Chapter 2
It felt so good to feel it flow through him once more. It felt like being hugged by an old friend not seeing in many years. Joyful as the feeling was the Jedi was quite surprised the Force returned to him so easily after not using it for so long. He thought his usage of it had drastically weakened and he would need retraining all over again. That wouldn't be the case however.
His teachings in the Jedi ways were that of a prodigy. Each task given to him would be learned with the snap of a finger. He excelled in lightsaber combat and command of the Force. Like all Jedi younglings, Vince learned the basics in lightsaber combat starting with the first combat style, Form I Shii-Cho. After passing the trials and becoming a Knight a Jedi he studies the old ways of Forms II Makashi and elements of the defense Form III Soresu, and the fast aggressive Form IV Ataru. His connection to the Force was strong enabling him to command it with ease. Politics, on the other hand were not his strong point. He viewed diplomacy to be left to the senate. Though he nevertheless learned what he could from it. Gifted as he as it was the training he received from his master that help him become the Jedi he was.
The wisdom he gave about the Force was truly knowledgeable. He said the Force was... well the Force. The Jedi of his era had defiled it by splitting it up into four different pieces. The living Force, unifying Force, cosmic Force, and physical Force. Also it certainly wasn't microscopic bacteria living inside beings. The Force was an energy field created by all livings things. He began to remember his master's words ring in his the hell were the Jedi thinking trying to incorporate science into the mysteries of the Force? They were the guardiancies of the galaxy. Keepers of the peace and justice. Not scientist. He prayed that the knowledge of midi-chlorian's would stayed buried and forgotten with the Old Order.
"The Force is inside us. It is in everything, its energy surrounds us, and binds the galaxy together. I am Jedi, I put my trust in the Force." He whispers his master's works to himself remember the fatherly smile he was given every time as a student under his teachings.
He chuckled, clearly he took his master's words to heart. He put his trust in the Force.
Putting the memoires aside he began to formulate a plan on what to do. First he'd need transport off Dantooine and get in contact with the Rebel Alliance. He would be a valuable ally to them, no doubt they could use the power of another Jedi on their side.
Darth Sidious, better known as The Emperor would no doubt have an army dark force users at his command. Dark Jedi, and other nasty enemies he would no doubt have to face someday. The biggest question was, would he be ready to fight them? He had no idea how powerful they were so he would have to be cautious if he encountered any. There no doubt in his mind that Palpatine would obliterate him or try to turn him to the dark side to make him another loyal subject to him. As for Darth Vader…
His brow furrowed when Vader came to his mind. He discovered the identity of man behind that black armor.
How had he discovered Vader's identity?
Simple, he put the pieces together.
A couple days after the Clone Wars ended a man by the name of Darth Vader suddenly appears and rumors of Anakin Skywalker dying in the purge fighting Vader begin to spread. This was very odd; Anakin Skywalker was one of the most powerful Jedi in the Order. There was no way Vader could have beaten Anakin. Not only that, but if Anakin had died in the Purge, then wouldn't it have been felt through the Force? Then there was Palpatine talking highly of Anakin to the public parsing his skills and power over the Force. When Vince discovered Palpatine had been the Sitha they were looking for and Darth Vader making his appearance to the galaxy, it all came together.
Darth Vader was none other than the betrayer of the Jedi Order; Anakin Skywalker!
Anakin had turned to the dark side and became Darth Vader! Something must have happened to him to make him wear that armor to restrict his movements so much. That however didn't stop him from being the deadly Jedi hunter he became. Through the years reports of Jedi being slain by Vader were broadcast on the news. It was no wonder Vader was so skilled in killing Jedi. Only Anakin had such skill and power to perform such feats, even restrained by heavy armor.
Why had he done it though? What caused the Chosen One to be seduced by the dark side of the Force? Why commit such crimes against the Galaxy? It had to have been power. Nothing else could have caused Skywalker to fall. Anakin Skywalker, though kind hearted, was always filled with arrogance and pride of himself. It sadden and angered the elder Jedi. He murdered his fellow Jedi, his brothers and sisters, his family, in cold blood just for more power!? He would make him pay for this atrocity! He-
No…
He wouldn't think that way. He was a better man them him. He wouldn't become evil like he did. Releasing his balled fists, he inhaled a breath of air and let it loose letting his negative emotions slip away from him into the Force. If he confronted Anakin, no, if he did confronted Darth Vader he wouldn't know how it would end. Vader was big and slow but he used that to his advantage for brute strength not only that he had been fighting Jedi all his life. What had Vince been doing? Hiding from the Empire. Nevertheless, if he and Vader ever dueled he would fight him as best he could. Yet should he fall in battle against him then so be it. Should he die then he die. There is no Death. There is only the Force.
