Saturday, November 17, 2012

My first Star Wars fan fic.

For the first time ever, I'm proud to let you view the first Star Wars fan fiction I ever wrote. (please don't be too harsh) I'll be honest, this is a 74 page story but if you have the time I'd be honored to see what you think. (don't be too harsh, remember it was my first one!)


O Father Where Art Thou?

By Matt Wilkins


Ken stared at the datapad lying next to him on the bed. The sheets made that morning were now kicked to the back of the bed, his pillow lay crammed in between the wall and the head frame.


To whom it may concern….”

He’d read it a hundred times and was still having trouble understanding what it meant. It can’t be him… it’s can’t! Running his hands up his face and into his tussled brown hair, Ken glanced down at the datapad once more.


“…. as the pursuit led planet side the suspect in question….”

“Suspect in question”.

That was Kadann, Supreme Prophet of the Dark Side. Only months ago Ken had barely escaped from them with the help of his friends and Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. They defeated the Supreme Prophet himself by leaving him trapped in the underground city of the Jedi. A place Ken had called home his entire life.


With only three droids and pet mooka named Zeeba he was raised in isolation from the rest of the galaxy, never knowing of a galactic war between the Rebels and the Empire or that the Empire ever existed for that matter. The droid that was assigned to him as a caretaker, DJ -88 had never thought to inform him of such things. To Ken, the old Republic still ruled the galaxy and all was at peace. According to DeeJay no conflict of significant note had taken place in the last twenty years.


To label that as an understatement would be foolish. Ken awoke from his studious enchantment of history to discover the galaxy was far from perfect. But he didn’t blamefor caretaker droid for providing a false sense of security his whole life. DJ-88 was programmed to make sure no harm came to the young Jedi Prince’s head. It was a part of his programming and something impossible for the droid to disregard.


The white droid with ruby red eyes was seen as a father figure in Ken’s eyes. DeeJay’s elongated chin was made to even resemble a beard, so he would appear older to him.

HC-100 was another droid Ken had grown up with. Built by DJ-88 for the sole reason of making sure his homework was completed. Randomly through out Ken’s day, the silver plated droid with sharp blue photoreceptors marched into his room, demanding to see his homework. His voice box was designed to sound like a drill sergeant Finished or not Ken learned over the years there was no fooling the overbearing essence of H-Cee.

The third droid who Ken counted as a friend was a small droid named Microchip. Understanding the need for a playmate, DJ-88 designed the golden droid for one function, to be his friend.


Chip, as Ken would grow to call him, became just that. There were many times where he and Chip would go explore the vast underworld of the Lost City. Some areas DeeJay strictly forbid him to go and H-Cee was very astute in reminding Ken of where those areas were. If ever the young Jedi Prince “accidently” wandered into them that was. But overall his experiences with Chip had been wonderful. Ken still considered the small droid to be his best friend even today.


Though he adored all three droids hadn’t been enough for him. Ken still wanted more than the surroundings he’d grown up in…and boy did he get it.


“… once grounded the Alliance forces surrounded the ship and forced a surrender…”


The past few months had flown by. He was soon taken on a huge adventure that would lead him from one side of the galaxy to the next. In that time the Lost City of the Jedi, had finally been discovered by the outside world. His new friends Han and Leia had decided to elope, but the Empire interfered with those plans. Eventually it all ended with the demise of the Central Committee of the Grand Moffs and the Prophets of the Dark Side… or at least he’d thought.


“… while in custody the suspect consumed a highly toxic poison which killed instantly. Alliance medics were unable to resuscitate.”


Kadann found a way to escape his underground prison and was able to escape off the planet, only to be hunted down by rebel forces. Rather than being taken captive Kadann decided to take his own life by way of a poison capsule, leaving the rebels without a chance to extract valuable secrets about the Empire.


“… data scan indicated that the suspect in question was a fraud of who he was assumed to be…”


And now came the real twist, Kadann… was not a Supreme
Prophet of the Dark Side, he wasn’t even the real Kadann to begin with. He was an imposter. According to the report, this “unidentified male” had assumed the role of the Dark Prophet for some time. The real Kadann was still at large, hidden deep within the galaxy.


All this time, a fake, and not a single one of us knew it!”

Shaking his head in remorse, Ken could only stare down at the datapad in disbelief. This whole time, he and his friends thought they were up against the Supreme Prophet himself, but he’d been nothing but a hoax.


Whoever this Kadann was over the past few months, he had been good. Good enough to fool the Emprie, good enough to fool the Rebel Alliance and good enough to fool his father.

His father.


“After the apprehension and suicide, Alliance troops searched the suspect’s ship for signs of any hostages.”


His father was Triclops, son of the Emperor. Though all that was highly classified by the Rebel Alliance and would likely never be revealed to the public, Ken knew the whole story.

Stang, he was part of it.

Growing up he often wondered who his father was and why he had been left under the care of DJ-88. He believed at one time that he was the son Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, hero of the Clone Wars and legend to the galaxy. To be the son of Obi-Wan Kenobi would be a dream come true for young Ken.... but it was not so.


Only after Luke and his friends arrived did Ken soon discover the truth. His father was none other than the son of the Emperor himself. Making him the grandson of Emperor Palpatine.


Not exactly the lineage, he was hoping to uphold.

What made matters worse is he hadn’t been told this until after his father disappeared into the galaxy. For the short time they were together his father had known who Ken was, but decided not to reveal it to him. Later the truth would be revealed in a letter by his father, who Ken never saw again.

It was an emotional moment for Ken after reading the letter his father left. Knowing why his father decided to keep the secret to himself for so long made sense. With all that had transpired over the past few months there never seemed to be a quiet moment for him to reveal it to Ken. Even after the whole ordeal with the Dark Prophets was done, his father knew the genealogy they shared must remain a secret.


The Emperor had made many enemies throughout the galaxy and all of them would take a hyperspace jump at the opportunity to kill off any offspring Palpatine had.


Though it wouldn’t do them much good, the Emperor cared nothing for his bastard son, leaving him to rot in an Imperial lab that closely monitored his father’s dark visions which were harvested into building weapons of destruction for the Empire.



After his father’s disappearance, Luke speculated that the Emperor may have wanted an apprentice of his own to take Darth Vader’s place, but after discovering Ken’s mothers’ alien genetics, his xenophobia set in, leaving Triclops to suffer in a lab the rest of his life.

“the body discovered in the cargo hold was identified to be…”


Ken’s father, branded by the Emperor an outcast, forced to live in isolation and who was responsible for an uncountable number of horrific inventions solely for the Empire’s use. It was too much for his father to take. Ashamed of what the Empire made him do Triclops fled from a galaxy of which he had caused so much pain.


Reading the letter Ken knew his father would be looking of ways to make amends for his wrong doings. He was to become a changed man, a man that Ken would be proud to call his father. But instead…that man had died.

Died at the hands of a fraud and a fake, Kadann, who was responsible for his father’s enslavement in the first place. It didn’t make sense to Ken. He couldn’t believe it. But there it was, right in front of him on the datapad starring back at his face.


The false Kadann escaped in a ship with the help of his father. His father! That was the part Ken struggled with the most. How could he have done such a thing?! Why would a man that so badly wanted to change his life be quickly cowed under the enslavement of evil again?


If anything it would have made sense for Triclops to have killed the false prophet then and there. If not for enslaving him for so many years than at least he could have done it for all the atrocities Kadann had committed against the galaxy. Why not shoot him, or torture him for all the pain Kadann caused his father over the years. Anything but let him escape?!


Most likely Luke thought it may have been a ploy by his father to see what secrets Kadann may have led to. Both of them knew that to be a stretch. Even Ken, with all his high hopes of seeing his father welcomed into the Rebellion with open arms, knew what a slave’s mentality consisted of.

In his studies with DeeJay he learned that when a life-long slave was ever granted freedom, most times they would fall back into the servitude of another’s will. It was hard to break the habit of being a slave. So few slaves ever knew what it meant to be free. Even the most mistreated slave could grow to miss their master. It was a sad reality Ken didn’t want to accept.


His father was not strong enough to resist following Kadann. Even though this Kadann was a fake, he still possessed much power from the Dark Side and wielded it to perfection. Through whatever means the fake Prophet of the Dark Side convinced Ken’s father to assist him off planet, only to betray and murder him once they reached orbit. Thus ending the sad long legacy his father must now carry to his grave.


The Alliance soon learned of Kadann’s escaped and sent a squadron of fighters in pursuit. They were successful in tracking him down but not able to get there in time to save his father’s life.


Ken’s anger started to build within him, he threw the data pad against the wall hoping it would shatter into a million pieces. Instead the datapad merely bounced off the wall and onto the floor and to add insult to injury it even landed face up.


All the questions Ken had about who his mother was and what his father was like would never be answered. The dream of getting to know his Triclops was shattered now all thanks to Kadann.


Ken glared down at the datapad, he was just thirteen and already the galaxy was starting to feel cold around him. Dressed in a simple tan garment the Rebels supplied him with, Ken let the tears well up once again in his eyes. The galaxy just wasn’t fair.


Grief for the loss of his father and hate over what the Empire turned him into was almost too much for him to take right now. His father was the son of the Emperor. He should have been one of the most powerful men in the universe. But in the end he was nothing but a pawn to a phony prophet.


DeeJay told him he was a Jedi Prince, but the title of “Dark Prince” seemed to fit him better. Being the grandson of the most hated man in history was something Ken was not proud of in the least.

With all his visions and all his power, how could his father end up becoming nothing but a puppet to a charlatan? His father should be with him as Ken was approaching his teenage years. Who would he have to look up to in life? DeeJay? H-Cee? Chip?


Though the droids were very dear to him, but he did not see himself going to them for questions all his life. Ken knew even his best friend Chip wasn’t programmed on how to deal with grief so what would be the point in asking him?!


A feint knock sounded at the door. Ignoring it Ken continued to gaze at the datapad on the floor. His brown hair hung over his eyes making him appear younger than he was. He swept a hand over his face to brush it back and made no move to open the door. He didn’t want to talk to anybody right now.


He couldn’t think, he couldn’t move. He could do nothing but sit and watch his whole life fall apart around him.


The knocking continued, this time it was louder and accompanied by a voice. “Ken, it’s Luke. May I come in?”


Ken never left his gaze from the floor. He didn’t want to get up, didn’t want to move, didn’t want to do anything but stare. Outside his room Luke continued to speak.


“Ken, I know what you must be going through. I felt the same when my father died. I’d really like to talk if I can.” , another knock, then silence. Luke was waiting for a response.


How could he respond? Ken wouldn’t know what to say or for that matter where to start? For the past hour and a half he did not know what to say, much less think. It all happened so suddenly. Only moments ago he was outside playing with Chip and Zeebo, his pet mooka in his room when a Rebel Officer approached him with the report.


Battling Zorba the Hutt, the Prophets of the Dark Side and running into his father Triculous had happened all at once. And now when life seemed to finally slow down, he received news that his long lost father was dead.

Still sensing Luke’s presence outside the door Ken forced himself out of bed and walked up to the front panel. Leaning his head against the door he could “feel” Luke’s incredible Force sensitivity. He had never experienced something like it until meeting his friend.


Knowing it was wrong to let his good friend stand outside waiting for a reply, Ken went ahead and slapped the automatic release to the door where Luke stood carefully waiting.

Decked in an orange flight suit Luke looked as if he just returned from another battle with the Empire and knowing the way the war was going, it probably was the truth.


The fight against the Empire didn’t slow down for his friends. Every moment it seemed they were off saving the galaxy from the evil clutches of the Empire. The war was far from over, Ken knew it and he also knew his friends couldn’t always be around because of it. Each one of them played a very important part in the survival of the Rebel Alliance, even as Ken his did too, though lately it was reduced to catching up on his lessons from DeeJay.


Ken could see the look of sympathy Luke was giving him. He knew Luke had lost many friends in the war as well, one of them being his father, Darth Vader. Of all the people in the galaxy who could rival his grandfather as the “most hated man in the galaxy” Luke’s father would be it.


Before Luke could speak to him Ken turned to his bunk and dropped back down into the ruffled covers. Datapad still laying on the floor it took a minute for Luke to form his words.


Being a Jedi Knight had its advantages, but knowing the right thing to say and when to say it was a whole other matter. He tried to persuade Leia to speak to Ken, but his sister pointed out that he was much closer to the boy and any comfort would sound better coming from someone who shared the same connection in the Force.


Luke wasn’t so sure he’d know what to say. Obi-Wan never taught him how to handle anything like this and even though Luke himself went through this kind of sorrow before, it was a lot harder to explain those feeling to others around him.


