Disclaimer: Not mine

Chapter 17

Luke activated the simulator and settled himself further in the cockpit as the screens came alive, simulating space. More tie fighters appeared around him and he grinned, he may be a General in the army but he, like his Father, was born to fly. Seconds later enemy ships appeared and the battle began, Blade squadron spilt up into twos but Luke remained solo in his TIE Advanced x1, he had the advantage of shields and the Force after all. If he had his way, all pilots would fly shielded fighters, like the rebels in their X-Wings, but it wasn't up to him or even his Father. At least he'd managed to push through armour upgrades for Stormtroopers, with Vader backing him, it cost less than building a new fleet of tie fighters, they would be introduced far more slowly as ships needed replacing and at first only to the elite squadrons.

After the empty leads to Dantooine he figured his men needed the stress relief of time in the simulators getting to blow rebels up. He knew the 212th were doing the same by using various training situations and plain old games. At least they were staying away from Coruscant, he had no desire at all to return, who knew what the Emperor would subject him to next.

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Leia lowered her blaster and smiled at Winter even as their instructor looked over the targets. Prince Luke had been right, her parents had seen to her education in everything, including weapons. She could also pilot several classes of ships and had been trained to survive in a variety of landscapes if necessary. She wasn't just a Princess and hopefully one day Senator, she was being trained to take a place in the leadership of the Alliance one day. They would be leaving for Yavin IV in a few days for her to begin getting to know the other leaders, and then after that it was Coruscant where she would spend the next months as her Father aide until he stepped down and she took his place.

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The Academy wasn't quite what Biggs had expected and he was really not liking what he'd seen of the Empire. Though, there had been one massive shock, seeing a holo of the Prince, even without hearing the name he knew, it was Luke! He'd vanished years ago; the Lars had been obviously panicked and everyone had pitched in trying to find him. In the end, they assumed he had met the same fate as his Grandmother, the desert was unforgiving to all. To find out he was the son of Darth Vader…in line for the Imperial Throne…. but he'd kept his mouth shut. He didn't want to draw attention to himself and possibly trouble. He'd been planning to run once he graduated, try and meet up with the Alliance but that would mean being Luke's enemy. Would his friend even think of them as friends after so many years?

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The Avenger settled into orbit and Luke stared down at the planet, watching as a shuttle headed for the service, he wanted to be on board but it was a bad idea. It was a long-time practice for the elite squadrons to steal graduates before they could be assigned elsewhere, no one would question Han looking them over. If Luke went himself too many questions would be asked and it could mean danger for Biggs and any others they took on. So, he was forced to wait on board while Han went to inspect the pilots. Han had a list of five pilots he wanted to evaluate in person and Biggs was top of the list. eventually he left the bridge and headed for his quarters, stripping down and then activating his lightsaber as he activated a training droid, lightsaber's clashing as he worked off his anxiety.

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Ahsoka smiled as she woke in her favourite place, Rex's arms. If the Jedi order could see how they clung to each other…it was a good thing she had left when she had. She had been folded into the fold by the clones so quickly, they'd become family and it had hurt a lot when she'd left but then Rex and the others had joined her on Mandalore and she'd had her family back for a few short months before the Galaxy fell apart. If it hadn't been for Rex…but then they'd separated as he tried to find other brothers who were free and she'd been yanked into helping set up the Alliance. When they'd met up again, that was when she'd realised he was getting too old too fast, had nearly killed herself making sure he wouldn't die too soon. They'd never needed words to describe what they were, now they weren't Captain and Commander. It had taken a lot of time for Rex to really get comfortable with that, he'd called her Commander for a long time after she wasn't one. What mattered was what they felt and that was easy to name, she loved him and she knew he loved her, she could feel it.

She dreaded missions that parted them, like the one she had to leave on soon. They worked best as partners after all. But there were rumours of an imperial training ground…. for Force sensitives. Shielding herself was no problem and normally she was fine shielding Rex, it had become second nature, but Command had deemed it too risky.

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Leia stared out at the Imperial City from her room in the Alderaanian embassy. The city never slept, unlike so many planets that had curfews. It was definitely an impressive sight but it made her feel cold and she adjusted her dressing gown for warmth. She had been so excited to join her Father in his work here and yet now…all she wanted was to be back home. As a mere aide, at least she wasn't expected to meet the Emperor, that would wait until she was named as Senator.

