Luke
In his sleep, Luke dreamed he was falling into a pit of sand, his neck itching no matter how much he scratched.
"Your highness? Are you awake?"
Jolting, Luke glanced over to see Hal in the doorway with a tray. Going to rub the sleep from his eyes, Luke tensed when he moved his broken arm to do it.
"You were supposed to put that arm back in a sling." Hal lightly scolded, grabbing Luke's sling from off the top of Luke's dresser and bringing it over along with his breakfast.
"I barely remember getting back to my bed last night." Luke defended, scratching at his neck where his collar had rubbed last night.
Snorting, Hal came over and helped remove the dress coat Luke was wearing. "Did you have fun last night?"
"I guess. It was kind of boring. Where were you?"
"I had to sit with the other officers."
"Can I sit with you guys next time? The Emperor is…" Luke trailed off, unsure what word to use. Scary? Mean? Arrogant?
Smiling, Hal sat on the edge of Luke's bed. "You'll get used to his Majesty – you won't have to see him that often."
"I'm not so sure about that."
"Eat up – I thought we could go on a tour of the palace today."
Nodding, Luke started to eat when he saw the note from last night on his bedside table. Hal had gone to the other side of the room where Luke's closet was.
"Hal, where is the west palace entrance?"
Hal paused, having been throwing a quick outfit together for Luke. "The west palace entrance? Why do you ask?"
"I'm just curious about all the different entrances."
Coming over with a stack of clothes, Hal set them besides Luke. "Don't worry – all of the entrances are heavily guarded. No one gets in or out of the palace without someone seeing them."
Tilting his head, Luke was confused as to why Hal thought Luke wanted to know something like that when it hit him – Hal thought Luke was still worried about the rebels.
"But what about the west entrance? Is it less guarded than the others?"
"Not necessarily, it's just got the least traffic of all the entrances. It's more of an emergency exit than anything else."
"I want to see the west entrance." It would be best to scope things out before getting there later and see just what Leia or Breha was thinking. Luke wasn't positive whether Leia wanted to meet him, or if Breha had Leia slip him that note.
"Alright, if that will make you feel better. Go get ready and we'll get going." Hal stood and left the room, leaving Luke to get dressed.
Throwing on the clothes quickly, Luke found Hal, Tason, and Mac waiting outside.
"Hi!" Luke greeted the other two brightly.
Tason nodded his head, and Mac reached over to ruffle his hair. "Hi, kid!"
Hal raised an eyebrow. "Lieutenant, don't forget you are ruffling his highness's hair."
"It's okay, Hal. I don't mind." Luke brushed it off, waiting for Hal to lead the way.
Not commenting further on the matter, Hal lead the way. It took almost an hour to make it to the west entrance from Vader's wing, Luke noting the guard assortment carefully. Four guards were by the doors, two on the inside and two on the outside. Otherwise, unlike the other entrances where more guards lined the halls, there was no one.
"Shall we continue?"
The rest of the tour mostly covered the more relevant parts of the palace Luke would need to know. Most of it was just Vader's wing of the palace, and it mostly covered the areas that Luke wasn't allowed in.
"You can be in any of the conference room except when your father is holding meetings, but you cannot use the training rooms or the officers mess."
"What's that area?" Luke pointed towards a garden in the center of the palace, an entrance right outside the start of Vader's wing.
"Ah, that's the garden. You are welcome to explore it as long as one of your guards is with you."
The garden from the outside looked extremely simplistic in design. The trees were all perfectly trimmed, and all the shrubs and plants meticulously shaped. The paths were wide and easily seen, but it looked unreal. It lacked a wildness that came from overgrown nature, and it was far too easy to see to the other side. If the plants had been more dense, it would have felt like it went on forever.
"Why, does it have speeder access?"
"No, but it is open to anyone that has access to the palace."
Nodding, Luke couldn't help but feel that Alderaan's gardens were far more magnificent. Wondering if he'd ever have a chance to see Alderaan again, Luke tuned out most of Hal's rambling about the palace history until Hal sighed.
Turning back towards him, Luke saw him checking his comm.
"Is everything alright?"
"No, I need to go clear some things up at my office. Tason, Lieutenant, please escort his highness back to his quarters."
