Jack rested back against the bed, deep in thought over all that had happened. Six years. One million engagements. At last. The carnage was over. 600 million people on Earth dead. Thirteen percent of the world's population. Ten billion across all combatants.

Tomorrow was the Grand Review, where those units, ships and officers who had performed most valiantly would march through South Park. The next day, the volunteers would be mustered out of service, and be allowed to return to a peaceful, civilian life. New rights for everyone in the Empire would be given.

Already, veterans were forming groups, writing memoirs, and erecting monuments. One of these was a statue of Jack, Drew, and Alex in the center of South Park.

But that was the farthest thing from Jack's mind right now.

Right now, for the first time in a while, Jack was enjoying time with his wives…

They were lying right beside him, their heads nuzzled into his chest. He could feel their slow, content breathing on him. His arms were wrapped around them protectively.

Peace…

This was what peace really felt like…

For the time being, there was nothing to worry about. He could rest easy.

Jack closed his eyes as the memories of all those years of war and death came back.

This time, he didn't have to stay strong.

The Emperor let a single tear fall from his eye. A tear for those who had fallen. But also, a tear for those who survived.

He was lucky. All those who survived were…

They were finally free…

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

An entire month had passed after the war's end, and already, things were steadily improving not only on Earth, but across the galaxy.

The constant fighting had at last halted, and save for a few waves of remnants still claiming their loyalty to the Separatists causing minor occupations of smaller cities, all was beginning to improve.

Even the remnants with the problems they were causing were easily dispatched by the Imperial military whenever their forces arrived. The cities on planets in which some Imperial troops were already on were disposed of even quicker.

That wasn't to say the galaxy still wasn't without its other share of problems, however…

And that's exactly what all the major leaders of the most significant factions in the Dilanian Empire were sitting down to discuss now…

"Ryloth was among the planets that suffered Separatist occupation the most…" Bridgette argued her case. "To say that we should focus our food and supplies on Earth more is simply ridiculous… People on other planets are suffering just as much- no, more so than can be seen on the surface… We need to look out for the other planets foreign to us as well. It's the least we could do for their people."

"I agree." Apollo voiced his affirmation. "The entire galaxy has suffered losses equal to those of Earth, and require equal aid at the very least."

"But we have limited resources at the moment." One of the representatives of a nation unaligned with the Empire. "Yes, we know these other planets suffer, but our world requires aid. My nation has been in poverty for decades."

"Need I remind everyone that we have a Replicator?" Drew emphasized, having to take the stance that everyone should receive aid. "If our resources are so 'limited', then we make more!"

"Calm yourself, Drew…" Obi-Wan calmly whispered to him, putting a hand on his shoulder upon seeing he was growing frustrated.

Not that he could blame him much. They had been sitting in this room for almost 2 hours now with little agreement to be had.

Drew sighed, before leaning back in his seat, giving a nod of understanding.

But even still, he didn't understand why there were people in this room who were so determined to look solely after Earth. He thought the aid could be spared for all, even if it was just a bit.

"I'm just saying…" Drew spoke more calmly. "We have a Replicator that is unlimited to what it can do. No one is attacking us right now, so why don't we take this time to restock on more supplies instead of finding every political 'loophole' you can to drag this process out even more?"

"All planets of the galaxy will receive aid." Jack interceded. "This is not a matter of being part of the Empire, Earth, or the wider galaxy. The worlds in the Outer Rim especially have suffered enough, with the very same problems the poorest country on Earth has dealt with.."

"My thoughts exactly…" Obi-Wan agreed. "I don't understand the hesitation from some of you in this room to help others. We have nothing to lose, besides time. Time spent helping those in need, which in my opinion, is not time wasted in the slightest."

"The Core Worlds," Caesarius began for his Oversector of the Empire. "Will send all the aid they can to all parts of the galaxy."

"Yes, this is good…" Yoda nodded in agreement. "Help those in need, we must… Go in groups of three to deliver the supplies, I recommend…"

"The Navy can provide the ships to transport each team to their sectors." Carandial spoke up.

"Then we have no time to lose…" Liu Kang nodded in agreement. "We must help those in need who can no longer help themselves. The war has killed many, and still is in the aftermath. However, I am confident that after today, that unfortunate fact will be in the past…"

"I would also suggest that we make moves to reform the Empire's government." Padme spoke up. "Surely with the fighting over, the real power can be returned to the President and Congress, rather than the Emperor and Regional Governors?"

"I agree with Senator Amidala…" Mace Windu now spoke up, whom was sitting in between Yoda and Obi-Wan. "This war has disturbed the order of this Empire's government. I feel a return to a more democratic form of government would be appropriate."

Jack cocked a brow, but said nothing. However, this suggestion seemed to annoy the military leaders.

"I disagree." Caesarius spoke. "Yes, the Empire's government has been disturbed, but if you look at the facts, everything from average household income, to increased education, especially in inner cities, the Empire's government has proven far more efficient. Democracy may seem better, but if you look at the factionalism, corruption and nepotism that dominated the United States and the old Republics, it has brought only longterm instability."

"With all due respect, Grand Moff…" Mace Windu responded, before intertwining his fingers in his hands, sitting rather calmly. "Corruption comes in many forms… Whether it be in a democracy, oligarchy, or dictatorship, corruption can exist within them all. But at least with democracy, the people are given more of a choice. There is less of a chance that things can go wrong, compared to if one man or his group of comrades made each and every decision."

"Following the will of the people works better for small areas of territory, but I'll be honest, to follow simple majority rule is not workable. People are fickle creatures, and most look out only for themselves. There's a reason charities have suffered a lot during this war. If a society is to succeed, there needs to be at least something that keeps them together. How many times have you all seen a planet or nation refuse to contribute to the war effort and endanger billions?" Jack asked. "It's not pleasant, but after all that's happened, the good of everyone can't be left up to people."

"A choice," Mace Windu responded calmly after a bit of silence. "is all that I ask… If your form of government indeed reigns supreme in the eyes of the majority, then we don't we simply find out for ourselves?"

"What do you mean?..." Kenny cocked a brow, suspicious, yet at the same time curious as to where he was going with this.

"We deliver the supplies in our groups of three, as we planned." Mace Windu said. "And while we're on each planet, we ask the denizens of the planet where their thoughts lie. Will they wish to remain with this Empire? Try something new? Maybe even they decide to go independent…"

Mace Windu looked around, before getting to his ultimate point,

"I am aware of what has and what hasn't worked before, about what all has occurred, especially in these recent times, but this galaxy… needs order!"

"And the Empire has brought more order than your governments ever have." Carandial spoke.

"Agreed there." Anakin said firmly.

"Anakin…" Obi-Wan spoke, merely taken aback by his apprentice's sudden statement.

Drew could only look around with slightly wide eyes as everyone began to bicker. This was simply madness.

"I have no quarrel with you or your Empire, Anderson…" Mace Windu told him. "But I implore you that we give the people at the very least a decision after all they've been through in this war."

"Anakin," Padme said, hoping to end this argument. "Surely we can find a compromise here? Surely we can give the people a choice."

Anakin looked at Padme, before he sighed. To be honest...this whole thing was giving him flashbacks of what happened all those years ago, when he had lost everything because of the manipulations of Palpatine.

He had been blessed with a second chance here.

"If you knew what he was," a representative from China snapped. "What him and his brother have done, you would destroy his Empire which forced itself on us all and subjected us to six years of bloodshed!"

Drew's eyes widened, before his vision was completely replaced by an image.

The heavy breathing of Darth Vader was heard, as the Sith Lord stood there, his red lightsaber activated looking ready to kill.

This was one of the Sith he had seen during his panic attacks!

Instantly, however, Drew's vision was returned to normal, albeit with a lot of stress and wide eyes.

"He was Darth Vader." Mon Mothma said solemnly. While she supported Jack and his Empire out of convenience, she refused to allow another evil Emperor to force his will on the galaxy.

"How dare you!" Ahsoka snapped. "My master would never do such a vile thing as joining the Dark Side!"

"Ahsoka." Anakin said firmly, catching everyone off guard. He avoided their vision, a look of pained guilt on his face.

Ahsoka's defensive expression now softened, now appearing more apprehensive considering Anakin's tone of guilt.

"Master, what-" Ahsoka began to speak, before Anakin continued.

"You came here from the second year of the Clone Wars." Anakin spoke. "You know it was Palpatine's doing. But...he manipulated us all. He tormented me with visions of..." Anakin looked at Padme. "You, dying in childbirth."

"But it was not just him." Anakin said. "He used your distrust of me, and what you did to her," Anakin motioned to Ahsoka. "To turn me. Palpatine didn't conquer the Republic with the aid of Darkseid. He took it over from within. The clones were implanted with biochips at birth, and he used them to kill most of you."

Anakin looked down. "But make no mistake. The Jedi and the Republic fell for the same reasons you have brought up now. Factionalism and populism rotted the Republic enough where a Sith could take it over. Only through strong, decisive leadership will the galaxy be kept safe. Would the Empire have survived if not for the bravery of my brother and the Imperial Military? Most of our allies refused to join it until the end because they wanted to stay unaligned with politics. But in the end, it was Jack, Kenny, Caesarius, Carandial and all the others who kept the armies of hell back for the majority of the war. And the reason for that was because of one thing, those who could end the war were unable to do so because they were restricted by democracy."

Everyone remained silent after that. It was unclear whether the silence was due to Anakin's point on his view of government, or because of the detailed revelation of him being Darth Vader.

Perhaps for some, it was both…

"I- I…" Ahsoka spoke, her voice beginning to crack as she looked down. Anakin moved forward to comfort her but she quickly stood up, leaving the room without another word.

It appeared that news had hit her rather hard… She had heard all the legends and rumors about Vader, but for her Master to actually be behind it? It was too much for her to take in right now…

"Anakin…" Padme began, having a similar reaction to Ahsoka. "How...you..."

Anakin looked away.

Even Drew was dumbfounded. Master Skywalker… was one the intimidating Sith Lords from his visions!?

Sure, Anakin had briefly mentioned to him before that he had done 'horrible things', but what person hasn't in their life?

This… Well, this was unexpected.

"The 'Emperor' also allowed known war criminal, Zillum, off without punishment!" A Russian representative spoke.. "He's on Ryloth right now. I say we get rid of this Empire once and for all!"

This caused another uproar in argument between various representatives. However, said representative had amended the detail that the rest of the Justice League was present there. He had specifically targeted Jack, in a calculated attempt to destroy faith in the Empire.

"I agree…" Mace Windu narrowed his eyes with crossed arms, clearly the news of Vader greatly affecting him as well. But combined with these details he didn't know about? It sounded like exactly what he feared…

Corruption.

Jack stood up, now, causing everyone to go silent.

He looked around, before he stood in between Anakin and the Jedi. However, he didn't draw his lightsaber just yet.

"You are speaking of overthrowing the government of this galaxy, Master Jedi. Tread carefully." Jack took a deep breath, activating something.

He knew what the order was. And as much as it would pain him to use it, he would give it to the clones if this occurred. But this was an absolute last resort, though.

"Enough…" The voice of Yoda spoke, him standing up as well. "Waste valuable time, we do. Delivering aid to those in need, more important this is…"

Yoda turned to Anakin, a slightly disappointed expression on his face, but yet also an understanding one.

"Deal later with Master Skywalker, we will…" Yoda finished.

Jack looked at his brother, ready to intervene, but Anakin shook his head.

"Don't risk yourself for me, brother." Anakin said softly, before he unclipped his lightsaber, and handed it to Master Yoda. "My punishment is long overdue, anyway."

"Remember this, Master Skywalker." Yoda spoke as he looked at Anakin's lightsaber, which he had just given him. "Weak are those that join the Dark Side… But stronger, perhaps you are, for overcoming it…"

Yoda extended his arm, offering Anakin back his lightsaber.

"Need this on your travels, you will, hmm?" Yoda grinned.

Anakin hesitantly took it, before nodding with a slight smile.

Jack watched this, before he looked down.

"We've all suffered over this war." He sighed. "I'll allow a referendum, but only for those who wish to withdraw from the Empire. I cannot, in good conscience, leave the safety of our realm up to chance."

"Agreed we are," Yoda nodded with his grin, before looking back. "Aren't we, Windu?"

Mace Windu looked down at Yoda, before looking over at Jack.

"Agreed, we are." Mace Windu confirmed.

"Worry not, Master Skywalker. Forgotten about your punishment, I have not." Yoda spoke to Anakin, catching him just before he left.

"Go to Tatooine to deliver supplies, you will…" Yoda instructed with a grin.

Anakin blinked.

"Oh no..." Padme muttered. "He's about to go on about sand again."

"Arrest me! Please!" Anakin pleaded.

Ignoring Anakin's comment, Yoda instructed as he left the room,

"Go with your Padawan and Ahsoka Tano, you will. Time to reconnect, each of you need."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The silence on the ship was deafening. Anakin's hands were white knuckled as he gripped the steering wheel. He was clearly really uncomfortable after what he had said.

Drew decided to be Anakin's co pilot, because: one, he needed to improve his piloting skills anyway. And secondly, Ahsoka was still in a really upset mood.

She sat quietly in the room just behind the cockpit, awaiting to exit hyperspace so they could get the job done.

Drew gave a glance back to her, then to Anakin, but stayed quiet as well. None of that was any of his business anyways, so he just wanted to stay focused.

Anakin just kept looking forward.

Drew unwillingly gave a sigh. This trip to Tatooine was both long, and awkward. Drew honestly felt really bad for the two of them. He had seen firsthand how close the two of them were, and how often they trained together.

Hearing that her Master was the notorious Darth Vader probably shattered her thought about him not being capable of such a thing.

But… that was so long ago, right? Surely it would fade in time?

Well, upon a quick thought about it, Drew knew that was false. He knew from experience, that one doesn't just cast something out of their mind that easily.

Bebe had haunted his nightmares for years and years before they finally settled…

Anakin didn't acknowledge Drew's sigh, and just kept staring forward.

Seeing that they still had awhile to go in hyperspace, Drew glanced back at Ahsoka in the other room once more.

She was now lying down, facing the wall and away from them. It just got worse and worse

Drew glanced back at Anakin, and then quickly back to Ahsoka. The stress and tension of this entire trip was starting to really get to him.

Seeing Anakin still not acknowledging this, Drew nervously began to tap his fingers on his chair, trying to distract himself.

After several seconds of this, however, he couldn't take it anymore.

"Would you just talk to her?" Drew finally broke the silence, speaking to Anakin directly for the first time on this entire trip.

Anakin closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Snips...?" He asked tentatively.

Ahsoka never responded, unmoving from her position.

Drew could only remain glancing from behind him, a frown on his face. He knew how much she was probably hurting right now.

All thanks to that so called 'leader' of China…

Anakin sighed, before he turned to Drew.

