In the Hands of Time

by Darth Pipes and ami-padme

At the end of The Empire Strikes Back, Palpatine sends Mara back in time to strike a preemptive blow against the Skywalker family...but Vader, Luke and Leia are hot on her trail.

4. Chapter 4

IN THE HANDS OF TIME
(Part 4)
by Darth Pipes and ami-padme
joesw77@aol.com, ami_padme@yahoo.com

Drayos

The N-3 Naboo Royal Starfighter descended into the atmosphere of Drayos.  The vessel flew high, not wanting to attract attention from the military base on the planet.

As its decent gradually became lower, the starfighter made its way into a region full of mountains.  It flew through one of the cave openings and made a successful landing.

Mara Jade opened the cockpit and jumped out of the craft.  Now hidden inside of the well-lit cave, she knew the planet's resistance force could not locate it.  She went to the ship's cargo hold and pulled out the supplies that were in it.  She would set up camp here and wait.  Wait for the right opportunity to strike at Queen Amidala.

Mara Jade left the cave and began a climb up the nearest mountain.  With her skills, it took her only a few minutes to reach the top.  The stars above rained their light down upon her.  In front of her lay the green world of Drayos.

The wind blew her hair back as she looked across the planet.  She was about five miles away from the base. Just outside of their sensors.  Avoiding them had been no problem when landing the ship.  She had done so many times against the most modern sensor systems on many of her missions.

She considered her current situation.  Vader was alive...she had been foolish to assume he had been killed.  Not only that, Luke Skywalker was here as well, and Vader had made contact with him.  They were both heading for the planet.

Vader would arrive first, followed by Skywalker.  Mara would have to be on alert.  The Empire would be coming to wipe out this resistance force in about a week.  Vader and Skywalker would be here before then.

She did not fear having to fight one of them.  She had never met adversary worthy of her abilities.  Victims fell so easy.  None had given her that warrior's challenge she so desired.  Vader and Skywalker, however, would be worthy opponents.

Vader was the more powerful of the two. He had slaughtered many of the Jedi personally.  Normally someone like Mara Jade would not stand a chance.  But she had benefited from being trained under the Emperor, the same man who trained Vader.  The Emperor had told Mara Jade about Vader.  His strengths, his weaknesses, his fears. Everything.  Vader would be tough, but she could defeat him.

Skywalker was powerful as well.  One couldn't survive a battle with Vader if he wasn't.  But his power was raw, and undisciplined.  Mara Jade would defeat him as well.

However, if the two of them were to combine forces, Mara knew she would not stand a chance.

Mara could get around that, however.  She would stay close to the base.  Vader and Luke would follow but would not cause a scene for fear of creating a scene or altering a future event.  When the Empire struck, Mara would make her move and kill the Queen.  The legend of Luke Skywalker would be erased from the history books forever and only the Emperor...and herself…would remain.

She descended down the mountain and to the cave where the makeshift camp she had made stood.  She would rest here.  Then in the morning, she would begin the journey to the camp.  The Emperor had taught her how to conceal her presence to other Jedi.  She could remain there until the Empire struck.

Mara laid down on the sleeping bag on the floor of the cave and fell into a restful slumber.  In her sleep, she dreamed of the possibilities that lay ahead of her.  Induction into the Sith, the Emperor's Supreme Commander, and finally, the obtainment of her own personal goal.  Leadership of the Empire.


Obi-Wan stalked through the base, barely noticing the looks of surprise and concern he drew from bystanders.   Luckily, most knew to stay out of the way of an angry Jedi.  Obi-Wan threw the back door open and continued through the greenery of Drayos.  He didn't know where he was headed and he didn't care.

He was so furious he couldn't see straight.  What is wrong with her?  Obi-Wan knew Amidala was going through an incredibly tough time, but she seemed hell-bent on making things worse.  She refuses to even try to understand.  And he couldn't believe that she actually hit him.  The shock of that moment hurt more than any physical pain she could have inflicted.

Why can't she just accept the truth?  That Anakin was dead.  And that despite the pain of losing him, maybe they were all better off for it…

Obi-Wan stopped and took a look around.  He was somewhere in the forest behind the base.  Fine.  He needed to be alone anyway.

He leaned against a nearby tree and tried to calm himself down.  Amidala didn't mean it, you shouldn't be angry with her.  Obi-Wan struggled to center his thoughts.  But it didn't work.  He kept asking himself why he was mad at her in the first place.

Shouldn't she be hoping that her husband might have survived?  Shouldn't she want to believe that her husband wasn't evil?  How else was she supposed to react to Anakin reaching out to her?

No, she was simply doing what any wife who loved her husband would do.  He shouldn't begrudge her that.

But, in the end, she was making things harder.

Obi-Wan still struggled constantly with his guilt and pain…yet, Anakin's death, at the very least, had given him a sense of closure.  The horrific path that Anakin led them down had come to an appropriately dreadful end.

The thought that Anakin might have survived…that this nightmare might not yet be over…it was almost too much to bear.  Amidala hadn't seen for herself what Anakin had become; she had reason to hope.  He had held out hope himself until he met his Padawan at the volcano.  That hope was gone now.  Obi-Wan knew better than anyone how completely the dark side had Anakin in its grasp.  Knew the horrors Anakin could unleash if he had somehow survived.

No, he didn't survive.  We have to accept that.

"General Kenobi?"

The voice startled Obi-Wan.  He looked up and saw Sylvn, Ki-Adi-Mundi's daughter, standing before him.

"Yes, Sylvn – is something wrong?  Do they need me back at the base?"

"No, nothing's happened.  I'm sorry for disturbing you."  She looked a bit uncomfortable.  "I usually come out here to think.  I was a little surprised to see that I had company this time."

"I didn't mean to intrude," he replied.

"That's all right."  She sat on the ground next to the tree, and looked up at him with a small smile. "I don't mind."

Obi-Wan sat next to her.  He appreciated her smile, but knew it belied almost unspeakable grief.  Losing Anakin had been like losing a son, but beyond that he had little family to speak of.  She had lost nearly every member of an enormous family.  And her friends.  And her home world.  Given how close he felt to the edge, Obi-Wan wondered how she managed to function at all.

Obi-Wan tried to push their combined grief aside.  He wanted to make conversation, but couldn't think of anything else to talk about.

She glanced at him and said, "Don't worry, there isn't anything else to talk about."

