New Blood in a New Hope

By Michael Weyer

Unhappy Returns

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Xander smiled at Mara as they walked down the pristine hallways of Cloud City. "You look great in that."

"And I look better out of it, right?" Mara sarcastically asked. She was dressed in a nice outfit, a dark top and darker pants that still looked elegant but yet fit her personality well. Her long red hair was pulled back a bit more than usual yet still retained that fire that made Xander weak around her.

He was dressed in a nicer set of clothes than usual, a fresh pair of jeans and dark vest, more than relieved to get out of his long dirty clothes from the trip. He knocked on the door as he faced her. "I mean it. You do look great."

Mara smiled. "I'm not one for high-society garb."

"I would never have guessed," Xander dryly said. "You and Faith really would have gotten along well."

"Comparing me to the girl who took your virginity really isn't as big a turn-on as you might think, Harris," Mara sniped. The door opened to reveal Chewbacca, who growled as he led them in. "What's up, furball?"

Chewbacca led them to the large main room with its gorgeous view of the city. Han and Leia were nearby, the pilot clad in brown pants, a blue jacket and white shirt. Leia was wearing a lovely dark red dress, her hair still in its bun and a stern expression on her face.

"What's going on?" Xander asked. In answer, Chewbacca motioned to a box on a table filled with various mechanical parts. It took Xander a moment to realize it was of a droid and another to see who it was. "Threepio? What the hell happened to him?"

"Chewie says he found him in parts, about to get thrown into a melting pit," Han explained.

Xander examined an arm. "Looks like his emergency releases blew." Noting the black mark on his chest, he frowned. "Someone blasted him."

"Should be easy to fix," Han said. "I'll tell Lando, he can get his people working on it."

Leia glared. "Han, wake up! Lando's people probably did this!"

"Don't start on that!" Han snapped at her. "Lando's just a crook who went straight. I thought that's always what you're saying I should do."

"Being in business doesn't make him honest," Leia pointed out. "I don't trust him."

"Well, I don't trust him either," Han answered in a light tone. "But he is my friend. Look, the Falcon will be repaired soon and we're be on our way."

"And you'll be gone too, right?" Leia said in a hard voice. "You drop me at the rendezvous point and you're on your own again."

Han shook his head. "We've been through this already."

"I know. Jabba, the money, the bounty hunters. Good way to justify leaving…" She caught herself. "The Rebellion with a clean conscience."

"I'm no good to you-----"

"Oh, don't give me the outlaw routine now! You can't fool me as well as you fool yourself."

"Maybe we should go," Xander muttered.

"And miss the chance one of them will finally kill the other?" Mara replied. "Forget it."

"Excuse me?" Everyone turned to see Lando standing in the doorway. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Nothing too important," Han quickly said. Lando nodded as he entered, smiling at Leia. "Ah, Leia, you look wonderful. You truly belong here among us in the clouds."

Despite herself, Leia managed a smile. "Thank you."

Lando looked to them all. "If you'd join me, I have some lunch prepared in our banquet hall. I'd be happy to have you come with."

"Free food, lead on!" Xander said

Lando eyed the carton on the table. "Are you having trouble with your droid?"

"Nah, he just comes apart now and then," Xander said. "Come on, let's get to the food!"

"Eager, junior?" Han asked as they left the room.

"After your cooking, damn straight."

Lando led the group down the hallways, past the various beings and the wide cityscape. "So you see," he was saying. "We're a small operation so we don't fall under the jurisdiction of the Empire."

"So you're part of a mining guild?" Leia asked.

"Not…exactly," Lando said. "Our operation is small enough not to be noticed. And the Empire is rather busy which is advantageous since my, um, customers are anxious to avoid attracting attention to themselves."

Xander smiled. "I knew it. You're still running some side deals. So much for the great respectable businessman."

Lando didn't smile as Han looked at him. "Aren't you afraid the Empire's gonna find out about this little racket of yours? Shut you down?"

