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| As Strangers Friends Are Met |
As Strangers Friends Are Met
" A pilot doesn't belong here, Luke. It's too damn dangerous!" The mocking complaint Han directed at his Jedi brother-in-law was cut short
as they both ducked behind a rock to avoid the barrage of laserfire directed their way. Solo had been leading a recon party on the main planet in the Loguri system when
they ran into one of the Empire's crack commando units. Han discovered he liked commando operations; they reminded him of smuggling raids. Now, however, they were pinned
down by a Mobile Armored Surveillance Tower. Larger, and more complex than an AT-AT, the M.A.S.T. was designed as a mobile headquarters for Imperial raiders. Once dropped
into an area, it provided protection and support for several teams at a time; thus solving the perennial problem of resupply that beset such operations.
Fortunately, less and less sophisticated armament was available for Imperial use. After the Battle of Endor, various war leaders and politicians
tried to hold the Empire together, but no central authority had emerged and the Empire's decay continued.
Now, just a year later, the New Republic was in control of large parts of the galaxy, and expanding it's influence rapidly. Unfortunately, there were still substantial pockets of Imperial resistancee, and the recon team had found one; a major one it seemed.
"That thing will cut us to ribbons and leave us as easy picking for the commando boys." Han stated as he stuck his head up to fire at an
Imperial he saw moving through the grass towards them. " Got any ideas, Luke?"
" I've got a wild one." Skywalker responded. " Of course, it involves doing something 'impossible',"
" What else is new?" Solo grinned. " You mean it's going to take Jedi hocus-pocus to pull off, right?"
Luke nodded, more unsure of the outcome of this particular maneuver than he wanted to admit. His knowledge of Jedi skills was less than perfect.
It's my own fault. Luke thought. I was the one who decided to leave Yoda.
Luke Skywalker had become a full Jedi Knight when he defeated Darth Vader and renounced the Dark Side in the face of the Emperor's temptations;
this didn't mean, however, that he knew all there was to know about the Force.
Since that time his skills had gradually improved, but there was still so much to learn. He had also bgun teaching Leia. Fighting the Empire took time
away from all of that.
" Be ready to move as soon as it's clear." He told Han as he took a deep breath. " I'll catch up with you later."
Luke knew what he planned would leave him too drained to move quickly. He reached out with the Force, concentrating on the sape of the M.A.S.T.. He
intended to lift it so that it's weapons could not target Han's team.
It's a lot bigger than Threepio, he thought; remembering when he'd levitated the protesting droid to impress
the Ewoks. And a whole lot bigger than my X-wing. Size matters not. He chided himself. With the Force as my ally.
To Han's shock and amazement, the great Imperial weapon slowly rose into the air. It's lasers were still firing, but were unable to lock on target.
Han shot a quick look at Luke. The young Jedi was standing, eyes closed, one arm extended, concentrating on the M.A.S.T. to the exclusion of everything else. He looked like he
was working very hard; his arm was trembling now, and his face was covered with sweat. Quickly, Solo rallied his men to attack while the Imperial
commandos were off balance.
Seeing their cover float up, like a feather ,unnerved the enemy, and they were soon on the run.
Han and his team pursued them, leaving Luke to follow as soon as he was able.
There, the second recon team was clear! It was safe to lower the tower; but not until he had turned it on it's side. Grinning impishly despite the strain, Luke imagined the faces of the Imperial troops as they were dumped, unceremoniously, on their backs. It was a good solution. It would put the tower out of commission without killing anyone in the process. By the time the Imperials worked their way out, Han's unit would be in control,
With all of his attention focused on the M.A.S.T., Luke failed to detect the trooper coming up behind him with a laser rifle. At the last second the young Jedi sensed danger and reacted. He almost succeeded in deflecting the shot so that the blast that struck his side wounded instead of killing him; but as he strained to remain conscious and on his feet, the trooper clubbed at him with his rifle. Luke tried desperately to fight back, but wounded as he was it was too much for him. As he fell, the M.A.S.T. crashed into the ground and exploded. Through the Force he felt the fear and pain of dying men and was swept along into unconsciousness.
Han heard the crash and explosion from where his team was mopping up the commandos.
" I'm going back." He told his second-in-command. It wasn't like Luke to wantonly destroy anything. Something was wrong.
The ruins of the M.A.S.T. were scattered all over the ground, with dead and dying men lying among the debris.
When Solo reached the spot where he'd left Luke, there was no sign of him. As his men arrived, Han had them locate and secure the survivors.
They worked in silence, overwhelmed by the destruction.
" Why did he do it?" The Major who was Solo's Security Chief asked. " Why would Skywalker let such a thing happen?"
" I don't know." Han replied testily. " And he's missing. I don't know what happened to him; but I don't like it." Solo scanned the
area for some sign of Luke. " Where did he go?"
" Maybe he lost control and let the tower fall; then paniced when he saw what happened." The Major suggested. " It'd be pretty
frightening to anyone, even a Jedi."
" No, that's not right." Han was angry that anyone would think Luke would run to avoid the consequences of his actions. He knew his friend's
courage, and the depth of his commitment to the way of the Force. To think that Luke, who had withstood the Emperor.would run away from this situation was ludicrous.
Han was worried. He feared something bad had happened to his friend; and he wasn't looking forward to telling Leia that he'd lost her brother.
" Sir, we've found something." One of the men gestured to Solo, calling him over to a clear area beyond where the tower had stood. There were
tracks and marks in the soft ground.
" It looks like some kind of vehicle stood here; and look, Sir!" The man pointed out one set of marks. "Something was dragged
over to the ship. Maybe a body?"
" Could it have been someone from the tower?" The Major asked.
" No." Han replied. " The timing's off. I'd have seen the ship take off if it was someone who got out
of the wreck." He didn't want to voice what he feared most, that the Imperials had captured Luke." Call the cruiser. Ask them if they've
located the ship these Imperial's arrived in. I want a complete scan of the whole system. Let's finish this." Solo told the Major. " I want to
be ready if Luke turns up."
Luke's return to consciousness from the drug-induced stupor was gradual. Once
he cleared his mind the agonizing throb of his wound dominated everything. The Jedi struggled with the pain. He had to
gain control or he wouldn't be able to function.
