Chapter 14: Friends New and Old
"Rogues Two and Five, hit that last walker."
"On it, Rogue Leader," replied Zev Senesca, a veteran pilot Luke and Wedge had recruited. Luke spared a sideways glance and saw the final AT-DP destroyed. With the walkers destroyed, the Imperial ground forces were nearly neutralized. They seemed to have taken out the TIE Interceptor squadron defending the skies. And Luke had received a report from the Ghost that Hobbie, his downed pilot, had been picked up and was fine. All in all, this was going well.
A new sensor reading appeared on Luke's scopes. His hopes failed. "Inbound fighters!" They were not done yet.
"I copy," said Wedge, and the two pilots flew out to engage. "How many do you see, Rogue Leader?"
"Scopes are not clear. They're clustered together." Luke looked up from his scopes to see the fighters with his own eyes. The bent wings and double hull were a dead giveaway. "TIE Bombers!" Luke did a quick count. "It looks to be a whole squadron."
"We'll be hard pressed to take them all before they hit the Ghost," said Wedge, speaking right into Luke's fears. While the bombers weren't very formidable in a dogfight with A-wings, their bombs would decimate the Ghost as long as it was hovering defenselessly above the Nonnah.
"We have to. There's no one else to do it. Rogues Two and Five, get here now. The bombers are top priority."
"Be advised, Ghost, we have TIE Bombers inbound."
"Rogue Group, you can't let those bombers reach us," said Hera Syndulla, as Sel Pomma listened on the comm.
"We'll get as many as we can, Ghost," said one of the pilots.
"Ghost to Kallus. How much longer?"
"Another three minutes, maybe four," replied Kallus.
"We might not have that much time. Bombers are incoming."
Sel risked the question. "Can our shields hold against those bombers?"
"Not a direct hit," said Hera. "But even an indirect hit or a near miss could kill all those outside the ship." Hera's voice over the comm became grave. "Sel, I need you to fire at those bombers. We can't give them a free run at the Ghost or the Nonnah."
Sel rotated her dual cannon turret towards the fighters. "Can't we get Kallus or Zeb up here?"
"There isn't time. And I don't have a shot with the nose gun," said Hera. "It's up to you, Sel."
Sel took one last moment to study her weapon and settled into the seat. Two years ago she was running errands for Senator Mon Mothma. Now she needed to shoot down Imperial fighters. What a war!
"TIE Bombers! Why did you send TIE Bombers?" Aargant's voice burst forth from the Assailant's bridge speakers.
"Those Rebels have cost me nearly half my compliment of fighters. They are not getting away on my watch," said Commander Bowmen.
"Call them off!" ordered Aargant. "I want prisoners."
"Those fighters are under the command of the Imperial Navy, not the ISB. I will not call them off," said Bowmen. "Prisoners are a luxury. I intend on salvaging whatever victory I can from this embarrassment."
Bowmen gave the sign to comm officer to cut the ISB agent off. This may be Aargant's mission, but it was Bowmen's resources. He would not hand over the reins and let the ISB fail.
Luke and Wedge drove their fighters right into the midst of the TIE Bomber cluster. Although the bombers were no match for the A-wings in a dog fighter, clustered together their forward cannons put up a massive fire screen. Luke fancied that if he had been focused on the Force like he had been previously in this battle, he could have flown through the screen. But instead, he broke right as Wedge broke left.
"We can't hit them head on," said Luke.
"Let's get behind them," suggested Wedge. "Those tubs can't defend themselves from behind. But make sure to put an extra cannon bolt or two into them. They can take a hit."
"Copy that, Rogue Three. Hit your thrusters and swing around behind." Luke felt the G-forces as he swung his A-wing around. He watched as Rogues Two and Five came at the bombers from below. One bomber blew up, and another spiraled into the ground.
As soon as Luke came behind the bombers, they split into pairs. "Dang!" said Luke to himself. Now he had to pick his target, and let the others go free. Luke got a target lock with his concussion missiles and fire a pair at one of the bombers. He was rewarded with a bright fire ball. Then he picked the destroyed bomber's wing mate and fired his cannons. Another bomber blew up. But there were still several to go.
"Arrrgg. One got by me," said one of the pilots. "Ghost, bomber 90 mark 10!"
Sel did the math quickly and swung the turret towards the bomber. She fired a few wild shots at it, which were near enough to scare the pilot off. An A-wing flew by in pursuit. Sel took a breath and then got back in the battle.
"Sel, another one from behind us," shouted Hera.
Sel turned the turret again and fired. This time the bomber was right on top of them. The bomber pilot must have been nervous, as he began to drop his pay load early. One of Sel's shots clipped the bomber's wing, and it peeled off to the side But not before one bomb dropped and headed down towards the Nonnah.
"Incoming!" shouted Wolffe. Or was it Rex? Carter wasn't sure. He watched the bomb as it dropped. It almost seemed surreal.
The bomb hit the water. The concussion blast knocked Carter off his feet. The medical supplies he was carrying scattered on the hull of the Nonnah.
Then came the wave. The water rose over the Nonnah and came crashing down on it. Carter curled into a fetal position to protect himself. The water hit him, and he felt himself sliding down the hull towards the lake.
A strong hand grabbed his shirt, and his slide was stopped. When the water ran over him, Carter saw Cara holding on to him. "I got you, bubby. Don't you get washed away on me." She pulled him on to his feet.
"Thanks."
"I don't intend on letting any more Alderaanians die," said Cara.
Kallus ran up to him. "Hera says we need to go, now!"
"No!" shouted Carter. "The atomic scanner is still in the Nonnah." As the most important equipment on the mission, the Nonnah crew had loaded it first. But now that plan had backfired as they had to move all the rest of the supplies first just to get to it. "I'm not leaving without it!"
"Then you're not leaving," said Kallus. "We don't have time."
"Then make the time!" shouted Cara. "Come on!" said the young woman. "Let's get Kat's brain scanner!"
Carter and Cara ran for the Nonnah's cargo hold. Rex and Wolffe joined them. Chanla was also there. The Lasat Zeb objected. "What are you doing? Hera said we're leaving."
"Then leave," said Chanla. "Or help us. We are taking this with us."
Zeb gave a howl of frustration. But he came and pushed Carter out of the way and grabbed a corner of the scanner with Rex, Wolffe, and Cara. Carter led them out, while Chanla cleared the path. They got the scanner out of the Nonnah, and were bringing it to the Ghost, when Carter heard the howl of the TIE Bombers.
By Luke's count there were still three TIE Bombers left. The rest had either been destroyed or were being dealt with by Luke's squadron. Luke fired his shots at the bomber in front of him. Its engines caught fire, and it began its crashing decent.
