Chapter 87
AN: Some of the events and people mentioned are from "Shadows of the Empire". I hope everyone enjoys it!
The wide expansion of desert seemed to stretch on forever. Ari was thankful that there was no one to monitor the comings and goings of ships on Tatooine. Her fighter started its descent to the coordinates that Luke had given her.
While Luke had expressed interest in having Ari come as soon as possible, it still had taken over a standard month. Part of that was due to more information that the Empire was clearly planning something. Also, Luke had been through a lot, though he had not explained it all to Ari, promising to tell her when he next saw her.
"R4, are you sure there is no one tracking us?" she asked. While she doubted the Empire would be very concerned with Tatooine, there had apparently also been a blockade after Luke's droids landed on the planet. Also, if they knew that Han was being held captive, they probably also knew that the others would come to rescue him.
Hearing a few beeps Ari glanced at the monitor and gave a small nod. It would appear they were safe from prying eyes, at least for a moment.
Following the coordinates, Ari saw where they were supposed to land. It was right under a hanging rock, which would shield it from any ships flying over. Apparently Luke was not the only one who was worried about being spotted. Once they landed at the coordinates Luke at given, Ari opened the cockpit and was immediately hit by the dry heat that made it almost difficult to breath. While she had been gone for a long time, Ari did not think the climate would affect her like this. However, she realized she must have gotten used to Arbra. She was glad that Taga had not joined them, though she was saddened that their furry companion would not join them. She respected his want to stay with his kind, and Ari was certain that the heat and sand would be a big shock to him.
As it was, Ari realized that R4 was going to have problems as well since sand could cause damage. However, the little droid did not complain and instead was able to get out of the fighter without too much trouble.
Ari pulled her survival pack onto her shoulders and jumped to the sandy ground gracefully. She had to shade her eyes from the sun to look around, and she could not understand why Luke told her to land here. There did not seem to be anyone or anything around. They were beyond the Dune Sea, far from the few cities on Tatooine, though Ari was aware that they were somewhat close to Jabba's palace.
Just when she was starting to wonder if she should attempt to contact Luke, she saw a figure coming toward her. A figure in black and the suns that were just beginning to set cast a shadow of the man coming toward them.
Squinting to see the figure better, Ari noticed how the man seemed to be moving with purpose, but without hurrying. When he got a bit closer and she saw who it was, Ari rushed toward him, dropping her pack in the sand next to her fighter. She heard R4 give a squeal of surprise, but he didn't turn around.
As she got closer, she saw a small smile on the figure's face and then she was close enough to throw her arms around him, hugging him.
"It is good to see you," Luke spoke. He sounded a bit older and a bit more tired than he had been before. She supposed she must look different to him as well.
"You too," Ari answered as Luke pulled back. He was dressed in simple black clothes and Ari saw his new lightsaber was on his belt. "Congratulations," she smiled.
"Thank you. It feels good to have a lightsaber again. And this time it is one I built." He patted it as it to be certain it was still there.
Ari opened her mouth to speak, but R4 appeared beside her, beeping loudly, dragging her pack behind him. Ari didn't have to look at the translator to know that droid was clearly not pleased with how she had acted.
"I am sorry, R4, I was just excited." She picked up her bag and out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Luke was smiling slightly.
"Come on you two, let's get inside."
Ben Kenobi's home was small yet reflected his personality. It had only the basic necessities, as well as a few saved documents about the Jedi, including the ones Luke had used to build his lightsaber. While most dwellings would have become rundown, Ben's looked as if it had been taken care of the whole time. Ari was certain that Luke must have cleaned it when he first arrived. There was no sand on the floor and the walls were clean. There was one bed which was neatly made and there was some food stocked in the small kitchen's cabinets.
"You can set your pack down. The others will be here soon," Luke offered.
"Where are they?" Ari asked. There was no way that they could all be staying in Ben's home.
"Lando and Chewie hid the Falcon in a nearby cave. The others have all been staying there."
"How long have you been here?" Ari questioned. She had received the message one standard month ago and Luke had to come here to make a saber before that. She wondered what she had missed.
"We just got back about a week ago. We went on an unexpected mission," Luke explained, then motioned for her to sit down. The only place that looked somewhat comfortable was the bed, so she sat down on that and Luke sat beside her.
"Leia was taken captive by the head of the Black Sun," Luke started. Ari frowned. She had heard of the Black Sun. It was a criminal organization, and if she had heard the correct reports, Prince Xizor, the leader of the organization, was dead.
