Chapter 5: The Dark Begins to Rise
Deep within the confines of his quarters aboard the Bloodfin, Ben Skywalker worked tirelessly. He had been in ever since he had returned from Taris' liberation. Many believed he was suffering from stress but that was far from the truth. For years he had secretly gathered all the knowledge he could on the Mandalorian culture. Anything from datapads to star charts and other trinkets could be found in his room. He had tried to find their greatest weaknesses as well as their strengths to varied success. Now he was on the verge of a discovery that could aide him in winning the war.
From the datapad he had recovered on Taris he had found a security code deeply embedded in the system that you had to watch for carefully in order to see it recur in all of his other datapads. He had been trying to decyfer it for days. He had great knowledge of Mandalorian culture but he was finding this to be his greatest challenge yet. He had begun to finally understand it and after a few more code sequences he had cracked it. Now let's see if you were worth all the trouble. He began to read through it. Much he already knew but then he came across something that piqued his interest.
He continued to read until he reached a word that sent shivers down his back. Malachor V. From his reading he had learned that this world was forbidden to the Mandalorians. Why? They have taken the liberty of traveling to any other world, why is this one so special? He continued to ponder this as he brought up a star chart. He located Malachor's grid coordinates, S-4. It revealed no mention of a planet there at all. On the charts the location was in the farthest reaches of the Outer Rim Territories, very close to the Unknown Regions. He would have to investigate this. He wouldn't dare contact the temple with this kind of information. It wouldn't surprise him if they would disregard anything that he would say. He would have to travel to this planet if it even existed. Hopefully he would find the reason why it was a taboo world for the Mandalorians.
Before the battle of Taris, Ben had fully intended to attack the enemy stronghold of Dxun. Now he had to adjust his battle plan to fit this new information. He now stood on the bridge of the Bloodfin awaiting news from Vestara. He wanted to see her before he left but he knew he would not likely get the chance. After many battles together his feelings for her had begun to grow. He wouldn't admit it but he held her close to his heart. He had attempted to place her on small scale battles but she fought fiercely with him until he relented. He had learned to accept that any one of his friends could die but it didn't hurt any less. On the battlefield he was considered to be a great leader and one of the greatest military tacticians that ever lived. But he wanted more than the life of war. He had often fantasized about having a family of his own once the war was over but he had a nagging feeling that it would never truly be over.
He waited patiently with Valin at his side until Pallaeon turned to him, "General Skywalker, we are receiving a long range transmission from General Khai. She is requesting you personally."
A small joy began to fill Ben as he heard this. He hadn't seen her in some time or even spoken to her for that matter. "Have it forwarded to my quarters. Valin walk with me."
Valin nodded his head and fell in step with Ben. His mind had been working to catch up on events since Taris. He had been disturbed by Ben's actions to the slavers and the Mandalorians but he began to reason that they were the right choices. Since then he had gotten some much needed rest. Now he had some more questions that needed answers after Vestara's com call. "Have any idea what this is about?" he asked.
Ben looked up at him and answered calmly, "I am unsure but hopefully it will be positive." He didn't want to voice his true hopes but he knew that it was slim at best that she would come to them.
They entered Ben's quarters and he brought Valin to the common room purposely avoiding his personal quarters. He didn't want Valin to see his private stash. He walked to the table in the center of the room and activated the holo transmission that was waiting for him. A blue hologram of Vestara Khai shimmered in the still air. Her arms were crossed as she looked at them. She looked slightly distressed but retained a calm appearance. Something was bothering her, Ben could see that from knowing her as he did. Vestara didn't waste any time, "Ben, Valin, I have news."
Ben asked, "And what news do you bring?"
Vestara hesitated before answering, "We have intercepted a Mandalorian transmission. So far we have decoded very little but it appears they are planning an attack somewhere. We just don't know where yet. With your permission Ben, I would like to remain here and monitor activity in this sector."
Ben was slightly disappointed but he had learned to do his duty just as any other Jedi had. Maybe even more so. He turned his attention to the information she had uncovered. They would have to tread carefully around this. If Mandalore attempted to unleash another assault on the Core, Ben had to be ready. "You have it. I want you to keep us informed at all times. Once you have decoded the transmission we need to regroup and decide what our next move will be."
"Understood Ben. I hope to see you soon then," Vestara stated as her holographic form faded out of existence.
