Son of Circumstance

by Jedi Jesi Jiin

When Luke's guardians are killed, the young boy becomes wanted by Vader. Desperate and afraid, Luke manages to flee Tatooine. When he meets an unlikely friend his life becomes very different, though he and Han become brothers. When Luke shows an affinity for piloting, his boss will take advantage of it, using Luke's skills for his own ends. Meanwhile, Vader still wants his son.

21. Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One:

Adriav and Daveena mingled about the crowd that was assembled in the hall that hosted the after-race celebration. Rumor had it that since someone had actually won the race; the party was going to be even wilder than normal, though Adriav didn't care about the festivity itself.

Adriav wondered idly if the winners would have to keep extra security about them now that they were rich. No doubt there were some unsavory characters in the masses within the cavernous hall, some of which wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of the situation.

If the racing officials were smart, they'd simply transfer the funds to Garris' account.

One thing the officials had stated to Garris—Adriav had been nearby at the time since he and Daveena were shadowing the man now—that the prize would only be awarded if Smalls made a public appearance, with helmet off. People wanted the boy's face unmasked.

Garris had assured them that indeed Smalls would make his first fully visible appearance this evening, and that he was just getting ready after his harrowing race experience.

The handlers of the ibbots had investigated the rogue animal after it had been caught. They had determined that the man riding it had been hired by someone to inject the animal with a serum that would make it go savage on the first person it saw.

Thus the man had lain in wait for Luke and unleashed his trap on the unsuspecting boy. The people responsible were now in cuffs and on their way to prison, and Adriav agreed wholeheartedly with that.

As for those racers who had fallen, Adriav had learned that there had been droids waiting to catch those they could. It wasn't a certainty of rescue, and indeed the man who'd been last to fall had not been able to be saved, but Adriav knew each person who'd raced had known what they were signing up for.

Now Adriav and Daveena were separate for the time being, with the two of them making rounds of the hall and trying to see if there was any way to slip into the racer's designated area. Adriav had passed three times now, and had seen heavy security, so he knew that wasn't an option. Not even the press members with official passes were allowed that far backstage.

He heard a click on his comlink, the signal from Daveena that she wanted to find him again. So he stopped where he was near the front of the room where the award ceremony was to take place. This position would allow Adriav an excellent view, thus enabling him to see Luke clearly when he came out.

Several minutes more passed before Daveena took his hand. "Hello Handsome."

He smiled softly. "Hello Beautiful."

Daveena glanced at the stage, and the pair of them turned when a commotion sounded from the racer entrance. Adriav's eyes narrowed when he spied Garris and Dessh walking on either side of a boy with a hood drawn low over his face.

There, right before him was the man responsible for Luke's predicament, and it was all Adriav could do to keep his head. He couldn't let emotion get the best of him now and jeopardize his opportunity. He wouldn't get a second shot at this, Adriav knew.

So for the time being, Adriav remained docile, though he was keenly alert to everything the trio did. He zeroed in on the boy, trying to make out anything about him, but the cloak and hood were concealing too much.

Forced to be patient, Adriav and Daveena waited with the crowd while the procession approached the stage that now also held the officials who were to present the prize. After what seemed like an hour to Adriav, Garris and company arrived at the stage, and the crowd eagerly pushed forward.

Concerned for Daveena's personal space and safety, Adriav tugged her gently to stand in front of him. She kept close to him, and Adriav discreetly kissed her head before they focused wholly on the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" the head announcer called into his microphone. The man's slick black hair and cheap, shiny suit spoke to Adriav of wealth easily earned and kept by illegal means. "We will now award the prize money to team Smalls. But first, his manager has promised us the boy's face."

Garris took position by the microphone now, and Smalls was led to stand between him and the right side of the stage. "Thank you Official Grandy, and thank you to all who have come to see our team's VIP. We have kept his face unknown for his own security, but we now feel it is safe to show you the face behind the talent. May we present to you... Smalls!"

