Chapter 6 - Awakening
Obi-Wan was well prepared for his journey to Earth. After hours of learning all that Brian could teach him of the Earth's culture, Obi-Wan felt as familiar with the planet as he possibly could without having ever visited it. He had learned to read the English language, which he found somewhat difficult, as he had to decipher the alphabetic codes and phonic anomalies that accompanied it. The only advantage he found was that the language itself was very similar to Basic in most respects. He'd been surprised to learn that the Earth people spoke hundreds of different languages, and while English was understood by many cultures, it was not used in most nations.
Brian's instruction also included reading numbers, the workings of money, telling time, and basic cultural laws as it pertained to Brian's nation. He learned, as best as Brian could describe, about driving automobiles and basic traffic laws. Brian also told him about various forms of weapons, including guns that used gunpowder incased projectiles, primitive but effective.
Obi-Wan wasn't sure if his polar being lived in the United States but knew that regardless, he would have to journey their if he intended to find Sidious. Brian said that his last contact with Sidious had revealed his intention in going to a place called Washington D.C. This was the capitol of the United States. Obi-Wan shuddered at the thought of what Sidious may have been up too in the last few weeks.
Obi-Wan also received instruction from Master Yoda. Together they focused on his polar connection and he learned to follow it towards its other end, to a being that lived on Earth. Obi-Wan knew he would need to obtain help from his being in order to make the switch, something he felt uncomfortable with. Yoda had explained that Brian had unwittingly assisted Sidious in switching places while he was hypnotized. If Obi-Wan could catch his being in a similar frame of mind than he would have a greater advantage. Such a state of mind could be caused by a drug induced intoxication or a heavy sleep. Finding his being in such a state would not be easy, nor would it insure success. He would have to catch his being off guard, totally relaxed and unsuspecting. Such techniques, Obi-Wan feared, were paths to the dark side.
The only other way, Yoda informed him, was to gain the being's full consent. Obi-Wan would simply have to ask.
The final preparation that needed to be made was to imprison Obi-Wan's body, should it prove necessary. They knew that his polar being would display personality traits very different from Obi-Wan. Where as Obi-Wan was calm, patient and well meaning, his polar opposite could possibly be unpredictable, edgy, and even evil.
They also knew that switching bodies through the Force increased their sensitivities to its promptings, as did happen with Brian. Obi-Wan's polar being would find himself awakened to the Force and would soon learn how to control certain aspects of it, making him a very dangerous prisoner.
Sonia offered a plausible solution; they would lock him in the cargo hold of the Star Tamer. After placing a sleeping mat and portable toiletries in the large, well lit and surprisingly accommodating make shift prison, they were satisfied that it was not a cruel or even unreasonable cell. Brian even noted that, compared to his cell on the star destroyer, this was a suite at the Hilton. Obi-Wan wasn't sure what he meant but knew it to be a compliment all the same.
"Ready you are for your journey," Yoda said with grim determination. "Go now you must."
Yoda and Obi-Wan conferred in the quiet solitude of the small hut. Sonia and Brian were in the forest collecting roots and bark for tonight's stew.
"Yes Master. I will attempt to contact you when I find Sidious. As soon as I have him subdued, you and Brian may make the switch."
"Careful you must be, Obi-Wan. A new apprentice he may have. Help he would need if conquer Earth he intends."
"Yes, I have thought of that also. If he has found one, he'll need to take the time to train them. Hopefully that will give me the time I need to find him."
"Agree I do, but hurry you must. Sidious grows in power as Brian continues his training. A necessary conundrum this is."
"May the Force be with you Master," Obi-Wan said with a bow.
"May the Force be with you Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan and Yoda left the small hut and walked to a nearby clearing. Sonia had moved the Star Tamer to the clearing in order to keep a safe eye on it. She also understandably preferred to sleep onboard during the nights.
Obi-Wan had been surprised that she had agreed to stay on Dagobah for the duration. She claimed that she had nothing better to do now that she could no longer smuggle for the Empire's secret project. She couldn't return to Jabba either, as he'd surly have her put to death for blowing such a deal. She would also be a major risk to his operation now that the Empire wanted her.
Obi-Wan knew better. She wanted to make sure Yoda succeeded in killing Sidious once he and Brian switched back.
As they approached the ship, Sonia and Brian emerged with the ingredients they had scavenged. Sonia stopped, giving Obi-Wan and Yoda a worried look.
"It's time, isn't it?" She asked.
"Yes, it is. I have to make the switch soon before Palpatine grows to powerful."