“Ken” Luke started slowly, unsure of where to lead the conversation first “I know you heard the news and are upset…”


“Upset?!” Ken’s shot up from his hands “Upset doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel Luke?!” he got to his feet and began pacing back and forth. Stopping at where the datapad lay on floor, “I mean this…” Frustration covered his face as both hands went on top of his head, he didn’t know what next to say “This…AAAARRGGHH!!” Ken flopped back down on the bed, shaking his head and trying to will tears back into his eyes.


Sensing the obvious pain he was in, Luke placed a hand on Ken’s shoulder, “Ken, you don’t want to do this to yourself. Trust me. I’ve been there.”

Ken couldn’t argue with that. He knew Luke’s past was similar to his own. Alone on a desolate planet, with few friends and dreams of adventure during his youth, both shared the belief that their father was a great Jedi, only to discover he had been an instrument of evil instead.

Luke’s father apologized for his actions in the end, so had Triclops before his disappearance. So more than anyone Luke should know what Ken was feeling, even if Ken didn’t feel it himself.

“I just that…” his voice faltered as he tried to find the right words “I don’t understand why my father let this happen? Why after all those years of captivity did he return to being a slave to Kadann in the end?”


“It’s to understand, I’m sure.” Luke conceded “But I’m sure it was for a good purpose.”


“What purpose?!” screamed Ken “To help Kadann escape again so he can wreak havoc on the galaxy? My father should have been stronger than that! He should have known it was wrong, he should have..”


There was a pause between the both of them. It wasn’t long before Luke broke the silence. “Patience Ken, you must think. Anger is a path to the Dark Side, it clouds our thinking and disrupts our thoughts.”


Ken knew Luke was right. He was always right. If Ken was ever to become a Jedi Knight he would have to be better at controlling his anger. “I’m sorry” He managed to say “You’re right. You’re right! I need to concentrate.”


Ken rubbed his temple with the tips of his fingers. “But it’s so hard Luke, it’s hard to concentrate when it’s my own father we’re talking about”


“It was hard for me as well once I knew the truth about my father” Luke recalled. “I refused to believe him at first, but the more time I had to think, I couldn’t deny the truth.”


Yearning for answers for himself Ken begged Luke to continue “What did you do after that?”


“I meditated on it through the Force, came to peace with who my father was and what needed to be done. I knew there was good still in him. I just had to come up with a way for my father to see that as well.”


“That’s just it” Ken said “I thought there was good in my father too. But in the end he became the same evil person as he always was!”


                               
Luke didn’t hide the shock from his face when hearing Ken’s response. “Ken, our actions don’t always imply what we’re thinking”

Luke motioned if he could sit down next to Ken on the bed. After a faint nod from the young Jedi Prince Luke brushed the far side of the bed and sat.

“My father was one of the strongest Jedi’s ever. Yet even he fell under the control of the Emperor. By doing that, he doomed the Jedi Order for years. In the end, he knew he’d made the wrong choice and even though he could never undo the evil things he’d done, he still was able to make matters right in the end.”

Luke of course was referring to Darth Vader’s insurrection that led to the death of his grandfather. Ken studied all about it with DeeJay over the past few weeks. The countless battles and atrocities of what the Empire had inspired shocked Ken to his core. How this had been going around him the whole time he was in the Lost City made him realize how fortunate he was to have grown up in a world without Imperial interference.

Luke placed an arm on Ken’s shoulder. “Your father knew he’d done terrible things. He knew he hurt many people and he did regret it. It was not his fault how it all came to an end. You can’t blame him for that.”

Not wishing to leave it at that Luke went on “My father waited to do the right thing the moment before he died. You’re father didn’t. You should be proud.” Tears formed in Ken’s eyes, he didn’t bother to brush them away this time, instead letting them fall down his cheeks. “The way your father wanted you to remember him was the way you last saw him, a hero. What his last intentions were in the end we’ll never know. But I’m sure it was for the right purpose.”

Those last words hit Ken hard. He wanted to believe what Luke said was true. Maybe his father did have a plan. Kadann used his father because he was someone Kadann thought he could control. But did he? Had his father already broken free of the bonds that were placed upon him by the Empire? Perhaps his father was playing along, waiting for the right moment to strike and when he did Kadann somehow gained the upper hand.

For so long he had yearned to be one day be reunited again with his father. To get to know the man Triclops was and watch him grow into the man Ken always knew he could be. To become Jedi together, father and son, side by side, protecting the galaxy…. but that dream was gone. Now it was up to Ken to become a Jedi to seek out redemption for both his father and his grandfather. To make amends to all who had been wronged by the Empire in the past.


Strength came back into him. Drying his eyes he stood up to face Luke “Thank you, you’re right. Anger does cloud my judgment. I’m wrong about my father. He was a hero in the end and that’s all that should matter.”

Luke smiled to himself, perhaps Leia was right, perhaps he too had a knack for saying the right thing as well. “Yes he was. Now come outside, there’s someone who wants to see you.”

Ken followed Luke’s gaze down the hall and spotted a Chip waiting outside the door. The little golden droid had two eyes that were the same circular size of his voice box. They both glowed bright yellow when he spoke. He had two red fins on each side of his round face and a larger fin on top of his golden dome. In his hands he held Zeeba, Ken’s pet mooka.

Happy to see the both of them there Ken rushed down the hallway as Zeeba leaped from Chips arms and into the his masters.

Mookas were small animals covered in fur with feathers around their necks with a tail feather protruding down their end. With bird-like beaks, four clawed feet and four ears on top of the head, they made for a rather unusual looking pet.

Mookas were easily domesticated which was the initial reason DJ-88 discerned Zeebo was the perfect pet for Ken to keep. Little training was needed for mookas and beside the kshhhh’ sound they made when happy, Ken considered Zeeba the best pet he could ever have.

Zeeba continued licking Ken’s face as the young prince laughed. Something Ken hadn’t been doing for a while now. “Ok, Ok! It’s good to see you too Zeeba.”

“Greetings Master Ken” Chip squeaked. It is good to see you. I was worried you suffered a malfunction in your room.”

Chip was always kind to Ken. The only droid who didn’t repeat lessons or rules to him as DeeJay or H-Cee did. This little droid was designed to be his best friend and it did just that. They played, the talked, they dreamed and not once did Chip argue with him when he complained about being alone.

Though only a droid, Chip had a sincerity about him Ken always enjoyed and truly believed Chip when he said he was worried for him. “I’m ok Chip, just had to make some


calibrations to my programming is all.” He patted the droids golden head.

Chip’s eyes glowed bright yellow in recognition, “Ah, I see. Good for you Master Ken. Shall we go play now?”

Embarrassed the question had been asked in front of Luke, Ken blushed “Maybe later.” Turning around, Ken was quick to change the subject, “So how did your mission go?”

“It went well. Han and I were able to…”

Before Luke could finish a voice called out from behind “Master Luke! Master Luke!“ Shuffling down the hallway was the golden protocol droid C-3PO moving as fast as his metallic legs could carry him. To everyone, it was a familiar site to see Threepio in a hurry. “Thank the stars! It is good to see you again sir!”

“Threepio” Luke smiled as the droid rushed down the corridor to greet them. “It’s good to see you as well. I was just explaining to Ken about our last mission at..”

Not realizing Luke was in the middle of a sentence C-3PO continued “Master Luke, I have great news! Remember the boy from Delantine that Artoo and I helped find his father a few years back?”

If C-3PO’s interruption had bothered Luke, he didn’t let it show. “Stuart Zissu? Yes I remember. You and Atroo had quite an adventure helping him rescue his father from the Empire.”

C-3PO shook his head franticly. “Dreadful experience too sir, I can assure you of that. Needless to say I won’t be entering an escape pod with a science droid anytime in the future!”

Luke laughed “I suspect you won’t, Threepio.”

“Escape pods? Science droids? Does anyone care to explain?” Ken was clueless about what they were talking about. Whatever it was, it’d obviously happened before he’d been found.

C-3PO’s photoceptors glowed bright yellow as he noticed Ken for the first time “Quite an interesting story to tell Master Ken. You see, it all started when Artoo and I…”

This time it was Luke’s turn to interrupt “I’m sure he’d be interested in the story Threepio but now isn’t the time.”

Threepio tilted his head in disappointment, “Very well then.”

“Now explain to me why you brought it up? Is he having trouble with the Empire again?”



15

C-3PO returned his attention to Luke. “Oh no sir! Nothing of the sort. Why he merely wishes you to attend a celebration on Delatine.”

Now it was Luke’s turn to be confused, “A celebration?! For what?”

“Precisely what I said Master Luke, why just the other day I was telling the Captain Solo…”

“Threepio” Luke loved the golden droid but knew of his tendency to rattle on at times. If he didn’t make Threepio get to the point, the droid never would. “What is the celebration about?”

Threepio straightened up “He says, the Empire has suffered many crushing defeats at the hands of the Alliance and it’s time they celebrated the past victories against them. So he and his father are throwing a celebration on Delantine in your honor and request for you to presence at it.”

Luke smiled. It was exactly what Leia told him years ago after the first Death Star was destroyed. “Whenever there is a cause to celebrate we must. Not only to encourage the troops but to give hope to those around the galaxy and make sure they know that freedom is one step closer.” Luke still remembered dressing up in that ridiculous yellow flight jacket that Han insisted would look great on him. “Trust me kid, when you accept an awards, you do so in style.”

That wasn’t the style Luke wanted. Being a simple farm boy on Tatooine didn’t require a fancy suit or medals for having a successful crop that year either. But during the ceremony he heard the crowd cheer and knew what Leia had meant.

Celebrations were exactly what the Rebellion needed. From now to until the Empire was completely eliminated. The last one he attended was on Dathomir, over six months ago and the Rebel Alliance didn’t have time for many since.

To put this in his honor though was another thing. There were plenty of other heroes of the Rebellion who did much more than Luke had with the war. It wasn’t fair being the one to be stuck with the all the good press, while others stood in the shadows.

Beside him he saw Ken’s eyes light up, “Delantine, I’ve studied that planet before. They speak several different languages there, don’t they?”

“Sixteen to be precise.” Considering himself an expect in the matter on translation Threepio was more than happy to carry

16

the rest of the conversation, “As you well know I am fluent in over six million forms of communication.”

A smirk formed at the edge of Ken’s face. “So you’ve told me before.”

Not able to sense the sarcasm in Ken’s voice Threepio turned back to Luke, “What should I inform them, Master Luke? Will you be attending the celebration or not?”

Rubbing his chin Luke looked over at Ken. The boy had just received news of his fathers’ death and not yet over the shock. A trip like this might serve as a welcomed distraction to him. “Tell Stuart and his father that I appreciate the invitation and we’d be honored to attend.”

C-3PO did a double take. “Excuse me sir, but does that mean I must accompany you as well?” Judging from Threepio’s obvious panic it was clear to Ken the golden droid had no wishes of returning back to the planet. “Maybe I should have Threepio tell me that story after all” he thought to himself.

Luke smiled. “No Threepio, you can stay here and keep an eye on Artoo.” Ken swore he could see Threepio breathe a sigh of relief.

“Besides, I heard that Artoo didn’t get along to well with Stuart’s science droid anyway.”

“Certainly not Master Luke. Why before it was over I thought Artoo was going to taser the little science droid right then and there! Had not I stepped in before…”

It didn’t take Jedi senses to see this was turning into another ramble by the droid, “I get the point Threepio, tell them Ken and I will be attending. That is, if you want he wants to come of course.” Luke smiled back at Ken.

The excitement on Ken’s face easily shown, “I’d liked that a lot, thanks.” Lately Ken wasn’t allowed to go on any of Luke’s previous mission due the Dee-Jay’s insistence on him picking back up his studies. “Oh no. Dee-Jay!”

“But I can’t go.” Disappointment slumped Ken’s shoulders, “DeeJay and H-Cee have been on me about catching up my studies. With all that’s went on lately I’m falling behind.”

Luke clasped his hands together. “Well then we’ll just have to bring them along too. Chip, Zeeba, what do you say? Everyone’s welcome.”

To Chip it didn’t matter either way, but judging from Ken’s desire to attend the little droids mind was already made.

17

Putting his arm around him as best friends would Chip pulled him in tight “Sounds fun to me! When do we leave?”

Zeebo flapped it’s tail feathers in excitement and let out a kshhhh. It’s beak-like snout rubbed up next to Ken’s cheek. An indication that meant wherever Ken was, the mooka would be as well.

Chip released his arm from Ken. “We must get you ready and packed Master Ken. I shall inform DJ-88 and HC-100 of our departure immediately.” With that the little droid scurried down the hallway along with C-3PO who was spouting out facts to Chip about what they should pack.

“Ken” Luke moved back in front of him. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. Just say the word and I’ll inform Threepio of your decision.”

Ken was thankful to have a friend like Luke. “No, I want to go. Thanks for the invite. It’ll be good to get out and see the galaxy, especially when the Empire isn’t chasing us around in it.”

