Luke is in the middle of eating a very bland dinner, still disheartened about the fact his first student has already left his new Jedi order; when his vision whites out.

He feels weightless, the force so strong it's nearing painful.

"Skywalker." Luke knows that voice.

"Master Yoda?" He calls, his moment of panic easing when he feels a clawed hand touch his own.

This shouldn't be possible. Yoda died five years ago and ever since, Luke hasn't been able to touch him. Yoda, or any of the other Force Ghosts. But he can feel Yoda, as if he were still alive and breathing.

It doesn't scare him, not with the joy it brings.

"A choice, you must make." Yoda tells him. Luke still can't see anything, but he feels the words run through him. "Continue in your search, you may. Or return to the past, we can. Fix your father's mistakes and, those of the Jedi. Choose, you must."

"What?" What kind of choice is this? "How can I...?"

"Matter, the details do not. If choose to go back, you do, much you will lose. Your friends, you may never see again."

The thought pulls at Luke, but isn't that the life he already chose? To start another order, he chose to leave Leia and the New Republic. He's already chosen to be on his own.

Even so, never seeing them again is much different from living apart.

"And...if I choose to stay here?" He doesn't feel disappointment like he thought he would. At least, not from Yoda.

There's a raspy hum, one Luke remembers well from his short time training under Yoda. "Go on, life will. Restart the order, you will."

"But I could save more lives by going back. I could save the first Jedi. I...I could prevent Darth Vader."

"And the Empire." Yoda agrees. "All it costs is one life. Your life."

So, that's the real choice. Either give up his life for others or keep his own and let everyone stay dead.

Luke is proud that he hesitates for only a moment. "I want to go back." He says, unsure at first. Then, he repeats it with a firm voice. "I want to go back and stop the Empire from ever coming into power!" He stopped Sidious once, he can do it again.

"Meet you there, I will, then." Luke feels the force inside of him now, pulling at his very soul. The claw never leaves his hand, which is comforting, but the force becomes too much. A scream rips its way out of his throat, but it never reaches his ears.

When Luke opens his eyes again, he sees a stone ceiling and smells...well, nothing really. Fabric softener, maybe? But it's a stark difference from the earthy scent his home held. He groans as he sits up, his muscles aching with every movement. "Master..." Luke looks around the room, surprised to find himself surrounded. He sits up straighter, adrenaline pushing everything from his mind but the danger he might be in.

It seems his rebel instincts are still there. Good.

A bald, dark-skinned man steps forward, his expression severe. "Who are you?" He accuses more than asks. Luke, stupidly, just blinds at him. The force feels so different. It's stronger, all encircling. It's unlike anything he's ever experienced.

Before anyone else can question him, the bald man and a Togruta woman step aside as someone green and short-

"Master Yoda!" Luke jumps to his feet, a smile stretching onto his face.

Yoda looks up at him, somehow younger looking than he was before. Not by much, but enough for Luke to notice. "Young Sk-ah-Luke. Waiting, I have been. Come, come!" Yoda starts to waddle away, his infamous gimmer stick helping him along.

Awkwardly, Luke pushes past the others -they must be Jedi, he realizes- and follows behind Yoda. So does everyone else, their eyes still burning holes into Luke's peripheral.

"Master Yoda." The bald man speaks again, his gaze no less suspicious. "What is going on? This boy-"

"Aware, I am, of the force's influence on him." Yoda interrupts. Luke notes that it's a little less rude than he would've been had Luke spoken like that. "And of his appearance. An emergency council meeting, we will hold. Gather the other available masters, we must."

The bald man nods, then turns away to rush down a separate hall. Soon, the others leave as well, probably to gather other Jedi. Once they're mostly alone, Yoda turns again, that sly smile on his wrinkled lips. "Welcome, Young Luke. Seen this temple before, have you?"

Luke looks up, taking in the tall ceiling. He's in a Jedi Temple. "I've seen this place, but never like this." Not before the empire destroyed everything sacred about it. Even as he walks through the entrance, he can see so many Jedi wandering about. They all wear the same robes Ben wore. And they come in all shapes and sizes. Luke spots a pair of teachers and their learners as they exit, both of them calm and graceful. "It's both exactly what I imagined and nothing like it at all."

Thankfully, Yoda seems to understand. They continue walking, large pillars and statues of past Jedi catching Luke's attention. He even waves at a small Mon Calamari Jedi, who quickly runs away from him with an odd look.

