Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 35 "The Force Rim."
Creating a new system! With the help of the ancient artifact known as Centerpoint station, the Kingdom of the Force moved two planets: Talus and Tralus to the Lehon system. Having the certainty about the station's efficiency and safety, ArchKnight Deiven Virlo informed the other ArchKnights and told them about his ambitious idea of creating a whole new part of the galaxy.
Now the Kingdom contacted the leaders of all planets aligned with the powerful faction and presented the situation to them. The big decision awaits the leaders as they need to choose between allowing the Kingdom to move their planets to a different and mysterious system, or remain where they are and risk being destroyed by the Dread Masters's deadly weapon.
Zulio – The Third Moon of Shili, Temple of Balance, Communication Center.
All four ArchKnights along with Ahsoka and the King of Shili, Aven Tunalen, stood in front of the holographic images of the leaders of the allied planets. Deiven just finished explaining the situation to them, and pure shock and disbelief was written all over their faces.
"...so that's the whole story," said the young Firrerreo. "The decision is yours to make."
At first, the leaders looked at the young ArchKnight in silence. Deiven didn't just want to move planets to a different location; he wanted to create a new part of the galaxy. That was something that no one had ever accomplished.
If it weren't for the fact that the whole Kingdom had the technology, which surpassed that of many known civilizations by thousands of years, and the accomplishments beyond any normal faction, many of the leaders would have thought that this was all a bad joke. Even Ahsoka, who saw and experienced things that would be considered mindblowing, was speechless.
"This... this is not a simple thing," Bel Workan, a Kaleesh warlord and the uniter of the tribes of the planet Kalee, stated unsurely. "I must inform the other tribes and hear their opinion on the matter."
"Indeed that's a... not everyday topic," stated Hatunko, the Toydarian King, whose holographic image hovered above the ground thanks to his rapidly beating wings. The Toydaria joined the Kingdom of the Force a few weeks after the end of the clone wars. The news of Ventress's death reached Hatunko's ears, and he was grateful that the death of his father was avenged.
"And a really complicated one as well," added Madine Centi, a governor of Hanna, the capital of the planet Chandrila. The fair-skinned female with auburn hair was also an influential member of the democratic Chandrilan House and a close friend of Senator Mon Mothma, suggested joining the Kingdom of the Force after witnessing the corruption of the Republic.
"Not to mention what cowards attack their enemies from the other side of the galaxy!" growled Bode the Green, a tall Rodian male with deep green skin, hence the name. He was the Grand Protector, the leader of Rodia and its people. "The Dread Masters are cowards!"
"Cowards or not, we are all in grave danger," pointed out the Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala.
"That's why the best solution for all of us is to move our planets to a different location," insisted the young Firrerreo.
"You ask for a lot ArchKnight Deiven," Hatunko said tentatively. "You want to move whole planets along with its inhabitants to a new system with a mysterious technology."
Even the King of Shili was not convinced. "While our people don't need to pack their things like during a normal move from one home to a new one, the economics of our planets would change," pointed out Aven. "I mean Shili could benefit from this, because we would be closer to our allies, yes, but there's a risk that the economy may suffer and with it, the inhabitants of our planet. With the planets being in new places, we all would need to establish new trade routes. The values of our imported and exported goods could change, for the better or worse. The risk is very high, so there's a lot to be discussed here."
"But won't we all die if the Dread Masters destroy Shili?" Ahsoka asked looking at her father. "That's worse than the deterioration of the planet's economy."
"Starving to death is much worse than a quick, painless death Ahsoka," Aven replied. "I've seen what a poor economy can do to peaceful planets. Chaos, thefts, people sleeping on the streets and killing for food just to survive. It would lead to the same outcome, but the road to it would be slower and more painful. I'll die before I let that happen to us."
"It won't happen to us," assured Zai'shira. "The hyperspace routes won't change in general. There will be just a bigger distance between us and the rest of the galaxy."
"ArchKnight Zai'shira is right," Padmé said as she looked at the other leaders. "If we inform the galaxy that our planets changed locations, the merchants won't be confused, and eventually the commerce will continue like before. True it may be not as good as it is now, but give it time, and I think in some ways, it will be better than before."
Bail Organa, who stood beside Padmé, looked at the Queen of Naboo. "But won't the Dread Masters have the advantage over the Kingdom knowing our new location?" he asked worriedly. While the Organas lost their home and were forced to remain on Naboo, he still wanted to protect the remaining Alderaanians from harm.
"Considering one of them is able to see the future, even if we kept it as a secret, they would learn about it sooner or later," pointed out Qui-Gon Jinn. "It's better for us to let the galaxy know right away."
Aven sighed. "Are you sure it's safe to move our planets?" he asked looking at Deiven.
"Yes," answered the young Firrerreo. "The Federation of the Double Worlds confirmed that everything was okay after we moved the two planets to the Lehon system."
"Yeah, about that," Aven frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not sure it's a good idea to have such shady organization close to us and as our ally."
