A Fate Unseen: Swarm War

by An Origami Fish

Seven years after the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War, the galaxy has found itself in a downward spiral; the happy end of the war a thing of the past. Fractured and scarred, can the Jedi Order unite and overcome an enemy that cares not for its own fate and wants only chaos? Or will the galaxy finally crumble under the horror that is the Swarm War? Sequel to A Destiny Altered.

36. End of Act Two: Anakin VI

Anakin

[.:(I):.]

There is a difference in being a symbol and believing you were that symbol, Anakin Solo knew that. Some symbols were needed regardless of what was happening all over the galaxy. People—humans and most non-humans—all needed someone or something to believe in, to look to in hard times. It was a psychological need, an escape, the hope that that symbol would get them through the darkest of days. It was fine if the symbol was an inanimate object, or a non-corporeal deity. Not so much if that symbol was a living being who knew what would happen if that belief was shattered. Especially so if that living being tried to live up to everything that symbol entailed to hold together a government on life-support.

Again, a threat had been avoided thanks to Anakin Solo's brilliance. Again he had saved the galaxy from chaos, pulled it back from the brink. The media channels were flooded with one story after another about Anakin's past, about how he 'single-handedly' set in motion the events that ended the Vong War. How he once again swooped in to save the galaxy in need of direction. Again he was the hero that everyone needed, the one who slew the 'deranged' and twisted evil creature that was Raynar Thul. With Raynar dead, the Killiks had withdrawn from most contested worlds or simply disappeared all together; including from Denon. In the minds of most everyone, the battle against the evil space bugs was over and now it was time to rebuild.

Never mind that hundreds had died in the operation on Denon fighting against the numerically superior Killik forces. Among the number were seven apprentices and five Knights, none older than twenty. Over a dozen other Jedi who had taken part in the Denon operations were also in bacta tanks or traumatized by what they had seen. Bodies half-eaten, their friends cut down by giant bugs, piles of organic sludge that used to be living being, and many more terrors that made even veterans of the Yuuzhan Vong War ill.

There was no mention of the thousands of others across the galaxy who fell in the fighting, or the systems that still remained in Killik hands after failed offensives. It didn't matter that the Galactic Alliance security forces found only a fraction of the explosives the Killiks had planted, or that millions across the galaxy still remained 'Joined,' that governments across the galaxy remained compromised or weakened thanks to the Killiks' ability to sow chaos.

No. To the rest of the galaxy, it was a crisis ended all thanks to the efforts of the Jedi and Anakin Solo—who was once again being called the next leader of the Jedi Order. The people were rallying around Anakin Solo like never before, even if his contributions had been the same or less than some of the others who had fought.

The media was making it clear, the galaxy had been in turmoil. He returns, and in half a year, the galaxy begins to make sense again.

It was nearly a given, though the elections were still months away, that Kenth Hamner would win the position of Chief of State. Already the pundits were predicted what type of leader he would be and were happily touting the benefits to having a Jedi in charge of the government. 'Uncorruptable,' 'wise,' 'fair,' were just some of the words being bandied about.

It was also a given, that seeing as how the Killiks had built up a massive force on the capital planet, that better security was needed. In his last few months of office, mostly due to the external pressures, Cal Omas was instituting the creation of the Galactic Alliance Guard. They would be the Chief of State's personal combat and intelligence unit. Capable of being sent out when red-tape would bog down any other force and armed with a vast array of senatorial given powers, the Galactic Alliance Guard, or GAG as it was already being called on the HoloNet, would be the first and last line of defense for the capital planet.

And who would be its leader?

"This…it's a great honor, Chief of State," Anakin said, keeping his face as congenial as he could. He folded his arms in front of himself and sat back in the comfy chair he was in "But I'm sure you can find someone with more experience."

"Anakin, my boy," Cal Omas laughed softly. "When you were just a kid you brought down the Black Sun network. As a teen you led a rag-tag force and retook Hutt Space, brought the Jedi into the war and changed the course of history. You've lead suicide missions and returned whole, out-thought many more 'experienced' people than you. Please, we need you to accept. The galaxy needs you to accept. They need the reassurance that someone just as uncorruptable as Kenth Hamner will be in charge of what will essentially by a secret police force."

"That's part of the problem. Neither Kenth or myself is uncorruptable, regardless of how we'd like to think so. The prospect of abuse of the secret police force…"

"A secret police force whose officers will be hand-picked by you and you alone. Of course they will have to be approved by the senate, but it will be your choices that go before the governing body and not someone else's. On the fly, you led a fleet made up of disparate groups to liberate entire sectors. This will be your own force you can use to help make this single planet a better and safer place. An entire fleet to help you solve problems caused by all our political bickering. If not you, Anakin Solo, Hero of the Jedi Order, then who else would you trust in such a position?"

"Even then, I'd still have to talk to my family about it." Anakin replied, briefly glancing out the window at the rising sun. It was strange, he had been up for two days straight, but didn't have the time to let him feel exhausted. "We have a home, a place on Zonama."

"And if things go wrong in this galaxy again, you'll once again have to come out here anyways," Cal Omas said bluntly. "Face it, Anakin. The galaxy needs you."

"The galaxy thinks it needs me. I'm just one person."

"You're more than that, and you know that. Heck, even the Jedi in your own order worship you."

"I'd love for Master Horn and Kam Solusar to be here to hear that," Anakin said flatly. "Listen, you can't built up the next government around one person. The last time the galaxy did that, Palpatine became Sith Lord."

"But you won't. Think about it, talk it over with that wife of yours. I'm sure that after three days of press-conferences, senatorial hearings, and media-circuits you need a break. Go see her."

"If I could I'd be with her instead of in this meeting," Anakin said with a wry, tired grin. "But she has galactic problems of her own. The first elements of the Yuuzhan Vong fleet arrived in the Outer Rim two days ago and she headed off to…well…head them off."

"I read the report about the Vong," Cal's expression looked drawn as he ran a hand over his face. "Do you truly think you can keep the Yuuzhan Vong from attacking Bothawuii? Despite not being Galactic Alliance members any more, they still help their neighboring systems. Any disruption of that aid will have serious repercussions."

"Can't promise anything," Anakin shook his head. "Despite the media reports, I can't perform miracles on a whim. If I could, Raynar would still be alive."

"You did what you had to do."

"That's what I tell myself," Anakin said distantly. "Anyways. Until I talk it over with Tahiri and the rest of my family, I can't say one way or the other about accepting the post. Head of the Galactic Alliance Guard is a big step from being a regular Jedi."

"Forgive me for saying this, but you were never a regular Jedi."

"Whenever I get into situations like this, I also tell myself that," Anakin said dryly, standing. "Chief of State."

"Omas is just fine too, Jedi Solo."

"Busy day," Anakin smiled faintly. "After this I think I have to go before the Armed Forces Committee to give them a rundown of what resources the Galactic Alliance has left."

"With the defeat of the Killiks, we should be able to breathe easier."

"One victory," Anakin held up a single finger. "It was one victory, Chief of State. There's still millions of Killiks out there, biding their time. After all, until Raynar's death, the Killiks were fighting for over four dozen systems. We may have taken most of those systems back, but that was only because the Killiks suddenly abandoned them. They went somewhere, and until we know where, they might just pop up again in the near future."

Cal Omas nodded wearily. "Understandable. Well, I wish you luck. In the meantime I'll do what I can to prepare this chair for Kenth. With the senate in disarray and the galaxy in shambles, he's going to need every advantage I can give him."

"He hasn't won yet."

