Chapter 34AE

'Camptown'

'Lil' Bow-wow- A New Leash on Life'

'One of these Droids is Not Like the Other'

'Father's Day at 620 Faleen Hyper Drive - The Gift that Keeps On Giving'

The day for sending Kris off to camp is looming. Luke volunteers to take Kris to Naboo. Anakin tries to put up a good front but Luke knows otherwise. He stops by the house a week early to chat with his father. Threepio follows Luke through the house.

"Dad?"

"He is not answering, Master Luke. Do you think he hears us?"

"Oh, he hears us alright. Dad? Where are you?" Luke walks into the kitchen. He sees his father sitting on a stool at the island counter. "Oh, here you are. What are you eating? I'll join you."

"Peanut butter."

Luke walks over to the cabinet and opens one of the upper doors. He sees a row of jars with white labels. Each label is handwritten with a black permanent marker: 'Double-Dipt.'

Threepio reads the label.

"What is 'D-I-P-T'? Oh…well, spelling was never his strong suit."

"Daad…are you still eating out of the jars? You know how mum hates that."

"I know."

"Then why do it?"

"Because it makes her angry."

"Six jars?"

"The jars were never opened but I get a kick out of seeing her reaction when she opens the cabinet. Heh-heh!"

"You really need to grow up." He looks in the refrigerator, pulls out the cold cut container, and prepares a sandwich.

"You know, there's plenty of food in here."

"I'm not cooking."

"Apologize to her."

"I have nothing to apologize for. She needs to remember who I am."

"Dad…come on…you're not going to score points by being stubborn. You haven't won so far. How long do you think you can keep eating that stuff?"

"Luke, you underestimate my willpower."

Luke whispers to his father.

"Here she comes."

Isabel walks in the kitchen. Anakin pretends to ignore her. Luke opens a bottle of Rodian soda pop.

"So, why isn't Dad eating a hot meal?"

"There's plenty to eat. If you can find something then so can he. What do you want me to do? Do I have to list every item in the fridge and pantry?"

"Oh, no…of course not. I was just wondering why Dad is on a diet of peanut butter and crackers."

"Because he's dumb and stubborn."

Threepio joins in with a quip of his own.

"Well, at least she didn't say, 'He is as clumsy as he is stupid'. Hahahah!"

Both comments elicit a laugh from Luke. He quickly restrains himself.

"So, there's dinner tonight?" He tries not to laugh but what sends him over the edge is Anakin's steely-eyed glance at Threepio. Luke covers his mouth until his laughter subsides. Isabel opens the refrigerator then closes it.

"Luke, no one is keeping your father from eating. If he wants dinner, he can join the family at the table like a civilized person. There were plenty of leftovers from last night but somehow those magically disappeared."

Luke looks at his father. Anakin bites on a cracker and looks away. A knowing smile creeps across Luke's face.

"Wow…you guys might have a scurrier problem."

"Could be…if the 'scurrier' is six feet tall and has opposable thumbs to open the refrigerator door. I think I need a trap…a great big scurrier spring trap. You know…the ones that go BAM!" She claps her hands together then looks in Anakin's direction. Luke giggles.

"I would love to see what you catch. Give me a call so I can come over and watch the pest control team load it in their vehicle. Gee, I wonder if the critter will get a warning. It's a trap! Hahahah!"

Isabel smiles as she shakes her finger at him.

"Luke, you're enjoying this too much."

Anakin looks across the counter at Luke.

"So, Luke…how is Mara doing? Has she learned how to boil water yet or is she planning to do her weekly shopping in my kitchen?"

"Very funny, Dad. Mara has been busy…working. She doesn't have time to cook when she comes home."

Isabel turns to leave the kitchen. Anakin nudges Luke and whispers.

"Ask her about Sunday."

"Sunday? What about Sunday? Ooooh…." Luke remembers now. "Mum, are you preparing anything special for 'Sunday'?"

"What? He's worried about that? I don't think there's a holiday for 'Worst Father of the Year.' If he means 'Fathers' Day', then yes, the family will be here for dinner."

