Chapter 10 – Intervention
Mark's time consisted of training in various aspects of the Sith culture. His days began and ended in deep meditative exercises, in which self-reflection on his inner strengths and weaknesses were explored. After morning meditation, he practiced with the lightsaber, which was his favorite theme of study. Next he was required to perform strenuous exercises and acrobatics, before attending history lessons on the former Masters of the Sith order. As much as he hated to admit it, he found the history most fascinating. His father, Darth Quietus, would dictate the historical accounts while Lord Sidious listened, correcting and clarifying points when needed. Often Sidious would give accounts of his own rise to power, giving examples of how a thousand years of training and planning concluded in a flawless triumph. He would also point out various stages in Sith history where mistakes were made and corrected.
"Patience is the Sith's most powerful tool; Planning, waiting, observing every moment, gently nudging and prodding individuals towards a certain path when required.
"It is true that a Sith draws on his emotions for his superior power, but he never lets these emotions guide his path. Emotions, like patience, are another tool; one that can be very harmful to one's self when misused. Lashing out in anger or giving in to strong passions of lust and love can lead an individual into dangerous territories in which blind spots are created and even ignored."
"So how should a Sith use his emotions?" Mark inquired.
"A Sith will embrace his emotions, will use them to fuel his power, but he will not let them cloud his vision or distract him from his main goals. You must learn to control them, learn to draw on them when they are needed and to suppress them when they're not. Learn to focus on your goal and know that nothing is more important than reaching it. You must realize that there will be times when you must hold back or you will jeopardize everything you've worked for. Years of planning could be lost on a foolish whim.
"It all goes back to patience and planning. Sorting out every detail, every scenario in which things could go right and in which things could go wrong. Know all the players intimately, your enemies, your allies, and you find little trouble guiding them as your pawns. Learn their strengths and their weaknesses. But most importantly, know yourself. Through your meditations, your explorations of your own strengths and weaknesses will dictate the path that you must follow."
As Mark listened, he realized how much he respected the Sith masters. Though he wasn't yet certain that being a Sith was the right path to follow, he had no doubts that the Jedi had severely miscalculated their enemy. How else could a single man manipulate an entire galaxy, including his own enemies, leading to the death of millions, and yet be viewed as a martyr, beloved by billions of beings who willingly gave up their freedom. And to make things even more fascinating, here was a man who was still planning, still biding his time, ever-expanding his empire. With the exception of a few 'rebels', as Sidious referred to them, the entire galaxy was in the palm of his hand.
That's when it came to him. Mark knew the weakness of the greatest Sith lord to ever live. In his attempt to manipulate the mass population of the galaxy, he was overlooking those few, who not only disagreed with him, but also found the courage to stand up to him. Like the terrorists who caused so much suffering and pain in recent years around the world, these few were viewed as merely pests to be exterminated. The only problem was, no matter how many flies you swatted, there were always more. Unlike the terrorists of Earth, who viewed civilian casualties as a victory, the Rebellion cared for all individuals, seeking only to gain the freedom that was every being's basic right. It was, after all, 'terrorists' who believed in a just cause and rebelled against their own government, founding the United States. Right or wrong, the galaxy's rebels would never go away. It may take them a thousand years, but eventually they would triumph. Sidious couldn't see that the only way to deal with them was not through force, but through meeting them halfway, through tireless negotiations, through understanding and reasoning. When an overbearing government is too blind to listen to the concerns of a protesting public, that's when the government fails. The rebels were willing to meet in the middle by limiting the power of the government but Sidious was not going to budge. That was his weakness.
At that moment, Mark realized that two paths now presented themselves to him. One path would lead to becoming a great Sith Lord with immeasurable power and unlimited wealth. The other led to a small band of beings that believed in a cause worth fighting for; a group he knew would someday win the fight. If he chose the latter, he knew his job would begin right here, right now. He needed to find a way to stop the Sith Lord from conquering his home world. But how? He knew he would have to observe one of Master Sidious' primary rules – patience.
Sonia and Trevor tracked through the forest, watchful for the encroaching imperial troops that were hot on their trail. As the cool blue sun began to set, the harsh Tal Shennar atmosphere began to take its toll on the weary fugitives. Fighting the cold temperatures, Sonia fastened her jacket shut and turned her collar up. Trevor began to shiver violently and she almost felt sorry for him.
