Author's Note: Thank you for all the reviews! it was very good! We greatly appreciate your support!
Chapter Two
**=**Meanwhile on Endor...**=**
When the reading began, everyone on board all the ships of the Rebel Fleet as well as the surface of the planet were hanging on their holoscreens. No one knew what to expect so it came as a major surprise when it became known that Vader had a son. The Sith Lord had never seemed like someone to start a family. Like any woman would want to even go near the guy. However, some said that he surely wasn't born in that armor and must have had a life before. Yeah, right, as if... Others weren't so convinced. Many thought it might be more of a spiritual son then an actual one.
'My son, and your new Emperor, is Rebel Commander and Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker.'
Ok, at that moment, there were two major reactions. First off, a big WHAT!? that almost blew off the ceiling of the rec. rooms that were crowded full. The second was a major case of people who were either fainting or gathering their slacked jaws from the floor. Or both. Whichever fitted them better. On Home One's rec. room, the entire Rogue Squadron were staring at the screen with their jaws hanging and wide eyes. Wedge was no better off. Someone poked him in the ribs and he slowly turned that way. It was Hobbie and the guy seemed to just begin to get his brain functioning again.
"First off, are you alright, Wedge? And two, did I heard THAT right?!"
"I... don't know... Gimme a sec while I gather my jaw from the floor..." Wedge replied still in a state of shock. "I have to go!"
He bolted up and stormed out of the room towards the conference room where he knew Luke would be. For a moment the other Rogues just looked at each other's a little surprised before bolting after him. They had a urge to hear the truth from Luke himself. That was just too weird...
**=**Conference room, Home One**=**
When that bomb blew up, every pair of eyes in the room immediately turned towards him, and Luke sank into the nearest chair. He took his head in his hands and was the picture of despair. Why him?! What did he do to deserve it? He was no royalty! He had NO idea about anything about being an Emperor, and no desire to be one! Looking up from his crouched posture, he saw that his friends were all staring at him like he grew a second head. Well, all but Leia. She knew the moment Vader started speaking about his son that this was coming. She put a hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly.
"Well, is there something you forgot to tell us, kid?" Han was the first to break the silence, and it seemed that he was more curious and amused than anything else.
"I never thought it would become a necessity to tell anyone..." Luke replied still sulking darkly.
Mon Mothma was the second to gather her wits and lifted a graceful eyebrow at the young Jedi. Even if she was angry he didn't felt like sharing that information with her, she understood why he didn't. Many people's lost everything because of Vader, and they could decide to take it on the next best target, his son, and the young man sure didn't needed the added pressure. She took a few steps closer and spoke up softly, her voice calm and only hinted with her desire to know.
"How long have you known, Commander?"
"Since Bespin, six months ago. I was too shocked to tell anyone at the time, you know. Even now, it's still hard to wrap my mind around it sometimes." Luke looked up to look her in the eyes when he answered, his own voice was heavy with sadness and disbelief. "I never imagined that to happens. The Force warned me about big changes, but nothing more. If I had known..."
"You couldn't have done anything to change it, Luke." Leia cut in with her calm voice, and Luke knew she was telling the truth. "Now, we must know what we will do. I, for one, think it's a golden opportunity."
"Could you explain this, Princess?" General Madine said looking at the young woman, arms crossed in front of him. He wasn't angry with Luke, no one chose his family, but he was a little upset that the boy didn't share such a delicate information.
"It's simple, general. You all know that this war was bloody and cause more death and destruction then even the Clone Wars. It has to stop without further bloodsheds. With Luke as the Emperor, he could use that position to turn the Empire into a New Republic peacefully, from within. No other option would be an all-out power struggle to choose a new Emperor and that would cause more death, more conflicts, and in the end, it would only let the war continues for years." Leia explained her reasoning. She had been turning this in her head for the last few minutes, and it made total sense to her. Maybe it was the Force, but she felt like it was the right thing to do.
"You reasoning is sound, Princess. It has the potential to help us all in the end. besides, I remember what the Commander told us when he returned from his meditation. That this was coming. Those events will change everything. I can't feel the Force, but I have a feeling that this was fated to happens." Ackbar cut in, his big eyes focusing on the Princess and the young Jedi. He had always had faith in the Jedi, even before Order 66. He never bought anything the Emperor said about them. He felt like this was one such occurrence where he had to bow to a greater conscience then himself.
"But what if I don't want to be Emperor? I don't want to rule anyone." Luke finally snapped, his patience at an end when everyone was making plans for his future without asking for his opinion. "I'm not ready for that kind of responsibilities."
"Luke, think about it." Leia said softly, putting her hand on his shoulder again and smiling soothingly at him. "There will be no more bloodshed, no more war, and the best opportunity for a long-lasting peace that we ever had. We all have to make sacrifices sometimes, and I think this is one such occurrence for you, Luke. I know you don't like it, but I also know that you will do good. You're a Jedi Knight Luke and I trust you."
