The Summer Strikes Back, Part 25

Luke shouldn't have been surprised to see Yoda and Uncle Ben sitting in Yoda's kitchen when he and Leia arrived there late the next day. Uncle Ben's crutches lay next to his avocado green metal and vinyl chair. “Uncle Ben,” Luke started, “why didn't you tell us about Adam?”

“You said that Vader betrayed and murdered our brother,” Leia added, glaring at him. “Vader said he is Adam! Uncle Ben, you lied to us!”

“What we said was true...from a certain point of view.” Ben sighed. “Adam was my best friend. He had amazing promise as a surfing protege, at least until he came back from the Army. Simon Palapatine seduced your brother with promises. He claimed he could earn three times as much money doing his dirty work as he would running the Cottages or working in Owen's hardware store.”

“But why?” Luke's heart fell further and further into his chest. “Why? Ahsoka told us Adam loved us and our parents.”

“Part of it was Vietnam.” Ben finished his own tea. “The things he saw over there...he'd never talk about it. He was moodier after he came home. More prone to violence and anger.”

“Your parents' death in that car crash was the beginning of the end.” Ben pushed the tea cup aside. “Adam adored them, especially your mother. He never got along with Owen all that well. Bertha tried, but she couldn't smooth over the fights between them.” He shrugged. “Owen blamed me for almost everything. For Adam going bad, for him meeting Patti Mae, for him getting into trouble.”

Leia frowned. “Why? What did you do?”

“Not see the trouble coming, we didn't.” Yoda was something close to ashamed. “Thought he was letting off steam. Left the Jedi Knights, joined the Imperial Gang. Petty thieves, they were, until Adam joined. Did worse things after that. Burned businesses, robbed them. When business gone, move in, Palpatine could. Take over, he could.”

Ben's voice was strained. “Ahsoka called me after she got out of the hospital. Said she'd mentioned Patti Mae Anderson. Patti was pregnant with Adam's child. He wanted to keep it. Wanted a family more than anything. Used to talk about how their child would grow up playing with you two in the Cottages. He wanted to raise both of you with Patti, but once he started robbing convenience stores and burning businesses here, he was declared an unfit parent, and you two were turned over to Owen and Bertha.”

Leia and Luke exchanged confused looks. Luke shook his head as Yoda brought them green tea. “I don't remember any of this.”

“I don't, either.” Leia sipped her tea. She made a face at the oddly bitter taste, adding honey from a plastic bear. “Uncle Owen and Aunt Bertha won't talk about Adam. Owen said he died in a hold-up after he came back from Vietnam. Why didn't he tell us the truth?”

“Owen was afraid Vader would come after you.” Their uncle stared at both of them intently. “He threatened to have a restraining order slapped on him at one point. Adam finally promised he'd have no contact with you. I don't think he's been in Philadelphia for over a decade. Your uncle only tolerated your visits here because the Cottages were your parents' too, and because Bertha thought it would be good for you two to still have that connection to your family.”

Luke bit his lip. “Uncle Ben...what happened to Patti Mae? Ahsoka said she died in the early 70's, but she didn't know any details.”

“Died in childbirth.” Ben looked down at his cup. Anywhere but the twins. “She was there the night the Order 66 Diner burned to the ground, taking the Mufasar Hotel next-door with it. We'd heard Adam had been involved in several arson cases in the area. She didn't want to believe it. She was still hoping that he'd give up on being Palpatine's flunky and marry her.”

His voice dropped to a whisper. “I came to find Adam trying to strangle Patti over what was left of the counter. There had been a major rumble in the alleys behind the diner earlier that day between the Knights and the Imperials. The Knights weren't ready for the attack. Most of them died, either from being shot or caught in the fire.”

The soft voice broke down, becoming choked with emotion he'd hidden for thirteen years. “I got Patti out to her friend Bail Organez. His family used to own Alderaan Island, before they died in a mysterious boat crash a few years ago. She made it to the hospital, but Adam...”

Yoda handed him a pink tissue; he wiped furiously at his eyes. “Adam was still in there. He said he wanted Patti and me to join him. We'd build a new town from the ashes of the old city. We fought, right there in the fire. I...I...” He finally looked up at the horrified twins. “I hit him...he fell...beams fell on him...” His soft voice broke all together. “They pinned him down. I couldn't...I couldn't get him out. I tried, but I had already inhaled more smoke than was healthy for a human. I...I left him there. I told one of the firemen on the lawn there were others trapped inside...then I ran...”

Luke rubbed his uncle's shoulder, but Leia glared at him. “You left Adam to die. No wonder he's pissed as hell at you!”

“There wasn't anything else I could do!” Ben shot back. “Leia, I'm a teacher, not a god-damn firefighter!” He bit savagely into an almond cookie in an old Premium Saltines tin on the table, then continued. “Patti Mae went into early labor, probably from the stress. It was too early. She'd always been a delicate girl. Used to take ballet lessons as a child. Hid a will of steel, though.”

He finished the cookie, wiping his fingers on a napkin. “In many ways, she was a lot like you, Leia. Had mentioned going into politics after the baby was born.” His face seemed to have aged ten years since he started talking. “She lived long enough to see her daughter's face before she died from the blood loss. The baby only lasted a few hours longer.”

Yoda finished the story. “Went to Palpatine that night myself. Fought too, we did. Let's say, went well, it did not. Wanted him to stop arson attacks. Shown the door, I was.” Yoda gave them a tiny smile. “Was kicked off the City Council three years later, Palpatine was. Wanted to raise taxes, he did, and build large mall, like on mainland. Too many small business owners in Council then.” Yoda frowned. “May be more open to it now. Walking Mall is doing well, but like malls on mainland, it is not.”

“Maybe not.” Ben looked up at Leia. “I got a call from Senator Mothma while you were away in Atlantic City, Leia. She says she'd be interested in speaking on behalf of the cottages, and even judging the surfing contest.”

“She did?” Leia's face broke into a grin. “I knew she wouldn't let me down! I need to talk to her about that internship anyway, if I can.”

“Join her, I will.” Yoda gathered the tea cups. “Been surfing for eighty years, I have. Experience, I have.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you're up to it? You're awfully...seasoned.”

Yoda smirked. “Look I so old to young eyes?” He poked at Luke with his wooden cane. “When 92 years old you reach, look as good, you will not, hmm?” Leia giggled as her brother rubbed his arm.

