The Past Returns
Chapter Ten
-The Last Straw -
Six years passed and Ben remained in a deep sleep in a sustainment chamber. Medical droids watched over him constantly. Darth Sidious, using the dark side, had healed the near fatal wound that Ben had received. Darth Sidious normally wouldn't bother, but Ben still had some use to him, so he would keep him alive for the time being. Finally, Darth Sidious felt that Ben could be taken from the sustainment chamber. Ben was laid on a stone pallet in Sidious' main chambers.
* * *
Ben opened his eyes to see Darth Maul standing over him, in his dark clothes, his horns on his head gleaming. Darth Sidious walked up beside him. Ben looked around and noticed that his vision was still blurred. Ben could tell that he still had his black tunic on. He saw the shape of his lightsaber sitting on the pallet next to him. He bolted up suddenly, feeling his chest for the hole but it wasn't there. "Wh -?" Ben tried to ask.
"You have been in sleep coma for six years, in a sustainment chamber," Darth Sidious said.
"Six years! Am I -"
"Alive? Yes."
Ben lay back down, wincing at the pain that had come from sitting up so suddenly. "Sustainment chamber?"
"Yes. You are still the age you were when you received that fatal blow."
"So I'm still thirty-three?"
"Yes."
"How am I alive? I thought I died."
"With the help of your own body's healing powers, I augmented them to rejuvenate you."
"So the dark side saved me."
"Yes."
"And I can never go back to the light, no matter how hard I could try."
"No."
"How did I get here?"
"Lord Maul here went and got you when I heard what had happened." He turned to Darth Maul. "Lord Maul, go and get some fresh robes for Lord Pravanus."
"Yes, Master." Darth Maul said and left.
Ben looked at Darth Sidious, confused. "Damon nearly killed me," Ben said.
"Yes."
"He cried for me. I remember."
"Fake tears, I'm sure. Your brother was probably doing it for show," Darth Sidious said. Ben looked down. Damon had cried for him. Maybe he did actually care. No, Ben thought, shaking his head. Damon didn't care about anything. Ben sat up and immediately regretted it. He let out a moan and laid back down. Darth Sidious looked back at him. "You aren't completely healed yet. You need a few more days rest. I'm surprised that you've awakened this early. But in a few days, I will need you alongside me at the Senate. There are some . . . difficult matters that we need to . . . correct."
"Yes, my Master," Ben said.
Darth Maul came in then and handed Ben the robes. Ben took them gratefully and slowly and painfully made his way to his quarters, Darth Maul walking in front of him since all he could see was a blur. When he got to his quarters Ben set his clothes on the table by the shower and went to his sleeping quarters. He laid down on his sleeping pallet and fell asleep.
* * *
Damon stood out on the balcony, overlooking the gardens in the center of the Temple. Jedi Knights, Masters and Padawans walked through the gardens, enjoying the day. A soft breeze rustled Damon's shoulder-length hair. Obi- Wan was off on a mission with his Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Damon smiled. He was glad that Obi-Wan was happy. Damon had had to leave Obi-Wan on his own. Damon still stayed at the Temple, but he was not allowed to make contact with his son. These were the key years where the Padawan had to learn to trust his or her Master and other outside influences were not permitted. Damon had been surprised that he had even been allowed to stay with Obi-Wan until he was nine years old. All other Padawans were taken from their families soon after they were born. Damon felt lucky that he had gotten to know his son, even though he had lost his other. Obi-Wan had been told that his father had left and was not coming back. Damon felt bad that Obi-Wan had to go through losing his father, but Damon knew that it was the only way. Damon went on as many missions as he could, so as not to run into Obi-Wan. He mostly stayed in his quarters and on this balcony when he was at the Temple. He still talked with all the other Masters and the Jedi Council; he just tried to stay out of the way.
Damon felt a presence behind him and turned to see his best friend, Ulian, standing there. Damon smiled. "Hi," he said.
"How are you?" Ulian asked, walking up to stand next to Damon. He looked out over the gardens.
Damon did the same. "I'm doing well. What about you? How have your missions been going?"
"Well. Neelah had grown into quite an apprentice. I think she's ready for the trials very soon."
"From what you've told me, I'm sure she is."
"I know this isn't a pleasant subject, but it has been on my mind as of late. Have you heard anything about your brother?"
Damon clenched his hands into fists, controlling his anger. "No, not a word. It seems he's vanished. It's been six years and I haven't heard of anything catastrophic happening that's involved him."
"You think we're safe?"
"Not by a long shot. Remember, I thought I had killed him. I don't believe that I had felt guilty for that. Next thing I knew, he was gone, vanished without a trace. Probably crawled back to his Master."
"You're a good person, Damon. It's only natural that you would have felt guilty, but you don't know for sure that he lived. He could have really died and his Master had just retrieved him."
Damon shook his head. "Not from what I know of Ben. He's still out there, in hiding. But at least my son his safe. That's all that matters." Damon slammed his fist down on the balcony rail. "It makes me so mad that I fell for his act. He really had me thinking that he had truly repented for doing all those evil things."
