Beyond - Legends Darkness at the Door - Luke & Ben (Time-Travel) - Update 03/12

Title: Darkness at the Door​

Author: EmeraldJedFire(GravityNeko)​

Timeframe: FOTJ/Legacy AU​

Summary: During there search for the truth, Ben is gravely injured during an encounter with the Lost. Now, miles away from home and aid, Luke seeks beyond all hope to set things right. ​

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Note: I thought the people here might enjoy this one​

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars, nor do I make a profit from my fan fictions.​

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Prologue​

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"BEN!"

Ben could faintly hear his father screaming his name. He sounded frantic; it was a state of being that was never closely associated with Luke Skywalker.

The youth wanted to say something, to call out to his father, but found he couldn't. He couldn't even move; couldn't feel. The only feeling he could feel was the icy cold seeping into his body. He wasn't even capable of shuddering. He worked his mouth, his vision hazy, wavering.

He tried to speak again.

"Da..." It came out in wordless croak.

He could feel a warm puddle of liquid pooling beneath him. It coated his fingers and his arm. It drenched his hip and his side. It spread across his belly.

His belly.

Unlike the rest of his body, it was on fire, throbbing painfully.

What had happened? Ben couldn't recall. He tried to get a handle on the situation but could only feel a faint haze surrounding his mind. He tried to fight it, but felt he was slowly losing to whatever this feeling was.

He tried calling out for Luke again.

Nothing.

"Ben!" Luke's voice was closer. "Oh, Ben,"

Ben could hear a broken timbre in his father's voice. It wavered. Strange. He frowned slightly. This wasn't how he remembered his father. What was wrong?

"Ben," He could feel a hand being slipped underneath his head with another wrapping around his shoulder. "Ben…"

Dad, his mind whispered.

"Don't…" His father hushed him. "You've lost a lot of blood, Ben."

Ben felt a twin wave of anguish and anxiety roll off his father. He heard the tears that entered his voice.

Dad's crying…why…

He didn't understand: couldn't move. He felt himself surrendering to the blackness.

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Luke held his son in his arms, looking down upon the teen's face with worry etched into his features. He surveyed the rest of the boy's body, taking in the mass amount of blood pooling about Ben. It had soaked through his son's tunic and transferred onto Luke's. He didn't care.
Lost a lot of blood...What an understatement.

In a daze, he reached out a hand, placing it over Ben's stomach as if trying to hold back the blood--or close the wound. He wasn't sure at the moment.

This couldn't be happening! This could not be happening!

Luke felt the boy's mind brushed against his, seeking his father out. It was clumsy, Ben's tendril in the Force awkwardly clawing for his father's touch. He could sense his son's confusion and his state of loss. He bit back a cry, willing himself to be strong. He was a Jedi Master… He was better than this!

But he was also a father, his other half reasoned. How could he not feel helplessness at the scene before him?"

Dad…

He desired to reach out to Ben but reigned himself in. No doubt, his feelings were already throwing the boy for a loop—if he could feel them at all. Other than the feeling of confusion, it was hard to decipher out what was coursing through Ben's muddled brain.

Luke stroked the boy's hair.

"It's going to be all right…" He whispered assuredly.

Was it? Could he really promise that?

The Jedi Master felt a warm feeling blanketing him. His son subconsciously was reaching out to him—to comfort him!

He stroked the youth's face. What could he do…? Ben's injuries were grave—and the Shadow didn't have the proper facilities to treat such injuries. Even if they did, Luke wasn't a medic! He couldn't handle this—no amount of Force healing could!

And they were so far from Coruscant.

His heart sagged despairingly. What can I do? What's going to happen to Ben? Please tell me!
Luke could feel Ben's Force aura growing weaker; could feel his boy slipping away; ready to fall prey to the darkness which threatened to engulf him.

No.

He couldn't lose Ben.

Please.

"Please..." Luke whispered brokenly, hanging his head. "Please don't take him from me…Please…you can do anything you wish with me, but not him." He shook his head, tears falling from his eyes. "Haven't I always done enough? Haven't I given of myself selflessly! Why are you doing this—trying to take away the only precious thing I have left in this galaxy!

"Please…don't do this. I'm begging you…he has to live…he's all I have left" He stroked Ben's face, holding the teen closely to him. "Please."

Suddenly, the room went cold, an icy feeling snaking its way up Luke's spine. He shuddered and turned his head. The Jedi stretched out with his senses, straining to feel what was happening. A dull haze then began to enter his mind. Luke fumbled briefly before batting it away swiftly, in a way one would shoo away a pesky insect.

What was this feeling?

He sat ramrod straight, alert. What was going on?

The haze returned in Force, engulfing his mind once more. Luke could feel himself losing his grip on reality. He swayed in place with his arms threatening to release Ben.

No.

He couldn't lose to…whatever this was…he had to save Ben…

A sudden scary thought struck out at him.

Can you really do anything?

Yes, he hissed.

The galaxy seemed to laugh at him. He felt incredibly woozy and his temple was beginning to pound painfully. His vision blurred.

Surrender, the voice seemed to whisper.

"No."

Yes.

Luke struggled against the forced suggestion. He couldn't succumb to this—whatever it was. He didn't care if things looked bleak. He had to fight for Ben! To save Ben!

Then with the Force he pushed against the presence that swathed his mind, urging it to withdraw. Go.

The feeling, however, failed to recede.

Again Luke could almost feel the galaxy's laughter.

"I can't…" He mumbled as the feeling swamped his brain. "Can't…hold out..." It was too powerful; he couldn't fight it. "Ben…I…."

Before he dropped into unconsciousness, he saw a bright flash of white light…then…
…utter blackness.

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Also, let me make a note in advanced that not only is FOTJ AU but also Legacy. Thus the time line will not be how it was in the Legacy comics, but altered.

 

I can't wait to find out where/when they end up.
Very refreshing from the usual L/M one shot.

 

Hm.

A different beginning.

I am curious to know what you are going to do.

 

DARTH_MU

Well, you'll soon find out won't you. This was written actually way before my other L/M works.

Lady_Misty
Thanks. I'm particularly proud of this one.

Note: In case you missed it, let me make a note in advanced that not only is FOTJ AU but also Legacy. Thus the time line will not be how it was in the Legacy comics, but altered.

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Chapter 1​

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129 ABY​

Ossus, Jedi Academy​

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The room was nearly pitch-black, and Cade Skywalker could see faint shadows dancing on the walls from the sparse light that tried to poke its way into the blackness. He tried to see what lay beyond the darkness, but his eyes felt as if they had gauze over them. He rubbed at his eyes in an attempt to dispel the filmy coating over them but was unsuccessful. Feeling around, Cade struggled to upright himself but found he could not .The lower part of his body from the chest downward felt numb; almost as if he was paralyzed. What the…He felt along his torso, aware that the tactile sensation would be absent.

"Just great…what in the Sith is this…?" He muttered, feeling a bit annoyed. "This is a sucky joke."

He brought his head back up and turned it toward where the light had been streaming in. It was small gokob sized aperture—at least from what he could see. The opening which had previously been alight with illumination was now considerably dimmer as if a fog had rolled in.

Just then, an audible sound rang through the space; boots descending across a stone ground. It was quiet at first, seemingly far away, but as it drew nearer, the steps became much louder. Cade should have felt panicked. He couldn't move and an unknown entity was making its way toward him. Yet, strangely he did not. There was no ill intent coming from the direction of this being.

The footsteps stopped a few feet away from the entrance—which had illuminated considerably upon their arrival. From his vantage point, the young apprentice could see the toe of one of the unknown visitor's boots visibly in the brilliant light.
Then….nothing.

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Cade woke up from his spot on the moss-covered forest floor, shielding the sunlight with his hand that threatened to burn his retinas as he came awake. Overhead, the birds flitted through the trees and nearby creatures scampered across branches and climbed the trunks of Kingwood trees. He tested out his legs and was satisfied when they moved without a problem. It had been a dream. Or was it?

He pulled himself the rest of the way into an upright position off the rocky ground, wincing as he did so, and rubbed at his eyes, his head now out of the bright circlet of light. The boy looked around and frowned. Where did he go….

"Ah, Cade," His father's voice rumbled from behind him. "I see you're awake—finally."

Cade turned to look up at his father. Kol Skywalker stood several feet away, on the edge of the clearing, between two large saplings. A sandy-colored pack was slung across his shoulder, hanging from his wrist and gripped by his strong hand. He was wearing brown trousers and copper colored muscle shirt, his muscular arms bared. He had flame-red hair and vivid green eyes set in a lean tanned face. Kol stood at a stunning height of 6'1"—the man was so tall it hurt Cade's neck when he craned it to look up at him.

"Cade?" His father's left eyebrow arched. "Are you okay?"

"I'm good." Cade scrambled to his feet, dusting off the seat of his pants. "I was just…"

"Slacking off."

He was tempted to protest, but bit his lip and remained quiet.

Kol frowned, lowering the pack.

"Cade. Tell me…what's wrong?"

The youth sighed.

"Was it the vision?"

Cade stood resolutely in place and shrugged his shoulders. "You don't know it's a vision."

"I don't know it's not." He frowned. "Are you sure it's the same one?"

Cade replied, "Yes. Same one."

Kol beckoned his son to him, inviting the boy to walk with him back to the Academy. "No changes?"

The conversation followed the usual flow after Cade experienced what Kol called a vision—though Cade wasn't sure if it was
a vision as much as it could have been a very crappy dream. His father would of course insist it was a vision and that he would do well to take it seriously.

"None…" He flicked a bit of leaves of his shoulder and more out of his blonde hair. "It's the same…I'm paralyzed in the dark, then this person approaches. The light gets brighter." He looked up to his father. "Although, I'm pretty sure it's human this time…maybe male."

Kol frowned. "You suspected it to be some other species?"

"I didn't see the being clearly before." He said, almost dismissively

"I see.

"You don't believe me." His son's tone was one of irritation.

"I believe you…"

Cade stopped to pluck a leaf from a low hanging branch. "It's just so strange. Why me? What does it mean?"

"I'm not sure…If it bothers you so much...I can have a talk with the Council."

Cade shook his head. "No, don't bother them over something like that." He split the leaf in half and let it drop back to the ground.

"All right..." Kol flashed a dapper grin. "What should we do today?"

Cade looked askance at his father. "No training?"

"No training."

His son grinned in return. "Bombin'."

Kol suppressed a snicker at the expression the younglings were using these days. In his grandfather's time the world astral was very in vogue and the word wizard in his great-great grandfather's time; which as time went on, astral spawned into nova. He'd often used this as a kid as had his father before him. And now…bombing. He shook his head. It just didn't make sense.

"What?" Cade narrowed his eyes.

"Nothing." He grinned.

"No, you mean something. Your nothing is always something, Dad." He slid his father a sideways glance as they drew closer to the Academy grounds.

Kol placed a hand on the boy's head and ruffled his hair. "Oh, Cade, how astute you are..." He looked down lovingly on the boy. "Have I ever told you how proud I am of you?"

"Sure, but I wouldn't mind hearing it again."

He chuckled at the similar phrase his son always parroted.

"Now…"

"Don't get cocky," His son finished.

There was an intermittent silence between them as they stepped onto the stone courtyard. Cade was the first to break it:
"So what does, Master Sazen, say about this 'no training'?" The boy inquired curiously.

Wolf Sazen, a male Zabrak Jedi, was Cade's Master. In the past Sazen had been apprenticed to Kol Skywalker himself; the two had a strong Master-apprentice relationship. As time drew on, and Sazen rose into knighthood and thereafter became master himself, the two Jedi became very good friends.

As such, Kol and Sazen had a very good understanding when it came to Cade's training.

"Master Sazen approved of my suggestion for a free day." Kol explained.

"Why are we going back into the academy then?" Cade questioned with an arched brow. "What's go-."

Cade stopped his line of questioning as he suddenly froze up.

"Oh, don't talk as if I'm up to something. Can't you just..." His father's voice trailed off when he realized his son was not following him. "Cade?" He pivoted on his heel and stared his son straight in the face. "What's wrong?"

The boy didn't utter a word; didn't move. A far off look graced his face, his green eyes giving off a troubled gaze.
Kol stepped forward and gripped his son's shoulders, shaking him lightly. "Cade? Cade!" He looked down concerned. "Snap out of it…"

After a moment, Cade returned to the present, his eyes coming back into focus. He looked up at his father and frowned.

The Master cocked his head. "Cade?"

Cade stood there for a moment more before whirling around and taking off at a dead run back into the forest.

"CADE!" Kol hollered, eyes widening.

What had gotten into the boy!

Not leaving anymore time for useless questions, he followed his son's suit. Sprinting along, Kol lost the boy several times, before he caught up to him. Cade was fast there was no doubt about; he had always been a very athletic child, able to climb trees while getting into general mischief.

Realizing the gravity of this potential situation, he reached down and yanked the commlink off his belt. He depressed the button. "This is Skywalker. Can you read me, Master Sazen?"

There was static for a brief moment, before the melodious deep voice of the Zabrak Master came on the line.

"I read you, Kol, what is it?"

"It's Cade." He huffed.

"Cade?" Sazen sounded slightly alarmed.

Kol assured, "He's all right, Wolf. It's what's going on that has me worried." He slid to a stop, looking around; he'd lost the boy again. "I want you to get an emergency team ready; I'm starting to have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach."

"Do you need me there?"

Kol didn't reply immediately but stretched out with his senses, trying to feel for Cade's aura in the Force. When he had found the boy, he replied, "No. Just get that team ready to move on my mark." He lowered it for a moment, and then brought it back up. "Skywalker out."'

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Kol came out on the far side of the forest, which lay adjacent to one of Ossus' many slopes. This slope was a particularly steep one. He looked around, searching for his son.

"Cade?" He shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth.

A muffled, "Over here…," sounded from over the cliff's edge.

Kol moved over to the edge and peered over it.

His son was crouched a several feet down on top of a precarious rock slab. His left hand rested on the form of older human male, while the other on a younger male. Cade removed his hand and Kol could see it was smeared with crimson. He started to panic but realized quickly that the blood was not of his son's own.

"This one's hurt real badly, Dad," Cade's voice trembled. "The other ones okay…Just unconscious."

"Hold on, I'll come down."

Kol made his way down, the slope, his fingers finding make shift rungs to dig into as he lowered himself to the ledge. When he'd reached the ledge, he knelt down beside the young male first and examined him. From what he could see the boy was red-haired with light skin. He wore dark clothes that were torn and stained with blood. A particularly large "tear" was a slash over his abdomen with dried on blood. Kol moved over, gingerly examining the spot where there blood had settled. He rolled up the boy's tunic and beheld a deep gash that left the abdomen partially spilt open. It was slightly healed but he could see what remained of the boy's intestines pushing against the wound. He winced visibly at the horrid sight and dropped the tunic.

He brought up his commlink and double clicked it. "I need that team now, Sazen."

"On our way, Kol, we're zeroing in on your location."

Kol lowered his hand and glanced over to the boy then Cade.

"What about the other?"

"Like I said, I think he's just unconscious."

Kol moved over to where the older man lay and gripped the man's jaw gently, turning his head to face him. He drew in a breath; stunned. The man was considerably older, his face aged and worn by time. His once blonde hair had grayed. Yet, despite all this, there was no way Kol would have not recognized this person.

It was Luke Skywalker; his great –grandfather.

"Dad?" Cade leaned over. "What is it? Something wrong with the old man?"

He looked over to his son, eyes dazed. "No," He responded in a shaky breath. "Nothing's wrong." He let go of the older man's chin, resting his head back against the ground.

What in the Sith was going on?

How could this man be alive? He had died way before Kol was even born. How did this happen and what was going on? He shook his head mentally, resting back on his haunches.

"Kol!" Sazen called from above.

"Down here."

The other Jedi looked over the ledge, spotting the two figures lying on the rock face. He was of typical height for a male of his kind; dark-skinned with long and flaxen raven hair, crystal blue eyes, and two horns protruding from his forehead. A look of concern swept over his face.

"Looks like my call was warranted," He then called over his shoulder, "You two, on me."

He took the slope at a fast pace, nimbly stepping from toe-hold to handhold, all the while bracing his hand along the wall to slow his descent. Two other Jedi followed him; a red-skinned male Twi'lek and blond-haired, blue-eyed human female. The female was a senior Knight named, Raza Dawn, she was well on her way to becoming a master if he remembered correctly.

He couldn't place the Twi'lek, however.

Sazen stayed with his back against the wall urging to others to do the same. "This ledge is narrower than I presumed." He commented, studying it.

"Be careful…" Kol cautioned then inclined his head.

"Oh."

He turned back and clicked his tongue twice.

A giant white, hover shuttle then rose up beside the ledge and the door slid open. Two more Jedi emerged to survey the scene, then ducked back in, and reappeared maneuvering a hover gurney between them.

"We'll, take the boy first. He's in the most critical condition." A brown haired man called Guy instructed.

Kol turned to his son, "Cade, back up. It's too crowded."

"And you?"

"I'll be riding with them."

Guy protested, "That really isn't necessary, Master Skywalker."

He stared at the Jedi medic resolutely, and the man sighed, collapsing under the Master's gaze. "Very well…" He looked to Sazen and the two other Jedi. "I want you two to help me with the older gentleman, after we get the boy into the shuttle."
Kol felt Sazen and Cade turn to leave, climbing back up the rock face, as he watched the Jedi perform their task.

They studied the boy for a second, checking his injuries. When they were satisfied they bent down and carefully hoisted him
off the ledge and onto the gurney.

Kol cautioned: "Be careful, his wound is quite severe."

The other healer, Rol, turned his black eyes up at Kol. "We know, Master, don't worry." He assured.

"This is our job," the brunette added.

He held his tongue from saying anything further.

"Careful," Rol murmured as he eased the youth down. "Easy…"

The brown-haired Jedi nodded, laying his head down gently. His partner set to the task of strapping the patient in. "Make sure to watch his wounds, we don't want him to hemorrhage." Guy instructed, and strapped him in from his position. Once the young male was secured to the gurney, the two moved him into the evac shuttle. They disappeared from Kol's view for awhile and exited the craft once more with a second hover gurney.

