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| Enemy |
Enemy
The strategy room was moderately populated; only those men and women immediately involved as ground units were in attendance.
Luke Skywalker leaned against the rear wall, arms across his chest, listening to the briefing
"Intelligence reports indicate the best time for our strike is pre-dawn. Being a mining community, the work shift usually begins at daybreak. No night crews
have been active since the new equipment, and the town's work force is minimal.
" Intelligence also reports that there are no stormtroopers involved. The eleven Imperials that have moved into this region all appear to be low-level officers. So far, they've done little more than frighten the inhabitants; though they have taken over the mine operations.Our objective is a quick. clean raid to rid this area of these men and bring them back for trial. By hitting the town pre-dawn, we should be able to maximize the element of surprise and minimize the need for termination of any of the targets."
Luke sighed inwardly. Military terminology always aggravated his Jedi sensibilities. "Targets", "termination", "strikes ". All were terms of generic reference, that covered the horrors of battle. He despised the way they reduced life and death to comfortable syllables.
" The area is riddled with operational and abandoned mines. You'll each be supplied with detailed charts of the terrain, so familiarize yourselves with all possible
target locations. Succesful completion of this mission should make these precautions unnecessary; but I want you prepared. Any further questions?"
" Sir? How many innocents are we expecting in the field vicinity? Are they all miners?"
" The populace is estimated at less than a hundred. The bad news is, they aren't just miners. We're told there are family units on site also. Sharpen your trained skills.
I don't want any children hurt because of overzealousnes. Hopefully, at the time of the strike, they'll all be safely asleep. Any further questions?"
The room remained silent.
" There'll be another briefing pre-strike tomorrow. Study those charts, and get some rest. I want every one of you sharp.
Dismissed."
" May I ask what your interest is in this mission, Jedi Skywalker?" The Captain asked when the strategy room was empty.
Watching the officer collect his reports, Luke shrugged his shoulders slightly.
" It's twofold, acutally." He answered. " I'm curious why eleven Imperial officers would be interested in a small operation like
the mining community of Tiel."
" They're probably just looking for some obscure place to disappear into. Our discovery of them was pure chance, after all. Ralo's
a pretty small planet. Normally, they could've been there years before we ran across them."
" Maybe." Luke hedged. " With the Empire in chaos, they could have seen an opportunity to escape undetected; but then, why band
together?"
" You carry the rank of General, don't you Sir?"
" Not any longerr. I prefer Jedi; but, yes, I did for a time. Why?"
The Captain smiled.
"As I recall, you moved up the ranks awfully fast, even for a time of war. You aren't exactly a routine soldier. I don't mean that
disrespectfully. Everyone knows the role you played in getting us this far. What I mean is, you can't really understand the bond lower officers share."
" I suppose you're right."
" These Imps probably trained together; took orders from some of the same top offocers." The Captain continued. " They probably fought
together. Battle makes men closer."
He paused, then changed the subject abruptly; like a man avoiding memories too fresh to confront. Luke felt the man's shift of mood ripple
through his Force senses.
" You said your interest was two-fold?" The Captain said at last.
" I did." The Jedi confirmed. WIth a half-smile he added," Some of our own high-level military minds have asked me to question
your prisoners. It's possible one, or more, of them may know where other Imperial officers are holed up."
" I get it. You're to use your Jedi powers to get them to reveal their knowledge. Willingly or not."
" To persuade them, Captain." Amended Luke. " The Force can have a strong influence on a confused or frightened man."
" And the memory of Darth Vader that your presence will doubtlessly invoke won't hurt either." The Captain finished.
Inwardly, Luke cringed; but he knew the officer had correctly surmised the intent of the Rebellion's commanders.
Luke had accepted the mission, knowing the information he might gather was more important than his dislike for being used in such a way. There would be opportunity
later to dispel the negativee image the Dark Lord had fostered for all Jedi.
" Hey, whatever works." The young Captain said, oblivious to Luke's inner conflict. " Believe it or not, Jedi Skywalker, no one will be happier
to see the fighting end than me. Most military personnel feel the same. The sooner we round up the Empire's leftovers, the sooner we can start seriously rebuilding.
See you tomorrow then?"
" Yes, Captain. I'll be going down with your troops to the surface, but I'll stay out of the way...unless I'm needed."
" I wasn't worried about that at all. Never hurtsto have the Force on our side. Good evening."
" Good evening."
"Jedi Skywalker, could you come with me ,Sir?"
The raid on Tiel had not gone as smoothly as hoped. Intelligence reports had proved inaccurate in placing all the Imperial officers
in two buildings. Either the officers had moved, or the agents had been misled. Whatever the cause, the Rebel soldiers had met strong resistance. Fighting
had been fierce, and the number of innocent mining residents aggravated the situation.
After three hours of intense battle, eight of the Imperials, two dozen Rebel troops and a score of Tiel's citizens lay dead.
