New Blood Strikes Back
By Michael Weyer
Frozen Hopes
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It felt strange for Buffy to be back in her flight suit after so much time in the mud and grime of Dagobah. She adjusted her gloves as she stepped down from her X-Wing. She headed over to where Luke was sitting in the cockpit of his, double-checking its status. "We good to go?"
Luke nodded. "Considering it was underwater, it's checked out pretty well."
Buffy nodded. "Good. We can get underway, reach this Bespin in a few hours."
"Once more, go you cannot." The two turned to where Yoda stood on a nearby rock, gazing at them with a solemn face. "You are being impulsive, unthinking. No help is that!"
Luke stepped out of his cockpit and headed down the ladder. "Master, I wasn't there when my aunt and uncle died. I can't go through that again."
"I'm with him," Buffy said. "I've…failed people before too and they died because of it. I'm not going to let that happen to Xander and Willow."
"You must not go!" Yoda pressed.
"They'll die if we don't!"
"You don't know that for certain," a spectral voice echoed. Buffy and Luke both started at the sight of a ghostly figure stepping through the swamp. It appeared to be Obi-Wan Kenobi, looking much the same as when he had died, only now a blue-colored sprit. "Even Yoda cannot see their fate."
Buffy didn't bother asking how Kenobi could appear like this. She'd met ghosts before on Earth so it made sense the Force could allow one to appear. "We can help them. We know how to use the Force."
"But now how to control it," Kenobi said. "Luke, this is a delicate time in your training. You will be tempted by the Dark Side."
"Yes, yes," Yoda hissed. "To Obi-Wan, listen! The cave! Remember your failure in the cave!"
"But I've learned so much since then!" Luke protested. "Master Yoda…I promise I'll return to complete my training. You have my word!"
"It is you and your abilities the Emperor wants, Luke," Obi-Wan stated. "That is why your friends are made to suffer."
"And that's why I have to go," Luke said.
"Why we have to go," Buffy added.
Kenobi seemed to sigh. "Luke, I don't want to lose you to the Emperor the same as I did Vader."
"You won't," Luke quickly said.
Yoda shook his head. "Only a fully-trained Jedi Knight…with all the Force at his command...will conquer Vader and the Emperor." He looked from Luke to Buffy. "If choose the easy path you do…to the Dark Side, you will fall."
"So we should just sacrifice them all?" Buffy demanded.
"If honor them…then yes."
Buffy turned away. "Not happening."
"If you choose to face Vader," Kenobi said. "You must do so alone. I cannot interfere."
Luke was climbing into his fighter. "I know." He turned to the droid in the rear of the fighter. "Artoo, fire up the converters." The droid complied as the engines revved up. Buffy began to move away and to her own X-Wing.
"Do not give in to the hate!" Kenobi called out to both of them. "That leads to the Dark Side. NEVER forget that!"
"Mind what you have learned!" Yoda added. "Save you, it can!"
"I'll remember," Luke said as he slipped his helmet on. "And I'll come back and finish my training! I promise."
Buffy was moving away toward her own X-Wing as Yoda bowed his head. "Reckless. Warned you, I did, Obi-Wan. Unsuitable they are. Too eager."
The sound of Buffy's X-Wing roaring to life filled the swamp and both ships began to take off. The two Jedi watched them lift off, the light of the engines illuminating everything, seeming to shine through Kenobi's form. The spectral Jedi sadly shook his head and gravely spoke. "Those two were our last hope."
"No," Yoda said as the light faded away. "There is another."
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Darth Vader marched down the hallway, his entire stance somber. He saw Angelus coming toward him, carrying a large box in his hands. "Are the prisoners prepared?" he asked.
Angelus nodded. "Yeah, we got them under guard." He gazed at Vader. "You still think this whole freezing thing is worth it?"
"The Emperor wants Skywalker in good condition," he stated. "This will ensure that." He glanced down at the box. "What is this?"
"Ah, that droid of theirs," Angelus complained. "Some idiot blasted it when they showed up. They were trying to put it together but it's just a droid. I figured I'd just chuck it into a melting pit."
Vader reached into the box to rummage through the parts. It appeared to be a simple protocol droid, a rather battered one at that. He briefly considered the idea of opening it up for any data about the Rebels but decided it wasn't worth the effort. His gloves found the head and turned it around….
It cannot be.
He reached to stroke its face, taking in its appearance. The odds were impossible and yet…He stroked its neck and felt at the connections, turning it to the side to see the familiar etchings on its side, each bringing in the memories of long hours spent in that small hut…
"Yo, Bespin to Vader," Angelus interrupted his thoughts. "Should I toss this or would you like to be alone with it?"
Vader placed the head back and shook his head. "Return it to them. The Wookie can carry it in a pack upon his back."
