Fathers and Sons Prologue

By John Iverson

Based on Star Wars by George Lucas and Blue Meets Green by Veronica
Pence. I do not own any of the characters and am not making any money
on this. IT IS JUST FOR FUN.

--------------------------------------------
Fathers and Sons Prologue

The Super Star Destroyer Executor flew in a tight orbit around
Coruscant, the imperial center. Vader had been woken by a dream that
he had been having for several weeks now. The last time he had dreamt
like this was when his mother was in danger. The Dark Lord finally
decided he would go to Tattooine to find the cause of his dreams.

The dream only gave a vague impression of a force presence very
familiar to him. It reminded him of himself, as a youth, before the
clone wars. He was not accustomed to things effecting him in this
way. He decided the he must know what was out there.

"Admiral, set your course for Tattooine" Vader commanded as he
entered the bridge.

"Yes my Lord. Captain Piett make the calculations for the jump to
light speed " ordered Admiral Ozzel.

"Admiral, have my personal shuttle made ready. Equip it with only one
squadron of stormtroopers and a minimal flight crew" said Vader. "I
will contact my master and inform him of our trip. Send a message to
Grand Moff Tarkin and let him we will rendezvous with the Death Star
in the Byss system in four days. That is all Admiral."

"Yes, my Lord" answered Admiral Ozzel.

--------------------------------------------

Fathers and Sons Chapter One

The force had been guiding him to come to this place. This was the
place of his birth and his early childhood, before Master Jinn. This
planet was where he had taken a critical and long over due step
towards the dark side. He had slaughtered the Tusken Raiders who had
kidnapped his mother.

Vader stepped out of his shuttle and allowed the dark side to envelop
his body and thoughts. Vader left the squadron of storms troopers
with the shuttle. They would be useless if he came across another
Jedi. These clones knew nothing of the force, pitiful.

"Commander, you will stay with the ship. Contact me if there is any
word from the Emperor."

"Yes Lord Vader" replied Commander Vlacht

Vader threw his leg over his personal speeder bike and took off
towards the homestead that once belonged to Lars and his mother. The
vision he had had led him back to this place. He would soon
understand why.

--------------------------------------------

"Hello! Is anyone home?" shouted the old hermit.

Owen walked up the steps and found Ben Kenobi waiting for anyone to
greet him. "Obi-Wan, I thought I asked you not to come here?"

"We have no time to argue Owen, Vader is on his way here."

"WHAT! How long do we have? I have to get Luke and Beru out of here."
Said the confused Owen.

"We don't have long, get them together, and bring minimal supplies. I
have hired a ship to take us to Alderaan, an old freighter" explained
the old Jedi.

Owen explained the situation to Beru and Luke while having them pack
as fast as they could. Luke knew very little of Vader or the Empire
and had many questions for his uncle and the old Jedi.

"Why would Darth Vader come here after us? We are only moisture
farmers and a second rate rim planet." The young boy wondered.

"We have no time to explain now, but there will be plenty of time on
the ship. WE MUST HURRY!" exclaimed Owen.

--------------------------------------------

Vader was very close to the farm before he sensed it. A presence he
had not sensed since his days with Master Kenobi. Vader added more
speed, as the need to get there intensified in him. He should not
have allowed Kenobi to live all those years ago. He had killed his
wife Qua-Laun, but had felt pity for his old master. The Emperor had
punished him severely for his compassion. He had not shown compassion
towards anyone since that painful lesson. He would not fail his
master this time.

Vader began plotting his revenge on Kenobi when he saw the old
homestead come into view over the horizon. His planning was abruptly
interrupted when he sensed a new, untrained force signature. This new
signature was somehow, very similar to his own. His resolved
stiffened as he approached the house.

"Very interesting" whispered Vader.

--------------------------------------------

"Luke, I have something for you," said the old Jedi. "This is a
lightsaber, a sophisticated weapon from a simpler time. This one
belonged to your father."

"You knew my father?" Luke interrupted.

"Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight like your father. In fact, Anakin was
one of my pupils." Explained the Jedi. "Your Uncle Owen didn't want
you to have it. He was afraid that you would follow old Ben off on
some fool mission. Luke this is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. You must
learn to use it and the force."

"What is the force?" Asked Luke.

"The force is an energy field produced by all life. It surrounds us,
guides us, and obeys our commands. We will have more time to discuss
this on the ship." Obi-Wan stood up straight when he felt the
nearness of his former student. "We have run out of time, Vader is
very close. We must go now."

"How do you know he is close Ben, can you see him?" the naive boy
asked.

"Luke, there will be plenty of time for that on the ship. Go get your
aunt and uncle and meet me at the speeder" the old Jedi ordered.

Obi-Wan had already warmed up the vehicle and had it ready to go by
the time the others met him. They hurriedly loaded their belongings
and started on their journey.

"Where is the ship we are going to meet?" asked Owen.

"Mos Eisley space port" answered the Jedi.

"We're going the wrong way!" shouted a young, excited Luke.

"Vader is close Luke, we must leave with out him seeing us."
explained Obi-Wan.

Beru tried to comfort her nephew, "Calm down Luke, Ben knows what he
is doing. Everything will be alright."

Obi-Wan whispered under his breath, "I wish, I shared your
confidence".

--------------------------------------------

As Vader reached the homestead he had visited as a young Padawan, he
sensed the emptiness before he even looked inside. Vader reached out
with the force to find the familiar force signature of his old master
and the other untrained signature he had felt earlier. They were
moving away from him. He could feel deceit coming from the untrained
force presence.

Vader reached for his comm link. "Commander, meet me in Mos Eisley.
Allow no ships to take off without my permission."

"Yes my Lord, should we be looking for someone?" asked the shuttle
commander.

"Not just yet. Follow my orders and I will meet you in a few hours."

--------------------------------------------

Obi-Wan had Owen, Beru, and Luke wait in an old restaurant close to
the spaceport while he met the ships Captain at the appointed time.
Obi-Wan walked cautiously into the cantina and looked for the Wookie
he had spoken too earlier. Across the room in a darkened corner, he
finally found the Wookie. He was seated in a booth with a very tense
looking young man whom Obi-Wan took to be the ship Captain.

"I thank you for meeting me" said the Jedi as he bowed before taking
his seat.

"Chewie tells me your looking for a ride." Said the smuggler.

"Yes, we need passage to Alderaan as soon as possible." explained the
Jedi.

"We?" said the smuggler. "How many?"

"Four people, two droids, and no questions" said the Jedi
sternly. "We would also like to avoid any imperial entanglements".

"Well that's the trick isn't? It will cost you," said the smuggler
with a roguish grin. "Ten thousand."

"I'll give you two thousand now, and fifteen when we arrive." offered
the Jedi generously.

"Deal, we will leave as soon as you get to the ship" said the
smuggler.

--------------------------------------------

"Lord Vader, this merchant says he has found a man who matches the
description you have given us." said the shuttle commander excitedly.

"Excellent! Where is he merchant?" asked the dark lord.

"How much is it worth too you?" inquired the merchant stubbornly.

Vader roughly shoved the merchant towards him with the force until
his throat was in his hand. Vader then lifted the merchant high in to
the air with one arm and began to squeeze the life out of him.

The merchant gasped, "alright! I'll tell! Let me go!"

"He has arranged passage on an old freighter call the Millennium
Falcon. They are to leave as soon as possible" explained the merchant.

"Commander, have the stormtrooper squadron surround that ship. I want
the old man and the boy brought to me" said the Dark Lord.

--------------------------------------------

"That's the ship? I bet we could walk there faster then that hunk of
space junk" exclaimed Luke.

"If it's half as fast as the captain is boasting we should make it
there alright" said Obi-Wan.

"Hi, I'm Han Solo, Captain of the Falcon. This is Chewbacca my first
mate. Now if your ready, please get aboard, we have a schedule to
keep" explained the smuggler.

Chewbacca and Han lead the way up the loading ramp followed by Beru,
Owen, Threepio, Artoo, Ben, and finally Luke. Luke was half way up
the ramp when he noticed his uncle had dropped the picture of his
aunt that he always kept in his pocket. As he bent down for the
picture the doors to the spaceport bay opened and a squadron of
stormtroopers rushed in. Luke started to run up the ramp
yelling, "Take off" when the stun blast hit him square in the back.
Obi-Wan felt the disturbance in the force even before he heard Luke
scream out in pain.