Two houses were destroyed and four more were on fire. Two of the remaining Imperials had barricaded themselves inside the town's supply store
and were refusing to surrender.The third officer's whereabouts Luke didn't know.
Reluctantly, the Jedi left his position where he had been observing the Rebels surround the supply station.
Facing the red-faced young woman who'd called him, he asked. " What is it?"
"The Sergeant, Sir. He needs you. It's this way."
With no further explanation, she began scrambling up the slope of the mountain.
Responding to the urgency in her voice, Luke hurried after the girl. Crouching to avoid the laserfiire from the cornered Imperials, th
they dodged along, and up, the barren side of the stone mountain face.
Rounding one large boulder after another, the female led on until the town was lost from view. Abruptly, she halted.
Motioning to Luke, she slowed their pace; cautiously edging toward an ancient mine entrance.
 : Luke spotted the small band of Rebels before the girl could point them out. Recognizing the insignia of the Sergeant in command, he
worked his way along the rocks toward him.
"Jedi Skywalker?" The older man asked needlessly. " I'm glad to see you, Sir. We got one'o the Imps in this mine; but he's got hostages.
One o'my boys here saw him grab a woman and her kid and duck out the back o'town. We didn't dare fire; so we followed him here. He's crazy. Keeps yellin'
he'll kill'em. Can you help any?"
" Have you tried reasoning with him?" Luke asked. " Surely he knows there's no escape."
" Course I tol'him there's no way he's gettin' outta this. Promised no one's gonna hurt him; but he acts like he's outta his head.
Keeps demandin' a ship to take off with. We can't rush the mine without riskin' harm to the kid and his mam. I thought, maybe, you could do somethin'-bein' Jedi and all."
" I'll see what I can do." Nodded Luke. "Can he hear me?"
" Yes, Sir. Just talk loud. No need to yell."
Raising his voice only slightly, Luke called to the darkened mine.
" You, inside, I am Jedi Luke Skywalker. Let the woman and her child go, unharmed, and I promise no one will attack you."
There was a scream from inside the mine, followed by a loud sobbing. Even from his position, twenty feet from the entrance, Luke could feel the waves
of terror emananting from the frightened woman and her child.
" I've heard of you, Skywalker." A deep male voice echoed angrily from the hollow opening. " You want the woman? Come and get her
yourself! Alone! Leave that fancy weapon of your's out there."
"You can't go in there!" The Sergeant argued as Luke began to stand. " That's an abandoned mine. It isn't safe! He'll kill you and those two;
and there won't be a thing we can do to help you."
" The Sergeant is right.' The girl soldier who'd found him seconded. " That shaft is so old it could collapse at any second."
' I have to try." Luke shook his head. " I may be able to convince him to at least release the hostages. I'll be alright."
" I can't allow it." The Sergeant stubbornly insisted.
" Sergeant," Luke said softly. " I'm not part of this unit, officially. You can't stop me. You have no responsibility for my actions.
Trust me. Will you hold this until I return?"
He unclipped his prize lightsaber and handed it, confidently, to the blustering man.
" It will be alright."
Force senses focused, the Jedi eased his way from the protection of the rocky landscape to the mine's entrance. His skin tingled beneath the black
cloth of his uniform.
" I'm coming in." He announced solemnly to the unseen Imperial inside the mine. " I'm unarmed."
Once more the woman screamed, and Luke heard a loud smack as flesh contacted flesh in violent motion.
A child's outraged cry punctuated the moment.
" Don't hurt the woman!" Luke warned.
As soon as he entered the dilapidated structure, Luke felt the nearly overwhelming emotions of the three occupants hit him with almost physical impact.
The woman's fear for herself and her child was like a writhing serpent that coiled around Luke. The Imperial's was even more acute.
His mind was, indeed, splintered; as the Sergeant had guessed. Red-hot tongues of anger lashed at the Jedi's senses; interspersed with icy daggers of cold
determination and blinding flashes of a mind at war with itself. The close confines of the mine, and the stagnant air of abandonment, heightened the electric
current of emotions that surged over Luke. Yet, if the Jedi protected himself from the onslaught of raw humaniyt, he would risk
losing the advantage his Force awareness gave him.
Inching his way forward, Luke allowed his vision to adapt to the lightless enviornment.
Though he could not see any better than the average human under such conditions, the Jedi had the distinct edge due to his Force abilities. He hoped
it would be enough to overcome his enemy. Still, the man's mental state alarmed Luke. It was impossible to influence a shattered mind.
A sound Luke hadn't heard before caught his attention.
After listening intently, he recognized the noise. The Imperial was moving deeper into the man-made cavern; dragging-or at
least forcing- his captives with him. It was not a rational act; and it increased the Jedi's apprehension.
As quietly as possible, Luke moved forward.
