Chapter 25: The Way of the Force
Anakin was beginning to tire and he knew that he should pull he and Analsa aside to rest. Ben could take over his team and continue forward long enough to give Anakin a breather her knew, but Anakin wasn't about to leave Ben alone with this despite the fact that he knew the younger Jedi could handle it. It was the same sort of stubbornness that had stopped him from resting and healing the ghastly wound he had acquired from an amphistaff on Myrkr fifteen years ago, that had weakened him enough to allow the Force to take hold of him. Somehow he had been recovered by a Jedi named Vergere who had been captured by the Yuuzhan Vong and had been living amongst them for over fifty years. It bothered him that he could find no purpose in his salvation, except to be dropped into a familiar but incredibly changed world and accept the consequences of his absence.
Well he would not sit in the corner and cower in fear, nor would he stop doing the things that came natural to him. He had told Ben back on the transport that he had chosen this life and it was what felt right and true to him, even if it did seem a little strange for him to fight in the protection of the Yuuzhan Vong instead of against them.
Together he and Analsa worked with incredible symmetry. When she fired he covered her from the rear, and when she fell back he blocked the blaster fire that came in her direction. He was surprised by their empathy but did not fight it. It was nice to have another friend who did not expect anything from him the way that the rest of his family did, except for Ben. They took him at face value, ready to weather any instability that might arise from his reactions to the changes of the galaxy.
His family, he felt, shouldn't have to bear the weight of that considering they had lived fifteen years thinking he had died on Myrkr. With each passing day he felt himself withdraw further and further from his family and becoming closer to Ben and Uncle Luke. He didn't know if Han and Leia noticed it or whether they thought he was this reclusive to everyone, but there were times he just wanted to go back into the [i]oombassl[/i].
When he had found out that Analsa had snuck aboard the troop carrier, he had been both livid and slightly pleased. He liked the girl, but he wanted her to be safe and this battle was far from it. He had taken it upon himself to be the young woman's protector and remained close at hand as she dived into the thickest of the battles. Her skill with Ben's blaster was impressive but he sorely wished he had an extra lightsaber to give her and that she was trained enough to use it.
The moment when she had been mentally distracted and that blaster bolt had nearly caught her, Anakin had no words to describe the feelings that had rushed through him. This girl had come to mean so much to him in the few weeks that they had been training together.
Soon enough the roof was cleared and Ben was moving off to speak with one of the Yuuzhan Vong to give him directions. The black clad warriors were rounded up and locked in the maintenance shed for the time being. Uncle Luke's example had already been duplicated twice. Anakin was glad for the respite and didn't move to assist Ben. His young cousin had an inexorable amount of strength and vitality, something Anakin could remember but could no longer feel.
Ben pulled his grappling hook from his belt and handed it over to the Yuuzhan Vong, who took it in razor sharp clawed hands. They spoke but at Anakin's distance he couldn't make out the words without using a Force hearing enhancement technique. Instead he concentrated on revitalizing tired muscles that hadn't seen this much activity in fifteen years, and steadying his breathing through the Force.
Analsa walked over to him and studied him with open concern. ''Are you alright?'' she asked in a hushed whisper despite the fact that no one would over hear her in this wind.
He nodded. ''It's been a while since I've done this,'' he admitted. ''Perhaps I'm getting old.''
Analsa gave him a wry grin. ''Come on old timer, let's secure the area.''
She offered him a hand, which Anakin took although he was just leaning against the shed door. He was surprised that the warriors did not argue against their capture. These warriors did not act within his sphere of understanding. They didn't even try to escape as though they were expecting someone to rescue them, and yet the warriors Uncle Luke had gone after had leapt over the wall without any sort of struggle. Something was up and he didn't like it.
Abruptly, Analsa froze and looked around as though she was searching for something only she could see.
Sidling beside her, Anakin took in the area. Ben was organizing the Yuuzhan Vong directing them to join the other groupings they had freed. The two Jedi teams were watching the other workers sheds that they had stuffed the black clad warriors in and waiting for the next instructions from their leaders. Nothing to flag his attention.
But Anakin knew he was no omniscient. ''What do you sense?''
''I'm not sure. But it feels like danger,'' she answered in an unsteady voice. ''Not for us but to someone else nearby.''
Anakin stretched out is senses and finely tuned them toward her Force sense, only then did he sense it. ''Feels like Yuuzhan Vong.'' Anakin was pleased she was finally able to pick up on them without his help, although this wasn't the nicest way to do it. He glanced over at Ben who was now turning to his team to give them further instructions, it was clear if he sensed it or not.
''Can we reach them,'' Analsa asked, still hesitant about her abilities.
Anakin nodded. ''They're not far. Gather the group while I talk to Ben.'' As Anakin turned towards his cousin he missed the satisfied grin that came over Analsa's face.
''Valin, I want to split the team up, you take one side and I'll take the other. We could cover more ground that way, saving more Yuuzhan Vong,'' Ben was saying as Anakin approached.