The boy straightened his shoulders and removed the hood with a flourish, offering the crowd a wide smile. A mixture of gasps and murmurs rippled through the assembly, until finally the hall was echoing with loud cheers and whistles.

Upon the stage, Smalls waved at his fans, and they all seemed to love it. Except for Adriav.

He was the only one frowning, though he could tell by her body language that Daveena knew something was off, she just didn't know what. Adriav, however, knew instantly that there was foul play at work here.

He had seen Luke's face, and the one up on stage now was not it.

Concern wafted anew through Adriav, and he felt a portion of the same fear from before. Where was Luke if this boy was out in public parading as Smalls? Was Luke being kept in some dark, horrid place? Was he only let out to perform, and then sent right back into his prison? Or was he in fact watching from a comfortable place and Adriav was just being paranoid?

Adriav thinned his lips and kept his face composed, though the gears were turning in his head. So lost to his thoughts was he that Pic ignored all of whatever else was said, including the awarding of the money, followed by Garris' speech. Adriav did tune back in when 'Smalls' spoke at last.

"I'd like to thank my manager and coach for all their hard work. They helped me become the best racer I can be." Adriav heard Daveena snort softly in disdain, and Adriav smiled minutely. "We have many more races planned, so stay tuned for more from team Smalls!"

The assembly broke apart then, with hordes of people trying to get close to 'Smalls' as he and his two handlers slowly moved to a table reserved for them. Adriav hung back, his face now etching into a deep frown.

How was he going to get to Luke, especially with this added variable? Adriav knew he had as much of a chance of getting to Luke's doppelganger as he did getting to Luke himself right now. And even if he did get close to the boy like the crowd, what then?

Hi, I've been tracking your protégé for a while now, and I'd like to see the real Smalls please...

Adriav grimaced. No, definitely not that way.

A hand touched his arm. "Adriav?" He focused to see Daveena's worried expression.
"What's wrong?"

Adriav glanced about furtively, and for once thanked the hustle and bustle of the congregation. Its noise would help mask their conversation. Thus, safely drowned out by the crowd's noise, Adriav leaned into Daveena and spoke to her.

"That's not Luke."

Daveena looked at him oddly. "Come again?"

Adriav took her elbow and led her as if they were wandering the room like normal. "Think about it, Love. Does that boy act anything like the one we've watched on the videos at the races?"

Daveena turned contemplative, and Adriav gave his fiancée her space, knowing she was smart and would come to his point in her own way. It was true: this boy was different from Luke, and not just in temperament.

At last Daveena spoke hesitantly. "I guess you're right. But if I may ask, how do you know for sure if Luke's face is always covered in the videos?"

"Because it wasn't always that way," Adriav explained. He'd not told her everything he knew about the child; just what was pertinent to the immediate case at hand. "Luke used to be a pick-pocket for Garris. It wasn't until he was in a high-speed chase with the police on Malastare that Garris realized Luke's talent. Before his racing days, his face wasn't covered because no one outside of a select few persons even knew Luke existed."

Daveena was listening with great interest. "How far off is this second boy then?"

"Not by much physically, I'll give Garris points for that," Adriav said, glancing around to make sure they hadn't picked up any eavesdroppers. "They have same hair color and very nearly the same height and build. But that boy is stockier, and just a shade taller. His hair is a different length too, and I think the boy at the table has green eyes: Luke's are blue."

Daveena thought it over again and then nodded slowly. "I had the feeling something was off-kilter, but I couldn't place what. I'd just thought that maybe Garris bullied his racer into putting on a happy act for the crowds."

"We just need a way to get close to the team..." Adriav mused aloud.

Daveena glanced around at the press. "Have you heard from Lord Vader yet?"

Adriav sighed. "No. I don't even know if he got my message. Sometimes the personnel on his ship don't like my calling in for their superior."

"They would withhold Lord Vader's messages?" Daveena was aghast. "Do they have a death wish?"