Obi-Wan felt taken aback.  "I didn't realize you're Force-sensitive."

"I'm not.  I don't have to be.  Every conversation here starts and ends with the Wars.  Which means they all start and end with misery."

"I suppose you're right," Obi-Wan sighed.  "You've been here much longer than I have; I'm sure you're tired of hearing sad stories."

"Well, there's always time for one more…"

Obi-Wan shook his head ruefully.  "Trust me, you don't want to hear it.  Besides…your father has likely shared most of it with you."

She hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Yes, he has, at least part of it.  I'm very sorry to hear about your apprentice."

"Thank you."  A moment of awkward silence followed.

"Do you…blame yourself?"

Obi-Wan bristled in surprise, and almost instinctively moved back from her.

"I'm sorry.  Please, I didn't mean to upset you."  Sylvn placed her hand over his.  "I wasn't trying to be nosy…I was just wondering…"

"Wondering what?"

"How you are dealing with this.  Like I said, I've heard everyone's stories…but they always finish with a thirst for vengeance.  I think many – not all, but many – of the people here simply want the Empire to pay for what's happened to them."

Obi-Wan had also sensed that.  He couldn't say that he blamed any of them.  "You don't want that though."

Sylvn shrugged.  "I don't know.  There are days when that's all I can think about.  But I don't…need it.  I don't want to live that way, with revenge as my main motivation."  She sighed heavily.  "I could fight the Wars for a thousand years, and it still won't bring back my family, or my home…"  Her eyes shut for a second, as if she were about to cry.  But the moment passed, and when her eyes opened she looked fine.

Obi-Wan squeezed her hand, which was still resting on top of his.  "I can't imagine what that must have been like for you.  You and your father are fortunate to have each other."

She almost laughed.  "It's strange how things wind up.  The two of us haven't been very close; we've had some terrible disagreements in the past.  Now we're alone…clinging to each other for dear life."

"If you have each other, then neither of you is alone."  He dropped his eyes from hers and said, "I've lost or alienated those who matter most…and almost everyone else is dead…"

"I know…I know what that feels like.  But self-pity is a cold comfort that doesn't last very long.  Believe me, I've tried it.

"It's not easy," she continued softly, "but maybe the only thing we can do is try to focus on the present – on the new connections we might make to help us get through this."  As she said that, her eyes took on a slightly hopeful look.

He smiled at her.  She actually sounded a bit like Qui-Gon, telling him to live in the moment and not miss opportunities in front of him.  It always was a wise lesson.

"You're right, Sylvn.  There are too many things that need to be done now to have the luxury of wallowing in regrets." He paused, wanting to say something more, but then he changed his mind.  The two stared at each other for a long moment. "Thank you, Sylvn," he whispered softly.


As the sun's first rays began to rise, Ki-Adi-Mundi sat in his small room meditating.  He did this every morning.  For a Jedi, meditation was important.  It could clear the mind and help the Jedi obtain a state of peace.

When at peace, a Jedi was at his most powerful.  Ki-Adi-Mundi had much he needed to clear his mind of.

Such as the events leading up to where he was now.  He mind raced as he thought of the events of the last two and a half years.  The Clone Wars, the Battle of Concord Dawn, the Sith, all these images crossed his mind.  Especially the image of his homeworld, Cerea.

Cerea, his beloved planet, that he served for almost fifty years.  It was a paradise where technology was shunned and its people lived normal, quiet, and happy lives.  It was so beautiful and so green.  It was the perfect place to raise a family, or in the case of an average male Cerean, families.  Correction, it had been the perfect place to raise the family.  Now, it was completely destroyed and left unable to support any life.

Ki-Adi-Mundi thought back bitterly to the course of events that led to Cerea's destruction.  It had been after the Emperor had declared marital law on the galaxy.  He had sent his destructive new ships, Star Destroyers, out to crush any resistance to his New Order.  One of the planets that refused to give in was Cerea.

Unfortunately, since Cerea shunned technology, they had nothing that could combat the Empire.  Ki-Adi-Mundi, his former apprentice, A'Sharad Hett, and a force of Jedi and military personnel went to Cerea to help fight the Empire.

They were unsuccessful, and the Empire destroyed Cerea.

It was most bitter for Ki-Adi-Mundi.  He not only lost his planet but he lost most of his force, including A'Sharad, whom he had come to think of as a son.

The worst blow of all was when he had attempted to save his family.  When he reached the area where his large family dwelled, he found them all dead. His bond-wife and four honor-wives.  Six of his daughters and his only son, who was only twelve years old.  The only member of his family left alive was his first child, his daughter Sylvn.

Along with the remnants of his force and Cerean refugees, he escaped the planet.

The loss of his family had almost destroyed Ki-Adi-Mundi.  Consumed by great sadness and rage, he had considered killing himself.  But he couldn't do it.  It was not the Jedi way; it was not his way.  He still had Sylvn.  He could not leave her alone without any family.  He was also responsible for the lives of the refugees and his force.  And the Empire still existed.

Resolve entered into Ki-Adi-Mundi's body.  Palpatine and his Empire had brought along all the pain and suffering to Cerea and the rest of the galaxy.  They would continue their atrocities.  Ki-Adi-Mundi had to resist them, had to stop them anyway he could.  He promised himself on the memory of his family that he would not rest until the Empire was destroyed.  He might be killed one day but he would die on his feet, not on his knees, resisting Palpatine and his insidious New Order.  He swore it.

Ki-Adi then began organizing a resistance force.  He began rounding up survivors who shared his desire to see the Empire destroyed.  His fellow Jedi, who the Empire was determined to eliminate from existence (that thought made Ki-Adi's anger burn even more).  The Bothans, members of the Republic's military, and everyone else he could find.

They established base on Drayos and there they would begin their fight to destroy the Empire.  It would be an uphill battle, he knew, and one they might never win.  But it wouldn't be lost on a lack of trying.

His force was large, although it could be larger.  The additions of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Queen Amidala were a major plus.  Ki-Adi's thoughts drifted to the young Queen.  How difficult it must be for her.  She had lost her husband Anakin to the dark side, had lost her homeworld and most of her friends.  Now she was pregnant with Anakin's children and on the run from the Empire.

Those children are going to be powerful, Ki-Adi thought.  He could sense it.  Perhaps even powerful enough to destroy the Emperor.  Ki-Adi knew that the Queen and her unborn children must be protected at all cost.  As the sun rose, Ki-Adi finished his meditation and prepared himself for the day ahead.

