A/N #1: I do not own Star Wars, but I do so enjoy playing in George's Galaxy.

A/N #2: This story would not be what it is without the help of my very competent beta reader, Deja Vu. Her invaluable critical eye, suggestions, and patience are truly appreciated.

A/N #3: Thank you, again to everyone who has taken the time to review this story. I really do enjoy receiving your comments.


Chapter 12 – No Turning Back

Luke hunkered down tightly against the durasteel hull as he crouched precariously on the wing of his X-wing fighter. He tried to find even a small bit of protection against the blustering icy wind that was assaulting him. With one hand, he adjusted his grip on the hood of his cloak to prevent the warm fabric from being ripped away by incessant gusts. His other hand lay gently on the chrome top of his beloved astromech droid.

"Please, Artoo," he implored. "Don't make this any harder than it already is."

The shrill tirade of beeps and whistles could hardly be heard over the howling wind whipping around them.

"I know that you want to help, but you can't go where I'm headed," he explained once more. "What I need from you now is to deliver my message to Kyp and the rest of the Council," he cleared his throat uncomfortably, "…and besides, if I don't succeed, they will need my ship—and the best droid in the galaxy—to help them in their efforts."

Luke dropped his head in response to the mournful tone emitted by his little friend.

"I know, Artoo." He swallowed down the lump that had risen in his throat. "I'll miss you too."

Although his mission was urgent—and the task that lay ahead disquieting—Luke could not help but be thankful for this last opportunity to travel together. It had been the two of them, alone, casting through the cold vastness of space as they had done on so many other occasions. Luke only regretted that their voyage had passed by far too quickly for his taste. He had trusted Artoo to get them here safely. And as always, the little droid had not let him down—Artoo had done most of the piloting necessary to get them to Agnostos. Luke had only awakened from his chemically-induced sleep a mere ten hours ago during the last refueling stop.

During the portion of the trip that he was conscious, Luke had spent his time perusing the information Artoo had collected regarding Mustafar. Once again, he had marveled at the little droid's resourcefulness. Luke was positive that Artoo had accessed data from more than just the Jedi Archives, but there was no time to pursue the issue. The most valuable information came from a classified briefing originating from GAR Intelligence. There were several surveillance reports in the briefing which detailed how the Separatist leaders had been gathering at a mining facility on the planet. It was date stamped a few days before the birth of the Empire—before the fall of the Jedi and the chaos of the Purges.

That information had given Luke what he had needed—the reason why his father, or apparently Darth Vader by that time, and Obi-Wan had been on the planet in the first place. Both the Jedi and the Sith would have been after the Separatist leaders—and though their fate would have been extremely different depending who had arrived on the planet first, the result would have been the same: The end of the Clone Wars. Due to the fact that there had never been a record of what became of the Separatist Council, Luke pretty much guessed that the Sith had dispatched them. Had Vader also set a trap to draw his former Jedi Master to his doom? Was Obi-Wan to be the first causality of the Purges? Whether that had been the plan or not, their fateful meeting had apparently had not gone at all as Vader had desired.

All speculation aside, with the information gleaned from the Clone Intelligence report—what truly mattered was that Luke now knew a place and a time where Darth Vader would be the most vulnerable. How much time would remain to deal with Palpatine before he could orchestrate the fall of the Republic, there was no way for Luke to know for certain. The Jedi of the Old Order would need to deal with that situation. Through his vision, the Force had shown him the last opportunity to repair the galaxy's destiny. Luke would have to hope that everything else would fall into place.

A sharp gust of icy wind brought Luke's thoughts back to refocus on the current situation. Running his hand slowly down the little droid's cylindrical body, Luke paused momentarily next to the astromech's photo sensor.

"Take care, Artoo," he beseeched as he patted the cold metal body of the droid and feigned a tight smile.

Luke rose to his feet and hopped off the wing of his ship to the rocky ground that made up the coarse landing pad which was hewn into the side of the mountain. When making his decision to accept the Temporal Ward's offer, he had realized that he needed to resign himself to the idea of walking away from everything that he knew. He had believed that he had made peace with his choice. But now, facing this parting, he was not so sure. Artoo had been with him for nearly thirty years. He knew Luke better than anyone else in the galaxy. And with that insight, Luke was sure that his mechanical friend understood from his master's tone and mannerisms...that this parting would probably be final. He had not contemplated how deeply he would miss certain aspects still prevalent in his life—like having an ever present and trustworthy Artoo always at his side.