A tired yawn brought the Jedi out of his thoughts of Vader. He blinked and looked at the time realizing night had fallen upon the planet. Had he been in deep though that long? Guess time dose fly when thinking. Turning on his heels he marched to his bedroom to sleep and prepare for tomorrow.
Spot on arms! A weapons shop three blocks away from the cantina was known to sell a large variation of weapons and armor. Vince had pasted the building many times seeing customers go in and leaving with weapons and armor that seemed to be very expensive. He would have to search for items that were in his price range of credits. Entering the shop he saw weapons and armor fill the store. The weapons ranged in the thousands in different shape and sizes, from knifes to rocket launchers. He let a whistle escape his lips shocked at prices for some items.
50,000 credits for heavy battle armor! 100,000 for a rocket launcher!
There was no way he would be able to pay for such items. Approaching the store clerk he sent a friendly smile to him and spoke. "Hello good sir."
The clerk replied with a smile of his own showing crooked teeth with a few missig. "Good day to ya sir. What can I do for ya?"
"I was wondering what I could buy here. There's a lot of pricy items here and I'm not sure if I'll be able to buy a lot with the credits I have." Vince removed his wallet and placed all his credits on the counter.
"Hmm." The clerk hummed while he counted out the credits poured onto his counter. "Well form this much I'd say about 2,866 credits are left. What exactly are you looking for, perhaps I can help?"
Vince gave a smile and answer the man's question. "Certainly. I'm searching for a blaster and armor of any kind within this price range."
"Hmmm blaster, and armor eh?" The clerk repeated stroking his beard in though. "I got loads of blasters for you from holdout pistols so heavy blaster rifles. What kind you want?"
"A pistol that can help me survive on the Outer Rim."
The clerk chuckled. "Well I got lots of those. If you going to the Outer Rim how about going for the one everyone chooses for there, the DL-Eighteens. It's practically man's best friend out there. Mind you; it doesn't really get the job done though. There's the Model 434 heavy blaster pistol: nicknamed "deathhammer" for its heavy durasteel plating and deadly fire capability which rivals that of some blaster rifles. Or how about a DT-12 Heavy Blaster pistol, it's small but packs a punch, or my personal favorite, the DL-44 heavy blaster pistol. That gun has saved my life many times when I was a smuggler. It's also a common weapon for nearly everyone."
The Jedi was very impressed by the weapons especially the Model 434, and DL-44. He had seen the DL-44 in action many times during and after the Clone Wars. He could by that, but the 434 seemed like an ok weapon. Although DL-44 did pack a bigger punch when hitting its targets. Just as he about to speak to the clerk about the weapons his eyes spotted a pair of sleek pistols with holsters hanging on the rack behind. "What about those?"
The clerk glanced over his shoulder and chuckled at the pistols his customer was pointing too. "Oh those? Those babies are LL-30 Blaster pistols. Belonged to a Duros, blue skinned and wrinkly too. Dressed in a brown cloak and hat. He called them "Persuaders" for what reason I don't know. Sold them off to me for one million credits and that is the exact price they will be sold at."
A blue skinned Duros wearing a brown cloak and hat. He had a pretty good idea who this Duros was. Said Duros was quite the persuader to sell his weapons off for one million credits. With the reputation he had in the Clone Wars he should have sold them for a higher price or keep them. One million was a big bummer to the Jedi. There was obviously no way he could get both pairs but maybe he could make a fair price to get at least maybe one of them. "Say," He started hoping his skills in persuading would help. "Could it be possible to sell maybe one of those for 500?"
"Sell one!?" The Clerk barked in surprise at the question. "That Duros who sold em to me said that whoever bought those weapons would buy both. He said those pistols served him well and whoever got their hands on em would take both, not one! Plus there's no way I'd sell them that low of a price."
