Author's Note: I know, only a week since the last update. What can I tell you? Qui-Gon demanded his time as well. Plus, North Carolina got hit with a nasty winter storm. A few quick notes: the original plan created by Kit Fisto and Lisseth Solo is something I came across while reading Caesar's Gallic Wars. . . which also provided the last name of a character in this chapter. Also, if anyone is curious, and hasn't been able to check out my website, here is a brief list of who 'plays' which original character. Merit Solo: Rachael Leigh Cook; Thane Solo: Ted King (Andy in Charmed); Aidan Kenobi: Sean Bean; Amidala Kenobi: Abigail Stone; Lisseth Warda Solo: Bridget Regan (Kahlan in Legend of the Seeker); Rilla Kenobi: Megan Follows; Sharanya Labun: Jessica Steen; Ral Treveri: Sam Rockwell; Andriu/Darth Heinous: Eric Close. By the same token, I've been imagining Jason Carter as Xanatos. And on with the chapter!
Chapter Six
Never Enough Time
What had he done? Oh dear Force. . .what had he done?
The words kept repeating in Qui-Gon Jinn's mind as he stared after his former padawans. What had he done? He couldn't regret his attempt to help Jacen Solo. . .that was who and what he was. But Rilla Kenobi's words about him growing stagnant and complacent hit home. In short, he had become everything he accused the Jedi Council of being during his mortal life. It was indeed a bitter pill to swallow.
He raised his eyes to look at his three 'guards,' each of them staring at him coldly. . .even Shmi Skywalker Lars. Perhaps even especially Shmi. He looked away again, wondering if Rilla Kenobi was right. Had he stagnated since the arrival of the others? Was he expecting Obi-Wan to be the same twenty-five year old boy he remembered from his mortal life, despite watching over him from the Force for so many years? He knew that boy no longer existed. . .not even casting off his burdens in the Force could bring his child back to him completely.
Then a new form shimmered into being and without a word, the three women backed away. The new arrival was neither male nor female, though it took a humanoid form. That didn't matter. . .they all knew what this entity was. Qui-Gon stated flatly, You used me. The being, who had no face, smiled nonetheless and the Jedi repeated, You used me. You wanted the others to move more quickly, so you used me to alert Jacen Solo to what was happening. You used me.
I use nearly everyone, Qui-Gon Jinn. . .you, of all people, should know that, the entity responded in a voice that was neither male nor female, and yet was both. It became his former Master, and adopted Yan Dooku's voice as it continued, I used my own child to bring balance, and I used you to find him in the first place. Really, what makes you think you're so special? The Force again morphed, this time into the form of his former padawan at the time Yan Dooku encountered his grandpadawan on Geonosis. It smiled, making Qui-Gon shudder. That smile didn't belong on his Obi-Wan's face. The Force dropped the smile from Obi-Wan's face and stated, He has always been my Obi-Wan, not yours! I merely loaned him to you. Not that you showed much gratitude for that gift.
It didn't seem especially prudent to observe that Anakin obviously inherited his tendency toward possessiveness from his non-human parent. However, Qui-Gon couldn't help but notice that this was, indeed, the case. At least he hadn't passed that tendency along to his children, though it was looking more and more as if that skipped a generation to his grandson. Not that Qui-Gon wanted to think about Jacen right now. The idea that he had been so terribly wrong about the being currently known as Darth Cadeus terrified him beyond imagination. And he knew he would receive no assistance from the four women who volunteered to guard him.
Ladies. . .I think our host has things well in hand. Let's go see if the others need any help, Breha Organa suggested, confirming Qui-Gon's guess. This met with the approval of her companions. Each of the women made a slight bow to the personification of the Force, who maintained its form as Obi-Wan. And, keeping up the appearance of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the personification returned the bow, before returning its attention to Qui-Gon. The two sets of women, one set Organa and the other Skywalker, swept away, leaving the Jedi and the Force alone. The former queen of Naboo offered him a slight smirk before following her mother-in-law and her daughter's other mother.
Qui-Gon had just enough time to ponder the oddity of two former queens, a former princess, and a former slave acting as a cohesive unit, before his attention was drawn back to the Force-personification. . .who, regrettably, maintained its appearance as Obi-Wan. The entity said, Of course I will keep this form for now. It appeals to me. And as to your assertion that I passed the trait of possessiveness along to my child, that is not true and you know it. Anakin has always been possessive because of how he grew up. I am possessive because the beings here are actually mine.
