Good afternoon, everyone! How are you doing on this warm day of Wednesday, April 15, 2020? I'm doing well, as I read a bit of my WWII book today, did some homework, and exercised before I could get started on this chapter. Sorry it took so long to get Ch. 23 published, but I had to wait for it to be edited by my friends, as they had their own matters to deal with. And I took the time to begin coming up with big plans for a future story series in Squasher's AU after I finish the Galaxy at War saga. I think you'll be quite pleased with my idea once I get started on it, even though it won't be for at least a year or two at the rate I'm writing. Well, I'd better get started on the chapter, as it'll involve a lot of planning by the New Republic, and their diplomatic efforts will be kicked into overdrive in the Teutonic Sector and in a certain Outer Rim world. Oh, and I think I'll try and make it around 8k words long, so I can include a lot of material in it, and to give Squasher and JSailer time to work on their own stuff. It'll probably take a bit of time to write, but it'll be worth it. May God be with us all in these hard times.
(Thursday, April 16, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing today? I'm doing well, as I've written over 3.2k words so far over the last 28 hours or so, but I'm gonna need to stop for a while in about thirty minutes to charge up my laptop. I also had class today, and it was pretty informative, if depressing. Speaking of depressing, I'm gonna read more of my WWII book today, and I'm sure it'll be pretty sorrowful. And I have to get started on a few projects tomorrow, so I'd better make today count in terms of writing. Well, I'm gonna keep writing for a little while longer. May God be with us all in these troubled times.
(Friday, April 17, 2020 Addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing today? I'm doing well, as I have written almost a thousand words so far today, did some homework, and mowed my parents' lawn as well. Unfortuantely, my back is killing me right now, so I'd better take a break to lie down and recuperate. And, in exciting news, my dad's 57th birthday is today, and he'll be home in about three hours or so. I look forward to celebrating with him. One more thing. I haven't seen the latest SWTCW Season Seven episode, but I've heard a bit about it, and I'm disappointed with how Lucasfilm is treating Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they're really screwing up a lot of stuff. I get what point they're trying to make, but they could've done it better, just like I'm sure that xxTheTruMan196 will do with their chapter on the Siege of Mandalore in Legacy of Jarik Shan V2. Well, I'd better get back to writing for a little while longer. May God be with us all in these crucial times.
(6:20 PM addendum.) Hey, everyone! How are you doing tonight? I'm doing well, if a bit disappointed with SWTCW, as I watched a lot of the episode on YouTube, and I felt that they gave Ahsoka a bit of the Captain Marvel treatment, if you know what I mean with making her a killing machine, and how she treated Obi-Wan. Oh, and I recently watched a YouTube video by Ryan Kinel- RK Outpost titled, "Dave Filoni's True Agenda Exposed | Luke And Leia Roles In Sequel Trilogy His Idea!?", and it breaks my heart to see a man I admired and respected be exposed to the world as a hypocrite, just like the rest of Lucasfilm's higher-ups. How could they have ruined such a great franchise in such a short period of time? I just can't comprehend it, and I hope that a reckoning comes soon. Well, hopefully the Expanded Universe can be revived soon enough, and they treat it better than the current canon, along with how several of the final Legends novels were lower in quality than earlier ones, such as… ugh, Crucible. Anyway, that's enough rambling on my part. On with the story!
Five Hours and Fifty-Five Minutes Later
On Nelona 32nd, 0450 Hours
On Varon
Just Outside the Mallory Household
"Chelli didn't want to say goodbye?" Micha hurtfully asked Ernite while Eeth Koth said goodbye to his wife and their infant daughter, Meetra, and Vega and Jaing finished loading the last of their supplies and trading goods into their YT-2400 light freighter.
"She said she didn't want to risk crying and breaking down in front of you." Ernite answered. "She wanted to be left along for a while until she calmed down. But she wanted you to know that she loves you alot and wants you to come home safely when your mission is over."
"She told you to tell me?" Micha asked, noticing Ernite blushing.
"Y-yeah, she did," he said, instinctively pulling his hand up to his cheek.
Micha chuckled and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Look after her while I'm away, Ernite. I… I'm happy she found a friend in you."
"I will, Mr. Aphra. Just come back to her."
