Chapter 8 - Complications
The dark vastness of space gave way to the empty void of the black hole as alpha-echo 138, aka 'Fuzzy', piloted the Empire's newest spacecraft, now dubbed the Cosmos Sprinter. Within the ship, a squad of specially trained Storm Troopers nervously waited to enter the void. Light pulsed through the black hole as cosmic dust disintegrated into bursts of radiated energy.
"Cosmos Sprinter, all systems are reading normal. Proceed when ready," Qwi Xux's said, her musical voice echoing through the cockpit.
"Acknowledged base. Beginning calculations now," Fuzzy responded. He began making the calculations for entry in the ship's inboard computer. The ship hummed softly as it began scanning the black hole, monitoring all radiation activity. Seconds later a counter began as the ship prepared to enter.
"Calculations finished. Entry will begin in minus 0-Five."
Despite having already traveled through the monstrous void, Fuzzy couldn't help but feel the flutter of nervous butterflies as he waited for the ship to enter. He braced himself as the countdown finished and the counsel light flickered the final warning before the ship launched forward.
Instantly the darkness before him gave way to a blur of stars that quickly came into focus as the ship exited the black hole in the Earth's galaxy. Fuzzy let out the breath he'd unknowingly held.
"That's it gentlemen, we're through the black hole and will be arriving at the new system at thirteen-fifty hours," he announced into the ships intercom. Almost instantly he could hear relief set in as his passengers began nervous chatter.
He programmed the coordinates he'd been given, as per Vader's instruction, into the autopilot. Settling back into his seat he took advantage of the opportunity to relax.
Within a matter of hours they would reach the Earth's atmosphere.
The Star Tamer settled into the hanger and cut its engines. Its ramp hissed as it opened, creating fog as the ship's cool climate controlled air mingled with the warm, humid air of Raii-Tjn. A moment later, Travis briskly strolled down the ramp, followed closely by a sulking Sonia.
"Where to Red?" Travis asked, flashing another annoying smile.
Sonia sighed as she dreaded the task of 'babysitting' the very man who had kidnapped her.
"Wherever the hell you want to go," she barked, thinking of a few choice places. "I don't know what you want to do."
"Well, you said there was gambling here, right? Do you have any money?"
Rolling her eyes she wondered if she could get away with lying, but thought better of it. It'd be wise to stay on his good side. If she pissed him off he might ditch her, if not kill her. The last thing they needed was this maniac running around unsupervised.
"Yeah, I have some you can use, but I say how much. You don't know how our currency works so you'll need me around to explain it."
"Don't you worry Red, I won't let you out of my sight," he said with a wink and a toothy grin. "Lead the way!"
As she began walking he slapped her on her bottom. She glared at him and he winked again.
"Listen! You may have 'kidnapped' me but that doesn't give you the right to touch me! IF YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN I WILL KILL YOU!" She threatened through clenched teeth.
"Whoo-hoo! That's the fire I love about you red heads! We are going to have some good times, aren't we Red?"
Without realizing what she was doing she slapped him. Her hand throbbed and she loved it. It took everything she could not to do it again, this time fist closed. She waited for him to react; she was sure he would hit her back, if not kill her. Those reactions she could handle, even respect. What she couldn't handle was the smile that broke on his face.
"You are a pistol, I tell you what," he laughed. "Well? What are you waiting for? Let's get going!"
She didn't move, her face snarling into a vicious scowl as she fought to contain herself. He patiently waited with his toothy grin as she wrestled her rage. Finally she closed her eyes and breathed deep. Without another word she turned and began walking.
As they exited the hanger along an elevated walkway, Trevor found himself in awe with the sight they beheld. Raii-Tjn was a vastly populated system, similar to Coruscant in many respects. Buildings could be seen for miles around. Walkways and catwalks connected the buildings, created a complicated highway of pedestrian traffic. Above the buildings, speeders flew to various destinations. Behind them, ships approached the hanger, many much larger and more luxurious than the Star Tamer. Trevor ran to the edge of the walkway and leaned over the railing, eager to see what lay on the surface. To his surprise the buildings protruded from a large forest that covered the entire system.
"So this planet is a big forest? And they just build the buildings dead smack in the middle of it?" He eagerly asked.
"Yeah, that's why they built the walkways. They figured it was the best way to preserve the natural resources. Rare herbs thrive in the forest. It's a big source of income for the planet."
Trevor laughed. "This place is a trip!"
Sonia gave him a funny look but held her tongue. "Common. The casinos are this way."
