Disclaimer: Not mine

Chapter 26

Wedge stretched out on his bunk in the Temple on Yavin IV, this was a nicer base than the last few. There was no sand, swamps or mould, though the jungle did have some predators big enough to cause issues, but they tended to stay away from the lights and activity of the base. Thankfully no one else had noticed his brief communication with the enemy or there'd be some hard questions to answer. He couldn't believe he and Biggs had tried to kill each other, then again, he couldn't believe his friend had remained with the Empire…and then he remembered Bigg's reaction to the propaganda shots of the Prince and his admitting he had been best friends with a kid called Luke Skywalker on Tatooine. Was it possible the Prince was his old friend? Was that why Biggs had stayed? He looked up as the door opened and Wes walked in to sit on his own bunk.

"So, what's going on? You've been off since the fight."

"It's nothing," Wedge denied.

"Wedge…" Wes glared, and Wedge groaned.

"Swear you won't tell anyone?" he asked, knowing he had to tell him something.

"Unless you're a spy or planning to defect," Wes agreed, getting really worried. He wasn't defecting…was he?

"Remember Biggs Darklighter?"

"Yeah, he vanished right before defecting with us."

"In that fight, I recognised the moves of the pilot on my tail so I pulled off a move from the academy, next thing I know my comm has a call coming through…it was Biggs, Wes. He's in Blade Squadron."

"I figured he was dead or in a cell somewhere," Wes admitted in shock. "You talked to him?"

"Briefly. He said it was a long story and maybe we could exchange war stories over some Corellian Brandy. Even told me to stay safe before breaking off. It doesn't make sense."

"Maybe…they had something, like a threat to his family? To make him stay?"

"Maybe…or maybe his childhood friend Luke really is the Prince and he stayed out of loyalty for him," Wedge admitted softly.

Wes shook his head, "look, he was a friend once but now he's the enemy. You can't let it distract you. Next time you meet you'll be shooting at each other again."

"You're right." Wedge ran a hand over his face, tired.

"I'd also suggest not letting anyone else know about the chat."

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"I…I don't know if I can do this," he whispered, looking around nervously.

"You wanted to make up for Imperial atrocities, this is a good first step. You are stronger than you think Bodhi," Galen assured him just as quietly. They were well hidden, in an unused corridor part way to the shuttle landing pad. "Once you're on Jedha, find Saw and give him the message," he handed over the datacard. "This has to make it to the Rebellion, for the sake of the Galaxy."

Bodhi hesitated but then took it and nodded. He took a deep breath and went to his shuttle.

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"What is it Bail?" Breha watched her husband pace, she hadn't seen him like this since young Luke had been taken by the Empire which they assumed meant Obi-Wan was dead.

"We have to tell her the truth Breha. Before they do something, they cannot undo."

"Do you really think she will just fall into his bed? She knows better. They aren't related Bail, not matter how alike Padme and Sabé appeared. Not even we know who her Father is and she hasn't had an incident since she was three," she soothed.

"You've seen the pictures of her on his arm. Yes, we have gotten some intel from this but it's not worth the risk," Bail argued.

"Leia would never agree to marry an Imperial, let alone Vader's son. Come Bail, calm yourself," she took his hands in her and smiled at him. What would they do if they learnt who Leia's birth parents were? But the likelihood of that ever happening was very slim, Sabé's dying words had been faint and incomplete, she could be wrong in her assumption of Leia's Father.

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"I was about to leave," Tivik hisses as Cassian slipped into the corridor on the Ring of Kafrene.

"I came as fast as I could."

"I have to get back on board," Tivik went to push past him. "Walk with me."

"Back to Jedha?" Cassian kept him in the corridor.

"They'll leave without me!"

"Easy. You have news from Jedha? Come on," Cassian snapped.

Tivik hesitated but then nodded. "An Imperial pilot, one of the cargo drivers. He defected yesterday. He's telling people they're making a weapon. The kyber crystals, that's what they're for."

"What kind of weapon?"

"Look, I have to go."

"What kind of weapon?" Cassian demanded, pushing him against the wall and Tivik swallowed heavily.

"A planet killer," he answered shakily. "That's what he called it."

"A planet killer?" Cassian let him go in shock, he had seen weapons that could make planets uninhabitable during the Clone Wars, but this sounded different.

"Someone named Erso sent him. Some old friend of Saw's."

"Galen Erso? Was it?"

"I don't know! They were looking for Saw when we left."

"Who else knows this?" Cassian demanded.

"I have no idea! It's all falling apart. Saw's right, there're spies everywhere," he yelled and then Cassian yanked him back into the shadows as two stormtroopers approached.

