As the conflict between the NEW REPUBLIC and the remnants of the GALACTIC EMPIRE rages on, tensions within the continent of Falmart has started to slowly increase following the death of Count Colt Formal.

In response to these events, General Rand Talor has began to prioritize the launch of a training campaign for the local population to prepare for a planet-wide war and to find the person responsible for the attempted coup plot against Emperor Molt Sol Augustus of Sadera.

However, an old master from the Old Republic would intertwine with these events after years of exile following the dreaded act of Order 66...

XXXXXXX

(24 years ago...)

Near the planet of Bakura, a battle between the navies of the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems was ongoing following the intercepted transmission of the latter were received. Onboard the Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor, a middle-aged Jedi Master with a light brown skin color was leading his fellow squadron of clone pilots who are protecting a boarding party that is ordered to board a Providence-class dreadnought.

"Master Chesed to Reaper Squadron, the boarding party is almost at the hangar. Let's take out the containment shield." The Jedi told his allies.

"Copy, general." The clone pilot onboard an Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter respond. "A'ight boys, let's get this show on the road!"

"Reaper 2, copy that." The second pilot followed. "Hold it, we have vulture droids and tri-fighters coming in!"

"I see them."

A squadron of droid tri-fighters and Vulture-class droid starfighters were approaching the squadron and began to fire at Chesed's team.

"Deal with those droids! Reaper 4, engage the containment shields. I'll cover you."

"Affirmative." Reaper 4 complied.

As the dogfight between the two factions progresses, one vulture droid scored hits on a ARC-170.

"I'm hit!" Reaper 6 shouted before his starfighter exploded.

"Reaper 6's down, cover the larty!" Reaper 8 barked.

Chesed then began to aim at a tri-fighter and moments after, pulled the trigger to fire its laser cannons to destroy it.

"Got it!" He uttered.

Nearby, onboard a Venator-class Star Destroyer, another middle-aged man from Naboo was leading his fleet to assist Master Chesed and the raiding party.

"Master Chesed, this is Admiral Mikrak. We are approaching your position." The admiral offered his help. "Hold on, we are going to take out the escort ships."

"Thanks for the assist." Chesed thanked. "We owe you one."

"My pleasure. All ships, concentrate fire on those Banking Clan frigates."

The Star Destroyers then opened fire at the Munificent-class star frigates escorting the Separatist flagship. In the LAAT, the clone troopers lead by CT-9753 or "Raker" by his allies and distinguishable by his red-and-blue scheme were ready to enter the ship.

"Get ready to lock n' load, boys!" Raker shouted enthusiasm. "Things are gonna get messy!"

While the dogfight was on, Reaper 4 prepares to fire the proton torpedoes for launch just as a single vulture droid began to go in for the kill.

"I have one on my tail!" Reaper 4 shouted in distress.

"I see that bugger." Reaper 2 uttered before firing the laser cannons to destroy it. "You're clear!"

Reaper 4 then fired the shots after doing another maneuver to recover his trajectory. The torpedoes then destroyed the generators for the containment shields.

"Shield's down! Time to get inside and go home!"

"Roger that, we are moving in." The LAAT pilot responded and they have landed. The doors opened to allow Raker and his team to fire at any battle droids. As soon as they appeared, they opened fire.

"Let's get a move on!" Raker shouted before using his comlink to contact Chesed. "General Chesed, we have borded the ship and are moving in to retrieve the data."

"Copy that, Raker." Chesed responded. "I'm joining as well."

As the clones took cover to reduce the casualty rate, Chesed arrived and began to get out of the starfighter to assist the party using his lightsaber with an aqua-colored blade.

"There's a Jedi!" One of the droids exclaimed. "Stop him!"

Some of the B2 super battle droids redirected their attention to Chesed and began to shoot him but his Force and lightsaber skills were more than a match for them, blocking blaster bolts and slicing off their bodies upon close contact. Raker's men then finished the rest off using a thermal detonator.

"Glad to have joined the party, general." Raker greeted.

"Perhaps. Now, on to other matters."

They then used their holoprojectors to go over the target room.

"This is where they are holding it right here near the bow." Raker briefed. "If we can get there, we can steal whatever they are planning for the future."

