Inside a T-65 X-wing starfighter, two worn hands grip the control stick. Indicators twinkle on the dash panel.  Pale green light illuminates the grizzled face of a mature starpilot. Looking through the pitted wind shield, the ancient aviator sees a long white line on a still dark body of water, waves of an active ocean still far away. Lights sparkle from an emerging city skyline.

A voice sounds from far away, like the pilot's consciousness. "Turn on the radio and tune to earth frequency 128.650,” he hears. "Do not speak. Just listen. I will guide you through their airspace.” The pilot connects, hears nothing at first, then the occasional crackling interruption of other pilots requesting landing instructions.

He now turns to the left, away from the sparkling city lights, aiming the fighter jet towards a dark area just north of the city. Everything about the scene is calm. Every movement is simple and measured. Directions change instinctively, slightly, with grace.

The voice returns, "turn left over the mountain and head to the open space."  A few moments later, "now let me take over." The spacecraft begins a steep descent. With a dense grove of trees near, it hovers and begins to move with deliberate pace in between several tall specimens. The craft comes to a stop and shuts down.

The gray cockpit door, pocked and streaked red from battle, swings open. The pilot undoes his harness, removes his helmet and sets it on the dash. He steps out and gets his gear in order - a cloak that just hides his face, a well worn lightsaber, and comfortable shoes. He pulls a sheet over the fighter to conceal it, making it look exactly like its surroundings.

Looking around, the craft is among tall redwood trees, growing close together, as if on the Forest Moon of Endor. The hooded traveler imagines a small speeder craft flying through the trees, swerving in and out. There’s a crash and an explosion, imagined, not seen. Opening his eyes, the he sees only the dark shadowy legs of the forest. He hears nothing.

A full moon illuminates the open glen just outside of the redwood grove. The aging rebel enters it and starts on a trail that meanders through grassy field. With light steps, he crosses an open plain, crouching low to the ground, moving with speed. After a short time, he comes upon a large rock. Touching it with his hand, he senses power and closes his eyes. He feels a force.

More walking, up a trail, through oak trees and manzanita forest, past a clean and litter-free fire road, rutted from bikes. As reward for one final climb to the top of a long ridge, he enjoys the sight of a glorious city that lights the sky in the distance. Tall spires stand out in the skyline. Before the city and its brilliant emerald luminescence, dark water stands in contrast.

The voice speaks again, “What do you see?”

The ancient aeronaut speaks out loud in the voice of a familiar historical figure, “I see what looks like Hanna City in Chandrila. Isn’t this where Ben was born?”

The deep conscious Force voice replies, “That city you see in the distance is San Francisco, on earth, far away from your galaxy, it’s present time much beyond yours. You will find what you seek very close to here. Keep walking straight ahead down the trail and into the canyon. Continue through downtown Fairfax. Feel your way to San Anselmo.”

The pilgrim smiles and sets out without hesitation.  Some time passes as he skips over rocks and fallen trees.  Soon, he is walking along a stream bed. As the town emerges, he scrambles up to the street, and walks along it to the town center, past giant redwoods, tiny speciality shops, bars and restaurants.

He turns a corner and walks toward a theater, the Fairfax 6. On the marquee are the words - "Star Wars - A new Hope, 50th anniversary special edition film." Looking down now, he stares at a poster, featuring the original cast of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. Pulling back his hood, the Jedi Knight sees his face in reflection. He sees himself - Luke Skywalker.

——

Or maybe his doppelgänger…

At this surprise, a puzzled expression crosses Luke’s face. What is this in front of him? This is a theater, so they must be showing a holographic projection of his story. They call it Star Wars, of all things. Luke sees himself in it, but also Leia, Han, Obi-Wan and Vader.

It’s a movie, directed by George Lucas. Luke sees that on the poster. An actor, Mark Hamill, played him in the movie. Yes, Hamill resembles him. It’s not a one for one though. They are very similar, like clones, but different enough to be more like siblings.

Holding this new found knowledge together with his feelings, Luke walks next to a flat, straight road. He notices the elevation, very much an old railroad bed. He passes shops and parking, houses and parks, until after a time, he arrives in downtown San Anselmo, identified by a high water mark indicator.

