Chapter Fifty Four:

Vexa exited her ship, taking a deep, cleansing breath of the air of Korriban as her feet touched the sod. She sealed her shuttle and walked with a confident air toward one of the most prominent Sith temples in the galaxy. This was one of the places she trained as a Sith, and had in fact spent a great deal of time here.

Vexa was aware of the limited wildlife watching her warily, but she ignored them, fully assured that she held the upper hand. She smirked imperiously. Or, perhaps the wildlife remembered her training days here, and thus did not dare approach her.

As Vexa walked, she cast her mind to the last meeting she had attended with her Rising advisors. In that meeting, it had been decided that the Rising would attempt to take over Scipio, or more directly, the banks. However, the Rising would not strike until Ignis had returned. Vexa had been adamant on that, assuring her underlings that the time for Ignis to return was drawing near. This also allowed the Rising adequate time to prepare for the takeover that would occur.

Her council members had agreed, and everyone had left to begin preparations for Operation Bank, as one member had called it.

Vexa returned her attention to fore as the front door of the temple drew close. Once she was at the steps, she used the Dark Side to open them, and they lumbered along silent hinges to admit her. Vexa walked right in, unafraid, and feeling a shiver in the Force as soon as her feet crossed the threshold.

The moment she was through, the enormous doors shut behind her.

Vexa strode with purpose for the very heart of the edifice, passing a plethora of rooms, and even a couple to stairways as she did so. Once she arrived at her destination, she paused in the doorway to observe the space. She wanted to be certain that there had been no visitors since her last trip here. But no, there were no traces that anyone but her had been here.

Satisfied, Vexa entered the pyramidal room fully, heading to the center, in which stood a black-stone structure. Vexa withdrew a special crystal from her pocket, one of a purple so deep it looked like it was made of black glass. This crystal, forged by Sith alchemists, was the key to unlocking the Sith temple she stood inside. Without the key, the full power of the temple remained without her grasp.

Vexa gazed at the crystal, feeding off of the Dark Side that it exuded, before placing it into the slot it had been made to fill. Once the crystal was in place, Vexa closed her eyes and touched the Force, activating the key.

Violet sparks showered from the item, and the crystal all but exploded with its pent-up Dark Side energy. But the shape of the crystal was what truly mattered, for the crystal's form channeled the Dark Side power into the stone structure it had been inserted into. That energy shot upwards as purple-white lightning that went up to the ceiling of the room. At the pinnacle of the ceiling was a chimney that had been created to funnel this lightning appropriately.

Vexa waited until she felt the Temple come fully alive around her to speak.

"Master Plagueis, Darth Tenebrous, Master Sidious, I need to counsel with you." She called with conviction, knowing that the three Sith Lords would come at her beckoning.

Moments later, three spectral figures emerged, slowly but surely coalescing into forms that looked real enough to have been physically present. But Vexa knew they were only the spirits and consciousness of the three Sith Lords, as each was physically deceased.

"Lady Wran," Darth Tenebrous said in his tenor voice, his eyes looking upon her with his usual cynicism.

Of the three here, Tenebrous had always been the least confident in Vexa's abilities. But nor had he tried to foil her... yet. As the initial Sith to experiment in controlling the Force and midichlorians— and thus life itself— his expertise had proven quite useful to Vexa's plans and actions so far.

"Darth Tenebrous, lovely as always to see you." Vexa returned evenly. She shifted her attention to Plagueis next, actually bowing out of respect for the Sith Master. "Lord Plagueis."

Vexa turned to the final occupant. "Lord Sidious."

"Your little... plaything has been less than inspiring of late." Sidious remarked with open disdain. "The boy has been nothing but a sob-story."

"It is pathetic." Tenebrous agreed.

"The boy is playing his part perfectly," Vexa countered smoothly, unafraid of them, "even if he doesn't realize just how perfectly. We all know Skywalker's heart: he won't be able to withstand the temptation to help Ignis. It will be his undoing."

"If you recall," Sidious said, "I tried that tactic, and he didn't fall."

"I am not trying to turn Skywalker." Vexa reminded Sidious. "I aim to destroy him. And in any case, you did succeed in getting Luke to come to you. He did not know what else you had in store, but he did take your bait."

"That is true." Sidious smiled in satisfaction. "And little does he know that I still hold the upper hand. It will be wonderful revenge to see the outcome of this entire plot."

"Indeed." Vexa turned to Plagueis next. "Master Plagueis, do you have anything to say?"

The ancient Muun man lifted his head. "The boy is indeed powerful, and his stamina great. His aptitude for things is why he is such a fast learner. Do take care that you do not train him... too well, Lady Wran. He is capable of besting you."

"I know he is, but Ignis hasn't figured that out yet." She assured him. "I still have him under my thumb."

"Why have you not apprenticed him yet?" Tenebrous asked impatiently. "The boy is more than ready."

"He will fulfill his mission first." Vexa declared, her eyes leveling an acid stare at Sidious. "After Skywalker pays for what happened to my original master."

Sidious returned the look equally. "Darth Tyranus had outlived his usefulness. He had fulfilled his purpose, and his final act as my apprentice was to allow my real apprentice to blossom. He should have been honored."

Vexa snorted. "I was robbed of the only man I ever saw as a father. Call me sentimental if you wish, but it is true."

"We digress!" Plagueis snapped, tired of the bickering. "This boy is the culmination of all the work Darth Tenebrous and myself did. It began with his grandfather, and was strengthened in his father. Now it has been perfected in the third generation."

"Why didn't this... ability carry on with the girl?" Sidious asked, looking to the two other spirits.

"It can only be passed on via the birthright: the firstborn son." Vexa explained, surprised and yet pleased that Sidious did not know. "This is also why Leia isn't as strong in the Force as her twin. Luke is both the son and the firstborn."

"Lady Wran is correct." Plagueis confirmed.

"Regardless, all our efforts will be for nothing if Lady Wran cannot fulfill her part of this entire mission." Tenebrous looked to Vexa pointedly.