As they walked, Trevor laughed each time they encountered a different species. On more than one occasion she had to step in as an offended being demanded to know what he found so funny. Each time she had to beg their forgiveness for her 'simple' friend, as he didn't know better. This was often followed by advice to keep him out of public for his own good.
"Why do you do that?" He asked after a while.
"Look, you're drawing us a lot of unnecessary attention. In case you hadn't heard, we're wanted people. You're going to end up getting us both killed."
"You need to learn to relax Red, have a good time! I'm on vacation here and I don't need you dragging me down."
"You don't have to behave like an imbecile every time you see something new," she lectured. "I understand you come from a system populated only by humans with primitive technology and, whatever, but you need to act like an adult. Why do you laugh every time you see something?"
"Because I'm having a blast! I've never experience anything like this! You need to understand Red; I was in the joint for a long time. I haven't seen my own world much less all this!"
"What were you incarcerated for anyways?" She asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"I made the mistake of falling in love," he said, his face growing serious for the first time. "I don't think you want to know more than that."
"Fair enough," she said. "Just try acting a little more civilized. You start acting up in the casino and you won't have the legs to walk out on."
"Yes Mom," he said, flashing his now famous grin that she hated so much.
Biting her tongue she continued on.
'This is going to only get worse', she warned herself.
Obi-Wan walked down the dusty road, completely oblivious at to where he was headed. Things were not going as they had planned. He was very tempted to reclaim his body and to rethink a new strategy. The sun had long since set and the dark humid air was alive with the sounds of strange chirps and croaks. Tiny insects buzzed around his ears and bit his skin, leaving itchy whelps that were hard to ignore. On more than one occasion he would break into a run just to escape the unrelenting pests. To make matters worse, the sky had grown overcast and lighting rolled lazily in the sky as it threatened to rain.
"Blast! I never imagined I'd come to miss Tatooine! Even the swamps of Dagobah are more forgiving!"
Obi-Wan needed to find shelter. Unfortunately, the last building he'd seen was over an hour in the opposite direction. He'd seen only a few passing cars, but had been reluctant to ask for a ride after the trouble he'd almost caused for Marcus.
The trees that populated the forests bordering the road began to sway as a vicious wind cut through them in a baleful gust. Soon cool, fat droplets of water could be felt. It would only be a matter of minutes before the sky opened up. Obi-Wan needed to do something fast.
Breaking into a force-enhanced sprint, he traveled the road in hopes of finding a place to hide. Soon the random droplets turned into a light shower, followed by a heavy downpour that forced Obi-Wan to slow as the tiny beads of water stung his face.
"Blast! Blast! Blast! Blast! BLAST!" Obi-Wan shouted, loosing his temper for the first time since, well, since Qui-Gon's death. Unfortunately, now there was no Sith in which to direct his frustration.
Obi-Wan's shoes grew heavy, absorbing water, as the road became a shallow stream; the rain falling faster than the ground could absorb it. He began to shiver, as his clothes grew soggy. The sturdy blue pants grew uncomfortably tight and heavy and the dye in his shirt began to run, turning his skin a sickly green. He'd not been this wet since Kamino.
A car began approaching from the rear at a high rate of speed. Getting over as far as he dared, he waited for the vehicle to pass. A tidal wave of muddy water drenched him as the car noisily blared its horn. Obi-Wan glared as it streaked away; thoughts of what he'd like to do, but won't because he is too civilized for such activities, streamed through his mind.
"Well old boy, what are we going to do?" he asked himself. Suddenly he smiled as a thought occurred to him. "Well, I suppose it can't get much worse."
Suddenly the road was bathed in red and blue lights. Turning, Obi-Wan could see a police vehicle approaching him.
"Ah, I see. I spoke too soon."
Darth Sidious and his apprentice sat in the dark sedan. Parked in an empty parking lot, surrounded by old abandoned warehouses, they waited for the ship that would soon arrive. The warehouses, once a home for worthless street urchins, had been cleared out by the two Sith with relatively little problem. Quietus had gassed up the building's power generator and started its noisy engine as they made preparations for the invasion army that would soon occupy it. The building was cluttered with all manner of trash and smelled awful, but that concerned them little. The troopers could clean their new home. After all, they would have little to do until more troops arrived. Once a decent army had been gathered, they could begin making plans for the first phase in their invasion – the capture and occupation of the nation's capital and all its leaders. Soon other capitals would follow, as one by one the more powerful nations would fall under their command. In the end, other nations would bow down without a fight.
