we all fall down

Leia walked between Han and Lando, her expression unreadable but her mind racing. She didn't trust Lando—every fiber of her being screamed that something was wrong. The pristine white corridors of Cloud City stretched before them, illuminated by shafts of golden light pouring in between tall, gleaming columns. Despite the outward serenity of their surroundings, tension coiled tightly in the air, pressing down on her like a weight. Ivy walked slightly behind them, her blue Jedi robes trailing behind her. She kept her senses attuned to the Force, feeling the undercurrents of unease swirling around them like an unseen storm. Every step forward deepened the pit in her stomach. She could feel it—the dark presence lurking just out of reach. Chewbacca lumbered a few steps behind, his massive frame casting long shadows across the walls. His eyes flickered warily from side to side, his instincts also alert to the shift in the air. Lando, ever the showman, continued his conversation as though nothing was amiss. "So, you see, since we're a small operation, we don't fall into the... uh... jurisdiction of the Empire."

Leia turned her head slightly, eyeing him carefully. "So you're part of the mining guild, then?"

Lando waved a hand dismissively. "No, not actually. Our operation is small enough not to be noticed... which is advantageous for everybody, since our customers are anxious to avoid attracting attention to themselves." Ivy's eyes narrowed. That's a carefully chosen way to phrase it, she thought. He was dodging something—dancing around the truth like a man standing on unstable ground.

Han, ever skeptical, wasn't convinced either. "Aren't you afraid the Empire's going to find out about this little operation and shut you down?"

Lando hesitated just slightly before answering, but Ivy caught it. He was nervous—trying to keep his voice steady, but the slip was there. "That's always been a danger," he admitted, "looming like a shadow over everything we've built here." His voice took on a strangely hopeful tone. "But things have developed that will ensure security. I've just made a deal that will keep the Empire out of here forever." Ivy's stomach twisted violently. No. She stopped walking for half a second, her breath catching as the Force hit her like a tidal wave. A dark presence. Cold. Smothering. She turned her head sharply, looking toward the massive doorway at the end of the corridor. No one else seemed to sense it—not Han, not Leia, not Chewie. But Ivy knew. Something was waiting for them. Something terrible.

The massive doors hissed open, revealing an elegant dining hall bathed in soft, golden light. A long banquet table stretched out before them, pristine and untouched, as if prepared for honored guests. But Ivy's eyes went straight to the figure at the far end of the room. Darth Vader. Her heart clenched as icy fingers of the Dark Side slithered through the air. He stood in perfect stillness, his black armor absorbing the light, his mask a faceless void of terror. And beside him, like a specter lurking in the shadows, was Boba Fett. The moment of frozen horror shattered in an instant. Han reacted first. His blaster was in his hand before anyone could blink. He fired twice, rapid shots aimed directly at Vader's chest. No use. Vader barely moved, lifting a gloved hand. The red energy bolts stopped midair, veering harmlessly into the walls with a flash of sparks. Before Han could even react, his blaster flew from his grip, ripped away by an invisible force. It soared across the room, landing in Vader's open palm with eerie precision. The Sith Lord placed the weapon on the table in front of him with deliberate calm. "We would be honored if you would join us," Vader said, his deep voice emotionless yet suffocating in its authority. A heavy silence filled the room. Ivy inhaled sharply, struggling to keep her breathing steady. The Force around Vader was oppressive—dark, twisting, suffocating. It was stronger than she had ever felt it before, nearly overwhelming. She clenched her fists. No. I won't let it control me.

Han turned on Lando with a look of pure betrayal. "You son of a—"

Lando put his hands up in a helpless gesture. "I had no choice. They arrived right before you did. I'm sorry."

Han's jaw tightened. "I'm sorry, too." Chewbacca growled low in his throat, fists clenching at his sides. Leia's face was set in cold fury, her eyes boring into Lando like a blade. But Ivy didn't look at Lando. She only looked at Vader. He was studying her. Through the oppressive silence, his helmet tilted slightly in her direction, as if truly noticing her for the first time.

"Ivy Mara," he intoned. The sound of her name in his voice sent a chill down her spine. Leia turned sharply toward Ivy, her eyes widening in alarm.

Han frowned. "Wait. How the hell does he know your name?" Ivy didn't answer. She couldn't. Because Vader was still staring at her.

"You have grown stronger," he continued, his deep voice unnervingly calm. "But you cannot hide from me." Ivy felt her fingers twitch toward her lightsaber.

"Don't," Vader warned before she even moved. "You will not win." Boba Fett shifted slightly, hand resting near his blaster. Lando, still caught in the crossfire of the moment, took a step back. Ivy met Vader's gaze, heart pounding. She could feel him in her mind, pressing against her thoughts like a vice. Searching. For what, she didn't know. For the first time since stepping into the room, she spoke.

"You don't scare me," she said, voice firm despite the tightness in her chest. A terrible silence followed. Then, beneath the cold mechanical breathing, a deep, slow chuckle.

"You lie," Vader said. Ivy's jaw clenched. He took a slow step forward. "I have felt you since you arrived," he continued. "You are strong in the Force. But your fear betrays you." Ivy took a breath, centering herself. And then she did the only thing she could. She stepped forward. Not away. Toward him. Leia stiffened. Han and Chewie both tensed, ready to act, but Ivy didn't stop. She met Vader's presence head-on, stepping into the suffocating weight of his power and staring up at him without flinching. She would not back down. She would not give him the satisfaction. For a long moment, neither of them moved. Then, finally, Vader turned away from her. "Take them," he ordered. Stormtroopers appeared from behind the walls. Han barely had time to react before two of them grabbed him, forcing his arms behind his back. Leia struggled as they grabbed her next, and Chewie let out a deafening roar as he was dragged back by multiple troopers, his strength only barely contained. Ivy's hands curled into fists as a trooper reached for her. Not yet, she told herself. Not yet. But soon.