Chapter Thirteen

Hills, forests, mountains, caves. There had to be countless planets that fit that description. Indeed, Lisa had likened their search to trying to find a needle in a haystack. Luke had agreed with her, though until he was well enough for the two of them to actually get out there, they had to work with what they had – the Alliance’s archives and database, Han and Chewie’s knowledge from their smuggling days, Lando’s contacts, Leia’s influence. Luke’s sister even asked around the other Rebels to try to narrow the search down.

The couple was grateful for the help. Lisa had informed their friends of Luke’s condition not long after 2-1B’s diagnosis, so they had been giving him the privacy and time he needed to rest. They had mostly been down on Endor helping the Ewoks with the aftermath of the battle – helping bury the dead and tend to the injured. Leia also had to recover from the blaster burn on her shoulder. Han stayed with Leia, Chewie stayed with Han, Threepio was working as a translator, and Lando had to return to Bespin. Lisa had been giving them regular updates and, once Luke decided it was time to search, enlisted their various levels of expertise.

Thus far, they hadn’t had any luck. The mysterious planet remained stubbornly hidden. Luke would do what he could until his body reminded him that he hadn’t recovered yet, then Lisa would take over and make notes until he woke from his Jedi healing trance. As the days went on, he was able to spend a little more time searching before he had to stop, as long as he continued to recognize his limits.

His fever had finally broken, but he still couldn’t sit up yet. He hoped that particular weakness would go away soon; he was worried he’d been lying still for so long that his legs would refuse to hold him when he was finally allowed to walk around.

He’d voiced this concern to 2-1B during one of the droid’s rounds, who had responded with understanding, telling him that temporary weakness was to be expected.

“With gradual reintroduction of movement,” the droid said, “your strength and coordination will return. I will not permit you to attempt full weight-bearing until I am comfortable your skeletal structure can support it.”

“So I won’t just…collapse?”

“Not if you follow my instructions,” said 2-1B. “You may experience instability, however. Assistance will be recommended.”

“You won’t be doing it alone,” Lisa said, giving Luke’s hand a squeeze. “I’ll be right here.”

Luke smiled gratefully at her and let out a breath in a whoosh. It was another hurdle in his recovery, but he knew that with Lisa’s help he’d be able to overcome it.

By now, he’d gotten used to recognizing his limits. Lisa had told him how long it had been since they’d left the Ewok celebration – since the battle that had caused his injuries in the first place – but that had been…how long ago? Days? Weeks? She’d tell him again if he asked, but it didn’t seem important given the current situation. It had taken a while, but he had finally accepted that a full recovery was going to take exactly as long as it was meant to, and there was no rushing it.

There was a wave of pride from Lisa the moment that acceptance had registered in his mind. He’d been drifting off into another healing trance at the time, so while he’d sensed the emotion, he hadn’t had the chance to say anything to her before he’d succumbed to the pull of the Force, and he hadn’t after he’d awoken either. There was no need. She was proud of him, and that fact made him feel warm all over.

That was enough.

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