Chapter 2: The Rebel Alliance
Coruscant
Night had fallen on the now Imperial capital as several Clone Storm Troopers stood with horrified children, from infancy to five years old, slowly loading them on a series of deep space shuttlecrafts, one per shuttle. "Keep it moving," Capt. Thawn said, approaching the Storm Troopers. The blue skinned Republic … Imperial Captain ordered with a sneer, before catching sight of a single Jedi Youngling fighting her restraints harder than any of the others. "A feisty one, are you?" Thawn said, placing a hand on the child's chin.
The young girl was no older than three, with long, golden-red hair running down to the middle of her shoulders and dazzling green eyes, staring back at the man in defiance. She was far too young to fully understand what was going on, but knew enough to know that something wasn't right, and Mara did not like it at all.
"What's your name, Youngling?" Thawn asked the girl, who only stared. "You look old enough to know how to speak at least your name. So give me your name." Mara answered by sinking her teeth into Captain's thin-glove covered hand, making him scream out in pain.
"It's a nice, dark night isn't it, troopers?" Thawn asked, shaking his hand while glaring at the girl, "It is a sad fate that such a young girl would wonder off and fall off the side of the landing pad, wouldn't it …" Thawn said, then threw up his hands when the troopers trained their guns on him.
"Orders are as follows, take Jedi Younglings to shuttles safely and on to Emperor Palpatine's assigned instructors," the Trooper captain stated, "Any alterations to the orders is unauthorized."
"Fine, fine, whatever …" Thawn growled, blinking when he heard the sound of TIE engines whining in the distance. "Are the Emperor's prototype fighters already flight-ready?"
The Trooper captain raised a pair of binoculars to his visor. "It is not an Imperial Fighter, sir. There are two Jedi Star Fighters approaching at a fly-by vector and speed, sir."
"What? But the Jedi are all dead!" Thawn said as the yellow and red Jedi Fighters could be vaguely seen approaching. "Get the Younglings onboard now; the Emperor shall not lose his Hands!" Thawn ordered as the Jedi Star Fighters continued to close the gap.
The Stormtroopers started shoving/carrying the children onto the various shuttles as the fighters approached and the canopies of the fighters sprung open. Anakin Skywalker and Obiwan Kenobi leapt from their fighters and landed onto the platform with their lit lightsabers already cutting through the unprepared Troopers. "Artoo, Arfour, land the fighters in a safe place and wait for our signal," Anakin spoke into a com, slashing a trooper in half.
"Darth Vader!" Thawn breathed staring at Anakin as he stood to his full height and bore down on the Imperial Captain.
"That name has no meaning to me, Traitor," Anakin said, approaching the Captain.
"Me, I'm not the traitor!" Thawn growled, reaching for the blaster in the holster on the small of his back.
"Palpatine has betrayed everything the Republic stands for, Thawn; you were the greatest of the Republic ship captains," Anakin said, approaching him, "How can you follow a man who burned the Republic's ideals to ashes?"
"The Republic has been dead for centuries, Skywalker; you wouldn't have helped him even as short of a time you did if you didn't agree," Thawn snarled, firing his blaster at the Jedi, who easily deflected the blast. "Thanks again for giving us our soon to be assassins!"
"Anakin, we were too late!" Obiwan called as he sliced through a group of Troopers, then pointing to where the group of shuttles was taking off.
"No, we're not!" Anakin growled, placing his lightsaber on his belt, making a dash after one of the Imperial Shuttles, and taking a Force Leap behind the already in flight shuttlecraft. The Jedi Knight landed on the wing and sunk his droid-prosthetic fingers into the metallic armor.
Obiwan sighed as he watched the shuttle and Anakin quickly fade from sight. "I hate it when he does that …"
Anakin took a deep breath when he realized the air was getting thin, and started to climb toward the main part of the shuttle. "I won't fail again," Anakin hissed as he gripped his lightsaber and plunged the glowing blue blade into the top of the Imperial Shuttle, cutting himself an entrance.
