Star Wars

The Red Quasar Incursions

By Kristopher Rose

The black blanket of space spread to the furthest stretches of the galaxy. Within were multicolored swirls of color of every shade and hue, ranging from intense to the palest of pastels. Blinking pinpricks of far away stars emitted radiation into the vacuum and some warmed the habited planets in their systems. Millions of billions of stars, so much so that none could count given a thousand lifetimes, each part of this galaxy of color, and of darkness. Of all these systems there were the ones that held life, planets that ranged from hospitable to the truly inhospitable.

A single, large craft came into view. It wasn't as large as a Star Destroyer, but still large enough to be accommodate the passengers on it. The irregular shape of the ship reminded most of the ancient sea faring ships that had long ago disappeared into history. The bow of the ship had a shiny curved metal body that swept out into two manta like wings. Above clear rounded domes let everyone see out and clearly showed a miniature cityscape inside. Just behind these domes was the bridge which oversaw, melded into boxy crew and engine compartments. Each line though was rounded off to be less severe, shined to a gleaming polish. Three massive engines pushed the ship elegantly forward.

This system's sun caught on the gleaming metal of the ship and on cue the domes began to darken. This subsystem would protect those looking out from accidentally being blinded by close orbits to stars as well if they were attacked by pirates. Lawlessness had increased after the fall of the Empire, but that had slowly been stopped as the Republic had started up more patrols. Now the pirate strikes were limited to the outer rim territories and other areas where even the Empire hadn't been able to patrol effectively.

The ship lazily listed as it came around for the docking pattern of the space station above the planet. It glided through space as if it were one of those ancient aquatic ships. The people inside came out of their cabins and lined the viewing areas around the dome. Some gazed at the blue and green marble that was the planet below, while others gazed out at the swirling nebulae and galaxies not visible from any planet. The hypnotic view was only interrupted by a cluster of twinkling stars that came into view. Not a single passenger or crew paid them heed, barely even acknowledged they were there.

Instead the people took for granted the technological wonder that allowed them to transverse the stars. They took in the epic views with a mild state of contentment. Some plotted, some enjoyed. There were those who were wealthy and those that were using their last credits for this chance at a better life. They were a microcosm of sentient life across the galaxy. Each had their hopes, dreams and desires for their future. Two such passengers were different from the rest.

Ariana Noble and Selena Ecks could feel the Force flowing through their fellow passengers. Each could feel the emotions around them, their connections to the Force in a way that brought a different understanding of the galaxy to them. The two women were Jedi, the only ones that they knew of anymore. Though there were rumors, they had yet to find anymore like them. Yet they were searching, for there was a pulsing light on the horizon of the Force.

Their cabin was below the dome deck, humbly situated in the densely packed economy cabins. The wealthy and well off could afford the cabins nearer to the dome and had great views. Those in the economy section barely had enough room for two beds and the refresher. As to be expected there were those who envied the wealthy their luxuries, just as there were those who paid no heed. Not that they or the Jedi ever stayed below decks for long. Even when there was nothing to see, they walked along the domed decks watching the stars go by.

"Master," Selena said, "we're almost at the planet. Do you believe we will find another here?"

Ariana nodded her head, "The Force has been drawing us to this destination. We must trust in its guidance." She saw her apprentice's head bob half heartedly. "It was always a chance that this journey of ours would be a lonely one. The Jedi used to be all across the galaxy, war and conflict may have dwindled use to just a handful."

"I don't think so master, but its disheartening that we haven't come across any that were trainable in all our travels," Selena said. "Any word on the Jedi Skywalker?"

Ariana gently smiled, "No, the stories of him dried up after the fall of the Empire. It is entirely possible that he was several Force Users that joined forces to take down the Emperor and Darth Vader. I'm not sure there ever was a Luke Skywalker."

"Didn't your master know of him?" Selena asked.

"No, my student, my master participated in the Rebellion up to a point, but always as an operative," the older Jedi explained. "With no Skywalker or any other Jedi, it is up to someone to rebuild the Order. This isn't the task I would have chosen, but it has chosen us. Come now my student, another world a waits."

"I know, I can't wait!" the younger Jedi exclaimed with the passion of those who are young and adventurous.

