Luke paused in front of the mirror inside of the refresher as he did every day, gazing at his reflection with his shirt in hand. The youthful blonde farmboy that had left Tatooine months ago was still there, still prominent and still alive...but he was also more seasoned now, matured by his time in the Rebellion and by the trails he'd faced, evident by the still-prominent brands on his chest and neck. Luke traced the brands lightly with his fingers, seeing his blue eyes diminish a little as the memories rose to the surface.

You're a filthy Jedi, and you will be branded like the animal you are...

Luke shook his head, letting his hand drop away and pulling on his shirt as the echoes of his screams from the memory in his head faded away. He straightened the shirt and smoothed out the creases, making sure that the high collar of the black button-down hid the Imperial Insignia on his neck. He'd done a relatively good job of hiding the painfully obvious mark over the past few months, and he planned on continuing that good record.

Months...he couldn't believe it had been several months since that horrible ordeal on Maridun. Once he'd regained enough of his strength, his father had started to train Luke much more regularly, rigorously, and seriously than he had been previously. Much of Luke's free time was now spent working on his lightsaber techniques, learning about the Force, or expanding his Force abilities. Luke still struggled with telekinesis, frustratingly so, though he was rather adept at meditating and especially shielding by now—a skill Anakin had been sure to cover thoroughly with Luke after that nightmare of Vader. Luke had also made great strides within the Rebellion, and had recently achieved the rank of Lieutenant; something Anakin was not shy to show how proud of Luke he was for already achieving the rank.

Luke sighed, running a hand through his still-damp hair. Speaking of Anakin, he needed to stop lingering inside the refresher; they were leaving on a negotiation mission today—as soon as Luke was ready, actually. They were going to Rodia to speak with the Chekkoo clan about establishing trade of weapons, armor, and other important supplies for the Rebellion. Once all the details about the mission were worked out, Luke had volunteered and, naturally, Anakin had stated—not asked to, stated—that he was going with Luke. Luke didn't mind at all; he liked when his father came on his missions, and he found it rather amusing when his father didn't leave any room for debate over whether or not he was even allowed to go with Luke. He tended to pull the I'm his Jedi Master, he's my Padawan, I go where he goes, and he goes where I go unless I say otherwise line whenever someone tried to say he couldn't as well.

Long story short, when Anakin wanted to accompany Luke on his missions, there was no arguing with him.

A small smile gracing his lips and reassured that his brands were covered up as always, Luke finally stepped out of the refresher where his father was waiting for him, his DL-44 pistol in its holster on his right hip and lightsaber safely tucked away out of sight but easily within reach.

Anakin looked up as Luke reappeared from the refresher. His high collar was in place yet again, but Anakin refrained from commenting. Luke was very sensitive about the marks, doubly so the Imperial one.

Anakin had tried to tell him more than once that he needn't be ashamed of what happened on Mimban, but Luke chose not to see it that way.

He was definitely stubborn like his father.

"Ready to go?" Anakin asked, already packed and ready to get out among the stars.

It would be good to have some one-on-one time with Luke.

Absentmindedly, Luke ran a hand over the pouch his lightsaber was hidden in as if to reassure himself it was still there. He picked his small bag up off of his bed and nodded. "I'm all set; Artoo should either already be there or meet us along the way. It's going to be strange flying something other than my X-Wing," he admitted, leaving the shared bunk room with his father and starting on his way to the hangar. They'd been given a light freighter to fly for the negotiations as entering the system with their X-Wings would immediately set off alarms. They had yet to see the ship, but Luke trusted that it would be reliable.

Anakin, who'd managed to sneak a glimpse of the craft last night—he hadn't slept all that much and thus had decided to check the craft out—smiled secretively.

Luke would be impressed, and if he was truly Anakin's son, he'd probably start drooling over the modifications that could be seen on the ship.

And that was just the exterior.

"Artoo is probably more excited than you are for this trip," Anakin chuckled.

Luke snorted. "That's debatable, though he hasn't had much to do recently. He needs the excitement," Luke said with a grin as they rounded the corner. Luke's gaze was immediately drawn to the sleek red yacht of a ship with the silver trim, the front speaking of elegance and wealth while the back was an obvious sign of power and speed. Luke let out a low whistle, taking a moment to admire the ship from a distance.

Anakin smiled at his son. Definitely a Skywalker, that boy.

"Come on; it won't fly itself," Anakin teased.

Luke was about to retort when he was interrupted by a voice behind them.

"Nice, isn't she? That's the Desert Jewel; you fly her safely, now," a woman's voice said. Luke turned around in surprise to take in the dark skinned woman with tight ringlets framing her narrow face. When she caught Luke's gaze she smiled, and he somehow managed to smile back, taking in the desert cameo fatigues, thick sole brown boots, a blaster on her left hip, and a throwback slug rifle on her back held in place by a leather strap held diagonally across her chest. Luke turned to face her completely as he replied.

"Is she yours?" he asked curiously.

The woman smiled. "That's right." She extended a hand. "Nakari Kelen; and you are?"

Luke couldn't help the fact his smile widened a little more. "Luke Skywalker," he said, taking her hand. His brow furrowed slightly as he turned her name over in his mind, the last name ringing a bell. "Kelen...any relation to the Kelen Biolabs on Pasher?" he asked, allowing his hand to slip free from her grasp.

Anakin lifted a brow when Luke's smile turned out to be a little sloppier than normal, and he hid a smirk behind his second perusal of the ship while Luke and Nakari chatted about her familial relations. Apparently she too was from a desert world, and her father had made a few smart investments, hence her—or rather her father's—fancy ship.

Anakin was indeed impressed. This thing was definitely built for speed, but he didn't see any weapons. He frowned slightly, but who was he to judge another's ship?

Artoo twittered at him, apparently finding Anakin more interesting than Luke's conversation with the woman.

Anakin snickered at his metal friend. "Easy, Artoo; I think Luke likes her...he just doesn't know it yet."

Dooeep! Leet mooep! Artoo replied, swiveling his dome to the pair.

Anakin surreptitiously followed his gaze. "Oh, let them be, Artoo. We're not exactly in a hurry."

Bleet dooop. Artoo blatted flatly, making Anakin chuckle again, but he patted the domed head and walked around the rear of the craft, Artoo following.

Nakari, meanwhile, had just finished explaining to Luke how she'd visited Tatooine and bagged a krayt dragon while on the planet before offering to give him a tour of the ship, the Desert Jewel. Luke wholeheartedly agreed, following her with an extra spring in his step. It was nice to find another person from a desert planet who understood why ships were so important—other than his father of course. Nakari understood all too well that ships took one far away from the desert that felt like it could cause you to shrivel and waste away emotionally and physically if you stayed too long.

