Space over Vjun - The Executor-Class Star DreadnaughtVengeance

X1 meditated in the command room of his command ship, the Executor-Class Star Destroyer Vengeance. He had felt it years ago - the sound of someone powerful in the dark side dying and it was a sound he would never forget. That cry through the force could have only meant one thing - Emperor Palpatine was dead and the Empire would soon follow its master in destruction. After that, it had taken almost eight years to gather his power. He had gone to Kamino immediately after hearing that cry and found that a few of the facilities were still operation, mostly mass-producing slave laborers for worlds far away from the Galactic Core. X1 had taken them by force and begun the construction of a clone army, using the genetic samples of the best and brightest he could attain, swelling the ranks of soldiers, Stormtroopers, crewers, fighter pilots, gunners and every other service member of any kind.

Kamino had not been enough. It's facilities had been devastated for years and cloning had become illegal under Palpatine's rule. Clearly the Emperor had feared that someone would build a clone army in opposition to him. With this in mind, X1 had sought out other possibilities. He had gone to the ruins of the Morgukai cloning facility on Salucami and had salvaged as much equipment as possible and had begun working on building a secret cloning facility on the last place that anyone would expect - the volcanic world of Mustafar. When his facilities were operating at peak efficiency, X1 had begun experimenting. Using his clones, his access to Imperial records and sending spies to Coruscant, he had stolen many genetic samples of Imperial service members and managed to gain access to areas that would otherwise have been sealed to him.

Out in the galaxy, many momentous events had taken place. Coruscant had fallen to the Rebel Alliance and it had arrogantly taken the name 'New Republic'. Alliances had been made between the New Republic and many other worlds, most recently the Hapes Consortium. However, none of that mattered. X1's plan was nearing fruition. He had taken an Executor-Class Star Dreadnaught off the hands of a mewling coward who had fled and had also secured the loyalty of Admiral Firmus Piett, whom he had sent to Coruscant and unfortunately lost, along with the Executor, the first of the so-called 'Super Star Destroyers'. In the end, it wouldn't matter. He knew where all the derelict ship graveyards were. He knew the places to find a thousand ships. They weren't all the glorious Star Destroyers and cruisers of the Empire but they would serve. Most were old Separatist ships that had been left floating in space. Some were old Clone Wars era Republic war ships. All would serve his purpose.

Standing to his feet, he looked out over his own personal fleet. It contained only Imperial ships - Star Destroyers, Lancer Frigates, Dreadnaught Heavy Cruisers, Carrack Cruisers and the like, not to mention his Super Star Destroyer Vengeance. X1 frowned. Every time he thought of the name, he rolled his eyes. It was a magnificent ship but the Emperor, for all his power and intelligence was dismally un-creative when it came to naming his ships. There had been two Imperial-Class Star Destroyers and several other ships called Vengeance not to mention an entire line of Star Dreadnaughts dubbed Vengeance-Class. In the end, it really didn't matter though. It would still be one of X1's greatest tools that would carry him to victory. However, before that victory could be realized, X1 needed to eliminate several key opponents, the primary of which was Luke Skywalker and his New Jedi Order. It was small, just over a dozen strong but he refused to underestimate them. "My Lord;" said a very nervous voice from behind him. X1 smiled and replied, "Yes, Admiral Oronth-1?"

The clone Imperial Officer straightened and said, "We have found Vjun. A token garrison is still there and so, apparently, are at least eighteen of Darth Vader's Noghri warriors."

X1's sickly yellow eyes lit slightly. "Fascinating creatures, those Noghri; Make sure you take one alive and restrain it so that it cannot kill itself."

The officer hesitated before saying, "My Lord, the Noghri are quite deadly. Taking one alive-"

X1 cut him off with an uplifted hand. "Send in my Sunguard Clones. They should be able to handle the Noghri. We only need one alive, not all eighteen."

Admiral Oronth-1 acknowledged with a bow and departed and X1 returned to his pondering. Darth Vader's castle was bound to hold many secrets of the dark side, not to mention a wealth of Jedi and Sith artifacts. With any providence, X1's ascension to Dark Lord of the Sith would be imminent. A slow smile spread over his face. Soon, his brother would see that it was the dark side that was stronger. A new era was on the horizon - one where he, X1, the Clone of a weakling Jedi Knight, would be the ruler of the galaxy with an army of clones and his own Sith Order. When the time came to face X2, his younger brother, X1 would give him a choice - a rather cliched choice but one that was no less important. Join X1's clone Empire or die. Over the intercom system, Admiral Oronth-1 said, "My Lord, we are beginning the invasion."

"Proceed, Admiral. Take this world in the name of the Empire. Also, send a transmission to the Super Tactical Droid. Have him begin his attack on the Hapes Consortium. The New Republic will get no help from their newest members." As he looked out the viewport, he watched his fleet engage the garrisoned Imperial forces. The final war had begun and the Palpatine's New Order would fall just as the old order had fallen.

