Feel free to join my Discord server: . disc ord. gg /3b3B xdHQKG (delete the spaces). You can talk about whatever you want in there. SW and RDR channels are in there as well.
Chapter 17
It was as if the Force mocked them. In the end, while he had saved hundreds, even more perished. Their chips kept exploding. Some did so before they were freed since their masters' paranoia ran far too deep.
It was infuriating.
To know how powerful Jabba's influence was even in death.
However, Luke allowed his rage to pass into the Force, guiding the collective band of survivors out.
The storage and lounge were packed with former slaves of all genders. Some were sleeping soundly with each other, thankful for their newfound freedom, using the extra blankets that Solo had brought. Others just sat on the couch or the floor, their heads bowed with different ranges of emotions, uncertain of what all of this meant. Others were in different ships, flying off autopilot or deals Han made up.
This most certainly didn't happen in the original timeline. Now, Luke had already destroyed the "script" and was now relying on his training and experience to keep things proceeding. If it was any luck, the former slaves would be recruited into the various openings that the Rebellion had, and the Empire going to war with the Hutts would give them the necessary leeway that they didn't have in the original timeline.
"So we're going to talk about what happen?"
"Do you have to talk so much? It's incessant." Vader chimed in.
"You have to be the oddest bunch I've ever seen," Han mumbled.
"You're part of the family now, Captain," Luke made a quip at what he was getting into, good-humoredly.
"I didn't do this willingly," he answered.
He'd known that his father must have threatened his good friend in this typical Vader manner when Luke wasn't looking, something that he couldn't control.
Speaking of the man, his father remained behind in the seat behind the Captain. It occurred to Luke that it was just them: his father, sister, and brother-in-law, all in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, currently flying to Alderaan.
Wow, Luke most certainly never thought he would be thinking that type of way.
"Since you went ahead and offed Jabba, you've gotta be worth something," Solo relented, throwing up one arm lazily in that good old fashion that Han typically did. "But how do I know me and Chewie ain't next?"
Leia commented with mild amusement, "It's a tempting idea. We don't have to keep him around. He's nothing but a common scoundrel."
Han quipped back. "Perhaps you need a gorgeous guy in your life, your Majesty. It doesn't seem you have a lot of options."
Leia huffed, "When you find him, tell me."
As Solo was about to make yet another remark, Vader cut in. "Captain, concentrate on the objective."
"Well, unless you have transportation powers, Scarface, I can't go any faster than this."
Luke leaned back against the seat, allowing himself to just live in the moment. He closed his eyes but didn't fall asleep, enjoying the flight. He didn't realize how much he missed these days. It had been far too long without it just being Han, Leia, and him. With Vader being here, it just added another memory that Luke could look back on fondly many years from now, presuming everything went right.
"Hello, dear."
Inside the Aldera Royal Palace, the remaining members of House Organa - once a symbol of happiness and hope - were consumed by complete darkness and lost. Bail Organa just felt like he'd failed in everything. Not only his daughter was dead, but Padmé's last remnant was too. It brought back the grief that came when she died.
Yet, they were given a new motivation to continue what the woman started with the Delegation of 2000, secretly expanding the ascendancy of the Rebellion, while also raising the woman's secret daughter, known as Leia Organa.
Right now, there had been a grave entrenched on Alderaan's surface, surrounded by past rulers.
That horrible event.
Her body was never recovered; another fallen victim to the Empire. They attempted to keep their heads held high and hoped desperately that she had survived, but alas, reality came down brutally, extinguishing the hope they held in their hearts. Excuses fell flat after the stage of denial. Very few were known to survive the cruelty of the Empire.
Every time he closed his eyes, he remembered that event...
Breha Organa stood before the weighted coffin, tears in her eyes. Bail, obviously, followed behind her. He felt nothing but sympathy for his wife, wishing that she didn't have to bear this burden. But she was the Queen and had to give the speech. Bail was thankful he didn't, otherwise, his voice might have broken as his beloved daughter had always found ways to make him proud as much as she got on his nerves. Even when she overextended her place, and Bail was obligated to punish her, he found secret amusement in her antics.
After looking at his wife for a moment, he gently placed a hand on her waist, trying to calm her and give her enough confidence to deliver Leia's speech.
