Chapter VIII – The Empire Part I
Coruscant had become the iron fist of the galaxy and
gone were the signs of the old Republic for a new
reign had come to this city-planet in the form of a
Sith Lord. Legions of stormtroopers patrolled the
streets; stopping anyone who appeared suspicious and
arresting those committing some foul deed. Justice was
administered expeditiously and sentences carried out
without further delay. The prisons in the Judicial
District were notorious for the foul treatment of
inmates and food was given when the Imperial guards
felt the need. Prison breaks were few due in part to
the armament available to the guards and after
sampling what food could be had, most inmates starved
to death. Other, crueler, means of extracting
information were available and the guards never
flinched during these interrogations, utilizing their
power to their utmost extent.
Emperor Palpatine sat behind his desk, staring at the
blank monitor before him, a look of vehemence on his
aged face. An irritating beep from the console in his
desk caused only the slightest movement from the Sith
Lord – that of an elongated, bony finger as it pressed
the button to activate the comm. “Report.”
“My Lord,” Count Dooku graciously acknowledged his
Master as he came into view on the monitor,
“construction of the space station is progressing as
projected. We are on schedule.”
“Excellent. Have the bounty hunters found Skywalker
yet?”
At this question, the Count flashed a brief sign of
nervousness but dismissed it almost immediately. “No,
my Lord.”
“Incompetence.” The Dark Lord’s face twisted in
annoyance. “I want results! If they cannot provide any
useful information they are of no consequence to me.
Arrest the foul scum and lock them in Vilesk prison.
I’m sure their new accommodations will make them
rethink their priorities.”
Nodding in understanding, Count Dooku bowed and the
transmission ended.
“Most impressive…you continue to successfully elude
me… How long can this charade continue? The years pass
by and yet my hunger remains. Never before have I been
deprived of that which I want.” Palpatine sneered, his
eyes narrowing to reveal his growing resentment. “You
continue to impress me with your prowess and I will
take extreme pleasure in twisting your soul and
blackening your heart. I know your weakness Skywalker.
I will find you or perhaps someone you love –
mark my words – and when I do, you will be mine.
Completely.”
************************************
Boba Fett carefully monitored the outer rim
territories. He searched the galaxy for his prey and
found nothing but emptiness then he changed his course
– deciding to concentrate his efforts on a more remote
area and perhaps a small respite in the process. Over
a period of time, Boba took notice of the slight
increase in ship traffic to a desolate area of space
and it stirred him to ponder the cause. His curiosity
piqued, he narrowed his surveillance to a particular
planet and became more diligent to the activity
surrounding it in spite of the anomalous energy
readings.
The bounty hunter fixated on Anakin Skywalker, as well
as any other Jedi, and the astronomical amount of
credits he would earn for their demise or capture. The
Emperor had been clear – exterminate any Jedi he found
except Skywalker, he alone was to be brought back to
the Emperor.
“If I find him…I can retire a very wealthy man.” Boba
flashed a cruel grin. “Then again where would the
challenge be in such a rudimentary existence?” The
bounty hunter remembered well the day his father was
killed in the arena on Geonosis by the Jedi, Mace
Windu, and the despair he suffered as a result.
“Cursed Jedi – the lot of them. Dead or alive,” Boba
spat, “I prefer dead.” He scoffed, mumbling to himself
aboard the infamous Slave 1. Count Dooku had taken the
boy in after his father’s demise and completed what
Jango had begun – teaching Boba to be a merciless
bounty hunter. Profit and a successful assignment were
the main staples to the boy turned man. Boba curled
his lip contemptuously at the news of Emperor
Palpatine’s frustration concerning Anakin Skywalker
that the Count had recently transmitted to him. “I’ll
find him…and I think I have an idea…”
Boba rarely, if ever, associated with the other
personnel in the Emperor’s employ. He chose to
distance himself rather than engage in some worthless
chatter or ridiculous game of chance. Jango had been
thorough in teaching the boy that trust was not to be
given lightly and the lesson remained embedded through
the years. Hence, he worked alone and preferred it
that way, which proved to be quite profitable. He
retained each credit of his bounty himself and the
amount he had safely put away was impressive to say
the least.
