Far From Home

Chapter 12

It didn't take long for Luke to find his way into the medical room and he saw Vader lying on a bed. He saw that a med-droid was working on him and an array of strange machines were hooked up to him and keeping him alive. Luke wasn't sure how well his father's condition was since he saw he'd been stabbed in the chest, but when he came near he was stunned to see that his helmet had been removed and several pieces of his armor too.

Luke saw that his father was pale-white and bald with an aged face and fragile looking skin. His eyes were closed and he saw that the med-droid was injecting a strange liquid into Vader's arm.

Luke gave the droid a nod and said, "How's he doing?"

The machine reported, "Condition stable. Recommend advance tissue regeneration at the Clan Medical Center on Naboo."

The young Jedi frowned. "I've near heard of a medical center like that before. It must be back where Kiya is originally from."

Though, suddenly Luke heard his father groan and slowly he opened his blue eyes and looked around the medical room bewildered. "Where am I? What has happened? My helmet?"

Luke placed his hand on Vader's shoulder and eased him back down and said, "Just relax, father. You're safe now. You're on Jinn Kenobi's ship and his med-droid treated you."

"It has been so long since I removed that helmet. Not since I was a Jedi did I last see the world through my own eyes. And my breathing—how did you repair my lungs?"

"I'm not sure, but Jinn's ship seems pretty advance. How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling—well. Like the air is finally clear. Where are we?"

Luke frowned and bit his lip. "Jeez, I don't know. I should have asked that astro-droid before I came in here, but the little guy was being so stubborn. I can go ask him."

Yet, before he could even move, Vader caught him by the arm and stilled him. "No, wait. It's not important right now. I can tell we're not in space. We probably landed somewhere. Luke, help me to stand."

"But, are you sure that's a good idea? You've just been seriously injured."

Vader grunted as he hauled himself to sit up while Luke reluctantly helped him to keep his balance. The Sith stared at his son and said, "I do not wish to sleep in the medical room. I want to sleep on a bed."

-0-0-0-

Location: The Falcon

Once again, Thrice and Ben had fallen into the role of mom and dad on the ship. Han woke up to see the pair up early and preparing breakfast together side by side for the rest of the crew. The food smelled great and it was nice not worrying about meals since the lady-captain was such a fantastic cook and Han had to admit they did make a cute couple. It was weird that they didn't know each other for no more than a month and already they were so comfortable with each other. It was like they'd been married for years instead of just engaged, though he concluded that it probably had something to do with them being actually two old people to begin with.

They were both from a different time, with a different set of rules that they just seemed to get each other without a thought. It was kind of nice seeing them act all proper and courtly. Yet, Han suddenly felt uncomfortable when he saw Ben unexpectedly grab Thrice by the waist and kissed her slow and deep. The lady-captain responded with a moan.

And it was then and there that the Captain decided he wasn't that hungry after all and he swiftly shut the door to the galley. He didn't want to intrude and he also heard some noises coming from the common room.

He stuck his head inside and saw that Scorn was having a sword fight with Kiya. The pair were both using metal swords and clashing away like a pair of medieval knights. Their attacks seemed intense and he might have jumped in to help Kita, but she was grinning from ear to ear. She quickly kicked Scorn in the chest and sent him to the ground while she bent down and pinned his hands above his head.

With a giggle she said, "Do you yield, Sith?"

Scorn smiled and replied, "Not in your life, Jedi."

At that, Han rolled his eyes and muttered, "Oh, brother." It amazed him that such deadly enemies could suddenly go off and play like children. And speaking of brothers—Han wondered where Mr. Pushy had gone. The slippery Jedi was growing on him. The space-pirate then moved down the hall till he saw Jinn was seated next to Leia.

The Princess was still worried sick over Luke and Jinn was tenderly stroking her hand and humming a melody. It looked like they were in an intimate moment and Han started to feel jealous that Jinn was touching her so affectionately.

Yet, when the song ended he said, "There now, your Highness. I hope my humming has helped you. Do you feel less worried?"

"Yes, I do, Master Jinn. Thank you."

"It's no trouble at all, Princess. I always try to help when help is needed."

Leia smiled. "You know, you sound so much like Obi-Wan. But, your eyes—they're so golden and sparkling, almost like diamonds. Oh, I'm sorry. I must sound silly."

"No, not at all. I appreciate the compliment. Any kind word from a lady is worth a treasure beyond gold."

The Princess laughed. "Oh, stop. You flatter me, Master Jinn. My good opinion isn't worth all that."

Jinn shook his head and clucked his tongue and said, "No, no, no Princess. Do not underestimate the power of words. You can make or break a man with a word. And I must warn you that I am a notorious flirt. I take great pleasure in gaining the good word of a lady."

"Really? Just my word?"

"A kind word—the right words can guide you through the blackest of hells, Princess. So, yes, words are good enough. Especially words from the right person."

"Am I the right person, Jinn?"

Smiling, the warrior replied, "It's still too early to tell, Princess. But, there are plenty of men from your world to choose from before you decided to move on to other realities."

Leia sighed, "That's true, Master Jinn, but most men aren't exactly princes."

"Oh? Is that what you want? A prince?"

"No, it's just—well, I guess I want to meet somebody who acts honorably like a prince. Someone who's kind and sticks up for his friends. They don't necessarily have to be from nobility. Being royalty doesn't make you better or happy. It's just that I envy Captain Greenfire. She's so strong and capable while at the same time she's so kind and loyal. She's such a complete person and now that she's in love it's like she's suddenly alive in a way I never even imagined."

"Yes, I see what you mean, but there is a prince out there for you, Miss Leia. Someone who fits you. You must have faith."

-0-0-0-

"It has been too long since I felt the sun on my face," said Vader as he stood outside the ship and gazed out onto the forests of Endor. It was amazing what one took for granted until suddenly it is gone. Simply pleasures like sunlight and breathing easily had become a luxury he felt he should absorb.

Though, quietly he felt the presence of his son and the astro-droid appear beside him. The droid, R9 was very bold and came next to him and spoke.

"Vader, you and Luke should not go explore in case of danger and wait for Master Jinn to arrive with the others. I've detected several life forms last night near our location."

"Are they a danger?"

"Negative, Sir. Information is incomplete and ship's scanners were damaged."

"Then, how do you know your Master will return?"

"I activated my homing beacon."

"What planet is this?"

"Endor, Sir."

Startled, Vader parroted, "Endor? Then, we must be near the shield generator. Curious, I wonder who is in charge now that the Emperor is no more?"

However, he paused and felt something in the Force and he drew out his lightsaber while Luke saw this and automatically did the same. The young Jedi was about to ask what was wrong when suddenly they found themselves surrounded by stormtroopers.

The Sith frowned when he saw them and said, "I am Lord Vader. What are you men doing here?"

A trooper stepped froward and replied, "Commander, we are here on patrol after we detected an unknown vessel. We didn't know it was you, sir, but we were order by Head Quarters to bring you to Central Command on Death Star 2."

Vader shut off his lightsaber and turned to ponder this new information. It never occurred to him what he should do now that the Emperor was dead. Should he take over his role and be the new Lord Sith and Emperor? Should he rule the galaxy like he intended? He could ask Luke to join him by his side and make him his new apprentice. They could rule together like he dreamed. Though, knowing the boy, he knew he would likely refuse. He had too much influence by Obi-Wan. He wouldn't want to become a Sith. It was just too bad that Scorn was not here. The indifferent child would likely go with anything his Master suggested, but now that plan was gone as well. And could he really return to the ways of the Sith? Could he betray Luke's trust?

"Come, Luke. We are going to Central Command."

-0-0-0-

TBC