"I will," he smiled as he ruffled the kid's hair a little.
Jaing came over the, "Dr. Aphra., Master Koth. We're all fully loaded, and ready to fly."
Micha nodded, noticing Eeth kiss his wife and daughter goodbye. Micha couldn't help but think of Lona in that moment, wishing he could've made amends with her before her murder. But there was nothing else to it, nothing except raising his daughter right… and coming back to her alive.
"Take care, Ernite." Micah bade farewell as he stepped aboard the Outrider.
Two Hours Later
On Vermund
On Nelona 32nd, 0655 Hours
Aboard the Second Chance
Ahsoka felt her eyelids flutter open from both her husband's palm gently rubbing her naked back and hearing someone's comlink repeatedly chime. Slowly she sat up while groggily asking a smiling Tau, "Ugh… What time is it, dear?"
"It's ten to Seven. You've got a call coming through from the Martez sisters on the Alexi Garyn. You uh, probably should get dressed."
"Oh? Ohhh, right." She looked around for a robe, but Tau handed one over to her. As she put it on, she reached for her holocomm and turned it on. The images of the two sisters appeared, and Rafa was grinning.
"I take it you and your husband had a good night, Ashla?"
Ahsoka sighed, biting back the urge to ask the obvious. Of course Trace told her.
"And you must be Mr. Palpatine," Trace giggled, "you're um… not quite what I expected."
"Let me guess, a melted candle?" Tau asked as he sat up, Ahsoka noticing his robe was parted at the chest and Trace was staring right at him.
"Um, I don't know if I should answer that or not. I mean," she blushed, "Ahsoka, you've got great taste in men, if I say so myself."
Rafa glared at her sister, but Ahsoka just shrugged. "Thanks. So, I take it things are going well for you?"
"Oh yes! As of thirty minutes ago, we are now New Republic privateers! And our whole crew agreed to sign up for your cause. Guess there's more nobility in these goons than I thought."
"Nobility? Please," Rafa scoffed, "the paycheck's probably got more to do with it. Still, we'll be out and stealing-ahem, confiscating Imperial goods soon."
"Well, so long as you-" Ahsoka's stomach suddenly seized up in pain, bile creeping up from her throat and making her gag. She keeled over and threw up on the bed, retching painfully as though her whole stomach was coming up.
"Ahsoka!" Tau shouted as he rushed to her side.
"What the kriff just happened?!" Rafa shouted.
"Ahsoka, are you all right?" Trace spoke up.
After taking several calming breaths, Ahoska felt her stomach stop churning. "I'm okay. Just my stomach acting up from last night's dessert."
"Dessert?! Ahsoka, that didn't seem like indigestion to me, that looked more like…" Rafa words trailed as a sudden realization dawned on her face, "Ahsoka, are you pregnant?"
"What!?" Trace shrieked, "Ahsoka, is that true?"
Husband and wife looked at each for a moment before they collectively sighed and nodded. "Yes, I am. Twins. It's been a few weeks actually."
"Twins!?" Trace shrieked again, her eyes almost bulging from their sockets, "What are they? Girls? Boys? What do they look like?"
Rafa slapped her sister over her head, "Stop rambling, Trace, you're embarrassing me!"
"No no, it's okay," Ahsoka held up a hand, "it's a boy and a girl."
"Wait," Rafa shook her head, "how are you pregnant? Togrutans and Humans are not compatible."
"They are," Tau answered, "or a least a small percentage of them. It was either luck or the Force that Ahsoka happened to be that percentage. I personally think it was the latter."
"C'mon, no such thing as luck?"
"No. And now that you two know my wife is pregnant, you are going to keep it to yourselves or else. The last thing we need is the wrong people finding out."
"We understand, but you're gonna have to tell someone eventually," Trace pointed out, "Ahsoka's gonna get bigger eventually. You won't be able to hide it forever."
"We know, Trace," Ahsoka sighed, "but we'll cross that nebula when we come to it. And dear, I think we should probably change the sheets before it starts to stink."
"Too late, I'll take care of it," he pecked her on the cheek and bundled up the dirty sheets, leaving them alone as he went to get them washed, "see you at breakfast!"