Obi-Wan could see the sadness in her eyes as she approached him. She had become uncomfortably attached to him. As a Jedi, he did his best to ignore the strong feelings that she hid from him. As a man, he sympathized. He knew that Yoda and he would need to have a long talk after this was all over. He somehow knew that Yoda would understand.
"Good luck Obi-Wan." She rarely used his real name, only in the most serious of conversations.
He smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll come back, I promise."
She nodded, trying to hide the tears she was fighting to hold back.
"Don't go getting yourself killed or anything. I'll protect you from this end."
For the first time, Obi-Wan worried for her safety. "My 'other half' could be dangerous. Don't go near him unless Master Yoda is with you."
"I can take care of myself," she said defiantly. After seeing the concern in Obi-Wan's eyes she added, "but I'll be careful."
Obi-Wan turned to Brian. "I'll do my best to help you return home."
"I know you will Obi-Wan. Thank you. May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you as well my friend."
Obi-Wan headed up the Star Tamer's ramp. The small group followed him into the ship. As he reached the cargo hold he turned and faced the group.
"Check on your polar being often we will. Contact us soon you should," Yoda said.
"Yes Master. As soon as I learn something, you'll hear from me."
Obi-Wan stood back as Sonia closed the door, locking it. Walking over to the mat he knelt and began to meditate.
Trevor Cook was dreaming. This was a strange experience for him. All his life he could not remember a time when he had dreamt. He knew that psychologist claimed that everyone had dreams, whether they remembered them or not. Trevor knew that wasn't true. If it were, how was it that he never had one memory of dreaming, even when awoken from the deepest sleep? Sure, if one were to do an MRI of his brain while he slept it would show the familiar brainwave patterns associated with dreaming, but that didn't exactly prove anything more than the fact that he was just sleeping. No amount of science could disprove what he already knew; he never dreamed, at least not until now.
So this is what it's like to dream, he thought. I don't see what the big deal is. How can anyone feel rested if they do this all night?
The strange thing about the dream, besides that fact that he was actually having one, was the fact that he wasn't really doing anything more than sitting in a plain room with a matt on the floor. There were no decorations, no furniture, nothing of interest. The walls and floor were a cold metal. There were no windows and only one door, also metal. No doorknob could be seen, just what appeared to be a control panel that obviously opened the door. Walking over to it he found that none of the buttons worked. He shrugged and returned to the matt where he decided to wait patiently for this boring dream to end.
"Hello. Can you hear me?" A voice asked from within his head.
"Sure can. What's up?" His mood lightened as the dream finally started to become interesting.
"If you don't mind me asking, who are you exactly?"
"Who am I exactly," he repeated as more of a statement than a question. "There are many people who would love to know that answer. I suppose the simplest reply would be my name, Trevor Cook. So now that we know who I am, who are you?"
"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Obi-What? Is that really a name?"
"Obi-Wan. You may call me Ben if you find that easier."
"Okay Ben, nice to meet you. So are you a real person or are you just a voice in my head?"
"I am real. You and I share a bond that allows us to communicate despite the great distance between us."
"Okay, I'll buy that. So what is it you want?"
"Well, I was wondering, and I know this is a strange request, but I need your body for a while. I was wondering if we could switch places for a short time."
"Now that is an interesting request. Well, I suppose I could oblige you in that request; after all, I could use a break from the hell hole I live in." With mild amusement, Trevor wondered what a psychiatrist would think of his first dream. It certainly was interesting.
"Are you sure? Despite what you may think, this is not a dream. If you agree, you will not be able to switch back until I have finished my mission."
"Hey, take all the time you want, my man. Like I said, I could use a break."
The voice didn't reply. Trevor shrugged again. Lying on the mat he waited for his dream to end. Before he knew it he was asleep. This time he did not dream.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was the strange room in which he'd awakened. He found himself on a small bed, a thin blanket covering him. Sitting up he looked around. The wall opposite was cluttered with pictures of women in rather compromising positions, most quite nude. To his left was a porcelain sink with primitive plumbing. Next to it a bowl that he could only assume was used for toiletries. To his right was a door made of bars. The small room was a prison of some sort.
"What have I gotten myself into?"
Standing, he walked to the bared door and looked around. A small corridor was dimly lit. More cells were on the opposite side, men within silently sleeping.
"Hey, Cookie," a voice whispered from a nearby cell. "You can't sleep either?"
Looking to his right he saw an arm, its hand holding a small mirror with the face of a man reflected within.
"No," he simply replied. Maybe he could get some information from this man.
