Chapter 3

Not knowing how it was happening, or why, Luke could only stare blankly ahead. There was no reason whatsoever for this to be happening. In fact, there was a plethora of reasons why it shouldn't happen. It made no sense to his tired mind, yet here he was.

Flying towards Old Ben's house.

He groaned. 'What am I doing?' Yet Luke found he lacked the ability to stop himself, after burning with curiosity for the past two weeks. Curiosity really wasn't the word for it – it was far stronger than anything he had felt before. The race was the next day, and yet he couldn't even focus on it enough to be excited. He should be using the night before the event to sleep and rest up, not gallivant across the desert.

"You're turning into a very fine young man Luke. You have your father's eyes."

His father… that conundrum of his life, that mystery that was always just beyond his reach. At times, he was sure he knew the answer - remembered something - as if some force was nudging him towards the truth. Yet it always evaded his grasp, and he was starving for the truth. Just the straight, unabridged, unaltered, unambiguous truth.

And so, he found himself arriving at Ben's hut, stopping his speeder, and walking towards the dilapidated dwelling. "Hello Luke," the hermit called out in a friendly tone, as the young farm boy approached approached.

Luke fixed him with a hard gaze, determined to employ all the firmness necessary for his conquest of truth, "Hi Ben. I came to…ask you a question."

"Go on…" Ben prodded with a smile, refusing to match the intensity behind Luke's eyes.

"You…said I have my father's eyes." Luke said, barely above a whisper, "What do you know of my father."

Ben gave out one long sigh, and leaned against the hut tiredly, "Too much, young one. Far too much to speak of here. Come inside, and I'll tell you over a cup of tea." Once again, Luke was faced with that critical decision. Ben walked away from him without a second look, striding into his hut where goodness knew what lay. Luke's eyes shifted uneasily, fearing what lay ahead. Yet for the past week, he had been unable to use the few hours he was not working captured his much desired sleep, and instead tossed and turned thinking about Ben's words. There was no turning back. This was it.

With one great stride, he was halfway to the threshold, if the modest doorway could so be called, and with another he was inside. At first, he had to blink a little as he entered, as his eyes adjusted to the new light. An arm grabbed him, and he nearly panicked.

"One lump or two?" Ben asked in a pedestrian tone.

Luke let out the air he had gathered in preparation for a scream, "Two."

Ben quickly set about preparing tea in the space he used for a kitchen. It was amazingly small, but every nook and cranny had its purpose, and no space was wasted. The organization was so precise as to give nearly a military air, or reflect the imposition of a rigid discipline. The tea was quite good, or at least, Luke thought it was. He was incapable of really tasting it, as his mind rehearsed the questions he would ask, again and again. Once again, Ben saved him the awkwardness of speaking.

"So you want to learn about your father, do you, young Luke?" Ben asked casually.

Luke nodded emphatically, "Yes, please, if you know anything…"

"What have you been told?" It was quick and to the point.

Luke swallowed, "Well, Uncle Owen says he was a freighter pilot, who smuggled spice. But he's not even told me his name!"

Ben looked thoughtful for a moment, as if considering something. At last, he returned his attention to Luke, "What your uncle has told you about your father is not true, and you're old enough now to know that."

Without consciously doing it, Luke found himself leaning closer, in expectation, "What did he do then?"

Though at that moment, Luke dared not speak above a whisper, Ben did not seem to share the same disposition. He leaned back and stirred his tea, perhaps buying time. Finally, he said very evenly, "Your father was a Jedi Knight."

Luke gasped, "A JEDI!" Suddenly, he had lost his urge to whisper, and Ben was the one hushing him, "Sorry," he mumbled apologetically, turning a little red, but it was as much from excitement as embarrassment, "Could he do all those weird tricks? Was he famous? Did he die in the purge?"

"Slow down, Luke," Ben soothed, raising his hands to halt Luke's ejaculations, "As a Jedi Knight, he was a force user."

"What's the force?" Luke immediately interrupted.

