**************************
Chapter Four: Destiny Beckons
Grand Moff Tarkin stood in the control center of the Death Star, watching as the crew went about the work of navigating and piloting the huge mobile battle station. He could feel the power of the station as it stalked towards its intended target, and all of this power was at his direct command. With the Death Star, Tarkin could decided the destiny of untold millions of people, and snuff out many of those millions just by an order. He could almost feel like a god with all of the power he possessed.
But then he thought about the dark being that stood behind him, to his left. Darth Hister represented the one limitation that was on Tarkin's power: the Emperor. Though this station moved at Tarkin's whim, he himself moved at the Emperor's whim. Tarkin knew that the power of this station was under the ultimate control of the Emperor. Perhaps that was why Palpatine sent Darth Hister to watch over the completion and initial operations of the Death Star, to make sure Tarkin would not let the power he held go to his head. Hister was a reminder that Tarkin's life could be snuffed out by Palpatine's whim if the Emperor felt it necessary.
"Sir," said an officer who approached Tarkin. "Beg to report."
"Yes," said Tarkin.
"We should arrive at Naboo in an hour," said the officer.
"Very good," said Tarkin. "Have the maintenance crews double check the primary weapon systems. This demonstration of the Death Star's power will be for not if it doesn't work."
"Yes, sir," said the officer, turning to leave.
"This demonstration will show the Emperor's power in its fullest," said Tarkin to Hister.
"Yes," said Hister. "The Emperor can now have whole planets destroyed at his whim. The destruction of Naboo will demonstrate that quite effectively. I wonder, though, why my Master chose Naboo. After all, he is originally from that planet."
"Two reasons," said Tarkin. "One of which reflects what you said. If Emperor Palpatine has his own home planet destroyed, it will show conclusively that he will destroy ANY planet he sees fit to. Can you think of anything more frightening than an Emperor that destroyed his own planet, his own people, just to make a point? The other reason is Naboo's rebellious history. Its people are too independent, too resistant of Imperial will. They have resisted every outside power that has attempted to dominate their world, the Empire included. Thus, another lesson will be taught to the people of this galaxy: it doesn't pay to be independent minded."
"Excellent," said Hister. "My Master again shows his brilliance."
"Yes," said Tarkin. "In two hours, our Emperor's brilliance and power will be shown, and the people of this galaxy will forever be at their knees in submission."
**
Obi-Wan Kenobi was greeted warmly in the Skywalker household on Lessalia. Both Anakin and his former master commented on how much each of them had aged, joking and laughing with one another as if seventeen years had not passed. Obi-Wan was introduced to Luke, Leia, and Ruwee, and the Jedi Master complimented Anakin and Padme on their fine children.
After about twenty minutes of initial introductions and some catching up, Obi-Wan asked to speak to Anakin and Padme alone. Luke, Leia, and Ruwee excused themselves reluctantly to allow their elders to talk.
"So, what brings you here for a visit after all of this time?" asked Padme.
"Believe me, I haven't stayed away out of choice," said Obi-Wan. "I've wanted to see how you two were doing, but...I felt the risk was too great. Palpatine has never forgotten your betrayal of him, Anakin, and has had the galaxy searched to find you. If I had been tracked here somehow, well...I couldn't allow your little family to be put in danger."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin. "We're pretty isolated here, but...we know about the Empire, and that the Jedi order was decimated. How many Jedi are left?"
"Including the two of us," said Obi-Wan, "four are all that is left of the order."
"What?!" said Anakin in astonishment. "I...I had no idea, that....the purge was so...extensive. That so many..."
Anakin got up and walked to a window, and looked out at the stars in sorrow. So many friends, comrades, people he respected. All of them were gone. He was one of the last of a dead order. It made him feel...alone, somehow.
"Who else is left?" asked Padme for her still shocked husband.
"Besides Anakin and I," said Obi-Wan, "there is Master Yoda and Master Windu. Windu is a leader of the Rebellion, as am I. Yoda...has decided to go into seclusion on Dagobah, until he is needed."
"Until he is needed," said Padme. "I don't understand. It sounds like he is needed now."
"That's Master Yoda," said Anakin, turning back to the group. "Ever the mysterious one."