"I don't blame you. After the threats Archer made earlier you'd be better off watching your back."
"Archer?"
"You know; big man, runs the brotherhood, wants to eat you alive."
"Ah, thank you for reminding me," he said, playing along.
"You should have joined with the brothers. Now you're on their hit list."
"Are you a brother?"
"Me? Are you kidding? I'd love to join but they'd never invite me."
"What makes me so special?" He probed.
"Well, first of all, you're their type; smart, cold, not afraid of jack."
"Who's Jack?"
"You're a funny guy Cookie. Why'd you turn them down?"
"I had my reasons. Why am I imprisoned here?" Obi-Wan asked, knowing how ridicules the question must sound.
"You mean besides the people you murdered? I don't know Cookie, must be plain old bad luck or something."
"Must be," he agreed. "I don't suppose you've heard of a place called Washington D.C.?"
"Are you okay Cookie? You didn't hit that big head of yours did you?"
"Please answer my question," Obi-Wan insisted.
"Of course I have. You have business their or something? Going to complain to the President about our living conditions?"
"There is a man there I must find."
"Well Cookie, I doubt they're going to just let you stroll out of here. From what I've heard, you have another one hundred and thirty years before your next parole."
"How far away is Washington D.C.?"
"From Lake City? I'd say about eight hundred miles. Just hit I-10 east for about 45 minutes until you hit Jacksonville, head north on I-95 and keep going," the man joked. "Why, do you plan on leaving this joint? 'Cause if you do, I want in."
"I'm afraid this will be a journey I must make alone." Obi-Wan waved his hand. "You will go to sleep; when you awaken you will not remember this conversation."
"I will go to sleep." The arm retracted and he heard the man's bed squeak. The sounds of snoring soon followed.
Trevor Cook opened his eyes and frowned. He had been sleeping; of this he had no doubt. That being the case, why was he still in the strange room he had dreamt about? Sitting up he looked around. Nothing had changed.
"Okay, get a grip Trevor. If you weren't dreaming, than what's going on?" He paced the room - his new and improved prison it would seem. "The voice, don't tell me it was real? If it were than I've…" He began laughing. "That fool! He was trying to escape one prison only to end up in another!" Tears streamed down his face as he laughed.
As soon as the laughing had begun it stopped. "I hope this isn't some type of death row or something. If he's scheduled to be executed than I need to find a way out of here quick."
He tried the door again to no avail.
"Hey! Obi-What's your face! Ben! Can you hear me? I want to switch back! You can have this place!"
No answer.
Trevor kicked the door as hard as he could. Nothing, not even a dent.
"Hey!" He pounded on the door. "Hey! Can anyone hear me? I want to talk to someone! Open the damn door!"
After a few minutes he screamed in frustration before returning to his mat.
An hour later he heard noises outside the room. Trevor ran to the door and began to pound on it again.
"Hey! Open up!"
He stood back as the door began to open. Looking around he found no one there. He began to walk out when he heard a voice.
"Stay in here you must."
Looking down he beheld the strangest thing he'd ever seen. A little, wrinkled, green man with pointed ears and clawed hands and feet. Trevor instinctively took a few steps back as he tried to comprehend what he was seeing.
"This has to be another dream," he said to himself.
"Surprised you I have," the little man chuckled.
"What in the hell are you?" He asked.
"Yoda is my name and talk you and I must."
The little green man stepped into his cell, the door closing behind him.
Mark followed Brian and his father into the house. The group had said little after the death of Rich Newman. He no longer recognized his dad. The shell that was once Andy Harper was a cold, heartless murderer. For the first time, he began to feel that there was no saving his father.
Mark was returning to his bedroom when he was violently seized by his father and led to the hall closet.
"You will stay in here until your room has been properly prepared to prevent any escape attempts. If I so much as hear a peep out of you I will personally sew your mouth shut. Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir, I understand," he replied. Mark forced his eyes, red and swollen from crying, to look at his father. "I understand that you are not my father. I don't know who you are."
"I am Darth Quietus and you will address me as such. You will also address Brian as Master Sidious. In time you will learn your place. There is nothing that can stop what is coming. Soon every person on Earth will bow down to us. In time they will bow to you as well."
"I don't want anyone to bow down to me! I don't want to be like you! You're crazy! Do you know that? You and your 'master' are nothing more than murdering psychos! No one in their right mind would bow down to you!"
Mark could feel his father's anger grow with every word he spoke. With all the courage he could muster he locked onto his father's eyes and defiantly stood his ground. After a very long silence his father began to smile.
