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The Saga of the Chosen One, Chapter 28
By TVfan
Dennaskar
"Arrgghh!" Mara growled in frustration when she and Shira had returned to the hanger where her skipray had been with Tay Vanis clinging to the former Imperial spy, "They destroyed my blastboat!"
"They should have another hanger on this level," Shira Brie commented, "and since we've already sliced or shot most of the troops on this station, getting there shouldn't be too hard."
"Yeah, but it'll make approaching the fleet more difficult," Mara answered, "all of our ships carry transponder signals that identify our side. The Empire does the same thing. The problem is, if we arrive in an Imperial ship or shuttle, we'll be marked as an Imperial ship and could be fired upon."
"It doesn't look like we have much choice," Shira pointed, "best not to complain."
Mara only nodded and moved forward, "come on. They might decide to dismantle all their other ships."
Thankfully for the two of them, the Empire hadn't destroyed all their ships on the Dennaskar station. They had to traverse to the other side of the station, and Mara ended up killing another dozen stormtroopers on the way, but they made it to a hanger that had a lone Lambda class shuttle sitting in it.
"See, they have other ships," Shira commented and began helping Tay Vanis stagger toward the shuttle.
Mara only sighed and began to follow her to make sure that no Imperials got the drop on them. Once she made it to the shuttle's entry ramp, she glanced at a name plate sitting on the side of the hull. It read Tydirium. Once onboard, she found Shira strapping Tay Vanis into one of the command seats.
"Can you fly a shuttle like this on your own?" Shira asked as Mara approached, "I'll contact the fleet to let them know who we are."
Mara slowly nodded. The Rebellion had stolen Imperial shuttles before, and occasionally used them for covert missions. She wasn't unfamiliar with the controls, and from what she had seen of previously captured shuttles, they were entirely capable of being piloted by a lone pilot.
The red-haired Jedi sat down in the pilot's seat and quickly began starting up the shuttle's engines and getting it ready for take off. This was made somewhat easy as no Imperial troops followed them, but Mara didn't relax until they were out of the station and flying away from it.
"You can relax," Shira said weakly, "The Empire will know I've killed their Intelligence Director. Killing you now wouldn't do me any good… and… as I said before… I didn't think they were doing this to people."
Mara glanced back to the former Imperial spy and the tortured Rebel sitting opposite her. She did feel some relief that Luke's gamble worked, but that wasn't what she was concerned with.
"I'm more concerned with whether or not the Empire has rallied fighters or anything else to come after us," Mara answered firmly.
"All scopes are clear," Shira told her as she briefly checked a few sensor readings, "we can go to light speed at any time."
Coruscant
Palpatine was not in the best of moods when his shuttle returned to his palace on Coruscant. True, Zaarin's plot had failed and a traitorous officer and Darksider had been killed, but it had all delayed his plans for the final battle with the Rebellion. The new Death Star was nearing the point where it would be need to be 'advertised' to draw the Rebels into attacking it, so the Empire's main fleet could then hold the Rebels in one point and letting the Death Star destroy their fleet. The problem he had, however, was deciding on the commanders.
Grand Admiral Declann had already been named the commander of the new Death Star, but he needed someone to command the fleet. His mind focused on two possible choices, but both were unusable. He sensed through the Dark Side that Darth Executor would be out of action for a considerable length of time, and the newly promoted Grand Admiral Thrawn was not liked that much by many in the rest of the fleet. It seemed to Palpatine that Imperial fortunes would have to get far more desperate before they would accept the Chiss Admiral.
That left Palpatine few options. The best was Grand Admiral Teshik, who was presently commanding all Imperial forces between Tatooine and Hutt space. As he began to walk inside, he quickly decided on that option. Teshik wasn't the best of his Grand Admirals, but he would do well enough to insure that the Rebellion would be destroyed at Endor.
As Palpatine approached the entrance to his palace, he was met by Sate Pestage who was coming out to meet him.
"What is the status?" Palpatine asked of Pestage as he approached.
"Darth Executor was successful in destroying the Black Sun, but was seriously wounded by Xizor before the crime lord had the decency to die," Pestage reported, "He is still in bacta for the time being."
That confirmed what Palpatine had sensed earlier.
"What reports have come in on the First Fleet?" Palpatine questioned.
"The fleet is fully function and ready for battle," Pestage answered, "all ships lost during the Hoth/Bespin battles have either been repaired or replaced."