Rol spoke up, "Now, be careful. It may not look bad but we don't know if there's any internal damage." He directed this at the Raza and the Twi'lek. They nodded and mimicked the healers, bending down and carefully gathering the older man by his shoulders and legs. Raza staggered slightly, biting her lip.

Seeing this, Gray suggested, "I think it would be safe to levitate him if he proves to be too heavy."

Raza nodded gravely. "In that case, let me do it." She offered confidently, looking to her fellow Jedi. She was very skilled at the art of levitation, and was the best possible candidate if they wanted to avoid injuring the man any further. "If that's all right with Ree?"

"By all, means," Ree responded in accented Basic with a light gesture of his hand. "Go."

The blonde focused on the man who rested along her palms and willed him to rise. He began to float above them at chest height, and Raza guided him gently with the Force onto the gurney. Once he was laid out on it, Rol and Guy set to the task of securing him as they had the boy. Once they had finished this, they moved the second gurney into the shuttle as well. Rol stayed behind in the back of the shuttle while his partner, Guy climbed into the driver's seat.

"Make sure it's all secure back there," He called back to the other man.

"Roger that."

Rol stood once more in the doorway to the shuttle's side door and said, "Are you coming, Master?"

Kol looked from Rol to Ree and Raza. After making a dismissive gesture to them with a flick of his eyes, he turned back and started for the craft. "Yes, I will be." Kol climbed aboard after Rol and situated himself on a small bench next to one of the gurneys.

He gazed down upon the older man's face, marveling at it. He'd only dreamed of this—never had he expected to experience it. Kol scrutinized the man and laid a hand on his chest, noting the steady rise and fall. His hand fell to his great-grandfather's arm.

He left it there.

"We're all ready back here," Rol called out, snapping the Jedi Master out of his reverie. "Let's take 'er home!"

Kol turned his eyes back to Luke's face, feeling the whir of the engines as the evac shuttle lifted away from the cliff and turned in the direction of the Academy.
He supposed he would have to wait…

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As they were approaching the Academy grounds, Kol noticed one of the patients beginning to stir. That is to say, he noticed his great-grandfather beginning to stir. His heart leapt at the sight. He leaned over placing a gentle hand on the man's arm.

"Are you all right?" He inquired softly. "You don't have to talk. Just blink if you can understand me."

Luke let out groan of discomfort. He turned his head toward Kol, his eyelids fluttering to reveal blue eyes.

"Where am I?" He asked.

The man attempted to get up but found he was secured. He looked down at the straps, frowning.

"You experienced a very bad fall….we think." Kol explained slowly. "That's why you're strapped in. We felt it best not to shift you too much—it's for your own safety."

Luke remained silent for a moment.

"All right then…" He looked at Kol. "Might I ask who you are..?"

"I don't think that's really important right now. As for where you are, we can discuss that later when you're more lucid."

Luke nodded, seeming to accept this, and then his hand clenched the sheets on the gurney. He felt around, eyes darting around as if he was looking for something—or someone.

"Where's, Ben? I can't feel him."

Kol unstrapped himself and walked closer to Luke. He gestured with his left hand. "Your boy is fine. He's lying right over there…"

The man turned to see him—or tried to.

"Don't let him talk anymore." Rol broke in, "We may not be able to see any damage, but he still needs rest..."
Kol nodded then placed a hand on Luke's shoulder. "Don't. He's fine." Of course that was purely subjective. "What you need is rest" He pushed against him, urging him to sleep."Rest, friend."

Luke looked as if he wanted to fight him, but his body was clearly winning over his mind. The man's eyelids slid shut slowly and within second, he had drifted off to sleep.

"You didn't tell him the truth." The younger Jedi spoke up.

Kol lifted his head. "Truth is subjective—so I did tell it, from a certain point of view."

He smiled lightly, and was almost able to hear the Knight's inward groan at the overuse of the most clichéd Jedi proverb.

"Besides, the truth will do him no good at this moment."

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Kol is right; the truth would not do Luke any good at the moment.

 

@Lady_Misty​

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That he is..its best not to agitate Luke..he's already worried about Ben. Poor Look. Thanks for reading!​

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Chapter 2​

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The two medics unloaded their patients (Rol pushing Luke and Guy pushing Ben), making a beeline for the medical ward, that resided in the lowermost bowels of the Academy. They entered the ward and were met with a mixed staff of five—two Jedi and three civilian medics. The five other beings crowded around the gurneys.

"Which one?" A Mon Cal healer asked, his eyes swiveling as he surveyed his patients.

Guy turned toward him. Gemi Staad was the Chief medic/healer at the Academy.

He said, "This one," pushing Ben forward.

"What do we have?" A female medic asked.

"Deep laceration to the stomach...Recently partially healed."

"Organ damage?" The Mon Cal inquired.

"None that we could see...But the patient's lost a fair amount of blood…"

He nodded and gestured for Guy to follow him, "Move him into the surgical area." He turned toward Rol. "And the other?"

"No signs of internal bodily damage..." Rol reported, letting two of the healers maneuver Luke to a private room. "Possible head trauma…Though we can't be sure. Most likely it's just fatigue, Sir."

"Very well, we'll attend to the boy first."

Kol watched from the doorway as the staff converged upon the surgical room; suiting up and scrubbing down. Staad was washing up his arms all the way to the elbow and turned to face him. "Master Skywalker." He acknowledge with a brief nod. "You found them."

"My boy."

He nodded once more.

"We'll see what we can do." Staad murmured. "Most likely he'll need a transfusion if he's lost as much blood as Guy says. Do you know of anyone who could provide blood for the boy?"

Kol looked back toward the private room where the boy's father rested.

"His father…"

The Mon Cal shook his head. "No good."

Kol remained silent for a moment. "If I could be of assistance, I'll provide the blood for the boy." He offered.

"Provided you're a match."

"I will be." He replied confidently.

Staad examined him curiously. "Very well…" He turned toward the surgical room, uttering, "Don't go anywhere…," then vanished beyond the doors.

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Luke awoke hazily to a pounding pain within his skull, he gritted his teeth and rolled over, his head feeling as if it would split open. He clutched his hands to his head and slowly opened up his eyes. The room was bright but barely so, the only illumination coming from the overhead panels. He flopped back onto his back, staring up at the panels over his head. He squinted his eyes, straining to listen to the sounds around him.
Where am I? He thought wearily.

He could faintly hear the steady rhythm of an intermittent beeping to his right. He turned his head to observe what appeared to be medical machinery monitoring life signs. Or to be more exact….his life signs he surmised noticing the small device clamped on his right index finger. Luke frowned and reached over for it to pull it off.

When he did the machine beside his bed let out a shrill beeping noise. He ignored this and began pulling off other monitoring devices, suctions cups that were placed on his head and chest. He threw his legs over the side of the bed, determined to get out of it.
Suddenly, the door to his room slid open and two beings came in.

"Sir, you shouldn't be up," One of them chided, a female with brown hair. It was braided neatly and thrown over her right shoulder. She crossed over to his side cautiously.

Luke looked at her uneasily.

"It's all right." She assured. "You're in the Academy's medical ward. You had a fall…banged yourself up a bit."

"Where's Ben?" Luke blustered past her petty assurances.

The two medics exchanged glances.

"What?" What aren't you telling me?"Alarm played over the man's face. "What's wrong with Ben? He's not...is he?" Luke's voice raised several octaves in panic.

"Sir," The other, a male Devaronian approached him cautiously. "Please calm down…you had a bad fall…we don't want you to strain anything..."

"DON'T TELL ME TO BE CALM!" Luke hollered, his eyes frantic.

Luke watched the exchange between the two and reached for his side, but found it bereft of the item he was looking for.

"I'm going to ask you two questions…" He said in a slow, measured voice. "And they better be answers I like…" He paused for affect. "Where am I and what have you done to my son?"

The woman made a slight movement, and Luke could see a flash of red appear from behind her. He narrowed his eyes.

Another being entered the room, a small rodent like creature. He snuffled and bringing up a syringe commanded, "Hold him still..."

They weren't seriously thinking about sedating him! Using the Force, Luke knocked the creature back a few pace and attempted to advance for the door. The two medics were on him like slime on a Hutt, holding him back.

"Sir, please," The Devaronian pleaded. "We don't wish to hurt you.."

"I want my son…I want Ben now." He demanded.

His emotions were rushing and Luke couldn't help but feel swept away with them. Despite all of his calm and training, the thought of his child in true peril set his heart into overdrive.

"You've got to let me see him." He argued, fighting against them. "I need…"

Luke suddenly felt a prick on neck and within moments could feel the sedative working its way into his system. He tried fighting it, but it was useless. He felt his body become heavier and his legs threatened to give out from under him. And he could have collapsed straight to the floor if the two medics hadn't been holding him up.

His vision wavered and he soon found himself going under once more.

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"So, he should be all right, now?" Kol asked Staad.

A young healer backed away, finished from bandaging his arm around the spot they had drawn blood from. Surprisingly to them—and not so surprising to Kol—he had the same blood type as the boy: A-.

"That I cannot t say…" Staad said. "We have begun he transfusion now...But it will be up to the boy if he is to survive…He is stable at the moment, but whether his body accepts the blood and allows it to do its job is anyone's guess…We can only wait and hope."

Kol nodded.

Yes, the healer was correct, but he couldn't help but pray the boy pulled through. If he didn't what would happen to his son… or the galaxy for that matter? He frowned. Kol didn't care much about his own life, but for Cade to live….and the galaxy to thrive, he found it at the utmost importance for Ben Skywalker to live.

Force watch over him.

"Very well." He said finally. "I leave him in your care, Gemi. " Kol turned to leave, "I'll be meeting with the Council. I'll be back later to check in on them both." He looked toward the private rooms.

He'd been informed Luke had awoken and tried to make a break for it. The man had been frantic and so the staff had given him a sedative to calm him down. He was told that considering the amount he was given, his great-grandfather should be asleep for a good two hours—enough time for him to rest without having the staff worrying about him.

He'd leave the staff to worry about him anyway, Kol decided; he had to speak to the Council immediately—and was going to be late.

​

.​

​

He made his way to his private chambers and entered a large room, done mostly in pastels. Its walls were of a dark grey, its floors done in fine marble, a large oval conference table situated at the middle of the room with recessed lighting positioned above it. Off to the sides of the table, two matching credenzas were pushed against opposite walls; the flat surfaces done in the same material as the floor. Beyond the credenzas were two doorways that led into adjacent rooms, and a steel shuttered window at the far wall.

Kol made his way around the shining, steel table and took his place at the head of it. He activated the holo-receiver by a button hidden underneath the lip of the table's edge and waited as several holoimages materialized into view. A crew of three additional beings sat at various points around the table—all prominent, fellow Council members. The number of beings sitting on the Master's Council had greatly diminished from Old Republic and New Republic times; reduced to four instead of the vaunted twelve. Kol looked at each Master in turn—T'ra Saa, a Neti Master of the Old Republic, K'Kruhk, a Whiphid Master, another survivor of Order 66, and Tili Qua, a Chadra-fan Master.

"Is there some reason you have called us?" K'Kruhk inquired, his voice guttural, with words spoken past great tusks protruding from his lower jaw.

Kol turned to meet his gaze. "Yes. There has been an occurrence which warrants the Council's attention. "

The Whiphid Master looked upon him expectantly. He sported a long equine face with a wide cranium, broad forehead, and long narrow snout. His eyes narrowed, waiting for Kol to speak once more.

"Thirty standard minutes ago, my boy and I had been outside in the forests of Ossus when he sensed something in the Force."

"Something," Tili Qua repeated, ears flapping curiously, her snout wrinkling, "What is this something, young Skywalker sensed?"

Kol turned his head to the Chandra-fan, aware that T'ra Saa, the Neti Master, and K'Kruhk held their equally interested gazes on him.

"Yes, Master Qua." He turned to address the Council as a whole once more, "As I was saying, my boy sensed something in the Force. He took off running; I lost him briefly in that time period. When I had finally found Cade, he was located on one of the far slopes ledges; the ones situated to North." He paused. "What Cade found were two individuals—a boy and an older man.

"The boy was found to be severely wounded, a stomach laceration, and has since been admitted into the Academy's medical ward. The man though was not in as bad shape as the boy, though he appears to be showing extreme fatigue from whatever encounter he and the boy had. "
He glanced at each in turn in.

Kol continued, "It is the man who is the subject of this meeting. I can state, that without a doubt—and hopes that you won't think I've gone mad—that the being that we found is…my great-grandfather."

T'ra Saa didn't miss a beat.

"Luke Skywalker?" She gasped incredulously.

The Neti looked about wildly, stunned by Kol's revelation, her brown tendril like hair whispering around her dark face, gazing at him expressively through yellow-green eyes.

T'ra shook her head, inquiring, "How can that be? It is common knowledge that his existence has been gone from his galaxy for two decades. Once a being has returned to the Force as he did, there is no way it can return to corporal form."

"That maybe true, Master Saa, but it does not dispute that fact that he is here and very much alive, although I can hardly believe it myself."

"Indeed." K'Kruhk concurred. "This is…quite a unique happenstance is it not?"

"Quite."

"Have you had the opportunity to speak with this man?"

"I have not. He has been in and out…and is currently incapacitated due to the sedative he was given—though I did get to speak with him very briefly when he awoke during our ride back to the Academy when he expressed concern for the boy."

K'Kruhk looked thoughtful for a moment.

"You say he had to be incapacitated."

"Yes, according to one of the staff, he became frantic when inquiring about the boy."

T'ra and the Whiphid Master exchanged glances. "If he was distraught over the boy...does that mean…" She probed.

"Yes, I believe the boy to be his son, Ben Skywalker."

"Another mystery." Tili commented. "Most unusual. Not one…but two." She shook her head, "I question the implications of such an occurrence."

"As do I." Kol said agreeably

"We cannot however overlook it no matter how dubious it seems." T'ra pointed out.

K'Kruhk snorted, "Agreed." He turned to Kol. "Now, you spoke of the boy being injured. A laceration, you said?"

"Yes, it was a deep horizontal wound over the abdomen. From what I noticed upon my first look at it, and from what Gemi tells me, the laceration cut through several layers of flesh; these including skin, fat, tissue, and muscle…The abdominal wall was breached, causing the innards to spill out—though the wound looked partially healed… When I left the medbay the boy had just received a transfusion and was proclaimed stable by Master Staad, though he is far from out of the woods I believe.

"However, I suspect the father will make a full recovery in a short time, since his condition is not as dire as his son's. Both of them, though, warrant further observation and hospitalization until Staad says otherwise. In conclusion, until we are notified otherwise about the situation, I believe it is our duty to decide what must be done. So I bring this matter before you and come to seek the Council's judgment on how we should proceed given the current circumstance."

T'ra ventured, "I believe our first course of action would be to glean as much information as we can from the situation—and that can only be done by either speaking with the boy or his father. Given the boy's current incapacitation, that is a moot point though."

"Yes."

"Then our next logical choice is the father—Luke Skywalker." She seemed hesitant to refer to him as such; all of them had in fact. Including himself, Kol realized sourly.

He could hardly blame them—it was a hard pill to swallow.

"Yes," K'Kruhk began. "Given the nature of the circumstances, I would advise that we meet him as soon as possible and confer with him on this. Hopefully, if he is who you believe he is, he can perhaps shed light upon this matter. We can then move onward from there once we have the desired information. "

He turned to look at Kol.

"Do you believe that to be possible, Master Skywalker?"

Kol thought for a moment then said, "Yes, and no." He paused. "His health is less severe than the boy's as I have said, so there would be no question of him being able to meet with you—provided he is given enough time to recover, of course—however, there is still the matter of the boy, and I do not believe he would leave the boy's side, not until he is either completely recovered or at least out of danger."
He could feel the disappointment lingering in the Force. He didn't care for the fact either, but there was nothing to do aside from forcing the man.
And Kol could not bring himself to subject a father to such an act.

Because while Kol knew that he could never truly grasp the true reality of what the man was going through, as a father he sympathized with him.

"Very well then," Master K'Kruhk murmured. "We will meet with him as soon as he feels ready to do so. Agreed?"

"Agreed," resounded the remaining Masters.

Kol looked around and moved to stand. "Now, if you all have no further questions, I must attend to my duties."

"None."

He nodded. "May the Force be with you," he offered with a raised hand.

"May the Force be with you, Master Skywalker." They said in return.

Kol then pressed the button again and the holoimages winked out, leaving him once more alone in the room. He turned toward the back wall and pressed another button, this time on the chair's arm, and watched as the shutters rose from the window, illuminating the room. He made his way toward the viewport and looked out of it, eying the tree tops from his fourth-floor vantage point. He stood there for a while, weighing his options and contemplating what he should do himself given the current situation.

They had settled the matter of meeting with Luke until the man was ready, but that didn't negate the fact that something had to be done until then. Kol too was curious as to his great-grandfather's presence in their time period—his being there broke every law of physics and time. It completely destroyed reality. He had to find out why the man was here and how it was that he came to be here.

But most of all, he longed to speak with him; just speak honestly and openly. He yearned to converse with the man who he held in such high regard all his life, a man who if he was honest he held on a pedestal. A man so respected in his own life time, his family name was heralded into the depths of history, and his descendants branded respectfully.

It was Luke Skywalker who encouraged him to be who he was; it was the late Grand Master's life that inadvertently shaped his own.

And now, after all his wishing and yearning, he finally had that chance to know the man whom he'd modeled himself after—the man whom he sought Cade to emulate as well.

Kol drew a breath, gave the scenery one last look, and turned back toward the door, closing the shutters as he exited the room. He proceeded back to the turbolift lift, and instead of hitting the button for the med level, he opted for the dorm level.
Inwardly, he knew he should return to the med-ward to check up on his unexpected visitors, but decided that his time was best spent elsewhere until his great-grandfather awoke.

.​

.​

Cade sat upon the lone chair in the room, staring upon the patient that lay in the medbay bed. He hadn't really examined the man before, but now he had a greater chance to do so. The man was much older than his father that much was obvious—the boy surmised he must've been in his 80s. His face was worn, but amazingly still looked young for a man of his assumed age. He had mostly graying hair with a hint of blonde streaked through at various intervals. He was still dressed in the clothes he'd been wearing when Cade initially found him.

