Alternate Universe Trilogy Vol 1 The Clone Emperor

by Sonic Sculpture

This is an alternative to the derivative works licensed by Lucasfilm that were intended to follow Return of the Jedi. I don't think things turned out quite so neatly. The story has been rewritten to redress issues cited in prior reviews.

1. Chapters 1 and 2

For your entertainment, I am presenting this option to the licensed versions of what supposedly transpired after the death of Darth Sidious. In my defense I would argue that although Lucasfilm licensed no small number of derivative works, none of those plots were apparently compelling enough to be made into movies. And I don't think things would've turned out as neatly as other writers have suggested, so here is my personal spin on how what might've happened instead. I hope you enjoy this posting if you find the time to read it, and may the Force be with you all!

Star Wars

Episode Seven: The Clone Emperor

Volume One of the ALTERNATE UNIVERSE TRILOGY

Chapter One: An Unanticipated Outcome

A nearly starless night had finally fallen upon Endor. Luke Skywalker sat upon a tree stump at the edge of the Ewok village and frowned at the featureless sky. A very slowly dissipating cloud of dust and debris from the recently destroyed Death Star had hidden the heavens. Unbidden, an alien expression passed through his mind: the shroud of the Dark Side is descending. It seemed like an overreaction to so easily explainable a thing.

Upon the Alliance's announcement of the Emperor's demise, prolonged celebrations had ensued. Along with the other leaders, Luke had initially been afraid that the remnant of the Imperial Fleet, which was still in orbit above Endor at the time, would simply elect to decimate the forest moon. However they'd been afforded no occasion take advantage of such an opportunity. The rebels had quickly broadcast the news of their victory across subspace, and the cruisers abruptly had more pressing matters to which to attend as the revolution radiated out across the cosmos. It had spread like wildfire throughout the Core systems of the Empire, which necessitated the recall of every single ship in the Imperial Fleet. Their departure deepened the feeling of success, and everybody believed that the long campaign had finally culminated in a victorious conclusion.

But then, the tone of the reports suddenly changed. All those organizations that had once helped to facilitate interstellar commerce had been replaced by the Empire. And as a result, there was no infrastructure to support the transition. The federations, clans, and unions no longer existed. In addition, because membership in the Republic had basically enabled their incorporation into the Empire, there were those who saw that allegiance as now being undesirable. Some of the previous Republic's strongest supporters were now espousing the Separatist philosophy. And with so much suddenly in dispute, there were those who were so afraid of losing territories or business holdings that they were actually acting preemptively and initiating aggression. And of course there were also opportunists who were hoping to come out ahead in the reshuffling. It was almost like the Clone Wars all over again. The rebels had not really restored the Republic. They had instead opened an occasion for cosmic chaos. Battle fatigue and this extremely troubling realization had finally brought an anticlimactic close to their celebration. Knowing that the real work was only about to begin, everybody else had wearily retired. Jedi Knight Skywalker had been left alone.

At the edge of the dark clearing, Luke now communed with his mentors, Yoda and Obi-Wan, both of whom had transformed into the Force. As he confronted their ethereal appearance, he could see other apparitions around them. Names entered into his mind, Windu and Qui-Gon. Those utterly unknown to him even by name were hardly more than featureless shapes, but Anakin was also with them. Of those assembled, Yoda seemed the most deeply distressed, not a thing for which his previous Padawan was prepared.

"Disturbing this is," rasped the diminutive shape, "and unexpected. No reason was there ever to think the transition would be completely peaceful, so for this cause alone I am not concerned. But not brought into balance has the Force become because of the Emperor's removal. Understand this I cannot."

"Despite my disfigurement, I was the Emperor's junior by two generations," Anakin observed. "So I expected to inherit the Empire, even though I had no perception of him actually grooming me for the position. But he had no other apprentice, I'd have known."

"Misled were you in the matter of understanding the intentions of the Jedi Council," Yoda cautioned him. "Unwise it might be to assume that you knew his ultimate agenda. Near the end of his life he most certainly was; yet, no thought did he take concerning his successor? Something amiss there is in all of this; not yet fulfilled has the prophecy been by all these events."

Luke was preparing to ask about this prophecy, of which he had not previously been aware, when suddenly something happened. It was as if a storm cloud rolled through the very midst of the assembled specters, dismissing them from his sight and replacing them with a lone figure. It somehow seemed familiar, since he had just faced it in an older and disfigured form. But he was far too horrified at first to accept its only possible identity.

"I've been reborn as Darth Chrysalis," the image intoned. "It is not the Jedi who have found the path to immortality. Only I have achieved that, although there is yet a place for you at my side. By now, you must surely understand that you've not rescued democracy. You have only unleashed anarchy. Your assistance could be invaluable in reassembling the shards of my Empire. Embrace alliance with the Dark Side and step into the future."

"I saw my father kill you! And even if you somehow survived the fall, I saw the Death Star explode!" Luke angrily objected. "How are you doing this? Even as Darth Vader, my father did not have the ability to appear to me as you're doing!"

"The Dark Side is a path to many abilities some consider to be unnatural," the Clone Emperor darkly replied. "Does it surprise you that I did not make the mistake of teaching everything I knew to my rebellious apprentice? I knew about his mutinous ambitions from the start. After all, they were only natural. Sith Lords desire dominion, not lives of selfless service like the Jedi. If I had taught him how to exploit his ancestral relationship with you, he could easily have contacted you the way I have. In fact, I think he'd started to explore such a possibility anyway. But I knew he'd seek to use you to overthrow me. So it was in my best interest to limit his interactions with you."

"You thought he might exploit his ancestral relationship to contact me the same way you have?" Luke repeated hollowly. He was noticeably more troubled by this declaration than by anything else the Emperor had said.

"Using the Shroud of the Dark Side, I was able to keep him from even questioning the possibility of a relationship between myself and Padme," the Emperor boasted. "We were both from Naboo, both members of the aristocracy. He never even suspected that she was my niece. This is how I knew about her pregnancy and the identity of the father. Anakin believed it was only because of the power of the Dark Side. I knew that a series of choices on his part could place her life in danger, so I helped him make those choices. His visions were a warning. But the exact actions he took, believing it was the only way to save her, were the ones that guaranteed her loss of the will to live at the critical time. And this left his service to me as his only reason to live, until you came along. I suppose I should thank you for helping me get rid of him, but you were only playing your assigned part. You have been serving me much longer than you know. The opportunity now is for you to actually enjoy the benefits of that service, by making it voluntary. Honestly, you've already taken your first steps down the Dark Path. You know that it will forever dominate your destiny. And you tasted its power in defeating your father. Not even an army of Jedi knights would be able to put the Empire back together again, but the two of us can!"

"But I saw you die," Luke repeated weakly.

"The Kaminoans did more than just create a clone army for me," the Emperor finally admitted. "And the biometric implant, though it remained undamaged, acted almost like a lightning rod during my battle with Master Windu. Since it was installed, it's sent all of my experiences through a subspace relay system to a hidden facility in the Kamino system. When the transmission was interrupted by my predecessor's demise, I was brought out of stasis. I know everything he knew, right up until the moment of his death. And I am far more powerful than he could ever have been. Using his genetic sample, they were able to isolate the midi-chlorians. They learned to replicate them. My count is higher than that of anyone who has ever lived. Of course, I'll never allow the count of your clone to equal mine; but I'm offering you almost unlimited power for nothing less than eternity!"

"You have openly admitted that you deceived your own apprentice!" Luke accusingly replied. "Is that not the greatest lesson I could hope for you to teach me? So, why should I allow you to manipulate me the way you did my father? Why should I expect a different reward than the death of the people I care about? That's how you rewarded him!"

"If you truly value your Jedi precepts, then you must understand how wrong it is for you to hold the lives of your friends above all others," Darth Chrysalis answered. "Is it not true that they're asleep only because they simply could not bear the reports, which were coming in from all over the Empire, of open conflict erupting between previously peaceful systems? People are dying right now, even while we're speaking. And it's almost entirely the result of your actions. There is no piety in refusing to accept responsibility for all the damage you've done. If you will not help me to restore order, all of this blood is on your hands. If however you will aid me in accomplishing that which your conscience should be insisting that you do; one day you will be reborn in an even more powerful form, and with the hand that you lost in your first fight with your father. The way to restore yourself and the security of civilization itself are one and the same. It is time for you to fulfill your destiny!"

"Your Death Star was destroyed; and your fleet, while doubtlessly still substantial, is significantly diminished," argued Luke. "Even with my assistance, how could you hope to restore your control?"

"Have you forgotten that it was I who allowed the Alliance to learn the location of the new battle station?" Darth Chrysalis laughingly inquired. "Do you suppose I would really willingly risk the greatest weapon in my arsenal? I've always known that it would take an ever-increasing amount of control to maintain my Empire. And you must've been aware that many of the outlying systems, which would not directly support your rebellion, were much more interested in simple secession. This sentiment is a remnant of the Separatist Movement, which I initiated and then couldn't entirely annul; however, even the ability to destroy an entire planet cannot thwart the threat of expansive star systems with facilities hidden all throughout. But after decades of research, the technicians on Geonosis have developed a weapon system that can actually destroy a sun. I call it the Star Killer. One example of its abilities against a separatist system at the outskirts of the galaxy, with the fleet in orbit around key planets at the heart of the old Republic, and we could begin to restore order. I understand how appalling would be such a loss of life. But with things the way they are, attrition is currently unchecked. This destructive illustration would actually have the effect of minimizing the eventual total."

"Of whom do you plan to make this terrible example?" Luke asked, with breathless revulsion. "The asteroids of Alderaan are still raining death in the surrounding systems!"

"Even if the selected target is somewhere along the Outer Rim, many worlds will be within the effected radius," Darth Chrysalis replied. "My only condition is that you stay as far away as possible from Kamino and Geonosis. Beyond that, you can select whatever target you think will make the best example. For the purposes of your first assignment, I will give you command of the Star Killer. Once you've completed your mission, you're to return to Coruscant. There, I'll begin your training. You've no ambitions for replacing me; and, because I am now deathless, it would do you no good to eliminate me anyway. This is why your reward will be different from that of your father. I'll give you time to consider what I have said, but bear in mind that innocent people will continue to die until you help me restore the security that you and your friends destroyed. We'll speak again soon."

The frightening figure faded into the horrific fog from which it had emerged. With one hand still on the hilt of his lightsaber, Luke slowly stood. It did not escape his notice that none of the other images, with whom he had previously been in conference, reappeared. It was as if he was now beyond even their aid.

There was much to consider. He knew the servants of the Dark Side used deception as a weapon, but Darth Chrysalis had been very forthcoming about all the lies with which he had manipulated Anakin. Was he now so powerful that he no longer required such an unseemly device? Learning that Darth Vader was actually his father had nearly been the death of young Luke Skywalker. He desperately wanted to dismiss the inference that he and the Emperor were also related, but it explained many things; not least of which was the appalling ability to appear as he had, dismissing Luke's mentors in the process. But he feared that it might even be the means by which his father had first learned of his real identity. When Darth Vader set the trap for him at Cloud City, there was no doubt that he already knew whom he meant to ensnare. No one in the Alliance could have leaked any such information without also giving away much more critical data, making the release of the Imperial probe droids needless. This, then, was how Anakin had learned about Luke.

The Clone Emperor was also unfortunately correct about the unexpected aftermath of the rebel's hard-won victory. The leadership of the Alliance had idealistically assumed that the assassination of the Emperor would essentially restore the Republic. In order to keep safe its supporters, no infrastructure for guaranteeing such a beneficial result could be constructed. Yet now, it looked as if decades, or perhaps centuries, of interstellar war would precede any such possibility. Luke could hardly exonerate himself from culpability in the catastrophe; at least, not without also taking definitive steps towards the resolution of the unacceptable situation. And tragically, he could come up with no alternatives to at least giving the appearance of aiding in the installation of a reengineered version of the very regent whom he had only just dethroned, as repulsed as he was by the possibility.

He had only recently come to understand, at least on an intellectual level, that Leia was his sister. He had been looking forward to instructing her in the ways of the Force. It now looked however like that education was going to have to be accelerated. He had no idea how much time the Clone Emperor would actually afford him before an answer was demanded. And it was true that lives were being lost in the interim. Perhaps, he thought, he could take Leia down the path of the Padawan learner at least far enough for her to discern Luke's own mentors; and then, they could take over her training. He feared that he was going to have to at least feign an affiliation with evil.

The Clone Emperor's summation had alarmingly echoed that of Master Yoda: once you start down the Dark Path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Luke urgently needed to believe that all such inclinations had reached their resolution in that showdown on the Death Star. However, he found that he was not happy about the possibility of needing to rely on his trophy. His father's lightsaber, hewn away with one of his mechanical hands, had preceded the Emperor's plummet into the guts of the spherical doomsday machine. But when Anakin hefted the grizzled regent up from the deck plate, in order to also hurl him into that exact abyss, the Emperor's lightsaber had somehow been dislodged. Luke had retrieved it, along with his own, as he was assisting his fallen father.

He had intended to keep it only as a prize, continuing to use his own and fashioning another to give to Leia for her training. But now it seemed more expedient to give her the one that he had wielded so victoriously. This, perhaps poetically, would leave him to face the Clone Emperor with the very same sword of which his perilous predecessor had only just been relieved. But it worried Luke that he felt somewhat cheated in being required to surrender his own lightsaber for use by his sister. Possessiveness, as well he knew from his training, was an extremely undesirable characteristic for a Jedi knight, an evidence of dangerous inclinations. Uncovering such covetousness in his own character caused him considerable concern. He worriedly wondered if there was actually an underlying truth in the Clone Emperor's summation about his precarious proclivities. Only the very thinnest of lines lies between prudence and self-doubt, as he also knew, and any misstep on that path could also lead to the Dark Side. Disaster seemed to dog his every emotional step.

It took an unusual amount of time for him to clear his mind so he could communicate with his mentors. The desperation of their circumstances seemed to completely preclude the application of patience. He felt that his choices were being forced upon him, and this reminded him of the impetus that had driven him to his disastrous duel at Cloud City; but there did not appear to be any alternative to immediate action. And yet, Yoda seemed to be trying once again to discourage him from something inexplicably inescapable.

