Jedi Council Forums - "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)

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Author	Topic: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
JadeLotus Registered: Mar '05	Date Posted: 4/18/08 2:49pm Subject: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Title: Respite Rating: G Genre: Missing scene, Vignette Characters: Han, Luke Setting: ROTJ Summary: Luke and Han discuss the events of Bespin. A/N: Written for challenge #2 on the Luke Han characterisation thread. Suprise, suprise - it was: Write an story in which Han and Luke find time to sit down and talk about for the first time what happened at Bespin. There were a few moments, after Han had been dragged from his cell and Luke had threatened Jabba, that they were all alone in the dark corridors of the palace, waiting to be loaded onto the skiff that would take them to their deaths. Han felt the fat, clawed hand of the guard hold him still. Almost alone, then. But as he was fairly sure the creatures didn’t understand Basic (if their unintelligible grunts were anything thing to go by). “Luke?” Han called out into the darkness. He wasn’t sure if it was still his eyesight or if the tunnel was as pitch-black as the dungeons had been, but he still couldn’t see a thing. “I’m here, Han.” Luke’s voice was soft next to him in the darkness. “What’s been going on?” He’d managed to get a basic overview of the time he’d missed from Chewie, but the Wookie had been notably silent on certain subjects. “I’ll be happy to explain it all to you later,” was Luke’s reply, and Han was convinced there was something they were all keeping from him. “Now’s not really the time or place.” Han nodded sluggishly, remembering too late that Luke wouldn’t have been able to see him in the darkness. Or, perhaps he could. Chewie had referred to Luke as a ‘Jedi Knight’, and not in that affectionate, teasing way that Han always had. There had been respect in the Wookie’s tone. Han kept silent for several minutes, thinking of the last time he had seen Luke – freshly scarred from the Wampa, shaggy-haired and innocent. Like a kid, still. It certainly didn’t match up with the man he’d heard warn Jabba – and it had to have been a genuine threat – Luke had never been any good at bluffing. “Luke?” He called out after a long silence, his voiced sounded small and tinny as if it, too, was being engulfed by the darkness. “Yes?” “Do you really have a plan?” “Yes.” His voice was so confident, so sure, and not in a cocky pilot way; fuelled by drink and inhibition. No, this Luke’s voice was deeper, more resonating. More mature, Han realised. He didn’t think that would comfort him, but, somehow, it did. ************************ “You came for me.” Han looked intently into the glass of ale that sat before him, and could feel Luke’s questioning gaze on him. They had been drinking and chatting in the pilot’s longue for close to an hour, but suddenly Han’s words turned the conversation into something more serious. It was not long before they would have to leave with the rest of the strike team for Endor, and it might be his last chance to say what had been on his mind ever since Tatooine. “Of course I did,” Luke replied simply. “And you already thanked me for it.” Han looked up, then. “No. On Bespin,” he clarified. “Leia told me you came after us.” Luke looked down at his own drink and swirled the contents thoughtfully. It drew Han’s attention to the black glove on his right hand. It was hard to believe that underneath it lay a mass of bionic wires. Leia hadn’t been able to tell him much about the circumstances that led Luke to losing the appendage, but Han could imagine it was something he did not want to relive. Even so, Han could not help but stare, something which Luke quickly became aware of. “It doesn’t hurt,” Luke said softly, putting his drink down and flexing his fingers self-consciously. “Really, it’s better than a real hand.” “Yeah, that whole pulse thing is overrated.” Han took a violent swig of his drink and set back it down on the table with a clunk. “Just ask Threepio.” Luke smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. In fact, Han noticed, he had the look of a man who hadn’t smiled genuinely in at least...six months. “Leia also said you had some kind of vision, about us in danger.” Han tried to begin again. Luke pursed his lips and looked a little irritated. “Leia seems to be saying a lot of things.” Suddenly feeling abashed, Han leant back into his chair. To be quite honest, he’d forgotten about Luke in his reunion with Leia, and it had been a subject they’d all studiously avoided since. He wondered how much she had told Luke about what had happened between them on Bespin. “About Leia...” Han began, unsure of what exactly he was going