CHAPTER 1

LUKE

The man stood in the doorway of the palace suite hugging a woman. They were both good looking with light brown – almost blond – hair. They were of a similar height – he was only a few inches taller than she. Both were well built and both had the physical appearance of healthy, sleek young animals. Both the man and the woman had bright, clear eyes – hers a golden brown – his grey-blue. Both were in their early thirties – in fact, one was only minutes older than the other – and no one living knew which twin had been born first.

Luke Skywalker bent over and kissed Leia's cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are you all right? I sense an ... unrest."

He smiled slightly. "I'll be all right."

"Sure?"

"Yeah." He kissed her again then turned and walked away.

Instead of going down the hall to his own suite he turned and went down the stairs. Leia stood and watched in silence as his dark figure disappeared.

He was dressed all in black: pants, tunic, vest, knee-high boots, utility belt, even the leather glove on his right hand – his mechanical hand. As he walked away, his left hand, dark blond hair and the silver handle of his lightsaber were all that broke the solid black appearance. But more than his physical appearance, the aura that surrounded him was the reason most people used the adjective "dark" to describe him.

People who knew him seemed to like him – his warmth, his easily offered friendship. People who had only heard of him seemed to respect him – his courage, his cunning. But people also avoided direct contact with his powerful personality – almost too strong of a personality for a normal human being. This personality was like a badge of honor to the man. It had been earned through intense training in the Jedi skills, difficult physical conditioning, loss of illusions, and acceptance of responsibility for the knowledge he carried. The weight of this personality had aged him early in life. His looks and his actions made his age something that could only be guessed – sometimes close to his real age – sometimes off by many years.

So he entered the moonlit garden that lay behind the palace and walked in solitude. He was use to being alone. Even when the Jedi were powerful and numerous, a Jedi Knight spent a great deal of time alone communing with the Force. He became one with the energy that was created and sustained by all life. The Force flowed through the universe, binding it together. When a Jedi was in tune with the Force, he could use it to reach across time and space. His physical prowess, agility and knowledge increased to unbelievable capacity.

This was the way of the Jedi.

As the last Jedi, Luke Skywalker had never had the camaraderie that the previous generations of Jedi had enjoyed.

His first master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, had been killed after only teaching Luke the basics of the Force. For the next three years, Luke had worked on his own to improve his skills. So strong was he in the Force that he made considerable progress. Then his impatience and anger had prevented his further growth without the aid of another master. That was when he had been led to Yoda. Yoda had trained Jedi for over 800 years. Before his death, he had completed Luke's training – all but the final step.

Luke had gone on from Yoda's death to meet his final challenge before Knighthood. He had chosen to face Darth Vader, knowing that Vader had once been Anakin Skywalker, Luke's father. Luke's dual with Darth Vader had been the end of his training as a Knight. It had marked the beginning of his quest to become a Jedi Master.

Even after the founding of his Jedi Academy, Luke still did not have the companionship of other Jedi he had always missed. The students of the Academy held Luke in awe and he could not be with them as a friend – only as their Master.

Tonight, as he walked through the garden, a heavy air of melancholy hung around him as he reflected on the last ten years of his life. Most people would consider them successful years. He had found his twin sister, Princess Leia Organa. He had met the pirate that had become his best friend, General Han Solo. The three of them and their companions had been instrumental in the final downfall of the evil Emperor and his Empire. He had seen Leia and Han happily married. His Jedi skills had continued to increase and expand. His Jedi Academy held the nucleus of the New Jedi. His military career had thrived and he was about to be promoted to the highest rank of the New Republic. His personal fortune, modest though it might be, had been secured.

Anyone looking at this medium tall man with his dark blond shaggy hair, his well-formed face, and his piercing grey eyes, would have no idea how he was experiencing as night settled. And he probably could not have described what he was feeling – but he knew he had been feeling it quite often lately. He was a man that appeared to have everything a man could want from life and yet he felt an emptiness – one that even the Force did not satisfy. And after having had his needs met by the Force for almost ten years, he found that disquieting.

Luke felt a presence as he walked in the dark garden. He smiled knowing that he should have expected her to follow him. He turned to greet his sister.

"Why did you come out here?" she asked.

"Just to walk," he told her with a small shrug.

"Luke, what's wrong?" she pressed him. "The last time you were this pensive, you disappeared into your hermitage."

He smiled gently at her. "It's nothing like that. I promise you."