Before she led Luke up the landing ramp, he stuck his head out to call to his father, who was inconspicuously hanging around the rear of the ship and examining the modifications.

"Hey, she's giving us a tour; are you coming?" Luke asked, eyebrow cocked meaningfully. Anakin would be his co-pilot, and it would be nice if both of them knew where everything was.

Anakin nodded. "Yeah, I'm coming."

He motioned for Artoo, but there turned out to not be enough room for the little droid as well on the ramp.

"Artoo, wait a moment," he instructed as he joined his son and Nakari.

Nweet! Artoo blatted.

Anakin snorted softly. "Be nice, Artoo. We'll let you up in a moment."

Gree, nooleet. Artoo spat irritably.

"Oh, stop, you are not always left behind," Anakin chastised him with a held up hand. "Just be patient."

Artoo gave a decidedly sarcastic tweet that Anakin didn't need translated.

He laughed. "Yes, I know I'm the last person who should lecture on patience, but still; wait here."

Luke and Nakari both waited for Anakin to appear at the top of the ramp, and Luke couldn't help but notice the design flaw that the ramp was also the ships floor, meaning they couldn't move forward until it was shut. As soon as it was, however, Nakari led them towards the cockpit, pointing to everything as she spoke.

"Galley and head on the left, bunks and maintenance access on the right, your droid can plug in there. There's a lot of emergency supplies, too; survival gear that comes in handy when I'm scouting planets for Dad. Breathing masks and an inflatable raft and suchlike. The bunks are kind of basic, sorry to say. I spent all my credits on speed and spoofs."

"A wise investment," Luke assured her with a small smile. "Can't enjoy any kind of bunk, much less a luxurious one, if you can't survive a panicked flight from a Star Destroyer."

Nakari grinned, sawing a finger between their heads. "Yes! Yes, we are thinking alike here. That's good, because I want to see my ship again."

"I'd—" Luke started to say, but he stopped himself just short of saying I'd like to see you again, barely realizing in time that she might misinterpret it as a horrendously inept pass at her. Hoping she didn't notice the awkward pause, Luke finished with a, "—think that would be good for both of us."

"Indeed," Nakari mused, gesturing Luke and Anakin forward. "After you."

"Thanks," Luke replied, relieved that she seemed to not notice that near slip up.

Anakin paid close attention when Nakari began showing them the controls, and he noted the vast difference between this ship and any other from his time. He admired the more advanced technology, but realized he'd miss it upon his return to his time frame.

When they reached the cockpit, Luke took the pilot seat while his father took the copilot seat. Once Nakari was done explaining all the ship's high tech modifications, Luke was finally able to voice the one thing he'd noticed she hadn't mentioned among the other cool features. "Wow, you've certainly put a lot of time into her...any weapons?"

"One laser cannon hidden underneath where I'm standing. You activate it right there, and a targeting display pops up."

Luke couldn't help himself; he winced. "Just one cannon?"

"She's built to run and keep you alive until you jump out of trouble. Best not to get into any trouble."

Luke did his best to hide his grimace; that wasn't exactly his strong suit. "Got it."

"Good," she said, cheerfully clapping Luke on the shoulder. "Be safe you two; Luke."

Luke was surprised by how quickly the tour was over, spinning around in the pilot seat to catch Nakari one last time.

"Hey, thanks. What will you be doing in the meantime?"

Nakari gestured to the rifle on her back, lowering the ramp. "I'm training some of the soldiers in sharpshooting. Heading dirtside to shoot some frozen targets," she said. Her gaze flickered towards the bottom of the ramp, where something caused her to smile. "I think your droid's ready to come on board."

Luke grimaced. "Oh, is he in your way?"

"A bit," She replied, starting down the ramp.

"He'll move!" Luke called, though she had disappeared from sight the next moment. Luke sighed watching as Artoo came up the ramp with some indignant, rude sounding bleeps and whistles. Luke rolled his eyes. "You can plug in over there Artoo," he said as the droid approached. Artoo gave a few more rude whistles Luke was pretty sure was aimed at him. "What?" he started defensively.

Artoo gave a scolding chirp and Luke shook his head, but chose not to comment, turning instead to the controls in front of him.

Anakin smiled widely, but again hid it by focusing on the copilot station.

Luke eyed him suspiciously as he started up the Jewel. "What's got you so happy?" he asked warily, listening to the gentle hum of the engines starting

Anakin glanced back towards where Artoo was still making remarks to himself, then smirked at his son. "Oh, nothing..." he said innocently.

Luke raised an eyebrow, well experienced in the fact that when his father said nothing it usually meant something. Still, he decided to leave it alone and focused on easing the Jewel up out of the hangar of the Promise, glancing down at the ice planet the Rebel Fleet was currently orbiting before he sent them to lightspeed. "We've got a little while before we reach Rodia; the trip will be a little longer than normal because I'd prefer to get a good feel for the ship before I do much with her..."

Anakin nodded in agreement. "Its best to do that before we run into trouble."

Artoo chirped a comment, not sounding quite as annoyed as he had been earlier, and Luke sighed. "Right, let me rephrase; there's the pit stop at another planet to see if we can find a smuggler to transport the supplies from the Chekkoo clan regularly, and then its Rodia," Luke corrected himself at Artoo's prompting. "Hopefully this negotiation trip won't take too long, and hopefully the Chekkoo clan has what the Alliance needs," Luke commented. He let his gaze pass over the controls to make sure everything was working properly, enjoying the peaceful quiet of the ship—much different than the whine of his X-Wing engine—as he subconsciously fixed his collar back into place, a habit Luke hadn't realized he'd developed.

Anakin, not missing this, opened his mouth to say something...and closed it again. But the father in him had to try again, so he risked Luke's annoyance. "Luke?" When Luke hummed in reply but did not face Anakin, he thinned his lips. However, he noticed they were about to hit lightspeed, so he waited until the stars became mottled lines. Then he turned toward Luke and tried again. "Luke." He made sure his voice was serious.

Hearing the stern note in his father's voice, Luke turned to face his father with a slight frown. "Yes?" he asked, a note of concern in his tone.

Anakin brought a finger to Luke's collar, gently tapping the barely visible upper edge of the brand. "A mark on your skin does not make you a traitor, Son. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Luke stiffened at the contact, several emotions flashing through him at once. He turned away, eyes cast downwards. "That's not why..." Luke said softly, staring intently at the controls in front of him.

Anakin turned to face him fully, dropping his hand when Luke tensed. "Then what? The memories?"

