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Anonymous: Thanks for informing me. I admittedly did not know that. Luke taking the Skyhopper has been retconned from this story for him going into Mos Espa and trading it in for a vessel for a bit. But on your other claims, however, you're SEVERELY underestimating Grandmaster Luke it's not even funny. He is pretty much the embodiment of the Force at this point, rivaling Sidious in more ways than one. Going on to an ISD is a walk in the morning for him. Besides, last time I had similar reviews to yours from people when I had Luke play along with the script with TPM for only TWO chapters, so if I did with the taking the droids to Obi-Wan path it would be (why don't Luke just leave Tatooine and save Leia himself) you would probably be one who was on that stance instead because it would take a few chapters or so before we see Vader and I don't feel like Luke would want to leave Vader be when anything could literally happen now. Also, saying "grammar is a little messy" without clarification isn't very helpful.
Chapter 2
Her world flashed around her. Her head felt cloudy, and she was a little dizzy. She had been knocked unconscious a few times throughout her life.
A couple of times riding her father's XJ-2 airspeeder, 1 speeder crash, twice playing on her old bike as a kid, and 1 quick knockout in a fight (but got up and kept fighting, didn't do so well in that one).
This wasn't as bad.
At least not yet.
No, the worst had yet to begin for the Princess of Alderaan.
The Empire had her now. Incriminating evidence-given how she'd murdered one trooper, and how the Empire must have gotten something. For Lord Vader to continue to cross her, it was almost as if she was being dragged in front of her father for punishment after she and Winter did something they shouldn't have.
"Are you well, Princess?" One of the Stormtroopers - a Commander - questioned, his older voice suggesting years of experience. If anything, it sounded like a Clone's voice.
Leia didn't mistake his politeness for affection. The cold heart of the Imperial Navy had no care for anyone but themselves. That included the Clones who remained loyal to the Empire.
"She's a real nasty bitch, Commander, took down TK-9091 before DV-692 got the drop on her," one of the troopers stated angrily.
Leia felt a little bit of pride in being referred to as a "bitch." Good to know she pissed him off. Hopefully, she'd gotten a higher count when this all was over!
The Commander chuckled. "If the poor bastard was ill-suited to handle a young lady, Sergeant, then that sounds like a skill problem to me and less of a headache for the Imperial Navy. Take her to Lord Vader, will you? And try not to get any more of yourselves killed along the way."
"Get moving," the Sergeant stated, obviously insulted by the implied virulence to his men.
Princess Leia Organa walked down with the armed troopers of the Imperial Navy moving alongside her, their footsteps vibrating off of the ground, blasters clutched in their hands.
She allowed herself not to feel fear, even as the armored, black form of Darth Vader emerged from the corridor, and stared down at her, placing his hands on his hips, and seeming to sigh in exasperation.
She fought a smirk and was mainly unsuccessful, for they had several encounters in the past. Each time, Vader was forced to let her go. She knew it would not be so this time, but she wasn't going to allow him to get the answers he'd wanted about the plans. If it was of any luck, Kenobi would soon possess the Rebel plans, and the Empire would be in for a whole other trouble.
"Darth Vader. Only you could be so bold. The Imperial Senate will not sit still for this. When they hear you've to attacked a diplomatic -"
The Dark Lord cut her off, "Don't act so surprised, Your Highness. You weren't on any mercy mission this time. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Rebel spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you."
Leia tilted her head in false confusion and anger. "I don't know what you're talking about. I am a member of the Imperial Senate on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan." Her eyes flashed with passion and anger
Vader's irritation reached a crescendo and he pointed at her, "You are a part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor!" He then gestured to the Stormtroopers... "Take her away!"
One of the Stormtroopers pushed her down slightly, and Leia followed in step, keeping her dignity intact as they led her to a nearby holding cell on Darth Vader's Star Destroyer for processing.
After she was pushed inside, she smiled up at the white armored men. One of the Stormtroopers grumbled "about not getting paid for this nonsense" and, with that, let her rot in this cell. She refused to entertain them further and moved over to the nearby bed, flopping into it. She'd doubted that any sleep would be straightforward.
Leia knew she would have to be strong when it came to Darth Vader's interrogations, and mentally prepared for it the best way she could.