"Excellent," Palpatine smiled, "Now all they will need is a commander."
Pestage nodded but didn't say anything.
"The time has come to advance our plans," Palpatine spoke as he lead Pestage into his palace, "the new Death Star will be complete soon. I believe it is time to pay the station a visit… to insure that the work is being done, and to christen it by destroying the moon it orbits."
Pestage noticed that Palpatine was speaking in a deliberately loud voice, but didn't say much.
"Of course, my Lord," Pestage answered, "shall I have your ship stand by?"
"Yes," Palpatine nodded, "Do that."
And with that, Palpatine walked further into his palace leaving Pestage alone for a moment.
Home One
Anakin meanwhile settled into a very different meeting. He and Obi Wan had entered the main planning room on Home One. Gathered there were the other major military leaders of the Rebellion. Admiral Ackbar, as the Rebellion's overall military commander was already waiting, along with the Mandalorian leader Fenn Shysa.
"Is everyone here?" Anakin asked as he and Obi Wan sat down around a small circular holo-projector table.
"We are still waiting for General Madine and General Rieekan," Admiral Ackbar answered, "and I believe that Senator Iblis wishes to attend this Council as well."
Both Jedi nodded. Rieekan had been promoted with Dodonna's death on Hoth, and would be due to take over the command of a planetary base, once they had the time to establish a new one. But for now, the issue was planning out the campaign against the new Death Star the Empire was building. They knew that the Empire had corrected the mistakes made with the first battle station, and that if they didn't destroy it while it was under construction, it was likely that they wouldn't destroy it.
Anakin felt that the station would be destroyed, but he had to remind himself that Force inspired visions were not guaranteed. Obi Wan sensed some unease in his former pupil, but was unable to inquire into it as the three men who were expected to arrive did so.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting," General Madine spoke as he sat beside Fenn Shysa.
General Rieekan sat down next to Madine. Iblis, meanwhile walked to stand next to Admiral Ackbar.
"It is no problem," Obi wan spoke calmly.
"Gentlemen," Iblis spoke firmly, "I presume we all know why we are here."
"Yes," General Rieekan nodded, "to put together some plan on how to destroy the Empire's new Death Star."
The group nodded and there were some audible sighs heard.
"Well, we know it's in the Endor system and is a vastly improved version on the Death Star we destroyed over Yavin IV," Anakin began, "we can not lure it to a planet and destroy it with starfighters. Thankfully, while it's still under construction, we can destroy it then."
"That shouldn't be too much of a problem," Ackbar spoke up, "the problem is in what we'll likely have to do to be able to send our starfighters against that thing."
"What would have to be done?" Fenn Shysa wondered as he looked up.
The Mandalorian leader had agreed to provide training for the Rebellion's regular infantry forces, as most of them were inexperienced in most of the ways of warfare. But many of the men who crewed the Rebellion's ships were either well trained, or determined enough to compensate for lack of training. And the Rebellion's starfighter pilots were among the best in the galaxy.
"What is wrong?" Fenn Shysa finished his question.
"Nothing may necessarily be wrong, but I have reason to believe that the Empire has laid a trap for us," Obi Wan answered, "Much of what we've discovered about this Death Star was found too easily… as if the Empire wants us to attack it."
"Then it's a good trap," Fenn Shysa answered, "If this new battle station is anything like the one you destroyed over Yavin, staying out of the trap will only be worse."
"Even if it isn't a trap, the Empire has taken precautions to defend the station while it's under construction," Anakin spoke up, "The recon units that scouted the Endor system also detected a strong energy shield coming from the surface of one of the moons. That field will have to be deactivated before our space attack can even begin."
"The space battle, however, is our most important concern at the moment," Ackbar spoke firmly, "Figure out what we will be facing as a trap from the Imperials… and thus plan how to deal with it."
"What do you expect, Master Jedi?" Madine wondered to Anakin and Obi Wan, "your powers of perception are quite a bit better then ours."
"The Force is not why I suspect a trap," Obi Wan sighed, "it's the ease with which we've recovered the information about this Death Star. Information has been left out in a rather easy manner… so I doubt we'll be able to accurately see what they have."
"Can you guess, then?" Rieekan asked.
"Likely the Empire's primary battle fleet," Anakin sighed, "the one assigned to the Emperor's apprentice. It's the strongest, not to mention that the Sector that Endor is in doesn't have a strong Sector Fleet. They will need the main battle fleet if we are to attack the station."
