Darth Vader and Admiral Tarkin stood at the Maw Instillation observation deck. In the space beyond they watched the Imperial's newest ship maneuver through the maw cluster's dangerous space. Qwi Xux, one of the greatest scientific thinkers in the Empire, sat at a nearby computer monitoring the ship. Her voice, musical and birdlike, calmly conversed with the pilot, giving instruction and encouragement as her creation prepared for its first test run.
"Lord Vader, all systems are reading normal and the pilot is ready for entry," she said, her blue skin flushing as she acknowledged the dark lord.
"For your sake I hope the flight is successful. The Emperor would be most curious as to why one of the Empire's most expensive projects has failed."
Qwi Xux's feathery hair ruffled nervously as she acknowledged Vader's warning. "I can assure the Emperor that this ship will succeed."
"You needn't worry Vader. Qwi Xux has proven to be very resourceful," Tarkin assured. Vader had learned to trust in Tarkin's judgments. If Tarkin had faith in the scientist than Vader was satisfied.
"Tell the ship to proceed," Vader commanded.
Qwi Xux relayed the command to the pilot. They watched as the ship approached the black hole. Upon arrival, Vader had known at once that it was the gateway Sidious had spoken of. Dark tendrils of the Force fed into it, leading to a familiar presence that could only be his master. The ship stopped at the edge of the black hole's massive gravity field.
Black holes had always been viewed as a theoretical gateway to unexplored galaxies. Should this test prove successful, exploration and travel to new systems, where hyperspace was impractical, if not impossible, would ensure a new growth in the Empire's might. Earth was just the start. This new ship would mark the beginning of a new age. Vader was witnessing a historical event whose importance would outlast any Empire.
"What are we waiting for?" Vader asked impatiently.
"The black hole emits strong bursts of radiation at regular intervals. The ship is programmed to enter in-between these bursts. Though we've built the ship to withstand high amounts of radiation, there is no need in taking unnecessary risks."
Seconds later the ships engines lit as its boosters thrust it into the gravitational anomaly. It picked up incredible speed as the black hole sucked it in. In an instant the ship disappeared entirely.
Vader looked at the scientist expectedly. Qwi Xux, growing uncomfortable under his gaze finally spoke up.
"We've lost all communication with the ship. We won't regain contact until it reemerges from the black hole."
"Will that take long?" Vader asked.
"The pilot was instructed to take pictures before coming back. The whole process should take a matter of minutes. That is assuming of course that the pilot did not travel ahead in time. If that is the case he could reemerge hundreds, even thousands of years in the future."
Vader didn't like the sound of that. "Is it possible to travel back to the original time of departure?"
Qwi Xux let out a musical laugh as she found the question amusing. "That would depend on the technology of the future; on whether or not they've discovered time travel."
"Come my friend, there's no point in watching water boil," Tarkin said, leading Vader away from the viewpoint. "I wish to know more about the Emperor's situation."
"I have already told you all that I know," Vader barked. Waiting for a ship that may not return frustrated him beyond words. He hated situations he could not control.
"I know you've told me about this new planet. What you haven't told me, is of the man who now inhabits the Emperor's body," he paused and gauged Vader's reaction. "And his escape with Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Rage welled up in Vader as he looked at Tarkin. "Who told you that?"
"I'm afraid that Admiral Saxton was a nephew of mine. Naturally I needed to know the true nature surrounding his death."
"He failed. It was important that he be made an example of to prevent further incompetence from other officers."
"No need to explain yourself, my friend," Tarkin assured. "These things can't become personal when it pertains to the safety of our Emperor. I would have done the same thing were I in your shoes. The question I have is how do you propose to get this imposter in our Emperor's body back?"
"My master has assured me that he will deal with Kenobi himself when the time comes. He is able to regain control of his body anytime he wishes."
"And should they decided to kill him first? Surely without a body to return to..."
"They would have killed him already if that was their intention," Vader interrupted. "Obi-Wan's weakness is that he follows the teachings of the Jedi Order. It would go against his principals to kill an innocent man."
"Surely they don't consider the man responsible for eliminating the Jedi Order as innocent?" Tarkin scoffed.
"No, but they do consider the man inhabiting his body innocent. We needn't worry about our Emperor's safety," Vader said. He began strolling back to the observation deck.
