The Past Returns
Chapter Six
-The Loss of Those You Love -
Ben stood in his master's chambers. "You will go to the planet Eriadu. It has one large city, Eriadus, population approximately fifteen million. It's the only city on the planet. The ruler there is supposed to be under Trade Federation rule, but a number of things have happened that are beginning to annoy me. One is that there is word of rebellion on the planet. The ruler doesn't listen to my orders and is starting to get on my nerves. I want you to go to the planet and try to reason with him." Darth Sidious handed Ben a large box and Ben struggled to hold it because it was felt like there was a ton of bricks in it. "Take this and place it underneath the large fountain in the center of the square in Eriadus. Tell the ruler that he has ten minutes."
Ben smiled. "Yes, my master."
"Do not fail me."
Ben bowed and headed to his ship. He took off for the planet Eriadu. Ben knew that the planet was not technologically advanced enough to have space flight. They had shuttles but only a few. Not enough to evacuate millions in a matter of minutes. Oh well. That was their choice. They chose to rebel against Darth Sidious and they were going to pay for that mistake. Ben thought.
* * *
When he got there, he went straight to the square and pulled stones out from the foundation of the statue that was the fountain. He placed the device in the hole and set the timer for twenty minutes. Satisfied, he replaced the stones and went to the palace where the leader lived. Two guards blocked his path but after a small use of the Force, they let him pass.
Ben went inside and to the leader's private chambers. The leader sat at a large wooden desk with pictures and awards associated with him hanging on the walls and sitting on the shelves. Ben sneered in disgust. The man was too full of himself. He would pay for that. With his life. Ben walked over to the desk and bent over, his palms flat on the desk and his nose almost touching the leader's. Ben's green eyes flashed in amusement as the leader tried to act all prissy. "You're smudging my desk," the leader said rudely. Rather rudely, Ben thought.
"Your rudeness was expected. Well, soon you won't have to worry about smudges on your precious desk," Ben said sarcastically. "Because in ten minutes, it won't be here anymore." Ben smiled at the shock on the leader's face.
"What?" the leader stammered.
"You heard me. The clock is ticking. Nine minutes until you and this city are gone. Apparently my master got fed up over your rudeness and unwillingness to cooperate."
"Yeah right."
"I'm serious. You want me to prove it to you?" Ben held up the control switch that had been used to set the bomb. The leader looked at it and Ben watched as it all sunk in. The leader's face went from annoyed to scared.
He looked up at Ben, a pleading look on his face. "I'll do anything. Please."
"Sorry." Ben laughed coldly. "Too bad for you." Ben turned, his black cape flowing around him.
"Please!" the leader begged. Ben turned his head to look at the sniveling fool. Ben knew that this was all a show, and if the leader lived, he would just cost more chaos. Once in his pitiful past, Ben would have felt sorry for the old man. Now, Ben could care less. It was the leader's fault for angering Darth Sidious and the leader was going to pay, with his life.
"You now have eight minutes old man to evacuate your city and then - BOOM!" Ben laughed, throwing his hands up in the air as he said the word BOOM.
"More time, please! It won't be enough to evacuate everyone!"
"You should have thought about that before you made the choice to rebel against my master. You are lucky he gave you any time to evacuate your people. Usually he isn't even this lenient."
"Just a few more minutes! We don't have the ships to evacuate this many in so little time."
"Well, then I guess you're just going to have to move very, very fast." Ben laughed again and left the room, chuckling to himself. He went to the hanger and boarded his ship.
He lifted off and drifted in orbit around the planet, watching the city as it exploded in a huge fireball, crushing the few shuttles trying to escape in its explosion. Ben smiled. Job accomplished. This would be a good example for anyone else that chose to rebel against his master. Ben punched in coordinates into his nav-computer and watched the white star lines appear around him as he launched into hyperspace.
* * *
Journal Entry 9: "I just returned from my mission on Eriadu. It was successful and I didn't run into any Jedi. That, I am glad of. I think my master was pleased with my accomplishment. Two weeks passed and then he gave me another mission. This one though, I am not sure I will be able to complete. I am to go a planet called Soria and kill the Jedi and Padawan team that is assigned to it. The team had uncovered information about my master that he did not want revealed at this moment in time. I am terrified at what will happen but I think that I will be able to accomplish this mission. I have to if I am going to please my master."
* * *
Damon stood in his quarters, facing his wife, who was holding his infant son in her arms. "You do not have to go," Damon said. "You have a child to care for."
"Jocasta Nu will care for him," Yenasta said calmly. "This is a mission that I am invaluable on."
"Send someone else to Soria. Why do you have to go?"
Yenasta smiled and kissed Damon. "Honey, please. This is something that I must do. You would do the same if you were in my position and I will have Tahl's apprentice, Chanee with me. You trust Chanee and you trust me. Don't let any fear rule your mind Damon. You know I'll be fine. All I have to do is talk to my father, the leader of our capital. If I don't go, my planet will erupt in a civil war, and that is something that I can not have happen. Please understand."
Damon nodded reluctantly. "I do but . . . just please be careful. I have a really bad feeling about this. If any trouble starts, please promise me you'll get out of there."
"I promise. Don't worry about me. I'll come back, I always have."
"I know."
She smiled. "Good."
Damon smiled and then his face darkened as he felt a tremendous feeling through the Force. Screaming voices filled his head as he felt the deaths of millions. Damon went down onto his knees. He vaguely saw Yenasta put a hand to her head, feeling a slight part of what he was feeling. Then it was past. Using the edge of the small table beside him, Damon got to his feet. He looked at Yenasta, his face grave. Her face was sad and Obi-Wan began to cry.
"I fear my brother has struck again. That is another reason why I don't like the idea of you going to Soria without me. I fear he will go to Soria, and that you will be in danger."
Cradling Obi-Wan in one arm, Yenasta put her free hand on her husband's face and looked into his dark brown eyes full of concern and love. Obi-Wan calmed down as he looked back and forth at his parents' faces. "I will be fine. If Ben shows up, Chanee and I will leave immediately, I promise. You have to trust that I know what I'm doing. You know I love you and Obi- Wan very much and I wouldn't willingly go on a mission at this time if I wasn't sure that I'd be fine. I'll be back in no time at all."
Damon nodded reluctantly. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Damon and Yenasta embraced.
* * *
Journal Entry 10: "Darth Sidious just summoned me to reveal something I just can't believe. Damon is my brother and he has a son named Obi-Wan. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Right now I need to focus on the present. I am leaving now for Soria and this time I will succeed."