Lando nodded. "Yes, it's always been a danger. It looms like a shadow over everything we do here. Most of the personnel just want to work their jobs and lose their pasts. But I've just made a deal that will keep the Empire out of Cloud City forever."

"Congratulations," Leia said with raised eyebrows. "I'd love to hear how it's done."

Lando came to the banquet hall, reaching to hit the pad. Behind the rest of the group, Mara slowly undid the holster at her hip. Lando pressed the key to slide the door open.

The dining room was in brilliant white, not just the walls but the chairs and long table as well. Thus Darth Vader's black armor stood out all the more striking as he rose from his seat. Chewbacca let out a howl but Han barely showed surprise before pulling his blaster from his holster, aiming it and firing.

Vader held up his hand, the bolts striking the palm and deflecting with no visible injury. He clenched his hand and the blaster tore from Han's hand, flew across the table and landed right into Vader's. "That…was not polite, Captain Solo."

Xander reached for his blaster only to feel another hand yank it out. He turned to see a pair of blasters aimed right in his face. Looking past them was the face of the woman he'd shared a bed with for the last year, a woman who was staring with a face of resolute duty, a face that showed she had no problem pulling the trigger. Xander looked at her, then to Leia. "You know…you'd think I'd be more shocked about this. Really, you would."

Han glared at Mara for a long moment before turning to Vader. "You ready to go without a fight, partner?" Chewbacca angrily growled and Han nodded. "I'm with you. Let's get him."

"Han, no!" Leia yelled.

"That's Vader, Han!" Lando joined her. "Nobody can stand up to him!"

"Thought you knew us better, Lando! Me and the Wookie don't go to jail!"

"Don't be stupid, Han!"

"He'll kill you both, you idiots!" Leia yelled.

"Han, maybe you should listen to her," Xander said.

Han scoffed. "Listen to her, listen to you, listen to him. We only get in trouble when we listen to people!"

"I await you, Solo," Vader intoned. "If you dare."

"Don't flatter yourself," Han snorted. "You ain't the biggest thing me and the Wookie ever tackled, pal!" Chewbacca let out a warrior cry as the two moved around the table.

"The Wookie's life is forfeit, Solo," Vader said, non-plussed at their anger. "I need you but I shall strangle him before your eyes!"

"Lord Vader, give him a chance!" Lando cried out.

"His chance is this moment!"

"But he's no good to you dead, you said so. In a fight, you might kill him!"

Vader seemed to consider that. "Yes…very well. Commander!" At his order, a squad of stormtroopers rushed into the hallway behind Leia, Xander and Mara, this weapons all trained on the Rebels. "And in case you are still thinking of doing something foolish, Captain," Vader said, making a motion with his hand.

Another armored figure entered the room, clutching a rifle in his hands. "Hello, Solo. Jabba the Hutt sends his regards. He's looking forward to seeing you in person."

"Fett," Han muttered. "What, you find a dirty log to kick over up here, Vader?"

"I await your decision, Solo," Vader said. "Does your friend die?"

"Han." The pilot turned to where Xander was giving a helpless shrug. "It was a good run but…they got us."

He looked at his co-pilot and at the fear in Leia's eyes and let out a resigned sigh, his anger deflating. "I guess you win, Vader."

"Of course," the Dark Lord said. "But I must admit to being disappointed, Captain. I would have enjoyed our little contest."

"We'll take a rain check," Han said. He turned and fixed a cold look at the man nearby. "Lando…I hope the word gets out about you."

Leia threw a glare at him too. "No wonder you called Han a double-crosser when we landed. The word must have been very much on your mind."

Lando did look a bit ashamed as he softly replied. "I had no choice. Fett and Vader showed up just before you did. I'm sorry, Han."

"Me too." Han turned his glare to Mara. "So how long have you been working for them?"