The sky above grew dark as a shadow cast over them. Looking up, a ship filled their vision. Quietus looked on with awe as Sidious smiled in delight. They both exited the vehicle as the ship settled.
The ships ramp opened and a squad of Storm Troopers exited in formation. The squad commander and the ship's pilot approached. Both gave pause as the viewed the two men, unsure of who they were. Both men were dressed in dark clothing with hooded robes that obscured their faces.
"Lord Emperor?" The squad commander asked.
"Yes," Sidious replied, stepping forward. The pilot and trooper bowed as the Emperor approached.
"You may rise," he commanded. "You have both done well. I am most pleased."
The commander rose and approached his emperor. "I was instructed by Lord Vader to give you these." He offered two lightsabers.
Sidious smiled as he retrieved the weapons. "Thank you my servant."
He admired the weapons, gripping one firmly and igniting it. The crimson blade lit his face in its eerie glow as he gracefully maneuvered it through the air. Switching it off he placed it in his robe. He handed the other to Darth Quietus who viewed the weapon with reverent awe.
"This is my apprentice, Lord Quietus. You will follow his commands," he told the trooper.
"Yes my lord," he replied.
Sidious turned to Quietus and nodded. His apprentice stepped forward and proceeded to instruct the troopers. Sidious turned to the pilot.
"You may return now and bring more troops. After you have retrieved three more squads, I wish you to bring a shipment of heavy artillery."
"Yes my Emperor," the pilot responded. "Four more ships have begun construction. Admiral Tarkin said to inform you that they will be ready for flight in three months."
"Excellent. All is going according to plan. You may go now."
The pilot bowed. Sidious returned to his apprentice who was busy supervising the unloading of weapons and supplies.
"Instruct them that no one sleeps until that warehouse is clean," he commanded.
"It will be done Master," Quietus acknowledged.
"Good. You will stay here and supervise. I will go back to the house and check on the boy. When the warehouse is finished, we will bring him there and set up our headquarters."
"Very well, my master."
Sidious smiled as he walked to the Sedan. One thought returned to his head as he drove away.
' Soon…'
Obi-Wan watched the flashing lights approach with a hint of panic in his gut. He waited with sad resignation for the police car to pull over. Maybe he could use a mind trick on them as he had with the officer at the roadblock. Somehow he doubted that all police were as weak minded. The vehicle's siren blared, causing Obi-Wan to jump. He realized with a surge of hope that the car was not slowing down. In fact, it appeared to be gaining speed. He braced himself for another tidal wave of muddy water as it sped past him in pursuit of the previous vehicle.
A smile broke on his face as he watched the lights fade into the distance. Drenched and muddy, this was the happiest he'd felt in hours.
"That was close," he muttered under his breath. "The problem still remains, however, that I have no idea where I am."
The rain had begun to let up and he noticed a break in the clouds above. Stars shone through the gaps, giving Obi-Wan a surge of deja vu. For a moment he could have been on any system looking up at a similar display of the heavens.
Reality set in as the wound on his stomach began to ache. Lifting his shirt, he could see signs of infection setting in. He needed to find a place to clean it. He also needed to find some dry clothes.
An hour passed before the trees gave way to a clearing with a house. The rain had long since stopped and the warm night air was thick with humidity. Obi-Wan dripped with perspiration and his wet clothes were beginning to chafe his skin. His feet ached from the wet shoes and his stomach now had the additional pangs that came with hunger; he had not eaten in nearly twenty-four hours.
The lone house was completely dark, with the exception of a porch light that attracted all manner of fluttering insects. As he approached, his Jedi senses told him the house was empty. He tried the door and it opened. Walking in, he looked around, using the force to enhance his night vision.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" He knew there wasn't, but he felt it proper to ask.
He removed his shoes, not wanting to track mud onto the floor. As he walked through the empty house he eventually found a room with a sink, bath and toilet. After noticing the lack of windows in the room he switched on the light. Removing the wet clothes, he got in the bath to wash the mud off his skin and hair. He'd not felt so dirty and miserable in years. The water was cool and refreshing.
After the bath, he toweled off and climbed out of the tub. Opening a cabinet by the sink he found a tube of white cream. Though he could read only a little of the Earth writing, he recognized the words 'for cuts and burns'. He applied the medicine to his cut, wincing as he touched the wound.
