GEN Presents:

A Storied Past
by Wes Hutchings

It has been a very long and difficult journey for me.

When I first felt the disturbance in the Force my instructors wouldn't listen to me. They assured me that yes, these were indeed troubled times with all the wars going on, but that I need not concern myself with that. We were safe here on Coruscant. The Temple had never been violated and never would be as long as the Jedi existed.

I felt shame and relief for what I did that day. I packed my belongings and requested a leave to a far away system, Yavin. The fourth planet has a great deal of history to the Jedi. I felt it would make a good compromise between a hideout and a destination unlikely to arouse suspicion.

Little did I know how close I came to death. While my ship was in transit I heard the first cries for help. Ignoring them was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

I heard the cries of the children in the Temple and the futile attempts of the adults and instructors to stop the killing. I recognized many of the voices as they cried out. How could I not after spending 15 years of my life there?

In morbid fascination I listened for the voices I knew so well. To see if they would cry out and be extinguished. I was not disappointed. Nearly every voice I'd ever heard cried out. I discounted those I did not hear as being Jedi away on missions. I hoped that they like myself had escaped what I learned later was to be called the Purge.

A thing brought about by two people I had met. One a few years older than myself who I had considered a friend Anakin Skywalker. He was always kind to me whenever I saw him at the Temple.

The other person always left me cold, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. His build up of troops for a galactic military always rubbed me the wrong way, but not many people within the Temple listen to young Jedi.

When I arrived on Yavin IV my first thought was for hiding. Did they know I was out here? Would I be worth their notice? I decided my best course of action was to cut myself off from the rest of the galaxy, faking my death in case anyone arrived here seeking my ship.

I grabbed anything of use I could find from the ship while still making it serviceable for flight. I recorded an emergency distress call, then programmed a course, which would take it near an inhabited system, crash and blow the wreckage up. Hopefully leaving no usable trace.

If I were successful, no one would think to note the discrepancies in my flight time or pay much attention to direction.

Apparently I was fortunate. I spent the next few years adjusting to my new home, honing my skills and feeling the Force as those of the light continued to cry out in anguish. While those of the Dark grew in power.

There was something about this place which allowed me access to understanding the dark in a way I'd never known possible.

I was still frightened by the prospect of slipping to the darkside, but there was a consciousness here that was of the Dark. I felt its presence over the years. It hungered to be free. But it had been alone with it's own thoughts for so long that it could no longer hide itself in the way of it's other dark brethren.

I learned to take advantage of its hunger and use it's powers to help me learn more of the galaxy.

With it's help I watched the fall of Anakin Skywalker at the victorious hands of Master Kenobi. I saw this as a victory. Then I learned I was mistaken. It was only a new beginning. That my friend Anakin was truly dead and his replacement Darth Vader was a force for evil the likes of which I had never seen before nor learned of in my studies at the temple.

He became the disciple of Emperor Palpatine. The man I had questioned the motives of for so many years as a simple child.

Being able to use the darkforce entity here on Yavin IV I was able to hide my identity from them, they never knew anyone watched them so closely or understood their motives so well.

I used my knowledge to drive my studies. I pushed myself to limits I'd never dreamed of before. I gave myself willingly body and soul over to the lightsides power. As the years past I grew comfortable in the jungles. The predators of this world were to be taken seriously by anyone, even a Jedi, but living with them everyday, the problems were dealt with more as a matter or reflex than of conscious thought.

Over the years I grew stronger in body and mind. I sought out new challenges. I found many of the old temples constructed here by past Jedi and Sith whom had made this moon my choice of hideaway.

I spent my time cleaning them, preparing them for a day when they could be used again.

I watched the Rebellion grow to power. When I could I gave help in the way of a mental nudge. Most victories were small and only helped the cause a little bit. But two of them I am most proud of.

I helped nudge the spies to the place that allowed the Death Star plans to reach the Alliance. It was a simple matter really. They were already spying, it was simply a matter of getting them to go to the right place and listen in on the right frequencies.

When the plans came into the Ambassadors possession I felt a strangeness to her. One I'd not felt in decades. There was something about her, which reminded me of a long lost friend, but I could not get beyond that feeling.

When I sensed Vader following her I knew something must be done before he captured them. I searched her memories and found Master Kenobi, General Kenobi to her.

I had not thought to look for other Jedi. I was convinced the Purge had succeeded.

Putting my every effort into it I managed to redirect her thoughts to Master Kenobi. She ordered the jump almost immediately.

I continued to follow her progress from afar. She was soon captured but with the necessary nudges she found a way to send the plans to Master Kenobi. The next few days were very tense for me. I had been spending so much time trying to further the Alliances cause that their landing fleets on Yavin IV caught me by surprise.

People, here. For the first time in nearly a generation.

What to do? Should I join their cause for real or remain in the shadows? In which way could I do the most good? I'd know a solitary existence for so long that nothing else seemed to make sense.

I would bide my time. See what occurred.

That is when I felt him, Luke Skywalker. All these years hidden away on Tattooine. A force of unbelievable potential. His comparison to his father was remarkable. The power, the exuberance was all there as I recalled it watching Anakin as we both grew up.

My goal now is clear.......

How could I best serve the Alliance? I have spent over 20 years alone here. Living, training, watching from afar a galaxy of which I was no longer a part. I see Luke a young, strong mind. I watch his sadness as he sees those as the only family he knows, die.

I watch the conflict between he and Master Kenobi. He is no longer a young man. I am nearly as old now, as he was the last time we saw one another at the academy. He walking side by side with his young padawan. I wish I could have those days back.

With the Alliance fleet landing as I watch. I give little nudges to their scouting crew. I can't get them all, but I only need one or two, to direct them to the temple. It's a large complex, well covered by the jungle, but I've kept the interior cleared over the years, along with the others.

At first they are suspicious. Wondering why these things are so prepared, so clean for them. They perform scan after scan to try and find a trap that doesn't exist. Finally satisfied they land and organize. It doesn't take them long to set up their base. They move so swiftly, always ready to break and run. I've watched them from afar for years, but this is my first encounter with them so close.

