A/N: Welcome! This is part 3 of a 3-part series, so if you haven't read the first two parts and want to…
Part 1- An Informal Apprenticeship- is rated M and details the short-lived relationship between Jaina and Kyp, set during NJO, partially missing-scene-ish, partially AU
Part 2- Betrayal, Forgiveness, Redemption- decidedly AU, begins within months after part 1- dark!Kyp hurts Jaina and shatters her trust- irrevocably perhaps- and gets a startling revelation at the end.
Part 3- Against All Odds- could really be read on its own, but I recommend at LEAST reading part 2 for back story. All in all though, anything hugely essential is eventually provided in the text…
Summary: A plot is hatched by a long-dormant organization to shake the foundations of the young Galactic Alliance, in an effort to throw the galaxy into turmoil and enable them to seize it for the glory of the old Empire. Naturally, the Solos & co find themselves right in the middle.
Characters: Primarily: Kyp Durron; Jaina Solo-Fel, Jagged Fel, and Leyla Solo-Fel (age 7); Han, Leia, and Jacen Solo; assorted OCs. Secondary: Wedge Antilles, Gilad Pellaeon; Luke and Mara Skywalker; assorted Jedi Knights and Masters; more assorted OCs
Setting: AU, five years post-Yuuzhan Vong War (i.e. circa 34 ABY)
Rating: PG - PG13
Prologue
Imperial Moff Qadrik Croyel provided the top secret clearance, known only to seven souls in the entire galaxy, and slipped into the hidden corridor that led to a narrow turbolift shaft. Stepping inside, he impatiently thumbed the only button on the control panel with a floor designator, and the car shot downward into a reinforced bunker deep beneath the crust of his home world Gree Baaker, located within his governate in the Atrivis sector.
The temperature dropped perceptibly; Croyel drew his cloak tighter about him as he exited the lift car, striding purposefully down the ferrocrete corridor towards the large antechamber at the rear of the complex. From within, the sounds of clashing lightsabers could be heard before a commanding voice ordered them to desist.
"Hold, my apprentices," the tone was clear and imperious. "We have a visitor."
Steeling himself and taking a deep breath, Croyel pushed the doors open and walked, pace measured, towards the plinth in the center of the large room. "My Lord Wrynn," he bowed lowly, awaiting the acknowledgement of the tall, dark man.
"Moff Croyel," Wrynn swept his cloak over his shoulder and inclined his head. Croyel stood and patiently waited, only mildly uneasy as the others present gathered around and he found himself surrounded by five people with lightsabers in hand. "You have brought news?"
"I have, my lord. My sources on Coruscant, while keeping me continually apprised of the political dealings, have also brought me a rather interesting piece of information." A slender brow quirked upwards; otherwise, Wrynn's face remained unmoved. "I believe I have found the catalyst that will drive the wedge of discontent between the Empire and the Republic further, delaying their unification attempts, if not outright stopping them. At their moment of crisis, we can sweep in and reclaim the Emperor's abandoned throne for you, my lord."
Wrynn's voice betrayed no emotion. "What is this catalyst of which you speak?"
"A child."
"A child?"
He nodded, anticipation building. "Yes, my lord. I have heard that there is a young girl of extraordinary potential in the Force, her power already apparent at a young age. The girl is only seven, and has not yet begun formal instruction at Skywalker's academy; if we can obtain her soon, she will still be young enough to mould however you see fit, harnessing her powers for the good of the Empire."
The other man's voice was wry. "Perhaps in ten years, this plan might produce the chaos you seek, my dear Moff…"
"No, Lord," Croyel interrupted, momentarily forgetting himself. "I have not yet told you the child's identity. Kidnapping her will throw those who have the power to counter you into panic."
His interest was clearly piqued. "And who is this young prodigy of the Force?"
Croyel smirked. "Her name is Leyla Solo-Fel."
Again, Wrynn's brows shot up. "Solo-Fel?"
"Yes, sir. The only child of the Jedi Jaina Solo, daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa, niece to Luke Skywalker himself, and Jagged Fel, diplomatic liaison on Coruscant for the Chiss, with strong ties into the Imperial hierarchy through his father, the baron Soontir Fel."
"Hm," Wrynn considered. "Quite the heir to the galaxy, this girl seems to be."
"And kidnapping her will throw the Republic, the Jedi, the Empire, and the Chiss into disarray while they seek to regain their golden child. Their Alliance will fall apart."
A quick calculation seemed to be taking place in the other's head. "And they'll spend years chasing ghosts of leads while I train her here, myself… and when her powers are developed and I am emperor, she will stand by my side until she is ready to take her rightful place as a leader of the galaxy."
"You would rule with another, my lord?"
Wrynn gave a wistful smile. "I am not so arrogant as Palpatine, to assume that one man can achieve absolute power. That is why," he gestured around to his gathered apprentices, "I am not a true Sith; I do not follow their forsaken 'Rule of Two,' preferring to harness power when I find it, not destroy it unless it cannot be made to serve the Empire. Ultimately, Palpatine's foolhardiness was his downfall, and the destruction of all he created- there was no one left to rule following his demise and that of Vader- save us, but our predecessors failed to act when the time was right. No, Moff Croyel," he said softly, "my intent is for the good of the Empire, not my personal power. And a fresh, young mind and raw power, ready to be focused and instructed… that will serve the Empire very well. What is your plan for extraction?"
The Moff started slightly. "That depends on several factors, Lord Wrynn; not least of which is whether you want her now, or prefer to wait until she is older."
"No," Wrynn was thoughtful. "I was not much older when Palpatine took me secretly under his wing. It will take time to purge her of the antiquated Jedi beliefs she has undoubtedly begun learning through Skywalker. Younger is better."
"Very well; and the strategy for acquiring the child could greatly depend upon whether you intend to send any personal reinforcements…?" he trailed off, glancing questioning towards the silent, armed apprentices on either side.
"Lord Wrynn," a young woman stepped forward, face shadowed by a thick hood. "I would like to volunteer for the honor of leading this mission."
Wrynn was undecided. "I will think on it tonight," he said kindly. "Sending any of you comes with the risk that the Jedi of the Republic will learn about us sooner than we'd like. Surprise will be of the essence, I think, when we are making our move to subdue a galaxy in turmoil." He turned back to Croyel. "I will inform you of my decision in the morning. Rest assured, however- this operation will be undertaken within the month. Initiate the call sign- tell the network to be ready."
"Yes, my lord," Croyel backed slowly from the room, a wide grin spreading across his face. Soon, years of patient waiting would pay off; the pretenders in power in what remained of the Empire would yield their positions to those who were loyal to the old Empire. And once they did… Croyel and Wrynn would lead in retaking what was rightfully the Empire's.
And before then- Croyel was going to see the galaxy torn apart because of one little girl.
A/N: A short little prologue to set up a fairly long story- about 61,000 words all-told, just to let you know, and it's in 22 parts + the epilogue.
Hope you'll be reading!
*~Lexi~*