As he returned the tube to its place in the cabinet, his eyes rested on a box featuring a smiling woman with shiny black hair. Looking in the mirror he noticed the body he inhabited had blond hair. He removed the box and opened it, finding a bottle of black dye. After briefly examining the instructions, and the pictures that accompanied them, he decided to attempt coloring his hair.
He opened the bottle and squeezed the dye onto his head. The strong chemical smell made him gag and his eyes watered. He worked the dye into his hair and rinsed off his hands, which had turned a sickly shade of gray. Looking in the mirror he was satisfied that he'd applied it evenly to his entire scalp. The excess dye began running down his face. Panicking, he grabbed a small yellow towel featuring a blue songbird that was hanging by the sink. The dye was dripping faster than he could wipe it off. Looking down he could see black stains on the soft yellow rug.
"I guess there will be no hiding that I was here," he said with despair.
He climbed into the bath and turned on the water. Rinsing his head, he watched as the dark liquid splashed into the tub. Grabbing a bar of soap he rubbed his hair in an attempt to wash out the remaining dye. When he was satisfied that he'd rinsed it all, he turned off the water and again toweled off. Looking into the mirror he examined his now black hair. The color seemed to change his appearance completely.
He looked around the bathroom at the mess he'd made. The towels and rug were ruined. The tub was a mess. Sighing, he picked up his wet clothes and turned off the light.
Walking further into the house he found a bedroom. After a moment he spotted closet filled with clothing. Sorting through the garments, he found a comfortable, lose fitting shirt that would keep him cool and yet protect him from the elements. He also found a comfortable pare of slacks that were slightly too long in the length but perfect in the waist. Unfortunately he was unable to find any shoes that fit; he'd have to wear the soggy pair he'd come with. Feeling guilty, he laid his wet clothes on the floor before the closet, hoping they would compensate for the ones he'd taken. He felt bad for everything he had imposed on the strangers that lived there. He hoped that had they'd known the nature of his mission, one to save their planet from invasion of a tyrannical galactic Empire, they would feel inclined to help him out in any way the could.
Leaving the bedroom he found the kitchen. Searching the cold food preserver, he retrieved a plate with what appeared to be some type of fried meat, more than likely a bird of some sort. He also found a variety of fruit. Taking what he could carry, he decided the time had come to leave. Though he didn't believe in luck, he was taking a huge risk every moment he remained in the house.
Returning the muddy shoes to his feet, he again took to the rode, enjoying the meal as he walked. Comfortable and clean, he felt as if he could walk all night but knew he needed to find a place to rest.
After a while he came upon another house that was accompanied by a large structure for sheltering animals. Though he didn't like the idea of sleeping in such an environment, he knew it was better than nothing. Crossing the pasture, he entered the structure.
Inside he found many large animals with long, hairy necks and short, well-groomed hair. Though the smell was offensive, he was too tired to care. Finding an empty stall filled with some type of long, dried grass, he lay down and prepared to sleep. The soft, rhythmic chirping of insects outside soothed his nerves with hypnotic tranquility. The warm, softness of his makeshift bed seemed to carry him far away. Within moments Obi-Wan was asleep.
Trevor smiled as he entered the casino. Never in his wildest imagination could he have conceived such a place. Lights of every color flashed and glowed in every corner of the establishment. Beings of ever shape and size barked at each other in languages he'd never understand. Female waitresses, not all human, but not bad looking all the same, flashed him smiles as they trotted around in their little outfits that left little to the imagination. A band, featuring music that comically mixed aspects of bluegrass, rap and polka, played on a stage that the patrons seemed to ignore.
"Buy me a drink, hun?" Asked a blue-skinned woman with long antennas that draped around her shoulders.
"He's with me," Sonia barked to his dismay.
The woman gave him a pout-faced shrug and approached another man.
"I didn't think you cared Red," he said.
"Hey, I'm not buying that tramp a drink. We're in here to win money, not lose it."
"Fine by me. So where should we start?" He asked, rubbing his hands together.
"Well, how fast of a learner are you?" She asked.
"Oh I've hit the betting tables in Vegas, though that was nothing compared to this place."
"We'll start off at the sabbac tables. I'll play a few hands to get us started. Just watch me and pay attention."
"Got ya," he winked.
He followed her to the table and sat down.
"Just deal to me, he's only here to observe," she instructed the dealer.
He watched as strange cards were placed on the table. After a few games he began to see a pattern. He also noticed, to his delight, that he could read the thoughts of the dealer. After a few more hands he was sure he'd figured it out.
"I think I'm ready to play now," he said with a smile.
"Just don't lose too much of my money," she said.