Ariana knew her student though wouldn't let her previous questions rest. Selena's family had told her stories of the dashing Jedi hero Luke Skywalker and how he faced the Evil Heart of the Empire. Now the young woman trained hard, mastered every technique Ariana could teach her, all to be like the hero in those stories. In this way they were good for her, pushed her student to be the best she could be. In other ways they were bad, pushing the idea that reckless ventures were the only way to solve the galaxy's problems.

However Selena was mindful when she needed to be and only slightly reckless. A better student Ariana knew she was less likely to find. So a few stories of daring were more than allowable, thus Ariana never corrected her on them. Young people, especially in this period where the galaxy seemed to be knitting itself back together, needed their heroes. What Selena didn't know, was that her teacher could see her becoming a great hero in her own right.

As they looked out the dome more stars twinkled into existence, and a sudden cold wave of dread come over the two Jedi. Hair stood on end, while a chill settled right into their bones. Something bad, very, very bad was coming. Both women moved back away from the edge of the dome, towards the center of the deck. From the appearing start scores of small black dots darted out like angry ants.

The other passengers still hadn't caught on to what was amiss, even the crew were just now getting warning signals from their sensors. The angry ant like dots quickly became round eyeballs with large rectangular wings. They shot out green blaster fire and finally everyone knew something bad was happening. The ship rocked as the first of the blasters pelted it. The domes darkened even as the defensive shields began to rise. It was too late though.

The TIE fighters strafed the cruise ship, hitting systems accurately and quickly. The shield failed even as they were almost raised and the engines went out. With the engines also went the lights, all the passengers were plunged into darkness except for the slivers of light making it through the dome. Chaos ensued as the passengers became frightened.

Outside the TIES swirled around like hungry vultures over a carcass. From the way they came more ships swooped in. These though weren't more fighters but boarding shuttles. Inside were red armored soldiers that looked like the old Empire's Storm Troopers. Their weapons were at the ready, faces blank behind the red skull imagery of their helmets.

Within moments they were at the airlocks, overriding them by any means necessary. Once breached, they rushed into the helpless cruise ship and right towards the frightened passengers. The crew of this ship valiantly tried to protect their charges, firing with blaster pistols. In the end they died valiantly. The blaster rifles and carbines of the Red Quasar Storm Troopers eviscerated the defense as if it were paper. Defenders fell, others ran but in the end it was all the same. The Red Quasars took ground and those left behind were at their mercy.

"Get these people to the escape pods!" Ariana screamed over the din of noise. To those screaming and frightened she shouted, "Come with us! To safety!"

None paid attention, there was too much noise, too many people screaming and shouting for her to accurately be heard. What she needed was something to snap them out of it, pull them back to the present. There was still time to get many to the escape pods. The nearby of Terra'Den was close enough that many could land there before the attackers could grab them. She just needed their attention. Luckily her apprentice was ready.

The snap hiss of a lightsaber igniting and the sudden blue light it put out was more than enough to get everyone's attention. Selena stood with it above her head, pointed towards the top of the dome like a beacon. The light illuminated all around her and as a result shouts turned to hushed whispers and chaos subsided to wary attention. Selena had their attention.

"Follow me to the escape pods! The sooner we get off this ship, the sooner you'll be safe," her voice carried. It was as much a result of projecting her voice as much as using a touch of the Force to carry it tall nearby ears. "Come now, in rows like back in school."

"Well done apprentice," Ariana gave her a gentle smile. "I'm going to see if I can find more below decks. Get these people to safety."

"What about you, Master?" Selena looked torn between her duty and her want to stay and help her master.

Ariana gently gave her arm a shake, "Don't wait for me. If you don't see me, I'll catch up with you. Now go!"

Selena led those around her, while Ariana ran below decks. Getting everyone into pods took a while, as did searching each cabin and convincing the travelers to leave everything behind. Both Jedi made multiple trips before they had all they could fine safely ready to escape, but they held off launching. There was still the matter of the TIE Fighters flying about, the launches had to be timed perfectly.

Each pod was programmed to land away from populated areas, even if there was still a chance they could land in the middle of a town or city. Nothing was perfect on the best of days, and it wasn't the best of days at all. All they could hope for was the best, that all would work out. No longer were they divided by wealth and privilege. The affluent sat scared next to those they would rarely spend time with. The poor saw their supposed betters just as frightened as they, and most importantly just like they were. They also saw the courageous Jedi motioning more into escape pods with her lightsaber.