"I'm sure Queen Amidala will keep them under her thumb," Avelon gestured towards Padmé, who smirked and squinted her brown eyes. "You can be sure I will not let any corruption spread to our planets. One Coruscant is enough."
"And most importantly, it's not like the planets must remain in that system forever," Deiven added. "When we defeat the Dread Masters, I see no problem in returning the planets to their original places."
The leaders exchanged somewhat calmer looks. The young Firrerreo could sense that they were less hesitant to the idea. "Okay... I'll inform our people about the situation," announced the King of Shili.
Ahsoka smiled while Deiven looked at the leaders. "What about the rest of you?" he asked. "You don't need to give me the answer right now, but I won't lie, we don't have much time. After each second the risk of being attacked by the Dread Masters is bigger."
"Naboo will join Shili," Padmé announced straight out. "The Kingdom already saved my people during the rakghoul plague and restored our planet after the purging. I would be foolish not to trust you."
Since the Alderaanians lived on her planet now, Bail needed to respect Padmé's decision, but he was sure he would agree to move Alderaan to a safe place if the planet were to still exist.
"I'll give you the answer as soon as possible," promised the Kaleesh warlord.
"Same here," said Madine Centi. "I can't decide this on my own."
All other leaders responded in the same way. The ArchKnights understood and ended the holoconference. Now Deiven needed to get ready and return to the Centerpoint station. Cem'lul and the rest of the scientists remained there to prepare everything for one of the biggest moments in the galactic history.
Six hours later - Zulio – The Third Moon of Shili, Temple of Balance, Courtyard.
Zai'shira, Ahsoka and Aven stood outside the Temple of Balance waiting for Deiven's call. The King was nervous, and the two females could sense that. "Everything will be okay," Ahsoka reassured with a gentle smile.
"I know, but I'm still nervous," replied Aven.
"We all are," said Zai'shira. "How did the inhabitants of the planet react to the news?"
"With mixed feelings," replied Aven. "As I imagined, the merchants weren't happy about it. The normal folk was somewhat indifferent, especially our kind since despite everything, we're staying on our planet. I'm sure there will be individuals that are againts it, but we must do this to survive. Heh, the Council members weren't happy that I made this decision without talking to them and asking about their opinion on the matter."
"But you're the ruler of Shili," Ahsoka pointed out. "Even if they're against it, your decision is final."
"That's true," Aven nodded. "But the Council is comprised of old and wise Togrutas. Many of them are very influential so neglecting their mind on something, especially on important things, is meet with disapproval from their side."
Zai'shira holoprojector, which was attached to her belt, suddenly beeped, drawing everyone's attention. The Togruta quickly grabbed and activated it. Deiven's holographic image appeared before the three Togrutas. "Is everyone ready?" he asked.
"Yes," Zai'shira replied. "No ships will leave or land on Shili or Zulio until further notice. You can begin whenever you're ready."
Deiven turned his head to look at someone out of the range of the holoprojector and nodded, giving a signal to activate the Centerpoint station's tractor beam.
After a few seconds, a bright blue light illuminated everything as the planet Shili along with its moons were pulled into the hyperspace tunnel. "Woah!" Ahsoka's crystal-blue eyes widened. She saw the hyperspace tunnel many times, but this was something else.
Everyone on the courtyard looked at the blue sky in awe. Many young Squires amd Knights pointed at the hyperspace tunnel with amazed expressions.
"Do you feel any different?" Deiven asked concernedly. "Cold? Hot?"
"We didn't die right away, so that's a good start," commented Aven. "Aside from the blue light, nothing has changed."
"Alright," Deiven nodded. "I'll contact you as soon as Shili and the moons arrive in the Lehon system, but if anything strange happens during the trip, contact me immediately."
"Sure thing," Zai'shira replied.
An hour and a half later – Lehon System, Centerpoint Station, The Decks, Main Control Room.
"Shili will arrive in the system in three... two.. one... now!" announced a Rakata technician. Just as he finished speaking, a holographic planet appeared on a holoscreen near Abu, the star of Lehon system.
The young Firrerreo grabbed his holoprojector and called Zai'shira as he promised. When the holographic image of Zai'shira, Aven and Ahsoka appeared on his hand, he exhaled with relief. "Welcome in the Lehon system!" he said excitedly.
"Oh good, because at first, we thought something went wrong when it suddenly became nighttime," Zai'shira stated with relief.
Cem'lul, who stood not far from the young ArchKnight, turned and approached him. "While the distance between Shili and Abu is the same as it was between its sun in the Shili system, it's impossible to place the planet in the exact same place," he explained. "So this means that at this moment, the inhabitants of Shili that are sleeping have the middle of the day and vice versa. It may be bothersome at first, but I'm sure they'll adapt quickly."
"Oh, they will," Aven replied. "Good job, now if you excuse me, I need to explain the situation to the inhabitants of Shili."
When Aven turned around and walked away, Zai'shira looked at Deiven. "So what now?" she asked.
"Tython and Korriban are next!" answered the young Firrerreo. "Then, we move Naboo and the other planets that'll contact us!"