"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together." Ben instructed patiently, "Many people knew your father in his day. I fought with your father in the Clone Wars, when he was a mighty warrior."

There was silence for a moment, "Well.." Luke encouraged, "What was his name?"

Ben smiled sympathetically, "All in good time Luke. There are some things you are not ready for yet. You must learn to control yourself before you learn about them."

Luke jumped up impatiently, "I'm seventeen! I want to know now, Ben! He's my father - I deserve to know his name!"

Ben was silent for a moment, before rising and rummaging through an old chest. "I have something here for you. Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn't allow it. He feared you might follow old Obi-Wan on some damn fool idealistic crusade like your father did." He paused, holding out a cylinder to Luke, "It's your father's lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster, but an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire."

Silently, reverently, Luke received the shiny cylinder from Ben, memorizing at once every single curve along its surface. He was awestruck and excited all at once, "This…I've seen these before. It…really belonged to my father?"

"Yes Luke," Ben told him with a nod, "It did." Silence ruled again for a moment. At last, Ben looked at him, for the first time with excitement behind his eyes, "Luke, you could be a Jedi like your father. You could use the force." Luke looked up at him suddenly, questions glistening in his eyes. Ben didn't wait for them, "I was a Jedi too, Luke. I could train you in the ways of the force."

"Train me…" Luke breathed, as if in a trance.

"Yes Luke," Ben urged, his voice drawing Luke deeper into his trance-like state, "Your father would be so proud of you. Stay with me, and I'll teach you how to be like him."

Luke shook himself free of the enchantment, "I…I can't Ben. I have my family, the farm…"

"You're old enough to decide for yourself," Ben protested, "You would accomplish much more as a Jedi for the galaxy." However from the look in his eye, Luke saw he was backing off of the strong position he had at first assumed, and taking a lesser one, "At least stay the night here Luke. I can tell you stories about your father before you sleep, and then you won't be tired driving back home."

Luke shook his head firmly, "I'm sorry Ben. There's a big podrace in town tomorrow morning that I'm going to."

Ben frowned, "There hasn't been a podrace here for twenty years."

Luke nodded absentmindedly, "I know. It's a big event. The Emperor and Empress will even be there."

At those words, something passed behind Ben's eyes that looked like a shadow. Luke wasn't sure of what it was, but it frightened something deep down inside of him. He shivered slightly. Ben fixed his eyes on him, and his tone was serious, "Luke, you must not go to this race. You will be in great danger. If the Emperor discovers your heritage, he will kill you, as he killed all the other Jedi Knights."

Luke shuddered even more, but he tried to get a grip on himself. There was no reason why this old hermit in the desert was right. So he had a lightsaber? Uncle Owen said he tricked people, and Luke wasn't quite ready to believe him, "I'll be fine. I must go."

"That's your Uncle speaking." Ben countered.

But Luke wasn't listening. He pushed towards the door, only to feel Ben's arm grab him. He tried to brush it off quickly, but suddenly felt very lethargic. His legs seemed to fall asleep beneath him, "What are you doing?" he barely managed to mumble.

"Your mother entrusted me with your life, Luke. I will not lose it." Ben told him gently, as Luke collapsed slowly to the floor. Seconds later, his eyes closed, and he drifted into blackness.

When his senses returned to him, Luke found himself lying on a bed – presumable the only bed in the hut. Ben was at the end of the bed, staring at him with sorrow in his eyes. "I'm sorry Luke."

At once fearful and angry, Luke's eyes flashed at Ben with bolts strong enough to pierce reinforced hull, "Don't use your magic on me."

"I want to help you Luke," Ben told him gently, "I'll tell you all about your father Luke, and why you must be wary of the Emperor. Just listen and you'll understand."

"No more lies Ben!" Luke snapped, jumping up all at once, I'm going into town – now!"

"I can't let you leave Luke," Ben warned, his voice dropping low, as the old man took a step backwards and crossed his arms.