Hurrying off, Luke watched him go, Tason finally nudging him gently. Turning back to the present, Luke tried to act like he hadn't been overthinking everything.
"Is it lunch time?"
"Yes, it will be waiting for you back at your room."
Letting Tason lead the way, Luke felt the note in his pocket, playing with the note with his fingers.
Sneaking out past the guards was easy. Hiding himself in the Force, he easily slipped down the halls unnoticed. His father must have been exhausted after the banquet because he had not been out of his room at all that day, Luke noting it curiously but setting it aside for later evaluation.
Even after the tour from earlier, it took well over an hour and half to find the west entrance again, Luke getting lost on several occasions.
Pressing himself against one of the pillars and looking out curiously, Luke couldn't see anyone on the landing pad yet. The pad was around the corner from the doors, making it difficult for the guards to see what was happening until people approached the palace.
It wasn't like he was a complete idiot – he wasn't just going to walk out there and see what happened. Reminded of his father's advice, Luke felt through the Force, trying to pinpoint if there was anyone else present besides the guards at the doors.
Wait…
Overhead, Luke saw a small one person speeder come into land, a familiar signature aboard. They landed nearby, stepping out of their ship slowly.
"If you are here, please come out. I just want to talk." Breha Organa was standing in the middle of the landing pad, wearing a white robe that covered her head and most of her face. The Force said nothing of her intentions, Luke deciding it was safe enough to step out.
"Your Majesty?"
As soon as Luke spoke, tension seemed to melt from her body.
"Hello, Luke. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Are you alone?"
"Yes. I'm alone. I don't want my daughter involved with this."
Luke came a little closer, still making sure to keep his distance. "What do you want?"
Breha's eyes immediately fell to his arm. "What happened to your arm?"
"I fell." Luke was carefully evaluating the Force, trying to decide if she was trying to trap him or not. Though nothing was screaming at him urgently, she and Bail were some of the only people in the entire galaxy that would have known enough to send rebels after him.
"You...fell. This is what I was worried about...I can't do this – child, you must listen to me. This goes far beyond a father and son being reunited."
"You're here to tell me that my father is a bad man, and that the Emperor simply wants to use me for my powers."
Breha fell silent, her jaw clicking shut. "You...know?"
"Of course I've known. How much did King Bail tell you?"
"He told me everything – that you discovered you were the son of Darth Vader and wanted to get in touch with him."
"Did he tell you how I discovered it?"
Frowning, Breha shook her head. "Something about you thinking you knew the future."
Sighing deeply, Luke didn't want to have this argument again. "I'm sure he told you about the Death Star."
"...Yes."
"Part of the reason I came here was to get the plans so no one else had to."
Tilting her head in confusion, Breha crossed her arms. "Why are you being so open about this?"
"I don't like the Death Star – I think it's going to cause a lot of chaos and destruction in the galaxy."
"How did you learn of it on a planet as remote as Tatooine?" Breha was completely baffled.
"What did King Bail tell you exactly about me?"
Breha shook her head. "He told me you had a bad dream, but you can't dream of things you don't know."
"I didn't have a dream – I came back from the future. It's a long story...but that's how I know everything. Your Majesty, I understand how dangerous my position is."
"That's why you should come with me now – I can get you somewhere safe, somewhere away from here. Luke, being a Prince isn't anything like a fairy tale, especially not in the Empire."
There was a slight shift in the Force, enough that Luke was inching to take a step back. It was the kind of desperation one felt when they didn't think they were being understood or listened to. Breha was getting frustrated, and frustration lead to impulsive decisions.
"I know. I'm not as disillusioned as you think – but I can stop that future from happening if I stay by my father's side."
"Luke...if they turn you to the dark side, all hope is lost. All you had was a bad dream – you can't dream of the future!"
"And if I leave now, the Death Star will be completed and Alderaan and several other planets will be destroyed! I can't leave – not with all those lives at stake. Besides, my father would go berserk if I disappeared!"
Breha paused. "So, if we could get the plans for the Death Star to the rebellion, you would consider leaving?" It was like she hadn't even heard anything Luke was trying to say.
Luke crossed his arms. "Not if I can change my father."
