The Power to Save Her
Chapter 23
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.
The next morning found him bright and early, and Luke woke with a nudge in the Force. Blearily, he opened his eyes, sensing that his father was summoning him. With a groan, he raised himself from the crew quarters cot, muscles stiff. As he rose to exit the crew quarters, he noticed that everyone else was still sleeping. He could sense that Leia was still resting, and her uneasiness even while dreaming. Though he'd never asked her directly if she wanted to train with their father, he knew doing so at this point would yield a negative answer. She still had much to overcome in ways of trust with their father, which he could understand. With a sigh, he exited the ship entirely to find his father waiting for him at the bottom of the ramp.
Though he'd never said it openly, he could definitely see the family resemblance between the two of them. They had the same eyes and hair color, though these things were strange to admit for not that long ago, the mask of Vader had been all he'd been able to see when he pictured his father. Now he was just a man, unassuming to most, though definitely a Skywalker.
"Father.", he greeted wearily, and the man nodded, just turning away and began walking to the cliff's edge where the sun was only starting to rise. He clearly wasn't a man of many words. Luke had to smile at the mannerisms.
They sat down near the edge, the orange sunlight highlighting their features, and Luke took the position of meditation while his father mirrored the same position. In silence, they drew upon the Force, and Luke began releasing negative emotions into it, as well as pondering the thoughts as of late. Across from him, he could feel his father dealing with all the darkness of his past. Though rejecting the dark side, he wasn't completely rid of it. It still lingered, on the edge of his life, waiting for any moment to strike.
Luke sensed his father's fear about this, and silently sent him calming waves in the Force. The man across from him sighed, and Luke felt the gratitude. The dark side was pushed farther away, for the time being. In their time meditating, Luke could sense the galaxy at large and the ever-shifting outcomes of this war. Though mostly filled with darkness, therein remained a spark of hope, small, but glowing even brighter. Yoda had taught him that the future was always in motion and that dwelling on it too much was a mistake. Yoda believed that the future was important but keeping the mind on the here and now was even more so.
"He's right.", came the quiet voice of his father and Luke nearly startled at the sound. The young Jedi opened his eyes to meet the gaze of the older man. "The Living Force emphasizes the importance of being mindful of instincts and other living beings. Strange, for Yoda used to espouse teachings of the Unifying Force."
"I wasn't supposed to let you see that.", Luke muttered, scolding himself for letting his guard down too much.
"Do not fret your mistake Luke. Shielding one's mind takes years of discipline.", his father answered, seemingly unfazed by the survival of this Jedi. "But you shall have to master it sooner."
"I have to do it, or the Emperor will see my mind.", replied Luke while pursing his lips. He knew that there was no try. His father noticed the tension in him, and sighed, while glancing over to the rising sun.
"It is not impossible. Even non-Force sensitives can do it to an extent. For instance, your mother.", he answered, and Luke could sense some admiration there. There was even a slight smile on his father's face.
"The Emperor will try to tempt me to the dark side?", Luke asked, a sudden chill overcoming him. The dark form that pursued him in his nightmares came to mind.
"Yes.", came the honest answer. Though blunt, it brought Luke a measure of comfort that his father had already thought of these things. "And he would even have us turn against each other."
"I will never turn.", he answered with conviction and his father looked on him with some glimmer of amusement.
"You say it, and I pray that it continues to be so.", his father said while shaking his head. Luke felt some indignation come over him.
"What reason could I to turn on my own father?"
"What reason did I to turn on my family and friends?", retorted his father with sharpness before his eyes softened. Luke, though taken aback, couldn't deny the logic. "The dark side is more alluring than you presume, and I fear the temptation may be too great."
"What must I do?", Luke asked, more than a little disheartened. Again his fears about the dark side's power was ever encroaching. When he looked up, his father was watching him with a solemn expression.
