Author's Note: Time away from being at anything really has seriously got me adding to the Shaniverse Wiki lol. I'm on a roll! Haha, still berate myself for not updating chapters of the actual stories quicker lol. But I'm gonna be cranking it as best I can now, as I've got an exact layout throughout the rest of Season 3; it's just so easy to be distracted! ;–;


Isle of Berk - Ahch-To

Jarik POV...

"You an alien?"

"No."

"Oh really? You got freaky powers!"

"Maybe he's actually some sort of space wizard. Are you aligned with Loki?!"

"No."

"Can you take me with you the next time you blow up a big ship?"

"No."

"Is your family cool?"

"N-" I stop myself with an exasperated sigh, shaking my head. "Yes, they're cool. Now in the most respectful way possible, can you two quit following me?"

I cross my arms and level the Thorston twins with an irritated glare, raising an eyebrow at them. They've been bothering me for much of the day, asking stupid questions without pause, and I've tried my hardest to get rid of them. However they just can't seem to get the hint that I want them gone, responding with their own mockingly suspicious glares and crossing their own arms. Tuffnut wags a finger at me while Ruffnut shakes her head.

"Au contraire mon frere, you haven't answered all of our questions yet," Tuffnut states. "We're trying to determine what type of energy juice powers you."

"What?" I ask with a baffled sigh.

"Listen up big guy, you have a metal arm. That clearly means you're a really high tech machine. Not an actual person," Ruffnut says accusingly, pointing her finger at me. "You sure you weren't built by Hiccup?"

"A foolish theory, dear Ruffnut," Tuffnut disagrees. "This form of technology is far beyond the understanding of even our skinny, one-legged Viking."

"Look, I know you don't actually believe something stupid like that," I scoff, rolling my eyes. "So here's the deal: you stop pestering me, and I don't use the Force to throw you over the cliff."

The twins turn their heads to look at the nearby cliff that me and Mara's house was built near, which is on the edge of of the village similar to Stoick and Hiccup's house. They return their gaze back to me before sharing delighted grins with each other.

"Count us in! Who doesn't like getting thrown over the cliff?!" Ruffnut exclaims.

Grumbling to myselff, I wave my arm and send the two knuckleheads tumbling down the hill with the Force, where they eventually roll off the cliff with startled yells. I cross my arms and waits for a moment, and a few seconds later Barf and Belch come soaring up into the air with the twins held in their mouths, flying back in the direction of the village.

"That's right! Later you robot!" Tuffnut calls out, and Ruffnut laughs mockingly in agreement.

While the twins and their dragon were flying away, Mara and Zenna come flying over to land on the ground beside me, along with Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Stormfly. They watch the twins being carried off for a few seconds before turning to look at me with incredulous and sympathetic looks on their faces.

"Well that was something," Hiccup remarks.

"You'd think they'd get the hint already," Astrid adds irritably.

"Honestly, I think the only thing that would shut them up is if I finally decided to give one of them an injury," I grumble in annoyance. "But obviously I'm not going to do that."

"Can I do it?" Mara asks hopefully.

"No," Hiccup and I both respond simultaneously.

"I wouldn't mind," Astrid shrugs.

"So, what've you guys been up to today?" I ask them.

"Doing laps around the island, a little bit of dragon training at the academy, normal stuff," Mara shrugs, making a face. "I guess we know why the twins weren't there."

Hiccup and Astrid both sigh at the realization.

"Anyways, just stuff, really, though Hiccup here really wants to keep looking for new dragons," she continues, jabbing a thumb in his direction.

"You know, there's always more to find," Hiccup says casually.

"We haven't discovered new dragons in a while though," Astrid points out.

"Come on Astrid, where's the optimism?" he asks in reply.

I look on in amusement, pulling my focus away from them however when my comlink starts beeping. Zenna squawks at the sound while the teens look at me, even the Vikings recognizing the sound by now. I raise an eyebrow and lift my wrist com, sighing at the hailing frequency I'm receiving.

"More Fulcrum business?" Mara asks.

"Yeah. Top level apparently," I reply, lowering my arm. "You guys can go on, I'd prefer to take this in private."

"Sure thing Dad," she shrugs in acceptance.

She, Hiccup and Astrid take flight once more on their dragons while I make my way inside the house, closing the door behind me. Once I do, I accept the transmission and bring up a hologram of Bail Organa.

"Jarik, it's good to see you again," he greets pleasantly.

"Same to you. What can I do for you Bail?" I ask him.

"I have a big favor to ask, however I feel you are more than suited to the task," he says, and I raise a curious eyebrow. "Would you be willing to offer your assistance in transporting Senator Mothma to Dantooine?"

"Transporting her? What for?" I ask in surprise. "Was she discovered to be working with the rebellion?"

"Indeed... though that was of her own accord," he explains. "She just recently gave a public statement condemning Emperor Palpatine for his injustice across the galaxy."

I blink my eyes in surprise at the information, shocked by Mon Mothma's boldness to do so. No wonder she needs safe transportation: her head is now on the list of wanted targets by the Empire.

"Huh. Wasn't expecting to hear that, but she's got my vote," I jokingly reply, before growing more serious. "However, I don't think it's wise for me to be a part of this convoy. That would only cause more problems and bring more of the Empire down on us."

"I suppose you're right," Bail sighs in reluctant agreement. "Would you be willing to meet her on Dantooine then? She's preparing to address the galaxy there in the hopes of inspiring more to join our cause. Mon and I both agree that your presence would only strengthen our resolve. You're already an inspiration to so many."

I look to the side with a frown, contemplating the idea with some reluctance. Giving some speech isn't exactly something I'd like to do, but Bail does have a point. Whether I like it or not, I've basically become the face of resistance against the Empire.

"Only because I blasted a hole in Palpatine's house," I scoff in reply, looking back at him. "Alright, if you think it'll be beneficial, then I'll be there."

"Thank you Jarik," Bail nods gratefully. "May the Force be with you."

I nod back to him, and the transmission ends. Sighing, I stand silently for a moment as I think about this, contemplating what I would even do. Obviously I gotta say something inspirational aside from just standing there... maybe reveal a few things that Darth Sidious would definitely not like me to say...

First thing's first though, I have to let Mara know about where I'll be going. Since this'll just be a simple speech there's no reason to bring her along, and once I'm done with that... I should go visit Tatooine. The more on dwell on it the more anxious I get. I simply need to go, if only to settle my nerves and ensure that there's no issue there whatsoever, and that Maul won't be finding Obi-Wan, or more importantly, Luke.


Lothal sector - Outer Rim Territories

3rd person POV...

Hiding amongst the remains of a long destroyed battle cruiser was the Ghost, attached to a large floating piece of a destroyed Munificent freighter's hull. Attached to the Ghost's underside were two large tanks of fuel, which a group of extremely bored rebels were tasked with transporting. Inside the cockpit Hera, Ezra, and Zeb all sat slumped over in their seats, listening tiredly to a HoloNet broadcast that Chopper was showing in an attempt to provide some form of alleviation to their boredom.

