Summary: Luke and Vaderkin have a heart-to-heart before telling the Alliance Council that Anakin Skywalker is back from the dead and here to rescue them. The galaxy sees a big BOOM on Coruscant, a father figure and a foe are lost, and Vaderkin tests Luke.
Note: This chapter is longer than usual because I didn't want to break up the scenes. So grab a mug of hot chocolate, sit back and relax (as Vaderkin would say), and hopefully you'll enjoy the read! Hugs!
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About ten seconds into Organa's opening statement, Luke stopped paying attention. So did his father, at least partly. He could feel Vader was indecisive about something. No, it was too late to change his mind!
"What's wrong? Please don't tell me you're pivoting already!"
"There's nothing to pivot against yet." Vader leaned forward and held both of Luke's hands. Which Luke did not take to be a good sign. "In the last Alliance meeting, you spoke out about—"
He groaned and tried to pull his hands away, but his dad's grip tightened. "Yeah? What? Did I screw up? I'm sorry!"
"Your words were eloquent and your defense of your 'Third Side' was passionate and earnest."
"Uh-huh. I feel a 'but' coming."
His father rubbed his hands comfortingly, which was another Not Good Sign. "Both in the former Republic and in the Empire, I have held positions of prominence. I earned respect and obedience through awe and fear. Hopefully, I will be held with the same regard in the new Alliance."
He opened his mouth to ask which one, but his dad clarified: "Respect."
"Okay."
"The name 'Skywalker' will mean something again, too, a symbol of strength and hope. And you, Luke, carry that name. It is an honor and a responsibility."
"Dad, just come out with whatever you want to scold me for."
"I'm not scolding you," Vaderkin reassured, then added: "Well, not exactly. I am asking you to be more discreet with your quips."
"You want me to stop quipping?"
"You may quip anything to me. But to some people, your words may sound like ridicule. Luke, I appreciate your ideas and intellect, and I want our allies to appreciate them. I want them to see you as I do, for what you truly are inside— a bright, strong young man, the son of a queen and a Jedi, high born, quality, worthy of your beloved, elegant clothing. Princely."
He stared at their linked hands, feeling… not exactly hurt, but insulted. Or… embarrassed. Porkins had said something once— not about Luke, but about putting lipstick on a pig. That was…. "I'm not high born. I'm not quality. I don't live up to the fancy clothes you give me. I'm a drunk and a spice addict and a smart-ass delinquent who—"
"Stop right there," Vaderkin commanded sternly. "No wallowing in self-pity. You are none of those things. You are a brilliant, talented, nearly-grown child who is so clever that it's difficult to keep all your witticisms contained. You are not your past— because if you believe you are, then what must you believe about me?"
Luke shook his head.
"Bug." Vaderkin freed one hand and caressed his cheek. "Do you remember what you said to me once? It was shortly after we found each other and it was, perhaps, when I began to understand how perceptive you are. You said that both you and I wore masks, and the only difference was that people could see mine. Do you remember that?"
He blinked and nodded. Those early days together had been beautiful and agonizing, full of love and anger, tears and laughter, regret and longing, both of them wanting to reclaim the missing years and outraged that it was impossible. But despite the pain that time had been wonderful, and in some ways easier than now when he had to make his own decisions.
"I want people to see more than your mask— our masks. Luke, you don't need to pretend any longer. You are the strong, loving, fierce warrior son at my side. Another Skywalker, another extraordinary Force user. And more importantly, you're my precious boy."
He knew his father was right, but he couldn't talk about his feelings now because that might lead to talking about his dad's feelings and his mask and his pretend world where he was still a Jedi. "I suppose I could stop quipping if only to shock His Serenity."
"Thank you. And speaking of Organa…."
He saw his father's Significant Look and groaned theatrically, but was secretly glad to redirect their conversation. "Oh, sithspit! You want me to apologize to him?!"
"That's up to you. All I'm asking is for you to rein in your attacks on him. I understand you are upset about the past, but do not allow those events to control your present and future."
"Okay." He supposed he could stop quipping, but that wasn't the worst of what his dad was hinting. "I'm sorry my mouth and I have disappointed you," he ventured, and waited for a denial.
His dad was quiet for a too-long moment that made him tighten inside. "Luke, that will never happen. It is impossible. Continue sending your most outrageous quips to my head and I will enjoy them, but try not to distract me at crucial moments."
"Okay." Another idea sparked from nowhere and he perked up. "Do you think I should quip to Palpatine?"