"You can't, Luke! He's a Sith Lord – once you become useless to him, or if you make a mistake, you'll be killed! Or the Emperor will replace him with you-!" Breha trailed off at Luke's stricken expression. "I'm sorry, I forgot you're only twelve."
Luke knew deep down that Breha was right – it was exactly what the Emperor had tried before. He'd wanted Luke to raise a blade against his father and take his "rightful" place at the Emperor's side. And his father had watched him be tortured to death before finally deciding to step in.
"Bail needs a favor. He told the rebels about the Death Star, but they can't get to the plans, not without heavy losses. I was here for the banquet, and he wanted me to use that as a cover and convince you to get the plans. But I can't ask that of a little boy – you need to come with me now."
A thousand thoughts were crossing Luke's brain all at the same time. On one hand, he truly wanted to believe in that one spark of light left in his father. Leaving would be like deciding there was no hope left. But on the other, even Yoda before had told him he was not ready to face the dark side. How was now any different? It's not like he'd had any success in facing his father and the Emperor in the past – that was exactly how this whole mess got started. The Emperor was proving far more dangerous than Luke had ever considered, and this may be his only chance to escape.
Luke wavered, but there was still one thing that he could not leave without.
"If I had my droid, I could probably get the plans for you. If you let me get the plans for the rebels...I'll consider leaving."
Breha's eyes widened, and Luke could feel her surprise through the Force. If things went catastrophically wrong, the last chance they had was Yoda on Dagobah. Worst case scenario, he would beg Breha and Bail to take him there so he could spend more time training with the Jedi Master in the hopes it would be enough to face the Emperor.
He could not deny his own doubts any longer about his father – there was so much he didn't know and so much he could not confirm or deny. Despite his resolve, the lure of the dark side was powerful, and Luke didn't know if he alone was strong enough to face it.
As long as he got the Death Star plans to the rebels, then his Aunt and Uncle could be left in peace, and there would be no reason to destroy Alderaan.
"Your droid? What droid? Did you have one at Alderaan?"
"Oh. No. Never mind." Luke had no idea where Artoo was at this point in time.
"Does it have to do with your...dream?" Breha prompted.
"...Yes. Artoo Detoo. He became my droid in my past, but I don't know where he is now."
Breha perked up. "Artoo? You mean, a little astromech droid? White and blue?"
"You know him?" Luke perked up now.
"Yes, I do. You're telling me if I get you the droid, that you'll get me the plans? And after, you'll leave with us willingly?"
Nodding, Luke felt something trigger in the Force. His father must have realized Luke wasn't in his room, and Breha's desperation was bleeding all over the place. Several times already the Force had warned him how close she was to just grabbing him and running, and if Luke could pick up on it, his father definitely could. "You better go – my father's figured out someone is here."
Glancing around quickly, Breha sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. "I see. Very well, I will get you Artoo."
Coming over, Luke held out his hand. Gripping it, Breha shook it firmly.
"Deal."
"Luke, should you ever need help, either Bail or I will be at the senate offices, or someone there will have a way to reach us."
"Thanks."
"Luke, I mean it. It's not too late – we can get the plans another way. We don't need you to sacrifice yourself."
Chin tucked into his chest, Luke held back tears. Over and over and over, everyone was trying to convince him that being with his father was equivalent of being a sacrifice. What was worse, Luke was starting to believe it.
"I have to get those plans. No one understands the havoc that a completed Death Star would create. I can't let it happen."
Sighing deeply, Breha finally nodded. "Fine. I'll make sure your droid has a way to reach us."
Nodding, Luke watched as Breha got into her speeder and left.
Despite having found where Luke had gone, Vader still had to physically cover the distance, Luke waiting out on the landing pad for him to arrive. Still, while it took Luke an hour and half, it only took Vader a cool forty-five minutes before he and a contingent of guards were flooding the landing pad.
"Luke! What were you thinking? You could have been killed!" Vader roared, racing up to him and gripping him by the shoulders so tightly Luke thought it might bruise.
"I-I-I…I didn't feel any danger in the Force-" That was definitely the wrong thing to say – Vader could immediately sense the lie in it.