Well, that was certainly true. The entity wearing his final padawan's face continued, Now. We were discussing your complaint that I used you. And as I said, I use nearly everyone. Yes. I used you. Not simply because I wished for the Jedi committed to assisting the younglings to work faster, but because I wished to give Jacen Solo one last chance to turn back from his path. . .and make the journey into the past unnecessary. Instead, he is speeding toward his children's compound to murder them both. I think you will agree. . .that part of the Skywalker legacy must end.
But. . .you also told me that it was time this galaxy ended! Qui-Gon protested. That loathsome smirk reappeared, and Jinn closed his eyes, understanding. He murmured, You meant to change the galaxy, one way or another. . .whether by stopping Jacen Solo with the love Anakin swears he still holds for his children, or by sending them into the past and hopefully out of his reach. And thus, end the galaxy as it currently exists.
Indeed. You interpreted that to mean that I wished for Jacen Solo to destroy the galaxy and himself at the same time. . .to wipe out what remained of his family. You interpreted it according to your grudge against my child. And why are you holding a grudge against Anakin Skywalker? Because he failed to be the little boy you remembered, the false Obi-Wan stated. Qui-Gon started to protest, but the Force-entity would have none of his argument. Jinn found himself literally unable to speak.
Satisfied that it would not be further interrupted, the Force-entity continued, Once he arrived in the Force, his focus was on repairing his relationship with his former Master. . . and helping him to see, once and for all, that it was not Obi-Wan's fault that he fell. That, however, is an ongoing project. There was more than a touch of exasperation, and Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile. Yes, that was his padawan. The Force-entity continued, Now. . .there is an opportunity for you to assist the others. . .if you're willing to take it. Jinn hesitated. . .and then he nodded.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
She was still struggling for breath when her brother's familiar, welcome arms encircled her protectively. Through the roaring in her ears, she heard Thane whispering, "Shh, you're all right, I'm here, I've got you, you're safe, Merit, shhhh." She clung to him, trembling, his fingers moving through her hair in a familiar, comforting manner. . .in the same way he had always comforted her after a particular horrific nightmare. And there were plenty of those. It made her so angry. . .she was twenty-five standard years old, a Jedi, and her father's approach still had this effect on her. As if she was still a little girl, torn between hiding her face in Uncle Luke's robes and watching in horror as her father's troops cut down half of her family. She hated it. She wasn't supposed to hate anything or anyone, but for her father and these stupid krething emotions, she would make an exception. Gone was any notion of entertaining the possibility that Anakin was right, that her father did still love her and would eventually remember it. As he himself said, he wasn't her father.
At last, however, the rushing sound ended and she could hear Thane's heart beat under her ear. As ever, the rhythm helped her to center and focus, and within seconds, her breathing was in time with his. Inhale, beat, beat, beat; exhale, beat, beat, beat. Once she could draw breath, Merit whispered, "He's coming, Thane. Somehow, Cadeus found out what we're planning, and he's coming for us." Her brother's arms tightened, and she could sense his heart rate jump as well. Bizarrely, she found it comforting that her brother was as unnerved by this as she was.
Yes. . .he's on his way, so there's little time, came a much beloved and desperately missed voice. Merit and Thane both froze, though the sister couldn't have said why she was so surprised. Over the last six hours, she had spoken with her late sister, great-grandfather, great-uncle, and the great-grandmaster of her great-grandfather, and trying to figure out that particular relationship would give her a headache. Instead, she carefully pulled out of her brother's arms, just enough to see the newcomer.
Merit gave a soft little cry, seeing not the aging woman who had died twenty years earlier, but the beautiful young girl whose holographic image had drawn her twin brother back into their birthright. Leia Organa Skywalker Solo smiled at her grandchildren and continued, Even now, the Jedi of ages past are preparing your transport. It's best not to keep them waiting, my younglings.
"Gran?" Thane asked brokenly. Again, Leia smiled at them, her brown eyes filled with love and joy. For a moment, Thane tightened his embrace, then released Merit and stepped away from her. But he wouldn't relinquish contact with her, not completely. When he held out his hand to her, she took it. . . and still held onto it, even after the ground was firm beneath her feet. In a somewhat steadier voice, Thane asked, "What do we need to do, Gran? I know Anakin had something else in mind, other than going to Dagobah. . .and that's out now, too."
