Summary: The conspirators meet to review the plan, and Luke adds his ideas into the mix. Commander Narra isn't sure what to make of father and son, who appear to live in their own private world.

THE CONSPIRATORS

Luke Skywalker as himself (more or less)

Darth Vader as himself and General Anakin Skywalker

Bail Organa, Republic Senator and hopeful Heir to the Empire

Arhul Narra, Commander, Rebel Alliance, future hero (or sacrifice)

Erv Lekauf, Captain, Vader's devoted long-time aide and friend

Firmus Piett, Admiral, Imperial Navy's Death Squad, commander of flagship Executor

Maximillian Veers, Major General, Imperial Army

Daine Jir, Captain, Imperial 501st (Vader's Fist)

Gallia, Captain, clever code-cracker and virus creator (original character)

Karas Jovay, Captain, Imperial Security, connections to both Vader and Luke (original character)

Note: Vader discussed his plans in earlier chapters so I won't reiterate them here.

# # #

"Why are you wearing a crown?"

"Don't be silly, it's not a crown, it's a tiara," Luke corrected loftily, waving his fork. "Don't you think it suits me?" He didn't give Narra a chance to say something he'd regret. "So, tell me about yourself, Commander."

"You think there's something that Rogue Squad Gossip missed?"

"You mean Janson?" It was hard to carry on a probing conversation and eat at the same time. He looked around the table. His father certainly didn't have a problem chatting up Organa. Luke frowned. "You were in the Clone Wars. You were a pilot. That means you worked for the Empire."

Narra sighed. "It was the Republic at that time— as you, with your lengthy education via datatapes, well know."

Was he dissing datatapes? "There was an overlap." Luke turned to the man on his other side. "Captain, I'm sure there's more about the Commander you can tell me."

Jovay blew on a spoonful of hot soup before answering. "If there was, talking about it would be the exact opposite of my job description."

Really, he'd thought this dinner might be fun, but two more boring companions had never existed. Although when Luke studied the other people at the table, there was very little conversation. His dad had separated Piett and Veers again, so they had to be content with sharing eyebrow raises and barely discernible facial changes. Possibly playing footsies under the table, although he didn't think either of them had legs long enough to reach that far.

He devoted himself to devouring the rest of the meal and was waiting patiently for the delivery of pie with chanilla topping when his dad said, "We will adjourn to the conference room," and stood, holding out one hand to Organa like he was going to Force-lift the man from his seat— which would've been great to see— but unfortunately it was only a gesture.

No pie? He slumped and sent a silent rebuke to his father. Vader didn't respond in any way, so Luke pushed back his chair and raised his fingers graciously for Narra to take them. The commander ignored both him and the hand.

"Good try, kid," Jovay whispered behind him. "But it's all business tonight. No playtime for you." He grabbed Luke under his armpits and hoisted him to his feet.

"Hands off the royal personage!" He stalked around Jovay, letting his cape swing (wishing it was longer so it would sweep properly) and rushed to post himself at the door, nodding politely to each officer who passed through, then following on their heels.

As soon as he entered the conference room, his beautiful silver bracelet reminded him it was there. The tingle made him jump, so he was glad he'd come in last. Hesitating, he felt for the origin of the recording device and felt Vader's signature— not, not signature— his imbuement. Wait, was that a word?

You are correct on both counts.

Okay. I don't sense any more devices. You probably already know that. People were sitting down, and he looked for a choice spot. Wait— there were namecards?! Huh. Maybe because they had guests. Narra, he noted, was stuck between Piett and Gallia, with Veers and Jir on the opposite side. He supposed there was some strategy in the placement, maybe so his dad could watch interactions while current enemies were still wary of each other.

You need to observe also, Bug.

His father sat at the head of the table with Organa and Lekauf on either side. The only empty seat (with no namecard) was at the opposite end. Why am I exiled so far away from you? Don't you love me any more?

The bright blue gaze flashed at him, amused. There are two positions of power at a table, Luke. The head and the foot.

Oh. He stuck out his lower lip. Which one am I?

It was good he didn't expect an answer so he wasn't disappointed. At least there was a filled glass and a water carafe at his place. Everyone else would have to pour their own. No, wait— the pitchers were caf! And he didn't have a mug!