“We've rounded up a few other judges.” Ben slid the cookie tin onto one of the shelves over the counter. “Carl Rieekian, Jan Dodanna, and our mayor Hector Thrawn. Thrawn's all in favor of building that mall. He was when Palpatine first brought it up in the early 70's. Dodonna and Rieekian own small businesses – Dodonna runs the Green Yavin Motel on Hamilton Street – and are totally against the project.”

Luke looked at his hand. “I can't do it. I don't know how I held on to the trapeze. Sheer fear, I guess.”

“You can, Luke, and you will. You just need to cover it with plastic.” His twin took his good hand in hers. “Hank and I will be cheering you on from the end of Maz' pier. And don't forget the boat pageant entries will be out there, too. Not to mention dozens of cops. It'll be Labor Day Weekend. We'll be ready.”

Ben nodded. “Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit, but Vader could use them against you.”

He just stared at his hand. What was he doing? Why had he accepted Vader's challenge? His own brother. He loved them. Even after everything that had happened, everything Ben and the others did, he still loved his siblings. Luke was going to find his older brother under that damn helmet if it took him the entire weekend. If it took him the rest of his life.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“I want you to take her.” Hank waved his hands at the Falcon, anchored behind them at Brentwood Marina. “She's the fast ship in Ocean View, faster than the Ghost. She could definitely outrun anything the Imperial Gang has. We don't know what Vader has planned.”

“All right, old buddy!” Lance laughed. “It's the least I can do for you. You and the old man have been great about letting me stay at your cottage while I figure out what to do next.”

“I don't think we have a choice right now,” Hank admitted. “It's either we stay where we are, or sleep in the Falcon. As small as they are, the Cottages have more room.” He patted Lance's shoulder. “Kenobi says one of the cottages should be open after Labor Day Weekend. You could take over that if you want more room. I'm thinking about asking Leia if she wants to find a place together, anyway, or at least move up to Philly to be closer to her.”

Lance grinned. “You're that crazy about her.”

“Well, yeah.” Hank pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up his nose. He really wished he'd been able to find his spare prescription sunglasses. His other pair made him look geekier than Chip. “She's a good girl. She'll do great in college. She's so smart. She saw through Jasper. She's...she's a really great girl”

“Now I know you're in love.” Lance laughed heartily. “You're talking like a goofy 13-year-old who has a crush on a girl twice his size and age.”

“That's kind of how I feel.” Hank shrugged as they started back towards the Falcon. Lance scooped up two boxes of Christmas lights and pirate decorations as he followed him. “Leia may be tiny, but there's just something about her that makes her...I don't know, strong. She's got the eyes of a doe and the balls of a samurai. Jasper was a freakin' nut if he thought he could treat her like some puppet.”

“Yeah.” Lance chuckled as he went up the plank. “I've seen her in action. Let's just say I don't want to get on her bad side again after what she did to the Hutt.”

Hank nodded and started stringing Christmas lights around the outside of the wheel house. He didn't really want to discuss the last couple of days. Not that he remembered much about them, anyway. They'd gone straight to Dr. Felicia Kalonia, Ben Kenobi's long-time physician, after getting back into Ocean View. She'd said he was fine physically, but Jasper doused him with so many chemicals, those couple of days he was in his clutches would more than likely remain blacked out for the rest of his life. It was probably just as well. After hearing what Jasper did to his previous mistress and tried to do to Leia, he didn't want to know what went on in the Hutt's warped little mind.

“Oh yeah,” Lance added as he strung up a black flag with a yellowed skull and crossbones onto the mast, “and I turned the money from hocking Leia's gown, shoes, and jewelry over to the old man. For a guy with no taste, Jasper at least knew what money could buy. I got a nice chunk of change at that shop in Philly. Should cover everyone's doctor and hospital bills, including your chat with Doc Kalonia, with just enough left over to contribute to the Save the Cottages fund.”

Hank gave him his famous little smirk. “Good. The Hutt would probably blow a gasket if he knew his expensive Barbie clothes were being used to save a bunch of old houses in Ocean View. These folks need it a hell of a lot more than he ever did.” He ran his hand lovingly over the wheel. “Maybe after the contest, there might even be enough money leftover for some real repairs to my baby.”

Lance rubbed his shoulder. “It'll be ok, buddy. It's just one night. I'll take good care of her. She won't get a scratch.”

“Yeah.” Hank shrugged his hand off, turning around. “Maybe we ought to get moving. The last City Council meeting of the summer's tonight. Gonna be a really big deal. Senator Mothma's gonna be there. She's Leia's idol. Leia, Luke, and Ben are bringing some old guy who's a friend of theirs. Even Ackbar's supposed to show up, and during the dinner hour, too.”

He watched Lance as he went to gather more lights. “I got your promise. Not a scratch!”

Lance laughed. “Would you just get working?”

Hank nodded with a grin of his own. “Sure, buddy.” Lance just snorted as he disappeared into the ship, looking for more electrical cords. 

The Summer Strikes Back, Part 26

For the first time in Ocean View's two-hundred-year history, the City Council meeting at City Hall was packed with more non-Council members than actual politicians. Word spread quickly that Senator Martha Mothma of Pennsylvania was going to make a speech here tonight. She had frequently vacationed in Ocean View in the 60's and 70's, and had been among those who advocated changes to local fire codes and increased police presence after the disastrous Order 66 Diner fire in 1970.

Hank sat with Chip, Lance, Cassian, and Jyn in the uncomfortable metal and vinyl chairs added for the extra attendees. He could see Kanan, Hera, and Ezra on one side, Bodhi on another. Admiral Ackbar, a ruddy old gent whose gaping mouth and wide brown eyes gave him the look of a squid, or a salmon that was just caught in a net, sat to Mothma's right. Old Jan Dodonna, his silvery beard bristling even more than usual, leaned back in his chair on her left.

“Palpatine has made a critical error,” she began. “When he was only badgering local businesses, he was well within his legal rights, more annoying than harmful. The attempted arson at the Marine Adventure Pier in July and several attacks on innocent citizens, including tourists, have convinced me that Palpatine's plans may do more harm than good to this town.”

Mayor Hector Thrawn snorted next to Ackbar. He was a handsome, if cold, man, the head of the town for over a decade. He was blue all over, from his shiny blue-black hair to his navy Italian striped suit. “I don't know what you're all worrying about. I saw the plans before they were confiscated. They may have been a little...excessive...in their original form, but they were sound. The hotels alone have three times as many rooms as the largest hostelry downtown. And the mall...”

