Authors Note: I can't seem to help myself - I love writing about Star Wars! I cleaned up my published stories a bit, I deleted a couple because I'm going to combine those two separate ideas into this one epic mega story. It features the usual culprit of time travel, because I just love the whole concept of Luke meeting Anakin. I already have all the chapters planned out in advance (spent the last two whole days doing it), so all I have to do is type them up fully. Constructive criticism welcome!
NOTE that I loosely follow the movies, don't expect everything to be in order etc. I'm just jumbling things about to fit with my story. Already thinking of a possible sequel to this, but let's not get head of ourselves lol.
I do not own Star Wars, it is the property of Disney. Cover art by DarkSideofDesign on DeviantArt. Enjoy the first chapter!
The Skywalker Saga
Chapter I: Just a Farmboy
Luke Skywalker had always believed that he would never amount to anything beyond being exceedingly average. He had lived an average life for the past nineteen years, and he couldn't see that changing any time soon. Luke was of course grateful that his aunt and uncle had taken him in as a baby and adopted him, but that didn't stop him from wondering what could have been if only his parents were alive. Many a time since he was a child did he sit upon the tallest sand dune he could find and watch the twin suns set in awe, imagining all the different worlds that surrounded him and the adventures that were to be had.
Luke soon grew out of that habit once it became apparent to his uncle Owen that he was more than just handy with tools. Soon, his uncle relied solely on him to fix the few vaporators that they had on their moisture farm. They were ancient machines that needed constant upkeep, which his uncle struggled to do without his help. The Lars were by no means rich, but Luke had never been wanting in the necessities – food, water, clothing and love.
"Luke?" snapping out of his reverie, he looked up from his glass of Bantha milk at his aunt. She was a soft woman, full of kind words and nurturing. She was the complete opposite of her husband, Owen Lars, a gruff man who's aspirations reached no further than being an honest moisture farmer on Tatooine. "Tell your uncle that if gets a translator, he has to be sure that it speaks Bocce."
"I doubt we'll have much of a choice, but I'll remind him." Luke drained the last of his milk and hurried to join his uncle in their speeder. They didn't have to travel far before they arrived at the local equipment sale that the Jawas held once a week in Anchorhead. Luke dawdled behind his uncle, shoulders slumped as he eyed the various droids lined up before them. This was his final errand before he could disappear off with his friends for the night, and he was impatient to go. His uncle Owen insisted that Luke go with him whenever he went to the sale, even before Luke could properly walk.
The Jawa leader excitedly beckoned the duo over, gesturing repeatedly at their newest arrival – a golden 3PO droid. Owen waved his hand dismissively at the unit.
"I have no need for a protocol droid. What I really need is a droid that understands the binary language of moisture vaporators." Owen huffed at the Jawa, his eyebrows further furrowing in annoyance.
"Vaporators!" the droid piped up in excitement, "Sir, my first job was programming binary load lifters which are very similar to your vaporators-"
"Do you speak Bocce?" Luke watched the exchange with minimal interest, instead watching the Jawas out of the corner of his eye.
"Of course I can sir."
"All right then, I'll take this one and the red one." turning to the Jawa leader, Owen handed him the money and started to head back to his speeder.
"Hang on uncle Owen." Luke squats down and with a trained eye looks over the little red astromech droid that his uncle has chosen. Fiddling with the top of its dome, a plate suddenly popped off and fell to the ground, sparks flying erratically. "This R2 unit has a bad motivator!" he exclaimed, pulling back from the sparks.
"Just what exactly are you trying to push on us?" Owen demanded, rounding on the helpless Jawa. The 3PO unit tapped Luke lightly on the shoulder a gestured to the blue astromech droid instead.
"That one is in excellent condition sir, a real bargain." Luke considered it for a moment before telling the Jawa that they'll be happy with swapping the red unit for the blue one.
After an uneventful journey home, Luke watched as his uncle stiffly walked into their homestead, his joints aching.
"I'll clean the droids up for you before I go meet Biggs." Luke called over his shoulder, ushering the droids into their small garage. It was a small, cluttered room that was separate from the rest of the house, and it was Luke's favourite place in the whole world. He'd spend hours in there modifying the speeder and tinkering with droids, and even working on the dull moisture vaporators didn't seem too bad when he was in the garage. Sitting heavily on the bench, he assessed the two droids before him.
"You've got a lot of carbon scoring here. Looks like you boys have seen a lot of action huh?" Luke muttered, getting out the necessary tools he'd need to give them a good once over.
"With all we've been through I'm amazed we're in as good condition as we are, what with the Rebellion and all." Luke's head shot up so quickly from the box he was rifling through that he hit it on the shelf above him.
"You know of the Rebellion against the Empire?" he asked in a low voice, eyes darting to the door of the garage. "Have you been in many battles?"
