The Tangible Crux (an alternate history)

[Kam Solusar]

Here's my first fanfic. I hope you guys enjoy.
Quick overview:
RATING: PG - Violence
SUMMARY: What if the droids had never made it off the Tantive IV? An alternate history story regarding the rise of Luke Skywalker in different circumstances.
FEEDBACK: - It's welcome, including constructive criticisms. However, if you just want to say it sucks without offering up any ideas for changing it, keep it to yourself, please. I'd also be happy to answer questions about "what happened" as long as it won't be covered in a later chapter.
DISCLAIMER: All characters and things STAR WARS belong to Lucasfilm. I'm only pontificating using characters Lucas created. A few characters will be my own creations.

The Tangible Crux


Prologue

BA 1031 was lost. He had been separated from the rest of his stormtrooper unit when it was caught in a crossfire in one of the accursed cross corridor sections of this antiquated Corvette. He could hear the sounds of blasters nearby, but couldn’t quite navigate his way around the Tantive IV to find them. To make matters worse, his helmet comm system was malfunctioning, and he wasn’t receiving anything but bursts of static. He came to another corridor cross section, and raised his blaster, and checked the corners. He made a quick choice as to where he felt the battle noise was coming from, and went right.

After only a couple seconds, he realized he had went the wrong way, as he found himself entering the escape pod bay. He was about to turn around and double back when he caught a flash of gold by the far pod. He trained his gun on the movement and called out “Freeze, hold where you are!” In to view came a gold plated protocol droid.

“Oh, dear,” the protocol droid exclaimed, “R2 come out of there this instance! I told you it was restricted!” From the hatchway of the pod BA 1031 heard the whistles and hoots of an astromech droid. He took a few paces to get both droids in view, and pulled the protocol droid to his side. Luckily he had dealt with this type of droid before, and knew where its on/off toggle was. He reached behind the neck and switched that droid off, and aimed his blaster at the astromech.

“Out of the pod, droid!” commanded BA 1031, and to his astonishment, the droid showed unusual disobedience by continuing in to the pod. Having a sudden flash of insight, he shifted his aim lower, and blew off one of the lower legs of the droid, and with an electronic squeal, the astromech toppled on to its side. Hoping somebody would pick up his transmission, he toggled his comm. “BA 1031 to Command, Trooper BA 1031 to Command, I send but don’t know if I’m being received. I have disabled two droids showing suspicious behavior and trying to access the escape pods. Repeat: I have two disabled droids…”


Chapter 1
3 Years After the Destruction of Alderaan.
Lars Homestead, Tatooine

Luke Skywalker finished the repair to the number 8 vaporator, and closed the hatch. He sighed, looking at his chronometer. It had taken him four hours to repair the damage last weeks sandstorm had done to this section of the farm alone. He estimated he’d spend the better part of the next two days finishing the rest of his share of the work. He stood up, and dusted his pants off. The sooner he got these repairs done, the sooner he could run Beggar’s Canyon again. He was anxious to test out the upgrades on his T-16, especially since they were all from scrounged materials. Then maybe he would go visit Old Ben out at his homestead. He knew he’d have to be careful about that, though.

“Luke! Luuuuke!” came the sing song call he had gotten so sick of from his Uncle Owen, and Luke wondered for a second if Uncle Owen had actually known he was thinking about visiting Ben. The last time he had even seen Luke and Ben talking, in Anchorhead two and half years ago, he nearly forbade Luke from ever going off the farm alone.

“Over by number 8, Uncle Owen!’ he yelled back, sighing as he realized his uncle had probably found more damage for Luke to repair. He caught sight of his Uncle coming from the main living area, and started to walk over to him. As he got closer, he noticed Uncle Owen’s tunic was much dirtier than usual, and probably figured his matched. “Did you get the perimeter shields back online?” asked Luke.

“I’m afraid not. An entire coupling shorted out and fried itself. I’m going to need you to go in to Anchorhead and pick up a new one, so we can get the shields up tonight,” replied Owen. Luke sighed, but he wasn’t about to not get the perimeter defense back up before turning in for the night. “You don’t have to go alone, though,” Uncle Owen said, smiling slightly, “you have a visitor downstairs that would probably go with you.”

“A visitor?” inquired Luke, but Uncle Owen wasn’t saying anymore. Luke trotted down the stairs to the main building, and went inside. There inside, he saw someone he hadn’t seen in three years. “Biggs!”

“Hiya, Luke!” Biggs Darklighter managed before getting caught up in a bear hug by Luke. “Easy there, buddy, I can’t breathe!” Luke let go and looked at his friend. He looked a lot leaner than he had the last time he came by, and confided in him that he was joining the Rebellion. He had shaved his moustache off, and his clothing wasn’t as ornate, but he was grinning ear to ear just like the Biggs of old.

“What are you doing here, Biggs? They aren’t keeping you busy enough?” Luke said, careful to not mention who exactly would be keeping him busy.

“Oh, of course they are, but time off is always granted. Just here to see the family, and pick up a few things. There’s no way I wasn’t going to drop by and see how you were making out.”

Luke chuckled ruefully. “Well, as you can see, I’m still here. I’m as good as I can be considering that. But I have to run to Anchorhead for a power coupling, you want to come along?”

“Sure,” Biggs replied, and then leaned in a little closer, “and on the way, I have a pretty big favor to ask you.”

Luke raised an eyebrow, and was about to respond, when his uncle came through the door. “Luke, I know you haven’t seen Biggs in awhile, but if you don’t hurry up, we won’t get the perimeter up in time.” Luke shared a look with Biggs, and they both headed towards the garage, and Luke’s landspeeder. Luke figured he’d get his answer as soon as they were off to Anchorhead.

As they jumped in the speeder, Biggs asked, “what’s the deal with your perimeter shield?”

“Oh, we had a sandstorm roll in last night. Halfway through, the blasted thing failed on us. We’ll be repairing the damage the next few days, but you know how dangerous it is to go shieldless around here.”

“Indeed, I do. Well, the faster you get there, the faster you get it repaired,” Biggs pointed out, strapping himself in. Luke grinned, knowing that Biggs was basically giving him permission to show off a bit with speed, and pulled out of the garage, heading towards Anchorhead. After they had gotten a short ways away from the farm, Biggs turned to Luke. “Listen, Luke. I’m also here because the Rebellion asked me to come back. And that’s part of the favor I want to ask of you.”

“I’m just glad to see you’re still alive. After we got word of Alderaan, and that Death Star, I figured the Rebellion was scrapheap,” Luke said, cutting close to an escarpment to cut a few seconds off their travel time.

“Yeah, well, after that, the Alliance sort of laid low for awhile, to try and figure out what to do against that monstrosity. Lots of systems pulled out for fear of that level of retribution. But when the Death Star recently took out Sullust for seemingly no reason, the Alliance leaders realized that action might needed to be taken soon. Which is why they sent me here,” Biggs paused, and looked over to Luke. “They sent me here to get someone. I know this is going to sound weird, but I need you to take me to Ben Kenobi.”

[Kam Solusar]

Here we go with the second chapter. I hope people are enjoying this so far.