The ground beneath his feet had been sloping steadily downward for the past ten minutes when Luke paused. The air was hot and still, his won breathing loud in his ears. His tunic stuck to his back uncomfortably, sw
eat trickled down his face. Suddenly, he froze. The trio was just ahead. He could almost see them; their Force presence was so strong.
" That's far enough, Jedi. Say something so I know where you are."
" I'm here." Luke answered, projecting his voice to the opposite wall of the shaft. " Let the others go."
" Please." Whimpered the woman. " Please let my son go."
" Let go of my arm!" Demanded the crazed man, jerking free and causing the woman to lose her balance. She cried out as her knee struck a sharp stone.
" Don't hurt my mama!" Squealed a childish voice as the small boy lunged for his enemy's leg.
The Imperial growled and struck the child with the back of his hand. Luke could stand by no longer. Guided by sound, he grabbed for the man's arm.
The enraged mother flung herself onto the officers back, shouting and wailing, at the same instant. There was a flash of light as the man's weapon
discharged into the wall near the roof of the mine.
The light gave Luke the moment's vision he needed; but it was also provided the Imperial with a target for his maddened rage. The woman felt the danger as swiftly as the Jedi.
"RUN!" She screamed to her son, throwing her body forward as a fragile shield between the blaster and her offspring.
The weapon fired again, striking Luke's artificial hand as he placed it over the muzzle, blazing through the circuitry and wires to penetrate the mother's shoulder.
Her agony echoed in circled with the resounding shot from the blaster; but Luke had no time to hear it.
Wrestling in close quarters with a man a head taller than he was, a man pumped with adrenalin-fed strength, the Jedi could scarcely hold his own. Fearful of further injuring the wounded
woman, Luke pushed the officer against the stone wall.
There was a terrible second when Luke could feel the man's breath on his face; feel the blaster inching toward his abdomen. The mine shuddered from the weapon's discharge-the screams and tears
of the innocent. Dust fell from cracks overhead, choking the combatants, gritty in Luke's eyes.
The laser bolt seared the flesh on Luke's side, ramming into the wall only inches abover the little boy's head. Too dazed and frightened to move, the child
knelt by his fallen mother. The ancient mine creaked and groaned like a living beast. Small stones joined the cascading fall of dust.
The blaster fell from the officer's hand, and Luke quickly kicked it aside. Driving his shoulder into the taller man's
stomach, the Jedi used his good hand to smash upward along the Imperial's chin. Blood splattered his face, but the man fought on. Throwing his arms around
Luke, he lifted the Jedi and rammed his back into the wall.
Through the pain, Luke felt the shaft support at his elbow move. He tried to shout a warning, but the air was forced from his lungs by the squeeze of the Imperial's muscular arms around him
Using the last of his strength, Luke drove his leg up; into the soft, unprotected region of the man's anatomy.
The gasping Jedi fell to his knees as the officer yelled and dropped to the ground, cupping his groin in pain.
" NO!" Luke rasped raggedly when his senses focused. " Don't!" But his cry came too late.
Crawling through the dirt of the mine, the young mother had found the dropped blaster. Aiming it at the ceiling, she sought to gain control. Not wanting to
hit Luke by mistake, she fired the weapon for the light it would provide; hoping to give her rescuer a chance to get out of the way before she killed her tormentor.
Instead, the discharge triggered the final collapse of the fractured roof. The support columns snapped like dry twigs beneath the weight of the falling rock.
The roar of the cave-in swallowed the screams of those trapped.
Outside, the Rebel troops heard the distant rumble of thunder and felt at twitch in the rocks at their feet. Only seconds later, when the mine entrance coughed clouds of dirty dust into the air, did the Sergeant realize that his worst nightmare had come true.
It was dark. Darker than anything he had ever known
Luke's ears rang from the deafening explosion of the cave-in. His left eye was swollen shut, his back a mass of pain.
He could hardly move, every breath was labored and laced with hot spikes; yet his physical injuries paled against the anguish in his mind.
The others were alive; their life-force slamming into the Jedi, tearing at his sanity. The woman was severely hurt, but her deepest
horror was not being able to see, hear or touch her son. Luke felt her agony as his own. The child was only semi-conscious, his tiny mind projecting
bewilderment and hurt.
The Imperial's emotions were the strongest; nearly strangling out the weaker two. Though his body was crushed, the
man's fury was un-spent. With his last breath he directed such rage and hatred toward Luke that the Jedi's heart thudded; his head rocking back
with the impace. Under the assault, Luke lost consciousness.
When his senses returned, the Jedi reached out only tentatively with the Force to touch the others.
He felt bruised and bloody, inside and out, reluctant to open channels to fresh pain.
The Imperial was dead; so, as gently as he could, he felt for the boy-ready to draw back of the touch proved too tender.