Cal shook his head wryly. "You don't need to be a Jedi to see the outcome of the elections. Get going to your meeting, and let me know as soon as you've made your decision."

"Will do." Anakin left the office, the door sliding shut behind him.

[.:(II):.]

The doors to the Galactic Alliance Strategic Command situation room opened with a soundless rush of air. Several people inside the room looked up and nodded at Anakin in acknowledgement as he entered the room. The incessant chatter of reports pouring in from across the galaxy mingled with various electronic beeps and chirps from the many droids in the room. The shift on duty was different from the one Anakin had checked in with the previous night, once again reminding Anakin that a break was needed in his near future.

Without the demand of family, it was hard for Anakin to separate the monumental task he had before him and his own well-being. Both Jayce and Cassa were currently with their grandparents—see free babysitters—and hanging out with Force-sensitive children their age. His wife should be with the Yuuzhan Vong fleet at the edge of the galaxy…and Anakin tilted his head in mild puzzlement as he sensed she was a lot closer to Denon than she should have been. He felt her brief, tired greeting, and mentally began going over the many possibilities her early return signified.

None of them were necessarily good.

One scenario, she managed to convince the Yuuzhan Vong commander to stand down and they were going to bring the Bothan issue up to the Senate. With the Yuuzhan Vong a member of the Galactic Alliance, and Bothawuii no longer a part of the Galactic Alliance, the Bothans would then be targeted by sanctions or military action by the Galactic Alliance as a whole. This would divide the galaxy and cause untold headaches for everyone involved.

Scenario two, Tahiri failed to convince the Yuuzhan Vong not to go the genocidal route and was coming back to warn everyone of the disaster that was about to unfold. Though only a small part of the Yuuzhan Vong fleet had arrived, just the sheer thought of a Yuuzhan Vong fleet had many break out into cold sweats.

There were other scenarios, of course, but dwelling on it built up his negatude and he knew Tahiri would disapprove of that. So instead Anakin turned back to the matters at hand.

"Solo," Grand Admiral Gilad Pellaeon acknowledged. The bags under his eyes and the wrinkled state of his uniform was evidence that he too had found sleep elusive.

"Admiral. How are things?"

"Unchanged since the death of Raynar Thul. The Killiks are continuing to hold the systems they haven't withdrawn from, systems with little strategic value. Because of that, I'm not willing to send in our ships to fight the bugs for wastelands and barren systems."

"Agreed. Until we know the Killik's next move we should keep our forces where they are."

"We have been trying to catalogue the extent of damage on the planets that did have Killiks on them, and thus far things are looking grim. We estimate over several billion Joiners were included into the Killik swarm, with many just plain missing."

"We knew it would be rough. But at least they've been stopped for now."

"It's not over yet, though. We still need to keep our ships in those damaged systems to provide security for the survivors. We can't have opportunistic pirates taking advantage of the situation. That job's a lot harder given that we lost a fair number of ships trying to repel or retake Killik forces in other systems."

"Admiral, Jedi Solo! Incoming holo-communications from the Imperial Remnant!"

Grand Admiral Pellaeon arched a surprised eyebrow at a comm-call from his native government. "Put it on."

Both Anakin and Pellaeon blinked in surprise at the sight of Jagged Fel in full Imperial uniform. The moff insignia on his lapel wasn't missed by either sharp-eyed individuals.

"Congratulations on your promotion…Moff Fel," Anakin remarked, the corners of his lips twitching in spite of himself. "Normally when one loses a war, they don't come out ahead."

"The blame lies solely on your sister and the Imperial Jedi," Jagged Fel answered back. "As pleasant as it would be otherwise, unfortunately this is not a social call."

"Then how can the Galactic Alliance navy be of help?" Grand Admiral Pellaeon asked evenly.

"Ships, as many as you can spare," Jagged replied without any prologue. "As many soldiers as you can spare, and as many supplies as you can spare."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the war between the Empire and the Ascendancy over?" Anakin said slowly. "Moff Quille made that announcement early yesterday."

"He did, but he neglected the more pressing issue at hand. According to Ambassador Solo, there is a…sizably large fleet heading from the Unknown Regions towards this galaxy. At the moment they are limited in the routes they can take into this galaxy, but once they enter, their options will become limitless."

"How large is this fleet?" The Grand Admiral scowled. "Surely the Empire and Ascendancy's forces are more than a match for the rag-tag ships we've been seeing all over this galaxy."

"Conservative estimates? A thousand strong," Jagged answered shortly. "And according to Jaina Solo, these aren't 'rag-tag' vessels or an unorganized force. Fallen Jedi Welk leads them personally and has in his employ several other Force-sensitive beings as well. Like the frost locus on Csilla, I believe they are coming here for the sole purpose of annihilating everything in its path. "

The silence of those who heard Jagged's message produced a lull in the constant din of the situation room.

"Moff Fel, be that as it may, our forces are stretched thin enough. The Killiks withdrew from over two dozen contested worlds, but there's no telling if they'll return when our ships leave. There are already several hundred Killik vessels in the galaxy that we are trying to keep tabs on and diverting…"

"With respect admiral. There are several times that many Killik ships coming this way. Being generous in the appraisal of the forces at my disposal, my analysts state that we can hold them for at most a month, maybe two, without any support. Given how the forces at my disposal are easily fractured along racial lines, however, I personally will half that estimate. Once we are gone, there will be no way to contain the Killiks without another prolonged war."

"This is their 'Plan B,'" Anakin exhaled. "Either way, the Galactic Alliance is in a tight spot."

"What do you mean?"

"Jagged is right. We have to send our ships to back his forces up. The Killiks know it. You said it yourself, we're stretched thin dealing with the Killiks already in the system. Imagine millions, maybe even billions, more Killiks streaming in."

"We allocate our ships to the Imperial and Chiss sectors, we will leave the rest of the galaxy woefully undermanned. What is to stop the Killiks already here from mounting another assault?"

"Nothing," Anakin said grimly. "But if we don't sacrifice those few systems, the entire galaxy will be threatened. The Jedi Order is stretched thin, the navy and armed forces are stretched thin. What is a few dozen systems compared to the galaxy as a whole?"

"Those few dozen systems still have billions of people living in them," Pellaeon reminded Anakin. His calculating gaze darting to the young Jedi. "Billions of Galactic Alliance civilians. We can't just abandoned them."

"In any case it's not up to me to decide," Anakin shook his head. "Jagged, we'll let the Chief of State know. Hopefully you'll have our answer before your day is out."

"It will be appreciated. Moff Fel, out." Jagged's hologram vanished.

Retreating into a side office, both Anakin and Pellaeon released long, exhausted breaths.

Anakin met the aged admiral's gaze from across the man's desk. "Do you want to deliver the bright news, or should I?"

"If you could," Pellaeon tilted his head in assent, flicking several buttons to activate a holoscreen. "In anticipation of the senate's decision, I'll be trying to figure out which ships are essential. Truly essential and not because a senator says it is."

Anakin gave him a half-hearted salute. "Good luck with that."

"Backroom battles before the space battles, something I didn't miss with the Empire."

"What was it like in the Empire?" Anakin paused, sensing Pellaeon's need to speak. Being the leader of the galactic navy was in many ways just as lonely as being Jedi hero or avatar of the gods.

"The Emperor told you to go to one place and you did so or were shot," the older military man said with a ghost of a smile. "Might not be good for moral, but it did cut through the grandstanding and politicking."

"One person in charge of the military. The burden would be too great for most. Corruption almost guaranteed."