"But those Droidekas and other defenses are an issue going there." Chesed cautioned. "We need to be on guard."

He then began to contact his astromech droid to steer his starfighter away from the ship.

"Kayfour, assist with Reaper Squadron and return to the Venator when you are done." He requested his astromech droid before an affirmative beeping was heard.

As the party moved on through the corridors, a droideka and a small squad of battle droids appeared.

"Destroyer droid!" One clone shouted and the team took cover just as the droideka opened its shields before unleashing a barrage of blaster bolts.

"I'll distract it." Chesed suggested calmly. "Throw an EMP at the rear so that I can get close enough."

"Roger that!" One clone nodded before preparing an Electro Magnetic Pulse grenade. "EMP out!"

When the grenade was thrown at the rear, the nearby droids were shut down giving Chesed the opening needed to distract the droideka. He both evaded and deflected some of the bolts before jumping behind it. When the droid was distracted, the clones moved in and placed explosives at its blind spot. They stayed clear and the charges detonated, destroying the shields. Chesed then finished it off.

"Let's go!" Raker told his men.

In the databank room, some B1 and B2 battle droids were guarding the terminal from any attempted breach. Just as the doors are opened, Chesed lead the team to finish off the guards with at least three clones killed in the attempt.

"That's the room." Raker uttered. "Move!"

The team then began to steal various data from the terminal before Raker noticed a different one that contains unknown code.

"Hold on. I think there might be something that needs to be seen."

"Anything that you've got, captain?" Chesed asked.

"Likely, though we don't have much time deciphering all this code here."

"Time to get out of here." He then began to contact Admiral Mikrak. "Admiral, time your chronometers to 15 minutes and open fire at the flagship once it passes."

"Roger that, general." Mikrak complied. "Timing our chronometers now."

The team followed suit and they proceeded to return to the gunship. When they have retured, squads of battle droids appeared to stop the take-off.

"Pilot, we need to go!" Chesed barked.

"Right away, sir." The pilot responded.

As the gunship began to leave, the droids desperately began to shoot it down but once it left the hangar, the surviving starfighters were escorting them back to Mikrak's flagship.

"All ships, open fire at the flagship." Mikrak ordered.

The star destroyers then opened fire at the Separatist flagship, slowly destroying her with a full barrage. As well, Reaper Squadron and Kayfour were clearing a path for the gunship to fly back to the hangar.

"Master Chesed, we are escorting you back to base." Reaper 1 said.

"Thank you, captain." Chesed replied. "Tell your pilots they did a good job."

"My pleasure."

Raker then began to examine the code once more with the Jedi Master.

"Now with this, it would take time to decipher what it contains." Raker spoke.

"We will also ask help from the Jedi Council if we can. They are busy with finding General Grievous and finding out who the Sith Lord is."

The gunships then approached the vicinity of Mikrak's flagship with the starfighter squadron before making a landing.

XXXXXXX

(Present day...)

Luger was sleeping in his tent after a day of assistance with Republic personnel and the local population. While waking up, he began to feel discomfort.

"Hummmm..."

When he turned around, he can see Rory sleeping soundly beside him.

"Huh?! HYYYAAAAA!"

The reaction made her wake up after Luger got out of his sleeping bag.

"Is it morning...hah." She uttered as she opened her eyes.

"Rory! What are you doing in my tent?!" Luger scaredly asked.

"What? I was just feeling sleepy the other night and I-I..."

Luger was not convinced.

"You shouldn't have barged in here, you know that?"

"Luuugeeerr..." Rory whined. "Please, don't scold me."

"Oh, come on!"

Inside the Formal Mansion, Talor was checking with the recent reconnaissance pictures regarding the leader of the coup plot. A Republic officer then came with some recent developments.

"Sir, one of our probe droids has lost communication with our controllers." She reported. "But we do have information that he is heading east."

"You would suggest that something went wrong, right?" Talor asked.

"Likely. We have picked up unknown signals near its position. It could be an Imperial probe droid."

"Hummm...maybe they have an interest in him as well. They are trying to recruit him to give him an advantage."

"What should you suggest?"

