Luke was breathing hard, trying to remain somewhat rational. He had barely left the medical center to return to his rooms when the alarms had gone off. Almost simultaneously, a shuttle had made an unauthorized launch and had sped towards the skies. It had avoided TIEs and hit hyperspace the second it had cleared the gravity well. Luke had felt that Leia was on the shuttle, the Force had rippled with Light as she got away.
The worst part was finding it was an inside job. All information that could be deduced showed that one man had sprung the Princess and got her to the hanger. Some of the mechanics from the hanger were missing as well, and Luke was assuming that they had prepped the shuttle.
"Bring me the man in charge of base security." Inside, Luke was fuming. Why hadn't the Force warned him? Why was he surrounded by idiots? And they all thought he was just some fancy courtier. Well, he'd prove that wrong. He glared at the general. The man was satisfyingly sweating.
'Damn her to the Sith Hells,' Luke thought, 'Father is going to want to hunt her down. She'll interfere with my training, and he might even want her by his side. She's a trained government official, she'd be useful. But damn her, I'm his son, and I don't want her around. She's a filthy Rebel! I don't care if she's my sister!'
The gray haired security chief came up. Luke looked him up and down. "One of your men is a traitor. One of your men is responsible for the escape of the Princess. That makes you responsible."
"I... I'm sorry, Sir."
"According to the reports I've received, this individual had shown instances of incompetence before. Instances that you ignored. Late to shift, poor performance, I could go on." Luke paused, listening to the man's thoughts.
'At least he's not Darth Vader...' It infuriated him. He wasn't his father, but he should be feared almost as much. Not looked down on, like a politician.
"No," Luke growled, pulling a wicked barbed vibroblade from his boot, "I'm not Darth Vader, but you'll wish I was. He's much faster."
The general watched Skywalker stand back up and walk towards him. The man didn't even wipe his hands, the blood was dripping from them. The security chief had screamed a long time.
"I want the fastest shuttle you've got. I have to report to Lord Vader." The blood rage was still in Skywalker's eyes, and the general could only bow agreement. Skywalker turned away, presumably to change. His clothes were a mess.
"See to it," The general told his aide.
"Yes, Sir."
"And have someone clean that up." The general flicked a hand at the disemboweled corpse. 'He may be a civilian,' the general mussed to himself, 'but I think I can respect him anyway.'
Luke shifted impatiently in his seat as the shuttle made its descend into Utoniam's atmosphere. He'd left Fezzzane as soon as possible, which had been both too slow and too fast. Luke knew he had to inform his father of what had happened, both of the escape and his discovery. But he didn't want to. He didn't want Vader to know of Organa's true identity.
On the way, Luke had been unable to think of anything else but the Princess. Finally he had stopped thinking about what would be and started thinking about what had happened. His anger at his mother had only risen at the thought of Organa being hidden from his father on Alderaan while he'd been placed on Tatooine. It was more than obvious to him that his mother had liked her better. Why else would Amidala have placed him on that no good dust ball of a planet with the likes of the Owen Lars while she got to live a royal life?
Skywalker pushed the thoughts aside as the shuttle landed. Getting to his feet, he exited the shuttle and stepped out into Utoniam's twilight only to find Garret waiting for him.
"Sir," Garret said as Luke approached him.
"Major," Luke replied absently as they entered the palace-like building.
"Is everything all right?" Garret inquired after a few moments of silence.
"No," Luke stated as he stopped in the middle of the marble corridor they were in. "She escaped."
"What?"
"Seems there were some Rebel spies on the base and they sprung her the first chance they got," Luke explained. "Where's father?"
"The discussions are still going on," Garret replied as he quickly scanned the area, making sure no one had overheard the way Skywalker had referred to Vader. "He wanted me to take you to the room where they are."
"No," Luke said and then continued as Garret raised an eyebrow. "I need to talk with him as soon as possible. Something came up, something extremely important and I know he's not going to be pleased. Neither will the Emperor when he learns."
Garret winced slightly at the tone of Skywalker's voice. It alone would have stated that whatever was going on was bad. The words only reinforced it. Briefly he sympathized with the young man, knowing from experience what it was like to deliver bad news to the Dark Lord. He knew that it must be worse for Skywalker as he lived with Vader.
"I shall tell him," Garret stated. "Where shall you be?"
"My rooms," Luke said as he started walking again, having seen that plans of the building he was in. "You may tell him of Organa's escape."
