Note: Please read "The Truth: Interludes, Chapter 15 Styles & Plots" first so you know what's happening (and for some father-son fluffiness)

Summary: With Vader's surgeries successfully completed, he is ready launch his plan to take control of the galaxy with his teenage son at his side. But Luke isn't certain. Can they stay one step ahead of Palpatine?

This chapter: Vader begins to involve Alliance leaders in his bid to oust the Emperor and enlists Luke's help when they meet with Commander Narra.

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Luke dropped into the chair on the opposite side of his father's desk, propped his elbows on it, and glared. When Vader didn't acknowledge him, he slid his arms across with a drawn-out moan and laid his cheek on the smooth obsidian top.

Still nothing. He turned his chin just enough so he could peek through his lashes.

"Am I being accorded the honor of a dramatic performance? Or are you settling down for another nap?" his dad inquired mildly.

Hah! "I am never napping again! I don't dare! I always wake up to something weird!"

"Interesting. Even somewhat disturbing. I will discuss that with Commander Narra when he arrives."

He groaned and dragged his arms back down to his side but left his chin propped on the edge of the table. "Don't even! You know exactly what I'm talking about! Narra!? Why why WHY?!"

"I had a brilliant idea."

"Again?" He straightened but immediately slouched to proclaim his dismay. "Not a new plot!" There was no point waiting for the affirmative that he knew was coming. "Dad…why do you change your mind so often? How many plots can you have? Everyone will get confused."

"That's the point." His dad finally laid aside his datapad and gave his full attention to his (brilliant) offspring. "Palpatine's tentacles extend everywhere. All it takes is one careless word, a glance, a nod, and he will uncoil and search until he finds our plans. Luke, you must never trust anyone totally."

"Except you." Guiltily he thought of how often he'd revealed things he shouldn't and figured he was one of the people his dad couldn't trust. He was definitely going to work harder to change that. "Okay. Well. How is Narra involved? Oh! You are not putting Narra in Mothma's place!"

"Would that be so terrible?" Vader smiled slightly. "He is controllable and would be my first choice, but he is barely more than an unknown in political circles and hence would not have the necessary support. However, he will play an essential role in our action to draw Palpatine away from Coruscant."

He wasn't sure what to ask first. How? Why? What? (And really— controllable?) So he settled for: "Why him?"

Vader raised one eyebrow (and Luke realized he needed to teach his father that brows had to be groomed). "First and foremost, he is fond of you."

"Dad!"

"It is true. He has been protective of you even though he knew two years ago that you were my son. He makes allowances for you and excuses your more… shall we say 'extreme' behaviors? Second, he has a decent amount of Force sensitivity, which makes him susceptible to influence from— again, shall we say 'Skywalkers'? Third, he is intelligent enough to accept that his future potential is limited to death either in battle or for treason. Fourth—"

"How many numbers are there going to be? And it's my job to number everything, not yours!"

His father laughed, and it sounded so confident and relaxed that Luke couldn't be annoyed with his dad's machinations. "Very well, no more numbers. I will only add that he is in a position to react quickly and heroically to make an important decision that the Alliance Council or Rebel generals may not wish to authorize."

That sounded…suspicious. "Are you going to let me in on the details?"

"Of course. But not yet, my loquacious son. The commander is arriving momentarily. Shall we observe?" Vader flicked on a security monitor that showed the main hangar bay with stormtroopers lined up in perfect rows like… well, like soldiers.

Loquacious? He had a pretty good idea that meant he had a big mouth. Luke straightened and shifted to get a clearer angle of the screen. "Is this smart? Letting him see so much?"

"His head has been covered since the beginning of his journey. Which took an hour longer than it would have with a direct route."

Heaving one more dramatic sigh (which seemed to have lost its effectiveness because Vader didn't even look his way), he watched a Lambda-class shuttle glide into the bay and make a dainty landing. "So who's going to replace Mothma? Or are you not telling me that either? We're supposed to be a team, Dad."

