Chapter 5 - Transition

The newly promoted Admiral Wantel was a bundle of nerves as he crossed the officer's deck. His palms were sweaty, despite the fact that he couldn't feel warm enough. On more than one occasion the other officers had to repeat themselves as he found it very hard to concentrate on the drivel they spoke. His breathing felt constricted. No matter how much he tried loosening his collar it felt too tight. To put it plainly, Admiral Wantel was losing it.

His first assignment, after his unexpected promotion, was to dispose of the body of the recently demoted Saxton; then write a letter of condolences to Saxton's family explaining the unfortunate death he had suffered during an attack by rebels.

This was not what he'd expected when he'd enlisted in the Imperial fleet five years earlier. After graduating at the top of his class at the Imperial academy, he'd learned that he'd been assigned to Darth Vader's personal Star Destroyer; a fact that filled him with extreme honor. He knew that Vader personally hand picked the officers he wanted to serve on his ship. At first he felt his rapid ascent in ranks was due to his natural born leadership skills and intense discipline. He soon however realized that his promotions were out of necessity as the higher-ranking officers were dying at a disturbingly rapid rate. The fact that he had made it to the rank of Admiral was a testament to his ability to stay under Vader's radar. Unfortunately that was now quite impossible.

Wantel fidgeted with his collar as he approached the recently promoted General Vernon, who also looked quite uneasy. The battle below was beginning to end as Imperial troops were commanded to retreat. Mon Calamari had been victorious in its rebellion. It was Wantel's assignment to oversee the retreat.

"General, I trust that the retreat is going smoothly."

"Yes sir. The Constellation and the Treadway report all fighting has ceased and three quarters of their transports have left the planet's surface. The retreat of our own transports is currently at eighty percent."

"Very good General. Alert me when all transports have boarded. Lord Vader wishes to leave as soon as possible."

"Understood Admiral. Oh, and may I congratulate you on your promotion, Sir?" Vernon offered his hand.

Wantel looked at Vernon's hand for several seconds before resigning to shake it. He knew Vernon was sincere, understanding the full implications of achieving the honorable rank of Admiral on this ship, a rank that he himself may very well hold some day.

"Thank you General," he said before turning away, again tugging at his collar.

Andy and Sidious sat in perfect meditation. Kneeling on the living room floor, facing each other, they let the dark side flow through them in powerful currents. Their minds linked and their thoughts became as one. Taking Sidious' lead, Andy let his mind drift through the universe, using his powerful bond with Vader as their guide. Soon they found themselves immersed in the presence of Darth Vader, a powerful Sith Lord that was surprisingly engulfed in fear. Andy sensed no surprise in Sidious as they probed Vader, reading his range of emotions like the sheet music of a complicated symphony.

"Vader's fear is the fear of loss. This fear is what drives him, pushing him to keep his distance from all living beings, including myself. He would not hesitate to strike me down if he felt the time appropriate. His coldness, his utter disregard for life is what sustains his connection in the dark side. His fear will never let him grow emotionally attached to another life form."

"If he should grow emotionally attached to another, that could be his undoing, could it not my master?" Andy inquired.

"I'm afraid there is little chance of that happening. Never underestimate the power of the dark side. Its will, once accepted, can never be denied."

"Why would one want to deny its will?"

"If one were weak, pathetically afraid of the power in which they posses, they may try to resist the dark side's beckon call, but in the end the dark side will not be ignored. Unlike the pathetic light side of the Jedi, the dark side cannot be lost on a whim. Even the most powerful of Jedi can fall, but no Sith can ever be 'redeemed'."

Darth Vader was not happy. Kenobi had made him out to be a fool and his master had been 'saved'. Even with the satisfying death of Admiral Saxton he had felt no better.

Retreating to his hyperbaric chamber, he immersed himself in meditation. Darth Vader immediately felt the presence of his master overcome him in a sudden rush. He also felt the presence of another, one with whom he felt a strong link in the Force. Together, this stranger and Sidious seemed to probe him, analyzing him with naked clarity. He did not like it. In an instant, he shut them out, allowing only their minds to connect. He heard his master's laugh.

