A father-son moment in this installment plus the ever more intricate web being woven by that master spider Valles. But do not worry about Shaak … Thanks to new follower Aletta-Feather.
Chapter 44: Almost Ready
Valles's Yacht in the Endor system, Moddell Sector, Southwestern Outer Rim, 0 ABY, 10 months, 23 days
The trip to the Endor system was about a four-hour ride and prior to making the hyperspace jump, Shaak contacted Valles Santhé to let her know she would be arriving in that time frame. Valles proposed a direct dock of Shaak's ship Intrepid V with her own "space yacht," the Belladonna, and was looking forward to showing the next galactic sovereign a craft that was well-suited for her personal travel. Shaak indicated she would be happy to inspect it.
When Shaak arrived, she soon saw Belladonna and was immediately struck by its artistic lines. Not a vertical platform ship like many private vessels belonging to other Galactic "movers and shakers", the ship featured many curved surfaces and was clad in an elegant silver, white, and black pattern that resembled an abstract painting. It appeared to have several decks and was the size of a battle cruiser. Shaak's astromech smoothly pulled her ship alongside and the dock was cleanly made. As Shaak passed through the airlock onto Valles's craft, she was met by two of Valles's young female assistants. "Master Shaak Ti?" one of them spoke aloud.
Shaak nodded and chuckled. "That's right …"
"Ms. Santhé has been expecting you."
Shaak followed the two, having changed into a midnight blue silk dress with a short train behind it.
They led her into a central area on the ship, which was overlooked by balconies up to three levels above. Valles, dressed in a similar style, but all in white (which set off her long jet black hair), and accented with showy golden jewelry adorned with numerous fiery red stones, came up to Shaak, curtsied and gave a wide smile.
"May I be the first to greet you as our Empress-to-be? Everyone, I give you Grand Master Shaak Ti."
Shaak then extended her right hand, and, one by one, Valles's guests filed by her, feeling most honored to be kissing the silk-gloved hand of the Galaxy's next sovereign.
When the last one had paid his respects, Shaak turned to Valles and tilted her head slightly, as if to ask for the floor. Valles smiled and extended a hand toward her. Shaak smiled back and cleared her throat.
"To everyone, a heart-felt thank you for that wonderful welcome. I will be needing everyone's support for the challenges ahead."
She then craned her neck and surveyed as much as she could take in. Valles's "yacht" was quite large indeed, dwarfing Shaak's own ship that was attached to one of the docking stations. Shaak felt it might be as large as one of the battle cruisers they had ordered from Santhe-Sienar. Seeing that Shaak seemed to be a bit awed by the reception, Valles came to her side and put one arm around her waist. Shaak looked around and then returned the gesture in kind. Valles then signaled for everyone to resume their earlier activity and she then smiled at Shaak.
"Well, your majesty, are you pleased with the reception?"
Shaak laughed. "Yes. It was unnecessary, but I appreciate the gesture. It felt very sincere."
"Come, my friend. I'm sure you would like to talk in private. I have just the place."
"Lead the way, Lady …"
Valles took Shaak's hand and squeezed it gently, then led her onto an elevator, which took them to the top deck of the ship. When the door opened, she led Shaak to a quiet space with a large viewport that took in the scene of the new Death Star under construction.
"What do you think?" Valles ventured.
Shaak stared at the hive of activity, various parts of the structure lit up as the crews worked around the clock in shifts.
"How much of the labor is droids?" Shaak asked, as she stroked her chin and pondered. "And … when did this project commence building the structure?"
"My Lady, within one month after the earlier station was destroyed, Emperor Palpatine indicated he wanted to get started on planning a new one. This time, I was able to convince him that my organization could deliver a better product and using our patented economies of scale, the turnaround time would be much shorter. We have turned over many rudimentary tasks to droid-based labor, as you suspected. This enables us to quickly scale up our workforce as needed."
Shaak slowly nodded, as she contemplated all of the implications of Valles's statement. She began to see a new golden age of development – across the Galaxy – that would be possible in the coming Second Empire, one that could vastly increase the standard of living on many worlds, in many sectors. Clearly, Valles didn't get much sleep, nor did she appear to need it.
"And what of the resources needed to complete this task in the time frame you contemplate?"
Valles smiled. "That's an area where we have made many improvements over the prior design. It was my belief that we could synthesize much of the inner structure without the need to dig up entire planets and moons – an often brutal process that devastated the lives of many inhabitants – and, for the most part, we have been successful. It was also possible to build much stronger armored plating for the outer shell of the new station. My engineers have created some brand new materials in the process."
