The thrum of the engines must have awakened him. It was the only conclusion his foggy mind could reach at the moment. The cabin slowly materialized into existence before Anakin Skywalker's eyes, as he lay motionless on the ship's bunk, the walls of a hyperberic chamber surrounding him. I must be on the Emperor's shuttle. The thought came unbidden, giving him a cause to smile and regretted it immediately. Closing his eyes, he reached inward with the Force to alleviate the excruciating pain that wracked his entire body.
He felt Luke's presence in the cabin before he heard him enter.
"How do you feel, Father," Luke inquired as he studied readouts on a nearby monitor.
Anakin regarded his son wordlessly for a few minutes before answering; his voice a rancor's growl when he spoke at last.
I thought I told you to let me
die!"
Luke had been prepared for this. He couldn't blame Anakin for expressing the ingratitude he felt. The fact that Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader had a lot to answer for and could go nowhere without being recognized was irrefutable. Luke wondered if his father's wish to die had been a result of beholding a nightmarish future that included imprisonment, grueling interrogation, and execution. Perhaps his father's assessment had been completely accurate... Maybe he would have been better off dead. With a deep sigh, Luke shoved the doubts he was entertaining aside and began plotting the next stage of events.
"Perhaps if you removed my armor and burned it, the Rebellion and the Empire may assume I am dead."
Luke smiled to himself and thanked the Force silently that his father was beginning to take part in the scheme for his own preservation.
"Do you feel well enough to fly?"
"I have no choice. I believe I can make it back to Corruscant if I put myself in suspended animation for the trip." With that, Anakin attempted to reposition himself and return to a fitful slumber.
Luke slipped out of the cabin, making sure the hyperberic dome was securely locked in place over his father.
Moments later, Luke returned to rouse him and inform him of their recent landing on Endor. He found Anakin sitting up, waiting for him.
The older Jedi's face bore a determined look as he struggled to his feet. With Luke's aid, he shuffled to the cockpit and collapsed into the pilot's couch. He offered his son a salute as he powered up the Imperial shuttle.
"May the Force be with you, Father." Luke said, returning the gesture.
"And with you, Son."
Without further delay, Luke slipped from the cockpit and into the cool sylvan night, armor slung over his shoulder.