He wore a sandy-colored tunic over light grey trousers. A utility belt, which he'd probably been wearing, was laid on top of one of the few shelves in the room. Cade fingered it, looking over the man's appearance. Given the style and cut of the clothing one might assume that the man who lay before him was a Jedi—or at the very least had ties to the Jedi community.

He got to his feet, hovering over the slumbering man. "Just who are you?" Cade whispered.

The youth had seen the way his father reacted at this old man's appearance. There was no way that it was nothing as Kol said. His father had acted as if he knew this man. He leaned over and touched the man's cheek, examining him. Cade frowned. He didn't like this, didn't like it one bit. He then withdrew and plopped back down in the chair.

He'd get some answers, and he'd sit here until the man woke up if he had to.

​

.​

​

Luke moaned audibly, coming awake for the second time, his head no longer splitting as it had before. He slowly opened his eyes and was granted with the view of a gangly youth. At first he thought it was Ben and his heart almost leapt with joy, but then he realized it was not his son. This boy was average height at the most and had the same build as Ben and even strangely bore a striking resemblance to his son, but this was not Ben. This boy had blonde hair instead of red and green eyes instead of blue. His skin was light and his face reasonably the same shape, but that was all that connected the two boys together.

It was also apparent to Luke that this boy was several years his son's junior.

The blonde youth said, "Hey…" He got to his feet, leaning over Luke. "You doing okay? You're…not going to freak out again, are you?"

The older man moved to speak, but found his voice coming out on a croak. His mouth felt dry and stuffed with cotton. He moved his jaw.

"Oh, do you want some water?" The boy asked.

Luke nodded his head weakly.

"Okay, I'll get you some. I'll be right back, don't move." He took off.

Luke struggled to upright himself, looking around the area. He was situated in a 12 x 8 room with two pieces of furniture besides the one he was currently occupying; a small dresser and a chair which the youth had been sitting. The room was sparse, sterile and white just like any other private med room he'd had the privilege of being in.

The bed he was occupying was of a better quality and certainly above the standard of any normal med-ward bed. To his left and right an array of medical monitoring machines stood, most of which were hooked up to him as if he was some experimental test subject.

Among them were, a heart monitoring machine, whose device was latched on to his left hand this time and a neural activity monitor. He lifted a hand to touch the electrodes which were suctioned onto various places on his head. He winced feeling a slight uncomfortable feeling in his arm and looked down to examine an IV drip which flowed from the needle embedded in it to the bag hanging up to his left.

He was still examining his state when the boy walked back into the room with a glass in one hand and a bottle of mineral water in the other. He was much taller than Luke had first guessed, though the rest of him appeared to be about the same. His dark green eyes which lurked beneath neatly trimmed, short blonde hair seemed to fixate on him as poured the water into the glass. He then handed it to Luke, eyes still tracking him.

Luke took it graciously, whispering a "Thank you," before taking a long drink of the cool water.

When he was finished he handed the glass back to the youth.

"Thank you." He murmured once again, his throat feeling raw.

"Don't talk…" The boy set the glass and bottle aside.

Luke examined the boy once more. Yes, he was taller than anticipated, but not by much—certainly not average though—and he was certainly not taller than Ben.

Ben…

"Where's Ben?" He blurted out fearfully.

The youth frowned, looking confused. "Ben? Oh, you mean the boy who was with you."

"Yes…"

"I think he's been moved to the other side of the ward. He came out of surgery a little while ago… When we brought him in he was banged up real bad, had this giant gash on his stomach. Master Staad wasn't sure if he was going to pull through..." At the look of horror on the man's face, Cade quickly reassured, "But he's fine now, he's out of surgery as I said and Master Staad says he's stable and believes the worst is over…"

Luke was silent.

"Are you okay?" Cade gingerly sat down on the man's bed, hoping not to startle him.

"Yes…You say he's stable."

"That's what I hear." He looked around.

The old man's jaw worked and he looked as if he was mulling something over in his head. "But…he lost a lot of blood."

"They did a transfusion."

Luke opened his mouth.

"My dad gave him his blood…"

"I-uh…thank you."

The blonde shook his head and laughed, "Don't thank me, I didn't do anything, thank, Dad."

"Why?"

"Why not?" Cade responded, sounding slightly baffled. "That's what Jedi do…That's what any decent person would do period, right?"

"Jedi?" He echoed.

"Yeah, Jedi."

Cade peered at him, noticing how the man's face had paled visibly. "Are you sure you're okay? 'Cause you don't look so good. Kind of pale…" He got up. "Maybe you better lie back down and get more rest."

It was then that Luke noticed the boy's facial structure and skin color weren't the only thing that Ben and the boy had in common. The boy was clad in a familiar tunic and trousers and wore black boots and a small utility belt; all of which vaguely reminiscent of a Jedi's attire.

"Sir?"

Luke held up his hand. "I'm fine," He drew himself up further, resting his back against the headboard. "Now, you said…you were Jedi…"

"That's right." The youth frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no, of course not." Luke dragged a hand through his hair; he was still trying to process what was going on. After a moment of looking at the blandly pattern med sheets he said, "I don't believe I caught your name."

"Oh, it's Cade…Cade Skywalker."

Luke stared at the boy, stunned.

Recovering, he murmured, "What did you say?"

"I said my name is Skywalker."

Skywalker? Dear Force, where am I?

And with that, the Jedi Grand Master fainted dead away.

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See, its rare to see stories that go FORWARD in time.

I will be keeping an eye on this.

 

Darth_Kiryan: Yeah, thats why I thought it was a much better idea...I wanted Luke's reaction to Kol and Cade.​

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Chapter 3​

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Cade stood in the doorway looking quite nervous as Kol approached him. He frowned.

"Cade, what's wrong, son?"

"Well," Cade looked down at the toes of his boots. He looked very guilty. "Ya, see…"

Kol furrowed his brow, annoyed. "Cade, stand up straight and look me in the eye when you speak to me." He commanded.
"I've told you that a million times."

The youth brought his head up. "Yes, Sir."

He folded his arms over his chest. "Now…what is the problem?"

Cade thumbed over his shoulder. "The old man's up..."

Kol's eyes visibly lit up.

"He is? That's…" He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "That's good."

His son narrowed his eyes, not in the least bit falling for his father's façade.

"How long ago?" He asked, pushing his way into the med ward. Cade followed.

"Just a bit…well…he was awake that is..."

He raised an arched eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yea-I mean, yes. He sort of…fainted."

Kol stopped in his tracks and gauged his boy. "Cade…What have you done?"

The boy protested, "I didn't do nothing."

"People don't faint for nothing."

"Maybe he got up too fast." Cade countered.

"Cade…" His father's voice held a warning tone.

He sighed, irate. "All right..." He shrugged, turning away. "I told him my name and he fainted."

Kol groaned, momentarily excusing his son's indifferent behavior. He'd correct him later on that.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He took the boy by the shoulder. Maybe I can do some damage control? Kol thought.

Cade rolled his eyes at his father's nothing.

Staad met them in the main room, two Junior healers trailing him. "I hear our patient has woken up…"

"No, he's still recovering…" A light of understanding entered his eyes. "Oh, you mean the older man…well..." He looked to one of his healers, the brown-haired woman.

She shook her head.

"He was still out the last time I saw him, after Cade told me he fainted."

"No, he's not." The civilian medic corrected; he had black hair with grey eyes. "He's awake…and wants to speak to someone immediately."

"I'll..." Staad began.

"No," Kol said with a shake of his head. "I'll go…it's a Skywalker he'll want to talk to." He slid his boy a look.

Cade ducked his head at the wordless chastisement.

"I'll just wait out here…" He suggested, looking away.

"No, you won't. You helped create this problem; you're going to help fix it. Come."

Cade groaned inwardly and followed his father into the private room where the old man was staying. They walked into the room and found the man sitting up in bed, eyes focused on the doorway as if he expected them to walk in at any moment. His sharp blue eyes tracked them both as they made their way around the other side of the bed.

Luke watched as the tall red-haired man took a seat in front of him and then said slowly, "I remember you. You were with me earlier..." It was apparent his brain was still fuzzy.

"Yes…" Kol scooted his chair forward, making it scrape and screech against the floor. "I'm..." He looked at Cade who had taken up a position behind Kol. "..sorry about my son. Sometimes…"

Luke waved his apology off, "No, no it's all right. I over-reacted. I'm a little embarrassed, in fact… It's not like me to pass out."

"No..." Kol shook his head. "You didn't. It was a perfectly normal response, considering the information you were given. I did not intend for you to receive it the way you did..." He looked to Cade once more. "Unfortunately my son does not understand the implications of what he divulged." He paused. "It's not entirely his fault though…I was going to tell him…and he was supposed to be elsewhere and not disturbing patients."

Cade shifted from one foot to the other nervously.

"I don't think I understand any of this." Luke said with a shake of his head.

Kol looked him in the eye. "I wouldn't expect you to understand." He responded sympathetically. "This is something that was thrown upon you…"

Cade remained silent, realizing his father was silently implicating him as the guilty party.

He suddenly blurted out, "I was curious."

"About what, Cade?"

He jerked his head, indicating Luke. "About the old man…you kept him a secret…you told me there's nothing wrong when clearly you knew him. I just didn't know where…I still don't. Makes me wonder if you're hiding something….

"What do your feelings tell you? Am I hiding something?"

His son looked pensive for a moment.

"No, you're not."

"Do you understand the implications of telling this gentleman your name?"

Luke was utterly lost—though he did not feel these people were in anyway bad or meant him any harm. He felt a wave of serenity emanating from the man and a hint of unease from the boy…but no malice.
He watched the boy look his way for a moment.

"Do you understand, Cade?" The man asked again.

Cade didn't understand.

All he could think about was his father's attitude toward this man and how he was still curious.

"That's not necessary..." Luke protested.

Kol said, "No, it is." He turned to his son. "Now, Cade, reach out, and tell me what you see, what you feel."

Cade opened his mouth, but quickly conceded He nodded, and closed his eyes, and reached inside himself with the Force. He drew upon it to lead him to the answer he sought, to help him realize what his father wanted him to understand.

His mind began to show him bits and pieces of memories; those of the past few hours.

Cade recalled how surprised his father had been by the man's appearance, the look of pure shock crossing over his features. He remembered how gently his father had handled the man, though it hadn't been that unusual at the time, and how he had insisted on accompanying them on the shuttle. He hadn't thought much of it when it had happened, because his father was generally a caring human being.

Luke, however, no longer seemed interested in the boy's revelation, though he supposed he would get back to that later. His mind returned to his son. Where was he? Was he doing well? He'd been so hurt….His fist clenched, and teeth gritted in frustration.

Seeing this, Kol assured, "Your boy is fine. He's in another room recuperating, but he should be fine. He's stable…and very lucky."

The Grand Master quashed the urge to tell the man that luck had nothing to do with his son's survival, but bit his lip. His hand trembled as he tried to suppress a wave of cries that rose up to the top of his throat.

"Ben..." He croaked. "I want to see my son."

"You will." Kol promised.

"Now."

Kol saw the determination in the Jedi Master's eyes and knew he wouldn't be able to talk the man out of it.

Luke began to tug at the wires monitoring him. "Get these off me…I'm going to see my son."

"All right..just calm down."

His voice took on a dangerous tone as he proclaimed, "I am going to see my son—with or without your help." He swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Stop..please." Kol got up and held him at bay. "Don't do this…you're still recovering."

"I need to see, Ben."

"You will. Hold on."

"Now." He struggled against Kol determined. Luke was a frantic, determined father—but Kol was equally determined.

"Luke, calm down!" He barked, not caring to be gentle anymore or about the consequences. "I'll take you to see him..."

Luke froze, not seeming to hear the rest. "What did you call me?"

Kol's visage softened. "I believe I called you by your name."

The older man sat back down. "But I never gave you it"

"I know..."

"And you still know it how?"

"Anyone would have to be fool to not know who you are." He stated calmly.

"Luke…" Cade muttered.

Both men looked to the youth; a look of recognition had dawned on him.

Suddenly, he was recalling even more things, like how his father had taken great care to make sure the boy was given the best possible treatment. Kol had waited-so he had heard—all through the red headed youth's surgery until he had taken his leave to meet with the Council. He had even given the boy his own blood for the transfusion. And right now, he had regarded the man with such kind eyes and unparalleled compassion. But most of all, he treated him with…a feeling of reverence and respect—and familiarity. He had called him Luke.

It couldn't be…It just couldn't. Not the man his father has spent his lifetime speaking praises on. This couldn't possibly be the man who had made the Skywalker legacy a benevolent one in his father's eyes. Could it? Was it possible?

"You can't be him." He finally spoke.

He looked to Luke, eyes filled with disbelief.

"You…are dead. You have been for years…Before I was born…or my dad was born."

Kol held his breath, praying his information wouldn't shock his great-grandsire too much. Luke was already going through a traumatic experience and even Kol knowing his name had him obviously anxious. These events had left the Jedi Master bereft of his natural calm. He hoped that the blunt statement by his son would not make things worse.

To his credit, the man remained calm.

He seemed to be waiting for the boy to speak. When Cade did not, he spoke up, "Why can't I be me?"

"What?"

"What makes you sure I'm not me?" Luke asked calmly, suppressing a grin.

"Because it's not possible." Cade insisted. "You can't be Luke Skywalker."

"Why not?" The older man spread his hands. "It is who I am—last I checked anyway." He smiled gently.

Cade frowned.

"You're taking the news that you're dead awfully well."

"But I'm not..." Luke placed his hand on his chest, smiling invitingly, and took a deep breath. "See…very much alive."

The boy turned to his father.

"Is he always like this?"

"From what I've heard." Kol replied and then turned to Luke, "I learned much about him through my father and grandfather..Learned how…amazing a person he was."

The other man coughed, averting his eyes. It became obvious to Kol how deep Luke Skywalker's aversion to any type of hero-worship really went.

Upon seeing this, he commented, "You are just how I'd always heard." He grinned wryly. "But we can….have this talk later…I believe you wanted to see your son."

"Yes…Yes, I did." Luke struggled to stand, his body swaying. "Oh..." He exclaimed and pressed a hand to his temple. He eased himself back down onto the bed. "Oh…" He sighed.

"Are you all right?"

"I just…felt woozy I guess."

Kol nodded. "To be expected…do you want some help?" He offered his great-grandfather a hand.

Luke stared at it for a moment before placing his in Kol's. "Thanks…" With the younger man's help, he was hauled to his feet.

"Not necessary."

"No," Luke looped one arm around the man's broad shoulders. "I really mean it…thank you. You saved my son…and you've been kind enough to take us in."

"Think nothing of it." They proceeded to walk around then bed, making their way out the door. "You would have done the same, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, I would."

"Then there's nothing for you to thank me for. I'm just doing what I think is right."

When one of the staff saw them, she rushed forward, "Do you need a hoverchair?" She asked.

He shook his head. "No, that won't be necessary." Luke narrowed his eyes, recognizing her. It was the woman who'd been in his room right before he was given the sedative. She was one of the medics that held him while the other creature had given him the shot.

"You're that woman."

"Guilty."

He blinked, struggling to have firmer footing.

Luke inquired, "What's your name?"

"Shion….Shion Matavia." She replied.

"You're not a Jedi."

"No." She pushed a strand of loose hair behind one of her ears. "I'm a civilian medic. My co-worker, the man was with you in the room, is also a civilian medic; as is the man with black hair."

"Thank you." He indicated to the red-head that he wanted to move again. The woman moved to the side, hands clasped respectfully in front of her. "I hope you get well soon."

He simply nodded and kept going.

"This way." The other man instructed. "He's down that hallway; the room all the way at the end."

They walked for awhile, the blonde-haired boy following them, when Luke said, "I don't believe I know your name either—you know mine."

"It's Kol."

"Your boy…he mentioned..."

"Go ahead."

"That his last name...was Skywalker." He craned his head to look at the man. "He was telling the truth, wasn't he?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry for startling you." A pennant voice issued from behind him. Luke turned his head over his shoulder to gaze at the green-eyed youth.

"That's all right."

"It's true though…my name—our name—is Skywalker." Cade continued.

Luke nodded. "Your name was Cade."

"Yes."

"Well, I look forward to talking to you more later on."

"Sure."

"Here we are." Kol announced, stopping in front of the door.

They passed through it, entering the room. Kol shot Luke a glance and Luke signaled that the other man could let go. He cautiously slipped his arm out from around Luke and took a step back—but close enough so if the man collapsed he would be able to catch him.

Luke's breath caught in his throat at the sight of his son. The teen was laying in the stark white medbay bed his features rested, his body in repose. His face was pale, so much so that it barely contrasted against the sheets. His lips were still and his eyes shut peacefully in sleep. A sheen of sweat was on his brow, his brilliant fire-red hair plastered to his skull.—almost as if he'd been having night terrors.

Various tubes were coming from his body; two of which were similar to the apparatuses that had been attached to him. Ben had an IV in his left arm; the drip off to the right and a heart minor with the small device clamped onto one of his fingers. Lastly, an oxygen mask had been placed over his nose and mouth to aid in his breathing while he remained asleep. His head jerked around to stare Kol in the eyes questioningly.

"He received extensive damage….nothing touched his lungs but with the loss of blood Master Staad says his brain is suffering from oxygen deprivation." Kol explained.

"So, basically, he can't breathe on his own."

"That's right."

Luke clenched his teeth, trying hard not to cry. It was taking him every ounce of strength not to fall to his knees. "Ben…" His son seemed so far away and Luke could barely stand; he feared he wouldn't be able to get to Ben's side.

However, his steadfast resolve and fatherly determination kept him strong and steady.

He walked forward, keeping his eyes focused on his son's face. He felt his heart wrench in his chest at the closer sight of the breath mask. His son looked so frail and helpless—a far cry from the courageous and resilient boy he knew. Boy? No, that was wrong. Ben wasn't a boy anymore; he could hardly be called that given what he'd been through, but he wasn't a man either. His child was indeed growing up.

Yet, despite all that, it didn't negate the fact that he did look so weak. His heart tightened again. In what seemed like an eternity, he finally made it to the bedside. Luke placed a hand on Ben's own, stroking it gently. Then he reached up to cup the boy's cheek, and his heart and resolve broke at that moment. He sank down to his knees, bowing his head, and a racking sob tore from his throat.