"Behind this outbreak of warfare the Emperor may be," Yoda cautioned him. "Unlike the animosity that led to the Clone Wars this situation is not. Learned we finally did of the Dark Lord's hand in all of that, and too late we were. But responsible therefore is he. Not to be blamed are you. This ploy he may well have set up in advance. The appearance of coming to society's rescue it gives the successor. For you, rushing to face him may be a part of his plan. To do what you must, as the Force allows, is your only responsibility. All the lives now being lost are not your burden to bear."

"But Master Yoda, this clone has only just been brought out of stasis," Luke carefully said. "He will only grow stronger. He's at his weakest right now. He may not yet have full command of his amplified abilities. There will never be a greater opportunity."

"To precisely what opportunity do you refer?" Obi-Wan asked insistently. "I still don't understand what it is that you're planning to do. Do you?"

"It does no good to assassinate him again, not unless the cloning facility has already been eliminated," Luke answered heavily. "He intends to put me in command of the very craft that's capable of such a strategic strike."

"Destroy an entire star system will you?" Yoda demanded. "Understand what they've done even the Kaminoans who aid him may not! Not deserving of death can they all be!"

"Destruction of that system would also stop the supply of Storm Troopers," observed Anakin, unexpectedly speaking out in agreement with his son's scheme. "They were only ever supposed to be the Army of the Republic; defenders of democracy, not enforcers of the Empire. Even if it didn't offer the advantage of eliminating the Chancellor's clone, the Kamino system would still be the most tactical military target. Destroying it might actually save more lives than it would cost to kill its inhabitants."

"It's certain to be heavily defended!" argued Obi-Wan. "And I doubt that the station's compliment is going to be okay with targeting such a critical system. I suppose you must be planning to kill the crew almost as soon as you go aboard, and that might not be such an easy thing. But you'll then have to operate all of its unknown systems alone, including its defensive ones. Because as soon your approach is detected, you're probably going to find yourself up against a squadron of Corellian cruisers! And while the Star Killer might just be a match for such an armada, you'll have to both fly and defend your stolen battle station at the same time!"

"I might know a certain astrodroid that could help me out with that," Luke slyly said. "In fact, R2 might even be able to decompress critical compartments of the battle station and help me to take it over."

"More murder in your scheme you cannot contrive?" Yoda sardonically asked. "Can satisfied you be with the deaths of only the compliment of an untested battle station and the inhabitants of an arguably neutral star system?"

"I'll admit that the plan calls for a lot of killing," Luke patiently replied. "But it's hardly constructive for you to merely criticize my scheme, Master. However, you'll find me quite responsive to your suggestions, if you can by any means imagine an alternative."

"If afforded an opportunity to examine other options, succeed in making suggestions we just might!" Yoda emphatically answered, sounding uncharacteristically angered, "But time for us to appropriately contemplate this matter you've not allowed."

"So then," Obi-Wan sarcastically summarized, "your plan is to exterminate the entire compliment of the Star Killer, destroy the Kamino system, and use your commandeered craft to reach the confrontation on Coruscant? I must say that I am almost surprised you haven't suggested just using it assassinate the Emperor. You could hardly fail to kill this clone if you destroyed the Coruscant system. The outcome would be far less uncertain."

"I won't be in the Star Killer when I make the journey to Coruscant," Luke answered as evenly as he could, not being familiar with the teasing that had commonly been a part of the conversations between Obi-Wan and Anakin. "If I fail to kill the Clone Emperor, it would not be wise to leave him with a doomsday device parked in orbit. After I've used it to destroy the Kamino system, I'll have to scuttle the ship; but if R2 and I can't figure out how to rig it to self-destruct, I'll program it to fly into the nearest star."

"You mean," asked Obi-Wan, pausing for effect, "the nearest star you've not already destroyed?"

"There are a number of uninhabited systems in close proximity to the Rishi Maize," Luke pensively replied. "I could just use one of them, to avoid possible repercussions."

"Repercussions aplenty at this point you have already amassed!" Yoda very heavily observed. "Approve your plan the Council of Transformed Masters cannot. Another way will have to be found."

"There is no other way," Anakin very angrily interjected. "And since my son will need some specialized instruction in order to go up against this engineered enemy, I will make certain he gets it. We accomplished the assassination of the Emperor with no assistance from your so-called Council. And we'll take care of his darker duplicate as well."

"However, there is something I need to ask from all of you," Luke very carefully said, pausing to look at each of the shimmering shapes before him. "Before I leave, I intend to train Leia at least enough for you to take over with her instruction. With no way to create a cloned successor, if I fail to defeat the Emperor, he will most certainly take on another apprentice. Then, the only way to utterly stop the Sith would be if Leia were to become a powerful enough Jedi Knight to assassinate him as soon as he inherits the Empire. Will you undertake her training?"

"If at that pass we finally arrive, to assist in this training you may yet be able," Yoda answered. "But while you are away on your ill-advised errand, do what we may we most certainly will."

"Would I be correct in assuming that she knows nothing at all of what has transpired concerning the Emperor?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, I was planning to tell her in the morning," Luke tentatively replied.

"Awaken her now you should!" Yoda insisted. "If so limited you believe is the time in which you may train her, then at once should she be made aware of what has happened and the part she may have to play. Rush you do towards the thing that should wait, while postponing the most important. Not commendable is this consistency."

In actuality, Luke was much more afraid of facing his sister's disappointment than of the perilous expedition he was about to undertake. He had not emerged unscathed from the duel on the Death Star, nor had he rested since escaping from its destruction. But he knew Yoda was right. How better to show her that a Jedi's strength flows from the Force than by demonstrating it the face of his own fatigue?

He knew where Lando had landed the Millennium Falcon and, from a conversation earlier that evening, he also knew Han and Leia had retired to the ship. They had invited him to bed-down there as well, but he insisted on sleeping in the A-wing in which he had escaped from the Death Star. He knew the relationship between Han and Leia had been blossoming in his absence, and he wanted to give them as much privacy as he could.

For this reason, he felt as if it would be inappropriate to simply show up on the ship. He opted to use his communicator instead. It seemed likely that one of the droids would respond, but then it would become the recipient's unhappy duty to awaken the princess. He smiled as he considered how Yoda would probably insist that he was still shirking his responsibilities.

C-3PO responded to his transmission. The protocol droid did not seem particularly pleased at having been put in the position of having to summon the sleeping princess. Luke gave assurances of how important it was to do so, while being careful not to give any indication of trouble. It was several minutes before Leia's voice finally greeted him.

"I'm not sure why 3PO didn't just have you come aboard," she tiredly admitted. "Is something wrong?"

It did not surprise Luke when Leia asked the question that C-3PO had not. He knew she had senses that were already beginning to assert themselves. There was a concern evident in her inquiry that exposed misgivings about the manner in which he had chosen to contact her. He could clearly hear its echoes, despite the haggardness of her tone.

"If Han is awake, I'll just come in and talk to you both," he replied, knowing that she would understand how he was affirming her suspicions. "If not, perhaps it would be best if you would come out here. There's no point in disturbing him; at least, not yet."

Since Han and Leia knew the droids would alert them if anybody came aboard, they had elected to leave the ship's ramp in its lowered position. As it worked out, this made it possible for Leia to leave the vessel without waking its captain. She emerged after only a few moments; seeming to somehow sense the correct route to take in order to make her way directly toward Luke in the nearly total, Death-Star-debris-induced darkness.

"What's happened?" she quietly inquired as she finally stood before him.

"The Emperor had himself cloned, and the Death Star was not his ultimate weapon," Luke replied, knowing it would be pointless to try and soften the blow. "I'm going to have to undertake a very risky campaign; and I probably only have a few days at best before I have to leave. But before I go, I need to at least begin your training. There're others who will help you complete it if I should fail, but you first have to reach a point where you can communicate with them. The pathway of the Jedi knight is laid out before your feet. I will take you as my Padawan if you will let me show you the ways of the Force."

"I was already awake when 3PO came to get me. I'd been disturbed from sleep by a dream," she softly answered. She then surprised him by concluding, "If I am supposed to do this, then there's something you're also expected to give me."

Luke reached down and ceremoniously disconnected his lightsaber from the clip by which it hung from his belt. After giving it to Leia, he then replaced it with the one he had recovered from Darth Sidious. In the midst of her awed examination, Leia barely noticed what Luke was doing as he extracted the other lightsaber from his pouch. He looked on, fondly recalling his own fascination, as his sister activated her weapon's bright blade.

"A padawan would normally be required to construct one when the time came. But my first lightsaber was given to me, and there simply isn't time to do things traditionally," he said. After stepping a few paces back from her, he then forcefully said, "As fiercely as you can, attack me with it!"

Leia was not known for backing away from a challenge. There was a brief moment of disbelief written across her incredulous face by the light of her saber's shimmer; and then, without the requirement of any additional encouragement, she attacked. Her initial onslaught was that of the unskilled, and it was easily averted. Luke moved in closer and forced her to be more methodical and less heavy-handed in her attempts. At the timely moment, he somersaulted over her head and attacked her from behind. She instinctively spun and precisely intercepted the blindsided strike. He could see her surprise as Leia recognized what she had done. She looked in awe at the weapon she had so wielded.

Stepping back in order to disengage from the skirmish, and deactivating his recently acquired weapon as he did, Luke said, "The Force is with you, my sister. But the journey of the Padawan comes only with complete commitment. Will you finish what you begin?"

"Is it permissible to begin under one instructor and finish with another?" Leia asked. "I have studied something of the lore of the Jedi Order. I believe it was common to place each Youngling in an apprenticeship under an eligible Jedi Master, to whom they would then be joined until passing the Jedi Trials. Considering that the Order has existed for as long it has, I'm compelled to do this correctly. Can an apprenticeship be transferred?"

"Mine was," Luke readily replied, gratified to see just how meticulous his sister was being about the details of the tutelage. It definitely implied the level of dedication he had hoped to find in her. "Obi-Wan began my training, but Yoda completed it. And once you have progressed to the point where you can commune with them, they are ready to help you finish the transformation into a fully fledged Jedi knight."

"You don't expect to come back, do you?" she intuitively pressed.

"Whether I succeed and am able to return to you in the flesh or not, we shall meet again," Luke assured her. "I will be able to communicate with you from the netherworld of the Force once you have accomplished its alliance. If you wish it, you'll even be able to speak with our father. As I said, he's really the one who killed the Emperor; though it unfortunately didn't altogether eliminate him."

"Then I'm honored at being placed as your Padawan, Jedi Master Skywalker," Leia replied, bowing in the traditional manner of the Order's members.

Luke was caught off guard by his sister's use of such a title. He was thinking about how it had not been his intention to offer her any ulterior motives in mentioning that she would be able to communicate with both him and with their father. No one else had ever ascribed this designation to him before. He was nearly overcome with the emotions that welled up in response. The involuntary reaction was yet one more thing that caused him concern. He had refused to be turned, even with his defeated father helplessly sprawled before him; and yet, he was constantly aware of the way in which the Dark Side pulled at the peripherals of his personality.

Luke spent the remainder of that night instructing Leia in the ways of the Force. She was an extremely quick study. When, after a series of unsuccessful attempts, she finally succeeded in moving something with her mind, he put together a remote and tested her by having her wear a helmet with its blast shield down. After getting stung several times with its low level emissions, her lightsaber became an unavoidable obstacle for the little robot's attacks. While she was thus engaged, Luke spent some time with his mentors.

He remembered how Yoda had objected to training him because of his age. As his twin sister, Leia was now older than Luke had been at the time. He wanted to be certain there were no such concerns. Yoda finally told him of the prophecy, and that he and his sister were both the children of the Chosen One. Nine hundred years of wisdom told the Jedi Master that age was not a concern when it came to the twins; in fact, very little was.

While Luke was having this conversation, dawn broke over Endor. Coming from the Falcon and coming upon the clearing where Leia was training, Han could barely believe what he was seeing. Moving silently, for fear of distracting his blinded lover from her duel with the remote, he was quite startled when she turned briefly toward him and addressed him by name, wishing him a good morning. His reaction was almost predictable.

Cocking his jaw questioningly, he inquired, "You too?"

Surprising both Han and her instructor, who had just completed the meeting with his mentors and was approaching to assign a new exercise, Leia slashed her way through a series of rapid-fire laser blasts as she quickly closed on the remote. Though it should not really have been possible to outmaneuver the robot in such a way, she cleaved it cleanly in half. It emitted an extremely short-lived mechanical scream as its smoldering sections separated before her onslaught.

"Good thing R2 and 3PO weren't here to see that!" Han observed, teasingly scolding her. "But then again, you always have been kind of hard on droids, haven't you?"

Removing the helmet with one hand while deactivating the lightsaber in the other, all in one fluid movement, she impishly asked in reply, "You did bring breakfast, didn't you?"

Showing her his empty hands as he shrugged, Han turned to Luke, asking, "What is going on here? Last night, as her attitude obviously still implies, she was a princess. And now, she is a Jedi knight?"

Suggesting that breakfast was indeed in order, Luke patiently explained the situation to Han as the trio headed for the Millennium Falcon. Leia watched in silent concern as a range of extreme emotions played out across the spaceship captain's face. However, he seemed uncharacteristically at a loss for words as Luke finally concluded his account.

Having boarded the familiar ship and programmed the dispensers according to their respective selections, Han Solo sat in silence for several moments before finally asking, "So, unless you aren't completely successful in everything you're about to attempt, then she may never even have to use her new powers?"

"My mentors are developing a much more complete plan," Luke carefully answered, not wanting to dash his friend's misplaced optimism any more than he wanted to confess that he was now at odds with the Council. "I don't yet understand its particulars. Leia and I will rest for a few hours; and then, we will resume training. Tonight, I hope to be able to present her to the Council. After that, we should have a much better idea of the parts we might each have to play."

By his presence, after Luke and Leia arose, Captain Solo gave his silent support to the various exercises that consumed the rest of the day. When evening came, since he understood that he would not even be able to observe all the participants and really had no place at such a gathering, Han remained inside the ship while Luke and Leia headed for the clearing. They quickly learned that the Jedi Council did indeed have a plan.