Jan Dodonna stood up, glaring at him. “Will drive everyone else out of business! Or have you forgotten what it's like to feed your family? To keep your business running in an era where more and more people would rather visit Disney World than our boardwalk?”

“That's why we need this mall.” Thrawn had a malicious gleam in his eye. “It's called progress, Dodonna. Those who can roll with it, can profit from it. Those who stand in its way face being left behind.”

Hera raised her hand. “Have you considered how it'll effect the fishing industry? All those newcomers, competing with us for the same fish and scallops. We have a hard enough time dealing with them as it is.”

Another hand went up in the crowd. “What about the boardwalk?” Kes Dameron managed to get his hand over his son Poe, who played with a stuffed Smurf doll in his lap. “A lot of families have owned businesses there for generations. And that new theme park would wipe out the amusement parks.”

Rieekian glared at Thrawn. “Let's not forget what the Imperial Gang did to the block party at the Phineas Estate Community Park. The front lawns and several gardens had to be replanted, WACZ is up in arms because their best DJ landed in the hospital for a week, and half the parents who came demanded refunds because some gang terrified their kids. Is that the image we want to present the world?”

Officer Chris Madine joined Senator Mothma at the podium. “That's why the Ocean View Police Department is deputizing several local citizens to provide extra help for the Labor Day festivities, including the surfing contest, the Boat Pageant, and dealing with the crowds on the boardwalk and in town. We feel that if the Imperial Gang has any intention of starting fires or causing trouble, it'll be during those hours.”

To Lance and Chip's surprise, he added “Mr. Solokowski, have you assembled your team yet?”

Hank pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up his nose. “Not yet. I need a crew to patrol the surfing contest, and the Marine Adventure Pier and boardwalk between Victoria Drive and Ocean Avenue during the Boat Pageant.”

Wedge shook his head. “And we Rogues can't help. After the surfing contest, we promised Lance we'd be his crew on the Falcon.”

Charlie waved his beefy hand.”Here's one, mate!” He grabbed Chip's arm before he could protest. “And another!”

Jyn threw Cassian's hand in the air, then raised her own. “Two more right here.”

“Jyn!” Cassian groaned. “We'll be on duty during the surfing contest!”

“But not during the Boat Pageant.” Jyn smirked. “The beach is closed after 6, and the Boat Pageant is at 7.”

“We're with you, too!” All eyes flew to the back of the room. Leia and Luke Walker had their hands in the air. Luke's big grin lit up his tanned face.

“Mr. Solokowski,” added Leia with a small smile, “count me in.”

“I'm afraid I'm not up to playing cops and robbers,” Ben Kenobi added, “but I'll do what I can.”

Arturro Detonski kept his hand raised as he made his way over to his best friend. He gave Chip such a huge hug, he was barely able to add that his best friend wanted to volunteer. “Exciting,” the blond moaned, “is hardly the word I'd choose!”

Gasps of surprise went up around the room as a tiny old Asian man wound his way through the crowd. He went right up to Senator Mothma, ignoring her shocked handlers, and kissed her hand. “Hello, Miss Mothma. Or is it Senator now, you are? Seen you in years, I have not. Remember you when you were young woman. Not a surfer, you were, but worked for the City Council, you did.”

She chuckled. “I thought you were dead, you old reprobate.”

“News of my death, greatly exaggerated, it was.” Yoda had to stand on a table to face the crowd, but he did face them. “Long suspected Imperial Gang was behind Order 66 Diner fire, they were. Now, they want rest of town. Give it to them, we will not. Stop them, we will.”

“How can you stop them, old man?” Thrawn glared at him. “You're not even an Ocean View resident anymore.”

“But I am.” Ben Kenobi managed to totter through the crowds on his crutches. “I've made a few calls since I was laid up, done some research. Someone's been telling the Imperial Gang where and when to strike.” He glared at Thrawn. “I have reason to believe it's someone of high standing in this community. Peter Tarkin was doing it, but once he was arrested, someone else had to take his place. Do you know anything about that, Mayor Thrawn?”

“That's absurd, Kenobi!” Thrawn sputtered. “This is my town. I make a very comfortable living as mayor.”

“Too comfortable.” Admiral Ackbar's fish eyes glinted. “This is a small town. How do you afford all those fancy suits, the expensive new house in the development in West Ocean View, the luxury yacht you have tied up at Brentwood Marina? They can't be paying you that well.”

Thrawn looked down his long pale nose at him. “Are you accusing me of taking bribes?”

“I think you're doing more than that.” Ben Kenobi gritted his teeth. “I think you're on Palpatine's payroll. Have been for years.”

Luke was about to join his uncle up front when Leia took hold of his arm. “Luke, the smoke!” It was a cool night for early September. All the windows had been open to catch sea breezes and save on air conditioning. A thick plume of white smoke drifted through the windows. People began to scream as the smell of burning brick assaulted the boy's nostrils. His sister yanked him outside as Madine started to evacuate the meeting.

“Shit.” Hank and Charlie joined them on the sidewalk, pointing to a small flame that was already licking the side of the building. “Someone's gotta call the fire department, and fast! This building is older n' sin. It'll go up like a matchstick!”

Leia grinned at her boyfriend's glasses. “By the way, you look really cute like that. I think the scholarly look actually works for you. Makes you look like Indiana Jones in professor mode.”

“I didn't have a choice,” Hank muttered. “Charlie couldn't find my spare sunglasses.”

“Look!” Leia pointed to two Imperial Gang members emerging from the smoke. One carried a can of gasoline. They jumped on motorcycles and sped off down Ocean Avenue. “Let's get those assholes!”

“Wait, Leia!” Luke started after her. “What about Yoda and Uncle Kenobi?”

“They'll get out with Madine.” She yanked him in so hard, he almost fell in her lap. “Come on! We have to catch up with them!”

“Charlie n' Lance n' me will get the guys who went down the street.” Hank smirked. “We could use a good fight.”

“Quietly!” Luke made a face. “There might be more of them out there.”

Hank gave him the infamous lazy grin that drove them both crazy. “Hey, it's me.”

Leia and Luke took off as the first fire truck arrived, Leia driving. “There they are!” She pointed down Adams Avenue. They barely missed a family heading across the street to the Adams Avenue Inn, then another strolling to Bailywick's Leather Shop. They managed to get close enough to one for Leia to climb onto his motorcycle...just in time for another to charge down Jefferson Road.

