Alliance

Part XIII

 

 

Chapter XV – The Emperor
 

No matter how hard he tried, Luke couldn’t recall the day or time. He knew that making such a simple, routine recollection should be almost instantaneous, but his mind didn’t want to cooperate and function as it should. The poisonous snakebite he sustained had been the major factor of his illness and gaps in memory – or so he had been told. In fact, trying to recall his name proved to be the worst struggle of all and the frustration such a malady caused brimmed over into resentment.


Luke had been confined to his bed inside the infirmary and only within the last few days had he been more active and finally able to walk and stretch his legs. His mysterious benefactor informed him where he could walk on the ship and where security prevented access. Luke wandered throughout the massive vessel, taking in the design and construction of the impressive ship. No one confronted him during his “tour” although many passersby nodded in greeting and continued on their way. He considered such behavior odd since none of them seemed to be bothered by the obvious fact that an outsider was traipsing through their ship. He soon discovered that he was on the Executor, a name he found as impressive as the vessel.

As he continued to explore his surroundings, Luke’s thoughts turned back to the individual who had kept such a long vigil at his bedside. His benefactor remained a complete mystery to him. Every time he tried to find out the person’s identity, the conversation would veer off onto another topic leaving Luke mystified as to this person’s reluctance to even offer his name. However, the cloaked figure knew his visitor’s name, a portion of it at least – Luke. Just Luke? he thought. I don’t have a last name, a family, something else? Confusion graced the young man’s face but the dark-robed person insisted that he knew nothing further. Luke considered the fact that this “good” man had seen to his recovery personally and had expressed a genuine interest in him. Since he couldn’t recall his life in any capacity, Luke ultimately decided to drop the matter for the time being.

************************************

The dark-robed mystery man came into the infirmary and watched Luke as he walked more confidently around the room. His face remained hidden by the robe’s hood and the only way Luke had discerned the gender of the person had been by the sound of his voice. The young Jedi smiled at his visitor then took notice of how his shrouded form seemed to glide over the floor and he approached.

“How do you do that?” Luke inquired.

“Do what, my boy?” The voice had an aged sound to it.

“Practically fly across the floor like that.”

The man chuckled beneath his hood and grinned, a grin that would have made his flesh crawl had Luke seen it. “You have the power to do it too, my boy.”

“Huh?” Luke tilted his head to the side and looked thoroughly confused.

“A power you possess. I felt it when you were unconscious and I feel it now.”

Luke suddenly straightened, his body very alert to such news. “What is this power?”

“I will show you. Perhaps I can teach you to use it.” Again the sinister grin appeared beneath the hood and remained hidden from innocent eyes. “See that droid?” he asked while he purposefully pointed his elongated finger towards one of the infirmary’s numerous medical droids.

Luke looked on in utter astonishment as the droid the man singled out suddenly began to rise effortlessly into the air. “You can teach me that?” he asked breathlessly.

“That,” the mystery man chuckled, “and much more.”

“I would very much like to learn!”

“You shall, my new apprentice, you shall.”

************************************

“What do you MEAN you can’t feel him through the Force anymore? Is he dead?” The mere thought of her son’s demise made Padmé sick to her stomach and she was already shaking uncontrollably in spite of her husband’s arms wrapped around her petite body.

“Padmé, you must settle down. It will do no good to keep on like this.”

Padmé viciously pulled away. “SETTLE DOWN? MY SON IS MISSING AND YOU WANT ME TO ‘SETTLE DOWN’?” she screamed at her husband, incredulous of his words and fighting to control her tremendous wrath. The strain of Luke’s disappearance combined with their inability to find him had inevitably caused a rift between Anakin and Padmé. Even the power of the Chosen One had not been enough this time…

Leia watched helplessly as her parent’s turmoil also became her own. She felt her special connection to her twin brother slipping away from her but to her relief, it wasn’t completely severed, meaning he still lived even though his whereabouts were shrouded in mystery. The emotional toll on her family had been slowly building and now that tenuous connection threatened to burst into a thousand tiny shards. “Mother, Father – please stop.” Her words were barely above a whisper and left unheard.

