Chapter 16

The Alliance was on the move. After the Bothans had confirmed the existence of a second Death Star and revealed the significance of Endor's forest moon, the rebels divided into volunteers for two dangerous missions.

But for the Skywalker family, the anxious bravado of a rebellion determined to destroy the Empire once and for all was tempered by worry. For the Bothans had brought even more disturbing news – that Darth Vader had been seen calling to Imperial troops, that he was heading back to the Imperial forces.

"He wouldn't," Luke protested. "It must be a trap."

"I would like to think so," Obi Wan agreed. "But your father," he paused still unable to quite reconcile his former padawan as a father, "Anakin is most likely … I would like to think he is …"

"He left. Perhaps he had the right idea when he sought out the Noghri but clearly the stresses of…"

"No, Leia. Did the man who fought to save our mother seem like he would abandon us for the emperor?"

"I don't mean that he is recommitting himself to evil, Luke. I just don't think the Bothans are wrong about their data."

"Leia is right, Luke. I think Anakin is a very disturbed man. His failure with the Noghri…Anakin never took failure well. He … perhaps he created his own mission."

"Yes, he is heading to destroy the emperor. He must be." Luke loyally insisted.

"Whatever his intentions, if Anakin is planning to face Sidious, he is endangering himself, the dark side is so very powerful and Anakin did not completely shake off.."

"Oh stuff it old man," Han interrupted. "I'm not Darth Daddy's biggest fan but he has been trying to make it up to you. If he went back to kill the emperor, then it's another dangerous mission. Maybe even one that requires Kenobi and Skywalker."

Obi Wan looked at Han Solo in shock. But Luke eagerly took up the call. "yes, we can go fight with Father."

"No. Solo is right, Luke. You and your sister and Solo need to disable the generator. It's time that I showed some faith in Anakin."

Luke beamed at Han and then at his mentor. "Thank you for understanding. Thank you." He turned to Leia. "We should say goodbye to mother before we leave.

Perhaps it was C3PO's innate sense of the dramatic that caused him to show up then, anxiously moaning, "Oh I am so sorry Master Luke but Mistress Padmé has gone."