Chapter 2

"This is ridiculous," Luke sighed, coming to a halt at the end of the table.

"Perhaps you should try listening to me," his father suggested, with a hint of annoyance.

"I am listening!" Luke protested. "It's not helping!"

"Try again," his father said, resting back against the edge of the table.

Luke groaned, and once again paced the length of the room, past his father. Today marked two weeks since his father had first proposed these 'social lessons' and Luke had since renamed them 'social torture lessons'. Today's session was the worst yet.

"Your spine is still crooked," his father remarked.

Luke gritted his teeth and straightened up.

"Now you are staring at the floor."

Luke lifted his gaze, feeling his temper take a turn for the worse. He took a few steps, before a loud beep from the door terminal caused him to stumble in shock. He flailed his arms, desperately trying to regain his balance, before finally giving in and grabbing a nearby chair for support.

"That's it!" Luke said, collapsing into the seat. "I quit! I've done my best, but this is still just one big waste of time. Face it, I'm a klutz."

His father was about to reply, when a stormtrooper entered the room, carrying a datapad. He came to attention and saluted.

His father accepted the datapad and placed it on the table. He then gestured to the stormtrooper to move to the center of the room.

"I am trying to teach my son good posture. Walk up and down so he may observe you."

The trooper instantly obeyed, and Luke buried his head in his hands. As if his own humiliation wasn't enough, now his father was dragging an innocent stormtrooper into it.

"Watch, son."

Luke reluctantly raised his head.

"See how his spine and head are aligned? The weight is carried in perfect balance to make walking as easy as possible. What does such a gait suggest to you?"

"That he's been bred and trained to walk like that?" Luke suggested.

"It projects self-confidence and purpose."

The trooper came to a halt, and his father waved him away. "You are dismissed."

The trooper saluted again and left.

"Well, he's not a teenager, is he?" Luke suggested, after the doors had slid closed.

"I am aware of your developmental stage, Luke. It is a minor obstacle, nothing more." His father tapped his fingers on the table-surface. "If I were free to train you in the ways of the Force, this would be much easier."

"The Force?" Luke asked, sitting up in curiosity. "What does that have to do with this?"

"Never mind," his father said, pointing at the center of the floor. "Now that you have rested, why don't you try again?"

Luke reluctantly hauled himself to his feet.

"Imagine you are a stormtrooper," his father suggested. "With confidence and purpose."

Luke walked the length of the room and then turned around when he reached the door. After repeating the cycle a few times, he glanced over at his father, wondering why the usual criticisms hadn't yet reached his ears.

"Well?" he prompted.

"That was much better," his father said.

"Great. Can I go now?" Luke asked, pleadingly.

"I may have been taking the wrong approach with this," his father said, thoughtfully. "Your problem is not physical but mental. You need to learn the power of the mind over matter. When you have inner confidence, outer confidence will naturally follow."

"Inner confidence?" Luke asked. "Didn't you just tell me the other day that I had too much of that?"

"Yes, that was my observation. However, now that I have spent this time with you, I am beginning to think I was mistaken. You are impetuous, even reckless at times, and you have a strong desire to prove yourself, but that does not translate to inner confidence."

Luke sighed. "Great. Psychoanalysis."

"Perhaps we should work on your self-esteem, before going further."

"You make me sound like a droid. Break out the tools, let's do some tinkering!"

"If only it were that simple."

"Here's an idea," Luke said. "Why don't you just adopt Threepio? Forget about social lessons—he's already programmed with all this stuff. Don't need to worry about posture either—he can't slouch! I guess he's always wandering around naked though, so that might be a problem—"

His father raised a hand, stopping him. "As much as Threepio is part of our family, you are in no danger of being replaced, young one. Now, we need to discuss your self-esteem." He pulled out a chair and gestured to Luke to sit opposite.

"Can't we do this tomorrow?" Luke sighed, resting on the very edge of the chair. "You said this lesson was only about posture."

"Why are you reluctant to discuss this?"

"Because ..." Luke sighed, looking away. "Can I be honest?"

His father leaned back, tilting his head as if amused. "I have never known you to feel the need to ask, before."