"What's all this?" One demanded while his partner studied them.

"Come on, let's see some scandocs." He ordered.

"Yeah, of course. Just let me take my gloves off," he went as if to pull them off but pulled his blaster and shot the stormtroopers.

"No. What've you done?" Tivik moaned.

"Troopers down, section 9." A stormtrooper further away announced.

"Are you crazy? I'll never climb out of here. My arm..." Tivik snapped as Cassian began looking up the walls to climb out.

Cassian threw an arm around Tivik and began moving him toward the entrance of the corridor. "Calm down. Calm down. We'll be all right," he soothed before shooting once, watching Tivik's body fall. He felt bad about shooting the other man but there could be no chance of the Empire finding out what little they knew.

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"Father?" Luke called as he walked up to him, falling into step with him on the way to the landing pad.

"I have been given access to Krennic's program, the files are waiting at my other residence." Vader answered as they walked towards his shuttle.

"That bad?" Luke managed an impish smile and felt a burst of affectionate annoyance.

"It appears so." Vader answered through their bond.

"Then we need to move soon."

"Agreed. I believe it is time you settled down with a wife." The announcement of their Engagement would hopefully satisfy the Emperor.

"Understood. Be careful," Luke finished out loud, briefly touching his Father's arm.

"You are at greater risk here with the Emperor my son. Stay safe." He nodded to his son before boarding his shuttle and heading to his residence on Mustafar, he needed to spend time there where he had access to more medical aide. Luke's help had down marvels for him, but he was still reliant on the suit and he still needed to soak in bacta.

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"Hello cousin," Luke called and Ryoo turned to smile at him. He hadn't been back since the funeral and she was happy to see him, even if only for a quick visit. She moved closer, offering and Luke stepped into the hug.

"It is good to see you Luke, you look well." She led him into the house. "The children are out with their Father, they will be disappointed to have missed you."

"So am I but I don't have much time."

She went to the draw and pulled out a jewellery case. "Here it is," she handed it over and Luke accepted it, opening it to look inside. "Most of the jewellery your Mother wore belonged to the State when she was Queen and even Senator. But this piece was one of the few that wasn't. she never spoke of where it came from."

"Father, he saved and scraped every credit he could get his hands on for years to buy it for her as a late wedding present," Luke answered, running his fingers over the cool metal. "Thank you."

"It should have been given to you years ago," she kissed his cheek. "Is this maybe…a marriage present again?"

"More of an engagement, I hope."

"You're asking Princess Leia."

"Well we are betrothed," he grinned but then sobered and stepped closer. "Keep the children close, maybe go into the lake country for a while. Things may soon be…. unsettled," he warned, and her eyes widened but she nodded.

"Be safe," she whispered, hugging him again.

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"What now?" One of the guards asked as the transport slowed to a stop.

"I don't know. Must be another pick up."

"I thought we had everybody." He stood as the doors opened and then soldiers flooded on board, taking out the guards while the prisoners watched.

"All clear, sir."

"Hallik! Liana Hallik!" One of the newcomers called.

Several of them walked among the prisoners and one stopped in front of Jyn. "Her."

"You want to get out of here?" the man in charge asked and Jyn nodded warily as they moved to unchain her.

"Hey! What about me?" one of the other prisoners yelled.

As soon as she as free Jyn attacked, fighting free and running down the ramp only to be grabbed by an Imperial droid and then slammed down on her back on the ramp.

"Congratulations you are being rescued. Please do not resist," the droid told her pleasantly.

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Leia had to admit the Senate was nothing like she had hoped. Yes, her Father had warned her, but this was an utter disappointment, not to mention boring. They had no power to actually do anything. She felt someone move into her pod and sit beside her, she glanced over expecting Winter or one of her aides, instead she was surprise to see Luke, dressed once again in black. "What are you doing here?" She whispered, well away from the pickups, not wanting her question broadcast.

"I could feel your boredom from the Residence. Not what you were expecting is it?" he asked just as softly, and she gave in, shaking her head. "The Emperor hoards power, holding it close and tight. The senate is nothing more than a figurehead now."

"And I suppose you believe that to be good?" She asked warily, and he shook his head, smiling softly at her. They had occasionally spoken more frankly on the Empire but never so publicly.

"Hardly. I have no more love for the fossil than you." He had made sure to smother all listening devices using the Force before admitting that and he felt her start in surprise. He reached over and clasped her hand gently. "Not all serve because they want to." He lifted her hand to gently kiss the back and she swallowed nervously.

"You shouldn't say things like that." She hissed, and he smiled.

