50 posts tagged “star wars”

 

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

EPILOGUE

CORUSCANT

Darth Rasche laid flat on his bed, inside the Emperor Palpatine Surgical Reconstruction Center, staring at the ceiling. When his eyes became weary at that particular sight, he tried to direct his gaze elsewhere . . . anywhere other than his hands. Or what used to be his hands. He did not know what to call them. Cybernetic implants? Freaks of nature?

Upon his arrival on Coruscant, the Sith Lord had been rushed to the medical facility to be fitted with new robotic hands. The droids – on the Emperor’s orders – kept him conscious during the entire operation. Rasche still recalled how the pain fueled his anger at being put in such a situation. Within three days, his body had rejected the new parts and Rasche nearly died from a serious infection. In the end, he survived, thanks to the Force and the medical droids. They fitted him with another pair of cybernetic hands . . . only this time, with more success.

Another sigh left the Sith Lord’s mouth. Rasche finally lowered his gaze and focused it upon his new artificial hands that now rested upon his lap. The gold-plated robotic fingers reminded him of those belonging to a protocol droid. Anger and a sense of loss welled inside him. He had not felt this desire to cry out in rage and lash at the universe for putting him in such a position, since that day he had first became a Sith Lord. Instead, he continued to stare at his new hands.

The sound of a door sliding open filled Rasche’s ears. He glanced up and saw his master enter the room. “Master, what are . . .?”

“How do you feel, Lord Rasche?” the wizened Sith Lord gently asked.

Rasche remained silent, as the older man’s question - for some reason - had fueled his anger. He muttered in a dark tone, “Fine.”

“Yes. I can see,” Lord Sidious replied caustically. “I thought you would like to know that our suspicions regarding Senator Dahlma had been correct. The liaison on Ord Mantell, Kalen Tom, managed to learn that she has become involved in this some new rebellion against the Empire. It seemed that she and a group of others were attending some kind of conference at Worlport. Tom managed to learn that the former Senator Yeb of Andalia had also attended. Unfortunately, he had failed to identify the others, due to the abysmal security on that planet. But do not worry, my young friend. One day, I shall learn their identities . . . and destroy them.”

Good luck. The thought bitterly rang in Rasche’s head. Solipo Yeb and a few others have managed to evade arrest for the past ten years. He remained silent and returned his gaze to the ceiling.

“You seem unusually quiet, Lord Rasche,” Palpatine continued. “In fact, I sense a great deal of unhappiness and anger within you.”

No longer able to hold back his resentment, Rasche lashed out. “How would you feel if you had been humiliated and your hands had been castrated?”

A flash of sympathy briefly appeared in the older Sith Lord’s yellow eyes. “Very angry. But you are no longer helpless. I have given you new hands. More powerful hands. With them, you will be able to . . .”

“Don’t you understand? Skywalker had defeated me! He helped Senator Dahlma escape and chopped off my hands! Why did you bother to save me? Why not simply find another apprentice?”

Palpatine regarded Rasche with a cryptic expression. “And why would I do that?”

Rasche glared at his master. “Why not? After all, you had recruited Feris Olin to kill me, several years ago.”

To the younger man’s satisfaction, surprise briefly flickered in Palpatine’s eyes. “How did you . . .?”

“Find out?” Rasche finished. “I am a Sith, my master. The Force was strong with me.”

An amused smile curled the Emperor’s mouth. “Yes. I should have realized that you might have learned about Master Olin.”

Rasche continued, “By the way, Senator Dahlma was not the only one who appeared on Ord Mantell. I also saw Olin. Along with three other people. One of them was a spacer I have heard of before. A Voranda Sen. She . . .”

“She was killed in the Moorja System,” Palpatine coolly finished. “Yes, I know about her. According to a spy, she had been attempting to recruit pilots for this new rebellion. I had wanted her captured alive, but the captain of the Invader ended up destroying her, instead. Very clumsy of him.”

But Rasche was not finished. “This Captain Sen may not be the only one who is dead.” He paused to ascertain the Emperor’s reaction. “I saw a stormtrooper shoot Olin, during my duel with Skywalker.”

Palpatine inhaled sharply. Then he quickly recovered with a barely sympathetic cluck. “Hmmm. Poor fellow. At least we have one less Jedi to worry about. And if I must be frank, Master Olin has not been a concern of mine for years. Not since he had failed to contact me, several years ago.”

The older man’s words sparked another surge of anger within Rasche. “So, you did conspire with Olin to kill me. Why? I no longer surved your purpose?”

“Of course not!” the Sith Master retorted with derision. “Master Olin had merely been a spy . . . and a tool. A test for you. How long has it been since you last a Jedi or any other Force user, before Ord Mantell? Judging from your failure to kill Skywalker, I would say it has been far too long, my young apprentice.” Rasche’s face grew hot with embarrassment, as Palpatine continued. “Unfortunately, Master Olin had abandoned my service before he could provide the test.”

His anger once again rising, Rasche shot back, “Then you should have abandoned me! Instead of giving me these . . . these . . . things!” He raised his new hands.

Palpatine’s yellow eyes acquired an intensity that Rasche had not seen in years. “I have no intention of letting you go my Lord Rasche. I need a strong apprentice, such as yourself, to help me continue the Sith’s presence in this galaxy!” Rasche opened his mouth to protest, but the Sith master continued. “You do not understand, do you? Skywalker had surrendered the chance to kill you, due to some misplaced compassion he had failed to rid himself of. A Lieutenant Nance had informed me of what had occurred inside that hangar. It took Skywalker quite a while to defeat you. Much longer than it would have taken him, ten years ago. This only tells me that he has grown weaker with the Force.” The Sith Lord spit out his last sentence with great contempt. “Perhaps you are not ready to face Skywalker, yet. But one day, my young friend . . .” Palpatine graced Rasche with a smile that radiated self-assurance. “One day, you will.”

Silence engulfed the room, punctuated by beeps from the medical droid. Rasche stared at his mentor, wondering if the latter had foreseen Skywalker’s death. Then again, Sidious could merely be trying to bolster his self-esteem. “I . . . could you . . .?”

“Enough questions, my friend. You need your rest.” The Emperor’s voice oozed with sympathy. “Once you are well, we shall see about returning to business, which includes dealing with this new rebel threat.”

Rasche nodded. “What about . . . Skywalker? Now that we know the name of his starship, shouldn’t we set about finding him?”

Palpatine sighed. “Ah yes. The former Darth Vader.” A cold smile curved his lips. “You should not concern yourself with him,” he replied. “At least not yet. Like I said before, one day . . . Skywalker will see us out. And when that day arrives, you will deal with him. Permanently. Rest well, my Lord Rasche.” Palpatine nodded imperiously and left the room.

The Sith apprentice laid back on his bed and contemplated his master’s words. A memory from the past month came back to him. A memory that featured Anakin Skywalker’s haunted expression, when the latter hesitated to strike him down. Rasche looked forward to the day when he would reunite with his predecessor and destroy the man. But he hoped to accomplish something else – to learn why Skywalker had refrained from killing him.

THE END

The following is a list of minor notes and observations that came to me, during my recent viewing of “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”. I hope that you enjoy them:

Notes and Observations of “STAR WARS: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi”

*I have always found the launching of shuttles rather different in the STAR WARS saga, in compare to other science-fiction sagas. The Imperial shuttles leave the starships like drops of water from a faucet.

*The commander of the Death Star II seemed to react with horror at the news of the Emperor’s impending arrival. Quite a contrast to his mild nervousness at Vader’s arrival.

*When I first saw ”Return of the Jedi”, I must admit that I found the numerous creatures inside Jabba’s palace a bit overwhelming. Okay, a lot overwhelming.

*I like the way the camera suddenly in on the image of a frozen Han Solo hanging on Jabba’s wall. Very dramatic.

*Why would anyone torture a droid with hot irons?

*Why was Jabba suspicious of Leia’s bounty hunter disguise? Why did he suspect that she would attempt to free Han?

*Why did Luke use the Force to briefly strangle Jabba’s guards? Was it necessary, considering that all they did was block his path?

*I hope that getting captured by Jabba was part of Luke’s plan. If not, he was being rather arrogant in his belief that his initial plan to rescue Han would work. He reminded me of Padme’s display of arrogance in ”Attack of the Clones”, when she believed that she would be able to rescue Obi-Wan from Count Dooku.

*”Vader’s March” seemed intensified in the scene featuring the Emperor Palpatine’s arrival on the Death Star II.

*It is interesting that Yoda had warned Luke about facing Sidious . . . and not Vader.

*Yoda is the only major Jedi character from the Old Republic that died peacefully. Even more odd is that although he has never been a favorite character of mine, I found myself crying over his death.

*”When your father left, he didn’t know your mother was pregnant. Your mother and I knew he would find out eventually, but we wanted to keep you both safe as possible, for as long as possible. So I took you to live with my brother Owen on Tatooine . . . and your mother took Leia to live as the daughter of Senator Organa on Alderaan.”

A lot is wrong with the above statement by Obi-Wan. Anakin knew that Padme was pregnant. He just did not know that she was carrying twins. Owen Lars turned out not to be Obi-Wan’s brothers. Which is a good thing, because Obi-Wan had seemed unnaturally cool over Owen and Beru Lars’ deaths in "A New Hope". He ended up reacting more strongly over the destruction of Alderaan and his encounter with Vader. And Padme did not survive giving birth to Luke and Leia – which also makes sense, considering that I cannot see her giving up one child to the Lars and taking the other one with her to Alderaan.

*I found it disturbing that even as a Force ghost, Obi-Wan tried to encourage Luke to commit patricide.

*I hate to say this, but Harrison Ford did some truly atrocious acting in the scenes that featured Han volunteering for the mission on Endor and saying good-bye to Lando before his departure.

*I wonder if Vader had any idea that Sidious had been planning to replace him with Luke.

*Every time I watch this movie, I have to be reminded that Han, Leia, Chewbacca and the droids were accompanied by Rebel troops.

*The speeder bike chase sequence through the Endor Forest is still a classic with me and the Redwood State and National Forests were never more beautiful.

*Oh God! Ewoks! Just what I need. DAMN YOU, George Lucas!

*It is interesting that the Ewoks did not take the threats of their . . . ”deity”, Threepio, very seriously. Until Luke used the Force.

*Threepio’s tale of the past two movies was rather emotional, but I think it would have been better if Bail Organa had not ordered his memories of the Republic wiped.

*The minute Luke and Leia began to talk about Padme, I started to cry.

*The quarrel between Leia and Han . . . featured some sloppy acting by Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. Geez! What is with them in this movie?

*Great moment between Luke and Vader at the Imperial base on Endor. It is odd that Luke had advised Vader to let go of his hate. I never got the feeling that hate was Vader’s problem in this movie. He seemed too lethargic and resigned to his fate.

*EMPEROR: Ah, yes, a Jedi's weapon. Much like your father's. By now you must know your father
can never be turned from the dark side. So will it be with you.

LUKE: You're wrong. Soon I'll be dead...and you with me.
Both Luke and Palpatine seemed to be suffering from massive ego trips.

*Despite my dislike of the Ewoks, I must admit that I found their battle against the Imperial forces on Endor well shot. Many fans believe that Lucas was trying to convey the idea of the futility of technology against nature. I can see their point.

*That old bugaboo about attachments seemed to have reared its ugly head, as Palpatine goaded Luke into attacking first.

*Many fans have claimed that Luke had become more powerful than Vader in this movie. However, I have this odd feeling that Vader’s heart was not really into that last duel. When he discovered that he has a daughter, he used this knowledge to goad Luke into attacking him. Was he trying to turn Luke to the ”Dark Side”? Or trying to goad the latter into killing him? Suicide by duel?

*It is easy to see that Palpatine has become too arrogant and sloppy in his old age. He has developed a big mouth over the past two decades. If he had kept his mouth shut during Vader and Luke’s duel, the latter would have killed his old apprentice, and the Emperor would have acquired a new one.

*Ah yes! The ultimate moment when Anakin saved Luke and killed the Emperor. Still brings tears to my eyes.

*Great special effects used in the sequence featuring Admiral Needa’s death.

*I think that I like the destruction of the Death Star II a little better than the destruction of the first one in ”A New Hope”.

*After watching Anakin’s death scene, it occurred to me that all of the movie’s best scenes centered around Luke and Anakin.

*Why in the hell did Leia wait so long to tell Han that Luke was her brother? I knew that she was upset to learn that Anakin/Vader was her father, but . . . geez!

*What goes around, comes around. Anakin received a funeral pyre just like his first Jedi mentor – Qui-Gon Jinn, the very man who had discovered him.

*The celebration music at the end of the movie seemed like a slight improvement over the original version. I can also say the same about Hayden Christiansen’s appearance as the ghost Force Anakin Skywalker.

*Even though this is my least favorite STAR WARS movie, I must commend it for the strong emotional ties it seemed to have with the Prequel Trilogy.

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER TWENTY

TATOOINE SYSTEM

From her seat aboard the Alberforce, Padme spotted the red she had become familiar with over the past twenty years loom before her eyes. At last, they have arrived on Tatooine. After nearly a week apart from her children, she looked forward to reuniting with them. Several beeps emitted from the astromech droid that stood nearby. Padme allowed herself a brief smile. R2-D2 seemed happy at the prospect of a reunion with C3-P0.

Padme’s eyes fell upon the somber figure that sat across from her. Poor Obi-Wan. He almost seemed like a ghost of his former self, since Ferus Olin’s death. The funeral for the younger man had been a small, quiet affair. A few mourners – herself, Obi-Wan, Bail, Queen Breha, Captain Antilles and a handful of Jedi refugees – attended the service held within the villa’s private courtyard. Following the service, Master Olin’s body was incinerated on a funeral pyre – just like Master Qui-Gon Jinn’s body, twenty-four years ago on Naboo.

Memories of that long ago day reminded Padme of the little boy she had befriended. She had last seen that little boy as a grown man, engaged in a lightsaber duel against Palpatine’s apprentice. Padme hoped that Bail had been right about Darth Rasche. Or that Anakin was still alive. Speaking of her missing husband, another thought came to her. How long had Voranda Sen and Anakin known each other?