"Has the ship returned?"
"No yet my lord," Qwi Xux said.
Moments later they heard a burst of static as a flash of light emerged from the black hole. The ship returned to view.
"This is alpha-echo 138 to base. The test flight was successful. Full photo scan transmitting now."
"Acknowledged alpha-echo 138. Photo scans received. All systems look good. You may return to base."
Vader and Tarkin approached a holo projector as images of the new galaxy came to life. Qwi Xux joined them, a computer flimsy in hand.
According to the scan, there are very few inhabitable systems in the region. There is a system here," she pointed to a yellow star surrounded by ten planets. "The third planet has a large amount of water and a self contained atmosphere. There were a large number of radio signals coming from it and primitive satellites orbiting it. There also appears to be a very primitive space station."
The image zoomed in on the planet.
"That is the planet, I am sure of it," Vader said.
"We have decoded the radio signals we received and will play one if you wish," she said, her blue eyes gazing fearfully at his mask.
"You may proceed."
The holo-image changed to a three dimensional image of what appeared to be living quarters. Two middle aged men, one tall and thin, the other short and bald with ocular glasses on his face were talking. 'Jerry, do you think I'm getting balder?' asked the short man in a panicky voice. 'Actually, I think that's impossible' replied the other sarcastically. Suddenly the door burst open and a third man with messy hair slid into the room. 'Hey buddy!' the man said. He then waked into what appeared to be a room for food preparation and opened a white box. 'Umm, Jerry, you're out of milk.' 'I believe that's because you drank it all,' Jerry replied.
"Enough of this nonsense," Vader commanded. "Now that we have found the system we will begin making our preparations."
Obi-Wan woke as the snake like vehicle came to a stop. Standing, he winced as his stomach burned. Despite the healing techniques he applied to himself through the Force, the wound was slow to heal. During his journey he had searched the crates in the compartment and had found some clothing he thought suitable. The pants were a comfortable blue material that was rugged and tough. The long sleeved shirt buttoned up the middle and was a light green. Having found a belt, he tucked in the shirt and felt quite comfortable. Upon further searching he found a pair of comfortable laced shoes with a curved logo on the side. The fit was snug and light on his feet. If nothing else, the people of Earth knew how to make practical clothing.
Emerging from the top of the train he looked around. Tracks and snake-cars were seen for miles around. He needed to get his bearings. Who knew where he was and how far out of the way the vehicle may have taken him?
Jumping to the ground, he headed for a nearby building. A man shouted to him as he neared it.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing? You can't be here! This is private property!"
Obi-Wan turned towards the voice. A tall man with broad shoulders and a thick neck approached him.
"You can't be here!" The man repeated.
"I'm sorry. I think I'm lost. How do I get out of here?"
The man gave Obi-Wan a strange look that quickly changed to annoyed anger. "Did you hitch a ride on one of our trains?"
The man looked Obi-Wan up and down. "Where did you get those clothes? They look awfully new. You're coming with me."
The man grabbed Obi-Wan firmly by the arm and began dragging him towards the building. "I'm going to call the police. You can be their problem."
"You do not want to call the police," Obi-Wan said, waving his hand in the air.
"Oh yes I do. I don't tolerate transients."
Obi-Wan sighed. Why does everything have to be done the hard way on this planet?
"I'm quite sorry about this," Obi-Wan said before placing a hand on the man's shoulder. Instantly the man passed out. Obi-Wan recalled when his master Qui-Gon Jinn had applied the same technique to Jar Jar Binks aboard the underwater bongo sub on Naboo.
Dragging the man behind a nearby crate, Obi-Wan took off in a sprint, knowing the effects would soon wear off. He soon found a nearby road. In the distance he could see a vehicle, that Brian had called a car, approaching. Waving his arms he stepped into its path. The car came to a gradual halt and a dark skinned man with a mustache lowered the window and leaned out.
"Need a ride man?"
"Yes, if you don't mind," Obi-Wan said with a smile.
"Sure, get in," the man said, returning the smile. He leaned over and unlocked the passenger door. Obi-Wan opened it and got in.
"Where you headed?" The man asked.
"Well, ultimately I need to get to Washington D.C."