"Good. I can feel your hatred. You have control of your fears. In time you will learn to use these emotions. In time you will become a Sith. It is your destiny."
Mark defiantly shook his head. "You're crazy."
Without another work Darth Quietus threw his son into the closet. Retrieving a key from his pocket he locked the door.
Darth Vader was growing impatient. All troops had been recalled from Mon Calamari and the fleet had regrouped. A fourth Star Destroyer, The Tidal Wave, had been summoned to replenish supplies and troops. The invasion crew was ready; they only awaited a destination.
Vader paced the observation deck in the command center as he awaited his master to contact him. How long was he supposed to wait? How did his master intend to chart a path from this unknown system is he wasn't sure where it was? How long would it take to reach it? Hyperspace travel was impossible in uncharted areas. They would have to chart new space. In all reality, it could potentially take many years, even decades to reach the system.
"Lord Vader."
Vader turned to Admiral Wantel but did not speak.
"We have finished all the preparations you had asked for. All units from The Tidal Wave have been reassigned to our fleet. Food and supplies are at maximum capacity, as are weapons and vehicles. We only await the fueling vessels you requested."
"Very good Admiral. I am retreating to my personal chambers. I want no interruptions of any kind. If an emergency arises you are in charge. Is that clear Admiral?"
"Yes my lord." Wantel bowed.
Vader left without further acknowledgement. The time had come to contact his master.
Darth Sidious studied the star charts he had purchased at the planetarium, familiarizing himself with the constellations and planet formations. Through his observations he was charting a course from Earth directly to the black hole that centered its galaxy.
Darth Quietus was busy transforming the boy's room into a temporary prison. Sidious had been both amused and horrified by the boy's outburst. Even after witnessing the violent death of Rich Newman he had displayed a remarkable amount of courageous defiance. He displayed the qualities that a Sith apprentice would need. If not for the rule of two he would consider training the boy now.
As it were, the boy was quickly becoming a threat. He knew that Quietus wanted the boy alive but Sidious now wondered if that were wise. Should the boy develop even the most basic skills in the Force, no prison would hold him for very long.
"Master."
Sidious looked up from his star charts and acknowledged his apprentice.
"Yes Lord Quietus, what is it?"
"I believe Lord Vader is trying to make contact. His voice rings in my head demanding to speak with you."
"Kneel before me. We will meditate."
Kneeling face to face they closed their eyes and concentrated on the bond between Quietus and Vader.
"Lord Vader, you wish to speak with me?" Sidious asked.
"Yes my master. The preparations for the invasion are complete. We now await your instructions."
"Very good Lord Vader. Make your way to the Kessel system. There you will approach the Maw Cluster."
"The black holes?"
"Yes. There is a black hole in this system. If one were to enter it, surviving its gravitational pull, they would travel through to the Kessel system."
"But my Lord, there are several black holes in the Maw Cluster. None of our ships are strong enough to withstand the tremendous gravitational pull."
"You will know the black hole when you see it. Contact Admiral Tarkin. He has established a base for the Empire's top scientists within the Maw Cluster. They have constructed a craft that can safely explore a black hole without yielding to the strong gravitational field within. We were waiting for an appropriate time to test it. I believe now is the time."
"Yes my Lord, I will pilot it personally."
"No, it is too great a risk. Have a clone perform the first test flight. Should it return to you safely, then proceed as you will."
"It will be done my master."
"Alright Cook, wake up! Time for a surprise inspection," the guard smirked as he opened the door to Obi-Wan's cell. A warning in the Force grew in his mind as he warily watched two guards enter. The first guard looked around as the second stood nearby, a nightstick in hand.
"What do we have here? You know we don't allow such smut in this fine establishment!" The guard said as he ripped a dirty picture off the wall. Without warning the other guard swung the stick towards Obi-Wan's stomach. With lightning fast reflexes he dodged the blow.
"Big mistake 'Cookie'! The guard said as he glanced outside the cell, nodding. Obi-Wan turned to find three enormous men in convict uniforms entering the cell. The guards strolled past them, closing the door as they left.
"Now you boys play nice!" The first guard laughed as he left.
Obi-Wan sized the men up and down, keeping a careful eye on the man in the middle. He had a shaved head and an enormous scare on his left cheek that made Anakin's look like a beauty mark.
"You should have joined the Brotherhood," the bald man barked. The two others flanked Obi-Wan, forcing him to the back of the small cell. They grabbed his arms, attempting to hold him in place as the bald man approached with a small, sharp weapon in hand. Without warning the man on his left was Force pushed into the wall behind him, his head making a loud smacking sound. At the same time the man on his right was thrown, slamming into the corner of the bed. Both men groaned as they crumbled to the floor.