Luke gave a half-smile and looked away. His father was right, but this was different—his father was trying to help him, which made him feel guilty for saying this, but ... he wouldn't understand, otherwise. "I don't think you can help me. Really, you have no idea what it's like to be me. You're ... well you're you. Everyone knows about your power. Me, let's face it, I'm just a farm boy from Tatooine."

"What is wrong with being a farm boy from Tatooine?"

"See, I knew you wouldn't understand." Luke sighed. "People have expectations of me, because I'm your son. They expect me to be as powerful as you. Then they realize I'm just an ex-farm boy and they lose all interest. When you think powerful and important, do you think of a farm boy?"

"Power comes in all shapes and sizes, young one. One of the most powerful beings I ever knew was—" His father was holding one of his hands about three feet above the table, but abruptly, he let it drop. "But that is beside the point. Luke, you are powerful, because you are my son. Unfortunately, it is only potential at the moment and will remain that way until the Emperor decides otherwise. If other people choose not to see your potential, then that is their mistake, and it will be corrected in the future. You should not let it affect your sense of self-worth."

"I get tired of being an outcast," Luke said. "Although, I bet even if I did act more like people expected, I would still be excluded. I'm too different."

"Yes," his father agreed. "You are right. You will undoubtedly always be set apart."

"Thanks for letting me down easy," Luke sighed.

"It should not be a let down. Luke, we all have a destiny. You are different for a reason. When you are older and wiser, you will look back on your life and understand what that reason is. For now, you simply have to learn to accept yourself as you are."

Luke nodded, wishing that was as easy to do as it was to say.

"And Son ... you may believe I am too far removed from your way of life to ever understand how you feel, but I was a teenager once."

Luke hid a smile, unable to imagine it.

"I did not come from a highly placed background, either," his father continued. "Far from it. There were many times when I felt set apart because of my abilities, and in many respects, I am still an outcast."

"But you're ... well, you're ruling the entire galaxy," Luke said. "Who wants to be like everyone else when you have that much power?"

"Yes. And you are my son, and are an heir to that power. You are of more importance than anyone else you may meet. You are even more important than Tarkin and the other Grand Moffs. For that reason, you should never let anyone make you feel unworthy of your position—it is your right by blood, regardless of your prior upbringing. Do you understand?"

"I guess so," Luke said, feeling a little overwhelmed. He wasn't certain he could live up to all that.

"You don't sound very sure," his father observed.

"I ..." Luke hesitated. It wasn't that he didn't understand what his father meant, he just wasn't sure he agreed with it all. He wasn't sure he wanted to inherit his father's status in the Empire. In all truth, he didn't want to be part of the Imperial hierarchy at all. His father seemed to have so much faith in him, though, that he couldn't bring himself to say it. It would sound like he was saying that he didn't want to be his father's son.

And that definitely wasn't true, Luke assured himself. "This is all just a lot to take in. I need to think about it."

His father didn't press further, and for that, Luke was grateful.

"Very well."

"So what else do I have to learn?" Luke asked, hoping this session was over, so he could withdraw into his room.

His father considered him. "I think the time has come for your first field trial," he said, eventually.

Luke reared back in shock. "You mean you want me to attend a fancy party?"

"No. I have a meeting to attend tomorrow afternoon with a small number of people. You will accompany me. It will give you a chance to put your greeting skills into practice. And your posture," he added, eyeing the manner in which Luke was slouched in the chair.

Luke relaxed slightly. That didn't sound too hard. "What kind of meeting?"

"A mid-rim system, Abyssia, has long been isolated with no diplomatic ties. They are now in the final stages of becoming part of the Empire and joining the galactic community. The head of the member states induction office, Commander Darnell, will be giving a presentation on the upcoming proceedings. You can sit quietly and observe the meeting. That is all that will be required."

Luke nodded. "Okay. I can handle that. No problem."

At fourteen hundred the next day, Vader took a detour on his way to the meeting in order to retrieve his son. He found Luke down the hall from the dueling room, playing beep ball with Threepio.

"Hi," Luke called, as he walked through the doors.

"Greetings, sir," Threepio said, stopping the ball at his end.

"Luke, are you ready?" he asked, feeling impatient.