A few blocks later, he comes upon Imagination Park. A sign announces the park and says, "Star Wars, Created in San Anselmo, 1973”. There’s a clue, he thinks to himself. Here he sees two statues. Curious, he approaches. Yoda he recognizes, which prompts a smile.

But the other statue brings out a frown. This is not Han Solo. It looks like him, but the man wears a broad brimmed hat and holds a whip. Who is this? What is this? A plaque nearby claims that this is Indiana Jones. Luke holds this inside.

An older woman sits with her small grandchild, school age, on a bench next to the statue. The child holds a bagel. He looks at her and says, “Nana. Why do you like this park so much?” She says, “I saw Star Wars when it came out in movie theaters fifty years ago. It made my heart sing. Why do you like it so much?” He looks her in the eye and says, “It makes you happy.”

Now she replies, “What makes me even happier now is that I get to watch the original with you  in a comfy seat with popcorn. Maybe you’ll see what I have been talking about.” Questions form in his head. Before he can ask them a man next to him gasps and points at Luke. Taking the cue, the little boy turns and blurts out, “Look Nana. It's Luke Skywalker.”

Ignoring this unsolicited interest, Luke turns to his left and faces a two story brick building. His eyes squint and go closed. He breathes in at a steady, slow rate. His face shows no sign of stress, and then a beat later, a slow curl upwards shows in his left lip, followed by a full smile.

He turns further to his left and sees a coffee shop, people milling about, going in and out, holding cups, some with bags large enough to be take out breakfast. One man sits on a bench outside the building, still, while all around are jostling and moving. Luke senses something.

Silver hair, thick tufts of it, stick out above a newspaper, the Marin IJ, with a headline that reads, “San Anselmo Honors George Lucas”. In smaller print, “San Anselmo hosts a block party to honor Star Wars Creator.” Luke smiles again, bigger this time.

Immediately, he strides towards the newspaper. He crosses the street without looking left or right. A car honks, he looks into the windshield, puts up his hand and the car comes to an abrupt stop. In the same breath he turns to the man on the bench, who has put down his newspaper to expose a silver beard and mustache to rival his hair.

The front page picture matches the man behind the newspaper to perfection. Luke sees Lucas for the first time, in real life, in person. He moves with great alacrity now, at a trot, skipping forward towards his would be creator. Lucas can scarcely believe what he sees. this nut job in front of him really looks like Hamill.

Thus, he surprises Luke with his first words. "Mark, what are you doing here in full costume.  You know the party starts later this week." Luke does not understand. "Are you George Lucas?" Lucas can only say, "What?"

Both perplexed, they pause. Finally, Luke breaks the silence. "I'm not Mark Hamill, I’m Luke Skywalker.”

Lucas says, "Yes, yes. I know the character you play. Are you ok? Did you hit your head? Or are you just playing with me?"

Thinking on his feet, Luke tries again. “Of course, I know you think I’m Hamill, but I’m actually Luke Skywalker. You seem to have made a movie about me, and apparently my entire family. “

After a brief and awkward pause, Luke keeps talking. “I am just piecing this together now. Things were getting strange for us. Our lives were changing against our expectations. Eventually, I was getting repeating dreams that I was a hermit on an island. It made zero sense. I went to the Force and it brought me to this time and place.”

That’s too much for Lucas to process. He just stares at Luke now, mouth agape,

Luke continues on after a beat, emboldened. “I’m guessing that you think of yourself as my creator. That’s what the sign says, in any case. But I think its fair to say that you are my discoverer. What I can’t figure out is how you may have become my life’s editor.”

Now Lucas stops and really stares, struck by the slow revelation that what he thought was his own imagination of a far away past and place might have just revealed itself to him. Emotions move across his face as if distributed by a kaleidoscope. He’s not entirely convinced though. Why should he be? He’s been living with crazy fans for decades now.

Lucas breaks the brief silence. "Ok. I'll play along. How did you find me?"

Luke responds, “The Force. I had a feeling. Something was wrong. You see, we had a clear idea of our future. I was to rebuild the Jedi order after the rebels defeated the empire. But then I felt a powerful urge to hide. I was becoming disillusioned and angry. That could not be right. It's not in my character."

Lucas interrupts him, "That sounds like fan fiction. So did you just grab the Millennium Falcon  and fly here?"

Luke says, "Actually, I took an X wing fighter. Once I searched the Force for time travel, it showed me how quick the trip would be.  I arrived early this morning, hid the fighter in a grove of tall red barked trees, and walked here."