Chapter 2


Luke fired up the main power for the perimeter shield, and stood back as it cycled on. No sparks or smoke came, and Luke sighed in relief. He sat down on a stool, and looked over at Biggs. “Okay, that should cover that. It also is making enough noise so that we can continue our conversation. Now, run this by me again…”

“Old Ben is actually called Obi-Wan, how many times do I have to say that? He’s a former Jedi Knight who served the Republic until the Empire. I was tasked specifically to bring him to help the Rebellion.”

Luke shook his head, and picked a stray wire from his repairs off his pant leg. “Come off it, Biggs, you know Ben. An old Jedi Knight? He’s just a kindly old man who loves solitude. You’re being conned.”

“No, it makes sense, Luke,” Biggs countered, kneeling next to Luke, and placing his hand on Luke’s shoulder. “How does he survive out there in the Jundland Wastes so easily? And what about how your uncle always calls him ‘wizard,’ and hates you even seeing him? You know how a few people still distrust Jedi even now when it seems clear that they were patsies for the Emperor to help take control of the galaxy, maybe your uncle is one of them. All I know is that very prominent persons of the Rebellion want him back now.”

Luke leaned back, and scratched the scar near his temple, the last reminder not to wander too far from the farm after dark. “I still don’t know. I mean, why hasn’t he always helped the Rebel Alliance then?”

“What’s he doing hanging around on this hole of a planet, that’s what you really mean. All they would tell me is that he chooses to live here and that he feels he has an obligation here.”

“So why…”

“Blast it Luke! I don’t know!” Biggs got to his face and paced a few steps away and whirled back. “I don’t make it habit to constantly question the leaders of the Alliance.” He calmed himself down, and took another step toward Luke. “Listen, can you take me to him or not? I don’t know how to get there, and I was counting on you. If I ask directions around time, it may get back later that a Darklighter was asking around for him. I don’t want my family in risk. Luke, you were my only hope to keep this a secret.”

Luke sighed again, this time in resignation. “Of course, Biggs. I was going to make a trip out there anyway to visit him once the repairs were done. Go visit your family, and I’ll comm you when I’m going to go out there.” He gave Biggs a pointed look. “And whatever you do, don’t tell Uncle Owen about this.”
******* ******* ******* ********

Owen paused while taking a bite, then continued to chew and swallow the piece of spiced nerf. “Why are you bringing this up again, Luke?”

“Because, Uncle Owen, I want to do more than be a moisture farmer! And every year it’s another excuse to why I can’t go to the Academy. Three years ago it was because the Jawas didn’t have a sufficient droid stock. Two years ago it was because the harvest was too light. Last year it was because you were ill and needed me to stay. What’s it going to be this year?” Luke nearly yelled across the table. Owen dropped his fork and stood up, enraged.

“You will not speak to me like that, Luke, not while you still enjoy my shelter,” he said. “I knew it,” he remarked, “That Biggs. He’s put it in your head to get out of here, to leave your poor Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru in a lurch.” He looked over at Beru, who had her head down, avoiding the argument.

“Biggs had nothing to do with it, Uncle Owen. I just don’t want to be a moisture farmer.” Luke said, picking at his nerf.

“Well, for someone who doesn’t want to be one, you sure are one of the best natural farmers on Tatooine. You’re a natural, Luke. You know exactly where to place the vaporators, and you always know how long to engage them before they start sucking sand. I need you Luke. You keep this farm functioning.” Owen took a drink of bantha milk, and gauged Luke’s reaction. It wasn’t completely a lie, thought Owen. Luke looked pensive for a few moments. Then sat forward and pushed his plate away, and stood up.

“I’m a natural at pretty much anything I attempt, Uncle. I know I can be so much more than a farmer. But it seems to me that while you accuse me of being selfish, you are also being selfish in wanting to keep me here for yourself. I’ll be in the garage, fixing the vaporators there.” Luke walked to his Aunt Beru, and asked, “Aunt Beru, would you please save my dinner?” She nodded, and Luke replied in turn, “Thank you, I’ll eat it when I’m finished in the garage. He walked out of the dining room and Owen followed his exit with his eyes and then looked back at Beru, who had a look he knew very well on her face.

“You don’t approve.”

Beru looked at him and sighed. “Owen, how long can we keep this charade up? He’ll just run away. We don’t have what he wants, and we don’t give him the answers he seeks.”

Owen cut her off. “Answers we can’t give him.”

“Whatever, Owen, that’s not how he sees it.” She stood and gathered Luke’s plate. “We were only supposed to protect him, but at this rate, he’s going to leave us completely unprepared…” She left the thought hanging, and Owen picked up on her idea almost immediately.

“You want us to let him take care of him now, don’t you? Now that we’ve done all the work of actually raising him, you want to send him off to Kenobi.”

“Oh, Owen, Luke is right. You’re being selfish as well. I’m sure Obi-Wan had his reasons for not raising Luke himself, and he’s an adult now. Biggs coming here may be a sign for us, and for Luke. He’s ready to go, and maybe it’s time we let him.” Owen jabbed his fork in to his nerf, and after a time, slowly nodded.


******** ******* ******** ********


Luke was about to hop in his speeder and depart for the Darklighter farm when he could feel someone in the doorway of the garage. He looked back and saw his Uncle Owen, with Aunt Beru right behind him. In his uncle’s hands was a satchel. “Uncle Owen, what’s going on?”

“It’s time, Luke.”

“Time for what?” Luke asked, searching his aunt and uncle’s eyes.

“When you get to Kenobi’s homestead, tell him we’ve done all we can for you, and that we wanted to thank him for the opportunity he gave us. For the opportunity he gave you,” Uncle Owen said, handing Luke the satchel. “Here are most of your things, the ones you’ll want with you, anyway.”

“Uncle Owen, what are you talking about? I’m not going out to Ben’s…”

Owen held up his hand. “Luke, stop. I know you’ve been going out there, and it’s okay now. I’m talking about you going to be with him. I wish I could tell you more, but that isn’t my place, son. That’s for Kenobi.” Luke looked at him, dumbfounded. “I don’t know if Kenobi will take you off this planet, like you dream. But I know that with him, you will definitely be more than a farmer. Your aunt and I want you to be happy, and it’s simply time. Just be sure to come back and visit us, okay?”

Luke’s eyes began to mist, and, dropping the satchel, he grabbed his uncle in a fierce bear hug. Beru joined the embrace, and they all stood there for a long moment. Luke leaned over a bit to kiss his aunt on the top of the head, and then stood back. He smiled at the man and woman who had raised him from a baby, and said, “You’ll be proud of me, I promise you. And I also promise, I’ll come back and visit. I swear.”

Owen smiled back, one of the few times Luke had seen him smile that much, and patted Luke on the shoulder. “I don’t doubt it, Luke,” he said. “I don’t doubt it at all.”

[Kam Solusar]

Here's chapter 3. I'll probably hold off posting another chapter for a little bit, just to make sure it's actually being read. :D


Chapter 3


The interior of the tapcafe was a few shades below seedy. The walls were covered in grime, and the floors probably hadn’t been mopped in years. The tables were slightly sticky, and the wobbled. Jantinos was probably the worst tapcafe Han Solo had ever been in, let alone on Coruscant. It was surely the last place he’d want to be sitting in, sipping his Corellian brandy, but he hadn’t chosen the place.

