“Yes my love. All is right with us now.” Anakin looked down at his daughter and smiled, but his smile slowly faded when he looked at Han. His forgiveness was also required before his soul could be purged entirely from past atrocities. He looked Han directly in his eyes and said, “I know I have no right to ask this of you, but your forgiveness is necessary also.”
Han looked at Anakin with shock on his face. “You’ve got to be kidding! You tortured my wife, murdered thousands of innocent people, and destroyed billions of lives. Now you’re asking me to forget everything you’ve done. Go to hell you bastard!”
“I know it’s a lot to ask Han, but you’ve got to forgive my father. It’s the only way to save your children,” Luke pleaded.
Han ignored Luke. He stared at Leia thinking she’d been hypnotized. The man claiming to be Anakin Skywalker had to be using the Force to control her. Well, he wouldn’t be fooled. He’d never forgive Darth Vader, no matter what name he used. He finally turned towards Luke and answered. “No. I won’t forgive him. I’d be betraying everything I’ve ever believed in.”
Luke walked over and stood next to him. “Do you think I could’ve forgiven my father if he was still the same evil person we’d encountered in life? Do you think Leia could’ve forgiven him? He’s not Darth Vader anymore. All he wants to do is make things right. He needs your forgiveness in order to save your children, my niece and nephew.”
Han shook his head no. “I’m sorry Luke. I can’t. It goes against my grain.” Yet as Han said it, he glanced over at the being known as Palpatine’s assassin. Maybe the kid was right. Leia had just forgiven him. Maybe there was some truth in what Luke said. If Leia could overcome her fear and forgive her father, perhaps he really did want to atone for all the atrocities he’d committed.
“I do want to make amends Han. I’m aware that you doubt I’m Anakin Skywalker, but I assure you that I’m no longer Darth Vader. The only reason I was born is to bring balance to the Force. Everyone thought I’d restored balance when I killed Palpatine. I believed so too, but I was wrong. A new pestilence has befallen us. He’ll destroy the galaxy if not stopped. I have to destroy this cancerous growth before it spreads any further. I fear it may already be too late.”
Han gasped. He couldn’t believe that this man knew what he was thinking.
“I implore you my friend. Look into my father’s eyes. You’ll see that he isn’t evil now. He’s no longer Darth Vader. Please Han. You’ve got to forgive him,” Luke begged.
Han looked at his closest friend. The kid hated his father all his life, at least until after the Battle of Endor. What had happened to cause such a drastic change? How could he come to love Darth Vader? Why was Luke so determined that he forgive him? And what of Leia? Han was completely baffled.
“You don’t have to understand it Han,” Leia said. “Just look into my father’s eyes and you’ll know why we forgave him.”
Once again Han was shocked. Could Leia read his mind as well?
Leia chuckled. “No Han. I can’t read your mind. It’s just that we’ve known each other for so long. I know exactly what you’re thinking by the expression on your face.”
“That’s a relief.”
“We’ll discuss that remark later, but it isn’t important now. What does matter is that you forgive my father. Please Han. You’ve got to forgive him. Do it for me,” Leia pleaded. “Do it for our children. Look into his eyes. Everything will be crystal clear once you do.”
Han couldn’t help but give in to Leia’s plea. He looked from her to Anakin. What he saw reflected back was pure love. This surely wasn’t the being he knew as Darth Vader. Why hadn’t he seen him this way before?
“Now do you understand?” Leia asked.
“Not really.”
“You’re wondering why you didn’t feel my father’s love,” Luke said. “It’s simple. You weren’t ready to accept him as he truly is. You’ve overcome your hate, just as he has.”
“My darling husband. You know how much I’ve feared my father all my life. I held onto my hatred too. If I can forgive him, I know you have it in your heart to forgive him as well. I’m begging you Han. You must do this for our children’s sake. It is the only way to save them.” Leia urged.
Han looked at Anakin again. Luke told him that this man saved his life. Leia and Luke both claimed that this being was no longer Darth Vader. Yes. Han couldn’t ignore the truth any longer, finally realizing this person wanted to save his children. He finally said, “Who am I to go against my wife’s wishes. If she can forgive you, I guess I have no choice but to do the same.”