“I have to find him! I won’t rely on the Jedi or the Alliance or anyone anymore! I will search for my son myself!” Padmé turned and started for her bedroom to pack but a hand gently reached out and held her arm, preventing her from moving.

“No, beloved. I’ll not let you do something rash. I will find Luke, I swear!”

Padmé ripped herself from her husband’s grasp and refused to turn and face him. She covered her face with her hands and fought to control herself.

“Angel…please…” Anakin begged as he reached out to her.

Padmé’s shoulders slumped and she fell to her knees and wept. “It’s been so long, Anakin,” she managed between sobs, her voice losing its prior edge of hostility.

Anakin knelt down and hugged his wife who turned into his chest and continued to cry. “Beloved, my angel, he isn’t dead. I may not be able to feel him through the Force anymore, but my intuition tells me he still lives.”

Leia came over and hugged her parents fervently not knowing what else to do and needing their comfort. Leia dared to ask what she knew her mother couldn’t bear to ask herself. “Daddy – the Sith?”

Anakin’s eyes took on a glossy appearance as he stared at his daughter not knowing what to say. That same question plagued his own mind even though he couldn’t form the words and utter them out loud. Finally, a simple nod served as his answer.

Padmé groaned and sobbed even louder than before.

************************************

Luke excelled at the teachings of his mystery master and had become quite pleased with his progress. In addition, Emperor Palpatine found absolute gratification at his pupil’s adeptness of learning and how the seeds of corruption were being ever so slowly planted into the youth’s mind, both while fully awake and in his meditations. The Emperor smiled inwardly knowing that with each passing moment Luke committed himself more and more to the darkness without even realizing it.

After yet another full day’s worth of exercises and intense meditation, an exhausted Luke hastened to the quarters he had been assigned and promptly fell onto his bed. Within moments sleep engulfed him, but his new mentor’s defilement continued on in his pupil’s dreams. Disturbing dreams of Jedi killing, maiming and torturing thousands of innocent people. Luke couldn’t help but groan in discomfort, as the violent images of the Jedi always seemed to be accentuated in his dreams. The Jedi seemed to be all around him, smothering him, and Luke’s aversion toward them grew.

************************************

Many years ago, on Coruscant, Anakin had placed himself in a deep meditation to soothe his wife’s anxiety about Chancellor Palpatine only to be nearly choked to death for his intrusion into the dark side. Now, he did so freely…again…and again…attempting to locate his son.

And each and every time he encountered a stubborn resistance that refused to allow him to venture further.

Finally, Anakin relented to the undeniable truth – what his own daughter had already mentioned – a Sith Lord. Only Darth Sidious could possibly bar him in his quest, but why this same person hadn’t reached out to torment Anakin during these sessions left nothing but questions. Even Obi-Wan found himself rebounding off this obstinate blockage and could provide no additional insight to his friend on how to circumvent it.


Anakin awoke from his meditation, his forehead beaded with sweat from his efforts and yet he found himself no closer to his goal than before. Frustration sprang to the surface as if the Force he cherished had decided to test the chosen emissary. Anakin sat in quiet contemplation, refusing to give latitude to his harbored emotions. Control! he chastised himself. It will benefit no one, especially Luke, to give in to aggression. All these years I have matured, accepted and tempered the part of myself I can’t change. Only the will of the Force dominates my destiny. Anakin took a deep breath and continued his reflection, Padmé…without you where would I be? Standing next to Palpatine? Anakin shook his head, his eyes still closed as he argued his internal war. You brought out the best in me, beloved. You taught me about life and giving…and the true meaning of love. Until I met you I never knew how one emotion could change a person irrevocably, brightening their internal flame beyond brilliance. It is time I give something back to you. By the Force, I will bring our son home! I will not let you down again!

