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Luke had kept this trip a secret. Well not a secret per say but wasn't extremely forthcoming on details.
"Where are we going Luke"
"Back to my home"
"Tatooine?"
There was no response. Luke simply continued his organization.
"Do you have another jedi there?"
"No, I was contacted for a job"
"I didn't realise the jedi took bounties"
Luke's head shook slowly. Almost exasperated.
"Not a bounty. Almost the opposite actually."
They had set down on the sands of Tatooine. Up high on a cliff edge. Likely far from common civilization. Up here the only sounds were the noises of animals and the winds carving their path through the canyon.
As Din turned back to the ship Luke had seemingly vanished. There was no sight of him and he hadn't gone back into the ship.
How could he lose someone not even a minute after touchdown.
"Luke. Luke, where are you."
Luke's hood peeked around a seemingly flush rock face. In here Din. I think I owe you an explanation.
"Tatooine is run by the slave trade. It's the only export this planet has on a galactic scale. Those of us who don't grow up in cities make our way by foraging and hunting. Trade what you have for what the land cannot give.
This is how Tatooine works."
"So why are we back"
"I was asked to lead a run."
"I'm sure there are plenty others who could lead trade ships about and even out of-"
"No, Din. I'm talking about a freedom run."
"Oh."
"My contact told me of the situation. It's one of the oldest Masters around. Likely the most cruel. I agreed to see the group and begin the plan."
"How long have you been running?"
"Heh, probably most of my life?. I had help getting started and I obviously wasn't in the action for many years while I was training but… I think since I could walk I was finding ways to help."
Din was speechless. This man who dedicated his entire life to the protection of people. And he chose to stay by Din's side. At least for now.
"How do I help?"
Luke got this strangled look on his face seeming to choke out his next words, "You wanted to help?"
"Isn't that why you brought me I can help you get them out."
"I. Yea." Luke was nodding his head hand shaking to grab something so Din reached his own hand out.
"I'm a trained warrior and it won't be that strange to see me around the slums of Tatooine. Please."
"Alright. I'll. I'll let you know the details once I get back."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you din. You. You're helping my siblings get the freedom they deserve."
And with that Luke was gone pulling a mask over his face and dressed in common tatooine wear. He would fit in seamlessly. And Din assumes, that was the point.
"Come Din. Sing"
"What?"
"Make noise, cheer, do something."
"How would I?"
Luke let out a long high cheer the sand seeming to roar alongside him head tilted to the sky
Luke was gorgeous like this. Sun kissed. Blessed. Letting out the melody of his soul into the sands itself
Luke's chest heaving brilliant smile was looking at din. And din let out a cheer of his own.
It was. It felt like how Luke was. Wild free ever-changing.
That's it Din no need to sing nice. Sing with your heart.
And so he sang.
Din couldn't describe what he felt. Maybe because there's no describing the cheer. There's no word for it. In all the languages he knows. Nothing like singing with his partner. Nothing like singing without judgment.
And soon the world sang too. He felt it there. Among the sands that held so much horror. Among the dunes that trapped foolish travelers. He felt connected. He felt free.
No more mand'alore. no more war. No more protecting. Just him. And Luke. And the desert.
Maybe this is what drove the people of tatooine. This feeling of life and light. And belonging.
Maybe thi
s is why Luke was so enchanting. He carries this intoxicating music in his soul; it rings through him.