Chapter 6: Cover-Up
An hour later, Luke limped through the glass doors of the medical centre in the senate office building. A kind security guard at the train station had offered to call ahead and get someone to come up with a stretcher, but he'd insisted he'd make it fine on his own. He was wrong.
Collapsing to his knees inside the door, he crawled up to the reception desk, dragging his hurt leg behind him. After a few seconds of rest, he gathered enough energy to pull himself upright, using the desk as leverage.
"How may I help you?" L-160 enquired.
Luke stared at the protocol droid, wondering if he was serious, or whether his programmer had a sick sense of humor.
"Is Doctor Leeson working tonight?" he asked, his voice sounding strained and raspy.
"Wait one moment, sir, while I check."
"Please, hurry," Luke said, wincing. He couldn't hold out much longer.
The droid analysed his computer screen. "Doctor Leeson is seeing a patient right now. He should be available momentarily. Would you like to arrange an appointment?"
"Just tell him Luke Skywalker is here to see him," Luke said.
"Very well, sir. Please take a seat in the waiting room."
Luke sighed, and then sunk down against the desk, out of sight of the reception droid. He'd expended every last bit of energy in getting here in the first place. Trying to reach the waiting room chairs was just a step too far.
He closed his eyes, and rested against the desk, telling himself that his doctor would be here any minute. He'd give him a painkiller, and the medical droids would bind up his ankle, and he'd be okay.
Afterwards, he'd walk back home, and move the ships around in the hangar bay, so it wasn't immediately obvious the Dunesea was missing. His father wouldn't notice for a few days. He'd be too busy with Imperial things. That would give him time to think up a good explanation.
"Luke?!"
Luke opened his eyes and saw his doctor, entering the reception area from down the main corridor.
"What in the ... L-160, what's going on here?"
"Luke Skywalker is here to see you," the droid explained.
"He's lying injured on the floor, for star's sake! Why didn't you call me immediately?"
"He was functioning perfectly a moment ago," the droid said, sounding puzzled.
"Come on," the doctor said, reaching down to assist Luke in standing. "Easy now. What happened?!"
"I, um—" Luke broke off as a wave of pain accompanied his attempt to stand. He leaned heavily on the doctor, who helped him into the nearest examination room. Luke limped over to the bed, and sat down with a sigh of relief. He swung his legs up in front of him, and two medical droids rolled forward immediately. Luke caught sight of his face in their shiny exteriors. There was a bleeding cut across his forehead, and a bruise on his cheek.
The droids began to remove his shirt, revealing more bumps and scrapes.
"Should I try and guess?" Doctor Leeson said, coming over with a syringe.
Luke cringed at the sight of it.
"It's a painkiller," he explained.
Luke quickly offered his arm and tried not to wince at the pain of the needle. "I had to eject out of a shuttle," he said, looking away.
"What?!" The doctor discarded the syringe, and returned with a medical scanner. One of the droids had removed Luke's boot, and was rolling up his pant leg.
"I was flying alone, out in the industrial district," Luke continued. "Then a fighter craft started shooting at me! I don't know why. I nearly made it back to Imperial City, but my shields were drained, and I had to eject."
"How did you walk all the way here on this?!" The doctor gestured at his ankle, and Luke saw it was badly swollen.
"With difficulty."
"I can imagine." The doctor ran the scanner over it a few times, and then studied the results. "It's not broken, just sprained," the doctor said, after making an inspection. "You are very lucky. We'll bind it up. If you apply bacta gel each night, it might just be healed in a week."
"A week?!"
Luke sighed, wondering how he was going to hide this from his father. The cut wasn't vital, he could comb his hair over it. But his father would spot a limp from a kilometer away.
The droid saw to his ankle, while Doctor Leeson proceeded to check Luke elsewhere for any other serious injuries. Once satisfied, he turned to talk to him.
"I'm going to contact your father. I'm assuming he doesn't know about this, or he'd be hovering around worrying about you and blaming himself."
"No!" Luke said, aghast. "You can't tell him! Please! He's not even on Coruscant!"
The doctor chuckled. "Luke, I think he's going to notice anyway. He's not what I'd call oblivious, as far as your health is concerned."
"But the ship was destroyed! He designed that ship. It was a prototype, one of a kind. I wasn't even supposed to be flying it ..." Luke looked down, miserably. "He's going to kill me! Literally!"
