Chapter 4

Luke hadn't planned on getting out of bed the next morning. Only when the doorcom had been beeping incessantly for a good five minutes did he finally drag his head from the pillow. He knew it wasn't his father. In the rare instance that his Sith Lordship actually bothered to use the comm, he would only use it once and then come barging on in.

He opened the doors and found Lev waiting on the other side.

"Good morning, Luke. Do you need any help packing?"

"He sent you to help me pack?" Luke asked, folding his arms.

"No. He sent me to tell you that you're leaving in thirty minutes whether you are ready or not. He also told me to organize stormtroopers to drag you down to the hangar bay, if necessary."

Luke sighed heavily, and then returned to his bed. He lay down flat on his stomach and dragged the pillow over his head. Lev followed him, and pulled up the blinds on the window, flooding the room with light.

"Is there a bag you can take?" Lev asked.

Luke half-heartedly pointed in the direction of the closet. He heard Lev retrieving it and walking over to his dresser.

"Which one is your underwear drawer?"

Luke groaned and quickly stood up. "Forget it, I'll do it." He banged around the room, filling the bag with spare clothes and refresher items, and finally with a few personal objects from his bedside table. When he was done, he tossed the bag aside and sat down on his bed.

"Are you feeling all right?" Lev asked, joining him.

Luke didn't reply.

"It won't be as bad as you think," Lev said. "You'll enjoy it once you're there. I loved summer camp when I was your age. We used to go swimming, and learn tracking skills, and ... I remember this one night where we—"

"It's not fair," Luke said, quietly. "I can't believe he's doing this to me."

Lev smiled. "I hate to say it, Luke, but you really had this coming. Commander Julius and Hicks had a bet going on that—"

"So you're on his side?" Luke said, annoyed. "I don't believe it!"

"I'm not on anybody's side. But I do understand why your father thinks this is a good idea."

"All I did was take a look around a bounty hunter's ship," Luke said. "It was an accident! I didn't know he was going to take off while Ben and I were still aboard."

"And there was that incident with that admiral's speeder."

"I didn't know it was his!"

"And remember when you got stuck on the roof?"

"I wasn't stuck ... I kept telling him I could have climbed down without any help. But he never listens! Besides, I said I was sorry for all those things. Where's the forgiveness?"

"Your father is not well known for his forgiveness. But I don't think he's angry with you. He just feels you could use a break from Coruscant. You need to go where your adventurous streak can flourish in a supervised environment."

"At military camp?! There'll be ten thousand rules. I'll have to wear some silly uniform. I'm supposed to be on vacation!" Luke buried his head in his hands. Several moments passed in silence, before he spoke again. "Do you think he'll let me come home if I'm really miserable there?"

"Give him a few days." Lev stood up. "The bounty hunter incident will fade from his mind. Maybe get down on your knees and grovel a bit ... you can say I have already offered to come and pick you up if it would help. Besides, you'll have the whole journey to try and talk him out of it."

"I can hardly wait," Luke sighed.

There was an awkward silence in the cockpit, which had been hanging in the air ever since they'd left Coruscant. Saying goodbye to Artoo and Threepio had only put Luke in a worse mood, and not even the thrill of the hyperspace jump could stir him out of the dumps. He rested his chin on his arms and leaned forward to stare out the window.

Soon he realized he had no idea how long this journey would take. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to ask.

"Where are we going again?"

His father stirred slightly, as if he'd been thinking deeply about something else.

"The sixth moon of Kawai," he said, eventually. "We will be there in about an hour."

"So you're going to dump me on some deserted moon?"

His father turned and gave him a look with a slightly creepy feel. "Don't tempt me."

Luke frowned harder, and indulged in angry thoughts about his father. He didn't even act like his father ... a proper father wouldn't do this. "I wish I was still living with my aunt and uncle," Luke said, just loud enough for his father to hear.

There was no reply.

"They would never have made me leave," Luke said, quieter.

His father reached up to tune in a monitor to a HoloNet news channel. It started blaring about some pirate incident along a shipping route.

Luke paused for a moment, and then added, "I wonder what my mother would think of this."

His father finally snapped. "Luke!"

Luke leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "What?"

His father started to reach over to grab him, but Luke hastily stood up so the co-pilot's seat was between himself and his father. He eyed his father warily, but he didn't stand up. Instead, he turned back to the controls.