Luke had to find the other two. Something told him there wasn't time. He wanted to panic, but instead he forced himself to be calm. "Let go, Luke," said Ben's voice again. Luke closed his eyes and reached out with the Force.
Then he 'saw' another bomber. It was in a visual blind spot to his left, but somehow Luke knew it was there. Luke yanked his control stick to the left, still with his eyes closed. The bomber was almost on top of the Ghost. Luke's instincts told him to fire. Instead of using the thumb studs of his blaster cannons, he pulled the left concussion missile trigger. It was foolish to fire a missile at a starfighter without a targeting computer lock. But just like at Death Star, Luke trusted his instincts.
Luke opened his eyes and saw the missile score a direct hit against the bomber.
Now, where was that last bomber?
The TIE Bomber pilot flew towards the two freighters helplessly below. He could see the scrambling figures. They could have abandoned their allies minutes ago and gotten away safely. But now they would all die. That was why the Rebellion would never defeat the Empire.
The pilot looked down his bombing sights, lined up his target, and dropped his payload.
Sel swung the turret upward to hit the bomber. She resisted the urge to fire desperately. She took a breath and lined up the bomber in her sights. The image on her targeting computer landed between the crosshairs, and Sel jammed her thumbs against the firing studs.
A pair of red bolts lanced out. True to their aim they came right at the bottom of the bomber. But they hit something before the bomber, and the whole think erupted in a bright ball of fire. She must have hit a falling bomb! The flaming pieces of the bomber fell all around her turret canopy.
"That's the last of them, Rogues," said Hera. "Good hunting. We are loading the last of the supplies." Sel took a sigh of relief, but Hera was still speaking. "Sel, good work up there. You just saved the lives of all your friends."
"Next time someone else can run the guns."
"Deal," said Hera. "But thanks to you, there will be a next time."
"Can that thing handle the vacuum of space?" asked Kallus.
"The vacuum, yeah," replied Carter. "The turbolasers of a Star Destroyer, not so much."
"We will have to risk it. The Force knows we've risked enough so far," said the former Imperial. Carter decided not to argue with him. Kallus issued orders. "Zeb, get ready on the magnetic hoist. Ghost we're ready to load the last of the cargo."
Carter couldn't hear General Syndulla's respond, but the Ghost lift up slightly and positioned itself over the large pieces of medical equipment, including the atomic scanner that Carter needed for Auntie Kat. The magnetic bottom of the Ghost activated, and the equipment adhered to the bottom of the ship. "Cargo secured," said Kallus.
The Ghost rotated again. This time it presented its open ramp to the Nonnah crew. "Everyone on board!" shouted Zeb from the ramp. "We're leaving."
Carter followed Cara on to the ramp. He looked back to see if everyone was on. "You too, Rex," said Kallus.
"I'm not sure I'm welcomed."
"We can deal with that later," said Kallus as he half pulled the clone trooper on board. Zeb sealed the hatch.
"We did it," said Cara. "We got the scanner."
"Yes, we did. I can cure Auntie Kat." Carter sat on a supply crate. Cara put her arm around him, in an uncharacteristic sign of affection.
"You'sa ahelpen we'sa?" asked one of the Gungans, pointing to his injured comrades.
"Of course," said Carter. He brushed off Cara's arm and went back to work.
Rike Kleiner joined Hera in the cockpit. As she lifted off, she tipped the nose of the Ghost down so the man could see his ship. "I'm sorry about the Nonnah. I know what a ship means to its owner."
"She was a crappy bucket of rust," said Rike. "But she was my rust bucket." He put his hand on Hera's shoulder. "Thank you. But it's time to get out of here." He sat down in the co-pilot's seat. Hera tipped the Ghost's nose up, removing the Nonnah from view, and hit the thrusters.
"No!" shouted Aargant. "They will not get away this time! Major, get this shuttle in the air."
"That's not a good idea," said Major Calton. "I doubt we could take on the Ghost in this thing. And then there's those A-wings. The Assailant has a better chance than we do."
"Get this ship flying!" ordered Aargant again.
"No," said Major Calton.
"You are to follow my orders, Major!"
"Actually, I follow Commander Bowmen's orders."
"You are relieved," said Aargant. "You too, pilot." He ordered both men out of their seats and took the controls. "I will do it myself." The Major grabbed the pilot, and both left the cockpit.
This will look good, wouldn't it? When all others failed, it would be Maxsis Aargant of the Imperial Security Bureau that captured the Ghost. Kallus couldn't do that. Grand Admiral Thrawn couldn't do that.
Aargant raised the Sentinel class shuttle off the ground. The shuttle didn't have much for weapons, but it would be enough. Aargant would ram the Ghost if he needed to.
The Ghost rose up, and so did Aargant's shuttle. He lowered the shuttle's wings into flight position. He put the Ghost in his sites and powered up the weapons.
"Rogue Three, am I seeing this right?" asked Wes Janson who was flying on Wedge's wing. "The Imperial shuttle, what is it doing?"
Wedge looked at the shuttle. "I think it's making a run on the Ghost."
"Are they crazy?" asked Janson. "That ship is no match for the Ghost. They won't even touch General Syndulla."
"But they might damage the cargo on the Ghost's underside," thought Wedge out loud. "Out matched or not, we can't let it make it's run. Rogue Five, follow me in and arm concussion missiles."
"Yes, Sir," replied Janson with pleasure in his voice.
Wedge flew in along the lake shore, acquired his target, and launched his salvo of missiles. Janson's missiles joined Wedge's, and both set of warheads found their target. The Imperial shuttle's side blew open. Its left bottom wing fell off. And the entire ship plunged into the lake.
Aargant's head was saved by his helmet. Perhaps there was a purpose to the thing after all. Out the viewport all Aargant could see was water. Then the water started pouring into the cockpit. Aargant tried to get out the cockpit door, but it had been jarred out of its frame. There were gaps in the door, but not big enough to get through. He tried to pry it open, but his strength was not nearly enough.
The shuttle continued to sink nose first. Aargant held on to the cockpit door, which was now above him. The water was at his waist and rising. He shouted for help. He looked through the small gaps in the door frame, but the only people he could see were unmoving stormtroopers. He shouted again. Still no one.
The water was at his shoulders. He took off his helmet and stuck his face into the gap between the door and its frame. It was too small for his head to fit through. His cheeks pressed against the door and the frame. The water filled the cockpit. Aargant tried to form a snorkel with his lips to take one last breath, but soon the water was completely over Aargant's head.
His promising career. His advancement in the ISB. His many promotions and honors. The prestige amongst his peers. And the great service he would give to his Empire.
