Hal
Two days earlier
Corellia was a rather rough and tumble planet from what Hal could recall, though he had not had the chance to visit before.
The space dock was filled with suspicious figures, Hal gulping. This was unlike any of the survival hardened people of Tatooine – the people here were out for themselves and themselves only.
"I can take over if you'd like, Major." Sargent Kreel offered.
Sargent Kreel and the man he continually referred to as "shadow" accompanied him to planet, but the shadow had immediately disappeared without orders, the Sargent not saying a word about it. Unsure whose jurisdiction the shadow actually fell under (considering most shadows worked directly under Lord Vader), Hal decided it was a fight for another day and let it be.
"No, I'm fine. Come along, Sargent."
Becoming a Major in a day had been easier to accept on Tatooine when it did not matter. As soon as he arrived upon the Devastator, it suddenly hit him what the new position meant.
Taking a steadying breath, Hal lead them to the space dock office of Corellia, the dock master giving them an unimpressed look. Smoking a cigar, he took a long pull and let it out in a puff in Hal's face.
"Can I help you, gentlemen?" The dock master displayed his clear distaste of Imperial officers being present in his docks with a single word.
Straightening his shoulders like he'd been taught in basic training, Hal glared the man down. "I'm looking for a ship – the Sunfluer. I need to know if she's docked here."
"I can't divulge those records-"
"The exact reason you take records is so that the Empire can keep track of things like this. This ship might be trafficking a kidnapped child."
The dock master sneered. "I haven't seen that ship."
"You have two choices – either let me take a look at your docking records where I will assign men to pick through every ship listed and make sure that everyone's forms and cargo match appropriately, including a planet wide blockade leaving or entering the planet to ensure the missing child hasn't been smuggled aboard another ship, or you can tell me if the Sunfluer is docked."
Huffing, the dock master chewed the cigar in his mouth for a minute before making a decision. "Docking space BJ9. I never sent you – it's bad for business. Also, if you can, keep it quiet. You imperials ruin business."
"Thank you, we will."
Leaving the office, Hal read the signs, heading towards the directed space dock.
"Nice work, Major." That was all Kreel offered before silently accompanying him,
"Thank you, Sargent."
Arriving in front of the space dock, the Sunfluer was indeed sitting in the spot. Going up to the loading door, Hal knocked loudly, waiting several minutes without answer.
"Perhaps they are on planet." Kreel suggested.
The shadow suddenly reappeared, a wild look in his eye.
"Do you have something to report?" Hal had rarely seen the shadow show any sign of emotion, let alone flustered.
Nodding, the shadow subtly pointed, a red haired woman besides a tall Pua'an watching them suspiciously from across the port.
"Are they the owners of this ship?" Hal asked, the shadow nodding.
"Sargent."
"Yes, Major."
Kreel understood Hal's orders without needing to be told, the Sargent heading towards them immediately. Thankfully, neither tried to run, likely because Hal was blocking them from their only means of escape.
Bringing them back over, Kreel stood to attention. "Sir, these are the owners of the ship."
"Thank you, Sargent."
"What is this about," the red haired woman leaned closer, reading his rank, "Major Hal Grettesen?"
"You recently left Tatooine – did you leave the planet with a young child, about twelve years old, blonde hair, blue eyes?"
The woman cursed under her breath, glancing back at her companion, seeming to have a silent conversation.
"Why does it matter? Whose the kid?"
"I don't believe that's any of your business."
Scoffing, the woman crossed her arms. "Sure it is – if I helped a criminal escape that's different than if I was helping people minding their own business."
The Major was impressed, though he rather thought he should be annoyed. This woman had guts speaking to a Major like that.
"The child was kidnapped and is being taken across the galaxy against his will."
Frowning, the woman glanced towards her companion again. "Kidnapped?"
"Are you admitting to having seen the child?"
"Let's say I met them. This old man was looking for a ride, and suddenly had a kid with him. He told me the kid's family died, and the kid agreed."
The Pua'an didn't look entirely happy, but Hal couldn't tell if he didn't like the woman talking or if he was angry about the story he was fed.
"The child's current guardians are still very much alive. The man coerced the child into accompanying him, though we aren't sure what he used against him yet."
The woman frowned. This time as she glanced back, the Pua'an nodded as if an agreement. "See, Greico, this is why I don't like getting involved in stuff like this." Turning back to Hal, she placed a hand on her hip. "I'll make you a deal – obviously this kid is important enough to cause a stir. If I tell you where I took them, I want immunity for my crew and I."
Hal paused, surprised. He thought he'd have to drag them in and force the answers out of them. "Why are you being so willing?"
"Greico and I, our whole reputation depends on we don't ask, we don't tell, but there is no way that we can stand up against the might of the Empire. They also didn't pay me enough to be tortured over hiding that information. So, you don't breathe a word about the Sunfluer in the reports, and I'll help the kid back to his family."
"Fine. Where did you take the child?"
"Alderaan. The palace – King Bail met us at the front, though he didn't seem to know the kid. That's all I can tell you."
"Thank you."
"Remember the deal, Major."
"Of course. There will be no mention of you."
As they were walking away, the woman called out, all three of them pausing. "Don't come back here again, imps! We don't talk to the likes of you!"
Biting the inside of his lip, Hal tried not to laugh. He rather liked that woman – she had a spark one didn't come across often.
"Should we go back, Major?" Kreel had his hand resting on his lightsaber.
