Vader stood quietly at a three meter distance, observing his son. Luke was lying on a couch in the library, flat on his back and staring vacantly at the ceiling. One leg was bent and resting on the floor, while the other was stretched out straight, leaving his boot resting on the arm of the couch. His expression was the picture of melancholy.
"It is good to see you are using your time productively," Vader said, dryly.
Luke glanced at him and then returned to the ceiling.
"I'm thinking."
"Then I should not disturb you," Vader said, turning around.
"No, wait, what is it?" Luke said, sitting up.
Vader turned back. "I have to deliver an important datatape to Governor Mikul. You may use the opportunity for piloting practice if you wish."
Luke's emotions ran the length from surprise, to confusion, and then a mix of reluctance and longing. Vader drew in a slow breath, wondering how his son managed to feel so much in such a short space of time.
"All right," Luke said, finally. He stood up slowly.
"You overwhelm me with your enthusiasm."
Luke only stared at the floor in response.
"Is something wrong?" Vader prompted. Although asking Luke that question was akin to trying to draw water out of sand.
Luke met his gaze and then asked, "Who taught you to fly?"
"I taught myself," Vader said, gesturing for Luke to follow him. His son obliging walked beside him as they left the library. "And by watching other people."
"Do you remember the first time you flew?"
Vader sifted through his early memories of Tatooine, attempting to recall. Those memories were from someone else's life. An old bedtime story, half forgotten. There had been that rusty old airspeeder he'd fixed behind Watto's back. He'd had to put cushions on the seat just to see over the controls properly, so he must have been very young. Watto had been angry when he'd caught him flying it around the junk yard.
"Questions about my past life are forbidden," he said, suddenly, realizing he was about to start remembering more than he wanted to.
Luke was silent.
"Why do you ask?" Vader asked, glancing at him.
Luke joined him in the elevator. "No reason. Just making conversation."
"Tell me about the first time you flew," Vader suggested.
Luke's eyes took on a distant look. "I was about nine or ten. My friend Biggs had an older cousin visiting him, and he had an airspeeder. He let me and Biggs have a turn at flying it out the back of Biggs' house. Then Biggs father found out, and he was so mad. Not as mad as Uncle Owen was when he found out, though. I was grounded for weeks." Luke gave a half-smile. "Nothing has really changed, has it?"
"So it would seem."
"Being grounded on Tatooine was a lot worse than being grounded here, though," Luke said. "It was torture being made to stay on the farm." He seemed to think for a moment and then added quickly, "Not that I'm not suffering!"
"Good. Or I will have to arrange some real torture for you," Vader said, as the elevator doors slid open on the hangar bay.
"Please don't. Which speeder are we taking?"
"How did you find the controls on the previous one?"
"Fine," Luke said. "I'll go and warm it up."
His son ran on ahead, leaving Vader wondering when Luke was going to catch on that the whole idea of grounding him was more for his father's peace of mind than to act as a deterrent. Not that Luke couldn't behave recklessly while stuck at home, but at least it made him far easier to supervise.
He found himself wondering if Owen and Beru had worried about Luke as much as he did, or whether this was one of the exclusive benefits of being his father. On a wild, untamed world like Tatooine, there would have been plenty to worry about. Although, they were probably mostly worried about whether Luke was going to turn out just like his father. He had to admit, there were days when he worried about the same thing.
When he reached the speeder, he boarded on the passenger side, and put the secured case he was carrying in the back. Luke lifted the speeder into the air as soon as the doors were closed.
"Why do you have to deliver that personally, anyway?" Luke asked. "What's on the tape?"
"Watch the other speeders," Vader said, noticing one of his prize restored classics coming up on the right.
"I'm watching," Luke said, in a weary tone.
"The tape is of a classified nature," Vader explained. "The information on it is worth many lives. I do not trust anyone else to deliver it."
Luke navigated cleanly out of the hangar, showing improvement from last time. They shot up quickly towards the nearest skylane.
