Bail left Ben alone as Rostek's image again appeared. Ben waited, knowing better, but still hoping against hope. Rostek's first sentences destroyed that hope.

"The refugee ship was attacked by *pirates* five days ago. The few survivors were rescued by an Imperial warship. I'm so sorry, Baryl wasn't one of them."

"And the pirates?"

Rostek bit his lip. "They were destroyed by the Imperials. No survivors."

"I see."

"She told me before she left. Be careful-you're the one they really want. The one survivor my agents found told a pretty amazing story. It was definitely more than a pirate attack. It was too well planned." Rostek sighed. "We'll continue to hunt for her."

Ben blindly whispered his thanks and shut the screen off. A gentle knock caught his attention. Princess Kalla poked her head in.

"Bail has assigned several Alderaan Security agents to investigate Baryl's…disappearance." She hesitated.

"You wish to know something, Your Highness?"

"Ben, please...Was Lord Vader also involved in Ami's death?"

He nodded.

"What can make one do that...I mean, he was..." Ben didn't respond to the unasked question. He didn't want to confirm the princess's fears or add any new ones. Their position as the parents of Vader's daughter would become dangerous if the Emperor found out.

"When Ami died, Leia called out for her. She still does sometimes. I always knew that somehow Leia knew the truth. Will she need to learn this other truth?"

"That I cannot say," Ben whispered. The future was dark to him. Perhaps Yoda knew.

"You're also planning on looking for her, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Don't let your anger control you," she said. "I know that anger is bad for Jedi-but it's also bad for the rest of us. It can cloud our judgment and destroy our reason."

"Once you start down a dark path, forever will it dominate your life."

"Please, Ben. Be careful. I don't want to lose any more friends." She bravely held back the tears.

He kissed her cheek, then departed silently.

Corellia: 10 months

"Damn," Rostek said angrily. "You shouldn't be here." He crossed his arms and glared at Ben Kenobi.

Ben sat down. "I haven't found her." He knew Horn had a valid point. Half the bounty hunters in the galaxy were looking for him, but he still held out hope that perhaps CorSec had discovered a new lead.

"I would have found a way to let you know if we'd learned *anything.*" Rostek's voice softened. "It's been difficult, with security for the Emperor's visit..."

"The Emperor's coming here?" Ben said sharply.

Rostek grimaced as he spoke. "Yes, unfortunately. That's why I want you out of Corellian space as soon as possible." The CorSec agent swiveled about in his chair so he could reach his safe. Ben watched, his mind pondering this new piece of information. When Rostek turned around he was holding a small box. He handed it to Ben. "Hal and I went through her effects, and we thought you would like these. Ben, I'm so sorry."

Ben stared at the box, then opened it. Inside was the small translucent green case he'd once admired, the letters from Qui-Gon to his sister, and some holoimages of Baryl and Aryana. He closed his eyes to block the tears. "Thanks," he said softly. "I can't believe all this."

"We'll keep looking, but..."

"You won't find anything." He closed the box with an air of resignation.

"We'll keep looking, anyway. I promise." Ben tried to smile in thanks, but instead leaned back further in his chair.

"I warned her..." His voice faded away. This had happened because they wanted Ben Kenobi-well, he would give them Ben. Just not the way they expected. He stood.

"I want you out of Corellian airspace by this evening," Rostek said quickly.

"Yes, I know," Ben said. He didn't feel anything as he exited Horn's office. He just focused on his plan.

Ben glanced around several times and nodded to himself. The two blue robed royal guards blocking the restaurant's entrance stared straight ahead. A quick movement of his hand, and the balcony across the street dropped, fragmenting as it crashed. Confusion reigned and the guards scurried away from their station toward the crowds. He'd been very careful with the timing of the 'accident', to provide maximum chaos and yet not cause any fatalities or injuries. He didn't remain to watch as the guards shoved by-standers out of the way.

"Sloppy," Ben muttered as he slipped in behind them. He traversed a long deserted corridor and did not trip any alarms, nor encounter any other guards. He burst into the small but imposing room which was occupied by a lone figure. Emperor Palpatine remained seated at the table as the Jedi approached.

"Emperor," Ben said mockingly as he sat down across from Palpatine. "It's been a while," his grin grew, "hasn't it. Done any more tricks lately?" Ben's hand gripped his lightsaber tightly under the cloak. "Like kidnapping women and children?"

Palpatine leaned back. "I see I have to hire some new guards."

