Far From Home

Chapter 5

Location: The Falcon, space

On the Falcon, Han paced back and forth while Luke and Leia sat deep in thought. Though, unexpectedly Han shouted, "What the hell do you plan to do now, Princess?"

Leia stood up and said, "I don't know, Han, but you're not helping. I'm going to go talk to Greenfire."

Han huffed. "A lot of good that will do. Those damn troops took out the whole base."

"Han, why don't you just cool off," said Luke.

"You cool off, Luke!"

The young Jedi just shook his head and followed Leia into the next cabin. And once he walked in he saw that Greenfire was sitting down on the floor and mediating with her eyes closed while Ben sat quietly in thought next to Kiya. He took a seat next to her and saw she seemed the least phased by what happened on the base. She was lazily swirling the leaves inside a cup tea with her chin resting on her palm and eyeing Ben expectedly.

"What do you think we ought to do next, Ben?"

The old Jedi sighed. "I'm not sure, Luke. I think we should try and regroup with the Rebel fleet. With their help we maybe able to must enough manpower to strike at the Empire. The Imperial guard may not be as strong without Vader leading them. He still needs time to recuperate."

"I still think we should have killed him," said Leia. "We wasted an opportunity."

Ben said, "Maybe so, but there is no point in wishful thinking. What is done is done, Princess."

Kiya slammed her cup down on the table loudly and gasped. "Oh! I can't believe you. Why don't you just tell them already? Why are you keeping this a secret? They have a right to know, Obi-Wan."

Ben stared at Kiya amazed. He had no idea she knew his worst failure. "How do you know that?"

Kiya then stood up and narrowed her eyes and said, "There are no secrets in my family, Sir Knight. And a lie of omission is a lie nonetheless."

"This is none of your concern, Kiya."

The lady-knight huffed and placed her hands on her hips and replied, "My word is my bond. It pledges me to my fellow man. There can be no trust without honesty, Obi-Wan."

At Kiya's words, Thrice opened her eyes. The lady-knight just quoted one of the pledges of the Clan. Though, Ben remained silent and folded his arms over his chest.

"I wish to spare them suffering, Milady."

Luke frowned and asked, "What are you two talking about? What aren't you telling me?"

Yet, before Ben could make another excuse he felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Thrice standing behind him. The woman-warrior rubbed his chest soothingly and spoke to him in a gentle voice. "Ben, they aren't children anymore. A man must make his own destiny. Don't make it for them."

The old Jedi then tenderly placed his hand over the warrior's and sighed. "Very well, Milady. Luke, Leia there is something I must tell you. First, the both of you are brother and sister. You are twins separated at birth so that the Emperor would not find you. You're father was very strong with the Force and it was feared that the Emperor would discover you both if you were together."

Shocked, Luke and Leia could not believe what they were hearing. They were siblings? Twins? Then, Luke asked, "Was our father a Jedi?"

Ben nodded. "Yes, he was a good man. He was my apprentice, Anakin Skywalker."

Leia asked, "What happened to him?"

"He was killed by Darth Vader."

"Heaven and earth!" roared Kiya. "Can't you just tell it like it is?"

Ben rubbed his face with dread. He knew Kiya was right, but he could not bring himself to confess his failure in training Anakin. How could be even begin to explain their relation without hurt them? It seemed an impossible task and he did not want to weaken Luke's resolve. His father was beyond saving. He knew he was essentially asking a son to kill his own father. He didn't want that kind of decision to weigh over his heart.

Ben then felt Thrice caress the back of his head and she sent calming waves through the Force and eased his anxiety. She said, "You must have faith, Sir Knight."

Yes, Ben needed faith. He had to believe that Luke was strong enough to do the right thing no matter how terrible the act may be. It was for the good of the galaxy that he should not fail. And he trusted Luke. He knew he was not his father's son.

"Alright, Luke. The truth is that Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are one in the same. Vader is your father."

"No! That's can't be true," shouted Leia. "How can I be related to that monster?"

"Tell me, Ben. How did he become a Sith?" asked Luke.

