"Rebel leader has informed me of your intentions to reach the general. I could have information best not disclosed. Contact me."

The droid stopped transmiting and the man walked over behind it.

"It'll reach them in time. The emperor only gave Vader a few weeks. We should have a few days to prepare."

"Let's hope their actions are delayed, Master."

••••

Leia intended to piece together what she had seen regarding the mystery of who Vader was and how he came to be. He'd been betrayed by his best friend and mentor, he'd been set up by his wife and been forced to-

"No."

Leia shook her head, she thought again now clearing her mind.

Vader betrayed his mentor, his long time best friend, the republic, then he had choked his pregnant wife. That was it, but no, there was more. It wasnt just that he had betrayed the republic, the republic had failed him and his good intentions had been used by the emperor to betray him. Years of friendship had been forged only to enslave Vader- No, Anakin. And the true friendship that was offered by Obi-wan was used to be seen as a mirage to send Anakin into a fit of deception and rage, the whole of who the heroic Jedi knight had been came crumbling down.

Again Leia felt her skin burn.

No, Leia. He's done evil things there is no justifying it.

Leia's eyes closed as she listened intently, and the burning feeling faded-

"Luke... you havent left me."

No, Leia. Of course not.

His presence soothed her as they sat in silence a while.

Only look forward. He's done bad things I dont believe he is still willing to do. You have him on our side, the rebellion-

"No, Luke. He has me on his side. We'll defeat the emperor and afterwards he will try to kill me."

Luke fell silent, and the probable truth that Luke unwillingly eminated comforted Leia. A lie would not do.

Luke spoke after a short while,

"ou could win, just as you have today.

Leia massaged her temples and the images reapeared,

"I'm not sure I've won."

Leia... you mustn't lose hope.

Leia gave her brother a small and genuine smile,

"I haven't Luke. I know even if I fail... the rebellion is a long way from giving up."

Leia continued and spoke what she hadnt been able to for too long now.

"Vader didn't only kill my father Bail, all those on my home planet and countless more- but Anakin too. He slaughtered him and disowned him completly and only now do I realize I've disowned myself too long from Skywalker as well but... I can't any longer, Luke. I will bring him back."

I know its possible but I don't want you to lose your life as I have.

"I will not die for the cause Luke, if I can not bring Anakin back... I will know our father is truly gone, and Vader will pay for everything he's done."

••••

The wookie roared pulling levers and pushing a few switches.

"Yeah chewie, they're looking for us in all the systems, but Leia's going to be there."

"My sir! Can I insist-"

"No. You, get to fixing whatevers gotten lose back there. This piece of garbage is all we could get for the Falcon Chewie, can you believe it?"

Chewbacca roared again.

"Master Solo! There seems to be a coded message-"

"Weeeell? What are you waiting for?"

"It seems to be from Naboo, from a man called Tahn. He insists you contact him immedietly.

"Looks like we're going to have to make a stop before Corusant."

••••

Kneeling Vader accepted the superiority of the blue holgram,

"So she's defeated you..."

Vader may not have won but he was still unwilling to admit his loss.

"I believe she is ready master."

The melevolent smile appeared,

"Good... then bring her as planed. The rule of two will decide."