There would be a meeting in an hour about Captain Jonas' mission to Galan and the state of affairs on the planet.  Ki-Adi also realized that his daughter was late in meeting him.  She normally arrived to his room early for breakfast.  He wondered where she could be.

Suddenly, his door open and his daughter walked in.

"Good morning, Father," Sylvn said, smiling.

"Good morning, Sylvn," Ki-Adi said.

Ki-Adi-Mundi was surprised to sense something different about his daughter.  She seemed less sad then usual, even a little happy.  This was especially surprising considering how she had been these last few weeks.

"How are you feeling, my daughter?" Ki-Adi said.

Sylvn looked at him and smiled.  "Better than I felt in awhile.  I was able to talk to a...friend who helped me quite a bit."

"A friend?" Ki-Adi replied.

"General Kenobi."

"I see.  The general is a good man."

"Yes," Sylvn said.  "He certainly is."

Ki-Adi could sense more to Sylvn's last statement then she had let on.  Still, he did not press the subject.  He was glad to see his daughter's spirits lifted somewhat.  He hadn't always been close to her as much as he liked.  They had had many confrontations over the years, most notably, about the Pro-Tech movement.  They had often fought and argued much, but despite all this Ki-Adi loved her and hoped she realized that he did.

"Are you ready for breakfast Sylvn?" Ki-Adi said.

"Of course," she replied and the two left the room.  As they were walking, Ki-Adi's thoughts were on the future.  He had become increasingly aware of "disruptions" in the Force over the last week.  They were like nothing he had ever sensed before.  They were quite unnatural. General Kenobi and the other Jedi had sensed it as well.  Ki-Adi wasn't sure what it was, but he had a feeling that he would be dealing with it in the near future.

They all would.


The main auditorium of the Drayos military base was beginning to fill up for the morning briefing as Obi-Wan Kenobi entered.

Obi-Wan looked around the room.  The room was filled with many different races, most notably Bothans and Cereans.  Obi-Wan also saw some of his fellow Jedi.  The Jedi Master Don-Wan Kihotay.  Tubocca the Wookie Jedi Knight.  The beautiful Devlin Knight Neea Danquis.  Despite all the suffering that was going on in the galaxy because of the Empire, it made Obi-Wan feel good to see these races of free people come together, most likely putting aside any type of differences between them.

Obi-Wan walked up the stage, which was filled with some of the resistance leaders, the most prominent of which was General Basek Ter'lya, Mundi's Bothan second-in-command.  Obi-Wan also found C-3PO and R2-D2 on stage with some of the communication officers, bickering about something.  It looked like Threepio was still angry about Artoo's comment the other day.

Still, there was one figure Obi-Wan didn't see.  Scanning out through the crowd below, Obi-Wan spotted Amidala in the back with other members of the resistance leaders.  Their eyes met and the two looked at each other.  Neither one of them moved.

I have to talk to her about last night, Obi-Wan thought.  We have to get things settled between us.

Just then, the side doors leading two the stage slid open and Ki-Adi-Mundi and Sylvn entered.  The room became silent as the two made their way onto the stage.

Obi-Wan saw Sylvn approach and smiled at her.  Sylvn smiled back.

Ki-Adi-Mundi took his place at the center of the podium and began his morning briefing.  He went over the usual bit of business.  Status reports, meeting with contacts, and so on.  He noted that the droids C-3PO and R2-D2 were instrumental in decoding several Imperial messages involving various projects.

As Mundi continued on, Obi-Wan's mind began to concentrate on the disruptions in the Force he had sense in the last few days.  It bothered the Jedi that he was still unable to discover what they were. He had talked to Mundi and the other Jedi about it, and they were unable to sense what it was either.

The worst part was Obi-Wan kept feeling further ripples in the Force and had a feeling this "disruption" would involve everyone in the base.  This concerned him very much as he continued to listen to Mundi's briefing.  What could it possibly be?

"As you know, we recently sent Captain Hallington and his starship to Xtarri," Mundi spoke as everyone began to pay even closer attention.  "It is there that we hope he can make contact with General Derek's resistance group in hopes of forming an alliance between the two of us.  If we can get him to agree to join us, our resistance can begin to take on a stronger offensive against the Empire."

"However," General Ter'lya said, stepping forward to join Mundi at the podium.  "It might take Captain Hallington several days to find Derek and convince him.  In the meantime, our first priority is to get the planetary deflector shied operational.  If we double our efforts, we could get it operational in about a week.  I will be supervising this work."

"Most of our planetary weapons are operational," Mundi said. "Only a few more systems and this planet will be at completely armed in case of an Imperial attack.  To oversee this and our military forces will be General Kenobi.  Sylvn will serve with the General as his second-in-charge."

At the mention of his name, Obi-Wan stepped forward and walked over to Mundi and Ter'lya.  Mundi knew what he wanted and gave the podium over to Obi-Wan.  Obi-Wan looked out at the audience and began to address them.

"There is one other matter I would like to discuss," Obi-Wan said.  "Over the past few days, I have sensed several disruptions in the Force.  These aren't the same as a regular disturbance.  Something is...unnatural about it.  Master Mundi and the other Jedi here have sensed it as well.  I am unsure of what it is, but I have a strong feeling it has something to do with Palpatine."

The mention of Palpatine's name sent grumbles through the crowd.  Obi-Wan waited for them to quiet down and then continued.

"I have a feeling we might encounter this disruption in the near future.  It is important that all of you, Jedi or otherwise, stay alert and focused in the weeks ahead.  This disturbance might possibly have wide-ranging effects.  For everyone."

The crowd was silent for a time.  Master Mundi returned to the podium to address them once again.

"General Kenobi is right.  We must all be ready. May the Force be with us."

With that, the meeting ended and the people began to disperse, going back to their assignments.  Obi-Wan walked down the stage and through the departing people in an attempt to get to Amidala.  He wanted to talk to her about last night.  By the time he reached the back, he found that she was gone.

Obi-Wan sighed.  It looked like she still didn't want to speak to him.  He would have to talk to her at a later time.

Ki-Adi-Mundi and Sylvn approached him and Obi-Wan turned to face them.

"Is everything all right Obi-Wan?" Ki-Adi said.

"Not quite," Obi-Wan admitted.  "But it will have to do for now.  Do you have a timeframe for contact with Captain Hallington?"