The blaster bolt had caused extensive damage which would need time to heal; even with his powers of accelerated recuperation. The wound had been cleaned and bandaged, with only minimal repair done.
As Luke wondered why he wasn't in a bacta tank, he discovered, with a shock ,that this was an Imperial ship, not a New Republic vessel. He thought quickly of escape, then realized he would have to be patient.
In the shape he was in, he wasn't going anywhere.
Skywalker became aware of someone else in the room with him, and slowly turned to look. It was an
Imperial Lieutenant who didn't seem to realize his prisoner was awake. It was unusual to have an officer pulling guard duty;
they must think he was pretty important.
The young Jedi studied him further, sensing pride, and both fear and curiosity
concerning his prisoner. It was obviously not a punishment for him. He was proud to have been selected for this assignment;and
there was a stronger emotion. The Imperial officer was deeply angry.
Luke must have made some movement, because the lieutenant looked
over at him. He was clearly surprised to see Luke conscious. Quickly raising his blaster, he pointed it at Skywalker.
The young Jedi waited calmly, knowing he'd learn more by letting the other man speak first.
"Don't move," the Lieutenant commanded. "My orders are to blast you if you do anything."But he'd do it reluctantly, Luke realized. The officer wanted to find out more about him and not simply destroy him out of hand. This hesitation could be an advantage if it became necessary to act.
"Is it all right if I sit up?" Luke asked.
"Yes, but do it slowly."
"The way I feel," Skywalker grimaced. "I don't think there's another way I can do it." He gradually levered himself up to a sitting position, favoring his wounded side as he did so.
"I can have a medical droid check your wound if you want." The Lieutenant offered grudgingly. He was holding his anger under tight control.
"I don't think that's necessary. It appears to have been sufficiently tended." Luke told him, a certain amount of irony in his voice.
"We're not barbarians." The officer's reply was indignant. "Even to an enemy who uses unnatural tactics."
Luke knew from his insignia that this Imperial belonged to the elite commando unit they had faced on Loguri. He sensed the young man's pride in his group, but knew it was also the source of his anger. Skywalker decided to probe further.
"There's nothing unnatural about the Force," He told his captor. "Everyone partakes of it, even Imperial officers."
"Was it natural when you smashed the M.A.S.T. and killed my men?" The Lieutenant demanded savagely.
So that was why the young officer was furious with him; many of his comrades had been lost in the ruin of the tower. Closing his eyes, Luke let the fear and pain of those last moments sweep over him again. Despite the fact that this was war and he had been engaging the enemy, Luke was unhappy with the result of his actions. He should have forseen the possibility of attack while he was levitating the tower. True, he'd been badly hurt by the trooper's blast, but those men had died because of his mistake. Once more he acknowledged how incomplete was his knowledge and control of the Force, how much he had to learn. Shaken, he lay back on the pillow
. "Are you all right? Should I call the medic?" The Lieutenant had moved close enough that Luke, weak as he was, could have easily subdued him.
Still Skywalker hesitated. Defeating the Imperial would do him no good. He'd still have to get out of sickbay and off the ship. Right now Luke doubted his ability to cross the room, let alone through a ship crawling with the enemy. He needed rest, and time to heal before he could attempt to escape.
"No, thank you. It's not something a medic can help with." Luke could feel the anger strongly in the young man. "What's your name?"
The Imperial commando moved away from Luke's bed, and returned to his former position. "Lieutenant Pel Forsstan," He replied. "Why do you want to know?"
"It's customary to introduce yourself to someone you're talking to. I'm..."
"I know who you are," Forsstan cut in abruptly. "Luke Skywalker. Jedi."
His voice was cold, and calm, but to the young Jedi's senses, he was screaming 'murderer', and 'magician'. Luke studied him carefully.
Pel Forsstan appeared to be a little younger than Luke, maybe 23 or so. He had dark hair and dark eyes, slightly taller than Skywalker, and more powerfully built. It was the mix of emotions he could sense coming from Pel Forsstan that intrigued him. The Lieutenant was highly curious about the Jedi, but also frightened of what he had heard about him. He saw Luke as some kind of unnatural monster that would attack without mercy.
Yet he wanted to learn more about his prisoner. Feeling the conflict within the Imperial, Luke decided he too needed to know more.
Maybe it would help him figure a way out of this situation.
"Do you know what they are planning to do with me?" He asked quietly. "Tending my wound would imply that I am not to be executed immediately."
"I don't think any decision has been reached." The Imperial shrugged. "Some of the officers want to bring you to trial for your crimes. Others
think you would be a valuable hostage to use against the Rebels. A few just want you dead.
"My crimes?" Luke asked. None of the Imperial plans for his future sounded encouraging.
"Yes. You have quite a list of charges against you. There's the most recent, the murder of our men on Loguri.
Conspiracy. Treason, of course;and the assassination of the Emperor, and Lord Vader. Not to mention the earlier charges stemming from your destruction of the first Death Star,
and subsequent activities." The Lieutenant paused, and looked at Skywalker with reluctant admiration. "You've certainly caused a lot of trouble for someone who looks as young and..."
He searched for a word.
Luke smiled slightly. "Try disappointing," He told the other man. "I've been told many times that I don't look the way people expect a Jedi to look."
The Lieutenant almost smiled in return, but quickly caught himself. "It doesn't matter, anyway. You most surely will be sentenced to death if you do come to trial."
"And you would be happy to carry out my execution." Skywalker said quietly. "To avenge your friends who died on Loguri."
Forsstan stared at him in horror. "Are you reading my mind?" He demanded. "I should have known better with a Jedi." He managed to make the word sound like a curse.
"No," Luke told him. "I don't have to read your mind. Your feelings about me are very apparent." He paused for a moment. "I don't suppose this will help. I didn't intend to hurt anyone,
I just wanted to protect my own team."
The Imperial made an abrupt gesture. "Telling me my men died by accident doesn't help much, no. Even if I believed you."
"There are limits to even what a Jedi Master can do," Skywalker said earnestly. "I'm still very much the learner, and nowhere
near being a Master. I made a mistake, and the consequences of my action trouble me greatly."
