A/N: Hello and Happy New Year! We are getting closer! I like to think of all my characters revolving around the "end" of the story, and circling closer and closer all the time. I need to connect with each one and bring them nearer each chapter to the conclusion. So, please don't feel that this is just a filler chapter or simple chit-chat. I just feel this is how I need to write this, bringing everyone together with concentric circles, spiraling toward each other. I don't write anything I don't feel is warranted. I hope you all are still with me and still enjoying this. Please do let me know. I cannot tell you what reviews mean. Thanks so much, and BE SAFE on New Year's!
Emerson
Part XXIII
Irony was not lost on Han Solo as he realized he was once again back in an Imperial uniform on an Imperial ship. Considering the way he'd left the Empire's employment, he found it amusing in a tiresome way that they'd actually given him the uniform of a General to wear. It was all part of Piett's plan, of course. They needed him to blend in with the enlisted men on board. He could not be seen dressed as the Rebel Han Solo. Chewie had gruffed at him with humour, sarcastic remark quick to follow. Han had merely shrugged. He was with Piett now, others in the group had been sent to pilot ships and assist other Officers, but the Admiral had wanted Han to stay with him. Solo wasn't sure if that was a compliment or a means of keeping his eyes on him. Either way. At least he had his blaster back, Chewie his crossbow, and access to the Falcon was assured.
They were currently assembled on the bridge, waiting for...well, Han was unsure. Piett seemed to know exactly what he was doing. Han wished for a moment that Wedge and Chewie were still with him, but Piett realized the value of having Wedge man a ship, and he was currently heading for a TIE fighter. As for Chewie, well, a non-human on the bridge would have been extremely unusual, especially to Palpatine's Officers, so he had been relegated back to the Falcon. Han missed his presence.
The Executor's enlisted men mingled with several of the Officer's that had arrived with the Emperor. Han was impressed with the way Piett's men revealed nothing in their visages. To all outward appearances, nothing seemed out of place. No planned treason, no sinister plots...just Imperial men going about Imperial business. Han knew better.
"So, Admiral, can you tell me exactly what Vader's planning or is it top secret?" Han was fidgeting with his collar, tugging at the unforgiving gray material. Memories of his time spent at the Academy flooded him, and Han recalled them without sentiment. His reasons for leaving were still valid now, and although he realized the need to work with Piett, being forced into the uniform left a bitter taste in his mouth. He couldn't wait to get out of it.
Piett clasped his hands behind his back, keeping one eye on several Officers who had arrived with the Emperor's retinue. He had to speak softly, keeping low key. He gestured with his head toward one of the consoles, and Han followed him without comment.
The Admiral pointed to several readouts, which had nothing to do with their conversation. Mere misguidance for anyone watching. "My orders are to subdue the Emperor's troops, as quietly as possible, and retain control over the Executor. We will apprehend and secure all of Palpatine's Officers and block all communication channels from this ship." Piett turned to scan the bridge. "Then we wait."
Han shifted his weight and turned with Piett. "Wait for what?" Irritation laced his voice. He was tired of waiting.
"For Lord Vader, General. We wait to hear from Lord Vader."
Han spoke out of the corner of his mouth, keeping his gaze on Palpatine's Officers. "And just how is he going to contact you, Admiral? Isn't he a little busy right now? And what about Luke and the Princess? How are we going to get them away from the Emperor?" He was itching to start some trouble. "You can't just expect me to stand by and leave my friends to deal with him alone."
"They are not alone, General. Their Father is with them." Piett emphasized that pointedly.
"Yeah, well, forgive me if I don't completely trust in Vader's paternal instincts." A beat. "How can you be sure he won't turn Luke and Leia over to the Emperor? How can you be certain that Vader hasn't betrayed us all?"
Piett leveled his gaze directly at Han. While he'd never met him before, Han knew of the Admiral by reputation, and had to admit to having a grudging respect for him while at the Academy. He knew the man was loyal, unfailingly honest, and completely direct. Solo knew he'd have to believe whatever Piett said. But the poignancy in the Admiral's words convinced Han fully. "Because, General Solo, I've seen Lord Vader with his son. I've spent time with them, and I've witnessed the way that Skywalker affects his Father." Piett paused, focusing straight ahead. He watched as the Executor drifted serenely through the darkness of space. "He loves that boy, General. And he'll do anything to protect him." Another slight pause, and then more quietly, "Of that, I am most certain."
Han nodded slowly, considering this. "And you're completely willing to abandon your loyalties to Palpatine? Prepared to help the Rebel Alliance in it's quest to free the galaxy? Are you certain of what that entails, Admiral?" Han allowed a note of disbelief colour his voice. He wanted to know just what moved Piett to act.
Piett gave a small, irritated sigh...as if Han were some sort of exasperating child he'd been minded to watch. "General, my loyalties are to a just, fair government. My allegiance is to Lord Vader, and the concept he has always had of a ruling form of power based on uncorrupted, allied planetary systems. His ideas were never along the same lines as Palpatine's. Most of the men on board here sought a better way to keep star systems under control...that's why he chose them. Lord Vader may have unconventional methods and sometimes cruel forms of punishment and regulations, but he is a far better leader than the Emperor. That man is nothing but corrupt through and through, and thinks of nothing else. At least Lord Vader gives some thought to the welfare of others."
Han digested this information a moment. It was not something he'd expected to hear about Vader. He betrayed nothing in his countenance, merely remarked without expression, "Sounds like we're after the same things, Admiral." Han set his mouth in a grim line, worry for his friends taking hold of him. "I just hope we both live long enough to see them come to light."
"I can assure you, General, of one thing. As long as he has Skywalker by his side, Lord Vader will do everything possible to defeat the Emperor. He has too much to lose, otherwise."
They both fell silent, tracking Palpatine's spies and marking their every move. And waited.