They're established by the time Master Kenobi and the young Skywalker begin their journey across Tatooine.

Then a long silent enemy shows himself again. As if awakening from a deep sleep the Emperor flexes his mind. Reaching out into the void, he learns of his apprentice's failure at acquiring the lost data. In a fit of rage he does what all men of power do when things go wrong. He lashes out at those targets, nearest and easiest to hit.

He appears before the Galactic Senate. He informs them that their services will no longer be required. At first there is outrage, but as Stormtroopers fill the chamber, weapons drawn. Silence finally prevails and now powerless men run for homes.

It becomes increasingly clear to me that the galaxy is a much more dangerous place than I left it. I don't wish to remain stranded here, but I also do not wish to go out into it, only to die. I can't let fear rule me. I've spent my life alone here for so long I can not let fear control it now; after all I've gone through to survive thus far.

I pull my mind back unto myself, to focus on the now. I must let Master Kenobi do his job, while I concentrate on mine. I begin searching the base. Looking for ships, on the fringe of the base. Something that can leave largely unnoticed for a long enough period of time for me to make my escape.

I find a small shuttle at the edge of the clearing. It is obscured by larger craft in and around the temple entrance. I see a few guards, but none are looking this direction. All of them watch the sky.

The shuttle is open. How fortunate. I go on board with what few possessions I can not leave behind. My lightsabre, cared for and cleaned these many years, but without power for over a decade. I hope it will still function. My books, mostly historical. Keeping them in one piece in this jungle was trying, but worth the effort. A journal, I only had the one and it was filled in the first three years of my............vacation. The last two items I made myself over the years. I began them early on realizing the lightsabre would not serve me forever, but I still must practice.

They are a matched set of blades. Made from metal. They hardly compare with a lightsabre, but they were made to suit my need for training, not to fight against lightsabres.

The handles are 33 centimeters. The blades are 96 centimeters in length. An equilateral triangle at the base 3 centimeters to a side and tapering to a point along it's length.

I made them painstakingly by hand. The handles were easy to shape from parts I had salvaged from the ship. I simply spent months grinding them with stones. They were a soft metal, like my lightsabre.

The blades were another matter entirely. For these I had to create a forge. I spent months designing it. Trying out and discarding designs. Once complete I discovered I simply could not generate enough heat to melt the metal. At best I could soften it enough to shape a little with the hammer I had made from a piece of metal ore I found on the planet.

So I spent 3 years building these two blades. I would spend 10 hours a day on the task. The rest of my time I trained my mind. Felt the galaxy around me and worked to survive in this jungle all around me.

The time spent honing the blades cost me many cuts. The edges I ended up with were worth each one. The pride in accomplishment was so much more than I had felt while constructing my first lightsabre.

I wished to test them. I was still young at this time, nearly 19. I found myself doing foolish things at first. I would go out at night and tempt the beasts of the jungle.

This was my darkest time.

One night, while I the young fool was 'playing' with his blades, I chanced upon a number of what were called simply nightbeasts. I had encountered them before singly, coming near my camp.

Foolishly when one comes towards me I prepare for a fight, the one to my right nearly catches me by surprise. I still have the scar across my shoulder where the flesh was scraped to bare bone.

Once I realize matters are serious I begin in earnest to dispatch the creatures. The first two go fairly quickly. I feel my right side weakening and attempt to withdraw.

That is when the others arrive, four more in all. I sense around me, searching for more. All of them are within my vision in front of me; I back myself to a tree. The blade in right hand is slow to respond. I bring it to the guard position, preparing to attack primarily with my left, 'weak' hand.

The first rushes me coming in low on my right side, I bring the blade into a locked forward position as I bring the left down on the creatures head when it comes within range. It thrashes about as it drops to the ground. I almost lose the right blade. My body is in agony trying to fight.

Next two come at me on my weak side, the last coming around to my left. They come in slower this time, keeping their distance, judging my range.

As one, they attack me, the one on my left side rushing in high, the two on my right, one coming high, one low.

Spinning I turn facing the tree, left blade going for the low attacker, piercing the throat, right blade slashing at the face of a slightly slower attack from my other side. He hesitates long enough for me to take his balance and compromise it by force pushing him down as I jump away from the tree. The one with the throat wound is thrashing on the ground, the one knocked to the ground is rising and the one who was coming in high on my left is changing his direction towards me again. Standing my ground I advance towards him first, slashing left to right, in an overhand cut, towards the inside. He screams as his guts spill to the jungle floor. I turn to the last attacker. He's in mid air, coming down at me. I try to step aside, barely able to get out of the way as he comes crashing down on me. Tearing pain going through the right shoulder as his claws dig in as he lands on me. Inside the length of my reach I don't have enough leverage to cut or thrust with any power. I punch with the left blade handle as I kick with my left foot.

As he comes off of me, blood dripping down my right side I try to rise, my right arm useless. I roll away from it and get to my knees then my feet, anger coursing through me I slam the creature against a tree. I hear his bones crunch. Standing, bleeding, ready to scream in pain and yell in anger. I realize I've gone too far. I'm approaching the dark path. The one I worried over all the years of my life. The one my instructors warned me of since I was old enough to understand words.

I dropped the blades and ran. Eventually I found my way to the home I had built. Panting in the doorway, trying to regain my bearings. Then I remembered the wound on my shoulder. Afraid to look down, but knowing I must. The front was three neat little holes. I could probably get to heal without too much effort. Then looking over to the backside of my shoulder. I saw bone, sinew, gleaming white in the light of the gas giants glow. The skin hanging in several shredded flaps.

It took me 6 hours to do the basic cleaning and dressing of my wounds. I didn't use stitches, partly because I couldn't bear to use a needle in my skin, but mostly because I knew the wounds would heal better if I simply kept them clean and the edges held together.

I spent that first morning double checking my lightsabre. It would still serve me well for a few more years, but I wanted to be sure after my 'mistake' last night. Letting the Force guide me I searched for leaves and herbs, which would be helpful to me in my time of healing.

It was three months before I could depend on my right arm again.