"You won't have long to be troubled, not if my superiors have their way. They seem to think you're much more powerful than you're claiming.
That's why I'm here with this." Forsstan stated ,with a great deal of satisfaction indicating the blaster in his hand. "You wont escape this time."
In silent reply, Luke reached out with the Force, and the Imperial's weapon flew to his outstretched hand.
Dumbfounded, but not willing to give up easily, the Lieutenant prepared to throw himself at Luke.
"Wait." Skywalker spoke quickly. "If you promise not to do anything rash, I'll give this back." He held the blaster out to the other man.
Forsstan grabbed his weapon, and immediately turned it on the Jedi.
"Tell me again how harmless you are." He sneered.
"That was a fairly simple use of the Force," Luke sighed. "One of the first things a student learns to do." He stopped and looked directly at
the Imperial. "You will notice I gave it back to you. I will also promise not to take it again. You have my word."
"Suppose I just decide to shoot you now?" Forsstan asked, still leveling the weapon at his prisoner.
Luke looked at him calmly, waiting for the Imperial to make up his mind. The Jedi knew he was taking a risk; but since he was not strong
enough to escape immediately, he had to let the young officer find his own way.Sensing that his guard was a man of honor, Luke knew he would not need to use the Force against
Forsstan. Given time he thought he could get him to understand the true nature of the Force and teach him not to fear it;although maybe that wouldn't be the best guarantee of
his own safety. Was it really a good idea to demystify his Jedi powers ,Luke wondered. He decided not to use the Force again until he sensed that Forsstan was beginning to accept
him, and his abilities.
Finally the young Lieutenant lowered the blaster, although he kept it ready in his hand.
"Why did you do that?" He asked.
"Do what? Return you blaster?" Luke grinned at the Imperial. "Maybe I just didn't want you jumping all over me. My side's sore enough as it is."
"Sure, and I suppose you couldn't stop me in midair, if you wanted to." Forsstan thought for a moment. "My superiors don't really understand what you
are capable of, do they? And they should, knowing your record."
"It would probably suit them if I was caught trying to escape." Skywalker replied with a shrug. "At least from what you've told me." Luke was beginning
to tire, his wound was becoming more painful as his strength ran out.
"Well, you're not going to escape, and I'm not going to shoot you. At least not on this watch." The Lieutenant paused to think. "My relief will be here soon.
Better not try your tricks on him. He's not overly fond of you either; and more likely to shoot first, and ask questions later."
"I'll be careful," Luke replied soberly. "As a matter of fact, I'd just as soon sleep for a while. Do you think you could get
a medic in here before you go;and will you come back again?" Luke asked hoping to have more time with this young man, time to convince him that Jedi were not evil magicians.
"Andront and I volunteered to guard you." Forsstan said proudly. "We were the only ones not worried about being alone with a Jedi. Some of my men will
be surprised you didn't turn me into a virtel." He laughed, stopping suddenly as he noticed his prisoner was lying back on his pillows, a look of pain showing for the first time
on his face. "I'll get the medic for you."
When Forsstan's relief arrived,Skywalker was deeply asleep, having let the pain medication the medical droid gave him take effect.
"He's all yours, Andront," The Lieutenant told his replacement. "He's been pretty quiet." Forsstan decided he didn't want to tell the others
about his conversation with the Jedi. After all, it had been against orders. He also had to admit that he was hoping to have time to learn why this strange prisoner
did not live up to his fearsome reputation.
"If he knows what's good for him he better be damn cooperative." The officer responded, menace apparent in his voice.
Pel Forsstan left the sickbay, surprised he felt reluctant to leave Skywalker, and a bit worried about his replacement.'Well,' He thought. He can take care of himself. With a start he realized he wasn't sure which one of the two men he meant.
Han was startled to see Leia at the docking bay when his ship arrived at headquarters. He wasn't looking forward to telling her about Luke,
and he had hoped for a little more time before he had to break the news.
One look at her, and he realized he didn't have to worry about telling Leia; she already knew. He held her as she threw herself into his arms.
"What happened, Han?" She asked frantically. "I know Luke's in trouble."
Solo told her about the attack and explained that they didn't know exactly what had happened to her brother, but that it was likely Luke had
been captured.
"That fits with what I felt." Leia nodded. "There was a moment of pain and confusion, and then nothing else." She took a deep breath. "He's not dead.
I can sense him, but he's too far away for me to reach."
"What I don't understand," Han stated, clearly puzzled. "Is how they got to him in the first place. I thought Jedi were supposed to know when there
was trouble."
"Luke must have been concentrating so hard on what he was doing," Leia started, leading Han toward the hangar entrance. "That he wasn't monitoring his
surroundings. I think it's likely he was hurt or wounded from the pain I felt in his mind."
"That's when he lost control, and the tower fell. That makes sense." Han said with satisfaction. "I knew he wouldn't do anything like that deliberately,
even if he was being attacked."
"Whatever happened," The Princess began, worry in her voice. "The problem now is to find him, and get him back. Let's go make your report to Command;
then we can make plans."
The response from the New Republic Command was not what she had expected.
"Princess Leia, I know how valuable Commander Skywalker is, as well as how much he means to you and Captain Solo," Admiral Ackbar told her.
"But the truth is we do not have the resources available to mount a full scale search of the Imperial Sector. Other operations have priority."
"You mean you're just going to let the Imperials have Luke?" Han asked looking at the Mon Calamari in disbelief. "Without lifting a finger
to find him? I don't believe this!"
The Calamarian gazed at Solo sadly. "I understand, Captain. Commander Skwalker's loss affects me deeply. However we must be practical."
"Practical, be damned!" Han shouted. "Where would the New Republic be without Luke? If you think I'm just going to sit back and..."
"Han," Leia placed a calming hand on her husbands arm. "Admiral Ackbar is doing his best. Besides, we can't give up hope. Maybe Luke's already
freed himself, and is on his way back. After all he is a Jedi."
Han brightened up at this, but quickly returned to his former pessimism.