Ki-Adi-Mundi shook his head no.  "Hopefully, within the next few days. I can't be certain.  For right now though, we will have to take care of business here.  I know I can trust you to handle our officers and armament."

Obi-Wan and Sylvn nodded.

"Good," Mundi said. "Because I have a feeling you were right about that disturbance Obi-Wan.  I believe we will encounter it in the near future."

Xtarri
Aboard the Star Destroyer New Order

Admiral Lord Damon Raynar watched from the bridge of the Star Destroyer New Order as the world of Xtarri was consumed by flames.  A man in his mid-forties, the admiral was tall, regal, with black hair and green eyes.  He stood strong with his olive-green Admiral's uniform.  Strapped to his waist was an old-fashion, ceremonial sword.  His left hand rested on the hilt of the sword as he watched the carnage below him.

The armada of four-Star Destroyers led by Raynar had just laid waste to the planet and the resistance it held.  General Derek's resistance force was the latest destroyed by Raynar in the past six months.  With the apparent death of the Emperor's enforcer, Darth Vader, Palpatine had put the Admiral in charge of crushing any resistance to the Empire.

Raynar had lived up to the expectations.  Six resistance cells had been destroyed under his command, the largest of which was Xtarri.  His fleet had left the planets in ruins; their resistance force was unprepared for the Imperial bombardment.  Their base and ships were completely destroyed.  The planet's inhabitants, those unconnected with the resistance, were calling into the New Order, begging for help.  Admiral Raynar ignored them. If they were to die, then they would die.  It would be a message to the galaxy about what would happen to all planets that allowed a resistance cell to spring up against the Empire.

Raynar continued to look out of the viewscreen.  Six resistance cells down but he knew there was more still remaining.  It was his duty to find them and destroy them.

It was always about duty when it came to Lord Damon Raynar.  The son of nobility on the planet Aeon, Raynar had always been among the most powerful individuals of the Republic.  Heads of state, ambassadors, senators, everyone who had influence in the government.  Anything he ever wanted as a child was given to him.

At the age of seventeen, he entered the Academy and graduated four years later in the top five percent of his class.  He was given an officers commission and quickly worked his way up the ranks.   At the age of thirty, he was given his first command.

With the outbreak of the Clone Wars, Raynar was promoted to Commodore and participated in some of the heaviest fighting of the government.  The Supreme Chancellor himself decorated him as a hero.

When that Chancellor named Palpatine proclaimed himself Emperor and formed his New Order; Raynar was the first member of the military to support him.  He believed in the Emperor's vision and would do what it took to help him.  Palpatine rewarded him with a promotion to Admiral.  Now he had become one of his most important officers.

There were those who dismissed Raynar's abilities because of his family's influence.  Lord Damon had always scoffed at that.  Those people were fools who underestimated his abilities.  The fact of the matter was he was the best officer in the fleet, and had a military mind matched only by Admiral Thrawn.  He was the best and that is why the Emperor had so much trust in him.

The Emperor's trust could be a very powerful and rewarding thing.  With Vader's death, the Emperor was looking for a new second-in-command.  Admiral Raynar intended to be that man.  He would prove to the Emperor in this campaign that he was worthy of such an honor.  Being the Emperor's enforcer would give him more power than one could ever dream possible.  Raynar would not lose that opportunity.

Still, Raynar put those thoughts aside.  The Rebels were out there, and until they were all destroyed he still had a duty to perform.  It must be taken care of.

Raynar turned away from the viewscreen and headed to the turbolift.  Once there, he ordered the computer to take the lift to the detention level.  It was there that he might learn of another resistance cell.

While his Star Destroyers bombarded Xtarri, a Corellian cruiser had come out of hyperspace.  The TIE fighters and assault frigates quickly captured it.  His men were interrogating the ship's captain now.  They would soon learn where he had come from and why he was heading to Xtarri.

Raynar knew though that he was from another resistance unit.  There would be no other reason a ship would come to such of an out of the way planet.  He had ordered his men to use whatever resources possible to discover what resistance cell the man worked for.

The turbolift stopped and Raynar got out and headed for Detention Cell 12.  After clearing the necessary security protocols, he entered the cell. It was quite a messy site.

The rebel captain named Hallington was laid out on the floor in a pool of his own blood.  He had been badly beaten.

An interrogator droid hovered above him.  To his side were Captain Crix Wilston, his executive officer, and two stormtroopers whose white armor was covered with spots of crimson.

"Admiral Raynar," Captain Wilson said, stepping forward and bowing. "We have interrogated the prisoner and have discovered which cell this rebel scum came from."  He handed a datapad over to Raynar, who took it and looked it.

"Drayos," Raynar said as he looked over it.  "Has this been confirmed?"

"Yes Lord Raynar," Wilston said. "The interrogator droid has confirmed he was telling the truth."

Raynar nodded and continued to look over the datapad.  He recognized the name of the planet.  Drayos had been home to a military base for the Republic.  It had been abandoned shortly after the Hyperspace Wars.  Apparently, this is where these rebels had their base.  It also appeared that Ki-Adi-Mundi was their leader.

Ki-Adi-Mundi.  Raynar recognized that name.  Mundi was a Jedi Master, and the last surviving member of the Council.  The Empire had a termination list with various individuals on it.  Mundi was on top of that list.  The Emperor wanted all the Jedi eliminated but especially Mundi.  If he could take care of the Jedi and this resistance, the Emperor would be indebted to him further.  He would increase his influence in the Empire and his power would grow.  This could turn out to be quite profitable.

Raynar smiled.  He had always enjoyed big game hunting.  Now Mundi and his rebels would be the biggest hunt of all.

Raynar and Wilston left the detention cell and headed for the nearest communication console.  Raynar activated it and patched it through to the bridge.

"Commander Benton," Raynar said.

"Benton here, sir."

"What is the status of our fleet?"

"Our fighters are returning now sir," Benton said. "We're refueling and dumping our useless scrap metal.  We should be ready to depart in less than an hour."

"Good, when that is all taken care of, have the fleet set course for the Drayos system.  It seems the Captain's rebel friends are there."

"Yes Admiral."

Raynar shut off the console and he and Wilston headed for the turbolift.  They needed to go to the war room to discuss strategy for the latest campaign.

It was time to eliminate this rebellion for good.

Drayos

"She's still not speaking to me," Obi-Wan said, breaking the silence between him and Sylvn.  The two had just spent the entire day overseeing the bases weapons and supplies.  They were finishing up their final check-ups.