Ben pondered what this meant. The Mandalorians were preparing an assault somewhere and the Republic was clueless as to where Mandalore himself was. Things were going very well and quite badly. Ben's resolve to win the war as fast as possible was beginning to flare again and then he thought back on the planet Malachor V. Perhaps that may be the key. He had the time to take a short leave of absence now and he decided to take his trip to Malachor. He looked at Valin who hadn't spoken a word during the conversation. He had been through a lot and he didn't want to take away his much needed rest but he knew he had to go. "Valin, I must make a trip. I am placing you in command until I return."
He tried to walk away to prepare for his journey but Valin stopped him and looked at him with a wide eyed gaze, "What? Where are going? We need you here."
Ben had prepared for this with an alibi that he often employed in the past, "I need to visit an old friend. You must assume command until my return."
Valin still wasn't convinced but he knew that once Ben set his mind on something there was no stopping him. He let him pass by and watched him enter his room and closed the door. Sometimes he couldn't understand Ben at all. He had often showed this mysterious side of him as a child and Valin wasn't able to comprehend it then either. Slowly he walked out and began his journey back to the bridge thinking about what to say to the crew about Ben's absence. He was certain that many people would be questioning his sudden departure and he had better be ready for them.
Light trails of stars suddenly came to a halt as the ship shuddered signaling the end of hyperspace travel. Ben peered through the cockpit viewport to take in the world lying in space before him. He had begun to think that he would find nothing at all but now he had proof of the opposite. From space Malachor appeared to be a fertile and hospitable world. He could feel the life on the planet both sentient and vegetation but he also felt something else. The force was dark on this world. He could hear the Dark Side seductively whispering to him. The Dark Side was strong, he could feel the source of it coming from a central location.
He began to descend and he felt Malachor's gravity grip the ship making it fall faster than it normally would. Ben quickly realized that the planet's gravity well was much stronger than that of any planet he had ever visited. After a quick flight correction he compensated for the extra speed and the ship leveled out. He began to fly lower over the terrain until he found a suitable landing spot in a small valley. He wanted to stay out of site because he was unsure of what the locals were like. He walked out of the valley and saw a large village a few kilometers ahead. From what he could see, these people lived relatively peaceful lives. I need some information he thought blankly. Ben then made the decision to enter the village and see if any of the locals knew what he was looking for. He kept his lightsaber concealed but easy to reach should he need it.
He walked the several kilometers and entered the village. Once there he stayed in the shadows to avoid being seen. Ben had prided himself on his honorable character and thus refused to remove his mask to fit in with his surroundings. Even in the village there was green grass swaying slightly in the gentle wind. There were many buildings which were marked for their usage. People walked by enjoying their lives unaware of his presence. He felt a small twinge in the Force and looked around to see where it was coming from. He then felt more and more twinges there one moment and gone the next. Then Ben finally understood what he was feeling. These people were unconsciously using the Force. He could feel it in nearly everyone there. He could also see that they didn't even know of their abilities otherwise they wouldn't be as happy as they were with such a strong shroud of the Dark Side nearby.
Ben was completely awestruck by this. How did the Republic or the Jedi for that matter know nothing about this place while the Mandalorians were forbidden to come to this world. Things didn't add up for him so he left his hiding place and moved from shadow to shadow making not so much as a sound. He stood on a paved walkway when he saw a cantina. That would be as good a place as any to start he thought as he walked over to it, carefully staying out of site. He entered as quietly as possible and slid around the corner to stay hidden and watch the people within. There were many people inside, many with their families were gathered together enjoying themselves while others were eating and drinking alone. Ben zeroed in on one such family as he overheard a conversation.
A man was eating a meal with his wife and children. He was enjoying himself as many people seemed to be doing while entertaining his young son. "Daddy please tell me another story!" the boy squealed in delight. The boy was around nine years old and he had an older sister that appeared to be seventeen standard years.
Just then another man came to whisper in the man's ear but thanks to the Force, Ben was able to hear what was being said. "Another went there a few days ago and hasn't returned since." After hearing this the man that held his son became somber while the other man left. The father quickly recovered and resumed telling his family stories.
After he had finished another story Ben took the opportunity to walk forward and converse with him. As soon as he left the shadows all eyes turned to him. He saw many faces having the look of shock and some of horror and yet others who didn't care at all. He continued farther until he reached the man's table. He moved to shield his son while his wife looked at him in fear. Had these people never seen an outsider before? Ben didn't know the answer but he felt that he would soon find out. He raised his hands to show them he was not their enemy. "I mean you no harm. All I want is to talk to you," Ben said and for yet another time he silently cursed himself for keeping his mask on.