The bald man smiled viciously as he charged, thrusting his weapon towards Obi-Wan's face. With a roundhouse kick, the man's weapon was sent flying. With a second kick the man's face met Obi-Wan's foot, his nose exploding in a burst of crimson liquid. Staggering back, the man touched his nose. Looking at his hands he noticed the blood and smiled. He positioned his figures on either side of his broken nose; Obi-Wan heard a loud popping noise as the man realigned the broken cartilage. The man charged again and Obi-Wan Force pushed, throwing him into the cell door.
"That's a neat trick you have there, Cookie," the man said as he picked himself up.
Again he charged. Obi-Wan was running out of ideas. Using the Force he called the sharp object into his hand. The large man stopped.
"I don't like that trick as much," he said.
"I will kill you if I have too. I'd prefer not to though," Obi-Wan warned.
"Fine. We'll let you go for now, but be warned Cookie. Your time is coming." The man went to the cell door and whistled. A moment later the guards reappeared, the first smiling to himself. The smile disappeared as he surveyed the damage Obi-Wan had caused.
"What the hell happened?" He asked as he opened the door.
"You'd better get those two to the infirmary," the bald man replied.
The guard looked at the two men at the end of the cell and then at the sharp object Obi-Wan still held in his hand.
"Drop it!" He barked, raising a gun of some sort.
Dropping the weapon, Obi-Wan cursed to himself for being so careless.
"You're going to solitary confinement for a long time," the guard promised. Without warning he fired the gun. Two projectiles struck Obi-Wan's chest as he felt his body convulse, electricity pouring into him. The second guard struck Obi-Wan on the head with the stick. The world around him suddenly went dark.
Trevor Cook tried to comprehend the words the little green man named Yoda had said.
"So I'm here because a mad man wants to rule my world and only Ben can stop him?"
"Yes, in a manner of speaking, correct you are," Yoda nodded.
"And I just have to chill here in this prison until he's through?"
"Yes. Stay here you must. Sorry I am for the inconvenience."
Trevor laughed as he pondered the irony of escaping one prison only to end up in another.
"Okay. That's cool. Whatever. I'm not sure I believe that any of this is really happening, but if it is, I suppose I don't have much of a choice."
They both looked up as the door to the cargo bay opened. Trevor straightened as he noticed the stunning redhead holding a tray of food.
"Well hello gorgeous! Are you my entertainment?"
"I suppose that answers my question as to whether Obi-Wan succeeded," she said in disgust.
"Leave here you should," Yoda warned her.
"No, let her stay!" Trevor said as he got to his feet and began walking towards her.
Lowering the tray of food to the floor she stood up, weapon in hand.
"Back off you scum!" She warned.
"What? You'd really shoot the body of your friend?" He asked with a smirk.
Without warning the man found himself lifted into the air, unable to move.
"Go near her you will not!" The green man said before turning to the redhead. "Leave now you must!"
"I think your right. I'd hate to have Obi-Wan's blood on my hands after killing this jerk!" She turned and stormed out of the room.
The door closed and Trevor found himself released from Yoda's grip.
"What was that? How did you do that?" Trevor asked in astonishment.
"Never mind that, you will. Eat. Check on you later I will," Yoda said as he turned to leave the cell.
Trevor watched the green man leave before picking up the tray of awful smelling food. Despite the taste he quickly ate it all. Prison had taught him to appreciate even the worst meals.
Resting on his mat, Trevor pondered the situation. Something strange was going on under the surface. Not only did these people have the power to switch bodies with others but they could also make people float. Could anyone use these powers in this world or was it only for a select few? If the man he had switched with had this power, did he have it also? If he didn't normally have it, could he possibly have it while in this body? If Yoda could make people float, could he also make other objects float? What other powers did he have?
Trevor focused on the empty tray. Using his mind he began to mentally picture the tray floating. Nothing happened. He concentrated harder, using all his focus. Still nothing. He relaxed, closing his eyes. He pictured the tray in his mind. He pictured holding it, feeling its cool, smooth texture. He imagined the tray rising out of his hands and levitating before him. Trevor opened his eyes. Startled, he found the tray momentarily floating in front of him before falling back to the ground.
A smile broke on his face as he again concentrated, this time making the tray momentarily float with his eyes still open. He had trouble keeping it in the air. This would take time to master, but then again, what else was there to do?