"For what? Are we going somewhere?" Luke asked, screwing up his face as if he was struggling to remember.

"Yes. You are accompanying me to a meeting in order to practice your social skills."

"Oh yeah!" Luke said. He put down the beep-ball bat and brushed off his clothes. He then ran his fingers through his hair, brushing his dangling fringe out of his eyes.

"Ready."

Vader studied his son. He was wearing a baggy shirt with a large letter 'L' printed on the front, and his pants had an excessive amount of pockets. Most of them were bulging with bits and pieces of wire Luke had collected over the last few days. One knee was stained with what looked like speeder fuel. In short, he looked like any random teenager from the streets of Coruscant, rather than the heir of a Dark Lord of the Sith. In that moment, Vader wondered if all the social lessons had been for nothing.

"Don't you have any formal clothes?" Vader asked, wearily.

Luke looked down at his attire and shrugged in a non-committal way. "What's wrong with these?"

"Go and put on something clean and tidy."

Luke sighed and mumbled under his breath as he trudged off towards the elevator. Despite the low tone, Vader quite clearly heard some derogatory reference to his own clothing choices.

Vader let out a slow breath and glanced back at Threepio, who had been watching the conversation with interest.

Becoming aware he had been noticed, the droid quickly discarded the ball and bat, and made to leave the room. "Good luck, sir," he said on his way past, servo motors clicking in the process. Vader stared after the droid, feeling suddenly anxious. Good luck? Threepio always did have a tendency towards pessimism, but perhaps it was justified in this case.

Still feeling slightly unsettled, he made his way to the elevators to wait for Luke to emerge. When he did so, he was dressed in clean clothes, and had even made a partial attempt to comb his hair. Vader relaxed slightly and gestured for his son to follow him.

"So how long will this take?" Luke asked, walking quickly to catch up to him.

"It depends on how much they drag out the presentation with insignificant details," Vader said. "But it should be brief." He glanced at his son. "They know from past experience that I do not like having my time wasted."

"Even I know that," Luke said, helpfully.

They entered another elevator in the middle of the palace, and Vader pressed the button for the upper level where the executive conference rooms were located. He stretched out to check his son's mood as they rode up, and was pleased to find him focused and relaxed.

"It is good that you are not nervous," Vader remarked.

Luke looked up at him in surprise. "Nervous? Why would I be nervous?"

"I did not say there is a reason for you to be nervous."

Luke continued to look at him curiously for a while, before dropping his gaze. He then began fidgeting with his sleeve, in a slightly anxious way. Vader looked away, silently berating himself for making such a remark.

"So how many people are going to be at this meeting?" Luke asked. "Just a few?"

"I believe the sector fleet admiral and his assistants will be there. The regional governor and his diplomatic advisor. The Grand Vizier."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "He doesn't like me."

"He would like you more if you didn't use your hoverboard in the palace corridors."

Luke hid a smile.

Vader paused for a moment, and then added, "And the Emperor's aides and advisors."

"Why would they be there?"

"To aid and advise the Emperor, I would imagine."

Luke banged his hand down on the elevator controls, bringing it to an abrupt halt.

"Wait one minute! You never told me the Emperor would be there!"

Vader turned to his son. "Why is that a problem? You have met the Emperor before."

"You wait until now to spring this on me?! When we're nearly there?!"

"This is not a cause for alarm."

"Does he know I'm coming?"

"Yes. In fact, it was his idea for you to attend this meeting. He is aware that I have been training you in social matters."

"He probably just wants to laugh at me," Luke said, turning away. "He'll be watching for me to make a mistake."

"The Emperor has more important things to do than laugh at you. He is simply interested to see your progress, nothing more."

"I'm sure that's what he told you," Luke said, frowning.

Vader reached out and pressed a button to resume the elevator's journey.

"As long as you remember my instructions and behave yourself, everything will be fine."

Luke didn't acknowledge his words, and Vader glanced over. His son was clearly sulking.

Wonderful, he thought. He was about to take a sulking adolescent into a meeting with the most important individuals in the entire galaxy. Another part of being a father that nobody saw fit to warn him about before the fact.

