The invaders were utterly crushed. For nearly two hours, Luke and his group kept the invaders from going any further than the meadow. In the end, over four hundred of the invading troops were killed. Majority of which were human while the others were a variety of humanoids. It got to the point where they couldn't even make it out of the tunnel before being cut down by either Sakas or Gramps. Eventually they seemed to realize that they had no chance of winning and retreated back to the other side.

During the moment of calm Luke contacted R2-D2 who in turn contacted Leia. Leia arrived on her private ship, Tantive V, which unknowing to Luke carried a private militia made of former Rebellion soldiers. Leia had formed them as a safeguard against any potential Imperial sympathizers. Almost like she could sense an impending return.

They arrived hours after the battle, and after a lengthy explanation Tantive V's crewwas put to fortify the unknown tunnel. After the first day, they sent scouts during the night to see if the invaders were anywhere close. They found nothing but an empty field on the other side.


Two Days Later, Third Week of Month Four, Benduday, 10 ABY.

0900 standard hours, Yavin 4.


The former Rebel base had a large area between two pyramids which were perfect places for ships to land. The Tantive V sat not moving on one side of the large area while the other area was occupied by a large triangular corvette.

Inside said triangular corvette, Luke walked alongside its pilots and a familiar droid.

"So how far has the translation come, Threepio?" Luke asked the golden, protocol droid.

"Oh splendidly, Master Luke. I believe I am now officially fluent in their language. To think I'd find a language which wasn't a part of my library of six-million! It is all thanks to the cooperation of Count Formel." C-3PO said joyfully.

"I'm surprised one of the prisoners was this cooperative. All the others merely dismissed Threepio's attempts at translation." One of the two people following Luke and Threepio commented

Although they had killed an estimated four hundred, they managed to find one hundred and thirteen survivors among the dead with a variety of injuries. Given they had no where to put them, and Tantive V wasn't big enough, Luke sought a favor from a friend.

"They were just terrified, Del. I can't imagine what it's like seeing such advance technology." The second person, a women, who walked beside Del said.

"Iden has a point. Even after seeing their allies gunned down, these men charged forward into the aim of the M-45. Whatever society they live in, it seems to value strength and perseverance. Given how they were willing to fight to the death, I doubt those who disobey are treated well. These prisoners are merely acting the way they were taught even if they are terrified." Luke stated before they reached their destination.

Del and Iden's ship, the Corvus was used during their time as Inferno Squad. As such it had a prison wing which could house the survivors.

The large doors into the prison ward opened, and they all stepped in. The center of the roomappeared like a smaller version of the Death Star's own prison ward. They hadn't positioned anyone to stand guard, since they felt the prisoners could literally due nothing to escape. They weren't being boisterous, but truthful to the fact that their prisoners were only a level above the Ewoks in technology.

Passing the reception desk, they all walked into the long hall which followed. Instantly they heard yells coming form the cells at their sides. The difference between the Death Star's prison sector other than size, was the containment cells. Instead of a durasteel enforced door, the cells on the Corvus had ray shields. So the group was completely visible to the various prisoners who shouted and kicked at the red shield in anger and retaliation.

Each cell on the Corvus could fit up to three prisoners, and it had forty cells, twenty on the first floor and twenty on the second so they had plenty of room for the one-hundred and thirteen which were captured. They reached the end of the hall before stepping into a lift. Nothing large, but they still fit. It traveled down a single floor before opening. The second floor of cells was identical to the first, and they proceeded toward the furthest cell from the lift.

Again the shouts of the prisoners echoed throughout the chamber, but went ignored by those passing by. Eventually Luke, Del, Iden, and Threepio made it to the last cell on the block. It wasn't fancy, just like the others but those inside were of interest.