If he tried to leave, Ben would use another of his Jedi tricks on Luke. Yet Ben had said Luke was a Jedi too. Perhaps he was, and if he was, then he could use the force too. He summoned his will and resolve, and saw in his mind a great force slamming into Ben and knocking him down.

Kaa-thud!

Ben was on the floor, and Luke darted out the door before the old man could get up again. All he could think of was running to his speeder and leaving as fast as possible. Never before had he finished the start up procedure so quickly.

"No wait Luke! Come back!" Ben shouted, charging out of the house after him. Unsure of what the old man could do with the force, Luke kept driving as fast as the speeder would allow.

"Don't look back…" the sand sang to him again and again, "Don't look back."

He reached Mos Eisley at last in a rather bedraggled condition from the wind whipping at his clothes. Thankfully, his working card allowed him to enter the city without any hassles. Already he was later than planned, but the race hadn't started yet. He drove to the bar where Biggs had told him they'd meet, but there was no sign of Biggs there. He looked around for a few moments, before the manager spotted him. The scaly creature regarded him for a second, before hissing, "The human creature bid me say he was tired of waiting, and will meet you at the arena. Pleasssssant day, human."

The change in plans confused Luke at first, as he faced heading to the arena by himself, but then, he'd just escaped that awful wizard, and being around a large crowd of people felt particularly safe. He merged in with the myriad of beings, flocking towards the race. Had he not known the way, Luke would have found it easily simply by following the crowd.

Approaching the ticket booth at the stadium, Luke prepared his working card to show to the official. "Ticket, please?" a corpulent lady asked dully.

"Here's my working card, "Luke announced, showing it to the lady, "I have a job here."

"Ticket, please." she pestered.

"I don't have a ticket," he explained, "I work here."

She pointed to the card, "At night. Come back in twelve hours and I'll let you in. Next please."

"No, please!" he pleaded, "You can't do this to me!" His eyes wildly searched her face for any sign of pity, but found none.

"Luke?" a voice called. He turned around and spotted Leia, "What are you doing?"

"I'm…well…heh…" he stuttered.

She waved towards him, "Come on, daddy has box seats. You can come with us." He made his way to her through the crown. She was paused near the VIP entrance, waiting for him to reach her, dressed in the full regal gown of a princess. All at once, he became shy again, remembering who she was.

"I really should be going…" he muttered, looking away.

She put her little hand to his chin, and turned it back towards her, so she could look into his eyes, "Don't be afraid of me Luke, please. Everyone is. Please." Her eyes showed betrayed that she was even more uncomfortable than Luke, and with those eyes searching his face, he couldn't refuse her.

"Alright," he said simply, but without any falter in his voice. Slowly, he let a smile steal across his face, and she smiled back. She reached out and took his arm, and the neat and proper Leia led the disheveled and ragged Luke into the formal VIP lounge.

Luke gulped nervously, as he happened to catch a glance at a mirror on their way in. Leia caught the expression at once, and followed his eyes, "You do look a little worse for wear Luke. What happened?"

"I…had to make a quick exit," Luke answered, "What's your father going to think?"

Leia's smile folded into a thin line, "It's nothing a princess can't handle. Wait here." She darted off quickly, her walk that of a woman on a mission. The VIP aides in attendance perked up immediately upon spotting the little princess, and became visible nervous. Luke couldn't help grinning as Leia charged at one and immediately delivered her demands. In minutes a fresh set of clothing had been discovered, and Luke was shown to a private room to make his transformation.

The clothes screamed of class, and the cut was obviously expensive. To Luke, who had never worn anything but homespun for his entire life, the sensation of the soft fabric against his skin was nearly too much to bear. Then Luke caught a glimpse of himself wearing the black pants and shirt in the mirror, and found himself even more shocked.

'Luke, you look…handsome.' he thought in surprise. In fact, he appeared almost regal, with his golden hair and maddeningly blue eyes completing the ensemble.

"Luke!" Leia exclaimed, as he made his exit, "You look…handsome." Luke blushed as she mirrored his thoughts.

