Master Jedi - The Beginning

PREFACE

Ever since I watched the Star Wars trilogy as a kid I've always had a vision of how it all got started, and since I started my fan fiction I've had an itch to get my ideas down. Of course the fact that George has made his prequels made me apprehensive, but I couldn't resist sharing my ideas with you. So if you want a vision of how it all got started that doesn't involve midicloreans, virgin births, prophecies and more plot holes than you can shake a stick at you can read my six part story. This is what I've been writing these past few months and I'm glad I can finally go back to the regular stuff. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Master Jedi - The Beginning - A Tragic Introduction

    It was a dry, hot day this afternoon on Tatooine, but the people walking the streets of Greenport soldiered on doing their daily business. The city was known for its large food markets and trade courts which attracted anyone nearby. Among those looking to buy the weeks groceries was a small family made up of May Skywalker, her son Anakin, Owen Larrs and his son who proudly carried his fathers name - At least his father hoped so. Anakin and Owen were step-brothers each never knowing his other parent. The product of fleeting love Anakin never knew his father, and if his mother had anything to do with it never would. Owens mother died while he was young, and though heart broken, his father married May in hopes of moving on. They had been a relatively happy family for two years, but were still getting used to the complicated situation.
    Anakin Skywalker was an adventurous 11-year-old who loved flying more than anything and saw himself one day navigating the stars, and thanks to a merchant friend of his step-father who gave him lessons every week he was well on his way. His 13-year-old step-brother Owen was his complete opposite, never wanting to venture too far from home. He enjoyed the peaceful, quiet life and obeyed his father's every word. While they got along well, Owen disliked Anakin's boisterous ways and thought he didn't do enough to help the family. Still, they got along.
    May and Owen had entered the food court where local moisture farmers and outworld vendors came to sell their goods, and had let the kids run across the street to visit a favorite shop. Anakin always had to drag Owen over to the old space ship parts store to look at the used navi computers and other junk Anakin imagined would be in his first ship. Owen didn't see the use at looking at old parts and hated visiting that shop every week, but it would be this innocent ritual that would save his and his brother's life.
   
    Walking up the street was a very thin, muscular man draped in an elegant black robe that featured intricate silver designs along the hems. The man's hood was down and over it fell carefully treated black hair that was tied in a pony tail exactly every three inches and reached down to his waist. On his round tan face he wore a mustache and bushy eyebrows hung over his brown eyes. His name was Keyan Haass and he was a Jedi Master. Known as one of the best Jedi swordsman the Republic had, Keyan was somewhat of a celebrity with an ego that would often get him in trouble with the Jedi council. Today his ego was leading him into a terrible tragedy.
    Keyan walked into the crowded food court and began bumping and bouncing his way to the center where some tables were arranged and some people were eating. He was only interested in one of them - One man, a vicious killer, who he had been tracking for six months. He finally had him, and there was no way he was going to let him go. Keyan had an appetite for revenge, and although warned by the council to stay away from this man he couldn't allow his reputation to continue with the stain of failure.
    As the grungy looking man chomped down on a piece of unknown meat, Keyan silently came up from behind and grabbed his shoulder tightly. "You're not getting away from me this time Grellek." He was shocked when the man began to laugh.
    "So you finally found me. It took you longer than I thought, but I give you marks for your persistence." Grellek calmly put his food down and half-wiped his face with a dirty cloth.
    Keyan dug his fingers into Grellek's shoulder as his anger rose. "Get up you son-of-a-bitch!"
    "I was about to come looking for you, you know. I'm bored of the outside world. It's time for me to go back to prison and visit my friends!"
    Keyan spun him around knocking his chair over. "Shut up before I kill you!"
    Grellek smiled so wide his face wanted to split in half. "That's very un-Jedi like of you - Running around killing unarmed captives," He opened his dirty, worn out vest to prove he was indeed unarmed. Keyan tried to ignore him as he placed him in handcuffs, but he continued. "So have you found a new apprentice?" Grellek smiled again.
    "I told you to shut the hell up!" Keyan was losing himself. With each second that passed he wondered more and more why he didn't just kill him. Against his better judgment he wanted to, but he was already in trouble for capturing a man he was told not to pursue.
    "It's a shame you came alone," Grellek continued to try the Jedi's resolve. "I would have loved another opportunity to kill one of your--"
    "Shut the hell up! I told you to shut up!" Keyan punched him in the stomach knocking the wind out of him. "Do you think I would let you kill another of my apprentices? Huh? Do you think you're better than me? There's a thousand different ways I could kill you right now and not a damn thing you could do to stop any one of them."
    Grellek began to laugh through his coughs and gasps for breath.
    "Now shut up before I gag you!" Keyan started to pull Grellek along, but he resisted.
    "Wait! I think you should know something important," He began to smile as he held his head low. "Your former student... I didn't kill him quickly. No. When I looked at the boy I saw a tasty morsel that needed to be savored--"
    "I said shut up!" Keyan punched him again in the stomach then kneed him in the face breaking his nose.
    "I can't wait to tell my friends how delicious he was..." Grellek struggled to continue.
    Keyan's anger had turned to rage, and it was impossible for Grellek to continue living in his presence. With one swift motion Keyan unhooked his lightsaber, extended it and drove it through the vile criminal's chest. Keyan couldn't believe it when Grellek lifted his head and flashed the large smile on his face. "You shouldn't have done that," Grellek coughed before keyan removed his lightsaber and took off his head.
    After Grellek's body fell to the floor Keyan looked up to the sky and sighed deeply taking in the guilt that he imagined falling from above like imaginary rain. He felt sick for giving in to his anger, disappointed for disobeying the council and dirty from dealing with such a vile human being. What hurt him the most was Grellek's relishing of his utter failure, and for the rest of his life he would never forget his last words. Though it would be for an entirely different and far more devastating reason.

    As sick and painful as the past few minutes were, Keyan's years of experience told him that something wasn't right. He was having a hard time trying to make sense of it through all of his emotion, but he knew for certain something was wrong. He knelt down over Grellek's body in the middle of the food court that was still full of people who had come to accept violence as the norm in those parts and began checking him. He found nothing as he sifted through the man's incredibly filthy clothes, but then he heard it. Beep, beep, beep. Faintly, under the rumbling of footsteps and hundreds of conversations, he heard the countdown of what he was sure was a bomb. Grellek had planned ahead for this day.
    Before he could think about the situation the Force urged Keyan to jump for his life and like an experienced Jedi Master he didn't hesitate to listen and Force-jump as far as he could out of the food court. Inside Grellek's body was a military grade ultra high speed explosive, and just as Keyan reached it's maximum range it exploded completely obliterating the food court and some of the surrounding buildings.

    "Listen Anakin, it's been an hour! We have to go already!" Owen pleaded with his step-brother who was so busy looking around that he lost track of the time.
    "Okay, okay," Anakin replied as he reluctantly followed Owen out of the shop and onto the street that was now a lot busier than usual. A few blocks up the street people were running back and forth like disturbed ants. As the boys got closer to the crowd the fear that emanated from the area began to fall on them. "What happened?" Anakin asked Owen stopping behind the large crowd.
    Owen turned to a large man with a pack on his back and tugged on his jacket. "Excuse me sir. Excuse me! Do you know what happened here?"
    The man looked down at the boy then up again. "It looks like a bomb exploded in the food court."
    Owen's fear grew even though he didn't fully understand. He tugged on the man's jacket again, "Sir was anybody hurt?"
    The man looked down again expecting the 13-year-old to have understood, "The food court's gone boy! There's nothing left. I don't see how anyone could have survived."
    Owen became deathly afraid and tried to remember if his father had planned on being someplace other than the food court. He couldn't think of anything so he worked his way to the front to see what the man was talking about, and as he pushed by the last person his eyes widened at the horror. The explosion had vaporized almost everything near the center but the edge around a block-wide crater was painted red and strewn with body parts. Anakin had followed him to the front then began to cry when he saw. He tugged and pulled at Owen's arm asking about his mother, but Owen was in a state of shock and unable to respond.

    Two hours had passed and most of the crowd was gone. The only ones left were those searching for the remains of family members. The boys had sat down across the street in front of another shop. Anakin had stopped crying, but the fear and dismay of the ordeal still consumed them. Anakin thought about his mother, Owen tried not to think about his father. Instead he tried to figure out how he and anakin were going to eat and where they were going to live. His father had always told him to plan ahead and so that's what he did now that his father was gone.
    "I want to go see mom," Anakin said as he tugged on Owen's sleeve.
    "We shouldn't go in there. It'll only make things worse," Owen replied very conscious of the gory scene.
    "I know where she is, and I want to go see her," Anakin frowned trying not to cry. Owen Looked at Anakin who was displaying his unusual talent of knowing things he shouldn't or even seeing things that haven't happened yet. He didn't know what to make of his power, but he knew it probably wasn't smart to ignore it. "Let's go," Owen said as he helped Anakin up.
    As they moved through the debris Owen and Anakin tried their best not to look at the dead or what was left of them. Those looking for their loved ones still wandered the area, some even had baskets to gather up whatever was left. Anakin led Owen to what used to be the corner of the food court and pointed at a large pile of rubble that used to be part of a nearby building. "She's there," Anakin pointed. Owen sighed and thought of his father as he tried to muster up the strength to go and look. He couldn't stop trembling as he neared the pile and pulled down a large piece of wall that was on the brink of falling. It slid down and toppled over revealing a hole down to the bottom which Owen began digging at. Eventually Anakin came to help and after a few minutes they could see his mother at the bottom.
    Her face and upper body were fine which was a relief to the boys as they looked on. "I love you mom," Anakin whispered.
    "We should dig her out and bury her," Owen said trying to think of what his father would do. Anakin agreed and they reduced the pile down to one very large piece of rock that seemed to cover the lower half of Anakin's mother. "We're going to have to break it. It's too big to move," Owen said.
    "You boys shouldn't do that," a man's voice from behind them said sensing that the woman's bottom half was gone.
    "Who're you?" Anakin asked.
    "I'm Keyan. Is this your mother?" said the Jedi Master with a sling on his arm. The blast had sent him out of control in air and the landing gave him a broken arm and a concussion that knocked him out for an hour.
    "We're digging her out so we can bury her," Owen replied not bothering to clarify that she wasn't his mother which he sometimes did.
    "Do you know what happened here mister?" Anakin blurted out, giving in to one of those strange feelings he often had. This one told him the man knew something.
    Keyan was startled by the question but then assured himself that the boy couldn't possibly have been accusing him. "A criminal set off a bomb here," Keyan sighed feeling the guilt pushing him to the ground.
    "Why?" Anakin continued.
    "He was a bad person who liked hurting people. He didn't need a reason." Keyan sighed deeply as he looked to the sky again. He tried his best to convince himself that it was an accident, but the guilt wouldn't let him. Time to start doing some good, he thought as he prepared to help the boys. "Listen. Take this money and find a wooden box to put your mother in. Get a cart to move it on too. I'm going to help you bury her."