"I don't understand it. I lived up north most of my life and never had a problem adjusting to the cold. It's almost as if this body is acclimated for very high temperatures," he complained, his teeth chattered noisily. "We need to stop and make a fire."
"If you want to keep warm then keep moving. The moment we light a fire we're dead. I didn't crash my ship just to give my self over to the Empire."
"We're as good as dead anyways," he complained. "We're stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, with no way to get off this rock and those guys are going to find us sooner or later. I'm sure that Lord Vader thinks I betrayed him. We'd have been better off if you'd have let me turn us in when we had the chance."
"How many times do I have to tell you that Vader was going to kill you? There's no way he was going to let you live as long as Obi-Wan was alive. He was just baiting you to get to him!"
Trevor paused, turning to regard her with a serious expression.
"You know Red, you're probably right," he agreed.
"What? Are my ears deceiving me or did you actually agree with something I said?"
"No, you were right. You've always been right."
Sonia raised an eyebrow. "You're beginning to freak me out. Ever since we were arrested you've been acting very strangely-" she stopped. A look of realization overcame her face. "You bastard!"
"What?" He asked in mild shock.
"You're setting me up! You're just acting this way so I wouldn't be wise to what you're up too!"
"Red, I'm not-"
"Shut up! You're communicating with him through the Force aren't you? He knows where we are!"
"Red, no! I haven't! I agree with you, he will kill me-"
The blaster in her hand cut off his words. His leg burst in flame as he was thrown off his feet.
He sat in shock, wincing in pain as he held his leg.
"You're lucky I don't kill you," she hissed.
"You're crazy," he said as he shook his head.
"No, I was just stupid. I won't let you get us killed-"
"Then you need to get down!" he barked, pointing behind her. She turned to see a pair of speeder bikes in the distance. She dove down, holding her breath as she watched them approach. Trevor, clearly in pain, was doing all he could to remain conscious. The pair flew past them without slowing. After a few minutes she got up, risking a look around.
"I think its clear," she said. Looking at Trevor she began to curse herself for her stupid burst of paranoia. Kneeling by his side, she removed his hands away from the wound. "Let me look at it."
He leaned back against a tree as she began to examine his burnt leg. Tears ran down his cheek as she tore open his pants to get a better look.
"It looks pretty bad, but you'll live. We need to get you some medical attention," She said.
"I can't walk," he said in defeat.
"You don't have much of a choice. There is more than just the Empire to worry about in these woods."
Offering him a hand, she pulled him to his feet. He placed an arm around her shoulder as she supported his weight. Slowly they continued their trek through the forest.
Obi-Wan fought a wave of nausea as the tiny aircraft lurched violently. He turned to Frank in alarm, his knuckles white as they grasped the seat.
"Turbulence," Frank said casually. "We just hit an air pocket. Happens all the time."
Obi-Wan turned back and closed his eyes. Controlling his breathing, he pushed a second wave of nausea away. This was the longest three hours he'd ever experience. For the majority of the journey he had meditated to calm his nerves.
"Don't worry Ben, we'll be there soon."
'Thank the Force!' he thought, but as of yet was not willing to risk opening his mouth. Instead, a quick nod was his reply.
Laughing, Frank looked at Obi-Wan. "You know Ben, I really don't know much about you. I've known Marcus for years and he's never mentioned you."
"Well, we actually just recently met."
Frank gave a surprised burst of laughter. "You must have made quite an impression on him!"
"Well, he says he's always been a good judge of character."
Frank nodded. "That he is. That's why he doesn't have too many friends. Too many people try taking advantage of a good natured guy like him."
"Well I can assure you that this was all his idea. I must confess that I wasn't comfortable with the idea of flying in your aircraft."
"Yeah, your green face tells me that," Frank said with another laugh. "You must have been really desperate."
"Well, desperate isn't really the word I'd use, but I suppose it will suffice. I needed to get to Washington D.C. as quickly as possible."
"You have business there? Maybe with someone I know? I have quite a few contacts."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, I doubt you know him. He's fairly new to the area. He and I are old… acquaintances."
Frank nodded. He could see that Obi-Wan didn't wish to go into details.
"So have you ever been to D.C. before?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, this will be my first time."
"Like any city, it has its good features and its bad. The historical sights are pretty fascinating, if you're into all that stuff."
"As much as I'd like to see them, I'm not sure that time will permit me. I'm hoping to return home as soon as my business is complete."
