Return to chapter 7 of A Lost Hope
Bail Organa stood at parade rest as his command ship joined the
battle. He was a spot of stillness in a sea of constant motion.
He watched, his face devoid of any emotion, as the enemy was decimated.
"Sir," his tactical officer yelled. "They're fleeing."
"Very good," Organa said. "Notify the rest of the
fleet to pursue." He felt a flicker of excitement as he spotted
a fleeing clone shuttle, that he quickly controlled. Several Alliance
fighters were attacking it, but the ship seemed to magically duck
every shot. It was tempting to order the fighters to back off--but
only three people not on that shuttle knew why it was important.
He almost sighed with relief as the shuttle disappeared into one
of the mysterious clone destroyers. He continued to stare at the
view after the enemy had jumped to hyperspace.
"Sir, message coming in from Senator Bel Iblis." Bail
motioned for the transmission to be played.
"Well, we did it." Garm's voice wasn't thrilled. They
both knew it was too late. The galaxy would see Palpatine and
his forces as victorious. The Alliance would no longer be considered
a viable entity, but Bail would keep it together a few more weeks,
before he let the apparently inevitable happen. Even then...He
shook his head as he responded.
"Yes, we did." The damage to the clone fleet had been
considerable. "Recall all ships."
"Bail," Garm said. "We'll stay for three hours
for salvage, but Palpatine has sent a recall order. The Republic
fleet is massing."
Bail acknowledged the message, even as he wondered what Palpatine
was planning. "Send this order to all ships in the Alliance.
Rendezvous at Endor in three days." He stared at where the
clone ships had jumped. He'd been so worried about a trap for
the Alliance, that he'd failed to see the one set for the Jedi.
They would have to act fast once they'd received the signal from
Kenobi, otherwise the Republic would get there first.
Baryl leaned over the little droid. "Don't whistle that you
can't find the navigation database. It's in there somewhere."
She growled as the Artoo unit whistled shrilly at her. She glanced
at the translation screen. "So, they encrypted it. Why do
you think we brought you along?" This was answered with a
blurp. She didn't bother with that translation.
"Colonel Arasta," Threepio said. "Artoo would work
better if you would not insult him." At this Artoo chirped
in obvious agreement.
"I bet he would." She wanted to throw her hands up in
frustration, when suddenly the shorter droid started whistling
and chirping. "What?"
"Colonel, he says the ship has returned to realspace and
is presently heading for the fourth planet in the system."
"Unhook him, and return to our ship. It's time." She
waited for them to leave, before following. Obi-Wan and Mace ran
across the platform to join them.
"Company," Obi-Wan said as he scurried ahead. Mace slowed
down and lingered behind them. She didn't have time to wonder
why, when the hangar doors parted and several clones entered.
She stopped, her blaster in her hand, but Mace shook his head,
and motioned for her to get onboard. The clones continued to their
ships as if the intruders weren't there.
"What was that?" She asked Obi-Wan as she took her seat
next to him in the cockpit.
"Another Jedi trick. Clones are not very strong-minded. He
used the Force to make them not see us. He's better at that than
I am." He closed the doors to their shuttle after Mace boarded.
More clones were entering. "Are they all going to the planet?"
He turned and looked at Artoo.
Artoo blatted several times, which Threepio translated to mean
that the some of the clones were being rotated back to the surface
and new ones being sent in to replace them.
Baryl hoped this was correct, because the outer hanger doors were
opening. Obi-Wan hit the ignition switch as the first ships departed.
He joined the convoy, trailing at the end. She nervously tapped
the console as they flew toward the grayish green planet below.
The scanners showed the planet was populated and very industrial.
As they passed into the planet's shadow, she could see the lights
below--and a huge structure above. "Look," she whispered
as she pointed. There were three nearly finished monstrous destroyers--like
the one they'd just left.
"A shipyard." Obi-Wan said. "This is more than
a cloning facility."
She exhaled as studied the structure. "The technology to
make those ships is incredible. And it's in his hands."
"We'll have to destroy as much as possible while waiting
for the Alliance fleet." He pulled up the sensor analysis
of the planet they were fast approaching. "There are buildings
and complexes on each of the continents..."
They were close enough to start distinguishing the larger geographic
features and see the massive buildings. "Probably slave labor."
"Cloned labor," Obi-Wan said quietly. "They don't
know anything else. This is what they are programmed to do."
"I wonder how long this has been here? It's more than I expected.
This looks like it's been here for decades." She turned.
"Artoo, any idea where here is?"
"Ma'am," Threepio said. "Artoo has calculated the
planet's coordinates. It is not on any of the charts. He says
we're over two-hundred parsecs from the last know planet in the
outer rim."
"I didn't need an essay," she muttered.
"Easy. They're as nervous as we are." Obi-Wan smiled
at her. "I've never infiltrated a stronghold controlled by
a Sith Lord."
She had to laugh at his comment--the laughs were too precious
these days to be ignored. "I infiltrated a Hutt cartel once.
This can't be as bad." She became serious. "We're on
our own until Organa gets here."
"There," Obi-Wan said pointing toward the far end of
the landing port. There were no ships in the area and enough cover
to hide their explorations.
She nodded in agreement. "They don't seem to mind us visiting."
"No, it'll be the departure that'll make them unhappy."
She heard his whispered comment that confirmed her fears of this
entire mission. She stood and quietly made her way to Artoo. "We
need to send the signal." Artoo's confirming beep was solemn.
Nejaa Halcyon bowed politely as Master Yoda greeted them. The
young woman stepped forward. "I have come," she whispered.