"Your puerile attempts to bait me are only further convincing me of the necessity of this. I have already explained to you why I think this is best for you. If you wish to resent me, that is your prerogative, but you will do it elsewhere. Go and wait in the passenger lounge."

"I was going there anyway," Luke said. "I'm not speaking to you."

"If only," his father said, turning up the volume on the HoloNet news.

Luke made a noise of frustration as he walked off. He was running out of names to call his father under his breath.

Vader didn't bother to call Luke when they landed. It was quite possible he'd have to physically drag Luke off the ship, but before that display he'd prefer to discuss the situation with the waiting officer. The man's expression was a mixture of fear and awe as Vader walked down the boarding ramp and came to a halt in front of him.

"Welcome to Kawai VI, Lord Vader," the officer said, offering a military bow. "I am Commander Hayge, overseer of the young cadet training camp."

"Commander," Vader said. "I am entrusting you with someone of infinite value to me. I will return in four weeks to collect him. If, at that time, he is damaged in any way, or worse—missing, I will personally execute every officer responsible for watching him. Starting with you. Am I clear?"

The commander had an expression as if he heard the same speech on a daily basis. "Your son will be in professional hands, I assure you, sir."

"You have my permission to treat him as you do any other child in your care. Especially in matters of discipline." Vader considered it for a moment, wondering if he should enquire as to how they dealt with wayward cadets before resigning Luke to that fate. Perhaps it was better that he didn't know, lest he lose his resolve.

"Within reason," Vader added, finally.

"Sir, I am sure your son will be a pleasure to have among us," the commander said, sounding like he was trying to reassure him without making it obvious. "But should there be any problem, I will consult with you. We have full-range communication equipment at the camp, and can be reached at any time, day or night."

"Very well."

There was a noise at the top of the ramp, and Vader glanced up to find Luke emerging, dragging his luggage behind him.

"This is my son," he said, turning back to the commander, who was staring at Luke in surprise. He was obviously not quite what he expected. "His name is Luke Skywalker. From now until I return, he is in your hands."

"Yes, sir."

Luke stepped off the side of the ramp and turned away. Vader was tempted just to leave without saying goodbye, but he didn't want Luke thinking he didn't care. His son may be in a foul mood at the moment, but he might start to feel homesick tonight. The commander had walked a short distance away, obviously sensing they might need a moment of privacy.

Vader reached out to touch Luke's shoulder, but his hand was shrugged off immediately.

"Goodbye, Son."

Luke glanced at him with a sour expression, and again looked away.

"I will see you in four weeks time."

Luke mumbled something unintelligible. It almost sounded like goodbye, but it could just as easily have been another mumbled insult. Vader chose to believe the former. He didn't look back as he entered the ship.

The first thing Luke noticed about this strange moon was the air. It smelled so clean and fresh, it was a pleasure to breathe it. The landing pad he was standing on rose above a forest that stretched as far as he could see. The only sounds were gentle bird calls, and the distant trickle of running water.

He looked up at the officer his father had left him with, and could tell instantly that he didn't like him. The man gave him a look that said something like 'not another spoiled Coruscant brat'. Luke gave him a look that he hoped said 'not another snobby Imperial officer'.

Finally, the officer looked aside.

"Follow me, Cadet Skywalker. I'll take you to our campsite."

"Cadet?" Luke enquired.

"Yes. While you are staying with us, you will temporarily assume the rank of cadet."

"Oh ... what rank are you?"

"Commander. Commander Hayge"

"Do I have to wear a uniform?"

"Yes. I have everything you'll need in the speeder."

They had walked across the landing pad, and out the other side, where a speeder sat waiting. It was a standard Imperial issue speeder, but appeared adapted for rough terrain use. Sure enough, there was a zipped up bag in the back seat. Once Luke had climbed in, he leaned over to see what was inside it. Several light-gray colored uniforms, a sleeping bag, a heating lamp, a high voltage flashlight, a utility belt ...

"Is this all for me?"

"Yes. Just some basic supplies you'll need."

Luke sat forward again, interested to see where they were going now. The speeder rose above the pad, and accelerated towards the horizon.

Nothing was said for a long while, and Luke rested his head against the window, thinking about what lay ahead. Four weeks without his droids and ships to tinker with ... four weeks without his holovid and gamebox. This was the worst vacation ever.