Angelus frowned in confusion. "Ah, I don't-------"
"It is not open for discussion, creature," Vader barked. "Take it back and then have them brought to the carbon freezing chamber at once." He marched away, leaving a confused Angelus behind.
"What was that about?" Mara Jade asked as she came up behind the vampire.
"I'm not sure," Angelus mused. "But I suspect our esteemed leader may be letting his old humanity shine through a bit."
Jade snorted. "Vader? Humanity? Please. Palpatine crushed whatever heart he had years ago." She glanced at Angelus. "I'm sure he did the same to you."
The man gave her a wicked smile. "Actually, I don't have a working one. So that's not a big deal." He headed back as Mara tried to suppress the chill within her.
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The two X-Wings tore through the skies at the outer atmosphere of Dagobah. It had taken some coaxing to get the hyperdrive engines up to full power enough for the jump but the fighters were soon on their way to Bespin. Buffy checked her readouts as she hit the communicator to the other X-Wing. "Just out of curiosity, do we have anything remotely resembling a plan here?"
Luke was silent for a moment before replying. "Vader's obviously laying a trap for us. We might get some light resistance…but I get the feeling he'll want to face us himself."
"Yeah, he does seem to be a 'you will bow before my might' type of guy," Buffy noted. "So, do we split up when we get there or stick together?"
"Stick together," Luke quickly decided. "Strength in numbers, right?"
"I guess so." Buffy tapped the side of her console before speaking. "You think they'll be okay?"
"We'll make sure they are," Luke assured her. "You know you trust me, right?"
"Yeah, I do," Buffy smiled, even though she knew he couldn't see it. "Just make sure we're ready."
He nodded as the two fighters moved in to the planet.
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The massive chamber was the epitome of the industrial side of Cloud City. It was dim, in mostly blue walls and orange lighting with metal ramps and steps around. The center of the room was a huge raised platform with orange lighting, a smaller platform capable of being lowered into it. A large mechanical pump held above, steam and other vapors coming out as the pig-like Ugnaughts worked on them.
The prisoners were able to get a wide view of the area as they were led in, Han at the lead with binders on his wrists. Chewbacca shifted the pack on his back, which carried Threepio. The droid was in somewhat better shape, his arms now attached to his torso although his legs were still encased in the pack beside him.
Willow felt her heart race as she saw a familiar figure at the platform. "Kasen!" she called out. The pilot smiled at her, her wrists bound behind her back and a pair of stormtroopers at her side. She appeared to be none the worse for wear as she nodded to the redhead. "Good to see you again."
"Been better," Willow admitted. She wanted to hug the woman tight but was pretty sure the troops around her wouldn't allow that.
Lando was nearby, talking to Vader. "Lord Vader, what if Skywalker has other Rebels with him? I don't want a full-scale battle breaking out, I have my people to think about."
"Skywalker and Summers will be alone," Vader said. "They have been learning the ways of the Jedi."
Lando glanced at the oncoming prisoners before speaking to Vader. "Lord Vader, once again, I must formally protest this. We've never used this on living beings before."
"Which is why a test is necessary," Vader said. As Lando opened his mouth, he continued. "I can easily order you executed and this city destroyed, Calrissian." That shut the man up quickly, a sight that seemed to amuse Angelus, who was nearby.
Mara was near the prisoners, making a clear show of not looking over at Xander. For his part, Xander just stared at her, wanting to hear something…anything…from the woman he'd been so close to for so long. There had to be something, he thought, some sign that she didn't just turn off what they had shared. Instead, she just stared off and he sighed.
Han moved to where Lando was standing at the side, the man's face dark. "What's going on…buddy?" he emphasized the last word sarcastically.
Lando's voice was as grave as his face. "You're being put in carbon freeze, Han."
Chewbacca let out a low growl as the others stared in horror at Lando. "Carbon freeze?" Willow blurted. "But…that's for industrial stuff! You can't put a human being in it!"
"Apparently, Vader disagrees," Lando groused.
"I lack the time to punish you properly, Captain Solo," Vader stated. "But I'm told Jabba the Hutt can be most…inventive when it comes to such things. Is that not true, Fett?"
Boba Fett wasn't in a joking mood as he stomped up. "What if he doesn't survive?" he demanded. "He's worth a lot to me."
"The Empire will compensate you if he dies," Vader brushed him off. He made a nod to the troopers who moved to grab Han. The smuggler showed no fear as he sneered at Vader. "You know what, Vader? I'm just sorry I won't be there when they finally put you down!"
"Empty words, Captain!"
"No, they're not, Han!" Leia said as she tried to move to him. "They're not at all."
As the troops moved in, Chewbacca let out a long Wookie war cry and threw out his arm to send one flying back. He grabbed another and tossed him too as Willow instinctively tried to call up a spell to fight them back. The collar kicked in, causing her to yell in pain as she almost fell to her knees. The other troopers moved in, their blasters held ready as Chewbacca prepared to tear them all apart.