Cade and Kol watched this scene, sharing expressions of distress. Kol longed to comfort his great-grandsire, but knew his comfort would be unwanted. "Let's go..."

"But…"

"He needs to be by himself. We can't help him; we can't stop his pain, Cade."

Cade nodded his head retreating from the room after his father.

.​

​

Luke could faintly feel them leaving, just as he faintly heard the door slide shut. His focus was on Ben's face, his eyes not leaving it as he stroked the youth's cheek with the backs of his fingers—just like he had when Ben was a baby. "Come back, Ben…Open your eyes." He murmured, his heart crumbling even more. He swallowed thickly, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

A myriad of emotions swam around in his head—all of them centered on the negative. He knew they had said Ben was stable, that he would be fine, but the sight of his son lying so pale in the bed had him doubting them. He doubted his son's survival, and that hurt him even more. Why was he even thinking so pessimistically? Wasn't he always the one to see the glass half full? Perhaps, but this was no ordinary life….This was his son. His only child. His last link to his beloved wife.

He couldn't bear the thought of losing Ben.

"Force, what have I done." He wailed. "I shouldn't have let you come. I should have insisted you stay. Why did I allow you to talk me into it?" Luke's hand threaded through his hair and he pulled at it in distress.

He gritted his teeth, cursing himself.

What kind of Jedi was he if he couldn't even safe-guard his own child! Or father for that matter.

After looking at him for awhile, Luke inched up off his knees and leaned over Ben, planting a warm kiss on his forehead.

He eased back; watching as Ben's lips parting slightly every time he took a breath, watched the mask cloud up momentarily. His son's chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. Luke placed a hand over it, feeling for the throbbing of the boy's heart. He felt the steady thump of it beneath his palm, not sensing any irregularities.

Luke attempted a brave smile. "You're going to get better, right, Son." He reached back up and stroked his forehead this time. "You're going to be back, and healthy, and giving me that smart aleck attitude of yours." His smile became more genuine. "Come back…wake up…I want to hear that infamous Jade sarcasm of yours."

Luke pulled back, moving to get to his feet when he heard the door slide open once more and Kol stuck his head in.

"May I come in?"

"You were welcome to stay to begin with." Luke replied, getting to his feet.

"No, it was a private time. Though I sense you're ready to speak."

He turned, his face somber. "Yes, I think I'd like to continue our conversation. I think we have a lot to talk about."

"Yes, I believe we do." He gestured. "Follow me..."

​

.​

​

Luke followed the man into the empty room; it appeared to be a meditation space. The red-head crossed over the floor and took a seat on a round ottoman-type seat. He gestured for Luke to sit down.

"Please…make yourself comfortable."

He inclined his head."Thank you." Luke took a seat across from Kol and brought his legs up into a cross-legged position.

Kol looked for a moment as if he was thinking then stated, "Now, where do we start."

"From the beginning?" Luke suggested with an expanding grin.

Kol raised an eyebrow. "Touché."

Luke simply smiled, though the light seemed to leave out of his eyes.

Kol frowned inwardly.

"I'll start with re-confirming my family name. It is Skywalker as Cade said. I am Kol Skywalker—Cade's father. My father was Tanith Skywalker, his father…" He gave an enigmatic smile. "…was Ben Skywalker…Which makes you my great-grandfather."

Luke sucked in a breath. "Wow…" was all he said.

"Yes," He bowed his head respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Great-Grandfather."

"Great-grandfather..." He breathed. "Wow… That's…"

"Mind-blowing isn't it" Kol laughed. "Let me just say you were quite a surprise to us too."

"I'll bet." He paused. "But…how..."

"That's what we'd like to know."

"So would I."

"Tell me, Great-grandfather…"

Luke held up his hand. "Please…just call me Luke. It's…a bit too weird being addressed that way. I'm not even a grandfather yet." He took a breath. "And frankly I don't hope to be anytime soon."

Kol chuckled, amused. "I'm afraid that may happen sooner or later."

"I prefer later." He rubbed his forehead. "He's a handful all alone, and this current….relationship of his has me very afraid for him."

"Ah, the Sith girl..."

"Yes, how did you…" He sighed. "Of course…you would know."

Kol informed him, "I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore about what lies ahead for you and him."

Luke nodded. "Yes, of course."

"So, tell me what you remember…before you woke up here."

"Ben and I were investigating what made my nephew, Jacen Solo, fall to the Darkside." He paused. Kol had probably heard this all before. "We were halfway into the first year of exile when we came upon the Lost Tribe. We had been scouting a Darkside nexus when they ambushed us." He shook his head. "I never carried any illusion that they were trustworthy, I knew they would eventually betray us…

"It was the girl especially that always had me on edge. I didn't have any worries for myself…but Ben. I could see he'd fallen for her, and that scared me, Kol. I didn't want him to lose his heart to a girl like that…not a Sith. Because I knew she'd eventually betray him…and break his heart." He laughed mirthless. "I was right…and I'm not proud about that." He looked to Kol. "I couldn't shelter him. I couldn't spare him that pain—and it kills me."

"Her betrayal led Ben to where he is now; lying in the medbay bed. I can still see him…lying there in a pool of his own blood..." His voice hitched as he said this.

Kol leaned over and placed a hand on the older man's shoulder. "It's all right. You don't have to say anymore. I think I've got a clear picture." He sat back, sighing. He stroked his chin, staring off past Luke "I suspected that's what made that wound." He uttered and lifted his head to meet the other's eyes. "Do you recall what happened next?"

Luke blinked away tears as he attempted to regain his composure.

"Yes..." He said, finally collecting himself. "I had Ben in my arms..." He held them up as if to illustrate his point, eyeing at them as if they were foreign. "There was so much blood, and all I could think was how I didn't want to lose him. I prayed and begged the Force not to take him from me." Luke clenched his fists. "I felt him slipping away and began to slip into despair. I pleaded more. Then…I felt cold all of the sudden, and it was if a fog had rolled in, it clouded my mind. I tried to push it away, but it was too strong. I don't remember much more after that—I guess I blacked out." He shrugged his shoulders.

"The next thing I remember, of course, was waking up here. I don't know anything more than that. I'm sorry."

"No, that's all right." Kol was leaning forward, left elbow on his thigh, fist under his chin in concentration. "It gives us something to go on. More than we had before." He dropped his hand.

There was a moment of quiet.

Luke folded his hands together, propping his own chin on them. "So what happens now?" He asked, breaking the silence.

"Now, we wait for your son to recuperate. I talked to the Council while you were still out…and explained the situation. They wish to speak with you."

The other man opened his mouth as if to protest.
Kol waved off Luke's imminent objection. "But I told them that wouldn't be likely until your son was recovered or at least out of the woods."

"Thank you."

"It's no problem. I have a son myself, so I do understand how you feel."

Luke began to massage his one hand with the other absentmindedly. From Kol's point of view the man appeared to be in deep contemplative silence; probably mulling over the information he'd received.

Truth be told, Kol had no further idea what they might do until then. It was obvious to him, though, that Ben and Luke might be staying at the Academy for a long while. Since Luke warranted anonymity he couldn't very well go traipsing around Coruscant where individuals were likely to recognize him. He'd have a hard enough time getting the Jedi Master to the Council chambers without arousing suspicion.

Here, on Ossus, his identity was safer. People seemed to have forgotten who he was, and that in itself was sad, but it was hardly their fault. Going back to his father's time, Luke Skywalker had been mentioned very little; this had been done so to minimize the pedestal people would place the Grand Master on. Luke, after all, had come from humble beginnings, born as a moisture farmer on Tatooine and therefore never cared for the adulation of his fellow citizens.

When he was mentioned, it was in passing either as a brief history lesson or used in other lessons to students. His words had had to be documented because Luke had foregone utilizing a holocron as some Jedi Masters of the past had. As such, the students these days barely knew him. Even his image had been decidedly kept from view—it had been the one wish Luke had made to his son before he passed into the Force.

Of course, there were a few worlds that still heralded Luke by dedicating statues to him. Kol's father had insisted on keeping any out of the Temple and Academy.

Since Luke had been constantly in the spotlight when he'd been alive, it had been decided by his descendants to do him a service and keep him out of it in the hereafter.

Kol came out of his reverie for what seemed like eternity to find Luke watching him closely. It almost unnerved him at the fact his great-grandfather had been scrutinizing him so intently.

"I'm sorry." He apologized, feeling like a child. "I spaced out didn't I."

"Oh, no..." Luke waved his hand playfully. "You were doing what my son calls deep thinking."

Kol laughed quietly at this.

He studied Luke; his great-grandfather's Force presence burning brightly. A smile lit up his face, touching his blue eyes.

"There's the smile, I've been waiting for." He said out loud. "What happened wasn't your fault, you must know that." Kol shook his head. "You still have to take responsibility for the entire galaxy, don't you?"

Luke studied him, a corner of his mouth lifting up.

"You seem to know so much about me, it's almost eerie. Yet, I don't know anything about you."

"Well," He pushed himself of the seat. "We'll have plenty of time to do that while Ben gets well." He paused for moment, feeling light-headed.

"Are you all right?"

Kol replied, "Got up too fast," and rubbed his head. "Giving that blood took a lot more out of me than I thought."

"Do you need to sit back down?" Luke asked, alarmed.

"No. I'll be fine. Just some slight dizziness. It's passed now." Kol gestured with his head. "Now, let's go get some food shall we…I think it's almost supper time. I'm sure you're hungry."

Luke looked as if he wanted to protest, but didn't. He couldn't be of use to Ben if he keeled over from starvation.

"I could eat." He admitted slowly.

"Good. Then after that, I'll give you a tour of the Academy. You'll be around here for awhile, might as well acquaint yourself with the students and Masters. Then after that…you're going to get some rest."

"I feel fine." He regretted his words immediately; aware that they made him sound like a child.

"Naps are beneficial for men your age. Or so I've heard." A sparkle entered Kol's eyes.

Luke frowned.

The other man let out a loud guffaw.

He sighed, not amused in the least.

.​

 

Ooh, forward time travel I know the amazing Legacy comic series through the terrific ff writings of The_Pied_Piper, specifically dealing with Antares/Marasiah and Roan and Cade through the writings of KareBear and his relationship with Deliah. Very riveting and dramatic So I look forward to reading more of your take on this timeframe.

 

@Jade_eyes​

the way I figure it..going backward in time has been done to death, and I'm more interested in the future than the past of Star Wars...it holds endless possibilities after all.​

​

Chapter 4​

.​

Luke entered the dining hall behind Kol and made his way through throngs of long tables with lacquered benches. Jedi of various ages and ranks sat around, dining on meat, vegetables and rolls.

"The kitchen is well-stocked; we rotate meals going by day of the week, and often according to season. The Academy grows some of its own foods, what foods we can't get here we import from off-world." He explained, waving his hand.

Kol nodded his head to the Jedi he passed. "We have approximately six cooks that staff the kitchen morning, noon, and night. They rotate schedules, allowing for time off with their own families. In addition to our main cooking staff, we have serving staff of three.

"Our meals are had at seven o'clock, twelve and five—sharp."

"Impressive," Luke commented. "You run a tight ship."

"We try."

Kol patted a young man's shoulder as he stepped into line behind a Rodian Jedi and an older human male.

"Master Taz" He greeted the other man.

"Master Skywalker." The man bowed his head, returning the greeting in his low rumbling voice.

Luke started slightly, or would have, but hid it very well. It was so unusual for someone other than himself to be addressed that way—well besides Mara, but she had been gone for two years already. He brushed this aside, focusing his attention on the two Masters before him.

Kol smiled, "So how goes your apprentice's training?"

"Well…" The man peered past Kol. "And who is this?"

"This is…" Kol began to say.

"Lars," Luke announced, holding out a hand. "Owen Lars."

Kol almost gawked at him, but checked himself quickly.

The man took his hand and pumped it twice.

"Owen is a visiting Master…from the Temple…recently appointed." He explained easily.

Luke winced inwardly. He hardly felt like posing as some non-existent Master. It was one thing to go by his dead uncle's name; it was another to tell such a falsehood like that.

"Lars, Lars…" Taz repeated. "The name sounds so familiar."

"Oh, that's probably because it's so common." He reassured the man.

Taz seemed to think about this.

"You're probably right, Master Lars."

Luke cocked his head to the side and gave one of his—what his wife always called—'Farmboy smiles'.

"No harm done." He inclined his head. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

The Master nodded and received his food, flitting off to a table. D

Luke pinned Kol with an exasperated look.

Kol simply grinned, shrugging as if not noticing his ancestor's dismay.

"Master Skywalker..." One of the cooks greeted with a toothy smile. "What will you have?"

"The usual…"

"Roast faala meat with greens."

"That's the one." He glanced at Luke. His great-grandsire made a 'go-ahead' motion.

"Make that two."

"Very well…Two hot faala with greens!" She called over her shoulder then slid a glance at Luke much like Taz had. "Your friend?"

"Arulia, this is Owen Lars. Owen, Arulia Gibbs."

He bowed his head. "Pleasure."

"Same to you." She murmured then slid their plates onto the counter top.

"Thank you." Kol said.

He turned around heading for the tables with Luke following him a few steps behind. They found a table near the far wall that was mostly empty. Kol looked around and gestured for Luke to join him. The other sat across from him before speaking.

"Okay, what was that?" He asked in a whisper.

"What was what?" Kol replied nonchalantly, cutting into his faala meat.

"A Master from the Temple?" He said exasperatedly. "Don't you think that's going to spark suspicion?"

"No, I don't…Owen." He thrust a piece of meat into his mouth a chewed for a few seconds. When he was finished, he said, "There are too many Masters now…Are you telling me you know all your Jedi by name?"

Luke frowned.

"No." He conceded.

"Good." Kol got up. "Now that we that have that settled, can I get you something to drink?"

Luke looked around to the others at the tables, speculating about what the other Jedi were drinking. Some drank what he thought was caf, while others an odd assortment of other drinks that he couldn't put his finger on. He thought he saw what might be blue milk, but he could have been mistaken—no telling how much the refreshments in this galaxy might have changed.

Feeling Kol's eyes on him, he refocused his attention. "Anything would be fine…as long as it doesn't involve the words blue and milk." Luke replied, stabbing a piece of green with his fork.

"How about juice then? What kind will you have?"

His great-grandfather smiled, saying, "Surprise me." before popping the veggie into his mouth.

Kol nodded and disappeared back toward the serving area. He came back a minute later with two cups full of dark purple liquid. He set one down before Luke and one before himself.

Luke eyed the concoction.

"Granba berry juice."

He set down his fork and reached for the cup, hoisting it aloft. "Shall we toast?" He asked.

Kol shrugged and picked up his. "Why not. But to what?"

Luke paused as if thinking. "To Ben's quick recovery." He finally said solemnly.

"To a quick recovery." The other Master concurred and tapped his cup against Luke's.

Kol and Luke took a sip of the juice before setting it down again and attacking their meals. Luke sliced through the roasted meat and speared a piece of it, and stuck it in his mouth. He chewed it slowly, eyeing the other diners. No one seemed to be paying attention to him; between the eating and conversing.

"If you keep staring at people like that, they're going to get curious."

Luke ducked his head. "Sorry."

"And please stop apologizing..." He waved him off. "I refuse to have you groveling."

The older man put on his most faux indignant face. "I do not grovel." He said and lifted the juice to his lips.
Kol let out mighty laugh, finding his ancestor's behavior highly amusing.

"Don't do that please..." Luke groaned.

"What would you have me do instead?"

Luke chewed another piece of meat he'd stuck in his mouth. He sat there in quiet contemplation.

Kol offered, "I could always interrogate you."

Luke startled for a bit.

"About what, may I ask?"

"Your life."

"Don't you know a lot about that already?"

"But not from your own lips. Mostly memoirs other people have written…your son included."

He seemed to consider this fact—Ben had actually chronicled his life.

Luke set down his fork. "Am I really that important?"

"You're important to everyone, Luke. You were a legend in your time and still are in this time. Or are you unaware of the impact you've had on the future of this galaxy? Do you truly think so little of yourself? That your existence was unimportant in the big schemes of things?" He fixed Luke with a meaningful stare. "Not anyone could have done what you did...not anyone had the power you did...not anyone could have led the Jedi so far. You are a role model...the perfect one…for all the Jedi that came after you. I have always done my best to live up to you, to what I believe a Skywalker truly is—and have passed it on to my own child. You are alive in my heart as well as the hearts of every other Jedi in this galaxy." He laid a hand on Luke's hand.

"Please don't downplay yourself."

Coming from others, Luke might have taken his words to be one of a star-struck admirer. But from this man there was only pure respect—the kind one
might show a senior.

Understandable, since this was no boy. He kept on eying him.

"Very well, what do you want to know?"

"Nothing really. I find that even if people don't talk about themselves, I can get a handle on who they are, what they've been through."

Luke shook his head. "So, you don't really wish to know about me."

"Maybe, later… Right now, it's just good to talk with you like this."

Luke narrowed his eyes. "You're…very odd. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Kol widened his eyes and smiled.

"Well," he plucked a napkin from beside his plate and began to dab at his mouth. "Never been called odd before. That is a first."

"It's just that…you seem very…cryptic."

"Am I? I'm sorry; I never meant to give that impression."

Luke was examining him intently.

"Let's just finish our meal." Kol suggested. "We can talk while I give you the tour."

Luke nodded and they both returned to eating.

.​

When they were finished Luke and Kol cleared away their dishes then made their way out of the dining hall. Luke felt very content; the meal had helped a lot and he had enjoyed being in the company of other Jedi once more.

His exile had made it hard not to see his students and friends.

"Luke?"

Luke lifted his eyes toward Kol. "Hm?"

"You seemed distracted."

"I'm sorry, I'm thinking about my students…the Jedi back home." He wound his arms around his body as if to shield himself from some unknown chill.

"Understandable."

"When I left my Order…there was so much happening. Daala says she isn't out to destroy the Order, but I still fear what's happening in my absence." He took a breath. "And the amount of Jedi going crazy just keeps escalating. Then there's the Sith, and Abeloth."

The two passed by many students and Masters, stopping when Kol laid a comforting hand on Luke's arm.

"We'll do the best we can to get you back." Kol assured, though he didn't feel at all confident.