"No one can hear us, I made sure of it."

"If that's so then why do you serve? Why has no one arrested or disposed of him?"

"He is a Dark Lord of the Sith Leia, he is not so easily killed. The Jedi tried and failed." She had been told that by her Father in secret, hearing it from an heir to the empire, hearing the slight fear in his voice, made it all the more real.

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked. Almost two years of spending time together when able, courting, and she still didn't know what he wanted from her, other than company willing to talk back to him. Their courtship had been arranged by the Emperor, would Luke have asked her without that? Did he plan to one day go through with a wedding?

"Not here Princess. While you do me the honour of joining me aboard the Eclipse tonight for dinner?" he smiled at her and she nodded regally, she was finally getting the tour he had offered four months ago.

"Agreed."

"I will send a shuttle for you." He stood, bowed and slipped away as silently as he had appeared. She felt…unsettled, there was something more to tonight than Luke had said. She turned her attention back to the session, but it was hard to concentrate, thankfully nothing was being voted on. Once it was over she returned to the Embassy to get ready for dinner. It was safer in the tower, but she needed to be accessible to her people and other Senators, so she had moved back last month, after Luke had the security overhauled and increased.

She went into her room and was helped out of her senatorial gown while several others were brought out for her to choose from. She chose a dark blue gown, Luke's colours, and was helped into it. The skirt was long and flowing, in layers, while the bodice had delicate silver beading over it and short sleeves that sat just off the shoulder. She wished Winter was there, but her friend was off on a mission.

Leia stood in front of the mirror as her aides finished her hair. Her jewellery was silver to compliment the beading, tasteful and elegant. Her hair was also styled differently, much of it left loose to fall about her like a cloak. Another aide stepped in and curtseyed. "The shuttle has arrived Princess."

Leia nodded and stepped away from the window to wrap her cloak around her shoulders before walking from her dressing room, through the halls to the landing pad where an Imperial shuttle awaited, her guard forming up around her. There she found a single Stormtrooper waiting but his helmet had been removed and he bowed to her.

"Good evening Your Highness, General Skywalker sent me to escort you," Cody told her, and she smiled.

"Thank you, Commander."

He took her arm and led her to the shuttle, ensuring she was safely seated and secure before he moved to pilot the ship into orbit. Leia's eyes widened in shock and awe as she got her first close up look at the new class of star destroyer, it was massive! The Alliance had nothing to match such a ship. They soon docked, and he led her through the ship only to stop at a set of doors and bowed again.

"Have a good evening, I will escort you home once you are done."

She nodded and walked up to the doors, they opened at her approach and she walked inside to find a large room with rather comfortable furnishing considering they were on a military vessel. There was a table for two set and decorated near the windows, and it was there she spotted him as he watched her from the shadows. He moved forward, and she smiled. She curtseyed even as he took her hand and bowed over it, kissing the back. "Welcome aboard Your Highness." The formal greeting startled her a little as they usually left titles aside.

"Thank you for the invitation Prince Luke." She allowed him to guide her to a seat. "This looks wonderful."

"The benefits of being in orbit of Imperial Centre, better food then when with the fleet." He chuckled, and she smiled as he sat opposite her. He served the food and some light wine, and they began to eat. "You asked me earlier what I want from you, I think it is time to answer your questions. These quarters have been scanned many times by people I trust as well as myself, they are clean, so we may speak plainly."

"Then what do you want Luke?"

"Many things." He admitted before taking a sip. "Father and I am agreed that the time to act is coming, we have men loyal to us who will act as well. Will the Alliance help in dealing with those like Tarkin?"

Leia fought the urge to tense at that announcement, she had known he planned to take on the Emperor, but so soon? "My Father will, I do not know how many will follow his lead." He nodded and then stood and went to retrieve a datapad from another table and carried it over, handing it to her. Leia took it and scanned over the contents, eyes going wide as she scanned through the documents. "What?"

"A copy of every piece of legislation my mother was a signatory to. I doubt it's a complete list, much was erased after the Emperors' rise to power. It is a gift."

"Thank you. I've never been able to find much."

"The beauty of a very high security clearance as well as Father's habit of collecting anything with her name." He retook his seat and met her eyes. "I have…. come to care a great deal for you Leia, more than I ever believed possible. I fear what the Emperor has planned for you, for us, but I will do everything I can to keep you safe. Killing the Emperor will not fix thing over night." He gently took her hand and she squeezed his, nodding, she knew she was nothing but a pawn to the Emperor, they all were.

"Maybe killing him won't fix things but it would be a start."

"And a necessary step. The Court… most of them haven't had an independent thought in years."