Admiral Tarkin surveyed the latest shipment for Project 77 as the cargo handlers unloaded it from Vader's private vessel. Vader waited patiently for Tarkin to finish before speaking.
"I have a request from the Emperor," he started.
"I assume he is feeling better then?" Tarkin asked without looking at Vader.
"He is, in a manner of speaking."
"A manner of speaking? Care to explain my friend?" He asked, looking at Vader with a raised eyebrow.
"He has made contact with a man in an undiscovered system through the Force. Through this contact he and this man have managed to switch places."
"That would explain his 'condition'. I assume this message he has sent was through the Force as well?"
"That is correct. He has requested that we prepare an invasion crew," Vader said.
"I fail to understand where I play a role in this. I have my hands full with the Project 77. What exactly is it that you need from me?"
"The Emperor has commanded that you accompany me to the Maw Cluster. I believe your scientist have constructed a vessel for black hole exploration."
"Yes, but it has never been tested. Why do you need it?" Tarkin's curiosity was peeked.
"Until a hyperspace route can be properly charted, the fastest, most direct point of travel is through a black hole."
"The vessel is small. Even if it successfully makes the journey, it could never hold an invasion crew large enough."
"How long will it take to build more vessels?"
"Well, it's taken more than five years to build this one. Should it prove successful, I would say we could have a hundred more constructed within a year."
"The Emperor will not be pleased," Vader warned.
"I understand, but you must realize my friend that this is not an ordinary ship. The dense molecular structure of the endoskeleton takes months to prepare. The cooling system will also take time. Without it, the ship would burn up within seconds."
"I then suggest you pull additional resources from your other projects. This will become your number one priority."
Tarkin sighed. "As you wish, though you know this will probably cause Project 77 to be delayed more than a year."
"We will deal with that in due time."
"Than I suggest we depart for the Kessel system immediately. I will contact the scientist in charge, Qwi Xux, and inform her to prepare the ship for the test flight."
"Concentrate!" Yoda stressed.
Brian let out a sigh as the objects that had been levitating only moments before lay scattered on the ground around him. Closing his eyes he again let the Force flow through him. Reaching out he felt the room around him. Intimately he touched everything: the snake that slithered lazily across the hut, the logs that fueled the fire, the stew that simmered about it, the ancient Jedi master who monitored his progress and the inanimate stones and rocks before him.
Slowly the stones and rocks lifted into the air and began circling the room. Yoda's eyes widened as he watched the intricate patterns in which they flew. Brian radiated a calm oneness in the Force.
Slowly the Jedi master approached his student. Yoda jabbed the gimmer stick into Brian's side, testing his concentration. The objects continued to fly in their lazy paths, Brian showing no sign of distraction.
"Good, good. Strong you become. Calm, at peace you are. The path of the light side you walk."
Brian continued to control the stones, his eyes remaining closed. "I can feel him. He's watching my progress with amusement. He knows you're with me."
Yoda closed his eyes and nodded. "Aware of your plan he is. Knows you will attempt to reclaim your body."
"Is he right? Is he too strong for me to succeed?"
"That all depends on Obi-Wan," Yoda replied.
Brian nodded. As he opened his eyes the stones gathered before him and gently lowered to the ground.
"No more will I teach you today. Meditate you must. Practice what I have taught you. Shield all thoughts of Obi-Wan and his journey to Earth. Sidious must not find out."
Brian got up and left the hut, finding a quiet area nearby. Settling on a grassy patch of earth he closed his eyes and once again let the Force flow through him.
"You have grown stronger but it will not be enough. In the end your feeble attempts will end in failure," the voice in his head said - the voice of Sidious.
"Don't underestimate me and my abilities. After all, I do share the same strengths and weaknesses that you have."
Sidious laughed in reply. "You have much to learn, but do not be concerned. When my Empire has control of your Earth I will teach you the true power of the dark side. You and Darth Quietus will join Darth Vader at my side. The four of us will rule the universe with an iron clad fist and restore the glory of the Sith Empire!"
"I assume Darth Quietus is the Earth apprentice Master Yoda mentioned. Does he have a connection with Darth Vader like you and I?"
"Your insight serves you well. You will indeed make a worthy apprentice."
"I already have a master and he's greater than you'll ever be."
"Your pathetic master was unable to stop me once and he continues to diminish with age while I grow stronger."
"Well he's never had an apprentice quite like me."
Again Sidious laughed. "Your arrogance is your weakness. Do not think you are safe only because of our connection. There are Sith techniques in which we can lock others in their own minds. If you will not join me than you will learn the true meaning of being trapped in your own nightmares."