************************************

“Do we have any intelligence on the Emperor’s whereabouts?”

Obi-Wan glanced over at Anakin with a questioning look on his face. “He’s been an enigma as of late. We haven’t been able to track him. Why do you ask?”

Before Obi-Wan could get an answer, a frail but grave voice interrupted. “Anger I sense in you, Jedi Skywalker.”

“Master Yoda,” Anakin said as he turned toward the Jedi Master, “you are correct. I am angry but it’s an anger I control not the other way around.”

Yoda cleared his throat. “You believe your son the Emperor has,” he deadpanned.

Anakin looked directly into Master Yoda’s eyes. “Yes,” he judiciously stated.

“If true this is, use him against you, he will.”

“I realize that, Master.”

“Prepared are you for the consequences?”

Anakin nodded gravely.

“Master, no, not Luke! The Emperor couldn’t corrupt Luke!” Obi-Wan stated in a shocked tone. “Anakin, why do you believe Palpatine has Luke?”

Anakin shook his head. With or without his elders’ approval he must rescue his son. “It’s the only logical explanation. I could feel Luke through the Force then suddenly he was gone…I know he isn’t dead.”

“Powerful this Sith is, Jedi Skywalker.”

Anakin felt the resentment building inside him and he desperately tried to quash it but Master Yoda’s condescending tone irritated him. As calmly as possible he answered the Master, “Yes, he is…but I can defeat him. The end of the Empire is near and Palpatine’s death will throw it into chaos. The Republic will be born again having learned many lessons from past mistakes.”

Obi-Wan interjected, “Padmé doesn’t know about what you’re planning, does she?” He knew his friend well enough to be certain that Anakin’s mind was set – any attempts to stop him would prove futile. Besides, he could hardly blame him since Luke was like a son to the Jedi Master as well. “Think clearly on this Anakin. Mind all you have learned.”

The Chosen One, Anakin thought to himself, I guess it’s time I live up to the prophecy. “No, she doesn’t. I-I can’t bring myself to tell her. She’s suffered so much since Luke’s disappearance.” Anakin shook his head. “I know what you’re saying Obi-Wan…and thank you.”

Obi-Wan moved to stand before his friend and outstretched his arms until his hands rested on Anakin’s shoulders. “I’ll go with you. You shouldn’t do this alone.”

The Jedi smiled warmly, appreciating the gesture then shook his head again. “No. I won’t sacrifice you or anyone else, I must do this alone. He is my son.”

“Clouded your judgment is, Jedi,” Yoda piped in.

“I agree. Your behavior is rash, Jedi Skywalker,” Jedi Master Sir’ei Tir’sa stated. “You risk your life for one person – a grand and noble gesture if it were not for the fact that many more lives depend on you staying with us. Not a logical proposition.”

Anakin turned toward the Jedi Master, a look of wonderment on his face as he said, “I willingly sacrifice myself for my son, a selfless act you would never understand.”

Obi-Wan interrupted the sparring match. “Enough. Quarrelling will get us nowhere.”

“Correct you are, Master Obi-Wan,” Anakin stated coolly.

“And what of the consequences for the Alliance should Anakin be captured? The Empire is notoriously cruel when extracting information. Luke could be a ploy, and he may have divulged everything already!” Sir’ei argued.

As far as Anakin was concerned the discussion had hit an impasse. For over two decades he had faithfully served the Jedi Order as well as the Republic and still this obstinate green-skinned Jedi and now another, evidently biased, Jedi Master doubted and mistrusted him. It was time to end it – for good. He could still use his Jedi powers when needed but he would no longer serve the Jedi Order itself. Too long had they taken advantage of him and Anakin never complained. Many times he wanted to protest but withheld his comments because he believed in the new Jedi Council that had formed after the Republic’s fall and the creation of the Alliance. After all this time they still had lessons to learn…

Anakin confronted Master Yoda, his feet planted firmly and standing at his full height. He looked down at the Jedi and practically growled his words. “Master Yoda, you will have at last what you desired all these years. I WILL go rescue my son, your blessing or permission no longer matters to me. Nor does yours,” Anakin’s azure eyes pierced Sir’ei Tir’sa’s own, “I have grown tired of your constant attacks on my character in spite of all the good I have done. I have served the Jedi with distinction for over twenty years and will continue to serve as a Jedi upon my return but without the formal attachment…” Anakin paused, but only for an instant. “I hereby resign.” Turning abruptly, the he left the chamber leaving the entire room in complete astonishment.