Only a few survived encounters with the Dark Lord when it came to being in a cell.
The Dark Lord was far from merciful and had a streak of violence and brutality that was a disaster for the galaxy.
"I wonder if I would be next," she thought out loud to the empty cell with a smile that didn't meet her lips. She'd always got the sense that she annoyed Vader far too much.
No one entered her cell.
Yet, she heard them outside. She knew they were watching her. No one wanted to be the one who was known to fail Vader while on their shift. Mainly the Captain of this poor vessel who probably would crap his pants if a little ol' Princess just let herself out.
She shook her head in amusement at the thought, now wondering why didn't many of them jumped shift and joined the Alliance. Would they rather wear that white armor and helmet that one couldn't even see out if past Imperial defectors and Rebels on missions were to be believed?
As Leia sat there, she swore... she felt something.
Something was reaching out to her. She snapped her head around her, brown eyes looking for... what? It was familiar like someone long lost was coming to her. Now, was not the time to be schizophrenic! She'd never even shown signs before, but people she knew had-
No, something soothed through her being. She wasn't going crazy.
That something was here.
Coming to her.
She wanted to stand up, but the door was a reminder that she couldn't do much. She couldn't find where this person was. Even if she could, she doubted that it was real.
The Princess looked up when finally the door to the cell block opened, and almost overwhelming light entered from something so faint...
A human?
On the outward appearance, he didn't seem so impressive. He was shorter than the average Stormtrooper if she was being frank. His clothing implied poverty.
Most notably, the Stormtroopers guarding her cell were still standing around, not taking note of someone obviously violating many prisoner's regulations or outright Imperial conduct with his uniform.
"Who are you?" Leia asked.
"I am Luke Skywalker and I am here to rescue you," he replied.
"You're who?"
"Not this again." The man sighed. "I am a Jedi, and you can trust me, Your Highness."
A Jedi? Well, he obviously wasn't General Kenobi.
"Ben Kenobi sent you?" Leia asked, standing up.
"You wouldn't believe the story of why I'm here if I told you," he said back, some conviviality in his tone, albeit distant.
Quirking an eyebrow at that in curiosity at his comment, she decided that was a story for later.
"Why can't they see you?" She inquired.
IF this wasn't a dream.
"Force illusion." At her inquiry look, Luke sighed. "Long story, but I am able to project into the mind of the individuals, making them see one thing instead of another."
"So it's like a Hologram?" Leia asked, darting an eyebrow.
"Close. The difference between a Force illusion and Hologram is that you can't physically interact. Even more importantly, illusion does not impact only the mind of the creatures. It connects with the hearing and the senses, even the cameras, or mechanical eyes." Luke indicated to the camera.
"You can sneak up on the Emperor doing that," she spoke, realizing how childish such a comment was.
Luke shook his head. "Though powerful, it is not without its limitations. It won't work against Force Sensitives, very strong-minded individuals, or the Yuuzhan Vong." He almost did a double-take at that. A possible slip of the tongue. Leia knew from her political skills.
"What is a Yuuzhan Vong?" Leia demanded.
Luke looked like he was cursing himself, adding onto her skepticism.
"A story for later," he settled with, and she was most definitely not pleased with the simplistic answer.
She couldn't drill him now, "How do you know this is going to work?"
"I have been training in this for years. It is difficult to learn."
Damn, he was so convincing. Something within her believed him. Just how powerful was this guy, and how didn't she ever meet him before? Where was his lightsaber? Her father told stories of Jedi without their ancient weapons, but they had been so far and in between. Kriff! He needed to be brought to the Rebellion if he could do that!
"Will the security see us?" Leia inquired, growing more and more intrigued.
"As far as they're concerned, you haven't left your cell and I am not here. We'll have to avoid... Darth Vader." Luke replied, hesitating at the last part.
This wasn't the first time Leia met a hero. One, Galen Marek, on Kashyyyk. She had taken advantage of his abilities with the Imperial skyhook before it could be used to shuttle Wookiee slaves off-planet. Acting under this mysterious stranger without any bargains or chances to prove himself would be putting her into what could be a predictable trap to get her hopes up.
"Alright, I'll bite, what reason do you have to assist me?" Leia replied tauntingly, the outlines of a smirk falling on her lips.
