Chapter 3
The shower washed away the last of the dust Luke had collected at the Jedi Temple. Pity it couldn't wash away his turbulent feelings along with it. It felt like he'd just woken up from a nightmare. There was the rush of relief at the knowledge that it was all a trick of his mind, yet also horror when he recalled how real it had felt at the time. But mostly he was angry with himself for being so traumatized by this incident. His father thought he was completely overreacting, and he couldn't blame him. He wasn't a child. Yet he had nearly broken down into sobs when his father had reappeared out of nowhere.
Luke brushed away the embarrassing memory and turned off the shower. After dressing in clean pajamas and throwing his soiled clothes in the laundry chute, he returned to the main room and sat on the edge of his bed. Normally he'd watch the HoloNet at this time of night, while catching up on homework. But he'd had more than enough of the HoloNet today. He should order some food, but he had no appetite.
After a few minutes of sitting in a state of indecision, Luke began to notice how quiet his bedroom was. The walls must have good sound-proofing to completely drown out the noise of air-traffic. If he closed his eyes, it was easy to imagine he was the only living person in this entire building. Much like he'd felt in the Jedi Temple. Luke tapped his fingers on the bedspread for a moment, and then reached for the familiar telepathic link.
Father?
He received a strong sense of his father's presence in response. He was nearby. Probably in the conference room across the hall.
What is it?
Luke had to think of a reply. He hadn't thought beyond his initial call.
Um … nothing.
The response was a feeling of mild annoyance.
I just wanted to check if you were still there, Luke explained.
The annoyance changed to puzzlement.
I don't mean I was checking to see if you were still alive, Luke sent, becoming worried that his father would think he'd gone crazy. I was just wondering if you had gone somewhere else.
His father seemed to understand. I am in the conference room. You may join me if you wish. However, I have much work to do, so I would appreciate it if you would make an effort to be unobtrusive.
Normally, the words would have sounded like a rejection to Luke, but through the bond, he could sense that his father was genuinely happy for him to join him. Luke stood up and looked around for his school pack, but then realized he hadn't seen it since his math class. He must have left it at school. Hopefully a teacher had put it somewhere safe, as he had more than a few useful tools in there.
When he crossed the hall and entered the conference room, he saw his father wasn't kidding about being busy. The table was spread with at least half a dozen viewscreens.
"What are you doing?" Luke asked, as he slid into a seat.
"Preparing an invasion of the planet Bal." His father glanced at him. "Did you eat?"
"Sure," Luke said.
His father gave him a longer stare.
"I'm doing some study," Luke said, pressing a button that resulted in a computer terminal sliding up out of the table. He could use the HoloNet to access his files on the school network.
"Have you replaced your comlink?"
"How did you know I'd lost it?" Luke said, surprised. He'd forgotten about that himself.
"Your friend informed Lieutenant Dorany. Replace it as soon as possible and have the old one deactivated. I do not wish to receive calls in the middle of the night from whoever happens to find it."
"It probably hasn't hit the ground yet," Luke said. "It fell over a walkway into the depths."
"While the media were chasing you?"
"No, just before that, actually," Luke said. "Ben and I were walking to his apartment."
"I thought you normally took a speeder to school."
"I do, but you took away my flying privileges this morning," Luke said. He cast his eyes down at the memory.
"Yes, I recall," his father said, sounding amused. "Apparently, I ruin your life with rules and restrictions and don't allow you any freedom. One would think you'd have been happy to hear of my death."
Luke felt sick at the words. He'd said something worse than that, too. Something about wishing he was an orphan. He could only imagine how he would feel if that had really come true.
"I'm sorry about what I said," he mumbled, hearing his voice break on the words.
"I propose we move on from today, Luke," his father said. "You can fly to school tomorrow and come and go as you please. I suggest you have an early night."
"I'll go soon," Luke said, quietly. It was reassuring to know his father wasn't going hold this morning against him.