"Chewie!" Han's voice seemed to get to the Wookie as he moved forward. "Chewie, stop this! This isn't helping!" Chewbacca let out a mournful whine and Han nodded. "I know…I know. I'll be okay, all right. But you have to take care of her." He nodded to Leia. "The princess. You need to take care of her for me. Okay?" Chewbacca moaned and Han shook his head. "Promise me!" Chewbacca finally nodded.
Han looked to Xander and smiled. "Still wishing you'd signed on with us, Xander?"
He nodded with a strong expression. "More than ever. We'll get you back, Han. I promise."
"From you that…means not too much."
"Gee, thanks, boss."
The guards grabbed Han to yank him away as the other stared helplessly. They moved him into the platform's center, undoing the binders on his wrists. They backed away as the platform began to lower. Han's eyes were focused on Leia's, the woman fighting to keep from openly crying. "I love you!" she suddenly blurted out.
He smiled and nodded. "I know." It was his last words before the platform lowered and a blast of vapor came out of it. The pump above poured liquid hot metal into the hole while carbonite blasted down to provide instant freezing. Steam flew from outward as everyone watched. "He's being encased in carbonite," Threepio intoned. "It's a very high-impact alloy, better than my own. He should be fine as long as-------"
"Threepio," Xander interrupted. "Really not interested in the science lesson now, ok?" The droid took the hint and went silent.
After a few minutes, the large grapple above was lowered into the pit. It locked on and began to pull out a large slab the size of a small table. As it was pulled up, they could see the outline of Han in the slab, his hands raised by his head, his face frozen in an expression of agony. The Ugnaughts shoved the slab onto the floor, letting out a loud slamming sound.
"Calrissian," Vader intoned. Lando obediently bent down to check out the small keypad at the side of the slab. After some tense moments, he let out a sigh of relief. "He's alive. In perfect hibernation."
The relief was subdued but there as Vader turned to Fett. "You may take him now, bounty hunter."
"Thank you, Lord Vader," Fett said. He nodded to some guards who came forward with anti-gravity holders. They were soon lifting the slab up and into mid-air.
"Hope you're proud of yourself, Lando," Xander snapped.
"He was my friend long before he met you, kid," Lando replied. "I'm sorry but I didn't have a choice. I need to keep my people safe."
An officer came down the gantry to head to Vader. "Lord Vader! Our scanners show a pair of X-Wings headed to the city!"
"Excellent," Vader said. "Allow them to land and seal off all doorways to lead Skywalker here."
"And Summers?" Mara asked.
"That is for Lord Scourge to decide." Angelus grinned and cracked his knuckles.
"What about them?" Mara asked, nodding to the prisoners.
"Accompany them to my ship," Vader said. "They will be traveling along with Moor for interrogation and imprisonment."
"Oh, no!" Threepio called out.
Lando's eyes bugged out as he stepped forward. "Now, wait a minute, that wasn't the deal!"
"I am altering it," Vader coldly stated. "Any arguments?" Lando backed up at his anger.
"Why so surprised, Lando?" Leia bitterly said. "Did you really expect him to keep his word?"
"Leia, I know you loved him but what could I do?"
She scoffed. "What would you know about love?" She turned away. "Come on…let's not keep the real owners of Cloud City waiting."
The guards began to direct them away as Lando watched, his face stern. Unnoticed by all, he moved his hand to his wrist and started to touch a few of the keypads on it to send a special command out…
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Buffy glanced carefully around the corner to see if there was anyone coming. Luke was behind her, his own blaster out and alert. Artoo rolled behind them, trying to keep as quiet as he could. "No sign of anyone," Buffy whispered.
"Which means they want us somewhere specific," Luke noted. He paused, his newly-attuned senses alerting him to a presence. "Back up."
"I feel them," Buffy whispered as she backed up. They peeked around to see a pair of guards moving some sort of slab in mid-air. Following them was a figure in armor with a blaster and jetpack, with a familiar looking redhead in black trailing behind. The group passed by the hallway before marching on.
Luke and Buffy glanced at each other. "Was that Mara?" Luke asked.
Buffy nodded. "I always knew there was something off about her. I mean, Xander was dating her, that was a red flag right there." She bit her lip. "Something about that thing they were pushing…I'm gonna follow them."
"I thought we were sticking together," Luke protested.
"I'll catch up," Buffy said. She paused and leaned in to give him a light kiss. "For luck," she smiled before she scampered down the hallway. Luke watched her go and then headed the other way.
Buffy kept her steps careful as she made her way down the white halls, looking ahead down the hallway. The group had moved around a corner and she was fighting the urge to run after them. All was silent but she knew that was when an attack was most likely to come. Her hand was gripped around her lightsaber tightly as she carefully turned the corner.