The older boy, just rolled his eyes. ''That leaves us stretched thin. There are too many of them, we don't want to press our luck.''
''They aren't out to demolish us, just the Yuuzhan Vong. This is a battle to incite aggression towards the Republic, we need to show the Vong that we are on their side, we can't do that if we are only saving pockets of them,'' Ben argued in a much more cool manner, but by the grey in his eyes, Anakin could tell that his patience was wearing thin.
Valin turned to Anakin obvious relief on his face. ''Anakin tell him that its too dangerous to split the squad.''
''There are more and more Yuuzhan Vong dying, I can feel it,'' Ben continued now pointing his arguments towards Anakin. ''Surely you can. If we split them in half we get more Jedi to them.''
Anakin looked between the two younger Jedi, Valin was watching him as though Anakin were already on his side, and Ben had a pleading look in his eyes, as though he was begging Anakin to side with him. He could see both points of view, Ben who like his father never thought much of his own safety was willing to use whatever resources he had to help save the Vong and Valin wanted nothing more to make sure at least some of the Jedi were coming home.
''We're going to compromise. Ben is in charge of your squadron Valin, you know this. Analsa has picked up on a small group that is being held in a building not to far from here. From what I gather of the size of warriors it is not very large and will be no problem for she and I to handle it. I'll take a few of my squad but then divide the rest among the two of you. Ben, you can change the structure however you like,'' Anakin tried to make both Valin and Ben happy.
Neither looked as such. The [i]oombassl[/i] was sounding better and better.
''That sounds like a good idea to me [i]Knight[/i] Solo,'' and there was no mistaking the emphasis Valin placed on Anakin's title. A title in which Ben was still lacking.
''Very well, Valin go gather the troops Anakin won't be using,'' Ben said, he did not weight to see if the older boy carried out his order.
Anakin hurried to his cousin's side. ''Ben wait.''
''We've got to keep this momentum going, it's the only way we're going to keep these warriors at bay. Arming the Yuuzhan Vong is working, but they aren't all warriors any more, a lot of them will die if we don't do something quickly,'' Ben said, as he continued to march across the rooftop, the strong wind ruffling his cinnamon colored hair.
''What's really bothering you, Ben. There's something more then Valin's subordination,'' Anakin pointed out.
Ben's eyes flickered upward and Anakin noted the deepening of the grey colored. ''I would just like to know what Father is doing.''
''You can feel him can't you?'' Anakin asked, grateful he didn't have Ben's color coding.
Nodding, Ben answered. ''In spurts, as if he's just giving me enough to let me know he's okay or that he's checking on me.'' He sighed. ''I still don't like it. There's a darkness in the air, I can feel it.''
''Is that why you want to split the teams up?'' Anakin persisted.
''That and the fact that although we are saving a lot of the citizens of Bellalt, we are still far outnumbered. As long as the warriors are herding them, we have the opportunity of surprise,'' Ben said, the strategic side of his mind obviously coming into play.
Anakin bobbed his head. ''We can only do our best, Ben.''
''I know, but what if it's not good enough. I know the consequences,'' Ben replied. After a moment he stopped his retreat. ''Don't worry, Anakin. Go find Analsa and take care of that group you sensed.''
He didn't want to leave Ben, especially not like this, but there was little else choice. They were here to do a job. ''Just be careful okay,'' Anakin said.
Ben smiled. ''I'm always careful.''
And with that, Ben turned back to his squad and Anakin jogged back to the few Analsa had gathered.
''Valin told me that he was taking the rest, I hope this is okay,'' she said as soon as he stepped next to her.
''It's fine. We're going under,'' he said pulling out his lightsaber and igniting the purple blade. He had been surprised to find that Jacen had kept it all these years. It had been an awkward moment when his older brother had returned his saber. There were so many things he wished to smooth over with Jacen, but not until his brother was ready.
Driving the energy blade through the rooftop permecrete Anakin burrowed a hole large enough for them to drop down two by two. He wasn't going for finesse, just quick and clean. At his signal, his first two Jedi troops step down into the hole and yelled up the okay. There was only one other pairing beside he and Analsa and it wasn't long before they were inside the building. Anakin studied the nearest illumination box and noticed that the power was still running through and switched it on. If they remained in darkness it would only help the darkly clad warriors who would melt into the shadows much easier then the Jedi.
''Analsa which direction are you picking them up from?'' Anakin asked as they came to a fork in the buildings corridor. Analsa pointed right, and Anakin moved to the next illumination box. Unfortunately the power had been cut to this one. There was a little light gleaming off of his lightsaber and those of the other Jedi but that could trigger the black clad warriors.
They would just have to risk it and hope that all of Uncle Luke's blindfolded training had sunk in.
''Analsa, stay close,'' he ordered and the girl came to take her spot behind him and just to his right. Creeping through the corridors Anakin thought, ''Here we go again.''
