Ben Kenobi

Lars Homestead

Cam, looking tired, pilots the speeder over the sand dunes. "How much farther?"

"Just over this next rise," says Ben.

The landspeeder approaches the familiar site of the Lars Homestead. It is similar to the Sunber Homestead, but slightly more spread out.

Cam parks the speeder by a hut. She and Ben get out and survey the homestead. There is no sign of activity.

"Is anyone here?"

"Wait."

After a while, OWEN LARS (45) exits the hut. He looks surprised and curious when he sees Cam. Then he notices Ben and looks astonished.

"What are you doing here?"

"It's a long story."

Ben sees a young tow-headed boy of about 10 playing in the shade near by. We know this is LUKE SKYWALKER. Ben smiles sadly at the son of his former apprentice.

"Well, I guess you better come in out of the heat," Owen says.

They walk inside the nearest hut.

Later, Cam and Ben sit with Owen in the kitchen. BERU (40) fixes them some food and blue milk.

"Thanks." Cam downs the drink in one chug, much to Beru's amusement. "I was really thirsty."

Beru sits down with them.

"You've experienced no Tusken Raider attacks?" Ben asks Owen.

Owen shakes his head. "Sometimes they steal parts from our vaporators. But we've seen none up close."

"They attacked a farm near here. The Sunber family. Have you heard of them?"

"We pretty much keep to ourselves."

Cam interrupts them. "That won't help you."

Owen looks at her quizzically. "I'm sorry, who are you again?"

"Cam Sunber. They took my sister."

"I'm sorry to hear that. But there's nothing we can do."

"She's about your son's age--" Cam implores.

"Luke is my nephew."

"So what if they come for you next? Help us."

Ben rejoins the conversation. "If you have any information about the Tusken camps, please tell us now."

Owen sighs. "I don't know where their camp is, but I do know one other farmer who was attacked recently. Man by the name of Hlaas. He might have more information for you."

"Thank you," Cam says.

Cam and Ben leave the hut and drive away in the speeder. Luke watches them go silently.

In the distance AR-67 watches Luke and the departing speeder through a pair of binoculars.

The speeder hums as Ben and Cam approach another homestead. This one is smaller than the others and shows signs of neglect and disrepair. The roof sags, giving the impression that it could collapse at any moment. Weeds sprout through the cracks in the foundation, reclaiming the land from human hands. In contrast to the vibrant and well-maintained homesteads they passed before, this one seems deserted and forgotten.

They park the speeder and get out. There is no sign of anyone.

"Hello?" Ben calls out "Anyone here?"

"Don't move!" a voice orders.

They turn and see FARMER HLAAS (50) pointing a blaster rifle at them. He has a scarred face and a limp.

Ben holds up his hands. "We mean you no harm."

"What are you doing here?"

"We're looking for information on Tusken Raider attacks around here," Cam says. "We want to find their camp."

"Why in the blazes would you want to do that?"

"Because they took my sister."

He lowers his weapon and sighs. "I wish I could help you, but I don't know where they are. They attacked me about a month ago. Killed my animals. I'm just grateful I don't have a family."

"There's nothing you can tell us?"

He thinks. "There was one odd thing. A few days before they attacked, a shady character came to visit me. Said his name was Tarkuno. Asked if I would consider selling my property. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it's strange that he would come all the way out here. I think he was from Mos Eisley."

Ben thinks on this. "Thank you."

The Farmer nods.

Cam turns and walks away. Ben follows after her.

"Where are you going?" he asks.

"To Mos Eisley, of course."

"Oh no, I don't think you're ready for that."

She stops and scowls at him. "Why not?"

"It's a wretched hive. Certainly no place for a--"

"Girl?"

"Farmer."

Cam smiles. "That's why you're coming with me. To do your Jedi magic."

"I didn't agree to that. And don't use that word."

"What? Jedi?"

"I'm not a Jedi anymore. And if I was, it would be very dangerous for anyone to know that."

"Okay, fine. But will you help me track down this Tarkuno?"

Ben sighs. "I will. But we must be cautious. This is becoming much more than a simple case of abduction."

"I don't care who's behind it. I just want my sister back."

Ben nods. They get back in the speeder.