"Longer than you may think, Captain," Vader said. "Mara Jade is the Emperor's Hand, personal agent for the Emperor himself. Her entire joining of your pitiful Rebellion was part of one of his plans."

"Which went on a lot longer than I had hoped for," Mara said as she moved to join Vader, still holding her pistols at Xander. "Sorry, kid. If it makes you feel better, I wasn't faking it in bed."

"That…" Xander frowned. "That actually does make me feel a bit better actually."

Vader moved to the side. "I believe it is time we bring in the rest of our guests." He made a motion and after a few moments, Willow and Kasen were pushed into the room by several gun-toting troopers. They were dressed in the outfits from the previous day which appeared to have been thrown on rather hastily. "Willow?" Leia and Xander exclaimed in unison.

Willow's eyes lit up as she saw them. "Ooooh, wow!" She leaped over to hug Leia then Xander. "Oh, it's soo good to see you guys again!" She paused to look around. "Um…all things considered."

"What are you doing here?" Leia asked.

"We were looking for a safe haven to repair our ship," Kasen answered, glaring at the troops. "Apparently, we should have chosen something a little more remote."

"Kasen Moor," Vader intoned. "You are under arrest for high treason against the Empire. I believe the commandants at Kessel will be most happy to see your arrival."

"I aim to please," she coolly replied.

Willow's frown deepened as she saw Mara. "Um, why is she on that side of the room?"

Xander sighed. "Apparently, she's been the Emperor's Hand for a while and boy did that name conjure up some ugly images."

Willow's eyes widened. "She's a spy?"

"And evil," Xander confirmed. "Of course, she's evil! Why else would she sleep with me if she wasn't evil?!"

"Ah, Harris, Harris, Harris," a mocking voice laughed from the other room. "Still finding amazing ways to be shown up as an idiot."

Xander and Willow felt the blood drain from their faces. They slowly turned their heads to the far entrance of the dining room. They stared at the figure who strode in, his face wearing a massive grin as the black cloak floated around him. He crossed his arms and laughed at their faces. "Oh man…someone tell me we're getting this on video! I'm gonna want to rewind this over and over."

"Oh my God," Willow whispered. "Angel." She moved forward but was stopped by Xander, her old friend seeing what she hadn't yet.

"Angelus," Xander hissed.

"Both right," Angelus noted. "Although most around here call me Darth Scourge."

Mara rolled her eyes. "Three names? Stars, what an ego."

"Says the Hand," Angelus noted. "That's right, kiddos! Uncle Angelus is back in the saddle and ready to ride hard all over you."

"Friend of yours, kids?" Han asked.

"Oh yeah, we go back," Xander stated. "Kind of surprised to see you here, Deadboy. Since when did you start sucking up to the goosestep brigade?"

Angelus glared at him. "Don't press me, Harris. I've been wanting to eviscerate you for a long time now and I'm really having a struggle holding that feeling back."

Willow was swallowing her fear as she stepped forward. "I don't think Buffy's going to have much struggle kicking your ass. Again."

Angelus smirked. "Well, well, red. First getting into the magic then playing for the other team? My dear Willow, how you've grown."

Xander frowned at his friend. "What's he talking about?"

"The fact we found her and Moor here sharing a bed together," Angelus replied. At Xander's gape, he laughed. "Oh, that…that look there is going on the wall!"

Xander kept gaping. "Will…?"

Willow swallowed. "Um, can we maybe discuss this later?"

"Willow?" Leia seemed just as thrown. "You…and her?"

"It…just happened," she said defensively.

Han looked from one woman to the other and shrugged. "Well, at least she's got good taste."

"Is that to me or her?" the pilot asked.

"Well, I guess her," Han said. "Gotta say, it does explain why you never hit it off with any guys on base."

"Oh," Kasen said in an insulted tone. "So I'd have to be going the other way in order to turn down men? I see Leia is getting an intelligent sort."

"I'm not 'getting' him!" Leia snapped.