"Have no fear, Darth Tenebrous." Vexa assured him. "I will carry on the work Master Sidious so beautifully performed. The New Jedi Order isn't nearly as strong as it was when it was organized and flush with members and experience. This will work against them."

"Weaker or not, they do hold the upper hand in numbers." Tenebrous remarked.

"So did the Jedi Order of old," Sidious reminded the other, "and look at the good it did them when I executed Order 66." Sidious grinned happily. "That was truly my best work."

"Yes," Vexa said, steering the conversation. "My acolytes are well trained, but Ignis is the best, and my brightest. He will be my fist; my front-man." She glanced to Sidious. "He will be my Darth Vader. We will work our way through the galaxy until the Jedi are no more, but I also have a war to conduct. But, to get at the Order most effectively, we must first draw out the Skywalkers. Then the Jedi Temple— and all its students— will be vulnerable. That will be when my full posse of acolytes will attack. The Jedi Order will fall for good when I am done, and the Sith will be the only Force-wielders in the galaxy again. Once we take out their precious Jedi, the Republic will fall in line or perish."

"They have done alright without the Jedi so far." Tenebrous remarked. "Even at Bespin."

"Bespin was my first true attack," Vexa said. "And they had a heads-up from Skywalker. He was also there personally to assist. Had he not warned them, the losses would have been far greater."

"True." Tenebrous allowed. "Still, do not get overconfident."

"The Rebel Alliance operated without the Jedi more effectively than I care to admit." Sidious seconded. "Do not underestimate the Republic, which is far more resourceful and organized than was the Rebellion."

"Why do you think I have been strategically targeting their resource centers before beginning my true war on them?" Vexa replied tartly. "Contrary to what you think of me, I can strategize."

"I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens," Tenebrous said snarkily.

Vexa narrowed her eyes at him.

"Your faith in me is touching." She snapped sarcastically.

"Faith must be earned," he returned smoothly, "and you have yet to instill that in me."

"Need I remind you, Lady Wran, that were it not for us," Plagueis said, "you would not even have your precious plaything? He would still be with his rightful family."

Vexa lifted her chin. "And need I remind you, that if it were not for me, you wouldn't have been able to bring your precious project to full fruition."

"I think it has been established that we need each other... for now," Sidious said dryly. "So as long as things go as planned, we will all get what we seek."

"The eldest boy will be mine when he is fully ripe." Plagueis declared with a pointed look at Sidious. "You may have the younger runt."

Sidious lifted his lip in a sneer. "We will see."

Vexa rolled her eyes. "Enough. Ignis will perform for me, and he will be my slave regardless of whether or not he brings me the baby. He has crossed me for the last time. And eventually he will be my apprentice, whether by his own choice or not."

"His ability will be more... pure and potent if the choice is his." Tenebrous advised. "It was foolhardy of you to place that squid in him."

Vexa shrugged unrepentantly. "Ignis pushed... and failed. His mistake."

"The creature will come out before I take the boy's body as my own." Plagueis ordered. "I will not have some... parasite within me."

Vexa snorted, rolling her eyes. The three Sith Lords looked to her with varying expressions, and then Vexa waved.

"I will be in touch again. I must leave, as I have a set of armor to pick up on my way back to the Dark Mystery." She looked to Sidious. "If I can get my hands on Ben Skywalker, you may have him to do with as you please."

Sidious nodded, recalling his failed attempt to take over one of the two babies Mara had been carrying before his death. "If he cannot be mine, then I will look elsewhere for a second... chance." He looked pointedly at Plagueis.

The Muun only stared right back, as if daring the younger Sith to try it.

Vexa decided that she'd had enough of them for now, and called the crystal back to her hand with the Force. The Temple deactivated, and with it the three spirits disappeared. Vexa left immediately, sealing the temple doors behind her.

00000

Ignis sat at his desk, stylus in hand as he worked at the details on his latest drawing of Bo. He had already drawn a few images of the anooba in an effort to soothe his hurting soul. But not only had he been drawing, Ignis had also been thinking. A lot.

First on his mind was his ever-growing connection with Shmi. Ignis had been going through everything endlessly, until at long last he could only come up with one possibility. But how could it be? How could they be brother and sister— let alone twins— when they had been born to different mothers?

But no matter which other way Ignis tried to spin the facts, they would only align in one way. He and Shmi had to be twins. Ignis' head hurt from trying to figure out how in the galaxy that could be.

Had Luke somehow been his father after all? Ignis supposed that there were various ways in which a woman would be able to get pregnant. Technology in the galaxy was quite advanced, and so it was possible that Luke was his biological father.

But that still left the problem of Ignis and Shmi being born of different mothers. So even if Luke had somehow sired Ignis... he and Shmi were not from the same womb.

Ignis closed his eyes and pushed away all notions of Shmi being his sister. Ignis just... couldn't handle it on top of everything else on his plate.

Ignis was also more than a little worried that he was growing ever closer to Luke. It was becoming harder every day for Ignis to not see Luke as a father figure, even though he knew that would never be the case. Luke would likely never call Ignis son, no matter how deeply Ignis wished for that. And even if by some miracle, Luke did start to see Ignis as a son... what good would it do either of them? Ignis was still a nexu among the Skywalker family. He was there to ultimately betray them...

Ignis' thoughts shifted to his true task in being with the Skywalker family. And as much as it hurt Ignis to know, he realized that with Bo's passing, Ignis' sorrow from that would perfectly mask his distress over having to take Kodai.

In fact, the more Ignis pondered it, the more he knew that there would be no other way Ignis would be able to explain his shifting mood. Mara and Luke were intelligent beings, even without the Force. Mara especially would not be fooled by a dramatic shift in Ignis. As soon as he started acting oddly, she would ensure he did not go near Kodai.

And why would there be such a shift in Ignis? It was because, despite his efforts to remain aloof, he had grown to love the entire Skywalker family. Now, after so long with them— receiving of their care and compassion— the thought of hurting them bothered Ignis greatly. It tugged deeply at Ignis' heartstrings.