Ben landed his craft in a grassy plain not far from the capital on the planet Soria. Soria was covered entirely in dense, humid forests except for where the capital Senia was. The buildings in the capital were made of stone and were all very low, sprawling buildings with large windows. Ben hopped on his speeder and after cloaking his ship, he sped off into the forest.
* * *
Yenasta pulled the hood of her brown Jedi robe over her head and kept her robe closed, so as not to reveal herself as a Jedi. Though the Force was respected on Soria, the Jedi were not. The Elders thought that the Jedi didn't use the Force in the way that it should be. Yenasta knew better. She glanced over at Chanee, who had similarly pulled her hood over her head and concealed her tunic and lightsaber. They walked quickly through the streets of Senia and in no time at all, reached her father's house. Not surprisingly, the house was surrounded by guards in the scale armor common amongst the Sorians. Yenasta knew that her father held documents in his grasp that could prove fatal for anyone against the Republic. Her duty was to retrieve those documents and hand them over to the Jedi Council, who would then decide what to do from there. That was why her mission was slightly dangerous and why she had asked Tahl if Chanee could come with her. A Jedi Master would offend her people, but a Jedi Knight and a Padawan might ease the offense. Even though she hadn't admitted it to Damon, she was nervous about this mission. Ben could very well end up on Soria if his master was indeed a Sith Lord.
Yenasta stopped, turning to Chanee. "Do you feel anything out of place?" Yenasta asked. She relied on Chanee's connection to the Force more than her own because Chanee was more attuned to it than she was.
Chanee closed her eyes, putting herself into the Force. "No, there is no danger. Not in the immediate area." Then Chanee stiffened.
"What is it?"
"I- it's gone now."
"What is?"
Chanee opened her eyes and looked at Yenasta. "I thought I felt the same presence that I had felt when I was with my master on Tynna."
Yenasta felt her heart beat rapidly and she used a calming technique to slow it down. She swallowed. "It is gone now?"
Chanee nodded. "Yes."
Yenasta looked around and then back at Chanee. "Let's get inside."
They walked up to the guard and Yenasta spoke a few words in her own tongue. The guard nodded and let them pass. They walked up to the front door and Yenasta knocked. A tall man with long white blond hair opened the door. His face was lined with age and he wore a dark green cloak and a black tunic, a symbol of his status. His face lit up when he saw Yenasta.
"Yenasta, it's been a while," her father said in Basic.
Yenasta smiled and hugged her father. "Yes, it has."
"Come in, come in."
Her father stepped aside and Chanee and Yenasta stepped into the large foyer. Plant life filled all available spaces, a common decoration on Soria. The rooms were all arched and the large windows let in a lot of light. Her father closed the door behind them and they stepped into the living area where they sat on comfortable chairs.
"This is Chanee, Jedi Master Tahl's apprentice. She is here with me to retrieve the information that I called ahead for," Yenasta said, going straight to the point.
Her father nodded and went into another room. He came back quickly and handed her a holocube. "It's all on there."
"Thank you." Yenasta tucked it into a pouch on her belt and lowered her hood. Chanee did the same. "How have you been, father?"
He smiled. "I've been doing well. What about yourself? I see you've become a Jedi Knight. Very credible."
Yenasta smiled. "Thank you."
Her father looked at Chanee. "You are Tahl's apprentice?" he asked.
Chanee nodded. "Yes."
"I am honored to be in the presence of such an apprentice. I admire Tahl very much, and from what I've heard, she is a great Jedi."
"Yes, she is," Chanee agreed. "Thank you, sir."
He smiled. "You're welcome."
"Father, what is this talk of civil war on Soria?" Yenasta asked.
Her father's smile disappeared. "The Sorians have split into two groups. One wants to leave the Republic and the other does not. We've tried to talk to the people, the Elders and I, but it is no use. I'm afraid civil war is imminent."
"The Jedi will do what we can, but I know how the Sorians feel about us. I will do whatever you need, father," Yenasta said reassuringly.
"Thank you," her father said, managing a small smile. * * *
Ben hid his speeder just outside the city and walked in. He pulled up the hood of his black cloak to hide his face and pulled his cloak tightly around him to conceal his lightsaber. He didn't want anyone warning the Jedi that he was coming. He paused in the center of the square and closed his eyes. He could sense their presences off to the north. Ben opened his eyes and headed in that direction.
* * *
"You will have to go to the research lab to acquire the rest of the information that you seek," Yenasta's father explained. "It is down the street and to the right. It's the only domed building here."
"Thank you. Once we give this information to the Jedi Council, I will come back and see what I can do to help," Yenasta said. They stood by the door. She hugged her father tightly. "I'm glad to see you again."
Her father pulled back and smiled. "I am too. Damon sent me a holo yesterday telling me that I have a grandson."
Yenasta smiled. "Yes. His name is Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Very fitting. He will be a great Jedi Knight one day."
"I hope so. Thank you for everything."
"Anything for you."
They embraced again and then Yenasta and Chanee left the house, heading for the research lab.
When they entered the large doors, Yenasta knew instantly that something was not right. It was very dark in the huge domed habitat and very quiet. She sensed Chanee go ridged. "What do you feel?" Yenasta asked.
"He is here." A huge sense of dread filled the pit of her stomach as Yenasta realized who Chanee meant. Her hand went instantly to the hilt of her lightsaber and she brought it out in front of her. She ignited it, a yellow-green blade springing out. It left a greenish glow on everything, the only light that she had. Chanee lit her blue lightsaber and looked around, taking in everything. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"As do I Chanee."
Suddenly all the lights went on, the brightness hurting Yenasta's eyes. She raised one hand to shield her face and saw a man standing about ten feet in front of her, his black cloak lying next to him on the ground. His face was horribly scarred and his green eyes glittered venomously. She watched as he pulled out his lightsaber, igniting it, a red blade springing out.
"So, I finally get to face the Jedi," he said, his voice full of menace. "Don't worry; your lives will be over soon enough." He laughed. Yenasta threw off her robe, as did Chanee. "Don't make me laugh. You two are no match for me."
In the pit of dread that Yenasta felt, she knew that Ben was right, but she hid it on her face. He suddenly lunged at her, using a Force push to shove Chanee out of the way. Chanee crashed into a huge tree and slid down, unconscious. Yenasta brought up her lightsaber in defense, blocking Ben's blow. She began pushing him backwards, her blade a whirl of color, but she knew that this would not last long.