"Where does this person live?" Luke asked.
"Watch the navigation computer while merging," Vader said, seeing a fast speeder streak by underneath.
Luke merged relatively easily. For all his recklessness, he was a fast learner.
"I will enter the coordinates of our destination into the navigation system," Vader said. "That will allow you to practice following a pre-programmed route. The journey will take about half an hour."
"Half an hour?"
"You will understand when you see the size of his mansion. It wouldn't fit in Imperial City."
"What happens if we get attacked?" Luke said, glancing around. "Are you sure we should be transporting something so important in a speeder like this?"
"This is ideal. As far as any spy can see, I am simply taking you for a flying lesson. You and I are the only people who know my real purpose."
"I'm glad I'm of some use to you," Luke said. "Are there really people spying on what we do all the time?"
"Of course. Even the most minor details about my daily activities sell for thousands on the information market."
Luke grinned, while swerving around a slower speeder. "I should get a part time job selling information. I could have paid for that traffic fine after all."
"The people who want to buy this information are not so easy to find. If they were, the Rebellion would no longer exist. Slow down, you are exceeding the speed limit. When the lane diverges, move to the right."
Luke fell silent, concentrating on his piloting for once. The traffic was relatively light in this patch, giving him a chance to practice the fundamentals of flying. It seemed to be second nature for Luke, much as it had been for him. Yet his son didn't appear to be enjoying this as much as all his years of begging suggested he would. He was frowning in concentration and looking around like he was trying to spot a familiar face in a vast crowd.
"It must be pretty exciting being a spy," he said, suddenly.
"Keep watching the nav system," Vader reminded. "Stay aware of what is happening around you."
"I am," Luke insisted.
"Then you should be aware that we are about to make an upward turn."
Luke glanced at the displays, and then proceeded to follow the nav guide. He flew between two airtaxis on the way up, and fell in behind a faster ship.
"What qualifications do you need to be a spy?" Luke asked. "Aviry said she had some degree in interplanetary relations."
Vader glanced at Luke, and then looked around to ensure he was flying safely before answering.
"One essential qualification is patience, which I believe you lack."
Luke responded by rolling his eyes and sighing.
"You are still not keeping an adequate watch on the nav system," Vader said. "There is a ship flying up on your right."
"It's ages away."
Vader felt a familiar worry start to stir in his mind. Luke's question about spies was yet another example of his son's insistence on trying to grow up too fast. Why was he considering his future career already? He had years to go before he'd have finished with his basic education. He was always so impatient, always wanting to push on ahead. He had never been like that at Luke's age.
Vader thought back for a moment, and then had to conclude he was wrong. He was exactly like that at Luke's age. Perhaps even worse. It was embarrassing to remember it now, but he hadn't been much older than Luke when he first suggested to Obi-Wan that he was ready for the trials of knighthood.
If only Obi-Wan had simply explained to him at the time that he wasn't saying no just to spite him. Perhaps then he wouldn't have ended up simmering in resentment. He and Luke needed to have a discussion on the subject, lest they end up going down the same road. The sooner the better, but preferably not when his son was supposed to be paying attention to his surroundings.
Luke's distractibility was his main obstacle in his quest to be a pilot. Flying required focus. This would be much easier if he could teach Luke to channel the Force to help him fly. Although it was undoubtedly his son's latent abilities which gave him his sharp reflexes and almost instinctive handling of the controls, there was so much more the Force could do for him, if only he knew.
"Father?"
Vader looked up. He hadn't realized he'd been staring blankly out the windscreen.
"Is that it?" His son gestured ahead. A massive glass and durasteel monument to neoclassical architecture rose out of the forest of skyscrapers, covered in sparkling spires and domed gardens.
"Yes. Approach carefully."
"Wow," Luke said. "Can I come in with you?"
"Very well. You will need to fly around the left of the building to locate the landing pad."
Vader reached out to broadcast a security code. The computer indicated they were being tracked by a security station on the north side of the building.