Gathering what atmospheric readings he could from the
ships computer, Boba considered the most inconspicuous
place to land then plugged the coordinates into the
navigation computer and smiled. Soon he would find out
if his hunch would pay off.
************************************
“What is it Captain Tarkin?” Palpatine barked at the
willowy man gazing back at him in the monitor.
“A message from Boba Fett – specifically for you.
Shall I forward it to Lord Tyrannus?” The Captain
answered, unperturbed by his superior’s foul mood.
The Emperor pondered a moment at the request then
answered, “Send it through.”
“As you command. It is a encrypted recorded message.”
Tarkin informed him.
Palpatine waved his hand, acknowledging his officer,
“That will be all.”
Bowing, Tarkin pushed a few buttons on his console,
ensuring the message was decrypted for Palpatine’s
immediate review then faded from the viewscreen to be
replaced a moment later by another familiar face.
“Emperor Palpatine – shortly I will be landing on a
planet in the outer rim in search of your prize. I
have reason to believe that what you crave is near at
hand. When I am successful I will contact you.” The
transmission then turned to static, signaling its
completion.
The Dark Lord was in no mood for trivial matters,
however, this piece of news was worth the disruption,
and elevated his mood in anticipation.
************************************
The Jedi Council – so viciously annihilated by Count
Dooku – found itself slowly regaining it’s footing
since that fateful day. Masters Yoda and Obi-Wan
Kenobi had been instrumental in rebuilding the
esteemed Council and although their numbers were few,
there were now six members to the list.
“Do you think it’s wise to move from here? Why now? We
have only recently regrouped from the Yavin incident.”
Padmé asked, sitting in on the Jedi Council meeting.
In times past, such a privilege would never be granted
for the Council sessions were privy to no other than
the Jedi. However, Master Yoda had invited Senators
Skywalker and Organa to attend and valued their
insight and opinions.
Padmé continued, “Do you have intelligence to justify
such a effort?”
“It is due in part because of Yavin we have reason to
believe there is a danger. A ripple in the Force.
Surely you have been informed of this, considering
your affiliation with Jedi Skywalker?” Jedi Master
Sir’ei Tir’sa, a humanoid female with long white hair
and glaring blue eyes remarked. She had never been an
advocate of Jedi Skywalker’s marriage, although she
could not dispute his dedication to either the Jedi
Order or his family.
Padmé stiffened but refused to give the arrogant
Master any satisfaction regarding her comment. “He has
indicated what you say but how can we be sure it is
directed here, at Dagobah? And might I add that the
time factor for an evacuation of all personnel and
equipment needs to be considered not only here, but
also our people still hidden on Alderaan as a result
of the evacuation at Yavin.”
“Senator Skywalker has a valid logistical question.”
Prince Organa sat back and rubbed his goatee.
“Senators, let me assure you that we Jedi have no
intention of leaving any remnants of our occupation
here or exposing Alderaan. But there is clearly a
danger.” The Kaminoan Jedi Master Spe’ka offered.
“This has been deliberated and the best course of
action has been decided.” Anakin interjected, acting
as a provisional member of the Council.
“By whom?” Padmé glared at Anakin. “The Jedi Council?
I didn’t realize they were the only voices in the
Rebel Alliance.”
“Senator Mon Mothma has indicated her support of this
decision as well.” Master Sir’ei Tir’sa gruffly
stated.
Out of the corner of her eye, Padmé glared at the
outspoken Jedi Master but refrained from commenting.
“With all due respect, when are you anticipating this
evacuation to take place?” Bail inquired, feeling the
tension rise in his friend.
“Immediately.” Yoda took a deep breath, “Understand I
do your concerns Senators. Based this decision is, on
the greater good of the Alliance.”
Padmé was shocked at this news – she hadn’t expected
such urgency. “And what planet would we relocate to?”
Master Obi-Wan simply stated through his grim visage,
“Since Yavin is no longer advisable Endor has been
chosen.”
************************************
Slave 1 set down and Boba cut the engines, hoping he
had landed far enough away and his presence wouldn’t
be detected through other, more technical means. The
ships computer hadn’t been able to establish life
readings precisely but he had decided to take the
risk. He sent a quick message to the Emperor and Count
Dooku of his location, confident that his instincts
were guiding him. In his full Mandalorian armor and
blasters securely attached to each leg, as well as a
blaster rifle at the ready, Boba Fett opened the hatch
and cautiously walked down the ramp then into the
dense jungle.