The awe continues as Luke steps into a large, circular room filled with chairs. The view of Coruscant outside is both terrifying and wonderful. So many people, each with individual lives. It's busy, like the rebel bases always were, but not with the panic of getting found out. Just with daily life.

"Come sit, Luke." Yoda pats the chair beside his own. "Much to talk about, we have." Luke takes a seat, a little disappointed to find the cushion isn't nearly as soft as he thought it would be. "Fill you in on current events, I must. But rules, as well. Use your last name, you should not. Guess, you can, as to why."

"I figured." Luke nods. Honestly, he didn't really have much time to think about all this before the force threw it at him, but he's gotten used to that by now. "I plan to keep my knowledge of the future and my connection to Anakin Skywalker secret, as well."

Yoda nods. "Good. Now, events." He shuffles in his chair, his little green feet flexing. "One week, it is, before the Empire starts." Luke's eyes go wide but before he can speak, Yoda continues. "In the end of the Clone Wars, we are. To know all events, you do not need, but main ones, you should. Suspicious, it will be. Hm?"

That makes sense. "I'll try to remember." He's never been good at remembering that stuff, though. That was Leia's thing.

Leia, the sister he will never see again.

He snaps back to focus as Yoda continues. "Killed, Count Dooku has been. A great advancement, this was."

"Count...Dooku?" Luke asks.

Yoda seems to realize something, then nods slowly. "Ah, yes. Knew of him, you did not." He looks up and Luke feels a hint of sorrow through their bond. He's also given a clear image of an elderly man dressed in black. Sharp and serious. Dark. "My Padawan, Dooku was. Fell, he did. He and Sidious led the Separatists, our enemies."

Separatists...okay. Luke can remember that. Dooku and Sidious led the opposite side while Palpatine -also Sidious- led the Republic. "So, he's dead now."

"Yes. And focus on killing General Grevious, we will." Luke blinks. "A vile general, Grevious was. Dangerous and skilled. Much like Vader, but not a Sith."

Luke is beginning to see just how bad their situation was. Is. Why did the force have to bring him back here, when everything is already complicated? Why not before, when...well, how far back would he have to go?

"Alright, so we'll kill General Grevious. Then the war is over?" Yoda nods. "Then what happens with the Empire?"

"Win, the Republic does. Rise, the Empire after. Chancellor, Palpantine is. Powerful in the senate, he has been."

"Okay, so..." Luke sighs, sitting back. "Master, if you want me to solve a political issue, I'm the wrong Skywalker to call on. Leia could probably-"

Yoda huffs the way he always does when Luke's so obviously missing something. "Solve this, you will not! My job, that is. As the head of the Jedi, Palpatine will be my burden. Anakin, yours is."

Anakin...Luke sits forward. "You want me to prevent his fall?" It feels crazy, especially since he's being thrown into this headfirst. "How?"

With all his Jedi wisdom, Yoda shrugs. "Saw his fall, I did not."

"So, you don't have a plan."

"Saved him once, you did." Yoda points out.

Luke looks away, his thumbs rubbing into the carvings on the chair. "That was a very specific situation, Master. And I had to get electrocuted for a while before anything changed." Whatever his father did to suddenly chose Luke over Sidious, Luke doesn't know. "I don't think you can depend on me to do that again."

Yoda rubs at his chin. "Perhaps not. But know Anakin's heart, you do. Watch him, you will. Very dark times, these are, for all Jedi. Anakin especially."

Sitting forward, Luke finally voices the question he's held for years. "Master, what...what made him fall?"

"Already told you, I did! Know, I do not!" Right. Luke forgot that. "Many elements, there are. Rule them out, I will try, but you must do the rest."

"Wait!" Luke stops. "What about the other Force Ghosts? Ben would know, right?" Or even Anakin himself! But the look on Yoda's face makes Luke think twice before adding that last part.

"Volunteer, I did, to join you here. Many burdens, Obi-Wan had to bare. Another, he does not need. Kindness, it is, to leave him in your time."

So, no help from Ben or his father. A little frustrating, but it's two all-knowing -or, mostly knowing- Jedi against everything else. Sidious- "Wait!" Luke stops again. "What about Sidious? Does he know?"

Yoda taps his fingers against his gimmer stick, thinking. "Sure, I am not. But watch him, we will. Cautious, we will be, should his plans change. But know, he most likely does not. Use this to our advantage, we must."