There were three men inside. The one situated on the left, lower bunk, was the oldest. His hair nearly touched his shoulders, and his features wrinkled. Clearly the man had seen many things in his life, much uncertain, but there was still an air of kindness to the elder. The man wore clothing supplied by Leia. Simple trousers, and a shirt often worn by civilians and patients. Over his shoulders hung a nerf-leather jacket. Around the man's head were various bandages to cover the wound he had received in the battle. He held a metal cane provided by Leia's medics. His beard and hair were both a stark white.

The other man who resided on the top bunk, sported a large mustache. He was getting on in years, but still retained some youth to his features. His hair was originally cut short and combed back, but now it was visibly ruffled. The man's left ear was covered by bandages, and his right arm was gone; lost during the battle.

On the right, where a single bunk lay, was an even younger man. Maybe over thirty, but no older than thirty-five. His short hair was down as usual, and still blond as opposed to his cellmates. Underneath his simple shirt, there were bandages going around his entire torso.

The ray shield shutdown, and all men nearly jumped as that happened. This was the first time their captors had lifted the shield of light, so they now feared the worst.

Count Formal, get behind me!" The man on the right, the youngest, positioned himself in the middle of the older man, and Luke who was at the lead of his group.

"Calm yourself, Count Roen. If they wished to kill us then they'd have left us on the battlefield. Instead they gave us shelter, food, and clothing.The white-haired Count Formal stated wisely.

"Who said they were to kill us? They most likely found use for us as slaves! Maybe they'll torture us first. Heal us so they may work us to death.The third man, who had lowered himself from the top bunk took position next to Count Roen in defense of the crippled old man. He attempted to act as a shield, but with only one arm, he would not be much resistance.

Luke watched as the men argued, completely in the dark along with Iden and Del. The Jedi looked toward Threepio, "What are they saying?" He asked the droid.

"Oh...well it seems they believe you've come to torture and enslave them, Master Luke." Threepio translated.

Luke turned back to the bickering men, who had taken notice of the cloaked Jedi watching them, and once again the two younger men stood protectively in front of Formal, "Do what you want with us, Mage, but allow Count Formal to remain. Count Missna and I will be more than enough to be your slaves..." Roen stated.

"Fool! You could have very well insulted the man! Forgive him, Lord Mage, do with us what you will, but we beg you to show mercy on Count Formal." Missna stepped forth and bowed his head respectively.

Luke needn't a translator to understand what the bowing man meant. If these men thought they'd be turned to slaves than it must be very common where they are front. Seems they know not of what it means to respect a POW.

"Threepio translate what I am about to say word for word...please raise your head." Luke placed a hand on the bowing man's. Threepio did as he said causing the man to look up hesitantly. Luke could feel the man shaking under his hand, not to mention he could sense the fear coming from all except Count Formal.

"I do not know about the tradition of your land, but here no prisoner shall be tortured or enslaved. I merely came to ask for Count Formal's help." Luke said. Threepio quickly translated. Missna stared at the "mage" before him confused by the young man's kindness. Luke then removed his right hand from Missna's shoulder, and held it out for the man to take. A sign of good will.

Missna knew not what to do with the outstretched hand. Did the mage want compensation? Nor he, Roen, and Formal had suwani to give. This young man who stood before Missna was an oddity to him.

Missna along with Roen and Formal witnessed the mage's display of power. How he wielded a blade of fire which glowed emerald. How he, with a swipe of his hand, pushed down even the strongest of orcs. How his wind magic was so powerful that its mere force crushed the bones of their men. Not to mention the speed he could cast his spells.

It was known that most mages took time to cast spells thus they were not on the battlefield much. If they were they were merely to support the wounded, and as a last line of defense. Yet this man before Missna cast powerful wind magic instantly.

This man, who could possibly rival the sage Cato El Altestan, would not have them as slaves? He claims to seek Count Formal's help, but what help could they offer this man, who seemingly leads an army of men who shoot fire from their hands, and commands a golem made of gold which not only spoke, but acted very much human.

Missna stupor was interrupted as Formal grasped Luke hand tightly which the Jedi gladly shook, "I believe this a sort of greeting among them. I saw him shake the hand of those he met when we were being moved into this vessel." The old man explained before facing Luke.