"There is reasoning behind his decision, Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "Windu and I have concealed our presence as much as possible among the Rebellion, in order to keep Palpatine guessing as to how many of us are left. Yoda would be too conspicuous."
"I see," said Anakin. "Just how...what happened to the Jedi?"
"After you rejected the dark side," said Obi-Wan, "Palpatine soon presented another apprentice. Darth Hister. Though he is a Miralian, no one quite knows where he came from. Some say that Palpatine must have created him out of sheer evil itself. Eventually, Hister helped Palpatine hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. Yoda, Windu, and I barely escaped."
"So why are you here?" asked Padme.
"I have come to ask your help," said Obi-Wan. "Anakin, you have needed to ensure the safety of your family. I understand that, seeing as what Palpatine would do to them. But...we need you to come back. We need you in the Rebellion."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin. "I..."
"Please, hear me out," said Obi-Wan. "I have acquired the technical read outs for a new battle station the Empire has constructed, the Death Star. Anakin, its monstrously huge, and has the power to literally destroy whole planets. We think that Palpatine has had plans for this station going as far back as Geonosis. With this station, he can crush all opposition to him in the galaxy. But, if I can get these read outs to the rebellion, then, perhaps, we can find a way to destroy that terrible weapon. I need your help to do that."
"Why?" asked Anakin.
"It's a long and treacherous journey to the Rebel stronghold in the Yavin system," said Obi-Wan. "If I encounter any more trouble along the way, I don't know if I can handle it alone and still get the information on the Death Star to the Rebellion. And beyond that, Anakin...remember the prophecy. You are the chosen one, the one meant to restore balance to the force. You must fulfill your destiny to help bring down Palpatine's grip on freedom, on the force itself."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin, "I've heard about this prophecy since I was nine years old. I heard it from Master Qui-Gon, from you, from Master Yoda...and frankly, I don't think I am this chosen one. My place is here, with my family. I'll not leave them."
"Anakin, are you sure?" asked Padme. "If there's a chance that you can help end the Empire, I...I don't want us to stand in your way."
"I'm only one person," said Anakin. "What difference can one person make?"
"One person can change the universe, Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "And I believe you are that person."
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan, but my answer is no," said Anakin. "Now, if you'll excuse me."
Anakin left Obi-Wan and Padme in the room, and walked out onto the balcony of the house. Obi-Wan looked at Padme, silently asking her help to convince him. Padme knew his request without the old Jedi having to ask it, and shook her head.
"Don't look to me for help," said Padme. "Its Anakin's decision, and I will respect his wishes."
"That doesn't sound like the principled Padme Amidalla I once knew," said Obi-Wan. "Surely you must see..."
"I'm not that person anymore," said Padme. "I'm a Mother and a wife. In some ways, I can't afford the luxury of principles anymore. If my husband doesn't want to leave here to go and fight a war, and possibly die, leaving me a widow and his children fatherless...well, forgive me for being selfish, but I will support that decision. No, if you want his help, you will have to be the one to try and convince him."
Padme got up, and went to the other room where her children were waiting. She had a young son to tuck into bed, and interstellar wars had to take second place to that. Obi-Wan also rose, and joined Anakin on the balcony.
The two Jedi stood side by side on the balcony, gazing on both the stars and the forested landscape near the Skywalker home. Obi-Wan was going to try and convince Anakin once again to come with him, but decided to just talk with him for now.
"I sense that Luke has been receiving Jedi training," said Obi-Wan.
"Yes," said Anakin. "He is my Padawan learner. If there was still a Jedi order to test him, I'd have declared him ready to take the trials within a year."
"Is he that good?" asked Obi-Wan.
"Better than I was at his age, I'd say," said Anakin. "He has more focus, more control than I did, as undisciplined as I was. I guess that's his Mother in him. Except that he is anxious to go out into the galaxy to find adventure, to serve the Rebellion. And before you ask, no, you can't have him either."
"I wasn't going to ask," said Obi-Wan. "You know, its not exactly the best thing, a Father training his son."
"There were no other Masters available, and he wanted to be trained," said Anakin. "I'll not admit to being a perfect teacher, but...its worked out just fine."
