Title: THE MEETING

Author: Ivy Liege, SubversiveSkank2@aol.com

Rating: PG-13

Characters: Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Lady I'Lai*,
Magistrate Omin'da*, Nikoa* (*= original characters)

Category: Drama

Status: (1/1)

Feedback: Yeth, PWEASE!!!!

Disclaimer: I make absolutely NO MONEY off my stories and all
characters (sans characters of my own creation)are the property of
that guy with the beard and the really big ranch in Marin County
named George Lucas.

Summary: The Lady I'Lai is approached by the Rebellion.

I'Lai stood in the grand gardens of Denivrian's palace. The boughs of
the trees were weighed so heavily with their ripe fruit they seemed
they would break any moment. They did not, but rather swayed in the
breeze as though they were dancing to the song the wind sang through
the leaves. I'Lai's hands instinctively moved over the slight swell
of her belly, caressing the new life growing within. She leaned her
head back and breathed in the scent of the garden with its fruit and
monstrous flora, her skin embracing the rays of Orri Prime's blue
sun, as though she were sending these sensations down to the cradle
of her unborn son...

"I'Lai…? I'Lai…?"

Her head snapped over her shoulder. The voice came from just beyond
the mesh of trees behind the garden wall, calling to her from what
seemed to be a near distance. She knew the voice, recognizing its low
husky timbre from the last time she heard it, passionately breathed
into her ear...

"Boba…?" I'Lai staggered toward the wall, her eyes
frantically
searching the woods. The blue rays of the sun cut through the leaves
and limbs, but with every gust of breeze, the trees grew larger,
thicker, denser, blocking the light. She strained her eyes in the
ensuing darkness until she saw a figure trying to emerge from the
enlarging woods. The little light left in the garden glinted off the
visor of the figure's Mandelorian helm as he battled through the
branches that were trying to ensnare his armored arms and legs. With
a violent jerk, he freed his arm from the last vine and scaled over
the wall, landing on both feet without a sound on the garden's cobble
bottom.

The armored figure turned and stood facing I'Lai, reaching to her
with both arms. "I'Lai…I've missed you."

"Boba!" I'Lai cried as she ran to the Fett. His arms
encircled her as
she fell against him, wrapping her own arms around his plated torso.
She began sobbing against his chest. "Boba…
Rhi'a'jzand, I thought
I'd never see you again."

"I'Lai." His voice was a metallic whisper through the
helmet. "I
couldn't stay away any longer…not after I heard what
happened." He
broke the embrace to place a gloved hand on I'Lai's belly. "Ours,
I'Lai?"

I'Lai smiled through her tears. "Yes, Boba. Yours and mine,
our son…"
She threw her arms around him once more, burying her head in the
crook of his shoulder. "Boba, please, don't leave us again. I need
you terribly right now...I'm so alone, and I'm so
scared..."

I'Lai felt his arm encircle her again as he wrapped his cape around
her head and shoulders. She listened to his breathing as he said, "Do
not fear, I'Lai. I am with you, and you are mine now..."

But the voice had changed, growing deeper, darker, and his breathing
was becoming heavy and labored. The hand resting on her belly began
pushing into her until I'Lai cried out, "Boba, please...
you're
hurting the baby!"

She opened her eyes but could see nothing, and the warmth of his body
had turned ice cold. His cape enveloped her down to her feet, binding
her to him, and his breathing had turned into the harsh electronic
wheeze of a respirator. She frantically fought to break the embrace,
and finally was able to free her head and look up to see the
terrifying black skull mask of Darth Vader looking down at her.

She found herself choking on the toxic fumes that emanated from the
mask as the Dark Lord of the Sith roared, "I'M NOT THROUGH
WITH YOU
YET, WOMAN-CHILD!"

I'Lai's screams mixed with Vader's hideous laughter as
she thrashed
against him. His arms locked around her like a vice, and the black
cape entwined itself around her arms and legs, pulling her into his
armor, into his very body. She tried to push herself off him, but as
she tried, her hands sank into the Dark Lord's armor right up to her
elbows. She threw back her head to see the fruit on the trees rotting
and falling to the ground in nauseating thumps, the flowers wilting
within themselves and dying, the trees' branches overtaking the
entire garden and blotting out the sky. She was asphyxiated by the
stench of decay and death surrounding her.

She looked again at Vader, and could see the eyes through the black
opaque lenses of his mask—they were the terrifying diseased red- yellow eyes of the Emperor staring back, with Vader laughing, his
hand piercing through and sinking deeper into her pregnant belly...

"NO! NO! NOOOOOOO...!"

* * *

I'Lai's blood-curdling screams ricocheted off the walls of
her
bedchamber and the adjacent corridors as she bolted upright in her
bed. Still screaming, she leapt from the bed and ran to the huge
glass doors overlooking the garden, ripping the curtains open. Her
screams only ceased when she saw snow lying upon the cobblestone
grounds and marble statues. The only sound she heard was the wind
blowing across the garden stones. The sun was just coming over the
tops of the barren trees. In the waking world, it was dawn in the
still winter on Orri Prime.