"Thank you. My priority, of course, is making sure Ben recovers." He looked around. "The rest can wait..."

"Right. We won't be seeing the Council until then anyway."

Luke became silent for awhile.

"Something wrong?"

"How much have you told them?"

"I've told them who you are, if that's what you mean, and your situation."

Luke nodded as if this was sufficient. "And their disposition?"

"Skeptical...but still interested."

"I can hardly blame them."

Kol shrugged. "As I said, we can talk more later. Come, let me show you around." He turned to watch his great-grandfather. "I'll wager there are a few changes to it, but not by much."

Kol spent the next hour, giving Luke the full tour. They started off on the main floor, which consisted of small classrooms and some larger training rooms. At the foremost front of the complex was the security room. Kol waved at the operators through the glass and they saluted back. He then led Luke toward the back of the Academy, opting to pass the turbo lifts, making a beeline for the small library.

"Of course, most of the text is at the Central Temple Library, but we've engineered a new system that enables us to tap into it from Ossus."

"Efficient." Luke praised quietly.

"We think so, yes."

Luke glanced around the library. It was small, but sufficient from his observation. There were several students sitting at computer terminals and others at tables with datapads spread out. He grinned quietly at the sight; reminded of a former student, Clighal, who spent her time pouring over the Temple archives.

There had been no library on Ossus in his time. Which he reflected was shame since Ossus was said to be the Jedi home-world, not Coruscant.

"Luke?"

"Yes?"

"Ready to go?"

He cleared his throat and straightened up. "Yes. Just reminiscing."

Kol shrugged. "Nothing wrong with that." He turned to leave, passing two apprentices on the way out. "We'll take the turbolifts up. I'll show you the other classrooms and dorms and such."

When they had entered one of the turbolifts, they found themselves to be alone finally. Luke turned to his companion and asked, "I thought we were keeping this low key."

"What do you mean?"

"You called me Luke."

"It's your name isn't it? Besides, we hardly need to resort to subterfuge between us. I already know who you are."

He pursed his lips, considering this.

"You're right."

The lift dinged and Luke and Kol stepped out onto the second floor. They toured it for fifteen minutes with Kol showing Luke the other classrooms. At the back of the level were mainly storage rooms.After they had finished, they took the lift up a second time this time to the dorm levels; which took up three floors. Kol explained how the dorm levels were divided up with the floors ranging from padawan learner to advanced learner to Knight.

"The top-most levels above these are reserved for Masters and families of the very young initiates."

The two men rode the turbolift back down to the main floor. Kol stepped off the lift and headed toward a door at the far side of the hallway—one which, Luke noticed, they had bypassed earlier.

Kol entered it, with Luke a step behind, and toggled the light switch. The room became brightly illuminated, revealing a long conference table. Luke stopped to observe it as Kol kept walking towards a door situated on the far back-left. He didn't immediately follow him, but eyed each and every facet of the room, especially the shuttered window. He walked up to it, running his fingers along it.

"The view must be nice from here." He commented.

Kol poked his head back out. "It is, come in and see for yourself. " He beckoned him into the room.

Luke followed, curiously, and found himself stepping into a large room, tastefully furnished but at the same time not grandiose. It was a combination study/bedroom. A king size bed with a modest gold coverlet and matching pillows rested on the far wall. Other furnishings consisted of a small bureau, a writing desk and a small com terminal. Two doorways were situated nearest the wall that was hallway adjacent; he figured beyond them laid a closet and a refresher.

"Is this your room?"

"Yes, I like to keep as close to the students as possible. This way it gives them the opportunity to drop in and speak with me if they wish to."

"That's a very hand's on approach."

Kol motioned, "Please sit."

Luke turned to look where he was gesturing and spotted a small flow form chair by a giant bay window. Kol hit a switch and the black-out curtains drew back revealing the black of night that was illuminated by the moon that hung over Ossus' orbit. Several millions of stars twinkled in the night sky, seeming much brighter due to non-populated nature of the planet.

It was as stunning as he remembered it.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kol commented, stepping up beside his great-grandfather.

"It is."

"Frankly, I prefer this over the galactic center of Coruscant. Coruscant is always moving, always thriving…never sleeping…." He shook his head sadly.

"A place like that is not ideal for me….I dislike the crowds; I can't help but feel like I'm suffocating when I'm there."

"I know where you're coming from." Luke smiled supportively. "It used to be like that for me for a long time…I loved being on Yavin; it was so peaceful there—an ideal place to train future generations of Jedi Knights." He stroked his chin, cocking his head to the side. "Then again, I suppose that was because, there was no other place for the Jedi to be, and perhaps I had fallen into the comfortable groove." He slid Kol a sideways glance. "It wasn't until before the Hand of Thrawn deal, that I started to live on Coruscant myself. I think it was because I wasn't needed as much as before."

His voice sounded a bit melancholy at this thought.

"Luke?"

Luke raised his head.

He blushed. "Sorry," He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Getting old I guess...Feeling the nostalgia and all."

Luke stepped back from the window and cast a glanced around the room. As tastefully furnished he'd first observed it to be, he noticed it was also Spartan in design. Very simple. Like his room back at the Temple.

He recalled thinking what good part it was being a Jedi was because the packing was so minimal. He imagined the other man was of similar nature. By the looks of Kol's room it wouldn't take long to pack everything he owned if he were faced with Luke's situation.

"It's simple but I prefer it that way." Kol remarked as if reading Luke's mind.

"I agree. I never cared much for clutter. I guess it comes with being in the military. You had to be ready to go at a moment's notice." Luke eyed Kol's large bed, noting how comfortable it looked at the moment.

"And you were always on the move, so much that you were grateful to sleep in a bunk no matter how small it was, because most of the time, you spent it napping in your X-wing because there was no alternative."

Kol commented, "I would have thought a fighter jock like you would have been comfortable in an X-wing."

Luke grinned. "I suppose in my younger days, it wasn't all that bad. But it's not really advisable these days to spend an extended amount of time in a cockpit." He ran a hand through his graying hair.

"Aching joints?"

"I'm not that old." Luke sounded very displeased by this assessment.

Kol chuckled. "Forgive me, I meant no disrespect." He looked his great-grandsire in the eye. "I am aware of what you're capable of."
Luke rubbed at his face then and attempted to stifle a yawn.

Kol took in the other's haggard appearance, noting the way his eyelids seemed to droop. There was no doubt about it, as much as the older Jedi pretended otherwise, he was becoming tired again. Kol knew at that moment, that Luke had to get rest-and that it had absolutely nothing to do with his age.

"I think, its time I show you to your room." He put a hand on the man's back.

"That's not-"

"If you tell me that's 'not necessary' one more time-you won't like my response."

Luke smiled at Kol's threat.

"I'm serious, Great-Grandfather."

Luke opened his mouth.

He steered Luke toward the door. "Not another word. If you're going to act like a stubborn old fool, then I'll refer to your accordingly."

"I want to see Ben first."

"Ben is asleep. You're not going to be of any use to him while he is."

He forcefully pushed Luke out of the room, toward the opposite door.

The older man slumped his shoulders in defeat.

Kol gently walked Luke to the door, dropping his hand as he moved to hit the panel. The door slid open revealing a similarly designed room, except the bed was a full, which left the room looking vastly larger than the other.

"You'll be sleeping here during your stay." Kol informed him.

Luke took in the blue furnishing and turned to Kol.

"What about your son? I couldn't possibly-"

"Cade stays with the other apprentices in the dorms, so there's no need to worry."

"All right...but..."

"Your things that you had with you are in the dresser; your lightsaber and your utility belt can be found in the top drawer." He motioned towards the dresser. "I've also taken the liberty of getting you a change of clothes. I thought yours might be dirty."

Luke, absentmindedly, raised his tunic to his nose and took a sniff. To which after he promptly wrinkled it. It did stink. Like sweat and dirt.

"Thank you. I think I will need a fresh change."

"Anything else?"

Luke walked into the center of the room. He shivered suddenly. "Maybe a robe...I left mine back on the Shadow."

"Done."

"Sleeping pants for night, if that's not too much trouble" He rubbed his face once more.

"None."

"Then I think that's it." He looked up, eyes determined. "Now, to see Ben."

"I told you..."

"Kol, let's make a bargain."

"Go on."

"You want me to sleep, I want to see Ben." He paused for effect. "If you allow me to see my son for a few moments, just to check up on him, I will concede and get some rest. Deal?"

He held out his hand expectantly.

Kol mulled this over for a bit.

Luke arched a brow.

"Done." He gripped Luke's hand in a firm shake. "You're really shrewd aren't you?"

"Not by nature. I just know what to do to accomplish what I want."

Kol dropped Luke's hand.

"Fair enough." He sighed. "Come; let's go see your son, shall we."

Luke turned on his heal and patted Kol's shoulder in passing. "That's what I suggested we do in the first place."

Kol didn't move for the longest of time. He simply stood their looking after his great-grandfather in bewilderment. Well, he thought. This is his true self.
Luke paused at the threshold, looking over his shoulder. "Well, are you coming or not? Daylight's already burned and I need to see Ben." He said in a playful, yet no-nonsense manner.

​

.​

.​

​

Luke entered the medical ward and came upon the Mon Cal healer, Gemi Staad. He extended his hand. "How is he, Master Staad?" The Calamarian wiped his hand off then clasped Luke's.

"As well as can be expected. We're taking the best possible care of him, Mr…"

"Owen….call me Owen."

Staad nodded his large head. "Owen."

"As I said, we are taking the best possible care of him. Would you like to see him?"

"May I?"

"Of course..." He gestured toward the hallway. "Go right ahead."

He bowed low. "Thank you," and proceeded on his way.

.​

​

Kol hung back, intent on leaving Luke to visit with his son alone. When Luke had vanished from sight Staad turned to him.

"Master Skywalker..."

"Yes?"

"I sense, something is amiss with that man."

"Oh?"

"Yes, a great blanket of mystery about him." Staad gave his best Mon Cal imitation of suspicion. "Take care, Master. He is more than he seems."

Kol placed a hand on Staad's shoulder. "Don't worry." He looked back where Luke had gone. "We have nothing to fear from him, Gemi."

​

.​

.​

​

Luke approached the Ben, having a little more composure this time around as he did. Ben's appearance was still unsettling to Luke, but he no longer panicked at the sight of the boy. He stepped up beside his unconscious son and noticed that the bed had been elevated several feet. He set his lips, curious, and then laid a hand across Ben's brow. He was relieved to find it several times cooler, than when he'd first touch it—the sweat had long since cooled. Presumably, his son was sleeping more peacefully, without terrors to plague his mind as the wound plagued the rest of his body.

Looking around, he spotted a chair a few feet behind him. He took hold of it and pulled it forward, seating himself on it. He leaned forward and placed a hand back on Ben's head, stroking it soothingly while the other cradled the boy's hand. In a moment of impulse, Luke raised the hand up to his face and pressed it against his own cheek, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

His heart ached but not as bad as it had before.

"He's safe…he's not in danger….he's going to live." He whispered, pressing Ben's hand to his cheek more.

Luke examined his boy's face; the colored had return to it, his face no longer looking waxy. He was actually breathing more, taking deeper breaths. He hoped this meant that the boy would soon be able to breathe on his own, but reined it in. Ben had nearly died, and he had lost a lot of blood. It would take much more than a day's recuperation to get the blood flowing successfully back to his brain. More than a day to get the oxygen circulating.

He laid the boy's hand back down on the bed, simply watching him. The way his chest rose and fell, the way his breath fogged up the mask. Luke switched his attention to the steady drip of IV bag that kept his son hydrated. Luke closed his eyes and reached out with the Force, feeling for his son's life signature. He found it, weak but thriving. His breathing was all the more clear; much louder in his mind. He could hear the steady drip-drip-drip of the IV. He shivered, withdrawing, opening his eyes.

He waited and waited and waited; hoping that Ben would open his eyes; revealing their clear blue depths that mirrored his own.

He let out a breath, which he had been holding inadvertently, and pushed back and got up. He leaned over, giving Ben's hand one more, soft squeeze and kissed his forehead.

"Get better, Son." he whispered. "Rest for now."

He set the chair back, turned to leave, casting one more fleeting look at his son, before exiting the room. When the door closed behind him, he rested his back against it and covered his face with his hands. The pain he'd been feeling finally leaked out and he openly cried; his sobs very audible in that empty, sterile hallway.

He barely heard the footsteps approach him.

"Luke?" Kol said, his voice filled with concern.

Luke dropped his hands, tears streaking his cheeks and gave a tentative smile. "He's going to be alright, Kol. I can feel it..." He swallowed. "He will be alright."

​

.​

.​

 

Relieved Ben will be all right & enjoyed the Kol/Luke interaction

 

Yep..he's gonna get better...it'll take awhile, but he will.

 

@Jade_eyes here comes the super special new chapter..I'm glad you like the interaction between Kol and Luke because there will be more to come! Luke will get to know more about his future descendants. ​

.​

Chapter 5​

.​

Luke woke up early the next morning, just as the sunlight was streaming through his window. He pushed himself up, blinking the sleep from his eyes. He looked around the room, momentarily confused at his surroundings then gained recognition. Oh, he thought, right, I'm on Ossus…Not my Ossus though. He yawned widely, stretching his arms above his head to get the blood flowing. After he was done doing so, Luke threw his legs over the side of his bed and moved into a standing position.

He pulled aside one of the large black out curtains away from the window and peered out into the dawn. He could make out the faint hue of orange entering the sky, dispelling the dark above. The forest around the academy was shadowy with mist drifting through it.

After he had been staring out the window for awhile, he dropped the curtain back in place and turned to look at the dresser Kol had indicated last night. Luke walked around the bed to get to the simple dresser situated to the left of it. He opened the top drawer, immediately finding his things. He then shut the drawer and pulled open the one bellow it. This time he found a pair of trousers, a beige tunic, and an undershirt.

He picked up the tunic, regarding his nightwear, before deciding to put it on. When he was satisfied with the fit, he left the room.

He entered the common area and paused outside his bedroom door. He took time to stare at Kol's door for a few moments, straining to listen for any sound. Of course he heard nothing and simply shrugged. He really needed to clear his head. So much had happened yesterday his brain hadn't time to process it until this morning.

He made his way around the table and out the door, stepping into the wide hallway. The academy was extremely quiet and Luke surmised that he had roused way before anyone else. That was no surprise; he had always been an early riser, going all the way back to his time on the farm. One had to get up early in the morning to collect the moisture that had formed during the night. Otherwise it would all dry up.

He looked around, wondering if the academy had changed a lot from his own time period. He stopped in his tracks, mulling the phrase over in his head. His own time period, he would have laughed had the situation not been so real.

Luke continued on, his one bet was to travel to the landing platform behind the Temple, there was a side door which had never been monitored highly and Luke hoped that was the case to this day. When he made his way across the hangar and to the target portal he found it to be ajar. Frowning, he cautiously peek poked his head out the door, his hand dropping to his hip. He sighed, realizing he'd left his saber back in his room.

He caught sight of a young boy, sitting on a boulder with his knees on drawn up. He was looking out into the woods, not seeming to have noticed Luke's presence. Luke stepped through the doorway and tried to get a better look at the boy. He had blonde hair and was dressed in sleep wear still. He recognized the boy as Kol's son, Cade.
He remained unmoving, not wanting to frighten him.

"I can tell you're there..." Cade spoke up. "You're not very subtle." He turned his head over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised.

"I thought you couldn't feel me." Luke said conversationally, stepping forward, with arms crossed over his chest.

"I could, I was just waiting to see what you'd do." He swiveled around.

"Ah."

He gestured toward another boulder not three feet away. "May I?"

Cade shrugged. "Free planet."

"Thank you." Luke got on top of the boulder and positioned himself cross-legged. He turned to look at the boy sideways. "So, what brings you out here this early?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"No reason. It's just that I've always gotten up around this time." He dusted his hands off. "Call it habit. You?"

"I like it…its nice…everything's cool. You get to feel the morning dew." Cade scratched his fingernail along the boulder. "It's a nice break before training starts during the day."

Luke cocked his head, quizzical. "You don't like training?"

"Oh, no, I like it fine…" He hopped off his seat. "It's hard sometimes…but that's what being a Jedi is, isn't it. It ain't—isn't.—easy."

Luke took note of the way the boy corrected his speech pattern. Curious.

"So you enjoy it?"

"Yeah, it's pretty nice. " He fiddled with a low hanging branch. "I guess, the reason I don't mind it much is because of my dad. I want to be a Jedi like him; I want to make him proud."

A memory from long ago resounded in Luke's mind.

I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father.

"That's…very admirable." Luke said finally.

"Thanks." He twisted a leaf with both thumbs and forefingers. Cade turned to look, staring at the man dead in the eyes. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"How old are you?"

Luke smiled slowly. "Well…that's rather personal isn't it?"

"You said, go ahead."

"Yes, I did."

"Well?"

Luke placed his cheek in his hand and made a hmmming noise as if this needed great thought. "Six decades plus one."

"Sixty-one." Cade deadpanned.

"Correct."

"Then why didn't you just say so."

Luke grinned. "I did."

The boy shook his head. "You're not what I expected."

"What were you expecting?"

"I don't know this wizened old master I guess. All straight laced and stuff."

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint."

He walked closer to Luke, examining him. "No, it's not a bad thing. You're just not what I expected. You're different…almost like…if I cut you, you'd bleed."

"Well, I hope you won't."

"I won't. Just saying."

"Do you…truly think I'm made of stone, or perhaps I'm some sort of god?"

"That's what I got from dad….I'm sure that's not how he meant to portray you, but it's obvious he respects you a lot." He looked the man over. "I'm not disturbing you, am I?"

Luke had his eyes closed now.

"Sir?"

"You're not..." He murmured, hands settled on his knees. He was in a half-meditative state; intently listening to the boy's chatter.

He was an interesting youth that was for certain. He was extremely respectful and well-mannered, almost to the point of being surreal. Yet, there still was a hint a boy that lay beneath the surface of that courteous youth. He also noted the way the boy spoke, not only the way he deferred to Luke. He made an effort to speak properly most of the time, but occasioning slipped into that youthful slang and blatant curiosity.