"Luke," the doctor said, seriously, "I've known the pair of you since ... since before you even knew you were father and son. And I've noticed a few things about your father during that time, and he would never, ever harm you."
"You don't know what he's like when he's angry. Even if he doesn't kill me, he'll never forgive me for destroying it."
"He's forgiven you for a lot of things in the past."
"This is different," Luke said. "This is something he spent months modifying and designing." He paused, remembering. "We worked on it together," he said, quietly.
"He'll understand you didn't mean for this to happen."
"Please, at least give me some time to figure out how to break it to him. He's back tomorrow afternoon."
"All right, Luke," Doctor Leeson said. "He won't hear it from me, unless he asks. But you won't be able to keep this from him for long. It would be better just to come clean and tell him the truth."
"That's probably what the officer he murdered last week thought," Luke said, sadly.
"You're exhausted," the doctor said, gently. "You need a good night's rest. Things won't seem so bad tomorrow. Would you like a ride home?"
"Thank you," Luke said, gently testing his ankle on the floor. It couldn't take his weight, but it was feeling a little better. "You're a lifesaver."
After the doctor dropped him at the Imperial Palace, Luke dreamed of falling into bed and forgetting this day ever happened. That was a faint hope, however. It took half an hour to shuffle the ships in the hangar around, even with Threepio's help. Artoo had offered his own services in deleting the security logs and recordings, erasing any trace of the Dunesea's departure.
He was woken up the next morning by Artoo beeping like a speeder alarm and prodding him with his grabbing appendage. He lifted his head from the pillow, wondering why he felt so disgusting. It soon became apparent that he'd slept in his clothes.
"Artoo, why did you have to wake me?" Luke complained.
He didn't need a translator to interpret Artoo's quick reply. He was going to be late for school.
"Okay, okay, I'll get up," Luke sighed.
He placed both feet on the floor and was met with a stabbing pain. His ankle hadn't made a miraculous overnight recovery, unfortunately.
"Artoo, can you pack my school bag?" Luke said, limping towards the refresher. "And tell the kitchen droids I need breakfast to go."
Having a shower took twice as long as normal, as he struggled to avoid getting the dressing wet. It also revealed lots of scrapes and bruises he didn't know he had. Still, he couldn't complain. At least he was in one piece. It was just starting to sink in how close he'd come to being a smear on the side of a building.
Had he been targeted specifically, or was it just some maniac in a fighter, out to kill? Did they know he'd survived? What if it was a bounty hunter, sent by some enemy of his father's?
Luke felt fear for a brief moment, and then pushed his concerns away. He wasn't going to stop living his life. If today was the last day he ever left his home, there wasn't much he could do to stop it.
He took the Bloodfin to school, as it could be entirely controlled from the handle bars, taking any stress off his ankle. Ben took one look at him in their first class, and Luke could tell immediately from his expression that they'd be some questions.
"It's a long story," Luke said. "Tell you later. How did the interview go?"
"Great. All the preparation really paid off. They'll let me know by the end of next week."
It was some good news in an otherwise long and trying day. Ben wasn't the only one to notice he appeared to be at less than one hundred percent peak officially, and even Ophelia asked why he was walking with a limp.
"I … uh … slipped in the shower," he said quickly.
"Huh. I figured with you or it would be something like falling off the Imperial Palace roof while trying to abseil on to a balcony."
"For your information, the one time I tried that, it went off without a hitch."
She smiled and walked on ahead. Ben was walking slow to stay level with him as they made their way to the lunchroom. "So that's just the official story, right?"
Luke paused to rest by a drinking fountain, rubbing his head. The gesture made the cut on his forehead visible.
"And where did you get that?" Ben pointed at the cut. "Did you crash the Bloodfin while racing with the Speedsters?"
"No."
"Playing with your father's dueling droids?"
"I wish. He might actually forgive me for that."
"This sounds bad," Ben said, as they walked on. He grinned in anticipation.
Luke glanced around to make sure no one was listening, and then mumbled, "I destroyed the Dunesea."
The smile quickly disappeared from Ben's face. "What?! How?"
"After I dropped you off, I was attacked by another ship. The shields were drained, and I ejected just before it was destroyed."
"That's how you sprained your ankle? Stars, Luke, you're lucky to be alive!"
"I may not be, if my father finds out. He's coming back this afternoon. Maybe I should move in with you for a while."
"Don't worry about it," Ben said. "What's the worst he could do? Ground you?"