"Lord Vader."

"Yes my master."

"The time has come for us to expand our Empire. I have linked to a being in an unknown galaxy through a connection in the Force. You have no doubt discovered his presence in my body. I know your confusion has weighed heavily on your patience. Do not kill him. I can assure you I will return as soon as the preparations for our invasion are complete."

"You have managed to switch bodies with this imposter? It is as I suspected." Vader paused. "I sense another with you. Is he connected to me in the same manner that this 'Brian' is connected with you?"

"Yes, he has become my apprentice. Because of your link we will be able to make an exception in the Sith's rule of two. If one of you should die, the other would follow."

Vader read his master's unspoken threat. Even at an unknown distance Sidious managed to hold Vader's life in his hands.

"Lord Vader, I sense a disturbance. Has something happened?"

The news of Kenobi's successful kidnapping of 'Brian' would surely send Sidious into a fit of rage. Vader shielded this news from his master and came up with a plausible lie that was in fact the truth.

"We have failed in our attempt to quash the rebellion on Mon Calamari. I have ordered the retreat."

"That is of little consequence. They will be dealt with in due time. I sense there is something else you're not telling me Lord Vader." Sidious paused before continuing. "Ah, I see that my counter part has escaped with Jedi Kenobi. You're failure is of little concern. I can take control of my body anytime I wish. They can run as far as they desire but in the end the Jedi will die by my hand."

"Yes my master. I beg your forgiveness."

"Do not fail me again Lord Vader. I will contact you soon. Begin making the necessary preparations for your invasion."

Deep in his meditation, all outside distractions were shut out. The loud caw of a predatory bird did not penetrate his ears. The splash of a water snake attacking its prey did not faze him. The raindrops that gently fell did not register. His concentration was complete. The experience of nearly nine hundred years resulted in a perfect connection with the Force.

Rarely have other Jedi masters achieved such a state. Never had one managed to master it so completely. If one were to view this master through the Force, they would be blinded in the white-hot light that surrounded him. They would also notice that he was not alone. Sitting across from him, visible only to those sensitive to the Force, was a great Jedi that he now called Master. This Master was once his student.

The two Jedi, one living and the other now a part of the Force, seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. Neither moved. They didn't acknowledge each other. To the observer, the masters were, for all intensive purposes, galaxies away from each other. In reality, they were actually heavily engaged in a discussion that only they could hear.

The living Jedi, of a species and origin that has long since been forgotten, was once the head of the grand Order of the Jedi. After more than eight hundred years he was both humbled and regretful that he still had much to learn. Humbled by the fact that the mysteries of the Force were still revealing themselves to him. Regretful that his lack of knowledge had cost the lives of nearly the entire Jedi Order.

The other Jedi, who had long since become one with the Force, had in a way been responsible for both the downfall of the Jedi order and the necessary changes needed in order to save the order from itself. The downfall was indirectly caused through his discovery of a boy who would one day fulfill a Jedi prophecy of balance. The changes were a necessary result of this boy's betrayal and role in the purge of nearly the entire Jedi Order.

Together these great Jedi masters of the Force were now contemplating the potential tip in balance resulting from recent events in the highest level of the Empire's government; more specifically the Sith themselves. Both were aware of the Emperor's sudden disappearance, though they were unsure of what exactly this entailed. They were also aware of Kenobi's actions and the potential danger he was bringing them - a danger that was quite necessary.

The living master opened his eyes, his face a look of grim determination. They were here. He regarded the other Jedi master with a nod of resignation before retrieving his gimmer stick and slowly making his way out of his hut, towards his approaching guests.

"Damn!" Sonia fought the controls as the Star Tamer entered Dagobah's atmosphere. "All my readings are dead."

"What's that mean?" Brian asked with alarm.

"It means to strap yourself in Palpy; it's going to be a bumpy ride."

The ship lurched, throwing their bodies forward before harshly snapping them back against the seats.

Sonia's face was a look of concentration that reminded Obi-Wan of Anakin as he attempted to land the smoldering remains of the Invisible Hand five years before.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Sonia spat as she squinted into the planet's foggy atmosphere. "I can't see a thing."