Shaak continued to hold her Liannese friend in awe. This woman's mind never stops working. With her at my side, we can truly bring a new age to the Galaxy. She turned to face Valles, with a warm smile on her usually inscrutable face.
"Come, my friend," she said, as she extended her hands toward Santhé. Valles instinctively grasped them and prepared to receive an energy transfer. As she did, she felt a nourishment reaching and penetrating her brain – another sensation completely new to her. After about 60 seconds, Shaak released her hands and the two women embraced each other warmly, looked into each other's eyes and smiled.
"Valles, I shall await further progress reports with great interest."
"Shaak, if I may, what do you envision this project being used for?"
"I've been running this over in my mind. I don't want the people to feel terror when it appears in the sky over their worlds. The notion you have – of it being named the Peacekeeper – is more in keeping with my sentiments. What did Palpatine think of this idea?"
"He actually was quite receptive to it. At our last meeting, he appeared quite different than I had seen him prior. Gone were the haggard face, the scowl, and the tattered clothes. He presented himself as a kindly, elder figure. A gentleman of grace and fine taste, with the kind of wardrobe one should expect from someone as distinguished as an emperor should be."
Shaak smiled at this. "Clearly, my lady, you have an effect on people. He transformed himself – at least temporarily – into the Chancellor we once knew. I'm not sure who else could have made it happen."
"I don't know about that, but he seemed to warm to the idea of the Empire being a source of peace and stability, to bring about positive change in peoples' lives. It of course makes for a more stable rule. And of course, my dear, you are the one to personify it. As a Togruta, you will bring hope to the non-human peoples and societies, with your great empathy."
The two of them continued to discuss the future of the Galaxy, then Valles invited Shaak to her private quarters – an expansive area much like the suites in her palaces on Lianna in its scale – and they sat down to a light meal. Valles made sure there would be plenty of items that would appeal to Shaak's Togruta tastes. After they were finished, they continued to chat and then, Shaak wanted to rest, so Valles provided her a guest bedroom, complete with exquisite sleepwear and a change of clothes for when she awakened later. She thinks of everything, Shaak reflected with affection.
Coruscant, Imperial Palace, 0 ABY, 10 months, 25 days
The Emperor had quickly grown tired of waiting for the return call from "Sabla Mandu." He called his acolytes, Dr. Cylo and the Astarte twins, in and charged them with learning more about this entity – at this point, he wasn't entirely sure if it was an actual person. After they left, Palpatine had an insight – or at least, he thought he did. Mother Talzin … are you the one haunting me? Someone with unfinished business, I realize, but completely destroying you was likely never possible. Talzin you may live in the spirit world … That witch never learned – there are those with power, and those who dream of power… and your existence was nothing but a dream.
Shaak, of course, had no intention of bothering the emperor at this time, but she could now plainly see the way forward. Sabla Mandu will be unveiled soon, my Emperor, as will your successor. It will be a day to complete your life's mission. I am most pleased that you treated my friend Valles as a gentleman should. It will make it much easier for your coming transformation.
Valles's Yacht in the Endor system, Moddell Sector, Southwestern Outer Rim, 0 ABY, 10 months, 24 days
In the morning, Shaak and Valles had a quiet breakfast together, then started making plans.
"So, Shaak, my Empress, what can I do for you now?"
"I would like us to proceed back to Felucia, as my daughter would like to see you."
"That would work well, my lady. It just so happens I have business on Lianna to see to. We can make the trip together if you like."
"Hmm. Yes, we can stay docked for the jump."
Soon, the preparations were made and Belladonna was on its way to Felucia, Shaak having contacted the planet beforehand to tell them to make ready. Belladonna was too large of a vessel to efficiently land on the surface, so a shuttle would take its owner down to the planet, while Shaak would board the Intrepid and land it separately.
Felucia, 0 ABY, 10 months, 25 days
After they landed (a day later), Frehya met the shuttle and assisted Valles with her check-in to the newly expanded guest hotel on Felucia. She showed Ms. Santhé to the newly renamed – presumably in Shaak's honor – "Imperial suite". Once Valles had been ensconced, she contacted Ahsoka.
"Good afternoon, Master Tano. I believe you wanted to see me?"
Ahsoka happily answered. "Valles! I was just thinking of you. How did your visit with Mother go?"