"Where is he?" Vader demanded as he approached Garret during a break in the talks.
"He is in his assigned chambers," Garret informed him. "He told me to tell you that Organa escaped. Seems the Rebels had infiltrated the base previously. Skywalker also wants to talk with you as soon as possible. He mentioned something of great urgency."
Vader nodded his head as he listened to this, his anger rising at hearing of the Princess' escape. This was the second time that she had been within his grasp only to escape before he got any useful information out of her. It was a good thing that Darklighter and Antilles had been instantly transported to Coruscant. Palpatine would not had been pleased if they had all gotten away. Quickly he reached out and brushed his boy's mind. The instant Luke became aware of his presence Vader could feel his son stiffen. There was an unusual amount of concern radiating from Luke and it was playing havoc in the Force. Whatever else was going on, it was extremely important. Making a decision, Vader walked away from Ravenell, back to the table.
"Something important has come up," Vader informed Sloral, the man hosting the talks. "I must deal with it. Now."
"Uh... very well," Sloral replied. "I shall inform the others. We shall continue tomorrow?"
"Yes," Vader stated before leaving the room, and heading straight for his son. "What happened?" he demanded as he entered the sitting room that was the first of Luke's assigned chambers.
"There were several Rebels at the base," Luke replied as he turned to face his father. "They rigged the security camera and freed the Princess."
"Why weren't they discovered before this?"
"The chief of security was incompetent," Luke explained. "He ignored the signs. He will not be making any more mistakes... ever."
"Good," Vader stated, pleased. "What else is there?"
Luke bit his lower lip nervously as he looked at his father. The action was not lost on Vader whose suspicions only grew. He had not seen Luke do that in a long time and it was a clear indication of how bad the situation was.
"Organa..." Luke began, knowing that he had to tell his father no matter how much he wanted not to. "She has Force potential."
"I know," Vader stated flatly, not enjoying this game. "I noticed on board the Death Star. What is it?"
"I discovered what the Force was trying to tell me," Luke replied, wincing at the undertone in his father's voice. "It was revealed to me in her cell on the base. I then ran a check to make sure I had understood it correctly. I had. Organa is... she is... my... my twin."
"What?!" Vader boomed as he heard the last word, a whisper really, leave his son's mouth. "What did you say?" he demanded as he took two quick strides and came to stand right before his son.
"She... she's... my sister," Luke said as the gloved fingers took hold of his chin and lifted his face. "My twin sister. I ran some DNA checks to be sure. Its definite."
Vader looked down at his son's face for a few moments, letting the words sink in. Letting go of Luke's face he turned around and walked to the other side of the room. A daughter! He not only had a son, but a daughter as well. And of all people it was none other than Princess Leia Organa, Rebel Leader and former Imperial Senator! Why hadn't he sensed it before? Why hadn't the Force told him? Why hadn't he sensed the tremors when Luke had? Why hadn't he noticed? Now that he thought about it he could see the similarities between her and Amidala, and not just physically. Her sharp tongue and haughty remarks were almost identical to those of his late wife.
Vader shook his head and stopped pacing. Palpatine would not be pleased. The Emperor had told him often enough how having more than one heir could only lead to trouble for someone as powerful as himself. But then, Organa would hardly try to compete with Luke for his power. Indeed, even if she were interested she would not get it considering her gender. But a Rebel? The very thought of having someone with his blood in the Alliance made Vader's anger simmer. Especially someone with Organa's reputation.
Vader's anger at his former wife and at Kenobi flared again. They were obviously the two behind this. They had probably decided to hide Leia on Alderaan considering the fact that she hardly had any Force potential and would thus not be sensed by him. That and the knowledge that she'd be raised to hate everything he was and stood for. Vader nearly lost control of his anger as he thought about Amidala and Kenobi's betrayals.
He turned around and focused his attention back to his son, only to find that Luke was watching his every move. The boy was obviously trying to judge his reaction. Reaching out with a single tendril of the Force, Vader carefully entered Luke's mind, knowing that the boy wouldn't be able to detect him if he was cautious. Vader had expected to find anger in his son, but he was not prepared for what else he found. Jealousy. Probing further he found the fierce possessiveness the boy felt towards him and his attention and how he felt threatened by the discovery of a twin sibling.
The feelings surprised Vader and, momentarily, he didn't know what to do. The possessiveness would have angered him if it were for any other reason. As it was, however, it left him slightly confused. He wasn't sure whether to be angry or pleased with the role he had come to play in his son's life. Knowing that he could do or say things he might regret later, Vader simply turned around and left the room. He needed time to think.