"Luke!" shouted the old Jedi as he tried to run out and save the boy.

The ramp had already started to go up when Obi-Wan reached it. "Open
the ramp, Luke's still outside" shouted Obi-Wan.

"Sorry, there is a whole squadron of stormtroopers outside, we'll be
dead before we reach him" said the smuggler. "Besides, that was only
a stun blast. He's still alive."

"That's what I'm afraid of, that's what I'm afraid of" whispered the
Jedi.

--------------------------------------------

The stormtrooper squadron parted like a field of wild grass as the
Dark Lord walked toward the fallen youth. Vader crouched beside the
fallen boy and put him into a healing trance. The trance would make
sure he would not feel any after effects from being hit with a stun
blast. He cradled Luke in his arms and started off towards his
shuttle.

When the reached the shuttle he carried Luke into the small med
center and laid him on one of the recovery tables. Just as he was
about to leave the room, Vader noticed the familiar weapon hanging
from the boys' belt. He moved close to Luke and bent his head close
to Luke's as if to whisper a secret. "You will make a powerful ally,
my son."

--------------------------------------------

Fathers and Sons Chapter Two

The spherical shape of the battle station loomed high overhead. Too
small to be a planet, and too large to be a battle station, it was
truly a marvel of engineering. The station had arrived a few hours
earlier and had prepared for Lord Vader's arrival.

"Put him in quarters adjacent to mine. Post a guard at the door, and
bring his lightsaber to me." Lord Vader commanded as he stepped into
the main landing bay of the battle station. He was pleased to see
Grand Moff Tarkin and Admiral Motti had thought it wise to meet him
when he arrived. "Grand Moff Tarkin, I am surprised to see you out
here on the rim."

"Lord Vader, we have intercepted a rebel spy ship. We have reason to
believe they have stolen the plans for the Death Star. Intelligence
points to two droids that the ship dropped off on this planet three
days ago. The rebel spy, Princess Leia of Alderaan, will not betray
the location of the rebel base to the interrogation droids." The
Moff explained.

"Bring her to me. I will find out the location of the rebel base."
Said the Dark Lord. "Send a message to my ship, directing them to
remain in orbit, in case the freighter returns."

"Admiral Motti, set course for Alderaan. If the Princess still
refuses to disclose the location of the rebel base, she may change
her mind if she thinks we will test our weapon on her home planet of
Alderaan." the Moff said.

--------------------------------------------

There was silence on board the Falcon as it sped through hyperspace.
Obi-Wan knew that Luke was the best hope for victory over the
oppression brought by the Empire. Owen and Beru wept together in the
main room of the small ship.

"Obi-Wan, why did he have to take Luke? I thought he didn't know
about him?" a distraught Beru cried.

"The Force works in mysterious ways. Perhaps this turn of events
will the bring the Empire a step closer to destruction." Obi-Wan
said hopefully, although he knew it would not.

An excited beeping came from the little droid standing next to the
table where he was playing a game with the Wookiee Chewbacca. "What
do you mean, you have important information, Artoo?" the mostly
golden protocol droid See-Threepio asked. "Oh my! I have forgotten
about the message!"

"What message?" the Jedi asked.

"Oh yes! Luke said he found a message for you in this droid's memory
banks while cleaning him the other day. He said the droid claims he
used to belong to you." Owen explained.

"I don't recall ever owning a droid. Well, let's see this message,
then." Kenobi said.

No sooner had the Jedi asked, than the droid began to relay the
message. A holo image of a young woman, Princess Leia, began to
speak.

"General Kenobi, you once served my father during the clone wars and
now I am begging for your help. This droid contains plans to the
Empire's new battle station known as the Death Star. This battle
station, which is now fully functional, has the power to destroy an
entire planet. Please get these plans to my father on Alderaan. He
will know what to do with them. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you are my
only hope."

"It looks as if our trip to Alderaan now has a new, and much more
important, meaning." Ben said thoughtfully.

"Who's the girl?" the smuggler Han Solo asked. "She's cute."

"She is Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, Imperial Senator, and now
leader of the rebellion. Her father, Bail Organa, will get these
plans to the right people." Obi-Wan explained.

"Yeah, well, I just want my money, then I'm gone." Solo replied
sounding definitely not interested.

"You will have your money as soon as we arrive." The Jedi assured
him.

--------------------------------------------

The Death Star came out of hyperspace just inside the Alderaan
system and minutes ahead of the Falcon. Grand Moff Tarkin was
waiting on the bridge for Lord Vader and their prisoner, Princess
Leia. They had still not made any progress in finding out the
location of the rebel base.

"Princess, have you decided to disclose the Rebel location?" the
Moff questioned.

"Tarkin, I should have known you were holding Vader's leash." The
princess spat.

"Hardly. The only one who holds Lord Vader's leash is the Emperor.
This battle station, in theory, is capable of destroying an entire
planet. Princess, in a way, you have helped to determine the world
on which we will test this weapon's capabilities. Your home planet
of Alderaan." The Moff stated with a sly, cruel smirk.

"No! This is a peaceful planet with no defences. You can't destroy
it! The senate will not stand for it!" The princess protested
furiously.

"The Emperor has dissolved the Senate as of this morning. He now has
complete power over the galaxy. You have a choice: either give me a
military target or see your home destroyed." Tarkin continued to
taunt.

The Princess hesitated, but could not stand the thought of her home,
family, and friends being destroyed. "The base is on Dantooine. It's
on Dantooine."

"See, Lord Vader, she can be reasonable. Fire when ready, Admiral."
The Moff said.

"BUT I GAVE YOU THE LOCATION OF THE REBEL BASE!" The Princess
shouted shocked.

"Yes, but unfortunately it is too far from the core to make an
effective demonstration." The Moff explained matter-of-factly. "Take
her back to her cell."

"NO, YOU CAN'T DESTROY ALDERAAN! THEY ARE PEACEFUL PEOPLE!" The
Princess pleaded as she was dragged back to her cell.

The lasers powered up and the hum resonated throughout the body of
the giant battle station. You could almost feel the destructive
energy flow through your own veins as it flowed through the conduits
on its way to the focusing dish. The individual beams joined
together to form a powerful blast as it prepared to turn the ordered
mass of Alderaan over to the cruel entropy of space. The beam left
the battle station and seemed to fly in slow motion towards planet.
The beam hit and a shockwave of unbelievable strength flew back
towards the station. All that was left of Alderaan was a field of
asteroids and a cloud of dust. The art, music, culture... all was
stifled in the blink of an eye. Everyone on the bridge of the Death
Star stood in quiet disbelief.

"I will be in the training arena with my new student." Vader finally
broke the silence.

--------------------------------------------

Han Solo stood up and walked toward the cockpit "We will be in the
Alderaan system in a few minutes." Han waited out the remaining
minutes of hyperspace travel in the cockpit.

Owen and Obi-Wan were trying to comfort Beru over Luke's capture.
Obi-Wan reached out with the Force to, trying to locate Luke. He
needed to know that the boy was all right. He was surprised to find
how close the boy was. "That's impossible!"

Beru lifted her head and looked at Ben. "What's impossible?

Obi-Wan's reply refused to leave his mind as he fell into one of the
unoccupied seats in the main cabin of the Falcon. He began to shake
his head and gasped as the implications of his feelings dawned on
him.

In unison, Owen and Beru asked, "What is it, Ben?"

"I reached out with the Force to check on Luke and found that he is
very near. I then felt a great disturbance in the Force. It was as
if millions of voices cried out and then were silenced."

He was barely able to control his emotions as he explained his
feelings.

"You don't think the Empire has used the Death Star, do you?" Owen
asked.

"What else could it mean?" the tired Jedi countered.

Solo announced, "Dropping out of light speed. Chewie, get up here."

Obi-Wan and Owen followed the Wookiee to the cockpit. Solo brought
the Falcon out of hyperspace. Everyone aboard was expecting to see
the exquisite beauty of Alderaan from space. Instead of the planet
and its scenes of azure seas, lush green continents, white, snow-
capped mountains, and tan deserts, they were met by a sea of
asteroids coming straight at them.

"Great, an uncharted asteroid field! Hold on, this may be a bumpy
ride!" the smuggler complained.