"Give her time Obi-Wan," Sylvn said.  "This is a difficult choice she is facing."

"I know," Obi-Wan said.  "Still..." his voiced trailed off as he finished the last weapons check-up.

"Finally finished," Sylvn said with a sigh of relief.  "All weapons in this base are now fully operational."

Obi-Wan was very impressed with Sylvn.  Despite the fact that she had grown up on a world that shunned technology, she had shown an amazing ability to deal with machines and programming.  She truly was a remarkable woman.

"That leaves only the planetary deflector shield," Obi-Wan said.  "With these weapons ready, the Empire won't be taking this planet without a fight."

Obi-Wan and Sylvn then reported the news to Ki-Adi-Mundi via comlink.  When that was done, the two headed out of the compound and to the main base.

"Would you care to join me for a walk, Obi-Wan?" Sylvn said.

"I would be happy to, Sylvn," Obi-Wan said.

The two spent the next hour walking through the forest exchanging stories about their lives.  Obi-Wan told her about his early days of Jedi training.  About training under Yoda, and then Qui-Gon.  He also told her about Anakin.  About when he taught him, and when they stormed the galaxy as master and apprentice.  That thought made Obi-Wan smile.  Those had been good times.  How long ago those days seemed now.

Sylvn told Obi-Wan about her early childhood, being the first child of Ki-Adi-Mundi and how his family grew to include four honor-wives, six more daughters, and a son.  She also talked about the time where her relationship with her father was almost destroyed by the Pro-Tech movement on her planet.  She had joined the movement, embracing the technology and adventure it offered.  Instead, it nearly cost her her life.  She was rescued by her father and the two began to patch up their shaky relationship.

The problems caused by the Pro-Tech movement showed Sylvn what could happen when people of different viewpoints violently disagreed with each other.  A year later, she joined the Republic's Diplomatic Corps.  There, she would help worlds fighting with inner turmoil or other worlds.  It was difficult and often dangerous work, but Sylvn hung tough and became one of the Corps best diplomats.  It had been part of her life for more than a decade.

Obi-Wan listened intently to Sylvn's story.  He also watched her as well.  Her eyes, her smile.  He noted how the glow from the moon radiated off her face, enhancing her natural beauty.  Sylvn looked up at him and with an amused grin.

"You are very quiet, Obi-Wan."

This surprised Obi-Wan somewhat.  "That is how I am.  I have always been like that…although I might point out that with you I have said more than I have said to anyone else on this planet," he added that last part with a bit of playful humor in his voice.

"A'Sharad was like that as well," Sylvn said, quietly and with sadness.

"A'Sharad, you mean A'Sharad Hett, your father's former Padawan?" Obi-Wan said.

"Yes, A'Sharad Hett," Sylvn said, again very quiet and sad.

"You were close to him, weren't you?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, the two of us were romantically involved.  We had been for some time.  I remember when my father first brought him to Cerea.  He had just recently met him on Tatooine and had agreed to finish his training.  A'Sharad had been raised on the planet as a Tusken Raider.  As such, he had often been uncomfortable around others, especially considering they all had exposed faces.  As you know, Tuskens conceal their faces.  It took awhile but our family eventually befriended him and he became one of the family.

"Our relationship stared years later after he had become a Knight.  By then, he had long since abandoned his Tusken facial wrappings.  He spent some time on Cerea before he became a knight and the two of us fell in love.  I was several years older than he was but that never bothered either of us.  We were in love.  That was all that mattered."

Obi-Wan nodded.  There had also been an age difference between Anakin and Amidala and they had fallen in love.

"But, as you know," Sylvn said, continuing. "A'Sharad was killed when the Empire destroyed my homeworld.  He died bravely, like the Jedi he was."

Sylvn stopped talking and grew silent.  Obi-Wan thought he saw a tear in her eye. He put his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he said.

Sylvn nodded. It took a few moments for her to compose herself before she spoke again.

"What about you Obi-Wan?  Did you ever have a special someone in your life?"

"I am a Jedi, Sylvn.  Our line of work leaves us little time for relationships."

"Surely there must be some woman out there who was special to you."

Obi-Wan was silent for a while.  "There was one, years ago when I was still a Padawan.  She was a Princess.  We loved each other very much.  I even considered marrying her.  But our duties and responsibilities could not allow us to wed.  It's been many years since I have seen her."

"The path of a Jedi is not an easy one," Sylvn said.

"No, it is not," Obi-Wan said.  "It is a difficult one.  One with many paths and trials.  It keeps us constantly moving and impossible for many of us to ever have a family.  But it is the path that I chose and I do not regret it.  The rest is in the hands of the Force."

Sylvn nodded and the two continued their walk towards the base.  Along the way, Obi-Wan was surprised to find that he and Sylvn were holding hands.

The two entered the base and reached Sylvn's quarters.  Obi-Wan turned to face her.

"I enjoyed our walk," Sylvn said with a smile.

"As did I, Sylvn," Obi-Wan said, smiling right back. "I appreciate the companionship you have brought me during this difficult time."

"Think nothing of it Obi-Wan.  You needed someone to talk to and so did I.  I'm just happy I could be there for you."

Obi-Wan took Sylvn's hand in his own and gently kissed it.  Sylvn smiled as she looked up at Obi-Wan.  Obi-Wan met her gaze and the two stared at each other for a long time.

Slowly, Obi-Wan moved closer and kissed Sylvn on the lips.  Sylvn kissed him back.

When it was over, Sylvn pulled back and once again looked at Obi-Wan.  A smile once again formed on her lips.

"Good night Obi-Wan," she said.

"Good night Sylvn," Obi-Wan said and Sylvn went into her room.

Obi-Wan left the corridor and headed for his quarters.  His thoughts were of Sylvn. He realized that being with her made him happy for the first time in over six months.

Still, he could not shake that feeling he had that something was headed to Drayos.  It would be here soon.  Something that had to do with those disruptions he had felt earlier...


It was the dead of night when the old N-1 Royal Starfighter landed in the tall grass of Drayos.  The cockpit opened up and out came Darth Vader.

The tall grass was several feet high and tall enough to hide the starfighter from others on the planet. Vader made his way through the tall grass until he finally got out of it.

He reached a hill and ascended up it.  When he reached the top, he looked across the land. Beyond it was the rebel military base.  There he would find Mara Jade.