"I have asked the intelligence team to investigate the identity of the media vehicles who chased you." His father slid a viewscreen across the table. "Does she look familiar?"
Luke picked up the screen. There was a picture of a spiny-faced alien.
"That's her!" Luke said. "The bus driver who saved me! Wow, you found out her name and everything. I should send her a thank you note."
"I will take care of that. Considering she may lose her job over the accident, I think some financial compensation is in order."
"You mean like a million credits?" Luke said, excited.
"Enough to secure her for life."
Luke grinned.
"This remains between us," his father added, as he resumed reading his monitor.
"Of course."
Luke opened his inbox on the computer and quickly entered a message to Ben, telling his friend that he'd made it home okay. There was already one waiting from Ben and several from Lev, but he didn't want to disturb his father by listening to them now. He settled down to read, but soon found he couldn't concentrate. His body felt tense and restless, and his mind was racing.
Eventually, he settled into playing a simple game that involved dodging asteroids and shooting down enemy fighters. An hour later, his name filled the high score list, and his eyes kept involuntarily closing. He rested his chin on his folded arms, deciding to have a rest.
"You should go to bed," his father said, glancing over. "It is late."
Luke opened an eye and saw the computer's clock indicated his father was right. The trouble was, the thought of having to return to his silent, lonely room filled him with panic. Luke could only imagine the ridicule that would pour forth from his father if he so much as hinted at that fact.
"I'm not tired," Luke said, sitting up. "How's your invasion going?"
"Costly and time-consuming," his father said, "but ultimately successful, if all goes well. I will be leaving tomorrow."
"Leaving?" Luke said, surprised.
"Behave yourself while I am gone," his father added.
Luke stared at his father, feeling unable to blink. He'd continued reading and appeared completely oblivious to Luke's turbulent emotion. Finally, he looked up.
"Is something wrong?"
"I …" Luke paused. How could he begin to describe what he was feeling without sounding like a clingy toddler? "Can I come with you?" he blurted out.
His father studied him for a moment with his cryptic masked gaze, and Luke hastily tried to come up with an explanation that would sound plausible.
"I'm bored at school," he said. "I think I'd learn a lot more by going with you."
"I will be fighting in a war," his father said. "War is serious, Luke. You have had no experience of it, yet, and so it is not surprising that you do not understand. Many people will die."
"Then why are you going?" Luke said, feeling even worse at his father's words. "If you don't invade, then there's no war, and no one dies."
"Then the people of Bal will continue to destroy themselves with their petty conflicts, until their anarchy spreads to the surrounding planets," his father said. "Order must be restored."
"How can war bring order?" Luke said. "Doesn't it just bring destruction and - like you said - death?"
"It brings order by removing those who would spread anarchy."
"I would feel pretty rebellious if the Empire invaded my planet and dropped a bomb on my home," Luke suggested. "I think war just creates more rebellion."
"If your planet was in the state that Bal is in, you would welcome the Empire's interference." His father paused for a moment, staring at him. "Where did you hear these anti-Imperial views?"
"They're not anti-Imperial," Luke protested, "and I didn't hear them anywhere. They're my views. I know you think there are just starfighters and space adventures in my head, but I do think about other things."
"You are certain this is not something you are learning at school?"
"Stars, we practically bow down and worship the Empire at school," Luke said.
"I suppose your views are typical of the simplistic moralizing of someone your age," his father said. "I once felt the same way. Life soon taught me otherwise."
"My views won't change," Luke said. He paused to yawn loudly.
"Just make sure you don't express your views in public," his father said.
"I'm not that stupid," Luke said, yawning again.
"Goodnight, Luke," his father said, gesturing towards the door. "I will see you tomorrow before I leave."
"I'm not tired," Luke repeated, turning to his computer. "I have some homework I need to finish."
"Homework for your class in computer games?" his father enquired.
Luke glanced at the screen, seeing it was still flashing with his last high score.
"I was just having a break before starting it," Luke explained.