He looked around for this mysterious client again, and sighed. He wish he hadn’t have owed Blix that favor. He’d been out from under the yoke of Jabba for a year now, and was enjoying taking jobs on his own time. He should have begged off of this one, but Blix had helped bail him out with that huge job that gave him enough credits to pay Jabba back just when he thought Jabba would send out his hunters. He wasn’t about to outright tell him no, but now that he was in this place, his years of smuggling was setting off alarms. Seedy cantinas and tapcafes were the norm in this business, but requesting a meeting for a job at black hole that was Jantinos…

Chewbacca growled a warning, and Han looked towards the entrance. Sure enough, the man who was walking in met the description Blix had given him. Dark, moppy hair, relatively non-descript features which made him oddly stand out more rather than less, and holding himself like a snubfighter pilot. He quickly dumped out a few drinks of his brandy on to the floor, making it appear he’d consumed more than he had, and loosened his blaster in his holder. Han hadn’t lived this long without a few tricks.

The man made his way over to his table, and Han figured it wouldn’t be hard for Blix to describe Han and Chewie. Human male, prone to wearing black vests, and a 7 foot tall Wookiee. He loved Chewie, but realized that he long ago lost the ability to keep a completely anonymous profile because of their association. He studied the man, and noted wryly that he was wearing an outfit of Corellian cut. He studied the man’s face closer as he neared, and he couldn’t shake a feeling of recognition. At this point, he reached the table, and stood there briefly, before saying, “Solo, I presume?” Han nodded, and leaned forward slightly offering the man the chair across from him and Chewbacca.

“I recognize you, from somewhere,” Han said, by way of introduction.

“I smuggled for awhile about four years ago. I’ve since moved on. Our paths may have crossed briefly, maybe bidding on the same job or something. Name’s Antilles. You can call me Wedge.” Han relaxed a little, indeed remembering just that scenario. He had been little more than a boy then, this Antilles, but he was smuggling out of Corellia and they both indeed had been bidding their services on the same job. Han gestured at his brandy glass, and waved the server droid over.

“What are you having, Wedge?” he asked.

“Nothing, thanks. I’d rather stay sharp right now.” Chewbacca warbled, and Han nodded.

“Listen to Chewie. You come in, sit down, and don’t order anything? Might as well have broadcast this over the HoloNet. Order something.” The droid had arrived at the table, and Han finished the one sip he had left in his glass. “I’ll take another of these, and my friend will have…?”

Antilles sighed. “I assume you’re having a Corellian Brandy?” Han nodded. “I’ll have that as well, thank you.” The droid scuffled off to the bar, and Han grinned smugly at Antilles.

“Without even bothering to figure out the brand or vintage?” he asked.

“I’ve heard enough about Han Solo to know that he’d pick an excellent brand and vintage of brandy,” chuckled Antilles.

“Fair enough,” replied Han, fingering the edge of his empty glass, and taking a quick look around the room. It was mostly empty, and most of the other patrons were in tables metres away. None of them had taken note of Antilles entering, and no one had seemingly taken an interest in their conversation. He glanced at Chewie, who quickly shook his head, indicating his observations came up negative, as well. “So, Antilles. You have us. What’s the job?”

The droid came back at that moment, and Antilles replied, “Gex is good, and would be happy you asked. And how about your brother, is he well? Ah, thank you,” taking the brandy from the tray. The droid shuffled away again, and Han arched an eyebrow. “Sorry, Solo. I don’t particularly trust a droid not to repeat anything if asked.”

“Sharp, Antilles. Droid’s gone now, though.”

Antilles took a sip of the brandy, and nodded at it appreciatively. “Told you. Anyways, it’s pretty much a simple ship job. I’d have done it myself, but I don’t have a freighter anymore, and no way of getting it off Coruscant.”

“Simple ship job, the Emperors teeth,” scoffed Han. “If it were simple, we wouldn’t be here. What’s the cargo?”

“Medical supplies. Datacards. Various parts for repair work. A small cache of weapons. And myself.” Wedge took another sip of the brandy and placed it on the table. “That really is quite good.”

“I’m so glad you approve. What’s the destination?”

Antilles shook his head. “Sorry, Solo, destination will be provided once you take the job and we’re aboard your ship. I can tell you that it is within a day’s journey via hyperspace with your YT-3000’s top speed.”

Han looked at Chewbacca who grumbled softly. “I see. In that case, it’ll cost you 10.”

Antilles eyes opened wide, and he rocked back, and back forward again. “I’m sorry, what was that?” he asked.

“You heard fine, Antilles. 10.”

“That’s outrageous; I could probably buy my own small freighter for that.”

Han barked a laugh. “What do you take me for, Antilles, a shaved domesticated gundark? If you could have done that, you would have.” He leaned forward, just to be extra careful. “Plus, you’re spending Rebellion money, not your own.” Han got a jolt of pleasure over the look on Antilles face.

“How do you figure that, Solo?” he said, surreptitiously trying to drop his right arm to his side.

“I figure that because I’m smart. And if you drop your arm any lower, Chewie here will rip it out of the socket for you.” Antilles arm stopped immediately, and he placed both his hands on the table. “Relax, either way, I won’t go shouting this to closest stormtrooper unit I see. I owe Blix enough for that. But come on, Antilles. Your cargo list, meeting here? Plus amassing the supplies without being able to carry it out yourself? It reeks of cloak and vibroblade, and the cargo list itself to either smuggling or pirating, or the Rebellion. You told me yourself you’re out of smuggling, I don’t take you for a pirate. What does that leave? And no offense, but I’m independent, and like it that way. It’s gonna take a lot of money to get me to risk that.”

Wedge smiled ruefully and took another sip of the brandy. “I should have known Blix wouldn’t have set up a meeting with any old bush smuggler. I had heard good things about you, Solo, I can see they weren’t exaggerated. You’ll get your 10. However, I don’t have that on me. I can scan you over 3 now, and I’ll have the rest at your ship.”

“You better, Antilles,” Han said, taking a drink of his brandy. “The Millennium Falcon is in the Antares docking facility, bay 43. Arrange to get your cargo out there by nightfall. We’ll leave as soon as we’re loaded, as long as you bring that other 7.” He slid a datacard over the table. “Send the first 3 in to the account number on that card within the hour. See you in later, Antilles.” With that, Han emptied the rest of his brandy, motioned to Chewbacca, and together they made their way out. Han was personally itching for some fresh air.

Antilles stayed for a moment, finishing his own brandy, and then he also left. As he walked out, the bartender looked towards the door, and pulled out a commlink.

******** ******** ********* ********

Captain Slav Eiggh, Director of Imperial Intelligence, Coruscant, read the report that was just sent to him. He smiled, and stood up, straightening his uniform. This was huge, he thought. This was the sort of thing people received major promotions for. He walked out of his office, and to the outer room where his aide sat, shuffling through datacards.