You will use the simulator you four have been testing as a portal, their grandmother answered. Wh. . .? Merit could have sworn her grandmother just said they would use the simulator. The same simulator Merit herself more or less broke earlier that evening? That simulator? As if she could hear Merit's thoughts (which was entirely possible), the former princess of Alderaan said with exaggerated patience, We know what we're doing, children. Even now, Jedi are congregating around the simulator, acting as conduits for the Force. It is my task. . .oh. Master Dooku.
Merit blinked, both at the second blue-outlined form that appeared beside her grandmother, and at the obvious surprise in her grandmother's voice. The tall, aristocratic Jedi bowed first to her grandmother, then the stunned Jedi standing in Merit's room (and for the first time, she also realized Aidan and Ami were in her quarters. It was a good thing they weren't on a mission. . .or her lack of attention would have gotten her killed). The Jedi/Sith/Jedi said quietly, Your birth father and my grandpadawan have things under control, I thought I might assist you.
Of course, Master Dooku. I was just explaining the plan to the children. Was there something you wished to add? Leia responded. Merit raised her eyebrows at her grandmother's tone of voice. It wasn't servile at all. . .but far more respectful than Merit had ever heard it. For the second time in less than five minutes, she was startled. . .this time when she felt a pair of arms wind around her waist and soft hair against her arm. Looking in that direction, she found Ami tucking herself against her side, looking up at Merit with apprehensive bright blue eyes. Merit smiled, understanding. Ami had taken advantage of the Force-spirits' distraction to seek comfort.
Only a last minute addition that Master Fisto suggested. . .although I believe your daughter-in-law might have given him the idea, after a discussion they had about battle tactics. There are fighter pilots on this compound. . .not Force-sensitives, and certainly not as gifted as your birth father, but more than adequate to the job. Master Fisto and Lisseth have suggested a false evacuation, to lead your son's troops away from the compound. Perhaps Aidan Kenobi should arrange that? Master Dooku suggested.
Merit blinked in astonishment. Her mother came up with that idea? She never knew her mother learned any battle tactics. Then again, she thought sadly, there's a lot I never learned about my mother until long after she was dead. And, she noticed, Aidan was taking the suggestion under careful consideration. After a moment, he observed, "That's an excellent idea. We don't have a large number of fighter pilots, but I don't think we need a lot. If we can get them to fly escort for the Raven, that will lend credibility to the concept that we're running. Especially since even Cadeus knows Merit doesn't let just anyone pilot the Raven."
Merit was tempted to stick her tongue out at her friend, but under the circumstances, it didn't seem appropriate. . .even if he was smirking at her. Still, she couldn't deny the truth of Aidan's words. She was somewhat possessive of their little ship, which she named in honor of her grandfather's ship, the Millennium Falcon. It would never be the Falcon, of course, but it helped her to keep her grandfather's memory alive. And if it also kept alive the memory of being three years and sitting in her father's lap as he flew his own ship. . .well, there was no reason for anyone to know that.
"Then I'll give the word to begin the evacuation. Aidan, you know most of the pilots by name, I think they'll listen more readily to you. . .they're wary of me, and Merit scares the poodoo out of them," Thane observed. Merit didn't bother scowling at her brother, since he was right. She did scare them. . .she had an unfortunate tendency to have one of her Force-visions while she was around them. . .if the damn things scared her, when she was used to them, she could only imagine their effect on the poor pilots!
"And what about me?" Ami asked. Actually, it was more along the lines of, demanded to know. The eleven year old was still tucked against Merit's side, arms wrapped tightly around her waist and head resting against Merit's ribcage. She couldn't have been especially comfortable, but the Knight had a sneaking suspicion that nothing short of an explosion or a durasteel wedge would pry her loose. Those two, or a word from her father. The aforementioned father smiled at her.
"You, my dearest, will be helping with the 'evacuation.' Thane, just to make sure, you might want to set the Raven on autopilot. . .in case the charming Darth Cadeus takes it into his head to blow it out of the sky. That way, we lose a ship, but none of the compound's personnel lose their lives," Aidan suggested. Merit bit back a second scowl. She didn't like the idea of a computer flying her ship, either, but Aidan was right. Cadeus was somewhat unpredictable and she wasn't sure she wanted to entrust the lives of other people to the possibility that he would want to gloat. Thane cast a questioning glance at her and she nodded reluctantly.
"I'll take care of that. Gran. . .do you really think all of this is going to work?" Merit asked, turning to the young girl outlined in blue. Though her words were directed at her grandmother, the appeal was to Leia's companion as well. And it was that companion who responded, with a smile that could have been easily described as 'evil' by anyone who saw it. As it was, it left Merit thanking the Force they were on the same side.