It all ended here, at the bottom of a lake on some forgotten planet.
"Assailant, this is ground team. Major Calton reporting. Our forces are defeated, as are the TIE Bombers. The Ghost is getting away with the crew and cargo of the downed Rebel ship."
"Where is Agent Aargant?" asked Bowmen.
"Missing in action, Sir. I barely got out of the shuttle before it sank. I haven't seen him since."
"Regroup your forces. We will send a pickup when we can."
Bowmen turned to his bridge officers. "Where is Squadron Five?"
"They will be intercepting the Rebel forces in less than a minute," said one of the officers.
"Good, their orders are shoot to kill. I am not interested in prisoners."
"Yes, Sir."
Hera was flying the Ghost on an exit vector when she heard Rogue Two announce, "Incoming TIE Interceptors." Hera saw the fighters on her scanners.
"Rogue Leader, I don't know if we can handle anymore TIEs," said Wedge.
"Rogue Squadron, form up and fly low," ordered Skywalker. "We can hit them before they break up."
"You want to go head-to-head with them," said Hobbie, who was seated in the Ghost behind Hera.
"I don't think they will be coming for us," said Skywalker.
"Ah," said Hera with understanding. "You're going to use us as bait."
"Maybe that's not a good idea," second guested Skywalker.
"No, Rogue Leader, it is a good idea," said Hera. "Just let me know when you're jumping them, and make sure to get most of them." Hera lifted the Ghost a little higher off the ground and slowed her speed to present a more tempting target. She made for the canyon that she used to enter the valley.
The TIE Interceptors loomed larger in Hera's rear sensors. The A-wings of Rogue Squadron were flying so low, they disappeared from Hera's sensors. She only hoped the same would be true for the Imperial fighters.
The squadron of enemy fighters came closer. Hera gripped her controls. She heard Skywalker's voice. "Jumping the TIEs in three, two, one."
Hera punched her throttle wide open, and the Ghost shot out of the canyon. At the same time the A-wings appeared on the rear scopes, and several of the TIE Interceptors disappeared. The rest of the fighters scattered. Hera called out over the comm, "The Ghost is away. Rogue Leader, get your squadron out of there."
Hera tipped the Ghost's nose upward and began her ascent out of the planet's atmosphere. Two A-wings flew beside her. Skywalker's A-wing preformed a celebratory barrel roll as they left the planet behind.
Commander Bowmen watched helplessly as the Ghost and its fighter escort fled behind Chorax's moon. Just as he had mentally calculated, the Assailant was around the moon and in firing range just as the Rebels made their jump to hyperspace. His gunners only got off two shots, both misses.
Bowmen requested reports. The ground forces were eliminated, with only a few survivors. His Bombers were destroyed as was seventeen TIE Interceptors. In the last few weeks, of the six squadrons of fighters he had, there were only enough TIE Fighters and Interceptors to form barely over two squadrons. And Agent Aargant was presumed dead.
Maybe that would be Bowmen's saving grace. With three defeats and so many fighters lost, Bowmen would be lucky if his punishment was only the loss of his command of the Assailant. But if he could put the blame on Agent Aargant, maybe he could avoid punishment. It was Aargant who underestimated the Rebels. And it was Aargant who personally lead the ground assault. Bowmen's fighters did shoot down the Rebel freighter as planned. It was Aargant's job to capture the Rebels. He is the one that failed.
Bowmen was a loyal servant of the Empire, but it certainly paid to have a sense of self-preservation when one served in the Imperial Navy. It was convenient to Bowmen that Agent Aargant wasn't around anymore to defend himself. But what more punishment could be given to him more than his failure and death. It didn't pay to worry about the feelings of the dead.
Bowmen issued orders. "Return to standard alert. Recall our fighters. Send a shuttle and a medical team down to our men. I will be in my office preparing my report for Sector Command." Bowmen turned to leave the bridge, but he stopped and spoke over his shoulder. "And have Major Calton report to me as soon as he returns." He wanted to speak to the ground commander before he wrote his report. It was in both of their interests to point out Aargant's faults.
Yes, Bowmen would continue to serve his Empire.
Hera stared out at the blue swirling of hyperspace. It was always so calming after an intense battle. Rike Kleiner had left the cockpit to be with his companions from the Nonnah. Hera really felt for him. It was not easy to lose a ship. Hera stroked the central console of the Ghost as she contemplated the man's loss.
Fortunately, the Nonnah and one A-wing were the only losses. Everyone had survived, even Hobbie who crashed his A-wing. Four of the Gungans were hurt, but Dr. Rolanga was attending to them.
The cockpit door opened, and Chanla Neeyutnee entered. She came forward. "May I?" she asked as she pointed to the co-pilot's seat. Hera gave her a friendly nod, and Chanla sat down. "I want to thank you. Without the Ghost and those fighters, we would be dead, or worse Imperial prisoners."
"You're welcome," said Hera. "But it shouldn't have been necessary."
Chanla bowed her head. "I know we shouldn't have done this operation without the Alliance's permission. But I still believe it was the right decision."
"So, do I," said Hera. Chanla looked up at her in surprise. Hera continued, "You misunderstood me. This rescue shouldn't have been necessary because I shouldn't have vetoed your plan. I should have been there to help you pull it off. With both the Ghost and the Nonnah plus Rogue Squadron, this mission would have gone a lot smoother. And maybe your people wouldn't be hurt, and the Nonnah would still be flying."
"You don't know that," said Chanla. "Maybe both the Nonnah and the Ghost would be downed. And maybe more of us would have been hurt or killed."
"Either way," spoke Hera. "I let my personal emotions cloud my judgement. The Rebellion needs the supplies you acquired as does Miss. Kat. In similar situations, I and the Ghost crew have made the same decision as you and your people. It was the right call, and I should have seen it. I guess this is my apology."
"Apology accepted," said Chanla. "You may have sided against us at the start, but you did come to our rescue when we needed it."
"Thank you," said Hera. "That's one apology down. Two to go."
"Who else?" asked Chanla.
"Kat and Rex," said Hera.
"I see," said Chanla. She paused for a minute, looking out at the swirl of hyperspace. Finally, Chanla spoke, "Thank you for letting me join you. But I should be with my team."
Hera took a breath to prepare herself. "If you could do me a favor, tell Rex I would like to see him."
Rex was sorting through the cargo, strapping it down better than the rush job they had done getting it off the Nonnah. With him in the cargo hold was Wolffe and Cara Dune. Cara and Wolffe would chat, but Rex was silent. He was on the Ghost, and Hera Syndulla had made it clear that she never wanted Rex back on board her ship. So, he was trying to stay out of Hera's way.
