IN THE HANDS OF TIME

(previously titled: "What if the Empire Went Back in Time to Ep. I?")
Part Six

by Darth Pipes
and ami-padme

Based on an idea by Darth Sean.

Disclaimer: All things Star Wars belong to LucasFilm.

With his head still ringing, Luke flung his eyes open. He was lying on his back after being caught in the explosion. He lifted his head up. He could find no sign of Mara Jade or Leia. Luke tried to get to his feet but felt a sharp pain in his ribs. He could feel that he had broken some of them, and likely had some internal bleeding. Luke managed to struggle to his feet, pain still shooting in him.

He looked around. Debris was littered everywhere. Mara Jade had cut through one of the power generators to the deflector shield. There would be no way for the rebel base to access their deflector shield now, especially with the Empire coming. The thought suddenly crossed Luke's mind. Were the rebels supposed to fight the Empire without the deflector shield? Could this have cause some kind of...

"Luke!" Leia's voice suddenly cried out, breaking his thoughts. Luke looked around and spotted an energy pit. That was where the scream had come from.

Ignoring the pain in his ribs, Luke staggered over to the pit and looked down. There, he saw Leia hanging from a pipe more than twenty feet below him. The pit led to one of the base's energy generators. If Leia fell in there, she would be vaporized.

"Luke, help!" she yelled out. Luke remembered she had not yet learned the Jedi ability of super-leaping. He silently cursed himself for not showing her how to do that. Still, that would do no good now. He would have to find a way to get her out of the pit.

"Hold on, Leia!" Luke yelled. "I'll find a way to get you out."

Leia nodded, still trying desperately to hold on. Luke began to look around, trying to find some kind of rope or cable he could lower down so that she could grab it and get out of the pit.

Suddenly, he sensed danger. He turned around and saw Mara Jade flying straight at him feet first. She delivered a kick to Luke's jaw that sent him flying across the room.

Mara Jade landed on her feet as Luke hit the ground. Looking to take advantage of the situation, she moved swiftly towards the fallen form of Luke Skywalker. He was struggling to get to his feet, trying to ignore the pain of his broken ribs. She kicked him across the face again, sending him backwards. Pressing her advantage, she picked him up off the ground and threw him across the room. His body slammed hard into the cold metal wall.

She charged Luke and attempted to take his head off with another kick. But Luke was ready. He sidestepped Mara Jade and her foot struck the wall. When she turned around, Luke caught her with a vicious backhand with his mechanical hand. Jade slammed backwards against the wall.

Luke moved in on the Emperor's Hand but she rolled out of the way and kicked him in his wounded chest, grinding the heel straight into it. The young Jedi screamed out in pain as Mara quickly rose to her feet to attack.

Luke tried to get the jump on her and threw a punch straight at Mara. Mara barely ducked Luke's punch and landed one of her own, straight at Luke's injured ribs. She landed three more punches to Luke's ribs and then hit the young Jedi in the stomach with a spin kick, doubling him over. She then landed a Force-enhanced punch across Luke's jaw, sending him once again flying across the room.

Luke hit the ground with a thud. He began to cough violently and spit out blood. He was bleeding internally now and was having a lot of trouble breathing. If he didn't do something quick, he...and Leia, would not survive their enemy.

Trying to ignore his injuries, Luke once again struggled to his feet and charged Jade. He narrowly missed her as she sidestepped him but he spun around and caught her with a kick to the stomach, knocking her backwards. He began to push his attack, throwing several punches. He connected with one of them, nearly knocking Mara Jade to the ground but now the punches were much slower and predictable. Luke was beginning to tire and the pain of his injuries was beginning to overwhelm him.

He threw another punch at Mara Jade, but she easily ducked it and delivered a sharp elbow to Luke's chest. This dropped Luke's guard. Mara Jade jumped in the air, spun around, and delivered a thunderous kick to Luke's jaw. Luke crashed to the ground. There he lied barely conscious as Mara Jade stood triumphantly over him.

Mara Jade smiled as she stood over Luke. She might have failed her master by not eliminating Skywalker while he was still in the womb of Queen Amidala, but she would still accomplish her goal of destroying the last of the Jedi after all.

She pulled out her lightsaber and ignited it. The purple blade roared to life, and she raised it above her head triumphantly, prepared to strike the deathblow on Luke Skywalker. She plunged the blade down.

The blade suddenly stopped in midair, just above Skywalker's skull and was knocked backward straight out of Jade's hand. Mara was shocked. She looked up and before her was the cause of the incident. She stared at it with hate in her eyes, but still managed to give the figure a cold smile.

"Lord Vader."

Mara Jade now stood before the imposing figure of the Sith Lord. Now was just staring at her.

This surprised Mara. Usually, Vader would have taken the offensive by now, especially considering that he had just disarmed her. Also, she sensed something...different from him. Something she had never sensed from him before. It was so unnatural that she could not identify it. Still, it didn't matter. She would destroy him and then finish off his son once and for all.

"What's wrong, Vader?" Mara Jade asked. "Have your injuries finally left you incapable of speaking?"

"My name is Anakin Skywalker," he simply replied.

Mara Jade's eyes went wide. That's what she sensed from him. She had sensed the Light Side of the Force. Darth Vader was no longer there. He was Anakin Skywalker...enemy of the Emperor!