"He may still have some good left in him. For all you know, when you showed him love, it might have begun his gradual assent back to the light side," Ulian said quietly.
"No," Damon shook his head. "Not Ben. He's an evil, vile creature, through and through. He has no heart. He's ruthless and uncaring. All he cares about is himself and doing harm to others." Damon looked at Ulian, who looked at him. "He killed my wife and my son. I was ready to forgive him for that because I know the draw of the dark side, but he doesn't care about that. He just did it to hurt me. I see that now. I was naive to think that he had changed." Tears welled up in Damon's eyes and he wiped them away, making his face into a mask of determination. "I'll never forgive him for what he did. Never. I gave him a chance to come back and now he's gone, back to the dark side." Damon looked back out at the gardens.
* * *
Ben didn't awaken until three days later. When he did awake, he got up and took a long, hot shower. Then he trimmed his jet black hair to about two inches from his scalp. He put on fresh robes and looked in the mirror at himself. He never would have imagined himself as a Sith Lord but here he was. He had fallen into the trap that was the dark side and he would have to live with that decision but he was didn't care. He was doing fine and he was happy. That's all that counted. He had gotten more training than he would have gotten if he had trained as a Jedi, and a lot faster and easier. There had been some hardships along the way but every time he came out stronger. He didn't feel as though he was doing anything wrong. What he was doing was obeying his Master. There was nothing wrong with that. That dark side helped him through tough situations and he was grateful. He thought about Damon and his good mood vanished. Damon will pay for what he has done to me. Ben thought, clenching his black-gloved hands into fists.
Journal Entry 15: "From my information sources, I've received an interesting piece of information. It seems that Damon's best friend, Ulian, and his apprentice, Neelah, are going to the Empress Teta System. I don't know what their mission is there and I really don't care. All I care about is hurting Damon and making him pay for what he did to me. He nearly killed me! How am I supposed to forgive that? Thanks to my Master, I'm back to my full strength and I feel the dark energy broiling inside me. I've spoken with my Master, and he believes that it would be good for me to face Jedi, since I need to get over my weakness. I am going to there in a few days and one thing is for sure, no Jedi is leaving that system alive."
* * *
Ulian and Neelah stood before the Jedi Council. Ulian looked around at all the Jedi Masters. Ki-Adi-Mundi was a recent addition to the Jedi Council. A few years ago he had been admitted. "Being sent on a mission, you are." Master Yoda's voice broke through Ulian's thoughts.
Ulian turned his attention to the diminutive figure. "You will go to the Empress Teta System. Tensions are rising and it is your duty to calm these unified planets," Master Windu explained.
Ulian bowed his head. "Yes, Master," he said.
"Jocasta Nu will help you find more information about this system," Master Windu said.
"Leave you will, in a few hours," Master Yoda said.
* * *
A few days later, Ben entered the Empress Teta System. He looked over his readouts on his starship of the three planets, Atet, Melee, and Risor. Atet was the main planet and where the three councils met to attend to the matters that arose with the three unified planets. Ben had heard that there had been tensions arising in certain matters, but he hadn't paid attention to all the details. He figured that the Jedi were probably going there to resolve those issues. According to his sources, the Jedi had been there for a few days, working with the councils. Knowing the Jedi, the situation would be resolved rather soon, so Ben decided to go down to Atet and lie in wait for them.
Ben set his ship down on a landing pad in the main city on Atet. He paid the landing fee and entered the bustling city. Humans inhabited this system and the cities were much like Coruscant, except for that fact that they weren't as vast. The people were dressed in simple clothes yet Ben knew that they were all very intelligent and technologically advanced. Ben walked into one of the shops and waited in line. Soon he stood in front of the shop keeper. "May I help you?" the man asked in Basic.
"Yes. I was wondering where the Council Chamber is."
The man nodded and scowled. "It's the large, round building in the center of the city. You can't miss it. Maybe you can talk some sense into the council. From what I hear, they can't decide on anything. And to make matters worse, Jedi have arrived."
Ben nodded. "I see. Thank you for your time."
Ben left the shop and made his way to the center of the city. He looked up at the large, round building. Ben settled himself off to one side of the street with a view of the large entrance. He would wait until the Jedi emerged, and then he would follow them.
* * *
Ulian walked out of the Council Chamber, shaking his head. Neelah walked next to him. "That was most difficult," Ulian said as they walked through the streets of Kimete, the main city on Atet.
"I thought that debate would never end," Neelah said tiredly. "They squabble over the most insignificant things. I don't see how they became unified in the first place."
"It is sometimes hard to determine how someone thinks. Sometimes you just have to observe them for a long time. In this case, we may have to go to many more debates to learn the true reason behind their arguments." Suddenly Ulian lowered his voice. "There is someone following us. Act normal and follow me." Ulian led Neelah through the city, weaving in and out of alleys and going in and out of buildings. Soon they were back at the Council Chambers. Ulian glanced around. "I think we've lost him for now. I want you to keep an eye out for any suspicious people."