"But those LL-30's couldn't possibly be that famous or expensive. Rare yes, but that expensive? I've seen other LL-30's sold for about at least 400 during the Clone Wars."
"The Clone Wars? Oh, are you a veteran of that war?" The Clerk asked in surprise. He looked at the old man again then gasped. "Hey, now I recognize your face. Your that guy everyone calls "Old man Vince" I've seen you pass by the store couple times. Never thought I'd see you in here. If you are then I assume you're off to travel the galaxy."
Vince chuckled, "Yup, I may be a veteran of the Clone Wars. But I've been meaning to see the rest of it."
"I suppose you were one of them non clone officers weren't ya?" The clerk asked which was answered by a nod. "Yep, I saw a couple of em during my smuggler days. It must have been rough to hear about the Jedi Order trying to betray the Republic they swore to defend. Those damn Rebels are gonna pay for what they did at Yavin! Every day people come in saying the Rebels destroyed the Death Star and they got what they deserved. Pft, damn Rebel sympathizers. Someday there gonna pay. Just like the Jedi. They'll pay!"
The Jedi frowned at the clerk. Obviously he was an Imperial supporter. Though he could possibly pray on that support. "Yeah, the Rebels are gonna regret doing that. They can try all they might but in the end they'll end up in their graves like the Jedi. It was traumatizing for me when I heard about the Jedi trying to overthrow the Republic."
"Poor guy." The clerk said sympathy in his voice. "I feel ya, all those poor men aboard the Death Star are now all dead. Their families must be heart broken and now there probably cursing the Rebels for their husbands, uncles, nephews, sons, and grandpa's deaths."
A long silence filled the room till the Clerk cleared his throat. "I…I have a son you know. He went off to the academy to become an officer in the army. He just graduated and will be coming back to see me soon." His frown changed into a proud fatherly smile. "I always knew he could pass. I said "Son, you'll make a great officer in the Empire, and they'll be proud to have you amongst their ranks" I said that the day before he left for Corulag Academy."
Even though the man supported the Empire Vince smiled. He was a father and fathers should be proud of their son. "Congratulations, I hope your son makes a safe trip back to Dantooine."
The clerk chuckled. "You're too kind Vince. Still even if you're a veteran of the Clone Wars, and a supporter to the Empire. I can't sell you the LL-30's there too expensive. I'm a business man and need money to keep my store open.
This was getting to be a big problem to the Jedi. There was no way he was going to get those weapons no matter how hard he tried. Even though LL-30's good he knew he wouldn't get them unless…he could try a Mind Trick but that would be irresponsible of him. Plus what if he had a strong mind? Then he would be revealed as a Jedi. Throwing that plan out the window he racked his brain and then sighed. He still needed a weapon for his journey plus armor. Sighing in defeat he spoke. "Well if I can't get the LL-30's what would you suggest?"
The clerk smiled. "The DL-44 is the best weapon there is but that's my opinion."
"I bet. I'm gonna explore the armor section and think about what type of blaster to get."
"Go right ahead. The armor is over there."
Vince nodded and began his adventure through the store. Reaching the armor section he scoured the wall to find an armor that was a good price and durable enough against blaster shots. So far he couldn't find any. There had to be something within his price range to buy. At last he settled on battle armor costing 2000 credits. With the pricy cost of the armor, the Jedi now had no choice but to buy the DL-18. Along with the pistol he buy a few extra power cells for the weapon, a utility belt to carry them on, and a holdout blaster concealed within his left sleeve. His lightsaber training made him ambidextrous so it wouldn't bother whatever sleeve it was carried on.
"You know I should warn you, Vince." said the clerk stashing the credits into the cashier register. "The Empire's been searching for Rebel spies."
"Rebel spies?"
"I know," the clerk replied with a sigh. "Whatever there doing here it can't be good. There probably gonna try and make the people revolt against the Empire. If they succeed hundreds will die. No one is safe when war comes knocking. This a galaxy wide spread war. Millions if not billions more are gonna die because of this blasted war for freedom that the Rebels are waging against the Empire. I admit thought, destroying Alderaan was going way too far. However, they were sympathetic to the Rebellion's cause."