Coruscant - The Imperial Palace

Jedi Knights Wade Vox, Nisotsa and Keyan Farlander awaited the return of their teachers. "They landed almost an hour ago. What could possibly be taking them so long?" muttered Wade, the youngest of them. His muscular arms were crossed over his burly chest and his scruffy face was set in an impatient frown. Keyan slapped him on his broad back and said, "Wade, they just got back from their honeymoon. They're probably getting in some last minute... um... alone time."

Nisotsa elbowed him and he chuckled. Just then the turbo lift opened and in strode Luke Skywalker and his still-new wife, Mara Jade-Skywalker. They both smiled with pleasure as their former students hugged them each in turn and greeted them. "My newest Jedi Knights. I cannot tell you how proud I am of each of you;" said Luke, nearly bursting with pride and joy. Mara hugged each of them and even gave Wade a peck on the cheek. It was no secret that Wade was the Skywalkers' surrogate little brother but no one envied him that. There were many similarities between Luke and Wade and Mara just seemed to have a soft spot for him. Into the room also came the rest of the Jedi. Kyle Katarn clapped them both on the shoulders and said, "It's about time you two stopped fooling around and got back here to work. Honestly, it's been a job keeping all these unruly heathens in line - especially since these three got promoted."

Mara gave the three newest Jedi Knights a mock-severe look. "Have you been giving Kyle trouble?"

They all shook their heads and Kyle laughed. "No. In truth, they've been very helpful. Nisotsa has taken the two Dathomir Witches under her wing and they are growing quite skilled. Keyan continuously works with all of us on starfighter piloting, which is good since you two were busy doing married couple stuff. Wade is a natural lightsaber instructor and, of course, he keeps our training equipment up and running as well as our fighters and shuttles and the like. Oh, here come the masters and our newest students."

In strode Jedi Master Rahm Kota, still wearing his customary Mandalorian battle armor, Master Galen Marek in his lightly armored Jedi robes and Master Kanan Jarrus who had switched from wearing his own customary outfit to wearing a much more traditional set of tan and brown Jedi robes. With them were the three new students, the Dathomir Witches Kirana Ti, Damaya and the Hapan male Kondor as well as the Jedi Knight Ezra Bridger. Once again, each in turn greeted the Skywalkers, shaking hands. Kota surprised everyone by hugging Mara and whispering, "I've missed having you around, Girl. No one else can give me a real rousing conversation like you can."

Mara smiled and kissed his craggy cheek. "Missed you too, Old Man though not that much. I was a little preoccupied for most of the time."

Chuckles followed her statement. Nisotsa said, "Well we do have a little business to discuss before we let you go but don't worry - we can make it a welcome back party so that it's not all that terrible. Come on. We have food and drink set up in the training hall."

Luke and Mara glanced at each other ruefully. They had expected this even if they had hoped for otherwise. When everyone had circled around in fold-out chairs, Master Kota, the unofficial yet recognized leader of the New Jedi Order, cleared his throat and said, "Welcome back, you two. It will be good to have you working with all of us again. There are a couple things we need to discuss: first, Ferroda Grey has taken command of all elements of Grey Squadron again. He's received a force vision and heard news of his clone brother, the Imperial Warlord X1 and has been working to find him since. That is why he is not here with us right now. Last we heard from them, they were engaging Imperial forces out near Bpfassh but we doubt that will lead him anywhere. Leia Organa-Solo is with her husband briefing the High Council on the negotiations with several organizations and worlds - the Neimoidian Trade Federation is trying to re-establish but the High Council refuses to allow any organizations political representation at the moment - stating that if the Neimoidian Systems are willing, they may join the New Republic. That goes the same with several other formerly-Separatist organizations and systems - the Banking Clan, the Commerce Guild, the Corporate Alliance and so on. Mon Mothma and the High Council has refused each and every one of them representation, saying that if they want it, they should convince their systems and worlds to join. That is all I have. Have you two gotten any interesting news?"

Luke and Mara shook their heads and Rahm said, "Great! Then let's celebrate. We have your return, these three Jedi Knights' promotions and just because we Jedi don't have enough fun these days."

They all laughed and stood. Several hours into the night, many others joined them. Galen's Wife, Juno Eclipse-Marek and his children Kento and Mallie, Kanan's wife Herra Syndulla-Jarrus, the ambassador from Hapes and Wade's lover Mesa Lorilli, one of the pilots from Blue Squadron named Ru Murleen, Sabine Wren who was Ezra's girlfriend and the Solos all came in, talking excitedly and welcoming Luke and Mara back. The party was in full swing when the members of the High Council arrived as well. For the most part, they welcomed Luke and Mara back with genuine warmth but there were a few who came to maintain an appearance of civility.