He had to wonder if the youth's speaking reflected on his own father. Kol spoke fairly well and had no doubt passed on the importance of proper speaking to his son. It was obvious to him that the boy thought highly of Kol through his wiliness to correct himself when he erred.
He frowned. As much as he applauded the other man for instilling certain values into the boy, he had to wonder if this was all too much for one so young.

Then again, the boy didn't seem burdened by his father's expectations. He didn't seem to mind at all, and Luke rarely found Cade speaking to Kol in an outlandish manner, except in those quiet familiar moments. Father and son had acted very much at peace with one another, clearly enjoying the other's company. He saw a lot of himself and Ben in the father/son pair.

It was comforting. He dearly wished Ben was recovered quickly so he could talk to his son. His heart ached. He sorely missed Ben's sharp wit, sardonic manner, and playful, barbed tongue.

And then he thought of Mara—and his heart ached even more.

"Sir?" Cade was eyeing Luke curiously.

"I'm sorry." Luke blurted out, rubbing his hand over his face. He opened his eyes and stared into Cade's green ones. "How long was I…?" He seemed to search for the word. "Out."

Cade set his lips, thinking.

"About two standard minutes."

"I'm sorry."

"No, need to apologize to me." He sat once more on the boulder. "You looked like you were thinking seriously, so I didn't say anything." Cade observed

Luke. "I figured it was about your son."

Luke smiled. "You would be correct then." He paused. "You're very intuitive."

"Thanks, Dad says that too. He says it'll take me far as a Jedi."

"It is a good thing. It hasn't steered Ben wrong. He's a very smart…" Luke commented quietly, as if to himself.

After a moment, Cade said, "When he wakes up I think I'd like to talk to him."

Luke smiled softly. "Yes, that would be nice…I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Cade nodded, and then hopped off the boulder once more.

"Well," He dusted off the seat of his pants. "I'll be going."

"You don't have to." Luke objected fairly. "I didn't mean to intrude."

"No, it's all right. I've been out here for an hour." He began to walk toward the door. "Please, enjoy. I'm going to wash up before breakfast. Dad gets worried I'm not there on time." He bobbed his head. "It was nice to talk to you."

Before Luke could reply, the boy ducked back inside, leaving him to the silence and solitude of the forest around him; leaving him to his thoughts. He thought about home, about his sister and his brother-in-law, his niece, friends, and comrades. He wondered what was going on back there, if things were running smoothly. If Daala was interfering with the Jedi. Or if Valin Horn and the other Jedi were well. Had Clighal made any progress toward uncovering the psychosis? Were the Jedi running smoothly without him? He'd like to think so. The Masters on the Council were very capable; Jedi he'd known for over three decades—many of whom had been his first students. He nodded inwardly. Yes, the Jedi would be fine.

It was Ben who needed him the most now, Ben who he was capable of helping now. His son needed him the most right now.

Luke began to settle into a meditative state, shutting his eyes and his mind to all outside distractions. He slipped into his trance, wiling his mind to be a blank canvas, barring all other thoughts from his head. What he needed right now before he could even begin to aid his son was peace and the time to clear his mind. Yes, that would be a good start.

.​

.​

​

Luke came out his trance, opening his eyes to the bright sun beaming down upon him, feeling his body becoming heated beneath his tunic. He shifted in place and drew his legs out of their folded position, slipping from the rock. He stretched briefly, covering his eyes with his hand as he stared off into the woods and took in the magnificent surroundings that he'd so much come to appreciate.​

​

He hadn't meant to remain under for so long, but it had been beneficial—and a long time coming.​

​

He turned toward the door and entered the building once more, his ears filling with the sounds of the academy in full swing. The buzz of students and Masters milling about; idle and intense conversations, the drone of light sabers, and the sound of footsteps, traversing quickly down the hallways.​

He was relieved to see very little people actually in the hallway considering his state of dress. He assumed most of them were in the classrooms or still at the dining hall. He made it to his room and quickly entered.​

​

He found Kol sitting at the conference table with a plate of eggs and some sort of meat. He was drinking juice, his eyes turning up as he looked to Luke. His brows arched as he set the glass back down.​

​

"Interesting choice of clothing." He remarked.​

​

Luke flushed and grinned. "I was…meditating. The time got away with me…" He looked around. "I would assume you'd be in the hall." He gestured toward the food.​

​

"Oh," He lifted a datapad. "I have to go over this before my first class."​

​

Luke nodded.​

​

"Breakfast?"​

​

"Maybe after I see Ben." He started for his room.​

​

Kol moved to open his mouth, but thought better of it. His great-grandsire would do as he wished. Luke would never be able to eat without checking on the boy first, anyway.​

​

"Good." He said loudly. "Then after you're done eating you can perhaps join me in class."​

​

"That sounds good." Luke responded from inside the bedroom.​

.

Inside the bedroom, Luke quickly changed from his sleepwear into the trousers provided to him by Kol. He reached into the top drawer, strapping on his belt then hooked his lightsaber onto it. He then went to the refresher and examined himself in the mirror for a moment before washing up. When he was fresh for the day, he left the room and entered the main area once more. Kol was finishing up his breakfast, nose buried in the datapad at hand.​

​

"I'll going down to see Ben now." He announced, adjusting his cuffs.​

​

Kol lifted his head. "I'll see you after then."​

​

Luke stopped by the door. "Where should I meet you?"​

​

"Second level," Kol picked up the glass and took a sip. "I'll have someone be on the lookout for you."​

​

"But you don't know how long I'll be."​

​

"Just go," said Kol. "I'll see you then."​

​

Luke nodded and promptly left.​

.
.

He arrived at the medical ward several minutes later, and upon entering his son's room found Master Staad hovering over him. Luke became momentarily intrepid over this fact, but quickly urged himself to remain calm.​

​

He cleared his throat and then asked, "How is he, Master Staad?'​

​

The Mon Cal healer twisted his large head over his should, staring at Luke with big bulbous eyes. "He remains stable; I was just checking his vitals and changing the IV bag."​

​

"Do you believe he will recover?"​

​

Staad did not reply immediately but simply extracted a small penlight from his pocket and leaned over to gently pry Ben's eyelids open. Luke walked closer to observe. The other Jedi shone the penlight in Ben's eyes and watched furtively for movement. When he seemed to have achieved what he'd set out to do, he straightened up and shut off the light.​

​

"Pupils are very responsive to light." He pocketed the item. "I do believe he will make a complete recovery."​

​

Luke breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear. I'm glad."​

​

"Indeed."​

​

The Calamari turned to face Luke and pinned him with a penetrating gaze.​

​

"Is there something wrong?" Luke asked.​

​

"Tell me something..."​

​

"Yes?"​

​

"I sense something mysterious in your nature. And even though Master Kol says I have nothing to fear from you, I can't help but wonder what he—and you are hiding. He is not deceptive by nature, so it leads me to wonder what would drive him to conceal truth."​

​

Luke turned his eyes downcast and threaded a hand through his graying hair.​

​

"Who are you?" Staad queried. "The truth, please, Sir Owen."​

​

"You're very perceptive, Master Staad." Luke looked toward Ben for a moment. "I would...like to reveal who I am." He gestured toward his son with a motion of his head. "I feel as if I owe it to you for taking care of my son—though, the truth might shock you quite frankly."​

​

The Mon Cal cleared his throat. "I am not so easily shaken." He paused. "You do not need to feel indebted to me this way."​

​

Luke held up a hand to stay any further words.​

​

"No, I need to. I don't like all this subterfuge." He smiled slowly. "You need to know this because you are caring for my son. I do not want to mislead you and damage what little trust you have in me; someone who is a stranger to you even now."​

Staad nodded. "Come with me."​

​

Luke dipped his head in acknowledgement and followed the healer out the door. They stopped just outside the door, with Staad facing the door and Luke with his back to it.​

​

He looked over his shoulder to glance at his son and said, "My name is not Owen…Owen was my Uncle's name." He turned his eyes, staring deeply into the Mon Cal's. "I am…Luke Skywa-."​

​

Just then a loud piercing sound emanated from inside his son's room. Luke turned toward the sound, slapping the entry pad and dashed inside frantic. His eyes fell upon Ben, his heart hammering inside his chest. Staad was a few paces behind him. He brushed Luke gently aside before grasping Ben's wrist, pressing thumb to pulse on it.​

​

He looked to the monitor, watching the steady spike of the lines as Ben's heart rate seemed pulse strongly.​

​

"Well..."​

​

Staad turned back to Luke to report when the machine let out another loud beep, the line spiking high. Both the Mon Cal and Luke were studying the scene intently. Only Luke wasn't examining the monitor, but the rise and fall of his son's chest. He watched a moment more and caught the slight fluttering of the Ben's lashes.​

​

"Ben..." He croaked.​

​

Ben let out a low moan, the deep blue hue of his eyes peeping through the half raised lids. They were clouded but unfocused, searching in a confused manner.

"Ben..." Luke leaned in further, but Staad gently brushed him aside once more.

"Step aside, Sir." He instructed. "I need space."

The Jedi Master stepped back and bit his lip. His breath caught in his throat and his heart kept hammering. He leaned against the wall behind him.
The boy's lids fluttered once more, his breath fogging up the mask as he tried to turn and look at the occupants.

"It's all right, young man." Staad chided. "I'm going to check your eyes." He leaned over and gently placed his flipper on Ben's forehead before shining the penlight again.

"Is he all right?" Luke asked anxiously, uncharacteristically fidgeting.

"Yes," He stepped back. "He seems to be responsive a neural level, but it is still a low neural level." He turned back to Ben. "Young man…"

Ben eyes drifted slowly to the Mon Cal, in a cloudy haze.

"Can you hear me?"
The youth's eyes slid back to his father, but he remained silent.

Staad shook his head and gave what sounded like a sigh.

"No use, he's still not completely recovered full neurological function."

"But he woke up."

"Yes, and that is a good sign." He turned toward the door. "But I'm afraid that does not mean he is fully recovered."

Staad stepped through the door and did not speak a word more till they entered the receiving area.

"Now, Master Skywalker, why don't we start at the beginning?"

Luke carefully explained everything to Staad, occasionally glancing at the door. Staad nodded his head, making sounds of hmm and ahhh while carefully interjecting a few inquiring questions. When he had finished explaining his dilemma, the Mon Cal motioned for Luke to follow him into the nearest computer terminal and sat down.

He turned toward the other man, accessing the terminal.

"I'd like to address a few things, Master Sky-" he started to say.

Luke raised his hand as he had done before.

"Please, there's no need. I'm sure it's confusing."

"On the contrary, I am use to calling him Master Kol, anyhow." Luke saw what he thought may have been a sort of smile. "He is very ….relaxed."

Luke smiled in return. "Yes, I gathered as much."

Staad was quiet for a few seconds. "Now," He announced and started bringing up Ben's chart. "Let's talk about your boy. His brain suffered oxygen deprivation due to great loss of blood. We operated him as soon as we received him, so we were able to prevent any further trauma that might have hinged from it. There is no brain damage. "

Luke nodded.

"Ben has done well, coming out of the surgery without any complications. His current state is no indication otherwise, since we had expected there to be certain side effects from the loss of blood. He is stable, Master Skywalker.

"During the operation, a blood transfusion was performed. Young Ben had lost 30% of his blood at that time, which is 2.24 liters." He looked into
Luke's eyes. "Master Kol himself provided the necessary amount since his blood type was a match with the boy's at that time…" Staad trailed off.

"I understand."

"His awakening is a good sign, as I said before, but I fear he is far from out of the woods. The lightsaber cut deep, through many layers. He is quite fortunate no organs were damaged during the altercation. The oxygen mask seems to be having a positive effect, and it shall be utilized until his blood renews enough to stimulate a neural response within his brain.

"We shall be monitoring his brain waves more closely now that he has become more conscious." He turned. "Other than that, I deeply pray the Force is with him. He still has a long way to go."

.​

.​

​

Luke stepped out of the turbolift into the main hall. He mulled over the conversation that had taken place between him and Staad. After he had explained Ben's condition fully to the other Jedi, he discussed with Luke other pressing matters. First, he touched on Ben's medical history, inquiring if there were any genetic oddities that were present in Luke's family line.

Then he started to ask more in-depth subjects, such as medical options and decisions concerning the boy. What would Luke care to do in certain situations? What sort of procedures would he give credence to? He shook his head. As much as it had been necessary, those incredibly invasive questions that suggested the worst happening shook Luke to the core. He sucked in a breath and began striding in the direction of the landing pad.

To hell with meeting Kol, he had to breathe! He felt as if he was suffocating. He couldn't think about such things! He couldn't!

Ben would be all right, he assured himself. He was stable and had woken up. He was responding well to oxygen as Staad hoped. He was fine; nothing was going to happen to his son, so he wouldn't have to make any of those damning types of decisions.

"Ow!" a small voice cried out.​

​

He felt something impact with his legs and he stopped in his tracks.​

​

A small girl looked up at him with big blue eyes, golden hair framing her face. She was dressed neatly in the uniform of Jedi youngling. Tears were entering her eyes and her lower lip was trembling considerably. She looked as if she was going to cry.​

​

"Don't cry, sweetie..." Luke crooned softly, getting down on one knee. "It's all right." He reached out and gently tried to touch the cherub's cheek.​

​

The girl drew back as if fearful.​

​

"No, it's all right. I'm not going to hurt you." He looked around.​

​

She looked up at him askance, clutching her left ankle. "It-it..." She mumbled tearfully.​

​

"It what, sweetie?"​

​

"It hurts."​

​

Luke's hand dropped down to near the ankle. The girl flinched.​

​

"No, it hurts!"​

​

His face softened.​

​

Luke drew upon his early years as a father, when Ben was still small.​

​

"I'm sure it does, Sweetie, but we have to look at it. It's only going to feel worse if you don't." His voice was soft, taking on what Mara had liked to call his daddy tone.​

​

The girl glanced at him uncertainly, still clutching it. Luke gently put his hands to her small ones.​

​

"May I see it?" He asked gently.​

​

She looked at him, frowning slightly, as if she was contemplating it. After a moment, she gave a jerky little nod.​

​

"Good. What's your name, sweetie?"​

​

"Adelle." She said.​

​

"And your last name?" He smiled encouragingly. "I'm sure you have one."​

​

"Brightstar."​

​

"Adelle Brightstar. Now, that's pretty name..." He tilted his head. "My name is Luke."​

​

Adelle looked at him through curious eyes.​

​

"Now, can I look at your ankle, Adelle?"​

​

She nodded slowly and dropped her hands from it.​

​

When they fell away, Luke took in the sight. The flesh on it was peeled back, leaving drops of blood. Luke winced, realizing that he had caused this. It looked very painful. He looked back up into her eyes and gently took her ankle in his hand, gingerly examining it. He could see some muscle showing through, the scrape was quite deep.​

​

He raised his head. "Does it hurt a lot?"​

​

Adelle remained quiet.​

​

"A bit." She finally said.​

​

Luke nodded.​

​

"Well, you're handling yourself very well. You're a very brave girl, Adelle."​

​

She lifted her chin proudly, stating, "I'm a Jedi, I have to be brave."​

​

He gave a warm smile, "That you are. Now, I think we should go see Master Staad about your ankle, don't you?" He asked, as he got to his feet and then bent down to prop her up on hers.​

​

She looked at him with those bright blue eyes and nodded, her curls bouncing.​

​

"All right." He offered his hand. "Let's go see Master Staad, okay?"​

​

Adelle took his large hand with her small one.​

​

She gave a pretty smile. "All right."​

.
.

 

Great interaction with Staad & hopeful prognosis. Like Adle she seems a sweetie.

 

@Jade_eyes​

She is..and she will play a role further on in the story. in addition to perhaps following Luke around like a baby animal. ​

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Chapter 6​

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Luke brought the girl back to the medward to have her injury looked at. To say Staad was surprised to see him was an understatement. As the Mon Cal checked out the girl's ankle, Luke hovered around the examination table.

Staad glanced curiously over his shoulder, saying at one time, "You can leave, Sir."

Luke shook his head. "No, she's my responsibility. I'll stay with her." He said.

Staad simply nodded.

After he made sure the girl was cared for Luke turned toward the turbolifts once more. He knew by now that breakfast had probably stopped being served, so instead he left to immediately join Kol. He was, extremely late.

When Luke arrived at the second floor, he found a young female apprentice with her dark hair done in twin braids. She stood still in front of the turbo lift, clutching a cloth wrapped box, her almond eyes expressive as she took in the sight of him.

She cocked her head and inquired, "Master Owen?"

Luke smiled. "Yes, that's me."

The girl sighed in relief. "I was thinking you had gotten lost. I was starting to worry." She looked down at her parcel. "Here, this is for you." She thrust it out.

He eyed it curiously.

"Brunch. Master Skywalker figured you might not make it in time."

Luke took it from her with ease. "Thank you, Miss…"

"Daniella…Daniella Shale." She supplied.

"It's a nice to meet you."

She did a little bow. "It's nice to meet you as well." Daniella straightened up. "Please follow me, if you will, Sir." She turned left and started down the hallway.

Luke followed after her, stepping in pace with her. "So, Miss Shale..."

"Call me, Daniella. That is if you wish."

"All right…Daniella it is."

"Master Skywalker is waiting for you in one of the larger classrooms. He's finishing up his lesson I believe."

"I see."

"He must have something special planned I think." She grinned, cocking her head then said, "I have heard from Master Skywalker that you will be staying with us for awhile."

"Yes. I hope to gain some experience while I'm here."

Daniella gave him a curious look. "Experience? Why would you need that?" She was clearly eyeing the color of his hair.

Luke cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I'm a bit out of touch. I haven't taught for awhile." Well, it was the truth.


"Oh…" She stopped in the middle of the hallway. "Well, I hope your stay here will be pleasant."

"I'm sure it will. Ossus is a very beautiful planet."

She smiled prettily. "It is, isn't it?" She then gestured toward a door that was to her right. "It's this one…"

They stood silent for a moment.

Daniella cleared her throat. "Well, Master Owen." She stepped aside and bowed her head. "I shall see you around, I guess." She then retreated down the hall and out of view —leaving Luke standing in the empty hallway with his food container.

He looked toward the door, and hesitantly hit the access button stepping inside the back of the large classroom. Kol's eyes met his as he entered, but no student turned to look at him. He took a seat on a back bench the meal situated in his lap.