"Can you take over for a second?"

"Of course…" Drew nodded, scooting over as Anakin stood up out of the piloting chair. "This is far more important."

Anakin walked back towards Ahsoka, before asking.

"Ahsoka, can I talk to you?"

"Go away, Master…" Ahsoka told him in a very soft and broken voice, still unmoving as she laid down and faced the wall. Her tone of voice almost revealed to him that she had been crying for a bit.

Anakin frowned, and sat down beside her.

"Ahsoka, I'm so sorry." He said. "For...everything."

"Why, Master?..." Ahsoka sniffled, before finally risking a tearful glance up at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Anakin looked down, before replying.

"Because...I was afraid." He sighed. This surprised Ahsoka, whom now slowly began to sit up.

"What- What do you mean by 'afraid'?..." Ahsoka asked him, wiping away a stray tear trying to come down.

"Because I lost Padme, Obi-Wan, and you once because of what Palpatine did. I couldn't...bring myself to tell you because...I knew what would happen." Anakin said.

He looked to the side.

"It was wrong to lie, but I didn't want to hurt you. And I didn't want the masters to hold you back because of my mistake."

Ahsoka looked down, absorbing her Master's words. Though her mind was understandably still very conflicted.

"I had heard the legends of Vader…" Ahsoka spoke, before looking up at him. "About how merciless he was. Of the many horrible things he did to so many innocent people…"

Ahsoka shook her head, before asking,

"What- What could Palpatine have offered you that would make such an amazing man go down such a vile path?"

"It was after you left the Jedi Order," Anakin began. "Like I said, I had nightmares of Padme dying in childbirth. I had lost my mother. I had lost you. Fives, Echo and so many of the clones were lost by that point. The thing is...when my mother was killed...on Tatooine, I had nightmares of her death."

"So… it was fear. As Master Yoda had said would lead someone to the Dark Side." Ahsoka observed. "Fear of losing those you cared about, and maybe even…"

Ahsoka looked down, her eyes beginning to widen.

"Maybe even how you felt when I left…" Ahsoka finished, a guilty tone in her voice.

"Exactly." Anakin sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I am sorry, Snips. It was no excuse, though."

"No." Ahsoka shook her head as she cut him off, standing up. "No, I should be the one who is sorry. I- I should never have abandoned you. Maybe- Maybe if I never left, you wouldn't have-"

"No," Anakin said firmly. "It was my fault and my fault alone that I fell to the Dark Side. Don't blame yourself."

He then added.

"But remember, people can always change. And after I learned that, I was blessed to see you all return. Even when I didn't deserve that."

"Yes, I…" Ahsoka trailed off, as if recollecting a memory. "I have definitely heard that before. When you had me learn about the planet Earth under some of Drew's teachings. He always told me that people can change, and admittedly, I never fully understood it at the time…"

Ahsoka looked towards the cockpit, where Drew was still controlling the ship, before looking back to her Master, a slight smile forming on her face,

"But I do now…"

Anakin smiled as well.

"Good. And I'm proud of you, snips. Not many students would be strong enough to call out their teacher on something like this."

Ahsoka couldn't help but smirk, finally appearing to be in better spirits.

"Right back at you, Skyguy…" Ahsoka referred to Anakin by his old nickname.

"Come on," Anakin said, noticing they were approaching Tatooine. "Let's help the galaxy heal a bit more."

Drew had a grin on his face from the cockpit. He had listened in a bit on some of their conversation, and honestly… it was a very touching moment.

It even showed that… maybe his old philosophy of people being able to change wasn't as far-fetched as he now believed. He had lost sight in what made the original thought so meaningful to him, and perhaps now… he had regained that sense of hope.

"Approaching Tatooine, Master Skywalker." Drew spoke as Anakin and Ahsoka walked into the cockpit. "You… might wanna take control from here. I haven't exactly mastered landing yet." He finished with a smirk.

"Let an old pro show you how it's done." Anakin chuckled as he took back control of the shuttle.

Ahsoka leaned forward with a smirk, whispering into Drew's ear,

"Showoff…"

The two of them couldn't help but chuckle at that, as Anakin proceeded to land in Mos Eisley.

"Welcome to hell..." Anakin muttered.

"Huh…" Drew looked out the window of the ship. "This doesn't exactly look like Mustafar…" He quipped.

"Sand equals bad, Drew. Remember that." Anakin said seriously.

Drew glanced over at Ahsoka, who could only smirk at the sight. Anakin had always told her that as well, though she could never quite understand his hatred for sand even today.

"One of us should stay on the ship and guard it." Ahsoka suggested. "There are Jawas lurking about on this planet- Well, you should know." She finished as she looked at Anakin.

"Well, since I know my way around here, how about Ahsoka guards the ship and I show you around this wretched hive of scum and villainy?" Anakin asked.

"Sounds like a plan to me…" Drew nodded with crossed arms as he looked around, seeing if that's the plan everyone was sure of.

"I can handle a couple of Jawas…" Ahsoka confidently said. "You boys can have your fun playing in the sand." She ended with a quip of her own.

"It's course, rough, irritating and gets everywhere. That's a no for me." Anakin quipped.

Everyone shared a laugh, before ultimately getting down to business.

"Okay…" Drew began, looking towards the back of the ship. "The supplies are back there, correct?"

"Yep." Ahsoka nodded, walking back there to help lift a box to present it to them.

"So what towns, villages, what have you, are we to deliver this food and supplies to anyhow?" Drew asked Anakin, as he was the local. That, and because he was the more experienced soldier and veteran of the previous war than he was.

"Mos Eisley, Mos Espa, Anchorhead…" Anakin read over the list. "We'll start here, and then head out to Anchorhead later."

"Got it." Drew replied in understanding.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The massive line in the sands of Tatooine's seemingly endless desert was clearly visible as the twin suns were high up in the sky.

This made the heat perhaps the highest it had been that day, and conditions for those forced to dwell in it extremely risky.

The line in the sand had come from a large, worn out bag filled with spare ship parts and other objects that to the common man, might just be cast aside as 'junk'.

But that word held no real meaning to the one in particular who had been dragging this bag through the desert for the past couple of hours now.

The person in question was a scavenger, who hunted for items such as these each and every day. She had adapted to the environment well; enough to keep on surviving.

The scavenger often used the items she found to her own benefit back at her small shelter she had set up in the middle of the desert, and when she didn't use them for herself directly, she walked to the local town to hopefully pawn them off for some spare credits to spend at their market.

Whatever it took to keep surviving, she was willing to do. After all, she had people to live for…

Long ago, when she was just a kid, her parents had left her in the very same spot she had since set up shelter in. They told her that they would be back soon, and for her to wait there.

That was almost 15 years ago by this point…

But even though she was just a 5 year old girl at the time, she had always remembered her parents word. They wouldn't just abandon her. After all, what had went down was really serious.

There was a brewing conflict on the sands of Tatooine. The scavenger didn't remember much about her parents' words on it, but she did remember about it having something to do with a 'Darkseid' and a 'Dark State' or something along those lines…

Whatever it was, the attack was bad enough for her parents to leave her here. Had they gone to find help? Had that conflict officially ended?

It was hard for her to tell, since not many people came around these parts… For all she knew, the conflict could have been on the completely opposite side of the planet.

A part of her was terrified that they would never return to her, however… Maybe they were gone. Perhaps it was time for her to move on.

That was the way she had thought for well over 10 years now… But with each passing day, something within her spirit told her to stay put and remain hopeful.

One day they would return to her… Or so she kept hoping…

The scavenger sighed, as finally her shelter was in view in the distance.

The same shelter…

Every day.

For over 10 years…

It got really repetitive, and that's where the other part of her came into play. The part of her that told her to just move on, leave this planet, and go live a meaningful life… Instead of just barely getting by day after day on this accursed rock!

The scavenger took a deep breath, trying to calm down. She was getting needlessly angry once again. It wasn't anyone's fault but herself. She had the power to leave, yet for some reason, she never did…

"All these parts to sort through…" The scavenger muttered with a sigh. "I think I'm just gonna have a quick nap and look through them all later…"

Walking up a medium sized hill, the scavenger saw her shelter, which was just below.

Upon trying to take a step down-

"URORUR!"

A loud roar came from just behind her, which caused her to flinch.

Upon turning around, she could only make out the faint form of a Tusken Raider, before she was whacked in the face with its rifle.

The scavenger tumbled down the hill, each of her parts spilling everywhere.

Hidden in the sidelines, a gang of Jawas waited patiently, waiting for nature to take its course. After the scavenger had run off or died, they would take whatever remaining parts were left behind.

The scavenger's vision was blurry, as she lifted her head up off the ground. A drop of blood came from her head, as she now knew that she had been hit good.

Struggling back up to her feet, her ringing ears picked up another roar from the same Tusken Raider, who now appeared to be calling his friends.

She stumbled in a daze, as she took her wooden staff off of her back. It wouldn't do much, but it could at the very least help her defend herself in case she had to escape.

'No…' The scavenger suddenly thought. She- She couldn't just leave! What if her parents came back soon!? What if they couldn't find her?

She couldn't just let these savages take her home…

But she would die if she stayed…

She was at a complete and total loss here.

"Urorur!" The Tusken Raider roared as he aimed his rifle down at the scavenger, which caused her eyes to widen.

Making a wild leap out of the way, the scavenger just narrowly avoided having her head blown off by the Tusken's rifle.

She now had her back on the sand, as a pack of Tusken Raiders now charged down the hill, while the one stayed up high to snipe her.

The scavenger froze in that moment, her life flashing before her eyes as they charged mercilessly at her.

She knew it was over…

There was a sudden snap hiss behind her, and for a split second, the Tuskens hesitated. Even the leader Tusken on top of the hill.

The scavenger widened her eyes, as she saw… Anakin and Drew, both of them holding their blue and yellow lightsaber in hand respectively.

Anakin narrowed his eyes, before he lifted his hand, grabbing a Tusken with the Force and flinging him to the side, before starting to walk forward.

Meanwhile Drew stood in front of the scavenger with lightsaber in hand, assuming a more defensive lightsaber form, in case the Tuskens were to get past Anakin.

The Tusken Raiders began to run forward, but within a matter of seconds, Anakin began to cut them all down.

They put up a very aggressive fight, but in the span of 10 seconds, Anakin had killed around 5 of them.

This caused the others in the group to hesitate, beginning to back away.

However, the scavenger looked back up at the Tusken who had shot at her, seeing him now aiming his rifle at Anakin.

"Look out!" The scavenger warned.

Drew widened his eyes, quickly using the Force to pull the Tusken off of the hill. It roared as it fell, before hitting the ground, breaking its neck on impact.

"I taught you well, it seems." Anakin commented, deactivating his lightsaber, before smiling a bit to Drew.

"You weren't so bad yourself…" Drew smiled as well, deactivating his own lightsaber, initially giving an understatement.

The two Jedi's gaze soon locked onto the scavenger, who was still lying on her back in the sand.

"You alright?" Drew asked her, offering a helping hand. "I had heard the Tuskens were vicious, but… whew."

The scavenger stared at his hand, almost as the gesture looked foreign to her.

"Uhm, or… not." Drew slowly pulled his hand away, before the scavenger suddenly asked them,

"Who are you?" She then looked at the lightsaber they had both clipped on their belts. "What are you?" She questioned as she now stood back up on her own.

"I'm Anakin Skywalker of the Jedi Order, this is my apprentice and Padawan, Drew." Anakin introduced.

Drew responded by waving with a grin.

"Who are you, young lady?" He asked.

"I…" The scavenger looked down, before looking out in the distance at the two suns. She could tell by their placement that it was the afternoon by now.

The scavenger sighed, before answering honestly,

"I… don't know who I am anymore." There was bit of silence, before she added, "But, most of the people in the local village when I visit usually call me 'Rey'..."

"Rey, hm?" Anakin asked. "Why are you out here at the time the Tuskens often hunt? Especially so deep into their territory?"

"I injured my arm yesterday." Rey hesitantly admitted with shame, showing them both the worn bandage she had wrapped around her left arm. "Because of that, I wasn't able to do my daily rounds… I was out later than usual today to make up for it, but…"

Rey looked down.

"Oh, I'll just say it. I got a bit careless. Most of the Tuskens I had seen before usually went about their business if I just kept my distance from them." She looked at her bag of spilled parts, which lay all over the ground now.

"I scavenge for parts, trying every day to get by out here. But as you can now see, this spill has set me back even further…" Rey knelt down, picking one of them up with her right arm. "It will take me into the night to pick all of this up in my condition…"

"Well, we could help…" Drew spoke without thinking much.

"Yeah, Tatooine is not an easy place to live." Anakin agreed. "We'll help you out."

Rey was about to respond to their offer of aid, before she finally saw the bags they each carried on their back.

"What have you got in there?" Rey asked them curiously.

"This?" Drew motioned to the bag. "Oh, we were sent to give supplies to those in need who were affected by the war."

"The war?" Rey's eyes widened.

"Yeah, the war…" Drew nodded in confusion, wondering where she was going with that.

"So… this 'Darkseid', 'Dark State' war has at last ended?" Rey asked with a hopeful smile.

Drew and Anakin looked each other, visibly confused by this point. The Dark State had been defeated a long time ago…

"Yes." Anakin replied, before asking.

"How long have you been here, Rey?"

Rey looked down, not at all happy about having to think about the past again. But she figured it was the least she could do with these two bringing such good news.

"I've been on this planet ever since I was born…" Rey answered. "But I've been out here scavenging for 15 years now, at least I think I have according to the Toydarian's calendar from the village."

"Toydarian?" Drew asked.

"Oh, yes." Rey smiled. "He's got a neat little shop filled with his own personal calendar, some nifty little clocks, some of them collectible-"

She cut herself off upon seeing the two cock a brow.

"Forgive me…" Rey cleared her throat. "I'm getting off topic. I was around 5 years old when this 'Dark State' launched their first attack in my home village. Me and my parents were among the lucky ones who escaped, but the village was no more after that."

Rey looked down, before continuing,

"We ran far, but it would have been only a matter of time before they caught up to us…" She sniffled. "They left me out here, and told me to wait. They ran away, and… I never saw them again."

Drew's heart hurt just hearing about that. These senseless conflicts had cost so many their lives; so he could connect to what she was saying here…

"I didn't lose faith, however." Rey explained. "I used my father's teachings of taking things apart to my advantage, and even as a little girl, I used my craftiness and what little skill had been taught to me to my advantage. This was the very spot they left me in, and I've been here ever since."

"Fixing things, eh?" Anakin chuckled. "I can relate to that."

"Well," Rey grinned slightly. "You do what you can out here to survive…"

She at last put her wooden staff on her back, before she spoke,

"You have brought me most wonderful news! Now that the war with the Dark State is over, I may just see my parents again! I have waited so long to hear what you have told me today."