I'Lai leaned against the glass of the window, sinking to her knees,
sobbing violently. The corridors echoed with the sound of footsteps
running toward her chamber doors. A woman's voice could be heard
calling, "Lady I'Lai! Lady I'Lai!"

The doors opened, and Nikoa burst in. She stopped in the middle of
the vast chamber to see I'Lai crumpled against the glass, crying
uncontrollably, her thin nightgown pasted to her sweat-soaked body.

Nikoa moved toward her, dropping to her knees and taking I'Lai in her
arms. "Your Ladyship, what is it? What's wrong?"

"Nikoa," I'Lai sobbed, clinging to her lady's maid,
"It happened
again..only it was much, much worse this time..." Her entire body
wracked with the intensity of her sobs.

"Another nightmare?"

I'Lai nodded. Trying to calm herself, she took a deep breath and
wiped her eyes. "Nikoa...they come every night...I haven't slept in
weeks..." She turned to her maid, her eyes red and swollen, her face
streaked with tears. "Nikoa...I feel like I'm losing my mind. Am I
going mad?"

Nikoa wrapped her arms around I'Lai, hugging her to her breast. "No,
your Ladyship, you are not going mad. It is the pregnancy, pure and
simple." She helped I'Lai to her feet, walking her back
toward the
huge bed. "Your body is going through many changes right now, Madam.
These changes can affect everything, including your dreams. I know,
believe me—I've gone through this seven times. The nightmares will
subside, do not worry." She assisted I'Lai back into the
bed's
luxurious comfort, still holding her hand.

I'Lai lay back, resting her head upon the pillows. "Nikoa...I refuse
to believe that anything as joyous as carrying this child could
result in such...horrible visions." She closed her eyes as she
sighed, "You simply do not know what I see every night."

"How can I possibly know, Madam", Nikoa retorted gently,
"When you do
not tell me?" I'Lai said nothing. After a slight pause, Nikoa decided
to finally broach the subject she had been evading for weeks. "You
won't even tell me who the father is."

I'Lai gasped and shot straight up in the bed, her eyes wide and
terrfied, her mouth agape. Nikoa's mouth curved into wry smile, and
she patted I'Lai's hand. "My Lady," she cooed, "I
have worked in this
house for over thirty years. Don't you think by now I know EVERYTHING
that goes on here? And everything that doesn't?" She sighed, leaning
over to touch I'Lai's cheek. "I know for a fact that
Grand Moff
Denivrian could never father any children."

I'Lai's tears started anew. "He knew it too, Nikoa. How
could he not
know? But...he didn't care. He was just so happy that he would have
someone to call son, to carry on his name, and that I would be the
mother of his heir..." She looked out upon the snow-covered
garden. "I miss him, Nikoa. Nobody knew him the way I did. All here
saw him as a harsh taskmaster, a tyrant slaver. But I knew him
differently…if I had not freed the miners, he would have. He was
about to..."

"My Lady, you have been through more than most people could possibly
tolerate in the last three months. The Grand Moff's sudden death, the
Emperor bestowing the entire estate and mining operation upon you,
you abolishing the miners' slavery and the building of their new
townships…and you bear all this while carrying a child."
Nikoa
smiled and shook her head. "It is little wonder that you are having
bad dreams. But you need to rest, Lady. Please, do not work today.
Stay in bed and try to get some sleep. I implore you, Lady I'Lai.
PLEASE."

I'Lai swung her legs over the side of the bed, shaking her head. "I
can't, Nikoa. I am meeting with the Magistrate of the Southern
Hemisphere Operation this morning to discuss, what I imagine, his
annual tribute—or the lack thereof, this year." Nikoa sighed
as she
watched I'Lai reach for her robe. She knew that there was no point in
trying to persuade her to rest.

"Then I will draw your bath, Madam, and lay out your clothes for the
meeting." Nikoa stood and strode toward the bath chamber while I'Lai
donned her long fur-lined robe. Nikoa stopped suddenly, scanning the
bedchamber from wall to wall, furrowing her brow. "Madam...why are
all the figurines knocked over? And the pictures...they've fallen off
the walls?" She turned to see I'Lai stiffen, clutching the
robe at
her throat. She could see that I'Lai was trembling and wore a look
mixed with frustration and fear.

"I—I do not know why, Nikoa", I'Lai snapped harshly.
She turned
toward the garden doors, adding, "Please pay me the respect of never
mentioning it again! Either to me or anyone else. Understood?"

Nikoa stood, confused and hurt by I'Lai's sudden sharpness.
She bowed
her gray head slightly and replied softly, "Yes, your Ladyship." She
turned and walked into the bath chamber as I'Lai stared blankly out
into the slumbering garden, her hand unconsciously caressing her
belly.

* * *

"Your… Ladyship," Magistrate Omin'da declared with a
mix of stately
manner and utter contempt, wiping his sweating brow with his
handkerchief, "I believe that you misunderstand my intentions. I
merely voice my concerns not for my own benefit, but for the benefit
of this vast operation and for the benefit of the planet, yea, the
entire system. While your philanthropic ideals are
…admirable…I simply
do not believe they are realistic within the operation's budget or
profit margins. Respectfully, Madam." He sniffed his nose as he
replaced the kerchief back into his sleeve.