"Partially," Luke mumbled. He didn't want to talk about this now; things had been just fine a few moments ago...Luke let out a slow sigh, trying to find his usually limitless patience and a semblance of calm; he knew from experience his father would press for more.

Anakin bit his lip, sensing he was treading thin ice at the moment. He sighed, nodding. "I won't press you more, I know how that feels. But," he held up a finger, "if you don't find a way to come to terms with this," he again gently tapped the mark, "then just be aware that someone could use it against you."

Luke couldn't help but flinch at the thought. He didn't know how someone would use the mark against him, but he didn't exactly want to know either.

Luke shook his head, letting out a shaky sigh. He hated not being entirely honest with his father; the man had been sent forward in time right to Luke quite literally, and Luke didn't know how long he would be around. Luke wanted to cherish every moment and wanted his father to know almost every thought and feeling that entered into his heart. The last thing he wanted to do was lie to Anakin or shut him out in any way.

Luke still didn't look at Anakin, but the words did tumble past his lips before he could even think of stopping himself. "I...I hate the reminder, yes, but...I don't want people to only see the brand either...and I don't want to see the pity in their eyes, I don't want to hear the whispers, and I especially don't want to hear those that think it is a sign of treason, or those that will think I gave something to the Imperials, or those who will think I'm on the side of the Imperials because I turned while they had me. And I..." Luke faltered a little, eyes staring unseeing at the panel in front of him. "I hate being marked as Imperial property, especially after that vision of Vader; I hate feeling tainted all the time wearing the mark of the very people that I'm fighting, the same people that killed..." Luke finally faded out, unable to voice the numerous reasons anymore. The rest were a tangle of emotions he wasn't ready to delve in to yet anyway.

Anakin listened without qualms, feeling his heart ache for his son. Anakin thought it over, and then spoke of something else he hadn't delved too deeply into.

"I already told you I was born and grew up a slave," Anakin said softly. "I had a chip implanted in me at infancy." Anakin rubbed his hands together in a rare display of vulnerability. "And you know what?"

Luke finally turned to look at his father, showing that he was listening to what the other man had to say while Luke himself fought back the memories that were fighting to the forefront of his mind. The last thing he wanted right now was a relapse; he'd been doing so well recently...

"I never had the implant removed. Sure it was deactivated, but I never got it taken out." Anakin said. "I was freed from slavery, but I still carry that mark of it. There are scars I will forever bear." He thinned his lips. "When I was a slave I would always adamantly defend my humanity, for fear that if I allowed people to view me only as a slave, I would fall into that depression and never crawl back out. And while it worked for the most part, I'm still afraid of when people look at me. Part of me still fears that, even after all these years, when people look at me, all they'll see is that insecure slave who lurks beneath the," he made quotations with two fingers, "brave Jedi persona."

Anakin met Luke's gaze once more. "I'm not trying to out-match your experience, but please accept that I understand, and that you are not alone." Anakin hesitantly placed a hand over Luke's, not wanting to upset him through touch again.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because we bear these marks, we're still our own people. We can choose to not let it hold us down. I'm not saying you have to heal overnight. That's impossible for anyone, Jedi or not. Just... don't push the important people in your life away because of it." He now smiled softly. "You are the kindest, most gentle soul I have ever met, save for your grandmother. You have an inner light that could outshine a thousand suns. You're a much better man than I'll ever be and you have friends and family that love you. And no amount of markings or cruelty done to you will change that. Those who really love you will still be there when the dust settles."

Luke felt his throat clogging with emotion at his father's words, though he managed to keep all but one tear from slipping past his control. His father definitely had a way of saying just what Luke needed to hear every time. With a slightly shaky smile, Luke gently clasped his father's hand in his own and squeezed. "Thank you," he said softly, feeling that familiar warmth fill him again.

Anakin returned the gentle smile, and then hooked a thumb at Artoo. "If I weren't here, Artoo would be doing this for me. He's got more sense and heart than most of the people I've met."

Luke smirked, though it was still a little strained by all of the emotions inside of him. "Yeah, but he's also mouthier than any human I know...maybe besides Han."

Anakin chuckled lightly, then sought to change the subject. "So we're supposed to find ourselves a smuggler, is that right?"

"Yeah, Llanic should have plenty of them; Ben might have even called it a wretched hive of scum and villainy," Luke said, the hard edge of his smile softening.

Anakin nodded. "That does sound like Obi-Wan."

Luke chuckled. "Though it's not nearly as bad as Mos Eisley," Luke said pointedly as he started the process of coming back into realspace.

Anakin snickered. "Can't argue with you there."

Luke smiled, though his attention immediately riveted on the screen that alerted them to the contacts in the system. He'd expected the system to be lively when they arrived, but he had not been expecting an Imperial Star Destroyer to immediately show up. Luke's mind immediately did the calculations, and he relaxed again once he realized it was too far away to pull them in with a tractor beam or engage in any other meaningful way.

However, there were two TIE Fighters much closer to the Jewel, though their attention was on a ship that didn't look like it was able to defend itself very well, its shields holding up at the moment but not likely to last much longer. It didn't help the TIEs were faster than said ship, and it seemed an all-around unfair fight. Still, Luke wasn't going to make it their problem as they were supposed to keep their heads down on this trip, especially here as this was alarmingly close to the Rebellion and the last thing they needed to do was give an Imperial ship the impression that the Rebellion was in this sector.

Then he realized that the ship was of Kupohan make, a group that had helped the Alliance before and might help again in the future. That didn't mean that the ship carried Kupohans, or even that they were Alliance friendly Kupohans. His mind stacked up numerous reasons simply to move on as he eyed the fight, fingers twitching subconsciously on the controls as he finally made up his mind on two principles—if they had annoyed the Empire this much they were at least marginally on Luke's side, and since he could help them he should. He didn't think his father was going to argue with him on that last principle as most people would, either.

"Artoo, plot us a course out of the system right away," he said suddenly as he accelerated to intercept speed. "We're going to have to get out of here in a hurry after this; and hold onto something."

As he moved the ship into position, he grimaced, muttering a soft, "One cannon..." to himself before he flipped on the deflector shields and pulled up the targeting computer.

Anakin looked at the displays, then at his son. "Not that I'm opposed to helping them, but are you sure about this? We need to find a smuggler, remember?"

Luke made an expression somewhere between a sheepish smile and a slight grimace as he dived and rolled the ship, one of the TIEs already in his sights. "Too late now," he admitted as he fired. Blue shots came out of theDesert Jewel in bouts of three, and though the first shot missed, the second hit true and the TIE was destroyed. "Besides, I'm sure we can come back later when there's not an entire Star Destroyer lurking around the planet," he said as he pulled up to engage the second TIE. He expected the ship to change course and attack the Jewel, but to his surprise it turned its attention right back to the Kupohan ship. Luke blinked in surprise.

