Chapter 45
The Harder Lesson
Rex followed Cody down the ramp of the freighter. This docking bay was one of the largest the Mos Espa port authority had to offer, and the freighter nearly filled it. His respect for Solo and Chewbacca's skill as pilots rose a couple of notches. He'd landed the Sandfish in tight docking bays enough times to understand the challenges involved.
The heat hit him like a wall. The interior of the freighter had been hot, with the ship's ventilation system straining to cope with eighty-one Wookiees and seven humans, but he was tempted to turn right around to seek shelter in the ship. Wiping away the mist of sweat that had instantaneously materialized on his forehead, he desperately wished he had clothing other than the black undersuit of the stormtrooper armor. If he was going to spend any significant amount of time on this planet, lighter clothes were going to be a necessity. Dismissing his discomfort as inescapable, he paused with Cody beside the bay's exit as the rest of the men caught up to them.
"So, what's up with the Wookiees?" Hex asked. "I didn't catch everything Solo told you."
"They want a shot at the Emperor." Cody scanned the street outside the docking bay and turned left. "It sounds like Chewbacca brought them up to date on what's been happening—Skywalker's identity, the truth about Order 66, Jabba's assassination, the trap Skywalker is laying."
Rex listened with half an ear while he kept a sharp eye on their surroundings. Long experience with the ports of the galaxy had trained him not to let his guard down, even if Jabba was dead.
"Is that what all the shouting was about?" Scratch said. "I thought they were going to tear the ship to pieces."
"They very well could have." Cody stopped at an intersection. He hesitated before turning right and spoke more softly, "They were debating whether to kill Skywalker along with Palpatine."
Rex tightened his lips. His feelings about Skywalker were conflicted, but that didn't mean he wanted the man dead. Particularly since he seemed to be trying to undo his mistakes.
The other men exchanged concerned glances. "Then why did we bring them to Tatooine?" Dash pulled closer to the group to avoid a pair of Gotals who were taking up more than their fair share of the street. "We should just have sent them on to the refugee center. At least until after Skywalker is finished."
Cody stopped to let a dewback and its handler pass. "Because Chewbacca persuaded them to delay judgment. He reminded them that Vader was a slave too and said something about the cunning hunter who leaves the netcaster unmolested until it has weakened the wyyyschokk. Which I think means they're planning to let Skywalker wear out the Emperor before they make their move."
"Makes tactical sense," Rex murmured.
"It does." Cody began scanning docking bay numbers as they continued on. "So I promised to include them in whatever we do next. On condition that they leave Skywalker alone."
"And what are we doing next?" Dash was practically shouting over the noise of a descending shuttle.
"I won't know until we talk to Skywalker." Cody pointed to the number on the docking bay across the street where the nondescript shuttle was about to land. By the time they entered, the Alliance ship was settling onto the hardstand. Skywalker emerged, followed by Ahsoka and Obi-Wan, with Luke, Leia, and Artoo trailing them. Rex scanned Luke head to toe, relieved to see he appeared none the worse for wear.
"Generals," said Cody, stepping forward.
"Cody." Skywalker waved for silence until the ship had lifted off. Once the engine's roar had faded to a bearable level, he nodded to the rest of the clones who were scattered behind Cody and Rex in a loose half circle. "Thank you for the warning about the Death Star and the sensor readings. They were invaluable. I hope everything else went smoothly with your mission?"
"Everything was fine." Cody grinned wolfishly. "And if Solo accuses me of hijacking his ship, don't believe him."
Skywalker blinked, disconcerted. "All right?" He gazed at Cody for a moment. When Cody didn't offer any further information, he prompted, "Is it going to be a problem?"
Cody shook his head. "I think we've made our peace, sir."
"As long as it won't come back to bite me, I don't have time to deal with it. Now—I need to check in with Kit. Luke, Leia, come with me. Everyone else, wait at the shop."
"Only the kids?" Rex asked. "Why?"
