Grim feelings radiated from the pilots in the fighters over all that they had lost thus far during the fight to destroy the Death Star and Anakin felt all of them. He could also feel that this victory would only be hollow, as the Empire would simply rebuild the super weapon. Memories of that day haunted him...

"Base to General Skywalker," a voice suddenly broke over the radio. "Get ready to make your run."

Pushing thoughts of loss and grief from his mind, Anakin sighed, "Roger that," he replied as he tapped the buttons that connected him to the rest of the fighters. "Pilots, get ready to make your run."

Murmurs of assent could be heard over the radio, as could a jovial conversation between Luke and Biggs, "Skywalker, Darklighter, are you two ready?" Anakin asked sharply, cutting into the chatting.

"Yes, General," Biggs replied quickly in a remorseful voice. "Luke, I'll see you back at the base."

Anakin cleared his throat, "Pilot Skywalker, stay back with Antilles for a moment," he replied in a stern voice, sensing that destroying the Death Star would prove difficult. Everyone else, start your run."

Luke's irritated sigh could be heard over the radio, but Anakin didn't reply and instead checked his sensors and made sure everything was ready for their run. For he knew they would have to do their run.

Anakin Skywalker, I am Darth Vader. A voice suddenly filled Anakin's head, causing Anakin to flinch.

"Captain Andris," Darth Vader said in a dark voice as he entered the room and saw Andris seated on his bunk, deep in meditation about something. "I have just spoken with the Emperor and he has ordered us to leave the Death Star and join the fighters in their battle against the Rebels. We must leave now."

For a moment, Andris was silent and he then rose and straightened his military uniform as he looked at Darth Vader, "Governor Tarkin has not given any such order, nor has Admiral Needa," he replied, his voice cautious as he removed his hat and silently smoothed his hair down. "What about what I was...?"

"Governor Tarkin is an old fool and Admiral Needa is not in the Emperor's good graces, Captain Andris," Darth Vader replied in a dark voice. "We must depart the Death Star immediately and join in the battle."

Andris sighed and nodded, "Should the battle fail, we are to track the Rebels and their movements," Darth Vader replied in a cold voice. "The Emperor believes that the rebels are led by Anakin Skywalker."

"Legend suggests that Anakin Skywalker died during the execution of Order 66, Lord Vader," Andris replied in a shocked voice, knowing only of the Jedi's downfall through his years of education.

Andris quickly gathered his bag that held all of his worldly possessions and followed Vader from the small room that had been his home ever since he had been a boy. His first memories had been of living on a sandy planet with a man, a woman, and a girl he knew to be his sister and they had been separated by the Empire, but Andris knew better than to mention the past because nobody cared to hear it.

"You are thinking about your past," Darth Vader observed as they entered the bay where most the fighters had been taken by those currently fighting the Rebel pilots. "You were but a child..."

Andris nodded and silently climbed into his fighter, not intending to join the battle because the Emperor had told him to avoid engaging in battles with the Rebels whenever possible. For Vader's sake, Andris knew he had to pretend to engage and then once Vader was busy, he would slip away into space and travel to where the Emperor had promised he would be safe and be able to sort out his tragic past.

Soon enough, Vader and Andris had emerged from the hangar and were in line with the other fighters who were trying to shoot the rebels down. Vader could feel Anakin Skywalker struggling to keep him from penetrating his mind, but Andris was only focused on how to slip away from the battle unnoticed.

Vader quickly rocketed towards the battle, but Andris hung back and quickly ducked out of sight behind one of the star destroyers before he set a new course. Now was the time for him to find his destiny.

"...Are you a spy, Doctor Jinn?" Mace heard Mon Monthma ask sharply. "You seem very informed."

Quickly making his way down the corridor to the base's infirmary, Mace lingered in the doorway and was shocked to find Mon Monthma and Leia in the room with Dr. Jinn, who looked busy arranging emergency supplies and was obviously annoyed at being bothered, "I am not a spy, Senator," Dr. Jinn replied coldly. "Is this interrogation really necessary or appropriate given that a battle is occurring?"

