Like Father Like...
Luke dejectedly walked away from the hut. He knew the truth beforehand; he could sense it. He really didn't need Master Yoda's confirmation; looking into the man's eyes was enough. But then again, in a way, he did need confirmation. Perhaps it was the finality. Still, Luke was unprepared for the loneliness that overcame him. It was a monumental task ahead of him, and one that only he could do. As the young Jedi made his way to his ship, he looked over at his astrotech droid; the only company he could confide in.
LUKE: I can't do it, Artoo. I can't go on alone.
At that moment, Luke heard a trusted voice that he knew shouldn't have been here. When he last heard it, it was but a dream wasn't it? As opposed to the nightmare that was quickly unfolding before him.
OBI-WAN: Yoda will always be with you.
Luke turned around to see the shimmering image of Obi-Wan Kenobi, his former mentor, glowing in the swamp.
LUKE: Ben! Why didn't you tell me?! You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my father.
The spectral old man slowly shook his head in resolved exasperation. How could he convey that it was just as hard for him to relate the tale to Luke, as it was for the boy to hear? It has always been easier for Obi-Wan to believe that Darth Vader beat him; Anakin was a friend, a brother. Still, the old Jedi knew it was time to tell Luke.
OBI-WAN: Your father was seduced by the dark side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true…from a certain point of view.
LUKE: A certain point of view?!
Luke was visibly angry, and the Jedi Master thought of the Dark Side. Nonetheless, Obi-Wan continued, despite his concern for Luke and his own abject sorrow.
OBI-WAN: Luke, you are going to find that many of the truths that we cling to depend greatly on our point of view.
Luke turned away, ready to leave this planet behind for good.
OBI-WAN: Anakin was a good friend.
The young Jedi paused. He needed to hear this. He needed to know that he wasn't wrong.
OBI-WAN: When I first met him, your father was already a great pilot, but I was amazed at how strongly the Force was with him. I took it upon myself to train him. I thought that I could instruct him as well as Yoda had instructed me. I was wrong.
Luke was still terribly angry with Obi-Wan, but his task was more important. He had to find out from the old man.
LUKE: There is still good in him.
Obi-Wan sadly shook his head. It pained him more than he could express.
OBI-WAN: He is more killing machine now than man. Twisted and evil.
LUKE: I can't do it, Ben.
OBI-WAN: You can't escape your destiny.
Luke balled his fists in frustration and looked at the image of the old man.
LUKE: And what of your destiny? I've felt the truth. I know that there was good in him when he spared your life on that volcano world so long ago!
A tear began to roll down the specter's cheek.
OBI-WAN: My destiny was to die by Darth Vader's hand, Luke, and I did. He didn't spare me on the Death Star.
Luke wanted to argue, but the image of the Dark Lord of the Sith slicing through Ben's cloak was seared into his consciousness. Luke was crestfallen.
LUKE: I can't kill my own father!
OBI-WAN: Then the Emperor has already won. You were our only hope.
LUKE: From which point of view?! Yoda spoke of another.
The old man took a deep breath. This would not be any easier on the boy. But perhaps it was time for the truth. Perhaps then he would realize what must be done.
OBI-WAN: The other he spoke of is your twin sister.
Luke was in shock; but at the same time he knew the truth. He had always known. Perhaps he had been deceiving himself.
LUKE: Leia! Leia is my sister!
OBI-WAN: Your insight serves you well. Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit. But they could be made to serve the Emperor.
LUKE: It is my feelings that will help me save my father!
Luke stood up and marched off to ready his ship for departure. He had a mission to do.
Obi-Wan looked on mournfully. How could he tell the boy that trying to save a loved one is what doomed his father so many years ago. The sorrowful Jedi turned to address the empty swamp before fading away.
OBI-WAN: I feel that I have failed you once again.
Darth Vader sat in the box, high above the Galactic Senate and listened to the droning debates swirling around the proposed Sedition Act. They were all pointless; in the end, the Senate would approve the Act, regardless. Vader absentmindedly sipped a cup of Felucian tea. He hated coming to the Senate, but the Emperor had wanted him to observe the proceedings. It was mildly amusing to listen to the majority of Senators dance around the topic and avoid referring to the budding rebellion. But not amusing enough. Vader suddenly felt out of place and stood to leave.
The door to the box slide open and Governor Tarkin stepped inside just as Vader was standing. Tarkin smirked.
TARKIN: Please don't stand on my account, Lord Vader.
The Dark Lord crossed his arms over his chest with his back to the viewing gallery. From below he could hear pieces of the testimony. "…open warfare is never the answer. Instead…focus on…"
VADER: Governor Tarkin. Surely you must be pleased. The Empire's security is about to be established…once the Senate passes your proposal.
Vader delivered his sarcasm behind cold, steely eyes. The Governor walked over to a seat on the railing, overlooking the Senate floor, and swiveled the chair back around to face the Sith.