During that time I swore I would never have a 'weak' arm again. I took the time to bring my left within the same range of skill as my right had been. When I'd made the two blades I was still thinking in terms of attack and defense being slaved to one arm or the other depending on need. I could no longer afford that luxury.

I went out and recovered the two blades. After a few months in the jungle they had suffered some oxidation and pitting of the metal. I spent a few hours of each day returning them to their former condition. All the while telling myself. These things helped lead you towards the darkside. That is within you now. You must either accept it or overcome it. Run in fear or fight for what you know to be right.

I chose to fight. I increased my training. Each day I would begin and end with meditation. After morning meditation I would spar with ghosts. I would fight amongst the trees. I would pick one hand to fight with one day and the other the next, until it didn't matter which I used. Then I worked in earnest to use them both.

At the end of each days training I gathered food and other supplies before eating, the evenings meditation and then sleep.

Over time I learned to face the night again, with two blades.

Coming back to myself now I placed the blades on the deck next to my other belongings. I checked the night to see if I had attracted anyones attention.

I had not.

I brought the engines online to begin their warm-up cycle. I chose a slow cycle to attract less attention. While it progressed I found a power outlet and adapter for my sabre. I plugged it in and waited for it and the engines to signal they were ready. When they were I sensed into the night for sentries. There were two on the other side of the clearing. One seemed to be listening for a new sound. Drive hum. He called in to ask if anyone was firing up a ship, was told they were not. He must be hearing the generators they told him. I pressed that thought over and over again in his mind until he answered back that they must be right.

I taxied the ship farther away, slowly, keeping to the trees and cover of the ships. Slowly I rose above the treeline, barely skimming the top as I slowly opened the drives. Listening for pursuit or even interest, there was none.

Once I'd cleared the horizon I entered space.

I was off of Yavin IV for the first time in over 20 years. Free from a jungle that had been my one constant companion. Leaving behind the dark entity that had helped me all those years. I no longer needed his help to find the people I needed to. They were well known to me by now. They would never be able to hide from me no matter how hard they tried.

Now I must decide on my next destination. I had decided to help the Alliance. I wanted to help young Skywalker, but I would leave that task to Master Kenobi.

There was trouble reverberating through the galaxy. A storm was coming the likes of which I had not seen since the Purge. I must prepare myself. I must be ready when it comes.

Now I needed to find a destination. Knowing the galaxy was fully under control of the Empire I thought it best to skirt the more populated systems and stick to the sticks as it were. My first stop was Ithor. A system similar in many ways to Yavin. Possessing vast jungles kept in a wild state by the planets people, the Ithorians. Commonly referred to as the Hammerheads, they kept their planet in a natural state. I recalled them from my studies, years ago at the Academy.

It was a short jump from Yavin and the system had no love for the Empire or it's view of how the galaxy should be.

I landed near a large settlement, on the outskirts. My approach was noted and I was met by a party of Ithorians. They were not happy to see me. It seems I had done some damage to the foliage in landing my craft. I attempted to speak with them, but I do not understand Ithorian. I paid attention the best I could and apologized profusely for spoiling their garden, such as it was.

After trying various hand gestures I was able to communicate to them some of my basic needs. Food, water, clothing.

These they hurried to give me once they saw I had a means of paying. It wasn't much really. Simply little fragments of gold and some semi-precious uncut gemstones I'd found in my years on Yavin IV. Worth little to me at present, but thankfully they possessed value here.

Once I had purchased supplies I was encouraged to leave. I had hoped to try further communication. I had not realized how truly lonely I had become over the years, but they insisted and no one could understand me well enough for me to tell them that all I sought was news of the Empire. To help me fill in the gaps in my knowledge of my years of wandering through peoples minds from afar.

Once in space again I needed a new destination. I could think of none so began searching the star charts for nearby systems.

Ord Mantell? No, I'd rather not go there.

Myrkyr? No, there was something simply wrong about that planet, as if it did not belong.

Anobis? I knew nothing of the system, too risky.

Then I saw it, Alderaan, a system friendly to the Alliance and not too far away. I set my course and began the jump.

It was interesting to look upon a planet without dense jungles. So pleasant to contemplate. As I prepared to enter the atmosphere, something attracted my attention. I could feel tens of thousands of new lifeforms suddenly appear. A ship entering from hyperspace? What ship could be that big? Perhaps it was a fleet? Any fleet that large had to be Imperial. I left orbit immediately, from the far side of the planet. Keeping my ship out of view of whatever Imperial problem had come my way. Were they searching for me? Did I somehow fail in covering my tracks and the Emperor or Vader knew of me and my whereabouts? I could not sense the Emperors presence, but I did sense Vaders. With him was the very familiar woman he had captured over Tattooine. Apparently he had brought her to this fleet.

Again, I find myself running from problems. I hope the people of Alderaan are safe. After all at worst the Empire could simply occupy their planet. Occupations can end. They will be safe.

These were the thoughts I comforted myself with as I left Alderaan. Looking for a new place to run to.

That is when I felt it. The Princess, Leia, crying out. Such a strong and vibrant mind. Such potential.......then I felt it. The life force of the entire planet of Alderaan. Snuffed out like a candle, mere fractions of a second later the shockwave hit my ship and sent it reeling through space out of control. Fighting frantically to regain control the spin became worse. I realized that I needed to calm myself, slow bursts of the control thrusters. I gradually managed slowing the spin and regaining control of my ship. Once stabilized I assessed the damage to my ship. It was still whole and functioning, but it needed help and soon.

I looked for a nearby system, seeking blind in the night. It was then that I again felt the Imperial fleet and noted my original error. It was one vast ship. A marble of dull grey metal floating in space. It appeared to be huge. I tried to estimate it's size without instruments and guessed it was between 100 and 150 kilometers in diameter.

Little by little it hit me. This had flown through hyperspace. This had destroyed a planet. This had literally hundreds of thousands of men on board. Not the initial tens of thousands I had felt.

This was the Death Star. How could I have missed it after only days ago helping the Rebels steal the plans? Simple, I had not considered the consequences of the plans. Where were they now? Leia had them over Tattooine

Headless of the consequences I searched the ship. I passed over Leia. Grieving for her people. Vader, my long lost friend, no more. I went from scientists to technicians to commanders.