"It is when you have utilized several of this base's droids to carry out tasks for you that aren't necessary as of yet!" Mon Monthma shouted. "It's as if you know what the outcome of this battle will be!"

Dr. Jinn raised an eyebrow, "If you are accusing me of being an Imperial spy, Senator, might I remind you that the Empire killed my wife and kidnapped my children many years ago?" he asked in a cold voice.

"Senator Monthma, Doctor Jinn, there is little time for arguing," Leia spoke up in an anxious voice, fearing that if Dr. Jinn was banished or decided to leave, the Rebels would be short a talented medic.

Mon Monthma, however, scoffed, "You came to us nearly a year ago and you've not spoken of your past nor have you contributed to our need for soldiers despite your extensive knowledge of the Empire," she hissed angrily. "Have you been in hiding for years like General Skywalker or are you a mere fugitive?"

Instead of retaliating, however, Dr. Jinn silently resumed his work setting up stations where injured pilots could be taken care of upon the squadron's return. Mon's face turned red with intense anger.

"I'll have you arrested for treason if you don't start talking!" Mon shouted as she left the infirmary.

Feeling nothing but compassion for the man who had lost much and had decided to be of service instead of hiding away, Leia moved to help Dr. Jinn, "Your Highness, it is not necessary to assist me," Dr. Jinn said in a voice that reminded Mace very much of Qui-Gon. "All I intend to do is be of service."

"Can I ask you something personal?" Leia asked softly. "You showed great concern for Anakin earlier..."

Dr. Jinn nodded, "I knew of Anakin before, but it is not my place to tell a story that is not mine," he replied in a calm, reassuring voice that made Leia feel safe. "If you wish to know more information about Anakin that is not in the Archives, I recommend you ask him. However, he may not confide in you."

Sensing as if Dr. Jinn was making a great effort to conceal his unsteady emotions, Mace silently entered the infirmary, "Anton, what is it?" Leia asked in a concerned voice. "Have the fighter pilots returned?"

"Your presence is required in the war room," Mace lied, wanting to talk to Dr. Jinn by himself.

Nodding, Leia gave Dr. Jinn a reassuring look and left the infirmary at a quick pace, "She resembles Anakin," Dr. Jinn commented softly. "I knew there was much to Anakin's story when I met him."

Mace nodded, but said nothing, "Master Windu, my father spoke highly of you when he told me of his life as a Jedi," Dr. Jinn spoke calmly. "My mother always respected him and taught me to as well."

"You are very perceptive," Mace observed. "Have you attempted to develop the Force on your own?"

Dr. Jinn sighed and nodded, "I have used it to heal people during my life as a medic," he replied softly, bowing his head slightly. "I am aware that I was forbidden to train as a Jedi according to the edict given him by the Council, as my father told my mother and my mother told me when I was of a good age."

Mace was quiet for several moments as he watched Dr. Jinn continue preparing medical stations using quick reflexes and great precision, "Perhaps the Jedi Council was too hasty in punishing the child for the sins of his father," Mace finally spoke in a calm voice. "You seem to be using your abilities for good."

"There is not a point in turning to evil when one has lost people and possessions, as one can still have their soul even if they are alone," Dr. Jinn replied wisely. "I have grown used to constant solitude."

Mace sighed, "The Force is strong within you, Doctor Jinn," he spoke calmly, sinking to the floor in a meditative position and beckoning to the floor. "If you wish, I can teach you more about it."

Nodding, Dr. Jinn silently joined Mace on the floor and as Mace began to teach him of the Force as he would a Padawan, a serene peace filled the room and both men were swept up in the Force's power.

"...Antilles, your fighter is damaged!" Luke heard Anakin bark sharply. "Get yourself back to base!"

Wedge's scoff could be heard over all the comm channels, "Wedge, you really can't do any good with a damaged ship," Luke cut in, trying to ease the tension he felt between his father and Wedge Antilles.

"Alright, alright," Luke finally heard Wedge reply in a tone of defeat. "I hope you and Biggs can do it."

Luke shuddered as he felt a ripple of annoyance from his father's mind, "I'll be joining you and Darklighter on your run, Skywalker," he heard his father say sternly. "We will do this carefully."

