Chapter XIX
– Soul corrupted Part I
“Strike down your enemy,” the Emperor
commanded, “and your journey toward the dark side will
be complete!”
Resist him, Luke! Please! Don’t believe the
Emperor’s lies! Don’t you remember your childhood?
Your mother? Your twin sister, Leia? How much we love
you? Anakin fervently linked to Luke’s mind.
I remember your cruelty to me and to others! You
don’t know what love is!
As much as he despised the concept of fighting his own
son, Anakin had no choice but to defend himself. He
couldn’t allow Luke to succumb to the darkness any
more than he already had. Anakin had always been
impressed with his son’s lightsaber skills and now
that Luke carried the reinforcement of the dark side
with him…the line of battle changed instantly.
The crimson lightsaber met cerulean in a deadly dance
with neither opponent giving quarter to the other. The
agile Force users leapt and somersaulted to keep up
with one another. As the battle progressed, the
constant clashing of blades transformed the throne
room’s scenery into an endless stream of laser light.
Luke remained controlled and deliberate as his dark
Force blade slashed toward his father. Their
lightsabers united with a powerful hiss and the blades
sizzled against one another.
Anakin countered each attack, his blade whirling
through the air. The combatants circled one another,
one stalking – thirsting for the kill, and the other
defending – striving to preserve both lives. Luke’s
speed impressed the elder Skywalker, but he knew it
wouldn’t be enough. Luke wasn’t strong enough…yet.
Please, I don’t want to hurt you! Anakin
pleaded mentally.
I will be the one inflicting pain…Father! Luke
answered venomously, emphasizing the last word in
particular.
Luke lunged more aggressively, adding unexpected
twists and turns in hopes of throwing his opponent off
balance. However, Anakin blocked each move with speed
and precision, ultimately frustrating Luke to the
point of recklessness.
In the background, Anakin could hear the gleeful
cackle of the Emperor, who was savoring every moment
of the battle before him.
************************************
As the duel wore on, Anakin maintained his placidness
while Luke began to grow discouraged. His increasing
frustration only resulted in mistakes…painful
mistakes.
Anakin regarded the glower of anger in Luke’s eyes and
felt that the only way he would stop his son, other
than to kill him outright, would be to render him
unconscious. The latter was the only choice he could
possibly make. Such an action would not only give him
the opportunity to spare Luke physical pain, but also
allow him to finish the Emperor’s reign of terror once
and for all.
************************************
“Coward, quit backing away!” Luke scolded.
Anakin deftly jumped high into the air and
somersaulted backward onto the platform high above the
floor. He lowered his lightsaber and glanced down. “I
will not fight you. Can’t you see what the dark side
is? Hate, anger, aggression – traits that are not a
part of you and have never been!” Anakin declared.
“You’ve known the Force your entire life. When has it
ever been like that for you? Think, Luke!” If I am
the tyrant you accuse me of being, why am I so
unwilling to fight you? Anakin again sent his
thoughts privately. I have wounded you. Look at
your arm, your leg – if I had wanted to destroy you, I
could have already!
Luke retaliated by using the Force and vaulting into
the air, landing effortlessly onto the platform, where
Anakin stood. Again, he brought the blood-red blade to
bear and flashed it before his father’s eyes.
Immediately, Luke took the offensive and swung his
weapon dangerously close to Anakin. The elder
Skywalker countered the blow while simultaneously
stepping back a few paces. Anakin was already grieving
the wounds he had had to inflict upon his own son. He
could see that Luke was tiring, yet his son stubbornly
refused to concede defeat. When Luke recklessly
charged forward again, Anakin knew it had to end.
Without the slightest hesitation, Anakin Force-pushed
the youth back off the platform and down to the floor.
LUKE! Listen to me! I love you! I have always loved
you, as well as your mother and sister! Let go of the
dark side, son – let go…Let me help you back into the
light, please…Please, my son. Anakin entreated
through the mental bond, drawing upon the Force to
maximize the strength of his words.
Luke’s chest was heaving as he fought to stand. The
powerful Force-push had left no opportunity for him to
counteract and land safely, leaving him gasping for
air after his hard collision with the floor. In the
same instant, his father’s words were like needles in
his mind, boring into its center. They searched
determinedly for the spark that was Luke’s true self
and ultimately found a glimmer in the ebony pool.
Luke’s knees began to buckle as the impact of his
father’s words, in addition to the love he sent
through the Force with such magnitude, finally began
to seep through the darkness.
He dropped the Sith-colored lightsaber and sank to his
knees. Father! Help me! Luke pleaded through
their bond, covering his head with his hands.