"I am sure your teachers will understand why you have not finished your homework," his father said. "Go on."
Luke remained sitting, desperately trying to think of something he could say to use as a stalling tactic.
"Maybe you should tell me more about Bal," Luke suggested. "Then I might understand your viewpoint better."
His father began staring at him in the slightly creepy way he used as a warning. Luke swallowed. There was nothing for it. He couldn't remain here without getting into an argument.
"Goodnight," he said, standing up.
He hesitated by the door, but after another look from his father, he left the room. In the corridor, he hovered outside his bedroom door for a moment before finally going in. Maybe if he turned on the HoloNet, the silence wouldn't be so bad.
It blared loudly when he pressed the button on the remote.
"… from today's attack where General Lavri lost his life along with -"
Luke quickly turned it off. He returned to sitting on his bed and stared blankly at the walls. Maybe if he just thought about something else other than his father's death. He had to get over whatever this was. His father was leaving tomorrow, which meant it would get even quieter around here. Luke clenched his fingers together, feeling frightened at the idea. It could very well be the last time he would see his father, if he was fighting in a war.
The thought made him stand up and leave his room, returning once again to the corridor. He was about to re-enter the conference room, but that idea soon faded. His father would lose his temper if he did that. Luke stared at the floor for a moment, wondering if he could sleep out here. It was still quiet, but at least he knew his father was only a door away.
Luke considered it and then realized his father would not only lose his temper, but probably make him see a psychiatrist if he discovered him. Which he almost certainly would, as it was hard to miss someone sleeping in the corridor. Maybe all he needed was something to distract his mind. He could go down to the hangar - there was plenty of noise and distractions down there. Artoo and Threepio would keep him company.
It was shortly after midnight when Vader decided to get some rest. Much like his son, he'd been delaying the inevitable. Not for any reason as trivial as a computer game, however. There was a fear in the back of his mind that his nightmare would reoccur.
But it would be a busy day tomorrow, and he needed his energy. The invasion fleet was being prepared in orbit at that very moment. In the morning, the replacement general would be meeting with him to discuss their strategy. At the same time, the senate would be meeting to hear who was responsible for the attack on the Emperor and subsequently voting on the proposed action.
On his way past Luke's room, he reached out with the Force to check on his son. He didn't even consciously realize he was doing it until he was met with a large empty space. He checked again, but his worries were only confirmed. Luke was not in his bed.
He stretched his mental net wider and was immediately rewarded. Luke was still in the building. What in space was he doing?
He walked quickly towards the elevator, feeling his annoyance increase every step he took. Perhaps Luke thought he could get away with this behavior because it had been a difficult day.
His search for his son led him to a small workshop connected to the hangar bay. Luke was sitting on a stool and slumped over the bench. Artoo and Threepio rested nearby, also in a powered down state. Vader placed a hand on Luke's shoulder, and his son stirred immediately. It must have been a very light doze.
"Luke? Why are you here?" Vader asked.
Luke rubbed his eyes. "I was sleeping."
"This is not your bedroom."
"I'm all right here," Luke said.
"Luke, how old are you?" Vader demanded.
"You know how old I am."
"Yes, but I believe you have forgotten. You are ten years too old to be refusing to go to bed."
"Okay, okay," Luke sighed, climbing off the stool. Vader followed him back to the elevator, hoping this meant he might be able to get some rest himself.
"No wonder you always argue with me in the morning," Vader said, as he entered the elevator and closed the doors. He wasted no time in selecting the correct level. "You are not getting enough sleep." He glanced down at Luke when he received no reply. "Do I have to set a bedtime for you, like a five year old child?"
"No," Luke mumbled, in a surprisingly respectful tone.
Vader remained silent for the rest of the elevator ride. When the doors slid open, he pushed Luke gently on ahead. Luke walked slowly down the length of the corridor, hanging his head and dragging his feet like he was going to his execution. By the time they reached his bedroom door, all Vader's anger had been replaced with concern.