Adriav chuckled. "No, they're not that thick. But they may delay if they think it's unimportant."

"Then they're not very bright," Daveena muttered. She was looking at the team that was now leaving, with Garris claiming that Smalls needed his rest after today's events. The racing teams would all leave in the morning, which still afforded Adriav and Daveena time to devise a plan.

Then Adriav happened to see a man in a crisp suit— looking every part a lawyer— and he was hit with inspiration. "I think I might have a way, but you'll need to play along."

Daveena looked to him. "I trust you, or I wouldn't have agreed to accompany you."

Adriav smiled. "That's one of the reasons I love you. We will also need to change. Come on."

He and Daveena exited the party hall and retreated to his ship. Once safely sealed in Adriav led her to the lobby where he filled her in on the plan. "When I first began my mission, Lord Vader gave me special permission to speak on his behalf if it would get me to Luke. I have both the paperwork and an official Imperial uniform. You will need to be my secretary."

Daveena's eyes lit up with understanding. "You want to talk to Garris on Lord Vader's behalf?" But then she frowned lightly. "What about, exactly?"

Adriav smiled at the absurdity of what he was about to say. "About Lord Vader sponsoring Smalls."

00000

"We're not going to make it!" Vader fretted for the hundredth time. He had realized soon after their departure from Tatooine that the race would be over and the people more than likely gone by the time they got to Mustafar.

As such his mood hadn't really made a turn for the better. To make matters worse, Obi Wan was quieter than he remembered, so mostly Vader was left to his thoughts. It was driving him batty, and Vader glared at Obi Wan.

"Nexu got your tongue, Kenobi?" he asked mildly.

Obi Wan merely smiled. "No, Anakin. I'm just making observations."

Vader didn't like the sound of that. "What of?"

"You." Obi Wan's lips lifted into a smirk. "And I must say it's been... interesting and even a little entertaining."

Vader frowned. "Entertaining?"

Obi Wan's lips twisted as he obviously tried not to smile outright. "Yes, it's just that usually Lord Vader is completely composed and unflappable. Yet here he is before me fretting like a boy about to take a girl to a dance."

Vader scowled behind his mask. "I am not a school boy! I am just not used to worrying about anything anymore."

Obi Wan sobered, nodding. "I know." He looked away. "In truth, I haven't spoken much since Luke went missing. I contacted Master Yoda and asked what I should do, and he told me to remain on Tatooine until the Force called me away. At the time I didn't know what that meant. But now I do." Obi Wan looked at Vader for emphasis. "But I still felt guilty for failing to protect the boy. But perhaps the Force was at work there too. His leaving the planet led to you starting back toward the Light."

It was Vader's turn to look away. "I'm not all the way there."

"No, you aren't," Obi Wan agreed, "but you are closer than you were."

Vader didn't answer, not certain how much he agreed on that point. Instead he asked something else. "What if he's gone when I get there?"

Obi Wan touched his shoulder. "Then you keep looking. If what you've told me of this agent of yours is true, he may have something in the works already. He seems intelligent."

"He's the best agent I've ever sent out," Vader replied, knowing it was true since the man had been able to find Kenobi when not even Palpatine and Vader could. "He's done all the work in finding Luke, since I couldn't without the Emperor noticing."

Obi Wan bit his lip. "And what of the Emperor? What will you do when you do get Luke? Certainly the Emperor will figure out you have him, and he will take him from you."

"Over my dead body he will!" Vader roared, making Obi Wan jump. Vader toned it down, grimacing slightly. But he'd meant it. "I will protect Luke from Palpatine if it's the last thing I ever do. That monster got to me and my wife; he will not get my child."

Obi Wan straightened his robes. "I will help you protect Luke. We just need a plan for what to do about the Emperor."

"One thing at a time, Master," Vader reprimanded with a mild amount of glee at turning the Jedi Master's usual calm back on him.

Obi Wan chuckled. "Indeed. How long until we revert?"