That is when I found him. Grand Moff Tarkin. I've rarely encountered so sadistic and calculating a mind in my life. He had potential. It is indeed fortunate no Jedi ever bothered to show it to him. Here was the man who had destroyed a world with his creation.

I do not have the time or the resources to deal with him now. First to find a place to repair my ship, then find a way to help the Alliance.

I find a nearby system, which would be ideal for my ships, repairs except for one thing. The Empire runs it. The planet Kuat, home of the Kuat Drive Yards. I don't really have a choice. I set a course and make the short jump to Kuat. Once in orbit I am immediately challenged by Imperial Security. I tell them I have a damaged vessel and request landing instructions to a repair facility for my ship. There is a great deal of debate as to whether I may be allowed to land at all, then they insist on searching or seizing my ship. I accept the search, telling them I will be glad to allow it.

Finally they give me docking coordinates and allow me to land. I am met by a squad of stormtroopers and a commanding officer of a rank I do not recognize. He informs me I must step aside and allow my ship to be searched.

I agree telling him " Of course you may search my ship. There is only the repairs of concern.". He then obediently turns to the lead Stormtrooper and tells him

" We need only concern ourselves with his repairs. You men are dismissed." as he waves them away. I tell him " If the repairs are not possible, you will of course help me another way.". He again obediently responds in the affirmative.

To think I was afraid of being around Imperials. I should have gone after Tarkin while I had the chance. Fortunately they were able to make repairs without much trouble. The officer was falling over himself to please me. I nearly was given a Nebulon B Frigate. Fortunately he understood I could not pilot it myself and settled for supplying me with faster drives and a systems upgrade of my navi-computer. With all current Imperial worlds listed. My job had just become easier.

I left the system and decided to test my luck in getting onboard the Death Star. I was a little late for that. During my jump I felt someone die. Master Kenobi. Was all lost now? Who would train young Skywalker? As I left hyperspace I saw a ship leaving one of the docking bays. In pursuit were 4 TIE fighters. My first thought was to assist the ship, but then I sensed Tarkin on the Death Star. He was watching in interest. There was no concern about the TIEs succeeding or failing. Only a sense of anticipation for the ship to escape. I could feel Leia onboard the escaping ship. With her was young Luke. The two so similar. What was it about them, which made them so familiar?

It was then they escaped and made the jump to hyperspace. I was preparing to resume my course of action and dispatch Tarkin. At the instant the ship had left for it's jump, Tarkin made clear his intent. They were tracking the ship.

They would be lead to the base. The place I'd left only a few short days ago suddenly became the most important place to get to. I set my course and hoped I could reach Yavin IV before the Empire could.

I set my course for Yavin IV. I needed to warn the Alliance that the Empire was being lead right to them. I considered how to warn them as I traveled through hyperspace. The hours seemed to last forever. When I arrived in system, I noticed a great deal of comm traffic. They were preparing a counterattack against the Death Star. Apparently my warning was unnecessary. I floated in orbit behind the gas giant, away from Yavin IV.

Perhaps there was still a chance for me to attack Tarkin when the Death Star arrived in system? Certainly there would be risk involved. They would be arriving in system under battle conditions and wary of almost any strange ship. I quickly discarded the idea as not only risky, but worthlessly stupid. There had to be a way to help them in this victory but I couldn't see it yet.

I considered going to Yavin IV and offering my services in training young Skywalker. I really must discover his name one-day. As my thoughts wandered to thinking of how to begin his training I heard a voice, whispering one word. The word was "no". The source was unclear, fuzzy. I tried locating it and could only get a general direction. Could it be another Jedi? I wondered who it could be.

I watched as the Death Star entered the system. I wondered at the mind, which could conceive of such a weapon. I reminded myself of Tarkin and his willingness to use it. I wondered about the Emperor on Coruscant and whether or not this signaled an awakening from his long sleep. Mostly I wondered what I could do to help the Alliance in this dire moment of its struggle.

I noted ships leaving Yavin IV. Fighters, X-Wings and Y-Wings. Skywalker was amongst them. As they approached the Death Star another ship left Yavin IV.

The one which had helped in their escape from the Death Star earlier. The feelings of the pilot and co-pilot were mixed.

One felt they were running away, while the other felt the same, but tried to hide it. I played on his doubt. Made him worry about the people he was leaving behind. His fear of fighting against such odds was keeping him from being the hero he so wanted to be. I delayed him enough for him to forestall his jump to hyperspace. He sat and watched the battle, paying closer attention, telling his co-pilot that Luke would be all right. I finally had a name for young Skywalker. His confidence slowly evaporating as ship after ship was destroyed by TIE fighters.

Finally, able to hold back no longer he began his approach of the Death Star. Having no idea of his goal other than to in someway support his friend. He watched ship after ship explode in flames. As he came closer he switched guns on, tracking the TIEs in pursuit of the last fighter.

In the trench on the last run. Monitoring communications he noted it was his friend Luke. He fired, hitting one of the three fighters. I played off the fear of the other TIE pilot, who tried to avoid what he felt was a bolt meant for him. Colliding with Vaders ship. A Father chasing his Son. I wondered if he knew. Luke, now clear for his shot, took it and ran for home.

With the destruction of the Death Star and Tarkin, I felt a sense of accomplishment for the Rebellion, but a loss for myself at missing my chance. I thought again of training Luke to be the Jedi his father had once been. That was when I again heard the voice telling me "no".

I noted Vaders departure from the system. I considered following and dispatching him.

I was again told "no".

I decided I needed to discover the source of the voice. I was answered with "yes". I tried to find a direction in which it seemed to emanate.

It seemed to be coming from a section of space containing the planet Eriadu, in the Seswenna sector. My new star charts listed it, as an industrial hub controlled by Grand Moff Tarkin (not anymore). I wondered at the coincidence, was it some form of trap? Had the Moff been working with Force-Users against the Emperors wishes? I thought that unlikely. Who would there be to train them anyway?