Luke sighed as he watched his father leave, allowing himself to sink into the overstuffed, velvet covered couch. He had hoped for some signal to give him some indication as to how his father felt about the new information, but he had not even gotten a clue. Bringing his hands to his face, Luke tried to push aside his anxiety knowing that Vader would talk with him when he was ready and not before. No matter what he did.
Luke sat in his chair in the audience, watching the delegates at the conference debate and trying to forget all about the Princess. His father was sitting behind a long table with four other people up on the stage. The representative from Galaxy Manufacturing was waxing eloquent about how the proposed laws would hurt the economy because they would have to raise prices on the weapons they provided the government, which meant that the government would raise taxes. Which was a lie, Luke had seen the numbers. If the company stopped using child labor, the only thing that it would hurt was the ridiculous profits the stockholders were making. Competitive bids from other companies would keep their prices down.
That was the biggest problem with the proposed law change, it outlawed most forms of child labor. While very little protest had arisen about laws preventing parents from beating children till they bled or scared, powerful manufacturing conglomerates had violently opposed laws against using children as their work force.
A protocol droid came up and held out a small tray with refreshments on it to Luke. He took a glass and small tray of food, idly nibbling as he continued to watch the representative. The man finally sat down, and Lord Vader rose, his respirator hissing and his skull-like mask balefully staring over the crowd.
"Your claims are false." He stated, and paused before continuing. "If your prices were to rise so much, the Imperial government would just buy our needed weapons from another company. And you could, if you choose, produce the materials at competitive rates with either non-human slaves or fully paid human workers. But you have chosen to line the pockets of your stockholders and 'rent' human children, placing them in conditions that are substandard even for slaves."
The Dark Lord leaned forward intensely. "Their parents are forced, through poverty, to agree to your pitiful wages for their children. The poverty of the parents is carefully maintained by your monopoly of local food supplies in your manufacturing space stations. Hungry and starving, they rent their very flesh and blood to you, for producing your product. The children are neither educated nor cared for, destroying their chances of ever being anything but your practical slaves for the rest of their lives."
"We do not keep human slaves!" The Galaxy Manufacturing representative indignantly shouted.
"They are slaves in all but name." Vader snapped back.
"How dare you accuse us without proof!"
"Who said I didn't have proof?" Vader warned as he turned to another delegate sitting at the table. "Dr. Ranson, please feel free to begin your presentation." Vader sat down.
Dr. Ranson slowly got to his feet, nervously straightening his shirt before he began. Luke carefully probed his mind. The doctor was still surprised that Lord Vader had contacted his offices a few months ago and had proposed helping champion the doctor's cause. Ranson had worked his whole life trying to stop the abuses of large industry against the children of the galaxy. He was thankful that politics had finally shone some light on the dirty little secret of Galaxy Manufacturing.
Luke watched the presentation and the play of words between the delegates. Luke could sense the growing disgust of the audience and holo-news teams as Dr. Ranson showed pictures of starving children, some horribly maimed by the lack of safety equipment in the dangerous manufacturing plants.
After the presentation, the debate was suspended for the day, releasing the audience and the delegates to meet in the reception hall.
Luke walked up to the cluster of people surrounding his father and Dr. Ranson. The two men were talking, the black armored warrior looming over the smaller gray haired man. The doctor actually looked slightly annoyed, but his father wasn't angry, so Luke came closer to hear. Luke elbowed his way to the side of his father, nodding at Garret as he did so. The crowd parted, surprised that anyone would want to stand quite so close to the ebony clad Sith Lord. Luke had stopped half a pace from his father, his dark green cape almost brushed against the heavy black silk of Lord Vader's.
"I don't quite understand why we even need these talks, Lord Vader." The doctor almost pouted. "The senate has been disbanded, why doesn't the Emperor just pass the laws and be done with it?"
"The senate was disbanded rather recently," Vader explained, humoring the man, "but more importantly, it is important for the people to realize that the Empire is interested in their welfare- that we are not a blind bureaucracy like the Old Republic. The average Imperial citizen needs to know that his Emperor cares for him and his children. By allowing this conference, the Emperor shows that he listens to his people."
Luke watched the people and listened to his father with interest. Lord Vader was much different in political situations than he was in a military setting. Here, he explained, lectured and led. On the bridge of a ship he just ordered what he wanted done.