So though he hated to admit it, he would have to take Kodai soon. And yet... Ignis did not want to.

He tuned in to the sounds of Anya and Mara in their most recent lesson— the two had gone right back into things as soon as they could— and smiled minutely to know that Anya was progressing in leaps and bounds. Already she was working with a lightsaber, though she merely borrowed Mara's until she could be given one of her own.

Ignis was grateful to Mara for giving Anya this training. Anya would need everything Mara could give her.

Ignis heard a knock at his door moments before it opened. He glanced over his shoulder to see a shock of strawberry blond hair framing green eyes.

"Ignis, may I come in?" Emry asked.

Ignis pushed away his thoughts and locked them securely behind durasteel barriers. He also shut his drawing pad, turning around on his seat to better see his visitor. "Sure."

Emry entered, though she left the door open. She approached him, holding something behind her back. Curious, Ignis waited to see what she wanted.

"I... made you something," Emry said shyly, stopping before him and hesitating. "I know you miss Bo, so I wanted to help you."

Ignis' brow lifted. "Help how?"

Emry shifted bashfully before withdrawing the hidden item. It was a piece of paper, Ignis realized. "This is for you."

Ignis blinked in surprise, but did take the page, opening it and feeling his throat constrict somewhat. On the page was a child's drawing of an anooba playing in an open field. Before him was a ball, and it was clear that the creature was playing.

"Is this Bo?" Ignis asked Emry.

"Yes." Emry smiled lightly. "I wanted you to be able to remember him when he was happy."

Ignis returned the smile. "Thank you Emry."

"It's not a perfect drawing," Emry went on, twiddling her fingers self-consciously, "but I just wanted to help you feel better."

Ignis shook his head and placed a hand on her shoulder, neither one of them aware that Shmi had walked by, seen them and paused just out of view to listen.

"It's beautiful." Ignis assured Emry. "Thank you very much. I'll put it on my dresser."

He followed his promise, setting the drawing on the correct piece of furniture. "There: now I will see it every time I get my clothes."

Emry brightened. "You really like it that much?"

Ignis nodded. "I do."

Emry opened her arms, her expression inviting, and Ignis knew she wanted a hug. He obliged, embracing her gently.

Once he had sat back down, Emry took up a space on his bed. "Hey, I heard Dad mention your lifeday. When is it?"

Ignis looked to the calendar on the wall. "It is... two weeks from today, actually."

In the hall, Shmi startled, stepping back from the wall as if it had shocked her. She did not hear whatever else was said, or sense Ignis' attention drift her way. Shmi backed down the hall and stumbled into her bedroom. She shut the door and stared at nothing.

Finally Shmi took a seat in the chair at her own desk. She too had been thinking almost non-stop about Ignis and her. But unlike Ignis, she was not yet ready to just shove this under some mental carpet and pretend it didn't exist.

There were simply too many facts for her to deny it any longer, and she found that she did not want to.

Ignis and Shmi had the same hair color, and though their eye shade was slightly different, both bore blue eyes. Shmi and Ignis could read each other's thoughts like Luke and Leia could. Shmi's gut told her that she knew Ignis in her very core, as had been proven the day they had accidentally connected in that way.

Not only that, but the two of them got along so well it was almost frightening. They at times appeared to be two peas in a pod, and they worked together very well. She felt secure in Ignis' arms: not in a romantic way, but in a familial manner. Shmi abruptly thought of how, in times of deep stress and when Han wasn't available, Leia turned to Luke for comfort. That was exactly how Shmi felt with Ignis, she realized.

And now, she had just learned that Ignis and Shmi had the same lifeday.

In her heart, Shmi could no longer refute what even the Force had been trying to tell her. Somehow, as impossible as it seemed, Ignis and Shmi were twins. They had to be, because nothing else fit.

She knew it, but now she had to decide on whether or not to accept it.

00000

"I like the idea of doing something special for Ignis' lifeday too, Luke," Mara said that evening. The kids had all been settled into bed, and Kodai was fast asleep in his crib. "What did you have in mind?"

"Something simple, so Ignis isn't overwhelmed," Luke replied. "Probably just a party with only those he wants there."

"How about a surprise party?" Mara suggested.

Luke hesitated. "I... don't know how much Ignis likes surprises."

Mara smirked. "Sounds familiar. I hate them too."

Luke smiled in return, drawing close and pulling her to him seductively. "Most surprises, Love. Be honest... you really enjoyed that vacation I planned for just us last year."

Mara hummed, accepting his sultry kiss. "Okay, that surprise was pretty awesome."

Luke grinned playfully and kissed her once more. "Yes it was. And it was even more amazing when I realized that it gave us Kodai."

Mara hugged him, laying her head on his shoulder. "Yes it did."

They stayed like that for a time, the passionate embers cooling to smolder with the pure love the couple shared. Passion was merely one facet of Luke and Mara's relationship. A most enjoyable one, of course, but it was still only a part.

"When did you say Ignis' lifeday was?" Mara asked at some point. "I don't think you told me the exact date."

"Two weeks from today."

Mara began to nod, but then stopped, stiffening. Luke frowned, looking at her when she pulled back.

"Two weeks?" Mara clarified.

Luke nodded, sensing that he was missing a key element here. "Yes..."

"Luke, two weeks from today is Shmi's lifeday."

It was Luke's turn to stiffen now. How had he missed that before? Ignis had told him when his lifeday was, but at the time, Luke had not made the connection that Mara just had.

"Stars, Mara," Luke breathed, "what is going on?!"

Mara looked troubled also. "I would love to know the same thing. Luke, there have been far too many... coincidences, don't you think?"

Luke nodded his agreement. "Indeed. But it's not possible, Mara... Force, why am I thinking like this?"

Mara allowed Luke to pull away, watching as he struggled. She knew of his plan to allow his relationship with Ignis to grow from what it had been when they'd met. But none of them had been prepared for the possibility that Ignis' relationship with Luke and Shmi went further back than anyone knew.