"Yeah, but you said he was hurt; and we don't know how bad it is. Even a Jedi has limits." He stopped abruptly, seeing that Leia was on the
verge of tears. "Hey, I'm sorry. It's probably not that bad. You're right. He could turn up at anytime, wondering why we are worrying."
"We will instruct our spies in the Imperial zone to be alert for any sign of the Commander." Admiral Ackbar intervened. "I have no doubt he
will be very difficult to conceal, even if he is injured. If they turn up anything a rescue operation becomes more feasible."
Leia had no choice but to be content with that assurance, and even Han seemed to accept it. However, once they were alone, he told her of his own plans.
"I've got a lot of contacts among smuggling groups," Han told her as they walked away from the Admirals offices. "That operate in Imperial territory. I've got
leave coming to me. Chewie, and I'll take the Falcon and see what we can find out."
"I want to come with you, Han." Leia insisted.
"Do you think you can get away from your duties here?" Han asked dubiously. "They've got you tied up with more projects than a Irenon has tentacles."
"They don't need me right now, and Luke does." Leia was very definite about what she intended to do. "I have to go. I may be able to sense him when we get
close." She paused as her voice caught in a sob. "Especially if he's hurt."
"Skywalker! Skywalker, are you alright?!"
Luke opened his eyes slowly, wincing at the new pain. Lieutenant Forsstan was staring at him, his face grim and full of anger. The Jedi could sense that his
fury was underlined by shame and disillusionment, an explosive combination. Luke prepared himself to ward off another attack; but before he could do anything, the Imperial burst into speech.
"I didn't really believe it was possible. And he was proud of what he'd done!" Forsstan's words tumbled over each other. "Proud of attacking a helpless prisoner, even if
he is a Jedi. I'm glad I came back early or..."
Luke held up a hand, stopping the tirade of words.
"He didn't hurt me that much." He sat up carefully, once again controlling the pain of his wound. It was harder this time, after the second injury.
He'd made an error, Luke acknowledged to himself;by allowing the pain medication to put him to sleep, he lost valuable time when the attack came. Before he had been able to awaken sufficiently to protect himself, the damage was already done. It was severe enough that he had blacked out briefly when Forsstan came in and distracted the other officer.
The Lieutenant helped him to stand and guided him back to bed, then turned away for a moment. When he looked back to Luke, his face was contorted with rage and sorrow.
"I thought we were different from other units." Forsstan spoke bitterly. "That the commandos were an elite that stood for something special, and honorable. I guess I was wrong. We're like all the others."
As he watched Forsstan trying to deal with this unplesant revelation, Luke realized that he had been very lucky; or, rather, the Force had truly been with him. While he was struggling with Andront, he'd seen in his mind a plot to kill Luke. The Imperial would shoot him while he slept and pass it off as an unfortunate result of the Jedi's escape attempt. The Imperial officers involved had selected officers from the Loguri unit as his guards, knowing that they would be angry about the deaths of their men. But, those same officers had made two miscalculations. They hadn't anticipated Forsstan's curiousity about Skywalker and his sense of honor that demanded he protect his prisoner. They also did not expect that Andront's hatred of the Jedi would make him want to punish Luke instead of killing him quickly.
Luke allowed the silence to continue for several moments. He felt a strong bond with this idealistic young man, and knew what he was going through as he confronted
the gap between his ideals and reality.
" Evil can grow even in the best soil." He told the officer." It's existence does not make you evil. Only if you give in to it and
follow the dark path can you be harmed." He got no answer, but he knew the other was listening. " Both of you felt you had
reason to hate me because I caused the deaths of your friends;but you did not allow the hatred to master you. You are honorable. His actions cannot take that away from you."
The Imperial still did not answer, just went back to his accustomed place."I hope you're right." He said finally. "Sometimes it's difficult to know
what to do. I would have enjoyed beating you, and I will kill you if I have to; but I couldn't let Andront continue what he was doing to you."
"I know." Luke nodded. "Hatred can be very hard to control once you let it loose." A faraway look came into his eyes. "It can lead to actions you never thought you would consider."
Carefully Luke turned his body so that he could look the Lieutenant in the face.
"Will you have trouble because you stopped him?" Luke asked.
"I might. But it won't be anything I can't handle." Forsstan studied him closely. "Are you sure he didn't injure you more than you think? You seem to be having difficulty."
"I'm all right." Skywalker waved his concern away. "Why did you come back early? It wasn't your turn to take guard duty."
"I almost forgot. I got some information about their plans for you." He paused for a moment as if considering what he was about to
reveal. "Apparently you're the center of a power struggle between two factions. Our instructions are to go to Meloor, and wait there for further word. We're to keep you away from the center of the action
so neither group can use you. In the meantime, you're safe from official execution;but there may be agents aboard with orders to kill you or kidnap you, so you're still in danger."
Luke thought over what the man had just said for a moment.
"Sounds like I'm pretty popular." He stated. "I don't suppose you'd consider taking over guard duty full time? I wouldn't trust our other friend not to look the other way if
these agents show up at the door. I don't think I'm quite up to repelling an all-out attack." He sighed and lay back again; the pain was getting harder to control.
"You are hurting! Let me get the medic." Lt. Forsstan reached for the comlink.
"No. I just need rest." Luke frowned; he knew he was too drained to fight the effects of the drugs they'd give him. "I can't afford to sleep through another attack."
The Lieutenant grimaced at the reminder of his fellow officer's misconduct. "I'll stay with you as long as they'll let me. I don't believe Andront will come back."
Luke decided he had to take a chance, and press the issue of his Jedi talents.
"If he does," Luke spoke hesitantly. "I could influence him a little. You'd be able to stay, but he wouldn't notice you."
"Can you really do that?" The Lieutenant asked horrified, but strangly curious. "Make people think what you want them to?" His eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"No," Luke assured him. "It's not what you assume. It would be wrong for me to control the thoughts or feelings of others. Think about it a moment. I'd have you take me
home right now if I did that. What I can do is influence people's perceptions of their surroundings."
Forsstan's head swiveled around as he suddenly smelled a particularly delicious cut of Bantha cooking nearby. Then he realized what had happened.
"You did that!" he accused.
"I thought you might be more comfortable knowing what I can do, how the influencing works." Luke paused. "You must realize I'm not going to let myself
be killed or used as a hostage."