Screams and blaster fire filled the halls now that they had been emptied. Those unlucky enough not to make it to an escape pod were captured or slain. More troopers flooding the crippled ship, disappearing into rooms and the storage areas below. When they returned, signs of wealth, credit chips and other materials came with them. Those things that were too heavy to move by hand were stacked for hover carts to come pick up. Fuel, food, medical supplies and replacement parts were seized with military precision. Soon all was looted and what remained were those unlucky people that hadn't followed the Jedi to the escape pods.

"Today is your lucky day," a Togrutta man wearing dark clothing and cloak said, his voice full of joyful malice. "Today you worms begin to serve the glorious First Order. Some of you will be taken by your new masters, others will be sold. If any of you have the strength to deny this destiny, face me now."

A hooded shape menacingly marched over, "Master, there are passengers being evacuated."

"Ah, so someone in this rabble of stinking wretches has their wits," the Togrutta said again as he turned to follow his student. "Come, Nyrom, I believe it is time for some sport!"

"Yes, master," the dark hooded man pulled out a lightsaber, a red blade breached into existence.

"Lord Set," one of the troopers said, "we will start loading the slaves."

"Very good, very good," Lord Ravanus Set cackled.

The time had come. The TIES were far enough away that when the pods launched, they would have the slightest of leads. That would have to be enough, because Ariana could feel darkness coming towards them. A darkness that would consume all the warmth from the day, and next to it was a roaring, blistering fire of hatred. Whoever was coming was very strong in the Force, both of them. Both Selena and Ariana had managed to never run afoul of Dark Jedi or Sith, till that day. If the Force was with them, maybe they still wouldn't have to.

They were at a disadvantage. The Dark Jedi coming to them had the initiative, momentum and the two Jedi would have to worry about fighting in cramped quarters with innocents around. No, it was better if they were to flee now, regroup and fight on their own terms. They would have to live with the fact that even with their best, some of the passengers hadn't made it. Those that had though would be because the Jedi weren't about to give up.

Selena and Ariana started ejection process for the pods. One by one the pods launched out into the vacuum of space in predetermined intervals. The computer system that ran them was on a separate power system that had its own power source. It wouldn't last forever, just long enough to launch the escape pods. That would be enough, it was all they needed.

The last escape pod had room enough for two more passengers. Ariana pushed Selena in, now that all the others had been evacuated, it was their turn. She buckled in and looked up just in time to see the Dark Jedi almost upon them. Selena went to warn her master, but just as the woman stepped into the pod, something yanked her back out. The Dark Jedi were there, Selena knew she had to do something.

Ariana sprang up from where she had been thrown against the bulkhead. Her lightsaber was lit, its blue light pointing towards the darkness coming at her. Behind her two enemies were a dozen troopers, all with their blasters aimed at her. If they opened fire the blaster bolts could hit the people in the escape pods. The equation was easy for her to do. Somebody would need to stay and fight so that the others could escape to safety.

Turning to her student, Selena, Ariana said, "Finish our mission. You must find other people like us, help them train to be Jedi. The Force will be with you, always."

Before Selena could protest, Ariana used the Force to close the door and the escape pod rocketed off. The young Jedi inside watched as her teacher sprang straight into the oncoming enemies. The blackness of space and the pinpricks of stars replaced that sight suddenly as the escape pod rocketed towards Terra'Den. She didn't have but a moment to spare for her master as a horrifying sight showed up in the view port of the escape pod. It was a TIE Fighter with its sights set on them and they had no way to fight back. Only a miracle would save them.

Selena reached out with the Force, knowing she had to try something. Time slowed, she saw the TIE's blasters start to glow green with energy. Then she saw brilliant blue white bolts obliterate the TIE into nothingness. The explosion caused her pod to be rocked and start spiraling rapidly into a dizzying descent towards the atmosphere. She thought she caught the image of a lone X-Wing fly by the view port.

Krynn Sabaac saw the TIE fighter targeting the escape pod. He rolled his X-Wing to get a better shot and proceeded to fire at the oncoming fighter. The TIE exploded and thanks to his repositioning, the pod flew safely under him. More TIES were in bound, so he banked hard before pulling up. They were fast and maneuverable, but X-Wings more than gave them a run for their money. He felt his wingman beside him stay in formation.