"Luke," Mara murmured, coming forward again. "I know this isn't what you want to hear right now, but maybe the Force has been trying to tell you that..." she hesitated.

"Ignis is my son?" Luke whispered, his expression conveying quite clearly how much that was affecting him. "I know that, Mara, but how can it be? It's not possible! He was born to a different set of parents, and I know I did not participate in any donations that would make me a biological father to just any child."

Mara sighed. "I didn't say it made sense, but it is the only thing that fits."

Luke sat on the bed, placing his head in his hands. "I know that much is possible with the Force, but... this seems rather far-fetched even for the Force, don't you think?"

Mara looked down. "I honestly do not know what to think. However, you and I have witnessed and even made some pretty miraculous things happen, Luke. And... we do not understand everything there is to know about the Force. Even Master Yoda, at nine hundred years old, did not know everything. So who is to say what isn't possible?"

Luke took that in, dropping his hands. "You are right. But at the moment, I need concrete answers. I... have to have them, Mara. I can't just keep grasping at straws, especially on something of this caliber. If Ignis is indeed my child... I need to know for absolute certain, for my own sanity."

Mara touched his chin and tilted his face to look at her. "And I will support you in doing what you need to in order to get those answers."

Luke touched her hand where it rested against his cheek, his eyes moistening. "And what if he is my son, Mara... look at all Ignis has been through... my s-son has lived a terrible life!"

Mara blanched at that, but was determined to be strong for her husband. "We will figure this out, Luke. But I do not think right now is that moment for that. Ignis has been through enough: let him have a rest. Let us have one too."

Luke nodded, calming down. "You're right. Let's not worry about this right this moment."

However, as they settled down for bed, Luke couldn't quite shake the feeling that they were making a mistake in waiting.

00000

It was the dead of night, and try as he might; Ben could not get to sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the underlevels; he heard the creepy sounds that had seemingly followed them everywhere they'd gone. He even swore he could feel his ankle begin to throb once more, and no matter how much he hunkered down into his blankets, Ben just could not shake the chill he felt.

Ben looked around his darkened room and saw the shadows playing as they had far below on Coruscant. In his despair, Ben did not feel safe, even in his own bedroom... all alone... in the dark...

Ben's heart kept thudding every time he closed his eyes and had to reopen them, the experiences from the underlevels too much for him to bear alone anymore. Ben had told his parents almost everything, though he had left out his declaration of loving Ignis as an older brother.

It had been days now since Ignis and Ben's return home, and Ben had not been able to get a good night's rest the whole time. He was fine during the daylight hours, and had even managed to hide his discomfort from everyone... or so he thought.

But now, Ben was at his whit's end, and he needed comfort. And he wanted it from only one person right then: the one person who had shared Ben's misery in the underlevels.

Ben sat up in his bed and retrieved his crutches. With careful maneuvering, Ben left his room and paused outside the door to Ignis'. He bit his lip, but after some deliberating, Ben's unease won out and he risked entering.

He closed the door quietly and then peered into the gloom. Ben found Ignis, though the teenager was not lying down in his bed. No, Ignis was slumped awkwardly, his drawing pad and stylus in hand to indicate that he had been drawing before he'd drifted off. Ben took this as a sign that Ignis had not been sleeping well of late either.

Was Ignis upset still too? Ben knew that unlike himself, Ignis had lost his best friend next to Anya. Ignis was grieving the loss of Bo still, Ben knew.

Ben felt the darkness and the shadows press in on him again, and he whimpered slightly. Ben hobbled to the edge of Ignis' bed and carefully climbed into it. He paused when he spied what Ignis had been working on in his drawing book. It was a detailed drawing of Bo as pup, the anooba's young features bright and innocent as only a young animal's could be.

Ben was tempted to see what else Ignis had been working on, but he refrained from invading the older boy's privacy like that.

Instead, Ben settled under the covers and huddled against Ignis as he had in the underlevels. These motions woke Ignis, who rested a startled gaze on the smaller form in his bed. Ben felt Ignis follow up with a touch in the Force.

"...Ben?" Ignis asked.

"Please, can I sleep in here tonight?" Ben pled. "I... I'm scared, and I haven't been able to sleep much since coming home."

Ignis hesitated, though he was still quite dreary. "I..."

"Please, Ignis, just one night." Ben allowed the desperation fill his voice. "I need to feel secure. I feel that with you."

Ignis looked away, something Ben saw even in the darkened room. "I wish you wouldn't say that."

"But I can't deny it." Ben retorted, confused.

Ignis sighed, but did not argue further. "Okay, just once."

Ben wilted with relief and waited for Ignis to get more comfortable. He then snuggled to Ignis, seeking the protection of Ignis' arms as he had before. Ben instantly felt better, and his body swiftly called him to sleep.

In the morning, when Luke found the two boys still fast asleep, he gazed upon the pair, thinking of how Ben had admitted to wanting a brother. A big brother.

Luke's heart warmed to see Ben treating Ignis as an older brother, even as he knew he had to figure out just how Ignis was related to Shmi and Luke.

But that could wait, Luke knew. He shut the door and let the boys rest some more.

00000

Two days later, Luke and Mara were with Ben at his doctor appointment, Emry had gone to school, and Shmi and Anya had agreed to practice Anya's growing skills at the Jedi Temple. That left Ignis alone at the house, and he simply sat on the balcony, gazing at nothing in particular.

The Force was ripe with anticipation, something he knew came from the expectation Vexa had of Ignis. The young man would have to do what he did best and bury everything he had grown to care about. If he didn't, he would not survive his return to Vexa, not like he had in times past.

Ignis was working to do just that, carefully and methodically packing away any and all things that had made him go soft. Ignis could no longer afford them. He would still play the part of the growing brother and friend to the Skywalker family, but Ignis also had himself to protect.

And Anya.

He would not let Anya suffer and die because of his inability to perform the simple task of bringing Vexa a child.

But could he just... willingly subject an innocent child to Vexa's cruelty?

