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| First Steps by R2-B9 |
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The adrenaline from the firefight with the TIES had finally subsided, and Luke wandered back to the game table, passing Chewbacca, who was returning to the cockpit. The towering Wookie had completed a checkout of the hyperdrive system, mindful that one of the TIE’s stray shots could have damaged something vital. Artoo’s secret information would do no good stranded a hundred light-years from the waiting rebel forces.
The room, still brand new to Luke, seemed strangely empty without Ben Kenobi there. A few short hours ago, Ben was still a stranger to Luke. “That crazy old Wizard,” as Uncle Owen had called him.
Uncle Owen. Aunt Beru.
They were the only family he’d known. Killed by the Empire. Now, Ben was gone, too. He sacrificed himself to that black armored monster, the man who’s killed his father. Darth Vader.
Darth Vader. The name burned into Luke’s mind, leaving a metallic taste in his mouth. Clearer than anything he’d ever felt or seen before, the image of Darth Vader haunted Luke. The hatred and anger that welled up from deep within him took Luke by surprise. It almost felt good to have this point of focus, no, a point of blame for all the sorrow in his life. A vision appeared in his mind of Vader standing before him, taunting Luke to draw his lightsaber. A hot flash of vengeance jolted Luke, and he charged at the silhouette, igniting his lightsaber and slashing at Vader with all his hatred focused. Luke’s saber became an arc of blue-white death, about to cleave and unarmed Vader. But it was no longer Vader before him. From the black shadow emerged an apparition of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
“No, Luke. This is not the way,” Kenobi said, raising his hand and stopping the stroke of the saber.
“Ben!” Luke whispered, “How..what…?
“You’ve felt the darkside, and seen the way to becoming like Vader. The Force is very strong within you, and you will be tempted to take the quick and easy path to power. Reject the feelings of hatred and revenge, they will bring you and those you love nothing but sorrow. Remember what I have told you, Luke. You have a long path to follow before you are ready to truly face Darth Vader. And face him, you will. Feel the Force flow from that, which is good. Draw your strength from that, not fear, anger, and vengeance . . . The Force will be with you . . . .always . . .”
“Luke? Are you all right?” Leia asked, handing him his desert pullover. She reached up and brushed the sweat from his brow, and puzzled at its odd coldness.
Regaining his bearings, Luke looked deeply into Leia’s eyes. “I’ve had a busy day,” he said, echoing Ben’s words from earlier. “Um, Princess . . .Leia . . .You Highness…”
Smiling sadly, Leia interrupted, “Leia will do. I’m afraid it’s hard to be a princess when the Empire has destroyed your world and all your subjects. From what your droid has told me, they’ve done a pretty good job on your life, too. I’m sorry that you had to get involved in all this.”
“Leia,” Luke said, taking her hand in both of his,” The Empire has to be stopped. I never payed it much attention, living on that backwater speck of dust, Tatooine. But now, I know what my friend Biggs tried to tell me. People are being hurt everywhere by it. I swear to you with my life, that I will fight to the end with you, no matter what the cost. All I have to offer is my life, because the Empire has taken everything else.”
“What can I say, you’re hired”! Leia clapped her hand atop Luke’s. “You saved my life today, more than once. Here’s to hoping that I never have to repay the debt!”
“Sounds good to me,” Luke smiled, releasing Leia’s hand. “Looks like we’ve got some time before getting to wherever you are taking us. So, tell me, how did you get involved in all this?”
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