The Jedi stayed silent. Thought he didn't approve what he was saying the clerk was entitled to his own opinion. Putting a false smile he gave a thanks and departed the store with calls from the clerk saying "Long live the Empire! Long live the Emperor!" Which the Jedi was honestly not happy to hear.
Returning home after his shopping he acquired the old backpack used when freighter hopping and filled it to the brim with important items needed for his long journey that could possibly take him to the edge of the known galaxy. Looking into his backpack he double checked everything from clothing to food, water, and medical supplies. Everything was there and he had everything on him. Well, almost everything. There was one last item he needed. Entering his bedroom he walked over to the draw opened the desk and withdrew a long wooden box. Within this box was an item. No. A weapon used long long ago. Opening the box it revealed a 30 centimeters long silver cylinder shaped stick with gold on one end and thick black rectangles on another end, and a red circle on one of the black rectangles. This, was a lightsaber. It was his lightsaber used last time when the Jedi Purge began. Now after sitting in a box for 19 years it would see action ones more. "Well old friend. You and I are gonna be partners ones again."
Suddenly there came a harsh banging on his door that startled him. Someone was here to speak to him and whoever it was they it must be urgent. Probably the Empire asking questions for these Rebel spies hiding on Dantooine.
He had no idea the Rebellion had establishes spies here to monitor Imperial activity. If they were indeed here then his chances of joining the Rebellion had become much greater. First he'd have to try and find one of these spies. Before any of that he'd first have to attend to the Imperials at his door. "What can I do for you?" he was going to say when he saw that it was not Imperials. It was a Bothan wearing battle gear and carrying many items including a blaster. He was panting heavily and sweat covered his brow indicating he had been running for a long time. He glanced over his shoulder checking to see if anyone was behind him then looked back to Vince and spoke through pants.
"Please…hide me….Empire….chasing me…."
Vince blinked at the alien for a while and looked past him see nothing. But his panting and pleads for help showed he was telling the truth. He furrowed his brow and pulled him inside. "Hide, stay out of site, and don't go in my room." Then he released him and strolled out the door and shut it.
As soon as he closed the door a squad of stormtroopers appearing rushing down the road toward his home. He watched the armored troopers grow closer and closer till they reached his house. Now was the time to play the role of a normal citizen of Dantooine. "Can I help you with something?"
"Citizen, we are in purist of a Rebel spy who ran this way. We were told by citizens in town that only you live out here. Did you see him?" The officer replied.
Vince blinked with surprise. "A Rebel spy? I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anyone pass by till you arrive. I was outside taking a stroll behind my home. He must have rushed by without me noticing."
"Doubtful, he was running for a long time and he would have to rest somewhere. He must have slid into your house or…you must be harboring him."
Vice narrowed his eyes, now was time to show who "old man Vince" was. "Now you listen to me youngster!" His tone had become angry making the officer jump. "I'm just a simple old man living a life of peace out here away from civilization and how dare you say I harbor a Rebel spy. I want nothing to do with this war you have with the Rebellion. Even if he is hiding within my house, were would he go? My house is simple with only one door and my speeder is voice locked. I have the voice print with me all the time so I don't forget it. Are you even sure a Rebel spy ran this way? Are you even sure there IS a spy on the planet?"
The officer stared at Vince too surprised by the outburst he received from the old man. He did have fair points on this. However, he saw the Rebel run this way…or maybe he did go past the house and stole speeder down the road. Nevertheless, he had a duty to preform and this old man could be lying. "Sir, as much as possibly as that may be a Rebel spy ran into your house and if he is that will make it easier for us to capture him. Now stand aside so we make search your house."
Vince looked into the eyes of the officer. He was stubborn, very stubborn, and dedicated to his work to capture the spy. If the Empire searched his house they would find the Rebel and he had a bad feeling that if they did his house would be wrecked in a firefight. He had no weapons on him and he dare not reveal himself as Jedi, unless…hopefully this would work. He looked into the eyes of the Imperial and whispered in a low tone "There is no Rebel spy here he is still in town you better search there."
The office stared back at him and replied. "The spy is not here men. He's still in town come on let us continue the search there."
"But sir, the spy was spotted running this way." A solider said.
"We were lied to the spy tricked us." Vince whispered.
"We were lied to the spy tricked us he's still in the town."