I'Lai smiled sweetly over the desk toward the Magistrate, all the
while loathing the little toad of the man. She couldn't help but
relish just a tiny bit in the fact that Magistrate Omin'da hated her
even more so. She knew Omin'da felt she had cheated him out of
control of the Dia-Orri mining operation, even though she was more
stunned than anyone when the Emperor bestowed it upon her, a
concubine, only days after Denivrian's death. And she knew Omin'da
was vying for the High Governor's seat, still officially unoccupied
yet also, temporarily, under I'Lai's control. Frankly,
I'Lai would be
willing to let him have it if she wasn't positive that
Omin'da would
reverse everything she had accomplished over the last three months.

She punched several keys on the desk computer, perusing the
screen. "Forgive me, Lord Magistrate, but I honestly cannot see where
your concerns lie. According to this last quarter's numbers,
productivity is up almost fifty percent and profits are up thirty
percent compared to last year at this same time." She lifted her gaze
back to Omin'da as she stated, "So what I can gather from
this
information is that free, well-fed, and healthy paid workers are far
more productive and profitable than malnourished, diseased slaves. Am
I wrong?" She turned the screen around to give Magistrate Omin'da a
better view.

Omin'da didn't even bother to look at the screen, but rather glared
at I'Lai from across the desk. "I am not contesting the numbers, Your
Ladyship. I am contesting how the profits are being used. First, you
free the slave miners. Then you PAY the ones who decide to remain.
THEN you contract housing to be built for them, as well as shops and
schools and the Emperor himself know what else!" He once again took
the kerchief from his sleeve, this time wiping his bulbous neck. "I
wonder what may be next on your agenda? Free elections? Letting them
vote on planetary issues?"

I'Lai leaned back in her chair, folding her hands over the slight
bulge of her abdomen. She met Omin'da's eyes and held his
glare as
she calmly replied, "Yes, Magistrate. Once literacy has been
established throughout the general populace, then I think it is only
fitting that the newly free citizens of the Dia-Orri system have some
say in the establishment of system policies, don't you?"

She didn't give Omin'da a chance to bluster his retort. She rose from
her chair and came around the desk, never lifting her glare from
his. "This is not an issue of company profits being poorly managed,
Omin'da. This is an issue of your pockets not being as thickly padded
with kickbacks and tributes this year." She stood before him, tall
and proud, her arms folded over her chest. "I would think, my Lord
Magistrate, after twenty five years of service under the Grand Moff's
regime, you would have accumulated more wealth than you could
possibly spend in ten lifetimes. And according to the mortality
reports from the Southern Hemisphere, this wealth has obviously kept
your coffers warmer than any miner's child has been in recent years."
She allowed herself to sit lightly on the edge of her desk as she
added, "Despite my position as acting governor, I unfortunately do
not have the power to REMOVE you from your position—only the Emperor
has that authority. However, he may be more than curious to know that
the upswing in production in this system is being compromised by your
own greed and lack of vision regarding the further glory and progress
of his Galactic Empire." I'Lai strode around the desk again, placing
a finger on the comlink. "I have a direct link to the Imperial Mining
Guild's central offices. Shall I make my report now, Magistrate?"

I'Lai watched the deep purple hue rise from beneath Magistrate
Omin'da's collar to spread over his normally pasty complexion and his
knuckles turn white as he gripped the arms of his chair. His jowls
shook in rage as he rose from the chair and straightened his
jacket. "No need for any report, Madam, " he spat. "I
think we
understand each other." He grabbed his furred robe off the back of
the chair and stormed to the door. Before leaving, he turned back to
I'Lai. "Permission to speak freely before I go, Your
Ladyship?"

"But of course, Lord Magistrate."

Omin'da pulled himself to his fullest height, still vast centimeters
shorter than I'Lai. "I do not know what…WITCHCRAFT you
possess, but I
see you are poisoning our great Emperor with it in the same way you
poisoned my good friend Reynau Denivrian. Woe the day will ever come
that I find myself ensnared by a breeding whore's sorcery!"

I'Lai, calm and regal, merely smiled. "I'm sorry you feel
that way,
Lord Magistrate. Also, please extend my sincerest apologies to Lady
Omin'da that she may only visit the pleasure planet five times this
year instead of ten.

"And Magistrate," she added, "The Grand Moff was not your
good
friend. He never liked you."

Omin'da, his whole soft, flabby body shaking with rage, stormed out
of the chamber.

I'Lai held her lips tight for a few moments and then, positive the
Magistrate was well down the hall, burst into laughter. She walked
toward the windows of her large office and threw open the opulent
curtains, allowing the sun to drench the office with its pale bluish
light.

Suddenly, she stopped laughing. A strange feeling washed over her.
The intensity of the feeling was familiar to I'Lai, and she was
immediately frightened by it. It was very close to the sensation she
had been experiencing every time she woke up screaming from the
nightmares that plagued her night after night...

But this was different. This did not feel malevolent, but rather
soothing, warm, inviting, peaceful. She felt as though she were being
embraced by the light of a white illuminant star.

She turned toward the door just as Nikoa was entering. Before Nikoa
could even speak, I'Lai said, "Nikoa…is there someone
here to see me?"