"Y'know what? I take it back, Trace was right. You do have great taste in men. I'll trade you a ship for him." Rafa offered.
"No."
"Two?"
Ahsoka shook her head, "Even if you offered me Coruscant itself, I wouldn't trade him."
"Heh, don't blame you," Rafa peered her head around the corner, "I'd be the same had I snatched him up first."
"I still can't believe you're going to be a mother!" Trace giddily said. "We gotta plan a baby shower for you and your kids! Oh, it's gonna be so beautiful! Wait, what about your missions? Can you still go on them?"
"No, but I'll be planning them for a few years," she eyed the holoclock, "sorry to cut this short, but I have a meeting in a few hours. I need to get myself cleaned up. I'll talk to you later. God be with you."
"Wait, you believe in a god now?" Rafa asked.
"Yes, I'll explain later. Stay safe you two."
She closed the line and rubbed her hand against her belly. "You two are already getting mommy into trouble, and you're only a few weeks old!"
Meanwhile, In Hyperspace
Aboard the Bellicose's Meditation Chamber
Fifty-Five Hours From the Tython System
"How goes the Empire's operations and projects?" Bahl'al demanded of his subordinates.
The Kaminoan Clone Master Nala Se was the first to answer. "We are ahead of schedule in the cloning program, and all but perfected the process from the first batch's initial genome imbalances. I never thought we'd be cloning an army of Dark Jedi for the Empire, but I suppose I gave it too little credit in creativity."
"And my prisoner?"
"The cell for your special shapeshifting guest will be ready for his arrival in no more than thirty-six hours," the Dark Jedi Momin answered.
"Good. And what of the Sith temples and shipyards?"
"All proceeding at pace. We'll have the first two shipyards ready in two months, and the first ships fully produced in another four or five. As for the temple, it'll be fully constructed in no more than six weeks. And we've found fifteen more recruits for the acolyte program."
"And the superweapons? Have you encountered any unforeseen complications, Director Krennic?"
"None," the Director answered, "yours and Lord Vader's bold strategy is working perfectly. The traitor doesn't have a clue of our plans, and he's proving to be more useful in this role than we gave him credit for. As for the superstructure and crystal power source, we're implanting what we've compiled from Project Stardust, and it's working perfectly. We'll have the first prototype fully assembled within five standard months."
"Excellent. Inform me the moment any new developments occur." Bahl'al closed the holochannel before contacting Theta Leader onboard the Mandalorian Dungeon Ship. "What is the status of the prisoner?"
"His vitals are holding steady in the stasis cage. He'll make it to your stronghold without any trouble." The Guardsman reported.
Perfect. Bahl'al allowed himself a smirk before nodding approvingly and closing the holochannel to review the losses from the routing of the Serocco cult.
Two Hours Later
Onboard Varon Orbital Command
"I honestly didn't think my project would be needed so soon. But I know it won't fail you on Honoghr." Nagme promised the Chief of State while her team finished preparing for their departure.
"How will we rendezvous with General Skywalker, Sir? I assume that time is of the essence with this covert recruitment mission?" Jarael Chantique asked. She was the newly promoted Iskalloni Chief Medical officer of a New Republic Mobile Surgical Unit.
"You would be correct, Doctor Chantique. Skywalker and Colonel Rex will be going ahead of you in order to convince the Noghri to join us. That'll give Madame Jamaane a few extra days to work out any potential errors in your design. The two of you and General K'Kruhk are set to depart in two hours."
"We understand. We'll finalize our preparations before setting out. It'll be refreshing to go on a humanitarian mission after all these years." The Whiphid reflectively complied.
"I understand how you feel, Master K'Kruhk. Just be careful out there. The last thing we need is to tip off the Empire to our operation. May the Force be with you all." Bail wished the three officers good luck before closing his holocomm.
Meanwhile, Onboard the Fortressa
In Hyperspace
Fifty Hours From the Coruscant System
"You already have a plan to save Savan, Xist? I'm impressed." Xizor calmly remarked, gesturing for the younger Falleen to continue.
"It is relatively straightforward enough, Underlord. Since the Martez sisters stole a large chunk of our databanks before defecting, we can expect the New Republic will go after our strongest enterprizes and slave centers in an attempt to cripple us before we can pull out."