No caf for you or you'll be up all night. Water only.

He sighed. Great. Then I'll still be up all night, but for a different reason.

"As Senator Organa and I have been discussing, and as the rest of us have projected, our conclusion is that Mon Mothma must be replaced as leader of the Rebel Alliance. She has repeatedly refused and evaded meetings with my representative—"

Luke flapped his hand.

"—and over the years has failed to engage in combat with the Empire when opportunities arose. Obviously her pacifism resulted in a stunning lack of success by the Rebellion. I approved of that result for many years. However, the situation has changed. We have new opportunities and allies."

Yeah, you got ME!

"She's well respected within the Alliance," Commander Narra offered, though he didn't sound too sure.

"Commander," Vaderkin chastised in the same tone he used with Luke. "She is not. She is regarded as remote and unable to lead effectively." And just who is 'Vaderkin'?

Luke pressed his fingers against his lips to hide a smile. I have to call you SOMETHING! Darth Anakin Vader Skywalker is too long. Unless you'd like Anader. Or Darwalker. Or—

Stop now.

"In the days when the Republic Senate was still an effective institution she dithered and delayed, paralyzed by indecision and discomfort with a leadership role. In the meanwhile, my wife made decisions and acted on them."

That one word sent a small jolt around the table. What, did they think Vaderkin hadn't been married? That Luke was a bastard? He sniffed, and General Veers (who had the honor of sitting on his left) looked at him.

Luke looked back. Veers looked away.

Organa looked down at his clasped hands, his face set in neutral.

"Senator Organa is the acting head of the… Rebellion. However, we are here today as leaders of the new Galactic Alliance."

Luke straightened. Yay! You used my idea!

"The old ways are finished. The Empire will soon be finished, just as the Republic was destroyed by corruption and—"

Palpatine's subterfuge and manipulation, Luke noted silently.

"— subterfuge and manipulation, so we will use those strategies to end the Emperor's economic and military stranglehold over all planets within his reach."

"I thought we were going to fight him directly," Luke interrupted without thinking. Oops.

"We are, and it will require subterfuge and manipulation to arrange the circumstances."

Oh-oh, his dad sounded a little miffed. Luke smiled sheepishly. Was that grandstanding?

It was fine, Bug.

"Once his tyranny is held in check, the likelihood of extended relative peace is possible, which may also lead the galactic economy away from extreme power grabs by criminal actors as well as the military-industrial complex—"

Somebody's thinking about Xizor! Luke sing-songed in his head. But I'm hearing a lot of if's and maybe's, Dad.

"—and potentially improve the lives of the inhabitants of the galaxy. And also the life of my son."

Luke clucked disapprovingly. Eighteen eyes turned toward him. He cleared his throat. "That sounded like an addendum. I should be number one on your list."

"You are. I was counting down."

On his right, Captain Gallia chuckled. Somehow laughter from a Chiss sounded more threatening than amused.

Vader continued as though he hadn't been interrupted. "At previous meetings we discussed computer viruses, the communications blackout, and so forth. Commander Narra, I believe Luke has briefed you about those plans."

Oh, please remember, please remember! Don't let him think I forgot!

Narra nodded. "Yes, he did. I notice that General Rieekan hasn't been included. It appears that he's been eliminated from your plans… General Skywalker. Or am I wrong about that?" He looked like he knew he was right.

"I believe I made that clear." That was Vader replying, not Anakin or Vaderkin. "He has courage but is not a good strategist. He reacts rather than steers, just as Mothma has done. You have had the fortitude and foresight to disagree with him, Commander, which is why you are included in our plans rather than him."

Plus he likes me. Luke couldn't resist throwing back his dad's reasoning. Really, Dad, it sounds like you're pulling everyone's strings like Palpatine did with the Republic and the Separatists.

Is that a question?

Huh. Apparently not.

"I'm not entirely clear about my role." Narra didn't back down, which Luke knew earned his dad's approval.

"You will lead an attack, Commander, one that will draw the Emperor away from his throne and his Dark power."

"Attack Coruscant?"