"Krayt Three, those TIES are gaining on us, any bright ideas?" Krynn's wingman asked.

"We're going to save those escape pods, Four," Krynn said with more confidence then he knew he should feel. "Let's get their attention and lead them away. Standard Weave maneuver."

They didn't have to try very hard; a portion of the TIES had already broken off to intercept them. Krynn threw his X-Wing into a steep climbing turn, his wingman followed suit. Images of TIE fighters spun around their cockpits, but the enemy wasn't able to get a bead on them easily. Three TIES broke off to follow the pilots in the spiraling climb, only to be surprised as the X-Wings cut the throttle and flew in separate directions.

Krynn weaved back and forth, crisscrossing with his wingman. He saw one of the TIES pull in behind Krayt Four. His X-Wing responded and he pulled his next turn even tighter, fell in behind the TIE. Pulling the trigger, he sent a few well placed blasts straight into the enemy fighter. As it exploded he fell back into the weave in just enough time for his wingman to blast a TIE off his tail. The third enemy pulled back as more TIES entered the fray.

Krynn saw the TIES and began a split "S" maneuver. Pushing his stick down, he dived, straightened out and then pushed down on the stick again. On a planet this would leave him flying upside down, which the next part of his maneuver would fix. Rolling over he could see the TIES diving to catch him. He wasn't out of tricks yet. Cutting the power to engines, he pushed his X-Wing to the right letting momentum carry it. Then as his nose started towards the incoming TIE fighters, he pulled back on the throttle and was pressed into his seat as the machine responded to him.

The X-Wing rocketed past the incoming TIES, the second X-Wing barely kept up with it, but they both turned at the same time. With altitude over the other fighters, Krynn was set up for an attack run. The TIES in the lead turned again to face him, their pilots already opening up with their guns. They weren't in a good position for firing, however some of the shots came in closer than both X-Wing pilots would have liked.

The lead TIES that had turned though were not the targets of Krynn, instead it was the TIES in the middle. Due to the juking and jiving, they were left bunched together between the lead TIES and those bringing up the rear. Two fell to Krynn's shots and another fell to his wingman's. They turned again, raking the TIES in the rear; one more each disappeared into an exploding ball of energy.

The enemy pilots scattered, but soon returned in formations. This time though they were more spread out and individual flights now engaged the X-Wings. Krayt Four managed one more confirmed kill before he and Krynn had to retreat back to a climbing spiral. They had to leave its relative safety as the TIE fighter pilots started to make strafing runs as others chased them. If they didn't start a new strategy, they risked being overwhelmed. However their original one had worked.

Just as another set of TIES were about to make a strafing run, six X-Wings roared past at full throttle while three more engaged them straight on. The TIES broke formation to escape only for a mixture of X-Wings, Y-Wings, and A-Wings joined the fray. Two B-Wings were rising from the planet's surface slowly, their wings in attack position. The TIES barely had the time to run before Krynn and the rest of the Terra'Den Security Forces were on them.

On board the Star Destroyer, the last of the drops ships returned. Captain J'lan had his officers issue the return orders. The gunners laid down cover fire for the returning fighters, turbo lasers made the surrounding space light up with deadly energy. The pursuing defenders of Terra'Den pulled back, and took a protective stance around the crippled cruised ship. They watched as the Star Destroyer jumped to lightspeed, standing guard as relief ships from the planet came into view.

Soon rescue workers were scouring the crippled vessel as the fighters outside set up a perimeter zone. It was doubtful that the attackers would come back, but just to be safe the Republic had been contacted. Two cruisers were on their way, and were promised to stay on station for several days. Meanwhile the fighters would stand watch, protect those sent to help.

"Krayt Three and Four, would you mind telling me what in the blazes that was?" the not so angry voice of Krayt Squadron Leader said over the comms. "What were you two hotshots thinking taking on fifty TIES solo? That's the way pilots are killed!"

"I saw the escape pods in trouble, so I ordered my wingman to follow me in," Krynn explained. "Before that I wanted to practice some maneuvers early."

