Special thanks to ILDV, Jamy Skywalker, liamj128, mchef90, twihard1990, MommyMayI, and That'70sfan.
Luke Skywalker, flanked by two security guards, found the proper cell in the detention block of the Death Star.
"A visit from Emperor Vader's number one stooge?" Leia sat on a bench. "I must even more important than I thought. And the Rebellion more of a threat to the Empire than I could have hoped."
"A threat? A pest, I assure you." Luke put his hands on his hips and towered over her. "I have a personal question before we begin the true interrogation. You had a clear shot at my back on the cruiser. Why did you pass?"
Leia shifted on the bench and swallowed. She stared up at him in defiance.
"That was a rhetorical question," The man said. "I projected what is called a dark side cloud while I searched for you. The cloud smothers people in their own fear." He came closer until her face was aligned with his stomach and lowered his voice. "I sensed resistance."
She returned his stare in silence.
"I find laughable the notion that you received formal training in the Force, as all indications point to the Jedi being extinct."
Leia spoke at last. "What is your point?"
"I would like to proposition you, princess. There is a chance you possess a latent potential in the Force. Above average potential, at any rate. Agree to have the Emperor himself train you."
"Did that proposition sound less stupid in your head?" Leia clicked her tongue. "I was against in the Emperor in my mother's womb, Skywalker, and the years have only strengthened my resolve. Interrogate me all you wish, but you'll return to your master with empty hands. The Rebellion lives on."
Luke studied her for a few moments. He then raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A guard opened the cell door and a spherical black droid floated inside. It held a syringe and an assortment of spinning razor blades. Leia's eyes widened and she pressed her back to the wall.
"We will discuss the location of your hidden Rebel base."
Luke side-stepped and the droid took his spot. A spindly arm reached close and its blade paused a few centimeters from her face. Leia's breath became heavy. Sweat dribbled from her forehead. She looked to the dark-clad man with wide eyes.
"Your fear is ice cold. Appetizing. Give me more of it."
The syringe shot forward and pierced her shoulder. Leia gasped, wavered, and fell sideways atop the bench. She tried to sit up, but her arms were too weak. Sweat now soaked her face. She whimpered.
Luke crouched down beside her. "The darkness suffocates. The darkness blinds. You are lost in an abyss."
She groaned as her eyes fell closed. "Someone. Anyone." Her voice was girlish and faint as she spoke through the depths of her imagined hell.
"Listen. I am come to help, Leia. I've finally found you. Can you hear me?"
"Yes. I can hear. Help me, please. I want out."
"We both do, Leia, but I'm missing the key."
"Key?"
"The fear is growing. If it becomes too powerful, we'll both be trapped forever. I need the key."
"I'm so scared. I need out. Please. Where's the key?"
"Information. Where is the Rebel base? Tell me where."
"Rebel base?"
"Correct. The fear is becoming too powerful, Leia. You are paralyzed. The darkness swallows you whole as we speak. Retrieve the key. Give it to me." The woman writhed like a serpent. "I said that you are paralyzed. Your body is as stone, as it will remain for all time unless you reveal the whereabouts of your friends."
Leia gritted her teeth and panted. She raised shaking arms.
Luke cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head, bewildered.
She reached for his throat. He stayed where he was. Her hands found their goal and tightened. She opened her eyes and stared straight into his.
"Die, Imperial scum. Die."
Luke slapped her hands away and rose.