* * *
Ben grinned as he watched the Jedi try to out maneuver him. This was child's play compared to his training exercises. The smile disappeared from his face. He would end this soon, once he got the information. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the pouch hung on the Jedi's belt. He knew that the information he sought was in there. With a quick motion, using the Force, he made a grab for the pouch but suddenly the young Padawan was there.
She whirled and parried, trying to keep him away from the older Jedi, who was breathing hard as she kept swinging her blade at Ben. With a quick motion, Ben ignited the other end of this lightsaber and he enjoyed the look of shock on their faces. As he Force pushed the Padawan away, he pulled the pouch to him.
He gripped it in his hand and put it in his belt. "Thank you," he said, grinning. Then his smile disappeared. "Now it's done." With one quick motion he hit the elder Jedi in the face, spun, and stabbed the Jedi through her stomach. Her eyes went wide as she collapsed and he pulled out the blade. Her lightsaber clattered to the ground, deactivated. Her eyes closed.
* * *
"NOOOOOOO!" Damon screamed, stopping suddenly in the middle of a corridor in the Jedi Temple. He fell to his knees, his hands on his head. "No, no, no, no, no . . ." he said over and over again. "Oh God, no." Tears streamed down his face. Jedi rushed to his side and he felt Mace Windu's strong arm around his waist, lifting him up. "He killed her! She's gone! I told her not to go!" Sobs filled his voice as he felt Mace Windu embrace him. "I told her not to go," he repeated softly.
* * *
Ben grinned and turned to the young apprentice. He moved in to kill her but she was quick. She escaped all his attempts but not the Force push that slammed her hard against a huge tree. He shut off his lightsaber, returning it to his belt. Using the Force he took a huge branch from one of the trees and crashed it down on top of the young girl, pinning her to the ground and crushing her ribs. He walked over to her, looking down. "Poor little Jedi. Too bad you'll die now." He laughed and left the research lab, heading to his ship. This mission had gone well and he had not frozen in front of the Jedi. All was very good.
* * *
Tahl raced out of her ship and into the throng of Sorians, Ki-Adi-Mundi at her side. They rushed to the research lab to find Yenasta lying dead on the ground and Chanee pinned beneath a huge branch. Chanee was unconscious but she was still alive, barely. Using the Force, they lifted the branch of of Chanee and Ki-Adi-Mundi picked up Chanee. She flopped around like a broken rag doll. "Let's get them out of here." Tahl said as she scooped up Yenasta. They hurried out of the research lab and to their ship.
When they reached the Jedi Temple, Chanee was sent straight to the medical facilities. Tahl went in immediately to see her. Chanee lay in a bacta tank but Tahl could sense that it wasn't going to help. She walked over to Chanee, who opened her eyes slightly. "I failed you Master," Chanee managed in a croak.
"Oh, no, no you did not, Chanee. You are the most reliable and most skilled Padawan I have had a chance to work with. You did everything right. Do not blame yourself," Tahl said soothingly.
"I'm going to die."
"Don't say things like that. You will be healed in no time."
"I know my body. The damage was too much." Chanee winced. "He got the information."
"It's okay. We have many other sources of information."
"No, it's not. I failed."
"Chanee, you did not fail," Tahl said, but Chanee didn't hear her, for she had slipped back into unconsciousness.
Later that evening, Chanee died from the severity of her wounds. Tahl didn't forgive herself for a very long time.
* * *
Darth Sidious summoned Ben to his private chambers. Ben walked in and up the stairs where Palpatine sat in his huge chair. He bowed his head. "Arise, my student." Darth Sidious said.
Ben straightened. "You called for me Master," Ben said.
"Yes." He walked towards Ben and began walking around Ben slowly. Ben kept his gaze straight ahead. "You did very well."
"Thank you, Master."
"You completed your mission very efficiently. My sources tell me that both Jedi are dead. One Jedi you will have to watch out for in the future is your brother. He is a powerful Jedi. A formidable opponent. He must die."
"Yes, Master." Ben swallowed hard.
"Once you do this, your journey towards the dark side will be complete and you will then have achieved what you had wished."
"Yes, Master."
"Are you sure your feelings are clear on this matter?"
"They are clear, Master."
"Good. Now there is one other matter that we must attend to."
"Yes, Master."
"It seems that your brother has another son." Ben's eyes went wide. Another son? But he thought there was only Obi-Wan!
"Another?"
"Yes. This child's name is Tarc. He was born a little over a year ago. He lives on a planet called Ando. He was not Force-sensitive and since both his parents were Jedi Knights, they could not keep him in the Temple. He is under the care of a friend of the family named Alusia. You will not be able to kill your brother outright. It would not be possible because of the Temple and the Council. But there are other ways to get around that, such as going after things and people that he loves. Therefore, I want you to go after Tarc and . . . get rid of him in a manner of speaking."
Ben swallowed hard. "Kill him, Master?"
Darth Sidious smiled evilly. "Exactly."
* * *
Ben sat in his ship in orbit around the brown planet of Ando. The planet was much like Tatooine, covered in dark sand. Canyons and mountains covered much of the planet. The air though, was very humid and warm. The only two cities on Ando were Ryia and Myria. The cities were very sophisticated and the species, the Andosians, were very friendly. Ben didn't expect to have much trouble in finding Tarc.
Ben set his ship down on the surface of the planet, a few miles away from Ryia. He took his speeder and headed towards Ryia.
* * *
Damon sat in the Haroon Cantina, sipping his drink. His apprentice, Menire, was a brown haired human from Coruscant. Menire sat across from Damon, taking in his surroundings. They were on the planet Ando, in one of the planet's two cites called Myria. Myria had just had a horrible explosion from one of their infamous laboratories. Damon and Menire were here to help clean up and discover the source of the explosion, for the Andosians that lived in Menire suspected foul play.
A highlight of being on Ando, was that Damon could see his other son, Tarc. Tarc was staying with Alusia, a friend that Damon had met through Tahiri. Alusia kept Tarc in Myria, in one of the more secluded areas. Damon felt assured that Tarc would be safe on Ando, for it was very near the Outer Rim territories. Tarc would be turning two in a few days and Damon wanted to be there for his celebration.
"I sense no hostility, Master," Menire said, looking around.
"A creature's intentions cannot always be felt, my young Padawan," Damon said.
"Yes, Master." Menire paused. "Master, do you think that one of the Andosians was responsible for the explosion?"
"It is hard to tell Menire." A sudden chill made Damon shudder.
"What is it Master?" Menire asked, but Damon didn't hear him. He was too focused on the powerful feeling he was sensing. It was full of malice and dark energy. Suddenly, Damon stood up. "Master?" Menire asked, standing. His voice quavered, not sure of what was happening.