He followed Luke into the room, intending to use the Force to send him to sleep immediately. His son disappeared into the refresher for a while and then returned with a glass of water. He made a trip around the room, straightening objects and picking up clothes, before finally climbing into his bed. He sat in the middle, with the pillows stacked up behind him so he was at a high angle. It didn't appear comfortable, but Vader wasn't about to make an issue of it. He heightened their mental link and gathered the Force.
"No!" Luke protested, obviously getting a sense of what he was doing. A wave of panic flowed back along their bond.
"What is wrong with you?" Vader asked, finally becoming sure there was more to this than Skywalker stubbornness. He moved closer to the bed, so he was standing at the foot. "Are you frightened about something?"
"No!" Luke sounded offended at the suggestion.
"Then why do you not want to sleep here?"
Luke stared at his chest, looking the picture of misery.
"Are you having nightmares?" Vader asked, thinking of his own reluctance to sleep. Luke, like his father, had a history of that particular problem.
Luke made a groaning noise that could have meant anything. He then resorted to the ever annoying eye-rolling. Clearly, he felt Vader should already know what the problem was.
"Unless you want me to read your thoughts, I suggest you start communicating with me, Luke," Vader suggested. "I realize this has been a difficult day, but that is no excuse for this attitude."
"A difficult day?!" Luke sat up completely. "I thought you had died. Look, we can't all just brush things off like you do. I'm not an emotionless machine!"
Far from it, Vader thought. He considered pointing out that Luke had claimed this morning that he wished he was an orphan, but that would probably do more harm than good.
In retrospect, perhaps he had been a little slow not to pick up on this. He'd been too preoccupied with his own internal issues and Imperial matters. Somehow, he'd never imagined that his supposed death would affect Luke so much. The idea that he'd become so emotionally important to his son was more than a little disturbing. As he struggled to find something to say in response, Luke continued.
"I know I'm being pathetic, but I just can't stop thinking about it! Is it possible to use the Force to remove someone's memory?"
Vader felt pity at the words. The number of times he had wished it was that easy.
"Short term memories can be confused," Vader explained, "but not an entire day's events."
"It's so quiet in here." Luke rubbed his head. "It never bothered me before, but now I feel … can I sleep in the corridor?"
"This is only in your mind, Luke," Vader said, turning away. "Get a good night's sleep. In the morning, you will feel better."
"Wait," Luke said, desperately. He started to climb out of bed, and Vader turned back and raised a hand, attempting to hold him in place.
"I will send up Artoo and Threepio to keep you company."
Luke struggled for a moment and then slumped back in defeat. "Thanks."
Vader paused, hovering by the door. He should say something reassuring. When nothing came to mind, he left the room and retreated to the safety of the corridor. There was no point attempting to mind trick Luke into sleeping. His son would only pick up on his feelings and take it as some kind of emotional rejection. He could only hope a good night's sleep really was all Luke needed.
Despite being in need of rest, Vader found it came to him almost as hard as it came to Luke, judging by the weary emotions that spilled over their bond. It was the early hours when he finally managed to sink into a deep meditation. Meditation was a poor replacement for sleep, but it was better than nothing. It often gave way to sleep if one was sufficiently tired.
Upon waking in the morning, he had no recollection of dreaming, which almost certainly meant his nightmare had not reoccurred. It was good that something was finally going his way.
When he moved out into the corridor and found himself a few steps away from tripping on a hover mattress. Artoo whistled loudly in warning, which caused Threepio to power up in a state of panic.
"What is it, Artoo?! Oh! Good morning, sir!"
Artoo beeped rapidly, telling Threepio to shut up before he woke Luke.
Vader glanced down at his son, who was lying on his side in the middle of the mattress.
"He is already awake," Vader said. Artoo's first whistle had done it.
Luke poked his head up, rubbing his eyes. "Hmmmm?"
"Luke, if you are going to sleep in the corridor, the least you could do is get up at a reasonable time," Vader said, carefully stepping around the makeshift bed. "Hurry up before you are late for school."