"Leia was trying to find out who was sending assassins after me. So Lando, Dash, and I went to get her out," Luke continued.
"Dash?" Ari asked. She couldn't think of any Rebels with that name.
"Dash Rendar. He was delivering supplies and had to help us fight so that he could escape Hoth. He knew Han and Lando. He died helping us," Luke sighed deeply. "At least, that is what we think," he added.
"I think I might need you to start from the beginning," Ari remarked. Apparently she had missed a lot.
Luke had just finished telling her the entire story when there was a knock on the door. Two short knocks, a pause, and then one short knock.
"That is Leia. We had to make up a knock so we would know it was not just a lost farmer," he explained. With just a small movement of his hand, he unlocked the door and it opened to reveal Leia and Chewie.
"Ari," Leia gave her a smile. The Princess looked very tired, but from what Luke had told her, that was to be expected. Instead of mentioning it, Ari just smiled in response.
While they seemed to be uncomfortable with physical contact, Chewie came to her and gave her a hug that lifted her right off her feet. "Good to see you too, Chewie," Ari managed with a laugh.
As Chewie set her back down, she saw a flash of golden metal. She knew that figure anywhere. "Oh, Mistress Arianna. It is a relief to see you in one piece. We have been awaiting your arrival." Next to Threepio, a domed figure appeared beside him. It was R2-D2 who gave a few beeps in greeting.
"Threepio, why don't you take R4 to get recharged on the Falcon, and guard the ship," Leia suggested after sharing a look with Luke. While Ari had known Luke for a long time, she wondered what he and Leia were planning.
"Well, certainly, Princess Leia," Threepio replied, though he sounded a bit hesitant. "Come along," he motioned to R4, who was happy to comply. "And you," the human like droid turned to R2, "had better not cause anymore trouble." Before the droid could make a response, Threepio and R4 were gone, making their way to where the Falcon was hidden.
"Why do I have a feeling you wanted to get rid of Threepio?" Ari spoke up. "And why can't Lando watch the ship? Speaking of Lando, where is he?" She didn't know him very well, but she found it nearly impossible not to like the former con man.
"Lando is already undercover in Jabba's Palace. At least, that is what we hope. He was going to contact us to let us know some important facts, like the number of guards, any traps that could be set, and where to find Han," Leia replied.
"Threepio is going to be needed in the next phase of this, but if he knows the truth, he might accidentally reveal vital information," Luke added.
"So what are you going to do next?" Ari asked, curious. At that moment, she was not coming up with a plan that could involve Threepio without his knowledge.
Luke gave a small, knowing smile. He motioned for them to step back, and then nodded to R2. "Are you ready?" The droid beeped in reply and Luke started to speak. It was clear he had carefully prepared this speech.
"Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Luke Skywalker, Jedi
Knight and friend to Captain Solo. I know that you are powerful, mighty Jabba, and that your anger with Solo must be equally powerful. I seek an audience with Your Greatness to bargain for Solo's life. With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an arrangement which will be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my goodwill, I present to you a gift: these two droids. Both are hardworking and will serve you well." Luke gave the smallest nod to R2 and the recording ended.
"I can see why Threepio might object to this. But do you really think Jabba will listen?" Ari asked.
"If not, then we will have to do something else," Luke answered simply. He glanced over at Leia who met his gaze. It was clear they had something else planned, and Ari could also tell that they were not going to tell her what they had planned.
"I want to do my part as well," Ari spoke up. "I know you might have all the plans figured out, but I do want to help. Han is my friend as well." She couldn't just let all of them go on a mission like this and expect her to stay behind.
When Ari caught Luke's eye, she noticed just a hint of uneasiness there. "Well, there was something, but I really do not want you to do it."
"Luke, I am a big girl, I can handle myself," Ari reminded him. Instead of being defensive with this comment, she stated it more as a fact, clearly she also had grown up a bit.
"We need to make sure Lando is alright. If he is inside the Palace, it will make this much easier and I have a feeling we will need him. However, if something has happened to him, we can not go through with the plan because Jabba will be expecting us."
"So basically, I have to get to the Palace, get in and see if Lando is there?" Ari asked. It sounded nearly impossible without getting caught. However, the Force was with her, and she knew that no matter what, she had that on her side.
Luke nodded, watching her intently. He seemed to be awaiting her answer, and yet dreading hearing it at the same time.
While she knew she should think about it, that she should try to think of another idea, she offered her answer almost immediately.
"I'll leave first thing in the morning."