"You have no Force training, child! You wouldn't be able to pick out danger if it was staring you in the face – obviously, because that's just what happened!"
"I have some training – obviously, because I'm fine! Besides, you were the one who told me to trust my feeling in the Force!" Luke protested, pulling out of his father's grip.
"Yes, and you trusted it enough to ditch your guards and go meet someone you don't know in the middle of the night! What were you going to do if things went wrong?"
"It's not like the guards were far away – I could have yelled for help! Besides, they wouldn't have-" Mouth shutting like a trap, Luke looked towards the ground, refusing to answer further.
"So you knew them? Who did you meet, Luke? Did you request a meeting from them first? Are you trying to escape Coruscant?" Vader's rambling spiraled quickly, the man's fears coming to light.
"No! I didn't request the meeting, and I'm not trying to escape! I got a note, and decided to see who it was. I figured it was the rebels!"
Vader's outrage was obvious even without it coming through from the Force. "You knew it was a rebel, and you came and met them anyway?! They want you dead!"
"Not all of them!"
"Yes, all of them! You are twelve, child, do not argue with me."
"I'm not twelve!" Pausing, Luke realized that he was, in fact, twelve.
"Child, adding the months and days to your age will not help. You are not to ditch your guards again, nor are you to sneak off to midnight meetings without telling anyone!"
Being smart, Luke raised a hand to his chin. "So I can go to midnight meetings if I tell you?"
"Do not be smart with me, child!"
"Stop being so overprotective!"
"This is not being overprotective – you are a Prince now, Luke! Everyone in this galaxy will envy you for your power, and the rebels will seek any avenue to destroy you! Even if this time was safe, they are probably trying to lure you into a feeling of safety to destroy you. Don't make me ban you from leaving the palace walls!"
"How are you going to stop me? It's not like anyone could stop me!" Luke flinched at the surge in the Force, realizing he may have actually gone too far.
Stepping closer, a whirlwind was blowing around Vader so his cape fluttered as he tried to control his temper. "Go to your room. Now. Before I lose my temper and we both regret my actions."
"No! I don't want to!" Luke spat back, turning his back to his father.
"And where do you think you'll go if not back to your room?" Vader demanded.
Head spinning, Vader had him there. It wasn't like he could just hop a ride back to Tatooine to see his Aunt and Uncle. For all he knew, his Aunt and Uncle had learned he was now a Prince and had disowned him. "I'll...I'll…go to the Undercity, where nobody knows me!"
"Oh, I'd love to see that. The Imperial Prince, living like a homeless scavenger in the Undercity. You wouldn't last a day down there!"
Luke suddenly understood where he had gotten his temper from. Trembling from anger, Luke felt his fingers clench into a fist on his good hand. "I'll show you! I'll be fine – I don't need you, or some fancy title! I lived on Tatooine for twelve years; the Undercity will be nothing!"
Hal, Tason, Mac, and Luke's other guards were now all watching from the doorway, all too afraid to say a word to interrupt Luke and Vader. Hal was grimacing every other sentence, and Luke could actually feel Tason flinching in the Force though his face didn't show it.
"Yes, what a wonderful thought – turn a twelve year old with a broken arm lose on Coruscant. Get inside at once."
"No." Turning, Luke headed the opposite direction, going to try and find some stairs to start getting to the lower levels. Only, he was on a landing pad for ships for the Imperial Palace, and they didn't have stairs that lead to public access. One had to take a speeder.
Hesitating on the middle of the pad, Luke wondered if Breha and Bail would come back and adopt him as a son for Alderaan.
"Well? What are you waiting for?" Entirely amused now, Vader watched on with the rest of them, waiting for Luke to realize it was futile.
Turning on his heel, Luke turned and marched inside past everyone, refusing to say a word to anyone. The guards fell in around him, Mac right at his heel.
It wasn't like he could run away – he promised Breha to get the plans for the Death Star after all. Plus, Breha was going to tell Artoo to come to the Imperial Palace, so he couldn't leave until he got Artoo back. Artoo was brilliant – he would be able to find a way out of the palace.
The next morning, however, did not bring any answers about the Death Star.