"School?" Luke said, sitting up. "I … I don't want to go to school. I'm staying home today."
"Why?" Vader asked, staring down at his son. "Are you sick?"
Luke felt his forehead, as if looking to see if his temperature was raised. When he came up with nothing, he sighed, shaking his head.
"I had a bad night."
"I am sure you can catch up with your sleep during your classes," Vader suggested.
"Then there's no point going," Luke said, rolling over and pulling the blankets over his head.
"Luke," Vader said, in the best 'no arguments' voice he could summon, "if you are not dressed and ready for school in thirty minutes, I will take you there myself. Not only that, I will personally accompany you into your classroom and announce to all your friends that I am your father."
Luke re-emerged from the blankets.
"You wouldn't."
"Try me."
"Father," Luke said, standing up beside him, "please … I really don't want to go."
"That heartfelt tone is wasted on me, Luke."
"This isn't just one of those days where I don't feel like going," Luke said. "I'm serious … I can't leave here. Last night, I was in my bedroom and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I was shaking … I had to use our link to check to make sure you were still here."
There was nothing but truth behind Luke's words. It seemed a good night's sleep hadn't solved his son's problem.
"Son," Vader said, finally, "spending the day lying in bed will not help anything. You must get back into your normal routine as soon as possible."
"As soon as I walk in, everyone will be going on about yesterday," Luke said. "They'll want to know all the details about the attack. I can't take it."
"Use the same technique you use with me when I try to extract information," Vader suggested. "Tell them to leave you alone. Assert yourself."
"Can't I just give them a few days to forget?"
"A few days? I have already said no to one day, Luke. There will be no missing school." He gave his son a light push in the direction of his room. "Now go and get ready."
Luke grunted with annoyance and then strode off towards his room.
Vader retreated to a conference room, deciding to go about his work as usual. If he remained in the corridor, Luke would see this as an opportunity to continue begging. Thanks to his restless night, he was behind schedule as it was.
The next half hour was spent sifting through his morning messages and cancelling unnecessary appointments. He had two hours until his meeting with the key command officers in the Bal invasion, and there were still several reports he had yet to familiarize himself with. One of them was still lying on the table, untouched from the night before. As soon as he started to read it, he felt the mental bond he shared with Luke heighten itself. This usually preceded a call, but Luke didn't say anything.
What is it?
Nothing.
Why are you still here? You should have left by now.
I'm not going.
Yes, you are, Vader sent, easily matching his son's stubborn tone.
I'm not.
Vader stood up. I am coming to your room. You had better be ready to leave by the time I arrive, or there will be trouble.
I can't go.
I am leaving the conference room, Vader sent. I am walking down the corridor …
The door to Luke's bedroom hissed open, and his son stepped out and stood to the right.
"You are not dressed for school," Vader said, annoyed.
"I told you, I can't go," Luke said. "Don't you understand? I can't!"
"We will see about that."
Luke narrowed his eyes.
Vader folded his arms.
It was something no one had ever talked about at the temple, but it turned out the Force was a very good tool for enforcing parental authority. It had taken an hour, but he was finally setting the speeder down on the school landing pad.
There was a brief struggle in which Vader had to disentangle Luke's fingers from the seat restraints, and then from his arm, but he finally had an opening in which to Force-push Luke out of the speeder. This was followed by a bag containing Luke's school uniform and new comlink, and then Vader pulled the door shut and accelerated into the sky as fast as the speeder would let him.
There was less than an hour until the crucial meeting, and he had not prepared anywhere near as much as he would like. The fleet was scheduled to depart Coruscant at 16-hundred, and he still had half a dozen things to finalize before boarding the flagship.
At least he could cross Luke off that list.