"Anakin was not like other Jedi. He was taken very late into the Order by Jedi standards. He grew up a slave on Tatooine. My former Master, Qui-Gon Jinn recognized Anakin as the Chosen One. A Jedi destined to bring balance to the Force, but Anakin formed a forbidden attachment to his wife, former Queen and Senator of Naboo, Padme Amidala. He was told she might die at childbirth and he was seduced by the Dark Side that he could prevent her death and save her. In some ways I still think he believes he can still save her from death. You see Anakin's greatest fear is loosing his loved ones, but he became a Sith and would not listen to reason. The Anakin I once knew is dead. Vader killed him. He has done unspeakable things in the name of the Empire. He must be stopped."

Luke paused for a moment and absorbed what he'd been told till finally he spoke. "Maybe he can still be saved, Ben. Maybe he can change back."

Ben shook his head and replied, "It's no use, Luke. Once you go done the path of Darkness there is no going back."

Leia added, "And I don't think I'd even want to. I know you never had a father, Luke, but to me Bail is my true father. He's the one who raised me. That monster is the one who killed my friends and who smothers our democracy and freedom. I won't let a man like continue to live if he'll only bring misery and suffering to those I love."

Luke said, "I can't Leia. I can't turn my back on him. I have to give him a chance."

Solemnly, Ben lowered his head and sighed. "I know how you feel, Luke, but you might regret taking such a chance. It may very well cost you your life."

"Then, I must do what I must, Master."

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After sometime, Leia and Obi-Wan decided to would be best if they contact Bail and try and contact the Rebel fleet and attack the Imperial ship while Vader and Scorn were still recovering from their injuries. They felt that with Bail's influence they would be able to muster enough strength to defeat the Sith Lord and his reign. Yet, Kiya did not like the plan. She felt it was too much of a risk.

"You should attack the king, not the pawns!" shouted the lady-knight. "We should be aiming for Sidious himself, not Vader and Scorn. He is the one pulling all the strings, not those two fools."

Leia replied, "Then, how do you expect us to get passed Vader and Scorn if we don't eliminate them first?"

Kiya huffed and crossed her arms. "I don't know, but whatever the answer maybe the Force will provide us with a solution."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Ben answered for Kiya instead and said, "It means we must wait and see what other options may appear in the future."

The Princess replied, "We don't have time to be patient, Obi-Wan. We can't just wait for some miracle to happen."

The lady-knight then said, "But, you don't understand. I've got a good feeling about this one, Leia. I've got a Jedi feeling that things will work our way. All we've got to do is just wait and see."

"Then, I still think we should contact my father," said Leia.

"Agreed," said Thrice. "We ought to check in with Bail to get a better grasp on our resources. We should meet with him on neutron ground—perhaps Tatooine."

Ben groaned. "Force! Not Tatooine."

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Location: Tatooine

It didn't take long for Leia to get in touch with her adopted father, Bail. He was very glad to get word from her and praised Captain Greenfire for keeping her safe, but he said he couldn't meet with them on Tatooine because the Emperor had grown very suspicious and on edge since Vader's kidnapping. He was on high alert and wanted to insure that something like that ever happened again. He said his enemies had grown bold since they learned of Vader's failure.

Bail recommended that Leia remain on Tatooine and wait for the Rebel fleet to mobilize. He assured her that after a few weeks that the Rebels would be ready to strike and that more allies were pouring in. He told her to be patient and to not give up hope.

Meanwhile, Ben suggested that they return and repair the Lar's farm and hide there. He said in no time at all and with everyone helping things could be fully operational at the moisture farm again and they could retain their low profile while Luke and him trained. All where in agreement expect Han. He said a farmer's life wasn't for him and that he'd see them around later. The news really upset Leia. She didn't want to see the rouge space-pirate leave, but she didn't want him to stay if he didn't want to. She wasn't about to beg for his company.

Though, just before Han left he received a slap on the back of the head from Thrice.

"Ouch! What the hell did you do that for, sister?"

Thrice replied, "You are a fool, Captain Solo."

Han rolled his eyes. "Jeez lady, is that all?"

"Yes, the Princess is quiet fond of you, Captain. But, if you don't say a kind word to her before you go than I will personally break every single bone in your body. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, yeah I get it, but aren't you taking this bodyguard things a little too far?"

"No," answered Thrice. "I care about Leia. I care about her happiness. And I know that she'd be sad if you don't at least tell her goodbye. Please, try and be mature about this and act like a man. Don't waste your time being an idiot."