"That's strange. I'm not picking Alderaan up on the sensors."

"That's because it's not there." The Jedi murmured gravely.

"What do you mean, it's not there?" Solo asked.

"We are flying through what used to be Alderaan. It seems the Empire
has tested out the Death Star." Obi-Wan explained, his voice devoid
of emotions.

Only at that moment did the band of travelers fully understand what
the galaxy was up against. Obi-Wan strengthened his resolve to fight
and conquer the Sith that were now in control of the galaxy. He must
stop this opression. He knew it would not be easy. He also knew he
would need help.

--------------------------------------------

The training arena had been set up to remind Luke of his home
planet. Vader stood in the center of the room, holding his old
lightsaber. The hilt now felt uncomfortable when compared to the
design of his current weapon, yet it still was like an old friend to
him. His newest saber was the design he had perfected over the years
since before he served his current master. He had had many
lightsabers throughout his life. Master Obi-Wan would constantly
scold him about losing or misplacing his weapon when he was a
Padawan. He now knew the importance of this weapon when it came to
survival. He would now teach his son these things.

Vader stretched out with the Force. He could feel his son being led
to meet him. He stretched out further and came across a heavily
shielded presence. Even through the shielding Vader recognized his
old master. Vader sent his thoughts out through the Force.

*It was foolish of you to come here, old man.*

*Darth, you will release Luke and send him to me.* his old master
commanded.

*You are no longer my master. I serve the Emperor. You will not live
if you try to rescue him.* the Dark Lord of the Sith replied.

"Guard, open a comm channel to Admiral Motti." Vader
commanded. "Admiral, do you have any inbound ships on your sensor
array?"

There was a moment of silence while the information was
retrieved. "Yes, my Lord. We have an old Corellian YT-1300 freighter
coming in." The Admiral replied.

"Excellent, Admiral. Intercept that freighter and bring it onboard.
Inform me when your task is complete." Vader ordered.

The doors leading into the training arena opened. Luke Skywalker
appeared with his head turned toward one of the guards that flanked
his either side. "Where are you taking me?" an increasingly angry
and scared Luke demanded to know.

"Welcome, young Skywalker." the Dark Lord said as he greeted the
boy. "We were to begin your first Force lesson this afternoon, but
unforeseen circumstances require us to reschedule."

"What do you know about the Force?" Luke demanded defiantly. "Where
are Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru? Where is Ben?"

"They left you on Tatooine, young one. I saved you and brought you
here." Vader reached out with the Force and lifted the boy into the
air. "I offer to teach you how to command the most powerful ally in
the galaxy. All I ask is your loyalty to the Empire and to me."

"Sorry, but the only teacher I want is Ben Kenobi." The youth
replied, the confidence and inexperience shining in his eyes.

"We shall see." Vader replied as he released his Force grip and
allowed the boy to fall hard onto the durasteel floor.

"Guard, stun the boy and take him to my personal shuttle. Put him in
quarters adjacent to mine and post two guards at the doorway."

The stormtrooper answered curtly: "Yes, Lord Vader."

Admiral Motti's voice came over Vader's private comm channel. "Lord
Vader, we have captured the freighter."

"Excellent, Admiral. Send a message to my flagship to meet me over
Byss in two days. Send three squadrons of stormtroopers to patrol
the area around the freighter. Have one squadron meet me in the
landing bay."

--------------------------------------------

"Solo, do you have any place to hide aboard this ship?" Obi-Wan
Kenobi asked.

"Of course. I am a smuggler. Why?" Solo questioned.

"No time to explain now. You and the others hide. I have to get away
from here before I endanger us all. I will power down the tractor
beam and find Luke."

"How are you going to do all of that, old man?" Solo asked dubiously.

"The Force will guide me. Owen, Beru, you need to stay put until we
get back. Solo when you get a chance; take the Wookiee and the
droids. You need to find Princess Leia."

"Wait a minute. I never signed on for any rescue missions." Solo
reminded the Jedi.

"Do you want the Empire to destroy your home with this new weapon?
The planets you do business on? Your charter needs to be amended to
allow rescues. What we do here today can help bring an end to all
this."

The Jedi hoped Solo would buy his speech. The look in his eyes told
him it didn't work.

"I will make sure you are well paid for your work."

"I better be." Solo replied.

"May the force be with you, may it be with all of us." The Jedi said
in a low voice.

--------------------------------------------

Fathers and Sons Chapter Three

Stormtroopers searched the Falcon for passengers with the skill and
passion of a Vornskr on the hunt. However, the search turned up no
prisoners. The squad captain watched as Vader entered the hanger bay,
knowing his Lord would not be happy about this. "Lord Vader, the ship
appears to be abandoned."

"This ship has not been abandoned. I want a full sensor sweep. You
will find the passengers and bring them to me." Vader ordered.

The Dark Lord could feel his former Master's presence as Obi-Wan
travelled through the gigantic battle station in a futile attempt to
escape. Vader left the auxiliary hanger bay, flanked by a storm
trooper on either side. He would inform Moff Tarkin and Admiral Motti
of the Jedi's presence while giving Obi-Wan a false sense of stealth
at the same time.

The sensor team arrived moments after Vader's departure. They were
directed inside the old freighter. The sensor equipment consisted of
a rectangular steel box about the size of a storage trunk. The top of
the box opened to reveal a computer control panel and viewing screen
that connected directly to the Imperial data network aboard the Death
Star. The technicians used small, black sensor pads that could look
for any number of things. Today, they were scanning for life signs.

As the technicians scanned the ship, they discovered the hidden cargo
holds in the deck of the Falcon.

"Hey, over here!" the technician closest to the hidden cargo hold
called.

"What have you got?" The other tech asked.

Chewbacca gave a mighty roar as he hefted off the floor panel that
covered their heads. Han Solo trained his blaster on the sensor team
as they looked around in confusion.

"What the.." One tried to say.

"Quiet!" Solo ordered. "Come over here nice and slowly and no one
gets hurt."

Chewbacca roared again as his giant fists made contact with their
skulls. There was an audible groan as they fell to the ground
unconscious.

A voice called from outside the small ship, "What's going on in
there?"

Solo replied, "Can you give us a hand up here?"

Two of the three remaining guards came aboard to help the sensor team.

Chewie hid in a side doorway as Han stood at the top of the ramp. One
of the stormtroopers saw Han and yelled, "Hey you! Stop, in the name
of the Emperor." Both of the guards took off running after him. As
they passed, Chewie reached out with one of his arms and caught the
nearest Imperial Stormtrooper in the throat. The man fell to the
floor unconscious. The other guard started to turn around as he heard
his partner crumble to the floor in a heap of white armour and dead
weight. Fortunately, Chewbacca was ready for him. The Wookiee lifted
the man high into the air and flung him against the Falcon's hard
durasteel bulkhead before the man knew what was happening.

Han quickly put on one of the stormtrooper uniforms, then helped his
friend tie up the fallen guards. They quietly snuck down the Falcon's
boarding ramp and Solo watched Chewie as he crept up behind the
remaining guard with all the skills of a Wookiee hunter. He struck
out with such speed and fury that the man never stood a chance.

"Threepio! Artoo! Get down here! It's all clear. Looks like the
landing bay command centre is straight ahead. Let's go!" Solo ordered
as he led the way.

Inside the command centre, the officer in charge happened to glance
out of the observation window and noticed the guards were gone. "TK-
421, why have you left your post? TK-421, report!" He turned to the
others in the centre and said, "I'm going to check on the guards."

Han and Chewie stood outside the main entrance to the command centre,
patiently waiting for the inevitable. The door began to slide open
and an angry looking Imperial flight deck officer was about to walk
into them.

"Hand's up!" The Corellian commanded.

The startled man instead reached for his blaster but was struck down
by the accuracy of a loyal Wookiee repaying a life debt. The ensuing
blaster battle only lasted scant seconds as each Imperial fell to the
floor with their comrades.

"Artoo, plug yourself into the Imperial Data Net and find that
Princess." Ordered the reluctant hero.

"Threepio, take this comm link in case we need to contact you. After
we leave, find a relatively safe place to hide where Artoo can still
access the Data Net."

--------------------------------------------

Obi-Wan's practiced Jedi skills were second nature as he passed
through the halls of the Death Star undetected. Though he was still
no closer to finding the power coupling for the tractor beam, he was
still confident. "The Force will guide me!" The Jedi Knight thought
to himself.