"We use this to our advantage by having fifty of our best agents infiltrate each of the most probable operations they'll attack, and then have them to embed themselves within the New Republic. From there, they can gather all the information you'll need for them to mount a rescue operation for your niece."
"And you believe it will only take two months for this operation to succeed?"
"I believe so, but it will be close. However, if I do not make it, then I will have my second in command, Qazadi, continue the plan. He will do whatever it takes to get the job done, whatever it may be." Xist honestly spoke.
""Such an attitude and loyalty are to be commended," Xizor smiled, "and your simple but ingenious solution is more than feasible. But not in the current timetable, for it would almost certainly risk exposure by the New Republic before it would be complete."
"I understand. I will work to develop a new strat--"
Xizor held up a hand, "Therefore, I will give you an additional two standard months to fulfill the mission. But not a day longer, or your would-be successor will be the next on the list for me to dispose of."
"I understand, Underlord. I will not fail you."
"See that you don't." Xizor warned before he closed the channel, and contacted his next two appointments, Imperial droid researchers Simonelle, and his subordinate, Imperial Rear Admiral Massad Thrumble.
"Can it be done?" He curtly asked.
"Given the parameters you have established for the prototypes, and the experimental technology we have acquired, we have every confidence it can work." Simonelle answered. "But it will take about a year to perfect the design."
The Falleen's eye twitched just enough to be noticed, and Massad explained, "Under normal circumstances, we'd estimate that it'd take up to eight months for the first five prototypes to be fully functional. With the New Republic diverting the Emperor's attention and key resources away from our infiltration program, we need to move more cautiously if we're to prevent from being discovered."
"Then I will convince the Emperor of the benefits of my work. This project could be beneficial for all of us, but I will not risk your discovery and imprisonment." Xizor reassured the two Imperials. "Just continue work on the designs until you hear back from me."
Bowing before their secret master, the two Imperials allowed the Falleen to end the communication to focus on the remainder of his daily operations.
Three Hours Later
Aboard the Remember Raxus
In Hyperspace
Thirty-Five Hours From the Honoghr System
"Doing a bit of light reading, Rex?" Anakin joked with his old friend after seeing him intensely reading a datapad.
"No, General. Trying to get up to speed on our next mission before we enter the assassin's den. In a few ways, they remind me of us back in the day, with their intense loyalty towards each other, even if they're divided into warring clans. Hmm, a little like the Mandos in a way."
"Don't let Skirata or the others catch you saying that." Anakin chuckled, before regretfully adding, "They're a very honorable and devoted people for whatever cause they adhere to, and I took advantage of them in their most desperate hour. I need to set things right and help them recover from their world's devastation."
"I figured as much, sir. I've still got your back."
"Thanks, but I'm not sure it's enough. I did a lot of terrible things as Darth Vader, and ironically, I helped the Empire enslave so many people. The Nosaurians, Wookiees, Mon Calamari, Quarren and the Noghri just to name a few."
"Why not do something about it?"
"I'm just one man, Rex. Tau's own plan will take decades… and I don't trust myself to try something different."
"I have a suggestion, then. I read how when the Lost Tribe of the Sith moved against the galaxy, the Jedi encouraged slave revolts all across the Outer Rim and helped them to join the Galactic Alliance as emancipated worlds in the Senate."
"So, you're suggesting I make myself a poster boy again?"
"You're still the Hero with No Fear. You speak, people will listen."
"We need to do better than that, Rex. I can inspire sure, but we need leaders more than anything else. People among the people who can spread the fire once it starts."
"Like we did on Onderon?"
Anakin nodded. "Something like that. I know the desire these people have to be free. They just need the push and the word, and they'll rise up themselves. All we have to do is provide it."
Rex smiled, "That sounds like the General Skywalker I know. I'd talk to Yularen and Organa about this. I'm sure they'll approve."
Anakin nodded, "Thank you, Rex."
"No problem, sir. It's my job to get you straight and narrow. Plus, it gives you an excuse to call your kids. I'm sure they'd be happy to see you."
Anakin laughed at that, "As would I, Rex. On that note, ever thought about settling down?"
Rex shrugged, "Eh, not really. I got too much to do to think about that sort of stuff."