"They need somewhere safe to stay where the Emperor won't find them. He doesn't know about them and I want to keep it that way, so I'm hoping Kit and Lalla will take them in."
"Couldn't you leave them at your shop? Cody and the others can guard them," said Ahsoka.
Skywalker shook his head. "I announced on Boonta Eve that I've been using the name Kraytrider. It's a notable enough name on Tatooine that everyone knows where the shop is. I won't risk leaving them there."
"Can't we come with you?" Leia had been hovering with Luke behind the adults, but now the two of them stepped forward to flank Skywalker.
"Yeah—we know how to use lightsabers. You even taught us how to work together. We want to help." Luke's face set in a stubborn expression that was eerily reminiscent of Senator Amidala.
An automatic denial jumped to Rex's lips. There was no way Luke could handle the Emperor, and Rex would be thrown out an airlock before he let him follow that much in Skywalker's footsteps. Ahsoka stepped forward, her mouth also open.
Skywalker held up a hand with a fierce look at both Rex and Ahsoka. Rex cursed the conditioning that made him knuckle under to the command in those icy eyes even as he shut his mouth with a snap.
"I understand your desire to help," Skywalker said gravely, "but the Emperor isn't like any other opponent you will ever face. He defeated multiple Jedi masters in a row on the night you were born. And—well—" Skywalker swallowed heavily and looked between the two, "you're an exploitable weakness, and he'll know that. If you're there, he'll try to use you to make me do what he wants. He'll threaten to kill you or turn you to the Dark Side. He'll try to actually do it. And" —his eyes fell— "I don't know if I could resist pressure like that." He raised his eyes with a visible effort. "I need to be certain that you're far away from him."
Luke and Leia locked eyes and some sort of communication seemed to pass between them.
"Okay." Leia pulled a face. "We don't like it, but I think we understand."
Luke looked downcast but nodded.
"Be content with destroying the Death Star," Skywalker said gently. "That is accomplishment—and contribution—enough."
"They did what?" Rex couldn't have heard that right.
"Luke destroyed the Death Star," Ahsoka said over a ripple of low exclamations and whistles from the clones. "Leia was on his wing. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and I never even made it to the station."
Luke ducked his head with a tiny smile. "The Alliance was short pilots, and when we asked if they'd ever let us fly, they said we could have a slot anytime. And, well…we wanted to do our part."
"And now we're grounded," Leia said in disgusted tones. "Indefinitely."
Rex wanted to laugh at her pitch-perfect imitation of General Kenobi's inflection. "Well. That's—ahhh, that's—uh. Good job, kids." The adults all remained stony-faced. Rex exchanged a puzzled glance with Cody. "Isn't it?"
"They didn't have permission to fly," Kenobi said. "They rather went out of their way not to have permission."
"I see."
"But we had to be there." Luke's expression was half assurance, half entreaty.
"You told the Alliance Council that according to the post-battle analysis, the computer couldn't have made the shot," said Leia defiantly, chin lifted as she faced off with General Kenobi. "You said the shot almost certainly required the Force."
"Making Skywalker proud, I see," Cody murmured in an aside. Somebody smothered a chuckle. Skywalker grimaced but said nothing.
Luke's eyes pleaded for Rex's understanding. "I just…something told me I needed to be there."
"Ahsoka and Skywalker often told General Kenobi the same thing." Rex let his own expression soften. "I'm sure he understands."
"No," Luke said in a subdued tone. "Dad dressed us down pretty thoroughly."
Without his permission, Rex's eyebrows shot up. "'Dad'?" He resolutely ignored the sinking sensation in his chest.
Luke shrugged with a self-conscious half-glance toward Skywalker. "He said we could call him that if we wanted."
Rex was silent, unsure what response to make to that. For all that he had braced himself for this moment, Luke's choice to align himself with the Jedi—and with his father—still stung.
"What?" Luke said defensively. "It's not like we could call him Vader. And calling him Skywalkeris just weird. So Leia started calling him Dad."