Curious to learn the answer to her question, Padme left her seat and made her way to the Alberforce’s cockpit. She settled in the seat next to the ship’s captain. “You should have remained in your seat,” the red-haired pilot chided. “We’re about to enter Tatooine’s atmosphere, soon.”

“How long have you known Anakin?” Padme asked, quickly getting to the point.

Green eyes widened in surprise. “Anakin? Is that his name?”

“Yes. Anakin Skywalker. How long have you known him?”

Voranda shook her head in disbelief. “That name sounds familiar. Was he a former Jedi, who fought in the Clone Wars?”

Impatience crept into Padme’s voice. “Yes. He . . . he was my husband. And the father of my children. The Jedi never knew we were married, until around the last days of the war.” She paused. “About Anakin, how . . .?”

“I know him as Set Horus, a smuggler from the Outer Rim,” Voranda finally replied. “And he’s also one of the best pilots I have ever laid eyes upon. His partner is a rather handsome young Corellian named Han Solo. He’s also a gifted pilot.”

Set Horus. Padme allowed the name to repeat inside her mind, over and over again. “Do you . . . do you know . . . where he lives?”

Curiosity gleamed in the pilot’s eyes. “Why are you two apart?”

Padme calmly replied, “We were separated during the Emperor’s purge of the Jedi. After I gave birth to Luke and Leia, Master Kenobi and his Jedi master had suggested that I fake my death to avoid being captured by the Emperor. The children . . . it’s possible that they’re also strong in the Force. Like their father.”

A gust of breath left Voranda’s mouth. “I see. Although to be honest, I’ve never known where Set and Han lived. I have usually encountered them at some spaceport or smuggler’s haven.” The Alberforce broke through Tatooine’s atmosphere. The Jundland Wastes loomed below. “However, I will be more than happy to tell Set where you and the children live the next time I see him.” She allowed the Alberforce to smoothly land several meters away from the Lars’ homestead. "But I'll look for them, after I finish a job for Senator Organa on Moorja."

Padme shot a grateful smile at the other woman. “Thank you, Voranda. That would be wonderful.” She glanced ahead and spotted her children and Owen through the cockpit’s window. “Oh look, they’re here.” Padme immediately left the cockpit. Once Voranda lowered the boarding ramp, she rushed down the ramp to greet Leia and Luke. Artoo followed to greet his droid counterpart.

“You made it back,” Owen greeted. “After we had learned that Master Kenobi’s friend was in trouble, Beru and I began to worry about you.”

Leia piped up, “Oh! Looks like he came back with you.”

Padme glanced over her shoulder and saw Obi-Wan disembarking from the Alberforce. She frowned. Could he at least have waited aboard the ship?

“It’s good to see you again, Master Kenobi!” Luke greeted. Obi-Wan responded with a wan smile.

Padme’s frown deepened. “Again? You and Leia have already met Master Kenobi?”

Looking slightly uneasy, Owen answered, “Yes, well . . . um, he and the children had accidentally met at Anchorhead. Which is what led Leia to invite him over for supper.”

“I see.” Padme shot a dark look at the former Jedi Master. Then she smiled at her children. “I hope that you haven’t eaten yet. I’m starving.”

“When Beru and I had learned that you were coming, she prepared enough food us all.” Owen glanced uneasily at Obi-Wan. “You are also welcome, Master Kenobi.”

The former Jedi Master opened his mouth. Padme felt certain that he would reject Owen’s offer. But when both Luke and Leia insisted that he remain, he caved in and accepted the invitation.

Supper turned out to be a mildly entertaining meal, despite the Jedi’s presence. Voranda regaled the twins with tales of her exploits as a cargo pilot. Padme revealed some of the details surrounding their escape from Ord Mantell. She did not mention Anakin. Once supper ended, Obi-Wan announced his intention to depart. Voranda offered him a lift to his dwelling, but turned it down. “The walk is not as bad as one thinks.”

“Perhaps. But there is always the constant danger of Tusken Raiders roaming about,” Voranda insisted.

A sigh left Obi-Wan’s mouth. “If you insist, Captain Sen,” he conceded graciously.

“I will accompany you,” Padme added.

After Obi-Wan politely conveyed his good-byes to the twins and the Lars couple; he, Padme, and Voranda boarded the Alberforce. It took them minutes to reach the former Jedi’s dwelling in the middle of the Jundland Wastes. Voranda remained aboard, while Padme accompanied Obi-Wan off the starship. “I suppose that this is good-bye,” she said. “Who knows when we’ll meet again?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, I . . .” He broke off with a sigh. “Yes, it might be a long time before we do.”

Padme stared at him. She had endured a lot more in the past two days, yet it was Obi-Wan who seemed exhausted. Strange. “Obi-Wan,” she began in a more sympathetic tone, “I am sorry about Master Olin. He must have been your last link . . . with Master Tasche. Perhaps even the Jedi Order.”

“Yes, his death was very regrettable,” Obi-Wan replied quietly. “But I have learned to put Si . . . Master Tasche’s death behind me.”

Padme added, “And the Jedi Order?”

Obi-Wan glanced sharply at her. “I’m sorry, Milady?”

With a sigh, Padme continued. “As you Jedi may be well aware, Obi-Wan, it is difficult letting go of attachments. Sometimes, I wonder if the Jedi ever realized how difficult it can be. Anakin couldn’t deal with losing me and he compromised himself in the worst way possible by allying himself with the Emperor. I had great difficulty in letting him go . . . even to the point that I was willing to continue the secrecy of our marriage, when he wanted to reveal the truth. And I harbored a deep anger toward you for ten years, because you had lied about him being dead.”

Obi-Wan winced. “I do not understand, Padme. What does this have to do with the Jedi unable to deal with attachments?”

Padme gave him a long look. “Anakin once told me that he had sensed you cared a lot about the Order. Perhaps too much. And I never really understood what he had said . . . until he told me how you had convinced him to spy against Palpatine.”

“Padme . . .”

But the former senator continued. “Perhaps you had believed it was the right thing to do. But I must say that I was amazed that the Jedi would even consider such a thing. And you . . . you went through great lengths to convince Anakin to accept the assignment. Despite your claim that you were against it. The Order must have meant a great deal to you.” Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak. No words came forth. Padme nodded. “I understand. It seemed that in the end, many of us were guilty of unable to let go of our attachments.” She sighed, before giving the older man another long look. A strange sensation came upon her. “You know, I have this odd feeling . . . that we will not set eyes upon one another, again.” She thrust out her hand. “Good-bye, Obi-Wan.”

Sadness crept into the former Jedi Master’s eyes. He took Padme’s hand and bowed over it. “Good-bye, Milady.”

With a nod, Padme turned away and returned toward the Alberforce’s boarding ramp. Within minutes, it lifted from the desert ground and zoomed into the air toward the Lars Homestead . . . and her children.

---------

LE YER, AREGADO-RAE

The two men and the Wookie strolled across the main lobby of the Triple Nova Casino, attracting a great deal of attention. Many of the casino employees greeted the trio with casual waves, while others merely stared at them – especially at the Wookie.

“Nice to be back again, isn’t it?” Anakin commented. Han responded with a grunt. The older man rolled his eyes. “How long are you going to keep up with this, Han? The Javian Hawk is gone. We have a new ship. Get used to it.”

The young Corellian retorted, “It’s hard getting used to a ship that’s obviously not as good as our old one.”

Anakin sighed. “Don’t you think you’re exaggerating a bit? The Sankara Star seems like a pretty decent ship to me. Give me some credit for knowing how to pick a good ship.”

Incoherent grumbling streamed from Han’s mouth. Anakin ignored it. He perfectly understood what his young partner was trying to say. A growl from Chewbacca produced a glare from Han. “What do you mean that you like our new ship?” the young man protested.

Anakin smiled at the Wookie. “Thanks, Chewbacca.”

The three friends entered one of the Triple Nova’s small lounges, when a female’s voice hailed them. “Set! Han! Over here!” Anakin glanced to his right and spotted the beautiful Twi’lek, Vi’dal Mira, waving at them from a large booth. With her sat Mako Spince. Anakin, Chewbacca and Han joined the pair.

“Since when did you two become a twosome?” Han asked.

Vi’dal shot the younger Corellian a dark look. “There is no twosome. I’ve been sitting here . . . alone when Mako had decided to join me. Where have you two been?”

“Yeah,” Mako added casually, drawing Anakin’s attention. “I haven’t seen you two in nearly a month. Not since Maldare.”

Anakin curtly replied, “Business. The former senator of Maldare had turned out to be our client for a few days. And . . .”

Vi’dal’s eyes widened. “You were on Ord Mantell when the Imperials showed up?”

Han frowned at the Twi’lek. “How did you know about that?”

According to Vi’dal, the HoloNet News had circulated a story about Senator Dahlma being wanted for evading arrest on Ord Mantell. “She’s suspected of being part of a rebel movement against the Empire. Toba Bari was there. He also had a close call.” The Twi’lek pointed at a familiar Gungan pilot, who sat with two Humans and a Rodian in a nearby booth. “So, what happened?”

“Like you said,” Han replied. “We were hired to fly the good senator to Ord Mantell. Only we didn’t know that the Empire was looking for her.”

Vi’dal frowned. “Is she involved in this new rebel alliance?” Anakin and Han exchanged glances. “It was Bari who told me.”

Anakin sighed. “I suppose so. I feel sorry for the Maldarians. After this incident with Senator Dahlma, the Empire is sure to occupy their homeworld.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Mako commented. The others stared at him. “What? Have any of you heard the news? It’s been all over the HoloNet for the last three weeks. The Maldarian government has disavowed Senator Dahlma. Even most of her family has. They’re already preparing an election for the new senator.”
It struck Anakin that the citizens of Maldare seemed to be luckier than those from Solipo Yeb’s homeworld . . . or simply smarter.

Loud noises from the casino’s main lobby filtered into the lounge. A Nautolan appeared in the doorway and cried, “A Herglic has just won eight million credits at Spinner-pit! I think he’s gonna break the casino!”

Nearly every soul inside the lounge rushed toward the door. As Mako started to follow Han, Chewbacca and Vi’dal, Anakin grabbed the Corellian’s wrist, forcing him to remain behind. “What the hell?” the younger man protested.

“Sit down, Spince!” Anakin sharply ordered. Mako opened his mouth to retort, when Anakin growled, “Now!”

Fear gleamed in Mako’s eyes. He slowly eased back into the booth. “Wha . . . what do you want, Horus?”

Anakin allowed a cold smile to curve his lips. “Answers to a few questions. You see, when Han, Chewie and I were trying to escape from Ord Mantell, I was informed by Ra . . . an Imperial officer that a spacer on Maldare had informed them of Senator Dahlma’s whereabouts.”

Mako’s face grew pale. “I . . . what does that have to do with me?”

For one long moment, Anakin allowed his eyes to bore deeply into the other man’s. “You were among the pilots interviewed by Senator Dahlma’s aide for the job to Ord Mantell, weren’t you?”

Mako opened his mouth to answer. Then he closed it and shook his head. “No, I don’t . . .”

“Don’t lie to me, Mako,” Anakin growled. “According to Ig . . .” He felt a flash of pain at his near mention of Igraine Colbert. Anakin took a deep breath and continued. “The senator’s aide had told me that you were one of the pilots interviewed for the job.”

A sigh left Mako’s mouth. “Yeah, I did interview for the job. So what? You and Han got it. Is this supposed to make me that person who had ratted on you? How? That senator’s aide never told me where they were planning to go.”

“I know,” Anakin coolly replied. “Han and I didn’t learn about the senator’s destination, until we were about to depart.”

Mako heaved an exasperated sigh. “So what’s the point of this conversation?” He stood up. “I’m leav . . .”

Anakin grabbed the younger man’s wrist for the second time and jerked him back into the booth. “Sit down! I’m not finished with you, yet! I have another question. Did you rat us out to the Imperials?”

“Of course not!” the Corellian protested. “Like I said, How could I have known where . . .?”

“You did know! You were inside the hangar when we left!” Anakin leaned forward and in his most intimidating manner added, “You must have overheard Senator Dahlma tell us where she had planned to go. I saw you.”

Mako inhaled sharply, as his eyes widened in fear. “No, I . . . no, it’s not pos . . .”

“I saw you, Spince!”

Defeat sag the Corellian’s shoulders. “Okay, okay. I admit it. I told that Darth Rasche about your whereabouts. I had no choice!”

Anakin regarded the younger man with contempt. “Really?”

“I’m serious!” Mako cried. He continued with a tale about how one of Senator Dahlma’s servants had hired him for a trip to Ord Mantell. “Someone must have overheard us at the Omega Hole. I suspect that bartender, because my new client and I were surprised by Imperial troops and Lord Rasche, the following morning.” Unlike the senator’s servant, Mako had survived the encounter. Lord Rasche, himself, interrogated the Corellian and learned of Senator Dahlma’s whereabouts. “I tried to keep it a secret, but Lord Rasche had threatened to toss me into prison or worse . . . execute me. Look, I like Han . . . and you.” Anakin rolled his eyes at Mako’s last words. He how little the Corellian liked him. Mako continued, “But surely you don’t expect me to choose your hides over mine. I doubt that you would do the same for me.”

Anakin contemplated Mako’s last sentence and realized that the younger man had been right. He asked, “Why didn’t you simply lie to Rasche? Give him another location?”

Rolling his eyes, Mako retorted, “Are you kidding? This is Lord Rasche we’re talking about! Everyone knows there’s something odd about him. He is believed to be a Sith Lord. Do you really think I’d be stupid enough to lie to someone like that? And there’s always the chance that he might go after my father.”

A sigh left Anakin’s mouth. He sensed that the other man had spoken the truth. “All right. I understand,” he mumbled. “I believe you.” He saw Mako’s body sag with relief. Giving the latter a bright smile, he added in a menacing voice, “You know, it’s a good thing that you had a reason to betray us to Rasche. If you had done it out of spite or greed, I would have eviscerated you . . . and scatter your remains across three systems. But,” Anakin’s smile widened, “I know that you would never be that spiteful.”

To the former Jedi’s delight, Mako’s face became deathly white. Also, the younger man’s hands began to shake.

At that moment, the lounge’s customers began to stream back inside. Anakin noted the disappointed expressions on the faces of many – include Han, Chewbacca and Vi’dal’s. “What happened?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Han replied in disgust. “The Herglic eventually lost all of his money. As usual. You know, I’m beginning to wonder if it had all been act.”