"I think this bacta tank is broken," said Cara to Wolffe.
"Ah, it could be patched up," replied Wolffe. The two of them continued to sort through the equipment.
Chanla climbed down the ladder from the cockpit. "How's the supplies?"
"Intact, mostly," said Wolffe. "It was messy, but the mission was accomplished. I am sorry about the Nonnah."
"Thank you, Wolffe," said Chanla. "Rex?"
"Yes," replied Rex as he came out of his hiding space behind the medical equipment.
"Hera wanted to see you. She's up in the cockpit."
"Are you sure?"
"That's what she said." Chanla took the ladder back up.
Rex stood in place for a moment. Wolffe and Cara looked at him wordlessly. Finally, Rex took in a preparatory breath and walked to the ladder. He left his helmet behind as he climbed two stories and emerged inside the cockpit.
Hera was sitting wordlessly staring out the forward viewport. Rex stood for a moment in silence before clearing his throat and saying, "General, you wanted to see me."
Hera turned back to him. "Yes, Captain. Please sit." Rex took his seat in the co-pilot's chair. Both sat in awkward silence. Eventually, Hera broke the silence. "I'm still angry with you, Rex. But that doesn't justify all my actions and decisions."
"I'm not sure what you mean," said Rex hesitantly.
"You should have told me who Kat was and that she still had a chip in her head." Hera looked at Rex. He could still see the anger in her eyes, but it was a subdued anger. "But how I reacted wasn't appropriate."
"You were just trying to protect your son," said Rex. "I understand that."
"And you were trying to help your sister," countered Hera. "We both had good reasons. But we were both wrong in our actions."
Rex nodded his agreement. "I did what I did out of loyalty to my sister, but I neglected the loyalty I owed to you, to the Rebellion, and especially to Kanan. I endangered the son of the man who welcomed me back into a new family."
"And I took my anger out on you, on Kat, and on the Nonnah crew," said Hera. "I was so angry!" Rex watched as that very anger welled up again in Hera. "I wanted to punish you and Kat. But Kat wasn't responsible for her actions. I shouldn't have resisted the effort to save her from the Emperor's control. Not helping the Nonnah might have endangered Kat's sanity and her life, and it might have hurt the Rebellion. We need those supplies for the medical frigate. But I let my personal feeling interfere with the Rebellion's needs."
Rex recognized the apology and accepted it. "We may not have patched up everything between you and I, but let's agree that we both made mistakes. And for the sake of the Rebellion and our friends we will try to move beyond them."
"Agreed," said Hera. Then she changed the topic. "Did you get the medical scanner you were hoping to find?"
"Yeah, we got it," said Rex. "It was a little banged up from those bombers, but we hope that it will still work fine."
"Good," said Hera. "The sooner Kat's chip is removed, the sooner I can feel that Jacen is safe again."
"I understand," said Rex. Feeling it was the right time, he stood from his chair. "I would like to rejoin Wolffe and Miss. Dune in the cargo hold."
"Of course. You're dismissed, Captain."
"Thank you, General."
Rex returned to the ladder and was one rung down when Hera stopped him. "Rex."
"Yes, General."
Hera turned her seat to the side and looked at Rex. "I am glad you're alive and well."
"For which I owe you thanks," said Rex. Hera gave him a small smile, and Rex returned the smile.
The Ghost made it back to the Redemption. After getting the injured Gungans medical care, they began to offload the Nonnah's cargo. The medical techs were like children in a candy shop. Some of the equipment was damaged, but the Rebellion was used to working with whatever they could find.
With his patients being taken care of, Carter was directing traffic. Cara watched him for a second, then she turned to Katrina. Katrina was also looking at Carter. The two women shared a nod and walked towards the doctor. Katrina spoke first. "Doctor, there's no need for you to be here."
"I need to help the Redemption's medical crew sort the supplies we acquired," said Carter.
"I'm sure they can manage," said Katrina. "I'm no doctor, but I know how to work an inventory."
"Go," said Cara. "Be with your aunt. I plan on being there as soon as I'm not needed."
The astromech named Chopper rolled up and beeped out what seemed like an agreement. Katrina translated, "Chopper agrees. He says that we can handle it."
"That's doubtful," said a dour voiced protocol droid. "I on the other hand excel in the art of inventory." Chopper made a buzzing noise. "No, my job is not boring. I'll have you know that I find inventorying new supplies to be extremely exciting." The droid looked at the cargo hold of the Ghost. "No, no, no. How terribly disorganized this is. Not at all up to Alliance standards."
"You try loading these supplies while under fire from Imperial tanks, walkers, and bombers," said Cara.
"Good luck with that argument," said Rex who was approaching with Wolffe. "Convincing AP-5 that disorganization is sometimes necessary is like convincing the Empire tyranny is a bad thing." Rex came up to Carter. "Come on, Doctor. Wolffe and I are going to see our sister. You should come with us."
"Alright," said Carter.
Cara watched the young man go off with the two clone troopers. "This is all wrong," said the droid named AP-5. "Medical scanners next to bacta tanks. Who loaded this freighter?"
"Now I see why Kat hates droids," said Cara to Katrina.
"They're not so bad," said Katrina. She looked over at AP-5 as he continued complaining. "But maybe that one's an exception." She looked at Cara. "Let's get our work done quickly and get out here as soon as we can."
"Agreed."
Hera gave her report to the captain of the Redemption as well as Generals Rieekan and Dodonna present via hologram. With her was Chanla Neeyutnee, Rike Kleiner of the Nonnah, and Luke Skywalker of Rogue Squadron. "We recovered most of the supplies and the entire crew of the Nonnah. We had no fatalities, but four wounded soldiers. We lost the Nonnah itself as well as one A-wing, but we recovered the pilot."
"My apologies for the loss of your ship, Captain Kleiner," said Rieekan. "We have need of good freighter pilots. If you choose to join the Alliance, we will get you behind the helm of a ship quickly."
"Are we still considering allowing the Nonnah crew to join the Rebellion?" asked Dodonna. "They have already disobeyed orders."
Hera jumped in. "Technically they hadn't joined the Alliance yet, thus they were not subject to our orders."
"But Captain Rex was a member of the Alliance," countered Dodonna. "I do not see him here."
"Captain Rex has a family member in this ship's medical facilities. He is attending to her," said Hera. "Generals, when it comes to the consequences of the Nonnah's actions, I recommend leniency. I also recommend that we table such discussions. We have all just returned from a difficult mission. We could use the rest." Hera had her own reasons for wanting this meeting to be short.
"Understood," said General Rieekan. "Please submit a full report. And Lady Neeyutnee, as we consider your team's actions, I invite you to think of your team's future and whether that future will be with the Rebel Alliance."