"So," the commander said, eventually, "your father must have big plans for your future."

Luke didn't reply. They were flying over some forest-covered hills, which spread out in all directions.

"Many of our cadets go on to prestigious officer training academies. Is that your eventual goal, too?"

"My goal is to survive this stupid camp and go back home as soon as possible," Luke said, shortly.

"You have no interest in joining the military?"

"If you're wondering why my father left me here, it's because he can't tell the difference between an accident and deliberately causing havoc," Luke explained.

"I think I understand."

Luke was grateful he didn't pry further. Maybe he wasn't so bad ... he hadn't insisted he call him sir. Not yet, anyway.

"So what are your own plans for your life?" the commander enquired.

Luke sighed. "I don't have any."

"Really? You're the first cadet I've had here who has not."

Luke frowned. "My father, who I've only known for two years is ... well, you know who he is. The Emperor would prefer it if I didn't exist, and my father has been acting the same way since yesterday. I don't want to think about what's going to happen in the future. I take life one day at a time."

The commander glanced at him, and this time there was a different expression in his eyes. It almost seemed like ... pity.

"It sounds like you find Coruscant quite stressful."

Luke nodded, resting his head on his hand.

"Perhaps you should think of this as an opportunity. Immersing oneself in nature is a great way to refresh the spirit."

The speeder rose up over a ridge, and the campsite appeared in the distance. It was near a sparkling blue lake, and a creek ran through the middle. Tents were arranged haphazardly about, and Luke could see cadets kicking a ball around a nearby field. It was like a park on Coruscant, except a hundred times larger.

"It is pretty," Luke admitted. So different from Tatooine.

The commander brought the speeder down to land next to another line of parked speeders, at the top end of the campsite, next to the administrative buildings.

"Lights out at twenty-two-hundred, rise and shine by oh-seven-hundred at the latest. During free time, you can roam as long as the flag is still within sight." The commander gestured over at a flagpole. Luke climbed out of a speeder, and tilted his head up until he saw a waving Imperial flag. It was black with a white Imperial logo.

"Please bring the bag, and I'll find you a tent-mate," the commander said, looking around.

Luke picked up his luggage, and followed the commander around the front side of the administration building. A cadet was walking down the stairs, looking dejected. His hands were in his pockets, and he was staring at the ground. He snapped to attention when the commander called his name.

"Cadet Veers."

"Yes, sir?"

"You are currently occupying a tent by yourself, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

The commander gestured towards Luke. "This is Luke Skywalker—he's just come to join us. He'll be your new tent-mate. Show him where everything is, and introduce him to the others. He'll be joining your team."

The other cadet saluted. "Yes, sir."

The commander nodded goodbye to Luke, and then strode off in the direction of one of the buildings. Luke looked to his new companion, who glanced at him briefly, and then looked away.

"I'll show you where the tent is," he said, in a polite, yet distant tone.

"Okay," Luke said. "Thanks, uh ...?"

"Call me Zev."

Zev led him across the grass toward a bridge, which crossed the creek that ran through the center of the camping ground. There were a few other cadets roaming around, and they stared at Luke with interest. Zev eventually stopped beside a tent that was in the shade of a sprawling tree, and slightly set apart from the others. He unzipped the front and ducked down to enter inside.

"I'll just shift all my things to one side," he called. "Won't be a second."

"Sorry to invade your space," Luke said, also ducking inside. He expected to see clothes and bedding spread everywhere, but all Zev's belongings were folded and stacked in neat little piles.

"No problem. The only reason I was by myself was because there was an odd number of cadets this year."

Luke opened the bag the commander had given him, and spread out the sleeping bag over his half of the tent. Despite his anger over being here, sleeping in a tent would be an interesting novelty. It was something he and Biggs had wanted to do many a time on Tatooine, but the adults would never allow it.

"Do you want to go for a tour now?" Zev asked.

"I guess I should change into a silly uniform first," Luke said, pulling one out of the bag. It was a two-piece uniform, and the tunic had a name patch across the left hand side. His read 'Cadet Skywalker'. He was relieved his father had obviously contacted them prior to his arrival and told them his name. If it had read 'Cadet Vader', he might have had to chop it out.