Drew couldn't help but frown. Clearly she didn't know about what all had happened in the galaxy, and she was blinded to everything else that wasn't right here in this desert.

"What?" Rey asked Drew, her smile fading a bit. "Is something the matter?"

"It's… just- Well…"

Rey continued to look at him, a concerned frown of her own on her face.

"I was just gonna say… that what if they don't come back straight away? The war just ended after all, so it could take them awhile. You'd do best if you got out of this sun for awhile, especially with your injury." Drew suggested.

"It's not that simple." Rey shook her head. "I have to keep looking for what items I can find, or I won't be able to afford any food or that which I need to live… There's a merchant who takes whatever he can in the village a few miles from here. That's usually where I get the credits I need to do so."

"Well, we have some food and supplies right here." Drew reminded, taking the bag off of his shoulders, rummaging through it.

"You don't have to do that… That's your own food that you earned-" Rey spoke, appearing hesitant about accepting it.

"It's a Jedi's job to help those in need…" Drew told her, before grinning. "And lucky for you, that's what we're also on this planet to do."

"We're here to distribute aid to those planets that have suffered due to the war.." Anakin added.

"A Je...di?" Rey slowly tried to pronounce the word, cocking a brow. "What is that?"

"The Jedi Knights are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy." Anakin replied. "Though it's been quite a while since we've been this deep into the Outer Rim."

"'Outer Rim'..." Rey repeated the term. "I've heard that term used before in the village. Supposedly it's only one part of an even wider galaxy! You, as Jedi… have you explored the galaxy at all?"

"Yes." Anakin replied. "Though lately, some of us have spent most of our time on Earth. It's a nice place. Covered in forests and oceans."

"Oh, that sounds so wonderful!" Rey responded, full of joy in her tone, though that tone quickly changed when she looked back down at the sand below her. "I've always wondered what the galaxy was like… But I've never left Tatooine."

"Never?" Drew widened his eyes, a bit shocked by that.

Rey shook her head with a frown.

"Never…" She confirmed.

Anakin crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Master Skywalker, what are you-" Drew began, before Anakin spoke.

"I spent most of my childhood here. I know how awful it is. If you wish, we can take you away from here. You can go anywhere in the galaxy." He offered.

"Wait, what?" Rey's eyes widened, taken aback by such an offer.

"What?" Drew asked Anakin, not expecting him to do that either.

"I- I don't know what to- You would do that!?" Rey asked of Anakin.

"Yes." Anakin said genuinely. "It is no problem, Rey."

"Wow…" Rey began to laugh in pure joy. For perhaps the first time in a long time, she had a ticket off of this-

Her face then fell once more, upon stepping on one of the spilled parts from earlier.

"I- I can't…" Rey then sighed, feeling the conflict within her return once again. "I can't just leave… Not when my parents might return. The war has at last ended, so this might be the time…"

Anakin and Drew frowned at this, giving a glance at each other. However, it was at that moment that Drew got an idea,

"Well, you could come with us, and should they ever return… we could contact them."

"Really?" Rey's eyes widened.

Drew nodded with a grin.

"Yep. You have only my word."

It was true, after all. Even if they didn't have the heart to tell her that her parents were more than likely gone, you never really knew for sure. And if they actually did return as she had hoped, they would fulfill that promise.

"Thank you…" Rey told them both, wrapping the two in a hug. "Thank you…"

Tears began to stream down her face. At last, not only did she have a way out of here, but also a means of contacting her parents if they ever returned.

There was no reason not to leave now!

"But first, we have a job to do." Drew reminded, as Rey let go of her embrace.

"Do you… both need any help?" Rey asked with a grin, eager to assist. "I know a shortcut that can get us to the nearby village if that is one of your destinations."

"That would be good, Rey." Anakin replied. "Thank you."

Quickly running to her shelter and throwing whatever worn clothes she had left into the bag she had used previously to carry the parts, she bolted off full speed ahead of them, her newfound joy shooting her full of energy.

"It's this way!" Rey exclaimed, before she continued to run towards her destination.

"Let's hope this 'shortcut' of hers doesn't lead us into any trouble…" Drew sarcastically told Anakin with a smirk, finding her innocence rather cute to witness.

You didn't find that a lot anymore.

"I'm more concerned about being stuck between the most innocent and most serious people in existence." Anakin chuckled.

"Hey, I'm not that serious-" Drew began, before Anakin rose a brow, giving him a look that showed he could list off dozens of examples. "I see your point…"

"Let's go, Grumpy Cat." Anakin chuckled.

"Ever since Jack showed you that meme you've done nothing but send it to me on social media." Drew voiced his slight frustration. "Do you really have to send a picture of Grumpy Cat to me every time you text me to come train at the Jedi Temple?"

Drew promptly got a text of Grumpy Cat with the words 'No'.

Drew sighed, before simply running up the hill to catch up to Rey, finding an excuse to inevitably not return the message.

Anakin rolled his eyes, and promptly followed.

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"Okay," Jack said as he sat down with Yoda, Master Windu, Geoff and Apollo. "I understand your concerns, but I hope you understand mine. Things under the Galactic Republic in its last years were not perfect. But neither were things under the Empire. Which is why I'm offering you this choice, now. If you wish to remain in the Empire but also reform it, I will allow that. But if you wish to reform your Republic and allow the nations of the galaxy a referendum to determine their fate, as was done four years ago, I will allow it."

"Emperor Anderson," Mace Windu stood up, looking among his colleagues, and then finally back to Jack. "Let me be the first to apologize for my words earlier on. It was… unprofessional. And while I still maintain my stance, that was not the proper way of saying it. And for that, I am sorry."

Mace Windu took a breath, before he continued,

"Let me also be the first to say, that I am in full agreement with this proposal… It is the most fair way of going about things, in the aftermath of such a catastrophic war."

"Mmm, yes…" Yoda responded. "A referendum, this would be. Freedom of choice, the galaxy would all have…"

"Indeed." Jack stated. "And I give you my word I will honor the results of the Referendum."

"Yeah, I will as well." Geoff declared. "And whatever does happen, I look forward to continuing to work together with you dudes to fix the galaxy, whether in the Empire or not."

"Agreed there." Apollo spoke. "I would like to offer my own support to such a proposal. I can assist the Jedi with the formation of a government for the Republic if you require.."

"The Republic shall once again be reformed for whoever wishes to join…" Mace Windu confirmed. "However, it will be set up very differently in some areas, in select cases very drastically, so that we do not suffer the same mistakes we did during its initial fall…"

"Good." Jack spoke. "The last thing we need is another Palpatine."

"In agreement, we are…" Yoda responded with a slight nod.

"How soon do we enact this referendum?" Mace Windu questioned. "I move that when the supply ships return and everyone is gathered once more, an announcement should be made…"

"Agreed." Jack confirmed. "To peace." He then added.

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"Thanks for your help, Rey." Anakin said as they handed out the last of the supplies.

"Yeah, you weren't kidding." Drew couldn't help but chuckle towards Rey. "You sure seem to know your way around this part of Tatooine, kid."

"And just who are you calling a 'kid'?" Rey put her hands on her hips with a smirk. "You look roughly my age, no older."

"Oh?" Drew smirked back. "And just how old are you, anyways?"

Rey paused for a bit, before putting a finger on her chin in thought.

"Hmm, well… To be honest I don't often think about it. I've been on the same routine for so many years, it's hard for me to think right now. Just give me a moment…"

After a few seconds, it seemed that she was content with what answer she had thought of,

"Well… I was 5 years old when I lost my parents, and the Dark State attacked our home a little over a decade ago… I'd have to say that I'm about 20 years old by now."

"Well, I'm 23. Turn 24 next month." Drew grinned. "So ha! Looks like I am older…"

"Your maturity exceeds you…" Rey grinned with rolled eyes.

"Oh trust me, Drew's the most boring, grown up, mature person in this galaxy."Anakin chuckled, before making a face that resembled Grumpy Cat. "This was his usual expression once upon a time."

"I'll… take that as a compliment." Drew responded, taking mock offense to that gesture.

This got a chuckle out of Rey, whom responded,

"You Jedi are a funny lot…" She looked among with of them, before adding, "I must say, this is the most fun I've had in years. Just… having someone to converse with, other than the local villagers or the greedy business owners…"

"I grew up here, so I know this place isn't exactly a good place to live." Anakin replied.

"You grew up here on Tatooine?" Rey's eyes widened a bit, her interest piqued. "Tell me, what was it like? Probably not good, as you said, but… Was it… better or worse back then?"

"It was still sandy, still hot, and the Hutts were a lot more open about their activities than they were since the Empire rose to power." Anakin replied. "So...pretty much the same."

"I'm a lot like you." Rey said. "I want to just leave this accursed planet and never look back… So much pain lives within me here… Many horrible memories that I wish to forget about. It appears as though I'll get that chance before long."

"Well, you won't have to be a scavenger any longer once we leave Tatooine." Drew smiled. "Though of course… the skills you've acquired over the years doing it will definitely be put to good use."

"How do you mean?" Rey wondered.

"Well…" Drew spoke, looking up in thought. "You seem to know how to tear things apart and put them back together again really well. You could always be a mechanic for ships. But not only that. There are literally an endless supply of things you could do with your life… After all, it is yours to live…"

Rey smiled upon hearing that, before she pointed down at Drew's belt, saying,

"I want to do that."

Drew took a look down to where she was pointing, before he cocked a brow.

"Uhmm… Do what, exactly?" Drew asked.

"That." Rey chuckled. "I want to become a Jedi."

Drew and Anakin looked one another, caught off guard by such a statement. It was very clear to them, however, that she didn't fully know what it meant to be a Jedi.

"Why… do you say that?" Drew asked Rey.

"Because…" Rey put a hand on her arm, looking off to the side in a timid way. "The way you both took out those Tusken Raiders… It just came so effortlessly to you both, the way it looked. Plus you guys are just such a delight to be around, and I thought it would allow us to remain close…"

Drew was actually caught off guard by her answer, just as he and Anakin was her bold declaration of wanting to go the Jedi path. It was clear she didn't understand everything of how being a Jedi worked, but it couldn't be denied that she really liked the pair of them.

After all, it had been how long since she conversed with anyone as a friend?...

He was simply at a loss… Drew really liked her company as well, but that didn't mean she had what it took to become a Jedi.

She not only had to be Force sensitive, but she also had to be dedicated to the Order…

Anakin seemed to have the same idea.

"We can bring you to the council, and if you're Force sensitive, then you might be trained. But Rey, it's not easy, though. It's difficult, and in many cases, dangerous." He cautioned, not wanting this girl to throw her life away being a Jedi when she could be anything in the galaxy.

Rey had to frown at that, but she tried to put on as much determination as she could,

"W- Well I could always learn! I could learn this 'Force' that you speak of! No matter how long it takes…"

"Unfortunately," Drew sighed. "It isn't a matter of learning. At least, not entirely."

"Well, what do you mean?..." Rey asked with a frown.

"You have to be born Force sensitive. You can't simply learn it if your Midichlorian count is too low."

"A midi- what?" Rey questioned, appearing a sorts of confused.

"Midichlorians are tiny, microscopic you can't see." Anakin said. "They live in your blood. They are the building blocks of the Force. The more Midichlorians you have, the stronger you are with the Force."

He then added. "It's hard to explain, but someone's ability to use the Force is determined by the amount of Midichlorians they have."

"Oh, wow…" Rey looked down, clearly overwhelmed. "It appears there's a lot more to it than I once thought…"

"You gotta be committed, Rey…" Drew told her, as she looked back up at him. "We can certainly bring you before the Council if you still want to, but I'm warning you now, if you aren't dedicated to learn the ways of the Force… you will fail."

Rey absorbed this information, before she took a deep breath and nodded.

"I understand…" Rey said.

"So…" Drew began after a few seconds of silence had gone by. "What are you thinking? I sense much conflict within you…"

Rey seemed a bit surprised as to how in the heck he had managed to sense such a thing, but she took another moment, before responding,

"Perhaps… I'll take some time to think on it."

"Don't feel obligated to, if that's not what you want. We can still get you away from Tatooine. It's your choice what you do afterwards." Anakin replied with a slight smile.

Drew took a look up to the sky, seeing that the twin suns were now beginning to set.

"It's going to be nightfall before too long…" Drew stated the obvious. "Our mission is complete. We'd best get back to the ship and be on our way if we're going."

"And, besides…" Drew gave a slight smirk. "I doubt Ahsoka wants to be on Jawa guard duty all night."

"Ugh," Anakin muttered, having always disliked the pesky junk dealers. "Jawas..."

"Ahsoka…" Rey repeated the name. "Who is that?"

"A good friend…" Drew vaguely answered, before motioning her forward. "Come on, let's get back to the ship. You can meet her."

"Guys! Come in! We got a situation in Mos Eisley!" Ahsoka suddenly reported on the communicator. "Looks like...Stormtroopers in the city."

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."Looks like a whole battalion there..." Anakin commented as he looked through the binoculars. "They even have an E-WEB Turret..."

"Great…" Drew shook his head with a whisper as the four looked at the small village in Mos Eisley in the distance.

It was, indeed, infested with a battalion of Stormtroopers, all of whom had their blasters aimed at one building in particular.

"So many of those strange troops in one place…" Rey breathed, her eyes simply widened in both awe and fear. "What could they want?"

"That's what I'm hoping we can figure out…" Ahsoka whispered, squinting her eyes so as to get a clearer look.

Anakin adjusted the binoculars, before pulling up a communicator.

"There has to be a fleet nearby that can send reinforcements.." Anakin commented, debating whether or not to call for reinforcements. However, he soon got an idea. Though he knew it likely wasn't feasible.

"You think we should call my brother in?" He chuckled. "He mentioned a power that his new battle-axe had that could get us some help much quicker."

"You said it yourself, Master…" Drew began. "Why do things the easy way?"

"Got a point…" Ahsoka couldn't help but smirk.

"Yeah, might be fun.." Anakin shrugged. "Besides, the Stormtroopers are probably covered in sand!"

"I'd like to think I'm sick of the sand on this planet just as much," Rey began, before chuckling, "But he sure does have quite the prejudice of sand, doesn't he?"

"You have no idea…" Ahsoka sighed, before looking to her Master.

"Are you ladies done commenting about sand or are-" Anakin began, before an explosion caught their attention in the town. A torrent of laser fire from a building seemed to show that some of the locals were resisting the occupation.

"Guess that's our cue." Anakin chuckled, getting up.

Ahsoka's two green lightsabers activated, followed by Drew's yellow, and finally Anakin's blue.

As the Jedi began to run down the small hill towards the fray, Rey took her wooden staff off of her shoulder, preparing to join them.