"We will do that, General," said Chanla.
The holograms disappeared. The captain of the Redemption turned to Hera. "General Syndulla. Princess Leia has requested your presence."
"Yes, of course," said Hera with a bit more eagerness in her voice than she wanted. She left the briefing room quickly and found her way to the VIP guest quarters. She activated the door buzzer, and the door opened for her.
Greeting Hera was a delightful squeal. Hera saw Princess Leia holding Jacen who was trying to wiggle his way out of the young woman's arms and reach out to Hera. "Oh, I missed you too, Love," said Hera as she swept Jacen into her arms. She held him close and felt his familiar warmth. Hera sat down for a bit and took in this moment of reunion.
Princess Leia took a seat herself and waited patiently for mother and child to delight in each other. Hera looked over at the Princess. "Thank you. I know this was an unusual request, but thank you."
"It was my pleasure," said the Princess. "And that's a surprise for me to say. I didn't really think I was a baby person."
"Did he cry much?" asked Hera.
"When you left, yes," replied the Princess. "But he seemed to get along with me." Leia looked at the infant. "He did not like the nurse droids. He was happier when I was with him. Sometimes I would hear him crying when I was outside the room. But when I entered, he wasn't crying, but he was looking at me. It was as if he knew I was coming. I guessed he and I connected in some way."
Hera took a moment to look up at the Princess. That was exactly how Hera felt at times. She believed that it was because Jacen could recognize his mother through the Force. But if he had the same reaction to Leia Organa… if he had connected with Leia.
Leia leaned in closer, and Jacen reached out for her. She allowed Jacen to grip her finger. "You have a very special child, General Syndulla."
"I know," said Hera. But she was looking at Leia. Earlier the woman had spoken about sensing that survivors of Alderaan were in danger. Now she was speaking about connecting with Jacen. These were the type of things Kanen would occasionally talk about. Earlier Hera had passed it off. Bail Organa knew the Jedi. He would know if his daughter had a connection to the Force. But that same argument could also be used to support Hera's growing theory. Bail Organa had worked with Ahsoka Tano. And he had kept the secret of Obi-Wan Kenobi's survival and location. Hera knew that Leia was his adoptive daughter. What if Bail Organa had deliberately adopted a Force sensitive child to protect her from the Empire?
Hera dismissed the thought. If Leia Organa was Force sensitive, then for her own safety, her secret should be kept. If not, then Hera was just imagining things. Either way it didn't matter. Hera would continue to treat Princess Leia as an ally and a friend.
Hera stood up to leave. "Thank you again."
"You are welcome. May the Force be with you, General."
"And with you too, Princess Organa."
Rex stood outside the medical room on the other side of the observation glass. He watched as an unconscious Kat was placed headfirst into the large ringlike scanner. Rex couldn't hear the medical staff inside the room. There was Dr. Matonui, Dr. Carter Rolanga, a technician, two nurses, and a 2-1B medical droid.
Next to Rex was Wolffe. Both of them were nervous. Cara Dune was sitting in a corner, trying to look uninterested, but her eyes were glued to the activity on the other side of the window. Chanla and Katrina were also sitting down and waiting.
The door opened in the observation room. Zeb and Kallus walked in. "How is she?" asked Kallus.
"They haven't said anything yet," replied Rex. "I'm surprised you are here."
"We're curious," said Zeb. "Besides, I've grown to like the Old Timer. I think Hera would be here as well, but she has to stay with little Jacen." Rex could read between Zeb's words. If this procedure didn't work, Hera wouldn't want Jacen anywhere near Kat. It was the same reason that the young pilot Luke Skywalker wasn't allowed to come near.
Rex noticed some discussion inside the room. The two doctors were consulting with the technician. Then they pulled Kat out of the scanner while the technician worked on the equipment. They put Kat back in. There was a short pause with everyone looking at the screens displaying what Rex hoped was the results. Then the two doctors had a lengthy conversation. The 2-1B droid also got involved with the conversation, and eventually the nurses.
One of the nurses, a male Rodian, was sent out of the room. Rex turned to face the observation room door. Sure enough, it opened, and the nurse walked in. "How are things going? Is Kat okay?"
The nurse didn't answer the question. "Captain Rex, the doctors are requesting your presence in the operating room."
"Of course," said Rex. He followed the nurse.
Once inside, Rex spoke, "You wanted me, Doctors."
"Yes," said Dr. Matonui. "As both next of kin and one who has been involved with this operation before, we need your advice and consent."
Carter turned Rex's attention to a screen. The screen showed a scan of Kat's head. Rex could see the difference between her skull and her brain matter. "Here is the scan. Everything looks normal except this." The screen circled a portion of Kat's brain. "It appears to be a tumor."
"That's the chip," said Rex suddenly relieved. The scan had worked.
"Are you sure?" asked Dr. Matonui.
"It looks the same as it did when I scanned Wolffe's and Gregor's heads. And the droid that scanned Tup's head initially described it as a tumor." The Redemption's doctor didn't seem satisfied. Carter crossed his arms and looked at it. "What's wrong?" asked Rex.
"The scanner was a bit damaged," said Carter. "We are afraid it might be a false reading."
"You mean it might be showing something that isn't there?" asked Rex.
"Possibly," said the other doctor. "If we perform a surgery to remove it, and it isn't the chip, we might be causing brain damage."
"What are you asking of me?"
"First, what you already provided," said Carter. "You said this looked just the same as it did in other chip extractions, correct?"
"Yeah, Wolffe and Gregor. I wasn't there for Tup's and Fives' extraction, and I wasn't really aware during mine."
Carter and Dr. Matonui looked at each other. Then Carter said, "Second, we need your consent to proceed with the extraction."
"What are your opinions?" asked Rex.
Dr. Matonui answered, "I am someone nervous. The scanner was a bit temperamental."
Carter gave his opinion. "I too am nervous, but I don't see us getting a better result."
Rex took in the advice. "We know the chip is there by Kat's behavior, and I know this scanning equipment is capable of detecting it," he reasoned. "If something is showing up as opposed to nothing, then isn't that good reason to believe the scan?"
Carter looked at Dr. Matonui with a raised eyebrow. The other doctor gave a slow nod. Carter turned back to Rex. "I concur. Does that mean that you are giving your consent?"
"Yes," said Rex. "It's time to free my sister. Remove the chip."
"You may stand over here," said the Rodian nurse. Rex stepped back to the doorway and watched. The 2-1B droid approached with his surgical appendages. Both doctors and both nurses attended. They blocked Rex's view, for which he was glad. He saw the droid's surgical arm approach. Rex looked away.