Picking up the small haversack at his feet, he stepped away from the X-wing before turning back to watch as the fighter's repulsors fired up and smoothly lifted the ship off the ground. In one last gesture, Luke held up the palm of his hand, signaling a final farewell to the last remnants of the life he had known. He clamped his grip tighter on his cloak as the backwash of engines mixed with the gusts of wind caused the long folds of material to billow and whip around him. He watched silently as the sleek ship tipped a long, tapering wing and then veered away from the mountain—rising high into the clear heavens above him.

The frigid wind forgotten, he kept his eyes transfixed on the fighter as it left the atmosphere until he could no longer distinguish the red glow of its afterburners from the violet sky. Since he had left Coruscant, the constant feeling of emptiness he had lived with for months had only intensified—standing alone on the cold granite outcropping of this barren alien world felt appropriate to him. Luke had never felt so hollow and alone as he did in that moment.

Dismissing his dark reverie, he turned and started walking toward the mountain face. He had nearly reached the rough rock wall when he heard the distinctive whine of hydraulics. A large panel of stone effortlessly moved back and began to rise as it had the last time he was on the planet. He was not surprised to see the cloaked form of B'Tak Katan move forward from the darkness to greet him.

"Master Skywalker." The blue skinned Durosian bowed deeply. "You have returned to us."

"Emissary Katan," Luke tipped his head in a reciprocal greeting.

"Please," the tall alien raised a long eloquent hand, "I have no title—simply call me B-Tak."

"As you wish," the Jedi returned.

"I see that you are here alone." B'Tak's pupilless orange eyes scanned the empty landing platform as his thin lip curled in a smile. "May I assume then that you have accepted our offer?"

"That is a wise assumption," Luke nodded, "though I believe there is very little time left to do so."

B'Tak tipped his bulbous head to one side and narrowed his eyes as he silently waited for Luke to continue.

"Even now, the Jedi and Sith prepare for battle," Luke explained. "The Force warns me that if this confrontation cannot be avoided, the visions that I believe we have both been privy to will come to pass."

As the Jedi spoke, the Durosian raised his head and looked back to the cave. His features had once again taken on a distant, vague expression—as if he was communicating with an unknown entity.

"Yes, I see," B'Tak murmured quietly. He hesitated a moment longer, then seemed to snap back to attention and turned to face his guest once again. "Then by all means, let us proceed with haste." He extended a long arm in the direction of the cave opening. "This way, Master Jedi," B'Tak said, moving toward the back of the large, roughly hewn chamber.

Luke moved forward with B-Tak into the darkness. As his vision began to adjust to the lack of light, he could see that they were headed toward a bank of durasteel doors embedded into the rock. As B-Tak pressed his elongated hand against a symbol carved into a raised stone next to one of the metal panels, the nearest set of doors slid open to reveal a turbolift pod. Luke stepped in, followed by his guide. He stood with legs slightly apart in preparation for the journey. He was unsure if they would be traveling up or down, but he felt the need to brace himself.

It was down. Judging by the the queasy wrench in his gut and the headiness caused by great acceleration, they were apparently descending a great distance underground and getting there quite rapidly. Anxiety began to slowly creep into his consciousness. He closed his eyes and quickly released his doubts into the Force. There was no backing out now, even if he wanted to.

"Have you discovered your path?" B'Tak asked conversationally as they continued to descend.

"I have seen what must be done," Luke stated flatly. His expression hardened to stone, and he dropped his head in an attempt to quell the bile that threatened to rise. "Although I do not relish my role, I will do what I must." he added honestly.

"And what, may I ask, will that role entail?"

"I must go to a planet called Mustafar. I can give you an approximate date by which I must arrive. Events will transpire that will cause my father—Darth Vader—to become vulnerable... I will take advantage of the situation and make sure he cannot aid Palpatine's effort to wrench control from the Republic." Listening to his own words, Luke marveled at the simplicity of the plan. It was both logical and effective. Since he had first contrived it, he had desperately tried to only focus on the results of his grizzly task—the fact that Vader would no longer be there to hunt down and destroy the Jedi, that he would not be able to unleash unimaginable horrors against the war-weakened galaxy, and that he could not assume his role as the Emperor's enforcer. Though his actions demanded a terrible personal price, no cost was too high to avoid what had actually transpired.