He got himself upright despite what the effort cost him. Luke was afraid he'd let his impatience get the better of him and had acted to quickly, before
the other was ready to accept this aspect of the Jedi's abilities.
The Imperial was clearly bothered by Luke's demonstration. The suspicions that had flared up a moment ago were still there. He didn't trust Skywalker, and he wasn't sure he believed him;but he could understand his wanting to protect himself, especially as badly
hurt as he was. With a flash of insight, he realized what had bothered him since his prisoner had first awakened.
"How are you doing that?" Forsstan demanded. "I was there when they brought you in and tended your wound. With the injury you sustained, you shouldn't be sitting up;
you shouldn't even have regained consciousness as quickly as you did;and Calort said you didn't fall when you were shot."
Reading the other mans emotions, Luke saw both fear and superstitious dread of unknown powers. He was losing the fragile rapport that he had worked so hard to build up
If he couldn't reach the Lieutenant quickly, the walls of hatred and anger would be back up, even stronger than before. Forsstan would still protect him because he truly was an honorable man, but
Luke would have lost his chance of proving that the Force was not unnatural and that its wielders were not monsters. He brushed his hand over his eyes. He'd need rest soon; his strength was running out fast.
"I told you the Force existed in all of us," He tried to explain. "It's just that Jedi are more aware of it than most people. What I'm doing is using it to control the pain.
Because of that, although I know I'm hurt, I can ignore it for awhile." He paused to make sure Forsstan was following. 'When I was shot, I used the Force to stay conscious to try to lower the tower to safety,
That's why your trooper didn't see me fall right away."
It was no use. He had to lie down again. Pain and exhaustion had taken their toll. He was losing control just as he had when he'd let the tower fall.
"I'm sorry." He heard himself say, and then there was nothing.
Leia was waiting impatiently when Han and Chewbacca returned.
"Well," She demanded. 'Any word about the Imperials, or Luke?"
"We've got something," Han answered as he slipped an arm around her waist. "But it's not definite. There seems to be some kind of ruckus going on in the Imperial Command.
Two factions are squared off. They're fighting over something but it isn't clear what it was. That's all our informants could find out."
"It's got to be Luke!" Leia was elated. "There's nothing else that's happened recently that could set them off that way. Did they have any idea where this is happening?"
"Don't get your hopes up." Solo frowned. "It might not be Luke. From what we heard, part of the fleet is holding the whatever it is to keep it out of the hands of the other group;
but no one knows where they've gone."
"So all we have to do is locate a chunk of the Imperial fleet and get Luke back from them?" Dismay showed on the Princess' face. "We'd need our whole fleet to do that."
"Yeah," Han agreed. "And probably get Luke killed in the process. No, there's got to be another way to do this. After all, we got you off the first Death Star with just the Falcon.
This should be a piece of cake compared to that."
"Why doesn't that reassure me?" His wife asked. "Do you have a plan?"
"No, not yet." Han admitted. "But I'm working on it. Let's get moving. I want ot be further into Imperial space by the time I come up with something."
Luke was enjoying the sensation of being relatively pain-free and didn't want to wake up and spoil it; but something was prodding him back to consciousness. As he opened his eyes, he remembered. He'd lost his chance with Lt. Forsstan. As if to prove his point, he looked up into Forsstan's scowling face.
He's probably sorry I'm alive. The Jedi thought ruefully.
"Why didn't ypu tell me what he did to you?" The Imperial demanded angrily. "Did you think I was like Ardront, that I would take pleasure in your condition?"
Skywalker couldn't believe what he was hearing, yet his Force senses confirmed the truth of what Forsstan was feeling. His honor and the pride he for felt his unit
made him feel responsible for Luke; and he was offended that the Jedi had not trusted him with the true extent of the injuries Ardront had inflicted on him.
"I suppose you were depending on your Jedi tricks." The Imperial continued. "Well, it wasn't the Force that helped you, it was a medical droid."
Luke blinked as the outburst poured over him. Reaching out with the Force, he checked his condition. Sure enough, the internal bleeding had stopped, the torn tissue
was repaired. He actually felt pretty good. Moving slowly, he tried to sit up.
"No, you don't." Forsstan ordered as he pushed him down again. "The medic said you weren't to move around until it had a chance to check you out. There are a few
things I want to get straight first, and you're alot easier to deal with when you 're flat on your back."
"All right," Skywalker grinned. "Fire away."
"First of all, I haven't told my superiors anything, although I should have made a full report by now." Forsstan stopped, and eyed his prisoner curiously. "I'd like
to believe this was your doing, that you've influenced me, but that's not the case is it?" He went on without giving Luke time to comment. "I figured out that you didn't tell me the truth about
the attack because you knew I disapproved of what was done to you. I want to know why you care what I think. Are you trying to get me to turn traitor? Think again, because I won't."
"No, I'm not attempting to subvert you." Skywalker began with slow smile. "It's not as serious as that. This may offend you terribly, but you interest me." He shrugged
at the Lieutenants shocked look. "It's one of my failings. My friend, Han, says I like to meddle, that I don't have the sense to stay out of trouble once my curiosity is aroused."
"I see." The young Imperial considered Skywalker's answer, but didn't seemed bothered by it. "That's also why you're still here, isn't it? You see, I figured out that
you can escape whenever you want to. My superiors are fools if they think I can stop you. They should have killed you when you were first captured, while you were unconscious and helpless."
"Your view of my abilities is slightly exaggerated." Skywalker looked at the Lieutenant warily. "Have you decided what you're going to do? Because as I said before, I
won't stay here to be killed or used as a hostage against my people."
Luke suddenly felt a twinge of guilt as he realized he hadn't really thought about Leia, or his friends more. He knew that his sister could sense that he was alive
although she wouldn't be able to tell more than that;and he couldn't reach her at this distance. Now that he was feeling better, it was time to think about escaping.
"Are you telling me I have any choice?" Forsstan asked bitterly. "Anything I tried you could stop." The Imperial did not like feeling helpless, knowing that all his
hard earned skills would not prevail against this enemy.