The man let out a hardy laugh that Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile to. "You're a long way off from there. I'm headed to Jacksonville myself, will that do?"
Obi-Wan remembered the instructions the prisoner in the neighboring cell had given; Jacksonville was one of the cities he'd named. "Jacksonville will do just fine."
"Good. My name's Marcus by the way," the man said, offering his hand.
Shaking it Obi-Wan replied, "I'm Ben. Pleased to meet you."
Marcus smiled. "Yeah, you too Ben. You too."
The Star Tamer lazily orbited Dagobah. Trevor looked out the view port in childish glee, laughing in spite of himself. Sonia gave him a look of disgusted anger.
"Where too?" She barked.
"I don't know, where do you recommend?"
"Hey! This ain't no pleasure cruise! You've kidnapped me and hijacked my ship!"
Trevor laughed, fueling her rage even further.
"You know Red? You're awfully cute when you're angry," he said with a wink.
"Go to hell!"
"Hey, I'm new to all this planet hopping. I don't know what's out there. Take me to a place that's fun, where I can let loose. I've been locked away for way too long."
"You want to let loose? Okay, I know just the place," she said, flashing a dry smile.
"Cool! But hey, you're not fudging with me are you?"
"Don't worry, you're in the body of my friend. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize his welfare."
"Good. Well, let's go!" He said leaning back in his seat, flashing what he must have assumed was his best smile. Sonia felt it was extremely creepy, especially considering that it came from Obi-Wan's face.
"We'll go just as soon as you leave the cockpit. Get in the lounge and buckle up," she ordered.
"What? I don't think so, I'm staying…."
"Then we're not going anywhere. You can kill me now, but then you won't have anyone to fly this ship."
Trevor seemed to think it over before getting up with a sigh. "Fine Red, we'll do it your way. You don't want me learning to fly, and I don't blame you. You're right, you are disposable and if flying this thing makes you feel safe than so be it. Just remember, if you screw me over, I won't hesitate to kill you in the most painful way imaginable; and trust me, I'm a professional. I can be very creative."
"Get in the back," she said coldly, looking straight ahead.
As soon as he was settled in the lounge she began entering the coordinates; a moment later the view port lit up as the Tamer launched into hyperspace.
Mark sat in his room, or at least the shell of what used to be his room. Stripped bare of all furniture, posters, television, computer, toys and gadgets, only a bare mattress and a blanket remained. The window was boarded shut and his door was locked from the outside.
During the past few days he'd learned the true meaning of hell on earth as his father, or Darth Quietus as he insisted Mark call him, monitored his every move. Bathroom breaks, meals, even baths were supervised under his careful gaze. Mark sensed that his father's constant monitoring was motivated by more than just the fear of him trying to escape. It was almost as if he was watching for something, a sign that Mark was changing; that Mark was developing the same gifts and traits that his father possessed.
Mark knew that if he tried hard enough, he too could use the Force. His intuition had changed dramatically since Brian's arrival. He found that he could feel the world around him in ways he never knew possible. He could even read his father's thoughts on occasion. These sensations were only enhanced when he was under emotional duress. Mark feared this new power. He'd seen what it had done to his father and did not want to follow down the same path. The only comfort he found was that he knew this power could be used for good; he'd overheard Brian's discussion of the Jedi. Though he knew little of the Jedi ways, he knew they were hated by the Sith. By having a common enemy, Mark saw the Jedi as an ally.
Within the quiet solitude of his room, bored out of his mind, Mark began to practice meditation. Concentrating on his awakened senses, he touched the Force and began familiarizing himself with it. He knew his father and Brian would be able to feel his growth in the Force, therefore he decided to block them out if possible. Reaching out, he would find them and then mentally visualize a brick wall, cutting them off from his mind. Each time he meditated he would throw the wall up; reinforcing it as his connection to the Force grew stronger. On one occasion he felt the wall begin to give way as cracks formed under the strain. Brian and his father both attacked it with the ferocity of a sledgehammer. In the end they gave up, never realizing how close the wall had come to crashing down. After that they left him alone. Mark sensed his father's aggravation but he also felt Brian's approval. If not for Brian, his father would have put an end to it long ago.