"I can see that you're excited about this," Ahsoka noticed with a sly smile.
"You bet I am!" Deiven replied with a big grin.
Zai'shira squinted her blue eyes. "Korriban is the dark side, Tython the light side, Lehon is the living Force, and Shili is the cosmic Force," she said. "Four planets representing the four aspects of the Force. You planned this the moment you learned about the station's power, didn't you?"
"Yep," Deiven winked to the adult Togruta, who chuckled and shook her head. "At least we're going to have a moment of peace thanks to that station," Zai'shira said calmly. "The people need a peaceful rest without the vision of death looming over them thanks to the Dread Masters's weapon, especially the survivors from Alderaan need a serious break."
"I didn't have time to ask earlier; how are they?" Deiven inquired, his expression changing to a more serious one. "I hope the Organas don't blame us for the destruction of their planet."
"They're more focused on the needs of their people," replied Zai'shira. "While Naboo provided them with everything they need as you can imagine they're filled with sorrow and anger. If anything, they want revenge on the Dread Masters."
"I know," Deiven nodded and lowered his gaze. "I hope we can end this war as soon as possible. Too many innocent people suffered already, but we need... a bigger fleet."
Zai'shira and Deiven trailed off in silence for a quite while. "Sooo... do we go to sleep now since its night?" Ahsoka suddenly asked drawing Deiven's and Zai'shira's attention, they both chuckled heartily as the young Togruta broke the tension.
"You go ahead, or you'll be tired later, we have still much more work to do," said the young Firrerreo. "Avelon along with General Grievous are moving our fleet to the Lehon system, while Qui-Gon flew to Naboo to move the orbital array before we move the planet."
"But I wanna help!" Ahsoka protested.
Deiven and Zai'shira knew she would say something like this. "Then help your father," Zai'shira told her. "I'll wait in the Temple for any calls with approval from our allies to move their planets to Lehon system, and I'll inform Deiven right away. Your father, while he won't admit it, will need a hand with dealing with the people of Shili. Your presence alone will be a big support for him, and besides, you can learn from him on how to address the subjects. You'll need it as a future Queen."
"Okay, "Ahsoka nodded towards her mother and looked at Deiven. "Good luck!"
"You too," Deiven replied with a smile.
Zai'shira nodded as well and ended their conversation. Deiven placed the holoprojector inside his side pack and looked at Cem'lul, who spoke to him. "There are many planets in the Lehon system that are not hospitable," he informed. "To be blunt, Lehon was the only hospitable planet. We could move them out of the system to make more space for other planets."
"Good idea," Deiven praised. "We have a lot of work to do so let's not waste time."
Five days later – The Force Rim, Lehon System.
The Kingdom of the Force announced everything to the whole galaxy when all allies joined them before the Dread Masters's weapon was able to fire once again. The ArchKnights named the new region of the universe the Force Rim and declared that it was the new territory of the Kingdom.
Just as they predicted, it was chaos at first, especially with the unstable trades, but just like Padmé said, thanks to their announcement, the merchants knew the new locations of their planets so the commerce could be resumed.
The whole fleet of the Kingdom was moved to the Lehon system as well, and they established a powerful defense, that no one would be able to pierce without a massive fleet, but Deiven was aware that they needed a bigger fleet themselves if they wanted to win this war.
He remembered his conversation with Cem'lul nine years ago when he and Zai'shira searched for the Rakata on planet Lehon. They talked about the Star Forge back then, and they wanted to repair it to a small degree using the remains of the Star Forge and the wreckage of the final battle.
Large pieces of metal were fused together, creating a ring-like construct around the planet Lehon so Cem'lul, along with the Gree, which joined the Kingdom that day, managed to repair a fraction of the Forge, that wasn't able to build ships but was able to build droids. Deiven and Zai'shira decided that the Forge will only build the Sentinels and in small numbers, but only the two ArchKnights and later Avelon and Qui-Gon knew about its existence due to the danger that came with using the Forge.
Since the Rakata, which build it during the ancient times, were by nature a cruel and savage species; the Star Forge began feeding off these negative traits inherent in its creators. As a result, the Star Forge became an immense tool of dark side power, corrupting those who used it, feeding its desire for death.
Even with the threat of the Dread Masters, Deiven didn't want to risk corruption if they'd rebuilt the Star Forge completely, so instead, he tasked the Rakata and Gree scientists to examine the Forge, and build a brand new one. The new technological marvel had to be free of corruption and build by the members of the Kingdom of the Force, who have balance in their hearts.
Unlike the earlier Forge, which drew the energy and matter from the star of the system, the scientists of the Kingdom proposed that the new one could use the power of the black holes. Black holes were used throughout much of the galaxy's history as sources of energy in the first place so the Kingdom would have no problem with using them as well.
The young Firrerreo knew it would take time for the new Forge to be created and that they would need to stop producing Sentinels until then and use the remaining ones wisely, but at least they could build their new battle droids A1 models without it.
For now, they were on the defensive, but the Kingdom would soon gather its strength and counterattack with the power of the Force.
Please R&R ;)