Suddenly, she charged Skywalker, prepared to engage him in battle. Anakin held out his hand and used the Force to push her back straight into the wall. Mara's body slammed into it and fell to the ground. There she lay in a dazed state.

Just as Anakin was prepared to go over to his fallen son Luke, he suddenly remembered why he had come here. He walked over to the energy pit and looked down. There was Leia Organa...his daughter, hanging for her life from a pipe above the deadly energy. She looked up with a shocked expression on her face. She had clearly not expected Anakin to be the one to come to her rescue.

"Hold on...Leia," Anakin said. He began to look for something that he could give her to help her out of the pit. He couldn't jump down because there was no place to land. He had to find something to lower him down. That was the only way he could help her.

His eyes suddenly turned to Luke and Jade. He hated having to leave Luke alone with Mara Jade but if he did nothing, then Leia would fall. He couldn't allow that to happen. He was confident that Luke could handle the considerable skills of the Emperor's Hand. He would just have to trust his instincts on this one.

Anakin resumed his search for something to lower him down into the pit. Suddenly, his eyes fell on something, something that could be just what he needed.

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Slowly, Luke managed to force his eyes open. Looking around, he found Mara Jade struggling to her feet on one side and his father on the other side, near the energy pit where Leia was. Had he come to help them...he must have.

He knew Jade had been about to cut him down. But nothing had happened. Father must have stopped her from killing him. Now he was trying to help Leia.

Mara Jade staggered to her feet, lightsaber in hand. Anakin was now concentrating on doing something Luke couldn't see. Mara made her way slowly towards Luke. If Mara interfered in this, it might cost Leia her life. Luke could not allow that to happen.

He tried to get to his feet but he could not. His body was badly injured. He had internal injuries and pain racked his entire body. He was continuing to have problems breathing. Mara Jade moved closer to him. He wasn't going to survive this. Even if his father helped him, he could not protect both of his children. Luke knew there was no one to protect him then.

My ally is the Force.

The words suddenly came into his mind. It was what both Obi-Wan and Yoda had taught him. The Force was all seeing and surrounded him. If he were to survive, he would have to trust the Force and let it fill him. If he did, he could survive.

He closed his eyes and began to concentrate. The Force began to fill his very essence and block out the pain in his body. His breath began to return to him. He felt stronger as it consumed him.

He suddenly shot his eyes open. Mara Jade stood above him, ready to strike her down. But Luke was also ready.

He kicked the Emperor's Hand in the stomach, doubling her over and sending her backwards. Turning to his side, Luke signaled for his fallen lightsaber and it sprang to his hand.

He jumped to his feet and ignited the blade. He charged at Mara Jade, ready to strike her down. Mara recovered and barely managed to block his swing.

With the power of the Force behind him, Luke launched an attack at Mara, striking and slashing from every direction. It was unlike any attack he had launched before. The shocked Emperor's Hand was on the defensive, trying desperately to block Luke's attacks. She was now beginning to be pushed backwards with the swing of Luke's blade.

Luke was in some kind of trance now. He was in full command of the Force and had his opponent of the run.

Trying to end it quickly, Mara thrust her blade at Luke's midsection, attempting to cut him down. But Luke blocked the thrust and kicked Mara across the face, knocking her to the floor.

Mara hit the floor hard. She quickly managed to sit up. She couldn't believe the power of Skywalker. If she continued to fight here, he would destroy her. She would have to continue this battle elsewhere.

Breaking away from Luke, she made an enhanced jump back to the catwalks above. A determined Luke quickly followed her. She made her way to the top catwalk, more than one hundred and fifty feet above the ground and came face to face once again with Luke Skywalker.

No, she would not fight him here, Mara Jade thought. She turned away from Skywalker and ran to the door at the end of the catwalk. Skywalker followed her.

They would continue this battle on the top of the facility.

Moving quickly, Anakin wrapped the heavy cable around his waist. It was hooked up to a nearby wall unit. Cable such as this was normally used for holding up heavy supplies. Now Anakin hoped it would hold him long enough for him to enter the energy pit and rescue his daughter.

There was also the matter of Luke. He had just seen his son get up and fight Mara Jade out of the building. Luke continued to impress Anakin. He had grown stronger since...their duel two weeks ago. He had great faith in his son but he was still concerned. Mara Jade was a powerful opponent and was a master of trickery. He just hoped things would be all right as he concentrated on the task ahead.

He moved closer to the energy pit. Leia was still desperately trying to hang on to the pipe. Anakin lowered himself into the pit slowly, making sure he didn't extend the cable too much.

He continued to move down, inching closer and closer to Leia. She looked up at him. Anakin saw confusion in her eyes, as if she wasn't sure what to expect from him.

Anakin was now just above Leia. He was hanging from the cable with his feet walking down the side of the pit. He reached out his hand towards her. She was just in his reach. In a few seconds, he could grab...

Suddenly, Leia lost her grip and began to once again fall down the pit.

"No!" Anakin yelled out as he watched the drop. He would not allow this to happen!

Breaking away from the wall, he dove after the falling Leia. Leia was falling closer and closer down into the pit. She closed her eyes as she prepared to be vaporize by the energy.

Suddenly, she was surprised to find herself stopped. When she opened her eyes, she was just inches away from the deadly blue energy. She looked up and found Anakin Skywalker...her father, grabbing onto her ankle, hanging from a cable. He had just barely managed to save her from falling into the pit.