Brian decided he'd had enough of this conversation. Using a technique Yoda had taught him he closed his mind to the bond. In an instant he felt the presence of the Sith lord lifted and he was once again alone.
Sidious let out a scream in frustration as he was literally thrown out of Brian's mind. Trying in vain to regain the connection he gave up with a scowl. He is stronger than I gave him credit. That is a mistake I will not repeat, he vowed to himself.
Obi-Wan's head hurt. Sitting up he winced in pain as stars danced around the room. He inhaled deeply as he waited for his vision to clear. Looking around his new environment he beheld a bunk, a toilet, a sink and a door with a small window. As he slowly got to his feet he approached the door. Examining it he found it impossible to open from the inside. Probing it with the Force he tracked the locking mechanism's controls to a master panel located in room nearby. Confident he could unlock the door without much effort he began planning his escape.
Looking out the window he could only see a bare corridor with a similar door opposite his. Reaching out with the Force he sensed a man, cold and dangerous, behind it. There were more rooms, most empty, but a few contained similarly dangerous men. He detected two guards at the end of the corridor, both quite bored. Obi-Wan smiled. It was time to give these guards something to do.
With a flicker of thought the locks to all the doors in the corridor opened. He sensed the guards had failed to notice, but the inmates inside hadn't. Within moments each door flew open, the prisoners inside charging out. The guards sprung to action but were too slow. Within moments they were overwhelmed. Stripped of their weapons and keys they were thrown into one of the cells. An alarm began to blare as the inmates forced their way out of the corridor, overwhelming the guards on the other side.
Armed and high on adrenalin, the inmates continued to fight their way towards the main lockdown area. Obi-Wan lingered behind, waiting for an opportunity to sneak away. As they entered the lockdown area he found the opportunity he was looking for. One moment they were surrounded by guards, the next moment every cell in the prison flew open, causing a full-scale riot. Soon Obi-Wan's group of inmates was forgotten as other inmates began attacking the guards. Using Force enhanced speed and agility; he worked his way to the exit.
He found himself in another corridor that led to the outside. Two guards flanked him as he reached the door. With barely a thought he Force pushed them into the wall, knocking them unconscious.
He fled into the courtyard, running full force towards the fence at the end. The darkness around him disappeared as a bright spotlight found him. Gun fired crackled in the air as guards in the perimeter towers began shooting, spraying dirt and grass around his feet. With unnatural speed he left the spotlight behind. Without a second thought he jumped into the air, throwing his body over the high fence. His prison jumpsuit snagged on the barbed wire and his stomach burned as the flesh tore open. In pain, his landing was clumsy, nearly knocking him off balance. Taking a moment to recover, he examined his injury. The flesh wound was deep but not life threatening. It would need to be cleaned to prevent infection.
Running at full speed he entered the woods beyond the perimeter. He'd seen a road nearby and glanced at the night sky to get his bearings. Confident with his new surroundings he fled into the dark tangle of brush and trees. The prison alarm blared loudly into the night as he fled. He could hear other sirens as flashing red, white and blue lights sped down the adjacent road. Overhead he could hear the sound of an aircraft as it approached. Looking up he spotted the hovering vehicle; a spotlight shown down as it searched the forest for Obi-Wan. Using a nearby bush for cover he waited for the hovering aircraft to leave.
Feeling confident it was safe to continue he again took to foot, letting the Force guide his body to avoid tripping in the wild growth. A new sound could be heard, that of strange animals that were howling and barking in pursuit. He assumed they were domesticated beast used to track prisoners, probably by sense of smell. The fact that he was bleeding was not helping matters. He needed to find a place where he could clean his wound and change his clothing. No doubt his outfit would raise suspicion from the locals.
Undressing, he quickly tore the outfit into strips of material, creating a makeshift bandage. He then tied any unused strips to the branches of trees and bushes in random patterns before heading towards the road. Hopefully the strips would confuse his pursuers long enough for him to escape.
As he approached the road he could see more vehicles with the flashing lights. Lying low, he waited for them to pass before crossing the street. Once again, he heard a new noise, low and rumbling, causing the earth to shake as it neared. He found rails of metal running parallel to the road. Touching them he felt the earth's vibration grow stronger. Following the tracks with his eyes he soon found the source of the new sound. A large vehicle, long and snake-like, was heading towards him. Standing back he waited as the vehicle began to pass. It was composed of several compartments that were attached to each other. Running, he maintained the same speed as the vehicle before jumping, landing on top of the nearest compartment. He would need to find a way into the compartment before one of the hovering vehicles returned. Scanning the roof he found a door. Rusted and heavy, he forced it open and entered the darkness within. Filled with boxes and crates he found an empty space in the rear. Settling to the ground he took a much-needed rest.