"Is it just me, or is it strange to ignore the mortal threat and give someone a free shot at your unshielded ship to pursue a fleeing target instead?" Luke asked, checking the scanners to make sure there wasn't another ship or ambush. Nothing; just the Kupohan ship, the TIE, and the Jewel. The Star Destroyer, on the other hand, had launched an entire squadron of TIEs, but it would be a while before they caught up. "They must want to erase that ship in the worst way...and they were probably given a 'Kill the Kupohans or don't come back' order."

It was just another reason to help. Whatever the Kupohans had done, it was enough to make the Imperials in this sector scramble.

Luke lined up with the TIE as it tried to blast the Kupohan ship to pieces and opened fire, the TIE falling apart at the first shot from the Jewel.

"There," Luke said aloud, checking the Star Destroyer and TIE squadron positions again; they were still a few minutes out. "Maybe we can get some answers. Artoo, prepare the next jump and see if you can raise the Kupohan ship."

Artoo whistled, his words appearing on the holodisplay he'd decided to plug into: Jump ready now. Initiating contact.

"Good. I hope that they can still," He started to say, though he stopped when the Kupohan ship jumped to hyperspace in the next second. He let out a small huff. "Well, I guess they can still jump. Not so much as a thank you...We should do the same. Take us to hyperspace as soon as you're ready, Artoo."

Luke waited until the stars became a blur once more to relax, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. Hopefully Admiral Ackbar and Leia would forgive him for tweaking the Empire's nose when they were supposed to be hiding. Also, Luke hoped the ship wouldn't end up on the Imperial wanted lists, and that somehow they would stay ahead of any Imperial alert to be on the lookout for them. In retrospect, Anakin had been right; that had been a rather brash move.

Anakin grimaced as well, but instead of calling Luke on his error, he moved on.

"There are many places to find smugglers if you know where to go." He placed a hand on Luke's arm. "We'll improvise; it's what Skywalkers do best." He grinned mischievously. "Despite what others may say."

Luke returned the smile. "Yeah...besides, if we don't secure a deal with the Chekkoo clan, than it won't matter, and there's still plenty of time afterwards to find transport if we do."

"Right," Anakin nodded. "Besides, I think the Alliance got the order of things backwards; a smuggler won't smuggle invisible goods for us, like you said."

He pursed his lips. "One place we could find smugglers, though treacherous, is Hutt Space. Depends on how desperate the Alliance is, but I can guarantee no one there has a great love for the Empire."

Luke nodded. "Though we don't want our smuggler to be bought out either. I don't know, I guess we can worry about it after we're done with the negotiations," he said with a small sigh.

Anakin nodded again. "I agree. One thing at a time."

Luke reclined in his seat, ruffling his hair as he did so. "All right, so now we're headed to Rodia. It shouldn't take too long. I believe there will be a representative waiting for us when we arrive, so we'll go right into the tour," Luke told him, standing up from the pilot seat and stretching. The adrenaline from the short fight was already leaving his system.

Anakin waved his son toward the bunks. "Go rest; I'll fly. Artoo and I can keep each other company."

Luke smiled wanly. "All right; try not to drive each other crazy while I test out Nakari's bunks," Luke said with a slight chuckle before he meandered out of the cockpit.

Artoo twittered indignantly, letting Luke know that he was far from annoying.

"I'm just teasing Artoo," Luke called back, his laughter wafting up the corridor.

Artoo tootled once more, and Anakin smiled at his friend.

"Good job keeping Luke on his toes, Artoo." Anakin chuckled.

Artoo was quiet for a moment and then unhooked from his socket and wheeled up to stand beside Anakin.

Anakin waited until he was certain Luke was asleep before he placed a hand on Artoo's dome. "Do you really think I got through to him, Artoo? About the brand?" He wondered aloud. "I know it will take time, but as his father, I worry about him."

Artoo warbled gently, bumping Anakin's leg affectionately. Anakin looked to his faithful companion and let out a slow breath.

"I certainly hope you're right."

They lapsed into a calming silence for a while before Artoo tootled a hesitant question.

Anakin glanced to the display Luke used for translation and grimaced.

Are you still self-conscious about your time as a slave?

Anakin hesitated, turning his attention to the view of mottled stars outside the viewport.

"Sometimes, yes," he admitted. "Mostly when things involve slavery. But it lurks, deep and poisonous in my subconscious, waiting for opportunities to strike."

Artoo warbled gently, and Anakin's lips lifted into a warm smile, and despite himself, tears stung his eyes.

You had a loving mother who reminded you often about your humanity, too. You told me that once.

"Yes, she did," Anakin agreed. "I have her to thank for my sanity then."

Another silence, then, Shmi would be proud of the father and the Jedi you have become.

Anakin allowed his few tears to cleanse his aching heart. He still missed his mother terribly, but Artoo understood, even when the Jedi Order hadn't.

"Thanks Artoo," Anakin whispered, laying a loving hand on the droid's blue and silver dome.

************************************************************************************

When Luke woke up from his nap, he allowed himself to shower once more and change into a different pair of clothes. He'd rather be fresh and clean when he met with the Chekkoo dealers as a representative for the Alliance; the other clothes had been for comfort during a long trip, though now...

Well, Anakin had sort of rubbed off on Luke, and Luke had been wearing Jedi-like garb more and more often. However, Luke wore whites and light tans where Anakin wore black and dark brown.

Once Luke's outer tunic was situated to hide his lightsaber, the collar raised as always—especially since he was going as a Rebellion Representative in secret and the last thing he wanted was his Imperial brand to show—Luke made his way back to the cockpit, stifling a yawn.

Anakin glared at Artoo indignantly. "How can you say that didn't count?!"

Artoo responded flatly. Saving him from being too happy is not technically saving his life.

Anakin huffed. "Whose side are you on anyway? You're supposed to be my droid, remember?"

Artoo twittered. At least Kenobi was less if a trouble maker. You Skywalker's have a knack for getting into the craziest predicaments.

Anakin folded his arms over his chest. "I resent that statement. And if you prefer Obi-Wan's methods, then maybe you should work for him."

Life with you is always more entertaining, Artoo admitted, albeit a little reluctantly.

Anakin was grinning widely now. "You see? You crave excitement just as much as we so-called troublemakers do!"

Bemused, Luke leaned in the doorway, watching the two with amusement lighting his eyes. "I thought I told you two not to drive each other crazy; what in the galaxy is going on here?"

Anakin glanced back, surprised that he'd missed Luke's approach.