"You won't ever imagine the main reasons why," Luke replied, his eyes growing distant.
Part of Leia almost felt guilty. Almost. She replied. "I see. I take it this isn't a ploy by Vader to get me shot."
"No ploy," Luke ensured. "Is Vader really the kind who play jokes?"
Kriff, he got her there... "Good point."
She followed him out of her cell, sucking in a breath, preparing for her death. None came. The Imperial guards weren't even alerted, not even as she looked at them. They seemed almost undisturbed. Not even Stormtroopers were that good of actors.
Now, both walked - more appropriately took a casual stroll - down the corridors of Stormtroopers. They didn't even have to be secretive. The troopers, Imperial personnel, and all organics were commencing as if all was normal. The MSE-6-series repair droids did look and beep in alarm but nothing came.
"Must be malfunctioning. Little buggers." one officer commented to another who nodded in agreement.
"We'll get them checked out with the techs," the other said, "time for an update anyway if you ask me."
Despite that, Leia couldn't say that she wasn't nervous. Unless this guy was some Imperial playing a trick on her, or she did fall asleep and none of this was ever happening, they were traveling throughout an Imperial vessel with no detection.
They finally made it to the hangar, the apprehension still lingering. The Imperial personnel hadn't seemed even to notice the vessel of an unfamiliar design in the hanger of the ISD.
"Ho..." She began to ask.
"I clouded the ship with the Force," Luke said.
Leia had a lot of questions to ask him later. Jedi or not, this was beyond abilities that Leia ever heard of before!
The few troopers in the hangar walked in their direction, but instead of stopping and demanding their arrests, they walked... right through her?! True to his word...
He gripped her hand in support and nodded. She followed behind him to the ship.
"When will they notice we've escaped?"
"When Vader or another Force Adept review the security cameras-I imagine," Luke answered, his tone becoming more sheepish.
"What are you planning now?" Leia demanded.
"You have to leave me."
"What?!" she blanched. "Vader would skin you alive when he see-"
"I have someone else I came for, Your Highness," Luke answered, "leave. The Force will be with you."
"And where should I go?" Leia demanded, feeling something telling her he would be alright.
"Tatooine. I have left coordinates on the ship. The Larses. They'll help you."
Leia didn't even have a chance to argue as Luke walked away...
He looked back over his shoulder, his upper body turning only halfway.
"Go, we'll meet again, I promise you."
And for some reason, she knew he wasn't lying, even as she'd gotten into the ship and followed the coordinates...
The Force was with him, Luke reasoned.
And so, Luke let the Force within him channel up, no longer shadowing his presence.
Leia was safe.
He'd thought about keeping his sister here, but he knew that she would be reluctant to accept her familial connection with Vader and it could be too much to take. This Leia just lost friends and family-one Captain Antilles who she'd remembered fondly.
He decided it was better that she wasn't on board so he could reach his father. This was a stressful day for her. She needed to sleep it off.
He reached out to his father and released the Veil of him.
Pain was a constant companion, a searing reminder of his physical wounds of some sort and emotional scars that went deep. This pain fueled his connection to the Dark Side, deepening his anger and hatred. These emotions were palpable, radiating from him like an oppressive aura. They gave him strength but also chained him to a perpetual cycle of suffering and rage.
This darkness' sense of power and control was intoxicating. This darkness felt the Force as an extension of his will, a tool to impose their vision of order and domination. This mastery came with a cold, calculating detachment, allowing this being to harness the dark side's full potential without hesitation.
This presence was unmistakable. It was a dark star, a vortex of malevolence and might, casting a shadow that chilled even the bravest of Jedi.
Darth Vader.
Even after all those years, Luke missed him. Thoughts of Anakin Solo's broken body briefly appeared in his mind, before he willed himself to push it away. Not the time to mourn now...
And he was coming...
The inferno of the Dark Side which clung onto him still so heavily.
In the cell that formerly housed his sister, he meditated, waiting, allowing his breathing to soften as the door opened and the mechanical form of the Dark Lord appeared like all those years ago.
"I have been expecting you," Luke said, standing up and facing the helmeted form of the Sith.