Nikoa stopped in her tracks, her mouth agape. "Why, yes Madam. There
is a young man here to see you."

Despite the fact that I'Lai's question had obviously
surprised Nikoa,
I'Lai noticed that her lady's maid seemed very relaxed,
almost dreamy
in her demeanor. She wore a soft smile, and her voice was soft as
well.

I'Lai moved closer to Nikoa. "What is his name? Who is
he?"

Nikoa blinked for a moment in quiet confusion, then answered, "I...do
not know, Madam. He didn't give me his name. He is...an off-worlder."

I'Lai furrowed her brow for a moment as she tried to comprehend how
this off-worlder had made his way to the palace or had even gotten
through planetary security patrols without her knowledge. But she
felt no threat, no danger whatsoever from the news of this stranger,
rather, quite the opposite...

"Send him in, Nikoa. I will grant him an audience."

Nikoa bowed, and went back into the corridor. I'Lai walked back to
her desk and eased herself into her seat. The doors swooshed open
again and in walked a young human male wearing a long black hooded
cloak. He was young, perhaps a few years younger than herself, and
his gait was humble yet majestic. He strode with quiet purpose toward
the desk. He pulled back the hood, took I'Lai's outstretched hand,
bowed and kissed it.

"Lady I'Lai", he said with profound reverence.
"Please forgive this
intrusion and allow me to introduce myself. My name is—"

"Luke Skywalker," I'Lai murmured, finishing his
introduction for him.

The young man cocked his head slightly, and smiled softly. "You know
of me then, Madam?"

I'Lai, in spite of her apparent confusion, returned the smile. "No,
sir, I do not know of you...I just...simply knew your name..."

Luke Skywalker and I'Lai gazed at each other for a time before he
finally spoke. "Your Ladyship, I seek a private counsel with you. I
would be honored if you would give me a few moments of your time. If
you will not, then I will leave peacefully and never contact you
again."

I'Lai, never breaking her gaze, motioned to Nikoa. "Nikoa, leave us,
please."

Nikoa bowed again and moved toward the exit, also never taking her
eyes off the mysterious young man until she was through the door.

I'Lai motioned to the chair in front of her desk. "Please, Master
Skywalker, sit and be comfortable." Luke bowed, and took a seat.
I'Lai, still strangely mesmerized by the young man, folded her hands
upon the desk. "Forgive my forwardness, Master Skywalker, but I would
like to know how you made it into this system past my security
patrols without my clearance."

Luke sighed. "No, Lady I'Lai, it is you who must forgive me. Had my
visit not been of the utmost urgency, I never would
have...manipulated your patrols or your house servants in the way I
did." He leaned forward, his eyes intent and imploring. "We
are in
desperate need of your help, your Ladyship."

I'Lai sat still and unflinching as she stated, "You are from the
Rebel Alliance."

"Yes, I am."

I'Lai took a deep breath. "You take great risks in coming
here,
Master Skywalker. Not only for yourself, but for me as well."

"Yes, I realize that. But after we found out about your ongoing work
here on Orri Prime, the Rebel leaders and I thought it was a risk
worth taking." He looked up at her and smiled, adding, "You struck me
as a woman not afraid of risk when the reason was great enough to
take it."

Luke watched I'Lai's hand, almost instinctively, move over
the swell
of her pregnant belly: Luke guessed she was about 5 months along.
I'Lai cleared her throat and asked, "And how did you discover what I
was doing here on Orri Prime, Master Skywalker?"

"We've…had an operative planted here for some time, Lady I'Lai."

"Captain Stitz, the dock captain," I'Lai blurted.

Luke stiffened slightly in his seat. "You knew, Madam?"

I'Lai furrowed her brow, shaking her head. "I…do
now…"

"Also, one of our best men had been involved in your supply smuggling
operation until you took control of the entire system from the late
Grand Moff Denivrian. You may remember him, Captain Han Solo?"

I'Lai gasped. "Yes, I do remember Captain Solo. But...I had
no idea
he was involved with the Rebellion!"

Luke nodded. "Like I said, he was one of our best. He did much of our
undercover work. He and Captain Stitz were good friends." A sad look
washed over Luke's face. "Captain Solo spoke very highly of you, Lady
I'Lai. He spoke of your humanity, your kindness and generosity, as
well as your beauty, although I can now see he didn't quite do you
justice."

I'Lai smiled briefly, feeling her cheeks flush slightly. She did
remember Captain Solo—tall, devilishly handsome, swaggering and
charming. She remembered the first time she met him at the space dock
late one night as her supplies were smuggled in, and how he had
incorrigibly flirted with her until Captain Stitz informed him that
she was Grand Moff Denivrian's First House Concubine. And even
thereafter, he managed to sneak a wink and a smirk at her here and
there...and she remembered how her heart would skip a tiny beat. She
remembered his Wookie first mate Chewbacca, and how, when Solo wasn't
looking, she herself would sneak a scratch under Chewbacca's chin.
Chewbacca would repay her tickles with a hearty Wookie laugh and purr.

She then realized the manner in which Luke Skywalker spoke of Han
Solo. He spoke of him in the past tense.