"Go on kid! Just imagine it: the fame, the ladies, the money..." SMACK! "Ouch! What was that for?!" Han complained rubbing the back of his head. Chewbacca was laughing and saying something that sounded sarcastic.
"That's for being an idiot, Han Solo!" Leia retorted, little hands on her hips and glaring at him from her considerably shorter height but managing to look like she was staring him down. "Try thinking about something else then money for once!"
"Calm your engines, your Highnessness! I was just saying!" He grumbled, still rubbing his head. Damn, she packed quite a punch for such a small girl.
"I need to think about it." Luke cut them and stood, leaving the room. No one protested, and just let him leave. He needed the solitude.
Once outside he felt like hitting his own head repeatedly on the hard transparasteel of the window bay. How could this happens to him? Why did his father could do something like this to him?! If he wasn't dead already, he would kill him himself... He was so wrapped up in his own misery that he didn't hear the Rogues running up to him until he felt someone tap his shoulder. He jumped three feet in the air and spun around. There were laughs and he glared at Wedge, who was the one who tapped him on the shoulder.
"It seems that we surprised the mighty Jedi Knight!" Hobbie joked behind Wedge.
Luke glared at him, and he grinned wider, looking completely unfazed. Luke finally rolled his eyes and returned his attention to his wing mate. He leaned on the bay and crossed his arms over his chest in a casual manner.
"What can I do for you kids?" There were some 'hey!' through the group and he grinned at them, shrugging. "If you want to act like five years old, I'll treat you like five years old."
"So is it true? You're Vader's son?" Wedge asked finally, curiosity eating at him. If anything, he sounded shocked and curious, but not angry. He flew with Luke enough to know what he was like.
"Yeah, it is. Unfortunately. I've only learned about it 6 months ago." Luke said with a still tense voice. He didn't sounded happy.
"Was it about the same time you lost your hand?" Wedge asked starting to make the connection.
"Yes, and let me tell you, I could never get used to it. What kind of father goes and cut his own son's hand? I never had a father before and when I find one, he acts like a complete jerk! How was I suppose to feel?" Luke ranted, his displeasure obvious in his tone.
"Hey, cool your engines, Commander! We're not angry with you! No one chose their family!" Janson piped in from the middle of the group.
"Thanks guys, I appreciate that you're trying to act like normal at least. Even if your 'normal' is acting like immature brats." He snickered and got glares back from his little pike.
"What will you do now? Because it seems that you got quite the promotion." Wedge asked, this time getting on a hotter topic.
"I don't know. I have half a mind to flat-out refuse it, but the others seems to think this is an opportunity to stop the war from within. I agree with that, but it doesn't mean that I agree with the fact of being made Emperor against my will." Luke said, trying to voice his feelings.
"If you really feel like you don't want this, then you refuse. No one can force you, you know. They can try to cajole you and coerce you but in the end, it's your life. You do whatever you want with it." Wedge said calmly, and he added casually. "Of course, I can't hide the fact that it would make things hell of a lot easier on us all if you accept ."
"Oh, gee, thanks Wedge. You're a true friend, pal. I feel a whole lot better now." Luke replied sarcastically and glared heatedly.
"That's because I'm a true pal that I won't lie to you about that, Commander. You know what? Come fly with us! You always seems more relaxed when you fly. It'll take your head off things." Wedge suggested at last, and the others nodded their approval.
"Yeah, you're right. I'm coming. It'll change my mind for a couple of hours." Luke smiled back, and he followed them as they made their way to the hangar.
The next three hours flew like the wind and Luke was a whole lot more relaxed when he returned into the ship. He was even ready to face the council. Leia was waiting for him when he landed and he smiled at her. She was always a sight that soothed his soul it seems.
"Luke, how are you now? Feeling better?" She asked, concern in her soft voice.
"Yeah, thank you sis. Flying always help me clear my mind." He replied with a grin, and pulled her in a hug. She let him and relaxed into his chest. "I suppose the Council wants to see me."
"Yes, they want to know if you had made a decision yet." She replied looking up at him from her position against him.
"Give me some times to change and I'll be there." Luke let go of her almost reluctantly and she took a step back, smiling.
"Alright, I'll tell them you're coming shortly. I'll smooth things up for you." She teased a little with a light chuckle.
"You're an angel. I'll be there in fifteen minutes." He chuckled back and patted her shoulder lightly. It was nice having a sister. She was like a bright light in the gloom of his life most of the time.
She left him then to return to the conference room to tell the Council he was coming. Luke started to feel eyes on him as she left, and he looked around. Everyone on the hangar was looking at him with various expressions, from awe to curiosity and even some with hatred or fear. He didn't like it. He wanted to be just Luke, and loathed to be on the spotlight. He was raised to be a very no-nonsense man by his aunt and uncle. He quickly made his way through the hangar bay and left to get changed. Once he was done, he headed towards the conference room to meet with the Council once again.
