Title: Knightfall I: Sins of the Father

Summary: Ben Skywalker has returned to Coruscant after a five-year absence.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or any of its characters.

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Chapter One

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Coruscant

Galactic Republic Starfighter Command

40 ABY

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Five years was a long time to be away from home, and the sight of the city-planet did nothing but cause the occupant of the new blue-and-silver themed, Kuat-engineered Eta-6 Interceptor extreme unease. With skill possessed of only a few pilots in the galaxy, Ben Skywalker set his Starfighter down as gently as a whisper carried upon a flowing breeze.

With a sigh of resignation, Ben pressed a few buttons to shut down the twin-ion engines and open the canopy. He tossed his headset down and pulled himself from the fighter. As soon as his booted feet hit the ground and he turned around, he saw General Wedge Antilles, Chief of Starfighter Command heading in his direction.

Ben had known Wedge Antilles his entire life and he had a great respect for the man, both as his commanding officer and as one of his father's closest friends. But, after a three-day trip from Denon, the last thing Ben wanted was to chat with the older man. All he really wanted was a hot water-based shower, some food and lots of sleep.

"Welcome home," General Antilles greeted as approached.

Ben gave his best tired smile and nodded. "Thanks. Sir."

Wedge laughed softly. "You don't have to call me sir, Ben. I'm not in uniform. I just wanted to come out to greet you."

Ben grabbed his travel duffel and slung it over his shoulders. "Thanks for that. I half expected my…my father. I'm glad it's you instead."

Wedge frowned at that statement as the two walked slowly towards the large command building.

"The Inner Rim wasn't far enough?" Wedge asked knowingly.

Ben glanced sidelong at him and shrugged his tired shoulders. "I don't know. I wish I did. I haven't spoken to him in…nearly three years; not since he showed up on Denon out of the blue to ask me how long I was going to hide from my responsibilities."

"Is that what you were doing?" Wedge questioned as they entered the building.

Ben stopped; gray eyes burning and abruptly leveled a heavy glare at the older man. "No, it wasn't, and it isn't. I didn't walk away from her, from them. She asked me to leave; practically ordered me to leave. I did what she wanted. I'm tired of apologizing to people for that."

Wedge could do nothing but stare after Ben as he stomped off in the direction of the squadron quarters.

"Ben, wait!" he called out as he jogged to catch up.

Ben stopped and turned around. "Is there more, Sir?"

Wedge took a deep breath. "Listen, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

Ben ran a hand through his dirty, dark blonde hair and sighed. "I know. I'm just…being back here is making me…edgy. Sorry I snapped at you."

Wedge smiled. "Go get a shower, some food and get some sleep. Meditate, maybe. Come find me in the morning and we'll talk if you want to."

Ben nodded gratefully. "Thanks, again."

The two shook hands and went their separate ways.

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Jedi Master Luke Skywalker's icy blue eyes snapped open when he felt the presence of his eldest son on Coruscant for the first time in five years.

"He's home," a voice sounded from behind the seated Jedi.

Luke turned and smiled at his wife. Mara Jade was as beautiful as the day he'd met her twenty-eight years before. She was still all fiery red hair and gleaming green eyes with a temper and passion to match both.

"Yes, he is," Luke acknowledged. "I fear…"

Mara wrapped her arms around Luke's waist in a comforting gesture. "You fear what?"

With eyes closed, Luke replied. "I fear that which brings him home is worse than that which drove him away."

A shiver she couldn't suppress rippled through her body, sending a chill down her spine. She felt Luke wrap her tightly in his arms, trying in vain to warm her from the outside in. As they stood together in silence, neither missed the storm clouds on the horizon in the direction of the Manarai Mountains and hoped it wasn't an omen of things to come.