"Where is the Princess, Jedi?" Vader demanded, drawing his lightsaber into his hand and igniting the crimson weapon, expecting a confrontation. "Your arrogance shall be your downfall."
"Not arrogance, but hope. Hope for you," he answered, remaining in his seat. "I don't want to fight you."
"Then you are a fool," Vader stated icily, his breathing growing far more intense.
"Darth Sidious lied to you. He brought you into darkness, Anakin Skywalker."
"Anakin Skywalker was weak. I destroyed him." Vader denied vehemently, the room beginning to feel colder.
"That simply cannot be, for he is here. In front of me." Luke answered, the Force wrapping around him, warning him of the Dark Side's intent. "He told you that you would have the power to save the one you love. Padmé Amidala."
In a blur of motion, Vader swung his lightsaber, it only stopping a meter from his throat.
"You're misguided."
"No..." Vader said, his hands tightening around the weapon, willing it to strike him.
"You're lost..."
"No..."
"She would have been destroyed by what you're doing."
"She's gone!" Vader snapped, loss and agony coming through the respirator, temporarily disrupting his Force hold enough to break through.
Luke flipped over as Vader charged forward quicker than expected, lightsaber swinging. The Force obeyed his command, and Vader froze yet again, his lightsaber poised in his direction. His arms screeched to a sudden halt, caught by a stasis field. Vader strained.
Despite this, Luke felt pity for him. He would have sacrificed everything for Padmé Amidala, his mother. As a married man, Luke could understand. If anyone threatened Mara, he doubted that those years of training would have been enough.
"You spent years and spent much of your life searching for her. During the first number of years after your injury, you feebly tried to bring her back. You have always saw her vision and her death. Everywhere that you look, you spotted her. But you couldn't grab her. You searched but you could not find her. You envisioned reuniting with her. You dreamed of reuniting with her but she is in love with someone who's a dead man. Even if you could've brought her back to life, she would've been destroyed by what you had become. She could never accept the darkness."
The words cut far, far too deep.
"Sidious promised he could save her! I was meant to save her!" The fury slowly receded. "And it was for nothing."
Luke nodded sympathetically. "The Dark Side doesn't save anyone."
Vader's anger was no longer blinding. He must have recognized that he could not defeat Luke. "No, but what other choice did I have?" he asked. "I had a new Master, the one who chained me to him, took everything from me. My title, Darth Vader, and an Empire at my hands. All due to my selfishness."
"To be both selfless and selfish means you decide a fate of a victim and save them. The Jedi detected this in you and were concerned about your nature. What Palpatine did was construct a crisis that would remove the selfless motivations from you to free your selfish nature from its desire to serve others. Her death was this provocation. Palpatine wanted you to harness your selfish emotions to serve only him while you were tricked into selflessly thinking you could learn to bring her back by becoming his apprentice."
Silence.
"...Are you going to kill me now, Jedi?" Vader snapped, but Luke swore his tone was much more solemn behind the respirator.
"No. Never."
"You've accomplished nothing then. To have a major opportunity and refrain is fool-hardy."
"I believe you can be turned from the Dark Side," Luke answered.
Vader growled, "You don't know the power of the Dark Side. It is not a decision to make. One cannot return."
"Revan and Bastila Shan have returned from the Dark Side. So has your former Apprentice, Galen Marek. It would be a long journey but you can. I've seen it. There's always hope."
Agony briefly consumed him at the mention of Marek. It was so prompt Luke almost didn't see it. So he cared about Marek after all? It made sense. There was inherently no way to raise one and not care about someone.
It was buried in a moment, replaced by the stoicism the Dark Lord built up around himself. The voice within the transpirator spoke but the tone was pained and venomous. "If you do not strike me down, I will hunt you down and destroy you."
"I don't believe you will with the next information I have yet to tell you."
Confusion surrounded the darkness now, cutting through his focus. "Oh, pray tell? What's importance do you have to me?"
Luke sighed. "You and Darth Sidious have forgotten one thing."
"What may that be?" Vader humored.
"Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala's offspring." A pained smile fell across Luke's face.
The Force pulsated around the two. Vader was broken free, but he still didn't charge forward, remaining frozen like a statue.
"N-no, it can't be. Sidious told me..."
"Yes, I am your son, Luke Skywalker."