"Don't make light of the confrontation." Vaderkin shook his head and nudged the volume control on the holo feed. "Let's listen. Organa appears to be wrapping up."
No quip, no quip, no quip, he reminded himself and tried to focus on the screens that showed only three locations— Yavin Command, another base he didn't know, and a room that seemed fancier than necessary.
"—with the assistance of military and political allies within the Empire," the senator was proclaiming.
"Oh, really?" Representative Qwerent drawled, and nothing could have prevented Luke's eyes from rolling, particularly since he was safely off-camera. "Just how and where are you getting information and apparently the promise of assistance from the Empire, Organa?"
"He means you and what army," Luke mumbled, even though no one could hear.
Begin quipping silently now! his dad reminded, and this time it really sounded like a scolding. Luke wrinkled his nose and pretended to pout.
"I am receiving it from a man who has been both undercover and a prisoner of the Empire for eighteen years." Organa nodded, and Vaderkin initiated Nightbird's cam and stepped into view. "May I introduce a hero of the Republic, General Anakin Skywalker."
BOOM! There should have been a band. Music, applause, some sort of fanfare. Instead Luke saw eyes bug open and jaws drop in recognition (of the name or the face?). Sha'ra, the fierce woman who'd spoken about Jedi at the last meeting, grinned widely, and generally there was a lot of sudden straightening and paying attention. Respect, like his dad wanted!
"Jedi!" Sha'ra exclaimed.
"Yes," his dad agreed, and Luke managed to remain expressionless, although he wasn't certain. Maybe his father was a Jedi again?
"How—"
"Who—"
Vaderkin held up one hand to stop questions. "Some of you recognize or remember me as the successful Jedi commander during the Clone Wars. I was not killed in the Temple massacre as most assumed. Instead I was captured and held prisoner by a powerful Force user, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious— also known to the Galaxy as Emperor Palpatine."
His father waited for shocked murmurs to die down. Or maybe he needed time to think up more lies. Luke frowned at his dad's back, although he had to admit that Vaderkin was smooth.
"During my years of imprisonment, I was able to contact former officers of the Republic with whom I served during the Clone Wars. Also within the Empire are legions that have remained personally loyal to me, and in numbers and influence we have been strong enough to create an underground coalition. Today I have a large contingent of Imperial military resources that have agreed to join me in allying with the forces of the Rebellion. I support Bail Organa as Chancellor of the new Galactic Alliance, and we are willing to work together to reach the goal that both sides share— eliminating the Emperor and ending his stranglehold on the galaxy."
Three people applauded. Representative Qwerent scowled. "I think—" he started, then stopped.
Luke peeked around his dad's shoulder. "Well—"
Luke!
Fine! If he thinks, it doesn't show.
One of the Watchers who Watched him last time spotted him again. Next to the Watcher, a gray-haired man in a well-worn uniform said sharply, "Qwerent, if you think, it doesn't show!" and Luke nearly giggled.
Who is that?
General Airen Cracken, Intelligence. Enraptured with the idea of assassinating Palpatine.
Enraptured? Luke bit his lower lip to stop another giggle.
"Yes!" General Cracken's exclamation sounded like he'd been holding it back for a very long time and finally let it burst out as he slapped one fist into his other palm. "It's about time the Council finally made a move! I've been waiting for this for years."
Yeah, you're right. Enraptured. He couldn't hold back the giggle any longer. Oops.
"Who the hell is that behind you?" Qwerent snapped, his annoyance finding an easy target. "Is that Organa's damned phony security man? Know your place, boy!"
With a slight smile, Luke moved to stand next to Vaderkin so their arms touched. "My place is right here."
"I apologize, Representative," Vaderkin said, totally lying again. "As he is a member of this Council, I assumed you had already met my son, Luke Skywalker."
"Your— What?" Qwerent stumbled, then sneered. "You managed to sire a son while you were a prisoner?"
"He managed to sire a son while he was a Jedi." Luke kept smiling, sliding his gaze across General Cracken and Fierce Sha'ra to see their reactions. Neither of them appeared to be more than mildly surprised. And why would they be? The only surprise would be if someone as magnificent as The Hero With No Fear had… hadn't… had never…. Well. Whatever.
"Luke has been stationed with us for a couple years," Commander Narra declared, breaking his silence and surprising everyone but Luke.
Cracken's tense, battle-worn face creased with eagerness. "So this plan is not a spur of the moment opportunity! General Skywalker— you've been planning this for years! While you were a prisoner! By the gods— did you allow yourself to remain imprisoned?"