Luke let out a laugh “If we’re lucky the only thing we’ll have to worry about is the weather!” Laughing together they walked down the hallway to start preparations for their journey.

__________

Due to war Luke and Ken planned an early departure with no fanfare to where they were going. Though Ken was a part of the Alliance for a few months now, he knew the importance of keeping things confidential. The Empire may be losing the war, but it was no reason to get careless. Both he and Luke were prime targets the Empire would have great interest in getting their hands on.

After breaking the news to his droids, both DJ-88 and HC-100 concluded it was a good idea as well. “An excellent chance to improve your language skills.” DeeJay had told him.

“And the time spent traveling can be spent catching up on your homework.” H-Cee added.

Not thrilled with the prospect of returning to his studies Luke had made things better by agreeing to begin his training as a Jedi while on Delantine.



18

“There’s still a lot I’m trying to figure out for myself” Luke told him. “But what I do know I will teach you.” The offer was more than enough for Ken.

Becoming a Jedi was his life long dream. Serving the galaxy as a Jedi Knight was the perfect way in righting the legacy life had dealt him. The last thing Ken wanted was to be known as the Emperor’s grandson. Luke and Mon Mothma agreed to keep his lineage a secret for now.

“Too much bad blood for them to see the difference between you and your grandfather.” Mon Mothma told him. “For Luke it’s different, he was a hero in the Republic’s eyes before we ever knew of the connection between he and his father. You on the offer hand are not quite as well known and I’m afraid someone might take retribution out on you because of who you are. For your own sake, it’s better we keep your past a secret for now.”

Ken didn’t argue. The last thing he needed was both sides of the war looking to kill him. All trace of Ken’s incidents, even that of the Lost City of the Jedi were to be kept confidential for now.

Ken looked at the star cruiser for their trip. An old beat up looking freighter that barely looked like it could fly. Not the nicest spacecraft for sure, it was small but would fit the size of their group.

Looking across the hanger he saw Luke working underneath one of the s- foils of his X-wing. “Problem?” Ken called out approaching the ship.

Luke wiped both hands on his flight jacket. “Not really, just checking to make sure we’re good to fly.” He slammed the compartment door down and locked it shut. “All done, you ready to go?”

Ken was already packed by the night before. The trip was something he looked forward to. “Sure am, do you think the people of Delantine are going to enjoy seeing you fly in on your X-wing?”

Frowning, Luke didn’t bother to hide his disapproval. It wasn’t his decision but Leia’s to bring his X-wing along for the trip.

“What a wonderful idea! That’s just the thing we need to be doing and encourage other planets to join our cause. If things weren’t so busy here, I’d go with you. A time for celebration, no matter how brief would be welcome about now.”

Luke tugged his sister’s arm “Then come, the Alliance can go without you for a few days.”

19

Leia slipped her arm out of Luke’s grip “I’m attending a delegation tomorrow in the Mid-Rim. We’re meeting leaders there who are considering joining the Alliance.” Leia reached out and squeezed his hand “We’re finally doing it Luke, we’re finally replacing people’s fears with hope. It won’t be long till peace will be a reality.”

Look didn’t need the Force to sense his sister’s happiness. An end to the war was something he looked forward to as well. “I know. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do before I go?”

“No” she hesitated a moment, “Actually yes, I want you to show off your X-wing while your there.”

“My X-wing?” Luke wasn’t sure where she was going with this “You think the people of Delantine would rather see a vehicle instead of the pilot?”

Leia let out laugh. “No, but people do want to see your fighter.” She looked at Luke who still was having trouble understanding, “That’s not just any X-wing you have there, that’s the X-wing that blew up the original Death Star. And I bet that’s something everybody would want to see.”

Luke rubbed his chin mockingly “It has been feeling guilty ever since I got a medal.” He shot a playful smile her way.

She returned his joke with a punch to the arm. “You know what I mean. No matter what you’ve done for the Rebellion these past few years you’ll always be known for that.”

Luke rolled his eyes. “Surely they’ll have forgotten all about it by now, right? What about Han and Chewie? The two brave men who assisted in the destruction of the Death Star. Think they’d want to come along?”

Leia mocked a look of terror on her face, “And have Han turn the whole planet against us? I think not! Besides,” she added “Who do you thinks taking me on my little trip?”

“Fine” Luke backed away towards the door “But if you need me, let me know.”

“I will.” Leia replied. “And have fun, that’s an order!”

Luke brushed the side of his X-wing with care, “I’m not sure about it, but Leia has a point, seeing this X-wing would inspire the citizens of Delantine I suppose.”

“I’m just sad you can’t ride with us.” Ken nodded back towards the cruiser as DJ-88 and HC-100 approached the entry ramp. “Riding alone with them means more homework and less time becoming a Jedi.”

20

“Ken, being a Jedi isn’t just about strength, it’s about knowledge too.” Luke leaned against the ladder of cockpit, “Your studies are just as important when it comes to being a Jedi.”

Knowing better to argue with a Jedi Knight, Ken accepted his words, “If you say so.” Looking over his shoulder he saw Chip waving at him from across the hanger, “Guess I’ll see you when we hit Delantine then.”

“Count on it.” Luke fastened the helmet strap under his chin. “See you there!”

Ken took off toward the cruiser and closed the ramp behind him. DJ-88 was behind the controls going through the pre-start launch sequence. “Please be seated Master Ken. Our flight will begin shortly and afterwards you will join HC-100 in the back to start on your homework.”

“I can’t wait.” Ken muttered under his breathe.

__________


It was hardly an hour since their departure, yet to Ken it felt longer. After so many adventures battling the Empire he forgot what true horror was… homework with H-Cee.

“The end of the Old Republic Era held many inconsistencies towards it’s downfall, mainly due to the interference and false record keeping by Emperor Palpatine. When concerning all accounts of the….” H-Cee’s voice continued to drone on without any hint of stopping. Ken slowly felt his eyes wondering towards the wall behind the droid, counting the number of panels against and the ceiling wall.

Thoughts of his father still engulfed his mind. Hearing the news of his father’s demise had got him thinking. He tried to hide it from Luke but was sure the Jedi Knight could sense the truth. After all, that’s what Jedi’s did right?

Ken took to heart all Luke told him about his father. He hoped Luke was right. Maybe his father did have a plan to defeat Kadann in the end. But the mystery surrounding his father’s true purpose would never be answered. What was his father’s train of thought? What did his father intend to do, if he intended to do anything at all?

21

Ken remembered stories Luke told him of having been able to see Obi-Wan as an apparition of the Force long after his death. Luke wasn’t sure how it was done but promised to share all he knew about it with Ken during their training.

The future, now there was something he didn’t need to think more about. Ken’s dream was always to see his father and learn the ways of the Force from him. Now Luke was the only one left who could guide him down that path. Ken had to be Jedi. He needed to be a Jedi, not only for his sake but for his fathers.

There wasn’t a guarantee that his past would always be kept a secret. One day the whole galaxy would find out who he was. But by then Ken hoped to be a hero of the Rebellion, just like Luke.

To do that he would have to study hard and dedicate his life to the Force. There was no time for games anymore. Ken was growing up fast and needed to mature if he was to have any chance of erasing his grandfathers past.

Looking down Ken noticed Zeeba curled up in the chair next too him sleeping. “Aren’t you the lucky one.” he thought as he watched the mooka’s body silently rise and fall with every breath. On his other side sat Chip, upright and eyes focused on H-Cee. Whether he was paying attention or shutting down for a recharge Ken couldn’t tell. Either way, it seemed he was the only one having to sit through the lecture.

“Master Ken, are you paying attention?” H-Cee noticed the all-to-familiar stare Ken gave when he was daydreaming. After thirteen years growing up around the boy, H-Cee could never miss it.

“Of course!” Ken straightened back up in his seat, “I have to use the fresher though. May I be excused?”

The silver plated droid analyzed Ken’s behavior. It’s blue photceptors seemed to be starring holes into him. “Very well, you are excused.” Ken headed to the fresher. “But when you return I want you to give a full recap of what we’ve discussed so far!”

“Got it.” Hollered Ken as he made his way past the door.

Ken breathed a sigh of relief as he shut the fresher door, “Finally a break at last!” Having to catch up on his homework was making his head ache. To think DeeJay and H-Cee would drop his lessons now that he was part of the Rebel Alliance didn’t seem possible.


22

Looking at himself in the mirror Ken noticed how much he’d changed in the past year. Not so much in appearance but from inside. Life wasn’t as care free as it used to be. The experiences of the past few weeks transformed him from a boy to an adult. Ken never had a chance to look back either. It happened so fast.

What would his father say to him if he were still alive? Would he have expected Ken to be a Jedi apprentice by now?

So many questions Ken would never get the answers to. Turning the mist on, Ken wetted his face and was once again and was ready to resume his studies. He knew he would have to apologize to H-Cee for not paying attention. A Jedi does not lie. Ken knew it was the right thing to do.

That’s what my life is about now.” He thought to himself “Doing the right thing.” As he exited the fresher an alarm sounded from the cockpit. Ken rushed up to the co-pilots chair next to DJ-88 where the droid’s white exterior failed to betray any emotion as to what was occurring. “What’s wrong, DeeJay?”

His long time mentor didn’t answer right away, punching buttons in rapid recession across the controls in front of him. “We have received a distress call. I am patching it through for Master Skywalker to hear it as well.”

There was a slight pause and a bleep sounded across the intercom. “…request assistance …in pursuit, but request back up…unidentified ship, do you copy?”

Luke’s voice was the first to respond. “Unidentified vessel, this is Luke Skywalker of the Rebel Alliance. Please state you concern, you are breaking up.”

By this time HC-100, Chip and the newly awakened Zeebo had entered the cockpit. Static blared through the intercom. “Sorry about that…interference is…middle of an asteroid field… we… moment…” The message abruptly stopped leaving Ken worried something had gone wrong.

“We’ve got to do something Luke.” Ken called out through the open channel. “Sounds like they’re trouble.!”

Luke voice was calm in response to Ken’s panicked state. “Patience, Ken, remember to think before giving in to fear. We don’t know if this is a trap or not. We need to proceed with caution.”

“That would be highly advisable Master Ken,” DJ -88 continued tuning the intercom to block out the interference, “We must be extremely careful with the Empire still lurking about.”

23

Embarrassed by his actions Ken felt his face geting warm, “Right.” He closed his eyes to concentrate. His fear began to slip away and was replaced with calm.

The intercom crackled as they all heard the voice speak again, “Rebel Alliance vessel, this is Lyn Kimly of the mining station Mim’s Charter. We’ve been attacked by pirates and would be grateful for any assistance you can offer. I’m opening up my transponder code for identification.”

Luke checked the transponder code, it checked out. Sensing no immediate danger Luke responded to the caller “Glad to help Charter. Tell us what your status is?”

“Affirmative Rebel vessel, we were able to fend off their attack and are now in pursuit. The pirates fled into an asteroid field to hide and none of us want another surprise visit from them again. Think you could help us track them down? Any assistance would be rewarded.”

“Flying in an asteroid field?!” DJ -88 lowered his head in disbelief, “You humans are way too reckless. However that does explain the weak signal.” he stroked the metal beard below his chin.

“That won’t be necessary Lyn, the Alliance is willing to help anyone who needs it. I’d be glad to assist but I’m only one fighter, our cruiser has no fire power of its own and wouldn’t be much help.”

Ken could believe what he was hearing. Why couldn’t he come along? He went through more dangerous situations than this, surely a few pirates in an asteroid field wouldn’t matter?

“Any help would be griffin’ great!” Lyn replied. “We’re heading into the asteroid field now, but I can wait up for you on the edge if you‘re not far behind.”

“Affirmative Charter, on my way now.” Luke pulled his X-wing toward the direction of the asteroid field.

Before Ken could object, Luke’s voice came over the comm, “Ken, I know what you’re about to say and no, you can’t come. I want you and the droids to go on to Delantine. I’ll be right behind you.”

Ken worked hard to keep the anger from his voice “But Luke, how am I supposed to become a Jedi if I can’t learn how you handle situations like this?” He knew the argument was weak but in his desperation to go he was willing to use any excuse. Adventure had nothing to do with becoming a Jedi, Ken knew that, but he also didn’t like being sidelined in this.

24

“Ken, it’s important you head to Delantine. Stuart Zissu and his father are already waiting for us to arrive and I don’t want them to worry if we’re late. These pirates shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll be done in no time and join you on Delantine.”

Defeated, Ken sank into his cockpit’s chair. “Ok.”

DJ -88 set course for their jump to hyperspace. “Now I believe it’s time you continue your lessons Master Ken.”

With a sigh Ken walked out from the cockpit with H- Cee, Chip and Zeeba following behind. This was going to be a longer trip than he’d thought.

__________


When they finally arrived at Delantine Ken was exhausted. After H-Cee’s endless quizzes about the history and culture of the planet Ken wasn’t even sure he wanted to visit it now.

