her answer.
"By getting the spy to bear our message.", she said finally, voice filled with determination. "We must plan with our best possible allies in the fight against the Emperor."
Leia got away from the sounds of a roaming guard just in time and hid in an alcove. The footsteps passed by, a sloshing sound of the muddy ground, and grew distant. Her heart had been racing when she'd called out to Luke, though she didn't know this was possible. With him knowing what the situation was, she felt slightly more at ease, though she didn't know what the next step was. They had to get out of here by sunrise, for if Han was right, and the Empire was coming for Luke, the galaxy would suffer if he was taken.
As Leia was turning a corner in the maze of tunnels, she came face to face with none other than Boba Fett. The bounty hunter was casually leaning up against the wall, though Leia nearly froze on the spot. Though they weren't technically banned from roaming the palace, there were probably unspoken rules that the slug had set. Ignoring her panic, she nodded to the bounty hunter.
"Coming to see the Rancor?", came the voice from the person clad in Mandalorian armor.
Slowly, Leia nodded, not trusting herself to speak when her senses were so heightened. This seemed to satisfy the man for her turned and pointed at a massive door with reinforced steel bars. Inside was a hideous beast with beady eyes and long arms, claws for fingers. It was sleeping though she could tell that the thing was hungry.
"Its name is Pateesa.", came the voice of the normally silent bounty hunter.
"I hear they come from Dathomir.", Leia spoke, her modulator hiding any uneasiness she might be feeling.
"They do and are quite deadly.", nodded the bounty hunter with interest. Leia wondered at the idea of this person being an animal enthusiast. "Right up there with a Nexu."
"Those are quite agile.", she said, not knowing what else to say.
"Especially when cornered.", answered the bounty hunter. After this he went quiet and Leia didn't feel she needed to add anything to the strange comradery that bounty hunters must share.
In her silence, observing the beast, an idea sparked in her mind. Though it was dangerous, not to mention foolhardy, it was viable and quite possibly her best backup plan. She turned to the bounty hunter, choosing her words carefully.
"What other creatures are kept here?", she asked casually.
Jabba's palace stood high in the desert horizon. Its rounded surface could be seen for many miles across the dune sea. Luke had viewed this place multiple times throughout his childhood, though he'd never been this close before. His uncle had told him never to ask the Hutts for money, or even speak with one if he could avoid it. Knowing Han's situation, and so many others like him, he could understand why.
He went around the back of the Palace, reaching out with his senses. He immediately felt the presence of numerous guards at entrances, as well as the presence of a multitude of lifeforms within the structure. Then he tried finding those of which he was familiar with, and immediately he sensed Leia, Han, and Chewie. Again, he reached out to Leia, only now finding her to be distracted by something. With some trepidation, he tried again.
Not now Luke. He heard and immediately he eased up. There was some silence and then he heard her again. I'm with Fett.
Be careful. He urged silently, and he sensed her acknowledgment in the Force. Reach out to me when you're ready.
There were several minutes of silence before he heard her communicate again.
In a few minutes there'll be a distraction. She explained, though Luke could sense some urgency and nervousness coming off her in waves. Whatever she was planning, was dangerous. She continued, When it happens, you need to sneak in and get Han and Chewie out.
What will you be doing? He asked, feeling worry.
Keeping Boba Fett away from you. She answered, and in his mind's eye he saw the bounty hunter.
It's too risky Leia! He admonished, hoping she could see the risks.
He's after you, not me. She reminded; her emotions determined. I can find a way out, but you, Han and Chewie don't have that luxury.
Promise me you'll leave the minute you can? Luke conceded, though he didn't like this.
I promise.
The connection ended after this and Luke waited, nervousness building. The grounds were quiet, almost too quiet, as he listened and watched for the distraction that Leia had prepared. The desert winds were growing violent in the distance, and he almost sensed a sandstorm coming to descend on them. Suddenly, there came the sound of roaring and surprised screams from within the palace. He could see when the guards at the back gate left their posts to address the disturbance, and Luke approached the fortress quickly. Seeing as the gate was sealed shut, but the guard wall was unhatched, he climbed the wall to get in the palace.
Once on the other side, he landed on his feet, finding no one there. He reached out with his senses again to be sure before slipping into a side hallway. He made contact with both Han and Chewie's presences, zeroing in on their location, and found himself descending into the bowels of the palace. Though teeming with lifeforms, it didn't take long for him to find them. Even with the chaos of whatever animal that had been intentionally released roaming the palace, he was able to get there unhindered. Han and Chewie were already at the door having heard the noise and Han's eyes widened at the sight of him.
"Luke! I told you both to stay away!", he scolded, but Luke ignored him.