Raising his hand to stop him, Hal shook his head. "No. I think she will be a worthwhile ally going forward. Let her...save, her reputation if she so desires."
"Yes, sir." Kreel immediately stood down.
"Let's return to the Devastator, and report to Lord Vader what we've found, Sargent." Hal headed back towards their shuttle, ignoring the suspicious looks and glares they were receiving.
"At once, sir."
Darth Vader
Present
They were only twenty mintes from Alderaan's orbit when Vice Admiral Piett approached, carrying a nervous air that filled Vader with a rage.
The last two days had been agonizing, Vader having run out of dueling droids and having to resort to private meditation in order not to ring the neck of every officer that made a minor mistake. The Major and Sargent Kreel had called to inform Vader that they had made contact with the Sunfluer and had found the potential location of the child.
"What is it?" Vader tried to remain calm, but all the officers on the bridge froze at the tone of his voice.
"My Lord, the Major is requesting you on the comm."
"I will take it in my office."
Storming away to his office, he found Hal waiting for him already on the call.
"What is it, Major?"
"My Lord, there has been a mix up. Skywalker is not on Alderaan."
"What? You mean, they've already escaped?"
"No, my Lord. Skywalker is a Naberrie. There was a mix up."
Vader paused. There was a blankness to the Major that was not normally present. "Major, what happened after you arrived?"
"There was a mix up, my Lord. Skywalker is a Naberrie. Skywalker is not on Alderaan."
"That doesn't make sense! Major, focus! Did you meet a man named Obi-wan Kenobi?"
The Major blinked a couple of times, his vision clearing for a moment. "Obi-wan...Kenobi?"
"He's a Jedi, Major. He can use the Force to trick you into believing lies."
Again, the Major blinked, a hand flying up to his head. "Oh...oh no…"
"Major, what is it?"
"My Lord, they've taken the Sargent captive and are trying to escape with the child. I must go at once."
"Go stop them at once!"
Without a proper farewell, the Major took off without hanging up the comm, leaving Vader in suspense.
"Vice Admiral!" Vader roared, the door flying open from use of the Force.
"My lord?" Piett rushed in.
"Call the Devastator and order the 501st down to the planet at once. They've taken Sargent Kreel captive, and are escaping with the boy."
"At once, my Lord!" Leaving the room in a rush, Piett returned a moment later. "They are heading down to the planet. They were already on stand by on Sargent Kreel's orders, my Lord."
"Get my shuttle ready at once – we will leave now."
"Yes, my Lord. The final checks should be happening now."
Heading towards his private hangar bay, a million and one thoughts were plaguing Vader's mind. Would the Major be able to stop Obi-wan before the escape?
They had come too far for Vader to lose them now – he was not sure he or the Executor would survive another day should the boy escape his grasp once more.
No one said a word for the entire ride, Vice Admiral Piett sitting stiffly beside him. Admiral Ozzel had remained on board the Executor to follow through on orbiting procedures. The twenty minutes felt like hours as each second ticked by and they weren't yet on Alderaan.
Finally landing, Vader was forcing the doors to the shuttle open before the full docking procedure was completed. As he stepped off the shuttle, Vader saw nothing except where he was walking, ignoring everyone that approached. Soldier's stormed in beside him, a train of white contrasting against his darkness. The soldier's of Alderaan were unable to contain their fear, Vader feeding off it as their emotions bled into the Force.
Unfamiliar with the palace of Alderaan, Vader was able to easily follow the Force Signatures through like a map, letting nothing stand in his way. Piett was practically chasing after him to keep up, but Vader gave no care to slow for him. Arriving at a room, it appeared the Major had indeed had time to stop Obi-wan from taking his son and escaping, all the major players caught in the room before him.
The storm troopers pushed the doors open for their Lord without giving any warning on the other side, several guards flinching before quickly stepping out of the way to avoid being plowed over.
Entering a large conference room, Vader found himself correct: all the major players except the one who started the whole chase in the first place were present. Obi-wan and Bail were cuffed and sitting at the table, while the Sargent and Major stood by, watching. The storm troopers all saluted Vader as he entered.
"Where is he?" There was no time for manners or greetings, Vader's feel of the Force stretching out in all directions to try and catch a taste of what he was looking for. Finally, it settled over a single form bursting with energy so similar to his and his wife's it need go without saying that Vader had found him.
"Asleep, my Lord." Hal didn't even need to ask whom Vader was referring. "The Jedi knocked him unconscious to try and take him off world, and he hasn't woken yet. I have guards with him in the quarters he was assigned here."
"Has he been seen by a medic?"
"Yes, my lord. They say he's simply exhausted."
"Well, look at you playing the part of a father, but you have no idea whether or not that child is actually your son."
Hal and Vader turned, Obi-wan staring back defiantly.
Stepping around Hal, Vader walked slowly up to Obi-wan, his hands crossed behind his back. "I should have known you'd be involved, Obi-wan Kenobi, considering you were the one with my wife when she left me."
"Let the child go, Vader. He's innocent."
"Of that, you are correct. He is innocent. It's not his fault his mother hid him away on some backwater planet to spite me."
"Vader, she didn't do it to spite you. She was already gone by the time that decision was made-"
"Oh, I know. You did your best, but you couldn't hide the truth from me. Padme Amidala died on Polis Massa after giving birth to my child. They recorded that the child died, but obviously that isn't true. If I had just opened my eyes before, I would have realized the truth."
"That doesn't prove that the child here today that you think is yours is the child that was born that day."