    It took Four days to hunt down an uncle Owen remembered living at a moisture farm community east of Pione City. He was his father's older brother and was saddened by his death. He didn't hesitate to take the boys in and give them a home. At the center of the community was a patch of barren land that was never used for anything so they decided to bury Anakin's mom there. Anakin liked the area and thought of it as a special place just for her.
    He was sitting down just off to the side of his mother getting ready to enjoy the setting suns, an activity he often did with her, when Keyan approached him. "I'm going to be leaving tomorrow," he said rather coldly.
    Anakin nodded. "Thanks for all your help. I'm glad my mom can rest here."
    The grave made him feel uneasy and guilty so he tried to hurry up. "Anakin, I've sensed a strong power in you. We Jedi call it the Force. It allows us to do incredible things. Do you know what I mean?"
    "Sometimes I just know things, or sometimes I can see things that haven't happened yet. I think it scares Owen."
    Keyan nodded as he squatted down, "You have a tremendous gift Anakin, and I know people who can help you use it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want you to come with me to Coruscant and learn the ways of the Force. I think you'd make an excellent Jedi."
    "But what about Owen?" Anakin was a little confused.
    "I know he's your brother or step-brother, but he has family here and wants to stay. Anakin, I'm giving you the chance to become a great warrior, to see the stars, to be a part of something important. You've always dreamed of flying through the stars and now's your chance!" Keyan was trying to persuade Anakin and was ready to say anything. He saw great value in the boy for the Jedi and for his reputation.
    Anakin thought for a moment and realized he had a chance to finally see his dream come true. "Will I get to fly a starship?"
    Keyan laughed knowing he had convinced the boy, "As a Jedi you'll get to do a lot of things. Flying a starship will just be one of them!"

    That night while the boys laid in their beds Anakin broke the news. "I'm going to leave tomorrow to become a Jedi," he said suddenly in the dark.
    "What?"
    "I'm leaving tomorrow with Keyan. I don't know when I'll be back."
    "You're going to leave with somebody you don't even know? He could be a slaver or worse!"
    "No. I can feel that he's not lying."
    Owen thought about saying something else, but decided it wasn't worth it. He realized that Anakin wasn't the type to live out the rest of his life on a farm and decided that it was probably for the best. "Well, I hope you know what you're doing."
    "I'll come back to visit you. I promise."

To Be Continued...

Master Jedi - The Beginning - A Needy Master

    It was Obi-wan's fourth day on one of Yelvaris III's many terraformed moons, and his back was hurting even though he had been siting against a silk tree with its soft, fuzzy lining. He had just started on his eleventh multi-nutritional field ration that was specifically designed to satisfy his hunger, curb his appetite, boost his energy and replenish vitamins and proteins in a meal the size of a cookie. He was on a mission to covertly gain any intelligence he could about a droid factory that had supposedly started making military droids. He thought it was nonsense.
    Trilda is going to owe me if I waited out here for nothing, Obi-wan frustrated, but just as he finished his ration the large, five-hundred foot wide door of the factory lifted open. "It's about time," Obi-wan whispered as he grabbed his electrobinoculars and zoomed in on the interior. Inside were rows upon rows of dull grey droids. They didn't look particularly special and there was no way to know if they were enhanced for military use. Obi-wan snapped pictures of everything he could, and captured every angle of the droids as they filed out and around the building.
    After standing up and stretching his back Obi-wan began the long two mile hike back to his ship. He had gathered the information the Republic wanted, and wondered where all of this was leading. Who would start a war at a time like this, he asked himself. No one has made any threats and everyone is getting along. I may be new to this political business, but none of this makes any sense.

    "You did a good job Obi-wan," said Trilda, a Cerean Jedi in charge of handling intelligence concerning the droid army rumors. "How long have you been on your own now? A month?"
    "Almost two, but I won't last much longer if I have to keep chasing after these droids. I just don't understand. Why would anyone make an inefficient droid army?" Obi-wan leaned back in his chair and folded his arms.
    "Well, for starters they're not as ineficient as you think. They may be expensive to produce and program, but they're easy to repair, don't get hungry or tired and aren't afraid of death. It doesn't make sense to you because you're looking at it from a Jedi point of view. Regular soldiers aren't Jedi." Trilda explained as she skimmed through the pictures.
    "I see your point. Now I'd appreciate it if my next assignment didn't have anything to do with droids." Obi-wan got up to leave.
    Trilda laughed. "You know you can always take an apprentice under your wing if droids bother you so much. You're a master. You should think about taking up an apprentice. In fact there's this one boy who's been speeding through the preliminary classes. He has incredible talent, but is cocky and too energetic. He kind of reminds me of you when you were younger."
    Obi-wan smiled at the idea of taking an apprentice. He had never thought about it and frankly preferred to be alone after having just left Yoda's wing. "I'll take it under advisement."

    As Obi-wan left the Jedi temple he came across his Master just outside the main gate sitting in a hover chair. "Master Yoda!" Obi-wan called as he neared.
    "Ah, Master Obi-wan. I hear that went well your mission did," Yoda gave Obi-wan an approving nod.
    "News travels fast doesn't it?"
    "In matters dealing with this current investigation, yes. On my way am I to speak with a Senator over this," Yoda sighed.
    "It just doesn't make any sense. There have been no arguments or threats, and no one seems to be behind this massive droid construction."
    "Real politics in the dark take place. What is said in public, a mere shadow of the truth it is," Yoda said. "And the truth is that the financial Union, split has become. Taking place, negotiations are in secret to remedy the situation."
    "Why is this a secret?"
    "We do not know. Kept this from the Jedi, the Republic did. Only found out yesterday, did we," Yoda frowned. "Tell no one of this."
    Obi-wan stroked his beard, "This is disturbing. I never thought the Republic would keep secrets from us." Just then the shuttle heading to the senate building arrived. Obi-wan followed Yoda on board even though he had originally intended to go home. The conversation was too interesting to break off just yet.
    Yoda maneuvered his hover chair onto a seat then continued as he offered an agreeable grunt. "Afraid this day would come, I was, but not unexpected. Politicians will never change."
    "Yeah, I--"
    Yoda cut Obi-wan off with a motion of his hand. "Keep quiet, we must, on this subject. Listening, someone may be." Obi-wan looked around suspiciously at the few uninterested folks minding their business before Yoda changed the subject. "Good work you have done, since on your own."
    "Did you expect anything less?" Obi-wan smiled confidently. "I'm getting tired of these surveillance missions though. You don't need a Jedi to spy on a building from five-hundred yards away."
    "Surprised, I am, that my best student has not learned the lesson of patience."
    "Oh I've been patient, but it doesn't change the fact that I could be better used elsewhere. Heh, I might even take Trilda's advice and take up an apprentice." Obi-wan crossed his arms defiantly.
    "An apprentice?" Yoda raised his eyebrows surprised Obi-wan would mention taking one so soon.
    "What's that supposed to mean? I am a master now."
    Yoda sighed, "Perhaps you are not ready for such a burden. Patience. Always patience."
    "You seem to forget that not everyone lives for hundreds of years. I have been patient, and I don't see why I couldn't handle an apprentice. In fact I think I would make a good teacher."

    Inside one of the classes full of apprentice hopefuls Anakin jumped, rolled and swung his practice lightsaber like a seasoned Jedi. In less than two years he had mastered the pre-apprentice program and was showing tremendous skill with the Force. Everyone who saw him was impressed, and his name constantly came up at Jedi council meetings. A Master had to be found for this boy, and it so happened that Obi-wan was available. Thanks to his reputation as Yoda's best student he quickly convinced the council to let him train Anakin. That same reputation pushed Obi-wan to take the boy under his wing in order to prove himself as a master and as Yoda's student. Chasing droids and doing other menial tasks just wasn't enough, in his mind, for someone with such high expectations placed on them.
    "He is amazing isn't he?" asked Kedmei, the Cerean Jedi Master in charge of Anakin's pre-apprentice class, as he and Obi-wan watched them practice.
    "He's unbelievable," Obi-wan looked on in wonder.
    "You know, the other day he successfully took on three drones."
    "Three?"
    "They were also set one level above the maximum we use for the program."
    "Have you ever heard of anyone this young being this talented? I can't think of anyone."
    Kedmei shook his head sure in his answer as Cerean's had large, computer like brains that could store information indefinitely. "No. I even checked the database. He's the first of his kind, and he's all yours. Are you ready for that kind of responsibility?"
    Obi-wan looked at Kedmei, "I think I am."
    "Master Kedmei!" Anakin yelled excitedly as he broke up their conversation. "Can I try four today?"
    "Four drones?" Obi-wan pointed out the incredibility of such a request.
    "Watch this," whispered Kedmei as he walked over to the equipment room and carried out four training drones. He shooed his students back as he turned the drones on and set them hovering in the center of the room. "Come on Anakin," he called then stepped out of the way.
    Anakin looked up at the four drones and took a deep breath as he prepared himself. He gripped his lightsaber in front of him focusing his mind then with a flash of his extending blade began jumping and twirling about. The drones activated as soon as his lightsaber powered up and began swooshing around him firing small stun bolts. With an ease never before seen in someone so young Anakin took down the first drone with a horizontal twirling strike. As he got up from the floor he lunged over backwards and took out the second. The last two were handled with equal grace and skill, and in less than a minute it was all over. Obi-wan just shook his head as he couldn't find anything to say. The class applauded Anakin's display then quickly went back to training. "Go outside. I'll bring him out to you," Kedmei told Obi-wan as he walked over to Anakin.