The smile still lingered on his father's face. "Guess."

"How would I—" He stopped and took a deep breath, focusing. His dad was blocking him intentionally so he would figure it out on his own. It would have to be someone important, someone Vader either knew personally or— Oh, crap. "Bail Organa?" he blurted. Torn between being proud of himself (although the choice seemed obvious) and appalled because that was Leia's adopted father and really did they want to involve her? His feelings were so mixed about his sister that he didn't want to try to sort them out.

"Yes. And it has nothing to do with Leia."

Luke snorted.

"She is already deeply involved in the Rebellion, that won't change. Unless Organa decides to keep her further away for safety."

"Yeah, safely away from her new squeeze Sky Ozoner."

"Luke." Sith Father sighed. "Your mother had respect for Organa and I had no major disagreements with him. Around the galaxy he is admired and his words repeated while the remote and inscrutable Mothma is viewed with wariness and impatience. It will work."

"Because, yeah, sure, of course he trusts you." Honestly, was he expected to keep sarcasm out of his tone? "Geez, Dad! He's a former Republic Senator, you're a Sith Lord, and let's not even mention the whole Jedi-Temple-Massacre Debacle! And I haven't found out yet if he knows you're Anakin Skywalker. Or Leia's father! How is that going to work? This is— This is—"

"Insane? Impossible?" His father shrugged and pushed a straggle of hair off his forehead. (Another reminder for Dad: use that beautiful new brush!) "It's worth a try. If not…."

He stifled a groan. That sounded like Bye-Bye Bail to him. But surely his dad wouldn't— He pulled out the offspring card. "Leia will be hurt if something happens to him."

Vader ignored that reminder. "Look, here is your friend."

"Narra is not my—" Well, maybe he was. Protective, anyway, just like his dad said. Luke snickered when he saw the officer who arrived to escort the helmet-faced commander. "Jovay! Hah, tables are turned!" Because the last time those two met, Jovay was the prisoner and Narra one of his captors. "But we're not finished talking about—"

"One thing at a time, Bug. Meet them in your quarters and keep the commander entertained until I arrive. Thirty minutes at the most."

"My quarters? Hey, that's my personal space!"

"Yes." Vader was laughing at him! "He will be disarmed by the familiarity… much like an animal sniffing at a friendly den."

"Oh— EWWWW! That's disgusting!" Luke scowled, then jumped to his feet. "I gotta straighten out a few things."

"Captain Lekauf already stowed Darth Fluffy and closed your bedroom door. You must be neater. Are you so sloppy at the Rebel base?"

"Yes! They focus on— on substance and achievements, not whether I make my bed so tightly that I have to flatten myself like a piece of flimsi to get into it at night!" Might as well try for the near-impossible. "Anyway, shouldn't I have a servant to take care of such things?"

"Of course, how remiss of me." His father punched at his datapad. "I will assign random ensigns to rummage through your bed and belongings and care for your wardrobe. The Executor has large steam cleaners for the maintenance crew uniforms that will—"

"Never mind!" He flashed a smile. "You know I was kidding, right?"

"Were you? Now obey my directive and entertain Narra until I arrive. And please be mindful of your blurts."

"Directive? Hrmph. And what blurts? Do you mean my quips? Well, you'd better not take too long!" He hesitated. "When does Organa get here?"

"After I've spoken to the commander and am assured of his cooperation," Sith Father replied with a hint of smugness, and Luke could only shake his head. "You will entertain Organa also— briefly. And for him, wear your new armor."

"Entertain how? I haven't had—" Oops. He shut his mouth.

Too late. "I realize you haven't had dancing lessons yet, but they will happen, young man. Until then, entertain your guests with your usual 'quips' and innate charm. Captain Lekauf will bring in tea—"

"And a snack?"

"—and a snack. I will be observing on the monitor. Just help Narra relax and prepare him for me."

As if. "How can anyone be prepared for you, Dad? Poor Narra. Hey, do you know that old legend from Tatooine? The one about the kid who snuck up on a krayt dragon and jumped on its back?"