Neelah nodded. "Yes, Master."
"I have the feeling we're not wanted here. We have to act carefully. For now, let's go back to the rented home."
Neelah nodded and followed her master through the winding streets.
* * *
Ben stood in the shadows, watching as the two Jedi walked into a large building, presumably where they were staying. He would have to confront them soon. His Master would be impatient if he took too long to get rid of these Jedi.
In the morning, Ben sent in a messenger saying that a council member wished to speak with the Jedi, but in a secluded area of the city. At the south end there was an abandoned part of the city, due to some leakage of toxic chemicals. The entire area had been cut off from the rest of the city, so as to protect the rest of Kimete's citizens. That was where the Jedi were supposed to go.
Ben stood by the gates that were at the entrance of the abandoned sector. They were fastened shut but, using the Force, he broke the lock and shoved the gates open. Ben looked around at the desolate area, full of waste and fumes rising from exhaust vents in the ground. Ben stayed away from those and instead, headed towards an open area, surrounded by decrepit buildings. Everything is brown and dead around here. Disgusting what a species will do to their own cities, Ben thought. Ben walked over to stand in the shadow cast by one of the slightly larger buildings and waited.
* * *
Ulian and Neelah walked up to the already open gates. "This doesn't feel right Master," Neelah said, looking around the waste land.
"I sense your unease, my young Padawan. There is something here. A powerful presence, but I cannot determine what or who. The message said that Retin, the council member, would meet us here but I don't think it was Retin that sent the message."
"This is a trap?"
Ulian looked at her. "Possibly, but in case Retin is really here, just stay on your guard. If things hit the fan, get out of here. At least one of us had to warn the Jedi Council and the Tri-Council."
Neelah nodded. "Yes, Master." They walked hesitantly into the abandoned sector and into the open area where the message had said they were to meet Retin. They looked around, not seeing anyone. "There is no one here, Master." Ulian reached out with the Force and recoiled when he sensed a dark presence.
"We're not alone. It seems the message was false. We need to leave now."
Ulian and Neelah ran towards the way they had come but a man stepped out from the shadows to block them. They watched as he threw off his black cape and drew out his lightsaber. He was clothed entirely in black and his black hair was cut very short, making him look young. His green eyes though, glittered with malice and evil. Dark scars lined his face, a jagged one on the left side and another smaller jagged scar ran across the bridge of his nose. Neelah shuddered at the thought at what had caused those scars. She knew that this man was not a person to be reckoned with. "Ben," Ulian said coolly. "Why am I not surprised."
Neelah turned a confused look towards her Master. "Master?"
Keeping his eyes on Ben, Ulian answered her. "This is Master Kenobi's younger brother, Ben Kenobi, otherwise known as the dark Jedi who murdered millions of beings. He's the man we ran into on Ilu, remember?"
Neelah nodded, her twin head tails tight with tension. "He's the one that killed Master Kenobi's wife and son, and Master Tahl's apprentice, Chanee."
"Yes, Neelah. That is correct."
"How very nice for you to already know who I am. Saves me from giving introductions," a harsh voice said. Neelah looked towards Ben, the speaker. "Might as well give up now, Jedi, because you're not leaving this place alive. I made the mistake of not killing you on Ilu when I had the chance. My Master believes that if I face you and kill you, it will make me even more powerful." Ben sneered. "Foolish Jedi."
Ulian unclipped his lightsaber, bringing it out in front of him. "Neelah, go now," he whispered, but Neelah didn't move. She stood frozen staring at Ben. "Neelah!" Neelah blinked and looked at her Master. "Go!" Neelah ran towards an opening between two buildings and Ben moved to intercept her. "Oh no you don't."
Ulian leapt in front of Ben, igniting his lightsaber. Ben stopped, turning to face Ulian. He smiled evilly. With one hand, he sent a Force blast at Neelah, knocking her into a already crumbling wall. Several large pieces of the building crashed down around her. Ben ignited both ends of his lightsaber.
"So, you want to test your skills on me? Fine, go ahead and do your best," Ben said. He sneered. "But it won't even come close to mine."
Ulian felt the dark energy rise in Ben and tightened his grip on his lightsaber. Ben whipped his lightsaber towards Ulian, spinning with it, becoming a blur of energy. Ulian blocked the attacks and fought back.
* * *
Neelah groaned and managed to lift her head up slightly. Huge slabs of stone had fallen all around her and one had managed to land on her right leg. She could feel bruises all over her body but, slowly and painfully, she sat up, using a stone for support. Her vision was blurred but she could make out two whirling shapes of energy. "Master," she said weakly. "I have to help him." Blackness filled her vision and she fell backwards, unconscious.
