Disclaimer

All characters appearing in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Voyager are copyright Paramount Pictures. All characters appearing in the Star Wars saga are copyright Lucas Arts and the Walt Disney Cooperation. No infringement of these copyrights is intended and is not authorized by the copyright holder.

All original characters are the property of Celgress.

CONTENT/LANGUAGE WARNING –

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXTREME CONTENT THAT MAY OFFEND SOME READERS. READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED

Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxy at War: Part Sixty-Five A New Hope Part Five

by

Celgress

Star Wars Galaxy – September 0 ABY (2396 C.E)

The Death Star en route to the Alderaan System

The Imperial Military Joint Chiefs sat around a large oval conference table discussing recent events. "Until this battle station is fully operational we are vulnerable. I suggest we rendezvous with an escort fleet immediately. We must safeguard ourselves against any possible nay probable rebel attack. The Rebel Alliance is well equipped and organized. They are more dangerous than is commonly known." Grand General Cassio Tagge insisted a hint of panic in his voice.

"Dangerous to your star fleet perhaps Grand General not to this battle station." Naval Chief Conan Antonio Motti smugly declared.

"With all due respect, you are mistaken, Naval Chief. The Rebellion will continue to gain support in the Imperial Senate until-," Cassio Tagge argued until he was cut abruptly off by Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin who entered the chamber with Darth Vader.

"The Imperial Senate is no longer of any concern to us. I've just received word the Emperor and Princess Kilyri formally dissolved the body permanently. The last remnants of the old Republic have been swept into the dustbin of history, where they belong." Tarkin announced happily.

"Impossible," Cassio Tagge said in stunned disbelief. "How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?"

Tarkin took his seat at the head of the table while Vader stood behind him and slightly to his right. "The regional governors now have direct control over their territories. They'll carry out the orders of the Emperor and in his stead Lord Vader and Lady Kilyri. They'll report to the Royal Family whenever the need arises. Fear will keep the local systems in line, fear of this battle station." Tarkin declared.

"And what of the Rebellion?" Cassio Tagge asked skeptically. "If the Rebels have obtained a detailed technical readout of this battle station it is possible, if unlikely, they might discover a weakness and exploit it."

"The plans you referred to will soon be back in our possession," Vader said.

"Any attack made by the Rebels against this battle station would be a useless gesture, no matter what technical data they've obtained. Let them throw their lives away if they want. This station is now the ultimate power in the Universe, I suggest we use it." Conan Motti said with a smirk.

"You shouldn't be so proud of this technological terror you've helped create, Motti. The ability to destroy a planet pales in comparison to the power of the Force." Vader stated.

"Pfft, don't try to intimidate us with your sorcerer's ways Lord Vader. Your sad devotion to that all but vanished ancient religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tape or given you clairvoyance enough to locate the Rebels' hidden base. I think-,' Conan Motti ranted only to literally choke on his own words. Motti's hands clawed at his throat as invisible fingers encircled it in an iron grip.

Vader slowly circled the table until he loomed over the distressed Motti. "I find your lack of faith disturbing. Perhaps a demonstration of my mastery of the Force is in order, hmmm Motti?" Vader growled through his mask. The others looked on mortified by what they were witnessing unfold before them.

"Enough of this," Tarkin said knowing if he did not verbally step in Vader might very well kill Motti. Motti was arrogant but he had his uses, for now. "Lord Vader, release him."

"As you wish, Tarkin," Vader said. He released Motti from his force choke but not before he used the Force to violently slam Motti's face into the conference room table leaving behind a smear of blood from the man's broken nose. Vader walked back over to stand behind Tarkin. Motti meanwhile slumped in his seat having been rendered semi-conscious.

"This bickering is pointless. Lord Vader will provide us with the location of the Rebel fortress soon. We will then crush the Rebellion with one swift stroke." Tarkin said.

"But first, we deal with Alderaan," Vader said making a fist with his gloved right hand.

Death Star near Alderaan the Core, the next day

"They are answering our hail." A male technician reported.

"On screen," Tarkin ordered.

"Grand Moff Tarkin and Lord Vader, I should have known." Senator Breha Organa said scowling at the pair. "I command you to remove this military monstrosity, whatever it is, from the Alderaan System without delay."

"I think not, Senator Organa. You have no authority over members of the Imperial Military. Furthermore, the Imperial Senate has been formally dissolved what limited authority you previously enjoyed over governmental matters has been rendered moot." Tarkin said.

"Alderaan does not recognize the dissolution of the Imperial Senate nor the authority of the man who ordered its dissolution. Sheev Palpatine is a tyrant. Death to all tyrants!" Senator Breha Organa brazenly declared.

"How dare you question the authority of the Emperor!" Vader rumbled. He pushed passed Tarkin moving within inches of the viewscreen.

"Did I hit a nerve, Vader? What's the matter, you can't stand the truth?" Senator Breha Organa said with a satisfied smile on her face. "I wonder what rock old Sheev found you hiding under? Many people think you're one of his rumored bastards but not me. I've always assumed you were a science experimented he cobbled together. I-," Breha's words suddenly flattered.