"Ben," Damon whispered. Then suddenly a thought hit him, very hard. "Tarc!"
Damon ran out of the cantina, Menire running close behind.
* * *
Ben stood in the central area of Ryia, looking around. He spotted a small cantina and headed over to it. The bartender, a Solustian, waved Ben over as soon as he entered. Ben walked over. "How may I help you?" the Solustian asked.
"I need information."
The Solustian smiled. "Then Derni is at your service. What is it that you need to know?"
"I need to know the whereabouts of a woman named Alusia and a boy named Tarc. It is imperative that I speak with them." Ben let the Force drip from his words.
Derni nodded. "Alusia. you say? I've not heard of her exactly, but there is a chap that may be able to find her. If she's on Ando, he'll find her. His name is Mrich. He lives in a small abode a little ways from here, near the main complex of laboratories. You'll find it easily enough, ask anyone, but don't say anything about tracking. His cover is a mechanic and only a few select people know about his other occupation. Just tell him that Derni sent you and he'll let you in. Also, he will need payment."
Ben nodded. "Thank you for your time."
"Anytime." With that, Derni turned to another customer and Ben left the cantina.
* * *
"What do you mean, she left?" Damon asked. He stood at the entrance to the home where Alusia lived with Tarc. The man who answered was Alusia's servant and friend.
"She left this morning, sir," the man said. "She said she had to get a few things in Ryia. She took young Tarc with her to keep an eye on him. She said she'd be back this evening. There is nothing to worry about."
"It is imperative that I find her. She is in terrible danger."
The man's eyes widened. "Danger? What's wrong?"
"I don't have time to explain. You said she went to Ryia?"
"Yes, sir. To the laboratory complex."
"Then that is where I must go. Thank you."
"You're welcome, sir."
* * *
Ben walked up to the small building that stood next to the complex. He knocked on the only door in the front and a short, dark-skinned Andosian woman answered the door. "Yes?"
"I am here to speak to Mrich," Ben said.
The woman's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Are you one of those bounty hunters?"
Ben's eyes widened. "No ma'am. A friend of Mrich's, Derni from the cantina, sent me to speak with him on some information that I need."
The woman nodded. "Alright. But I warn you, no funny business."
"Yes ma'am," Ben said as she stepped aside.
"Come on then." Ben stepped in and the woman closed the door behind them. "Mrich, there's someone here to see you. He says Derni sent him."
"Send him up!" a male voice yelled from the room at the top of the stairs.
"Go on," the woman said.
Ben nodded and walked up the wooden stairs. He knocked on the door at the top and a young male Andosian answered. He was tall, nearly as tall as Ben, and had long brown hair tied back with a black band. He wore dirty work suspenders and a dark shirt, stained with grease.
"You said Derni sent you?" Mrich asked.
"Yes. I need your services."
"Which ones?"
"I need to find a certain individual named Alusia. She has something that belongs to me."
Mrich nodded. "Understood. Come in." Mrich stepped aside and Ben walked into the small, dark room. There was very little furniture and there was only one small window that let in a little of the reddish light. Mrich closed the door and walked over to a desk. He punched in a code and a screen popped up on the surface of the desk. Ben walked over, standing next to Mrich. "You said her name was Alusia?"
"Yes."
Mrich punched in a few numbers and a profile came up of a young woman with long red hair. She was human and from the profile, it said that she lived in Myria. "This is her. Do you need to know where she lives, or where she is now?"
"Now, if possible."
Mrich grinned, showing dirty teeth. "Anything is possible with me." Mrich punched in another code and it brought up a map of the two cities. A small red dot pinpointed Alusia's location. She was at the laboratory complex!
Ben pointed to the small dot. "This is her?"
"Yes." Mrich shut off the screen and turned to Ben. "Now the payment?"
"You have already received payment," Ben said, with a small wave of his hand.
Mrich nodded. "Of course. Well, there's your information."
"Thank you very much."
"Anytime."
Ben nodded and left the building where Mrich lived. He headed over to the complex.
* * *
Damon sped across the sands toward Ryia in the hover car. A growing sense of dread filled him. He couldn't lose another. When Yenasta had died, it had torn him apart. He couldn't lose one of his sons too. What was wrong with Ben? He had turned into a vile creature. Damon couldn't believe that he was ever friends with him. How could he kill so coldly and carelessly? If Ben's going after Damon's son, this is going to be the last straw.
Within minutes, Damon had reached the complex. He ran in quickly and up to the front desk. "Excuse me; has anyone named Alusia checked in here?" Damon asked.
The woman nodded. "Tall, red hair?"
"Yes."
"She had a little boy with her. Yes, I remember her. She's over in the growing area."
"Thank you."
Damon ran out of the main room and down the corridors to the area of the complex where they grew the vegetation for the people. A guard stopped him at the entrance.
"Only one guest at a time, sir."
"Sir, my one year old son is in there. I need to see him."
"Only a young woman has entered. There was no boy."
"Where would a young boy be?"
"He'd be in the care center, sir. No small children are allowed into the habitats. He's perfectly safe there, sir."
"I'm not sure about that. Where is the care center?"
"It's at the other side of the complex, on the other side of the main room. Janita, at the desk, can show you to it."
"Thank you."
Damon ran down the corridor.
* * *
Ben stood at the front desk in the main area of the complex. "Small children stay in the care center?" Ben asked.
"Yes, sir. It's down the hall to your left. There's a large sign on the door."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Always a pleasure to help."
Ben nodded and walked down the corridor to the left and found the entrance to the care center easily. The door swished open to reveal a brightly lit room full of small children.
A young woman walked up to him. "How can I help you sir?" she asked.
"I'm here for Tarc."
The woman nodded. "And you are?"
Ben smiled. He made a small motion with his hand. "You don't need to know my name."
"I don't need your name."
"You will show me to Tarc."
"I'll take you to him now."
"Thank you."
The woman nodded and Ben followed her through the throng of young children playing on the floor. The room had two large windows that let in a great deal of light and was filled with toys. The woman led Ben over to a small boy with sandy colored hair, playing with blocks over in a corner.
"Tarc, this young man is here to see you." the woman said. Tarc looked up and stood. The woman looked at Ben. "Will you need anything else?"
Ben shook his head. "Thank you."
The woman nodded and walked over to two kids who were fighting over a holo- projector. Ben looked at Tarc and knelt down in front of him. "How are you Tarc?" Ben asked.
"Who are you?" Tarc asked.
"I'm your uncle."