"Wonderfully, my dear. She is most pleased with the progress we are making on the Peacekeeper. Shall we get together, Ahsoka?"
"Let's. Would you mind dropping by my home? I will send a speeder to fetch you."
"Absolutely. You may send it now. I'll see you in a bit …"
Aboard the ISD Devastator, Southwestern Outer Rim, 0 ABY, 10 months, 30 days
Over the past month or so, the Rebel Alliance had been working closely with The Order in coordinating planning and strategy. Although it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the upcoming battle would be a victory, the subject of how it would be won remained a closely-held secret. Nevertheless, all of the needed ingredients were being assembled. The contingent of 20,000 soldiers – each issued effective body armor that could repel low-level blaster shots, and standard rifles – were now housed in the completed barracks complex and they had been practicing various drills.
All of the needed materiel had also been put in place in the Hoth System, with a full contingent of the orbital defense droid system originally used for Almania, then installed on Pantora. The ten battle cruisers – all fully configured according to the Order's specifications – had been delivered by Santhe-Sienar and three of these were brought to the Hoth system, where they took up orbital positions.
The Rebel presence had by then caught the attention of the Empire, as anonymous reports from travelers in the area had caused the dispatch of probe droids, who sent pictures back to the Star Destroyer Devastator, which was under the command of Rae Sloane, who had recently been promoted to full Admiral. As she reviewed the photos, she had reason to believe they had stumbled onto a rebel base – one they had been searching for over the past few months, after the raid on Cymoon 1 had been carried out. A few days earlier, Sloane had called a meeting of her immediate subordinates and they had been discussing the matter feverishly …
"Admiral, we've got to strike at them now!" one of her captains insisted.
Sloane replied. "I have a distinct feeling they may be trying to set us up. Do any of you recall the strange destruction of the Hammer … I later reviewed that with Admiral Thrawn."
Rear Admiral Vada weighed in. "There are two cruisers on the scene. They have Imperial markings but these ships do not match anything in the force inventory. They have ignored all attempts to contact them."
Sloane pondered the situation. She did not want the Empire to lose another capital ship on her watch, especially when there hadn't been any recent reports of further rebel attacks.
"Admiral Vada, what in your opinion was the cause of the destruction of the four ISD's we lost?"
"Madam, the official reports were crew malfeasance and poor maintenance of the reactors."
"I am well aware of that, sir. Tell me what you really believe."
"Admiral Sloane. I have reason to believe the rebels have got their hands on some kind of super weapon."
This caused some consternation among the group. There were general denials that the rebels had any technological edge on them, and such a suggestion bordered on treason.
Sloane, however, could not afford to make a miscalculation. She was in command of what was once Darth Vader's personal Star Destroyer. Except that he hadn't traveled on it in months, and no one seemed to know where he was. She knew that Vader was not exactly a popular figure among the Imperial command, as they had all felt his heavy-handedness in the past and his cavalier disregard for any type of regular force structure or rules of engagement. As one of the first female officers in the Imperial fleet to be promoted to full Admiral, she couldn't take chances. It seemed unthinkable, but what if Vader was now aiding the rebels in some fashion? It might well explain the strange destructions. Why he might do it was another question entirely, but Sloane figured that was not really her concern. The welfare of her ship and its crew – a group well over 25,000 that included some fine talent in various areas of the fleet – had to be her paramount responsibility.
So the question to her was how to handle these strange sightings. I have to know whose ships those cruisers are before I consider engaging them. She decided to send a shuttle over with a boarding party. How that went might well determine her next move. The rebels had been laying low since the Cymoon 1 attack. These cruisers couldn't be orbiting Hoth for no reason at all. The probe droids had uncovered ample evidence of a base having been recently constructed on the planet's surface. Certainly, the Empire had neither any records of a base on Hoth, nor any need to have one there, as it was essentially an uninhabitable world with few known valuable resources. So it seemed safe to say, that despite their appearances to the contrary, those two cruisers were indeed rebel vessels.
An hour or so later, the admiral's suspicions were in her mind confirmed when the boarding party did not return and attempts to contact them were met with only static over the com system. The shuttle had likely been impounded and those on it taken into rebel custody. She reported the findings to her command group, and as they were discussing it, the third rebel cruiser was discovered as having just arrived in the Hoth system and it had taken up an orbital position with its two sister ships. The group was in unified agreement that the matter should be reported to the fleet command. The presence of what was surely a Rebel Alliance battle group – in a system within one hour's flight time from the Death Star 2 project on Endor – ought to set off alarm bells ringing throughout the region. Cruisers of that size could make short work of the project were they to stumble onto it. They had better take this seriously, she thought intently.