When I arrived in system, I searched again for the source of the voice. It continued calling to me "yes...closer" Trying to get another fix I chose the planet Bpfassh. Upon arrival I discovered a rather strange planetary system.

A very complex motion of a dual planet system and its moons, but it was clearly not my destination as there was not even a flicker of interest in the Force here.

Taking another search found a nearby system called Dagobah. The charts listed it as entirely primitive, an unpopulated world with only primitive native life present. The answer came quickly " Yes, found me you have. Come to me you must. Listen to me you shall.". Master Yoda?

I set the course for the final leg of my journey. Arriving in the system I found a mist covered jungle planet. Like Yavin in a few superficial ways but much more active with malevolent lifeforms. I searched for Yoda and he guided me to him. Coming through the foliage was difficult but manageable. I found myself in a narrow clearing within view of a small mud hut. I powered down the ship and disembarked.

Waiting in the doorway was Master Yoda. The years seemed to have changed him in little ways. But then how much could they really change a creature over 800 years old?

"Inside you will come. Listen to me you must." I followed him into his small home. I was barely able to fit inside his doorway and found it necessary to crawl on hands and knees. " Sit...sit." I obeyed him and waited for him to begin.

" Klen Har Kwain, for many years had I watched you. Dead I thought you were, with the others. Bright pupil were you. Saw the trouble you did. Listened to you, your Master did not." I sat in silence, eyes downcast, listening to my far distant past as it came alive for me again through Yodas words. "Yes Master Yoda, I could not stand there only to die. I had to escape." I looked up into his eyes, beseeching him to say something, anything that would make my decades of guilt all right. He looked back at me, a frown on his face. " Fault you I can not for your choice to live. Your fear is of concern.... This is why you must not train Skywalker. "

I sat in silence a moment, pondering his words " If not me, then who? Master Kenobi is dead and can not continue his training. I have studied for many years to be a Jedi. I can not allow it to all go to waste. I must do something." Yoda looked at me, shaking his head in concern. Leaning on his cane he turned and walked away, into another room of his home. When he returned he carried in his other hand a diminutive lightsabre. He sat down in a small chair and began dusting it with a rag; he blew some dust off of it, which started him coughing.

" Many years have I kept this. Function it does not. No longer am I a Jedi who fights. I am a Jedi who waits. I wait for the student who will seek me. That student, you are not. "

"But Master Yoda, why am I not? What is wrong with me? I have spent most of my life learning to be a Jedi. I have trained many years at the Temple, then many more on my own. While it was true I was once impetuous, I have grown older and wiser in my years alone.". Sighing Yoda begins to put away the sabre." I can recharge that for you if you wish?" turning he points his cane at me and says" That is why you must not train Skywalker. Always ready to fight. Enough of that has he already. No more does he need."

Properly chastised by Master Yoda I sit in silence as he returns his sabre to his room. As he slowly returns to his chair I ask him " What then should I do? I want to help the Alliance in this struggle against the Empire. What should I do? " As Yoda sat in thought he turned to me and said " Know of you the Emperor does not. Know of you Vader does not. Hidden you must stay from them or ruin will you bring down on many. Stay with me for awhile as you train. A Jedi Knight must you first become."

" But I thought I was a Jedi? I was well along in my studies as a Padawan. I've spent over 20 years since then improving my skills. What more must I learn?"

"Incomplete still are your skills. Hone them I will, temper you I must."

I accepted Master Yoda as my teacher. I felt foolish to be playing the student again at my age, but it is difficult to argue with 800 years of training and skill. He was pleased at my skills and surprised at my abilities, but he also felt I had many lessons to unlearn before I could be anything but a Padawan in his eyes. I spent nearly a year training with master Yoda. During which time he and I would watch the progress in the galaxy made by the Alliance and also the more vigilant pursuit by the Empire.

Yoda watched Luke from afar, as did I. Yoda deciding the time was not yet right. Master Kenobi came to visit us from time to time, always speaking with Yoda and asking if it was time yet to send Luke to him. Yoda insisted he was not yet ready to learn.

Finally Master Yoda informed me his instruction of me was at an end. His task for me was one of opportunities. I was to be a constant but unknown thorn in the Empires side. He wished me to travel throughout the galaxy striking blows in the name of the Alliance but never revealing myself as a Jedi. I could not let it be known that a Jedi was running around or the Emperor would clamp down even tighter on the systems trying to root the enemy out. I must attack remote targets and flee before support or witnesses could determine the cause. I was to be a one-man guerilla force for the Alliance.

I once again looked forward to having a purpose in my life, a sense of accomplishment. Now to pick my first target.

Having decided upon my mission. It was clear my best course of action would not be in working with the Alliance, but in working in places in which the Alliance did not have a presence. Hopefully taking pressure off of them and keeping the Empire on their toes.

A large group is far easier to notice than one man.

Of course I couldn't simply attack on my own. As much as I wanted to be like the Jedis I had heard stories of growing up within the Temples, I could not afford to be that bold. I needed to recruit others to the Alliances cause.

I chose to first go for out of the way systems, so if there were reprisals they would be less severe since the Empire could not afford to spread it's assets that thinly.

I chose the planet Garqi, in the Outer Rim, near Dantooine. It was an agricultural world. Under control of the Empire, Imperial Governor Tadrin, who spent much of his time elsewhere and thus, entrusted the security of the planet to the military prefect Mosh Barris.

It is an uninteresting looking red and purple planet. According to the Imperial charts, it exported to nearby planets in the system and possessed a University. The university would be my first choice as a place to begin my investigation into insurrection.

I landed out in the jungles. The planet, being sparsely populated was not overly concerned by a single ship. The Imperial presence was weak at best. The roving TIE patrols were easy enough to avoid, as they also were quite sparse.