"Glad to have you join us, General Skywalker," Biggs spoke pleasantly, eager to show Anakin respect.

Anakin cleared his throat and sighed, "Initiating attack run," he said in a commanding voice. "Now!"

Just as Anakin, Luke, and Biggs began to streak towards the weak spot, Darth Vader arrived alongside them in his fighter, "You will be mine," he grunted, tapping into the small fleet's communications.

Anakin Skywalker, I knew it was you. Anakin suddenly heard Vader's voice sharply penetrate his mind.

Gritting his teeth, Anakin felt a coldness enter his soul that hadn't been there since he felt Padme's death along with the pain of nearly dying. What do you want with me, Vader? You are under orders.

Under orders to destroy you and your pathetic son, Skywalker. Vader's voice hit Anakin's mind sharply.

Anakin frowned as an image of Padme appeared in his mind and he heard Vader's cruel laugh behind it. I killed your beloved wife, Skywalker, and I will not stop until you are dead or have fallen to the darkness.

"General, we are nearing the weak spot," Biggs's voice suddenly came over the comms link.

Pushing the image of Padme from his mind, Anakin tapped the link and was about to speak when weapons fire suddenly came out of nowhere and obliterated Biggs's fighter, "No!" Luke's anxious voice came over the comm link as the remnants of the flaming fighter fell into the parts of the Death Star.

Trust your feelings. Anakin felt himself thinking as he silently switched off his viewscreen and sighed.

Wild chatter broke out over the comms because the base wanted to know why he switched off his comms, but Anakin ignored them and silently prepared to fire. Through his exhaustion and anxiety about Vader, Anakin could feel Luke turning his targeting scanner off. Trust your feelings, my Luke. Anakin spoke softly, wondering and hoping that Luke had learned enough to be able to hear him.

Uneasiness filled Anakin as he sensed that Vader had targeted Luke's ship and yet, Anakin knew there was nothing he could do without compromising the mission. Han and Chewie had gone a long time ago and there was nothing Anakin could do but try and fire before Vader decided to fire upon him. Anakin flinched, suddenly hearing Artoo's anxious squeal and comments from Luke about damage to Artoo.

There was a loud whining noise and suddenly a whooping noise could be heard over the comms, "Anakin, Luke, did I miss the party?" Han's eager voice spoke. "Chewie and I decided to join ya."

Feeling Luke flying right beside him, Anakin continued forward and gasped as he and Luke fired off shots at the same time, as if their thoughts had commanded them to do so. Luke, you are learning well.

The shots went where they were supposed to just as the Millenium Falcon knocked Vader's vessel away from the battle and the Skywalkers shot away from the Death Star, knowing that they had succeeded.

Vader cursed angrily and flew into the void of space just as the Death Star exploded into nothingness.

Unable to keep himself from trembling, Anakin followed the repair technicians into the repair bay and immediately began to assess Artoo's damage before anyone else could. He was anxious over the fact that Artoo had been damaged and he was even more anxious about if his gift for Leia had been lost.

"General Skywalker, the Rebels are demanding to talk with you!" Threepio called out anxiously as he toddled into the repair bay and saw Anakin fussing over Artoo while the technicians watched. "Oh my."

Anakin sighed warily, having become tired from the experience with Vader, and felt himself gripping the damaged droid for support, "Father, are you all right?" Anakin suddenly heard Luke ask worriedly.

"I'm just checking Artoo, Luke," Anakin replied shakily. "This little droid means a great deal to me."

Relieved that he had trusted his instincts and followed after his father upon returning to the base, Luke nodded and watched as Anakin tried to straighten himself up, but faltered as he did so, "Father, you're exhausted," Luke said in a soothing voice as he took hold of Anakin. "Do you need the infirmary?"

"No, but perhaps some food and rest would help," Anakin replied calmly, turning to face Luke.

Luke nodded and silently led Anakin from the repair bay, keeping a hand on his father's arm as they walked down the corridors, vague chatter coming from the hangar where Anakin supposed the Rebels were celebrating the destruction of the Death Star. It was a place where Anakin didn't want to be.