“Are you insane?” Her brother's blue eyes widened. “You don't know how to drive a motorcycle!”

She shrugged. “How hard could it be to figure it out? After all, they can do it!”

“All right, sis. Nice knowing you.” They looked up at once as the sound of another cycle joined them. “You take that one!” Luke yelled over the noise of the Mazda. “I'll take this!” He turned on King's Lane as Leia followed the Imperial to Jefferson Road, past the Green Yavin Motel and the Jefferson Motor Court. She turned off at Baltimore Avenue and into the Endor Estates development, past houses new and old, many with children playing on swing sets and chasing each other in their narrow backyards.

He finally turned off at the twin Ocean View Roads. A grassy strip of land dotted here and there with a few trees separated the two sides of the road. She didn't understand why there were two roads with what amounted to a narrow park in between, but she knew from talking to Davy that the local kids loved it. She was about to speed after the Imperial when her motorcycle sputtered, then rolled to a stop.

“Damn it!” She twisted the key in what she assumed was the ignition, trying to get it to turn over. No luck. “Shit,” she muttered as she tapped a gauge. “Figures. I'm out of gas.”

“Well,” she muttered to herself, “I guess there's worse places to be stuck.” The Fields, as Davy and his friends called them, were actually rather quiet and pleasant. It was late, almost dinner time. Most of the kids were probably just heading off to eat dinner. A bee droned over bone-dry grass; a lawn mower buzzed in the distance. The scent of grills being fired up made her mouth water.

“Leia!” Little Davy Wicket looked both ways before rushing across the empty street. “What are you doin' here? I thought you'd be at school, or with your brother.”

Leia chuckled. “What are you wearing?” He was dressed as a little boy's idea of a bear warrior, in a hood with bear's ears on it, a “chest plate” made from an old tin pan and twine, and a “spear” that was likely a broom handle with a sharp rock tied on the end.

“We're Ewoks!” Davy grinned proudly. “That's what we call our club. Me, my sister Windy, Latara, Kneesa, Tee, Logan, Peter, Ezra, my big brother Willy, n' all the other kids.” Davy stood up to his full height. “We know there's been bad grown-ups trying to hurt everybody, so we thought we'd do somethin' to help out. Like He-Man and Blackstar.”

“Davy,” Leia started, bending down to his height, “would your parents minded it if I used their phone? I...er...borrowed a motorcycle from someone, and it ran out of gas. I have to get a hold of my uncle or my brother. Uncle Ben, at least, is probably at his cottage by now.”

“Ok!” Davy put out his hand. “We were just about to have dinner. I could ask Mum and Dad if you could eat with us.”

“Only if they'll let me. I don't want to be a bother.” She took his smaller hand. “And then we have to find my brother. He was being chased by some really bad people. I'm worried about him. They're probably the same people who tried to burn down City Hall.”

Davy's big brown eyes grew even wider. “Someone tried to burn down City Hall? With people inside?”

“Yes.” The older girl sighed. “I'll explain it over dinner.”

“Okay!” Davy squeezed her hand. “Come on! Mum n' my siblings n' I went crabbing today at the wetlands near Holly Beach,” the little boy chattered as they headed across the street to the small white split-level house with brick red awnings. “We're going to have crabs that you crack open yourselves, and Mum's cole slaw, and potato salad, and corn on the cob!”

Leia smiled. “You don't say?”

“Yeah!” He opened the door for her. “I'm glad you're me friend, Leia. You're so nice!”

“Thanks, Davy. I'm glad you're my friend, too.” She went in first, followed quickly by the little boy.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Thankfully, Davy's parents had no problems with her using the phone or with the dinner invitation. “It was just going to be us tonight,” Mrs. Wicket admitted. “We have plenty of everything. Besides, the kids love you. We'll miss you when you go back to school.”

Leia called Uncle Ben on the phone in Mr. and Mrs. Wicket's room for more privacy. “Uncle?”

“Leia!” Ben sounded extremely worried. “You caught me at the right time. Yoda and I just walked in the door. Where's Luke? Is he with you?”

“No, he isn't.” Leia shifted on the king sized bed with the walnut headboard and orange, white, and brown zig-zag comforter. “We got separated. I haven't seen him. I'm at Davy Wicket's house in Endor Estates on Ocean View Avenue. I...borrowed...a motorcycle, and it broke down here. I could probably get a ride home from his parents.”

“You be careful.” Ben's voice dropped. “The attacks were clearly arson. It's a good thing City Hall is only two blocks from the fire department. They were able to put it out minutes after you left. As far as I know, no one was hurt, and the damage wasn't horrible.” Yoda's sing-song voice piped up in the background. “He's right,” her uncle continued. “This wasn't just harassing tourists. Between this and their attempt on Maz's pier, it's clear that these people won't rest until the whole town is burnt to the ground.”

“I'll be all right, Uncle.” Leia looked up as Mrs. Wicket called her children to the kitchen. “We're about to eat. I should be home in a couple of hours. I love you!”

“Love you too, dear.” Ben let her go just as Davy ran in and grabbed her hand, tugging her to the table.

Dinner was a feast. Leia never had such succulent crab. Mrs. Wicket melted butter to dip the pieces in. The cole slaw and potato salad were real, not bought from the Ajax Grocery Store's deli. The corn on the cob was the sweetest she'd ever tasted, fresh from the farm stand in western Ocean View. After they ate, Leia offered to help Willy with the dishes. Davy put the few leftovers in the refrigerator, while Windy vacuumed crumbs from under the table.

She'd just put the last dish in the drying rack when they heard banging at the door. Mrs. Wicket opened it, revealing two children, a girl in a strawberry-print smocked sun romper, and a boy in frayed jean shorts and a blue striped t-shirt. Both wore hoods with ears like Davy's. The girl carried a “knife” made from cardboard and tin foil and had her own tin-pan chest plate. The boy had twine around his arm and a plastic chest plate that looked like it probably came from a knight dress-up set.

“Mrs. Wicket,” the boy said, “can Davy n' Willy n' Windy come out and play? It's important!”

“Yeah,” the girl added excitedly. “We caught a whole buncha spies!”

Leia just happened to look out the living room window. Her eyes caught sight of two familiar blond and auburn heads against the trees. “Oh good grief. Mrs. Wicket, I'll take the kids out to the Fields. I think I know who their 'spies' are.”

