The Force in a Parallel Universe

“How long will it be before we arrive, Master Kenobi?”1

Obi Wan turned to face Anakin, “We arrive in half an hour, so we should probably start getting ready very soon.”2

“Sure, I might go and get ready then.”3

Dismissing the young Padawan to prepare for arrival, Obi Wan turned his attention to the viewing console in front of him. After pushing a few buttons, the shadowy blue figure of Cortana showed up on his interface.4

“You have a question? Speak freely.” said a calm feminine voice.5

“We're nearly at the co-ordinates we were given by the Council, is everything still going according to schedule?” Obi Wan replied.6

“Certainly, our ship is standing by to pick you up and we'll brief you about our mission once you're aboard.”7

Obi Wan nodded silently at the figure, then abruptly signed off. He couldn't help wondering that his destiny had taken him on a job in a parallel universe with no information about the mission, and his only assistance was an inexperienced apprentice. When questionned, Yoda would only say “Much faith have I in you, Master Kenobi.”8

Getting up, he crossed to his room, where he changed into loose-fitting Jedi garments, robed himself, and walked down a few passageways to arrive at the command centre of the small vessel. Quickly surveying the room, he noticed that Anakin was missing but his instincts told him the young apprentice would not be far away. Making his way to an unused terminal, he activated the console and set it to watch the pilot's screen. After a few moments, the pilot turned and respectfully said, “Sir, course is set, paths are locked in, and ETA is 23 minutes.”9

Obi Wan began to feel that not all was right as Anakin walked in confidently and approached him, “Master, I feel a disturbance in the Force.”10

Looking down thoughtfully, Obi Wan had to admit that he had an uneasy feeling slowly creeping over him, but that normally happened every time he encountered an unknown situation so he wasn't unduly concerned. Indicating for Anakin to follow him, he walked down the corridor to his quarters, where he once again made clear to the Padawan the importance of their diplomatic mission to this foreign empire, then both Jedi went back to the command center, where the pilot waved him over to the main console.11

“Sorry, sir, but we've got some very unusual interference I've never seen before. We may have to begin using visual detection as the receivers are being fed too much junk to filter.”12

As the pilot finished, Obi Wan leant forward over the terminal, staring intently at the screen. Motioning towards the flickering screen, he asked Anakin “Do you understand any of that?” The young Padawan looked at the screen “Sorry, it's not a language I'm familiar with.”13

Obi Wan nodded, then leant back against a wall thoughtfully.14

Anakin shrugged and stood watching the small crew as they piloted the vessel. The pilot turned as if to say something, then returned quietly to his console without a word, but Obi Wan straightened from the wall, saying “we'll take this on our own from here, turn the ship around and get ready for a quick jump to hyperspace in case we need to leave this system quickly.”15

The pilot made a few movements over the flashing screen of his console, and the two Jedi left the command centre and made their way to the small hangar. Jumping into two X-wings, they sped out into the star-littered voids of space. Obi Wan felt more at ease now that he was in control, and the two fighters arrived at the co-ordinates to find a large dark space vessel waiting motionlessly for their arrival, it's bulk standing out against a stark background of winking stars.16

“That's a design I've never seen utilized before, master.”17

Anakin's voice over the speaker stirred Obi Wan from his critical review of the awkward designs in front of him. “They may not have mastered the complexities of design, but that may be due to their civilization being less advanced than our own. We should endeavor to find out while we're here.”18

Obi Wan soon brought Cortana up on the terminal, “What is the next step?”19

Cortana's calm voice quickly responded through the terminal, “I'm trying to establish communications with your fighters so I can bring you in to the hangar, but I'm having difficulty finding a protocol. Please adopt orbital pattern while I continue trying to interface.”20

Obi Wan moaned to himself, “Why can't we just fly them in?”21

“Is that possible? You are capable of landing your fighters independent of AI?”22

Feeling a little bemused that such a simple act was considered near-impossible by this AI, Obi Wan requested that the hangar be opened while he and his apprentice docked. Once aboard, they were escorted to the captain's deck, where an authoritative woman introduced herself as Captain Miranda Keyes. Keyes was a well-spoken woman, who seemed to fit perfectly in the military surrounding, and her smiling green eyes did nothing to dispel the general aura of a woman who was accustomed to command. After welcoming the duo, she led them to a small pad where she pressed a green button which brought Cortana's hologram into view. The AI waved at them, the placed her hands on her hips, “Welcome to the bridge of UNSC In Amber Clad. As we're in a hurry, I shall brief you on the situation as it stands.”23