“Ensign, I’m going to the Palace. Contact my driver and have him meet me at the speeder pad in five minutes. Prioritize my messages, and if anything comes through the secure lines, notify my immediately.” The ensign, whose name Eiggh was sure started with a V, assured compliance, and Eiggh left towards the speeder pad. The Palace wasn’t actually that far from the Intelligence division building, but Eiggh knew time was of the essence. Though it could wait the few extra minutes it would take to hand deliver the information.

He made it to the pad in less than the five minutes, and was pleased to see the driver already waiting. He hopped in the back seat, and indicated the Palace as their destination. The driver knew better than to flash an annoyed look at being summoned for what would probably amount to a three minute ride, and departed immediately.

Once at the Palace, Eiggh went to the reception desk. He leaned over, noting the man’s rank. “Lieutenant, please announce me to Lord Vader’s office. I believe I have the most solid lead to discovering the central base of the Rebellion.”

[Kam Solusar]

Should I continue?

[Darill Cyllem]

I'm interested so far, Kam!
I love Wedge... great to have him along for the ride.

There are a few minor grammar / typo things, but things look pretty solid.
poor Artoo and Threepio, though :(

[Kam Solusar]

Cool. Yeah, I love Wedge too, and I have some interesting ideas for the relationship that's going to develop between him and Han in this new set of circumstances. Also, don't assume we won't see the droids again. :)

Yeah, I totally expect there to be grammar/typo things here and there. I'm doing very little proofreading (read: on the fly) because I know generally I'm good on that. It always happens anyways. :)

[Darill Cyllem]

Yes - i find it hard to catch my own typos - to me the words always just look the way i expect them to look (i.e. correctly spelled)! Yoou don't have anything major, so it doesn't detract from the story for me.
Wedge is an interesting character... and I've only ever enjoyed hearing more about him in EU stuff (not sure if you are a reader? - guessing perhaps yes since you write). In contrast, I used to really like Boba Fett and still think he's cool, but have lost some interest now that his character is less "mysterious." Guess i just like Wedge better to begin with.... :D

[Kam Solusar]

Here's the next chapter. It's a bit short, and I thought of fleshing out the end of the chapter with another piece of the Han/Wedge arc, but I didn't want to take away from the gravity at the end.



Chapter 4


Stirring the stew he had preparing all day, Ben Kenobi was only slightly surprised to hear the whine of a landspeeder pulling up to his homestead. He had sensed a visit, after all. That’s why he had made the stew. He just didn’t understand why Luke was earlier than he usually was, and now that he stretched out with the Force, why he had brought somebody else with him. Not wanting to seem omniscient, he continued to stir until Luke called out from the door. He sounded excited, which was nice. He had rarely been truly excited for three years. Ben, of course, knew why. But he couldn’t tell Luke. Not yet.

Ben called out for Luke to enter, making a show of making his stew. Luke came in to the kitchen area, a huge grin in his face, which Ben couldn’t help but return. Luke was as infectious as Anakin could be, he thought to himself sadly. Behind Luke was quite the surprise, though. “Biggs Darklighter? My boy, you’ve grown these past years gone. Come you too, come. Would you like some stew? I wasn’t planning on having it until later, but it’s surely ready to eat now.” He motioned to the pot, and both of them seemed eager to eat. Ben could tell Luke had something on his mind, but he could also sense that the Darklighter boy had urgent business with him. As he ladled out stew for the two of them, he wondered who he should address first. He stroked his beard as the two dug in to their stew, and decided that Biggs would come first. Luke, after all, wasn’t going anywhere. He walked behind them, patting Luke on the shoulder as he went, and sat down next to Biggs. Just before he could broach the subject of Biggs’ presence, Luke spoke up.

“I tell you, Ben, you really should think about opening up a small shop for this stew. There’s nothing else quite like it on Tatooine,” he said, taking another bite.

“That’s because it’s Nubian,” remarked Biggs, shooting Ben a quick look. “There are some obvious local spices added, but the main idea of the recipe is from a Nubian staple.”

Ben shouldn’t have been surprised that someone who had spent the better part of four years off Tatooine would have possibly sampled Shaak Stew. “Yes, it is. I got that recipe from an old friend, many years before I came here. I’ve always enjoyed it myself. Now, young Darklighter. What brings you out here today? I don’t think Luke sold you in spending time away from your family just for some Shaak Stew.”

Biggs placed his spoon in his bowl, and looked pointedly at Ben. “I’ve been asked to bring you to Dantooine, Master Kenobi.” Ben began to scoff at Biggs’ use of the honorific, but Biggs continued on, “or if you’d rather, I can call you Obi-Wan.” Ben noticed that Luke was now intently paying attention, and realized that Biggs must have told him certain things already.

“Obi-Wan would be fine, though I haven’t used that name in a very long time. A very long time. Who sent you here, my boy?” Ben was hurt a little by the shocked look on Luke’s face. Why didn’t I tell him some of my past sooner, thought Ben.

“Bail Organa sent me. He implores you to come back. He told me to give you this message.” Biggs straightened, obviously intending to recite a verbatim message. “Master Kenobi, times are dire. The attack on Sullust has forced our hand, and we need all the allies we can muster. We need you, as we need Master Yoda as well. I implore you to come to our aid, Master Kenobi.” Biggs scratched his head, and said, “I’m pretty sure that was it. He also mentioned something about an obligation, but said it wasn’t important enough to memorize.”

“I do have an obligation here,” Ben shot a quick look at Luke, who now looked even more shocked and confused, and continued, “ I could leave for short periods of time, but it sounds like he wishes me to join him on a permanent basis.”

“General Organa told me some what of your obligation, Master Kenobi. I understand.” Biggs grinned, which seemed odd to Ben. Biggs then looked at Luke, and back to Ben. “Luke’s got something really important to tell you though, I’m sure he’s busting at the seams with it.” Biggs looked back to Luke, who still had his mouth agape. Finally, he managed to get his wits together enough to talk.

“You’re a Jedi Knight, Ben? A Jedi? W-why didn’t you tell me?” Luke stammered. Ben again rued not telling him a couple of years ago, when it wouldn’t have hurt him to know that much.

“I’m sorry, Luke. I really am, I should have told you, I made a mistake. I promise to you, that in the very near future, we’ll have a conversation about that. But somehow, I don’t believe that is what Biggs here was talking about,” Ben said, quickly wondering what else Biggs might have told him. He reached over to ladle himself out some stew.

“Oh! Uncle Owen finally has let me go!” Ben promptly dropped the ladle. “Yeah, I was surprised, too! It really came out of nowhere, I mean, I didn’t say much more than I usually do. But here’s the weird thing, Ben. Uncle Owen packed my bag, and told me to come to you. What’s that all about?”

Ben looked at Luke in surprise, then back at the smug grin on Biggs’ face. The Force works in such mysterious ways, Ben thought to himself. This couldn’t be a bigger sign for Ben. The Force was speaking loud and clear. It was time to begin Luke’s training in earnest. He always thought he’d do it here, on Tatooine, though. Owen had blocked him from starting years ago, and Ben had figured it a matter of time before Luke’s natural curiosity and own affinity in the Force would start drawing him to this homestead. But with Owen still refusing to let Luke see Ben, Ben had started to wonder. Now he knew the will of the Force. The will of the Force was drawing him to Dantooine, and he’d be taking Luke with him there. But Luke had posed him a question, a question that deserved an answer, especially after all these years of shielding himself from him.”