"Forgive Missna, Lord Mage, it seems your kindness is lost to us." Formal said.

Luke nodded after Threepio translated though the "Lord Mage" was confusing to him. A mage or wizard were often what those who knew not of the Jedi way called the religious order. Mainly those in the Outer Rim or primitive species. Does that mean they knew of Jedi? Or at least have seen Jedi?

"It is alright, but why do you address me as 'Lord Mage'?" Luke asked.

All three men looked toward Threepio after the droid translated before facing Luke once more, "Well we merely assumed you were a mage since you control this golden golem along with the powerful wind magic you displayed during the battle. As for Lord, we saw how you command your men and the respect they show. I apologize if we assumed too much." Formal gave a small bow of the head.

"Gold golem?" Iden whispered to her husband.

"Isn't a golem something in those ancient stories? Like making a living creature from metal or something?" Del attempted his best answer.

Luke pondered on what Formal meant by "wind magic". Had Threepio translated it wrong? No, of course not, Threepio's translation circuit was very advanced so an error was unlikely. Luke felt a sense of hope swell within him. Is this why the Force had led him to the tunnel. To show him that on some faraway planet, there were surviving Jedi?

"Wing magic? Are you saying there are people like me from where you are from?" Luke asked.

Seemed the translation was misinterpreted for Formal was quickly to reply, "I've never witnessed anyone with your power, Lord Mage, but yes there are several magic casters that I know of. There' s even an academy."

An academy? Luke could hardly believe the word coming from Threepio's vocal modulator. Could this be long last Jedi who remained in hiding? How had he not sensed them? Surely if there were enough to form an academy, the Force would lead him to them. No, something was not right. Luke's own excitement was clouding his reasoning. He read of other Force sensitive beings who were not exactly Jedi or Sith, such as the Nightsisters of Dathomir, and how they applied the Force in ways which could be considered magic. Luke was getting ahead of himself, he still had not explained why he needed Formal's help.

"You needn't call me Lord Mage, for I am no Lord. My name is Luke Skywalker, please call me Luke." He didn't tell them not to call him mage because it could cause more confusion.

"Sky walker?" Missna stated. Confused by the name that came from the golden golem's mouth.

"You saw how he controlled wind magic...who's to say he cannot use it to travel the skies? He already controls large vessels of iron that do as much." Roen stated.

"So a title then...maybe that is why he dislikes being called lord?" Missna suggested.

"That makes sense. He probably prefers his mage title, Luke the Sky Walker." Roen agreed. This went untranslated as they whispered among themselves, but Formal did hear enough and nodded in understanding.

"Then as you please, Luke the Sky Walker. I will try and help in any way I can." Formal bowed once again making Luke feel a little awkward.

He looked over the old man shoulder, and could still sense worry coming from his companions, so he gave them a smile and tried to put them at ease, "I swear to you, no harm will come to Count Formal."

After Threepio translated they nodded, and some worry went away, but they said nothing. Count Formal stepped out of the cell before the ray shield came up once more. Formal watched it activate fascinated, "Forgive me for prying, Master Luke, but is that a form of barrier magic? I have never seen one of such color and strength."

Luke walked slower at the older man's side, and shook his head, and thought for a moment on how to explain, "Well no, it's a type of technology known as ray shields. Though I am not sure how much I should explain given most terms might be foreign to you."

Formal's eyes widened when he heard the translation, "A shield made of rays? As in sun rays?"

Luke knew not how to respond, "Not exactly, though it is a type of energy."

The remainder of their walk was Luke trying to explain several concepts to the elder. Though Luke had trouble with some, since he didn't know how everything worked. He never really thought of how it worked, given its all he's ever known.

Eventually the group made it to their destination. They stood in a hallway, and waited for the door to slide open. When it did it revealed a small conference room similar to the those on Tantive IV and V with the biggest difference being the color. Instead of a stark white, the room was a mix of sleek blacks and grays along with the various lights being emitted from switches and other devices.