We haven't told you the second part of the plan, youngling. You see, there will be a second wave of fighter pilots coming behind the Raven. Once the Raven and the squadron lead your father a safe distance from the compound, the fighters will break off the escort duty and veer off to engage his troops. Your father will be fighting the Resistance both in front of him and behind him, Master Dooku explained. Merit needed only a moment to think that through.
"So, they'll have the element of surprise, plus catch him in a pincher maneuver? At the very least, it'll buy us time," she observed, "but what about the pilots out there?" She had to admit, it was a decent plan. The last thing the Sith Lord would be expecting was for the fleeing Resistance to turn and fight him. Assuming whatever nerf-herder who had told him about their plan to head into the past didn't go running to him and blabbering that this was a trap.
"I'll give the pilots the order to break off the attack and scatter once. . .uh-oh. That can't be a good sign," Aidan interrupted himself. Merit froze as the lights began to flicker, then the first explosion rocked the compound. He was here, now. It was too late. It's too bad, she thought distantly, it sounds like it would have been a good plan. Her hand slipped into her brother's and she tightened her free arm around Ami's shoulders. A look of pure determination crossed her grandmother's lovely face.
Then there's no time to lose. Come, children! Jacen will be landing in a matter of moments, pack only what you can carry, and meet us in the room with the simulator. This isn't over yet! Leia Organa Skywalker Solo said fiercely. It was, Merit realized, the exact same thing her sister had said to her in her dreams. It had the same effect as her conversation with Allana. Her shoulders straightened and her chin lifted. She was still a Jedi. . .and she wasn't going down without a fight!
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
He really shouldn't have been surprised to hear Anakin swearing when the attack on the compound began. And he wasn't. Really. He wasn't. It wasn't simply that they were running out of time, although that was a large part of it. No, more than anything, Anakin was furious and sick that it was all happening again. And Anakin wanted to shake sense into his grandson. However, Obi-Wan Kenobi had a sneaking sense that Anakin wouldn't stop at shaking. Not that he objected, as such (since Jacen's actions were also harming Obi-Wan's own descendents), but he knew what family meant to Anakin.
No matter what the circumstances, if Anakin's actions resulted in Jacen's death, it would take his former padawan a long time to forgive himself. He simply would not be able to forgive himself for hurting Leia in such a way. And so, Anakin turned the full force of his rage on opening the portal into the past. Obi-Wan had his hands full, between restraining Anakin's raw power (they risked overcharging, which would kill the children as they entered) and keeping an eye on the developing situation.
Only five mortal minutes after the bombardment began, all four Travelers ran into the room, each carrying a pack. The two girls both wore their hair pulled back from their respective faces. Obi-Wan's grandson called as he dropped his pack onto the floor, "I'm and giving the order to evacuate the base! Ami, stay close, we don't know how that thing will react once a group of Jedi within the Force start charging it!" Yes, Obi-Wan thought, do keep your distance until we're ready for you to leave. The last thing any of us want is for our efforts to kill you when we're trying to save you.
The base was rocked by another explosion just as Aidan reached the console. He and Thane Solo both fell to their knees, while Merit Solo grabbed Obi-Wan's great-granddaughter and held her fast. Ami clung to the dark-haired girl, looking terrified. Obi-Wan didn't blame her. While he never would have said so, he was terrified as well. He was frightened for his grandson and great-granddaughter, he was afraid for the galaxy, and just as importantly, he was worried for Anakin. His former padawan was quite capable of tearing the fabric of reality itself if anything happened to his only mortal great-grandchildren. And Obi-Wan didn't want to think about what he would do to Master Qui-Gon if his warning to Jacen cost Thane or Merit their lives. In a very real sense, Anakin saw Thane and Merit as his second chance with Luke and Leia.
They really looked nothing like the twins. But they were Leia's grandchildren, and all that remained of the Skywalker line. Ben was never given the opportunity to marry and have children, just as Jaina and young Anakin were not. In his former padawan's mind, if he was able to save Thane and Merit from their deranged father, he could finally let go the last of his own guilt. They had been over this countless times during the last seven mortal decades, but just as Obi-Wan still struggled to forgive himself for failing Anakin, Anakin was struggling to forgive himself for failing his children. Even though Luke had reached out to him ages ago, even though Leia had forgiven him and grew to love him. . . he had yet to forgive himself. And nothing either twin could say would change that.
