OWEN LARS HAS A POSSE!!!!

It was another scorching day on the planet Tatooine. Sandy wind blew as the swoop bike quickly made its way over the wave-like dunes of the desert terrain, its driver squinting his eyes from the grains.

On his way home from another long day, Owen Lars sought comfort in the air that breezed by, cooling his face from the sweat and sunburn he obtained while doing his duties as the son of a moisture farmer. Somewhat of a workaholic, Owen was returning relatively early after only an eleven hour stint in the field. He sometimes would be checking equipment and making repairs from suns up to suns down.

he wondered however how much of it was due to his work ethic and how much of it was excuse to be away from his father Cliegg. Cliegg had become almost unbearable ever since he was crippled and confined to a hoverchair while trying to save his second wife, and Owens stepmother, Shmi. An attempt that failed when the tusken raiders who captured Shmi maimed his leg. Later on, the body of the ex slave woman would be brought to the Lars homestead by Owens stepbrother Aniken, and buried.
Ever since than Cliegg had become a cesspool of bitterness. Shmi had become such an infactuation for the man that when he lost her, he became so distraught that harsh everyday life on Tatooine as a moisture farmer wasnt enough to fill the void. Neither was being a father.

Angry at the tragedy, Cliegg began taking his fustrations out on Owen. Becoming short with him, cursing at him frequently, and constantly criticising the young man in anything that he did. From work, to choices, to his relationship with Beru Whitesun, nothing Owen did seemed to be right or good enough. As a result, Owen would take any and every oppurtunity to be far from the Lars homestead, toiling away the hours checking the moisture towers, sometimes nine times over, under the scorching heat of the planets double suns. Usually not coming back untill he knew Cliegg was asleep or away.

As his home became visible now, Owen felt as sence of alarm and tension wash over him. These feelings were usual upon his return. Hoping off his bike, Owen made his way to the front door cautiosly, his father was napping he wouldnt want to wake him. Lightfootedly he made his way to the dining quarters to fetch himself a quick drink.

"how many times did I tell you to put that bike of yours in the storage hut when your done with it?". The raspy voice cut through Owen like a dull blade. He hadnt even heard the old mans hoverchair this time, he must have been practicing.
"I was gonna after I got a drink" Owen retorted.
"After your drink, or after the Jawas heisted it for scraps?"
Not two seconds home and already Owen wanted to escape. Just go back to the bike and drive off.
" And whats it gonna take to get you to pick up your quarters? It smells like Bantha fodder in there!"
" whats it gonna take to get you off my back?!!" Owen snapped back, slamming his glass hard on the counter.
" Mind your attitude boy if you like living here" warned the elder Lars "Id have no problem sending you to live with your uncle Deo in Mos Eisely, youd see how far that attitude would get you among the theives and the scum!"

It was cool in the hut but Owens face was burning up. His nerves felt like they had been shredded! Behind his lips he gritted his teeth. Clieggs face however was calm and wore a superior smirk. Was this man so disturbed that it actually made him happy to threaten his only son? Not wanting to continue the conversation Owen pushed his way past his fathers chair and back out to the front of the hut, a spitefull gaze piercing his back as he exited.
Pulling the bike to the storage hut, Owen shook with fury. Was this what he had to look foward to for the rest of his life? Inside the hut Owen crouched down among boxes of random parts and broken down farming droids. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, exhaling fiercly. He wanted to fall asleep right than and there in the silent tranquility.

"Another fight?" questioned a calm voice, disturbing Owens peace. It was his girlfriend Beru standing at the hut opening, her faded tan robes flowing down to the sand. "Have I become that predictable?" asked Owen in an exhausted voice. Silently Beru moved to her man and crouched down to be at his side. "your fathers just going thru a rough time, hell get better eventually."
" I dont think hell ever get over it Beru, hes been like this for a while now, I cant take it anymore"
" We can sell him to the Jawas." Beru joked, an attempt that failed and prompted only silence.
She didnt like to see him this way, the anger and sadness projected so clearly on his full face. The death of Shmi hadnt only effected the Lars men, It had hit her as well. Owen had become so preoccupied with the battle with Cliegg, that he seldom saw her. And when he did, he was always like this.
Beru took hold of his massive hand and squeezed it tight. Owen could feel his mood fading a bit. Beru had always been like that for him, so calming and warm. It amazed him how understanding she was. Leaning over he kissed her on the cheek, she replied with a kiss on the lips.

Owen leaned back on a box. " Im sorry for being this way..." he began "..but you know I love you right?"
" Of course I do Owen" said Beru softly. " And thats why Ive been thinking that you need a day away from the farm." Owens eyes squinted at her comment," Im away from the hut for hours a day" he replied.
" No Owen, I dont mean working...I mean time away from here and your father." said Beru. " That would never work Beru, the oldman would hang me if he found out I wasnt farming all day."
" I miss you Owen, I want to see you happy again. All this stress isnt good for you..It isnt good for us." Owen began listening more carefully now to the pretty and petite girl. " We need some time together, I miss being with you..I cry at night thinking of the pain your in." Owen clasped his other hand over hers. How could he be so selfish?, so blind to the fact that his ways would effect his realtionship with his love Beru? Looking into her her kind and hopefull eyes he became rejuvanated. He wanted to make it up to her, to reward her for putting up with such fodder. Cliegg was going to put him down wether he worked all day or not, so why not at least enjoy time with Beru before his putdowns?

" Your right Beru.." Owen began "..The last thing I want to do is push you way from me". Beru smiled, her head on his broad shoulder. " Tommorrow, I want to take you to the Bestine Market. I want to buy you some new things". "Owen, all I want is you" Beru exclaimed. " No, no, no. You deserve a goodtime, and tommorrow youll get it", Owen said determined, putting his arm around her small frame.

" what about Cliegg?" she asked
" Ill think of something to get around that old crank" replied Owen. Kissing her on the head.

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