The people were dead quiet, if not tearful, and held strong love in their hearts for the good Princess of Alderaan. She was a bright light in an ever-intensifying, darkening galaxy.
Winter, too, standing in the shadows...
Breha breathed deeply, pain and ache buried deep in her heart. Bail could tell she was attempting to find her voice. A coldness passed through the air.
'Citizens of Alderaan, we gather to celebrate the life of our recently deceased daughter and the Royal Princess of Naboo: Leia Organa,' she proclaimed, her voice commanding attention. Every pair of eyes drew in on her. 'Despite her unfortunate passing, she lived her life happily, gaining as much enjoyment out of every day as possible. Leia has been, and always will be, a part of us. Her energy surrounds me—surrounds Alderaan. She embodies the spirit of our most positive souls; she brought out the best in us. She always enjoyed looking towards the future and striving to make everyone's lives happier. She looked at things optimistically, even during dire circumstances. What we can hope to gain from enduring such a deprivation of life as this is to find what Leia saw in us and bring it to light. She always had a reason to be happy and try to set an example for everyone. Her compassion extends beyond the galaxy. Thank you.'
He knew it was the correct tone to go along with the people of Alderaan, who could use a speech like this in such a tragic circumstance.
The whole eulogy could have been easily neglected, though, as soon as his wife allowed her voice to waft over the crowd. They were all captivated, all mesmerized by the Queen's calm if trembling voice and the way it carried every emotion she ever felt about her daughter.
All were crying.
Bail, now, too...
Once done, she was introduced quietly out of respect for the dead.
Without a body...
No matter what he'd done, the event would not leave his head. The least the Empire could have done was send Leia's body for them to properly bury her instead of leaving the Organas to dwell in misery. At last, that was what the Empire did, wasn't it? Destroy everything it touched.
Bail Organa sighed as he leaned against the chair after conquering another pile of paperwork. His left hand slipped clumsily over the nearby blue cup that the Viceroy had forgotten was there, knocking it over and staining some of the paperwork. He shook his head, too numb to the surface to allow himself to feel annoyance.
When new papers were placed in front of him, Organa realized he wouldn't be able to work. He decided to put them off for later. He didn't need sympathy or pity. He wanted his daughter back.
But it was not to come.
He stood up and moved over to his queen, where he first held Leia many years ago. This was a familiar scene that Bail had been forced to witness for a week now. And like every time until nightfall, he wrapped his arms around his beautiful wife, allowing her to lean on his comfort. He had to be strong.
Bail's comlink began beeping, but he ignored it. He couldn't take his attention off his wife.
It stopped for a few seconds before repeating.
"You should answer that," Breha said softly.
Bail looked at her reluctantly.
She swallowed her tears and gave him an agonized smile, "I'll be fine."
Bail clicked on the comlink, answering it. "Your Majesties," an aide said on the other side, "a ship has hailed us. They're quite urgent to speak with both of you."
Not an unusual request, but done in the rarest of circumstances.
Bail looked at her, torn.
"We shall meet with them," his wife answered for him, stealing the words from his mouth.
They had to be strong.
After this meeting, they could mourn again.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The comlink cut off, allowing the Organas to gather themselves and stand, moving side-by-side as guards lined up behind them towards the hangar.
They were preparing for the Empire to return in savagery.
The freighter lowered into the hangar, producing a slight steam as the ramp opened.
For several seconds, nothing happened.
"Mama! Papa!" a familiar voice exclaimed in joy, and the figure ran up and wrapped her arms around them.
Bail blinked. Could this be a ghost? The fragmentation of their own imagination?
As she didn't disappear, he understood. No, this was their daughter, alive, healthy, and very well. His wife seemed to have gone through the same stage as he'd just did. The two wrapped their arms around her, tears producing themselves as they held her form.
They held her, willing to keep her in their arms forever if only to not wake up and discover that this was a nightmare. No, it had to be real. It had to be! He would fight not to leave this dream.
"We're-we're so glad!" Breha exclaimed, pulling back and kissing Leia's cheek in shrill excitement.
The scene continued as Leia's happiness of her own was barely contained.
"Leia, how did you escape from the Empire?" Bail asked.
"I had some help."