"So, Princess Leia, we finally meet," said Obi-Wan, bowing. "As I'm sure you know, I honored your request for assistance; and now, I must ask for your aid. Unfortunately, the Star Killer cannot be scuttled immediately after it's used to destroy the Kamino system. It is the best chance of drawing the clone away from Coruscant. Luke probably wouldn't be able to reach the central systems after destroying the Star Killer anyway. All the Imperial Fleet will surely be sent to intercept him, but the Star Killer could eliminate most of them instead while they're disabling it. After that, the Emperor will probably board it to try and take it from Luke. We need for you to go to Coruscant and change a transponder code to summon any remaining Jedi. We're also hoping that you can use your father's influence to recall the Galactic Senate."

Luke was grateful that his mentor didn't mention the fact that the Council didn't truly approve of his plan. But being confused by the assignment that was being given to Leia, he objected, "Yoda, I thought I was the last of the Jedi. Isn't that what you said?"

"Different my vantage point now is," Yoda answered. "Escaped some of the Jedi did. Changed the code to warn them did Obi-Wan and I. Joined us now they have, due to old age, but apprentices some took and trained. If called upon they now are, come they will to defend the Senate."

"Obviously, this all totally depends on your ability to defeat the Clone Emperor," said Obi-Wan. "And your father will provide you with additional training to help you overcome such a servant of the Dark Side once you're underway to the Star Killer. But for now, you need to focus only upon instructing your sister."

"My Masters, if I may be so bold as to ask," began Leia, carefully pausing to receive nods of approval before continuing, "where must I go to change the transponder code?"

"The Emperor transformed the Jedi Temple into a museum, with himself serving as curator," Obi-Wan answered. "It was an odd thing to do, considering how urbanized and industrialized is the rest of the planet. When the facility fell into disuse, he must have had plenty of highly profitable offers regarding its possible renovation. We think he must have wanted to keep it as a trophy. The server for the transponder system is in the basement. Once you're close, we'll guide you to it."

"There is a matter of considerable importance that I think we need to discuss," Luke said insistently. "The Clone Emperor could contact me at any time. I am going to have to appear to acquiesce to this awful apprenticeship. Deception is a design of the Dark Side, and he is exceptionally perceptive. I know the idea for this plan was mine; but now that it comes to it, I'm uncertain of my ability to truly deceive him."

"Clever your question is, and wise are you to wonder," Yoda answered, nodding in obvious appreciation of the inquiry. "Honesty you must employ in your persuasion of the Clone Emperor. But consider this you should, are not indeed murderous your designs?"

"I see your point, Master," Luke carefully agreed. "However, my intent includes his assassination. Just because I present the side of myself that is resigned to eliminating others, I'm not sure he won't also see that part of my plan."

"Expect it he will," Yoda replied. "Doubtful am I that any apprentice of the Dark Side entered into the service of a Sith Lord without also intending to replace him. Balance the two sides of the Force must you, as only have we ever seen you do, if finally dissuaded from this dangerous course you cannot be."

"Fear of failure is not an option," Obi-Wan agreed, holding Luke's gaze. "And we will have an alternative plan in place just in case. If this Emperor should succeed in wresting control of the Star Killer away from you, it'll hopefully be too damaged to be an imminent threat; and, with it, you will also have almost entirely eliminated the Imperial Fleet. Then, it will be up to the Alliance to engage and eradicate what's left. With the Jedi surrounding the Senate, even if Darth Chrysalis should somehow survive the conflict and return, they may be able to hand him his final defeat and restore the Republic."

At the risk of alarming Leia, Luke quietly suggested, "It might be possible to destroy the Star Killer as soon as he comes aboard to fight me for it, thus assuring the outcome."

Luke could feel the tension in his sister as he suggested such a desperate course of action. But she rightly remained silent as she awaited the Council's reply. It appeared as if Obi-Wan were about to speak. The siblings had both seen him sacrifice himself on the first Death Star. But Yoda raised a green hand and silenced the specters all around him.

"Believe in your ability to defeat the Dark Lord you should. Foresee your failure you should not," he insisted. "Prepared however your astrodroid could be to perform such a final service, if unexpectedly the need were to arise."

"Of course, Master Yoda," Luke agreed just as casually as he could. He could sense how relieved Leia was by the wisdom of the Grand Master's ruling. The ethereal eyes of Anakin were aglow, and even Obi-Wan appeared placated.

"At some point, you must remind me to tell you about my many adventures with your astrodroid," Anakin added. "Obi-Wan and I both had our skins saved on no small number of occasions by that little droid. I'm glad you're now able to rely on such assistance."

"You're acquainted with R2-D2?" Luke incredulously asked. But before Anakin could respond, he added, "But wait a minute. Now that I think about it, R2 originally insisted on being the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're saying all three of you actually have some kind of history together?"

"I actually programmed R2 to look for Obi-Wan in order to give him the plans for the Death Star," Leia volunteered. "But my father had told me about their prior relationship."

"I suppose you would be even more stunned to learn that I am the one who actually built C-3PO," Anakin added. "After I left Tatooine, to go and be trained as a Jedi, C-3PO and my mother both became servants of the Lars household. Both droids were with your mother and me when we went to Geonosis, which is where the Clone Wars began. They remained in our service until we were ultimately separated on Mustafar, and that was the last time I ever saw her."

"Senator Organa had the protocol droid's memory wiped, which is why C-3PO didn't recognize your home on Tatooine," Obi-Wan interjected. "But both droids had been there before."

Returning to his father's last statement, Luke asked, "How'd you and my mother get separated on Mustafar?"

Anakin perceptibly paused before finally replying, "I tried to kill my mentor, Obi-Wan, and fortunately failed. At the conclusion of that duel, I'd never have believed that I would live and she would die. I wish it could have been otherwise; but then, we would not have this chance to finally restore balance to the Force."

"Luke, return to your Padawan's instruction now you should," Yoda concluded.

"Thank you," Luke and Leia answered in spontaneous unison as they ceremoniously bowed before the vanishing specters.

The training session that followed was brief, but very intense. Neither of the siblings had enjoyed much in the way of rest since the destruction of the Death Star. Since Leia was progressing so well, Luke deemed it appropriate for them not to risk exhaustion. He needed to be sure that he was strong enough for his upcoming encounter with the Clone Emperor. He felt certain that it would be very soon. Not surprisingly, he was unmistaken.

No sooner had he said goodnight to his sister, leaving her to spend quality time with Han aboard the Falcon, and turned to make his way towards the commandeered A-wing than he was subjected once again to the Clone Emperor's unnerving image. Evidencing his murderous intent in accordance with Yoda's suggestion, he informed the Sith Lord of his decision to accept the offered apprenticeship. He was unsettlingly certain that all his other ambitions were also appallingly evident, but the clone's reaction was unreadable.

"Your real reasons are irrelevant," sneered the insidious shape. "Once you're under my tutelage, you'll come to appreciate the correctness of this course. The power of the Dark Side is the ultimate instructor of the Sith. The Star Killer is in orbit above Geonosis. Its crew has been informed of your imminent arrival. Whatever star system you choose to obliterate will help bring peace to the Empire; therefore, show no remorse. Know that you are required to kill in order to truly ally yourself with the Dark Side. Fortunately, this initial assignment actually accomplishes both aims; and, as a consequence, you should experience no conflict in completing this task. Come and join me on Coruscant after you have finished."

Many thoughts crossed through Luke's mind at the conclusion of that conversation. He considered an immediate lift-off; after all, he was on his way to the same ship that he intended to take to the rendezvous. It would also, although unfairly, save him from what were sure to be some very difficult goodbyes. Both droids were however on the Falcon. He needed to take R2-D2 with him. It would raise suspicions to unexplainably summon the astrodroid. He also found that he really wished to enjoy one last night surrounded by the idyllic environs of Endor. Climbing aboard, he sealed the hatch, stretched out on his bunk, and dreamed of a universe where any form of oppression was utterly unknown.

Even under normal conditions, sunrise over Endor would be almost too breathtaking to describe. The debris from the Death Star had been dissipating for days. Little was left of its solid rubbish in orbit; but the dwindling dust cloud was still producing a spectacular, multi-hued halo around the ascending alien sun. As Luke lowered the landing-ramp and walked out from the A-wing into the dazzling dawn, an envoy of Ewoks approached and greeted him. Their furry faces looked almost artificial in the curiously colored light.

As Luke was well aware, the natives were quite enamored of Leia. Eventually, they came to understand that he, and not C-3PO, was really the source of the magic they had witnessed. From afar, as they were on their way to visit Leia and all their other friends on the Falcon, they had observed her training in progress. Understandably uncertain of their situation, they had elected to stay at a distance. Now that there had been an interruption in the intense schedule, they decided it was time to come calling. They were not alone.

Han had taken care of informing the rest of the rebels about the Clone Emperor and the Star Killer. As he slowly came to understand the siblings' emergent scheme, through his sporadic conversations with Leia, he had also relayed that information to all the other leaders of the Alliance. After learning the outcome of their meeting with the Jedi Council the previous evening, General Solo had called for a special briefing. Everyone wanted to display their willingness to do whatever was now required. An impressive army of rebel soldiers was with the Ewoks, and they had brought breakfast.

He had been so fixated on instructing his sister, there had not been time for Luke to understand just how much he was missing the friendship of his familiars. Bear hugs and boisterous back slaps abounded as the smiling assembly enveloped him. At length, Han finally managed to move alongside the Jedi Master and explain that the show of support had been at his suggestion. Although Han did not understand the immediacy, he knew it would not be long before Luke had to leave. Han thought it would be wise to provide him with the opportunity for a speech before the anticipated departure.

As Luke was filling his plate with food, Wedge Antilles came alongside him, saying, "These Emperors must all be idiots. They keep building doomsday weapons and we just keep destroying them. You'd think they would finally see how pointless it all is. You know the old saying though – third time's a charm. Maybe the destruction of this Star Killer will ultimately bring an end to the Empire. And then, I guess we'll have to go out and get real jobs!"

Luke laughed uproariously. And it felt good to do so. He had forgotten how flippant some of his friends could be. Stepping into the buffet line just behind them, at that point, Lando Calrissian chuckled too. Chewbacca was right behind him.

The former owner of the Millennium Falcon gestured at the Wookie and said, "You might just want to warn our mutual friend about that. Han would probably rather face the entire Imperial Fleet that be consigned to such a fate. I guess there's just no accounting for tastes. Poor Chewy."

The Wookie did a wonderfully good job of making the subsequent collision look like an accident; but, by the time Lando had regained his footing, Chewbacca had assumed his place in line behind Wedge. The commander of Rogue Squadron was so amused by these antics that he nearly upended his plate of food. Nobody took the slightest notice of the almost imperceptible movement of Luke's hand or the way the contents of Wedge's plate defied the force of gravity and remarkably remained in place.

Han and Leia joined the foursome, bringing their plates with them. The conversation was lighthearted, especially considering the perilous campaigns they were each about to embark upon. Everyone was deeply aware of the many members who were now missing from their assembly. The series of successes, which they had enjoyed, had only come at extreme cost. However, they knew the best way to honor their fallen friends was not with long faces, but with revelry. And, as soldiers, they also knew how to excel in celebration.

The Ewoks excelled as entertainers. Some of them were going around and filling up everybody else's goblets. Many were demonstrating some very demanding dance steps. Obviously, they all understood that at the conclusion of the banquet the rebels would all be on their way. They were attempting to keep their new companions around just as long as they could. Despite the attrition in their tribe, which had been considerable, they were celebrating as well. They had all seen the evidence of the Death Star's destruction in the sky, and it made them feel as if they had participated in a war between heavenly powers. In fact, they felt quite justifiably as if they'd played a significant part in helping the power of good overcome that of evil. They knew they were living in their glory days and would look back longingly at the time that was about to end. So, they were trying to prolong it.

As the consumption and the camaraderie both began to taper off, Luke stepped part of the way back up the ramp of his ship, to put himself in view of everyone, and said, "As you probably already understand, the Emperor has unknowingly given me an opportunity to eradicate the cloning facilities in the Kamino system, bringing to an end the line of his dominion and his supply of Storm Troopers. He'll have to regain control of his doomsday weapon. It will probably take the better part of the Imperial Fleet to disable the Star Killer sufficiently enough for him to be able to board it. In the process, I hope to almost entirely eliminate his armada. If he should succeed in killing me, and R2 is unable to destroy that dreadnaught, it'll then be up to the Alliance to obliterate both the Star Killer and whatever remains of the Imperial Fleet. My sister's mission is to recall the members of the Galactic Senate and secure them with all that's left of the Jedi. Even with the Emperor away, she will probably need your help in reaching and then achieving her objectives on Coruscant. I encourage you to give whatever aid you're able. To the restoration of the Republic!"

A chorus of cheers spontaneously erupted from all the onlookers. In response, Luke lifted his wooden goblet, obviously of Ewok design, and drained it, completing the toast. Han and Leia climbed the gangplank and lingered long enough to say their farewells as their two droids maneuvered through the crowd in order to make their way to the ramp. It seemed to C-3PO that R2-D2 was about to accept a suicidal mission. Many times had such seemed a most logical calculation, but on this occasion it appeared almost certain.

"R2, please do everything you can to keep Master Luke safe. It would be just terrible if anything where to happen to him," the protocol droid insistently said. "And please take good care of yourself as well. Things simply would not be the same without you."

The meaning of the stream of mechanical sounds that issued forth in response from the little astrodroid was unintelligible to all the other bystanders, but the humanoid robot seemed to be satisfied with the enigmatic answer. C-3PO remained near the base of the ramp, demonstrating with abrupt posture shifts something that looked like emotion, while R2-D2 slowly rolled up the incline. In the meantime, Chewbacca had taken advantage of the brief delay and joined Han and Leia on the A-wing, giving Luke a bear hug goodbye. Lando and Wedge had taken the opportunity to shake hands with Luke as the meal was coming to its conclusion. They stood at the base of the ramp beside C-3PO and looked on as the Jedi knight prepared to take his leave of Han, Leia, and Chewbacca.

Luke advised his three friends to evacuate the Alliance from the system. And as the trio was descending back out of the ship, each took the opportunity to pat the astrodroid on its domed head. As they did so, it whistled in appreciative response.