"That's too bad. The next time you make it into town, look me up. I'll be happy to give you a tour. You don't want to go through any of the agencies; they'll only rip you off. I'll take you to all the good sights at the non-peak times where you can enjoy them without having to fight the crowds."
"I'd appreciate that," Obi-Wan replied sincerely, wishing he could take him up on that offer.
"Well Ben, you can stop holding your breath now. We're here," He said with a smile, slowly bringing the aircraft to a lower altitude.
Darth Vader's shuttle settled on Tal Shennar's frigid surface. Captain Morris waited for the dark lord's exit at full attention. Flanked by a squad of troopers, he fought his urge to shiver, not from the cold, but from his first face-to-face meeting with the legendary Sith. The exit ramp slowly lowered and was immediately shadowed by Vader's menacing presence.
"Captain. I assume you have some news on the Smuggler's whereabouts?"
"No my lord, nothing as of yet. We found the escape pod abandoned about a mile from the crash sight. They couldn't have gotten far by foot; it's only a matter of time before we discover them in the thick growth of the forest floor. We attempted scanning for life signs but I'm afraid there are too many life forms to account for-"
"Captain. I don't care if you have to burn the entire forest; I want them found!"
"Ye- yes my lord. We have posted guards at all possible exit points and installations that they may try to access. All sensors have been set to scan for unusual signs of life, but like I said, it's hard to read them when we don't, as of yet, have a full account of the natural predators in this region. Our technicians are currently reprogramming them as we speak and they will have them updated within the hour."
"Very good Captain. Notify me the moment you find something; and remember, I want them alive."
"We need to stop," Trevor complained, wincing in pain.
Sonia, relieved to have a break away from him, let him go with a grunt.
"Stay put while I look around."
He gave her a look that read 'Just where do think I'm capable of going?' But it being dark she missed it.
Scanning the area as best she could she listened for any sign of life. Night insects and beasts filled the air with their rhythmic mating calls. The wind rustled the leaves in the trees above. Beyond that, she could hear nothing out of the ordinary.
Squinting, she fought to see in the moon's soft glow. Shadows and dark shapes dominated her vision.
"I think we should stay here until day break," Trevor advised. Nodding, she reluctantly agreed. In the dark she risked losing her bearings.
She returned to him and sat down. She felt the comfortable grip of her blaster as she eyed the man before her.
"You thinking of shooting me again?" He asked, half joking.
"I was thinking about it," she said coldly. "It would sure make my life easier."
"What about your friend?" He asked.
"Well, as I see it, we're probably going to die out here anyways. It's only a matter of time before they find us. I'm sure they have all the exits blocked and I'm that Vader is tracking you through the Force."
"He can't. I'm blocking him out."
"Oh, are you that advanced in your powers?" She asked in a half mocking voice.
"I guess it's more of a defense mechanism. I know that if I allow myself to feel his presence, I'll be drawn to him like a magnet. I can't explain it Red but the man does something to me. It's like I feel almost invincible, powerful, like I can do things beyond my wildest imaginations."
"Yeah, well I don't know much about that Force stuff but I do know that the darkside has a powerful draw to guys like you. Once it gets a hold of you it never lets go. I heard it wears you down until your body is physically used up. Only through the power they posses are the Sith able to live; like living corpses or something."
"I guess that's the price you pay for having that much power."
"You know, since we've crashed you've almost seemed… I don't know," she started.
"Almost what? Human?" He asked.
"Yeah. You don't seem like the same guy who tried to…" She couldn't finish.
"Trust me Red. I'm the same guy I always was. You're just catching me at a bad moment."
He sighed and raised his hand to the bridge of his nose before continuing.
"The truth is, I don't think I want to be here anymore. I was thinking about it while you had me all tied up. It's only a matter of time before Obi-Wan takes his body back. I can't do anything to stop him short of killing myself. Besides, I don't know anything about this universe. I guess I'm homesick. Does that sound funny?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "That doesn't sound funny at all."
"I'm sure that Obi-Wan has escaped the prison I was in. Maybe when we switch back, I can use the opportunity to start my life over. At least there I know where I stand. Here… here there's always something new, something bigger, something more dangerous. I don't have the control I'm used to. Even with this new power I have, it doesn't seem like much when compared to…" He threw his arms up in an exaggerated manner. "All this."