Luke knows what the next line is from his father so he repeats what Anakin says next.

"If anyone has a right to be angry at his kids, I do. They have disappointed me for the last time."

Anakin scowls at Luke.

"So, you think it's funny mocking me? I still haven't forgiven you for what happened to Skippy."

Things get serious now.

"Dad! I said I was sorry. It was an accident. You didn't have to take it out on the Jawas."

"They destroyed my droid dog. I built that dog with my own two hands." He gestures with his hands.

Threepio blinks and clutches his metallic chest.

"Master, you built me with your own two hands…"

"So? Skippy was loyal."

Threepio is shocked by his master's response.

"Well!" The dejected protocol droid walks out onto the terrace. There is a 2-foot high pebble and stone wall near the koi pond. Threepio steps onto the wall at the far side between the lemon trees. "Farewell, cruel world!" He leaps off the wall and disappears. No one notices. Luke is still trying to apologize to his father.

"Dad, I'm sorry I brought him to Tatooine with me. I should have turned the ship around and brought him back home as soon as I discovered he was onboard. How was I to know he would start chasing that sandcrawler?"

"You broke my heart, Luke. I loved that damned droid dog." Anakin stops eating. He no longer has an appetite for peanut butter. "I'll be in my den if anyone needs me."

The doorbell rings. Isabel opens the door. Threepio steps inside; he is covered with leaves and twigs from the lemon tree.

"That was embarrassing. I could have sworn this house was built over a void."

Luke walks behind Anakin.

"Hey, don't you want to discuss the trip I'm taking to Naboo? I'm dropping Kris off at camp, remember?"

Anakin stops and turns to Luke.

"Oh, I remember. Should I trust you with that too? Are you going to let him run wild until Jawas mow him down with a sandcrawler?"

"Don't be silly. There is no Jawa sandcrawler on Naboo…Dad, it's a joke. Come on…"

Anakin is not laughing. Luke follows his father to the den. Threepio is not far behind them. He is about to enter the den but the door closes in his face. The protocol droid is distressed.

"Well! I don't know how much more of this I can take."

The next day Anakin shows up at Doctor Melfi's office. She is not happy to see him. He walks in and immediately positions himself on the white leather chaise.

"Doc, what a week I've had. I don't know how much more I can take."

"Mr. Skywalker, you cannot walk in here without making an appointment."

"But…"

"No exceptions, Mr. Skywalker. I am putting my foot down. No sessions without an appointment."

"Okay! Fine!" Anakin takes out his E-phone and dials. "Good morning, Ms. Kester, I would like to make an appointment…now is good…aww come on! I'm already here…take an early lunch, my treat. Well, it's going to be a long cold day for both of us…thank you." He puts away the phone and gets comfortable on the chaise. "Well? Do your thing, Doc."

The intercom light flashes on Dr. Melfi's desk. She ignores it as she engages in a staring match with Anakin.

"Mr. Skywalker, you cannot waltz in here at will and disrupt my office. You cannot tell my staff what to do."

"Staff? What staff? Carol is the only person I ever see out there. Come on, Doc…lighten up. Has your husband ever told you that? You must make his life a living hell."

"My personal life is none of your concern. Why are you here, Mr. Skywalker?"

"You have the worst bedside manner. I am a man who is suffering. I am paying you to help me."

"Okay. Fine. What is bothering you, Mr. Skywalker?"

"I'm having trouble sleeping…I have dreams."

"Premonitions, premonitions. These visions you have...are they…"

"They are of pain, suffering…"

"Is it yourself you speak of, or someone you know?"

"Of course it's someone I know! I don't have dreams about people I don't know. Why would I give an 'eff' about them?" Anakin repositions himself on the chaise. He is annoyed at Dr. Melfi's questions. "Are you listening to me? Geez! My daughter had twins not too long ago. We celebrated their baptism."

"Oh, congratulations. I thought I read something about it in the news."

"Who blabbed?"

"Your daughter and her husband posted an ad in the society page of the Times. What's wrong with that?"

"Oh…right…never mind."

"It must have been a lovely event."