"Is that really how you feel?" Luke asked gently. "Then why didn't you kill me while I was helpless this time? Or just leave me to die? When you called the medic you
decided more than just saving my life."
"What are you going to do?" The Lieutenant asked, not answering Skywalker's question.
"Has the situation changed any regarding the fight over my fate?"
Forsstan was slightly surprised. "No, it hasn't. If anything it's at more of a stalemate than ever. You're only the excuse for the two factions to conduct a long-standing feud."
"Then I think I'll stay put a while longer.If you don't mind." Skywalker replied.
"To finish my education or to satisfy your curiousity?" The Imperial sneered.
"Both of those reasons." Skywalker replied, regarding the Lieutenant calmly. "And it gives me more time to heal. When I leave, I want to be able to navigate without problems."
"I guess I don't have any choice," Forsstan conceded grudingly. "At least you will be where my superiors want you."
The truce between the two young men was tentative and fragile, but Luke could sense the change in the Imperial's attitude toward him. Forsstan was confused by the Jedi's frankness,
but he was also beginning to trust him. Skywalker decided that there was definitely something about his guard that he liked very much.
The Falcon had followed a number of tenuous leads, finally ending up in the Meloor system.
"Hmmm," Han commented, "This looks promising. There's a good chunk of the Imperial fleet in orbit. Can you get any feel of Luke's presence here?"
"No," The Princess shook her head. "But we're pretty far off. My abilities aren't that good. Luke could do it, but he has no reason to try."
Solo thought for a moment before answering. "This is the best we've seen. Let's see if we can get closer. Maybe you can pick up something then."
"Han," Chewbacca woofed, alarm in his voice. "I don't think we're going to have to worry about how to get close to the fleet. They're coming to us!"
The medical droid was very pleased with Skywalker's progress, but insisted on giving him more medication to make him sleep.Its orders were to keep the
Jedi unconscious, and it was determined to follow its instructions.
"It's also been told not to put you into a bacta tank." Lt. Forsstan told Luke. "They want you helpless for as long as possible."
Luke nodded absently. He was concentrating on neutralizing the drug as the droid administered a large dose;then, realizing it wouldn't leave until it saw
that its patient was asleep, Skywalker lay back and closed his eyes. The droid checked his deep, regular breathing and,satisfied,rolled out of the sickbay. As soon as the door closed
the young Jedi sat up.
"More Jedi tricks?" The Lieutenant asked,then stopped; puzzled by something. "Why did it take affect the last time? The time Ardront attacked?"
"I let it." Luke explained ruefully. "I really needed rest, and I didn't anticipate that any harm would come of it."
"So you can make mistakes." The Imperial officer was relieved to find at least one failing in his aggravating prisoner.
"You know I can." Luke stated simply. "I've told you I'm not a perfect Jedi, and I'm certainly not a perfect human."
"You do make it difficult to hold onto myths." Forsstan was smiling in spite of himself. "Well, where do we go from here? I don't really know what
you expect." He stopped and then said, slowly. "It's funny, but I do believe you about the tower being a mistake; I really can't hate you anymore."
Skywalker studied him, sensing the sincerity with which he spoke.
"Thank you," He said at last. "But I feel I owe you something. There has to be a way out for me that does not compromise your position or your principles."
"As soon as you think of it, let me know." Lt. Forsstan sat down and stared glumly at the floor. "Thanks to all this, I'm not even sure what I want now."
"While you're thinking about that, we might as well continue your education." Luke was sitting up comfortably supported by pillows. "But before we get started,
could I have something to eat? It's been a long time, and I'm starved."
"So, Jedi do have to eat." Forsstan laughed suddenly. "If you can't conjure up that bantha steak again, I'm afraid all I have are concentrates."
"There are some things beyond even a Jedi's powers, and the taste of concentrates is one of them." Luke told him, making a face. "But if that's the best you
can do, bring them on."
While Luke ate, the Lieutenant studied him closely. Freed of the distortions caused by hate and superstition, he saw a young man in his late twenties; fair-haired, not overly tall or heroic looking. There was really nothing unusual about him, Forsstan decided;until he looked at you in a certain way. When that happened, you saw someone who knew the secrets of the universe, and who was much older than anyone had a right to be.
Forsstan knew he should have reported all this to his superiors, that he should have called for reinforcements. Skywalker wasn't invulnerable. He'd
already been wounded. Given enough time and enough men, they would surely be able to kill him. But, if he was honest with himself he didn't want that to happen. Not having a good
answer to this problem, he decided to wait and see what happened. Maybe the solution would become clearer to him as he learned more about this infuriating Jedi.
Feeling Forsstan's gaze on him, Luke looked up. "Instead of just telling you things," He began. "I ought to ask if you have any questions. Is there
anything about the Jedi you want to know?"
Forsstan considered him a moment, apparently trying to judge how sincere the other was about answering him.
"I do have one." He said finally. "Was Darth Vader really your father?"
Forsstan couldn't have said where that came from, but it was something he'd wondered about ever since rumors began flying after the Battle of Endor.
He felt it was the key to unravelling the mystery surrounding this one particular Jedi. It was Luke Skywalker he was really interested in, not Jedi in general.
Despite everything, he was surprised by the effect his question had on Skywalker. The Lieutenant hadn't known anyone could look that sad.
"You don't pull any punches, do you?" Luke asked in a low voice. He took a deep breath, then answered. "Yes, Darth Vader was my father."
"And you killed him?" Forsstan asked, both horror and fascination in his voice.
Skywalker looked directly at him, and the Imperial waited for what seemed like an eternity.
"I should have realized that is what would be said." Luke said as his gaze dropped from the other mans face. "How the situation would be interpreted.
After all, only three people knew the truth and two of them are dead."
He paused for the briefest of moments, then raised his eyes to the other mans."The Empire needs me to be responsible
for the deaths of the Emperor and Vader. That Lord Vader was my father makes it even better for them." Luke's voice was calm, despite the passionate nature of the words.
"Regicide and patricide both. I wonder that either faction hesitated an instant in killing me. The truth is that I killed neither of them."
When the young officer said nothing, Luke asked. "Do you believe me?" He knew the answer already, but it was important to hear the other man say it.