He watched as she fingered something about her neck, something
that pained her. She tried to smile at him, but instead looked
at Yoda.
Yoda smiled. "Welcome. Here safe you will be." He glanced
at the two other Jedi. "Something troubles you?" He
asked Halcyon.
"Yes," he whispered, then stopped. Yoda nodded, then
motioned Amidala toward his hut.
"Small it is," Yoda said.
Amidala only nodded as she stared at the swamp. Yoda gripped his
staff tighter as returned his attention to the two Jedi. "It
is time. Master Halcyon, your family survive will." Nejaa
closed his eyes as Master Yoda turned away. It was his greatest
uncertainty and Yoda's words comforted him.
He nodded once. "Good-bye," he said to Amidala. "May
the Force be with you."
"Thank-you." Then to his surprise, she hugged him and
Ylenic. "Take care."
Nejaa smiled. "We shall." She picked up her two small
bags and without a glance backwards, marched toward the hut. "Take
care of her, Master Yoda."
"The future she brings," Yoda said. "Remember,
the Force will be with you and yours." He bowed, then he
too walked away.
Nejaa turned toward his partner. "The Alliance Fleet awaits
us."
"Yes," Ylenic It'kla said. "The change comes, and
I don't like what I see." Nejaa agreed as the headed back
toward their ship. Ylenic stopped on the ramp. "Someday you
will tell me what Master Yoda meant."
"Maybe," was all the human said as he took one last
look around Yoda's chosen home.
Palpatine wasn't in the Senate Hall, but considering what was
happening today, he'd decided that it would show appropriate restraint
on his part if he removed himself from the deliberations. Throughout
the entire sham, he'd maintained an air of reluctance about accepting
the title the senate was about to confer upon him. When Senators
Drey'lya, Brial and d'Aryl had said it was the will of the galaxy,
he'd acceded to their wishes. Or so he let them believe. The fools
had no idea how much time, energy, and preparation had gone into
this moment. The careful planning, manipulations, and patience
had all helped him achieve the moment the Sith had known would
come. One thousand years of waiting were over.
Almost over, he reminded himself. In the few days Senator Bel
Iblis had been with the Senate before taking charge of the joint
Republic/Alliance operation, he'd managed to form a coalition
that had placed some limitations on the new office and title.
This minor setback would be easily overcome. He was in no hurry.
And even more importantly, Anakin Skywalker was now his. His new
apprentice would in time become a very powerful Sith Lord and
be instrumental in the final stages of Palpatine's plans for taking
complete and total power. He glanced at the door. Doriana had
waited long enough.
"Sir," Doriana said as he entered the chancellor's office.
"Everything goes well," Palpatine said with a small
smile. "But you are worried about something?" He didn't
need to use the Force to sense his aide's apprehension and fear.
It was written all over the man's features.
"What do you know about the clones?"
Palpatine tensed slightly, then relaxed. "You've read the
reports."
"No, that's not what I mean..." Palpatine's grin turned
evil, and Doriana backed away. Palpatine felt the man's growing
terror.
"Are you asking if I control them?"
"Do you?"
"And if I do?" Palpatine's voice lowered into a gravelly
hiss. "There is much around you that you have chosen to ignore
or didn't care enough to even attempt to understand. Am I to be
held responsible if others in the galaxy have the same attitude?"
"I can't let you." Doriana straightened as he pulled
a blaster from his pocket. Palpatine shrugged as he laughed. Doriana
cringed.
"And you think that will harm me?" He sneered at his
now former aide, then flicked his wrist. The blaster flew out
of Doriana's hand and smashed against the wall. Doriana's eyes
opened wide, and Palpatine saw the man's fear and desperation
return. "Only now, at the end, do you understand." He
raised his right hand slowly, the evil, feral grin widening at
the sight of the stricken man. Doriana clawed at his neck, trying
to pry the invisible fingers from his throat. He gasped, then
collapsed. The Supreme Chancellor lowered his hand. "Fool."
He turned and casually walked over to his desk, then froze.
He turned back slowly as the door opened. Anakin Skywalker stood
there staring at him, silent and confused. Palpatine waited as
Skywalker glanced at the body of Kinman Doriana and then at Palpatine,
with a growing sense of understanding. He smiled as Skywalker
slowly sank to one knee and said the words long foreordained by
the Force and the Sith Lords of old.
"My Master."
Mace studied the interior of the building and shook his head,
his senses alert for any sign of danger. As he ran his finger
along the control panels, a cloud of dust billowed into the air.
He sneezed. "No one's been here for a while."
Obi-Wan chuckled. "This computer's still working." He
whistled sharply. "I'll plug Artoo in. See if we can get
into the main computer." Baryl and Threepio were behind him,
poking through the piles of discarded equipment and materials.
Threepio's continuous whining about the dirt in his gears caused
Mace to grin for a second as he wandered over to the abandoned
machinery. "This is old. A century at least. The Durer Iron
Works changed its name about a hundred years ago." He smiled
slightly. The Durer family had been using slave labor, and the
Jedi had intervened. The former slaves had then taken over the
company. He fingered the stamped logo beneath the rust. "This
is not all Palpatine's doing."
"This isn't even the oldest facility," Obi-Wan said
as he helped Artoo plug into the computer. Threepio harumphed
slightly.
"The oldest building was the one we visited this morning,"
the tall droid said. He continued with detailed analysis of how
to determine the age of a building. Mace ignored him as he wandered
through the many pieces of machinery. A shrill whistle stopped
him. Threepio hurried over to Artoo's side.