As he rounded the next corner, he could feel the presence of an
impressionable young man. By the lack of discipline, he could tell
the man was not a Stormtrooper. He could be a young fleet officer
though. "This may be my chance," Obi-Wan thought as he continued
around the corner.

"Hey, who are you? What are you doing here?" the young man asked
frantically.

The Jedi Knight waved his hand across the young man's field of
vision "There's no need to fear me."

"There's no need to fear you." The man repeated.

Obi-Wan was pleased. "Where are the power controls for the main
tractor beam?"

The young man relayed the location to the Jedi. "Thank you for the
information." said the Jedi as he once again waved his hand in front
of the youth. "You will have no memory of me." With that he hurried
on his way to disable the tractor beam holding them prisoner.

--------------------------------------------

"Are you sure he is aboard Lord Vader? I thought he was dead." Moff
Tarkin queried.

"He is aboard. I can recognize his Force presence anywhere. He is
strong in the Force, I must meet him alone." The Dark Lord replied as
he started toward the doorway.

"Lord Vader, may the Force be with you." The Moff offered.

Vader turned slightly and nodded toward the man before continuing on
to meet the mighty Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi in battle.

Grand Moff Tarkin opened a comm channel to Admiral Motti. "Admiral,
please report to my ready room."

"Aye, sir!" The Admiral's voice replied over the comm channel.

--------------------------------------------

Obi-Wan finally reached the power coupling for the tractor beam. The
room was cavernous. The controls were on a cylinder in the centre of
the room. The cylinder rose from the darkness far below and stretched
into the darkness high above. There was a bridge that led from one
end of the room to the other and connected with the cylinder. Obi-Wan
carefully crossed the bridge to the controls. There were three
cylindrical power controls to be turned off and handles across the
top of each cylinder. Obi-Wan grabbed the first and pulled it toward
him. He deactivated the switch by rotating it to the left and pushing
it back into place. The first control made an unexpected audible moan
as its power was drained. The Jedi calmly went on to the second
switch and then on to the last. As he finished, two Stormtroopers
appeared in the doorway.

"What's going on?" one of the troopers asked.

"Probably another drill." The other replied.

With a wave of his hand and a manipulation of the Force, the Jedi
created a distraction for the weak-minded troopers.

"What was that? Come on, let's check it out.," the trooper nearest to
old Jedi's position said.

Obi-Wan took this opportunity to practice his Jedi stealth techniques
and made an unnoticed exit.

--------------------------------------------

Luke Skywalker groggily opened his eyes. Where was he? Oh, yeah. He
recognized his quarters on Vader's private shuttle. "Got to try and
get out of here. If only I had my lightsaber! Oh! Who am I kidding?
It's no use! I'm Vader's prisoner." Luke complained to himself.

The Force made Obi-Wan instantly aware when Luke awoke. He could feel
the boy's presence so clearly now. The strong Force bond they had
built and nurtured in the early years of Luke's life had diminished
slightly, but what remained was sufficient. The Force was drawing his
attention two floors up and toward the surface of the battle station.
Obi-Wan sent a reassuring wave of strength and love to Luke. "Don't
worry, Luke, it'll be over soon." The Jedi thought to himself.

--------------------------------------------

"Oh, sir! Artoo has found her!" Threepio cried in one of the
prissiest voices Han Solo had ever heard. "She is in the level five
detention block AA-23." The protocol droid's voice grew sober, "I'm
afraid she is scheduled for termination."

Han spotted a set of prisoner shackles on one of the desks.

"Chewie, make like you're wearing these restraints." The Corellian
said as he handed them to the Wookiee.

Chewie replied with a questioning grunt.

"I know you don't want to wear them, but it will help to keep
questions away while we get to the detention block." the smuggler
explained.

With and indignant grunt, Chewie reluctantly agreed.

--------------------------------------------

The air grew cold as Obi-Wan approached the main hanger bay. He knew
his former student was waiting for him. The Jedi cautiously stepped
through the landing bay door. He could see the Dark Lord's massive
shuttle on the far side of the room. The dark side surrounded
everything with the exception of a strong point of light he could
feel emanating from inside the shuttle itself. Luke. As he continued
across the room, he remained completely aware of every object in the
hangar, every shadow, and every noise. He had come too far to allow
fear and sloppiness to take it away from him, and Luke.

Vader watched his prey from above the shuttle. He could tell Obi-Wan
was allowing too many factors to influence his actions. He was out of
practice and Vader knew it.

As the aging Jedi reached the centre of the room, Vader decided it
was time to make his appearance. With a Force-enhanced leap, he flew
from the top of the ship directly into the path of Obi-Wan. Neither
said a word as they walked towards each other.

"Darth, you will not win. The Dark Side will be vanquished." Obi-Wan
said.

"You are pathetic, old man. The Dark Side has already won. Luke will
be my apprentice." The Dark Lord said tauntingly as he snapped his
lightsaber on.

Obi-Wan followed suit, and snapped his sabre on. The brilliant blue
blade of his sabre contrasting with the dark red blade of Vader's
made for an ominous and impressive sight. Once again Master and
Padawan, light and dark, good and bad would meet in battle.

--------------------------------------------

"Come in. " the Grand Moff said in response to the knock at his ready
room door.

Admiral Motti stepped inside, "You requested my presence, Sir?"

"Yes. Please sit down, Admiral." Tarkin began. "Lord Vader has
informed me that Obi-Wan Kenobi, former Jedi Knight and Republic
General, is aboard."

"That's impossible! I thought he was dead." The Admiral replied in
disbelief.

"I thought so, too. Apparently, this freighter we have captured is
working for the Rebellion. I want your men to attach a homing beacon
to that ship." The Moff explained.

"Are you just going to let them go?" The Admiral asked.

"It would seem so, wouldn't it?" The Grand Moff commented, smiling
dryly.

--------------------------------------------

Han and Chewie approached the detention block of level five.
Chewbacca grunted nervously. "I hope this works, too." The Corellian
said, not very reassuringly.

The head sentry noticed the stormtrooper and the large, furry Wookiee
walking toward him. "Hey, where are you taking that," he paused to
find the correct word, "thing?"

"Prisoner transfer from cell block 1138." Solo replied.

"I wasn't notified. I'll have to confirm it." the sentry said as he
began to call the head security office.

Han nodded to Chewie, the signal that it was time. "Look out, he's
loose!" Solo cried as Chewie grabbed the closest guard. The others
around the room began to take aim at the Wookiee as he grabbed his
prisoner's blaster.

Chewie used his prisoner's body to block the oncoming shots from
hitting him. He and Han took alternating shots at the guards and
surveillance equipment until only they were left alive.

"Come on, we have to find the cell the Princess is in." Solo
ordered. "Here it is, cell 2187. Come on."

As they entered the hallway that led to the Princess's cell, a hidden
guard charged toward them with his blaster firing wildly. Chewie
calmly took aim and fired. The guard tumbled to the floor and they
were left alone, for the moment. All alone except for the whine of
the unauthorized access alarm in the background.

The cell was about halfway down the tunnel. Solo opened the
door, "Come on, Princess."

"Tell Lord Vader if he wants me, he shall come to get me himself."
The Princess replied defiantly.

"What are you talking about?" Han asked before he realized he looked
like an Imperial stormtrooper. "Oh, yeah." Solo took off his helmet
and gave her a roguish grin. "I'm Han Solo. I'm here to rescue you.
An old man named Ben or Obi-Wan is here with me."

"Ben Kenobi is here?" the Princess asked excitedly.

"Yeah he's trying to disengage the tractor beam that captured our
ship and save some other kid." The smuggler replied hurriedly.

"Well, let's go, flyboy." Leia said as she led the way out of her
cell and into stormtrooper fire.

--------------------------------------------

The sound of lightsaber blades clashing echoed through the room as
the two great Force warriors each played their part. The old Jedi
drew heavily on the Force to supplement the failings of his aging
body. This duel was like days of old, sparring in the sabre arena in
the Jedi temple on Coruscant. This battle will be won not only by
skill with a sabre but also knowledge of the Force. This gave Vader
the advantage and Obi-Wan knew it. A Jedi did not use the Force for
attack, only defense. A Dark Lord of the Sith would use the Force
only for self-gain.