Moving slowly, Leia reached up and managed to grab Anakin's other hand. He grabbed her and pulled her closer to him. Now holding her in his arms, he began to make his way back to the top.

A short while later, both Anakin and Leia climbed over the energy bit and were once again on the floor of the deflector relay room. They both reached their feet and now looked at one another. The two stared for a long time, not knowing what to say. It was very quiet, and all that could be heard was Anakin's mechanical breathing.

What could I possibly say to her? Anakin thought as he looked into the eyes of his daughter, Leia Organa. Learning he had a son had been a big surprise for Anakin, but now knowing he had a second child, a daughter, was an even bigger shock.

Leia Organa was that daughter. All that time he had been around her and he never knew. The fact that she looked so much like her mother had been oblivious to him. Had he just never noticed...or perhaps he had not wanted to notice?

Leia remained staring at Anakin. She was face to face with Vader...Anakin, once again. The last time she had been face to face with him was in Cloud City. The memories of that burned into her mind.

As he continued to look at his daughter, new emotions flooded Anakin. Shame, horror, regret. What he had done to her in the times they were together. He had brutally tortured her on the Death Star, relentlessly interrogating her for hours at a time. He could now hear her screams in his head once more. Forcing her to watch as her homeworld of Alderaan was destroyed. All he ever did to his daughter was brutalize her and now…now he was once again forced to see the consequences of his actions.

"Thank you," Leia said reluctantly, breaking Anakin' thoughts. Anakin stared at her again, surprised at what she had just said. "Thank you for saving me."

Anakin couldn't believe what he had heard. He didn't even think she would speak to her, let alone thank him.

Perhaps there was a chance for them, for their relationship.

"But if you think that I've forgiven you, then you're wrong," Leia suddenly spat out angrily at Anakin. "I will never forgive you for what you've done to me...for what you've taken from me. And what you did to Han..." she said, thinking back to those final moments on Cloud City, when she saw the man she loved being consumed by carbonite. "I will never ever forget...or forgive!" she said, her body beginning to tremble in rage.

"Leia..." Anakin tried to say.

"You might be my father by some cruel trick of fate, but as far as I'm concerned, you're dead to me. You died a long time ago and you will never be my father."

Anakin took a step backwards, badly shaken from what Leia had just told him.

Even behind his mask, Leia felt she could see the hurt in Anakin's eyes. Seeing that told her just had badly he had been hurt by what she just said. Somehow, this bothered her, more so then she thought possible. Not wanting to see that look, she turned away from him and looked up to the series of catwalks above the room.

"We have to help Luke," she simply said.

Anakin stood standing behind Leia for a second, before joining her by her side. He slowly nodded and the two began their way towards where Luke had gone.

Anakin's mind however, was on his daughter. He had deserved what Leia had said to him, but still he had been hurt by what Leia said, perhaps as hurt as he had ever been. He now feared that having any kind of positive relationship with his daughter was even out of the hands of the Force.

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Luke and Mara fought each other viciously. They were now on top of the deflector relay room, the rain still beating down on them.

Luke's attacks grew stronger and he continued to take the fight to Jade. Jade had proven resilient and battled back. Their blades slammed together again and again, neither giving an inch.

Luke pushed Mara Jade against a small wall. He raised his blade and attempted to cut her down. Mara moved out of the way and Luke's blade cut through the wall. Mara swung her purple blade at Luke's head but he deflected it and they quickly resumed their battle.

They fought for a long time, neither one getting an edge. Finally, Luke applied more pressure, slashing his blade from side to side against the Emperor's Hand. Mara moved to deflect the attacks, leaving her guard open. Luke then jumped in the air and delivered a spin kick to Mara's face, knocking her backwards and to the floor.

Mara quickly rose to her feet and remained still for a moment. Suddenly, a large piece of machinery came flying towards Luke at a dangerous speed. Mara was directing it straight at him. Luke brought up his hand to use the Force to stop it. Mara continued to try to push the machinery at him.

Now the machinery lay in midair, with both Luke and Mara Jade trying to bend it to their will with the Force. It twisted and bent as Luke and Mara continued to apply pressure.

Mara's power was becoming stronger, as she moved the machinery more towards Luke. But Luke gritted his teeth and focused his power on the machinery. He was now beginning to bend it to his will.

Mara Jade struggled to try to stop the machinery but suddenly it came flying back at her. She ducked as it narrowly missed her and crashed over the ledge of the building.

Mara Jade jumped back up to her feet. Much to Luke's surprise, she turned off her lightsaber. She gave him a sly smile.

"Very good Luke Skywalker," she said. "Looks like I underestimated your abilities. You are indeed powerful."

Luke just stood there, lightsaber in hand, staring at her.

Mara smiled again. "Does it have to be this way Skywalker?" Mara asked. "Fighting to the death?"

"Only if you insist on it, Jade," Luke said. "I don't want to fight but I will to defend my family."

"Yes, of course," Mara replied, staring at him. "Still, Skywalker, this doesn't have to be. You know deep down we are both after the same thing."

"What would that be?" Luke said, looking at her curiously.

"Power," Mara replied. "Don't fool yourself Skywalker, you know you want it. A man like you always has. Look at the Empire now. It is on the verge of falling. The Emperor is an old man who has allowed the Rebellion get beyond his control. Vader...or Skywalker as he now likes to be called, is nothing more than a machine. He is barely human anymore. His failures have made him weak. Both he and the Emperor are ready to fall.