* * *
Ben blocked all the Jedi's attacks with ease. He raised an eyebrow. "This is your best? Surely you can do better." He brought one end of his lightsaber flying at the Jedi and then simultaneously flipped the other end, cutting through the Jedi's pants and singeing his leg. The Jedi stepped back, putting a hand on his leg, gritting his teeth in pain. Then he leapt at Ben, his lightsaber flying towards Ben.
Ben blocked and countered, leaping up and lashing out with his left foot, hitting the Jedi in the chest. The Jedi staggered back, breathing hard. They had been dueling for what seemed like hours, but Ben still wasn't tired. He stood, watching the Jedi catch his breath. "I thought Jedi weren't supposed to get tired out so easily." The Jedi didn't say anything.
As Ben watched the Jedi, a sudden realization washed over him. This Jedi, he was Damon's best friend, the one that had taken Ben's spot. He had heard of this man through his sources. His name was Ulian. Ben glanced at the heap of rubble where Ulian's apprentice laid. And that must be Neelah. Ben looked back at Ulian, new hatred rising inside of him. His eyes flashed with anger and he brought his lightsaber up, walking towards Ulian. "You took my best friend from me. You will pay for that," Ben said, gritting his teeth. He leapt at Ulian, slashing downwards. Ulian just managed to block the attack. "You made Damon despise me and not want to have anything to do with me! I hate you both! I should have never brought Damon with me! Then he wouldn't have met you!" Ben sped up his attacks, bearing down on the Jedi with all his anger.
* * *
Ulian used the Force to try to help him block Ben's attacks. Ben was blaming him for what Ben himself had caused. Damon was right. He was lost to them. Suddenly a huge tidal wave of dark energy engulfed Ulian and he staggered.
* * *
Ben saw his chance, and he lashed out with his right foot, hitting Ulian under the chin. Ben spun and stabbed back with his lightsaber, going through Ulian. He pulled out his lightsaber and spun, facing Ulian. He grinned and laughed. "Poor, foolish Jedi. Trying to be noble. Well, now you're dead." He watched as Ulian, his hands over his stomach, dropped to his knees and fell face first onto the ground. Ben took a step closer, still smiling, when he suddenly stopped, the smile disappearing from his face. A memory flashed in front of his eyes. . . .
Ben strode towards a terrified Obi-Wan. He had just gotten rid of his brother, now onto the child. Suddenly he stopped, sensing a warning in the Force. He spun and felt a sharp stab of searing pain through his abdomen. His eyes went wide as he saw Damon standing there in front of him, his lightsaber deactivated, falling from his hands. "D-Damon," Ben stammered as he fell to his knees, black dots filling his vision. His vision blurred as he realized what had happened. He had been stabbed. His eyes rolled up as he collapsed face first onto the ground . . . .
Ben blinked, the vision disappearing. He looked at Ulian, lying there unconscious or dead. He felt a knot rising up from his stomach, threatening to make him collapse to his knees. His hands shook, and his lightsaber dropped to the ground, deactivated. He stood there, staring, not moving a muscle. He swallowed hard. He took long slow deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. He closed his eyes, reaching into the pool of dark energy inside him. He brought it up and calmed himself with it. The dark energy made his vision clearer as he opened his eyes. He picked up his deactivated lightsaber, returning it to his belt. A wave of anger washed over him. Damon had nearly killed him. He was lucky to be alive. Ulian will die and that will be part of the payment that Damon deserves for nearly killing Ben. His face turned angry and his mouth turned up into a sneer. That's what he deserved for taking Ben's best friend from him.
* * *
Neelah moaned softly as she opened her eyes, her vision clearing somewhat. Gritting her teeth, she painfully sat up, her head swimming. Using the Force, she managed to get the rock off of her right leg. Using a larger rock, she stood up, putting all of her weight on her left leg. She looked around and didn't see the man that her Master had called Ben.
Then her eyes widened as she spotted her Master lying face-down on the dirt. She hobbled over to him, kneeling beside him. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned over her Master. His eyes were closed and he wasn't breathing. "Master," she said softly. She closed her eyes, tears running down her cheeks. Then she opened her eyes, wiping away her tears. She had to go on, no matter what. Death is not the end, it is just the beginning. She looked around as the wind picked up, blowing up dirt. That man wouldn't have just left. He had to be around here somewhere. She stood, reaching out with the Force.
"Looking for me?" a sinister voice asked behind her. Her eyes went wide as she spun to face the speaker. Ben stood there, his black tunic rustling in the wind. He held up his ignited lightsaber. His face was full of ruthlessness and evil. He sneered. "Last thing you'll ever see."
He swiped his lightsaber down towards her.
* * *
Damon sat in his quarters, mediating. The Force was flowing through him, calming him. Suddenly a wave of pain and fear washed over him and voices cried out and then were silenced. Damon opened his eyes abruptly, standing. He had just felt the deaths of two Jedi, but whom? He suddenly had a sinking feeling inside his gut. Ulian! "Damn you Ben!" Damon yelled, ramming his fist into the wall.