"Oh, just trying to establish that Artoo loves us Skywalkers more than he cares to admit sometimes." Anakin grinned, then whispered conspiratorially. "I think Artoo's memory is going fuzzy, because he thinks I didn't really save Obi-Wan on Cato Neomoidia."

Artoo twittered in a disgruntled manner. All you did was give him a rebreather! And I am far more likely not to lose my memory, because I'm better at staying out of trouble.

"You're kidding, right?" Anakin shot back. "Who was right there with me through most of those crazy times?"

I did not really have a choice, now did I? Artoo asked sarcastically.

Anakin chuckled. "Say what you want, but you know you wouldn't want it otherwise..." He waggled an eyebrow. "Unless you prefer Threepio's method of hiding and running every time something..."

No! Artoo squealed. Thank you, but I will keep my circuits sane.

Anakin belly-laughed, wiping tears of mirth from the corner of his eyes.

Luke laughed as well, shaking his head and approaching the controls. "That's just cruel," he said with a snicker, patting Artoo's dome affectionately before he re-took his position at the pilot's chair, readjusting his tunics on instinct.

Anakin grinned. "Yeah, but he can take it," he said in response, patting Artoo's dome once more, "and he is more than capable of dishing it out."

Luke snorted, checking the time they had left to Rodia. "That's an understatement," he chuckled. "Just a few minutes until we reach Rodia; ready for some simple negotiations minus the aggressive part?"

Anakin nodded, sobering. "Artoo, better go plug back in."

Artoo warbled an affirmative and wheeled away.

Anakin looked to Luke. "You're running point on this, so I'll follow your lead."

Luke gave him a smug smile. "Sure thing, General," he teased, ready to revert back to realspace as soon as they arrived, hand hovering over the controls. "Are you saying the Lieutenant is the better negotiator?"

Anakin grimaced. "I'll have you know, young one," he poked a finger at Luke's bicep, "that there was a reason Obi-Wan got called the Negotiator, not me. I prefer what your mother and I like to call aggressive negotiations."

"Ah," Luke said with a grin and a nod of his head. "Negotiating from the business end of a lightsaber, got it; I'll be sure to do all of the calm negotiating in the future. Though I believe most of this trip will be seeing if we can actually use what they have to offer, if we can find a secure way to get it from Rodia to wherever in the galaxy we are at the time, so on and so forth."

As he finished speaking, he pulled the ship out of realspace, taking in the planet in front of him. "Well, here we are; Rodia."

Anakin lifted a brow at the planet below. "Let's just hope things go smoothly."

Luke heaved a sigh. "Yeah, as much as I usually complain about being bored, it would be nice to have a mission go right for once," Luke commented as he guided the ship to where they were supposed to meet the representative for the Chekkoo clan.

Anakin smiled to himself. "Yeah."

It didn't take long for them to land the ship, and Luke let out a slow sigh as he powered down the ship, standing to make his way down the landing ramp Artoo had lowered. Luke was immediately hit with a pungent odor, and he struggled not to gag at the smell that assaulted his nostrils. Thankfully his eyes hadn't watered, because when Luke descended the stairs he saw that their Chekkoo representative was already waiting for them, dressed in a long blue tunic trimmed with gold. She ignored the expression on Luke's face that he couldn't help from the smell, and Luke allowed himself a quick cursory glance at the mountains and jungles around them before turning his attention to the Rodian in front of him who was already addressing him. Anakin and Artoo took up the rear.

"Welcome, Luke Skywalker," she said. "I am Laneet Chekkoo. I will be your guide while you visit Rodia."

"Pleasure to meet you," Luke stated, managing to keep his voice pleasant despite the smell. "Are you only a guide, or will I be negotiating with you, as well?"

"Only a guide. I am primarily concerned with keeping your presence here unobserved by other clans. If you will follow me, we will depart for Toopil."

Luke's brow furrowed in concern. "Toopil? Aren't we going to the enclave?"

Laneet twitched her head to the left, which Luke guessed signaled a negative among the Rodian people. "Too many Imperial spies there and even more from other clans. At the enclave we are meek and subservient to the Grand Protector and display very little in the way of our true wealth and power. Toopil is a different place entirely. You will see. This way, please."

Without another word, Laneet turned and started to walk away, and Luke followed, glancing at his father with an expression that clearly read two minutes on the planet's surface and we're already doing unexpected things.

Anakin narrowed his eyes in response to Luke's unspoken notion, and stepped close enough to speak quietly in the young man's ear.

"This would be an excellent time to practice listening to the Force," he suggested. "Get a feel for what's around you...and for the intentions of our guide."

Luke nodded, letting himself slip enough into the Force to be conscious of the promptings it offered without being so lost in its pushes and pulls that he forgot about the present. Ever since Maridun, Luke and Anakin had been much more cautious and alert, border-line paranoid even, as much as Luke hated the thought. Still, they were just trying to avoid another incident. A little caution never hurt.

Luke couldn't sense any ill intent from the guide as she led them through a thickly crowded market street, pulling his collar a little higher out of an instinctual, subconscious act. His father stayed close behind, and Luke kept himself immersed in the Force lest there be any unexpected surprises headed their way.

Laneet led them into an electronics vendor, speaking to an Ithorian that immediately moved out of the way to reveal a secret passage behind. Luke hesitated, but when he still hadn't sensed any danger in the Force, he followed Laneet, noting how the Ithorian lumbered back into place once they were all past him to hide the passage. The small group of three and one droid slipped inside, and Laneet closed a panel behind them to make sure the passage was hidden. She turned to the others, and Luke felt a little soothed when he heard her explanation.

"We just want to make sure we are not followed. Our transport awaits ahead, but please move silently. We are still moving through the market, and the walls are thin. We don't want to give away the presence of this passage to anyone."

Luke nodded, taking care to tread lightly as Laneet continued forward but still keeping his senses open just in case.

Anakin kept his own senses peeled, but also took the time to observe his surroundings like Obi-Wan had taught him as a young Padawan.

The passage was indeed thin-walled, as evidenced by the way noise could be heard from the other side. Anakin lifted a brow, wondering why the guide was worried about noise. But she probably knew things they didn't, so Anakin followed his son, Artoo taking up the rear.

Luke followed after Laneet as quietly as he could, listening both to the Force and to the sounds that could be heard through the thin walls around them until they came to the very end of the hall. Laneet paused in front of two fully armored robotic guards, and Luke's hand twitched instinctively towards his lightsaber hidden from view under his outer tunic as he took in the guards and automatic guns that were trained on the party, though he managed to restrain himself from drawing the weapon. Laneet identified herself and introduced the rest of the party, and after a few tense moments of anticipation while the droids processed her words they stepped out of the way, allowing them to pass. Luke felt himself relax marginally as they descended a ramp that led right to a small docking bay that housed an equally small speeder. All four of them managed to squeeze into the speeder, though Laneet waited until they were several minutes into the drive to start speaking.