“A ship on a special mission recently went missing a few sectors from here, and a scouting mission sent to find out what happened never returned or provided information, but before it vanished it informed us of a strange rift in the universe, opening back in time to the legendary age of the Jedi from the supposedly mythical Star Wars saga. Wanting to work by your side to determine your level of achievement in technology and warfare in comparison with our own we have invited you to partake in this mission in the place of one of our own SPARTANs.”24

Obi Wan bowed slightly, “We are honored to assist you with this matter. What information do you have on the missing flight, it's mission, the cargo, anything to assist in why it may have dissappeared? Pirates perhaps?”25

The captain looked slightly perplexed but Cortana's voice continued clearly “Master Obi Wan, there are many reasons why it may have dissappeared, but our most likely explanation at the moment is that they were attacked and destroyed by the Covenant. Our question is why the Covenant would be in this sector of the universe. So far as our exploration in this area has shown, there would be nothing to make this section of this galaxy hospitable or even rich in resources.”26

Obi Wan nodded, while Anakin closed his eyes and seemed to be bending all his concentration on the words of the AI.27

“Our plan is to take this small fleet into the co-ordinates and be ready for a 'hot jump' if we encounter resistance. A small fleet may be able to fend off an attack that would destroy a single ship.”28

Obi Wan frowned, “Neither I nor my apprentice will be controlling an unknown vessel like this one, that much is obvious, in which case I must ask why our help was required?”29

The AI was silent, and the captain looked up, smiling slightly. “A few reasons, Master Jedi, the first being that we're hoping that your awareness of the Force will tell you in advance if we run into danger. Secondly, should we encounter resistance that our ships can handle we may be able to utilise your skills and abilities to investigate what is making this area of the galaxy of so much interest to our enemies. It is said that Jedi have a way of finding things that those not attuned to the Force will overlook.”30

Obi Wan held up his hands, “I think it's only fair that you know that the Jedi Order believes in peace and prevention of war, so we will not be hasty in engaging in any violent acts if we find what you are seeking.”31

The captain nodded, “When they start shooting at you, you might change your mind. Cortana, take us in when you're ready.”32

“Yes, sir.”33

The captain's deck came alive as officers busily entered data into consoles, and Cortana's voice gave constant updates through the ship's communication systems on the progress of the jump. Anakin came out of his silent reverie, “Master Kenobi?”34

“What is it, Anakin?”35

“I've been trying to remember my training, and I don't recall these designs from any of the books I studied. They're a completely new race.”36

Obi Wan shook his head, “Anakin, we probably don't have time for this right now. Keep your wits about you and be ready to jump into danger.”37

“Yes, master.”38

Obi Wan listened to the count-down, and pondered whether or not to seat himself for the jump, but decided that since the captain was standing at a large screen, he could probably stay standing. The jump sequence was initiated, and Obi Wan felt the difference in atmosphere instantly. The feeling of uncertainty gave way to an uncertain threatened feeling of danger, and with Anakin by his side he strode to the large screen, on which he sighted several vessels of even stranger design than the one he was on.39

“That's a completely different design.” muttered Anakin.40

“At least they went to the trouble of painting theirs.” was Obi Wan's response. It was true, the bright vibrant yellows and greens decorating the Covenant's ships was quite an improvement over the UNSC's dark grey interpersed with winking blue lights. However, Obi Wan's attention did not stay on the Covenant for long as he noticed a dark shape filling the space between the Covenant ships. They were towing something large apparently, something dark, and as he looked closer, he noticed that the ships were stationery. There was a sinsister feel to the entire bizarre scene, three motionless Covenant ships towing a large dark object in their midst.41

“Cortana,” said the captain, “light that object up for viewing on the main screen.”42

“Negative, sir, the object is absorbing any light we shine on it. Defensive shields are at maximum, sir.”43

Cortana's reply seemed to puzzle the captain, but she quickly asked, “Have the Covenant made any movements since we arrived?”44

“No sir, none whatsoever, there has been zero activity.”45

The captain frowned and turned to Obi Wan, “What do you feel, Master Jedi?”46

Obi Wan stood quietly for several moments, then turned to Anakin and requested the apprentice to give his analysis. 47

“I take it they haven't detected us yet and I assume from your attitude that they're hostile. Do you have a cloaking device?”48

“Cloaking device?” echoed the captain, then turned back to Obi Wan, “Perhaps you have a theory of your own?”49

Obi Wan folded his hands in front of him before replying, “Captain, as ludicrous as it sounds, I sense nothing sentient from those ships. Nothing at all.”50

The Captain looked at the two Jedi incredulously, “I think I'll dispatch a scouting party, and you two can lead it. The very fact that the Covenant hasn't fired on us yet tells me something is wrong. The party will leave in fifteen minutes.”51