"In 010, I will discuss the dramatic events transpiring in your Imperial se-" the newscaster says enthusiastically.

Zeb has the propaganda switched off mid-sentence, stretching his arms with an exasperated look on his face.

"I hope we're not gonna be hiding in this can forever. There's only so much HoloNet I can take," he groans.

"Well, I'd say they're late but I don't even know when they're supposed to show up. Or who we're meeting," Ezra points out irritably.

Chopper makes a snide comment about how Jarik and Ahsoka used to make them wait for a meet-up back before they revealed their identities to the Ghost Crew, and Hera rolls her eyes in exasperation.

"Whoever they are, Senator Organa wants them to get where they're going and he's trusting us to get them fuel," she informs them.

"If he trusts us, why is he keeping us in the dark?" Ezra demands.

"You know as much as I do," she admits helplessly in reply.

"No wonder Kanan volunteered for that supply run," he groans, leaning back in his chair. "Or why Jarik and Mara like to head back to their planet all the time."

"Heh, feels like those two do whatever they want," Zeb scoffs. "Honestly though, I think Kanan volunteered for that supply run more because his buddies were given the assignment."

"No kidding," Ezra nods in agreement. "They're pretty cool, but I gotta be honest, they seem kind of weird."

"Weird?" Zeb asks.

"Just my opinion of course, but yeah," he shrugs casually. "Anybody else get the feeling that Cal and Merrin have a thing for each other?"

"What makes you say that?" Hera questions, raising an eyebrow.

"Well for one thing, I happen to have a sense of when two people have a mutual interest," Ezra comments.

"You sure you're not still not thinking about Sabine?" Zeb teases in reply.

He and Chopper share an amused laugh while Ezra sits up with an irritated glare on his face.

"Hey, that was just a phase! I'm over that!" he snaps defensively. "Sabine and I are perfectly happy as friends!"

Chopper beeps another teasing remark, and Ezra growls at him in frustration.

"Alright, knock it off you three," Hera scolds in exasperation. "I say much about our new allies, but I do know that Kanan trusts Cal. He's talked about him a few times before, and they were very good friends before the Empire. So we should be glad to have them with us."

"Yeah, I know," Ezra sighs, calming back down. "I was just curious."

Chopper suddenly displays the Imperial newscaster again, startling Zeb for a second, but they all listen in.

"Imperial senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila has shocked the Senate with her treasonous remarks against Emperor Palpatine!" the newscaster reports with contempt.

He disappears as a holo-recording of senator Mon Mothma is shown instead.

"I named the Emperor himself, for ordering the brutal attacks on the people of Ghorman. Their peaceful world is one of countless systems helpless against his oppressive rule," Mon Mothma states firmly. "This massacre is proof that our self-appointed Emperor is little more than a lying executioner, imposing his tyranny under the pretense of security. We cannot allow this evil to stand."

The message ends, leaving the rebels stunned at the proclamation.

"Wow! Did she really say that about the Emperor?" Ezra asks incredulously.

"I'm surprised she's still breathing," Zeb scoffs in agreement. "Lady's got guts."

The Ghost's radar begins to beep, and Hera turns to see a ship of some kind emerge from hyperspace.

"Maybe that's our contact," Ezra says hopefully.

"I don't think so," Hera replies suspiciously. "Chopper, scan."

The small ship opens up to reveal a probe droid seated inside, directing its pod to fly through the debris field. Scanning it, Chopper displays a holographic image of the probe, which the others instantly recognize.

"A probe? What's it doing way out here?" Hera asks incredulously.

"Speaks Imperial. That's bad," Ezra says grimly.

"Let's blast it before it spots us," Zeb suggests.

"Ezra, get in the nose gun, but hold your fire. We don't want to attract attention if we can avoid it," Hera orders. "I'll power down so it can't scan us."

Hera turns around and starts shutting off the Ghost's systems, and Chopper beeps cautiously.

"That includes you, Chopper," she replies sternly.

Zeb moves to turn him off but Chopper beeps loudly in protest, waving his arms around to keep his hands away.

"Shush it!" Zeb growls irritably.

He reaches Chopper's power switch before he could react in time and shuts him down. Ezra makes his way down to the nose gun while Hera looks out the viewport, getting a visual of the probe moving through the debris field.

"Nobody make a move," she says.

The probe starts flying past them, seemingly oblivious, and Zeb starts to get his hopes up.

"I don't think it saw us," he says.

"I'll be convinced when it leaves," Hera replies firmly.

After a few more seconds however, the probe turns around and starts heading back to their location, his searchlight roaming around close by.

"That doesn't look like leaving," Ezra says anxiously.

"It's headed right for us!" Zeb adds in frustration.

"Must be scanning for life signs," Hera deduces.

"Well, that's just great," he scoffs. "We can't shoot it with the power down."

"Ezra, be ready," she says.

"Just say when," he replies confidently.

The crew wait anxiously as the probe droid comes closer and closer to them, its spotlight now shining on the Ghost's hull. As the light begins to cross over the cockpit, Hera notices a bit of sudden irregular movement from the probe as it identifies life forms.

"Now!" she exclaims.

She swiftly turns on the Ghost's power systems, and Ezra wastes no time in firing at the probe. The probe's pod closes up and swiftly turns around, speeding away as fast as possible while the Ghost detaches from the debris and gives chase.

"Come on, kid, hit it before it transmits our location!" Zeb urges.

"Thing's quick!" he retorts.

The probe weaves around floating debris, making it difficult for Ezra to hit the droid despite Hera keeping them after it. He fires the gun a few times, but small pieces of debris get in the way of his shots and are hit instead.

"I can't get a clean shot," Ezra says in frustration.

While making its way through the destroyed remains of the Separatist cruiser, the imperial probe begins transmitting its location, receiving a response from other Imperial systems nearby. As it exits the debris field, still being pursued by the Ghost, a taylander shuttle suddenly appears out of hyperspace in front of them, surrounded by a squadron of five y-wing bombers.

"Whoa, who's that?" Ezra exclaims in surprise, faltering for a moment.

"Never mind. Stay on target!" Hera reminds him.

With the debris field now behind them, Ezra has a much clearer view of the imperial probe droid. Narrowing his eyes he fires a few more shots, striking the pod and destroying it. Ezra sighs in relief and leans back in his chair while the Ghost receives a transmission.

"Phoenix Leader, this is Gold Squadron. We catch you at a bad time?" a pilot's voice questions.

"Sorry about that, Gold Squadron. Close call with an Imperial probe," Hera replies.

"Were you detected?" he asks.

"Chances are high, it called for reinforcements."