"All I ask is that you prepare for a difficult choice.", he replied, not easing any of Luke's fears. "The Emperor is not to be underestimated."
Luke nodded saying nothing else and he could feel the onset of anxiety overcome him once more. Before letting it consume him, he released it into the Force, not allowing the dark side a foothold. Across from him, he heard his father go silent. Though Luke could sense he was a tinge regretful for being the source of those fears, his father did not apologize for the truth. For a long time, they meditated in silence, Luke having much to consider, while his father continued his fight against something that had easily consumed him in the past. When Luke came out of it, the sun had passed positions in the sky, and the others had awoken.
"Very good Luke. Meditation comes to you naturally.", his father commented while rising to his feet. He dusted the dirt off of him while Luke did the same.
"Did it for you?", Luke asked, and was met with a dry smile.
"No.", was all his father said before reaching for his lightsaber. However, the older man hesitated, his hand hesitating over the hilt, before glancing over to the ships. "Do they know?"
"Yes.", Luke said without hesitation, noting Han out of the corner of his eye in the distance.
It was strange having this knowledge out in the open, though Han had taken it better than expected. The smuggler the night before had asked several questions, varying in degrees of seriousness, before he'd settled upon full on acceptance. Though he hadn't brought up his torture at the hands of Vader, Luke could sense it had been on his mind.
That along with the scathing mistrust of the former Sith.
His father, satisfied by the answer, motioned to Luke's own lightsaber. Luke lifted the hilt in his hand, wondering what he was about to learn from his father. The man was tight lipped about several things, and though Luke had an inkling that they'd be practicing lightsaber forms, his father hadn't exactly been forthcoming with the specifics. Then he began speaking.
"Form IV is an aggressive lightsaber form, meant to keep an enemy on their toes.", he began, and Luke found himself nodded with this knowledge.
"Did you learn it?", Luke asked, finding interest in his history.
"For a brief time, though I came to rely more on Djem So, a variant in Form V.", the man replied, looking at the Sith's weapon in his hands. His face grew wary, but he seemed to brush it off. "It has basis in both offense and defense."
"Is any one form better than the other?", Luke questioned, his mind returning to Yoda's teachings.
"For different situations.", his replied, somewhat nonchalantly, but his posture was rigid. "Though no one form is superior, there are some that are better suited for the task at hand."
"You'll be teaching me Ataru?", Luke asked, unclipping his saber.
"I will what I know, unless you are interested in another form?", he replied, a questioning gaze sent Luke's way.
"Not at this time, no.", Luke shook his head, not wishing to abandon the teachings of his masters. His father didn't question that decision, instead taking several steps away from him.
"First, I want to know all you've learned.", his father replied before finally lighting his red lightsaber.
Then his father brought the blade up to a high guard position and Luke lit his green lightsaber, bringing it to a low, two-handed guard. They stood across from one another, though his father waited for him to make the first move. Immediately, Luke arced the blade to the side, which he blocked with ease, and then swept to the other side while his father's left side was exposed. Also, with ease it was blocked. With each passing swing, Luke grew more and more weary. At once he dodged an attack, backflipping away. He was quick to note that his evasive and attacking maneuvers was more acrobatic than that of his fathers. With that in mind, he tried to use it to his advantage. For over an hour they dueled repeatedly, and Anakin would disarm or force Luke to yield, even if Luke had gotten a few good shots in. Given the fact that they weren't trying to hurt each other was something that caused Luke, who's preferred style was aggressive to hold back. By the end, however, both were sweaty and quite ready for a break.
One last time, Luke was knocked on his back, and his father forced him to yield yet again. Luke was breathing heavily, though quite ready to fight again when finally, the red blade switched off. With some measure of relief, he watched as his father clipped the saber to his belt before offering a hand to help him up. Surprised by this gesture, Luke accepted and was pulled to his feet immediately. Luke dusted himself off and then his father motioned him back towards the two ships.
"You've done well.", the older man remarked, and Luke wondered at this.