Not that Obi-Wan had room to talk. He could still remember how cold he felt when he learned that he had a child on Tatooine. It was bad enough that he fathered a child for whom he hadn't taken responsibility. . .but to not even remember the night she was conceived? He did many things, of which he was ashamed later, but not remembering his daughter's conception, not knowing about his child was at the top of that list. Siri and Bant both believed he was too delirious with the fever to comprehend anything that was happening around him, much less to him. They, along with his daughter, believed that if he was even slightly aware of what was happening, he believed it was part of a fever dream, a dream in which Siri was still alive.
That was entirely likely, but he couldn't remember. He couldn't remember his child's conception, and he wasn't there for her. Obi-Wan never bothered to say the words aloud. It wasn't really necessary. . .but he failed his daughter, just as he had failed his padawan. He was utterly determined not to fail his grandson and great-granddaughter. He focused his energy, his fear, his love, his banked rage into making the simulator a portal for the mortal Jedi, even as explosion after explosion rocked the compound. It seemed Darth Cadeus was taking no chances. Obi-Wan sensed the Sith would land soon and take a squad into the compound to subdue, if not kill, whatever Resistance members remained.
Aidan had given the order for everyone to evacuate, and those who could evacuate made their way to the pods deep under the ground, where they could blast into space. Go down to go up. It actually worked quite well most of the time, so long as all of the pods were working properly. Kit Fisto whispered, He'll be here soon, we don't have much time. Is there any way we can draw more energy from others within the Force? Obi-Wan didn't answer immediately. Leia and Master Dooku joined them, along with the children, and they were adding their own strength to the effort. But what if it wasn't enough?
Obi-Wan wouldn't think like that. To his relief, Merit lowered herself and Ami to the ground, near the console where they would somewhat protected from falling debris. A few moments later, their respective brother and father joined them, waiting while the portal grew. Satisfied that his descendants had some protection, he focused on doing, not worrying (well, as much as he could, at least. To be Obi-Wan Kenobi was to worry). He poured all that he was and ever had been into his efforts. In his mind, led by the Force itself, he visualized himself changing and shifting until he was no longer human or even humanoid, until he himself was the portal through which his grandson and great-granddaughter would walk through and into the past. So focused on this was he that he never heard the whispers around him. He only sensed that the portal was growing larger. Encouraged, he focused more of his energy into his task.
Stand down, padawan, a familiar voice whispered, before you lose yourself. Obi-Wan resisted. . .he had to make this portal large enough, he couldn't fail his grandson and great-granddaughter the way he failed his padawan, his daughter, and the entire Jedi Order. His former Master said, Even after all these years, you still believe that you failed Anakin and the Order, that you failed your daughter. None of that is true, Obi-Wan. Do not sacrifice your power for a failure that is not yours. And this responsibility, too, is not solely yours. . .it is the responsibility of everyone who chose to help our descendents. Stand down, padawan, and let others take the load as well.
You don't have to carry this alone, Master. . .this was our choice, Anakin told him on the other side. Didn't they understand? This wasn't just about guilt! He finally had a chance to be a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather. . .he would take that chance, and he would be the father and grandfather that Rilla and Aidan could be proud of. He would lose his own identity in the Force if that was what it took to give his grandson and great-granddaughter the life they deserved. Anakin repeated, now sounding worried, But Master, it isn't necessary to sacrifice yourself!
A third voice entered the conversation, as Master Dooku murmured, Come back to us, youngling. . .you're frightening little Amidala. For the first time, Obi-Wan's concentration was broken and he looked at the mortals gathered. His great-granddaughter was quietly weeping into the tunic of the young woman holding her, Merit Solo herself staring in silent horror at the portal. . .at them. Obi-Wan blinked a little, trying to understand the reaction of the two girls, and Master Dooku said gently, You were dissolving before their eyes, youngling. It frightened them both.
And it's time for the children to go, Mace Windu stated, as an all too familiar darkness overshadowed the portal created by the Force-users, Darth Cadeus has landed. He had indeed, and the last of time was slipping away from them. They had done all they could. Now it was up to the children, and Obi-Wan found the faith he needed to trust they would do what was necessary.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
Amidala Kenobi thought many times in the past that she knew what fear was. The first time was six years earlier, when she and her father were trapped on Hoth. Their ship had crashed, the engines were beyond repair, and the life support was failing as well. She was tucked against her father's chest in the warmest part of the ship, his fingers moving through her then-short blonde hair. Ami wasn't afraid for herself that day. . .she was afraid for her father. She knew her father would take care of her, but who would take care of him? She was just a little girl, even if she was strong in the Force, and while she could do some things to take care of him. . .well, she certainly couldn't pick him up and carry him to safety, as he could do for her!