Kat felt drowsy. She opened her eyes. She was in a medical room of sorts. Probably a Republic medical frigate or station. She must have been injured in battle. She needed to get better so she could return to her Company, to her sisters. General Tiplee would want her back as soon as possible.
General Tiplee! Kat had killed General Tiplee! She had followed orders. Kat's mind began to catch up with her. Streak! Her sister was dead, killed on Alderaan by the Empire. Carter! She had met Streak's son. Rex! Her clone brother had recruited her. The Rebellion! Kat was joining a Rebellion to fight the Emperor and his Empire. Skywalker! The son of Skywalker lived! Kat had orders to kill him.
Kat sat up in her bed. "Where's Skywalker?"
"Easy, Sis," said Rex, who jumped up from his chair next to her bed. "Take it easy. You've had a tough time of it."
"Was I wounded?"
"No, Sis. You were stunned and then sedated."
"Skywalker. I tried to kill General Skywalker's son."
"Yes, but we stopped you."
"He's still in danger," said Kat. "I have to follow orders."
"Do you?" asked Rex. "Do you really?"
"I couldn't stop myself before."
"How about now?"
"Why would now be different?" asked Kat.
"Because of this." Rex held up a small rectangular container with some weird thing inside.
"What is that?"
"This is an organic chip. It was pulled from your brain. This is what the Chancellor used to force us to kill the Jedi. Now yours has been removed." Rex moved his hand over his scar. Kat imitated the motion. On the right side of her head her hair had been shaved down, and a bandage was placed behind her temple.
Rex spoke again. "There's someone who would like to meet you." Rex activated his commlink. "Come on in," he said. The door opened, and a young man walked in. He looked nervous. On his hip hung a lightsaber. Rex gave the introduction. "Luke Skywalker, meet Kat. Kat, meet Luke Skywalker."
Kat stared at Luke Skywalker. His hands were near his weapons, his eyes were wide; waiting to see if she would attack him. She could see the resemblance between father and son, between Anakin and Luke Skywalker. Skywalker turned to Rex and ask, "Are you sure I should be here, Captain Rex?"
Rex answered, "I'm sure." He turned to Kat. "I asked you again, Kat: Do you have to follow orders? Do you have to kill Skywalker?"
Kat looked at Skywalker. She remembered the drive, the command to kill. But it wasn't there anymore. With a voice that was almost a whisper Kat said, "No, no, I don't."
Rex stood up and spoke in a commanding voice. "Lieutenant Kat, I command you to execute Order 66."
Kat jumped at the formal voice. Skywalker jumped too, his hand gripping his lightsaber. Rex took his blaster pistol out of its holster and slammed it on the table next to Kat's bed. "FC-011! I said, execute Order 66!"
Kat turned to Rex. "No."
"What did you say, soldier?" Rex asked.
"I said, No!"
"No to what?!" pressed Rex.
"No, I will not execute Order 66!"
"Say it again!"
"I will not execute Order 66!" Kat shouted. She paused in disbelief for a moment before turning to her clone brother. "Rex!" She reached out and threw her arms around him and unleashed joyous tears.
"You can go now, Skywalker," said Rex. Kat didn't even look to see if the pilot had left. She just kept her arms around Rex.
In between sobs she said, "Thank you, Rex. Thank you."
Kat entered the Redemption's large conference room. There was a small stage and several rows of chairs pointing towards it. A Rebel soldier in dress uniform escorted Kat to an appropriate seat in the front. The room was full of Rebels dressed in their finest, some with shiny helmets others with military style hats. Kat became a slight bit self-conscious. She was also dressed well in a military cut. She had on a simple pair of pants. Her shirt was doubled over her chest and fastened at her shoulders. It was not unlike the officer's uniform she wore in the Grand Army of the Republic, but she had opted for an olive-green color so as not to look Imperial. It was Kat's hair that made her self-conscious. The right side of her head was shaved, and her scar from her recent brain surgery was showing. She had consider returning to her short hair style from her Clone Wars days, but opted to leave her hair long, styling it to make the short side look like it was done on purpose.
Amongst the Rebels, Kat could see part of the Ghost crew. Kallus and Zeb were standing side by side. Next to them was Syndulla's son Jacen in a stroller pod. Rex was also there, as was Wolffe. Rex had changed out his clone armor for the uniform of a Rebel forest trooper. Wolffe too had left his armor behind but wore a simple black outfit with pants and a jacket over a black shirt.
The pilots of Rogue Squadron were on the far side. They wore their flight suits, but their helmets had a bit more shine. She avoided looking at Skywalker. Even with her chip removed, the Rebels didn't want her anywhere near Skywalker. Kat was surprised they even let her be in the same room as him.
Already seated in the front row on the left side of the aisle was the Nonnah crew. Quilow Pom and his seven Gungans were in military grab that had to be native Gungan. Each had a leather cap that covered their heads and ears but allowed their eye stocks to emerge. They wore a leather shirt with armor that resembled rib bones. Quilow's uniform was a touch more elaborate than the others, given his rank as captain.
Rike Kleiner wore a pair of slacks and a long sleeve shirt with a vest over the top, which was as formal as a Corellian would get. Sel Pomma on the other hand wore a dignified if simple white flowing garment befitting a Chandrilan politician.
The ones to behold were Chanla and Katrina. As a former Queen, Chanla Neeyutnee looked regal. She wore a comfortable cut robe, belted with a sash. Over top of that she wore a chest piece with winged shoulder pads. On her head was a solid headpiece that crowned her head with a silver sun. Yet it allowed her hair to flow out the bottom. Katrina wore the same robe without the chest or head piece but fitted with a hood which was draped down her back. The Naboo certainly knew their style.
Kat took her seat in the front row. On her left was Carter Rolanga. He was dressed in formal slacks with a white and grey turtle necked shirt. On his back he wore a white cape which was doubled over his shoulders. Unlike the Naboo, Alderaan seemed to prefer simple yet elegant.
On Kat's right was Cara Dune. Even she was dressed formally, although not in an Alderaanian style. She wore a simple olive-green military cut outfit just like Kat's.
A bell rang, and everyone stood up. The dignitaries arrived on stage. Among them was the captain of the Redemption and General Hera Syndulla. But the last woman was the most eye catching: A young lady, barely older than a girl, with a stride that implied responsibility. She wore a simple white dress with a silver belt. Around her neck was a gold necklace. Her hair was braided tightly behind her head. The outfit reminded Kat of what Streak used to wear after leaving the Grand Army of the Republic. This woman must be Alderaanian.
Cara gave a gasp beside her. "Is that?"
"Yes," answered Carter from the other side of Kat.