"Master Skywalker, is Captain Solo all right?" I'Lai
asked. The
despairing look in his eyes did nothing to assuage her concern. "Is
he...dead?"

Luke looked up and met her anxious gaze. "We don't know, your
Ladyship. But we are doing everything possible to find him. He was
taken to Jabba the Hutt, a notorious crime lord, captured by the
bounty hunter Boba Fett and—"

A small vase flying off the desk and shattering violently against the
wall cut Skywalker's explanation short.

Stunned, he slowly turned his eyes back to I'Lai. She sat
frozen---
her hands had never broken their folded position until that moment,
when she raised a trembling to her mouth. Her complexion blanched to
a ghostly pale. Her eyes were wide and very frightened.

"Lady I'Lai, what is it? Are you all right?"

I'Lai said nothing, but merely gaped at him, completely frozen with
terror.

Luke finally realized that he had found the beacon that had caused
such strong vibrations in the Force. He had felt the rifts intensely
as he entered the Dia-Orri system, and by the time he had reached the
palace gates, the Force was virtually singing all around him in a
chorus of warmth and benevolence. As he had stood before the Lady
I'Lai when he first entered, he could barely bring himself to speak,
staggered by the radiance of the Force emanating from her.

He could see I'Lai was doing everything to pull herself together. She
fluttered her lashes, reaching for a glass of water on the
desk. "Master Skywalker...," she stammered, raising the glass to her
lips, "I...cannot explain what just happened here..."

By the gods, Luke thought to himself, she isn't even aware of it! She
has no idea of her power! She's terrified of it...

Luke rose from his seat. He removed the cloak from his shoulders,
coming around the desk. "Lady I'Lai, come out into the garden with
me. I think I can explain what just happened." He gently laid the
cloak around her shoulders and helped her out of her seat. Taking her
by the hand, they walked to the great glass doors and stepped out
into the east garden.

The air had a chill, but it was more refreshing than uncomfortable.
I'Lai was still shaken, but the late-morning light of the sun and
Luke's kind expression seemed to calm her some. He led to her a
bench, gallantly brushing the snow off it to allow I'Lai a seat.

"Lady", Luke murmured as he sat beside her, "You are
indeed a rare
gift to this universe. You are a natural born Force sensitive."

I'Lai's head tilted, her expression frightened yet
inquisitive. "A…
what?"

Luke smiled and took her slender hand in his own. "Lady
I'Lai. Have
you always had a...natural ability to see into people hearts and
minds? Into their souls? Have people...been drawn to you your whole
life?"

I'Lai pondered his questions for a moment, and then answered, "Yes… yes."

"And how long have you been able to move objects with your mind, your
feelings?"

I'Lai shuddered at the question. "Only recently. Since I discovered I
was pregnant."

"It is nothing to be afraid of, Lady I'Lai. You were born
with a
natural, wondrous power, the power of the Force." Luke looked up to
the sky, a soft smile caressing his lips. "You knew my name even
before I said it. You felt me coming, didn't you?"

She nodded. "Yes."

Luke nodded as well, still looking into the sky. "The Force is the
binding energy of all things in the universe, Lady. Everything, from
the smallest grain of sand to the largest star, radiates its power,
its essence. There are very few left in the galaxy who can harness
its power. It is what made the Jedi the great warriors, teachers, and
leaders that they were." He lowered his head, adding sadly,
"It is
also what helped destroy them."

"How? How did it destroy them?"

Luke paused briefly before answering. "Like all things in this
universe, Lady, the Force is also made up of light and dark, good and
evil. There were those who were seduced by the Dark Side of the
Force, hungry for absolute power, and they used the Dark Side to
obtain it. Those few...hunted the Jedi to extinction." He looked
I'Lai squarely in the eye. "The Emperor is one of those who murdered
the Old Jedi. The Lord Darth Vader is another..." I'Lai noted the
anguish on Luke's face as he uttered Vader's name, and sensed an odd,
unbearable connection between this fair young man and the Dark Lord
of the Sith...

Luke stood and continued. "I have dedicated my life in not only
destroying the Emperor, but in also taking up the ways of the Jedi. I
have not been completely successful in my training, but...I have
begun to understand what I need to do." He turned to I'Lai again. "I
have only begun to harness the Light of the Force, but you, Lady...it
emanates from you like the illumination from a star. You could be a
powerful ally to us in our fight against the Emperor and his tyranny."

I'Lai sat for a moment, saying nothing, absorbing all that Luke had
told her. She began to feel her fear and anxiety ebb away. "Master
Skywalker, although I have just met you, I feel I can…confide in you.
May I?"

"Of course, Lady I'Lai."

"I have been having terrible nightmares. And Lord Vader is in them,
every night." Luke could see the tears welling in her eyes as she
added, "I think he wants to hurt my baby..."

Luke moved toward her, gently gripping her shoulders. His eyes were
intense yet warm, his tone fierce yet tender. "Lady I'Lai,
join us!
We can protect you from him and his Emperor! The Emperor may be aware
of your power, and may be trying to use you for some scheme. Don't
let him, I'Lai! You have the power to block him out, to block Vader
out!"