"No, it doesn't. But I sent men to speak with Owen and Beru Lars, and you'll never guess what they told me. They told me that you brought the son of Anakin Skywalker to them to raise. That means you were with my wife when she died and that you both conspired together to hide him from me."
"Did you kill them?" Anguish filled Obi-wan's eyes as the truth continued to pour out.
Coming closer, Vader leaned in. "Does it matter?"
Sickened, Obi-wan glanced away first. Standing back up, Vader walked to the other side of the room, now turning his attention to Bail. "And you, King Bail Organa, are harboring a fugitive and a kidnapped child. Your guards also apprehended my men and blocked them from their mission. Whatever are we going to do about that?"
There was no diplomatic way out of this now, though Vader had not decided yet what to do with the King of Alderaan.
"King Organa had no idea who Luke was. I tricked him into helping us with the Force."
Or perhaps the King had hope yet. Irritated at the turn of events, Vader knew he could simply carry out an execution if he desired, but the only part of him that wasn't currently enraged realized he could use this event to push Alderaan into a corner.
"Oh, I'm sure. Isn't that just...terrible?" Vader retorted, gritting his teeth.
"What happens now, then?" Bail asked.
"Obi-wan will be returning with us to Coruscant where he will be publicly executed for kidnapping my son. And you, King Organa, will swear your fealty to me now. If I ever find that Alderaan is starting to take steps off the beaten path, I will destroy your entire planet." Publicly, Alderaan was an extremely popular planet. It would look poorly should Vader destroy it suddenly with little evidence that the King had knowingly committed treason.
Mostly, though, Vader did not want to spill blood the day he was united with his child. It would be ominous and eerie, and would be hard to hide from the child. Vader did not wish for his child to fear him, and until they had a better understanding of one another and how corrupt the galaxy was, it would be far too complicated to explain.
Bail stared at the table, a desolate look in his eye. "I understand, my Lord. I will make sure nothing like this happens again."
"Good."
In effect, he had let Bail off with a warning, but Bail was a smart man. He would see the threat behind Vader's actions, and already he knew the Vader's words were true. Should Vader ever find evidence that Alderaan was colluding with the rebels, he would wipe them from the planet with his own blade striking first.
A knock came at the door. The Major went over to answer it, talking quietly with one of the storm troopers. His alarm came first through the Force, Vader turning towards him.
"What is it now?"
"Luke woke up, and his guards brought him here. But they said he stood for a minute outside the door than bolted. No one can find him."
Obi-wan's eyes lit up, the man letting out a low chuckle.
"What? Find him at once!"
"Yes, my lord!" Both the Major and the trooper left, Vader turning back towards Obi-wan.
"What are you hiding, Master?" Vader sneered.
Laughing openly now, Obi-wan shrugged. "You were always impatient, weren't you?"
Memories were threatening to overwhelm Vader as Obi-wan spoke, but the problem was they weren't bad memories. The good memories of their time together was edging into Vader's vision, picking at the bitterness that had been their ending.
What Vader would give to go back…
No, a Sith Lord could not feel. Once one started down the path of the dark side, there was no return. The past was gone and there was nothing that could be done about it. Obi-wan was a traitor.
"Stop playing games and answer the question – do you know where the boy went?"
"No. But I do know that he knows how to hide himself in the Force when he feels like it."
The very air seemed to freeze. "You've been training him?" That should not have been so surprising – a Jedi Master watching over the son of one of the most powerful Force users in history would obviously train him...and most likely, that training would be to turn the boy against his father.
"No, I was too afraid that something like this would happen. I suppose I should have been training him; maybe that would have taught him the discipline you lacked."
The backhanded blow across Obi-wan's cheek about sent him tumbling out of his chair, Obi-wan spitting blood out onto the floor after. "Do not criticize me, old man. You are nothing but a worn down has-been that has outlived it's use."
Saying nothing, Obi-wan simply righted himself back into his chair and waited, having nothing else to say. A trickle of blood ran down his cheek from where he had been struck, but he made no move to wipe it away. The multitude of questions that had been bogging Vader's mind down for days suddenly seemed very important. "Who told him I was his father? How did he know to contact Sargent Kreel, or even who the Sargent was?"
"And why should I answer you?"
Vader truly had no answer to that. The man was dead whether he answered or not, and he knew it.
Sighing deeply, however, Obi-wan shook his head slowly. "There's no point in hiding it though. I don't know who told him. His Aunt and Uncle didn't know that you were the boy's father; they honestly thought he was an orphan without a place to go. And he never mentioned anything to me about the Sargent." The bitterness was heavy in Obi-wan's tone.
"So that means you were the only one that could have."
"That's just it – he showed up at my house a week ago and knew everything. Now look at us. I think he might have inherited your gift."
There was no time to ponder Obi-wan's confession, but the Force was not denying the truth of his statements.
"But even if he did, it has never been so precise..." Trailing off, Vader realized he would have to look into this. But first, he had to actually meet the child.
Turning to the shadow in the corner of the room, Vader made a gesture with his hand. Bowing, the shadow left immediately.
"I must admit, I didn't expect you to track us down quite so quickly." Obi-wan offered.
"Why is that? You think my son would not be important to me?"
"No, I didn't think the name Skywalker would have as much meaning to you anymore. I suppose I was wrong."
Vader's comm beeped, a message coming through. Ignoring Obi-wan's last jab, Vader turned to address the room. "Release the King, and load the jedi onto my shuttle. We will be leaving within the hour."