"Can we beat that fleet?" Fenn Shysa asked curiously, turning his attention to the Mon Calamari admiral.
"I can not answer that for certain," Ackbar sighed, "our fleet has more ships then the Empire's primary battle fleet, but the bulk of our fleet are light cruisers that wouldn't last long against a lone Imperial Star Destroyer, let alone a whole fleet… the only the ships we have that can take on a Star Destroyer are our Mon Cal Cruisers, like Home One."
"That does sound tough," Fenn Shysa commented, although he also sounded somewhat confident that there was a solution to the problem.
"The easiest way to insure a victory would be to do something to get the Empire to divide its forces," Ackbar continued, "which a well executed feint attack could do."
"The problem there, though is that the Empire will respond swiftly when they realized that the feint was just that, a feint," Rieekan sighed.
"Perhaps the phrase, 'divide and conquer' should be what you consider," Fenn Shysa commented.
"Divide and conquer?" Ackbar gasped, "we don't have the forces to consider striking two targets, and the Empire would surely annihilate the smaller force!"
"Not if you attack one area that is small and out of the way, and hard to get to," Fenn Shysa commented, "Something off the main trade routes. Then while the Empire's relief force moves to defend the other site, they will become mired in either traffic or obstacles. Allowing you the time to take advantage of the diversion."
"That wouldn't work at an out of the way location," Anakin spoke up, "I doubt that Palpatine would bother to care about some small Outer Rim world while his trap is still in play. We'd need to attack a major trading world that would require Imperial attention."
"Not if we launch a feint and then divide," Obi Wan spoke up.
"Come again?" Ackbar wondered.
"Launch a feint attack against a major trading world, or one that we know the Empire values," Obi Wan explained, "they would call for the main battle fleet to come and aide the Sector fleet. We can then divide our forces, sending the ships that we have that wouldn't factor much into the fight at Endor, even if they were with us, to a small and out of the way location…"
"And when the relief force arrives at the feint location, our main fleet will be gone and the diversionary attack will be under way," Ackbar finished, "not a bad idea. The relief force would likely be diverted to the diversionary attack, which would keep it away from Endor for a considerable length of time."
"But the smaller force would be destroyed!" Rieekan gasped, "and it would be difficult to replace the ships and more importantly the men! We're only just beginning to recover from the battles on Hoth and Bespin!"
"I don't think we have much of a choice," Fenn Shysa commented, "The only other alternative would be to launch a feint and then proceed on to Endor. The Empire could send a relief force to that location, but even if they do…"
"They would only return to Endor once they realize it was a feint and would engage us while we are fighting the rest of the Imperial fleet," Rieekan finished with a heavy sigh.
"Is there anyway we could keep the Empire distracted without dividing our forces?" Iblis asked, "It seems kind or risky to divide our forces in face a superior force."
"It's not common, but has worked on occasion," Madine commented, "although, it's never been done quite on this scale."
"Mostly because most of the times when forces have been divided, they've been weakened as well," Rieekan added, "but don't think we have many options other then to do that, unless we have some sort of secret weapon."
"Which we don't," Anakin sighed, "The real question is where are we to attack. Not how to attack."
"Do you have any ideas, Anakin?" Obi Wan asked.
"Well," Anakin began and pulled up a holo-map of the galaxy, "our scouts found the Empire's supply line to the Endor system. It's starting point is Sullust, which is a major stopping point along a major trade route. That might be a good spot for the feint attack, as the Empire might think we're trying to cut of their chief supply route."
"And Sullust has also been heavily against Imperial rule," Ackbar added, "We have several cells there already. They might be able to provide us with extra ships for either the main fight at Endor, or the diversionary attack elsewhere."
"Those ships won't be much larger then personalized freighters, though," Obi Wan warned, "excellent for use against starfighters, but probably wouldn't fair too well against Imperial capital ships."
"Every little bit will help," Rieekan sighed, "and it isn't like we have much choice. If your accurate about this being a trap, and if the information on this Death Star is accurate, we have little choice but to spring the trap on us."
"Believe me, I understand the position," Obi Wan sighed, "I am merely offering a warning of what we will be capable of."
The others nodded.
"So, if the feint is to be made at Sullust, where will the diversionary attack be?" Madine wondered, "we could double forces back toward Tatooine and Geonosis, but that would be a long run, for even our fastest ships…"
"And they would run into strong Imperial resistance upon arrival," Ackbar warned, "The Empire is still using Geonosis as a penal colony."
