by Forcechild
“That’s exactly my point Ben.”
“What do you mean?”
“I do have a social life you know. Chewbacca will frighten away any male that comes near me.”
“Is there anyone in particular you don’t want chased away? Perhaps Steffen Antilles?” Ben grinned know just how much his friend crushed on his sister.
“No, but why take the chance? Besides, I don’t think Senator Hugo would be pleased by having a huge wookiee stomping around and getting in the way while we’re working.”
“You’re right about that. I’d better put that call on hold then.”
“You had better Benjamin Solo!” Padmay exclaimed, raising as her fist in mock anger.
Ben snickered at Padmay’s pretense to punch him. “That’s settled then. I wouldn’t want to get your dander up.”
“You’d better not if you know what’s good for you.”
Ben laughed, but then his face grew serious again. “I guess I’d better get going. I don’t want to miss the shuttle.”
“Can’t you stay a little longer?”
“I’m afraid not. I’m already behind schedule.”
“I guess this is goodbye then,” Padmay pouted. Tears formed in her eyes.
Ben hated to see his sister upset. It tore at his heart. “Please don’t cry Padmay. I won’t be gone that long. Six months will pass by before you know it.”
“Maybe for you, but six months will seem like an eternity for me. I’ll be all alone.”
“You won’t be alone. You’ve got Artoo and Threepio. I’m sure Threepio will talk you to death. And talk, and talk, and talk. I swear he never shuts up.”
“He’ll shut up if I shut him down.”
They both laughed.
Padmay’s face became sullen once more. “Please take care of yourself Ben. I just don’t know what I’d do without you. I’d be absolutely lost.”
“What can possibly happen Padmay? We’re just going on a training mission. We’ll be lucky to get the chance to shoot at a couple of asteroids for target practice.”
“I do hope that’s all you’re going to shoot at!” Padmay exclaimed in fear.
Ben quickly changed the subject. He didn’t want his sister to worry needlessly. “We’ve never been separated before, have we sis? Not for this length of time anyway. I’m going to miss you a lot.”
“Don’t you dare change the subject on me Benjamin Bail Solo! I know what you’re trying to do. You can’t fool me. You can’t ease my fears that easily.”
“Would I do that?”
“You most certainly would.”
“There really isn’t anything to worry about sis. Nothing exciting ever happens to new recruits. All we do is the grunt work. Even if we did run into trouble they’d never send trainees out. They’d send experienced pilots.”
“I guess you’re right, but I’m still going to worry about you Ben. I just can’t help it.”
“I’ll worry about you too. Maybe I should give Uncle Chewie a call after all. Somebody has to be around in order to keep an eye on you.”
“If you don’t start moving soon neither of us will have to worry about anything.”
Ben realized how late he was. He had no choice but to leave immediately. “I wish we had more time Padmay, but I have to go right now. Otherwise I’ll miss the shuttle.”
Ben brushed Padmay’s cheek with a quick kiss as he rushed out to the landing platform. He jumped into his speeder and mouthed, “I love you sis,” before taking off.
“I love you too Ben,” Padmay shouted as he sped away. She signed heavily, missing her twin already.
Chapter Nine
- Aboard the Solaris -
The Solaris had been patrolling the fringes of outer systems for the past six months. They’d been given the assignment of chasing down two Imperial Star Destroyers that had been spotted within the boundaries of the Outer Rim. These vessels didn’t pose any threat to the New Republic. They were more a nuisance to the planets they raided. No one had been killed during their attacks. Their sole intent was to acquire needed supplies. Command deemed this a fortunate circumstance. Confronting vessels left over from the old empire provided new starpilots the opportunity to learn from actual combat.
Ben and Steffen had only been on a few of these sorties. There wasn’t much to do on board other than occasionally chasing down the destroyers. Crewmen played cards and told tales of the Rebellion passed down from their parents. Their duties kept them busy most of the time, but on his down time Ben was restless and got bored easily. He missed Padmay a lot and thought of her quite often.