"I see your point," Rex said ruefully, avoiding the eyes of the man under discussion. A silence fell and stretched into awkwardness.
"Luke, Leia," Ahsoka said briskly, breaking the spell. "None of us has had time to sit down with you to explain this, so maybe I should do it now. But let's at least get out of the sun first." She swiped a hand at the sweat on her forehead and wrinkled her nose as she shepherded them into the meager shade next to the wall. "You are not being punished because you flew in the battle. You are grounded because you acted deceptively in order to do it."
"We never lied to you," Leia protested.
"You concealed the fact that you were using the sims, eavesdropped, conveniently did not mention to anyone that you were related to Anakin—" Kenobi raised an eyebrow— "And need I mention that you obviously sneaked into the briefing and then avoided us for the entirety of the flight to Geonosis?"
Leia had no answer to this litany, but obstinately refused to concede.
"None of you would have signed the papers if we had asked," Luke said, voice quiet but tone stubborn.
Ahsoka tilted her head judicially. "Possibly not. But just because something good came of your actions doesn't make them right." Her expression grew graver. "Being a Jedi isn't just about carrying a lightsaber and being able to move objects with your mind. It isn't even mostly about those things. It's about commitment to a certain way of life and, most importantly, about how you use the power you have been given. There is no Order anymore—no formal organization to govern Force users. No one who can legally sanction you if you misuse your power. That makes it all the more vital that you govern yourselves. That you understand that every action you take has consequences."
"Listen to Ahsoka," Skywalker said earnestly. "Learn the lesson I didn't. When I was young, the Jedi were stretched so thin by the war, no one had the time or energy to devote to discipline. I not only got away with disobeying orders, I was often rewarded when my gambles paid off. It made me think that any limitations placed on me were unreasonable. Even deliberately meant to hold me back from realizing my full power.
"Many people warned me I was on a dangerous path…Obi-Wan, Rex, Cody, the Council…but I arrogantly believed results were all that mattered. It was only once I had lost everything—most of it by my own hand—that I had to face the reality that my actions had consequences. And even then, I blamed everyone but myself."
Kenobi folded his arms in the stance he had always used for teaching hard lessons. "Other people may be able to bend the rules without causing significant harm. You, on the other hand, can literally bend people's minds to do what you want." He lifted a hand when Luke started to protest. "I believe that you did not do it in this case. Nevertheless, you could. There are times when that may indeed be necessary, but the only way to use such a power ethically is to hold yourselves to the highest standards. Because no one else can."
He gestured to Skywalker and Ahsoka. "Except us. We know that you are legally adults tomorrow, but we also have a responsibility to the rest of the galaxy to ensure that you will not misuse your power to get what you want."
Skywalker placed a hand on each teen's shoulder, face as grave as Rex had ever seen it. "You've been gracious enough to give me a little space in your lives. To let me teach you a few things about mechanics and lightsaber sparring." He tightened his grasp. "The lesson I most want you to learn is not to repeat my mistakes. It's not my place to decide what penalties Obi-Wan and Ahsoka impose, but I will support them—and Rex," he added with a glance at Rex, "—in whatever discipline they decide is appropriate."
Leia's headstrong expression softened into contrition. "I—I didn't think of it like that. About using our power ethically and stuff." She and Luke looked at each other again. Then she turned to Kenobi. "But please don't ground us."
Kenobi pursed his lips and caught Ahsoka's eye. She flicked the tip of her lek. "We will discuss the matter once everything else is settled," he said at last. "For the moment, the decision stands. Now, Anakin, you need to speak with Banai, but I believe it would be better if we all stick together for the time being."
Skywalker glanced at the clones. "All right. If that's what you want." He led the way out of the docking bay into the maze of sandy streets.