"And here I thought you had only the best." Ben's grin turned darker. "Where are they?"

Palpatine's face remained devoid of any emotion. "Where are who?" The man casually reached over to pour himself a glass of wine. "That was a clever diversion, by the way."

"The balcony? Just convenient."

"You know," Palpatine said as he sipped his wine. "I could very easily summon someone to have you arrested. Those guards are not the only ones protecting me."

"I noticed, but that would require some explanation. I would also have a chance to speak."

"The Imperial guards would not believe anything you say."

"It's not them I want to believe me." Ben clenched his fist around the saber hilt. "Where did you take my family?"

Palpatine shrugged. "I don't know. Lord Vader handled the details-you've met my apprentice?"

Ben gritted his teeth. He could feel Palpatine's attempts to probe him with the Force, but his blocks were well in place. He didn't answer the question; they both knew the answer to that.

"He's a very adept student. You trained him well." Palpatine leaned forward quickly. "And his poor wife. Such loyalty and devotion. Palpatine grinned. "Your child is strong with the Force, she shall be very useful to me...As no doubt Amidala's secret shall as well?" Ben felt his anger willing him to ignite his saber and run the man through. The Emperor's sudden cold laugh chilled him. "Stubborn pride, as if you would know something I don't. Amidala is dead. Her foolish pride was her downfall."

"I am a Jedi," Ben said as he struggled to find his calm center. "We are protectors of peace and justice. And justice will find you." He had his saber out, but hadn't ignited it.

"The Sith have waited one thousand years for this moment," Palpatine said with a low chuckle, "to see the Jedi wallow in their own cliches."

"Do not underestimate the power of the lightside,"

"Do not underestimate the power of the darkside." Palpatine's chuckle irritated him to the point where he lit his saber. Ben started to swing his blade downward. He stopped as he realized just what he was doing, then twirled about and dove to the ground. Blaster fire raked over him.

"So be it, Jedi," Palpatine growled softly as he stood. "Arrest this Jedi," he called out. "He was going to assassinate me." Six scarlet armored and cloaked figures appeared, their weapons pointing at Ben.

Ben leapt up, not at all surprised at this turn of events. He easily blocked the next three shots with his saber, then bolted out the door. The last thing he heard as he fled down the street was Palpatine's laugh. He dodged one blast, then a second, before turning a corner.

"Master Kenobi," a voice said from the darkness.

"Hal?"

The young man stepped out and shook his head. "That was not a very intelligent move on your part."

"I know," Ben said sadly as he stared at the still lit saber. He turned it off, and replaced it on his belt. "I know."

"I figured you would confront the Emperor." Hal lifted a grate covering the sewer opening. "Follow me. I doubt the Emperor's Imperial Guard will follow us, but CorSec definitely will. I have your ship prepped and ready. Just do me a favor."

"Anything."

"Don't tell Horn I'm helping you. He's furious you didn't leave earlier, and would be even more angry if he learns I helped you to escape."

As he jumped down into the sloppy mess, reason returned, Ben realized just what an idiot he'd been. And idiot was an understatement. He'd failed once more... The sound of blaster fire hitting the wall above them reminded him to focus on the here and now. The recriminations would wait.

"Where?" Ben asked quietly. He could hear voices at sewer opening.

Hal held up a small light and motioned for silence. He then gestured toward the right opening. They walked carefully for several minutes, before Hal turned into a smaller tunnel. Ben could hear the sounds of their pursuers landing in and reacting to the sewage. He and Hal crouched in the corner and waited. Several lights flashed over them, but no one came near.

Ben could sense Hal relax as the last one swept by. Hal then motioned for them to return the way they had come.

An hour later, when they exited, it was dark. Hal took a deep breath of fresh air. "There some hoses over here, and a change of clothes. Don't worry about privacy-the park is closed after sunset."

"You planned this well," Ben said softly. "I'm sorry I was such an idiot..."

"I suspect we all would have done something similar." Ben just nodded, not at all sure how true that was.

The next obstacle was the security check point at the space port. Hal walked up, flashed his badge and the three guards opened the gate. They didn't bother looking at Ben who followed Hal into the secure area.

"I might not be able to move things with the Force," Hal said with more than a bit of pride, "but I can make people see things-or not."

"A useful skill-which I'm sure the Emperor felt." Ben's voice was low.

Hal pointed toward the back, without commenting. Ben hoped the young man would be careful in the future. "Your ship," Hal said. "Here are the new codes. You'll probably run into some trouble leaving-not much I can do there."