[hr][/hr]
Luke had been playing on the hunch that the disarmed warriors would head for their leader to rearm and it was paying off perfectly. He hid behind a crate of supplies that were marked with the symbol that represented hydrated foods just in time to see the ship Jaina had described to him, touch down on the landing platform just outside Luke's hiding place. He had followed the warriors through an intricate search for over an hour, but finally they had slowed here.
With his lightsaber in hand but not ignited Luke pressed himself as far as he could behind the crate and into the shadows without revealing his position. Slowly the strangely designed ship's loading ramp lowered and a cloaked man descended. For a moment Luke had the sense of deja vu that had come when he had first met the Emperor. Both beings were shrouded in Darkness and Luke had only glimpsed at the Emperor's face when his cowl had couldn't hide everything. Just like the warriors that now served this new dark being.
Luke, who knew what it was like to be hunted down and cajoled into joining the Dark Side, wanted to keep this new being as far away from Ben as he could. The more logical side of his mind told him that this was impossible, that he could not always protect Ben from the many dangers the universe possessed, but he was certainly going to try.
The cowled being stopped as he spotted his underlings and gestured emphatically toward his ship. Exaggerated bows came from the black clad warriors and they scurried off looking now like rodents obeying their Master. Luke frowned at the sight. What sort of control did this being have over his warriors?
He remembered the sort of mind control that the insane Jedi Master C'Boath had concocted and wondered if this new dark being was using something similar. This shrouded man already had a cloaking device on his fighters and a legion of warriors that had been taught to withstand Jedi mind tricks. Luke felt a shiver course up his back at the real threat that they had another Palpatine on their hands.
Luke was keeping his aura in tight, so as not to clue the other Force user into his presence but he knew that it wouldn't be long for the shrouded being to realize he was here. For so long he had begun to believe that the galaxy was starting to stabilize, that the years of war and suffering were coming to an end, now he found that this very idea was being threatened by one that had already shown so many similarities to another who had brought down the whole Old Republic and in its place had risen an Empire.
The cowled head turned in his direction but it was more a searching look then any acknowledgment of Luke's presence to which the aging Jedi Master was very much relieved. The inevitability of a confrontation was evident but Luke didn't want to rush into it either, not with this dark being unaware of his presence.
The shrouded being moved away towards Luke and the Jedi Master hastened to move out of sight. He was being pushed into the confrontation now and with his son's life at stake the pressure was more then even that confrontation three decades ago when his father's soul was in the balance.
When the dark being had entered the anteroom Luke stepped out from behind the stacking crates, lightsaber held at the ready but still not engaged. The shrouded being stopped and Luke got the distinct feeling that he was being eyed.
''Ah, Master Skywalker, I should have guessed you would find me out sooner or later,'' the man said in a tone that was icy smooth.
''Who are you?'' Luke demanded.
''I am what you could have been Luke Skywalker. I am Darth Nefarion,'' the Sith answered.
Luke had somehow always known that whoever was behind this it was a Sith despite the knowledge that they were all supposed to have been destroyed. ''What do you want?''
''Isn't it obvious, Master Skywalker. I want your son,'' Nefarion answered straight-out with a mocking hint.
A cocky smile, one which Luke didn't necessarily feel, lined his aged face. ''You understand that I can't allow that.''
''Do you think you can stop me,'' and there was no question in Nefarion that Luke could not.
''Even if I don't, Ben will never join you,'' Luke said this with all the pride he had in his son and the faith in his abilities.
''Then he will be joining you shortly in death, Master Skywalker,'' Nefarion countered with such an ease that sent goose bumps on Luke's arms.
''I don't die easily Lord Nefarion,'' Luke tossed back.
The Sith Lord reached inside his cloak and pulled out an arm length cylinder that resembled the one clutched white knuckled in Luke's hand. ''Oh, I am aware of the Skywalker ability, Master Jedi. Be assured though, you will die here.''
''If it be the will of the Force,'' Luke interjected. ''I have faced your kind before.''
The shrouded shoulders bobbed up and down. ''In your youth perhaps, but I think you will find me to be an unexpected challenge.''
''I never underestimate an opponent,'' Luke said. ''Neither should any underestimate me.''
That's when Nefarion's blade slinked out in the deepest hue of red Luke had ever seen and it told Luke that Nefarion had also constructed his blade to withstand Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology. The man leaped at him with such a powerful grace that Luke nearly didn't get his blade up in time. His battles with his father had been against a crippled man who had survived on machinery and the Dark feelings of his heart, but this Nefarion was young, Luke could tell that by the ease and the vitality in his strikes.
The blades sizzled as the came together in an X between their wielders and Luke felt the pressure of the Sith as he tried to intimidate Luke. Although Nefarion was young and spry, he did not have Luke's experience in the Force and in the art of dueling with a fully trained Jedi where as Luke had battle Sith and even himself. He was suddenly thankful for all the many duels he and Ben had engaged in, the unexpectedness of his son and the quickness of his movements, which helped prepare him for this battle with Nefarion.
