Far From Home
Chapter 4
"How do you do, Miss? I am Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The woman in gray then turned about and stared at the old Jedi with the strangest ruby-red eyes he had ever seen. They seemed to sparkle like jewels and had an almost animalistic quality in her gaze. They almost seemed to shine and Obi-Wan suddenly felt the Force churn around her presence. There was no doubt to him that she was strong in the Force. Her aura was similar to Kiya's but there was more steel in her essence than the young lady-knight.
The Captain replied, "Yes, I know who you are. I've heard about you from Senator Bail, Jedi Kenobi. He speaks highly of you and your glory days as the Great General of the Republic. I've no doubt your presence here on Hoth will inspire the troops against the Empire. Nothing motivates men more than a legend."
Ben blushed and said, "You flattery, Miss. I am merely a servant of the People. But it is good to hear about an old friend. I'm glad Bail is doing well. How do you know him?"
"Forgive me, Sir Knight. I am Captain Greenfire. I know Senator Bail because 6 years ago he helped me when my ship crashed on his home world when I was sent a drift. I was original employed as a warrior, but I deserted my post. I swore my allegiance to Bail after that and work as his head of security. He is my master now."
Ben raised his brow and said, "Master? That's a curious way of phrasing your employer, Captain."
She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe. But, my former employer was known as my Lord and Master. It's just a word, but old habits died hard, Sir Knight. And anyway, I'm here to serve as Leia's bodyguard now. Bail requested it."
"Then you must be a great warrior to be trusted to guard Princess Leia, Captain. I know Bail only works with the best. But, I do understand about old habits. Sometimes I feel like a relic."
Greenfire laughed. "Oh, nonsense Sir Knight. Perhaps you are well seasoned, but you are no relic. My people are very long lived, Obi-Wan. It many not look like it, but physically you and I are the same age."
"Then, you are very fortunate, Captain. But, I believe I am at the stage of retirement."
Greenfire then gave Ben a smile and replied, "Maybe, but you are still needed, Obi-Wan. You may not be able to swing a sword or battle in the fields, but I'd take experience over youth any day. You mustn't lose heart. It is said that you must first believe in victory before you can achieve it. A weak mind leads to a weak spirit, Sir Knight."
Ben smiled in return and said, "You're very wise, Captain. You almost sound like a Jedi."
The lady-captain giggled and retorted, "Then, I'm sure from you that's a very high compliment."
Meanwhile, Kiya was astounded. Obi-Wan and Greenfire were getting along so well. Not even knowing each other for an hour and already they were chatting away like new best friends. She had no idea they had so much in common or that Greenfire would even be able to get through to him. But all the laughs, giggles, smiles and blushing had made her feel like an intruder. Though, then again maybe she should leave those two alone.
Suddenly, Kiya tugged on Obi-Wan's sleeve and announced, "Obi-Wan, I'm going to go find something to eat and check on Vader. Why don't you and the Captain go on ahead and familiarize yourself with the base without me."
The old Jedi gave Kiya a look, but said, "As you wish, Miss Kiya. But, if you see Luke inform him to meet me later for training."
Kiya smiled. "Yes, Master."
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan had no clue why the lady-knight was being so compliant. She was obviously a stubborn girl, but she was practically glad to leave him. She must be up to something. Though, he was sure she had good intentions. She was such a mother-hen sometimes—always trying to look after him like he was some sort of invalid.
Though after Kiya left, he found himself alone with lady-captain and he began to feel out of place. He turned to Greenfire and said, "Well, Captain would you like to go on a tour?"
Greenfire replied, "As you wish, Sir Knight, but please you don't have to keep calling me Captain. Call me Thrice."
Obi-Wan smiled. "Very well, Miss Thrice. You may call me Obi-Wan instead of Sir Knight. Or if you'd like I also go by Ben."
"I think I'd like to call you Ben, but it's a bit of a habit of mine to call you Sir Knight. I come from a very traditional culture, sometimes it creeps up on me. But, you're allowed to call to me Lady Thrice right back if I slip."
"Lady Thrice?"
"Yes, it was my title before I deserted. I'm not a lady anymore, but titles are meaningless without the sentiment."
The two began to walk out of the hanger and explore the Rebel base, but continued to talk. Ben replied, "I agree, Milady. The only title I ever felt worthy of is my title as a Jedi Master. The rest of it has little meaning for me. Being a general or a negotiator has never been who I really am. I am a Jedi first before all else."
Smiling, Thrice said, "I thought you were a man first before all things, Sir Knight."
"Perhaps—perhaps so, Milady. I am a man who is a Jedi and I cannot image myself being otherwise."
Thrice looked at Ben closely and said, "You and I have a lot in common, my friend. I can't image myself doing any other line of work, but be a warrior too."
"Jedi are not warriors, Milady. Jedi are keepers of the peace."