I'Lai's mouth gaped open as she stared into Luke's
crystal blue eyes.
It all started to make sense now…She never understood why the Emperor
had bestowed Denivrian's system to her, a courtesan. Giving her
complete control, giving her riches beyond her wildest dreams...

"My baby. Luke, they want my child!" She began to tremble, feeling
her legs weaken beneath her. "What…what do I do? What can I do?"

Luke threw his arms around her, holding her close to him. I'Lai
embraced him, leaning her head against his chest as the tears
streamed down her face. "When Vader comes to you tonight in your
dreams, do not be afraid, I'Lai! Do not fear him—the Dark
Side feeds
off the fear in your heart. Cast him out, fight him!"

I'Lai broke the embrace, looking into Luke's eyes. For the first time
since Denivrian's death, she felt strong, powerful, and unafraid. She
no longer felt alone.

"I will help you, Luke Skywalker. I will help you and the Alliance
with whatever you need."

Luke bent to kneel on one knee, taking I'Lai's hand in both
of his
own and kissing it. "Thank you, I'Lai. Han...would be very pleased."

At the mention of Solo's name, I'Lai closed her eyes. She
felt
herself drift, and when the feelings came to her, she did not fear
them or fight them, but rather embraced them. However, the vision
that came to her stabbed at her very soul, and she felt once again
her eyes water with tears.

Opening her eyes, she looked down at Luke. "Captain Solo is alive,
Luke. He is...on the ship of Boba Fett, heading to the palace of
Jabba the Hutt." Unable to remain calm any longer, I'Lai
burst into
tears.

Luke rose, and took I'Lai into his arms. She sobbed against his
chest, and Luke gently rocked her back and forth. "Lady
I'Lai, I feel
you are carrying a terrible burden within your heart. If you wish,
you may tell me...I will tell no one else, you have my word."

"I...can't even say the words, Luke..."

"Then don't say anything, I'Lai. Tell me with your mind,
your heart…"

Although no words were spoken, I'Lai, with her newfound ability, told
Luke Skywalker everything...I'Lai's last words in Luke's
mind were
clear and sharp, and almost brought Luke to tears himself.

"Please, Luke...if you find Fett, promise me, please promise me you
won't kill him...bring to him back here to me...please..."

They stood there in the sleeping garden, in the still winter air, in
each other's arms, for a small, silent moment of eternity.

* * *

Here is the continuation of "The Meeting" (The ongoing Fett Dynasty
series.)

ENJOY!!!

Ivy Liege

Title: THE MEETING

Author: Ivy Liege, SubversiveSkank2@a...

Rating: PG-13

Characters: Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Lady I'Lai*,
Magistrate Omin'da*, Nikoa* (*= original characters)

Category: Drama

Status: (1/1)

Feedback: Yeth, PWEASE!!!!

Disclaimer: I make absolutely NO MONEY off my stories and all
characters (sans characters of my own creation)are the property of
that guy with the beard and the really big ranch in Marin County
named George Lucas.

Summary: The Lady I'Lai engages in a battle of her own.

It had been a trying day, and I'Lai was exhausted both physically and
emotionally.

After their talk in the east garden, Luke and I'Lai had gone
immediately to the space dock to talk to Captain Stitz. Stitz had
actually wept, begging I'Lai to forgive him for deceiving her for so
long. I'Lai embraced him and informed Stitz that Orri Prime was now,
surreptitiously, part of the Rebel Alliance. Stitz then put out a
call to all the mining overseers throughout the system, informing
them of the emergency meeting to take place that day at Grand
Mountain Hall on Orri Prime by order of the Lady I'Lai.

When all the overseers had gathered, Luke Skywalker entreated them to
rally round the Rebellion's cause. He informed the miners of the
Rebellion's desperate need for durasteel ore to build new ships and
to repair their existing fleet. He told them that by joining in the
fight against the Emperor, they were that much closer to freedom from
oppression and tyranny.

"The Lady I'Lai has freed you from your slavery here on Orri Prime,"
Luke had said to the assembly. "We ask that you help free the rest of
the galaxy from its slavery to Emperor Palpatine. I know I ask much,
perhaps too much, in ways of sacrifice and courage. You will be
putting your families and your very lives at risk. If there are any
here who are not willing to help us in our fight, you may leave and
return to your homes. The Lady I'Lai and I swear that you will
suffer no repercussions regarding your decision."

No one had left. One by one, every man and woman in the hall stood
and pledged his or her undying allegiance to I'Lai and to the Rebel
Alliance. One man in particular, an old man with a limp and white
hair, came forward and fell to his knees in front of I'Lai, grasping
her hand and stating, "Lady—you saved my family from starvation, and
had the manor doctor give me a new leg. You are the queen of my
heart, and I would give my life for you…and your son."

The day then sped at a breakneck pace. I'Lai, Luke, Stitz, and the
assembly of mining overseers then laid out the grueling work and
shipping schedules: The shifts would be split so that production
would be doubled during various times of the day, with the
Rebellion's share of the mined ore being transported out under the
cover of night. Stitz gave Luke all the Imperial code clearances that
would be needed for the Rebel's freighters to be able to enter and
exit the Dia-Orri system.