"Yeah, everyone's soul was saved that day; blah, blah, blah. It was one of the worst days of my life. Let's talk about me. We're wasting time!"

"What's on your mind?"

"You want to know what's on my mind? My kids have disappointed me. My youngest daughter wants to be emancipated. What child thinks up stuff like that?"

"Perhaps, like you, she feels she isn't being heard."

"Oh, she's being heard. She won't shut up. She's telling me about her legal rights; I'm ready to kill her."

"What?"

"It's a figure of speech! Calm down. I love my daughter."

"Why would she want to become an emancipated minor? Does she feel abused? You do have a heavy hand when it comes to punishment."

"Are you kidding me with that question? She has everything a kid her age wants and then some. I send her to the best schools, she wears beautiful clothes, and I feed her and keep a roof over her head. And you know how she thanks me? She wants to rule her own life! Abused? I'm the one who's abused. Oh, and then my eldest son… he really hurt me."

"What did he do? What happened?" Anakin becomes emotional. She has never seen the dark lord in such a vulnerable state.

"He killed my K-9 droid."

"Excuse me?"

"Little Skippy. He was my best friend. So loyal…poor little guy." Anakin chokes up.

"Why do you say he killed it?"

"Well, he didn't do it directly but he may as well have. Skippy stowed away on Luke's ship; and after they landed on Tatooine, a gang of Jawas mowed him down with a sandcrawler."

"They mowed your son down…"

"No! Not Luke! Are you even listening? It was the Jawas! It's always the Jawas! Humph! The little buggers ran over Skippy until he was as flat as a piece of scrap metal." Anakin's eyes well up with tears. He grabs a tissue from a dispenser on the side table. Dr. Melfi sits quietly in her chair, stunned. She tries to shuffle her notes and adjusts her glasses. Anakin is so upset that he does not see her cover her mouth to stifle a laugh. She rises from her chair.

"That's devastating…uhm…will you excuse me for one moment?"

Dr. Melfi leaves the room and closes the door. Carol Kester looks up from her desk.

"Is everything alright, Doctor?"

Doctor Melfi nods her head quickly so the Carol does not see her face. She quickly calms herself.

"I'm fine…Everything is fine."

She stands at the door for a moment before re-entering. She is back to being her professional self as the session resumes.

"It's always difficult when a pet dies. May I ask you a question? Why didn't you have him on a leash?"

"What? I wasn't on Tatooine when this happened!"

"Well…it seems to me that had Skippy been on a leash when your son shipped off for Tatooine, Skippy would be functioning today. There are leash laws, you know."

"Are you blaming me? How the 'eff' is this my fault? I'm the victim here!"

"Yes, you are the perennial victim. There are so many reckless people in your life trying to destroy your happiness."

"True…Hey, was that a swipe at me?"

"Your family is not your enemy, Mr. Skywalker. I'm sure they loved Skippy as much as you did and have fond memories."

"He was so intelligent. He was fluent in over six million commands and tricks that I personally programmed for him. He was more loyal than my own kids."

"Well, like they say, if you want a loyal friend on Coruscant, get a K-9 droid. Our time is up. Shall I refill your prescription?"

"Sure."

'A Whale of a Time!'

The Skywalker children gather at the house for the annual Father's Day Dinner. It used to be Sunday brunch each Father's Day but the children are older and have lives of their own. The only ones who show up in the morning are Ana-Lena and Kris because they still live at home. Kris will be leaving soon for summer camp and the house will be empty.

Li-An makes a rare appearance on this special morning. He has his usual duffle bag full of laundry. He finds his father on the terrace reading the Coruscant Times. Li-An joins his father at the table and helps himself to coffee, toast, and a section of the Sunday news. Anakin speaks without lowering the paper.

"Don't mess up my paper; I'm reading it in order."

"But you haven't gotten to this section yet. I'll be finished before you need to read it."

"That's not the point."

"What 'is' the point, Dad?"

"Sunday morning is my quiet time. This is my sanctuary. I have my garden, my fishpond, lemon trees, my breakfast, and my paper. I am at peace."