"I did not mean to be accusatory," said Obi-Wan. "What about Leia and Ruwee?"
"You can't take them either!" said Anakin.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with a slight hint of concern and sadness. He didn't want Anakin to be upset with him, especially after not seeing him for so many years. Anakin sensed this, and put a hand on his former Master's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, my old friend," said Anakin. "I didn't mean to get upset. To answer your question, Leia has opted not to be trained. Ruwee...hasn't decided yet."
"Anakin, Ruwee is eleven years old," said Obi-Wan. "If the Jedi Order were still around, it would be far too late for him to begin."
"Oh believe me, I know that," said Anakin. "Remember, I was rejected by the order at first because I was too old, and I was only nine. If it weren't for Master Qui-Gon's last request, and your willingness to grant it, even at the point of standing up for me with Master Yoda, I would never have been trained. I felt it was a stupid rule then, and I still do. If Ruwee wants to be trained, I will do so, regardless of his age."
"I see you're still not a stickler about rules, my former apprentice," said Obi-Wan.
"Well, when one breaks one of the biggest ones," said Anakin, "what does a few others matter. And breaking that rule brought me to Padme's side, and I've never regretted it. She's my life."
Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm glad you're still..."
At that moment, both Obi-Wan and Anakin nearly fell over. They were hit with a force wave so powerful it almost brought them to their knees. They leaned against the rail of the balcony to keep themselves on their feet. After a few moments, Padme came running onto the balcony.
"Anakin, Obi-Wan," she said with a hint of panic. She went to Anakin to help him stand up. "Luke almost doubled over in pain just now. Leia and Ruwee even felt a little dizzy. I see it hit you two as well. Its one of those force things, isn't it? What's going on?"
"Yes, Padme," said Obi-Wan. "A great disturbance in the force. It was as if a million souls cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. I feel something terrible has happened."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin. "It doesn't make any sense. How could that many people die at one time? It felt like a whole world was..."
Just then, the thought of what happened hit both Anakin and Obi-Wan with perfect clarity. Obi-Wan voiced the thought. "The Death Star," he said. "Its operational, and it has been used."
Chapter Four: Destiny Beckons
Grand Moff Tarkin stood in the control center of the Death Star, watching as the crew went about the work of navigating and piloting the huge mobile battle station. He could feel the power of the station as it stalked towards its intended target, and all of this power was at his direct command. With the Death Star, Tarkin could decided the destiny of untold millions of people, and snuff out many of those millions just by an order. He could almost feel like a god with all of the power he possessed.
But then he thought about the dark being that stood behind him, to his left. Darth Hister represented the one limitation that was on Tarkin's power: the Emperor. Though this station moved at Tarkin's whim, he himself moved at the Emperor's whim. Tarkin knew that the power of this station was under the ultimate control of the Emperor. Perhaps that was why Palpatine sent Darth Hister to watch over the completion and initial operations of the Death Star, to make sure Tarkin would not let the power he held go to his head. Hister was a reminder that Tarkin's life could be snuffed out by Palpatine's whim if the Emperor felt it necessary.
"Sir," said an officer who approached Tarkin. "Beg to report."
"Yes," said Tarkin.
"We should arrive at Naboo in an hour," said the officer.
"Very good," said Tarkin. "Have the maintenance crews double check the primary weapon systems. This demonstration of the Death Star's power will be for not if it doesn't work."
"Yes, sir," said the officer, turning to leave.
"This demonstration will show the Emperor's power in its fullest," said Tarkin to Hister.
"Yes," said Hister. "The Emperor can now have whole planets destroyed at his whim. The destruction of Naboo will demonstrate that quite effectively. I wonder, though, why my Master chose Naboo. After all, he is originally from that planet."
"Two reasons," said Tarkin. "One of which reflects what you said. If Emperor Palpatine has his own home planet destroyed, it will show conclusively that he will destroy ANY planet he sees fit to. Can you think of anything more frightening than an Emperor that destroyed his own planet, his own people, just to make a point? The other reason is Naboo's rebellious history. Its people are too independent, too resistant of Imperial will. They have resisted every outside power that has attempted to dominate their world, the Empire included. Thus, another lesson will be taught to the people of this galaxy: it doesn't pay to be independent minded."