"Choke me to death," Luke said.
"Come on, you're his son."
As they came up to their usual lunch table, Luke sunk gratefully onto the bench. "Listen ... if I die, you can have the Bloodfin."
"Can I have the MX as well?" Ben asked, hopeful.
"I'm serious!"
"Then maybe you should skip the planet, and start a new life in the Outer Rim," Ben suggested. "You inherited your family moisture farm, right?"
Luke groaned. "The thought of that almost makes me want to take my chances with my father."
There was one good thing about his father's return. At least this meant the Emperor wouldn't be inviting him to come and learn more about the Force.
Luke stayed at the school library after the final class, deciding he might as well stall for as long as possible. As expected, his comlink began to beep shortly before 18-hundred. He tried to bribe Ben with cosmo crunchies, but his friend refused to answer it. When he finally pressed the button to receive the call, as expected, it lit up with an image of his father. Despite everything that had happened last time they'd spoken, and everything that would be said when he inevitably found out about the Dunesea, Luke felt a sudden rush of emotion at the knowledge he had now returned.
Part of him wanted to do as Lev suggested, and tell him everything. Tell him how disgusted he still felt over Captain Yahza's death. Tell him how terrified he was at the thought of becoming someone who killed as easily as he'd seen his father do that night. How disturbed he'd been by his vision of the future after the Emperor's training, and how envious he was of the way Tyloid felt completely entitled to the power and privilege he had inherited. And most of all, tell him how he'd only barely survived an unexpected dogfight in the Industrial district.
Instead, he just mumbled one word. "Hi."
"Hello, Son. Where are you?"
"Just in the school library," Luke said. "I've got homework assignments due. You're back?"
"Yes, I returned this afternoon. I am about to go to a meeting at ISB, and then I am needed at the detention centre. I may be some time."
"That's okay," Luke said. "Ben and I were going to the mall for dinner, so I won't be back until later. I'll, uh … I'll probably see you tomorrow."
His father didn't take the opportunity to end the call. He appeared to be leaning forward slightly, as if he was studying the holo image.
"Is that a cut on your forehead?" he asked, suddenly.
Luke instantly reached up to adjust his fringe, wondering how in space his father had spotted that. He must be using the large projector in the conference room.
"Oh, it's nothing."
"You haven't been out on that speeder bike, have you?"
"Uh ..." Luke wondered if he should simply admit it was parked outside the school right now, and he was about to use it to drive to the mall. It could divert attention from the Dunesea. On the other hand, the school library wasn't the most private place for a comlink argument with his father. "I got the cut from a piece of debris that fell out of the sky." Answering a question with an answer to a different question was always a good trick. Besides, it was the truth, and luckily a reasonably common occurrence on Coruscant.
"Did you disinfect it?"
"Yes. Didn't you say you had a meeting?"
"Put some bacta on it before you go to sleep."
Luke resisted the almost overwhelming urge to roll his eyes.
"Sure."
"And we are going to have a talk about that speeder bike, young one."
Ben snickered at the sound of his father's nickname for him, causing Luke to hastily end the call and put the comlink under his jacket.
"I'd say you're looking at loss of flying privileges and grounded to the palace for at least two weeks," Ben said.
Luke could only rest his head on the study table.
When the sound of Luke's morning alarm filled his ears, his first thought was panic as he remembered everything that had occurred this week. Then he had to conclude he was still safe for the moment. If his father had noticed the Dunesea was missing, he would be standing beside his bed, waiting for him to wake up. Probably with a few torture droids hovering behind him.
Luke tried not to think about such things as the day passed. His efforts were not successful. By the time the school day ended, he was just about ready to take Ben up on his moisture farming suggestion. To make matters worse, his ankle didn't feel any better. If he hadn't been under obligation to attend another senate lesson, he'd be seeing his doctor right now. He had a feeling he hadn't been resting his ankle as much as the doctor had meant him to. Either that, or the bacta gel wasn't doing its job. It felt like it was getting worse, rather than better.
Unfortunately, cancelling this senate lesson would only find its way back to his father. Ben had stayed behind at school to discuss his latest assignment with the science teacher, leaving Luke to go to the senate by himself. He had a feeling it would make the lesson far more boring, without his friend to ask questions and otherwise occupy the professor's attention.