"So how's that working out for you? Your sad devotion to that hideaway you call a study has not helped you conjure up the stolen credits from the last podrace, or given you clairvoyance enough to find the Father's Day gifts hidden for…ooh waffles!"

"So, you've gone from priest to doctor to comedian?"

Li-An helps himself to three waffles and douses them with maple syrup. He slices into the waffles. Anakin cringes at the soggy, sweet mass on the plate. Li-An finally responds.

"Laughter is the best medicine, Dad."

Anakin stops reading and sets the paper on the breakfast table.

"Unless your patient is dead. Before I die, all I ask is that you kids settle in on a life worthy of the Skywalker name. I don't ask for much."

"Well don't die yet. Give us some time to find ourselves. Pass the orange juice please?"

"Oh, Geez." Anakin massages his temples. He sets the carafe of orange juice in front of Li-An.

Obi-Wan stops by later that morning to take Anakin to a hoverball game at Coruscant Park Stadium. Kris accompanies them. Obi-Wan wanted this to be a special day for the father and son before Kris leaves for camp. Anakin actually has a good time. They return to the house in time for dinner and the Father's Day celebrations.

Anakin is disappointed this year that he has to share the day with Han. Anakin is on the terrace where he started the day. This time Han arrives and stands at the opposite end of the table. Anakin smirks.

"You're not packing heat today, are you? Because I'll rip that blaster out of your hand."

"I'm not here to start a fight. Anyway, my kids are sleeping in the day room. I don't want to disturb them."

The family is soon gathered at the table. Li-An offers the blessing

"God, bless the fathers at this table. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way, not prone to punish or blame them for their mistakes. Amen."

Mara rolls her eyes. She is about to say something when Luke signals for her to keep quiet. Dinner goes well up until dessert time. There are mini fruit tarts and sorbets to enjoy. Mara boasts that she ordered the 'Father's Day Cake.' Kris laughs when the cake is brought to the table.

"Wow! We never had a 'Baga the Bordok' cake before…awesome!"

Han and Leia exchange glances after seeing the ice cream cake. Han laughs. The cake depicts the shape of the famous bordok in cartoon form. It looks like a cake intended for a child's birthday. The words 'Happy Father's Day' is written in black piping gel across the chocolate icing body. The tail and mane are decorated with coffee icing, and the horns, muzzle, and hoofs are a lighter dulce de leche flavor. Mara is about to pick up the cake knife.

"Han and Mr. Skywalker should get the first slices. Heads or tails, guys?"

Han points to the head.

"I'll take a piece of the head…unless you want it, Mr. S. or are you an ass man?"

Kris giggles.

"Han said 'ass.'"

Alex laughs.

"Hurry up before the ice cream melts!"

Anakin remains quiet amid all the jokes. Isabel can tell he is annoyed and intervenes.

"You know what? Why don't we bring the gifts to the table?"

Each family member presents a gift to Han and Anakin. Leia gives Han a brown leather fedora. Han smiles.

"Thanks, babe. This is a great hat."

"It's waterproof too."

"Am I going to get wet or something?"

"You never know what kind of weather you'll encounter on one of your trips."

"Oh."

Leia hands Anakin his gift.

"There's a card…."

Anakin tears open the beautifully wrapped box without reading the card.

"Ooh…more shirts."

"You like them?"

"They're blue…and canary yellow…mint green…pink, lavender."

"Well, shirts come in colors other than black. And that's periwinkle, not lavender."

"Periwinkle…hmmm. I stand corrected. Where's the gift receipt?"

"Daddy, if you return those shirts, I'll never speak to you again."

"Like I said, where's the gift receipt? ….I'm joking! Everybody calm down! You people turn on a dime! The shirts are great. Thank you. At least you didn't buy me khaki pants to go with it…"

Suddenly Ana-Lena angrily tosses a box in his lap then walks away. Anakin clears his throat as he sheepishly opens the gift. An-Lena sulks as she sits in one of the patio chairs. He pretends to love what he finds as he lifts the tissue in the box. He is actually horrified.

"OMG! Khakis. See? I'm using your lingo, sweet pea junior. I cannot wait to wear these with my new pastel shirts. I know you must have used your allowance to buy me this wonderful gift."