"Begin fueling immediately. We need to get out of here before the Empire arrives," he states firmly.


After docking with the shuttle, Hera and the others moved down to the docking port to greet the rebels of Gold Squadron. The door to the other ship opens, allowing a pilot and officer of some sort into the Ghost.

"Captain Syndulla, I presume. I'm Erskin Semaj, Senatorial attache," the officer greets her professionally. "And this is Captain Vander, he leads Gold Squadron."

Hera and Captain Vandor exchange a formal military salute at his introduction before Hera introduces her team. Ezra and Zeb both offer their own salutes at being named.

"This is Ezra, and Zeb, and Chopper," Hera says.

"So, what're ya transportin'?" Ezra asks curiously.

"Please understand, due to security concerns, your crew will not be allowed to board our vessel," Erskin states firmly.

"Well, you're all welcome aboard ours," Hera replies pleasantly, gesturing inside. "Let's get to refueling."


Moving down to the cargo bay, Zeb, Ezra, Chopper, and Captain Vandor worked on the transference of fuel to Gold Squadron's y-wing bombers while Hera and Erskin oversaw it from the bay entrance. Vandor checked his datapad to ensure things were operating normally as the y-wing for "Gold Two" came to dock in the Ghost's cargo bay. The rebel pilot inside gets out of her bomber and pulls her helmet off, looking at Ezra with recognition in her eyes.

"We've heard a lot about you, Phoenix Squadron," she comments.

"You have?" Ezra asks, surprised.

"Yeah, almost as much as Jarik Shan," she states, though she doesn't seem very excited at that. "You blew up the comm tower on Lothal and Tarkin's Star Destroyer, not to mention being a part of the whole mess at the Imperial Center."

"Heheh, ain't that the truth," Zeb chuckles with a smug grin. "The tower wasn't us, but the Star Destroyer, guilty as charged! Smashing through the Emperor's Palace was even better."

"You might think twice before you pull more stunts like that. "The Imperials have tightened security throughout the entire Outer Rim as a result," she replies with an accusatory glare, irritated. "It's bad enough that Shan is running around with no regard for authority."

"Uh, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't he one of the people that actually started the rebellion... making him one of its leaders?" Ezra points out.

"He brings entire Star Destroyers wherever he goes, and you're just worsening the problem!" she angrily responds. "You're making things harder for all of us!"

"Well, we don't mind doing things the hard way," Zeb retorts.

"Besides, its not like Jarik wants the Empire to follow him," Ezra adds in support.

"Then maybe he should have thought of that before smashing a cruiser into the Emperor's Palace!" she argues.

"Let's have this argument another time," Vandor interrupts, a bit frustrated. "Your little encounter may have jeopardized this mission."

"Oh, you mean the probe. What did you expect us to do?" Zeb snaps in frustration.

"It would have been prudent to avoid detection, as ordered," Vandor states firmly. "This assignment is extremely sensitive."

"Yeah? Well, maybe you should have given us a few more details instead of being so sensitive about your assignment," Ezra retorts mockingly, raising an eyebrow at them and crossing his arms.

Chopper beeps at the rebels mockingly, shaking on his axels while the female pilot looks on incredulously.

"Did your droid just insult us?!" she exclaims indignantly.

"My crew did the best we could, but you didn't give us much information to go on," Hera interjects, offering her complaints more professionally.

"Look, that probe, it was probably looking for us, specifically," Erskin tells her. "We are carrying cargo highly valuable to the Rebellion, and desperately wanted by the Empire."

Just then, alarms start to beep as the Ghost detects the approach of several ships from hyperspace, armed with hostile intent.

"We have incoming!" she warns the others.

From out of hyperspace behind them an Imperial light-cruiser and gozanti transport emerge, releasing a detachment of TIE Fighters and firing their laser cannons, striking the back of the taylander shuttle.


Dxun - Japrael sector

Imperial scouting teams and salvage crews sift through the abandoned Mandalorian outpost, gathering all the information they could. Thanks to the outposts shields the base remained relatively intact, although laser cannon fire from the AT-AT walkers during the assault caused some damage among the more major structures, as well as decimating all of the outpost's defensive turrets. While they went about their assigned work, the Imperial Star Destroyer known as the Devastator hovered in the sky above, with Captain Corssin on its bridge overseeing the whole operation. With the Executor still undergoing repairs as a result of the battle, the Devastator acted as Darth Vader's second flagship, which he previously used before his Super Star Destroyer was commissioned.

The Sith Lord himself was not on the Devastator however, neither was he down amongst the Imperials searching the base. Instead he stood on the lower portion of one of the surrounding mountains that overlooked the outpost; the mountain that the Storm originated from. Vader knelt down on one knee, running a hand through the dirt as he stretches out his senses through the Force, trying to detect what could not be physically seen. The words of his master Darth Sidious came back to him as he replayed the conversation through his mind.

"Whoever it was that caused this... 'Storm,' they are truly powerful. The disturbance rippled through the Force with power I have rarely felt before, and yet the presence I sensed was... familiar."

"Perhaps it was Yoda? He may have survived," he had suggested.

"Master Yoda... he is a frail shell of his former self," the Emperor had hissed in disgust, scoffing at the idea. "Even if capable, that old fool would not be willing to tap into the Force in such a destructive way."

"Shan seemed to react to it as well. Before the blast he felt it, while his companions did not," he revealed.

There was a moment of silence.

"Sun and the Moon... standing together, nothing is stronger..." he had murmured, more to himself.

"Master?" he had asked, confused at what he meant.

"It is clear that whoever caused it is an enemy to us. A being with such power is a grave threat to the Empire, and cannot be allowed to stand!" the Emperor declared angrily. "Go to Dxun. Investigate the origin of the Storm, and find out what Shan was doing there! I sense that he was not only at the outpost."

Darth Vader stands up from the ground, turning to look out at the outpost once more, observing as his forces continued their search for further clues on what activities had occurred here, going through security recordings and technical data stored on a computer. Jarik Shan didn't spend the entirety of his visit to Dxun at the outpost. According to Thrawn his arrival was late, well after the assault had begun. He had traveled back with his allies during the battle, likely rushing to rescue the only family he has left after having noticed their presence there. Vader clenches his fists tightly in frustration, his anger growing as he dwells more on the thought of Shan.

Movement at the edge of his vision has Vader looking over to see a bird landing on a branch, looking down and observing him. It's a convor, though he couldn't discern its color as everything he saw these days was permanently tinged with red. This convor however... it held a strange presence in the Force, looking at him as if it was disapproving or disappointed.

"My master could never, be as vile as you!"

Vader is startled at suddenly hearing the voice in his head, her voice. He whips his head around with seeking eyes, noticing the vague form of a figure further in the treeline. It's a bit foggy however, but he could just barely see to faint outline of someone... someone with horns. He takes a step in their direction, narrowing his eyes in fierce determination when he also notices a second figure beside them, broader and taller than the first while lacking horns.