They sit in silence, both thinking over everything placed before them. Dooku, Sidious, and Grevious control the Separatists. That side is controlled by the Sith, but so is the Republic. Only the light can win this war and Luke will do whatever he must.

Luke's mind is swimming with names and events by the time the council meeting is over.

They spent nearly three hours just to settle on the fact that Luke can be trusted, isn't a Sith in disguise, and that he's also a Jedi deserving of Knight rank at least, but needs some better training. All of which is decided by Yoda, of course. Master Windu seemed less happy to let a random force sensitive in, but apparently, people don't really stand up to Yoda when he starts glaring at people.

"So, you're telling me that you stole my food for laughs?" Luke mutters to Yoda. He certainly seems more put together around the rest of the Jedi.

On his hover chair, Yoda gives Luke that impish smile. "Save that for my Padawans, I do. A similar experience, Mace Windu had."

Now Luke feels bad for judging him so quickly. If they both had to go through that, then there's a good reason the man always seems stressed.

"Masters." A voice calls, one that makes the hairs on Luke's neck go straight. He knows that presence. A star in the force brighter than any other. He turns quickly, both overjoyed and nauseously anxious. There, marching toward them like a scared Bantha, is Anakin Skywalker. Luke's father. And he looks...stressed.

"Young Skywalker." Windu greets, his bow even stiffer than it was around Luke. "Is there something you need? I thought you were supposed to be n the Senate building."

Luke's heart spikes when he meets Anakin's eyes, but it only lasts for half a second before his father is looking to Yoda. "You called for me?"

Those eyes. That shade of blue. Luke knows it, even if it's on a younger face, he still knows it. They shine so much brighter when he isn't a ghost, funny enough.

"Yes, yes. Come along." Yoda waves them back into the council room.

Anakin follows him quickly, their shoulders just barely brushing. Luke's heart picks up again. He's shorter than his father still. It makes sense, Darth Vader was nearly seven feet tall, but still.

Once the three of them are closed off from the others, Yoda nods at the two of them. "Young Skywalker, meet Luke."

Anakin turns to him fully and Luke feels more vulnerable than he's ever been. Well, not really. The bacta experience can humble Han Karking Solo, but it's close. "Luke..."

"Just Luke." He bows, then gets one in return.

Luke's stomach sinks as soon as he catches Yoda's devilish grin. It disappears before Anakin can see it. "Young Skywalker, a mission I have for you."

"Master, Chancellor Palpatine-"

"A greater privilege this is, than a fake spot on the council." Yoda quickly interrupts. "Need Jedi support, the Wookies on Kashyyk do. Chosen, you have been, for this."

Anakin protests again. "Master, I'm not sure it would be wise to send me off Coruscant." He looks anxious, his gloved hands squeezing tight. Just like Vader often did.

"Understand, I do. But slaves, the Wookies will become, should no one help."

To Luke's surprise, the mention of slaves completely changed everything. There's still a hint of hesitation, a slight resistance, but it isn't brought up. "Yes, Master. I'll gather my troops as soon as I can."

Yoda nods, as if he predicted this would work. "Take mine as well, you may. Need more than half of the 501st, you will need, hm?"

Something unspoken crosses between them. Something unknown to Luke. "Thank you. I'll speak with Commander Gett."

Anakin bows, but before he can leave the room, Yoda calls to him again. "And take young Luke, you will. Your shadow, he will be."

Luke shrinks when Anakin whips around. "What?! No! No, I'm not getting another Padawan!"

"A Padawan, Luke will not be." Yoda corrects with surprising patience.

"A shadow?! That's not even a real thing!"

"Become a thing, it has." This time, Anakin can't seem to find words. He cycles through more anger, then his shields go up. Luke is genuinely surprised at how strong they are.

Anakin bows his head slightly. His tone is respectful but something seems to be burning inside. "I apologize, Master."

"Accepted, your apology is. Now, prepare to leave. Share your quarters, Luke will. Follow you, he must, until you leave tomorrow morning."

"With all due respect, Master...that's what a Padawan does." Anakin deadpans. Luke snorts and gets a very mean stink eye from his father.

"Too old, Luke is, to be your Padawan. But if choose to see him as one, you do, then you may."