Luke's form fitted to that of Nefarion's whenever the Sith Lord made a strike, Luke's defense was immediate and effective. Still Luke knew what this battle would be, it wouldn't end without one of them joining the Force. For the Jedi there is no emotion there is peace. He let that peace flood over him, let it sink into every fiber of his being, and to guide his actions. There was more at stake here then just Ben and Luke had to keep that in mind although it was very difficult.
Devising a plan, Luke pushed Nefarion backward, out towards the landing pad so that they were both out in the open air. Nefarion swiped at Luke's head and the aged Master dunked it without problem, using one of Ben's tactics and turning the dunk into a full leg sweep. It only worked to a point, for Nefarion didn't fall flat on his back, but in his attempt to dodge Luke's sweep he got caught in his robes. Affording Luke the respite to flip over the Sith Lord and onto the balcony that he had spotted over head.
His objective was stall Nefarion as long as he could, hopefully until the assault on Bellalt was finished and he noticed that he and Jaina were now playing the same game, hoping to hold out long enough to save them.
Nefarion followed him in short order, but now Luke had the upper hand, and pushed an offensive that put the Sith a little off guard. It intrigued Luke that even as they fought in the hurricane like winds of Bellalt that Nefarion managed to be cloaked in shadow and that he could not even get the glimpse that the Emperor had afforded him.
The battle intensified with Luke switching back to the offensive. The clash of lightsabers was drowned out by the whipping of the wind and Luke was once again brought to the duel with Vader on Bespin. Only this time there was no Leia to hear his call and he certainly wasn't going to call for Ben.
''Your son will be mind, Master Skywalker. I have foreseen it,'' Nefarion hissed as their blades once again came crossed before them.
''The future is always in motion,'' Luke countered serene. His peaceful countenance seemed to spurn Nefarion to further press his attack and Luke was soon lost in the dance of the battle. Ben's vision would not come true. He would see to that.
[hr][/hr]
Ben felt the disturbance in the Force just as he was about to send his troops in to engage another legion of the black clad warriors. He reached out to his father and felt the quick avoidance Luke displayed. Whatever was happening with his father, Luke didn't want Ben to know about it, which meant the disturbance was around Luke himself.
Searching the area, Ben was about to call for Anakin when he belatedly realized that his cousin had taken off down to the lower levels of the city to find a patch of Yuuzhan Vong that were rudely guarded. Back on Linnal he had connected with Anakin on the deep mind level that only the very close could and he fleetingly wondered if he could do it again. His self- doubt was brief however, as he put his faith in the Force. Reaching out, he combed the central area he and Anakin had taken in search of his cousin.
It wasn't long before Ben's mind snapped in unison with Anakin's and he relayed the message. [i]Father's in trouble. Come as quick as you can.[/i]
In return Ben received a feeling that Anakin would do his best. Feeling slightly better, Ben pulled out his comlink and commed Valin. This conversation would be much harder to have then the one with Anakin. The older apprentice was bent on objecting to his every order and although had overtly disobeyed Ben, the younger Jedi couldn't help but figure such insubordinate actions weren't far off.
''Apprentice Horn,'' Valin's voice came over the tiny speak, which Ben had to hold close to his ear to pick up over the rising wind.
''Valin, I need you to meet me. I need you to take over my side of the team,'' he called into his own speaker.
Valin paused before answering. ''Why?''
''There's a disturbance in the Force that I need to check up on. My father is there now and I'm under the impression that he is in danger,'' Ben explained truthfully although it killed him to admit as much.
''Ben, Master does not need your help, but we do,'' Valin countered expectantly.
Ben sighed impatiently. ''A while ago all you accused me of stretching us to thinly now I want to join the teams and you object?'' Ben questioned disbelievingly.
''This is an entirely separate matter,'' Valin replied.
''He needs me Valin,'' Ben said for the first time letting the pain in his voice show.
It was a long while before Valin returned over the mic. ''I don't like this Ben.''
Valin was actually talking to him like a human being, what a concept. ''You don't have to like it Valin. I am your commanding officer and as such I am ordering you. No matter how you feel about me, you must trust my judgement.''
''Does Anakin know?'' Valin questioned.
''He does,'' Ben answered. ''But he can't get to me yet.''
''Then we'll back you up until he can,'' Valin affirmed.
Ben who was beginning to wonder if this was the same Valin Horn that had given him such a hard time for the last two years or if this was somehow a cloned imposter, shook his head despite Valin not being able to see him. ''We can't leave the Yuuzhan Vong without protection.''
''How about we plow you a road,'' Valin suggested.
''Why are you doing this?'' Ben asked.
''Because I would hope you do the same thing for me if my father was in trouble,'' Valin answered truthfully.
Ben blinked suddenly feeling so close to the other apprentice who had made his life in the Order amongst his age group so hard. ''Thanks Valin.''
''Don't mention it. The team will be there in a moment,'' Valin answered.
Ben switched off his comlink and smuggled it into his tunic. Once again calling on the Force he tried to tell Father that he was on his way, but the older Skywalker's mind was far to occupied and Ben did not want to distract him in a heavy fight. ''I just hope that I can change the outcome,'' Ben whispered.