"I supported you all the way until you went and joined the Sith."

His voice... the Jedi wishes to confront him again? Then he shall face the consequences! Vader reaches for his lightsaber, the two figures starting to become clearer through the fog when the convor suddenly flies past his face, screeching loudly. Startled, he falters in his step as he instinctively watches the convor, however it flies up into the tree canopy and vanishes. Dismissive, Vader resumes his charge only to halt once more, widening his eyes in shock and rage: the figures he saw weren't there. Scowling, Vader stretches out with the Force to locate his enemies, only to sense absolutely no one around him in a wide radius.

No one was around him.

Darth Vader stares forward in cold fury and bewildered frustration, placing his lightsaber back on his belt as he tries to contain his rage, the ground around his feet shaking as his presence releases low tremors in the Force. Snarling, he turns away from the forest and begins his march back to the outpost, only to stop as a thought comes to him. Since pledging himself to the Sith he's learned much from his master, Darth Sidious, and from the history of ancient Sith. Thanks to those teachings, he came to learn of the ancient Sith Lord known as Freedon Nadd, who's body is resting in a tomb nearby. If Shan was somewhere else during his time here, it's likely that is where he went.

With a new set goal in mind, Vader trudges back to the outpost with the intent of acquiring transportation so that he can journey to the Tomb of Freedon Nadd, and see what may have been there to get Shan's attention. As he goes he thrusts any thoughts of The Jedi's apprentice and her beloved, refusing to let such memories haunt him with their empty words.


Hyperspace - Lothal sector

After escaping from the Imperial forces by jumping through hyperspace, the crew of the Ghost met in the common room with Erskin and senator Mon Mothma, who were forced to evacuate their ship along with their crew after it was severely damaged.

"Senator Mon Mothma, this is my crew, Zeb Orrelios, and out there, in one of your bombers, Ezra Bridger," Hera introduces with a smile.

"I know of young Mr. Bridger, and I thank you, Captain Orrelios," Mothma replies sincerely, nodding to them.

"We saw your speech on the HoloNet. You really let the Emperor have it," Ezra says through the comms from his bomber, grinning approval.

"I only wish words had more of an impact," she replies a bit regretfully. "I'm starting to see that people like Commander Shan are what the galaxy needs more of."

"Senator, let's forget this mission and get you back to Chandrila to a proper hiding place!" Erskin insists.

Hera and Zeb share a baffled and annoyed look with each other, but Mon Mothma shakes her head in disagreement.

"No hiding," she firmly replies. "My presence at the meeting is not optional."

"You mean the meeting?" Hera asks in realization.

Erskin narrows his eyes at her suspiciously, but Mothma places a hand on his shoulder to alleviate him.

"Erskin, I trust them to get me there," she reassures him.

He remains cautious and distrustful, but reluctantly concedes her wish and steps back, allowing her to better approach Hera.

"We're in the process of building an alliance, uniting the various rebel cells across the galaxy. The strike against Coruscant inspired many, but there are many more who are still fearful, as they do not understand why it happened," Mothma explains. "My challenge to the Emperor was a call to stand against the Empire. My hope is, all who answer it will see that they are not alone. I must be there to meet them."

"Her involvement has been a secret, but the Empire will be attempting to track any ship that tries to leave this system," Erskin adds with an agitated tone.

"I know a way to sneak you out of the sector," Hera replies confidently. "Senator, we'll get you to that meeting."

"Give them the coordinates to Dantooine," Mothma tells Erskin.

He glances at them warily but nods to Senator Mothma.


Imperial Complex, Capital City - Lothal

Within the Imperial Complex on Lothal, Thrawn stood with Governor Pryce and the Second Sister in order to resume their search for the rebels. The Second Sister of course stood in a more obscure position, once again without her helmet on. The lack of a helmet lately piqued Thrawn's intrigue, but he disregarded the trivial topic in favor of the issues that do deserve his attention. A map of the sector was displayed on the holotable before them, listing all known rebel activity, which he studied with a keen eye.

"With that traitorous lieutenant now secured, when can we expect to start getting information from him?" Pryce asks.

"Patience, Governor Pryce. Agent 'Fulcrum' will be providing us with our needs in the future," Thrawn tells her.

"I must admit, I don't understand why we don't interrogate him now. I'm sure Vader would be more than happy too-" she suggests in reply.

"Lord Vader is preoccupied at the moment," Second Sister interrupts. "Fulcrum will reveal his secrets in time."

Pryce turns to look at the Second Sister, frowning at her blatant interruption but also a bit unsettled by the yellow-eyed glare she receives right back. She decides to shrug it off in dismissal instead of challenging her. At that moment, another Imperial officer walks through the doorway and into the command center, gaining the attention of its occupants.

"Vice Admiral Sloane. I'm glad to see that you've arrived," Thrawn greets her.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn. A pleasure as always," Sloane replies, inclining her head respectfully.

"Vice Admiral Sloane? With all due respect of course, may I ask why you are here?" Pryce questions.

"It has been reported that senator Mothma has fled to this sector. With the loss of Admiral Konstantine, the Vigilance has been ordered to assist the Seventh Fleet in his place," she explains.

"I see. I certainly hope you turn out to be more effective than Admiral Konstantine," she says in reply, holding a bit of contempt for Sloane in her gaze.

"Things don't go too well for those who make mistakes," Second Sister advises, the threat clearly implied.

"A common flaw among many in the Empire's ranks is that they govern themselves on pride and glory, much like Konstantine," Sloane responds calmly, understanding the warning and also holding her ground. "I govern myself on my duty to the Empire. Nothing more."

"And I commend you for such devotion," Thrawn says with a nod.

"Thank you, Grand Admiral," she replies with gratitude.

"Very well then. None can argue with those ideals, though we have more pressing concerns to discuss," Pryce remarks, turning her gaze to the holomap. "According to new reports, a rebel squadron was discovered in an old Clone War battle site, refueling a transport they were protecting."

She brings up an image of the transport on the holoprojector, an image taken by their light cruiser before the skirmish began.

"The rebel squadron defended their transport vigorously, but we thwarted their attempt to refuel. A scan of the vessel before it was destroyed revealed no cargo aboard, and only a small crew," she explains.

"Their cargo was something priced. A certain... senator, I suspect," Thrawn quickly deduces.

"Senator Mothma," Pryce realizes, narrowing her eyes. "Her capture is a priority! If she escaped aboard the Ghost, where is she now?"

Sloane narrows her eyes at the mention of the Ghost, recognizing the name.

"The Ghost?" she questions.

"Indeed, Vice Admiral. A transport used by a group of rebels known as the Spectres, led by the rebel captain, Hera Syndulla," Thrawn explains with a knowing look. "I understand you're familiar with them?"