The elevator made a positive beep, and the doors slid open, revealing a dark, high-ceilinged corridor. At the far end, a set of double doors were flanked by royal guards.

"Come on," Vader said, guiding Luke out of the elevator. As they walked towards the doors, an officer approached from a corridor to the right of the room. He paused at the entrance and bowed slightly in greeting. "Lord Vader."

"Admiral Reallis." Vader glanced around, and located his son trailing two meters behind him. "This is my son, Luke Skywalker."

Luke pleased him by immediately offering his hand to the admiral. "Hello," he said, his voice sounding reasonably steady.

"Pleasure," the admiral replied, shaking hands.

Vader gestured for the admiral to walk in ahead of him and then gently pushed Luke forward, patting his shoulder slightly to let him know he was pleased. He could only hope this would continue as well as it had started.

Luke did not know exactly what he expected from this meeting, but as soon as he walked in the door, he knew that what he expected was not what he saw.

The table was standard Imperial décor—round, and shiny black. The room, however, was huge. Luke was sure there was enough space in here for a nunaball pitch. The walls and floor were all black, but bright red Imperial banners were draped at various intervals along the walls, matching the tones of the royal guards.

He quickly scanned the table, taking in the occupants. The Emperor was flanked on one side by the Grand Vizier, Mas Amedda, and on the other by Governor Tarkin. Luke flinched at the sight of him, hoping he had forgotten about their 'introduction'. Grand Moff Halifax was beside him, who was the father of one of the girls in his year at school, Ophelia.

The seat closest to him was occupied by a cloaked man whose face was entirely hidden behind his hood. They were sitting so still, Luke wondered if they were really alive.

These were the people running the galaxy?

"Lord Vader," Tarkin said, from the table. "How nice to see your son looking a little more ... dressed."

His words caused some of the table's occupants to erupt into laughter, with the Emperor's cackle being by far the loudest. Luke flushed, his worst fears about the Emperor's motives in inviting him suddenly confirmed.

He was tempted to turn and leave the room right then, but his father placed a firm hand on his shoulder, guiding him towards an empty seat. His father made no reply to Tarkin's remark and instead walked around the table, placing himself in the shadows behind the Emperor.

Once the Admiral and his assistant had taken their seats, another officer, Commander Darnell, began to deliver the presentation, assisted by a couple of droids. Luke was relieved the attention had finally been diverted from him. The first part was all about Abyssia's vast wealth and resources, and despite his anxiety at his company, Luke found parts of it interesting. Governor Tarkin had a number of questions about a particular type of mineral found on the planet's ocean floor, and how developed their mining industry was.

Then the presenter moved on to describing the planet's government, consisting of two legislative houses and a hereditary monarchy, and the recent economic and political instability which had led to a desire to open up trade.

"Without the Empire's protection, they are at real risk of falling prey to the Cresopty Clan, who have been funding armed resistance movements and promoting anti-royalist groups," Commander Darnell said. "They have recently had success in recruiting members on university campuses, resulting in a spate of bombing attacks on key state assets."

One of the droids changed the holographic view from a map showing the site of the bombings, to a sector map, and the commander outlined her initial plan for protecting the planet's new outgoing trade routes. Admiral Reallis had a number of questions during this part, and his assistant took notes.

Luke was hoping it would all be over once that was covered, but then the commander moved on to a holo showing a picture of an Abyssian.

"Abyssians are bipedal, averaging 1.7 meters in height, and show dramatic sexual dimorphism." The next diagram showed a male and female Abyssian side by side. They both had skin tones on the orange spectrum, with sharp cheekbones and large, oval shaped eyes. But the male face was surrounded by turquoise feathers, forming a shimmering mane.

"Skin tones range from an apricot to a deep ochre," the commander said, as the droid cycled through a number of pictures. "Male feather colours range between green, blue and red. Breeding occurs largely within monogamous pair-bonds arranged by the elder members of one's extended family. Relationships outside one's social and educational standing are highly discouraged, and any cross-species relationships are outlawed."

Luke couldn't help but glance at the admiral. He was clearly only part human himself, judging by the faint horizontal stripes on his face.