Luke knew he was acting irrationally. He knew his father was beginning to think he was a few hairs short of a Wookiee, and he'd wondered that himself several times in the last hour. But he just couldn't face school. First, he'd have to talk to B-60, the school receptionist droid, who would harangue him for being late without a note. Then he'd have to walk into his geography class and endure the stares of everyone in the room. It wasn't as if he could even rely on Ben to cheer him up. His friend was on another planet.
But the real deciding factor in his decision to return home was the idea that this could very well be the last time he could spend with his father. Perhaps the events of yesterday had been preparation for the fact that his father would die on Bal. He'd be angry with him for returning home, but he could never forgive himself if he didn't.
He sprinted most of the way home, dodging the varied members of the Imperial City public. The security guards were surprised to see him when he entered the first security gate, but he didn't have time to stop and chat. By the time he'd made his way through a kilometer of protected corridor, he was starting to feel more than a little exhausted. His lack of sleep and food was catching up with him.
When he reached the elevator hub, he was surprised to find Lev waiting for him.
"Luke, is something wrong?" Lev asked, walking up quickly.
Luke panted for breath. "No," he gasped. "Where's my father?"
"At the palace in a meeting," Lev said. He was still frowning in the concerned way he had.
Luke stared back down the corridors, wondering why he hadn't bothered to locate his father's presence before coming this way. Now he'd have to double back.
"Wait, Luke," Lev said, reaching out to stop him as Luke started to turn around. "The royal guards will not let you into that meeting. What's going on? Shouldn't you be at school?"
"I don't have to go into the meeting," Luke said. "I'll just wait outside. I'm not going to school today."
"I'm sorry about what happened yesterday," Lev said. "I tried to contact you as soon as we had confirmation that your father was unharmed, but I received no reply. Ben told me you'd lost your comlink."
Luke nodded. "I did try to contact you, but your comlink was busy."
"You have no idea," Lev said. "Five hundred calls in ten minutes. I'm just glad you were all right in the end."
"I don't know if I am," Luke admitted. "Lev, I've got this strange feeling inside. I think he's going to die. Soon."
Lev reached out, holding him by the shoulder.
"Luke, I know this is hard, but we do have to trust the guards to do their job. They are the most highly trained security personnel in the galaxy." He lowered his voice. "Just between you and me, it's most likely the attack yesterday was a pre-arranged political stunt. No one could get a bomb inside the Imperial palace."
"But he's leaving today for Bal," Luke said. "He's going to be in the middle of a war."
"You're right, he could die," Lev said. "But the chances of that happening are no greater than any other time he's left Coruscant for a warzone. Which has happened hundreds of times since you've been living here."
"He's probably run out of chances," Luke said.
"If he has, you will deal with it when the time comes," Lev said. "There's no point working yourself up about it now."
"But if he'd just stay here, I wouldn't need to work myself up about anything!" Luke said. "Why can't he just stay here? They don't need him. Stars, he's just selfish. He doesn't think about how his death might affect me. Why does he live such a dangerous life?"
"Well, he is your father," Lev suggested. "And I've heard him say the same thing about you on occasion."
"You don't see me fighting in wars," Luke said.
"Luke, you're going through something that everyone goes through from time to time. Coming face-to-face with mortality. It's not a pleasant time, but it is a time when you'll learn something about life. And maybe something about yourself, too. Just fly with it for now. You'll feel better in time."
"But he's leaving today," Luke said. "I don't have time! Listen, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but … I have to go and find him."
"All right," Lev said, letting his hand drop. "Call me if you need me."
"Thanks," Luke said. He meant it, but he couldn't bring himself to smile. He turned away, heading back down the corridor.
Vader had intended to select the new general to lead the Bal campaign himself. Unfortunately, his preoccupation with Luke had left him short on time yesterday, and he had been forced to delegate that task to a senior military strategist at IMH. The new general's name was Okku, but that was all Vader knew about him. That in itself was a worry. If he had never done anything significant enough to come to Vader's attention, it meant he was likely a member of some significant core world family who had obtained promotion through financial means and family contacts.