"Her and the Jedi, Kanan Jarrus. I've had encounters with them before," she confirms with a nod.

"The Grand Inquisitor mentioned as such," Second Sister remarks.

"In any case, as far as their current location is concerned it may not be where you'd expect," Thrawn continues. "Captain Syndulla will be, creative in avoiding your blockades. She will brave the unlikeliest path to transport her passenger out of the sector. There."

Thrawn displays a new image on the holoprojector, a map of a nearby nebula.

"The Archeon Pass. A favorite of outer rim smugglers," he states confidently.

"Through the nebula? Star Destroyers can't follow them through there," Sloane says with a frown.

"Precisely," Thrawn smiles in confirmation. "So, I've readied my new prototype and our best pilots to hunt down and capture this rogue senator."

"Grand Admiral, allow me the honor of silencing her," Pryce requests, a bit eagerly.

Second Sister discretely shakes her head with a quiet scoff of contempt, while Sloane glances warily at Pryce. Thrawn is silent for a few moments in contemplation before he concedes.

"Very well, Governor. Take Vice Admiral Sloane and the Second Sister to the far side of the nebula and wait there. When our fighters flush the rebels out into the open, you'll be in position to capture senator Mon Mothma, alive," he states, emphasizing his order for a live retrieval. "She could be our key to locating the true rebel fleet, and perhaps even Jarik Shan himself."

"As you wish, Grand Admiral," Pryce nods in acceptance.

She and Vice Admiral Sloane turn from the holoprojector to make for the exit, and the Second Sister follows them as they depart for their next assignment. Thrawn watches them go before resuming his analysis of the holomap, a few thoughts running through his head about the rogue senator.

While it is likely mere coincidence, Thrawn never failed to recognize that senator Mon Mothma was the representative of Chandrila, one of the galaxy's Core Worlds, and perhaps more interestingly is the homeworld of Jarik Shan. This connection between them is a cause for some interest, but is still not much more than simple coincidence as there was never any known interaction between the senator and Jedi Knight, beyond what role she may have in the growing rebellion. Still, it is often the more seemingly pointless details that prove to carry significance in the grander scheme of things.

And while it's unlikely there's any connection beyond being allied as leading figures for rebellion, he's certain that Mothma and Shan have communicated before. After all, Jarik Shan wouldn't have been able to start such a rebellion on his own, especially at its younger stage when he was not yet renowned across the galaxy He would've needed help from other well known leaders, who had the influence to jumpstart it. Such as a member of the senate...


Hyperspace, near the Archeon Nebula - Lothal Sector

The Ghost and y-wing escorts traveled through the smoky blue tunnel of hyperspace on their way to their destination. While Hera did some work on the Ghost in the cockpit, Mon Mothma came inside with two cups of some sort of drink, offering one of them to her.

"Sometimes I envy pilots like you, traveling through the stars. You can always leave your problems far behind you," she comments wistfully.

"Can't imagine you running from your problems," Hera says in reply.

"I've spent my life in the Senate trying to do good, to preserve the rights of the people," Mothma responds.

"And we are grateful," she says with a nod.

"Little good it's done. The Emperor has crushed freedom over the years, bit by bit. I've opposed him where I could, but I've begun to see that the fight cannot be won in the Senate," Mothma admits with a saddened expression. "Jarik Shan's stunt on Coruscant has given others far greater incentive for rebellion than I could ever hope for as a politician."

"It certainly did, but it was a lot more risky too," Hera points out. "The stakes are a bit higher out here on the front lines. Instead of being outvoted, you're outgunned."

"Life or death. It's a new experience, being on the run," she remarks thoughtfully. "I haven't always agreed with Shan's approach to things, but this has given me greater perspective, and a new appreciation for his resilience in spite of it. But if that's what it takes..."

She pauses in her thought to take a sip of her drink, and Hera turns her attention back to the viewport when her navicomputer indicates they've arrived.

"Whatever it takes, this Rebellion is worth it," Hera says confidently.

The rebel convey emerges from hyperspace in front of a large nebula, stretching in front of them as far as they could see. The nebula appears as a great cloud of wispy universal light, glowing a bright orange at its center. It was full of activity as a result of millions, even billions of stars forming within.

"The Archeon Nebula," Vandor recognizes instantly. "There are stars forming in there. Get too close and you'll burn up."

"Mmm, I can handle it," Ezra replies confidently. "Hera taught me a few tricks. She's the best around."

Their peace is short lived as an Imperial light-cruiser emerges from hyperspace behind them, as well as a prototype TIE Fighter.

"Fighter inbound. Looks like a TIE of some kind, closing from point one-nine," Gold Four warns them.

"Since when do TIE's have hyperdrives?" Gold Three asks incredulously.

Ezra looks up as the TIE Fighter soars overhead to get in front of them, widening his eyes in concern at recognizing the design.

"Oh, no," he murmurs anxiously.

"Attention, rebel ship, this is Commander Vult Skerris of the Imperial Navy," the TIE pilot announces. "You are harboring a traitor to the Empire. Surrender immediately."

"Gold Three and Four, send him our reply," Vandor orders.

The two rebel pilots swiftly move to engage, and Skerris eagerly flies at them in response.

"Get out of there, both of you!" Ezra exclaims in alarm. "I know that ship. It's a prototype TIE Defender. It's armed with heavy cannons and shields!"

The rebel pilots don't break off their attack however, and open fire on their target. They easily score a direct hit on the TIE Defender's cockpit, however Ezra's warning becomes immediately apparent when their shots have no effect, surprising them. Skerris doesn't give them a chance to reach before firing his own cannons in reply, easily destroying the two pilots. Mothma watches the scene from the cockpit of the Ghost with a grim expression, saddened by their deaths.

"Go," she quietly tells Hera.

"Close formation. We might be able to lose him in the nebula!" Hera informs the others, flying forwards.

The light-cruiser fires its laser cannons at the fleeing rebels ships, however they quickly disappear into the nebula. They fly through the great expansive of brightly lit gas and dust, maintaining formation.

"Stay on the Ghost tight," Vandor orders.

"And disable your proton torpedoes," Hera adds.

"Why?" Ezra asks, confused.

"They've been known to ignite the gas in clouds like these," she explains.

Vult Skerris soon appears on their tail from behind a cloud of gas, firing at the rebel ships alongside two TIE Intercepters. Zeb returns fire with a gun turret on the Ghost, scoring several hits on the defender without any affect.

"Those shields are too strong!" he says in frustration.

Turning around a gas cloud, Skerris targets the Ghost with his scopes and makes a beeline for it. Hera sees the warning from her scanners and shuts it down to remain focused on her task, and Gold Five takes notice of Skerris's approach.

"He's got a lock on you!" she exclaims.

