Starlight - The Third Book in the Starchild Series

Chapter 6

***Luke's POV***

I'm a bit nervous as our stolen shuttle slowly approaches the forest moon of Endor. I look over at the almost - completed Death Star and shudder. Somewhere on there, Elska was being held. I just hoped Han could get to her in time.

I turned to look at my team. It consisted of Leia, C - 3PO, R2 - D2, and a few Rebel soldiers. Chewbacca was with Han. We were a ragtag team, but don't those always prevail in the end?

I was torn from my thoughts as the comlik crackled on. "Imperial shuttle Tydirium, state your objective and clearance code." I put on my best "bored Imperial" voice, like I had done this hundreds of times.

"Supply run.  Transmitting codes now." I flip a switch. All of us wait in tense silence as we wait for the reply of the Star Destroyer. It takes longer than expected, and I'm just about to order Leia to get us out of here, until the Star Destroyer comes through with a reply:

"Imperial shuttle Tydirium - "

Tense silence

" - You are cleared for landing. Lowering shield."

All of us let out a sigh of relief as the shield was lowered. The hard part was over. Time for the near impossible part - actually blowing up the generator. As the ship gets closer to Endor, I can feel my Father on board the Star Destroyer. He's expectant, as if waiting for me to come get Elska. Boy, is he in for a surprise when Han and his team turns up instead. I smile to myself at the thought. Vader, thwarted again.

As the shuttle nears Endor, though, I take one last look at the Death Star. Somewhere, Han and his team are up there. And they would rescue Elska. I just knew it. I had hope.

And aren't rebellions built on hope?

***Darth Vader's POV***

I approach my Master with caution. I know he told me to stay on the Executor, but I couldn't keep this matter waiting. It was of utmost importance.

My Master looks up as I approach. His yellow eyes seem to burn into my soul.

"I thought I told you to stay on the Executor." He says, with both surprise and impatience in his voice.

"A small Rebel group has gotten through the shield generator and landed on Endor, my Master." I told him.

"Yes, I know that." He said, irritation in his voice.

"My son is with them." I said. This I was certain about. I had felt his presence on that shuttle I knew that his friends stole. I purposefully let them pass so I could get to Luke myself.

My Master surprised me by saying, "Are you sure"

"I have felt him, my Master."

"Strange that I have not. I wonder if your feelings on this matter are clear, Lord Vader." He said.

"They are clear, my Master." I reply honestly. My son was with that group. Now all we had to do was catch him. Alive.

"Then you must go to the Sanctuary Moon and wait for them." he said, smiling.

"He will come to me?" I asked, skeptical.

"I have foreseen it. His compassion for you will be his undoing. He will come to you, and then you will bring him to me."

As much as I wanted to just get Luke and leave, I had to obey my Master. "Yes, Master." I said, then walked out of the throne room.

I had someone to wait for.