    "Anakin, this is your new teacher Master Obi-wan Kenobi." Kedmei brought up his hand displaying him.
    "Hello sir," Anakin greeted.
    "No! It's hello master. Remember the proper greetings," Kedmei scolded.
    "I'm sorry master!" Anakin bowed to Obi-wan.
    "It's okay. He'll have plenty of time to worry about formalities." Obi-wan put his hand on Anakin's shoulder and looked at him. "It's nice to meet you Anakin. Now come on. We have a lot of things do to today."
    "Do you have any other students?" Anakin asked as they began walking down the hall.
    Obi-wan laughed. "No. From now on it's just you and me. The pre-apprentice class is there to get you started, but once a student is ready they get taken in by a Jedi Master. Everyone is unique so you can only properly train a Jedi one-to-one."
    "So it's faster?"
    "Patience. The first lesson a Jedi needs to learn is patience." Obi-wan couldn't believe he was saying it, and he began to understand how Yoda felt. "We're going to be together for a long time, and if you train hard, by the time it's over you'll be a Jedi yourself."
    "So I'm never going to be on my own?" Anakin persisted.
    "You're getting way ahead of yourself, but let me explain how it works. Jedi usually operate in teams of two. That means that even after you've become a Jedi we'll still be working together. However, you won't have to worry about any of that for many years. You have an amazing gift Anakin, but not even you can become a Jedi over night."
    Anakin frowned as he began fiddling with his half-finished lightsaber in disappointment.
    Obi-wan looked over and realized he had a tough road ahead of him. Much like himself at that age Anakin was full of energy and a desire for adventure. He thought about it, but couldn't remember how he eventually got over it. He gave his master credit, but Obi-wan still held on to the belief that he could teach this incredible boy and probably do it just as well as his master, Yoda.

To Be Continued...

Master Jedi - The Beginning - Brothers No More

    Three years after taking Anakin under his wing Obi-wan Kenobi found himself sitting under the same tree in the Yelvaris system suffering from the same back pain. This time, though, his back wasn't the only thing giving him grief. Anakin had come a long way in his training, but to Obi-wan's surprise and disappointment his maturity and patience was severely lacking. He's only sixteen, Obi-wan often reminded himself, but the excuses and his patience were running thin.
    Again Obi-wan was sent to observe the remote droid factory, but this time clear threats were backing any sort of military action. With all of the power the Financial Union held some still wanted more, and under the leadership of Dann Chias, a mysterious character that had never been associated with the Union, the disenfranchised now planned to take out their frustrations with military force. A foolish, heavy-handed move that didn't make sense to anyone.

    "Be still Anakin!" Obi-wan whispered as loud as he could, frustrated by his apprentice's fidgeting.
    "Why can't we just go inside and look?" Anakin said impatiently. He hated the idea of sitting still.
    "Because that is not what we were told to do! Now be still!"
    Anakin forced himself to sit down against a Silk tree. "If we would have sneaked in we would have gotten all the intelligence we needed and be out of here already," he continued.
    Obi-wan slammed his electrobinoculars on the ground and looked up to the sky. He began whispering something to himself to calm down, and after a few deep breaths he turned to Anakin. "We're going to have a serious talk after we leave."
    "Are you disappointed in me Master?" Anakin asked sarcastically.
    Before Obi-wan could tell him how disappointed he was the rustling of leaves behind alerted them. By Obi-wan's command they jumped high into the trees to hide. Three grey droids, the kind Obi-wan had seen being made in the factory, came out from around the trees holding blaster rifles. I guess we know what kind of droids they're making here now, Obi-wan thought as he looked down. In a tree twenty feet away Anakin's eyes were widening at the idea of a fight, and not being able to bear it anymore he jumped down on the droids and quickly dispatched them.
    "What are you doing Anakin!" Obi-wan jumped down and yelled no longer worried about being discovered.
    "They were attacking us so I took them out," he replied while admiring his handiwork.
    "Do you not want to be a Jedi? Do you want to be banished from the order?"
    "Of course not Master," Anakin lowered his head shamefully.
    Obi-wan shook his head. "Let's go before they come looking for us."

    When they reached orbit around Coruscant Obi-wan contacted Jedi Master Tutua Bindy to report on what they'd found. The Jedi council was about to be convened, and although they expected Obi-wan to appear he had other plans. "No, I'm taking a leave of absence - A week or two at most," Obi-wan explained.
    "And the reason for this absence?"
    "Personal reasons."
    "I think your presence here would--"
    "Master Bindy. Everything you need to know is in the file I sent you. There is no doubt that the factory in Velusia is making military droids. Now I would really like to join you all, but I have a matter that I must deal with," Obi-wan interrupted before cutting communications.
    "Is this because of me?" Anakin asked from the pilot's seat.
    "Of course it's because of you! You need some time off in a boring, isolated place so you can meditate and get your head straight. And if that doesn't work then no more missions for you!" Obi-wan put his head in his hand massaging the headache Anakin had given him.
    "Why don't we go to Tatooine? I haven't seen my brother in a long time," Anakin asked. He had been thinking about his step-brother who he left many years ago and promised to see again.
    "Your brother? I don't know..."
    "He lives alone on a farm," Anakin added hoping to convince his master.
    Obi-wan thought about it some more then nodded in agreement. "Fine. Let's go."

    The small executive ship that was part of a fleet generously given to the Jedi by the Republic landed just outside the old farming community that Anakin barely remembered. It had been five years since he had left, and it was immediately clear that time was not kind to this place. Most of the moisture vaporators were dead and rusting, and some of the underground homes had started to fill up with sand and debris. There were only two homesteads with signs of life.
    "Hello!" Anakin yelled to the home below him.
    It took a few minutes but someone finally answered from the protection of a window, "Leave! You're not welcome here!"
    Anakin was taken back by the response. "I'm looking for Owen. He used to live here."
    The window cracked open a little wider. "There's no scheduled business for today! Now leave!"
    Anakin became frustrated with the responses he was getting, but tried to be patient. "Owen is that you? It's me Anakin?"
    The window opened all the way and the face of a weathered eighteen-year-old Owen Larrs popped out. "Anakin?"
    "I promised to come see you again, remember? Well, here I am!"
    The pale orange metal door slid open and Owen leaned out cautiously looking from side to side. "Hurry and come inside! It's not safe!"
    Anakin looked at his step-brother strangely as he was ushered inside impatiently. Owen was wearing a faded blue robe, a scraggly beard and a blaster rifle that looked ready to fall apart. "It's getting late. You should know better than to roam around at this hour," Owen scolded Anakin completely killing his desire to give him a hug.
    "It's good to see you too," Anakin was offended by his brother's attitude and showed it in his tone.
    Owen put his blaster down and pushed Anakin into a seat. "Sorry, sorry. We've been under a lot of stress these past few months. I can't remember the last time I had a good day." Owen began rummaging through a cabinet before calling out," Beru! Do you know where the good wine is? It's not in the cabinet!"
    Anakin just stared at him blankly.
    From the back came out a pretty young woman in a brown robe carrying a bottle of wine. "You told me to hide it in the closet remember? Oh. Who is this? You didn't tell me we were having visitors"
    Owen reached out for the bottle. "This is my step-brother Anakin. Anakin this is my wife Beru."
    Beru nodded and smiled. "Nice to meet you. Owen you never told me you had a brother."
    Owen opened the bottle and took a swig. "Yeah, I do, and he's back from the dead."
    Anakin looked confused now.
    "Well it's getting late so I'll see you two in the morning," Beru nodded again before leaving.
    Owen poured Anakin some wine in a small cup. "Here you go! My best wine."
    "Thanks," Anakin pushed the cup away, "But Jedi don't drink alcohol."
    "Suit yourself!" Owen took a long drink from the bottle.
    "So you're married now," Anakin tried to start a conversation.
    "For three years now. I've also got two kids and a semi-successful farm."
    "You've been busy..."
    "Not as busy as you. I thought you were dead!"
    "Why would you think that?"
    Owen chugged some more wine. "I don't know... You ran off looking for adventure and you never came back... I figured you died."
    Anakin was feeling uncomfortable and his step-brother's welcome was hardly what he expected so he decided to see how things fared in the morning. "Listen it's getting late. You better follow your wife to bed. I'll just sleep on the floor here." Owen didn't disagree.

    Anakin had woken up early to visit his mother's grave, and he found it in shambles. No one had taken care of it and in its current condition no one would know it was a grave. Anakin was again disappointed, and after the night before he was starting to regret his return. However, he barely had enough time to fix it before yelling drew him back to Owen's house. When he arrived Owen was pointing his rickety blaster at Obi-wan who was secretly holding his lightsaber in his hand ready to defend himself. "What are you doing Owen! This is my friend!" Anakin yelled knowing that his brother had no chance.
    "Well tell your friend that he shouldn't wander around people's homes," Owen put his blaster down.
    "Are you stupid?" Anakin jumped down next to Owen and ripped the blaster from his hands then threw it to the ground. He was angry at him, but also worried.
    "It's alright Anakin. I shouldn't have wandered about so freely. You have my apologies sir." Obi-wan bowed and secretly put away his lightsaber.
    After taking a breath Owen calmed down and invited them inside where he sat them down and offered them some tea. "Like I told you last night, we haven't had a good day in months. Everyone's jumpy."
    "Not that it's my business, but if you're going to run around pointing a rifle at people you should at least invest in a decent rifle," Obi-wan replied.
    "Why have things been so rough lately?" Anakin finally asked the important question.
    "Since everyone's left we don't have much protection and the bandits have been getting more aggressive trying to steal our water. We're also getting ready to move ourselves which only makes things worse," Owen explained.
    "You're leaving? What about Mom's grave?" Anakin worried.
    "I don't know what you expect us to do. We can't--"
    "I expected you to at least prevent her grave from turning into a forgotten waste! Have you seen it lately?" Anakin stormed off suddenly not wanting to escalate the situation. He was more angry than he had ever been, and the feeling had taken him over too quickly for his liking. For the first time ever he felt hatred toward his brother and he was scared.
    "It seems you two have some things to work out. Thank you for the tea. I'll be in the ship, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask," Obi-wan said before leaving.