Realizing that his hold over the boy’s mind was
slipping through his fingers, Darth Sidious glowered
at both Jedi with acerbity and decided to act. He
sought to have one of the Skywalkers as his servant,
but if he couldn’t be satisfied that way, he would
have the ultimate revenge.
“So be it, Jedi,” he said with utter hatred.
“If you will not turn, you will be destroyed!” Sidious
raised his willowy arms and without warning, a burst
of blue lightning erupted from his fingertips, hurling
itself directly at Luke – its intensity marked for
death.
Luke screamed and writhed in agony. He couldn’t stop
his body from convulsing as the deadly arcs ripped
into him.
“PALPATINE!” Anakin roared then jumped down from the
platform and flashed his lightsaber against the Dark
Force lightning, absorbing most of the attack and
shielding his son who lay in a fetal position on the
floor, writhing in pain. “The Will of the Force has
called out to me…You will die.” It was not a
statement made of arrogance, but one made of sincere
truth.
For the first time in his life, Emperor Palpatine felt
fear traverse through his veins. He quickly opened a
communications channel from a nearby computer and Moff
Tarkin promptly answered.
“Witness the firepower of this fully armed and
operational battlestation!” Palpatine leered at Anakin
then spoke into the comm to Moff Tarkin, “Fire at
will! Deploy the fleet!”
************************************
Luke shook his head slowly as if waking from a dream
and watched in horror as his father and the man he now
knew as Emperor Palpatine fought one another. The Sith
Lord used his dark powers to cast any item that was
available to him at Anakin. Luke was astounded as he
watched parts of the wall being torn away and thrown
at his father along with large pieces of metal – yet
the Chosen One deftly avoided each fusillade.
Impressing the young man further was the deflection of
blue lightning emitting from Darth Sidious’
fingertips. He watched in awe as Anakin expertly
utilized his cerulean lightsaber to slash and parry
against the barrage of deadly electricity. Then he
witnessed the impossible – his father was able to
capture the Sith’s bolts in the palm of his hand and
harmlessly absorb the power.
Luke’s head throbbed unmercifully and his injuries
painfully reminded him of their existence, but he
refused to let his father battle this enemy alone. His
mind that had been enveloped by consummate darkness
had allowed in the light and with it his memories, as
well as the Force in which he had always believed. It
wrapped around his body like a blanket and renewed his
strength as well as his determination, slowly
subsiding his pain. Luke looked down at the weapon he
had dropped – the crimson blade glowing like a symbol
of darkness. “I may wield you but that which you
embody is NOT my master!” Luke courageously avowed as
he snatched up the blade and ran after his father and
the Emperor.
************************************
Anakin nodded to his son as he ran up beside him and
poised the Sith lightsaber to strike. “I’m sorry,
Dad.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Anakin answered
without breaking stride or concentration as he
deflected another volley of dark Force lightning.
“Let’s take care of business – Jedi style!” Luke said
with an enthusiastic grin – the grin Anakin had missed
so much.
“NOW!” Anakin shouted and the duo rushed forward in a
blaze of crimson and cerulean.
Instantly, Palpatine showered the Jedi with strands of
jagged lightning, which their lightsabers deflected or
absorbed, allowing them to advance upon their enemy.
Since his electric charges failed to stop the father
and son team, the Emperor barricaded himself with
invisible walls through the Force. However, the
indiscernible barriers proved to be no match for the
combined power of two determined Jedi Knights. They
dismantled Palpatine’s defenses and continued to
advance forward, their faces marked by peace and
fortitude instead of anger and aggression.
The Jedi tenaciously forced Darth Sidious onto the
bridge that crossed over the power core. The Emperor
had nowhere to go – nowhere to hide – and Anakin and
Luke were now within striking distance of their
quarry. The thought of surrender was intolerable to
Palpatine in spite of the fact that he knew his death
was at hand. In a last, futile effort, he threw forth
all the power he possessed. Hatred – vile in nature
and as black as the darkest region of space – erupted
from the Sith Lord. How dare these infidels try to
overtake me! I am LORD of the Sith! I will never per…
Two blades of light hissed through the air in a blur
of crimson and cerulean, blocking the Sith lightning
that spewed forth from the Emperor’s fingertips. Then
without hesitation the blades whirled in unison and
continued full circle uninterrupted.
The Dark Lord’s thoughts were forfeited forevermore.
When Anakin and Luke Skywalker looked down, Emperor
Palpatine was in pieces tumbling mercilessly down the
shaft of the power core.
“I am a Jedi, like my father before me,” Luke
proclaimed proudly.