"Relax," Obi-Wan advised with a calm that Sonia found extremely annoying.

"Do you have any suggestions Jedi? You're the one who got us into this mess."

Closing his eyes he let the Force guide him as he piloted the ship from the co-pilot's seat.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You are not going to land my ship with your eyes closed!"

"What difference does it make? He can't see through that fog anyways," Brian replied. A smile crept onto Obi-Wan's face that fueled Sonia's irritation even further.

"Well it certainly would increase his chances if he'd..." she started.

"Look!" Brian pointed.

The fog cleared as they found themselves in a clearing bordered by a bog on one end, a dark forest on the other. The Star Tamer slowly settled onto the muddy bank, its weight causing it to sink slightly in the loose mud.

"We'd better be able to get my ship out of here," she said with a hint of disgust.

"Don't worry, it will be fine," Obi-Wan assured her with a smile.

The ramp lowered, its end digging into the muddy ground.

"Great," she spat as she stormed down it.

"Don't worry. I'll pay to have your ship cleaned," Obi-Wan promised.

"Damn straight you are."

Brian looked around and shivered. "This place has a touch of darkness, like Darth Vader, only different."

"This place was once the home of a Dark Lord. When he died he tainted the planet with the dark side."

"You say a Jedi master lives here? Why would he choose to live in a place tainted with the dark side?"

"It helps to mask his presence. Vader has spent years hunting down the last of our kind. The only safe places for us to hide are in places where darkness dwells."

"Does your home have a similar taint?" Brian asked.

"Yes, though it's much more faint, caused mainly by the corruption and greed of its inhabitants. Most systems have places where the dark side dwells. It's quite rare to find a planet that is completely tainted."

"So where is this Jedi Master of yours? This place is starting to give me the creeps," Sonia said impatiently.

"This way."

The forest was dark and dank and almost impossible to travel. Twisted and gnarled tree roots sprung from the ground, many covered with rotted leaves causing them to trip on more than one occasion. Large trees blocked their paths and they often found themselves bogged in mud up to their knees.

Sonia cursed under her breath as she found herself covered with the webbing of a large spider. As she attempted to pull it off her face she tripped, landing hard in the mud. Screaming out in frustration she got up and threw a handful of mud against a tree. Obi-Wan tried to stifle a laugh but was too slow. Sonia glared at him with fire in her eyes before throwing another handful of mud that missed his head by inches.

"You owe me big time Jedi! There's no way the money you paid me is going to cover this!"

"Okay. In addition to getting your ship washed, I'll throw in a bath for you." He burst into a fit of laughter. Tears streamed down his eyes as Brian soon joined in.

Sonia tried giving them her most threatening look before she too gave in and began laughing.

A moment later a fourth laugh joined the group, causing them to look in its direction. Seated on a log was a small green creature with pointed ears and big green eyes. The sight of the creature caused Sonia and Brian to laugh even harder, but Obi-Wan soon found control.

"Master Yoda!" He rushed forward and scooped him into his arms, catching Yoda off guard as Obi-Wan gave him a hug.

"Missed you too I have but put me down you must!" Yoda commanded.

"I'm sorry master. It's just that I never thought I'd see you again, and here you are!" He gently settled the Jedi Master back on the log.

"Yes, yes Master Kenobi. Again we meet, though much to discuss we have." Yoda eyed Brian thoughtfully. "A guest you have brought me, I see."

"Master Yoda. I'm Brian and as you can see, I'm in sort of an unusual situation. Can you help me?"

"Discuss that we will, but first to my hut we must go. Follow me. Hungry are you? Cooked I have."

Obi-Wan stifled another laugh as Sonia and Brian lit up, both admitting to being hungry.

"Good, extra I have made. Expecting you I was."

Yoda watched expectantly as his guest tasted their dinners. Brian tried to mask his disgust but Sonia made no such attempt.

"What is this crap?" She said after spitting it back into her bowl.

"There are some things you don't wish to know," Obi-Wan advised.

"Tell me, how came you to be here?" Yoda asked Brian.