"Me?" the man asked shakily as he pointed to himself. Ben nodded to him and the man turned to his wife and quickly told her to wait for him there while he stood up and began leading Ben to another booth.
When he had sat down Ben felt the Force warning him of a potential threat. He brought his full attention to the man across from him and saw him move his shoulder ever so slightly. This man had a blaster on him and he hadn't even noticed until it was too late. Ben silently chastised himself for failing to see that detail. He knew he could overpower this man easily at any time but he had to know what was going on.
The man was staring at his mask with curiosity. To prolong the inevitable, Ben tried to get him to talk. "Have you never seen an offworlder before?" he asked.
The man shook his head as he spoke, "No one here has. As long as I've lived there have never been any offworlders on this planet. The people of this world have never seen one or their fathers or their fathers." He paused and hesitated before asking, "Are you human?"
Ben could sense that he spoke truthfully, still he wanted answers, "Yes I am human. I wear this mask because I took an oath to do so." At the man's questioning look Ben slowly pulled off the glove on his right hand revealing fair colored skin. This seamed to satisfy him and Ben asked, "Do you live in peace here?"
"Yes and we prefer to keep it that way."
"May I ask for your name?" Ben asked sincerely. He didn't want to risk losing this conversation.
The man tensed as he answered, "My name is Arnon Mae."
Ben knew he had to tread carefully now. There was no telling what would set this man off. "And I am called the Revanchist."
Arnon was still quite tense but Ben could see another side of this man. He didn't want to harm anyone but if his family or friends were threatened he would do anything. "What are you doing here? We don't need your kind here. Leave us in peace."
Those words were meant as a warning not a suggestion. Ben thought quickly on his options. Sooner or later Arnon was going to shoot him. He had to change his tactics. "Listen, you have a very good looking family over there. If you want to ever see them again you will answer my questions."
As soon as Arnon heard this he pulled the trigger but before the weight of his finger could push it, the blaster was yanked out of his hand by an invisible force. He looked up and saw his blaster in the hand of the Revanchist. Then his face turned as white as snow when he realized who this man was before him. He like all the villagers had heard stories since their youth about people like this man and now one had his blaster. "You're one of them?"he asked in absolute fear.
Ben was taken aback by this and he showed it in his response, "One of who?"
Arnon was staring at him with nothing but fear in his eyes. "We have been told stories of people that did what you just did. Something about your magic powers. I have always thought them to be legends but I was wrong . . Why are you here?"
Ben was still trying to wrap his mind around this but answered anyway, "I am trying to find something and what you and and that other man spoke of earlier about people disappearing might be a clue. I need you to take me there."
Arnon quickly stood up and nearly panicked, "I know the way but . . No. No I am not going there. Never! People have gone there and never come back."
Ben had to get him to see things his way or risk losing him. "Look if you don't go I could kill you right now. Besides you have a beautiful daughter. It would be a shame if something happened to her."
At the mention of his daughter Arnon took on the look of a warrior. "If you touch her . ." he let the accusation hang in the air as he stared at the frightening mask.
"All I need is for you to show me the way, that's all. Unless you would like to watch something else," Ben said while turning to look at Arnon's daughter.
"Alright we will leave shortly," he said and Ben gave him his blaster as he walked back toward his family. This would be an interesting journey for both of them. Ben could feel the Dark Side trying to reach for him. Instinctively he took a step back as if to escape it. He knew that he would be heading into the belly of the beast but he also knew that he had to. If not for the Republic then at least for himself. He couldn't leave Malachor without knowing what was truly behind all this.
A few hours later found them walking down long, twisting passageways along sheer cliffs. On the journey, Arnon told him the stories that generations of native people had been told of people like Ben that could use this strange 'magic' of his. Then Arnon stopped as they came to face of a cave leading steadily downward. Arnon once more looked on edge as he turned to face Ben. His jaw clenched before he spoke, "There are stories that people like you have been here before. Many years ago. Once my father told a story that our people were once allied with those magicians. That we had once been a great empire. But I never thought much of it. It just seemed like the things of legends but now after seeing you I can't help but wonder, was it true? I, like the sensible villagers, stay clear of this place. It is called the Depths of Malachor and has been for centuries. Everyone that has ever gone in there has never come out . . perhaps my forefathers were right, maybe there is something down there. Or someone." He barely croaked out the last part. He was obviously on the verge of panic.