The thick, humid air threatened to strangle Boba,
causing him to sweat profusely as he trudged onward
for what seemed like an eternity. The farther he
walked, the heavier the air became and soon he felt he
would have to give in and remove his protective
covering. “No.” He stubbornly told himself. “I’ve been
in worse places.” Suddenly his sensitive ears picked
up voices and he began to move more carefully.
Luke and Leia had been laughing during their contest
of levitation, trying to break the concentration of
one another as they each floated a pile of large
rocks. Due to her lack of serious Jedi formal
training, Leia should have lost almost immediately but
it was Luke who let the rocks drop first.
“Oh that was too easy.” Leia laughed.
Luke quickly put a finger to his lips. Someone’s
nearby. He said to her through their mental bond.
Judging by the look on his face, Leia instantly
quieted and gazed around. Although not as adept as her
brother with the Force, she reached out with the
mystical energy looking for a disturbance in the
serenity around her. Luke found it before she did.
In one fluid movement, the teenager had ignited his
lightsaber, the blade hissing to life, and sprang to
his feet. “Get help! Now!”
DADDY! HELP US! Was the first thought that came
to Leia’s mind and she used the Force to usher it
forth.
“I told you to get help!” Luke chastised, his green
blade at the ready.
“I did and I’m not leaving you.” Leia protested. She
recalled how she hadn’t been able to help her friend,
Anson, as memories permeated her mind. She had been
devastated when Obi-Wan Kenobi had told her the
terrible news.
“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.
No! Leia thrust Anson’s countenance from her
thoughts. Not again…I can’t let it happen again! I
won’t fail my brother!
************************************
DADDY! HELP US! was all he had to hear and
Anakin was on his feet.
Padmé saw the look of surprise on her husband’s face
and knew something was terribly wrong. As the Council
deliberations continued, Anakin ran from the meeting
and said only one word, “Danger,” then was gone.
A foreboding feeling penetrated Anakin’s senses as he
raced through the Dagobah jungle. Leia’s urgent
message invaded his thoughts and further enhanced his
speed and movements through the dense underbrush. His
lightsaber slashed through hanging vines and tree
limbs that threatened to bar his path and leapt over
the muddy stream that separated him from his children.
When Anakin arrived he found Luke fending off blaster
shots with his lightsaber and Leia Force-throwing
anything she could at the intruder until Anakin
Force-leapt and came between the attacker and his
children. Luke and Leia scampered out of the way and
watched their father deflect shot after shot with
precision and lightning speed that ultimately brought
the Jedi that much closer to his enemy. With a flick
of his wrist and a reverse of his blade, Anakin sliced
Boba Fett’s weapons in half, rendering them useless.
Refusing to give up, the bounty hunter used his
jetpacks to launch into the air and activate one of
the missiles from the back of his armor.
As the Jedi dove and rolled to evade the deadly
weapon, Boba Fett descended upon Anakin.
In mere moments it was over. A limp body lay on the
ground and Anakin hovered over the decapitated body.
He felt his chest constrict and a lump forming in his
throat as his mind churned. If I hadn’t arrived in
time…Luke…Leia… I did what had to be done. I will
protect my family even at the expense of my own life!
He disengaged his lightsaber and turned toward his
children who were already rushing toward him. A
thought unexpectedly entered his mind and he realized
the twins were no longer so dependant on him as
together they fended off their attacker – they were
maturing rapidly into adulthood before his eyes.
“Are you both alright?” he asked, his adrenaline still
coursing through him as he hugged them fiercely.
“Yes, we’re fine, thanks to Luke.” Leia smiled
brightly at her twin.
“We’ll have to discuss it later.” Anakin exhaled and
took a moment to gather himself then stated
resolutely, “We’ve been discovered and the evacuation
must begin.”
*********************************************************************
Chapter VIII – The Empire Part II
Lord Tyrannus read the last message left by Boba Fett
and his eyes gleamed at the information it contained.
“Of course, using the mask of a long-forgotten
planet…one not worthy of habitat and known for
unstable energy readings.” As he mulled over the
message another, more important, message demanded
audience and was answered without delay.