Anakin smiled at him. As he did a bright glow of light started to radiate outward.
Han felt a tremendous warmth spreading throughout his entire body. He tried to take his eyes from the incredible light that shown with an illumination that was almost blinding. Nothing he’d ever experienced made him feel so complete. Not even the birth of his own children. Han knew he was right to forgive this remarkable entity. Han Solo finally saw through the veiled darkness of Darth Vader. Instead he saw the brilliant, loving light of the Chosen One.
*
Anakin stood at the edge of the forest with Luke by his side. He held his wife’s hand in his. He looked down at her wanting to speak. Feeling his need, Luke stepped a few feet away giving them privacy.
“I’m afraid I have to leave you my darling,” Anakin said as he gently stroked his wife’s face. “I don’t want to go, but I have no choice.” He ran his fingers through her hair while looking into her eyes. “It seems as if we’re always saying goodbye my angel. I can’t tolerate being away from you for more than a few seconds, but circumstances always seem to arise that separate us. I wish we never had to part.”
“Hold me Ani.”
Anakin pulled Padme to his chest, feeling her heart beat in sync with his own. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. When their lips finally parted Anakin whispered in her ear. “Why do I have to be the one to face this abomination Padme? I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face the Sith this time. What if I fail? What will happen to mankind? And what of us? Will I transcend this dimension into another? What if we’re parted forever?”
“Don’t fear my darling. There’s no need to concern yourself with such matters. I have no doubt you’ll be the victor.”
“I wish I had your confidence. Oh Padme. I’ll miss you so much.”
“I’ll miss you too Anakin. You have no idea how much, but now you have no choice. You must confront this new Sith Lord.”
Anakin sighed. “I know,” he said softly. He kissed Padme once more before reluctantly pulling away. “Wait for me my love,” he said before finally turning from her.
“I’ll wait forever Ani.” Padme held back her tears as she watched her husband walk towards the Temple. Luke went to his mother and kissed her cheek in farewell before following his father.
*
The Supreme Ruler felt the moment of his wife’s conception. She wasn’t yet aware that she’d bear his child. Remarkably, she’d conceived the very first time he’d assaulted her. Lord Vader thought this a good thing. The baby would understand that he’d been created through a violent act, learning to hate even before his birth. Hate was a valuable asset. It made one more powerful.
It didn’t matter what gender was born to him, but Lord Vader was extremely happy that his seed would produce a male child. His wife’s pregnancy was never in his original plans, but it was a very fortunate outcome. Padmay Solo had inherited the powers of the Force through her Darth Vader, which would be passed on to their child. The Supreme Ruler’s powers would pass on to his son as well. He’d be the most powerful being the universe ever beheld. His child would be even more powerful than the Sith Lord was now.
As soon as the embryo developed into the fetal stage, Lord Vader used the Force to become one with his child, just as Sidious had become one with him. The only difference with this transference was that the child was aware of their blending. Th
ere was no need to hide this information within his son’s subconscious as was necessary with Darth Vader. When the time came for the Sith Lord to bequeath his vast domain to his offspring, he’d live on again through him. An uncontrollable laughter suddenly shook the man. Lord Vader was filled with absolute glee realizing the circumstance was a phenomenal paradox.
This then was his true destiny. He’d never truly die. The being known as Darth Vader would continue to reincarnate through future generations. The Supreme Ruler’s reign would last forever!
Chapter Twenty
- Deadly Foes-
The Chosen One stood on the steps of the Temple gathering his thoughts. Never before had his opinion counted, but now, every Jedi that ever lived was gathered waiting to hear him speak. He was overwhelmed. What could he say to stress the importance of the situation? For over a thousand years the Jedi had fought the Sith in order to keep the peace. Now, even in death, they’d have to face the Sith again.