His father sent the Intelligence Chief an inscrutable smile which Luke figured everyone took as agreement. Except, of course, Organa, Rieekan, Narra, and—
"I don't believe— Are you all blind?" Qwerent's face purpled with outrage. "Skywalker may be an Imperial plant! Or he may be plotting to take over the Empire himself!"
Geez, Dad. He's annoying, but not as dumb as he looks.
Go ahead and choke him.
"What?" Luke tried not to look at his dad. I… what?
Choke him.
How? I can't! He's not here!
He's right there in front of you. Focus. Shut him up.
Great. This must be the lesson about his Force strength. He tried without much enthusiasm, and Quwrent actually cleared his throat a few times before Luke stopped trying. It's too hard.
Hmm. Perhaps you simply lack incentive. We'll try again later. "Thank you for the suggestion, Representative, but I am not interested in becoming a career politician who craves accolades for words rather than deeds."
Burn. Luke sent Quwrent a smug smile.
"As everyone present understands, the Empire is too big to be defeated and completely abolished. What we can do is infiltrate the government to change it from within… back to a republic."
"That's what you've been working toward?" Cracken asked abruptly.
Vaderkin didn't reply. Thank the stars, because if he'd lied, Luke was pretty sure he didn't share his dad's talent for keeping his face inscrutable.
Although… Vader had been working to change the government, even if he'd wanted to take the throne for himself. So technically, if his dad had agreed with Cracken, it wouldn't have been a lie.
Cracken apparently liked to take silence as affirmation. "Palpatine is too well protected. Every attack we've tried has failed. Assassins have been caught, spies executed, ships destroyed…."
His father gave a modest one-shouldered shrug. "I have people positioned everywhere now, including in the Imperial City Protection Fleet."
Geez, Dad, blab your secret identity while you're at it!
Relax, Luke. Live on the edge, enjoy it. It's fun.
FUN?! If this was what Anakin had been like, no wonder the Jedi couldn't keep him in check.
The Intelligence officer's eyes narrowed. "There was an earlier Death Star," he said slowly. "Over a decade ago. Does everyone know that?"
There were nods and murmurs. "I thought it was only a rumor?" a Mon Calamari questioned.
"No, we knew it was being built. The rumor was that it was sabotaged from within the Empire." Cracken folded his arms and stared at General Skywalker.
Vaderkin didn't reply. Another silent affirmation. Luke narrowed his eyes. He'd heard that. Somewhere, sometime, someone had said it, and his dad hadn't answered them either. Did you…?
Surreptitiously his father punched something into his wrist communicator. Luke saw General Cracken glance at his own communicator, then his head barely dipped in assent.
"I still want to know—" Quwrent stopped and cleared his throat.
I didn't do anything!
Pity, his father Sent, and Luke scowled.
"Quwrent, shut up," Cracken ordered, making the man choke back words and achieving what Luke had not, then asked: "When do we begin, sir?"
With his usual flair for drama, Vaderkin pretended to consult an invisible chron. "In about… twenty seconds. Give or take." Watch me pull a rabbit out of a hat, he teased.
What? Luke's gaze darted around. What hat? And why would a rabbit—?
That's another aspect of your education I considered unimportant— old colloquialisms. It refers to a magician's trick.
That mini-explanation took about five seconds out of what Luke suspected would be the longest twenty seconds of his life. Give or take. His nervousness was increasing and there was only one outlet possible. He yawned.
His dad looked down at him. "I'm sorry, is the fate of the galaxy keeping you awake?"
"Pretty much," he agreed before the communications screen flashed static and crackled and their transmission was interrupted by a broadcast showing thick columns of smoke that rose and grew wider until they disguised the backdrop of Coruscant's very identifiable jumble of buildings that normally were visible as they stretched into the sky.
Vaderkin laid one hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
The view shifted between multiple cameras that all showed pretty much the same thing. Moments later a human female (very well coiffed, Luke noted out of habit, but revealing an extreme amount of bosom) appeared on the scene, one finger pressed against a listening bud in her ear, looking professional, although Luke thought her attitude seemed a bit too ebullient considering the circumstances.
Kinda like you, Dad.