"No, you've done enough." Too much, Ben added silently. Hal was placing himself at great risk.

"Don't worry about me. I actually do have a legitimate concern here. I'm investigating a smuggling ring. Horn deliberately kept me off the security detail." The two men glanced around quickly. "May the Force be with you."

"And you. Hal," Ben said quietly. "Be careful."

"And if we find something, I'll let you know." Ben nodded. He knew there would never be anything. So did Hal. The Emperor had been quite thorough.

Dagobah

Ben Kenobi looked back at his ship, then walked into the forest swamp. Even with the Force, he felt blind. He didn't bother pushing the branches out of his way, letting them cut into his clothing.

"Let go of your anger, Obi-Wan," Yoda's voice said several seconds before he hobbled into view. "You must let it go."

"Why?" Ben asked, not bothering to hide his emotions. He faced the older Jedi. "Give me one good reason!"

"Once you..."

"Well, look around you. That dark destiny is dominating our lives. You're living in this hell hole; the Jedi are treated worse than common criminals..." Ben gritted his teeth. "I wanted to kill him." He closed his eyes and the image of how he had started to slash his blade down toward the Emperor's head again filled his mind. Yoda's voice gently pushed that image away. Ben felt a small center of calm return as he reached under his cloak and pulled out his late master's lightsaber. He stared at it for many minutes, his heart filled with sorrow and shame. He then handed it to Yoda. "I can no longer use this honorably." Yoda closed his eyes for several seconds, then took the blade.

"Confront the Emperor, you should not have; yet, to the darkside you did not give in." Ben bowed his head-it would have been so easy to have taken that final step, much too easy. But Yoda was right, he should have avoided the confrontation and faded quietly into the desert. "Patience, my friend," Yoda said. "The children too young are."

"Neither family wants the children trained."

"This I know, but the Force will guide them to you when the time is right." Yoda looked away sadly.

"There is so much I don't understand, yet I understand more than I thought possible."

Yoda nodded three times as he returned his calming gaze to Ben. "I know."

"Baryl and Aryana?"

"Your daughter with him is."

"I have to rescue her. I can't..." Ben's voice cracked. Yoda had not mentioned Baryl.

"You must decide. The Emperor seeks you, but find you he cannot." Yoda leaned on his cane. "Soon, the Jedi all but extinct will be." He refocused his eyes on the swirling swamp mists. "We, the future must protect."

Ben clenched his teeth, even as he understood the master's words. "But my daughter."

Yoda took a deep breath. "Hard her life will be; but leave her, the light will not."

"You want me to stop looking for Aryana?" Ben had known it would be Yoda's request even as he'd flown here, prepared to argue that he must continue. Yoda's didn't answer the question, but pointed toward the mist.

"Find her, others will."

Ben stared at the mist, barely able to discern the shape of a young woman wielding a lightsaber. "Aryana?"

Yoda nodded as the image vanished into the gray background. "Always in motion..."

Ben continued to stare at the mist, hoping another image would appear to offer further reassurance. None was forthcoming. He hesitated to ask the one question left to him. "Baryl?"

Yoda stared at the mist. "Not all do I see." Ben closed his eyes to hide the pain in his heart.

"I can't do this alone," Ben whispered. "Not anymore."

"Give in to despair and anger, and Palpatine has won. Your daughter, Luke, Leia then truly lost will be." Yoda placed a hand on Ben's arm. "The Force will be with you, always."

"Master Yoda, I need more..."

"More I cannot give. It is time." Yoda took two steps back. "To Tatooine must you go." There was more emotion in the wise Jedi's eyes than Ben had remembered ever seeing in his lifetime. He started to bow, but Yoda tapped him with his cane. "Beware the darkside," Yoda whispered. "Hidden and waiting it lies. Your inner balance must you find, for then one with the Force, will you be."

"I don't understand."

"No. Explain I no more. This on your own, must you find." Yoda started to hobble away, then stopped. He pointed his cane at Ben. "Patience. The boy you will train, but wait for the sign."

"Sign?" Ben cursed quietly to himself. "You mentioned to wait for the sign before. But, Master Yoda, how will I know..." He wondered just how reliable the signs truly were. Anakin had not brought a balance to the Force-all he'd brought was death and despair.

"You will know. Now, farewell my friend."

Ben stared at the quickly retreating form. "Master Yoda, I..." He didn't finish his question as the aged Jedi Master had vanished into the mist. He walked slowly to his ship, climbed in, closed the hatch and sat there.

