SWTFW 11 - "The Story Of Few"

But it was nothing to Vader whose suit was not just geared for fright but strength. For each glove he wore was bionically installed directly into his fingers to increase the power and grip for them.

PRESS CTRL = (EQUALS) TO INCREASE THE PAGE SIZE AND CTRL 0 (ZERO) TO RESET THE PAGE SIZE THIS PAGE VIEWS BEST IN FIREFOX Want to read this in a different language ? Change the TO field to your own country and click the TRANSLATE button after going HERE THE FORCE WITHIN © June 2017 Written by David Wicker Please do not reprint without permission CHAPTER 11 - "THE STORY OF FEW" [ CHOOSE A DIFFERENT CHAPTER ] * * * This entry is Rated: EVERYONE Both Vader and Smite leapt towards the approaching Rebel tanks. The drivers in the tanks were aghast with surprise to see these two lone figures approach their heavily armored vehicles. There was almost a moment of sympathy when one gunner hesitated for just a moment before firing a shell at the seemingly weaponless and unarmored venerable figure which was Smite. But it would be a hesitation to regret. For in that same instance, Smite did a precise and very high jump directly out of range of rebel attack and with his metal staff smacked them soundly on the most delicate and vulnerable of spots of the attacking tank. Mere seconds later, the tank he attacked was smoking and sparking - and the team inside were rapidly vacating from the top only to be mercilessly smashed down by Smite's immutable staff. Vader did not have to work quite so diligently, and igniting his lightsaber, cut directly down the middle of the oncoming tank. Now no normal man could do this feat for the kick back from a lightsaber touching reinforced metal and bouncing off it would likely take his arm off if not seriously spraining it. But it was nothing to Vader whose suit was not just geared for fright but strength. For each glove he wore was bionically installed directly into his fingers to increase the power and grip of what remained of his mortal hands. In this, he only had to grunt for a moment to cut the tank in half in a matter of moments. The tank immediately fell open, side to side, without anything to support it - alongside with the pilots and gunners shocked at seeing such a mighty war weapon cut down so easily. And in their confusion Vader took great relish in murdering them all with his shining red blade. A full minute later and the two tanks that were set out to cut down the Empire's attack were nothing but rubble. One man with a blaster stood by the entrance to the city - and his wits left him after seeing such a fierce display. He could not beat a retreat faster than he already was and ran to left the gate fully unprotected. Smite gave an oily smile and held out his wizened hand for Vader to lead the way. Vader barked a command back to the remaining troops. "Forward !" And forward they came. Fortunately for the citizens of the city, Vader was not in a particular murderous mood or he would've cut down any and everything that crossed his path. But no, he was looking for that one particular Jedi, a young boy, whom he had felt a disturbance in the force earlier. But now that feeling was gone. Vader held his hand outstretched to the air as if it would help his senses locate the boy. But nothing was to be gained. He clenched his fingers together with such strength as to stretch the tight leather audibly. Smite noticed Vader's hesitation and coming up behind him spoke quietly, "Vader ?" Vader looked and nodded, but conceded with Smite, "The young boy, the Jedi I felt earlier in the attack on the Death Star. He is not here now." Smite dipped his head respectfully, "Orders ?" "Withdraw. Our quarry has clearly fled. I do not sense him anywhere on this moon. Back in space we may be able to follow errant trails of his engine dust." Smite turned back to the team. "Withdraw ! We are done here for now." Jan back from her position at base watched closely to see Vader leaving, but could not make out any of the conversation. Nonetheless she concded that it wasn't just revenge he was wanting. He was after something else, and it wasn't here. She hit a button on the console. A new voice cleared the speakers, "Yes ma'am ?" She spoke, "Any more information about the missing X-Wing ship ?" "Yes ma'am. We are putting it together. It seems young Luke Skywalker had flown off with the craft. We're - not sure why no-one tried to stop him. For all we could tell it seemed like security guarding it was asleep. And - that's alright as it's a tiring position." Jan tilted her head in the uneasy silence, "But there's something else ?" * * * "Yes ma'am. ALL of our security guards were asleep at the same time. Which is clearly impossible. We had them tested for any drugs or reagents to their person but none were to be found. It was almost as if they were hypnotized." Jan leaned in, "You're certain the thief was Luke Skywalker ?" "Yes ma'am. Of that there can be no doubt." "Do you know his destination ?" "No ma'am. He entered a mal-warp, surprising since he's an accomplished pilot, and vanished from our sensors in the wake of an unstable wormhole. I don't think he was trying to avoid detection, but that is certainly one way to escape our Rebel sensors without a trace, yet with great risk to his own life." Jan was silent a moment. "Ma'am. Vader and his team in our city appear to be retreating. Should we press our attack in their apparent weakness ?" Jan shook her head. "No. Do not engage. We neither have the skill nor the resources to match Vader. I had already seen him and his apprentice alone take out two of our valuable tanks and slaughtering those within. There will be no more casualties today, mister." "Yes ma'am. Anything else ?" "No. I'll send over the waves a global messages to nearby planets to see if Luke is residing on one of them. That's all I can do for now." "Yes ma'am. Over and out." and the speaker was silent. . . . Luke was awakening back in the hospital and he felt better. There was a sumptuous breakfast prepared for him - and he really was hungry. Rebecca was there too. However, she just had a simple and mellow river-fruit for her breakfast. The two talked quietly together. Then her voice could be heard. "Luke, I just know you'll make a great addition to our team ! If nothing else with your new Jedi abilities, we could hone and track down the richest sources of Duranium around." Luke was silent and thinking. Rebecca continued. "Luke, I'm not asking you to commit your life to the cause. No, just for a month or so to see how you'll like it. And, if you do, you're more than welcome to stay. If not, you have your own craft as we have fueled and repaired it, and you can go where you want from there. What do you think ?" Luke finished his coffee and gave it some thought. He was concerned about this strange "evil" voice that appeared in his mind from time to time. Rebecca being an El-Aurian had already found out everything she could from him. She also stated this "voice" he keeps hearing is the dark side of the force, trying to lure him to its side. She stated earlier that this Dark Fever would not have any power over him if he picked up an occupation or hobby where he wasn't alone all the time. For the dark side of the force reveled in those who were miserable, lonely and/or seeking vengeance or retribution. Luke sighed thinking one more time to pretty Princess Leia. Then he looked at Rebecca. She was not by any means an unattractive girl herself. With bright red hair just bursting out chaotically down the back her waist, cute freckles, and a sly smile, what young man wouldn't want to be in her company ? He nodded and held his left hand up. Rebecca grabbed it eagerly in her grip and pumped it up and down like a silly jackhammer. Luke raised his other hand with a pointed finger. "Just for a short while. I really don't think my parents had cut me out to be a - well, a Scrounger." Rebecca quickly retorted her hand and gave him a sour look. "Scrounger" was indeed an uncomplimentary term for Salvager. The rumor was that Salvagers were so poor, down, out, and ugly, it was the only job they could get with their lack of good looks and skills. The truth was rather the reverse though and many Salvagers earned a good living collecting and selling space garbage and debris. Luke saw her anger and apologized, "Hey. You know what I mean. I'll be one too, right ?" Rebecca smiled wickedly and tousled his hair, "Yeah, you'll be a nothing-for-good Scrounger yourself, boy !" Luke smiled and laughed. And it had been a long time since he had. Joining Rebecca, at least for a short while shouldn't be too bad anyways. And who knows what adventures awaited them ? (to be continued) END OF CHAPTER 11 Return back HOME You are Earth Visitor #