"And neither would we want to aggravate the Hutts on Tatooine," Fenn Shysa commented, "considering the recent problems with Black Sun."
"I think we'd best stick to the region around Sullust," Rieekan sighed, "It'll be close enough that if the ships put into the diversionary attack are desperately needed at Endor, we can still call for them, or our main fleet can retreat to the location of the diversionary attack if necessary."
The map of the galaxy then narrowed in on the region around Sullust. As Obi Wan looked at he map, he was caught by one of the planets in the area shown.
"Utapau," Obi Wan spoke.
"Utapau," Fenn Shysa looked at the far Outer Rim world, "Is it heavily defended?"
"This is mostly remembering the last battles of the Clone Wars," Obi Wan commented, "The last campaign I had been sent on was the one to Utapau to find General Grievous."
"And likely where you were when Palpatine issued Order Sixty-Six," Anakin commented, remembering back to the end of the Clone Wars.
Obi Wan nodded, "They won their freedom from the Separatists, only to be enslaved by the Empire."
"Then that will be where the diversionary attack will be," Iblis spoke firmly, "They won't likely support the Empire, and by freeing them, they may turn to support us."
"Hopefully," Rieekan nodded, "and if not, it'll at least keep the Empire busy."
Elsewhere on Home One a very different scene was being played out. Master Yoda, the oldest of the Jedi from the old Order, lay on the bed that had been given to him by the Rebellion's leadership. Kira sat beside his bed, feeling fairly cramped, but not about complain to the old Jedi Master.
"Are you alright Master Yoda?" Kira asked nervously as the old master laid back after another coughing fit.
"Well, I am not," Yoda said weakly, "Soon, will I rest. Forever sleep."
"Master Yoda you can't die!" Kira insisted, sensing what he was getting with that comment, "there is much we can still learn from you!"
"Much for everyone, there is to learn," Yoda answered, "change that, my living, would not."
"But we need you," Kira urged, "You must live."
"Strong am I with the force, but not THAT strong," Yoda managed to chuckle, "Natural part of life, death is. Time it is for me, to rejoin the Force."
Kira looked on as the old Jedi Master gave one heavy breath before his body seemed to collapse on itself. After that, Yoda's body seemed to fade into nothingness, leaving only his robes.
"Good bye, Master Yoda," Kira said weakly, "May you know peace forever more."
"So how will we deal with the ground operations that'll be done?" Rieekan asked, "The Empire is likely have close to a legion on each planet."
"Probably not on Utapau," Anakin commented, "Too out of the way to justify a full legion. Most of the troops in that general area will be on Sullust and Eriadu. We probably have more troops on Home One then there is on all of Utapau put together."
"What about Endor?" Madine asked, "as that planet, or moon, will be the one that is more critical."
"They might have a full legion on Endor, but our mission is not to take the moon," Anakin answered, "Just destroy the Empire's shield generator. A small team of commandos should be able to sneak in, place charges, sneak out and detonate those charges."
There were a few nods from the others.
"How has the training of your commandos been going?" Ackbar asked the Imperial defector.
"Quite well," Madine answered, "I think that all of the units are ready for a real 'field test', although I would have thought the opportunity for it would have been against a much softer target."
"I could send a couple of Mandalorians along with your team," Fenn Shysa offered, "they can hold whatever security forces the Empire has off while your commandos set the charges."
"No, they would be to conspicuous," Madine commented, "your people are powerful warriors, but if the Empire knows they're there, they'll do what they can to overwhelm them. No, sneaking into this base seems to be more up Solo's alley then anything else."
"Yes," Rieekan nodded, "Despite the protests I've heard him give about preferring a straight up fight, he seems to be good at sneaking around and causing chaos."
Fenn Shysa looked somewhat depressed at not being able to participate.
"Your warriors could be important to the battle on Utapau," Obi Wan spoke up, "your jet packs will give you an advantage in the various sinkholes where the Utapauan natives live, and where the Empire has likely placed their bases."
"They do not live on the surface?" Fenn Shysa asked curiously.
"No," Obi Wan answered, "at least they didn't during the Clone Wars."
"So how do you plan to divide the fleet when the time comes?" Iblis asked, "The Empire may not have Utapau heavily guarded, but there is bound to be a ship there."