"My Lord, I must return to the Executor to prepare everything." Piett dismissed himself.
"Yes, you may return with the 501st. We will join you shortly."
"Yes, my Lord."
All the men left in the room jumped into action.
Turning to leave the room, Vader found the Major at the entrance to the palace.
"Where is he?"
"He's headed off that way. The shadow is following him."
"Following him?"
"He is waiting for orders – he does not think the child will come back willingly. He seems frightened of something."
Vader was unsure what to do. If he dragged the child back unwillingly, the child might become even more frightened. "We have time. Let us follow until he grows tired of this chase."
"Yes, my Lord."
Still feeling unsure of his decision, Vader headed off after the shadow, unwilling to accept the fact he was grateful to have a walk to clear his thoughts before meeting his son.
Luke
The fields of Alderaan were far lovelier than Leia had ever been able to describe to him before. The sun shimmered over the blades of grass, and it seemed far too bright and beautiful a day to find out your Aunt and Uncle were dead and that more men were going to be executed because of your choices.
Obi-wan had been correct – messing with Vader had been a mistake. People couldn't change. Maybe it was just his destiny to follow the same path and there was no changing the future. That could only mean that going with Vader at this point was only going to bring people more despair and trouble. What other choice did he have at this point but to run away? If he could get in contact with Han or Chewbacca, maybe he could convince them to take him down to Dagobah to see if Yoda had any ideas on how to right this mess (not that Yoda had ever felt inclined to just give him the answers).
"Where are you going?"
Turning around, Luke was surprised to find an unguarded Princess following after him, obviously furious. Red rimmed eyes glared into his own, clearly having been crying for a while.
"You're supposed to be in the countryside!"
Leia snorted. "Like I would leave while my country is in danger – my mother won't realize for another half a day that I slipped out of my speeder before we left."
"You weren't riding in the same speeder?"
"No, I pretended I was mad at her and told her I wanted to ride separately. Now where are you going?"
Luke sighed deeply. That sounded exactly like Leia – though he wanted to warn her that she shouldn't take the time she has with her parents so lightly. It was too late now, and it was all his fault that her and her parent's time together would soon be coming to an end. "I...don't know. I have to figure out how to get off planet somehow. Coming here was an accident…"
"The imperials arrested my father! You were the one to bring them here, so what? You're just going to drag us down with you?"
Growing frustrated, Luke waved his arms in a frustrated gesture. "Well, what do you want me to do? Take on Darth Vader?"
"Vader? Vader's here?" Leia's eyes widened. Obviously, no one had been keeping her informed aside from the fact that the King was being detained.
"Your father and Alderaan will be fine, alright? Vader can't prove that you or anyone else on Alderaan knew who I was when Obi-wan brought me here. Even Vader can't avoid all diplomatic relationships." Luke felt like he was lying through his teeth; if Vader learned that Bail tried to help Obi-wan, there was no way he would forgive them.
Crossing her arms, Leia glared at him furiously. "How could you possible know that? If Vader is here, Alderaan is doomed – that man is a monster!"
Leia was correct – Luke had no idea whether or not his father would destroy Alderaan. Plus, considering Leia had followed after him now it almost felt like fate. If Leia came with him, it would be just like before – living on after her planet was destroyed.
Of course, the Death Star wasn't operational yet. That only meant Vader would have to destroy the entire planet by hand, or at least everyone on the planet.
"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I don't know what to do! That man just killed my Aunt and Uncle for no reason – I don't know how to undo any of this!" Luke felt a tear slip down his cheek, falling to his knees.
For a moment, they simply stood and knelt in silence, until Leia finally came over and pulled Luke back to his feet. For some reason, her wrath had given way to sympathy, like she'd had a chance to take out her anger on him and all she had left was pity. "What are you going to do? The planet has been blockaded – no ships in or out until the all clear is given."
Groaning, Luke looked out behind Leia and saw people leaving the palace gates. "I don't know yet, but if I don't keep moving, they are going to catch me."
Glancing back over her shoulder, Leia also frowned. Grabbing Luke's hand, Leia pulled him towards the right. "Come on, this way!"
"Where are we going?" Luke asked, alarmed.
"Well, I don't want to get caught either! Let's go! I know a place we can hide for a bit and think of a plan."
Even though he had decided to try and get away, he didn't want Vader anywhere near Leia. It had never been his intention to sacrifice either Bail or Alderaan to try and get to Vader, but Luke no longer knew what to do to fix things.
Leia guided them down the rolling hills, farther and farther away from the palace, finally finding a pathway seemingly in the middle of no where.
For a while, Luke simply let her lead before he stopped. "Why are you helping me? I just brought the wrath of the Empire upon Alderaan – you should be feeding me to Vader on a plate."
Tilting her head, Leia frowned. "And what good would that do? You're right – you are just a kid. I don't know what you did to get Vader's attention, but I'm sure you didn't intentionally try and destroy my planet. Besides, nothing is set in stone yet – my father is a smart man. He'll think of something."
"You seem much older than twelve…" Luke sighed. At this point in time, many of the planets still had the hope they could survive against the growing Empire. That was why the Emperor wanted the Death Star created in the first place. But of course, without the knowledge of the future Leia had much more faith than he, especially the blind faith she had in her father.
Smirking, Leia shrugged. "I'm a Princess – we all grow up early. Now, we need to get going."