Having raised the ramp, Luke proceeded directly to the cockpit and began preparing the craft for liftoff. R2-D2 dutifully followed. Moments later, as the ship soared up into the sky, Luke angled the A-wing fins for flight. And after having completed the programming of the course into the navicomputer, he finally turned to R2.

"I'm going aft. I need to talk with some old friends," he told the droid. "I need you to keep a close watch on the scanners. We're in an Imperial A-wing, which would normally deter most marauders. But as far into the outer rim as we're going, we could encounter some creatures to whom that might mean nothing. Inform me if anything approaches."

R2-D2 obediently beeped its intent to comply with the request. Luke made his way to the rear of the craft. There, he entered a meditative state and summoned the specters of his mentors. In mere moments, he was communing with his old instructors: Obi-Wan and Yoda. Anakin was with them as well.

"Together, my father and I were ultimately able to defeat the previous Emperor; but I nearly died, and he actually did," Luke stated matter-of-factly and as unemotionally as he could. "The successor has been intentionally engineered to be even more powerful. How then can I hope to overthrow him all alone?"

"Not alone are you in all this," Yoda countered by way of correction. "The Force your ally is. Condone your scheme we do not. But withholding our help will only make matters worse. Act as your advisors we will."

"Each of us engaged in combat with servants of the Dark Side," Obi-Wan informed him. "Some of us were able to defeat them. The best way for you to truly understand the types of techniques involved requires us to directly show our experiences to you. Open yourself to our examples."

Through the eyes of Obi-Wan, Luke then witnessed the battle with Darth Maul. He felt his friend's grief as Qui-Gon Jinn was slain before him. He saw how Obi-Wan Kenobi mastered his emotions and was finally able to turn a near defeat into victory. He watched with satisfaction as the separated sections of the Sith Lord slid down the shaft along with the peculiar weapon he had wielded.

From the perspectives of Obi-Wan and Anakin, and then Yoda, Luke saw the initial battle with Count Dooku, also known as Darth Tyranus. He was particularly interested to see how Obi-Wan and Yoda used different techniques to counter the Sith Lord's attacks, Obi-Wan with his lightsaber and Yoda with a much more hands-on approach.

It surprised Luke to learn that Anakin had actually slain a Sith Lord. He watched with apt attention, through the eyes of each, as Obi-Wan and Anakin faced Dooku again. Obi-Wan's early elimination from the fight left Luke immediately alarmed, but then he saw his father defeat and behead his foe. He recognized the man who ordered the execution. He had already seen this enemy in two different forms. And it was unsettling to see just how oblivious the Jedi Council was to the Chancellor's true nature.

Anakin and Obi-Wan elected to spare Luke from witnessing their fateful encounter in the Mustafar system; but, although he had failed in his attempt to eliminate the Emperor, Yoda allowed Luke to witness that heartbreaking battle. Once it finally finished, they sat silently for several minutes.

"Not stronger are the servants of the Dark Side, only more opportunistic," Yoda said, summarizing. "Defeat to them all did finally come."

"Is there a chance the Clone Emperor is aware of how you're all helping me?" Luke inquired, recalling a concern that had occurred to him earlier.

"Detect our presence this Emperor may, but our councils he cannot infiltrate," Yoda said, reassuringly. "Shrouded however by the Dark Side are this clone's intentions. And not yet revealed to his apprentice do I yet believe them all."

"From what we've been able to discern, Dark Lords tend to test their apprentices in some highly unorthodox ways," Obi-Wan explained. "He would have no misgivings about putting your life deliberately in danger, just to see if you really have the wherewithal to be his student. We've even heard of potential trainees being used to eliminate each other."

"Promotion by proxy, ascension through assassination," Anakin agreed. "That is, in fact, how I replaced Dooku; although I can't say that I see its relevance in this situation."

"Luke, from what you've told us, the Emperor called your command of the Star Killer your first assignment," Obi-Wan continued, choosing not to directly respond to Anakin's statement. "This may be a test for you in more ways than we're expecting. He will accept nothing at face value. Doubtfulness to him is almost a weapon. It failed him in the matter of your father's last-minute betrayal. He will not make that mistake again. You are almost certainly walking into some kind of trap."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Luke anxiously asked.

"Spring the trap," Obi-Wan simplistically replied.

"He cannot believe that you've turned wholeheartedly already," Anakin added. "You resisted that impetus on the Death Star. But you must convince him that you have such a propensity. Whatever happens, you have to respond with aggression. Be empowered by your anger. Unless you demonstrate that tendency, perhaps repeatedly, he will reject you as his potential apprentice. You must set aside remorse, kill without conscience, and be helped by your hatred. To really balance the Force in this way, embracing an alliance with both of its sides, has never before been achieved. But you must use the darkness to hide the light of your true intent. This is how he failed to understand that I had become a danger to him. If there is a shortcoming in the teachings of the Jedi, it is this: it is not evil to deceive the darkness."

"This lightning Dooku and the Emperor unleashed," Luke tentatively began, "I didn't see any of that in the duel with Darth Maul or in either of my encounters with you. Could you explain why?"

"Some of my abilities were biologically compromised," Anakin explained, "although I could still deflect laser blasts with my mechanical hands. I honestly believe the Emperor foresaw my disfigurement, and he allowed it to happen so I would no longer be capable of confiscating his kingdom. It may be that Darth Maul was simply not strong enough yet with the Dark Side of the Force to utilize such offensive options. In order to achieve such ability, you'd have to become altogether evil. You must find some other way to defeat the Emperor. Be aware that it's also possible to strangle somebody by using the Force."

"Listen to your father you must," Yoda insistently agreed. "Swallowed up by it are all who thirst for power. To such a dark end you must not allow yourself to be led. Become the next Emperor you would."

"I have now seen that electrifying ability thwarted both with and without a lightsaber," Luke replied. "And I'm much more optimistic about facing the Emperor again. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me."

Most of his ephemeral instructors dispersed. But Obi-Wan and Anakin stayed as did another member of the Jedi Council, a man whom Luke knew as Master Windu. They all had specific techniques that they wanted to be sure he had indeed apprehended.

"Levitation is only one aspect of how the Force can be used to defy gravity," Windu began. "Some of the gymnastics you used in your final fight with your father come close to what I'm talking about, and the option you used in order to ultimately escape from him at Cloud City may come closer still. It is possible for a Jedi knight to almost approximate flight, and the ability to execute a death-defying leap can create an unexpected means of escape. In fact, it can even leave your enemies to assume that you met your demise."

Master Windu then allowed Luke to experience, first-hand, the incredible bound he had performed from the platform and into the arena on Geonosis, all while removing his flaming garment. Obi-Wan shared the example of how he and Qui-Gon had leaped down from a lofty ventilator shaft and into one of the landing bays of a Federation ship. He also showed Luke how supernatural speed, yet another application of the Force, had enabled them to escape from a pair of destroyer-droids. Master Windu asked Luke to excuse him at this point, leaving Jedi Master Skywalker alone with Anakin and Obi-Wan.

"Using the Force, you can also create a concussion wave," Obi-Wan continued. By way of example, he showed Luke the final confrontation with General Grievous. After he had stripped the cyborg of most of his lightsabers, Obi-Wan had then hurled his enemy into a distant wall with such a wave. Luke was also able to see how this same technique had been very effective on several occasions against battle-droids.

"I was a fool to let Dooku use levitation against me the way he did in that last battle," Obi-Wan continued. "You must always be aware of the Force around you. A concussion wave can be used to nullify the effects of such a levitation attack, but only if you counter it before you are in its grasp. I'd have died that day had it not been for your father. Learn from our examples and, most of all, from our mistakes. These techniques could make all the difference in your encounter with the Emperor. And there is one other thing."

"What's that, Master?" asked Luke.

"There are ways to use the Force between yourself and the surfaces that surround you," Obi-Wan replied. "You did this on impulse when you attacked Jabba's ship as you did, climbing up its side when there really was no purchase for your hands or feet. It was a similar method that allowed Anakin and me to keep from being sucked out into space when General Grievous smashed one of the windows on the bridge of his ship. You can sometimes use it to disguise your presence, especially from those who aren't particularly perceptive, and blend into the background. This application served me well on a number of occasions, including our incursion of the first Death Star; although I doubt that it'll help hide you from the Clone Emperor. Like the old Jedi mind trick, it really works well only on the weak-minded. Now, you need to rest. You have a very busy day ahead of you. And I need to return to your sister's training. She is also being instructed in these techniques."

"Thank you for all of your additional instruction," said Luke. "I now have a great deal of peace about the coming encounter. And I realize that you and the rest of the Council are also instructing Leia, so I suppose I shouldn't keep you. I'll contact you again, soon."

"The Force will be with you, always," Obi-Wan answered before disappearing again into its netherworld, leaving the father and son alone.

"No matter how repulsive this might be for us both," Luke hesitantly said, "I need to understand what happened to you."

"My fall was actually facilitated by a series of bad decisions, several of which were in direct disobedience to specific instructions," Anakin answered. "I will try to outline for you just how I was led astray, for led I most certainly was. I regarded Chancellor Palpatine as a mentor, which I'm sure is precisely what he intended. And I wasn't able to see through his cloak of deceit any better than my superiors."

"How did it begin?" Luke pressed.

"Padme Amidala, your mother, was the Queen of Naboo when we first met," Anakin wistfully replied. "After rotating out of that office, she served as their representative to the Galactic Senate. Obi-Wan and I were assigned to protect her after an attempt was made against her life. When it became clear that the plot was much more complicated than we had assumed, he was dispatched to determine its source while I was sent to escort her back to Naboo. The Jedi Council believed it would be easier to safeguard her there, and my mandate was to do exactly that."

"But that's not how it worked out?" asked Luke, intuitively leaping to the conclusion.

"No," Anakin uneasily answered. "I'd been having nightmares about my mother, your grandmother, for some time. They became distractively intense while I was on Naboo. In my rashness, I told Padme that I was going to have to leave her in order to try and save my mother. When she told me that she'd go with me, I thought that made it okay. But we were both disregarding the Jedi Council's instructions at that point. And so it was that we went to Tatooine. After tracking my mother, Shme, to the Lars residence, we discovered that Tusken Raiders had kidnapped her. I went after her alone. I finally came upon her in the very last minutes of her life. She died in my arms. And in my anger, I killed the entire tribe; men, women, and children."

"After the Alliance fled the Hoth system, I was trained on Dagobah by Master Yoda. While there, I had a disturbing vision of Han and Leia in danger," Luke pensively replied. "I believed that I needed to interrupt my training in order to go and save them. Yoda and Obi-wan, who'd already transformed into the Force, both tried desperately to discourage me. I wouldn't listen. This is what brought me to Bespin and Cloud City. As I'm sure you know, nothing good came of that diversion either. I lost my hand. What happened next?"

"Obi-Wan tried to contact me on Naboo, only I wasn't there," Anakin admitted. "But Padme and I went to Geonosis, thinking we could get there first and rescue him. Again, we essentially circumvented the Council's instruction. We consequently found ourselves in the middle of the Clone Wars. And as if that wasn't bad enough; when Obi-Wan and I caught up with Count Dooku, I raced to engage him in combat. If I had only followed my Master's lead instead, perhaps it wouldn't have cost me my arm. When we survived that initial battle, I was sent to escort Padme back home to Naboo. We were secretly married there, totally contravening the Jedi Code, despite our prior agreement to the contrary."

"That must've made your lives quite complicated," Luke ventured.

"Exactly as she'd said it would," Anakin agreed. "She also said it would destroy us, and maybe it did. Not long after she told me she was pregnant, I began having dreams about her death. In my visions, she died in childbirth. I became obsessed with finding a way to keep it from happening. Somehow, Palpatine became aware of our relationship and my fears about our future. When he revealed himself to me as a Sith Lord, he also insisted that he alone could help me save her. I had told Master Yoda something of my dreams, without revealing whom they were about. He told me to train myself to let go of all that I feared to lose. I was unwilling. I turned Palpatine over to the Jedi Council. But I could not force myself to remain behind while they went to arrest him, as instructed. And so, I came to the Chancellor's chambers just in time to intercede and save him from the lightsaber of Master Windu. Believing the Dark Side of the Force offered the only answer for saving your mother's life; I sided with an abhorrent abomination. I never guessed that I would become at least as repulsive myself. I thought I was saving Padme."

"And having made that fateful decision, you saw no choice but to carry it through to its conclusion?" Luke asked.

"At that point, I had essentially sold my soul, opening myself up to the Dark Side and its most insidious deceptions," Anakin answered with obvious anguish. "I was without the means to determine if my new Master had deceived me, nor could I dare to consider that he might. I simply accepted everything he said and I did whatever he told me. It was like ruling the universe and saving the woman I loved had become the same thing. I actually thought that the power of hate could somehow be made to serve the purpose of love. In my refusal to accept the possibility of losing Padme, I came to the point where I actually sacrificed everything else instead. And in the end I lost her love as well. She couldn't be the burden for which the remainder of my humanity was traded. Of course, I should have seen it coming. All I could see however was what my Master showed me, because it was all I really wanted to see."

"So, when we finally met, you had lived with remorse for almost two decades," Luke concluded.

"Be very careful that you don't give too much credit to what I'd become," Anakin said in reply, surprising his son. "My only remorse was for the loss of Padme. Aside from that, my only option was to absolutely believe in the validity of my hatred. It defined me, giving justification to everything I'd done. I didn't experience real remorse until I saw what I was doing to you. Like Padme, you believed in me. I couldn't let you die for that too, although I had no idea how I'd live with the knowledge that all my choices had been wrong. It was really a blessing that I didn't have to. Here, my faults have met their forgiveness. If such were not the case, I couldn't even speak of these things to you. And I hope you'll forgive me for drawing this session to a close. I've said enough for now. You must be given time to mediate on all that's been disclosed. But you've only to call on me, Luke, if you need."