"And could never get off again because he would be devoured by the dragon. Everyone in the universe knows that story, Luke. Only the species of the animal changes from planet to planet." Vader tilted his head. "However, I suggest you don't recite it to Narra or Organa."

"Maybe not." Luke looked down for a moment, then brightened. "Tell me, how will Your Magnificence appear? As the Dark Lord or Anakin or…?"

"In whatever guise I appear, I will be magnificent, you are correct in that. Now—scoot!"

"Fine! You know, one of these days all your plotting is going to catch up with you!" he threatened, having no idea what that actually meant.

"I have no idea either," his dad agreed with his thought, then shooed him away with a single hand gesture.

"Hey! Hold up! Wait just a second!" Luke whirled in the doorway. "Did you say you'll be watching on a monitor? There's a monitor in my room? Are you kidding?! You're spying on me?"

"Why are you so worried? Have you been doing something you wouldn't want me to see?"

"NO! Of course not! It's— I just— I mean— Sheesh! I have no privacy!"

"You already knew that."

"Still…." He hoped the spy wasn't around taking pictures too.

"The monitor is only there in case I sense you're in trouble. I don't watch you randomly or without warning, Bug."

"Uh-huh. Sure." He frowned, then gave it up and grinned widely as he left. "Fine! I'm installing a monitor in your quarters! And by the way… you look fabulous! But you gotta brush those brows. And you're not wearing a helmet any longer, so do something about that hair!"

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He used the sliding door that connected his rooms to his dad's suite. Jovay was lounging next to the hall entry, a helmet swinging casually from one hand, and Narra was standing stiffly in the center of the room, his hair matted and a little messy. Maybe he should get Narra a hairbrush too.

Narra's gaze flicked past him without recognition to the door that was now closed. Was he looking for an escape route or trying to orient himself? Either one was possible. And impossible.

"Hi, Sir!" Luke said, drawing the attention back.

Narra hesitated, then: "Luke? What happened to—" He stopped.

"My hair? I cut it."

"You look… different." A surprised huff came from the man. "I suppose I should have known you'd be here."

"Oh, please, I'll bet you did know!" He looked at Jovay. "May we have some privacy, Captain?"

"Of course, sir." There was the faintest hint of mockery if a paranoid person had been looking for it. "We're just waiting for— And here he is."

Captain Lekauf entered bearing a large tray that held tiny sandwiches, tableware, and an ancient clay teapot that looked like it wasn't very clean. The officer placed his burden on the low table in front of the sofa. "Would you care for anything else, Luke?"

"No, this looks good. Maybe you could pour?" Because he didn't want to risk an embarrassing spill. He looked at Nara. "Unless there's something else you…?"

"I'm fine."

"Okay, thanks. Have a seat." He gestured to a chair as Narra and Lekauf left them alone. "You'll love these sandwiches. I don't know what they all are, but they're really good." He immediately took one of the mushy yellow ones he remembered from his first meeting on the ship and settled on the sofa. "Try some."

"I'm not hungry." But Commander Narra sighed in response to his skeptical look and put a few sandwiches on a plate which he immediately set aside. "So this is your 'family emergency'?"

"No, this is my room." Luke giggled when Narra gave him a Look. "Well, it is! But, no, there was a family emergency. This is just…a little extra."

"Extra what?"

"Oh, my dad will explain." He'd better, because Luke didn't have a clue. "I didn't know you were coming until a few minutes ago."

"Really? So what was the emergency?"

"Like I said, my dad will explain if he wants," he replied vaguely, then waved his hand. "Look at this! Stars on the ceiling! We have it in a couple rooms." His gesture darkened the room slightly, so the rotating galaxy was visible.

"Very nice." Narra gave in to either hunger or nerves and consumed one sandwich in a single bite, following it with a swig of tea. "I have two questions."

"Shoot."