Pride swelled in Anakin’s heart at his son’s statement
as he rested his hand on Luke’s shoulder. I’m sorry
I didn’t find you sooner, my son. The remorse
Anakin felt was painfully evident.
I’m ready to go home, Luke commented through
their bond as he smiled up at his father.
Padmé had been waiting, hoping in the back of her mind
that she would feel her husband’s triumph and she
found gratification at last. Anakin! Luke! her
voice silently whispered into the Jedi’s minds.
Angel, is Leia safe? Anakin asked
apprehensively.
Yes, she’s fine, Padmé answered, relieved to
hear from her husband.
I’m okay, Mom… Luke reassured her through their
bond.
Thank the Force, Padmé responded with a sigh.
The Force be with you both.
Anakin pulled out his comm link and called C-3PO.
Before the droid could say a word, R2-D2 happily
emitted a series of familiar beeps and whistles in the
background.
Han’s voice suddenly came over the comm as he pushed
the protocol droid aside. “I was beginning to wonder
if you were gonna make it! Find yer boy?”
“Excuse me,” 3PO said indignantly. “Master Anakin, I
find this Captain Solo person to be very rude.”
“Pipe down, Goldenrod,” Han commanded as he rolled his
eyes. “This droid of yours could benefit from some
reprogramming. You sure we have to bring it?” he asked
sarcastically.
“Yes, I need both of them, Captain Solo,” Anakin
answered with a snicker. “I have my son, but we don’t
have much time. The fleet is already here and the
battle has begun! We didn’t anticipate the station’s
weapons to be operational!”
“I’d say that sounds like a definite problem,” Han
retorted.
“Sir,” C-3PO interrupted, “R2-D2 can’t override the
encrypted codes in order to shut down the main
reactor.”
Anakin ignored the pirate and instructed his droids,
“3PO, first and foremost, tell R2 to take the weapons
array offline and lock it down tight. Our armada has
enough problems with the Imperial Fleet that wasn’t
supposed to be here! Next, cut off power to whatever
you can, except life support and the turbolifts – they
need to be operational so we can get out of here. I’ll
meet all of you in the main hangar bay. Skywalker
out.”
“You heard ‘em, Goldenrod. Hurry up. I don’t intend to
be a permanent resident on this thing when it blows!”
Han remarked sharply.
“But, sir –” 3PO began then stopped himself short when
he realized Han was no longer paying any attention to
him. “I’ll never understand human behavior.”
Tucking the comm link back inside his tunic, Anakin
took off at a run, with Luke right beside him. As they
navigated through the corridors and turbolifts to get
to the ship, Anakin quickly explained the events
leading up to now. Luke nodded in understanding of the
abbreviated explanation in spite of the fact that his
mind was still recovering from his recent ordeal with
the Emperor’s manipulations.
A short time later, R2-D2 emitted a few beeps and
whistles signaling his success at disabling the Death
Star, leaving only minimal power available. As quickly
as possible, the foursome made their way to a
turbolift, in spite of C-3PO’s caterwauling along the
way, and descended several levels. Just as the lift
doors slid open, they were unexpectedly greeted by a
dozen stormtroopers. Han quickly pushed the button to
close the doors and took them up to the next level.
They managed to get off the lift this time but their
reprieve was brief as more stormtroopers came around
the corner and blaster fire erupted everywhere. Han
and Chewie fired back as they retreated down the
hallway and rounded the next corner only to come face
to face with twenty more Imperial troops.
“I’ve had enough of this!” Han growled and suddenly
charged toward the Imperials before they could react.
At first they appeared confused then they turned and
ran like frightened Jawas from the berserk Corellian
who was howling and yelling at the top of his lungs,
firing shots from his blaster. Surprised by his own
prowess, Han continued to chase them down the corridor
and around the bend until the stormtroopers found
themselves at a dead end. Turning around they reversed
the chase and this time Han found himself on the
receiving end. As he was retreating, he fired off more
blaster shots that disabled some of the pursuing
troops and almost ran into Chewbacca who had come
after him. Seeing the reversal of fortune, Chewie let
out a thunderous howl then followed after his friend.
The Imperials momentarily hesitated at the Wookiee’s
cry, unsure what to make of the hairy beast, and then
quickly continued their pursuit.
Oblivious to the turmoil encompassing the
battlestation, R2-D2 strolled along his merry way
toward the hangar with his companion, C-3PO, who was
chattering incessantly about the danger all around
them. Blaster fire soared above the droids’ heads
countless times and in spite of 3PO’s complaints, R2
continued and refused to stop until he arrived at the
hangar bay.