Anakin was beginning to tire and he knew that he should pull he and Analsa aside to rest. Ben could take over his team and continue forward long enough to give Anakin a breather her knew, but Anakin wasn't about to leave Ben alone with this despite the fact that he knew the younger Jedi could handle it. It was the same sort of stubbornness that had stopped him from resting and healing the ghastly wound he had acquired from an amphistaff on Myrkr fifteen years ago, that had weakened him enough to allow the Force to take hold of him. Somehow he had been recovered by a Jedi named Vergere who had been captured by the Yuuzhan Vong and had been living amongst them for over fifty years. It bothered him that he could find no purpose in his salvation, except to be dropped into a familiar but incredibly changed world and accept the consequences of his absence.
Well he would not sit in the corner and cower in fear, nor would he stop doing the things that came natural to him. He had told Ben back on the transport that he had chosen this life and it was what felt right and true to him, even if it did seem a little strange for him to fight in the protection of the Yuuzhan Vong instead of against them.
Together he and Analsa worked with incredible symmetry. When she fired he covered her from the rear, and when she fell back he blocked the blaster fire that came in her direction. He was surprised by their empathy but did not fight it. It was nice to have another friend who did not expect anything from him the way that the rest of his family did, except for Ben. They took him at face value, ready to weather any instability that might arise from his reactions to the changes of the galaxy.
His family, he felt, shouldn't have to bear the weight of that considering they had lived fifteen years thinking he had died on Myrkr. With each passing day he felt himself withdraw further and further from his family and becoming closer to Ben and Uncle Luke. He didn't know if Han and Leia noticed it or whether they thought he was this reclusive to everyone, but there were times he just wanted to go back into the [i]oombassl[/i].
When he had found out that Analsa had snuck aboard the troop carrier, he had been both livid and slightly pleased. He liked the girl, but he wanted her to be safe and this battle was far from it. He had taken it upon himself to be the young woman's protector and remained close at hand as she dived into the thickest of the battles. Her skill with Ben's blaster was impressive but he sorely wished he had an extra lightsaber to give her and that she was trained enough to use it.
The moment when she had been mentally distracted and that blaster bolt had nearly caught her, Anakin had no words to describe the feelings that had rushed through him. This girl had come to mean so much to him in the few weeks that they had been training together.
Soon enough the roof was cleared and Ben was moving off to speak with one of the Yuuzhan Vong to give him directions. The black clad warriors were rounded up and locked in the maintenance shed for the time being. Uncle Luke's example had already been duplicated twice. Anakin was glad for the respite and didn't move to assist Ben. His young cousin had an inexorable amount of strength and vitality, something Anakin could remember but could no longer feel.
Ben pulled his grappling hook from his belt and handed it over to the Yuuzhan Vong, who took it in razor sharp clawed hands. They spoke but at Anakin's distance he couldn't make out the words without using a Force hearing enhancement technique. Instead he concentrated on revitalizing tired muscles that hadn't seen this much activity in fifteen years, and steadying his breathing through the Force.
Analsa walked over to him and studied him with open concern. ''Are you alright?'' she asked in a hushed whisper despite the fact that no one would over hear her in this wind.
He nodded. ''It's been a while since I've done this,'' he admitted. ''Perhaps I'm getting old.''
Analsa gave him a wry grin. ''Come on old timer, let's secure the area.''
She offered him a hand, which Anakin took although he was just leaning against the shed door. He was surprised that the warriors did not argue against their capture. These warriors did not act within his sphere of understanding. They didn't even try to escape as though they were expecting someone to rescue them, and yet the warriors Uncle Luke had gone after had leapt over the wall without any sort of struggle. Something was up and he didn't like it.
Abruptly, Analsa froze and looked around as though she was searching for something only she could see.
Sidling beside her, Anakin took in the area. Ben was organizing the Yuuzhan Vong directing them to join the other groupings they had freed. The two Jedi teams were watching the other workers sheds that they had stuffed the black clad warriors in and waiting for the next instructions from their leaders. Nothing to flag his attention.
But Anakin knew he was no omniscient. ''What do you sense?''
''I'm not sure. But it feels like danger,'' she answered in an unsteady voice. ''Not for us but to someone else nearby.''
Anakin stretched out is senses and finely tuned them toward her Force sense, only then did he sense it. ''Feels like Yuuzhan Vong.'' Anakin was pleased she was finally able to pick up on them without his help, although this wasn't the nicest way to do it. He glanced over at Ben who was now turning to his team to give them further instructions, it was clear if he sensed it or not.
''Can we reach them,'' Analsa asked, still hesitant about her abilities.
Anakin nodded. ''They're not far. Gather the group while I talk to Ben.'' As Anakin turned towards his cousin he missed the satisfied grin that came over Analsa's face.
''Valin, I want to split the team up, you take one side and I'll take the other. We could cover more ground that way, saving more Yuuzhan Vong,'' Ben was saying as Anakin approached.