Pala' Ostelle monitored the tables from the casino security room. Beings of every species were throwing away their money in the name of greed. Slowly the images changed, briefly highlighting each area. His eyes narrowed as they settled on the sabbac section.
"Stop. Zoom in on table thirteen," he instructed.
His eyes settled on a red headed couple that seemed to be doing very well. The woman he'd never seen before, but the man…
"Run a facial scan on the male," he said. "Lets just see if we can figure out who he is."
Instantly a file popped up.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
He turned to his security chief. "We have a situation."
"Is there any sign of the Cosmos Sprinter?" Vader asked with an air of impatience.
"No my lord. We expect to hear from them in the next hour," Qwi Xux replied.
"Inform me the moment it reemerges."
It was taking too long. The ship had been due hours ago. Vader's annoyance was further agitated by the fact that Sidious hadn't permitted him to fly the ship. Where was this 'disturbance' he'd spoken of?
"Lord Vader, you have an urgent call from a Pala' Ostelle."
"That name means nothing to me," Vader hissed as he turned to face the man unfortunate enough to relay the message.
"He… he says that he needs to speak with you concerning a Jedi; an Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Sonia watched in delight as Trevor won again.
"You know, you and Kenobi have more in common that I thought," she mused.
"Why Red, if I didn't know better, I'd swear that you were actually having a good time!" He said with his famous grin.
"Not that good a time," she said, though she didn't mean it. Even his toothy grin couldn't dampen her spirits. If he kept this up, she'd be rich.
The dealer began to sort the cards and paused, raising a hand to his ear as he listened to something. Sonia watched as the dealer flashed them a brief look, his eyes quickly dilating.
She leaned in close to Trevor and spoke into his ear. "We have trouble. We need to go now."
"No way Red! I'm on a roll!"
"They know who we are, we need to go now!" She insisted.
"You can go if you want. I'm staying. I've got enough money now that I don't need you. Go, and be thankful that I was in a generous mood."
"Fine!" She spat, getting up. She turned to leave and bumped into a large man.
"You're not going so soon are you?" The man asked with a menacing smile.
An instant later Trevor hit the floor, knocked unconscious by a dart.
"Lord Vader insists that you enjoy our facilities! He said to tell you that he'll be joining you shortly."
Darth Quietus watched silently as the first soldiers in the invasion army set up base. Without a word of complaint, they'd quickly set about cleaning the warehouse. Within a couple hours, they'd cleared the whole floor of garbage and debris. Soon after, they began setting up sleeping cots in an organized pattern. The setup reminded him of a military barrack. The cots were lined in rows with personal lockers at each foot.
A small office had been designated the command center. The squad commander and his first Lieutenant began setting up specialized equipment of a technology he'd never seen. A large table in the middle of the room depicted a holographic image of the entire city. Communication gear had been set up nearby; a holographic image of the spaceship's pilot appeared as they tested its reception. Quietus himself had set up a television, a police scanner and a laptop computer with a wireless Internet connection.
The squad commander approached him and bowed in respect. "Lord Quietus. We have finished setting up the command center. All equipment is working properly."
"Thank you commander. The Emperor will be pleased. I will contact him immediately with your report."
"Thank you Sir."
Reaching into his robe, he retrieved his cell phone and called his master.
"Yes Lord Quietus."
"Everything is set up and working properly," he reported.
"Very good. I will bring the boy."
"Yes my Master."
Fear, like a drug, surged through Mark's system, giving him strength while simultaneously draining it from his body. For the first time since Brian's arrival, his father was nowhere to be found. Never had the dark master and his apprentice been apart. Now, after hours of being away, Sidious had returned and his father hadn't. It took everything in Mark's power not to panic.
The door to his room opened and the light came on. Squinting, Mark sat up in his bed. Sidious, shrouded in a dark hooded robe, quietly approached.
"Get up boy," he commanded. "The time has come for us to leave. I trust you will give me no problems."
"Where's my dad?" He demanded.
"Oh, he is safe, you needn't worry. He is overseeing the preparation of our new base."
Mark groggily got out of bed and began to dress.
"No. You will wear this," the dark man instructed, tossing an outfit on the bed, accompanied by a pair of combat boots. The dark clothing strongly resembled a tae kwon do uniform. Mark gave Sidious a questioning look, only to receive an impatient glare.
"This is the proper uniform of a Sith."
Mark was sorely tempted to ask if he had any Jedi uniforms but wisely bit his tongue. He quickly dressed, feeling quite ridiculous. Afterwards, Sidious handed him the last accessory to his outfit, a dark hooded robe of his own.