But then they had heard the knocking on the side of the ship. . .Thane and Merit had come for them, and everything would be all right. Ami couldn't remember exactly who held the lightsaber cutting through the ruins of their ship. . .only that Merit, then a nineteen year old padawan, carried her to safety, while Thane supported her father. She remembered clearly burying her face against Merit's coat as the girl protected her from the extreme cold of the planet. That was the first time she could remember feeling fear.
The next time was when Thane and the recently knighted Merit were captured by the Hutts on Tatooine. That was one of the most horrifying missions her father had ever undertaken. Ami, at that time eight standard years of age, had been forced to stay on the ship at the controls, in the event her father's rescue mission went terribly wrong. They had taken Ral Treveri with them, a key member of the Resistance (who had something of a crush on Merit, even if Ami was the only one who noticed).
Ral had carried an unconscious, barely alive Merit on board, while in a twist of fate, her father half-dragged, half-carried an equally injured Thane onto their ship. As soon as the injured siblings were secured, her father yelled for Ami to take off. She later learned that someone had told the Hutts that Merit was the granddaughter of the woman who killed Jabba the Hutt. Ami's bet was that horrid Andriu, Darth Cadeus' most recent apprentice. He called himself 'Darth Heinous,' and it was Merit's considered opinion that the 'heinous' referred to his fighting ability. Even as a nineteen-year-old padawan, she wiped the floor with him during each encounter.
If it was Andriu, it would make sense. Merit had been badly beaten and tortured, her connection to the Force cut off. . .and for a Jedi, for any Force-sensitive, that was torture by itself. Thane was in bad shape as well, but somehow, his injuries weren't as personal as Merit. Those were the words Ami's father used as he worked to stabilize each Solo. Whoever had hurt Merit. . .it was personal. Ami wasn't allowed to see Thane or Merit in those first days. . . her father told her that she would help them more by meditating and supporting Ral when he was flying.
It was only after both Thane and Merit regained consciousness that Ami learned more about the rescue, for it was then that her father told them about the unexpected help they received from the Tusken Raiders. According to one of the unlikely rescuers, the palace where Merit and Thane were held was once the site of a Tusken camp. It was destroyed nearly a century earlier after that particular tribe captured and tortured the wife of a moisture farmer. The Tusken Raiders were drawn to the site by the spirit of that woman, who had been known in life as Shmi Skywalker Lars. Ami had shuddered as she held Merit's hand tightly. Somehow, Shmi returned to the site of her murder to save her great-great-grandchildren.
And now, for the first time, she was afraid for her own life. Always in the past, she feared for the lives of those she loved. Only now was she starting to understand there might be no one left to protect her. Merit was doing her best, holding Ami close as they huddled under the console. A few feet away, long-dead Jedi, including her own great-grandfather, were turning the simulator into a portal. She had recognized him, had recognized Obi-Wan Kenobi. . . until he seemed to dissolve into the Force. Only the two old men, Force-spirits like her progenitor, kept him from dissolving completely.
The bombardment seemed to stop and Thane said breathlessly, "Let's go. . .that lull means our father has landed. We don't have much time. Ral, what are you still doing here?" Ami peered around Merit's protective embrace to see their friend in the doorway, his face set with determination. She wasn't sure how she knew, but Ami was absolutely certain Ral wouldn't live to see another day. He intended to sacrifice himself to buy them time. . .and he wasn't just doing it for Merit.
Before he had a chance to respond (though Ami was sure they all knew what he would say), a dark voice boomed through the mostly-empty base, "This is Emperor Cadeus. You will put down your weapons and surrender. Anyone who proves themselves loyal by turning Thane and Merit Solo over to me will be spared."
"Well, that was predictable. Ral, Thane's right. . .you have to go, now. There should be at least one or two remaining pods, but you have to get to safety," Merit told their friend. Ral shook his head once again. Merit released Ami completely now, giving the child a slight nudge toward her father. Ami took the remaining steps needed, and her father wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Merit, in the meantime, approached Ral, repeating, "Ral, you have to go! There's nothing more you can do!" She now stood directly in front of him, close enough to touch him if she wanted.