Chapter Six
-The Loss of Those You Love -
Ben stood in his master's chambers. "You will go to the planet Eriadu. It has one large city, Eriadus, population approximately fifteen million. It's the only city on the planet. The ruler there is supposed to be under Trade Federation rule, but a number of things have happened that are beginning to annoy me. One is that there is word of rebellion on the planet. The ruler doesn't listen to my orders and is starting to get on my nerves. I want you to go to the planet and try to reason with him." Darth Sidious handed Ben a large box and Ben struggled to hold it because it was felt like there was a ton of bricks in it. "Take this and place it underneath the large fountain in the center of the square in Eriadus. Tell the ruler that he has ten minutes."
Ben smiled. "Yes, my master."
"Do not fail me."
Ben bowed and headed to his ship. He took off for the planet Eriadu. Ben knew that the planet was not technologically advanced enough to have space flight. They had shuttles but only a few. Not enough to evacuate millions in a matter of minutes. Oh well. That was their choice. They chose to rebel against Darth Sidious and they were going to pay for that mistake. Ben thought.
* * *
When he got there, he went straight to the square and pulled stones out from the foundation of the statue that was the fountain. He placed the device in the hole and set the timer for twenty minutes. Satisfied, he replaced the stones and went to the palace where the leader lived. Two guards blocked his path but after a small use of the Force, they let him pass.
Ben went inside and to the leader's private chambers. The leader sat at a large wooden desk with pictures and awards associated with him hanging on the walls and sitting on the shelves. Ben sneered in disgust. The man was too full of himself. He would pay for that. With his life. Ben walked over to the desk and bent over, his palms flat on the desk and his nose almost touching the leader's. Ben's green eyes flashed in amusement as the leader tried to act all prissy. "You're smudging my desk," the leader said rudely. Rather rudely, Ben thought.
"Your rudeness was expected. Well, soon you won't have to worry about smudges on your precious desk," Ben said sarcastically. "Because in ten minutes, it won't be here anymore." Ben smiled at the shock on the leader's face.
"What?" the leader stammered.
"You heard me. The clock is ticking. Nine minutes until you and this city are gone. Apparently my master got fed up over your rudeness and unwillingness to cooperate."
"Yeah right."
"I'm serious. You want me to prove it to you?" Ben held up the control switch that had been used to set the bomb. The leader looked at it and Ben watched as it all sunk in. The leader's face went from annoyed to scared.
He looked up at Ben, a pleading look on his face. "I'll do anything. Please."
"Sorry." Ben laughed coldly. "Too bad for you." Ben turned, his black cape flowing around him.
"Please!" the leader begged. Ben turned his head to look at the sniveling fool. Ben knew that this was all a show, and if the leader lived, he would just cost more chaos. Once in his pitiful past, Ben would have felt sorry for the old man. Now, Ben could care less. It was the leader's fault for angering Darth Sidious and the leader was going to pay, with his life.
"You now have eight minutes old man to evacuate your city and then - BOOM!" Ben laughed, throwing his hands up in the air as he said the word BOOM.
"More time, please! It won't be enough to evacuate everyone!"
"You should have thought about that before you made the choice to rebel against my master. You are lucky he gave you any time to evacuate your people. Usually he isn't even this lenient."
"Just a few more minutes! We don't have the ships to evacuate this many in so little time."
"Well, then I guess you're just going to have to move very, very fast." Ben laughed again and left the room, chuckling to himself. He went to the hanger and boarded his ship.
He lifted off and drifted in orbit around the planet, watching the city as it exploded in a huge fireball, crushing the few shuttles trying to escape in its explosion. Ben smiled. Job accomplished. This would be a good example for anyone else that chose to rebel against his master. Ben punched in coordinates into his nav-computer and watched the white star lines appear around him as he launched into hyperspace.
* * *
Journal Entry 9: "I just returned from my mission on Eriadu. It was successful and I didn't run into any Jedi. That, I am glad of. I think my master was pleased with my accomplishment. Two weeks passed and then he gave me another mission. This one though, I am not sure I will be able to complete. I am to go a planet called Soria and kill the Jedi and Padawan team that is assigned to it. The team had uncovered information about my master that he did not want revealed at this moment in time. I am terrified at what will happen but I think that I will be able to accomplish this mission. I have to if I am going to please my master."
* * *
Damon stood in his quarters, facing his wife, who was holding his infant son in her arms. "You do not have to go," Damon said. "You have a child to care for."
"Jocasta Nu will care for him," Yenasta said calmly. "This is a mission that I am invaluable on."
"Send someone else to Soria. Why do you have to go?"
Yenasta smiled and kissed Damon. "Honey, please. This is something that I must do. You would do the same if you were in my position and I will have Tahl's apprentice, Chanee with me. You trust Chanee and you trust me. Don't let any fear rule your mind Damon. You know I'll be fine. All I have to do is talk to my father, the leader of our capital. If I don't go, my planet will erupt in a civil war, and that is something that I can not have happen. Please understand."
Damon nodded reluctantly. "I do but . . . just please be careful. I have a really bad feeling about this. If any trouble starts, please promise me you'll get out of there."
"I promise. Don't worry about me. I'll come back, I always have."
"I know."
She smiled. "Good."
Damon smiled and then his face darkened as he felt a tremendous feeling through the Force. Screaming voices filled his head as he felt the deaths of millions. Damon went down onto his knees. He vaguely saw Yenasta put a hand to her head, feeling a slight part of what he was feeling. Then it was past. Using the edge of the small table beside him, Damon got to his feet. He looked at Yenasta, his face grave. Her face was sad and Obi-Wan began to cry.
"I fear my brother has struck again. That is another reason why I don't like the idea of you going to Soria without me. I fear he will go to Soria, and that you will be in danger."
Cradling Obi-Wan in one arm, Yenasta put her free hand on her husband's face and looked into his dark brown eyes full of concern and love. Obi-Wan calmed down as he looked back and forth at his parents' faces. "I will be fine. If Ben shows up, Chanee and I will leave immediately, I promise. You have to trust that I know what I'm doing. You know I love you and Obi- Wan very much and I wouldn't willingly go on a mission at this time if I wasn't sure that I'd be fine. I'll be back in no time at all."
Damon nodded reluctantly. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Damon and Yenasta embraced.
* * *
Journal Entry 10: "Darth Sidious just summoned me to reveal something I just can't believe. Damon is my brother and he has a son named Obi-Wan. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Right now I need to focus on the present. I am leaving now for Soria and this time I will succeed."