"Oh, please," Fett said. "I can read body temperatures with my helmet, Princess and yours keep elevating when you look at Solo. Mandalore knows why of course." He glanced at Mara. "Then again, I don't understand why you chose to share a bed with the punk here either."

Mara's face flushed with anger and she turned one blaster at Fett. "Jealousy doesn't become you, Fett."

He barked out a laugh. "Jealous of him? Please."

"Well, evil or not, she has been shacked up with me for a year and you've been hanging around in that ugly suit," Xander was quick to point out. "So which of us seems the better off on the deal?"

Han laughed. "All that bounty hunting but can't catch any tail for yourself, huh, Fett?" Chewbacca echoed the laughter with a hoot of his own as Fett raised his blaster up.

"Han," Lando hissed. "For once in your life, be smart and shut up!"

"Lando, you have no right to dictate advice!" Xander snapped. "Not after you sold us all out like this!"

"I had no choice! I have my own problems with my city…"

"Cancel our subscription because we don't want your issues!" Xander yelled.

Mara rolled her eyes. "You know, even if it was a job, having to put up with your mental skills was a challenge, Harris."

"Don't you knock him you…you….I'll think of a bad word, later!" Willow yelled at the other redhead.

"Bring it on, child," Mara said with a wicked smile. "I've been wanting to show you what true power is for a while."

"Sorry, she's already spoken for," Kasen said.

"I am?" Willow beamed.

"She is?" Xander and Leia asked in surprise.

Han looked at Chewbacca. "The next time I tell you we don't need to take anyone else on board, I mean that we don't need-----"

"If I may interrupt!" Vader's voice blasted through the room, cutting off all conversation. The Dark Lord stepped forward, his helmet facing the group of Rebels. "Take them away," he hissed. "Prepare them for questioning. And prepare Solo for…a special interrogation."

Angelus let out an evil grin as the troops moved to take the Rebels away. Xander looked over his shoulder at Mara but she just stared back coolly before he was led out of sight.

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It hit her completely out of the blue. One moment she was meditating, becoming one with the Force, hovering cross-legged off the ground. The next, she was on her back, heaving for breath as her mind was assailed with screams of two voices she knew very well.

Buffy rose up, her face white with shock as she got to her feet. "Luke!" she called out but saw him coming toward her. His face was a mirror of hers, equally shocked. "You felt it too," she said, not asked.

He nodded. "I was training with Master Yoda…I saw…a city in the clouds. Han and Leia…they were in pain…agony."

Buffy sighed. "I heard Willow and Xander…heard them screaming…" She shivered. "It was…horrible."

"The future you see." The two turned to find Yoda standing behind them, his face grave. "Strong in the Force you are, to see so much."

Luke came toward him. "Master Yoda, will they die? Can you see it?"

Yoda closed his eyes for a moment as if searching outward. He paused before shaking his head. "Difficult to tell. Always in motion, the future is."

"We've got to go," Buffy immediately said.

Yoda shook his head harder. "You cannot. You act in haste, all calm you have lost, all wisdom."

"We can't let them be killed!"

"To leave before your training, grave it can be," Yoda intoned. "Help them you may. But lose all you have worked for you will. Last of the Jedi you may be, take precedence above all else that does."

"At the expense of our friends?" Buffy snapped.

"If needed…yes. A Jedi's life, sacrifice is."

Buffy shook her head. "I won't do that. I can't."

"Duty is a Jedi's life. Hard choices duty means. Make your choice wisely or doom us all, you may."

Buffy stared at him, then at Luke. Without a word, she turned and started to march toward her fighter. Luke looked at her, then at Yoda, the torn feelings within him obvious. The Jedi Master sighed again. "Potential to be great Jedi, you have. Leave now…and lost it may be."

"I can't let them die, Master. What good is it to be a Jedi if I can't aid those I care about?"