Obi-Wan didn’t even try to hide the agitation in his eyes and turned on Master Yoda. “There you finally have it, Master. I do hope you are content now. In a time when we need to come together and vanquish this evil surrounding us we have lost an incredible Jedi.” Obi-Wan had no care if he was being offensive or not, caring only that the most gifted Jedi the Order had ever known had just walked out, never to return. Their numbers were few and this was a difficult blow to take.

Yoda bowed his head and remained silent as several minutes passed then, ever so slowly, he looked up with regret in his eyes. “Correct Jedi Skywalker is. Punished him too long I have for Qui-Gon Jinn’s obstinacy and thrusting the boy onto us. The Chosen One he is and vanquish the Emperor he must.”

Obi-Wan and the other members in the room were astonished at such an admission from the aged Master. Yet the question remained if such an apology was too late.

“Will he succeed?” Obi-Wan somberly asked.

Yoda wrinkled his large forehead as if contemplating the question. “Cloudy the future is, always in motion.”

“Despite this unfortunate turn of events, the attack on the Death Star must commence as planned,” Master Moven stated. The Twi’lek caressed one of the blue tentacles stemming from the base of her head and draped it over her shoulder.

“Yes,” Kaminoan Master Spe’ka nodded in agreement. “The Rebel Alliance Council has solidified its plan of attack and it must go forward.”

“The opportunity to subjugate the Empire must be seized – with or without Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker,” Master Tir’sa said in an even tone.

“May the Force be with us all,” Master Yoda said as he got up from his chair and walked toward the doorway.

************************************

Obi-Wan shook his head in disbelief as he walked alone through the forest deliberating the day’s events. Anakin’s earlier resignation shocked him and he hoped his friend would reconsider his decision. Lost in thought, he strolled along without a destination in mind until he reached an inviting stream and sat cross-legged near the edge. He slowed his breathing, mimicking the peaceful flow of the water as it settled his mind, and he began to meditate. He felt his body relax as he sank into the Force and let the tensions of the day seep from his mind and body. Birds sang their songs high above his head, forest animals scooted nearby – oblivious to the immobile man. He sought serenity and upon finding it, basked in its graces.

However, Endor’s trees were not the only obstacle to cast shadows upon the still Jedi Master in his tranquil state.

“Disturb you I must, Master Obi-Wan.”

The familiar voice begged attention and Obi-Wan knew he must withdraw from his seclusion and answer.

“Master – my deepest apologies for my earlier outburst,” Obi-Wan said, ashamed of his behavior.

Yoda nodded his head, “Freely speak we must of our disagreements. On all matters, we can not agree absolutely.”

He turned toward the fellow Jedi. “Thank you, Master. How may I be of assistance?” he queried.

Master Yoda appeared to be perplexed as he sat in his hover chair. “Ask you a question, I must.”

Obi-Wan felt his Master’s apprehension but could not determine the cause. Not typical behavior for the aged Jedi whose years began to weigh heavily upon him. “How may I be of service?” he inquired.

“Long ago did I learn of the ruse by Jedi Skywalker and his marriage to Senator Amidala. Appropriate action, circumstance prevented.”

Confusion graced Obi-Wan’s face. “I don’t understand.”

Yoda thought highly of Obi-Wan and believed he could formulate his words aptly but it proved more difficult than he surmised. “Control I could not, that situation. Reservations, skepticism have I had these many years… Deny I could not Jedi Skywalker’s commitment to the Order equaled his commitment to his family…until today.”