After limping his way to the usual viewing box, Luke slumped down into a seat, glad to rest his ankle. The viewscreens showed a largely empty senate, and, along with the absent professor, made Luke wonder if he'd come on the right day.
After a few minutes, a royal guard entered the room.
"Mr Skywalker."
Luke glanced up.
"Professor Graphas sends his apologies. He will not be coming today. However, someone else is taking his place. He will be here in twenty minutes."
"Okay. Thanks." Luke stood up, deciding he might as well go to the cafeteria and refuel. Afterwards, he could go to a refresher, and rebind his ankle. By that time, the professor's assistant, or whoever he'd sent in his place, should be here.
He boarded a crowded elevator out in the corridor, and rode up with an exotic group of lifeforms, doubtless from all corners of the galaxy. Half of them exited at the cafeteria level, and Luke followed behind a couple of Devorians, who were arguing heatedly about some sedition suppression something.
As they passed through the double doors, the first thing Luke saw was a brown-haired girl sitting alone on a tall stool by a window table. Everything else in the room immediately disappeared.
It was a full ten seconds before a nudge from behind knocked him out of his trance. A loud grunting and clicking sounded in his ear. Luke didn't need to speak the language to know he was being told to stop blocking the entrance.
He quickly went over to a vending machine and picked up a frozen milk drink. A quick analysis of the room revealed an empty seat two spans away from Leia. Close enough to talk to her, but not close enough to be presumptuous.
He walked around in a wide-circle, and then slid into the seat, being careful to look away from Leia. Once he'd made himself comfortable in the seat, he glanced sideways. Leia was staring distantly out at the sprawling city, idly stirring a hot drink.
"Hi again," Luke said, trying to give the impression of casual confidence.
Leia didn't react. Either she didn't hear him, or she was too wrapped up in her thoughts.
Luke frowned, and then made to shift one seat closer. Maybe he'd misjudged the right distance ...
In an instant, there was someone standing between him and Leia. Someone wearing black and holding a blaster.
Luke quickly jumped back in shock. His injured ankle collapsed under his weight, and he ended up hitting his head on the stool.
"What in the—?!"
Leia's voice. In a moment, she was standing over him, staring in shock. She then turned to the bodyguard—at least, Luke hoped it was a guard, and not Leia's boyfriend. If so, he was dead.
"Captain Jares! What are you doing here?!"
"I'm sorry, your highness. Your father's orders."
"I'm more than capable of defending myself, thank you all the same! Especially from innocent strangers. Go away!"
"Your highness, I—"
"GO!"
The man gave Luke one last glance, and then walked away. Leia watched until the cafeteria doors had closed behind him, and then she turned back to regard Luke.
Luke quickly climbed to his feet.
"Uh ... sorry about that. I was just ... here. There, actually." Luke pointed to his previously occupied seat. "And you were over there, and I thought I'd say hi."
"You look familiar," Leia said, going back to her own seat.
"Yes, we ... uh ... we met the other day."
Leia glanced at him again. "Luke, right?"
"Yes." He felt a rush of joy that she remembered his name.
"Did you say you were the son of a senator?"
He hadn't said that. He hadn't said anything about his family at all. But he found himself nodding. He was the son of a senator, after all. "Yes, and I'm taking extra lessons in political studies here."
She smiled. "I remember now. How is that going for you?"
"Great. How have you been? I mean, how have things been for you in the senate?"
"To be honest, Luke, it's been an absolute nightmare this week. We had a big vote the other night and I'm still trying to find out the details of every law that was passed. The Empire is using recent Rebel attacks to reintroduce legislation designed to further restrict freedom of speech in the senate and limit our power."
Luke stopped short of asking how the senate could possibly be less powerful than it already was. He doubted Leia would appreciate it.
"They appointed a puppet senator from Quasher to get the votes needed to pass it," Leia continued.
"Quasher," Luke said, feigning ignorance. "Small place, right?"
"Yes, terrible things are happening there. The royal family have endorsed slavery in order to maximize their mining profits."
"Slavery?" Luke said, disgusted. Tyloid had never mentioned that. Or had he? Thinking back, perhaps he had, and he just hadn't understood.
She nodded. "I have many friends in the anti-slavery Universal Freedom movement. They started a petition against the Quasher senator's appointment in protest over the situation. It gained the support of over 2000 senators, but it wasn't enough."
"I'm sorry about all this," Luke said, carefully sitting back on the stool. "I wish I could do something to help." He frowned. "If you had power … I mean, if you had more power than you do currently, what would be the first thing you would change in the Empire?"