"Understandable. And yet, is it wrong to miss those days?" Gilad said rhetorically. "For all the evil that was Palpatine, there were benefits to his reign. There had to be for him to earn such fanatical loyalty. Why else would the spirit of the Empire continue to exist to this day, why so many systems would flock back to the Imperial Remnant?"

"It sounds like we need a happy medium," Anakin said with a soft laugh. "Maybe the Killiks were on to something. Just as the galaxy suffered when there wasn't enough Jedi influence, there's been a bit too much Jedi influence in recent years."

"Too late to do anything about that right now. The public, and most of the government, expect you Jedi to lead us to victory against the Killiks, just as you did against the Vong."

"We'll step down after this," Anakin nodded. "We have this one last thing to do first."

"It'll always be one more thing, Jedi Solo," Pellaeon rubbed at his face. "Trust me. After every conflict I always say to myself 'now I can step down' 'now the Empire I wished for, the one I fought for, can take wing.' That time has yet to come."

"This time will be different." But even as Anakin spoke those words, they rang hollow to his own ears.

Jedi existed because the galaxy needed them to maintain the balance in the Force, or that's what generations of Jedi had been led to believe. Yet, despite the efforts of successive generations of Jedi, that balance had never been obtained. Successive generations of Jedi had been wiped out after 'maintaining the peace' for varying periods of time. As Anakin left the situation room, a morbid feeling struck him, sending an icy chill down his spine.

Unless something was done, the New Jedi Order was running out of time.

[.:(III):.]

The Myrkr Strike Team Memorial, originally founded on Dac and then moved along with the galactic government to Denon, was a simple, round room in the upper recesses of a greater war memorial. The room consisted of a frosted dome skylight, a 180 degree bank of bay windows, and marble pedestals with the names and holo-images of those who fell on Myrkr. Their ghostly blue figures smiled at one and other as they, their lives cut short so young, now kept each other company in the solemn air of the room. Their pillars were mostly neglected, a small layer of dust resting over and around them.

One pedestal wasn't.

Added upon the move to Denon was another, larger pedestal to Ganner Rhysode, positioned in the center of the room where the sunlight streaming down from above bathed it in continuous light during the day. His gilded pedestal was a popular place to visit for those wishing to walk the Way of Rhysode, and the amount of gifts and bundles of flowers in front of the pedestalseemed lopsided compared to the near bare-bones state of the other simple stone pillars.

Anakin, in full Jedi robes, stared at the room from the threshold of the doorway, his face could have been carved out of the same stone that made the pedestals. In the months he had been back in the galaxy, he hadn't managed to develop the nerve to visit the memorial. It was hard enough as it was to return to the galaxy in general, but confronting his past was something Anakin knew he wasn't good at. After all, it had taken him what seemed like forever to outgrow his fear that he would end up like his grandfather. Taken him even longer to try and redeem himself for getting Chewie killed on Sernpidal, for letting Thrackan Sal-Solo fire Centerpoint. But Myrkr seemed to have topped them all. After all, it was because of Myrkr that the smiling faces now gazing at him were no longer among the living.

Why Saba Sebatyne lost two daughters and Tesar no longer had two sisters.

Why Waxarn Kel lost a dear friend in Eryl Besa and was driven almost to madness because of it.

Why a moving memorial ode composed to honor the life and heroics of Ulaha Kore had remained the number one song on Clak'dor for several years.

Why Jedi Apprentice Twool Drark, apprentice to Bazel Warv, pushed himself ever harder to do his big brother Jovan proud.

Why the Thul family of Alderaan would suffer the fate of so many Alderaani families and fade away, because the last hope of their line fell to his blade.

Anakin brought out a handheld holo-emitter from his robes and activated it. The image of Raynar Thul, pre-Myrkr mission, appeared, bright-eyed and youthful.

Anakin felt his eyes water as he gazed at both Raynar's hologram and the others in the room. Ganner's larger than life hologram, fist on either side of his waist and his chin thrust upwards shone brightly in the rays of the sun. Ulaha, her own hologram playing a musical instrument that had been her first love swayed to a silent tone. Eryl, a racer in another life, was surrounded by a swirling array starmaps as she stood next to her prize-winning ship. Jovan Drark's hologram was armed with a longblaster which he flourished and posed with in programmed intervals. The Hera sisters, Bela and Krasov, both seemed to emit silent hissing laughter at some joke only they knew as they posed in front of their Wild Knight starfighters.

It felt as if they were all turning in his direction as Anakin took his first step into the room, shakily exhaling as he did.

"Hey guys," Anakin said faintly. All the holograms appeared to smile, and Anakin felt his throat tighten. "Been a while."

Silence once again answered him.

"I brought Raynar to join you guys, I hope that's okay," Anakin whispered, holding up Raynar's hologram. "The senate doesn't want to give him a pedestal, but he was part of our team, right? Sorry I haven't been by since they stuffed all of you here. Busy saving the galaxy you know…Well, that and running away from the fact that my stupid idea got all you killed."

Anakin walked over to the nearest pedestal, one of the Hera sisters. He smirked wryly at the hologram as he began to use the sleeve of his Jedi robe to clean off the fine layer of dust that had settled on it. "I know, I know, Bela, it's the Yuuzhan Vong that killed you. But you'd never have been on Myrkr if it wasn't for my half-baked idea. Sure it was an idea that was needed at the time, the voxyn had to be stopped, but….well…yeah. You and Krasov died, never got to see the galaxy without the voxyn."

Continuing on, Anakin cleaned one pedestal after another, having one-sided conversations with his former teammates as he did. Krasov, Ulaha, Ganner, a single tear managed to escape his eyes as he spoke and gazed upon their holograms.

"Jovan," Anakin smiled at the Rodian sniper. "You'll be happy to know that your little brother is doing great. From what I've heard from Barv, he's going to be an amazing fighter pilot. Rodia's also recovering, might even be inhabitable in another year or two."

Last, he moved on to the next pedestal, Eryl's. "Hey Eryl, I see Waxarn hasn't been by. We both know he'd hate this room though, using you and the others as a fancied up political statement. Heck I don't even know why I came by, just felt like I needed to, you know. Waxarn's doing a lot better, credits you with saving him back in the war, so thank you for that. I think he makes me a better person too. I…ummm…I figured you wouldn't mind sharing a space with Raynar., you were a comfort to him when Lusa died and thought that you might watch over him even now."

Anakin placed the holo-emitter next to Eryl's. He breathed deeply again and stepped back, gazing at his departed team once more. "I could use some advice though, you know, to keep others from ending up like you. The galaxy is under threat again, a hastily slapped together team is being put in place to go charging off to the distant reaches of the galaxy against overwhelming odds. The powers-that-be want me to be in charge of it. Considering my leadership doesn't exactly have the best track record, what do you think I should do?"

The holograms continued to smile at Anakin in silent understanding, and Anakin was forced to gaze out the window at the distant cityscape.

"Take the position," a soft female voice answered in turn.

Anakin glanced over his shoulder in surprise, not realizing he had let his guard down so much he hadn't heard the speaker's approach. "Lady Thul."

"Please, it's just Aryn," the Thul-family matriarch said kindly.

"I…"Anakin's eyes darted back over to Raynar's hologram, and he felt his stomach twist in knots. "I…."

"My son died on Myrkr, with the rest of these heroes," Aryn Dro Thul's voice was gentle as she entered the room, her flowing blue robe sparkling in the sunlight as she proceeded to stop at each pedestal and offer a silent prayer. "He died alongside his friends, his real family, fighting to protect them all. The Killiks simply used his body for their own ends and you did Raynar a favor by destroying even that."