“Yes, your reluctance to accept their union has been unequivocal. In Anakin’s defense, he could no more let Luke perish by Sidious’ hand than anyone else’s. What he sets out to do now is for each of us – Rebel or not. Palpatine could easily escape where he is hiding when our armada arrives. He must be confronted face-to-face in order to put an end to the iron fist that engulfs the galaxy.”

Yoda carefully mulled over the Jedi’s words. There was something in Yoda’s eyes that Obi-Wan never saw before, but before he could question it, the Master continued, “Now more recently…meditated have I about Padawan Jade…Saw you both I did.”

So it finally comes to pass…I understand his look now, I let him down. Obi-Wan tilted his head forward. “When?”

“Tempest.” Yoda knew that one word would require no further explanation.

Obi-Wan let out an audible sigh. “That mission was long ago.”

“Yes, meditated have I. Unfortunate this is. Come to your senses I hoped.”

“Come to my senses, Master? Unfortunate?” Obi-Wan was taken aback, stung by such harsh words.

“A liaison you share with the Padawan.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.

Obi-Wan’s head slowly bobbed up and down. He knew the grand Jedi would find out at some point and he felt almost relieved because the hiding would end. “Yes, Master,” he acquiesced.

“Master Obi-Wan…prohibit such encounters in the proper perspective the Jedi Order does not, but more to this I feel than has been revealed.”

Obi-Wan’s chest heaved as he drew in a deep breath. “You are correct, Master…” Now that everything was out in the open, a sense of relief overcame the Jedi and his feelings of guilt from concealing his relationship eased. “It confuses me sometimes, but I now understand the relationship Anakin shares with Padmé.”

“Incorrect you believe the Order is regarding personal attachments?” Yoda inquired.

Obi-Wan made himself more comfortable and stretched out his legs. “Until I witnessed firsthand how it changed and developed Anakin, I believed in the code and the prohibition of such relationships. They were a distraction to the balance a Jedi must maintain and I never considered such a position for myself; it simply was not to be. I chose to remain celibate as did many of my fellow Jedi instead of indulging my carnal nature as permitted by the Order. Anakin was the exception – not the rule. His upbringing, away from the Jedi, determined that his requirements would always differ from that of the traditional Jedi. Perhaps all these years of being around him and his family…” he paused before continuing, “I felt something within myself was missing, an integral part…and I didn’t know what it was until I met Sakoya Jade for the first time. Even then I dismissed what came over me.”

Master Yoda listened attentively, his chin resting upon his ever-present gimer stick. “Changed many things have over time…”

Obi-Wan’s respect of the Master Jedi remained firm and he sensed a conflict within Yoda he had never felt before. “Perhaps what was once considered forbidden requires further appraisal?”

“Meditate on this, I will,” Yoda said thoughtfully, his brow wrinkling more than usual.

************************************

Master Yoda sat on a round cushion in the middle of his quaint home, deep in meditation, mulling over the dilemma at hand, personal attachments, when he heard a voice. Faint at first, then it became more audible. He had reached those whose opinions would be helpful.

You worry of the future, Master Yoda, the voice commented inside the Jedi’s mind.

Always uncertain the future is… the Master answered back, still deep in his meditation.

The will of the Force, Yoda, cannot be altered.

Master Qui-Gon, you chose what rules to abide by, another voice chimed in.

Master Windu – it is time for the Jedi to change, Qui-Gon answered back.

Yoda continued the conversation in his mind with the Jedi who had become one with the Force. Jedi Skywalker, an exception he was – the war, the demise of the Jedi Council. All favored the “Chosen One”.

Personal attachments are forbidden. Obi-Wan clearly knows this, Mace argued.

Has it hampered him in any way? Has he not fulfilled his duties to his utmost ability? Qui-Gon asked.

It is still forbidden, Mace exclaimed.

The code Obi-Wan knows. With so few Jedi left, those Count Dooku did not murder, rebuild we have, Yoda stated. Attract more Jedi we will, survive the Order must.