"Yes, I do, and I can see why you are the logical one to blame." He looked the Jedi in the eye with an unwavering gaze. "But you were there? On the
Death Star when they died?"
"Are you sure you want to know what happened?" Skywalker asked compassionately. "It doesn't leave much room for illusions."
The Imperial lieutenant nodded. Suddenly, this had become the most important question in his life. What he had thought would be vital to understanding
the other man had, instead, become the key to his own soul.
"My father destroyed the Emperor, and was killed himself as a result." Luke said.
There was grief in those words, yes;but also something else- joy and pride in his father. Forsstan knew without being told that Vader had acted to save
his son, not out of treachery against the Empire. The Emperor, the man to whom he'd sworn his oath, had been killed by his chief servant to save the life of the man sitting before him.
By all he held sacred, Forsstan knew he ought to destroy this Jedi. With all the reasons he'd had before, he now had the supreme justification.
And still he did not act. What had Skywalker said? No room for illusions? Forsstan was suddenly face-to face with the one great illusion he'd cherished,
that he was the Emperor's man and would do anything he was commanded.
He stared intently at Skywalker. Lord Vader's son. Forsstan thought back over all he'd ever heard about the Dark Lord, and about the one time he'd actually
served with his Command. It was hard to believe that he and the Jedi were related by blood, let alone father and son. They seemed different enough to be two species.
The young Lieutenant felt he had lost all control; he had to get away, and think about what he had learned so that he could decide what to do next.
"There is one man whom I would trust to guard you as I would." Forsstan began, running his fingers through his hair. "But I'll have to convince him you
are harmless. Will you cooperate?"
Luke, who had followed the other's thoughts and saw his confusion agreed without hesitation.
"I need to get some rest myself. While he's here, I'll sleep, or at least pretend to." He eased himself back down on the pillows, and then looked at the
Lieutenant. "Do you still trust me?" He asked.
"Yes, for now." Forsstan answered. He was sure of that. What he had doubts about was whether Skywalker could still trust him.
"You should have known that story wouldn't work!" Leia said having to vent her frustration somehow. "The Falcon is too well known to the Imperials
for us to get away with a simple deception."
Han, Leia, and Chewbacca were presently occupying a cell aboard an Imperial Star Destroyer orbiting Meloor. After they had been spotted by the fleet, Han
elected to try and con his way out of the situation rather than make a run for it. The dismal results of his bluff were what had Leia so upset.
"Look on the bright side sweetheart." Solo began, deciding to give his wife some leeway because of the strain she'd been under since Luke's capture. "At least,
we're in contact with the Imperial fleet. We should be able to find out where Luke is easily."
Leia knew Han better than to point out the obvious--that as prisoners of the Empire they were in no position to help Luke; even if they found out where he was.
Luke! Leia called with all her Jedi power. Hear me!Answer me!
Leia? The voice sounded in her mind. Even without seeing him, she could sense her brother's incredulous reaction. The Princess was not yet adept at
transmitting information through a mindlink, but she managed to visualize the situation for Skywalker.
Han and Chewie are with you? came the response.All right. Be patient. I'll get to you somehow.
"Hey, Leia. Where are you?" Han asked, grinning. "I've been talking to you, and you haven't heard a word I've said."
"Han," Leia grabbed her husband's arm. "He's alright. Luke is all right!"
Chewbacca roared with pleasure at the news.
"You mean he's here?" Han asked, as happy as his partner, if not as loud. "You made contact with him?"
"Yes. He's been a prisoner since Loguri." Leia answered. "We were right; he is the reason Imperial command has been at each others throats."
"That's great." Han responded impatiently. "Now, how do we get to him?"
"Well, he's in a sickbay. As we thought, he was wounded during the battle, and has been very weak." Leia spoke calmly to balance her husbands eagerness.
"They have a guard with him at all times, but he told me he'd get to us. We just have to be ready to move when the time comes."
When Forsstan returned to the sickbay after hours of restless argument with himself, he found Skywalker in a strangely agitated state. At first
he misinterpreted the reason for this.
"Nothing happened, did it?" He demanded of the Jedi. "You didn't have any trouble with my man?"
"No," Luke said with a faint smile. "He just sat there, and stared at me as if I were going to grow fangs and start flying around the room. I wouldn't
be surprised if his blaster handle has permanent finger marks on it, he was gripping it so tightly. I was afraid to even twitch for fear he'd shoot me."
"Well, what's the problem?" Forsstan inquired. "You seem very worried about something."
"Have you heard about new prisoners being taken?" Luke asked.
"Yes, but how did you..." Forsstan stared at the Jedi, thunderstruck. He realized he knew only a tiny fraction of the power this man could command.
During his agitated discussions with himself, he had decided to encourage Skywalker to go. He wouldn't help him, but he also wouldn't try to stop him. The Lieutenant was
sure his superiors would assume he'd been overpowered by the Jedi's mental abilities. Now his thoughts were swinging the other way. How could he let this dangerous being
escape to threaten the Empire again? Even if he no longer wholeheartedly believed in the Empire or felt as devoted to the Imperial cause?
If the Jedi sensed what he was feeling, he gave no sign of it.
"Do you know where they're being held?" Skywalker interrupted his thoughts.
"In one of the detention cells." Forsstan answered. "Their ship was involved in several incidents so the crew is being detained. Why? Do you know who they are?"
"Haven't they been identified?" Luke asked, surprise showing on his face and in his voice.
"Not that we were told, but Security is involved and they can keep things pretty quiet." Forsstan pointed his finger at Skywalker. "And I'm not telling you anymore,
not until you answer my question."
Luke studied the Imperial officer, sensing the doubts in his mind.
"I would be putting their lives in your hands." He replied softly. "And you don't know how you feel about me or the Empire anymore."
"I wish you would stay out of my mind." The Lieutenant spun around, angrily facing away from his prisoner. "It's eerie to think you know what I'm
thinking, and feeling."
Beneath his calmness. Luke was terribly torn. He wanted to get out now, and escape with his friends, but the Lieutenant had come to a crisis point
and Luke could not leave him with his dilemma unresolved. Impulsively, he turned the young Imperial to face him.
