Chapter 17:

Luke wandered the passageways of the Executor, turning over the day's events in his head. He couldn't remember, exactly, what had happened back there with Han, all he knew was, he had been very, very angry, far angrier than he had ever been. The next thing he recalled was Mara. He let his thoughts rest on her, for a while. She was so…. idealistic, for a servant of the Emperor, much like he had been when he joined the Rebellion. He knew she truly believed that her cause was a just and noble one, and it showed in her actions. He knew she would use any means to achieve her goals, but she was not needlessly cruel. Had he been needlessly cruel? He didn't know.

He turned away from that, choosing instead to think about the lessons Mara and his father had taught him. His father's lesson on mind invasion intrigued him, but even more so, his strange experiences with Leia intrigued him. There was some sort of connection between them, he'd felt it when he had infiltrated her defenses, and also when he'd hung from the antennas underneath Cloud City. He'd called out to her, and she had answered, finding him when no one else could. It was something he had never experienced with anyone but a Force-sensitive, such as his father, or Obi-wan. That particular thought intrigued him, and he turned his steps towards the detention block, intent on getting a blood sample to test his theory.

Leia awoke alone in a detention cell, completely oblivious to what had happened. Her head ached, from when Luke had broken into her mind, and her body ached, too, from lying on the durasteel floor. She surveyed the cell, wearily, knowing from experience that there was no way out. The door slid open, suddenly, and she jumped. Luke stood there, his face a mask, expressionless, a far cry from the innocent farmboy he'd been during a similar circumstance not so very long ago. "What're you here for? Here to hurt me again?" she asked him, a bitter note to her voice.

Luke shook his head. "No, I'm not." He stepped aside to allow a medical droid into the room. "I'm here to take a blood sample for some research I'm doing."

Leia eyed him. "Look, if you want to know what blood type I am, it's—"

"That's not what I need. I'm looking for something else." The droid produced a long needle and advanced. Leia gave it an uneasy look, but held out her arm, obediently. It was easier than arguing the point when she would fail anyway. After the operation was finished, Luke gave her a thoughtful look, then left, without saying another word.

Now what was that about? she wondered, puzzled.

Luke sought out his father, unsure what to do with the blood sample now that he had it. He found Vader on the bridge, and quickly walked over to him. "Father. I felt…. something, a connection, between Leia and myself."

Vader regarded him, and Luke could feel his interest in what Luke had to say. "What kind of connection?"

Luke frowned. "I- I'm not sure. She…. was able to hear me when I called out to her on Bespin, and the only times I've experienced that have been with you, or with- with Obi-wan." He could feel his father's mood darken at the name. "And both of you can use the Force."

Vader seemed to consider this. "You believe the princess may be Force-sensitive?"

Luke hesitated, then nodded. "I think it's possible. I have this blood sample," he pulled out the vial, "and I thought we could run some tests…."

Vader held out a hand for the vial. "I'll take care of it, son. And let you know the results."

Luke gave it to him. "Thank you, father." He turned and headed back to his quarters.

Leia's cell door opened with a clang. She looked up, and Lando was thrown to the floor of the cell. As the door slid shut, Leia rushed over to Lando, turning him over gently. "Lando, what did they do to you?"

He groaned, and opened his eyes to look up at her, a haunted expression on his face. "Han. He…. tortured me. Scan grid."

Leia could now believe what she was hearing. The very man who tried to rescue her and who she also secretly had feelings for nearly killed his own friend. "La- Lando, I- I don't know what to say. Rest, you need it."