"A couple of hours." Vader grumped, though he was less worked up this time.

"Plenty of time to meditate then," Obi Wan said, and Vader sighed while the Jedi chuckled.

00000

Adriav stood straight and tall next to the ship he had learned belonged to Garris. It was just after midnight, and Adriav had spent a good amount of time preparing his presentation. He was ready to play his part, and he trusted Daveena to stay in character.

Daveena had contacted her cousin discreetly and learned from him that Garris and company planned to leave during the night to avoid trouble in the morning. That suited Adriav just fine, since he'd prefer a private audience for the upcoming conversation anyway.

Speaking of his fiancée, she looked quite refined in her business suit, and Adriav allowed himself to appreciate Daveena's figure in her outfit.

Adriav's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a speeder arriving, and he straightened to the standard Imperial stance. Daveena straightened as well, holding her datapad like a secretary would, while a stylus sat above her ear.

When the speeder arrived, illuminated by the lights on the landing platform, the vehicle hovered where it was for a moment before the door opened and Garris stepped out. The door to the speeder closed behind him and Garris narrowed his eyes at the pair of humans.

"May I help you?" Garris asked mildly.

"Garris Shrike, I presume?" Adriav asked crisply.

The man's face clouded briefly. "Who's asking?"

"Please verify your identity before we continue." Adriav stated firmly. "I assure you I mean you no harm. However, should you prove difficult, that may change."

Garris' eyes lowered to the expensive blaster at Adriav's waist and the man's eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Adriav smiled minutely, having selected this blaster on purpose. Adriav had a small arsenal of various weapons at his disposal, and he had chosen one that was very visibly dangerous, but only to those who'd ever seen one in action.

This blaster had the capability to take out a bantha with one shot. And with a flick of a button, it could go from shooting lasers to actual projectiles that would then dissolve whatever they touched.

Garris straightened his own 'uniform', and Adriav felt his anger again simmer at the man insulting the hard working military personnel who had earned the right to wear that outfit. Garris had no business being in such clothing! "I think we can spare a few minutes. Let us retreat to the lobby of my ship, where we can speak more privately."

Adriav nodded once and stood to the side. Garris gestured the speeder to go to the hangar in the back and then he was escorting his company to a table. Garris took one end of said table, and Adriav sat across from him while Daveena remained standing.

"Yes, I am Garris Shrike," the man in question said finally. "May I know who I am speaking with?"

"Indeed." Adriav produced his identification badge given to him by Lord Vader for this exact purpose. "I am Agent Pic of His Majesty's Empire." He spoke with certainty, making eye contact without hesitation. "I have been hired by someone high in the chain of command to charter a deal with you."

Garris' brow lifted. "You don't say? What deal are you talking about?"

"My client would like to sponsor Smalls for a time," Adriav responded. "He has followed your racer with great interest, and has asked me to speak on his behalf."

Garris tilted his head somewhat. "And why would someone in the Empire want to sponsor a child who races? I thought your lot was more interested in politics and ruling the galaxy with an iron fist?"

Adriav kept his face neutral. "The members of the Empire are still people with hobbies and connections. My client has always had an affinity for racing, and he has taken quite a liking to Smalls."

Garris considered, even as Dessh and Luke's double appeared, and then went into a separate room. "Who is your client, if I may ask? If I'm going to do business, I want to know who with."

Adriav waited for Garris' reaction with pleasure. "Of course. My client is none other than Darth Vader."

There was a moment of absolute silence before Garris burst out laughing, even going so far as to slap his leg. "That's a good one!" he chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. "Lord Vader wanting to sponsor a mere boy! Why, that's utterly preposterous, and..."

When the man saw Adriav hadn't so much as flinched, he trailed off. "You're serious."

Adriav merely lifted his brow.

Garris frowned now, leaning forward. "Lord Vader doesn't care for anything or anyone, why does he want to sponsor Smalls?"