Although he loathed using the Sith lightsaber, Luke
had no other weapon available to him when he joined
his father in obliterating the wave of oncoming
stormtroopers. Crimson united with cerulean as the
powerful swords of light deflected each volley of
blaster fire that came their way. The two Jedi
advanced, giving no quarter to their enemy and leaving
many lying in their wake, never to see the light of
day again.
“There, it’s R2 and 3PO,” Anakin pointed as they
halted to a stop on the outskirts of the hangar bay.
“I hope Han gets here soon. We’re running out of
time.”
“The armada?” Luke questioned.
Anakin turned his head toward his son and replied,
“Yes, they will fire upon the station once they have
the chance whether we are on it or not.” Anakin spoke
quickly into his comm link, “3PO, get to the Corellian
freighter in the hangar.”
“Sir, our ship is gone! Ohh, I knew something terrible
would happen,” C-3PO whined into the comm link.
Anakin rolled his eyes and repeated himself, “Get on
board the Corellian freighter!”
“Oh, I see, sir. Do you think it is safe? It doesn’t
appear to be.”
“3PO, just get yourself and R2 on board. Hurry!”
“Yes, Master Anakin,” 3PO acknowledged sorrowfully.
“This is all your fault!” 3PO scolded his counterpart.
“I knew I shouldn’t have come.”
R2 responded with a few sharp whistles and strolled
toward the Millennium Falcon.
Luke glanced at the ship in the hangar bay and
swallowed hard. “He came here on that?” he asked
incredulously. “This guy is braver than I thought!”
Anakin looked at the ship Luke indicated and chuckled.
“Don’t judge by appearance, son. It may not look like
much, but it must have some finer points for a
smuggler to be willing to use it.” He waved his hand
at Luke, motioning them forward. “Let’s get on board
and get the engines fired up.”
In unison, father and son sprinted from the safety of
the pillar that shielded them and made their way to
the Millennium Falcon.
“Damned blaster is overheated. I need another one!”
Han scowled as he threw the useless weapon at the
barrage of oncoming stormtroopers behind them.
Chewie growled and continued his own assault of
firepower on the relentless soldiers.
“Haven’t we been here before?” Han shouted as they
raced down a corridor that was littered with white
uniformed troops sprawled all over the floor.
Chewie paused long enough to look down and shrug
before continuing to fire away.
Han spied a few blasters lying on the floor that just
seemed to beckon to him, or so he thought with a
devilish smirk. “Thanks. Don’t mind if I do!” he said
sardonically as he scooped up the blasters and fired
them simultaneously at the oncoming troops.
************************************
The two droids managed to get on board safely, and
Anakin had the Millennium Falcon’s engines on
line and ready to go when he saw Han and Chewbacca
burst into the hangar, desperately fighting off a
squadron of stormtroopers. Quickly he activated the
ship’s side laser and fired, providing the Corellian
and the Wookiee enough time to race up to the ship and
dash inside.
With his palm, Han slammed a button to close the hatch
as he ran in and shouted, “Let’s get out of here!”
Anakin thrust the ship forward and blasted out of the
hangar. He smiled as he viewed the welcome arms of
space as well as the armada of the Rebel Alliance.
As the battle loomed before him, Anakin could tell
that the armada had not yet secured a victory over the
enemy. Imperial and Alliance ships alike flooded the
area, unleashing their firepower on each other with a
vengeance.
Anakin focused on the heated battle against the Empire
that was taking place. He quickly activated the comm,
setting the frequency to the Alliance’s war channel,
and broadcast his message openly to the fleet. “This
is Commander Anakin Skywalker – do not fire. I repeat,
this is Commander Skywalker, acknowledge.”
Admiral Ackbar chimed in, “Acknowledged, Commander
Skywalker. Will you be able to join the battle?”
“Most assuredly, sir,” Anakin responded and thought to
himself, If a particular pirate wants to earn his
credits we will. “Be advised, the Death Star’s
weapons array has been deactivated. I repeat –
deactivated.”
“Hey, what’re you doing?” a surprised Han inquired as
he came into the cockpit.
“Making sure you earn your pay.”
“You crazed Jedi! I’m not risking my ship for your
rebellion!” Han retorted.
“Don’t worry. Your ship will be fine. If it’s as great
as you boasted, this should be nothing for
you…Besides, I’m not one to run from a fight. Are
you?” Anakin cast a sideways glance at the pirate.
Han’s brow furrowed and Chewie grumbled something only
the Corellian could understand. “Yeah? Well, laugh it
up, fuzzball!” he uttered as his lips curled into a
slight sneer.
