And so, the lessons continued at an almost frenzied pace for the next two days. Vader knew that he would have to return to his master very soon, in order to negate any suspicion that Palpatine might have. After all, he fully well remembered what had happened when he had tried to train his own apprentice before and he certainly didn't want to revisit it. Luke's progress was truly astonishing –it almost seemed like he ate the knowledge, instead of simply learning it. Vader had just informed his master that he would be returning to Couruscant the next day, and thankfully it didn't appear as if Palpatine suspected anything. "Luke?" Vader said, entering the boy's room, "I have told the Emperor that I will be back on Couruscant tomorrow –hopefully it won't be for very long."
"Oh, okay." Came the emotionless reply. Vader didn't say anything to this, nor did he leave –it was painfully obvious that there was something on Luke's mind. Luke finally looked up from studying the floor, and saw that Vader had no intention of leaving any time soon. "Sorry," he finally said, trying to make amends, "I guess that I'm just kind of tired."
"Tired." Vader repeated, skeptically.
"Yes."
"Really."
"Okay, no," Luke admitted, then remarked thoughtfully, "It was so much easier to use that on uncle Owen."
"I'm sure." Vader replied dryly, "Now, are you going to tell me the reason for your apparent 'tiredness' or am I going to have to probe your mind?"
"Look," Luke said, "Its nothing."
"You have three seconds."
"Honestly, it doesn't matter!" Luke protested.
"Two."
"Its not like you'd tell me anyways!"
"One." Vader said, to which he was met with silence. It's almost easier to interrogate rebels! He thought to himself, At least they're so afraid of me torturing them that they finally say something pertinent!
"Zer-"
"Okay!" Luke finally said, "Don't 'probe my mind' –I'll tell you."
"Proceed."
"I guess that I was just wondering… well…"
"You're just as bad as my officers with stuttering. If you are going to speak –then do so. Otherwise, I am busy."
"Fine!" Luke said, exasperated, "I just wanted to know, well, about my mother." Vader stiffened, and for the next full minute, the sole sound in the room was Vader's respirator, taking its regulated, whooshing breaths. After what seemed like an eternity, Vader finally spoke,
"She is gone –there is no point in discussing what has been done." And with that, the dark lord swept out of the room.
I'm back!
Sorry again for the really long wait. I'll do my best for the next couple of days to keep updating, but... life is life.
Anyways, as always, thanks for all of your support and the reviews. Hope you liked this!