Chapter Ten
-The Last Straw -
Six years passed and Ben remained in a deep sleep in a sustainment chamber. Medical droids watched over him constantly. Darth Sidious, using the dark side, had healed the near fatal wound that Ben had received. Darth Sidious normally wouldn't bother, but Ben still had some use to him, so he would keep him alive for the time being. Finally, Darth Sidious felt that Ben could be taken from the sustainment chamber. Ben was laid on a stone pallet in Sidious' main chambers.
* * *
Ben opened his eyes to see Darth Maul standing over him, in his dark clothes, his horns on his head gleaming. Darth Sidious walked up beside him. Ben looked around and noticed that his vision was still blurred. Ben could tell that he still had his black tunic on. He saw the shape of his lightsaber sitting on the pallet next to him. He bolted up suddenly, feeling his chest for the hole but it wasn't there. "Wh -?" Ben tried to ask.
"You have been in sleep coma for six years, in a sustainment chamber," Darth Sidious said.
"Six years! Am I -"
"Alive? Yes."
Ben lay back down, wincing at the pain that had come from sitting up so suddenly. "Sustainment chamber?"
"Yes. You are still the age you were when you received that fatal blow."
"So I'm still thirty-three?"
"Yes."
"How am I alive? I thought I died."
"With the help of your own body's healing powers, I augmented them to rejuvenate you."
"So the dark side saved me."
"Yes."
"And I can never go back to the light, no matter how hard I could try."
"No."
"How did I get here?"
"Lord Maul here went and got you when I heard what had happened." He turned to Darth Maul. "Lord Maul, go and get some fresh robes for Lord Pravanus."
"Yes, Master." Darth Maul said and left.
Ben looked at Darth Sidious, confused. "Damon nearly killed me," Ben said.
"Yes."
"He cried for me. I remember."
"Fake tears, I'm sure. Your brother was probably doing it for show," Darth Sidious said. Ben looked down. Damon had cried for him. Maybe he did actually care. No, Ben thought, shaking his head. Damon didn't care about anything. Ben sat up and immediately regretted it. He let out a moan and laid back down. Darth Sidious looked back at him. "You aren't completely healed yet. You need a few more days rest. I'm surprised that you've awakened this early. But in a few days, I will need you alongside me at the Senate. There are some . . . difficult matters that we need to . . . correct."
"Yes, my Master," Ben said.
Darth Maul came in then and handed Ben the robes. Ben took them gratefully and slowly and painfully made his way to his quarters, Darth Maul walking in front of him since all he could see was a blur. When he got to his quarters Ben set his clothes on the table by the shower and went to his sleeping quarters. He laid down on his sleeping pallet and fell asleep.
* * *
Damon stood out on the balcony, overlooking the gardens in the center of the Temple. Jedi Knights, Masters and Padawans walked through the gardens, enjoying the day. A soft breeze rustled Damon's shoulder-length hair. Obi- Wan was off on a mission with his Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Damon smiled. He was glad that Obi-Wan was happy. Damon had had to leave Obi-Wan on his own. Damon still stayed at the Temple, but he was not allowed to make contact with his son. These were the key years where the Padawan had to learn to trust his or her Master and other outside influences were not permitted. Damon had been surprised that he had even been allowed to stay with Obi-Wan until he was nine years old. All other Padawans were taken from their families soon after they were born. Damon felt lucky that he had gotten to know his son, even though he had lost his other. Obi-Wan had been told that his father had left and was not coming back. Damon felt bad that Obi-Wan had to go through losing his father, but Damon knew that it was the only way. Damon went on as many missions as he could, so as not to run into Obi-Wan. He mostly stayed in his quarters and on this balcony when he was at the Temple. He still talked with all the other Masters and the Jedi Council; he just tried to stay out of the way.
Damon felt a presence behind him and turned to see his best friend, Ulian, standing there. Damon smiled. "Hi," he said.
"How are you?" Ulian asked, walking up to stand next to Damon. He looked out over the gardens.
Damon did the same. "I'm doing well. What about you? How have your missions been going?"
"Well. Neelah had grown into quite an apprentice. I think she's ready for the trials very soon."
"From what you've told me, I'm sure she is."
"I know this isn't a pleasant subject, but it has been on my mind as of late. Have you heard anything about your brother?"
Damon clenched his hands into fists, controlling his anger. "No, not a word. It seems he's vanished. It's been six years and I haven't heard of anything catastrophic happening that's involved him."
"You think we're safe?"
"Not by a long shot. Remember, I thought I had killed him. I don't believe that I had felt guilty for that. Next thing I knew, he was gone, vanished without a trace. Probably crawled back to his Master."
"You're a good person, Damon. It's only natural that you would have felt guilty, but you don't know for sure that he lived. He could have really died and his Master had just retrieved him."
Damon shook his head. "Not from what I know of Ben. He's still out there, in hiding. But at least my son his safe. That's all that matters." Damon slammed his fist down on the balcony rail. "It makes me so mad that I fell for his act. He really had me thinking that he had truly repented for doing all those evil things."