DJ-88 allowed Ken to sit in the cockpit to see the planet from orbit before landing. As the ship exited hyperspace however they were greeted by an unexpected surprise.

An Imperial cruiser, Bayonet class as far as Ken could determine. With eight heavy turbo lasers and six additional laser cannons, the light cruiser served as a popular patrol craft for the Empire due to it’s capability in intercepting small freighters like their own.

Judging from the outdated design, Ken guessed the cruiser must have patrolled somewhere along the Mid-Rim.

He dropped his head against the controls, this seemed to be their luck recently. Only months ago he was dealing with the Empire and now here he was at it again. But it didn’t make any sense.

Why would the Empire care about such a remote planet as Delantine. While studying the planet on his way over Ken read nothing of importance to the planet. It had no significant resources that would prove useful and as for a strategic point in a military strike against the Alliance it was useless as well.


25

Is there some way they could have known about the celebration? Ken doubted that as well. The Zissu’s message to them was heavily encrypted according to Threepio. It would be impossible for the Empire to have the updated codes so quickly and as for their trip Luke, Ken and Leia were the only ones in the Rebel Alliance who knew about where they would be going. So the possibility of there being a spy would be impossible as well.

DJ-88 was opening up a channel to warn Luke of their present danger, “Our comm system has been jammed, initiating reverse thrusters now.” The ship shuddered but maintained course towards the Imperial cruiser.

“I’m guessing there’s a tractor beam involved here.” Ken said sarcastically to the droid, who continued to work franticly at the controls.

“Affirmative” DeeJay’s ruby eyes went dark red as he silently calculated their next step. Turning to Ken the white droid removed his safety harness and got up. “Master Ken, I suggest you stay behind HC- 100 and myself once we are boarded.” DJ-88 primary objective was to keep him from danger at all cost even if that meant his own life, the long time caretaker had every intention of doing just that. For as long as Ken could remember, everything the droid did was for his protection.

“Maybe it’s a random frigate, making it’s way through the Mid-Rim” Ken offered, hopefully. “It could be a nothing but a search and sweep.” DeeJay’s servos delivered a slow whine as he turned to Ken as if the boy was suffering a malfunction. “Though it’s doubtful the Empire would be doing a lot of that these days, what with the war going against them now.” Ken hated to admit it, but he knew they were in big trouble right now.

A transmission came from the cruiser immediately following Ken’s statement, “Rebel Alliance vessel, you are to hold your position and prepare to be boarded. Try anything and we’ll blast you out of orbit. Have all hands and cargo on deck. No tricks.”

Ken gulped “So much for that theory.” Zeebo growled as the Imperial cruiser approached the ship. “I don’t like it either Zeebo, but there’s nothing we can do. With our comm system jammed there’s no way to warn Luke that the Empire is on Delantine. We’ve got to think of another way out.”

The Imperial Cruiser came to halt as the droids and Ken listened carefully to the docking sound that attached the two

26

ships together. A thud sounded outside the door followed by a pressurized noise.

Both HC-100 and DJ-88 stood in front of Ken, keeping him behind them as the sound of footsteps headed their way. Peaking around H-Cee’s silver plated body, Ken watched as a sharp clicking sounded at the door.

Suddenly the hatch was open and dozens of Stormtroopers poured into the room. They surrounded the area with their weapons drawn. A closer look showed they weren’t set to “stun” either. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Ken said as his pet mooka curled around his leg.

At the front of the door entered an Imperial officer. Dressed in what looked to be a newly pressed uniform the man was in his late thirties, with short cropped hair and dark brown eyes. He looked like all the other Imperials Ken had seen in his life, stiff upper body with a bitter look on the face that made Ken wonder if anybody was happy in the Imperial Navy.

The officer entered the room with two other Stormtroopers closely behind. “I am Commander Thistleborn of the Delaney Pride and you are all under arrest for crimes against the Empire.” He looked around the cabin as if searching for someone who wasn’t there, “Where is Luke Skywalker?”

It was all starting to make sense to Ken. This had been a trap all along and Delantine was the bait. He doubted that the planet was responsible for the betrayal, because of their struggle with the Empire in the past. But there was no mistaking it, capturing Luke Skywalker was the main objective here.

“I know that he’s here.” Thistleborn’s voice was colder now “If you do not tell me where he is hiding I will execute you all, one by one.”

DJ-88 took a step forward “There is no one on this ship by that name. If this is your reason for stopping our vessel then I suggest we be on our way and let you continue you search for…” Before DJ-88 got the next word out Thistleborn pulled his hold- out blaster from his side holster and shot the white droid point blank in the chest.

With the power setting at maximum, the blast nearly disintegrated the droid. All that remained of DeeJay was his head, both legs, and an arm still attached to a part of his body. Pieces of him were scattered all around the cabin either burnt or still smoking. In the blink an eye DJ-88 vanished forever from Ken’s life.

27

“NOOOOOO!!” Ken moved towards the remains of his beloved mentor but the metal grip of H-Cee held him back. “Let me go!” Ken screamed, struggling to get loose.

“Negative, My programming does not allow you to come to harm.” The droid’s hold on the boy stayed firm until Ken finally relented and stood still.

Commander Thistleborn held the blaster by his side, a feint mist protruded from the barrel. “Now, for the last time I ask you. where..is..Skywalker?” Firmly gripping his blaster the Imperial Commander raised it at H-Cee.

With his maker DJ-88 gone H-Cee knew he was now in command. “I’m apologize Commander, but what my colleague told you is true, there is no one by that name on this ship.”

Thistleborn held his aim at the white droid’s head, Ken worried that H- Cee would be shot next, but instead he saw the captain turn to his men. “Spread out and search the ship. I want every millimeter of it inspected, now!”

Stormtroopers fanned out in pairs to search the ship while a company of them stayed behind and kept their blasters aimed at them. Zeebo raised his beak -like snout and growled. “Easy boy” Ken picked the mooka up gently with his free arm. “We’ll make it through this. I promise.”

Thistleborn took a step closer to HC-100. “You’d better hope you’re right, droid.” He lifted the blaster to H-Cee’s expressionless face. “Because if you are lying to me, I’ll scrap you as well.” The sneer on the Commander’s face made his intentions quite clear.

H-Cee seemed unfazed by the blaster “It is against my programming to lie” he replied. Ken of course knew it was a lie itself. HC-100’s top priority was the same as the other droids “Protect the Jedi Prince at all cost.”

Ken knew H-Cee would stop at nothing to preserve his life, which now made him feel responsible for Dee-Jay’s death. Seeing the pieces of DJ- 88 scattered across the ship made him sick to know Deejay had sacrificed his life over him.

He wished the blaster was pointed at him instead. To Thistleborn, Ken must not have been seen as a threat. Not once had the Commander looked or spoken to him. He was nothing more than a child to the Imperial Officer who was more concerned over the whereabouts of Luke than to who he was.

Within minutes the Stormtroopers returned informing the captain that there was no one else on the ship. The fury in

28

Thistleborn’s eyes was unmistakable, “Why was this vessel headed to Delantine?”

H-Cee didn’t hesitate to respond, “An educational outing, the boy’s father instructed us to take his son to Delantine to help improve his language skills.”

The story was partly true, Ken knew the textpads and lecture diagrams in the back would easily support their story. The navcomputer was even programmed by Rebel Intelligence to put in any cover story to serve as an alibi as well. The question, was would it be enough to fool Commander Thistleborn and his crew.

The Imperial Commander looked down at Ken, trying to determine if the story was true or not, “Is that so?” he paced across the room to where Ken’s textpads lay, “We’ll see about that.” With a nod the trooper standing beside him exited towards the cockpit. “If my men are able to validate your story you are free to go. But if not…” the Commander didn’t have to finish his sentence to get the point across.

While they waited for the Stormtrooper to return Ken used the opportunity to gather information as to why the Imperials were here. “Are we in any trouble sir?”

Clearly amused by the question Commander Thistleborn walked over to him “Anyone who visits a planet that openly objects to Imperial rule is in trouble, lad.”

Ken feigned ignorance, “We were told Delantine was neutral in the war.”

“No one is neutral in war times, boy.” The Commander looked at the Stromtrooper sent to check their navcomputer. A quick nod from the trooper was all he needed. “Just I as thought, Rebel scum.” he leveled the blaster at H-Cee and fired.

Still at maximum setting, the shot disintegrated H-Cee’s entire head, leaving a smoking hole from the bottom of his neck. Ken watched in horror as the droid dropped to his knees then tumbled to the deck.

Both of his oldest friends gone within a few minutes, Ken couldn’t believe it. Wanting to attack the Imperial Commander right there he knew would be useless. With several armed Stormtroopers surrounding them, he wouldn’t even get close.

“Collect the remaining prisoners and put them in the hold on Delantine. Skywalker shouldn’t be too far behind.” With that Thistleborn holstered his weapon and made his way out the hatch.

29

He knew. Ken didn’t know how, but the Empire knew they were coming. That could mean one of two things, there was an Imperial spy in the Alliance or on Delantine, Ken guessed the latter.

Someone had tipped them off. The Imperials had been waiting for them, for Skywalker. Ken needed to warn him somehow, if Luke were captured things would get very bad for the Alliance.

But this didn’t explain why the Empire sent only a single light cruiser to the planet. Surely if they were planning on capturing a leader of the Rebel Alliance, they would’ve brought a couple Star Destroyers with them. Something here wasn’t right.

The Stormtroopers slapped stun cuffs on him and placed a restraining bolt on Chip as the exited them out the door. “What do we do with him?” one of the trooper’s was holding Zeebo by the tail as the short mooka scratched and snarled at him to let it go.

“Put it in a cage for now.” The another replied. “Commander Thistleborn will tell us what he wants to do with it later.” With that Ken and the others entered the shuttle and headed down to the planet below.

__________

The cell was dark, not much room to move around in either. Ken could almost touch both sides of the wall at once. To his left was a cot two meters wide. It was worn down with rips along the seams and stains all over the top. But that wasn’t enough to keep Ken from flopping on to it once the cell door locked behind him.

The humidity in the cell made the clothes stick to his skin and already Ken could tell this was not going to be a comfortable stay. Sweat appeared on his chest and back and his brown hair was beginning to plaster to his head.

The cell’s only source of light came when a guard made his rounds through the corridors. The feint light appeared down the track in front of him, letting Ken know the guard was on his way. A few seconds after the guard walked by the lights would dim again, leaving Ken in utter darkness.




30

No meal had been given to him and he didn’t expect one anytime soon. Imperial hospitality wasn’t exactly something the Empire could brag about.

Lying on the cot Ken ran through their previous encounter. “ If only I was a Jedi, then we wouldn’t be in this situation.” The thought he knew, was ridiculous. He doubted even Luke with all his Jedi training couldn’t have fought off that many Stormtroopers at once. But Ken couldn’t help thinking if he’d been stronger it would have made a difference.

He was tired of being weak, tired of being helpless too. He did nothing to stop the death of two good friends and now they were both gone. He worried about what would happen to the rest of his friends. Chip and Zeebo were all he had left.

Once they had landed on the planet Chip was carried away down a separate corridor. The little droid looked woefully back to his master knowing he had failed him but Ken knew there was nothing Chip could have done. By far he was the weakest of the three droids and didn’t carry any weapons or defense mechanisms on him. They were both in the hands of the Empire now and there was anything they could do about it.

Zeebo was thrown into a cage once they’d landed. Ken never saw what happened after that, he just hoped the mooka was ok. “Some hero I am.” He thought, “Everyone’s in danger and the great Jedi Prince could do nothing but sit and watch.”

The guard completed his rounds through the cells and walked out the door, letting the place descend back in to darkness.

“Hey, you there?”

Ken sat up upon hearing the whisper in the dark, “Yes, Who are you?”

“Stuart Zissu” the voice said, “And I’m guessing you must be Ken.”

Hearing his name took him by surprise, “You know who I am?”

“I know you were coming here with Luke Skywalker,” Ken heard a sigh “And I assume the Empire’s plan worked. They captured you both didn’t they?”

“No, Luke separated from us to help a mining settlement chase down pirates, he didn’t arrive with us.”

Ken heard Stuart move to the front of the cell as new hope come into his voice “So he’s still out there? The Empire doesn’t have him yet. There’s still a chance!”


31

“A chance for what? We’re both locked in a cell with no way out. Luke will be here any moment and when he arrives they’ll be waiting.” Ken’s frustration was beginning to show in his voice, “What chance do we have of warning Luke that he’s walking into a trap?!”

Realizing his feelings were getting the best of him again, Ken took a short breath. “Not the Jedi way.” He reminded himself. Using the Force to remove the frustration Ken spoke again.

“I’m sorry, I lost two of my droids when we arrived, they were both…. close friends.”