"Yes, Ro'ood, we're all seeing it. Put me on to— Oh, going live!" Her excited voice changed to the familiar solemn and empathetic tone that reporters used for disasters, but it did little to dampen her obvious gloating. "This is Cricket Crystal, reporting live for ChitChatChannel. I'm first on the scene at an unfolding tragedy in Imperial City Federal District where a few minutes ago an alleged explosion was caught on multiple security cameras. What you see behind me is a conflagration caused by the alleged incident. There's been no word as yet from—" She tapped her earpiece. "Wait, I'm hearing that we at ChitChatChannel have obtained exclusive additional footage leading up to the alleged explosion."
Luke struggled not to react because that Watcher was still Watching him. His father's fingers tightened almost painfully.
Several cameras changed their views to show tiny walking figures. "Yes, this was recorded minutes ago. We can clearly see people on the landing bay on the upper level of the Imperial Executive Building. One appears to be our glorious military hero, Lord Vader, who is leading a platoon of stormtroopers, and the other— I can't quite make out— the color tint must be off— Ro'ood, can we zoom in?— do you have an identification— Yes, YES! That is Prince Xizor! As you know, Prince Xizor is an enormously wealthy Falleen and his sexual appetite is reportedly so huge that he frequently resorts to dalliances with droids!"
After that juicy tidbit, Cricket needed a moment to compose herself before continuing: "It appears that Lord Vader is speaking with the Prince…. Now the stormtroopers are approaching and surrounding Prince Xizor and escorting him toward a shuttle. Lord Vader is following and— OH! There's the explosion! Alleged explosion! I can't see what triggered it, but it appeared to come from below, it's ENORMOUS, I can't imagine how many levels we just saw destroyed and the loss of life must be staggering! It looks like— Are we seeing the walkway disintegrating? Ro'ood, run it again! Yes, yes, we can definitely see a structural collapse— Oh! Oh, no! It looks like Lord Vader and Prince Xizor were caught in the alleged explosion! As were the troopers. I don't see how anyone could survive this. What a tragedy! Two of the most virile figures in the galaxy lost in a blinding second of flames and massive destruction!"
He thought he'd been prepared— no, he was prepared! No one except his dad knew that his heart raced and his breathing increased and a shudder ran through him. He was watching his father…die.
I'm right here, his dad Sent, but he could feel that Vaderkin was shaken too. How hard must it be to see your alter-ego disintegrate in front of— Dad? Who's in the Suit? Is it a droid? Maybe one of Xizor's 'friends'? He had to fight back a hysterical giggle.
Those particular troopers were loyal to the Emperor.
Which wasn't what he'd asked and he almost asked again… but realized that he'd received the answer.
"It's never been a secret to anyone who watches ChitChatChannel," Cricket Crystal continued glibly, "that there's been bad blood between Vader and Xizor dating back years to an incident when an outbreak of a fatal virus occurred at an Imperial agricultural facility on Falleen. Lord Vader tried to contain the outbreak but was ultimately forced to decontaminate a nearby city, causing several deaths that Xizor wrongly blamed on the Sith Lord and Emperor Palpatine. There were also rumors of a romantic triangle involving Lord— Oh, it appears that— Yes? All right. My colleague at ChitChatChannel, Chad Chadwit, is receiving more details. Go ahead, Chad," she instructed grudgingly.
Romantic triangle? Luke was as horrified by that notion as the scene unfolding on the holo. Dad, I'm losing it!
You're fine. Such a rumor is totally false. Unless they're referring to your kidnapping by the Falleen and my giving chase to retrieve you.
Luke sighed heavily.
A young human male appeared on their screens. He was dressed nicely but more conservatively than the woman (although his hair was just as stiff and motionless) except that his pointer finger was displaying a very large ring set with a gemstone in a remarkable shade of green that shimmered with hints of violet.
No, his dad said.
I didn't say anything! I don't want it, I'm just looking!
"Thank you, Cricket. This is Chad Chadwit from ChitChatChannel reporting from where I have been quietly embedded for weeks at a Naval Intelligence monitoring station near the explosion. This normally quiet location has been anything but quiet today! Word here is that Lord Vader arrived with instructions to arrest Prince Xizor for treason against the Emperor, a charge that is shocking but not surprising to regular viewers of the ChitChatChannel because Xizor's alleged criminal enterprises have long been the subject of investigation and controversy but Xizor has always been able to dodge the charges, allegedly bribing or threatening his way out of rightful punishment— until today."