But it was Ral who touched her. He rested his hand alongside her cheek, murmuring, "I can buy time, Merit." A gentle smile touched his lips and he shook his head, adding, "Meeting you and your brother on Hoth was the best thing that ever happened to me. Be safe, Miri." He leaned forward and brushed his lips against her forehead, then her lips, and stepped away. Ral addressed his next words to the rest of the group, saying, "Do whatever you have to do, to make things right. And Thane. . .take care of your sister. You always do, but take care of her for me, too."
Thane, who started the self-destruct sequence, said, "You know I will. Merit, c'mon." He left his position at the console and took his sister's shoulder, guiding the stunned brunette away from Ral and toward the knapsack she would carry into the past. He had to actually pick up the knapsack and drape it over her free shoulder. Ami pulled away from her father and ran to Ral. He winked at her, and Ami threw her arms around his waist. There was only a slight hesitation, and then Ral returned the embrace.
"Be good, kiddo, and keep an eye on your old man," Ral murmured. Ami tightened her arms around his waist, trying not to giggle as he added, "You Kenobi types are a lot of trouble. . .but that's okay, because the Skywalkers are worse." That drew a snort from Thane, but even his obvious amusement couldn't cover his anxiety. Something Ral also sensed, as he kissed the top of Ami's head before releasing her, and said, "Get out of here. I'll buy you as much time as possible. Thane, what's the auto-destruct set for?
"Ten minutes. Cadeus and his little pet rancor will be here in fifteen," Thane answered, still holding Merit's shoulder. She actually looked like she was in shock, her eyes never leaving Ral's face. Thane looked somewhat surprised by Ral's decision, but at this point, there was no point in arguing. Thane went on, "Aidan, get Ami out of here. Merit and I will bring up the rear." Ami looked up at her father, who was looking from Ral to Merit, and back again. So her father hadn't realized either how much Ral cared for Merit. Ami would have rolled her eyes, but she really didn't feel like it.
Ami's father nodded, nudging her toward the center of the room, where she had dropped her knapsack. He paused in front of Thane and Merit, saying quietly, "I suppose this is good-bye, then. At least for now. He offered his hand which Thane shook, then to Merit. She also accepted the gesture, still in shock. Ami watched in silence as her father paused there in front of Merit, as if there was something more he wanted to say. There was.
"I wish we had more time," her father said simply, "I wish we could have had more of everything." Merit blinked back tears and nodded. As Ral had done, Ami's father touched her cheek, grazing her skin with his knuckles.
Ami took advantage of the moment by throwing her arms first around Thane, then around Merit. She wished she had time to tell them both how very much she loved them. She wished she had time to say a proper good-bye. But there was never enough time. Her father put her hand on her shoulder and steered her toward the former simulator. Once more, he gave her a little nudge and she stepped through. . .
To whatever waited.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
They had ten minutes, at most, before Darth Cadeus and his shadow appeared. Ami and Aidan were safely into the portal. . .at least, they were beyond any harm that Cadeus and Heinous could do to them. That just left Thane and his sister. Ral had left only seconds after Aidan and Ami's departure, to buy time. After he ran off to engage their father's troops, Merit shook herself out of her shock and joined Thane at the console. There was a good chance that their father would shut off the auto-destruct. . .if that happened, they had to make sure he only got his hands on the ruins, rather than the information and the equipment. That was what Merit was doing. . .systematically erasing all the information from the databases, then destroying each database.
A sidelong glance told him that his sister was working mechanically. It was to be expected. He and Merit had both known about Aidan's attraction to her. . . it was quite mutual. On the other hand, she had no idea that Ral was also attracted to her. . .no one knew about that. But either way, it didn't matter, much as he hated to admit it. They were in the middle of a war, whether people realized it or not, and both feared the consequences of allowing their attraction to flourish. It was, Thane realized with a start, yet another reason he hated his father. Like his sister, he saw no contradiction in both loving and hating their father. There was simply too much he had taken from them.
There was a woman once, who might have held Thane's heart. His hands stilled as he thought of her for the first time in more than a decade. Like the poor, nameless boy whose idealism led to Erszebet Kenobi's death, she was of Alderaanian descent, and her name was Lucina. He met her on Naboo shortly after Darth Cadeus ordered an attack that poisoned the lakes, streams, rivers, and oceans on the planet. Uncle Luke dispatched him to his mother's home planet as part of his Trials. Strange, that love could begin to blossom in the last days of Naboo, as they struggled to get as many humans and Gungans off the planet. But Lucina died on the planet, with the planet, another casualty of his father's drive to 'protect' his oldest daughter. . .the same daughter he killed because he couldn't control her.