Anakin and Luke beamed mischievously at the exchange
between the captain and his first mate.
“What’s so funny?” Han grumbled. “Well, if you’re
going to be of any use it’s not going to be up here!
Go on, get down to the guns.”
“C’mon, Luke. Let’s teach these Imperials a lesson.”
Anakin put his hand on his son’s shoulder and
snickering to the point of laughing, he quickly exited
the cockpit.
************************************************************************
Chapter XIX – Death Star Part II
Settling
into the ship’s upper and lower laser cannon turrets,
Anakin and Luke were barely strapped in when a wave of
TIE fighters descended upon them, rocking the
freighter with a barrage of hits. “I can’t believe I’m
doing this!” Han mumbled out loud, over the comm
system as he piloted the Falcon expertly in and
out of the mass of surrounding ships. The freighter
responded to the commands of its master and coursed
through the darkness of space in a blur of motion,
dodging one enemy fighter after another while sending
forth its own deadly laser fire.
Anakin mentally bonded with Luke to help him through
the firefight. However, he quickly noticed that his
guidance was hardly necessary – Luke was quite in tune
with the Force and handled the numerous attacks with
precision and finesse. Gently, the elder Skywalker
released his connection to his son and refocused his
concentration on the battle raging all around him.
Back in the recesses of his mind, Han Solo remembered
glorious space battles in which he had outmaneuvered
ships with superior speed and firepower by relying on
his crafty piloting skills. How he had blasted them
into bits and pieces and grinned like a rogue who had
tempted fate yet again, and won. It all seemed so long
ago… Ever since he had become Jabba the Hutt’s
smuggler, such glory days were more of a memory than
reality. But what a memory… he silently
reminisced.
As if waking from a dream, his thoughts turned to the
battle taking place right before his eyes and suddenly
a feeling of exhilaration surged through his body,
creating a tingling sensation. It was at that moment
he realized he couldn’t turn away. It was time to take
the Imperials down.
Han noticed Chewbacca was in a similar state as he
glanced at his friend before shifting his attention
back to the ship’s controls. Suddenly, the ship’s
sensors began to blink wildly, which caused Han’s lip
to curl maniacally. “First catch,” he murmured as
three enemy fighters attacked in an arc from the rear
and each side of the Falcon. He decided to let
them close in just enough then he quickly pulled the
ship into an upward thrust then swiftly rolled and
looped back again. As he came thundering down behind
them, Han opened fire on the small Imperial crafts and
smugly watched as each TIE fighter burst into flame
and exploded.
************************************
Masses of ships and laser fire littered the vast
blackness of space as the Imperials and Rebels faced
off against one another. A Rebel cruiser that was
heavily damaged and on the verge of exploding, made a
last attempt to maneuver itself into a suicidal
collision course with an Imperial Star Destroyer.
Their desperation was rewarded as the cruiser burst
apart, taking the Imperial ship with it.
Two Rebel squadrons headed for the Empire’s main
communication Destroyer and concentrated all their
firepower on the already damaged vessel. Relentlessly,
they pounded the ship and excitement burst over the
comm as the immense structure began to separate and
pieces began to break off. Moments later the ship
exploded from stem to stern, leaving nothing but a
trail of debris.
The Alliance’s armada surprised the Imperial fleet
with its tenacity and cunning as it crippled one Star
Destroyer after another. However, casualties mounted
on each side as a Sullustian freighter blew apart.
Witnessing the carnage from the safety of the
Headquarters Frigate was none other than the Chief
of State herself, Padmé Skywalker. She closed her eyes
and took a deep breath, silently mourning the loss of
lives.
As she slowly opened her eyes, she felt a hand upon
her shoulder and heard a reassuring voice.
“Peace can and will be restored – have faith,” Prince
Organa professed.
“But the price…” Padmé solemnly answered back.
************************************
The Death Star rocked from the barrage of weaponry
assailing it. On board the station, alarms sirens
activated and troops scurried about in an effort to
keep themselves alive. Fresh crews hastily replaced
those who were on the verge of collapsing from
exhaustion. Secondary explosions knocked not only the
Imperial troops, but also the equipment in every
direction. Chaos ensued.
“Get that weapons array online! NOW!” Grand Moff
Tarkin ruthlessly barked from the sterile bridge of
the Death Star.
A young officer approached his infuriated superior.
“Sir, shall I ready a transport to evacuate yourself
and other essential personnel?”
Tarkin slowly turned his head and glared viciously at
the audacity of such a request. “I think you over
estimate their chances,” he maliciously snapped.