"If we take a pathway, it will be easier for them to find us." Luke pointed out, but Leia shook her head.
"Not necessarily. This path is very old – it's on almost no maps anymore. Only a select few know about it, and I doubt any of them would tell Vader."
Nodding, Luke was about to follow Leia when he paused once more, glancing back even though the palace was no longer in sight. "Do you know anything about Vader?"
"Darth Vader, dark lord of the Sith and second in command of the Imperial Empire?" Leia asked, giving Luke a look like he was stupid.
"Do you know another Vader?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." Leia teased before clearing her throat at Luke's amused glance. "I've never met the man in person, though I've seen him from afar at a couple of parties he was forced to attend. I don't think he's ever been to Alderaan before. The rumors say he's as cold as ice and that he kills without hesitation at any mistake."
That made sense with the Vader Luke remembered from before. In Luke's memories, after all, the man revealed he was Luke's father after slicing off his hand and then after let him fall down some sort of ventilation shaft on Bespin to what Luke had been certain would be his death. It wasn't like Luke was jumping into this madness completely blind, but a bit more thought could definitely have saved everyone quite a bit of trouble.
Hair rising along the back of his neck, Luke looked around where they were quickly but could see nothing. The memories of his past must have been making him jumpy.
"Come on, we've got to keep moving." Leia gestured, walking on.
Running to catch up with her, Luke walked side by side with her down the path. "How are you going to explain to everyone where you've been all this time?"
Shrugging, Leia thought about it for a second. "Well, usually I just tell people I got lost. I get "lost" a lot, you know. I'll say I wandered the wrong way after leaving the speeder."
After at least an hour of walking, Leia finally brought them to a small cabin in the middle of no where. "Here we are!"
Running up to the door, Leia opened it without knocking. Luke found no one inside. "What is this place?"
"It's the old cottage for the royal grounds caretaker, but they built a new one nearer the palace about a decade ago. I come here a lot to read when I don't want to be bothered. I keep a few snacks here if you get hungry."
"Thanks, Leia. I'm sorry I got your family into this mess."
Placing a hand on Luke's shoulder, Luke looked up to see her staring deeply into his eyes. "It's alright. I can tell you're a good person. My father always says that we have to help others first, even at great cost to ourselves."
An ominous feeling came over Luke, Luke glancing over to see a shadow in the window. Leia also saw when she followed his gaze over. "Oh, no, someone must have managed to follow us!"
The door opened, a man dressed head to toe in black coming in. A lightsaber was swinging on his hip, Luke putting Leia behind him. "Who are you?"
Rather than attacking them, the man dropped to one knee, lowering his hood. Soft brown hair was exposed, as well as cold but curious eyes. "Young Lord, I came to accompany you back to the palace."
"That didn't answer my question."
Glancing up, the man looked confused. "I...don't have a name. I just am."
"You don't have a name? What do people call you?" Leia asked, stepping up beside Luke.
Frowning, the man had to think about it for a moment. "I think...people used to call me Tason."
"Tason. Who sent you, then?"
"Lord Vader told me to watch you."
"Lord Vader didn't send you to just drag me back?" Suspicious, Luke leaned back into Leia though there was no way to escape except through the front door.
Tason shook his head. "I received no such orders. I am simply a shadow meant to follow and protect."
Luke had heard rumors of the shadow army before, but he had always imagined them as Storm troopers rather than individuals. This one must have been an extremely skilled individual – Luke had been checking periodically for people following them. Even now, staring with his own two eyes at the man before him, Luke could hardly sense his Force presence.
"What are you going to do now?" Leia asked, trying to whisper but the room was small enough they all heard it anyway.
Glancing down at his feet, Luke realized that running away was no longer an option. Though he was in the body of a twelve year old child, he had the memories of a twenty-two year old, and it was time to take responsibility. Bail, Breha, Leia, and Obi-wan were all still alive – there was still a chance he could save them.
Plus, he had no way to contact anyone off world, nor did he have any way to get off world. Now that Vader knew he was here, it would be close to impossible for him to escape without the rebellion at his back.
"Can you contact Lord Vader?"
Reaching under his cloak, both Leia and Luke flinched back when he pulled something out, only to reveal a comm.
"Of course, young Lord. Would you like to speak with him?"
"What are you thinking, Luke?" Leia protested, and Luke was reminded of Breha earlier that day speaking to Bail. Glancing at Leia, Luke could not read her expression. This was the golden opportunity he had been waiting for all this time, and now all he felt was sick to his stomach.
"Leia, what else am I going to do? I'm twelve, I have no credits to my name, and I have no way off this planet because I have no contacts and no ship. If I don't turn myself in, he's going to tear Alderaan apart looking for me."
"He might kill you! You have no idea what he wants with you."
Because you haven't seen the future.
"Like you said, we have to help others even at great cost to ourselves. It's my fault he came to Alderaan, so I need to try and stop as much damage as I can."
The shadow – Tason – was watching him curiously, still holding the comm out in his hand without taking action.
Leia grabbed Luke's hand, squeezing it. "Thank you, Luke."
Smiling, Luke shook his head. "Don't thank me. Tason, I'd like to speak to Lord Vader."
Nodding, Tason pressed a button, the comm began to ring. There was no holo system for this one, it was simply to make calls or send messages on.
"What is it?"
"Master, the young Lord would like to speak with you."
Never did Luke imagine that the first time he'd be speaking with his father in this timeline, it would be over comm with him hiding out somewhere. Silence reigned for several long, nerve wracking seconds, Leia finally elbowing him in the ribs.