Mark got up and stretched his legs. It was almost time for his evening meal. His father would come in, give him his food, and then sit, watching Mark eat. Afterwards he would march him into the bathroom where Mark would have to relieve himself under his father's watchful eye. Then it would be back to his room where the door would be locked for the night.
He looked at his watch - 7:00. Like clockwork, his door opened and his father entered food in hand.
"You've been meditating again. Master Sidious is pleased with your progress. He says you will make a powerful Sith one day."
Mark knew it would be better to keep his comments to himself so he took the food and began to eat.
"Your principal called. He wants to know why you haven't been in school. I informed him that you would be home taught from now on."
Mark glared at his father but kept on eating. He only had ten minutes to finish.
"It doesn't really matter. Soon things will change. You'll receive the best education in the Empire. Your mind will be opened to a whole new universe. In time you will come to appreciate the gift that Master Sidious is bringing us."
Mark's father paused, a weary smile breaking on his face. For the first time in weeks Mark could almost see his father again, not Darth Quietus.
"You know son, everything I've done in the past few weeks has been for you. Locking you in here has been for you own good. I know you don't understand that and I don't blame you. You still have much to learn. We both do. I promise you that in time you will see that all this was necessary. I love you son, never doubt that."
For the first time Mark felt the inclination to speak. Tears blurred his vision. A lump in his throat made it painful to swallow the food in his mouth.
"If you love me then you'll stop all of this! Can't you see what you're becoming? I know that Brian has taught you how to use the Force but you don't have to use it for evil! And that is just what you're doing dad, you're becoming, this… This… This monster! Please! Stop now before all the good in you dies and you become incapable of love, incapable of being human!"
Mark watched his father's expression. He looked down in shame, as Mark's words seemed to pierce him deeply. For a split second Mark thought his father would heed his words. For a split second Mark thought he would win his father back. The second passed and he felt his father change, sinking back into himself as Darth Quietus emerged. His father's eyes went cold as they gazed into his.
"Times up," he said as he snatched up what remained of Mark's meal. "You have five minutes to use the bathroom then it's bedtime. No more meditation tonight. If you're not asleep in the next fifteen minutes there will be hell to pay."
Without a work, Mark got up. Mentally he threw the brick wall up as five words began to play in his head - I love you too dad.
Obi-Wan sat in silence as he observed the new world. The sun sank low as shadows began to stretch and lengthen. Trees bordered both sides of the road they traveled, yielding to the occasional building or farm. Strange animals could be seen grazing green fields and pastures.
Music pulsed through the vehicle. A band, that Marcus had called Muse, played hauntingly aggressive melodies that Obi-Wan surprisingly liked. He found it both peculiar and unique. Never had he heard such music in his travels and found the poetic singing even more intriguing. Emotions swirled through him as he listened; something he rarely felt when listening to music.
"Indian summer," Marcus said, turning down the radio.
"Pardon?" Obi-Wan said as he acknowledged the driver.
"Indian summer. The weather will be cooling down soon, though in Florida that just means no shorts for a month."
Obi-Wan nodded out of respect though he had no clue what Marcus was talking about.
"So, where bouts are you from Ben?"
"Oh, quite far from here. You've probably never heard of it," he casually replied.
"Yeah, I could kind of tell by your accent. England? Or are you Scottish? You definitely have a European influence in your voice."
"England," Obi-Wan bluffed.
"I thought so. I've never been there myself, though I've been to Spain, beautiful country. Have you ever been there?"
"No, I can't say I have," Obi-Wan admitted.
Marcus nodded. "Yeah, I enjoyed it, but not as much as Australia. I've been there twice. I was just there this past spring in fact."
"I haven't been there either," he said.
"I was there the week they began shooting the new Superman movie. They had converted downtown Sydney to look like Metropolis. They could only film on the weekends so they wouldn't disrupt daily traffic. I had to leave on the Friday before they started so I missed it. Are you a big Superman fan?"
"No, I can't say I am," Obi-Wan said. The more Marcus talked the more confused he felt. It struck him just how little he knew of Earth's culture.
"I loved the old Christopher Reeve movies but I've always been a huge Batman fan myself. It's a shame about him dying. I heard that they wanted him to have a cameo."
"Yeah, that was a shame." He paused akwardly before attempting to change the supbject. "So Marcus, what do you do?"