Anakin swallowed, knowing it probably wouldn't help things by revealing that some of Raynar had survived and even supported what the Killiks had been doing. "It still doesn't change the fact that he followed me and died because of it."

Aryn looked to Anakin pityingly. "It was a war, young Organa, Wars always take the best and brightest of us all, destroys good men and women and leave them little more than shells of who they once were. Raynar died trying to make the galaxy a better place, died so that other Jedi didn't have to fall at the claws of the voxyn. I may not have been the best of mothers, too worried about my family's shipping business, but Raynar did our family proud."

"If I lead another taskforce that follows a hastily thought-up plan…the stakes are so much higher this time."

"They are. But what of them?" Aryn asked, coming to a stop next to him. Her blue gaze held Eryl and Raynar's holograms, sad but not overly so. "I believe you Jedi have the maxim, do or do not, there is no try? You're either going to safeguard this galaxy or let chaos take over and wash out all that the people in this room died trying to achieve. You've learned from your mistakes, the question is not whether or not you'll get people killed, but whether or not their deaths will mean anything. People will die, but it's how they die that will matter."

Anakin closed his eyes, nodding. "I don't want to take the role of Director of the GAG."

"Isn't that not the best sort of leader? One who does not want the power but takes it until someone worthy of it comes along?"

"Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"No, it doesn't," Aryn. "But in the end, the choice is yours. If no one was expecting you to step up, if there was no intergalactic crisis at hand, would you step up? Would you be the leader that inspired my son to follow you on a mission few expected to return from? Or will you trust someone else to uphold the beliefs my son died fighting for."

"I am sorry that I…"

Aryn held up a hand. "Things happen, whether they do so because of some greater plan I don't know, nor do I care. If you truly want to make it up to me, to the families and friends of everyone represented in this room, don't give up the fight."

Anakin sighed, his head bowed. "I know. It's just…I know."

"I am truly sorry that a burden such as this is placed on your young shoulders, scion of Organa."

"I am too," Anakin said, steeling himself. "But you're right. Let's just hope the Force will be with me this time."

"Considering you are still among the living, has it not been with you thus far?"

Anakin smiled a ghost of a Solo-smile. "Guess I'm a little greedy in hoping all my friends and family make it out of this too."

"As a business woman, I can tell you first hand that a little bit of greed isn't bad," Aryn smiled faintly.

"Umm…can I ask why you're here?" Anakin asked softly.

"I was planning on making a hefty donation to the War Memorial so that my son might have a place in this room," Aryn answered. She looked back to Eryl's pedestal. "But I can see that you have already given him one. Thank you."

Anakin just bowed his head. "Thank you."

"Keep his memory alive, Anakin. As long as he is remembered as the person he once was, as long as his beliefs live on, that is all that matters."

"That is something I can definitely do," Anakin murmured.

Aryn patted his shoulder kindly and proceeded to the door. "That is all I ask." She paused for a moment and looked over her shoulder. "Given what you are up against, I believe it will be appropriate if I say 'May the Force be with you'."

[.:(IV):.]

Though he was seated in the meeting room full of important officials, ministers, and military leaders, his mind was still on the conversation he had had with Tahiri earlier that day. He had talked to her about several things, the Yuuzhan Vong, Cal Omas' job offer, their children, and all of that was still looping around in his head.

Having not seen his daughter or son for a week due to the combat, politics, and other galactic-sized worries, Anakin sorely missed them. He wondered if the same could be said in reverse. Both Jayce and Cassa were again with their grandparents, being spoiled royally and playing with other children from the Denon Temple. For the most part, they were naively innocent about the going-ons of the galaxy and hopefully wouldn't have to worry about such things for at least another decade or two.

Their parents, not so much.

Tahiri had given reluctant permission for Anakin to accept the post as head of the Galactic Alliance Guard. Though both loathed to accept even more responsibility for a galaxy in peril, they also knew that Anakin was probably the best person for the job. They both agreed, however, that he would step down the moment things became stable; which they hoped was relatively soon. They just had an intergalactic war against invading space bugs, and a few other problems, to deal with before that. And the same galactic-sized worries that kept Anakin separated from his kids also affected Tahiri.

Apparently Loiric Kaan, though not in charge of the overall Yuuzhan Vong fleet, had managed to commandeer the advanced guard. Now Warmaster Loiric Kaan, so elected by the warriors of his advanced guard, was in charge of twenty Yuuzhan Vong capital ships and had arrived with the standard Yuuzhan Vong warrior mentality. According to Tahiri, she had her hands full trying to convince these proud warriors, seeking one last hurrah before their sunset years, that genocide was not an acceptable form of retribution. The lack of religion among many of these warriors meant that Tahiri couldn't even use her 'divine' status to order them to stand down. But Anakin had to trust that Tahiri could handle Loiric since his own plate was full with the impending Killik invasion and lack of available ships to combat it.

"Thank you all for coming," Gilad Pellaeon addressed the large gathering of individuals in the room. Among them were the non-Jedi members of the High Council and several senators from key committees. "As you all know by now, the Imperial Remnant is about to engage a Killik battle fleet many times greater than the Killiks currently in this galaxy. It is imperative we stop this second wave of Killiks or we will be overwhelmed."

"That is all well and good, Grand Admiral," one of the senators on the Defense Committee spoke up. "But we do not have the ships to spare. If we move fleets around and the Killiks already in this galaxy attack a now vulnerable planet, there will be hell to pay. Half of the Galactic Alliance is already threatening to secede if we don't meet their needs, and rightly so. Removing their only means of defense against the Killiks would be the final straw."

"And we can't just move a few ships around," Director of Intelligence, Belindi Kalenda, spoke. "There would be too few in number to make any difference. Either we devote all of our resources to this and risk losing several systems in the interim, or we don't move any ships at all and hope the Remnant can at least slow the Killik advance."

"My constituents would never go for it," another senator spoke, shaking his head. "And you definitely cannot afford to lose the support of the Corporate Sector Authority. We're supplying a third of the resources for the restoration projects."

"If these new Killiks join up with the Killiks already in this galaxy, then it won't matter," Communications' Minister, Pal'iva Konat argued. "We can spin this however we want, but the fact of the matter is, if we revert to our pre-Vong 'this is my territory, my resources' mentality we're going to get a lot of people killed."

"What about the Outer Rim Security Fleet?" Justice Minister Ta'laam Ranth asked. "They're decorated. And with fifty capital ships, it's sizable enough."

"They're helping to prop up the Tion government and maintain stability in former Hutt Space," General Farlander answered. "Half their fighter-squadrons are spread out taking down pirate groups."

"But if we move them to the Remnant, the Outer Rim will revolt for sure," the Outer Rim Relief Minister argued. "They're already incensed that credits are being spent first on core-ward planets and suffer near daily pirate problems despite your security fleet."

"Well we certainly can't pull ships away from the core-worlds," the Mon Calamari Finance Minister voiced. "They're the heart and soul of this government and any instability will ripple through the galaxy like a rogue wave."

"I have a question," Anakin said, quieting the developing argument.

"Go ahead," Cal Omas inclined his head.

"The Galactic Alliance Guard. How many ships would they have?"

Cal Omas raised an eyebrow. "Much of the GAG fleet is still being built but we were going to keep the number at thirty-five capital ships."

"And how many of the ships are ready right now?"