"Then what is it?"

"Nothing – really."

She smiled at him. "You've trained me better than that. The Force is in such turmoil around you, it's like walking into a whirlpool."

Luke sighed. "Leia, just leave me alone tonight."

She took his left hand between her two hands. "I will ... if you can make me believe that's what you really want."

He smiled at her. His free hand stroked her cheek. "It may not be what I want, but you can't give that to me either."

"How do you know?" she questioned.

He laughed softly. "Believe me, one doesn't solve this with one's sister."

"Luke! You can't be lonely!" she exclaimed

He raised a questioning eyebrow. "I can't?"

"Well ... you shouldn't be. In fact, you should be very happy. You have a position you enjoy. And after the next meeting of the New Republic Senate ..."

He waved her to silence. "Let's not be counting our lightsabers before they're ignited."

She gave a comic wince at his bad cliché. "Anyway, you enjoy your work, you have your Academy, you have an attractive home, you have a lovely girlfriend, you have a family who loves you ..."

"Do I?"

"Luke!" She was unable to keep the hurt from her voice.

"I'm sorry, Leia. I don't mean you and Han and the kids."

"Then tell me what you do mean?"

He smiled at her again. "It's nothing." He gave her a quick hug. "It's just a bad mood. I'm distracted ... I just want ... a change."

"What kind of change."

He chuckled as he put an arm around her shoulders and began leading her back to the palace. "That's just it – I don't know."

They reached the patio and Luke let go of her.

"Please ... just go in to Han and the kids. Leave me to my dark mood. I'll work it out. I always have. Now go on – I'll be in later."

Luke turned and walked back into the dark garden. Leia stood and watched him until he disappeared into the shadows. She could still feel his turmoil – and his determination to keep her out of it. With a soft sigh, she went into her family and left her brother to his own inner searching.

Luke wished he had been able to talk to Leia when she had asked, but he didn't know how to describe the emptiness he was feeling. It was as if he had developed a hole in the centre of his soul that had opened into a gaping chasm – one that had become a vacuum that consumed the essence of his being.

But more than the emptiness inside himself, he was sure he was feeling an emptiness, matching his own, from another being. And he was convinced that it was paramount that he seek whomever this person might be. Somehow, deep inside, he was sure that if he could find this other vacant soul, the two of them would each be able to make the other complete. And somehow he knew if he did not do it soon, it would be too late.

The former rebel base had been turned into the primary site for the elite attack forces of the New Republic. Han Solo and Lando Calrissian were the co-commanders. Leia had donated the grounds and all but the top floor of the main section of her palace to the new government. It was located on one of the last planets liberated from Imperial forces and the only property remaining to her after her home world of Alderaan had been destroyed.

After the birth of her children and with the last Grand Admiral defeated, Leia had retired from active governmental work a few years earlier. She, Han, Luke and their companions were stationed on the base, which they had named Fort Kenobi. They lived on the third floor in Leia's private section. The New Republic Senate had given Luke the use of all base personnel. His special assignment was to destroy any remaining Imperial bases. The still young government wanted no further insurrection such as they had faced with Grand Admiral Thrawn and the clone of the Jedi Master C'Baoth.

The primary building of the base was the palace itself. The palace was shaped like a square cornered U. The two sides were used as offices and barracks for the base operations. Between them lay a courtyard complete with fountain and decorative flower beds. At the open end of the U was a large landing tarmac. The bottom of the U was the main section of the palace.

The ground level was a formal entrance hall flanked on either side by large reception rooms. In the centre of the hall stood an elegant staircase that went to the two top floors of the palace. A landing on the second floor opened onto a mezzanine that ran around the back, along both sides of the entrance hall, continuing into the two sides of the U through the offices. Opening off of the mezzanine in the main section were the offices of the commanders, conference rooms and the command centre. A matching mezzanine on the third floor was blocked off from the sides of the U. The mezzanine had doorways that opened onto the private suites used by Leia's friends and family. On the back corners of the top floor of the palace were two identical suites: one was Leia's, the other Luke's.

But now, the normally peaceful palace was in a total uproar. Word had just been received that the New Republic Senate had met in special session and had created a new military rank and confirmed it on Luke. Many of the delegates of the government were on their way to Fort Kenobi for a ceremonial public meeting and installation. Leia was giving a grand ball in Luke's honor following the ceremony. Everyone was expecting it to be the most prestigious gala since the end of the rebellion.