Luke stands under his father's scrutiny for a second time before Anakin is quickly marching back out of the council room. Luke hesitates, unsure if he should follow or not. "Go along, Luke. Your mission, this is." Yoda gestures out and with a nervous smile, Luke follows his father.

They go to the hangar first. Luke watches as various ships come and go, all of them familiar designs from his time as a rebel. It's strange, seeing the Empire's insignia on a Jedi starfighter.

"Appo!" Anakin calls, startling Luke from his gazing. They approach a stormtrooper -no, these are clonetroopers- in armor. He waves back immediately but watches Luke the entire time they approach. There's a hint of a smile on his lips.

"General Skywalker." Appo solutes. "Are we joining the 212th to Utapau, Sir?"

Maybe Luke should've gotten more information from Yoda before he got thrown into the middle of this.

Anakin shakes his head sharply. "No, we're heading to Kashyyk. Get the boys ready by tomorrow."

"On it, Sir." Appo pulls out an old-fashioned-looking commlink. Luke itches to look closer, but he stops himself.

"And inform Commander Gett with the 41st that they'll be joining us on Master Yoda's command."

The clone raises an eyebrow. "Don't think we can handle it?"

"I think we'll be fine, but I don't mind the help. More guns might mean fewer casualties."

"Right, Sir." There is a moment's pause when Appo meets Luke's eyes. "Um...is this your relative, General?"

Both Luke and Anakin suddenly look at each other. "No!" Anakin replied quickly. "Wha-why would he be related to me?!"

Luke's throat tightens. There's no way he can tell, right? They're the same age! No one would logically think Anakin's his father!

"You just look very similar. Like nat-born brothers."

They look at each other again. "No, we don't. We look completely different!"

"Yeah!" Luke chimes in. "I mean, he has a cool scar and I don't."

The clone lifts his hands in surrender. "Whatever you say, General. Is he your new Padawan, then?"

"He's not that either!" Anakin hisses out.

"I'm his shadow." Luke corrects. "I was assigned to follow and learn."

Appo chuckles. "That sounds like a Padawan."

"Well, he's not!"

"Alright!" Appo backs off of the topic. "I'll make sure everything's ready for Kashyyk, then" Anakin's shoulders lower and Luke feels his heart slow. Why is he so against having a Padawan?

"Thanks." Anakin huffs, then he's leaving the clonetrooper behind.

Before Luke can follow, he feels a hand touch his shoulder. "Don't get too offended by him." Appo says. "He was the same way with Ahsoka."

Ahsoka?! Luke knows Ahsoka! "Wait, was that this..."

"His former Padawan. I won't give too many details, since it's not my story to tell, but she ended up leaving the Jedi order. He took it pretty hard."

That...makes sense. Ahsoka did say she knew his father, but didn't mention how.

Did she know about Vader? Luke may not know her well, but he does know what that might've felt like. To find out that the person you used to look up to became a monster. The Empire's attack dog.

He'll never find out now, but if everything goes as planned, no one will have to feel that again.

"Thank you." Luke nods. "You're a good man, Appo." The clone looks shocked and Luke is about to ask why, but he feels the force pull him. Literally.

"We don't have time to chat, Luke!" Anakin calls from across the hanger. Luke feels his face get hot and he quickly runs after him, leaving Appo with a wave goodbye. They're always on the move, it seems.

Once Luke catches up, he falls into step beside his father. "Sorry." Luke mutters.

The apology is ignored. They walk in silence up until they reach the outside part of the hanger. From here, Luke can see the traffic pass by without a transparisteel barrier. The air smells like metal cleaner and fuel. There, waits someone Luke only half recognizes.

"Anakin? Who's this?"

Ben is much younger than Luke thought he would be. The white hairs that used to cover his entire head are now reduced to a small patch beside his ears. His eyes are brighter as well, less haunted by things Luke can only guess at.

Anakin's scowl returns. Luke's beginning to think that's just his father's resting face, like Leia. That would make sense, actually. They do look similar. More so than she would ever like.

"Not my Padawan." Anakin snaps.

Ben gets the same disbelieving look Appo had. "Yes, well, it's nice to meet you."

"Luke." He supplies, offering a hand, before realizing Jedi probably don't do that. He bows gracefully instead. "You must be B-uh-General Kenobi." Obi-Wan. His real name is Obi-Wan. He has to remember that.

"...Luke." Obi-Wan bows back. "I hope to meet you properly once I return." His tone is light, but something about it seems hesitant. Like he can't really promise he'll come back at all.