As if on cue, several figures exited the ship's ramp. Someone around Leia's age at the head of them, carrying himself with confidence. A boy. Not just any boy. The boy from nineteen years ago. Bail could tell. He was a spitting image of his parents. And three other humans, a Wookiee, and the two droids.
Most noticeably, a cylindrical hilt was clipped to the boy Luke's belt. Had General Kenobi trained Anakin's offspring to wield the Force? It certainly made sense. After all, with their help, the Rebellion could spread throughout the galaxy and reform the New Republic into something bigger and better. But weren't they waiting until the time was right? Why train him so early?
"Viceroy Organa," the boy said, his voice youthful but cordial, bowing slightly, "my name is Luke Skywalker. This is Owen Lars, Beru Whitesun, Han Solo, and Chewbacca."
The two older people bowed. The smuggler waved his hand with a scoff, clearly not caring about formalities. The Wookiee at least had the manners to bow slightly.
"That aside, we have passengers who need your assistance. They were slaves."
Shocked, Bail knew there was a story behind this, but decided it was better for later. "Of course, of course."
Luke nodded to Solo and Chewbacca who went back up and left them for a few more seconds before coming back down with species of all types. All of them looked malnourished or tormented. The garments they were wearing left very sickening implications. It was a staggering number.
Organa recovered from his shock and motioned to the people at his back. "Have rooms set up immediately."
The guards nodded at once, and Luke stepped aside, allowing the former slaves to enter the palace without interruption.
The presence of the astromech and protocol droid was good news. Both were useful in their tone.
"There are many matters to be taken care of," Luke declared, solemnity leaking into his tone.
"Yes, Master Skywalker, where is your Master?" Bail asked. "I'll like to speak with him."
Luke smirked nervously.
"This matter, I imagine, is far more personal and difficult, but you must hear it. I've rescued the Princess alone without the aid of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan isn't here. However, I had help."
Organa bit his lip, unsure why he felt an instant burst of apprehension in his heart.
Leia copied the nervous smile. "It's going to require a lot of explanation, but you have to hear us out before jumping to conclusions."
"Leia..." Breha said in a warning tone. "What is it?"
"This is not her fault," Luke cut in, "I know this will be difficult, but it will make sense after what we tell you—I promise. He will not bring any harm to anyone."
Who would not?
At that moment, footsteps came down.
The moment Organa stared up, his heart clenched in horror and disgust, repulsed at the very sight of the man who helped bring about the Republic's fall into an Empire, hunted down countless Jedi, and even captured Organa a few years back.
Of course, after Marek rescued them, Bail went into hiding and was publicly disowned by Leia to continue acting on behalf of the Imperial Senate and aiding the Rebel Alliance. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." The Emperor and Vader wanted the whole Rebellion, not just one leader. They left him running around, seeing who he contacted.
And now...
Vader...
Vader...
VADER!
'Oh kriff, he's healed.'
It took what felt like hours to find his voice when in reality it was only a few seconds. His throat went dry, and Organa didn't know what to do. Luke Skywalker's presence being forgotten, alarms went off in the man's head.
"Anakin," Bail managed.
Vader reacted with no emotion, not breaking his stride as he moved down the ramp, unleashing his presence fully on the planet of Alderaan. Force Sensitives, even those untrained, stared up at the dark inferno. It came off more as a mere bit than actual pain, but it was there, and they'd felt the slightest sense of anxiety.
Jedi Knight Ylenic It'kla felt much different from within his place of residence; seeing the skylines darkening and shifting all at once, feeling the sickening power of the Dark Side invading House Organa. All of a sudden, the planet seemed to have been bathed in shadows of the Light Side.
Aside from the relief that Bail Organa's daughter was alive, the suddenly healed Darth Vader was strolling casually inside his residence, his apparatus removed once again.
Leia inclined slightly. Quickly, the positions were reversed. Vader moved past them behind his daughter. Luke followed within step. Bail and Breha stood close to their guards, recovering from the shock and pushing through. The guards only did what they had to and swarm behind them.
This was going to be a long conversation.
From the depths of meditation came a man's voice.
"I love you, Mara..."
She opened her eyes. It was a voice she'd started hearing. It tugged at parts of her that never seemed to exist at all or was dead, depending on one's viewpoint.
She discarded both memory and contemplation.
Such was the life of Emperor Palpatine's Hand.
