Chapter Two: "Rise of the Empire"
Rafik and the woman ran as fast as they could, trying to get away from the scene. They ran for miles and miles, going up and down several of the underlevels of Coruscant. It had already been many hours since the fall of the Jedi Temple, many hours since Rafik was almost killed by Lord Vader. Truth be told, they ran until the next morning to try and keep hidden from the Clones. They were tired and exhausted, but now all that mattered was that he and this woman were still alive.
They soon ran into an alleyway and hid in the shadows, stopping only to reclaim their breath and their bearings. But the woman wasn't happy. She was angry. Why did this Jedi show up and put her in a situation like this? Why was he even being chased by them? Was she a fugitive now? Where could she even go?! There was so many questions she needed answers to...
"Y- You got me in this situation! Why were those soldiers after you?! What in the hell did you do to cause this?!" the woman demanded to know.
"They attacked the Jedi Temple..." Rafik replied. "I must admit that I don't know why. They were always loyal until today..." he sighed.
The woman had an expression of surprise on her face. Was he lying or telling the truth? Were the Clones the good guys in this situation, or the Jedi? She was sure all of Coruscant was probably just as confused as she was, and that the attack on the Jedi Temple was probably all over the Galactic News Service by now.
"I don't know if I can believe you... but I guess since we're both on the run, I'll have to figure something out for myself... By the Goddess, I may have to run for the rest of my life because of YOU. I can't go and explain myself, they saw me with you! They'll shoot us on sight after seeing how many you killed!" the woman frowned.
Rafik realized the full extent of his actions, even if they were unintentional... This woman was now going to have to hide and run, probably forever. The Republic would chase after him as well, for sure. Whoever caused this wouldn't rest until every Jedi Knight was dead...
"...I'm sorry. Truly, I am. I didn't mean to drag you into whatever happened..." Rafik said, truthfully. "But I swear none of this was intentional, I didn't mean malice towards you... The Jedi are being destroyed up at the Temple, and I watched my master be murdered right in front of me by one of our own... I'm certain many of my friends are dead now, along with many others who didn't deserve it..." he sighed, full of sorrow.
The woman's anger now started to fade after she heard that... she didn't know much about the Jedi Order, but she did now that a master and an apprentice were usually very close. She even managed to feel an amount of sympathy for him... no one deserved to have that happen to them.
"...Kavra. My name is Kavra Locke." the woman finally said.
"Huh...?" Rafik asked, confused at the introduction the woman made.
The woman, who was now known by her real name, finally managed to smile at Rafik as she crossed her arms, leaning against a nearby wall.
"You heard me... I just said my name. Now, what's yours?" Kavra asked, out of curiosity.
Surprised by Kavra telling him her name, Rafik crossed his arms. He didn't expect her to tell him her name at all. In fact, he was sure she would try to either hit him or run. Maybe both, now that he thought more about that.
"...I'm Rafik. Rafik Thul." Rafik replied.
"It's nice to meet you, Rafik... Look, I'm sorry if I came out on a bad impression back there. It's hard not to when you get shot at." Kavra sheepishly shrugged.
"I understand completely..." Rafik replied with a nod.
"I'm glad..." Kavra smiled.
The sound of a large HoloNet broadcast stopped their conversation. The two fugitives walked out of the alleyway they were in, seeing a large holographic screen on the outside of a building nearby. Hundreds of Coruscant's citizens were already clamored around to watch the mysterious broadcast on this monitor alone, so Rafik and Kavra cautiously approached while staying undetected. They stayed far from the crowds but close enough to hear what would be said...
...Nothing prepared them for a transcript they were about to see.
TRANSCRIPT OF IMPERIAL DECLARATION OF A NEW ORDER: Citizens of the civilized galaxy, on this day we mark a transition. For a thousand years, the Republic stood as the crowning achievement of civilized beings. But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took up arms to defend our way of life against the Separatists. In so doing, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within.
The Jedi, and some within our own Senate, had conspired to create the shadow of Separatism using one of their own as the enemy's leader. They had hoped to grind the Republic into ruin. But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever. At last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true natures.
The Jedi hoped to unleash their destructive power against the Republic by assassinating the head of government and usurping control of the clone army. But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly opposed by those without elitist, dangerous powers. Our loyal clone troopers contained the insurrection within the Jedi Temple and quelled uprisings on a thousand worlds.