"Well, I don't really know. I mean, I was having these really intense dreams. Or at least I thought they were dreams. Now I think it was more or less I was seeing through Palpatine's eyes. I went to a doctor and he tried to hypnotize me but instead he somehow caused us to switch bodies."

"From an unknown world you are? Not of the Empire?"

"No, we're not in the Empire. In fact we know little of space travel. We've never been to another planet or have ever met beings not of our world."

Yoda nodded thoughtfully. "Ponder this puzzle we will. Strong in the Force you must have been."

"If I was I didn't know it. The Force is unknown on Earth."

"Master Yoda, do you understand this connection he posses with Sidious?" Obi-Wan inquired.

"Rare it is but seen it I have."

"How did this happen? How did they manage to switch?"

"To switch, aware of each other they first must be. Their connection through the Force, these dreams it did cause. Aware of Brian, Sidious did become."

"So Sidious caused them to switch?"

"Caused it he did, with Brian's help."

"I didn't help," Brian said confused.

"Your help was not intentional, but caused it you did just the same."

"What causes this connection?" Sonia asked.

"On occasion, twins the Force creates. Polar beings they are."

"Polar beings?" Brian asked.

"Just as the Force has polar sides, the light side and the dark, polar beings are there also. These beings, though opposite they may be, through the Force a powerful bond they share."

"So Sidious and I are opposites? No wonder my life has been so crappy. He's the emperor of the universe and I can barely hold down a job."

"Trust me, if you're the opposite of that creep than that says a lot about you," Sonia insisted.

"The question is can you help me switch back?"

"Strong in the Force you must be or stop you Sidious will."

"Will you train me? Both of you?" Brian pleaded.

"Train you I can, but Obi-Wan will not. Another mission for him I have."

"Another mission, Master?"

"Yes. Go to this Earth you must."

"Me? How will I do that?"

"A polar connection you share with a being of Earth. Seen it in the Force I have. Find Sidious you must. With him distracted a chance you'll create for Brian to make his switch."

"Once they switch, will you kill Palpatine?" Sonia asked.

"Kill him I will, if the chance I have."

"What will that do to Brian? With his bond severed…"

"Die you could," Yoda admitted to Brian.

Brian looked thoughtful before speaking. "If that's the case, maybe you should kill me now. If you wait, and Sidious is as strong as you say he is, he could…"

"No, the Jedi way that is not! Wait we will."

"But I am going to die anyways. I may not like it but if it means ending a galaxy wide rule of oppression then I'm willing to make the sacrifice."

"We're not sure that killing you would kill him too. The bond you share is strong, and many times severing such a bond is fatal, but not in every instance," Obi-Wan said.

"Right Obi-Wan is. In vain your death would be if survive Sidious did."

"At least he would be isolated, only Earth would suffer," Brian insisted.

"And oppress the galaxy Vader would, as Emperor himself proclaimed."

Brian sighed in resignation. "I guess that doesn't leave us with much of a choice."

"Well I don't like it. If there's the chance that killing Brian will kill the Emperor than I say we take it," Sonia insisted.

"No. The decision has already been made," Obi-Wan replied.

"But…"

"Discuss this no more we will!" Yoda said in an authoritative tone that Obi-Wan remembered as a padawan.

Sonia glared at the Jedi Master before storming out of the hut.

"Full your hands have been, I see," Yoda said, eyeing Obi-Wan with a hint of mischief.

"Yes, she's certainly something else," Obi-Wan admitted.

"Red hair she has, much like yours. Cute younglings you could make."

Obi-Wan's face was an expression of complete shock. Yoda and Brian laughed as Obi-Wan struggled to find words.

"Master Yoda! That is hardly funny."

"Actually that was hilarious," Brian said as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"I can hear you guys!" Sonia shouted from outside, causing them to laugh harder. Even Obi-Wan couldn't hold back his laughter.

When Mark wasn't attending school, he was isolated to his room. His days consisted of studying, watching television, sleeping and surfing the net.

His father barely acknowledged him now and he made an extra effort to avoid Brian at all cost. They no longer permitted him to observe his father's studies in the mysteries of the Force, a religion that he was not only beginning to believe but was also learning to fear. He'd seen things he couldn't explain; more than that he had felt them.