Adriav held out a hand to Daveena and she placed her datapad in his hand. He opened a file he'd composed with Daveena's help and showed it to Garris. In the file was a collection of information and holos one would find if a person was indeed following someone's career.

"Lord Vader has, as I said, an affinity for racing. He himself is an ace pilot, and he follows vehicle racing and promising pilots. He would like to sponsor Smalls because he would like to see what the boy can really do. And if Smalls pulls through, then Lord Vader will arrange for Smalls to be part of the Empire Day celebration, flying in a special formation to honor the Emperor."

Garris' jaw dropped. "Get real!"

"I have been nothing but frank with you, Sir," Adriav said a little tartly. "Lord Vader has given me authority to write out a contract with you concerning Smalls."

He pulled up a second file with said contract— again a fake document he and Daveena had created— and laid it before Garris. "Lord Vader is prepared to sponsor Smalls for a year, after which time Lord Vader will evaluate the boy's performance. If he is satisfied, he will make the previously mentioned arrangements. Smalls will of course be paid for his services."

Garris was reading thoroughly, and Adriav continued. "Of course, Lord Vader is prepared to compensate the pilot's manager as well, and he has a generous amount of credits awaiting you should you accept his terms."

Garris looked up. "And those would be?"

Adriav scrolled to the bottom of the file for Garris. "Lord Vader wants your schedule should he choose to attend the actual race, which he will most likely do discreetly. He is a very busy man, so he may not make many races, but he wants information so he can keep a log. Second, he would like for me to meet Smalls in person and get his agreement to this contract as well."

Garris frowned, leaning back as he thought it over. "And if I refuse?"

Adriav snorted. "Forgive me, but I think we both know it would be unwise to deny Lord Vader something he wants." Adriav placed a hand to his throat to sell his point: Darth Vader's trademark maneuver on those he disliked was widely known.

"Right..." Garris rubbed his own throat. "Well, I accept then."

"Excellent." Adriav pulled the datapad back to the center of the table. "My secretary will witness the signing."

Garris endorsed his designated line, and Adriav watched the other's eyes glitter with greed when he saw the amount Adriav had put on the contract as Garris' at the end of the year. Daveena signed the witness line, and then straightened again.

"Now, where is Smalls?" Adriav asked, glancing around.

Garris seemed to ponder for a moment more, almost as if he was questioning his decision making, but then he sighed softly. He pulled a comlink and spoke into it. "Bring Smalls out here would you?"

Moments later Dessh and the imposter Luke reappeared, coming to the table. 'Smalls' came to stand beside Garris, offering a smile Adriav saw right through. This boy was enjoying every ounce of attention and favors he was receiving. Then again, if he hailed from the same background as Luke, Adriav could understand why that would be the case.

Adriav held out his hand to the boy as if to shake, and when 'Smalls' accepted, Adriav pulled him closer and inspected his hand with a practiced eye. Then he released the boy and straightened, meeting Garris' eye squarely. "This boy is nice, but I was talking about the real Smalls."

Garris tensed, as did his show-boy. "I don't know what you mean. This is my pilot." There was an edge to his voice, but Adriav was undeterred. He hadn't spent several years on Luke's tail to shrink back now.

"And yet, his hands are mysteriously lacking the marks one would have from the amount of racing Smalls has done." Adriav returned evenly. "A person who races would routinely hold a yolk or handlebars, which would leave certain calluses."

Garris, who had started to reply, stopped in shock. "Come again?"

"Furthermore," Adriav went on as if the other hadn't spoken, "this boy has a thicker build than the pilot on screen at the races so far as I have seen. Minute details others might not piece together, but Lord Vader is nothing if not thorough. I will not proceed with the contract until I have the actual pilot here to sign his portion of the contract. Lord Vader will not employ and pay anyone who does not agree to it beforehand."

Garris snapped his mouth shut, jaw tight. "And what do you plan to do with such information? Ruin me? I warn you that would be a mistake."