Where there had been confusion and sorrow before, there was only cold emptiness now. The child was dead.
The woman moaned softly.
Licking his dry lips, Luke tried once more to move. The rock that formed his living tomb failed to yield; but gradually
the Jedi was able to free his hand from beneath his cheek and inch it through the smaller stones. To his surprise, he felt the yield of human
flesh beneath his fingers.
" How badly are you hurt?" He whispered to the woman he could only barely touch.
" My son..."
" Can you move at all?" He tried again.
" I..." Her scream pierced Luke's ears like pokers of steel; her pain shooting up his arm and behind his eyes
like a streak of storm lightning.
When she could breathe again, the mother's hand closed over the Jedi's wrist. Her nails dug into his skin as thought that
would somehow keep her life from ebbing away. Her lungs bubbled aloud with every shallow intake if air, and Luke could feel her dying.
" Why?" She moaned. The single word an accusation that cut at Luke's heart. " Why?"
Her fingers convulsed and relaxed, leaving little trails of fresh blood on the Jedi's arm.
Once more, Luke's Force senses reeled at the crash of the mother's unanswered, grief-stricken plea. Almost gratefully, he passed out.
The stillness was absolute.
There was nothing left. Only his own, faint heartbeat and the terrible blackness. Blackness that he shared with three, undeserving,
lifeless bodies.
Never had he been so utterly alone. He could feel the entire weight oof the mountain now. It bore down on him,
sucking at his face, denying him breath. He couldn't move. Even his once-free hand was trapped by the leaden weight of the dead woman's hand.
Where was the Force? Where was the power he had come to rely on? He almost laughed hysterically aloud as his tormented ming
recalled an old Master's wordss. "...life creates the Force..."
There was not life here, in the heart of the mountain-only rock and stone and dust and death. And one-lone- Jedi; but that wouldn't be
for much longer. He could feel the weight now; the pressure of the mountain on his back; it's soil on his lips. With his ear pressed to the ground by the
mountain's strength, he could almost hear it's hearf.
" Put your backs into it!" Shouted the Sergeant.
" I've got someone!"
" Oh, gods! It's the child!"
" Keep goin'." Ordered the Sergeant. " Someone may still be alive. Get that body outta here."
" It's the Imperial."
" No, here. Here! He's alive! Hurry!"
" Thank the Force!"
" Luke? Can you hear me? You're safe. You're home, and I'm here. Luke?"
" I'm afraid you'll have to leave now,Princess.He needs his rest."
Han circled his wife's back with is arm.
" Come on. He'll be alright. You can see him again later."
Urging the petite woman toward the door, Solo watched her stare worriedly over her shoulder. In truth, he shared her concern.
" I'll be with you in a second." He said, propelling her forward. Before she could protest, he pulled the door shut.
Turning to the med-droid in attendance he asked. " How is he, really?"
" He will be a long time in recovery; but I see no reason why he should not survive, General Solo. " Too-One-Bee responded mechanically.
" Yeah, well survival isn't everything. Will he be alright? Able to walk, talk, see?"
" He should function as capably as before." The droid replied.
Nodding more to himself than to the mechanical attendant, Han stepped nearer the bed.
Luke's pale skin was nearly hidden beneath the numerous bruises that covered his face and arms. His artificial hand had been removes
for later repair; the Jedi's wrapped stump lay atop the thin coverlet. His breathing was shallow, his chest scarcely moving.
" Hang on, buddy." Solo whispered. Turning abruptly away from the sight of his stricken friend, Han addressed Too-One-bee. " I am to
be notified of any change, immediately. If it's bad, you call me before you call Leia. Got that?"
" Of course, General. I have been fully instructed."
" It's been over six days now. Why is he still in a coma?" The one-time royal Princess demanded in her sternest, no-nonsense voice.
The human physician refused to be intimidated. Looking Leia in the eyes, she repeated the same diagnosis she'd delivered daily for the past three days.
"Jedi Skywalker is healing remarkably well, considering what he went through. Shipboard med-facilities are so limited. They did all they could for him, but
his condition was critical when he arrived here. With four broken and three fractured ribs, a fractured left leg and a broken forearm; not to mention the contusions, blaster wound
or the concussion he suffered. He is progressing rapidly-fantastically in fact."
"That doesn't answer her question." Han said through strained lips. " Why is he still out of it?"
"General Solo, we're doing everything we can." The grey-haired woman adjusted the papers on her desk. " I've been researching what little I could find
on the old Jedi Knights, and I think I may have learned something of interest. As you know, our records regarding the Knighthood are extremely limited."
Han sat forward impatiently.
" Yeah, we know. Most of their history was lost to the Empire. So what is it you've found?"
Ignoring the Corellian's rudeness, the woman still hesitated.
"Please." Prompted Leia. "We just want to understand what's happening to Luke."