"School?" Luke blinked at the uniform he had been given. The uniform was not like any for any school, nor was it the same uniform the other kids would be wearing. Apparently, the Emperor insisted that as Prince he wear something "above" everyone else. The outfit was similar to what he wore to the banquet, but without a cape and with far fewer decorations or gems on it.
Thankfully, the doctor had also decided that Luke no longer needed the sling for his arm and simply needed to be careful with it for a few more weeks, so he could hide his fractured arm under the long sleeves.
"Yes, it has been decided that yesterday's...escapade...was due to boredom. The school has agreed to accept you immediately rather than waiting for the new semester." Hal was busily getting a bag ready for Luke filled with his required supplies.
"But...what will my father be doing?"
"His job, I would assume."
"But...then…" Luke couldn't say out loud that he needed the plans for the Death Star. When he went to school, he'd have less time to go snooping around and find the answer.
"Come along. Your guards will escort you to and from school. You are not to leave the school grounds, nor are you to go anywhere without a guard. Tason will be...around...so don't try anything."
Grumbling, Luke loosely held the bag that Hal had forced into his good hand. "I don't understand what you mean."
"Yeah, I'm sure you don't. Your father is restructuring the entire security system for the palace right now in order to circumvent your abilities." Hal gave Luke a very stern look.
Flushing, Luke looked away. "It's not like I have anywhere to go."
"That's the story for a lot of kids, but they still run away. Luke, you aren't just some kid no one is going to look twice at anymore. If you run away, you are going to find yourself in serious trouble. It took a lot of convincing on my end to even get you enrolled in the school!"
"What do you mean?"
"Your father wanted to hire private tutors at the palace and keep you locked up inside. And don't think that isn't still an option – school is a privilege, not a right."
"But-"
"Luke, I know father's and son's have arguments – I argued with my father all the time. But it was for my own good, and not listening is what got me landed on Tatooine. Your father just wants you to be safe, and he has a lot more concerns than a normal parent. Go easy on him, okay?"
Relenting, Luke nodded. It wasn't like Hal wasn't right – in less than a month, Vader went from a family-less ruthless ruler to a man with a son that he had no idea what to do with. "Thanks, Hal."
Adjusting Luke's collar, Hal gave him a grin. "You're welcome. Please keep yourself out of trouble – for me?"
Smiling, Luke nodded.
Looking only partially relieved, Hal walked with him to the exit, Mac waiting for him with the speeder.
"Straight to school, and straight back. No detours, alright?" Hal reminded one more time, seeming more anxious than Vader had been the night before.
"No promises!" Luke teased, going and getting in the speeder.
Mac got behind the wheel. "Good morning, your highness."
"Can't you just call me Luke? I don't like titles." Wrinkling his nose, Luke leaned back in his chair.
"I'm afraid you are going to have to get used to it. Everyone at school will have to use it." Max pointed out.
"What? Why can't they just call me Luke?"
"You'll have to take it up with your father and the Emperor. For now, everyone is to refer to you as your title."
Grumbling to himself for the rest of the ride, the school was not far at all. In five minutes, they were pulling up to the entrance.
"So where are the rest of my guards?" Luke asked, suddenly realizing that they'd only taken one speeder.
"It's just me today and the shadow. If I don't come, two of your other guards with accompany you, but I wanted to check out the school today."
The school itself was an extremely impressive building, all the kids turning to stare at him as they walked in the entrance. Mac seemed to have been given prior instruction, taking them straight inside and to a set of offices.
Someone was waiting at the door, obviously for them. "Your highness, it is an honor to have you here."
"Thanks." Luke mumbled, staring at the ground. Mac finally nudged him when Luke didn't move for an awkwardly long pause. Looking up, he found the woman still waiting, seeming nervous.
"Um…"
"Oh, I'm sorry! They explained you need to learn etiquette. Right this way., your highness." The woman lead them into the principal's office.
Glancing towards Mac, Luke already felt anxious. Mac placed a hand on his shoulder. "Normally, those of higher rank must dismiss people before they can speak or leave. Many of the students here have parents in a branch of the army, and they are strict here about following the proper etiquette."
This did nothing to help settle Luke's nerves.
"Your highness." A man was sitting behind a very large desk, Luke seeing a spark of intelligence in his eyes that he immediately knew he liked. "I'm Principal Colen."