The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated! Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger!
The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years! An Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body and a sovereign ruler chosen for life. An Empire ruled by the majority, ruled by a new constitution!
By bringing the entire galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.
Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed.
We have taken on a task that will be difficult, but the people of the Empire are ready for the challenge. Because of our efforts, the galaxy has traded war for peace and anarchy for stability. Billions of beings now look forward to a secure future. The Empire will grow as more planets feel the call, from the Rim to the wilds of unknown space.
Imperial citizens must do their part. Join our grand star fleet. Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists. Travel to the corners of the galaxy to spread the principles of the New Order to barbarians. Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our glory for generations to come.
The clone troopers, now proudly wearing the name of "Imperial Stormtroopers", have tackled the dangerous work of fighting our enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.
The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicians. The direction of our course is clear. I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining.
We have been tested, but we have emerged stronger. We move forward as one people: the Imperial citizens of the first Galactic Empire. We will prevail. Ten thousand years of peace begins today!
-EMPEROR PALPATINE
'Ten thousand years of peace begins today!...' Rafik was dumbstruck and deeply disturbed by Palpatine's speech... He met Chancellor Palpatine more than once, on account of Master Dalo and him doing assignments for the Jedi. He thought Chancellor Palpatine was a good and honest man... but now he was proclaiming that a Republic that stayed secure for a thousand years, a Galactic Republic formed on democracy and freedom... was now a Galactic Empire?
He also couldn't believe Palpatine was declaring himself an Emperor now... Rafik finally sensed great darkness from Palpatine, much darker than what he sensed from Anakin Skywalker... Palpatine was truly evil. He finally realized that. How didn't any of the other Jedi notice before this? How didn't anyone realize this? Did Palpatine order the Clones to attack the Jedi Temple...? Why would he do such a thing...? Unless... he was a Sith Lord all along! That had to be the reason for the darkness! Maybe even the reason why Skywalker was now following the path of the Dark Side...
There was so many thoughts going through Rafik's mind, and the shock was so much that he almost fell over. Thankfully Kavra brought him out of those thoughts.
"Are you okay...?" Kavra suddenly asked.
"W- What?" Rafik asked, being stirred out of his thoughts.
"Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." Kavra stated.
Rafik looked back at the holographic screen, seeing it was now showing brand new Imperial propaganda... The Galactic Republic was dead, the Jedi Order is in tatters, and now he was on the run from the Clones... or what was now known as the 'Stormtroopers', apparently. It seemed as if he was living in a nightmare, but he knew that wasn't the case... Jedi don't have nightmares.
"Chancellor Palpatine..." Rafik began, exasperated. "I thought... By the Force, he's an emperor now!? He just killed the Republic! He plotted to destroy the Jedi, and we fell for it!" he exclaimed, as if he just simply couldn't believe it.
"I guess you Jedi were wrong about him... Now please, Rafik, we need to get out of here before the soldiers find us!" Kavra pleaded.
With his mind racing, so many thoughts flowing through it, Rafik decided the woman was right. They couldn't stay there for very long. They'll eventually have to leave the planet as well...
The Empire would kill them on sight if they were found...
They ran for what seemed like hours, but at last they finally found some salvation. They found an abandoned apartment that looked like a perfect place to hide while they figured out what to do next.
The two quickly went inside and locked the door behind them, thankful that now they had somewhere to rest. The apartment was a bit of a mess, but at least it was safe... at least for now.
Rafik was still confused and even a little frightened of the entire situation... Everything that happened this day was horrible, absolutely horrible. Palpatine did some truly evil things, and Anakin Skywalker helped him with it... Kavra, meanwhile, cautiously checked out the rest of the apartment. It wasn't too shabby, but lacking in luxuries. Surprisingly it wasn't in that bad of shape for being abandoned... it would work.
With a heavy sigh, Kavra sat down on a chair and began to think of what she and Rafik should do next. They had to get off of Coruscant somehow, then head to some other planet to hide for a while... Maybe Tatooine? Jakku? Cato Neimoidia? She had to think of a place in the Outer Rim that didn't have a major Imperial or Separatist presence...
She decided to sleep on it. Maybe Rafik would have an idea of where to go when she will ask him tomorrow? For now, however, the two fugitives needed to get their sleep...