Yoda bowed his head. "Your father's spirit you have. Too much of it." He looked up and fixed Luke with a steady gaze. "Choice is yours, young Skywalker. Make the right one, hope I do." He turned to walk away as Luke glanced from one direction to the other to consider his options.

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Even though he knew it was useless, Han still tried to fight against the restraints around him. He was strapped to a reclining table that faced upward. Several Stormtroopers were placed around the room on guard as Han glanced toward Xander. The younger man was strapped to a chair with his hands behind his back, wincing a bit. "Damn, I would have an itch on my nose now…"

Han did his best to hide his nervousness as he looked the man up and down. "I never got the whole black color scheme for the Imperial corps. Makes me glad I cashiered out when I did."

"I can still buy you as a soldier more than Harris," Angelus stated as he looked at a rack of various devices placed before him. "I hated that Halloween, I really did." He examined a mace-like object. "So…how is the Slayer these days?"

"Ah, you know Buffy," Xander stated. "Still proud, still strong, still ready to kick your ass once she gets here."

Angelus just smiled as he adjusted the black gloves on his hands. "I have to say, I'm looking forward to this. You know what my favorite thing about this galaxy is?"

"The fact no one here knows what a broody, self-absorbed jack-ass you once were?" Xander dryly asked.

Angelus acted like he didn't hear him. "The fact that they may be backward in computers but the Empire torture resources are second to none. I mean, the last time I did a serious torture session, they didn't even have chainsaws. Now.." He held up a long prong-shaped device and allowed a burst of electricity to spark from it. "I have so much more to play with."

Han looked to Xander. "Is this what this guy does? Talk people to death?"

"Nope," Xander said. "He generally killed them to death."

"Actually, I'm not going for death or even maiming here," Angelus said. "Vader wants me to make sure you two are in good shape." He smiled as he held up the prong and moved toward Han. "But then…I've always loved going for the pain instead of the maim."

He licked his lips and moved in as both Han and Xander tensed up.

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Lando couldn't help wincing as the screams of agony echoed from the thick metal door. Boba Fett was nearby, staring over at him. "Don't be too upset, Calrissian. They're just…chastising the two smugglers."

"Torture was never part of the bargain!" Lando snapped.

"Then why don't you complain?" Fett asked in amusement. "I'd like to see the Dark Lord lose his temper with you."

Lando's eyes narrowed. "Is it true that gun of yours only works when someone's got their back turned?"

"Watch it!" Fett snarled.

Lando stepped forward. "Someday, bounty hunter, you and I are going to meet when you don't have a platoon of Stormtroopers backing you."

"And what will happen then?"

Lando leaned in to hike a thumb at himself. "See this face? Memorize it. It'll be the last thing you ever see!"

Mara rolled her eyes from her spot leaning against a wall. Lando noted how she had changed into a black outfit with a strapped top and a cloak around her shoulders. He also noted the lightsaber that now rested at her hilt and the coldness the redhead now showed. "Boys and toys. Interesting how there's not much difference between you guys and the Rebellion."

Fett glanced toward her. "Doubtful about going back to your own side, Jade?"

She glared at him. "Never question my commitment to the Empire, Fett. Or I'll crack that shell open like a nut."

The doors at the side whooshed open as Vader exited the room, a fresh scream echoing just before the doors closed. "Fett, you may take Captain Solo to Jabba the Hutt after I have Skywalker."

"Lord Vader…with all respect…I was the one who found the Falcon for you," Fett began in a careful tone.

"Only after I sent that signal out," Mara was quick to point out.

"Nevertheless," Fett brushed the comment off. "Certain promises were made. Jabba wants to make an example of Solo; he's no good to me dead."

"He will not be permanently harmed," Vader answered.

"What about the others?" Lando demanded.

"Moor shall come with us to stand trial for treason," Vader said. "As for the Princess, the Wookie and their two friends, they must never again leave Cloud City."

"But that was never part of our agreement!" Lando yelled. "Nor was the torture or giving Han over to this bounty hunter!"