Rex, wavering between uncertainty about his place in Luke's life now and a conviction that Luke needed to talk, hung back to walk beside him. Luke nibbled his lip and avoided Rex's eyes. Rex kept quiet. Luke would speak when he was ready. In the meantime, Skywalker had given Rex food for thought. His cautious demeanor toward Luke had been the opposite of the possessiveness Rex had feared. And Rex was still taken aback to be included on Skywalker's list beside Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. He was entirely out of his depth when it came to the Force. How could he judge whether Luke and Leia's actions had been necessary?
They had nearly reached the edge of the port district before Luke looked up through his bangs. "Are you mad?"
"About the Death Star?"
Luke nodded.
"No."
"You're not? Even though we acted deceitfully?"
"I don't approve of that, kid, and no commander in his right mind should have let you fly combat without training, but sometimes—well, there aren't always easy answers. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't been there? Maybe someone else would have made the shot; then again, maybe not. But because you were there, you did."
"Yeah. Thanks." Luke huffed a heavy sigh.
Rex stopped to grip his shoulder. "What's really bothering you, Luke?"
"I—" Luke shoved a hand through his bangs. "It's—It's exciting. I'm glad it worked. I've never felt anything like watching my torpedoes disappear down that exhaust port." Words failed him.
"You were exhilarated," Rex said quietly.
Luke nodded. Rex glanced down the street toward the others. Leia was looking back at them. He gestured toward the group and they started walking again.
"It was like in the simulators," Luke said. "I'd completed the mission and everyone was so excited. But then—the berth next to my X-wing was empty when we docked. And later—when I had time to think…even if all the slaves were evacuated and only military personnel were on board—they weren't all evil, were they? I mean, Cody was a stormtrooper. And…And I wonder how many people died who were just doing their jobs…."
His eyes were full of questions Rex wished he had better answers for. It never got easier to help a shiny through the aftermath of his first battle, but some of the uncertainty he had been feeling settled. Maybe Luke did still need him. "Do you believe your actions were necessary?"
"I—I…Yes. The commander made a broadcast. It told the president to hand over—" Luke swallowed— "hand over Dad or the station was going to blow up Tatooine." He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together in a habitual nervous gesture. "I guess I know it had to be destroyed, but I…"
Rex studied his face. "You feel guilty because you were excited when you succeeded."
Luke lowered his eyes and nodded.
"The first time a man kills another being…" Rex paused. "It's hard. It changes you."
Luke looked up from his boots.
Rex hated the expression in the boy's eyes. Some of his youthful assurance had died with that shot and Rex mourned the loss. It couldn't be helped, any more than he could stop galactic drift, but….He drew a deep, steadying breath. Regrets accomplished little. "It's normal to feel satisfaction—even elation—when you achieve an objective, Luke. There's a lot of adrenaline during a battle, and when you win, it has to go somewhere. I know you weren't rejoicing because people died—it was because other people were saved."
"But Leia doesn't even understand what I'm feeling, and she was there too." Luke fidgeted with the lightsaber at his belt. Rex did a double take. That was a new development.
He rubbed his palm over his scalp. "Well, you're different people—you're allowed to have different reactions. Doesn't mean one is better than the other. Just that they're different."
"I guess."
"This might not help much right now." Rex shrugged a little helplessly. "I don't know. The mark of a good man is that he's willing to act on the courage of his convictions. He also doesn't ignore the cost of those actions. I'm proud of you, Luke—both for keeping your head in a dangerous situation—one where you made a real difference—and for the moral considerations you're mulling over now."
"Thanks," Luke said with a crooked smile.
"Some things a man has to sort out for himself. This is one of them." Rex shrugged again. "But for what it's worth, I'm here to listen anytime you need me." He wrapped his arm around Luke, and the boy leaned into the hug.
Even though they had just caught up to the others, Rex tightened his arm and drew Luke to a halt. "Don't be ashamed of needing reassurance. And don't worry too much about Ahsoka's scolding. You do have the Force, and it's important to use it wisely and for the right things, but I trust you, and I know Ahsoka does too. She just wants to be sure she does right by you. As Skywalker—as your father said, we all saw what happened when he wasn't disciplined adequately, and no one wants that for you or Leia."