The Solaris was to rendezvous with the Quasar tomorrow, the cruiser being their replacement. The crew’s six month obligation was over and they’d finally be heading home. Ben was eager for the vessel to arrive knowing he’d be able to see his sister soon. Due to each being Force-sensitive, it gave them an extraordinary link with each other. It was even stronger than the bond they’d shared with their parents. They knew each other’s moods without speaking. They felt each other’s pain when one was hurt, felt gladness when the other was glad, felt sadness when the other was sad. Ben wondered if Padmay could feel how lonely he felt now.
Alarms blared throughout the Solaris as sensors picked up a target in the area. No time to dwell on loneliness now, Ben thought as he rushed down to the flight deck. He jumped into the cockpit of his T65A11 X-Wing and buckled in. The new starpilot punched the ignition and was headed out of the bay within minutes. He grouped up with his squadron and steered towards the TIE fighters that had exited the aged Imperial Star Destroyer.
“Out for another one of their raids,” Ben said to his R4 astro-droid unit secured in its socket behind his cockpit.
“This is Rouge Leader. Cut the chatter. You all know what to do boys. Follow me and let’s get at them. Let’s show them what we’re made of.”
“This is where the fun begins,” Ben said as a big grin spread across his face.
There wasn’t much of a battle. The TIE’s were just protecting their destroyer in order to give it time to flee. Ben sought out one enemy fighter and the dogfight began. A few barrel rolls and reverse thrusters and he came up on his foe’s six o’clock position. Ben targeted the TIE in his crosshairs and fired a single burst with his KX410 laser cannon. It was a direct hit. Way too easy, he thought.
“Good shot Ben,” Steffen shouted over his comlink.
“Nothing to it,” Ben replied matter-of-factly.
“Got one coming up on your tail. I’m on him.” Steffen soared up behind the TIE and fired.
Ben felt the shock wave from the exploding ship as it vibrated his ship. “Thanks brother, but next time don’t shoot so close to my aft,” Ben teased. “You almost shook out my R4.”
“Don’t worry. I know what I’m aiming at,” Steffen retorted.
“You’ve got one on your tail now. I’m coming around for him.” Ben flew up behind the TIE and took aim. Firing a single burst, the enemy ship blew to pieces. Ben piloted through the burning debris and pursued another TIE fighter. The pilot tried to evade him, but to no avail. Ben targeted the TIE and fired. It was another direct hit. The young starpilot chased and destroyed two more.
Ben was in complete command of his X-Wing. He’d already learned how to channel the power of the Force in order to navigate his ship while at the Academy. He was using his abilities to guide him as he fought his sworn enemies. The TIE fighters couldn’t lock on to his constantly changing position. Ben looped around in order to take out another craft. He targeted and fired.
It was another direct hit. That was six by his count.
The TIE’s soon retreated and soared back to their destroyer. The battle was over for today. They’d be leaving the system, heading back to the protection of the asteroid field just outside the Outer Rim. There was no need for the Solaris to chase after them. The destroyer wouldn’t try to enter the galaxy again for a least another month.
Ben hadn’t understood his orders to stan
d down on his first sortie against a Star Destroyer. They were a part of the old empire and he considered them a threat to the New Republic. He thought the enemy should be completely annihilated. When he mentioned the point to one of his comrades an officer overheard his complaint.
The veteran had fought in some of the last stages of the Rebellion and he’d seen a lot of action. He tried to explain the situation. “Do you really expect us to hunt down every last man that fought against us Solo? We don’t have the crafts or the manpower for that. Even if we did we couldn’t possible find all their vessels. They’d play hide and seek with us and pick us off one at a time. We’d be putting our pilots at risk. These destroyers don’t pose any real threat to us son. If you’d really seen action, maybe then you’d know what I mean. They’re just trying to survive the same as we are. If we hunted them all down we’d be no better then Emperor Palpatine.”
Ben never questioned his orders again.
“This is Rouge Leader. It’s all over for today men. Excellent job. Let’s head on home.”