“Yes, Luke, I am a Jedi Knight. I was a protector of the Republic until the Empire came and those events drove me in to my self-imposed exile here. But our destinies are far more intertwined than you think, my young friend. Your uncle said what he did because he’s now returning you to my care.”

“Returning?” Luke asked.

“Yes. When you were but a baby, I handed you to your Aunt myself. I brought you here to Tatooine, after your mother died.” Ben thought back to Padme, and realized that the truth of the matter might go down easier if Luke were to focus on his mother more. “Your mother died right after childbirth. I’m very sorry you never had the chance to meet her, Luke. She was a great woman and friend. In fact, that recipe you like so much, she gave to me. Perhaps that’s why you like it so much.”

"Why haven’t you told me of her, before, if you knew her, Ben? And for that matter, you must have known my father, why have you never spoken about him, either?” Luke demanded.

Ben sighed. He had thought to himself many times how to handle this day. All the different ways he could broach the subject, and how he could possibly explain his own failure to Anakin. His best friend, his student…Ben felt his eyes mist a bit, and turned his attention back to Luke. He wasn’t ready to tell him quite yet. But he would. Leia had already been lost to them. Luke would need to know more. “Luke, I’m afraid I couldn’t tell you, and I’m not quite ready to tell you everything right now. But I promise you, lad, I will, very soon. And when I do, I think you will understand why I couldn’t tell you until now.”

[Darill Cyllem]

Looking good, Kam.
I think you could flesh out this chapter with a bit more detail on Obi-Wan's inner monologue and motivation, etc. if you felt like it needs to be longer, but i agree that adding something in another character line would detract in this section.
Also, as a small suggestion, it feels unnatural to me for Obi-Wan to call Biggs "boy" all the time. Maybe "my boy" is softer / more in character. I like his use of "lad" for Luke, and i like the idea of Obi-Wan not calling them by name all the time... gives him a fatherly feel. "Boy" just sounds like Biggs is in trouble to me! :D
Will you post another chapter tomorrow? Or are you writing as you go?

[Kam Solusar]

Good note. I actually meant it to sound benign, but you're right, it doesn't.

I thought about fleshing it out more, but I'm trying to write this from the point of view of not knowing what really happened. I don't want to give too much away too fast, you know? I'm trying to convey that these three years he's rethought his position and what and how to tell Luke certain things, but I'm also not trying to totally let the cat out of the bag.

I'm one chapter ahead, so I'm sorta writing this as I go.

[Kam Solusar]

Chapter 5


“Tatooine?” Han Solo looked at Wedge incredulously as they walked through the corridors towards the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. “Your big secret location is Tatooine? I was probably going to go there in awhile anyway. You could have saved the Rebel Alliance some credits had you simply mentioned that. Nobody would question me going to Tatooine. Mos Eisley is practically one of my bases of operation.”

Wedge shrugged, looking around at the insides of the ship Solo was so proud of. He could appreciate some of the upgrades he saw, and he had to admit that even though it looked like a piece of junk, it was much better than his old smuggling freighter. “To be honest with you, we were prepared to offer you more. We do understand there’s a certain risk to helping us out, even with precautions.” Wedge had a certain amount of self satisfaction with the pained look that crossed Solo’s face.

“Where are you getting the credits to throw at smugglers like that, anyway?” Solo asked, pressing the release for the cockpit door, and stepping through.

“Can’t tell you that, Solo.”

“Figured as much,” Han said, sitting in the pilot’s chair. “We cleared for departure, Chewie?” Chewbacca growled a reply, and Han replied, “Yeah, well, most Core systems don’t appreciate it when you try to communicate with them. Let’s get out of here before they decide to revoke our clearance for being alien friendly.” Solo punched a few keys, and with a slight lurch from the thrusters, they were airborne. “Have a seat back in the lounge, Antilles,” Han said over his shoulder, “It’s not a pond skip to Tatooine.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to watch you fly until we get to hyperspace. Call it professional curiosity,” Wedge grinned.

Solo looked over at Chewbacca and shrugged. “Suit yourself. Okay, Chewie coming up on the atmosphere, and thankfully away from all that commercial traffic.” Wedge sat down behind Solo’s chair, and watched as the atmosphere gave way to the blackness of space. He looked around along their general trajectory, and his eye caught something off to their right. He took a closer look, and as he was about to speak up, Chewbacca howled.

“You’re just being paranoid, Chewie. Their path is coincidence.” Chewbacca growled and chuffed, and Han said, “Okay…a TIE net in front of them isn’t just coincidence. Strap in, Antilles…this could be a rough one.” No sooner had he gotten the words out of his mouth did a transmission come over the comm speaker.

“Attention, Correllian Runner. You’ve been flagged for random inspection. Please stand to, and prepare for tractor beam engagement,” came the slightly metallic sounding announcement from the Star Destroyer bearing down on them.

“Well, at least we know our transponder ID isn’t completely transparent this time. How long until they get in to tractor range?” Chewbacca huffed a response, and Han responded by powering down his engines. “You think this is coincidence, Antilles?”

Wedge leaned forward in his seat, eyeing Solo. “Are you kidding me? Not even an attempt to flee?”

“Ever hear of a Paxen Gambit?” Han asked. Wedge responded with sullen silence. He had not. But Solo was calm and collected, and Wedge had to admit that he had confidence in Solo’s abilities. But that Star Destroyer was getting closer, and so were those TIE’s. “Stand by, Chewie, they’re almost in range.” Han flipped a few switches and his hands hovered over the main controls. In what felt like hours, but was mere seconds, Solo hit a button, and said, “Punch it, Chewie!” Wedge felt the sublight engines kick in, and for a second, he realized they hadn’t gone anywhere. Then, suddenly, he was pushed back in to his seat, and the Millennium Falcon did a tight flip roll and sped away from the Star Destroyer.

“Nice moves, Solo,” Wedge said appreciatively, “I’m not sure I could pull of such a tight flip roll even in my X-Wing.”

“I figured I owed you a couple thousand credits worth of evasive maneuvers.” Solo leaned back and keyed his navicomputer. “This is going to be close. They want fall for that one again. Plus, I don’t have any chaff left after that. That uses a lot of chaff. Or else the tractor beam isn’t sufficiently confused enough.” Chewie roared, and the ship jolted. “Yeah, I know, a few moments more. We’ve got enough deflectors to hold off those TIE’s for that long. We just got to hope that the Star Destroyer doesn’t get back in to tractor range before we’re ready to jump.” With that, his navicomputer beeped, and Solo grinned. “Prepare to eat my vapor trail, Imperial slugs.” He pulled three levers to his right back, and the stars in the cockpit viewport elongated as the ship’s hyperspace drive activated.

Wedge let out the breath he didn’t even realize he was holding and wiped his brow. “I’m sorry I doubted you,” he said slapping Solo on the shoulder, “you’re every bit as good as advertised. The Alliance could use a guy with your skills and quick thinking.”