"We're in," Obi-Wan announced, then whispered to the
droid. "Don't trigger any alarms." Artoo bleated at
the insult.
"Good," Baryl's voice said from behind him. "Look
at this." She held up a piece of shielding. "For a thousand
years, the galaxy thought them dead, instead they quietly prepared."
She handed it to Mace. "They financed this operation very
carefully. This is level fifteen shielding. Expensive and legally
used only on warships. CorSec has busted several pirate bands
over the past couple of decades. We've noticed an increased number
of their ships being shielded with this stuff."
"You're jumping to conclusions," Mace warned. "We
don't know if those pirates were being supplied from here."
"Sir," Baryl said. "This whole adventure has been
based on nothing but a jump to conclusions. And unless that computer
spits out Palpatine's name, we will still have no evidence."
She did have a point. "No, we don't, but you will before
you leave here," he said quietly. Baryl studied him carefully,
then shook her head.
"It looks like this was once where they made the shielding.
Primitive equipment. Probably found some money somewhere and upgraded.
Two Sith at a time. Who does he trust enough to run this place
in his absence?"
"I don't know," Mace said as he pondered her question.
They started walking toward the platform where Obi-Wan and the
droids were. "Finding anything?"
"Artoo's in the first secure level," Obi-Wan responded.
"So far it's mostly routine stuff: operating instructions
and the like." He leaned over to look at the data. "See
if you can activate the main screen and have the map appear on
it," he asked the droid. There were several hisses, and one
flash of light as energy flowed through various power conduits
for the first time in a long while. The projection screen flickered
and a holographic projection of Spaarti appeared. Mace studied
it. They needed to find the main buildings.
"Apparently--" Threepio said in an even more officious
voice than usual, "--the original inhabitants needed to clone
themselves after an accident destroyed their ability to reproduce.
When the the first outsiders arrived, the population was already
very small, while the technology they used very advanced. With
the arrival of the Sith, the few surviving inhabitants were forced
into slavery. The last Spaarti died sixteen years ago. Their technology
did not work on other species, and it took decades of research
before a viable human clone could be made." Threepio glanced
back at Artoo. "And another four decades before a clone lived
more than a few hours."
"Thus the missing scientists," Baryl said. Mace agreed
as he remembered her findings on Coruscant.
"Spaarti was remote, not on any of the maps: it was ideal
for their plans. I suspect if we check in records, we can start
tracing money and materials..." Obi-Wan glanced at the map.
Baryl smiled slightly. "You're learning; it would take years
though. There would be dummy corporations, and many falsified
books. And I really doubt a Sith Lord just walked in and made
company officials an offer." Obi-Wan glanced at Mace, a stricken
look on his face.
"They wouldn't have known. The Force can be used in many
ways," Mace said. "And the Sith are not the only ones
who use the darkside. Not all Jedi serve the light. Some find
money, revenge, or power to compelling to resist. You asked earlier,
to whom Palpatine would entrust this facility. I would think one
of these dark Jedi."
Obi-Wan returned to the droid and whispered something, Mace had
a good idea what the younger man sought. The darkness attracted
more darkness. It wouldn't surprise him if Palpatine did have
a collection of dark Jedi. The droid whistled while Obi-Wan read
the screen. "There are several mentions of Offworld over
the years."
"Nasty company," Baryl said. "They had quite an
unpleasant reputation..."
"It was operated by a dark Jedi," Obi-Wan said as he
stared off over the machinery. Baryl glanced at Mace, her question
clearly written in her expression.
"Obi-Wan was Master Qui-Gon's second apprentice. His first
turned from the light and took over his family's operation,"
Mace whispered to her.
Her eyebrows raised slightly, then she nodded. Their attention
returned to the map when it flickered. Threepio cocked his head
as he listened to Artoo's bleeps and whistles before speaking.
"Artoo is not able to break into the fifth secure level.
He says that he can have the key facilities appear on the map,
though. The green spot is where we are now." The three humans
stepped closer to the map. "As you can see, it is on the
northern most continent. Apparently the weather is too variable
to operate on a year-round basis."
Baryl glared at the protocol droid as she ordered him to skip
the trivial details. Mace could feel her rising stress levels.
Threepio seemed to sigh in frustration then continued. "The
cloning facilities are located on the largest southern continent.
They are in red." Artoo beeped. "Yes, I will tell them.
The main computer is located in the same facility." Threepio
pointed unnecessarily toward the spot.
Palpatine glanced at Bel Iblis, then back at the Bothan Intelligence
officer as General Merlyk continued speaking. The other Republic
military officers seemed pleased with the information the Bothan
was giving them. "Your Highness," Captain Tarkin said.
Palpatine smiled to himself at the title. The Senate had confirmed
the title of Emperor on him. Now to end the war and unify the
galaxy under his rule. Tarkin would be an easy convert to his
vision for the new order he had planned for his military. The
man had potential--and was ambitious--a perfect combination in
the kind of officers he would be needing. Bel Iblis, on the other
hand, would bear watching. He could sense the Corellian senator's
distrust. Patience was a Sith skill that he had mastered. Eventually
he would see to the Corellian's death, but now it was too soon.
The same was true for the others in the Alliance leadership. Like
Naberrie, they would eventually be eliminated.
Palpatine thanked Merlyk. The Bothan knew too much--not enough
to be dangerous, but enough to make him a threat. Merlyk was in
too deep to say anything. And would soon be in deeper. He stood.
"I shall lead the attack on the Spaarti base. This will be
a day the Republic will long remember."
"Your Highness," Tarkin said, "Is that wise?"
Palpatine allowed himself a little smile at the man's question.