"Not likely to be that strong," Obi Wan answered, "I'll lead our two Munificent class frigates, one of our Carrack cruisers, our Rescusant class light destroyer to take the space around Utapau and three Dreadnoughts to begin landing troops and provide close support. That force should be strong enough to deal with the ships already over Utapau, and hold out for a while if and when the Imperial relief force arrives."
"I'll give you three Corellian Gunships, one more Dreadnought, and two Marauder Corvettes," Ackbar spoke up, "just to give you a better shot."
"Your certain you can spare them?" Obi Wan asked.
"The ships are all older and other then the Dreadnought, stand no chance against a Victory Class Star Destroyer, which we know wouldn't be there since the Empire's main battle fleet is made entirely of Imperial Class Star Destroyers," Ackbar answered, "Not having them there wouldn't make our chances that much longer. And it'll give you some extra starfighter defense."
"Thank you, Admiral," Obi Wan nodded.
"It is of no problem," Ackbar answered, "besides, maybe with our fleet reduced, we will have more room for maneuver."
"Maneuver?" Madine wondered.
"Yes," Ackbar nodded, "If the Jedi are right and this is a trap, who do you think designed the trap and for what purpose? The Imperial military would not want us to know of the Death Star until it was completed, thus preserving their weapon, so it would not be in their interest to let us know about it while we still have a chance of destroying it."
"You think the Emperor has set this whole thing up?" Anakin asked, clinching one fist.
"He would the only one who could plan something like this," Ackbar commented, "Or at least the only one who could hold Imperial Admirals to accepting such a strategy."
Ackbar pressed a few buttons and pulled up a map of the Endor system alone with the Death Star orbiting the forested moon that the scout ships had located it at.
"If this is a trap," Ackbar spoke, "they are likely to hold their fleet here, initially, waiting for use to come out of hyperspace. Once we begin to move to attack the Death Star, they will swing around the moon to block any possible retreat and attack us from the rear. By the time we'd learn of their presence, they would be in firing position and could fire at us from long range."
"So what do you plan to do?" Rieekan asked nervously.
"Our only option, is to stay in hyperspace a fraction of a second longer then what the Empire thinks," Ackbar spoke, "when we emerge, we are to turn to fact the Imperial fleet. Hopefully they'll think we're merely trying to set up a perimeter around the Death Star. Then we may have to move in and engage the Star Destroyers at point blank range."
"You wouldn't last long!" Madine gasped, "even with the fact that we destroyed the Executor before it could be attached to the Empire's main battle fleet."
"Not necessarily," Ackbar commented, "The MC80s, while they have been built to counter Imperial Star Destroyers are still smaller then their Imperial counterparts. With some luck, we could move straight through the Imperial formation and the Empire will end up shooting their own ships as many times as they shoot ours."
"Use Imperial aggression against them," Obi Wan commented.
Ackbar nodded, "and at that range, and among the Imperial ships, our fleet will be protected from any possible surprises the Emperor might have up his sleeve in regards to the Death Star itself."
"And if the commandos destroy the shield generator," Fenn Shysa commented, "even if the Imperial fleet is still in tact, your fleet would only need to stay in the Endor system long enough to pick up the commandos again after the Death Star has been destroyed."
The others nodded. It seemed that the plans needed to destroy the Empire's battle station were all falling into place.
Coruscant
Palpatine stood quietly as he waited for contact to be made with Grand Admiral Teshik. Eventually, a connection was finally established and the holographic image of Teshik's head and shoulders were visible.
"My Emperor," Grand Admiral Teshik bowed politely, "what can I do for you?"
"I'm afraid that you are going to have to be transferred from your present command," Palpatine spoke, "although, I'm sure it won't necessarily be a bad thing."
Teshik looked on in a rather confused voice.
"I want you to leave for the Endor System immediately," Palpatine ordered, "you will be taking over the Imperial First Fleet when you arrive, and we will inspect the progress made on the Death Star."
"You are going to Endor, My Lord?" Teshik questioned, "What about the Rebels, my Lord? Their activity in my area of operations has been negligible, but I feel I must warn you that they are out there. If you leave Coruscant, they may make some attempt to kill you in some way, shape, or form."
"Thank you for the word of warning, Admiral, but I assure you," Palpatine spoke firmly, "I will be quite safe from the Rebellion's pathetic little band. The 501st Legion waits for whatever ground force they send to Endor and the First Fleet will block their fleet's escape… and the Death Star will do what Vader and Executor have both failed to do. Destroy the Rebellion in one fell swoop."