'I will do anything for you.'
'And I you.'
More voices. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Who was that man in her dreams? Why did when she connected with that echo, everything became lighter for her?
"Jade, I feel your distress," the Emperor's voice vibrated within her head.
At the voice of the Emperor, she stared up, blinking once more. The Holoform of the Emperor almost appeared concerned.
Her throat operated. It was so dry she could barely talk at all, despite being refreshed.
"My Lord..."
Mara felt the keen eye of the Emperor. Something was different. Although nothing had been said, she could tell that this was a matter of importance.
She waited. There was no hurrying Emperor Palpatine.
"I have a long mission for you."
"Yes, my Lord."
"We're in use of your stealth skills."
She experienced a moment of confusion. Then she felt something familiar occurring, a shiver shooting down her entire body.
The same voice that had disturbed her from her meditation...
'Many people, when they become sick, retreat to their childhood and being helpless. They abandon who they have become and their place in the web that is the Force, then the disease severs those final connections and they die. As long as I'm fighting, I'm not dying.'
"Vader," she said, struggling to keep herself anchored to the present.
"Yes. You will travel to Alderaan and infiltrate the Rebellion. You must avoid Vader. You can fit in as a civilian."
"And then we'll discover this threat who lured Vader?"
'The Force brought us together, and kept bringing us together until neither of us could deny our destiny to be together forever.'
The Emperor's lips curved up into a frown. "You are still haunted by visions."
"Yes." There was no point denying it. "Yes, my Master."
"Tell me what do you see."
She didn't know where to start. She had been subjected to visions and hallucinations through all her senses: odors, fleeting touches, voices calling her, sights she could never have imagined. She attempted to ignore them, and when she couldn't ignore them, she tried to combine them together instead. Neither was entirely possible, and every attempt hurt so horribly that she despaired of it ever ending.
"Sometimes," she said, falteringly, "I smell of a peaceful place."
"Continue."
"I see a little boy, and feel the ground shake as I try with my life to protect him. And I hear a man — a man's voice — when I try to sleep." She swallowed. This was the most painful recollection of all. "I can't understand who and what he is to me. Do you know who he is?"
A pleading note had entered her voice, and she hated herself for it.
"They are the echoes from this ripple," the Emperor replied mercilessly. "A side effect from this abhorrence. They will fade."
"And if they don't?" she asked.
His face remained cold, "Then you will be of no use to me and a replacement for my Hand will have to be selected."
The nineteen-year-old straightened. She would. She didn't fear Vader. She didn't fear anyone. She'd learned.
"Vader's emotions made him weak," the Emperor said, his voice a warning. "If you are to serve me, you must be strong. Do you believe you can succeed in your task?"
Mara nodded. She would be. She would fight for him, for the Empire, and would make sure this connection faded.
"Yes."
"Then go. You will contact me again when the time comes."
Author's note: I may have introduced a subtle retcon in this chapter. I was trying to look up Mara's age for the near future and came up with contradicting information. Mara is two years younger than Luke at the time of Dark Force Rising and two years older than Luke at the time of Balance Point. 2007's Allegiance by Zahn, seemed to establish her as being 18 during the Battle of Yavin, when Luke is 18 going on 19 (which is also wrong since ANH was 19 years after ROTS). I flipped my mental coin and decided that they were the same age; Mara being a few months younger at most.
As for the common statement where people are saying that they wished EU Luke was sent to the Disney era, honestly (it would be funny ngl), in my opinion, Luke being sent back to the Disney era would be confusing and saddening since most people he knew wouldn't exist or be entirely different, BUT it would be far easier for him. I believe DC stuff was not only easily avoidable but also stupidly easy. If the characters were logical, the First Order and all that nonsense wouldn't ever rise, for the New Republic wouldn't demilitarize or allow them to get that far without issue. Plus, I am an EU loyalist so I would not write in that continuity aside from some mentions of Rebels or Mandalorian seasons 1 and 2.
On a lesser question asked, unfortunately, Starkiller will NOT be making an appearance in this fic. He will be mentioned but he died in the Emperor's throne room in my headcanon. I love the EU but I never liked the cloning idea being overused as it was, and Galen's story ended beautifully. And I feel like his cloning cheapens his sacrifice.
May the Force be with you all always.