The older boy, just rolled his eyes. ''That leaves us stretched thin. There are too many of them, we don't want to press our luck.''
''They aren't out to demolish us, just the Yuuzhan Vong. This is a battle to incite aggression towards the Republic, we need to show the Vong that we are on their side, we can't do that if we are only saving pockets of them,'' Ben argued in a much more cool manner, but by the grey in his eyes, Anakin could tell that his patience was wearing thin.
Valin turned to Anakin obvious relief on his face. ''Anakin tell him that its too dangerous to split the squad.''
''There are more and more Yuuzhan Vong dying, I can feel it,'' Ben continued now pointing his arguments towards Anakin. ''Surely you can. If we split them in half we get more Jedi to them.''
Anakin looked between the two younger Jedi, Valin was watching him as though Anakin were already on his side, and Ben had a pleading look in his eyes, as though he was begging Anakin to side with him. He could see both points of view, Ben who like his father never thought much of his own safety was willing to use whatever resources he had to help save the Vong and Valin wanted nothing more to make sure at least some of the Jedi were coming home.
''We're going to compromise. Ben is in charge of your squadron Valin, you know this. Analsa has picked up on a small group that is being held in a building not to far from here. From what I gather of the size of warriors it is not very large and will be no problem for she and I to handle it. I'll take a few of my squad but then divide the rest among the two of you. Ben, you can change the structure however you like,'' Anakin tried to make both Valin and Ben happy.
Neither looked as such. The [i]oombassl[/i] was sounding better and better.
''That sounds like a good idea to me [i]Knight[/i] Solo,'' and there was no mistaking the emphasis Valin placed on Anakin's title. A title in which Ben was still lacking.
''Very well, Valin go gather the troops Anakin won't be using,'' Ben said, he did not weight to see if the older boy carried out his order.
Anakin hurried to his cousin's side. ''Ben wait.''
''We've got to keep this momentum going, it's the only way we're going to keep these warriors at bay. Arming the Yuuzhan Vong is working, but they aren't all warriors any more, a lot of them will die if we don't do something quickly,'' Ben said, as he continued to march across the rooftop, the strong wind ruffling his cinnamon colored hair.
''What's really bothering you, Ben. There's something more then Valin's subordination,'' Anakin pointed out.
Ben's eyes flickered upward and Anakin noted the deepening of the grey colored. ''I would just like to know what Father is doing.''
''You can feel him can't you?'' Anakin asked, grateful he didn't have Ben's color coding.
Nodding, Ben answered. ''In spurts, as if he's just giving me enough to let me know he's okay or that he's checking on me.'' He sighed. ''I still don't like it. There's a darkness in the air, I can feel it.''
''Is that why you want to split the teams up?'' Anakin persisted.
''That and the fact that although we are saving a lot of the citizens of Bellalt, we are still far outnumbered. As long as the warriors are herding them, we have the opportunity of surprise,'' Ben said, the strategic side of his mind obviously coming into play.
Anakin bobbed his head. ''We can only do our best, Ben.''
''I know, but what if it's not good enough. I know the consequences,'' Ben replied. After a moment he stopped his retreat. ''Don't worry, Anakin. Go find Analsa and take care of that group you sensed.''
He didn't want to leave Ben, especially not like this, but there was little else choice. They were here to do a job. ''Just be careful okay,'' Anakin said.
Ben smiled. ''I'm always careful.''
And with that, Ben turned back to his squad and Anakin jogged back to the few Analsa had gathered.
''Valin told me that he was taking the rest, I hope this is okay,'' she said as soon as he stepped next to her.
''It's fine. We're going under,'' he said pulling out his lightsaber and igniting the purple blade. He had been surprised to find that Jacen had kept it all these years. It had been an awkward moment when his older brother had returned his saber. There were so many things he wished to smooth over with Jacen, but not until his brother was ready.
Driving the energy blade through the rooftop permecrete Anakin burrowed a hole large enough for them to drop down two by two. He wasn't going for finesse, just quick and clean. At his signal, his first two Jedi troops step down into the hole and yelled up the okay. There was only one other pairing beside he and Analsa and it wasn't long before they were inside the building. Anakin studied the nearest illumination box and noticed that the power was still running through and switched it on. If they remained in darkness it would only help the darkly clad warriors who would melt into the shadows much easier then the Jedi.
''Analsa which direction are you picking them up from?'' Anakin asked as they came to a fork in the buildings corridor. Analsa pointed right, and Anakin moved to the next illumination box. Unfortunately the power had been cut to this one. There was a little light gleaming off of his lightsaber and those of the other Jedi but that could trigger the black clad warriors.
They would just have to risk it and hope that all of Uncle Luke's blindfolded training had sunk in.
''Analsa, stay close,'' he ordered and the girl came to take her spot behind him and just to his right. Creeping through the corridors Anakin thought, ''Here we go again.''
[hr][/hr]
Luke had been playing on the hunch that the disarmed warriors would head for their leader to rearm and it was paying off perfectly. He hid behind a crate of supplies that were marked with the symbol that represented hydrated foods just in time to see the ship Jaina had described to him, touch down on the landing platform just outside Luke's hiding place. He had followed the warriors through an intricate search for over an hour, but finally they had slowed here.