“Race you Ben,” Steffen challenged.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Ben laughed as he leaned on the stick. He spiraled in a few victory rolls, then sped out in front of his best friend.
*
Steffen stumbled for the third time as Ben helped him towards their quarters. They both bounced off the walls while making their way down the corridor getting stern looks from their seniors. They’d gotten a bit tipsy drinking Veronian wine that was supplied to all the starpilots after the confrontation. It wasn’t a normal practice for their senior officers to provide spirits after a sortie, but since they were being relieved in the morning, an exception had been made.
“You’re all fine pilots and I’m proud to serve with every one of you. Exceptional flying by one of our newbies,” Lieutenant Sagan said as he looked around the rec-room in order to spot Ben. “There he is, over at the sabacc table. That’s young Solo.” He walked over and slapped Ben on the back while filling his mug again.
Ben was feeling no pain by the time he fell into his bunk. He’d never been so proud when Lieutenant Sagan applauded his flying skills in front of the whole crew. Captain Brant was in the rec-room hailing his abilities as well. The wine flowed into his mug non-stop after such high praise, which earned more congratulations from the flight crew. Needless to say, the young man hadn’t needed wine to make him feel intoxicated. The praise alone gave him a high. He passed out even before his head hit the pillow.
It wasn’t long before Ben awoke with a start. He’d had a bad nightmare. His sheets were soaked with sweat, but he was shivering. The cool cabin wasn’t what caused him to shake so uncontrollably. It was caused by his nightmare.
Ben couldn’t recall too much about the dream, but it felt as if someone had tried to reach inside his soul and physically rip it from his body. A feeling of unlimited rage surrounded him. The teen would never forget the yellow eyes that glared fiercely at him. It left Ben feeling alone and unprotected. He couldn’t shake the ominous presence that seemed to permeate the whole cabin.
He rose from his cot and headed for the freshers. A sonic-shower was what the young man needed in order to cleanse himself from the repugnance the dream left behind. It made him feel quite nauseas. Ben shrugged his shoulders and sighed, hoping it was his drunken state that had caused him to have such a disturbing nightmare.
*
Padmay bolted up in her bed trying to stifle a scream, but it did no good. She yelled out loudly, which brought Artoo to her chambers. Dismissing the droid, the girl couldn’t help but still shake in fear. She’d had a horrifying nightmare. Such an intense feeling of menace and hate had surrounded her. In fact, the feeling still lingered. Goosebumps raised on her arms, the hair standing straight on end. It felt as if something was trying to devour her very soul. It was almost like she was being sucked down into a deep, dark, bottomless pit with no chance of escape. It was those eyes, Padmay thought. They’d reflected total insanity.
The next morning Padmay got up and dressed for work. She hadn’t slept at all after her nightmare. She was afraid to go back to sleep. She kept thinking about those maniacal eyes. They shook her to the core. She’d never in her life experienced such a disturbing dream and couldn’t understand the feeling of utter disgust it left behind. She couldn’t for the life of her comprehend its meaning. People say that daily anxieties come out in your dreams in odd ways. What could’ve possibly made her envision the malevolent being that sprang from her subconscious? She was worried about Ben, but Padmay didn’t think that was the cause. He’d insisted that the voyage was a training mission, but what if her twin was in danger? What if this nightmare was really some sort of premonition?
Padmay missed her brother a lot. Since they’d lost Uncle Luke, Ben and she had grown even closer. He always cheered her when she needed it. Padmay needed his cheerful disposition now. She felt so alone and vulnerable. “Oh Ben. Why did you have to leave me all alone? I miss you so much,” the girl moaned in sadness.
*
Anakin Skywalker sensed a powerful disturbance in the Force that quickly spread throughout the entire galaxy. Something was very wrong. Balance between good and evil had been destabilized. He’d have to go to the Temple that stood on the rim of the Netherworld and find his Masters. He was certain they’d felt this disruption as well.