"Remember our battle against Count Dooku on Geonosis, Padawan?" the
Jedi Master asked.

"What is this about, old man? I am the most powerful Jedi in the
galaxy." the Dark Lord replied.

"Yet you take orders from the Emperor?" Obi-Wan questioned.

"I serve my Master, just as you served yours." Vader replied.

"If you are more powerful, why don't you take his place as the
Master?"

"That time will come. Unfortunately you will not be around to see
it." the Dark Lord said as he redoubled his attack.

Obi-Wan was being cornered. "If you kill me, Darth, I will become
more powerful than you could ever imagine." He said as he rolled down
onto his back, ending up on the other side of a supply crate. He now
had more room to work with, and a better chance against Vader.

"Impressive, old man. And you look so feeble and pathetic." Vader
said, as he reached out with the Force to a pipe on the closest wall.
Using the Force, he ripped the pipe from its holdings and sent it
flying toward Obi-Wan.

Ben felt a flicker of warning in the Force just before the missile
was about to strike. He escaped the damaging weapon with a Force-
enhanced leap high into the air. "Things aren't always what they
seem." the Jedi said.

"Very impressive." the Sith stated.

Obi-Wan landed in a crouch, ready to fend off Vader's next attack,
but Vader had already grabbed a full supply crate with the Force and
sent it slamming into the old Jedi. Kenobi fell down to the floor and
his lightsaber flew out of his hand, toward the exit.

Vader slowly approached the fallen Jedi and just as he neared, Kenobi
Force gripped the piece of piping Vader had torn from the wall and
sent it hurdling into the Dark Lord's back. Obi-Wan jumped to his
feet with the aid of the Force and went for his lightsaber.

"This is turning out to be better than I thought," the Dark Lord said
as he got to his feet. "Give in to your anger, Obi-Wan. Embrace the
Dark Side. You cannot imagine the power it brings."

"I am a Jedi. I will never bow to the Dark Side." the Jedi replied.

"Then you will die. Luke will take his place by my side. Father and
Son." the Dark Lord said.

"I will not allow that, Vader!"

"How will you stop me, Kenobi?"

The two Jedi once again ran toward each other, the Force pulsing
through each of them. Both attuned to any possible outcome, and ready
to duel to the death. Meeting in the centre of the room, their blades
struck with such Force that they were sure it was heard all over the
battle station. They backed off and circled until they had switched
places. Vader took the next swing, a sideways blow from the right.
Ben easily countered and readied himself to block the next attack
Vader threw at him. It came from the left, then above, both easily
blocked by the experienced Jedi. This stalemate continued for several
minutes until the Dark Lord took on a new strategy. He attacked once
more from above, but as the strike was blocked, he Force leapt behind
his former master and swung at his legs. Obi-Wan felt the familiar
warning from the Force and jumped, narrowly missing Vader's sabre.
The Dark Lord took this opportunity to use a Force push and send his
former Master to the floor.

An alarm sounded and the Jedi knew he didn't have much time. His
companions needed his help. The Princess needed his help. Vader
walked slowly toward him as he lay on the ground. As he came closer,
he passed in front of several tall stacks of supply crates. "Is that
the best you can do, Vader?" The Jedi tried to keep his adversary
distracted from his surroundings as he nudged the third crates in
each stack around the Dark Lord.

"You are the one on the floor, old man." Vader said when he felt the
first warning from the Force. It was too late though; the crates
toppled over and buried the Dark Lord.

Obi-Wan got up and started off toward Vader's shuttle, but he would
not be able to rescue the boy. Stormtroopers began to fill the room
from the sides to secure the main point of exit from the ship. His
trap would not hold Vader off forever so he would have to go. He took
one last look at the shuttle, sent his reassurances to the boy, and
headed back toward the Falcon.

--------------------------------------------

"Some rescue this turned out to be! Didn't you have an escape
planned?" the Princess asked furiously.

"Sorry, your Worship, but we were kind of strapped for time." Solo
defended.

"Well, it looks like I'll have to get us out of here. Give me that
blaster." The Princess said as she grabbed the rifle from the seven
and a half foot tall Wookiee. Leia took aim and blew an escape hatch
into a ventilation covering.

"There we go, I'll see you guys down there." Leia handed the blaster
back to the Wookiee and leapt through the hole.

"Okay, Chewie, you're next." Solo ordered. "I don't care what you
smell down there. Get going! Wookiees!"

Chewie jumped through the escape hatch and left Han alone with the
advancing stormtroopers. "This girl's something else. I think I'm
beginning to like her." Solo commented, as he jumped headfirst
through the hole created by the Princess.

"They are in the garbage masher!" one of the Stormtroopers
yelled. "Call maintenance and have them turn it on."

--------------------------------------------

"What is this place?" Han asked as he regained his senses after the
fall.

"It appears to be a garbage masher." the Princess replied dryly. "It
has a magnetic locking door. We can't open it."

"Hey, what's that sound?" Han asked wearily.

The walls started to move in closer. "It's going through its
compression cycle! I guess they know we're here now." The Princess
replied in a panic.

Solo grabbed the comm link he had brought for just such an
occasion. "Threepio, are you there?" The droid did not
answer. "Threepio are you there? What can he be doing?"

The trapped rebels grabbed a piece of scrap durasteel piping and
tried to brace the walls as they inched closer together every
second. "Where is that damn droid?" Solo shouted angrily.

"Sir, are you there sir?" Threepio's voice came across the comm link.

"Yes, Threepio! Have Artoo shut down all the garbage mashers on the
detention level. All the garbage mashers on the detention level."

"Artoo! No! Shut them all down!" Threepio repeated to the little
astromech.

There was hardly any room left to stand as the walls came to a stop.
Laughter and relief could be heard over the comm channel as the band
of rebels realized they were going to make it.

"Blast my mechanical body, Artoo! They are dying! Listen to them! All
because my joint's aren't fast enough!"

"Threepio, we made it! We'll be back at the ship as soon as we can."

--------------------------------------------

The band of rebels made their way through the Death Star back to the
small freighter Solo loved so much. So far they had gone unnoticed
but were not taking it for granted, or they thought.

Ben Kenobi had been watching them from the shadows for the past five
minutes. He had to make sure it was safe for them to be seen with him.

Chewie stopped in mid stride as his ears picked up a faint footstep.

"What is it Chewie?" Han asked in a nervous tone.

Obi-Wan revealed his hiding place to his allies. "Solo, you have
succeeded," the Jedi said happily.

"Leia, I am so glad to see you unharmed." The Jedi bent down to give
the Princess a hug.

"There will be time for that later. Right now we have to get back to
the Falcon. Did you disengage the tractor beam?" Solo asked.

"Yes, the beam has been powered down." The Jedi replied. "Follow me,
and stay close."

"What about the boy?" Solo asked.

"Vader was waiting for me. There will be time for that later." The
Jedi explained. "Let's go."

Obi-Wan led the way with his lightsaber at the ready. They were half
way to the ship before they ran into any opposition. Stormtroopers
had almost completely encircled them leaving a cavernous room with a
retracted bridge as their only exit.

"Run for it, I'll cover you!" Obi-Wan ordered.

His three companions ran for the room as Obi-Wan immersed himself in
the Force. He deflected shot after shot, taking out most of the
Stormtroopers in the process. When the others made it to safety, Han
and Chewie laid down covering fire for the old man to join them.

"That was amazing!" Han said as he closed the door after the old man.

"That was necessary. Never underestimate the power of the Force,
young Solo." The Jedi instructed.

"There's no lock for this door!" Leia shouted.

"Stand back," Solo said as he blasted the control panel, "That takes
care of that! Now can we extend this bridge?"

"I believe you just destroyed the controls for that," the Jedi said.

"Well, sorry, I was only trying to keep us alive." Solo said in
defence.

The Jedi said nothing as he reached out with the Force to the control
panel on the other side of the room. The Force led him to the switch
he was seeking. With a slight manipulation, the switch was flipped
and the bridge began to extend.

"The Force is our ally." the Jedi stated.

"I'll never doubt that again." Solo relented. "Come on, let's go."

--------------------------------------------

The Falcon had never felt so good as Han took the last step up the
boarding ramp.

"I hope they didn't find out about the tractor beam or this will be
one short trip."

"We will make it," prophesised the Jedi.

