A TEST OF COURAGE - Star Wars Fan Fiction
Princess Leia Organa rushed through the busy corridors of what was left of the Imperial Starbase at Rada. Rebels were everywhere, transforming the bombed buildings into a Rebel stronghold.
Bodies were cleared away along with debris, while others sought information which might be of value in their fight against the evil Empire. For Leia, the data retrieved from one of the computer banks was enough. She couldn’t wait an hour longer.
“Luke!” She burst in upon Commander Skywalker as he was taking stock of the remaining Rebel fighters and weaponry. He wasn’t happy. Even the sight of her, attired in a form-fitting white jumpsuit couldn’t force a smile.
“Luke, I need three escort fighters and my private ship readied immediately.” That said, she turned to leave.
“Leia?” His hand caught her arm to prevent her from racing off. “We’ve got trouble.” He indicated the count of able fighters. “Spare parts are nearly exhausted. We’ve lost a lot of…”
Leia shook off his hand. “We’ll lose a lot more if I don’t get to Daytene and quickly.”
He watched the sway of her hips as she rushed away. “Daytene?” He repeated the name then, suddenly, he started after her. He caught up just outside of the control room which was jammed with people, all officers and volunteers of the new Rebel Alliance.
All eyes were focused on the starmap. “Daytene has eighteen planets. Ten are inhabited,” Leia told him. “It lies off the mainstream, but produces the finest robot-droids known in the galaxy.”
He knew that. “But why must you go there?”
“My father made several trips, attempting to gain their allegiance against the Imperials. But the council refused, insisting the rebellion would never reach them if they remained neutral.”
He waited impatiently for her to go on.
“We’ve discovered plans for an invasion of Daytene, ordered by the Emperor. The Imperials intend to take over the industrial plants and use them for producing fighters.” Leia rested her hand on Luke’s shoulder. “I have to get there first, and convince them of the incredible danger.”
Luke’s face mirrored his misgivings. “You can’t. You’re needed here. I’ll go.”
“I must go,” she insisted. “My father went to Daytene before. They will receive me. I have to make them listen this time.”
“But…”
“Luke, do you know the kind of power the Empire will gain if they take over Daytene?” She argued.
“But Leia!”
“Vader’s forces could already be on course for that star system. Without advance warning, they haven’t got a chance.”
Luke studied the determined expression on her face, but that wasn’t what changed his mind. He distinctly heard the voice of Ben Kenobi saying, ‘Go with her, Luke,’ and he immediately said, “Leia, I’m coming with you,” allowing her no opportunity to argue.
“I’ll meet you at your ship.”
Luke went off in search of Artoo, while Leia began dictating her orders to the officers gathered in the control room.
“Oh, Artoo! I’m going with Princess Leia to Daytene.”
Artoo twisted his domed top and beeped a series of noises, which only the gold-plated C3 bipedal android accompanying him and a very few others could understand without translators.