"Woah, woah…" Drew abruptly stopped in his tracks as he saw Rey following them, deactivating his lightsaber and running back towards her.

Anakin and Ahsoka stopped as well, but Drew motioned them with his hand for them to keep going.

The two of them looked at each other, before doing so.

"What?" Rey asked Drew with a slightly frustrated shrug. "We have you stopped me-"

"You can't go down there against all those Stormtroopers…" Drew told her. "You could be killed. Not to mention your shoulder is still affected by that pre-existing injury you informed us of."

"But-" Rey tried to protest, before Drew cut her off,

"No buts…" He put a hand on her shoulder, before adding more calmly, "You are not ready… Please… Stay here. I can't risk your life like that. Those Stormtroopers are trained soldiers who will show no mercy."

Rey's eyes widened a bit, before she gave a defeated sigh, tossing her wooden staff to the ground in frustration.

"I… understand." Rey finally conceded.

Drew gave a quick nod, before he activated his lightsaber once again, preparing to run off to catch up with Anakin and Ahsoka.

As he did this, the first shots were fired at the advancing Jedi. However, one Stormtrooper hesitated.

"Jedi?! No-one said anything about fighting a Mandalorian, three Jedi and an Imperial Special Forces soldier! I'm outta here!"

With that, said Stormtrooper began to run off, throwing his rifle into the air and running for his life.

Two other Stormtroopers looked to each other, before following their friend's example.

There were some brave ones, however, one of which simply chuckled to his comrades,

"Heh… 'Jedi'." The Stormtrooper mocked, before aiming his blaster at a currently unsuspecting Drew, who seemed to be focused on the fleeing Stormtroopers. "Watch this, boys… Headshot incoming."

PEW!

The blaster went off, but…

He completely missed.

Drew turned around, lightsaber in hand, before narrowing his eyes.

"Uhmm…" The Stormtrooper spoke, shaking his blaster while now looking a bit nervous. "Hang on, that was just a practice shot."

PEW!

The blaster was fired once again, but this time Drew hit the still way off course beam with his lightsaber, sending it back into the Stormtrooper's chest, killing him.

As this occurred, a sudden burst of flames from the building incinerated several Stormtroopers.

"Woah…" Ahsoka's eyes widened, as did Drew and Anakin's. She turned to her Master and ally, before asking, "What do you think did that?"

"Huh, interesting choice of attack..." Anakin commented. "I guess they were right about a Mandalorian being out here..."

"Manda- what?" Drew questioned with a cocked brow.

"Mandalorian." Ahsoka repeated. "They're native to Mandalore, and are said to be the greatest warriors in the galaxy…"

"Mandalore…" Drew repeated the planet's name. "Huh, must be a pretty rough place, then."

"Actually, its main planet is quite a peaceful and beautiful looking place." Ahsoka smiled, fond of the memories. "It's mainly their moon you have to be worried about. The Deathwatch resides on that, which are pretty unmistakable. They wear blue armor and almost always have their helmets on."

"Let's focus on the fight at hand," Anakin said. "We can talk about history later."

As he said this, both Drew and Ahsoka noticed the slightest hint of worry in Anakin's tone.

"What is it, Master?" Ahsoka asked Anakin. "I know that look…"

"Let's just focus on the battle, Snips." Anakin said firmly, before charging back into the fray.

Ahsoka slightly cringed at the tone in his voice, but seemed to get the picture, following suit.

Drew took a moment to stand there, reflecting on that brief interaction. He honestly couldn't help but wonder… what was Anakin so jumpy about?

Just as quickly as he had stopped to reflect on this, he ran forward to follow the two.

A Stormtrooper tried to fire at Drew, but was suddenly gunned down before he could fire.

Drew turned to see a young woman with short, black hair and what looked like an Imperial Special Forces uniform emerge from hiding, alongside a man who wielded two blasters at the same time and finally…

"Who are you? What are you doing here?..." The Mandalorian questioned the three Jedi, a Blaster pointed directly at Drew and particular's head. It was clear that he was very defensive, and looked to have been through a lot in the past day.

"Deathwatch!" Ahsoka exclaimed, assuming a defensive lightsaber stance of her own.

"Wait." The young woman said, holding up her hand. "I know them. We can trust them, Mando."

"One of them was once a co-Emperor, so you probably don't want another bounty on your head..." The man with the two blasters added.

(I must say, now I'm fully invested in NK again.)

(I have been, but probably moreso now lol)

(Yeah, lol)

The Mandalorian's helmet covered his face, which made his expression hard to really tell right now. He now had his blaster pointed towards Ahsoka, whom had stood defensively towards him with her lightsabers earlier.

"You're Empire?" The Mandalorian abruptly asked them.

"That's right…" Drew answered, deactivating his lightsaber. "We aren't here for a fight."

The Mandalorian seemed to look hesitant, before Ahsoka questioned with confusion,

"B- But, Master! He's a Deathwatch member! How can we trust-"

"Snips, I will explain later." Anakin said gently.

"Deathwatch has been long gone, kid…" The Mandalorian answered for Ahsoka anyways, putting away his blaster. "And you can stop pointing your glowing laser swords at me at anytime…"

Ahsoka's face looked very confused, but then it turned to one of embarrassment, deactivating both of her lightsabers.

"I'm sorry… I-" Ahsoka began. "-I guess I just forget I'm simply in a different point in time now."

"I heard about that..." The young woman commented, before what sounded like...a baby's mewling was heard.

Anakin's eyes widened when...a tiny infant waddled out and looked up at them with the most adorable, innocent expression ever as he tilted his head to the side curiously. However, what caught the Jedi's attention the most was his...species.

"Aww…" Ahsoka cooed, looking down at it. "He's so cute! He almost looks like… Grandmaster Yoda."

"Yeah…" Drew cocked a brow, the small green creature looking up at him as he inched a bit closer. "It does-"

"Get away from it!" Mando demanded, pulling his blaster back out.

As Ahsoka instinctively activated her lightsabers once again in protection of her ally, the other young woman pushed Mando's hand down.

"Mando…" She spoke. "They are friendly. You can trust them, I promise… No one else is after the kid."

Mando stood there for a moment, before putting his blaster down again, which prompted Ahsoka to deactivate her lightsabers.

"That's not true…" Mando spoke, before picking the baby up.

"What?" The man with the two blasters questioned in slight confusion. "What do you-"

"Well, remember," Mando began to answer. "Moff Gideon could still be out there… And as long as he's still alive, the child isn't safe."

"Who is Moff Gideon?" Drew asked, which caused the Mandalorian and his group to all look among each other.

"He's the one who initiated this attack. The one who brought together that legion of Stormtroopers." The man with the two blasters answered. "He is a very dangerous war criminal."

"We know. We dealt with him back before Pellaeon stopped the fighting for a bit." Anakin replied. "He disappeared in the years after though..."

"If you guys know who he is, then why is your friend here asking about who he is?" Mando questioned.

"Well," Drew began to explain, motioning to Anakin and Ahsoka. "These two were technically veterans of the war. As for me? Well, I wasn't actively involved…"

"Well, what did you do during all that time?" The man with the two blasters appeared a bit surprised. "It was a hell of a time, and you look like you are more than able to put up a fight."

"Why, he was the co-Emperor." The young woman reminded. "Or at least, once upon a time… He was also the Batman, I think. Do you still do that?"

"It's…" Drew sighed. "A very complex story. Look, all you need to know is, you can trust us. We don't want a fight, and we are certainly not here to stir up trouble…"

Everyone stood there for a few seconds, before at last the Mandalorian broke the silence,

"Alright…" He began. "I believe you… for now. Trust is something that is earned, after all."

"On that, we agree." Drew responded.

"This little guy..." Anakin commented, looking back at...Baby Yoda. "How did you find him?"

Mando stood there for a moment, before he looked down, as if trying to piece together the memories.

"Me and my Mandalorian brothers and sisters… we were forced into hiding underground." Mando began. "Because of this, a select few of us took up bounty hunting in order to provide for those of us who were left. I was perhaps the most notorious in this part of the galaxy."

Mando looked down at the baby, before sighing and continuing,

"It was just another bounty. Or, well, I wish I could call it that." Mando then motioned to the man with the two blasters. "This here is Greef Karga. He was the man who assigned to me each of my jobs, including this one in particular."

Mando crossed his arms, before getting to the important part of the story,

"I got orders from General Grievous, himself. He told me to locate this 50 year old target, and yet wouldn't reveal much information other than that out of fear of the Empire catching wind of this. After using the tracking fob to track this target down, it…"

The Mandalorian looked at the Baby Yoda in his arms, which looked up at him with a coo.

"It turned out to be this… child." Mando said. "I was under strict orders by Grievous to kill it, but… I couldn't go through with it. I ended up giving it to him alive, but… I guess I grew more of a conscience after taking the reward. I went back for him. I stormed the small base they were keeping him held in. I took him back."

"That's a very honorable thing of you to do.." Anakin spoke. "Has...he shown any telekinetic abilities? Been able to move things with his mind?"

Mando looked hesitant to respond, but Grief Karga suddenly commented,

"Ohh, you mean the magic hand thing? Yeah, he can do that!"

Mando turned around to face him, his expression unreadable by the helmet blocking its view. However, it didn't take a genius to figure out that Mando was probably annoyed by that.

"What?" Grief Karga tried to defend.

"We know what that ability is." Anakin said. "We're capable of it ourselves."

"You… are?" Mando questioned, clearly a bit skeptical.

"Yep!" Ahsoka responded with a grin and a nod. "We're Jedi, and we've been trained in such abilities, as well as how to hone them."

"Jedi…" Mando repeated, before looking back to his friends. "The blacksmith spoke of Jedi to us just earlier, did she not? About how… the child was 'of their kind'?"

"Yeah. She mentioned them." The young woman commented. "I guess it's a good thing we ended up here..."

"Hmm…" Anakin took a few small steps forward, before lifting his left hand up with his eyes closed in Baby Yoda's direction.

"What are you-" Mando began to protest, still not completely sure of whether or not to trust them, before he silenced by the young woman, Cara Dune, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Anakin's brows rose a little bit, his eyes still shut, before his hand dropped to his hip once more.

"What did you see, Master?" Ahsoka asked the Jedi Master.

"The Force… is strong with this one." Anakin confirmed, looking into the eyes of Baby Yoda, whom could only look on with innocent curiosity, not understanding anything about what was going on. "Very strong…"

"What exactly does that entail?" Mando asked Anakin, whom now looked directly at him.

"It means your 'child' is on the path to becoming amongst the most wisest and powerful Jedi, should he join the Order to train and hone his natural abilities." Anakin explained.

"With all due respect, uhm… Jedi." Mando began, looking Anakin directly in the eye. "I'm not sure I want your kind anywhere near him. Despite what my ally Cara Dune has to say. It's nothing personal, I assure you, but I'm pretty well equipped to handle this on my own…"

"Remember what she said, though, Mando:.." Cara Dune attempted to persuade. "The blacksmith said that-"

"I know what the blacksmith said!" Mando exclaimed, before looking away with a sigh.

Momentary silence filled the area, Mando looking the completely opposite direction, before briefly looking down at Baby Yoda who was in his arms.

"You… don't want to give up the child…" Drew sensed. "You will miss him greatly; Will be sad to part ways with him."

"I am not sad!" Mando growled, clearly defensive in his hardened reputation.

"Mando," Cara Dune softly spoke. "It's okay to show emotion… No one will judge you for it. The connection you've built with this child is clear to each of us."

Mando looked down, as if unsure in himself, before Greef Karga suddenly spoke up,

"Look, Mando. I…" Greef Karga sighed, before continuing, "I understand where you're coming from. I had a daughter once myself, after all…"

"You… had a daughter?" Mando widened his eyes, honestly surprised by that, though his helmet masked that from everyone else.

"Indeed I did…" Greef Karga nodded, as if reminiscing about memories most painful to him.

"Her mother was but a wayward Twi'lek I had met on Ryloth. Back when I was nothing but a petty smuggler who worked for some extra credits. Back before I was at the very top of the Bounty Hunter's Guild…" He began to explain. "I had met her on one of my runs… And needless to say, she was… quite a wildcard."

Greef Karga chuckled at his recollection of their first meeting, before the grin soon disappeared,

"I eventually learned that she was pregnant… And because of that fact, we had decided to settle down in her native village on Ryloth." He continued to tell his story. "I had left the smuggling business behind me, but I still needed some quick money to provide for my new family..."

"So you became a bounty hunter?" Mando assumed.

"That's right…" Greef Karga confirmed, before Drew questioned,

"Well wait, how come you didn't just opt for a regular job? Surely bounty hunting wasn't your first choice?"

"What job would I have gotten?" Greef Karga shrugged. "Ryloth's economy had simply gone under by that point. The Dark State occupied the entirety of Ryloth by that point in time, unfairly taxing its people. That's why I was paid handsomely for smuggling food and supplies into the planet. More than I should have been paid, but a lot less than what the Dark State was charging. That's for certain."

"Wouldn't the Dark State have realized they weren't paying?" Mando questioned.

"That was the problem, Mando…" Greef Karga said. "It was because they couldn't afford to pay their taxes that the Dark State withheld food and essential items from its people."

"And all this time I thought you were a no good, greedy slime…" Kara Dune crossed her arms, truly taken aback by what she was hearing.

"I'll take that as a compliment…" Greef Karga smirked, before he continued with his story,

"But anyways, we fell on some hard times. But it was okay, because we in turn fell so much in love with one another…"

"What happened?" Anakin asked, now among those invested in the story.

Greef Karga looked down with a frown. It was clear that whatever it was, it wasn't pleasant.

"It proved that me flying so far under the radar was a mistake…" Greef Karga said. "Not long after our little girl was born, I failed to recognize how much more guarded the planet had become under the iron grip of the Dark State. World War III had started on the planet of Earth, and it would only grow worse from there. We ran low on food, and I couldn't leave the planet to smuggle any more without it being suspicious. I would have surely been killed on the spot…"

Greef Karga looked down, before he struggled to get out,

"Our- Our village was later under the 'supervision' of the Dark State's military forces… All the men were slain… All the women, were raped… And the children?" He shook his head. "Unspeakable things…" Greef Karga vaguely explained, clearly disgusted with the memory.

"That's awful…" Ahsoka softly spoke, clearly sympathetic for him. "What did you do?"

Greef Karga disappeared into his memories once again, as if disappearing within them as he continued to tell his story,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Lyn! Hurry! Please hurry… I think I hear them coming…" A younger Greef Karga whispered to his wife, risking peeks from outside their window to hear the multiple thundering footsteps inching closer to their residence. It seemed that each and every place of living was being searched…

And while not everyone was murdered, absolutely no one was spared the Dark State's wrath that day…

"Nima…" Lyn, a female blue Twi'lek whom was Greef Karga's wife gently spoke to their infant daughter, trying to ease her fear and silence her crying over the chaos coming from outside. "Shh… Nima, it's okay. Mommy and Daddy will keep you safe."