Ben landed his craft in a grassy plain not far from the capital on the planet Soria. Soria was covered entirely in dense, humid forests except for where the capital Senia was. The buildings in the capital were made of stone and were all very low, sprawling buildings with large windows. Ben hopped on his speeder and after cloaking his ship, he sped off into the forest.
* * *
Yenasta pulled the hood of her brown Jedi robe over her head and kept her robe closed, so as not to reveal herself as a Jedi. Though the Force was respected on Soria, the Jedi were not. The Elders thought that the Jedi didn't use the Force in the way that it should be. Yenasta knew better. She glanced over at Chanee, who had similarly pulled her hood over her head and concealed her tunic and lightsaber. They walked quickly through the streets of Senia and in no time at all, reached her father's house. Not surprisingly, the house was surrounded by guards in the scale armor common amongst the Sorians. Yenasta knew that her father held documents in his grasp that could prove fatal for anyone against the Republic. Her duty was to retrieve those documents and hand them over to the Jedi Council, who would then decide what to do from there. That was why her mission was slightly dangerous and why she had asked Tahl if Chanee could come with her. A Jedi Master would offend her people, but a Jedi Knight and a Padawan might ease the offense. Even though she hadn't admitted it to Damon, she was nervous about this mission. Ben could very well end up on Soria if his master was indeed a Sith Lord.
Yenasta stopped, turning to Chanee. "Do you feel anything out of place?" Yenasta asked. She relied on Chanee's connection to the Force more than her own because Chanee was more attuned to it than she was.
Chanee closed her eyes, putting herself into the Force. "No, there is no danger. Not in the immediate area." Then Chanee stiffened.
"What is it?"
"I- it's gone now."
"What is?"
Chanee opened her eyes and looked at Yenasta. "I thought I felt the same presence that I had felt when I was with my master on Tynna."
Yenasta felt her heart beat rapidly and she used a calming technique to slow it down. She swallowed. "It is gone now?"
Chanee nodded. "Yes."
Yenasta looked around and then back at Chanee. "Let's get inside."
They walked up to the guard and Yenasta spoke a few words in her own tongue. The guard nodded and let them pass. They walked up to the front door and Yenasta knocked. A tall man with long white blond hair opened the door. His face was lined with age and he wore a dark green cloak and a black tunic, a symbol of his status. His face lit up when he saw Yenasta.
"Yenasta, it's been a while," her father said in Basic.
Yenasta smiled and hugged her father. "Yes, it has."
"Come in, come in."
Her father stepped aside and Chanee and Yenasta stepped into the large foyer. Plant life filled all available spaces, a common decoration on Soria. The rooms were all arched and the large windows let in a lot of light. Her father closed the door behind them and they stepped into the living area where they sat on comfortable chairs.
"This is Chanee, Jedi Master Tahl's apprentice. She is here with me to retrieve the information that I called ahead for," Yenasta said, going straight to the point.
Her father nodded and went into another room. He came back quickly and handed her a holocube. "It's all on there."
"Thank you." Yenasta tucked it into a pouch on her belt and lowered her hood. Chanee did the same. "How have you been, father?"
He smiled. "I've been doing well. What about yourself? I see you've become a Jedi Knight. Very credible."
Yenasta smiled. "Thank you."
Her father looked at Chanee. "You are Tahl's apprentice?" he asked.
Chanee nodded. "Yes."
"I am honored to be in the presence of such an apprentice. I admire Tahl very much, and from what I've heard, she is a great Jedi."
"Yes, she is," Chanee agreed. "Thank you, sir."
He smiled. "You're welcome."
"Father, what is this talk of civil war on Soria?" Yenasta asked.
Her father's smile disappeared. "The Sorians have split into two groups. One wants to leave the Republic and the other does not. We've tried to talk to the people, the Elders and I, but it is no use. I'm afraid civil war is imminent."
"The Jedi will do what we can, but I know how the Sorians feel about us. I will do whatever you need, father," Yenasta said reassuringly.
"Thank you," her father said, managing a small smile. * * *
Ben hid his speeder just outside the city and walked in. He pulled up the hood of his black cloak to hide his face and pulled his cloak tightly around him to conceal his lightsaber. He didn't want anyone warning the Jedi that he was coming. He paused in the center of the square and closed his eyes. He could sense their presences off to the north. Ben opened his eyes and headed in that direction.
* * *
"You will have to go to the research lab to acquire the rest of the information that you seek," Yenasta's father explained. "It is down the street and to the right. It's the only domed building here."
"Thank you. Once we give this information to the Jedi Council, I will come back and see what I can do to help," Yenasta said. They stood by the door. She hugged her father tightly. "I'm glad to see you again."
Her father pulled back and smiled. "I am too. Damon sent me a holo yesterday telling me that I have a grandson."
Yenasta smiled. "Yes. His name is Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Very fitting. He will be a great Jedi Knight one day."
"I hope so. Thank you for everything."
"Anything for you."
They embraced again and then Yenasta and Chanee left the house, heading for the research lab.
When they entered the large doors, Yenasta knew instantly that something was not right. It was very dark in the huge domed habitat and very quiet. She sensed Chanee go ridged. "What do you feel?" Yenasta asked.
"He is here." A huge sense of dread filled the pit of her stomach as Yenasta realized who Chanee meant. Her hand went instantly to the hilt of her lightsaber and she brought it out in front of her. She ignited it, a yellow-green blade springing out. It left a greenish glow on everything, the only light that she had. Chanee lit her blue lightsaber and looked around, taking in everything. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"As do I Chanee."
Suddenly all the lights went on, the brightness hurting Yenasta's eyes. She raised one hand to shield her face and saw a man standing about ten feet in front of her, his black cloak lying next to him on the ground. His face was horribly scarred and his green eyes glittered venomously. She watched as he pulled out his lightsaber, igniting it, a red blade springing out.
"So, I finally get to face the Jedi," he said, his voice full of menace. "Don't worry; your lives will be over soon enough." He laughed. Yenasta threw off her robe, as did Chanee. "Don't make me laugh. You two are no match for me."
In the pit of dread that Yenasta felt, she knew that Ben was right, but she hid it on her face. He suddenly lunged at her, using a Force push to shove Chanee out of the way. Chanee crashed into a huge tree and slid down, unconscious. Yenasta brought up her lightsaber in defense, blocking Ben's blow. She began pushing him backwards, her blade a whirl of color, but she knew that this would not last long.
