Summary: Things are moved back and Luke is only 15. Things are complicated for Luke. One of the new Droids his Uncle purchased just purchased has run away on some hair-brained mission. Luke isn't expecting Vader himself to come looking for them. Luke a little OOC, Story is a bit AU.

Tales of the Mother

STS

"Shit," said Luke as he looked out across the darkening desert. "We can't go out there now, it's getting dark."

The tall golden Droid standing next to Luke said, "but what if something happens to Artoo? If something happened to him, I would never be able to forgive myself. Can't we please go after him?"

"What, are you out of your tiny fucking mind?! There are Sand-People out there. No way. We'll look in the morning, okay?"

Luke heard Uncle Owen's voice. "I'm shutting down the power now, Luke."

"I'm coming, Uncle Owen," he said. "I hope that little Droid is in pieces." He had said it half jokingly, but he could tell the comment had worried the Protocol Droid even more. "Don't worry, Threepio, we'll find him."

"I do hope so, Master Luke, I do hope so."

Luke awoke to the sound of a scream. Aunt Beru, he thought. He jumped up from his bed and was down the stairs in a flash. It was early morning and Uncle Owen had turned on the power already. Luke sped down the stair, and approached the light in the living room doorway carefully. "No Anakin!" Beru cried. "Please stop!"

Anakin? My father, Luke thought. He peeked around the doorway and saw that his Uncle Owen was being held off the ground as if in the grip of an invisible hand. That hand was strangling him. "No!" Luke cried as he rushed to his Uncle's aid. He did not at all expect what he saw next. It was Darth Vader, the villain from all of the Imperial News-vids. This man had committed so many crimes, so many atrocities in the in the name of the Empire, and now he was standing here in the living room of His families home, strangling his Uncle. Vader looked in Luke's direction when he heard the cry; dropping Owen in the process.

"You had a child?" Vader questioned.

"No," said Beru as she went to her husbands side. He was alive, but only just. She cradled him in her arms. "You had a child, Anakin."

Luke looked at her in shock. "What are you saying?" He asked his Aunt. "Are you saying this monster is my father?"

"That's Impossible," said Vader. "She died before she gave birth. I killed her."

Luke looked back at the dark cloaked figure, his disbelief apparent. "Are you saying you killed my mother?"

"Silence boy!" Vader commanded.

"I won't let you take this family from me!" Luke declared. He stood between Vader and the only family he had ever known. "Why have you come here? What could we possible have that you would want?!"

"The Droid..."said Vader. "But it seems I have found even more."

"Please Anakin, don't take the boy," Beru pleaded.

"Silence! Do not call me Anakin. Anakin is dead, and if this is in fact my son, I have a right to him...More right than you. You will be coming with me, boy."

"Never!"

Vader gave him a backhanded slap. "You will do as you're told boy." Vader said as Luke fell to the ground. The blow had knocked Luke out. Vader bent and slung the boy over his shoulder.

"Please Vader, think about what's best for you son." Beru said again.

"I thank you for caring for my son, though it was not you place to hide him from me. I should punish you for this, but this time I shall show you mercy and leave you the life of your husband." With that, Vader strode from the house. He thought about stopping at his mother's grave, but then thought that he had better get back to the shuttle with his prizes.

A son...Padme had lived to give birth. The Emperor had lied to him, then again it wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last. He walked up the shuttle ramp and handed the boy over to a med officer. He had thought of not bringing one, but then again, better safe than sorry. He went and sat in the cockpit. They took off.

Vader had to admit that he didn't trust the Emperor; not as far as he could throw him. Perhaps it was a good idea not to share all of what he had found on Tatooine with his Master. Then again, this was all better contemplated when they were well away from this forsaken planet. Vader didn't much like coming anywhere near Tatooine. Too many bad memories.

They docked with the Star Destroyer that had been waiting in orbit for them. This ship wasn't as grand as his own flagship, the Executor, but it would get them safely to Naboo. He would hide his son there until he thought it was safe to bring him out.

"Sir," said a communications officer. "We're getting a transmission from the Death Star. It's Tarkin, sir."

Vader didn't like Tarkin, and niether did any of his personal guard. He was a rather scary old man, despite the fact that he was a brilliant General. "I will speak with him." Vader said.

Tarkin came up on the screen. His face was skeletal, his eyes sunken. Vader couldn't think of anyone he hated anymore...Or at least at this moment he couldn't.

"lord Vader, have you acquired the Droid in possession of the Death Star plans?"

"I have. Have you been able to get anything out of the Princess?"

"Well if you have found the Droid, I guess it doesn't matter anymore if she wishes not to speak with us."

"I am having a technician search the Droid now, we should have the plans soon."

"Good. Are you en route?"

"The ship has just made the jump to Light speed, we should arrive in a few hours."

"Good," said Tarkin. "I have a surprise for our little princess, and I think you'll enjoy it. Do hurry."

The transmission ended. Vader relaxed in his seat for a moment. He did not know whether or not taking his son to the Death Star was a good Idea. At this point he had no choice. He had to risk it, but he would have to be careful. Very careful.

STS