"Even though I lost every time?", he asked wryly.
"There's something to gain in each failure.", his father replied, unconcerned by Luke's self-depreciation. "It not only teaches you the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen form, but also for how much to draw on the Force."
"Something tells me I need to draw more upon it.", Luke stated, though was not troubled. His father said nothing, as they drew closer to the ships where the group was waiting.
Luke could see already that a night to rest wasn't enough to quell the wariness of certain members. Han and Chewie nodded to him, though they watched as his father marched past them, completely ignoring them. The Naberries greeted him with a smile, though he could tell his aunt wasn't quite comfortable with it all. Artoo seemed to be communicating with Threepio, who didn't acknowledge their approach. When Luke approached Artoo, the droid greeted him, though he noticed that his father had a strange expression on his face.
Luke turned to find his father's attention turned towards Threepio.
"C-3PO?", the former Sith asked, and the droid perked up at the recognition.
"Yes, that is my name, though I do not believe we have had the pleasure of meeting.", replied the droid, though his father narrowed his eyes.
"You've had a memory wipe.", he surmised, and then Artoo rolled up. He whistled a little bit, seeming to confirm the man's suspicions. "A shame."
"You've met Threepio?", Luke asked, curiosity getting the better of him. Strange that he knew two of the droids currently in his possession.
"I built him.", his father replied nonchalantly, though he eyed the coverings of the droid. He crossed his arms, continuing to assess Threepio. "Though he's clearly seen battles."
"You made Goldenrod?", came Han's voice, almost derisively.
"Yes Solo.", replied his father, though he didn't address the question any further.
"Figures.", Luke heard Han mutter.
On the Falcon, Leia and her mother were pushing a communication to the Alliance High Command. As it had been many days since they'd heard any news, Leia took it upon herself to get this accomplished. She told herself that it had nothing to do with the current situation that she found herself in, but deep down she knew she was only keeping herself busy to avoid thinking about everything. As of late, she'd done enough meditating, though Luke might disagree.
The communications finally went through and a rebel appeared before them.
"Lieutenant, please go tell Mon Mothma that I have made contact.", Leia commanded, her voice firm as it usually was when giving out orders.
"Yes ma'am.", replied the lieutenant before the connection switched to a blank projection.
"Are you part of the leadership?", her mother asked, giving her a sly smile to which Leia could only feel pride.
"Yes, though I mainly have my father to thank for that.", she replied, thinking to Bail Organa. Her mother seemed to catch on, but nodded, if a little sadly.
The communications crackled and Mon Mothma came into view. Leia noticed the spark of realization come over her mother as it did over Mon Mothma's face. There were a few moments of silence before the rebel leader finally spoke.
"Padmé?", she began, almost hesitatingly.
"Yes, it's me.", her mother answered, a warm smile coming over her face.
"I have… so many questions, but I realize I cannot ask them now.", Mon Mothma replied, shaking herself. Then she turned to Leia again. "I believe that this is urgent?'
"There is a matter of intel that must be passed in person, though before doing so, I needed to confirm the Rebel Alliance's status.", Leia began, noting the intrigue on the rebel leader's face. "Is the Alliance still compromised?"
"As of now, no.", replied Mon Mothma evenly. "The culprit was caught mere hours ago. Her giveaway was erratic behavior and family ties to the Empire."
"Very good. Is it safe to rendezvous with the fleet again?", Leia asked, hoping the answer was yes.
"Yes, though we haven't picked a place yet, we shall in a few short hours.", replied the rebel leader and Leia could feel relief and dismay at the same time. Mon Mothma turned to her mother. "Will we be seeing you there?"
"No.", her mother answered. "I am here to let you know that my situation is complicated, but I am not an unwilling participant."
"My agents have told me you've been an… aide of sorts to Vader.", Mon Mothma began carefully, and Leia glanced over to her mother warily. They'd discussed how much to reveal, knowing that they were treading dangerous waters.