"Thanks," he answered, not quite willingly to meet her gaze. Just then, an announcement sounded over the loudspeakers, urging everyone to take their place.

"We had better go," Leia declared quickly, already taking the lead and striding off resolutely to her box. Luke followed, his nervousness building at seeing her father again. Why had he allowed her to talk him into this?

Finally coming to the appropriate box, Leia inserted her pass card into the box at the door and it swung open for them, revealing a luxurious setting. A serving bar played a dominating role, setting the atmosphere of the room, with lights shining through the crystal glasses and dancing on the walls. There were many chairs, all covered in expensive leather, and the view of the track was spectacular.

"I see you brought a friend," Bail Organa greeted them with a grunt, "Hmmph. Have you been keeping out of trouble Leia?"

"Of course daddy," she said with a laugh, planting a kiss of his forehead, "I believe you know Luke?"

"That I do," Bail responded, turning around to face the young farm boy. Luke felt a surge of terror wrack him, wondering if the Senator would throw him out of the stadium. Instead, he reached and out and shook his hand, "You're looking fashionable Luke. How have you been keeping?"

"Very good, sir," Luke responded, a little too quickly.

Bail nodded, and perhaps sensing further conversation would only further terrify the young man, he turned to one of his aides and struck up a conversation regarding who would be at the podrace. The aide proceeded to deliver a long and complex list of names. Bail grunted again at the end of the recital.

"I'll see anyone except for the Senator from Bothan. I can't stand Bothans."

"Yes sir," the aide replied, "It is very likely that the Emperor will request your company."

"Then he can come here himself if he wants it," Bail snapped irritably, and then added on a kinder note, "How is the Empress doing?"

"As well as ever, sir" the aide answered, in a hushed voice. Bail nodded knowingly.

From that point on, there was little chance for conversation as the prodrace began, and even if it had continued Luke would have been oblivious to everything said around him. His eyes were glued to the race track, and his heart raced as the clock began to count down the time until the expected event would occur. He studied every single racer, memorized their features, and calculated who would win. By far, he was no genius at mathematics and statistics, but he could almost feel the potential of every single racer, as his eyes sized up their vehicles. Before the starting bell resounded, he had already chosen who would win, and pointed him out to Leia with an excited nudge. She simply smiled at him, obviously having little taste for the race. Her ears were inclined towards her father, hoping to catch further strains of his conversation, should it begin again.

The speed of the podracers stunned Luke. He couldn't imagine how great the thrill of throttling up such a vehicle would be, but he longed for it, almost feeling the handles in his own hands. All too soon, the race was over. He nudged Leia once again with a whoop, "Did you see! He did win, just like I said!"

"A very good choice," a voice answered behind them, that was both smooth and firm at the same time. It nearly floated across the air, and the figure who spoke the phrase was just as impressive. And…there was something about him almost familiar to Luke…

His hair was also golden, and spilled across his forehead in silky strands. Small highlights of darker colours were scattered across it, though Luke almost felt sure that under the hot suns of his home planet, this man's hair would match his own. The face was well formed and chiseled, and the eyes immediately caught his attention. They were nearly the exact shade as Luke's, though they burned with greater intensity and more maturity. "Your majesty," Bail greeted him once over his surprise, rising and giving a little bow, "We were not expecting you." To Luke's credit, his mouth did not hang open upon hearing the title Bail Organa employed, though he was shocked beyond words. This was…the Emperor. Beyond him stood a smaller figure, heavily veiled.

"Then I see I have arrived at the perfect moment Senator," the Emperor answered with a wry smile, "I trust I find you and your family in good health."

"Excellent health, your majesty. And my Empress, are you the same?" Bail asked, addressing the veiled figure.

"I am well," she answered in a weak voice, surveying the room slowly. Her eyes caught Luke, and they seemed to brighten in interest.

"Would my lady like a seat?" asked Leia warmly.