Breha's skin began to blister, then to sizzle, and finally to smoke as she burned alive from the inside out. Moments later her robes caught fire. She tried to scream but all that emerged from her mouth were flames. Everyone present in her throne room and on the Death Star commanded bridge gasped in horror at her gruesome demise. Many turned away while others were transfixed by the horrible spectacle they beheld. Only the unflappable Tarkin did not flinch having witnessed Vader use force fire once before (an ability Vader seldom utilized due to the level of danger for the user if in close proximity to the target) Within three minutes Breha was reduced to a heap of ashes, badly blackened bones, and severely scorched rags.

"Cut the transmission. Fire the Superlaser, full power." Tarkin ordered.

Outside in space, the Death Star's main disc discharged a massive blast of dazzling green energy. Alderaan was obliterated upon contact. Only a large field of rocky debris was left behind to attest that Alderaan ever existed.

"They reaped the price of defiance. Let their end serve as a testament to those who would dare deny our will." Vader said.

"Indeed," Tarkin said.

"Begin recharging the Superlaser. When it has once more achieved maximum charge inform me. In the meantime, I'll consult with the Emperor, determine our next target, if any." Vader said.

"Yes, Lord Vader," Tarkin said. With a flourish of his cape, Vader departed escorted as always be two (although oftentimes by an even greater number) of his pike-toting Red Royal Guards.

Dathomir System the Outer Rim

A flotilla of battleships lead by a Star Destroyer emerged from hyperspace. On the bridge of the Star Destroyer, the cyborg warrior Starkiller stood. His polished Sith armor gleamed.

"We are approaching Dathomir, sir. Reading no orbital defenses nor vessels in the area." A female officer reported.

"Prepare to deploy our ground forces," Starkiller said.

"Yes, sir," Another officer a male said.

Starkiller produced a small hologram emitter disc from his belt. He activated it. He bowed his helmeted head when a small flickering blue image of the Emperor appeared. "I have arrived at Dathomir. I await your orders, my master." He said reverently.

"Find Mother Talizin and the traitor Maul, destroy them along with the Night Sisters. Then seek out the Jedi who I sense on Dathomir. Bring me the Jedi, alive. Do not fail. These are my orders." The Emperor instructed.

"Thy will be done, my master," Starkiller said. The Emperor's hologram blinked out of existence.

Dathomir, morning

"I'm only working with you so you'll keep my goddaughter safe. If any harm comes to her you won't have to worry about the Empire." Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker said to Darth Maul and Mother Talzin as the trio stood in a clearing of the gnarled forest. Dathomir was nothing but gnarled forests Anakin thought with disdain.

"So much anger yet you do not use it, a shame," Maul said in his smooth voice.

"Your friend will be safe in our village if you keep your end of the bargain, Jedi." Mother Talzin said. "Prepare yourselves, they come," Talzin announced prior to vanishing in a puff of crackling green mist.

TIE Fighters ran a pass overhead raining down green bolts of death, despite this Anakin and Maul stood their ground. Three troop transport ships then touched down in the cleaning. Out of these vessels emerged three full battalions of Stormtroopers the middle battalion lead by Starkiller. The Sith acolyte activated his two red lightsabers the moment he stepped off the ramp. Maul stepped forward to meet Starkiller as he and Anakin ignited their lightsabers. Their illuminated blades cast eerie shadows in the dim red light of a Dathomir day.

"Surprised to see me?" Maul taunted.

Starkiller steeped forward after signaling his Stormtroopers to hold their ground. "Hardly, you're the one I was sent here to deal with, traitor," Starkiller said. "Ah, the Jedi. And who would you be?" Starkiller asked Anakin.

"Nobody important," Anakin said holding his lightsaber in a two-handed grip while Maul held his double-bladed lightsaber staff in his right hand.

"Face us alone without your bucket heads. Prove you are a worthy Sith unless you're afraid. Are you afraid, cyborg?" Maul said.

"Of you traitor, never," Starkiller said.

Starkiller shot a quick surge of blue force lightning from one hand at Maul from his other hand at Anakin. Both Anakin and Maul blocked the lightning with their lightsabers. Like a spinning top, Starkiller buzz-sawed towards first Anakin who deflected him with his blade next at Maul who engaged him. Maul was skilled but the aging injured warrior was no match for Starkiller's cybernetically enhanced strength and speed.

Anakin could tell Maul was not going to last long without help. Against his better judgment, he attacked Starkiller from the opposite direction. Starkiller hissed before force pushing Maul away. He turned his wrath on Anakin.

"Eliminate Maul, and find Mother Talzin so you can eliminate her as well. I shall deal with the Jedi." Starkiller ordered his Stormtroopers.

The hundreds of Stormtroopers opened fire on Maul who retreated into the thick forest. With terrifying screams hundreds maybe a thousand Night Sisters emerged from the trees. They attacked the Stormtroopers using bow & arrows and swords. Stormtroopers and Night Sisters battled into the thick brush.

