Chapter 2

After going to bed at nine and being forced to rise and shine at seven, Luke was feeling more than a little irritated at his father's 'reprogramming' of Threepio. Things only got worse as the day progressed, with every wrong move resulting in a panicky Threepio convinced he was at death's door. After a lunch consisting of stringy vegetable soup and water, Luke knew he had to get out of here before he went crazy.

Convincing Threepio to let him leave was another matter.

"But you could be kidnapped!" Threepio complained. "You could be hit by a speeder!"

"I'm just going out to the mall," Luke said, trying to stay calm. "To spend the credits my father gave me. He wouldn't have given them to me if he didn't want me to go out and spend them, right? Run that through your logic circuits!"

Threepio appeared to think for a moment, as if trying to resolve conflicting goals.

"If I'm not back in four hours, you can call local security," Luke said, finally. "How about that?"

"Four hours?!"

"I have to find you a present too, you know," Luke said. "I know you're not quite yourself right now, after my father's butchering, but you'll appreciate it when you're back to normal."

Threepio finally relented. "Very well ... but be careful! I couldn't bear it if anything should happen to you, Master Luke!"

"It won't," Luke sighed. As long as you don't count going crazy due to a paranoid protocol droid.

The mall was crowded beyond belief, but then, it was Christmas Eve. The skies were jammed with speeders trying to get within sight of the shopping center, and every landing pad was overflowing with vehicles parked in ridiculous places. Luke felt fortunate to be on foot.

Inside, every single shop had a queue three wide and twenty deep. Everyone was smiling though, and carolers and dancers were entertaining on every corner. The decorations put his own to shame for sheer excessiveness. The most spectacular being the gigantic holographic tree at the center, made entirely from projected stars. Banners representing every planet in the Empire were arranged in a circle around the edge, interspaced with bubbling fountains of colored water.

Luke couldn't be stirred from his melancholy, though, despite the joyous atmosphere. He went about his shopping tasks methodically, picking up a tin of polish for Threepio, and a new tool extension for Artoo, before losing interest in shopping entirely. He found himself a bench to rest on, and then studied the credit tab his father had left him.

So much money. At any other time he'd be going crazy with this. But what was the point in having presents when he didn't have the one person that really mattered? It just wasn't supposed to be like this ... he'd never imagined it could be like this. If only he could buy his father back, he'd hand over the credits in a heartbeat.

Unless ...

No, that was a crazy idea. Insane! Not that insanity had ever stopped him from doing anything in the past, but even he had a limit.

In front of Luke, a colored fountain suddenly switched off, causing a large glowing banner to fill Luke's vision.

ICM Travel Agent—See The Galaxy!

"It's a sign," Luke mumbled to himself, his eyes growing wide. "Literal and metaphorical!"

He quickly stood up and headed for the agency, telling himself that it wouldn't hurt to enquire, at least. Before getting anywhere near the place, however, he bumped into the end of a queue which made the other queues he'd been in look like the mall was having a slow day.

"Excuse me," Luke said softly, to the older Mon Calamari at the end of the line. "How long do you think it will take to get to the front?"

"Four hours, at least, sonny."

Luke sighed in disappointment. He'd told Threepio he'd be back in four. He could only hope the woman was mistaken.

"You can go in front of me, if it'd help," she added, shifting back to make space.

"Thank you," Luke smiled, accepting the offer. "See I'm trying to see if there's a flight which can take me to my father. We were supposed to spend Christmas together, but we've been separated. I miss him."

Three people in front of Luke heard his remark, and fairly soon he found himself moving forward yet again. Luke thanked them all repeatedly, surprised at how generous strangers could be. By the time he reached the front, there was still half an hour until his curfew, and the possibility of his crazy idea becoming reality seemed a whole lot closer.

That was until he sat down in front of the exhausted looking travel agent.

The Pantoran woman glanced at Luke, and then looked behind him.

"Where are your parents?"

"Uh ... they're not here," Luke explained. "I'm trying to reach my father for Christmas, see ..."

"How old are you?"

Luke looked around quickly for a sign. "Why?" he asked, finally. "How old do you have to be to—"

"You didn't answer my question, young man."

"It's Luke. And I'm fourteen."

"A little short for fourteen, aren't you, Luke? Can I see some proof of that?"