Ignis stiffened when he felt the return of his master in the same manner in which she had contacted him previously.

Ignis.

Ignis straightened habitually. Yes, Master?

The time has come, Vexa said impatiently. The Skywalker brat can now survive without his mother. Bring him to me.

Ignis hesitated, but not long enough to draw unwanted attention from Vexa.

I will have my chance soon, Master. Luke and Mara will both be away at a meeting, and Shmi will be with her Aunt. The Skywalkers have arranged for a woman I am unfamiliar with to watch Kodai and the twins, as Leia will be busy with Shmi. I can take him from this stranger with ease.

Vexa deliberated. Very well. But do not delay too much. I grow impatient.

Ignis only sent her an acknowledgement, but Vexa did not yet leave.

Remember my warning, Ignis... Anya's safety is at stake here. As is your... personal freedom.

Ignis blanched, the fear of being activated again— only this time for good— raced through him to help erase any vestiges of weakness he'd felt. Ignis would not fail... he could not... right?

Above all other things that Ignis feared, he was most frightened of becoming Vexa's literal puppet. He would no longer be able to think or act for himself in matters that Vexa did not give him the freedom to choose in. She would give him his parameters, and he would have to act within them. He would not be able to do anything outside of that.

Vexa finally left Ignis, and the young man felt his old, internal war reemerge. The two warring factions of his heart began to go at it again, but this time with a greater fervor that only heightened his distress.

Betray Luke and Mara, who had been so good to Ignis... or betray Vexa, who held the power to absolutely control Ignis?

And what if he did choose Luke and Mara? He would still be a danger to them and their family. Just as he'd told Anya, even if Ignis tried to strike out on his own: if he tried to stay away from Vexa, she would eventually figure out his treason and activate him anyway.

And if she activated him while he was with the Skywalkers or Anya, Vexa could point Ignis at them all and force him to hurt or kill them. And Ignis would not be able to stop himself.

So regardless of what he wanted, the safest thing for the people he cared about was for Ignis to return to Vexa. Which meant that the youth had to harden himself off again, or risk giving Vexa new material with which to torture him.

But did he take Kodai with him?

Did he take the baby, and save himself from the fate he knew would otherwise await him?

I don't want to be her puppet... Ignis thought with increasing dread. And I have to protect Anya from Vexa's wrath... But Kodai is so sweet and innocent. Even though I've avoided him, I know that...

Feeling absolutely cornered, Ignis found himself unable to decide.

00000

Leia was beside herself with worry, and she paced her living room incessantly. Her mother remained lost to her frantic worries until, at her whit's end, Carmi contacted her uncle.

She hid in the kitchen to do so, borrowing her mother's comlink. She too was concerned for her father to wait any longer. It wasn't like him to not keep his word. Han had said he was on his way home, and he should have been home almost a week ago! He always kept his promises!

Asher and Carmi both had done their best not to add to Leia's growing concern over Han, but the Solo family was struggling to stay positive.

Carmi dialed in the codes and waited while the connection established. Finally there was an answer.

"Skywalker."

"Oh Uncle Luke!" Carmi cried. "We need your help!"

"Carmi?" Luke asked. "What's wrong?"

"Dad still isn't home!" Carmi replied anxiously. "Mom is beside herself, and neither Asher nor I know what to do!"

"Alright, Carmi." Luke soothed. "We are on our way over from the hospital. We will be there soon."

"Thank you Uncle Luke." Carmi gushed.

Carmi paced the kitchen until she heard the front door chime. Asher raced for it, getting there before his mother or sister could. Luke and Mara—who carried Kodai in his seat— entered the house, followed by Ben.

As soon as Leia saw her brother, her eyes flooded with tears, and Leia surged forward. She flew into Luke's embrace and held him tightly.

"Oh Luke!" Leia wept. "Where is he?!"

Luke held Leia openly, catching Carmi and Asher's expressions as well. He opened one arm to invite them to join the hug, and both children did so.

"Now you listen to me, all of you," Luke said softly but firmly. "Han Solo is the most stubborn man in this entire galaxy. And you would know if he was dead. Leia, Carmi, you would have felt it in the Force."

Leia and Carmi both nodded.

"We know... but what if he's hurt?" Carmi asked.

"Or been captured?" Asher added.

"He's got Chewie with him, hasn't he?" Luke reminded them. "Not only that, but Lumpy and Lando also. Together, they will find their way home. I know it."

Leia was the first to pull herself together, and she straightened. "You're right. I'm afraid for him, but I trust Han."

"I know Dad is tough." Asher declared with the energy of a young boy. "He can do anything he sets his mind to."

"Don't ever tell Han I said this." Mara interjected with a wink for the children. "But I think Han might even be more stubborn than I am."

That garnered a laugh from everyone, and Leia took a steadying breath, though she looked a little embarrassed at her lapse in control. "Thank you for coming."

"Carmi called me over," Luke murmured.

Leia drew her daughter into a hug next, kissing her temple. Luke then sat down, and Leia did likewise while the rest of those gathered also took seats in the room.

"Now, what can you tell us?" Luke inquired of Leia.

"Han went to Kamino to look for something to help Ignis." Leia told Luke. "Han is under the impression that Ignis was trying to reach out to him. Han wanted to respond seriously."

Luke sat back. "Ignis has told me a few times to speak with Han."

Leia lifted a brow. "Well, that's between the three of you. Either way, Han messaged me before he left Kamino that they were on their way back. But I haven't heard anything from them since, and I cannot contact the Falcon."

"Is it possible the ship... malfunctioned?" Mara asked as tactfully as possible.

Leia actually blushed. "Well... yes. But still, Han would have found a way to let me know he would be delayed."

"Unless he cannot do so." Mara remarked.

Leia frowned. "There is nothing between Kamino and Coruscant to cause them trouble."

"That we know of." Mara countered gently. "We do not know what the Rising has up its sleeve now."

Leia looked down. "True. But I've been thinking. They Rising had been attacking our resources up until Bespin, right? And even that could be technically categorized as the same thing, if you think about it."