"Well, if you work with me then we just might make it out of here alive."
Trevor didn't reply. He was already fading into unconsciousness. Sonia, not wanting to succumb to exposure in the cold climate, scooted next to him and laid her arm around his chest. Her other hand firmly gripped the blaster. She would not sleep this night but at least she would stay warm.
Yoda silently watched as Brian prepared their dinner. His young padawan (trapped in a much older body) was having trouble as he attempted to cook an 'Earth' meal in the cramped confines of his humble home. Brian looked at him with an assuring smile that said everything was in control, the wizened master nodding in response.
"I know this won't exactly turn out the way it should. Dagobah doesn't exactly have the proper ingredients for barbecue chicken. Are you sure this bird is edible?"
"Seen other creatures feast on them, I have. Eat meat normally, I do not."
"Yeah, but Master Yoda, I bet you've never tasted anything quite like this," Brian said with a wink.
"Doubt that, I do not," Yoda laughed.
Brian happily hummed to himself as he checked the 'chicken'.
"The secret to cooking this is that you can't let it burn. You have to cook it slowly, but you don't want to dry it out. The sauce is the most important part. You really shouldn't baste the meat until it is nearly done."
Yoda nodded politely.
"I'm actually surprised at how well the sauce came out considering the ingredients I had to work with."
Rain gently fell outside as they conversed in the hut. Since Brian's failed attempt to reclaim his body, he and Yoda had little to do but train and talk. Brian talked about his life on Earth while Yoda filled him in on the events of the last decade, including the Clone Wars, the rise of the Empire and, of course, Vader's betrayal. Brian was most intrigued to learn about the Skywalker children.
"Master Yoda, I've been thinking," he said as he settled by the Jedi master.
"Something you want to say to me, you do?"
"If… When I switch places with Lord Sidious, what happens if you don't succeed in killing him? You said yourself that he bested you once already."
"Die I will, if that is what's required."
"But what about the twins? Who will train them if you die? I know Obi-Wan is still alive, but… what if something happens to him?"
"Thought of this also, I have. Should we both die, train as Jedi they will not."
"Then maybe you should hide when I make the switch. You said yourself that the planet's darkside taint masks your presence. If you hid then he would never know you were here. He'd just assume that we dumped him off on a planet where no one would ever find him."
"You want me to hide forever, hmm? Share the planet together, a couple of stranded old masters, waiting for each other to die?" Yoda giggled at the thought. "No, better it would be that we fight. Unarmed he will be, better my chances are."
"From what you've told me, he doesn't need a lightsaber to be dangerous. Maybe if we gave him a way to escape the system. You said that you came to Dagobah on an escape pod, right? Maybe he could use that?"
Yoda seemed to consider his words for a time before replying. "Important I think it is, that check your food you should."
Brian's eyes widened as he noticed his 'chicken' was beginning to burn.
"Crap!"
He got up with a jolt, striking his head on the ceiling. Yoda giggled as he watched him hurry to the fire.
"It's not too bad. It always taste better if it's a little burnt anyways," he said as he removed the meat from the fire.
He handed a plate to Yoda and watched expectantly as the master took a bite.
"Hmm," he said thoughtfully as he slowly chewed the bite. "Not bad this is. Needs salt it does."
Brian laughed and nodded in agreement.
"Consider your words I will. Continue our discussion later, we must."
Obi-Wan stretched his back as he gratefully exited the aircraft.
"Well Ben, I guess this is where we part ways. Are you sure I can't give you a lift?"
"I'm sure Frank," he said with a humble smile. As much as he could use a ride, he still had no idea where he needed to go. "Thank you for everything. Give Marcus my best when you see him again."
"Will do," he said as they shook hands.
With a slight bow, Obi-Wan turned and began walking in the direction of the city. The small airfield was located south of the city limits. After a short two-mile walk he found himself in the capital of the United States.
The streets were heavy with traffic and the sidewalks crowded with people. Street merchants greeted him at every turn, attempting to sell him their wares. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, he took refuge in a park a few blocks into the city. Finding a quiet spot under a large, shady tree, he knelt and began to meditate.
Stretching out with the Force, he searched for any signs of the dark lord. Soon his mind was clear of all distractions as the noisy sounds of the crowded city faded away.