"That's a good question," she said, smiling. "Well … I'd have to say I'd bring back the right to tell the truth. There are so many lies and cover-ups. How are we supposed to do what's best for the citizens of this galaxy when we can't tell them the truth?"
Luke felt a twinge of guilt. Did Leia have to use the word cover-ups?
"For example," she continued. "I know there was a recent attack on an Imperial naval base. Every senator in this building knows it. The public know it—it was reported on several underground HoloNet channels. But will the Empire admit it? No. Instead, in about half an hour, we will be forced to listen to a report about how safe, secure and peaceful the galaxy is. How can anything change for the better when we pretend nothing is wrong?"
"Maybe the Empire is scared about how the public will react if they admit to what happened," Luke said, fidgeting with his drink. This subject was a little too close to home.
"That's no excuse for lies," Leia said. "Cover-ups and denials will only make the public suspicious. Unfortunately, truth is a foreign concept to every member of the Imperial hierarchy."
"But sometimes you have to lie, right?" Luke said, quickly. "I'm sure you've had to lie sometimes."
"Never to maintain power."
"Ever lied to your parents?"
Leia smiled. "That doesn't count. What parents don't know can't worry them."
"But maybe it's the same principle," Luke said. "What the public don't know can't hurt them."
"But the public isn't the Empire's parent, Luke. The Empire has power over the public, not vice versa. And despite what they say, I'm not convinced the Empire has the public's best interests in mind when they take steps to suppress the truth."
Luke nodded, still looking down at his drink.
"So what would you change?" she asked.
"Oh." Luke looked up, meeting her warm brown eyes. "A lot of things. I don't know which one I'd change first. But near the top would be ending all torture and executions. And yes, making slavery illegal."
Leia actually looked impressed. "It sounds like sentient rights is close to your heart."
"I just believe in treating people decently," Luke said. "And looking out for each other. There's no need for all this cruelty."
She actually reached out to touch his arm then, causing Luke to feel a wave of … something. Something he couldn't explain. It was that connection again.
"It's been a pleasure speaking with you, Luke. We must talk again sometime. Now I'm due to return to the pod."
Luke smiled, and glanced idly at the wall chronometer.
"Oh stars," he said, jumping up. "I was supposed to meet someone ten minutes ago."
"I'm sorry I kept you," Leia said, walking with him towards the doors.
"No, it wasn't your fault. I just have so much on my mind lately."
Outside the cafeteria, they passed the bodyguard again, and Luke quickly backed away from Leia.
"I hope I see you again soon," he said, entering a nearby elevator.
"If not, good luck with your studies," she said.
He met Leia's gaze briefly, feeling the twinge in his mind return. It was broken as the elevator doors slid closed, removing her from his sight.
A minute later, he realized he hadn't pressed the button for his floor. By the time he finally limped into the viewing room, he was sure his ten minutes late had extended to fifteen minutes late.
"Sorry," he said, sitting down. There were two black armchairs in the room, both facing the main viewscreen which showed the Senate proceedings. "I went to get a drink, and then I saw someone I knew, and next second—"
He broke off, a familiar cold sensation tugging at his mind. He glanced at the other chair, and found himself looking at the last person he'd ever expected to see.
"You! Uh ... I mean ... your highness! I didn't think you would be here."
"It is of no consequence," the Emperor said, raising a corpse-pale hand from the depths of the chair.
Luke silently wondered what in the galaxy was behind all this. He had a funny feeling Professor Graphas had been perfectly able to be here today.
"I do like to stop by the Senate occasionally," the Emperor continued. "Very nostalgic."
Luke didn't reply. He was too busy trying to shift his chair away from the Emperor without making it obvious. Unfortunately, it was locked to the floor.
"I remember when your father used to visit me here," the oily voice continued. "I used to teach him about politics. He then went on to forget it all the next day, but I like to think our conversations played a small part in influencing him to make the right decision in the end."
The main viewscreen lit with an image of the senate chairperson, announcing the first order of business.
"So, how have you been enjoying your lessons?" the Emperor said, turning his head to look at him. Luke could barely make out his face, as the lights were dim and it was hidden in the shadow of a black hood.
"I've learned a lot," Luke said. "But some things still confuse me."
"Such as?"
"I wonder why there is a Senate when you make all the decisions, your highness."