Kol made no move to engage him further, but turned back to his lecture. He seemed to be instructing the students on methods of fighting. Strategy.
Luke moved aside the clothing napkin sitting atop the small box and pried the lid off it to inspect the contents. Inside, were tiny sandwiches cut into triangles with a single meat patty and egg. He picked up one of them and took a delicate bite, listening intently to Kol speak on, marking the board with a laser pointer.

He was making circles which represented people and using arrows to demonstrate combat paths. After a few seconds more of explaining a particular strategy, he wrapped it up by say, "And that's it for today," He peered at Luke over the heads of the students to see if Luke had finished eating.

The students rose from their seats, but Kol held a hand out.

"Please, sit. I've prepared a special treat for you. Instead of going to your usual class for your next lesson, you will be taught here by a special guest speaker." He examined the other man. "If he's ready..."

Luke stopped chewing and put his second sandwich down. What was he up to?

"Master Owen?"

"What would you have me do?" Luke inquired curiously.

"Well, if you don't mind, I was thinking you'd come in join me at the front."

Luke sighed, or would but the students had turned around to look at him curiously.

"I'll let you finish…" Kol smiled invitingly.

Luke frowned inwardly and said, "No, it's all right. Can't discourage eager minds, can we?"

He then smiled demurely and used the napkin to clean his finger and mouth. He folded it back, set it once more upon the bench, and rose. He made his way through the rows of desk nonchalantly, his bearing striving to be dignified. To refuse would have been rude, and Luke was not that.

He joined Kol at the head of the class and shot the other a curious look.

His descendant simply smiled and braced a hand on Luke's shoulder.

"Master Owen will be teaching you today. I hope you make him feel welcome; he's new to the Academy." He gave Luke's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"He will be covering the time period from the Yuuzhan Vong War to the Dark Nest Crisis since he has very close knowledge of those times."

Luke simply smiled at Kol, trying not to feel irked at being unexpectedly put on the spot like this. "Yes, well," He cleared his throat and let the Force course through him. "As Master Skywalker said, I will be covering the Vong War—as us old-timers like to call it—through the Dark Nest Crisis. I will be, more specially, covering the Jedi's role in the war, including the state of the Order at the time."

He was vaguely aware Kol had started to drift to the black of the class. When the other man said nothing further, Luke assumed he'd taken the right path.

A male apprentice raised his hand.

"Yes. The young man in the back row. Did you have a question?"

The student got up and bowed. "Yes, Sir. I'm assuming we're also going to be covering Luke Skywalker himself as well as his extended family."

"That's correct." Luke smiled. "What's your name, Son?"

"Tolamus, Master Owen. Andrew Tolamus, third year apprentice. I was wondering if we are also going to discuss the sacrifice of Anakin Solo?"
He winced inwardly. Even after all these years, it still hurt. Luke had blamed himself for his nephew's death. He had been so young.

"Is there a particular reason?" He inquired calmly.

"I'm interested in hearing about it..." Apprentice Tolamus looked around. "We've only heard snippets about the old family. They were a very important part to the past of the Jedi Order. I thought it might be proper."

"Very well." Luke tried not to show his discomfort with the subject.

Kol grinned from the back of the class room—but Luke knew it was about the position he had put Luke in, not the subject of his nephew, Anakin.
He drew himself up to his full height, projecting confidence. "Allow me to introduce myself once more." He lifted his chin a notch. "I am Master Owen; I was born a long time ago…"

"How long ago?" One student piped up.

He deflected the issue neatly. "Well, that's not really important as to what I have to say about your lesson is it?"

The class remained silent.

He pressed his hands together and started to pace the front of the room. "Now, as Master Skywalker said, I have an in-depth knowledge of the Vong War and the Dark Nest Crisis, since I have had the luck to live through both of them." Again, this was quite true.

There were audible murmurs of surprise following his bold statement. Each face looked interestedly upon him, suddenly seeming more eager to listen.

Luke smiled and ran hand through his hair. "I suppose I don't look as old as you would expect."

Luke went on to given an accounting of the events in detail, focusing primarily on the Jedi. He addressed many key points: these included the initial onslaught of the strange alien invaders, the betrayal of the Jedi by the citizenry, and the hunting of them by Vong engineered Voxyn. He also pin-pointed several individual efforts; such as Corran Horn's disastrous Battle for Ithor and Ganner Ryhsode's heroic last stand on Coruscant.

Finally, he got around to himself. It was odd to refer to himself in third person. Down-right strange, in fact. He decided to lead in with the state of the Order in general. It would be much more natural to segue into himself from that.

"The Jedi Order at the time of the Yuuzhan Vong War was fledgling one. The Jedi were finally becoming a more pronounced Order with the number of Jedi in general growing phenomenally. However, Skywalker was still wary of how this Order should be governed and what direction it should be led in. His misgivings stemmed back from when he first started the Jedi Academy back on Yavin IV. He felt himself a failure despite the great progress he made since then; still unsure if he was leading the new Order in the right direction. Many questions had yet to be answered and much knowledge about the Old Jedi Order was lost to him due to the thoroughness of Emperor Palpatine.

"The appearance of the Yuuzhan Vong served to undermine what little progress the Jedi had made and what little stability the Order had. Skywalker was troubled because he longed to lead the Jedi on the right path, basing what little knowledge he had on the teachings of his former Masters, Yoda and Obi-wan Kenobi.

"A schism spread within the Order, splitting it apart. Some started to questions Skywalker's leadership and his overall methods. Kyp Durron was at the head of the protests. He felt Luke was far too lenient given the circumstances and his passive nature was only hindering the Order's effectiveness. Durron called for a more aggressive stance to be taken against the Yuuzhan Vong—but Skywalker would not defer to this notion."

Luke drew a breath, feeling the fresh well of emotion that bubbled up within him. He hadn't thought sof these moments in quite some time.

"Skywalker's leadership as I said was called into question. For you see, ever since he first founded the Academy ten years prior, Skywalker was always thought to be an icon if you will, to the people of the galaxy. He was in all rights—the people believed—the symbol of the Jedi Order, and as such many people would defer to him personally when it came to all matters concerning the Jedi."

He paused—this particular point he was about to make would hit home hard.
"If a Jedi was to ere in some way, his student's action would fall unto Skywalker." He examined the student's eyes as he said this. "So, it was that even Skywalker's own students sought him out for approval and guidance. They deferred to him because he was their senior in everything, but also because it was he who had resurrected the Order anew.

"However, even when Skywalker followed his former Master's mandate, he never once felt he was a leader, in the sense that the entire galaxy and the
Jedi did. He believed himself strictly to be a catalyst to restarting the Jedi Order."

A hand was raised.

"Excuse me." A white-skinned Devaronian female murmured.

"Yes."

"Karona Tam. My question is….If Luke Skywalker's leadership was so in question, why didn't those Jedi take matters into their own hands instead of arguing with the Master?"

"They respected him too much."

The female frowned, apparently not pleased by this answer.

"Even though his leadership had been called into question, even those Jedi knew how much rebelling against him entirely would throw the Order into chaos—and the Jedi could not afford chaos during those times." He looked around. "Anything else?"

"I believe you said you were going to talk about Anakin Solo's sacrifice."

Luke's heart became a ball of lead for a moment.

"Yes," He said after a heartbeat. "Anakin Solo's death was one that effected many, not just his family, but the Jedi as well. Anakin was seen as a beacon of light, a new hope for a new era. Many thought he would be the next Luke Skywalker. Unfortunately, that hope was cut short when he, along with several other Jedi, died on that mission to Mykr.

"Skywalker felt entirely to blame for Anakin's death, for he had sanctioned sending the young Jedi out on that mission. He regretted sending Anakin and many of the other younger ones along, but at the time the Jedi ranks were stretched thin and Skywalker felt he had no choice but to send them—knowing very well that some of them not returning… was a possibility."

"Skywalker still felt the sting of his nephew's death many years later." He paused trying to force down the lump that was forming in his throat. "It was said, that during his ten year exile from Coruscant." Luke seated himself on the stool. "..Skywalker came upon the apparition of his nephew on a planet. I don't know if that's true or not, but I think one can only imagine what grief he still must have felt confronting his young nephew once more.

Luke glanced over the young students, looking for signs of any further questions.

He cleared his throat. "Well, let's take a small break shall we?" He levered himself off his seat, his eyes meeting Kol's. The Jedi Master was frowning.
Luke made a subtle motion with his eyes and Kol nodded. Luke joined the younger man at the back of the classroom. "Come," Kol urged. "Outside, you look like you need a breather."

He nodded and the two exited the classroom. Kol glanced around making sure no students were present.

"Luke, are you okay?" He inquired, placing a hand on the other's shoulder. "You look slightly pale. Maybe you should get some rest."
Luke shook his head.

"I'm fine."

Kol's eyes narrowed. "Was the class too much?"

"I'm all right."

"No, you're not. I can see talking about your nephew affected you."

He remained quiet for a moment.

"You know I really did see him."

"Anakin?"

Luke nodded. "About a few weeks back before we got here." He folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. "I saw him at the Lake of Apparitions. I thought I had gotten over feeling that way, Kol, but it still hurt…seeing him….reliving the reality that he had died." Luke clutched at his chest slightly.

"My sister entrusted me with her children..."

"Luke," Kol's voice held warning. "I know where you're going and I want you to stop this immediately. Anakin and Jacen's deaths were not your fault.
Do you understand me?"

"I know..."

"Jacen's also."

"Do you…know something I don't know?"

The other raised his eyebrow. "Even if I did, do you think I would tell you? Luke, you have to discover this on your own. Even if I told you it wouldn't ease your mind…only you discovering it will."

Luke sighed heavily. "You're right…"

He grinned. "There, was that so hard to admit."

Luke ignored the other's playful jab and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He let the Force flow through him, striving to clear his mind from all the heavy thoughts that were now weighing down on it. He cycled through a particularly useful calming exercise three times before he opened his eyes again. His shoulders slumped in relaxation.

There was something to what he had said. Yes, having someone tell him about Jacen wouldn't do any good. He had to find out for himself, or he would never know peace on the subject. When he went back—if he did—he could continue this discovery on his own. Or maybe just maybe he could do that while he was here, there had to be some mention of such things in the archives. Would he again be taken the easy way out though? Would I be acting on my own selfish desires? I saw what happened to Jacen….

No, this is different. I know it is.

"Better?" Kol asked, cocking his head to the side.

Luke lifted his head. "Yes or at least I will be."

"Good. Should we go back into the classroom? The students are probably getting restless by now."

Luke gave a wan smile. "Probably." He gestured with his hand. "Lead on, Master Skywalker."

"Ah, but Grand Master, it is age..."

"Don't finish that, Kol." Luke chided, rolling his eyes.

"All right." He entered the classroom once more with Luke at his heels. "Take your seats." He instructed. "We'll be starting the second half of the class now. Master Owen, if you will…"

Luke craned his head respectfully. "Thank you, Master Skywalker." He took his seat once more on the stool and turned to face the class. "If there are no further questions on the Vong War, we will be heading into Dark Nest Crisis—a period which took place five years afterward. None? Good."

Looking onto the expectant faces, he felt a certain vigor return. He hardly taught anymore in a classroom setting, so it felt extremely good to be teaching again.

"Now, the Dark Nest Crisis was sadly another time the Order was tried—and it was a time that led Skywalker to take drastic measures. By the end of the Vong War, the Jedi had become less passive and more aggressive in their tactics—which they had cultivated from their battles with the Yuuzhan Vong. ….."

Suddenly, a beeping went off and Luke turned to Kol in an askance motion.

"I believe we've officially run out of time…" Kol explained and then turned to the students, "We'll pick this lesson up tomorrow same time."

The students got to their feet and glanced at Luke.

"It was pleasure to teach you." He said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"'Till then, Master." They responded and filed out of the room calmly, leaving Luke and Kol alone in the classroom.

"Well…." He plucked at his tunic. "That certainly was enlightening."

"You're not mad?"

Luke set his lips, "I was a bit peeved at first." He admitted. "But after I started…I felt something I hadn't felt in awhile." He started back to the back of the classroom and seated himself before speaking further. "I know I have the Order back home, and being its leader should give me some pride…some reason. But beyond my son, I haven't had too much to truly feel proud of these past years." Luke looked into Kol's eyes. "Thank you..."

He then bent down to retrieve the lunchbox and, picking up his unfinished sandwich, left the classroom. Luke headed for the lift, eating as he went. He ate in a hurried manner a clear sign of how hungry he had become. When he reached the lift he had already started on the third sandwich and took a bite out of it, punching the button to the lift. Kol joined him, glancing at the Grand Master with interest.

"Hungry now are we?"

Luke looked up and put the sandwich back down in the box practically blushing. "Sorry... I didn't realize how hungry I was." He dusted off crumbs from
his mouth.

Kol shrugged his shoulders and stepped forward as the lift opened. Luke entered behind him and the door slid shut behind them. The ride down was spent in silence with Luke polishing off the third sandwich and diving into the next one as they reached the main level.

"What now?" Kol asked.

His elder stepped out onto the main hall, put his food back down, and sealed the lid. "I think I'll see Ben again…"

"So soon?" Kol frowned. "Look you've already been to see him today. He's probably asleep...you'd just be standing there doing nothing."

"He's my son." Luke stated in a heated voice.

"I realize that, Luke, but he's in good hands."

At the look on his great-grandfather's face, Kol deflated. "Oh, all right…At least come with me back to the room to finish your food."

Luke looked down at the sandwiches contemplatively.

"I can even get you something to drink. I forgot that."

The other looked back up at him and stared for awhile before nodding and turning toward Kol's living quarters. "Yes, well suppose I should sit down. I'll probably end up aggravating my stomach if I don't."

"I could get another box made if you're still hungry."

"No, that's not necessary…this…" He lifted the box—there were six more triangles wedged in there. "…is more than enough….As for a drink, I think I'd like some of that granba berry juice."

Kol nodded. "I was thinking that we could go over the lesson plan tomorrow and get you acquainted with the roster."

"Sounds good." Luke murmured and followed Kol into the main room.

"Take a seat and I'll call for the juice."

Luke sat down and watched the other make the comm. Kol then headed to his room and came back with the datapad he'd been examining before. He sat down across from Luke and began to access the 'pad. "Okay, I figure we'll take up where you left off…the Dark Nest Crisis. Word has it, that that event was pretty messy?"

Luke prematurely stopped chewing and swallowed, saying, "I guess messy would be the world." He set back and draped his hands over his stomach. "It certainly was the time I made the most of my talents…and battled my own inner demons."

"Demons?"
"Yes, during that crisis my wife was accused of being involved in my mother's death by a former student of mine, a Twi'lek by the name of Alema Rar. She'd lost her sister in the Vong War and later became a Kilik Joiner…She was a very disturbed young woman."

Luke examined Kol.

"You…don't know about this do you?"

"It is….the first time I've heard of it yes." Kol put aside the datapad.

Luke nodded. "It was a trying time...During my quest to find out the truth about my mother, I found a secret file on R2, it was a heavily encrypted video file…that I later found out was of my mother and my father talking to one another. R2, of course, later denied that any such recording existed and attempted to quarantine and destroy the file." He shook his head and smiled. "He always was a stubborn little droid..." Luke then frowned and fixed his eyes on Kol. "Where is R2? I haven't seen him around."

Kol moved his mouth.

"Kol?"

"R2….was lost some years ago. At least that's what I was told."

Luke's eyes widened and suddenly became dim with melancholy. "Oh, that's too bad."

"I'm sorry, Great-Grandfather." Kol apologized. "I do realize that droid meant a lot to you."

Luke shook his head. "No, it's all right. You can't help that." He shrugged. "I guess, it would have been nice to see him is all. I left our R2 with my sister and brother-in-law back on Coruscant." He sighed. "Then again…even if he was here, I doubt he would know me…his programming must've been wiped in these past ninety years."

"I doubt that very much. I don't think there's a Skywalker who would've had done that to R2. He'd been in the family, after all, for way too long."

Luke went quiet for a moment as if in deep contemplation then as if a thought occurred, picked up his head. "And 3PO?"

"That one's even more mysterious. No one knows…rumor is R2 was lost sometime in the time of my father. I wager it was before I was born, because I never remembered seeing him around. But even that's pure speculation."

"And you get along just fine without them?"

"I never knew them, Luke, so I have to do without them." He shrugged, "But that's neither here nor there. Let's focus on the issue at hand…"

Suddenly the door slid wide open and Luke heard the voice before he saw the being,

"Well, well, this is where you'd been holed up." A deep male timbre chided. "You oughta know better than that, Kol."

Luke saw Kol smile out of the corner of his eye.

"It has been awhile." Kol returned conversationally.

.​

​

.​

 

Daniella sounds very attractive. Enjoyed Luke and Kol's conversation. Very realistic and understandable feelings/insights on the way the Order went and how a leader would feel responsible for the consequences of what looked like the best or only choice that made sense at the time. This is confounded a billion fold by including personal loss in the mix.

 

@Jade_eyes You got that just from a brief description...than you're going to love Shion lol​

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Chapter 7​

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Kol got up to greet his visitor.

A tall blonde haired man—about the same height as Kol—stood in the open doorway with a wide grin on his face. He looked Luke over once and met Kol head on.

The man embraced Kol warmly.

"It has been awhile, little brother."

"Too long." Kol agreed.

He drew back and eyed the man.

"What?" The man replied with a toothy grin.

"You look as scraggly as ever, Nat."

"I believe the word you're looking for is scruffy."

"That too."

Kol could vaguely feel Luke's gaze on him. "Ah, where are my manners... Nat, allow me to introduce you to..." He began, steering his older brother into Luke's line of sight.

"By all the black holes." Nat exclaimed, his eyes widening. "I can't believe it. I see it, but I just can't believe it." He began to circle Luke like a mynock.
He leaned over to examine Luke up close then stood back and let out a loud guffaw. "Well, I'll be Kesseled." Nat shook his head. "Nah, looks like him, but it can't be."

"That's what Cade said."

"Your boy knows?"

"It's him, Nat."

"Stang." He swore softy and flopped back in a chair.