"Care to let me in on the secret?" asked Kat.
Cara answered, "That is Leia Organa, Princess of Alderaan. She did survive!"
The quiet conversation was ended as Princess Leia spoke. "We have here before us, men and women who share our goals: to end the tyranny and oppression of the Empire, to protect worlds and peoples from their wanton destruction, and to restore freedom to the galaxy. We are the Alliance to Restore the Republic, and these people wish to join us."
A Rebel soldier spoke. "Would those who wish to pledge themselves to the Rebel Alliance please step forward." Kat, Cara, and Carter stepped forward. On the other side of the aisle Chanla and the Nonnah crew did the same.
Princess Leia continued, "Fellow freedom fighters, you have already opposed the Empire in your actions. Today you join your efforts to an Alliance. Please make your oath before these witnesses."
The soldier instructed them again. "Raise your hand and repeat the oath after the Princess."
Kat swallowed and readied herself. Then with conviction she repeated the Princess' words. "I, Kat of Kamino, do so solemnly swear that I will support, defend, and assist the Alliance to Restore the Republic. I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the role in which I am about to enter. May the Force be with me."
At the end of the oath, Princess Leia spoke. "By the authority granted to me by the Alliance Council I accept your oaths. You are all now members of the Rebel Alliance."
The room erupted in applause. Carter put his hand on Kat's shoulder and turned her to face him. "I'm glad you're here with my, Auntie Kat." Carter gave her a big hug. Rex approached and clasped Kat's hand. It wasn't Divergent Company, and these people were not Kat's sisters; but she was part of a family again. She had Carter her nephew and Rex her brother. She had Cara, a woman to mentor, and she had friends like Chanla, Katrina, and the rest of Nonnah crew.
It was new, but it was the closest Kat had felt to home since the end of the War.
Hera wasted no time in grabbing Jacen out of his stroller pod. Then she went to congratulate the new recruits. She visited with Chanla and Katrina, Sel and Rike, and even the Gungans. Dr. Rolanga, Cara Dune, and the clone trooper Kat were with Zeb, Kallus, and Rex.
Hera stepped back a moment and smiled. It had been rough and with some very unpleasant surprises, but she had done it. She had recruited another group of freedom fighters for the Rebellion.
Jacen cried out a bit. Hera looked down at him. "There, there, Love. This is a happy moment." She looked up at the new recruits. Yes, a happy moment indeed.
Epilogue: About three years later
Kat was once again on board the Redemption. Her bed was inclined for her to sit upright. Behind her was a large window that allowed a fantastic view of the stars and a dwarf galaxy spiral. The 2-1B medical droid was prodding her leg with a needle. Kat flinched a bit each time. Then he switched to poking the bottom of her foot. "Aw! Uh! Knock it off!"
"Your sensory inputs are functioning," said the droid in calm and kindly matter, as his exceptionally good bedside manner programming allowed.
"Yes, but did you have to make the pain receptors so sensitive?"
"The bottom of a human's foot is often sensitive," said the droid.
"And that's the point," said Carter as he entered the room. "To make it feel as normal as possible."
"Couldn't we have made a few changes to normal?"
"Trust me, Auntie Kat, you want normal," said Carter. "Anything less will be a constant bother."
"Please wiggle your toes for me, Captain," requested the droid.
"Wiggling," said Kat as she performed the requested action. She looked down at the toes. It was very strange.
"How does it feel?" asked Carter.
"It feels like a leg," said Kat. "But not my leg. I don't know how to explain it."
"That is a common reaction," said Carter. "You will get used to it, but it will never be the same."
"That much is obvious," said Kat as the droid closed the access panel on her leg. "My leg has an access panel."
Carter smiled at her. "Maybe next time you will stay away from Imperial walkers. You know you're lucky to be alive."
"So, I've been told." Kat shifted her legs off the table. She paused for a second just before lowering herself to the deck floor.
"Take it easy," said Carter extending his hand. "It will take you a while to get use to the new leg. And your other leg has just healed. Make sure you stick to the rehabilitation exercises."
"This isn't the first time I've been wounded," said Kat. She accepted Carter's arm, and she stood on her feet: one natural, one artificial. She stood there for a second to make sure she had her balance. Then with minimal help from Carter she was walking.
Carter spoke, "Indeed, you have been wounded several times. But back then you had Iron to push you." Carter was referring to one of Kat's clone sisters named Iron.
"Right," said Kat. "I will just have to find Cara Dune. She will get me fit in no time."
"You might not want to do that."
"Why?"
Carter looked at Kat. "Because she's mad at you."
"You've spoken to her recently?"
"Yeah, she's here with the fleet."
"What is she mad about?"
"That you sent her on to shock trooper training."
"She wanted that," said Kat.
"Yes, but because of her training she was away from base. You denied her the opportunity to fight in the Battle of Hoth."
"Considering what happened to me, she's lucky," said Kat. "But she won't be for long. If she passes shock trooper training, then she will get all the action she wants. Those droppers are the toughest soldiers we have, and they will get the toughest missions."
"I don't envy them," said Carter.
"If you are feeling well, Captain Kat," said the droid. "You may leave. I have another patient on his way."
"I am feeling well. I leave you to your work," replied Kat to the droid. She and Carter left the room. "That clanker does good work," said Kat. Then she looked both ways and added, "But tell anyone I said that."
"Clone Trooper Kat likes the work of a droid, fancy that," joked Carter. "Your secret is safe with me. I have other patients I need to attend to. Can you find your way back to your quarters?"
"Yes, I can."
"I will check in on you later."
Kat looked at her nephew. "Your mother would be proud of you."
"Thank you, Auntie Kat." Carter left, and Kat wandered down the corridor.
As she was walking, she met a young man dressed in plain tan clothing. He walked as if in a daze. He was looking down at his hand, or rather lack of a hand. He must be the medical droid's next patient. As she neared, he heard her footsteps and looked up.
"Commander Skywalker!" said Kat in surprise.
"Captain Kat," replied Skywalker. But his mind was clearly elsewhere.
"I'm glad to see you alive, Commander. I had heard your snowspeeder had been shot down. Sorry about your hand."
"This wasn't from Hoth."
Kat could tell that he didn't want to talk about it. "Well, that clank…the medical droid 2-1B does good work." Kat patted her artificial leg. Skywalker merely nodded. "I will let you keep going," said Kat. She started to walk around Skywalker. Even with her chip removed, the Alliance wasn't keen on having her and Skywalker alone in the same room together.
Kat was just beyond Skywalker when he called out after her. "Captain."
Kat turned around. "Commander."
Skywalker looked her in the eyes for the first time in the encounter. "Did you know my father?"
