Distraction: Chapter Twenty-Three

It wasn't long after I'd left Dagobah that I'd been forced to trade in the luxury yacht for something with more speed; something that would outrun Imperial cruisers and the new Executor-class flagship Anakin had been given. It didn't surprise me to learn that a fresh, new Lord Vader had been released into the galaxy. I wouldn't put it past the Emperor to have at least a dozen or so standing by.

What did surprise me was the discovery that Anakin was now working alone. Not once had I spied another reincarnation of Kenobi, which complicated my plans. I had hoped there would be one so that I could dispose of him and take his place. The closer I got to the Emperor, the better. A dangerous ploy, but it was the only way to ensure I'd learn of any future plans the Emperor had; where he suspected a rebellion was rising, or where his troops would attack next.

I hadn't been that lucky. I'd been forced to remain in stealth mode, tracking Vader's movements from a distance, listening when and where I could, and trying to warn their targets ahead of any impending attack.

My efforts paid off. At first. Following the third arrival of troops without a rebellion to squash, Vader became suspicious. And then he did what he'd always done best: He tortured an innocent bystander until he'd received a very good description of the man who, so far, had been keeping one step ahead of them. I'd barely escaped that system with my life and wear the scars to prove it.

And now that Anakin was aware of my activities, I had to be even more careful. I'd been forced to hide not only through disguises but within the Force as well. It seemed as if my new affiliation with the Light made me shine like a beacon within a storm. If I didn't keep my focus at all times and keep my Force signature hidden, I would inadvertently lead Vader right to me and the game would be over. I wasn't ready for that to happen. Not yet. Too much was at stake and too many lives would be lost.

As word of my daring operation began to circulate, more and more citizens were finding the courage to form a serious revolution. It was small but it was a start. At the Raada Outpost, I met one of its most influential supporters. The man's name was Organa and he had a claim to the throne of Alderaan by marriage. He also used to be a Senator. Tough life. After mentioning to me that he used to be a good friend of Obi-Wan Kenobi, I shared a short history of my past. Apparently, it satisfied his curiosity. He even revealed concerns for Padme and was pleased to hear she was alive and well. I left there, believing the fledgling rebellion was in good hands.

Even though I had kept myself busy, there was never a day pass by that I didn't think about her. Perhaps I'd been mistaken, but I'd had the strong suspicion that she would've insisted on coming with me. I couldn't allow that. My mission was too dangerous and she was far too important. Therefore, I had broken my rule of never lying to her and left without saying goodbye. By the time I returned, I was hoping she'd forgive me. It was either that or she'd hate me for eternity. In either case, at least I knew she was safe.

Whatever the reaction, I couldn't avoid a confrontation with her any longer. Funny, how that frightened me more than being hunted by the Empire.

Dagobah looked exactly as it had when I'd left it nearly a year ago. I hadn't expected otherwise, but as soon as it came into view, I changed my mind about facing her right away. I'd see Yoda first and chose to land my fighter closer to his home than hers.

However, when I drew closer to his dwelling, I not only saw Yoda waiting there but Padme as well. Damn. There was no avoiding her now. I glanced at her quickly and then paid attention to my footing. I was near exhaustion and didn't trust my balance amongst the twisting array of roots and vines at my feet.

I couldn't recall the last time I'd had more than just a few hours of sleep. And now that the danger of discovery was behind me, I realized how very tired I actually was. I really needed to lie down before I fell down. Following a brief greeting to Master Yoda, I did just that. His bed was far too narrow and I wasn't lying down in the mud, although I certainly could if I had to. There was only one option left and that was Padme's bed. If she knew everything I'd been through, surely she wouldn't deny me this pleasure.

After I dropped my duffel and reclined, I'd heard her mutter something about wanting to talk, but her words sounded almost as if she were speaking underwater. I honestly didn't remember anything after that. I'd denied Death its claim on me for some time. Sleep could now have what was left of me.