"The time has come to destroy these clones once and for all.
They destroyed my homeworld." He stared at Tarkin, who quietly
nodded. There would be no other argument. He dismissed everybody
before Bel Iblis could ask any questions. The Alliance would not
be involved in this attack. Then he waited.
"My young apprentice," he whispered as the wall behind
him rotated to reveal a hidden passageway.
"My master," Skywalker said as he knelt. "What
is thy bidding?"
Palpatine didn't speak for several seconds. His apprentice was
impatient. Age and wisdom would cure him of that. He smiled. "We
have learned where the Jedi secret base at Spaarti is. There you
will face the man who betrayed you: who ordered your wife murdered."
"Kenobi," Skywalker said his face pinched in anger as
he fingered his lightsaber. "It shall be as you wish."
"Not as I have wished, my young apprentice, but as I have
foreseen."
Kalla Organa's fury out weighed her boredom as she listened to
the Alderaan Assembly President talk. The blonde woman paced her
quarters as he finished. She had influence in the assembly and
might be able to delay the decision--but the rulers of Alderaan
had for the past two centuries been figureheads. She took a deep
breath before replying to the president. To maintain the facade
of her pregnancy, she wasn't allowed any visitors. He was speaking
to her from the Alderaan Assembly Chambers. "Mr. President,
I can sympathize with with the assembly, but I cannot agree with
their plans. The Galactic Republic has centralized power in Coruscant.
Too much power is in the hands of one man. Eventually they will
seize control of our military and our independent status will
be lost."
"I have heard others voice similar fears, your highness,
but there are also rumors that the Galactic Senate will impose
trade sanctions on worlds who refuse to rejoin the Republic..."
"Empire," she retorted. "With an Emperor in control,
it won't be long before the Republic becomes an Empire."
"Yes, your highness. We cannot afford sanctions. Our yearly
budget is..." She hated the tone of voice he was using--he
almost sounded bored at her repeated warnings about the Emperor.
"I know all about the budget. I read it every year."
She took several deep breaths. She wasn't surprised. After Corellia
had rejoined, she'd known that Palpatine would go after the rest
of the Alliance members. A few would resist, but as Palpatine
took greater and greater control, their resolve would be tested--probably
by stronger methods than a simple embargo.
"Yes," she said in a resigned voice. "Mr. President,
I would wish that you try to convince the others to change their
mind, but you must do what you consider is best for Alderaan."
She closed the connection.
Lieutenant Loman shook his head in surprise as he watched the
retreating figure of his former commanding officer. "What's
he doing here?" He asked his new second-in-command.
Toma grinned. "Sir, you really need to take your head out
of your ship. Skywalker is with Palpatine."
"Trying to buddy up with the emperor now is he? I'm just
surprised to see him here, considering..."
"Brandel was a nerf brain. Abandoning the convoy like that."
Toma's bass voice lowered to a whisper. "They say Skywalker
is a Jedi. Didn't lay a finger on Brandel."
Loman's eyes narrowed. "Jedi? Here?"
"Sir, I'd be careful. He's apparently pretty powerful."
"I don't care. After what they did to my father..."
Loman glared at Ensign Toma. "They took away everything."
Loman clenched his fists. "Everything. Even his life...They
say he killed himself, but I know better. Mom told me."
Toma shifted, but Loman ignored how uncomfortable he was making
Toma feel. "Sir..." Toma shrugged as Loman walked away.
Bail smiled as the voice of his wife filled the room. "Hello,
dear."
"Bail," she answered. He recognized her tone as meaning
trouble. He quickly motioned for Mon Mothma to stay. "I've
been informed that the Alderaan Assembly will be voting in the
next few days to rejoin the Republic."
"I'm not surprised." He glanced downward. "The
war is almost over. We have the information. The Alliance Fleet
will enter battle together one last time."
"Good," she said. "And the other?" Bail glanced
at Mon Mothma. The Chandrilan senator didn't know the truth about
Kalla's pregnancy.
"Everything is fine. The package will be delivered...when
it is delivered." He shrugged. Even over a secure channel,
he didn't want to risk divulging too much. "Can you delay
the Assembly's decision?"
"I think so. A few days, maybe even a couple of weeks."
"That's plenty of time. Be careful."
"You too."
"The rumor is that the Galactic Senate is considering trade
restrictions against those who don't rejoin," Mon Mothma
said as he closed the transmission. "The Chandrilan Congress
is split."
"No, it's more than a rumor," Bail replied as he stared
out the viewport. "It's a powerful weapon: most worlds rely
on interstellar commerce."
"And those that don't will eventually be forced to rejoin
at gunpoint." She clasped her hands tightly. "One last
battle, before..."
He flicked a switch. "This is Bail Organa to all ships. Begin
the countdown. Spaarti must be destroyed and this conflict brought
to an end. On my mark, jump to hyperspace." His hand moved
to another switch. The Moons of Alderaan lurched forward and the
stars began to stream past the viewport faster and faster.
Obi-Wan sat straighter, his eyes closed as he concentrated on
the Force. As he stretched his sphere of responsibility he could
sense clones. They were not far enough away, but not so close
as to provide any sense of danger. He could sense the others:
Baryl and Master Windu standing by the locked door; and the droids
at the computer. Artoo had learned much in their few days here.
Far more than he'd been able to pass on to his human companions.
Obi-Wan smiled slightly at the thought of the droids, then frowned.
Now was no time to become sentimental. They were droids, he tried
to remind himself. His frown deepened as a shadowy wave swept
by, then disappeared. It wasn't Anakin or Palpatine, he decided
as he tried to locate the source to no avail. He opened his eyes.