"Several. There's not much to tell I'm afraid sir."
"You can call me Luke."
"Well I am C3PO and this is R2D2, Master Luke." Luke rolled his eyes and flashed Threepio a small smile.
"Just Luke is fine." grunting, Luke struggled with his pick to free what looked like debris from Artoo's neck joint. Focusing, he tried prying harder until the pick suddenly snapped, sending Luke sprawling onto his hands and knees in surprise. He froze as a hologram no bigger than twelve inches appeared before him, flickering uncertainly as if it wanted to cut out. Luke immediately noted that whoever the young woman was in the video, she was beautiful.
"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope." Luke watched in a stunned silence as the recording repeated itself.
"What...who is she? What's this all about? Is there more to the message?" he asked quietly, his eyes swivelling from one droid to the next. Artoo beeped at Threepio for a few moments before going silent.
"Artoo says that he is the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi, a resident of these parts. Apparently this is a private message only for him. Would you be able to help at all Master Luke?" Luke considered the two droids before him and sat back on his heels, considering the message. The only person who came to mind was the crazy old hermit called old Ben Kenobi, who lived far beyond the Dune Sea.
"You know, I just might be able to help." standing up, Luke shook out his cramped legs and headed for the garage door. "I'll speak to my aunt and uncle about this, I'll be right back." and with that, he left the two droids alone in the room.
Entering the kitchen, Luke's stomach immediately growled at the smell of Beru's cooking. Sliding into his seat opposite his uncle, he flashed his aunt a smile and began eating.
"You know," Luke began conversationally, "I think that R2 unit is stolen. I stumbled across a recording whilst I was cleaning him, he says he belongs to someone called Obi-Wan Kenobi." too busy eating his food, Luke missed the worried glance exchanged between his aunt and uncle. "The only Kenobi I know is old Ben out beyond the Dune Sea. Do you think he's related?"
"That old man is just a crazy wizard, you here me? First thing tomorrow you're gonna take that R2 unit into Anchorhead and have its memory flushed. It belongs to us and that's the end of the story." Owen slammed his hand down on the table for emphasis, his face red with anger.
Interest piqued, Luke slowly lowered his spoon and leaned towards his uncle.
"What if this man comes looking for him?" Owen snorted and pushed his plate away, his brows furrowing together as he stared at his nephew.
"He won't. He died around the same time as your father."
"He knew my father?"
"I told you to forget it. Just get that R2 unit's memory flushed in the morning and then I want them working on the south ridge working out those condensers." the stern glare that his uncle was sending him across the dinner table was more than enough to quieten Luke on the matter. He mumbled a yes sir and ate the rest of his dinner before heading out the house.
Luke debated on going to meet his friend, but the twin suns were setting rapidly and he didn't want to risk getting caught by any sand people. Instead, he settled on a small sand dune and stared up at the sky, wondering how his life had gotten this dull and if anything would ever change. Luke wanted to send an application off to the Empire's Academy and learn to fly with them, but every year uncle Owen had found a way to dash his hopes of going.
It was the same story every time - "I need you Luke, I just need one good harvest this year and then I'll be able to hire more help, and then you can go." - Luke laughed bitterly to himself, knowing full well he'd probably have to settle for marrying a nice girl and settling down, before finally taking over the moisture farm so his aunt and uncle could retire.
It wouldn't be that bad, would it? He asked himself, content at watching the sky dim slowly but surely. At last when both the suns were down, he finally got up to check on the two droids.
"Threepio? Artoo?" Luke called as he strolled into the garage.
"Master Luke!" Threepio exclaimed, making Luke violently jump. "Please don't be angry Master Luke, but Artoo has vanished! I told him not, but he kept babbling on about his mission! He's left to find Obi-Wan Kenobi!" Threepio wailed, his arms waving about his head in alarm.
"Blast it, uncle Owen is going to be furious." Luke swore hotly, hurrying outside and squinting into the night. "Surely he can't have gone far?" he questioned Threepio.
"I'm afraid that R2 unit has always been a problem. Pardon me sir, but couldn't we go after him?" Threepio timidly asked.
"We can't right now, not with all the Sand people about. They like to roam around a night you see, so we'll have to wait until the morning. Let's just hope we find him." sighing, Luke rubbed his eyes in exasperation. "You just stay in the garage until the morning, okay?" Luke ordered, shutting the golden droid inside.
Settling into bed, Luke stared at the various posters on his walls of different speeders and starships. One day...he thought longingly, before closing his eyes and trying to sleep.
Luke awoke early the following morning, making sure that he and Threepio were long gone before either his aunt of uncle could awaken. He could do without getting an earful from Owen for the entire morning. Luke grabbed his old laser rifle and threw onto the back seat of the speeder before activating the scanner.