With his lightsaber in hand but not ignited Luke pressed himself as far as he could behind the crate and into the shadows without revealing his position. Slowly the strangely designed ship's loading ramp lowered and a cloaked man descended. For a moment Luke had the sense of deja vu that had come when he had first met the Emperor. Both beings were shrouded in Darkness and Luke had only glimpsed at the Emperor's face when his cowl had couldn't hide everything. Just like the warriors that now served this new dark being.
Luke, who knew what it was like to be hunted down and cajoled into joining the Dark Side, wanted to keep this new being as far away from Ben as he could. The more logical side of his mind told him that this was impossible, that he could not always protect Ben from the many dangers the universe possessed, but he was certainly going to try.
The cowled being stopped as he spotted his underlings and gestured emphatically toward his ship. Exaggerated bows came from the black clad warriors and they scurried off looking now like rodents obeying their Master. Luke frowned at the sight. What sort of control did this being have over his warriors?
He remembered the sort of mind control that the insane Jedi Master C'Boath had concocted and wondered if this new dark being was using something similar. This shrouded man already had a cloaking device on his fighters and a legion of warriors that had been taught to withstand Jedi mind tricks. Luke felt a shiver course up his back at the real threat that they had another Palpatine on their hands.
Luke was keeping his aura in tight, so as not to clue the other Force user into his presence but he knew that it wouldn't be long for the shrouded being to realize he was here. For so long he had begun to believe that the galaxy was starting to stabilize, that the years of war and suffering were coming to an end, now he found that this very idea was being threatened by one that had already shown so many similarities to another who had brought down the whole Old Republic and in its place had risen an Empire.
The cowled head turned in his direction but it was more a searching look then any acknowledgment of Luke's presence to which the aging Jedi Master was very much relieved. The inevitability of a confrontation was evident but Luke didn't want to rush into it either, not with this dark being unaware of his presence.
The shrouded being moved away towards Luke and the Jedi Master hastened to move out of sight. He was being pushed into the confrontation now and with his son's life at stake the pressure was more then even that confrontation three decades ago when his father's soul was in the balance.
When the dark being had entered the anteroom Luke stepped out from behind the stacking crates, lightsaber held at the ready but still not engaged. The shrouded being stopped and Luke got the distinct feeling that he was being eyed.
''Ah, Master Skywalker, I should have guessed you would find me out sooner or later,'' the man said in a tone that was icy smooth.
''Who are you?'' Luke demanded.
''I am what you could have been Luke Skywalker. I am Darth Nefarion,'' the Sith answered.
Luke had somehow always known that whoever was behind this it was a Sith despite the knowledge that they were all supposed to have been destroyed. ''What do you want?''
''Isn't it obvious, Master Skywalker. I want your son,'' Nefarion answered straight-out with a mocking hint.
A cocky smile, one which Luke didn't necessarily feel, lined his aged face. ''You understand that I can't allow that.''
''Do you think you can stop me,'' and there was no question in Nefarion that Luke could not.
''Even if I don't, Ben will never join you,'' Luke said this with all the pride he had in his son and the faith in his abilities.
''Then he will be joining you shortly in death, Master Skywalker,'' Nefarion countered with such an ease that sent goose bumps on Luke's arms.
''I don't die easily Lord Nefarion,'' Luke tossed back.
The Sith Lord reached inside his cloak and pulled out an arm length cylinder that resembled the one clutched white knuckled in Luke's hand. ''Oh, I am aware of the Skywalker ability, Master Jedi. Be assured though, you will die here.''
''If it be the will of the Force,'' Luke interjected. ''I have faced your kind before.''
The shrouded shoulders bobbed up and down. ''In your youth perhaps, but I think you will find me to be an unexpected challenge.''
''I never underestimate an opponent,'' Luke said. ''Neither should any underestimate me.''
That's when Nefarion's blade slinked out in the deepest hue of red Luke had ever seen and it told Luke that Nefarion had also constructed his blade to withstand Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology. The man leaped at him with such a powerful grace that Luke nearly didn't get his blade up in time. His battles with his father had been against a crippled man who had survived on machinery and the Dark feelings of his heart, but this Nefarion was young, Luke could tell that by the ease and the vitality in his strikes.
The blades sizzled as the came together in an X between their wielders and Luke felt the pressure of the Sith as he tried to intimidate Luke. Although Nefarion was young and spry, he did not have Luke's experience in the Force and in the art of dueling with a fully trained Jedi where as Luke had battle Sith and even himself. He was suddenly thankful for all the many duels he and Ben had engaged in, the unexpectedness of his son and the quickness of his movements, which helped prepare him for this battle with Nefarion.