Ben could feel the Dark Side growing stronger with each step he took. There were many possibilities of what might be down there but he as certain that it wasn't going to be good. He felt for the saber at his waist. Good he still had it. Something told him that he would need every tool he had in the depths. Ben looked at Arnon one last time, "Thank you, your art in this is finished. You may go." In a flash Arnon took off in the opposite direction leading back to civilization.
With one last look back, Ben entered the cave. It seemed as though night itself had fallen but in reality it was still midday. The Dark Side slowly became stronger and stronger the farther down he went. He walked slowly, trying not to miss any details. Suddenly his foot pushed against something on the ground and he nearly fell. After regaining his balance he stooped down to better see what it was. A skeleton that had nearly rotted was laying at his feet. Ben quickly stood up and took a few steps away. Is it possible for people to be alive down here? Ben didn't know the answer and he began to think that he didn't want to but he would soon find out regardless.
Ben looked around and suddenly he understood why the villagers were so fearful of this place. There were skeletons everywhere. Some having already decomposed and others relatively fresh kills. Ben saw a body against the wall. He slowly crept up to it to inspect it. From his experiences in the Mandalorian Wars, he could see that the corpse had only been there for only a few days. This must be the one Arnon was told about. There was fresh blood everywhere around it but Ben knew he wouldn't find any answers there so he stood up and continued on.
After what must have been a few kilometers the cave opened to reveal giant cliffs and small walkways going across the many gorges. Ben hesitantly stepped on the old walkway. He didn't trust it but it seemed sturdy enough. He began to walk across it and reached the other side with little difficulty. The Dark Side was no longer a gentle whisper but a load shout begging for him to embrace it. He felt like a large millstone had been wrapped around his neck pulling him downward into the dark's waiting embrace. No. I will not falter he thought as he fought valiantly to center himself. It was a constant fight, one that he could not retreat from but he could halt its momentum. After regaining control he walked on until he reached a narrow pathway that was walled up with rock on both sides. He could clearly see that this was not a natural formation. Something had made it but what?
Just then he felt a surge in the Force. He was being followed. As casually as he could Ben rounded the corner and, once out of sight, leaped to the top of the cavern without a sound, holding himself in place by a crevice in the rock. He felt the life form coming closer and closer until he saw a figure wearing a dark, hooded robe round the corner. Ben had two options: either let him pass or attack. He chose the latter. He launched himself off the wall and landed graceful crouch however his opponent must have been well trained to have noticed it for he turned around as Ben was about to grab his arm. When his adversary moved, the cloak wrapped around him to reveal the figure of a woman. Great! He thought as he was slammed by an unseen kick from her. He had never been great at fighting women. During his padawan days he had been the best duelist in the order but he often went easy on the females not to make them look bad but then he would almost lose because he didn't take it seriously. Then when he had become a teenager it didn't help that his emotions started to kick in.
Ben deftly duck another kick and brought arm up to pin her slender arm back but was kicked in the gut. He stumbled back and barely had time to steady himself as she whirled at him. Time to end this. As she spun at him, Ben ducked down and ignited his lightsaber. When she swung around he brought it up to her neck instantly bringing her to a stand still. She was so close to him that he could feel her breathing. An odd sensation swept through him as looked at her. He hadn't felt like this before and it unnerved hum. "Who are you?" he asked gently.
The woman lowered her hood to reveal herself to be the daughter of Arnon Mae. She let the robe cascade down to the rock floor. She wore a skin tight black jumpsuit, slightly similar to his mother, that showed off her slender figure. She was a strikingly beautiful young woman. Now that he had a better look at her he allowed himself to take in every detail. She had long dark hair, fair skin and her eyes held deep pools of green within them. He felt his senses heighten themselves and even though no one could see through his mask he could tell that she noticed him staring at her. She was physically attractive but there was also another quality that was attracting him to her. He could feel that the Force was stronger in her than any other person on the planet that he had encountered so far but there was also a darker aspect to her aura that chilled but yet excited him. Was there a reason their paths had crossed?
"What is your name?" he asked slowly.
She smiled sweetly at him as she answered, "My name is Aria Mae. I saw you talking with my father, correct?"
Ben nodded at her question. There was something that wasn't sitting well with him about this woman. She seemed like a respectable woman but the way she fought was anything but normal. The stance she used was not one of a person defending herself but of an assassin. "Why are you following me?" he asked wearily.