Quickly, he took out his lightsaber and sliced through the doorway as there was no time to quietly unlock the door. The metal came forward, slamming with a clang on the floor, and both Han and Chewie exited. Without a word Luke motioned them to follow. He was on one track to get them to safety, focusing on leading them through, when Han put a hand on his shoulder.
"Where's Leia?", he asked with an edge to his voice.
"Leading the distraction.", Luke said promptly, glancing around the corner.
"Alone?", he asked, growing uneasy.
"Yes, but she's undercover.", Luke supplied, though he didn't agree with her choices. He saw Han's nervous expression. "I don't like it either, but she insisted."
"We still have to make sure she gets out okay.", Han stated, glancing behind him as a roar was slightly closer now.
"We're rescuing you remember?" Luke stated easily, knowing the creature wasn't coming for them. "Besides, I can sense when she's in danger."
"Sure, you can.", Han muttered, but didn't push it. "Just tell me the minute she's in trouble."
"I will.", Luke replied before they continued out the way he came.
The sounds were all around them, though nobody paid them much mind when they walked past. Apparently, they were too afraid for their safety to worry about an escaped prisoner they had been laughing about earlier that same evening. There came another roar and some screaming and Han turned on Luke, his posture tensed up.
"You sure she's alright?", Han asked, and Luke sighed, sensing Leia hiding somewhere like most of the people here. She wasn't in danger though.
"Yeah, she's fine but I'll tell her to meet us by the back gate.", Luke supplied, hoping this would assure the smuggler, who grew more confused.
"Tell her how?", he asked as they walked up some stairs.
"The Force.", was all Luke said, before motioning them to move along. Silently he reached out to Leia with the message and she acknowledged that she heard him.
For several minutes they passed through corridor after corridor, trying their best to avoid the main hall. Luke knew the way, though the place was still crawling with guards and other unsavory creatures. At last, they made it to the back gate which was a little more heavily guarded than Luke remembered coming in. That was amended when a reptilian creature burst into the room and chased them away.
"Was that a Kryat?", Han asked, eyes widening.
"Yep.", Luke replied, before striding forward and pressing a button. The back gate of the abandoned post opened with a hiss. Luke pointed to the dark horizon. "The ship is waiting just over the hill."
"Not without Leia.", Han said, seriously, standing his ground.
"I'll wait for her.", Luke assured, trying to get him to go.
"They're after you kid, just as much as they're after me.", Han objected, and they stood by the open gate for a minute of tense silence. Luke couldn't argue his logic, though he very much wished he wasn't right.
"I'm here.", came a modulated voice, and they both turned to the sound. Sure enough, she approached with her armored attire and Chewie let out a roar in greeting.
"Let's get out of here.", Luke stated with urgency.
"I couldn't agree more.", Han replied, and they immediately set off on the walk towards the Falcon.
The desert was still dark, and they'd somehow made it out hours before dawn. Just on the cliff they were beginning to see the shape of the Falcon when behind them came a sound of rockets. As each of them turned, something fired and immediately Luke found himself wrapped in coils of wire. His feet were swept up from underneath him and he landed with a grunt in the sand. Suddenly, he was being dragged across the desert floor as both Han and Leia shouted his name. Wisps of sand flew everywhere but he could see Leia following him, Han not far behind.
He was being dragged by something, a powerful jetpack doing most of the work as Jabba's palace grew closer and closer. The gates passed over him, and Boba Fett yanked him inside. He watched in horror as Leia followed him back in. The gate was closed in front of Han's face, who was being held back by Chewie. Luke felt the prick of something sharp at his neck before the world went dark. He saw Leia as the edges of his vision dimmed, her blaster pointed at the bounty hunter behind him. Even at the feeling of numbness taking over, he felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness descend on him.
In the Force, he called for the first person he knew could save he and his sister.
While he was waiting for Padmé to finish speaking with the spy, Vader sensing something deeply unnerving and desperate. Images of the dune sea and a palace beyond it came to mind. The twin suns were rising in the sky and a familiar bounty hunter flashed before his eyes. Tatooine, he recognized immediately, though he knew not why these visions attacked him with ferocity.
Then came the undeniable, but bone chilling cry of his son.
Father!
A/N: I am so sorry for the delay! I had real life come into my life which gave me little time to conceptualize this chapter. Unfortunately, the next couple days might be like this as well, but I will update when I can.
This is a doozy of a chapter isn't it? So many things happening at once, which will hopefully be resolved a little more in the next chapter.
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, MMM73181, ichigo urahara Shihoin, The God of Perverts, jellybeanjo, ariana (Guest), Reconzilla117, and Jeda31 for reviewing the last chapter! Thank you to those who favorited and followed my story as well! If you have any thoughts or opinions on this chapter, don't be shy and let me know! :) I love hearing from you! Thank you all for continuing to read this work!