Luke had only just recently awakened from the first really good night's sleep he had enjoyed in a long while, so he elected to return to the cockpit. R2-D2 seemed grateful for the company as the familiar figure dropped into the pilot's seat, greeting the spacecraft's only other occupant with a series of electronic sounds. After smiling appreciatively at the astrodroid, he reached over and dimmed the interior lights. He then sat in the darkened cockpit and watched the starscapes slip by, recalling the dreams of his youth.

Despite not being tired, he managed to doze off. He was awakened by a sound from R2-D2. Moments later, after noticing a distant object on the scanner's display screen, he heard the static burst of a signal coming in. They had entered the Geonosis system. The Star Killer was already discernible as a radar return, orbiting the planet before them. The signal was coming from the distant ship. A male voice abruptly announced itself over the ship's speakers.

"We have you on our scanners," the voice unemotionally droned. "Identify yourself."

"This is the Imperial Shuttle Narcissus," he rejoined, making the most of the fact that he was actually on the late Emperor's ship, "commanded by Luke Skywalker. Lower your shields and prepare to be boarded."

"We are prepared to receive you, Commander," the voice evenly answered although Luke believed he detected duplicity in the radioman's reply. "Please follow the beacon to the designated landing bay."

"I will need the officers assembled," Luke authoritatively intoned. "We need to select an appropriate target against which to demonstrate the power of this battle station. Bring all of your latest intelligence reports. I need to know where the Separatist systems are."

Luke was not lying. He wanted to know which star systems he should defend while drawing the Imperial Fleet into battle. And his request was, of course, the expected one.

As he maneuvered his commandeered vessel along the indicated approach path, he wondered what insidious reception actually awaited him. The communication officer was definitely withholding important information from the ship's new commander. He recalled the words of Obi-Wan as he brought the stolen shuttle to a stop in the center of the bay: spring the trap.

Chapter Two: Dark Star

Buried beneath the surface of a moon in the outer edge of the Kamino system, the secret cloning facility had lay darkened for a couple of decades. Only a series of lighted panels betrayed the presence of active technology. One monitored the vital signs of the clones. One indicated the stability of the individual stasis fields. The last one tracked the constant transfer of information that had until recently been coming from the Emperor's biometric implant. There had never been a need for any other, active observation. All of this time, medical droids had been standing ready to assist with any emergence. It was inevitable that at least one of the clones would eventually come forth.

With the deactivation of the stasis field, the clone of Darth Sidious awakened. Like some kind of unbelievably formidable Frankenstein's monster, he sprang with obviously superhuman strength from the scientific sarcophagus in which he had been residing. His garments looked like living things as they ripped from the sterile packages and rushed to wrap around him, impelled by his unparalleled use of the Force. So nightmarish a sight would have traumatized any rational observer, but none were present.

With a wave of his hand, he activated a console in a corner of the cavernous room. It obediently displayed all the spaceships in the Kamino system, almost all of which were of Imperial designation. Selecting the closest of the three gargantuan command ships as the target for a tight-beam broadcast, he used the Emperor's personal code to contact it. The officer who received his signal responded with understandable incredulity; but then, he almost instantly transferred the call to the captain.

"The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated," said the Clone Emperor. "Luckily, it was only a decoy that was killed. Home in on my beacon and come to retrieve me. Inform no one about your activities until I am onboard."

The captain's reply was laced with tones of suspicion, but he could hardly ignore an Imperial edict. It had come to him with the correct code, which quick crosschecking had completely confirmed. He issued the order, and the ship proceeded towards the source of the signal. As the massive vessel was assuming an equatorial orbit above the barren moon, landing bay doors abruptly opened between peaks in an unremarkable mountain range. The captain elected to send a robot ship to the surface to retrieve the disputable passenger. He also placed an entire platoon of his best soldiers in the selected landing bay, although whether to welcome or to repel he could not yet tell.

As they were waiting for the droid ship to collect its questionable cargo, the captain had his crew continue in their attempts to scan the underground asylum; but the beams were unable to sound its structure. As a result, they were utterly unaware of the warfare that was raging within the cave-like enclosure as the new Emperor awakened clones of each of his previous servants and had them fight to the death, eliminating each other for the opportunity to become his sole accomplice. The only thing the scanning crew could really certify was that there were actually two life-signs that finally boarded the shuttle.

To have become the captain of a Corellian cruiser was not a small thing. There were very few people to whom the vessel's commander was required to defer. It seemed most imprudent to him however not to be present in the landing bay as the shuttle docked. As he stood there with his armed escort, awaiting the unknown, a disturbing feeling of dread began to impose itself upon him. And it was amplified when only one of the two detected occupants actually exited the robot craft.

While the ramp was still in the midst of lowering; one of the technicians reported that the ship was being reprogrammed for a trip to Geonosis. The captain was about to order an interruption of that effort when a dangerous-looking, dark-clad figure suddenly strode down the walkway. Although the captain had never actually met the man before, he was very well aware of the Emperor's appearance. And although certainly sinister, the figure before him did not meet the expected requirements.

"Weapons!" he barked at the surrounding soldiers.

Before the Storm Troopers could deploy their blasters and take aim on the indicated target, the man opened his hands in their direction. The weapons were ripped from their grasps. They abruptly spun in the air, hovering, as each took deadly aim upon its owner. Instinctively, the soldiers raised their hands in response. The captain fell to his knees.

"Your Majesty!" he breathlessly exclaimed. "Please forgive me! I was fooled by your appearance! I didn't recognize you!"

The Emperor lowered his hands, releasing the floating firearms; and, as they noisily clattered to the floor of the landing bay, he authoritatively answered, "Arise. I need you to alert all commands and tell them that the reports of my death were purely propaganda. If the Alliance is still assembled in the Endor system, we can quickly crush them."

"Your Highness," the captain hesitantly replied. "Word of your assassination resulted in an outbreak of interstellar war, making it necessary to recall most of the Imperial Fleet to the central systems. Of the outlying Imperial positions, only Kamino and Geonosis are still heavily defended. It will take some time to assemble an armada for such an assault. Is it indeed your desire to have some of them withdraw from around the worlds of the old Republic and be redeployed for this purpose?"

"Take me instead to Coruscant, Captain," the Emperor forcefully responded. "I need to restore my control of the Empire before I do anything else. My apprentice is taking the robot ship to Geonosis. He will deal with the leader of the Alliance, or maybe I'll earn my enemy's allegiance. But issue the communiqué about my survival, as instructed, and get the ship underway as soon as possible. Also, advise the Geonosians that my apprentice is on his way to them. I will be selecting my own quarters. That is all."

In a blur of Force-induced speed, the Clone Emperor left the landing bay. There was a certain Jedi knight with whom he needed to communicate. He smiled sadistically as he considered the trap that he was setting for his oblivious apprentice. He contacted Luke.

As the captain turned to carry out his orders, he wondered how the Emperor could have known what he was about to say. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the shuttle was withdrawing from the landing bay. He had no idea what manner of occupant was now on the way Geonosis, but he had the distinct feeling that he should be grateful for not having made the acquaintance. However, he could not help but be curious about the Emperor's mention of the leader of the Alliance and the possibility of an allegiance.

Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, to whom the Clone Emperor had been referring, stood warily at the top of the A-wing's ramp, watching the appliance descend. Thinking it would be best for R2-D2 to wait until assistance with a computer interface was required; he had instructed the astrodroid to remain within the shuttle. However, now that he was actually inside the Star Killer proper, he was certain of something he had started to sense during his final approach. There was a tremor in the Force. It was emanating from somewhere within the immense station. The last time he had experienced such a thing was while in the presence of the Dark Lord of the Sith, Emperor Palpatine.

As he emerged from the Imperial shuttle, he took note of the squad of soldiers that stood ready to receive him. They stood smartly at attention. There was certainly no sign of dishonesty on their part, but to Luke it was apparent that the officer who approached him was hiding something. And yet, curiously, he did not feel as if the man himself were a threat.

"Commander Skywalker, welcome aboard the Star Killer," he said. "I am Lieutenant Colonel Zander. If you will come with me, I'll show you to the command center."

Luke had the distinct feeling that he was being relied upon to play a specific part. He decided to test the resilience of their respective roles and see if Zander was actually able to adapt. While landing the shuttle beside it, he had been fascinated by a little battleship that was also there in the bay. If he was indeed the station's new commander, then there was no reason for him to delay in initiating an inspection. Truthfully, he was quite curious about the capabilities of the stout little craft.

Standing firm, rather than following as requested, he gestured in the direction of the tiny warship and asked, "What manner of vessel is this?"

"That's the Dauntless. For a ship its size, it's incredibly powerful and maneuverable," Zander replied. Seeing how Luke seemed to be set on testing the limits of their situation, he managed not to sound patronizing, as he then asked, "Would you care to take it for a spin, Commander, or do you think it would be best for us to get underway?"

Luke felt that he had been played, that his bluff had been called; but, because it had been so expertly done, he could find no opportunity for taking offense as he offhandedly answered, "Well, since the Empire is falling apart, I suppose we should stick to business. Perhaps we'll have another opportunity for such a distraction."

The squad fell in behind the men as they made their way toward the rear of the bay. From a weapons locker aboard the shuttle, Luke had taken the liberty of adding a blaster to his accouterments. At the time, yielding to such temptation had seemed insignificant.

Into the centermost sections of the station the group circuitously wound their way. It seemed to Luke that his escort was setting him up for some kind of ambush; and yet, he continued to feel that they did not represent the real danger. His sense of a disturbance in the Force increased the further inside the structure they went. Finally, they reached a doorway that clearly opened onto a large area. Zander paused as he was about to enter a code on the keypad beside the ominous portal, turning to look at Luke.

"If it comes to it, I hope you'll hold me blameless in this," he inexplicably said. "You'll have to go through a sort of ceremony before you can take control of your post. You see, right now the Star Killer is under his command."

Before Luke could question the officer's enigmatic statement, the door slid aside. In a single heartbeat, he recognized the frightful form of Darth Maul as he felt his lightsaber unclip itself from his belt and fly into the Sith Lord's hand. At precisely the same moment, the soldiers raised their weapons and began firing on him. From what we've been able to discern, Sith Lords tend to test their apprentices in some highly unorthodox ways.

Using his mechanical hand to deflect the laser blasts in much the same way as his father had done when fired upon by Han Solo at Cloud City, Luke drew his own blaster. Seeing how ineffectual their attack was, and fearing an immediate reprisal, the soldiers interrupted their effort and rushed to take cover. Luke turned the weapon on Darth Maul.

The Sith Lord had already activated both of the lightsabers which were unfortunately now in his possession. He crossed them in front of himself as he prepared to deflect the anticipated laser blasts. But the Jedi Master had never even intended to fire. Luke sent a concussion wave in the Force against his unprepared opponent instead, throwing Darth Maul back into a wall and causing him to lose his grip on the same lightsaber he had just confiscated. It returned obediently to its original owner's hand.

Seeing that Luke's attention seemed to have strayed from them, the Storm Troopers resumed their attack. As he dove through the doorway, with a speed that astounded his would-be assailants, he tossed his blaster down the hallway in their direction. Reflexively responding, one of the soldiers shot it. The ensuing explosion briefly blinded both he and his comrades. When destroyed, all handheld blasters had been deliberately designed to release all their energy in the non-lethal, visible light spectrum. With a wave of his hand, as he activated his lightsaber, Luke sealed the doorway, locking himself inside the room with Darth Maul. The Clone Emperor's assassin laughed with obvious amusement at the display.

The Sith Lord had been uninjured by the impact with the wall. And he was preparing to respond in kind. But he could tell that Luke was ready to counter any such attempt as the Jedi Master circled his evil opponent. The two titans regarded each other for several long moments, getting a sense of the other's mastery of the Force.

"And I thought the old Emperor was ugly!" exclaimed Luke, with highly exaggerated revulsion, electing to open their dialogue with an insult. "Although you will leave a much better-looking corpse this time without the tattoos. Obi-Wan Kenobi killed you before he was even made a Jedi Master! What chance could you possibly think you have against someone who began as his apprentice? Don't you have enough sense to stay dead? Is Count Dooku skulking around here as well?"

"I already killed the clone of Dooku," Darth Maul gleefully declared. "And I am much more powerful for having done so. In case you've forgotten, I'd already killed Obi-Wan's instructor before the learner got lucky. And once I eliminate you, I will enjoy an eternity of ruling over the Empire as second-in-command. It's too bad that the Clone Emperor had already killed your father's clone before I emerged, you pathetic little punk, or you could have been reunited with your daddy."

"First of all, your path to immortality is a ruse," Luke replied. "You're not Darth Maul, even if you have his memories. And you will die, whether or not someone else with your memories replaces you. Secondly, you are the one who got lucky in the matter of killing Qui-Gon Jinn. You can be sure you'll enjoy no such fortune today. And finally, my father and I have already been reunited. It'd behoove you to remember that it was Darth Vader who killed your master. And that was after I'd already dismembered him, like this!"

With a Force-propelled leap, Luke launched himself in the direction of his opponent. As he did so, he also unleashed a concussion wave to keep Darth Maul from attempting to entangle him with levitation. The Sith Lord sensed his enemy's intentions and moved out of the way, but Luke succeeded in gaining his desired position. As he touched down, he initiated a scathing lightsaber attack. To the unseen observers, all having transformed into the Force, it was like watching a replay of Luke's final swordfight with his father.

In actuality, Darth Maul was much more skilled in the martial arts than was Luke. He was also wielding an exact replica of his lethal, double-bladed lightsaber – the saberstaff with which he had dispatched Qui-Gon Jinn. But neither technique nor technology could compensate for the determination and wild abandon of the Dark Jedi's attack as the Sith Lord was relentlessly driven back. He was no more able to find an opening in the assault than Luke's father had been as he was manifestly forced to give ground.

As many of Darth Maul's previous victims would attest, the saberstaff is at its most dangerous in close quarter situations; which is actually the situation that ensued, as the Sith Lord finally refused to retreat. As he avoided the whirling peril of the blazing blades by executing a series of seemingly impossible somersaults, Luke then elected the most unexpected of options and landed right in front of his foe. Grabbing the saberstaff by its shaft, Luke forced one of its bright blades into the metal floor, thus making the fearsome weapon momentarily immobile.