"Let's get going."
"Let's get going."
With that the officer and his squad turned back toward the town. The Force always had a strong influence on the weak minded such as that officer, it was too easy.
Vince keep his eyes on them till they were out of site. Once so he turned back to his house to find the Rebel spy standing in the living room.
"Thank you…"He said still breathing heavily. "I don't know how you did it but thank you. I'm in your debt. I am Korthis Bar'tha.
"Vince Silverton. So, are you really a spy for the Rebellion?" He wanted to get to the point and hope this man wasn't lying.
"Yes. I like other Alliance solider who chose to stay behind formed the Dantooine Cell to monitor the planet after abandoning our base here. Ever since the Empire came to search our base we've been keep close tabs on their movements here. After they conquered the planet the people have been divided. If it continues it could spark a civil war or a rebellion. As much as we wanna help the people we cannot. Our forces too small to take on the entire force. However, should the people revolt then we will aid them however way we can. The information and data gathered on Dantooine has been transferred to me and only I must leave to deliver it to High Command. The commander is trying to obtain transport off planet for me but it's been very difficult with our limited communication to the Alliance. We cannot get a strong transmission through the blockade."
So he was part of the Rebellion that was good news for Vince. Hopefully he could talk him into bringing him along. As for the Rebel base he remembered hearing of it and the Empire coming in search for it. Finding nothing they left, but now they were back and took the planet for themselves.
"Well Korthis, now that I know you are part of the Rebellion I ask that I go with you so that I may join the Rebellion. My skills can be valuable in the war with the experience I had in the Clone Wars."
"You're a veteran of the Clone Wars!?" Korthis gasped with excitement. "Were you in many battles?"
"Lots. However, when the Empire was formed I fled and went into hiding whiling being hunted as a traitor."
"Well I can't let you join right off the bat. It's not my job. That falls upon the decision of High Command and recruiters who search for those who wish to join. However, I'm confident they'll let you join. We need more veterans like you and General Dodonna."
"Dodonna? Jan Dodonna defected to the Alliance?" Vince asked in surprise. He knew the man in the war personally fighting alongside him in many battles. Thought he doubted they would recognize each other with how much time as past.
"Yeah, he defected one year before the battle of Yavin. If you know him then he can vouch for you as well."
"Good. If your commander can get transport off planet then together will go to the Alliance. Hopefully it can happen soon otherwise will be trapped here for the rest of the war and avoid capture best we can. Anyway, you can stay here for the night and keep in contact with your commander. If you are monitoring this town then my home is your safe house."
"That's very kind of you. I will accept your offer and do a better job at avoiding Imperial patrols." Korthis thanked with a bow.
As the months went by no word came back about any transporting for Korthis and in those months dark events occurred. In the first week after Korthis meet Vince a group of civilians had been causing trouble for the Empire and were detained. A month later after more arrests a terrible incident dubbed "The Dantooine Massacre" occurred were an angry crowed marched to the Imperial commander center in the capital protesting the release the prisoners. They screamed and threw rocks at the guarding stormtroopers. Seconds later the officer in charge gave the order to shoot the protestors killing 20 and wounding 10. The massacre had started unavoidable events. The officer's excuse was that he had "forgotten" to give the order to set blasters to stun! That a big fat lie! Many people had recorded what happened and there was obviously no order given to set blasters to stun. All that was said was "open fire!" this had caused a mass outrage of civilians. More and more began to protest against the Empire who responded by detaining them and setting up more laws.
By the end of the third month news reported of a massive riot occurring in the capital city and it was violently ended by General Mortems orders to massacre the rioters by air strikes and walker assaults. The people of Dantooine wanted to revolt and fight the Empire! That however was quickly stopped by having Mace City, named in honor of the Jedi Mace Windu, being bombarded into nothing but ruble along with its civilians. That order was also given by General Mortem. After that each city and village was now locked on target by the Imperial fleet that floated above in space. Everyone lived in fear now praying the Rebellion would come and save them.
This was madness! People were dying and the Empire now had the planet marked for death least they try another revolt. Somebody had to stand up for the people! Somebody had to do something for them! But Vince couldn't do such a thing. For once if he did the planet would be turned into glass. Though that was doubtful, even Mortem wouldn't preform such an act like that…or would he? Second, was that he had to keep a low profile and wait for pick up by the Alliance but seeing the people suffer, live in fear, and be bullied by the Empire made him sick to his angry. He wanted to help but couldn't.