"Not at this time. It will be an attack on an Imperial military stronghold. You will be given the necessary details when the time is right." Vader studied the commander. "The cost to overthrow the Emperor will be high. You must realize that he will only leave Coruscant to gloat over a massive victory."

Luke caught his breath. Narra couldn't seem to breathe either. "What… what are you saying, sir?"

"You must lead your troops into defeat, Commander. Self-sacrifice is the only way we can conquer Palpatine and thereby ensure the freedom of the galaxy."

Uh…. By 'self-sacrifice' you'd better not mean you! Luke shivered and wrapped his arms to hug himself. He didn't want to think too much about this new aspect of their plan, which would effectively eliminate Palpatine and the remnants of the Rebel Alliance at the same time.

"Any other questions?"

There were a lot. Luke tried to pay attention, but he was distracted by images of his fellow Rogues flying to their deaths. Plus some of the questions were repetitive and boring, like they were kids who needed to be reassured. After ten minutes, he could feel his dad's impatience and tension growing.

"I have questions," Luke murmured.

His father raised a hand to silence every other mouth that might potentially open. Luke could feel his relief. "Go ahead, Son."

"Well. I'm not sure how to say what I'm wondering." He leaned forward, linking his hands on the table. "Until we get to the part about enticing Sidious off Coruscant and the computer viruses, etcetera, we're being defensive. Why are we tiptoeing? Why can't we just go for it sooner?"

Beside him, Veers pulled himself ramrod-straight. Yeah, guess the general preferred fighting to sneaking around.

"Continue," Vader said.

"The main point is to get him to come after me and you. If we believe it will take the Force to ultimately destroy him, why don't we start with the Force?"

His dad leaned back, arms folded. He frowned slightly but inclined his head to indicate interest. "Continue."

Luke spread his hands open. "I'm thinking out loud here. Can we lure him with the prospect of capturing me instead of celebrating about a lot of dead fighters? Then while he's in hyperspace, can we do something to kill him? So we don't even have to confront him and hope we can beat him?"

"You're talking about an attack." General Veers's voice cut through the sudden silence like a knife through chanilla. "Not possible in hyperspace. Theoretically we could set bombs, but we would need to know his exact route and timing."

"It's unlikely we could pinpoint that," Jovay added, frowning. "And he would send out decoy ships."

"Executing the viruses is our best chance." But Gallia pursed his lips, apparently willing to consider other options.

"Luke, exactly what are you proposing?" Well, surprise! Senator Organa actually climbed down off his highness pedestal and asked him. Like… took him seriously?!

"I don't know exactly." Luke addressed his father. "I'm talking about using the Force, Dad. Even if there are decoys, we can sense which ship he is on. Could we… rip apart the hyperspace lane he's using? Or blockade every lane so he can't evade us? Or attack hyperspace itself? Just tear it open and destroy whatever is… you know… hanging loose inside."

Hanging loose?

Piett groaned audibly. "Is such a thing even possible? But he would have a big fleet with him. Probably even troops that are secretly allied with us. The casualties would be enormous."

Luke shook his head. "Rebellion, Empire, civilians— Everything we're proposing will result in a lot of deaths," he reminded them bluntly. "Every day the war continues, casualties keep rising. If we don't end this, what will be left?"

Vader held his gaze. "With the Force, all things are possible," his dad said slowly. "But I believe he would sense our intent before we could initiate an attack."

"Would he? When both of us are blocking his awareness?" He knew the group was listening and they weren't convinced. But that was all right, because he only needed to convince one person. "And… if he gets through anyway, maybe I could use… lightning."

Confused looks were exchanged around the table. "Lightning?" someone repeated.

"You do not know how!" his father snapped.

He kept holding that blue gaze. "I could learn."

"It is a Dark Side ability."

"Is it really? Dad, lightning is a natural phenomena…menon…? Whatever, shouldn't it be neutral like the Force?"

"Phenomenon," Narra muttered, and Luke nodded his thanks.

His dad propped one elbow on the table and leaned his chin on it.

Luke decided that was an invitation to say more. "So when he's distracted because I'm zapping him with lightning, you could kill him. Or I could explode him."

"Explode him?" Organa repeated warily. His gaze darted between father and son.

"Trust me and don't ask for a demonstration, Senator," Commander Narra advised, barely loud enough to be heard.