Skerris opens fire on the Ghost, but she turns her y-wing into the line of fire, resulting in her ship being destroyed instead of the Ghost's engines being shot.

"We lost Gold Five!" Vandor says in alarm.

"It's just us now," Ezra replies grimly.

Hera directs the Ghost in the direction of a nearby star while the TIE's give chase, maintaining their rate of fire while Ezra and Vandor do their best to avoid it.

"They're too fast. We can't outrun them," Vandor says anxiously.

"Ain't over yet," Hera replies firmly. "Gold Leader, stay tight. We're going in close to that forming star. Put all power in your deflector screens! This is our only chance."

All too quickly, they enter the vicinity of the star's orbit, as well as its heat. With their deflector shields risen to maximum power they enter the stellar atmosphere of the star, and are met with intense heat. Waves of fiery gas ignite around their ships due to the intense heat, causing internal systems to smoke as a result. The pursuing TIE's are met with the same problem, but without deflector shields the two intercepters are completely vulnerable. The first interceptor shudders violently as its wreathed in flame, all of its systems quickly failing as the fury of the young star takes its toll. The pilot looks around in fear as his fighter breaks apart and loses control, and in no time is swiftly destroyed by the star.

"You got one!" Vandor reports happily.

Faced with the same problem, the second TIE Interceptor pilot breaks off his pursuit in an attempt to escape the vicious heat of the star, but Zeb takes notices and aims his turret at him.

"Oh, no, you don't!" he states.

Firing a few shots, the interceptor is struck and descends uncontrollably to the stars surface, disintegrating entirely as it gets closer. Unlike the other two TIE's however, Skerris is still fully operable due to his TIE Defender's shielding, and fires on the two y-wings.

"Break off, kid! Break off!" Vandor exclaims.

The intense heat of the star starts burning up the bombers as well, and Ezra and Vandor are forced to break away in order to not get shot down in their more vulnerable state, leaving Skerris free to pursue the Ghost.

"Hera!" Ezra shouts in warning.

Still within the star's stellar atmosphere, the heat proves to be too much for the Ghost's stronger shields, and flakes of the hull begin to peel off under the intense exposure.

"We're burning up!" Mothma warns Hera.

Despite being more shielded than the TIE Interceptors, Skerris's close proximity to the star starts to burn his ship as well, unable to endure as much punishment as the Ghost's much stronger shielding. With pieces of his fighter starting to peel off, and his controls smoking, Skerris is forced to break away from the Ghost before he was destroyed, much to Hera's relief.

"He'll be back," she warns, growing concerned as the Ghost's systems begin to fail. "And that star took its toll. We're losing power!"

"We'll hold off the Defender while you get the Senator out of here," Ezra tells her.

"He's right. Go now. We've got this!" Vandor adds in agreement.

Finally free of the star's stellar atmosphere, the haze of burning fire around them disappears as they re-enter the coldness of regular space. While Ezra and Vandor turn around to find and confront Skerris, the Ghost travels farther away and exits the Archeon Nebula, coming to a dead stop as soon as they're out of it. Unfortunately, things only get worse as two fully armed Imperial Star Destroyers emerge from hyperspace directly in front of them, the Vigilance being one of them.

"Hera, got a new problem! Two of 'em," Zeb reports grimly.

"Chop, get me emergency power!" Hera exclaims.

Chopper beeps in acknowledgement as he provides it, and Hera starts to fly the Ghost away from the Star Destroyers. However their speed is painstakingly slow due to the damage sustained, and the Star Destroyers are easily able to follow after them.


Vice Admiral Sloane looks out at the Ghost from her position on the bridge, nodding to herself in satisfaction at recognizing the vessel from her own encounters with it. Beside her, Governor Pryce moves forward and looks out at the Ghost as well while the Second Sister remains standing further back, watching quietly as the Imperial commanders assess the situation. Pryce turns toward Sloane with an expectant look on her face.

"Well?" she questions.

Sloane glances back at her with some measure of annoyance but brushes her personal feelings aside as easily as she would a rebel conspirator.

"Their core systems have sustained considerable damage, and it would seem their y-wing escort has been defeated in the nebula by Commander Skerris," she reports. "The Ghost isn't going anywhere soon."

Pryce nods, turning to one of the officers on the bridge.

"Hail the rebel ship," she orders.


The crackling of an incoming transmission gets the attention of Mothma and Hera while she and Chopper were desperately trying to repair their ship's systems in order to escape the range of the Star Destroyers.

"This is Governor Pryce. You have been charged with treason against the Empire. Now, submit or be destroyed," she orders.

"Very well," Mothma replies with a sigh.

Hera glances at her in surprise and mutes their audio, turning towards her.

"She'll never keep her word," she warns.

"I know. I'm stalling her while you figure out a plan," Mothma replies.

"I'll take what I can get," Hera says, glancing at Chopper. "Keep working!"


"That is an impressive list of demands, Senator," Pryce remarks, sounding amused.

"You must understand, I cannot allow others to pay the price for my actions," Mothma tells her.

Chopper beeps to Hera and she nods in acknowledgement, muting their audio again.

"Charging the hyperdrive. Just another few moments!" she informs her.

Hera unmutes their audio, but Pryce gives another response.

"Your requests are denied, Senator," she states dismissively. "Prepare to be boarded."

The Ghost shudders violently as they're suddenly caught in a tractor beam from the Vigilance, which begins to draw them in.

"Chop, divert all power to the engines!" Hera exclaims.

Chopper beeps in acknowledgement, if a bit frustrated, and plugs himself into the astromech port. Hera guns the throttle to bring the Ghost up to full speed. The ship stalls for a few seconds as she attempts to break free, but the Vigilance quickly resumes drawing them closer to the hangar beneath it.

"Hera, what's the plan?" Zeb asks in a panic.

"We're not going to be able to break free!" Hera exclaims helplessly. "I'm sorry, Senator. I'm going to have to shut her down."

"Hera, do you read me?" Ezra's voice suddenly asks over the com.

"Ezra!" Hera replies more hopefully, but her excitement is short lived as the Ghost is drawn closer. "Ezra, I'm afraid I've got some bad news."

Ezra and Captain Vandor fly out of the nebula, having temporarily incapacitated Skerris with an ion blast. Hearing Hera's warning, Ezra looks over and widens his eyes in alarm to see the Ghost sitting helplessly in front of two Imperial Star Destroyers, caught in a tractor beam.

"Oh, great," he groans.

He and Vandor angle their bombers and start flying in their direction as fast as they could. On board the Vigilance, and Imperial officer gains the attention of Sloane upon detecting the two bomber making their approach.

"Vice Admiral, two rebel fighters have exited the nebula and are moving to attack our flank," he reports.