Luke looked up to see the Durosian gazing him back at him. He could not visually discern the alien's expression. Through the Force, however, he felt an equal mix of compassion and disappointment.

"I see," B'Tak mused. "Then I am sure that you will have much to discuss with Master Hatu."

"Hatu?" Luke willingly changed the subject. "Is he the Guardian of whom you spoke?"

"Yes, he is." B'Tak's thin lips stretched tight, revealing sharp yellow teeth. "He had much more confidence in your return than the rest of us. You would think that after all these years we would simply come to accept that he knows far more than we ever will."

The lift finally slowed to a stop, and the doors swished open. Luke clenched his jaw tightly to prevent his mouth from falling open in astonishment. B-Tak again proffered his arm forward in an invitation to proceed. Luke stepped out into the grand chamber.

The room was better lit than the rough chamber he had first entered before their descent, but it would still be considered dim by most standards. The light source that illuminated it appeared to be thousands of glowing crystals embedded into the rock. They cast a slight blue tint onto the smooth stone walls. The chamber itself was immense, the very size of it making it difficult to clearly discern the domed ceiling above. For some reason, the room reminded Luke of the Jedi Temple, although it appeared to be far older in construction. It was circular in design. A ring of graceful columns were arranged several meters from the exterior walls. There were multiple arched opening cut into the curved walls at regular intervals around the room. Luke assumed that they led to hallways that spiraled out to the rest of this underground complex.

Luke had no words to describe the exotic beauty of the object in the center of the room that ultimately drew his attention. Approximately ten meters tall and close to three meters thick at the base sat an obelisk made from pure crystal. It was the same blueish-black color as the small globe that had been sent to him. And like that mysterious orb, there was neither design nor decoration adorning its sides. Stepping forward for a close examination of the monolith, he saw no imperfection or crack to mar the clarity of the stone, no mould seam or chisel mark to discern its method of manufacture. It was as if the crystalline structure had simply came to be. It was so totally perfect—and powerful.

Standing next to this great crystal, Luke could clearly feel the Force pulsating around him. He could also sense another type of energy field, though it was elusive and unidentifiable. The waves of both energies seemed mysteriously amplified—as if the currents of each were being pulled into the crystal column—melded together—and then released once again to flow outward in blended harmony. He was at ease as these waves engulfed him, soothing his soul. He had never experienced anything that felt quite like this. Although he could sense that this combined ethereal power was both powerful and ancient, it felt neither evil nor benevolent. It just was.

"Magnificent, isn't it?" the Durosian marveled in reverence.

Luke started as the other's words broke his rapture. He turned to face the tall alien, though he could not find his voice to comment.

"This is the reason for our existence. As a remnant of a lost civilization—it is our obligation to ensure its protection." B-Tak straightened to his full height as he closed his eyes and continued. "It is the source of our insight and the window to our understanding...and the portal to your destiny."

"What type of crystal is this?" Luke inquired.

"It is far more than simply quartz or silica," B-Tak explained. "Think of this structure as a transceiver of sorts. Utilizing both thought and energy, it can span space and time as easily as a starship navigates through hyperspace. What you see exposed is but a fraction of the entire formation. The main body of what you describe as a crystal makes up the core of this planet."

Luke began to ask another question when a vibration through the Force drew his attention to a being standing next to the monolith. He was dressed in the same dark blue robes as his host, though his cowl was pulled over his head. When gazing upon him, Luke could not put aside a sense of recognition at seeing the shape of this unidentified sentient. His diminutive form seemed so familiar. His Force presence reminded him of someone…

"Master Yoda?" Luke took several steps toward the small creature.

"Humph!" The diminutive figure turned toward the blond man. His cowl fell back as he did so, revealing distinctively long tapering ears and wispy white hair encircling a green-skinned head. The creature's wrinkled brow constricted tightly into deep furrows, and his large blue eyes narrowed in apparent irritation. "A Jedi I am not!" he spat in a deep, gravelly voice.

Luke halted abruptly. Although close in overall appearance to Master Yoda, Luke could feel waves of turbulent emotions radiating from the frail, ancient being. They were feelings he would have never associated with his one-time Master.