Vi’dal commented, “I wouldn’t be surprised. Little incidents like that tend to encourage casino customers to play the tables more often. You know . . . lead them to believe that they might have a chance to break the casino.”

Toba Bari appeared at the booth, shaking his head in disgust. “Meesa very disappointed. What that about, eh?”

“Con job,” Vi’dal answered. “A show.”

The Gungan grunted. Then he turned to Anakin and Han. “Meesa see you flee Empire. Wheresa you been in past month?”

Anakin replied, “Buying a new starship. After Ord Mantell, Han and I thought it would be best to get a new one. In case the Empire is out looking for us.”

Nodding, Bari replied, “Ver-ry smart. Meesa felt the same. After Moorja. Empire showed up. Bad news. Meesa get out fast. Ver-ry lucky.”

“The Moorja System, huh?” Han commented. “I guess you really was lucky. There have been rumors of an Imperial outpost on that planet.”

Bari heaved a mournful sigh. “Yes. Meesa lucky. Not poor Voranda.”

Silence engulfed the booth, as Anakin and Han stared at the Gungan. “What do you mean?” the former demanded. “Voranda was with you in the Moorja System?”

“Yes.” Bari explained that he had encountered Voranda Sen on Moorja. There they met with some pilots to recruit for the new Rebel Alliance. Before leaving the system, they encountered an Imperial Star Destroyer. “Meesa got out,” Bari continued. “Light speed jump. But not before Voranda go kablooey.” He paused before adding in a sad note, “Boom.”

Anakin sighed. Once more, his eyes met with Han’s. They both knew the meaning behind Bari’s last words. Voranda Sen had been killed by the Empire.

END OF CHAPTER TWENTY

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER NINETEEN

LARS MOISTURE FARM, TATOOINE

One aspect of his visits to Uncle Owen’s farm that Luke has never liked was doing chores. Quite frankly, he disliked waking up in the early hours of the morning to work on the farm. Chores that included picking mushrooms from the water vaporator’s base. Which he and Leia found themselves doing on this early morning.

Words unsuited for eleven year-olds quietly streamed from Luke’s mouth before he could stop himself. Leia gasped. “What did you just say?” she demanded.

“Nothing,” Luke mumbled. “I didn’t say anything.” He knew that his twin sister disliked these chores as much as he did. But Leia had developed the fine art of hiding her dislike behind an air of self-righteous duty. Luke found her charade annoying. Secretly, he longed to master a similar façade.

A hooded figure loomed in Luke’s vision, as he briefly glanced up. A stranger. An alarm clock went off inside his mind. Both Mother and Aunt Beru had repeatedly told both Luke and Leia about their grandmother’s fate. Years ago, Shmi Skywalker had been picking mushrooms near one of the vaporators when the Sand People kidnapped her. By the time her son, Anakin, had found her, Grandmother had died.

“Leia!” Luke barked in a sharp voice. “We’ve got company!”

The eleven year-old girl peered at the stranger walking toward them. “He looks familiar.”

But Luke barely heard his sister. He grabbed her arm and tried to drag her toward the adobe-shaped homestead. “Uncle Owen!” he cried. “Someone’s coming!”

The grizzled moisture farmer emerged from the garage, carrying a blaster rifle. “Did you see who’s coming?” he asked.

“I didn’t recognize him.”

Leia added, “Well, he looks familiar to me.” Uncle Owen glanced sharply at her. He brushed past the twins to approach the stranger. Luke and Leia followed.

The stranger finally approached the trio and threw back his hood. Luke immediately recognized Uncle Owen’s neighbor, Ben Kenobi. Much to his embarrassment, Leia gave him a triumphant smirk.

Surprisingly, Uncle Owen did not seem happy to see his neighbor. “What are you doing here?” he growled.

Master Kenobi shot a brief smile at both Luke and Leia. “I do not mean to intrude, but I require your help. I . . .” He shot another glance at the twins. “Do you mind if we speak alone?”

“Why?” Uncle Owen demanded. Then he frowned at Luke and Leia. “Have you received bad news about . . .?”

Master Kenobi shook his head. “No. This has something to do with a friend. My friend . . . who had left here with Senator Organa and the children’s mother.”

“What happened to your friend?” Leia asked.

A long pause followed. Uncle Owen indicated that he and Master Kenobi step aside for a more private discussion – much to Luke’s dismay. Several minutes passed before the moisture farmer returned to the twins. “Leia, Luke . . . Master Kenobi requires a lift to Mos Eisley. Tell your aunt that I should return in time for supper.”

Mos Eisley! Luke’s mind lept at the chance for a trip to Tatooine’s bustling capital. “May I come, Uncle Owen?” he asked.

The moisture farmer sternly replied, “No! You and Leia are to stay here with your aunt and Madga. Help them do the chores around the farm.”

“But Uncle Owen!” Luke protested.

“You heard me, Luke. The answer is no. Mos Eisley is not a safe place for a young man, such as yourself. It isn’t Anchorhead.” Uncle Owen said to his neighbor, “We best leave now. I want to get back at least before dusk.” As he and Master Kenobi started to head for the garage, the farmer added, “By the way, you two, make sure that you tell your aunt where I’ve gone. I don’t want her to be unnecessarily worried.”

“Yes, Uncle Owen,” the young pair declared at the same time.

Minutes later, the two men raced away from the homestead in Uncle Owen’s landspeeder. Luke’s eyes followed them with envy. Aunt Beru, Madga and C3-P0 joined the two siblings outside. “What’s going on?” Aunt Beru asked.

Threepio answered, “It looks as if Master Owen has left, Mistress.”

Annoyance crept into Aunt Beru’s eyes, while an amused smile nearly tugged at Madga’s lips. “I’m aware of that, Threepio,” the farmer’s wife retorted. “But for where?”

“He took Master Kenobi to Mos Eisley,” Leia replied. “I think that Master Kenobi has gone to meet that friend who was with Mother and Uncle Bail.”

Concern replaced the mildly amused expression on Madga’s face. “Has this something to do with your mother?”

“I don’t think so,” Aunt Beru replied. “Leia had mentioned something about Master Kenobi’s friend.

The protocol droid commented, “Did you say . . . Master Kenobi, Mistress? That name sounds . . .”

“Threepio!” Aunt Beru barked. “I need you to communicate with the moisture vaporators in the west field.”

Threepio’s head tilted in a manner that expressed his confusion. “But Miss Beru! I thought you had wanted me to . . .”

“Later. With Owen gone, we need to see to the west fields, first,” Beru firmly insisted.

The protocol droid sighed heavily and started toward the west fields. “I will never understand humans,” he lammented loud enough for the others to hear. “So contradictory.” Luke wondered what Threepio was about to say about Master Kenobi.”

-----------

THANI, TELOS IV

The Javian Hawk finally broke out of hyperspace just 20 parsecs from the Telos IV System. Another hour passed before Anakin guided the starship through the planet’s atmosphere and toward the capital city of Thani. Once the Hawk rolled into one of the spaceport’s hangars, Anakin turned to his co-pilot. “You might as well collect our fee from the good senator. Something tells me that she has no desire to speak to me.”

Han hesitated. Then he nodded weakly. “Yeah. Sure.”

Anakin checked the Hawk’s system carefully, in an attempt to delay leaving the cockpit. When he realized that he had nothing else to do, he slowly . . . and very reluctantly eased out of his seat and left the cockpit. To his dismay, he discovered that the two Maldarian women had not left.

“I want to convey my gratitude before leaving,” Senator Dahlma said in her most regal manner. “If it had not been for you, Captain Solo and Master Chewbacca, Igraine and I would be dead. Or in Imperial hands.”

A tight smile briefly appeared on Anakin’s lips. “It was our pleasure, Senator.”

“I doubt it,” the senator curtly replied. “I’m afraid that I can be a bit difficult. As for your fee . . . I have already compensated Captain Solo and Master Chewbacca.” She held out her hand. “Your credit chip, please.” Anakin handed over the object. After the senator deposited his fee, she returned it. “Good day, Captain . . .” She paused. “Is it still Captain Horus?”

“Yes, Milady.”

A mixture of a grimace and a smile twisted the senator’s lips. “Of course. Captain Horus. Well . . . good-bye.” She started down the Hawk’s boarding ramp. Both Han and Chewbacca followed closely, carrying her baggage.

Anakin turned to Igraine, whose eyes seemed unwilling to meet his. “Will you and Senator Dahlma be fine, here on Telos IV?”

The young woman nodded. “Yes. Senator Dahlma had made arrangement to meet a colleague from the Alliance, in case the Empire learned of her whereabouts.”

More silence fell between the two. Anakin realized that he could no longer remain silent. “Look Igraine . . . is there any chance . . .? I mean, is it possible if we could continue to remain in contact with one another?”

Green eyes lifted to meet Anakin’s. Wariness and a touch of hope filled them. “There had been stories that children had been killed during the attack on the Jedi Temple. I believe they were called younglings. Is this true?”

Anakin inhaled deeply. “Yes.”

“Oh.” Igraine briefly glanced away. Then her gaze returned to his face. “Did you . . . did you kill . . . any of them?”

Igraine’s questions brought back dark memories for Anakin. Memories of the last time he and Padme had laid eyes upon one another. And that meeting had ended with his attempt to strangle his wife. A sigh of defeat left Anakin’s mouth. “Yes,” he finally answered.

Green eyes widened in shock. Despair soon settled within them before she glanced away once more. “I see.” In a cool voice, she added, “Well . . . good-bye, Set . . . or whatever your name is.” She tried to smile and eventually gave up the attempt. Then she squared her shoulders. “Good-bye.” The Maldarian woman marched down the boarding ramp and out of Anakin’s life.

The former Jedi ruefully watched her retreating figure. “Good-bye, Milady,” he quietly murmured.

Once Igraine and Senator Dahlma had departed the hangar in a taxi transport, Anakin joined his companions at the bottom of the ramp. “The Hawk has enough anti-matter pods for one light speed jump. I figure that we can make Corellia in one day.”

“Corellia?” Han looked startled. “Why?”

“For a new ship,” Anakin replied. He noticed the uneasy expression on Han’s face. “What are you worried about? Garris Shrike has been dead for the past two years.” Anakin referred to Han’s former employer, a ruthless mercenary from whom the Corellian had ran away ten years ago.

Han sighed. “I know. But why do we need a new ship?”

“To replace the Hawk.” Han opened his mouth to protest, but Anakin continued. “We have no choice, Han. Especially with Rom . . . Rasche still alive.” He turned to Chewbacca. “By the way, you’re free of any life debt to me. In fact, you’ve been free ever since we first met.”

The Wookie regarded Anakin with an enigmatic expression. Then he growled several times. Anakin turned to Han for a translation. The Corellian said, “As you know, Chewie is well aware that you’re a former Jedi Knight. But he wants to know if you were also a Sith Lord.”

Anakin stared directly at the Wookie. “Yes, I was.”

Again, Chewbacca growled. Han translated., “He wants to know why you became one.”

After a brief hesitation, Anakin calmly answered, “Because I had thought becoming a Sith would give me the power to save someone that I loved. I was wrong. I lost her, a good friend of mine and everything else I had cared for.”

Chewbacca growled once more. “If you’re that evil,” Han translated, “why did you save me from the Imperials?”

A sigh left Anakin’s lips. “Why not? You looked like you needed help. And I used to be a slave, myself. When I was a kid on Tatooine.”

Han added, “Anakin had told me about himself when we first met. But he also he also took me in at a time when I really needed his help. So . . . I’ve been with him ever since.”

A long pause followed before Chewbacca responded with a growl. “He’s staying,” Han said. “No matter what.”

Warm relief spread within Anakin’s chest. He felt an urge to hug the Wookie out of gratitude. Instead, he placed a hand on Chewbacca’s forearm and warmly replied, “I’m glad. Welcome to the crew.” With a sigh, he added, “Now about the Hawk . . .”

“Why bother trading the Hawk for another ship?” Han scornfully retorted. “If we ever run into Rasche again, just take care of him like you did the last time.”

Anakin shot back, “May I remind you that I had a hell of a time taking care of Rasche in the first place. And I would also have to deal with his master, who happens to be a lot more powerful.”

Han grumbled, “All right. I get the picture. But can’t we at least get a room to stay the night on this piece of rock. I’m pretty tired and I haven’t had a wink of sleep since yesterday.”

Anakin hesitated. The idea of being in the same vicinity as the dark-haired, green-eyed Igraine popped into his head. “We still got time to make for the nearest system before the end of the day. But . . . I see no reason to get a bite to eat before stacking up on supplies. Do you?”

Han and Chewbacca agreed to the suggestion. Before long, the two humans and the Wookie left the hangar and merged into the streets of Thani.

--------

ALDERA, ALDERAAN

Upon his arrival on Alderaan, Obi-Wan disembarked from the freighter transport and was surprised to find a familiar figure waiting for him near one of the landing platforms at Aldera’s spaceport. “Captain Antilles,” the former Jedi Master greeted. “It is good to see you again after so many years.”

The royal liaison smiled warmly. “Master Kenobi, welcome to Alderaan. I only wish that your visit had to do more pleasant circumstances.”

The two men headed for a nearby shuttle. “How is he?” Obi-Wan continued. “How is Master Olin?”

Antilles gave his head a rueful shake. “Barely hanging on, I’m afraid. It is curious. With such a wound, Master Olin should have been dead by now. Perhaps he is getting better.”

That remained to be seen. However, Obi-Wan kept his dark thoughts to himself. The shuttle conveyed the two men toward Alderaan’s seat of power – Aldera Palace. To Obi-Wan’s surprise, the shuttle did not land near the palace. Instead, it settled down upon an expansive green lawn that stretched between a wide lagoon and a two-story villa. “Where are we?” Obi-Wan demanded.

“The family’s private villa,” Antilles replied. “Guests of the Royal Family sometimes stay here. Or Her Majesty and His Highness sometimes use it for privacy. Senator Amidala and her children had lived here for nearly a year.”

The two men disembarked from the shuttle. Captain Antilles led the former Jedi inside the spacious villa. There they found three very anxious people inside a waiting room – Senator Organa, Padme and a tall, thin-faced woman in a modest dress. The senator turned away from the others to greet his new guest. “Master Kenobi, it is good to see you.” He shook the other man’s hand. Obi-Wan could see the anxiety gleaming in his dark eyes. “I am sorry to summon you like this, but Master Olin had requested your presence.”