Cal Omas looked to an aide, who quickly handed him a datapad. "Eighteen capital ships, two-thirds of the fighter compliment and half of the frigate and light-cruisers. We're pulling some of the vessels from existing fleets in addition to the ones being made. What are you suggesting, Jedi Solo?"

"Despite Director Kalenda's assertion that doing this piecemeal won't work, we might not have a choice. We can't defend the perimeter only to have the interior fall apart, and we can't safeguard the interior if the exterior threat will crush it. The Killiks in this galaxy are currently in a holding position, not attacking or withdrawing. True they might return to being active once our ships leave, but it's a risk we have to take. At the moment, those with the largest fleet groups outside the Remnant are the Hapans, Corellians, Bakurans, and Corporate Sector."

"You forget the Yuuzhan Vong," the Yuuzhan Vong senator Fal Tiivik spoke.

"Until the rest of the fleet gets here, we don't know what they will do though," Anakin said politely. "They could just as easily attack Bothawuii and tie up the Bothans and their own vessels. What I'm suggesting is that we start sending every available ship whenever they become available. Get the word out to everyone who has a combat-ready vessel to head towards the Remnant. They don't have to go all at once, we can send a few from the riskier sectors and see what happens. We then shift coverage as things settle."

"And who would command all these ships?" Pellaeon raised an eyebrow. "As much as I would jump at the chance to return home, my duties as the Galactic Alliance's Supreme Commander will keep me here."

"Chief of State, I believe you said that the Galactic Alliance Guard's leader would have powers third only to your office and the Senate?"

"That's correct," Cal Omas leveled an even stare at Anakin. "Am I correct in assuming you wish to take the job?"

"Wish, no," Anakin said impassively. "I don't want the title, but it's necessary. We need ships, we need someone others will trust to lead their ships, and we need someone who doesn't play by the Galactic Alliance military's handbook. The Killiks have seen it all. I can lead whatever part of the GAG fleet is ready and shore up the Remnant."

"There is a large chance we won't be able to send you the number of ships you need," Cal Omas warned. "And withdrawal won't be an option once the battle starts. We'd have mass panic on our hands if you are seen retreating and more Killiks enter the galaxy."

"I know," Anakin said steadily. "We don't have a choice though. Minister Konat can spin this as the Galactic Alliance Guard's inaugural act—defending the galaxy against both itself and the greater threat on the horizon. Any ship that wants to join can, this galaxy is everyone's home after all. And if we don't get enough ships, well, maybe the inaugural act will be the GAG's last."

Eyes darted around the table. Anakin could sense their thoughts. Most were going to agree with the plan simply because there was no risk to themselves. The politicians who were up for re-election were all for sanctioning this small force if it meant that their own sectors could maintain the security fleets protecting them. The politicians on their way out knew that this was probably the last act they would allow in office and wanted it to be a memorable one. And the military officers involved all understood the politics in play and would go along with whatever allowed them to best do their job.

Cal Omas looked at the other members of the High Council. "Then since most of us are here, as well as a fair portion of governmental ministers, I say we put this to a vote. All in favor of selecting Jedi Knight Anakin Solo as the first head of the Galactic Alliance Guard?"

Hands were raised near unanimously. The few hold outs seemed dubious that such a small force being sent to help would make any difference.

"Then it's settled," Cal Omas met Anakin's gaze. "You'll take what ships we have available. Supreme Commander Pellaeon will continue to use the rest of the ships to keep the Killiks already in this galaxy under control. In the meantime, I'll get in touch with the leaders of the various worlds and see how many ships they're willing to part with. I'll try to stress that they'll all be destroyed in any case if the Killik fleet succeeds in entering this galaxy."

Anakin kept his face emotionless as he nodded. "Then, let's hope the Force is with us. Otherwise… well…let's not think about that."

"Indeed," Pellaeon said dryly. "Good luck out there. You're going to need it."

[.:(V):.]

Anakin's expression was soft as he tucked the sheets around his daughter's sleeping figure, a hand gently caressing her small face. Late at night, well past the time he too should be sleeping, plans upon plans continued to cycle through his mind. A decade ago he would have plunged carefree into the next galactic problem. Another Myrkr? Sure, it would have just been a chance to redeem the first one. But now…now he had a wife, two children, their futures in addition to his own to think of.

As if defending the galaxy against its nightmares wasn't scary enough.

Could he still be a good dad, a good husband, if he was constantly away fighting the never-ending battle against the darkness that tried to consume the galaxy? It wasn't like there was some guide-book for someone in his position, a 'How to be a Great Dad, Avatar of the Gods, Future Grandmaster, and Galactic Symbol of Hope at the Same Time: In Three Easy Steps' he could just look up on the HoloNet.

He released a low breath, stepping back from his daughter's bed and silently reaching out to the Force for answers.

The Force replied in the voice of his mother.

"You have two amazing children, Anakin," Leia Solo said tenderly.

Anakin looked up to see his mother in the doorway backlit by the dim hallway light. With a wry smile he glanced back down to his sleeping daughter. "How'd you do it, mom?"

"Fight the galaxy and leave you and your brother and sister behind?" Leia murmured. "Looking back, I really don't know how I did it either. It's hard to fight for a family you rarely see, and the more you fight, the more time you lose. Han and I missed so much running about the galaxy. Your first words, Jacen's first steps, so much more. Han and I were practically glued to the holo-vids Winter sent over."

"Was it worth it?" Anakin looked to his mom once more.

Leia stepped forward, placing a hand on Anakin's back. "I wish I could say yes. You, Jacen, Jaina, all have become such fine people, Jedi, in spite of Han and my poor parenting. But there are moments…moments when I wish for a time that could have been and never will be. The galaxy is what it is, and like my brother is so fond of saying, we have to stick with the present and prepare for the future. You want a galaxy for Cassa and Jayce to grow up in? One where they can just be kids? Then do what you have to do. Besides Han and I rather enjoy having them over."

"Making up for lost time?" Anakin said with a sad smile.

"You could say that," Leia nodded. She gazed at Cassa. "She is so much like her mother, but has your curious nature."

"That is going to get her in so much trouble when she grows up," Anakin chuckled. "It's like cramming the things that got Tahiri and I into trouble into one person."

Leia laughed at that, and gently guided Anakin out of the room. "At least she will have a family that loves her."

"More people to pull into whatever Solo-style plan she'll devise."

"True," Leia shook her head ruefully. "You and your siblings gave Han and myself enough gray hairs, it's only fair you get to experience it from the other side."

"How are you and dad?" Anakin slid into a chair at the dining table of Han and Leia's apartment. "I've barely seen you since getting to Denon."

Leia poured him a cup of water and sat down across from him. "Tired. But it's a good kind of tired. Despite Kenth's apparent pre-election victory, there are a lot of things we've been doing to slowly separate the Jedi from the workings of the Galactic Alliance. And from the fractures in the Galactic Alliance, we're also trying to control how the government might bend or break when it does."

"Is it true the Bakurans are going to secede? I talked with Malinza earlier about having the Bakurans chip in a few of their ships and she was noncommittal."

"According to Senator Thanas, they have every intention of seceding," Leia said with a wan nod. "They also have every right to despite the short-sighted nature of the decision. The Bakuran Hegemony is self-sufficient, stable, and has been hemorrhaging credits in an effort to support their Galactic Alliance neighbors."

Anakin just shook his head with annoyed disbelief. "It's like all the lessons learned in the Yuuzhan Vong War were tossed aside the moment they stopped being convenient."

"Listen, it might seem impossible now, but we'll get through this. We have before."

"It just seems to take more and more every time though."