"You've laid a trap for them…" Teshik gasped in surprise, "Amazing. I can honestly say I've never considered such a plan."
"You've been taught not to risk your Lord's life," Palpatine smiled, "and I would encourage you to maintain that line of thought. Or else you could end up like Zaarin."
Teshik nodded, remembering recent communications that had announced that Zaarin's plot had failed. Although, Zaarin's plan was treasonous, not merely some elaborate trap for the Rebellion, and Teshik felt that going after the Emperor amounted to defection to Rebellion at best and outright treason at worst.
"Of course, my Emperor," Teshik answered, "Do you want any report on the activity around the Hutt borders now, or should I forward them to whoever is sent to take over this command?
"Has there been any serious danger?" Palpatine questioned.
"No sire," Teshik answered, "there has been some conflict between the Desilijic and Besadii families, presumably because of recent Black Sun activity… but even if that is continuing, it poses no political threat to the Empire."
"Then it is of no concern," Palpatine answered firmly, "I expect to see you at Endor when I arrive."
"Of course, my Lord," Teshik answered.
Shuttle Tydirium
Mara brought the Imperial shuttle that she and Shira had stolen out of hyperspace to find the fleet waiting for them at the designated rendezvous point in Tinnel system.
"Did you send the warning message so they know who we are?" Mara asked as she brought the vessel toward Home One.
"They should know we're coming, but they may not be able to figure out if this shuttle is the one we are in, or some lost Imperial who's stumbled into a mistake," Shira commented, "surely that's happened on occasion."
Mara managed a slight chuckle at that. Things like that had happened as the main Rebel fleet was almost constantly on the move. Occasionally they ran into Imperial ships, or Imperial ships came across them by accident. Shuttles and smaller crafter were usually captured in tractor beams and the Imperials onboard taken prisoner. Small cruisers and corvettes were destroyed, and if it was a Star Destroyer, of any class, the Rebel fleet fled.
"This is Mara Jade and Shira Brie to Home One," Mara sent the call over the radio, "we are on our way back now. We'll head to one of the scrapping hangers… although a med team will be needed for Tay Vanis. The Empire was very rough on him."
It was Admiral Ackbar who answered the message that Mara had just sent.
"Take the shuttle to the main hanger," Ackbar instructed, "General Madine has some use for an Imperial shuttle."
"Right," Mara answered brought the white painted shuttle toward the Rebellion's flagship.
She found Madine waiting for her, along with Leia and Han standing nearby. She brought the shuttle down and began to go about the power down procedures, while Shira looked after Vanis. Both were certain that the spy would live, but it was clear that he wouldn't be the same as he was before. Once everything was shut down, Mara helped Shira get Vanis to his feet and then helped him limp down the ramp.
They quickly handed Vanis to a med team that had come rushing into the hanger, and left the red haired Jedi and ex-Imperial spy to report to Madine.
"Yes, this will do nicely," Madine spoke with a confident smile as he looked at the shuttle, "you didn't have to fight to take the shuttle did you?"
"No, the hanger we found it in was empty," Mara answered, "What will you be needing an Imperial shuttle for?"
"Mostly to sneak General Solo's team onto Endor," Madine answered, "They will be destroying the primary defense system the Empire is using to protect the new Death Star."
"General?" Mara asked, turning her head to the Corellian smuggler.
"When you got it, you got it," Han smirked while Leia only shook her head.
Madine merely finished his answer to the original question.
"And if you are wanting more information about the plan, I'm afraid that will have to wait until we have the main briefing," Madine continued, "as there are some details to be ironed out."
"Of course," Mara nodded.
"In the meantime," Madine continued, "I have a few things to discuss with General Solo."
The two men then moved off leaving Mara and Shira alone with Leia.
"The report that came in to announce that you were coming said that Shira had honestly defected," Leia commented to start things off.
"Yes, Luke's plan apparently worked," Mara nodded as she glanced over at Shira, who hadn't said anything so far.
Leia nodded and then turned to Shira and shook the ex-Imperial's hand.
"Then on the behalf of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, let me welcome you," Leia spoke politely.
"Thank you," Shira said slowly as she looked on, looking semi-guilty.
"Where is Luke?" Mara asked, "I would have thought that he would have the most interest in this."
"He probably does, but this has become a rather small side issue compared to what has been happening while you were on your mission," Leia explained, "My father is speaking with Lando, Luke, and the rest of Rogue Squadron about the coming battle with the Death Star, and at the same time, Master Kenobi and your mother have sent me with some rather sad news…"
"Master Yoda…" Mara spoke.