“Captain Antilles has informed me that Ferus is . . . barely hanging on?” Obi-Wan asked.

Bail sighed. “It is a miracle that he is still alive.” Obi-Wan’s eyes fell upon a slightly opened door. As he started toward it, the Alderaanian prince stopped him. “I had come here to deliver news for Padme, you might as well know. I had just received word from one of my colleagues in the Alliance – Garm Iblis. All of those who had been at Ord Mantell for the conference had escaped.”

“Thank goodness,” Padme declared with a sigh. “Including Zoebeida?”

Obi-Wan frowned. “Whom?”

“Senator Zoebeida of Maldare. She was amongst those present at the conference,” Padme explained.

“What does this have to do with Ferus?”

Both Bail and Padme revealed the incident leading toward their departure from Ord Mantell. Obi-Wan was shocked to learn that not only was Darth Rasche present on the planet, but his former apprentice, as well. “Anakin? Anakin was there?”

Padme sighed. “As Senator Dahlma’s pilot. Rasche must have caught up with Zoebeida before he and Anakin fought. Master Olin tried to join in the fight – help Anakin, I mean – but he was shot by the Imperials.” She turned to Senator Organa. “You said that Zoebeida had managed to escape. Did Anakin, as well? Or . . . did someone else helped her escape?”

Senator Organa shook his head. “I’m sorry, Milady. I have no idea. But . . .” Obi-Wan held his breath. “. . . according to Garm, Lord Rasche had returned to Coruscant. Alive.”

“Oh no!”

“It’s not as bad as you might think,” the prince continued. “Garm also informed me that one of his spies had spotted Lord Rasche being carried into the Imperial Surgical Reconstruction Center with two missing hands.”

Padme whispered, “Anakin.”

Obi-Wan found himself conflicted by several emotions that include shock that Anakin had fought Lord Rasche, disappointment that his former apprentice had failed to kill the Sith Lord and relief that he might still be alive. Then Obi-Wan remembered . . . Ferus. “Pardon me, Your Highness, but about Ferus . . .”

The woman, who stood near Organa and Padme spoke up. “He is in the other room.” She nodded toward the opened door. “I only hope that he is still alive.”

The gloomy comments irked Obi-Wan, as he and Padme made their way into the other room. They found a badly wounded Ferus, stretched out on a wide bed, inside a large bedroom. The younger man’s face resembled pale parchment paper, leading Obi-Wan to surmise that Ferus was at death’s door.

“Good heavens!” The former Jedi Master rushed to his colleague’s bedside. “Ferus!” He sat next to the younger man and leaned forward to brush aside a few strands of hair from Ferus’ damp forehead. “How do you feel, Ferus?” Then he shook his head in self-admonishment. “What am I saying? You must feel horrible right now. But you will get better. You’ve managed to last this long.”

A sad smile touched Ferus’ dry lips. “I believe we both . . . know the truth, Obi-Wan,” the other man said between heavy breaths. Wide-eyed, Obi-Wan stared at him. “I won’t . . . won’t last very . . . long. I . . . used the Force to sta . . . stay alive . . . this long. Because I . . . wanted to see . . . you.”

“Don’t say that, Ferus. There is still a chance that . . .”

Ferus interrupted. “I saw . . . Anakin. On . . . well . . . I saw him.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, Senator Amidala had informed me. It’s possible that he may have seriously wounded Lord Rasche.”

“I know . . . know about . . . him. That . . . he was Va . . . Vader. We had a . . .”

“Please Ferus,” Obi-Wan pleaded. “Not now. Now is not the time to brood over unpleasantness.”

A slight, despairing laugh escaped from Ferus’ mouth. “Oh Obi-Wan. It’s too late . . . for me. Anakin . . . and Ro . . . Romu . . . lus . . . they were not . . . the only ones who-who-who . . . made . . .”

Made what? Obi-Wan regarded Ferus with wary eyes. “I don’t understand. What are you trying to say, Ferus?”

A long pause followed before Ferus answered. Obi-Wan listened in horror, as the other man haltingly revealed some very disturbing facts about his past. Apparently, Ferus had lied about the fate of his friend, Roan Lands. The latter had been killed at the hands of Darth Rasche. And Ferus ended up making a deal with Emperor Palpatine to get his revenge.

The news shook Obi-Wan to his core. “Why . . . why would you make such a deal, Ferus?”

The other man groaned in pain before he continued, “I . . . I wanted Rasche to pay for Roan . . . Roan’s death. I . . .” Shame crept into his golden brown eyes. “I never told . . . told Anakin this, but the Emperor . . . he . . .”

Dreading Ferus’ next words, Obi-Wan demanded harshly, “What about him?”

According to Ferus, Emperor Palpatine had offered to continue the younger man’s training with the Force. “To learn the . . . the ways of the Dark . . . Side.” He gasped. “To make me . . . make me strong enough . . . to face . . . face Rasche.”

“Oh no! No, Ferus!” The words came out of Obi-Wan’s mouth before he could stop himself. Ferus’ story appalled him on a level that he had not experienced since Anakin’s betrayal of the Jedi. To think that a stalwart and dependable man like Ferus would ever sell himself to the Sith in order to see revenge saddened him. And horrified him at the same time.

Ferus grabbed Obi-Wan’s robe. “But I didn’t . . . did not . . . remain . . . with the Emperor. I acted as a double agent . . . against him . . . at the same time.” Before long, Ferus realized that his desire for revenge was putting him in a dangerous position. He disappeared from sight and made his way to Alderaan for sanctuary. “I thought I had let go . . . you see. Let go of . . . of my desire for . . . revenge.” He sighed. “But when I saw Rasche again . . . I was . . .” A low, harsh laugh escaped from his mouth. “I certainly paid . . . paid the price . . . price this time.” He gasped slightly, before emitting a long, dry sigh.

Obi-Wan frowned. “Ferus? Are you . . .?” He stared at the younger man. Golden brown eyes devoid of any life stared back.

“I was about to get a glass of water for him,” Padme’s voice softly commented. “I guess he will no longer require it.” Obi-Wan glanced up at the former senator from Naboo, who stood on the other side of the bed. “I’m afraid he is no longer with us, Obi-Wan.”

The former Jedi Master sighed. “Yes. Yes, you are . . .” He broke off, fearful of the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him.

Concern flickered in Padme’s eyes. “Are you all right?”

Slowly, Obi-Wan took a deep breath. He allowed himself one last glance at the young man who had once been Siri Tachi’s ideal apprentice. His Siri. Only Ferus had become someone entirely different. Someone more complex. And now, both Ferus . . . and Siri were gone. Obi-Wan sighed and slowly stood up. “I am quite . . .”

Where had we gone wrong? The question spun within Obi-Wan’s mind, over and over again. He had viewed Ferus Olin as one of the Jedi’s last chances to revive the Order – to ensure that it had not died a devastating death in the aftermath of the Purge. Instead, Ferus compromised the Jedi ideals to form a questionable alliance with the Emperor . . . in order to avenge a friend’s death. Siri’s former apprentice managed to finally break away from that dark alliance. But the desire for revenge had remained. And it finally led to a slow and painful death for the younger man.

And how did Palpatine managed to do it? In the course of twenty years or so, the Sith Lord ended up corrupting a Jed Master, a former padawan and two Jedi Knights – Count Dooku, Ferus Olin, Romulus Wort and of course, Anakin. What did that tell him about the Jedi Order and its teachings from the past millennium?

Padme’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Obi-Wan?”

“I’m fine. Really,” Obi-Wan managed to say. “I need . . . I need some air.” He made his way toward the bedroom’s balcony. It overlooked a magnificent view of the royal grounds. In the far distance, loomed snow-peaked mountains. Unfortunately, the view failed to eliminate his dark thoughts. Perhaps he simply needed to be alone. For a while.

As the former Jedi opened his mouth to speak, Padme said, “If you would excuse me, Obi-Wan, I need to speak to Captain Sen. About our trip back to Tatooine.” She quietly left the room, leaving Obi-Wan alone with his thoughts and memories.

END OF CHAPTER NINETEEN

"A Broken Heart in the STAR WARS Saga"

There have been many complaints of Padme Amidala’s role in the last installment of the STAR WARS saga – “Revenge of the Sith”. The main contention for many fans seemed to be her death. Many felt that Lucas had weakened her character by allowing her to die of a broken heart. Others accused her of abandoning her newly born children through death. And others have excused the circumstances of her death, claiming that she was “sacrificing herself” so that her twins could be separated and hidden from Emperor Palpatine.

I am not going to try to explain the "sacrifice", simply because I do not buy it. I do not believe that Padme had sacrificed herself in death, for her children’s safety. I believe that she had genuinely died of a broken heart.

My next question is . . . why is it that Padme was not allowed to give into despair by many STAR WARS fans? Why? Because she is supposed to be a strong woman? Since when are strong personalities incapable of giving in to despair or depression? Do any of you understand that nearly everyone possesses both strengths and weaknesses? What is this lack of tolerance over the possibility that Padme may also have her weaknesses? I get the feeling that many feel she should have been this one-dimensional portrayal of a strong character with no weaknesses. What did these fans expect her to do? After giving birth to Luke and Leia, sit up and start singing, "I Am Woman"?

Padme had just witnessed the ascension of the Empire . . . and the death of the Republic she had served with great devotion. Even worse, her dreams of a private life with her husband were dashed by news that he had participated in the deaths of hundreds of Jedi – adults and children, alike. She tried to confront Anakin about the situation and was brutally attacked by him (strangulation). His attack eventually perpetrated the difficult birth of the twins – Luke and Leia. By the time she had even considered that Anakin might still have some good in him, it was TOO LATE for her. At least physically. Both Anakin (who finally gave in to desapir after learning of Padme's death) and Obi-Wan (who spent the next 19 years wallowing in despair, regret and guilt) were lucky that they were not in their third trimester of a pregnancy and on the verge of giving birth.

Years ago, female characters had been in danger of being stuck in nurturing roles or simply the hero's love interest. Now, it seems that female characters "have to be" some kind of Xena the Warrior Princess or a female "Action Jackson" in order to prevent being labeled as WEAK. Apparently, female characters are still not allowed to be all of the above.

Someone on a STAR WARS forum had claimed that females roles are either of the “Xena the Warrior Princess” archetype or the “Dora Dorrit” (or weak female) archetype. This person criticized Lucas of turning Padme from a female warrior into a weakling. My question is . . . why not allow a woman – or anyone, for that matter – to be both strong and weak? It would seem like a very human thing to be.

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

BLUE JEWEL SYSTEM

Padme covered Master Olin’s quivering form with a blanket. His body laid stretched on one of the Alberforce’s two bunks.

“. . . Rasche,” the former Jedi muttered feverishly. “He’s here. Anakin must ki . . .” He broke off with a low groan.

Anakin? Padme frowned, as she tucked the blanket around Master Olin. “Anakin must . . . what?” she softly asked.

More groans escaped from Master Olin’s mouth. Then he added, “Kill Rasche. He . . . This . . . is my . . . my fault. If only I . . .” He ceased his mutterings with a sigh and lay still.

Bail loomed before the bunk. “Is he dead?”

“No.” Padme shook her head. “Just unconscious.” She allowed the Alderaanian prince to help her stand. “His wound is serious, Bail. He needs medical attention, immediately.”

Nodding, Bail replied, “I’ll inform Captain Sen.”

An object struck the Alberforce’s hull, causing the ship to rock. Padme would have fallen if Bail had not grabbed her arm. “What was that?”

The two colleagues raced to the cockpit. They found a grim-faced Voranda at the helm. “I should have known!” she muttered angrily. “Imperials!”

The view window revealed Imperial TIE fighters zooming toward the Alberforce. Beyond them loomed an Imperial destroyer. “That’s the Devastator,” Bail commented. “Lord Rasche’s ship.”

A blast from one of the fighters rocked the starship for the second time. Padme clung to the doorway’s frame. “Is it possible that Lord Rasche might be on that ship? Alive?” She and Bail exchanged fearful looks.

“If he is then Set . . . or whatever he’s called might be dead,” Voranda replied brusquely. “Then again, they still might be fight . . .”

A voice crackled from the Alberforce’s subspace radio. ”This is Captain Wermis of the Imperial ship, the Devastator. Stand down your weapons and prepare to be boarded.”

Padme’s fear that she might end up as a prisoner of the Imperials returned.

“Not if I can help it,” the red-haired captain muttered. Grabbing the lightning gun’s trigger, she fired a few shots at the TIE fighters. Two of them blew up instantly.

Bail eased into the co-pilot’s empty seat. “I don’t mean to be pessimistic Captain Sen, but the Devastator can still capture us with a tractor beam.”

Voranda shot a cocky smile at the Alderaanian, reminding Padme of Anakin. “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I know what I’m doing.” She maneuvered the ship to avoid more blasts from the fighters. “We have enough anti-matter pods for one lightspeed jump. Where to?”

“Alderaan.”

“Of course.” Voranda entered coordinates into the ship’s computer. Another blast struck the ship’s hull. Voranda fired back, hitting one fighter. Padme realized that the redhead was clearing a path. “Hang on, everyone!”

Captain Wermis’ voice returned. “This is your last warning! Stand down and prepare to be boarded! Or we will . . .”

Voranda leaned forward and pressed a button on the Alberforce’s cockpit panel. Seconds later, the starship jumped into hyperspace and safety.

---------

WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL

A helpless Darth Rasche swayed precariously on his knees, until the weight of his torso forced him to slump on the ground. He could hear the remaining stormtroopers firing at Skywalker’s starship. When it finally left the hangar, the troopers rushed to his aid.

“My Lord!” one of them exclaimed. Three of them hovered above him like mindless banthas. “Are you well?”

Do I look well? Rasche raged inwardly. He wanted to kill the stormtrooper for asking such a stupid question. But common sense overrode him and he answered between ragged breaths, “Con . . . contact Tom. At . . . at the . . . uh, . . . at the Im . . . per . . .” He sighed. “At the Im . . . perial Li . . .”