B'Tak quickly moved between the two in an attempt defuse the situation. "May I introduce my Master… Master Guardian Hatu," he said to Luke. Turning to the ancient creature, he continued, "Master Hatu, it is my pleasure to present to you Grand Master Luke Skywalker.

"I am greatly honored to meet you, Master Hatu." Luke bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Hatu had paid little attention to the introductions; he was still too riled from hearing Yoda's name. "Too quick to judge are you," the little green figure groused, looking accusingly at the Jedi Master. "Unfortunate that is—concerning as well." Hatu closed his eyes and shuddered as he inhaled deeply.

"Forgive my ignorance," Luke apologized. "I did not mean to offend…"

"Speak we will," Hatu interrupted as he turned away from Luke dismissively. "Hmm, time is short. Much there is to accomplish." He shook his head and then looked up at the Durosian. "Prepare him you will." With that, the small creature stiffly ambled off toward one of the archways, leaning heavily on a smooth black cane, his age-gnarled claws grasping the crystal cap tightly.

B-Tak turned to the befuddled Jedi. "Forgive me, Master Skywalker," he spoke solemnly. "I should have warned you."

"I must admit, I don't understand what just transpired." Luke looked up into the Durosian's pupilless eyes.

"I will explain what I can while I escort you to your quarters," B-Tak smiled apologetically. With a sweep of his elongated hand, he again indicated the direction in which to proceed.

They both moved toward one of the archways opposite from where Hatu had exited the chamber. Luke soon found himself in a long stone corridor. He walked quietly with his guide, awaiting an explanation.

"As I told you on your last visit, the Guardians chose the destruction of their civilization over defeat to their power-hungry enemies. But I omitted to mention their inability to bring themselves to completely destroy the vast knowledge that they had amassed," B'Tak explained. "Instead, they divvied their resources and constructed these outposts throughout the stars. It was hoped that the sentients of the universe would evolve beyond their petty desires and unite together for the advancement of all. If that were to happen, then the Guardians would reemerge into an enlightened galaxy and once again bring forth their knowledge."

"A lofty goal," Luke observed.

"Yes, it was," the Durosian acknowledged. "If the natural timeline had remained pure, that future could have been attainable." B'Tak glanced down at the Jedi. "Now, of course, it is impossible."

"The crushed butterfly," Luke mused.

B'Tak solemnly nodded.

"You say the Guardians watched these outposts," Luke began. "How many are there?"

"This is the only one left," B'Tak stated dryly. "If a location was discovered by a Guardian's enemies, then his final duty would be to destroy their station and deny the amassed knowledge held within to fall into unscrupulous hands. We alone remain hidden."

Luke furrowed his brow. "Why was your Master so disturbed when I mistook him for Master Yoda?" he inquired innocently.

"My Master's guardianship of this outpost was to have ended nearly eight centuries ago," B-Tak explained. "Even by then, the natural timeline had been noticeably corrupted and the gap caused by the damage was widening. It is my understanding that when your Master Yoda arrived, instead of assuming his duties here, he opted to forego his obligation, breaking the covenant with his people. Instead, he personally attempted to correct the flaw by choosing to re-emerge as a presence in the galaxy. He trained as a Jedi and exclusively followed the Force. Needless to say, Master Hatu disagreed with his course of action. Although I believe that my Master had long hoped that Yoda would someday think better of his decision and return to us."

"Master Yoda died more than a quarter of a century ago," Luke looked sharply toward the Durosian. "I was with him when he joined the Force."

"Yes, we were aware of his passing." B-Tak turned slightly to appraise the Jedi in his vision. "And despite our Master's use of the knowledge within his grasp, we are also mindful that it is extremely unlikely that he will survive much longer himself. You see, my friend, we are all struggling against the inevitable."

Luke turned his eyes forward as he continued down the corridor. There was so much more to consider than what he had believed possible just a few hours ago. The apparent rift between Guardians had been totally unexpected.

"Ah, we are here," B'Tak reached over and touched a panel of stone with a design carved into its face similar to the one in the antechamber near the landing pad. As he did, the door to a small chamber opened silently.

Luke stepped in and looked around. The room was illuminated by the same type of crystals embedded into the walls as he had seen consistently throughout this underground structure. Again, there was virtually no furniture in the room, simply several large hassocks placed in a circle around a small, squat pedestal in the center of the room. An arched opening at the back of the rounded chamber appeared to lead to what Luke assumed was a fresher.