************************************
On board the Millennium Falcon, the comm system
crackled a moment then cleared as a new order was
issued. “Alpha Company – initiate your attack on the
Death Star’s main reactor.”
“Increase power to the front deflector shields,”
Obi-Wan Kenobi, ordered as his squadron plunged toward
the Death Star. “Red Squadron – let’s roll!”
Upon hearing his old friend respond to the order from
Rebel High Command, Anakin instantly knew where he
should be. “Han, follow those fighters,” he urged over
the Falcon’s internal comm.
“WHAT?” he spouted incredulously. “Isn’t this enough
of a fight for you? You want me to blow up my ship
too? No reward is worth that!” The pirate shook his
head in disbelief.
“I’ll triple it!” Anakin pressed.
Han thought for a moment, considering the offer.
“Han – a decision now would be good!” Anakin said
heatedly as he fired upon another incoming TIE
fighter.
The Corellian suddenly grinned devilishly. “If you
want it so badly come and take control!” He loved his
ship dearly and under normal circumstances he would
never let anyone except Chewie at its controls, but
there was something about this Jedi… Besides, if the
Jedi damaged the Falcon, the Rebel Alliance
would be obligated to refit it. He could get the Rebel
technicians to add certain upgrades he’s been wanting
for some time now, making the ship even better than it
was before, without costing him a single credit.
Anakin raced up from the guns he had been firing and
quickly edged Han out of the way as he jumped into the
pilot seat.
“Whoa – little anxious aren’t ya?” Han frowned but one
look at the Jedi told him what Anakin didn’t have to
say. The Jedi wasn’t in this fight for glory or money,
no – he was determined to eradicate the evil that had
consumed the galaxy for over two decades, and no one –
including a pirate – was going to stop him.
“I suggest you strap yourself in,” Anakin smiled
mischievously. Before Han could offer a retort, the
Jedi launched the freighter forward and into several
spins. A quick downward thrust immediately afterward
allowed the Millennium Falcon to fire at any
TIE fighter that maneuvered into range. “Hold on,
Luke,” Anakin warned through the internal comm before
pitching the freighter into another series of dives
and rolls.
Han clung to what he could during Anakin’s maneuvers
and grimaced at the queasiness his stomach was
suddenly feeling. The Jedi’s sharp turns and dives had
managed to leave the smuggler’s stomach somewhere on
the floor. Han was used to daring moves but Anakin’s
had taken him by surprise and the effects weren’t all
that pleasing. Hold together, baby. Hold together,
Han silently urged his precious ship as he looked
around the cockpit. This crazy Jedi is going to get
us killed.
Sensing Han’s distress, Anakin responded, “Don’t
worry, Han. I’m an expert pilot. I’ll keep your ship
in one piece, I’m just going to stretch her to the
limit.”
“Ohh, that makes me feel sooo much better,” Han
groaned.
“Another one down!” Luke exclaimed excitedly as he
obliterated an enemy fighter.
“Great, kid. Don’t get cocky!” Han shouted down to
Luke as his nausea began to subside.
Anakin couldn’t help chuckling silently to himself
over Han’s obvious discomfort. It only served to
remind him of his younger days and the antics he used
to play on others.
Chewbacca emitted a low growl as he lurched forward in
his co-pilot seat when more laser blasts hit the
freighter.
“What’s wrong, Chewbacca?” Anakin asked as he glanced
over at the Wookiee.
“He says the hyperdrive is offline,” Han offered.
“Thankfully, we don’t need that at the moment,” Anakin
stated.
“Sir!” C-3PO bellowed as he came rushing into the
cockpit.
“What is it, 3PO?”
“We’re losing the rear deflector shield,” the golden
droid whined at the precise moment a warning light
began to flash in the cockpit.
“You better strap yourself in, 3PO,” the Jedi
commented, “this could be a bumpy ride.”
“Oh, dearrrrrr,” the droid cried out as Anakin
immersed himself into the Force and increased the
ship’s speed even further. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, a
faint iridescent light outlined his body as he pushed
the Millennium Falcon to a point Han himself
had never done.
The display didn’t escape Han Solo’s notice and it
left him wondering what he had gotten himself in to.
However, he couldn’t dispute the exceptional flying
skills of the Jedi Knight seated in front of him.
Never before had he seen such an acute sense for
piloting in a human.
“Unbelievable,” he uttered under his breath as he
watched his ship soar through space. Anakin deftly
evaded many of the enemy fighters while he and Luke
pummeled others that crossed their path, leaving only
remnants of their former existence. If Han didn’t know
any better, he would have bet that the Jedi and his
precious ship had melded into one.