"Lyn, you need to run!" Greef Karga took some deep breaths, his blast drawn now as he knelt beside the front entrance. "I can hold them off, but not for long…"

"Greef, no…" Lyn's eyes widened, rocking their daughter as she walked up to him, tears beginning to form. "You can't! You have to flee with us! If you try to fight them you'll be killed!"

"It'll be WORTH it…" Greef Karga emphasized, placing his hands on his wife's shoulders. "So that you and Nima can escape this accursed place!"

"Where would we even GO Greef?" Lyn bawled. "They would only find us later!"

"Not necessarily…" Greef Karga said. "I've enlisted in some help… An old pirate buddy of mine will be waiting for you to get you the hell off this rock. Just escape out the back and keep running… Don't look back. I'll hold them off long enough so that you and Nima can get away. Your way out of here will find you…"

Lyn stood there frozen for a moment, continuing to shed tears, putting the palm of her hand on Greef's face:

"Oh… Greef-" Lyn sorrowfully spoke, before Greef Karga gently pushed her hand down.

"Don't 'oh Greef' me, you firecracker…" Greef Karga smirked, calling her by the old nickname he had given her, due to her previously wild personality.

Lyn gave a sorrowful grin of her own, before she said,

"I love-"

Greef Karga then pulled her in close, cutting her off with a passionate kiss on the lips. Pulling away, he then responded with a smile,

"I love you too…"

Hearing a small cry from their baby, Greef looked down at her, his grin still there. He looked down on her with pride, simply reflecting on the beautiful child they had created together.

"And I love you too, Nima…" Greef Karga whispered, giving his daughter a peck on the cheek. "Daddy loves you… You'll go on to do amazing things."

The little baby, whom was blue like her mother, looked up at her father with a wide smile, laughing playfully a bit.

However, that joyous moment would soon be interrupted by-

BANG!

The door had been aggressively slammed into, though luckily Greef's barricade had kept them from getting in for now.

"Go…" Greef ordered his wife, before kneeling down with his blaster aimed towards the door. "They'll break in here in any moment! You're getting out of here!"

"But Greef-"

"I won't say it again! Please… Get yourself and our daughter away from this nightmare." Greef Karga cut Lyn off, as if pleading.

Lyn closed her eyes briefly, but knew there was no other way of convincing him.

BANG!

The second bang on the door got her moving, as she ran as quickly as she could, their baby in her arms as she escaped out the back door.

Knowing that his mission was complete, Greef Karga simply took a deep breath, and kept his blaster pointed at the door, accepting his fate.

BANG!

The third slam on the door finally broke through the barricade, and a squad of Dark State troops rushed in, which caused Greef to finally act,

PEW! PEW!

Greef Karga missed on his first shot, but shot a Dark State soldier in the head on his second shot. After that, their blasters all began to go off, as Greef pushed the table in their kitchen to the ground, using it as a bit of cover.

He knew it wouldn't last very long, and that there was nowhere else for him to go, but it would at least buy his wife and child more time to escape unnoticed.

He attempted to shoot at more of the soldiers, but Greef suddenly had his wrist shot with one of their blaster rifles, which caused him to drop it to the ground.

He was trapped…

This was it.

"Now wait just a minute…" Greef heard a voice speak from the front doorway, which immediately caused the soldiers to line up in formation.

They knew Greef was all but defenseless now, anyways, so they weren't worried about him attacking any longer.

Stepping into the house, was a man with a blue cape flowing behind him. He looked as if he commanded authority, just as his confident posture made clear as he strutted forward.

"Come on out, Mr. Karga…" The man spoke. "We have much to discuss…"

"W- Who the hell are you!? What do you want!" Greef Karga demanded, which caused the man to merely smirk.

"I… am Moff Gideon."

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"So… you were there to witness the Great Invasion of Ryloth…" Cara Dune widened her eyes.

"Not just witness…" Greef Karga reminded firmly. "Experienced…"

Drew looked on with pity. He truly felt for him in this situation… After all, he knew how hard it was to lose someone you loved…

"How did you get out alive?" Mando asked of him.

"Moff Gideon had become well aware of my reputation as a bounty hunter…" Greef Karga explained. "He made me a deal, which was, of course, one sided… He said that if I worked for him, collecting his personal bounties for free, he would allow me to survive…"

"And you clearly have…" Mando observed. "You weren't exactly dry on credits whenever you became head honcho of the Guild…"

"That…" Greef Karga emphasized. "Was all under the table. Had Moff Gideon found out, I would have been dead."

"What happened?" Anakin asked. "I know Moff Gideon likely altered the terms of the deal when it suited him. That is something the Dark State did quite often."

"I… carried out bounties which benefited the Dark State." Greef Karga explained. "I was later promoted to head of the newly legalized Bounty Hunter's Guild, and since then he didn't worry about me as much… Emperor Anderson and his 'Empire' wrapped up much of his attention, and I was too busy handing out assignments. The 'deal' pretty much faded into obscurity after that. I haven't seen my family again ever since, however… I told my old friend to bring them somewhere safe, but he never told me anything in specific."

Anakin was silent for a moment. To say he felt sympathy for this man would be an understatement. He knew the pain this man went through. He was lucky to have discovered that not only did his son survive, but he also had a brother, and in time, all he had lost would return to him. He hoped that Greef would be just as fortunate.

"What was your friend's name?" Drew asked of him.

Greef looked at him for a moment, before revealing,

"One of my closest buddies back in my smuggling days… His name is Lando Calrissian…"

"We can try and track him down if you want?" Anakin offered. "Last I heard he was on Cloud City in the Bespin System."

"Cloud City…" Greef Karga repeated, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "In Bespin you say? I will certainly give it a look… I appreciate your offer, but you have more important matters to be worrying about…" He finished as he looked at Baby Yoda.

"I don't understand, Karga…" Mando spoke in slight confusion. "So, while I sympathize with you about your family, does your little story have a point?"

Greef Karga turned to Mando, before responding,

"As a matter a fact, it does…" He looked at Baby Yoda, once more, before he looked up directly at Mando once again. "What I was trying to get at was, while it might be difficult to let go of the one you love and hold closest to you… Sometimes it may be in their best interest for you to let them spread their wings and fly… Fly off to greener pastures."

Mando stood there for a moment, frozen. He did not move for a good while, before his gaze went down to the Baby Yoda still in his arms. The baby stared up at him once more, its curious face showing no real emotion other than innocent joy and wonder.

The baby clearly felt a connection to Mando, as did he to the baby…

But its connection to the Force was stronger

"If I may offer a proposition?" Anakin asked.

"What proposition?..." Mando asked, his tone of voice being the least aggressive any of them had heard during this entire scenario.

"Allow us to take the baby with us to train him to hone his abilities." Anakin began. "But join us there. My brother can pay you handsomely for your services if you wish to continue with your career, but he can also give you and the infant a safe place to stay where Moff Gideon will never be able to reach him."

The Mandalorian's face was once again, unrecognizable since he never took his helmet off. All they could do was wonder what was going through his mind, as he stood there in thought.

However, at last, he responded,

"Thank you…"

Seeing the twin suns setting even lower, Ahsoka looked among everyone, and suggested,

"We should probably get back to the ship before nightfall. The Tuskens get really bad at night."

"Yes…" Greef Karga agreed. "Probably wise to get going, if we're going. Not just because of them, but because Moff Gideon might not take the slaughtering of his troops very kindly… He will arrive with even deadlier intent next time."

"Well then, we should move." Drew said.

"We have our own ship." Mando spoke. "But we'll follow you."

As the group finally began to head towards their own ships, the hiding figure of Rey gasped as she began to move back to the spot that Drew had told her to stay.

After all, she didn't want to upset any of them with her, what they called, 'eavesdropping'.

"Sorry..." Anakin said sheepishly. "We should have come back for you after the fighting ended."

Knowing that her cover had been blown, Rey sighed and simply came out of her hiding place. She put a hand sheepishly on her other arm, looking off to the side full of guilt.

"No, I… I didn't follow precise directions. I was told to stay behind, but… I couldn't help myself." Rey then tried to justify it, by stepping out of the way and saying, "I did help you guys, though! See?"

Rey motioned to her hiding spot, where an unconscious Stormtrooper laid.

"I got one!" Rey continued to justify her being there. "They sure take a whacking, but…" She trailed off, realizing she was only making excuses now.

Anakin shook his head in slight amusement.

"Good job. You definitely have the spirit of a Jedi.."

"The spirit, yes…" Drew agreed, looking down at the unconscious Stormtrooper. "But I still-"

"Oh, lighten up, Batman…" Ahsoka smirked, playfully slugging him in the arm. "She did good… No need to lecture her about it."

"Yes, I- I know… But it was still dangerous-"

"I know it was dangerous." Rey cut Drew off. "But I wanted to help. It was my decision. I might not have… done very proficiently at it, but… I tried."

Drew could only sigh, knowing that she was right. Perhaps he was being too much of a stick in the mud… But he just didn't want to put innocent lives in dangerous situations when they very easily could have been left out of it.

Like how Bebe and his little girls could have been left out of it with The Joker...

"He's always been very serious…" Ahsoka put a hand on Rey's shoulder. "I wouldn't take it personally. He's a good guy, albeit a stick in the mud at times… Like Master Obi-Wan or Windu." She finished, clearly in a teasing manner.

"Oh no…" Anakin muttered. "Don't provoke Obi-Wan. He'll destroy you with a sarcastic one liner.."

"Point taken." Ahsoka giggled, which caused Rey to smile.

"I'm very much interested in the context of all this." Rey voiced her interest.

"Well, one conversation with Master Kenobi, and you will know." Ahsoka chuckled, as the group continued walking in the ship's direction once more.

Drew looked down, clearly conflicted with himself once again. He honestly felt really guilty with the way that had gone down with Rey. Maybe Ahsoka was right. Maybe he was a stick in the mud…

One moment he could be a sarcastic and carefree guy, just as he once was, and the next… a total hardass like Batman once was. He didn't like how his almost separate personalities now affected his daily life.

It really bothered him.

Drew opted to put his hood on, hiding much of his expression as the other three continued to converse.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Mom!" Ben exclaimed, pointing out the Star Destroyer that was currently patrolling the air around South Park.

"Look at the Star Destoyer!" He said excitedly, mispronouncing the name of the ship due to his young age.

"I see!" Kylie said with a grin, picking up her son. It had been a week since the referendum was approved and two weeks since Ben was born. Like Amelia, Calvin and Maisie, he was growing up faster. He was evening out around an equivalent biological age to five years.

"I still can't believe somebody made a children's book on Star Destroyers and the Military..." Dylan chuckled.

The young couple were heading over to talk to Clark, Billy, Amelia and Freddy in the park and introduce Ben to them.

"You're the one who bought him the book." Kylie pointed out.

"Point taken." Dylan chuckled as they walked into the park.

Upon spotting their friends hanging out by the duck pond, Dylan waved.

"Ugh… Man, I hate parks…" Freddy complained, as per usual. "Why are we even here?"

"Because…" Billy whispered to where no one else could hear them as he scolded, "The Mrs. said so, and also because it would be rude."

"Rude? Pft…" Freddy smirked. "Since when were you so concerned about 'rude', Billy?"

"Since you opened your mouth…" Billy gave a smirk, before Freddy could only huff.

"Okay, fine… You got me there. But why is Clark here?" Freddy asked.

"Because he's like, the nicest person ever." Billy shrugged. "He tries to make time for everybody. Not like it's a problem for him, I mean… Did you see our race?"

"No?" Freddy spoke, before Billy remembered,

"Oh yeah… You probably couldn't have. He could move like a rocket! Like, it totally wasn't fair-"

"Let it go, Billy." Amelia giggled.

"And I can hear you, y'know…" Clark smiled, pointing to his ear, reminding him of his Super Hearing. "But again, I'm 'too nice' to call you out on it, as you say…"

"Go to hell…" Billy smirked, flipping Clark the bird.

"Hey guys." Dylan chuckled as he and his family walked up to join them.

"Aww...is this Ben?" Amelia cooed.

"Hey, little friend…" Clark smiled down at him, ruffling his hair a bit. "And is this true? Are you the Ben?" He chuckled at the end, deciding to humor the child.

"Yes!" Ben exclaimed. "My dad told me about you guys! He said you all had superpowers! He said you were Shazam, you were Superman, and you were 'Sarcastic Man'," Ben said to Billy, Clark and Freddy respectively.

"Oh, your Dad's right…" Billy rolled his eyes subtly, though still kept a polite tone that a child would see as friendly. He looked in Dylan's direction, mouthing the word, 'dick'.

"What? He loves the comics that they made of you guys. And he's family, after all." Dylan pointed out.

"They made comics about me?" Clark questioned, stroking his chin in intrigue. "Now even that I was not aware of…"

"I was." Freddy rose his hand. "But, y'know, no one talks to me…" He muttered at the end.

Kylie sat down, before asking.

"So what have you guys been up to?" She asked as she held Ben on her lap. She was definitely a bit nervous about being a new parent, and the last thing she wanted was to lose track of her baby boy.

"Well, me and Billy, or should I say Shazam went on a sweep of the entirety of Colorado today. Stopped a few crimes, the worst being an armed robbery. But nothing too bad." Clark told her.

"Yeah." Billy added. "That's when we had that, ahem… 'race'." He used his fingers as quotation marks, subtly implying that he thought the race was still illegitimate.

"Ooh!" Ben said. "Did you guys get all the bad guys?"

"Each and every one of them, kiddo." Clark smiled.

"Ooh!" Ben said. "Did you get to use your lightning powers or heat vision?" He asked. It was clear he was a superhero fan.

"Oh," Billy smirked. "You mean like this?"

Billy pointed a finger at Ben's hair, sending just a small amount of static electricity into it, which caused his hair to puff up like a mad scientist.

Ben laughed..

"Awesome! I always liked you the most! I wish there were more Shazam comics!"

"Oh, really?" Billy smiled with amusement, not at all expecting that. "Well that is certainly awesome to hear. I'm sure they'll make more, the more bad guys I stop."

"Yeah." Dylan commented. "All he ever talks about are superheroes. You, Thor and Superman are his favorites."

"Well, y'know I got a whole collection of comics…" Freddy told Ben. "I'll let you read them sometime if you want."

"It's true." Billy nodded. "He really does have a lot…"

"Oh cool!" Ben said.

"I guess we found a potential babysitter when we go on our honeymoon." Dylan whispered to Kylie, who chuckled a bit.

"Oh, sure…" Freddy chuckled. "I'm sure it'd be fun."

"So when is the wedding anyway?" Amelia asked.

"In a month." Kylie said with a smile.