"He may still have some good left in him. For all you know, when you showed him love, it might have begun his gradual assent back to the light side," Ulian said quietly.
"No," Damon shook his head. "Not Ben. He's an evil, vile creature, through and through. He has no heart. He's ruthless and uncaring. All he cares about is himself and doing harm to others." Damon looked at Ulian, who looked at him. "He killed my wife and my son. I was ready to forgive him for that because I know the draw of the dark side, but he doesn't care about that. He just did it to hurt me. I see that now. I was naive to think that he had changed." Tears welled up in Damon's eyes and he wiped them away, making his face into a mask of determination. "I'll never forgive him for what he did. Never. I gave him a chance to come back and now he's gone, back to the dark side." Damon looked back out at the gardens.
* * *
Ben didn't awaken until three days later. When he did awake, he got up and took a long, hot shower. Then he trimmed his jet black hair to about two inches from his scalp. He put on fresh robes and looked in the mirror at himself. He never would have imagined himself as a Sith Lord but here he was. He had fallen into the trap that was the dark side and he would have to live with that decision but he was didn't care. He was doing fine and he was happy. That's all that counted. He had gotten more training than he would have gotten if he had trained as a Jedi, and a lot faster and easier. There had been some hardships along the way but every time he came out stronger. He didn't feel as though he was doing anything wrong. What he was doing was obeying his Master. There was nothing wrong with that. That dark side helped him through tough situations and he was grateful. He thought about Damon and his good mood vanished. Damon will pay for what he has done to me. Ben thought, clenching his black-gloved hands into fists.
Journal Entry 15: "From my information sources, I've received an interesting piece of information. It seems that Damon's best friend, Ulian, and his apprentice, Neelah, are going to the Empress Teta System. I don't know what their mission is there and I really don't care. All I care about is hurting Damon and making him pay for what he did to me. He nearly killed me! How am I supposed to forgive that? Thanks to my Master, I'm back to my full strength and I feel the dark energy broiling inside me. I've spoken with my Master, and he believes that it would be good for me to face Jedi, since I need to get over my weakness. I am going to there in a few days and one thing is for sure, no Jedi is leaving that system alive."
* * *
Ulian and Neelah stood before the Jedi Council. Ulian looked around at all the Jedi Masters. Ki-Adi-Mundi was a recent addition to the Jedi Council. A few years ago he had been admitted. "Being sent on a mission, you are." Master Yoda's voice broke through Ulian's thoughts.
Ulian turned his attention to the diminutive figure. "You will go to the Empress Teta System. Tensions are rising and it is your duty to calm these unified planets," Master Windu explained.
Ulian bowed his head. "Yes, Master," he said.
"Jocasta Nu will help you find more information about this system," Master Windu said.
"Leave you will, in a few hours," Master Yoda said.
* * *
A few days later, Ben entered the Empress Teta System. He looked over his readouts on his starship of the three planets, Atet, Melee, and Risor. Atet was the main planet and where the three councils met to attend to the matters that arose with the three unified planets. Ben had heard that there had been tensions arising in certain matters, but he hadn't paid attention to all the details. He figured that the Jedi were probably going there to resolve those issues. According to his sources, the Jedi had been there for a few days, working with the councils. Knowing the Jedi, the situation would be resolved rather soon, so Ben decided to go down to Atet and lie in wait for them.
Ben set his ship down on a landing pad in the main city on Atet. He paid the landing fee and entered the bustling city. Humans inhabited this system and the cities were much like Coruscant, except for that fact that they weren't as vast. The people were dressed in simple clothes yet Ben knew that they were all very intelligent and technologically advanced. Ben walked into one of the shops and waited in line. Soon he stood in front of the shop keeper. "May I help you?" the man asked in Basic.
"Yes. I was wondering where the Council Chamber is."
The man nodded and scowled. "It's the large, round building in the center of the city. You can't miss it. Maybe you can talk some sense into the council. From what I hear, they can't decide on anything. And to make matters worse, Jedi have arrived."
Ben nodded. "I see. Thank you for your time."
Ben left the shop and made his way to the center of the city. He looked up at the large, round building. Ben settled himself off to one side of the street with a view of the large entrance. He would wait until the Jedi emerged, and then he would follow them.
* * *
Ulian walked out of the Council Chamber, shaking his head. Neelah walked next to him. "That was most difficult," Ulian said as they walked through the streets of Kimete, the main city on Atet.
"I thought that debate would never end," Neelah said tiredly. "They squabble over the most insignificant things. I don't see how they became unified in the first place."
"It is sometimes hard to determine how someone thinks. Sometimes you just have to observe them for a long time. In this case, we may have to go to many more debates to learn the true reason behind their arguments." Suddenly Ulian lowered his voice. "There is someone following us. Act normal and follow me." Ulian led Neelah through the city, weaving in and out of alleys and going in and out of buildings. Soon they were back at the Council Chambers. Ulian glanced around. "I think we've lost him for now. I want you to keep an eye out for any suspicious people."
