by Forcechild
“I hope so grandfather, but are you sure your plan will work? I’ve never knew the Jedi could do such things.”
“Only the Chosen One has ability we discussed Ben. Whether our plan will succeed or not, I’ve no idea. The Dark Side clouds my vision of the future. We can only hope that our effort won’t be in vain.”
“What about Vader’s cloned army? Are you sure the Jedi can influence them like they did on the Death Star? We were far from Geonosis then. He might be able to block them now. His influence is bound to be much stronger here.” Ben was stalling. He wasn’t ready to see his sister standing beside this new Sith Lord willing to defend him with her life.
“Do not fear Ben. The Jedi are gathered enough in strength now to defeat all of Vader’s children.”
“But...”
“Ben. There can be no more hesitation on your part. You are either ready for this confrontation, or you’re not. It is entirely up to you whether you want to proceed. You have time to change your mind. No one will think the less of you if you decide not to participate. We’ll still do all in our power to stop the Sith from regaining control of the galaxy, but you have to make your decision right now.”
Ben wondered if he was truly ready to face what lay ahead. Did he have enough courage to face such an overwhelming enemy? Did he have enough strength within himself to stand before the Sith Lord and confront him? And what about Padmay? Could he face his sister in battle? Ben knew deep in his heart that he might have to kill his sister if she defended her master. He’d have no choice. Too many innocent lives hung in the balance. He took a few deep breaths and exhaled slowly to overcome his anxiety. He let the Force engulf him and it calmed his nerves. The youth knew he had no option but to accept his responsibility fully. He finally replied, “I’ve made my choice grandfather. I’m ready to face our enemy.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes grandfather.”
“Are there any doubts left in your mind?”
“No grandfather.”
“Then I shall proceed.”
*
Threepio stood beside Lando’s fighter as they lowered Artoo into the socket behind the cockpit. “Be careful my friend. I wouldn’t want any harm to come to you. After all, it’s been years since you last served in combat. I’m afraid you might have forgotten how to pilot an X-Wing. Oh my! How can they put you in such jeopardy? I just don’t understand any of this. Why do humans have to fight? Why can’t they be more like droids?” Threepio fretted.
Artoo beeped a response telling his friend not to worry.
“I can’t help but worry Artoo. I’d miss you terribly if something happened to you. Remember what happened when you assisted Master Luke when he destroyed the first Death Star? I didn’t think they’d ever be able to repair you.”
Artoo razzed a snippy retort as he settled into the X-Wing.
“You don’t have to be so defensive. I only stated the truth.”
Artoo beeped a reply that was surely a curse.
“If that’s the way you feel about it I won’t bother you anymore,” Threepio snapped. Feeling sorry for himself, he turned around and sulked.
*
Ben stood next to Lando as he waited to climb on board the small fighter. “I hope I can fly one of these things. I’ve never piloted an X-Wing before.”
“You’ll do fine. I still say you’re needed here. I don’t know why you insist on leading the attack.”
“You think I’m too old for this sortie.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“No, but that’s what you’re thinking.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking? Have you suddenly been granted the power of the Force?”
Lando chuckled. “No Ben. I don’t have that gift. I wish I did. It would sure help when we go up against the TIE’s. I know you don’t think I’m up to it. Anyone can see the concern on your face.”
Ben sighed and shook his head in exasperation. He knew there was no use in trying to talk Lando out of being a part of the battle. He was a very stubborn man. He thought he’d be more useful leading the attack, needing every available pilot. The youth shrugged his shoulders in defeat and said, “It’s easy to pilot an X-Wing Uncle Lando. I’m certain you won’t have any problems. She’ll withstand pretty much everything they fire at you. In case of serious damage, you’ve got the ejector capsule. It’ll supply you with about an hour of oxygen. That’s more than enough to sustain you until picked up.”
“Picked up by whom? We’re all going to have our hands full. Besides, I won’t be using it. It’s always been do or die in my book.”