Vader still didn't speak.

"I mean, you have to give me something fun— I mean, something meaningful to do. After all, I learned that entire wonderful speech to say to Mothball and the Alliance Council and now I can't use it." He grinned but still didn't get any response, so he sighed. "Okay, how about this? We destroy all the hyperspace lanes to isolate him. Every galactic trade route would have to be rebuilt. That would level out the economy really fast, as in… starting over." All right, he was on a roll! "And that would wipe out fortunes and people like Mr. Prince X would have to start over, but we could eliminate them first."

No one said anything. Some of them looked sort of dazed. Or shocked. "Well… it was just a thought," he added with dignity.

"That is some extreme thinking," Captain Jir said when it was obvious his dad wasn't ready to answer. "I didn't understand most of it. The parts about the Force, I mean," he corrected when Luke sent him an affronted look.

"Let's adjourn for now," his father suggested (which everyone knew wasn't really a suggestion) and rose. "We will meet again tomorrow morning after I have given Luke's suggestions more consideration and discussed options with him. Senator Organa, Commander Narra, I assume you can both remain on the ship?"

Everyone stood. Organa nodded, but Narra said, "No, I have to get back for my next shift since obviously I couldn't ask for extra time off to come here. I have a lot of thinking to do myself."

"Very well. We will keep you apprised." His dad nodded as Narra left.

Bail Organa held up his hand. "You're not actually considering such radical suggestions?"

So much for taking me seriously.

The three of them waited in silence while the other officers filed out of the room, their faces somber.

"Ruthless little s.o.b., isn't he?" Luke heard General Veers hiss to Piett, his tone admiring rather than condemning. "Like father, like—"

"Max! Enough."

Vaderkin raised an eyebrow, then cleared his throat. "Senator, I consider everything my son says. We will discuss this tomorrow." One hand was placed against the small of Luke's back, intending to steer him out. Congratulations on your first 'ruthless'.

"Thanks! Hey, hold it! Hey, your Senatorship!" He smiled at Organa who had already turned away. "Just so you know, Leia doesn't know. That I'm her brother, I mean. And neither does Narra, so don't say anything. In fact, I don't think anyone knows except the three of us. Right, Dad?"

"Presumably." His father gave him a little shove toward the door. "Remember, Senator, everything you say here must never be repeated. To anyone. And that includes—"

"Everybody, even Mrs. Organa!" Luke called as he scooted out of his dad's reach.

# # #

His father stood in front of his dressing room mirror, fluffing his hair. When he saw Luke, he stretched his arms away from his sides and waited like a statue.

"I can take a hint." He eased the robe off his dad's shoulders, stroking the fabric before folding it reverently over his arm. It still dragged on the floor. "This feels almost like velvet."

"Silk velvet, I think. Lekauf ordered it."

Lekauf, Lekauf, Lekauf. He was a teensy bit jealous, but reminded himself that he was glad his father had a friend and helper. He hung the robe on a padded hanger. "You're collecting quite a wardrobe, Dad. Soon you'll have more than me."

"After all you proposed in the meeting, it is only now that your thoughts venture into the realm of the impossible. Tell me, Son, how are your toes feeling?"

"My toes?" Luke looked down at his feet. "Fine, now that I took the boots off and changed." He'd slipped into a simple jumpsuit only because it was too early for pajamas. Also, maybe the tiara wouldn't be appropriate with pj's. Although shouldn't tiaras go with everything? "Why?"

"You're still wearing socks. Do you need me to remove them for you? I know how they suffocate your poor toes."

"Oh, teehee!" He punched his dad's arm lightly. "Okay, now tell me the truth. Are you wearing contact lenses?"

Vaderkin continued studying his own reflection, smoothing his sleeves and straightening his shirt. "No. I seem to be able to change the color at will. Perhaps it's a result of the surgery."

"Huh. Maybe. Or maybe they go gold when you're pissed off. So obviously you're not mad at me now."

His dad turned around and looked over his shoulder to study his back view. "You already know that."

"Yeah, I just wanted to hear it." He smiled a little. "You're obviously feeling well since all you're doing is admiring your fine self."

"Mm-hmm." Vader inhaled deeply, openly enjoying the sensation of filling his new lungs.

