Chapter 24

He's Alive

All three ships kept the holonet on twenty-four seven, as they expected more transmissions from Delvardus. Maureen instructed the robot to alert them if and when a transmission was underway. Lando programmed the Lady Luck's video unit to hibernate and come to life when Delvardus appeared on the screen. Han had C3PO watch the Falcon's unit, which kept the droid out of his hair.

The slaved Jupiter had only been in space a few hours when the robot announced a transmission. "Warning, warning, Robinson family. A transmission is ensuing."

The family gathered round as the static cleared and the General appeared, still wearing Don's black jacket. Penny immediately assumed the worst. "He can't be dead."

"Don't jump to conclusions, Penny," Will admonished.

"Why would he have Don's jacket on unless he was dead?"

"Penny! We assume he's alive unless it's proven otherwise," her mother stated.

Han was pleasantly surprised that Leia had decided to accompany him. He thought that council business would take precedence, but Leia felt a special kinship with Judy and Don and wanted to be there to support them as much as she could. They were eating dinner when 3PO entered.

"General Solo, I believe a transmission is about to be shown. General Delvardus has appeared on the screen."

Chewie, Leia and Han turned towards the video unit.

General Delvardus spoke. "Good citizens of the empire and misguided citizens of the New Republic…"

The camera pulled back and Don was shown, unconscious, hanging by his wrists.

He continued, "This man, West, Major 07251967, has refused to cooperate with the investigation into the theft of bacta from the Zaltin Corporation. He was known to have been working with two other individuals, one of whom has escaped, but will be recaptured… Mark my words."

Pictures of Judy and Luke taken in the hotel lobby appeared on the screen.

"A handsome reward will be given for any information that leads to their capture. This man will be punished according to law, but all involved in the scheme must be apprehended and given their due. Twenty lashings is the standard penalty, but this man will receive the lashings of his two accomplices if they do not turn themselves in to the authorities. No one has ever survived more than 37 lashings from a lightwhip. If the criminals are watching, you have thirteen hours to show yourselves, then the lashings will begin."

The transmission ended and Judy continued to stare at the blank screen. She remained eerily calm. "What's a lightwhip, Luke?"

"It's a laser whip. It's a bundle of laser strips that, when activated, cause substantial damage."

"What's the likelihood that we'll reach him before they start?"

He wanted to lie to her, but it simply wasn't in his nature. "None," he replied.

Holding Leia in his arms in their new bed, Han was grateful to have her with him. They both knew what torture could do to a person and wanted desperately to save another human being from its effects.

"We're not going to get there in time, are we?" Leia asked.

"No."

She buried her head in his chest. "I wish there was something more we could do."

"Delvardus will probably start slow to drag it out. Our only hope is to get there before Don dies."

"He can't die, Han. They just found each other."

He shivered and pulled her closer. "I know… reminds me of Bespin."

She held him tighter. The memory of Han being lowered in the chamber was as clear as if it had happened yesterday. She lay on top of him and took his face into her hands. "I love you, Han. I don't ever want to lose you again."

He smiled and was about to reply with his standard response when 3PO came to the door. "General Solo, I believe another transmission is commencing."

Han sighed. Goldenrod was a master at interrupting, but he couldn't put the blame on the droid this time. "Let's go."

Leia kissed him on the lips. "We'll be back."

The children were asleep when John and Maureen received the next call from the robot. They hadn't expected another transmission so soon, and dreaded what was about to be shown.

Delvardus was back and Don was conscious and looking into the camera. His eyes were clear and his spirit seemed strong.

"We have received a request from the leader of the rebels. Here is your answer. The rebel scum is still alive. In fact he is none the worse for wear. Time is running short, however, so I advise the criminals to reveal themselves."

Don firmly shook his head.

Before he said another word, Delvardus hit him with the neuronic whip and he was once again unconscious.

Judy touched Don's face on the screen and tightened her hold on the celestite crystal. She announced, "He's dehydrated. We'll need to get fluids into him right away."

"General Riekaan will be meeting us on Fondor. If I know Han, he's shaved as much time as he could off their trip and he won't be far behind us," Lando reported.

"We'll get to him in time, Judy," Luke stated.

She turned to him and asked, "Is it the Force telling you that? Or is it just wishful thinking?"

"Hard to tell. The future is foreseen through emotion and is always changing, but as long as he's alive, there's hope."