"That is a very good question, Luke."
Luke wondered when they'd become on a first name basis. Although, he was fairly certain the Emperor wouldn't invite him to call him by his first name.
"Let me tell you about something called democracy. The thing the Rebels are willing to fight and die for. It is possibly one of the greatest frauds ever invented."
He paused to chuckle. Luke wondered whether he'd missed the joke, or if it was still coming.
"You see, politics is one of the fundamental struggles of existence. We are all hierarchical by nature—we demand leadership. Leader and subordinate, master and apprentice ... seen everywhere, from the smallest insect to the most intelligent lifeforms in the galaxy."
Luke nodded.
"But standing in opposition to this is our desire for independence ... put simply, we hate being told what to do. You, young Skywalker, are a good example of this."
"That's not ... I—"
The Emperor waved a hand. "Let me explain. Your whole life you longed for a parent. You longed for understanding. You longed for guidance. Finding your father was the most significant event in your life to date."
Luke nodded, silently.
"But living with him isn't all your fantasies promised it would be. You hate his rules restricting your freedom to fly when and where you please. You feel oppressed with all his demands that you be home at a certain time. And what of his prying into your activities and whereabouts? The fear of his reaction when he discovers you have broken one of his all-important rules?"
"Okay, I get the picture," Luke said, feeling uncomfortable. "Your highness," he added.
"On the other hand, if he never made any rules, you would feel so insecure, you would seek another parent. A stronger leader."
Luke personally thought he'd get on very well with his father if he never made any rules. The destruction of the Dunesea wouldn't even be an issue.
"So it is with the galaxy. They demand a leader, but despise being led. They want security, yet insist on freedom. If only there was some way to have it all."
"A compromise?" Luke suggested.
"Better. What if there was a way of making the public believe they were making the rules. That they led themselves? That every directive handed down from on high was the result of their own wishes?"
The Emperor paused. Luke found himself mentally willing him to go on. This was more interesting than Professor Graphas's dry descriptions of senate procedure.
"Enter democracy. Quite possibly the most brilliant lie ever invented. A fantasy that at once allays people's fears about who is really in charge, yet gives them security."
"Who is really in charge in a democracy?" Luke asked.
"That." The Emperor pointed towards Luke's pocket, and a small credit coin rose into the air. It hovered until Luke grabbed it. "The almighty credit. Money. Pure and simple. Believe me, Luke, I worked in a democracy for fifty years. Corporate interest groups had more influence over policy than a billion votes ever did. Bribery was so common, it even had its own section on a senator's tax return. When I was a young senator, I vowed and declared I would reform the system. I would create a new type of government, a better type. Peace and security would rule this great institution, not greed and deception. And with the senate deprived of any real power, so it became a reality."
"But what about all you were saying before," Luke said. "About people hating being told what to do?"
"Ah yes. And so we have a galaxy ruled by solid principles and the betterment of every individual in mind. Yet we still have the Rebels."
Luke had never heard him sound so sad before. He was on the verge of changing the subject, when the Emperor did so anyway.
"But we are working on a permanent solution. Time can heal all wounds. Meanwhile, we will maintain our hope in the future ... and in our next generation."
He turned his head to smile at Luke, showing his teeth.
It occurred to Luke that this might be a good time to bring up some of his concerns.
"I'd like to help you bring about peace in the galaxy," Luke said. "But there are things which go on that I can't support."
"Oh?" The Emperor sounded even more gentle now. "Please, tell me. I am always open to hearing your concerns."
This was a better response than Luke could have hoped for.
"I want all the torture and executions to stop. And the way people just get thrown in prison for protesting. It isn't necessary."
The Emperor was silent in response, and Luke wondered if he'd been too general.
"Here's a good example. I just found out that slavery is widespread on Quasher. They use slaves in their mines. I know the Empire is negotiating for use of their mining resources right now. Could we tell Quasher that they must free all their slaves and pay all workers a fair wage?"
The Emperor actually chuckled. "Who told you that, my young friend?"
"Um …" He didn't want to mention Leia's name. "The Quasher senator, Tyloid, mentioned some things."
"No, not about the slaves. Who told you the Empire was negotiating with them?"
He said the word 'negotiate' like it was insulting.
"Oh. I just assumed, because the Grand Vizier said we were entertaining the Quasher royals at the palace because their mines were needed for military projects."