"Luke," Mara continued, "join me, and together we will overthrow the Emperor and Anakin Skywalker. Together, with our combined strength, we will take control of the Empire and bring the galaxy to a new era of greatness. We'll have more power than the Emperor ever dreamed possible.

"Luke, you know this is right. You know this is the way things should be. I have foreseen this - a future between us. The two of us, ruling the galaxy side by side. It is supposed to happen. Look inside of yourself. Deep down you know it to be true. Luke, join me and you will know power greater than you could ever dream possible."

Luke stared at Mara Jade for a long time, considering her words. Power like that was indeed appealing. Power beyond his wildest dreams was even more so. And he could sense a future between himself and Mara, a union of some sorts. Was it destined to be? Were he and Mara Jade destined to rule the galaxy? Luke had to admit the proposal was very enticing. Perhaps he could...

Suddenly, images popped up in his head. Leia, Han, Chewie, even the parents he barely knew. The galaxy itself flashed into mind. He could not leave this. Most of all he would not leave this. Power was always enticing, but he did not want it. Perhaps he would have at one time, like when Vader had offered it to him, but not now. No, he had moved beyond such things. He did not want power, and he would not turn to the Dark Side. Not even for something like this.

"No, Mara Jade," Luke said. "I will not join you. You speak of power, but the only true power comes from inside, within the light of the Force. I do not want your kind of power. I will not turn to the Dark Side. I am a Jedi, like my father before me."

Mara's face quickly turned cold and deadly as she glared at Luke.

"So be it...Jedi," Mara quietly said.

Suddenly, she ignited her lightsaber and charged Luke, ready for a final attack. She furiously launched at Luke, bring her purple blade down again and again. Luke met her attack and battled back furiously, pushing her all the way to the ledge of the building.

The two were now on the ledge of the building, battling each other furiously. Luke pressed the attack and pushed Mara Jade back so far that she nearly fell. He swung his blade at Mara, attempting to end it here and now.

She ducked and slashed her lightsaber at Luke's side, where his broken ribs were. Luke screamed in pain as the blade sheared through his flesh and he began to back up. Mara responded with a kick to Luke's head, nearly knocking the young Jedi over. Mara pressed her attack, knocking Luke backwards. With his hands lowered, Mara raised her blade and prepared to cut Luke down once and for all.

She missed. She turned around to where Luke was and swung again. But Luke blocked her and flung her arms away from her. With the Force as his ally, he ran his lightsaber right through Mara's body. Mara dropped her lightsaber and stared at Luke in shock as her body suddenly went stiff. Looking into her eyes, Luke felt something briefly in the Force. It felt like a loss, as if he had just lost something in the future. He couldn't explain it but the feeling soon left him. He pulled his blade out of her and Jade's lifeless body fell off the building and all the way to the ground.

Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand, had been destroyed.

Luke stood wobbly on the roof of the building, badly injured. The rain had now stopped and the clouds were beginning to part. The first rays of sunshine were beginning to glisten down on the base.

Suddenly, he heard a cry and turned around. It was Leia. She ran to him and hugged him. As much as it hurt him, he hugged her back.

"Luke..." she began.

"She's dead Leia...it's over," Luke said.

Suddenly Luke looked up at the imposing form of the third person on the roof. It was his father. Leia turned around and looked upon the figure of Anakin Skywalker.

Luke looked at his father for a long time, not knowing what to do. As a child, he always had dreamed of the moment when he would meet his father. Of course, he had grown up thinking his father had died, but that had never stopped him from dreaming. Now, that moment, that dream, was coming true, but Luke didn't know what to do. Was he truly Anakin Skywalker now?

Slowly, Luke walked towards him. "Is it...is it really you?" Luke asked.

"Yes, my son. It is really me," Anakin replied.

"Father..." Luke said, continuing to walk towards him. "You came back..."

Suddenly Luke collapsed straight into Anakin's arms.

"Luke!" Leia yelled and rushed to him. Anakin laid him to the ground and put his hand on Luke's head.

"What's wrong?" Leia asked.

"He's suffered several injuries," Anakin said. "He should be all right but I'm going to have to get him to the bunker. I can help him there."

"Is...mother there as well?" Leia asked.

"Yes," Anakin replied. "She and Obi-Wan are both still..."

Suddenly, alarms rang out all over the base. Anakin and Leia looked around, and saw people beginning to run out of the bases and into their posts. It appeared as if they were readying themselves for combat.

Leia stared directly at Anakin and said, "This can only mean one thing."

"The Empire," Anakin said.

--------------------

Carrying the unconscious body of his son, Anakin carefully made his way through the base along with Leia. The base was very active, with people running to their assigned post in preparation for the imminent attack by the Empire. Although he was no longer Darth Vader, Anakin still knew how to hide his presence, and that of his children from the others in the base, particularly to the Jedi.

Anakin briefly looked at his daughter. They hadn't exchanged a word since the alarms went off and he didn't expect that to change any time soon. Or perhaps ever, for that matter.

Anakin shook off those thoughts. There was no time to dwell on this. He had to get back to the bunker and heal Luke. He also realized that he and his family were going to have to get off this planet very soon.

A short while later, Anakin and Leia reached the bunker. Using the Force, Anakin opened the bunker door and he and Leia descended down the steps. They were greeted at the bottom by Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan's face was in shock at the sight of Anakin's son in his arms.