Once their course was clear, the Corellian freighter
followed Red Squadron into the bowels of the Death
Star.
************************************
Three groups of Rebel fighters headed for the
unfinished portion of the battle station as they
glided along the surface of the completed side.
“We’re going to lose maneuvering space quickly,
people.” Obi-Wan cited the obvious yet urged his
squadron on. “Target the main reactor and get out as
quickly as you can!”
“Just leave a shot for me!”
“Anakin!?” Obi-Wan excitedly shouted over the comm but
then remembered himself and changed his tone of voice.
“Glad you could join us. It’s going to get hot in
there pretty quick so let’s destroy this monolith of
steel and get out of here.” Please tell me you have
Luke, Obi-Wan asked Anakin through their mental
bond.
He’s safe now. I’ll explain later, Anakin
answered then asked, Sakoya?
Safe as well, my friend.
“Blue Squad, there’s more enemy fighters approaching.
See if you can draw their fire,” Green Leader ordered.
“Got them, Green Leader,” one of Blue Squad’s pilots
replied.
“More fighters, ten o’clock high!” Wedge Antilles
warned.
“We’re on it, Red Five. Red Leader, proceed with your
attack. We’ll hold them off.”
“Acknowledged. Watch yourself, Green Leader,” Obi-Wan
stated. “There’s the superstructure,” the Jedi Master
observed.
“Look at the size of that thing!” Wedge interjected.
“Cut the chatter. Lock onto the strongest power
source,” Red Leader ordered.
Some of the TIE fighters managed to break through and
pursued the Alliance fighters as they wove through a
maze of channels containing protruding girders and
half-built towers.
“I see it – the main reactor shaft,” Anakin relayed as
the Falcon whisked past a tower, dipped under a
bridge and entered the tunnel leading to the core of
the Death Star.
************************************
The shaft wasn’t very wide and maneuvering proved
treacherous for every ship. In addition, the fighters
were threatened by a myriad of structural obstacles,
which they desperately tried to avoid or blasted with
laser fire. Several detonations from the TIEs’
inability to evade the protruding impediments erupted
all around the Rebels as the fighters journeyed
through the twisting and encompassing tightness of the
tunnels.
Wedge caught sight of a ball of flame behind him and
knew he’d lost another friend and comrade. The only
comfort he took from the tragedy was that their enemy
was experiencing the same difficulties, but with
drastically more damaging results. By the time the
ships entered the massive reactor chamber, only one
TIE fighter remained, and it quickly realized the
battle was lost. However, before it could make good
its escape, Luke fired upon it and watched it burst
into millions of particles.
“We’re clear!” Luke shouted excitedly over the comm.
“All weapons lock onto the target and fire!” Obi-Wan
ordered as he loosened his volley and pushed his
ship’s power to maximum in order to distance himself
from the impending inferno.
“Already on the way out, Red Leader,” Anakin answered
as he fired several shots. He then rolled the Falcon
twice maneuvering for the tunnel exit that would take
them back to the safe confines of space.
“Copy, Red Leader,” Genne Copper replied. “Red Two is
on her way out.” This is for Luke, you behemoth of
evil, she bitterly thought, furrowing her brow.
“Right behind ya, boss,” Wedge smiled as he let loose
his lasers.
“I’m almost home,” Huttun chimed in. “You comin’,
Drake?” he added.
Drake Antaree gleefully fired at the reactor that was
on the verge of exploding then hit his accelerator to
maximum and followed after his companions. “Right on
yer heels, Spaz.”
Konyr Huttun shook his head indignantly then smiled.
“At least I get to trounce on you for that when we get
home.”
Drake’s laughter spread over the comm before it
suddenly faded as a great explosion rocked the Death
Star’s core and quickly spread outwards. The resulting
fire consumed all in its path, including the last
X-wing fighter and its pilot, Drake Antaree.
“Drake? You there? DRAKE?” It was no use; Konyr knew
his friend was gone. Pushing his ship as fast as it
could go to escape the mass of fire licking the back
of his ship, Konyr said a final farewell to his friend
and raced out into the black mass of space.
The Rebel fleet had already distanced themselves from
the Death Star when it exploded creating a fiery light
in its wake. The unfortunate Imperial ships that
remained near, or were too crippled to move, had been
annihilated as well. Even at their safe distance, the
Rebel Alliance felt the ripples in space the
detonation had caused. Obi-Wan bowed his head in
respect to the lives lost in the battle and softly
said over the comm, “May the Force be with
them…always.”