Master Yoda, you will allow Obi-Wan’s relationship? Mace’s ethereal voice sounded surprised.

Yoda remained quiet in his meditation, still pondering the questions swirling in his mind and then finally answered, …Yes…

You believe this is the will of the Force, my old friend? Mace asked sympathetically.

Gone is the old Order. Taken its place, a new one has. Views of some have changed, not for others. Watched have I, the new Padawan’s. Not from infancy do we always receive them but older, some as adults. The changes set before us, adapt we must.

Emotions are the heart of the soul. We would be wise to not trample them, Qui-Gon offered. The Force be with you, my friend, he said as his voice faded back into the void.

I will be here for you – always, my old friend. Mace’s voice was like a whisper that soon vanished.

Yoda opened his eyes and stared out the small window on the wall opposite him. “The will of the Force…” he stated.

************************************************************************

Chapter XVI – Dreams

Lying beside his angel in the sanctuary of their bedroom, Anakin held his wife in his arms for the last time before he would board Slave 1, the ship that once belonged to the bounty hunter, Boba Fett, and fly off in search of his son. Obi-Wan had gathered the latest intelligence and given all the information to his friend whether he needed it or not. Anakin spent the last few days pouring over the datapads and meditating, hoping to gain further insight. His persistence paid off and he now had more accurate possibilities to round out his search pattern. Nevertheless, he tucked away in the back of his mind a reminder that the information had been gathered a little too easily and that he needed to be mindful of his journey.
 
 Padmé snuggled into her husband’s chest. She knew he was flying a solo mission for the Jedi but nothing more. The mere thought of him leaving and nothing new on Luke had sent her reeling, but Anakin soothed her raw nerves through the use of the Force and calmed her to a state of ease and content. He abhorred having to conceal the true nature of his mission from his wife – his angel – but it would only cause her additional grief and he couldn’t bear to have her endure more. He considered the possibility that he may not return to his wife’s arms alive but rather as one with the Living Force, but he was still confident that the outcome would be in his favor and any negative thoughts he had were cast aside.
 
 Long after Padmé had fallen asleep Anakin lay awake, caressing her sumptuous long, brown hair and whispering words of sweetness into her ear that made her smile. He wanted to cherish these last moments for as long as possible.
 
 ************************************
 
 With morning came the dawn and Leia was the first to wake from her restless sleep. Dreams – nay nightmares – pounded her sleep throughout the night and left her shaking when she woke to a few of them. They were so chaotic that she couldn’t make sense out of them. She wished she could consult her father about them, but he was scheduled to depart soon and she didn’t want to burden him with anything. Maybe Ben could offer some advice… she considered.
 
 A persistent beep signaling an incoming message grated on Obi-Wan’s nerves and he grudgingly rose from his warm bed, not to mention his companion, and stumbled over to answer the call.
 
 “Ben?” Leia called him through the holo-emitter. She stared at him – he looked exhausted as if he had been robbed of sleep as well.
 
 Blurry-eyed, Obi-Wan tried to focus on the call. “Leia?”
 
 “I’m sorry, Ben. I thought you would be awake already. Should I call later?”
 
 The tired Jedi rubbed his face with his hands and attempted to become more cognizant. “What is it, Leia?”
 
 Leia looked around awkwardly, “I had some terrible nightmares last night. I was hoping you might be able to offer advice…”
 
 “Are your parents alright?”
 
 “Yes…they’re sleeping. Since Daddy is leaving today I didn’t want to bother him.”
 
 Obi-Wan smiled. Here was his honorary niece, a strong and confident adult, on her way to becoming a Senator like her mother, and still calling her father “Daddy.” “I’ll be glad to help you, Princess. Give me some time to pull myself together and you can come over.”
 
 Leia smiled as if a large burden had been lifted from her shoulders. “Thank you, Ben. I’ll see you later.”
 