The two Jedi nodded.

"What is the one resource they haven't targeted before now?" Leia looked Luke in the eye first, then Mara.

Mara tilted her head, thinking about it. "Food, medicine, ships..."

"Money," Luke murmured. "They haven't gotten to the Republic's funds yet."

Leia nodded. "Exactly."

Mara hesitated. "Do they have the resources to hit the banks too? Bespin was one thing, but Scipio... that's something else entirely."

Leia blew out a breath. "I feel like we need to be doing more to secure the Republic's funds."

Luke nodded. "I agree, but that's up to the politicians to do."

"I will see what I can manage." Leia assured her twin. "I just wanted a second opinion on my thoughts first." She rose to her feet. "In the meantime, I am going to ask the fleet to send one ship along the route Han took, and see if they find anything."

Luke stood also. "That's a good idea."

Leia hugged him again. "Thank you for coming. I'm not usually so... unhinged."

Luke shook his head. "Leia, you are a concerned wife. I'm worried about Han too, but I have to trust that, like Ignis did with Ben, Han can hold his own. Han will come home to you, Leia."

Leia nodded. "I know he will."

00000

A few days after Emry giving him the drawing, Ignis sat upon the balcony again, though he was utterly restless. He needed to get out of the house and stretch his legs, get some fresh air... and scout the area for exit routes. Inside, the family was enjoying their day off from school. They were in the midst of some board game, and if Ignis' hearing was correct, Luke was losing, badly.

Ignis cracked a smile at that, especially when he heard the rest of the Skywalkers ribbing him playfully for losing. Ignis made up his mind and went inside, pausing beside Luke and waiting for the adult to acknowledge him.

"Hah!" Emry crowed victoriously as her character finally ousted Luke's entirely from the game. "Dad is done!"

Luke sighed theatrically. "That's okay: I guess I'll just have to make sure I get you all back for this. Remember, I know where all the sweets are stashed..."

The family shared a laugh, and Luke glanced to Ignis. "What's up?"

"May I go for a walk?" Ignis inquired. "I could use some fresh air and exercise."

Luke eyed Ignis, and then stood. "Sure, but do you mind if I come along?"

Ignis hesitated, wanting to be alone... but then he changed his mind. Perhaps it would be nice to take a stroll with the Jedi Master.

"Okay."

Luke kissed his wife with a murmured word, and then walked with Ignis out the door. Neither of them spoke until they were on the boulevard outside.

"How have you been doing, Ignis?" Luke asked.

Ignis understood what he meant. "I still miss Bo, but I'm slowly getting past the grief stage."

"That's good to hear," Luke replied.

Ignis kept his eyes moving subtly, mapping the area mentally as they walked.

"Ignis, I want to tell you how proud I am of you," Luke murmured, drawing Ignis' startled gaze to him.

"Proud?" Ignis echoed. "Of what?"

"Your restraint." Luke clarified. "You were able to pull yourself back from the edge of Darkness when that man killed Bo. And I know you did it before when you saved Anya from those men."

Ignis felt understanding come, but he looked down. "Only two instances out of countless other's I've been in. I am not a good person, Luke."

Luke frowned. "Ignis, we all make bad decisions. I believe that, ultimately, it is our motives behind those actions that count. I know you have a master who thinks very differently from the Jedi. But when you acted under her command... where was your heart?"

Ignis was growing uncomfortable. "It doesn't matter, because my heart did nothing to help my situation. It does not matter what I want or feel, so long as I obey."

"But it does matter." Luke countered.

"No it does not!" Ignis bit out tartly. "I grew too soft while here with you all. I knew I would, but I didn't work hard enough to remain closed off."

Luke stopped, taking Ignis' arm with gentle firmness and halting him also. They were now by an overlook area that gave a clear view of the Manarai Mountains in the distance. Luke paid that no heed, however.

"Ignis, it would have been worse to remain in fear of her." He gave Ignis a piercing look. "Why have you reverted back to where you were before? You've been making such great progress."

Ignis didn't meet Luke's gaze. "I already told you why."

Luke was quiet a moment, then, "you still think you will soon be returned to your master."

"I do not think, I know," Ignis replied, breaking from Luke's grasp and starting to walk again. They were drawing unwanted stares.

Luke followed beside Ignis, though he waited until the streets were less crowded, and they had a bit more privacy to speak further.

"Ignis, why will you not believe me when I tell you I won't let her get you back?"

"Because," Ignis whispered hoarsely, "no matter how I try, you do not know everything about my... situation."

"Is this why Han went away?" Luke asked knowingly.

Ignis startled. "What?"

Luke frowned. "You did not know?"

"Know what?" Ignis demanded.

"Apparently Han went looking for something to help you, Ignis," Luke said, watching the young man closely.

Ignis' eyes widened before he could stop it, and suddenly he grabbed at Luke's arm in turn. "Where did Han go?"

Luke, startled by Ignis' sudden fervor, came to another stop. This time the duo was truly alone, as this was a more industrial area and the people were all inside at work.

"He went to Kamino, according to Leia..."

Ignis' expression shifted to something more hopeful... until Luke finished.

"...but he hasn't returned yet. He and his friends went missing." Luke paused. "Although to be honest, that could very well be due to malfunctions. The Millennium Falcon is prone to such things."

Ignis' hope died with Luke's words, and he barely managed to hide his deepening sorrow. His one glimmer of hope that maybe he did not have to fulfill his mission after all... gone. Blast his heart! Why did it have to be so quick to think he would find some tiny bit of good news?

"Oh. Well... I hope he is found soon," Ignis muttered.

Ignis found that he no longer had the desire to walk. In fact, all he wanted to do was just... nothing at all. Depression followed on the heels of the hope that had just perished. It was decided then: Ignis would have to betray Luke and his family.

But Ignis would leave Luke with one final, parting gift, a piece of Ignis that he had only given to Anya. Vexa knew it, but only because she had ruined his previous life.