The stormtrooper finished for him, “The Imperial Liaison Officer? Yes, my Lord. Right away.” He retrieved his com link and contacted Liaison Tom.

Meanwhile, Rasche felt himself grow weak and dizzy from the loss of blood and his hands. A pair of haunted blue eyes hovered in the back of his mind. Why did Skywalker spare him? Did compassion get the best of his former colleague? Or something . . .?

“The Liaison Officer is here, my Lord!” the stormtrooper announced.

Several more troopers entered the hangar with the dark clad Liaison Tom. The latter assumed a horrified expression, as he stood over Rasche. “My Lord! What happened?”

The Sith Lord opened his mouth to speak, but he could barely say a word. The pain and his dizziness made it near impossible. “I . . . Anakin.” Then darkness overwhelmed Rasche, as he finally became unconscious.

---------

CORUSCANT

The Emperor had anticipated danger from the Blue Jewel System before the message arrived. Danger for his apprentice. Then a holographic image in the form of a black-clad man appeared above the holographic emitter inside his throne room.

“Your Highness,” the man announced with a deep bow. “My name is Kalen Tom. I’m the Imperial Liaison Officer for Ord Mantell.”

Palpatine regarded the man through narrowed eyes. “Ord Mantell, you say? And where is Lord Rasche?”

Looking slightly nervous, Liaison Tom continued, “I regret to inform you that Lord Rasche has been seriously wounded.”

“By whom?” the Sith Lord demanded.

Tom hesitated. “I believe that a smuggler trying to avoid arrest had wounded him. He decapitated Lord Rasche’s hands.”

Decapitation? With a blaster? Palpatine frowned. No smuggler should have been able to defeat someone with Lord Rasche’s powerful connection to the Force. Unless . . . The Emperor inhaled sharply. Had Rasche encountered another Force user? A former Jedi?

“Your Highness?” Liaison Tom continued. “Did you hear . . .?”

The Sith Lord barked, “I heard you clearly, Master Tom!” With a sigh, he added, “Did Lord Rasche say anything before he fell unconscious? Did he say a name?”

The liaison shook his head. “I’m afraid not, Your Highness. Lord Rasche never spo . . .” He paused.

“What is it?”

A slightly abashed liaison finally said, “My mistake, Your Highness. Lord Rasche did mention one name.”

Palpatine demanded, “And what was that name?”

A brief pause followed before Tom continued, “Nothing much. Just . . . Anakin. Someone named Anakin.”

----------

BLUE JEWEL SYSTEM

The moment the Javian Hawk zoomed out of Ord Mantell’s atmosphere, Han spotted trouble in the form of three Imperial TIE fighters. “Great! We have trouble!”

“Yeah, I see,” Anakin replied in his usual terse voice. “Time to jump to lightspeed.”

“To where? We can’t take the senator back to Maldare!”

Anakin opened his mouth to respond, when a voice over the subspace radio crackled, “This is Lieutenant Profer of the Devastator. Identify yourself.”

The two partners exchanged uneasy looks. Anakin quickly replied, “Uh, . . . Ric Olie of the Cyrian Star. Is there a problem?”

“Do you have authorization to clear Ord Mantell space?”

At that moment, Senator Dahlma burst into the cockpit. “Captain . . .” Anakin immediately shut off the comlink. “. . . Horus! There are three Imperial fighters out there!”

Anakin retorted through clenched teeth, “We are quite aware of that fact, Senator. We can’t take you back to Maldare. Is there another . . .?”

The Imperial pilot’s voice returned, “Captain Olie of the Cyrian Star, did you receive authorization to leave the Worlport spacepo . . .”

The senator quickly added, “The Telos System. Telos IV.”

Han immediately recognized the name. According to Anakin, it used to be the site of the old Jedi Academy, centuries ago. Anakin nodded. “Telos IV it is. Hold on!” He entered the coordinates for the lightspeed jump.

Once more, Lieutenant Profer’s voice crackled on the radio. “Cyrian Star, stand down your weapons and prepare to be tractor. Or we will fire upon you.”

Han saw two of the TIE fighters flank the Javian Hawk. “Great! They can shoot us down before we can even make the jump to lightspeed.”

“Then outfly them,” Anakin ordered. “I’ll help.” He grabbed the laser cannon’s trigger.

Han grabbed the helm’s control and maneuvered the Hawk to the far right, barely missing one of the TIE fighters. As he flew the starship around the fighter, it fired at the Hawk. Anakin fired back, destroying it. A grin stretched across Han’s face. “Telos IV, here we come. Punch it!”

Anakin pressed a button on the console and the Javian Hawk jumped into hyperspace. Everyone inside the cockpit sighed with relief. “Okay Senator,” he added. “Where exactly on Telos IV do you want to go?”

Senator Dahlma coolly replied, “Thani, the planet’s capital. Why didn’t you mention that you were a former Jedi?”

Han shot an uneasy glance at his partner. Whose face resembled a mask. At that moment, both Chewbacca and Miss Colbert appeared behind the senator. “What’s going on?” the younger woman demanded. “Are we in hyperspace?”

“We’re on our way to Telos IV,” Senator Dahlma replied. “And Captain Horus was about to explain why he had failed to inform us that he was a former Jedi.”

Anakin glared at the senator and climbed out of his seat. He brushed past the two women and the Wookie, as he made his way out of the cockpit. They followed, as Han put the ship on auto-pilot. Then he followed the others to the weapons locker.

“Captain Horus!” Senator Dahlma continued. “You had never answered my question.”

After placing his lightsaber and blaster inside the locker, Anakin whirled upon the older Maldarian woman with flashing eyes. “Of course I didn’t tell you!” he retorted. “The Empire has been hunting down the Jedi for the past decade. What did you expect?”

But the senator was not finished. “Then kindly explain why you had failed to kill Lord Rasche. It is believed that he is a Sith Lord. Why didn’t you kill him?”

A sigh left Anakin’s mouth. Han noticed that he could barely keep his emotions in check. “Because the man was unarmed,” Anakin finally answered. “I had chopped off his hands.”

“That is your excuse?” The senator looked outraged. “You had allowed one of the galaxy’s most deadly enemies to survive, because you had bested him in combat without killing him?”

Anakin snapped back, “I had chopped off his hands, Senator! He no longer had a weapon. And I’ve had enough of killing those unable to defend themselves!”

A heavy silence enveloped the cabin. Han wondered if most of the oxygen had seeped out. He held his breath as Senator Dahlma, Chewbacca and especially Miss Colbert regarded Anakin with wide eyes. Han’s partner leaned against the locker.

Miss Colbert’s soft voice pierced the heavy silence. “Did you say . . . you’ve killed . . . those who were unarmed?” She regarded Anakin with disbelief.

Han jumped in to defend his friend. “Look, who cares whether Rasche is still down there or anything about Set’s past. We’ve got out of Ord Mantell alive. I think we should be thrilled.”

“Set?” Miss Colbert warily approached Anakin. “Did you . . .?”

With a sigh, Anakin whirled around to face the others with hard and cold eyes. “Before the end of the Clone War . . . about two or three days before the end, I had betrayed the Jedi Order and became Palpatine’s Sith apprentice. That’s right, Senator. The Emperor is also a Sith Lord. I suspect that very few people know this. As Darth Vader, I had led the assault on the Jedi Temple and helped kill a good number of Jedi. And I was the one who had killed the Separatist leaders on Mustafar.” He hesitated and continued in a heavy voice, “My former Jedi master found me there and we dueled. I tried to kill him. But . . .” His eyes softened. “. . . I guess you can say that I had an ephininy, so to speak. I left. I left Mustafar and the Emperor’s service. I became a smuggler.”

“Anakin and I had met a year later on Corellia,” Han added. “We helped that senator from Andalia named Yeb and his sister escape from the Imperials.”

Senator Dahlma frowned. “Solipo Yeb? He knows about you two?”

Anakin sighed. “His sister had recognized me.”

Silence enveloped the cabin. The two Maldarian women continued to stare at Anakin. Senator Dahlma’s eyes projected shock and amazement at his revelations. Miss Colbert’s eyes, on the other hand, mingled with disbelief and a little fear. As for Chewbacca . . . Han noticed that the Wookie’s eyes shifted back and forth between himself and Anakin.

Then Han’s stomach rumbled. He realized that none of them had eaten breakfast, yet. Breaking the silence, he said, “Uh . . . is anyone up for a bite to eat? I’m starved.”

Anakin’s mouth twisted into a sardonic smile. “I’ll see what I can do. Ladies, if you don’t mind returning to your seats.”

The Maldarian women quietly made their way out of the small cabin. The younger woman shot Anakin with an uneasy glance, as she walked past him. At that moment, Han realized that a chance for a developing romance between the pair may have ended. Figures, he thought. Since when has love ever last forever?

As he started to walk away, Anakin called after him. "Han?"

The younger man faced his partner. "Yeah? What is it?"

Anakin hesitated before he continued. "During that fight in the hangar, did you . . . did you see a woman . . . a petite woman appear . . ."

"Oh that!" Han nodded. "It was uh, the senator's aide. Miss Colbert."

Surprise illuminated Anakin's eyes. "Igraine?"

Han continued, "Yeah." He shook his head in disbelief. "Crazy lady! She ran smack into the firefight in order to get Senator Dahlma's data chip. Nearly got her head blown off. Why?"

Anakin shook his head. "It's . . . nothing. Just my mind playing tricks on me."

Huh? Han stared at the older man. Whom exactly did Anakin see? And why did his friend seem disappointed that the woman in question turned out to be Miss Colbert? Realizing that he would never fathom Anakin's mind, Han gave his shoulders a brief shrug and left the locker room.

END OF CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL

The air taxi finally delivered Padme, her three companions and R2-D2 to Acroon Street, in the middle of Worlport’s spaceport. As the four people and the droid headed toward the hangar’s entrance, several beeps emitted from R2. His silver-and-blue dome shifted toward the right. Padme directed her gaze in the same direction and gasped.

“What is it?” Bail demanded.

The former Nabooan senator curtly replied, “Stormtroopers. To our right.”

The other three surreptiously stared at the four stormtroopers casually walking along the street. “Don’t panic,” Master Olin murmured. “Try not to do anything that might attract their attention.”

Holding her breath, Padme quietly walked beside Bail and R2-D2. They followed Voranda and the former Jedi into the hangar’s passageway. “I only hope that we will have a clear shot to the Alberforce,” the red-haired Voranda commented. “Once we board the ship, strap on. I intend to . . .” She paused as her legs came to a halt. Master Olin paused, as well. “Oh no!”

Master Olin grimly added, “This does not look good. More stormtroopers.”

Padme glanced past Voranda and spotted at least three stormtroopers firing at someone. “What can we do?”

Voranda quietly answered, “They seemed to be preoccupied. I say we brush past them as quickly as possible and head for the ship.”

“Why don’t we split up as planned?” a frowning Bail demanded.

The former Jedi replied, “They don’t seem to be interested in us. I agree with Captain Sen. We should head for the ship. And quickly.”

The four people and the droid rushed behind the stormtroopers and quickly headed toward the Alberforce. A curious Padme glanced over her shoulders and surprised to see the young man and the Wookie she had met yesterday evening. A petite young woman whom Padme recognized as Zoebeida Dahlma’s aide stood beside them. “Why I know those two,” she murmured. “They . . .” A bigger surprise awaited her when she glanced past the occupants of the other starship. She saw Darth Rasche, the Emperor’s apprentice from a few HoloNet News reports, engaged in a lightsaber duel . . . with her long estranged husband. “Anakin!” she cried.

The others overheard her and stopped in their tracks. Bail merely stared at the two combatants in shock. Voranda whispered, “Set?” Padme stared at the pilot. How did she . . .?

”Rasche!” The name spitted out from Master Olin’s mouth with great enmity. He regarded the Sith Lord with near hatred. Then the former Jedi swiftly removed his lightsaber and switched it on. A blue blade illuminated.

Bail cried out, “Olin! No!”

Too late. Master Olin rushed toward the combatants with lightsaber in hand. The stormtroopers firing upon the other starship, noticed the newcomers and began to fire. Padme cried to the droid, “R2, my blaster!”

While Olin deflected the stormtroopers’ blasts with his lightsaber, the astromech droid beeped several times before it extended a blaster pistol to Padme. She grabbed it and began to fire. Both Bail and Voranda whipped out their own weapons and followed her example.

The stormtroopers divided their attention between Padme and her companions and the trio firing from the other ship’s boarding ramp. The Wookie managed to kill one trooper. Padme shot another. While the battle continued to rage, the Nabooan woman attempted to inch closer toward the Alberforce, as much as she could. But the stormtroopers made it nearly impossible. Not even Anakin’s duel with Lord Rasche could distract them. Then to her surprise, the Sith Lord kicked her husband, causing the latter to fall backward. A gasp escaped Padme’s mouth, as Rasche raised his lightsaber for the killing blow.

Padme opened her mouth to cry out in protest. But the cry from Master Olin’s lips drowned out hers. He charged the Sith Lord with one hand gripping his lightsaber. Four stormtroopers entered the hangar and immediately fired at the former Jedi. One of the blasts struck Olin in the chest and he immediately fell to the ground.

Bail rushed forward to help the former Jedi under a hail of blaster fire. “Help me!” he cried to Padme and Voranda.

The two women rushed to the senator’s side. Padme shot a quick glance at Lord Rasche and was surprised to find him fighting Anakin again. How did he . . .?

“Padme! I need you and Captain Sen to help me get him to the ship,” Bail barked.

Mindful of the charred flesh and blood that marked Olin’s chest, Padme helped Bail and Voranda carry the Jedi to the Alberforce. Thankfully, the stormtroopers’ blaster fire seemed to be more concentrated on the other ship. They finally reached Voranda’s ship and carried Master Olin aboard. Realizing that someone was missing, Padme glanced around. “Where’s R2?” she demanded. Anxiety over the missing droid gripped her.

Several beeps filled her with relief. Padme spotted the astromech droid near one of the ship’s system panels. “Looks like your droid managed to get to the Alberforce first,” Voranda said, as she and Bail eased Olin’s body onto a nearby cot. Then the red-haired woman checked the panel that R2 stood near. “And it has been checking the Alberforce’s systems. Smart little thing.”