    Anakin went to his mother's grave and fixed it up as best he could then sat by it until dark. He thought about her and all of the good memories he had, and wished that she could be alive to see him flying a star ship through the galaxy. She'd be proud, Anakin thought as his heavy eyes and heart made him lie down on the cooling sand. He knew it was incredibly dangerous to stay out at night, but he only cared to think about his mom.
    Owen emerged from his home at dawn and noticed Anakin sleeping on the ground as he scanned his farm for any damage - something he did every morning. He had no idea that Anakin had stayed out and thought him to be in the ship. The realization that he would do something so foolish angered Owen and made him walk over to him. "Did you sleep here all night?" Owen kicked Anakin awake.
    "What do you want?"
    "I can't believe you'd be this foolish. What were you thinking?" Owen scolded.
    "I was thinking about my mom! Something you haven't done since I left!"
    Owen shook his head. "I liked your mother Anakin, but don't blame me for the fact that you've neglected to see her for all these years. Taking care of her grave is your responsibility. At least you have a grave to visit."
    "What happened to you Owen? I thought we were brothers," Anaking stood up.
    "I grew up. I have a family to take care of now and a farm to attend. I'm sorry Anakin, but I don't have the luxury of living care free like you do. Besides you made it very clear you had no family when you left me here alone to chase your adventure."
    "I'm training to become something great. To become a Jedi."
    "I don't care about the Jedi. I'm a farmer with a family to take care of. I don't care about traveling the galaxy or joining some cause."
    "Fine! I guess I shouldn't have come back," Anakin stormed off.

    Inside the ship Obi-wan was just waking up when Anakin walked in clearly upset. "Is everything alright? Did you talk with your brother?" He asked.
    "I don't have a brother anymore. Now let's get out of here and find another place to train," Anakin took the pilot's seat and blasted off.

To Be Continued...

Master Jedi - The Beginning - Anakin's Crush

    The war against the Republic exploded as suddenly and violently as any one of the many bombs used to instill fear and devastate key political cities across the galaxy. The Republic was hardly prepared for the millions of droids that marched against them, but with the help of the Jedi they survived and backed Senator Palpatine's plan to create a massive clone army. The Jedi also suffered losses as many of the Masters who lead Republic troops into battle never returned. A war that no one saw coming was taking its toll.
    Anakin was eighteen now, and because of the thinning Jedi ranks was recognized as a Jedi earlier than many would have liked. Obi-wan vehemently opposed his promotion although he had matured greatly over the past two years, but the council, being pressured by the Republic, was willing to make the decision in order to have more manpower. Anakin's skill with a lightsaber and knowledge of the Force was great, but he had not been convincing when overcoming temptation from the Dark Side.

    "Do you know when we're going to get assigned to a company master?" Anakin asked as he and Obi-wan left a military briefing at the capital building.
    "I don't know," Obi-wan responded coldly. He had taken on a serious tone since the start of the war and rarely seemed happy.
    "I know you don't approve of me being a Jedi, but it's been two weeks. Don't you think it's time to move on. There's a war going on you know."
    Obi-wan flashed an angry look in his direction. "Don't talk to me like I don't know what's going on. I've lost friends because of this damn war."
    "Sorry master," Anakin lowered his head.
    "Besides we're shipping out to Neimodia in five days."
    "The only thing going on there is a rumored base for Union officials."
    "And we're supposed to find it."
    Anakin sighed, "I was hoping for the front on Selvaris"
    Obi-wan shook his head. "A Jedi would not want to rush into a fight - even during a time of war."
    "Not this again!" Anakin complained at yet another jab at his early promotion.

    At the landing platform Obi-wan was greeted by Marcus Organa - one of the acting senators for the planet of Alderaan and prince of the Organa household. He had worked with Obi-wan on a few occasions. "Master Obi-wan!" He called out as he approached.
    "Senator Organa! It's nice to see you." Obi-wan greeted.
    "It's been a while hasn't it?" Marcus put his hand on Obi-wan's shoulder.
    "It's been a few years." Obi-wan nodded and finally offered up a smile.
    "And who is this?" Marcus looked Anakin over.
    "That's my apprentice. Jedi Anakin Skywalker."
    "I've heard about you. You're the young man who saved Senator Palpatine from an assassin droid," Marcus stated.
    Anakin nodded humbly. "It was nothing."
    "Nothing?" Marcus laughed. "Gaining the good favor of the next Chairman of the Senate is hardly nothing."
    Obi-wan raised an eyebrow. "Next Chairman?"
    "Well not yet, but he has the next election all but won. He has managed this war brilliantly so far and gained tremendous support. I don't think there is anything the senators wouldn't support him on," Marcus explained.
    "It's nice to know that people are still playing politics while my friends are dying," Obi-wan said sarcastically.
    "It's a bitter reality my friend, but the government must continue on - even in war time. The clone army should start to reinforce our regular troops any week now. Things will get better soon," Marcus said.
    "I agree. The clone army was a great idea," Anakin added.
    After giving Anakin a look that told him to shut up Obi-wan was ready to leave. "Well it was nice to see you again Senator, but we have to catch this next shuttle." As soon as he finished a beautiful young woman walked up to the Senator. She looked out of breath and ready to say something important. "Senator! I'm afraid we don't have an escort. The representative said that they were stretched too thin right now and the earliest they could help would be tomorrow. He recommended the Jedi, but he also said they were in the same condition."

    The order of Republic Jedi had a strict code when it came to women - None at all. In fact Jedi were not supposed to have any relationships that delved deeper than friendship. It was rumored that this rule came about because of a series of relationships between Jedi and Republic senators that influenced public policy, but it was only a rumor. For the most part this rule wasn't a problem for most Republic Jedi, but those who were caught were looked down upon and retired from the order.
    Anakin had never put much thought into the rule, but as soon as he saw the beautiful young woman he knew that he wasn't going to keep it. He didn't know if it was her long black hair, her brown eyes, her cute smile or the symphony of music that played as her voice that mesmerized him, but he knew he had to spend the rest of his life with her.

    "I can escort you. Where are you going?" Anakin blurted out seeing this as an opportunity.
    "No you can't!" Obi-wan flashed another look Anakin's way. "We're heading out in a few days and we need to get ready," Obi-wan told the Senator.
    "I'm sorry. Let me introduce my assistant and niece Marie Organa," Marcus turned to her. Marie bowed.
    "It's a pleasure to meet you," Anakin caressed her hand and bowed. "My name is Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight, and I would be honored to be your escort."
    Marie smiled. "Thank you Master Jedi."
    "Anakin!" Obi-wan started, but was quickly stopped.
    "Is everything alright?" The senator asked, confused.
    "It's fine. Prepare to take off Senator. I'll be right behind you as soon as I have a word with Master Obi-wan here," Anakin continued. After giving him the platform number the Senator left to make preparations. Obi-wan was angry and ready to go off on Anakin, but Anakin got the first word in. "You said we'd leave in five days. I'll be back way before then."
    "What do you think you're doing Anakin? I said you can't go!" Obi-wan fumed.
    "I'm not an apprentice anymore and we're not on a mission so I'll see you in a few days," Anakin turned and ran off after the Senator leaving Obi-wan hanging. Obi-wan was not happy.

    After taking off Senator Organa decided to take a nap in the back leaving Anakin alone with Marie in the passenger area. Marie looked beautiful in her blue and white political uniform, and Anakin couldn't stop looking at her. It didn't take long for them to start a conversation. "So what do you do as a senator's assistant?" Anakin asked.
    "I run a lot of errands. Sometimes I'll meet with a politician, but it's mostly errands. At least I'm gaining experience for when it's my turn," Marie smiled.
    "You want to be a senator?"
    Marie looked around to make sure no one was looking. "No, not really, but that's what's expected of me."
    "Then don't do it," Anakin shook his head.
    "If I refuse then I'll shame the Organa name and I can't do that."
    Anakin leaned back in his seat and smiled. "Maybe becoming a senator isn't such a bad thing. With frequent trips to coruscant I'll be able to see you more often."
    Marie smiled. He's cute, she began to think.

    Anakin and Marie talked the entire trip and each minute spent with each other seemed more exciting. The ship touching down frustrated Anakin, but he made sure not to let it show. It was a happy time and he didn't want to upset that. Marie stood up, smiled then stretched her sleepy muscles before opening the door to the passenger compartment and letting out a startled "What?"
    "Is something wrong?" Anakin asked as he stretched out himself.
    "Were not where we're supposed to be!" Marie sounded worried. Anakin rushed to her side then gently pushed her back as he approached the already open door ramp. He slowly peeked his head out about half way before blaster fire sent him to the floor and destroyed some of the ship's interior. "Get back!" Anakin yelled as four military droids ascended the ramp, blasters at the ready. They fearlessly marched up to the top, but Anakin greeted them with his lightsaber and a whirling dance that left them in pieces before they could even take aim. "What's happening?" Marcus yelled as he emerged from his private room in the back, groggy from his nap.
    "We're under attack! It's an ambush!" Anakin said as he looked outside and saw the Separatist ship parked behind them to their right.
    "How did this happen?" The senator asked in total shock.
    Anakin glanced in the cockpit but didn't see the pilot. "It looks like your pilot was paid off. Was he new?"
    "Bu, but he checked out, and he'd been flying us for over a month!" The senator sat down and tried to calm himself.
    "What are we going to do now?" Marie asked.
    "How do you close the ramp?" Anakin searched the door for the controls.
    "Over there!" Marie pointed. "But I think they got hit."
    Anakin checked the remains of the controls and shook his head, he then ran into the cockpit and looked for another way to close the door. "How can this ship only have one door control?" he frustrated. "I'm going to take off like this!"
    "Wait! No!" The senator ran up to the front and stopped Anakin as he powered up the engines. "The ship's damaged and there is no way we can outrun them." At that very moment the translated, digitized voice of their assailants blared over a loudspeaker. "Senator from Alderaan. Our weapons are locked on your vessel and if you try to take off we will destroy you. If you surrender now you will not be harmed."
    "You're not going to surrender," Anakin said as he got up and went to the door ramp again.
    "What's your plan?" The senator asked.
    "Um... Give me your robe!" Anakin didn't have a plan, but he didn't want to worry the senator. For now all he could think of was to offer himself up in the Senator's place.
    "What are you doing?" Marie clearly sounded worried as she asked.
    "The only advantage we have now is surprise. Let's see if I can catch them off guard," Anakin replied. The senator's blue robe was a little short for him but he wore it as best he could. He threw the hood over his head before heading out.