"Excellent," said Hister. "My Master again shows his brilliance."
"Yes," said Tarkin. "In two hours, our Emperor's brilliance and power will be shown, and the people of this galaxy will forever be at their knees in submission."
**
Obi-Wan Kenobi was greeted warmly in the Skywalker household on Lessalia. Both Anakin and his former master commented on how much each of them had aged, joking and laughing with one another as if seventeen years had not passed. Obi-Wan was introduced to Luke, Leia, and Ruwee, and the Jedi Master complimented Anakin and Padme on their fine children.
After about twenty minutes of initial introductions and some catching up, Obi-Wan asked to speak to Anakin and Padme alone. Luke, Leia, and Ruwee excused themselves reluctantly to allow their elders to talk.
"So, what brings you here for a visit after all of this time?" asked Padme.
"Believe me, I haven't stayed away out of choice," said Obi-Wan. "I've wanted to see how you two were doing, but...I felt the risk was too great. Palpatine has never forgotten your betrayal of him, Anakin, and has had the galaxy searched to find you. If I had been tracked here somehow, well...I couldn't allow your little family to be put in danger."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin. "We're pretty isolated here, but...we know about the Empire, and that the Jedi order was decimated. How many Jedi are left?"
"Including the two of us," said Obi-Wan, "four are all that is left of the order."
"What?!" said Anakin in astonishment. "I...I had no idea, that....the purge was so...extensive. That so many..."
Anakin got up and walked to a window, and looked out at the stars in sorrow. So many friends, comrades, people he respected. All of them were gone. He was one of the last of a dead order. It made him feel...alone, somehow.
"Who else is left?" asked Padme for her still shocked husband.
"Besides Anakin and I," said Obi-Wan, "there is Master Yoda and Master Windu. Windu is a leader of the Rebellion, as am I. Yoda...has decided to go into seclusion on Dagobah, until he is needed."
"Until he is needed," said Padme. "I don't understand. It sounds like he is needed now."
"That's Master Yoda," said Anakin, turning back to the group. "Ever the mysterious one."
"There is reasoning behind his decision, Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "Windu and I have concealed our presence as much as possible among the Rebellion, in order to keep Palpatine guessing as to how many of us are left. Yoda would be too conspicuous."
"I see," said Anakin. "Just how...what happened to the Jedi?"
"After you rejected the dark side," said Obi-Wan, "Palpatine soon presented another apprentice. Darth Hister. Though he is a Miralian, no one quite knows where he came from. Some say that Palpatine must have created him out of sheer evil itself. Eventually, Hister helped Palpatine hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. Yoda, Windu, and I barely escaped."
"So why are you here?" asked Padme.
"I have come to ask your help," said Obi-Wan. "Anakin, you have needed to ensure the safety of your family. I understand that, seeing as what Palpatine would do to them. But...we need you to come back. We need you in the Rebellion."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin. "I..."
"Please, hear me out," said Obi-Wan. "I have acquired the technical read outs for a new battle station the Empire has constructed, the Death Star. Anakin, its monstrously huge, and has the power to literally destroy whole planets. We think that Palpatine has had plans for this station going as far back as Geonosis. With this station, he can crush all opposition to him in the galaxy. But, if I can get these read outs to the rebellion, then, perhaps, we can find a way to destroy that terrible weapon. I need your help to do that."
"Why?" asked Anakin.
"It's a long and treacherous journey to the Rebel stronghold in the Yavin system," said Obi-Wan. "If I encounter any more trouble along the way, I don't know if I can handle it alone and still get the information on the Death Star to the Rebellion. And beyond that, Anakin...remember the prophecy. You are the chosen one, the one meant to restore balance to the force. You must fulfill your destiny to help bring down Palpatine's grip on freedom, on the force itself."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin, "I've heard about this prophecy since I was nine years old. I heard it from Master Qui-Gon, from you, from Master Yoda...and frankly, I don't think I am this chosen one. My place is here, with my family. I'll not leave them."
"Anakin, are you sure?" asked Padme. "If there's a chance that you can help end the Empire, I...I don't want us to stand in your way."
"I'm only one person," said Anakin. "What difference can one person make?"