At the center of the room was a circular table which could seat about eight. The chairs were situated with two at both "ends". At the half-circle point there were two more chairs on each side. Then in between the chair at the midpoint and the chairs at the ends were two more chairs on each side. At the far end of the table, which in itself was maybe two to three meters, sat a woman and to her left was a man who seemed to glare at Formal. She stood when they walked in. She walked around the table, and greeted them professionally.

"Count Formal, I thank you for meeting with me. I'm General Leia Organa." She reached out her hand for the injured elder to shake. As they shook hands Threepio translated her introduction.

Formal glanced at the droid before facing Leia, "A pleasure General...though this is a bit odd for me since woman are not allowed to be generals back in my land. So I apologize if I offend you with my lack of knowledge on how things work in this land." The elder bowed his head respectfully.

Luke watched as his sister responded effortlessly. Even now he found his sister's way with words and leadership immaculate. Her presence itself seemed to command loyalty and respect. Yet he did not need the Force to see how tired Leia. Even if she hid it well, Luke could see through it. He suddenly felt unbelievably guilty.

"Please sit." Leia welcomed to all those who were present.

The senator returned to her seat at the far side of the table, which again was not all that far, while Luke sat to her immediate right while Threepio stood to her left. Iden and Del took seats at the middle chairs, facing each other. Formal stood awkwardly, not knowing where to sit before Leia gestured to the chair directly in front of him which faced her. He bowed his head once more before taking his seat. The chair was comfortable, he thought. Like the ones found in the royal palace. Then without warning the chair moved forward closer to the table causing him to let out a surprised yelp.

"Oh, I'm sorry Count Formal. I should told you the chairs adjust themselves." Leia said apologetically.

Formal looked around at the others sat around table, and saw how they patiently waited for his response. Even in something as simple as seating, these people were so far beyond in technology, "No it is all right...Formal answered.

Leia nodded before proceeding, "Very well. I am sure you are wondering why you are here..."

"I'd assume an interrogation, but this is unlike any interrogation I've seen. Those I am used to involve more...torturing." Formal said which caused the others to stare at each other eerily before facing the man once more. Everyone noticed how the man sitting to Leia's left stiffened.

"I see...well we assure you, we will not torture you in this meeting." Leia reassured the man before pressing a button on the table.

The projector at the center came to life, and the familiar blue glow of a hologram appeared. Depicted were three people, one of which was the man to Leia's left. The other was a women slightly shorter than her counterpart, and with flowing black hair which was tied up in a pony tail. In her hand was a bundle of blankets, with a small face peering from the folds.

The moment the hologram activated Formal jumped back in fear at the sudden ghostly figures. The chair, sensing the backward movement, moved backward, "What is this?! A phantom?!" Formal shouted frightened by the blue visage of the family.

"Count Formal, please do not be afraid. This is no ghost, but a still image of a former moment in time. I'm not sure how to explain it, but please remain calm, you are not in danger." Leia quickly tried to calm the frightened man. Threepio translated her attempt at calming the situation.

Formal was to reply about she meant by a image, when he eyes looked over the woman in the blue image once more, "That woman..." He said.

Those watching the old man looked at the him more intensely when they heard the translation. Leia remained sitting with a calm posture, "It seems you recognize her. That is the reason we brought you here. Her name is Shara Bey, a valuable friend and ally, and we wish to know if your people are the ones who took her." Leia finished. Threepio translated, and Formal felt dread overcome him.

Colt Formal, was a simple man. Born into a predestined position as son of the head of Clan Formal, leaders of Italica. Even though he was considered a noble of the Empire, he was not a nationalist. Sure he loved the Empire, it wall what he born into, but when it came to the sense of superiority most Imperials he differed greatly from his countrymen.

Believing anyone other than a human were beneath them. Colt never saw the other humanoid species this way. Honestly he was fascinated by the different cultures and society of the Dark Elves, High Elves, Warrior Bunnies, etc. Yet he was but one man, and his clan was nothing compared to the imperial army. He had a family to raise, three wonderful daughters, so if he had to remain quiet no matter how much he disagreed.

