Dark Alliance Headquarters - Zaphthosis
Nash surveyed the list of detainees at the four primary Imperial prison facilities prior to the Galactic Concordance. At least one remained in Imperial controlled space. Its detainees remained largely unknown to anyone not in the upper command structure of the Imperial service. One facility, in particular, peaked Nash's interest. It was a "black" site.
If the man was still alive - and that was a very big if - he'd be at one of these places. If Nash was forced to choose, he'd go with the one the Empire worked the hardest to conceal.
Korus entered Nash's study. "The invitations are ready. Shall I deliver them?"
"Very good! I'd like to see one," Nash said. Korus handed one to Nash who then inspected the elegant writing and elaborate construction. "You did these, Korus? My, how artistic you are. So many talents. No wonder the women are so fond of you."
Korus responded with a confused expression. "I only did the writing - simply to protect the information. The unique craftsmanship is by an artisan here on planet." Nash pulled on the string and the sides of the invitation raised up into an approximation of the small castle-like structure in which they reside. Nash was truly impressed.
"This talent would have been appreciated on Alderaan." Nash said, with an unusual tinge of melancholy breaking through in his voice.
Most fascinating was the message enclosed: The Dark Lord invites you to The Convening of his Dark Apprentices.
"Korus, I have to make a quick trip off world. I may have found a link to information that will aid us in the search for leverage."
"Where will you be?" Korus inquired.
"Several places. I'll keep in touch."
Korus appeared unhappy with the vague response, but he moved on. "Should I begin distributing the invitations? If I go in person, there will be little doubt of their authenticity. It will take eleven or so days to reach all four invitees, and then there's the Jakku mission. With a three-to-five day trip home, I estimate I'll be gone sixteen-to-twenty days," Korus clarified.
"That should be fine. As long as we commence within thirty to forty standard days we'll be on schedule." Nash responded. " I see we have options for transportation?"
"The shuttles are courtesy of our generous benefactor and reluctant participant," Korus sighed in both gratitude and frustration. He was worried this wealthy, powerful man would eschew his training and skills; opting instead to merely provide assets and materials. Nash wasn't concerned - he would address the situation as the Force dictated.
Korus and Nash walked outside. They followed a long, well manicured path to a large structure housing three very nice shuttles and two X-Wing. Korus watched Nash walk over to his "new" X-Wing and toss his flight bag up into the cockpit.
Korus crosses his arms and sighed. "I'd worry less if you'd reconsider the use of a stolen craft - a stolen X-Wing, no less."
Nash paused, dropped his head, and shook it. "Thank you, Korus. I almost allowed my personal feelings to interfere with intelligent thinking. We all need a little guidance from friends from time-to-time." Nash climbed up the ladder to retrieve the bag.
Korus nodded. "I'll be taking an X-Wing as we discussed, but I'm... more expendable."
Nash was walking to the smaller shuttle and stopped when he heard Korus's unsettling opinion. He turned and looked Korus dead in the eye. "None of us are expendable Korus. Please conduct yourself as if you are a necessary part of an extraordinarily vital mission. If you die out there...I'll kill you."
Korus actually smiled. Nash feigned shock and exclaimed, "You have teeth! I never had an opportunity to notice!" Korus put his hands on his hips and smirked. Nash turned and continued walking toward the shuttle.
Star Gazer
18 Hours From Borleias
Luke and Grhan were meditating together for the first time since Mustafar. Grhan was finally at peace with the secrets that Luke kept regarding Darth Vader. They wouldn't be at this place of peace and serenity had Luke not given Grhan a chance to confront him the day before.
16 hours ago…
During the forty-five minutes they were below - before speaking with Hinson Leffer - Luke shared the entire story with Grhan. He began with Bespin, including the loss of his hand. Luke explained he realized afterwards this was a result of Vader's attempt to avoid killing him - that Vader could have easily killed him at that point if he'd wanted. Luke described his letting go of the platform instead of accepting Vader's hand, the Force guiding him to call for Leia as he dangled helplessly in space. Grhan's eyes registered the most surprise when Luke shared that Leia heard him and led the Falcon straight to him. He told Grhan more details about Endor. And then Luke turned the HoloImage over with his parents' image, and confirmed that when Kendy revealed it on Mustafar it was the first time he had seen his mother.
"I knew it was her because of Leia's eyes. But, I didn't know her name or how they met," Luke said.