"One person can change the universe, Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "And I believe you are that person."
"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan, but my answer is no," said Anakin. "Now, if you'll excuse me."
Anakin left Obi-Wan and Padme in the room, and walked out onto the balcony of the house. Obi-Wan looked at Padme, silently asking her help to convince him. Padme knew his request without the old Jedi having to ask it, and shook her head.
"Don't look to me for help," said Padme. "Its Anakin's decision, and I will respect his wishes."
"That doesn't sound like the principled Padme Amidalla I once knew," said Obi-Wan. "Surely you must see..."
"I'm not that person anymore," said Padme. "I'm a Mother and a wife. In some ways, I can't afford the luxury of principles anymore. If my husband doesn't want to leave here to go and fight a war, and possibly die, leaving me a widow and his children fatherless...well, forgive me for being selfish, but I will support that decision. No, if you want his help, you will have to be the one to try and convince him."
Padme got up, and went to the other room where her children were waiting. She had a young son to tuck into bed, and interstellar wars had to take second place to that. Obi-Wan also rose, and joined Anakin on the balcony.
The two Jedi stood side by side on the balcony, gazing on both the stars and the forested landscape near the Skywalker home. Obi-Wan was going to try and convince Anakin once again to come with him, but decided to just talk with him for now.
"I sense that Luke has been receiving Jedi training," said Obi-Wan.
"Yes," said Anakin. "He is my Padawan learner. If there was still a Jedi order to test him, I'd have declared him ready to take the trials within a year."
"Is he that good?" asked Obi-Wan.
"Better than I was at his age, I'd say," said Anakin. "He has more focus, more control than I did, as undisciplined as I was. I guess that's his Mother in him. Except that he is anxious to go out into the galaxy to find adventure, to serve the Rebellion. And before you ask, no, you can't have him either."
"I wasn't going to ask," said Obi-Wan. "You know, its not exactly the best thing, a Father training his son."
"There were no other Masters available, and he wanted to be trained," said Anakin. "I'll not admit to being a perfect teacher, but...its worked out just fine."
"I did not mean to be accusatory," said Obi-Wan. "What about Leia and Ruwee?"
"You can't take them either!" said Anakin.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with a slight hint of concern and sadness. He didn't want Anakin to be upset with him, especially after not seeing him for so many years. Anakin sensed this, and put a hand on his former Master's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, my old friend," said Anakin. "I didn't mean to get upset. To answer your question, Leia has opted not to be trained. Ruwee...hasn't decided yet."
"Anakin, Ruwee is eleven years old," said Obi-Wan. "If the Jedi Order were still around, it would be far too late for him to begin."
"Oh believe me, I know that," said Anakin. "Remember, I was rejected by the order at first because I was too old, and I was only nine. If it weren't for Master Qui-Gon's last request, and your willingness to grant it, even at the point of standing up for me with Master Yoda, I would never have been trained. I felt it was a stupid rule then, and I still do. If Ruwee wants to be trained, I will do so, regardless of his age."
"I see you're still not a stickler about rules, my former apprentice," said Obi-Wan.
"Well, when one breaks one of the biggest ones," said Anakin, "what does a few others matter. And breaking that rule brought me to Padme's side, and I've never regretted it. She's my life."
Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm glad you're still..."
At that moment, both Obi-Wan and Anakin nearly fell over. They were hit with a force wave so powerful it almost brought them to their knees. They leaned against the rail of the balcony to keep themselves on their feet. After a few moments, Padme came running onto the balcony.
"Anakin, Obi-Wan," she said with a hint of panic. She went to Anakin to help him stand up. "Luke almost doubled over in pain just now. Leia and Ruwee even felt a little dizzy. I see it hit you two as well. Its one of those force things, isn't it? What's going on?"
"Yes, Padme," said Obi-Wan. "A great disturbance in the force. It was as if a million souls cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. I feel something terrible has happened."
"Obi-Wan," said Anakin. "It doesn't make any sense. How could that many people die at one time? It felt like a whole world was..."
Just then, the thought of what happened hit both Anakin and Obi-Wan with perfect clarity. Obi-Wan voiced the thought. "The Death Star," he said. "Its operational, and it has been used."