Ben didn’t want to think about losing the last human link to his family. He ignored Lando’s remark and continued to explain the X-Wing’s capabilities “Her weaponry has been upgraded quite a bit, but the cockpit hasn’t changed much. You’ve got your laser cannons, proton torpedo launcher, deflector shield. All you have to do is nudge the stick and she’ll respond instantly. You also have Artoo to repair damage, if needed.”
“I wish I’d brought the Falcon along. I restored her after Han gave her back to me.”
“I thought you said that you’d won the Millennium Falcon back from my father in a game of sabacc.”
“Have you ever won a game of sabacc when playing against your father?”
“No.”
“Well, neither have I. Han let me win the Falcon back. He wanted to make sure she’d go to someone who’d take as good care of her as he used to when he finally settled down with Leia. He loved that old crate and he knew I did too. Han knew exactly what she’s capable of. She’d be able to handle herself in today’s battle. The Falcon is fast as hell and maneuvers on a dime. I’m used to flying her. I’m not so sure about my abilities piloting such a small fighter.”
Ben chuckled. “Don’t worry Uncle Lando. I’m sure you’ll be able handle an X-Wing without any problems. She’s darn fast and easy to maneuverable too. Besides, the Jedi will be there to protect you.”
“I hope you’re right about that.”
“You’re doubting again Uncle Lando. You’ve got to trust the Jedi.”
“This is all new to me Ben. It’ll take some time getting used to believing in something again after all these years.”
“Time is something we have very little of.” Ben sighed as he looked past Lando. The deck chief was standing next to the X-Wing waiting to strap him into the cockpit.
Lando gripped Ben by the shoulders knowing it might be the last time he’d see him alive. “I wish I could go to Geonosis with you Ben. I have a feeling you’re going to need my help.”
“I told you before that it’s too dangerous. You’ve no idea how powerful the Dark Side is. It’s like a fog that no light can penetrate. The closer you get to Geonosis, the thicker the fog will be. It surrounds the entire planet. It’s impossible for you to go up against such an incredible force. You’re not a Jedi. That’s why I have to go alone, but don’t worry. I’ll be okay. The Jedi will be there to protect me.”
“Even so, please promise me that you’ll be careful.”
“I’ll be as careful as I can be under the circumstances. I promise.”
“You know that I love both you and your sister very much. You’re the children I never had. I’d die of heartbreak if anything happens to either of you.”
“You have my word that I won’t take any unnecessary risks, and I promise that I’ll do all in my power to bring Padmay back unharmed. I’m certain that I won’t be forced to take her life. I’ll know I’ll find a way to save her from all this.”
“I’m certain you’ll do all you can to save Padmay. But if you have to take her life, will you be able to?”
“I don’t know Uncle Lando. I’d rather die than harm a hair on her head. I love Padmay too much, but I’ll do what must be done in order to save the galaxy. That has to take priority.”The deck chief cleared his throat in order to get Lando’s attention.
Before acknowledging the man, Lando said, “I kno
w you’ll do your duty Ben. I just wish it didn’t involve fighting your sister. I know the thought of facing her in battle breaks your heart, and pray as much as you that she can be saved. I wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you Uncle Lando, and may the Force be with you.”
Lando turned and boarded his X-Wing.
Ben walked the distance between the ships and climbed on board his own fighter. He looked towards Lando as he settled into the cockpit. Lando looked back. Ben waved a final farewell to his father’s best friend. Lando saluted him back.
The canopy came down sealing Ben in his craft, protecting him from the vacuum of space. He closed his eyes lettering the Force surround him and felt his grandfather’s presence beside him. The young man knew the Chosen One would be there protect him when he faced the Sith Lord. He prayed that he’d have enough courage to fight Padmay, if need be. Ben couldn’t help but wonder if he’d be able to slice into her flesh, taking her life. Pushing the thought from his mind, the starpilot hit the ignition and waited for clearance to take off.
*
The Solaris had the capacity to carry five times the amount of starfighters the old cruisers had. The hangar bay had been renovated, more than quadrupling in size. The old warships only allowed enough room for twenty four fighters. It was a tight fit, but the Solaris carried one hundred and twenty X-Wings. Alec Brant wondered just how many of those crafts would return today. How many men would survive? Would any of them?