It hit her like a bolt from the blue, the knowledge of what was coming. In a split-second, she had her saber ignited and held above her, just in time to block the oncoming red blade. She shoved herself forward, entering a larger room and facing Mara Jade.
"I always knew there was something I didn't like about you, Jade," Buffy stated in a cool voice. "How long have you been working for the Empire?"
Jade just held her lightsaber up. "I'm the Emperor's Hand."
Buffy scrunched up her face in distaste. "Oh, that's a pretty image." She held up her saber. "Who was that in the slab? Where are Xander and Willow?"
"I think you'd better worry about yourself, little girl," Jade snapped. "You may be a newbie Jedi but I've been trained by the Emperor himself."
"Really?" Buffy smirked. "I've been trained by the guy who almost kicked his ass in a Senate fight." Jade lunged out and Buffy met the strike full on before fighting back. Their swords slammed together over and over as they tried to find an opening. Jade was startled at Buffy's skills. She'd heard rumors the girl was athletic but this…this was more than just Jedi training. This girl knew how to fight.
That was proven when Buffy's boot laced upward to kick her in the jaw. Jade stumbled back, fighting off stars as Buffy moved in. Jade reached out with her hand toward a chair and used the Force to send it flying outward. Buffy sliced it down and met Jade's attempt at a follow-up strike. She ducked a swing, rolling on the floor and ending up on her feet. She reached out with the Force herself and sent a nearby vase flying at Jade.
Jade dodged it and was barely able to block the flying thrust Buffy made at her. They kept on dueling, swords creating sparks as they struck each other harder. They slammed them together, pushing against each other as their swords locked. Jade sniffed at Buffy. "Not bad, Summers. Looks like you've got some skills…but I don't sense any of the discipline."
"Maybe not," Buffy said. "But if there's one lesson I learned a long time ago…" She suddenly slammed her forehead into Jade's stunning the redhead. "You gotta fight a little dirty to get ahead."
She was about to move in for a thrust when she felt the carpet under her yanked out from under her feet. "Good advice," Jade said as she swung her sword down. On her back, Buffy blocked it and kicked upward as their fight went on.
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Luke glanced around the carbon freezing chamber, his mind on edge. He was still troubled by the encounter in the hallway with the troops who had been guarding Leia, Chewbacca, Xander, Willow and Kasen. There had been a brief firefight with his friends dragged off, Leia's screams of how it was a trap still echoing in his mind.
He sighed, hoping Artoo would be okay. He hated the idea of the droid on his own but the door separating them had been too tough to get through. Besides, it was better this way. He knew who was here and what was going to happen.
He stopped in the center of the platform and looked around. "Where are you?" he called out.
"Greetings, Skywalker." Luke turned to see Darth Vader standing on a gantry on the opposite end like a specter from the Underworld. "The Force has led you here."
"The Force is with me," Luke agreed as he pulled out his lightsaber.
"Yes," Vader said. "But you are not a Jedi yet."
"And you ceased to be one a long time ago," Luke retorted as they ignited their swords and prepared for the duel they had known was coming for a long time.
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The room was a complete shambles, broken furniture everywhere, long gashes of burn marks in the walls and floor and one spot that looked like the indention of a person. Buffy and Jade were at the center of it all, swords slamming in a frenzy of movement, broken only by a punch of kick or dodge. Neither was giving any ground despite the exhaustion they both felt.
Jade pushed out with the Force to knock Buffy back. Another Force push sent a piece of broken chair flying out toward her. Leaping forward, Buffy spun about, kicking the piece out of mid-air and then slamming her foot into Jade's chest. The redhead gasped as she stumbled backward and into the wall. Buffy was on her to kick outward, her foot slamming into Jade's right wrist. The lightsaber fell from numb fingers as Buffy's blade hovered by Jade's face.
"Now," Buffy said between intakes of breath. "How's about…you just surrender now…before I have to do something neither of us wants?"
Jade smirked. "He was right. You may talk a big game…but you just can't do the dirty deed."
Buffy frowned. "Who said?"
"Me."
She froze in place like a statue, the lightsaber still hovering near Jade's face as her eyes went glassy. She knew that voice. She knew it better than anyone's but…It couldn't be. It just couldn't…
She slowly turned to see him standing there, a vision in black clothing. At first, she felt that same soaring in her heart, the jump, the need to wrap her arms around him and kiss him forever. But then she saw the smirk. She saw the pose. She saw the coldness in his eyes and knew who it really was.
"No," she whispered, trying to fight it, to deny it, to refuse to accept that the universe could be so cruel as to do this to her. "No….not you. Not here."
Angelus stepped forward and grinned, igniting his red lightsaber. "Hey, baby. Long time, no see."
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Next: More of the dual duels and finally, the explanation as to how Angelus ended up here in the first place.