"Old Ben lives in this direction Threepio, so I'm certain we'll come across Artoo fairly soon. He's only little, he can't have gotten far."
"Well you'd be surprised Master Luke." they lapsed into a comfortable silence as they sped along the dunes, the early morning suns bright in their faces. Soon enough, a small blip appeared on the radar, signalling that it had picked a signal up.
"That must be Artoo!" Luke pushed down on the throttle, eager to find the little astromech droid and get him back to the farm before uncle Owen was any the wiser. Pulling to a stop, Luke hopped out of the speeder with his rifle and jogged until he stopped right in front of R2D2, who beeped sheepishly when he saw them. "Where do you think you're going?" Luke queried, a boyish grin lighting up his face. "C'mon, I need to get you back before uncle Owen really loses it."
Artoo beeped negatively, trying to roll around Luke's legs.
"Master Luke is your rightful owner. We'll have no more of this Obi-Wan Kenobi gibberish...I don't want to hear anything more about your mission either." Threepio lectured sternly, coming up from behind Artoo as to trap him. Suddenly Artoo burst into life with frantic whistles and screams.
"Stars, what's wrong with him now?" Luke asked, frustrated.
"Oh dear...he says there are several creatures approaching us!" Threepio tottered on the stop and turned to where Artoo said. Luke gripped his laser rifle and held it out in front of him, his eyes desperately scanning the environment.
"It's probably sand people or worse." Luke muttered grimly. Before he even realised anything had happened, he suddenly felt something strike him on the back of his head.
Obi-Wan Kenobi lived a simple life, much different than the one had had once before in his youth. He watched as the young man stirred in his bed, bleach blond hair messily strewn across his face.
He looks just like his father. Kenobi thought sadly, he reached out an old weathered hand and gently brushed the boys hair out of his face. The young man's eyes suddenly shot open, and for a moment Obi-Wan thought his breath had been taken away from him. To stare into the exact same cerulean blue eyes brought painful memories rushing to surface of his minds eye.
"Hey-!" Luke startled backwards and then groaned, reaching a hand up to gingerly touch his sore head. "What happened?"
"Rest easy son, you've had a busy day. You're fortunate you're still in one piece." Luke stared at the old man before him, noting his white hair and scraggly beard before his eyes widened in understanding.
"You're Ben Kenobi! Boy, am I glad to see you." Luke breathed out a sigh of relief and settled back on the pillows behind him. He glanced over at the two droids who were stationed quietly against the wall, and once satisfied that they were both still in good condition, he turned his attention back to the old wizard who sat next to him.
"The Jundland wastes are not to be travelled lightly. Tell me young Luke, what brings you out this far?"
"That R2 unit over there," Luke jabbed his thumb at him, "he's searching for Obi-Wan Kenobi, claiming that he has a message for him. Do you know this man? Is he a relative of yours?" Luke questioned innocently. Kenobi regarded him for a moment, tugging on his beard as he leant back in his chair. "My uncle said he knew my father, and that he had died around the same time as him." Luke added, eyes downcast.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi eh? That's a name I haven't heard in a long time...no, he's not dead yet." Kenobi's eyes twinkled mischievously as Luke put two and two together.
"So it is you then! Well? What's this all about then?" Luke folded his arms across his chest and sent Kenobi and determined look. Ben could have chuckled if that look didn't remind him so much of a former young Padawan of his.
"I knew your father from the before. We fought in the wars together." Kenobi murmured, eyes glazed over as he thought back to a time long before.
"No...my father didn't fight in the wars. He was a navigator on a spice freighter." Luke explained. Kenobi closed his eyes at the lie the young man had been told. Leaning forwards, Ben linked his fingers together and gave Luke a searching look.
"That's what your uncle told you. He didn't hold your father's ideals."
"You fought in the Clone Wars?"
"Yes. I was once a Jedi Knight, the same as your father." Luke's head was suddenly spinning and he didn't know if the room was upside down or the right way up. Butterflies entered his stomach and his mouth suddenly dried. Sensing the young man was overwhelmed, Kenobi carried on with his story. "He was the best star-pilot in the galaxy, and a cunning warrior. I understand that you've become quite the pilot yourself?"
Luke chuckled weakly in response. "Well, I doubt I am anywhere near the level that my father was." Ben allowed Luke some time to digest the news about his father. He still felt bitter about the boy only learning the truth now, but at least it was better than him living his entire life in ignorance.
Kenobi slowly sunk to his knees and pulled out from under his bed a large chest. It looked like it hadn't been opened in decades, with a thick layer of dust coating the top of it. He glanced up at Luke who was staring at him curiously, before he slowly unlocked the box and rummaged around inside it for a moment.