"I must leave you here so that I can attend to preparations for your journey," B'Tak explained.

"How long before I make this…journey?"

"That will depend entirely on Master Hatu," B'Tak informed him. "I will retrieve you when all is ready."

"What do I do until then?" Luke glanced distractedly around the barren room.

"You should use your remaining time with us to prepare yourself." The tall Durosian waved his hand toward the archway in the back of the room. "There are clean robes awaiting you that will be more appropriate for your passage. I would offer you refreshment, but it would be unwise to do so. You will want to divest yourself of all material possessions. It will be impossible for anything not of your person to accompany you as you cross over to your destination." The Durosian bowed deeply and turned to leave.

"Wait," Luke called out to him. "What about my hand?"

"Your hand?" B-Tak turned back to the Jedi Master. He blinked several times as he cocked his bulbous head to the side. "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Luke raised his gloved right arm and wiggled his mechanical fingers. "My hand," he explained, "it's a prosthesis. My natural arm was severed twenty-six years ago." He hoped he would not have to explain further. It was painful enough to know that his own father had maimed him. It was a fact that he had kept well guarded throughout these many years.

"Oh, my," B-Tak looked away, embarrassed by the oversight. "I will inform Master Hatu immediately regarding the situation. Hopefully, he will know of a solution."

"Does he realize the urgency—"

"Yes, he is well aware," B'Tak interrupted the Jedi's inquiry. The Durosian turned to leave once again. As he reached the doorway, he turned back to face the Jedi Master and placed his hand on the door control.

"Do not worry, Master Jedi." The Durosian's thin lips curled into a genuine smile. "We will make sure that your passage is a safe one. After all, time is our specialty."

A bit bewildered, Luke stood several moments looking at the closed door when B'Tak had left him. What had he gotten himself into? Anxiety began to claw away in his belly. He wasn't really sure what he had expected, but for some reason, it wasn't to be left alone with only his own thoughts to stew over. He knew he was growing impatient, but he wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible. He had an ugly, unpleasant task to perform, and the sooner he dealt with it, the better.

Shedding his growing frustration into the Force, Luke moved through the small room to the fresher. Embedded crystals brightened the small room as he entered. Noting his reflection in the large mirror behind the sink, he could immediately see that the splotchy black patches which had resided under his eyes for months had greatly lessened. No doubt due to the extended rest he had received during his trip to get here. Whatever concoction Cilghal had given him had sent him to depths of consciousness that he could only liken to the deepest of healing trances. Begrudgingly, he had to acknowledge the Master Healer's expertise—and her ability in delivery of her subversive treatment.

Setting his haversack on the built-in counter that stretched across the back wall, he walked over to the pile of dark blue robes neatly folded on the counter and began removing his gloves. As he had been instructed to do, he discarded the rest of his clothes and reached over to grab the robe that had been left for him. Scrunching the fabric up, he raised it over his shoulders, stuck his head through the appropriate hole, and let the thick fabric fall to the floor.

Looking down over the front of him, he could not suppress a frown. Although he had always preferred utility over style, living with Mara for so many years had taught him to at least have a small appreciation for fashion. Obviously, such a trait was something the Temporal Ward had never considered. The garment that he now wore was of simple design and draped his frame in a style akin to a supply sack. It hung plain and shapeless, and it puddled on the floor around his feet. Full sleeves fell down well past his hands.

It wasn't the first time that he had wished for a few more inches of his father's height, though he knew that—at this stage in his life—it was no more than a fruitless plea. Twisting slightly, he noted a fabric belt dangling from opposing loops on the side by his waist. Grabbing each end, he quickly tied them, bringing up some of the excess fabric above the belt to sag loosely over it. Thankfully, that had brought the hem of the robe high enough that he was not going to be stumbling over it. At least it was warm.

Not really caring to see if his mirrored image looked as ridiculous as he felt, he kept his eyes averted and proceeded to gather his discarded clothing and fold them neatly on the counter. Reaching for his lightsaber to place it on top of the stack, he stood silently for a moment, holding the smooth metal hilt in his hand. This would be another difficult item to leave behind. Throughout his time as a Jedi, he had only wielded two lightsabers. The first was his father's, which he had lost along with his hand on Bespin. And then there was this one—painstakingly constructed in Ben's small hovel on Tatooine and used to defend himself innumerable times since. His first mentor had once told him that a lightsaber was more than merely a weapon. It was a representation of a Jedi's life. Luke thought it rather symbolic that it would be necessary to leave it behind.