Luke and Mara were off to the side observing their friends and family. Admiral Ackbar and Rahm Kota were having a rousing tactical debate while Leia and Mon Mothma were discussing the pros and cons of several worlds and systems joining the New Republic. Han Solo was talking to many of the military leaders such as the three Generals Rieekan, Kracken and Madine - all of whom were trying to find some way to convince fringe units, especially former members of the Rebel Alliances clandestine and unofficial unit called Renegade Squadron, to work for the New Republic. Wade and Mesa were chatting happily with Kondor, Nistotsa, and the Dathomir Witches while Ru Murleen was flirting tactlessly with Keyan just to watch him squirm. She still called him Rookie One after his old call sign during his earliest days in the Alliance. Galen was arguing calmly with Borsk Fey'lya and several of his supporters over the reasons why the Jedi refused to use certain powerful force techniques do to their deep seated dark side attributes. "Some things will never change, will they, Luke?" asked Mara. Luke chuckled and lovingly wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'm sure they will. Considering the number of representatives that the New Republic is receiving from systems and worlds, we will need to reestablish a Galactic Senate soon. But that's going to be hard. We're still too militarized if you ask me - too focused on the war. Let the generals and admirals worry about it and the rest should get to actually governing."

Mara chuckled and Luke looked at her questioningly. "What?"

"You; you're beginning to sound like your sister - well more masculine and definitely more handsome. Anyhow, she thinks the same thing and is quite vocal about it. In fact, that's what she and Mon Mothma are talking about right now."

Luke cocked an eyebrow. "Is that such a bad thing?"

Mara kissed his cheek and said, "Not at all, Beloved."

Space Over Bpfassh - Aboard General Ferroda Grey's flagship - the Mon Calamari Star CruiserDefiance

General and Jedi-in-training Ferroda Grey stood on the bridge of his ship as the comms Officer called out, "General Grey, all ships are formed up and ready for lightspeed."

Ferroda smiled. "Proceed with the countdown. We're heading back to Coruscant for the time being - at least until we get more news of our target."

With mixed feelings, Ferroda watched as the stars turned to lines and those lines turned into the roiling blue tunnel of hyperspace. On the one hand, he had chased yet another pointless lead, though at least this time, he had actually engaged an Imperial Fleet before it had the chance to do any serious damage on and over Bpfassh. However, it was just another random Imperial Admiral looking to make a name for himself with no ties to X1, an Imperial Warlord, Dark Jedi Master and the clone brother of Ferroda. At one time, Ferroda was known as X2 but, after Order 66 was carried out almost thirty years ago, he had fled from the Empire and taken a new name - the name of a Jedi Master whom he had served under and helped to murder at Emperor Palpatine's command and the surname of his father Falon Grey - the man he was cloned from. With a sigh, Ferroda turned to the Captain of his ship and said, "The Bridge is yours, Captain."

Retreating to his quarters, Ferroda settled in to meditate. He needed to clear his mind of his darkening mood before he saw his wife and child again.

Coruscant - Spaceport near the Imperial Palace

Ferroda hoisted his unused ruck sack more securely onto his shoulders and stepped down the ramp of the shuttle. There they were - his wife Shara and their baby, Rahm - named after Master Rahm Kota. He dropped his ruck and hugged them both. Shara wasn't wearing her customary leather combat suit anymore, instead wearing more normal civillian clothing but Ferroda was comforted to see the blaster on her hip and to feel the holdout blaster hidden away when he had hugged her. Shara kissed him and said, "I'm so happy you're back. Any luck?"

Ferroda shook his head and kissed her again before saying, "I was worried about you;"

"Me?" Shara laughed as they head towards the air speeder. "You were the one looking for a crazy Dark Jedi clone. I was here with Baby Rahm"

Ferroda chuckled. "Yup - all alone with just little Rahm to keep you company. I was afraid you'd lose your mind."

It was just a short ride to the Palace's main speeder pads. With a mixture of pleasure and chagrin, Ferroda saw Wade Vox waiting for them as he landed. "Great. Skywalker sent the kid to bring me some meeting or another."

"I could shoot him if you'd like;" said Shara ever so casually. Ferroda chuckled, "Be nice. I'll just tell him that Luke and the Master's will have to wait."

Shara shrugged. "That's no fun. At least let me stun him."

"No."

Before she could reply, Wade strode up with a big grin on his face. "Hey, Old Man. I take it that the mission wasn't a total success, then."

Ferroda mock-glared at him. "I'll show you 'old-man', Wade. I out rank you, remember?"

They hugged and tussled around before Wade said, "As I'm sure you expected, Luke sent me. Now before you go on and say that he can wait till tomorrow, let me finished. We're doing a late breakfast meeting tomorrow. You don't have to report tonight."

Ferroda chuckled and said, "Well that's good at least. Thanks Wade."

Wade chuckled and asked, "What, you don't want to stay and chat?"

"Don't you have a noble girlfriend to screw?" asked Shara with a smirk. Wade laughed as they walked towards the lift. Ferroda shot him a wink as the doors of the lift closed. Wade stood for a few moments. He did have a noble girlfriend, but unfortunately, Mesa was caught up in meetings until fairly late in the evening. Wade shrugged and sang quietly to himself, "Oh the longer the waiting the sweeter the kiss..."

I hope you all enjoyed this intro. I figured since my other stories keep referencing a lot of back story that I would start writing about it. Please read review and request.