Mrs. Wicket chuckled. “Please do, then! Davy, Willy, Windy, you can only stay out for an hour. It's getting dark earlier, and you have to start going to bed earlier, too. You'll be going back to school on Tuesday.”

“I'll be ok, Mum!” Davy took Leia's hand. “Leia's with us!”

It took a few minutes for the kids to get their sneakers and flip-flops back on. Windy needed her bear hood and tin pan “chest plate,” and they all wanted weapons. Windy and Willy both had “bows” made from twine and branches and “arrows” made from twigs. Eventually, Leia bundled the trio out the door and across the street.

At least ten neighborhood kids, all of them in bear hoods and chest plates, were gathered around the only two trees on this block of the Fields. Two of the boys wound twine around Luke and Han, whose wrists were bound as well. Charlie and Arturro were tied to the other tree. Chip was the only one who hadn't been wound with twine. He was surrounded by several of the kids, who tried to tug him over to Leia.

Arturro grumbled in his language from under the smaller tree. “Why did they attack you and not me?” Chip sniffed. “I'm very good with little ones. I have five younger brothers and sisters back in London. I think they look up to me like I'm some kind of god.”

“Well,” Hank started, his lazy grin now looking almost murderous, “why don't you use your divine influence and get them to let us go?”

“I'm sorry, Mr. Solokowski,” Chip shrugged, “but I already tried that. They're quite convinced that you're spies for the Russians or Chinese. They can't seem to be dissuaded otherwise.”

“I ain't no blo...blasted James Bond!” Charlie growled. “The tykes like you! You talk to them!”

Leia started to the kids, who surrounded her. “Look, kids, these are my friends. The blond in the leather jacket is my brother Luke, and the one with the brown hair is my...my good friend Hank. They're no more spies than I am!”

“Can we trust her, Davy?” A girl in a heart-print t-shirt and jean shorts held her branch bow and arrow on her.

“Of course we can, Lateeka!” Davy grinned up at Leia. “She's my friend!”

“Kids,” Luke said thoughtfully, “if you let us go, you might be able to help us.”

Charlie raised his eyebrows. “How? They're little nippers!”

“Well, short help is better n' no help at all.” Hank shifted uncomfortably. “Kids, you guys know the beach n' boardwalk pretty well, right?”

“Sure,” said one of the older boys. “Our parents take my sister n' me up there all the time.”

“We were going to go tomorrow!” Windy squeaked. “Mum and Dad were going to let us see the big boat parade at Miss Maz' pier!”

“Good.” Hank grinned at Leia. “You know, the last thing the Imperials will be expecting is an assault from the kids of Ocean View.”

“That is true,” Chip admitted. “They'll be expecting us to assault them, not youngsters.”

Leia groaned. “Hank, no! We can't get them involved! They're just kids!”

“Who better n' tykes to surprise 'em?” Charlie grinned as Kneesha untied him.

“If you let us go,” Luke went on, “we'll tell you how you can help us.”

“Ok!” Willy and two of the older boys started untying them. “No funny business, though!” Willy poked his twig arrow into Luke's chest. “We're watchin' you!”

Hank ran to Leia the moment he was free. Ignoring sighs from some kids and gagging from others, he swung her around and gave her the biggest kiss possible. “I'm so glad you're ok, sweetheart.” He nibbled around her neck. “When Luke told me about the motorcycle and the Imperial...”

“Later, dear.” She nudged his arm and pointed at Davy and Windy, who were watching them with wide eyes. “We're not alone.”

His grin was happy and genuine, even as he pushed up his glasses. “We'll have to take a rain check on that, then.”

“Thanks, Chip.” Luke grinned at the skinny blond. “And why don't you tell them what's going on, since you seem to be so good with them?”

“Well, all right.” Chip settled on the blankets as the others gathered around him. “But I warn you, I'm not very good with stories.”

Leia leaned on Hank's shoulder as Davy climbed into her lap and Windy claimed Hank's. Kneesha decided she liked Charlie's lap. Arturro chased Willy around when he tried to poke at him. Luke leaned against a tree, just off from the rest of the group. Leia wished she could figure out why he was being so aloof.

“Now, this starts way back,” Chip began, “back at the beginning of the summer, when the Imperial Gang raided our beach...”

The Summer Strikes Back, Part 27

Simon Palpatine looked up from his paperwork as Vader barged into his office at Alderann Island. “I told you to concentrate on practicing for the surfing contest.”

“Boss, a bunch of our boys were caught burning the City Council down.” He made a face. “Two locals chased a couple of 'em to the Endor Estates. One lost his bike. Jerrod says they were my sister n' brother who chased 'em.”

“So I heard. I thought they were still in Atlantic City.” Palpatine narrowed his eyes at him. “You're not getting sentimental about this, are you? I know they're your family, but I want them here, where I can personally train them. The boy will do well in the Gang once his hand heals. The girl will be my right hand worker.”

“Boss,” Vader began tentatively, “I was sort of hoping to at least train Luke myself...”

“You're not ready to train anyone yet.” Palpatine steepled his fingers, his pale blue eyes boring into his soul. “You still have much to learn yourself. I haven't quite forgiven you for the incident with the attack at the Cottages. Perhaps, when you win this contest, I'll consider it.”

“Yes, Boss.” Privately, Vader was starting to think his boss was a dick. He'd been taken in, hook, line, and sinker. Palpatine had spent the last thirteen years saying every single word he'd wanted to hear. “I know how you can make money for your child coming. Just do a few little jobs for me...” “A few little jobs” involved burning businesses that disagreed with his boss' policies or robbing stores that refused to sell out.

The Jedi Knights had initially ignored the conflict, until their favorite watering hole, the Order 66 Diner, was burglarized and their regular beach was blocked off for development. They'd joined the Neighborhood Watch, tipped off cops when the Imperials – they called themselves the Separatists then - harassed businesses, and let Madine recruit them as unofficial deputies. He'd gone to Palpatine's original office on Hamilton Street with Officer Martin Winderson in May 1970, the only cop in Ocean View who was also a surfer, to arrest Palpatine for arson, theft, and conspiracy to commit murder.

Winderson never knew what hit him. He was stabbed to death before he even went out the window of the two-story Victorian house that had been made over into offices. Palpatine had enjoyed killing him. Vader saw the knife in his back...but he never tried to stop him.