A Navy Ensign came running into the room, "General, Colonel! We're receiving a transmission from Commander Nym. He says it's rather urgent concerning Naboo!"
Meanwhile, On Vermund
1205 Hours
Within the Capital City
Inside the Teutonic Senate Hall
"Are you ready? Once we enter the hall, there won't be any time to restrategize." Benjen warned the New Republic delegation.
"We are, Lord Uriel." Obi-Wan spoke. "We're going to tell them the truth, and trust in the Froce that they will understand what must be done."
Benjen turned to Tau and Ahsoka to remark, "And I think you two made the right course in keeping your origins a secret for now. No need to complicate things with talks of temporal travel."
Just then, the doors opened, and the delegation approached the entirety of the Teutonic Senate.
They observed the two hundred senators, two for each of their represented systems, along with many admirals, the Grand Masters of the Ordo, the Majority and Minority Speakers of the Assembly, the Concilium Militaris, both Pro Consuls, and the many guards that would be protecting the politicians throughout the meeting.
Everyone took careful note of the crowd's mood as they approached and could practically feel the anxiety radiating off of the majority of the leaders.
At least this group of politicians comprehend the gravity of the situation, and don't have any reporters or camera droids in the building. That already makes them two steps above both our senates, dear. Tau telepathically nudged Ahsoka.
Don't make me laugh now, Tau, or we'll all regret it. Ahsoka warned him before everyone took their seats across from the Concilium Militaris, aside from Benjen, who bowed before Odo and took his seat with his fellow Grand Masters.
"We all know why we're here." Lana gruffly began. "We've all received the reports from the New Republic on the vast array of enemies arising against the galaxy, and we've much of it supports what we've learned from our own intelligence networks. The question that each of you must ask is not if these evils and their wars will come to us, but when, and on whose terms?"
She turned to the Assembly, "Now, let us begin, for not only our futures, but for our families and constituents, will be decided through this summit."
Ten Minutes Later
Onboard the Remember Raxus
"You heard me, Skywalker! Panaka's holding my friends in carbonite on Theed!" Nym shouted to Anakin. "I need to go there and free them all now, before the Empire moves them all."
"Commander, you can't just divert your forces to face the Emperor's homeworld and all the forces he has there. You'd need solid intel and a force strong enough to break through the Empire's fleet, and that requires our help." Rex argued.
"He's right." Anakin agreed. "You don't even know exactly where they are, so you can't go rampaging across the city. And right now, we have our own missions to deal with, especially since you're helping us escort the Katana Fleet back to our territory. We need to plan accordingly."
"Coming from a war hero like you, that patient attitude isn't even funny, just like with Adi. I thought you were some kind of Jedi prophecy come to life."
"How do you-?" Anakin shockingly demanded.
"Adi Gallia told me a few things about you Jedi before her death."
"But do you think this is easy for me either, Nym?" Anakin tersely rebuked the Feeorin privateer. "My wife's family is on Naboo, and I'd absolutely love to have them meet my children. But if I go there now, then I jeopardize them and so many others with reckless actions. Just like you with the rest of your people to look after. And we need to form a workable plan for you to present for High Command before you go off guns blazing."
"Then we can accomplish two objectives at once, Skywalker. I'm giving you a secure list of all my contacts on Naboo, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you see who's on it."
Perusing through the list, Anakin's hidden eyes widened as he came across a certain family. "How and when did you get the Naberries to join your network?"
"I've been helping them move political enemies out of Quarsh's grip. They're the ones who gave me the information in the first place." Nym explained with a smirk. "I'm sure you want to give them a call once we come up with a plan to liberate Naboo."
Thirty Minutes Later
On Vermund
Within the Senate Hall
"The New Republic would truly expect us to believe such absurd claims on the supernatural? How gullible do you think we are?" Senator Sef Darius scoffed.
"I knew you always were a prideful and hotheaded blockhead, Sef, but I didn't think you'd be such an immense idiot as to deny such irrefutable evidence." Atels Jad called him out, sparking a fierce back and force of curses, accusations and finger pointing.