Normally, he would have studied his service record and vetoed his involvement if necessary. Instead, he simply had to hope he was at least able to take instruction.
As he entered the meeting room at the Imperial Palace, the general broke off his conversation with Admiral Wern, who was attending the meeting in hologram form. His fleet was already in orbit around Bal, monitoring planetary communications. Vader glanced at the general's assistants. One of them was drinking some hot beverage. With a straw, no less. The other was reading the HoloNet news on a viewscreen. Vader was sorely tempted to upend the drink over both of them. Anyone would think they were here to plan a surprise party, rather than a war that could result in the loss of thousands of lives.
They soon became aware of his gaze, and the drink was hastily thrown away.
The meeting began with the general presenting the same information General Lavri had presented in yesterday's meeting. It was standard practice to have several battle plans, so they had one or more to fall back on should their security be compromised. The purpose of this meeting was the confirmation of which plan they would be following when they arrived on Bal.
Throughout his presentation, the general kept glancing towards the door. It didn't show in his voice, but Vader could sense his fear. He was clearly worried yesterday's bomb had not been an isolated incident.
"In short," the general summarized, looking back at the central holodisplay. "The primary goal is to contain the insurgents in clearly defined areas. Our troops will prevent any retreat, while the Balin army move in. It will ensure the quickest and least costly victory."
The admiral was shaking his head. "You should be aware that the Balin army will make no distinction between fighters and civilians. These refugees are poorly equipped. It will be a slaughter, have no doubt about that. The senate will be appalled when images of the Balin soldiers killing women and children appear on the HoloNet."
"You sound like you have some sympathy for these insurgents, Admiral," the general said. "Some of the most determined fighters I've ever seen have been women and children."
"Now that would be an interesting quote on the front page of Chrono." The admiral's tone was dry.
Despite the general's words, Vader doubted he had ever killed a woman or a child. It was unlikely he had ever personally killed anyone. War was a game to him. It was fortunate that it was a game he was determined to win.
"We can always charge the Balin soldiers with war crimes afterwards," the general was saying, addressing the admiral's concerns more seriously. "Make a large show of condemning their actions."
"You should have been a politician, General," Vader said.
"Thank you, Lord Vader."
"That was not a compliment." Vader turned from the general's wary look to regard the display. "We must ensure there is a line drawn between insurgents and civilians, even if that line does not really exist."
Vader stared at the map, remembering a similar situation on the planet Verania. He was about to offer a further opinion, when a very familiar presence caused a very familiar tremor in the Force. Luke …
"I will return shortly," he said abruptly. The last thing he needed was Luke barging in. When he entered the hall outside the meeting room, he found Luke was sitting on a nearby sofa, admiring a wall-sized painting hanging opposite. He looked up at Vader's arrival and then hastily stood. Vader waited until the doors to the meeting room had closed behind him, and then spoke.
"You better have a very, very good reason for being here," he said, walking over to his son.
Luke shrunk back, obviously sensing his anger.
"I won't be any trouble! I'll just sit here and be quiet. You won't even notice I'm here."
"I have tried to be patient," Vader said, pointing at Luke, "but you have gone too far. I will not -"
Vader broke off, sensing another wave of fear from the room behind him. The occupants were clearly wondering if there was a darker reason why he had left them alone. A reason that would involve their deaths.
"I do not have time for this," Vader said, frustrated. He gestured to a pair of stormtrooper guards who must have arrived with the general. They came over immediately.
"Return my son to his home," he said, pushing Luke towards them. "Once there, pass him over to the guards and tell them to make sure he is taken to his school."
"Yes, sir."
"Father!" Luke protested.
Vader ignored the plea. He turned and strode back into the meeting room.
"These insurgents will have little idea of the size and strength of the Imperial army," Vader said, carrying on as if he'd never left. "They have achieved some victories against the Balin army, which is why they dared attack Imperial interests. We can use this ignorance to accomplish our ends. The insurgents will be hiding among the civilians. We can draw them out by offering them targets."