Han then marched up to Thrice and said, "You don't understand. It's not that simple. I'm no good for her, lady. I'm not in the same league as a princess. I'm a damn pirate for goodness sakes! She shouldn't even bother with a guy like me. In fact, I don't even think she likes me."

Thrice sighed. "You're so blind, Solo that it's a shame. Don't you get it? Leia wouldn't be so angry with you all the time if she didn't care about you. It matters to her what you think and what you do. When you care about somebody their actions mean more to us than anything. She's just as afraid like you. She doesn't want to be hurt. Quiet selling yourself short about this princess business. Since when did you ever give a damn about fancy titles?"

Han began to pace and grumbled something under his breath before he eventually stocked off back to the Lar's farm. Thrice saw he go with a smile and shook her head.

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Location: Imperial ship

"What's wrong, Darth Scorn?" asked Vader.

The Dark Master rubbed his refitted hand and flexed it into a fist while he gazed at his apprentice. The young man was sitting on the floor and looked out a window on the battleship in a daze. Vader noticed that Scorn seemed off balanced and unforced since he had rescued him from the Rebel base on Hoth. Normally, Scorn was very discipline and diligent. He always conducted his duties without question or fuss. He was also appreciative of his place in the Empire for he was a slave like himself. He was born into nothing and only knew hardship and cruelty. Vader had seen much of himself in the young man when he had found him in a slave market on Nor.

Vader was concerned at Scorn's strange silence. He had no idea why he was so depressed. Though, he realized that Scorn hadn't heard him. Vader than moved towards him and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Scorn. What is the matter with you?"

The Dark apprentice looked up and quickly rose to his feet and bowed. "Forgive me, Master I did not hear you."

"What is troubling you, boy?"

Then, to Vader's amazement Scorn blushed and turned away. He walked up the window and placed his hand on the glass and while he watched the stars zoom by and said, "I'm—having trouble with feelings, Master. Feelings I've never had before. Feelings that I fear go against the ways of the Sith."

"And what feelings are those?"

Scorn then turned to face Vader and said, "Love."

Perplexed, Vader retorted, "Love? Explain yourself."

The young Sith sighed and turned back to the window and answered. "I don't know if I can, Master. But, when I think about her I can't seem to stop. She's like fire—like a bright blue flame. She's wild and strong, but I can sense that she is also tender and soft underneath. I feel like I'd do anything to make her mine. I never wanted anything this badly in my life. It frightens me, Master."

Vader laughed. "Fear not, my apprentice. I too loved a woman. These feelings you speak of are perfectly natural."

"Yes, but what am I supposed to do, Master? I can't work. I can't sleep. All I ever do is think about. It's like she's cursed me."

Vader approached his student and said, "First, tell me who this woman is, Scorn?"

Scorn bowed his head and gave his Master a nervous glance, but replied, "She's a Jedi, Master. A Jedi with a green lightsaber."

"WHAT!" roared the Sith. He couldn't believe it. It was just too unreal. "You love that damn woman who cut off my hand?"

"I couldn't help it, Master! Her skill—her form—her fire. It was too much for me to resist. I know I shouldn't love her. That I shouldn't even desire her, but her gray-blue eyes were like swords that pierced right through me. I hate myself for wanting her. I wish I never even laid eyes on her, but I can't ignore my feelings."

Scorn came to stand right in front of his mentor and said, "Master, I have to find her. I have to meet her. I have to know if she will be mine or I will slay her."

"No," replied the Dark Master. "It would be foolish to have you go hunting for that female Jedi. She will never love you. She is Obi-Wan's child. I don't know if she is his by blood or bond, but she was born to be against me. She will never be yours, Scorn. Forget this infatuation and move on."

Stunned, Scorn said, "But—I just told you I can't—"

"No! Scorn. This is my final word. You will not go looking for that woman. She is your enemy."

"But, my feelings?"

Vader than marched towards the exit and replied, "Feelings will pass in time, my apprentice."

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TBC

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Jedi Angel001 - thanks for your review on Chapter 3. And yes, I do think Thrice could teach Obi-Wan a thing or two, but I've come to realize since writing this part that love can happen to anyone at any age. Love doesn't have an age requirement and in my sci-fi Thrice is technically the same age physcially as the elderly Ben. Though, I hope you like Darth Scorn. He's my new twist to this tale, but it's always classic when a bad-boy falls in love with a good-girl.

Please keep reading and reviewing. Thank you.