    With his hands raised Anakin walked out into the patch of open field where they had landed about one-hundred feet before stopping. He didn't approach the enemy ship, but instead waited hoping that they would give him the opening he was looking for. The senator and Marie looked on as nothing happened. Again the digitized voice of the assailants addressed them. "Do not stand there! Approach our vessel and surrender yourself!"
    "Come and get me!" was the only thing Anakin could think to say. After another short time the message was repeated and now Anakin was desperate to end the confrontation. What if I do that? Anakin was thinking of attempting something he had never tried before. It was risky, but that had never stopped him. Closing his eyes Anakin put his hands down and began to focus. At first he tuned out another loud surrender message, then he saw the flow of the Force in the area between himself, the senator's ship, the enemy ship, the ground and the far away trees.
    Anakin had become known as a powerful Force user which had started rumors that he was as strong or stronger than many in the Jedi council. Obi-wan always played down his abilities so as not to encourage arrogance, but he was well aware that Anakin was a powerful young Jedi - much more powerful than himself. Anakin's greatest feat had been when he stabilized an entire building that had caught on fire. He kept it from falling in on itself while Obi-wan rescued those inside. Now Anakin was about to attempt something greater.
    Anakin could feel the Force flowing between him and the enemy ship. As he raised his hands he began to raise the large one-hundred-foot ship. He didn't notice, but the entire ship was squeeling as it started to bend in half. It didn't take long for the ship's cannons to re-focus on the senator, but before they could fire Anakin let out a yell and flipped the enemy vessel over on its back. It was a feat he could barely take in, but he had done it.

    Anakin collapsed on the ground completely exhausted. When she saw him fall, Marie jumped off the ship, ran to him and fell at his side. "Are you alright?" She asked.
    Anakin nodded as he breathed heavily.
    "What you did was amazing! I've never seen anything like that before!"
    Anakin tried to laugh, but only ended up coughing. "It was... the only thing I could think of."
    "It was amazing. You saved us," Marie thanked. She then came down and gave him a kiss on the cheek which instantly drew a large smile on his face.
    "You did it master Jedi! You did it!" Marcus came hobbling up behind them as fast as he could. "That was incredible! You were glowing!"
    Anakin pushed himself to get up while Marie wondered why he would force himself. He knew they had to leave, that enemy would eventually find a way out of the ship. "Let's go. It's not safe here."

    Back on Coruscant Anakin received a lecture from Obi-wan that seemed to last an entire day. He knew Obi-wan was right, but there was nothing that was going to keep him from the wonderful girl that he met. The kiss on his cheek replayed in his mind over and over, and he couldn't wait to see Marie again.

To Be Continued...

Master Jedi - The Beginning - Anakin's Fall

    Slowly but surely the Republic was winning what was now dubbed the clone war. The wave after wave of replicated flesh had turned the tide and now the separatists were on the run. Anakin was two years older and caught right in the middle of the brutality. Still he overcame and did what was expected of him under his mentor and now General, Obi-wan Kenobi. Anakin himself was a Major, but he didn't care for the ranks assigned to the Jedi in order to work better with the soldiers. He usually only had one thing on his mind - His wife Marie.
    Anakin and Marie quickly fell in love and secretly married only a few months after they met. She didn't understand the rules against their relationship and she didn't care for them, but she made the sacrifice to be with him. Secretly they lived together on Coruscant in a large home they kept secret with an extra apartment Anakin could claim as his own if any problems came up. Living two lives was taking it's toll on them, but Anakin especially who had recently become cold and indifferent away from Marie.
    The new Chairman of the Senate, Palpatine, had approached Anakin after his first tour of the war, and they quickly became good friends. He offered Anakin a different perspective on things that he slowly came to appreciate. The burden of being a Jedi had started to weigh on him and Palpatine was someone he could talk to without being patronized or preached to, or that's how he felt at least. Over the past two years Anakin spent a lot of his social time with the Chairman, and even trusted him with the secret of his marriage.

    Obi-wan and Anakin had just arrived from a six month tour traveling from battlefront to battlefront. It was the longest they had ever been away, and Anakin was desperate to see his Wife. As Obi-wan exited the shuttle he slung his backpack on his shoulder and took a deep breath, "It's good to be back! Now let's get that debriefing over with so I can finally get a good night's sleep." There was no response and when he turned around Anakin was still in the shuttle looking off into the distance. "What are you doing Anakin? We have a debriefing."
    "I'll catch up to you. There's something I have to do first," Anakin replied.
    "What in the hell do you have to do?" Obi-wan asked, but he didn't get a reply as the shuttle doors closed and Anakin was whisked away. Obi-wan shook his head disappointed in his student's recent behavior, but war changes people so he tried not to be too hard on him.
    Obi-wan met with Master Lu Lia Li, and while the briefing was short it inevitably turned to Anakin. "So where is he this time?" asked Lu.
    "I have no idea. He didn't give me an excuse. He just ran off," Obi-wan shook his head in disappointment.
    "I know he's been through a lot, but he's still a Jedi and he cannot continue to act this way. He must answer for his actions."
    Obi-wan nodded.
    "We will convene in four hours. If you don't get him here before then we'll find someone who will."

    Obi-wan left the temple angry at the predicament Anakin had put him in. Not only was the council upset with him, but now Obi-wan was catching heat. Now he had to bring Anakin in to avoid an ugly situation, and his apartment was Obi-wan's first stop. It was the first apartment he'd ever had, and while it was strange that Anakin never moved to a better place with the republic's generous salary Obi-wan didn't think anything of it.
    After spending an hour trying to remember which door was Anakin's and ringing at the door multiple times Obi-wan Force-opened the door and let himself in. "Anakin!" he called as he entered the quiet, empty shell. No one was home and the stillness of the place gave away the fact that no one had lived there in quite a while. I can't believe this, thought Obi-wan as he sifted through everything lying around trying to find anything that could tell him where Anakin was now. Most of it was old clothes and trinkets collected from his travels, but next to his couch on a table was a small image viewer that when activated displayed a holographic image of a girl Obi-wan could faintly remember. Luckily for him her name also appeared just under her in the caption, "From Marie, with love."
    Marie Organa was the name Obi-wan told his friend at the records building, and just like that the name popped up in the database under homes purchased within the last two years. He thought for a moment in his head and did a little math as he remembered the last time he had seen the girl, and just like that Obi-wan lowered his shoulders, raised his head and realized what was going on.

    Anakin walked through his door out of breath from rushing over and called out to his wife, "Marie I'm home!" Immediately his wife rushed down the stairs happy to see her husband again after so long and jumped in his arms. "Oh, I'm so glad you're back! I missed you so much!" They kissed and hugged each other for five minutes before Anakin walked over to their couch to sit down. "I can't believe you're back. It seems like you've been gone forever," Marie said happily.
    Anakin looked distant for a moment then replied, "One night in a fox hole praying your shield generator will last till morning under never ending artillery fire seems like forever."
    Marie quietly rubbed his arm not knowing how to respond to a scenario she could never understand.
    "So how is everything? What have you been doing?" Anakin continued.
    "You know,the same old stuff. Trying to keep my family away, trying to keep my uncle out of the house," Marie said hoping Anakin had the solution.
    "We're going to have to buy another apartment."
    "Why? We're going to have to tell my family sometime so why not just get it over with?"
    Anakin stood up angrily. "No! We can't tell anybody! Only one person knows about us, and the thought of it keeps me awake at night. You and the Jedi are all I have, and I'm not going to lose either of you." Anakin began to pace back and forth.
    Marie walked up to Anakin and hugged him. "Now's not the time to be frustrating over these things. I'm sorry I even brought it up. Now let's go upstairs so I can help you relax and take your mind off the last six months." She grabbed him by the hand and led him upstairs to their bedroom.

    In the darkness Anakin could feel a familiar presence. It was getting closer and it was emanating strongly. It kept getting closer until he felt it right at his door. "Obi-wan!" Anakin said in a loud whisper as he woke up from another nightmare. This is going to kill me, he worried as he got out of bed and put on a pair of shorts. He took two steps to the bathroom before he realized that his nightmare had come true.
    Downstairs the front door bell was ringing erratically and on the other side was a very angry Obi-wan who wasn't trying to hide his feelings. Anakin's heart sank as he rushed down the stairs, fumbling over himself wondering what to say. He had to answer the door, he decided as he figured Obi-wan had sensed him already. The front door whizzed open and before he could say anything Obi-wan had pushed him to the ground - Above him the angry, disappointed face of his master. Never in his entire time with him did Anakin ever see Obi-wan this angry.
    "What the hell are you doing?" Obi-wan yelled. "Just what are you doing Anakin?"
    "Master wait, let me explain!"
    "There's nothing to explain!"
    "What's all this yelling? What's going on?" Marie said as she rushed down to investigate the noise.
    "What did I do wrong, Anakin? Please tell me what I did to make you do this?" Obi-wan continued.
    "What's he talking about?" Marie asked.
    "Stay out of this Marie! Go upstairs!" Anakin ordered.
    "How did I fail you? Where did I go wrong?" Obi-wan asked with outstretched arms.
    "You didn't Master! You didn't!" Anakin replied.
    "Anakin! What's going on!" Marie joined in the shouting, now very scared.
    "Since the first time I saw you I knew you would be a great Jedi and I've worked hard to prepare you for that day, but apparently I didn't work hard enough." Obi-wan turned and left quickly not wanting to escalate the situation further and give into his anger.
    "Master!" Anakin yelled still on the floor. With Obi-wan gone Marie ran over to him and checked to see if he was okay. "Wait!" Anakin yelled trying to get up to chase after Obi-wan, but Marie held him back.
    "What's going on! What are you doing?" Marie didn't want Anakin to leave her alone.
    Anakin fell back onto the floor and put his hands on his face. "It's over. It's all over!"

    There was one hour left before the Jedi council officially convened and there was still no word from Obi-wan or Anakin so they dispatched Master Keyan Haass to find the troubled young Jedi. Keyan was ordered to bring Anakin before the council by any means necessary, but never did he imagine having to use force. Anakin was just being a rebellious youth in Keyan's mind, and even if it did come to a confrontation he was extremely confident in his abilities.
    Keyan remembered that he had been spending some time with Chairman Palpatine so he decided to pay the Chairman a visit and see if he knew where Anakin lived.