"Um...hi?"
Leia clapped a hand over her face, shaking it disapprovingly.
"You must be Luke."
"Y-yes." Luke had never felt so nervous in his life – even when he faced the Emperor before, he had thought his father would stand by his side.
Now, he was wondering what he was thinking getting into this mess.
"Young one, why did you run off?"
"I changed my mind. I don't want to go with you anymore. But Obi-wan and King Bail didn't do anything, I swear! It was me causing all the trouble." Luke rambled, finally finding the courage to speak.
Something that might have been a snort of laughter came over the line. "I see. Young one, we did not even have a chance to speak. Why did you change your mind?"
"You killed my Aunt and Uncle, and you said you were going to kill Obi-wan and King Bail!"
Leia paled beside him, covering her mouth with her hand. Luke felt the one holding his squeeze tightly.
"So you were eavesdropping on us."
"Well, I didn't realize you were having a private conversation." Luke shot back.
"Why did you decide to call me? Just to tell me you weren't going to come back?" Vader asked, sounding amused still.
A tingle ran up Luke's spine, Luke feeling for a second like he was having a hard time taking a breath, something cold and dark wrapping around him like a second skin.
"No. If you let Obi-wan and King Bail go...I'll come back."
Rather than replying, the call suddenly ended. Before Luke could wonder what happened, the door opened again, a large silhouette filling the entrance.
Tason was still kneeling, bowing his head as Darth Vader entered the small cottage room, Hal right behind him.
"Luke!" Hal rushed up to him. "I'm so sorry. I can't believe that Jedi tricked me!"
"Major, as heart warming as this reunion is, I would like a chance to meet my son. The two of you, escort the Princess back to the palace."
Flushing, Hal bowed to Vader. "At once. Princess, if you would."
"No, what are you going to do to Luke?" Leia demanded, grabbing Luke's arm and squeezing it tightly.
Luke felt his chest constricting – this was the absolute last thing he wanted. If Vader really looked at Leia, he might realize something.
Stepping closer so he towered over her, Vader looked down at the Princess like one might stare down at an ant on the ground. "Princess, it has been a very exhausting week for everyone. Do not test my patience – you will not win."
Paling, Leia still did not back down until Luke gently squeezed her hand. "I'll be alright, Leia. Please, I don't want to cause any more trouble."
Still clearly not happy, Leia let Hal and Tason escort her away, the two of them flanking her on both sides as they headed back.
Gulping, Luke looked up at Vader. In his memories, Luke had been older when they first met, but honestly still not much taller. Apparently he had taken after his mother in height, but he knew it was Vader's prosthetic legs that had given Vader his current height. Heart hammering in his chest, Luke was finally face to face with the mask that had been haunting him for weeks now.
For a long moment, Vader simply stood before him, staring down at him like he expected Luke to just disappear. Finally, he went and sat down in a chair, Vader gesturing for Luke to sit across from him.
"So, we finally meet, young one."
"...Yes…" Luke folded his hands in his lap, feeling a twinge of pain in his right hand. Sitting before the man that so easily lopped off his hand without a second thought was more difficult than he had imagined it would be.
"You went through a lot of effort to get my attention only to run away in the end."
"I didn't mean for anyone else to get dragged into this mess! I never imagined that Obi-wan would leave Tatooine, or that you'd...you'd…" Tears filled Luke's vision at the thought of his Aunt and Uncle.
"That I'd what, child?"
"Kill my Aunt and Uncle! They took good care of me - I just wanted to know my father! But now they are dead because of me." A tear fell from Luke's eye, landing on his hand.
"You seem afraid of me – earlier, I thought you'd stop breathing when I was speaking to the Princess. Did you believe I would harm her?"
Gulping, Luke shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really know you at all."
Vader sat in stoic silence for a long moment, watching another tear fall from Luke's cheek. "I did not kill them, child. They are still alive on Tatooine."
"What?" Luke glanced up, shocked.
"I never told Obi-wan that I killed your guardians. Nor did I tell him that I didn't. I owed Owen's father a favor for saving my mother from slavery...that debt is now repaid. Though I suppose I owe them now for protecting and raising you for the past twelve years."
Yet another tear slid from Luke's eye as he looked up at Vader in wonder.
He did it. His Aunt and Uncle were alive, unlike before! This time, as long as he made sure droids with the plans to the Death Star never went to Tatooine, they would be just fine.
"You...you didn't kill them?"
"No. They are both very much so alive, as I just said. Now, to the other matter of your demands: I'm afraid that as a traitor to the Empire, there is not much I can do about Obi-wan. However, Bail Organa, though I find him vexing, has only pushed my patience enough to garner a warning this time around."
"You can't kill him!"
"That is outside of my hands, child. It is Imperial law that all Jedi be executed."
Crossing his arms, Luke frowned. "If you kill Obi-wan, I won't go with you."
The same dark feeling from earlier crawled over him again, Vader chuckling. It was a deep, unsettling sound against his respirator. Eyes widening, Luke realized he had perhaps pushed too far.
"Child, you do not seem to understand the position you are in. There is no choice in coming with me or not – as soon as we return to the palace, we will be getting on a shuttle to the Executor. From there, we will be traveling to Coruscant to speak to the Emperor."
Trembling from the cold, Luke nodded slowly. "Y-yes, alright."
"Now that our misunderstanding has been cleared up, we shall return."