"However, they are understanding of the fact that it is not the case among most of our member states," she said, moving on to another image, which showed Abyssian children at various ages. "Children are prized and Abyssian fathers and mothers are known to be highly involved parents. The beginning of a child's adolescence is celebrated with lavish parties in which the young man or woman is introduced to society, and attends social gatherings outside of the family circle."

Luke cringed at the idea, feeling glad no such thing was on the agenda in his own future.

"The delegation sent to negotiate the terms for Abyssia's entry to the Empire was treated to many celebratory gatherings, however it was noted that there were no young people present. Our insider informed us this was because the Abyssians did not trust the Imperial delegation, and were fearful of making their children known to them. For this reason, we are hoping to have as many of our own children attend the opening of their embassy."

She gestured towards Luke, making him sink down in his seat. "Lord Vader has agreed to attend with his son."

Luke glanced at his father, wondering when he'd been planning to mention that to him.

"Governor Halifax, Admiral Reallis … I understand you both have daughters who might be available to attend."

"Oh, yes, you couldn't keep Ophelia away," Governor Halifax said, smiling.

"Please extend the invitation to all your assistant's children as well. The more the better. If we can show them we also value our children, and have no such qualms about trusting them with their names and faces, it will go a long way towards cementing our future relationship."

"You have sons, don't you, Lieutenant?" the admiral said to his assistant.

She smiled. "Yes, but it might be a mission to convince them to switch off the HoloNet and be seen in public with their mom."

"Just tell them their Empire needs them," Commander Darnell said, smiling at her. "And they'll be food. That's what I plan to tell my own teenagers."

The droid changed the viewscreen to show three upcoming events. The opening of the embassy, the installation of the Abyssian senator, and finally the treaty signing. The commander gestured to the final event. "We will know if we have succeeded if the king and queen allow the young prince and princess to attend the treaty signing celebration. So far, they have been entirely hidden and it is unknown what they look like or what their names are. Their attendance will be seen as the ultimate sign of trust."

Luke felt his stomach twist, hoping his father wasn't actually considering taking him to all these events. Just the thought made him want to hide under the table.

Commander Darnell opened up the meeting to questions, and there were several, all answered so thoroughly, Luke began to shuffle in his seat, wishing he could leave. It was a relief when the others began pushing back their chairs and standing up. The holo display flicked off, leaving only the black table. He was about to rush for the door, and then he realized everyone was remaining in place while the royal guards escorted the Emperor out.

The room instantly became lighter once he was gone. Luke glanced over at his father, who was currently discussing something with Governor Tarkin, and took a step towards him.

Then everything took a sickening lurch, and Luke felt himself tumbling towards the ground. He flailed desperately for something to stop his descent, but the nearest thing was the man wearing the cloak. Seeing that Luke was about to grab said cloak, he shifted away, causing Luke to fall the rest of the way, banging his head on a chair in the process.

The hood then came into view, looking somewhat fuzzy. He stretched out a gloved hand towards him.

"Are you all right?"

Luke felt a burst of anger. He'd just fallen over in front of a room of important people—of course he wasn't all right! Instead, he scrambled hastily to his feet. His last thought as he ran for the exit was relief that his father hadn't stopped him.

After finishing his conversation with Tarkin, Vader decided the next item on his agenda must be to check on his son. Doubtless the worst bruises were those to his self-esteem, but that was still quite a fall he had taken.

As predicted, he found his son lying on his bed, pillow jammed tightly over his face. He didn't acknowledge his presence until Vader forcibly removed the pillow and tossed it aside.

Luke shuffled up on his elbows, watching as he sat down beside him, on the edge of his bed.

"Are you going to disown me?" Luke asked, miserably.

"Why would I do that?"

"I completely ruined your meeting."

"You did not ruin anything, Son." He reached out to brush Luke's fringe back from his face and revealed a newly forming bruise. "You need to put some bacta gel on that bump, unless you want a purple forehead."

"I don't care," Luke said. "It's not like I'm ever leaving this room again."

Vader let out a weary breath and stood up to retrieve some medical supplies from the adjoining refresher.

"You do not need to feel embarrassed," he said, after returning with the correct tube.

"You're kidding, right? I fell over in front of all those people! They think I'm a joke!"