" I know." Smiled the physician sympathetically. " It's just that our records are so limited. I don't want to raise false hopes."
Before Han could respond, Leia placed her hand,warmly, on his arm. After amoment of silent deliberation,
the harried doctor behind the desk reached a decision.
So long as you both realize that what I'm about to suggest is based strictly on conjecture and little, real, information." She paused once more,
looking at Leia's eager expression, and sighed. " It's my opinion that Jedi Skywalker is in some sort of self-induced healing trance, and not a coma at all."
Han digested the information quickly.
"Does that explain the mumbled dialog he keeps uttering?"
"Perhaps, though I'm inclined to say no. What he keeps saying is mostly unintelligible. The little we have understood seems to be
of a conversational nature. I believe he is reliving the events that took place in the mine, just prior to it's collapse. That would be the normal pattern
for most people. Sort of a recurring nightmare sequence."
"Poor Luke." Empathized Leia. " He must be in terrible pain."
"As his twin, and gifted with the Force yourself, have you experienced anything?" The doctor inquired gently. She noticed the
squeeze of the Princess' hand on Han's arm in reaction to her question.
" No. That's part of the reason I've been so worried. Ever since I realized Luke was my brother, there's been a connection between us.
It's difficult to define; but I"ve always had a sense of his presence. I knew something was wrong before I was told about the cave-in, for example; but it
wasn't anything I could name. I felt a...tearing is the best way I can describe it."
"So you sensed nothing of his injuried?"
"No. It was like something suddenly separated us. Like an impenetrable curtain fell between us."
The physician's lips pressed together in thought, her brow furrowing.
"Possibly. He certainly would've known that-under normal conditions- Leia would sense his danger. Whether he had the strength is
another matter. We know that he was conscious at least a short time after the mine collapsed because he was reaching for the dead woman's hand. It's presumed
that he was attempting to reach her despite his own wounds."
"Then she was alive for a little while too." Han muttered to himself.
"We won't know the full circumstances until Jedi Skywalker resumes consciousness." The doctor declared solemnly to Han's statement.
"But yes, it would appear that way."
Leia pressed a shaky hand to her burning eyes.
"That would have been horrible for Luke. Trapped in that darkness;unable to help
someone in need." Her voice caught, and she lowered her head into her hands.
" You must get some rest, Princess." The doctor responded; her medical instincts suppressing her sympathy momentarily. " You won't help
your brother by becoming ill yourself. I realize it's hard, but you must try. When was the last time you ate? Slept?"
Han turned from his mate.
"I got her to eat a little soup earlier."
"Both of you, to your quarters." The doctor nodded. "Get some hot food into your stomachs and then go to sleep. That is an order.
If my analysis of Jedi Skywalker's condition is correct, and heis in a Jedi trance, it will be some time before he awakens."
"How long?" A weary Leia raised her head.
"I'm not certain." The woman admitted. " But I'd guess at least another forty-eight hours, or more. There's nothing more you can do here."
"I want him to know I'm near." Leia replied stubbornly. " Maybe if I just talk to him."
"If this were a normal coma, I might agree." They physician rebutted. " But I'm convinced it isn't. If he's in a trance, you might do him
more harm than good. All his energies are channeling toward self-healing. It wouldn't benefit him to have that concentration divided."
"Makes sense, Leia." Han agreed. " Luke's a tough guy. He'll come outta this, you'll see. He wouldn't want you getting sick."
Leia marvelled at the emotions of the human heart. In Han's eyes she saw reflected her own worry for Luke; but she also saw
the love and care Han had for her. She felt stranded between the two men she loved.
Her husband's rough, calloused hand caressed her cheek and she relented, leaning into his warm love.
As she allowed him to help her stand, the Princess smiled weakly at the older woman.
"I hope you're right about Luke."
As the door slid shut after the troubled couple, the doctor whispered aloud. "So do I. So do I."
" What is it,Leia?" Han Solo was instantly awake, his hand on his wife's trembling shoulder.
The Princess had jerked from her sleep to a sitting position in their bed, her body shaking. Her long, dark hair fell in a tangled
cascade across her back, touching the wet treil of tears on her face.
"It's alright." He soothed; but Leia cut him off suddenly by throwing her arms around his neck.
"It's Luke!" She wept, relive in her hoarse voice. "He's back."
Laughing, she kissed her startled husband. "Get dressed, flyboy! Somebody important is waiting for us!"
Oblivious to the lateness of the hour, or the night that still slept beyond their window, the joyous psir scrambled to pull on their clothes.
"Are you really alright?" Leia asked for what seemed like the hundredth time, holding her brother's hand
and stroking it with her thumb.
"I'm really alright." The still wan Jedi assured her. "I'm sore and I feel like I got tackled by a Wookiee,
but I'm going to be fine. I'm sorry you were so worried."