The walk to the base canteen was relatively short and Luke quickly settled his father at a table in the corner where he could relax before going to see what rations were available. Unable to resist sleep any longer, Anakin laid back against his seat and drifted into a light sleep, trusting Luke would wake him.

"...Luke, I was wondering where your father went," Anakin suddenly heard Han say as footsteps suddenly entered the room. "Chewie's been wanting to thank him and I guess I've also been..."

Anakin quickly opened his eyes, "No need to give me credit for a decision you made of your own free will," he replied, making no effort to stand or move from his seat. "You and Chewbacca did well."

Chewie grunted something and Han nodded as Luke returned to the table with some canteens and ration packs, "This will have to be enough for now," Luke spoke in an apologetic voice as he sat down.

"It's fine, Luke," Anakin replied, slowly taking the ration pack. "Thank you for being so considerate."

Luke nodded, but before he could reply, Leia, and several of the Rebel Alliance leaders came into the canteen and over to where Luke, Han, Anakin, and Chewie were, "Luke, Han, we want to talk to you about your efforts during the battle," one of the leaders spoke grandly. "Do you have some time?"

Not wanting to leave his father's side, Luke looked at Anakin for approval, "If the Rebel leaders wish to speak with you, Luke, then they wish to speak with you," Anakin replied calmly. "I will remain here."

Nodding, Luke patted his father's arm, rose, and followed Han, Chewie, and the leaders from the canteen while Leia remained, knowing that Anakin was being modest about his participation, "The ship records show that two shots were fired into the hole from two different fighters," Leia said quietly.

"Princess, it is Luke and Han who deserve the glory," Anakin replied softly. "They are young and strong."

Leia frowned, "I was taught on Alderaan of the great things the Jedi had done during the Clone Wars and you showed their capabilities still exist today," she replied in a confused voice. "I know you are more..."

"Princess Leia, please, I do not wish it known that I am a Jedi," Anakin replied softly. "For my safety."

Leia silently watched as Anakin picked at the rations before joining him at the table, "Anakin, please, why don't you want recognition for what you have done?" she asked softly. "You're almost afraid..."

"Yes, Princess, I am afraid," Anakin replied shakily as he stood up. "I'm afraid of what I'll turn into."

Before Leia could reply, Anakin stalked off out of the canteen while the ration pack lay on the table barely touched. Deeply confused about Anakin, Leia picked up the rations and packed them up.

Bespin - Cloud City

"I am here to see Aaden Calrissian," Andris said in a cold voice, gripping the controls of his ship as he gazed upon the face of a security man who stood between him and the city. "I contacted him."

There was silence and the guard nodded as Andris waved his hand, "Aaden Calrissian is waiting for you on the platform," the guard replied stoically. "You will be given all the courtesies of a guest, sir."

Andris smirked as he landed, relieved that he was able to use the special powers he had learned working for Palpatine and for Vader to get his own way. He silently gathered his personal effects and disembarked from his ship, grateful that his disguise made him look like a simple traveler.

"Andris, how are you?" Aaden Calrissian, a dark-skinned man who wore a pantsuit and gloves that matched his straightened hair, greeted Andris calmly as he approached. "I am glad to see you..."

Andris nodded and sighed, "Chancellor Palpatine of the Empire sent me to take possession of a delivery he said would prove interesting," he replied quietly. "He ordered me to come as a simple traveler."

"I have been informed of this, but I must wait to give you the delivery until my father is busy," Aaden replied in a cautious voice. "He thinks that you are a friend visiting and doesn't know anything else."

Again, Andris nodded, "I am authorized to pay you handsomely for the delivery," he replied calmly.

Aaden nodded and escorted Andris inside, not saying a word about how being paid for the delivery would help finance the station for many years to come. The two men walked into a common area where Lando was talking with a young girl wearing a feminine pilot tunic who had her hair done up tightly.

"...I am grateful for the opportunity to learn all I can from you," the girl was saying in a calm voice as she talked calmly to Lando. "Once Derrick freed me, he encouraged me to leave Tatooine for a while to learn about myself..."

Noticing Andris and Aaden, the girl suddenly stopped, "Tatooine, you say?" Andris said, something in the girl's demeanor making him think he knew her. "May I ask where on Tatooine you lived your life?"