Luke met his eyes soberly. "Okay. I understand."
Leia had backtracked to where they stood in the middle of the street. "I can tell you're not from around here. Don't you know better than to stand out in the suns just gabbing? Come on. I want to get inside where it's cooler." She dragged Luke by the arm.
"Hey," he protested, "I'm coming. You don't have to pull so hard."
Rex smiled at their growing comfort with each other.
Ahsoka, a wistful expression on her face, took Luke's place by Rex's side. "Bringing back memories?"
"Yeah. They remind me of Fives and Echo. And others. It's been a long time."
She nodded. "It has. So—I have a request…"
Just then, Skywalker, looking faintly anxious, came up on his other side. "Rex, will you walk with me for a minute?"
Rex glanced at Ahsoka, who spread her hands and inclined her head. "I need to talk with you, too, but it can wait a few minutes." She hurried to catch up to Cody.
Rex fell into step with Skywalker, his uncertainty rising again. Long ago he had been able to read Skywalker's intentions almost before he spoke, but the man was so different now, Rex couldn't even guess what he might be about to say.
"I didn't want to interrupt you and Luke," Skywalker said diffidently, eyes focused straight ahead. "He's been hard to read since the battle, and—well—you know him, and I don't, really. I couldn't figure out how to help him. I was hoping he might tell you what's been bothering him." He held his shoulders almost stiffly as he spoke the words.
Rex turned his head sharply. He had half-expected a question about Luke, but that hadn't been it. "He's just sorting out some things. Give him a little time. I think he'll be fine."
"Yeah. I guess he will, at that. That—um—that's part of what I wanted to talk to you about." Skywalker checked his stride briefly with an uncomfortable glance at Rex. "I—" he swallowed heavily. "I don't have much time, and I have some things I want to say. It's really not my place, but—" He set his jaw. "I am going to say them anyway. Thank you for raising Luke. For keeping him safe. Even from me. He's—he's going to be a fine man, and I believe he won't repeat my mistakes. I don't have words to tell you…" He swallowed again. He started over. "I can't say how grateful I am for what you've done."
"He's a good kid," Rex said. It was his turn to keep his eyes straight ahead. He had never thought Skywalker would admit one-tenth of what he had just said. "I see a lot of you in him. Of your—your best points." He darted a quick glance to the side. Skywalker's expression was indecipherable. With an effort, Rex forced himself to continue. "He's got your determination to protect people and a heart as big as the galaxy." The words were heavy in his mouth, but they released a weight he hadn't realized he was carrying.
Skywalker's lips twisted in a sardonic grimace. "His heart comes from his mother."
Rex was taken aback by Skywalker's lack of arrogance. Here was a change indeed from the brash, self-centered young man he had once known. He was emboldened to say, "No, not only from her. I will grant—the Senator had a big heart, but—so do you." He inhaled for courage. He never would have dared to venture such a personal comment in the past, but things were different now. "I didn't know her well, but I think it's probably what she loved best about you."
Skywalker turned his head away to blink rapidly. He tried to say something, but no words emerged.
Rex wasn't sure what else to say either.
"I—ah—Well, that's—ah—thank you. Thank you for protecting him. That's what I wanted to say. And—it's a lot to ask, but—Will you—Will you keep doing that? Will you keep them safe? No matter what happens?"
"You don't have to ask. Sir." The habitual title emerged without conscious decision, but Rex discovered it didn't bother him now.
"Thank you," Skywalker whispered. They took several steps in overwhelmed silence. Skywalker cleared his throat. "I believe Snips needs to talk with you, too." He picked up his pace and soon joined Kenobi behind Luke and Leia.
Rex caught up to Ahsoka, still trying to absorb Skywalker's gratitude. He knew the other man well enough to understand what hadn't been put into words. Skywalker didn't expect to survive his confrontation with the Emperor and he was entrusting Rex with the people he treasured most.