Vader reached out with the Force to try to find her.  He knew he would not be able to.  Sith and others strong in the dark side knew how to cloak their appearance.  The Emperor had taught Vader this, and he no doubt had taught Mara Jade this as well.

Still, he knew where he would find her.  She would stay close to the camp.  That way, Vader could not attack her for fear of drawing attention and possibly altering the timeline.  It was a clever strategy on Jade's part.

Vader had studied the theory of time travel many years earlier.  About how even the slightest change in the past could conceivably have great consequences in the future.  He would have to be very careful not to draw attention to himself.

Vader also knew there was another presence he felt on the planet. He knew this one all to well.  Obi-Wan Kenobi.  His former teacher and friend.  With Obi-Wan here, that meant that Amidala would be with him.

Obi-Wan...the name burned in Vader's mind.  How he would love to confront him one more time.  The day he had killed Kenobi on the Death Star was one of his proudest moments.  Still, it left him with somewhat of an empty feeling.  Kenobi had somehow vanished when Vader struck him down.  He didn't suffer, he didn't fall in two, and he simply vanished.  Even with his understanding of the Force, Vader still could not explain what had happened to him.

"If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful then you can possibly imagine."

That had been the last thing Kenobi had said to him.  Had Kenobi indeed found a way to live on in this galaxy that Vader did not know about?  Did he truly become more powerful that he could possibly imagine?  Perhaps I should kill Kenobi now...

No, he could not.  He had to consider several factors.  The timeline for one thing.  Plus, it had been Obi-Wan who had kept Amidala alive long enough to give birth to Luke.  Obi-Wan had been the one to train Luke as a Jedi.  Vader was forced to admit that Obi-Wan had done well with Luke.  Already at a young age, Luke had destroyed the Death Star and had held his own in a duel with him.  As much as he hated to admit it, he needed Obi-Wan alive to eventually bring Luke to him.

His mind drifted to Amidala his...Anakin's wife. It had been even longer since he had seen her last.  Anakin had loved her very much.  She claimed that she loved him as well.  But Vader knew that was a lie.

When he had first joined the Emperor, he had gone to Amidala.  He wanted her to join him.  He loved her and knew that she would want to be with him no mater what.  He was wrong.  She was horrified.  She refused to join him and told him so.  She told him she could not stand by and watch him destroy himself and others.  That was the last time he had seen her.  He left devastated.  The only woman he had ever loved had turned her back on him and she didn't even care.

There were times though, that deep down, he knew that she was right.  That she had been correct in what she had done.  Vader quickly dismissed this as an echo from his past.  An echo from Anakin's past.  She had been the one who was wrong.

As for Obi-Wan, he had never wanted to train him in the first place.  He was only obliged to Anakin because of a death wish from his master.  It had been Obi-Wan who was responsible for the death of his mother.  He had never forgiven him for that.

They both hated Anakin and wanted to have nothing to do with him.  The Emperor had been right in that regard.  Vader didn't need either of them.  They might still be alive in this timeline but as far as he was concerned, they were both dead to him.

Clearing his thoughts, Vader began to consider his strategy.  The base was five miles from there.  He would go by foot and hide out of the bases outskirts until the Empire arrived and then Mara Jade would make her move.  Vader hated sneaking around.  That was a task more suited Jade and beings like Prince Xizor.  Still, it is what he would have to do to complete this mission.

Before Vader would go to the base, his mind drifted to one more important thing.  Luke.  His son would be here within the next three days.  Vader would have to decide what to do with him.  Should he confront him and convince him to join his effort to save his mother?  Or should he ignore Luke for the time being in order to concentrate on Mara Jade?

This thought occupied Vader's mind as he made the long walk to the rebel base, towards a date with the past of Anakin Skywalker.

Deep space
Star Destroyer New Order

"Admiral Raynar," Commander Benton said, walking towards the admiral.  "The Emperor demands that you make contact with him."

"Very well," Admiral Raynar said.  "Patch the communication to my quarters.  Captain Wilston, you have the bridge."

Raynar departed the bridge and headed for his quarters.  He made his way swiftly, and once inside, turned on his holo-projector.

Before him stood the image of Emperor Palpatine, formally Supreme Chancellor, now absolute ruler of the galaxy.  He was dressed in a black cloak with the hood pulled over his head.  He now wore this the very few times he was in public.

Since consolidating his power two months ago, Palpatine had become increasingly isolated.  Only his most important officers, aides, and servants had been allowed to meet before him.  Raynar was one of those officers.

Raynar dropped to a knee and bowed his head before the Emperor.  "Your Majesty," he said.

"What is your report, Admiral Raynar?" Palpatine said, his voice cold and emotionless.

"The rebel base on Xtarri has been completely destroyed," Raynar said, raising his head.  "Their forces have been crushed.  With the destruction of Xtarri, that marks our sixth rebel resistance cell destroyed in the past six months."

"Good," the Emperor said.  "I take it you are on your way to deal with another of these resistance cells?"

"Yes, Your Majesty.  A cell located on the world of Drayos.  It is led by the fugitive Jedi Ki-Adi-Mundi."

"Yes, I know," Palpatine said.  "The planet Drayos has recently come to my attention."

Raynar seemed surprised by this.  How was it that Palpatine always knew these things before something happened?

"I have sensed disturbances on Drayos," Palpatine continued.  "Things the likes of which this galaxy has not seen.  You are to make sure that Drayos is completely destroyed.  First the resistance cell, then the planet's surface itself.  This is an important assignment Raynar.  Do not fail me," Palpatine said, adding that last part with great emphasis.

Raynar stood his ground and nodded.  "I will not fail you, my Emperor."

Palpatine nodded and a moment later his image flickered, and then disappeared.

Raynar rose and stood thinking for a long time.  What was it on this world that made it so important to destroy?  Was it Mundi, or the resistance...or just the planet itself?

Whatever it was, Raynar knew for sure what it meant.  A golden opportunity for him to stake his claim as the Emperor's second-in-command.  It would require him to defeat these enemies of the Empire and obliterate an entire planet.

Raynar knew the stakes.  He would not fail.

Drayos

Amidala stood on the top of the North Tower on the Drayos military base.  It was nightfall, and she stood looking out at the stars.  It was a cold night and Amidala was shivering.  But she had to come out here.  She had to get away from everyone.