Solemnly, she replied, "Yes, but you fight away. But, it isn't so much about the fighting, but what you're fighting for. Peace is a noble reason. I tend to fight for personal reasons. I think there's something wrong with you if you don't have some kind of personal reason to kill another being."
The two suddenly stopped in front of an observation deck and gazed out at the snow and barren landscape of Hoth. It was completely white and the pale gray sky was the only distinction in the horizon.
Ben said, "Why did you desert your post, Lady Thrice?"
"I left one day because I suddenly realized I was unhappy."
"Unhappy?"
"Yes, I spent years as a servant to my Lord Master, but I asked myself if I had ever been truly happy and the answer was no. I've never been happy. I saw no end to the misery and bloodshed I was causing that I had to leave. My heart was never in it."
She then turned to face Ben and smiled. "It sounds corny, but I want my heart to be my guide for now on."
The old Jedi then gazed at Thrice with his blue-gray eyes and replied, "No, Milady. That sounds like the noblest reason to fight of them all. In fact, I think you deserve to be called a lady regardless that you were a deserter."
-0-0-0-
Location: Rebel cafeteria
Kiya made a face and poked her meal with her fork. "Gah, what is this?"
"Beggars can't be choosers, sister," answered Han. The space-captain then dug his fork into his plate and shoved another spoonful of food into his mouth. Meanwhile, Leia frowned and shook her head.
"I swear you have a different level of standards, Han."
"Hey, not everyone is born into royalty, Princess."
Kiya shrugged and replied, "I never thought of myself as an elitist because of my title, Captain. Though, I guess I ought to be grateful, but it still won't stop me from complaining."
Luke turned to lady-knight and said, "Oh, Kiya. Where's Ben? I thought you two were going to check on Vader together."
"No, he wanted to familiarize himself with the base. We may meet up again after evening meal, but Ben wanted me to tell you that he wanted to see you for training later."
Luke groaned. "Force! I nearly forgot about that. Thanks Kiya."
"Well, if you'd like Luke I could help you train. Do you need help sparring?"
The young Jedi ruffled his hair and said, "Hey, but Ben wanted me to learn how to attack an opponent while blind folded."
Han laughed. "Sounds like the old man is torturing you, kid."
Kiya replied, "It's not so hard, Luke. I would be happy to give you some pointers."
Luke smiled. "Gee, thanks again, Kiya."
Han then munched his latest bite in his mouth and pointed at Luke with his fork and said, "I'll like to see you do that, kid. I always wonder what all this Jedi hoopla is about."
Leia smiled and said, "Me too. Jedi powers are supposed to be legendary."
Suddenly, the alarms at the base started wailing and the sirens began to flash in warning. Everyone in the compound rose from their seats and started filling out into towards their battle-stations. The group of travelers looked around confused.
Then, Han grabbed a man by his arm and stopped him and said, "What the hell's going on?"
The rebel replied, "We're under attack. The Empire has found us. We have to fight back."
"Damn it!" shouted Han. "Just when you think you've lost them they're at your doorstep. Well, come on, guys tells get the hell out of here."
"No!" shouted Kiya. "I must go find Obi-Wan."
"Well suit yourself sister, but I'm not risking anymore than I have to. Come on, Chewy this place is about to go up in flames."
Appalled, Leia cried, "I can't believe you, Han. You're such a self serving bastard."
Han then leaned in close and said, "Listen to me, Princess. I'm no hero. I look out for number one."
"You disgust me, Han. I thought you were a good man."
"Yeah, well—there's a big difference between good and stupid."
Meanwhile, Kiya couldn't take anymore arguing and shouted, "I don't give a Force what you two do, but I must do what I must and that means going to look for Ben. You two morons can go argue with each other till hell freezes over."
Kiya then ran towards the exit with Luke following behind her. "Kiya! Hey, wait up. I'm coming too."
-0-0-0-
Location: hanger
A small band of Imperial fighters entered the hanger bay with a volley of laser fire and started to invade the base. They poured in a team of stormtroopers and began to take out the Rebels one by one. Though, in the mist of battle emerged a Sith named Darth Scorn.
Scorn grabbed one of the troopers and ordered, "Look high and low, Commander. I sense my Master is here. Darth Vader must be found."
"Aye, Sir," replied the clone.
Scorn then shoved the trooper away and scanned the hanger with an air of superiority. "Now, where is that Jedi?" Scorn then closed his yellow hate filled eyes and used the Force to locate the knight and smiled. "Yes, I'm found you, my prey."
-0-0-0-
It didn't take long for Scorn to find Ben and Thrice. Their combined Force signatures shown the brightest in the Rebel base that he had no trouble at all locating them. He found them in the corridor leading to the main control station and he quickly drew his red lightsaber and activated it.