Mark's thoughts revolved around his plans to stop Sidious' invasion. Deep in meditation, he threw up his mental shields, now much stronger than they had originally been. He let the Force flow through him in currents as he listened for any answers it may provide.
Lord Sidious and Darth Quietus were currently overseeing preparations for the incoming shipment of supplies later that night. Tracking their movements in the Force, Mark made sure they were distracted.
Opening himself fully to the Force, he was impacted by a brief flash of light. Like a sonar ping, it came to him for a brief instant before fading from his mind.
What was that?
He continued to search the Force when the ping returned, much stronger this time. Mark braced himself for another, preparing to focus on its source. A moment later it came again, stronger than ever. Having fully expected it, he traced it to its source.
He soon found himself immersed in a bright aura of light in the Force. The brightness soon took the form of a man.
'Who are you?' he asked the form.
'I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. Who are you?'
'My name is Mark Harper. Are you a Jedi?'
'Yes I am. How do you know of the Jedi?'
'I am an apprentice to Master Sidious and my father, Darth Quietus.'
'You're a Sith?'
'Yes, though I don't really want to be one. Is it true that the Jedi don't allow you to love? That if I were a Jedi, I couldn't love my father?'
'The Jedi forbid attachments, it is true, but the Jedi would never prevent you from loving your father.'
'Then I want to help you stop Master Sidious. That's why you're here, isn't it?'
'Yes it is. Can you tell me how to find him?'
'I will, but I want your promise on something first.'
'What's that?'
'Promise me you won't hurt my dad. He is still a good person. Master Sidious forced dad to join him. I know that, if given a choice, he would join you.'
'I can't make that promise. I have to do what the Force wills me to do.'
'Please! I won't tell you how to find us unless you do.'
Obi-Wan hesitated before responding. 'Okay. I promise.'
'We're in the industrial district. The large abandoned warehouse on Kingsley.'
'I'll be there soon.'
'Hurry. A shipment is scheduled to arrive tonight.'
'A shipment?'
'Yeah, the spaceship that brought the storm troopers.'
'I see. Things have progressed much farther than I feared.'
Mark paused as he sensed his father approaching. Without another word, he pulled out of his meditation, blocking himself from Obi-Wan. Opening his eyes he could see his father standing nearby, watching him.
"Why were you blocking us out?" he sternly asked.
"I'm sorry master, I was practicing my techniques."
Darth Quietus regarded his son carefully before replying.
"Don't do it again. I know there is still much conflict in you. Master Sidious has foreseen the approach of a Jedi and we must remain focused if we are to find him."
"A Jedi? Here?" Mark feigned surprise.
Again Quietus eyed him carefully. "Yes. He's been on Earth for a while now but it's taken him some time to travel here."
"I will remain focused father," Mark promised.
"You'd better. Now come. It's time for your lessons."
Obi-Wan opened his eyes. It had suddenly become clear what the great disturbance he'd felt the past few days was. If the Empire had managed to get a ship to Earth…
He refused to think of what that could mean. The only question remained; why hadn't they invaded already? Surely they'd need only a few Star Destroyers. The boy had made is sound as if only one ship, a small one at that, had made the journey. If that were the case, than there was still a chance to stop this. The only question was, how many troops were here? What kinds of weapons had they brought? The boy had cut off his communication before Obi-Wan could ask.
If he was going to ponder this new turn of events, and have the strength to do something about it, he needed to eat. His stomach reminded him that the last meal he'd eaten was at the empty farmhouse nearly two days before. Obi-Wan decided that his first destination would be a restaurant. Marcus had graciously given him some Earth money in case he needed it. A good meal seemed as wise a use for it as any.
Near the park he found a small diner with very few patrons. The smell of food flooded his senses the moment he walked into the small establishment. Looking around he was pleasantly reminded of Dex's Diner. A pretty waitress greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Welcome to Connie's. My name's Bon. Table for one?"
"Yes please," he said with a smile.
He followed her to a small booth and sat down. She placed a menu before him and pulled out a pencil and a pad of paper.
"Today's special is broccoli soup with your choice of a garden or Caesar salad. That comes with a side of bread. Can I start you out with a drink?"
"Water would be fine," he said.
"Okay. Just take your time and I'll return shortly with your water."
He nodded as she left. Opening the menu he struggled to understand the words describing the meals. He decided to look at the pictures instead. After a few minutes she returned with his water.
"Have you decided, or do you need a little more time?"