Once on the ground I outfitted myself externally to appear, as any common man one would expect to see in a university, such as this system possessed. As my mission was to accomplish my work for the Alliance while not revealing myself as a Jedi it was important I not leave behind any telling clues. Which meant I could not use my lightsabre, not where anyone could see it used anyway. I was of course loathe to part with it entirely so I formed a small holster to hold it in the small of my back, making it harder to gain access to, but nonetheless still available to me should I absolutely need it. My paired blades were another matter entirely. I could not simply walk around with two rather large blades attached to my back, not in a place like this at any rate. I had designed what I hoped was a workable solution. I had created a hollow center section, which would act as a staff when each blade was placed in either end. It still looked like a weapon, but people will tolerate a staff when they would not tolerate a blaster or other much more obvious weapon. To increase their acceptance I wore a hooded cloak and walked partially stooped and walked with a noticeable limp. Just another old man, wandering around the school.

My disguise in place, my ship hidden away, I began my trek into the university. It was a largely uneventful journey. The planet was tame when compared to where I had spent most of my life.

Once on the campus most people left me alone. I was just an old man walking about and looking at things to all the youngsters there. I looked into the course curriculum, not very interesting. Mostly dealing with agricultural concerns. There were a few courses in higher mathematics and manufacturing of vessel sub systems. Not really the type of thing I had expected from a university important enough to be noted in the Imperial database. As I wandered about the campus I was noted and mostly ignored by students as they passed.

Once a woman came up to me and asked me if I were perhaps lost. I informed her I was merely looking into education possibilities for my grandson. " I don't believe you're old enough to have a grandson." She was polite in the manner she said it, so I was unsure of how to act. I had not spoken to a woman in years, not since I was a child. Unsure how to answer her and not wanting to be rude I simply replied " Well that may be, but I'm still looking into courses here. In particular I have some interest in high tech courses dealing with shipbuilding. I don't see much available so far. Are you a student here?" She smiled as she informed me " No, I'm an instructor. I teach hyperdrive applications." She did not look old enough to have that as a specialty, much less be teaching a course in the subject. " Do you work with Imperial designs, only? " she was silent for a moment as she formulated a response, I could see the matter gave her some concern, but she hid it well. " A ship is a ship. Imperial designs tend to be more standardized since they build so many more of them, but after so many years of hyperspace travel the designs behind the drives has not changed overly much. Why are you so interested in the subject?"

Smiling within the shadow of my cloak, I responded " I merely ask on behalf of my grandson. It amazes me the things work at all. So fragile, I half expect to see the ships blow up. " Delicately, I didn't wish to alarm her, merely interest her. " So tell me, are they really that fragile or am I merely a doddering old fool?" looking at the ground she said, " I don't believe you're doddering at all, are you? "

"Whatever do you mean young lady?"

" I mean you're not fooling me with the old man routine. It might work on the others, but I grew up around boys pulling pranks. Not sure what your 'prank' is though, but I do have my suspicions."

" Perhaps we shouldn't discuss this in the streets."

" I think you're right, 'old man'. "

We left the street, went into a small park on the other side of the campus. She asked me if I were affiliated with certain non-Imperial groups. Judging she was worth the risk I told her I was. We spoke conversationally for a time. Just an old man and a woman, talking in the park. She was interested in helping me with my plans. I informed her of the risks, but she seemed to think they were no worse than living on an Imperial controlled world and was eager to help.

Her best asset was her knowledge of ship design. She was able to help with areas of sabotage which otherwise would not have occurred to me.

She also knew which students I should avoid and which might be interested in joining the Alliance.

I learned her name was Keilla Corrum. She had been an instructor at the school for a few years and most certainly knew her subject. She was nearly my age and as time went on we found ourselves growing closer together, but that is another matter.

Our first target would be the Imperial shipyard in Yaga Minor. It was (relatively speaking) nearby to Garqi. Some time had passed since the Alliance victory against the Empires Death Star. The Empire was regrouping after that telling blow. We noted a lot of ship traffic leaving the area, but no Imperial ships entering the vicinity. The place had become a market for the Imperials need of ships.

There were still some ships in system, but not nearly as high a level as were there prior to the destruction of the Death Star. We slipped in on the far side of the planet from the ship building yards and flew in low until we were just beyond the horizon. If we had planned correctly and been careful on our approach, they would not be ready for us.

There were 9 of us, most were students of Keillas and had specialized in hyperdrive design. They knew what could be done to render one inoperable. Some of their ways were undetectable and would simply leave the ship without a functional hyperdrive. Others would disable the drive in a rather spectacular manner, by failing while in route. Literally tearing the ship apart from stresses it would normally be protected from while returning from hyperspace.

We brought only the tools necessary to carry out the necessary 'repairs' to their drives. I had forgone my blades in favor of my lightsabre. Still held in its sheath in the middle of my back. I hoped I wouldn't need it, but could not leave without it. We traveled together in a single group. This made it more likely we might be spotted, but if we were, we would most likely be overlooked. We were all dressed as technicians, carrying our tools and moving from ship to ship. Picking ones that were not already being outfitted but had drives in place.

That night we finished 14 ships, we also lost 3 men.

It was all going so well that some of the students became a little lax in their behavior. They had traveled off ahead to the next ship in the line, when they came face to face with a crew of technicians. One in command was calling over guards as I was leaving the previous ship. When the Stormtroopers arrived on the scene I tried calming them as I slowly and carefully approached the group. The three students had begun to worry, panic clear on their faces. I tried to soothe them as well, get them to relax.

I was too late. He had panicked and struck out with a hydrospanner he was carrying in his hand. The guard shot him at point blank range. Things had gotten out of hand; all had been going so well. Everything slowed down for me then. All the people were moving in slow motion as I speeded myself up to clean this mess up as quickly as possible. As I moved in my lightsabre came out and ignited. I sidestepped the first Stormtrooper as he turned to fire, slicing off the arm, which held his blaster at mid forearm. The other four Troopers, moving in to stop me, I continued moving to my right around them as I accelerated my speed. I could see them, barely able to follow me as they tried to lead me on a passing shot. They continued to miss me. They hit 4 more of the students, two died from those wounds. The others would live, but only if I got them out of here. I was confident I could do so, but I must succeed.

As I was dealing with the troopers, the officers began drawing weapons they'd almost forgotten they carried. More trouble to deal with, more people to kill. Moving in amongst them so as to hinder their fire I cut them to pieces. Some, those suffering I dispatched as the battle ended.