When he stepped out of the tent clad in his new attire, Zev glanced at him and then said, "Congratulations. You now look like everybody else," in a vaguely cynical tone. Luke was starting to get the impression his tent-mate was as unenthusiastic about being here as he was.

He was friendly enough during the tour though, describing things in the same distant tone he'd used earlier when talking about the tent. He showed him the refreshers, the dining hall, the medical bay, the indoor gym and then moved on to the surrounding areas. There were many obstacle courses, including a rope course far up in the trees. They passed the lake a few times, and Luke could see a few cadets swimming over the far side. There was an officer supervising them.

"How many officers are here?" Luke asked.

"At the moment, five," Zev said, picking up a stray tree branch from the ground, and fidgeting with it as they walked. "Not counting Commander Hayge and Lt Cmdr Mata—they're in charge. We generally only see them when they take indoor classes. There're five other Lieutenants—one per team."

"How many on our team?"

"Six counting you," Zev said. "I'll introduce you to the others at dinner. We're Team Loyalty. The teams are named after various Imperial values."

"What are the other teams called?" Luke asked, almost afraid to ask.

"Dedication, Sacrifice, Honor and Bravery."

"How about control, intimidation, fear and suppression?" Luke suggested, with a smirk. "Can we change our team name?"

Zev stared at him like he was crazy.

"Sorry," Luke said, looking away. He shouldn't have made a joke like that without knowing Zev a little better. "That wasn't funny."

"It was funny, but I can't believe you said that," Zev said, shaking his head. "Don't say anything like that around the officers ... talk like that can get you sent to the commander's office. They'd call it treason. Maybe it's okay to make jokes like that on Coruscant, but the officers here have served on the frontlines. Some of them practically worship the Emperor. They talk about the Imperial cause like it's sacred."

"I'll watch what I say," Luke said, carefully.

Vader gazed at the stars streaking past out the cockpit window, without really seeing them. He wasn't used to second-guessing his decisions. Having doubts could be fatal on the battlefield. But he hadn't been prepared for how unsettling it would feel to leave Luke behind. It was ridiculous, really. He left Luke on Coruscant on a regular basis, sometimes for weeks at a time. This was no different.

Luke wouldn't be so upset once he made some friends and settled down at this place. He would enjoy being outdoors on a planet that wasn't all concrete and durasteel. Besides, he had to look at this realistically. Luke required more of his time and attention than the entire galaxy combined. The only way he was going to curb this tide of recklessness was by putting Luke under constant supervision. Something he simply didn't have the time for personally. This was the best decision for all concerned.

Luke was in good hands. For the first time in two years he didn't have to worry about his son, so he should start enjoying it. He could do all the things he used to do before the constant concern of fatherhood had settled in. He'd begin making a list of everything he hoped to accomplish when he reached Mustafar, starting with some meditation. Perhaps he could catch up with that right now.

He made himself comfortable in the pilot's seat, and reached out to join himself with the ever-present dark energy. It swirled around him, responding to his mental touch, and seeping up his frustration over Luke. He was just starting to settle into it, when he was interrupted by the sound of someone laughing. Not someone. Luke. Luke was laughing.

Vader stood up in surprise, and looked back towards the passenger lounge. Luke couldn't be here. He'd left him on Kawai VI. There was no way he could have got back on the ship without him knowing.

He walked to the door of the passenger lounge, and glanced inside, almost dreading what he would see. But the sight left him both angry and relieved. There were five Lukes, all sitting on one couch, identical right down to their boots. The clone dream.

"For star's sake," he said, angrily. "Go away!"

They looked frightened at his words. "Don't you love us?" the closest one asked.

"We'll be good!" another one interrupted.

Vader started towards them, half tempted to jam them in the airlock and release them into space. But even he couldn't bring himself to do that. They looked too much like his real son. He couldn't remember Luke ever being quite this needy, however.

"If you want to please me, then be gone from my mind," Vader said. "You're interfering with my meditation."

"You care about your meditation more than us?"

"Well, that's obvious," another one said. "Stop whining, Whiny."

"Takes one to know one, Hutt-face!"

Vader turned away, silently begging the Force to let this vision end. "Quiet," he said, firmly.

"But Whiny said—"

"I said quiet," Vader said, turning back. "And don't call him Whiny."

"But that's his name."