She had been surprised to realise part of her disappointment with the planet came from someone not being there. The Prince, General, whichever title she was meant to use, was apparently rarely on the planet, and even when he was few ever saw him. It was ridiculous! He was second in line to the Imperial Throne and she was a Rebel. They'd only met on his trip to Alderaan, they didn't know each other but…. she wanted to know him. She sighed and moved to begin working out her braids. She was also disappointed in her first meeting with the Alliance Command. General Draven…he was not a god choice as intelligence chief, and not just because he had authorised the attack on the Prince. He was too willing to go behind everyone else's back to do what he thought was right. She'd met Mon Mothma before when her parents held important diplomatic parties and she still considered the woman a role model, along with the deceased Senator Amidala. She'd liked Admiral Raddus, he was a solid military figure devoted to the ideals of the Republic.

Nothing was how she had expected and she wasn't sure what to do about it.

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Biggs glanced around as he was lead deeper into the ship, he'd never been on a star destroyer before and was shocked to find he'd been scouted for a squadron, not assigned to one. His new Commander hadn't given his name, or the name of the squad which was more than a little concerning. Had someone realised his less than loyal thoughts and he was actually being led to a trial…. or worse? They had to have walked almost to the bridge before stopping before a door and the Commander hit the chime.

"Enter." A male voice called and the door opened. Biggs glanced at the Commander and was waved inside. He took a deep breath and stepped inside, stopping in front of the desk to salute. He was surprised by a laugh and blinked as he took in just who he was saluting. "Hello Biggs." Luke stood and moved from behind the desk to approach his old friend…. when had he gotten so tall?

"Luke?" Biggs whispered and then gulped. "Sir!"

Luke just shook his head and then moved in to hug him. Biggs stiffened but then hugged him back, mind reeling. Luke didn't need the Force to sense his shock and confusion. "I've missed you." He admitted softly.

Biggs was in shock. The Prince really was Luke…. he'd missed him. "I…Luke? This is…." What was he meant to say?

Luke stepped back and used the Force to nudge a chair up to Biggs who sat, eyes wide. "I've been watching recruitment lists, waiting for you to join up like we always talked about."

"We thought you were dead." Biggs admitted softly. "The Lars called out search parties, we looked for weeks, but there was nothing. It was assumed you died in the desert. Wasn't till I reached the Academy and saw a holo, heard your name…" Biggs shook his head.

"I…I didn't know. Ben took me in the night, because of the imperial census. He was afraid of what would happen when my name was entered. We spent the time flying from port to port while he tried to fix my education. Eventually the Empire caught up and now here we are." He was shocked to hear they thought he was dead, he knew Tatooine was slow to get news but surely this had made it there by now? "Sorry if Han's silence had you worried, I wanted to see you in private first."

Han… "Commander Han Solo?" no wonder he'd kept quiet, as soon as he'd given his name they would have known exactly which ship this was, and who was on board.

"You've been assigned to Blade Squadron, they lost a man last month in a rebel ambush." Kier had been a good man and an excellent pilot.

Right into Blade Squadron, that was an honour. He looked at his friend and saw he really was happy to have him there. Could he really follow Imperial orders when so many were wrong? How did Luke do it? Had he changed that much? He didn't believe that…which meant something else was going on, he hoped so. Biggs grinned and Luke relaxed before tossing him his new squadron patch.

"Han will escort you to pilot territory, welcome aboard the Avenger." Luke stood and clasped his arm before seeing him out. Once alone he slumped into his seat again. He would never tell a soul what he had sensed from Biggs, a few more days and they would have missed him…and they would have been fighting each other instead of together. He didn't care if Biggs had rebel leanings, neither would most of his squad mates thankfully. None of them were happy with how the Emperor ruled, neither were the 212th, but they had to have patience. Even with his Father, Luke knew he wasn't ready to face the old fossil in a fight. And he wouldn't trust the Rebels to help take him down. Ahsoka, Rex, Bail…. he'd trust them and maybe with Ahsoka's help they could take the Emperor.