"Right now, Emperor Molt is busy getting his men freed. We promised him and his army safe travel back to their captial which is where we are going to check out."

"I will inform our available units to explore there as well. What about Dragon Company, sir?"

"They are already assigned to another operation, so we can't change that at the last minute."

Outside Italica, the Imperial soldiers were being assisted by Republic forces as Molt prepares to head for home with his army.

"Your Majesty, I have word from General Talor about our latest developments." A Republic soldier informed him.

"Thank you about the news." Molt responded. "Anything to report?"

"We are sending some of our soldiers from the New Republic Special Forces to accompany you on your journey. They will report their observations and recent developments as they proceed."

"How can they do that? Over time, it will take days to send back news to Italica."

"Don't worry about it. Our advances in communication will get it done in an instant."

Molt was surprised by the statement.

"Besides, we have been spying on a likely suspect in the attempted coup two days back."

Using a datapad, she showed him the image of the suspect from the encounter. The features made Molt furious.

"Zorzal?!" He reacted. "How dare did he try to stab me in the back?"

"We were watching the army closely to make sure nothing bad happen during the talks, Your Majesty, but then he came to the picture." The officer briefly explained.

A familiar voice then got Molt's attention.

"FAAAATTHHER!"

The source of it came towards Piña.

"My daugher, do you need something?"

"Nothing, father." She replied. "All I wished to say is I bid you safe travel."

"Why not you come with me back to Sadera? I need to find Zorzal."

"What about him?"

"Well Your Highness, he is a suspect in the coup." The officer told her.

"What?!"

"Sorry, ma'am. We have to keep the peace here."

"I-I..."

"Don't worry, he'll be met with justice when we find him." Molt assured her.

Suddenly, a noise filled the air as onlookers looked at what appears to be a monster with its wings pointing upward. Its blue and white skin made an intimidating effect.

"What is that thing?" Molt asked in awe.

"Is that a dragon?" One Imperial commander followed suit.

To the Republic personnel, however, that "dragon" was actually a Kom'rk-class fighter and they know who built it.

"General, the Mandalorian Protectors and Commander Skywalker have arrived." One officer informed Talor.

"I'll be on my way."

As the combat transport landed, some civilians wondered at its appearance. When the airlock is opened, it revealed a man with blonde hair wearing a black outfit and a woman wearing the traditional Mandalorian armour or beskar'gam. A light blue cape decorated the set.

"Commander Skywalker, welcome to Italica." Talor greeted as soon as he arrived.

"Good to see you, General Talor." Luke responded. "I can see that progress within the exploration is going well."

"Yes, Skywalker." Talor then turned his attention to the Mandalorian. "And I presume you must be Shyla Varad."

"That's correct, general." Shyla answered. "Now, we would like to see the city ourselves first before we move on to other matters. And also, Fenn and A'den's arrival here will be delayed due to operations in the Inner Rim."

"Thank you for the news. Maybe you two will get accustomed to the local population. Besides, we have a royalty supporting our efforts here alongside the officials of the city."

"Excellent. Let's go."

The three walked inside the city as they head for the mansion. Skywalker sensed grief with the people due to Count Formal's death.

"I can feel the pain of the people as if they have lost someone of great importance."

"That's correct, commander." Talor nodded. "Two days ago, the count of this city lost his life when we are stopping a coup attempt on the local emperor. He has no support for the Galactic Empire so far."

"I see. That should clear things up."

"General, if I may, who is this royalty supporting the efforts?" Shyla asked.

"Princess Piña Co Lada, ma'am." Talor answered. "She has been aiding one particular unit during their expedition. And that name is Dragon Company."

"Hummm...that's a good name."

When the approached the mansion grounds, Luger, Rory and Max were witnessing the three officers moving inside.

"Who is that guy with the black outfit?" Rory asked. "I can feel something powerful within him."

"His name is Luke Skywalker, one of the most important people who fought against the Empire." Max answered.

Luke noticed her presence and turned his attention to Rory.

"I believe that you must be someone of great importance." Luke greeted kindly. "Do you have a name?"

"Oh I'm Rory Mercury, the Apostle of Emroy." She greeted quite shyly.

""Emroy?""