"My parents died when I was a year old and I was sold into slavery by the Empire," the girl explained calmly, unafraid of the stranger's questions. "I was freed when I was 16 and decided to explore the universe a little bit to understand things better. Lando has given me a bit of a job working for him."

Andris's eyes narrowed, but he nodded calmly and looked to Aaden, "Perhaps we can catch up on old times now, my friend?" he asked, wanting to keep up the ruse for Lando's sake. "Show me around."

As Andris and Aaden walked off, Lando looked at the girl, "Amythest, I was wondering if you had a minute to chat about Tatooine and the Hutt rule they have there?" he asked, fearing that Aaden would amount to very little if he stayed in the city. "Do you think they could benefit from a new government?"

"I will tell you what I know of it and of what can be done about it," Amythest replied in a knowing voice.

Rebel Base - Yavin IV

"I am aware I am in a restricted area," Anakin spoke tersely, hearing footsteps enter the cargo bay where he had taken solitude after his discussion with Leia. "I merely needed a moment alone."

There was a silence and Anakin turned to see Luke standing there, wearing nicer clothes than he had worn on Tatooine, "The Rebels want to give bravery medals to Han, Chewie, and I," Luke explained.

"Well, Luke, you deserve recognition," Anakin replied in a calm voice. "Enjoy your accomplishment."

Luke nodded, "Would you come watch the ceremony, Father?" he asked in an eager, child-like voice.

Even though he could sense that Luke was hiding something from him, Anakin nodded and silently followed Luke out of the cargo bay and through the corridors to the Assembly Hall where several people had gathered. Anakin nodded at Han and Chewie as he left Luke's side and stood within the audience.

Anakin watched with pride as Luke walked up to the front with Han and Chewie, sighing softly as the three of them received medals from none other than Leia, who was dressed much like Padme used to dress during her days as a Queen and as a Senator. Light applause filled the room as the three bowed.

Suddenly, Mace came into the room with a small box in his hands and walked up to Leia, "And now, we take the time to present an award to a man who has done much for both the past and present of peace," Leia announced in a regal voice. "We now honor General Skywalker for his service."

Quickly realizing that both Luke and Leia had conspired for this to happen, Anakin reluctantly extracted himself from the audience and reverently made his way up to the front. Mace nodded solemnly as Anakin bowed and allowed Leia to place the medal around his neck while everyone clapped. As Anakin rose, Threepio came into the room followed by a repaired Artoo, who beeped his congratulations.

The clouds of Bespin darkened as evening loomed, but Andris was anxious as he followed Aaden through the station to where the delivery was being prepared for transport. Lando had retired for the evening, Amythest was off in her own apartments, and the city for the most part was asleep.

"This is our carbon freezing facility," Aaden explained as they entered a room lit only by faint lights that contained a large machine. "It is not something my father relishes having, but it has come in handy..."

Andris nodded, but said nothing as Aaden walked into a darker area briefly and emerged with a being in a hooded cloak who had their hands and feet bound with ropes, "The carbon freezing process is such easy," Aaden explained as he shoved the being into the hole. "I suppose the Emperor requested it?"

"The Emperor requested I do what I wish in this matter," Andris replied calmly. "I desire this."

Swallowing hard, Aaden nodded and as he programmed the sequence that would trap the helpless soul in carbonite forever, he focused on how much money that he could put towards helping the city.

Soon enough, the process was complete and Andris smirked at the slab, he handed Aaden a key, "This is a key to where I have stored the payment," he explained coldly. "It was nice doing business with you."

"Thank you, Andris," Aaden replied in a calm voice, pocketing the key. "It will help the city so much."

Nodding, Andris guided the slab out of the room, down the corridor, and into his ship that waited on the outside platform. Since the Emperor had ordered him to remain hidden after taking possession of the delivery, Andris planned to briefly return to Tatooine to learn more about his birthplace and also see if anyone knew of Amythest's time there. He now knew that Amythest was his sister and she was safe.

"Tatooine will be the perfect place to get rid of this unwanted cargo," Andris said in a cold, menacing voice as he secured his ship and prepared to leave. "Nobody would ever find it, as it is so isolated."

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