Standing, Vader gestured for Luke to go in front of him, Vader following him out the door and towards the path.
"You followed us all the way out here?"
"Yes. My shadow aide contacted me as soon as you left the palace, and we figured it would be easiest to, as they say, "let the children wear themselves out" before interfering."
Feeling personally insulted, Luke turned to walk down the pathway. It was starting to get dark where it was already hard to see his way, but he did not want to admit that. "I'm not as young as I look – I'd hardly consider myself a child."
"Yes, twelve is quite grown up."
"Don't patronize me." Luke kept walking.
"Luke."
Ignoring Vader, Luke kept going.
"Luke."
Still not listening, Luke felt as his foot stepped off into nothing, just about tumbling down a small drop if not for Vader catching him by his shirt and pulling him back onto the ground. Though it was not a large drop, it still would have hurt.
"Let this be a lesson to you – do not ignore me." Pushing Luke behind him, Vader lead the way, able to see in the dark with his mask.
Embarrassed, Luke trudged along behind Vader, keeping his eyes planted on Vader's feet in the dark. After hours of walking, Luke felt himself growing weary, but he did not want to admit it. It had already been a long day, and he himself had put himself in this position by dashing off out of fear.
By the time they made it back to the palace, Luke was stumbling slightly every few steps and all he wanted was a hot bath and a warm meal. But that was unlikely to happen, considering Vader had already said they were heading straight to space.
"I expect from now on that you won't go wandering off without telling anyone where you are going, understood?" Vader turned towards him.
Nodding, Luke swallowed a yawn, blinking a couple of times to clear his vision.
Turning away from Luke, Vader found one of his aide's that had been waiting for him with a report. "The shuttle is ready to launch as soon as everyone is loaded."
"Excellent. We shall depart then."
Before they made it out the door, Bail Organa came into the front room with Leia beside him.
"Heed my warning, your highness. Finding my son is a joyous occasion, so give thanks that I am in a merciful mood." That was all Vader felt inclined to offer, Luke looking sadly over at them both.
Leia did not look afraid, but Bail bowed his head. "Yes, my Lord."
Life was complicated when one had to not look out just for themselves, but for everyone else. Luke had a better understanding of that now – choices had consequences, whether good or bad.
"Luke, I'm to bring you to the shuttle." Tason came up beside him, startling him in his tired state. Gesturing towards the door, Luke nodded goodbye to Leia before letting Tason guide him to the shuttle. Hal was already on board with Obi-wan.
The shuttle was small, and the only seats available were all next to each other. Vader had chosen a fast, efficient ship over something luxurious, and even with just the six of them and a few extra guards, the ship was feeling a bit cramped.
Before anyone could stop him, Luke sat down in front of Obi-wan, tears filling his vision. "Obi-wan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"Young one, I've lived a long life. But I waited because I had something to tell you: do not be so sure in the future you believe in – things are not going to play out the way you expect."
Tilting his head, Luke was confused. "I don't understand…"
Smiling, Obi-wan nodded. "Hopefully, you will one day. Goodbye, Luke."
Hal and Tason both jumped to their feet with alarm at his odd phrase, Vader just stepping on board to see Obi-wan fade away into blue dust, all that was left his empty robes.
"What?" Vader snapped, picking up the empty robe. When it became clear that Obi-wan was gone, he tossed it aside angrily. "How could this be?!"
Shaking at the venom in his father's voice, Luke shrank back. Hal sat down beside him, offering a smile.
As if realizing he'd frightened Luke, Vader paused, clearing his throat. "I must discuss something with the pilots."
The door to the shuttle was still open, Luke glancing towards it longingly one more time only for Hal to grab his arm and shake his head. "Don't even think about it, Luke. It was hard enough to calm him earlier." Speaking very quietly, Luke knew Hal didn't want Vader to overhear.
Nodding, Luke sank back in his seat once more.
"Is everyone aboard?" The pilot called.
Vader had come back out and sat down across from Luke. "Yes, Captain. The Executor should be waiting for us in orbit now."
"Alright, then." Calling out some codes to the main ship, Luke felt the engines rumble as they lifted off.
"When we reach the Executor, you must be with either the Sargent or the Major at all times. You will not be permitted to wander the ship by yourself. We will be taking a week to reach Coruscant, and in that time I expect you to behave yourself. Star Destroyers are not designed to accommodate children." Vader said.
Nodding, Luke felt odd. This entire time, he'd been trying so hard to get to Vader, and now that he was here, he didn't know what to do. How did one go about trying to change a Sith Lord from the dark side? Luke had been spending so much time just trying to get here, he didn't think about what to do at all once he had.
"What will happen when we reach Coruscant?" Luke asked. In his past life, he had not often made it to the Capital city of the galaxy, mostly due to the fear of running into either Vader or the Emperor. Now, he was heading straight into the heart of the dark side on his own, and suddenly even with all the experiences of his past life, he didn't feel ready.
Regarding the child, Vader's respirator went for three long rasps before he answered. "I will speak to the Emperor. But I suppose we will have to send you to school – have you been to school?"
"I don't need to go to school. I can read and write." Luke offered. In truth, he did not want to waste the time trying to make "friends" with people his age, nor did he care much for the education they could provide. Life was about useful knowledge; what you needed, you found out, and what you didn't you threw out to make room for something else.
"There is much more to education than simply reading and writing, young one."
"Can't I just go on missions with you?"
Beside him, Hal cracked a smile, the man trying to cover it up with his hand.