“Dispatch a ship and bring him to me.” Emperor
Palpatine viciously scowled on the viewscreen after
reading the communiqué from the bounty hunter.
“With pleasure my Lord. And what of the others that
may be with him? Prisoners?”
Palpatine displayed his vile grin and came forward in
his chair, closer to the screen. “If Amidala is there,
bring her, eliminate the rest.” Palpatine folded his
spindly fingers and leered at the screen, his lip
curling upward derisively then decided on a new course
of action. “Lord Tyrannus…I will accompany you on this
venture,” he said with the utmost calm.
************************************
Anakin didn’t personally know Boba Fett, although
Obi-Wan had met the boy on Kamino before the Clone
War. His reputation in the years following Jango’s
death was one of merciless murder or abduction –
depending on the orders given. From what he knew of
the bounty hunter, Anakin surmised Boba would be
alone; he was a solitary creature like his father. He
also knew time was not something that could be wasted
and every precious drop counted.
“I have to find the bounty hunter’s ship, you both get
back home and find your mother or Obi-Wan and tell
them what happened. Pack everything you can as quickly
as you can – I don’t know how much time we have.”
Anakin turned to run in the opposite direction.
“Hurry!” He called back, relieved to see the twins
running out of sight. With one thought on his mind as
he raced through the terrain, the Jedi utilized the
Force and projected it out, EVACUATE!
The Jedi Council had just adjourned when Anakin’s
thought entered their minds. Almost simultaneously,
Master Yoda’s computer console emitted a beep, the
small red indicator light flashing in tiny increments.
Leaning on his Gimer stick, the aged Master walked
over to the console and activated the message – its
contents disturbing the great Jedi.
“Evacuate? Now?” Master Moven wondered?
“Considering how well I know Anakin,” Obi-Wan Kenobi
glanced around, “this is no false tidings. Whatever
caused him to run out of the session has prompted him
to inform us of this course of action. I suggest we
begin immediately.”
“Jedi Skywalker’s alarm, confirmed by the message I
just received.” Master Yoda nodded as he walked back
to the members. “Detected we have, a ship landing.”
“When?” Obi-Wan inquired.
“Unknown Master Kenobi. Unreliable atmospheric
conditions, before have they affected readings.”
Padmé didn’t need any further prompting – her
husband’s one word had already stirred the Senator
into action. “If Anakin says we need to evacuate then
we are wasting time right now when we need action. I
motion to begin the evacuation of Dagobah.”
“I second it.” Bail concurred.
Padmé turned to leave and said over her shoulder,
“I’ll be at the command center,” then she was gone.
************************************
Luke And Leia arrived back to the main community and
ran straight for Master Yoda’s dwelling, knowing that
the Council meeting was to take place there. They
burst through the door and looked around only to
discover the abode empty. The twins exchanged confused
glances, wondering where to find everyone.
Luke stretched out with the Force, Mother? Where
are you?
Command center, came the reply.
“Let’s go!” Luke grabbed his sister’s hand and raced
out of Master Yoda’s house, heading straight for
Padmé.
************************************
Anakin raced up the ramp of Slave 1, the bounty
hunter’s ship, and glanced over the latest
communication entries. His heart skipped a beat as he
read the last entry.
Landed on Dagobah. Strong belief Skywalker is here.
Send reinforcements at your leisure, I’ll make sure he
doesn’t get away this time.
“Too late for that you pitiful scum. You’re ship will
be useful, although not in the way you would have
liked.” Anakin smirked as he fired up the engines and
entered a new set of coordinates. Within a few
minutes, Slave 1 was soaring across the treetops.
************************************
The twins charged into the command center, looking for
their mother when they nearly ran into Master Yoda.
“Stop!” The Master Jedi ordered to the teens, halting
their flight.
“Master Yoda!” Luke exclaimed. “Dad killed a bounty
hunter! He said we have to evacuate.”
“Bounty hunter you say? Know you the name?”
Leia shook her head, “No, he had armor on and a weird
looking helmet with a slit across the eyes and down
the middle.
Yoda shook his head and replied, “Boba Fett.”