Han ran into the cockpit and started up the engines. The Falcon
rumbled to life and its pilot looked up and let the feeling run
through him. As he looked through the viewing window, he saw the room
fill with Stormtroopers and decided he could wait to luxuriate in the
feeling of his ship.

The Falcon's thrusters turned on and the ship lifted off. Han turned
the ship around to exit the Death Star's auxiliary landing bay. His
viewing window went from white Stormtroopers armour to grey TIE
fighter interception squadron.

"Chewie! Take over! The old man and I have to man the turbo lasers."

Chewie expertly piloted the Falcon through the oncoming pounding. TIE
fighter pilots were known throughout the galaxy for their cunning
tactics and deadly accuracy. Solo and the Jedi manned the turbo
lasers and prepared to give the TIE fighters a run for their money.

"You ready, Jedi?" Han called.

"I'm ready. Let's get this over with."

Solo turned on his targeting computer and readied for battle. Kenobi
once again immersed himself in the Force and let the energy field
guide his movements; they were a force to be reckoned with. Solo had
trained many times for just such an occasion and had customized this
station to best suit him. Kenobi was even more deadly with the Force
as his ally, rarely missing a target; he picked up what came his way
and those that Solo had missed.

When the final TIE fighter was taken care of, and the Falcon was on
it's way to safety the two defenders left their post and met in the
ship cockpit.

"Whew, we made it!" Solo said relieved.

"That was too easy, they let us go." The Princess retorted.

"What do you mean, too easy?" the smuggler asked.

"She's right, it was far too easy. They let us escape. We will need
help in our future endeavours. Take me to the Rishi Maze; I have an
old Jedi Starfighter hidden there. Then you must go to the Dagobah
system. There is a Jedi Master there who will help us. He knows of
our situation and will help us. I will meet you all at the Rebel base
on Yavin Four," the Jedi explained.

"Dagobah, that's a swamp world in the outer rim. How will we find
him?" Solo asked. "Besides, I only signed on for a trip to
Alderaan."

"He will locate you. Your time and expenses will be covered." The
Jedi reassured him. "I will give you the coordinates of my ship when
we reach the Rishi Maze."

--------------------------------------------

"We will soon know the location of the rebel base, Lord Vader."

Tarkin said in greeting as the Dark Lord stepped on to the bridge.

"Are you sure the homing beacon will be undetected?" Vader asked.

"Yes, my Lord. We will not fail." Admiral Motti interjected.

"I hope for your sake you are right, Admiral" Vader replied.

--------------------------------------------

Fathers and Sons Chapter Four

"I don't know why I'm helping that old man," Han mumbled as he
started the calculations for the jump to light speed. He had almost
finished when everyone heard a thumping noise coming from below the
deck.

A look of surprise came to Obi-Wan's face, then it changed to
worry, "Beru! Owen!" Shouted the Jedi as he remembered his
companions. Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and lifted the heavy
floor panel that had hidden his friends from the Imperials. "I must
apologize my friends, with all the excitement we had forgotten all
about you."

A battered Owen climbed out first and the he and Ben helped Beru
out. "What was going on? We thought we were done for with all the
rolling and weaving this old ship was doing."

"We had a TIE fighter escort for our escape. I hope neither of you
are hurt." Ben Explained.

"Where's Luke?" Asked Beru as she looked around longingly.

"I'm afraid we were unable to rescue him," said Ben as he sadly
looked toward the floor. Owen and Beru's faces seemed to drop further
at the news. Ben noticed the young woman curiously looking back to
them from the cockpit. "Owen, Beru, let me introduce Princess Leia
Organa of Alderaan."

The couple looked up in disbelief. "Sh...she look's just like her
mother." Beru announced timidly, disbelief colouring her voice. Owen
just nodded as he looked at the brunette.

"Y...you knew my mother?" The Princess asked with surprised
hesitation.

"Only briefly, she was a wonderful woman. She stayed with us for one
night a long time ago. That was before the clone wars." Owen
explained. "She couldn't have been much older than you are now."

"I hate to break this party up, but we are about to make the jump to
light speed." Han said as he entered the main living area of the
Falcon. "We should reach the Rishi Maze in just under a day. Strap
in!"

"The Rishi Maze?" Owen said questioningly as he looked toward
Ben. "Isn't that where you found Kamino, the cloning planet?"

"Correct Owen, but right now we are going to pick up some equipment."
Ben explained. "We have a lot to tell you during our trip. I also
suspect Leia to have many questions for us regarding her mother."

--------------------------------------------

Darth Vader led the way through the Death Stars main hanger bay on
route to his shuttle. Grand Moff Tarkin and Admiral Motti flanked him
on the right and left, respectively. "Moff Tarkin, " Vader
began, "follow them, but do not attack or make your presence known
until I contact you."

"They do not stand a chance against this battle station. We should
crush them and the rebellion right away." Admiral Motti intervened.

Lord Vader stopped and turned to look at the flag officer. "The power
of this battle station is insignificant in comparison to the power of
the Force." He raised his hand slightly and placed the Admiral in a
suffocating Force grip. Admiral Motti panicked as he was raised from
the landing bay deck and choked with an invisible hand. Vader watched
in amusement as the man writhed in pain. At the last possible second,
Vader released the man, dropping him to the floor. "Perhaps you will
mind your position next time Admiral."

Commander Vlacht waited at the shuttle-boarding ramp for his
Lord. "The course is plotted and the ship awaits your command, my
Lord."

Vader nodded, "excellent commander!" He turned to Moff Tarkin. "I
will contact you after I have spoken to the Emperor."

--------------------------------------------

"We met your mother, Padme, when she made a trip to Tattooine with
the Jedi Anakin Skywalker. As I recall, she was under his protection
at the time and decided to come with him when he felt his mother was
in danger. His mother, Shmi, married my father not long after Anakin
had left to be trained by the Jedi. Tusken raiders kidnapped Shmi one
morning. Padme stayed with us while Anakin was sought his mother. Our
visit only lasted a day, but we got to know her and the things she
stood for." Owen recanted.

"Did he find his mother?" Leia asked.

"He found her alright, and she died in his arms before he could save
her." Said Owen sadly.

"Then your mother and Ani went off, against the council's orders mind
you, to save the foolish old man standing before you." Obi-Wan said
with a slight smile. His facial expression changed to a look of loss
as he continued, "That was the day of the first Clone War battle on
Geonosis."

A silence fell over the conversation and Leia was the one to break
it, "I'm glad they didn't follow orders on that day. We need you and
your experience General Kenobi, if we want to defeat the empire."
Leia smiled as she spoke to the legendary hero and Jedi Knight.

Han Solo stood from the seat where he had been listening to the
conversation of his passengers. They would be arriving in the Rishi
Maze soon and he wanted to make sure everything went as planned. He
glanced at the hyperspace chrono as he took position in the pilot's
seat. Only a couple of more minutes and they would be there. He
stared in to the swirls of hyper space as he thought about the
direction this job had taken on, and decided he was be on to
something big... and dangerous. Overthrowing the Empire was not
something one could do with out a fair amount of carefully laid out
plans. Even he, the fly by the seat of his pants smuggler knew this,
but the old man has faith that the Force will help them. Solo began
to consider the Jedi in the next cabin, hero of the Clone Wars,
General Obi-Wan Kenobi? It seemed impossible to have such a man, need
his help. The warning beeps of the hyperspace timer pulled Han out of
his revelry. "Hey Kenobi, we're coming out of hyper space. I'm ready
for those coordinates."

--------------------------------------------

Vader's quarters on his shuttle functioned as a complete hyperbaric
chamber, which allowed him to be free of his restrictive helmet and
breathing mask. The time he spent alone in this, and the chamber
aboard his Star Destroyer was priceless to the Dark Lord. The freedom
allowed him to meditate on a higher level. He sought a firmer grasp
of the Force, and to cultivate a better understanding of its immense
power. Vader took the glove off of his left hand; the drop in
temperature around his newly acquired flesh gave him a sensation he
had missed for many years. The glove on his right hand came off next.
The similar sensation gave him a feeling of power over his future.
His organic beginnings had taunted him for years as he suffered the
cybernetic replacements instead of skin and bone. The growth and
harvesting would soon be complete, as would his new organic body. The
new limbs have already brought him closer to the Force for they had a
place in it, unlike the machine he had been. He felt himself growing
stronger, almost without bound.

