“See if you can locate the Command Center,” Luke says.
By the time Luke finds a uniform that fits, Artoo displays a map showing how to reach the Commmand Center. It is approximately 450 kilometers away! Unfortunately, so is anything else that sounds remotely helpful; Tol Ado’s launch stations were built well away from the cellblocks to deter escape attempts.
“Okay, prisoners,” Luke says, attaching his lightsaber to his belt, “we’ll just have to find transportation where we can.” He hopes the lightsaber won’t attract unwanted attention, but he has no intention of leaving it behind.
Gideon leads the way into the passageway. An hour later, they hear another repulsor cart approaching. When it comes into view, Luke steps out from behind the “prisoners” and flags it down.
The black streak flashes to a stop. Two stormtroopers sit in the front. “I’m taking this vehicle,” Luke says, hoping he sounds more authoritative than he feels.
The troopers look at each other, then at him. “But sir, we’re 300 kilometers from our duty station!”
“That is unimportant. I found these prisoners near the supply bay, and you know what that means. He pauses to let them consider just what that does mean. “I’m taking them to Command for interrogation. Dismound, now!”
The stormtroopers reluctantly obey, and Luke motions the “prisoners” into the back of the cart. Artoo stops at the edge of the cart and whistles plaintively. Luke motions at him, then says, “Put the Droid in the passenger seat.”
After they obey, Luke takes one trooper aside. “I also need your blaster,” he whispers. “The Droid is unarmed, but the prisoners don’t know that.”
The stormtrooper sighs, then gives Luke the weapon. “Perhaps we should take them back, sir? They look dangerous.”
“You must be joking!” Luke snaps, climbing into the drivers seat. “I captured these prisoners, and I will take them to the Command Center. Do you understand?”
The stormtrooper steps away. “Yes, Colonel.”
“Good. I’ll send someone back for you.”
As Luke turns the cart around, he overhears one stormtrooper comment, “Those prisoners will tear that quartermaster to pieces.”
Luke gulps down a snicker as he realizes this is just like a stunt he and Deak pulled in Anchorhead, then guns the cart. It even handles like a speeder back home.
Four hours later, Luke slows the repulsor cart to a crawl. They have reached the outskirts of the Administrative Center. The center vaguely reminds him of the crowded cities of Ord Mantell, except that it is completely enclosed by sanitary white walls. Over an area 75 kilometers in diameter, layer after layer of complex rises a full kilometer off the surface. Each layer is a city in itself dedicated to some purposeless bureaucratic function.
As they move deeper into the complex, the corridor grows crowded with repulsor carts operated by low-ranking Imperial officers. An outbound powerwalk runs along the left edge of the corridor, and an inbound powerwalk runs along its right edge. Stormtroopers, civilians, and a few officers scurry along the powerwalks, occasionally stopping to stare at Luke and his prisoners.
Luke takes the first up-ramp he sees, then follows it through a complicated series of spirals and turns. Finally, they reach a level dominated by captains and majors. Luke stops the scooter in front of a walkramp entrance guarded by two stormtroopers.
“Watch these prisoners,” he orders. “I’m going to Command for instructions.” He unloads Artoo and turns up the ramp.
The stormtroopers stand to attention, then obediently point their weapons at Sidney and Gideon. The ramp ends in a lobby outside a transwall. On the other side of the transwall, several hundred officers monitor computer terminals, bustle from one superior to another, or argue with their peers. He pauses to sedate the butterflies in his stomach, then marches into the Command Center. Artoo follows, incapable of the emotion which makes Luke’s knees quake.
The guards here also allow them to pass without question. Luke quickly turns toward the back of the room. He bumps into three dark uniforms.
“Slow down, Colonel,” orders a familiar voice. “It can’t be that important!” The voice belongs to Sebastian Parnell.
Luke averts his eyes. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m new up here.” He steps aside to let the general and his party pass.
“Be more careful. I can’t have my officers getting trampled, is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.” Luke moves forward.
“Colonel!” snaps Parnell. “Have I dismissed you?”
“No, sir,” Luke answers. He stops moving, but does not look at Parnell.
“I never forget a face. Have we run into each other before?”
If Luke answers yes, Click Here
If Luke answers no, Click Here