Baryl was still kneeling by the locked door, swearing quietly.
The lock was Force activated, but of a nature he'd never seen.
Neither he or Mace had had any luck opening it. Such a lock implied
that whatever was behind it was important.
Or so they'd hoped. She was attempting a more a traditional method,
using a pick and file. "Sir," Threepio said from behind
him. "Artoo has managed to crack the fifth level." Obi-Wan
stood.
"Excellent. Anything?"
Artoo blatted, then whistled quietly. "Yes, sir," Threepio
interpreted. "He says there is much information, he's downloading
it now."
"No," Obi-Wan said. "We don't have time. Have him
find the information I requested."
"But sir," Threepio started to say, then stopped as
the Jedi glared at him. "Yes, sir." The droid whispered
something to the shorter one. Artoo bleated twice. Obi-Wan took
a deep breath. They were into the main files. They needed to know
which buildings to destroy--there were too many, even for two
Jedi, one CorSec officer, and two droids. Anyway, they really
didn't have time.
Artoo whistled. "Sir," Threepio said. "Artoo says
he's found something."
"What?" Obi-Wan said. Both Baryl and Mace moved closer.
"Codename Wayland. It seems to be a storage site. They have
been shipping extra supplies there, including cloning cylinders,
sir." The tall droid managed to look concerned.
"Wayland," Baryl gasped. "Waylen...It wasn't a
person." She jumped up the three steps and pushed Threepio
out of her way. "Where is it?"
Threepio harumphed slightly. "The information is not present
at this level. He says there are three more secure levels."
Baryl looked at Obi-Wan.
"Waylen. Amidala's aide was murdered for learning that information--so,
most likely, was his Bothan contact."
Obi-Wan remembered that night, almost nine months ago. He and
Anakin had just returned to Coruscant after the devastation or
Y'mala. That had been the beginning of the end of everything he'd
known. His life...He glanced at his hand as Baryl took hold of
it.
"With all endings come new beginnings," she whispered.
"We need to find this place." She glanced at Threepio.
"Any chance of slicing into the higher levels?"
"Yes," Threepio replied. "But it will take time."
She glanced at Obi-Wan who shook his head.
"If we have time, later," she said slowly. "I'm
not sure I like Palpatine having extra cloning cylinders laying
around. It means...It means..."
"It means--" Mace said. His eyes were distant. The man
had become very quiet the past few days. "--that he is willing
to allow this place to be destroyed. He may be hailed as the hero
of the moment, but the galaxy will not stand by and let the cloning
continue..."
"No, but the ships..." Obi-Wan glanced at the ceiling.
"Artoo, find all the sites involved in shipbuilding."
He spoke to his companions, "But they can take the shipbuilding
technology. We have to destroy that."
"He'll have placed back-up copies elsewhere." Baryl
reminded him.
"Then we delay his access. A few years maybe--but it may
be the difference between slavery and freedom in the years to
come." Obi-Wan felt the excitement of the moment. "The
Republic and Alliance forces will destroy the cloning technology."
"And Wayland?"
"We'll have to find it by other means, later." He had
to admit he didn't like the thought of spare cloning cylinders
and their operating instructions lying around. He just knew that
one day those cylinders would come back to haunt the galaxy.
There was the briefest stirring in the Force. "Keep your
concentration on the here and now, where it belongs." Qui-Gon's
voice faded away.
"The here and now," he whispered back the words his
teacher so often had reminded him of.
"What?" Baryl asked. She nodded toward the door. "Whatever
is back there, we won't learn today."
"I'm not surprised," Obi-Wan said. Palpatine--or whoever--had
used their Sith powers to seal it from trespassers. There were
probably some nasty surprises for any unwelcome guests anyway.
He started to read the data that Artoo was sending to the console.
"There are six buildings spread over the southwestern continent.
Plus four shipyards. We can destroy the land buildings. Organa
and the fleet can destroy the shipyards." They gathered around
to start planning.
Palpatine watched his new apprentice spun about and blocked the
yellow beam of light. A faint smile danced upon his face as Skywalker
blocked three more shots from the practice droid. "Excellent,
my young apprentice." He picked up one of the balls at his
feet, flicked a few switches, and tossed it toward Skywalker.
The young man spun rapidly to block the shots from the new attacker.
Palpatine's satisfaction grew as he watched how easily the new
Sith Lord handled both practice droids. He flicked his wrist,
the two droids dropped to the ground. "You have done well.
You use your anger effectively."
"Thank-you, my Master." Skywalker shut his saber off
and started to replace it on his utility belt, when he spun around,
lightsaber ignited, and sliced the large pipe that was flying
toward him into seven pieces. Palpatine lowered his hand.
"Relax," Palpatine hissed. "Feel your anger. Concentrate
on it. Force it to do what you want." Skywalker stiffened
and the table behind him shattered. "Simple, but effective.
The darkside can be used to repulse one's enemies. It can also
be used to absorb energy and that energy used. Take your lightsaber,
concentrate," he waited silently for several minutes as Skywalker
stared at his red blade. "Now, grab the blade and use the
energy to ignite the table you shattered." Skywalker looked
at him quizzically, then took his left hand and wrapped it around
the blade. The blade went out as it fell from his hands, while
the table pieces burst into flame.
"You have taken your first step into a much larger world."
Palpatine watched while an astonished Skywalker picked up his
saber and stared at the burning table. The young man had incredible
potential. For the moment and many years to come, he was under
Palpatine's control--but one day there would be a confrontation.