He pointed to what he wanted. "I'll have one of these please."
"You want cheese on that burger? Maybe some bacon?"
"Why not," he smiled.
"Fries or onion rings?"
"Fries," he guessed.
"I'll have that right up for you," she said with a wink. She took his menu and left.
While waiting for his food to be prepared he quietly sipped the water and relaxed. The cool liquid felt good in his throat and calmed is cramping stomach pains.
"Hey!" He heard the waitress say to someone as they entered the restaurant. "Let me guess, a coffee, the blacker the better."
"How'd you guess?" The newcomer replied.
"Just have a seat in your usual table and I'll get it for you."
"Thanks Bon," said the newcomer.
Obi-Wan turned to see the patron, an obvious regular. He froze as he spotted a large police officer approaching his table. He quickly turned, hoping he would not be noticed. The officer sat in the booth behind his, his back to Obi-Wan's.
"Here you go. You want the usual George?" The waitress asked the officer.
"I'll just take an egg salad sandwich with a side of fries," George said.
"No problem. I'll have that for you in a jiff."
Obi-Wan nervously played with his drinking straw, stirring the water, the ice cubes clinking softly. A few minutes later Bon returned with his burger with cheese and bacon.
"Thank you," he said with a smile.
"No problem Hun. Don't be afraid to wave me down if you need anything. Enjoy!"
His empty stomach soon over rid his nervousness as he began to eat. Food had never tasted so good. Trying not to eat too fast, he forced himself to slow down.
"Here you go, one egg salad sandwich with fries. How are you doing on coffee? Need a refill?"
"Nah, I'm okay for now Bon. Thanks."
"No problem," she said before retreating to the kitchen.
"Damn. No salt," George said to himself.
"Hey Mac. Can you pass the salt?"
Obi-Wan froze in place as he realized the officer was talking to him. A moment later he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Excuse me, sir? The salt, can I borrow yours? There isn't any at my table."
Obi-Wan slowly exhaled. Picking up the salt he turned and quickly gave it to the officer.
"Thanks," he said before returning back to his meal.
Obi-Wan signed in relief.
"You know, you look familiar. Have we ever met before?" George asked, turning back around.
"No, I don't believe so. I get that all the time," Obi-Wan said, keeping his back turned to the officer. He absently ate, hoping the subject would be dropped.
"Yeah, I guess you do have one of those faces."
Obi-Wan turned his head and smiled briefly.
George returned the smile before continuing his meal.
Ten minutes later, the officer paid for his meal and got up to leave. Obi-Wan was still eating, purposely taking his time until the officer left.
He watched as George walked outside and got into his vehicle. A moment later the vehicle started and backed out of the space.
"Anything else I can get you Hun?" Bon asked.
Obi-Wan turned to see the waitress standing by his table. "No, I'm good, thanks."
She gave him his check and he noticed a series of numbers on the top.
"I thought maybe you could give me a call sometime. I noticed your hair; I figured you're into punk rock. I know this great club we could go to."
It took him a moment to realize she was hitting on him. He flushed as he searched for an answer.
"I'm flattered, really, but-"
"Freeze Cook!"
Obi-Wan turned to see George had returned and was aiming a weapon at him.
"George? What's going on?" Bon asked.
"Bon, get into the kitchen. Trevor Cook, put your hands where I can see them and get out of the booth, slowly."
'Blast! This can't be happening!' he thought as he slowly got out of the booth.
Obi-Wan calmly waited for George to give him instruction. Bon had retreated to the kitchen, though she could be seen peering through the service window alongside the cook. The officer locked his eyes with Obi-Wan's, his weapon never wavering.
"Okay Trevor, listen carefully. I want you to slowly lay on the ground with your hands behind your back. If you so much as flinch, I won't hesitate to paste your brains all over this dinner."
The Jedi quickly scanned the restaurant for any possible source of escape. The windows were thick, much thicker than the window he'd dove through in Senator Amidala's apartment. His mind raced with other solutions before deciding it best to wait.
Obeying the instructions, he slowly lowered himself to the ground. A small smile threatened to break on his lips as he noticed that the floor was remarkably clean for a diner.
George slowly approached, carefully circling around his prisoner's body, keeping himself well out of Obi-Wan's reach. Placing his knee into the small of Kenobi's back, he locked his wrists in a pair of primitive binders.
"All right Cook, let's go."