By the end of the third month the Imperial fleet had ceased its targeting lock on the towns and cities reliving some of the fear the people held within their hearts. And still no word had come of transportation for Vince and Korthis. It was doubtful the Dantooine cell had been discovered otherwise it would be broadcast on the news. It must be taking longer than expected for communications to get through to the Alliance.
Returning home after a stroll into town he was greeted by Korthis holding his communicator beaming with joy. His expression indicated good news had finally arrived.
"Good news Vince. We were finally able to get a transmission through to the Alliance. They sent a coded message saying the will send someone to pick us up. The smuggler will be arriving by tomorrow hopefully. He said to meet him at the local cantina."
So it was a smuggler who was gonna get them out of this trouble. He hoped he was a good pilot to get through the Imperial blockade. "Let's hope so. Things are getting worse. I've been hearing talk of people planning to start another riot in the capital. If that happens more people will die and I'm pretty sure the planet is gonna be turned into glass."
"Doubtful," Korthis replied with a frown. "The spies within the capital heard Mortem won't do such a thing. He wouldn't kill his own men just to put down a mass planetary riot. These are civilians, not soldiers."
"Nevertheless, hundreds more people will die of another riot occurs. However, you said the Dantooine cell would assist if a revolution occurred."
"Hm." Was the Bothan's reply. His mind on if there smuggler pilot could get them off planet. He had to tell high command of what was going on here. Why couldn't they just use a communication array? Because the Cell had limited contact with the Alliance. They couldn't keep in contact with then every day. They were lucky to able to obtain transportation for Korthis to deliver his information. Tomorrow he and Vince would go to the Alliance.
All was quite in the city as the two men strolled through the street to the cantina to meet with the smuggler. The people went about their business and the stormtroopers patrolled there areas. Yet there was an ominous feeling within the air, almost as if something bad was bound to happen today.
Entering the Cantina the Jedi and spy sat at a booth near the back and waited listening to the chatter within the building.
"Damn Imperials they'll regret the day they landed on our planet." A man at the bar said
"I thought the Empire was protecting us but now I see they are nothing but murders!" Another said gripping his mug tightly.
"Can't believe the Empire is doing this. They've killed probably thousands of civilians by now."
"Damn them. Damn them all to hell." Growled the bartender.
Vince sighed. The hate and anger vented toward the Empire was giving a bad headache for him. Turning to the Bothan he spoke to him. "So, when is the smuggler captain supposed to arrive?"
"Right now." Korthis said motioning forward.
Following his gaze Vince felt his eyes go wide! He had meet him before long ago! He was older now, dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt with a black vest over it, brown pants and black boots. On his hip was a DL-44 pistol. But it wasn't the clothing that was recognizable, it was his face. Fair skinned with brown hair upon his head and matching brown eyes. Walking with the man was a tall brown Wookiee carrying a bowcaster.
As soon as the smuggler had reached them he spotted Vince and a look of surprise came over his face. "You!?" He shouted in surprise before a lopsided grin came to his face. "Well, well, well. I never thought I'd see you again after what happened. So you wanna join the Rebels huh? Well after what happened at Yavin I'm not surprised. Lots of folks wanna join them." He looked the older man over. "You sure got grey since I last saw you." His grin doubled at seeing Vince's lip twitched slightly.
"You two know each other?" The Rebel spy sputtered a look of surprise on his face as he looking between the two men.
Vince chuckled. "Yes we do. I saved him when he got into a tussle with a thug who accused him of cheating in a card game."
"Yeah and uh thanks again for that." The smuggler replied then he slid into the booth the Wookiee following. He looked between the two. A Bothan spy and old man. These were his passengers for today's job. These were the guys who he would transport to the Rebel Alliance. Clearing his throat the smuggler captain introduced himself. "Han Solo. I'm captain of the Millennium Falcon."
Done.
And so the great Han Solo has arrived to take Vince and Korthis to the Alliance. I will say this also, the first couple chapters will be like the original story till after escaping Dantooine. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Read and view if you like.
