AN: this is the mind rape chapter. not graphic but just fyi
Piett POV
"You will address my guests only by their first names, Captain. Luke and Leia will need to be supplied with appropriate clothing. Leia prefers the Alderaan style of dress. Also, arrange a meal schedule for them," Lord Vader ordered, looking out at the stars.
"It will be done, Lord Vader," Captain Piett said.
Lord Vader turned towards the smaller man and Piett suppressed a flinch only through sternly trained habit. It was always disconcerting to be the center of the Dark Lord's focus.
"I am counting on you to make sure my guests remain secure and undisturbed. Do not disappoint me."
"Yes, my Lord," Piett said steadily.
The captain inhaled deeply as Lord Vader strode off. It was an honor to be so trusted by Lord Vader, but it was also very stressful. And sometimes a bit… degrading. Being the only human regularly allowed to enter Darth Vader's domain meant that the guests' meals and clothing would have to be delivered personally. Unless he could get a droid to do it, but the two approved droids (one medical and one protocol droid) were not allowed OUT of Vader's wing, so it was really a moot point.
Also… Leia? As in Leia Organa? As in the Princess/Senator of Alderaan? Piett thought she looked familiar and now that he knew her name, he was nearly certain. Alderaan had be destroyed, so he supposed her titles no longer applied, but still…
Piett shook his head. It was none of his business who Lord Vader brought with him. Although this certainly put the "guest" title into serious doubt. As if the young man's, Luke, wounds had not been enough of a hint.
Stifling the urge to muse on why Vader wanted the two, thinking too much around Vader was always a bad idea, Piett went to complete his newly assigned duties.
-000-
Vader POV
Luke had not reacted well to his presence. It was unsurprising, Vader consoled himself, given the circumstances under which they had met.
Vader knew from experience that cutting off a limb did not lend itself to amicable future relations.
But the boy was somewhat disappointing. There was no real fire in him. Yes, Luke had attempted to help Kenobi, a weak attempt, but since then he hadn't impressed Vader. Where was his fighting spirit? Maybe he'd been around Kenobi too long. His old master didn't seem to have much fight left in him. Pitiful, Vader sneered.
Having to sedate the boy into unconsciousness because he had a full-on panic attack though… Vader had never had a panic attack in his life. Fear made a person angry, not whatever that was.
If any of his troops had that reaction, Vader would have ended it- with excessive force.
Perhaps he needed to find out exactly what Kenobi had taught the boy. Yes, that way Vader could undo the damage. Teach Luke how a Sith used their anger and fear to become more powerful.
It was that Jedi nonsense that crippled Luke; Vader was sure of it.
As the hover bed floated behind him, Vader started composing a plan to teach both of his children the way to true power. With the three of them, it was only a matter of time before Sidious would be no more.
For now, it was time to get away from the doomed Death Star. He must get his children to his flagship and safety before the Rebels succeeded in destroying this "ultimate weapon".
-000-
Luke POV
Luke woke to the sound of Vader's distinctive breathing.
Instantly, Luke jerked at his bindings and wanted to scream.
Absently the young man noticed that he had been moved to a new room, and it wasn't a cell. What that meant he couldn't even begin to imagine.
"Calm yourself, Luke," Vader said, moving closer to Luke's bed. His hand reached out to stroke Luke's face once again and bile rose in Luke's throat. Then an unnatural wave of calm pulsed through him.
Luke sunk back into the bed; his eyelids heavy. There was a shriek in the back of his mind, but it was so distant.
Then something cold and dark slithered through Luke's skull.
The shriek was no longer distant. His ears rang, though he couldn't tell if he was actually screaming or not. There was something crawling through his brain!
His breath came in tiny gasps, too fast and too shallow.
A sudden pain and the slithering darkness turned sharp, piercing. This time Luke knew he screamed; his throat raw with the effort.
He felt his body arching, writhing. But nothing stopped the vicious invasion.
And then it was inside. Oily fingers plucked at his memories, bringing one then another into view.
Ben, smiling gently at him as Uncle Owen grimaced and pushed Luke to keep moving.
Ben, leaving a wooden ship on Grandmother Shmi's grave, nodding at Luke as he disappeared back into the dunes.
Ben, lifting Luke up as he recovered from the Tuskan Raiders' blow.
Ben, handing Luke his father's lightsaber.
Ben, smiling as Luke unsuccessfully dodged the training droid.
Ben, being beheaded.
The oily fingers plucked at more memories, but they only flashed for a moment before being discarded.
After what seemed like days, the darkness pulled back and Luke heaved in breaths.
Tears were streaming down his face. Every breath stung his throat. Every exhale was a whimper. Luke's body was shaking so hard that the restrains rattled.
Vader growled in frustration and turned away, leaving Luke cold and alone.