"And you've put me in charge of the after party!" Freddy jumped to conclusions. "You shouldn't have!"

"Nope." Dylan said. "You're planning my bachelor party."

"Somehow I think that's an even worse decision…" Clark of all people said.

"Oh c'mon…" Freddy smirked. "What could I possibly do to make this bachelor party in any way a bad decision?"

"I can think of twelve things…" Billy said.

"See? That's not a lot…" Freddy shrugged.

"Yeah! Uncle Freddy's cool! He won't mess it up!"Ben declared.

"Ben gets it!" Freddy chuckled.

"Oh man…" Billy slightly facepalmed, whispering to Clark and Amelia. "He still has a lot to learn."

"Agreed..We'll soon be his favorite relatives." Amelia replied. "I know we'll show him how cool we are.."

"Don't even think about spoiling your nephew." Kylie said with a smirk.

"No promises, sister." Amelia replied.

"She's going to…" Billy suddenly spoke up, ruining the fun.

"Uncle Billy just roasted you and auntie Amelia!" Ben declared.

"I'm staying out of this one…" Clark held up his hands, chuckling at the situation.

"Okay Switzerland." Dylan sighed with a grin.

"Care to have an arm wrestling match?" Clark smirked.

"Hey, my fiance and kid are here..." Dylan seemingly declined. "Sure!"

"Oh boy…" Billy couldn't help but say.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As their ship hyperspace back into Earth's orbit, the first sight that greeted them was the vast Imperial Fleet that protected the capital of the Empire. Hundreds of Star Destroyers and several smaller Dreadnoughts made up what was still considered to be only a small part of the wider Imperial Military. They were led by a massive Executor-class Dreadnought which held position at the center of the fleet.

"After the war ended, the Empire has been able to devote far more of its forces to the protection and aid of its people." Anakin commented. "Before, you would rarely find fleets this large in one area."

Anakin turned to Rey, before adding.

"Welcome to Earth."

Rey, whom had practically been glued to the window of the ship for the entire journey back, looked on with awestruck eyes, looking at the lush green vegetation and the pure blue water that inhabited the planet.

"It's… so much more beautiful than I imagined…" Rey breathed. "Never have I seen so much water or plant life in one place…"

Anakin couldn't help but remember his own first journey beyond Tatooine. It was definitely shocking to actually see environments other than deserts for the first time, especially if it was a lush paradise like Naboo or Earth.

"It's definitely something..." He said while reminiscing about his own past.

"So you say you really haven't gone anywhere else in the galaxy beyond Tatooine?..." Ahsoka had to ask Rey, seemingly curious and seeking confirmation.

"Unfortunately, that is true…" Rey answered with a sigh. But her frown was quickly replaced with an optimistic smile. "But… that changes now! Now that the war is over, I finally have more freedom of where I can and cannot go. I can be who I want to be…"

"And we're glad to see it happen…" Drew spoke genuinely. "Now is a time of peace; of prosperity. It is a happy time, so live your life as such."

"I… definitely will." Rey smiled. "I'm certainly glad to have met you Jedi. It… feels nice, to have someone to actually talk to."

"Well..." Anakin began. "Ahsoka can get a bit snippy at times, so fair warning..."

"I'll show you 'snippy' here in a second, Skyguy…" Ahsoka rolled her eyes with a smirk. "You're lucky I'm the one driving the ship…"

"I'd say we're more lucky we haven't crashed yet..." Anakin replied.

"You know you love my piloting skills, Master." Ahsoka's smirk never faded. "After all, I learned it all from you…"

"That is true..." Anakin chuckled as the ship began to land. As they disembarked, they noticed Caesarius standing there with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed. He looked...annoyed about something.

"What did you two do?" Anakin asked Ahsoka and Drew.

"Don't look at me…" Drew responded. "You know I'm a stickler for the rules. Ask Miss Snips over there, not me."

Ahsoka lightly slugged Drew in his shoulder, before responding,

"Shut up…"

"I mean… am I lying?" Drew teased, only prompting an eye roll from Anakin's other apprentice.

"Anakin..." Caesarius began, as if scolding a disobedient child. "Why is the new fighter prototype dented?"

"Um...no reason..." Anakin said sheepishly.

"Uh huh..." Caesarius began, before he looked to Ahsoka and Drew. "As punishment, you have to let your apprentices kick you. Either that, or you never get to fly a military fighter again."

"Now...be reasonable!" Anakin began, getting really worried. "Surely there's another way?"

"Well… that is certainly a predicament, isn't it?" Rey muttered to herself, looking on at the scene.

"Or...you have to go to the beach for a day." Caesarius added.

"Oh fuck off. That joke is getting old!" Anakin sighed.

"A… 'beach'?" Rey whispered to Drew and Ahsoka. "What is that?"

"Sand…" Drew and Ahsoka simultaneously responded, which caused Rey's eyes to widen.

"Oh… Anything but that." Rey said, clearly sick of the sand herself.

Caesarius cocked a brow at that, before he greeted.

"Welcome, miss. I see you have already met the ever mature General Skywalker and his two apprentices. What is your name, young one?"

"My… name is Rey." Rey timidly responded, looking off to the side. "It is an honor to be here."

"Pleasure to meet you, Rey." Caesarius replied. "Grand Moff Deoclet Caesarius, at your service."

Caesarius turned to Drew, Ahsoka and Anakin.

"I have some...news, by the way." He declared. "Depending on how you view it, it could be good, or bad."

The trio looked among each other, before Ahsoka broke the silence with a confused shrug,

"What does that mean?"

"The Empire is going to hold a referendum on whether or not certain planets and nations can remain under Imperial protection and law, or go their own way." Caesarius replied. "Personally, I find such an idea somewhat saddening, but I understand why it's desirable..."

It was clear that Caesarius was hiding something. It seemed he wasn't quite as comfortable with this referendum as he was letting on.

"You mean…" Drew began, before his brows rose, in a state of surprise. "They actually agreed to that?"

"Well, long story, but after the Chinese revealed what happened with Anakin, Jack offered to let them choose. However, he was adamant that the Empire would not dissolve under any circumstances." Caesarius replied. "A fact most of the Imperial Military, and indeed, most of those nations who've been part of the Empire from the beginning here on Earth have made clear. There were even some small demonstrations in Germany and Britain about keeping the Empire together."

"Well, at the very least, the people get a choice…" Drew voiced his opinion. "I've been campaigning for that for a long time… It's just that there was kind of a gigantic war going on at the time, so it was rather difficult."

"True." Caesarius shrugged. "Jack's not that happy about it, though."

"Jack?" Rey asked, though cleared her throat nervously, realizing she had just butted in. "Who- Who is 'Jack'? What are you talking about regarding this… empire?"

"The Empire is the government that destroyed the Dark State and brought order to two chaotic galaxies and a divided planet." Caesarius said. "Led by Jack, it's Emperor. He has faced Darkseid himself in battle, and with the help of his allies, was able to banish him from the galaxy, at least...temporarily."

"And my brother." Anakin added.

There was momentary silence, before Rey sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, unsure of how to respond for a moment.

"Uhm… great." Rey chuckled. "Learning a lot, it seems! You Jedi are more important than I've been led to believe, aren't you?"

"Well, it wasn't just the Jedi who defended the Empire, nor are we the only ones in it." Ahsoka explained. "We have many other amazing people to thank for their efforts as well."

Upon seeing Rey's overwhelmed expression, Drew put a hand on her shoulder, saying with a grin,

"I… will explain it to you later. I'm sure it's a lot to take in, but you get used to it."

"'A lot to take in' would be an understatement…" Rey then muttered with a grin of her own.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cabinet was currently discussing how to best organize the Referendum. It was clear that they would have their work cut out for them, considering the sheer scale of the Empire's territory.

"You know, it's kind of annoying to see this happen again…" Geoff shrugged. "I thought we'd actually be able to make some progress in bringing everyone together."

"Well, unfortunately not everyone sees it that way, Geoff…" Bridgette spoke softly, really feeling bad that her friend looked upset over this. "As much as I enjoy the prospect of the galaxy uniting as one unit, we have to accept that some cultures just want to be independent from our own…"

"At worst," Apollo added. "We can still work towards a unified galaxy, just in a different way."

After the Vice President said that, the door opened, with Jack walking in.

"Any progress?" He asked.

"Yeah, we should have a plan ready by the end of the day." Geoff shrugged.

"Good..." Jack said, forcing a happy tone. It was clear he had the same feelings as Geoff.

"Now Jack, while it… may not be any of my concern," Harvey Dent began. "but are you alright? You seem as if something… is troubling you."

Jack bit his lip, before he sighed.

"I had...a bad dream, last night. Ever since the meeting, something's just felt...wrong. I don't know how to explain it, but this whole idea...this whole referendum, I am scared to death we're treading back down the same path we went down before. It feels like this is going to lead to more conflict, not less..." He admitted.

"Well, do you believe it?" Harvey Dent asked him in a straightforward manner, breaking the momentary silence. "Or was it just a dream?"

"I...don't know yet. I hope I'm wrong. But my gut is telling me this isn't over...But..." Jack looked around. "I'm willing to bite the bullet and let this referendum take place, even if it's the last thing I feel we should do.."

Jack was surprised to feel Bridgette's hand placed on his shoulder.

"I know it is hard, Jack… Especially after so much the Empire has gone through in the war. But you're doing the right thing. It's a conflict that we shouldn't forget about, but try to move on from. The galaxy needs to heal, and I think this is the correct first step."

"I hope you're right." Jack sighed, not feeling that convinced. But still, he knew that his first duty was to his people. And even if they made the wrong choice...he had to follow it. Because it might only seem like the wrong choice to him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Great fear, some of you may face..:" The voice of Yoda spoke over every Imperial broadcast.

Today was a very important day… It was the day before the referendum of the Dilanian Empire. Those eligible to vote, would decide whether the Dilanian Empire was right for their people, if they would prefer a more Republic style of government instead that many of the traditional Jedi intended to form, or if they simply wanted to remain independent.

"But rest assured, keepers of the peace, the Jedi are… The new Republic, peaceful it shall be. Protect its citizens and be prepared for conflict, we will." Yoda continued, before Mace Windu, whom stood beside him, decided to add on,

"Those of you who knew of the Galactic Republic and its customs may be surprised to find that it will be run quite differently than it was before." Mace Windu paused briefly, before he continued. "The previous Galactic Republic became far too corrupt. The Senate fell into the wicked hands of the Sith, all because the Jedi lost touch with The Force. However, with The Force as strong as ever before, we vow that such mistakes shall not be repeated."

Master Windu and Yoda looked around, before Mace Windu concluded,

"Rather than a Senate and a Supreme Chancellor calling all of the shots in its politics, instead, it shall be run by the Jedi Council, where there is zero chance of such concerns as corruption. As keepers of the peace, we can assure you that it will remain that way. Join our New Republic, and join a nation that shall not only preserve your customs, but also fight for the will of the people, rather than the lining of a politician's pockets."

Jack listened to this, before he sighed.

"And they're eating it up..." He shrugged. "As usual..."

"Oh, don't take it personally, Jack…" Drew attempted to reassure his friend. "I think they're all just excited that new freedoms are opening up for them that, during the war, simply could not be provided."

Jack sighed, debating on what to say. He was definitely not happy about this. While many of his friends and families were at the referendum in Denver, where the Republic would officially be proclaimed, Jack had stayed home to think. It seemed Drew had the same idea, along with a few others like Carandial, Dylan and Luke.

"Yeah, I guess..." He finally got out.

"Jack..." Carandial said, noticing how his friend seemed bothered by more than just this. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, just peachy." Jack replied.

"I hate to intrude on your conversation, but…" Rey began, rather timid at first. "I think it sounds great. For the first time in my life, I have left the desolate planet of Tatooine, fearing what would happen if I did otherwise for a long time, due to the war with the Dark State. I just think they're excited, as I am."

Rey finished with a grin, before she looked at Jack.

"Oh, uhm…" Drew began, before motioning towards the newcomer. "Jack, this is Rey, by the way. I don't believe we properly introduced you when we first walked in."

"It is an honor, Emperor…" Rey respectfully said.

"Jack will be just fine." Jack said with a gentle smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Rey."

"When exactly did you find her?" Kenny asked, appearing rather interested as he scooted closer on the couch.

Drew immediately sat in between Rey and Kenny, giving the latter a glare, before answering,

"We actually met her during our supply run on Tatooine. She had been a scavenger most of her life. She didn't have any other means of leaving the planet, so… we took her with us. She's staying with me, until we can get her set up in a place of her own to live. She needs time to grow used to a different way of life."

"Tatooine, eh?" Jack asked. "My brother has definitely talked about that planet...I hope you like Earth more. It's a beautiful place."

"My sentiments exactly." Rey smiled. "Drew and Ahsoka promised to take me to see this thing they call 'waterfalls'. It sounds really amazing! Anakin didn't sound very sure, since he might be busy. But I sure hope he can!"

No one in the room had ever seen such innocence before. Not in a very long time! The war had practically wiped such a thing out, unless of course you were a child or one who had been living under a rock, or in Rey's case, a sand pit.

Quite honestly, it was a refreshing sight to behold.

Jack was silent for a moment, before he shrugged.

"Sorry, guys. I've been acting stupid. I've just had a lot on my mind right now, but this is still a good thing, and as long as the galaxy is protected, I am happy with whatever happens." He said, deciding to let go of his previous frustrations. It was not productive to get frustrated over things out of your control, after all.

"I am certainly glad you see it that way." Drew said. "It is a very strange time for this galaxy, I do admit. But I also can't help but be happy for them, after all they have experienced. Times are changing, this time in the right direction."

"At the very least, maybe this will make people happier.." Dylan commented.

"That is true." Luke agreed. "But...we all know that if the Wah decides things go to shit again-"

"You've been using that meme way too much, Luke." Dylan groaned. "It's getting old."

"Meme?" Kenny cocked a brow. "No, didn't you hear? That shit is an entire religion now!"

"Kenny?" Jack said.

"If you intend on telling me to shut the fuck up," Kenny began. "At least look this up first. I'm not even joking. It is a thing."

Jack took Kenny's phone, before saying.

"Shut the fuck down, by the way."

He stopped when he read about the new 'Pantheon of Overpowered Beings'. I'll

"Drew…?" He began.

"Do I want to know what you just read over there?..." Drew cocked a brow, speaking from the other side of the living room.

"We're part of this religion."

There was silence for a good few seconds.

"...What?" Drew finally broke the silence.

"We're apparently members of the 'Pantheon of Overpowered Beings'. Along with Waluigi, Shrek, Connor's Hat, Otis, Moto Moto, Big Smoke, and Kermit The Frog." Jack replied.