"My father believes that no one has ever come back from here but he is wrong. That I know of I am the only one to ever come back." By the look of Ben's body language she could see he was asking a silent question so she elaborated, "Four years ago I came down. Instead of listening to my father I believed my grandfather's stories. One day when I worked up the courage I entered the cave and traveled here and farther. At the end of the journey I found strange people that were going to kill me but they left me alone for some reason. They said I was learning their magic that I think they called the Force." She paused and looked slightly frightened before continuing, "I'm afraid of them. They told me to bring others down there. I don't know why but some were killed and others just disappeared. Then they brought me to a strange place where I could hear voices in my head and I saw . . I saw you walking toward me then the next moment you were gone and I saw those strange people."
Ben had no idea what she was referring to about these strange people but he did know that they were Force sensitives. Had she seen a vision while down there? Then he remembered that Arnon had said that his father told him that the people were once part of a great empire. Could that be true? If so then what empire would that have been? There were too many questions and far fewer answers. He brought his attention back to her. She was an oddity in this whole thing as well. Her fighting skills were phenomenal. Had these people down there trained her? This was one of the rare occasions now that Ben wanted Luke with him. "Do you know anything else?"
Aria shook her head, "No. But you must be careful. I don't know why they spared me but they are very powerful in their magic Force as you are. Please."
A thought struck Ben at that moment, "You don't remember anything else do you?"
"No. What I have told you is all I remember. It's like a part of me is missing. Gone. Why is it gone?" She then began to mutter unintelligible words.
Ben quickly brought her back to herself, "Thank you but you must return to safety. I will be back." He put a hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture the strode off down the tunnel. He had much to wrap his mind around and there was the Dark Side constantly battling him. One thing he did know was that his questions would soon be answered.
As Ben walked away, Aria gathered her cloak around her again. She was puzzled why she had come down here in the first place. She couldn't remember what compelled her to do so. Her mind was so weak that she didn't even remember fighting the Revanchist. Then out of the shadows a tall, crimson skinned figure came into view behind her. It had yellow eyes and tendrils coming off of its cheeks. The thing put its hand on her shoulder and instant remembrance came to Aria as her eyes widened in fear. The creature turned her to face it and smiled showing it's pointed teeth. "Who have you brought that has made it this far to the Academy?" it said in snakelike masculine tone.
Aria had never feared anyone as much as these strange creatures in her entire life. She forced herself to fall back into the wall. She kept her head down, not wanting to look into the creatures eyes. She shivered as the weight of his gaze tore through her. "It's the one in my vision. He has come for something," She whispered weakly.
The male creature stepped toward her and cupped her face in his large hand making her look into his yellow eyes, "And what is it that he is looking for?" Aria made no response so he continued, "Who can he be that he has made it this far without us knowing?"
Aria attempted to shake her head free but the man had it in a vice grip, "I don't know. He just showed up today. He's an offworlder!"
The creature held her face tighter in frustration. He had a theory forming in his mind but could not prove it yet. He wanted to know how this man was able to roam their sacred home without being detected. "What did he tell you?" he demanded.
"He told me to return to safety. That's all I know!" she blurted out at him.
The creature could feel the sincerity in her words. He would have to meet this man himself to find the true answers. He ran a hand through her hair and felt Aria shudder. He laughed at her fear of him. "You have been useful to us child. You will do well to obey us or your fate will be that of one of those you have brought to us. Your mind is so weak I may have to erase your memory again or I could turn you into a puppet for my own amusement," he said as he leaned forward breathing on her skin. He felt her shaking and relished in her fear. "Now go and do as he told you!" he commanded. As soon as he let go of her chin she raced back toward the surface of Malachor.
He grinned as he watched her hasty retreat. But that joy only lasted so long. His thoughts went back to the offworld intruder. There could only be one thing this person was but how had they found them. After all these years it was impossible for those genocidal defenders of the Republic to have found them. A movement from the shadows shook him out of his thoughts. A human man appeared out of the darkness and stood beside him. Like him, the human had yellow eyes but also a rather distorted looking face. The Force reeked off of them in dark waves as they stood in silence. The crimson man looked off in the direction that Ben had walked through and said his thoughts aloud, "Soon we will face each other in battle, Jedi. Then you will know the true power of the Sith!"