"Ignis..."

"Rahvin." Ignis cut in gently.

Luke frowned, baffled. "I'm sorry?"

"My true name," Ignis whispered, "is Rahvin."

Luke's head lifted, and his surprise fluttered against Ignis' Force sense like a feather in a gentle breeze.

"Your given name is Rahvin?" Luke clarified.

"Yes." Ignis confirmed. "I took the name Ignis after my parents... abandoned me. It is a mask I have worn since I was four. Once I accepted that they were never coming back for me."

Luke took that in before he spoke. "May I ask what, exactly, happened that day?"

Ignis turned away. "You mean the day I lost faith in the role of a mother... and father?" he asked bitterly. "The day I realized that my father had broken the one responsibility that a father was supposed to adhere to, no matter what?"

Luke proceeded with caution. "What is that?"

Ignis' hands curled into fists. "That a father is supposed to protect his child! They are not supposed to abandon them to a cruel fate just because they get tired of something that is not the child's fault." Ignis felt his eyes try to moisten, but he ruthlessly fought the tears back. He would not cry over his parents. "And my mother was no better. She literally pried me from the arms of my father to give me over to the one hunting me."

Luke studied the young man openly. "Maybe they felt like they had no choice."

Ignis whipped around, his eyes ablaze. "No choice?! They sacrificed their son to get a free pass! True, my hunter did threaten their lives if I wasn't hand over," his voice rose a few notches in anger, "but blast it, they were supposed to protect me at all costs! Would you not do so for your children?"

Luke nodded once, unable to speak.

"I tried to understand, I really did." Ignis ground out. "After I ended up with my master for good, I looked my parents up. I had held out this tiny sliver of hope that maybe my parents had realized their mistake, and had at least tried to find some way to get me back. But you know what I found?"

Luke waited for Ignis to go on, sensing the question to be rhetorical.

"I found out that instead of trying to find me, my mother committed suicide because she couldn't stand the guilt over what she had done to me. And then, once she was gone, my father drank himself to his grave." Ignis was losing his fight not to cry, and when a single tear slipped free, he swiped it away with a frustrated motion. He would not cry! "And I swore, from then on, I would never let anyone into my heart ever again. The exception was Anya and Bo. But now even Bo is gone."

Ignis turned away again. "I closed my heart so I wouldn't get hurt again. I erected so many barriers that even I couldn't feel my heart at times. It sure made it easier to follow my master's orders though."

Ignis abruptly realized how much he had exposed himself, and he swallowed nervously, waiting to see how Luke would react. Ignis quivered, having not intended to be that open...

"Ignis, I am sorry that your mother and father did what they did to you," Luke said softly. "It does explain why you wanted nothing to do with those drawings."

"I want nothing to do with them," Ignis muttered crossly.

"I understand that you hurt. Believe it or not, I know how it is to feel like you were abandoned by your father."

Ignis frowned, turning to Luke at last. "How could you possibly know? You grew up with a loving family."

"Yes, I grew up with loving legal guardians. My Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen were wonderful, caring people. But I had always longed for my father. It wasn't until that moment you saw at Bespin that I realized what had truly become of my father."

In truth, Ignis had forgotten that detail, and he blushed. "Oh... yeah."

"In the aftermath of that revelation, I had to go through a great deal of soul-searching. Ultimately, though, I chose to forgive my father."

Ignis snorted. "I'm happy for you. But I am not ready to forgive my parents."

"Then when will you be?" Luke asked pointedly.

"...I don't know," Ignis replied honestly. "But not anytime soon."

"Could that be the influence of your master?"

Ignis narrowed his eyes at Luke. "No. Well, at least not in full. She gave them a choice, and they made theirs."

"And now you get to make one." Luke finished gently. "But only when you are ready to do so."

Ignis didn't respond for a long time. But he knew, deep down, that he could not forgive his parents until he was given closure. Ignis had been denied that, and he did not know if he would ever get it.

"Anyway," Ignis finally murmured, shuffling his feet somewhat. "My actual name is Rahvin. I just... wanted you to know before..." He broke off.

"Thank you for trusting me with this," Luke murmured. "I am honored, truly."

"I don't care if you tell Mara, but I am very private about my true name." Ignis informed Luke. "Anya and my master are the only people alive— that I know of— who know it."

Luke nodded. "I will not divulge it to anyone but Mara."

He hesitated, and then laid a hand on Ignis' shoulder. "I know it doesn't take away what occurred, but I am truly sorry that you've been forced into so much sorrow and pain." Luke sighed. "I truly wish I could help you."

Ignis met Luke's eyes. "If you really want to help me, you will keep being yourself no matter what, and you will take care of Anya. I really do love her, and I don't care if you think I am too young for that. I can't help how I feel, and I don't want to, except to protect her."

Luke smiled slightly. "I know you love her: I can see it."

Ignis looked around. "We should probably start heading back."

Luke saw that night was drawing near, and he nodded his agreement. "Yes."

Ignis and Luke walked in silence until they got to the lift that would take them to their floor.

"I am sorry I unloaded on you," Ignis murmured as they ascended, glancing to Luke. "It all just kind of... came out."

Luke shook his head. "I don't mind. I am actually glad that you feel comfortable enough to talk with me about such things."

Ignis, sensing the finality of things like Luke could not, did not leave the lift car when the door opened. "Luke?"

The Jedi Master looked to Ignis, allowing the lift doors to close, though the car did not move further. "Yes?"

Ignis opened his mouth to speak... but nothing would come out. He desperately wanted to apologize in advance, but he could not. Ignis and Anya's safety were both on the line.

"You have such a good heart," Ignis whispered at last. "Please... don't hate me if I make further mistakes. I... am not as strong as everyone thinks I am." He saw Luke starting to ask, so he explained, using half-truths. "When my master gets me back, she will order me to do things I will not want to do. But I must nevertheless do so."

Luke studied Ignis, and Ignis even felt a gentle Force probe, which he allowed while hiding his true purpose firmly out of Luke's awareness.

