The tall Sith Lord, now known as Darth Vader, stalked through the metallic halls of his starcruiser, his black cape billowing out behind him. His steps were strong and confident, and his breathing echoed through the halls, leading every stormtrooper he passed to stand and salute as he walked by. An officer's voice echoed over the ship's comm speaker: "Arrival at Naboo, 5 minutes."
Vader swept past the platoons of troopers in the hall and reached the hangar, where an Imperial shuttle waited for him. Stormtroopers saluted him as he approached the shuttle, and over the intercom, the officer spoke again.
"We have arrived at Naboo. Squads Alpha and Beta report to the hangar. All shuttles prepare for takeoff."
Vader boarded the shuttle, and soon it lifted off the floor, turning around to fly out of the hangar and into the dark expanse of space. It swiveled and headed towards the large, blue-green planet of Naboo, followed by more ships carrying stormtroopers.
The Imperial shuttle entered the atmosphere accompanied with Tie fighters on every side. Soon, Naboo's night sky was crowded with fighters, their arrival signaling an abrupt change in government. As Vader's shuttle approached the capitol city of Theed, more ships landed in the midst of the buildings, depositing stormtroopers into the streets.
Vader's shuttle landed in the center square of Theed, and soon the Sith Lord strolled down the landing platform, flanked by officers and saluting troopers on either side. His imposing form instilled fear into everyone present.
Vader turned and kneeled, causing everyone to become even more aware of the dark presence around them. The Emperor himself glided down the landing platform, accompanied by his red-clad Shadow Guards. He stopped in front of Vader, who stood.
"Have you dealt with the Queen?" the Emperor asked, his voice raspy and commanding.
"I shall... negotiate with her." Vader stalked towards the palace, troops flanking him on both sides.
Lux and Chuchi sat in the cockpit of their ship, entering the atmosphere of Alderaan. The planet's snowy landscape greeted them with a gust of wind, and Lux fought to keep control over his vessel as their view swerved.
The Senators flew over mountains and valleys until the towering silver form of Castle Organa came into view. The giant castle loomed over the landscape, serving as a place of peace in such a dark time. Lux guided his ship to land on one of the platforms of the castle, high in the air. As he and Chuchi walked down the landing platform, they were greeted by a service droid who led them inside.
The interior of the castle was huge and well-lit, with towering columns and statues of Senators. The droid led them through red-carpeted hallways until they reached the throne room. Senator Bail Organa stood, relief in his eyes.
"I heard that you ran into some trouble on Corellia," Senator Organa said with exhaustion in his voice.
"Thankfully, Corellia is free from the Empire's grasp," Lux replied.
"The same cannot be said for other planets," Bail said. "Naboo has fallen to the Empire."
Chuchi's eyes widened. "The Queen?"
Bail didn't respond, only looked at her in sorrow. Lux bowed his head sadly while Chuchi's eyes filled with tears.
"Will they stop at nothing?" Chuchi whispered.
"What we can do," Bail continued, "Is build up a rebellion force."
Lux looked up. "Ahsoka and Captain Rex are on our side."
Bail nodded. "I've contacted some Senators who are interested in leaving the Empire." As if on cue, Mon Mothma entered the room, giving both Lux and Chuchi a nod.
"Do you know where Ahsoka is now?" Bail asked hesitantly.
Lux and Chuchi glanced at each other. Lux replied, "I believe she is interested in finding more to recruit to the rebellion, Senator."
"Then I wish her luck," Senator Organa said, motioning Mothma closer. "Now, there's much to discuss."
Lux nodded, and Chuchi crossed her arms as the four Senators began drawing up base plans for war. The rebellion had begun.