"Listens to his people?" Someone in the crowd growled. Luke turned, seeing that it was the representative from Galaxy Manufacturing. "What about listening to his advisors? Or how about listening to the people who have worked hard to provide his Navy with the weapons it needs?"
The doctor spat back, "I'm afraid most of those people have either starved to death or can't even read after being raised on the manufacturing floor of your company."
"You're busy sticking your nose into where it doesn't belong, Doctor." The man hissed.
"Threatening me again? It didn't work when I was just a single man, it won't work now. The government finally has found out what kind of people you really are, and you're not the loyal Imperial citizens you claim to be. You're slavers, and I won't stop saying it." The doctor's eyes flashed.
"Yes, you haven't stopped with your lies since you started."
"I started because of the conditions I found my orphaned niece in when she had been 'employed' by Galaxy Manufacturing. After rescuing her, I realized that there were thousands of children that I had left behind. I wanted to do something about it. I finally have, and you can't stop me."
"You? You have done nothing but have silly little protests no one came to and write letters to the government no one read. It's pure chance that you even got invited to this conference."
Luke glanced at his father, it was obvious that Dr. Ranson and the representative had crossed paths before. He wondered what his father's response would be, since his father had been the one to invite Dr. Ranson. The man had a lot of documentation on why the new laws were needed.
The respirator hissed loudly, and Darth Vader shifted slightly, drawing eyes to him. "Your rhetoric is repetitive and your loyalty is questionable after your attempt to bribe the Emperor's advisors."
The representative gave Lord Vader a cool glance, while inside he was seething. Luke could feel the man's rage as he replied. "Our gifts to the advisors were well within legal limits. Besides, I can't understand why you would even care, since you don't have any children." It was almost an insult, since no one knew if the Dark Lord could even father children, handicapped by a respirator and required to wear the armored suit. The spectators nearly gasped. Insulting the Dark Lord was dangerous.
Luke just hid a smile, but he could feel the sense of irony that leapt between him and his father. Vader just answered in a calm voice, "it is my duty to the Empire to protect all of its citizens, regardless of their age."
The room was darkened, and the group of older men sat around the conference table. They were deep in discussion about how to save the status quo within Galaxy Manufacturing.
"We have to do something about Darth Vader, he's the one behind these stupid laws. Without his support, the Emperor will never pass the laws."
"Do something? I agree- but what? We're talking about a Sith Lord here. Threats, assassins and bribery are impossible. That's been proven over and over again."
"For him, but not for that young man that's traveling with him." Said the first. "I say we have him taken care of."
"What good would that do?" Said a third.
"It is apparent that Vader cares for the young man. He's the only one Vader has ever shown any concern towards. That young Skywalker is the only weakness Vader has."
"True. Can it be done?"
"We can have our best assassin here by tonight. It would be best not to give Darth Vader any time to learn of this threat through his Dark arts."
"I'm for it."
"Vote?" Hands were raised around the table. "It's agreed. I'll have the message sent."
Herve, the representative for Galaxy Manufacturing, waited on the edge of the landing platform as a shuttle descended from the evening sky. In reality the shuttle was bringing down the assassin. To anyone who had not been present in the room when the decision to eliminate Skywalker had been made, it was a shuttle bringing another Galaxy Manufacturing representative to the conference. Smoothing his robe, Herve approached the shuttle as it landed and the ramp lowered.
"Herve," Mort said as he came down the ramp.
"Is he with you?" Herve asked, knowing that no one could overhear what they were saying.
"Yes," Mort replied. "I have already shown him the holos you sent and he is ready to do the job. He did complain about it though. Said it was like taking candy from a child."
"Yes well, we want someone we know won't leave a trail behind to be followed and traced back to us," Herve said. "Sure, Lord Vader will be able to guess, but without any evidence there is nothing he'll be able to do."
"Indeed," Mort agreed. "If he did, it would seem like he couldn't handle the heat. I told him as much but he still complained. He only stopped when he heard what he'd get for the job."
"We want our man to make sure he does a good job," Herve stated. "After all, this job has a lot hanging in the balance. I wonder what made the Sith suddenly so interested in our use of child labor. There has never been any Imperial complaints about it before."
"Who knows," Mort replied as they started to walk. "Vader is like that, totally unpredictable."