"Oh I work for UPS. Not much to tell you about it. I've been there for fifteen years; I'm full time now. The pay's not bad. What about you? What kind of work do you do?"
"Well I was forced into retirement about five years ago," he said.
"Really? You look kind of young to be retired. What did you do?"
"I was sort of an instructor," he said, trying to stay as close to the truth as he could.
"Teacher huh? What subjects?"
"A little of everything."
"And they forced you to retire? You could probably get a job at one of the schools here," Marcus said with a smile.
"Well I didn't teach in a class room setting. It was more individual instruction."
Marcus nodded. "You probably made a lot of money doing that. So what happened?"
"Well, a former pupil of mine decided he didn't agree with my point of views. He saw to it that my method of teaching was outlawed."
"Oh." Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "So what have you been doing since then?"
"Not a whole lot. A few odd jobs here and there on the local farms near my home."
"That's cool. I've never worked on a farm."
"You're not missing much, I can assure you," Obi-Wan stressed.
They rode in silence a bit longer before Marcus revived the conversation.
"Did you hear about the prison break in Raiford? I heard there was one hell of a riot."
"I did hear something about it, yes," he said, growing uncomfortable.
"They said Trevor Cook escaped. I remember reading about his trial. He was convicted for murdering his whole family. Apparently he went nuts when he found his wife in bed with some dude. First he tracked the guy down and tortured him for three days before killing him. Then he went home and killed his wife and kid. The wife I can see, but an innocent kid? Apparently they weren't the first people he'd killed either. They claimed he was responsible for the murders of close to twenty other people but could never prove it. It's a wonder that he didn't get the death penalty."
Obi-Wan felt a panic begin to grow in his gut as he realized just how dangerous the man he inhabited was. He knew Master Yoda could handle the situation but that did little to relieve his concern. He could only imagine what would happen should the man learn to use the Force.
"You know, it's kind of scary, but you look a little like him. I mean, I can tell you're not him. I have a good instinct about these things. I've always been able to read people and I sense no malice in you whatsoever. That's why I offered you a lift. Normally I'd have kept on driving."
"You are strong in the Force," Obi-Wan said before realizing what he'd said.
"The Force?" Marcus looked confused.
"It's an old saying where I come from," he said, trying to cover himself. "It means you have a good intuition."
"Strong in the Force. I'll have to remember that," he said thoughtfully.
Sidious and Quietus sat in deep meditation as their minds connected. Through the Force they reached out to Vader, calling for his attention.
"What is thy bidding my master?"
"Lord Vader, what is the progress on the new ship? Has it been tested?"
"It has. The ship successfully traveled the black hole's void and emerged in the galaxy in which your planet is located. A visual scan indicates its location near a yellow sun."
"That is good news my friend. You have done well. How goes your preparation for invasion?"
Sidious sensed Vader's hesitation.
"It will be difficult my master. The ship is not large enough for a proper invasion crew. The most we could send is a group of twenty."
"I have foreseen this problem. We will have to bring in one squadron at a time. It will be time consuming but I foresee this planet falling easily. Send the first crew immediately. As they approach the planet have them set their coordinates for 300.997. Instruct them to cloak the ship; I do not want to alert the Earth's militaries. Their weapons are primitive but effective."
"As you wish. I will personally pilot the ship."
"No Lord Vader, you must stay. A new problem has surfaced, a disturbance in the Force. As of yet, I know not what, but I have foreseen that it will make itself known soon."
"I have sensed no such disturbance my master," Vader said.
"You will, Lord Vader. You must keep an eye out for it."
"Yes my master. I will finish the preparations. The ship will depart within a day's time."
"Good. I will contact you soon," Sidious paused. "I have one last request Lord Vader."
"Yes my master."
"Send me my lightsaber, as well as a spare. The time will soon come that I'll need them."
Yoda opened his eyes. His head hurt terribly and his stomach was bruised.
"Master, you're awake."
Yoda turned to find Brian sitting close by. They were now in his hut. Nearby, a fire lazily cooked their evening meal. Sitting up he winced in pain.
"You should take it easy Master. Here, I'll get you some food."
Brian ladled the stew into a bowl and gently handed it to Yoda.