Luke made a show of feeling around in his pockets, before finally sighing in defeat. "All right, I'm not fourteen. But I really, really need to reach my father. He's ... he's the only family I've got. I don't want to spend Christmas alone. Please, you've got to help me!"

The woman sighed in defeat. "How old are you really?"

"Very nearly thirteen," Luke said.

"And who is looking after you?"

"A droid," Luke said. "But he doesn't know I'm planning this."

"And where is your father?"

"Hadros Second," Luke said.

The travel agent entered the name into his computer terminal, and then frowned. "That's uninhabited."

"There's some kind of scientific research base," Luke said. "That's where he's gone."

"If you say so. But you'd be hard pressed to find a flight going anywhere near there on Christmas Eve."

Luke slumped with defeat. "Well, thanks anyway," he said, heavily, starting to stand up.

"Hang on," the woman said, waving him back down. "There's no harm in looking."

Luke brightened and watched intently as she did a thorough search. Please, please, please ...

"I don't believe this," she said, finally. "I think I've found something."

"Great," Luke said, suddenly determined. "I'll take it. When does it leave?"

"Half an hour."

"Half an hour!" Luke hastily handed over the credit tab and fidgeted impatiently while the woman organized his travel documents.

"The freighter is leaving from landing platform 11, at the terminal on third."

Luke nodded and jumped to his feet. He would have to sprint the whole way, if he was going to make it back home to pack and then on to the landing pad. Then there was the matter of Threepio ... he'd have to handle that problem when he came to it.

"Here's your ticket." The travel agent passed a datachip over the desk, and Luke accepted it. "Good luck with reaching your father."

"Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!"

The woman smiled. "Merry Christmas to you, too."

Luke picked up his shopping and ran through the crowd, dodging people left and right. Half an hour, that's all he had. What would he need to take? It was cold in space, that much he remembered. He would need some clothes, his toothbrush, perhaps. Some food and drink to sustain him during the flight.

By the time he returned to the Imperial Palace, he was out of breath and tired, but he didn't stop running. He was going to reach his father, no matter what. When he stepped out of the elevator, Threepio was waiting in the corridor, while Artoo was nudging him to try and make him go back into the bedroom.

"Master Luke! You're home!"

Luke groaned. "Hi ...Threepio," he panted. He turned sideways to dodge around him.

"I was so worried! I thought you might have become lost, or—"

"I'm ... fine," Luke said, opening his bedroom doors. He had to gather his things. It wasn't until he began dragging an overnight bag out of his closet, that he suddenly saw a solution to his problem with the overly concerned droid. He would need Artoo's help, though, and he didn't have much time.

"Threepio," Luke said, suddenly. "I want to see if the light in his closet works when the door is closed. Would you mind getting in and having a look?"

"Certainly, Master Luke."

As Threepio moved forward, Luke winked at Artoo. Catching on to his intent, Artoo rolled forward, placing himself ready. Luke waited until Threepio was completely inside the closet, and then pressed the button to seal the doors.

"Now, Artoo," he said, stepping aside.

Artoo extended his welding pincer, and made short work of the closet door. The metal was melted into the wall, as high as Artoo was tall. Luke then proceeded to smash the controls with a holoball bat, leaving Threepio trapped.

"Sorry, Threepio," Luke called. "I'll let you out of there as soon as I get back. Just shut down for a few days."

Artoo made a somewhat sympathetic whistle.

"I know, Artoo," Luke said. "But I'm going to find my father. Look after my room for me, will ya?"

Luke picked up the bag and started for the exit. Artoo trailed behind, beeping loudly. It wasn't until they reached the elevator that Luke realized just what the droid's intentions were. It seemed he wasn't going to be alone on this trip.

He could only sigh and nod in acceptance.

"I guess I could hardly shut you in a closet, could I?"

Artoo whistled in agreement.

After a mad rush across the city, Luke arrived at the entrance to the platform with mere minutes to spare.

"This is it, Artoo," he said, as he approached the somewhat stern looking guard.

He cleared his throat and held out the datachip the travel agent had given him.

The guard didn't accept it, though. She stared at Luke as if he was a runaway from the zoo.

"Where are your parents?"

"My father is on Hadros Second," Luke explained. "That's where I'm going."

"You're traveling alone? How old are you?"

"I'm not alone," Luke said, gesturing back at Artoo.

The guard didn't look happy, but she eventually accepted Luke's travel pass. She walked with him towards the boarding ramp, pointing him to the right ship.