Luke is only mostly sure he will. "I look forward to it."

Anakin turns to Luke, his eyes narrowed. "Can you...go over there? There might be some proper robes you can borrow."

What? Luke turns in the direction pointed out to him and he spots a bag sitting beside a mouse droid. "Alright." He bows again before leaving.

The bag does actually have robes inside, but Luke doesn't bother to pick any up. He likes his black outfit better. It's a sign of freedom and power. Two things he holds dear to his heart. Instead, he decides to look through the old blaster models and lockers all labeled with various types gear, all of them orange. This must be the 212th, if Ben was sent to Utapau for Grevious. Then his father's troops are blue.

By the time Luke returns to his father's side, Obi-Wan has already boarded his ship. He feels a longing echo in the force, one that doesn't exactly come from him.

They're moving again before he can dwell on what that means. "We should stop by the senate." Anakin says, already calling an air taxi. Luke watches the traffic go by.

"Oh!" Luke gasps, pointing one out as it zips by. "XJ-6 Airspeeder! Those are really expensive, aren't they?" He used to watch holos about them when he was younger. They are far better quality than anything he could find on Tatooine, even in scraps. He never thought he would actually see one.

"You like speeders?" Anakin sounds a little less irritated for once.

Luke shrugs. "You could say I'm a fan of ships. And a good mechanic too." Not as good as Chewy or Han, but still pretty damn good.

"That's a valuable skill to have." Anakin climbs into the air taxi as soon as it arrives. When Luke sits, there's a moment of shuffling, as robes have been sat on and Luke isn't used to wearing baggy clothes out and about. Maybe he should've left his black cloak elsewhere.

Once the Taxi lifts easily into traffic, their conversation continues. "Most Padawans find it boring, but knowing your ship can save your life when you're in the field." Anakin says.

Luke can attest to that. "Once, my friend, Han, had to fix his catering cables in the middle of hyperspace travel." He remembers Leia almost kicking him for it. "He said it was nothing, but I'll bet he was lying. Probably marked it down as another achievement to brag about."

"Huh." Is all Anakin says.

Luke turns, a little irritated himself, now. He's been nothing but kind this whole time and although Appo said it won't last, this just feels unfair.

But then he notices that the scowl is mostly gone and Anakin's eyes are only half open. He looks like he's falling asleep in his seat, the dark bags under his eyes finally noticeable in Coruscant's evening light.

Well, that explains it. If he's that tired then of course he would be irritable. Luke's lived in too close quarters with enough snappy people to know just how important good sleep and a meal are.

When the air taxi stops, Anakin jolts up, his movements a little weak as he climbs out. Luke offers a hand but it is, once again, ignored.

"Keep up. I don't want to lose you." Anakin says as they step into the large senatorial building. People are everywhere, chatting and laughing together. They wear fancy clothes and have incredible make looks. Luke recognizes none of them and he's very thankful for that. Everyone here became boot-kissing suck-ups to the Emporer. Everyone but a small few.

They take an elevator up, and the sudden loss of background noise turns it awkward. Should he say something? Ask about who they're meeting and why? He doesn't know.

When they step out of the elevator in continued silence, Luke spots another clone -he thinks- painted in red. "Fox." Anakin nods.

"General Skywalker." The Clone echos back. He opens the door he's guarding. "Skywalker's here to see you." He calls in, letting them pass through.

Even without the dark hood and deep scars, Luke recognizes Sidious immediately.

"Ah, my boy!" Sidious approaches, his wrinkled hands grabbing Anakin's shoulders. "I was just-" Then, he sees Luke. "Oh! Who might this be? The Jedi council hasn't sent you another Padawan, have they?"

The man's voice is sweet but something about it sends a shiver down Luke's spine. Why are they here? Why is Anakin letting him so close? They should be running far, far away from here.

"This is Luke. He's..." Anakin looks back at Luke, his expression guarded. "He'll be following me around for a little while."

Sidious hums in understanding. "Then I welcome you, Luke."

Luke doesn't respond.

Sidious moves on regardless. "Well, I suppose I should catch you at another time then. I won't keep you from your Jedi duties." His smile stretches his wrinkles, making him look more like the Sith he is.

"I don't know if we'll get that chance. At least not anytime soon." Anakin lowers his eyes, as if it's shameful to inconvenience a Sith. "I'm being sent to Kashyyk."