Luke suppressed a yawn as he looked at his father. Vader was still in conversation with the man he had approached after dinner. Although he couldn't take off his mask and eat in public, Vader had remained in the room, sitting at the head of one of the tables. Luke had sat to his right and Sloral had sat to his left, while the representative of Galaxy Manufacturing had sat at the head of a second table. The seating arrangement concerning Luke had gotten a few stares, but for the most part the people hadn't discussed the issue, fearful of offending the Dark Lord who was no doubt responsible for it.
Luke felt the stare he was receiving and turned around to scan the room. Locking eyes with a man on the other side of the room he smiled as the man hurriedly looked away. Seeing that Vader would be busy for some time yet and knowing that he wasn't allowed to start up a conversation of his own, not that he wanted to anyway, Luke reached out and touched his father's mind, indicating that he was going to leave when the Dark Lord looked in his direction.
'Goodnight, Son,' Vader sent before he turned back to the man he was talking with.
'Goodnight, Father,' Luke replied as he made his way to the door.
"Sir," Garret said as he approached Luke.
"Yes?" Luke asked as he turned to face the Major.
"I thought that you'd like to know that Darklighter and Antilles have arrived on Coruscant and are now secured there," Garret said.
"Thank you," Luke replied before he continued on his way.
Skywalker reached the door and quickly left the room, heading back to his chambers. At least he wouldn't have to worry about Biggs escaping now. Even as the thought crossed his mind, Luke felt part of himself almost wish that Biggs had escaped. Then he wouldn't be forced to face him and kill him. The moment he realized this, Luke shoved it aside violently. The last thing he needed at the moment was for his father to start doubting his abilities and loyalties. Especially now that he knew that he had a sister out there. Someone to replace him.
Luke nearly growled in rage at the thought as he approached the door to his chambers. The very thought about being pushed aside for some insignificant female Rebel was nearly enough to make him grab the nearest breakable object and smash it into a million pieces. Entering the first of his chambers, he tried to bring his emotions under control. The last thing he needed right now was to lose control and embarrass his father. Besides it would be a waste of emotion which he could better use to focus his abilities on.
But Organa! Why did she...
The warning rushed through the Force and Luke instinctively flung himself sideways. However, due to his preoccupation, he was slow and the blaster shot grazed his arm sending pain tearing through it. Snarling in pure rage, Luke did a flip and twisted in midair, simultaneously avoiding another shot and landing so that he was facing his attacker. The alien stared back at him, his expression unreadable, but his shock at what had happened flowing freely through the Force. Taking advantage of the assassin's reaction, Luke concentrated the Force on the blaster in the Vulpani's clawed hand.
The assassin let out a cry of surprise as his blaster exploded in his hand, but he quickly recovered and reached into his robes and pulled out a long, curved and extremely sharp knife. There was no way he'd let some kid get the better of him. He didn't understand how the blaster could have overheated, as he had checked it before this job as he always did, but he was determined to get his money. This delay would only make the kill so much more pleasing.
Skywalker's lips curled as he felt all his anger and hate of the last few days coming to a boil. Quickly he sent a call to his father before swiftly moving out of the way as the assassin lunged at him. Grabbing the Vulpani's free arm with Force enhanced speed, Luke twisted it backward as he reached out to get hold of his other hand.
"As I have said earlier..." Vader began and froze as he heard his son's call. The ripple of danger that instantly followed the call turned on feelings of possessiveness and anger as he realized that his boy was in danger.
"Yes, my Lord?" Herve questioned as Vader stopped. "Surely you see that we--"
Spectators instantly stepped back as Vader pushed aside the Galaxy Manufacturing representative and made a beeline for the room's exit.
"My Lord!" Sloral called out as he moved to follow the Sith Lord and his major who had instantly fallen in behind him.
Herve smiled as he followed after the Dark Lord as well. He hadn't expected this sudden departure, however now that he thought about it, it was to be expected. With his Sith magic the Dark Lord could probably feel Skywalker's death. The only thing Herve hoped was that the assassin got out in time. But then, he needn't worry about that. He was the best they had and was definitely more than capable of handling the boy.
Luke silently cursed as the assassin pulled an impossible maneuver and managed to free himself, sending him off balance. Falling as he tripped, Luke realized that the alien was probably capable of pulling stunts that ordinary humans couldn't. He'd have to take that into account the next time.
"I must admit that I hadn't expected a struggle from you," the assassin stated as he came to stand over Luke, the knife raised. "But in the end it doesn't matter."