He'd done a lot of stupid shit, before and after Winderson's death. Starting with lying to the cops that Winderson had attacked Palpatine, when it was the other way around, and ending with being one of the the gang members who helped set the Order 66 Diner fire. He just wanted to scare the Jedi and get them off his back. He hadn't realized half of them had been there...and it hadn't occurred to him that the ancient Mufasar Hotel next-door might go up with it.

It was too late for him. He was too much under Palpatine's thumb to escape him now. He'd hunt him down, no matter where he went. There was no choice about bringing him at least Luke. But Leia...maybe not her. She had that scum boyfriend and his ape buddy with her, not to mention the preppy jerk from Bespin Island and her uncle. And Yamagachi had gotten involved. Just because he had to be at least a thousand years old, give or take a year, didn't mean he wasn't trouble.

Right now, he had to focus on the contest. He would win, of course. He had to. And then...then, they would know the true power of Empire Industries and big business.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Luke?” Leia tapped her brother on the shoulder. “Are you ok? You've been kind of out of it every since we got back from Atlantic City.” They were sitting on the old sage green couch swing on the back porch of their cottage, eating flounder fillets from Ackbar's Restaurant, macaroni and cheese from a box, and tomatoes and zucchini from a neighbor's garden sauteed in oil and vegetable broth.

“Leia,” he murmured, “do you remember our mother?”

“Just a little bit.” She sighed. “I wish I did. I wish I remember them the way...” Her voice caught in her throat. “The way Adam does.” Her fingers rubbed his narrow shoulder gently. “Luke, I'm your twin. I know something's been troubling you for days now. I know you better than anyone.”

“Leia,” he began slowly, “I'm going to turn myself over to Adam as soon as the surfing contest ends.”

She put her plate on the crab trap they used for an outdoor table. “Why?”

“He's our brother.” He put his hand on hers. “I know I can save him. We can save him. Someone has to show him how much he's loved.”

Leia winced at the last word. “I'm not sure if I love him.” She pulled her hand away, as if it had been stung. “Luke, run. Join the Coast Guard. Travel to Hawaii, Florida, Norfolk. Anywhere that isn't where he is. I almost wish I could go with you.”

“No, you don't.” He put his own plate aside. “You've always been strong. You're the strongest person I know. You only shot one of the biggest mob bosses in the country!” Her goofy, silly brother sighed. “All my life, you've been doing my confrontations for me. I'm not anywhere near as strong as you. I wouldn't have been able to shoot Jasper the way you did.” He looked at his broken hand. “Aunt Bertha always did say I was a lot like Adam. I might be able to talk to him, show him that what he's doing is wrong. There's still good in him, Leia. I can bring him back.”

“Hey!” The duo looked down at once as Hank made his way over to their yard. “Charlie n' I were going to invite you guys to take a ride down to Harbor Bay Ice Cream Parlor on Houston Avenue. Lance n' the Rogues are going, too. Wedge told me they have chocolate milkshakes the size of small bathtubs and a great view of the entrance to Roseman's Landing.”

Luke waved him up to the porch. “We'll join you in a minute!” He scooped the last of the macaroni and cheese into his mouth. “You done with yours, sis?”

“Yeah.” She handed him his plate as he made his way into the house.

“What's with all the glum faces?” Hank put his arms around her as soon as she came down to the yard. “This is a holiday weekend! The last weekend of the summer! You should be happy! Tomorrow, we're going to kick Vader's ass, he'll get arrested, and Charlie and I will take you back up to Philly to school.”

“It's...nothing.” She turned away from him. “I just want to be alone for a minute.”

“Nothing?” Hank waved his big brown hand at the porch. “You and Luke looked like you were about to be marched to your executions. That's not nothing.”

“I...” She finally turned around to him. He hated to see how haunted her soft brown eyes were. “I can't tell you. Not now. I barely understand it myself.”

“Don't you trust me?” Hank glared at her. “All this, everything in Atlantic City and Bespin Island, and you still don't trust me?”

Leia wiped fiercely at her dark eyes. “Oh, you're impossible!” She'd started back towards the porch when Hank grabbed her hand.

Not once, during the entire summer, had Hank ever seen Leia cry. Not at Bespin. Not after the incident with the botched block party at the Phineas Estate. Not in Atlantic City. Not even when she was rescued from Alderaan Island. “Sweetheart, what is it?” He pushed his glasses up his nose again. “What happened?”

She gazed up at him, her eyes swimming with hot tears. “Hold me.”

He wrapped his long arms around her, rubbing her back and letting her sob onto his old Doobie Brothers t-shirt and black cotton vest. He wouldn't let anyone hurt her. It would take a whole army of Imperials to get past him. No one was going to hurt her or Luke ever again. Not if he had anything to do with it.

The Summer Strikes Back, Part 28

Labor Day dawned hot and sunny. The beach had been roped off the night before, with grandstands hastily added. The stands were packed. Every inch of sand was covered with blankets, towels, and lawn chairs. Ahsoka's face was a mass of purple bruises that were turning yellow, and her arm was in a sling, but she was still able to broadcast the event from a set-up behind the stands.Chirrut and Baze sat with Uncle Ben in the stands.

Luke grinned and waved from the shoreline at Hank and Charlie, who lay on a slightly tattered old quilt with Chip, Arturro, Poe, and Kes. The Wicket family spread their blanket right next to Hank's. Charlie helped the kids make a sand castle while Hank talked to their parents.

Jyn and Cassian were perched on their usual place at the whitewashed lifeguard stand. Saw Gerrera, a massive black man with a frizzy gray Afro, stood at attention next to them. His red and white Ocean View Head Lifeguard tank top strained at his muscular chest. Bodhi and Kris chatted with them on the other side, ignoring glares from their boss. If Luke squinted, he could see a line of yachts and small cruisers getting ready for the Boat Pageant that evening in the distance, the Ghost and Millennium Falcon among them.

“Wow.” Wedge glanced around the beach. “I can't believe how huge this ended up being.”

“It's called the power of advertising, man.” Hobbie grinned. “We've been putting up posters and running commercials on Channel 13 and WACZ all summer.”

Leia frowned at the judges' stand. “Why is Thrawn still allowed to be a judge, even after what happened at City Hall?” He was chatting with Senator Organa in his crisp blue and ivory linen summer suit. She looked more annoyed with him than anything under her wide-brimmed straw hat. Yoda was in an animated discussion with Jan Dodonna, while Carl Rieekian talked to Maz Kantana.

Wes rolled his eyes. “They couldn't prove the bribe thing, man. Besides, he says the judging should be impartial.”