Adriav's eyes hardened. "I am merely stating what fact I have been given. If you do not like the terms, then take it up with Lord Vader. However, you agreed to it when you accepted the contract. And that occurred when you signed it just now. Bring out the real Smalls, or I will be forced to tell Lord Vader you tried to renege on our contract. He will be most displeased."

Garris didn't look happy, but Adriav saw the gears turning in his head. "I need assurance that Smalls' double will not be made known. His true identity is kept secret so no one can target him off the racetrack. Especially now."

Adriav nodded. "I understand, and I commend you for your security of the child. I will make certain the two boys remain one in public perceptions."

Garris studied Adriav, who remained firm. He refused to be cowed by this man, especially with what Adriav knew of him.

"Very well." Garris rose. "I will get him. Please wait here."

Adriav nodded succinctly, though his heart was thudding with excitement: at last he was going to come face-to-face with Luke! Daveena shifted beside him, though she masked her own eagerness by adjusting her clothing slightly.

Dessh, Adriav noted, was eyeing the woman with barely veiled lust, and Adriav very nearly shot to his feet to sock the man straight in the teeth. The only thing keeping him seated was Luke.

00000

It seemed an eternity to Luke before he saw Garris come to the speeder to let Luke out of his cell. Luke was still queasy from his 'dinner', but he was holding his disgust in pretty well. To Luke's befuddlement, Garris was carrying the same robe that Korlen had worn to the ceremony.

"Get out," Garris said, holding aloft the robe, "and put this on. We've got company, and you are going to sign the contact I just made."

Luke, already putting his arms into the robe, paused, frowning. "What contract?"

"You're one lucky boy," Garris murmured, eyeing Luke almost thoughtfully. "Apparently, you're special enough to gain the attention of a very wealthy individual, who in turn will make me even richer than I am as of yesterday."

Luke was still confused. "I don't understand. Who is interested in me?"

"Enough questions!" Garris snapped. "Let's go, runt."

Luke bit back a sigh, trying still to get used to his gauntlets, which had been re-activated after the ibbot race. Luke didn't like how the gauntlets, which were tied into his nervous system via wiring surgically placed, didn't allow Luke full natural control of his own movements. He was constantly waiting for them to make him do something he didn't want to do. Luke didn't trust them at all, but he was given zero say in the matter.

Garris hauled Luke through the ship by the elbow, only releasing Luke just before the door to the lobby. He turned to Luke with a warning look. "Do not embarrass me out there, or I will make you regret it. That's not a threat."

Luke nodded tremulously, recalling the last beating. "Okay."

Garris straightened Luke's robe, making sure it was closed to hide the boy's malnourished frame. He was at the ideal weight, yes, but Luke's body was suffering from the lack of real food and nourishment. Luke supposed the gauntlets would soon make it possible for Luke to hold to the racing mechanisms in any given vehicle, because his strength was a fickle friend of late.

Especially after yesterday. His struggle in the sky had taxed Luke heavily, and he was still weak and shaky from it. But Luke could pass it off as lingering fear of the near-death he'd experienced.

Garris seemed satisfied by Luke's appearance then, because he opened the door, gesturing Luke through first. Luke glanced at him and stepped into the lobby. When his gaze came back around to the new couple in the lobby, Luke froze in place.

An Imperial? What was an Imperial doing here?! Had Darth Vader finally started catching up to Luke, thanks to his time in the spotlight? Luke began to tremble uncontrollably, and this time it wasn't from fatigue.

Flashes from the burning homestead surfaced from Luke's long-term memory, and he found his legs unwilling to move him forward. Behind him, as Garris came in also, the man took Luke's shoulders in his arm as if he were hugging the boy, and walked Luke forward. Luke barely managed not to fight it, but the closer he came to the Imperial, the more frightened Luke became.

Something indiscernible passed over the Imperial's face before the man in the seat frowned at him. "Are you afraid of me, Smalls?"

Luke swallowed on a dry throat, but Garris answered instead. "Of course not, he's just still recovering from the race. Besides, if you recall, I was a little wary at first also."

