Chapter 3:
Have Ship, Will Travel
Entering the Vortex, the Enterprise found itself near a familiar planet. "Where are we?" Picard asked, as he rose from the captain's chair. "According to the star charts, we are in orbit of Coruscant," Data replied. "Life signs?" "Inconclusive, sir." "Mr. Johnson, do you have the coordinates for the signal?" The tactical officer responded, "Yes, sir. The planet Tattooine." "Tattooine?" Picard asked. "Mr. Data, how much time has passed since we've been here?" "Approx. 20 years, sir." "20 years!" "Yes, sir." "Mr. Worf, set a course for the location of the signal." "Aye, sir." The Klingon first officer coordinated with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Data. The Enterprise made there way to the desert planet.
After some time, the Enterprise found itself coming out of warp and seeing a vessel being fired upon. "Hail the attacking vessel." Picard ordered. "Channel open, Captain." Picard looked at the viewscreen. "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Cease your attack or you will be fired upon." He ended the transmission, waiting for a response. A beeping sound came from the tactical station, "Captain, we are getting a response." "Onscreen, Mr. Johnson." The view screen showed a masked man and another man in front. "This is Grand Moff Tarkin, of the Star Destroyer Avenger. We are in pursuit of a Alderranian vessel carrying plans against the Empire. We have rights to claim this vessel or destroy it." Captain Picard spoke, "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the starship Enterprise, I believe that we can come to negotiating a truce. If both parties care to come aboard my vessel, we can discuss this in more detail." Grand Moff Tarkin, "That can be arranged." Tarkin signaled his lieutenant to cease the boarding party.
As the parties of both sides boarded the Enterprise, they were escorted by Enterprise security to the Conference Room. Moff Tarkin sat to the Captain's right, with Lord Vader standing in between. Princess Leia came aboard with her entourage, including Captain Antilles. Picard began: "Welcome aboard the Starship Enterprise. I am pleased that both parties have decided to meet mutually. Now, about the plans, what is the storage device for these "plans." "We believe that the Princess might know that." Picard looked at the young lady, "Your Highness?" "I have it stored in an astromech droid, who is on myhip. These plans will help us defeat the Empire once and for all." "I see," said Picard. "I believe it would in both our interests if we investigate these plans, using the Enterprise computer. Would that be acceptable to you, General?" "I would appreciate it, Captain, if you allowed me to take the Princess into custody." "That will not happen, not on board my ship, sir. Now, I will send my engineering team and my security team to investigate both of your ships." Picard touched his combadge, "Would you join us, Number One?" Worf entered. "This is my first officer and former security chief, Mr. Worf. He will be in charge of both teams, all reports will go to him. Is that clear to both of you?" Both parties agreed. Picard looked at the Sith lord, "Lord Vader, I would like you to be examined by my ship's doctor." "That will not be necessary." The labored breathing was heard all over the conference room. Picard ordered it done. "For the safety of the crew, I've had your weapon confiscated during transport. Now, my security team will escort you to Sickbay." Picard nodded toward his officers and they took Vader away. Vader tried to resist, but failed. The Sith Lord was taken to Sickbay and put under a sedative.