A/N A scene that has officially been cut from one of my in-progress projects because I have decided to go the "let's-not-hurt-Luke" route this time. Please enjoy the part where I considered hurting Luke.

"I'm sorry," He whispered, feeling lightheaded. "I… I should have – I wasn't… p-paying enough attention."

Vader shook his head, cupping Luke's cheeks with both hands, redirecting his gaze away from his stomach so he couldn't see. The leather of his fathers gloves were worn from use – they felt soft and warm to the touch. "No. No, you did very well, my son." He promised fiercely, his thumb wiping away a tear that Luke didn't know was sliding down his cheek.

"I can't feel it – " Luke murmured, confused and frightened by the anxiety he could feel coming through their bond in waves. It was bad. He knew it was. "I can't… I can't…."

"Antilles! " Vader snapped loudly, turning away from Luke to look for the other man. He followed Vader's gaze with his eyes and saw Wedge hovering nearby with the other two. He was watching them, his eyes wide with horror. "Water – gather all the remaining water. Find a clean cloth and soak it immediately."

Wedge swallowed and nodded shakily. "Okay." He spun around quickly, darting off to their discarded supplies. Luke coughed, his eyes flickering back to Vader. He could hear Wedge tearing through their stuff, tossing things aside.

"Father – "

"Hush, little one. Do not speak. Save your energy." The hands cupping his face left and Vader shifted, reaching up and undoing the clasp for his cape. It came off in a furious flurry of movement that Luke could barely follow. There were dark spots in front of his eyes.

"You two! Help me with this!"

Then there were additional hands on him – too many of them – it was nauseating. He was being moved, shifted around carefully – one side and then the other as the armourweave cape was bundled under and around him. It was hot agony and Luke was crying now, unable to stop.

"Vader – the bandages – "

Something wet and cool was placed on his stomach – or rather what was pooling out of his stomach, Luke realized. His insides were being completely covered with wet cloth and bandages and it was the oddest sensation he'd ever felt. They weren't meant to be seen or touched and he didn't like what was happening. It had all gone wrong so quickly. Tossing his head, he reached, trying to push the foreign hands away from him.

"No, Luke." His hand was grabbed and tucked against his chest and he felt the cape wrap around him like a cocoon now.

"Father – please," he groaned when he felt strong arms slip under his knees and behind his back and then he was being lifted up like a child. "Please… it hurts – "

"Antilles," There was the faint sound of someone catching something. Luke blinked upwards dully, coughing wetly. "Light the way out."

A firm yes sir and the familiar kreesh of a lightsaber blade igniting and then they were moving at a rapid pace. Their shadows painted the walls, looming over them like some terrible monster and each step was jolt of stretching, tearing pain.

"This is Supreme Commander Darth Vader, contacting Executor. Is anyone receiving?" A pause but no answer and then his father's voice was repeating again. Over and over again. The air slowly began to feel less stale and old but it hurt to breathe now. "Luke, stay with me. Don't leave." Vader ordered suddenly and it was more of a plea than an order. "This is Supreme Commander Darth Vader – "

Static crackled loudly. "Lord Vader, this is Admiral Piett. We are receiving you."

Luke felt a powerful rush of pure relief through the bond he shared with his father. "Admiral Piett, send a trauma unit to the surface immediately."

A/N Hey look! A new chapter!

I graduated college and what do you know, being stress free and no longer working the worlds suckiest night shift job is incredible for writer's block. :) Hopefully I can get some new stuff up soon.