Brant also thought about whether the Solaris would be able to hold off eight, fully equipped Imperial Star Destroyers. They carried thousands of weapons systems. The destroyers had everything from turboblasers, to ion cannons, to tractor beams. Not to mention all the TIE fighters, interceptors and bombers. Their gigantic hangar bays held over three hundred starships. They had over three garrisons of ground troops, adding up to approximately thirty eight thousand men. The list went on and on of men and equipment.
Alec was well aware that one battle-weary cruiser would never be able to go up against such incredible odds, even with improved weaponry. Most of the systems had been upgraded quite a bit, but the vessel didn’t have the capacity to fight such an incredible force, even if all of the Star Destroyers were undermanned. The Solaris was equipped with fifteen turbolasers batteries, each one containing fifteen laser cannons with precision tracking servos. They had sophisticated sensors and long range communications systems. Her hull was reinforced with tough durasteel armor. The Solaris could hold her own against one destroyer, possible two, but eight? It was out of the question.
Brant nearly fainted when young Solo told him that they were going to confront so many enemy destroyers. He’d wanted to cancel the assault on the spot, but Ben told him that they had to stand fast and defeat the Sith here and now. Admiral Calrissian had agreed. No matter what Brant thought of such a ridiculous assignment, he’d never go against the chain of command.
When he learned of Lando’s intentions of leading the X-Wings, Brant was totally against the idea of their highest ranking officer flying a fighter into combat. Calrissian was needed on the bridge. As Ben had pointed out, Alec had never led an assault against so much firepower, but there was no way Lando could be talked out of his decision. Brant prayed that the man knew what he was doing.
The captain of the Solaris stood on the bridge and pondered their fate as he watched the small fighters soar into space. One hundred and nineteen heroic men flew towards the enemy. Only one X-Wing flew towards the surface of Geonosis.
Chapter Twenty Four
- Temptation -
There were many false paths leading to dead ends as Ben walked through the maze of tunnels excavated in the mountains on Geonosis, but the young man knew which direction to go. He was being drawn to his sister like a blind man seeking sight. Ben knew the tunnel he took would lead to the center of the underground city. He reached to his side and felt for his uncle’s lightsaber. Just knowing it was the weapon that subdued Darth Vader once before comforted him. He prayed that this weapon would triumph again.
When Ben arrived at the archway that opened to the main concourse, he noted that the courtyard was deserted. Crossing the mall, he proceeded cautiously fearing an ambush. When on the other side, he passed under a similar arch and into another tunnel. Ben sensed that this passageway would lead to the main council chamber where Count Dooku once presided over the Separatist Leaders.
The air was dank with an ominous presence. The stench of the Dark Side filled Ben’s nostrils as he continued through the dimly lit tunnel. His skin crawled with a sense of repugnance as he neared the chamber. When standing just outside the opened doorway, he saw a large chair at the end of a massive table. A figure stood next to the chair that resembled a throne. The seat was occupied, but the shape wasn’t clearly visible as both figures were shrouded in darkness. The form that stood stiffly next to the chair was cloaked in a black robe, the face hidden by a hood. The familiar posture was easily recognizable to Ben. It was Padmay. She reached her hands up and lowered her hood revealing herself to her brother. Her face showed not a trace of the sister he loved so much. Her eyes glowed bright yellow. Innocence gone, what stood before him now was pure evil. Padmay had truly given her soul to her Sith Master.
“Come in Ben. We’ve been waiting for you,” his twin said emotionlessly.
Ben slowly entered the chamber.
“Sit and make yourself comfortable brother. There is much for us to discuss.”
“I think not Padmay. I’d prefer to stand against my enemies.”
“I’m afraid I no longer answer to that name. I shall only respond to the name my Master has given me. My name is now Estrus.”
“I’ll not call you any name he’s bestowed upon you.”
“You hurt my feelings dear brother.” Padmay feigned a sigh before continuing, “I suppose I can’t convince you to join us. You don’t know what it is to gain this knowledge Ben. You have no concept of the powers I now possess. You can’t know. The Jedi have lied to you. They fear the Sith. They know they can never defeat us. They send you before us as a sacrificial eopie for the slaughter. Don’t give up your life needlessly my brother. Join us. Become a Sith. Know the full powers of the Dark Side.”