Padme returned to the ship’s open hatch. Voranda stood behind her. Both women stared at the two fighters. “Do you know that man?” the younger woman asked. “The one fighting Lord Rasche? You seemed surprised to see him.”

A sigh left Voranda’s mouth. “I thought I did. Let’s get out of here.”

---------

Several Minutes Earlier . . .

It all seemed to be going wrong. Or so it seemed to Han, who sat inside the Javian Hawk’s cockpit. Anakin seemed to be fighting Darth Rasche from a defensive stance. Han suspected that the former Jedi Knight might not be used to fighting defensively, judging from how the latter seemed to be buckling under the Sith Lord’s aggression.

Han tried to shoot as many stormtroopers as he could, using one of the Hawk’s blaster cannons. Despite all of this, the Imperials’ numbers seemed to have increased. Which meant that Chewbacca might be in trouble. Sure enough, a roar filled the ship’s interior. Han quickly left the cockpit and grabbed a blaster rifle from the Hawk’s armory.

“What’s wrong?” a worried-looking Senator Dahlma demanded. “Why aren’t we leaving?”

Han glared at the older woman. “Because two of my friends are in trouble, lady! And we could have been out of here if you had not dropped that data chip!”

“How dare you!” the senator cried out in outrage. “How dare you insinuate that this is all my . . .”

Again, Chewbacca roared for help. Miss Colbert grabbed Han’s forearm. “Captain Solo, I believe that your friend needs your help.”

“Right.” Han shot one last glare at the senator and joined the Wookie at the boarding ramp. He saw the number of stormtroopers inside the hangar and muttered an oath. “Is it me or did the number of stormtroopers just got bigger?” He aimed his blaster rifle at a trooper about to shoot Anakin and fired.

Chewbacca retorted, “The number got bigger, while you were busy with the senator.”

Han ignored the taunt and continued firing. Despite the intensity of the battle, he could not help but marvel at the fighting skills demonstrated by the two Force users. He had seen Anakin practice with a lightsaber before. Yet, he had no idea of the degree of skills needed to wield the weapon in such a lethal manner. Both Anakin and Rasche move so fast that Han almost felt dizzy just watching them.

A third voice from behind demanded, “What’s going on? Do you need help?” Han turned around and found Senator Dahlma’s petite aide standing behind him, holding a blaster. She glanced past and stared at the two dueling men. “Set? He’s a Jedi?”

Han retorted, “Hey! Lady! Get back in the ship! We can handle this!”

Naturally, the stubborn woman refused. “You need all the help you can get, Captain! And I mean to provide it.” The Maldarian woman shot another glance at Anakin and Rasche, before she aimed her blaster at the nearest stormtrooper and fired.

The young Corellian opened his mouth to protest, but Chewbacca caught his gaze and shrugged. ’Why not?’ the Wookie’s expression seemed to say. Han observed Miss Colbert’s skill with a blaster and realized that she might proved to be useful, after all. Then his eyes caught sight of newcomers entering the hangar. One of them happened to be Voranda Sen. With the exception of the redhead, the others wore hooded cloaks that made it difficult for Han to identify them.

One of Voranda’s companions shouted something and threw back his hood. Han found himself staring at a handsome face twisted with rage. A blue lightsaber lit up. Han realized that the man must have been another former Jedi Knight. The man rushed toward Anakin and Rasche with blade in hand. Unfortunately, some of the stormtroopers began to fire at him.

“Who is that?” Chewbacca growled. “Another Jedi?”

Before Han could answer, Miss Colbert added, “I know him. He’s a former Jedi acquaintance of Set’s. We had met last night.” Her voice dropped to a decibel or two. “And apparently he was not the only former Jedi around.”

Detecting a slight dark undertone in the Maldarian woman’s voice, Han shot an anxious glance at Chewbaca. Poor Anakin had a lot to answer for . . . if they ever manage to get off this rock. Han opened his mouth to explain matters, when Miss Colbert let out a squeak. “What is it now?” he demanded.

“The senator’s data chip! Set must have dropped it.” Miss Colbert started down the boarding ramp.

“Hey!” Han reached out to grab her, but the Maldarian woman had moved too fast. As soon as she reached the end of the ramp, she dashed away from the ship. Han fumed at her recklessness. He could have killed her. Then she bent over to retrieve an object from the ground. A stormtrooper spotted her and aimed his blaster rifle at her. Han quickly swiveled his own weapon toward the trooper and shot the latter dead. Miss Colbert stood up and her eyes grew wide at the sight of the dead stormtrooper. Han cried, “C’mon lady! Get back here!”

Just as the Maldarian woman began to move, Han glanced to his left and saw a horrifying sight. Anakin laid flat on his back, with Rasche hovering above him with a lightsaber. Han quickly aimed his blaster at the Sith Lord. Before he could squeeze the trigger, Anakin sent the black-clad Rasche flying backwards. The Sith Lord landed several feet away from Miss Colbert.

“Run!” Han yelled at the young woman. The latter picked up her skirt and dashed toward the Hawk’s boarding ramp. The moment she reached Han and Chewbacca, the Corellian growled, “Hey lady! What in the hell did you think you were . . .?” Han’s rant remained incomplete, as a laser blast sailed inches above his head.

Miss Colbert exclaimed, “I had to retrieve the data chip, Captain Solo. It is vital to . . .”

“Well, give her the damn chip, while Chewie and I continue this fight!”

“What about Set?”

Han glanced at his partner. The latter’s fight with Darth Rasche seemed to have resume. A quick glance at Voranda’s skiff revealed that the Alberforce seemed to be making its way out of the hangar.

Chewbacca growled, “They’re getting away!”

A sigh left Han’s mouth, as his gaze returned to his friend and the Sith Lord. “Yeah, and I wish we could be doing the same.”

--------------

Not long after his green lightsaber clashed with Rasche’s red one, Anakin realized that too many years had passed since he last fought with a lightsaber. Either that or his former Jedi colleague’s skills have improved over the years.

Anakin quickly blocked a near fatal blow delivered by his opponent. Yes, Romulus . . . or Rasche – as he was now called – had certainly improved his fighting skills. Although Romulus Wort had been considered one of the finest lightsaber duelists of his generation, he had never been able to defeat Anakin. The latter feared that moment seem destined to arrive. Palpatine had certainly trained Rasche well. And hunting down Jedi Knights and Masters over the past decade had certainly helped.

A red blade slashed downward, missing Anakin’s head by millimeters. Realizing that he had allowed himself to be distracted by his thoughts, Anakin quickly cleared his mind and focused his attention upon his opponent. He noticed that Rasche had not abandoned the Djem So Form after all of these years. Unfortunately for Anakin, he seemed to have forgotten. From the moment his blade had met Rasche’s, Anakin found himself using his former master’s fighting style – the Soresu Form – to defend himself. A fighting style of which he had a lot less experience than Obi-Wan.

Anakin immediately sensed an attack aimed at his legs. He quickly utilized the Sai maneuver – a Force-assisted jump to evade the attack. Frustration and anger marred Rasche’s handsome countenance. Anakin began to wonder if his use of the Soresu Form might prove to be successful after all. He certainly seemed to be do . . .

The woman materialized in his line of vision, taking Anakin by surprise. She appeared to be a petite woman that wore a deep blue cloak. At first, he had assumed she was Igraine Colbert. But a brief movement of her head revealed a face that reminded him of . . . Padme? Was that . . .? A booted foot kicked Anakin squarely in the chest, knocking him against a stack of barrels.

Anakin fell upon the ground and one barrel struck his skull. His lightsaber tumbled out of his hand. Feeling slightly dazed, he barely saw a red lightsaber blade hovering above him. “At last!” Rasche growled with triumph. “When that spacer had spotted Senator Dahlma leaving Maldare on your ship, I never thought I would finally get my revenge!”

Spacer? On Maldare? A handsome, dissipated face flashed in Anakin’s mind. Mako Spince! The thought of the Corellian smuggler finally cleared Anakin’s mind. As Rasche’s blade slashed down to strike him, he retrieved his lightsaber using the Force and blocked the Sith Lord’s attack. Then he sent Rasche flying backwards and away from him. Anakin quickly sprang to his feet. Several stormtroopers began firing at him. He deflected their shots with ease, as he raced toward the Javian Hawk’s boarding ramp. Before he could reach it, Rasche’s form landed between him and the ramp.

“This isn’t over, Skywalker,” Rasche declared menacingly. “At least not yet.” His red blade illuminated and he swung it at Anakin. The latter quickly blocked Rasche’s blow and the duel continued.

Once more, Anakin found himself using the Soresu Form in defense of Rasche’s continuing attacks. Yet, he also noticed something different. The Sith Lord’s energy seemed to be waning. Just as it had when they used to duel against each other in the Jedi Temple’s training hall. Then it finally happened. For a millisecond, his opponent hesitated. Anakin took the opportunity to perform a Jung Ma spin before shifting his fighting style to the Djem So Form. After that he held nothing back.

Utilizing deliberate anger and coldness, Anakin relentlessly went on the attack. On and on he pressed, forcing Rasche to switch to the defensive Soresu Form. The Sith Lord proved to be even less effective with this fighting style than he. Like a hunter stalking his prey, Anakin sensed Rasche’s exhaustion. And his own opportunity. The Sith Lord allowed his guard to drop for the second time. In one swift moment, Anakin executed the Cho Mai maneuver and chopped off both of Rasche’s hands.

The Sith Lord’s eyes widened in shock, as he fell to his knees. Anakin neatly caught the other man’s lightsaber and placed the blades of both weapons at Rasche’s neck. Just as he had done to Count Dooku, eleven years ago. The anger he had utilized to defeat the Sith Lord continued to flow within him. All he had to do was . . .

Dooku’s decapitated hands fell upon the deck of the Invisible Hand’s general quarters. “Good Anakin, good!” Chancellor Palpatine’s voice rang with pure delight. “I knew you could do it. Kill him!” The last words came out as a cold murmur. Both Anakin and Dooku stared at the politician. “Kill him, now!”

Confusion now reigned within the young Jedi Knight’s chest. “I shouldn’t . . .” he began.

This time, Palpatine coldly barked, “Do it!” As if by reflex, Anakin neatly severed Dooku’s head.

A shuddering sigh escaped from Anakin’s mouth. Then he stared at the frightened Sith Lord and deactivated both lightsabers. “No!” he cried fiercely to himself. “Not this time! Not again.” He tossed aside Rasche’s lightsaber and rushed toward the Hawk’s boarding ramp. The remaining stormtroopers fired at him. Chewbacca fired back. So did the Javian Hawk’s turret gun, thanks to Han.

Once he and the Wookie managed to safely board the Haw, Anakin brushed past the two Maldarian women and headed toward the cockpit. “Han!” he bellowed. “Now would be a good time to get out of here!”

The young Corellian needed no further words. Han steered the Javian Hawk toward the hangar’s opening. By the time Anakin sat down in the co-pilot’s seat, the Hawk left the hangar and zoomed into the atmosphere above Worlport.

END OF CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL

Han had just completed his system check of the Javian Hawk, when a growl caught his attention. He swerved the pilot’s seat around to find Chewbacca standing near the doorway. “Chewie? What is it?”

The Wookie replied, “They’re here. Set . . . I mean, Anakin and the women.”

A quick glance through the cockpit’s window shield revealed Anakin, the senator and Miss Colbert rushing across the hangar. Relief flooded Han’s body. He wondered if the trio would reach the Hawk without any problems. “Hey Chewie,” he added, “help them with their bags, could . . .”

”Stop in the name of the Emperor!” a voice boomed across the hangar. “You’re under arrest!”

Han’s blood ran cold, as he glanced out of the window shield and spotted Imperial stormtroopers entering the hangar. To his dismay, Anakin and the Maldarian women paused in their tracks. Chewie growled, “What do we do?”

“Start shooting!” Han cried. “What else?” Chewbacca rushed away from the cockpit. The young Corellian quickly gripped the trigger for the ship’s main blaster, aimed at the nearest stormtroopers and fired. At least two of them fell to the ground, dead. A third stormstrooper did the same. Han assumed that the Wookie had fired the fatal shot. Then all hell broke loose.

Blaster fire filled the large hangar. Anakin, Senator Dahlma and Miss Colbert quickly resumed their dash toward the Javian Hawk’s boarding ramp. The younger woman reached it in no time. Before Anakin and the senator could reach the ramp, Senator Dahlma dropped a small object. She bent over to retrieve it, when a blaster shot fired over her head.

“Let’s go, Senator!” Anakin cried. He ignored her protests, grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the boarding ramp.

Seconds later, Han overheard the senator cry, “My data chip! I need it!”

Anakin shot back, “You can get a new one, some other time.”

“It has vital information that cannot fall into Imperial hands!”

Great! Han shook his head in disgust, as he watched Anakin run down the boarding ramp. Sure enough, the moment the older pilot stepped off the ramp, the Imperial troops began to fire. Both Han and Chewbacca fired back.

Then Han saw him – a tall man in dark clothes, holding a lightsaber. Han tried to cry out a warning. It was too late. Just as Anakin had retrieved the data chip, the dark-clad man lit up a red lightsaber blade and aimed it at Anakin’s head. After eleven years, the former Jedi Knight had finally been caught.

--------

The four passengers held their breaths as the air taxi conveyed them across Worlport’s skies and toward the city’s spaceport. Padme struggled to keep her emotions in check. But the knowledge that she might be moments away from being captured by the Imperials threatened to unnerve her.

“How did the Empire track us down?” Voranda Sen demanded in a low voice. “I thought the reason you had decided to hold this meeting was because the Senate was no longer in session for the rest of the year.”

Bail sighed. “It is no longer in session. Which is why I’m in the dark as much as you.”

“Perhaps the Emperor is after someone else,” Padme suggested.

Shaking his head, Bail replied, “Like whom? From what I had last heard, the Emperor had developed an interest in the survivors of the Volmtrak disaster. In fact, I believe he had even formed a committee to help them.”

Padme stared at the Alderaanian prince. Palpatine concerned about the Accom River flood victims? Since when? Even as Chancellor, he had always found a way to dump such concerns on another politician or the Jedi. “Why would Palpatine be interested in the Accom River flood victims on Volmtrak?”

“He’s not.” Everyone stared at Master Olin, who had spoken. “Trust me. Considering that the disaster occurred on Volmtrak, I suspect that the Emperor is more interested in Sith artifacts. It has been rumored that a certain Sith artifact could be found in that system for a good number of years.”