"I am.", her mother replied, voice not ashamed. "And I have deep reason to believe that doing so will turn the tide of the war in the Alliance's favor."
"How so?", asked the leader, her face growing concerned.
"Because he has already willingly granted information that will aid the Alliance.", replied her mother and Mon Mothma's eyes grew wide.
"Even should this information prove fruitful, it is still very dangerous to spy on him.", Mon Mothma replied, her voice wary.
"I am not a spy.", she stated, pausing with hesitation. "He is fully aware of my allegiances and has agreed to allow this information to be given."
There was a moment of silence where the rebel leader contemplated the new information.
"Then how is it, you are not already dead?", she asked, voice growing more worried.
"Because Vader wishes to see the fall of the Emperor.", Leia stated, answering for her mother. "Though I do not trust him, I have reason to believe him."
"These are dangerous alliances indeed. He's the very reason for much of the galaxy's woes.", Mon Mothma answered steadily. Leia could see that her mother was nodding, but her eyes relayed sadness. "Forgive me, for not understanding."
"I myself was tortured by Darth Vader for the Alliance's secrets.", began Leia her voice uneven. Though she did not trust Vader, she would do this for her mother. "I am not asking the Alliance to trust him. I am asking us to unite on this one common goal."
"I will have to consult with high command," Mon Mothma replied, her tone reluctant. "But I believe that the intelligence you bring us, should help them make their decision."
"That's all I ask.", nodded Leia, feeling some relief come over her. She could sense that her mother appreciated her input.
"In the meantime, you are free to return once we grant you the rendezvous point coordinates.", Mon Mothma replied eyes still contemplative. Then she turned to the once dead senator. "But Padmé, be careful. I do not want you to risk your life needlessly."
"I won't.", Padmé replied earnestly, though Mon Mothma looked on worried.
"While I do not trust Vader, I trust your judgement.", the rebel leader acquiesced. "May the Force guide us in these troubling times. Farewell."
Then the connection closed.
The skies were cloudy overhead, but even before they heard the screaming of the TIE fighters, Anakin was on his feet. Luke, who'd been doing maintenance on Artoo was standing as well, his jaw slackened at the sight of the Imperial fighters. Without hesitation, he barged into the Millennium Falcon where he sensed Padmé. He found her speaking with Leia quietly. They both startled at his appearance, but he paid it no heed.
"Imperials are here.", he informed his wife, who was on her feet. "It's time to leave."
Just then there was an explosion nearby. He turned sharply from the room and surged back down the ramp of the Falcon only to see his personal shuttle destroyed. It's metal bending in the intense heat of the fire. Luke was ushering the Naberries and the droids back inside, while the smuggler and the Wookiee were nowhere to be seen. In the distance, he could see the TIE fighters that had swept in to drop a bomb. Even now could see them circling back to do another drop.
Instantly, he hunted down the smuggler, whom he found in the cockpit.
"Solo.", he began, but the rebel was already firing up the engines.
"I know. They're circling back for us.", he said while flipping a few more switches. "It seems your friends found us. Somehow."
"I did not lead them here you fool.", Anakin snapped, and Solo looked less than convinced. "If I wanted you in my captivity, I would've taken you all on Tatooine."
"Fair enough, but how do you explain this?"
"The Emperor must've been tracking my personal shuttle.", he muttered, fierce gaze on the approaching TIE fighters. "He has spies in engineering as it seems."
"He's not paranoid at all is he?", the smuggler griped while furiously rising the ship into the air. Just then there was an explosion and the freighter shook. Solo's eyes grew wide. "That's not good."
"What happened?", he demanded, trying to understand the unconventional system of this star ship.
"Han the deflector shields are down!", shouted Leia, coming into the cockpit.
"Yeah, I've noticed!", the smuggler shouted back as the vessel shook from another shot. "If they're not up soon there'll be pieces of us all over this planet."