"Put this on and wear the hood."
Mark did as instructed and followed the dark master out of the house and into the car.
"Darth Quietus and I discussed your growing sensitivity to the Force. It was agreed, after some discussion, that you should begin your training. Normally we would not allow another Sith to be trained, but we are going to make an exception with you. Your father's training is nearly complete. With the exception of his lightsaber skills, this is little more that he needs to learn. Darth Quietus will oversee the Empire's expansion and growth in this galaxy. You will stand by his side as his apprentice. Together you and he will rule in my proxy."
The promise of such power overwhelmed him. On one hand, Mark was horrified by the prospect of his world becoming a part of this mad man's Empire. On the other, he knew that under his rule, there was a greater chance of protecting his world, even saving it. In fact, he could make it better than it already was. Under his rule, with the guidance of the Force, he could undo the many wrongs that his own people had caused. War, famine, violence, needless death and destruction could all be eliminated under his powerful, yet just, hand.
No! He shouldn't think that way. There was no way he was going to let his planet fall into this Sith Lord's hands.
Mark had never felt so confused in his life.
Sidious began laughing. "I feel the conflict in you boy. The promise of power is intoxicating. Do not be alarmed. With proper guidance you will grow into a strong leader."
Mark lowered his head, fighting to keep his thoughts hidden. Never in his life had he hated an individual more than he hated this man. The harder he fought to shield his thoughts, the faster the brick wall seemed to crumble. For the first time he realized how powerful this man really was. The only reason he'd been able to shield his thoughts before was because Sidious had allowed it. Now, his mind was exposed for all to see.
"Do not fight me. You will not win. Give in to your hatred; give in to your fears. Only then will you become strong enough to block me out. Only then will you become strong enough to kill me."
Mark shot him a surprised look.
"Oh yes, I know you'd like to see me dead. I am not naive."
"You're wrong about me. I will never become a Sith. I know the Force can be used for good. In time I will learn the ways of the Jedi."
Sidious wickedly laughed. "The Jedi were fools. They could not see that their righteous indignation betrayed the very code they followed. They hated the Sith but would never admit to feeling hate. They would never grant us justice nor would they grant us peace. Because we chose to embrace emotions such as love, hate, fear and joy meant that we were not worthy of life. The very emotions they denied are what made life worth living. In my view, they were a plague, wishing to prevent anyone from feeling.
"Your constitution, very similar to the constitution of the Empire, embraces freedom of religion, freedom of choice. The Jedi were not tolerant of the other Force religion and killed anyone who chose the alternative. Is that not the very reason your country was founded, to escape such persecution?
"Now tell me boy, who is the more evil? The Sith, who allows you to love your father and stand by his side? Or the Jedi, who rip Force sensitive children away from their families, raising them like emotionless clones in the solitude of their temple; filling their heads with intolerance, all the while lying about their views of justice and freedom for all beings."
Mark's head swam with the words Sidious poured into it. As much as he hated to admit it, everything he'd said made sense. It was all he could do to remind himself that he'd only heard one side of the story.
They sat in silence as the car pulled into the recently acquired warehouse. Stopping the car they got out. Darth Quietus greeted his son.
"Come here," he commanded. "Kneel before me."
"Yes my father." He approached Darth Quietus and knelt on one knee.
He felt the firm grip of his father's hand on his head. "Do you accept me as your master? Do you accept the ways of the Sith order?"
Mark hesitated. Was this the right path? Was this the only choice? He didn't know. Mark had never questioned so many beliefs as he did at that moment. All he knew was that he loved his father, and if being a Jedi meant he couldn't do that…
'Then damn the Jedi.'
"I do, my master."
"Good."
Mark could feel his father smile.
"From this time forth, you will be my apprentice. Rise."
Mark did as instructed. Looking into his father's eyes he could feel his pride. Unable to restrain himself, he hugged his dad. It'd been an eternity since he'd felt the strong, safe arms of his father's embrace. A moment later they separated.
"Go and meditate. Lord Sidious and I need to be alone."
"Yes Master."
Mark found a quiet spot in an empty corner. Kneeling, he began to meditate on his new situation. A dark fog swirled around him, intermixing with his own natural light. Conflict continued to wrestle his heart as he wondered if there wasn't another choice.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes in a sweat of panic. A great disturbance in the Force prompted him to his feet.
It wasn't something close; it was something elsewhere; something elusive.
"I have a bad feeling about this."