To The Readers: Here's a story I think you will appreciate. I'm currently visiting my parents (in another part of the country) for the holidays. My father—who is a corporate VP, just like Darth—comes home the other night and says, "Guess what. At the office, we're all going to start group yoga after the new year."

I had to fight the urge to laugh hysterically.

Luke was still in the womb, with Leia. "Lukey, don't you want to be borned? Don't you want to be wrapped in blankies, and get hugs from Mommy and Daddy?"

"No, Leia, I'm happy here. It's nice and warm."

"Come on, Lukey. I'll get to hug you without causing discomfort to Mommy."

"But Leia, I don't want to be borned!"

Dreams were nice when you were warm in bed.

Luke was nudged awake for school by C3PO, who had already picked out fresh clothes for him. "Young Master Luke, you sleep so much for a human your age. You were showered and in bed last evening by eight-thirty!"

"I didn't feel well, Threepio. I still don't, actually. Physically, I'm fine, but emotionally, I think I'm depressed."

"Well, I will speak to your father. I think another visit to Yoh Da is in order. With some counseling and yoga, you'll be as good as new."

"Mmmm," Luke nodded in agreement.

C3PO went to wake Leia and get breakfast on the table. Luke dressed, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and ran a brush through his hair. He went out to the kitchen to find his father.

Darth was seated at the kitchen table, but there was no coffee in sight. "Threepio?" he asked without turning around.

"It's me, Dad."

"Oh, Lukester! Good morning, kiddo. I'm just making a list of things I want Threepio to get at Home Depot today. We can't have any more singers in the yard, now can we?"

Luke vaguely wondered what was on his father's list. He didn't think that land mines were sold at Home Depot, but didn't know whether or not his father understood that.

"Lukester, can you pour your father a half of cup of coffee into my favorite coffee mug?"

"Which one's your favorite, Dad?"

"The one that you made me, of course!"

Luke found the mug he had decorated for his father in preschool and poured half a cup of fresh coffee into it. Darth took it and made a big show of pretending to slurp out of it.

Leia entered the kitchen, dressed for school and yawning. C3PO helped her sit down, and then served her and Luke plates of steaming pancakes that he'd been keeping warm for them on the stove.

"Princess," Darth began, "what makes that Solo kid think he can just invade our yard and bellow love ballads at the top of his lungs?"

"He's in love with me, Dad, and he thinks that the feeling is mutual," Leia groaned.

"Well, he's got to be stopped. You tell that young man that the next time he sets foot in our yard, he-"

"But Dad," Luke interrupted. "You've got to admit that Han does provide some good entertainment."

"Entertainment, my eye. Anyone who sings like that must be destroyed."

"Mr. Vader, sir," Threepio began. "I think it will be a good idea for you to allow young Luke to come to RebelCorp after school today. He tells me he's been feeling depressed. I think a visit with Mr. Da will cheer him up considerably."

"No son of mine gets depressed," Darth said dismissively. "You haven't been feeling depressed, have you, Luke?"

Luke shrugged. "Ever since I got sick in front of the class, Dad, I've been kind of down. Nothing cheers me up except sleep. I just want to lie in bed all day."

"Well, we can't have that. No sirree. I think you are a little upset. Yes, Threepio, a visit to Yoh Da may indeed benefit Luke. Luke, go straight to the office after school. We'll see about getting you cheered up."

"Okay, Dad."

Luke felt himself getting a mind message from his sister. Luke! she cried. Don't be upset, Luke. I know it's upsetting being picked on by a fat slob, but he'll get his. He's got to learn that he can't treat people the way he does.

I appreciate the comfort, Luke thought, and imagined himself sending the message to his sister's mind, just like one would send an e-mail. Thanks, Leia.

Mark was back in school, and armed with the mirror that Marilou had given him on the bus. It was indeed very small, about a third the size of a regular compact mirror. The perfect size; Jabba would never notice it under his chair.

"Did you listen to what she was telling you, instead of trying to flirt with her?" Luke kidded to him before their first class.

"Sure, I did. I'll listen to anything she tells me." Pause. "Luke, have you ever noticed her teeth? They're just perfect, aren't they?"

"Of course, they're perfect. Her dad is a dentist, or a dental hygienist, or something like that. By the way, could you please give me my Batman shirt back?"

"What Batman shirt?"

"The one you wore to school last Friday! That's my shirt! Have you even noticed that I've stolen your Ewoks shirt in retaliation?"

Mark shrugged it off. "I hate that shirt. I don't even know what Ewoks are."

"Well, I like my Batman shirt, and I'd appreciate it if you would return it. And if you don't, I'll tell Leia to tell Marilou not to speak to you until you do!"

"Whoa! Luke, that's harsh! Okay, you'll get your shirt back!"

"That's more like it."

Luke went through his day as usual, but he had to admit that he was excited for third period. He couldn't wait to see what happened when Jabba Hutt found out he'd just broken a mirror.

Thank goodness your depression isn't serious. Leia's thought reached him sometime during second period. Luke just sent her happy vibes back.

Finally, the bell rang to go to English. Luke hurried to get there as quickly as he could; he could only hope that Mrs. Lucas was somewhat distracted and didn't notice that Mark was placing a mirror underneath a leg of Jabba's chair.

Jabba had to be in class today. He didn't dare cut on the day he was giving a speech, did he?

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