He knew Darth Maul would leap aside if he tried to reach around with his lightsaber, and he could feel the concussion wave that the Sith lord was preparing to unleash; but, as he spun away from the anticipated counterattack, Luke lashed out with his lightsaber and sheared the staff of his enemy's weapon in two. Darth Maul was suddenly no longer in possession of a double-bladed staff.

"Pathetic!" Luke spat, spitefully. "You're nowhere near the opponent that my Master killed! What's wrong with you? Wasn't your midi-chlorian count increased like that of the Clone Emperor, or did he reserve that little dividend only for himself?"

"So that's why Anakin didn't stand a chance, yet Darth Chrysalis absorbed all of the clone's energy," expostulated Darth Maul, apparently having an epiphany. "We Sith grow stronger through the lives we take. As a clone, I've only killed Dooku; but when I kill you, I'll be at least as strong as I was in my previous incarnation, and I'll have won the right to receive the biometric implant that will assure my immortality."

"Darth Chrysalis is a perfect epithet for someone I'm going to crush like a bug!" Luke sarcastically proclaimed. "But as for you and your counterfeit resurrection, we've already had that discussion! You die today, forever!"

Without the advantage of his double-bladed weapon, the staggering Sith Lord was exceptionally hard-pressed to meet Luke's now extremely resolute attack. Multicolored flashes flew as the two titans pushed their supernatural abilities to the limit. Darth Maul had disabled the security systems in the large compartment. All of the inactive cameras therefore afforded the crew no view of what was transpiring inside the room; but, despite the thickness of the interposing walls, they could hear the reports of the two lightsabers as each intercepted the other with incredible energy. The men began to wonder if their formidable battle station might actually be endangered by the unobservable duel.

Had the Sith Lord not been constantly forced to defend, he might have been able to better employ his superior knowledge of martial arts. But each time he attempted to turn the tide of the battle, it left him at a positional disadvantage. The vitality of the Dark Jedi seemed inexhaustible as he continued to bring blow after determined blow against his overwhelmed foe. Darth Maul was unavoidably driven back in much the same manner as Darth Vader had been in that last duel on the Death Star. One end of his saberstaff had already been rendered useless; and, without that tactical advantage, he could not hope to outmaneuver this Jedi Master in the way that his predecessor had the last one.

In truth, Qui-Gon was not the only Jedi that Darth Maul had ever killed, but none of them had fought with such bestial ferocity. And the Sith Lord's supernatural perceptions seemed to be unbelievably telling him that his enemy's enormous strength was actually being fueled by outrage at the Sith Lord's insolence. By comparison, not even the clone of Dooku had responded with such fury. His inability to comprehend how a Jedi Knight could be so improbably empowered put him at an unexpected disadvantage.

They were fighting at such close quarters that there really was not room in which to launch a concussion wave attack. But as Luke used his lightsaber to pry his opponent's compellingly out of the way, he unexpectedly loosed his left hand from its shaft and used the Force to apply a stranglehold, as suggested by his father, to the throat of Darth Maul. Having been taken entirely by surprise, the astonished Sith Lord suddenly found himself in the completely compromised situation of fighting for both breath and leverage.

Ultimately, he was not able to do both. His head came away cleanly as Luke finally forced the functioning remains of the saberstaff aside, abruptly beheading the bug-eyed Sith Lord. As the cadaver crumpled before him, he turned to the doorway, through which he had originally entered the now smoke-filled compartment, and used the Force to open it again.

Zander was standing there. With only the slightest showing of hesitation, he entered the room. No one else accompanied him. Luke insightfully understood that they were all waiting to see if the victor would also elect to kill the man who had led him into the trap.

"Congratulations, Commander," the lieutenant colonel smoothly said. "The station is now officially yours. I am sure you understand that the Emperor's orders did not allow for me to inform you of Darth Maul being onboard. But we're now awaiting your orders, sir."

"Contact Coruscant, if that's where the Emperor is now. I need to speak with him as soon as possible," said Luke. And then, seeing an opportunity to take advantage of what the Sith Lord had told him, he said, "Set course for the Kamino system. This command is not the only prize I'm owed due to my victory over Darth Maul. There's also an implant."

Punctuating his instruction with a show of power, Luke extended his hand and made the functional half of Darth Maul's inactive saberstaff fly up from the floor and into it. The fact that he pointed its business end at Zander, as he handed it across, was not the least bit lost on the apprehensive officer. And as the lieutenant colonel tried to take the trophy, it was not immediately released into his grasp. He froze in place, not daring to move.

Luke held his gaze for several long moments, before saying, "Have your technicians see if they can repair this. If not, I'll fix it myself; but you'll have failed your first test as my second-in-command. I think you understand how bad an idea that would be."

"Yes, of course, Commander," Zander shakily replied as Luke finally allowed him to take the token. Straightening and swallowing, he continued, "Our probe droids found no trace of the rebels anywhere around Endor. We thought they might return to somewhere like the Yavin or Hoth systems, but our long-range scans have detected no such activity. Once we've completed our mission to Kamino, have you selected the system we will be targeting?"

They had only just stepped into the adjoining hallway, where they were immediately flanked by rows of Storm Troopers. Being aware of the opportunity to make an example, Luke abruptly turned toward Zander. The lieutenant colonel suddenly found that he was helplessly hovering in midair. The Dark Jedi snatched the remains of the saberstaff back out of his trembling hand. Not a single member of the escort dared to react. They simply stopped and waited to see what would now happen.

"I've changed my mind," Luke announced with ominous overtones. "I'll fix it myself. I want the Emperor to see it in my hands, anyway. It's not your place to question an order; least of all before it's even been given, and certainly never before the men. I am going to have to promote your most immediate subordinate, since your service aboard my station just came to end."

As the Storm Troopers looked on powerlessly, Zander was summarily strangled to death before their helmet-hidden eyes. His body was then allowed to fall lifelessly to the deck plate. Luke paused for effect, as if he were waiting to determine if he would need to kill anyone else. He then looked down the hallway towards where the other officers were waiting to receive him.

"I'm still waiting for someone to put me through to the Emperor," he hissed. "Where is the subspace communicator?"

"I'm Second Lieutenant Eisley, sir," one of the officers replied, stepping forward. "I'd be honored to escort you. This way please, Commander."

As Luke followed Eisley around a corner, he conversationally asked, "Did you know there's a space port on Tatooine called Mos Eisley? Is there any relationship?"

"None that I'm aware of, sir," Eisley replied. He then carefully added, "But thank you for asking."

It was immediately apparent to Luke that he had certainly succeeded in placing the station's compliment on tenterhooks. As they continued their route to the communication room, Luke reiterated his instruction regarding the destination of Kamino in case Zander had not relayed it. He also gave his escort a field promotion, making him Major Eisley.

The technicians stood at attention as Luke and Eisley entered the communication room. In mere moments, they had summoned the holo-image of the Clone Emperor. As Luke bowed before the evil visage, everybody else instantly followed his example. Jedi Master Skywalker ceremonially extended the remnant of the slain Sith Lord's saberstaff.

"My Master, Darth Maul is no more," he solemnly intoned, raising his eyes to meet those of the ominous image. "He died like a craven coward. Your increased midi-chlorian count notwithstanding, it was wise to kill my father's clone immediately upon awakening. All the power derived from previous victories apparently does not transfer to the clone."

"You will grow stronger with the Dark Side each time you kill," the Emperor replied. "And speaking of that, where is Lieutenant Colonel Zander?"

"He wasn't able to keep his tongue in check, so I choked him with it. Major Eisley is now my second-in-command," Luke answered evenly.

"You probably only saved me the trouble, my apprentice," Darth Chrysalis cackled. "I'm glad to see how seriously you're taking this assignment, and how eager you are to increase your personal power. But tell me, have you selected your target?"

"Before I embark on my mission to make an example of a Separatist system," Luke answered, "I'd first like to go to Kamino and give them the genetic material with which to begin my clone and receive the biometric implant for uploading my experiences. Have I not won this right, my Master? I pray that you'll not now withhold from me the promise of immortality."

"The cloning facility is not on Kamino," said Darth Chrysalis, by way of correction. "It is buried beneath the surface of a moon in the outskirts of their system. All they know is that the Empire purchased it. Droids attend to its operations. I'm relaying its coordinates and the code for gaining access. You have indeed now demonstrated your qualifications for serving as my second-in-command. Contact me again after you have completed your mission to Kamino and selected your initial target. Until then, may the Force be with you, my young apprentice."

As the Emperor's three-dimensional image faded before them, Luke turned to Major Eisley, saying, "Since the second Death Star was destroyed, this battle station, of which I've been given command, is now the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. I need you to tell me all about its capabilities. I must understand everything about its operations. There can be no aspect of which I'm unaware."

"As its name implies, sir," the major candidly responded, "this product of Geonosian engineering can actually destroy a star."

"Can it, like the Death Star, be used to single out specific worlds instead?" inquired Luke, managing to hide how hopeful he really was of an affirmative answer.

"No, it doesn't have that ability, sir," Major Eisley replied as he ushered Luke in the direction of the bridge. "The particle-beam system creates a cascade effect in the heart of a star, causing it to hyper-nova, but the station is easily able to outrun the shockwave. Its defensive systems are state-of-the-art, but it's no better equipped to actually attack a planet than, say, a Corellian cruiser. In the matter of waging war against a specific world, it's an all or nothing scenario. That's why it really is the ultimate deterrent to secession."

"Is there a disadvantage?" asked Luke as if the prospect was not already distasteful enough. It was now clear to him that there was no option for simply destroying the secret facility at the edge of the Kamino system, even though doing that would not eliminate the Empire's supply of Storm Troopers.

"It totally sterilizes space for at least three parsecs in every direction around the star that is destroyed, sir," Eisley answered. "Even in the Outer Rim, that would have to make havoc with the shipping lanes. There'd be all kinds of collateral damage to the adjoining systems. And, of course, if it were used against any of the core systems, there would be widespread, long-term effects. It would probably destabilize the Empire. In that regard, it really is a doomsday device. Once it's been demonstrated, no sane administrator would initiate the kind of action that would require its response. From here, you're effectively in control of the galaxy in a way no Death Star commander could've ever even imagined."

"So," Jedi Master Skywalker summarized, "with a succession of Chrysalis clones on Coruscant, and an inexhaustible supply of myself circling the galaxy in the Star Killer, the Empire really does become perpetual, doesn't it? But what if this station were somehow to be taken?"

"There is a failsafe, sir," Eisley replied as he ushered Luke onto the bridge. "There's some kind of self-destruct device incorporated into the station. Only the Emperor has its code. My understanding is that it can be neither activated nor deactivated from here. No possibility of it falling into the wrong hands for very long actually exists. Of course, while you're onboard, no one would have a chance of taking it anyway."

Using Force-produced, superhuman speed, Luke slipped suddenly in front of Eisley, turning to confront him at close quarters, and asking, "I do appreciate the sentiment, but aren't you afraid I'll just eventually kill you the way I did your superior?"

The major did not even blink as he replied, "I don't intend to ever give you a reason, sir. But have you stopped to wonder why the lieutenant colonel was in charge of such an important facility? That thing you killed, back in the bay, murdered most of the command structure's upper echelon almost as soon as it came onboard. Zander should never have been in charge, and you have already been far kinder a commander than your homicidal predecessor."

"Good answer, Major," Luke replied, grinningly. Pulling his communicator from one of his pockets, he then spoke into it, saying, "R2, lock onto my signal. I'm on the station's bridge. Come and meet me here."

As soon as R2-D2 arrived, Luke had the technicians explain the various functions of which they were in charge, saying, "It's much too critical for me to understand everything about this battle station. My astrodroid will be able to help me if I fail to pick up on some of the finer details. All of my supernatural abilities notwithstanding, I still need to have the competence for command."

The engineers and the officers seemed to accept Luke's rationalization without any question. Of course, Jedi Master Skywalker was actually making certain that he and his astrodroid would be able to operate the station in the crew's absence. At the conclusion of the briefing, he had Major Eisley show him to his quarters. R2-D2 went with them.

"As I'd indicated, sir, there's been some serious and totally unforeseen attrition with regards to the command structure," Eisley explained as they left the bridge. "I hope it will be okay with you if I put you in the Admiral's quarters. They are the most comfortable of any on the station. And I was wondering if you would approve of me upgrading my own."

"That'll be fine, Major," Luke replied. "There is one other thing though. I don't want to proceed directly to the cloning facility. The Kaminoans are very technologically advanced and are sure to monitor the presence of this station in their system. With all the unrest in the Empire right now, and their continued cooperation being so critical, I think it would be best if I paid them a visit and reassured them. We can then proceed to the cloning facility afterwards. Therefore, have the navigators set their course for Kamino Prime."

"Very good, sir," replied Eisley as the two men and the droid arrived at the doorway to Luke's exceptionally spacious quarters. "I'll relay your orders to the navigators. I'll also let you know when we reach Kamino. Is there anything else, sir?"

"Yes," Luke replied. Handing the major the remains of the saberstaff, he said, "Have your technicians see if they can repair this. If they can't, then I'll fix it myself. But I would much rather spend my time familiarizing myself with this station and its systems. Beyond that, I'm satisfied with everyone's performance for now. That'll be all, Major."

"Thank you, sir," Major Eisley replied. He then executed an Imperial salute, turned sharply, and strode purposefully away.

Upon entering his quarters, Luke turned to his redoubtable astrodroid and said, "R2, scan the room for any kind of audio or visual surveillance. Deactivate anything you find, and let me know when you've certified that we're secure."

While R2-D2 executed the requested sensor-sweep, Luke settled himself upon the most comfortable-looking piece of furniture and prepared to press into the Force. Once he was satisfied that he was under no electronic observation, he entered the meditative state and sought to commune with his mentors. Anakin was the only one available, and this neither displeased nor surprised the newly installed Commander of the Star Killer.

"Everyone else is very busily involved in instructing Leia," Anakin informed him. "We had already agreed however that I should be at the ready as your resource. I saw your duel with Darth Maul. Impressive, most impressive; but how can I help you, my son?"