Neelah nodded. "Yes, Master."
"I have the feeling we're not wanted here. We have to act carefully. For now, let's go back to the rented home."
Neelah nodded and followed her master through the winding streets.
* * *
Ben stood in the shadows, watching as the two Jedi walked into a large building, presumably where they were staying. He would have to confront them soon. His Master would be impatient if he took too long to get rid of these Jedi.
In the morning, Ben sent in a messenger saying that a council member wished to speak with the Jedi, but in a secluded area of the city. At the south end there was an abandoned part of the city, due to some leakage of toxic chemicals. The entire area had been cut off from the rest of the city, so as to protect the rest of Kimete's citizens. That was where the Jedi were supposed to go.
Ben stood by the gates that were at the entrance of the abandoned sector. They were fastened shut but, using the Force, he broke the lock and shoved the gates open. Ben looked around at the desolate area, full of waste and fumes rising from exhaust vents in the ground. Ben stayed away from those and instead, headed towards an open area, surrounded by decrepit buildings. Everything is brown and dead around here. Disgusting what a species will do to their own cities, Ben thought. Ben walked over to stand in the shadow cast by one of the slightly larger buildings and waited.
* * *
Ulian and Neelah walked up to the already open gates. "This doesn't feel right Master," Neelah said, looking around the waste land.
"I sense your unease, my young Padawan. There is something here. A powerful presence, but I cannot determine what or who. The message said that Retin, the council member, would meet us here but I don't think it was Retin that sent the message."
"This is a trap?"
Ulian looked at her. "Possibly, but in case Retin is really here, just stay on your guard. If things hit the fan, get out of here. At least one of us had to warn the Jedi Council and the Tri-Council."
Neelah nodded. "Yes, Master." They walked hesitantly into the abandoned sector and into the open area where the message had said they were to meet Retin. They looked around, not seeing anyone. "There is no one here, Master." Ulian reached out with the Force and recoiled when he sensed a dark presence.
"We're not alone. It seems the message was false. We need to leave now."
Ulian and Neelah ran towards the way they had come but a man stepped out from the shadows to block them. They watched as he threw off his black cape and drew out his lightsaber. He was clothed entirely in black and his black hair was cut very short, making him look young. His green eyes though, glittered with malice and evil. Dark scars lined his face, a jagged one on the left side and another smaller jagged scar ran across the bridge of his nose. Neelah shuddered at the thought at what had caused those scars. She knew that this man was not a person to be reckoned with. "Ben," Ulian said coolly. "Why am I not surprised."
Neelah turned a confused look towards her Master. "Master?"
Keeping his eyes on Ben, Ulian answered her. "This is Master Kenobi's younger brother, Ben Kenobi, otherwise known as the dark Jedi who murdered millions of beings. He's the man we ran into on Ilu, remember?"
Neelah nodded, her twin head tails tight with tension. "He's the one that killed Master Kenobi's wife and son, and Master Tahl's apprentice, Chanee."
"Yes, Neelah. That is correct."
"How very nice for you to already know who I am. Saves me from giving introductions," a harsh voice said. Neelah looked towards Ben, the speaker. "Might as well give up now, Jedi, because you're not leaving this place alive. I made the mistake of not killing you on Ilu when I had the chance. My Master believes that if I face you and kill you, it will make me even more powerful." Ben sneered. "Foolish Jedi."
Ulian unclipped his lightsaber, bringing it out in front of him. "Neelah, go now," he whispered, but Neelah didn't move. She stood frozen staring at Ben. "Neelah!" Neelah blinked and looked at her Master. "Go!" Neelah ran towards an opening between two buildings and Ben moved to intercept her. "Oh no you don't."
Ulian leapt in front of Ben, igniting his lightsaber. Ben stopped, turning to face Ulian. He smiled evilly. With one hand, he sent a Force blast at Neelah, knocking her into a already crumbling wall. Several large pieces of the building crashed down around her. Ben ignited both ends of his lightsaber.
"So, you want to test your skills on me? Fine, go ahead and do your best," Ben said. He sneered. "But it won't even come close to mine."
Ulian felt the dark energy rise in Ben and tightened his grip on his lightsaber. Ben whipped his lightsaber towards Ulian, spinning with it, becoming a blur of energy. Ulian blocked the attacks and fought back.
* * *
Neelah groaned and managed to lift her head up slightly. Huge slabs of stone had fallen all around her and one had managed to land on her right leg. She could feel bruises all over her body but, slowly and painfully, she sat up, using a stone for support. Her vision was blurred but she could make out two whirling shapes of energy. "Master," she said weakly. "I have to help him." Blackness filled her vision and she fell backwards, unconscious.