to say, but Luke cut him off with a dismissive gesture of the hand. “Look, you’re happy, she’s happy – let’s just leave it at that for now, okay?” Luke looked pained, and Han initially thought it was just doing to noble thing and stepping aside, but there was an undercurrent of...something to Luke’s expression that seemed to indicate it was something deeper. Yet another thing they could not talk about, Han reasoned. He wondered how that happened – time was, he reminisced to himself, Luke would come to him with everything from his troubles and/or successes with women, to the planning of the next manoeuvre, to his advice on what ale to try with Mon Calamari food. Now it seemed Luke was closed off. There were physical differences, too, that had not escaped Han’s notice. His hair was darker, and Han wondered how long he had spent locked away in his cabin, planning his rescue. The marks on his face had settled, forever leaving his skin marred - cheekbones slightly altered, removing the last traces of boyhood from his face. He wore black – so different from the whites and tans Han had known Luke to favour previously. All in all, he had the appearance of someone who had been changed – he was not the cocky, exuberant boy he had known six months previous. It saddened him, slightly, even more because he felt Luke would never tell him the reason for the change. “You had a vision of us in danger?” Han repeated, trying to prod some life out of his friend. “You don’t believe in that kind of stuff,” Luke answered, smiling thinly again. “Remember?” “Yeah, well,” Han dismissed the notion, “I believe what I see with my own two eyes, and ever since I met you I’ve seen some crazy stuff.” Luke’s smile faded. “You were in pain,” he answered, and his eyes glazed over, as if reliving the experience. “You, and Leia. You were tortured for my benefit – he wanted me to feel it. He wanted me to come rescue you.” “Vader.” Han clenched his fist. If he ever saw that walking pile of wires again... “I would always come for you, Han,” Luke told him seriously, and he met his eyes for the first time that evening. “No matter the cost, or consequence. Whatever it took to save you – any of you – I would do it.” “I know,” Han acknowledged quietly. Luke knew he would do the same for him. In fact, he almost wanted to go out and find Vader, not so much for the torture he experienced under his orders – that was nothing – but for the kid. He wanted to rip apart all of Vader’s internal mechanisms for daring to cut off his young friend’s hand – for the hurt and suffering Luke now carried in his very bearing, for the age in his eyes. And because there was a part of Han that screamed you don’t deserve him, for Luke had been young and pure before Han had agreed to take him off Tatooine, before he’d been forced to guilt him into staying with the Rebellion, before he’d chased his imprisoned form halfway across the galaxy. It was a sobering thought, to be loved so deeply. It was different to Chewie – Wookies were unlike humans in that way. Humans, Han had always believed, were murdering, thieving, scheming beasts who were incapable of things such as loyalty, or honour. And yet there was Luke – and Leia – proving his entire philosophy wrong. And even more frightening – they expected the same in return from him. And, strangely enough, Han was willing, keen even, to reciprocate. Why else would he have volunteered to lead this crazy mission? “So, what do you say, kid?” Han asked, even though that old nickname felt strange, now, on his tongue. “One more drink, and then we’ll bring down the Empire.” He grinned and looked around for the barman. Luke smiled then, a true smile, unfetted by grief or sadness. “Sounds like a plan.” -----signature----- You are the only thing that makes sense Just ignore all this present tense
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 4/18/08 3:12pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Breathtaking, real, wonderful. Amazing. No shock there. Han's voice is spot on. The changes he sees in Luke are very believable and understandable. I love that Han sees the real motives behind all Luke's sacrifices of innocence and exuberant youth. Wonderflicious missing scene. Bravo and huggles!!!!! -----signature----- E-sib to Mira_Jade, whose yummies inspire & gooify !! We Squee! in tandem Our Nyota/Spock love knows no bounds--we have superb taste in soulmates Have a bucket Cheesecake Squggles!
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Jaina_and_Jag Registered: Apr '03	Date Posted: 4/18/08 3:48pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Great response to the challenge! Han's thoughts about Luke were spot on! How he matured so much in the time Han was in carbonite... it's amazing what can happen in that amount of time.