"We can talk now. Please forgive the unpleasant security measures. We welcome all business, you understand, especially that which will prove inconvenient to the Chattza clan or to the Empire. But we must be careful. It is for our protection as much as yours that we go to such lengths."

"Well, It's impressive," Luke stated smoothly. "I've never even heard of Toopil."

"It doesn't exist officially," Laneet informed him, launching into a detailed and complex explanation of how they kept their operation secret. When she finished, Luke was left with the impression that even Han would have been impressed with their setup—he knew that he was impressed.

"And the Empire truly has no clue you're doing this?"

Laneet snorted. "I'm sure they have their suspicions. We suspect every other clan of similar practices."

Anakin remained quiet, allowing the others to speak while he continued to observe their surroundings.

The speeder fell silent again until they'd arrived at a second, much larger dock that surprisingly appeared unguarded. Luke would have believed that there was nothing there if he hadn't been attuned to the Force, which was telling him that there was something there. Guards, in fact, since Luke felt no malicious intent. He frowned. He could definitely sense them...but he couldn't see them.

Laneet noticed Luke's confusion, though she misinterpreted it as confusion over the lack of guards. Still, her response also managed to answer Luke's internal question as well. "There are guards. They're in stealth armor," Laneet said.

"Oh really? I've never seen stealth armor..." Luke replied, grimacing when he realized too late how he sounded. Laneet chuckled.

"Hence the name."

Wanting to move past his slip up, Luke shook his head. "Do you manufacture the stealth armor yourself?"

"Yes, Utheel is quite diversified. It doesn't have shipyards or produce heavy artillery, but almost anything smaller can be found here, save perhaps blasters. Other manufactures are more efficient at producing such basic weapons. We produce a broad range of higher-quality items in smaller batches. You will see more inside. Come."

Luke followed after her, trying not to react to all of the heavy automatic blaster turrets and the invisible guards he could sense but not see. There was so much firepower at this door alone, Luke wondered if even a Jedi could penetrate the security measures for a moment. Furthermore, Laneet had her hands and eyes scanned at the console after she spoke something into the console in Rodian, which opened the door. She led them into a magnetically sealed room and pointed towards a discoloration on the floor and a matching stain on the ceiling.

"If anyone were to get this far without receiving a go-ahead from the door outside, the weighted ceiling drops down quite fast. Squashed at least one Chattza spy."

If it wasn't for the fact it had obviously kept someone that hadn't belonged out, Luke would have said that it was overkill. Laneet led them through one more door down a narrow hall, and they finally reached their destination—at least that's what Luke believed. They were standing in a rather luxurious meeting room with tables and upholstered chairs, complete with chandeliers, carpets, and live attendants instead of droids. However, there was an obvious drawback by the fact that Luke almost gagged once again because of the smell, though this time it was because of the cloying floral scent the Rodias had apparently used to make the aroma more suitable for humans. However, it only served to make it a little difficult to breath.

He sincerely hoped for several moments that the difficulty to comfortably breath didn't trigger any relapses when he was supposed to be negotiating before he turned his attention to the Rodians that were waiting to be introduced. They were all employees form different divisions of Utheel Outfitters, and each were ready to discuss the business they could do with the two Rebel Alliance representatives. In fact, Luke could see a rather impressive display of a wide range of weapons laid out on long tables throughout the room instead of food, as would normally accompany business meetings.

The conversations passed in a blur, where after a drink and a brief chat that complimented the security measures they were given a tour of the weapons on display. Some were prototypes, and others were ready and given as gifts such as a proximity stun mine, a handheld EMP detonator, and a needle gun. The needle gun reminded Luke of Nakari's slug gun that she had said worked in situations where a blaster didn't, and Luke was moved to ask if they had anything with that kind of punch with high-velocity armor-piercing rounds. He was pleased to hear that they were going to set something up for them to look at the next day. The weapons seemed all right, but Luke figured it would be best to test out some of the weapons to see how well they worked tomorrow. He turned to Laneet, one more thing in mind before night fell.

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could we see the smuggling bay that you mentioned earlier before we make any deals? Your equipment is fine, but it will be useless if we can't get it offplanet safely."

Laneet nodded. "Yes, we can do that. Night is about to fall anyway, and the end of their shift is nearing. They can continue with you tomorrow."

Luke inclined his head, giving Laneet a pleasant smile. It would be nice to get out of the cloying air and back to where he could comfortably breathe.

Anakin couldn't blame Luke's reaction to the air. Only Anakin's use of the Force kept him from commenting. That and he didn't want to mess this up for Luke.

******************************************************************************

As soon as they were in their hotel room, Anakin turned to Luke. "Well, those were some pretty impressive weapons." He shook his head. "I know a bounty hunter who'd have given a good amount of money to have one of those things."

He sat upon the bed, grateful to be off of his feet. "So, what's your prognosis, Sir?" He smirked.

"Well, it seems the third try's the charm," Luke said, gesturing around the room with a small smile. The room had, instead of being heavily sprayed with perfumes to mask any Rodian smell, been scrubbed of any smells, and Luke could once again comfortably breathe. Artoo was plugged into a powerfeed in the corner, and a hot dinner was waiting for them on the desk. Luke handed Anakin his plate before he took a seat on his own bed. "So far I think the Alliance should do business with Utheel. I have to wait until Artoo downloads the catalog to check their pricing, and we should test some of the products tomorrow, but for the most part...I think it's a wise investment. We'll probably be out of here sooner than expected if things continue to go so smoothly," Luke said thoughtfully.

Anakin nodded. "Just make sure to get a good deal; don't be afraid to do a little bartering."

He sniffed at his plate, shrugged, and started to eat. The food wasn't half bad, and he ate it swiftly. Then he wandered to the window and peered outside, taking up a parade-rest like stance with feet apart, hands clasped behind his back.

Luke eyed his tense form closely for a moment, finishing his own meal and setting the plate aside before he rose from his seat to stand beside Anakin. "Are you all right?" he asked quietly. "You've got that 'I'm thinking of something very serious right now' look on your face," Luke pointed out, gazing out the window as well.

Anakin smiled faintly, but didn't immediately answer. He recalled another time when he'd stood like this in an open-air balcony. This was not as dire a time, and yet, he was a little sad.

