My Apologies to those of you that accidentally read the reposted Chapter three. Thank you to those of you that alerted me. I apologize.
Hoth: Three years later:
In the three years that followed the destruction of the Death Star, Luke had grown more and more in the Force. He had grown closer to Han and to Leia and Chewie. Luke, Ben, Han, Chewie and Leia all had become one family in the past few years along with R2 and 3PO. Han and Luke treated one another like brothers and Leia was like the sister in the family. If only she knew the truth, Luke mused. Ben was like the father of everyone in the group with Chewie being the virtual Uncle.
In the time following the battle of Yavin, Luke had organized various Alliance Fighter pilots into an Elite group that was known as the Rouges. With Ben's guidance and wisdom, they had become the finest squadron in the Alliance Fleet..
The Rouges were fairly well trained and skilled. In the years since the start of their operation they had executed various raids and attacks with almost all missions ending successfully.
The Squad contained Wedge Antilles, Who Luke had flown with in the Battle of Yavin as well as Several other skilled pilots such as Hobbie, Tycho, Wes Janson, and many other skilled young men. They were a brave lot and they followed their Commander with admiration although some of them were older than him.
Han had worked as An officer and pilot. He had utilized his smuggling skills to assist the Alliance and had done special missions for the Council. He had also taken the Falcon on raids with The Rouges while Ben and Leia were members of the Alliance Council. Mothma had placed Ben on the senior Council because of his status as a Jedi Master.
As time went on, The Base continued to remain hidden from the now frustrated Empire.
Luke smiled at the thought of how well hidden they were.
At the same time, He felt a warm hand on his shoulder, "Yes Master?"
"I am going to the meeting," said Obi-Wan as he let out a horrible cough.
Luke frowned, "Master is there anything that can be done for the cancer?"
Ben shook his head, "It is already to far out of control. Don't burden yourself with worry. We all got to die sometime."
Luke nodded in silence, Ben had been diagnosed with an incurable cancer shortly after Yavin that was infecting his entire body. It was impossible to cure at this point. However, Ben was determined not to waste his last few years of his life.
Ben then turned and, Left Luke as he headed towards the Alliance Council Meeting.
Ben entered the Council room, to see Mon Mothma, General Jan Dodonna, General Crix Medine and Carlist Rieekan all gathered around the table.
"Welcome General Kenobi," stated Mon as Obi-Wan took his place.
Obi-Wan bowed in response.
Mon then spoke, "I want your input on sending the Rouges on a raid. I mean it seems that all that we have done in the last three years is hit Imperial bases and Supply lines."
Obi-Wan nodded, "With the limited amount of men that we have it is better to hit supply lines. We need to wait until the time for our attack comes and conserve our time."
Mon nodded, "I only hope that your Padawan can defeat Vader when the time comes."
"He will. The Force always sides with the light in the end as it has from the beginning of time."
Mon nodded as she spoke, "Our target is a small space station that is strictly Military. It contains a compliment of around five hundred Tie Fighters and it contains Fuel for various Imperial cruisers."
Obi-Wan nodded in silence.
Meanwhile, Medine spoke, "I was hoping that you would agree with me that it would be better to hit Derra IV."
"Derra IV you say General? What is there?"
Medine then spoke, "There is a large base that contains various proton Torpedos, Way more weapons and even a repair dock for Star Destroyers that are this far out in space."
"How many Star Destroyers are guarding the System?"
"Only two right now," stated Medine.
Obi-Wan nodded, "Let me compare the data from the two bases."
Dodonna then spoke, "I also think that we should hit Derra IV instead."
Obi-Wan smiled as he looked at the screen before looking back at Medine.
"You certainly have two old men impressed. I am in full agreement with you. We should have Luke take the Fighters into the system and destroy all of this. If two of the fuel docks are hit by Proton Torpedos it will destroy everything within a mile once all of those tanks are ignited. As for the Repair Dock, My Apprentice will be able to handle that quite easily."
Mon then spoke, "Did you hear that the bounty on his head has increased?"
"What is it now?"
"Two Hundred and fifty thousand alive by order of Darth Vader."
Obi-Wan nodded, "I'm not surprised."
Dodonna then spoke, "After everyone leaves, I want a word with you General."
Obi-Wan nodded in response.
A short time later, after Everyone had left the Council Room, Dodonna spoke, "I have a few questions for you Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan nodded, "Let's hear them."
"I recall Bail once telling me that Vader was a fallen Jedi. I never really asked a lot of questions because he wouldn't tell me anything. What I want to know is if that Jedi is Anakin Skywalker. I mean the Man is obsessed with finding your Padawan. I hate to be getting nosy and all but I just need to know."
Obi-Wan breathed in deeply as a deadly cough came to him. As he recovered, he spoke, "What I say to you can't leave this room."
Dodonna nodded, "You have my word. I won't even tell Mon."