Trevor 'Cookie' Cook smiled as the tray hovered lazily around the cargo bay. The longer he practiced, the more 'aware' he became of his surroundings. He couldn't quite explain it, but somehow he had always been aware, he just hadn't realized it. Stretching out with his feelings he soon found that he could follow the green man and the girl as they went about their various activities. He could also feel the presence of another, a man who shared the same power as he and Yoda. He found that he could read the woman easy enough, her agitation at being here, her worry for Obi-whatever you call him, and her mixed feelings towards the other man. Yoda and the other man were almost impossible to read. He wondered if that meant he was hard to read as well, or if this was a technique he needed to learn?
The door opened as he sensed Yoda entering the prison. Not bothering to hide the fact that he was levitating the tray he watched the wizened green man approach. As he suspected, he sensed no surprise in Yoda.
"Been busy I see you have. Afraid of this I was."
Trevor smirked as he watched the old man. He continued to float the tray around the room.
"Do this no more you must," Yoda insisted.
"What, do you intend to stop me?" Trevor asked amused.
The tray was ripped from his grip as it flew into the green man's hand.
"Stop you I cannot, but take away your toys I can."
Trevor shrugged and lay down on his mat, locking his hands behind his head.
"So Yoda, what else am I capable of? What other marvelous works of wonder can I perform?"
"Teach you nothing I will."
Trevor smiled and closed his eyes. With a strength Yoda hadn't expected, the tray was ripped from his hand. As he attempted to regain his grip on the tray, Trevor reversed the tray's momentum, throwing it at the green alien. Combined with Yoda's pull in the Force the tray became a lethal projectile that connected with Yoda's gut, sending him flying back into the wall. He crumbled to the ground unconscious. Trevor laughed as he got to his feet and approached the door. Concentrating, he imitated the technique he'd observed Yoda use when he'd entered the room. The door opened with a quiet whoosh.
He was surprised to find that his prison was actually a spaceship. This was getting better and better. He laughed as he explored the ship, recalling memories of Star Trek and Battle Star Galactica. Walking into the cockpit he settled into the pilot's chair and studied the controls.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
He smiled as he turned to see his favorite red head, blaster in hand.
"Hello beautiful!"
"Don't hello beautiful me! What are you doing out of the cargo hold?"
"Oh, Yoda wasn't feeling too well so I thought I'd let him rest while I went for a walk."
"What did you do?" She demanded.
With a smile, he reached out his hand. The blaster flew from her grip into his. "Oh, I've learned a few new tricks. Care to see what else I've learned?"
Her face went pale as she stared at the barrel of her own weapon. She backed away as he approached her with a sloppy grin on his face.
"What do you want?" She asked.
"Oh, I want a lot of things. We'll get to what you can give me later on, but right now I just need you to get into the cargo hold."
She walked into the cargo hold and ran to Yoda's unconscious form. Relieved that he was still alive she gently picked him up and placed him on the mat.
"No, I'm afraid he can't come with us," Trevor said.
"Come with us? Where are we going?" She asked with a hint of panic in her voice.
"I don't know, I mean I'm sure there's a whole galaxy to explore. I just don't know where to start!" He replied excitedly.
"I don't think so!" A new voice said from behind. Smiling he reached out and pulled the red head to him, putting the gun to her head. He turned to find a man with an unbelievably ugly face.
"Well you must be the other guy I sensed. I got no beef with you. You can take Yoda and get off this ship but I'm taking the girl."
The ugly man looked unsure of what to do. "I can't let you do that."
"Oh, I don't think you have much of a choice," Trevor said confidently. With a smile he threw the tray at the man's head, something the man had not expected. Staggering back, the tray hit his head again before he could respond. He collapsed after the tray hit him a third time. Trevor levitated the man, placing him outside the cargo bay. He then lifted Yoda off the mat and placed him next to the man. Throwing the girl onto the mat he backed out with blaster raised.
"I'll talk with you later," he said with a smile before closing the door. He took the man and Yoda and removed them off the ship, laying them in the muddy field outside. Closing the ramp he settled into the pilot's chair and began observing the complex controls. This wasn't going to work. Getting up he went to the cargo hold and opened the door. The woman looked at him expectedly.
"There's been a change in plans. I need you to fly the ship."