"I'm just thinking about your mother," he said softly, picking a point on the horizon. "We haven't seen each other for months...and I had been very much looking forward to seeing her when we brought the Chancellor back." Anakin sighed. "I miss her. It's not easy keeping our marriage a secret."

Then he paused. Had he told Luke that yet?

Luke nodded. He remembered from the conversation in Ben's hut all those months ago, how his parent's relationship had been a secret, and how not even Ben had known they were married. He put a gentle hand on his father's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. He could only imagine how his father felt, being gone from his wife so long before and eager to be reunited just to be pulled away to another time where she wasn't alive, unknowing when he would be able to see her again.

"I'm sure she's all right," Luke assured his father softly.

Anakin nodded. "She's the strongest woman I know. She always stands for what's right, no matter what."

He shifted, ready to move on. "So, are you ready to try some more Force techniques?"

Luke smiled. "Why not? We've got nothing else to do."

Anakin smirked. "How's about if we practice levitating?"

Luke grimaced. "Figures..."

"It comes in handy, trust me," Anakin told his son before he glanced about. "Let's start with..." He saw a soggy vegetable on Luke's plate. "This."

Luke couldn't help but notice that the objects his father wanted him to move were getting gradually smaller with every failed attempt. Luke eyeballed the vegetable, wondering if he would be able to lift it this time. He sincerely hoped his growing frustration with levitation wasn't obvious.

Anakin tapped Luke on the temple. "You need to find a way to connect with the object you're trying to move. Find it in the fabric of the Force, and then you can manipulate it."

Luke sighed. "I know, I know, I've tried..." he said as he sat down on the bed. He shook his head and let out a long sigh, closing his eyes to immerse himself in the Force. Why this single element eluded him, Luke didn't know, but he just had to keep trying. Especially since he knew it was possible. Carefully, Luke poked around with his senses in the Force before he located his target, sitting in mock innocence on the plate.

Anakin waited patiently as Luke centered himself, willing him to get it this time around. He knew it bothered Luke that he couldn't levitate yet.

Anakin watched Luke stretch out a hand toward the object and held his breath.

Just relax, don't think, trust the Force and trust yourself, Luke chanted softly in his mind trying to get a good grasp on the object in front of him, eyes closed. He felt the vegetable wobble slightly with his efforts, and Luke clung to the hope that maybe he could turn that wobble into an action that would lift it a little higher, just barely off of the plate even. He just wanted to shift it up a little...

Anakin watched the vegetable wobble...felt Luke straining...and bit his lip. Anakin rested a hand on Luke's arm and sent a soothing wave to him.

"You're trying too hard, Luke," he murmured. "It's not about thought...it's about willpower and trust. Belief."

He released Luke once more and gave him some space.

Luke sighed at his father's words. He knew it was about willpower, trust, and belief. He did want to move things with the Force so badly, and he did trust the Force more than he once had...

Though recently the belief in himself part had slipped. With every new failure, it got harder for Luke simply to get whatever object he was focusing on to even tremble. Shouldn't he have been getting better instead of worse? At this rate, was he ever going to lift anything? And how come he always tried too hard, but whenever he tried to try less as his father kept telling him, all he did was go backwards? He couldn't get the vegetable to move without trying as hard as he could...

Feeling a little put out as the vegetable stopped moving all together, Luke let his hand drop away, opening his eyes to gaze at the floor in dejection.

I just can't do it, he couldn't help but think, running a hand through his hair.

Anakin was careful to make sure he did not appear disappointed in the slightest. He wasn't, but he didn't want to slip up and have Luke feel worse for nothing.

He placed a hand on Luke's shoulder and tried to get him to look at him, but Luke remained glum, staring at some unknown point on the floor.

Anakin pursed his lips, then sat down where he was, taking up a cross-legged meditation pose.

"Why don't you have a seat?" Anakin offered quietly.

Luke looked up at Anakin—finally—and did his best to not look as upset as he really was. A rather fruitless endeavor considering Anakin was able to sense what Luke was feeling through the Force anyway. Still, with a small sigh and no words, Luke brought himself to a sitting position that mirrored Anakin's own, right across from the older Skywalker. He waited patiently to hear what Anakin was up to now, wrestling with his most recent failure to quell and disperse the negative feelings that were attached to said failure.

Anakin closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, forcing Luke to either follow suit of just watch. His purpose was to get Luke to center himself after a failure...and to find his calm once more. Only then would the boy be receptive to further teaching.

Anakin reflected on the irony of the situation. How many times had Obi-Wan done this with Anakin? However, the older Skywalker kept his expression calm and neutral, waiting for Luke to decide which path he'd take in this moment: only watch...or join Anakin.

After Anakin went through a few breathing cycles, Luke got the inkling that he was supposed to be doing the same. So, Luke situated himself so that he would be a little more comfortable and did the same, closing his eyes and opening himself to the Force. He focused on evening out his breathing first before he tried to calm his raging thoughts and emotions, letting the Force flow through him and carry away some of those negative emotions. It was a little more difficult to let go of that feeling of failure, but he eventually was able to lose the depressing feeling in the flow of the Force as wall, leaving Luke with an overall sensation of calm.

Anakin smiled faintly when Luke reached a state of calm again, and he carried on until Luke began to question the reason for this exercise.

"That was very well done, Luke." Anakin said without opening his eyes.

He was purposely vague, allowing Luke to draw his own questions and conclusions. Anakin expected Luke to be a little befuddled, and he was prepared for the boy to doubt both himself and Anakin's statement.

But Anakin wanted the boy to think, to exercise his own Force sense and mind to figure out the direction of this conversation. He'd need it in the future; Anakin knew he had used it countless times.

Luke frowned a little at Anakin's words, wondering what Anakin was praising. Did he mean Luke letting go of his chaotic emotions, or achieving his calm state once again? He wished Anakin would at least tell him what they were doing so that he could try and make progress; how could he if he didn't know what he was doing? Was he supposed to be reflecting right now? Was that what he was supposed to do?

Unless there wasn't any one thing he was supposed to be doing right now...

Luke let out a particularly long breath before he let himself sink a little deeper into the Force, allowing him to explore his senses in the Force. Maybe he could test out his limits to see just how much he was capable of right now. Surely if he wasn't doing what Anakin wanted him to do, Anakin would tell him. Either that or Luke would sense as much and he could switch directions until he was on track.

Anakin felt the slight chaos of Luke's mind, felt his confusion, his worry that he was on the wrong track. He also felt Luke stretching his wings a bit, and nodded in approval, even though his son couldn't see it with his own eyes closed.

Anakin let Luke ponder a bit more, explore his options more, and then gave him a little more of the lesson.