"Thank you my Padawan," he said weakly. He tasted the stew and smiled. "A good cook you do make."
"I was worried about you Master. You've been out for several hours."
"Not as young as I once was," Yoda said. Slowly the fog in his head began to lift.
"I know the feeling," Brian said in a halfhearted joke.
"Taken her he has," Yoda said with a look of defeat.
"There's nothing we can do but continue my training. The sooner I can get my body back, the sooner Obi-Wan can return."
"Much truth and wisdom do you speak. Save her only Obi-Wan can."
"Master, I think I'm ready. I was able to block Sidious out during my last meditation. I think I'm strong enough to succeed."
Yoda's eyes widened in amusement. "Ready? Much to learn you still have. Strong the Emperor is. Difficult the extraction will be. Strong enough you are not."
"I want to try. I know I can do it," Brian said defiantly.
Yoda sighed. "Try it you may, but beware. Catch Sidious off guard you must. If knows he does what you wish to attempt, stop you he will."
Brian nodded. "I will not let you down."
"Letting me down should not be your worry. Trust in the Force; let it be your strength. Ready are you?"
"Yes Master."
Yoda approached Brian and sat across from him. Together they closed their eyes and began to meditate. Using the Force as their guide, they followed the bond that led to Sidious. Cold darkness enveloped them as they soon found themselves in the presence of the dark lord.
Using the shielding techniques he had learned, Brian remained hidden as he approached his polar being. Pausing for a second, he gathered the Force into him before lowering his defenses. In an instant Sidious became aware but Brian was on the attack. In a tugging match they struggled as Brian ripped and tore at Sidious, forcing him out of his body. For a moment no one occupied it as they wrestled in an attempt to regain control.
Brian felt a paralyzing wave of hate pulse through his being as Sidious threw all his might behind the attack. With a primal scream Brian threw all his will and strength into his own.
The emperor's body flew out of Yoda's hut and slammed into the marsh beyond. Yoda ran to the body, lightsaber in hand and prepared to attack as he waited to see who occupied it.
"Brian! Where have you been? I've been waiting for you."
Brian looked at Sarah's pouting face and felt his heart leap. "Sarah? What are you doing here?"
"I've been waiting for you for hours! We had a date, remember?" Her frown deepened as she began to grow concerned. "You're acting strange. Is everything okay?"
Brian tried to clear his head but the harder he fought, the foggier it grew. "I don't know."
He shook his head in an effort to clear it. Sarah gently placed her palm on his forehead.
"You're warm. Come inside and sit down for a while. I'll get you something cool to drink," she said as she gently took his hand and led him into her home. She led him to a couch and made him sit. He looked around as she left the room. He could hear her movements in the kitchen as she prepared his drink.
What's going on? He tried to remember the events of the last few hours but nothing would come to him.
"Here," she said as she returned to the room. She handed him a glass of water and then sat down next to him. "I understand if you want to cancel our date. I have to confess though; I've looked forward to seeing you all week. Ever since you asked me out I couldn't keep my mind on anything else."
Sarah's cheeks deepened into a bright red as she spoke. She boldly glanced into his eyes and smiled warmly, waiting for him to respond.
"Sarah, I," he began before realizing that she was leaning in to kiss him. Her lips touched his briefly before pulling back.
"What's wrong?" He asked as he observed a sudden look of horror on her face. She stood up and stumbled back, raising a hand to her mouth as she gasped.
"Your face," she said in barely a whisper, her voice quivering in fear.
Brian sat motionless as he tried to comprehend. Slowly he raised his hand to his face and felt it. Where smooth skin had once been it was now wrinkled and callused. His eyes felt sunken and his forehead protruded in a Neanderthal scowl.
"Sarah," he began in a voice he realized was not his own. He got up, hand extended, trying to comfort her.
"Get away from me!" She shrieked.
Brian paused, lowering his hand. "I'm sorry."
"Get out! Leave! Get out you… you freak!" She backed away further.
Defeated and heartbroken he turned away from her. He walked to the door and opened it, only to see nothing beyond. A dark void waited him to enter it, waiting to swallow him whole.
"Get out!" She screamed again, this time more forcefully.
"But I can't. Look!" He pointed at the dark void.
