A Galaxy in Darkness (Book 2)

The New Empire Arises

          We arrived back on Coruscant safely. Rex sent out a squad of clone troopers to escort the Purge trooper towards the prison. I walked with Fives back to the Jedi Temple, hoping to meet up with Master Luminara and learn of her progress with Master Obi-Wan.

          Whilst walking, Fives saw Echo in the distance talking to Captain Rex. "Hey, Kane, mind if I go catch up with Echo? I have not been able to have a friendly conversation for a while now."

"Of course. If you need me, I'll be somewhere in the Temple."

"Thanks, babe," he replied. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and ran up towards Echo yelling out his name.

I remember Fives telling me a little bit about him on Kamino, but I never knew their bond was that strong.

           Upon entering the Temple, I immediately made my way to the hangar to see if the ship that Master Luminara and Master Secura were on was there. I ran into a clone standing by the entrance.

"Trooper, has Master Luminara returned yet?", I asked politely.

"No, sir. There's been no word from her or the rest of her squad. They should have returned by now."

"This is troubling," I replied, worried. "I hope she has not met a similar foe like the one I encountered earlier today."

"Is another war coming, sir?", the clone asked.

"I fear that is so. Once Master Luminara returns along with her clone troopers, we will have more information."

"Well, whatever is coming, I am ready to fight for the Republic!"

"That's good to hear, trooper," I replied with a smile. "The Republic is lucky to have loyal men like you defending it."

           I went to my quarters and tried to contact Master Luminara through my holopad. Nothing. She taught me early on in my training to not worry about anything and let the Force guide me. However, ever since I met Fives, emotions began to drive me. I try to repress it, but it feels impossible. I calmed myself down and sat down on my bed and began to meditate. I was going to let the Force guide me. I closed my eyes and focused intently on my Master. I needed to figure out where she was. I was engulfed in a white light. Then I heard the sound of a ship landing in the hangar.

"I knew I shouldn't have worried," I said to myself as I ran out of my room.

           I arrived at the hangar just as my Master stepped off of the descended ramp. "Master! It is so good to see you. Have you been able to get through to Master Obi-Wan?"

"Not yet. I was just about to find Ahsoka so she can come talk to him."

I saw Master Kenobi step off the ship. His eyes were bloodshot. Has he been crying? He noticed me and put his hood up to conceal his face. He walked out of the hangar alone, not saying a word to anyone, and headed towards the Council Chamber.

"I'll come with you to get Ahsoka. I need to talk with Master Obi-Wan once she gets him to open up."

"Is it about the new enemy you met while on Yavin 4?"

"Yes. I'm also sure he would like to know what happened to Anakin if he is not already aware of it."

"I would also like to know what happened to Skywalker, but I will be patient and wait until you get to tell Obi-Wan as well."