Luke's rage surged at the Vulpani's low opinion of his abilities. Well he'd just have to teach him a lesson. Even as he thought this, Luke felt as if the world suddenly slowed. Looking up at the assassin, it seemed like the knife was coming down in slow motion. Luke easily rolled to the right and tripped the alien, grabbing hold of his knife hand as he went down. As he did this, Luke heard a rushing sound in his ears and instantly realized that it was not assassin who was moving slowly, but he who was moving with Force enhanced speed.
Skywalker smiled down at his would-be assassin as he came to half-lie and half-kneel over to him. The astonishment and shock radiating from the Vulpani was enough to make victory surge through Luke's veins. But he reigned it in. He still needed one more thing before he could complete his triumph and kill the alien.
"Who sent you?" Luke demanded harshly as he brought the blade to the alien's throat even as he made sure that there was no way for the assassin to throw him off. "Who is paying you?" Instead of replying the assassin simply struggled. "Tell me now or you will regret it." Luke threatened.
"Never," the Vulpani spat.
Luke narrowed his eyes before he reached out with the Force and burrowed into the alien's mind. As the assassin began to scream, Luke simply rummaged through his mind, looking for the information he wanted. Finding it he clenched the Vulpani harder. So, they had decided to kill him to get to his father. They considered him the weak link! Well he'd show them. Extending his mental fingers into the alien's mind once more, Luke reached out and paralyzed the part of the brain necessary to control the heart.
As the alien stopped struggling and his presence in the Force vanished, Luke smiled to himself. This way the Vulpani would have no marks on him and no apparent cause of death. That should be enough to raise a few eyebrows and earn him some respect. Getting to his feet, Luke heard the door opening behind him.
"Luke," Vader said as he entered the room. "Are you all right?" he demanded as he saw the overturned furniture and the large, and some what bloody, wound on Luke's left arm. "What happened?"
"Galaxy Manufacturing sent me a gift," Luke replied as he simultaneously indicated the body on the floor and the representative that had followed the Dark Lord into the chamber along with Garret, Sloral and a few other people.
"So this is how you play the game, is it?" Vader demanded as he looked at the body on the floor and then to Herve standing next to him.
"My Lord," Herve began as shock and fear crossed his face. "I-- I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie," Luke snapped as he moved forward. "I confirmed it before he died," Luke continued as he indicated the body.
"What's to say that you didn't make that up?" Herve demanded as he took a step towards Skywalker. He had come too far to be beaten by some boy now! "Trying to--"
"He doesn't lie," Vader stated as he started to choke the man. "You made a mistake by going after him," he declared as he tightened his grip. "Now you pay for it." With this Vader closed his fist fully and the Galaxy Manufacturing representative struggled once more before falling to the floor, dead. "Major!"
"Yes, my Lord," Garret said as he stepped forward.
"See to it that Skywalker is treated," Vader ordered before he turned to Sloral and the others. "The talks are now officially over. I leave tomorrow."
With this Vader strode out of the room.
Major Ravenell watched his Dark Lord go, and then swung his eyes back to Luke. Luke was standing there, his shirt slowly soaking with blood and his eyes following his father. Garret could see the rage in Skywalker's eyes, but it was different than it had been before. This time, the rage was tight and controlled, focused like the edge of a blade.
"Skywalker, Sir," the major said, "Would you please come with me?"
"Very well," Luke sighed.
Garret glanced at the body of the assassin as they exited, then took a double-take. A Vulpani, and without a mark on him! Ravenell knew that they were very fast and agile, quite hard to kill.
"Sloral," Skywalker was saying to the stunned host, "please have my rooms cleaned."
Garret wordlessly walked down the corridor, a sullen Luke behind him. Once they rounded the corner, Luke whispered to Garret, "I killed the thing, and he tells me to stay with you rather than help him with the remaining representatives. It's barely a scratch, you know. And it wouldn't even have happened if I had my- weapon."
"Uh, yes, Sir." Garret thought furiously, when had Luke spoken to his father? Weapon?
"I don't need to open my mouth to speak to him, Garret."
A tiny chill raced up Garret's spine. Luke's training must be coming along well if he could do so much already. Then he grimaced, realizing Luke could read his mind as well.
Ravenell sighed as he stood in the dining hall of Vader's shuttle. "I'm sorry men, but we need to juggle our sleeping arrangements again. Skywalker gets his own room this time."
"Sky-who?" Asked the medical doctor, Drayson. "And why is he so special?"