At last Ignis moved to open the door and Luke did not stop him, though he did follow. Luke eyed Ignis until the teen had entered his room and shut the door. That was as close to a heads-up as Ignis could have given Luke. And an apology.

Ignis looked to the drawer of his bedside table, recalling all the pictures drawn and letters written.

All but one.

One that would be written tonight: because tomorrow, Luke and Mara would be at their meeting, Shmi and Anya at the Temple... and Kodai would with someone named Winter.

Tomorrow, Ignis' fate would be sealed. One way... or another.

00000

"Alright guys, here we go," Han said to the three other occupants of his cockpit.

Chewbacca was sitting in the copilot's seat, with his son behind him, and Lando was sitting at Han's rear. The ship was nearly out of fuel, and Han did not know if they had enough to get to ground. So to be as safe as possible, everyone was strapped into seats in the cockpit.

Their food had run out two days ago, and the life support was finally starting to fail. Thankfully it was mostly the heat that had gone, not their oxygen. Still, it was quite cold in the Millennium Falcon, and Han could see his breath. The electrical systems had been shorting out every now and again, and Han had been forced to borrow wiring from non-essential systems to get them by.

Han kept his eye on the growing orb that was Lashbane, and when they got close enough to where they would have been contacted, he waited to see if the planet would send someone to investigate.

"If we can't talk to anyone, and they come to investigate, we're going to have to get their attention some other way." Lando commented.

"Lashbane isn't known to be particularly harsh," Han said. "I'm sure they will try to be understanding."

[Well, either way, we will soon find out,] Chewie said. [Here come two ships.]

Han nodded. "Maybe they will notice the lack of lighting in general. I think our running lights have also gone out."

Han leaned as close to the viewport as possible, and waited until the two ships had come beside them to start waving. Chewie maintained his seat, but Lando came forward to wave in the opposite direction.

Han's escort sidled closer, the pilot peering at Han, who continued to wave frantically in an effort to get the other's attention. The one on Lando's side seemed to be listening to something, and then began to signal at Lando with his hands.

"Hey, my guy is trying to communicate," Lando said. "Hang on a moment."

Lando made a motion toward his ear, and then shook his head. He then pointed to his wrist chrono and then made a slice across his throat to let the other know they were running short on time.

The man nodded in return and spoke into his comlink again. He motioned to Lando, and Lando nodded.

"Let's go, Han."

"Right."

Han followed the pair of ships, one eye on the gauge that showed the fuel. It was on empty, and an alert was now flashing incessantly.

"Come on Baby... come on, just a little farther..." Han muttered, patting his ship's console as if to coax her along.

They had just entered the atmosphere when the ship finally began to splutter. Han grimaced, looking to his friends.

"Hang on guys, this could be it."

An explosion sounded somewhere outside the ship, and Han grimaced. Apparently that something was noticeable, because their two escorts started to fly differently. Then Han felt his ship begin to pick up momentum through sheer gravitational pull.

"Hang on!" Han warned. "Chewie, open any flaps you can: try and create drag. It might slow us down a bit."

Chewie harned a reply and got to work. It did help, but they were still falling too fast, and Han had no repulsors to level himself out with.

Then a larger ship appeared, and it had a set of cables out and ready to capture the crippled Falcon. Han waited in tense anticipation as they continued to fall, with their only help trying to line up with the Millennium Falcon.

[We are losing altitude swiftly,] Lumpy warned, though they could all see that.

Han could only stare at the ground as it drew ever closer, though at one point a few odd sounds came from the top side of his ship. Everyone held their breath... and then the ship began to slow down with two solid thunks as the cables took hold.

"Yeah!" Han crowed, even as the others cheered.

The ship that had caught the Falcon took them to a berth, where it was set down as gently as possible. Han managed to lower the landing struts, so his ship wasn't sitting directly on her belly.

Those onboard the Millennium Falcon let to a collective breath of relief, and Han stood stiffly, moving to the boarding ramp to lower it. As soon as the ramp began to lower, the warmer air of Lashbane was a welcome boon to his chilled body.

Han heard the others follow as he descended the ramp. At the base was a pilot, likely one of the guys from the two craft that had escorted them in from open space.

"That was a close call," the man said, removing his helmet to sow a short cut of brown hair. "What happened to you lot?"

"Our ship was sabotaged," Han replied grimly. "We've been at sublight speed for two weeks trying to get here from where we lost control."

The man's brow lifted. "Who'd you upset?"

Han heard the intended levity and smirked. "Apparently the wrong guys." He extended a hand. "Han Solo; I'm captain of this ship, the Millennium Falcon. This is my copilot Chewbacca, his son Lumpawaroo, and my friend Lando Calrissian."

The man straightened in surprise. "Captain Solo? Welcome to Lashbane, Sir. My name is Jarren Kadry. We can help you with repairs."

Han nodded. "That would be appreciated. The sooner we can get home, the better. In the meantime, is there a communications station nearby? I need to call my wife."

The pilot inclined his head. "There is one in the corner over there. It's call only, though."

"That's fine, thank you." Han assured him. "Chewie can fill you in."

Jarren nodded and Han left them to it for now. HE made his way to the indicated station and input the codes for his wife. It took a few minutes, but finally there as an answer.

"Organa-Solo."

"Leia!" Han said happily.

"Han?!" Leia cried. "Where have you been! We've been so worried about you!"

"I know, and I'm sorry to do that to you guys." Han apologized. "But we had no choice in the matter."

"What happened?" Leia asked.

"I'd rather tell you when I get home, but that won't be for a few days yet, the Falcon is in serious need of repairs. But I promise we are coming straight home after this."

Leia sighed. "Okay. I love you Han."

"I love you too, Princess," Han replied, wishing for nothing more than to take his wife into his arms and kiss her. "Say hi to Carmi and Asher for me."

"I will," Leia answered.

Han cut the connection and breathed in the warm air around him. Then the practical side of him kicked into high gear. The sooner the Falcon was repaired, the sooner they could all go home.