"ORDER!" Odo Force Screamed, silencing all and making a few ears bleed in the process. He sternly looked out at the Delegation and began with all the calm he could muster, "I'm going to say this once. We will not have infighting here, especially from the prideful or the thickheaded. Now, I bid you to listen carefully."
He took a moment to compose himself. "For over nine hundred years, we have stood apart from the galaxy. We have lived free as a result. But we are now faced by those who care not for borders or treaties. They are here to conquer and enslave. They do not care for diplomacy, and had they their way, they would likely see us burn."
He paused to let his words sink in. "This is not the time for misplaced nationalism. We are facing annihilation. If we are to survive, we must take our place again beside our cousins."
General Gorin Desel spoke up. "Pro Consul Maloy, I sympathize with much of what you say, but we cannot forget the allies the New Republic has chosen. Have we forgotten the scars the Mandalorians and Hutts have inflicted upon us in the past?"
"We understand your concerns, General," Ventis replied, "but as Master Maloy said, we have more dangerous enemies out there. We can't cling onto old rivalries. Besides, the Hutts and Mandalorians are already beginning to reform into something better."
Before a retort could come, Elatriel took the podium. "Pardon the interruption, but I have a matter to address."
"We recognize Eltariel, representative of Arda," Crawford replied.
"Thank you. I understand why some of you doubt the claims about Sauron and his forces, but I can personally attest to their validity. I have been fighting them along with the Free Peoples of my world for over four thousand years. Were it not for the arrival of the Jedi and their allies, my world would have certainly fallen to Sauron's might, and he would be free to prepare his armies for galactic conquest… and he would've won."
She ran her hand across the assembly, "He would've conquered all of you and made your children slaves. He would burn your cities, countries, and worlds, and put all who resist him to the sword. He would force you to worship him and his horrid master. But because of the Jedi, this has not transpired, and we have a chance to undo his evil."
She shook her head, "Like some of you, I held fast to the belief that my people could stand alone against this evil. But I was wrong. We cannot stand alone, none of us. We either stand together, or we die separately. There is no other way. The choice is yours, but I pray you choose correctly, not merely for your sakes, but for your people as well."
"Well, that is aptly put," Crawford replied as he turned to the Assembly, "ladies and gentlemen, you have heard the same thing from my Co-Consul, a son of Teuton who has battled literal demons, and a lady who put your grandmothers to shame. Now, I could regale you on the constant raids those bastard Olpaka cultists and the green skins have been plaguing us with, or the literal dozen of other threats we're gonna have to deal with. But I'm not going to."
He allowed a small, patient smile as he waited for an objection. None came, so he continued, "Instead, I'm going to remind you of something. I'm going to remind you of a similar situation our cousins failed to deal with decades ago, when Corporations and madmen hijacked the Separatist movement. Prior to that, they had decades of warning signs, but they didn't put the boot to it. Anyone wanna know why?"
He waited for an answer, and spoke, "Because like us, they had traditions. Those happened to be that the government being armed is in itself a danger to society. Stupid you might say, but I say it's about as stupid as sitting behind our walls and letting the galaxy tear itself to pieces, all because we're too bothered not to. Because our traditions are more important."
He gestured to seated representatives, "I want you to take a good look at them, not just showmen from the New Republic but Jedi. A thousand years ago, Molay and his ancestors had a disagreement with them… and yet, here they are. These Jedi put aside outdated traditions. The remembered to serve the Force first, and there even sits among them a son of Palpatine. They made the hard call, and they are better for it."
He sat, a tired smile crossing his craggy face. "Now I'm not gonna sit here and lie. We will have our problems, our differences. But as Eltariel said, we either stand together or we die separately. So, vote wisely, if you will."
A stunned silence followed. Tau whispered to Ventis, "Guess this is it."
"May Eru have mercy on us," Ventis sighed.
"All those in favor of drafting a formal alliance with the New Republic?" Odo spoke. 190 hands rose.
"Those opposed?" Crawford asked. The remaining ten, aligned with Sef, raised their hands with hundreds of eyes boring into them.
"Sergeant at Arms," Crawford called, "strike this proceeding into official record. Let it be known that as of Nelona 32nd, in the year 985, the Teutonic Sector is now an ally of the New Republic. Ladies and Gentlemen, we will adjourn shortly for official proceedings. Then Molay and I will draft a declaration of war against the Galactic Empire. See you then."