"Okay," Luke said, diving down to the landing pad. "Where should I park?"
"Anywhere," Vader said. "Block the door if you wish. I plan to be in and out as soon as possible."
Vader felt a nervous twitch along his mental bond with Luke. He'd felt the same thing the other day, when Luke had parked the speeder in the hangar bay.
"Concentrate, and you will not experience any problems," Vader said. "Use the guidance system."
Unfortunately, Luke's nervousness only increased as he slowly brought the speeder down on the pad. It wasn't like his son to be so hesitant. Not that he was complaining. Any sign of a more cautious approach to life was a good thing when it came to Luke.
As soon as they touched down, Luke jumped out of the speeder.
"Useless!" he declared, angrily.
Vader stepped out, and inspected the speeder.
"What is the problem?"
"I was trying to land straight to the building," Luke explained. "I'm crooked."
"It is adequate. Turn off the engine."
"Can I try again while you stay on the pad, and tell me if I'm on an angle?"
"In and out as soon as possible." Vader turned and walked towards the entrance, passing two heavily armed guard droids on the way. The blast doors slid open a moment later, and Vader walked through into the hall. A Duro that Vader recognized as one of the Grand Moff's assistants was waiting on the other side. He bowed in greeting.
"Welcome, Lord Vader. I will inform Governor Mikul of your arrival." The man waved a hand, and a protocol droid stepped forward. "P1-K, please show Lord Vader to the guest lounge and offer him some refreshment. The governor will join you as soon as possible."
As soon as possible would probably mean fifteen minutes, judging by past visits.
"Where is he?" Vader asked.
"In the conservatory, I believe, my lord. But he is entertaining another guest, and -"
"Take me to his location."
Before the assistant could reply, they were interrupted by Luke's arrival. He strolled through the doors, his hands in his pockets and staring at the carpet in a dejected manner. He stopped a meter away from Vader, and then gazed around curiously.
"Very well," the assistant said. "Perhaps your chauffeur would care to remain in the lounge."
"His chauffeur?" Luke spoke in a tone as if he'd just been accused of being a prisoner.
"This is my son," Vader said, waving a hand in Luke's direction. "Luke, you may stay with me or wait here. Choose quickly."
"I'll come with you."
The assistant spoke to the droid. "P1-K, please take Lord Vader and his son to the conservatory."
They followed the droid to the elevators. As soon as the doors slid closed, Luke glanced up.
"Your chauffeur?"
"It is sometimes difficult for people to identify how old you are when they are not the same species as you," Vader explained. "Besides, you are hardly dressed appropriately."
His son was wearing a slightly baggy style of clothing popular among Coruscant youth at the moment. The logo of a popular HoloNet channel was emblazoned on the back. He glanced down and smoothed out a wrinkled sleeve.
"You didn't ask me to change."
"I did not anticipate your wish to accompany me."
The elevator door opened, and the droid stepped out.
"If you will please follow me," she said in a placating tone.
There were more droid guards lining the corridors. The conservatory was at the end of a long hallway that was overcrowded with works of art and trophies from the many worlds the man governed. Halfway down, Luke cannoned into a small table that held a fragile statue. Vader reached out with the Force as it rocked back and forth, steadying the undoubtedly priceless piece of art.
"Whoops," Luke said. "I was … uh …"
"Daydreaming," Vader supplied. He gestured for Luke to shift in front of him. Luke did so, staring at the ground in a subdued way as if he'd just been severely chastened. Vader wondered if his son was just playing for sympathy, or if he'd said the word in a harsher tone than he'd meant to.
"Sculpture incoming on your right," Vader said, in an attempt to lighten his son's mood. It appeared to work, as Luke grinned in response.
"Don't worry, I'm reducing my speed."