"He controls them?" She gasped in shock, pulling back.

"Through the Dark Side of the Force, yes."

"And you use it too?" she knew what the lightsaber meant, had seen him use the Force before. She had also learnt about the Jedi form her parents and Fulcrum. She knew there were two sides to the Force and how dangerous the Dark Side was.

Luke looked down at the table. "I spent a year with Master Kenobi, beginning to learn to be a Jedi, Father continued that training as neutrally as possible. I... I have touched the Dark," he admitted shakily, and she got out of her chair moving to kneel beside him, clasping his hands in hers. He looked at her and managed a small smile. "The Emperor is very…strict in training."

"Training…or torture?" she asked softly, and he shrugged slightly.

"Oh Luke," she reached up to gently stroke his cheek and he leant into her touch. She smiled and then went to move back to her chair but instead Luke got up and moved them to the couch.

"You want the Rebellion to support your Father's claim to the Throne? It won't happen, too many see him as the face of the atrocities they have suffered." She warned him, and Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair, why did it have to be him?

"And me?"

"You've had a hand in a few defeats, but you aren't known for cruelty or excessive use of force. You would be more acceptable but only in the understanding of not starting up your own dynasty to inherit."

"Leia, I don't want the throne, neither does Father. We're military men, not politicians. I'd need someone at my side to help ensure I didn't make a mess of things."

"I'm sure the Alliance would be willing to help there."

"I'm not looking for their help." He closed his eyes and then looked her right in the eye. "The Republic didn't work Leia, neither does the Empire. Ideas from both do work, I want to give power back to the planets and systems but leave the throne intact. I can't do that alone."

"Then who?"

"You. Will you marry me?"

"Yes. You are beautiful, highly intelligent and you are obviously well trained in politics. And you see me, not my titles. I know you agreed to the Courtship to keep your people safe, but I hope it has become more?"

"Most Imperial men want pretty wives on their arm but not brains," she was still in a little shock.

"I'm not most Imperials."

"You want to marry me." Were her hands shaking?

Luke stood and retrieved a box, a jewellery box. He placed it in her hand and then lifted the lid to reveal a stunning necklace of gold and silver. "It was my Mother's; I think she'd like you to have it," he smiled almost shyly.

Leia was stunned into silence. Of all the reasons he had called her to his ship, a marriage proposal was not one she had imagined. He was handsome, no denying it. Smart and knew how to fight, all things that she had looked for in a future husband. But she had never imagined marrying into the Imperial Family! Even when she had agreed to the Courtship she had never really believed it would lead to marriage. They had grown close and she knew he had let her see parts of him no one except maybe his Father and Cody had ever seen. She had some idea of what the Emperor did to him, she had seen him that night in the tower. There was no question of an attraction between them. He shifted to gently hold one of her hands and she stared into warm blue eyes, feeling something from him…. sincerity, hope, attraction…. She took a deep breath and then twisted around, giving him access so that he could place the necklace around her neck. She shivered as his hands lifted the mass of her hair aside and then gently brushed her skin as he slipped the necklace on and did up the clasp. He offered her a hand and she stood, looking up at him and he smiled at her.

"It looks perfect," he whispered, and she smiled back. She would marry him, for the Alliance, the Empire and for herself. He leant down slightly, they were close in height thankfully, and his lips brushed hers softly. "It's getting late, Cody will escort you home," he whispered.

"What happens now?"

"We speak to our parents. We will not be able to warn you in advance of when we plan to attack so you should be ready to move quickly once we do. The Emperor leaves tomorrow for a tour of several important bases, it will have to wait until he returns. We can announce our engagement while he is gone though, say in five days? My Father will have returned by then and it will be better to have him make the announcement."

"Five days then. I hope I can find an appropriate dress in time." She teased, and he laughed.

"Try to wear something in blue." He led her to the door and Cody snapped to attention even as Luke bowed and kissed her hand. "Look after her Cody, she is the future Lady Skywalker."

"Of course, Sir." Cody hid a smile, happy for his General at the news. He escorted the Princess back to the hanger.

"General."

"Yes Captain?" Luke turned to see Captain Needa approaching.

"Forgive the late hour sir but we have had word from the Imperial Palace, the Emperor commands your presence."

This was not good timing. "Very well. Inform him I will come at once." He returned to his quarters to change into his uniform, lightsaber at his side before he went to his personal fighter and used it to return planet side, rather than a shuttle. He walked into the Palace, head held high. He entered the Throne Room and knelt before the Emperor. "You summoned me Master." There was no warning, just a wave of agony.

TBC…