Without waiting for a reply the officer roughly jerked him to his feet. Obi-Wan winced as his injured stomach flared in pain. He was led out of the restaurant and into the police car. He grimly observed the interior from its backseat. All door handles and window controls had been removed. A thick plate of glass separated the front seat from the rear.
George got in and reached for the radio. Obi-Wan searched through the Force and found the device's circuitry. Within seconds the box began to smoke.
"What the hell?" George barked as he pulled his hand away. He glared at Obi-Wan as if he knew what he'd done.
"I was wondering if we could talk," Obi-Wan said as politely as he could muster.
"Shut up Cook! There's nothing you have to say that I care to hear."
"Understood," he replied in the same courteous tone.
George reached for his personal radio clipped to his shirt. Again it began to smoke. In a slight panic he threw the radio onto the floorboard.
"Alright, what the hell is going on here?" George barked, turning to face his prisoner.
"I understand you need to arrest me; it's your duty to the public, but can I assure you that there is something far more important that needs to be addressed. If you will take me to the warehouse on Kingsley than you will see that this planet is in grave danger."
"The warehouse on Kingsley, huh?" George said with a smile. "Earth's future is being decided there? What, are they manufacturing environmentally unfriendly products?" With that he began to laugh.
Obi-Wan continued to smile politely. He was perfectly aware of just how absurd his words sounded. The only way to convince the officer that he was telling the truth was to show him.
George stopped laughing and grew serious again.
"I'm not exactly sure what you did to my radios but no cockamamie bull story is going to stop me from taking you in."
Obi-Wan only nodded and watched as George turned back to the steering mechanism. As the car started and began to move forward he closed his eyes. The car abruptly stopped as it began to levitate above the ground.
"What now?" George hissed as the vehicle floated lazily above the parking lot. He pressed down on the petal to no avail. The tires continued to spin freely, having no surface to grip.
"I don't suppose you'll listen to me now, will you?" Obi-Wan said.
George attempted to open the door only to find it shut tight. He then tried the windows, only to find them stuck in the up position.
"Okay Cook, you have my attention," he finally replied in a defeated voice.
"Then you agree to take me to the warehouse?"
"Yeah, whatever you say, just no more tricks."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Agreed. No more tricks."
The vehicle slowly lowered back to the ground. Obi-Wan noticed with amusement that Bon and the diner's cook were watching them with astonished faces. George, visibly shaken, began to drive.
"911. What's your emergency?"
"Yeah this is Bon Terrelli at Connie's Diner. An officer George Collier was in here a few moments ago. He apprehended a man named Trevor Cook. I believe he's in trouble."
Sonia opened her eyes and looked around. The sun had begun to rise, warming the planet in its soft glow. She sat up and stretched. Her head was groggy and it took a moment to remember where she was. Panic surged through her as she realized Trevor was gone, along with her blaster.
"Damn!" She hissed as she got up. Scanning the area she could see no sign of him. "Where are you, you no good piece of bantha waist?"
"That's not very nice," a voice said from behind her. It wasn't Trevor's.
Turning, she found a smirking imperial officer with six armed escorts.
"Great," she muttered.
"Take this rebel scum to Lord Vader," he instructed the troopers.
"Yee Haw!" The yell came from a nearby grove of trees and bushes.
They all turned to the source only to be met with a volley of blaster fire. Taking advantage of the situation, Sonia dove for a fallen trooper's rifle. Within seconds the officer found himself alone with Sonia, blaster pointed at his head. Trevor emerged from the trees a moment later, limping noticeably but in good spirits.
"Bet you thought I left ya Red," he said with a wink.
"For once I'm actually glad to see you," she admitted.
"What are you going to do with me?" The officer demanded.
"Well, I suppose we have three options," she smirked. "One, we can kill you, and I won't lie, that idea sounds good to me. Two, we can tie you up, leave you here. In a little while these dead friends of yours are going to attract some wild animals that would love to get a piece of you. Three, we can take you hostage."
"I say we tie him up," Trevor said with a wicked grin.
"You would say that," she said. "I say we take him hostage. He may come in handy."
"You're the boss," he said with another wink.
"You won't get away with this," the imperial threatened.
"Oh, I'm sure I won't. But then again, what do I have to lose?"
After stripping him of any weapons and communication devices, they continued their trek from the previous night.