Anakin dropped inside the impromptu hatch, and immediately started slashing and deflecting blasts from the Stormtroopers. "Where's the child?" Anakin growled as he slashed one of the Troop captain's guards, and then turned to the clone leader.
"I am not authorized to reveal that information," The trooper said before gasping for air as he rose into the air.
"I find your lack of personality disturbing, Captain," Anakin said, tossing the choking clone across the inner hallway of the shuttle.
Anakin slashed open every door until he found the child curled in a ball in the cargo bay of the shuttle. "Are you alright?" Anakin asked, kneeling before the redhead.
"Are you going to take me away again?" she asked fearfully, looking up into Anakin's blue eyes.
Anakin felt guilt stab at him yet again, but forced it down for a later time. "No, I'm here to bring you home. What's your name?"
"Mara …" The girl whispered shyly, "Mara Kenobi."
"Kenobi?" Anakin blanched for a moment before smirking. "Interesting …"
"Ok, Mara Jade, I want you to hold on to me tight, ok?" He said, lifting her up, "Arms around my neck and legs around my waist, ok?" He said, and the child did as told. "No matter what, don't let go, ok?" Anakin said as he sunk his lightsaber into the floor of the cargo bay 'And hope we haven't left orbit yet …' he added mentally as he started to cut a circle around them.
"Mara Jade?" Mara asked, but was cut off when the floor dropped out from under them, and was reduced to screaming her little head off as she and Anakin went freefalling in the Coruscant sky.
"Artoo!" Anakin yelled into the COM link as they tumbled through the sky. He waited a moment before speaking into it again. "TODAY, ARTOO!"
Anakin finally sighed in relief as he saw his Jedi Starfighter rocketing toward them. He twisted in the air, Mara still clinging and screaming with all her might, before yelping when they landed roughly in the soft seat of Anakin's fighter. "There, was that so bad?"
"Can we do it again?" She asked, beaming at the Jedi as Anakin placed the control node on his forehead.
"Maybe later …" Anakin winked, "Master, are you there?"
"On the way, Anakin, are you alright?" Obiwan's voice answered on the com.
"Yes, we're both ok," Anakin replied, "And I have a young lady here that you certainly must meet …"
"If you keep this up, Anakin," Obiwan said as he approached his former Padawan, who was helping the young child from the cockpit of his fighter that was now locked down in the hanger of a small Alderaanian carrier. "I will end up with more gray hair and wrinkles than Master Yoda!" the Jedi complained, before seeing the vaguely familiar child. "And who's this?"
"Oh, Mara Jade?" Anakin asked, picking up the child to hold her on his hip. "This is just a stray I picked up, you know how it is …"
"Jade? Odd family name, where's she from." Obiwan inquired, looking over the girl, who was clinging to Anakin's robes shyly.
"Oh, it's not her family name, Master," Anakin smirked, cocking his scared eyebrow at his master. "That's just a nickname I gave her for her eyes. Tell Master Kenobi your real name, Mara," Anakin said, fighting back the smile when Mara perked up.
"Mara Kenobi …" Mara said, before burying her face in Anakin's robes.
"Kenobi, you say?" Obiwan blinked rapidly, glancing from the girl to his grinning former pupil.
"Do you think she's any relation to you, Master?" Anakin asked.
"It's a possibility, Anakin," Obiwan rubbed his beard, "We'll ask Master Yoda when we arrive on Alderaan."
"We should reach Alderaan in a few hours," Anakin said, trying to shift the young girl still attached to his hip in a more comfortable position. "Think there's a place on this tin can Mara can get a good rest?"
"Let's find out, shall we?" Obiwan ushered the two out of the hanger.
Anakin awoke to the sound of blaster fire, and glanced around the sleeping quarters to find Mara and Obiwan to be no where to be found. "What the Force …" Anakin growled, pulling his lightsaber and easing out to see no one around, but the sight of the blast doors at the end of the hallway starting to give. "What in the twin suns' names is going on here …" He whispered, raising the lightsaber preparing to fight off whoever was coming through.
He wasn't prepared for the blast doors to explode violently filling the once bright hallway with thick, black smoke. He coughed and tried to wave the smoke from his face. "Who's there?" He asked when he heard what sounded like a mechanical breather.