“I understand, I lost some close friends too. The Empire came to our planet a few weeks ago. We tried to stop them but we didn’t have much of an army here to put up a fight. Commander Thisltborn’s cruiser tore through our defenses. We were helpless”

Ken started feeling sorry for the boy. “What did they want?”

“My father asked them the same question, they shot him.” Ken could hear Stuart’s voice start to break, “They told me that if I didn’t do what they said, they would execute everyone on our planet. I couldn’t let that happen!”

Just like the Empire, using “bully” tactics to get their way. “You did what you had to do, I understand. I’d have done the same thing.” Not sure of what else say, Ken kept quiet.

“They made me send the request to Skywalker. Thistleborn knew about my connection to C-3PO and R2-D2. He wanted to use that trust to his advantage.” As Stuart went on, Ken felt a sickness growing in his stomach, “I thought about sending a coded message but they had Stormtroopers there holding our people at blaster point while I read off their script. There wasn’t anything I could do.”

Ken knew the feeling, ”I lost my dad recently, the Empire killed.” The fact that he was talking about this to a total stranger shocked Ken. He hardly knew the boy and here he was sharing his personal life with him. Perhaps the news of Stuart’s father had given him a sort of connection to the boy. “Stuart, who is this Commander Thistleborn and why isn’t he here with a fleet of starships?” The question was bothering him ever since their arrival.

“I’m not sure and they didn’t say. My guess is it’s a rogue mission and Thistleborn doing this on his own.”

Ken scuffed his shoes across the cell floor “There has to be a motive for all of this. Why would an Imperial Commander come here alone with such an important mission as this?”

32

“Perhaps he likes to work alone?” Suggested Stuart, “Revenge or selfish glory, that’s how the Empire usually works.”

Ken knew that was true. “Still, it a risky move.”

“That’s because he thinks he’s some big hot shot. Before he threw me in here he claimed his brother was an Imperial Grand Moff and I should start respecting him or else. What a blow hard huh?”

A horrible realization struck Ken. He knew that name. Grand Moff Thistleborn served on the Central Committee of Grand Moffs, the same committee headed by Trioculus, a three-eyed mutant warlord of the Empire who rose in opposition of Ysanne Isard for ruler of the Empire.

He pretended to be the Emperor’s son and even had the phony Dark Side prophet Kadann vouch for his heritage. An imposter backing an imposter, that’s all it was.

Trioculus tried convinced everyone he was the rightful heir to the throne. He even retrieved the glove of Dark Vader to establish his legitimacy and had Kadann fabricate a false prophecy that whoever wore the glove would be the rightful ruler.

He was successful in fooling the Central Committee of Grand Moffs but was eventually betrayed by Kadann when a replica droid of Princess Leia shot him through the heart.

The fate of each member on the committee differed but Ken was familiar with Grand Moff Thistleborn’s. Before his demise Trioculus sentenced the Grand Moff to three years of hard labor on the rock planet Bnach, for attempting to usurp Trioculus’ power.

Maybe this was about revenge? Something the Empire knew about well. But what Luke had to do with it all still didn’t make sense.

Striking back at the Alliance was on the minds of every Imperial warlord out there. If the Empire was responsible for the Grand Moff Thistleborn’s fate then why not go after the Empire instead?

Ken shook off his concerns, he had bigger problems at the moment, like how to get out of here and send a warning to Luke. Deciding not to share this information about Commander Thistleborn’s father to Stuart yet, Ken looked around his cell.

The Rebel Alliance knew where they were headed but it would be days before they came looking for them. By that time Luke


33

would be captured and Empire would be long gone. He couldn’t let that happen.

Looking around his cell for a way out, proved useless. He kicked at the panel to his cell door but it didn’t budge. There were no windows and only one vent that was half a meter in size, impossible for him to climb through.

Inside the cell there was little or nothing for him to use. A hole lay in the far corner that Ken feared was the fresher. His cot had no covers or pillow and the mattress contained nothing but matted old fur. Not much use for an escape.

“Concentrate,” Luke had told him in the past, “Feel the Force surround you, and bind you.” That’s what he had to do now if he was ever able to figure a way out. “Stuart, is there any way we can get out of here?”

“Are you a Jedi?” “Not exactly.”

“Then no, these cells were built with only one way out and that’s through the cell door. My father built these with the help of his security team. I’m afraid they thought of everything but the Force.”

Ken sat back down on the cot. It wasn’t that he had never used the Force before. Once, when he was taken by Zorba the Hutt and forced give up any secrets he possessed, Ken was able to perform a Jedi mind trick on the guard and escape.

But that only worked on the weak minded which Hutt guards usually tended to be. The guards under Commander Thistleborn’s rule didn’t strike him as weak. Ken had been through stickier situations than this since joining the Alliance however. After leaving the Lost City of the Jedi, he was relentlessly pursued by Trioculus and the Empire for secrets he possessed. In that time Ken was in and out of so many traps it seemed evitable he’d escape this one as well.

Ken clutched the crystal that hung around his neck on a silver chain. It had been with him all his life, left by his mother Kenlinda. It was the one thing that gave him strength when he was in danger.

Ken missed his mother though he’d never met her. Stormtroopers killed her on Kessel shortly after he was born and whoever it was that delivered him to the City of the Jedi left the necklace for him to keep.

It was how his father recognized him in the first place. Having one of his own Triclops easily identified who Ken was. If only

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his father had told him then they at least could’ve been able to talk for a moment. Ken couldn’t allow himself to think of that right now. He needed to come up with a plan to get out of here.

Lights in front of the cells began to glow, indicating the guard was coming back through again. Ken heard the door at the far end of the corridor creak open and foot steps, steadily approach his way.

While on Dagobah, Luke and Chewbacca gave him lessons in self defense. Crouching into a stance Ken raised both arms in front him, both hands open, and waited patiently by the cell door.

The guard was much taller than the other Stormtroopers Ken had seen. He wore a gray officers’ uniform that looked like it was bursting at the scenes. On the side of his shaved head was an Imperial tattoo that gave him an even more menacing look.

Stopping at Ken’s cell, he grunted, “What’s all this racket? Keep quiet or I’ll make you quiet!” Cracking both knuckles prove the point he glanced into Stuart’s cell as well. “I don’t want to hear a peep out of the two again, ya got that?!”

Looking at each of the boys once more he turned around and went back out of the hallway. The surface lamps slipped slowly back into darkness when finally the door slammed shut and they were alone again.

Ken held his breath as he listened to footsteps fade away. Whispering from his cell, he continued his conversation with Stuart. “I’ve been in stickier situations before, I’m sure I can a way out of this.”

He heard a chuckle come from the cell beside him, “So have I, and dealing with the Empire is never something I take lightly.”

“Me too.”

“After all I went through trying to get my father back from them years ago. I can tell you they’re a serious bunch when it comes to this.”

Ken’s ears perked up, “I heard Threepio mention he and Artoo helped you with that. Must have one wild adventure I suppose.”

“Remind me to tell you about it sometime.”

“Will do, but first we need a plan.” He placed both hands on the transparrsteel wall and gave it a hard push, even with the Force Ken doubted he’d be able to break through. So much for that idea.

35

“Where’s Luke Skywalker anyway? Wasn’t he supposed to be with you?”

Ken made sure to whisper so he wouldn’t alert the guard, “We got a distress call from a mining colony that was having a little trouble with space pirates.”

Ken ran his hands along side the walls of the cell, desperately seeking a way out. “Lu… Master Skywalker,” he quickly corrected himself. If he were to become Luke’s apprentice he’d have to start using Luke’s proper title. “…went to assist them in hunting them down, he was to meet us here once he was done.”

“Then we’ve got to warn him before it’s too late.” He could hear the determination in the Stuart’s voice.

“We’ve got to think of something before Master Skywalker gets here then. He shouldn’t be too much longer helping those minors and when he’s done he’ll walk right into that Imperial trap!”

Ken heard Stuart move to the front of his cell. “Do you know how long we have before he gets here?”

Ken shook hid head, “I don’t know. Could be hours, could be minutes. It’s impossible to tell.” Giving up on finding a way out, he sat back down on his cot. “I don’t suppose you know the codes to any of these cells do you?

“I did, but they changed them when they put me in.” Stuart’s voice got quieter this time, “Don’t worry, I have a plan, just sit tight.”

Ken wanted to ask what Stuart had in mind but knew the risk of being heard was too great. Even at a whisper he wasn’t sure the guard could still hear them or that there weren’t any listening devices planted in their cells either. Ken decided to do what Stuart asked and wait patiently in his cell, hoping his cell mate was right.

__________


Commander Jord Thistleborn stood at the helm of his Bayonet Class cruiser, looking down on the planet below. How he despised Rebel sympathizers. Trux Zissu, was only a small feat to what he intended to do with the whole planet once he was done. For years the Empire worked hard to instill discipline and order to miserable dirt ball’s like this.

Delantine and other planets like them were an insult to everything the Empire strived for. It disgusted him. Years ago planets like this wouldn’t have thought twice about bowing to his authority and now planet after planet was defecting to the Rebellion. Like spoiled children running away from their parents the Commander was seeing the universe slide into chaos.

He stared out into the dark abyss of space, millions of stars were once his to rule and now they was fighting for every square inch they could get. What had the galaxy come to?

His plan to kill the leader of the Rebellion wasn’t going as planned. Everything seemed to be against him. With clenched fist behind his back he began to pace across the deck. Hiding his frustration from his crew he casually moved across the deck.

The technician’s report on the Rebel’s ship log was taking too long. He needed to know what had become of Skywalker and where he was. If the Rebel’s found out about his trap he’d have to flee immediately to avoid capture. So much time had been placed into setting his plan that the thought of having to start over made him sick. He needed a way to “encourage” his men to work faster.

“Ensign, raise the hanger bay. Tell them I expect a full report within the hour.” Stressing the last word to get his point across the ensign went straight to the comm to deliver the message.

All his life Jord Thistleborn craved the respect of his peers. At the Imperial Academy everyone knew who he was. News of him being the son of a Grand Moff Thistleborn was well known by the other cadets. Though he constantly suffered demerits his time there, he was not once kicked out and everyone knew why.

Being the son of a Grand Moff went a long way in the Empire. He graduated second to last in his class but was still assigned a ranking officer position aboard an Imperial starship. After a few weeks, rumors of his father’s involvement for his promotion were on the lips of every crewman there.

Hated by everyone, Jord made it clear the feeling was mutual. So what if he didn’t do as well at the academy, graduating was a feat itself. How you graduated shouldn’t matter, in Jord’s eyes he felt he earned the promotion.

Through manipulation, backstabbing and bribing he rose from one rank to the next. Sure, his father’s influence was helpful in matters, but overall Jord felt each promotion was greatly deserved. After all, if it wasn’t for his cunning schemes, none of it would have happened.

After achieving the rank of Captain he was given command of his own Star Destroyer. With an entire battalion at his command he was set on impressing the Emperor with his prowess and intellect. But on his first assignment things didn’t go well, nor the next one after it or the other three that followed.

Jord was insistent every failed mission had not been his fault. Blaming the crew to even his ship he refused to admit he was the one at fault. After so many failures though, not even the social status of his father could help him anymore.

He was demoted to the rank of commander and sent to the Outer Rim with an outdated cruiser and a third-rate crew to command. If not for his father’s influence he may not have been in the Imperial Navy at all. Still, it didn’t make his reassignment any less hard than it already was.

Reluctantly, he took command of the vessel and crew, patrolling the Outer Rim for the remainder of his career. As the balance of power shifted to the Alliance, all he could do was sit and watch his beloved Empire fall to pieces. Shunned by many for being a fraud he never received orders to join the fray and through years of infighting and back -stabbing, the Empire forgot about him and his Outer Rim “duties”. He was considered a “useless resource” in the Imperial Navy.

Constantly he sent messages to his father requesting to re-join the war but his father never responded. As a result he and his crew were made to suffer of boredom along the Outer Rim Territories.

If given the chance he knew he could turn the tide for the Empire. He was confident he could stop the Rebellion once and for all but he never was given a chance.

As battles waged on the Empire’s iron grip on the galaxy was loosening. Each request to join the fleet was greeted with the same response: “Stay at current position and await orders.” Those orders never came and the Empire continued to suffer one loss after the next.

In what turned out to be the final contact with his father, Jord learned the Central Committee of Grand Moffs proclaimed Triculus as the new leader of the Empire. But dissention had already settled into the Imperial Navy as Ysanne Isard built her campaign as rightful leader as well.

A former Director of Imperial Intelligence, Ysanne Isard single-handedly split the Empire in two. One half serving Trioculus while the other served her.

Thousands flocked to Isard’s order believing her to be the one to restore glory back to the Empire, but older officers as well as Grand Moffs alike were too indoctrinated with the bias of women in the navy. His father along with other Grand Moffs chose to back Trioculus instead.