It was the way of the Sith. He had no intention of that happening
anytime soon. The Sith had learned many ways to use the Force
that the weak Jedi would not use, even if they knew them; these
he would reveal to Skywalker slowly.
"Master?" Palpatine brought his attention back to his
student. "Won't Captain Tarkin wonder about the damage?"
Palpatine cackled. "Captain Tarkin will do exactly as he's
told." He waved his hand and the flames died out. He picked
up the spherical droid and again tossed it toward Skywalker. With
lightning efficiency, the man spun, ignited his saber, and blocked
three shots in rapid succession.
Beru glanced up from the food she was preparing when the door
closed. She put the knife down. "How are the Darklighters?"
"Fine." Owen hesitated slightly. She turned to face
him.
"What? What's wrong?" She felt the familiar feeling
of panic. There were many dangers in the desert. "The Raiders?"
"No." He smiled at her, relieving her tension. "The
Sandpeople are quiet, for the moment." Every so often, the
antagonism between the settlers and natives broke into bloody
violence. "Come out here." He motioned for her to follow.
She did. Sitting on the living room floor was a cradle: primitive
and hand carved out of Japar wood. She stared at it, the significance
sinking in. She lifted her eyes now full of happiness and smiled
at Owen.
"Soon, my love." Owen took her hands and kissed both
of them. "The baby my brother mentioned."
Her eyes teared over. "Oh Owen. I can't believe it. A child
to raise as ours." She kissed him. "Thank-you, but how
do you know?"
He frowned. "I just do." He kissed her fingers. "I've
planned an addition." He pointed toward the right wall. "There.
He can have his own room."
She burst into tears, and Owen pulled her into his arms. "Shhh.
We have much to do--" he whispered, "--before he gets
here."
Lieutenant Loman fumed to himself as he marched toward his destination.
"Jedi," he snarled. They should pay for his family's
shame and his father's murder. He gripped the vibro-blade tight
in his right hand. He couldn't believe that he'd complimented
Skywalker about his flying skills--the gift, he'd said. His father's
words. He'd even tried to make friends with a Jedi. He just couldn't
believe it.
He glanced around quickly, before using the energy in the small
blade to open the door to the damn Jedi's quarters. He stepped
into the darkened room, the sound of the door closing behind him
caused him to jump.
"Looking for something," a low voice said behind him.
"You," Loman said as he turned. The blade flew out of
his hand.
"Well," Skywalker said, stepping forward. His voice
even lower. "You found me." Loman glared at the dark
shadow.
"You're Jedi," he said angrily.
"You know so little," Skywalker said with a slight chuckle.
Loman backed away toward the wall. A second voice hissed behind
him.
"Excellent, my young apprentice." Loman tried to turn
to see who the other one was, but was frozen in place. He thought
to scream. The other spoke again. "You've been in his mind
before, now use the Force to probe it. Explore the intricacies
and synapses that make up this paltry insignificant human's mind."
Loman felt the beginnings of another headache as Skywalker stepped
closer. His eyes would have opened wide if he'd had control over
his body. The pain in his head became more intense. He gasped
for breath as it became harder to breathe; then the darkness swirled
around him.
Obi-Wan stared at the two droids lying on an anti-grav cart, then
at the datacards in his hand. It was done, yet he still couldn't
believe he'd done it. "I'm sorry," he apologized again
to the unhearing droids. "It had to be done."
He knew this, but a memory wipe was such a permanent thing. The
droids could be reprogrammed, he tried to remind himself. Some
of the quirks that made these two unique would be retained--since
the wiring and processing units had not been altered. But they
would not remember the events that happened before this day.
Thus the datacards. He couldn't bring himself to destroy what
one day would be a valuable historical record. Anakin's children
were destined to grow up not knowing the story of the Skywalker
family. Maybe someday in the future, the galaxy would be safe
enough for them to know that truth. He opened the satchel he carried
Anakin's lightsaber in and dumped the cards. There wasn't time
to worry about the future. The present was closing in on them
even as he stood there.
"What have you done?" Baryl asked. She was staring at
the two droids.
"Protecting the future," was his simple answer.
"You wiped their memories?" There was an element of
disbelief and surprise in her voice. He nodded. "I guess
I understand." Emperor Palpatine..." She took his hands.
"What happens now?"
"I don't know." He reached out and squeezed her hands.
"The future is clouded."
"Maybe it won't be so bad..." He shook his head. "I
know. The man is amoral," she whispered. "You told me
on Y'mala that it was not a simple case of who hated the Y'mala
enough to obliterate them. Or even the opening attack in a brutal
war...He was after Anakin, wasn't he?"
"I've seen much evil and ugliness," he said, "but
nothing comes close to what Palpatine is. Anger, fear, despair,
hate can lead to the darkside. He was willing to destroy worlds
to evoke those feelings."
"Yet, he made a mistake. His original plan involved killing
Shmi and Anakin fighting you. He failed to recognize the importance
of Amidala," she whispered.
"Yes. But the damage was done."
"Now that the galaxy thinks she is dead, Skywalker will be
after you. And that's why we're here."
"There were three people who tightly linked Skywalker to
the light. I'm the last one. Whatever the outcome, Skywalker will
become a Sith Lord."
Her eyes pleaded with his as she pulled away from him. "Then
don't face him. We can leave here, go far away."
"It won't work. Until I face him, Palpatine will continue
this war and millions more people will die. He now has what he
wants. This battle will be the last. The clones will be vanquished
and quietly disappear. Sidious will vanish and eventually be forgotten."