" Glad you're back." Solo grinned, feeling slightly foolish but too relieved to care. " You still look pretty beat up though."
" HAN!" Admonished his wife, shocked.
Luke laughed, grimacing as the movement shot tiny arrows into his healing sides.
"It's alright, Leia. I'm sure I'm a mess. Give me another week or two and I'll be beating you at handbat again." He swore to Han,
referring to a strenuously physical sport the two men often played together.
"Yeah, sure! I could win once in awhile if you'd lay off those underhanded Jedi tricks of yours!" Solo shot back.
Luke managed to look properly surprised beneath the fading, purple brusing of his skin.
"Speaking of hands." Leia said tactfully, changing the subject back to her brother's health. " When do you get your new one?"
"Tomorrow, if I have my way." Luke answered." But maybe not. My old one was pretty well crushed, they tell me."
"What happened, Luke?" Leia's face lost some of the radiance it had had. " Why did you go in there alone? You know better!"
"I thought I could help." A cloud shaded the young Jedi's eyes." I really don't feel like talking about it now."
Taking his cue promptly, Han touched his wife's shoulder.
"Come on. There's plenty of time for a long reunion later. When you get out of here, buddy, we'll open that special bottle of wine
Chewie gave us at our bonding. Wookiee spirits will put you back on your feet."
"Or flat on his back again!" Laughed Leia.
"Sounds good, Han. "Luke smiled."Keep it chilled."
"General Solo, may I see you in my office for a minute?"The gray haired physician requested formally. " We have another patient I'd like
to discuss with you, as our Security Commander."
"Business calls. I'll be back soon." Han sighed, leaving Leia to pack Luke's medications and assist her brother despite his protests.
Solo followed the woman to the room he knew too well.
"Please have a seat; Luri,hold all calls." The doctor instructed her secretary before closing the door.
"Luke is ready for release, isn't he?" Han asked, suspicious of the older woman's attitude.
Taking her chair behind her littered desk, she answered honestly.
"You've guessed correctly that it is Jedi Skywalker I want to discuss with you. I felt it would be best without the Princess.
Physically, he is fine. Mentally, I'd prefer to keep him here a little longer.
"Oh, come on!" Protested Solo defensively. "There's nothing wrong with Luke's mind."
"He isn't psychotic, of course. He's rational and cooperative, except in one area. He refuses to discuss-with me or anyone else-
the events that took place in the cave-in that killed three people and nearly killed him. He's suppressed those events in his mind,and that isn't healthy.
"I'd say it's pretty natural,if you ask me." Solo groused. "It'd be sick if he wanted to go over all that again and again.
Who can blame him for not wanting to relive what almost killed him?"
"Going over it, reliving it time and again, is exactly what he is doing though, General. In his dreams.
Do you remember that I told you his speaking to himself while in the trance was natural? Patients injured in disasters, especially when others have died and they
have survived, often experiencee this phenomenon. Only by talking out their feelings, by releasing the pain and fear they felt-still feel- do they fully heal."
"Luke's different. He's a Jedi Knight."
"He's still human. He must face his experiencee." She paused, looking Han steadily in the eyes. " Did you know that he was nearly killed in a
cave-in as a boy?
Han shook his head.
"Apparently he was quite young when the incident occurred. He was playing in an area he'd been forbidden to go and the
ground gave way. Most of Tatooine's surface is sand; and he was buried up to his neck. Every movement caused more and more sand to slide
around him. Luckily, he wasn't crushed by the weight of it; but he was trapped for over an hour before being rescued."
"What's that got to do with the mine collapsing on him years later?"
"The same sense of entrapment, helplessness, being pinned down unable to move, is the same. I believe
this last incident triggered the suppressed memory of the childhood trauma. Combined, and unfaced, they could
present a danger to his mental state."
" Let me get this straight." Han said, unbelievingly. "You're saying something that happened to
Luke as a kid; something he probably just forgot, and his not wanting to talk about the mine cave-in on Ralo are somehow connected?
And that's gonna give him some kind of 'mental' problem. You don't know your patient,Doctor!"
"I'm not saying he'll experience any disabling effects, General. We do monitor our patients around the clock, and
Jedi Skywalker's history is in his medical log. The rest I pieced together by watching tapes of his trance condition. He is still
suffering poor sleep patterns that have nothing to do with his physical state. He experiences symptoms of repressed panic-
sweats,accelerated heart rate, acute REM sleep and fatigue on waking. The memories he's refusing to cope with are-in effect-taking control
during what should be his resting periods. Without proper,restful sleep his performances while he is awake will eventually suffer."
"Maybe he just needs out of this place, and some time to put all that's happened to him behind him." Han rose to leave,
more angry than he cared to show. " He's been through a lot worse than a cave-in, and he always comes out on top. I'll put my money on him
over your medical mystery any day."