Anakin lifted his lightsaber as he climbed back to his feet, but gasped when the saber was jerked from his hand. "This is a Jedi's lightsaber, Anakin," the booming synthetic voice spoke as a black armored figured appeared through the smoke, "We both know that is not what you are. Not anymore."
"Who are you?" Anakin asked as the figure stepped toward him. "I asked you a question who … are … you …" Anakin suddenly found it hard to breath as he was lifted into the air by a force choke.
"You know who I am, Annie," the demon breathed, reaching up to remove his jet black helmet, revealing a mechanical full mask beneath it. Then with a pop and a loud hiss the mask was removed to reveal a twisted, pale, and horribly scared reflection of Anakin's own face. "You cannot run from your destiny, Anakin." Darth Vader spoke with Anakin's own voice.
Anakin's eyes widened in terror as they locked with Vader's bright yellow eyes, as the monster laughed in sick humor.
"ANAKIN! ANNIE, it's just a dream!" Anakin heard as he opened his eyes to see Obiwan gazing down at him worriedly.
"M-Master?" Anakin breathed as he sat up, but found it difficult to move with a small child fast asleep on his chest.
"Sound sleeper, this one is," Obiwan stroked Mara's hair. "Slept through your whimpering and thrashing around while using you as a pillow. Just like a former Padawan of mine," The Jedi Master said, visibly relaxing. "He was once the soundest sleeper in the Jedi Order. Then he started having dreams, dreams he swore to me were visions, but I never listened and my ignorance cost him dearly. Even trained Knights continue to learn like that though, and as your friend and former mentor, I am here to listen if you wish to talk about it."Anakin told Obiwan about the dream and then watched as the older Master stroked his beard in contemplation. "It is easy enough to explain from an outside point of view. To put it blatantly: You fear that you are destined to return to the service of the Dark Side of the Force and become Darth Vader yet again. Am I close?" Obiwan quirked an eyebrow at the downcast Jedi Knight.
"You described the hallway as very well lit, almost white, correct? My guess is that that is the part of the Force you reside in now, the light side, but the darkness is still there trying to fight its way in. At any moment, that could happen, Anakin, your lit hallway can be filled with Darkness." Obiwan nodded.
"How can I stop it?" Anakin asked, hissing slightly when Mara kicked in her sleep.
"You fight it back like everyone else does, but do not try to completely block it off Anakin," Obiwan warned, "Should you seal it off, it will happen like in your dream. The Darkness will grow and fester as it did once before, then explode, plunging you into darkness." Obiwan clamped a fist on Anakin's shoulder. "I'm here, Anakin, as your friend, if you need to talk. I'm here, as is Master Yoda, and I'm sure, given time, Padme will come around as well."
"Thanks, Master," Anakin gave a weak smile as Mara finally started to wake up.
"Are we there yet?" She asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes.
"As a matter of fact we are, we should be landing on Alderaan in a few moments," Obiwan said, sitting down on his cot, "That's why I was coming to get you two."
Obiwan awaited the two to get fully woken up, and the two Jedi and the young child walked toward the exit ramp of the ship. "What's going on?" Mara asked when a large group of security was found waiting for them.
"Arrest Jedi Skywalker," Padme stated, glaring angrily at her no longer secret husband.
"On what charges, Padme?" Obiwan questioned, standing between his former student and the security. "Don't you think he's been through enough?"
"He betrayed the Republic, and your Jedi Order, I might add," Padme stated, her eyes staring coldly at Anakin's downcast face. "He deserves punishment for his crimes."
"Leave him alone, you mean, old lady!" Mara snapped, hugging Anakin's knee tightly.
"Listen to the child, you must," an old voice spoke from behind Padme. "Punishment for his crimes, received already he has."
Padme and the troopers turned to see Master Yoda hobbling toward them with a redheaded woman in a white and tan gown. "Indeed, if anyone has betrayed the Republic, or as it is now called, the Empire, it is us, Senator Nabierre."