While the New Republic delegation rose to clap and converse with the senators, Ahsoka hopefully told Tau, "I wonder if the Chiss Ascendancy will be as easy as here?"
"Doubtful, but we'll talk about that tonight. Alone. I need to explain why you won't be coming."
Two Hours Later
On Varon Orbital Command
"Well, this day's certainly taken a few interesting turns." Mon mused, hearing from the Vermund team of their mission's resounding success, along with Anakin and Nym on the Emperor's secret prison on Naboo, and Anakin's plan to accelerate their anti-slavery efforts and recruitment drive.
"And you're certain of this intelligence, Nym? We need to be absolutely sure before we prepare for any operations on the Emperor's homeworld." Rahm reminded the Feeorin privateer.
"I wouldn't have brought it to you if I wasn't confident in my intelligence networks, Kota. The only questions we have left to ask are if you're in, and how long it'll take to free the people of Naboo."
"This is not a simple recovery mission, a covert operation, or an ambush Nym. We're talking about assaulting and holding the Emperor's homeworld, and he's turned it into a military stronghold. Such a mission, even with the Teutonic Sector's aide, would take at least two, maybe three months to prepare for." Bail reminded him.
"Then you'd better get started, because that's how long I'm giving you before I launch my attack, even if I have to save my friends all on my own." Nym warned.
"That won't happen, Nym. We'll find a way to help you." Anakin promised. "We can get in contact with the Gungans, and they can help your agents gather intelligence on the Empire's strength."
"It's a start. But we'd need to gather a lot of Jedi and a large enough force to ensure this could work, because there'll be a lot of Inquisitors and elite Stormtroopers on Naboo." Tau added. "You'll need to build up our forces and plan accordingly for this mission, because there can be no room for error this time."
"What do you mean, 'we' will. I'd have thought you'd leap at the chance to stick it to your old man, Palpatine." Nym growled.
"Believe me, I would love to, Nym. But I don't know how long my next diplomatic summit will last from next month, and I can't afford to risk overcommitting myself." Tau reluctantly answered. "But there are plenty of other Jedi and leaders who can help you accomplish the mission in my absence."
"As for this anti-slavery plan, Anakin, I must admit that I'm rather impressed with the nuances behind it." Garm commended him. "It's certainly a lot more promising than waiting long-term for the hope of moralistic Hutt leaders."
"Thank you, but Colonel Rex helped inspire the idea."
"Then we'll be sure to commend him for his efforts." Wullf said. "In the meantime, New Republic Intellingence with start to compile a list of potential candidates and relay them to you for our recruitment efforts once we've made some headway."
"Anakin, are you sure of this? If we go forward with this plan, then we might risk our alliance with the Hutts and drive them right back into the Empire's arms." Obi-Wan warned his former pupil.
"Master, we all know that the Hutts are, at best, treacherous opportunists, and cannot be trusted long-term after the Empire and Sauron are destroyed. We need to be prepared when the shoe drops. Besides, the New Republic is supposed to stand for freedom. That rings hollow as long as there is a single neck in a slave collar."
"Anakin, I'm not objecting to the plan. But we need to proceed carefully about it."
"I understand. I'll keep you apprised of the situation."
One Hour Later
On Naboo
Within the City of Theed
Within the Naberrie Family Residence
"I knew Panaka was fully devoted to the Empire, but I never thought he'd go to such lengths to betray us so deeply." Jola Naberrie, mother of Padmé Amidala, despondently said after learning of the depths Quarsh Panaka's Imperial loyalties.
She hurtly asked Ruwee, her husband, "Why didn't you tell me of his illegal prison? Why did I have to learn this from Anakin?"
"You were already so scared for our family, I didn't want to add anymore to your fear. I only found out a week ago. But honestly, we should have seen it coming from the start. He helped the Empire and Vader turn our homeworld into a military stronghold, all the while abandoning his own family and principles! As far as the colonel's concerned, his own people don't matter compared to the Emperor and their damned New Order."
"Which is why we need to evacuate you and your family out of here by the time we try to rescue the prisoners and weaken the Empire's hold on the sector." Anakin advised them."I failed to save your wife from Vader, and I won't let any more people lose everything if I can help it."