"Encourage him to discuss the cave-in with you, General. Get him to exorcise those repressed emotions." The
frustrated physician urged Solo's retreating back. " It's for his own good."
Luke awoke with a strangled yell in his throat. His bedcovers were wrapped around his legs in a tangled heap. Cold
sweat stung his eyes and dampened his matted hair. His heart thudded in his chest.
"This is getting ridiculous." Luke thought to himself.
Unknotting the covers from his body, he padded barefoot to the small washroom to splash cool water
over his face and neck. Cupping his hand beneath the running liquid, he sipped at the water to ease his dry mouth.
Letting the water evaporate on his skin, Luke returned to sit in the chair near the open window. Looking up at the stars, he felt
calm settle over him once again.
Almost nightly since leaving the Med-Center, he'd had his sleep interrupted by these annoying spells. The three weeks of strain were beginning to tell on his normally steady nerves.
Luke recalled the physician's warning but-try as he might- he could never remember
much about the nightmares or the cave-in on Ralo. Except, apparently, in his dreams.
Oh, he remembered everything up to the mine's collapse. The Imperial officer's madness, the fear of the
woman and her child; but once the stone ceiling gave way Luke's mind grew cloudy and vague.
He had tried the deep Jedi meditation and found a measure of comfort in it's familiar light; yet the events
with which his subconscious tormented his sleeping mind remained hidden once he awoke. He could feel a difference in his bond with Leia.
There was a veil between them now that hadn't existed before. A veil he somehow knew he had created but was powerless to lower.
But why?
Did it protect him, or his sister? And, if he created it, why couldn't he will it away? The
questions buzzed in his brain like annoying, winged insects.
Luke tried again to analyze his situation.
He'd been on Ralo. An Imperial officer had gone berserk and had taken a woman and her small son prisoner.
He had attempted to reach the crazed officer, but there had been a fight and the mine had caved in. The others had been killed; but he'd survived.
Luke had learned, not long before, not to second-guess his actions once they were behind him. It was a lesson Han had
taught him well- You'll make yourself crazy wiht 'what if' and 'maybe'. Once it's done, it's done. Don't look back."
Han's words still rang loud and true in the Jedi's memory. Three people had died, one of them a child. Luke knew it was these
that spurred the memory lapse and filled the forgotten nightmares. Yet, he felt an emptiness whenever he thought of those who'd been in the cave-in
with him. There was none of the compassion, sorrow or even anger that he would normally feel, even for those he didn't know. The void
of emotion he faced puzzled and unnerved him.
Sitting beside the open window, the cool night breeze on his bare chest and face, Luke closed his eyes and began the deep,
rhythmic breathing of the meditation ritual. Bathed in the soothing, soft, glow of the Light he felt an
unsteady peace. Relaxed in every muscle, he reveled in this initial joy the meditation always provided.
Still breathing in slow, relaxed patterns; Luke focused on Ralo. In his mind he could see the old mine entrance.
Mentally, he moved toward it; feeling an icy tingle along his spine the nearer he came. The cold grew so intense he couldn't enter.
Turning away, he let the image dissolve and once more dirfted into the Light.
The people were the key.
When he felt no trace of the icy fear left, Luke probed his shattered memory of that day. A face...if he could
conjure a picture in his mind of one of the others...
The light was gone. A black, boiling cloud rolled toward him like a sea in a galactic storm-huge and powerful and deadly.
The meditation trance ended abruptly, leaving Luke feeling more frustrated and exhausted. His hands were shaking;
his body once more awash in his own sweat.
Despite his rest-splintered nights, Luke managed to maintain a normal schedule; doing what was asked of hims with little outward difficulty.. Only his two closest relatives sensed the change in the Jedi. Han and Leia's concern was growing daily.
"We have to do something." Leia said to her husband. " It's been months since his recovery. He acts fine, but I know
he isn't."
"You can see it in his eyes." Han agreed slowly. " I'd figured he'd be over it by now."
"He won't talk about it at all. I've tried and tried to get him to."
"Me too." Solo patted his wife's hand." That doctor may have been smarter than I gave her credit for. Its so unlike Luke."
"It's causing a rift between us that's getting wider all the time." Leia observed sadly. "You know he's avoiding you
and I deliberately these days. It really has me worried."
"I've got an idea. It may not work, but I don't think it'll hurt him any. At least we'll be doing
something. One way or the other, Luke'll have to face us with his problem."
"What is it?" The Princess asked hopefully. " Anything's better than going on like this.
"I don't have time for a picnic." Luke protested, half-laughingly. "And neither do you,Han."
The Corellian leaned against his brother-in-law's door.
"No, I don't; but Leia needs it. She's still concerned about you,pal You haven't
exactly been Mr.Sociable with us lately,y'know."
"I've been sort of busy." Luke evaded.
"So have we all. Come on, for your sister. This'll be good for us, but especially good
for her. So we work twice as hard tomorrow! We need the break. We won't get this chance very often."
