A Drinking Problem

Chapter 10

Luke ran as fast as he could towards the Medical Center. The human doctor had just finished sending the report to Lord Vader. He knew that if his father learned of that deceit he would kill Stanley and he would have to live with the guilt. He had to think fast…his father was about to get the news of his alcoholic state and he would be in trouble. However, how could he lie to his father? He would know he was lying and the short time he was living with his father he knew that he had no forgiveness for lies.

He hailed Stanley on his comlink.

"Stan, it is me…take my ship for a test ride, just leave and only return when I call you."

"Leave? Are you crazy, Luke? I am a mechanic I can't just leave my post."

"Trust me on that…if my father finds out …about the Med Center…"

"Oh, I will leave now!" Stanley's voice was nervous and hurried.

Luke could feel his father's anger parsecs away…this time he would suffer…his father would not forgive such deceit…he took R2D2 and Threepio and ran towards the hangar bay.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" the stormtrooper asked.

"You are going to let me pass…" Luke said in a low voice, waving his hand.

"Go ahead…" the stormtrooper felt a little dizzy.

Luke and the droids entered a Lambda class shuttle.

"Let's get out of here. I am going back home!"

Luke launched the shuttle into hyperspace…

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Vader was still infuriated when he read the results of the drug test:

1.2 Alcoholic content…

He suddenly felt a disturbance in the Force…His son's force presence was gone.

"Lord Vader! There was a stolen Lambda shuttle that reached hyperspace!" Lieutenant Corbin reported.

"Luke…"

"Where was that shuttle going?"

"We've traced to the Outer Rim Territories, milord."

Vader was upset but appeased. Luke didn't know that all imperial crafts had a homing beacon and it wouldn't be difficult to trace the shuttle.

"Contact a Captain Solo."

"Yes, milord," the Lieutenant left immediately to comply to Lord Vader's request.

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Han Solo was heading towards the Death Star with the Princess.

"It surprises me that a Corellian would sell your soul for a position with the evil Empire," Leia spoke with anger.

"Well your Highnesses…it pays for my drinks."

"You are so low…"

"Don't you like to drink? I am sure you could use a drink right now."

"I would never get intoxicated with the likes of you, Scruffy looking!"

"I am not scruffy looking… and I can't drink until I get off. As soon as I drop you off at the Death Star I…"

Comlink buzzed

"Captain Han Solo, do you copy?" Lieutenant Corbin made contact.

"Yes, this is Captain Solo."

"Lord Vader, I am Lieutenant Corbin from the Devastador and Lord Vader requests your services, immediately."

"I am on my way to the Death Star with…"

"Please, Solo…you have to come! Skywalker escaped," the Lieutenant sounded desperate

Han smirked. "The kid?"

"You must return, please"

"How about the Princess?"

"Bring her along, just turn around. Lord Vader is very impatient."

"I will comply, Solo out."

Leia smiled as she observed the imperial Captain hastily changing the coordinates.

"Did Lord Vader pull your leash?" Leia asked sarcastically.

"Where did you learn to be so annoying?" Solo responded and continued to punch the new coordinates back to the Devastador.

"Probably the last hour I spent with a scoundrel like you."

"Well your worshipfulness, I hate to say it, but you are going to enjoy my presence longer."

Leia sighed and turned her face away. Han smirked as he sent the shuttle into hyperspace.

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"Where are we going, master Luke?"

"To a dust ball..." Luke replied.

"Sir, I am afraid that his vessel has higher dimensions and it will not fit into a dust ball."

Luke laughed. "Why do you have to take all so literally?"

"I am just an interpreter, sir. I am not good at metaphors."

"Why don't you try to fix the message R2 is carrying and I can take it to Obi-Wan when we arrive in Tatooine."

"I will work on it immediately."

Luke smiled. "Just a yes will do, Threepio."

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Captain Solo landed his Lambda Class shuttle and walked with the bound Princess. He saw Vader waiting for him at the hangar bay.

"I came as soon as I got the message…milord," Han said and straightened his body.

"There is a homing beacon on the vessel Skywalker used, you will get these coordinates from General Veers and retrieve the vessel and Skywalker," Vader pointed a finger, "And do not fail me."

"Yes, sir."

"Then you will take the Princess to the Death Star."

"Excuse me…milord. If she stays here I…"

"Are you countermanding my orders, Captain Solo?" Vader asked angrily.

"No, sir…no milord…, I would never do that. I will get the kid and take the Princess, I just thought that since you are going there she could go with you."

Leia frowned. Vader looked at the Princess and sensed her anger.

"I have matters to attend and I cannot go until you bring me Skywalker."

"Yes, sir."

Solo took the Princess and left.

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Vader turned towards his chamber, he needs to remain calm…the real reason he didn't want to take the Princess was clear through the Force. Lord Vader was so angry about his son's drunkenness and escape that he was concerned that he would take his anger against the Princess and kill her in process. Therefore the Death Star plans would be lost….Solo should keep an eye on the Princess with no problem.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Han picked up the transmission of the homing beacon…the shuttle was heading to the Outer Rim Territories…

"Where are we going now?" Leia asked annoyed.

"How about to one of your rebel bases…I am sure you would like to say hello to your scum friends," Solo replied sarcastically.

"At least I didn't sell my soul to the Empire."

"Well, Princess get comfortable with your chains, I am sorry they ain't made out of gold."

Leia turned her face away from Han. He was piloting and noticed that she turned her face to look at him. She blushed when he caught her looking at him.

She noticed that he saw her and she turned away hastily.

Han smiled and thought, "I don't know if I am going to kill her or start to like her…I wonder if a Princess and a guy like me…"