He tried to help the downtrodden demi-humans in any way he could. Mainly by giving them employment in his palace. His somewhat forced loyalty to the Empire was why he came with his clan's forces along with his daughter's husbands Roen and Missna and their clan's respective armies.

Now here he sits, in front of a powerful Mage and the "enemy" general, and he had to explain what happened to one of their allies. The chair move forward once more, and Formal looked down at the table,

"I am terribly sorry..." He started pausing long enough for Threepio to translate. Everyone in the room could feel the regret, "A group of Imperial scouts...brought back a prisoner a few days before our scheduled expedition through the gate. A women who they ambushed after she stumbled upon their camp. She killed one of the scouts but another caught her with an arrow to her leg. When they brought her...she was thought...appealing, so she was meant ...as a gift for the Emperor." Formal stopped momentarily which allowed Threepio to catch up with his translation.

In the next second, the man next to Leia had leapt off his chair and traversed the room to punch Formal. The older man fell off his chair before his attacker grabbed him by the collar, "You bastard! You enslaved Shara!?"

"Kes! Stop!" Del leapt out of his chair as well and went to hold back the angered husband.

Kes punched Formal once more while still holding the man up, and reeled his fist back for another punch when Del grabbed him, "Stop it!" Del held onto Kes' hand, but struggled as the former Pathfinder fought the grasp.

"Let me go Meeko!" Kes shouted.

"Not until you calm down!" Del shouted back.

"Calm down?! Didn't you hear him? They treated Shara like an object. Some toy they could use as a present?! What would you do if it was Iden?" Kes asked of the former imperial pilot.

Del's grip slightly slackened as he thought it over, "I would probably react the same..." He admitted.

"Enough Dameron! Let him go!" Leia finally cut in.

Kes looked at the general who was now standing alongside Luke, "But General...Shara..."

"Was enslaved, but not killed. That means we can still save her." Leia reasoned.

Luke stepped up, "Leia's right. If we hurry, we'll be able to save Shara, but we still need more information from Formal. Your anger is justified, but you mustn't let it cloud your judgment. It will only work against you." Luke said.

Kes looked between the twins, then back at the elder in his grasp. He hadn't held back in his punches, and could see the beginning of swelling around the man's face.

The former Pathfinder lifted Formal to his feet, before letting him go, and taking a seat once again. He buried his face into his hands in frustration.

With the commotion settled, Leia faced the bruised man, "Forgive me, Count Formal, but I hope you understand his anger. I'm not keen on the idea of our comrade being enslaved, but this can be put behind us if you help us determine where she is. We've sent our own scouts through the tunnel and discovered a large camp around sixteen klicks northwest from the tunnel's entrance. Is Shara Bey imprisoned there?" Leia asked.

Formal sat once again, and held onto his bruised face, "I'm not sure what a "klick", but the camp you speak of is most likely the Imperial camp about two hours away from the gate. Unfortunately your ally, Shara Bey, is not there. Around a day after her capture, Lord Godasen determined she'd be a proper consort for the Emperor. He placed her on a prison carriage to be taken back to Saderan, the Imperial capital."

Leia nodded, "Lord Godasen. I assume he is the one leading this vast expedition..."

Formal nodded, "Yes, he's a senator appointed by Emperor Augustus himself."

"Then how far is the capital from the tunnel?" Leia asked. Given how Formal replied, it seemed that his Empire had no measurements for distance other than how long it took.

Formal thought for a moment, "I don't know for sure, but given it takes around two days to reach Italica, my home, from Alnus Hill, and around another five to reach the capital from Italica. I'd say seven to nine days depending on various conditions."

Leia, "Understood. Another question I have is why your army decided to invade? I'm not sure how far your scouts went, but the vastness in numbers and equipment clearly reflects an invasion force."