"Nice to meet you, ." Luke sat down in a chair that Colen offered, Mac remaining in the back of the room.
"Well, it will be a bit difficult since it is the middle of the semester, but your father and I spoke last night and think you will be able to catch up. If you ever need help, you can always come to me." Colen offered.
"Thank you." Luke realized it was the first time someone offered to help him out of the sincerity of their heart. This man did not want him for his power, that much was obvious.
Going over the schedule, Colen brought him to his next class after a tour of the large school. They were already almost half way through the day, Luke wishing he could just go back to the palace and start school the next day. Though there was probably nothing in the galaxy that Luke could imagine rivaling the Imperial Palace, even the tour of the school left him feeling very lost.
"The teachers know to look out for you today. There is a map in your information packet as well, and the other students will be happy to assist you." Colen knocked on the door of the room, the teacher coming and opening the door.
"Here we are, your highness. Good luck." Giving him a wink before they went in, Colen lead the way inside.
Gulping, Luke walked slowly into the room, his stomach sinking. Everyone watched him with curious eyes, none of the other students knowing enough yet to realize they should probably fear him for his connections.
"Everyone, this is the Imperial Prince, Luke Skywalker." Colen introduced him. "I trust everyone will watch out for the Prince today."
Leaving, Colen shut the door quietly, leaving Luke standing at the front of the room feeling extremely conscious of himself.
The other students were all wearing dark gray uniforms, but his was a stark black. No matter where he was or what they were doing, it was a heavy reminder that he was different.
Back on Tatooine, they were lucky to afford clothes at all, although it did at times also feel as though they had uniforms. Because of the twin suns, they all wore the same light color of tan, but at least on Tatooine they were bound together by the strive for survival.
Here, many of these kids looked as though they had not had to think terribly hard their entire lives about things like survival or sacrifice. None of them carried the weight of the galaxy on their backs, even if they might believe so.
The teacher bowed her head towards him. "Your highness. Please, take a seat."
Nodding, Luke saw an empty seat near the front of the room, slowly making his way over and sitting down. Mac went and stood at the back of the room, the kids all watching the guard make his way in even steps.
"To catch you up, we are continuing to the next chapter of our imperial history books."
Already feeling lost, Luke looked around to see everyone had large black text books out. The student beside him, clearly nervous, pushed his book closer so Luke could see the cover. Checking his bag, Luke felt relieved to find the book right there, Luke mouthing a quick "thanks" at the kid before pulling his own out.
"We are on chapter 34, page 768, the fall of the old Republic and the rise of the Imperial Empire. I'll start: We begin with the betrayal of the Republic against the citizens of the galaxy. The Jedi order, amassing their power for many years and growing their numbers, began an all out siege of Coruscant. Our great leaders, Emperor Palpatine and our lord Darth Vader, rose up against the rebellious Jedi to protect the citizens and reinstate the proper order of power."
Tilting his head, Luke glanced between the book and the teacher in confusion. That was...sort of similar to what Luke remembered. But the Jedi weren't trying to amass power; the Sith were the ones trying to take over and the Sith were the ones to start the siege. Of course, Palpatine would never allow that to be taught.
Keeping his mouth shut, Luke discovered something he did not foresee to dread: having to put up with the stupidity that had been brainwashed into everyone out of fear. The kids would have no idea the nonsense they were being taught, but the adults should have. The teachers should have known it was wrong, but who would argue against the Emperor?
History was the worst, the rest of the classes were simply very pro-Imperial. Math and science did not touch on much to get annoyed with, but in Basic Galactic Languages most of what they read was Imperial propaganda.
By the end of the day, Luke felt his nerves fraying.
"H-how was your first day, your highness?"
Waiting with Mac outside the school for his ride, Luke turned, realizing that the same kid from earlier that day was speaking to him.
"It was fine, thank you. And you can just call me Luke."
Eyes widening in shock, the boy pushed up his glasses, shaking his head quickly. "I-I don't think so, your highness. I don't want to get you in trouble…"
"Why would I get in trouble for allowing someone to call me by name? What is your name?" Luke offered him a smile.