“Wow!” Luke uttered in surprise. “Boba Fett – from
what I’ve heard of him, he’s ruthless.”
Leaning on his Gimer stick, Yoda said, “Inform your
mother I will. Little here you can do, go home, gather
what you can.”
“Yes Master.” Luke answered, albeit reluctantly, and
grabbed his sister’s hand.
“I’m not leaving! Mom may need us!” Leia protested,
snatching her hand out of her brother’s grasp.
“What’s all the fuss about?” Padmé asked upon hearing
the voices of her children. “We don’t have time for
this ruckus. The evacuation has begun and we need to
concentrate on that. I need the two of you to go home
and pack what you can, have the droids help you. 3PO
will be only to happy to help you knowing it involves
leaving this planet.”
“But Mom!”
“None of that young lady – home – now! Time is of the
essence and I don’t know how much we have.”
“Senator Skywalker, incoming message from Commander
Skywalker.”
Padmé nodded to the Corporal leaning over the railing
who had addressed her then turned back to the twins.
“This is no time to argue, please do as I have asked.”
Padmé turned back to the Corporal, “What is it?”
The young man visibly gulped as he relayed the
message, “The Empire is on the way.”
*************************************
Anakin landed the appropriated ship not far from the
command center and sprinted down the ramp even as the
whine of the engines could still be heard. He knew, if
nothing else, Padmé would have heeded his message and
be in this squat building.
Rushing through the door, Anakin reached into the
Force to dim the noise of the blaring alarms that
signaled the evacuation taking place and quickly found
his way to the main control center, espying Padmé and
Bail issuing orders. He stopped for a moment, admiring
his courageous wife as she moved from one person to
the next. The Jedi came up behind her and wrapped his
arm around her lithe waist.
“Hello Senator, I see you have everything under
control.” He smiled at her.
Padmé briefly returned the smile, “Yes, we have
control of the situation. Do you have an ETA of the
Empire’s arrival?”
“No,” Anakin shook his head in dismay, “however, a
message was sent directly to Dooku and Palpatine
indicating this planet and my presence here.”
Padmé nodded in understanding and glanced over at one
of her Commander’s and said simply, “Give the final
evacuation code signal and be sure the rendezvous
location is confirmed.”
************************************
The Imperial Star Destroyer, Devastator, arrived at
Dagobah and began an extensive search of the planet
although the distorted readings left little to
interpretation. Emperor Palpatine ordered his Imperial
stormtoopers to conduct a surface search and the
results were hardly to his satisfaction.
“Sir,” a stormtrooper approached Lord Tyrannus, “we
found the remains of an outpost but it has been
deserted and all of the technical equipment has been
obliterated. We found a ship but cannot gain access.”
Count Dooku’s eyes brightened. “A ship? Take me to
it.”
The squad leader led the Sith Lord through the murky
jungle and into what was left of the main area of the
outpost. Count Dooku immediately recognized Slave 1 in
the near distance and strolled up to it.
“Extend your search pattern, your presence is no
longer required – leave me.” Count Dooku ordered the
stormtroopers around him. Yes, it was unmistakable
now, the Force presence of another – one he hadn’t
felt in a long time. “You have manipulated the
shields, made it more difficult to detect you but I
feel you now. Clever of you boy.”
As the stormtroopers faded into the jungle, the hatch
of Slave 1 began to open and the ramp from the ship
descended to the ground. Movement from inside made the
Count’s lips curl derisively as he stepped back to
give himself room to engage his opponent.
A man, a Jedi Knight, stepped forward and confidently
walked down the ramp, his disengaged lightsaber firmly
in his hand. He looked directly into the Count’s eyes
and calmly made his statement. “We meet again Dooku.
Last time I was but a learner, now I am the Master.”
“You are no Jedi Master.”
The Jedi displayed his best lopsided grin. “So sure
are you?”
“And how is your arm, the one I deprived you of in our
last meeting?” The Count mocked.
“Never better.”
“A pity if I should have to damage the Emperor’s prize
a second time. Perhaps you need another lesson in
humility to learn your proper place?”
“The Force is my ally and it is you who will rue this
day.” The Jedi announced.
The Count raised his hand and blue lightning erupted
from his fingertips, aimed straight for Anakin
Skywalker’s heart.