"It's a stupid name," Vader said. "From now on, you are Luke1, Luke2, etcetera."

"Who's Luke1?"

"Figure that out yourselves."

In a second, they were all arguing over who was who. Vader stepped backwards, feeling his heart begin to beat faster. He could face many things, but not the prospect of mediating an argument between five Lukes. He turned away, intending to return to the pilot's seat, but his vision dissolved around him. He sat up quickly, and gripped the controls. The faint echo of the clone's arguing voices could still be heard.

That evening, Luke followed Zev into the dining hall. They collected trays loaded with food, and then Zev led him over to the table set aside for Team Loyalty. There were three cadets already sitting there.

"We have a new team member," Zev said, gesturing at Luke. "Luke, this is Lamber Fonz." Zev gestured at a boy who smiled at Luke and mumbled a 'hi'. Zev continued to the next boy, who looked about two years younger than Luke, perhaps more. His uniform was slightly too big for him, making him look even smaller. "And our youngest team member, Bo Jetner." Bo smiled shyly, then went back to his dinner. Zev pointed at the last boy, who was smirking at Luke in a slightly unpleasant way. "And Crepes."

Luke smiled in greeting, but Crepes only raised an eyebrow in response.

"There's one other team member," Zev said, turning to Luke. "He'll be around somewhere. I'm going to get some serviettes."

Zev put his tray down the other end of the table, several spans away from the other cadets. Luke was just thinking about where to sit, when another cadet appeared beside the table, also carrying a tray of food. He glanced at Luke once, and then did a double take.

"Luke?!"

Luke studied the cadet and recognized him from school. His name was Havy Upworth, son of some famous general, and he was two years older than him.

"Where did you come from?" Havy asked.

"I just came today," Luke explained.

"Really? What did you do?"

"Um ..."

Havy sat down and gestured for Luke to sit opposite. "Stupid tabloids photographed me kissing the Jreen senator's daughter at a party. I guess I'd had too much to drink, because I just didn't see them ... then my parents' stupid PR consultant recommended they send me here just to stop her father from coming after me with a blaster."

"I, uh ..." Luke stared at his food, suddenly realizing how childish his story about sneaking onto a bounty hunter's ship really was. He couldn't tell Havy that. "I would rather not say."

"That bad, huh?"

"My father didn't take it well," Luke agreed.

"Well I don't imagine your father has a lot of tolerance for things that get ... out of control. Have you met the rest of the team?"

Luke glanced at the others. "Yes, uh ... Zev introduced me."

Zev returned at that moment, and sat down at the other end of the table. Luke wondered why he sat apart from the rest of them, but then Zev produced a databook. He held it up to read in one hand, while eating with the other. It had a picture of a tree on the back, and the title said something about landscape design. It didn't look all that riveting to Luke, but maybe Zev was interested in that kind of thing.

"He's your tent-mate?" Havy said, pointing a thumb in Zev's direction. "Well, if you get tired of finding books in your sleeping bag, there's always room in mine and Crepes tent."

Luke thought back, but couldn't remember any databooks in the tent at all. Odd.

Suddenly, a stream of mustard shot through the air and splattered all over the front of his uniform. Luke stood up in shock and looked around for the perpetrator. It didn't take long to figure it out. Crepes was still holding the mustard tube.

"Newbie!" he taunted, throwing a handful of rice for good measure. The rice stuck to the mustard, and the whole mixture started to seep into his tunic.

Some other cadets at a neighboring table saw what was happening and began to laugh. Lamber and Bo just stared at Crepes like he was crazy, but Havy leaned over and grabbed Crepes by the collar. "You Hutt-head!" he said, shaking him. "What the hell are you doing?"

Zev called Luke's name, and held up some of the paper towels he'd retrieved earlier. Luke gratefully went to accept them, taking his food tray with him.

"I should have warned you to watch out for that," Zev said, as Luke tried to dab himself off. The mustard was so thick, he only made it worse. "Check your sleeping bag tonight, in case anyone put glue in there."

Luke didn't reply. The shock was starting to wear off and be replaced with anger.

He glanced back at the other end of the table, where things had fallen suspiciously silent. They were all staring at him as if waiting for some kind of reaction. One part of him was tempted to throw some food of his own, but growing up on Tatooine had left him averse to wasting food, for any reason.