"Your father is negligent to let you travel alone," she said, finally. "And on a freighter, no less. Watch out for yourself, kid."

"I will," Luke said, hoping the guard was a pessimist.

Artoo whistled goodbye as well, and followed close behind Luke as they entered the decrepit looking freighter. They were met at the top by two security droids and a man with a datapad.

"Name?" he said, immediately.

"Luke Skywalker," Luke answered, hoping he wasn't in for another interrogation about his age.

But surprisingly, he was immediately waved onwards.

"Follow the droid to the passenger hold. Someone will come and get you when we reach Hadros Second. That should be in about six hours."

Luke nodded. "Come on, Artoo," he said, following the droid. It led him to a storage bay in the back of the ship, which was already crowded with passengers. Luke found himself an empty bench along the side wall and pushed his luggage underneath. He then sat back, and prepared himself for a long flight ahead.

The passengers looked pretty scary, but they didn't bother him. Mostly because every time one would come anywhere near them, Artoo would extend his welding pincer and make menacing beeps. Well, as menacing as Artoo could manage. It did the trick though, because he was left undisturbed. He occupied himself with reading, playing cards and finally with sleeping when it began to get late.

He was woken up by a frantic Artoo.

"Last chance—is there anyone going to Hadros Second here?!"

Luke quickly jumped up, rubbing the residual sleep from his eyes.

"Here! I'm coming!" He grabbed his luggage, and followed the trooper out into the corridor. There, he was met by a man who was wrapped up in so many layers of clothing, he was shaped like a big round ball. It was hard to see his face, as he had a thick fluffy hood covering the top half, and his mouth and chin were hidden behind a huge white beard.

Luke blinked at him in surprise. "Are you a pilot?" he asked.

"No, kid, I'm Father Christmas," he said, clapping him on the back as he led him down the corridor. Artoo trailed along behind, dragging Luke's luggage behind him.

"Who?" Luke asked, staring up at the gap from which the muffled voice had wafted.

"You know ... flying around on Christmas Eve ... delivering presents?"

"Oh," Luke said, grinning. "Where I grew up, the Sandman did that. He did have a beard just like yours, though. And nine flying banthas."

The pilot laughed. "Flying banthas, huh? That's one I've never heard. I'm not really him, but I do fly around making deliveries on Christmas Eve, so I figure I might as well be."

"So you're delivering presents to Hadros Second?"

"Supplies, actually. This is the last delivery before the new year, so it's urgent. But I am delivering you, which could be seen as a present for someone, if I'm not mistaken."

Luke nodded. "I'm visiting my father. He doesn't know I'm coming—it's a surprise, see."

"I love surprises."

"Is that the shuttle we're taking?" Luke asked, pointing as they entered the hangar. "The rear stabilizer has been modified."

"It's been adapted to high wind environments," the pilot explained. "So you know your ships, then?"

"My father has lots of ships," Luke said, following the pilot up the boarding ramp. "He collects them and modifies them. We've got some antiques from before the Clone Wars. Can I ride with you in the cockpit?"

"Of course. You're the co-pilot."

"You are the best adult I have ever met," Luke declared and then ran full-tilt for the ship, nearly tripping in anticipation. Having explored every standard shuttle in his father's collection many times, Luke found his way to the cockpit easily and looked over the controls in awe.

"Wow," Luke breathed.

"She's a good ship," the pilot said, entering the cockpit behind him. "Got me in and out of some of the worst weather in the galaxy. Got a touch of the magic of the season in her, I think."

Artoo entered the cockpit and gave a positive whistle, and if to say 'I'm here now, we can leave!'

"Come on, let's get going," Luke said, jiggling up and down in the seat. "I can't wait to see my father."

The pilot obligingly switched on the engine. In front of them, the hangar bay doors slid open, revealing the gray, misty planet below. Luke leaned over the controls for a better view, curious as to what the terrain waited below.

"Looks kind of barren down there," Luke said.

The pilot laughed heartily. "Barren doesn't do it justice. It's a gray, lifeless, freezing rock of a place. But good if you want peace and quiet, I suppose."

They rose into the air and accelerated towards the atmosphere.

"By the way, you're going to need to wrap up a lot warmer," the pilot added, looking over at Luke. "Have you got more clothes?"