This was followed by a bang from outside.
The general glanced towards the door and then back at Vader.
"If they do not fall for this, then we will proceed with the original plan but reverse the roles of the respective armies," Vader continued, ignoring the sound. "Our troops will enter the contained areas and kill only those who do not surrender."
This time, the noise sounded like someone had just fallen against the door.
"This plan will work, but it will take far longer to ensure victory, sir," the general said. "No matter what we do, we will not be able to prevent every indiscretion committed by the Balin army."
"No, but if we put them on containment duty, we will have done enough to appease the senate," the admiral said.
"Admiral, your air assault forces will assist the Balin army with the task of containment," Vader said. "An eye from above will keep them in line."
The admiral was about to acknowledge this order when a sound like someone being thrown against a wall drifted in. This was followed by several yells and thumps.
Vader stared at the ceiling for a moment, wondering if every parent experienced days like this, or whether it was some kind of punishment for his past crimes. He didn't even bother to say anything to excuse his departure this time.
In the hall, the troopers were chasing after Luke like children playing a game. They froze immediately at Vader's appearance.
"My apologies, sir, but we cannot restrain him without risking damage," a trooper explained.
"Then put binders on him," Vader said. "Call backup if you need it."
Luke called something in protest, but Vader had already turned to re-enter the meeting.
"The air assault squadrons will assist with containment, yes, sir," the hologram of Admiral Wern said, upon his appearance.
"Good. General, ensure the troopers have been outfitted for fluvial warfare. Unless the Emperor wills otherwise, we will depart at 16-hundred."
"Yes, sir. I will coordinate with the permanent forces waiting at Bal."
Vader listened for any further sounds from beyond the room, but it had fallen silent. Almost suspiciously silent.
"Continue this meeting without me," Vader said, walking towards the door. There would be no peace until he had reassurance that Luke was under control.
The corridor was deserted, apart from the guards who had remained behind. Vader stretched out, seeking Luke's presence. It led him down the corridor until he entered a large circular elevator bay.
Out of nowhere, Luke came running down a side passage. He skidded to a halt and Vader reached out to restrain him.
The troopers ran up behind him, one of them carrying binders. They started to approach cautiously, like they were trying to trap a stray animal.
"Return to your posts," Vader said, annoyed. He meant it as a rebuke, but a wave of relief emanated from the troopers.
Vader gripped Luke by the shoulders and steadied him as the troopers marched away. Once they were alone, he released him.
"This is unacceptable behavior, Luke. Why are you doing this?"
"Why are you doing this to me?" Luke demanded, with a tremor in his voice. His face looked unusually pale. Vader glanced down and saw his son's hands were shaking slightly.
"What is wrong with you?" Vader asked. "You cannot still be upset about yesterday."
Luke shook his head. "I don't know."
"It is in your mind, whatever it is. Ignore it."
"I can't! Please … if you must leave, let me come with you."
"Out of the question."
"Please!"
"Luke, you are not being rational. You must return to school."
Luke stared at his boots. "I can't," he mumbled.
Vader considered his options. He could bind Luke himself and then find some competent troopers to take him to school. But they'd end up having to stay with him the entire day. Within an hour, it would be the newest gossip among the Imperial hierarchy. Vader's son was so disobedient he had to be controlled by professional soldiers. Not a desirable state of affairs.
It riled Vader to have to back down, but he was fast running out of options. It was clear that Luke would take any punishment rather than go to school. But they did say if all else failed in parenting, there was always bribery.
"If you go, you may take the SoroSuub Quiescence," Vader said. Luke had been begging him for a chance to fly that thing for weeks.
"I can't!" Luke shouted.
If nothing else had convinced Vader that there was something truly wrong with his son, it was that. Luke would never turn down a chance to take one of his luxury-class airspeeders to school. Vader hated to have to ask for help with anything, but he had to admit if he had ever needed assistance with Luke, it was now.
Fortunately, there was someone who would be more than willing to provide some.