* * *
Ben blocked all the Jedi's attacks with ease. He raised an eyebrow. "This is your best? Surely you can do better." He brought one end of his lightsaber flying at the Jedi and then simultaneously flipped the other end, cutting through the Jedi's pants and singeing his leg. The Jedi stepped back, putting a hand on his leg, gritting his teeth in pain. Then he leapt at Ben, his lightsaber flying towards Ben.
Ben blocked and countered, leaping up and lashing out with his left foot, hitting the Jedi in the chest. The Jedi staggered back, breathing hard. They had been dueling for what seemed like hours, but Ben still wasn't tired. He stood, watching the Jedi catch his breath. "I thought Jedi weren't supposed to get tired out so easily." The Jedi didn't say anything.
As Ben watched the Jedi, a sudden realization washed over him. This Jedi, he was Damon's best friend, the one that had taken Ben's spot. He had heard of this man through his sources. His name was Ulian. Ben glanced at the heap of rubble where Ulian's apprentice laid. And that must be Neelah. Ben looked back at Ulian, new hatred rising inside of him. His eyes flashed with anger and he brought his lightsaber up, walking towards Ulian. "You took my best friend from me. You will pay for that," Ben said, gritting his teeth. He leapt at Ulian, slashing downwards. Ulian just managed to block the attack. "You made Damon despise me and not want to have anything to do with me! I hate you both! I should have never brought Damon with me! Then he wouldn't have met you!" Ben sped up his attacks, bearing down on the Jedi with all his anger.
* * *
Ulian used the Force to try to help him block Ben's attacks. Ben was blaming him for what Ben himself had caused. Damon was right. He was lost to them. Suddenly a huge tidal wave of dark energy engulfed Ulian and he staggered.
* * *
Ben saw his chance, and he lashed out with his right foot, hitting Ulian under the chin. Ben spun and stabbed back with his lightsaber, going through Ulian. He pulled out his lightsaber and spun, facing Ulian. He grinned and laughed. "Poor, foolish Jedi. Trying to be noble. Well, now you're dead." He watched as Ulian, his hands over his stomach, dropped to his knees and fell face first onto the ground. Ben took a step closer, still smiling, when he suddenly stopped, the smile disappearing from his face. A memory flashed in front of his eyes. . . .
Ben strode towards a terrified Obi-Wan. He had just gotten rid of his brother, now onto the child. Suddenly he stopped, sensing a warning in the Force. He spun and felt a sharp stab of searing pain through his abdomen. His eyes went wide as he saw Damon standing there in front of him, his lightsaber deactivated, falling from his hands. "D-Damon," Ben stammered as he fell to his knees, black dots filling his vision. His vision blurred as he realized what had happened. He had been stabbed. His eyes rolled up as he collapsed face first onto the ground . . . .
Ben blinked, the vision disappearing. He looked at Ulian, lying there unconscious or dead. He felt a knot rising up from his stomach, threatening to make him collapse to his knees. His hands shook, and his lightsaber dropped to the ground, deactivated. He stood there, staring, not moving a muscle. He swallowed hard. He took long slow deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. He closed his eyes, reaching into the pool of dark energy inside him. He brought it up and calmed himself with it. The dark energy made his vision clearer as he opened his eyes. He picked up his deactivated lightsaber, returning it to his belt. A wave of anger washed over him. Damon had nearly killed him. He was lucky to be alive. Ulian will die and that will be part of the payment that Damon deserves for nearly killing Ben. His face turned angry and his mouth turned up into a sneer. That's what he deserved for taking Ben's best friend from him.
* * *
Neelah moaned softly as she opened her eyes, her vision clearing somewhat. Gritting her teeth, she painfully sat up, her head swimming. Using the Force, she managed to get the rock off of her right leg. Using a larger rock, she stood up, putting all of her weight on her left leg. She looked around and didn't see the man that her Master had called Ben.
Then her eyes widened as she spotted her Master lying face-down on the dirt. She hobbled over to him, kneeling beside him. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned over her Master. His eyes were closed and he wasn't breathing. "Master," she said softly. She closed her eyes, tears running down her cheeks. Then she opened her eyes, wiping away her tears. She had to go on, no matter what. Death is not the end, it is just the beginning. She looked around as the wind picked up, blowing up dirt. That man wouldn't have just left. He had to be around here somewhere. She stood, reaching out with the Force.
"Looking for me?" a sinister voice asked behind her. Her eyes went wide as she spun to face the speaker. Ben stood there, his black tunic rustling in the wind. He held up his ignited lightsaber. His face was full of ruthlessness and evil. He sneered. "Last thing you'll ever see."
He swiped his lightsaber down towards her.
* * *
Damon sat in his quarters, mediating. The Force was flowing through him, calming him. Suddenly a wave of pain and fear washed over him and voices cried out and then were silenced. Damon opened his eyes abruptly, standing. He had just felt the deaths of two Jedi, but whom? He suddenly had a sinking feeling inside his gut. Ulian! "Damn you Ben!" Damon yelled, ramming his fist into the wall.