"He passed into the Force while the others were putting together the general plan to deal with the new Death Star," Leia spoke weakly, "I'm sorry."
Mara said nothing for a few moments and gave a very heavy sigh.
"He sensed that this would happen," Mara spoke weakly, "and there is nothing we can do about that… although I think we may be in the dark for a while without his wisdom."
Leia nodded.
"In the meantime," Mara sighed, "I suppose Shira and I should report to Master Kenobi." Mara then turned to Shira, "and there, you state whether or not you wish to join the Jedi or only the Rebellion."
Shira only nodded.
Home One, Main Intelligence Center
Borsk Fey'lya sat quietly at his desk reviewing various pieces of information that the Rebellion's Intelligence services had uncovered. There was a lot there, some of which Fey'lya had deliberately kept secret from the rest of the Alliance. It was not that Fey'lya didn't want the Alliance to know this information. He did want them to know, but to make a political move, he had to make sure that it made him, or his faction look good.
He was only brought out of his research when on of the various holo-communications projectors brought up the image of one of the Bothan spies on Coruscant.
"Report," Fey'lya ordered calmly, knowing that whatever information coming out of Coruscant had to be important.
"It is a sort of 'good news/bad news' report," the Bothan answered his superior, "Palpatine has survived whatever plot Zaarin had for him, but it appears that he intends to visit this new Death Star soon."
"You're certain of this?" Fey'lya asked as he leaned forward toward the hologram.
"Positive, sir," the Bothan answered, "he returned and has been announcing his intended visit to the Death Star rather loudly. I doubt any of the human spies on Coruscant have missed this."
This made Fey'lya pause for a moment. Loudly announcing this seemed to fit General Kenobi's opinion that all of this was a trap, but, if the Rebel fleet could pull off a victory, the information presented a golden opportunity. Without the Emperor to hold everything together, there were signs that the Empire would destroy itself and there was little the Rebellion would need to do.
"Thank you," Fey'lya answered, "Keep me posted if anything changes and when Palpatine leaves for Endor."
"Yes, sir," the Bothan nodded and terminated the connection.
Death Star, Endor Orbit
Grand Admiral Teshik was quiet as came down the ramp of his shuttle into a large and imposing hanger on the new Death Star. Grand Admiral Declann was waiting for him as he came down the ramp.
"Well, this will certainly seem like an Admiralty meeting now, won't it?" Declann mused as Teshik came closer.
"We must remain focused," Teshik answered, "the station is incomplete, the First Fleet isn't here yet, and the Rebellion is likely to attack soon."
"The station will be operational as planned," Declann answered, "although I have been under the impression that much of this is to be a trap for the Rebels. Far too much has leaked out for it to be anything but a deliberate ploy."
"It is," Teshik answered, "The Emperor plans to use the Death Star to lure the Rebels into a trap."
"They'd have to commit their whole fleet to attacking the Death Star," Declann commented, "in order to break our troops on the ground and have a starfighter presence to attack the Death Star before it's completed."
"Which is why the Emperor intends to come here," Teshik spoke, "he intends to watch the last moments of the Rebellion."
"Have you not warned him of the possible danger?" Declann asked, "after what Zaarin did?"
"I have," Teshik sighed, "and he answered that he would be perfectly safe here."
"Tarkin likely thought himself safe on the first Death Star before the Rebels destroyed it," Declann grumbled, "this may be the ultimate power in the universe, but that doesn't mean that people like the Rebels can figure out a way to destroy it… however unlikely it may be."
"The Emperor is confident the trap will work as planned," Teshik sighed, "so I don't think we can argue the matter."
Declann only shook his head. Much of this didn't sound wise, militarily to him, but he did agree with Teshik. If the Emperor was determined, they had no business arguing.
"Then we will have to double our efforts," Declann sighed, "I want the Death Star 90% complete by the time the Emperor arrives."
"How far are you now?" Teshik asked.
"About 65%," Declann sighed, "the construction manager has been complaining about a lack of manpower."
"I'll transfer some of the stormtroopers from the ships to serve as extra work details," Teshik offered, "I don't think we'll have time to bring in additional slave labor."
Home One
"This will be the biggest battle we've ever fought," Anakin spoke in a deliberate tone as Luke, Wedge, Biggs, and Lando listened to him, "and the starfighters committed to the battle will need strong leadership. You are all the best available. Luke will lead Red Wing, Wedge Green Wing, Biggs Blue Wing, and Lando will lead Gold Wing."