"Anakin, what happened?" Obi-Wan asked, moving towards him.

"Luke was injured fighting Jade. He destroyed her but sustained several injuries. He should be fine, but I need to help him recover."

"What's going on out there? I sense a disturbance in the force," Obi-Wan asked.

"It's the Empire. They're coming. They will arrive here in one day."

"The Empire," Obi-Wan said. "They found this base...so, you already know what's going to happen."

Vader was going to say something but could not. That gave Obi-Wan the answer he needed.

"I'm sorry Obi-Wan but this base isn't going to survive," Anakin said.

Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "I must tell Master Mundi. Anakin...will you be all right here?"

"Yes Master," Anakin replied. "If I need anything, I'll contact you."

Obi-Wan nodded. Turning around, he sprinted out of the bunker. Anakin carried Luke to the small room in the back. He forgot though that this was where he had left Amidala. When he walked into her room, she gasped as she saw the sight and brought her hands up to her mouth.

"By the Force!" she said, as she looked at the face of her bloodied son. "Ani...is he..."

"He's alive, Ami," Anakin said. "But I need to help him immediately."

Amidala got up from her bed, allowing Anakin to place Luke upon it. He then put his hand on Luke's temple, to better assess his injuries.

Three broken ribs. A punctured lung. Internal bleeding. A lightsaber wound on his side. Mild concussion. He was hurt badly but Anakin felt he should be able to use his powers to help his son recover. He hoped so.

As Amidala watched Anakin helping their son, she could sense a change in his demeanor. He was very depressed. Not just about Luke but about something else. Turning to her side, she saw Leia. Amidala could tell that that was the source of his depression.

"Ami...Leia," Anakin said, turning to face the two of them. "There is nothing more you two can do here at this moment. It would be better for you two to wait outside while I attend to Luke."

"Leave him in your hands?" Leia asked, not convinced.

Anakin looked up at his daughter. "Leia, I know you don't trust me - " he started to say.

"No, I don't," Leia snapped at him, her anger mounting. "Why should I trust my brother in your care? I remember the last time you were alone with him. If you think I'm going to -"

"Leia," Amidala cut in, putting her hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Let your father help Luke. I know you don't trust him but I do. He is the only one who can help him."

Leia looked into the face of her mother. She tried to speak, but as she looked into the face of the mother she hadn't seen in over twenty years, she couldn't say anything. Instead, she turned back to Anakin and said, "Do what you have to."

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"We love you too, Mother." Leia smiled and didn't say another word. For now, she was perfectly content to be held in her mother's arms again.

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"I trust you to carry this out my friends," Ki-Adi-Mundi said as he looked out at members of his resistance in the auditorium. He had just spent the last fifteen minutes explaining the situation to them.

As the base had been concentrating on finding the Sith warrior, their long-range sensors in the Drayos Sector had picked up a ship. They had hoped it had been the ship they had sent out earlier, but it had not been. It was an Imperial Star Destroyer. It turned out to be four of them, and they were heading straight for Drayos. They would arrive in less than a day.

This could not be happening at a worse possible time. Only a handful of their ships were ready for departure. Many of them were being refitted and refueled. So that meant they would have to stay and prepare to battle the Imperial forces.

Things got further complicated when it was reported that one of their power regulators in the shield generator room had been destroyed. Most likely by the Sith. With the Empire rapidly descending on Drayos, they would not have time to fix it and now they would have to fight without a planetary shield.

The Sith attacker had not been found either. Obi-Wan had gone to search for him and had not returned. They had no way of knowing where the Sith or Obi-Wan were. A bad situation was getting much worse for the entire resistance. But they had no choice. They must fight.

"We must be prepared for battle," Mundi continued. "We have to get all refugees, civilians, and non-essential personnel to the few space-bound ships we have."

"I know this is going to be difficult...frankly we might not survive. But we must try. If we are destroyed then the last resistance to the Empire will be gone. It might take years for another Rebellion to form. Are you with me?"

The whole auditorium bellowed out in cheers. Species of all different planets were on their feet standing before him. Mundi smiled at the crowd. Yes, were ready.

"Then get to your positions and may the Force be with you...all of you," Mundi said.

The crowd rapidly began to leave the auditorium. Eventually the only two who remained were Ki-Adi-Mundi and his daughter Sylvn.

Ki-Adi-Mundi looked at his daughter. She was staring at the auditorium, not moving. Mundi knew what she was thinking about. Obi-Wan.

She loved the Jedi, Mundi knew. He believed she would get hurt because of Kenobi's obligation to the Queen and her unborn children. The two had fought and still weren't speaking to each other.

Ki-Adi-Mundi walked over to his daughter, who turned to face him. He smiled at her. Slowly, she smiled back.

"Are you all right my daughter?" Mundi asked.

"Yes Father, I am fine," Sylvn said.

"There's still no word from Obi-Wan," Mundi said.

"I know," Sylvn said. She tried to say more but was unable to.

"I'm concerned about him too, Sylvn," Mundi said. She turned back to her father, somewhat surprised.

"Sylvn, I'm...I'm sorry about what I said to you about Obi-Wan the other day," Mundi said. "I did not mean to be difficult in this matter. I...I just wanted to point out to you that this situation might not work out like you want it, not that I don't trust your judgment. I trust you more than anyone princess, and I wouldn't want you to assume otherwise."