Anakin inhaled deeply. Letting it out slowly, he began his speech, “My Masters. Brothers and sisters. May I please have your attention?” The murmuring quickly subsided as they looked up at him. Anakin bowed to them showing respect, then rose and said, “You all know why we’ve gathered here today. We’ve all felt an extraordinary disturbance in the Force. I’m certain most of you are aware that this disruption is caused by a new Sith Lord. Some of us have already faced this inconceivable enemy. We won that skirmish, but now, we must all confront this malignancy together.”
Anakin paused letting each one sense the urgency in his voice before beginning again. “Each and every one of you knows who I am and what I became in life. The beings whose lives I’ve destroyed while under the influence of the Dark Side have all forgiven me. I can’t express how grateful I am. I have no excuse for the atrocities I’ve committed, but I’ve learned there was a specific reason why I turned. It was prophesied that I was born to restore balance to the Force. That is true, but balance has not been achieved.” He paused again in order to sense their reaction. Though surprised, none said a word.
He continued. “The midi-chlorians created me knowing full well that I’d turn to the Dark Side. Having instilled an extraordinary craving for ultimate power inside me, they knew I wouldn‘t be able to resist when tempted. You may ask why they did this. It was important that I learn about the Sith and the powers they possess. It is said that we should know our enemies better than ourselves. Never a truer phrase was spoken. I was born in order to defeat the Sith, but I cannot do it alone. My friends. An insane creation has arisen from my blood. My evil half has been reincarnated. This Sith Lord holds Darth Sidious’ knowledge of the Dark Arts, as well as Darth Vader’s abilities. He wants to reinstate Palpatine’s tyrannical empire. We cannot allow it to happen. I ask that you all join with me in order to defeat this powerful opponent. If any of you declines, I’ll certainly understand, but I need each and every one of you in this crusade against the Sith. If one of us falters we all fail, but we’ll not be the only ones who’ll suffer the consequences. The ones we left behind shall bear this burden the most. I humbly beseech you. Will you join me in my cause to defeat this terrible Sith Lord?”
There was no shout of acceptance from the Jedi. There was no need to yell out. Anakin felt each and every one of them accept the challenge that lay before them. He wouldn’t face this phenomenal enemy alone. The Jedi would confront this evil foe as one united entity.
*
The Death Star was already orbiting Coruscant when the Solaris entered the system. Gris had just ordered Vader’s children to scan the defense systems on the planet. They were in the process of doing so when one of the children said, “We’re having a bit of a problem sir.”
The Grand Moff turned to the officer, “What do you mean?”
“We are having trouble controlling the inhabitants on the planet sir.”
Not again, Lucian thought. “I don’t understand. Are you saying you can’t block their defense systems?”
“Yes sir. Something is preventing it. We’re having the same difficulty we had when we encountered that star cruiser while still in the Malastare system.” The child paused and looked down at his monitor. “The planet’s defector shields are fully operational sir.”
“Sir,” the communications officer spoke up.
The Grand Moff’s irritation started to surface as he asked, “Now what?”
“Three vessels are in the area. Assistance is on the way.”
“How is that possible? Block their transmissions immediately,” Gris ordered.
“We are trying sir.” The children looked at each other with puzzled expressions on their faces.
This can’t be happening again, Lucian thought. He had a terrible sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. If Vader’s children were so powerful, how were they being blocked? Had the rebels developed a new kind of technology they couldn’t penetrate? The Grand Moff didn’t have time to ponder the circumstance for long.
“Sir. There’s one incoming cruiser approaching. They’ve contacted the other vessels and are preparing for an attack.
“Four battleships? Sound the alarms to battle stations. Order the pilots to their fighters,” Gris commanded before hurrying to the viewport.
*
An attack had been ordered by Captain Brant. Ship’s company were already at their assigned stations. Ben was settled in his X-Wing awaiting orders to launch. Communications had been established with the three cruisers. Their fighters were already on the way. The battleships would be within range of the Death Star shortly.
Ben was eager to confront the enemy. He knew the Death Star destroyed planets on their way to Coruscant. He’d sensed the inhabitants fear as their homes were fired upon for no reason. He wondered why so many had to die. What was their crime? Who could be so hateful that they destroy so many innocent lives? Of course, Ben already knew the answer. It was this new Sith Lord. If this person could slaughter so many without hesitation, how easy would it be for him to kill Padmay?