"It's nearly been four years and we haven't even received a single message from him. And not many of the others have messaged anyone either," Mara Jade Skywalker said as she paced across the room. It irritated her that Ben had never bothered to notify them of anything. Her son seemed to no longer care for them and it was slowly tearing her apart.
Luke patted the chair next to him gesturing for Mara to sit. They had been dining with the Solo family but for the past half hour all Mara had done was pace back and forth. She came to the seat and sat down as well as putting a death grip on Luke hand. She hadn't been the same since Ben had left the temple after his short recruiting run. All of the adults seated had read every report that had come their way concerning Ben, Valin, Vestara and the countless others that had joined them. Luke had never doubted himself as much as he did now. Did I make the right decision. Should I have gone to war. There were many reasons he could have or could not have gone and there were many questions that still plagued him.
He noticed Leia watching him and he raised his gaze to match hers. "What's wrong, Luke?" she asked, "We all miss them but they made their choices and we made ours."
"I want an honest answer. How many of you have been tempted to fight? I mean, I have never seen him so passionate about something in his entire life. Have any of you thought about leaving?" Luke asked with as much care as he could muster. He turned his gaze to Jaina and Jacen who had just sent their children to bed. Their expressions told more than words could.
Jacen and Jaina shared a look. Thanks to their being twins, they had a special bond with each other that they could use without anyone else knowing. They each had had their own unique relationship with Ben and Valin. Jacen had been the closest to Ben of all the Solo children. But Jaina and Anakin had each trained a personal friend of his. For Jaina, her relationship with Jysella had turned slightly sour due to Ben and Valin's departure. Jysella's mixed emotions had prevented her from becoming a Jedi Knight and Jaina had her padawan's brother and her cousin to thank for it.
Jacen was the first to speak, "There will always be a part of me that will regret not joining up. When he stood there and defied us, defied you, he made me proud for standing up for what he believed in but then it hurt to see him against me. Then afterward during all of his speeches, I felt like I had to do something but I just couldn't leave. I may never know the answer." Jacen had always been one for immediate action but now it seemed that he had truly taken after his mother in terms of politics.
Jaina had been and always would be a fighter. She took more after Han. She had inherited the Solo flair and it had paid off more than once in her lifetime. "I was moved by more than his words but his actions as well. He backed up everything that he said. I mean, I'm the Sword of the Jedi. I never truly did get used to diplomacy." She looked up at her mother and added with grin, "Sorry Mom."
Leia smiled at her daughter. Luke envied that. Here they were eating dinner like they had so many times before yet it wasn't right. Leia's family was still whole around her while his son was off fighting in the bloodiest war of galactic history. "I have been haunted by that vision every night. I can feel the darkness at it's fullest in it. Things are changing. The Force itself is changing. The Dark Side's shroud is growing and I fear there is more to this war than what meets the eye. We have been monitoring the situation but I am starting to think that we need someone there who will tell us what is going on," Luke said. He had thought about this for a long time and now he believed he was making the right choice.
Han's cocky lopsided grin came back to his face and that reminded Luke of the old days. "You got some action planned for us, Junior?" Han asked with anxiety. He had wanted to live a quiet life with Leia but he was constantly thrown into galaxy saving situations. Now that he had lived the last nearly twenty years in relative peace, he was eager to get back in the action.
Luke returned his grin with one of his own. "For now it will be just one of us," he turned to Anakin, "Anakin, are you up for a mission?"
Anakin was sitting on one side of the table with Tahiri and his face suddenly lit up with excitement, "You know I am. Where to?"
Luke was pleased to see that Anakin was once more eager to be in the field again after losing his apprentice. After Vestara left, Anakin had remained at the temple and spent more time with his family. "I need you to go to the Republic front without detection if you can but we need to know what is happening. If there is a reason that Ben or anyone for that matter is not contacting us, I want to know why. I will leave the particulars up to you."
Anakin nodded, "I will leave as soon as I can."
Luke chose to caution him at that moment. He didn't want anything to happen to Anakin. He had nearly lost him on Myrkr all those years ago and he was not about to lose him now. Besides Tahiri would hate him for the rest of her life if something went wrong. And due to her background and her time with the Yuuzhan Vong, she was not one you would want to get angry. "Be cautious. Something is rising. I don't know what but it seems familiar. This war is coming to a close but it will not end well . . and I can only pray that we will be ready for the consequences."
Author Note
Sorry it took so long but I am going to have a busy few weeks so updates may be few but after that I will resume writing as much as I can. Thanks for reading and keep reviewing.