Han checked a few status screens, flipped a toggle, and stood up. “Yeah, well, I haven’t gotten these skills by throwing my lot in with a revolution that was doomed to failure before it even started.” He looked over to Chewbacca. “I’m going back to the lounge, Chewie. Antilles, you’re welcome to join me. In fact, do you play any sabbac?”


******** ******* ********** *********

Captain Eiggh sat at his desk, dreading the communication he knew he was going to get very soon. He had vastly underestimated the potential of that YT-3000 and the skill of its pilot, and Lord Vader did not tolerate failure. The display flashed with an incoming transmission, and Eiggh steeled himself. He toggled it on, and looked at the imposing figure of Darth Vader. The black armorweave suit, with cape. The electronic regulators on his chest, and the mask. The mask alone left children all over the Core with nightmares.

“An explanation is in order, Captain Eiggh,” intoned Vader in that slightly robotic bass rumble, his breath hissing in the background. Eiggh was always unnerved by that phenomenon. Although Vader spoke, his regulators still breathed. It was unnatural, but “unnatural” was probably the best description of Lord Vader.

“The smuggler was craftier than we anticipated, Lord Vader. Also, his light freighter must be highly modified, much higher than I thought possible for a ship that size. He timed a chaff release with a full engine thrust nearly perfectly, igniting the chaff. The thousands of energy releases that resulted scrambled the tractor beam, and confused the locking software. The tractor beam technician has been reprimanded.” Eiggh got ready. If Vader was going to act, it would be now. He had seen Vader choke others without touching them, and Eiggh didn’t think it would be pleasant when done to him.

“It is fortuitous for you that I arranged to have that ship tracked via homing beacon, Captain Eiggh. I did not figure we’d be able to capture them leaving the planet. I’m surprised you did. You should not have attempted that.” Eiggh didn’t respond, and Vader continued, “However, this does work to our favor in a way. Now, they’ll not expect them to be tracked, though I do suspect they’ll make a couple of short jumps to throw us off their trail. I’m sending you the beacon information. When you have the name of the system they ultimately stop it, inform me immediately.” Vader pointed at Eiggh through the holo. “I warn you, Captain. If you take unilateral action again, I will not be as forgiving.” The transmission ended, and Eiggh slammed his hand on the desktop. A homing beacon? He couldn’t believe Vader hadn’t told him, or else he would have advised against such a hackneyed tactic. Though, he thought begrudgingly, circumstances did work in their favor. He leaned back and keyed for the tracking information.

[Darill Cyllem]

I might make some suggestions for Vader's dialogue in the last paragraph if you're interested, Kam.

Are you still a chapter ahead, or do we have to wait a while for more now? :)

[Kam Solusar]

Sure.

I'm only about half a chapter ahead right now. Work kinda gets in the way sometimes.

[Darill Cyllem]

“It was foolish to attemp to capture the Millenium Falcon while it was leaving the planet. It is fortuitous for you that I arranged to have the ship tracked via homing beacon, Captain Eiggh." Eiggh didn’t respond, and Vader continued, “The arrangement works in our favor as they won't expect to be tracked. I’m sending you the relay from the homing beacon information. Expect them to make a series of short jumps to throw us off their trail. When you have the name of their ultimate destination, inform me immediately.” Vader pointed at Eiggh through the holo. “I warn you, Captain. If you take unilateral action again, I will not be as forgiving. I might just end Vader's dialogue here. Have him terminate the transmission right after delivering the threat. Probably referring to the Force would just confuse Eiggh. The Force was with you this time, next time, it shall not be.” The transmission ended, and Eiggh slammed his hand on the countertop. A homing beacon? He couldn’t believe Vader hadn’t told him, or else he would have advised against such a hackneyed intercept tactic. Though, he thought begrudgingly, circumstances were now in their favor. He leaned back and keyed for the tracking information.

[Kam Solusar]

Another good note. I'll fix that.

[Darill Cyllem]

I especially like writing dialogue :)
Most amusing. I enjoy the challenge of making the characters sound different with different vocab choices, syntax, etc. Helps fill out the character, too.

[Kam Solusar]

Chapter 6


Luke wandered the corridor of the YV-100 light freighter Twin Suns for about the hundred time since he had boarded her two days ago. There really wasn’t much to see on board, but he was bored and was trying to kill time. Biggs was out in Mos Eisley, waiting for one of his squadron mates to arrive on planet, and Ben had gone out with him today. So Luke was stuck in the landing bay, with no one to talk to and nothing to do. He was especially annoyed since it had been three days since Ben promised answers to his questions, and he hadn’t said anything yet. Not that Luke hadn’t tried to get it them out of him. But the last time he tried to start the conversation, Ben had admonished him about patience, and told him he wished to get a bearing on their new situation before possibly overloading Luke.

He still couldn’t quite grasp his mind around it all. Not only had Ben deceived him all these years, but he had actually known his both of his parents. He had already known, based on things both Ben and Uncle Owen had said, that Ben had known his father, but now it seems as if he much more acquainted with his father than previously thought. But no one had ever told him that Ben had briefly been his caretaker after he was born, nor did anyone ever tell him he wasn’t from Tatooine. In fact, he had thought his father was originally from Tatooine. Now, with this new information, he could possibly be from Naboo.

He found his way to the common area, and decided to have a snack. He keyed up the selection and perused what was offered. There wasn’t much; Biggs had explained that they keep the ship stocked, but with nothing too fancy. Not only did the Rebellion not have the resources to spare for a light freighter, but they figured a simpler menu might not raise any flags if the ship was ever captured. He settled on some ribenes, and took the pouch to the small table against the wall.

As he bit in to the first ribene, pleasantly surprised at how flavorful it actually was, he reflected that some of his impatience with Ben was probably also impatience to leave. Ben had told Luke one thing else, and that was he was only living on Tatooine to watch Luke, to help protect him and guide him as he grew up. Now that Luke was given back in to Ben’s care, Ben wasn’t bound to Tatooine anymore, and as a result Luke would be going to Dantooine. He could hardly contain his excitement to finally be able to leave this rock of a planet. He munched on his food in quiet contemplation, when his commlink beeped at him. He grabbed it off his belt and keyed it on.

“Luke, we’re coming back with the cargo. Meet us outside the ship so we can load this on and get out of here,” Biggs said, with the din of loud activity in the background.

“Got it, Biggs, be right down.” Luke stood up and headed towards the main ramp, then turned back and grabbed another ribene and popped it in his mouth. He then made his way out of the ship, right on time to see Biggs and Ben entering the landing bay, guiding a repulsorlift cart full of cargo containers. Behind the cart was a man in a white shirt and black vest, and what Luke figured was a Wookiee. He had never seen one before, but that’s exactly how they were described to him. Next to them was another man, about Lukes and Biggs age, wearing a plain brown work jumpsuit. After a few moments of the two men talking, the man in the black vest and the Wookiee left the bay. The man in the jumpsuit caught back up with Biggs and Ben, and Luke caught a snippet of what he was saying to Biggs as they got closer.”