"It is not safe to take a twelve year old on missions. You would only get in the way." Vader offered dryly.
"But you did missions when you were twelve!" Luke protested.
Pausing, Luke realized he made a mistake when Vader's attention heightened. "How would you know that?"
"Uh...Obi-wan told me stories on Tatooine sometimes."
Relaxing marginally, Vader nodded. "I see. That was a different time, young one. Now we need not so recklessly martyr our children."
Says the man that recruited all ages of "children" after the Death Star was destroyed to make up numbers.
Startled by his own bitter thought, Luke looked up at Vader. Unable to move his gaze from the man, Luke had never been able to have such a close up view of the dangerous man, the sleek leather suit reminding him of a panther waiting to strike.
"What, child?" Vader asked, staring back.
"Nothing." Regret began to really and truly settle in. If Luke was this bitter, how could he ever hope to change Vader? Why hadn't he thought through the fact that he would feel bitterness towards the man that hurt so many of his friends and allies, and he thought he alone could change him?
It only took fifteen minutes to get to the Executor, but Luke was feeling sick to his stomach. Normally, being in space didn't bother him, but he had never been in space so much as a young child. That must have been it.
Vader got off the ship first, Hal gesturing for Luke to go second. The feeling of sickness doubled when Luke stepped off onto the ramp and saw all the troopers waiting outside to greet their lord.
This was the power of the dark side. This was the power and respect that Luke was expecting his father to simply give up. Watching as his father strode off ahead with Sargent Kreel at his side, his cape billowing as he took purposeful strides away, Luke realized that they were planets apart. They weren't even in the same rim region – truly, Luke was Tatooine and Vader was Coruscant, two worlds so vastly different that taking people from one and placing them on the other would end in disaster.
Hal gently nudged Luke forward, placing a hand gently between Luke's shoulder blades. Glancing up, Luke swallowed before tugging on Hal's sleeve and reaching up to whisper in his ear. "Hal, I'm going to be sick."
Grimacing, Hal nodded, steering them quickly towards one of the offices. Though Hal also did not know this ship well, many of the ships were based off a similar design, Hal managing to find a bathroom efficiently so that Luke didn't have to simply throw up on the floor.
Tason waited with them, watching outside the door for any dangers. When Luke was finished purging up his stomach, he sat trembling on the floor.
"I've sent for the medics, Luke. Just stay there, alright?" Hal offered reassuringly, Luke nodding before throwing up again. This time, nothing but bile came up.
"Master said to take the boy to the medical bay and that he will meet us there." Tason said quietly to Hal, clearly not meaning for Luke to hear. They did not realize that Luke could enhance his hearing in the Force – any other child would have missed it.
"Very good. The medics should be here in a moment."
As if cued, the medic rounded the corner, a bag in hand. The doctor was an older gentleman, Tason looking them up and down with heavy scrutiny before finally allowing him in to see Luke.
"Hello, kiddo. I hear you aren't feeling very well. I'm Stinberg."
Luke didn't feel a need to verbally answer, certain he was already looking like quite a mess. The doctor took his pulse and temperature, scribbling down a couple of notes.
"How long have you been feeling sick?"
"It started on the ride up here from the planet."
"I see. Alright, I'm going to give you something for the nausea, but when was the last time you had something to eat, kiddo?"
Pausing, Luke thought back. "I had breakfast this morning."
Grimacing, the doctor nodded. "I think you just need to get a good meal and some rest. Why don't we go get you set up – do you think you can walk, or do you want to take a hoverchair?"
"I can walk." Luke insisted, the doctor helping pull him to his feet. Not letting him go, the doctor kept an arm around his shoulders and began to steer him through the ship.
True to what he'd heard, Vader was waiting for them at the entrance to the medical bay.
"What happened? Did someone attack him? Is he alright? Is he dying?" Vader practically jumped down the medics throat, who handled the panicking dark lord well.
Bowing, the medic shook his head quickly. "No, my lord. The boy will be fine – he just needs some rest and a good meal. I think the welcoming party was a bit overwhelming for him."
"I see. See to it that he gets the best care available. Luke, listen to the doctors and behave yourself. If you need anything, my shadow knows how to reach me."
"Thank you...uh...what should I call you?" Luke asked.
"What else would you call me? Father, of course." Vader reached out, patting his head gently once before awkwardly pulling his hand back.
Smiling, Luke nodded. "Thank you, Father."
The medic was not surprised by this knowledge, simply saying goodbye to Vader and leading Luke into a private room in the back.
"I'm afraid we don't have much entertainment here for a young child, but I can have a holovid brought in tomorrow. Tonight, you should have a quick meal and get some rest."
Too tired to do anything else, Luke yawned and nodded. A droid brought in a light meal of warm soup and bread, Luke eating about half before feeling too sick to continue. Laying back, Luke listened to the hum of the ship, trying to let the sound settle his nerves.
Back on Tatooine, when he wasn't feeling well, Beru would sit with him and run her hands through his hair. Water was too precious to use on helping keep a fever down, so his Aunt would go and dig down in the sand until she reached the cooler layers, bringing it in and filling wraps with it to place over the patient. She'd tell him stories about how Tatooine used to be completely covered in water, and how one day it sank away into the sandy layers to become the desert under the twin suns.
Wishing desperately for the feeling of his Aunt's gentle hands to card through his hair, Luke fell asleep dreaming of being pulled through hot sand by an ice cold darkness.