"Well I guess that was lucky for the people in the pods, get down there and make sure they all landed safely," Krayt Leader ordered. "I expect a full debrief on my desk by morning." He clicked his comm before adding in, "Good job by the way boys."

Krynn and Krayt Four flew back towards the planet, their "S" foils back into normal flight position. Reentering the atmosphere, they could see several rescue ships had already landed next to several crashed pods. The two X-Wings zoomed over the landscape. Almost all the pods had been accounted for, except for one. They found that one in the forests outside the city. The hatches were open already, the people inside making their way slowly out.

"Four, can you call this in and stay up top?" Krynn asked. "I'm going down to see if anyone needs help."

"Sure Three, don't mind me. I'm just going to fly around in circles thinking about how much I almost died today," Krynn's wingman said before he clicked over to the Security Forces channel.

Krynn landed in a nearby open copse and left his Astromech droid to look over his fighter. Quest had been with him for a long time and there wasn't a more loyal droid in his opinion. He made sure that the webbing from his seat was disconnected before removing his helmet. Placing it on the controls, the droid raised the canopy to allow him out. He pulled out his emergency chain ladder and secured it. Now he could climb back in if he needed to, not that he didn't have an alternate method thanks to his other training.

Though he didn't think he'd need it, Krynn made sure his sidearm was still attached to his leg. Making his way back over to where the escape pod had landed, or crashed depending on your point of view. The survivors were mostly out, with only a few needing extra help getting out. They were the ones who had been seriously hurt in the landing or had been too infirm to climb out.

A young woman with long black hair and green eyes was helping people out as best as she could. Behind her those that had escaped were sitting on the ground or pacing back and forth. She was reassuring an older couple who were near hysterics after their wild ride. He could feel her soothing the older couple with gentle tendrils of the Force. She must have been the one he had felt on the escape pod earlier. From her presence it was very evident that she had training.

Krynn climbed up next to her, "Here let me help you with that." Crawling into the escape pod, he put a gentle hand on the older woman. "Everything is going to be okay. Now I'm going to help you out and my friend there is going to make sure you get to safety, then I'm coming back for your loved one. Ready?"

He helped them out one at a time, Selena finding a place for them to sit away from the downed escape pod. Once everyone was out, they both set to making sure the survivors were stable, or at least not panicking at their experience. For most if not all, had never experienced the terror or violence of the attack. The cruise was meant to be one of tranquility and relaxation, instead within less than an hour's time everything had gone wrong.

Wearing the flight uniform of a Security Forces pilot put some of the people at ease. It didn't hurt that rescue speeders started to appear moments later. The rescue workers quickly triaged patients and sent those in most need of care back to Chan'lon for medical attention. Those that could wait stayed behind till the speeders returned. Eventually everyone was taken back to a medical facility, leaving Selena and a few other survivors for last.

"That was some great work there," Krynn said as he introduced himself. "I'm Krynn Sabaac."

"Selena Ecks," the young woman replied. "Are you one of the pilots that were up there?"

"Luckily my wingman and I made it up in time," Krynn explained. "We weren't even supposed to up in the air for another thirty minutes."

Selena gave him a knowing look, "I'm not sure luck had anything to do with it."

"I think you and I have much to talk about," he tried unsuccessfully to hide his enthusiasm.

"That we do flyboy, but I believe my ride is here," she said, the speeders from Chan'lon had returned. "Will I see you again?"

"Count on it," Krynn nodded at her. "Be safe miss."

Her smile and the little wave would stay with him the rest of the way back to his fighter. There was something about her, and he wasn't sure it was just because she could use the Force like him. No, there was something about the way she was helping the people out. There was strength in her that was matched only by the intelligence he saw in her eyes. The selflessness she had displayed added in made it very hard for him to concentrate. Krynn was very definitely looking forward to seeing her again, and hopefully learning more about where she came from.

Moments later he lifted off in his X-Wing, flying back to base. The ride was uneventful and he had a moment to look towards the sky, back to where his heart longed to be, back in space. It wasn't that he was looking for adventure in the sense of action and heroics. Instead he wanted to see the stars, what lay around them. Master Onderan had told him of varying peoples from all sorts of words. All he had seen were the people that Lorn had set up to bring in Jedi artifacts in. Though varied, there was more to see out in the expanse. These thoughts kept him busy and he landed at base before he realized it.