Next, I'Lai sent a communication of feigned apology to Magistrate
Omin'da, stating that, after thinking about what he said earlier that
morning, she realized that she was wrong and he was right. She told
him that his annual tribute would be waiting for him in his accounts,
and to please take a month off and escort Lady Omin'da to the
pleasure planet, with all expenses paid by I'Lai herself, of course…

"There", I'Lai sighed, giving Luke a sidelong glance and
wink after
finishing the message, "That should get that little reptile out of
our hair for a while."

Finally, I'Lai escorted Luke back to the space dock, where his X-wing
fighter waited for him. She had tried to convince him to stay for the
night and rest, but Luke insisted that he leave.

"I must get back. My friends are waiting for me. We have begun an
initial plan to rescue Captain Solo, and now that you have seen him
alive in your vision, we must go forward with our plan." Luke had
reached over and cupped her face, kissing her on the cheek,
adding, "Remember what I told you to do tonight, in your dreams."

I'Lai took his hands in her own, smiling through her tears, and
nodded. "Farewell, Luke Skywalker."

Luke smiled back. "You will see me again. I promise." With that, he
broke the embrace and climbed into the fighter. I'Lai watched as it
ascended, and waved goodbye when she heard the little R2 unit guiding
it chirp its merry farewell…

I'Lai now sat on the edge of her bed, gently caressing her belly. She
felt content, peaceful, and strong, and wore a small smile of gentle
satisfaction. She had done well that day. She had taken the first
steps in insuring that her son would grow up in a better time, a
better place than this.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft footfalls of Nikoa's
footsteps entering her chamber. She turned and smiled at her
maid. "Good evening, Nikoa. I…I want to apologize for
berating you
today. I didn't mean to."

Nikoa returned her smile, and sat next to her on the bed. "There is
no need to apologize, your Ladyship. I understand." She took I'Lai's
hand in her own. They sat quietly for a few moments. Then Nikoa
asked, a bit sheepishly, "Are you frightened, Madam? About the steps
you've taken today?"

I'Lai turned to her maid, taking in a deep breath. "No,
Nikoa, I'm
not. I suppose I should be, but…I am not afraid. Not
anymore." She
tilted her head a little to the side. "Are you?"

Still smiling, Nikoa shook her head. "No, Madam. I'm not frightened
either. I…am so very proud of you…I'Lai." She reached
over and
embraced I'Lai, adding, "I feel down to the very bottom of my soul
that we shall all be free very soon." She leaned back and loosened
the embrace. "About the nightmares, Madam…do you want me to stay here
with you tonight?"

I'Lai smiled again, gingerly touching Nikoa's soft, withered
face. "No, Nikoa, thank you. Tonight…I think it is best if I
am
alone." She leaned over and kissed Nikoa's cheek.
"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, I'Lai." Nikoa rose and walked quietly out of
the room,
commanding the room console to diminish the lights.

I'Lai watched her go, then pulled back the fur bed covers and slipped
into the silk sheets. She laid back her head and closed her eyes…

* * *

The gentle sway of sleep had transported I'Lai back to the lush
summer garden of her prior dreams. Once again, the trees were heavy
with their ripe fruits, and the flowers exploded their huge blooms
all around her, enveloping her in their exotic perfume. The blue sun
bathed her in its cool light, and the breeze was sweet and warm as it
whispered through her loose ebon ringlets.

She looked down and saw that she no longer wore her thin nightgown,
but rather a robe of purest white wrapped in the front and tied with
a sash, white trousers, and high white boots. She recognized the garb
from holophotos she had seen once from a forbidden databook—it was
the garb of the Jedi, the long lost knighted order of the Old
Republic.

She smoothed the robe downward with her hands, and then realized she
was wearing a weapon belt. She reached down and unhitched the weapon
hanging from the belt, raising it to her view.

It was a silver, cylindrical hilt. A row of buttons and switches were
embedded in the flat side of the cylinder. I'Lai touched a button,
and a shaft of light blue energy shot forth just shy of a meter. She
waved the instrument back and forth, eventually finding herself
executing thrusts, blocks, and parries. Although she had never
touched a weapon in her life, this instrument felt right, felt true
in her hand, as though it was always meant to be there…

The change in the wind stopped her cold. She felt the dark presence
approaching the garden even before the temperature plummeted and the
air was filled with rancid stench. Again, the branches of the
surrounding woods began to grow dense and high, entwining themselves
like vipers in a pit of white sky. I'Lai turned and stood tall and
unafraid, glaring defiantly over the garden wall into the thickening
dark forest…

Directly ahead, the limbs and branches began falling back on either
side, cutting a path for the dark intruder as he neared the garden
wall. Despite that he was meters away, the labored wheeze of his
respirator was deafening. Darth Vader seemed like a moving black
mountain as he came forward toward the wall. He stepped over the wall
as though it were a mere pebble, landing soundlessly upon the
cobblestone garden floor.

They stood there for several moments staring at each other, neither
moving a muscle. I'Lai was amazed by her own feelings of calm and
confidence. She was not frightened at all.

"Good Evening, Lord Vader. What, no ruse? No disguises tonight?"