"And if we don't even try, we've failed before we've begun," Leia said with a knowing lift of her eyebrows. "What's on your mind, Anakin?"

"You've heard of the Galactic Alliance Guard initiative?"

"Of course, how could I not ha…" Leia studied Anakin for a moment. "You took the position?"

"I had to," Anakin felt a strange urge to defend his decision to his mom. It took one mother to convince him to take the position, another to reassure him it was okay to do so, but now this mom felt as if she was the most important one."Jaina needs ships to back her up, and this was the fastest way I could get them out to her. Everything is so tied up in politics now, we would have been debating troop deployments even with the Killiks in orbit."

"I know. And no matter what I think, what's done is done. Does this mean you'll be leaving for the frontlines then?"

"End of the week," Anakin replied. "But I'll be spending the rest of the week taking inventory of who's coming. I think they're finally giving my own Star Destroyer and everything, like Jace and Jaya. Well technically, my own fleet, but Jaina and Jacen already have several of those."

Leia emitted a small snort of laughter. "Still competing with your siblings, Anakin?"

Anakin smiled sheepishly. "At least I can say I gave you and dad grandkids first."

"Like babies and fleets are even remotely related," Leia rolled her eyes. She then sobered. "I want you to be careful out there Anakin. Look after your big sister, but also let her look after you. You're my kid and I can't help but worry."

"Mom, I'm twenty-seven years old."

"You'll always be my youngest, Anakin," Leia wagged a finger at him. "Let me be a mother when I can."

Now it was Anakin's turn to roll his eyes, but he smiled and nodded. "Take care of Jaya, let her look after me, got it. Think Jace will find a way to get the Hapans out to the other side of the galaxy? It'd be nice to have him at Jaina and my side as we stomp bugs."

"If it were anyone else but your brother, I'd say no. But he does have a certain influence with the ruler of the Consortium. Who knows? Maybe your father might even clean off the Falcon and bring with him a bunch of mid-life-crisis-suffering smugglers into battle."

Anakin continued to grin. "Tendra would flay Lando in a heartbeat, and Karrde knows he's too old to be flying suicide missions."

"Don't ever underestimate those young at heart," Leia said sagely, though she too smiled as she sipped from a mug.

"Well, if dad starts getting the urge to reenact his glory days tell him his granddaughter still wants him around."

"That would definitely keep him here," Leia chuckled. "You trained her well, she has him wrapped around her little finger."

"Do you think she'll mind me and Tahiri being away for so long? The longest we've ever left her side on Zonama was two days. I have no idea how long the battle with the Killiks will take, but it'll take at least two days just to get out there."

"She'll understand when she gets older," Leia said softly. "Just make sure you're still around for her when that happens."

Anakin rubbed tiredly at his face. "You know, I have no idea when things changed so much. It was like one day I was just a kid, not knowing how greatly my action affected everyone. Then I wake up the next day, and suddenly I have all these responsibilities, all these people looking to me for answers and guidance. And I….I don't know, I guess I feel obligated or that I owe the galaxy or something. If the others trust me that much, I have to step up to show they were right. If it wasn't for Tahiri, for Jaina, and Jacen…I don't know where I'd be."

"Remember that," Leia said solemnly. "You'll never be alone with them at your side, so don't ever think you are. No matter how many responsibilities you pick up, how many people look to you, you have people you can look to as well. Even your father. Who by the way, would be elated if you asked him for advice. Remember where he came from, he was a smuggler with a death mark and ended up becoming one of the Rebellion's top generals almost overnight."

Anakin fell silent at that. Despite the heartfelt reunion after his seven years on Zonama, he had never truly repaired the relationship he had with his father. From Chewbacca's death during the war to the arguments they had had leading up to Myrkr, there was still a niggling something that kept Anakin from turning to his father for support. And as his mother had pointed out, it wasn't as if Han had been there for him a lot when he was growing up. His closest male role-model had been, strangely enough, Jacen and Luke. And considering their current philosophical differences, they weren't exactly the first people he'd go to.

As if sensing Anakin's thoughts, Leia reached out across the table to grip Anakin's hand. "Your father and I won't be around forever, and though I hope we have many more years yet to come, I've learned long ago, lost too many friends, to know not to take anything for granted. Talk with your father before you head to the front-lines. Another shoulder to lean on, another ear, never hurt anyone."

"Okay, mom," Anakin exhaled. "Okay. I'll talk with dad."

"I'll make sure he'll be at the Falcon's hangar tomorrow morning. He wanted to talk to you anyways."

"About what?"

"You'll find out when you meet with him."

"Alright. Tomorrow morning then."

Needless to say, Anakin spent a very restless night after the conversation. He couldn't help but worry, and he didn't have Tahiri to chastise him about his unhealthy negatude level. Unlike other conflicts he had planned, the fate of the galaxy literally hinged on whether or not he could come up with something to battle against impossible odds.

Fortunately, his morning started out with a small surprise. Cassa greeted him with a hug, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, and then scowled at him.

"Daddy!"

"What did I do?"

"Mommy said you have too much negatude!"

"Huh?"

"When I was sleeping, mommy used the Force to talk to me. She said you were thinking too hard and was making it hard for her to sleep. And those warrior ships don't have hau polyp for beds and they stink like a vua'sa's armpit, so she has to sleep on those cold, hard surfaces that those silly warriors like to sleep on. And you know how she likes soft and comfy beds, especially if you're hugging her. So stop making it hard for mommy to sleep."

Anakin could only smile at Cassa's pouting face and sent off a mental apology to his significant other. "Okay, okay, no more negatude." He bent down and lifted her up. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"Cereal and milk."

"Glad you're easy to please," Anakin said fondly, carrying her to the dining table. He then set her down in a chair. "Cassa, I'm going to have to go away for a bit."

"Like mommy?"

"Uh huh. But don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can. Your grandma and grandpa are going to watch over you and Jayce while I'm gone, okay?"

"How long are you going to be gone? Will you be back before dinner?"

"Probably not," Anakin shook his head regretfully. He floated a bowl from the cabinet over to Cassa, and allowed her to take control of it and set it down onto the table. He made a motion towards the refrigerator door and raised a challenging eyebrow at Cassa, who mimicked his action, only pulling on the Force as she did. The door opened, and a beaming Cassa looked to her dad. "Great job. Can you bring the milk over?"

Licking her lips and scrunching her tiny forehead, Cassa held out a hand and concentrated once more. The carton of milk shook, then lifted off the shelf. Cassa, while worrying her lower lip, continued to float the carton of milk over to the table.

"I did it!" She exclaimed proudly when the milk carton plopped onto the table with an audible thud.

"You're going to be a great Jedi," Anakin laughed, pouring the milk manually. "And to answer your question, I don't know when I'll be back. So be good for your grandma and grandpa."

"Okay daddy." Cassa nodded. "Can I play with my friends from the Denon Temple while you're gone? It's fun not being the only Jedi, well, besides Jedis'sei. And there are so many species there, and lots and lots of languages being spoken at the temple, and…"

"Of course," Anakin laughed, cutting her off with a smile. "I'm going to go check on Jayce and then I'm off to work."

"Love you daddy."

"You too, Cassa." The bright and innocent nature of his daughter temporarily turned everything right and Anakin couldn't help but feel his spirits lift Thanks, Tahiri. Love you too.

He could feel the emotions behind Tahiri's cross-galaxy message reverberate back through their bond, and he ran a hand through his hair. It was time to go to work.

[.:(VI):.]