Ben recalled how his shipmates the Solaris had been shielded when they first encountered the Death Star, yet he’d been the only fighter protected. Had the Jedi gathered enough in strength to protect his comrades this time? Were the Jedi strong enough to defend Coruscant? What if they failed? Coruscant was the center of all democracy. If destroyed, the New Republic would certainly fall and the Sith would rule again. Ben was determined not to let that happen. He put his thoughts on hold as permission to launch was given. He exited the Solaris and grouped up with his squadron.
“This is Rogue One,” Lieutenant Sagan spoke into his comlink confidently. “This is for the big one men. I don’t have to tell you what’s at stake here. It’s all or nothing. You’re a fine group of pilots and I’m proud to be serving with you. Good luck my friends. Now, let’s send those bastards to hell.”
Ben’s comlink was filled with cheers of upcoming victory. He felt a surge of pride to belong to such a courageous group of men. As he looked out his canopy, Ben noted that the X-Wings that were sent from the other cruisers had arrived. They grouped up into units and headed towards the enemy.
*
The battle began. Ben soared up behind a TIE. Getting the target in his crosshairs, he proceeded to fire a burst from his laser cannons. Before he could fire on the ship, the TIE broke left, then a hard right. Ben kept pace with him as the craft angled around to get on his six. He put his X-Wing in a tight loop and closed on the TIE again, but the fighter kept out of the kill zone. Ben looked out his canopy and noticed that his comrades were having the same difficulty locking onto their targets. The TIE’s were keeping just out of firing range. It was almost as if they were playing games. This went on for a number of minutes. A TIE closed on an X-Wing and blasted his canons. Game time was over.
A TIE started to pursue Ben. He corkscrewed, and then pulled up trying to stay out of the pilot’s range, but the TIE stuck to him like glue. Ben suddenly felt the pilot scanning his mind. Two can play that game, h
e thought. Ben blocked the pilot and turned the tables by scanning his enemy’s thoughts. He felt the pilot’s rage as he did. Ben was astounded when he discovered what they were doing. Each TIE pilot had the ability to read minds. They knew exactly what maneuver Ben’s comrades were planning. The advantage made it impossible for the X-wings to defeat the TIE’s.
Ben didn’t have time to warn his comrades before two TIE fighters joined the TIE that pursued him. He soared out of the kill zone an instant before their spray of lasers flowed past his canopy. The starpilot instinctively used the Force to block his thoughts from them as well. Since they couldn’t read his mind, the pilots couldn’t keep up with his fast paced maneuvering. Ben went into a steep climb and they lost sight of him. Diving towards them, he simultaneously fired his laser cannons. The enemy fighters exploded into bits of burning debris. Ben flew through the firestorm seeking more enemy crafts.
The young man wondered why the Jedi weren’t shielding him, nor the other X-Wings. Hadn’t they gathered enough in strength yet? And what about his grandfather? Where was he? Ben didn’t have time to ponder his situation as another TIE soared up behind him. He outmaneuvered the pilot and fired. The ship was destroyed.
Finally in the clear, he radioed the X-Wings to warn them what the enemy was doing, but the signal wouldn’t go through. He used the Force to warn them instead. He heard Steffen’s stunned reply.
“I hear you Ben. I just don’t understand how I can hear your voice inside my head.”
“There’s no time to explain it now. Just listen to me. Don’t think of your next maneuver. Just do it. The enemy can read your mind. They know your next move before you even make it. Don’t think about anything but taking them out Steffen. Let you instincts take over.”
“I’ll do my best ole’ buddy, but you’ve got a lot to explain when we get back on board the Solaris,” Steffen said as a TIE attacked.
Ben quickly reversed thrusters as the pilot started firing on Steffen. Using the Force, he sent his thoughts to the pilot ordering him to stop the assault. It worked. Ben then targeted the TIE and fired. It erupted in flames.