Luke and Han stood in a small room at the back of the hanger that had been turned into a temporary chamber where the Senate was meeting to go through the public session that would formally create Luke's new rank. Han looked into the mirror trying to get the top button of his uniform fastened.

"You know," Han grumbled, "there was a time when just showing up in one piece was enough. Now they want you there in dress uniform. I'll tell you, as soon as this shin-dig is over, I'm getting rid of this uniform. It gets tighter every time I put it on."

Luke chuckled. "Maybe you're just getting fatter."

Their eyes met in the mirror and Han made a face at Luke.

Luke paced the room and then stopped again to look through the small window that looked out onto the chamber. He was wearing his normal all black uniform except there were dress touches. His normal smooth black boots had been replaced with boots of tooled leather. His tunic sported black braid. While he usually wore no insignia, this afternoon he displayed a silver sunburst crossed with a sword – the insignia of his new rank.

"Well," Han said coming to stand behind him, laying a hand on one of Luke's shoulders, "it's a long way from Mos Isley."

He was referring to the spaceport on Luke's home planet where they had met. Luke had been a raw youngster just out of his teens, straight off his uncle's vaborator farm, totally inexperienced at life. Han had been on his own most of his life. Obi-Wan had brought them together sensing that they could find Leia and then form the backbone of the Alliance forces that would overthrow the Empire. Obi-Wan's vision through the Force had been accurate.

"I'm proud of you, Kid," Han continued with the nickname that had become his term of endearment for Luke.

Although only a few short years older than Luke when they had met, Han had been fully mature.

"And Obi-Wan would've been proud of you, too," he added softly.

"Thank you, Han. That means a lot."

The two good friends looked at each other a moment and then embraced briefly.

Luke turned to look out the observation window again. The vote was taken creating the rank. Luke's name was submitted as a candidate. Leia read an outline of Luke's military career, followed by the resolution, and then called the vote. It passed unanimously.

Han turned to Luke and smiled. "It looks like the Senate's about ready for the first official address by the first official Star Marshall."

Looking out the observation window, Luke sighed. "Yeah, I'd better go."

Luke turned toward the door. He stopped and stared in surprise. Han stood by the door at attention, saluting him. Luke's throat constricted and he blinked to clear his eyes. After a brief pause, Luke returned the salute.

"General," he responded, a catch in his voice.

Then he hurried out the door Han held open.

The ground floor of the palace was setting for the reception Leia gave that evening. Both reception rooms had been opened into the palace entrance hall. One room held a huge buffet. The other was set up for dancing.

Luke and Han stood in the entrance hall at the foot of the main staircase and surveyed the crowd.

"I've never seen so much matchmaking. Tonight I've seen you paired with three senators' daughters, two senators' nieces and ... a cousin?" Han joked.

Luke nodded. "Even your wife tried."

"Really? Who?"

Luke shook his head. "I don't know. She's been after me all day. So far I've managed ... speak of the devil ..."

Han looked in the direction Luke indicated. Leia was coming across the ballroom floor, a determined look on her face, an unattractive and almost masculine-looking woman in tow.

"I'm out of here," Luke said quickly.

"I can't believe Leia would wish that on Chewy, much less her own brother. Go – quick. I'll cover your retreat."

With a chuckle, Luke slipped away into the crowd, out onto the patio and then down into the garden that lay behind the palace.

As he walked through the darkness, he knew that tonight should have been one of the happiest nights of his life. He felt the depression that had plagued him over the last few weeks settle on him again. At first he had thought it was because Callista had contracted a virus and was unable to attend his installation. Then he realized that he was almost glad she had not been here.

He walked deeper into the garden that lay behind the palace. In the centre of the formal gardens was a hedge maze. Slowly he made his way between the towering hedge walls as they wound and twisted in a complicated pattern, finally ending in a small clearing. In the centre of the clearing was a reflecting pool. There was a paving stone walkway around the edge of the pool and a stone bench on each side of the pool.

As Luke stepped out of the shadows of the maze he felt the mood of the night change suddenly. Ground fog swirled around him. It was so dense that he could not even see his feet. The moonlight seemed defused – almost artificial.