Lucas still cannot believe this. It's too easy. Fans try to bust him every day. "You cannot be Luke Skywalker himself. You are a character in a movie,"

Luke looks at him with a soft peace and says, "Watch this."

Luke looks around to see if anyone is watching and puts his hand towards the newspaper that Lucas had set down next to him. The paper rises and lands in his hands, unfolded to the page Lucas had been reading. Luke peers out at him above the top of the paper and says, "So, you're going to have a big party this weekend. Was I invited?”

——

Before Lucas can respond, the two masters are interrupted. The crowd buzzes with interest. First one person turns, then another, then another, until the two men look over each other's shoulders with some discomfort, not so much indigestion, or the pain of a looming blood clot in one's calf, but the clear and present engagement of a loving suburban mob.

Lucas says, "This way." He turns to his right with Luke close behind. They start down an alley way between two buildings that leads to a wooden bridge. A creek trickles below them. They proceed at a slow, deliberate pace. Neither of them runs particularly well these days, but at 82 years old, Lucas is the weak link here.

Recognizing this, Luke uses a Jedi mind trick to convince the people chasing them in the narrow alley that they are making their getaway in a rather obvious Jeep Grand Wagoneer, whose open door closes just as they head down a set of steps into a quiet, dark stream bed under the bridge.

As the oversized SUV takes off in a rush, the crowd fully believes that they have been witness to a studio marketing event, a placement as it were, of two icons, making publicity in real life just for them. Satisfied, they turn and chuckle at their good fortune. "Must be a hint of the party to come this Friday." That and other similar statements are made.

Meanwhile, under the bridge, Luke and Lucas pant and look at each other.  Now, the old master has questions. Luke speaks first, “George, we need to talk.”

“But this is not the right place.” Lucas interrupts,

Luke says, “You’re thinking there is a labyrinth, at an old Presbyterian seminary, but it’s almost a mile away, too far to walk.”

Lucas says, “So, you are just going to take us there, right?”

Luke says, “Of course.”

In an instant, the two Jedi stand facing each other on Geneva Terrace, a prominent rooftop patio just outside the doors of the Stewart Chapel of the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Lucas takes the first step into the labyrinth. Luke stays a comfortable distance behind, just close enough to maintain a conversation.

Lucas opens his mouth to speak, but Luke takes the lead.

“For quite some time I have been imagining what person or power had a hold on our world. Something was wrong. I could sense that someone was tapping into our lives. Over time it changed us. Now, face to face with you, I see my life’s instigator to be a man behind a curtain, pulling levers. Would you please fill in the pieces for me?“

George says. "I made a movie, called Star Wars, but I always saw it as a serial, many stories back to back. It was a hit, and my work expanded. First there were three films that fit together, a nice hero's journey. Then I made three prequels to explain your father Annikin, the chosen one.  Then there were more character pieces and back story. The search to reproduce your world for an audience here led to multiple companies. More money, more problems.”

Luke says, "So the 50th anniversary is for the first movie?" George replies, “yes." Luke continues, “and you say you made six total.” George replies, “Actually, there are ten movies and at least as many other shows and tv specials.  Oh, and tens of millions of people are online writing about it and myth-making of their own. Does any of this resonate with you?"

“Not at all,” Luke responded. “All I had were feelings. Those of us with Force power, and especially those of us descendant from Annikin, could tell that something was off. I loved Leia, but for some reason she came to think that I was her brother. Did you write that?”

Lucas had to admit, “Yes, that was a plot device to get you fight Vader.”

Luke realizes that he will disappoint Lucas with his next words, “That’s not such a bad idea. Unfortunately, you missed the mark there. My real sister could fight with a lightsaber and had extraordinary power both physical and spiritual. We are still very very close. May I assume that you did not write about her?“

No answer, so Luke continues. “In any case, it messed with my love life. Han knew very well that he was usurping my place, not supposed to be there. Yet he kept coming back, as if written into a script.”

George admits, "Ok, but here there was a studio, and a budget, and focus group screenings in Van Nuys. I leaned into a community of people who fought for their side of the story. Everyone contributed and the movie came together for audiences to love. It was a huge hit. That’s what allowed me to expand the story.”

Luke interrupts him, “You mean your empire.”