They reached the end without any other mishaps, and the droid opened the doors. Luke walked in first and then came to a sudden halt. Vader gave him a light nudge, assuming he was simply surprised at the size of the room. Luke quickly shifted aside, allowing Vader to see exactly what had caused his son's shock. The Grand Moff was off to one side, straightening his collar in a mirror held up by a droid. Dotted around were an array of young ladies, all in varying degrees of skimpy attire. Some of them gasped at the sight of him, alerting the governor to his arrival.
"Ah, Lord Vader," he said, turning with a large smile that showed most of his teeth. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Luke! Face the door," Vader ordered, still keeping his gaze on the governor. Given Aviry's mention of females in his report, he didn't want to know where his son was currently looking. He waited a few seconds and then glanced over to ensure Luke had complied. His son had clearly heard in his tone that this was no time to argue, as he had dutifully turned around.
"Ah, you've brought your son," Governor Mikul said. "How nice." He turned to the women. "Ladies, give me and Lord Vader some privacy for a moment, would you?" He patted one of them on the back.
The women quickly filed out a door far off to the side, followed by the droid holding the mirror.
"And P1-K, that will be all," the governor added.
The protocol droid had to navigate around Luke to get out the door. Vader reached out to pull Luke back to face the governor, now that the room was rated for a general audience.
"Governor," Vader said in greeting. "I take it your wife is on vacation?"
The governor laughed and then said, "Alderaan is lovely this time of year. What can I do for you?"
Vader remained silent, wondering if he'd survive the Emperor's ire if he gave this man a good choking. His silence must have disturbed the governor, because he spoke his next words in a serious tone.
"Have I displeased the Emperor?"
"If you had done that, Governor Mikul, I would not waste time with words." Vader produced the datatape. "I believe you know what this is."
"Ah," he said, his eyes lighting up in understanding. "I see."
It changed hands, and the governor quickly pocketed it.
"Luke," Vader said, gesturing for his son to exit first. Next time, he would be wise enough to leave Luke in the guest lounge.
Luke was almost completely silent on the ride home. Vader gave the odd piloting instruction, but found he was distracted by his thoughts. Two more practice sessions, and it was likely Luke would be ready to obtain his license. He was already flying with the ease of someone with many weeks more experience. The thought made him feel decidedly uneasy. Yet he was the one who had allowed this. He could put a stop to it anytime he wanted.
You've been over this, Vader reminded himself. Luke would only be flying under the rules he'd spelt out. He'd remind Luke of that fact during their talk about his rush to grow up. Everything would be fine.
Luke once again became erratic when the time came to land in the hangar bay. He ended up parking straight, but too close to the neighbouring speeder to get himself out. He then proceeded to make several unsuccessful attempts to make himself thin enough to squeeze out the narrow gap, until Vader suggested wearily that he simply climb out the other side.
His son then started quickly for the elevators, as if worried his father was going to make some disparaging remark. Vader followed him, deciding that now was as good a time as any to have their talk. There was no guarantee he would still be on Coruscant tomorrow.
Luke pressed the button for an upper level, but Vader replaced it with a selection for the floor above.
"Luke," he said, "come with me."
"Why?" Luke said, staring up.
"We need to have a discussion."
"Is this about the flying?" Luke asked, sounding suddenly distressed.
"Not directly."
"Am I in trouble?" Luke asked as the elevator doors slid open.
"Do you have a reason to be in trouble?" Vader asked, pushing Luke forward.
"Not that I can recall, but that's no guarantee. Well, I'm sorry, whatever it is."
"Can a father not have a discussion with his son without it being a reprimand?" Vader asked, wondering why Luke was always implying his father did nothing but berate him. More of this adolescent self-pity, he supposed. "Now take a seat."
They had entered the conference room that overlooked the hangar bay. Luke dropped down into the seat nearest the door. Vader sat a quarter of the way around the table and swivelled his chair slightly so he was facing Luke.
Luke was staring at him with a look of both curiosity and nervousness.
"Son," he started, deciding he should get right to the point, "I understand you are growing up. You are not the child you were when we first met."