This was, of course, long before Allana was murdered, before Merit was knighted, before Thane himself was knighted. How old was he when he met Lucina? Uncle Luke and Ben were alive, so Merit was no more than thirteen or fourteen, which would have made him at most twenty-one. And he was thirty-three now. Twelve years since Lucina died, and Naboo died with her. For the first time since he learned of the Force-Jedi's plan to send them back in time, he thought about what it might mean for Naboo, for Lucina. Over the last few hours, ever since he woke up, he focused on learning what he could about the Old Republic. . .but if they were successful, could they save Naboo? Or was Naboo doomed no matter what they did?
As Merit finished the destruction of the databases, a whisper from the Force and Ral's arrival alerted them. . .time was up. Thane bent down and scooped up his own knapsack, slinging it over one shoulder. There was no time to say good-bye, for as he propelled them both toward the portal, a blaster bolt took Ral in the gut, slamming him back into the door. Merit cried out, but Treveri howled, "Thane, Merit. . .go! GO!" Thane didn't argue. He put his hand in the small of his sister's back and pushed. Not daring to look behind him, Thane dove into the portal after her. . .but he still heard Ral's gurgling laughter and his father's enraged roar. And then, there was only the Force.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
Considering he was told countless times as he grew up that he would never amount to anything, this really wasn't a bad way to die. His gut was on fire, but his friends were safe. . .all of them. If he had any regret as Thane and Merit Solo disappeared into the strange blue light, it was that he hadn't told Merit earlier how he really felt about her. Oh, he could lead a strike against Darth Daddy's troops, but risk his heart by telling Merit that he could have loved her? Not a chance. It wasn't just that Merit and Aidan were strongly attracted to each other, but never acted on that attraction.
No, it was also the knowledge of whom her father was. Everyone knew the story about Jacen Solo's parents. . .how a street rat from Corellia became a smuggler, and eventually the husband of Darth Vader's only daughter. But there were two large differences. . .in the first place, Han Solo hadn't known that Leia Organa was Anakin Skywalker's daughter, and most likely, it would have made no difference to him. And in the second. . .and in the second, Ral Treveri wasn't Han Solo. He didn't have the strength and the courage of Merit's grandfather.
But it didn't matter. Ral didn't have the Force, but he didn't need to. Once Thane and Merit disappeared from view, the blue lining the simulator disappeared, becoming instead individual Jedi. Ral smiled weakly, seeing not only the great Anakin Skywalker, who was staring at him with such sorrow, but Skywalker's former Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and many other heroes.
Footsteps drew his attention away from the Jedi and he looked up to see Darth Cadeus looming over him, face twisted with rage. Ral couldn't help himself. He began laughing, ignoring the agony in his midsection. That, it seemed was the final straw for Darth Daddy, whose roar of pure fury most likely could have been heard on the other side of the galaxy. Ral didn't lose his smile. . .not when invisible fingers tightened around his throat. Not when that invisible hand lifted him from the ground and raised him high into the air. Oh, Darth Daddy could kill him quicker, but that was fine. In the back of his mind, he heard a soft voice tell him, Close your eyes, youngling. He did so. . .and the pain ended. There was only peace.
As Ral Treveri died, his physical body disappeared from mid-air. Darth Cadeus growled and turned toward the simulator where his children disappeared moments earlier. . .only to stop in his tracks. His grandfather stood there with his former Master, Grandmaster, and Great-Grandmaster. His grandfather was cradling the limp body of Ral Treveri in his arms, and said, This boy sacrificed his life to save the children you should have died to protect. . .that makes him mine.
That was all he said. . .that was all he needed to say. With that message delivered, Anakin Skywalker disappeared into the Force, still hold Ral's body. Obi-Wan Kenobi was the next to leave, staring at Jacen with pained compassion, and then Yan Dooku followed him. Until the only Old Republic Jedi remaining was Qui-Gon Jinn who said quietly, Who is the greater fool? The fool? Or the fool who follows him? My padawan asked that question of your father once. The question still has to be answered. Perhaps your children will be the ones to answer that finally. Who is the greater fool? You, for seeking to destroy your daughter for the crime you committed? Your apprentice, for being a fawning little acolyte? One thing is certain. . .the Force's will has been carried out. This galaxy, as it exists, will be no more. And then he disappeared as well, leaving the Sith Lord alone.
His children had gone into the past. . .to change this present, to prevent it from happening. Darth Cadeus slammed his fist onto the console. They only thought they had won. He wasn't finished yet!