In the short time she was here, she had managed to fight with Obi-Wan and drive herself further into a depression.  She had tried to be helpful to Ki-Adi-Mundi and the resistance while she was here.  She participated in meetings with Mundi and his staff and had helped him with the organization of some of his military forces.  Still, she felt useless here, magnified by the fact that she was six months pregnant.

Amidala sighed as she thought of her unborn twins.  Obi-Wan had said it was best to break them up.  She had fought with him countless times about it and had finally managed to drive him off.  She was totally alone.

She was also scared.  Scared of the future and what it might bring.  The Empire would continue to hunt her down.  She would be moving constantly, trying to escape their grasp.  She would have no one to turn to.  Obi-Wan would be looking after her children.  The thought of losing her children was almost too much to bear.  They were the only things she had left, and now she would lose them as well.

Now, as she shivered in the increasingly cold wind, she realized that her future lead down an uncertain path with a destination that was unknown.

Suddenly, she felt a robe being put gently on her shoulders, offering her warmth.  She turned around to find Obi-Wan, flashing her a warm smile.

"Looks like you could use someone to talk to," Obi-Wan said.

Amidala forced a smile.  "I guess I do."

A sigh of relief left Obi-Wan.  He was glad that Amidala was finally going to talk to him.

Amidala turned back around and continued to stare out at the stars.  "You are right about the Empire, Obi-Wan.  They never will stop pursuing me once they discover I'm still alive.  They will hunt me down until they kill me, and the twins too."  Her voice sounded detached and emotionless.

Obi-Wan didn't know what to say.  Amidala had once again turned on that icy demeanor of hers that he had seen many times in the last twelve years.  He just hoped his friend knew what she was doing.

"I don't blame you Obi-Wan," Amidala continued.  "You are doing what you have to do by suggesting we separate the twins."

"You know that I don't like having to even suggest it," Obi-Wan said.

"I know.  It has taken me awhile to realize that.  These are difficult times, for both of us.  But we have to do what is necessary."

Amidala turned around and looked Obi-Wan straight in the eyes.  Obi-Wan met her glance.

"I'll separate the twins," Amidala said impassively.

Obi-Wan breathed another sigh of relief.  She had finally come around.  "You have made the right choice Amidala.  The only choice," he said.

Amidala nodded.  She continued to meet Obi-Wan's gaze.  "We have to separate them not just from me, but from each other," she said, her voice in that regal tone she often used for official business.  "That will make it more difficult for the Empire to find them.  You will take care of that Obi-Wan.  I believe you mentioned that you have a brother you were thinking of having as one of the guardians."

"Yes," Obi-Wan said.  "My brother Owen.  He is a moisture farmer on Tatooine.  I admit that we do not get along, but he and his wife Beru do not have any children.  I know they would love to have one.  They would be good guardians for either one of the children."

"Good," Amidala said flatly. "Then it is settled."

Obi-Wan was glad that he had finally managed to convince Amidala to separate the twins.  Still, he was concerned.  He hoped that Amidala had made this decision because she truly believed it was the right decision to make.

"Amidala," Obi-Wan said tentatively.  "Are you sure you want to make this decision?  It is important that you..."

"Yes, Obi-Wan, it is the decision I want to make!" Amidala snapped at him, startling the Jedi.  "What is with you Obi-Wan?   First you want me to separate the twins and when I finally agree, you question my judgment.  Do you not trust me Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan shook his head to show that he trusted her judgment.  He stared at Amidala.  He had been happy that she was finally talking to him again. He thought she had forgiven him but now he was not too sure.  Perhaps she never would.

Just as he was about to turn around, Amidala grabbed Obi-Wan's arm and took his hand.  Obi-Wan met her gaze and saw tears running down her face.  She was crying.

"Obi-Wan, the last few months have been the worst of my life.  I lost Anakin, my family, my friends, and my homeworld.  Soon even my children will be gone.  I have nothing left.  Except you."  Her hand tightened in Obi-Wan's.

"I am scared Obi-Wan.  For the first time in my life, I am alone and my future is clouded.  I have nothing left.  I don't know what I'm going to do, and losing the twins makes things even worse."

"It will be all right Amidala," Obi-Wan said.  "You will face difficult times as in the years ahead.  It will test you in every way possible.  But I also know something else.  That you are the most determined person I have ever met in my life.  You will face these challenges and overcome them.  I know it.  You are Amidala, Queen of the Naboo."

She almost smiled.  "I know I have been difficult with you these past six months but I want you to know that you have been a good friend to me.  I could not have gotten through this time without you.  Obi-Wan, you have been the best friend I could ever imagine."

Obi-Wan smiled, gratitude etched in his face.  "Thank you, Amidala."

He put his arm around her shoulders and the two departed the North Tower.  They left together, the best of friends.

Three days before the Imperial attack

The starship Gambler's Luck broke Drayos' atmosphere and landed on the planet.  It landed in the forest area, roughly seven miles from the rebel base.

Its hatch opened and Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa walked out.  They could feel the dark presence that had entered the planet earlier.

Darth Vader was here, and so was Mara Jade.

It had taken Luke and Leia almost four days to reach Naboo.  In that time, they began to plot strategy for this mission.  They would have to stop Mara Jade from killing their mother and quite possibly would have to deal with Vader.  They knew the two would most likely stick close to the base where Luke and Leia couldn't make a move on either of them.

Mara Jade would most likely strike when the Empire attacked this planet in three days time.  They had discovered the fate of this planet.  Leia had recalled that Bail Organa had told her many years ago about a resistance force led by a Jedi that had been crushed by the Empire.  This had been the final of these cells that had been destroyed and had effectively crushed active rebellion for many years.  They would not rise again until their mother had formed the Rebel Alliance.

Mara Jade would strike when the Empire attacked.  That is what Vader was waiting for.

Luke's mind pondered his father.  He and Leia had had many disagreements involving the course of action that should be taken with him.  Luke had argued that they should confront him.  Luke had begun to argue more and more that it was possible Vader could be redeemed and Anakin Skywalker could exist once more.  After all, Vader had defied the Empire and traveled back through time to save his son from the Emperor's Hand.  Perhaps he did it because he actually cared for Luke.  Luke had thought he sensed pride from Vader directed towards him during their duel at Cloud City.  If Vader was capable of still feeling these emotions, perhaps he could still be saved after all.

Leia on the other hand, vehemently disagreed with Luke.  She felt it was best to deal with Vader after they had stopped Mara Jade.  She didn't trust him and felt it was impossible for one such as Vader to ever be redeemed.  She argued that Vader didn't care about Luke at all and only wanted to save Luke so he didn't lose his chance to overthrow Palpatine and use Luke as his servant.