"I saw no need for such devices this visit," Vader answered, his
voice low and thick with sinister confidence. "Particularly after
your meeting today with my son." He seemed amused by the look of
subdued shock he saw in I'Lai's eyes. "No, you didn't
know that, did
you, girl?"

I'Lai did not reply, but did realize at that moment the anguished
connection she had felt between Skywalker and Vader when Luke had
mentioned the Dark Lord's name…

Vader continued. "If I were you, I wouldn't put my faith in Luke
Skywalker, Lady I'Lai. My son and his laughable Rebellion exist on
borrowed time. I feel his connection to the Dark Side grow stronger
by the day, and it is only a matter of time before he is one with me… and the Emperor."

I'Lai narrowed her eyes, a hint of a smile curling the side of her
mouth. "Really, Vader? If Skywalker is so close to becoming an agent
for you, then why do you come to me night after night? Why do you
seem so interested in MY child?" She allowed the smile to spread
across her face as she raised the lightsabre to point directly at the
Dark Lord. "You have doubt, Vader, I can feel it. You know deep in
your heart, in your soul, that Luke will never be tainted. I think,
deep down, you actually do not want him to be…"

"You have no inkling of the power of the Dark Side, woman-child!"
Vader roared as he took a step forward. I'Lai, instinctively, struck
a defensive position, raising the saber across her face in a blocking
move. Vader stopped. His tone changed, becoming soft, almost
seductive.

"I'Lai…you do not understand, child. You have a natural
gift, and the
Dark Side could hone that gift. You could be more powerful than
anything this galaxy has ever seen." He outstretched his gloved hand
toward her. "Think of the good you could do, I'Lai, the
people you
could help. Think of your son on the Imperial throne, I'Lai---a
benevolent master presiding over the entire galaxy, and you, behind
him, guiding him…" He was moving closer toward her, his hand
stretched, his voice caressing her ears, her soul…I'Lai
slowly
lowered the saber, staring into Vader's mask, unable to avert her
eyes…

Visions flashed before her eyes. She saw towers of white ivory that
kissed lavender skies…she saw a young man, an emperor, dressed in
sumptuous robes, seated on a gilded throne…thousands of worlds before
him, billions bowing to him…she saw herself standing behind the
throne, her jewel-encrusted hand resting on his shoulder…the young
king turned, smiling at his mother…she saw his face…his
face… smooth
and unscarred …Boba Fett's face…

"I'Lai…I can give you anything and eve
rything…anything you desire…"

Anything you desire…anything…

I'Lai snapped the vision out of her mind. She glared viciously at
Darth Vader, who was only a breath away from touching her…

"I want my child's father, Vader!" she growled, raising
the saber
before her and circling the Dark Lord like an advancing black-maned
lioness. "I want Boba Fett here with me! I want him to know the love
of his son! I want him to be at peace! Can you give me that, Vader?
CAN YOU?"

"FETT!" Vader's wheezing laughter echoed off the density
of the
encroaching forest. "You would throw away an entire universe for that
degenerate piece of cloned refuse! I offer your son the throne to the
Empire, power beyond all reason—"

"You offer nothing but slavery, Vader! Slavery to evil, slavery to
the Dark Side! I would have my son become like YOU?" I'Lai stopped
in her tracks. Suddenly, tiny specks of light began to encircle her,
growing more and more in numbers by the passing seconds. The wind
gusted and swirled, blowing her hair up into a raven tempest all
around her. She never took her eyes of Vader as she held the saber
over her head.

"Get out of here, Vader. Get out of my mind and never come back! YOU
WILL NEVER HAVE MY SON!" I'Lai then stepped forward and, with
a
slicing motion, ran the saber through Darth Vader, cleaving his torso…

Red light exploded from the ground where Vader stood, and the wind
howled around them in manic fury. The trees themselves screamed from
the impact, and I'Lai was thrown back meters from where she stood,
landing on her back. Instinctively, she rolled over and cradled her
stomach, shielding her unborn child from the explosion.

Suddenly, the winds stopped, and once again, it was nightfall in the
garden. I'Lai slowly raised her head and, still lying on the ground,
turned around.

Darth Vader still stood, huge and stoic, in center of the garden. But
the trees and their branches began to shrink back to their normal
size, and the flowers seeped back into the ground. A light snow began
to fall. Vader glanced down at his armored torso then lifted his mask
once again to face I'Lai.

"I may never have your son, girl", Vader said in a low,
frigid
rumble, "But someone, someday, just may…"

The crown of Darth Vader's helmet began to melt in thick black beads,
running down his mask, his shoulders…suddenly, Vader's entire body
splashed to the ground in a pool of black liquid, which ran in
rivulets into the cracks of the cobblestone garden floor,
disappearing under the slabs…

I'Lai sat up, and realized she was freezing. Looking down, she saw
that she no longer wore the white Jedi garb, but was once again
dressed in her thin nightgown. She also realized that she was not
alseep.

As the snow floated against her face and eyelashes, she saw the sun's
light peeking over the tops of the trees. She set her hands against
her belly, and was immediately comforted and relieved by the movement
of her son within. I'Lai sat for a few moments on the cold stone
ground before rising and heading back into her bedchamber for well
deserved sleep.

* * *