    After the encounter with Obi-wan, Anakin rushed to see Chairman Palpatine. Anakin was confused and scared, and he was the only person who had seemed to be able to guide him for the past few years. Marie didn't let him go alone, being scared herself about the encounter back at her home.
    "Anakin! It's nice to see you!" greeted Palpatine as he opened the door and let them into his office in the Senate building. "It's good to see you've returned in one piece."
    "Chairman, we have a problem, and I didn't know who else to talk to." Anakin got right to the point. He and Marie held hands tightly.
    "What is it Anakin? Is something wrong?" Palpatine motioned for them to sit down.
    "Something is very wrong. Obi-wan discovered our secret. I'm afraid the Jedi are going to disown me!" Anakin explained.
    After years of planning the moment Palpatine, a powerful Sith Lord, had been waiting for had finally come. From the Clone war to Anakin's degrading attitude towards the Jedi, everything was expertly crafted. Palpatine's ascension to the thrown of his own empire was eminent. All that remained was to convert Anakin and use him to destroy the Jedi. "My dear Anakin being disowned is the least of your worries. During wartime breaking the code could be considered treason, and in the past they have executed Jedi to make sure they didn't help the enemy," Palpatine lied.
    "I've never heard of this," Anakin was shocked.
    "Oh my God!" Marie cried out. "I'm feeling light headed. I think I need to lie down."
    "Please my dear. There is a bed in the back room," Palpatine said after causing her affliction with the help of the Force. Anakin helped Marie into the back, laid her down then gave her a sedative. When he returned Palpatine was holding a holographic repository, or holo-rep, which was a storage device used for large quantities of information. "Now that this situation with the Jedi has risen I think there is something you should know Anakin. I kept this from you because I feared it would hurt your career, but it doesn't matter now."
    Palpatine placed the small three inch cube on his desk and turned it on. Immediately a hologram of a Jedi council meeting manifested over his desk. At the center of the council members was Jedi Master Keyan Haass detailing an event that included an explosion and many deaths. Eventually Anakin's name came up and he realized that Keyan was talking about the day they met - the day his mother died. "Yes Anakin. Master Haass is responsible for your mother's death. He killed her and countless others in a fit of revenge against someone he was ordered not to follow. Then he acted like your friend in order to recruit you as a Jedi."
    Anakin fell down into a chair. His emotions were going crazy. "I can't believe this."
    "It gets worse Anakin. This meeting took place shortly after you arrived. The Jedi have purposely kept this from you. They've been lying to you all these years," Palpatine exaggerated.

    Moments after Anakin found out about his mother's death someone rang at the door of Palpatine's office. As he walked over to get it Palpatine secretly offered an evil smile knowing who it was and what was about to take place. "Welcome Master Haass. How can I help you?" He said as the door slid open to a waiting Keyan standing with his new apprentice.
    "Greetings Chairman. I just came by to see if you knew where Anakin lived. The council--"
    "Why Anakin is sitting right here in my office. Why don't you come in and see him?" Palpatine interrupted before leading them just inside. Keyan stayed close to the door while his young apprentice, no more than fifteen years old, decided to stand in front of an odd sculpture that had many sharp protrusions.
    "Anakin! You're a hard man to find!" Keyan laughed. "The council wants to see you immediately. They're pretty upset so you should see them and get it over with."
    Anakin became enraged at the sound of Keyan's voice. Like a balloon suddenly filled with air anger swept across his chest into his arms and legs. With the little control he had left he stayed seated and stared at the floor not knowing what he would do if he looked at his mother's killer. "Go on ahead. I'll see them in a while."
    "Sorry, but I have to be your escort. I'm supposed to get you there no matter what. Like I said they're not too happy right now," Keyan shifted uncomfortably.
    "No matter what? What does that mean?" Anakin talked through his teeth.
    "They just want to make sure you get there. Now come on. The next council meeting is about to start," Keyan continued.
    "I'm not going with you," Anakin said now trembling with anger.
    "What? Stop fooling around Anakin this is serious," Keyan sighed still not realizing what was happening.
   
    Like a bomb Anakin exploded, standing up and letting loose a burst of Force energy that sent everything in the office flying violently away from him. Tables were overturned, chairs flipped and Keyan was knocked back into the door. Palpatine was only slightly moved as he was ready to block the wave, but no one noticed. The attention was on Keyan's apprentice who was still standing in front of the odd sculpture, but now had streams of blood gushing out of him. The outburst had impaled the young apprentice on the sharp protrusions of the sculpture and he was only a few minutes from death.
    Keyan screamed desperately as he rushed to help his student, but a quick look told him there was nothing he could do. His heart sank as he realized he had lost another apprentice, something he promised himself would never happen again. His anger became apparent as he looked at Anakin. "What the hell are you doing Anakin!" Keyan screamed as he stood there trying to make sense of what just happened.
    "It doesn't feel good does it?" Anakin slowly turned to face Keyan - anger still emanating from his eyes.
    "Are you crazy?" Keyan continued.
    "Remember when you killed my mother? When you selfishly disobeyed the council and murdered hundreds of innocent people!"
    "Is that what this is about?" Keyan finally understood. "I'm sorry about your mother Anakin. It was an accident, but I see it doesn't matter to you." Keyan took off his robe and unhooked his lightsaber. "I wish I could have done things differently back then, but we can't live in the past."
    "Do you actually believe you're innocent? Don't you realize that this, all this right now, is your fault?" Anakin didn't move.
    "Regardless of who's to blame this ends right now." Seeing Anakin without a lightsaber Keyan rushed in, but he only made it half way before Anakin sent him flying with a flick of his wrist. What power, Palpatine thought to himself as he looked on with glee - anticipating what was to come. Keyan landed next to the sculpture and found himself with one of it's protrusions embedded deep into his right shoulder. He slowly began to pull himself off then noticed Anakin in front of him. When he looked up it was already over and Anakin's lightsaber was in his chest, and before he could think his last thoughts Anakin brought his lightsaber up slicing him in half.
   
    Anakin took a few steps back then fell to the floor afraid of what he had just done. His anger was satisfied and now he was left with his conscience as guilt began to overtake him. "Get up Anakin!" Palpatine yelled as he rushed to him. "There's no time! The Jedi will surely sense his death and come to investigate. You must go and hide before they find out what happened here!"
    Anakin just nodded.
    "Go to the scrap metal plant in district 1043 of the industrial zone. I'll take care of everything here. Go!" Palpatine pushed Anakin out the door and watched happily as he left. Back inside he called some of his special guards and they quickly disposed of the bodies and cleaned up. It took half an hour, and when it was done it was time to deal with Anakin's wife.
    Palpatine woke Marie up from her drug induced sleep and shoved a small plastic card in her hand. "What is this?" she asked, still groggy.
    "Something terrible has happened my dear, and it's not safe here anymore. The Jedi are looking for Anakin so he has gone into hiding. He asked me to see to your safety and I think it is best for you to go back to Alderaan where you will have government protection," Palpatine explained.
    "Is he okay? Is Anakin okay?" Marie tried to stand up but stumbled.
    "He is fine my dear. He is perfectly safe. You are the one who is in danger so I must urge you to follow my instructions."
    Marie nodded as Palpatine helped her up.
    He called one of his guards then gave him explicit instructions. "Take her to her home so she can prepare then take her immediately to the shuttle port south of here." He then leaned in and whispered, "Make sure she gets there within the hour. Do not let anything slow you down."

    Obi-wan had regretted the way he confronted Anakin. I should know better, he constantly reminded himself. This is all my fault and I should have handled it better. His sadness led him to return to Anakin's home hoping to apologize and have a good talk with him, but there was no there. Obi-wan hoped that they weren't running away, but he couldn't blame them if they were.
    As he started to leave he noticed Marie coming down towards him with a clone trooper right behind. The trooper was wearing a black cape with black accents on his armor which identified him as a special guard. "Marie! What's going on?" asked Obi-wan as she approached.
    "This is Republic business! Do not interfere!" The guard said as he quickly jumped in front of Marie.
    "I am General Obi-wan Kenobi, a Jedi of the Republic. Now tell me what is going on here trooper!"
    Marie pushed the guard aside and grabbed Obi-wan, happy to see someone familiar. "We're in trouble! Anakin's in trouble!"
    "Wait. Calm down," Obi-wan said putting his hands on her shoulders.
    "The Jedi are looking for us. They're trying to kill us!" Marie looked at Obi-wan hoping that he wasn't one of them.
    "That's ridiculous. Who told you that?" Obi-wan said. Meanwhile in the back the guard was communicating with someone through his head gear.
    "Chairman Palpatine. He told me to leave the planet because it wasn't safe," Marie started to tear up.
    "Why would he tell you something like that? It doesn't make any--Get down!" Obi-wan yelled as he pushed Marie to the ground. The guard had pulled his blaster out and was lining him up. With Force-speed Obi-wan unhooked his lightsaber and brought it up to deflect the first shot without a second to spare. Four more shots followed, but it was already too late for the elite guard. Obi-wan quickly dropped him then helped Marie up and into her home.

    "What's going on Marie? Why would an elite Republic guard turn on his own?" Obi-wan paced trying to make sense of the unprecedented situation. "Tell me everything that's happened since I left earlier."
    Marie shook her head nervously. "After you left Anakin and I went to see the Chairman. He told us the Jedi would execute us as traitors because of the war. I got sick after that and fell asleep. When I woke up he told me to go back to Alderaan where it was safe and gave me this ticket."
    "Marie," Obi-wan kneeled down in front of her on the couch and grabbed her hands. "Everything the Chairman has told you is a lie. The Jedi are not hunting you and we certainly would never execute anyone for getting married."
    Marie nodded feeling a bit better, but still unsure and confused.
    Obi-wan stood up and began pacing again. "Obviously the Chairman has an ulterior motive for lying to you, but I can't begin to imagine what it is. Why would he want you and Anakin on the run and fearful of the Jedi?"
    "I don't care what the reasons are. I just want to find Anakin and get off this planet."
    "Finding him will be difficult, and even if it weren't you shouldn't be wandering in the open. I do agree that Alderaan is the best choice for you right now. Let me see that ticket." Marie handed it to him. "...The south Capitol shuttle port. Come on, we might just be able to make it."
    The fifteen minutes they had left dried up quickly, and they reached the shuttle port two minutes late. "Come on! Hurry!" Obi-wan urged Marie who was carrying a small bag of clothes over her shoulder. They ran down the mile long terminal trying to find their flight, but before they could reach the fourth gate a massive explosion rumbled nearby. A few miles away from the port one of the transports had exploded into a fireball. Everyone fell silent. Shortly after an announcement was made about the flight that had just gone down. Marie was stunned by the event, but Obi-wan quickly picked up the flight number that was given and realized that it was the flight she was supposed to be on.
    "Come on!" Obi-wan grabbed Marie's hand and began rushing her out. "That explosion was not an accident!"
    "What do you mean?"
    "Palpatine wants you dead! It's the only thing that makes sense!"
    Marie wanted to cry she was so confused, but tried to hold on. "What are we going to do now?"
    "You're going to Alderaan, but in a private ship. I have a friend that owes me a favor!"