This was a question on everyone's mind. Yavin 4 was a vacant planet, full of wild life, and a few colonies but nothing grand. The colonies were started after the civil war ended, but still remained small enough to remain colonies. Thus an invasion was not really beneficial other than land.

Formal remained silent for a few moments before he replied, "It's is not something I know of too well, merely second hand, but it started when Imperial explorers stumbled upon the Gate on the holy land of Alnus Hill around a month ago. The explorers spoke of a flying bird of iron, and cottages made of metal. Not to mention barrels of metal which fired crimson fire. Fascinated by the reports, the Emperor decided to send mages to stabilize the strange portal thus giving it the size and appearance you've seen. He then formed an army which can fit through the newly widened portal, and the rest you know. Believing the lunacy which was the idea of iron birds and fire shooting iron, I can only assume Emperor Augustus sought an advantage. Forgive me, but my Emperor's greed has led us here and led to the enslavement of your ally." Formal finished with a deep bow of his head.

Leia sat back as she listened to the long translation. She glanced at the others, and noticed they too pondered over Formal's explanation.

"A settlement? The closest one around the tunnel is my homestead. So this "iron bird" was probably Shara's A-wing." Kes suggested.

"If they were observing you long enough and close to watch you hunt, pilot the A-wing, and even see your home then how did the sensors not pick up them?" Del asked.

"The sensors they use are not up to date. If there are enough living creatures around, as there is in the forests of Yavin, a few more will not make much of a difference." Luke answers, having seen the model scanner the settlers used.

"So they managed to observe their action in secret. Given the explorers have no comlinks or radios then the sensors wouldn't pick up their channel either. Makes complete sense." Iden further ratified.

"It also answers the question on whether they were the ones to create the tunnel. Seems they've merely stumbled upon it as we have. Though how it came to be is still a mystery." Leia added.

"I'm no expert," Kes started as he faced Luke who met his eyes, "But what else can this be but the Force. We've scanned the structure and there is no sign of machinery. We can't determine what it is scientifically, so all that's left is assuming the supernatural."

Everyone then turned to Luke for confirmation. Luke sat silently while he composed his thoughts before speaking, "I am flattered by the faith you have in my knowledge, but even I cannot confirm this is the Force at work. In all I've studied there was never a mention of a portal opening between worlds. Just as the machinery could not detect anything, I too cannot sense anything coming from the structure."

"Wait, but I thought you had a vision about the tunnel long before this all happened?" Kes questioned.

"The vision foresaw the appearance of the tunnel and the invaders, not of the tunnel's origins. Even now after meditating, the Force has yet to show me anymore than it has." Luke answered.

"How is that possible? Is the Force not omnipotent?" Del asked. The former imperial had taken a slight interest in the Force after the end of the Civil War. Having experienced its power first hand through Luke, his skepticism implanted into him by the Imperial educators vanished leaving only curiosity.

Luke opened his mouth to answer before closing it to ponder the question. All Luke has read states the Force is an energy field which surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together. It connects all living things in the galaxy, some even believing it guided them, "I...do not know. From what I know omnipotence is a common characteristic given to the Force for it is said to be eternal, but now I am faced with a situation that I do not understand. I'm sorry."

Del shook it off, "No need. Just trying to make sense of this odd situation.

"Be it the Force or not, there is another issue." Leia drew their attention once more, "I've had some of my militia men set off a beacon on the other side. It should be transmitting a constant signal to help us find it with our ship's detectors. I original thought the planet on the other side of the tunnel was somewhere within the unknown regions, but even if that were true we would have received the signal by now."

This really got the attention of the others, "Wait, what are implying?" Iden asked.

Leia wasn't sure how to put this, given how crazy it sounded, "It's possible the planet is beyond our galaxy."

That gained an even bigger reaction than the talk of the supernatural, "Another galaxy? If that's the case then this has to be the Force!" Del exclaimed.

"No technology can transverse the empty space between our galaxy and the next, the distance is too great, so it is either some sort of rip in time and space created by the Force, or some undetectable technology. Just what have we stumbled upon?" Iden commented.