Sylvn smiled. "I know, Father. And I'm sorry as well for criticizing you. I know you only warned me about Obi-Wan because you care. I was just too angry to see it."

"Do you love him Sylvn?" Mundi asked.

Sylvn nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Then I am happy for you," Mundi said and moved to embrace his daughter. Sylvn hugged him back.

"I love you, Sylvn. You have always made me proud, even when we were not on the best of terms. I consider myself very fortunate to still have you still in my life."

"And I you, Father," Sylvn said. "Always."

Just then, the doors to the auditorium slid open and revealed the presence of Obi-Wan. Mundi and Sylvn's eyes went up in shock. Sylvn ran to Obi-Wan and embraced him. He embraced her back but something was wrong. Sylvn could sense it.

"Obi-Wan, what is it?" Sylvn said, staring up at him.

Obi-Wan looked at her, and then at Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"There is something I have to tell you both," Obi-Wan said.

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He didn't know what would happen in this time, as they tried to escape the Imperials. He didn't know what might be waiting for him and the twins when they returned to their present. But he had been given this moment. And he would hold onto it, no matter what came next.

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The Skywalkers could hear the sound of the bunker door open up. Amidala turned to Anakin who nodded at her.

"It's Obi-Wan," he said. "He's here with Ki-Adi-Mundi."

Amidala turned to Luke and Leia and then back to Anakin. "Wait here," Amidala said, getting up and heading toward the door.

Amidala walked out of the main room and before her were Obi-Wan, Sylvn, and Ki-Adi-Mundi. Mundi wore a serious look over his face.

"Where are the rest?" Mundi asked, looking at Amidala.

Seconds after he said that, Luke and Leia walked out of the main door, followed by the commanding figure of Anakin Skywalker.

Ki-Adi-Mundi looked at Anakin, shock registering in his eyes. What happened to him?

He approached Anakin until the two were just inches apart. Anakin looked at Ki-Adi-Mundi, not knowing what to expect. Mundi had lost almost his entire family in the Imperial attack on his homeworld. Anakin hadn't been apart of that, but would Mundi want revenge on him anyway?

For a moment, it looked as if Mundi was about to take out his lightsaber and strike Anakin down. To his surprise, Mundi put a hand on Anakin's shoulder and gave him a sad smile.

"Welcome back to the light, Anakin," he said.

Anakin was shocked but bowed his head towards the Jedi Master.

"Thank you, Master Mundi," Anakin said. "I have to admit...that wasn't the greeting I expected."

"You thought I was going to strike you down?" Mundi asked. Anakin nodded. "I will admit that the thought crossed my mind. A few months ago, I would have. But one must never give into revenge, no matter what the reason. I don't blame you for what happened to my homeworld. You have committed terrible crimes and brought darkness into the galaxy. Those cannot be forgotten. But seeing you here, seeing that you have returned from the Dark Side...well, it's a very good sign indeed. Maybe things are not as lost as I once feared."

Mundi turned away from Anakin and his eyes fell to Luke and Leia. "These must be your children," Mundi said.

"Yes, Master Mundi," Amidala said, stepping forward. "Luke and Leia."

Luke bowed his head before the Jedi Master, followed by Leia. Ki-Adi-Mundi looked at the two for a long moment and then smiled. "The Force is strong in them," he said. "Like their father. It appears as if Obi-Wan and myself were right about these two. It is a pleasure to meet you both."

"You know, when Obi-Wan told me this entire story a short time ago," Mundi continued, "I wasn't sure what to think. I've never been a believer in time travel. But Obi-Wan is a man of his word. Standing before you know, it confirms all that he has said. I can sense it. It also tells me another thing. You cannot stay here."

Obi-Wan and the Skywalkers looked at each other before Obi-Wan stepped forward to face Mundi. "I agree we have to get them out of here but what about you Ki? This base isn't going to survive the Imperial attack."

"What can be done Obi-Wan?" Mundi asked.

"Anakin is here in this timeline. He can leave and continue to protect Amidala. I can stay and help you fight the Imperials now," Obi said. He didn't want to leave the base to the hands of the Empire. Most of all, he didn't want to leave Sylvn.

"Obi-Wan, I admit that I do not understand much about time travel, but tell me my friend. How long can Anakin and his children stay here?" Mundi asked.

Obi-Wan was silent.

"A week, maybe two," Mundi said. "They cannot stay in this time forever. That could cause problems for the timeline, especially if the Emperor discovered them. Obi-Wan, you are a great warrior but even your skills won't be enough to save us.

"You must fulfill your obligation to the Queen now. It is the only hope for the future. Don't worry about us my friend. The Empire will not get this base without a fight."

Obi-Wan looked at Sylvn and then back at Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"You are right my friend," Obi-Wan said. "Still, there must be something we can do to help."

Mundi nodded. "There are a number of refugees on this base that we need to evacuate. You can take them with you abroad the Queen's Royal Starship. I will give you the coordinates to a planet, far beyond the Outer Rim. We discovered this world a short time ago. If this Rebellion were to fail, we intended to set up a sanctuary there, away from the reach of the Empire."

Obi-Wan nodded and turned to Anakin. "Anakin, the starship is in the main hanger near the North Tower," he said. "You had best get there before we do. You will stick out to much."

"Agreed," Anakin said and after turning back towards his family, departed his bunker. Obi-Wan turned back to Mundi. "After Anakin is aboard, we should head to the ship and begin loading the refugees. You can give me the coordinates to that planet once were there."