Luke was able to get a better look at the man. He understood why Kol referred to him as scruffy or scraggly—whichever it was. The man had a tuft of blonde hair on his chin, a thick mustache adorning his upper lip, and his unruly blonde hair pulled back into a low pony tail. His eyes were a piercing, enigmatic blue. He was scrutinizing Luke intently, lips set in concentration.

"Can't believe it." He repeated then slapped his thigh. As if a sudden thought occurred to him, his eyes switched back to his younger brother's face.

"Does the Council know?"

"They know."

"And why isn't he with them?"

"Long story…I'll explain later."

"Great-grandfather…" Sensing an introduction, Luke got to his feet to Nat. "This is my older brother, Nat Skywalker." He paused and turned to his brother. "Nat, I believe you're acquainted with our great-grandfather."

"With the legend, yes. Not necessarily the person of flesh and blood." He extended his hand. "It is quite the honor to meet you in person."
Luke clasped. "I wish I could say similar, but I'm sort of new to this whole future thing." There was a slight hint of humor to his words.

Nat grinned then noticed the meal on the table. "Continue...I didn't mean to interrupt."

Luke had just sat back down when the door slid open again to reveal the same apprentice Luke had seen earlier.

"Daniella." Luke greeted.

"Master Owen." She acknowledged bringing a tray carrying two glasses. It was then that she noticed Nat. "Master Nat. It's good to see you."

"Now, now, Daniella, you know I don't acknowledge that title anymore."

Daniella gave a tight smile. "Very well, then what would you have me call you?"

"Cheeky little thing isn't she?" Nat commented, turning to face Kol.

She sighed. "Master, you're incorrigible." She then proceeded passed him and placed one glass before Luke and the other before Kol. "Anything else?" She asked, clutching the tray to her thighs.

"No, Daniella. That will be all." Kol said and dismissed her.

When the three men were alone once more, Nat got back up and went over to one of the credenzas and opened up a cabinet bellow, poking his head inside.

"Now, I know you've got the good stuff here, Kol." He brought out a bottle of Corellian Whiskey with an, "Ah-hah!"

"I just keep that stuff for you. On the off chance you come to visit." Kol replied flippantly

"That so?"

"Yes, that's so." He wrinkled his nose as Nat found a clean glass and began to pour. "You know I don't drink—at least not alone."

"Now, that's a lie."

"Must you be this way, Nat?"

Luke cleared his throat.

"Oh, sorry." Nat gave a sheepish smile. "We left Great-Granddad out in the cold, so to speak. Want one?" He indicated his own glass.

"No thanks. I don't drink either."

Nat shrugged his shoulders. "Suit yourselves." He took a long drink then set the glass down and turned to face Luke. "So, what exactly is going on? Cause if memory serves me...you're dead." He stroked his chin. "I was two…Kol was about to be born."

"Yes," Luke shifted. "Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated—at least they would be in my time. Though, I have had many brushes with death in my lifetime. Not particular fond of them."

"I'd think not."

He slid a glance back to his younger brother. "Now, can you explain why he's here and not on Coruscant?"

"His son is in our medward."

"Granddad?"

Luke was in the middle of taking a drink and almost choked on his juice. It was if he'd just come to that realization. He coughed a few times to expel the liquid that had gone down his trachea. "Sorry," He croaked. "It just…sounded so strange."

Nat smile behind his glass as he took another drink.

Kol cast a chastising look in his elder brother's direction.

"As I was saying, his son is in our medward. He was badly injured due to an attack by Sith." Kol paused. "His stomach has been split open, but he's faring pretty well at the moment."

"Well, that certainly wasn't in the histories."

"Yes…It was an unfortunate turn of events. Master Staad says he's slowly on the mend, but still needs further observation."

"Well," Nat raised his glass. "Here's to all that's sacred that he makes a full recovery."

"Agreed." Luke amended and started to eat once more.

"So why are you here, Nat." Kol inquired and began to fiddle with his data pad.

"Making a provisions drop."

Kol arched an eyebrow and flipped through his 'pad to the schedule section. "That was today?"

"Yep."

"I'm sorry, it completely skipped my mind."

He sighed in frustration then ran a hand through his hair. He was frowning.

"Well, it's not a big deal. I had one of the junior Masters sign for it. You're all good."

"But I should have been there to meet you."

"Kol," Nat's voice took on a soft tone. "You can't do everything—you're only one man."

Luke stopped eating, smiling to himself. "Well, that certainly brings back memories." He lifted his eyes. "I use to be the same way; it's not something I'm particularly proud of though. Even though we are Jedi, we are still only beings; we can't take on the entire galaxy by ourselves." He shook his head.

"We must look to others for help. I learned that during my failure at Byss…I thought I alone could conquer the Emperor and the Darkside; I believed I could conquer it and not become its servant—but I was mistaken. It took the aid of my untrained sister to show me how wrong I was." He smiled wryly.

"But the finalizing truth of the matter came from a very special person in my life…Your great-grandmother." It did not feel strange to say this at this moment. "Mara kept me grounded the way no one could; she had a profound impact in how I viewed myself and the galaxy. She taught me that the galaxy wasn't my responsibility—and that when I thought it was, I was just being arrogant. Don't fall prey to that arrogance, Kol, nothing good will come of it." He looked to the two brothers. "Sorry, I don't mean to preach."

"It's all right." Kol said with a shake of his head.

He cleared his throat. "Anyway, getting back to the original topic, if I may make a suggestion?"

Both men turned toward him.

"Perhaps, for the time being, I can help you while I'm here. I think I am slightly qualified but I am not able to produce letters of recommendation. And I am really beginning to hate just sitting around and do nothing." He looked Kol in the eyes. "I handled most of the administrative work when I first began the Academy—and in the Temple presently, the highly important matters anyway. So I'm familiar with certain things; granted nothing's changed too much."

Kol seemed to consider this.

"Trust me; you wouldn't be putting me out." Luke assured. "I'd be happy to be of assistance."

His descendant nodded. "All right then. We'll go over the procedures and schedule to bring you up to speed after supper then you can start tomorrow."

"Sooo…" Nat drawled and took a sip of his drink. "When were you planning on letting me in on this little gem, Little brother?"

Kol met Nat's eyes. "Depends on if you would have shown up." He shrugged indifferently. "I saw no reason to tell you if you weren't even going to be here."

"You know, I think this is more about than great-grandfather over here."

Kol sighed heavily. "You have me, Nat. I want you to come back to the Order."

Nat placed his tumbler down.

"Not this again."

"Yes. This." The other man got seemingly frustrated. "I want you to come back…you need to. You're wasting your potential."

His older brother snorted. "Kol, don't talk as if I gave up without trying. I was a Jedi. It didn't work out."

Kol rounded on him. "Because you refused to make it."

Nat's eyes slid over to look at Luke. "Let's not do this here. All right?"

"Very well. I'll drop the subject."

Kol's eyes met Luke's and he smiled slowly. "Forgive us, Great-Grandfather. Well…me."

"Nothing to…forgive." Luke responded. "Anything I can do?"

"No," Kol shook his head. "It's simply something I have to deal with on my own."

There was silence for a moment.

"So, Great-Granddad, how do you like it here so far?"

"It's….enlightening."

Nat chuckled. "I suppose it would be."His eyes fixed on his brother for a moment. "What did you think of Kol's boy, Cade? Smart as a whip, isn't he?"

Luke smiled. "Well, from what I've seen…he seems like a very well-mannered young man."

"Oh, he is that. I meant…other things. Force things."

"I haven't had the opportunity as of yet."

Nat tilted his head to the side. "Surely, even you can sense how strong he is without witnessing anything."

Luke thinned his lips and nodded. "There is a great deal of Force energy coming from the boy, I'll admit to that." He paused. "I can feel that almost as clearly as I can feel yours coming from you." He narrowed his eyes. "Why did you leave the Order, if you don't mind me asking?"

Nat shot Kol an irritated look and sighed.

"It was nothing to do with Kol, if that's what you're thinking."

"It wasn't."

Nat got up and put down his glass. "Walk with me."

Luke looked to Kol and the younger made a 'go ahead' gesture. "I'd love to…but first...I'd like to see my son."

"We can do that." Nat cast a glance back at the half eaten food. "You sure you don't want to finish that?"

"I think I've had enough. Ben needs me."

"All right then. Let's go see your boy."

.​

​

.​

Luke entered the medward and greeted the medics. He noticed Master Staad was not present, but no one stopped him from going to the back room.​

Nat followed, taking note that the healers and medics seemed comfortable with Luke's presence. His great-grandsire made his way down the side hallway and entered a room at the far end. Nat nodded, trying hard not to grimace when they referred him as "Master Nat". He found Luke staring into the teenager boy's face, examining it. There was tightening around the Master's throat as if he was ready to cry but was keeping himself from doing so. He bent down to touch his son's hand and rubbed a thumb over the back of it.​

​

"Ben..." He heard the man whisper. "You're going to be all right, Son."​

​

Nat cleared his throat and asked, "What his prognosis?"​

​

Luke straightened up to face Nat. "He's doing a lot better. He opened his eyes earlier this morning. Master Staad says that's a positive sign. So I'm hopeful."​

​

"If Master Staad says so, then I'm sure he'll recover soon."​

​

"Let's hope that's the case." Luke gave a sad smile. His eyes turned back to the boy and he pulled up a chair, his eyes fixed intently as he stroked his son's cheek.​

​

"You love him very much, don't you?"​

​

Luke turned his head and stared at Nat as if he had just asked him if the sun was hot. "Of course." He turned his eyes back to Ben. "He's my child…" His voiced tapered off. "He's the only thing I have left of my wife."​

​

Nat mulled over Luke's words. The only thing…left of my wife… Mara Jade Skywalker, a vibrant woman whose presence and light had been snuffed out of the universe by the misconstrued good intentions of one Colonel Jacen Solo aka Darth Caedus. For a shaky vision and an even more misguided concept of justice, Caedus had slain his own aunt over some ill-formed notion. What an utter waste.​

​

As if feeling his thoughts Luke turned to him and shook his head. "Release those thoughts..."​

​

"Pardon?"​

​

"You don't need to hold onto such feelings over my account."​

​

"Are you honestly saying you don't resent Caedus for what he did?" Nat asked. "He was wrong, and both of us know the truth of how wrong he was. If anyone was meant to be a sacrifice for his blasted notion it was own lady love and his child. A blind fool could have seen that, but Jacen…he was too much in denial to see that." Nat snorted. "He claimed he was doing this for the galaxy…but he wasn't willing to make that ultimate sacrifice. He claimed to want to be better than his grandfather, that he wouldn't let the darkness rule him. But he was wrong, and so he became a worst monster than Vader."​

​

"Stop!" Luke commanded hoarsely.​

​

Nat pursed his lips. "Forgive me, Great-Granddad. My brother always says I speak too frankly."​

​

"It…still hurts is all."​

​

"You…can't forgive him, can't you?"​

​

Luke sighed. "No."​

​

"Why?" Nat pulled up a chair beside Luke. "You've always been willing to give others the benefit of the doubt; give them a second chance. What makes your nephew's case any different, Luke?"​

​

Luke gave his descendant a hard stare.​

​

"He never apologized."​

​

"What?"​

​

"He never regretted or repented. He never felt sorry for killing my wife. He still justified it to the end." He shook his head. "Can you actually ask me to forgive such a being, who is not the least bit sorrowful for his actions?"​

​

"And how do you know he didn't repent?"​

​

"Because he said, "I'm not going to ask for your forgiveness, Uncle Luke." Luke lifted his chin, challenging Nat to contradict him. "Does that sound like someone who was sorry for his actions?"​

​

"But you have forgiven before." Nat countered.​

​

"Forgiven people who were sorry for what they did…I forgave Kyp Durron because he repented for his actions, was aware of the wrong he had done when he destroyed the planet of Cardia…I accepted my wife, because she had been lied to her whole life and wished to make a change. I forgave my father because of the same reasons…My father regretted what he had done and acknowledge that in himself was a good man. But…I can't say the same for Jacen…Even in his love for Allana and Tenel Ka…there was still much selfishness…that he was willing to sacrifice an innocent person for them…" His shoulders dropped.​

​

Nat sighed. "Of course. Allow me to further play devil's advocate." He steepled his fingers. "Tell me, would your feelings toward Jacen been the same if it hadn't been your wife he murdered?"​

​

"What?" Luke sounded astonished.​

​

"I know you loved your wife…but don't you think the way you feel is too extreme? Didn't a wise Jedi say to a Hapan prince, you must learn to forgive, before it burns a black spot in your heart?"

Luke smirked bitterly. "Having my own words thrown back at me…oh the irony."

"Jacen is not worth this hatred you carry."

"I don't hate Jacen, Nat, I'm…just…disappointed. I trained him so well…or so I thought, and he went and did what he did..." He plucked at his tunic.

"Great-Grandfather…I'm...forgive me for bringing it up. I realize how much what happened still wounds you."

"Do you really!"

"Perhaps...not as much on a personal level as you, but I have heard the stories…How her death took its toll on you...How much guilt you felt at your inability to stop it." He stopped, not sure how to proceed further. He was stepping on tenuous ground here.

Luke looked back at Nat, a look of sorrow shrouding his face. "I'm sorry. It's just that…"

"No, you needn't explain yourself to anyone. I was out of line." He switched his gaze to Ben. "He's…so young. Not even in his twenties I wager."

Luke smiled. "No, he's sixteen."

"This would be the start of your journey then?"

"Yes…"

"Such a terrible thing to happen to one so young." Nat commented. "But..I guess it comes with the territory of being a Jedi."

"Yes." Luke leaned over to feel his son's pulse for moment. When he was satisfied, he turned back to Nat. "Now, why did you leave the Order?"

Nat gave him a curt smile. "That…" Nat's hands dug into his knees. "Well, I guess you could say I had an inferiority complex."

"Oh?"

"Inferior to my little brother, forever and always."

Luke gave a startled look.

"You truly believe that?"

"I do." He got up. "My younger brother was…and still is…the perfect example of what…not only a Jedi…but a Skywalker should be." He turned to face
Luke. "I can't compare to him. I can't match him in Force affinity, or the purity of his thinking. His heart is pretty big. When you look at Kol, it's very obvious he's followed in our Great-grandfather's footsteps." He thrust his hands into his pockets, stopping short of the other man. "It's quite amazing how much like you he is."

"Nat..." Luke began.

Nat waved him off. "Don't. I made up my mind about it long ago."

"If that's how you want it."

"Yes, that's how I prefer it." He corrected. "Don't misunderstand, Great-Grandfather, I bear Kol no ill-will. He's a wonderful brother, a caring father, and an exemplary Jedi."

"All right…You win." Luke conceded with a shrug. "I suppose it's not my place to tell you all how to live your lives." He looked down at his hands for a few seconds before saying, "I do appreciate all your family's done for me."

Nat grinned. "It's your family too, Great-Grandfather."

Luke gave a short nod. "I suppose."

"It is…" Nat turned to peer at Ben's sleeping form and frowned. The boy was pale, but obviously regaining some color in his cheeks. His breathing seemed normal to Nat and his heart rate on the monitor steady. It was just the sight of someone young laid out in a bed like a terminally ill patient that made a knot form in his stomach. He shook it off, lest his great-grandfather catch his train of thought.

"I'll leave you to him."

"You can stay."

"No, I'll be going. I've got to oversee the rest of the cargo being unloaded." He started for the door. "Take care of him…I'll see you at dinner."

Luke was then left alone with his son.

Alone with his son and with his thoughts—and the only thought he had, staring into Ben's sleeping features was that he wasn't doing anything good sitting by Ben's bedside like he was. He had moped and despaired after his wife's death and that had only left the Jedi in precarious position to be threatened by the likes of Darth Caedus.

Balling his fists, Luke got to his feet, gifted his son with a kiss on the forehead then turned on his heel to flee the medward. He traveled quickly down the hallway, passing a few of the healers.

"Master Owen!" one called out. "Is everything all right?"

"It's fine." He assured. "I'll be heading back for the day. Please alert me to any changes in my son's condition. Contact me through Master Skywalker."
He entered the turbolift as it opened, bypassing the woman with the brown hair.

"Is everything all right?" She asked.

"Fine. Take care of my boy."

"Will do, Sir."

Exiting the lift, he spotted Nat speaking with a young Knight and approached him in a hurried manner. He waited patiently for the man to conclude his conversation before clearing his throat. "Lu-," His eyes ticked back and forth, searching for any Jedi near enough to hear them. "Luke is all right, correct?"

"That's fine. I just prefer Owen, it makes things simpler for everyone." He folded his arms over his chest. "I must speak with you."

"About what?"

"I can't wait any longer. I have to speak with the Council." He explained quickly.

Nat raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"We should tell, Kol." Nat started for his brother's quarters. "He should still be in his room."

Luke grabbed the man's arm. "I need you to go with me."

Nat eyes widened as he swung back around.

"I know what you're thinking and I'm thinking quite clearly."

"It would be better if you went with Kol as planned." He extracted his arm carefully.

"I think you need to come with me."

Nat exhaled and ran a hand through his hair.

"That part of my life is over."

"It doesn't have to be." Luke countered.

Nat stared Luke down in his most menacing way, but Luke would not flinch.

"You have power, Nat. You are denying yourself what you were meant to be. No one is expecting you're to be the 'perfect Skywalker'—whatever that is. It doesn't exist. Your family has been delusioned to believe I was this infallible Jedi…this paragon and virtue and light. But I am not what the tabloids made me out to be. I assure you the historians fabricated or made out to me more than they were. I am not perfect. I had my faults and my failings too many times to be regarded as the 'perfect Jedi' much less the perfect Skywalker."

He paused, waiting for a response.

"Please, come with me…come with us." He extended a hand.

Nat regarded Luke's hand.

"Is my presence really necessary?" He queried.

"It is."

He seemed to think over this for a moment, and then with a shrug of his shoulders, he conceded, "All right. I will come with you."

Luke's face relaxed.

"Thank you."

.​

​

.​

 

Hmmm. I like Nat's outspokenness I also agree with what he said about Jacen and Mara 100%!!! I do hope he comes back if that's what he wants; or if he decides not to, that it won't be because of some idea he has to live up to some impossible ideal Luke has a lot of honesty and that admission that he said about Jacen never apologizing. That just shocks me to no end!!! That's just pitiful.