Luke received a visitor one morning after breakfast. Biggs Darklighter stood at the door and grinned to his childhood friend. The two spoke only after a firm handshake and hug.
"My training at the Academy's complete," Biggs explained as they strolled the property. "Thought I'd come by and see how things were before they hand me my first mission."
"Have you heard about the incident at Beggar's Canyon?" Luke wanted to get the tragedy in the open before they proceeded.
"Camie explained everything. Looks like she's done a lot of growing up these past fews weeks," He put a hand on Luke's shoulder. "I could lecture you, but I imagine your uncle has done that in spades. And I might have done worse, Luke. At least you tried to keep them on the straight and narrow, but this is the Anchorhead gang we're talking about."
Luke told Biggs of Uncle Owen's health, the state of the farm, the Tusken rampages, and the slow exodus of Tatooine residents. His friend listened and nodded with an increasingly sour face.
"There's nothing but loss here, buddy," Biggs said. "Why do you think I left at the first opportunity? I'd rather risk my life in war than stay here and dry up. Have you come around? Do you want to turn in that application and get the hell off this speck of dust?"
Luke sighed. "I want to, Biggs, but my responsibilities are here. I belong on Tatooine. For as long as anyone in Mos Eisley or Anchorhead needs our water and vegetables."
Biggs nodded and went silent for a while, staring at barren landscape.
"I've been out there," He said at last, voice lower. "To the other planets in this solar system. There are mining jobs, but they're dangerous. The mortality rate is ridiculous. Those people who race off to find greener pastures are really condemning themselves to slow deaths. Stay on Tatooine, stay in the system, barely matters. The real cause is further out. The Rebellion."
He motioned for Luke to follow him, then leaned closer when they were well outside of Owen or Beru's earshot. "The Imperial Senate moved to legalize slavery. That ancient trade is back in the galaxy's center." Luke shook his head to deny the possibility, but Biggs continued. "I'm hopping ship soon to join the Rebellion. It's time to fight and, if need be, die for what I believe in. Forget farming, Luke. The Empire has denied everyone their freedom. You can save more lives by turning in that application as soon as possible. Use it as a buffer to get off the planet, then copy me."