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dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 4/18/08 5:30pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Stunning, real, and poignant. A beautiful piece- I loved it!! You've got their voices spot on. Thank you so much for doing the challenge! Lovely, lovely job! Just wonderful!! -----signature----- God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ "Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope" (fic below) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29811085/p1/
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slow_dawn Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 4/18/08 10:46pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	I really enjoyed this little scene between Han and Luke. Good work! -----signature----- The finest country blues singer - Mississippi John Hurt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-GN-BP_Qlk The Vig Challenge Board - http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/28176650/p1
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Aiel Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 4/19/08 2:57am Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Absolutely beautiful job, I always enjoy reading Han's musings on events during the OT and this was so realistic, I loved reading every bit of this. Well done! -----signature----- Master to ElvisTheCat. Bar-Wench of The Meanders Inn, now featuring Fooshie! Revolution of Fate: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29771499 http://dailysnarlandmore.blogspot.com/
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Golden_Jedi Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 4/19/08 6:19am Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Wonderful portrait! This part specialy got to me: It was a sobering thought, to be loved so deeply. It was different to Chewie – Wookies were unlike humans in that way. Humans, Han had always believed, were murdering, thieving, scheming beasts who were incapable of things such as loyalty, or honour. And yet there was Luke – and Leia – proving his entire philosophy wrong. -----signature----- New Bespin Café - come visit THE place for H/L fans http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/29538471 Diving (a H/L intertrilogy AU) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27836852
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obaona Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 4/19/08 7:08am Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Really wonderful, thoughtful piece. And you really nailed Han's voice. -----signature----- MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. - teh atty my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 4/19/08 8:41am Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	This would fit into the movie perfectly. Good characterization of Han -----signature----- Short Story: Pressure Point http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26961243/p1/?7 Jacen Solo and Anakin Skywalker - as it should have been. TFF: Cheryl
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Jade_Pilot Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 4/19/08 2:31pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Now this is a great Han and Luke scene. Wonderful JL! Bravo! -----signature----- I'm so adjective I verb noun.
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 4/19/08 6:01pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Luke smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. In fact, Han noticed, he had the look of a man who hadn’t smiled genuinely in at least...six months. I can see Luke looking exactly like that, and I can see the change affecting Han just the way you portrayed, too. Han's far too observant not to notice the changes in Luke after ESB, and he cares far too much for Luke for it not to hurt, especially if he didn't know how to do anything about it. Very nice look at their relationship here. -----signature----- Evil Twin of LadyPadme This concept of "wuv" confuses and infuriates us! - Futurama All I can do is be me. Whoever that is. - Bob Dylan Serendipity (Leia-Mara vig) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/30178069 !!11!1eleventy
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 4/19/08 6:40pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Wonderful. I like how we see the maturation of Luke through Han's eyes. Very insightful. -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. UConn: Huskies forever! RIP Jasper Howard, #6 "Focus on what matters. It's about the GAME, not each other. Dumb humans."
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 4/19/08 7:01pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	This was quite wonderful. I loved that Han realized that Luke had changed and that Vader had been a part of the reason why. He seemed so much the older brother, feeling protective. Bravo. Loved it. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 11/2/09 jedidas3's Master Merlin - Diplomatic Immunity - http://boards.theforce.net/nswff/b10808/30459852
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Teresa Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 4/20/08 1:59pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	An excellent view of both Han and Luke! I can truly see this taking place before their Endor mission. Han showed such insight into Luke's changes......here's hoping that someday you show Luke's take on Han's changes from smuggler to general. And yet in a way the changes might not have been as suprizing as each might beleive, for both men had the depth of soul that allowed them to such good friends and family as well as heroes. All their experiences did was temper them. True, it caused pain but they were willing to accept that for themselves. They just wanted to be sure that no one harmed those they cared for or innocent beings. And they would always do their best to be there to help. Many thanks for writing this!
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misssolo Registered: Dec '06	Date Posted: 4/20/08 5:15pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	Lovely! I love the dynamic between Han and Luke here. Han's sadness about how different Luke's experiences have made him is really believable. Plus it's just beautifully written. -----signature----- Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil. -Jerry Garcia http://www.nataliedee.com/032806/hats-for-tats.jpg
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dm1 Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 4/22/08 2:17pm Subject: RE: "Respite" (Han, Luke, ROTJ Vignette)
	“So, what do you say, kid?” Han asked, even though that old nickname felt strange, now, on his tongue. “One more drink, and then we’ll bring down the Empire.” He grinned and looked around for the barman. Luke smiled then, a true smile, unfetted by grief or sadness. “Sounds like a plan.” A plan?!? Who, Han? Seriously, Han was very perceptive here, picking up on what wasn't said, and the interaction between Han and Luke was really well done. Nice missing moment! -----signature----- Internet Mom to HSG! Hey, HSG, watch those explosives, be careful!!
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