"Uh sir, not to be rude but Emroy is the god of darkness of this world." Luger told him.

"I see."

"I'm Luger Sternbolt and the guy on my left is Max Mikrak. We are the ones who found this planet weeks before."

"You know, you two might be uncovering something the Imperials are secretly doing when the Concordance was signed." Luke praised the men. "Don't be afraid to face them."

"We will." Mikrak uttered.

"Skywalker, if you mind..." Shyla reminded.

"Oh, right. Anyway, good luck and may the Force be with you."

Skywalker left with Shyla but Rory was having a hard time deciphering the last message.

"What does he mean by "may the Force be with you?"" Rory asked.

"He meant a good luck to us. And as well, the "Force" is what binds life and our galaxy together." Max explained.

"Ooh..."

Inside, a discussion was held regarding the operation Dragon Company will undertake with another Republic unit.

"General, what is your next move?" Shyla asked.

"Our next location of interest is the south of Alnus." Talor answered. "I've heard that there are more kingdoms to make contact with."

"And are there any more news?"

"Well, we are dealing with a suspected coup plotter during our encounter with the empire of this world. I'll be giving you the photos in a short while."

"General, based on your current reports of Imperial presence in this world, surely you are doing everything in your power to limit their influence." Skywalker calmly requested clarification.

"We are doing our best, Skywalker."

"I hope this will go well."

"We are also planning to train the locals as we speak. Dragon Company has made allies on their travels."

"General, my men are willing to pass our knowledge of warfare to them. As well, the Republic soldiers are entitled to this." Shyla offered.

"Thank you, Varad." Talor accepted. "That should boost our abilities."

"It is our gift to the Republic after you freed our planet from the Empire."

Suddenly, the doors are knocked.

"May I come in?" A maid asked.

"You may." Talor responded.

The doors were opened to reveal Aurea.

"Princess Piña and Miss Myui have arrived."

The two ladies then revealed themselves to Luke and Shyla.

"I would like to present to you Princess Piña Co Lada on the left and Myui Formal on the right." Talor introduced.

"Good day, fellow allies of the Republic." Myui greeted. "I'm...Myui Formal."

"Nice to meet you, too." Luke responded with a calm touch of her hand. "I'm Luke."

"You are a nice man."

"Thank you."

"And I'm Piña Co Lada, the 10th in line for the Imperial throne." The princess introduced.

"My pleasure. I'm looking forward helping you whenever I can."

"Whew." Piña sighed.

"I would also like to introduce to you Shyla Varad from the world of Mandalore." Talor introduced Shyla.

"Su cuy'gar." She greeted in Mandalorian.

"Huh?" The girls were confused.

"That means "hello" in our language. It's nice to meet you."

"Oh, I see." Myui understood.

"Anyway, we better prepare for the next mission." Talor reminded. "Your Highness, are you ready for this expedition?"

"I am." Piña affirmed.

"Good, time to get started."

XXXXXXX

Outside, one upgraded All Terrain Tactical Enforcer was loading troops inside while two Bantha-II cargo skiffs were loading cargo. Escorted by a pair of T2-Bs, they are ready to make their trip south of Italica. In charge of the operation was a veteran soldier named Raker.

"Captain Max Mikrak, ready for my team to join in." Max informed him.

"Thank goodness." The soldier sighed. "I'm Colonel Raker and I'm in charge of this expedition. Good that you are ready to assist us for the journey ahead."

"My pleasure." Then Krel arrived.

"Krel, is the princess coming?"

"Yes, she is." The Besalisk confirmed. "She has just finished her meeting with Commander Skywalker and Varad. Luger is still getting Lelei and the others."

"Can you contact him?"

"I'll try." Krel then used his comlink to contact Luger. "Luger, what's the hold-up?"

"Still busy finalizing our things for today." Luger responded. "Lelei, Cato, Ennio, Gaius and Rory are coming as well."

"Give or take, we are running out of room for a few passengers. Besides, we even don't have our horses since what happened back at the Rho River."

"He's correct." Max sided with Krel. "Without them and due to other needs, we need to think of something to compensate. Think about the Military Disarmament Act as well; the Senate wouldn't want to waste more credits than necessary on this."

