Chapter 13

Missing

John and Maureen Robinson had volunteered their time to work in scientific research alongside the Yakan, a cybernetic species that had been scientifically enhanced generations ago and inhabited Arkania. Maureen educated them in the field of hydroponics while they taught John about cybernetics. Maureen had presented a plan to Leia about developing their own bacta. If they could get a few alazhi plants and a sample of the kavam, they could grow their own plants through hydroponics and find a chemical substitute for kavam. Leia was intrigued by the plan and presented it to Mon Mothma.

In the meantime, the provisional council had given Lando the task of preparing a battle plan for Thyferra. He doubted that a direct assault on the planet would be successful as it was controlled by a Bacta Cartel that had its own armaments that outclassed any weaponry the New Republic possessed. The cartel would sell its soul to the highest bidder, and credits were one thing the New Republic did not have.

Lando accepted the assignment under the condition that it not be a traditional military campaign. He had his own sources of information and, given that the battle for Fondor had been sabotaged, dared not rely on information gathered through the typical channels. He negotiated a reasonable amount of time to gather his information. Once Luke returned, he would request his services in a little side trip to the planet, Albregado-rae. Talon Kaarde, a high-powered smuggler, would have all the information he needed, and Luke's Force skills would assure Lando that the information would be correct. He told only Han and Leia of his plan so there would be no possibility of sabotage.

The provisional council had finally solidified plans for the return of the troops and were taking a short dinner break. Leia planned to meet Judy in the cafeteria to give her the details of the reception for the victors, but stopped by her office first to deposit her notes from the day's session. As the door slid closed behind her, a gloved hand holding a cloth laced with a long acting sedative covered her mouth. Her body hit the floor before she even had a chance to realize what had happened.

Judy fidgeted as she waited for Leia. She assumed that the council's meeting had run overtime, but was surprised that Leia had not commed her. Lando walked into the cafeteria and spotted Judy sitting alone. He decided to join the beautiful woman so he could entrance her with his charms.

Lando gallantly bowed. "Dr. Robinson, do you mind if I join you?"

Judy nodded to him in return. "Of course not, General Calrissian. I'm waiting for Leia. The council meeting must have gone overtime."

"Please, call me Lando," he told her as he sat down across form her.

"Thank you, and I'm Judy."

"Actually, Judy, I left the council meeting an hour ago. They were wrapping up and ready to recess for dinner. She must have stopped by her office and been detained there."

"I wonder if she received a message from Han? I hope there's nothing wrong."

"Let's go take a look. We'll either find her in her office or meet her on the way."

They didn't encounter her in the passageways and were surprised to see that her office was unlocked. That was not like Leia at all. While Lando checked the comm station, Judy picked-up the data pad that lay on the floor. A reflection caught her eye and Judy bent down to examine it. She found one earring that she knew belonged to Leia.

"No messages," Lando reported.

"I found these on the floor. Lando, I think she was taken against her will," Judy stated.

"Let's not jump to conclusions. She might have lost her earring without knowing it."

"Not these earrings. They're heavy Alderaani metal and were a gift from Han. Leia would have noticed if it had dropped to the floor. She never would have left it there."

Lando trusted her instincts and commed Mon Mothma. He and Judy would meet her in Leia's apartment and take on the search from there.

As Judy and Lando entered the rooms, Dr. Smith, of all people, stepped out of the bedroom. He froze in shock at their appearance, but recovered quickly.

"Dr. Smith? What are you doing here?" Judy asked.

"I heard of Leia's disappearance and decided to take a look at her apartment myself. Mon was so upset; I thought I should investigate before she got here."

Lando didn't believe a word he said and eyed the man suspiciously.

"I will, uh, go find Mon Mothma immediately," Smith stammered. "It would do her no good to come here just to find Leia gone. Please alert the intelligence staff." Smith ran out of the room before either had a chance to stop him.

They were soon met by Mon Mothma and discovered that Smith had not had permission from Mon Mothma or anyone else to be in Leia's apartment. It was clear that Leia had been kidnapped.

Lando poured Han another shot as they waited for Luke to meet them. He finally arrived with Judy at his side and Chewie and Don not far behind. Han gripped the glass and stared into its amber depths, a haunted look on his face. Han wasted no time in searching out Luke. "Is she all right?" he asked him.

Luke sat next to him and closed his eyes almost as if he were in a trance. "Yes, she's alive."

Don held Judy back, not understanding what was happening, but feeling that they were intruding on a private moment. Luke saw their discomfort and stated, "I guess you're wondering what just happened."

"It's really none of our business, Luke," Judy said.

"But it is… I have a special bond with Leia through the Force." He glanced at Han, who nodded his assent, before continuing. "She's my twin sister. Only the people sitting here know that, and it has to stay that way for now."

Judy and Don exchanged glances and both held up their right hand, almost as if they were taking an oath. "I won't even tell my parents," Judy stated.

"I've forgotten it already," Don added. "By the way, we have more news. Smith is missing. I'd bet a year's salary that he had something to do with Leia's disappearance."

"Missing?" Han repeated. "Since when?"

"Since Judy and Lando caught him in Leia's apartment," Don said.

"He said he was going to meet Mon Mothma, but he never went to her, and there's a shuttle missing. He must have taken off with whoever took Leia," Judy explained.

"He probably supplied the drug that knocked Leia out," Don added.

"What drug?" Lando asked.

"I found a heavy sedative missing from the Jupiter's supplies. Only Smith would have known about it," Judy said.

"That's the only way they would have gotten her out without a struggle," Lando stated.

Han's comm unit beeped. He retrieved it from his pocket. "Solo here."

It was Mon Mothma herself. "We've heard from Delvardus. He wants an even trade... Leia for Fondor," Mon Mothma stated.

"And we won't negotiate," Han finished for her.

"No, we won't. I'm sorry, Han."

Han ran his hand across his eyes. "Do you have any idea where she's being held?"

"Delvardus' last base of operations was Giju, but he has since moved deeper into the trade route after his defeat at Fondor."

"Then we'll start there. Solo out."