"Come with me." Luke said gently. "You can have a new beginning with us." Before he had finished speaking, Luke knew he had made a grave error.
"So, you weren't trying to subvert me?" Lt. Forsstan's face turned to stone. "Weren't trying to encourage me to betray my loyalties? I should have known all along."
Before either man could move,they were interrupted by an armed squad. Commandos surrounded Luke on all sides; blasters pointed at him, ready to fire. As soon as they
were in position, a Colonel entered with three others -- Leia, Han, and Chewbacca. Luke stayed very still, trying to drive out the fear that was beating at him.
As she surveyed the scene with her Jedi senses, Leia was torn between fear, and confidence. Sitting on the side of the bed, pale and tired-looking from his wound, Luke
didn't look capable of taking on a squad of armed commandos.
'It will be all right.' Leia thought to herself;supporting Luke with all her strength and confidence, Leia composed herself to listen, poised to act when the opportunity arrived.
"I'm surprised to find you awake," the Colonel said, shooting a glance at Forsstan. "However, it will be quicker this way." He indicated Luke's friends. "You can see that I have
a blaster pointed directly at each one of them. They will be dead before you can act, even with your Jedi powers."
"I see." Luke answered calmly, sending encouragement to Leia who was watching him closely. Wait,Leia.It's not time "What do you want?"
"I want you to stand trial before an Imperial tribunal as a criminal and traitor to the Empire." the Colonel answered. "Then, I want you to submit to lawful execution. In return,
your sister, and her husband, and the Wookiee will be returned unharmed. You have my word."
Lt. Forsstan gave a gasp of surprise.
"I tried to tell you," Luke turned to him, smiling, "Things were more complicated than you thought." His gaze moved back to the Colonel. "And what guarantee do I have that you
will keep your word?" He asked.
"None." The officer stated flatly. "But they will die now if you do not agree."
"My trial, and execution will give your party enough power to take over the remnants of the Empire." Luke stated. "You get a lot in return for very little."
"Only if you consider their lives very little." The Imperial smiled, "I'm waiting for your answer."
"I have no decision to make," Luke said as he raised his hands, indicating his helplessness. "And you know that."
"Good. We will leave immediately for Imperial headquarters." The Colonel nodded at Luke's friends who were listening in horror. "You will be separated for the voyage and they will
be guarded at all times. If you try anything, they will die. Otherwise, they will be freed as soon as your execution is carried out." He stepped closer to Skywalker, and Luke could feel the Imperial's hatred
tearing at his mind. "And then this Jedi threat will be removed from the galaxy forever."
Turning for the door, the Colonel spoke to Forsstan.
"Lieutenant, you may resume your post until I can send a replacement. I will deal with you later."
The guards moved the three prisoners out of the room ,stopping Han's protest before it started. Leia looked back at her brother and called his name; the question sounding clearly in her voice.
"Don't worry, Leia." Luke assured her. "It will be all right."
As soon as the door closed, Skywalker got out of bed.
"What do you think you're doing?" Forsstan demanded.
"I'm getting up," Luke told him, holding onto the edge of the bed and summoning all his concentration to drive the pain and weakness down.
"You can't be planning to rescue your friends!" The Lieutenant said incredulously. "They'll be killed as soon as you make a move."
"They're going to be killed anyway." Was the calm response. "The Colonel has no intention of freeing them. I sensed that. He knows my sister has Jedi abilities, and he will never let her go.
What he doesn't realize is that I will never come to trial to give glory to his faction. No one in the Empire can afford the truth to be revealed. A trial will only focus attention on the terrible failures of Imperial
power. Even if they execute me, they will lose more than they gain."
As he moved toward the door, Forsstan blocked his way. Skywalker could tell that he still had not made up his mind. Well, Luke had no more time or patience to indulge him. Leia, Han, and
Chewie were in danger, and he had already spent far more time and energy than he should have on this young man. Now, whether Forsstan had made a decision or not, Luke had to act.
"I am going through that door." The Jedi stated, totally confident. "You can stand aside or not, but you will not stop me." He looked at the Lieutenant, and Forsstan saw his unswerving determination.
Slowly the Imperial stepped aside. He thought of all the things Luke had shown him and- as Skywalker stepped to the door- the Imperial held up a hand.
"Your lightsaber," Forsstan said. "It's in the wardroom. You'll need it."
When Skywalker had gone, Forsstan told himself. 'I should sound the alarm. It is my duty.' But he no longer knew with certainty where his duty lay. Not with an Empire where factions fought over power,
using the loves and loyalties of good people to gain their ends, and not with a group so driven by fear that its members drugged and beat wounded prisoners.
Still, his men needed leaders; ones who had not completely abandoned the ideals his unit had once stood for. Forsstan hesitated only a moment longer and then made his decision.
Having recovered his weapon, Luke made his way through the corridors of the Imperial starship. He knew where his friends were and that Leia was aware of his approach. She couldn't tell Han and Chewie
without alerting their guards,;but she would be ready to move when her brother arrived.
He'd almost reached their cell when he sensed a patrol coming toward him and darted into a side passage to avoid them. As he waited for them to pass, Skywalker was aware of the pain of his wound but it was
manageable, thanks to the time he'd had to rest and heal. With part of his mind, Luke wondered what Forsstan would do. The young officer had not yet revealed his absence, giving him time to catch the guards off balance.
Two guards stood outside the cell, and Luke rendered them unconscious before they could sound the alarm. He knew there were three more inside with their weapons ready to kill their captives at any sign
of trouble. Reaching out with the Force, Luke triggered the switch that opened the cell; at the same time placing confusing images in the minds of the guards inside. They spun around pointing their blasters at enemies only they
could see.
Without warning, the speaker blared the alert. His absence had finally been reported. The alarm distracted him as he scanned for the arrival of fresh troops. With the confusing influence of Luke's images
gone from their minds, the three guards turned to face Han, Leia and Chewie to blast them. Leia did a backward flip, knocking down her guard, leaving her brother room to move in with
his lightsaber. He deftly blocked the blaster bolts, disarming the guards as Solo and the Wookiee turned to knock them out.
"Nice going Luke." Han told his friend. "Now, let's get out of here."
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