The two stop walking. It gets quiet, even the birds stop their chatter.

Lucas breaks the silence, “Well, for sure the first three movies told a universal story.”

And then he redirects, “Was Darth Vader your real father?”

Luke replies, “Yes, he was. And he gave his life to protect me. That never changed. His life was exactly as we knew it should be. What were the prequels about? What did you have to say about Annikin?”

Lucas states his position with confidence, “Oh, I saw politics changing in the US. A dark force seemed to push politics and community towards top down control. I felt the need to tell it as story. Americans don’t like to talk about the true nature of their society, so it made more sense to present it as allegory. I had enough creative control to tell the story without interference.”

Luke assures him, "With the prequels, you did right by Annikin’s story. Nothing about my father seemed out of line. But ten years later, I started to have frequent, recurring dreams, nightmares really.”

He continues, “I’m brooding on an island like a hermit. Leia has a son with Han Solo, who then kills his father. None of us are building a new Jedi order. My real life sister, every bit my equal from a Force perspective, is not contributing to the future. The Skywalkers are not dishonored exactly, but just discarded. Given what you just said about the six movies you made, you would never have done this. What happened?”

George looks down. He struggles to speak, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times. Then he says, "I sold my film production company to Disney Studios, and with it all rights to the Star Wars story.”

The gravity of these words disquiets the scene. For a second time, all sound ceases. The foley stops.

Luke asks, "Why?"

George must admit, "I was tired, and distracted. I listened to the sound of an inner voice that led away from you and to my own peace and comfort.'

"So you thought you could just ride off into the sunset with your legacy intact?" Luke replies.

"Well it was as much that fans hated the prequels that told Annakin and Padme's story. I couldn't bear the criticism of what I knew to be true and correct to your world. I realized that the politics of the Galactic Republic was a warning to the US and world leaders today. People found that boring.”

Luke speaks again, ”So what is happening in the US now? Where are you in the story?"

George admits, “Well the current state of the union in the US is grim. Republicans and Democrats don't work together. Each wants to impose their own values upon the other. I’m just too tired to step into it, and I was never very good at conflict. Look, the Disney people made money for the franchise. You got stuck on an island but you did shine in the end."

At that point, Lucas feels himself flying through the air. His soul catches up to his body, which is now standing in front of his house only a few blocks from the stream bed. They had been walking to George’s house the entire time they walked the labyrinth.

The two protagonists look at each other. What next?

Luke says, “Stop it. You can’t just walk away like that. You need to finish the true story of the Skywalker family. Left to drift, these random story lines will change our history and yours.”

Luke explains. “Before the impact of Star Wars in your present time, we could feel a different power in our lives, real purpose and potential. We knew we had a chance to survive and defeat the empire. We knew, always knew that we we would overcome the great evil in our world, not just the Sith, but all the evil held by each of us in our hearts. We were called to choose between what was best for the many or merely the few. "

Luke continues, “Now our purpose is clear. Without the Jedi, the country you live in today cannot heal itself. The Sith have your government under their control, and actually all of the sovereign nations of your world. The present reflects the past, as it does over and over.”

George pushes back, “I’m an old man now Luke. My words mean less now. I repeat myself in interviews. I rehash a legacy for one and a half billion people who love you and your story. ”

Luke looks him in the eye. “George, the Force exists across time and space. Without it, your country and the rest of your planet cannot survive the coming domination by the Republic. I have that power, alongside my sister. Write us back into this world today. We will be restored in our age and rebuild the Jedi order. They will be less of a fighting force though, in the physical sense. they will fight with their words and their actions for peace.

The story will come to you now, through me. Trust your intuition. Search your thoughts for the truth. Write another movie, or a tv mini series. Look, I listened to some podcasts on my walk this morning. You could go straight to streaming, or make an indie production for YouTube. Trust the Force, George.”

At that, Lucas looks at Luke, smiles and says, “Ok. I see that you are not going to leave me alone. But I need a nap now. Are you going to stay with me and have dinner?” Luke agrees. “I’ll stay overnight to rest. But then I must head back soon. I left a starfighter in the redwoods a few miles away.”

George says finally, “Stay with me for a few weeks to figure this out. I will speak to the fans. We will find one or a few that can feel you and write your true story, younger, motivated people who fully understand. Together we fight the dark side.”