Nervously grinning back, the kid nodded. "I'm Christian, Christian Valos."
The name was not familiar to Luke, though that was hardly surprising. "Nice to meet you, Christian."
Mac gently touched Luke's shoulder. Their speeder had arrived.
"Sorry, I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Sure!" Christian waved goodbye as Luke was herded away, Tason appearing out of no where and getting into the speeder with them.
Mac and Tason immediately began yammering to each other as soon as they were in the air.
"I'll order a background check on this Valos character at once!" Mac had a radio in his hand.
"I will find their family." Tason looked like he was about to jump out of the speeder mid air, Luke reaching over and grabbing his cloak.
"Wait! He's just some kid that said hi – relax a little, guys!" Luke managed to get Tason to sit all the way back down, though he still looked a bit flighty.
"We're just being careful, Luke. There's a lot of people that would like to use you." Mac pointed out.
Huffing, Luke leaned back in his seat. "Then why let me out of the palace at all? If he's that worried about me having friends, why let me bother trying?"
Not that Luke was that interested in making friends. That kid today had been nice, but Luke had bigger problems then making sure his homework was done. For one, he needed to try and figure out a way to smuggle a droid into the imperial palace so he could steal the plans for a battle station being built by a madman. Then, he had to figure out how to smuggle the droid back out to get the plans to the rebels without being caught by said madman. Suddenly, arithmetic didn't have as much meaning.
Arriving back at the palace, Luke got out of the speeder. Hal was waiting at the entrance for them. "Did you have a good day, your Highness?"
"You too? Does everyone have to call me by my title now?" Luke groaned.
Grinning, Hal shrugged. "I thought you'd appreciate it, Luke. Your father wanted to see you as soon as you got back."
"Okay, where is he?"
"I'll take you to him. Follow me." Hal lead the way, bringing Luke to an empty conference room near his father's office. Vader was waiting inside, perusing reports at his own leisure while waiting for his son. When Luke entered, Vader set the reports aside.
"Luke."
"Father." Coming inside, Luke sat down at the table.
"How was school?"
Fidgeting, Luke stared down at the table. "It was fine."
"Fine? Is that all?"
"Yes, fine. Everyone was very accommodating."
"Accommodating? That's an odd choice of word for a twelve year old."
"Well, I'm very mature for my age."
The helmet tilted. Groaning, Luke rested his head on a hand. "Yeah, what?"
"What ever do you mean?"
"Whenever the helmet tilts, you want to know something."
"You are very astute, child. Very well. How did you really feel about school today?"
Looking back at his father, Luke sat up straight, letting his hands fall back to his side. "I think it's a waste of my time."
Obviously baffled, Vader stood up, starting a light pace. "You – a child from the outskirts of Tatooine – think receiving an education is a waste of time? The Imperial Prince – who will one day most likely have to be the Emperor of the galaxy – think it is a waste of time?"
"Yes."
"If it is not challenging enough, we can move you up a grade."
"No. It's just I feel like I have more important things to do than try and make friends and waste time growing up."
Vader snorted. "More important things? Like what?"
Like...destroying a Death Star and turning you back to the light side of the Force. "Um. Like, training in the Force?"
That was definitely the wrong thing to say, Luke realizing it before he felt the Force fluctuate dangerously. Getting to his feet, he wondered if he should simply run for it, but the door shut ominously on it's own.
"Child, I will not say it again: you will not ever train that way in the Force. The only thing I will allow you to learn is protecting and blocking your mind. I don't care what the Emperor decrees – you will not become a weapon for him to wield!"
"I just mean in my own defense-"
"No! I will not change my mind on this. You will go to school like a normal child, and be a normal child that grows up like any other!"
Crossing his arms, Luke's eyes narrowed. "I can't be a normal child! I can never be a normal child – I'm a Prince. I have to go to school with guards, I'm not allowed to even speak with anyone without them receiving a background check, and I don't even wear the same uniform!"
"You will adjust-"
"No, I won't! I don't want to adjust! Besides, if the Emperor wants me to train in the Force, who would stand up and refuse him?" Freezing, Luke flinched back. He hadn't meant to say something like that. Apparently, their argument from the night before wasn't finished.