Luke froze for a moment as he suddenly sensed another presence blaze powerfully close by. He cautiously made his way out of the fresher and looked to the center of the room to see the diminutive figure of Master Hatu sitting on one of the hassocks. The creature's head was slightly turned upward, his eyes closed in quiet contemplation. Luke had the impression that this meeting was going to be more of an interrogation rather than a discussion. He hoped he would be up for it.

"A path you have chosen, hum?" the ancient Guardian rasped in his gruff voice.

"I believe that I have found the one place that I can best correct history, yes," Luke answered.

Hatu frowned. He turned toward the Jedi Master judgmentally and assessed him with piercing blue eyes. "Show me you will."

"Show you," Luke blurted. "How?"

"Sent to you a vessel was," Hatu grumbled impatiently. "Our invitation it did contain. But discovered more to its purpose you have. A portal to your thoughts it has become."

Luke nodded. He turned back to the fresher where he had left his haversack. He rummaged through it until he found the object he sought. Grabbing the blue crystal orb, he returned to the larger room and sat down on one of the thick hassocks across from the ancient creature. Crossing his legs, he shifted his weight and placed the globe gently on the squat marble pedestal that sat between them. Luke was taken by the observation that Hatu's attention had never wavered. Hatu intensely watched his every action.

Hatu raised a gnarled green hand over the crystal. His claws hovered centimeters over the smooth surface of the orb. Closing his large eyes, his diminutive body shuddered slightly as he drew a deep breath and entered a deeper state of concentration. Wizened features smoothed and the tips of his long ears dipped as he furthered his relaxed state.

Luke watched the aged Guardian carefully as he slipped deeper into meditation. The Jedi could feel the currents of the Force mixed with tendrils of other undefined energies begin to reel and undulate to a heightened level.

Luke furrowed his brow as he noted a brightening glow emanating from deep within the orb's center. Conversely, the embedded crystals set around the room dimmed until they were mere pinpoints of light along the walls. A flicker of movement caught Luke's eye and drew his attention back to the orb positioned between them. He narrowed his eyes and watched as a series of distorted, blurred images began to swirl around the curved inner walls of the globe.

Luke easily recognized many of the scenes: barren desert wastelands, labyrinths of dark stone tunnels and smoke-filled corridors, steaming fissures and molten rivers. There were images of people as well. The white-clad solders he had seen rushing through the Temple, the weather-worn face of his Aunt Beru… Luke's breath hitched in his chest as the vibrant image of his son, Ben, glided gracefully across the sides of the globe. He reached out, as if to touch the boy's visage, but immediately recoiled as the shape darkened and then morphed into the form of Darth Vader.

The images continued to churn chaotically until they settled into the scenes of his last vision. Luke watched, mesmerized, as a reddened haze filtered over the diminutive shapes of two desperate opponents—both of them locked once again in a battle that would affect the destiny of the galaxy. When he saw the recognizable form of Obi-Wan somersault away from the river of lava, he turned away. He had no desire to view the torturous scenes again. He closed his eyes and waited, knowing that Master Hatu would be viewing this replay of his vision through to its conclusion.

"Expected more from you I did."

Master Hatu's deep gravelly voice brought Luke's attention back to the present. He opened his eyes and noted that the room had brightened once again and the crystal globe had resumed its inert bluish-black appearance. When he looked upon the ancient Guardian, he was taken by the expression of deep sadness etched in the being's heavily lined face.

"B'Tak told you of my intention?" the Jedi Master queried the ancient creature.

"Chosen a quick and easy path you have." Hatu turned his eyes down to his lap and shook his head slowly.

"I wouldn't say that what I am planning to do will be easy," Luke retorted. "He was my father, after all."

"Clouded your thoughts have become." Hatu countered. "Only through your grief do you attempt to look for answers. Blind you are if this one path is all you have found through your visions."

"Blind?" Luke was surprised by the accusation. He clearly felt the acrid sting of the Guardian's implied insult. "What I saw was pretty clear. It needed little interpretation."