"I have something here for you. I would have given it to you sooner, but your uncle wouldn't allow it." he placed a small, cloth wrapped object in Luke's hand. "Go on, open it." Ben encouraged. With trembling hands, Luke slowly unwrapped the item to reveal a small gadget. Luke tossed it from hand to hand, uncertain as to what it was.
"What is it?" he asked slowly.
"This is your father's lightsaber – the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster." Luke pressed the button on the side and the lightsaber sprang to life with a low hum, the blue blade illuminating the room.
"So you're telling the truth..." Luke breathed out in wonder. He moved the blade slowly through the air, mesmerised by the low humming sound and bright light it emitted.
"This is an elegant weapon of a more civilised time. For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic...before the Empire." Ben explained passionately.
Luke suddenly switched the lightsaber off and tucked it onto his belt. He paced across the room slowly before turning and facing the hermit.
"How did my father really die?" they stared at each other for a moment, letting the silence settle around them. Kenobi knew this question was coming – it was inevitable.
"A pupil of mine, once a Jedi named Darth Vader turned evil, and helped the Empire hunt down and destroy all the Jedi Knights. He betrayed and murdered your father. Vader had been seduced by the dark side of the force."
"The force?" Luke asked, neatly tucking away everything old Ben was telling him.
"The force is what gives a Jedi his power." he suddenly gestured to Artoo and beckoned him over. "Let's see if we can't figure out why you are here, my little friend." Luke raised an eyebrow at the old man's sudden departure from their conversation.
No matter, Luke thought to himself, I can ask him more questions later.
Artoo beeped once as the holotape sprung to life before their eyes. It was the same young woman as before, he face sombre and her eyes pleading.
"General Kenobi, years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to present my father's request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack. I'm afraid my mission to bring you to Alderaan has failed. I have placed information vital to the survival of the Rebellion into the memory systems of this R2 unit. You must see this droid safely delivered to him on Alderaan. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope." her passionate plea ended and the video cut out, leaving a heavy silence in the small hut.
"Hmm..." Ben puffed lightly on an old pipe before turning to face Luke. "You'll have to learn the ways of the force if you're to come with me to Alderaan."
"Alderaan? Who said anything about me going to Alderaan?" Luke chuckled nervously, the butterflies increasing in his stomach at the thought of the adventure. Isn't this what he had always wanted? To leave his dull life on this dull rock and go adventure amongst the stars? So why was it that when presented with that very opportunity, he could feel his stomach sinking to his feet? He thought about his aunt and uncle who relied so heavily on him to help them maintain the moisture farm...and although they weren't his parents, they had raised him from birth and would be devastated if he just up and disappeared with little to no warning.
"I...I want to but...I can't." Luke sighed in defeat. "I can't leave my aunt and uncle right now, they need me. I'm sorry." Luke knew he was going to probably regret this for the rest of his life, but the guilt of leaving his family behind would be greater than any road trip to Alderaan. "I'll take you as far as Anchorhead, if that helps?" he offered apologetically.
Ben's gaze softened considerably as he looked at the young boy before him. "You're a good kid." he said softly. But just as he was gathering his things for the journey, old Ben Kenobi paused and turned to look at Luke with a quiet alarm.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Luke asked anxiously.
"I think your aunt and uncle are in danger. Quickly Luke, we must hurry! Time is of the essence. Load the droids onto your speeder outside and lets get moving." Luke felt sick to his stomach as he fumbled to strap the droids in to the back of his speeder. He didn't even question how Kenobi could even knows that his family were in danger, all he knew was that he was once a Jedi Knight, and that made him more than alright in his books.
They sped along the sandy dunes, pushing the speeder harder than it had ever gone before. Ben's grim silence next to him only further heightened Luke's sense of worry. From as far away as they were, it was evident that there had been a raging fire where the Lars homestead had once been. The speeder skidded outside of the front and Luke had fallen out of it before it had stopped moving. He stared unblinkingly at the charred remains of what were once his aunt and uncle. The smoke curled lazily up in the air before disappearing. The entire homestead was gone, even the vaporators on the far northern side of the farm had been burnt to dust.
A hand settled heavily on his shoulder. It was Ben, offering him silent support. A single tear rolled down Luke's cheek, he scrubbed it away and stoop, his head bowed.
"The Empire did this looking for the droids, didn't they?" he asked in a deceptively quiet voice.
"Yes. There's nothing you could have done, Luke. Had you been there you would have been killed too, and the droids would be in the hands of the Empire." Luke tried to consider his words, to weigh up his options, but he couldn't get rid of the slowly increasing buzzing noise that was filling his head.
"I want to come with you to Alderaan. I want to learn the ways of the force, and become a Jedi Knight like my father." he turned around to face Kenobi, his resolve showing on his face. Kenobi inhaled deeply and nodded his head in agreement with Luke.
They were going to Alderaan.