He smiled slightly. "And Hell will be visited upon the galaxy...and
the Jedi. Soon, he will order our extermination."
"He can't. The senate won't allow it."
"He can start without the senate's approval." Obi-Wan
pulled out his lightsaber and ignited it. The green light helped
illuminate the growing darkness. "The light of the Jedi will
be extinguished." He turned it off and replaced it on his
utility belt. He opened the bag and pulled out a second lightsaber.
"But, once again he makes a mistake. The light will only
be dormant." He ignited the second blade and stared into
the bright white light. "For there is a fourth link that
binds Anakin to the lightside; and one day this blade will shine
again and destroy the darkness in Anakin's soul."
"His children."
"Master Yoda does not say much, but I'm getting better at
listening to what he does not say." The blade hissed as he
shut it down then replaced it in the bag.
"That is a long time to wait. And you?"
"Eventually I will settle on Tatooine and train the boy."
She pulled away. "And us?"
He closed his eyes to block the pain she was emanating. "Baryl,
I'll be the most wanted man in the galaxy..." He didn't add,
if he survived.
"I'm CorSec, I can deal with the danger. And you will need
a partner. If Palpatine is out to destroy the Jedi, then you will
need my help to move them." She raised a hand. "I have
connections, I know people who can help with creating new identities,
falsifying records."
"You know some interesting people."
"And you're avoiding the question." She placed her hands
on her hips and glared at him.
"He can use you to get to me..." He held out the bag.
She reached out and took it, her eyes showing her uncertainty
and love.
"This was a trap--and you knew it."
"This is my destiny," he whispered. "And whatever
happens will happen. The Force guided us to this moment and place..."
"The Force again...What about free will?"
He smiled slightly. "We have the option to ignore what the
Force says."
"But Palpatine controls the clones. So, now the war will
be over, and an Emperor sits on the verge of galactic domination."
"Close your eyes," he said as he took her hand. She
did. "Relax." His voice lowered to a soothing baritone.
"Find the center of you conscious being. Concentrate on it."
He waited until he felt a tingle in the Force. He tapped into
it. Her gasp didn't surprise him as he made contact with her mind.
"Shhh. Relax. See with the Force." He allowed his concentration
to spread to the surrounding machinery. "Life creates it
and makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us."
She smiled slightly.
"I can feel something. Confusing, strange..." Her voice
was wondrous.
"The clones. The Force is somehow distorted in the cloning
process." He shivered as another sensation slipped into the
link. Warm, loving, full of promise...He squeezed her hand.
Cold, darkness, despair chilled the room, She screamed as she
dropped his hand. As he backed away from her, he had his saber
out.
"What was that?" She whispered as she rubbed her hands.
"Its so cold..."
"The darkside." He glanced at the droids, then at Baryl.
"I need you to promise me that no matter what happens, you
will leave this planet and take the droids."
"No matter what happens?" She looked away from him.
"He's here. That's what I felt, wasn't it?"
"Yes, they both are. I must face Anakin."
"No, not alone."
"Master Windu will be with me. Baryl, only a fully trained
Jedi can face Palpatine and Anakin. This..." He didn't finish,
he knew the upcoming fight would end only with the death of either
Anakin or himself.
"Remember that you have something to live for." She
stepped over to the droids. "May the Force be with you."
She didn't look back as she activated the anti-grav cart.
He turned away. "She's right," Mace said softly. "You
must remember her words."
"The future is clouded, Master. I don't see what will happen."
"It is uncertain. There is a change coming..."
"I remember, the Chosen One will bring balance to the Force...But
how?"
"That question has been much debated," Mace handed Obi-Wan
a detonator. "We finished planting the explosives. We too
should leave this place." The older man fingered his own
lightsaber. "As to balance. All life changes as time passes.
The midichlorians must too. If they change, then the very nature
of the Force changes."
"I don't understand, Master." Mace shook his head.
"No one ever truly understood the midichlorians. Obi-Wan,
promise me that whatever happens, you will leave here with her
and the droids. For soon, you will be among the last of the Jedi.
It will be your responsibility to show the way to the new Jedi."
Obi-Wan started to interrupt. "This is not a task to be taken
lightly. It is a grave responsibility. This is not the time or
the place, but we have no other time or place. As a member of
the Jedi Council, I declare you to be a Jedi Master...No matter
what happens. Now, come. We have much to do."
#
Palpatine pulled who his hood tighter as he passed his hand over
the Force lock and the door opened. They had not been able to
enter this inner sanctum. Good, he thought. He quickly activated
a holographic projection of the planet. The many clone ships were
represented by tiny blue dots. The Republic fleet would be arriving
in just over an hour. The fleet had orders to destroy the planet
and all that was here, but only after Captain Tarkin had captured
the facilities where the technology and instructions for building
the massive star destroyers were located. Ships the Sith had spent
decades perfecting: the ships that he would use as the core of
his new Imperial fleet. He spoke to the cloaked figure who accompanied
him. "You were ordered to leave."
"My Lord," the other said. "I can handle two Jedi."
"That was not what I requested. Leave here or..." Palpatine
whirled about his right hand raised.
"My Lord..." The other's proboscis curled and uncurled
several times before he bowed. "I only wished to serve, My
Lord..."
"Good," Palpatine hissed. "Leave here. We'll discuss
your disobedience later. Perhaps you can think of a way to redeem
yourself? " The Anzati spun about and practically bolted
out the door. His dark servants would continue to work for Sidious--it
wasn't time to reveal his true identity to them. The promise of
power created a strong bond to the Sith--but most were not Sith
material Too many of his dark Jedi served him for the wrong reasons.