The reaction was unexpectedly dramatic. Luke gave a nervous laugh, and said, "Oh, you mean that kind of discussion." He jumped quickly to his feet. "Don't worry, I know exactly why those women were there. Everything, I swear it."
"What women?" Vader asked, confused.
"I have a really important thing to do," Luke said, making a dash for the door.
"Luke!" Vader raised a hand, using the Force to hold Luke in place.
"Let go!" Luke flailed his arms.
It was a useless gesture, but Vader chose to compromise. He raised his other hand, and activated the door lock. He then released his son, who backed up against the door like a frightened bantha calf.
"Calm down," Vader said. "There is no need for -" It then occurred to Vader just what women his son had referred to. Everything made abrupt sense. How typically immature. "You completely misunderstood."
"Are you sure?" Luke asked. He did take a step away from the door, however.
"Yes. But, seeing as you brought up the subject, just where did you find out exactly why those women were there?"
Luke started fighting with the door release.
"Which brings me to the point of this conversation," Vader said, moving over to stand next to Luke. "Why do you have this sudden desire to grow up so fast? It is not a race."
"Oh, for star's sake," Luke said, letting his hands fall back by his sides. He seemed to have realized the door was a lost cause. "I'm fifteen years old. I am grown up."
"You are not an adult yet," Vader said firmly. "First, the insistence on obtaining your speeder license at the earliest opportunity. Then wanting to shave the moment you see a microscopic hair on your face. Attempting to impress some female at your school with this dangerous traffic diving activity."
"What?" Luke's mouth had fallen open. "How did you -?" Understanding dawned, and his son frowned. "Ah, I'm going to kill Aviry!"
"For doing his job? And you accuse me of being ruthless."
"It's an expression," Luke said wearily.
"Returning to the point. Now you seem to be worrying about your future career. Why this desperate hurry? Life happens at its own pace. In time, the Force will reveal your destiny."
"Can I go now?" Luke asked. His tone was derisive.
"No. You can stay and discuss this with me like the mature adult you claim to be."
This discussion in a locked room idea was proving useful. He would have to remember this for the future.
"I can't discuss anything with you. You still think I'm a child."
"I just said that I realize you are no longer a child."
"Then what's the problem?"
"The problem is you need to learn to be patient. Rushing to do things before the time is right only leads to disappointment."
"Have you changed your mind about me getting my licence? Is that what this is about?"
"No, Luke," Vader said slowly. "I am only trying to help you understand why I want you to focus on the present, instead of letting your mind wander to the future. It is not because I want to hold you back. When you are young, you cannot always see what is best."
Luke appeared blank for a moment and then said, "So, can I sit the practical test now?"
Vader released a weary breath, reaching the conclusion that this conversation was pointless. His son appeared to have a one-track mind.
"You still need more practice."
"It's the landing, isn't it?" Luke said sadly.
"It is your lack of focus."
"What does that mean, anyway?" Luke said. "My lack of focus. You're always so vague."
"Think about it," Vader suggested. "Then you will understand."
"There you go again!" Luke said, waving a hand dramatically. "I need more practical help. Would you mind if I practiced my parking in the hangar bay when you're not there?"
"Very well," Vader said, "but have Artoo and Threepio stand by to ensure you do not damage anything."
"I'm not that bad," Luke said.
"Many of those ships are irreplaceable," Vader said, waving a hand towards the viewing window that overlooked said ships.
"I know, I know," Luke said. "I'll be careful."
"Good." Vader released the door lock and then gestured for Luke to leave first. His son obliged, appearing relieved. He made to run for the stairwell that led to the hangar bay, but Vader stopped him. "Son, try and think about what I've said."
"Sure," Luke said immediately.
Vader found himself wondering whether his son had heard what he'd just said, never mind understood what he'd just agreed to do.
"Do you think you'll have time to take me for another practice session this week?" Luke asked.
"That will depend on whether the war brewing in the Higemon system resolves itself without my intervention," Vader said.
"Oh," Luke said. "Well, I hope it does."
"Yes," Vader agreed. But his son had already run off.