He now understood why Brian had picked his father as his pupil. He was grasping the teachings very quickly, growing stronger with each passing day. Mark barely recognized him now. His dad had become a man consumed with feelings of anger and hate, mixed with a thirst for knowledge and power.

He wondered if he'd ever be able to reach his father again. Even if Brian were to leave now, to never return, Mark doubted his father would go back to being the person he'd been. That didn't mean he'd give up. He loved him and knew that he was a good man; a man that, despite the grievous mistakes of his past, worked hard to become not only a better person but also a positive example to those around him, especially Mark. He owed it to his father to never give up.

Mark knew the first step to redeeming his father's soul was to get rid of Brian. That was easier said than done. No matter how much he'd pleaded and pointed out the evil that Brian obviously was, his father had refused to listen. At first he'd gotten the impression that his dad was letting Brian stay out of fear of what the man might do if he were forced to leave. After a few days it became clear that his father now welcomed Brian's teachings and would probably chose his master over Mark if he were forced to make such a decision.

He needed to find out where Brian had come from. Who was he? What did he do before he came to D.C.? Mark decided to find out with the only tool he had available, the Internet. He typed the name Brian Hughes into the search engine and pressed enter. The first few pages produced nothing significant. After a little more probing he found something that looked promising. It was a news article that spoke of an escaped mental patient in New York who had attacked his own doctor before fleeing. He was also wanted for questioning in the mysterious death of a man who suffered severe internal injuries from an unknown cause. Mark's heart leapt in his throat as he looked at the picture of the mental patient. It was the face of Brian Hughes.

Mark printed out the article. He wasn't sure what to do with it. He knew the police would want to know about Brian but feared that they'd put his father in jail. He needed to tell someone though. Who? Besides his teachers at school he rarely had contact with other adults and didn't want to get them involved. He decided to wait. Something inside told him that if he were patient enough the solution would soon present itself.

Andy and Sidious were in full tourist mode as they visited the many historical sights in the D.C. area. The boy was in school, which left them a good portion of the day to familiarize Sidious with the many aspects of the Earth's history and culture.

Andy was beginning to worry about Mark. He knew the boy was extremely suspicious and it would only be a matter of time before he would have to be detained for his own good. As soon as the Empire had established its government on Earth he could then enroll Mark in the finest military academies the Empire had to offer. Of course a private tutor would be hired to acclimate both he and his son to the technologies and sciences of their new home. Then one day, after Darth Sidious had perished, it would be up to him to train Mark to continue the ways of the Sith.

After visiting the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, touring the White House and viewing the Constitution of the United States (of which Sidious took a special interest), they toured the Smithsonian Institute. His master expressed the importance of learning all aspects of culture, from arts and entertainment to science and history.

"If you are to rule a people, it is important that you study all aspects of their culture. From their history you'll find that patterns are established. Studying their art gives you emotional insight into their ways of thinking and coping with these historical patterns. Their science gives you insight into their understanding of what is happening. When combined you'll find a three-dimensional view of the people you are to rule. You know their strengths and their weaknesses. This is especially important if you are to engage them in combat. For this reason I have recently permitted an officer of non-human origin into my military. His ability to read an opponent by simply studying their works of art has made him a valuable asset."

Andy knew that Sidious didn't care for non-human species. He felt them inferior and saw no room for them in his military, claiming they caused division and contention within the ranks. For him to make an exception, spoke much about this officer.

As they finished touring as much of the museum as they could in the short time they had, Sidious insisted they make one last stop. The Albert Einstein Planetarium was located within the museum. Though it wasn't exactly a telescope, Andy had told Sidious of how it projected a detailed replica of the night sky. They knew the chances of finding a pattern of stars that were familiar to Sidious were remote but he was curious non the less.

The lights dimmed and their 'guide' began to speak, highlighting various star clusters and constellations. Andy could feel his master's frustration as he failed to recognize anything even remotely familiar. Sidious had already expressed his fear, prior to the viewing, that many of the stars viewed, depending on their distance from the Earth, may have burnt out years ago, only their residual light now visible. How many of these stars were no longer living? How many more now existed, their light yet to reach the earth over the unfathomable distance of space?