Artoo opened the bag and rolled over with a sweater clutched in his grappling arm. Luke pulled it over his head, but the pilot didn't seem satisfied.

"You'll need more than that, my young friend. Don't worry, I've got some spare stuff in the back."

Luke nodded. "Thank you." He stared out the window, seeing the surface of the gray, barren planet coming up fast. It really was a miserable place. Once they broke through the atmosphere, the small craft began to shake, buffeted by the high winds rushing across the surface. As they dropped lower, white flakes began battering the front window, reducing their view of the landscape to broken glimpses through the barrage.

"What is that stuff?" Luke asked, in surprise.

"Snow. The temperature must be dropping."

Luke pushed his hands inside the sleeves of his sweater, feeling cold at the sight of it.

"There's the base," the pilot said, pointing to a dark blip on the horizon. "It isn't hard to miss. It's the only thing on this planet."

"Why did they build it here?" Luke asked.

"They're probably making something they don't want anyone else to know about."

"Even so, you think they could have found a better planet than this," Luke said. He rubbed his arms, feeling chilled as he gazed at the expansive rocky terrain.

"You better go wrap up," the pilot said. "We'll be landing soon, and it's going to hit you once you step out of the ship. You'll find more clothes in the box in the cargo hold ... they will be a few sizes too big, but better than nothing."

Luke nodded and went into the storage bay at the rear of the ship. There was a pile of warm clothing in a box by the doorway. As he pulled an oversized, dark red poncho over his head, he heard the rattling which indicated the landing gear was extending. Shortly after, there was a bump, and the engines powered down to standby. They had arrived safely, it seemed.

Luke went to stand at the top of the boarding ramp, eager to go and find his father. He couldn't wait to surprise him. His reaction was going to be priceless. Luke grinned to himself, imagining how impressed his father would be, when he saw he had found his way halfway across the galaxy, all by himself. This would prove to him that he wasn't as helpless and incapable as he thought.

He heard footsteps behind him, and turned to see the pilot had emerged from the cockpit.

"Stand back, buddy," he said, approaching the ramp controls.

Luke did so, and as the ramp lowered to the ground, he saw the reason for the warning. A blast of icy air came rushing in, causing everything that wasn't tied down to rattle.

The pilot walked a few steps down the ramp, and looked around. Luke hovered behind, keeping his hands inside his sleeves and covering his face from the wind.

"Strange," the pilot said, his voice somewhat distorted by the wind. "They usually have someone waiting to pick up the goods."

Luke looked up at the rectangular building, seeing a single light glowing in a window.

"Maybe we should knock," Luke called down the ramp.

"I just hope nothing has gone wrong," the pilot said, gazing up at the one, lone light.

Luke, suddenly getting an odd feeling, ran down the ramp and across to the entrance. The strong winds battered him as they roared across the exposed landing pad. They chilled him to the bone, even though it was only a few meters to the doorway. The doors were set into a sheltered alcove, for which Luke was grateful. He tried the door, and after finding it locked, pressed his hand on the various buttons. One of them had to be a door-com.

A minute later, the doors slid open, and a woman wearing an oversized snow jacket stood on the other side. Luke was relieved at the sight of her, but she stared at Luke with astonishment. Her gaze soon wandered past him to the shuttle.

"Oh, I completely forgot!"

She waved to the pilot, who walked across the landing pad, carrying a stack of crates on a hover dolly. Artoo trailed behind him, still carrying Luke's luggage.

"Come in, come in," the woman said, placing a hand on Luke's shoulder and guiding him into a room off to the right. "Get out of the wind before you freeze!"

Luke was glad to do so. The bright lights of the interior were in sharp contrast to the darkness outside, and Luke blinked away after visions and rubbed his eyes. He brushed the snowflakes from his shoulders, eyeing them curiously.

"Evening, Santa," their host said with a grin. "I see we've been good this year."

"If you don't count requesting a Christmas Eve supply delivery," the pilot said. Luke could tell he was smiling behind that crazy beard, though.

"You're a saint," their host said. "We can't thank you enough." She shook the pilot's hand, while the pilot gestured at Luke.

"Look after the boy there for me, will you, Kel? He's come to visit his father for Christmas, and may need a helping hand. I better get going, before the weather gets any worse."

"Yes, there's a storm blowing up," the woman replied, glancing over at Luke with renewed surprise. "Leave now, before you're stuck here for Christmas."