The commander winced slightly at his word choice. "Am I going to get a tour of the ship? Am I a prisoner or will I be allowed to leave?"

"Technically that's three questions." Luke took a second sandwich. There should be cookies too. He frowned slightly. "I don't know about the tour. Again, that's my dad's decision. And why would you be a prisoner? You were invited, right? I suppose you can leave whenever you want." He finished and wiped his mouth on a napkin, then leaned back and tucked one leg under him. "Why did you agree to come?"

Narra stared into his tea for a long moment before putting it aside. "Your father can be very persuasive. However, I came mostly because of you."

"So you did know I was here!"

"No. I mean, I wondered. But I came because I've been listening to you talk about your father for so long. I've watched your face, I've seen your pride in him and your eagerness to be with him." The older man paused. "You see things in people that the rest of us don't. You trust him despite how much Boss and I and the generals tried to dissuade you."

Luke wondered just what it was that made Narra think he could read people well. It didn't feel that way. He waited because he knew Sir wasn't finished.

"I remember hearing stories about Anakin Skywalker. That he never gave up and always found a way to succeed. And of course, Boss bent my ear many times. He was a teenager and Skywalker was only a couple years older when his exploits became headlines. In fact—" Narra stopped and chuckled. "Boss won't like me telling you this. But in his bedroom he had a poster of Skywalker that had a glow-in-the-dark lightsaber."

"Really?" Dad, I want one of those!

"Yes, really. What I'm trying to say is that I didn't make an impulsive decision when your— Vader contacted me. You'd already dropped a few hints along that line, so I was prepared."

"I had?" Well. Maybe. He talked so much, he couldn't remember everything he'd said.

"Mm-hmm. You said he approved of me and that I was intuitive. Although," Narra added, "he told me that I was not a good disciplinarian and that he'd expected me to guide you better than I had."

"Oh." Yeah, well… his dad had mentioned a few things along those lines. "You've done a pretty good job keeping me out of trouble."

Narra crossed one leg, visibly relaxing, and sipped at his cup again. "It's been the challenge of a lifetime."

"Well… challenge is good, I guess." He sensed that the commander was ready for a change of subject. "How's everything at the base? Everybody doing okay after… you know… the explosion?"

"Work goes on."

"I guess. Have they found anything new about the, uh, cause?"

"No."

That wasn't informative, but he supposed this was Narra's revenge for every vague answer Luke had ever given him. "How're you doing with the other crew? Do they miss Boss? Have you heard from him? How's Zev managing the Rogues?"

"Everything is pretty much the same as when you left, Luke. Despite your concern, the base hasn't fallen apart without you. Boss is healing and frustrated with being out of the action. He contacts me nearly every day to offer advice." The officer frowned. "When will—"

The connecting door slid open. Phew, thank the stars! Or rather, thank the Sith! Polite conversation was harder when he knew his dad was watching. He held his breath as—

Darth Vader strode in, his cape billowing in an invisible wind. His dad needed to teach him how to do that. And…well, it was mildly disappointing to see the Dark Lord disguise, but he supposed his dad was holding the Big Reveal for another moment, maybe after Bail arrived.

Narra stood and Luke gave him an approving nod before jumping to his feet and going to his father's side. "Dad, this is Commander Narra," he announced (unnecessarily but he enjoyed saying 'Dad'). "Sir, this is my dad!" Isn't he amazing?!

"We've spoken," the commander said dryly.

"Indeed we have."

Luke tilted his head. The voice wasn't quite as deep and the mechanical breathing was absent, but it was identifiably Vader-Voice.

"Join me." Vader gestured toward the small dining table. Narra pulled out a chair and sat.

Me too?

Of course you too, Bug.

He pulled a chair closer to his father. There was a moment of silence. "You're probably wondering why I've called you both here," Luke said. They looked at him. He smiled and bit his lip. "Well…maybe not. I'm just breaking the ice for you."

Narra barely held back a chuckle, which was an excellent sign, and he felt his dad's approval.