Luke looks for anger, or joy maybe -anything to show what's underneath- but he sees nothing. "Good, Anakin! I wish you well. Though..." Sidious hesitates, his gaze falling onto Luke again. "I do wish the Jedi wouldn't work you so hard." His voice is just above a whisper."

"I can handle this." Anakin insists.

"Yes, but you do have...others who need you more."

Luke can't stomach any more of this. He steps forward, putting on his own sweet smile. Or, at least he tries. "I'm sorry, but we really must get back to the temple. We leave tomorrow morning and we still have to get dinner."

A good idea. They should go back, eat, then he'll report all of this to Yoda. Yes, good plan. Good, good plan.

"Alright." Sidious agrees eventually. "I'll let you go. Be safe, Anakin. Though, I know you won't be." He laughs, like it's an inside joke.

Anakin doesn't exactly smile, but he does seem to lighten. It's hard to watch and Luke almost speaks up again, but then they're turning to leave. "I apologize for wasting your time, Chancellor." Anakin bows deeply.

"Nonsense, My boy! Even if we couldn't discuss what I wanted, it's still a pleasure to see you."

There's another pause before they're finally stepping out of the room. The clone from earlier is gone, which leaves them to silently walk back to the elevator.

It takes a full minute before Luke speaks. "How long have you known each other?" He tries to frame it as simple curiosity, but he can't quite force himself to feel light again. How can one Sith's darkness be so poisonous to those around him? How did the Jedi not see it?

Anakin's sharp look returns, though, it seems worse now. "What is your problem?"

Luke startles. "What problem?"

"The whole time we were in there, you looked ready to vomit! Why?!"

No, this is good. He can play off of this. "I almost did." Luke swallows thickly. "I think it's nerves."

"Then you could've said that and left!"

"We're supposed to stay together." Luke shrugs. He feels young again, like a child getting scolded for sneaking out. Not that he did that often. Not compared to the other kids on Tatooine.

Anakin lets out a bitter laugh, his entire being dripping with sarcasm. Definitely like Leia. "Yeah, right. Forgot I was the one getting babysat."

Luke wants to say that isn't true, that Yoda is only trying to protect him from a powerful Sith Lord who's only pretending to like him. That if he knew what the next twenty years brought, he would be pulling out his lightsaber.

But no reply comes from Luke. Instead, he lets the rest of the elevator ride go in silence.

"Hey, I have someone else to meet. Don't wait up for me." Anakin disappears into the crowd of senators and Luke is left alone.

Great.

Luke's mind races, unsure of where to go now. He should really follow his father, just to ensure he isn't meeting with anyone else who intends to turn him toward the Darkside, but after a moment of thought, Luke decides no one else could be as bad of a threat as Sidious is, and they've already passed that obstacle. Hopefully.

He's still trusting Yoda to handle that while they're on Kashyyk.

but if Luke gives Anakin this time to do...whatever he's doing, that means that he should return to the temple. Luke is sure that Yoda needs to be informed about that meeting and they should make a more stable plan going forward.

"Ah, General Skywalker!" A deep voice calls and Luke spins around, his eyes landing on a kind-looking senator, who stops upon seeing him. "Oh, you're not..." The Senator laughs, his tone rich and warm. "I apologize. I thought you were someone else."

Maybe people weren't just being nice when they said Luke looks like his father. "You aren't the first!" Luke offers his own smile.

"Then I'll let you get back to your day." The man nods, starting away.

It's then that Luke realizes he has no idea how to get back to the temple. He has no money to pay for a taxi and whatever ID Anakin had flashed at the droid who brought them here is still with said man.

Something pulls Luke toward the Senator. Maybe...maybe he could catch a ride? The idea feels ridiculous, but Luke knows the influence of the force. This person is important.

"Hey!" Luke calls, nearly stumbling over his own feet to catch up. The man stops. "I just...I'm newer to Coruscant and don't really know my way around. Would you mind taking me to the Jedi Temple?"

He definitely could've said that better. Maybe asked if he was already heading out in that direction, but it's too late now.

To Luke's relief, the senator doesn't seem too put off by the request. "Oh, of course. I was already on my way out." He fiddles with his pockets as he begins walking down the hall at a brisk pace. "This way."

They arrive at the senate's hangar, its interior completely different from the one inside the Jedi Temple. This one is smaller and void of that rushing energy Luke knows so well. Expensive speeders fill each spot, all of them shining like they were bought just the day before.