The Emperor had no knowledge of his advancement. It had not been long
ago that he had discovered the secret of his master's lightning-
attacks. He knew he had been conceived by the Force and according to
the prophecy, was destined to be the most powerful wielder of its
abilities the galaxy had ever known. He also knew that in order to
accomplish this, he had to break free from Palpatine's control and
manipulation.

The solution to Vader's problem had been the subject of many
meditation sessions in the past, but today there was a new topic to
be considered. That topic was none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi. His
reappearance threatened his whole plan, but what if he could use this
new factor to his advantage? If Kenobi was alive, that meant his
children were alive and trained Jedi as well. At least his BOYS were
trained Jedi thought the Dark Lord with amusement. I wonder how the
old man would react if he found out his daughter is the Emperor's
personal assassin and the implement of his will?

Vader let this thought linger in his mind as he turned his
concentration to a more urgent matter. The matter that needed
consideration was that of Luke excepting Vader's training. "The boy
clearly had no clue that he is my son. I must find a way to make the
boy realize it by himself without truly possessing the knowledge of
the fact." Vader smiled as the solution came to him. He quickly got
up and had his helmet replaced. Vader stalked across his quarters to
the commlink. "Commander Vlacht, how long until we reach Byss?"

The Commanders voice came across hesitantly, "A little less than a
day Lord Vader."

"Excellent Commander." The Dark Lord replied.

--------------------------------------------

The Emperor's throne world of Byss always made her feel
uncomfortable. She would much rather meet him on Coruscant or one of
his many ships. She did as her master bode though. She would meet him
where and when he chose. The woman walked purposefully through the
halls of the palace. Her hair, the colors of fire, bounced lightly
against her shoulders and back. Her eyes were of such a brilliant
green that they might be mistaken for the most rare emerald or jade
stones in the galaxy. With a mere tremble, her lips could mesmerize
most any man into doing her bidding. She was a trained, toned, sexy
implement of destruction. She was called Mara Jade.

As she neared the Emperors throne room she began to feel his
presence. He was waiting for her, she picked up the pace to a sprint
as to not keep her master waiting. As she reached the doorway she
slowed down to a quick walk and entered. Mara Jade, standing only one
point six meters in height, covered the length of the massive throne
room surprisingly fast. She knelt on one knee before her master,
bowed her head, "what is thy bidding my master?"

"Stand up my hand. I have been waiting for you." The Emperor said in
a monotone voice, betraying no emotion to her. Palpatine had trained
this one from early childhood. She could not become a true Sith, for
Palpatine would allow only two. She was Force sensitive and he
allowed her to use some of the powers as he chose to enForce his will
over the galaxy.

Mara Jade stood up and bowed her head in shame for disappointing her
master by keeping him waiting. "I apologize my master."

"No need for that my child. We have a more serious problem on our
hands. I have foreseen the destruction of the Death Star and a
betrayal by Lord Vader. He will be arriving tomorrow, I wish you to
keep an eye on him and inform me of his actions." The Emperor
explained.

"As you wish my master. I will prepare right away," Mara stated
before she left. Great, I get to baby sit bucket head. Mara thought
that to herself when she had made the Emperors leave. Why would Vader
betray the Emperor? It doesn't make sense. Well, I guess I'll find
out.

--------------------------------------------

Luke heard the door slide open as he lay on his bunk. He felt the
cold chilling presence of Vader enter the room. Even though he was
still untrained in the Force, Luke somehow knew that the Dark Side
was what gave him that cold feeling. Luke felt a smile tug at the
edges of his mouth as he strengthened his resolve to fight against
Vader's insistence of him becoming the Dark Lord's apprenticed. Luke
began to stand up in acknowledgement of the Dark Lord's entrance but
thought better of it. Why should he be courteous to his captor? Why
should he show anything but contempt for Vader? He has killed
countless beings throughout the galaxy and shows no remorse. If Vader
wanted Luke dead he would have already killed him. He decided to play
along and see how far this would go.

"Boy, you will come with me." Vader commanded.

Luke stood up and hesitantly looked straight in to the eyes of
Vader's mask. "I will not allow you to train me in the ways of the
Dark Side."

"The choice is not yours to make! I will train you boy! You will be
my apprentice!" Vader stretched out his hand towards the boy and shot
a short wave of Dark Side lightning at his body.

Luke fell back to the bunk, not believing the incredible pain that
racked his young body as he suffered through the punishment Vader had
dealt. His body convulsed on the bunk, the slight smell of burning
flesh, hair, and clothing wafted through the small room. The walls
and ceiling began to spin just before he lost consciousness. His last
thought was of his pain and his anger toward the man who had caused
it.

Vader slowly walked toward the bunk with the now unconscious Luke
Skywalker laying on it. He gently touched his hand to the boys' head
and entered his mind. It was completely blank with only the after
image of his last thought and feeling remaining. His mind and body
had shutdown all nonessential functions as it began to heal the
damage caused by the Dark Lord. He looked down once more at the
unconscious face of his son, and felt remorse that this was the way
it had to be. Vader searched through the boy's mind, taking care not
to cause any harm. He delved deep in to Luke's subconscious mind and
planted a thought. He left the idea of a father and son, ruling the
galaxy and a glorious new brotherhood of the Sith. A brotherhood led
by Vader and Luke. The Dark Lord smiled to himself as he placed the
boy into a healing trance and silently stepped out of the room.

--------------------------------------------

The fog covered planet rose in the viewing window of the Falcons
cockpit. Han Solo turned toward the Princess; "it'll be hard to find
a clearing big enough to land the Falcon, especially with that fog. I
have a sky car in the cargo bay we can use once we enter the
atmosphere. I'm sure Artoo can handle the Falcon while we are gone."

"That's fine, it will be better for Owen and Beru to stay up here."
Leia replied.

"I'm pleased you agree, your worship." Han said, seeking a reaction.
The ice-cold glare the Princess returned warned him of pressing his
luck. Han averted his eyes and called out, "Chewie, prepare the sky
car, we are going down in that."

The swamp world was so thickly covered with giant tree that landing
the sky car was almost impossible, let alone the Falcon. They finally
found a small clearing where the experienced pilot expertly set the
car down unscathed. The air was thick with foul swamp gas odors and
dead decaying animals not yet scavenged or buried in the omnipresent
mud.

"Perfect, how are we ever going to find this guy?" Solo complained.

"Obi-Wan said he would find us." Princess Leia replied with
optimism. "Let's set up camp beforeit gets dark."

"Yes your worship, " Solo drawled sarcastically.

"Would you stop calling me that!" Leia exclaimed angrily.

What's the matter Princess, do I get you that worked up? Solo offered
with a little smile.

"You?' Leia said with a sharp laugh. " I thought the only thing you
were interested in was money?"

"What's the matter Princess," Solo snickered, "afraid I'll leave?"

Leia moved directly in front of the smuggler, `"I thought by now you
would see none of us are in it for the money."

"Well I am, and I expect to be well paid for my services!"

"Don't worry Mr. Solo, if money is all you want, money is what you'll
get! Now lets finish setting up camp."

"Yes your worship!" Han replied, turning to begin the task.

Leia reached out and slapped Solo across the left side of his
face. "Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, nerf-herder!"
Leia turned and stormed away.

"Who's scruffy looking?" Solo shouted with a dejected look on his
face. He turned to finish his task. A smile came to his face as the
thought "she likes me," entered his mind.

--------------------------------------------

The soft glow coming from the planet always reminded Obi-Wan of the
day he and Qua-Laun had found it. Oole'Ast was a small planet on the
outer rim; it was underdeveloped and small enough to be looked over,
even by the Empire. Those facts of inconvenience, both luxury wise
and location wise were far overshadowed by the planets natural beauty
and the sense of peace it gave to the Kenobi's. This was the planet
they wanted their children to live.

Obi-Wan passively reached out with the Force and found the signature
of his eldest son Jinnak. A smile came to the aging Jedi's face as he
realized his son was no longer a boy, he is a man. Joy filled Obi-
Wan's heart as sought the presence of his other son, Macor. Macor
usually full of mischief, not unlike his own younger self. Macor was
now preparing for is trials; Obi-Wan felt a burst of emotion as he
thought about his son becoming a Jedi Knight. It had been far too
long; it would be good to see them again.