"Where is the power drive for them?", Anakin demanded, as Solo maneuvered the craft to the right, narrowly missing a cliff wall.
"You're not touching my ship!", the smuggler replied fiercely, even as the Wookie growled at him to pay attention.
"It's that or I pilot, so make your choice.", Anakin replied just as fiercely, narrowing his eyes.
"Fine.", Han muttered, not looking at the irritated man. "Next to the engineering bay. Leia can show you."
Anakin looked over to the princess who nodded and gestured him to follow, as he was marching down the hall with her, he noted the astromech droid with Threepio. Luke was manning the guns, as was Padmé, while the Naberries waited in the communal area.
"Artoo, I need you.", he motioned to the droid, who obeyed immediately.
With urgency they found the engineering bay, and Anakin's eyes fell on to the power drive. The box was smoking from the power surge.
"Artoo, locate the backup power drive.", he commanded, and the droid went to the terminal to do just that.
While the droid was doing this, he opened the container, and a cloud of smoke rose from the device. As he was waving the smoke away, it revealed the fried remains of wires and the drive. Without hesitation, he cut power to the device and pulled wire that was linked to the drive. Artoo rolled up to him as he clipped the charred end off, and he followed the droid to the backup. In no time at all, the device was linked. Anakin glanced over to Leia who swiftly turned the power back on for the shields.
"It's back!", the smuggler announced triumphantly from down the hall while in the cockpit. As one, they marched back down the corridor rejoined the pilots.
Soon they rose out of the atmosphere, finally clear for lightspeed. The TIE fighters continued firing on them, though it had little effect as the shields protected them. Immediately, regular stars were blurred as they jumped to hyperspace, and at last they knew that they were safe.
Anakin sighed, feeling his adrenaline start to wear off, and he turned to leave the cockpit behind. While the sounds of celebration were taking place, he caught sight of Padmé rising from a gunning position. She smiled upon seeing him and climbed even quicker from the station. Immediately upon approaching him, she encircled him into a fierce hug, right in the middle of the corridor. He became hyperaware of the eyes on him, though Padmé didn't seem to care. Luke came out of his gunning position and in a not-so-subtle way, hid his smile at the sight of them.
Anakin gave his son a withering look, and the boy lost all vestiges of his smile, instead opting to clear his throat.
"You're a great gunner.", Luke remarked, purposefully ignoring the stiff way in which Anakin held himself. Padmé glanced over to the boy with a bit of wonder, before her expression turned into amusement.
"You sound surprised.", she stated, still holding on to Anakin's arm.
"I just heard you were a senator.", Luke replied, growing curious by her tone. Anakin arched an eyebrow, glancing down at Padmé, who had a sly look on her face.
"Yes, and before that, a queen.", she replied, raising her eyebrows while giving off the barest of smirks. "During my reign I was trained how to handle a blaster as well as a fighter."
"I would very much be interested in a lesson.", Luke replied, clearly fascinated in the idea, while patting the blaster at his hip.
"Perhaps.", was all she said before turning back to Anakin who'd been quiet. Then her expression grew somber and concerned. "Was that the Emperor trying to kill us?"
There was a tense moment of silence before he answered.
"Yes."
A/N: I think life doesn't want me writing this story as there's been another delay! Sorry about that, I had a family emergency that kept me from my computer and could continue to do so in the future.
And wow! Over 20,000 views to this story! Thank you so much for reading!
Special shoutout to ichigo urahara Shihoin, RyanSquad, The God of Perverts, Jeda31, MMM73181, Reconzilla117, Notsae, Jedi Alex Colbent, and Kagami420 for reviewing! A big thank you to those who favorited and followed my story, as well as me as an author! I absolutely love hearing your thoughts, so don't be too shy to let me know what you thought of this chapter! Again, a huge thank you all for continuing to read. I never would've made it this far without you all :)