"Mon Mothma, you don't understand …" Padme started, shaking her head. "He has …"
"Showed willingness to throw away everything to protect you from your own Republic and his own Jedi Order, I know," Mon Mothma held up a hand to silence the woman.
"Correct, Jedi Skywalker was," Yoda nodded, "Some in the Council were entertaining the thought of taking away power from the Senate, much to my disgust it was …"
"And while he was tricked by the Sith and was seduced by the Darkness," The aged Jedi explained, "Young Skywalker, with the aid of his friend, was able to return to the light, something some of the greatest of Masters have never been able to accomplish."
"I accept full responsibility for what I have done, Padme," Anakin finally spoke up, "What more do you want me to do to make it right."
Padme glanced around at Master Yoda, Master Kenobi and Mon Mothma, before narrowing her eyes on Anakin. "I want a divorce."
"If that's what you want, Padme …" Anakin dropped his head, his blond bangs hiding his eyes. "Just give me the paperwork to sign."
Padme stared at him for a moment, seeming to be fighting an internal battle before she spoke in an almost trembling voice. "Fine, as soon as it's ready, I'll have it to you."
She turned on her heel and walked solemnly into the Alderaanian spaceport. "Anakin, I'm so sorry …" Obiwan said, placing a hand on his former apprentice, his brother's shoulder.
"Doesn't matter," Anakin said, lifting Mara and placing her in Obiwan's arms, "I had it coming. I'm going to go meditate a while; I'll meet you and the others at dinner." He said walking into the far opposite entrance of the space port from where Padme vanished.
"Bad time, I believe it is …" Yoda shook his head, "Bring up the elimination of the celibacy and attachments in our code, I was planning …"
Obiwan blinked a couple times at the old Master, "You might could say that …" Obiwan then looked at the little girl. "I believe Aayla would be the best master for this Youngling," Obiwan said, meeting Mara's large eyes.
"Indeed, Jedi Secura, her master shall be." Yoda smiled, "Strong Jedi she will become, like her uncle."
Yoda chuckled as he and Obiwan walked into the space port they were using as a makeshift base and on to the large apartment that was made into the temporary Jedi Temple. They found Bail Organa and Aayla talking.
"Welcome back, my friends," Bail smiled, "I see you picked up another one."
"Hey, Ben," Aayla waved her good arm at the Jedi, "Bring me anything back?"
"Yes," Obiwan said, plopping the redhead in Aayla's lap. "A Padawan."
"Aayla Secura, Mara 'Jade' Kenobi," Obiwan introduced, "Now if you'll excuse me. Bail, I'd like to talk to you for a moment."
The two girls stared at each other for a moment before Mara spoke up. "Why do Twi'leks have tails on their heads, and if they're really tails, does that make you a butthead?"
"My, you're a feisty one," Aayla smirked, "I know you're smart if you're a smart-aleck."
"You didn't answer my question, Aayla." Mara stated with a blink.
"I'm your master now, Padawan, please refer to me as Master Secura or Master Aayla." Aayla stated, trying to sound as 'Master-ish' as possible.
"What if I don't wanna?" Mara asked again.
Meanwhile, outside the door, Obiwan stood uncomfortably with Bail. "What's wrong, Master Kenobi? I'm no Jedi, but even I can sense your nervousness."
"Bail, old friend, I need you to tell me how to do something …" Obiwan said, his cheeks turning a shade pink.
"And that is?" Bail asked, "If I know how, I'll be more than glad to help. But I don't know of I know anything your Master hadn't taught you."
"How do you ask a woman out on a date?" Obiwan asked with a shy smile.
"Oh." Bail blanched.
Inside the main council hall of Alderaan, a large group of people and aliens from various worlds gathered around the podium where Mon Mothma stood. To her far right stood the Jedi, Yoda, Obiwan Kenobi, Aayla Secura, and Aayla's young Padawan standing beside her. "Fellow former members of the Republic, we are gathered here for a specific purpose, in that we all are in agreement that Emperor Palpatine's Galactic Empire is unjust and must be overturned." She said, glancing around the room, eyes settling on Padme who was seated with Leia in her arms and Luke in Sabe's arms next to the Senator. "Palpatine has tricked us all, and has orchestrated a false Clone War. We had sacrificed so much in vain during those long years, so much we have lost and cannot regain."
