Star Wars belongs to Disney, not me. I'm just playing in their yard. The only claim I have is to the Original Characters that I'll be introducing.
Ahlex Desiv looked at the remains littering the battlefield. Burning husks of tanks littered every few hundred yards, while the remains of Storm-troopers and rebels were more evenly spread out over every twenty or so yards. While the rebels were defeated, they took out plenty of storm-troopers with them.
Of course, that wasn't saying a whole lot. The Imps never really paid attention to the planet anyways. If it couldn't help the Empire out, the planet was ignored. Just their way of saying that they were too 'busy' fighting insurrections across the galaxy to do anything about the damn corruption.
Somethings never changed on Alderi. Corrupt officials in charge and the galactic government didn't care. Guess that's why most of the kids ran off to fight in the latest war to ravage the galaxy. Ahlex wasn't interested in joining yet another war.
"I fought here only ten years ago. Back when I was only fifteen years old. Do you know how much I lost over the Battle of Alderi back in the Clone Wars?" He asked, turning to face the holotable. His cyan blue eyes meeting the flickering image of Jan Dodonna, a respected military officer who served in the Clone War.
"You lost the same as many others." Came the smooth reply, one that reminded Ahlex of politicians.
"No. I lost more than just family members." He growled out, frustrated at yet another attempt to persuade him to fight in this war. "I lost everyone who I knew. Droids executed them, while their officers just laughed. The Republic was, as always a day late. But it didn't matter to them. They pushed us into that war, causing more casualties among the civilians." His voice remained level, yet the anger seeped through.
A soft sigh escaped the General. "You're right. But you told the Jedi that saved you that you wanted to find the truth behind the attack. Alderi is a relatively small target, so attacking it is a waste of time." Ahlex just looked over his shoulder, at the remnants of the battle that occurred over two or three hours ago. "But, we know that the Empire was behind the Clone War." That statement peaked Ahlex's interest.
"Explain."
"According to certain reports, someone high up in the Imperial command chain was a part of the Separatist High Command. We don't know who it was, but we believe it's someone relatively close to the Emperor." The news was surprising. If there was someone in the upper levels of the Empire that knew of the Separatist attack plans, then could the Empire have orchestrated the entire Clone War?
"Any name given?" The question hung in the air, filling the room with palpable tension.
"We believe it to be someone in Imperial Security. Of course, we're not a hundred percent certain." Dodonna followed his statement up with a sigh before continuing. "The reports could also be completely false." Ahlex seemed to contemplate the possibilities for both options given to him.
A heavy heave of his chest gave the answer. The love he has for freedom was overpowering his anger, but the losses he went through also weighed heavily on his mind. "What exactly would my role be?"
Dodonna smiled at the question. "You'll be in charge of a black ops unit. Intelligence and Special Forces Command have decided to try and create the perfect hybrid to give us as much intel as possible, along with causing damage to key Imperial facilities." Ahlex grinned at his role. A role he didn't mind, as he could plan out the attacks he wanted done. Plus, the chance to actually gain some help for the fledgling Rebellion.
"I'll do it. Under one condition." Ahlex smiled at the General, who returned it.
"What is it?"
"I want full control. That means no input from anyone unless the mission takes priority. I choose who joins, and where we strike." Dodonna chuckled, before nodding his head.
"Well, we can agree to a majority of that. We have dossiers on members who could work for you, but Ithor is in need of help. Our forces there have basically been decimated. Bothawui is sending reinforcements, so we'd like you to meet us there. We'll have an elite squad ready for you to command." The image faded out, allowing Ahlex a moment to relax.
He understood the risk he was taking. The Empire had offered him a position in their officer corps, but he turned it down for one reason; his life, ever since the Clone victory, was dedicated to seeking vengeance for the unnecessary civilian deaths. This was a way to potentially get it.
As he turned towards his office, his eyes turned towards the sky. Dark clouds slowly rolling in seemingly ready to dump out a good few inches of rain. A soft sigh escaped his lips. Him joining the Rebellion meant that he'd be labeled as a traitor and terrorist, along with any other derogatory term they want to use.
"Sometimes, I wonder if it would've been better if I died all those years ago." He said to himself, opening the double doors to his office. As he made his way towards the durasteel desk, he slowly opened the top drawer, pulling out the DC-17 commando pistol he stashed there before the Empire came calling.
Walking over to the cabinet, he grinned before opening it, revealing a DC-15S blaster rifle. A reminder of the pain he went through. As he pulled it out, the memories came flooding to the forefront of his mind.
"Not today" he groaned, before sighing and pulling out a holo-communicator. He quickly dialed a number he once thought he'd never call again.
"Ahlex. Nice to hear from you my old friend" the disembodied voice stated, bringing a soft smile to his face.
"Well, I didn't think it'd be necessary. However, I need your help."
"Of course you do. What trouble are you in now?" The voice chuckled. Ahlex just sighed, expecting a lecture.
"I'm joining the Rebellion. A specialized unit is being created, and they want me to lead it. I need you to fly me Bothawui."
"Of course! If you need a pilot for your unit, let me know. I'll gladly join it!" Ahlex just smiled at the enthusiasm that was being shown by his normally stoic friend.
"Well, we will need one. You sure you're up for it Rao?"
"Definitely. Meet me at the ship. We'll depart as soon as possible." Rao ended the call, once again giving Ahlex the peaceful silence he both loved and hated. The silence taunted him and comforted him at the same time. He knew the reasons for it, and this was the only way to stop it. To achieve the peace he's searched for.
Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. See you next time!