"Were they married?" Grhan asked.
Luke had delayed this discussion with Grhan, even knowing how upset his apprentice was, until he could show him the video. It took time to establish connections between the chair, cylinder block, and a smaller HoloScreen in the rear hold.
"I want you to see something." Luke played the video of his parents on Coruscant. Clearly his mother was pregnant by the behavior of his father and conversation. Even Grhan was fascinated to hear and see Artoo and C-3PO. "Evidently my father was quite the mechanical genius. All those times C-3PO has been thanking the maker, he's been thanking my father." Luke and Grhan chuckled at the idea.
When it was finished, Luke looked directly at Grhan, and Grhan could see the hints of sadness and longing in his Master's eyes. "That's all I had time to see, Grhan. My story – answers to thousands of questions are likely the press of a button away. There's nothing more I want to do than sit down here and start watching, but there's much we have to do. This is the same dilemma I have faced since learning Vader was previously Anakin Skywalker. I wanted to talk it through with someone I trusted. Even after Leia knew, we weren't able to find the time to embrace and enjoy what being twins means. There's always something needing to be done; some crisis or urgent job to be addressed."
Grhan was looking at Luke with understanding now. "I owe you an apology, Master. I was looking at this through a different lens. I saw this as something you've had hundreds of opportunities to tell me. It didn't register how much pain the subject must cause you. And then how you live with so many questions – even I'm anxious to keep watching. It must be... very hard." Luke nodded with a small shrug and a smile. "Still, maybe we could watch one more video?"
Luke smiled and gave it some thought. He finally nodded and cued up the next video.
It was Obi-Wan Kenobi. "Ben!" Luke gasped. Obi-Wan was in a very sparse room, speaking with Anakin. Anakin was standing at a tall workbench, tinkering with something mechanical. Obi-Wan sat on the edge of the bed, his back to Anakin, leaning forward with his forehead pressed into the palms of is hands and fingers in his hair. He was clearly frustrated.
"The Council doesn't like it when they are unable to reach you, Anakin. You want to be a Jedi Master and to sit on the Council, yet you seem determined to be elusive, secretive, and, according to the opinion of some, obstinate."
"Master Windu has always distrusted me, Obi-Wan." Anakin smirked. "Really, Obi-Wan. What could they possibly have needed to say to me after being together for eleven hours? They could have said anything they wished that entire time! I suggest they waited until we returned to Coruscant, gave me just enough time to get a good distance from the Temple, then called me. It doesn't escape my notice that I'm the only one they do this to."
Obi-Wan sat up and began rolling his beard between his right index finger and thumb.
Luke smiled, remembering an older Ben Kenobi with that same habit almost twenty years later.
"If this is true, Anakin, then why do you suppose it to be the case?"
"They don't trust me, Obi-Wan. Master Windu makes no secret of it. And they don't like my relationship with the Chancellor. He's been kind to me since I first left my home and my mother. He's encouraged me and supported me. He's been kinder and more of a friend to me than almost anyone on the Jedi Council - with the exception of you, of course." Anakin became frustrated with those last thoughts and threw a tool down on the bench, putting his hand on his forehead and dropping his head.
"Anakin, I do care for you. I am…" Obi-Wan paused, giving the next words careful consideration, "…concerned...about... some of your other interests. I am not blind, Anakin. I can see you have feelings – deep feelings – for Padme."
"I care about Padme. She's a good friend." Anakin replied without much of an attempt to sound convincing.
"I understand, more than you know. I have been tempted to…well, never mind. Just please be mindful of your commitment and how much the Order is counting on you."
"Hold on there, Master. Back up. What were you tempted by?" Anakin was surprisingly lighthearted about this, all things considered.
Obi-Wan remained where he had been sitting as Anakin stared as his back. "I was in love once," Obi-Wan said, matter of factly. He then turned to face Anakin. "I would have left the Order if she'd have asked me to. I…wanted her to ask me." Obi-Wan's gaze didn't waver, and Anakin no longer had a smile on his face. He was shocked. "She loved me. I believe she still loves me. I struggled with this for a long, long time. Our paths still cross and it can be…awkward. But she was right to let me go. Had she not, and had I given into my feelings for her, I would not have been able to help the many people I have helped. Many lives would have been lost."
Anakin was looking down now, unable to maintain Obi-Wan's gaze. In a quiet voice, Anakin said, "You shouldn't have had to make a choice. You could have been happy and done your duty as a Jedi."