Anakin parried every fast fearsome strike from Starkiller's modified Shien style. Frustrated, Starkiller used the Force to pick up one of the transport vessels and hurl it at Anakin after kicking Anakin away. Anakin used the Force in an attempt to toss it at Starkiller. The vessel was caught in a titanic tug of war until it was torn in two. Its halves harmlessly fell to the ground with loud clanks.

Starkiller fired dual concentrated torrents of force lightning at Anakin before Anakin could raise his lightsaber. Anakin's artificial right arm seized up shorting out. Unlike Starkiller's mechanical limbs (and Vader's replaced right arm) Anakin's arm had not been constructed to endure nor channel high voltage electrical charges. Anakin dropped his lightsaber as his left hand convulsed from the pain.

Anakin felt Starkiller's force lightning slowly rip his body apart on a cellular level. He had to do something or he knew he would die. Mustering his determination he focused his mind in the Force. He opened his closed eyes which flashed with determination. A brilliant lavender aura with a consistency of flickering flames formed around Anakin. Much to Starkiller's shock Anakin slowly walked towards him until they were nearly within physical reach of each other. Anakin reached out with his organic left arm palm forward. Anakin sent every bit of energy Starkiller had poured into him via force lightning back at Starkiller in one devastating blast which leveled every tree within a square kilometer radius.

Starkiller's ravaged form was thrown five kilometers away. His cape along with most of his tunic was ripped apart. When he came to his senses who knows how long later he looked up at see Anakin staring down at him. While Anakin's robes were tattered and his beard & hair singed he was otherwise unharmed. Starkiller tried to get up but his badly damaged cybernetic body refused. Sparks flew in showers from his limbs and torso.

"Don't," Anakin warned his expression stern.

"W-Who a-a-are y-y-y-you?" Starkiller managed to sputter from his almost non-functional vocabulator.

"Ask your masters, they know," Anakin said.

Anakin used the Force to render Starkiller unconscious. He did not want to kill Starkiller if he could avoid doing so. Besides, there were more pressing matters which required his attention. Anakin ran toward the Night Sister village where Lal was being cared for.

Anakin was unaware that Starkiller had activated a wrist-mounted beacon that somehow remained intact. This beacon transmitted an emergency code to the flotilla in orbit. Its transmission consisted of one sentence – "Mission Compromised, By Imperial Decree Retrieve Starkiller Then Implement Fail Safe Action - Orbital Bombardment Of All Indigenous Dwellings". A moment later the prone Starkiller vanished in a wash of purple transporter energy whisked away to safety before orbital bombardment commenced.

Without warning, hell came to Dathmoir. Turbolaser fire battered the surface vaporizing Night Sister and Stromtrooper alike. Soon the planet-wide forest was ablaze. Anakin used force speed to run faster than he had ever run before. He stopped only once to retrieve his lost lightsaber. By the time he reached the Night Sister village there was nothing left save for a smoldering crater.

"Lal, where are you!? Lal can you hear me!?" Anakin called out in vain hope the android would somehow answer even though she had remained catatonic when he last saw her.

"Over here, Jedi!" Darth Maul said from somewhere off to his left. "This world is doomed! We must leave here or else perish!"

"Not without my goddaughter!" Anakin said.

"Your advanced droid is already in my ship, Scimitar!" Maul said.

"You best not be lying!" Anakin said.

"Follow me, quickly!" Maul said.

Anakin and Maul with the latter in the lead used force speed to reach a faraway cave where a small, sleek ship awaited. Mother Talzin was also there. To Anakin's surprise, Talzin and Maul embraced.

'What is the exact nature of their relationship anyway?' Anakin pondered only to receive his answer.

"Go, my son, I will hold them off while you escape with the Jedi and his advanced droid," Talzin said. "Do not worry about me I will survive this holocaust."

"I have no doubt of that, mother," Maul said.

Maul and Anakin went inside Maul's ship. Anakin breathed a sigh of relief when he found Lal there, as Maul had promised. Anakin knelt next to Lal who was propped in a sitting position against a bulkhead. Maul readied the vessel for flight. Outside, Talzin was confronted by a group of Stormtroopers who blasted her but she merely vanished again in another cloud of electrified green mist after she electrocuted most of them with green force lightning.

"Lal, how are you feeling?" Anakin asked the android holding one of her hands in his organic left hand. His right hand and arm remained maddeningly inoperative.

"Better," Lal said it was all she could manage. "My, mind, is,,, fuzzy." She blinked uncontrollably at Anakin

"Everything will be okay," Anakin assured Lal pulling her into a gentle yet firm embrace.

Mauled piloted Scimitar out of the cave running down the remaining Stormtroopers. Scimitar thundered into the air and off into space. With practiced ease, Maul evaded the TIE Fighters running the Imperial blockade of Dathomir. Scimitar jumped into hyperspace eluding capture.

Up Next – Obi-wan, Ahsoka, the Kids, Han & co. visit the Death Star and meet Lord Vader, oh joy for them.

To Be Continued