Twenty minutes later, Anakin was at the command console of a small transport destined to take the boarding party across to the large dark object. After performing a quick fly-by of the object, Anakin brought the transport down in what looked to have been a hangar at one point. Obi Wan took the lead, and the boarding party exited the transport. Once out of the transport, they noted that the hangar area was black and smooth, almost to the point of looking as if it had never been used. Drawing his lightsaber, Obi Wan struck the surface, but the blade didn't make so much as a scratch on the surface. Nodding for the marines to follow him, he jogged to a raised section where he correctly deduced there would be an entrance, and it opened as he approached. 52

Entering a small hall he noticed that the light from his saber was reflecting from the walls, so instructing the marines to secure the area he pulled Anakin aside, “Anakin, I want you to take the lead in case of a surprise attack. I'll be preventing flanking from the rear. Keep on your guard and be ready.”53

Calling the sergeant to him, he requested the man to inform him of what threats may face them.54

“Well, sir, there's the Covenant of course. A few different alien species, some large and tough, others smaller and more nimble. This ship isn't like any Covenant we've seen though, so unless there's a pirate we don't know about then this may have been floating in space for a long time and the Covenant just found it out here. Of course, there's the Flood, but they're only on ring-type planets...”55

Obi Wan interrupted the sergeant, “It pays to be careful, but I'm sending Anakin ahead anyway. His senses will protect him a lot better than any marine.”56

Anakin led the way down corridors and small side chambers, exploring the empty rooms. The ship seemed empty and void of anything. There were no accessories, nothing that would give evidence of any habitation at any point in its history. Anakin eventually came through a corridor into an empty chamber, his lightsaber casting a blue light which reflected from the oddly shaped walls, throwing long shadows over the entire room. The party halted, tense and expectant of some sudden attack. Obi Wan had taken up the rear, his green saber at the ready to provide a rearguard in case they were flanked. Anakin waved them to continue into the chamber, which appeared to be a command centre of some kind, but pulled Obi Wan aside, “There's something aboard, I can sense it.”57

Raising an eyebrow, Obi Wan lowered his voice and said, “I feel a disturbance in the Force too.”58

“Should I go ahead and check it out?”59

Obi Wan shook his head, and called the sergeant over.60

“Sergeant, seal off this room and set up defences, my apprentice and I are going to go and scout independently, rather th...”61

Obi Wan broke off as a small object hurtled through space latching onto one of the crew's head and digging its tentacles fiercely into the man's back. The man screamed briefly, but a blue flash carved through the creature and it fell dead. Anakin's caught his saber and dashed into the middle of the room, as a barrage of small creatures began flying through the door. The blue saber danced like a demon and the air grew thick with flying flesh as the Padawan sliced his way to the door. Meanwhile, Obi Wan leapt into the room and sent his green lightsaber in an arc the killed the Flood that had been out of Anakin's reach. The room flashed as the marines opened fire through the hallway and the chattering of tentacled feet grew louder and more insistent.62

“Tell your men to hold their fire! Conserve ammunition and let our sabers do the work!” roared Obi Wan to the sergeant, who pulled his men back to the opposite side of the chamber while the Jedi operated like perfect killing machines, destroying the mindless attacks of the smaller beings.63

“Master, more are coming, and they're bigger!” yelled Anakin over the noise of the Flood. Obi Wan didn't answer, instead motioning Anakin aside and with a quick motion of his hand sent a wave of the Flood flying back down the tunnel. Anakin grinned at his master's use of the Force, then sent his blade flying down the tunnel, following it a second later.64

“Sergeant, prepare for a heavier assault. There are bigger enemies coming.”65

Bursting into action at the command of the Jedi Master, the sergeant barked out assembly instructions, three soldiers dropping to their knees and lining their sights down the tunnel-like corridor, down which Anakin had dissappeared. Three soldiers stood behind them, their assault rifles at shoulder height. The sergeant pulled out his pistol, petted it and made suggestive gestures of swiping Flood spore out of the air. A blue light appeared down the corridor, and Anakin fled back into the room in almost no time. Breathing deeply, he made a quick report.66

“Should be easy, master, the big ones are easy to take down, they have no shielding and they seem to be very poorly trained with the weaponry that some of them possess.”67

Obi Wan nodded his approval to his apprentice, then motioned him to take up a defensive position on the other side of the soldiers. Taking in the situation in a quick glance, Anakin leapt over the soldiers and faced the corridor. Unexpectedly, Obi Wan made a quick swipe to his right, destroying a Flood spore as it attempted to latch onto him. The corridor they had come up was filling up with more Flood, and the Jedi Master had a sinking feeling that the nightmare would never end. The noise from both corridors swelled in volume to a crescendo of clattering and thumping as the Flood rushed down on them from both directions.68