"Hey dad," Anakin said awkwardly, entering the hangar. His dad was on top of the Falcon, tinkering with yet another set of circuits that had probably long out-lived their expected life span.

"Anakin. Give me a moment, will you?" Han called back, holding up a finger. "Okay, Threepio, turn it on."

There was an audible whine, and Han visibly held his breath as he glared at the set of circuits. A set of lights lit up and the whine turned into a steady hum. Han released his breath, looking pleased with himself.

"Keep it on for a while, let the rest of the Falcon get used to it."

"Get used to 'it'?" Anakin asked. He used the Force to hop onto the ship to join his father.

"New shield generator," Han said with a roguish grin. "Well that and upgraded guns."

"Can the power core handle the extra draw?"

"It could probably handle twice as much," Han said, patting the ship affectionately. "These newer tech are a lot more energy efficient. The question is whether or not the power core will burn them out."

"If you upgrade the power regulators you'll be able to better control the energy flux cycles. Sienar Fleet systems has a newer model they made for their Turbulent-class Star Destroyers."

"Yeah, but the Corellian models are cheaper and can get the job done just the same. Plus they're good for at least a decade or two. Sienar has to upgrade their models practically every five years because of the corners they cut."

"If that's the case, you should go with Koensayr's Mu-PR model. It came out when the Emperor was riding around in his Death Star and is dirt cheap. The output to consumption ratio is twice as better as the Corellian model of the same year. "

"There's a reason they stuck the Koensayr power regulators into Y-wings. You know how slow those regulators made those bombers. For two giant engines those things were energy-hogs, and that was mostly due to the inefficiency of their regulators. I have been doing this for a while, kid."

Anakin chuckled, sharing a rare smile with his dad. He gestured to the exposed relays Han had been working on. "Any reason you needed to upgrade the shields and guns?"

"Call it instinct. Started tinkering with her after you led that mission down into the undercity. With your luck, you'd probably be roped into something bigger. Looks like I was right."

"Mom will never let you go out in her, you know."

"I know, this isn't for me though."

"Dad?"

Han released a slow breath and looked to his son. "It's for you."

Anakin's eyes grew round. "What?"

"I want you to take her. Even with all the advancements in tech, she's still the fastest ship in the galaxy. And if you're heading off to where your mother tells me you're going, you're going to need a fast ship."

"But….but she's the Falcon. I know how much she means to you."

"I'm not giving her to you, I'm loaning her to you. Big difference," Han said wryly. "I fully expect you to return with her in one piece. And you'll pay for any damages. That reminds me, Lando still hasn't paid me back for that dish he lost on that Death Star run. 'Not a scratch' my backside."

"Are you sure, dad?"

Han grew serious. "I may be getting older but I still know what I'm doing. If you command from one of those giant capital cruisers you'll stick out like a sore thumb. Plus, it's a pain to try to maneuver an entire cruiser when surrounded by enemies, trust me I know. When I was in Mon Remonda hunting Zsinj, lugging an entire fleet around with me, practically everyone knew where I was. A lot harder to keep track of the Falcon than a giant triangle in the middle of space."

"You've made your point. If you're really sure, I'll take the Falcon. Maybe even have Jaina pilot it."

"You're still paying for the damages," Han said dryly. "I know how your sister flies."

Anakin smiled at that and looked away. "Thanks."

Han swallowed heavily, looking in the opposite direction. "Look, I know we're not…well, I know I'm probably not number one on your HoloNet speed dial. Probably not even in the top ten. And a lot of that is my fault."

"I did spend seven years outside of the galaxy."

"I didn't say all of it was my fault." Han and Anakin exchanged weak smiles before glancing at anywhere but each other. "Your mom told me that you were feeling a bit overwhelmed with the whole 'leading an army' role you decided to take up."

"Just a little."

"A little," Han snorted. "Right. After I helped your uncle blow up the Death Star and the powers that be made me a general, I was just a little overwhelmed too. I went from looking after just myself to supervising a giant faction of a rebel movement against a galactic empire. Big leap. All I did was be selfish enough to stay out of the battle until the very end, and then shoot down a single TIE fighter, and suddenly I'm a galactic hero earning a medal?"

"I had to do even less," Anakin said. "With my name, everyone expected me to do something good or bad right from the start. I was both a Solo, and the next 'Anakin'. Didn't help that I was stronger in the Force than most Jedi and liked solving puzzles of the galactic kind."

"What I'm saying kid is to go with the flow," Han said with a sigh, running a hand through his graying hair. "I'm no expert on these things, but I have been through a lot. From what I've learned, just know that life happens. It's how you react to it that matters. You can fight it, complain about it, but life will still happen. Me, I was kind of swept up in it, had no idea where I was going, and look where I am now. Great wife, three kids a lot smarter than me, more holo-dramas about my life than I keep track of. Even if things seem dark and overwhelming, endure it the best you can because it ain't going to last forever, and you'll be stronger for it when it's over. Same goes for the good times too, enjoy them when you can because they won't last forever either. Like your mom, and you and your brother and sister, the reward for going through all that trouble will be more than you can imagine."

"I hope so, I have a pretty good imagination."

"You make it through this craziness and you'll get whatever it is you're thinking of and more."

Anakin nodded. "Thanks, dad."

Han gestured towards the ladder. "Come on. Let me show you a few of the improvements I made. Should help you blast a few intergalactic space bugs a lot easier."

With a smile Anakin followed his dad back down to the hangar floor. The rest of the morning was spent shooting the breeze, getting to know his father once more as they prepared the Falcon for yet another chapter in her storied life.

[.:(VII):.]

"The Bothans are sitting this one out, as are the Bakurans, but we have support from Tion and the Corellians. Here's the final tally, Jedi Knight Solo," Jedi Apprentice Hedda no-last-name held up a datapad for Anakin to take. "Supreme Commander Pellaeon was admitted into the hospital earlier today for exhaustion, but he sends his regards."

Reviewing the numbers, Anakin let out a low whistle. "How did he do it? Look at this, Hedda. He managed to draw ships from every fleet and maintain the happiness of the senators in those sectors at the same time."

Taking the datapad back, Hedda scanned it. "But most of these are light cruisers, frigates."

"Easier to part with," Anakin said. "If you move a Mon Cal cruiser or Star Destroyer, you have people worried. They're visible symbols people have come to rely on. You don't see the Sacheen-class escort ship or ShaShore-class frigates on recruitment posters. Most people haven't even heard of those class of ships but both have been around for almost two decades already. In this case, ships are ships, I'll take them when I can."

On the bridge of the Nebula-class Star Destroyer the Sunrider, Anakin was watching the final ships fall into formation in preparation for the jump to lightspeed. Fresh out of the factory-line and originally due to enter service in another fleet, the Sunrider was reassigned to the equally new Galactic Alliance Guard Home Defense fleet and now served as Anakin's command ship.

In charge of the fleet was Admiral Nek Bwua'tu, recently promoted by Pellaeon despite the fierce opposition the elder Imperial had faced. Since seceding from the Galactic Alliance, the Bothans were not exactly popular, and despite Nek Bwua'tu ignoring the order by Bothawuii to return home, he faced much distrust in the political sphere of things.

Upon hearing Hedda's earlier announcement about the Bothans not sending any ships, he harrumphed, walking along the bridge catwalk with the two. "Sometimes I wonder if the leaders of my people forget what it means to truly be Bothan. Maybe we should take this fleet and swing by Bothawuii to help them see the error of their ways."

"For some reason, I don't think dropping out of orbit with nearly a hundred ships is going to help," Anakin said dryly. "Besides, I'm sure the Yuuzhan Vong are thinking the same thing, and the last thing we want is to start a shooting match. We have too few ships as it is."