************************************
In the multitude of systems once held in thrall by the
Empire, statues and other structures symbolic of the
Empire’s tyranny were torn down as quickly as possible
as news spread throughout the galaxy of the Emperor’s
demise and that of the Empire. Various security
factions swiftly took Imperial officials of all kinds
into custody to await trial for their crimes. Throngs
of people of all species plunged into the streets,
celebrating the victory and their freedom that had
come at long last. The people applauded the emergence
of a new system of government to be based, once more,
on Coruscant – but this time around they had learned a
valuable lesson and avowed that the cruel fist of
dictatorship would never oppress them again.
Alderaan was a flurry of excitement as the fleet of
Rebel ships landed and pilots greeted their loved
ones. As she watched the joyful reunions taking place,
the Nubian Senator found herself anticipating her own
reunion with a certain young Jedi all the more.
Luke was the first to disembark from the Millennium
Falcon and quickly made his way through the crowd.
Genne Copper found him first and gave him the biggest
bear hug he had ever had then kissed him longingly.
Luke was taken aback at first, but he eagerly relented
to his passions and embraced the kiss. He twirled
Genne around then set her down, his arm encircling her
waist. Luke couldn’t help smiling – their greatest foe
had been defeated and he had come back to the people
he loved. However, someone very close to his heart was
missing. He turned his attention to the crowd and his
eyes began to scan the massive gathering.
As if on cue, the hoards of people drew aside and left
a gap of space for a son to face his mother. They
stared wide-eyed at each other for a moment until
Luke, feeling like a little boy again, flew into
Padmé’s outstretched arms. The tears, held until now,
coursed down both their cheeks as Padmé stroked her
son’s blonde hair and whispered soothing words into
his ear as she had done when he was a child. Leia came
up behind them and wrapped her arms around them both.
Images from long ago, yet still vivid and fresh,
flooded her mind. One striking image was the face of a
boy – not quite a man – who had captivated a young
girl’s heart. He left on a mission with her father but
had never returned and it had broken her heart.
Anson, she thought, I still miss you…
Leia Skywalker had relived that dreadful ordeal when
her father had gone off to save her brother – her
twin. She knew her father was capable of bringing Luke
home safe, but ever since Anson’s death she had become
more fearful of any mission involving those she loved.
She had never spoken openly about her troubling fears
to her family and had tried to suppress them, for
reasons unknown even to her. Pride perhaps? she
considered. She had an abundance of that…no, she just
didn’t want to burden anyone, especially her mother
who already had enough worries on her mind. Only now,
as she tightly hugged her brother, did the emotions
issue forth and the tears flow unchecked. Her terror
now recognized began to fade away – it was
over…finally over.
Anakin walked down the ramp of the Millennium
Falcon beside Han Solo and Chewbacca with the
ever-present R2-D2 and C-3PO trailing behind them.
Many of the people had already left which was fine
with Anakin – he wanted his family reunion to involve
just his loved ones and not a mass of others
surrounding him and badgering him with questions. He
especially didn’t want the Jedi to be present, except
for his dear friends, Obi-Wan and Sakoya. Han, with
his usual air of haughtiness, walked over to meet the
rest of the Skywalker family but he stopped cold in
his tracks when his eyes set upon a beautiful woman
with dark brown hair and matching eyes who glanced up
at him before shifting her gaze to the Jedi
approaching her. Gleefully she ran toward his Jedi
companion and hugged him tightly. At first Han felt a
pang of disappointment at the display of affection but
when he heard the woman call the Jedi ‘Daddy,’ he felt
quite relieved. Smiling inwardly, Han thought his stay
on Alderaan might not be as bad as he thought.
While he and Sakoya were sharing a brief exchange with
his best friend, Obi-Wan sensed the emotion welling up
inside his former Padawan and sent Anakin to where he
truly belonged. Where he had always belonged.
Anakin walked up to his beloved angel and gazed into
her dark eyes. Eyes that told him all at once how much he was
missed and loved . As if in a dream he took
hold of her hands, caressed them, brought them to his
lips and kissed each delicate, yet strong, finger. He
then pressed her hands to his chest, covering them
with his own. Never doubt that I will come back to
you, my angel, his mind spoke the words his mouth
couldn’t utter.
Never doubt that I will wait for you, my beloved,
Padmé answered back through their bond.
Anakin drew his wife in closer to him and stroked her
luscious waves of hair and wrapped his arms around her
tightly. “The nightmare is over,” he whispered in her
ear.
“But Luke…” she began.
Anakin glanced over at his son who was introducing Han
and Chewie to his sister and Genne – all of them were
already laughing. He looked into Padmé’s eyes and
spoke softly, “Never better.”
************************************************************************