Vader stopped and slowly turned to face him. "Perhaps you feel you are being treated unfairly, Calrissian? Perhaps you wish to…dissolve this arrangement of ours?"

Lando backed up, blanching. "No…no, Lord Vader."

"Good," the Dark Lord continued coldly. "It would be most unfortunate if I had to leave a permanent garrison here."

"Yes…unfortunate," Lando muttered as he turned to walk off. As he passed by, Mara could hear him muttering to himself about "this deal gets worse all the time."

She turned toward Vader. "He could be a problem."

"He will not ruin our plans," Vader stated in a cool tone. "I will leave a garrison here to ensure that."

Mara glanced toward the chamber. "Is torturing Harris really necessary?"

Vader stopped to study her. "Is that…regret in your voice, Jade?" he asked in an amused tone. "The Emperor would not like to hear you got so close to your target."

She scowled at him. "Don't think you can talk to me like Calrissian or Fett, Vader. The Emperor entrusted me with this mission. I report to him, not to you."

"You have not reported for some time," Vader intoned. "The Emperor has been…concerned over that."

Jade snorted. "Don't try to play me like that, Vader. I know where my loyalties lie. Which is more than I can say for the troops who tried to kill me on Hoth or the asteroid field."

"You knew the risks when you agreed to the task," Vader replied. "That is the reason for being a secret agent as I understand it. But yes, the Emperor has shared concerns over how close you have become to these Rebels. He sent you to try and weaken Skywalker and you have failed."

"I did try," Mara said. "But that damn Summers was always around whenever I tried to get close to him. I still managed to help trap these crew, Vader. The Emperor will be pleased at that."

"He decides what pleases him, Jade," Vader continued. "I have known him far longer than you have and I do believe better."

"I'm his Hand," Mara pointed out with a smug smile.

"And I am his apprentice," Vader returned. "Whether you believe you are in higher standing than his other Hands is irrelevant to me. All I care of-----"

"Wait, wait," Mara interrupted, holding up a hand. "Other Hands? What do you mean? I'm the only…" She stopped as she saw Vader's helmet tilt slightly to the side and got the feeling he had a smug smile of his own underneath it.

"You….you did not truly think you were the only one." Vader paused and nodded. "You did. You honestly believed you were the only Hand." He shook his helmet and it may have been an echo in the machinery of his armor but Mara could swear she heard something akin to a chuckle exit his mask. "It would appear Harris was not the only one living in a fool's paradise."

"You…you're lying," she whispered.

"You know I am not," Vader said. "Do not take it too personally, Jade. You are not the first lulled into the Emperor's trust and you will not be the last." He leaned forward, the humor in his voice gone. "Do take this as a reminder of your place, Jade. As far as this mission goes, I am in command and I dare say the Emperor would not be too upset if his long-absent Hand is…disciplined." He turned to march away, leaving Mara Jade, for possibly the first time in her life, at a loss for anything to say.

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Willow sat cross-legged on the small cot, fighting to keep the fear out of her features. She rubbed at the collar around her neck, wishing she could at least loosen it. It had been put around her neck as soon as she had been led to the cells and its purpose became obvious when she tried to tap into her magics and a shock of pain ripped through her body. Not willing to push it any further, she simply sat and tried to balance her feelings out.

She looked to where Chewbacca was fiddling with the body of Threepio. He had managed to get the head locked onto the torso and was fiddling with a small tool in its neck. The eyes lit up and the head swiveled as the droid's voicebox erupted. At first it was a mess of static and low tones but an adjustment allowed him to speak out. "Stormtroopers! There are Stormtroopers here!" His eyes blinked and saw Willow. "Mistress Willow! Where did you come from?"

Willow sighed. "Well, short version is, Lando sold us out to the Empire, Mara's been working for them all along and we're all captives."