Padme asked Bail, “Who told you about this committee?”

Bail shrugged his shoulders. “Zoebeida Dahlma. She had told me about Palpatine’s interest in the disaster. Apparently, he wanted her to serve on the committee. The Maldare system is not that far from Volmtrak.”

The Alderaanian’s words formed an idea in Padme’s mind. “I wonder,” she murmured. “Is it possible that the Empire is searching for Zoebeida? Perhaps the Emperor became suspicious when she turned down a position on the committee. Zoebeida does have a reputation for supporting charity causes. Especially those that deal with disaster victims.”

Disbelief shone in Voranda’s eyes. “You mean to say that we might be running for our lives because some senator had turned down an offer to serve on a disaster committee?”

“Voranda, my family and I had to leave Alderaan because Solipo Yeb had contacted Bail for extra funds,” Padme reminded the red-haired pilot. “And considering Zoebeida’s reputation for charity causes, it is quite possible that her decision not to serve on the one for Volmtrak in order to attend this conference has stirred the Emperor’s suspicions. So yes, I believe it’s quite possible.”

The red-haired woman heaved a sigh and lowered her head into her open palms. Master Olin spoke up. “Whether the Empire is after Senator Dahlma or not, we must remember that they are here . . . on Ord Mantell. I suggest that once we reach the spaceport, we should make our way toward Captain Sen’s starship. Quickly.”

“And what if we find our path blocked by Imperial stormtroopers?” Bail demanded.

Voranda raised her head and brusquely replied, “Simple. We separate. We separate and hide until the Empire leaves. And then we get off this rock any way we can.”

Padme and the two men murmured their assent to the pilot’s plan. After all, they had no other available. The Nabooan woman glanced out of her window and spied the bustling spaceport below. They had arrived. Finally. If only they can make it to the Alberforce and put this system and the Empire behind them.

-----------

”Let’s go, Senator!”

But Senator Dahlma, who had just avoided instant death from a stormtrooper’s blaster rifle, refused to heed Anakin’s warning. She insisted upon retrieving the object she had just dropped. Finally, Anakin firmly grabbed one of her arms and dragged her toward the Javian Hawk’s boarding ramp. Once aboard the ship, the Maldarian woman cried, “My data chip! I need it!”

Anakin shot back, “You can get a new one some other time!” He started toward the cockpit.

The senator stopped him with a surprisingly strong grip of his arm. “It has vital information that cannot fall into Imperial hands!”

A sigh left Anakin’s mouth. As badly as he wanted to leave, he understood the importance of the conference here on Ord Mantell. He quickly brushed past the senator and made his way toward the boarding ramp. Upon disembarking the ship, he spotted the data chip and bent over to retrieve it. Anakin picked up the object. At that moment, he felt the familiar heat of a lightsaber blade a few millimeters from his neck.

“At last,” a deep voice crowed. “Anakin Skywalker.”

Slowly, Anakin stood up. Then he turned around to find a gloating Romulus Wort pointing a red lightsaber blade at his throat. The past decade had hardened his former Jedi colleague. At least an inch or two taller, Romulus seemed fuller. Broader. Anakin also spotted strands of gray hair at the other man’s temples. The former Jedi Knight regarded Anakin with dark eyes that almost blazed with hate.

“It’s been a long time, Romulus,” Anakin quietly commented.

The other man growled angrily, “The name is Rasche. Darth Rasche. Romulus West no longer exists, thanks to you.”

“If you say so.” Anakin’s tart response nearly produced a flash of anger in Rasche’s eyes. Seconds later, the former Chosen One bit back a pain filled cry as the Sith Lord’s red blade brushed against the right side of his chin. The younger man sighed. “What do you want, Rom . . . I mean, Rasche?”

Lord Rasche answered, “Senator Dahlma, of course. And her aide.” A cruel smile curved his lips. “Your death would be a nice addition.”

“I’m sorry but I can’t oblige,” Anakin coolly replied. “I would just as soon order the pilot to shoot everyone on site and leave as quickly as possible.”

Rasche’s smile disappeared. “Kill everyone on site? I see that bad habits are hard to break.” Anakin stared at him questioningly. “Oh, you think I don’t know? That you were once the Emperor’s apprentice who had helped destroyed the Order by killing a good number of Jedi?”

The other man’s last comment produced a confused look from Anakin. “Is that why you are so angry at me? For what I had done as Darth Vader?”

“Your selfish little actions to save your so-called love had ruined my life!” Rasche growled. “Because of you, I no longer have one!”

Anakin shook his head in disbelief. “I find it odd that a Sith Lord would be angry at me for helping to destroy the Jedi Order. Granted, I’m not proud of my actions. But it seems that you have managed to finish my job during the past decade.”

Rage now simmered in Rasche’s dark eyes. For a brief moment, Anakin expected the Sith Lord’s red blade to decapitate his head any second. But the moment passed and a hard smile curved the older man’s lips. “You’re right. I should be thankful for your actions against the Jedi. From what I have learned about them, they did not deserve to continue living. They were a parasite upon this galaxy. But I still hate your guts. I always have and I always will. And there is the matter of Senator Dahlma. Call her out, now.”

“No!”

Again, Rasche used his lightsaber blade to inflict a light burn upon Anakin – this time, upon the side of the latter’s neck. “Call her out and I will make your death a quick one.”

Enduring the pain caused by Rasche’s lightsaber, Anakin snorted with derision. “You must be joking. Why should I call her out? You have no intention of letting me go.”

“Fine!” Rasche barked. “Then your life should suffice.” He swung back his lightsaber. Just as he was about to decapitate Anakin’s head, the latter dropped to the ground and rolled forward in order to avoid the incoming blow. Rasche whirled around and growled, “You cannot avoid me forever, Skywalker!”

Anakin wished he could. With his lightsaber aboard the Hawk, he had no choice but to avoid Rasche’s blows and use his blaster. Just as he managed to whip it out of his holster, it flew out of his hand and clattered on the ground. It seemed Rasche wanted to ensure that Anakin remained defenseless.

“Summon the senator and her aide, Skywalker, and I promise your death will be quick and your friends . . . spared!”

“Out of the question,” Anakin retorted. Using the Force, he retrieved his blaster from ground and fired a few shots at the Sith Lord. Rasche deflected them with great ease with his lightsaber. Then several stormtroopers entered the hangar. Rasche took several steps back and ordered them to fire at Anakin. The latter fired back. But the blaster provided scant defense in compare to a lightsaber.

To Anakin’s delight, the Javian Hawk’s laser gun lowered from the ship and fired upon the stormtroopers. Good old Han! Reliable as ever. Anakin made another attempt to dash toward the Hawk’s boarding ramp. Before he could take five steps, Anakin found himself being flung against the nearest wall. Both the blaster and the data chip fell from his grip. Feeling slightly dazed, Anakin struggled to his feet.

“Where do you think you’re going?” an intimidating Rasche demanded. He stalked toward the younger man. “I’m not finished with you, yet.” He raised his lightsaber for the killing stroke.

Before the red blade could strike him, Anakin used telekinesis to fling the other man across the hangar. Then he picked up the data chip. As he reached down to retrieve his blaster, the stormtroopers continued to fire at him. Anakin backed away from the weapon. If only . . .

A loud roar filled the hangar. It came from Chewbacca, who stood on the ramp, firing at the troopers with his bowcaster. Then Han appeared on the ramp with an object in his hand. “Anakin!” the young Corellian cried, as he tossed the object. “Catch!”

The object turned out to be his lightsaber. Anakin deftly caught it, just as some of the stormtroopers resumed firing at him. With little effort, he began to deflect the blaster fire – killing two stormtroopers in the process. Meanwhile, other troopers continued their fire at both Chewbacca and Han.

Anakin rushed toward the Javian Hawk in order to help his friends. Before he could reach the boarding ramp, a tall figure in black appeared from above and dropped in front of Anakin, feet first. Once more, the latter found his path to the Hawk’s boarding ramp blocked. “Sorry Skywalker,” Rasche said with a smirk stamped on his face. “I’m afraid this fight is not yet over.”

In a lightning move that nearly caught Anakin off guard, the Sith Lord slashed his lightsaber down at the younger man. Fortunately, Anakin moved fast enough to block the attack with his own lightsaber. And both the green and red blades began to clash in a fury of heat.

END OF CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL

The still figure inside the hotel bedroom sat in front of his bed, cross-legged. Several yards to his left, fresh air from the open balcony breezed into the room and ruffled his hair. The figure barely noticed, for he was deep into meditation.

Anakin had usually tried to refrain from meditating or using his Force abilities in regions of space close to the Core World and Corsucant. In case the Emperor or Darth Rasche sensed his presence. But he badly needed this meditation session. Especially after the emotional turmoil of last night.

Encountering Ferus Olin had been bad enough. The chilly reunion brought back memories of his years with the Jedi Order. Years that he did not regard with any true happiness, if he must be honest. But the real turmoil came from his feelings regarding Senator Dahlma’s aide, Igraine Colbert. Upon their return to the hotel last night, Anakin and Igraine had kissed for the last time. The kiss made him realize that he might truly be falling in love for the second time in his life. And this feeling happened to be something that Anakin truly feared. Emotional attachment – especially of the romantic variety – might result in the re-emergence of Darth Vader.

Slowly, Anakin breathed in and out, as he attempted to distance himself from his physical surroundings and open up to the Force. In and out, he continued to breathe. Anakin allowed his mind to quiet until he could no longer sense his presence inside the bedroom. Instead, he became dimly aware of the Force. The life energy soon engulfed him and filled him with light and truth. Anakin became so caught up in his meditation that he felt as if he had embarked upon a journey into another realm. One where . . .

The strong presence struck the former Jedi with great force. It happened to be a presence he had not felt in years. And it certainly did not belong to Ferus Olin. Anakin’s eyes flew open. Had he just . . . sensed the presence of his former colleague, Romulus Wort? Here on Ord Mantell?

The comlink on the night table crackled. “Anakin?” The voice belonged to Han. “Are you there? Wake up, buddy! I’ve got some bad news.”

Anakin rose to his feet and snatched the comlinkk from the table. “Yeah, Han. It’s me. You said something about bad news?”

“The Empire is here. I had spotted at least three Imperial shuttles landing somewhere in the city.”

In other words, Romulus aka Darth Rasche had arrived on Ord Mantell. Fighting back a sense of dread, Anakin replied, “I think I have even worse news. Lord Rasche might be here. I had sensed him. Why don’t you find Chewbacca and get the Hawk ready. I’ll summon Senator Dahlma.”

Han said in a hesitant voice, “Uh . . . Chewie is with me. Right now.”

Which meant that the Wookie had overheard Han use his real name. Not good, Anakin thought. “Oh. Well . . . okay.” He sighed. “I’ll meet you two at the hangar as soon as possible.” He hesitated. “Anakin out.”

The moment he switched off his comlink, Anakin set about donning his boots and jacket. Then he gathered his and Han’s belongings and stuffed them into the two traveling bags. Anakin finally left the suite and made his way to the one occupied by the two Maldarian women.

“Set?” A slightly disheveled Igraine stood in the suite’s doorway. She tugged at her pale rose dressing gown. “What’s wrong? Why are you carrying your traveling bags?”

Without waiting for an invitation, Anakin entered the senator’s suite. “You and Senator Dahlma need to get dressed and packed, Igraine. We have a problem.”

Senator Dahlma entered the suite’s living room. “What is going on?” she demanded. Like Igraine, she wore a dressing gown. Her gaze focused upon the two travel bags that hung from Anakin’s shoulders. “Why are you packed?”

Calmly, Anakin revealed Han’s news about the arrival of Imperial troops. The faces of both women paled, as he dumped the duffle bags on the floor. “Senator, I need you and Igraine to get dressed and pack your bags as quickly as possible. Nothing elaborate. I will go downstairs and check us out. And I will need your credit chip.”

Alarm flickered in Senator Dahlma’s dark eyes. “Wait a minute. This is rather sud . . .”

“Please Senator! This is not the time to argue! I need your credit chip. Now!”

Very reluctantly, the senator walked back to her bedroom. She returned to the doorway and handed Anakin her credit chip. “Igraine and I shall be ready. Hopefully, before you return.”

Anakin stared at the senator. He could sense her reluctance . . . and suspension. “Don’t worry Senator,” he added sardonically. “If I had wanted to betray you, I would have left without saying a word.” He flashed a reassuring smile at Igraine, turned away from the two women and quickly made his way along the corridor.

------

Padme reached for her glass of Jawa juice and took a sip. Longing for some peace and quiet before the morning session, she had decided to eat her morning meal in the privacy of her suite. She reached for the remote to switch on the room’s holovid screen. Only nothing happened.

“R-2?” The astromech droid beeped several times. Padme added, “Could you do something about this holovid? I want to watch the news.”

More beeps followed before the droid rolled toward the holovid screen. Padme continued to eat her breakfast, as she watched R-2 insert his interface arm into the suite’s monitor/control panel. Seconds passed before a masculine voice reverberated throughout the suite’s main room:

”This is the Imperial shuttle, Rancon, conveying Lord Rasche to Worlport. We request permission to land on the first available landing pad.”

Another voice hesitated before it replied, ”Permission granted. Welcome to Worlport.”

R-2 beeped several times, as his interface arm rotated the circular panel once more. Finally, an image appeared on the holvid screen. Padme ignored it. She felt too stunned by the audio message she had just overheard. Palpatine’s apprentice . . . here on Ord Mantell? Had the Sith finally managed to track her down? Or were they after someone else? One of her Rebel colleagues? Although Padme did not know the answers to her questions, she realized that the time to leave Ord Mantell had arrived. But first, she need to contact Bail and Voranda.

-------

“I want patrols to search every hotel for Senator Dahlma and her aide, Igraine Colbert,” Lord Rasche barked at his two company commanders. “And arrest anyone who has been seen in their company.” The Sith Lord and the two Imperial officers stood inside the Imperial liaison’s office in Worlport. Although the Empire did not harbor a strong presence in this particular system, it had managed to create a liaison office in Ord Mantell’s capital city.

The two officers nodded. “Yes, my Lord.” And they quickly left the office.