Jord again sent a request to join his father on Trioculus side but this time he was greeted with a different message:

Grand Moff Miles Thistleborn has been convicted of treason against the Empire. He is sentenced to three years of hard labor on the planet Bnach by Emperor Triculus, rightful ruler of the Empire. Long live the Emperor!

Jord Thistleborn couldn’t believe what he was reading. His father spent several year serving the Imperial Navy and had shown more loyalty than anyone else in the Empire. To accuse the man of treason was outrageous. Bnach was a hot desolate prison planet that housed an Imperial penal camp. Those sentenced to Bnach were sent to work in the dangerous quarries there. No one was rumored to last more than a year in the quarries. They had issued a death sentence to his father, it was Jord’s final straw.

Ignoring his orders Jord made his crew set course for Bnach to rescue his father from the slave quarry. With only a light cruiser to aid him however, Jord arrived too late. Within days of being sentenced to the planet his fathers’ heart gave out, making Bnach the Grand Moff’s final resting place.

Furious with Trioculus and the committee, Jord convinced his crew to mutiny from the Navy and head for the throne room of the Empire’s “chosen one” to assassinate him. While on route however, Trioculus was reported dead and all remaining Imperial fleet were ordered to Ysanne Isard’s command.

Fortunately his crew shared Jord’s view of serving a female commander and unanimously decided to defect from the Empire altogether, going out on their own to stop the Rebel Alliance instead. Over time Jord hoped more would rally to his cause but none ever did.

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Refusing the fact he’d never be accepted as a leader he and his crew set out on a mission to single handedly assassinate the leaders of the Rebellion.

Searching through every resource he could find, Jord looked for a weak spot he could exploit. After several failed attempts and dead ends he found the perfect place to set a trap, Delantine.

In older reports Jord learned of the Empire’s kidnapping of Trux Zissu, the governer of the planet and how it went awry thanks to the interference of Zissu’s son Stuart and three droids. More interesting was the fact that two of the droids were owned by the Rebellions most respected hero, Luke Skywalker.

The planet was a perfect; an isolated planet in space with little contact with the rest of galaxy. A planet such as that would easily fall to the hands of a single Imperial cruiser.

When they arrived at Delantine the planets defenses just as Jord imagined and the planet was taken in a matter of hours. When Trux refused to assist him, Jord threatened the life of the governor’s son.

Beaten, the governor relented to their demands and an invitation to their “celebration” to Skywalker was sent out. The first part of his plan was in motion. Having no further use for the governor Jord executed Trux and sent his son Stuart to the holding cells for insurance in case anything should go wrong.

With the Rebellion stretched thin and Delantine considered not a threat he knew the Rebellion wouldn’t suspect a thing. Upon arrival Skywalker would be captured and executed on a live holonet broadcast for everyone to see.

The public execution of their leader would be a deep blow to the Rebels and spread panic to sympathizers of their cause. Jord’s name would be infamous and Ysanne Isard would have no choice but to turn all power over to him. He would rule the Empire and all who opposed him in the past would pay dearly for ignoring him, he’d make sure of that.

He would lead the Empire from one victory to the next and annihilate the Rebel threat once and for all. He would become rule as Emperor over the entire galaxy.

Jord closed his eyes, he wasn’t there yet. Not by a long shot. Skywalker hadn’t shown up. Instead a boy and three droids, none of which belonged to Skywalker. His elaborate trap caught nothing but a group of rebel sympathizers, hardly what he’d hoped for.


40

What happened to Skywalker? In the transmission they received from the Alliance, Skywalker had agreed to come. The question now was where he went and why didn’t he arrive with his entourage. It both infuriated and worried the Commander.

Had Skywalker been able to sense a trap? Where his fabled Jedi senses so attuned they could uncover deception light years away? With a shake of his head, Commander Thistleborn rejected the idea. If that were true then why leave the boy alone? As bait perhaps? No, the Rebels didn’t work that way, there must be a better explanation. Perhaps something had happened that forced Skywalker to leave. The thought made him sick.

All this time spent looking planning and now it was falling to pieces. He wasn’t sure how much longer his crew could suffer another setback like this. They’d waited too long to come up empty handed. He had to figure out what happened to Skywalker soon before his crew began to lose faith in him as well.

At that moment the brown haired ensign approached him on the deck, “Sir, the technician’s deciphered the Rebel ship’s log.”

Excellent!” he matched the ensign’s pace back towards the comm “Patch him through.”

The technician wasted no time in his response, “Commander, we’ve analyzed the ship’s data and were able to confirm the location of Luke Skywalker. It seems he departed earlier from the group to help asteroid miners from space pirates. Ship’s recording says he’ll report back here to the planet after assisting them.”

I smile crept into the corner of Jord’s face, “So this wasn’t a bust after all, there was still a chance to kill Skywalker”

Marching back to his position at the window Jord’s voice boomed with new found confidence “Excellent work, I want all hands on alert for Skywalker’s return.” Jord could almost feel the Rebel leader in his grasp. Skywalker was still out there and even better his crew hadn’t been discovered, the trap would go on as planned.

As the crew scurried around the deck, carrying out his order Jord stood by the window ready for his prey to come to him. His plan would work, he’d have Skywalker and when it did, he’d have the Empire as well.



41


__________





Ken sat in the dark silence of his cell. Hours had passed since his last conversation with Stuart. The boy hinted of a plan but was refusing to say more for fear of their cells being bugged.

Ken decided the only thing he could do for now was sit patiently and meditate.

“If I was a real Jedi we wouldn’t be in the situation” Here he was; grandson of one of the most powerful Force users in history and he couldn’t even lift a speck of dirt from the floor.

He concentrated hard to get a message to Luke, notifying him of the Empire’s presence. Sitting in the same position for over an hour now he was unsure if he was projecting a warning or not. Luke spent a lot of times going over Jedi meditation techniques with him, but Ken still wasn’t sure what he was trying would work. In all those lessons of feeling the Force flow through and around him, never was their a lecture on how to broadcast a message light years away using a single thought. Sweat cascaded down his face and his clothes were getting damp. Ken repeated the warning over and over but wasn’t able to feel a connection.

Giving up, Ken opened his eyes and kicked his foot across the floor in frustration. This wasn’t working. He was wasting his time. The title of “Jedi Prince” was a mockery to him.

DJ-88 knew all along who he was. He knew the potential that was in him, knew the type of power Ken possessed and he kept it from him. “It’s his fault! The blasted droid should have been teaching about the Force from the very beginning!”

The more he thought about it the more it made him angry. All those endless hours of lectures and being hounded by H-Cee for homework could have been spent teaching developing his Force abilities. “Stang! I could be just as powerful as Luke by now if Deejay wouldn’t have wasted time!”

Guilt swept over him, how could he think such selfish things? Deejay cared the world for him and all Ken could do now was blame Dee-Jay for his own shortcomings?! It was foolish to think the droid could have taught him the ways of the Force.

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Droids weren’t Force sensitive, DJ-88 wouldn’t even know where to start.

Ken closed his eyes again. Anger was of the Dark Side. It possessed his father and owned his grandfather. Ken wasn’t about to let it get to him as well. He made a mental note not to let this happen so easily again.

Thinking about Dee-jay and H-Cee brought tears to his eyes. He watched them be destroyed protecting him, it wasn’t right. His oldest friends; gone in a matter of seconds. The thought of it made him feel awful.

The panel lights surrounding his cell began to glow again. Ken jumped back to his feet and went to the front of his cell. Stuart’s cell lights were on too, but the hallways were still dark.

“Why illuminate our cells and not the corridor?” Ken wondered, but then he noticed a droid entering through the front hallway door.

It had an egg shaped head with the majority of which was a view screen mounted on its’ cylinder body. Four retractable wheels carried the silver plated droid down the corridor. On the droids’ screen flashed images of what looked like mathematical equations and diagrams, flashing too quick for Ken to decipher. Was it some sort of torture droid the Imperial Commander was sending in to interrogate them?

Before Ken could speak to Stuart he heard the young prince call out to the droid. “For-bee, it’s about time you showed up!” Stuart jumped from his mat to face the droid as it came to a halt in front of his cell. “Is it all clear?”

“Affirmative” came the droids’ deadpan response. “All listening devices have been rendered inoperative. In addition I have posted a lookout at the door ahead to assist in our escape.”

Judging from its’ vocalizer Ken could tell the droid was programmed with a female gender. He watched as its’ view screen turned to inspect them within the cells.

“My adventure thus far has been eventful, in fact the scientific possibilities made available to me in the past hour have made for an exciting lesson. By using the…” before the droid could finish her sentence Stuart broke in “Save the lessons for another time For- bee, we have to get out of here first. Warning Mr. Skywalker of the Empire’s presence here on Delantine is of the utmost importance. I’ll need to ask you turn off your scientific learning program for now.”



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The droid’s view screen blinked twice. “Affirmative, “scientific instructor” setting has been shut down. Shall I precede with the escape process, sire?”

“Yes and don’t forget our guest over there as well.” Pointing to Ken, Stuart smiled. “Meet my escape plan, 4B-X.”

The droid wheeled up to the control panel next to its’ master’s cell and entered the code for the door then proceeded over to Ken. “Hello 4B-X, I got to admit this is a hell of a first impression you’re giving.” 4B-X didn’t bother with a reply entering his code in as well and backing away from the sliding cell door.

Briskly walking over to Ken, Stuart held out and shook his hand. “Now that we’re done with all the greetings, what do you say we get to the comm station and send out that warning?” 4B-X lead the way out of the holding cells.

Ken followed them out, “Smart droid you have there, how’d he manage to escape being captured?”

Stuart smiled, “For-bee is very resourceful. She’s saved my life a dozen times by using scientific methods my father programmed into her when I was a kid. There’s no telling how she escaped capture but I’m sure she’d be glad to give you a full hour lecture on it when you have the time.

Ken returned the smile. “So you knew she was out there the whole time and would help us escape?”

“Not exactly, but I know 4B-X and the one thing more important than instructing me in science is watching out for my own protection. I knew she’d eventually come up with a way to get us out.” Stuart looked back to the droid racing ahead of them “She can find a way out of everything. When I was with Threepio and Artoo she saved us a number of times. People underestimate her for being nothing but an instructor droid but she’s so much more than that!” The pride in Stuart’s voice was easy to detect. Ken held the same pride for his droids as well.

The similarities between the two of them just continued to grow. Ken could see now why Luke wanted him to come. In a lot of ways, Stuart was just like himself. “Even more now that he lost his father too.

The boys raced out of the holding cells and around the corner, following the silver droid, “I think Threepio and Artoo would have gotten along with her better if it hadn’t have been for that last idea Forbee came up with.” Stuart continued, “Threepio would not stop commenting on how it was “against his programming” it was to be put into such a position and

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Artoo….well, let’s just say that little droid has quite a mouth on him at times.”

“I keep hearing about this “adventure” but never seem get the whole story.” Ken chuckled. “You know, you’re going to have to tell me exactly what happened because this story gets more intriguing every time I hear about it!”

Stuart snorted a laugh “Once we’re out of this mess, you got it!”

They approached the door outside of the prison, Ken wasn’t about to ask 4B-X for an explanation as to how she’d gotten them out. Fearing it would result in one of those scientific lectures Stuart had warned him about. But the Jedi Prince did have a question he had to ask “For-bee, who did you get to stand watch outside?” 4B-X entered another code to open the door in front of them and Ken got his answer.

“Master Ken, it’s good to see you unharmed!”

“Chip?!” Ken could hardly cover his shock. He reached out for the droid and pulled him into a hug without even thinking who he was with. Seeing the familiar face of his old friend was the most satisfying thing Ken could think of. “You’re ok!”

Realizing his whereabouts Ken embarrassingly shied away from the droid “This is Chip, he was on board with me when..” his voiced trailed off. He wasn’t ready to talk about what had happened on the ship yet.

Thankfully, Stuart caught on to his hesitation and extended a hand to Chip “Thanks for the help, good to meet you Chip, I’m Stuart Zisssu. Now we have to hurry and get that message to Skywalker. I can’t imagine him staying much longer with those miners. We need to reach him before it’s too late.”

Ken nodded “Agreed, but what about the guards?”

Forbee wheeled herself around “All guards on the prison level have been incapacitated. No one will notice your disappearance or sound an alarm.”

Ken scratched his head “That’s nice to know but what about other guards along the way? Thistleborn’s bound to have more of them around here you know.”

“Not the way we’re going.” Stuart turned to his droid “For-bee, pull up a map of the area and scan for Imperials. Afterwards I want you to find the fastest route to the comm station undetected.”

For-bee’s view screen blinked once as the information scrolled down her screen. “Affirmative, locating best route now.” Her

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screen continued to flicker showing diagrams of the palace determining which route to take. After a few clicks, her blinking screen showed the route to take. “Done”

“Isn’t she amazing master?” Chip’s voice sounded like he was falling for the science droid, if that was even possible. Ken dismissed the idea entirely from his head.