He was tired and drained of all emotions. The past five years had been so full of emotional ups and downs that he wondered if he would ever feel human again.

He'd never felt so alone in his life.

Mos Eskal, Tatooine 12 months

Ben glanced out toward the edge of the desert, then back at the ship dealer. It would be so easy to use the Force and up the price, but the few thousand credits the man offered was enough. Ben didn't care for more. He didn't want more. He nodded as he took the credits. The man seemed surprised at the ease of the transaction, but of course didn't argue that the ship was worth more.

"So, you're settling on Tatooine?" the man asked.

"Jundland wastes."

"But that's over three hundred kilometers from here!"

"Yes, I know." Ben bent down and picked up his pack. What few belongings he had were in it-including the few things of Baryl's he had kept.

"I can have one of my sons fly you to Mos Eisley," the dealer said. Ben
shook his head, ignoring the worry in the other man's voice. The dealer shook his head in disbelief. "It wouldn't be an inconvenience. He has to travel there anyway."

"No, thank you," Ben said, hoping this would end the conversation.

"Sir..." The man hesitated. "Why not?"

"Because..." Ben didn't finish. There was no way to explain why he didn't deserve such a luxury. The man didn't continue, but it was obvious that he wondered about Ben's sanity. Ben thanked the man again, and started to walk out into the desert.

"Crazy old man," he heard from behind him.

Coruscant

Palpatine didn't look up as Vader entered the room. There was a long silence, before Vader spoke, "My master, what is thy bidding." Palpatine
waited for many seconds as he contemplated his apprentice. Vader was extremely powerful in the Force-possibly too powerful.

"There have been reports of Jedi on Bilbringi. Go there." He sensed the other man's hesitation.

"Yes, my master. And Obi-Wan?" Palpatine grimaced. That Jedi had become more than a nuisance. Somehow he'd escaped from Corellia and the carefully set trap that had been laid to catch him.

"My agents will continue to seek him." Several had not survived the botched attempt on Corellia. "He will continue to seek his family," Palpatine said with more confidence than he felt. The Force was a mysterious ally. On some things it left no doubt as to the future. But, on the Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi, it was mute.

"And Alderaan?" Vader asked.

"Leave them for now." Palpatine glanced quickly at the report from Armand Isard. Yet another ambitious and possibly untrustworthy man, but there was no denying his brilliance. For the moment, Palpatine would continue to use the man and reward him.

He motioned quickly with his hand, dismissing his apprentice. Vader bowed deeply and left. Palpatine stared at the small spherical image on his screen and imagined its true dimensions. Admiral Tarkin's plan was complicated, time consuming, with little guarantee of success. But, Palpatine was pleased with the preliminary results. Admiral Tarkin would continue to be in charge of the project.

His smile grew. A suitable punishment, indeed.

Tatooine

Ben stood in the doorway of what had once been the home he had created for his family. He stared with unseeing eyes at the walls. He stepped inside and placed the bundle he was holding on a shelf. He would no longer live here, but would use it to store his memories. He fingered the gray bag, sadly noting the handle of Anakin's saber, the datachips with the stored memories of the droids, the japarwood pendant, and Baryl's jade box. He pulled his hand away, and stepped back.

"I can't do it. I can't go on alone."

A deep voice answered. "I will be with you, always." He whirled about and faced the shimmering blue image of Qui-Gon.

"Master," he said angrily. "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"Tell them what?" Qui-Gon asked. "That the Sith had arisen? I did. Master Yoda understood my alarm. And understood why we could do no more than increase our vigilance. Why didn't you tell?"

"I had no evidence."

"And I had no name."

"You could have warned me," Ben said. "The Jedi sat around and did nothing, absolutely nothing, while a Sith Lord quietly took control of the galaxy under our very noses."

"We did more than nothing. We hunted for clues."

Ben bowed his head. "As I hunted for clues. And look what good it did. The Sith have their revenge, the Jedi are no more..."

"Remember the twins," Qui-Gon's spirit said calmly.

"Luke and Leia, how can I forget them?"

"It is through them that Anakin will be brought back..."

"So I've been told."

"My young Padawan. The Force will be with you, always." Qui-Gon's voice faded away with the vanishing spirit.

Ben walked out of the cave, closed the door, then used the Force to seal it. He would build another house. A house for a hermit, not a family. He turned to face the twin suns of Tatooine. Another day had begun.