"No, I charged it to your account."

The gifts keep coming. He receives a case of Whyren's Reserve from Obi-Wan and Aunt Bunny. Anakin urges Obi-Wan to open a bottle. He knows the old Jedi did not want to part with the 200 year old whisky. Obi-Wan wastes no time. Han finds an empty glass and waits to be served.

Alex gives his father an E-Pod with downloaded songs from his band's latest album; Li-An presents his father with a book of inspirational life rules by Jedi monks. Kris makes stationery for his father to use to write to him at camp along with other miscellaneous items. Han gives Anakin a trip for two to explore the caves of Felucia and Yavin4…Anakin realizes that the 'two' is he and Han. Leia thought it would help solidify their relationship. Anakin gives Leia a dirty look. He jokes that they may go in the cave together but only one will come out alive. Isabel has her own 'surprise' gift for Anakin. She enlists Master Yoda to shield the secret from Anakin using the force. He will receive it later in the week.

Overall, Han is pleased with all of his gifts while Anakin is adjusting to his. He receives a gift from everyone but Luke.

Luke is careful with his words before presenting his gift to his father.

"Oh, uhm…Dad, I have a little something for you."

Anakin responds with indifference.

"Really? Fine. Let me have it. What is it? A pair of cufflinks? A belt to hold up my new chinos?"

"I was going to take you to it."

"What is it? A new speeder? He looks under his chair. "Nope, I guess not."

"No, it's not a new speeder, Dad."

"Then put it here in my hand so I can retreat to my room and cry about my horrible children. Shall I close my eyes to buffer myself from the imminent disappointment?

Luke sighs as he continues to carry the burden of guilt on his shoulders. He leaves the terrace and returns a few minutes later.

Anakin pretends to fall asleep in the chair.

"The suspense is killing me, Luke. Let me have it. Put it in my hand." He holds out his right hand as if he is about to receive a small box.

Luke stands behind his father. Isabel signals for everyone to remain quiet. She nods and urges Luke to do what his father asks.

Anakin feels something small and warm and quivering as the object makes contact with the palm of his hand. There is a confused expression on his face. The 'gift' seems to have a mind of its own. Anakin feels something warm and moist against his face. He opens one eye and recoils.

"What the 'eff'?"

Luke speaks softly.

'It's a real puppy, Dad."

"Why?" He wrinkles his nose at the little creature.

"I wanted to give you something that will give you unconditional love."

"Then what?"

"Dad…"

"They die, Luke…Skippy was forever…or at least he was supposed to be." Anakin looks displeased with his gift. He is almost sad. Luke pleads with his father. He still feels guilty about Skippy's destruction.

"Dad…"

Isabel scolds Anakin.

"Anakin, he is trying. Don't do this."

Kris hurries over to claim the animal.

"Can I have it?"

Ana-Lena makes a wisecrack.

"No, you can't have it. You might kill it. You're off to jail camp anyway."

Isabel has had enough of this.

"Ana-Lena, cut it out! And stop calling it jail camp."

Luke tries to reach out to his father.

"I was able to salvage the memory chip. He has all of Skippy's memories."

"It's the least you could have done." He cradles the puppy in his arms.

Han chimes in.

"I had a dog once…back on Corellia. You could call him Indiana."

Anakin stares at Han as if he has said the most absurd thing in the world.

"I'm not naming my dog Indiana!"

"So, you like him, Dad?"

Han whispers to Leia.

"Didn't he steal Skippy from Isabel's Dad?"

Leia elbows him. "Shh!"

Everyone is relieved as Anakin begins to bond with the mini bull terrier. Anakin sees him as an organic version of Skippy covered with short white fur. It seems to smile up at Anakin with its big ears perked to listen to his master's voice.

"I guess he's alright. For once, I got a gift that wasn't sucky." The puppy licks his face. "Yeah, at least someone in this family will remain loyal to me. Isn't that right, Skippy? Yeah. Who's a good dog? Who's a good dog? You're a good dog!" He looks up and notices everyone staring at him. "What?" He lets the dog lap up water from his glass. Han points.