Obi-Wan nodded, "Thank you General. Yes, Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader."
Dodonna frowned as Obi-Wan continued, "Anakin was secretly married to Senator Amidala. After his assault on the Jedi Temple I visited her and she was obviously pregnant at the time."
"With Luke?"
Obi-Wan nodded as he spoke, "I followed Padme to Mustafar to confront Anakin. I was hoping to reason with him just as she was. However when I got there, He wasn't Anakin. The boy that I had raised from the age of nine and trained, Well he was gone. He was still outwardly and physically Anakin but he was Vader inside and out. He choked Padme to the point that she passed out."
Dodonna gasped as Obi-Wan continued, "I was unable to defeat him. I managed to get back To Padme's ship as he pursued me. Her droids had gotten her onboard and we escaped just in time. I took Padme to Polis Massa where Bail and Yoda were waiting for me. Yoda had also failed to kill Palpatine."
Dodonna frowned as Obi-Wan continued, "Padme gave birth to Luke and his twin Sister. Then Yoda left the facility to begin his exile after entrusting their lives to Bail and I.
At the same time, Vader had tracked us to Polis Massa. I planned to buy everyone time to escape but Padme refused."
"What do you mean refused?" asked Dodonna.
"She told me that he wouldn't stop until he had her. She said that it was fine that she would die for her babies. She kissed each one of them and, then told me when I told her that Luke would be raised by Anakin's family that she didn't want strangers raising her son. She said that she wanted me to raise him. Then she asked Bail, who was her second father to raise Leia as his own. We then left and, that was the last time that we saw her."
"So she is dead then?" asked Dodonna.
Obi-Wan frowned, "I never felt her death but we were so occupied at the time with escaping that I may have not noticed. I believe that at this point that she is dead."
"Thank you for telling me. S-So Leia is Luke's sister?"
Obi-Wan nodded in silence.
"Do they know?"
"Luke knows exactly where he came from. I told him the day after the battle of Yavin. Leia only knows who her mother is. She isn't ready for the burden yet."
Dodonna nodded, "You have my word that I will keep it secret. It is good that one of us knows for the future in the event that you die I can back them up if something happens."
Obi-Wan nodded, "Remember, Only a Skywalker can defeat Vader and the same is for the Emperor. No one else can defeat either of the Sith Lords aside from one that is from the Skywalker bloodline."
"I understand," stated Dodonna.
Dodonna then spoke, "You better have your apprentice prepare for the raid."
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.
Space above Deara IV: One Day Later:
Luke sat in the cockpit of his X-Wing Starfighter as, his squadron approached their target, Deara IV.
Luke spoke into his comlink with a smile, "Tycho, you and Hobbie go down and light up the fuel tanks on that base. Janson, Wedge, You two take care of that docking station. Make sure that the attacks are carried out Simultaneously."
"Understood Rogue Leader."
Luke then reached out through the Force in an effort to sense danger.
So far there was no sign of anything going on whatsoever. He smiled as he watched Wedge and Janson make their run on the Large Star Destroyer Repair dock. Within moments, He saw their Proton Torpedos make their mark and saw the massive structure explode just as Tycho and Hobbie came out of the Atmosphere of Deara IV.
At the same time, He sensed an Approaching Star Destroyer.
"Regroup Rogues, We have A Star Destroyer coming towards us. The other one is still on the other side of the planet. We will just inflict as much damage upon this one as possible. Reform behind me boys. Ready your Proton Torpedos."
A short time later, Luke led his Squadron towards the Approaching Star Destroyer.
As they approached the Star Destroyer, Luke noticed a few squads of Tie Fighters heading in their direction.
"Fighters coming in! Fire at will remain in attack formation."
As The various Tie Fighters flew towards them, Luke sent his fighter into a barreling spin as he released a storm of laser fire. He noticed several explosions that were among the ranks of the Tie Fighters as they approached the Star Destroyer. Luke at the same time, Looked at his wrist Chrono. "Home One will be here at any minute. Release our torpedos. Fire with me on their engines. Then, We will pull out."
"Copy Rogue Leader," Luke heard various members of his Squadron reply.
Luke then, took his fighter into a high climb as several fighters followed him. Together, with his Rogues backing him, They made their run towards the rear end of the Star Destroyer. Luke then, released his Proton torpedos while nudging them with the Force.
He then pulled out as, he sensed Home One dropping out of Hyperspace. He felt grateful that he had only lost two men. He hated losing men, but it could have been worse.
Luke smiled, as he saw the batteries of Home One erupt upon the Crippled Star Destroyer.
"Alright boys, we are going home."
"Copy Rogue Leader."
Luke smiled as, he approached Home One.
Home One:
Moments later, Luke left the cockpit of his Starfighter and, looked to see who had made it out of the firefight.
After writing down the names of the two fallen pilots, Luke headed straight for the Command Bridge of Home One.
Upon arriving, He saw Admiral Ackbar and General Medine.