Sarah's face contorted with rage as she boldly walked to him. "I said get the hell out!"
She shoved him with surprising strength. He stumbled back, through the door, into the nothingness beyond.
The Emperor's body gasped and its eyes opened. Yoda stood nearby, observing the man as he woke. He sighed as a familiar presence came to him. His lightsaber, moments earlier hissing to life in his intense grip, shut off and returned to his belt. He approached the man and sympathetically gazed into his face.
"Alright are you?" He asked.
"I failed," Brian responded, with a deep sadness that Yoda could feel.
"A valiant effort you made. Underestimated your strength I did."
Brian slowly sat up, his muscles sore from the assault. "I wasn't strong enough. I'll never be able to do it. He's too strong, and the stronger I get, the stronger he grows in return."
"Wait for Obi-Wan we must. With his help, only then can you succeed."
Brian nodded sadly. Images from his dream flashed through his mind. Sarah.
"Revealed your thoughts are. On a young lady they dwell. Tell me, love her do you?"
Brian regarded the Jedi Master in surprise, a smile breaking on his face for the first time.
"I don't know. I was always too afraid to ask her out, on a date I mean."
"Worried for her you are," Yoda said.
Brian nodded. "She was there when Sidious and I switched places. I don't know what happened to her. If he did anything to hurt a hair on her head…"
He stopped, calling the Force into him in an effort to calm his anger. A moment later he continued.
"I guess you could say that if I've ever loved a women, than it would be her."
Yoda nodded, allowing Brian to express his feelings. He felt the conflicted emotions the woman brought.
"Love, a wonderful thing it can be. Powerful. Dangerous if misused, if selfish the love is. Tell me. Sacrifice her would you, if the Force required?"
"I could never do anything to hurt her Master," Brian replied. "I don't think I understand what you mean by sacrifice."
"Could you let her go, let her be one with the Force if that were what's required?"
"I'd never let my own selfish needs get in the way of her happiness."
"No, I speak not of happiness. Of death I speak. If the Force required that she die, tell me, what you would do?"
"I would do what I could to save her. I couldn't just stand back and watch her die," Brian said, growing annoyed with the conversation.
"Sacrifice others to save her?" Yoda asked, watching him carefully.
"No, I mean," he sighed. "I would try to save her as long as it wasn't at the expense of others. If I had to let her go I would."
Yoda nodded, satisfied. "Good. Unselfish love, pure that is; approve of such I do. Ask her out you should."
Brian's jaw dropped as he watched the Jedi Master turn and walk back to the hut.
The Star Tamer emerged from hyperspace, coming to halt near the Raii-Tjn system.
During the flight Sonia had kept to herself in the cockpit while Trevor entertained himself in the back. Several times during the trip she could hear him laughing as he discovered something else he found fascinating. Sonia lost interest in keeping up with his antics, no long fearing he would break something. What did it matter anyways? He was going to either ditch her or kill her. As much as she admired Obi-Wan, she would do what she had to. If forced to, she would kill this Trevor.
"Hey! I see we've stopped!" He said excitedly as he came into the cockpit. "So are you going to tell me where we are or do I have to guess?"
She glared at him with fire in her eyes. "We're going to a planet called Raii-Tjn. It has a little bit of everything a guy like you might want - gambling, drinking, women of all species," she paused, her face hinting a smile. "Men. The Empire has no presence there and thankfully the gangs who run the system are rivals of the Hutts so we should be safe as long as you behave yourself."
"What is the Empire and who are the Hutts?" He asked as he settled into the copilot's chair.
Sonia rolled her eyes as she began explaining about the Empire and how she and Obi-Wan, whose body he now inhabited, were wanted for treason.
"As for the Hutts, well let's just say I use to work for them. It wouldn't be a good idea for me to go anywhere near them at this time."
"Okay then. Let's get this party started! If you treat me right Red, than I just might let you live."
"Stop calling me that! And you'd better not use any of your powers down there. Force users have a high ransom on their head, dead or alive. You get to showing off and you'll have an army of bounty hunters on you before you can say Wookie."
Trevor laughed as finished.
"Did I say something that amused you?" She spat.
"Everything you do amuses me Red," he winked.