Anakin looked uncertain as to his best course of operation, but on reflection stayed where he was and adopted a comfortable position for throwing his saber. Suddenly, there was the familiar sound of the lightsaber being withdrawn as Obi Wan bowed his head and folded his hands together, meditating quietly. The noise of the massive horde bearing down on them increased every second, and several marines uncomfortably loosened their jackets as their lips moved in silent prayers to whatever deity or being they gave preference, or in the case of some, to all beings and deities they could think of.69

A few more moments, and the air once more filled with Flood, the room lighting up with flashes as assault rifles cut lines through the corridor. Anakin found his most useful purpose was killing Flood as they tried to latch on to the soldiers, and the sergeant was a perpetual hive of activity, roaring out encouragement and advice while tearing Flood spore off his men, and blowing them apart with his pistol. Casualties were only to be expected under such an attack, and two of the marines went down under the barrage.70

Obi Wan still stood in the doorway, no movement, just quietly meditating and connecting with the Force as the action happened from the other corridor. As the Flood flying through the main corridor began to overwhelm the marines, Anakin rushed forward into the corridor, forcing the marines to stop firing for fear of hitting him, and the blue light once again made the walls dance devilishly as the Padawan raged, his saber moving like a wall of searing heat down the corridor as he carved back the Flood.71

Green light suddenly flashed as the searing sound of Obi Wan's lightsaber carried over the main battle sound, and the Jedi skillfully carved a large biped in two and stepped aside quickly, carving apart two more of the creatures as they tried to rush into the room. Using the Force, he flung the bodies back down the side corridor, knocking back several more of the creatures as they tried to use their weight to gain entrance. His lightsaber left his hand in a deadly throw that carved several of the creatures in two, but gave two creatures an opportunity to leap up the tunnel. The returning lightsaber sliced one in two, but the other Combat Form struck Obi Wan to the floor, the lightsaber going out as it struck the floor and slid to the wall.72

Anakin's yelling grew even more frenzied as he sensed what had happened to his master. The sergeant stepped forward dropping his pistol and whipping his shotgun from his shoulder, slammed the butt into the creatures head, and then masterfully blew it apart as it fell back. The marines directed a deadly stream of fire down the recently vacated corridor.73

“Anakin! Here!”74

Obi Wan Farce-levitated his saber and threw it to Anakin, who caught it, and now equipped with dual blades turned the corridor into a Hall of Death. Obi Wan picked up a fallen marine's rifle distastefully and alternately fired bursts down the corridor and used the Force to levitate all the dead creatures in the room to block up the entrance sufficiently to allow them time to follow Anakin's trail of destruction as he led down the main corridor. The Flood seemed to abate, and Anakin tossed Obi Wan's saber back to him and proceeded quickly down the corridor.75

The sergeant called for a halt as they reached another chamber. 76

“We've accomplished most of what we came for. We determined why the Covenant had an interest in this area. The Flood is here, and this ship must be cleansed. Let's return to the ship for a proper task-force.”77

Obi Wan nodded, “A wise suggestion, two Jedi can hold out for a long time, but advancement will be too slow.”78

“Master, we could kill everything here. We should stay.”79

“Anakin, the Dark Side is strong here, and I will not risk the lives of these marines by ignoring the sergeant.”80

“As you wish, my master.”81

Shrugging, the apprentice switched off his blade and the sergeant took the lead, leading them back to the hangar with no more than small sporadic attacks from the Flood. Jumping into the transport, they flew back to the In Amber Clad where the Jedi and the sergeant reported their findings to the captain. 82

“Unfortunately, I have received orders to join the main fleet as fast as possible, so we are to destroy these vessels and leave as soon as possible. Cortana, prepare the MAC guns and Arrow missiles, I'll let you calculate how much damage will be needed. As for your boarding team, Obi Wan, it sounds like Jedi are at least equal to our SPARTANs in your combat abilities. Thankyou, Master Obi Wan and Padawan Anakin, the UNSC has appreciated your help. In return, we would like to offer you this history of our Space Program for your archives.”83

Obi Wan smiled appreciatively, “The Jedi Masters will be very pleased to have this information to add to the Jedi Library on Coruscant. We have been glad to assist you, and now the time comes for us to return to our ship for the return journey, if you would be so kind as to have us directed to the hangar..”84

Cortana waved in a friendly fashion from her pedestal as the Jedi left the command centre. Making their way back to the hangar, they boarded their X-wings and flew back to rejoin their ship, bearing this strange tale with them for the Jedi Council.85

THE END