"Pardon me," Drew began calmly, before he suddenly became more vocal. "But what the fuck is the matter with people? I'm all of a sudden a god now? In what universe!?"

"Well," Jack began. "Kyle did become a girl suddenly, and kids suddenly age a lot faster."

"Hey," Kenny shrugged. "Still not as bad as that Rule 34."

"What is Rule 34?" Rey asked.

"Nothing!" Drew exclaimed perhaps a bit too loud, before he took a breath and calmed himself. "Nothing…"

"Agreed." Jack said.

He sighed, before deciding to read a bit more.

However…

"Okay, I'm done." Jack said. "Apparently...we have fans, and one of their favorite past-times is arguing over who's cuter, Kyle or Gwen, for example. Or who's stronger, me or you. That's literally all this one site is..."

"Well, who is stronger?" Rey asked, opening a huge can of worms.

"Well, I think that I-" Drew began, before Carandial called out.

"All those in favor of the Emperor and the Jedi Bat settling this the way real men settle their arguments?" He asked.

"Aye!" Everyone in the room spoke, save for Rey, whom looked a bit confused.

"What does he mean by that?" She questioned.

"Ritual combat." Dylan replied. "A fight to the death."

"And you've known me… how long?" Drew couldn't help but ask aloud.

"Exactly." Jack replied. "I don't want to hurt you, after all."

"Ooh…" Everyone in the room chanted over that burn.

Drew appeared unphased, still sitting on the couch rather calmly,

"You don't want to do this, Jack… If it came down to your cliche Wild West standoff, I think we all know what happened there…"

"What? I consider what happened a personal victory." Jack shrugged. "You don't mean that you don't have a bet with Kyle that-"

"It was going to be a personal victory either way for Kyle. The end result turned out that she didn't really mind it, and had I lost and had to have been a stripper for a night, according to Bebe, she told me that Kyle was very much in favor of that." Drew gave a shrug of his own.

"Either way," Jack shrugged. "She looked really cute in that outfit-"

"TMI!" Luke exclaimed. "We're not going to go down that rabbithole again-"

"Not as cute as Padme." Anakin said randomly, with a smirk.

"Wha- Where did you even come from, Master?" Drew asked with slightly wide eyes: "I thought you and Ahsoka went back to the Temple?"

Drew appeared rather embarrassed to have revealed that personal story of his in front of not only his Master, but also to Ahsoka.

Man, they would tease him good for that one…

"So…" Anakin began. "You and Kyle had a bet, and one of you had to be a stripper?" He asked, barely able to contain his laughter.

"Okay, first off-" Drew began, before a snickering Ahsoka cut him off,

"Let me guess, you came up with that on your own too, right?"

"That's not how it happened-" A now flushed Drew tried to defend.

"Yeah. Drew won the bet." Jack pointed out. "So I ended up winning that little bet..."

"TMI!" Luke yelled.

"Let the record show that I very much regret such immature antics…" Drew crossed his arms with a furrowed brow.

"Aw… C'mon, lighten up!" Ahsoka giggled, slugging him in the arm. "Grumpy cat."

"I am not Grumpy Cat!" Drew exclaimed, a but annoyed. "Goddammit, Master. You started this!"

"Perhaps." Anakin replied, before Caesarius pulled out his pistol.

"If you quote one more meme, so help me..."

"That's why Obi-Wan has more followers than you…" Drew smirked, throwing a jab at his Master.

"Wait, what?!" Anakin yelled, pulling out his phone to check his Instagram. "Goddammit..." He muttered. "All he posts are his roasts and jokes about Deathsticks- Wait a second… Snips! You follow him!?"

Ahsoka nervously gave a shrug with a grin.

"Well… He is kind of… funny." Ahsoka nervously admitted.

"Unlike my dad and uncle." Luke added.

"True." Caesarius shrugged. "I followed him the other day. So does Hayley, apparently-"

"Caesarius," Jack shrugged. "Your right hand doesn't count as a girl. You can drop the act of having a girlfriend."

"Ouch…" Rey cringed slightly, even one as innocent as herself feeling that one.

Caesarius narrowed his eyes at that, before he seemingly got a text. He flipped Jack off, before walking outside.

"Did I go too far?" Jack asked.

"Yes." Half of the room said, before Caesarius walked back in, followed by a rather cute girl, who had tan skin, and dyed blonde hair.

"This is my girlfriend, Hayley. She finally moved out here, and I was going to tell you all here. Until some assholes decided to be more annoying than usual..." He sent a glare at Kenny and Jack.

"I'll be damned…" Kenny shook his head. "So you actually weren't lying for once…"

"Yup." Caesarius said victoriously, before adding. "Score one for Caesarius, McCormick. Now, will you please spend more time running the military than making jokes?"

"Aren't you retired?" Anakin asked.

"Perhaps."

Hayley snickered a bit.

"Sorry. I just love that meme. Nice to meet you all by the way." She said. "Took a little longer to move out here than expected. Mom was a bit...overbearing about it."

"A pleasure to meet you…" Rey smiled in greeting, her English accent very prominent. "I'm Rey. I am new out here as well."

"Nice to meet you as well." Hayley replied with a smile.

Anakin elbowed Kenny.

"He's never going to let us hear the end of this, is he?" He asked.

"Probably not." Kenny shook his head, before smirking and whispering, "Just as long as I get to see more of her… Oh man-"

"We can hear you, Lord High Admiral." Jack said casually, sipping a coke.

"No you don't." Kenny countered almost immediately, clearly in denial.

"Can't." Jack replied simply, correcting Kenny's grammar, taking another sip without looking up. "I hear the school has an opening for Second Grade English skills."

"Oh I'm sorry, Lord Emperor…" Kenny spoke in a very sarcastic tone. "I didn't know that blasting clankers and winning your battles for you required me to have a Major in the English language!"

"You've been spending too much time with the Clones..." Jack chuckled.

"As I said," Kenny began: "Rex is a funny dude… Once you get to know him."

"True." Anakin replied, before Dylan commented to Kenny.

"Unlike you."

"And how many followers do you have, Dylan?" Ahsoka cocked a brow, coming to her Master's defense.

"69." Dylan replied with a grin.

Ahsoka could only sigh with rolled eyes, before muttering,

"Boys…"

"Tread carefully, Dylan." Jack warned, half serious. "Remember, Kylie is my daughter. So no crude jokes, okay? That goes for Billy, too."

"Man, I'm just trying to enjoy my Doritos." Billy shrugged, sitting on the other side of the room. "I'm chill."

"Yes, you are." Jack conceded. "Unlike my other son in law..."

"Wait..." Hayley began. "You're like...twenty five, and he's eighteen...how does that work?"

"A weird little thing called rapid aging. It is a scientific phenomenon that I cannot quite explain. Though after running some tests in the DNA of children affected by this, I have discovered that maybe-" Drew explained.

"The Wah willed it as such." Anakin added.

"Or… that." Drew sighed.

"Or did he?" Jack asked Drew, hoping to finally annoy him by saying that.

"Yes, Jack…" Drew rolled his eyes. "He did… You happy?"

Jack was about to respond, before his phone went off.

"Hey Kylie, what is it?" He asked, before his eyes widened. "What? Are you...serious?"

"Uh oh…" Clark spoke, the only one besides Jack who was able to hear what was said over the phone.

"What?" Kenny asked. "Why 'uh oh'? What's with the 'uh oh'?"

" Kylie came across a little girl while heading home." Jack said. "Someone, who by the looks of it, is another version of Kyle or Kylie, albeit much younger."

"You're- You're kidding me, right?" Kenny asked, not quite believing him at first, though the look Jack gave afterwards showed that he was quite serious.

"That is just the most curious thing…" Drew said aloud, shaking his head thoughtfully. "I may just have to return to the Batcave and research just why this keeps happening. Surely this is no coincidence?"

"Kylie mentioned that this was how she arrived." Dylan said. "What if there is something that keeps happening?"

"If this is indeed another anomaly," Drew responded. "Then I'm gonna keep working until I find a way to shut them down. There's a reason these keep happening. And where there's a cause for them occurring, there's a solution and a way to stop them…"

"It's easier said than done, Drew…" Clark had to admit. "One can't just 'shut down' an anomaly, just like that."

"No," Drew shook his head, before looking up at him. "But I haven't tried it yet…"

"Maybe you and Thrawn could find something?" Dylan asked. "You are the two smartest men in the Empire after all."

"If Thrawn is brave enough to step away from leading a fleet, into the 'boring' world of science," Drew smirked. "Then he is welcome… But with or without him, I will find a solution to this. This cannot go on."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kylie sat on the couch beside the younger version of herself(or her mother).

"And...your parents...you said they live in South Park?" She asked, just to be sure.

"Yes." The little girl, who Kylie had learned was named 'Kyla', replied. "Will I be able to go home soon? I miss my parents and little brother Ike."

Kylie couldn't help but feel a bit...nervous about the little girl saying that. Considering the fact that her biological parents abused her(and her mother's biological father had raped her), it was hard to see them in a positive light. Still, if Kyla came from an alternate timeline or something, there was the possibility it was a bit different there.

"They...didn't do anything that...made you feel sad or scared in anyway?" Kylie asked, unsure how to word it properly.

"What? No! Well, my ma is a bit overprotective, but they're good parents, I guess." Kyla replied, confused by the question.

Kylie frowned, before asking.

"What...year was it in your version of South Park?"

"Um, it's 2009, miss." Kyla replied, confused.

Kylie bit her lip, debating about what exactly to do.

Kyla noticed Kylie's expression, and her confusion grew.

"It...is 2009, isn't it?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I swear," Jack shrugged as he and the others approached his house. "I am starting to get worried about these anomalies. Weird stuff like this can't keep happening."

"That's what I just said." Drew spoke. "All the more reason we need to figure out a way to seal them off for good."

"Maybe the Wah wills it, so that's impossible?" Anakin suggested.

"Yes, Master, it's the goddamn Wah…" Drew pinched the bridge of his nose. "What else could it be?"

"The Wah…" Ahsoka began, before putting on an over the top 'angry' face and gruff voice, "And his accomplice, Grumpy Cat."

"That's not actually a bad Batman impression, Snips…" Anakin snickered as Drew could only roll his eyes.

"Now I see what Obi-Wan had to deal with on a consistent basis. How is it that I'm the Padawan again, Miss Jedi Knight and Mr. Master? Hmm?"

"Because you need to be well versed in memes to be a Jedi Knight?" Dylan suggested. "It's in the fucking Jedi Code."

"Yes, well…" Drew crossed his arms, his comeback already well prepared. "Then maybe you should get 'well versed' in gaining more Twitter followers…"

"Ouch…" Ahsoka smirked.

"Says the guy who still uses MySpace." Dylan shot back.

"It's a burner account." Drew defended. "I've used it to track criminals, from lowly hackers all the way to-"

"Uh huh…" Ahsoka cut off with a smirk. "But it's MySpace!"

"They have a point..." Jack chuckled.

"What's a 'MySpace'?" Rey asked, having no idea what the others were talking about.

"Y'know what, I think everyone's made their point…" Drew responded, ignoring the question. "Let's just focus on the mission at hand, shall we?"

"But Drew, we're literally not on a mission-" Ahsoka smirked, before Drew cut her off,

"Shut up. You know what I meant…"

"Perhaps." Anakin said with a smirk, quoting a meme that he spammed Jack and Drew with all the time.

"Open the damn door before Snips and Sandman give me an aneurysm." Drew could only sigh.

When they opened the door, they saw Kylie comforting...yeah, another carbon copy of Kyle.

"Shh, it's okay." Kylie said. "I know it's a lot to take in, but-"

"But I want to go home!" The little girl replied. "I miss my family!"

Jack was already getting flashbacks, though one thing he noticed was something the little girl said. She said she missed her 'family'. Did that mean this version of Kyle...actually had a good family originally?

"I know. We can try to get you back home. I promise." Kylie replied. This caused the little girl to look up hopefully.

"Really?" She asked, a bit hopeful.

However, those who observed the conversation, Drew in particular, knew that sending her back was an impossible task.

Any hope of seeing the world she knew again was slim to none. And if he didn't have a conscience nor a heart, Drew probably would have just broken it to her right then.

But quite honestly, he missed the innocence that Rey and now this little girl carried along with them. It was a rare sight these days, to say the least. He would cherish it while it lasted.

"We will try, don't worry." Kylie said, though she looked up, her face falling a bit. It was clear she had no idea how to break it to this girl that they wouldn't be able to get her home.

"Everyone, this...is Kyla." Kylie introduced.

Kyla turned around, before asking.

"Hi, nice to meet you." She greeted with a smile. "Kylie said you would try and get me home. Is...that true?"

"Well, we are definitely looking into it." Drew spoke, seeing no better opportunity than now, taking a step forward. "But… it will require something you might not like."

Kyla's face fell. "What...do you mean, mister?"

Drew extended his arm out, before signalling rolling up his sleeve, prompting her what to do.

"Arm…" Drew simply stated.

Kyla was obviously confused, but did as she was told. She rolled up her sleeve, and extended her arm, unsure of what to think.

"Okay," Drew began, kneeling down. "Now together we're gonna close our eyes, and on the count of three, I'm gonna show you a magic trick." He said, obviously in a tone that might be intriguing to a child.

"Ooh!" Kyla began, her interest piquing. "A magic trick?"

"Yep… If you do a good enough job, I might even give you a gift." Drew grinned.

"Okay!" Kyla said, before closing her eyes and holding her arm out.

Behind his back, Drew held a small syringe in hand, the crowd widening their eyes a bit, knowing what he was trying to do now.

"Okay… You ready?" Drew asked softly.

Kyla nodded, a slightly excited smile on her face.

"Okay… One, two-"

As the two counted together, Drew quickly stuck the syringe in Kyla's extended arm, and drew the necessary amount of blood he needed.

Kyla cringed a bit, before asking. "Ouch. This...is the magic trick?"

"Well, not exactly." Drew grinned as he put the band aid on her arm to stop the bleeding, before he held something else behind her back. "Since you were good, the magic trick is… I'm gonna make this… appear!"

As he said that, he held out to her a small pink teddy bear, offering it to her.

"Ooh! I love it! I'll call him George!" Kyla said excitedly, hugging the teddy bear.

"Aw…" Ahsoka put a hand over her chest. "Who knew Grumpy Cat had a soft side?"

"Not me." Anakin chuckled. "I guess we'll call him 'fluffy cat' now."

"Even I wouldn't wish that one on him, Master…" Ahsoka giggled.

Giving Kyla one final pat on the shoulder with a smile, as he turned away from her, Drew put back on his usual 'serious' demeanor when facing the crowd and holding the blood.

He stopped in his steps when he saw them all smirking at him.

"What?" Drew cocked a brow.

"Oh nothing..." Dylan chuckled, before he looked over to Kyla and Kylie. "That was really nice of you. She seems to love the teddy bear."