"At the center of our galaxy the Milky Way is a black hole." The guide told them. "Until recent years, it had been debated whether or not this was actually a black hole or a cluster of black stars. Scientist actually captured images of an object being sucked into the black hole's massive gravitational pull. Black holes are theorized to be created when massive stars are unable to hold their own weight and collapses within themselves, creating a gravitational void that is so powerful even light fails to escape its grasp. Any object caught in its wake is crushed to super dense proportions and superheated, releasing massive x-rays that are visible millions of miles away."

Andy could sense a change in his master's posture as they viewed the black hole. When he leaned over to ask about it his master only hushed him. The word patience flashed into his mind.

Mark was relieved to find the house empty when he returned home from school. Taking advantage he hit the Internet and began searching for more information on Brian Hughes. Unable to find any new leads he turned off the computer in disgust. He headed for the kitchen, intent on making a grilled cheese sandwich, when the doorbell rang. With a sigh of frustration he left the kitchen for the front door.

As he opened the door he found Mr. Newman, his father's boss, waiting patiently.

"Hello Mark. Is your dad home?" The man gave Mark a smile that he found patronizing.

"No. He had to go out of town. He'll be back soon."

"Oh. Well I haven't seen or heard from him in almost a week and was getting a little worried. Can you tell him that I came by? Have him give me a call, okay?"

Mark nodded. "Sure thing Mr. Newman. I'll tell 'em."

"Good boy. Hey, I don't know if your interested but summer's coming up soon and if your looking to make a little money, maybe you have a girlfriend you want to take to the movies or something, you could work for me. It'd only be a few hours a day but I'd pay you about ten an hour, that's about a hundred a week."

As good as the offer sounded Mark knew this man needed to go before his dad and Brian got home. "I'll have to talk it over with my dad. I'm sure he won't care but I'd better ask first."

"Sure kid, you do that. Don't forget to tell him to call me. I'll see you around."

Mark nodded before closing the door. A thought dawned on him as he pulled the door back open and ran out.

"Mr. Newman!"

The man turned around and waited. Mark ran up to him and handed him a computer printout.

"What is this?" He asked as he scanned the story about the escaped mental patient.

"My dad, he hasn't been to work because of that guy. He showed up at our house and convinced my dad to join him."

"Join him? What the hell are you talking about?"

"He believes in some crazy religion called the Force or something and has my dad convinced it's real. I tried telling my dad that this guy is nuts but he doesn't believe me."

"Kid, you should call the police. This man is dangerous."

"No! We can't do that. They'll take my dad away. I know it! He hasn't done anything wrong but they'll take him away because of his prison record."

"I'm not sure what you want me to do kid. If I don't call the police, you and your dad could be in serious danger."

"Please, give us a little more time. I'm sure that I can convince my dad to believe me."

"You're dad's a good man and I'd hate to see him thrown back in the pen." Newman paused to gather his thoughts. "I'll give you until the day after tomorrow. If your dad hasn't come to his senses by then, I'm afraid…."

"I understand. Thank you!" Mark didn't know whether to hug him or shake his hand, so he opted to stand their awkwardly smiling.

"No problem kid."

"You'd better leave before my dad and Brian get home."

Rich Newman nodded. "Okay."

Mark went back into the house, now too excited to make a sandwich. He opted instead to watch a little television.

Andy and Brian entered the house fifteen minutes later. Mark immediately turned off the TV, retreating to his room.

"Stop," Brian commanded. Mark froze in his tracks, slowly turning to face them.

"What have you been up to boy?" He asked in an unfriendly tone.

Mark's heart was an imprisoned beast testing its cage walls. "No-nothing. I just w-w-watched a little TV."

Brian turned to Andy. "His feelings are exposed. If you search deep enough you will find the truth behind your son's lies."

Andy closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.

Mark just stared, his face a look of complete horror.

Andy's eyes shot open, his face contorting into a look of rage. "What have you done? What did you do?"

Mark began taking steps back, attempting to escape his father's rage. Andy rushed up to his son and grabbed his shirt, lifting him off the ground to face level.