"Mark that glass."

Anakin leaves the table and retreats to his den. He sets the puppy on his desk and picks up the phone. The puppy explores the desk and almost falls over the edge. Anakin catches him just in time. He puts down the phone and sets the animal on the floor.

"Now, let's see how intelligent you are so we can begin your training. Sit…good…rollover…speak." The puppy lets out a squeaky bark. "Okay, we'll work on that. My officers need to fear you. Okay, mind trick wave." The puppy makes a circle with its paw. "Good dog! High five. Now let's…Hey! Hey! What are you doing? Put that leg down! I see you require potty training. That's an expensive Sullustan rug from 75BBY. You had better learn some rules if you're going to stay here. First rule…no peeing…Not in the house anyway." He is on his hands and knees. He senses that he is being watched. "Don't spy on me, Luke, come on in."

Luke walks in and stands beside the desk as his father plays with the puppy.

"How's it going?"

"Fine…cute little guy." Anakin scoops up the puppy and goes outside. Luke follows him.

"So, you're going to keep him?"

"Of course. When have I ever returned a gift? Okay, when have I ever re-gifted a gift?"

"You really want me to answer that question?"

"Luke, you don't have to worry. I'm keeping him."

"It'll be good, Dad. You'll have a companion all summer long."

"Why are you in here? Shouldn't you be checking on your wife? She's probably ransacking our pantry."

"I think she's done. She ran out of storage containers."

The following day Luke returns to the house to pick up Kris for summer camp. Anakin stands in the loading bay as Luke carries luggage and gear for Kris's trip. Luke emerges from the skiff and walks down the ramp to his father.

"Where's Kris?"

"He's inside the house getting pampered by his mother. I told her she has to be tough."

"Yeah, I guess. They have never been apart for more than a week."

"She'll be fine. I'll take her shoe shopping; it will cheer her right up. She'll hardly notice he's gone."

Luke smiles.

"Dad, you know that's not true." Luke sees Kris enter the loading bay. "Hey, sport. Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Mom was going to hold me hostage. I calmed her down. I told her that I can handle this."

Anakin rubs tussles the boys hair. Kris takes Skippy in his arms and hugs him.

"Can I walk him sometime when I come home?"

"Of course you can; I'm not getting out of bed at five in the morning. That's going to be your new job."

Luke checks his watch.

"We had better get moving. You don't want to be late on your first day."

"I sure don't. I'm in enough trouble as it is. So, Dad, you're going to write to see how I'm doing, okay?"

"Sure I will but you'll forget about me as soon as you arrive."

"I doubt it."

"Alright, stop stalling. Give your father a hug."

The father and his youngest hug for what seems to be an eternity. Anakin feels a tear roll down his cheek and onto his son's head. He composes himself and steps away. Kris looks up at his father.

"I'll make you proud, Dad."

"You better. May the force be with you, son."

"Also with you, Dad…sir." He salutes then bites his bottom lip. He refuses to let his father see him cry. He is ready to face whatever the summer on Naboo brings. Anakin sets Skippy on the floor of the landing bay. The puppy sits obediently as Anakin holds onto his new red leash.

"Thanks for the leash. I don't want to break any laws."

"I know what you mean. I love you, Dad."

"I know. Go on, get out of here." He waves the boy away.

Luke walks over to his father while Kris boards the ship.

"I'm sure he'll do fine, Dad."

"Yeah. He's a tough little kid."

"I'll see you soon."

"No Jawas, right?"

"No Jawas." Luke smiles. Skippy looks up at him. The puppy's tail wags like a busy windshield wiper. Luke laughs. "Skippy, keep an eye on him."

"We've got plans. I'm taking him to headquarters tomorrow."

"Oh-oh, I sense trouble."

"We're going to keep those officers in line."

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I'll be out of town."

Anakin opens his arms. The father and his eldest son embrace. Luke boards the skiff. Anakin and Skippy back away as the ship lifts off into the blue heavens.

"Well, Skip, It's just you and me. Let's go see if any of the awful ice cream cake is still in the freezer."