"Thank you Leia," the Empress replied with a small smile. However, instead of sitting beside Leia, she placed herself next to Luke. He gulped nervously, wishing he could blend into the room's décor and be relieved of all the dues of etiquette. For offending a Senator he could be forgiven, but the Emperor was another matter. He was a ruthless man, with an anger that could rival a supernova. It was not the wild uncontrollable anger that Luke had discovered in bullies at school in his younger years, but something refined and polished, and used like a tool. With a face glowing like the sun and a will as strong as iron, the Emperor was not a man to annoy.

Yet he took little notice of Luke, and in fact, the farm boy suspected that the lofty man's eyes never fell upon him. Eventually, Luke felt relatively safe, and his attention turned to the Empress, who had seated herself beside him. She was another matter. Though heavily veiled, Luke could determine that her frame was small, and she lacked the health most of the wealthy and powerful possessed. Her eyes were beautiful, but sorrowful – and at that minute, they were intently studying him. He dared to lift his eyes and meet hers, and all at once she turned away with an almost frightened look.

Leia appeared puzzled by the Empress's reaction, and Luke could almost see the gears in her head begin to turn. If Bail Organa had allowed his daughter to enter politics, there was no doubt she would have been a stunning adversary to any bureaucrat. Her father, at that moment, was deeply occupied discussing matters with the Emperor, and seemed disinclined to pay any attention whatsoever to the young people in the room. He glanced over once or twice at Leia with a small frown creasing his face, yet never did his eyes rest on Luke. Luke hoped that meant the Senator was unafraid of him insulting the royal pair, though it likely stemmed more from the fact that he was a nobody, Luke admitted to himself.

"Would you like some tea, my Empress?" Leia asked the Empress softly at last, not raising her voice to a level where it would interrupt her father's conversation. The woman smiled and nodded politely, her eyes shining as they fixed upon Leia. Leia matched her expression, and hunted for the desired tea at the bar.

Placing it on a tray, she walked across the room with all the grace of a noble lady, and laid the tray down on a nearby table. Yet when she poured a cup of tea and made to pass it to the Empress, her regal manners momentarily disappeared. She had been so focused on her task, that she had not heard the Emperor address a question towards her.

"Leia!" snapped her father.

Hearing the tone in a state of surprise, Leia's hand jerked in mid-motion, and the tea cup fell from her hand, down towards the lap of the Empress. In a whirl, Luke's hand snapped out and grabbed the falling cup, before a drop of the steaming liquid could fall from the brim. It was only after his hand and pulled back and he was left staring at the cup that he turned a shade redder in embarrassment at the fact that every eye in the room was fixed upon him.

"I'm so sorry, your majesty!" gushed Leia, recovering herself, and even turning a bit more red herself.

"It's quite alright," the older lady soothed, "No harm done." She smiled pleasantly, and taking a hold of the tea cup, made all the signs of a person quite thoroughly done with a topic.

Yet now the previous conditions were reversed. While the Empress made a point of not looking in Luke's direction, the Emperor was now staring at him quite intently.

"We have this young gentleman to thank for that," he told his wife, taking a step closer to Luke. Luke shivered slightly, and felt somehow…cold. It was almost as if there was a presence in his mind, a sensation he had no experienced since his time with Ben. The golden-haired Emperor was certainly not done with the topic, and he stepped even closer to Luke, surveying all at once every last detail of the farm boy, focusing particularly on his eyes. Looking back into the eyes of his Emperor – into his very own eyes, it seemed – Luke saw intense power, and he could not match the strength he observed. His eyes dropped uncomfortably to the floor, attempting to ignore the dominating figure that towered above him, now close enough to reach out and touch.

"What is your name, young sir?" asked the Emperor, at last satisfied with his distance. Luke was forced to look up into the glowing face once again, lest he appear completely rude. Yet what was he to say? Perhaps Old Ben had been right, and this man would kill him as soon as he discovered his identity. His last name might or might not give him away, as he had not the faintest clue as to whether he shared it with his father. But Luke had little choice, he thought, given the fact that Senator Organa already knew his last name, and likely would reveal any lies.