Felucia, 0 ABY, 10 months, 26 days
Ahsoka and Tri'ku were having a late afternoon drink together when Valles arrived at her door. Sensing her friend's presence, Ahsoka opened the door with the Force and Valles entered. Ms. Santhé had changed into a colorful cocktail dress with an abstract arty print and looked most elegant.
"Join us in the bar area, Valles," Ahsoka called out to her. As she appeared, Ahsoka gave her a hug and Tri'ku rose, stepped forward and planted a kiss on Valles's cheek. She returned it with a kiss on his cheek and a return embrace of Ahsoka.
"You look marvelous, darling," she said to the Togruta, while giving her a distinct nod and gaze.
"What's your poison?" Tri'ku said with a chuckle, as Valles pointed at an open wine bottle, whose label had caught her eye.
"A most fine vintage, sir. And to think a career sailor had time to be a gourmet …" Valles laughed and tossed her perfumed hair in his direction.
Tri'ku took in the aroma and felt somewhat stimulated. That lady is always performing for someone, he chuckled to himself.
For her part, Ahsoka was amused at the exchange. She somewhat admired Valles's coy sexual flaunting. As the three of them sat down, she opened the discussion.
"We are considering having our wedding on Lianna, Valles … any recommendation as to venue?"
Valles laughed brightly. "Ashli … I'd be most insulted if you did not consider my suburban palace. You two seemed so happy there. I would want it to be a memory you will always cherish."
Tri'ku spoke up. "Say no more, Chairlady … we accept."
All three of them laughed at that, as Tri brought the bottle over and topped off Valles's glass.
"So …" Valles began. "What type of time frame were you looking for? I should think you will need four months at the bare minimum. This will be an event. Probably the height of the social calendar this coming season on Lianna."
Tri'ku laughed again. "Lady Valles, growing up, I always dreamed of being the 'height of the social calendar'", he said with an acid deadpan, making air quotes as he finished the sentence.
"Well … consider this, Commodore. You are marrying the daughter of the next empress of the Galaxy. Seems like kind of a 'big deal' – wouldn't you say?" She laughed, returning his air quotes in the process.
Ahsoka was enjoying herself immensely, and loving Valles all the more. She's just so good at always knowing how to handle any situation. She then asked:
"So what should I do about the dress? I've actually never been to anyone's wedding before, and this one's mine."
Valles looked at her fondly. "Not to worry, dear. I will have someone get in touch with you to help plan everything to your complete satisfaction. You will be stunning. You can count on it. I mean you already are. Togruta ladies are such exquisite things to begin with, and you are among the best."
Tri'ku nodded in agreement. "No one would ever fault your level of taste, Valles. I'm sure you hear this a lot, but it's clear to me how much every detail matters in your mind. As for Togruta, I've got the best one."
Valles and Tri'ku both clinked glasses at that as Ahsoka blushed, her lekku turning bright blue for an instant.
"Valles, we've decided to wait for when Shaak has ascended to the throne. We will be rather busy getting ready for that, as I guess she made you aware of on her recent visit with you."
Felucia, 0 ABY, 10 months, 30 days, 15 hours
A few days later, Luke and Darth Vader were taking some test flights with a couple of the new TIE Defender Starfighters. The father was showing his son some of the more unorthodox maneuvers he once was famous for as Anakin Skywalker and occasionally exhibited later as Darth Vader. The Dark Lord still was an expert handler of strike craft, as his proficiency in the Force gave him an edge almost no one could match. His onetime student Ahsoka Tano would be among the first to admit that. At this time he was performing some most unusual tricks and watching to see if Luke could duplicate them. He watched with pride as his son in many ways seemed like the proverbial "chip off the old block." Luke of course had gotten his start on Tatooine piloting speeders in the canyons and he told his father about some of those exploits. Vader then related to him about the pod race he'd won at just nine years of age. Luke had heard that he and his father had both started out on Tatooine but he'd not considered the implications of that.
"Father, tell me more about that pod race. I'd wanted to learn how to fly those, but Uncle Owen wouldn't even consider it. He said they were a good way to get yourself killed."