The students were in a panic now. I calmed them, those that were left. We did not have time to hike all the way back to the ship. We took our wounded with us, stole an Imperial transport and flying low, and returned to our ship.

Splitting into two teams we left in the same manner we had arrived, only much more quickly. Keeping the planet between the base and us we set a series of hyperspace jumps to three different locations before finally returning home to Garqi. We hid both vessels where I had hidden my ship before. It would not do to let the Imperials track us by them.

I would take care of the matter, but first we must see to the dead and wounded. It was a cold process for the dead, we couldn't afford to let their deaths be tracked back here, so friends in the schools administration changed their records indicating transfers to other schools or returning to a family farm. Whatever it took to hide the matter for now.

I calmed myself as we took care of the wounded. Trying to think of ways to stop needing to kill people and have good people dying around me. No matter where I turned I was forced into these types of choices or dying. I could not simply blame the Empire though. Perhaps what I had done was brutal, but it was nothing compared to what the Empire had done to Alderaan or countless other worlds over the last 20 years.

Which was poor comfort to a Jedi trained to view life as sacred. I could rationalize my choices all I liked, but in the end this would continue until the Empire fell.

I must plan more carefully. Choose my compatriots more wisely.

I had made a serious mistake in the use of my lightsabre on our mission. It would be a telltale that would haunt us if I could not cover it up.

It would attract too much attention to us.

The Empire believed all the Jedi were dead.

I had to find a weapon which could leave a similar wound to a lightsabre and leave it in place, and soon. Hopefully drawing suspicion away from the idea that a Jedi was about in the Emperors galaxy.

I equipped one of my blades with a high-energy field. This enabled it to still cut, but also leave a cauterized wound channel. I hated to lose one, but could not manufacture a suitable alternative in time to remove suspicion.

I chose to leave immediately, going on my own to the same base. There guard would be up and they would likely be alert for anything, but I was travelling alone and knew that I would have an excellent chance with only myself to worry about.

Keilla was waiting for me as I left the students. The look in her eyes was furious " What have you done? What are you? ". With a face cold and void of expression I explained I was going to fix the error now. She was not having any of it. " You know exactly what I mean. What ARE you? The students told me how you killed those Imperials. I've not heard of anything like it. Not since the time of the Republic, but then I was just a girl then."

" You are better off not knowing." anger in her eyes " Who are you to tell me what is best for me? ".

She had a point, a good one. " I'll tell you, but please, not here. The fewer people who know, the better. " Not at all happy with the matter but willing to bide her time she assured me she was willing to listen.

" I am a Jedi Knight. I was only a teenager when the Purge began. I sensed it coming and fled to save myself. I have lived until just over a year ago, by myself on Yavins fourth moon. I grew up there and trained myself. I am the only Jedi in the galaxy fighting for the Alliance. All the rest were killed and if the Emperor discovers I exist he will not rest until I am dead as well.

" She spent a long time in silent thought. When she finally looked at me again she asked what I planned on doing. I informed her of my plan in covering up the error at the ship facility. I needed to cover my tracks and leave them a false set of clues.

" I hope you understand. If not then I can do my best to lead the Empire on a merry chase in another direction. We were far enough away and took plenty of precautions coming back that they shouldn't be able to track us back here, but if such is your wish, I can go and take their interests with me. "

With that I stood to leave, only to find her grabbing my arm " Please don't leave. " her eyes on the verge of tears. " I must, I can't let the Emperors attention become focused on this part of the galaxy. It would only be a matter of time before he locked down every planet in the sector in his attempt to find me. " Grasping my arm harder as she said " No, you don't understand. I don't want you to leave. I couldn't bear it if I lost you now. I've grown...accustomed to your presence. "

That was when I finally understood her meaning. I had no experience in such matters. I grew up so fast and on my own that there was never opportunity for love and no one to feel it for me or me for them. " I'm sorry, I must do this now. I will return as soon as I can, but this must be done and it must be done soon, before suspicions focus the Emperors attentions in this direction. " I turned to leave, looking back once again, trying to smile for her. Knowing how weak it was even as I did it.

The flight back to the shipyard was of no importance. It all was just one series of mechanical movements to get me to my destination. When I arrived in system, there was much more comm traffic as well as ships flying patrols. I tried to focus all my efforts on getting people to look the other way. To not place any special interest on just another shuttle flying around, nothing special, pay it no mind.

I was able to get in near to the shipyard. I chose another entrance, farther away. I wanted them to feel that the attacker from earlier had never left. Merely hidden out while biding his time. I'd left no witnesses last time so no one could describe events of the previous assault. I wanted to make this look like another such assault. I did not want them to think on the reason for the attack, merely that there had been another attack. This became more complicated the more I thought on the matter. What could I do to make them look at anything but the hyperdrives?

The obvious answer was a more direct form of sabotage. So I had come prepared with charges for destroying some ships on the pads. I chose empty ship shells as being the best choice. Not very well guarded. The primary component necessary for each ship. A simple target. One that the Empire would expect to be hit as easier.

Sneaking in proved a little more difficult than last time as the number of guards was far thicker than before. Moving from shadows and from ship to ship, I managed to get farther into the facility, amongst the ship hulls.

I began placing charges carefully. I did not want to be discovered to soon. After I finished placing the charges I needed to time an attack on guards with the explosions. It was difficult waiting for the elements to arrive in place. I couldn't believe that yet again I would find myself killing, so soon after wishing I had not. Further evidence that Yoda was right about me.

Finally my moment arrived; a squad of Stormtroopers was leading a unit of technicians off shift. I waited until they had walked along side my hiding place then I jumped out to meet them. I tried to keep my attack such that I could leave witnesses sure of what they'd seen, but I couldn't chance them killing me in the attempt. I quickly dispatched over two thirds of them with the blade, it was clear they'd never seen anything like it, I disarmed all but one of the few remaining ones, before 'allowing' him to shoot the blade from my hand. I feigned an injury before taking a blaster and shooting him dead.