“Impartial my ass.” Leia made a face. “Impartial to the Imperials. There has to be a way to really prove he's on their side, besides him being in favor of the hotel.”

Luke looked over his shoulder as gasps went up from the crowd. Vader lead his men, all in white and black wet suits. The clingy fabric of his black and red suit made the Imperial Gang leader look even taller and more intimidating than ever. His face was a mass of scars and pitted skin that had once been terrible burns, but his blue eyes were bright and sharp as a broken shell.

“All right, kid,” Vader huffed. “Let's get this started.”

As Saw Gerrera announced the rules, Luke's eyes wandered over to the water. The Ghost and the Falcon were rapidly being joined by several other vessels that were preparing for the Pageant or had opted to watch the contest from the water. Sunlight glinted off the largest, a sleek black and silver yacht. It seemed vaguely familiar. He may have seen it in one of the marinas at Roseman's Landing earlier in the summer. Vader's bloodshot eyes never left it.

Senator Organa held up the trophies. “Each winner will receive a trophy and prize money. First place gets a gold trophy and five thousand dollars. Second place receives a silver trophy and three thousand dollars. Third gets a bronze trophy and one thousand dollars. Now,” she added with her small smile, “let the contest begin!”

They were announced alphabetically, which meant Luke was one of the last ones to go. While he clapped and cheered for the others, his mind was really on what he intended to do later. He considered talking to Adam during the contest, but his older brother had made himself as scarce as possible before his turn came.

The judges studied each surfer, tallying the difficulty and longevity of their tricks and rolls. The first few Imperials wiped out right away. Their tricks were limited to the simplest beginner techniques, and at least two of them couldn't handle the relatively small waves out there today and couldn't stay on their boards.

The Rogues were better. Wedge and his friends had been surfing for most of their lives. They could do complex barrel rolls and a-lines that the Imperials couldn't dream of. The crowd went wild when Wedge executed three a-lines in a row. He only lost control of his board towards the end of his run. Luke swore he saw one of the Imperials shoot something from a small tube, a rock or bean.

He nudged Leia, pointing at the Imperials. She narrowed her eyes and went right to Jyn and Cassian. Cassian confiscated the Imperial's shooter and hauled him to Officer Madine, while Jyn told the judges. The Imperial was ejected from the contest. Thrawn tried to protest, but he was glared down by Madine, Jyn, and Senator Mothma.

“We have to keep a better eye on those assholes.” Leia – and the entire crowd – watched Madine and Gerrera throw the Imperial off the beach. “They could try something else.”

“No, they won't.” Jyn grinned down at Leia. “We just recruited our newest members.” Cassian was pinning Lifeguard badges on Kris and Bodhi. “They can't rescue people, but they can roam the beach and make sure no one else tries cheating.”

“Cheating nothing.” Saw's voice as he rejoined them was more of a growl than Charlie's. “I need more people to check for beach tags. We're short-staffed as it is. A lot of our recruits already went home for the season.”

Bodhi had been asking a group of teenagers for their beach tags when he saw an Imperial in a gray and black wet suit down by the water. He had something silvery and sharp in his hand. He'd just sent it into the water as Bodhi leaned right over him.

“Sir,” he said, “do you have your beach tag?”

Jerrod pushed him away. “Get out of my face. I have work to do.”

“Sir, if you don't have a beach tag, I'm afraid you're going to have to talk to my boss.” Saw was already giving them the same hard stare that caused his troops in Vietnam to wail for their mothers.

Jerrod fumbled around his wet suit, finally producing a beach tag. “Does this make you happy?”

“Very.” He wrote something down on a pad. “However, you're still going to have to talk to my boss. I saw what you did back there. What was it you put in the water?”

Jerrod smirked. “That's for me to know and you to find out, turd.”

“SHARK!” Wes nearly fell out of his board when a gray fin was seen in the wave. “Shit!” He was about to start swimming for shore when he reached out his hand...and fished a rubber Jaws shark that that squirted water when you squeezed it out of the wave. “Hey, I like this guy! He's a pretty good size, too.” He grinned, pretending to stick his finger into the gaping jaws. “He'd be great to scare people in swimming pools! Wonder if I can keep him?”

Bodhi, Luke, and the Rogues were laughing their heads off on the shore. “That's Wes,” Wedge snickered. “You can't trick the trickster.”

Hobbie grinned. “I wonder if you get extra points for playing with a toy shark while on your board?”

“Move aside, boys.” Leia smirked. “It's my turn.” She gave Luke a hug, then swam out on her board. While not all of her moves were as complex as the Rogues' tricks, she executed them with confidence and panache, including one impressive cut down the center of the largest wave they'd seen yet.

“Sis, you were great!” Luke was the first to greet her when she came back to land. “It's too bad they're not giving out awards for the most improved. You're so much better than you used to be.”

“Thanks, twin brother.” She threw her arms around him. “That's a major compliment, coming from a master like you.”

“I'm not a master, sis.” Luke sighed. “I don't think I'll ever be as good as Uncle Ben and Yoda.”

“All that matters is that you're good enough to beat Vader.” There was a hush over the crowd as Vader's name was announced. “He seems to be the one to beat. None of his flunkies have come close. They're better at sabotage than they are at surfing.”

The moment Vader stepped into the water, it was like he was a different person. All his past baggage seemed to fall away, revealing a young man who was at peace on the water. He rode every wave with supreme confidence. The tricks were the most complex yet, including three difficult barrels in a row as the wind gathered speed. He did almost slip on a hang ten, which seemed to bring him down to Earth. He finished a tad less showily, almost losing a simple cut maneuver, before flowing gracefully to the sand.

Wedge winced at his high scores. “Damn. No one's going to come close to him.”

“I haven't gone yet. I'm the last one.” Luke picked up his surfboard. “Wish me luck, sis!”

Leia gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck! I know you can do this. You can swim rings around Ad...Vader.”

He closed his eyes and dashed into the increasingly rough surf. The water crashed into him, threatening to pull him off his board. His fingers curled around Twilight for dear life. His uncle's words came back to him as he paddled further into the surf. Remember, Luke, you must be one with the water. Luke, trust me.

His legs were a little wobbly when he first got onto his board. After that, though, it was like he was a a creature born to the sea. The board was his fin, and he was gliding through the waves, cutting and flying like a graceful blue-green fish. His ears barely noticed the wild cheering and whistling on shore. He was too busy paying attention to the movement of the water under him as he executed a series of the most complex maneuvers he knew, including a few he'd picked up from Yoda in Dagobah Bay. His hang ten was perfect, no shaking, no slipping.