 “Anything wrong, love?” Sakoya asked with a yawn as Obi-Wan entered the bedroom and sat down on the bed.
 
 “Just Leia needing some help. You up for some dream interpretation?”
 
 Sakoya propped herself up on her elbow. “As Force sensitive as that family is, I can only imagine what dreams they may have but I’ll give it a try.”
 
 “Who gets the refresher first?”
 
 Sakoya eyed him mischievously. “How much time do we have?”
 
 “Plenty.” The Jedi grinned as he rose and held out his hand.
 
 Happily taking his offered hand, she got out of bed and into his waiting arms.
 
 ************************************
 
 Leia stood at the door to Obi-Wan’s home. Usually she would invite herself in but ever since her uncle had become involved with the red-haired woman Jedi, she felt it was proper to wait for an invitation inside. She didn’t dislike the woman; on the contrary, Leia immensely enjoyed Sakoya’s company due to her cheerful and uplifting attitude. It sometimes just felt peculiar that her uncle no longer lived a solitary existence as he had for nearly her entire life. “Still,” Leia mumbled to herself, “he’s happy and that’s what matters to me.”
 
 Her mind shifted back to the dreams and once again they began to swirl around confusingly, leaving her unable to decipher their meaning.
 
 Ben answered the door and Leia’s grimace turned into a smile.
 
 “I’m not disturbing you am I?” she asked as she stepped inside.
 
 “Where’s my hug, young lady?” he chastised her.
 
 Leia gleefully hugged her uncle and friend then stepped back as Sakoya came in.
 
 “Morning, Leia.”
 
 “Morning, Sakoya. You’re sure I’m not intruding?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye.
 
 “If you don’t stop that I’m going to have to tickle you like I used to when you were a little girl!” Obi-Wan warned. “You are always welcome here!”
 
 “Hah!” Leia straightened. “Scruffy-looking!”
 
 “Fuzzball!” he playfully shot back.
 
 “Nerf-herder!”
 
 Obi-Wan paused, “Wait, who’s scruffy-looking?”
 
 They both burst out laughing while Sakoya shook her head at the jovial display.
 
 
 “Now, what’s bothering you?” the Jedi asked after they had sat down.
 
 Leia’s face turned serious, “I may be making something out of nothing…”
 
 “Nonsense,” he shook his head, “if it’s bothering you that much…”
 
 “It’s really hard to explain. I had several dreams, nightmares, whatever you want to call them last night, but they all seem to blend into one. Kind of like a mosaic. Daddy and Luke were there and a person in a dark robe – his head was covered by a hood so I don’t know who it was. There were all kinds of fighting but then I saw blue sky like on a clear day. Then it all changed to rain. It just kept skipping around. I saw lightsaber’s floating in black space with nothing around them – just the darkness. My mother crying. Different planets that I didn’t recognize…I can’t remember all of it…I do remember waking up a few times in a cold sweat and shaking.”
 
 Obi-Wan looked at her in grim silence. Anakin would be furious if he told her of her father’s plans but he thought, shouldn’t she know? Luke is her twin and by that fact their connection remains through time and space. Was she seeing a battle yet to come or were these her own fears? He glanced over to his soul mate who simply nodded gently in encouragement, and then he took hold of Leia’s hands. “I’m about to break a promise to your father but I think you should know. However, do not tell your mother. She has enough on her hands with the imminent attack on the Death Star. This would only make her worry more and your father is adamant that she not be told.”
 
 Leia was really worried now and her grim visage showed it. “Ben…tell me.”
 
 Obi-Wan bowed his head for a moment then lifted it to meet her gaze. “Anakin is going out on a mission soon…”
 
 “Yes, I know,” Leia nodded.
 
 He sighed heavily. “But it isn’t for the Jedi – he resigned. He’s going after Luke and believes staunchly that the Emperor has him.”
 