Luke's form fitted to that of Nefarion's whenever the Sith Lord made a strike, Luke's defense was immediate and effective. Still Luke knew what this battle would be, it wouldn't end without one of them joining the Force. For the Jedi there is no emotion there is peace. He let that peace flood over him, let it sink into every fiber of his being, and to guide his actions. There was more at stake here then just Ben and Luke had to keep that in mind although it was very difficult.
Devising a plan, Luke pushed Nefarion backward, out towards the landing pad so that they were both out in the open air. Nefarion swiped at Luke's head and the aged Master dunked it without problem, using one of Ben's tactics and turning the dunk into a full leg sweep. It only worked to a point, for Nefarion didn't fall flat on his back, but in his attempt to dodge Luke's sweep he got caught in his robes. Affording Luke the respite to flip over the Sith Lord and onto the balcony that he had spotted over head.
His objective was stall Nefarion as long as he could, hopefully until the assault on Bellalt was finished and he noticed that he and Jaina were now playing the same game, hoping to hold out long enough to save them.
Nefarion followed him in short order, but now Luke had the upper hand, and pushed an offensive that put the Sith a little off guard. It intrigued Luke that even as they fought in the hurricane like winds of Bellalt that Nefarion managed to be cloaked in shadow and that he could not even get the glimpse that the Emperor had afforded him.
The battle intensified with Luke switching back to the offensive. The clash of lightsabers was drowned out by the whipping of the wind and Luke was once again brought to the duel with Vader on Bespin. Only this time there was no Leia to hear his call and he certainly wasn't going to call for Ben.
''Your son will be mind, Master Skywalker. I have foreseen it,'' Nefarion hissed as their blades once again came crossed before them.
''The future is always in motion,'' Luke countered serene. His peaceful countenance seemed to spurn Nefarion to further press his attack and Luke was soon lost in the dance of the battle. Ben's vision would not come true. He would see to that.
[hr][/hr]
Ben felt the disturbance in the Force just as he was about to send his troops in to engage another legion of the black clad warriors. He reached out to his father and felt the quick avoidance Luke displayed. Whatever was happening with his father, Luke didn't want Ben to know about it, which meant the disturbance was around Luke himself.
Searching the area, Ben was about to call for Anakin when he belatedly realized that his cousin had taken off down to the lower levels of the city to find a patch of Yuuzhan Vong that were rudely guarded. Back on Linnal he had connected with Anakin on the deep mind level that only the very close could and he fleetingly wondered if he could do it again. His self- doubt was brief however, as he put his faith in the Force. Reaching out, he combed the central area he and Anakin had taken in search of his cousin.
It wasn't long before Ben's mind snapped in unison with Anakin's and he relayed the message. [i]Father's in trouble. Come as quick as you can.[/i]
In return Ben received a feeling that Anakin would do his best. Feeling slightly better, Ben pulled out his comlink and commed Valin. This conversation would be much harder to have then the one with Anakin. The older apprentice was bent on objecting to his every order and although had overtly disobeyed Ben, the younger Jedi couldn't help but figure such insubordinate actions weren't far off.
''Apprentice Horn,'' Valin's voice came over the tiny speak, which Ben had to hold close to his ear to pick up over the rising wind.
''Valin, I need you to meet me. I need you to take over my side of the team,'' he called into his own speaker.
Valin paused before answering. ''Why?''
''There's a disturbance in the Force that I need to check up on. My father is there now and I'm under the impression that he is in danger,'' Ben explained truthfully although it killed him to admit as much.
''Ben, Master does not need your help, but we do,'' Valin countered expectantly.
Ben sighed impatiently. ''A while ago all you accused me of stretching us to thinly now I want to join the teams and you object?'' Ben questioned disbelievingly.
''This is an entirely separate matter,'' Valin replied.
''He needs me Valin,'' Ben said for the first time letting the pain in his voice show.
It was a long while before Valin returned over the mic. ''I don't like this Ben.''
Valin was actually talking to him like a human being, what a concept. ''You don't have to like it Valin. I am your commanding officer and as such I am ordering you. No matter how you feel about me, you must trust my judgement.''
''Does Anakin know?'' Valin questioned.
''He does,'' Ben answered. ''But he can't get to me yet.''
''Then we'll back you up until he can,'' Valin affirmed.
Ben who was beginning to wonder if this was the same Valin Horn that had given him such a hard time for the last two years or if this was somehow a cloned imposter, shook his head despite Valin not being able to see him. ''We can't leave the Yuuzhan Vong without protection.''
''How about we plow you a road,'' Valin suggested.
''Why are you doing this?'' Ben asked.
''Because I would hope you do the same thing for me if my father was in trouble,'' Valin answered truthfully.
Ben blinked suddenly feeling so close to the other apprentice who had made his life in the Order amongst his age group so hard. ''Thanks Valin.''
''Don't mention it. The team will be there in a moment,'' Valin answered.
Ben switched off his comlink and smuggled it into his tunic. Once again calling on the Force he tried to tell Father that he was on his way, but the older Skywalker's mind was far to occupied and Ben did not want to distract him in a heavy fight. ''I just hope that I can change the outcome,'' Ben whispered.