It seemed like the entire crowd swarmed around him when he finally made it back to land. Hank threw an arm around his dripping shoulder. “Kid, you were amazing! I didn't know you had it in you.”

Leia grinned. “I did.”

Luke gasped as Charlie nearly swept him off his feet. “That did it, lad. You've got this contest won for sure!”

Uncle Ben stumbled down to the beach, followed by Chip and Arturro. He put an arm around his nephew. “That was the finest surfing I've seen in at least twenty years. I'm proud of you, Luke, and Yoda told me he's proud of you, too.”

Chip nodded. “Your knowledge of the intricacies of surfing maneuvers is quite impressive.” Arturro just threw his arms around Luke's back to join Charlie in a hug.

Senator Mothma had to talk through a loudspeaker to be heard over the crowd. “The judges have come to their decisions.” She nodded at the three plastic trophies colored bronze, silver, and gold sitting on a table by the judges' stand. “In third place is Walter Antilles of Rogue Squadron, sponsored by the Green Yavin Hotel. In second, Darran Vader of the Imperials, sponsored by Empire Industries. And our first place winner, Luke Walker of Rogue Squadron, sponsored by the Cottages By the Sea.”

The beach erupted into absolute bedlam after that announcement. Thrawn's demands for a recount were drowned out by the jubilant cheers and screams on the shore. Half the people in the stands swarmed over to Luke, shaking his hand or giving him hugs. Wes gave him a noogie in front of everyone. Deak and Hobbie gave him and Wedge high-fives. Ahsoka gave him a quick hug before doing a short interview on his feelings about winning. Leia wrapped her arms around Luke, never wanting to let her silly brother go again. Hank wrapped his arms around both of them...and Charlie grabbed all three and squeezed them for all they were worth.

Senator Mothma shook Luke's hand and personally handed him and Wedge their bronze and gold trophies and checks. Vader refused to shake her hand. Giving her a glare that reminded Luke a lot of Leia's at it nastiest, he snatched the check and silver trophy and stormed across the beach to a gaggle of his men. He saw him throw his surfboard to the ground and kick it hard, then jump up and down and grab his sore toes when he forgot he was barefoot.

Luke frowned, watching Vader sweep his surfboard into his arms and stumble away. “Leia, here.” He handed her his trophy and the check. “Give the check to Uncle Ben. Tell Hank he can hock the trophy and either donate it to the Cottages, or use it for repairs on the Falcon. I don't need it. Could you take my surfboard home? Uncle Ben can keep it for me while I'm in the Coast Guard.”

“Luke, please.” Leia took his hand. “Vader's not worth it.”

“Leia, he's our family. I can save him. I know I can.” He gave her a kiss on her cheek. “I love you, sis.”

She sighed. “I love you too, Luke. Just be careful.”

“I will.” Luke hugged her, then headed across the street to their cottage to change quickly before he followed Vader to the marina.

Hank frowned. “I thought the kid was going to the Boat Pageant with us tonight.”

“No. He has...other things to do.” Leia put her arm around him. “Hank, there's something I need to tell you...”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Vader slammed onto the black and silver yacht tied up in Brentwood Marina ten minutes later, throwing his surfboard across the upper deck and into the side of the wheel house. It left a long dent where the edge hit the wall. “Piett,” he growled at the slender, slightly older Imperial in a gray polo shirt and black shorts, “you ass, what happened out there? I thought you idiots were surfers!”

“What happened was our sabotage didn't work.” Piett wrinkled his slender yuppie nose. “I tried to tell you the beaches would be too well-patrolled for such childish pranks.”

“You did come in second.” Veers retrieved the board. “It's not a total loss, man. We got some dough. We could get some work done on our bikes, maybe take a nice little road trip down to Florida for the winter.”

“No. The Big Man will probably want the money. He's paying for this shit.” Vader grabbed his surfboard, checking it for cracks on the side where it hit the wall. “Speaking of the Big Man, he's down in his cabin. I'll be joinin' him as soon as Jerrod gets his ass over here. Figures he'd get to talkin' to chicks at the beach.”

Even as he spoke, the wayward Imperial appeared around a corner. Luke was with him, his arms held roughly behind his back. “Look what I found on my way here, boss.” Jerrod sneered and shoved Luke up the ramp. “The friggin' big kahuna himself. Said he was giving himself up to us.”

Vader took his arm. “I'll take care of him. The rest of you are gonna be on the boardwalk during the Boat Pageant. They'll be distracted up there tonight. Might be a good time to have another little fire on Kantana's pier. Get back at them for that one-sided contest this morning. If Kantana goes down, almost everyone else on the boardwalk might be more interested in sellin' out. We'll be around to pick you up tonight, after the Pageant.”

Piett sighed. He'd been looking forward to a quiet night on the yacht, sipping Mr. Palpatine's good sherry and reading GQ. All he said was “Right, Mr. Vader.”

“So,” Vader began as Piett filed the others down the ramp, “you've accepted the truth, boy.”

Luke nodded. “I've accepted the truth that you were once Adam Walker, my older brother.”

“That name,” Adam snapped, “don't mean nothin' to me.”

Luke shook his head. “It's your real name. Our name.” Vader couldn't believe how much the kid looked like him, when he was young and stupid. Same sandy mane of hair, same stubborn glint in the sapphire blue eyes. “It's who you are. You've just forgotten.” He turned to the railings, watching boats glide in and out of the glistening green harbor. “That's why you couldn't hurt me or Leia before. That's why you won't bring us to Palpatine now.”

“You know, kid, you were really impressive out there.” Vader put a hand on his shoulder. “You're freakin' good, baby bro. Palpatine said you would be. You'd be great as an Imperial. Leia, too.” Luke's gentle face fell. It nearly killed him to see how disappointed his little brother was in him. “I'm sorry kiddo, but he's The Big Man. He'll be your teacher now.”

His brother seemed to harden like tan marble as he stared directly into his soul. “Then my brother is truly dead.”

“Come on, bro.” Even as he grabbed his brother by the arm and shoved him below-decks, Vader was forming a plan in his head. This was shit. There was no way he was gonna let some rich dick like Palpatine hurt his baby brother, or his baby sister, either. He had to find a way to save the kid, even if he and his boss didn't make it out alive.