The senator takes them to a port further in the back, his speeder a red XJ-2 class. The design is nice, having sharper edges and a deeper seating arrangement. It's much better than the one Uncle Owen had, but not the nicest Coruscant can offer.

As they climb in, Luke being very careful of his filthy boots touching the beautiful leather, the senator speaks casually. "If you don't mind me asking, why exactly are you heading to the Jedi Temple?"

Luke suddenly thinks over several answers, most of them lies, but he eventually settles on the truth. "I'm a Jedi." He says, his head high. A knight, though, he could be a master. Luke was the last Jedi, after all.

But that life is over. He is now surrounded by Jedi who have known not only the teachings longer than him, but they've known the force longer as well. It's strange to think about.

The Senator looks surprised. "A Jedi?" When Luke nods, the man shrugs. "Ah, I suppose you're allowing more changes in uniform. I'm used to seeing the same beige robes. A crime, if you ask me." The man laughs.

Leia would think the same.

"I suppose it's different from usual." Luke agrees. "But I find that this outfit is better for lightsaber duels. Less clothing ready to get caught." Well, not with his cloak on, but he's skilled enough not to cut it up during a fight.

"That's a good point." The man lifts them out of the hangar and into Coruscant traffic. "Ah, I just realized I've yet to ask your name."

Luke realizes the same. "Luke Sk -uh- just Luke." He fumbles.

The Senator eyes him for a quick second. "A pleasure to meet you, just Luke." There's a hint of a laugh in his voice. It makes Luke relax a fraction.

"And you are?" Luke returns the question. This time, the Senator looks at him longer.

"Bail Organa, Senator for Alderaan."

Luke feels a rush pass through him. He knows this man. Despite the fact he never once met him, Luke feels as if he did.

He's a gentle man, often more lenient in rule-breaking than his wife, Breha. He is brilliant in politics and endlessly empathetic toward those in need. Luke recalls many stories of him, either about Leia through her childhood or as one of the rebellion's founders.

This is a man Luke can trust.

"What? Heard stories?" The Senator -Organa- chuckles. "I will say, you Jedi spread a good story faster than senate gossips."

Right. They're in the middle of a conversation and Luke very much can't proclaim that he's kinda related to him through a daughter Organa hasn't adopted yet.

A daughter who isn't even alive at the moment.

"Yes!" Luke answers a little too loudly. "Yes, stories. I respect you greatly, Senator Organa." He means it with every part of his soul. "You and Senator Mothma."

Something shifts in the force. Something about Organa that Luke can't quite understand yet. "I'm honored." He nods. "I...May I ask you something personal?"

Luke nods. "Yes, Sir." What could this be about?

"What...How..." Luke gives Organa enough time to think. "Are you in the Jedi council?"

"No." Though, that may change soon, if they can accomplish their mission. Maybe.

Organa nods slowly. "How is your relationship with Master Yoda? Are you close in...what was the word? Lineage?"

Lineage? Luke tries not to look confused by the term. "I am very close to him, Senator. He trained me himself." There's something in Organa's eyes that makes Luke continue. "In fact...I would say he trusts me completely." Yoda wouldn't offer to bring him to the past if that weren't true...right?

"I see." Is all the senator says for a good while. Luke sits in silence, anticipating whatever he may add on, or if Luke did something wrong.

Traffic slows and Organa pressed a button that brings a transparisteel cover over their heads. Those rebel instincts kick in, putting Luke on high alert. "Wha-" He starts but doesn't get far before he's interrupted.

"These are troubling times, Luke. I'm sure you're very aware of it yourself. War is not good for the Republic and I'm sure it's especially hard on the Jedi."

Luke stares at him for a very long moment, unsure what to do.

Organa continues. "As a member of the Senate and an active believer in Democracy...I would like to know the Jedi's position on the Chancellor's new laws. What does Master Yoda think?"

This...is a lot. Luke can't help but wish Leia were here instead of him. She may not be a Jedi, but at least she could piece together what political trials are happening and who to follow. Luke? He's completely lost.

So, he latches onto the one thing he does know.

"Palpatine is a Sith Lord."

Organa goes pale. Honestly, Luke is a little surprised to find he even knows what a Sith is. He didn't really think about that before spilling the secret.