"That is all true. But there is no negotiation. You see, young man, their pitiful planet is already mine. Their mining resources are mine. They will submit to me or they will be destroyed. It is quite simple."
Luke felt a cold chill run through him.
"Perhaps I should allow you to have a role in deciding the fate of their planet, as a learning exercise. Yes, this could be very interesting."
"I don't think I'm ready for that," Luke said, quickly.
"Nonsense. You know far more than you realise. I want you to write a plan of action for me. A business case. Your goals are to secure trade with the Quasher government under the terms most favourable to the Empire. Whatever else you want to achieve is up to you. You may wish to overthrow the illegitimate royal family and install an Imperial Overseer. Or perhaps you might wish to arm the slaves. You may seek the guidance and advice of anyone you need. In a month's time, the Quasher embassy is hosting a grand party to formally announce their new partnership with the Empire. Once it is over, I will review your plan and, if it meets with my approval, I will implement it."
Luke was feeling way over his head. "Um … can I ask my father for help?"
The Emperor chuckled. "You may ask him for advice. Tell him it's an assignment from Professor Graphas. But I'm afraid you may not agree with his approach. Lord Vader tends to be very action oriented, shall we say."
"I like action too," Luke said. "But I don't want thousands of people to be killed in a big war."
"What if that's necessary to free these slaves you mentioned?"
Luke could feel a headache coming on. "I don't know."
"Leadership is difficult, young man. Perhaps this exercise will give you more appreciation for it. And perhaps teach you to be a little more sympathetic to your father."
Luke gestured at the view screen, seeing a senator had taken the floor. He really wanted to talk about something else. "What are they talking about?" Luke asked.
"It is of no importance. I believe you have already learned all you can from the senate, my young friend. You will move on to more important matters. Perhaps you would like to undergo similar lessons at the military headquarters at this time next week. They can help with your project."
Luke cringed. His most vivid memory of the military headquarters was seeing Captain Yahza falling to his knees.
"But there is no rush. This assignment will keep you busy."
Luke nodded, quickly. "Uh ... does that mean I can leave now, sir?" This was a good turn of events. He could go and see his doctor.
"If you have no further questions."
Luke quickly stood up ... and was rewarded by sinking straight back down into the chair. He cringed in pain and reached down to grab his ankle.
"You're hurt," the Emperor said, with a mix of concern and surprise.
"Oh, no, it's nothing," Luke said, rubbing his leg. "Just a sore ankle."
"I am surprised your father let you leave the palace."
"He doesn't know."
"Really? Am I to understand this was the result of something your father would ... disapprove of?"
Luke stared straight ahead, wondering if he'd just talked himself into a hole.
"Uh ... no, it's not ... not quite like—"
The Emperor chuckled. "You remind me so much of him at times. It is fascinating to watch."
"You mean he sprained his ankle and tried to hide it?" Luke enquired, glancing at the Emperor.
"I can't remember that precise event, but I do remember one occasion ... your father always loved to fly, you see, but the life of a Jedi didn't allow for joyriding. One afternoon, your father decided to sneak out in a Jedi starfighter belonging to one of the senior council members, Mace Windu."
Luke smirked. "That sounds ... understandable."
"The next morning, Master Windu noticed the fuel in his starfighter had mysteriously halved. Your father came running to me, needing a fast alibi as to his whereabouts."
"Did you give him one?"
"Of course. And I would be willing to do the same for you, if you should ever require such a thing. I consider it a Skywalker family tradition."
"Well," Luke said, "I may have to take you up on that." He paused for a moment, but then it all came spilling out. "I destroyed one of his ships. He hasn't noticed that it's missing yet, but I guess it's only a matter of time. Maybe I should just tell him and be done with it."
"Why? It would only make him angry."
"Maybe he'll be angrier that I didn't tell him."
"Only if he should find out."
"He will," Luke said. "He'll go to take the ship out for a flight and find it's missing. I'll be the first person he'll suspect!"
"You are so very young, my friend. A situation is rarely that simple. Do not worry about this any more, Luke. I will show you how easy it is to manipulate life to your liking."
Luke stared blankly for a moment, wondering what in the galaxy this creepy old man was talking about. His father had always said the Emperor was powerful, but powerful enough to change reality itself? Impossible. But he didn't dare voice his thoughts. The Emperor would likely take skepticism as an insult.
"Thank you, your highness," Luke said, finally. He didn't know what else to say.