"Affirmative." Luger quietly replied before ending the transmission.

"Still thinking on that as well, eh?"

"Yeah. A lot of people are tired of the war and the Empire's iron hand. They all want to go away from that."

"I see."

Luger was on his way to the exploration team bringing along his allies.

"Princess, glad you made it on time." Ennio greeted.

"Yeah." She replied. "I am."

"Ennio, Gaius, listen. We will train you how to use our weapons and do some basic combat training. While Piña may have some experience using our weapons, it's still not enough to survive an attack by the Galactic Empire." Luger expained.

"You're saying milady's experience aren't enough?" Bozes questioned.

"Not to be offensive of anything. I'm just saying that this is different from what how you people fight."

"He may be right, Bozes." Piña quietly agreed with Luger. "Just calm down."

"If I may, what excatly are your battles like, Luger?" Gaius asked.

"Yeah, I wanna know too." Ennio followed.

"Well...our battles are usually a mix of ground and space combat." Luger explained. "We move fast finding cover from blaster and cannon fire and vehicles prowled them to hunt down potentially difficult targets on land. In space, ship-to-ship battles are common."

His allies were intrigued.

"Whoever controls space controls the world in a short amount of time."

"I don't believe it." Gaius reacted.

"Man, that's brutal." Ennio reacted with his cat ears sticking out.

"While I never saw those space battles before, I do saw their ships staying near the planet." Tuka told them about her experience. "Despite the emptiness of that realm, they are here waiting to help if needed."

"So...that means we are saved if things go wrong?"

"Yes." A smile was shown on the elf's face.

"That's a relief." Bozes sighed.

Piña still has some doubts about Zorzal. Luger then took notice.

"Hummmm...what's wrong?"

"Nothing, Luger. It's just about my brother."

"Worried about him?"

Piña nodded.

"I see."

When they reached the convoy, Max and Krel were waiting.

"Took you long enough." Max told Luger.

"Sorry Max but we have everything we need." He apologized.

"That's okay. Put some on that AT-TE. That walker's compartment is reserved for cargo."

"We're on it." Ennio affirmed before grabbing some of the stuff to be placed on the rear hold of the walker. "That's one big monster."

"Tehe. You'll know more sometime."

"Luger, what is that thing?" Piña asked.

"That right there is an All Terrain Tactical Enforcer or 'AT-TE' for short." Luger answered. "They may be old but it still has some fight left in 'em."

"You done with the lesson, folks?" Raker asked after moving closer. "We better move."

Piña and Luger nodded in agreement.

"Yeah...we better go." Luger responded.

Just before Piña departs with the expedition team, a transmission from Talor was picked up by Max.

"Captain Mikrak, patch Piña on the line." He requested. "Emperor Molt wants to see her."

"On my way." Max affirmed. "Princess, your father has something to say."

He gave her the holoprojector to allow Piña to see for the first time her father projected in hologram.

"Father, can you see me?"

"I can see you, my daughter." Molt replied. "Although, it's quite awkward to talk to you in this."

"That's okay. I tried a similar thing, too." Piña admitted.

"Tehe. Anyway before I finish this, I just want to tell you that..."

"What is it?"

"...that no matter where you are, we are waiting."

Piña became slightly emotional about the answer.

"Thank you. I will return home, I promise."

"Stay safe out there." The transmission then ended.

"Time to get going people." Raker informed before shouting the order to move to his men. "Move out!"

When the Dragon Company was inside the walker with a few of Raker's men, the giant walker roared into life moving south towards their destination. With the T2-Bs and skiffs escorting it, it was protected for the time being. Rory, for her part, was sitting on top of the walker feeling the movement and the wind.

"Maybe Emroy would like this." Rory thought to herself while referring to the walker she is sitting on.

"Remember, we are passing by Alnus on the way there so if there are things that are missing, there are supplies at the camp." Max reminded.

"Roger." Luger agreed.

The convoy continued moving.

A/N: If anyone wonders about two 'Rakers' in this chapter, Fact Free has a video explaining Captain Rex's possible appearance in Return of the Jedi based on the theory made by director Dave Filoni. Watch it, it's interesting.

See you again.