Luke linked his hands around his father's arm and tugged. "If you can drag yourself away from the mirror, I have a treat for you."

"We must—"

"Talk, I know." He pulled his dad toward the living area. "You can have your treat while we talk."

"It had better not be pie with chanilla."

"Oh!" Luke halted. "It's not nice to remind me that I didn't get any!"

"Not the best father in the galaxy any longer?"

"Well… yeah, I suppose you are." He grinned. "Sit there."

"On the floor?"

"Trust me, you'll like this." He'd already piled a few chair cushions in front of the sofa. Once his dad was settled on them, Luke climbed behind him and sat cross-legged on said sofa, picking up the hairbrush they'd gotten during their glorious snow holiday. "You just relax. I'm going to teach you how to take care of my hair."

"It's my hair now." But Sith Father obeyed and leaned back against Luke's ankles, his eyes closing. "That feels good," he admitted as Luke brushed carefully through the messy strands.

"Does it? Tell me if it gets uncomfortable. I don't know if the brush feels okay against the synthskin."

"It does. The synth itches sometimes."

He continued his gentle repetitions, glad there were no tangles. "You should do this every morning and every night. And maybe during the day if it gets too messy. But don't make it really smooth." He ruffled the hair through his fingers. "See? After you brush it, mess it up again, but only a little."

His dad chuckled, as mellow as Luke had ever felt him. So of course Captain Lekauf interrupted by buzzing the com. Luke rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Captain."

"M'lord, Commander Narra has asked to have a few words before he departs."

"Send him in." Stay where you are, Bug, his dad instructed when Luke began to get up. And don't stop brushing.

Okay. Does that mean we're still rehabilitating your image?

Vader tilted his head back slightly. Do you think it still needs rehabilitating?

Luke snorted. That's a trick question. Maybe after this, he'll stop telling me to take a blaster when I come to visit you.

"That would be nice."

He resumed his brushing as the door opened.

Narra entered and came to an immediate stop. "I… oh, I'm sorry. If you're busy…."

Luke hoped his dad was getting a snap of the commander's rapidly pinking face.

Oh, great. He thinks we're creepy.

And your point is…?

"Not at all. Have a seat, if you can find one that still has a cushion." Vaderkin gestured vaguely.

Luke smiled. "Hey, Sir. You're leaving already? No time for dessert?" Ahem.

Bug.

"Yes, unfortunately." Narra stood in parade rest. "My lor— uh,General, I want to register my concerns about the plan that involves the— the—"

"Deaths," Luke offered helpfully. His dad simply waited.

"However, if you and the Senator deem the sacrifices necessary to defeat the Emperor and his Empire, I will comply." Narra frowned at his own words. "Everyone in the Alliance has vowed to give their lives to free the galaxy from tyranny."

Luke blinked a few times and focused on his dad's hair. The Death Star. If he had followed his dad's orders then, Palpatine would already be gone. But so would the commander standing in front of them and all the pilots and the entire Alliance base on Dantooine. And Dantooine itself. And Leia.

Then, his dad had told him exactly what Narra was saying now: they would have willingly sacrificed themselves to defeat Palpatine. It had been Luke who couldn't bear their sacrifice.

"Please sit down, Commander, so I do not have to continue looking up. I am recovering from multiple surgeries."

"I— oh, of course. Sorry." Narra's pink complexion deepened to red, and he sat on a chair without a cushion, sinking much too deeply into the coils but not complaining.

Luke admired his stoicism.

"I understand your misgivings and appreciate your fortitude." Vader's tone was soothing and Luke figured it was meant for him. "Luke regards you highly, which convinces me that you are the man for this task. My son and I will be talking at length about alternative paths. However, you must understand that we cannot continue to deliberate plans and delay acting. The longer we hesitate, the more likely our plot will be discovered."

"Which actually might be another way to go," Luke interrupted impulsively. "I mean… Palpatine finding out…. I'll have to think about it."

He saw Narra exchange a sympathetic look with his father.

"Yes," Vader said, "I know. His creativity manifests itself in unexpected ways. I understand that you also had some difficulties involving paint and stars."

Luke gasped indignantly, knowing the part he had to play. Although he wasn't playing! "Dad!"