Finally, Crepes left his seat and walked over, looking apologetic. He was a good head taller than Luke, and probably a year older. He scratched his ear, looking embarrassed, and then said, "Sorry about that. I ... I didn't realize. I was just joking around."

"It wasn't funny," Luke said, annoyed.

"I know, I'm so sorry," he said, now sounding nervous. "I'll do anything you want to make it up to you. I swear, anything."

"Anything?" Zev said, smirking. He'd been watching the conversation with interest.

The cadet ignored him and picked up a slice of pie from Luke's plate. He held it out.

"Here. You can throw this at me if you like."

"I want to eat that," Luke said, snatching it back.

"I'll do it," Zev said, standing up and picking up some of his own food.

"Stay out of this, Veers." He turned back to Luke. "Please, let me do something to make it up to you."

His display was so pathetic, Luke felt the last of his anger slipping away. This guy was clearly a little unstable.

"Forget it," Luke insisted.

In response, the cadet suddenly looked afraid. He'd been looking nervous before, but now he was genuinely afraid. Luke could even sense it. He glanced over at Zev, and found he looked much the same. The cause soon became apparent when a shadow fell across the table. Luke turned around to find an officer was standing there. It was clear from his narrow, cold eyes that he wasn't happy, by any measure.

"What is going on here?!" he demanded.

Crepes launched into a flurry of apologies and nothing sirs, but Zev remained silent. Eventually the officer pointed towards the door. "All three of you—outside! Now! Move!"

Great, Luke thought, as he followed Zev towards the door. He'd been here less than a day, and already he was in trouble. It was almost starting to feel like home. The other cadets in the lunchroom stared at them as they walked past, some with pity.

Once outside, Crepes and Zev stood at attention, waiting for the officer to join them. He was still inside. Luke stood beside them, and waved some of the night insects away from his face. He could see hordes of them buzzing around the exterior lights on the dining hall.

"Who was that?" Luke asked, finally.

"Lieutenant Tancher," Zev supplied.

"Also known as Lieutenant Torture," Crepes said.

Zev smirked. "Yeah. Who died and made him Darth Vader, that's what I want to know."

Luke turned to Zev in surprise. "Who died and made him—what?"

"Shut your mouth, Veers," Crepes said, looking nervous.

It occurred to Luke that Havy must have told Crepes who his father was. That would also explain why he was apologizing so profusely a moment ago.

"It's just an expression," Zev said, looking equally confused at the reaction his remark had received. "Like when you say to someone overeating 'who died and made you Gigantia the Hutt', or when—"

Lieutenant Tancher walked out of the building at that moment, and Zev fell silent. He came to a halt in front of them, and then stared directly at Luke.

"Who are you? I've never seen you before."

"I ... uh ..." Luke stuttered.

"He's Cadet Luke Skywalker, sir," Zev supplied. "He just arrived a few hours ago."

The lieutenant's expression suddenly changed, and he glanced at Luke again. This time, his face was more curious than anything else. Finally, he looked back at Zev.

"And were you assigned to look after him, Veers?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then why does he have food smeared across his uniform?!"

Zev didn't reply. He obviously wasn't willing to get Crepes in trouble, no matter how much he deserved it. One look at Lieutenant Tancher convinced Luke that no one deserved that.

"I spilled my plate," Luke supplied.

"You like to eat mustard and rice?" the lieutenant asked, pointing at the large stain.

"Uh ... yes, it's a great combo," Luke said. "You should try it sometime."

Zev and Crepes stared at him like he was crazy. The lieutenant's expression suggested he was thinking much the same thing.

Eventually, he waved a hand. "Go back inside. Cadet Veers, you will come with me."

Luke was about to protest, but the words died in his mouth as Zev immediately walked after the lieutenant.

"Are you going to let him take the blame?" Luke asked Crepes.

"He didn't say he was in trouble. He just wanted to speak to him. It's probably about something else."

"What if it isn't?"

"What can I do? I can't go after them—he said he only wanted to speak to Veers. Listen, you don't mess around with Lieutenant Tancher. It doesn't matter whose son you are. Before he came here he was an interrogation specialist. He was transferred out of the field because too many of his suspects kept dying on him. He ordered us to go back inside—that means we go back inside."

Crepes walked past him, doing just that. Luke took one last glance into the darkness, and then followed him.