Entry # 5 - A Blow to the Gut

My pen shakes even as I begin to write this. My Jedi calming techniques fail to calm my nerves. I can barely focus on anything. I received the most disturbing news and I scarcely know where to begin. I suppose I should start with my journey into Anchorhead.

After loosing my eopie in the encounter with the Tusken Raiders, I was forced to walk, which wasn't easy with my leg still healing from the attack. Though I started out quite early, it was nearly mid day before I reached the community. Most of the farmers were busy and didn't want to be bothered by 'that crazy hermit Ben' as I am now being called. I was beginning to think that I wasn't going to find transportation to Mos Eisley when Owen offered to let me use his swoop.

After what can only be described as a very uncomfortable ride I finally arrived in port. I purchased my supplies and then headed into the Cantina. Sitting at the bar I kept my eyes open for any pilots that might have news on the Empire's activities. In a corner booth I was very startled to see Ric Olié of Naboo! I hadn't seen him in nearly 13 years. He looked much the same, just grayer than I remember. When I approached him I don't think he recognized me at first.

"Can I help you friend?" He asked, squinting as if trying to place my face.

"I hope so captain Olié," I said. "May I?" I asked gesturing to the seat across from him.

"Um, yeah. You'll have to forgive me, but... do I know you?"

"Yes, but it has been a long time," I said, sitting. "We met during the Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo."

His eyes widened in recognition. "You're one of the Jedi!" Although he tried to keep his town low, it was not low enough. I noticed at the word 'Jedi' one of the nearby patrons look in our direction. "Kenobi right?"

I nodded, "Now days I go by Ben, for reasons I'm sure you can understand."

"Yeah, I can. It's a shame what happened. I've heard one of your own was responsible."

I felt a pang in my heart when he said that. "Yes, Anakin betrayed us."

Again his eyes widened. "The kid? The one who helped us in the fight with the Trade Federation?"

I nodded sadly.

"That's hard to believe." He shook his head, looking down at his drink awkwardly. "I suppose that's why you're here, trying to get as far away from the Empire as possible."

"Yes well, I'm not as popular as I once was," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, this whole situation is a blow in the gut to everything the Republic once stood for. More and more people are beginning to realize that Palpatine is not the man they thought he was."

"Which brings me to why I've approached you. I'm looking for information on the Empire," I said.

"What kind of information?"

"Well, specifically," I gave the room a quick glance, clearing my throat, "I'm looking to find out about a new enforcer the Emperor has hired to help keep order in his new Empire."

"You mean Vader?"

I felt my stomach tighten as if seized in a vice. "What was that name?" I asked.

"Vader, I believe it was. Darth Vader," he said, almost casually.

"No, it couldn't be." My voice was almost a whisper.

"Are you all right? You look kind of pale," Ric asked, leaning forward.

"Tell me what you know about his Vader," I said.

"Not much. He hasn't been around long, but he has made quite the impression. I think that is due in part to his appearance. He's rumored to be part man, part machine, similar to General Grievous. Very menacing. He has these mechanical lungs that breath for him. I've heard that just the sound of that breathing is enough to make a man's blood turn cold."

My head was spinning. He was alive. I had to get out of there.

"You must excuse me. Thank you," I said getting up.

"No problem. Good luck," Ric said.

I turned, trying to smile. "In my experience, there is no such thing as luck." My words hit me with a blow I hadn't expected. Luck hadn't saved Vader, the Force had. "Captain." I nodded, turned and left.

Even now, as I sit here in my humble home, my body still breaks out in chills. The man who was once Anakin Skywalker, my friend and my brother, was still alive. I should have made sure he was dead; I shouldn't have left until I was sure. I must accept this as the will of the Force.