Remembering well the battle on Geonosis, Anakin was
prepared for such a tactic and timed his movement. At
the last possible moment, he Force-leapt into the air,
somersaulted and landed cleanly behind the Sith Lord.
Darth Tyrannus was caught unawares by the move and
quickly reached for his lightsaber and with a
snap-hiss the crimson blade came to life. He brought
the blade behind his back to block the strike he felt
coming but again, Anakin confused him by performing
another leap over his head, landing a few feet in
front of him.
“I don’t strike my enemy from behind like a coward.”
Anakin commented, exuding such a calm demeanor it
agitated the Count.
“Then let us solve this in a more civilized way, one
dark Jedi to another.” Dooku spat, arching one white
eyebrow.
“There is only one dark Jedi here.” Anakin smiled,
activating his lightsaber and giving his opponent a
saber salute.
“That is yet to be determined. Soon you will join the
Emperor and serve him as his apprentice.” Tyrannus
said evenly, returning the saber salute.
Suddenly, the Count lunged and red crossed with blue
as the lightsaber’s clashed and sizzled.
The duo circled one another, their blades continually
touching, one set of eyes never leaving the other.
Dooku suddenly Force pushed Anakin backward but he
miscalculated his opponent. Believing Anakin would
succumb, the Count witnessed the opposite – using the
Force, the Jedi halted his momentum and reversed it,
bringing himself full force back toward the Sith Lord.
Astonishment graced the Counts face for a fraction of
a second before he resumed his stoic gaze and
fervently fought against the impressive speed of
Anakin’s searing blade.
Again the energy blades joined and crackled as Dooku
attempted to intimidate his opponent. “You have
learned much young one. The Emperor will be pleased.”
Anakin’s eyes narrowed and took notice of the beads of
perspiration forming on the Count’s brow. “Well then,
he’ll be even more gracious when I deprive him of his
life.”
Dooku’s retort came in the form of his scarlet
lightsaber whirling through the air only to be impeded
time and again by Anakin’s cobalt blade. Anakin
reversed his thrust and took an offensive stance, his
blade crashing down on the Count, forcing him to
continually step backwards. Anakin knew the advantage
was his – Dagobah had been his home for too long. He
knew the land, the dank air he had grown accustomed
too, the trees, the rocks – every particle around him
was familiar. He seized the moment given when the Sith
Lord slipped in the muck-ridden ground and
Force-pushed him against a giant tree, pinning him to
it.
Tyrannus strained against the invisible restraints and
broke free, lunging after Anakin in the process. His
red blade slashed through the air, barely missing its
intended mark as Anakin flipped up and backward,
landing effortlessly on his feet. His ensuing grin
causing further vexation for the Count.
“You’re hatred gives you the power to destroy me,”
Tyrannus tempted. “Use it.”
Anakin grinned with impudence. “I don’t hate you – I
pity you.”
The two powerful Force-wielders battled without pause
– neither giving quarter to the other. Upon hearing
the commotion, many of the stormtroopers rallied to
their superior’s aid but held back at his order.
Anakin exhibited such tenacity in his dueling that
Count Dooku was impressed – much more so than he ever
considered he would be. The escape of Obi-Wan Kenobi
and Yoda from Coruscant all those years before meant
further training for their prize Padawan. He not only
relished the chance to duel the ‘Chosen One’ he
welcomed such a challenge – only now as he faced his
adversary, did he silently question such an action.
A stray thought in the back of his mind plagued him as
the duel progressed to another, more dangerous level.
He’s barely extending himself and if not for the
Force, I could have been vanquished by now. He
stubbornly purged the impossible thought from his
mind, unwilling to concede defeat in any capacity.
Deadly arcs of mingled colors moved with precision and
speed as the battle raged. Where Dooku would thrust,
Anakin would parry. Not even jolts of dark Force
lightning fazed the Jedi Knight. Either his free hand
repelled them or it was absorbed into the blade of his
lightsaber. Every reversal of his blade, not matter
how erratic, could not penetrate Anakin’s defenses and
the Sith Lord was tiring, in spite of the power he
held in the Force.
Count Dooku was nearly spent and his failure to tempt
Anakin was a cruel blow to his sense of pride. In an
effort to destroy the troublesome Jedi, Dooku lunged
after Anakin and at the last possible moment, spun to
the right – his blade slashing across what should have
been the tendons on the back of Anakin’s knees.