Rasche turned to the Imperial liaison, Kalen Tom. “Have there been any reports of large gatherings at any of the hotels, or other public buildings in the past two days?”

Looking slightly apologetic, the tall and swarthy man replied, “My Lord, Ord Mantell is a haven for smugglers and such. The citizens here do not . . . keep records of such meetings. At least not on a regular basis. The most extensive record you would find are the guests at the hotels and the starships that arrive at the spaceports of all the major cities and resorts. And even their records are not completely concise.”

As much as he hated to admit it, Rasche realized that the liaison officer had spoken the truth. Upon his arrival in Worlport, he had learned that no Corellian starship named the Javian Hawk had been reported to the portmaster. Either Mako Spince had lied, or the ship’s pilot had reported its arrival under a false name.

Loud voices interrupted the Sith Lord’s thoughts. He glanced to his right and saw two stormtroopers drag a blond woman into the office. “Let go of me!” the woman cried, as she struggled to free herself. “I haven’t done anything wrong!”

“What is this?” Rasche demanded.

One of the stormtroopers answered, “This woman was found with several grenades, Lord Rasche. Concussion grenades.” He released his grip on the woman and held out a duffel bag. The trooper opened the bag and spilled the contents on Tom’s desk.

“Interesting,” the Sith Lord murmured. He shifted his gaze to the blond woman. “It seems we have a terrorist on our hands. Where did you find her?”

The stormtrooper replied, “At the city’s spaceport.”

Slowly, Rasche approached the restrained woman. “Who are you? Where is your identification? And what exactly were you planning to do with those grenades?”

The woman glared. “Nothing! It’s . . . personal. They have nothing to do with you.”

“Personal? How?”

Deep blue eyes widened in fear. “It’s . . . uh . . . nothing. Just personal,” the woman insisted. Rasche took a menacing step toward her. She quailed in fear. “All right! If you must know, I wanted revenge. I . . .” A heavy sigh left her mouth. “I had a . . . a little brush with the law, yesterday. Me and my friends.” The woman revealed an attempted mugging that resulted in the deaths of her colleagues at the hands of a spacer.

“So you were telling the truth about getting revenge,” Rasche replied sardonically. “I would say that your friends got what they had deserved.” He then ordered the stormtroopers to escort the woman to the local authorities. As one of the troopers grabbed the woman’s arm, the Sith Lord added, “One last question – have you seen this woman?” He held out a small holographic projector and clicked it on. A holographic image of Senator Dahlma appeared.

The woman answered morosely, “No, I haven’t.”

Rasche bit back his disappointment. “What about this woman? Have you seen her?” The projector now displayed Igraine Colbert’s image. To his surprise, the woman’s eyes glimmered with recognition. But she remained silent. It did not matter. Rasche knew the truth. “You have seen her,” he insisted. “I can sense it.”

“I . . .” The woman hesitated. “Well . . . yeah. She’s the . . . she’s the woman we . . . I mean, my friends tried to . . . mug her. Some spacer came to her resuce.” She paused before adding, “I think they had known each other. In fact, I think she was a passenger of his.”

“And how did you come to this conclusion?”

The woman’s face turned pink. “Because I had spotted them last night. And I followed them.”

Realizing that the woman may have spoken of the pilot hired by Senator Dahlma, Rasche continued his interrogation. “Followed them . . . to where?”

A crafty expression appeared on the woman’s face. “I’ll tell you . . . for a favor.”

Rasche coldly retorted, “The only favor you will receive from me is your life. Now where did Miss Colbert and this pilot go?”

Fear widened the woman’s eyes even further. “To the spaceport,” she finally answered. “The spacer’s ship is located inside a hangar on Volange Street. It’s a Corellian freighter.”

Triumphant, Rasche turned to Kalen Tom. “A Corellian freighter had been seen leaving Maldare, two days ago.”

The stormtrooper holding the woman interrupted. “Lord Rasche, what about the prisoner?”

Rasche coolly gazed at the trembling woman. “Turn her over to the authorities. If her information proves to be correct, I will order her release.” The stormtroopers dragged the woman out of the office.

“You will finally have Senator Dahlma, my Lord,” Tom declared. “Too bad the prisoner did not know which hotel the senator was staying.”

A triumphant smile touched Rasche’s lips. “Don’t worry. As soon as this pilot returns to his ship, I’ll arrest him. And he will lead me to the good senator.”

END OF CHAPTER FIFTEEN

 

"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL

Inside the hotel’s Jewel Conference Room, Padme sat at a table with Bail, Voranda, Mon and Garm; while a waiter served their evening meals. Once the waiter moved on to another table, Bail turned to the red-haired pilot. “Voranda, how did it go with the pilots this afternoon?”

A heartfelt sigh left Voranda’s mouth. “Not very well, I’m afraid. At least two dozen pilots had appeared at my meeting. Half of them walked out.”

“Did they even consider helping us?” Padme demanded.

Voranda shook her head. “They absolutely refused to have anything to do with the rebellion.”

“Idiots!” Garm Ilbis growled. “Why can’t they see the dangers of allowing the Empire to exist?”

Mon gave her elegant shoulders a shrug. “They are smugglers and pirates, Garm. What did you expect? These . . . spacers are probably more concerned with profit than our cause.”

Padme saw Garm glare at the red-haired senator. What was it about Mon that raised his ire?

“Perhaps it is best that we limit our recruitment to pilots interested in the cause,” Bail suggested. “Like those who are not criminals or smugglers.”

Voranda nodded. “I agree. However, I did manage to recruit at least five or six smugglers to the cause. And another five had agreed to help whenever they were available.”

“Odd terms,” Padme commented. She wondered if the dark-haired young man and the Wookie she had earlier met were pilots. Or the other man . . . the one who had briefly reminded her of Anakin.

Bail sighed. “Odd or not, at least these pilots have agreed to help. Somewhat.” He placed his utensils on his plate and regarded Padme and the others with a satisfied air. “What really matters is that we have finally commenced upon an organized rebellion against the Empire.”

Although Padme joined the others in assent for Bail’s small speech, her thoughts remained focused upon the young man and the Wookie she had earlier encountered. Despite the young man’s protests, Padme suspected that the pair did have a third roommate. She wondered if it happened to be the tall man in the dark clothes who eerily reminded her of her missing husband.

------------

Supper at the Sapphire Moon proved to be an enjoyable affair for Anakin and his companion. They enjoyed an excellent meal of Roba steak, Corellian potatoes, Scrimpi with Glockaw Sauce and Alderaanian wine. By the time they finally left the restaurant, the rain had ceased.

Arm-in-arm, the couple strolled through Worlport’s most exclusive shopping neighborhood. The evening seemed to be going fine . . . until Igraine brought up the subject of Ferus Olin. “How long has it been since you last saw your friend?” the Maldarian woman asked.

Anakin frowned. “Friend?”

“The one I had met at the hotel before we left.”

A sigh left Anakin’s mouth. “Oh yeah. Ferus. Actually, we were never friends.”

A pause followed before Igraine murmured, “I should have known. I thought I had detected a certain . . . lack of camaraderie between you two. Did you dislike each other?”

“We just . . .” Anakin paused, as he considered his next words. “We never really warmed toward one another.” Which happened to be the truth, he silently added.

Igraine continued, “You had difficulty warming up to the Jedi?”

Anakin opened his mouth to repudiate Igraine’s description of Ferus. He changed his mind, realizing that Igraine might not be that easy to deceive. “Just that particular Jedi,” he finally confessed. “There were times he could be . . . well, a little priggish. One can only wonder what he thought of me.”

“So, he is a Jedi Knight,” Igraine declared breathlessly. “I thought so. There had been a few of them on Maldare just after the Clone War. But they did not remain very long.”

The couple continued to walk along the wide avenue. They finally came upon a large, classical-style building with pillars, when more rain began to fall. Anakin led Igraine to shelter underneath the portico. Laughing softly, the pair paused next to one pillar. Anakin glanced at Igraine’s slightly damp face. Blue eyes met wide green ones and their laughter ceased. Electricity crackled between the pair . . . before Anakin lowered his mouth upon hers.

The kiss began as a light connection of two pairs of soft lips. Then a ball of heat welled inside the former Jedi Knight. It did not take long before what started as a light kiss, became a full blown passionate one.

After what seemed like an eon, the couple – reluctantly – ended their kiss. Breathing heavily, Anakin murmured, “I, uh . . . I didn’t mean to . . . um, I mean . . .”

“I’m glad that we kissed,” Igraine declared breathlessly. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since we first met.” A gasp left her mouth. “I mean . . .”

Chuckling softly, Anakin planted a light kiss on the side of her mouth. “I think I know what you meant,” he murmured. “And I feel the same.” As he lowered his mouth upon Igraine’s for the second time, Anakin realized that he meant every word.

---------

Several yards away, a human woman with a long blond ponytail observed the couple’s embrace with mild distaste. She recognized them as the pair that had killed her companions, today. Earlier, she had spotted the man – obviously a spacer – at the Lady Fate Casino with another human and a Wookie. As for the couple, she had first come across them leaving the Sapphire Moon restaurant on Arial Avenue. The woman saw this chance encounter as an opportunity to exact revenge upon the pair for her colleagues’ deaths.

The couple slowly drew apart. They spoke for a few minutes before hailing a passing air taxi. As the taxi conveying the couple ascended to the sky a few minutes later, Neela Prey strode toward the curb to hail another. She climbed inside and ordered the driver, a Rodian, to follow the other vehicle.

Neela’s taxi eventually followed the couple to Worlport’s bustling spaceport. After paying off her driver, she followed the pair to a hangar located on Volange Street. Two Corellian starships stood inside the hangar – star skiff and a freighter. The couple boarded the freighter.

Several ideas came to Neela on how to get her revenge for her friends’ deaths. One involved boarding the freighter and blasting the pair. But considering the spacer’s speed with a blaster, Neela feared she would not survive the encounter. Sabotaging the freighter might seem like a good idea. However, her knowledge of starship technology and design was very limited. Nor did she possess any explosives at the moment.

Neela paused. Explosives. She had to admit that the idea had merit. Although she had none in her possession, it would be easy to procure some explosives in the morning. And the spacer who had killed her friends would face a big surprise upon his departure from Ord Mantell. One that he will definitely not live very long to appreciate.

-----------

BRIGHT JEWEL CLUSTER SECTOR

From his seat in the middle of the Devastator’s bridge, Darth Rasche turned to the ship’s commander. “Captain Wermis,” he barked, “how long do we have until this ship reaches Ord Mantell?”

“Another two hours, my Lord,” the pale, stocky man with receding light-brown hair replied.

Rasche nodded with satisfaction. “Good. Inform me the minute we arrive. And inform Commander Praji to send two companies of storm troopers to the shuttle bay.”

The Imperial captain frowned. “Two companies for a missing senator?”

Supressing his annoyance at the captain’s doubt, Rasche snapped back, “It might seem excessive to you, Captain. But my senses tell me that Senator Dahlma is not alone on Ord Mantell. She might be involved in a conspiracy.”

“I . . . uh, I see.”

“Good!” the Sith Lord retorted. He rose from his seat. “I shall be in my quarters. And do not forget my orders, Captain. As you know, I do not tolerate incompetence.” The warning hung heavy in the air, as Rasche marched toward the bridge’s exit.

--------

WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL

The human pilot and the Wookie emerged from the Lady Fate Casino in the early dawn looking slightly hung over. The Corellian pilot had spent the last six hours engaged in the middle of a high stakes game of sabacc. At the end of the game, Han had left at least 40,000 credits wealthier than he had arrived.

In the skies above, the dim sun struggled to break free through the clouds that hovered in the eastern horizon. Han barely noticed. He found himself feeling exhaulted over his recent winnings. “Forty thousand credits!” he crowed gleefully, as he and Chewbacca made their way toward a row of air taxis. “Not bad for a whole night’s work. Maybe I should give up smuggling and become a gambler, huh?”

Chewbacca growled sardonically, “I’m sure that Set would like that very much.”

“Nah! I don’t think he would mind,” Han replied. “In fact, if I keep this up, I’ll end up winning enough money to build that shipyard Ani and I have always talked about. Trust me. Leaving the smuggling business would not bo . . .” Han paused, as he realized that Chewbacca had stopped walking. He frowned at the Wookie. “Hey Chewie! What gives?”

The Wookie growled in a low voice, “Who’s Ani?”

The question caught Han off guard. With a sinking feeling, he realized that he may have committed a slip of the tongue. “Uh . . . someone. A smuggler. Like Set and me. He, um . . . we’re . . .”

“Why would you and this . . . Ani be interested in building your own shipyard? Why not Set?” Chewbacca insisted.

Oh hell! Han hesitated, as he offered a silent prayer to the gods. “Um . . . well Set, you see . . . well, he has never . . . I mean . . . he . . .” Han sighed heavily. What was the point? He realized that he might as well tell Chewbacca the truth. “Okay. The thing is . . . well, Set is Ani. His name is Anakin . . . Anakin Skywalker. You see, he used to be a . . .”

“ . . . Jedi Knight,” Chewbacca finished in an astonished voice. “Of course! ’The Hero With No Fear’. That would explain the lightsaber aboard the ship.”

Han coughed slightly. “Yeah, well don’t go calling him by that nickname. He hates . . .” The Corellian broke off, as he gazed upon a large shuttle descending in the sky. He immediately recognized the ship’s triangular outline and design. “Oh great!” he exclaimed. “Chewie, look!” He pointed at the shuttle, as it continued its descent upon the city. A second shuttle appeared in the sky.

The Wookie released a hair-raising roar. “Imperials!”

“We need to get back to the hotel and warn Anakin and the senator.” Han continued to stride toward the air taxis parked near the casino’s entrance. Then another idea came to him. “No, wait! What am I saying?” Han grabbed Chewbacca’s arm and dragged the latter – with great difficulty – toward the nearest air taxi.

Chewbacca demanded, “Where are we going?”

“To the ship,” Han replied. “We need to get ready for a quick getaway.”

“What about Set? I mean . . .”

“Don’t worry,” Han reassured the Wookie. “I’m not leaving him behind.” Upon reaching the line of air taxis, Han whipped out his comlink. “Anakin? Are you there? Wake up, buddy! I’ve got some bad news.”

END OF CHAPTER FOURTEEN