The squad car drove through the crowded D.C. traffic. The sun had already began to set as Obi-Wan noticed the days were shorter here than in Florida. The officer easily maneuvered around cars as they purposely moved out of his way.
"How did you do all that stuff?" George asked.
"Through a power known as the Force."
"The Force? Like the police force?"
"More like a force field actually. It penetrates all living beings. It surrounds us, gives us life, and gives us purpose. It binds the galaxy together."
"I see." George's tone revealed that he, in fact, did not see. "So you have control of this Force?"
"Partially. It also guides me. All beings are affected by it, though only few are sensitive enough to hear its call."
"You sound like a member of some nutty cult."
Obi-Wan smiled. Many such beings around the galaxy felt the Jedi were a cult. In fact, many Force sensitive cultures wouldn't acknowledge the Force and feared all that used it.
"I was a member of an order who studied and mastered the Force, but all members had the freedom to join or leave if they so desired. There were no brainwashing techniques. In fact, we were very careful of whom we allowed in the order."
"You say you were a member. So you left it?"
Obi-Wan wasn't sure how to respond. "Not really, no."
"So they kicked you out?"
"It's more like the order was dissolved."
"Oh." George was clearly confused. "So what else can you do with this Force?"
"Well, there are some that believe there is no limit to what one can accomplish with enough study and discipline, though I assume you are referring to what kinds of 'tricks' I can do. In short we can manipulate objects, and to some extent, our bodies for extra strength, speed and agility."
"What about manipulating minds?"
"We can manipulate those with weak minds and wills. We can also communicate with other Force sensitive individuals telepathically."
George grew silent as he contemplated Obi-Wan's words.
"How far until we reach the warehouse?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"Oh, I'd say not too long. We're getting close. I'd say another mile or so."
"Then we'd better pull over and walk the rest of the way. If they see your vehicle they'll know something's wrong."
"No way. I'm driving the whole way. There's no way I'm letting you out of this car."
"George. Do you really think I couldn't escape if I wanted too?" Obi-Wan raised his now binder-free wrists to the window.
"Did you pick the lock?" George asked in frustration.
Obi-Wan merely smiled and shook his head.
"Okay, fine! I'll pull over," George barked.
The car swerved into a minute market parking lot and stopped. Obi-Wan waited for George to get out and open his door.
"How come you didn't open it yourself?" George asked as Obi-Wan got out.
"I never use the Force to do something that can be done by hand. Abuse of the Force leads to the darkside."
"The darkside? Oh never mind. You walk in front of me where I can see you. Let's go."
Their shadows grew longer as the sun continued to set. Twenty minutes later the street lamps came on as the sun disappeared altogether. Obi-Wan scanned the area for any scouts the Emperor may have posted. Few cars passed as they neared the abandoned warehouse. Keeping close to the buildings, they stayed in shadow, avoiding the glows cast by the lamps.
"So what exactly are we looking for?" George asked impatiently.
"An army. An invasion army to be specific."
"An invasion army meant to take over Earth?" George asked unbelieving.
"Yes, though they'll no doubt start with the United States."
George only shook his head. He didn't believe any of it. Obi-Wan only wished his words were false.
They soon came to an empty lot surrounded by warehouses.
"That's your warehouse over there," George said, pointing to the largest one. Peering across the lot they could see men moving about, though the darkness hid their identities. "I wonder who those guys are. That building's supposed to be abandoned."
"Imperial storm troopers."
"Foot soldiers?" George asked.
"More or less."
They watched as a group of twenty men assembled in the lot. Obi-Wan felt a familiar presence and knew Mark was among them.
"What the hell is that?" George asked.
Obi-Wan looked to see where he was gazing and frowned. A ship of a make he'd never seen before was descending from the night sky.
Darth Sidious watched as the Cosmos Sprinter made its landing. Its ramp lowered and the pilot emerged down the slope. He approached his Emperor and knelt on one knee.
"My Emperor. The supplies you requested have arrived."
"Excellent. You may begin unloading your ship at once."
"I have a surprise for you my Lord, courtesy of Admiral Tarkin."
Sidious raised an eyebrow. "A surprise?"
The pilot, aka 'Fuzzy', nodded to his Emperor. "If I may," he said before standing. He spoke into a comlink. "All clear."
"Oh Force," Obi-Wan gasped. He watched in helpless horror as five additional ships began their decent on the planet.