“Ok For-bee, lead the way and keep a look out for Imperials. We haven’t come this far to be caught now.”

“Affirmative.” In a surprising burst of speed 4B-X took off ahead “Follow me.”

Ken turned to Chip as they followed the droid down the corridor “Were you able to locate Zeebo?” he worried for the safety of his pet mooka who was still in the hands of the Imperials.

“No sir, not yet, would you like me to begin a search now?

“No, making it to the comm station comes first.” Ken hated to admit it, but warning Luke came first. “I just hope we can all make it out of here alive.”

Chip continued to follow his master down the hallway, “As you wish.”

4B-X turned the next corner of the route when suddenly the droids’ screen flashed red and she came to an abrupt halt. “Intruder located forty-five feet ahead, re-routing now.” Wheeling back around Forbee flew past them only to come to another stop.

Ken had a bad feeling about this.

“Forbee, what is it?” Stuart was getting the same feeling as well.

“Imperial detection ahead, no possible re-routes.” They were surrounded.

Before Ken could think of their next move Stuart pointed overhead to the corner of the building. “There’s a storage room ahead we can all hide in there, come on!”

They followed him to the closet as Stuart frantically pushed in a sequence of buttons. “Stang!” he muttered under his breathe “They’ve changed the codes for everything around here, I can’t get in!”

Ken stepped in front of him “Let me try.”

Stuart opened his mouth but decided not to argue and stepped aside.


46

Ken closed his eyes in concentration. Remembering Luke’s lessons on feeling the Force he hoped it would be able to get the door unlocked. With eyes shut Ken let all other sounds around him fade out. Concentrating only on the lock he let the Force begin to flow through him.

For-bee’s voice was raised in alarm “Warning: Intruder is twenty-five feet ahead and closing.”

Sweat was forming on Stuart’s forehead as he anxiously looked down the corridor. “Whatever it is you’re doing, you need to hurry!” But his warning went unnoticed by Ken.

His concentration building, Ken started pushing random buttons on the keypad. After two tries he was able to open the door.

A gasp of surprise came from Stuart as they crowded into the dark storage room. The foot steps outside almost immediately were heard after they shut the door.

They stood silently in the crammed space listening as the footsteps proceeded off into the distance. “Risk of detection avoided. We can proceed en route.” 4B-X re-opened the door and wheeled on towards the comm station.

Stuart turned to Ken “That was amazing! I thought you said you weren’t a Jedi?”

“I’m not. To be honest I wasn’t even sure I could do it. I just concentrated like Master Skywalker taught me and the numbers came to me.” Ken’s honesty stunned himself. Maybe Luke was right, patience was what was needed when it came to understanding the Force.

“Well count me in for a reference when you need it.” Stuart grinned. “Pretty soon the Empire’s going to have two Jedi to deal with.”

The comment sent redness to Ken’s cheeks, “Let work on getting out of this first.”

Stuart nodded “We’re almost there, it shouldn’t be much longer.”

He was right. After a few more turns and another detour to avoid detection they made it to the comm station. Just as Ken suspected were Stormtroopers guarding the door.

He slid back behind the wall to avoid being seen. “Ok, now what? We don’t have any weapons and the last time I checked, Stormtroopers like to shoot first and ask questions later.”


47

Stuart pressed a finger against his mouth, a look of determination shown on his face, “Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan for this too, For-bee.” The droids’ view screen went to a mirrored image as she wheeled around the corner and headed straight towards both troopers.

4B- X wheeled down the hall as the first Stormtrooper held out his hand. “Halt” His blaster was trained on the Forbee as she came to stop in front of them. “This is a secured wing. No droids allowed. Turn around and go back the way you came.”

There was a brief pause by 4B-X, Ken worried if the little droid had shut down. But then Forbee came to life flashing pictures of them both, projecting each picture on her view screen.

“Hey!” one of the Stormtroopers moved to capture the droid but 4B-X moved out of the way. Before the Stormtrooper could take another step, Forbee spun around and took off in the opposite corridor. “Come back here!” both troopers followed in pursuit after her.

Ken looked at the spectacle amazed at what he’d seen. “Unebelievable, I thought that only worked in the holovids?!”

“Guess these Stormtroopers never had time to see them.” Stuart patted Ken’s shoulder and got up. “Come on, let’s move.”

“Aren’t you worried they’ll catch up with her?”

Stuart stood up and walked out around the corner. “Nah, Forbee’s been in these situations before. She knows these halls better than anyone. She’ll detain those guards long enough for us to get a message out, follow me.”

He raced down the corridor as Ken and Chip followed close behind. They arrived at the control panel, this time Stuart stepped aside for Ken, “Time to work your magic.”

Ken closed his eyes and began to concentrate again, this time it took a little longer to see the numbers but eventually he was able to get in. “Sorry, guess I still need more practice.”

Stuart made his way into the comm station, “No complaints from me. You got us in and that’s all I care about.”

Ken looked back down the corridor for any sign of Forbee or the Stormtroopers. “I’m surprised there were only two guards here. You’d think the Imperials would have more posted here.”

Stuart was already walking towards the nearest comm unit. “Not that surprising seeing as how they came in on that light


48

cruiser. I doubt the Commander has enough men to run his ship much less worry about what goes on down here.”

Ken watched as Stuart’s hands move rapidly over the controls. “Just give me a minute while I try to establish a frequency that will go unnoticed by Thistleborn’s ship.”

Ken looked around the room; much of the technology he found was way ahead of what was in the Lost City. Learning how new systems worked was something he still struggled with.

“Shall I stand watch sir?” Chip realized his uselessness in the situation as well.

He nodded at Chip, “Sure, let us know if those Stormtroopers come back.” Chip walked out the front door and walked down the corridor.

“I doubt they will.” Stuart called from behind the comm unit. “For-bee will have those Stormtroopers running around for hours. We’ll be long gone by then.”

“How’s it coming along? Anything I can do?” Ken knew he’d be no help but still felt obligated to offer anyway.

Stuart gaze never left the comm unit “Not unless you can use those Jedi senses to help me establish the right frequency.”

“I’m not sure, but I can try.” Ken closed his eyes opening his mind back up to the Force. This time, instead of seeing numbers he felt a growing sensation of alarm come over him. The shock caused Ken to cry out, “They’re here!”

This time Stuart did look up “What?! Are you sure?” looking at the door and then back at Ken Stuart’s face went white. “Ken, are you sure?! How long do we have before…” his sentence was cut off by the sound of a blaster fire outside the door.

Stuart jerked him behind the comm unit and started working furiously at the controls “Come on… come on…” he muttered but it was too late. The door slid open showing several armed Stormtroopers at the door. Behind them Ken saw the smoldering remains at Chip on the floor.

“Noooo!” he shouted stepping out behind the comm unit. But before he made it any further, they were surrounded by white armored troops.

“Impossible.” Stuart hissed, “The next guard change wasn’t for hours. How did they find us?”

Stormtroopers filled the room, weapons pointed at the boys. “Face down, hands in front!” barked the lead trooper.


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Both boys raised their hands and bowed down to the floor, Ken’s mind was reeling, another old friend gone. In a single day he lost almost everyone he cared for.

The Stormtroopers lifted him up but Ken couldn’t feel his legs underneath him. He was numb all over, they’d failed. No one was coming to save them. They couldn’t get a signal off and now Luke would be captured too.

Beside him Stuart had the same look on his face. Stormtroopers motioned them to walk outside the comm station. The trooper behind Ken yelled at him to get up. When he didn’t respond to the command a hand grabbed his collar and pulled him up.

“Did you hear me? I said march!” But Ken’s eyes looked backed at the ground. The trooper raised his blaster. “We’ll do this the hard way then.” with that he shot Ken point blank at stun. Ken felt a sharp pain pass through him then nothing

__________


A white light pierced Ken’s vision. He tightened his eyes but the brightness didn’t dissipate. Suddenly he heard a voice calling out to him in the distance. “Get up….my son.”

“Father?” Fighting hard Ken tried to open his eyes in the blinding light. “Father, where are you?”

“I’m here, with you.” His father’s voice was calm “Where I’ve always been.”

Ken felt like a bantha was on top of him. He couldn’t stand, much less move toward the direction of his father’s voice. “Father, you’ve got to help me, the Empire..”

“The Empire can not harm you my son, trust in the Force.” Ken eyes started adjusting to the light. He could make out the silhouette of someone standing before him. Desperately he tried to get to his feet but his body couldn’t move. “Father please…Help me!”

“Stay strong my son, all will be well.” The voice was trailing off. Panicking Ken struggled to get off the ground. “Father, NO!”

Sitting upright now, he was back in his cell. It was still as cold and dark as he’d left it. Getting his bearings he stood up and walked to the front.

“Ken, you awake?”

Rubbing his forehead Ken felt an extreme headache coming on. “Yeah, How long have I been out?” The spot where the Stormtrooper stunned him was still warm. At normal range a stun blast like that was harmless but closer up it could do a lot more damage. To Ken’s estimate this one was going to be hurting for a while.

From the darkness he heard Stuart again, “We weren’t able to get a message out and I’m out of ideas.” The sadness in his voice was unmistakable, “They blasted Forbee to pieces, even came in here to show me the remains while you were still unconscious.”

Ken shut his eyes remembering Chip before he blacked out. One more thing they had in common. The sad similarities between them were beginning to build. He and Chip shared the same bond as Stuart and 4B-X. Now they were both short a friend.

It sounded like Stuart was also giving up. “I’m guessing they had an alarm we must have tripped along the way.” He pounded his fist against the cell. “I should have known they wouldn’t have made it so easy.”

“How long have I’ve been out?” Ken repeated. Time in these dark cells could feel like an eternity.

“They dragged us back over an hour ago. I was beginning to think you were dead.”

Ken’s headache started coming on, “Part of me wishes I was.”

“My thought is they’re waiting for you to wake up before they do anything. They’re probably even listening to us now.” Not soon after Stuart finished, the security doors opened.

Commander Thistleborn led the way in with two Stormtroopers trailing behind. “Ah, my two boys are finally awake I see.” Thistleborn made no attempt the hide the sarcasm from his voice. The smirk on his face was enough for them to know they weren’t going to like what he had to say next.

“I must say, it was a valiant effort trying to warn your friend but I’m afraid you’ve failed.” His smile was starting to make Ken sick. “And because of your little stunt I had no choice but to order the meltdown of your droids.”

Both boys gasped in unison. A complete meltdown meant no hope of repairing their droids. They were gone, forever. Only an Imperial could be so callous.

The Commander raised his hands to finish, it was obvious he was enjoying this, “But, I don’t wish you to think of me as unkind so I’ve decided to prepare you dinner.” He snapped his fingers as a guard entered the room carrying a covered dish.

“Now don’t be disappointed I’m sure they’ll be enough for both of you.” He motioned for the guard to place the plate between their cells. “Even though you intended to dismantle my plans, I want you to know there are no hard feelings here.” he pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and bent over to grab the lid. “So as a way to let bygones be bygones...”

Removing the lid he revealed a roasted meat with vegetables around it. At first Ken was confused. Then in horror he noticed the clawed feet, it was Zeebo.

“I’ve never had stuffed mooka, but our chief tells me it’s quite delectable. Shall I get you a plate or would you like to take turns?” His attention was now on Ken. He knew seeing the mooka would hurt and Thistleborn wanted to relish every moment of it.

Anger took hold of Ken; he charged the cell door screaming

The door almost seemed to give for a moment but held. The Imperial Commander however, didn’t. With a short blast of the Force Ken sent Thistleborn and his troopers reeling to the ground.

Bewildered by the sudden burst of power Ken stood dumbstruck as the Commander got back up to his feet. He looked at Ken in disbelief, “A Jedi…it makes sense now…. you must be his apprentice.” He turned to the troopers who were adjusting their helmets back on, “This one is Force sensitive, I want guards posted at the doors at all times, watch him closely.” Stepping away from Ken’s cell Thistleborn’s eyes were still on him, “It seems we have a little insurance, in case things go wrong.” He smiled and walked away.

Neither Ken nor Stuart said anything as the cells descended back into darkness.

__________





The silence in his cell was deafening. All his childhood friends were gone and for the first time he felt alone. Here he was, the “Jedi Prince” helpless to prevent what was happening around him.

What shamed him more was the anger he showed upon seeing Zeebo dead. What would Luke have said? What would his father have said? He didn’t want to think about it. He felt sick on the inside. For years his father struggled to be free of the Dark Side and here he was headed straight to it.

He heard the power of the Dark Side calling to him now, enticing him to give into his rage. With the Dark Side as his ally he could rip through his cell easily. He would be unstoppable and revenge would be…

No. He couldn’t think like that. The thought of becoming his grandfather sent a shiver through him. He heard his grandfather cackling inside his head. It was Palpatine’s voice he heard, beckoning him to the Dark Side.