*Welcome Obi-Wan. I had a feeling you would be here soon.* Mace Windu
looked toward the sky as he sent his Force message to Obi-Wan.

*Master, I'm looking forward to seeing you again. Do the children
know of my arrival?*

*I have not told them, I thought you might want it to be a surprise.*
Mace sent his thoughts with a slight chuckle.

*Thank you Master, I think it is time I reveal myself to them.* Obi-
Wan said as he de-cloaked his Force presence and actively sought the
Force signatures of his children.

Macor was the first to feel Obi-Wan's presence. He was in deep
meditation, preparing for the trials he would soon take. As the
appointed date neared he spent more time each day growing more
accustomed to and knowledgeable about the Force. Both he and his
brother, Jinnak, enjoyed meditating along the bank of the river that
flowed from the lake, whose shore their house was built upon. The
continuous, steady flow of the water and the sound of the rapids
helped them achieve and prolong deep meditation. Today though, it
would be cut short. Macor quickly opened his eyes and started off to
greet his father.

Jinnak had agreed to take over Macor's chores while he was preparing
for his trials. Unfortunately this left Jinnak with little time for
other things. He was currently in a battle with a sizeable fish he
intended for their dinner. Master Windu would not allow use of Force
powers for such mundane, everyday tasks. Jinnak knew such use of the
Force would lead to the dark side, and thus he followed his master's
wishes.

He could see the fish' eyes breaking the surface, "it wouldn't be
long now," he thought to himself as he felt the unmistakable presence
of his father. Jinnak looked toward the sky searching for his fathers
ship when he felt the fishing pole being ripped from his grasp. He
watched as the fish swam away with the pole in tug, "Force!". He
grabbed his remaining equipment and his spirits rose as he went off
to meet his father.

Obi-Wan left his hyper drive motivator in orbit above the planet and
started the journey down to his home. The house itself was nestled in
a lush, green valley at the edge of a lake. Rolling hills that went
on for kilometers in all directions surrounded the valley. "R4,
prepare landing sequence beta 2," Obi-Wan instructed as they neared
the house. "Engage landing sequence R4." Jedi eagerly waiting to
greet their beloved father and friend surrounded the small
Starfighter, as it made a smooth landing.

--------------------------------------------

"Commander Vlacht, return to the Executor and secure the boy." Vader
commanded. "I will send for you when I am finished." Vader started
down the labyrinthine passageways leading to the Emperors main throne
room on Byss. He took these last few minutes to prepare him for any
questions the Emperor may have. The Dark Lord, standing over two
meters tall in full armor, covered the distance from the entrance to
the Emperor in a few strides. Vader bent to one knee and bowed his
head, "What is thy bidding, my master?"

"Rise my friend," the Emperor allowed. "I have sensed a disturbance
in the Force."

"I have felt it too. I have discovered the son of Skywalker, and have
captured him." Vader replied, leaving a momentary pause before
continuing. "I have also discovered that Obi-Wan Kenobi is still
alive."

"Kenobi," the Emperor slowly repeated as he contemplated it. "That is
unforeseen. Where is the boy?"

"He is aboard the Executor. I believe Kenobi will try to rescue him
if we allow him the opportunity."

"You want to use the boy as bait?" Palpatine asked as a dry smile
came to his lips. "How will you find him?"

"He will be working with the rebellion to destroy the Death Star."
Vader began the explanation of his plan. "I propose that we monitor
the Death Star and wait for the rebel attack. Once they have
committed their Forces, send in the Executor to distract them form
their main goal and disrupt Kenobi's concentration. When he feels the
boy's presence aboard the Star Destroyer, he will have to make a
decision."

"I am very impressed my apprentice. Do you think the boy can be
convinced to join us?"

"I have foreseen it master." Vader replied.

"Excellent, I will be sending my hand along, incase you require any
assistance."

"As you wish, my master." Vader signaled for Commander Vlacht to meet
him at the landing bay as he turned and exited the room.

--------------------------------------------

The Dagobah system star was invisible through the ever present, thick
layer of fog. Sunset was still noticeable as the surrounding glow
began to dim with the increasing hour. Master Yoda looked upon the
strangers from a safe distance. The Jedi recognized the Force
presence of the young woman, very similar to her mothers. The only
difference is the untapped Force sensitivity in this one. Perhaps
they still had a chance. Yoda decided it was time to make his
presence known to the young rebels. Leaning heavily on his walking
stick, he slowly walked toward the travelers.

Chewie groaned loudly as he scanned the surrounding swampland for the
source of the new sound.

"What is it?" Leia asked with concern.

"He heard something." Han replied.

"What was it?" The Princess looked around suspiciously..

"Mmmm, seeking someone you are? Mmmm, yes!" A small, gravely voice
called from somewhere ahead of them.

Han grabbed his blaster and trained it on the area directly ahead.

"Lower your weapons. I mean no harm." the voice called out once again.

"Maybe you can help us then, where are you?" Leia asked hopefully.

"Help you, I will." Said the gravelly voice as its owner revealed
himself to the band of rebels. "Who are you seeking?"

"A Jedi Master..." Han began.

"Yoda! You seek Yoda!" The small, green creature exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, can you take us to him?" Leia asked as she stepped closer.

"Yoda is not far from here." The ancient Jedi Master replied.

"Well can you take us to him?" Solo repeated as he dropped his
blaster back to it's side holster.

"Why do you seek Yoda?" The green creature asked, ignoring Solo's
question.

"We were sent by the Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi to find him. The
rebellion is in need of his help and guidance." Leia explained with a
pleading look in her eyes.

Yoda carefully studied her face and her companions before
announcing, "I am the one you seek."

"You are a Jedi Master?" Han said with a slight chuckle at the
thought. He was quickly silenced when a loud creaking noise rang
through the forest. Immediately they all turned and looked at the sky
car as it was swallowed into a pit of quick sand. "Oh great!" Solo
yelled angrily.

"Nice choice for a landing spot fly boy!" Leia chided as the ship
disappeared.

"Size matter's not fly boy!" Yoda said as he stretched his hand
toward the sunken ship. The small Jedi Master closed his eyes as he
manipulated the Force, wrapping tendrils around the vehicle, creating
a strong grip. They all looked on in amazement, as the ship rose out
of it's sandy grave and floated to a more stable resting-place.

As Yoda opened his eyes Leia asked, "Master Yoda, will you help us?"

--------------------------------------------

As Obi-Wan Kenobi climbed out of his starfighter his children ran
over to meet him. The three Kenobi's embraced; it had been almost one
standard year since they had all been together for Jinnak's
trials. "I am so glad to see you boys!"

"We're glad to see you too!" The two Force sensitive siblings said in
unison.

"Obi-Wan, it's good to see you again." Jedi Master Mace Windu said as
he greeted his old friend.

"It's good to see you again Master, " Obi-Wan replied as the two men
engaged in a welcoming embrace.
"I knew you would come for my trials father!" Macor said hopefully.

"There will be time for that later young one. Now we must deal with
the disturbance in the Force I'm sure you all felt." Obi-Wan
explained as his face adopted a more serious expression.

"You speak of Alderaan, " Mace said matter of factly.

"Yes, the Empire has destroyed the planet with the battle station
Death Star." Obi-Wan said, unable to hide the sadness in his
voice. "Vader has also captured Luke. I fear he will be trained in
the ways of the Sith."

The two Kenobi brothers looked at each other with confusion in their
eyes and hearts. They knew of their mothers' last words to Obi-Wan.
She had made him promise to keep the boy safe. They knew it was their
place to offer help in finding him. "How are we to help?" Jinnak
voiced their shared question.

Obi-Wan smiled at his children, "the rebellion is in need of our help
in disposing of the Death Star menace and toppling the Empire."

"They shall have our help," Mace added as he turned toward the
youngest member of the group. "Young Macor, it seems as if the Force
has chosen other trials for you.." Mace once again faced Obi-
Wan, "Master Yoda is aware of this?"

"Yes Master," Obi-Wan answered, "he will meet us at the rebel base on
Yavin along with Princess Leia Organa. They have the schematics of
the Death Star I the memory banks of an old Artoo astromech droid.
Hopefully they will be able to devise a plan of attack. The Force is
with us, I can feel it."

--------------------------------------------
TBC.....