"So there's the seventy capital ships Supreme Commander Pellaeon scrounged from all of the defense fleets, the eighteen from the Galactic Alliance Guard, seven from Tion, and fifteen from Corellia," Hedda recited. "Is it going to be enough?"

"Not nearly," Anakin said with a forced smile. "But better Jaina gets these ships than none at all."

"Admiral! Jedi Knight Solo! Hyperspace disturbance off the starboard side!"

"Oh?" Admiral Bwua'tu's furry eyebrows rose at the sensor operator. "Who's our new arrivals?"

"Detecting seventeen Bothan Assault Cruisers, thirty Bothan frigates."

"I thought the Bothans were staying on the sidelines. That's like a third of their armed forces," Anakin said in surprise. He could feel several Force signatures aboard the newly arrived ships and that only added to his astonishment. He looked to Nek, who just shook his own head in response.

"I'm the wrong person to ask about the actions of my people. I've been out of the loop since they seceded."

"Receiving a hail."

"We'll take it in the communication's alcove," Anakin nodded. With Nek and Hedda, they quickly took the short walk to the holo-comm system.

A black-furred female Bothan was waiting for them over the emitter. "Admiral Bwua'tu, Jedi Knight Solo, I'm glad I caught you in time."

"You're Asyr Sei'lar, opposition leader," Nek noted mildly. "The last I heard the Bothan Council put out a warrant for your arrest. Treason and sedition was it?"

"They're probably adding hijacking of Bothan military property and a few other charges right about now. But the situation called for drastic measures," Asyr acknowledged. "The Bothan military is split at the moment. I have with me all willing to disgrace their clan and place in our society to protect this galaxy. There are others but they can't help out due to political reasons. Additionally, with the loss of our fleet in the Hapes Consortium, we can't in good nature leave our own homeworld defenseless so more stayed behind for that reason."

Anakin nodded. "Understandable, thank you for bringing who you could. Might I ask, I also sense several Jedi."

"This wouldn't have been possible without their help. Jedi Saav'etu came up and led the hijacking of these ships, so much of the credit should go to her. I also have with me Jedi Knight Kolir Hu'lya, and a relative of the admiral, Jedi Knight Yantahar Bwua'tu. Their roles are not to be diminished either."

"Great, as if my clan lost enough honor with my defection," Nek grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Well then…should I call you admiral considering you now lead a fleet?"

"Please no, I may have been a pilot in my youth, but I'm more of a politician these days. Jedi Knight Saav'etu said she is willing to lead our people provided it's okay with you. Apparently she studied under General Antilles during the war and is confident enough to take on such a burden."

"I have no problem with that."

"That's a relief. I will let her know. She is currently attending to a…crisis of conscious amongst some of our number. Apparently our government decided to arrest members of their clan in retaliation for our little stunt and many are having second thoughts. Harder still since the government is threatening to execute the heads of their families if they don't return."

Anakin closed his eyes, pained. "I'll let Yaqeel do what she does best then and speak with her later. Our fleet moves out in another hour so get set up for the next group of jumps."

"Understood, Hubris out."

Admiral Bwua'tu gaped at the hologram. "She actually named her flag the Hubris? A Bothan rebel leader naming her ship Hubris. And I recognize the vessel she's in, it was once called the Will of Bothawuii."

Despite the mood, Anakin chuckled. "No wonder why your government hates her."

"She does have some sense of style," Nek nodded, grinning a toothy Bothan smile. "So, that's another several dozen ships to add to the roll-call. A couple hundred more and we might give the Killiks pause."

"We'll make do with what we have," Anakin inclined is head. He looked to the comm-officer. "Any word from the Yuuzhan Vong advanced fleet?"

"No sir."

Anakin stretched out his presence to gauge the emotions of his wife. Finding her frustrated, exasperated, and all the emotions one can expect from someone dealing with die-hard Yuuzhan Vong warriors with a grudge, but otherwise okay, Anakin let her be. "They'll probably join us out in Remnant space."

"'Probably,'" Admiral Bwua'tu snorted. "It's probably best if they don't. I'm not sure about the others Sei'lar brought with her, but I for one don't want to work alongside those people. The ar'krai declared by my government still remains in effect, and though we might not back our government, the ar'krai is a sacred duty taken up by all Bothans."

"Can you hold off on blasting these Yuuzhan Vong until after the Killiks are dealt with?"

"I will…try to."

"Thanks," Anakin said sardonically. "Because it would really be rude if we kill each other off before the Killiks get here. I mean, they are bringing probably their entire population here for that, so let's not disappoint them."

Hedda, who had been listening to her own comlink, nodded and then looked up. "Jedi Solo, the last of the Denon and Ossus Jedi have docked their assigned ships. The readiness reports continue to pour in, at the moment, not counting the Bothans, eighty-five percent of the fleet is ready to make the jump."

Anakin stared at the fleet massing outside and released a breath. "Greatest gathering of warships since the Yuuzhan Vong War."

"All yours to command," Admiral Bwua'tu said solemnly.

"Yipee for me," Anakin said sarcastically.

"Do you want to address the fleet?" Hedda asked.

Anakin shook his head. "They don't need me to tell them what is at stake or how dangerous this is."

Admiral Bwua'tu cleared his throat. "But this is the first mission for the Galactic Alliance Guard. Don't forget about the reporters the senate wanted us to take along."

Anakin groaned. "You're right. Thanks, admiral."

Hedda flipped a few switches on the holo-emitter and then looked to Anakin. "Whenever you're ready."

Anakin stepped into view of the camera a stared at the glowing blue light. "This is Director Anakin Solo of the Galactic Alliance Guard to all allied vessels. In less than an hour we'll be departing for the very edge of known space to battle a creature we know little of. We don't know why the Killiks are doing what they are doing, but at the moment, that does not matter. Our goal is to stop them in their tracks, to restore this galaxy back to the peace it had enjoyed in the few years following the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War.

The Galactic Alliance Guard is the shield that will protect this galaxy. We may be outnumbered, yet it should not matter. If a few disgruntled senators could found a movement that would undermine a galactic government ruled by a Sith Lord, if Ewoks could bring down the military might of a professional army, if a slave caste could rise up and overthrow trained warriors and overcome centuries of abuse, then we can fight and win against whatever odds we face.

We fight the Killiks because they threaten everything we've built, everything our friends and family members have died trying to achieve. We fight so others do not have to, so the rest of the galaxy can begin to heal. This galaxy is our home and I am grateful that those of you here are willing to defend it despite the political difficulties you may be facing. In the big picture, those political difficulties are why we must fight. We fight to have the option to live as we want to. To, strangely enough, have the chance to fight amongst each other because there are no greater threats abroad.

This is our galaxy, our home. Let's go and stomp some bugs."

[.:(Chapter End):.]

A\N:An intermission chapter is up next in two weeks…and it's pretty much why this story was rated M. For those not wanting to read about a Taryn/Zekk or Jacen/Tenel Ka romance scene (in that order), feel free to skip the first two portions of the next chapter.

Shifting gears, so now we're turning the final corner and have reached the very edge of my writer's block. The first six chapters of Act 3 will be about the build up to the final battle. Scene two of Act 3 (yet to be written) will be that final battle, and the final six chapters should be about the fallout and aftermath of said battle. After this story is completed I have an intermission story before part two of the trilogy. I really hate all the plotbunnies hopping around in my head.

Thanks again to all who have continued to review!