"Go back to your room at once." Turning away from him, Vader was staring out the window at the city.
Leaving without a word, Luke left the room, finding no one outside. Vader must have dismissed everyone and forgotten. Not about to remind his father, Luke needed to clear his head. On Tatooine, he would go on walks and "simmer down like the sand" as his Aunt called it. Thinking of her caused a swell in his heart, Luke wishing he could contact her. Vader hadn't even offered to let him try and call home, and Luke had a sinking feeling that Hal wouldn't help him either.
But if he could make a bet, Artoo would be able to.
Feeling impatient and restless, Luke picked a direction and set off, figuring by the time someone discovered he was missing that he might have some of the thoughts in his head sorted out.
Darth Vader
The Major was standing nervously beside him as Vader continued to work his way through the stack of reports that had accumulated after the party.
When the third pad cracked between his fingers within an hour, the Major finally cleared his throat.
"What is it?" Vader grumbled.
"My Lord, is something the matter?"
Setting the broken pad aside, Vader folded his fingers before him, not looking at the Major but instead staring straight ahead.
"Major, do you really think most of Luke's issues stem from the attack?"
Considering the question carefully, the Major nodded. "I think that is a lot of it, my Lord. I think it would be very traumatizing for a twelve year old to have such an experience. I also think it has been a huge adjustment coming from a world like Tatooine."
"Do you think the child would be better off growing up somewhere else?"
But the Major did not hesitate. "No, My lord. I believe a son belongs with his father. Of course, there are some...safety concerns...but now that Luke has been announced as Prince, that cannot be erased."
"What sound advice, Major." Vader was irritated with the logic, finding himself wishing that the Major would agree that sending the child away was what was best for everyone. Not only would it remove Luke from the Emperor's sights, but Luke would not have to grow up in fear of every of shadow.
The Major said nothing in response, unsure whether Vader was being sarcastic or genuine.
A droid came in, bringing yet another functioning pad and taking the broken one without a word. Vader was sure some aide somewhere was making bets over if Vader would break a record in broken pads today.
"It appears I will have to depart soon." Vader spoke dryly, reading the next report.
"Yes, my Lord."
"My son is correct."
"I'm sorry, my Lord?"
"If the Emperor orders him to train, I cannot prevent it. I do not have the power to do so. I cannot protect him if necessary. That is why I am considering sending him away – it is the only way to protect him."
Vader was not sure how the Major would take such news; by technicality, Vader was speaking ill of the Emperor's intentions.
"My lord, I have sworn my fealty to you. I believe you will make the correct choice, whatever that may be. However, I believe if you give Luke a little more time to adjust, he will be just fine, no matter what he is faced up against. I mean, look at the journey he went on just to reach you – many children could not have withstood such a task."
"And if he can't?"
"My Lord, every time you receive a report that something has...happened, with his highness, what is the first thing you feel?"
Complete and utter panic. "I feel as though I must amend the situation."
"Right. And how would you feel if you got that report while his highness was planets away from us and there was nothing you could do to rectify the situation, my Lord? Just because you send him away doesn't mean the Emperor will simply forget him."
The truth of that statement was like a sucker punch to the gut, Vader surprised he hadn't considered it before. Of course, now that Palpatine's interest was peaked, nothing would stand between him and his desires. He was a Sith, after all.
The thought of his son being somewhere on his own, completely defenseless with Vader unable to reach him, brought back emotions he had thought too deeply buried to ever feel their return.
All Vader could see was his pregnant wife, turning to leave him as she returned to her ship in tears, not giving him a chance to explain. All he could feel was the burning air of Mustufar; the pain as his former master destroyed him limb by limb and left him to burn alive by the lava. All he could hear was the screams ripped from his lungs as the droids tried to repair him to the best of their ability; he had been destroyed to his core and built back more a droid himself than a man, emotionally and physically.
Now, the sound of his Master's cackling laughter filled his ears as he recalled the painful memories, Vader's fingers clenching into fists.
"Thank you, Major. I believe I know what I need to do."
"Of course, my Lord."
Returning to the reports, Vader felt he had more to ponder than simple diplomatic issues. Rather than send his son away, he would simply remove the obstacles that would keep them from each other.