Vader laughed inwardly at that, and cursed the helmet and mask that prevented his son from seeing his feelings and expressions.
"Son, your uncle was correct. From what I knew at the time, I was the first human to actually win one of those races. Many of the racers were unscrupulous sorts that attempted to sabotage their opponents' craft before the race even started."
"So how do you think you were able to pull it off?"
"There was this well-known racer entered that day in the competition. He was a Dug from Malastare, where they have these races regularly. The Hutts operate them on Tatooine, looking to profit off of the gambling on the outcome. I later learned that many of the gamblers had placed bets on the Malastarian, despite the short odds. My victory turned out to be profitable for the Hutts as the majority of the gamblers bet on my opponent. This meant the Hutts had little trouble paying off the few bettors who won that day."
"Did your opponent try to cheat?" Luke asked.
"Yes. He tampered with my engines before the race. I found that out on the third lap around the course but fortunately I was able to fix the damage in time. I turned the tables on the Dug and left him broken and lying on the track while I rode on to victory. It was the first great moment of my life. I was able to win my freedom that day as well."
"What do you mean?"
"Son, I started out my life as a slave. Your grandmother, Shmi, was also one. A Jedi you might have heard about named Qui-Gon Jinn made a bet to secure my freedom, which he collected on. Obi-Wan was with Master Jinn on that trip that had brought them both to Tatooine."
"Obi-Wan? The one I knew as Ben … really?"
"That's right. Jinn was his master at the time, but he was killed by Maul and so Obi-Wan soon became my master and trained me to be a Jedi."
"Father … why did you turn against Obi-Wan?"
"Son, I will tell you about that someday, but I'm just not prepared to do that right now. The memories are very painful. Just know that I am rather ashamed of my part in everything that happened." He took a long breath and looked at Luke with a feeling of disappointment. He knew the young man deserved a full accounting but that time would have to come later. "Luke, let's practice a bit more. Ahsoka will be very pleased when she sees your skill."
Luke nodded, but inwardly felt embarrassed for his father. I know I can help him. There's something he wants to tell me. I just have to be patient.
Felucia, 0 ABY, 10 months, 30 days, 18 hours
When their session finished, Vader returned to his new home on Felucia for some needed rest. He hadn't spent that much time in a TIE cockpit in years. It felt good, but it also pointedly reminded him of his limitations. Luke started walking back toward the bunkhouse, and he was spotted by Master Maris Brood. She quickly caught up with him.
"Padawan Skywalker, how goes it?" she asked cheerfully.
"Hey … good morning, Master Maris. Again, congratulations on making it."
"Thank you, sir. How are you and your father getting along?"
"Very well, considering. He's had a rough time. I think very few people understand him."
Maris scowled a bit. "Luke, how much has he told you? Do you understand how many of my friends he killed?"
"Yes, he did mention that. And he admits he was wrong, but he seems to have a hard time explaining about it."
"Perhaps Master Shaak can explain as well … anyway, Luke, I'm sorry to bring all of this up. It does me no good to be bitter, either. Someday, your father and I will find a way to work together. He seems sincere when I talk to him. But I wanted to tell you something else. I'm pleased with the progress in your training. How long ago it must feel for you to recall the times when you struggled with letting the Force into your consciousness."
Luke looked at Maris and saw the woman trying her best to be supportive. He knew she carried much anger inside her and he wanted to help her. She had recently become much more of his master than Ahsoka was and they had spent much more time together. He appreciated how Maris always told him exactly how things were, with no sugar-coating. She had become a most proficient swordswoman of late, perhaps even better than Master Ahsoka, and because of her training he felt he was making great progress.
"Master, I owe so much of it to you," he looked her in the eye and told her.
"Thank you. Sometimes it is the student that makes the teacher. Luke, I firmly believe that no one is really 'taught' anything, but one can learn if one has the right attitude. I'm glad I've been able to help you. So it gives me pride to tell you that I've recommended to Grand Master Shaak that you receive the honor of Padawan second degree."
Luke smiled, and again gave her a strong and confident look in the eye, then bowed. "Thank you, Master. Someday, I want to be a master too."
"Just keep doing what you are doing. You will be. But now, I have something else to tell you. I've seen how close you are becoming with Knight Fardi, but I think it would be best if you and she were not working together directly. Ahsoka and I have agreed that you will now be my apprentice and that Padawan Andujah will switch to Master Tano."