Ahsoka was watching Skywalker. "Skyguy needs backup. I can't let him face dear old Sheev alone." A quick glance toward Luke and Leia just ahead of them. "I hate to leave you behind, Rex, but…"
"But you don't want to leave them without protection," Rex finished for her. "Skywalker just asked me this. Yes, I will. I won't be much use against the Emperor, unfortunately, or you wouldn't get rid of me."
She smiled at him. "I know. And—in case I don't—" She cut herself off and started again. "I'm glad we ran into each other all those years ago. Everything was better with you. I don't want to think about how lonely and hard my life would have been alone. K'oyacyi, Rex."
Her accent in Mando'a had always been poor, but Rex appreciated her effort. Given her acknowledgement, aborted though it had been, that she might not survive, he didn't return the farewell. Instead he said, "May the Force be with you, 'Soka."
There was nothing more to say, so they walked in the silence of old companionship until they reached their destination. The low building was built in the common Tatooine style with a domed roof and thick adobe walls. Skywalker gestured for the group to precede him through the door.
The cool dimness of the interior was a welcome relief after the punishing heat outside. It was an attractive shop, wares displayed on tables and shelves with a long counter running parallel to the wall opposite the door. By mutual agreement, Cody and Rex took up positions on either side of the doorway. The room felt very small once all their group were inside.
A dark-haired woman with a scar on her cheek greeted them from behind the counter. Beside her, a Pantoran girl brightened as the clones entered. "Hello," she said in a quiet voice. She wore a modest dress of rough fabric and her purple hair was confined in a neat braid down her back.
"Yenzon," said Hex with a broad smile, "how are you doing?"
"I am well. Lalla has been very good to me. She is training me to help in the shop."
"Glad to hear it." Dash shook her hand over the counter.
"Anakin." Banai, almost visibly oozing relief, rose from his seat at the desk in the corner as Skywalker entered. "You're alive. I didn't know what had happened to you after that terrifying broadcast."
"Kit. It's good to see you." They met in the middle of the shop with a firm handclasp. "A lot's going on, and I need to ask a favor. I don't think it will be dangerous." He pulled Luke and Leia forward. "These are my children. They need a safe place to wait while I do something. Could they stay with you and Lalla?"
Banai's eyes widened, darting between the teens. He glanced at the human woman, who nodded. "Sure." He returned his attention to Skywalker. "Where are you going? In case anybody else shows up demanding I turn you over or else they'll blow up the planet." His falsely jocular manner was belied by his anxious expression.
Skywalker winced. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't know the thing was operational yet. It was the only one of its kind, so I don't think it will happen again." He hesitated. "I'll be fighting the Emperor. But I don't want Luke and Leia anywhere near him."
Banai blinked once, startled by the bald statement. "I see. That makes sense, I suppose. How come you didn't mention them earlier?"
"Very long story. And I'm short on time."
Banai gave a resigned grimace.
Skywalker made a helpless gesture. "I know. Add it to the list. Anyway, I don't know how long I'll be gone, so…"
"They can stay as long as you need them to, Ani," the scarred woman said. She clapped a hand to her mouth. "Oh—I didn't think. Is it all right if I call you that? Kit does, and it just slipped out."
"It's fine." Skywalker smiled at her warmly. "I'd be honored if you call me Ani." His smile became oddly diffident. "I owe you an apology for not, er, 'telling my story' months ago—"
She smiled in turn. "No debts between friends, Ani. Kit says you swore eternal brotherhood as boys."
"So we did. He's been far truer to our vow than I have, but I'm trying now."
"I'd say you're doing just fine." Her smile broadened into a grin. "The only thing I will demand is that once you deal with your master, I'm sending Chazzer to hear your story. I think he deserves to know how you earned your name, don't you agree?"