"Could I? Are you certain of this? I am not. In fact, I fear had I tried, knowledge of our relationship would have made her a pawn in the sick, twisted minds of Grievous, Dooku - and many other Dark forces in the Galaxy. I would not risk her well being for anything – not even the opportunity to spend my life with her. I've grown certain it would have been a short life together indeed."
Anakin silently nodded. Obi-Wan stood and walked around the bed to stand in front of Anakin. He put his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "You can talk to me, Anakin. I may not agree with you, or provide counsel that aligns with your hopes and wishes, but secrets are dangerous for a Jedi. Please accept my counsel on that one fact if no other."
Anakin did not look up. "Thank you, Obi-Wan." After a few seconds of silence, Obi-Wan turned and left the room.
Anakin collapsed on the bed. A series of chirps and bleeps could be heard. "I don't know, Artoo. Maybe tonight if we're lucky."
The video ended. Luke was mesmerized seeing his mentor so young and vibrant. Then his father holding in so much.
"Wow!" Grhan said. "Intense. Especially knowing that your mom is already pregnant. I wonder - what might have happened had your father confided in Obi-Wan?"
"See? I go seeking answers, and it brings up more questions. This is why I'm having to control my desire to see more of my mother and father - and now Ben. We have urgent matters in the here and now," Luke complained. Grhan nodded in understanding.
"Master, if you don't mind, I need to go make amends with my wife. I've been a little hard on her."
"You think?" Luke smiled and waved Grhan away.
The Present…
As they meditated, Grhan felt a coldness move through him. He had a vision. It was a place he knew. A hospital. Valentia. They were looking for a way to charge the droid, Louie. Kendy had Louie and a man brought a plug for Louie. Then Louie was charged and… The man brought a plug for Louie, then Louie was charged…. When was Louie charged? What happened while Louie was charging?...
"Grhan?" Luke placed a hand on Grhan's shoulder. Grhan opened his eyes and gradually found his way back to awareness. "Are you...alright?"
"Yes, Master. I…I realized something that has me confused. I'm missing memories. Specific memories." Grhan said.
"When was this?" Luke asked.
"The day we found Louie on Jelucan. The day..." Grhan lowered his head and brought his hands together in his lap. "The day I took the records...about Sara and the baby."
Luke knelt in front of Grhan and put his hand on his shoulder. "Was there just the one? We're there more?" Luke asked.
Grhan thought carefully, then exclaimed, "Yes! The first was at Valentia Hospital. A man brought a cable to us to charge Louie. I can see the man's face – his eyes… he said something to me, only his mouth wasn't moving. It sounds strange, I know. I can't recall anything after that until Louie says, 'Good Morning New Friends.' He must have been charging for at least thirty minutes. I've lost my memory for that time. I need to talk to Kendy."
The two men headed up to the main cabin, where Kendy was cleaning weapons. "Kendy – when we were in Valentia Hospital charging Louie, do you remember what I was doing?"
Kendy was caught off guard by Grhan's urgency. "Uh...Well, you and that guy were deep in conversation about the droids or something. I heard you talking about Sara and Daniel up at the Clinic, the Long drive back and forth…"
"Kendy, I have no recollection of any of that. None. The last thing I recall is the man handing you the cable and then Louie saying, 'Good Morning New Friends.' That's it."
Luke asked, "Who was the man?"
"He was awfully cute!" Kendy said. "You didn't like me saying so back then, but he was."
"What do you mean I didn't like you saying so? I don't remember you saying anything!" Grhan exclaimed.
"Well, after he walked off, you stood there and I said, 'He's a cutie!' You looked at me then wouldn't talk to me until Louie woke up."
"Nothing – I don't remember any of that." Grhan said.
Luke sat down and seemed deep in thought. After about five minutes, he stood up. "Kendy, contact Hinson. Tell him to be prepared to leave with us after we fuel up and check out Level X. Let's contact Jedi Horn and make sure things are okay on Lothal. Once we revive confirmation from Jedi Horn and pick up Hinson on Borleais, we'll need to set a course for Jelucan."
"What are you thinking, Master?" Grhan asked.
"I'm thinking that we've been wrong this whole time. Nash had nothing to do with what happened. Well, indirectly, yes. Directly? No." Luke said.
"Then who? How?" Kendy asked.
"That's what we're going to Jelucan to find out!"