It was at that moment the explosions began to go off. In the confusion I turned and ran. Hoping that enough of them would survive to spread the lie they'd witness. That they'd just seen some Rebel with a different sort of weapon, nothing special. Yes he killed a lot of our men, but only because he surprised us. This is what I wanted them to say. This is what I needed them to say. This is what I nudged a few of them into thinking.

Then I ran as fast as I could to escape before they could capture me. I arranged my departure to be a little sloppier than my arrival. Let them think their security was strong enough. I took some light damage from some TIE fighters, but the shields held and I made my first jump to hyperspace, then followed it with a series of others, each in a different direction, confusing my trail and hopefully losing any pursuers. I waited for half a day after my fifth jump. Just to be certain I wasn't followed. No pursuit came, so I set course for Garqi.

When I arrived back Keilla was there to greet me. She came running up to my ship as it landed and came in through the hatch as it opened. Rushing towards me and wrapping her arms around me. " Don't ever do that again. " she whispered.

Keilla was the beginning of the end for me. Being with her was making me weak, when I needed to be at my best. I found it harder leaving her to go on missions, growing closer as time past. It became harder to focus myself on the goals I had set myself.

That is why I missed the arrival in system of Governor Tadrin.

I was away on a mission when he decided to come home and check up on his planet. He had heard rumors concerning the university. It seems some of the students had talked.

When I arrived back from my mission, they had already taken in people for 'questioning'. Among them Keilla and her students. My first knowledge of this came in the form of a broadcast from the governors mansion.

He announced a list of Rebel sympathizers recently captured. I knew everyone on the list. It was then that he announced me by way of description and a drawn picture.

I left to pack my bags. That was when the Stormtroopers blew open my door.

I'd become sloppy and people were paying for my mistake. It was only fair I pay as well. I'd come so far only to fail.

But not yet, igniting my sabre I leave the bedroom to meet them. I refuse to let it end like this. For my friends, for Keilla to be the price of my lax behavior. I destroyed the Stormtroopers as quickly as possible. More awaited me outside, but I returned to my room to finish packing. I would never see this place again, so I must think carefully.

Once backed I strapped my bag on and went to meet the rest of the troops. They'd grown restless and come in to find their comrades dead. I killed them as well. Life moved so quickly for me now. Running from one event to another. I found myself in the Imperial shuttle they had come to take me away in. I was looking out the window, watching my home burn. In the back of my mind I recall thinking that should destroy the evidence.

Next I find myself talking my way through the governors security, requesting landing instructions.

Once I had landed and I had opened the door with troops waiting to take the 'prisoner' into custody. My world came crashing back into focus. It was all so clear to me now. My thoughts were like crystal. I moved forward on the attack, side stepping blaster bolts and deflecting others in my rush to get down the ramp, to break into the holding cells, to free my friends, to free my love.

I would allow nothing to stand in my way. Imperials fell around me. I gained entry to the holding cells and killed any that stood before me.

Once I freed the first, they freed others. All the while I asked where Keilla was. None of them knew, they had been kept separate. I called out her name, but in the din of the station alarms I could not hear her.

It was then I sensed her at the far end. Far removed from the others. I rushed to her cell and freed her. We fell into one anothers arms. We cried, we swore we would never leave one another again.

I cried out for everyone to hurry to the ship. We needed to make our escape. As we loaded on board they again opened fire on us. I deflected the blasts as before. Protecting us as I could. No one died though a few sustained injuries. Once on board I activated the shields.

Taking off we found ourselves under fire from heavier gun emplacements around the base. We didn't have the weaponry to silence them and every moment we waited was another for them to bring ships to bear on us.

I was too late. TIE fighters approached from our right. There were three of them. Weapons firing as I added strength to the shields on that side. I had one of the students plot a random jump and a series of follow up jumps as quickly as possible.

While they worked on that I worked on trying to lose the fighters. Running full rear deflectors I attempted to keep them dodging as much as possible while trying to track me. I was nowhere near as maneuverable as the TIEs and we both knew it, it was only a matter of time.

Our only hope was in making the jump before they could get through our shields.

Then the other fighters arrived. We took a direct hit to the front of the shuttle. Shields were still full on the rear to protect us from the TIEs in back. Switching the shields, they overloaded.

We were defenseless, engines powering up for the jump to hyperspace. Clawing for space as we were hit yet again. The ship shuddering as we began to crash back towards the ground. Everyone was strapping in as I tried to control our descent. It was hopeless. Nothing could save us now.

We plowed into the ground at a shallow enough angle that for awhile we merely skipped across the surface. Losing speed in fits and starts as parts of the shuttle sacrificed themselves so we could perhaps survive.

When we came to a stop finally, there was blood in my eyes. I tried to wipe it away, only to find more taking it's place. I went back into the ship to check on the others, but mostly to find Keilla.

Sadly I found her. She didn't fare so well in the crash. A section of the ship collapsed on top of her. I found myself hoping she died instantly. After all the suffering I had caused in my life, this was merely one further indignity.

Many of the students were in just as bad a shape as she was. Some lived. They attempted to rescue what they could. I pushed them out of the ship and prepared to fire it. It was all I could think to do for her. I couldn't take her and I couldn't simply leave her for them.

Once the charges were set I led the others in to the surrounding foliage, seeking a hiding spot from the patrols flying over the wreckage.

I suggested we split up. Once I convinced them of likely directions of escape. I prepared myself. I had fought this battle long enough. Keillas death was one too many for me to bear. I could not go on watching those around me die and console myself with the facts that I was at least fighting the good fight against the Empire.

This would be my final stand. My last gesture.

They came at me from three sides. Imperial Stormtroopers. I waded into them to try and take as many of them with me as possible, while holding them from finding the others.

It was an all or nothing battle. I had nothing left, so I held nothing back. I killed them in such great numbers that soon I was hindered by their bodies. I had fewer options in my movement and found myself unable to dodge far enough, fast enough.

I was losing by inches as grazing blaster bolts caused me more and more pain. Finally I could stand no more and collapsed under withering fire.

As I lay there thinking of Keilla I triggered the charges on the shuttle.

My last thoughts were of you my love...

© (copyright) Wes Hutchings. All Rights Reserved.

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