"Something happened to me when I killed Maul and Zander," Luke confessed, quite candidly. "Slaying the Sith Lord was unavoidable, and I gained critical intelligence in the exchange. The Lieutenant Colonel was more of a test I set for myself; to see if I could kill without provocation, and to make sure my subordinates knew better than to test me any further. But I also experienced an inclination for killing that hadn't been there before. I'm not sure I can even claim any remorse over the murder. And it left me feeling energized."

"Killing through the use of the Force is the most immediate path to the power of the Dark Side," Anakin admitted. "It may help you in your encounter with the Emperor, but it can be extremely addictive. You could end up actually becoming the very thing you have set out to destroy. You must maintain your balance. And it could be particularly difficult, since you will undoubtedly have to take more defenseless lives."

"I'm going to see the Prime Minister of Kamino," Luke carefully explained. "My hope is that I can convince him to evacuate the system. This station doesn't have the ability to destroy something the size of a planetoid. In order to eliminate the secret cloning facility, I will have to destroy the entire star system."

"The Kaminoans are a very reclusive race," Anakin advised him. "Despite being one of the most technologically advanced in the galaxy, they seldom venture out of their own system. Had the Empire not developed, I still doubt that they would ever have joined the Republic. They'd have never gotten a volunteer to maintain a diplomatic presence in the Senate. You're going to have to be exceptionally persuasive. They're far too intelligent to succumb to the old Jedi mind trick. Do you have any idea of what you are going to say in order to try and convince him to do something as extreme as an evacuation? Remember that their cloning facility is contracted to the Empire. They'll not abandon it lightly."

"If I tell them we've received intelligence about an impending rebel attack, perhaps I can persuade them to use the cruisers to flee the system and leave the clones to help us defend the planet," Luke suggested, revealing his scheme. "Since the true nature of this battle station is unknown to them, it would even explain the arrival of the Star Killer. If it works, only the Storm Troopers and the other Imperial ships will be here when I destroy the system. That would minimize the taking of any innocent lives, while still allowing me to accomplish my larger goal."

"It's an interesting approach, if you don't give yourself away in the process," Anakin answered, adding the caution. "But excuse me if I'm not overly optimistic. You probably had a better chance of buying Solo's release from Jabba, and we both know how much of a bloodbath that turned into."

"Right, I opted for the non-violent approach on that occasion as well," Luke replied. "But I don't think you can really conclude that there was actually any loss of innocent life. Jabba surrounded himself almost exclusively with bounty hunters and bandits. After all, everybody on those barges viewed execution as a type of entertainment."

"Well said. I concede the point," Anakin answered, obviously amused. "And I'm not trying to defer you from your attempt to get the Kaminoans out of the way. Just don't set yourself up for a devastating disappointment if it doesn't end up working out for you any better than the gambit on Tatooine. Frustration is one more path to the Dark Side. If you end up having to kill the Kaminoans, it will be far less perilous for you personally if you're remorseful about it and not already upset with them at the time. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Luke seemed momentarily taken aback by his father's unexpected admonition, but he finally replied, "Yes, I do now. I'm concerned that I hadn't seen the possible downside of my plan. The Dark Side really is insidiously seductive, isn't it?"

"Which is probably why my Dark Master received so sinister a designation," Anakin quietly responded as Luke understood with revulsion that he had very nearly named the previous incarnation of the Emperor. "But I will be very interested to see if this works out for you. It certainly seems to represent the only possible way to spare the Kaminoans. If however you're not successful, and while I don't want to sound like I'm condoning killing on such a scale, you might consider just how questionable is the enterprise in which they are engaged and how much damage has been done to democracy as a direct result."

"I will carefully consider everything you've said," Luke circumspectly replied. "Thank you for your counsel. I'd better rest now. I've got a planet full of people to try and save."

"Sleep well, my son," Anakin's specter answered, disappearing into the shadows at the edge of the dimly lit room.

Eisley had given Luke the command codes. Since R2-D2 was not employed in any other activity, and there was an uplink to the station's central computer in the Admiral's quarters, he had the little astrodroid interface with the facility's system. While he rested, the robot familiarized itself with every nuance of the Imperial network. When it came time to seize control of the station, he wanted to be certain his robotic accomplice was easily equal to the challenge. He was also very troubled about the presence of a self-destruct device. While he wanted to have the option of destroying the station himself, it was very worrisome to think that Darth Chrysalis could eliminate him with the touch of a button.

Major Eisley had told him that the device could neither be activated nor deactivated from anywhere inside the station. However, Luke also understood how deception was a tool of the Sith. There was consequently no reason to assume that such a relatively low-ranking Imperial officer had been told the entire truth. If it could be found, and its control could be apprehended, R2-D2 was definitely the droid for the job. But Luke also told the astrodroid to employ extreme caution. Such a search had to be conducted with extreme secrecy, since there might be safeguards to prevent the device's detection. If the Clone Emperor became aware of the attempt to isolate the failsafe mechanism, it might not be possible for Luke to hide his true intentions in the ensuing interrogation.

Despite all the unknowns of their situation, Luke did indeed sleep well, right up until Major Eisley arrived to inform him that they had just entered orbit around Kamino Prime. Then, the officer waited patiently at the communicator panel, outside of Luke's luxurious quarters, while the station's commander showered and dressed.

Luke emerged in the best fitting of the uniforms he had found in the Admiral's closet, under which he had carefully concealed his lightsaber. His intention was to appear to the Prime Minister of Kamino as an extremely high-ranking emissary of the Empire, not as a Jedi knight gone rogue. Consequently, he was somewhat surprised when Eisley handed him Darth Maul's saberstaff, now fully functional.

As Eisley instinctively raised an eyebrow at the official-looking attire, while gingerly handing over the saberstaff, Luke said, "I want to reassure the Prime Minister, not scare the daylights out of him. Lightsabers and such tend to have that effect on people."

"I understand perfectly, sir," the major replied, sounding as if he most certainly did.

With R2-D2 behind him, Luke left the major at the landing bay door and boarded the A-wing. It seemed very strange to him that the Emperor's shuttle, in which he had borne his father's remains away from the last Death Star, had become his most common mode of transportation; but it made sense to take the Imperial shuttle down to the planet. After the communiqué, which Luke had just transmitted, he knew the Prime Minister would be expecting a dignitary with such attire and transport. But once again, it felt like he was just playing a part, and it bothered him that so much of his plan seemed to rely on deception.

He had considered leaving his astrodroid on the Star Killer, mainly to monitor all the activities in his absence; but he really felt there was no need for such espionage. Major Eisley was clearly a competent commander and would certainly do nothing at this point to incur the wrath of his superior; and a small showing of faith, by taking his mechanical counterpart with him, would help to demonstrate confidence in his second-in-command. Luke certainly did not need any assistance from the little droid when it came to handling the A-wing, but he thought that the robot's sophisticated scanners could come in handy.

Angling the craft's wings, as he cleared the confines of the landing bay, Luke aimed the nose toward the planet below. It immediately became apparent to him that this world was altogether unlike anything he had ever encountered before. As he dove though the moisture-laden atmosphere, this fact was even more powerfully hammered home. After growing up on a desert world, he had spent time mainly among forests and on one globe of ice. The oceanic world was as altogether alien an apparition as any he could imagine. He wondered if it rained there constantly. A brief discussion revealed that Obi-Wan had also entered through a stormy sky, although the Kaminoans did not appear amphibious. As essential as they were to the Empire, little about them seemed to really be known.

Coming in low over the rolling waves, he got his first naked-eye view of the capital city. He immediately questioned how it could have been built. It rose on steel stilts above the anger of the ocean all around it. Given the violence of the environment in which was erected, its construction seemed impossible; but its supports appeared as impervious to injury as the ocean's assault seemed ceaseless. It immediately occurred to him that this place held mysteries that had never been understood; but whether they would thwart or aid his design, he could not yet discern.

Circling around the suspended metropolis and considering its resemblance to Cloud City, he finally touched down on the indicated landing pad. The rain was falling in sheets.

A willowy receptionist greeted him at the entrance, introducing herself as Sauma Su, daughter of the previous Prime Minister. After politely ushering her guest and his droid in from the deluge, she turned and escorted them down a brightly lit passageway. To Luke, it seemed as if such a sprawling city should be much more densely inhabited. Few other pedestrians were to be seen in the expansive surroundings. He intentionally avoided any intense interaction with his escort, choosing to prepare himself instead for his upcoming interview with the Prime Minister. He was led to a large but oddly empty room.

"Daras Ko, the Prime Minister of Kamino, is currently on leave of absence, because of a recent addition to his family," Sauma said, smiling. "Nevertheless, he is coming in to see you. We do not know the nature of your visit. Your communiqué did not say anything about your reason for requesting this appointment. However, you are valued customers; and since his schedule is free, Daras should be able to spend as much time with you as required. He should be here momentarily. Please be seated. Can I get you anything?"

At Sauma Su's suggestion, a chair descended into a nearby corner to receive Luke, who replied, "Thank you for your kindness, but I'm currently in need of nothing."

With a nod, the receptionist left. Luke did not have to wait long for the Prime Minister to arrive. As the graceful official elegantly entered, Luke stood and introduced himself as Admiral Skywalker. Wearing the uniform of office, his statement was assumed as true.

"I am very pleased to meet you," Daras Ko politely responded. As he did so, he also made a gesture. A second seat descended into position near the one that Luke had just left; and, as he settled himself into it, the Prime Minister said, "Please, let us sit and talk of the reason for your visit. Is there any dissatisfaction with the last shipment, or is there some other reason we are being honored by such a distinguished dignitary?"

"Before we discuss such difficult things, if I may, I'd like to ask you about your city," Luke replied, trying to get some sense of the unusual life form that he was about to try to manipulate. "This is the most impressive facility I have ever seen, but I don't understand how it could have been built. How were you able to construct it in the middle of the sea?"

There was a distinct sparkle of inquisitiveness in the Prime Minister's alien eyes, as he paused, before responding, "In all our arrangements with outsiders, never before has anyone ever seemed curious about our culture; and it is not possible to explain how this city came into being without first giving some extensive historical background."

"Please, I would like to hear," Luke insisted. As a rule, as the Jedi Master well knew, most types of sentient creatures are far more susceptible to a suggestion when it seems that the party making the recommendation displays genuine interest in either themselves or their society. Truthfully however he was not simply playing politics. He had the distinct sense that something in the explanation would directly impact his plan.

"Once upon a time, our world was like many others," Daras Ko began. "There were woodlands, prairies, deserts, rainforests, mountains, and oceans. There were also polar ice caps. Our ever-increasing industrialization gradually heated the planet's atmosphere. First, there were violent storms; some in the plains, and some that started over the seas. Each year, for decades, they became stronger. However, we did not understand how we were responsible for the waywardness of the weather; and then, things got much worse."

"Why didn't you just leave?" Luke asked, unintentionally interrupting. "Surely space travel was not beyond your ability, even then. You have one of the most technologically advanced civilizations I've ever seen."

"At the time, it would have been impossible to evacuate the entire planet," Daras Ko patiently replied. "And we were beginning to realize that we had done this to ourselves. It was entirely possible that we'd just make the same mistakes somewhere else if we didn't take the time to understand them first. As the polar ice caps melted, we found ourselves forced to flee before the rising seas. At first, overpopulation was a serious problem. With so many abandoning the coastal cities and retreating inland, our already supersaturated society was becoming too concentrated. It was at about this time however that the birth rate began to fall off sharply. The damage to the atmosphere, from all the pollutants, was causing it to allow a dangerous amount of radiation to reach the planet's surface. People were becoming sterile. It seemed as if our society had reached its end."

"How did you survive?" Luke anxiously gasped, finding it unnecessary to exaggerate his response.

"Many bloodlines did not," Daras Ko heavily answered. "With the increase of sterility, many families arrived at a final generation. By this time, the population had diminished to such an extent that an exodus across space would have been possible; but it would only have left us to perish somewhere else. With everybody at this point unable to propagate, our very existence became dependent upon our ability to definitively understand how we had come to such a desperate point. And so it was that we solved the secrets of both the atom and the gene. Before the ocean had entirely overflowed what remained of the land, we built the structurally impervious super-cites, engineered to stand for centuries against the ravages of the waves."

"And your understanding of genetic engineering allowed your race to survive," Luke correctly concluded. "It also gave you a very important resource to export. But I still don't understand why you stayed. Your commerce certainly doesn't depend on your location."

"We have accepted the challenge of living within the conditions we created," Daras Ko replied in a tone that somehow reminded Luke of Yoda. "It would be irresponsible to abandon the planet that produced us. We carefully manage its underwater resources. In fact, there are probably very few races capable of subsisting as we do, for we ensure the replacement of everything we extract and take conscientious steps to assure the survival of each remaining species. In the natural course of events, our sun will finally exhaust its fuel. When that time comes, we may cross the cosmos. Maybe by then we will truly have become responsible enough to assume stewardship of another planet. But we will never discard our homeworld for the sake of convenience, as inhospitable as others might find it. We are Kaminoans. This world is who we are. It is the essence of our identity. To turn from it would be to turn from ourselves."

Luke sat in silence for several moments. His plan was falling apart right before his disappointed eyes. Nevertheless, he had to at least make the attempt. Now, more than ever, he felt driven to save the race whose representative could make such summations. He could not bear to think that he was actually preparing to bring about their extinction.

"What if you were in terrible danger?" Luke suddenly asked with immense intensity, using his mastery of the Force to strengthen his suggestion. "What if every inhabitant of your planet was at risk and only by leaving could you ensure their survival? What then?"

When Daras Ko hesitated, Luke continued, "Agents of the rebellion came against an Imperial installation in the Endor system and actually succeeded in destroying the sister station to the one I command. I am here to officially request an evacuation. I'd ask you to leave the clones here to possibly defend the planet but put your people on their cruisers and flee this system until the conflict is over. Their lives are hanging in the balance."

Luke had carefully crafted his compelling proclamation in such a way that it relied on no deception whatsoever. It had the force of truth, which it was. If anything were going to persuade the Prime Minister, he thought, this would have to be it.