"Will do," the pilot said, giving a salute. "Merry Christmas."

The pilot nodded goodbye to Luke, and Luke returned the gesture. "Goodbye," he called, as the pilot disappeared back out to the landing pad. Shortly afterwards, he heard the roar of the shuttle's engines. He was a little sad to see him go ... he wouldn't have minded if he'd stayed for Christmas, but no doubt the pilot had his own family to reach.

"Visiting your father, did he say?"

Luke looked back at his host, and nodded.

"And what is your name, young man?"

"Luke Skywalker."

"I'm Kel Queenis, administrator here at our little research facility," she said, unzipping her jacket. She was wearing the uniform of the Imperial engineering corps underneath. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you, Luke. Family visits are forbidden here. It is a highly secret facility."

"Oh," Luke said, looking at the floor. "I didn't realize."

"But I'm sure we can make an exception," Kel added. "It is Christmas Eve, after all. Does your father know about this?"

"No," Luke said. "It's a surprise."

"I see. And which one of our dedicated workers is your father?"

"Oh, he doesn't work here," Luke said. "He just came for a visit. He probably arrived sometime this morning. Dressed in black, pretty tall … wears a mask?"

It took Kel several seconds to respond, and her voice sounded strained. "Lord Vader is your father?!"

Luke nodded, somewhat used to this reaction. "He is still here, right?"

"Certainly, but—"

"Well, can I go find him?" Luke asked, impatiently.

I must be going crazy, Vader thought. Either that, or the Force bond he shared with his son had a far greater range than he was previously aware of. His son was light years away, safe on Coruscant, yet it felt like he was right around the corner.

"Is there a problem, sir?"

Vader focused on the head scientist. She had been explaining some diagram or other, but Vader was too distracted to let any of it sink in.

"I was observing that the weather appears to be getting worse," Vader said, gesturing out the window. "I will need to depart soon."

"Well, we've pretty much covered it all here," the woman said, switching off the projector. "I will have copies made for you at once."

"Make sure all documentation is included," Vader said. "Everything will be secure in the Imperial vaults on Coruscant."

The scientist nodded, while taking out her comlink. Two minutes after he relayed the order, a junior technician entered the room, holding a circular datachip.

He swallowed nervously as he handed it to Vader, keeping as much distance between himself and the Sith Lord as possible.

There was a good reason for his fear, Vader mused. Now that he had the data safely in his clutches, the occupants of this building were no longer needed. The Emperor had simply ordered them disposed of, but he had left the specifics up to Vader.

Force Choking would be clean, but time consuming. The longer he took to carry out this task, the greater the chance of a complication. The most efficient way would be to collect all six personnel together in one room, and then have an 'accident' with his lightsaber. The request to have all the personnel gather might generate some suspicion, however. He could already detect a fair amount of trepidation rippling through the scientists.

Trepidation and ... excitement? The doors slid open again, and this time, a further three scientists entered the room. Two of them were smiling, in a somewhat secretive manner. They hovered around the computer terminals along the far wall, attempting to look as if they had a reason for being here.

Vader fingers twitched towards his lightsaber. He didn't appreciate games. Whatever they were up to, it would be laid to rest with them, very shortly. Five of them in a room together was too good an opportunity to miss. Then the door opened again, and the sixth and last member of the staff entered the room ... the administrator.

"Excuse me, Lord Vader, sir," she said. "It seems we just had a visit from an old man with a long white beard and—"

"I have no patience for childish games, Administrator," Vader said, holding up a hand.

"This is no game, I assure you, sir. He made a very special delivery ... just for you. It's waiting outside … I'll just go and get it ..."

Vader let out a weary breath. They had obviously gone slightly unhinged with the isolation. Or perhaps they had caught whatever insane mood had infected Luke. Whatever ridiculous 'present' they intended to give him, it was going out the airlock on his way home.

He rested his arms by his sides, making sure his lightsaber was easily accessible, and then waited for the revelation. He had to admit, he was slightly curious about what this present was, despite the inappropriate manner of its presentation. The doors slid open, and the administrator beckoned to something waiting outside.

A droid? Vader thought.

Then, the doorway was filled with a silhouette that was very familiar, despite the presence of thick clothing. The person stepped into the light, finally leaving no doubt in Vader's mind as to the identity of this 'present'.

"Surprise!" Luke said, grinning.