"Skywalker," answered Weng, "and don't ask any questions. There's a reason we had to get the last doctor replaced."
"Oh."
"Yep," continued Salw pleasantly, "Stormtroopers came aboard and shot him down right in this room under orders from Lord Vader. I don't ask anything about Skywalker."
Skywalker was sitting in the dining hall, the engines of the shuttle making the deck hum ever so slightly. He had pulled a chair up to the small viewport, and with his feet propped up on the port's ledge, he was watching the view. Skywalker was wearing a black and maroon outfit, black pants and boots with a maroon shirt and black cape lined in the same maroon color. Jewels winked on cuffs and collar, while the cape spilled over the edge of the chair and across the floor.
Ravenell walked in, and seeing Luke he quietly got his meal packet and starting eating without a sound.
"Garret?" Luke asked.
"Yes, Sir?"
"Do you ever have trouble getting the courage to tell Lord Vader something he isn't going to want to hear?"
Garret smiled. "Yes."
"I don't want to tell the Emperor about the Princess."
"Her escape?" Ravenell winced, thinking about having to give a report on that news to the Emperor.
"Yes, and all the details." Luke sighed. "But at least I'll always be my father's heir." Skywalker knew that. He was, after all, the only male child. He had to screw up pretty badly to get disowned to the point where his father and the Emperor would accept a female Rebel. At least he kept telling himself that.
"Of course," Garret reassured the man, "I doubt you'll even get punished for her escape. You didn't have anything to do with it. Your father would have said something to you by now if he was unhappy with you."
"Yeah."
They lapsed back into silence. Luke watched the stars and listened to the minds in the ship. It was good practice. Suddenly, behind him, Garret started in alarm. Luke swung his head around, looking at the pale major. His thoughts were crystal clear, 'Vader's heir? But Lord Vader will become emperor someday. And if Vader becomes emperor, so will Luke.' Skywalker laughed.
"Garret, I can't believe it took you this long to figure that out."
"Twins?" The old voice crackled with displeasure in the empty throne room. Luke and Vader winced as one. "And to place one on Alderaan. Your wife was worse than I thought, Lord Vader."
"Shooting her ship down was far too clean a death." Vader pronounced, furious at fate. Leia, his daughter! And to be raised such a way, to hate everything he had worked to build!
Silently, Luke agreed. The women who birthed him had obviously gotten off too easily. To leave her child with Owen Lars was disgusting. It just showed how irrational the Rebels really were.
The Emperor crackled, laughing. "Your son agrees with you, my Dark Lord. Very well, I want you to put out a bounty on her head. I would prefer her taken alive, she knows much, but dead will provide some satisfaction."
"As you wish, my Master."
"Now, about Luke's progress," the aged voice wheezed, "I am quite pleased. He defended himself well. The Vulpani was of the same quality of assassin commonly used here, at court. Maybe it is time to start expanding his privileges."
Luke's ears perked up. While most of the people at court were boring snobs, he was getting tired of being restricted to the castle all the time. Besides, he had to learn to work with these people.
Lord Vader seemed hesitant. "He was injured."
Luke held his breath, refusing to think anything, afraid of what their reactions would be to his thoughts. He buried his dismay that his father didn't think he was ready to face the court.
"Only slightly." The Emperor paused, eyes drilling into the black helmet. "They do grow up, Lord Vader. And they have to make their own mistakes."
"The shot could have easily been much more serious." Vader stated, looking at his son and not the Emperor.
Luke swallowed his nervousness and answered. "While it was true I was slightly distracted before the attack, I did succeed. And I did get the information of who his client was from the alien's mind. And if I would have had my lightsaber, I wouldn't have even been grazed."
"My lightsaber, you have yet to build your own." Vader argued.
"Quiet." The Emperor tiredly inserted. "I won't have you two arguing, for any reason. I am talking about very limited privileges, Lord Vader. I don't want him to be a completely unknown face for the execution ceremony."
Luke completely hid his reaction from both his father and grandfather. So, he was to take a part in the ceremony. He had assumed as much, but now it was confirmed. He calmly realized that he was going to have kill his former best friend in front of the entire galaxy. Well, it wasn't his fault, it was Biggs'. Luke squashed any doubts that dared to rise up in his mind.
"Yes, my Master. Limited privileges."
The dry voice wheezed again. "He is rather protective of you, young Skywalker." The Emperor chuckled.