It had been many years since he had sat on the soggy ground of the Dagobah swamps and tried to interpret a similarly perplexing pattern of speech. Luke opened his mind to the Force in the same way he had learned to do while listening to Master Yoda. It was the only way he had ever found to help him make sense of the cryptic dialect and successfully understand his Master's lessons. Sitting here in the presence of this ancient creature, he could clearly sense Hatu's disapproval as he attempted to understand Guardian's words. He felt both woefully inadequate and irritated.

"Tell me you will of this 'clear path' that you have found," the ancient being scoffed as he pinned the Jedi Master with his intense blue eyes.

"I did what was asked of me," Luke explained as he rubbed a callused hand over his eyes and tried to release his growing frustrations. "I used the orb to find the last point where I could repair the past. This is what it showed me."

"The last point it may be," Hatu agreed, "but a dangerous path you choose to follow. Prepared for the consequences of your actions you are not."

"What happens to me doesn't really matter anymore," Luke looked away to stare with unfocused eyes at the glowing crystals embedded in the wall. "I just need to make sure the old Republic and the Jedi survive. If going to Mustafar and stopping Vader is how I can best prevent the rise of the Empire, then that is what I will do."

"Humph," Hatu shook his head as if admonishing an incompetent child. "Too willing you are to condemn your father to his fate."

Luke's head snapped back at the accusation. "When I first came here, I asked if my father was destined to remain a Jedi. Your emissary told me there was no way to know." He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Now, you're acting as if you believe my father was not supposed to fall to the Dark Side at all. Has something changed?"

"No, nothing has changed. The mystery that shrouds your father's fate, too tightly does it bind," the Guardian sighed heavily and dropped his head. "Still unknown the reason he chose his path. An enigma he remains."

"Then what's your point?" Luke pushed.

"Always in motion is the future and so hope there still remains," Hatu stated firmly. "The Chosen One your father was. A destiny to balance the Force he had. Fulfill it at the proper time he still could."

"So you're saying that keeping my farther from turning to the dark side would not only ensure his own destiny, but it would correct the galaxy's destiny as well?" Luke leaned forward skeptically. "If that's true, then tell me how to do it, and I will make sure it happens."

"Only passage will I provide." The ancient Guardian shook his head dismissively and looked away. "Find your own path you must."

That's what I was trying to do, and now you are saying I'm wrong." Luke threw up his hands irritably, a tight frown pulling on his lips. "I don't know what more you expect from me."

Hatu lowered his head and heaved a heavy sigh. He mumbled something in a low voice that Luke could not understand. The Jedi could feel Hatu's disappointment through the Force.

"Much you have been given already from the visions you have received," Hatu countered. "But willing you must be to open your mind and pursue all the knowledge they entail. Examine them again you must. New meanings you may find, hmm? "

"I don't see any other possible way to interpret what I have seen," Luke groaned in a low voice. "It's pretty clear to me that my father is the key to repairing the past. Besides, seeing him only as Darth Vader in my visions—I have come to believe that my father's fall is inevitable."

"Understandable it is as to why you see your father as you do." Hatu cocked his head and narrowed his eyes as he once again scrutinized the Jedi Master. "Only as Darth Vader did you know him."

"Why would that matter?" Luke puzzled.

A silence fell between the two. Luke turned away and focused his eyes on the embedded wall crystals as he contemplated Hatu's explanation. An idea struck him, and he turned to face the Guardian once more.

"Are you telling me that the visions induced by the orb are also influenced by my memories?" Luke began again. "If that was true, then how could I have witnessed the purging of the Temple or the duel that happened on Mustafar? I wasn't there. Those events happened before I was born. I wouldn't have any memory of them."

"Shades of the past they were—recorded forever in the fabric of time. Understanding they may offer, but guidance they cannot provide. Only from within can the knowledge you seek be found—conveyed to you by those you recognize."

"Because Darth Vader existed," Luke mused, "…and Beru—and Ben… that was why I could see them—why they could talk to me… Is that what you are saying?"

Hatu nodded.

Luke frowned and leaned away from the ancient Master. He closed his eyes as he felt his world suddenly tilt horribly off kilter...again. With just a few oddly worded sentences, the resolve he had felt toward the plan that he had forged over the past five days—well, two if he didn't count the time that he was unconscious—instantly ebbed away. His resolve to commit a heinous act had been shattered… Had he simply been rushing to find the quickest solution? Was he only looking for the easiest answer? He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes.