The two had argued about this many times.  Luke pointed out that Leia hadn't been around Vader since she discovered her powers and therefore could not judge him.  Leia argued that Luke was making too much out of blood when he defended Vader.  They continued to argue until they finally decided to stop yelling at each other and instead just listen to each other.  They agreed that Vader was a bridge that they would cross when the time would come and instead concentrate fully of their efforts to saving their mother.

Luke and Leia looked out through the forests of Drayos.  Beyond that lay the ill-fated rebel base that was to be destroyed.  Luke and Leia did not want to see these rebels, who were much like the present day Rebellion, be destroyed.  But they agreed they would heed the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi and not become involved in the conflict.  Even good intentions such as their own could lead to consequences that the galaxy would be unprepared for.

"Jade is here, and so is Vader," Luke said.

"I know," Leia replied. "I can feel it."

Indeed she could.  Luke had continued Leia's Jedi training onboard the Gambler's Luck.  Leia's skills were growing stronger and she had great potential, perhaps just as great as Luke did.

"Our best bet is to stay low when we reach the base and wait for Mara Jade to make the first move.  We must stop her...even if it means altering the timeline."

Leia nodded her head.  She wasn't looking forward to this mission.  She was nervous, even a little afraid of what she might find.

"Relax, Leia," Luke said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Relax and clear your mind.  Focus on the present instead of the future.  It will make your path much clearer."

Leia smiled and set about doing that.  She took her blaster out as Luke took his lightsaber out.  She was ready.  Ready for whatever the future might bring.


Ki-Adi-Mundi finished reading over the last of the reports on his desk and leaned back on his chair.  With this deskwork taken care of, all that remained was the final report from his daughter Sylvn.

Sylvn had been working closely with General Kenobi on the planets weaponry.  After they had finished that assignment, they began to work with General Ter'lya, helping his team fix the planetary deflector shield that would protect this base.

Mundi smiled with pride as he thought of his daughter.  She was a good officer in his resistance and consistently impressed him with her hard work.  This despite the fact she had grown up on a world that shunned technology.

Still, one thing concerned Mundi about Sylvn.  It was her newfound relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Just then, the quarters to Mundi's office opened and Sylvn stepped forward, a broad smile evident on her face.  "Hello, Father," she said.

"Hello, Sylvn," Mundi said, returning her smile.  "Your report."

"The repairs on the deflector shield are going well.  It is now fifty percent operational.  General Ter'lya believes that if everything goes well, we should have the shield operational in two days."

Mundi nodded.  "What about General Kenobi?  What does he say?" Mundi asked, watching his daughter more closely.

"General Kenobi believes this to be true as well.  He has also noted that the disruptions in the Force he has felt recently seem to be gone.  Still, he believes that we should still be alert in any case."

"I agree," Mundi said.  "Anything else you have to report?"

"No, that is all," Sylvn said.

"Very well," Mundi said, getting up from his seat and heading towards his daughter.  He now stood very close to her.

"You and General Kenobi have been spending a lot of time together."

"Yes," Sylvn said, eyeing her father, having a feeling where this line of question was going.  "We have been working together on the base's operations just as you asked."

"I know," Mundi said.  "What I meant was that you to have spending a lot of time with the general even off duty."

"That's right," Sylvn said a bit defensively.  "Obi-Wan and I have been spending our off-duty time together."

"Do you, care for him Sylvn?" Mundi asked.

"Yes, I do Father," Sylvn said.  "Do you mind telling me what the point of this conversation is?  Do you not approve of me having feelings for Obi-Wan, or do you just not approve of Obi-Wan in general?"

"No, my daughter," Mundi said, facing her.  "I do not disapprove of your relationship with Obi-Wan or your having feeling for him.  Obi-Wan has been my friend for over twenty-five years.  He is a good man."

"Then what is your problem with us being together?" Sylvn pressed on.

"My daughter, you must understand.  Obi-Wan is a good man but he is also a man with many responsibilities.  He has sworn to protect the Queen and her unborn children.  He will follow them to the end of the galaxy to protect them.  He will not even be here for much longer because he is constantly on the move with the Queen, looking to protect her.  It may not be wise to become...romantically involved with him. He might break your heart."

"Is that what this is about?  Whether or not Obi-Wan will break your daughter's heart?"

"No, Sylvn," Mundi said.  "It is about Obi-Wan as well.  It is vital that he concentrates on protecting the Queen.  Her unborn children are too important to the galaxy.  They might be the only ones possible of defeating the Emperor.  It is important that Obi-Wan and for that matter, you, do not get distracted in a relationship."

"It is always like this with you, isn't it Father?" Sylvn said, glaring angrily at her father.  "You always find a way to disapprove of my relationships or for that matter my life."

"That is not true, Sylvn," Mundi said, slightly annoyed that his daughter would say that.  "I am merely saying that..."

"Saying what?  That you once again disapprove of the choices that I have made in my life?  That you once again are disappointed in me?"

"I have never been disappointed with you Sylvn," Mundi said, his anger beginning to increase.  "It is about me not wanting to see you get hurt once again."

"Get hurt, like with A'Sharad?" Sylvn said.  That memory made Mundi somber.  His apprentice had been like a son to him.

"Father, you must learn that I am no longer your little girl, and I am capable of making my own decisions," Sylvn said.

"I know that princess," Mundi said.  "But getting involved with Kenobi will cause you nothing but pain and will distract him from his obligation to the Queen.  I ask you to consider this instead of disregarding my advice like you have done in the past."

Sylvn stared at her father.  "You know father, it has never changed with you or with us.  After all these years, you still disapprove of the decisions I make, and most of all, you disapprove of me.  I had hoped that with it being just the two of us now that that would all change.  That we could put our differences aside and live together like a family should.  I guess I was wrong."

With that, Sylvn stormed out of the room.  Ki-Adi-Mundi just stood staring at the door.  He could go after his daughter but he knew she would not listen.  It was better not to bother her right now.

Mundi turned around and looked out the window of his small room.  It was still dark and light wouldn't come for several hours.  He had only hoped to avoid seeing his daughter hurt by becoming involved with a man such as Kenobi.  Instead, he had only managed to isolate his last remaining family from him.  At this point in his life, he could not afford, or stand, to be alone again.