"And where would we go? What would we do in the New Republic?" Jola asked her son-in-law.
"Chief Organa is authorizing the resurrection of the Refugee Relief Movement to address our growing influx of refugees from the worlds we've liberated, and I put your name as a candidate for the chairman."
"Why me? I haven't worked in with the RRM for eighteen years." Ruwee skeptically asked the Jedi Master. "Surely there are many candidates that are far more qualified, but much younger than me, like Celly Organa."
"Well, there are several figures that offered to take the position, including Mrs. Organa, but they don't have your level of experience from the RRW's last incarnation. You are the one person that everyone agreed upon."
"I don't know. I'm honored for being given the opportunity, but-"
"I think you should take the offer, Uncle." Pooja Naberrie, Padmé's eleven-year old cousin, painfully said as she descended the stairs,
After wiping the tears falling off her eyes, she continued, "It's what Cousin Padmé would want, and I don't like it here anymore. The Empire's taken the joy and light out of Naboo, and I want to help others like she did."
Everyone was touched that before she admitted to Anakin, "And I want to see you again and meet your two kids, who I learned a couple months ago from your galactic broadcast were my cousins."
Anakin honestly laughed at the admission, and smiled beneath his helmet, "I think I'd like that, Pooja, and so would Luke and Leia."
Smiling at the kind gestures from the relatives, Jola turned to Ruwee, and he minutely nodded before saying to Anakin, "We'll join the New Republic, but only if you can do one more thing for the people of Naboo."
"Name it." Anakin promised the prominent Naboo citizen.
"We want you to free Naboo from the Empire's grip." Ruwee seriously said.
"We'll do everything we can to accomplish that." Anakin promised. "You just focus on staying safe unitl we can extract you. May the Force be with you all."
Two Hours Later
On Vermund
Within the Uriel Estate
"So, why exactly don't you want me to come with you on the summit with the Chiss, dear?" Ahsoka suspiciously asked Tau.
"Because I don't want to put you and the kids in that rancor pit." Tau emphatically answered, the fear palpable in his voice.
"How bad would it be?"
"Catastrophic. Never mind the backstabbing and political intrigue, they are extremely xenophobic. If they find out you're pregnant, there are some that may try to kill you. I already need to watch my back out there. I don't want you to have to do the same. I want you to stay on Varon and start rebuilding the Fulcrum Ring."
Ahsoka sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry. I didn't even stop to think about the kids, or the New Republic. I just don't want to lose you, or-" Tau wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug, one she quickly reciprocated.
"It's okay. We've had a lot to occupy our attention lately, and it's only going to get crazier as time passes. What's important is that we need to have hope and keep going in the direction Eru would want us to travel on."
"I know." Ahsoka separated from their hug, "Promise me when you go on that summit, you'll come back in one piece."
"I will."
Ventis opened the door, "Sorry to interrupt, but the formal announcement is in three hours, and we need to prepare for the inevitable barrage of questions we'll receive once the reporters swarm over us."
"Learn to knock, man."
"Sorry, but we need to hurry."
"Ugh. The paparazzi: the biggest downside to being in the limelight." Ahsoka groaned.
"I remember Edaan had his fair bit of trouble, especially with fangirls."
"How about we just don't answer any questions?"
"No can do," Ventis replied, "it's standard procedure. We have to go. Also, I thought Edaan's order was hated during those years?"
"He was a rare exception." Tau sighed, "Alright, let's go."
Well, I think that this is a good place to end the chapter! What did you guys think of the largest chapter I've written to date in the last three big stories? Did it meet your expectations, and set the stage for more amazing plot threads in this story? And I hope you liked the start, because I wanted a little lightheartedness in this chapter before the main event. So, how are you doing on the warm evening of Friday, April 17, 2020? I'm doing well, as tomorrow I'll start reading the last 150 pages of my WWII book, and do some more homework while waiting for this chapter to be revised. And I'll hopefully play some Assassin's Creed: Revelations as well, as it's been a while since I've played the game. Well, I'd better get this chapter to Squasher and JSailer. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you have a blessed night, everyone! May God bless us all in these difficult times, and Long Live the Expanded Universe!