"Get in the lounge. You know the rules. I don't fly unless you're in the back," she said as she gazed straight ahead, refusing to look at him, less she should kill him.
He got up and walked back to the lounge, laughing as he went.
Moments later the Star Tamer began its decent into Raii-Tjn's atmosphere.
Marcus cursed under his breath as the traffic began to slow to a sudden stop.
"What's going on?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, it's probably an accident. Must be a pretty big one. There's no traffic in the west bound lanes."
Obi-Wan pondered the nature of the accidents that must occur should these vehicles lose control. Even at the relatively slow rate of speed that they traveled, in comparison with most speeders he'd seen, they were poorly built and would likely sustain great damage upon impact.
Obi-Wan watched in amusement as Marcus rolled down his window and stuck his head out in an attempt to see what lay ahead.
"See anything?" Obi-Wan asked after Marcus reemerged into the vehicle.
"Well, it's hard to tell. I saw a lot of flashing lights, which is normal in an accident, but I could only see police cars and nothing else."
"What does that mean?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, I suppose it could be a road block."
"Why would they block the road?"
Marcus laughed. "Don't they have roadblocks in England? It means they wish to search every vehicle as it goes by. They're probably looking for Trevor Cook."
Obi-Wan began to grow nervous as the car inched its way along.
"Marcus, there's something I need to tell you."
Marcus looked at Obi-Wan and waited.
"Well, I'm not sure where to begin really. I mean, what I have to say is pretty hard to believe."
"What is it?" Marcus asked, his voice hinting concern.
"Well, to put it bluntly, I'm not who you think I am. I mean, I am who you think I am, I just don't look like I should."
"Huh?"
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and sighed. "Even I don't know what I'm talking about."
"Hold on Ben," Marcus said as they reached the roadblock.
Obi-Wan nervously waited as a police officer waved them to a stop and approached.
"Evening officer," Marcus said. "How can I help you?"
"Sorry for any inconvenience. We're looking for an escaped fugitive."
"From Raiford. Trevor Cook," Marcus said.
"That's right," the officer confirmed before leaning in. He looked at Obi-Wan and stopped.
Obi-Wan could sense the man's tension. The officer's arm slowly lowered to his waist, reaching for his weapon.
"I am not the man you're looking for," Obi-Wan said, waving his hand before the officer's face.
"You're not the man I'm looking for."
"You may go about your business," Obi-Wan said.
"You may go about your business," the officer repeated.
"Move along."
"Move along," the officer said, standing up and waving them through.
Marcus just sat there for a moment, his face a look of total confusion.
"Go Marcus," Obi-Wan pleaded.
As if waking from a dream, Marcus began moving the vehicle. Obi-Wan glanced back as the officer ignored them and began searching the next vehicle.
"What just happened?" Marcus asked.
"We need to talk," Obi-Wan said.
"You are him, aren't you?" Marcus said in a panic filled voice.
"In a manner of speaking. But it's not like you think."
"Than what is it, Ben? Or should I say Trevor? You're not going to kill me are you?"
"Marcus, calm down," Obi-Wan commanded. "I'm not going to kill you. It's like I was trying to tell you. I am not who I appear to be."
"Than who are you?"
"I'm Ben. I haven't lied to you. Everything I've told you is the truth, from a certain point of view."
"That doesn't make any sense! From a certain point of view?"
"Let me start at the beginning. I am from a far off place, but it is not England. I'm from a different galaxy. I have traded bodies with Trevor Cook. He's locked safely away, inhabiting my body."
Marcus just shook his head. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about."
"I came here because a very evil man from my universe has managed to switch bodies with a man here, from Earth. I had to come here to stop him and his plans for taking over the planet. He and the Earth man are psychically linked, just as Trevor Cook and I are linked."
"Friend, I don't really understand what you're talking about. I know you're telling the truth though, or at least think you are. I just can't get caught up in something like this. I could have been thrown in prison for a long time just for giving you a ride! I hope you understand, but… Well you need to find another ride."
Marcus pulled into the emergency lane and stopped.
"I understand, and I'm sorry for the trouble. I appreciate all the help you've given me," Obi-Wan said with sincerity.
Marcus only nodded.
Obi-Wan opened the door and got out. "Thanks again," he said before closing the door. He stood back as he watched Marcus drive away.