"Great Mother preserve me," Skywalker groaned, dropping his head into his hand. Rex caught a twitch of a lip behind the hand, though. "Don't you have an easier task for me? A Hutt to kill? A government to topple?"
She broke out into a full-throated laugh. "You're the one who told him you flew away in a spaceship. He's been pestering us about Mr. Kraytrider ever since, hasn't he, Kit?"
Banai's eyes lit with glee. "And you'll have to tell him all about your meeting with—"
"Never mind about that right now," Skywalker intervened hastily. "I have preparations to make before the Emperor arrives." He gestured a little haphazardly toward the twins. "Kit is my oldest friend. His wife is Lalla. This is Luke and Leia. You've met Cody and the other vod'e, and Cody's brother Rex is Luke's guardian. They will all keep an eye on the twins too."
"Vod'e? Is that what they're called?" Banai sidestepped until he could see Cody. "A bunch of them have showed up over the past few days, asking for you."
"I apologize for sending them without notifying you, President," Cody said. "I don't know if you heard, but we're refugees now. The Emperor pulled our pensions and initiated an investigation into our cooperation with Skywalker. I suggested we meet on Tatooine, but if you don't want us to stay, we'll find somewhere else to go. Skywalker did suggest we could form a security force for you. Maybe even train your own people, if you don't want us permanently."
Banai's expression became thoughtful. "We should discuss it. Preferably with Ani."
Skywalker shook his head. "It will have to wait. I have a prior engagement at the moment. My master is expecting me." Banai gave a rather sickly smile at the weak witticism. Skywalker turned to his daughter. "Leia, I'm leaving Artoo with you. Watch over him." A glimmer of the young Anakin Skywalker peeped through his serious mask when he leaned forward to say in a conspiratorial whisper, "Although he will undoubtedly insist it is he who is watching over you."
Leia gave a watery giggle.
Artoo rammed into Skywalker's knee.
He set a gentle hand on the droid's dome. "There's not much you can do where I'm going, Artoo. Stay with the twins."
The astromech's dome rotated a quarter turn to the accompaniment of a stream of twittering.
Skywalker gave a wistful smile. "Yes, you've always been my best copilot, but this one is something I have to do myself."
The droid whistled more insistently.
"Not this time. I promise."
Panels popped open on his torso. A sparking arc welder and a circular saw shot out to the accompaniment of emphatic binary.
"I'll admit, they're formidable weapons." Skywalker's chuckle was shaky.
Artoo rocked back and forth. Only the vexed tone was clear.
"Yes, well, there was never enough time for that. You're right; it would be useful now."
Artoo stowed the tools before bumping Skywalker's leg a couple of times. He gave a mournful hoot.
Skywalker seemed to deflate. "All right, old friend." He patted the dome again, voice ragged. "One last adventure together."
Artoo chirped merrily and rolled to Leia, who dropped to her knees beside him. A long string of beeps and toots had Leia tilting her head toward Skywalker with a questioning expression.
"He said he needs to come with me to ensure the Emperor is properly erased and the galaxy debugged."
Leia laughed even as she scrubbed the heel of her hand across her eyes. She hugged the droid. "Be good, Artoo. Don't get hurt."
Rex was familiar with the little droid's wide range of offended beeps, but he might never have heard one quite so indignant.
She laughed and released him. "Well, go on, then. And—keep Dad safe, too."
Artoo tootled, dome whirling.
She clambered to her feet to stand in front of Skywalker. "Will you be back?"
"I hope so."
She nibbled her lip. She seemed about to say something else, but in the end she merely reached out to hug her father. He responded by lifting his arms, but still hesitated before he wrapped them tightly around her. Eyes closed, he breathed deeply, an expression of combined bliss and anguish on his face.
Luke hovered beside them, uncertain what to do. Leia reached out to grab his arm and pull him closer. He too clasped his arms around Skywalker, who extricated one arm from Leia to wind around his son's back. He bowed his head between them and a single tear traced a path down his scarred cheek.