Luke left his office and headed for his quarters and the meditation room within. He knelt and closed his eyes, letting go of everything to let the Force fill him. He felt the link to his Father but it was quiet now, and just like he'd suspected, there were two other bonds, weaker but there. He gently tapped the one going to Obi-Wan, letting the man know he was alright and he felt the distant brush back against the bond from his first Master. He then turned his attention to the third and focused solely on it only to gasp in reflected pain. Ahsoka…. He focused past the pain, reaching for her, trying to work out where she was and what was wrong. "Spark, prepare my ship and ensure Kix is aboard, civilian clothing only." He ordered his bodyguard even as he went to change from his uniform into non-descript clothing, he messed up his hair and hid his lightsaber, strapping on a blaster as his visible weapon. In the end, he looked less like a General and more like a smuggler, which was the point. "Captain Needa."

"Yes, My Lord?" The Captain answered the call immediately.

"Set course for Naboo as soon as my ship leaves. You are to tell no one I have left, as far as the rest of the Empire is concerned I am aboard."

"Y…yes My Lord."

"If my Father or the Emperor asks, you may tell them the truth, that you do not know where I am.

"Yes sir." His relief at not having to try to lie to either man was obvious.

"That is all." He ended the call and left his quarters, a small bag slung over his shoulder. Luke used the Force to keep anyone from paying attention to him as he made his way to his ship. He boarded and sighed as he found not only Kix but Cody and Spark.

"Sir." Cody looked uncomfortable in civilian gear.

"I suppose I can't order you to stay?"

"I would respectfully have to disobey sir." Cody answered with the ghost of a smile.

"Very well, strap in." he went to the cockpit and the ship quickly started up before leaving the hanger bay. He entered the coordinates and they were quickly underway.

"Where are we going?" Cody asked once they were safely in hyperspace.

"Ord Mantell." Luke answered as he dropped into the seat opposite his commander. "And committing treason in doing so."

"Sir?" Kix asked in concern.

"Ahsoka Tano is there and in trouble. She warned me about the assassination attempt at the Academy, I owe her." and he couldn't sit back and let his Father's Padawan die. The three clones looked at each other and nodded.

"There's not a lot I can do without a proper medbay."

"That's why I sent the Avenger on to Naboo, we'll rendezvous there and can ensure she receives care. If anyone asks, I went to visit family." Luke explained. "We'll be there in two hours, get some rest."

"Only if you do." Cody demanded and Luke smiled but went to lie down in one of the bunk room so the modified VCX-100 light freighter. The Amidala had been something of a pet project, not that he often got to work on her or even fly her. A gift from his Father, who understood his wish to fly when stuck in an Army position, working on the ship was a great way to keep his mind off things.

Two hours later they dropped out of hyperspace and headed for the surface, the guns manned and shields up. Luke stretched out and grimaced.

"Sir?"

"The Grand Inquisitor is here." He admitted. He'd met him only once and had not enjoyed the experience at all. They answered to the Emperor and combed the Empire for Force sensitives, either to kill or kidnap for training. It had made him realise just how lucky he had been to remain hidden so long. He brought them in for a smooth landing and they quickly grabbed weapons before leaving the ship. Luke kept them cloaked with the Force, wanting the element of surprise. They came to a building and Luke nodded, Ahsoka and the Inquisitor were within.

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Ahsoka was exhausted, how long had she been here? She'd gotten the intel easily enough but that was when the Inquisitor and four squads of Stormtroopers had shown up. She was just glad Rex wasn't with her. she honestly didn't know how much longer she could hold out against the interrogation. And that was when she heard it…blaster fire. Had Rex come for her? She struggled against her bonds but then stared as a lightsaber cut through the door and it fell, revealing a vaguely familiar form just before she passed out.

Luke cut through the door and stared at Ahsoka as she slumped. He quickly moved to her side, removing the restraints and checking that she was definitely alive. "Kix." He called and the medic rushed over to get to work stabilising her. Luke turned, blocking a blow with his lightsaber. His opponent's eyes widened in shock and then narrowed.

"How dare you interfere in my work Skywalker. The Emperor will hear of this!" The Grand Inquisitor snarled and Luke continued to parry his blows before going on the attack.

"No, he won't." Luke whispered as his blade sank into the Inquisitors chest, killing him. "Spark, Cody, the charges set?"

"Yes sir." Cody answered.

"Get back to the ship, we're on our way." He went into the cell and at Kix's nod, carefully lifted Ahsoka, the two rushing to meet up with the others to leave the planet. As they left the atmosphere the building they had been in blew up. Luke set the course and then went to watch over Ahsoka until they reached Naboo.

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Rex frowned, Ahsoka should have at least contacted him by now, if not returned so where was she? He didn't like it at all.

TBC…