 Leia’s eyes widened in shock and her hands went from her uncle’s grasp to covering her mouth. “Noooo. This reminds me of when Anson went on his mission…”
 
 Obi-Wan drew in a deep breath and he closed his eyes as that painful day infused itself into his mind…
 
 “Genne! I’m so glad you’re back! Where is everyone?” Leia bounded happily into the pilot’s ready room.
 
 Genne Copper had just finished briefing Master Kenobi about their eventful mission and wasn’t quite prepared to explain it to the bright, energetic teenager. Thankfully, Obi-Wan heard Leia come in and came to Genne’s rescue. The relieved look on the pilot’s face expressed volumes to the Jedi Master as Genne Copper quickly left the room.
 
 “What’s wrong with Genne?” Leia inquired.
 
 “Leia,” Obi-Wan paused. Not only did he have to tell her about her friend but also her father and Padmé was also unaware of her husband’s fate. “I’m sorry to tell you this – Anson…won’t be coming back.”
 
 Tears glistened in her eyes. “Why?”
 
 “I’m so sorry, Princess…” was all the Jedi Master could manage to say as he wrapped his arms lovingly around her trembling body. As the tears sprang from her eyes, Obi-Wan decided to wait until he had more news on Anakin before upsetting yet another member of the Skywalker family.
 
 The Jedi Master would never forget that day or the look on Leia’s face. Waves upon waves of anguish crashed into him through the Force from his niece as she absorbed the grim news. Anson had been her first crush and to lose him so horribly… Obi-Wan could only hope that time would heal the wounds inflicted upon her that day.
 
 
 “If what he believes is true, he’ll have to get through Imperial space and guards to find Luke,” Sakoya added.
 
 “And the Emperor?” Leia started to shake knowing the answer.
 
 “If anyone can kill the Emperor, it’s the ‘Chosen One’,” Obi-Wan said with more heartfelt conviction than he had anticipated.
 
 Leia abruptly stood up. “I don’t care about the ‘Chosen One’ prophecy! I don’t want to lose my father and my brother!” she stated defiantly while tears flowed freely down her face and her level of frustration escalated.
 
 “Leia,” Obi-Wan began as he stood and hugged her, “of all the Jedi your father is the only one who can do this.”
 
 Leia sobbed for a few more minutes then suddenly dried her eyes and pulled away from her uncle. “You think my dreams reflected this?”
 
 “Although you have minimal Force training it still flows through you. I wish you would have allowed for more training when you were young, it might be helpful now.”
 
 “I take that as a ‘yes’?”
 
 Obi-Wan solemnly nodded.
 
 “You both give my mother too little credit. She’s a very strong, determined woman. She should know this.”
 
 “I know your mother’s strengths because we’ve argued enough times for me to bear witness to them, but since Luke disappeared that strength and resolve have been put to the test. Besides, the Alliance needs her leadership now as we strike out to destroy the Death Star. Systems will rally to us and she will be a key player. The added burden knowing that Anakin may never…” Obi-Wan couldn’t finish, he couldn’t bring himself to say that his former Padawan and loyal friend may fail and never return.
 
 “Will he come back alive?”
 
 Sakoya had said little so far, assuming the role of quiet emotional support provider for either of them should they be in need of it. However, she felt the need to step forward now and in doing so, placed her hands upon the shoulders Anakin Skywalker’s daughter. “Leia, have faith in your father. He is courageous, intelligent and his saber skills unmatched. Obi-Wan was right when he said that only Anakin could do this. With the Force as his ally, he will restore the balance and peace can begin again.”
 
 Leia fought back the tears that wanted to flow again and stepped back from the couple. “He will come back…he will!” she vehemently stated. Turning, she strode toward the door but paused just as she was about to leave. “Thank you for telling me, Ben and for your support, Sakoya. At least now I know why I was having those nightmares even though this knowledge casts such a dark cloud over me.”
 
 “Will you tell your mother?” Obi-Wan questioned.
 
 Leia stiffened, her back still turned to the couple. “I don’t know,” she quietly replied before proceeding out the door.
 
 ************************************************************************