Sloane frowns at the information, wondering what happened to Commander Skerris in the nebula and whether or not he was defeated. She refocuses on the bombers however, not keen on the possibility of what could happen if the two y-wing bombers were given the opportunity to attack them. Nearby, the Second Sister turns her head out upon sensing the presence of a Force sensitive, deducing it to be either Kanan Jarrus or Ezra Bridger flying one of the bombers.

"A Jedi is in one of those bombers," she hisses.

Sloane takes her warning under advisement and looks down at the Imperial officer with a stern gaze, making a decision.

"I don't want those bombers getting in our way. Take them out," she orders.

The Vigilance takes aim on the y-wing bombers with its turbolasers and opens fire, sending a barrage of green laser fire screaming their way. Ezra and Vandor are forced to weave around the laser fire, listening to Hera as she explains the problem.

"We're caught in a tractor beam. Can you break us free?" Hera asks anxiously.

"Kid, charge your ion cannon and arm your proton torpedoes," Vandor orders.

"Proton torpedoes?" Hera asks in surprise, glancing at the nebula. "Negative, do not attack the Star Destroyers. Fire at the nebula!"

"The nebula?" he asks, confused.

"Of course! Remember what Hera said about firing torpedoes in the nebula?" Ezra reminds him.

"I understand, Phoenix Leader. We're going in," Vandor states.

Sloane watches the progress of the y-wings through the scanners of her Star Destroyer, and annoyed frown on her face as she sees that they haven't been shot down yet.

"Dispatch TIE Fighter's to intercept those bombers," she orders the officer.

"I don't see the concern. Two y-wing bombers aren't much of a threat against two Star Destroyers," Pryce says dismissively. "Besides, we almost have the senator secured."

"My concern will be eased when that happens Governor," Sloane replies firmly.

Second Sister takes a few steps forward, her head turned in the direction of where she could sense the presence of the Jedi. She narrows her eyes with a frown on her face as she begins to sense danger through the Force, making her uneasy. As a squadron of TIE Fighter's emerges from the hangar of the Vigilance the y-wings begin passing alongside the first Star Destroyer, and Second Sister widens her eyes in alarm upon realizing the danger she could sense.

"Move us away from the nebula!" she exclaims fiercely.

"What?" Pryce asks, confused.

Sloane however quickly caught on to problem as well, realizing the destructive power that stars and space anomalies could have if tampered with by an explosive surge of any type of energy.

"Do it now!" she yells to the bridge crew, looking back at the bomber's progress with an anxious gaze.

Grinning, Ezra releases his first batch of proton torpedoes at the nebula, Captain Vandor doing the same. The moment the proton torpedoes struck the nebula, an eruption occurs as the huge cloud of unstable gas is ignited. An intense flare of solar energy explodes out from the nebula with unstoppable force, striking the first Star Destroyer and causing extensive damage to its hull, blasting through its shields like nothing.

The TIE Fighter squadron moves to intercept the bombers and opens fire, but Ezra and Vandor shoot their next batch of torpedoes, evading the laser fire and passing around them. The TIE Fighter's turn back to give chase, but just then the nebula is struck again by the proton torpedoes, igniting more of the gas into a deadly solar flare. Caught in the blast, the TIE's are disintegrated in moments while the Vigilance ends up being struck, having been directly in front of the blast zone.

Much like the first Star Destroyer, its shields are rendered meaningless as the flare burns through the hull, damaging much of the starboard side. Sloane, Pryce, and the Second Sister stumble on their feet as the Vigilance shudders at the impact, electrical systems shorting out from the intense energy surge.

"We've lost the tractor beam!" an officer reports.

"We're free," Mothma notices with a smile.

Satisfied, Hera grabs the throttle and flies the Ghost away from the hangar, regrouping with Ezra and Captain Vandor.

"Make your jump now!" Hera says.

Wasting no time, she and the y-wings jump into hyperspace to safety, leaving the two Star Destroyers behind in a burning mess.


After coming out of hyperspace above Dantooine, Ezra and Captain Vandor dock with the Ghost and depart from their bombers, joining the rest of the team and a recovered Gold Two in the common room.

"Phoenix Leader, that was some of the best fighting I've ever seen," Vandor tells Hera.

"I could say the same, Gold Leader," she congratulates in reply.

"Kid, you can fly in my squadron any day," Gold Two tells Ezra with a smile.

Ezra smiles back with a satisfied grin at the praise. Erskine then walks through the door with his helmet off and directs his focus to Mothma.

"We're coming up on the rendezvous point," he reports firmly. "Ready to transmit, Senator."

"Let's just hope someone's listening," Mothma says with a sigh. "Has our friend arrived yet?"

"There's no indication that he has," Erskine states.

"I'm sure that he will," she replies assuredly.

"Who's that?" Ezra asks.

"Jarik Shan, of course," she answers with a knowing smile, surprising the three Phoenix rebels.

"Seriously?" Ezra asks, baffled

"Why's he coming here?" Zeb asks incredulously.

"Senator Organa and I were hoping he would join me in addressing the galaxy across the HoloNet," Mothma explains. "His actions have already inspired many, and with this we can inspire many more."

"If he comes. No offense, but I kind of took him as the guy who just does what he wants," Ezra remarks doubtfully. "Definitely not someone that'd give speeches."

"But he wouldn't ignore something like this either. I'm sure he'll show," Hera reassures them.

A communication frequency then starts to hail them, beeping for a few moments before a voice comes through.

"Is that the Ghost I'm seeing out here?" a familiar voice says casually.

Captain Vandor shares a slightly baffled look with his squad member and Erskine at Jarik's very informal greeting, not to mention how he started talking without any of them accepting his hail. The ones that knew him however express their own exasperation or amusement, whereas Mothma only lets out a small sigh.

"I don't know sir, you might have the wrong system," Ezra replies through the com, adding a fake accent to his voice.

Erskine frowns at the unprofessionalism and goes to correct him, but Jarik responds before he could do so.

"Yeah, very funny Bridger," he scoffs jokingly. "I assume you somehow managed to end up as Senator Mothma's escort?"

"Affirmative Jarik. She's here with us now," Hera informs him.

"I'm glad to see you decided to join us, Jarik," Mothma speaks up sincerely.

"Of course senator. Did your trip go smoothly?" he asks her.

"There were some unfortunate complications along the way, but fortunately we evaded capture," she tells him.

"That's good to hear," he replies. "As for broadcasting a message to the galaxy, I've rigged up a system that'll wipe those Imperial newscasters off the HoloNet. If you can connect with my droid, senator, he'll replace them with a live feed."

"That would be excellent. Should we meet up in person for our address?" Mothma suggests.

"I'm a bit short on time right now, but if Chopper could transmit your feed to my droid, R5 can display us side by side while we transmit," Jarik says.

"Very well then. I shall make final preparations for our message," she acknowledges.