"Commander," his dad began, "if you believe you are ready for another 'challenge of a lifetime', I have a proposal for you. I am as determined as you are to eliminate the current government— meaning Emperor Palpatine specifically— and liberate the galaxy from his destructive stranglehold."

"Are you." It wasn't a question. "While that is undoubtedly true, I imagine your reasons aren't the same as mine. You want to rule. To the Alliance, that would mean exchanging one tyrant for another."

Luke managed not to make a disapproving sound. Tyrant?

"And you wish to restore freedom to the galaxy."

"Yes."

Vader clasped his hands on the tabletop. "Explain exactly what that entails and how the Alliance would go about 'restoring freedom'."

Narra held his gaze steady. "Pressuring the Emperor to abdicate after defeating the Imperial forces."

Luke looked down rather than sigh or roll his eyes, both of which would have been appropriate responses.

"And then?" Vader prodded.

"Reinstate the Senate so all planets are equally represented."

His father allowed those words to linger in the air before he responded. "Is that hopelessly ingenuous view entirely your own or does the whole of the Rebel Alliance hold to it?"

"It's the reason we're fighting."

"It's not everyone's reason, Commander," Vader said, his voice deepening. "Wars drive the galactic economy. They always have. They always will."

"That's probably true." The officer tilted his head. "I know that believing in justice and freedom is an over-simplification of the issue, but we have to start somewhere."

"A naive belief is hardly 'starting', Commander. Palpatine's rule began long before he declared himself Emperor. A 'start' is pointless without a plan for an end. I don't think you are so gullible as to believe that such a nebulous idea will result in a miraculous solution. You are a man of action, not a man of foolish endeavors."

Okay, a compliment, that was good! Luke nodded approvingly, though neither man was looking at him.

Narra's face flushed. "I know one thing— that I wasn't brought here for a tour of the ship. I assume you have a proposal, Lord Vader?"

The Sith stood. "I do. My plan will restore the galactic balance, and I will share it with only a small number of people. In order to include you I will require your word that you will repeat none of what you hear— or extrapolate— to anyone."

Luke's eyes widened. Extrapolate? Oh, impressive word, he had to remember that!

"Why me? And why should I trust you?"

"You've already said you believe Luke's assessment of my motives, which is enough for now— although there are many more answers to those questions. As I said, you are a man of action, and action is needed. Whether you trust me is a decision only you can make. Do I have your word of honor? If not, you are free to leave without hindrance. Because," here the Dark Lord allowed amusement into his voice, "I know you will not be reporting your clandestine visit to your superiors."

Narra's flush deepened, and Luke intervened before tactless words were spoken.

"In the end, all a man has is his honor," he half-whispered, and felt his father's gentle approval.

Narra glanced at Luke, then stood and faced Vader. "You have my word."

His dad didn't respond immediately; Luke knew he was probing the man's intentions. "Very well," he said, evidently accepting Narra was being truthful. "I am expecting another guest shortly. We will meet at 2000 hours to discuss the plan. I expect that you will pay an integral part, Commander. And now Captain Jovay will take you on an extremely limited tour that will end with the quarters where you may wait."

"And have dinner," Luke added.

Vader sighed audibly, and Narra ducked his head. "No, the meeting will include dinner."

Now you, young one, will change into armor and meet Bail Organa in the docking bay.

"But—"

"Have another sandwich," his father directed, then gave Narra a final glance. "You are wrong about one thing, Commander. I do not wish to spend the remainder of my life helming an empire."

"Galactic Alliance," Luke corrected helpfully.

His dad ignored him. "I am chasing my own freedom and my son's. What the Alliance will do after I have neutered the Imperial forces is up to them…and you." He nodded and added simply, "Commander" before sweeping out of the room.

"Pretty amazing, isn't he?" Luke said happily. "I hope we have pie with chanilla for dinner."

As he expected, that made Commander Narra smile, and he was still smiling when he left with Jovay.

Luke bolted upright. Wait! Dad?

Neutered?

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