Most of the Jedi that entered the Netherworld could never travel beyond its borders, nor could they enter the in-between world that separated them from all humanity. There were exceptions to this rule, of course. A certain few had learned how to extend their life force through deep meditation, going beyond these boundaries in order to contact the living. Yoda, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan were among the limited number who’d learned this skill.
But Anakin Skywalker was no ordinary Jedi. His powers surpassed all of his brethren, even Yoda’s. Anakin was the “Chosen One.” He was born with the highest midi-chlorian count ever recorded. He was not born of man, but was sired by the midi-chlorians.
The Chosen One went beyond being a mere immortal. Anakin had the ability to breach the dimensions of space and time to visit parallel universes if he so desired. He could stay within this galaxy and see all the wondrous sights he yearned to see as a child. He could journey to the land of the living on a whim and watch over those he left behind. He could appear to them in spirit like Obi-Wan had with Luke. Anakin could speak to them and had the ability to influence one’s decisions. He could be a significant part of someone’s life, but he chose instead to stay with Padme. His lust for unlimited power in life had caused his wife’s death. Their time together now was precious to him.
Before Anakin entered the Netherworld he’d stood in phantom form on Endor with Obi-Wan and Yoda in order to said goodbye to his son after being released from the Dark Side. That’s all he was allowed to do. His soul had to be cleansed before he could enter the Netherworld, or have further contact with the living. All he’d harmed in life who’d passed into this spiritual dimension had to grant Anakin absolution in order for him to enter this plane of existence. Feeling the incredible amount of love the Chosen One felt for all life after destroying his Sith half, he was forgiven all past sins. Each and every soul knew that he’d been duped by Palpatine, just as many of them had been while alive.
Anakin felt Shmi Skywalker’s presence the very second his spirit entered the Netherworld. His mother had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. He’d spent a great deal of time with her and they shared many happy memories before he went in search of Padme. Once he’d found his wife Anakin had fallen to his knees and pleaded for forgiveness for taking her life so many years ago.
The instant Padme saw him, she knew that her husband had finally been returned to her as he once was, before he’d turned to the Dark Side. The soul that stood before her was the man who’d fully captured her heart. He was the man she’d fallen so helplessly in love with. The spirit before her craved nothing of the material world. The lust for power that had consum
ed his soul while alive was gone, all his demons put to rest at last. She’d pulled her husband to his feet and embraced him. Padme told Anakin that he was forgiven as she’d plastered his face with kisses.
From that moment on the happy couple never left each other’s side. Their love for each other shown with a brilliance that filled the Netherworld. Anakin thought that he and Padme had shared happiness on Naboo when they were first wed, but nothing on any earthly sphere could compare to the rapture they shared now. It was much more than sharing love as two separate individuals. They were a part of each other’s souls. Nothing in all the heavens could separate them ever again. Their joy was complete.
When Anakin started on his trek to the Temple his heart literally ached. He felt as if his whole essence was being yanked from him. The Chosen One didn’t want to leave his angel behind. He didn’t want to leave Padme’s side for a second, but this disturbance was compelling him to do just that. Something extremely dark and clouded was pulling at him. It was just out of his reach. It was almost a familiar feeling.
*
The cloaked figure sensed their existence from even this distance. It was as if they stood by his side, his reach was so great. He would not fail to turn them to the Dark Side of the Force. He would turn them. That, or he’d destroy them. Only with them as his allies could the brooding, young man fulfill his true destiny.
Chapter Ten
- Revelation -
~18/09/30 ABE: Eighteen years, nine months, thirty days (two weeks) after the death of Emperor Palpatine.~
Years had passed since Lucian Gris was given command of the eight destroyers that survived the Battle of Endor. He was no longer the same naïve young man who’d married in order to improve his status. A good portion of his life had been spent raiding the outer planets for the women his superiors ordered him to abduct. Every time a cruiser picked up these abductees, he’d hoped to hear word that the Empire had finally decided to strike back, but they’d remained passive. Lucian had just about given up all hope that he’d be able to seek retribution for all he’d lost. That is, until he received orders to report back to Geonosis.