Having moved to the cockpit to give her speech, the crew sits around in support while Chopper transmits his feed to R5 over in the Knight Hawk, who was also standing in front of Jarik to record him. When the transmission is established and ready, they broadcast it live across the galaxy, reaching any holoprojector or video screen in the galaxy that would listen, putting it in the place of Imperial HoloNet newscasters; they would see the forms of Jarik Shan and Mon Mothma standing beside each other.

"Citizens of the galaxy... if you're viewing this message, then you likely know who I am," Jarik starts off, standing tall and proud. "But for those of you who do not, my name is Jarik Shan; Jedi Knight. Despite what Emperor Palpatine has said over the years, the Jedi are not the traitorous war criminals that he wants you to believe."

He pauses for a moment, taking a breath to calm his nerves, and then continues.

"We were peacekeepers, compassionate, devoted to our responsibility of protecting others and helping those who struggled in harsh times. The Jedi Order served to defend the Republic and its citizens, maintaining peace and freedom wherever we could provide it," Jarik explains, glancing down for a moment. "Were we perfect? No. We made mistakes over time, sometimes causing more trouble than good in our attempts to help. But at our core, we only sought to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others, and putting their needs first. I know my strike against Coruscant made many of you afraid, but there is no reason to. My assault was not directed at the citizens of of the galaxy, and it never will be; it was a strike against the Emperor to rescue a young girl who I adopted as my own daughter."

The rebels of Gold squadron glance at each other, having been unaware of that fact, and Jarik continues his speech.

"Emperor Palpatine is not who he claims to be. For many years he plotted from the shadows as the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, orchestrating the Clone Wars to ensure his rise to power. He manipulated both sides of the war with his Sith apprentice Count Dooku serving as a figurehead for the Separatist Alliance, and now maintains his rule by having his new apprentice, Darth Vader, enforce his will upon the galaxy, spreading fear and to crush anyone who questioned his authority," Jarik declares with a hard gaze. "But ruling through fear can only last for so long. Despite his best efforts for complete control, more people have risen above their fear to speak out against him in favor of what is right. Senator Mon Mothma is one of those people willing to stand against the Empire."

For people viewing the transmission they watch as Jarik steps aside, allowing room for Senator Mon Mothma to step forward to add her own voice.

"Thank you Jarik," Mothma nods gratefully, stepping forward. "I've been called a traitor for speaking out against a corrupt Galactic Senate, a Senate manipulated by the sinister tactics of the Emperor, who has played the galaxy for his own selfish purposes. For too long, I've watched the heavy hand of the Empire strangle our liberties, stifling our freedoms in the name of ensuring our safety. No longer. Despite Imperial threats, despite the Emperor himself, I have no fear as I take new action. For I am not alone, as I stand before you alongside Jarik Shan, who has seen firsthand what the Emperor is capable of, and has striven valiantly in the hope for a restored, free and just Republic. We may not always see eye to eye, but it is our differences that determine who we are as individuals, for every being in the galaxy should have the right and freedom to decide who they want to be, not what they are made to be. Beginning today, we stand together as allies united under the same cause. A cause that we pursue earnestly for true peace and liberty across the galaxy. I hereby resign from the Senate to fight for you. Not from the distant halls of politics, but from the front lines. We will not rest until we bring an end to the Empire, until we restore our Republic. Are you with us?"

Their transmission comes to an end on that hopeful statement, and everyone waits in silence. As time starts to pass without anyone showing up, Mothma looks down with a quiet sigh, doubt starting to filter in.

"Look!" Ezra points out the window.

The rebels look out to see a ship emerge from hyperspace. After a few seconds more filter in, a small handful quickly growing to dozens of ships of different kinds, large and small, all of them forming a coalition of rebels.

"They came. Look how many there are," Ezra says in amazement.

"This, my friends, this is our rebellion," Mothma declares happily, looking out at the still increasing number of ships with a smile.

From his position in the cockpit of the Knight Hawk, Jarik smiles softly at the sight of so many ships coming in support of the rebel alliance, sitting down in his chair. What was once just a small handful of resistance groups gathered by Bail Organa, had now grown into a forming wide scale revolution. His smile falters at the thought of Ahsoka not being here to see it. Jarik turns his attention to R5 however when the astromech makes a teasing comment.

"You thought my speech was cringey?" he asks with a raised eyebrow. "I'd like to see you do better."

R5 beeps in mocking dismissal, and Jarik shakes his head in exasperation.


Wild Space, far edges of the galaxy

A lone ship flew through space a bit shakily, having sustained damage. The three metal beings inside scrambled to keep their ship together, exhausted and looking like they've been through the junkyard. Their alarm suddenly goes haywire as the scanners pick up hostile contact nearby.

"We've got more incoming!" Elita One warns her two companions.

"Again?!" Chromia asks in helpless frustration.

"These slagging sons of glitches just won't give up!" Ironhide growls angrily.

Not far from them, several glowing pale green portals tear through the fabric of space with terrible screeches, allowing a Hive warship and several tombships to come through. They waste no time in charging at the Cybertronians, firing orange energy blasts in their direction. Chromia pushes the ship to full speedin order to outpace the warship, however the tombships simply maintain their pursuit.

"What's their deal with us?! They've been chasing us for the last twelve solar cycles!" Chromia complains.

"Those fraggers despise literally anything mechanical," Ironhide grunts. "And guess what we happen to be?"

"Mechanical," Elita sighs in frustration.

"How do you know so much about these things?" Chromia demands.

"Because I've fought them before," he replies, charging up his heavy cannons. "Now let me focus on turning them into scrap."

"Don't make me turn you into scrap!" she retorts.

Ironhide moves to the back of the shuttle and opens the door, magnetically sealing his feet to the surface. The tombships release a volley of purple energy blasters while the warship tries to shoot them down from a distance, but Chromia maneuvers them out of the way. Taking aim, Ironhide starts blasting all he has to offer at the pursing Hive while Elita watches anxiously, attempting to formulate a plan for how to escape them.

"Every time we try to find a way out of Andromeda, they're waiting for us!" Elita says, thinking hard. "They're keeping the entire galaxy on lockdown!"

"Then how did Onslaught get away?!" Chromia demands.

"Maybe he didn't!" she suggests. "Maybe they already got him, and now they're after us!"

"If you have an idea sister, I'm all audio-receptors!" she responds, weaving around another barrage of energy blasts.

"We have to go back," Elita decides.

Ironhide fires a missile, watching in satisfaction as it strikes the hull of a tombship and sends it spinning out of control.

"What do you mean back?" he demands.

"Back into the Andromeda galaxy! Get our ship repaired while we try and think of another way, because this clearly isn't working!" she points out in frustration, and a purple bolt striking the side of the ship seems to emphasize her point.

"This is such scrap!" Chromia growls.


O.o

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EXPOSE HIM! :O EXPOSE HIM!

I can't imagine Palpatine is too pleased at having his Sith identity revealed now...