Chad ran of breath and stopped to inhale, recovering quickly. "It's possible— and I'm only speculating here, Cricket— well, people are already saying that the alleged explosion was part of an alleged assassination plot against our great military hero Lord Vader and that the alleged perpetrator was none other than Prince Xizor himself who was caught in his own alleged plot! We could even speculate that he intended a murder/suicide to satisfy his twisted need for revenge against an old foe. Allegedly. Wow, what a story! I'll stay right here for our viewers and share all the revelations that will be coming as the investigation continues. Of course," Chad Chadwit added quickly, "it could have been an accident, although the timing and location makes that id—"
All the screens turned midnight blue. A rotating Imperial cog appeared. An invisible announcer intoned, "Reports have been received that a minor fire has broken out in a lower level of a central shopping district. There are no reports of injuries. More information as the story develops. We now return to our regularly scheduled daytime programming."
"So much for freedom of the press," Luke whispered as the vid monitors flashed back to the Alliance Council members.
"As I said," Vaderkin reminded everyone, "the Empire is too big to be defeated outright, but it can be infiltrated and changed from within."
A lot of people spoke at once. The gist of it was, Luke decided, what the hell happened and did YOU do it?
Vaderkin tilted his head. "Son, would you like to explain the source of the explosion?"
Who, ME?!
No, my other son.
No fair quipping if I can't! Luke drew a long, steadying breath. "Yes, of course, Father. The Emperor built a smaller version of an Imperial dreadnought ship beneath the city. The Lusankya is— was— intended to be his method of escape if an insurrection occurred." He hesitated, then shrugged. "But, oops, it blew up. And sadly right when Lord Vader was scheduled to be there. And the head of one of the galaxy's largest criminal organizations. Allegedly."
You had to say 'oops'? But he could feel his dad was amused.
"Our next step—" Vader stopped and Luke alerted.
Multiple klaxons blared across the Yavin base, howling their warning. "That was fast," his dad said disapprovingly but with righteous sarcasm, "and so unforeseeable." And right on time.
"We're under attack," General Rieekan called harshly. "It appears to be a single incoming missile. Commander, scramble the—"
"Don't bother," Vaderkin interrupted. "Luke will take care of it."
What?! Who, ME?!
No, the other Luke. Get outside, flourish your hand, add some drama. It's a good lesson for you, Son. Stop the missile before it hits the base.
This is YOU! You did this! This is a LESSON?! Luke shrieked in his head before he raced from Nightbird. Which, he realized, was conveniently resting on the tarmac so he was precisely in the right place at the right time to see the dot in the sky. Two x-wings were already in the air and anti-missile cannons outside were aiming upward toward a target that was too far away to hit.
But the dot was becoming bigger and it wasn't taking a straight path. It zigged and zagged and twisted like a snake. If the guns missed and the x-wings missed—
His friends might be killed! But surely his father wouldn't allow—
Luke closed his eyes, lifting his hand toward the incoming object. Shutting out talking, engines, running feet pounding on the tarmac, stretching farther into the jungle, animals, reptiles, birds, plants growing and stretching, so much life….
He drew on the abundant energy, spreading upward, through the thick air, clouds heavy and damp with rain that might fall to ground later, into the sweet atmosphere, calm, tranquil… except for a Thing that should not be there. It was a misplaced object that had no feelings, no anger, only mindless intent, and it simply didn't belong here and now.
He took hold of it, curled his fingers and.…crushed it in his fist. Pieces of debris scattered. He retrieved them, pulled them together and tore them apart down to their atoms until they were nothing. Then he opened his eyes and remembered where he was.
Very good, his father declared, and it was all captured on camera. Now they know how powerful you are— and so do you.
Thanks for warning me ahead of time, he grumbled, then admitted to them both that he was undeniably proud that he could use the Force so easily. But… if the Council knows, does Palpatine know it too, now?
He, like everyone on this Council, knows only what I want them to know.
Luke Sent a mental scowl.
Except for you, Bug. You know everything.
His head shook (and he was reminded that he had hair!). I don't know everything, Dad, and I don't think you do either.
Son. Relax. Wing it. Enjoy yourself.
Stop telling me to RELAX! Dad! Hey, wait a second! You FILMED me?! This'll be all over the 'Net in— Well, it probably is already! Everyone in the galaxy will know about me!
Bug, settle down. There will be some far-flung regions where no one will know of your fame, and you will be able to live an isolated, hermit-like existence, but for now—
WE, Luke interrupted. WE will live an isolated and hermit-like existence.
But for now, his father resumed, let's wrap up our business and get this show on the road.
Right. He turned around to find Commander Narra staring at him. "Hi," he said awkwardly, then: "Okay, well… let's go back to the meeting and pull a rabbit by its ears!" and didn't wait for a response but trotted toward Nightbird.
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