Meanwhile, Ben saw the Sith approach. He looked like a young man in his mid twenties with light brown hair and yellow glowing eyes. In many ways he looked sort of like Anakin as a Padawan. He was dressed in a similar black tunic and had the same hairstyle. It was very strange, but Ben didn't take any chances and drew his own lightsaber and ignited it.
The hall was filled with the hum of two lasers and the two duelists drew near.
Ben said, "Who are you, Sith?"
"I am Darth Scorn. I am Darth Vader's apprentice. Who are you, old man?"
Well, that was a surprise. Ben had no idea that Vader had an apprentice. Though, it did explain the similar look to the young Anakin. Vader obviously wanted to model his student to himself. How every vain.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. And I am a Jedi. But please, turn away from this battle boy. The Darkness is a terrible path. You will not gain the rewards that you seek."
Scorn smiled wickedly and replied, "Don't waste your breath, old man. I'm not the one who's confused. I know exactly what I'm doing and my Master will be pleased once he hears that I've slain you."
Ben sighed, "Then, I must do what I must."
Yet, before Ben could move, Thrice lunged forward with her metal blade and nearly cut Scorn in half across his chest. Stunned, the Sith backed away and blocked her sword with his saber with a crash. Bright sparks started to fly from the contact point, but the fire in lady-warrior's eyes shone even brighter. She then lifted her leg and kicked Scorn away down the hall and began to channel the Force around her.
"You talk too much, boy," said the warrior.
Suddenly, the hall was filled with Force-lightening and Thrice drove her blade down onto the floor and washed the entire space with light that temporarily blinded the Sith into submission. However, a horde of troopers appeared at the end of the corridor and were racing to help their leader.
"Hell fire!" shouted Thrice.
She then turned and grabbed Ben by the hand and pulled him in the opposite direction.
However, Scorn recovered quickly and roared with rage. He saw the group of troopers and shouted, "You stupid soldiers! Where the hell did they go?"
The trooper saluted and replied, "Sir, we have recovered Darth Vader. However, it looks like those two people have escaped."
Scorn boiled over with rage and slapped the trooper across his helmet face. "You fools, which way did they go?"
"I believe towards the hanger, Sir. The Rebel are retreating."
"It doesn't matter what happens to those worms. Let them go. Recovering Master Vader was our main objective. But, I want all troopers to keep an eye out for the Jedi. If they see them they are to kill them on sight."
"Aye, Sir."
Scorn then nodded his head and said, "Come, you men are with me. We are going to try and cut them off at the hanger."
-0-0-0-
Location: hanger
"Shit, Chewy! This is the last time I listen to my damn conscious," shouted Han.
Chewy wailed in agreement.
Suddenly, Han saw Leia approaching with a laser pistol in her hand and firing away at the enemy. She jumped aboard the Falcon and said, "Hey, where is everybody?"
"Beats the hell out of me, Princess. But, they better make it quick. I don't know how long we can stay here."
"No! We can't leave them, Han."
-0-0-0-
Meanwhile, Scorn and his men tried to break through the Rebel defenses that were covering for some of their comrades to escape. However, Scorn was too much for them and was quickly taking them down like flies. Though, out of nowhere Kiya appeared with Luke and the lady-knight drew her green lightsaber swiftly and clashed swords with the Sith.
Scorn was thrown off guard and stumbled back and looked up to see the blue-eyed beauty. She stood strong and defiant against the chaos and mayhem. Her black hair blew wild and tossed in the winter wind and her stare seemed to pierce through his soul like a knife. She was by far the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He never before imaged such a mighty, yet lovely woman could ever exist.
He felt his heart race and his breath still in her presence. Yet, suddenly he felt dread. He scolded himself for even having such feelings. He wasn't supposed to think such thought when facing an enemy. He was supposed to be a Sith.
Wildly, Scorn began to battle the lady-knight, but every time he saw her move—the curve of her form—the shimmer in her stormy blue-gray eyes—it all cooled his fire and stirred a feeling deep inside him. It wasn't long before he was defeated by a blow to the head. He was blacked out into darkness and failed to see Luke, Ben and Thrice board the Falcon and flyaway into the night.
-0-0-0-
TBC
-0-0-0-
Jedi Angel 001 - Hi, thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you like Vader being kidnapped. I think its one of my best twist. I'm not sure if Vader will be redeemed. The trust has to get out there that he's Luke and Leia's father. Though, I hope you like the new evil apprentice. I thought I'd give Vader a life besides evil plotting.
guenius - Thanks for thinking my story is "interesting." I can't really remember too much about "A New Hope" but I try. And even though I write AU material I really do try to make the canon characters sound true to character like they would in the movie. I want things to be believable in that content. I think dialogue wise things turned out pretty good in this one. But, I hope you review again.
Please keep reading and reviewing. Thank you.