No. It couldn’t be, his grandfather was long dead. Surely his power did not stretch that far.

Ken turned his thoughts back to his father. Triclops would never want his son to walk the same path as he had. Ken clenched his fist, he would not let it happen. Slowly he began to feel the hate wash away from his body.

“They is no emotion, there is only the Force.” He repeated the Jedi mantra to himself feeling calm spread over him. He had to be at peace with the Force to save from what almost happened to him.

Hate only clouds the mind and right now wasn’t the time for it. Luke would be arriving into orbit any minute now and Thistleborn would be waiting. With Luke captured the Imperials would have their hands on the Rebels’ throat.

“It’s not your fault you know?” Stuart’s voice was heard across the cell. “It was my idea that started this, It’s my fault.” His



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voice waivered, Ken knew how bad he felt. In truth it wasn’t Stuart’s fault. He didn’t need to put it on his shoulders alone.

“It’s no one’s fault. We did what we had to do and now all that’s left up to the Force.” The words weren’t inspiring to Ken himself but he hoped saying them would offer comfort to his friend. The possibilities of them making it out of this were thin, but Ken knew if anyone could do it, it was Luke.

“I hope you’re right.” Stuart mumbled. Ken hoped he was too.



_________





Commander Thistleborn stood on deck of his Bayonet Class Light Cruiser gazing out among the stars. Soon his quest to capture Skywalker would be complete and the Empire would be his to command. He envisioned this day many times and already had a speech written out for his triumphant return as well as name picked out for the Super Star Destroyer he would command someday.

The claxon alarm went off, Thistleborn straighten his posture in anticipation.

“Incoming craft coming in a mark two seven.” The helmsmen didn’t need to tell him, he already saw the X-wing come out of hyperspace.

The thrill of the moment charged his entire body. “This is it men, stay alert. I want all guns trained on that fighter. Lieutenant, open up a channel. ” His lieutenant gave a curt nod to indicate it was done. “Now it’s time for us to finally meet.” Thistleborn added under his breath.

The was a pause from the fighter, it realized what was going on. Thistleborn waited a few seconds to let the pilot’s terror creep in, “Attention Rebel craft, we have our weapons locked on you and are prepared to fire. You will follow my command or be blasted in debris. Do you understand?”

There was silence at the other end of the comm. Thistleborns’ smirk rose into a smile, “Poor Rebel scum, what must you be thinking now?”

Without waiting for a reply he continued, “You are ordered to shut down your engines and prepare for tractor beam to the planet. If you deviate in any way from your current course we will be forced to take action.” He let the tension rise, “I look forward to meeting you… Skywalker.”



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Signaling his lieutenant to switch of the comm, Thistleborn turned back around to his crew, “Ready the tractor beam on have all guns on standby, we’ve finally got him.” A cheer went up from the bridge. Thistleborn’s lips were pursed in a firm smile, this would be a day long remembered.

At that moment the claxon alarm went off again. Thistleborn turned back around to his lieutenant. The older officer with greying hair looked at his console as lights flashed across the board, “Um, Commander…”

“What is it? Move aside!” shoving the lieutenant out of the way Thistleborn glared at the monitor and read the bad news himself.

The frightened lieutenant found his voice, “More ships are entering orbit sir…Rebels ships!”

Hands trembling, Thistleborn gripped the top on the console tightly and watched the view screen as several Mon Calamari cruisers entered around them from hyperspace. Floored with the impossibility of it, he turned to his lieutenant “You told me they didn’t get a signal off!” he shoved the lieutenant to the ground.

Pedaling backwards on his hands, the befuddled lieutenant didn’t know what to say “No sir, they didn’t. We got to them before a transmission was sent. I don’t… I don’t understand, sir.”

Before the lieutenant finished his sentence, Thistleborn was on top of him with a hand on his throat, “Then please explain to me how the Rebels knew we were here?” reaching for the blaster in his side holster, Thistleborn drew out the weapon and shot the lieutenant in the face.

The officer’s face exploded, leaving nothing but a bloody cratered remaining. Commander Thistleborn let the lieutenant’s body drop with to the floor with a dull thud.

“Turn this ship around planet side, the boy is the only card we have left.”

His crew stared at him as if he were insane. Finally an ensign on the bridge spoke, “Commander, we have to retreat, it’s our only chance…”

Lifting his blast at the ensign Thistleborn fired, dropping the stocky man to the ground, “Would anyone else care to question my order?” his hand trembled as he pointed his blaster around the deck. Nervously, the crew went to work turning the ship around.

Looking around to make sure the crew wasn’t about to mutiny, he holstered his blaster and stepped over the lieutenant’s lifeless body on the bridge. After coming this close, failure was not an option. He’d see Skywalker dead, even if he had to kill his entire crew to make it happen.


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“Someone get these bodies off my bridge.” Walking past he kicked the dead ensign on the floor. The officers scurried around the deck to follow his order. Thistleborn could see he wouldn’t need to make any more examples anytime soon. Good, he didn’t have time to waste with that.

The comm unit behind him crackled to life, “This is Luke Skywalker of the Rebel Alliance, you are ordered to shut down all weapons and prepare to be boarded… I look forward to meeting you too Commander, Skywalker out.”

Thistleborn screamed and blasted the comm unit into a mess of sputtering sparks and wire. The crew on the bridge went silent again, “What are you all starring at?! Bring this vessel to the ground!”

Wasting no time the bridge followed out what they all knew would be their final orders in the Imperial Navy.





___________





“Keeeen!!!”

With one quick movement Ken went from laying on the ground asleep to fully awake, standing in his cell. Something or someone was trying to warn him. Was it his father’s voice? Ken couldn’t be sure, but he did… feel something wasn’t right.

A loud clang sounded from down the hallway as light rushed into the room. Travelling at a brisk pace Ken saw Commander Thistleborn seething in anger. Ken had no idea what was going on and by the look on Stuart’s face neither did he.

“It seems I have to resort to different methods now that your Rebel fleet has arrived.”

Both boys faced each other in complete shock. The Rebel fleet was here? Ken didn’t know how that could be. Stuart told him there was no warning sent. How did the Rebels find out it was a trap?

Punching in the code, Thistleborn opened Stuart’s cell and pointed his blaster at him, “Since I only have use for the Jedi brat, I have no reason to keep you.” Pulling the trigger he shot him in the head.



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Ken screamed. Beating on his cell door he watched Stuart’s limp form crumpled to the floor. The Imperial Commander turned to him. “You’re coming with me.” He leveled his blaster at Ken’s and opened the cell.

Laughter came from all sides around Ken. He could hear his grandfather calling out once again, “Kill him. KILL HIM!” He shut his eyes to force the voice from his head. He could feel the anger rising up within him.

Anger for his friends lost, anger of what his father had become, anger of what he could never be, it was too much for him bear. His fists began to crackle with electricity his hate continued to build.

Oblivious to what was going on Thistleborn motioned him to step out, “I said you’re coming with me. Move it!”

The Commander jumped back as Ken opened his eyes, revealing full black pupils. Thistleborn tried to close Ken’s cell back but it was too late.

Ken stretched out and opened his fist releasing Force lightening at him, sending the Commander reeling back against the wall, slamming his head on the unforgiving ferrocrete. The impact knocked the blaster out of his hand and sent it tumbling to the floor. Ken stepped slowly out of his cell.

His teeth were snarled in hate as he approached the Imperial Commander. Before him stood who was man completely selfish, who used others for his own personal gain. This man deserved neither pity nor forgiveness, he only deserved to die.

Yes,” his grandfather’s voice sounded pleased, “Strike him down with your anger. It makes you powerful, gives you strength!” Ken made no effort to shake the voice from his head. It was making sense to him now. Balling up both hands, he towered over the dazed Commander.

You are stronger than anyone.” The voice continued, “ It is you who should be the one to restore order to the galaxy!” The Empire would never cease it was clear to Ken they needed a leader, someone who would put a stop tp the war once and for all.

And why not me?” Surely the grandson of the Emperor would go uncontested in Imperial ranks. With none to oppose him he could bring the corrupt Empire to it’s knees, rebuilding it with a just and honest society…under his rule.

Behind him Ken heard the voices of Rebel troops calling out for the surrender of Imperial forces. It sounded like the battle was over.

“You’ve lost, Commander.” Ken’s voice sounded hollow, “Your crew has been captured, your troop destroyed. You’ve failed to stop the Rebel Alliance.”


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Struggling to get to his feet, Commander Thistleborn lifted his head, “Reb…. Rebel scum…”

He glared down at the Commander and saw him now for the weakling he was. “Nothing but a worm, finish him.” Ken could no longer tell if the voice inside his head was his grandfather’s or his own, “Finish him and your power will be complete.”

Ken reached out his palms to the Imperial officer, “And now Commander Thistleborn…you will die.”

“Ken!”

He hesitated at the sound of his name. “Ken!”

Looking behind him down the hallway he heard Luke calling out to him. “Ken, are you here?”

Unsure of how to respond Ken stood in utter silence, listening as footsteps approached the door. “Ken!” Luke burst into the holding cells and saw the Ken standing over Commander Thistleborn. “Are you alright? Why didn’t you respond?” Luke ran up to him but stopped when he noticed the look in Ken’s eyes.

“Don’t come any closer Luke. He killed everyone.”

Sensing something wrong Luke halted his advance, “What happened?” He looked across the cell to see Stuart’s cold body lying on the floor. “Oh no” he knelt by the body and examined the blaster wound on Stuart’s forehead. “Ken, I’m so sorry, I should have gotten here in time.”

“It’s not your fault, it’s his!” Ken pointed at the Commander beneath him, who seemed to be getting his wits about him.

“It’s because of him this happened. He planned to kill you and didn’t care who stood in his way. He shot DeeJay and H- Cee and melted Chip to scrap!” His bottom lip trembled as his hate refused to go away, “He even had Zeebo murdered. He’s a monster!” he was screaming now, “He doesn’t deserve to live!”

Luke reached out to Ken, “It’s not the way of the Jedi. Don’t give in to your hate, let it go.”

Tears formed in his eyes, “Face it Luke, this is who I am. It’s who my father was and his father before him. It’s fate, I have no control over it.”

“That’s not true.” Luke carefully made his way out of Stuart’s cell, “My father was evil and I didn’t become like him.”

Rebel troops entered the room only to be waved away by Luke. “Whoever your father was, this isn’t what he wanted you to be. You don’t have to follow in their footsteps. You can be different.”

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“Like a Jedi?!” Ken snorted, “I can’t do anything with the Force! I couldn’t use it to save my friends. I couldn’t use it to stop this from happening.” He gestured around the holding cell, “I’m useless as a Jedi. The only way I’ll ever be strong is if I access the Dark Side. Don’t you see that?” He motioned to the burn marks on the wall, “I did this. It’s the Dark Side that gives me power Luke, not the Light.”

“You’re wrong.” Luke’s reply was calm, “You warned me about the Imperial threat on Delantine. Without you I would’ve walked right into a trap.”

Ken looked back at the Commander lying who cowered beneath him, “You… you heard me?”

“Yes, you’re the reason we were able to capture the Imperials and free the planet.” Luke made sure to give Ken space. “You don’t need the Dark Side to control Force, you can do it already.”

Slowly Ken lowered his arms and took a step away from Thistleborn, “I want to be a Jedi, Luke. I don’t want to be… this.”

Luke took a step towards him, “You won’t, I promise.”

Luke moved in closer to Ken but suddenly both men sensed danger coming from the Commander. Ken whirled around to see the Thistleborn level his blaster and fire off two shots at him.

The first blast Ken deflected with the Force, sending it back into the throat of the Imperial Commander. Gagging in surprise, he clenched his neck as dark red blood escaped through his fingers. Ken watched as he gargled a word too hard to make out and then slump to the ground, dead.

Ken faced Luke but then noticed a blaster wound on his chest. Stunned, he brought his hand up to the spot and felt warm blood oozing out.

Not knowing what else to do Ken looked at Luke to ask for help but instead his knees buckled and he went tumbling to the ground. Before he fell Luke caught him in his arms. “Ken!”

Ken looked up at the ceiling, wondering why it was shifting aal of the sudden. The world around him started to go dark as he heard Luke yelling for a medic.

Soon the noises around him faded and everything went to black.

_________


Ken…”

The blinding light was back, “Father?”

“Wake up, son.”

Squinting, Ken tried to locate the sound of the voice, “Where are you?”

“I’m right here.”

“Wait! Don’t go. I need to talk to you.” His eyes adjusted to the light the silhouette he’d seen earlier was coming into focus, “There’s so many questions I have.”

“I’m not going anywhere my son…we have all the time in the universe now.”

At that moment Ken saw his father at last.

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