"Something beyond our understanding, but that does not mean we have time to think it over. He said it takes around seven to nine days to get to their capital where Shara is being taken. It's already been three since she went missing, two of which she's travelled to the capital so we have four more to save her." Kes cut in.

Leia nodded, "Right, we can go over this impossibility after Shara Bey is saved." She then turned to face Formal once again who had watched them converse for the past few minutes. He hadn't understood a word, so the complexities of galaxies and the Force were unheard.

"Count Formal, thank you for helping us, but I have one more question. In what direction is the captial? We wish to rescue our friend before she reaches it."

Threepio translated Leia's question which confused Formal, "Direction? From Alnus it is toward the horizon where the sun rises. With a map, I can show you, but unfortunately none of those you've captured carried one. My apologizes."

Leia nodded, "No worries. That ends this meeting. Threepio please take Count Formal back to his cell."

"At once, Princess." Threepio replied before walking up to the sitting elder. The droid explained what Leia had said prompting the count to bow, "My pleasure, general." He then rose from his seat and Threepio cheerfully led him out of the room.

Once the door to the room closed all those present sat back in mild frustration, "I feel like that gave us more questions than answers." Iden commented.

"So what are we going to do General?" Kes asked.

Leia leaned forward and thought for a moment before replying, "We will prioritize saving Shara. Other than attempting to invade your settlement, these people have done nothing to gain our ire. As long as we do this quick and without much flare, we shouldn't have another incident. Once Shara is back we return their prisoners. Hopefully that will settle things."

Del seemed skeptical, "Will it be that easy? Although these people are primitive they still hold more intelligence than what we initially thought. Will the death of four hundred men be amended by the returning of one hundred?"

The others realized he was right. According to Count Formal, their society of humans seemed to have a senate and some sense of intelligent society. Unlike the Ewoks whose intelligence only reached stone tools, and a simplistic language, the people beyond the tunnel had a clear system in place.

"Four hundred men is a lot, especially for a primitive species, but they might back down once they realize our technological superiority." Iden suggested.

"And if they don't back down?" Luke spoke drawing everyone's attention to him.

Iden thought for a moment, "I don't know. I guess we'll be left to defend the Yavin colonists."

Luke shook his head, "No..." The outright refusal was unusual. Even Leia was a slightly caught off guard, "When they invaded, I could sense their resolve. Honestly it reminded me how of the thousand of rebels who fought against the Empire. The difference being the motivation behind the resolve. Even then, I think we've slaughtered enough of them, and I hope to not do that again."

The others glanced at each other, and nodded. They understood what he meant. It wasn't the morality of a Jedi, but of a simple living being. Even Kes who held the most resentment against the invaders knew that the slaughter was a bit excessive. Even if they meant to attack his homestead, the mere fact that they were so primitive made them seem like the villains. Murder was never justified, merely accepted depending on the situation. Saving the galaxy from an oppressive super power, accepted, but they refused to accept the murder of these primitive invaders.

"Then we should refrain from being spotted. A covert op rescue mission to save Shara. The enemy has remained at the camp without much action for two days, so we should use their ceasefire to our benefit." Kes recommended.

"So that means X-wings are out of the question. We'd surely be spotted when flying so low to spot the carriage she's in. They'll be sure to assume an invasion." Del said.

"There is one thing you are forgetting. We have no means of transportation. Already we are low staffed, but the size of the tunnel does not let anything bigger than an X-wing fit through. All X-wings owned by the Rebellion were donated to the New Republic, and I've been too busy to properly start collecting them for the militia." Leia explained.

"Can't we ask the New Republic for assistance?" Iden questioned.

"As much as we care about rescuing Shara, the Republic won't feel the same way. I doubt they'll want to offer any assistance for the rescue of a retired rebel." Leia answered.

