A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far Away

Chapter 51

"That's the revert," Anakin said as an alarm went off in the cockpit. He and Luke had passed the time by getting to know one another, Anakin telling stories about missions Clone Wars, the Jedi, and Padmé while Luke told Anakin about the Galactic Civil War, some of his past on Tatooine, adventures with Han and Leia, and what he knew of Han's and Leia's respective pasts. All together, the father and son had learned quite a bit about one another and one another's timeframes.

Anakin couldn't help but notice the bond between him and Luke growing in strength as they shared stories. He had felt two bonds flare to life the moment it had been revealed that both Luke and Leia where his children, something he only picked up on through his shock because of the twin's more than overwhelming shock combined. Anakin had to consciously block them off at the time. The two bonds where already strong, but the one between himself and Luke seemed to have managed to increase in strength even more. It was already as strong, if not stronger, than the bond Anakin shared with Obi-Wan, a bond that had taken years to grow.

It was interesting to say the least, although, Anakin already had an idea of what Luke needed to work on Force related, such as shielding his mind. Anakin was hoping he might be able to teach Luke some Jedi tricks, seeing as Luke was interested in becoming a Jedi.

"Reverting now," Luke said. A moment before the revert happened, Anakin felt a warning flare through the Force.

The ship dropped out of lightspeed, before Anakin could even say something.

"What the—" Luke started, twisting the ship around hard to dodge the bottom of a capital sized ship while Anakin did what he could, sincerely wishing he was in the pilot's seat.

"What the hell is that?" Anakin asked as Luke came out of the twist, skimming their ship under the belly of the larger one.

"No idea," Luke replied. "Artoo, get a read on that thing."

Artoo beeped a reply.

"Blast!"

"What does he mean?" Anakin asked as he readied what little weapon systems they had in case they needed to defend themselves.

"Artoo, get a new jump set and don't wait for my signal. It's the Executor. Vader's flagship and the newest of it's kind," Luke explained as their comm began to blink from an incoming hail, presumably from the larger ship. "We need to get out of here and quick."

"No kidding," Anakin replied, studying what he could see of the ship. Then he felt the same cold he had sensed at Bespin. Vader. Anakin instantly hide both his and Luke's presences. It would do no good if Vader found out that the two were literally right under his nose. "I'm guessing the mission's off."

"Yep."

"Unidentified ship, identify yourself," a voice come in through the comm.

"This is Betta One," Anakin said into the comm, trying to stall. "We're just passing through."

"Artoo, how's that jump?" Luke asked worriedly.

Artoo informed him that it wasn't ready.

"This is a restricted sector," the officer on the other side of the comm said.

"You don't say," Anakin muttered. "Where's Obi-Wan when you need him?" He spoke into the comm again. "We were unaware. We will be out of your way in—"

The officer on the other side started requesting for clearance codes that would allow them to get by without any trouble.

"This place wasn't restricted when the Alliance gave me the mission," Luke said, his voice tight.

"Must have happened recently," Anakin replied as the officer began giving threats. "This thing isn't built for speed."

"Or defense," Luke added. "Any ideas?"

"One."

Artoo then tootled something.

"What do you mean we don't have to—" Luke started, right as the ship jumped to lightspeed. "Oh...."

"Perfect timing Artoo," Anakin said, smiling as both he and Luke relaxed.

"That was too close."

"Agreed."