“…but he’s not really a bad guy. Solo is just used to being on his own, and I can respect that. I left him with the proper contact info in case he wants to join up, though,” the man was saying.

Biggs grunted. “No offense, Wedge, but you’re sniffing fighter fuel. Here, I want you to meet someone. Wedge Antilles, meet Luke Skywalker.” Luke stuck out his hand, and the other man grasped it warmly with a broad smile.

“So you’re the Luke Biggs won’t shut up about, huh? If I had to hear one more thing about ‘Luke Skywalker, the best bush pilot in the Outer Rim,’ I think I might have shot him down myself,” Wedge said.

“Aw, Biggs is only being nice. Flying T-16’s has got to be different then flying snub fighters, or larger ships.” Luke said, feeling embarrassed to hear Biggs spoke of him constantly.

“Well,” Wedge said, “If you’re even half as good as Biggs says, I’m going to recommend to Captain Dreis that you be admitted to Red Squadron, so you can fly with us.”

Biggs smiled and slapped Luke on the shoulder. “Wedge here is second-in-command of Red Squadron. We’re trying to make it elite, and I bet if you join up, that’ll happen!” Luke blushed some more, and pointed at the cargo containers.

“Come on, enough about me. Let’s load these in, so we can get out of here.” He started to walk towards the cart, and noticed Ben looking towards the bay’s entrance pensively. He moved to Ben’s side, and asked, “what is it, Ben?”

Ben looked over to Luke, and gestured towards the entryway. “There’s a great deal of unfulfilled destiny swirling around that smuggler that just left. I was merely thinking of that notion, unfulfilled destinies. I’ve known too many people like that. But come, let’s land a hand in loading the ship. I’m sure you’re quite ready to leave. Plus, I think once we get to Dantooine, it will be time for some light to be shed on your questions.” Luke grinned, and the two of them grabbed the side of a cargo container, and carried it up the ramp of the Twin Suns.


******* ********* *********** **********
Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, sat inside the hyperbaric chamber located in his quarters at the Imperial Palace, annoyed at the phantom pain where his legs had been. Every once in awhile he could feel his flesh and blood legs where cybernetic ones now were, and they were always in great pain. Not that Vader wasn’t accustomed to pain. He lived everyday with the pain from the fires of Mustafar. But he could tolerate that pain, it was part of him. His legs, and his arms for that matter, were no longer a part of him, and it made him furious that he had to feel pain from limbs he no longer possessed. It also made him furious because it made him think back to Mustafar. Back to Obi-Wan Kenobi standing above him on the banks of the molten river. The traitor standing there, claiming to love him as a brother, but leaving Vader to die. And of course, that brought his thoughts around to his wife, the very reason he was in that situation to begin with…

But before he could dwell on those thoughts anymore, he registered an incoming transmission from Captain Eiggh. He let out a grunt of annoyance. Eiggh was a fool, but Vader was forced to tolerate him for the moment. He was, no doubt, reporting on the whereabouts of the freighter which the known rebel Antilles had chartered. He keyed the holo on, and swiveled in to position.

“Lord Vader, we have a location on the freighter. It set down on Tatooine approximately three hours ago, and hasn’t moved,” Eiggh said, obviously too pleased with himself. Vader resisted the urge to strangle him right then. It was his agents, not Eiggh’s who had planted the homing beacon, and it was Eiggh who almost ruined the chance to be led straight to the base without the rebels even knowing what was going on. But Eiggh still had usefulness to Vader, for a time.

“Good, Captain.” He was about to continue, when Vader realized where Eiggh had said the freighter had gone. Tatooine. He hadn’t thought about Tatooine in three years. Not since capturing Leia Organa in orbit over it and retrieving the Death Star plans she had stolen. That had set forth a chain of events that the galaxy was still reeling from. The Emperor used her traitorous act as an excuse to dissolve the Imperial Senate, and had brought swift retribution to her entire planet. Unfortunately, that had put the Rebellion in to hiding, and back to their hit and fade tactics. But now, the trail led to Tatooine. He realized Eiggh was speaking.

“Lord Vader? I asked if I should inform Grand Moff Tarkin?”

Tarkin. Tarkin and his Death Star. No, as much as he didn’t wish to go back there, he couldn’t let Tarkin completely destroy Tatooine. There were things there Vader didn’t want disturbed. “No, Captain. Leave them to me. Inform me at once if that freighter moves the slightest bit.” With that, Vader terminated the holo, and keyed for another transmission. Within a second, Admiral Firmus Piett appeared. It had been less than a year since Vader promoted Piett after disposing of Admiral Ozzel prior to the Sullust disaster, and Piett still looked nervous whenever speaking to Vader.

“Admiral Piett. Prepare the Executor for my arrival, and immediate departure.”

“As you wish, Lord Vader. What is our destination?” Admiral Piett asked.

“Tatooine, Admiral. And to finally squash this bothersome rebellion in to insignificance.”

[Kam Solusar]

I really wish others would chime in, if they're reading. I feel like I'm writing for an audience of one. :)

[Darill Cyllem]

i love that Ozzel still eats it in the alternate history!

One reader's better than none, though, eh?

[Jedi Master 2k5]

This story Rocks!!!!

[Kam Solusar]

Thank you. The next chapters may be delayed so here's a preview:

Vader goes to Tatooine, but what does he find?
The Twin Suns makes it to Dantooine, and two old acquaintances catch up.
Luke is caught between two desires, causing Obi-Wan to make a difficult decision.

[Kam Solusar]

Chapter 7


Han sat restlessly, drumming his fingers on the table. He looked around at the usual riff-raff that populated the Mos Eisley Cantina. He noticed that Dr. Evazan was at the bar, fuming. Han noted that he was probably upset because no idiots had come in lately for him to scare and shake down for credits. The band hit a really dissonant chord, and Han grimaced as he looked over to them. He really missed the Modal Nodes, but they had long since moved on. This new band was horrible. Han checked his chronometer for the fifth time in ten minutes, and drummed his fingers some more. He should have been picked up by now, and the longer it took, the more Han thought something had gone wrong, and they had possibly picked Chewie up.

About an hour prior, half the smugglers in Mos Eisley were scrambling when an Imperial Star Destroyer was picked up entering the system. The other half starting panicking when it was discovered that it was the Super Star Destroyer Executor, which meant one thing: Darth Vader. Han had shown a bit of panic himself, to make sure he didn’t look suspiciously calm, and after a quick once over of the Falcon, had sent Chewie in to hiding along with the few incriminating things they found on the Falcon. Incriminating things like the contact information Antilles had left him, for instance. If they got caught with that, they’d lucky to get out with their lives. Han figured he might be able to bluff or buy his way out of trouble otherwise. But if Chewie was picked up… Han didn’t want to think about that.

Realizing that staying too long over an empty drink would look guilty when they came to pick up, like he knew they would, he stood up and dusted himself off. It was him they were here for, of course. Someone had marked Antilles, and therefore Solo was now suspect for having collaborated with him. Han always knew his soft spot would be the death of him, and it seems he was skating close to the edge of that particular precipice.