They all couldn't help but understand her reasoning. Even six years on, the galaxy still needed reconstruction, and the Republic was using all resources focused on this purpose alone. That is why Leia's suggestion of forming a proper resistance fleet was denied, for they believed the Empire was dead. They could not see, as Leia did, that evil never dies, merely evolves. Thus under the guise of her own personal security, she began forming a militia for the past year.

"So we have nothing for transport...this just got a lot harder." Del commented.

"Well I wouldn't say nothing. I know various collectors who own X-wings, and even some speeders. Thought they are all outdated, and limited in number. If I contact them, they'll probably donate some to this mission as they during the Rebellion, but again I doubt it would be much." Leia finished.

"Not to mention, Del and I kept two X-wings in the cargo hold just in case. We'd gladly offer them." Iden added.

"We've already decided X-wings are out if the question. What we need are speeders." Del said.

"How fast can get the collectors here if they agree?" Kes asked.

Leia pondered for a moment, "If I contact them now, at most a few hours. Nearing the end of the day I would say." By the day she meant the one on Yavin 4 which had a similar rotation period of twenty-four stand hours to that of Coruscant's which was the Galactic Standard for measuring days, months and years.

"Then we should hurry. As long as Shara is on her way to their capital, she is safe. I doubt her guards would...harm a present to the Emperor." Kes said calmly.

"Then how big should our rescue team be?" Del asked.

"We can't determine that now, but once we get a form of transport, we'll know. Then by early tomorrow it'll depart." Leia concluded.

"I don't think daylight would be the best..." Luke spoke.

Leia, along with everyone else turned to him, "We've already determined that the camp is more active during the day. I doubt they'll let us slip by them without reaction. If we are using their inactivity as an advantage then we should refrain from giving them any incentive to attack. If they see a group, as small as it may be, they may assume it to be an invasion. Retaliation would probably follow, and a larger battle will commence. To prevent another massacre, I'd prefer we travel at night at least until we pass the camp." Luke explained.

Everyone nodded as they processed the information, "Then we'll need speeders to travel at night. They aren't as loud as X-wings, and most have headlights." Del said.

"Wouldn't that ruin the whole traveling during the night? I'm sure they would spot the lights coming from several klicks away." Iden said.

"Depending on the speeders, you could set them to fly a few meters above the land as to not crash into anything. That way we would could travel safely." Leia suggested.

Iden and Del nodded in agreement.

"Yet we are still missing something," Kes started "We still have no lay of the land. Without a map we'll be wondering aimlessly hoping to spot Shara."

"We can use an X-wing at night to do an aerial sweep." Del said.

"It would give us a topographic map, but we still have no understanding of where the capital is." Kel countered.

"Iden..." Luke turned to the former imperial who in turn faced him, "Doesn't your ID10 have a scan feature?"

Iden nodded, "It can scan for life forms, but it could probably be modified to be a mapping scanner. The distance won't be anything grand, but if we are traveling then it won't be a problem." Iden confirmed.

"Then we'll still need to find a map of the land..." Luke trailed off.

"We still have yet to determine how exactly this operation is going to proceed. The most we can determine is we'll leave tonight, so I suggest those who plan to go rest. Luke, given I still have duties to perform for the Republic, I cannot remain here. I leave half of the militia men with you if that's okay." Leia asked her twin who promptly nodded.

"You've already done more than enough, Leia. I hope I'd be able to command them properly." Luke said humbly.

Leia then turned to Kes, "Is it safe to assume you'd be joining the rescue team."

Kes nodded, "I feel partially responsible for this, and there is nothing in the galaxy which would keep me from bringing back Shara. So I'm in all the way."

Leia accepted his determination with a smile before she turned to Iden and Del, "What of you two? May I ask you keep an eye on my brother?"

Iden and Del looked at each other with a chuckle, "Given the prisoners are on the Corvus, I don't think we'd be going anywhere for a while. We'll be happy to help."

"Very well, then all of you get rest, and ready yourselves. You'll leave once our supplies arrive." Leia stood prompting the others to do the same. With that the meeting was over.