Mundi nodded. With that, the six of them departed the bunker. It was time to leave Drayos.

--------------------

In less than an hour, the refugees were aboard the Queen's Royal Starship. There were over one hundred of them. They were kept in the lower decks because Obi-Wan felt that it would be wise for them not to see another passenger on board. Anakin Skywalker, still in the dreadful armor of Darth Vader.

Obi-Wan had managed to round up Threepio and Artoo and get them on board. From there, Ki-Adi-Mundi gave him the coordinates for the sanctuary world. It was far away, beyond even the Outer Rim.

Obi-Wan, Amidala, Luke and Leia said their good-byes to Ki-Adi-Mundi. It was difficult for them because they knew Mundi and the resistance would not survive the Imperial attack. They had too few ships to make a getaway from the planet.

Amidala and the twins made their way onto the ship. Obi-Wan stayed behind for the moment. There was one more goodbye he had to take care off.

He looked ahead and saw Sylvn straight at him. She walked towards Obi-Wan and the two were face to face. Obi-Wan looked at her for a long moment. Sadness ached inside him at the thought of leaving her here to fight the Empire. He had lost many people he cared for over the years. He did not want to add her to that list.

"So..." Obi-Wan tried to begin.

"So..." Sylvn said with a small laugh.

"I guess this is goodbye," Obi-Wan said.

Sylvn nodded. "I'm glad you made peace with Anakin," Sylvn said.

"As am I," Obi-Wan said. "It has given me a renewed sense of hope."

"You know...my father warned me about becoming to involved with you. He felt your obligations would distract you and break my heart."

"I know," Obi-Wan said. He looked Sylvn straight in the eyes. "You know I don't want to leave you, Sylvn."

"I know," Sylvn said. "But you will do what you must. It is too important for you to protect the Queen and her children. It is the way of things."

"It is the way of the Force," Obi-Wan said, finishing one of Yoda's old sayings.

Obi-Wan moved closer to Sylvn and took both of her hands in his own. Sylvn looked up and met his eyes with her own.

"Thank you," Obi-Wan said. "Thank you for being there for me. These last few months have been difficult and you have been here this last week to help me with your warmth and your kindness."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan," Sylvn said, her eyes beginning to water slightly. "You too, have given me much comfort. It's been difficult with the death of my family. You have made things so much better for me."

"I love you Sylvn," Obi-Wan said. "I thought I was past the point of having another romantic relationship. I thought that had passed for me...but it hasn't."

"I love you, Obi-Wan," Sylvn said as she and Obi-Wan moved in closer and kissed deeply. When the two finally broke away, Obi-Wan turned around and headed for the ship. As he reached the ramp, he stopped and turned back around to Sylvn.

"Sylvn," Obi-Wan said. "If...when you survive this battle...in three months time I shall be on Tatooine. Look for me there."

"I will, Obi-Wan," Sylvn said. "I promise."

Obi-Wan slowly nodded and turned around to head towards the ship, leaving Sylvn behind.

He walked up the ramp and into the ship. A moment later, he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. It was Anakin's.

"I'm sorry Obi-Wan," he said.

Obi-Wan nodded.

"Anakin...is Sylvn killed in this battle?" =

"I don't know," Anakin said. "I know Mundi and his high-ranking generals were, but records on this battle are sketchy. Many were killed...perhaps all of them."

Obi-Wan nodded sadly and closed the ramp door. He and Anakin headed towards the bridge.

The bridge door opened up and in there were Amidala, Luke, and Leia.

"Status report," Obi-Wan asked.

"All the remaining refugees are safely aboard on the lower deck of the ship," Amidala said.

"The ship is fully functional," Luke said. "All systems are on-line."

"Very well," Obi-Wan said. "It's time for us to leave."

Obi-Wan turned to Anakin.

"Anakin, why don't you take us out?"

Anakin nodded and moved towards the pilots' seat of the starship. He turned around to see Luke.

"Luke, I could use a co-pilot. Would you like to join me?"

A smile broke out on Luke's face. "I'd like that very much," he said, moving towards the pilot chair.

Moments later, Anakin and Luke worked the controls on the royal starship and the ship took off into space. The viewscreen filled with the mighty stars of the galaxy.

Anakin and Luke punched in the coordinates that Ki-Adi-Mundi had given him. With that set, Anakin made the jump into hyperspace. Starlines surrounded the ship as they left Drayos forever to find sanctuary.

With the royal starship in hyperspace, Anakin and Luke turned around in their chairs to face everyone else. They had a long overdue conversation to take care of.

"Where do we go from here?" Amidala asked, leaning forward.

"As I've said, we cannot stay here," Anakin said. "Once we drop off the refugees, we must return to our time."

"Is there any chance of you coming back?" Amidala asked, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"No," Anakin said sadly. "We can only travel to the past and back. A third trip in time would kill us before we reach our destination. When we go back in time, it will be final."

"How are you going to return to the future?" Amidala asked.

"With this," Anakin said, and he took something out of his utility belt. "These are specially designed comlinks. They were found with the time machine that brought us here. They're like a ships navicomputer. They punch in coordinates, only through time."

"Can you go back in time now?" Obi-Wan said.

"No," Leia said. "We can only return to the future from the same point we entered the past."

"Where is that?" Amidala asked.