"Do you know why calm is so important, Luke?" he asked quietly. A little voice in the back of his mind called him a hypocrite, but Anakin hushed it. This was for his son, who was going to be a far better man and Jedi than Anakin ever was.

Luke pondered the question for a moment, trying to pick an answer from the many different possibilities that immediately jumped to mind. "So we can hear the Force, to know what it's trying to tell us and what it wants us to do; so that we allow the Force to move through us," he finally answered, eyes still closed as he continued to gently prod deeper into the Force, amazed by the fact that every time he prodded where he thought he'd reached his limit, he found he could go at least a little farther.

Anakin nodded. "That's true. A Jedi will know what he is supposed to do, and how to do it...also the when and all other pertinent details when he is calm, focused...and when he trusts both the Force and himself." Anakin paused pointedly, letting Luke ponder on that, before he pointed something else out. "Look at how deep you already are in the Force, Luke, and you're not trying nearly so hard."

Anakin paused again, waiting for whatever Luke would do or say now.

Luke's frown returned at the reminder of Luke's failure to lift the vegetables, but he made sure he stayed where he was in the Force, releasing the emotion into the Force as he continued to experiment with his limits.

"But meditating isn't like trying to levitate something; at least not for me," Luke replied quietly. "I don't know how to not try then..."

Anakin's lips twisted into a smirk. "A Jedi Master I know had a favorite saying: Do or do not, there is no try." Anakin couldn't quite believe he, of all people, was quoting Master Yoda. "Now, what is your interpretation of that?"

Luke let out another long sigh. "You either do it, or you don't," he replied quietly.

Anakin smiled softly. "Yes. Good. However, I have always seen something between those lines of text. To me, that counsel was more about letting go of my self-doubt, and even my pride. I was and still can be prideful and arrogant. I was unsure of myself, and that translated into me not performing where I knew I could." Anakin sighed. "This was most personified for me when I was asked to take Ashoka as a Padawan Learner. I was abrasive and harsh at first, and I put her off even though she was technically already mine. However, once I accepted that I could teach her, and that I was making progress even if I couldn't always see it, my attitude changed. We grew closer then."

Anakin opened his eyes then, letting himself return to the physical world and waiting for when Luke felt ready to do the same before he finished.

Luke could sense his father withdraw from his meditative state, though Luke allowed himself a few more moments of peace within the Force before he reluctantly returned to the present, eyes opening once more to the world around him and immediately resting upon Anakin's gentle smile.

Anakin looked Luke in the eye. "Do you understand what this was all about, Luke?"

Luke bowed his head slightly. "Restoring the self-confidence I've lost trying telekinesis? Or to educate me on what I've been missing?"

Anakin gave Luke a patient smile. "A Jedi needs to be calm, as I said already. And that includes being able to calm oneself in the face of failure—perceived and real—and hardships."

He reached across the short distance and placed a careful hand on Luke's knee. "Son, even the greatest Jedi know failure. We are not perfect beings, nor should we be. We are all learning, it keeps life interesting and worth living. Even the Jedi Council, with some of the most esteemed and respected, most powerful members of the Order I am currently apart of, has problems. What sets a Jedi apart is his ability to accept what is and find his calm center despite all that. You did so, which makes this experience a full success. Forget the levitation...this was the real lesson."

Anakin gave a small squeeze. "I am very proud of you, Luke. Not just for this," he waved a hand between them, and the vegetable, "but of the man you are steadily becoming."

Anakin looked down a moment. "When Qui-Gon came for me to take me away from Tatooine, he warned me that training to be a Jedi was a very difficult path, and that even if I were to succeed, the life of a Jedi would still be hard. I had no idea just how right he was until I was able to experience it first-hand."

He smiled softly at Luke again. "It's not a crime that you don't get everything down right away; it's a process. There's a reason it's called training. It's not an overnight or quick process, it's supposed to take time, patience, and hard work. However," Anakin lifted a finger, "without belief, all of that is worthless. You can read all the Jedi text and lore there is to read, you can go through the motions...but you will never succeed until you believe you can do it. Once you achieve belief, you must hold to it and maintain that belief. Otherwise it will dwindle like a candle's flame and burn out."

Luke nodded, making sure to keep his father's lesson in mind and not forget it. He leaned back, still processing everything his father had said, including the praise and wise words. As he processed the information he'd been given, Luke did his best to make room in his heart for the possibility of failure, determined to apply his father's teachings.

Anakin have his son one last thought, something Anakin still struggled with at times. "It's okay to make mistakes, Luke. For how else are we to learn?"

"I suppose you're right," Luke replied softly, gently rubbing the back of his neck a little sheepishly.

Anakin nodded and then closes his eyes once more. "I'm going to sit a bit longer, and once Artoo has that catalogue downloaded..."

Artoo twittered excitedly, and Anakin chuckled. "I guess sitting can wait. He's got it now."

Luke snickered as well, standing up and stretching before he approached Artoo. "All right, buddy, let's see it..." he said, squatting down in front of the display Artoo had already pulled up. Luke studied it with a critical eye, frowning when he took in the steep prices. War was certainly expensive, and not just in lives lost. "I don't know if the Alliance will be able to afford any large orders...though then again, I don't quite know the budget the Alliance is working with," he murmured as he went through the items. Some of the items listed were expensive enough to nearly make him break out in a sweat. He shook his head.

"We'll have to make it a point to test whether or not these weapons are worth these prices," he said with a shake of his head. "We are meeting with the sales executive for breakfast; maybe we'll be able to talk her into lowering the prices at least a little."

Anakin pursed his lips as he read too. "Hmm, maybe we can work out a mutual deal; they might be more flexible then. But you're in charge of this, so it's your call."

Luke sighed, retreating to his bed. "Let's see how this meeting goes tomorrow, first. I'm sure they'll be willing to negotiate considering business with us means trouble for the Empire."

Anakin smirked. "Now we're talking." He lay down in his own bed with a sigh, kicking off his boots. "Goodnight Luke," he murmured.

Luke chuckled lightly before he too kicked off his boots and retreated into the covers of his bed. "Goodnight, Father."

Anakin, while tired, did not immediately fall asleep. He lie awake and thought of his beloved Padmé, wondering what she was doing right now and if she was worried sick about him. Or were things in his time frozen while Anakin took this trip?

How long would Anakin be here, anyway?

He hadn't been lying earlier when he said he missed his wife. He ached to hold her in his arms...to see if he could yet feel the presences of his daughter and son. He wanted to kiss her lips...feel her small, lithe body snuggled with his...

Anakin's heart, while happy to be with his child, still cried out for Padmé.

I love you, Angel...and I miss you, Anakin thought at her.