"Oh, no!" Threepio cried out. "Oh, Maker help us all!" He tried to move before realizing he had no legs. "Oh, no and now I'm…I'm…" He did his best to tilt his head up at Chewbacca. "I'm on backwards, you stupid furball!"

Chewbacca growled in anger as Threepio went on. "I don't care about what sounds they were piping in here! That is no excuse for not being able to properly reassemble me, you misanthrope! How dare you call yourself a mechanic! Oh, what have I done to deserve this?"

Chewbacca was about to switch him off when the doors opened and a group of guards came in. Two were pulling Han limply along the ground while another held up Xander. Both men didn't have obvious injuries but were clearly in pain. The guards let them drop before backing up. "Xander!" Willow cried out as she raced to her friend's side.

She knelt by him, lifting up his head and saw him offer a weak grin. "You know what?" he managed to bite out. "I think…we're wearing these guys out."

Chewbacca was already lifting up Han and moving him to the cot Willow had vacated. "I feel terrible," Han muttered, his usual cockiness vanished.

"Captain Solo, are you well?" Threepio called out from his spot leaning on the wall.

"Been better," he admitted as he lay down. "You don't look so hot yourself, professor."

"I was accosted and blasted by Stormtroopers!"

"Figured it was something like that…"

"Chewbacca has been attempting to reassemble me, with mixed results."

"Well, with your head that way, you'll always know where you've been," Xander quipped.

"That is not particularly amusing."

"Sorry. Being tortured took out my A material."

"Tortured?" Threepio exclaimed.

Han nodded and winced at the pain that brought. "Take a tip from me, Threepio; don't ever get on Vader's bad side."

If Threepio had arms, he'd be throwing them up now. "That advice is rather tardy, Captain Solo!"

The doors opened again and another figure was thrown roughly into the cell. Leia looked about and instantly raced to Han. "Han…what have they done to you?"

"Pretty much what they wanted," he replied. "Made me yell a lot."

"They weren't into asking questions," Xander added. "I guess old Deadboy has some old aggressions to work through."

Willow hugged her old friend. "I can't believe he's here…How can he be here?"

"Just fate's warped humor," Xander remarked. "Sort of like French cinema."

Once more the doors opened and two guards entered, their guns drawn and aimed at the prisoners. They were followed by another figure in a dark cape. "Well, look who slithered in," Xander angrily remarked.

"Get out of here, Lando," Han snarled and Chewbacca let out a growl of his own.

"Listen to me, we don't have much time," Lando said. "Vader's agreed to turn Leia, Chewie and the two kids over to me."

"What about Kasen?" Willow asked in obvious worry.

Lando sighed. "She's being held by the Imperials, I can't do anything about her."

"Leia…" Han grunted. "I bet you loved that part of the deal."

Lando glared at him. "That's never been my style, Han and you know it! They'll have to remain in Cloud City but at least they'll be safe."

Xander let out a laugh then winced in pain. Leia wasn't far behind him. "Safe?"

"Yes," Lando told her gently. "You have my word on that."

"Your word is worthless!" Leia yelled. "I don't want your protection!"

"It's the best I could do," Lando informed her. "I pressed Vader as hard as I could."

"What about Han?"

Lando looked down. "I heard you had problems with Jabba but I didn't know about the price on your head," he regretfully said. "Vader's giving you to Fett."

"Vader want us all dead," Leia protested.

"He doesn't want you at all!" Lando snapped. "He's after someone called…ah…Skywalker. And this Summers."

"Buffy?" Willow gasped.

"It's a trap and we're the bait," Xander realized.

Lando nodded. "Yeah…and if Vader's right then they'll be on their way soon."

"Great," Han muttered as he rose up angrily. "You fixed us all pretty good, didn't you…friend? Works out for you."

Lando didn't back down but returned his gaze with a steady look. "You should have looked around more, Han. You'd have recognized a whole lot of faces. My operation isn't just illegal. Almost everybody here is on the run or making a last try for some kind of life."