* * *
Ben grinned as he watched the Jedi try to out maneuver him. This was child's play compared to his training exercises. The smile disappeared from his face. He would end this soon, once he got the information. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the pouch hung on the Jedi's belt. He knew that the information he sought was in there. With a quick motion, using the Force, he made a grab for the pouch but suddenly the young Padawan was there.
She whirled and parried, trying to keep him away from the older Jedi, who was breathing hard as she kept swinging her blade at Ben. With a quick motion, Ben ignited the other end of this lightsaber and he enjoyed the look of shock on their faces. As he Force pushed the Padawan away, he pulled the pouch to him.
He gripped it in his hand and put it in his belt. "Thank you," he said, grinning. Then his smile disappeared. "Now it's done." With one quick motion he hit the elder Jedi in the face, spun, and stabbed the Jedi through her stomach. Her eyes went wide as she collapsed and he pulled out the blade. Her lightsaber clattered to the ground, deactivated. Her eyes closed.
* * *
"NOOOOOOO!" Damon screamed, stopping suddenly in the middle of a corridor in the Jedi Temple. He fell to his knees, his hands on his head. "No, no, no, no, no . . ." he said over and over again. "Oh God, no." Tears streamed down his face. Jedi rushed to his side and he felt Mace Windu's strong arm around his waist, lifting him up. "He killed her! She's gone! I told her not to go!" Sobs filled his voice as he felt Mace Windu embrace him. "I told her not to go," he repeated softly.
* * *
Ben grinned and turned to the young apprentice. He moved in to kill her but she was quick. She escaped all his attempts but not the Force push that slammed her hard against a huge tree. He shut off his lightsaber, returning it to his belt. Using the Force he took a huge branch from one of the trees and crashed it down on top of the young girl, pinning her to the ground and crushing her ribs. He walked over to her, looking down. "Poor little Jedi. Too bad you'll die now." He laughed and left the research lab, heading to his ship. This mission had gone well and he had not frozen in front of the Jedi. All was very good.
* * *
Tahl raced out of her ship and into the throng of Sorians, Ki-Adi-Mundi at her side. They rushed to the research lab to find Yenasta lying dead on the ground and Chanee pinned beneath a huge branch. Chanee was unconscious but she was still alive, barely. Using the Force, they lifted the branch of of Chanee and Ki-Adi-Mundi picked up Chanee. She flopped around like a broken rag doll. "Let's get them out of here." Tahl said as she scooped up Yenasta. They hurried out of the research lab and to their ship.
When they reached the Jedi Temple, Chanee was sent straight to the medical facilities. Tahl went in immediately to see her. Chanee lay in a bacta tank but Tahl could sense that it wasn't going to help. She walked over to Chanee, who opened her eyes slightly. "I failed you Master," Chanee managed in a croak.
"Oh, no, no you did not, Chanee. You are the most reliable and most skilled Padawan I have had a chance to work with. You did everything right. Do not blame yourself," Tahl said soothingly.
"I'm going to die."
"Don't say things like that. You will be healed in no time."
"I know my body. The damage was too much." Chanee winced. "He got the information."
"It's okay. We have many other sources of information."
"No, it's not. I failed."
"Chanee, you did not fail," Tahl said, but Chanee didn't hear her, for she had slipped back into unconsciousness.
Later that evening, Chanee died from the severity of her wounds. Tahl didn't forgive herself for a very long time.
* * *
Darth Sidious summoned Ben to his private chambers. Ben walked in and up the stairs where Palpatine sat in his huge chair. He bowed his head. "Arise, my student." Darth Sidious said.
Ben straightened. "You called for me Master," Ben said.
"Yes." He walked towards Ben and began walking around Ben slowly. Ben kept his gaze straight ahead. "You did very well."
"Thank you, Master."
"You completed your mission very efficiently. My sources tell me that both Jedi are dead. One Jedi you will have to watch out for in the future is your brother. He is a powerful Jedi. A formidable opponent. He must die."
"Yes, Master." Ben swallowed hard.
"Once you do this, your journey towards the dark side will be complete and you will then have achieved what you had wished."
"Yes, Master."
"Are you sure your feelings are clear on this matter?"
"They are clear, Master."
"Good. Now there is one other matter that we must attend to."
"Yes, Master."
"It seems that your brother has another son." Ben's eyes went wide. Another son? But he thought there was only Obi-Wan!
"Another?"
"Yes. This child's name is Tarc. He was born a little over a year ago. He lives on a planet called Ando. He was not Force-sensitive and since both his parents were Jedi Knights, they could not keep him in the Temple. He is under the care of a friend of the family named Alusia. You will not be able to kill your brother outright. It would not be possible because of the Temple and the Council. But there are other ways to get around that, such as going after things and people that he loves. Therefore, I want you to go after Tarc and . . . get rid of him in a manner of speaking."
Ben swallowed hard. "Kill him, Master?"
Darth Sidious smiled evilly. "Exactly."
* * *
Ben sat in his ship in orbit around the brown planet of Ando. The planet was much like Tatooine, covered in dark sand. Canyons and mountains covered much of the planet. The air though, was very humid and warm. The only two cities on Ando were Ryia and Myria. The cities were very sophisticated and the species, the Andosians, were very friendly. Ben didn't expect to have much trouble in finding Tarc.
Ben set his ship down on the surface of the planet, a few miles away from Ryia. He took his speeder and headed towards Ryia.
* * *
Damon sat in the Haroon Cantina, sipping his drink. His apprentice, Menire, was a brown haired human from Coruscant. Menire sat across from Damon, taking in his surroundings. They were on the planet Ando, in one of the planet's two cites called Myria. Myria had just had a horrible explosion from one of their infamous laboratories. Damon and Menire were here to help clean up and discover the source of the explosion, for the Andosians that lived in Menire suspected foul play.
A highlight of being on Ando, was that Damon could see his other son, Tarc. Tarc was staying with Alusia, a friend that Damon had met through Tahiri. Alusia kept Tarc in Myria, in one of the more secluded areas. Damon felt assured that Tarc would be safe on Ando, for it was very near the Outer Rim territories. Tarc would be turning two in a few days and Damon wanted to be there for his celebration.
"I sense no hostility, Master," Menire said, looking around.
"A creature's intentions cannot always be felt, my young Padawan," Damon said.
"Yes, Master." Menire paused. "Master, do you think that one of the Andosians was responsible for the explosion?"
"It is hard to tell Menire." A sudden chill made Damon shudder.
"What is it Master?" Menire asked, but Damon didn't hear him. He was too focused on the powerful feeling he was sensing. It was full of malice and dark energy. Suddenly, Damon stood up. "Master?" Menire asked, standing. His voice quavered, not sure of what was happening.