Luke was a bit disappointed to hear this, as his feelings for Hedala were starting to occupy more and more of his time. But he also liked the idea of being Maris's loyal apprentice. Her strength and fire were something to be admired, plus he was doing so well under her already. He was starting to win most of his duels against some of the other acolytes and he had succeeded in forcing the rapidly improving Reema to a draw in their most recent encounter. But he also knew that Reema looked up to Maris and would possibly be resentful about this circumstance.
For her part, Maris was never in the habit of playing favorites, and was mostly interested in the good of The Order and its overall cohesion. Though Grand Master Shaak had relaxed the old Jedi rules about attachments, Maris knew there were plenty of good reasons for those rules. There had to be a balance between the old and the new. She felt there was nothing truly wrong with Hedala and Luke growing more attracted to each other, but she didn't want it causing problems for either of them. Hedala had just been named as a Knight, and this should be her top priority. Maris didn't want to see the young woman's energy directed elsewhere when her destiny was truly within her grasp.
Felucia, Assembly Hall, 0 ABY, 10 months, 30 days, 21 hours
Later that evening, Hera Syndulla caught up with Luke in the Assembly Hall while getting her evening meal. She asked him to sit with her while he was waiting for Hedala.
"Luke, I'm General Syndulla, the squadron leader for the TIE Defender teams. Knight Lumoxa has recommended that you report to me in the afternoons after your morning sessions with Maris and her group are done. We want you to start practicing with the other pilots and become part of the group."
Luke became visibly excited upon hearing the news. "Thank you, General. I'm looking forward to it."
She smiled. "You're going to be a great pilot, Luke. Both Ahsoka Tano and Darth Vader have vouched for your ability, and those are two voices I cannot ignore. You're going to be in Blue Squadron under my command, alongside Han Solo and Wedge Antilles."
Luke could scarcely believe his good fortune. He would be serving with two of his best friends under the legendary Hera Syndulla. This day keeps getting better all the time.
The two of them chatted some more and finished their meals. At that point, Hedala came over and caught Luke's eye with her mischievous smile and flashing emerald eyes. He said goodbye to Hera and walked off holding Hedala's hand. They were headed to Knight Fardi's newly built home where they would be spending the night together.
Felucia, Guest Hotel, 0 ABY, 10 months, 30 days, 21 hours
Also spending the night together were Han Solo and Leia Organa Skywalker. She had mended things with the onetime smuggler once it became clear he was serious about helping the rebellion and serving under Master Tano and Grand Master Shaak. Leia was dead serious about serving the two masters and knew that this was the best way to honor her adoptive parents the Organas and all of those who had died on Alderaan. If the Empire was to be defeated, Tano and Ti would be the ones to get the job done. Ahsoka's sincerity was never to be questioned, and Shaak was a truly great lady that would be the one to restore justice and freedom to the Galaxy.
For Han's part, he was happy to get another shot with Leia. At first, the former princess was maddeningly abrupt and haughty, but she had softened considerably since their time together in captivity on the "smugglers moon" of Nar Shaddaa. Their unfortunate encounter with Sana Starros, who took them prisoner and delivered them to the Hutts, while pocketing a cool half-million credits, had taken its toll on both of them. Han swore that he would someday get even with his former partner in crime – though in his heart, he realized that the score had been settled. If he ever ran into Starros again, it would be a most interesting encounter.
So here they were together on Felucia, hardly a vacation spot but there were far worse places in the Galaxy to live. His pal Chewbacca was also there, helping out the Order with logistical considerations. Amazingly, Knight Frehya had the ability to communicate with him, and Han knew his old pal was becoming fond of his lovely new friend. Chewie of course remembered the planet from years ago during the war, when he and Ahsoka had also formed a lifelong friendship. In addition, Han had been showing Leia how to fly the Millennium Falcon and she had become more impressed with the old ship when she began to see its capabilities. After one such recent session, they had met together in the new bar area of the hotel.
"So, Han, I heard from Hera that you were going to be flying a TIE Defender for us in the upcoming battle."
"That's right …"
"How do you feel about that?"
He laughed to himself. Why was it that women always wanted to know how you felt?
"I'm really not sure, but those things are sure fun to fly. They are fast and very maneuverable."
She nodded. "Yeah, that's what Luke tells me too. So, about this battle. I'm really not sure what to make of it. How about you?"
He shook his head. "Beats me. It seems the old lady has something up her sleeve. I think we're going to find out soon."
(to be continued …)