At that moment Anakin, walked in through the side door to stand beside the Jedi, he paid no attention to the shocked looks and whispers as he entered, though the tackle from the young redhead child grabbed his attention. "I thank you all for nominating me to be the leader of this organization … this Rebellion, and with the help of those here, who long to fight back, to the soldiers, farmers, scholars, senators, and Jedi Knights, we shall stand and shall free ourselves from Palpatine's grasp." Mon Mothma said, exciting a round of applause from the group.
"Now, I would like to allow another to speak before us," Mon Mothma spoke, glancing to the Jedi. "A soldier and friend, whom my late husband spoke fondly of in letters from the forefront of the Clone Wars. Please welcome the most noble and bravest of the Jedi Order and now my chief adviser and council, General Anakin Skywalker."
Anakin walked to the podium in the midst of silent witnesses and loud, angry boos. "Let me be the first to tell you all, as much as you hate me, the feelings you have toward me pale in comparison to the feelings I have for myself." Anakin closed his eyes and sighed, "The Palpatine I knew was one of the first friends I ever had,second only to … anyway, the Palpatine I knew was the same you knew, a kind generous man, who loved the Republic. Unfortunately, that Palpatine was a mask worn by the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. He tricked us all, the Senate, the Jedi Council, everyone. He played us all, me especially. I have no excuse for what I have done, but I will swear this. I swear my life to this. I have lost almost everything I hold dear, as most of you here have … And though I hold the biggest blame for what has become of my life, Sidious has a big piece as well," Anakin said, his eyes fading a slight yellow before he shook his head, forcing his anger back down. "It's time we all took back what he has taken from us."
Anakin stood back, a look of determination on his face that made the whole room seem to stop to listen. "And should any of Palpatine's spies be here, I have a message for him should he be listening. Sidious, I am a Jedi, like my Masters before me."
Anakin wasn't prepared for ninety percent of the group to stand to their feet, cheering. "Um … thanks …" He said with a faint blush on his scarred cheeks, "uh … Back to you, Mon."
Mon Mothma grinned at the Jedi as he rejoined his fellow Knights. "Thank you, General Skywalker." She said before turning to the gathering. "While it is assured many of us here may not live to see the day freedom is restored to the galaxy, for our children and our children's children, we shall stand as one Rebel Alliance!"
"To bring Balance to the Force, your destiny is, young Knight," Yoda said, standing beside Anakin. "Alone you must not stand, with time, forgiveness among the people you will gain, but until then rebuilding the Jedi as best we can, we must."
"My children; Luke and Leia?" Anakin asked, glancing down at the aged Master.
"Trained as Jedi they must be," Yoda nodded, "Luke, your Padawan shall be, Train Leia, Obiwan will."
"Master Windu survived …" Yoda said gravely.
"Master Windu?" Anakin asked, turning toward the master. "That's good news."
"Is it, Anakin?" Yoda asked, glancing up. "Is it …"
Coruscant
The newly dubbed Imperial Senate was preparing to go to order. Several substantial absences were seen in the Council Chamber, now the only remains were the humanoid races. "So, is Emperor Palpatine still presiding?" one of the remaining Senators asked. The answer was quickly given as the central chamber opened to a slow mechanical 'Kuh-Kah' sound.
A black armored figure in a large cloak rose, his eyes almost glowing red as he peered over the auditorium. "I am Darth Neco." His booming mechanical voice spoke through his full black breather mask. "I will head this senate unless there are any complaints to the manner."
"How do we know you'll be a good leader?" a senator stood up, "We don't even know who you are, how can we … we .. w …" He choked as Darth Neco reached toward him with his grasping hand. The Senator quickly fell to the ground lifeless.
"Are there any other objections?" Neco asked, glancing around the chamber. "Anyone?" There was dead silence. "That is … disappointing."
Neco gave one more glance around. "Let the Imperial Senate come to order."
To Be Continued …