"It wasn't a big deal…" Drew shrugged it off. "Just didn't wanna deal with all the kicking and screaming that's all."

"Yeah. Orr," Ahsoka grinned. "Maybe you're just a nice guy who's good with kids?"

"That may be," Drew began. "But that doesn't mean that-"

"Oh. Here we go. The excuses are coming in…" Ahsoka put her hands over the back of her head in a teasing manner, which only prompted an annoyed grunt out of Drew, who pushed past them all to get to the door.

"It's okay, Drew." Jack chuckled. "We all know you're only soft around the kids."

He looked at Anakin. "Hence why you're so nice to Anakin and Ahsoka."

"Uhmm, excuse me!" Ahsoka put her hands on her hips. "But we most certainly are not kids… Well, maybe Skyguy is sometimes, but other than that!"

"Yeah, you're right." Dylan chuckled. "You're a youngling, not a kid."

"If I'm so much of a 'youngling'," Ahsoka smirked at Dylan. "Then maybe you'd like to share the story of who won in sparring at the Temple between you and I?"

"I let you win-" Dylan began, before Kylie asked.

"Did you though?"

"Hmm…" Drew narrowed his eyes, studying Dylan's expression and posture before deducing. "Nope. He's lying."

"Dammit!" Dylan muttered, before Kylie snapped.

"Child present!"

Dylan sent her a half amused, half confused look, before sighing to Ahsoka.

"I'll get you next time, Tano."

"And I'll be waiting…" Ahsoka confidently stated.

"I need more sparring, speaking of which…" Drew admitted, before looking towards Anakin, Ahsoka, and Dylan. "Perhaps after I figure this anomaly mess out, we can get back to the training room."

"You act as if you're so certain that you have the anomalies figured out." Ahsoka chuckled.

"Confidence is the first step to success." Drew shrugged.

"Oh my- Ugh…" Anakin rolled his eyes. "You did not just read off one of Obi Wan's 'inspirational quote' posts, did you?"

"Perhaps-" Dylan began.

"SHUT UP!" Kyla exclaimed. "No-one likes that meme!"

"I love this kid, already…" Drew chuckled, before patting Dylan's shoulder. "Better listen."

He said this as he made his way to the exit; intending to test this blood sample sometime soon.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So, it looks like we have the results of the Referendum. Most of the Core Worlds, Inner Rim and Mid Rim voted to remain with the Empire, while the Coru Secundus and eastern Core voted to join the Republic. The majority of the Outer Rim is splitting up into various states." Geoff reported to the others present.

"Then it appears that democracy has prevailed on this day…" Mace Windu responded. "Each planet has cast their decision, and from this moment on, on behalf of all the Jedi, we shall respect said decision."

"What of Coruscant?" Caesarius asked Geoff. "Orbispira, Coruscant and Earth are the heart of the galaxy. What is their decision?"

"Coruscant and Orbispira voted for the Empire by a large margin. Earth was a bit more... divided..." Geoff began, a bit hesitantly. "Those nations that are still part of the Empire voted heavily in favor of the Empire, but some independent nations are a bit...frustrated about not being able to join the referendum."

"Earth is the capital of the Empire." Caesarius waved it off.

"As was once ours, Coruscant was…" Yoda pointed out, a small frown forming.

"Regardless, Master Yoda," Caesarius began. "The Empire has been more than tolerant of the nations of this world that wanted independence. But we cannot allow another major power so close to our capital."

"This is ludicrous!" Mace Windu exclaimed. "Why should we have our former capital vote but not your-"

"No, Mace…" Yoda put his cane in front of Master Windu, speaking calmly while shaking his head. "Allow this, we will."

"But Master Yoda, with all due respect, I strongly suggest we-"

"Still stands, Mace, the point does…" Yoda cut him off. "Initiate another petty conflict, we will not. Trust in the Force, you will."

Mace Windu sighed, before giving a small respectful bow.

"Understood, Master. Perhaps I spoke a bit out of turn." Mace Windu responded.

Caesarius frowned, but said nothing in response. He was still against the idea of this referendum, regardless of the reasons for it. He believed the galaxy stood better as a strong, unified bastion guided by a singular vision that could govern things swiftly and efficiently. But still, no sense in risking the Empire's lofty status on another war.

Especially when his Oversector was so close to Republic space.

"I am willing to open up trade relations with the Republic as soon as possible." Caesarius spoke, hoping to change a rather tense subject. "The Core Worlds shall be open to Republic shipping if you so choose, as well as her citizens."

"Then trade, we will." Yoda forced a grin, before stating, "Look on the bright side, we must. The prosperous planet of Alderaan, the New Republic's capital shall be."

"A wise choice indeed..." Apollo commented, before offering. "If you are alright with it, Masters, I would like to assist you in protecting the Republic on the diplomatic stage, as would many of my comrades."

"Agreed. I'm sure Admiral Ackbar and myself would be happy to help develop a Navy as well." Grand Admiral Cretacea spoke.

"You're leaving?" Carandial couldn't help but chuckle. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Mon Calamari voted for the Republic," Ackbar replied. "I shall follow her wherever her choice lays."

"Accept you both with open arms, we will…" Yoda looked at them with a grin, before turning to Carandial. "Feeling… glum inside, are you? Why is that, may I ask?"

"I've just made quite a few friends who no doubt will join the Republic. And I am happy for that. Every person should be free to choose their nation. Still, it will be a bit...strange at first."

"And who says… apart, we are?" Yoda cocked a brow. "Hmm? No… United, the Empire and Republic are. Different cultures, we have, but our goal for peace amongst the galaxy… we share. One of us, you are. One of you, we are."

Jack couldn't help but smile a bit, before he spoke.

"Then the Empire shall defend the Republic. As long as we stand, we shall see you as friends and equals, not enemies." Jack vowed.

"Agreed, man." Geoff spoke, raising a glass. "To a better future, for the Republic and Empire alike!"

Everyone else followed suit in raising their own glasses, before the most prominent leaders in both the Dilanian Empire and newly formed New Republic began to drink their respective beverages in celebration of this newly formed galaxy, in an era of peace.

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"Any luck?" Kowalski asked Drew and Thrawn as they continued to try and locate the source of the Anomalies. "Because I'm getting absolutely nothing.."

"The DNA test from the girl's blood is still processing." Drew informed, before giving a slight smirk in Thrawn's direction. "I don't think Thrawn is having much fun listening to our scientific lingo over the past 6 hours."

"It is for an...acceptable cause, but frankly, it is a bit...annoying at times." Thrawn replied with a slight chuckle.

"Well, you get used to it." Drew responded, before turning back towards the giant screen of what he called the 'Batcomputer'. "Shouldn't be long now before we have at least the first part of our questions answered."

As if on cue, at last, the complete data on Kyla's DNA in relation to Kyle and Kylie showed up on the Batcomputer's screen.

"Yeah, looks like she is definitely a genetic copy of the Empress, but..." Kowalski began as he read the data on the screen. "Something's...off..."

"Yes, I…" Drew's eyes widened. "Oh my God… Do you see that?"

"See what?" Thrawn asked.

"That.." Kowakski pointed to the screen, where-

"Her… blood cells." Drew looked to them both with wide eyes. "They appear almost… double if not triple bonded!"

"Impossible!" Kowalski commented. "How...how can that be?"

"Something's...definitely strange." Thrawn observed.

"Thrawn…" Drew spoke to him as he continued to observe the blood in awe. "Hand me that container of sulfuric acid."

Thrawn did so, before crossing his arms, curious about this...development. Something was definitely off…

Drew grabbed a nearby empty syringe, before sticking the needle in the sulfuric acid, taking only a small amount.

With that, he carefully approached the remaining blood, which was under Kowalski's microscope, and let a drop of the acid fall into it.

To everyone's absolute shock, instead of the acid completely killing all of the blood cells, it was instead the blood cells that immediately ate up the acid, until every remaining component of it disappeared before their very eyes…

"Unbelievable…" Drew breathed.

"You sure that acid's any good!?" Kowalski freaked out, just as shocked as Drew was.

"I'm pretty sure I know good acid when I see it!" Drew responded, unable to contain his emotion anymore. This was unlike anything they had ever physically seen.

"This...how…?" Thrawn asked the others. "Something's definitely...different about that girl. What...is our next move?"

"Could she be dangerous?" Kowalski asked Drew, a bit nervous. "She came from an anomaly. Are you sure...there isn't something else going on?"

Drew narrowed his eyes, almost immediately being sucked back into the demeanor Batman had when dealing with a serious situation.

"Contact Kylie and the others immediately. Tell them to get that girl in a secure place away from everyone else. We'll need Clark, Diana, and whoever else can survive Space's vacuum as well, because we're going to search for this anomaly…"

"Now hold on," Kowalski questioned most curiously, cocking a brow. "What makes you think the source of the anomaly is in Space?"

"Easy." Drew said. "Firstly, no reported instances of anyone witnessing an individual's appearance via anomaly. And secondly, just ask Wendy or Carandial. When Clark arrived here on Earth, where did he come from?"

"Space…" Thrawn observed with a nod.

"Exactly." Drew responded. "And how do I know he didn't arrive via a different planet?"

Drew brought up a small hologram of the entire galaxy, even typing in the name 'Krypton'.

"Clark's home planet? Doesn't exist…" Drew shook his head. "Yes, it was destroyed. But this is a list of every planet in the galaxy, both past and present."

"This leads me to believe that Clark may be the key to helping us shut these anomalies down, in more ways than one."

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"Is this...really necessary?" Kylie asked as she looked into the one way glass where Kyla was being held. The little girl looked positively terrified, constantly looking around and pacing, and occasionally calling out that she wasn't dangerous.

"We can't take any chances, Kylie." Jack said with a sigh, which caused Kylie to groan.

"She's a little girl, dad. What if there's nothing going on, and we're just traumatizing her for nothing?"

"We're just being cautious, Kylie." Anakin said. "She came from an anomaly. We need to make sure nothing is wrong-"

"I came from an anomaly as well. As did the Jedi and Clones. And Ma, our President, and my oldest brother. None of them have been treated like this." Kylie pointed out.

"As much as I want to agree…" Ahsoka sighed, her morals feeling conflicted. "If Drew thinks that she could be dangerous, then if only for a temporary while, we should trust in his judgment…"

Kylie sighed, still not liking this. She looked back into the cell where Kyla was now sitting on the ground, holding her teddy bear with a nervous expression.

"We should at least be careful." Jack spoke up. "If nothing is wrong-"

"Then we might have traumatized her for nothing..." Kylie sighed.

"Yeah, but- Well… Erm…" Ahsoka crossed her arms, looking over at the little girl, her own morals starting to question what was going on.

Sure, she agreed on the one hand playing it safe was a good thing, but she was still but a child. What was she really even capable of at this stage, anyways? She was stumped.

"Drew?" He asked on the communicator. "Any luck?"

"We think we have a lead on the source of the anomaly." Drew confirmed seconds later. "However, we're going to require Clark's assistance if this is gonna work."

Just as quickly as they turned to Clark to see what he was gonna do, he was already making his way towards the exit.

"I'm on it." Clark said, before at last making his leave.

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"What?" The ever commanding voice of Lex Luthor growled as he answered his phone, sitting up on the bed he was currently laying on. He was as impatient as usual, as he was in the middle of a private luxury massage in his manor home; something he didn't want interrupted. "This had better be important, Kirk…"

The top scientist of Lex Corp gulped a bit, but took a look at the giant computer screen of a live video on what his excavators have found.

"W- Well, Mr. Luthor…" Kirk Langstrom cleared his throat as he tried to be as descriptive as possible. "It appears as though our excavators have found something-"

"Of course they found something!" Lex Luthor exclaimed, abruptly cutting him off due to his frustration. "That's what excavators do…"

"W- Well, Mr. Luthor…" Kirk Langstrom widened his eyes as the image made itself more clear from one of the excavators' body camera footage. "I'm afraid it isn't as cut and dry as that…"

Lex Luthor cocked a brow, before turning to the escort he hired, before smacking her ass and ordering,

"Get lost, sweetheart… Business."

The escort with wide eyes gave a huff, before she did as requested, slamming the door behind her.

Lex Luthor, after making sure she was gone, stood up and asked Kirk,

"What are you talking about? What did they find? Don't keep me in suspense, Langstrom… I don't believe that was in your job description…"

"Right…" Kirk Langstrom nervously chuckled, before he decided to get straight to the point. "It appears as though they were investigating the source of a meteor crash site… Whatever it is they've found, it is… unlike any meteor I've ever seen…"

"How so?..." The billionaire questioned.

"Well for starters, it's a lot larger than most- Wait a minute… I- What the…"

"What?" Lex Luthor asked Kirk.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING!?" Kirk Langstrom stood up out of his chair in obvious fright, something he witnessed on the live body cam footage appearing to disturb him.

"Langstrom!?" Lex Luthor narrowed his eyes. "What's going on over there!?"

"M- Monster! It's a- Oh Jesus… Their entrails have been left everywhere…" Kirk Langstrom's voice was a lot more shaky now, the images appearing to scar him.

Lex Luthor gave a scowl, before informing him,

"I'm coming over there… Just try not to faint before I get there. I'm sure whatever this 'monster' is, it will be of no consequence to me."

With that, he abruptly ended the call, before entering his bathroom at a casual pace to get dressed back into his suit and get to work.

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"They've found the meteor...and the subject has been unleashed..." A voice spoke, looking over the cameras, before the owner turned to face his companion. Or in this case...his master.

"Just as we predicted, Darkseid..." Vilgax spoke, crossing his arms. "The creature will destroy the Earth with trivial ease...No need for fleets and armies. Just one creature left to be awakened by the curious pond scum known as humanity..."

Darkseid stood there, his arms behind his back as he stared over his Kingdom of Apokolips with a blank expression. His eyes glowed as red as ever before, the only notable physical difference on him being multiple scars engraved along his arms and back.

This was due to being wrapped in Hellfire chains, being mercilessly whipped by the most wicked Oni the Netherrealm had to offer.

But even at that… Not even the darkest plain of Hell could hold the Dark God for long! They were but a minor inconvenience to him at best.

Now, he was back, and had sat in waiting for many months at this point.

"The mortals of Earth shall feel the sting of defeat, just as I have…" Darkseid spoke rather calmly. "Their earlier victory over me came down to nothing but pure luck from them, and slight overestimation by me. This time, we shall play things intelligently…"

Darkseid shook his head, before turning to face Vilgax, his arms still behind his back.

"It matters to me not just how 'intelligent' their Batman, Thrawn, or frivolous penguin supposedly is. Because now that our seed has been planted in their soil, they shall meet their deaths…"

A smirk curled onto Darkseid's lips, before he finished,

"They will meet… their Doomsday."