"Ben," Damon whispered. Then suddenly a thought hit him, very hard. "Tarc!"
Damon ran out of the cantina, Menire running close behind.
* * *
Ben stood in the central area of Ryia, looking around. He spotted a small cantina and headed over to it. The bartender, a Solustian, waved Ben over as soon as he entered. Ben walked over. "How may I help you?" the Solustian asked.
"I need information."
The Solustian smiled. "Then Derni is at your service. What is it that you need to know?"
"I need to know the whereabouts of a woman named Alusia and a boy named Tarc. It is imperative that I speak with them." Ben let the Force drip from his words.
Derni nodded. "Alusia. you say? I've not heard of her exactly, but there is a chap that may be able to find her. If she's on Ando, he'll find her. His name is Mrich. He lives in a small abode a little ways from here, near the main complex of laboratories. You'll find it easily enough, ask anyone, but don't say anything about tracking. His cover is a mechanic and only a few select people know about his other occupation. Just tell him that Derni sent you and he'll let you in. Also, he will need payment."
Ben nodded. "Thank you for your time."
"Anytime." With that, Derni turned to another customer and Ben left the cantina.
* * *
"What do you mean, she left?" Damon asked. He stood at the entrance to the home where Alusia lived with Tarc. The man who answered was Alusia's servant and friend.
"She left this morning, sir," the man said. "She said she had to get a few things in Ryia. She took young Tarc with her to keep an eye on him. She said she'd be back this evening. There is nothing to worry about."
"It is imperative that I find her. She is in terrible danger."
The man's eyes widened. "Danger? What's wrong?"
"I don't have time to explain. You said she went to Ryia?"
"Yes, sir. To the laboratory complex."
"Then that is where I must go. Thank you."
"You're welcome, sir."
* * *
Ben walked up to the small building that stood next to the complex. He knocked on the only door in the front and a short, dark-skinned Andosian woman answered the door. "Yes?"
"I am here to speak to Mrich," Ben said.
The woman's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Are you one of those bounty hunters?"
Ben's eyes widened. "No ma'am. A friend of Mrich's, Derni from the cantina, sent me to speak with him on some information that I need."
The woman nodded. "Alright. But I warn you, no funny business."
"Yes ma'am," Ben said as she stepped aside.
"Come on then." Ben stepped in and the woman closed the door behind them. "Mrich, there's someone here to see you. He says Derni sent him."
"Send him up!" a male voice yelled from the room at the top of the stairs.
"Go on," the woman said.
Ben nodded and walked up the wooden stairs. He knocked on the door at the top and a young male Andosian answered. He was tall, nearly as tall as Ben, and had long brown hair tied back with a black band. He wore dirty work suspenders and a dark shirt, stained with grease.
"You said Derni sent you?" Mrich asked.
"Yes. I need your services."
"Which ones?"
"I need to find a certain individual named Alusia. She has something that belongs to me."
Mrich nodded. "Understood. Come in." Mrich stepped aside and Ben walked into the small, dark room. There was very little furniture and there was only one small window that let in a little of the reddish light. Mrich closed the door and walked over to a desk. He punched in a code and a screen popped up on the surface of the desk. Ben walked over, standing next to Mrich. "You said her name was Alusia?"
"Yes."
Mrich punched in a few numbers and a profile came up of a young woman with long red hair. She was human and from the profile, it said that she lived in Myria. "This is her. Do you need to know where she lives, or where she is now?"
"Now, if possible."
Mrich grinned, showing dirty teeth. "Anything is possible with me." Mrich punched in another code and it brought up a map of the two cities. A small red dot pinpointed Alusia's location. She was at the laboratory complex!
Ben pointed to the small dot. "This is her?"
"Yes." Mrich shut off the screen and turned to Ben. "Now the payment?"
"You have already received payment," Ben said, with a small wave of his hand.
Mrich nodded. "Of course. Well, there's your information."
"Thank you very much."
"Anytime."
Ben nodded and left the building where Mrich lived. He headed over to the complex.
* * *
Damon sped across the sands toward Ryia in the hover car. A growing sense of dread filled him. He couldn't lose another. When Yenasta had died, it had torn him apart. He couldn't lose one of his sons too. What was wrong with Ben? He had turned into a vile creature. Damon couldn't believe that he was ever friends with him. How could he kill so coldly and carelessly? If Ben's going after Damon's son, this is going to be the last straw.
Within minutes, Damon had reached the complex. He ran in quickly and up to the front desk. "Excuse me; has anyone named Alusia checked in here?" Damon asked.
The woman nodded. "Tall, red hair?"
"Yes."
"She had a little boy with her. Yes, I remember her. She's over in the growing area."
"Thank you."
Damon ran out of the main room and down the corridors to the area of the complex where they grew the vegetation for the people. A guard stopped him at the entrance.
"Only one guest at a time, sir."
"Sir, my one year old son is in there. I need to see him."
"Only a young woman has entered. There was no boy."
"Where would a young boy be?"
"He'd be in the care center, sir. No small children are allowed into the habitats. He's perfectly safe there, sir."
"I'm not sure about that. Where is the care center?"
"It's at the other side of the complex, on the other side of the main room. Janita, at the desk, can show you to it."
"Thank you."
Damon ran down the corridor.
* * *
Ben stood at the front desk in the main area of the complex. "Small children stay in the care center?" Ben asked.
"Yes, sir. It's down the hall to your left. There's a large sign on the door."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Always a pleasure to help."
Ben nodded and walked down the corridor to the left and found the entrance to the care center easily. The door swished open to reveal a brightly lit room full of small children.
A young woman walked up to him. "How can I help you sir?" she asked.
"I'm here for Tarc."
The woman nodded. "And you are?"
Ben smiled. He made a small motion with his hand. "You don't need to know my name."
"I don't need your name."
"You will show me to Tarc."
"I'll take you to him now."
"Thank you."
The woman nodded and Ben followed her through the throng of young children playing on the floor. The room had two large windows that let in a great deal of light and was filled with toys. The woman led Ben over to a small boy with sandy colored hair, playing with blocks over in a corner.
"Tarc, this young man is here to see you." the woman said. Tarc looked up and stood. The woman looked at Ben. "Will you need anything else?"
Ben shook his head. "Thank you."
The woman nodded and walked over to two kids who were fighting over a holo- projector. Ben looked at Tarc and knelt down in front of him. "How are you Tarc?" Ben asked.
"Who are you?" Tarc asked.
"I'm your uncle."