He took another step and stopped suddenly as he heard a small cry. His hand flew to his lightsaber. From the bench on his side of the pool, just a few feet from where he stood, he saw a pale figure rise to stand in front of him. The shimmering moonlight reflected off her white, smooth skin and showed her classic features. Lights glistened off the dark hair that hung in heavy waves to her waist. Luke thought he could detect a hint of red in the long tresses. She was slightly smaller than Leia. Luke guessed that the top of her head would just touch his chin if she were to cross the distance between them.

They stared at each other in surprise and silence for a long moment. Luke dropped his hand from his lightsaber.

He spoke first, "Forgive me, Lady."

She smiled. "I had thought I was alone." Her voice had a soft cultured accent and a gentle melodious cadence to it.

"I'll withdraw if you wish," he offered. Luke could sense her hesitation and took a step toward her. "But I'd like to stay."

"I don't know you, sir."

Luke stared to introduce himself, but something told him that it was not necessary. He took another step until he stood directly in front of her.

"Please, trust me. I swear you are safer with me than with anyone else on this base."

She cocked her head. "Considering that this base is famous for the number of heroes of the rebellion stationed here, you must be a very great man."

He smiled at her gentle jibe. "No, Lady ... simply a poor warrior who would give his life to protect a vision as lovely as the one that stands before me."

She returned his smile. "I think you will find, sir, that I am no insubstantial vision."

He took her hand and raised it to his lips. "I'm very glad for that."

They continued to stand inches from each other, Luke holding her hand between them as they stared into each others face in the semi-bright moonlight.

"Why are you out here on this mysterious night?" she questioned.

"Why do you call it mysterious?"

"Don't you feel that something strange and inexplicable is happening?"

Tenderly he cupped her face in his hands. Slowly he leaned over and kissed her lips. She brought her hands up and held his wrists lightly. The kiss ended and they looked at each other in silence. Then, her hands slid up his arms and went around his neck. His arms went around her and pulled her tightly against him. This time the kiss was full of a passion that took both of them by surprise. Even after the kiss ended, she continued to cling to him and he continued to hold her close.

"You're trembling," he commented. "Are you cold?"

"No. I think I'm frightened."

His only answer was to caress her hair.

"I'm not use," she said finally, "to having my fantasies walk out of the shadows and kiss me."

"I'm not use to finding a vision in the moonlight that needs to be kissed," he assured her. "Come, we have to go back."

"No!"

To his surprise, she pulled away from him.

"I don't understand," he told her. "You have to come back with me."

"Why?"

"Surely you felt it," he said. "We belong together. Relax, allow the Force to touch you. You'll feel it, too."

"You don't believe in the Force, do you?" she questioned.

"A Jedi gets his strength through the Force. As a Jedi Master, I must trust the Force."

She took a step back from him, her breathing coming faster. "But there is only one Jedi Master left."

He crossed the distance she had put between them. "Yes," he agreed.

Her breath was coming in jagged gasps. The movement of her breathing caused the moonlight to reflect off a dark crystal she wore around her neck. It was 3 inches long, a hexagon approximately 3/4 inch in diameter, held in a gold cage. He reached out to touch the pendant. As his fingers closed around the crystal, he felt an electric jolt run from the crystal through his body causing his fingers to tighten involuntarily around the pendant. He felt the metal cage cut into his hand. She took another step back. The chain snapped and he was left holding the piece of jewelry. He looked at her.

"What does this mean?" he demanded holding up the necklace. "What does it have to do with us?"

She shook her head no and took yet another step away from him.

"You do know," he insisted. "Why does this mean so much to me? Why do I feel bonded to you?" He again closed the distance between them and stood staring down at her. "Who are you?"

"That is for you to say," she replied softly as the fog deepened and rose higher around her, covering her, it seemed to pull her away from him.

"Wait!" he ordered. "Who are you?"

"Luke!" The fog completely covered her and Luke could only make out a dim outline in the mist. "Help me!"

Luke set up suddenly in the darkness, her plea for help still ringing in his ears. His breathing was faster than normal. He must have been dreaming.

He didn't remember the end of the evening's festivities or coming up to his suite. But he must have been dreaming. That was the only possible answer. Even as that thought brought him comfort, he remembered the touch of her lips on his, the feel of her slender body as he had held her in his arms and the terror of her cry as it echoed in his mind.

Surely, he must have been dreaming. But turning the palm of his hand so the moonlight reflected onto it. Luke stared at a small cut and a trickle of blood.

Troubled, he lay down and tried to drift off to sleep.

TBC