Vader reached up to gently swab some of the gel on Luke's temple, causing Luke to flinch slightly. Once he had finished, he put the tube of gel aside and studied his son.

"Luke, everybody in the room was an adolescent once. They no doubt remember a time when it feels like your limbs are outgrowing your body, and your sense of balance fails to compensate. This phase will not last long."

"I know you're just trying to make me feel better. But it's not going to work. You might as well just leave me alone to wallow in self-pity."

"You should know me well enough to know I don't give up so easily, young one."

"But it will be all over school next week! Governor Halifax will tell Ophelia, and she'll tell her friends, and they'll spread it further ..."

"So what? You should be above paying attention to mindless gossip."

"I can't help it!" Luke said. "It hurts when people laugh at you. Makes me feel like I'm nothing."

"You are very far from nothing. Your worth is not measured by what small-minded people choose to say about you."

Luke sighed. "Who was that guy next to me, anyway? Why did he keep his face hidden?"

"He is an ISB agent who has infiltrated the Abyssian royal family. Do not repeat that to anyone."

"Infiltrated the royal family?" Luke said. "Aren't you supposed to be gaining trust?"

"Trust is always an illusion. It only invites betrayal."

Luke gave him a weary look, and then said, "You know, if i was this planet, I would be suspicious too."

"As you should be. But they will soon realize they stand to gain a great deal by participating in the Empire's vision for the galaxy. You will understand when you are older."

"Will I also understand how people like Governor Tarkin actually end up in charge?"

"Tarkin is a man of formidable leadership ability and many skills. Ignore his disrespect. He only makes such remarks because he can easily see how powerful you will be. He sees you as a threat to his own ambition."

"I'm not powerful."

"You will be."

Luke sighed, lying back. "I don't understand why people crave power so much. It just seems to make people busy all the time and bad tempered. I'd rather be out flying a star fighter than ruling the galaxy."

Vader felt uncomfortable at his son's words. Luke, in his innocence, had an irritating way of making very good sense without even trying. He decided to change the subject, before Luke convinced him to resign and fly off into the stars.

"Did you understand what will be expected of you at the embassy party?"

"No. No way am I ready for that," Luke said, sitting up again. "What if I trip again?"

"Luke, while you were living on Tatooine, did you ever learn to ride a dewback?"

"Of course!"

"And what did you do when you fell off? Give up?"

"No. I got back on."

"And if you fall over at the embassy party, you will pick yourself up and carry on. Understood?"

Luke started to reply angrily, but his voice squeaked. He groaned, falling back against the pillow again. "But I'm not fit to be seen in public," he protested.

Vader sighed, almost ready to agree with his son. The boy was drowning in a sea of puberty. If only humans were like other species in the galaxy, who simply withdrew into a cocoon for their adolescence. But then, being in a cocoon wouldn't do much for one's social development.

Vader thought back to Anakin's adolescence, trying to find some words of wisdom to help his son. Those had been difficult times—there was the eagerness to impress Obi-Wan and the other Jedi, desperately missing his mother, dreaming about ...

Padmé. There was an idea.

"You know, Son," Vader said, "when your mother was your age, she was ruling her planet."

Luke gaped at his father. "You're kidding!"

"No."

Luke considered it for a moment. "Well, I bet her voice wasn't breaking at the time."

"You are growing into an adult; that is all."

"I've been growing for the last thirteen years," Luke said.

"There isn't yet much to show for it," Vader said, lightly.

Luke frowned.

"Do not glare at me," Vader said, pointing at his son. "It was not my genes."

"Obviously," Luke said. "So was my mother short?"

"Very."

Luke sighed.

"You have not finished growing yet. Do not worry yourself about this—whatever height you are is the right height."

Luke nodded, and Vader stood up.

"Now, I will leave you alone to—as you so accurately put it—wallow in self pity."

"Actually, I think I'll go see if Threepio is up for more beep ball," Luke said, sliding off the bed. "I feel like hitting something."

"Just make sure it is not your head this time," Vader said, unable to resist the opportunity.

"Oh, ha ha. You should quit the Empire and do stand up," Luke suggested, in a sarcastic tone which Vader found a little too familiar.