'Deal with it Lars!' he told himself firmly, and steeling himself, he met the Emperor eye to eye and refused to back down despite his fear. "Luke Lars, your majesty. I was pleased to be of service."

The Emperor nodded, with a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His eyes searched even deeper into Luke, almost touching his very soul. The Emperor glanced quickly at his wife, searching her face, which remained entirely emotionless.

Bail stepped forward, and placed his hand on Luke's shoulder, "A good reflex Luke. I'm very glad you were able to stay with us for the race. Leia, why don't you take Luke to speak with the winning podracer, so the Emperor and I may discuss business now?"

"Of course daddy," she answered smoothly, and Luke guessed that she was subtly picking up on the tone her father employed, for it was her diplomatic voice she used to respond. She stood and took a few steps towards the door.

"Our business can wait Bail," the Emperor responded with a casual wave of his hand, "And I can arrange a meeting with the racers any day. I'd like to speak more with these young people right now. They are very special, yes?"

"Of course, your majesty," Bail responded, appearing slightly concerned. Luke was even more concerned himself, when the Emperor sat down beside him. However, for all his fear of the older man, very slowly he was coming to admire, even idolize him.

"You must tell me more about yourself Luke. Where do you live?" the Emperor asked pleasantly. His eyes were deep pools to become lost in, and for every once of him that wished to flee, Luke also felt the urge to please him.

Sitting between the royal pair, Luke's head was nearly spinning, "On this planet, your majesty, with my Uncle and Aunt."

Before any more questions could be asked, there was a general commotion heard outside the room, as voices were raised. A few moments later, the door burst open, and two men strode forward. One was dressed in the red colours of the royal guard, while the other wore a plain Imperial uniform which Luke couldn't easily identify. "He insisted on seeing you," the royal guard informed the Emperor.

The man in uniform stepped forward, and knelt down, "Your majesty, we have rumours of a Jedi on the premises."

The Emperor's eyes flashed immediately with anger and excitement, and he was quickly on his feet, "You will escort the Empress back to our ship to ensure her safety. I will deal with this threat myself," He made towards the door, but turned quickly turned back, "You will excuse me, Senator Organa. Luke, I will see you again. Soon."

In a whirl he was gone, and the Empress a moment later. Bail turned quickly to his daughter Leia, "Return to our quarters immediately Leia. Make no delay."

"Father!" she protested, "What's going on?"

"Later, Leia. Do as I say… And send in Captain Panaka!" Bail told her firmly, his stance that of a man ready for action. He turned all his attention toward Luke as she left, "I should never have allowed you to stay Luke, but I did not suspect the Emperor would come here. You must leave the planet immediately."

"What!" Luke gasped, "But…why?...I can't go anywhere, I have my Aunt and Uncle!"

"I'll get word to them," Bail assured him in a worried tone, "But Luke, you must understand it is vital you leave before the Emperor returns. The Jedi he hunts is doubtless Obi Wan Kenobi - a very good friend of your family. He is a Jedi, just as your father was, and he's trying to protect you from the Emperor. The Emperor knows now, or at least suspects, that you are a force user."

Luke's head collapsed into his hands, "Old Ben Kenobi. I should have listened to him!" He jumped to his feet, pounding his fist into a nearby table. Glasses on the other side of the room shattered instantly.

"Control your anger Luke! It will lead you to the darkside."

Luke looked over to the shattered glasses with surprise, and then back to Bail, "Darkside?"

As he spoke those words, the door flew open, and in stepped Captain Panaka. Luke took an unconscious step back, in fear of the man. "Panaka, take Luke to a ship immediately. There's no time for delay. Things secret are now revealed."

If possible, Panaka's stance became even more menacing, and Luke felt his terror of the man rising. "Go with him Luke," Bail told him firmly, "It is your only chance."

Not waiting to answer, Luke stepped forward and followed the Captain appointed to save his life from his own Emperor. "Lead on."