"Who did you talk too?" He roared, shaking his son violently.

"Mr. Newman! He came by to see why you've been missing work."

"What did you tell him?"

"The truth! Your friend is an escaped mental patient wanted for murder! And that you are following him and his crazy religion!"

Andy threw his son against the wall. Mark collapsed to the ground, crying. He braced himself for more attacks but they never came. Instead he was violently forced to his feet as his father yanked his arm nearly out of socket. Andy's fingers dug deep into his arm.

"You can't be trusted. From now on you are not to leave your room, not for school, not for anything, you hear me? No Internet, no television, you can't even piss without my say so. If the house were burning down, you'd still have to get my permission to leave your room. Got that?"

"Yes sir," Mark meekly replied.

"Get the duct tape. I'm tying you up before we leave."

"No," Brian commanded. "He will come with us. He must witness first hand the true power of the dark side. He will not betray us again."

"As you wish," Andy said. He turned to Mark. "Get in the car. If I hear any sass I'll knock your teeth out."

Rich Newman was extremely worried. He'd known Andy since his release from prison. In all that time, he'd never feared the man would to anything to go back. He was the complete definition of a rehabilitated citizen; repentant of his crimes, working hard to make the world a better place.

This new situation was very unlike Andy. Though he was religious, in the non-denominational sense of the word, he'd never taken to going to church or attending meetings. The Force sounded very occult, which was even less like Andy. Rich knew he had little tolerance for such things. Andy had once grown frustrated when one of his co-workers had become obsessed with astrology. He couldn't understand how people could throw their money away on psychics and fortunetellers.

Rich had never heard of this Force and was quite sure that this escaped mental patient had made it all up. The fact that Andy was buying into this crap was the most disturbing aspect of all. Was he brainwashed? That had to be the only explanation. If that were the case than maybe he wouldn't go to prison after all. He'd be able to get off on a temporary insanity plea.

That settled it. Rich was going to the police now. The sooner that lunatic was off the street the better.

Rich's F-150 suddenly lurched as a car slammed into the back of it. Looking in his rearview mirror he spotted a dark sedan riding his bumper. It roared its engine and slammed into his truck again.

"What the hell?" He yelled as he fought the wheel to maintain control.

The dark sedan suddenly shifted into the oncoming lane and sped around him. He tried gazing into the car but the windows were darkly tinted. It swerved in front of him and slammed on its brakes. Rich was unable to prevent the truck from slamming into it. His face stung as his airbag deployed.

Rich clumsily attempted to unbuckle his seatbelt. He was so stunned from the impact that he didn't notice when his door opened and a strong grip seized him out of the car. He winced in pain as he was thrown onto the asphalt. Two figures stood over him, their faces blurred by the overhead sun's bright contrast.

"What's going on?" He asked as he struggled to get to his feet. One of the men kicked him, knocking him onto his back. A foot stood firmly on his chest, pinning him down.

"I'm sorry you had to be involved in this Rich. I wish you could have seen the gift my master is bringing the Earth."

"Gift? Do you mean the 'Force'? Don't tell me you're buying into this mad man's delusions!"

"Oh, I'm afraid the Force is quite real," another voice said. "Soon you will feel its true power."

"Whatever Don Quixote. Keep on chasing those windmills but don't drag my friend into it!"

"Kill him," the other voice commanded.

"Yes Master," Andy responded.

Mark sat helplessly in the sedan. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't peel his eyes away. His father and Brian stood over Mr. Newman. With a power he couldn't understand, lightning erupted out of his father's hands. Mr. Newman began to scream, begging for the pain to end. Finally Mark closed his eyes and covered his ears with his hands. Tears streamed down as he began to sob.

Andy and Sidious stood over the smoldering corpse of Rich Newman. Astonished, Andy looked at his hands and then at his master. A smile broke on Sidious' mouth.

"Good, very good. You have done well my apprentice. The time has come. You have earned the privilege of becoming a Sith. Kneel before me."

"Yes my Master," he said as he kneeled on the hot road.

"From this time forward, you will be known as…. Darth Quietus."