"Do you have a Casualty report Commander?" asked Medine.
"Yes Sir, Two gone."
Medine nodded, "The mission was a complete success. The Empire will be affected by this attack. At least most of the Imperial Garrisons that are in this sector will be."
Luke nodded, "Good, that is what I want to hear."
Medine smiled, "Go ahead and get yourself some lunch or rest. We are making the jump into Hyperspace. We will be back at Echo Base in the morning. Then you and your boys can have a week of rest before we make the next raid."
"Are you already planning to make another?" asked Luke.
Medine nodded, "Ackbar and I will be choosing which system to attack. Until then, just lay low. We will make the attack when the time is right."
Luke nodded as he turned and left the bridge.
He walked through the bright Corridors of the ship, Until he approached the room that he had been assigned to.
Moments later, Luke removed his flight suit and his shirt and boots. He crawled into bed and fell asleep instantly.
Executor:
Vader sat in his office in anger, in three years time, He had yet to find his Angel or any of his children. It was as though Padme had disappeared into thin air. He feared for her safety. What if the Emperor had found her? She had taken the twins from him and now she had also taken Vima from him. How could she have? She had just left him without even giving him a chance. He frowned as, he thought of Vima. His sweet little Vima. She had turned on him. She had shot him in the back and, she had helped her mother escape. His daughter had rejected him.
Regardless of the pain that he felt from Vima's rejection, He still loved his child as much as he loved Luke and Leia. No matter what he would always love his children.
It only angered him that she had turned on him like she had. She had used his lightsaber to free Padme. Why had she done such a thing? Did she not know that Padme would leave him if she was free? Did she not know that she would lose one parent? He frowned, Vima must have known. She had chosen between her parents. She had chosen her mother over him. It hurt him to think of how she had turned on him. Did she even love her daddy like she had always said? Or was it all a ploy? She had tricked him into buying all of this science equipment that was well above her years. Some of the devices that she had experimented with Piett had told him were things that he used in High School.
She had certainly played her dad well, Thought Vader in silence as he looked at the image of his wife and daughter.
At that moment, there was a beep at his door.
"Yes?"
Within moments, Piett entered the room.
"My Lord," stated Piett with a bow as he held out a datapad.
"What is it Admiral?"
"A report on the casualties that we suffered on Derra IV."
"Derra IV?" asked Vader in anger.
Piett nodded grimly, "Skywalker led his fighters into the system they caused a lot of damage. An entire supply base is gone. A Star Destroyer is crippled with over half of its crew dead and the repair dock that orbits the planet is gone sir."
Vader nodded in anger, "So have you continued to profile the systems that he is going for?"
"Yes sir I certainly have."
"Give me a list. We are going to set a trap for the boy."
Piett nodded as he looked at the Holoimage of Padme and Vima that Vader was staring at.
Vader noticed Piett's gaze with a hint of agitation as he spoke, "Sir may I offer you some advice?"
Vader frowned, "What do you mean Admiral?"
"First off sir it isn't exactly any of my business. If I may ask do you have a good relationship with your father?"
Vader shook his head, "I never had a father."
Piett breathed in deeply, "I-I am sorry sir I..."
"You didn't know. Go ahead what is it?"
"My father once told me something that I will never forget. The situation between you and your wife is none of my business but I will tell you what he once told me in regards to marriage."
Vader nodded as Piett spoke, "He told me once, that there comes a point where you have to choose between your marriage and your power or career. He said sometimes it is more important to give your wife what she wants. Even if it requires giving up something that you may believe to be important. He said that those that choose to lose their wives end up with regret that turns into horrible agony that can destroy even the mightiest men that have ever existed. Those that choose their wives and give them everything even at the cost of status, pride, power and wealth end up never regretting it, even for even a second."
Vader was silent in response as he thought upon the Admiral's words. They were words that he couldn't possibly say anything against. Piett was right. Vader breathed in and, spoke, "What if it is to late Admiral?"
Piett frowned as he thought back to what he had seen in Vader's chambers three years before.
"Don't play dumb, you saw the collar on my table. Just tell me the truth."
"It made me certainly think less of you."
"Right after I joined the Emperor, She told me that she wanted me to leave everything behind while I still could and I didn't. Then she gave birth to a set of twins. She took them and gave them to people that were loyal to her. I have only seen my son once and the first time that we met, he kicked me in the head. My daughter was a prisoner of war and that is how we met. I-I just feel like she didn't give me a chance."
"How many years was she with you with that collar?"
Vader hung his head in shame, "Sixteen years."
Piett breathed in deeply, dreading Vader's reaction to what he was about to say.
"Maybe she already gave you a chance and you just were to wrapped up in oppressing the Galaxy to notice."
Piett then turned and, Left Vader as he reflected upon the Admiral's words.
Ok that is it for now. I will have more up soon. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
-Fallen Jedi 79