"Lando?" Wedge wondered aloud, "You mean you won't be leading this fight, sir?"
"Hey I'm good at this," Lando spoke defensively, "they still talk about my maneuvers at the Battle of Taanab."
"Against pirates," Luke chuckled, "and it's Han doing most of the talking."
"It was still a good move," Lando shrugged.
"Which is why I've selected you to lead Gold Wing," Anakin sighed, "as for where I will be… I'm afraid that the Force has told me that I won't be needed for the space battle… that I will be needed elsewhere."
"You don't sense any danger in all of this, do you?" Luke asked nervously as he caught something in his father's words that did not sound like the ending to the saga being played out would be entirely good.
"There is danger in everything, my son," Anakin answered gravely, "but nothing that is not survivable."
Elsewhere on Home One, Mara and Shira came before Obi Wan and Kira in what was the Jedi Council Chambers on the Rebel flagship.
"We are all highly grateful that you have seen the error of the Empire's way of thinking," Obi Wan spoke calmly as Mara finished her report.
"I thought they were trying to maintain basic order," Shira answered, "I didn't know all of what they were doing."
"And now you do," Kira nodded, "the real question is what do you wish to do. You are free to choose your own path."
Shira glanced between the two older Jedi.
"You want me to join you?" Shira asked.
"That would be preferable," Obi Wan spoke, "You do have Force potential… and the Emperor or Vader might have provided some basic training while you were in the Empire's service… and, well our numbers were badly hurt by the Emperor's rise to power. Luke, Leia, and Mara are the only young knights we have at the moment, the former younglings haven't been fully trained yet, and that will take time. And at the same time, Kira, Anakin, and I are all getting older. Not as fit for all these battles as we once were."
"I can understand that you need the help, but why?" Shira asked, "why would you want me to be a Jedi?"
"Because vengefulness is not a Jedi trait," Obi Wan explained, "and what we are fighting against are the abuses that the Empire has committed on the galaxy. Nearly everyone in the Rebellion has some past with the Empire. New beginnings are always possible."
"I thank you for the offer, but I think I'd prefer to simply fight as a member of the Rebellion," Shira answered, "at least for the moment anyway."
"If that is your wish," Obi Wan answered with a polite nod, "I'm sure that Mara can find a squadron that could use a pilot."
Shira nodded and backed away as if to leave. Yet Mara stayed in her position for the moment.
"I must ask what plans have been made for Master Yoda's funeral?" Mara spoke after a few moments.
Both Obi Wan and Kira sighed.
"With all the plans for the coming battle against the Death Star, Mara," Kira began, "I'm afraid that no plans have been laid. Yoda was well respected by everyone in the old order, so it is likely that all of the former younglings will want to attend."
"And Anakin, Luke, and Leia will likely also attend, as well as some of the Rebellion's political leaders," Obi Wan added, "so it may take time to get everyone together for the funeral."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Mara asked.
"I do not think there is much that can be done," Obi Wan sighed, "the political and military leadership of the Rebellion is focused on making sure the latest Imperial 'trap' doesn't work the way the Emperor thinks it will. But one thing is certain. He will be honored."
Mara could only nod.
Death Star, Endor Orbit
T.I.E. fighters flew around the equatorial trench of the new and still uncompleted Death Star as a lone Imperial Shuttle approached. In the main hanger, both Grand Admiral Declann and Grand Admiral Teshik stood at attention in front of a formation of storm troopers and other Imperial officers. All of them were awaiting inspection as the shuttle came into the hanger and landed. Everyone snapped to attention as the ramp came down.
The first to leave the shuttle were eight elite Imperial Guardsmen, dressed in their traditional red and black armor with a red cloak. They were followed by the man that everyone was waiting for there. Emperor Palpatine had arrived at Endor. Both Declann and Teshik snapped to attention as Palpatine approached.
"At ease, Admirals," Palpatine spoke as he came in front of them.
Both Grand Admirals turned to follow the Emperor as he continued his review.
"The Death Star will be completed on schedule," Declann spoke.
"Yes, I know," Palpatine nodded, "You've both done well. And now, all that is left to do is wait for the inevitable attack by the Rebellion."
There was silence from the gathered officers and troops as the Emperor finished his review, giving a somewhat haunting cackle as he did so.
To Be Continued…