Luke shook his head at Solo's attempt to charm him. The Jedi certainly understood how Han had wowed the
women of a dozen worlds before bonding with Leia. The Corellian could be quite persuasive.
"Give me a second." Luke conceded with a grin.
"Where are we going on this picnic,the next continent?" Luke joked uneasily from the rear seat of the land cruiser.
Han had been steering them higher and higher along the road that led into the mountains. Taking turns at what would have been reckless
speeds for a less experienced pilot,Solo continued to climb the little-traveled byways.
"Han says there's a place near the crest with a spectacular view of the ocean. He's been trying to get me to come here
for ages." Leia shouted back to her brother over the wind's roar, her hair whipping in the open air vehicle.
"I think he just wants to show off his driving!" Luke yelled, a smile on his face as he mockingly braced his arms to the sides.
"I heard that!" Retorted a confident Solo."You ain't seen nothin'yet." With that, he punched a series of buttons on the cruiser
console. Soon they were climbing at a nearly forty-five degree angle.
"I take it back, Han!" Luke screamed, feigning fear he did not feel.
"The Corellian leveled the vehicle, decreasing their speed to a crawl.
"I love that part of the trip!" He announced.
"My husband, the child." Leia moaned; but her eyes were dancing.
"This is wonderful!" Leia exclaimed when their meal was finished. Stretched on the soft grass, her head rested on Solo's midsection.
"I have to admit, it's pretty special." Luke seconded, his back against a tree, legs tucked beneath him. " It's so peaceful and quiet. None of the
sounds of civilization."
"Uh-huh. Just the way I like it." Solo yawned.
"How'd you find this place?" Luke asked curiously.
The Corellian shifted his weight to prop himself on one elbow, causing Leia to sit up.
"Chewie and I had some engine trouble on the Falcon one day, about a year ago. We had to come in
pretty low; nearly clipped those rocks up there." He pointed to the peak on their left. " I remembered this place from seeing it then.
Came up here not long after that, but I could never get Leia to stop work long enough to come with me."
"I'm here now." The Princess smiled. " And you can bet I'll be back."
"We'll see if you still feel that way after the ride back down."
"Oooh." His wife groaned.
"As lovely as this is, Han." Luke interrupted. " It seems to me I heard something about an ocean view."
"That's right!" Remembered Leia. Poking Solo in the ribs, she demanded." Where is this panoramic view you promised?"
"Follow me!" The Corellian shouted. He was on his feet and running through the ankle-high grass and flowers before the twins
could get to their feet. " Last one there is an Imperial sympathizer!"
"That's not fair! Leia screamed, streaking after him. " You know the way and we don't!"
"Who promised fair?" Her husband chided over his shoulder.
Savoring the loving relationship of his little family, Luke jogged behind Leia's swift flight. These chases usually ended, he knew from past experience, in a mock fight and a lingering kiss. Pacing himself, he gave the couple a few stolen moments of privacy.
Running wildly, her hair falling free of it's braid, Leia chased Han to the cliff at the
back of the field. Leaving the sun-lit grass, she pursued his shadow into the darker confines of the tunnel that cut
through the yellow stone of the mountain.
Perfectly straight and smooth as only a mammoth machine could have cut it, the tunnel was forty
feet long. The floor was littered with small pebbles, blown leaves and a few hearty shrubs near the sides. Though
darker than the open meadow. the tunnel was hardly black since both ends were open to the sun.Neither was it narrow or small
at twenty feet high and wide.
"Oh, Luke." Leia's delighted voice echoed. " Hurry! This is gorgeous!"
The Jedi stood at one end of the deliberately constructed tunnel; able to see his sister and her
bondmate clearly at the other end. Fleetingly he wondered at the origin of the tunnel and it's purpose, but Leia's voice called
him forward. Drove the questions away.
"Slowpoke!" Han scoffed in echoing tone.
As Luke watched, Solo pulled Leia to him, embraced her tenderly. The Jedi slowed his pace even
further as he entered the smoothly polished opening. Ahead of him, Han and Leia gazed at the glittering sunlight reflecting on
the ocean waters.
Ten feet inside the tunnel, Luke began to sweat. Beads of salty perspiration dotted his upper lip
and trickled from his temple. The air was only slightly cooler,but Luke felt uncomfortably hot.
Fifteen feet inside, and the Jedi could no longer convince himself that what he was feeling was
caused by his short run. His knees felt unsteady,his hands shook visibly. His head was throbbing with every heartbeat, and
he felt nausea claw at his belly. Twenty feet, and Luke's legs collapsed. With a cry, he fell; his arm covering his head. His
heart pounded like a trapped beast, trying to break from it's cage. His breath caught, and he couldn't get air into his heaving
lungs. His vision blurred, and then there was blackness.
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