    Anakin had been crying on a small desk in the office of the metal plant he had been sent to. He was full of emotion and the picture of Keyan and his apprentice refused to be erased from his mind. He felt hopeless and alone, and this was the exact state Palpatine wanted him in.
    The exhaust of pneumatic landing gear drew Anakin's attention to the ship that had just landed outside. The small windowed office was just across the small rectangular landing bay and he could see everything. When the ramp swung down a young man completely dressed in black emerged from the ship. He was wearing a black robe and a lightsaber on his belt. "Anakin Skywalker!" The man called out.
    "Who are you?" Anakin asked as he opened the office door.
    "My name is Cecil Vagran and I am apprentice to the great Lord Sidious." As soon as he finished speaking a man in a black robe exited the ship and took a few paces out into the center. "You have come a long way Anakin," said the man as he pulled back his hood and revealed himself.
    "Chairman Palpatine?" Anakin was confused. "What is this? Why are you dressed like that?"
    "My dear boy, I am the Dark Lord of the Sith, and soon I will be emperor of this galaxy."
    Anakin unhooked his lightsaber sending a delightful chill through Palpatine. "You've been lying to me all this time? Why? What do you want with me?"
    "My boy, you do not yet realize how powerful you are. Master Keyan was one of the Jedi's best, but you killed him without even trying. I will teach you to harness your true power, to master the Dark Side. I've been watching you for many years, and now everything is prepared for you to take your place at my side," Palpatine smiled.
    "No!" Anakin violently shook his head. "I'm a Jedi! I will never turn to the Dark Side."
    Palpatine continued to smile with pure evil. "Then you will have to kill me! Raise your weapon and strike me down as a true Jedi would!"
    Easily swayed by his words, Anakin extended his lightsaber and leaped at Palpatine who stood motionless, still smiling. Half way to him a burst of Force energy slammed him against the wall. Cecil took off his robe and stood before Palpatine with his lightsaber out. "I will not let you harm my master!"
    "Get out of the way. This is between me and him!" Anakin's emotions began to destabilize him again, but he plowed forward and attacked. Again the young Sith fended him off. "Get out of my way!" Anakin yelled as he slammed Cecil into the ship.
    Palpatine began to cackle, "Good! Good! I can feel your anger! Your hate! It makes you powerful."
    Listening to Palpatine only made Anakin more angry, but with every attempt Cecil managed to get in the way and fend him off. After a few encounters it was clear to Anakin that he was no match for him, but he continued to call on every ounce of restraint possible in order to avoid hurting him.
    "Why do you hold back?" Palpatine smiled. "Because you are a Jedi? Do you know that the Jedi killed your precious Marie?"
    "No! You're a liar!" Anakin exploded in a mad rage and rushed Cecil. He was no longer holding back and now he gladly accepted the power his anger and hate gave him. Within a few blows Anakin took his right arm off. He then turned around grabbed him by the head and flipped him over onto the ground where he cut off his legs. He didn't notice it, but he was smiling as he looked down at the defeated Sith.
    "Kill him!" Shouted Palpatine. "Release your anger and take your place at my side."
    "Master!" Cecil yelled helplessly. "Don't let me die!"
    "Kill him!" Palpatine continued. "There is no future for you with the Jedi. I am all you have left Anakin. Come stand at my side and together we will rule this galaxy!"

    Anakin silently stared at the floor while Cecil continued to beg for his life. The more he thought about it the more Anakin believed that his life was now meaningless. His master had turned on him, his wife was now dead and the Jedi would never accept him. The Jedi, Anakin thought. They killed my mother, they hid the truth from me and when I needed them most they forsook me. Why should I be loyal to them? All of this is their fault, and they should pay!
    With a quick thrust Anakin stabbed Cecil through the chest ending his life. As he looked down at him he saw himself in the young man and let all of his pain, his love, his memories die with him. It was time to let go of the past and embrace the anger and hatred that had brought him to this point.
    "Come, my new apprentice!" Palpatine called out. Anakin nodded as he put away his lightsaber and kneeled before him. "Yes... Yes I feel it. Anakin Skywalker is dead. You, my apprentice, will be known as Darth Vader. I will teach you the ways of the Sith and the secrets of their power. Together we will crush the Jedi and bring the galaxy under our authority. Rise Lord Vader, and take your place at my side!"
    "Yes, Master."

To Be Concluded...

Master Jedi - The Beginning - Rise of the Empire

    With his apprentice in hand Palpatine's next move was to take over the Jedi temple and eliminate the strongest opposition to his ascension. Two hours after Lord Vader's rise, Republic troops Palpatine had prepared beforehand surrounded the Jedi temple. By the time Vader arrived the Jedi had closed the gate and prepared themselves, but Vader just laughed at them. He jumped onto one of the hover tanks and raised both his arms. As his black robe fluttered in the breeze he called on the Force to raise the giant metal gate, and in spite of their attempts the Jedi could not stop him.
    As soon as it was high enough the troops opened fire and sent in a barrage that obliterated anyone and anything in its path. It took about fifteen minutes to secure the entrance area just beyond the gate, and twenty-one Jedi were killed. "Secure the gate with the tanks and prepare for the main assault!" Darth Vader ordered as he jumped down and walked into the temple.
    Floor by floor, room by room Darth Vader hunted down every single person in the temple and killed them. The council had finished their session and had left before the assault so few of the Jedi left were capable of stopping him. With the ten-thousand troops at his command the temple was cleansed in less than an hour, and Palpatine was very pleased. "You've done well Lord Vader! Better than expected. Now return to the plant and prepare yourself. You'll be receiving a visitor in a few hours."

    As soon as the ship carrying Marie Skywalker back to her home on Alderaan took off a public announcement began broadcasting across the planet. Obi-wan ran outside to see a hologram of Chairman Palpatine addressing the people. "Citizens of Coruscant, It is with great disappointment that I must inform you that the Jedi have rebelled against the Republic and have tried to assassinate me. Do not be concerned however as I have already dealt them a severe blow and have secured the Jedi temple. Those not at the temple will be brought to justice, but to facilitate this I must declare martial law and enforce strict military oversight--"
    "What the hell!" Obi-wan yelled out loud as he rushed to his speeder. Inside he dialed Yoda and prayed he would get a response. It took five long minutes for Yoda to pick up. "Master Yoda!" Obi-wan yelled relieved. "Are you okay? I just heard the temple was taken over!"
    "Do not go to the temple, Obi-wan! Killed, you will be."
    "Well where are you? How many survived?"
    Yoda sighed. "All in the temple were killed. Three of us there are, hiding in the senate building."
    "Well I'm coming to get you out of there!"
    "No. Face Palpatine we will, and try to restore the Republic."
    "Then I'm coming to help you. I just wish I could have been at the temple."
    "Perhaps not. It was a Sith that lead the attack on the temple and who has exposed Palpatine."
    "But how can that be? All the Sith were destroyed!"
    "No. It was our arrogance that blinded us. For a long time Palpatine has shrouded our judgment. A powerful Sith he is. And just as powerful is his new apprentice Anakin Skywalker.
    "What?" Obi-wan almost crashed his speeder. "No! That can't be. Anakin would never betray us."
    "Consumed by the Dark Side he has been. Sorry I am, Obi-wan."

    Obi-wan arrived at the east side of the senate building and following Yoda's instructions found them locked in an office. Yoda, Master Lu Lia Li and Jedi Karl Nilar were on their way to a meeting when they received word from the Jedi trapped in the temple. After locking themselves in the office they tried to contact as many Jedi as they could until Obi-wan contacted them.
    "It's good to see you Master Obi-wan!" Greeted Jedi Nilar. He had only been a Jedi for a few months and he was scared. The sight of more Jedi helped his confidence.
    "So what's the plan?" asked Obi-wan as he put his hand on Karl's shoulder.
    "Master Lu has been using the Force to warn all Jedi. To see Palpatine we will leave soon," Yoda replied.
    "His office is right under the senate auditorium right? It shouldn't be that far," Obi-wan pointed out.
    "I've done all I can for now," Lu said getting up from his meditation. "We can only hope that the warning was received.
    Just as Lu finished the comm on one of the office desks began beeping. "Should we get it? Maybe it's a Jedi?" Karl asked nervously.
    After looking at each other for a minute Obi-wan walked over and hit the button. They all remained quiet to see who was on the other side. "Hiding does not become you Master Yoda. I sense you all wish to see me. By all means come to my office. My doors are open to everyone. And don't worry about the troops. I've sent them outside." The voice of Palpatine was immediately recognized, and it made Obi-wan clench his fists. "It is time," Master Lu said as they walked out.
    As they came up to Palpatine's office Obi-wan punched up the coordinates for Alderaan and showed them to everyone. "If something happens this will be our rendezvous point. Don't forget it!" A few steps away Palpatine's door opened, and the Jedi cautiously walked in. Palpatine was sitting at his desk flashing a large, evil smile. "Welcome Master Yoda! It is unfortunate that you were not at the temple. Perhaps you could have been able to save some of your brethren."
    "Foolish the Jedi have been these many years and paid for it we have. Now it is your turn," Yoda took off his robe.
    "Do you wish to die so soon Master Yoda? And what about you Master Obi-wan? I really must thank you for providing me with such a talented apprentice. Your failures as a teacher are now his strength," Palpatine laughed.
    "Where's Anakin? What did you do to him?" Obwiwan demanded.
    "Ah, you really wish to see him. I think he would like that. You will find him at the scrap metal plant in district 1043," Palpatine said.
    "Master Yoda..." Obi-wan waited for approval.
    Yoda nodded. "Go Obi-wan. May the Force be with you."
    "Don't forget what I said!" Obi-wan reminded everyone of the rendezvous point then left. Master Lu and Karl had taken off their robes and unhooked their lightsabers. Lu took the far left side and Karl took the right. Yoda remained in front of Palpatine who was still calmly sitting in his chair. "You should have known better than to bring an inexperienced boy before me Master Yoda," Palpatine frowned disgusted by Karl's presence.
    Karl was incredibly nervous. He could sense the enormous power emanating from Palpatine and it scared him. He looked at Lu waiting for a sign, then at Yoda. He was starting to get jumpy as he continued to watch the others. The entire room was still except for Karl, and it was clear that he was going to break at any moment. As he glanced at Lu he thought he saw him flinch and extended his lightsaber to attack. Before it could reach its full length Palpatine lifted his hand without moving his arm or making much of an effort. The barely noticeable attack stunned Karl and used his own lightsaber to take his head off.
    It happened so quickly that Lu didn't react when he knew he should have, but he put his regrets aside and tried to Force-push Palpatine into the wall. Palpatine just waved his arm to block it then motioned his hand to send Lu spinning through the air. Yoda looked on concentrating on Palpatine knowing that he wasn't using his full power, and he didn't want to be caught off guard when the real fight started. "What are you waiting for Master Yoda!" yelled Lu as he picked himself up.
    "This Sith, lightly cannot be taken. Let go of your impatience and trust in the Force!" Yoda scolded.
    Finally Palpatine stood up and walked around his desk. "I sense your determination Master Yoda. I sense your power. I must admit that I've waited for this day." Again Lu attacked seeing Palpatine's conversation as an opportunity. He rushed him with a burst of Force speed, but when he arrived and attacked Palpatine was gone. "You're too slow Master Jedi," Palpatine smiled from his chair. How can that old man move that fast, wondered Lu. "You amuse me, Master Jedi," Palpatine said now standing right behind Lu. Yoda anticipated his move and tried to knock him away, but again Palpatine disappeared with blinding speed. When he appeared behind them Yoda used the Force to pin him down and keep him from moving, and Palpatine wasn't happy about it. "Now Master Lu!" Yoda yelled. Lu again rushed to attack, but this time a massive explosion of Force lightning knocked him back.
    "I've had enough of these games!" Palpatine said before disappearing again and appearing behind Master Lu who had just stood up again. Without hesitation the red blade of a lightsaber shot out from Lu's chest, but before more damage could be done Palpatine disappeared again. Lu didn't understand what had happened until he looked up from the ground to see Palpatine and Yoda dueling. During each blow they were both moving so fast that they became invisible to the naked eye. He realized that Yoda must have tried to save him.