They were also ambitious. Some even had there own followers. He
would eventually destroy them, but for now they were still useful.
He suddenly frowned as more ships appeared on the map. They weren't
clones or Republic. He hadn't expected the Alliance fleet to beat
the Republic forces here. Well, it wasn't a problem, only a minor
inconvenience. He had planned for unforeseeable problems, the
clones would hold their own until it was time for them to be destroyed.
He glanced around his room one last time. This was the one place
on all of Spaarti that could not be captured. This was where he
and his master had once planned their moves. Where he and his
various apprentices had plotted. And most important, where he
had quietly stabbed his aging master fifteen years earlier. He
entered a command, then left.
Minutes later he watched as the building burst into flame. This
was the day he'd long waited for. As he watched the fire, he sensed
his apprentice fingering his lightsaber with the confidence that
the darkside brought. Anakin Skywalker would tap that power as
he faced his former teacher.
#
Bail stared at the planet as he ordered his fleet into attack
positions. The lack of opposition surprised him. Sensors indicated
the Clone Fleet was in a stand down mode, though even as they
prepared to attack, the clones were marshaling their defenses.
"Send in the fighters. We have to destroy the facilities
down there."
"Sir," the ship's captain said. "That will leave
us without our escort."
"We have no choice." Bail turned his attention to the
two Jedi who stood next to him. "Anything?"
Nejaa Halcyon nodded. "I can sense something...But there
is a dark presence too."
"Two," Ylenic It'kla added. "Darth Sidious,"
he whispered.
That meant the Republic fleet would be there soon. Bail bit his
lip as he wondered if the Republic fleet would come as friend
or foe. "Inform Captain Kary, that he is to take his squadron
and take out the shipyards."
"Sir," the ship's captain said. "The clone fleet
is preparing to attack. Their fighters are pursuing ours into
the planet's atmosphere."
"All ships, fire at will." He turned to Nejaa. "I
wish we had some way of contacting them down there." The
fighters were under orders to destroy everything. He wanted to
warn Kenobi and his group to get out.
"They will understand," Halcyon responded. "They
know we are here." Bail nodded. They all understood the risks
of war and command. He shifted his concentration back to the viewport
as the Moons of Alderaan opened fire on the lead clone
destroyer.
#
Baryl closed the door to the ship's storage unit with a bang.
She was still feeling the strange effects of her brief contact
with the Force--with both the light- and dark- sides. The feeling
had been incredible--no, not incredible, the word didn't come
anywhere close to describing what she'd felt and seen.
She closed her eyes as she tried to recapture that brief moment.
"No," she whispered as she was overwhelmed with images.
Her eyes opened wide as she realized what she was seeing. Obi-Wan
and Skywalker. "Please," she whispered to the galaxy
and no one.
#
Obi-Wan warily entered the massive building with a shudder. He
could sense Anakin's presence. The change in the young man's connection
to the Force was astounding. The sensation of dark and cold he
felt was not tempered by the incredible amounts of light and heat
from the vats of molten metal. He glanced back at Mace then upwards.
There were eight levels of catwalks surrounding the massive crucibles.
Neither Jedi spoke as they stopped at the foot of a ladder. Obi-Wan
started to climb first. He could hear Anakin's derisive mental
challenge. He didn't understand where the hatred came from, but
knew that Palpatine had succeeded in twisting the truth and Anakin.
The temperature increased as they climbed toward the fifth level.
Obi-Wan stopped one wrung belong the catwalk and took a deep breath.
He had to stay calm and focused. He pulled himself up and stood
overlooking the building: the vats opened below him, the bubbling
liquid made small popping noises that were drowned out by the
sound of Anakin's approach.
"You came." Obi-Wan unhooked his lightsaber as Anakin
ignited his with a horrifying calmness.
"Did you expect I wouldn't?" The Jedi said as he faced
his student. Anakin was dressed all in black. His red blade dangling
casually from his hand. Anakin slowly lifted his blade to a defensive
position.
"Considering everything you have done to destroy my life,
you would have been better off running away and cowering."
"I didn't destroy your life," Obi-Wan felt compelled
to reach his student one last time. "He did. Deep down you
know this."
"I know enough! You killed her." Skywalker snarled as
lunged. Obi-Wan parried and stepped away.
"You know only the lies fed to you by Palpatine."
"He told me you lied to me, that you were behind Amidala's
death...That the Jedi were behind the clones."
"And you believed him?" Obi-Wan stared at Anakin--there
was a hint of hesitation and confusion. "He ordered her killed.
Come with me...Anakin, please?"
Anakin lowered his weapon, then raised it. "More untruths.
I should have expected this from you. You were jealous--jealous
of my power and that Amidala loved me..."
"Amidala is my friend," Obi-Wan said. "There is
still hope, come..." He lowered his weapon and held out his
hand.
Anakin laughed--an evil sound. "And remain a Jedi? I think
not. After today I am Sith. I am no longer bound by the silly
rules and mindless fears that have kept the Jedi from finding
their true potential. The power of the darkside is my ally."
He stepped forward and swung his saber at Obi-Wan's head. The
Jedi ducked and spun as his own green blade.
"You are only a master of evil," he said calmly as he
parried a second slash of Anakin's blade. He noticed Mace standing
near the ladder. The dark man held his own turquoise saber at
the ready. "This is my fight, Master," he called out
as he feinted to his right, before cutting back to his left. Anakin
leapt clear, then jumped up one level. Obi-Wan took a deep breath
before following.
Go to chapter 9 of A
Lost Hope
Return to Other Worlds Index