Han made his way through Mos Eisley towards the assigned docking bay of the Falcon, figuring he could make motions that he was prepping her for departure. Anything he could think of to keep the illusion up of a poor shipper duped in to smuggling for the Rebellion. Once he entered the docking bay, he realized he wouldn’t have to go through any motions, and he also realized why nobody had picked him up at the Cantina. A squad of stormtroopers stood ready for him. They hadn’t bothered to go looking for him, they simply staked out his ship and waiting for him to try to bolt. Han immediately put his hands up. “Whoa, what’s the problem?” he asked the stormtrooper with an officers insignia who approached him.

“You are Han Solo, the captain of this,” the stormtrooper snorted in contempt through his mask, “vessel?”

“That’s me, but I haven’t done anything wrong, I’m just…”

The stormtrooper abruptly cut him off. “Silence, smuggler.” He turned to the nearest stormtrooper covering Han with blasters, and said, “Private, cuff this man, and take him to the shuttle for immediate departure to the Executor.” He turned his attention back to Han. “You’ll be discussing what you did wrong with Lord Vader shortly.”

Inwardly, Han groaned. Bluffing his way out would be much tougher than he anticipated.


******** ********* *********** *********** ***********

Looking out of the bridge viewports at the stars was one of the few simple pleasures Darth Vader still had. He had always enjoyed watching the stars, even as a boy. That hadn’t changed at all, simply his opinion of what he was looking at differed. His mask’s optic enhancers also gave him a unique outlook now, though he hated what amounted to artificial sight. He was also purposefully angled away from looking towards the surface of Tatooine. He may not want it destroyed, but he didn’t want to look at it, or set foot on it.

He heard some noise behind him, and turned to see a pair of stormtroopers bringing a bound man up the main bridge walkway. His feet were dragging on the floor, and he looked barely conscious. Vader, with long purposeful strides, met them halfway on the walkway. “I ordered he be brought before me unharmed!” he bellowed, getting pleasure from feeling the waves of fear emanating not only from the stormtroopers, but from the bridge crew.

“He tried to run at one point, Lord Vader,” one trooper said, and the other one chimed in, “We only subdued him with a stun blast. He’s coming out of it now, sir.” Vader sighed softly, so much that his vocal enhancers didn’t even pick it up, and waved for the troopers to drop the smuggler Solo and to depart. Solo crumpled to the ground with a grunt and Vader stood over top of him.

“Captain Solo, do you know who I am?” he asked, placing his hands on his hips, thrusting his cape out on either side with his elbows. He had found this to be his most intimidating pose, and he enjoyed using it. Solo looked up at him, and a sense of recognition and resignation crossed his face.

“You are,” he said weakly, “the Lord Darth Vader.”

“Good. You have your faculties. I am going to ask you questions. The answers better please me. Now…where is the main base of the Rebellion?”

Solo looked up at him, confused and said, “Don’t…know…I’m only a…freighter pilot.”

“You flew in to this system carrying the known rebel Wedge Antilles. Are you trying to tell me you have no idea at all? I find this hard to believe.”

“Didn’t know he was a….rebel. Told me his name…was Paxen Brace. He was only carrying…medical supplies and data pads…” Solo’s speech began to speed up a bit, and he began to hold himself up with less difficulty. “If I knew he was a rebel…I wouldn’t have granted him charter.”

Vader paused for a second, and pointed at Captain Solo, “You are a known smuggler, Captain Solo, once in the employ of Jabba the Hutt.”

“Yes,” replied Solo, obviously realizing he couldn’t hide that fact, “that’s why I agreed to take this job. Sometimes a guy likes to act respectable.”

“So, Captain Solo, did Antilles meet up with anybody while down there, did you catch any names?”

“He met up with three people, two came to meet him at Mos Eisley, one was at their ship. I saw them all, it was one old guy, and two younger guys. The older guy and the younger guy who stayed at the ship were both wearing desert garb that the residents of Tatooine prefer. The other guy was wearing a generic multi purpose jumpsuit. I didn’t get any names…no, wait, the younger guy introduced, what was his name, Antilles? He introduced Antilles to the older guy, called him Master Kenobi.”

Vader thought his aural processor had scrambled. “What was that name again?”

“Master Kenobi.”

“What did he look like, besides old?” Vader took a step forward, and the phantom pain in his legs flared.

“Beard, weathered face, short hair. Over top of the desert garb he was wearing an old style robe, with a deeply cowed hood. Oh, and he spoke with a Coruscanti accent,” Solo said. Vader clenched his fist. Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan Kenobi was on Tatooine. That was smart of him, an inner voice spoke inside Vader’s head. He knew you wouldn’t go there. Well, I’ll go there now, thought Vader. He clenched his left fist and looked at it, thinking to himself, I owe him. He found himself walking towards the main hatchway when he heard Admiral Piett call out to him.

“Lord Vader, what of the prisoner?”

You should just let him go. He’s worthless, right? The voice said. Vader was too distracted to think about that, and replied to Piett, “Release him back to the surface. Make sure his ship has been thoroughly scoured for contraband, and delete any transponder ID’s that aren’t valid.” With a twirl of his cape, he left the bridge of the ship, unaware of the bewildered looks of Piett and the bridge crew.

******* ******** ************* **************


Beru Lars was a bit lonelier now that Luke had left. She was very happy for him, and knew he was bound for great things, but now Owen did more work. So she didn’t see him as often. But this was dinner, and he was sitting across from her at the table, quietly chewing his food. She was about to ask him about his day, when a loud noise from the homestead’s entrance surprised her. Owen looked over at the door, and put his fork down. “I’ll go check it out,” he said, but before he could even stand up, a black monster stepped in to the dining room. Beru had seen HoloNet pictures of him, and both Owen and she knew who he really was. This was a day she was dreading, but she felt much better about it now that Luke was gone. His coming was probably just coincidence, maybe he was just here to pay his respects.

“Owen…it’s been a long time,” Vader said.

Owen, to his credit, didn’t bite. “L-L-Lord Vader? We’ve never met, sir.”

“Owen, how could you forget your step-brother?” Vader asked, sweeping in to the room. He was much larger now, Beru noticed, even larger than the HoloNet made him appear.

“Step-brother? That means you’re…Oh my stars, is that really you in there? Did you come to pay your respects at Shmi’s grave?” Owen finally stood up, and Vader waved him back down, though he appeared to be much more distracted.

“No, not now. I’m looking for someone, and I thought maybe you’d have contact. Obi-Wan Kenobi lives on Tatooine…and I think you know where he lives. I want you to tell me where.”

[Darill Cyllem]

I love the Vader interaction with Owen and Beru.
Hope you keep going :)

[Kam Solusar]

I'm sorry, but I'm gonna have to hiatus this for a few days. Work is simply way too overloaded, and I don't have the time I normally have to sit down and commit to writing. Even if I'm only first drafting, I like to be focused on the task at hand. I promise new chapters in the very near future, though, hopefully by Monday.

[Darill Cyllem]

No worries... but get cracking soon!:whip:

Seriously - first things first.
May the Force be with you.

[Kam Solusar]

Update: I'm about a 1/3, maybe a tad more, through the next chapter. Maybe later today, more likely tomorrow.