    Two of the most powerful beings in the galaxy were locked in battle, and the occasional rumblings of the walls as they exchanged blows bore that out. Master Yoda implemented his personal style that made the best of his small size. It involved extremely low attacks to the legs and feet or extremely high attacks that he would use in crowded areas that had objects he could jump off of. Palpatine was having trouble dealing with his low attacks and in between blocks found himself hopping and moving uncomfortably to avoid them.
    After the first round of fighting they both stopped to recover, and Palpatine realized his robe was cut to pieces at the bottom. He snarled at Yoda as he took it off, but seeing an opening Yoda released an incredible burst of Force energy that completely destroyed everything between Palpatine's office and the entrance to the senate auditorium just above a small set of stairs. When he followed behind Palpatine he found him getting up from a mangled metal table he had landed on.    
    "You do not disappoint Master Yoda!" Palpatine smiled. "Now let me show you my power!" Palpatine extended his arm and from it cracked a large, thick bolt of Force lightning that landed in front of Yoda and exploded like a bomb destroying everything in its radius. Yoda was sent flying through the air, and landed on the other side of the auditorium. Palpatine then raised his arms which started the squealing of the various balconies as they began to peel away from the main structure of the walls. One by one he threw them on Yoda forming a huge pile of scrap metal then closed his fists compressing it all into a ball around him.
    "That is the true power of the Dark Side!" Palpatine laughed. As he began walking towards the heap Yoda jumped on him from behind and landed on his neck. "This is the end for you!" Yoda said as he began to absorb Palpatine's Force energy.
    "No!" he yelled as he felt the Force being sucked out of him. He flailed about trying to get Yoda off, but with each second found it more difficult to struggle. Soon Palpatine's power was reduced by half and he was no longer able to retain his appearance. Palpatine fell to his knees, but on the ground found a piece of metal to hit Yoda with on the head knocking him off. He then turned around and swatted him back with all his strength.
    Yoda stood up and realized his left arm was broken and hurting bad, but he ignored the pain to focus on Palpatine who was on the verge of losing. Palpatine turned around and revealed his wrinkly, deformed figure and backed away limping. "It is over for you Palpatine," Yoda said as he raised his lightsaber.
    "It will never be over," he replied as he hit a button on a comm attached to his belt. With a loud rumble all the doors of the auditorium flew open and clone troops rushed in taking aim at Yoda from every vantage point. "Goodbye Master Yoda," Palpatine smiled as he launched a stream of Force lightning at him which also triggered the troops to open fire. Dust and debris shot up from Yoda's position for the duration of the attack. The barrage focused on that one spot was incredible.
    When things settled down Palpatine walked through the rising dust expecting to see Yoda's dead body, but he wasn't there. "Surround the building and find him! Don't let him escape!" He ordered.

    Obi-wan's blue and gray speeder touched down hard in the small three lot landing bay of the scrap metal plant Palpatine had sent him to. Two troopers were waiting just inside and rushed the landing ship as soon as it entered. "Identify yourself!" One of the guards ordered. Obi-wan walked around his ship and motioned with his arm slamming them against the nearby wall. I don't have time for you, he thought as he began towards the small office visible in the corner.
    Another guard hearing the commotion jumped out of the office and took aim at Obi-wan, but a stout order stopped him. "Leave us!" Darth Vader commanded as he walked out of the office with a frozen, grim look on his face. He stood before Obi-wan and stared at him. "I can't believe it," Obi-wan gasped. "I came here to see if it was true, and I can't believe it."
    Vader continued to stare silently.
    "Anakin, I know I've failed you, but it didn't have to come to this. Not this!" Obi-wan shook his head.
    "I am Darth Vader. Anakin Skywalker is dead!"
    "Anakin think back to all the good things in your life! Your friends, Marie! Snap out of this lie Palpatine has confused you with--"
    "Lie? Lie! The only liars here are you and the Jedi! They kill my mother then try to hide it from me! Then you betray me to the council and they kill my wife! No, I think I've had enough of the Jedi."
    Obi-wan didn't think to tell Anakin about Marie. He was focused on other things and it never crossed his mind. "Palpatine has been manipulating the situation since the beginning. He's been manipulating you! Can't you see that?"
    "All I see is a filthy Jedi that deserves to die."
    Obi-wan unhooked his lightsaber. "I'm sorry Anakin, but I can't let you continue like this."
    Vader flashed an evil smile. "Let me? I was stronger than you before, and now I am a god. You're a fool to think you can stand against me."
    The forty-two year old Obi-wan looked at his young and powerful student and wasn't sure if he could defeat him. He knew he was a fool for fighting him alone, but he was counting on his experience to keep him alive. "I may be an old fool, but it doesn't change what needs to be done. Besides, you haven't seen everything I can do."

    With an angry yell Vader attacked Obi-wan and the battle began. The exchanged blows quickly and gracefully at the center of the platform - Obi-wan exhibiting his years of experience and Vader displaying everything he'd learned under him. No matter the style or tactic they adapted perfectly to each other, not being able to get an advantage. It was a pure display of lightsaber skill, and for now they were evenly matched.
    Fifteen minutes into the fight two clone troopers walked onto the platform from the inner plant and began to watch. Vader was not pleased seeing his order to stay away disobeyed, and in his anger broke away from the fight to Force-grab the two men and throw them off the building. Obi-wan didn't hesitate to Force-push Vader into his speeder knocking him down. He ran up to him to finish him off, but from his knees Vader Force-pushed Obi-wan across the platform and onto the metal catwalk that lead into the plant.
    Because of the large machinery and the need to vent the extreme heat and toxic fumes the inside of the plant was a maze of metal catwalks that snaked around white hot furnaces and in between all sorts of pipes and cables. With all of the hazards Obi-wan knew it wasn't the place to have a lightsaber fight, but Vader was not going to be dissuaded.
    With his first attack Vader missed Obi-wan and sliced right through the rail of the catwalk they were on causing it to shake with uncertainty. We're both going to get killed in here, worried Obi-wan as he backed away scanning the area for more hazards. "I sense your fear Jedi! It fills me with anticipation," Vader mocked. As he spoke the shaking catwalk gave Obi-wan an idea and with one stroke sliced through it, jumping away at the same time. Vader was caught off balance and fell down to the next level where he caught on to a rail and pulled himself up.
    "I'm going to kill you!" Vader yelled angered by his fall, but first he would have to find Obi-wan who was hiding his presence from him. After searching for a while his anger got the best of him again and Vader began bending pipes, twisting catwalks and overturning cauldrons full of molten metal. As he threw his tantrum he failed to notice Obi-wan who was now behind him watching him stand over a massive pool of toxic chemicals. At that moment a feeling of sadness and guilt came over him, and he realized that he couldn't bring himself to kill his apprentice. Unfortunately his strong feelings tipped Vader off who suddenly turned around and Force-pulled a large piece of pipe onto Obi-wan's back.
    Vader pulled him down to where he was and began to choke him with his hand. A swift knee to the groin knocked Vader back, then with lightsabers extended they locked blades over the railing. They struggled for a minute before Vader used the Force to increase his strength and lean Obi-wan half way over. Instinctively Obi-wan used the leverage to flip Vader over him and off the side. He fell a few levels before grabbing onto the side of a catwalk, but unlike a railing these were not easy to hold on to. Obi-wan jumped down and watched as Vader flailed over the chemical vat, his left hand losing grip. Obi-wan's heart sank as he saw Anakin struggling and with an impulse reached down and pulled him up. He hated himself for giving in to his feelings, but he couldn't kill him. Vader, however, was all too ready to kill him, and as soon as he stood up began the fight again.
    "You fool!" Vader yelled as he pushed Obi-wan back with a flurry of attacks. Fueled by his anger Vader began using long, powerful swings. He was cutting through everything in the tight space and after a short distance cut through a steam pipe behind him that began to belch out a hot stream across the catwalk. A few steps further Obi-wan exchanged some quick blows in order to lure Vader into another swing, and just like he wanted Vader brought his lightsaber up over his head and brought it down. Obi-wan countered his strength with speed and side stepped the attack then hit him with a backhand to the face. With Vader unbalanced Obi-wan lifted his lightsaber that was already in position and took off his right arm causing him to jump back in pain.
    Vader hit the hot jet of steam and turned to get his face out of the way, but the railing, which was sliced by his own hand, gave and he fell over and off the side. "Anakin!" Obi-wan yelled as he looked over to see the fate of his apprentice. Down below Anakin lay unconscious on an acid vent that was quickly eating away his skin and burning into his lungs. The thought of jumping down to save him crossed Obi-wan's mind, but besides risking his own life he would have to deal with the mass of troopers who had just started entering the plant. As the first ones began taking shots at him, Obi-wan picked up Anakin's lightsaber and escaped.

    After waiting two weeks for safer conditions, a friend of Obi-wan helped him esca