Disclaimer: I am not George Lucas or Rick Riordan.

Enter the Moff Council: Tenel Ka Djo, Luke Skywalker, Thrackan Sal-Solo, Lon Shevu, Sien Sovv, Lorth Needa, Cal Omas, Fyor Rodan, Iella Wessiri, Bhindi Drayson, Wedge Antilles, and Jagged Fel.

Around them are also Tahiri Veila, Teneniel Djo, Lowbacca, Qwi, Etain Tur-Mukan, and the various Force spirits.

Thrackan. Why should we trust these Jedi?

The Moffs shift uncomfortably.

The Empire is safe. I'll be the first to congratulate our heroes for bringing back the Imperial insignia and so much Mandalorian iron. Truly we have been blessed with good fortune. But why do more? Why tempt fate?

Luke. [rising] I'm glad you asked.

Thrackan. I wasn't . . .

Luke. Part of the quest. Yes, I know. And you're wise to let me explain since I was.

The Moffs laugh as Thrackan sits.

Abeloth is waking. We've defeated two of her Yuuzhan Vong. But that's only the beginning. The real war will take place in the home system of the Je'daii. The quest will take us to Bastion and eventually to Corellia.

The Moffs shift.

I know, I know. You've always thought of the Jedi as your enemies. And there's a good reason for that. I think the Je'daii have kept our two camps apart because whenever we meet, we fight. But that can change. It has to change if we're to defeat Abeloth. That's what the Prophecy of Seven means. Seven demigods, Jedi and Imperial, will have to close the Doors of Death together.

Ghost. [laughs] The last time a Grand Admiral tried to interpret the Prophecy of Seven, it was Vilim Disra, who lost our insignia on Hoth. Why should we believe you now?

Thrackan smiles smugly. Many Moffs nod.

Luke. I carried Lumiya across the Ravelin. She told me that the Prophecy of Seven is coming to pass. Yammosk also appeared to you in person. Do you think two of your most important Je'daii would appear at the Remnant if the situation wasn't serious?

Etain. He's right. I, for one, trust Luke's word. Jedi or not, he restored the honor of the Empire. You saw him on the battlefield last night. Would anyone here say he is not a true hero of Bastion?

The Moffs nod.

Tenel Ka. [rising] You claim this is a combined quest. You claim Lumiya intends for us to work with this . . . this other group, the Jedi Praxeum. Yet the Jedi have been our enemies for eons. They are known for their deceptions.

Luke. Maybe so. But enemies can become friends. A week ago, would you have thought the Empire and Hapes would be fighting side by side?

Teneniel. [laughs] He has got a point.

Luke. The Jedi have already been working with the Imperial Remnant. We just didn't realize it. During the Sith War last summer, while you were attacking Korriban, we were defending Tython on Coruscant. I fought Emperor Palpatine myself.

Tenel Ka backs up.

Tenel Ka. You . . . what?

Luke. I know it's hard to believe. But I think I've earned your trust. I'm on your side. Tahiri and Jag . . . I'm sure they're meant to go with me on this quest. The other four are on their way from the Praxeum right now. One of them is Jacen Solo, your old Grand Admiral.

Thrackan. Oh, come on. He's making things up now.

Tenel Ka. [frowns] It is a lot to believe. Jacen is coming back with a bunch of Jedi? You say they're going to appear in the sky in a heavily armed warship. But we should not be worried.

Luke. Yes. Just let them land. Hear them out. Jacen will backup everything I'm telling you. I swear it on my life.

Thrackan. On your life? We will remember that if this turns out to be a trick.

Enter Mynar Devis.

Devis. Grand Admirals. I'm sorry to interrupt. But our scouts report . . .

Lowbacca. Ship.

Lowbacca cheers as the Millennium Falcon enters the atmosphere of Sartinaynian, approaching the Imperial Remnant.

Devis. Grand Admirals. What are your orders?

Thrackan leaps to his feet.

Thrackan. [angry] You need to ask? The omens are horrible. This is a trick, a deception. Beware Jedi bearing gifts. [indicates Luke] His friends are attacking in a warship. He has led them here. We must attack.

Luke. No. You all raised me as Grand Admiral for a reason. I will fight to defend the Remnant with my life. But these aren't enemies. I say we stand ready. But do not attack. Let them land. Let them speak. If it is a trick, then I will fight with you, as I did last night. But it is not a trick.

All eyes fall on Tenel Ka.

Tenel Ka. Hold your fire. But have the fleet stand ready. Luke Skywalker is your duly chosen Grand Admiral. We will trust his word . . . unless we are given clear reason not to. Moffs, let us adjourn to the forum and meet our . . . new friends.

As the Moffs file out of the Assembly Hall, Thrackan glares at Luke.

Tenel Ka turns to face Luke.

I support you, Luke. I trust your judgment. But for all our sakes, I hope we can keep the peace between our campers and your Jedi friends.

Luke. We will. You'll see.

Tenel Ka glances longingly at the Falcon.

Tenel Ka. You say Jacen is aboard. I hope that is true. I have missed him.

Exit all but Luke, Tahiri, and Jag.

Jag. They're coming down right in the forum. Threepio is going to have a coronary.

Tahiri. Luke. You swore on your life. Imperials take that seriously. If anything goes wrong, even by accident, Thrackan is going to kill you. You know that, right?

Luke merely smiles and throws his arms around Tahiri and Jag.

Luke. Come on. Let me introduce you to my other family.

Exit all.