"You too?" Narra's lips twitched.

"Commander, I had to have an entire castle wall scraped and repainted."

"What?" Luke scowled. "You didn't leave it? My masterpiece?"

The two older men shared another understanding glance. Here I am, being the icebreaker again, Dad. How do you do it when I'm not here?

With a sledgehammer.

Ouch. Luke resumed the brushing he'd left off for a few minutes. Why did that make Narra uncomfortable?

He has very little experience with intimacy of any sort.

Oh. That was unexpected. And sad. Luke vowed to be more intimate with the commander when he went back to the base.

Over my dead body, Bug.

He frowned but his father smiled. "My son believes I require instruction in the proper care of the hair he graciously donated to me."

The commander looked from Luke's head to Vader's. "Oh. He…?"

You have him hooked, just reel him in, Dad.

"I believe he told you that I am a burn victim. Which, frankly, is a modest term for the traumatic injuries I sustained."

Luke stopped brushing. Narra couldn't disguise a wince.

"It was helpful to have him at my side during the surgeries. Both his presence and his healing abilities have been invaluable to me." Vader reached around and patted his hand. "As he is. Thank you for allowing him to come here."

The commander made a sound that was half-gasp and half-laugh. "Believe me, my lord, I didn't allow him. There was no way I could have stopped him. Once his mind is set on something, he is very determined."

"Everybody else calls it stubborn." Luke scowled to hide his glee. Hah! He called you 'my lord'!

I'm not deaf, Bug. "You are correct. Understand one thing, Commander: to me, Luke is the most precious life in the galaxy. There are no limits to the lengths I will go to protect him or—"

Galactic Alliance, Galactic Alliance! Luke shouted in his head. Maybe you should shut up now!

His dad shut up.

Narra's expression was unreadable. "I remember your threat to 'burn down the galaxy' if anything were to happen to him…a threat which Luke reiterated about your well-being."

It was definitely time to say nothing.

The officer continued, "So I suppose the idea of tearing open hyperspace or destroying the trade lanes isn't hyperbole. It is actually something you could do."

Luke decided to answer because anything his father said would sound like a threat. "You never know what you can do until you try," he declared cheerfully.

Oh, that is so much better than what I would have said.

Don't be sarcastic! I have the hairbrush and I'll use it!

Well. He could have used it if it hadn't flown out of his loose grip and into his dad's hand. "Show-off."

Narra looked…. What's the word?

Discombobulated.

He didn't dare laugh, but what a great word! However, enough with the chit-chat. Now it was time for just him and his dad again. "Safe trip back to base, Sir," he said crisply. "Say hi to everyone— Oh, no, I guess you can't, never mind."

Narra rose awkwardly, pretending that it was no problem to get out of the chair, and smiled briefly before giving him an intense look. "Will you be returning?"

Will I? He bit his lip and didn't answer.

"We'll see how things progress. And I will be in touch with you," his dad said, and with a miracle of timing (or eavesdropping), Lekauf popped in with a helmet in his hand.

"Very well. General Skywalker. Luke… take care."

"You too." He sighed as the officer and his escort left. Vaderkin leaned back again. Luke shifted position and drew up his knees, resting his feet on his father's shoulders to give him an awkward massage.

"If you're trying to put me in a good mood so I am receptive to your radical ideas, perhaps you should get those socks away from my face. Most importantly, away from my nose."

Luke sighed again, louder this time. "Sheesh! I'm trying to be a good son and all I get from you is grief!"

"And a tiara."

"Oh." He pretended to consider and withdrew his feet. "Okay, fair trade."

"I thought so." His dad rose from the floor and joined him on the sofa. "Now let's talk and see if we can figure out a way to modify your ideas without destroying the galaxy at the same time."

"And about how you got a Senator and a Rebel commander to agree to join us." Luke gave his father the side eye. "Does Organa know about the Temple? You know… the younglings?"

"Yes."

"Then how did you—?"

"The same way I convinced you, Bug. With my incredible charisma and powers of persuasion."

Luke closed his eyes, hoping that gesture encompassed every shrug, eye roll, and sigh that he'd ever aimed at his dad.

"Whatever."

# # #