Chapter 33

The lone Dagger flew around and unnoticed by the large battle, but it was still heading for Zonama Sekot. Mara felt and saw the planet arrive and, despite wondering why it was there, made a course for it. Whatever the reason it had appeared, it was here to help. Mara felt something guiding her and set a course for the origin of the feeling. Soon she landed her ship on the Zonama and was greet by Jabitha and Harrar.

"Mara, we haven't much time." Jabitha said as she indicated Mara to follow.

"Sekot told us she felt something and that you were coming shortly, and that we were to bring you to her." Harrar said.

"What is this about?" Mara said, carrying Ben with her.

"We don't know," Jabitha said. "But it has something to do with Ben."

-

"From what you have told me, this young one has gone through much in a short amount of time." The image of Sekot said, in the form of Leia. Ben was lying unconscious on a bed on the floor. Mara was alone with Sekot in Jabitha's hut.

"Why did you want me to bring him to you?" Mara said.

Sekot put her hand on Ben's forehead. "I felt him crying out in the Force," Sekot said. "Though only recently I could feel him. He needs my help."

"What can you do?" Mara said.

"My time will be short, but I can help heal his wounds," Sekot said. "But he still has much to do."

"What do you mean he has much to do?" Mara asked. "And how can you help him?" Sekot did not respond. Both of her hands were on Ben's forehead and her eyes were closed as she sat over him. Mara felt a surge in the Force, centering around Sekot and Ben, and felt as if a veil had lifted over Ben. Sekot moved away from Ben and stood, shortly thereafter Ben woke up as well. He took one look at Mara and rushed into her arms, crying.

"I have done as much as I can now to help him," Sekot said. "I've managed to penetrate the darkness surrounding him and bring him back to the light, but there is still much more healing that must be done."

"Mom, I'm so sorry for the terrible things I've done." Ben cried in Mara's arms.

"It's ok Ben," Mara said. "Sekot has helped you. We can recover from what has happened, and Nexus will be stopped as well, once we break through his fleet."

"No, that won't work," Ben said. "Nexus has prepared for if you manage to land any ships. Even that is one externality he has not foreseen."

"But he must be stopped." Mara said.

"Yes, and I must be the one to do it." Ben pulled away from Mara.

"No, I will not let you go." Mara said. "I will not lose you."

"I must go," Ben said. "If I stop Nexus now, when he is unprepared, we can stop him. His followers will quickly break up if he is quickly destroyed and the clones dealt with soon after."

"He is right, Mara," Sekot said. "Only Ben can defeat Nexus."

"How is it only he can?" Mara asked.

"Because of his current situation," Sekot said. "Ben has been deep in the dark side of the Force and feeding on its power, making him stronger. But more than that, he has unlocked his hidden power by giving into his anger."

"As Nexus promised would happen." Ben said.

"Yes, but it was not the dark side you needed," Sekot said. "You had the ability all along but merely held back, but Nexus deceived and manipulated you. But now, with your new power you can defeat Nexus. Also, despite my efforts, I have not entirely cleansed you of the dark side taint. However with your abilities you have combines them, utilizing both the light and dark sides of the Force. Eventually you will be free of the dark side and your power will remain, but for now the dark side is needed."

"I understand." Ben said.

"As do I." Mara said, and finally allowed Ben to go. "You may go Ben, but be careful. I do not want to lose you."

"You won't Mom," Ben said and hugged his mother, feeling for his lightsaber. "You won't."

"Zonama can't stay here for long," Sekot said. "Being so close to Coruscant may cause permanent damage. Zonama will have to move away, but the fighters will remain. I will have one escort Ben back to Coruscant."

"We must hurry," Ben said. "I feel Nexus calling me. I have to keep the darkness around me to deceive him."

"Be quick, Ben," Sekot said. "Or your chance to stop Nexus may slip away."

"I won't fail." Ben said.