Luke took a deep breath before answering. "Naboo."

A saddened look crossed Amidala's face. Anakin put his hand on hers.

"What's going to happen to you all once you return to the future?"

"I...do not know," Anakin said. "Palpatine has declared me an enemy of the Empire. Luke and Leia have been enemies for several years. Leaving Coruscant will not be easy."

"Coruscant resistance has provided us with a way to get off planet in the case that we returned," Luke said.

Anakin nodded. "I also know a few ways off planet if it were to come down to that." He turned towards Luke and Leia. "Does anyone else know of the mission you're on?"

"There are a few who know that the mission involves time travel," Leia said. "Only Mon Mothma knows the entire story about the Emperor's plan."

"Mon Mothma," Amidala said. "Isn't she the Imperial senator to Chandrilia?"

"In this era yes," Leia answered. "She ended up assuming leadership of the rebellion after your..." her voice trailed off.

Amidala slowly nodded, knowing how Leia was going to finish that sentence.

Luke stood up from where he was sitting.

"Our best option is to drop off the refugees and return to Naboo," Luke said. "Once we return to our time, we can use the way provided to us. We can get back to the rebellion in a few days from there."

"I don't think I would be welcome by the Rebellion," Anakin said.

Luke tried to say something but could not. He knew his father was right.

Amidala suddenly put her hand on her head and was beginning to look a little pale. Anakin turned to her.

"Amidala.." he stared to say.

"I'm all right Ani," she said. "Just a little tired."

"Let me help you to your quarters," Anakin said.

Amidala nodded and got off her chair with Anakin's help. They quickly left the bridge.

Luke's eyes suddenly fell on Obi-Wan. The Jedi met his gaze. This was a meeting he had been looking forward to for a long time.

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"I think I'll leave the two of you alone," Leia said, getting up from her seat. "I'll go see how Threepio and Artoo are doing with the refugees. Hopefully, they haven't killed each other yet."

Luke gave her a small smile and nodded. Leia quickly left the bridge.

Luke turned back to Obi-Wan. This was the first time Luke had seen Obi-Wan as a young man. He had always wanted to get to know him better but time had prevented that. Now, time had given him a second chance.

Obi-Wan noticed Luke staring at him.

"What?" Obi-Wan asked.

"It's just that when I first met you," Luke said. "You were an old man."

"I take it then, that your training began later in your life?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes," Luke said. "My training began three years ago. Three years ago in my timeline"

"You've only been training for three years?" Obi-Wan asked in surprise.

Luke nodded.

"Three years, and your already a powerful Jedi," Obi-Wan said. "I must say I'm impressed. It took me twenty-five years to become a full Jedi."

"I had a good teacher," Luke said with a smile. "To be honest, I'm not even a full Jedi yet. I'm still really just an apprentice."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Obi-Wan said. "The way you carried yourself on Drayos was remarkable. What you told me...you spoke as a true Jedi would. I could not have spoken them any better."

"Trust me, Ben...Obi-Wan, you will many times in the future," Luke said, causing Obi-Wan to raise one of his eyebrows.

"You know Luke, seeing you and Leia here today, is truly remarkable. These last six months, I've seen the Jedi hunted down and destroyed by the Empire. I thought that our kind was destined to be wiped out of the galaxy forever. That the Jedi were not destined to see another generation. But you being here have given me a sense of hope. I'm glad to know there are still a few Jedi left to keep alive the traditions of our order."

"The Jedi would not have survived if it wasn't for you, Obi-Wan," Luke said. "You and Master Yoda."

"Master Yoda is still alive?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, he is still alive and going strong. He was my second teacher."

Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm not surprised," he said. "Yoda always found a way to survive, no matter what the circumstance. That is one of the reasons he was…is the best."

"It's amazing he survived so long with his cooking," Luke said.

Obi-Wan turned to Luke, mock-horror in his eyes. "You've...tasted Yoda's cooking?"

"Yes," Luke said. "My training almost ended before it started because of it."

With that, the two Jedi broke out in laughter. When they composed themselves, Luke looked into Obi-Wan's eyes.

"Obi-Wan," he said. "There is...so much I want to tell you about the future. But I promised someone that I would not."

Obi-Wan looked at Luke and put a hand on his shoulder. "I know Luke," he said. "And I understand. It is best that one does not know too much about his own destiny, no matter where it leads him. It could end up doing more harm then good. Whatever fate awaits me, I will be ready for it. I will confront it as a Jedi should."

"Listen," Luke said. "I've...I've never really had a chance to say this to you before but thank you. Thank you for helping me become the person that I am today. You've done so much for me. You've been the closet thing to a father for me. I will be forever grateful to you Ben."

Obi-Wan smiled, touched by what Luke had just said.

"No, thank you, Luke," Obi-Wan said. "For a long time, I've felt that I helped nobody. That all those I've been close to...Qui-Gon, Yoda, Anakin, Amidala...that I've done nothing but caused them misery. Knowing that I've helped you and seeing how you've turned out - it makes me happy to see that I've managed to touch somebody's life."

Luke smiled and to Obi-Wan's surprise embraced him. Obi-Wan returned the gesture.

"You know Luke," Obi-Wan said. "There is something that I want to know. I don't think it would effect the timeline in too much."

"Of course," Luke said, not quite knowing what Obi-Wan was going to say. "What is it?"

"Why do you keep calling me Ben?"

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