"We are aware that there have always been those who consider our specific kind of commence quite questionable. And when the Republic metamorphosed into the Empire, we also knew that the consequences of our collaboration had conceivably increased. As I indicated earlier, our society has become based on the idea of accepting accountability. To evacuate, as you have advised, would be in direct contradiction to our very culture. It would do no good to bring this before the Planetary Council. They might well accuse me of wasting their time, even wondering why I had interrupted my leave of absence. This is not a course of action I can even condone, let alone advocate. I am sorry. If the enemies of the Empire have become so powerful that you cannot save us from them, then we will simply perish. A series of wrong choices, if that is the activity is which we have engaged, logically comes to such a conclusion," Daras Ko softly said with heartfelt resignation.

Rising quickly to his feet, before he could be overwhelmed by his uprising emotions, Luke hastily said, "Thank you very much for your time, Prime Minister. I'll do what I can."

Jedi Master Skywalker seriously considered using superhuman speed to escape the suddenly oppressive feeling of the spacious city. However, he feared that Prime Minister Daras Ko might contact the Star Killer in order to inquire about such an unusual ability in its ambassador. And if he were to innocently make a reference about the request, which he had just received from Luke, the results could be catastrophic. Despite his mastery of the Force, Luke was compelled to put one foot systematically in front of the other until he had finally reached the landing platform.

Although robots were not supposed to be imbued with actual emotion, the little droid was whirring with something that sounded distinctly like anxiety by the time they boarded the A-wing again. As much as Luke hated to describe the horrific scenario, he needed to be sure if R2-D2 was capable of assisting in the type of takeover that he was planning to carry out upon his return to the Star Killer.

"R2, you interfaced with the station's central computer," he softly said as he began the launch sequence. "I need to know if, by using the command codes, you can bypass the safety protocols, seal the ventilators to the bridge, deactivate the gravity generator, and open all the hatches on the Star Killer, excluding the bridge, in rapid succession."

He knew some of the crew would be off-shift and in their bunks. But the disorienting loss of gravity would make it a lot harder for them to resist the explosive decompression and remain onboard and for any potential survivors to reach the emergency facemasks. He also knew that R2-D2 was aware of the murderous implications of his query. He was essentially asking the astrodroid if it were capable of accomplishing the killing with such fatal efficiently. But after only a moment in which to analyze the operations involved, he was not surprised when the little robot indicated with a definitive beep that it did indeed possess the required capacity.

It took Luke much longer than was required to begin the launch cycle. He sat there in the pilot's seat and looked out over the riotous waves. He tried to think of anything he could yet say to possibly change the Prime Minister's mind. Nothing suggested itself. He even spent a moment communing with his mentors, hoping for a creative suggestion. No one could come up with anything. Knowing how utterly definitive would be his departure, Luke did not want to leave. By doing so, he knew he was condemning the Kaminoans to death. He stared at the control panel, fighting tears.

Seeing that he could not really console his prior apprentice, Obi-Wan tried instead to distract Luke by telling him about the battle with Jango Fett that had happened in almost precisely the same place. The only fact that Luke seemed to glean from the tale however was that the Jedi had never enjoyed much success when it came to Kamino. Despite the determined attempt by Obi-Wan to apprehend him, the bounty hunter had escaped. Obi-Wan was forced to follow him to Geonosis, and only by faking the destruction of his ship had the Jedi Master ultimately reached that destination; but only to be captured. He then had found himself sentenced to die and escaped only to find himself in the middle of the first engagement of the Clone Wars. Although he survived, the victory had been hollow.

Luke feigned fascination but was hardly reassured. Nevertheless, since he had no other option, he engaged the shuttle's engines and began the trip back to the Star Killer. He was quiet as they finally climbed above the storm. Even R2-D2 was strangely silent.

As Luke made his final approach to the station, he used the shuttle's communicator one final time, instructing Eisley to meet him in the landing bay. He then tested the two ends of the Darth Maul's recently repaired saberstaff on that particular system, severing the circuit boards throughout the console. R2-D2 protested noisily until Luke succeeded in assuring the alarmed astrodroid that his actions were both deliberate and necessary.

As Jedi Master Skywalker, with R2-D2 at his side, strode down the extended ramp from the rear of the A-wing, Major Eisley entered the landing bay. Seeing that Luke had already disembarked, the Imperial officer visibly hastened his approach. He had no idea why he had been summoned, but he was clearly determined to gratify his commander.

As he came to a stop and snapped smartly to attention, Eisley happened to see the smoke that was wafting down from the open hatch of the A-wing He asked with sudden concern, "Sir, is there something wrong with your ship, should I call for the technicians?"

As the sight distracted the officer's attention, Luke simply lifted both hands and used the Force to extract both the major's blaster and personal communicator. Eisley was, of course, immediately apprehensive; but Luke's answer startled him much more severely.

"Nothing that will interfere with the long journey you're about to take in it," Luke said. As he saw the questions forming in the major's mind, he continued, "The Kaminoans will not evacuate. But you have served me well, and yours is now the only life I can spare."

Instantly understanding the situation, Eisley surprised Luke by replying, "Maybe not, sir. There are some others who could benefit from your benevolence, if you'll allow it."

"What do you mean?" Luke asked intently. "What others?"

"Officers are allowed to have their family members onboard," Eisley answered. "My wife and I have no children. The Admiral had a wife and children, so did the Captain. We were afraid that sending them down to Geonosis would amount to a death sentence; so they're still billeted aboard, housed in what would have been guest quarters. The widow and orphans of the lieutenant colonel are still with us as well."

Eisley swallowed hard as he concluded his statement, and Luke understood why. It had never even occurred to him that an Imperial officer would be a family man. He could barely look the major in the eyes, but he finally gestured at a panel near the doorway at the back of the bay and said, "Use the ship-wide intercom. Announce that the Star Killer is about to proceed to its first target and that the station commander has very graciously agreed to allow the family members of the fallen officers to use his shuttle to leave at this time. They may proceed to a system of their selection while we commence maneuvers."

"I can't thank you enough, sir," Eisley replied, with obviously honest gratitude. There were tears forming in his normally emotionless eyes.

"Major," Luke said, bringing the Imperial officer to a halt as was turning to make his way to the console. "My astrodroid will scan the potential passengers for communication devices. There are to be none. You need to hit the hyperdrive as soon as possible, once you've cleared the station. If you try to approach any of the ships in this system instead, I'll have the shuttle scanned; and when you are discovered aboard, I will say that you've deserted. Widows and orphans notwithstanding, I'll have you blown from the heavens."

"I understand," Eisley evenly answered. "Your instruction will be absolutely obeyed."

Luke stood well to the side as the wives and children arrived. The women were far too relieved to question the commander's surprising stipulation. They easily surrendered their personal communicators. He had positioned R2-D2 at the base of the ramp, where it was a simple matter for the astrodroid to inconspicuously scan the passengers as they were boarding. No one attempted to violate the covenant. Major Eisley was the last one to board. He turned and saluted Luke one last time, and then the late Emperor's shuttle became a life raft for the bereaved refugees. With the single exception of the slaying of Darth Maul, Luke felt like it was the only admirable thing he had done since starting his questionable campaign. He watched with relief as the shuttle cleared the landing bay.

As the astrodroid, relieved of its sentinel assignment, moved to join its master, Luke said, "When we get to the bridge, I want you to position yourself by the weapons control panel. There's a computer uplink there. Being plugged in would probably keep you from floating around when you deactivate the gravity generator, but magnetize yourself to the deck plate just to be sure. When I give you the order, initiate the sequence. But as soon as it's complete and you can divide your attention, I want you to zap anybody who even comes close to that panel. Once they realize that I am taking the station, they may try to sabotage such critical systems. I'm going to have to try and deflect any laser blasts they get off into either them or what little nonessential equipment there is on the bridge. Let's go."

Despite the deadly duty that now lay immediately ahead, Luke lost no time in getting to the bridge. He needed to confirm that Major Eisley and the shuttle's passengers were all now on their way out of the system. He felt vindicated when he was told that they had already entered hyperspace. When the scanning technicians ask Luke if he wanted them to calculate the shuttle's course, he saw an opportunity to distract them.

"Yes, I'd like to know where they went," he replied. Turning to R2-D2, he confirmed that the astrodroid had assumed its station. And then, he very softly said, "R2, execute."

The first part of the ominous operation involved the sealing of all the ventilator shafts that led to the bridge. The interruption of that airflow, almost imperceptible, was achieved without detection. But the next event in the sequence got everyone's instant attention as they suddenly found themselves helplessly hovering in the absence of gravity. As one of the officers tried to turn and look to Luke for a possible explanation, warning lights began to go off. The bridge crew saw that the entire rest of the station had just been opened to space. At the exact same time, they heard the horrifyingly telltale sound of the activating saberstaff. Luke thought it only appropriate to use Darth Maul's tool for the terrible task.

If the Dark Jedi had been a little better acquainted with his father's history, he might have been reminded of the murderous rampage on Mustafar when the newly christened Darth Vader remorselessly slaughtered all the Separatist leaders. The bridge crew had no better chance against an attacker who could apparently attach himself to any surface and perform impossible maneuvers in midair. More of the men died as the result of their own deflected laser fire than were slain with the saberstaff itself. At the conclusion of the conflict, the officers were all dead and none of the station's systems had been seriously damaged. All about the smoke-filled bridge, the evidence of his assault floated lifelessly.

Deactivating the dreadful weapon, Luke turned to R2-D2, and said, "Seal all hatches and re-pressurize the station. Use a display to show me the locations of any survivors."

Almost unbelievably, there were some. None of them however were in very good shape, despite having somehow succeeded in reaching their emergency facemasks. It was a simple matter to hunt them down and eliminate them. After he had jettisoned the bodies, Luke used his com-link to have R2-D2 restore gravity throughout the Star Killer.

The silence of the empty corridors was ominous as Luke made his way back to the bridge. With gravity now restored, his were the only footfalls to be heard anywhere inside the station. But it was almost like he could somehow still hear the echoing screams of all the men he'd just slaughtered while they pleaded for their lives. The duty stations stood accusingly vacant as if testifying against him by their very presence. And every once in a while he'd come across spatters of blood from arterial spray that had issued forth before the fatal cut was completely cauterized; abhorrent evidence of his cruel strokes with the saberstaff. They stood in stark contrast to the pristine surfaces all around them, as if the spotlessness of the new station existed for the sole purpose of showcasing the proof of his carnage. His mood was therefore quite fey by the time he made it back to the bridge. There was still the small matter of a helpless star system to mercilessly demolish.

From his vantage point in the netherworld of the Force, Anakin watched the debacle unfold. He had not shared with his son the specifics of the massacre on Mustafar, so the comparison was obvious only to him. Although he had already been at the center of the bloodbath at the Jedi Temple, the slaughter of the Separatists had truly transformed him. And now, Luke was preparing to unleash for the very first time the primary weapon of the Star Killer. Anakin had been onboard the first Death Star the only time a planet had been destroyed with either station's weapon system. It was as if his son was now following in his fateful footsteps, and his was not an example to be emulated. He wished there were some other way to accomplish the objectives that the situation had necessitated.

"Calculate a course to the Rishi Maze and bring the implosion-inducer online," Luke said to R2-D2. "As soon as you're ready to initiate the hyperdrive, fire on the Kaminoan sun."

Only moments later, the Star Killer unleashed the devastating stream of implosion-inducing particle beams that were its namesake; and immediately afterward, it made the jump to hyperspace. For Luke, the result of the assault was only instantly observable on the subspace scanner. He knew it would be years before the star's destruction could be seen from the neighboring systems. First, they would see the ominous flash. The shock wave would follow closely. Once that had passed by, there would just be a dark spot in the sky where a star had once burned.

It occurred to Luke to wonder how many ships might already have been on course for Kamino. They would have even less hope of avoiding an emergence into disaster, as they entered normal space, than the crew of the Millennium Falcon had enjoyed as they came upon the annihilation of Alderaan. Once a hyperspace jump had been initiated, no navigational updates could be received. All transmissions were interrupted as a result of faster-than-light travel. Hopefully, any additional victims would be Imperial in nature, and the pilots of any civilian ships would check for updates before embarking on a Kaminoan course. That would minimize the non-military losses. At least, this was Luke's hope. The cosmos was constantly being scanned. Prudent navigators would account for changes.

Subspace scanners would alert the space-faring mariners to the abrupt alteration in the celestial sea through which they sailed. Its impact on the continuum would also help to hide the Star Killer's passage from any deep space scans, giving Luke the opportunity to carefully consider the station's next course. While the Rishi Maze would afford a good place for him to regroup and draw up his final battle plan, what he really needed was to find a corner of the cosmos that would offer him some advantage when it came time for him to engage the Imperial Fleet.

He needed to discover such a location just as quickly as possible. Part of their plan was to also draw the Clone Emperor away from Coruscant, so Leia could complete her objective without risking a direct confrontation. Luke could not do this while hidden. His assignment now, at least as far as he understood it, was to establish a highly defensible position and actually advertise his presence there. He was grateful for the resources of both his astrodroid and the station's navicomputer, which was still incidentally displaying the shuttle's course to the Utapau system.

Something about that destination seemed auspicious to Luke. He knew it was where Obi-Wan had eventually eliminated General Grievous, the leader of the Droid Army. And it may also have been the very first place where the Clone Army had turned against one of the Jedi. But he sensed that there was something of far more immediate significance to the location. For some reason it made him think of Leia, although they had not talked about the Separatist systems that it would be most advantageous for her to visit. But he felt that there was some other component, something that might even prove essential to their desperate operation. However, its identity eluded him. He had much more pressing matters on his mind, and he was already having difficulty focusing on the near-at-hand.

He considered communing with his mentors and asking them what his next course of action should be; but, having just destroyed an entire star system and its compliment of unsuspecting inhabitants, he did not think that he could handle an encounter with the Council. A vague sense of numbness seemed to have engulfed him. He did not want to do anything that might cause it to relent. He did not want to have to face his feelings. He only wanted to retreat. At a speed beyond even that of light, this is precisely what he did.

As he instructed R2-D2 to reconnect to the Star Killer's central system, explaining what he now needed to do, Luke's eyes continued to return to the screen that displayed the readout from the subspace scanners. The cloning facilities, essential to the Empire's power, were now gone. The ships that had defended those important possessions were also destroyed. But one of the wisest races in the galaxy had been exterminated as well. The question was almost audible: At what point do the ends no longer justify the means?