"Oh, so you're a philanthropist," Willow sarcastically said.

"It means I can't lose this place!" Lando protested. "Cloud City is all we have."

Han nodded. "Gimme a hand up, will you?" he offered his arm.

Lando nodded as he reached to take it. "Sure…Look, Han…" He was cut off as Han's fist blasted into his face, knocking him down. Instantly, the guards were on Han, clubbing him with their blasters as Lando got to his feet. "That's enough!" he yelled before Chewbacca could enter the fray. Leia quickly rushed to Han's side, lifting his head into her lap.

Lando adjusted his cloak as he headed to the door. "I've done all I can for you all. I'm sorry, Han but I've got my own problems."

"You're a real hero," the Correlian snarled as he rubbed his lip. "You think I don't know you, Lando? I used to be you!"

"What are you going to do?" Willow quietly asked.

"I don't know," Lando admitted. "I have to meet Vader about that now. But he's promised you won't be hurt."

"You can't trust him."

"I don't have a choice. None of us have now."

"There's always a choice, Lando!" Leia called out as he was leaving. "You hear me? There's always a choice!" The door slammed shut, leaving them to react to all that had happened.

"Always a way with people, Han," Leia quietly said as she knelt by him.

Han relaxed with a long sigh. "You gotta understand about Lando...the whole reason he came down here was to give me that chance to punch him."

"And that worked out rather well," Willow couldn't help noting.

Han made a weak laugh. "Sorry…Me 'n Chewie can usually pull off this kinda stuff. Maybe in the old days, I wouldn't have fallen for this trap."

"That's what you get for hanging out with us idealists," Leia smiled at him.

Han sighed. "There's a lot of things I wanted to say to you, Princess…"

"Save them for later," she told him. "Luke and Buffy will come."

"But it's a trap for Master Luke and Mistress Buffy!" Threepio cried out.

Leia shook her head. "Vader's underestimated them. They've been training in the ways of the Jedi."

"She's right," Xander nodded. "If anyone can get us out of this, it's them." He looked to Willow, noting the fear in her eyes. "We'll get Kasen back too."

Willow smiled. "Thanks."

Xander paused before speaking. "You….want to talk about it?"

Willow sighed. "I…don't know what to say. I've never…had feelings about women before. But Kasen…something about her…I can't explain it really."

"I know how it is," Xander said. "It was like that with me and Mara." He frowned. "Of course, it turns out yours went to the bad guys first instead of the other way around."

"I'm sorry about her," Willow whispered. "I knew there was something about her but I didn't think…"

"And I wasn't thinking at all," Xander assured her. "At least not with my brains." He sighed. "Just…do I just have a sign on my head telling all evil hotties 'easy mark' or something?"

"It's not your fault," Willow quickly said. "You're just such a nice guy, you can't imagine people being so cruel."

Xander nodded. "Cursed by my own easy nature." He looked back to her. "You sure you're okay…with you and her?"

Willow smiled. "Last night was…something." The smile vanished. "Of course, waking up to find a half-dozen blasters aimed at us and Dex's smoking corpse in the next room sorta ruined the mood."

Xander winced. "Still better than my first morning after," he tried to joke.

Willow smiled and moved to hug him. "You know I love you right?"

Xander smiled back and stroked her hair. "Yeah, I know…It never would have worked out of course as current events make clear."

Willow looked at him. "I'm scared," she whispered.

"Don't be." He held her tight. "I'm working more than enough fear for both of us."

"You still suck at reassurances."

"Such is my gift."

They leaned on each other and tried to keep the fear in both their hearts from showing too much. They kept thinking about the Slayer they knew…and her reaction when she came face to face with the monster who'd once been the man she loved.

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Wow, that ended up longer than I had planned it to. Next chapter will be the would-be rescue and the long-awaited dual showdown between the Slayer, the Hand and the Scourge. Keep the good comments coming.