The Imperial shot a look at Garris, but apparently decided to let it go. He nodded once and slid the datapad across the table. "I just need Small's signature to complete the contract."

Luke was ushered to a spot closer to the table, and he looked to the contract in question: but despite all the print, Luke's eyes only saw one thing.

"Lord Vader!" he cried, backing up hastily and tripping over the second chair at the table. He tumbled to the floor in a jumble of limbs and robes, and Luke scrambled to upright himself even as the Imperial leapt to his feet.

"I say, are you alright?" The man came forward as if to help, but Luke shied away from him.

"Wh-why does Lord Vader w-want m-me?" Luke stammered fearfully. His heart was beating erratically, and he didn't see the thunderous look on Garris' face.

The Imperial seemed highly concerned. "Please calm down: Lord Vader has no intentions of harming you. All he wants is to be part of your racing career for one year. Then you will be given a rare opportunity to perform for the Emperor himself. That is a special honor indeed, and has never been given to someone so young."

"Did you hear that?" Garris asked Luke as he hauled the boy to his feet and placed a hand on Luke's shoulder. He squeezed just enough to cause Luke pain, but the boy tried to hide it as Garris led him back to the table. "You will get to make history. Won't that be exciting?"

The tone of Garris' voice was just enough for Luke to take his warning. Luke still trembled, but— barely withholding his tears— Luke signed his name, though his trepidation was making him want to collapse.

Lord Vader was finally going to get Luke, after all these years! This was the reason Luke had joined Garris in the first place! Now it was all going to be for naught!

The Imperial was still studying Luke intently, and Luke just wished he would leave already.

Finally the man seemed to come to a conclusion, for he nodded slowly. "Thank you Smalls, it's been a pleasure." He looked to Garris. "I will be attending some of the races to keep track of the boy's progress when Lord Vader is unable to attend."

Luke's face drained of color, making the man frown even deeper, but Luke turned away when he tried to speak to him again, looking instead to Garris. "I'm really tired still. If it's okay, I'd like to go back to bed."

Garris nodded. "Go ahead."

Luke disappeared as swiftly as possible, finally closing the door to the bunk room and slumping to the floor. He bent forward, hands bracing his weight, and he panted as he battled the absolute fear that was coursing through Luke like one of Yu Stadd's concoctions.

He didn't know how long passed until the ship lifted from the ground, but once it did, Luke burst into tears. The memory of that night his Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen had been murdered played before his mind's eye.

Luke desperately yearned for Han's comforting presence, or Dewlanna's loving embrace. He needed a touch of love, not hurt! He needed someone to comfort him... someone to take him away from Lord Vader again!

Heavy feet sounded outside the door, and Luke cowered on the floor when Garris let himself in and instantly grabbed Luke by the hair and hauled him up. Luke shrieked in pain and shrank away from Garris' furious face.

"I warned you not to embarrass me!" Garris yelled. "And you did that immediately!"

Garris pummeled Luke in the jaw, and he cried out, thrusting his hands up to try blocking other hits to his body. But Garris was too strong and fast, especially with Luke being weakened. Garris hit him several more times, then jerked Luke nose-to-nose with him. "What was that back there?"

"I... I'm terrified of Lord Vader!" Luke cried. "He's a cruel person!"

Garris seemed to accept that, and he softened a hair. "That he is. And I agree he's scary, but I expected you to act like a civilized being back there. And you couldn't even do that."

He threw Luke into the normal bunk and then turned away. "We have several more races lined up before your first pod race on Tatooine. That one will be in a month's time, and you will train every day for it. But first, we will return to the Trader's Luck for some supplies and your next appointment with Stadd."

Luke whimpered, though Garris was already leaving, so he either didn't hear, or he ignored it.

I don't want to do this anymore! Luke sobbed inwardly. He determined to find some way to slip away, if it killed him. He would see Han and Dewlanna this time! He would!