"I don't know that I can do this," Luke expressed his doubts as he looked back wearily at the Guardian. "There is too much at stake. I could make matters worse. There must be someone else more capable. Maybe you should go—"

"An observer I must remain. Interfere in these matters I cannot." Hatu shook his head adamantly and focused on the Jedi before him. "Do this you must. The ability to succeed only you possess." The Guardian's large blue eyes narrowed. "To your Force you will listen—follow the guidance it provides. Trust what is in your heart, and success you will have."

"What about Master Yoda?" Luke could clearly see the ancient creature stiffen as he mentioned his old Master. The Guardian's features had become unreadable.

"Wary of him you must be," Hatu interjected. "Know that I sent you he will."

"Then maybe he can guide me—"

"No," Hatu interrupted and shook his head furiously. "Aid you he will not."

"But if he knew why I was there—knew what the Jedi Order was about to face—why wouldn't he want to help?"

"Tell him you cannot." Again Hatu was adamant.

"I don't understand."

"Tampered in matters not his own already he has. Unwilling he is to accept that to others this duty must fall." The Guardian pointed a wizened claw at the Jedi Master as he continued his rant. "Believes he does that a difference he has already made. A threat you will be to all he considers repaired."

"But that doesn't make sense," Luke insisted. "I remember Master Yoda. He trained me. I know he would be open to listen..."

"A different Master you knew." Hatu softly intoned. "Humbled by Sith by then he was. Understood the folly of his arrogance, though too late it was." The ancient creature looked away.

Luke shifted uncomfortably. He suddenly understood that what he had originally taken as Hatu's anger toward Yoda had actually been deep sorrow and regret. "Forgive me, Master," he apologized. "I meant no disrespect."

"Ready for your journey, you are not," Hatu grunted. "Meditate you should on what we have discussed." The small creature then grasped his black cane and used it to help rise up. Luke started to reach over to assist, but a gnarled green claw waved his efforts off. Once standing, the ancient creature began slowly amble away. "Leave you now I will. Much to do there still remains."

"Wait," Luke called to him. "You still haven't told me what I should do..."

"Tell you that I cannot." Hatu confessed. "Once on your way discoveries will you make. Answers you will find where none were expected. Opportunities revealed where none were sought. Open yourself to them you must." As he reached the door pane, Hatu turned back to the Jedi. "Taught you well your Master did. Rely on his lessons you must. Serve you well they will."

Luke watched incredulously as the door swished shut upon the ancient Temporal Master's exit.

Waves of uncertainty threatened to swamp him. Fears of failure began to gnaw at his belly. B-Tak's and Hatu's request to design his path echoed mockingly in his brain.

What was he getting himself into? He was no better prepared for this mission then he had been when he blasted off Tatooine with Ben, Han, and Chewie. Although it was clear to him that the stakes for this endeavor were possibly even higher than they were then—the price of failure too great to contemplate.

But none of that mattered, now. He had to come up with a new plan… a new direction. He had already looked for guidance to find the last possible point to affect destiny and had been shown the destruction of a monster. According to the Guardian's words, a better option existed where he could achieve the same results. But he didn't have a clue how to accomplish it.

One thing was for sure. Beyond any doubt, Luke knew that he would soon be meeting his father. That idea alone was both enticing and terrifying. The thought of preventing Anakin Skywalker's fall altogether was alluring, but was it too much to hope for?

Hatu had mentioned that without knowing the cause, he could not predict the outcome of his father's fate. What triggered his father's descent to darkness in the first place? What would cause any Jedi Knight to be seduced by the Sith? Since Luke hadn't been observant enough to heed the warning signs and save Jacen from a similar fate, would he be able to amend his mistakes and save his father? These were answers he truly needed to discover.

Luke scanned the empty room with his eyes. Despite his need to meditate on his quandary, he somehow doubted it would take long for the final preparations for his trip to be made. Time itself was now turning into his enemy. Well, he had better change that relationship and try to coax it into becoming his ally instead. The best way he could do that now was to make efficient use of what was left to him.

Settling down in the thick hassock, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Releasing his heightened emotions, he reached out to the calm that he knew he needed to tap. He could feel the waves of the Force flowing rhythmically around him. Centering himself further, he began to feel the euphoric detachment that accompanied his deepest meditative state. Luke was so totally absorbed with his thoughts that he was no longer aware of his surroundings. He did not notice the room darkening and the forgotten crystal globe beginning to glow from within.