Instead, he found air.
Aided by the Force, Anakin had leapt high into the
air, executed a backward somersault and thrust out his
cobalt lightsaber as he descended. Darth Tyrannus
turned around only to see himself impaled as the
Jedi’s blade plunged into his chest.
Momentarily stunned, the surrounding stormtroopers
watched as Anakin knelt beside the fallen Sith Lord
and closed the dead man’s eyes.
“May you find peace within the Force,” The Jedi stated
then rose to his feet.
“Open fire!” Shouted a stormtrooper who sported a
black marking on one shoulder of his armor.
Anakin’s lightsaber deflected the volley of blaster
fire as he sprinted toward Slave 1 in the near
distance. Merging into the Force, the Jedi directed
the land that once housed him to his defense. Rocks of
various sizes and shapes began to propel through the
air, tree limbs drooped - blinding the stormstoopers
from their quarry – giving Anakin time to reach the
ship and secure himself inside. He quickly fired up
the engines, engaged the shields and initiated the
preset coordinates stored in the navigation computer.
Slave 1 blasted into space, leaving Dagobah for the
last time.
When news of the Count’s death reached Darth Sidious,
he merely sat back in his plush chair and turned it
toward the stars and space that waited on the other
side of the viewing window of his ship. “Skywalker,”
he mused, “vengeance is mine.”
The Rebel’s successful evasion of the Imperial troops,
in addition to Anakin’s successful escape in the
bounty hunters ship, incensed the Emperor. Adding
further aggravation was the loss of his faithful
servant, Darth Tyrannus. In retaliation, Palpatine
unleashed his venom upon Dagobah, decimating the
jungle planet.
************************************
Anakin sat in quiet contemplation as Slave 1, his
acquired ship, sped through hyperspace toward Alderaan
where his family awaited him and mulled over the
recent events. From the message Boba Fett had sent to
Count Dooku and Emperor Palpatine, Anakin knew that
neither Dark Lord would pass up the opportunity to
capture him.
No more hiding, He had grimly told himself.
Padmé knew that Anakin could not be swayed from
remaining on Dagobah and his intended course – she
understood his motivations and accepted them. Her
faith in her husband never wavered; she knew she would
see him again.
“I will be with you…always.” Padmé had whispered into
his ear as she hugged him and said goodbye.
“And I with you.” He returned.
“May the Force be with you.” Obi-Wan said, placing his
hand upon his friend’s shoulder.
“And with you.” Anakin responded. “Take care of my
family.”
“I will.” Obi-Wan promised.
Anakin had watched as his family and the rest of
Dagobah’s inhabitants left the jungle planet. It was
not for the satisfaction to confront the Count that
Anakin chose to stay; rather he knew this battle was
inevitable and the time had come. Shortly after
everyone was safely off the planet, he used some of
the munitions from the bounty hunters ship and
destroyed all of the technical equipment – leaving
nothing intact for the Empire to decipher.
“So much for not leaving any remnants of our
occupation.” He said grimly.
************************************
Anakin signaled his approach as he closed in on
Alderaan, ready to end his long journey. “Zulu1
requesting permission to land.”
There was a slight pause then affirmation from flight
control, “Permission granted. Proceed to Platform
327.”
Anakin landed Slave 1, cut the engines and stood at
the top of the ramp; pausing…reflecting on what
awaited him. His eyes gleamed, as he gazed at his
beautiful wife, shimmering in a white gown, her hair
in ringlets that nestled softly against her face.
Suddenly, laughter and triumphant cheers filled his
ears. Shifting his gaze slightly, he grinned at the
spectacle of Luke and Leia sprinting up the ramp and
hugging him ferociously.
“I missed you Daddy.” Leia said just above a whisper.
“I missed you too, all of you.” Anakin replied.
“The Count – ?” Luke began.
“Won’t be a problem anymore.” Anakin answered,
wrapping his arms around the twins. “C’mon.” He
prodded with a nod of his head and the three of them
descended the ramp.
Padmé slowly walked up to her family and, wordlessly,
enveloped them in an embrace.
**********************************************************************
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