“You know I can’t and won’t do that Padmay.”
“Yes you can Ben. It isn’t necessary for us to fight one another over this issue. The Supreme Ruler has shown me the true nature of the Dark Side. Let him show you as well. The Jedi have no concept of the extraordinary powers we‘re able to use. Don’t let the Jedi continue to deceive you. They claim the Sith are corrupt, but so are the Jedi.”
Padmay continued her speech trying to convince her brother to join them. “Yes Ben, the Jedi are corrupt. They lied to you about so many things. They told you that the Sith are wicked because we use the Force for selfish reasons. This is a fact. Why shouldn’t we enjoy the better things in life? The Jedi Temple is adorned with expensive tapestries, art, and sculptures that cost thousands of credits. The amount spent on their frivolities would’ve been better spent on those who really needed it. The Jedi claim to be selfless, yet how much of their wealth was shared among the people? They sat in their Temple with a blind eye to the anguish so many suffered. You’ve never been to the bowels of Coruscant Ben. You don’t know what those who live there had to do in order to survive each day. The poor starved due to the Jedi’s indifference. My Master bore witness to the hardships they were forced to bear. He wanted to help the needy Ben, but wasn’t permitted to under the Jedi’s mandates. Their strict code wouldn’t allow it.”
“That’s just one of the reasons why my Master turned to the Dark Side. He couldn’t tolerate the false compassion the Jedi claimed to possess. The Sith desire power, yes. It’s always been quite obvious what we seek. We don’t hide behind false robes of pretense like the Jedi do. You don’t realize how much you’ve been duped. Don’t let the spirits of dead Jedi manipulate you. Don’t let yourself be a pawn in their galactic chess game. Let us show you
true power my brother. If you give yourself over to the Dark Side, I can show you powers that surpass your limited abilities.”
“You’re the one who has been duped Padmay. Your lust for this abomination has blinded you to the truth. He’s using you to fulfill his goals, not yours. He doesn’t care about the poor and he’ll never help them. He has no compassion in his heart. The Jedi always did, and still do possess an unbounded compassion for humanity; unlike your Master who can’t comprehend the concept of selflessness. Nor can he feel love. He’s incapable of it. He doesn’t love you sister. He’s filled with greed, hate and the need for absolute control. After you give him what he wants, he’ll toss you away like the ashes of a dead fire. Don’t you see? You’ll never sit by his side and share his throne. It’s the way of the Sith to deceive Padmay. The Jedi do not lie. Search your feelings. You know what I’m saying is true.”
Padmay let her robe slip off her shoulders and it fell to the floor. “There is only one truth dear brother. If you won’t join us, you’re our enemy.” That said, Padmay leapt into the air and landed directly in front of him. Her lightsaber already ignited, she took Ben by complete surprise. She lunged at him with a jab that should have killed him, but at the last second Ben twisted out of the way. His uncle’s lightsaber now in hand, Ben waited for Padmay to make her next move.
She attacked. Ben feigned to the left and then parried her strokes. Their swords locked together and sizzled as they stood face to face, Padmay’s eyes glaring. For an instant Ben thought he saw recognition in her eyes. It was short lived as his sister broke the connection to strike at his chest. Ben leapt back from her onslaught in retreat.
Padmay advanced without hesitation as she slashed at him with unbelievable agility. “I can feel your weakness brother,” Padmay huffed out as she continued her fierce offensive. “Your faith in the Jedi has weakened as well, but there is still time to join us. Lay down your weapon and surrender. You haven’t the skill to defeat me.”
“It’s not you I came to defeat,” Ben shouted as he leaped into the air and landed on top of the table. He ran the length of the highly, polished surface and jumped to the floor. As he gained his balance, Padmay threw her lightsaber with deadly accuracy. Ben leapt out of the way in time. He felt the heat from her weapon singe the corner of his cheek as it flew past and clattered to the floor. Too close, Ben thought as he found himself standing next to the “throne.”
