The Other Skywalker (Star Wars FanFic) [ON HOLD]

Chapter Seven - The Rebels

Of course Lili knew of the freighter ship that had escaped the imperial army several star systems away, but even she had had no idea it would turn up here.

She stood in the main hangar, looking at the scrap-heap that had somehow made it here from Tatoowin. It didn't look as if it could have made half the trip, or come close to outrunning the imperial fighters. Obviously it had.

Lili took a deep breath. She felt... something. Perhaps someone. Someone she knew, or had known, once. There had been a similar sensation when she had seen Leia, but it was stronger now. As if at least two people on board that ship were familiar to her.

Her father was marching toward the ship. She stepped back carefully, so she would be out of the way, but still able to see - and hear.

"There's no one on board, sir. According to the log, the crew abandoned ship immediately after takeoff. It must be a decoy, sir. Several of the escape pods have jettisoned."

"Did you find any droids?"

"No, sir. If there were any on board, they must also have jettisoned."

"Send a scanning crew aboard. I want every part of this ship checked."

"Yes, sir."

Over the years, Lili had learned that it was when her father spoke the softest that she really needed to pay attention.

Slowly, and very quietly, Darth Vader began to speak again.

"I sense something... a presence I have not felt since...." Here he stopped and began marching away.

After a moment's hesitation, Lili ran after him.

"Father?"

Darth Vader did not stop walking, nor did he slow. He nodded slightly to show he was listening.

"Father, I feel something. Something is about to happen. I'm sure of it. Let me search the ship. I can find the people hiding on board, I'm sure."

Vader almost smiled at his daughter's demand. He knew as well as Lili that she could find the people on board. Saying nothing, he took a deep breath. She'd come a long way since he'd first found her. From disagreeing with the emperor's ways to being eager to help his cause.

But he felt it too. Something was going to happen, and soon.

"No, Lili. Go to your room and pack your things. You're to move onto another star-ship in a few hours. You're right, something is about to happen. I do not believe the rebels can cause any harm to this battle-station, but... I know one of those people. I do not want you on board this station when it happens."

This time, it was Lili who did not respond at once. She seemed to be deep in thought, but Vader had long ago lost the ability to read her mind. Finally, she said, "Yes, Father," and left.

Vader paused. He knew the man was here. The man that had stolen his wife, his daughter. Had held him back throughout his years as a Jedi. If he were here, that could mean no good to the emperor's Death Star. It was best to have Lili off as quickly as possible.

After Lili had finished preparing to leave, she found herself lost in thought. She didn't know who was on that ship, but she was sure that their arrival could mean nothing good for Tark or the Death Star. Even her father seemed anxious.

Lili was so lost in thought that she barely noticed the Wookie being lad down the passage by two storm troopers. She did a double-take. Every prisoner was known to her. And didn't storm troopers usually escort prisoners in groups of four? Something wasn't right here. She followed them.

When she saw them take the elevator, she knew where they were going. Impatiently she waited for the next elevator to empty. She had to get to the cells. She had to get to Leia.

Her elevator door had barely opened to let her out before she heard a man's voice shout, "Luke, we're gonna have company!" Footsteps heading toward the cells - away from her, away from the only way out - sped up.

The dark-haired man that had called out to "Luke" turned - and saw her. He raised his gun.

"He is here."

"Obi-Wan Kenobi? What makes you think so?"

Governor Tarkaan's skepticism angered Darth Vader. Vader knew the Force. He knew what it told him. That old man was on this station. He was sure of it.

"A tremor in the Force," he replied, forcing himself to remain calm. "The last time I felt it was in the presence of my old master."

"Surely he must be dead by now," insisted the governor as he stood.

"Don't underestimate the Force."

"The Jedi are extinct. Their power has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion. You, and your daughter."

A quiet ding had sounded while Governor Tarkaan was talking. He pressed a button.

"Yes?"

"We have an emergency alert in detention block AA-23."

"The princess? Put all sections on alert."

"Obi-Wan is here. The Force is with him."

"If you're right... he must not be allowed to escape."

"Escape is not his plan. I must face him alone."

Lili drew her light-saber.

"I'm a friend, but if you shoot, I will not hesitate to fight back."

"A friend for which side?" demanded the stranger.

"Whichever side you are on," replied she in all seriousness. "I fight for the side that is in the right, but I do what I must to survive. But I can tell you're with the rebels."

"Hey look, I ain't with the rebels. I'm just in for the reward."

She shrugged. "You're against the emperor. You've gotten past security on the most secre battle-station ever. You look like a rebel to me."

The Wookie wailed. The dark-haired man began to raise his blaster again.