"Are...Are you sure?" Organa asks, his hands now gripping the steering handles tightly. His eyes flick back to Luke every chance he can get.

"I have no doubt in my mind. He's a Sith."

They're closer to the temple now. Organa's face hasn't gotten much color back, but he does get rid of the surprised look quickly. "Thank you for telling me this."

"This isn't well known among the Jedi." Luke adds. "Only Master Yoda and whoever else he's trusted. I can imagine it may be just the two of us." And now Organa too.

Besides, if they take Sidious out of the picture quick enough, the fact he's a Sith won't matter to anyone but the Jedi anyway.

"Of course. I will not pass this information on unless Master Yoda gives me permission."

And that's all Luke can really hope for. He sits back for the short remainder of their trip. Once Organa has slowed to a stop by the transport area, the transparisteel window also gone, Luke steps outside of the speeder.

"Thank you." Organa's voice makes Luke turn. The Senator is looking at him with the usual warmth, but there's something deeper in his eyes. It's the same shine Leia always seemed to have. "Be safe, Just Luke."

Luke bows his head. "And you, Senator."

Organa returns to his previous plans and Luke walks back through the beautiful entrance to the Jedi Temple.

All things considered, this feels like a success. Yoda may have words about this risk, but Luke can't find the will to regret it. If this reaches the right people, then maybe they can keep the odds in their favor.

Yoda is practically livid when Luke tells him.

"Known, I should have!" Yoda huffs as he paces the council room, his gimmer stick tapping with every furious step. "Stupid, you Skywalkers are! Reckless! Impulsive!"

Luke sighs. "I knew the risk, Master. This wasn't a reckless or impulsive decision."

Yoda stops for a moment to glare, then he goes back to his pacing. "An ally, Organa is, but ready to call on him so soon, I am not!

"But why not?" Luke asks. "He's doing something. Something you may not have seen the first time. I can feel a change in him." Whether for the better or worse, he can't guarantee.

Moments pass where the two are dead silent. For now, the anger seems to be gone, replaced with a deep concentration. "Trust each other, we must, if we wish to change anything."

Luke leans forward. "Then trust me, Master. I know what I'm doing. Maybe not as well as you, but you aren't the only one who knows the future."

A heavy breath escapes Yoda and he leanes on his gimmer stick. "Then wait, I will, for Organa's plans. But rest, you must. Come early, the morning does, and strength, you will need. Hm?"

Right. He still has to prepare for Kashyyk. Without his father, who's off with someone he doesn't know.

As Yoda begins to lead the way out, Luke stops him. "Master? One more thing." He waits for Yoda to stop, his little green brow raised in question. "My father said he was meeting someone when he left me in the senate building. Should I try to find him?" He dreads the thought of Anakin being with Sidious again. Especially alone.

But the smile Yoda gives eases Luke's worry. Mostly.

"With your mother, he likely is." Luke's heart skips. His mother? "Perhaps work out some stress, it will, hm?" Yoda lets out a rumbling laugh as he continues out the door and into the dimming halls.

Luke walks beside him on autopilot. His mother. He never thought about meeting her. He...well, he wasn't entirely sure she was someone he wanted to meet. If she were a slave offered to Vader, then he would give his pity and move on. His Uncle never mentioned her and Leia seems to be the only one who knew a thing about her.

But if she's with his father now, before he's Vader, then...

"They love each other." Luke says suddenly, startling two Padawans that pass him.

Yoda looks back. "Indeed. Thought otherwise, you did?"

Luke shrugs dumbly. "All Leia said is that she seemed sad." And a few other things, but that point stuck with him. A sad, kind woman. Much like how his aunt and uncle talked about Shmi.

"Remember her, Leia did?" Yoda looks down, his face serious again. "Hm...the force, it must be." They start walking again. "But matter, it does not. Time for that meeting, you do not have. Rest, you must. Easy, the situation on Kashyyk will not be. Prepared for anything, you must."

"Like the clones turning?" Luke lowers his voice now, his eyes searching the now empty halls around them. Maybe they shouldn't be talking about this so openly.

"Exactly." Yoda stops suddenly. He taps the door to his right and holds out a keycard. "Share these quarters, you will, with Young Anakin. Wake at five for rations, then to the hangar, you will go. More to be said before your mission, there is not."

Luke bows in respect as he takes the keycard. "May the force be with you, Master Yoda." They'll need it.

"May the force be with us all." Yoda agrees.