Fifteen minutes later, he entered the room to be faced with the entire High Command. However, he felt no hostility and that was reassuring. With more confidence he strode to the table and took the seat that was his. Mon Mothma stood when he got there and spoke for the Council.
"Commander Skywalker, have you made a decision concerning your new situation?"
"I have, Ma'am. As much as I disagree with it and feel like I'm neither ready nor deserving, I'll do it. I feel like, as Leia said, it is the right thing to do." He replied, and his voice was as steady and confident as ever.
"We are glad of your decision, Commander. Or should I say Your Highness?" General Madine said and he sounded a little amused.
"Let's stick to Commander for the moment. I felt some hostility towards me in the hangar when I returned from my flight. Maybe it is time to brief the men about what is going on. It would lift fears and tensions." Luke continued looking around the room, his eyes stopping on every one of the Officers.
"It's probably for the best. We know how our people feel about the Emperor, and they have to understands why this is necessary. And most of all, they need to know how much you, Commander, are sacrificing for their sake." Admiral Ackbar put in, and he stood also from his seat, looking around the room, and mostly to Luke.
It didn't take long after that to organize a reunion for all personnel. Everyone was ordered to attend, and the situation was explained to them in full. There were, unsurprisingly, some protestation, especially at the fact that the Empire would remain, but they were soothed by knowing that, working from within, it wouldn't take long for the Empire to become the New Republic. Even with an Emperor and Empire remaining, it would be in name only. It seemed to work for the time being, and of course they were told they could leave if they didn't agree. No one would force their hands on staying if they felt like it wasn't their place anymore. Maybe a tenth of the Rebel forces decided to go and adopt a Wait and See approach. They would stay tuned to the upcoming events and see what happens, but not from any active position.
After the meeting, a smaller reunion was held in Mon Mothma office to discuss the finer points of what Luke was going to do. He couldn't go there blind, he had to have some plan already in place about what was going to happens. He had ideas, just needed to voice them and made them work. Once the three of them were alone, Luke spoke up first, and the two women listened carefully.
"I have ideas, about what I want to do once I'm officially made the Emperor, but I need to know if it's feasible, work on the details."
"Tell us what your ideas are, Commander, and we'll go from there." Mon Mothma replied, leaning forward in her seat.
"First, I want to abolish slavery. It's a demeaning practice that I deeply disapprove of. It's against the Jedi Code. All sentient life is equal, none is worth more or less than the other. Secondly, I want to reinstate the Senate. I think it was one of Palpatine's worst mistake to dissolve it. The Senate is needed to make something as big as the Empire work smoothly. And third, the ISB have to go as it is now. Security is needed, of course, but not the kind of 'security' they practice in the cesspool of corruption."
Leia lifted a impressed eyebrow and smiled at him, leaning forward.
"Are you sure you're not a politician, Luke? You sure sounds like one. You could've fooled me." She stated, and he blushed a little, smiling shyly.
"Well, it just sounds logical to me." He shrugged. "But will the Imperial Council follow those ideas? I will need their approval, even if I don't want it or need it. I'm not Palpatine. I will use all and every assets that I have. I'm no fool, I know I'll need advices."
"Of course you're not, Commander. I must admit, I'm impressed. You are more clever than most give you credit for. You have a sharp mind, and in time, it can be used to understands the intricate ways of politics. In the meantime, we will help you put meat on the bones of your ideas. Is there anything else that you have in mind?" Mon Mothma said, her sharp, aged eyes studying him.
"I want to reinstate the Jedi Order, and stop the kill-on-sight bounty that are on all the Jedi and Force-Sensitives in the galaxy. It makes sense to get rid of it since I myself am a Jedi." Luke said almost shyly, but firmly.
"The ISB won't like that." Leia piped in with a smirk, crossing her thin arms over her chest.
"I couldn't care less about that. They'll just have to suck it up." Luke replied with a frown.
Well, we have five days to work it out until your escort gets here to take you to Coruscant. I'm sure we can work something viable in that time." Mon Mothma said with a smile, and added. "And it'll give us time to have a wardrobe worthy of an Emperor made for you."
"A wardrobe? I don't need it. My clothes are just fine the way they are." Luke replied dubiously.
"I don't think that the Empire would be pleased to see their Emperor dressing like a common farmer. There's nothing wrong with being a farmer, but it just won't do." She retorted firmly, her tune bearing no arguments.
"But..." Luke started and she raised a hand to stop him.
"No buts. You don't have a say in the matter, young man." The regal Leader said with a thin smile. "Besides, I know what I'm doing. Believe me, you need it."
"Leia!" Luke turned to his sister as a last resort, but she shook her head, looking quite amused as well.
"Sorry, but I'm with her in that Luke. Your wardrobe's fine for a Rebel Commander and a jedi Knight but it won't cut it on Coruscant. You need to look regal for the masses. Trust me on this, I've lived surrounded by this kind of thing for my entire life."
Luke scowled but he had to concede when two women were against him. So a new wardrobe it was. He was starting to feel like he made a mistake by accepting that position.
-TBC-