Vader almost choked, despite the respirator. This had to be a sick joke. A nightmare. He was hallucinating. Luke was on Coruscant, tucked up safely in his bed ...

"Well," Luke said, "aren't you going to say hello?"

Vader glanced over at the audience, who were all grinning in a sentimental manner, as if they expected him to be delighted to see his son, hundreds of light years from where he was supposed to be. He had to get out of here, fast, before he snapped and killed them all, leaving his son scarred for life. However, that might still be the case, after he had finished with the boy. He moved towards the door, striding quickly past his son and grabbing him by the back of his clothing in the process. He didn't stop dragging his son until they were a good twenty meters down the corridor, away from the ears of nosy scientists.

He released Luke, who stepped back, rubbing his neck and looking up at him in fear. It would normally disturb Vader to see that expression in Luke's eyes, but he was past caring.

"You had better start explaining," Vader said, pointing at Luke. "And that explanation better be very, very good. What in the galaxy are you doing here?!"

"I ... I missed you," Luke said, still rubbing his neck where the poncho had pulled tight.

"How, in the name of the Force, did you get here?! You are supposed to be on Coruscant!"

"I ... I came on a freighter."

"By yourself?"

"No, there were other passengers on the ship."

"How did you pay for this?"

"You gave me some credits before you left," Luke explained.

Vader clenched a fist, wondering how he could have been so stupid. He hadn't realized he had given Luke enough to fly across the galaxy. Or perhaps he hadn't realized Luke was crazy enough that this would even occur to him. Yet again, he had underestimated his son's capacity for recklessness.

He stared at Luke, wondering what in the galaxy he was going to do with the boy. He was here to carry out a task that no child should ever have to see. And yet, here he was.

"You shouldn't be here," Vader said, finally. "I am here on the Emperor's business. I don't have the time or the ability to see to your needs. You have created a serious problem with your presence."

"I just thought that—"

"Your thoughts on this matter are insignificant," Vader said. "I told you to stay on Coruscant—you disobeyed me. You put your own feelings ahead of my wishes."

"I'm sorry," Luke said, his voice starting to shake. "I thought ... you'd be h-happy to see me."

"Happy? After you disobeyed me and recklessly endangered your life? All that time spent under the Tatooine suns must have affected your ability to think. Which doesn't surprise me—this isn't the first time you have behaved like this. You never learn."

Luke flinched at his words and looked at the floor. "I just wanted to be with you for C-Christmas," he sniffed.

"I should have left you with the Emperor," Vader said. "He would have taught you how foolish your feelings towards this infantile holiday truly are."

Luke reached up to wipe a tear away, and Vader turned away, sighing in exasperation. What's done was done, and Luke wasn't going anywhere. He could berate the boy further at another time. Right now, he had a job to do, and the sooner he completed that task, the sooner he could leave this barren place and take his son back home.

"Come with me," Vader said.

Luke jogged softly after his father, down the corridors of the small research facility, trying to make as little noise as possible. He was wishing the floor would simply crack open and swallow him up right now. Everything had gone so wrong. His father wasn't happy to see him at all. And he felt dark and creepy. Luke was wary of getting too close to him. He followed behind, but was careful to keep a good distance between them.

He felt another tear run down his cheek, but didn't bother to wipe it away. All his joy and anticipation had been sucked away, and there was nothing left but a sad, empty hole. He'd been stupid to even think of this in the first place. Christmas was just a fantasy. A fantasy where fathers and sons were always together, and no one ever yelled at anyone else. You sure didn't celebrate on some barren, freezing planet where there were absolutely no decorations. It had been a nice dream, but it was over. Reality was settling in, and it was time he stopped fighting it.

Eventually, they reached the ship hangar, where a shuttle sat waiting. Luke recognized it as the one his father had left Coruscant in. He shivered as a gust of wind whistled through the large room. It was freezing in here.

His father waited at the bottom of the ramp, and waved a hand to indicate Luke should enter the ship first. Luke hurried forward, not wanting to risk making his father impatient. He was already angry enough.

Inside, his father pushed him into the small passenger lounge.

"You said you would do whatever I wanted for a day?" his father asked. "Then you will stay here. You will not move from this room, under any circumstances. Am I clear?"

Luke quickly nodded, and his father turned to leave, without another word. He shut the doors behind him, and Luke went to the couch and buried his face in his arms.