TARKIN: Nonsense, Vader. The galaxy is not as black and white as you wish it to be. This Act is one step in the transition process away from the Senate and towards more direct Empirical rule.
VADER: An eighteen year process, Governor. It's far too long. But you already know my position on that matter. So did you come up from the Emperor's box for a better view, or are you here to speak to me?
TARKIN: I came to speak with you. Please sit down.
Tarkin motioned for Vader to take the seat next to him. The Dark Lord glared down at the man before slowly settling into the seat besides the Governor. From over the railing, the endless testimony continued to waft, "…peace and security…freedom isn't something that can be…" Vader clasped his hands in front of his face. "…the policies of fear…"
VADER: What is it you wish to say?
TARKIN: I noticed that you did not participate in the raid on Janobia.
VADER: With two Corps attacking, my personal involvement in the battle was unnecessary.
Vader began to grow restless. He hated the Senate. He hated politics. It reminded him. Reminded him of…of her. No, he hadn't thought about her in years. He couldn't. Why now?
TARKIN: I'm glad you have faith in the Empire.
Vader nodded his head ever so slightly, leaving his sincerity up for debate. "...strength and security do not…"
TARKIN: Because, to be honest, your unique…talents…are far better suited elsewhere than languishing on the battlefield.
Vader shifted around, uncomfortably in his chair. Tarkin mistakenly believed that the Dark Lord was reacting to his request.
TARKIN: I would like to have the 501st Legion reassigned to the Imperial Battle Station. It should be operational in one year's time.
Tarkin looked at Vader and saw what could only be described as unease. It perplexed him, for Vader had always been supremely confident. Sometimes overly confident. Perhaps he was finally learning his place in the Empire.
VADER: My legion has been fighting for almost twenty years. I'm not sure they will know anything but the battlefield.
TARKIN: I assure you, there will still be battles to be fought.
"…cognizes Bail Organa, Senator from Ald…" Vader stood up to leave, unnerved for some reason. Thoughts of her. That was the problem. He must overcome it.
VADER: I presume you have already discussed this plan with the Emperor. Of course, my legion is at his command.
Striding through the door, the Vader knew that getting away from Coruscant would be worthwhile. The Dark Lord concentrated for a few moments, blocking out all other distractions, and resolved to put her out of his thoughts for once and for all. Never again. Vader entered the elevator as the last faint strands of Senatorial testimony faded out. "…troduce the newest Alderaan Senator…daughter…"
The Emperor sat, quietly meditating, in the dimly lit room. It had been several months since he had contact with his Hand. Obviously, she was dead. A cruel smile creased across the ancient Sith Master's lips. She was a worthy sacrifice. He needed to know how far Vader was willing to go. For a great many years now, the Emperor knew that his apprentice was more powerful than he. Vader did not need any help in overthrowing Darth Sidious. No, his saving the young Skywalker was not rooted in greed and a lust for power. That Vader could get by himself. Vader saved the boy because he…cared…about him. The Emperor's cackling echoed throughout the room. Vader had developed an attachment. And attachment meant weakness. It would be a fatal flaw.
Again, the dark clouds of the future began to swirl, revealing themselves to the Emperor at his command. Once again he saw the brilliant clash of green and red lightsabers. Once again he saw the body lying dead on the ground. Once again he saw the vague, hazy features of the body's face coalesce. As the rest of the vision became obscured by the darkness, once again the head came into view. And once again, the Emperor gazed upon the dead face of Darth Vader.
A gleeful glint shone in the Emperor's eyes. "And so you shall fall, my apprentice, now that you have served your purpose," the evil old man thought to himself. "Your purpose, of bringing your replacement to me," the Sith Master cackled further. "Your own son." The Emperor clasped his hands together in delight, "My new apprentice."
The Emperor knew what would happen; the boy would be driven to anger and rage. Young Skywalker would give in to his hatred and attack the Emperor. As they had recently discussed, Vader would intervene to further antagonize the youth and push him more and more towards the Dark Side. When the boy was ready, Sidious told Vader he would give him the signal, and the Dark Lord would disarm the boy, threatening him with death. Only by pledging himself to the Dark Side would young Skywalker survive.
Of course, Sidious knew that Vader's loyalties were no longer to his Master. So in reality, during their battle, when the boy's rage at his father was at its greatest, the Emperor would step in and aid him and together they would defeat a shocked Vader. The Emperor knew he couldn't trust Vader anymore, but during their discussion, he had felt his apprentice's sincerity to the turning of the boy. Obviously, Vader would be attacking the Emperor at some point after that. But he would not get that chance, for together, the Emperor and the boy would kill Darth Vader. And, at the end, young Skywalker, of course, would feel distraught after delivering the killing blow to his father. And the only one there to comfort the broken youth would be Darth Sidious. It would be as it once was. Darth Sidious cackled uncontrollably. The circle was almost complete.