"I thought that topic was off limits," said Kat.
"I have to know," said Skywalker. His eyes pleaded with her.
Kat sighed and shook her head. "No, I did not know your father. I met him once and fought alongside him in one battle only, the Battle of Ringo Vinda. Even then I was assigned to another…" Kat looked up and down the hall to make sure they were alone. "…to another Jedi."
"What was he like?" asked Skywalker.
Kat thought back to her limited memories of General Anakin Skywalker. "Incredible. He was smart and inventive. His skills were incredible. He sliced through droids like they were nothing. He was motivated and powerful. If you want to know more, you will have to ask Commander Rex. He knew your father much better than I did."
Skywalker nodded and slowly turned away. Kat thought she could hear him say, "Ben, why didn't you tell me?" Kat looked at his wounded hand. Was it blown off? Hit by a large blaster cannon perhaps. Or was it cut off? She didn't know what Skywalker had encountered, but it had shaken him to the core. To see a Jedi so shaken disturbed Kat.
But he was a Jedi, and that was a sight Kat might not often get. If she could do anything to boost his spirits, she had to do it.
"Commander," Kat called out after him. Skywalker turned around. Kat straightened to attention and saluted him Grand Army of the Republic style. She held the salute for a second before saying.
"May the Force be with you."
Conclusion
Hera Syndulla continued to serve the Rebellion until and beyond the Battle of Endor, taking increasingly command roles as a Rebel General. Zeb and Kallus also served.
Rex and Hera mended their differences mostly. While Rex did serve on the Ghost occasionally, he spent more time working to improve the Alliance's ground forces alongside a recent Imperial defector, Crix Madine.
The Nonnah crew partly dispersed after joining the Rebellion, mostly due to their lack of a starship. Chanla Neeyutnee provided the Alliance with information and contacts on the Core Worlds and the Inner Rim. She ran missions herself at times. Other times she oversaw much of the Alliance's work maintaining and gaining political allies Coreward.
Katrina joined Alliance Intelligence and became one of their greatest slicers. She did however stay close to Chanla, as it was near impossible to separate the handmaiden from her former queen.
Quilow Pom and his Gungans also were reluctant to leave Chanla's side. But at her insisting they received additional training. In short order they became the one of the Rebellion's most elite amphibious assault forces, conducting many successful raids against the Empire. After the Battle of Endor and the liberation of Naboo, the Gungans returned home as warrior heroes. There in their underwater cities Chanla Neeyutnee was always a welcomed guest.
Sel Pomma was reunited with her former boss, Mon Mothma. She left behind the realm of combat and aided the Rebellion in its governance and political works. Afterwards she became an official in the New Republic, working hard to restore the Senate she had so loyally served.
Rike Kleiner became a transport pilot, hauling cargo and supplies for the Rebellion. The highpoint of his service was when he successfully transported the evacuees of Hoth past the Imperial blockade.
Cara Dune trained under Kat, learning how to be a soldier from the Clone Wars vet. She went on to be part of an elite group of Rebel shock troopers. The "droppers," as they were called, would go into combat zones without support or backup. She saw most of her action after Endor, mopping up Imperial warlords. But the transition from Rebellion to Republic didn't suit Cara Dune. Her questionable post military career ran her into trouble with the newfound government. She laid low until she met a certain Mandalorian and child.
Dr. Carter Rolanga spent much of his time on the Redemption, although he also assisted at Echo Base Medical Center on Hoth before the evacuation. And he was on board the Redemption during the Battle of Endor.
Kat was restored to her Clone Wars rank of Lieutenant, though soon she was promoted to Captain. She both trained and led companies of soldiers. She fought in the Battle of Hoth, defending Echo Base from the invading ground forces. But she lost her right leg when an Imperial AT-AT walker fired on her trench. She was evacuated from the battlefield. Although she received a cybernetic leg, Kat retired from the battlefield, resigning herself to training and advisory duties. She assisted General Crix Madine in the planning of the Endor Operation. Although her advice to put Commander Rex in charge of the strike team was refused, but she couldn't argue with the results achieved by General Solo.
After the Battle of Endor and the founding of the New Republic, Kat retired. She lived with her nephew, Carter Rolanga, as he sought to follow his father's altruistic work by establishing medical facilities in Outer Rim worlds. She became like a grandmother to his children, and she lived her final days in peace.
Shameless self-plugs
Divergent Company Read if you wish to learn more about Kat and her clone sisters. Complete and available on FanFiction.
War!
Battles rage across the galaxy as the Separatist with their massive droid army attempt to break away from the Galactic Republic which counters with their own clone army.
But even the galaxy's best cloners make mistakes. One batch of 305 clones are born female. Now as the War continues, Kat and her sisters strive to find their place in the War and the galaxy.
Introducing the Kyber series! The following are ideas I have for stories. I have not yet begun to write these. They will take some time.
The Kyber Series
Kyber Crystals, a rare find in the galaxy. They have the unique feature of resonating in the Force. Force wielders such as the Jedi and the Sith for millennia have used these crystals to aid in their mastery of the Force, and in particular in their lightsabers. These are the stories of a few such Force wielders and the crystals they use.
Blue Kyber: The Master and His Apprentice
Obi-wan Kenobi is a newly promoted Knight of the Jedi Order following his battle with the Lord of the Sith Darth Maul. But before he could get used to his new status, he has gained an apprentice, one he has taken on to fulfill his dying Master's final wish. But are Qui-Gon Jinn's boots too big for Obi-wan to fill.
Green Kyber: And the Fall of Hondo Onoka
At the end of the Clone Wars, Hondo Onoka's once thriving pirate network had been diminished. As the Galactic Empire takes the place of the Republic, Hondo strives to rebuild what he has lost. But things get complicated when he takes in an orphaned Jedi child. Soon Hondo will feel squeezed by rival criminal syndicates and Imperial hunters.
Black Kyber: The Hunt for Maul
Maul has lost everything! Once he was apprentice to the Dark Lord of the Sith; no more. He controlled a power crime syndicate called the Shadow Collective; the crime lords have abandoned him. He was the ruler of a planet; Mandalore is lost to him. He was the finest double bladed lightsaber wielder there was; his red lightsabers are gone. Now Maul must escape his hunters, the agents of his former master. But he also must rebuild. All he has left to him is his wits and the mysterious Mandalorian weapon: the Darksaber. But that might just be enough for the former Sith.
Red Kyber: A Tragedy of a Padawan
Once I was the prefect Jedi Apprentice. I was studious, meditative, and obedient. I followed my Master wherever she would lead me and served the Republic with loyalty. But then came the Clone Wars. I watched the Republic change. I watched the Jedi change. And I saw that I was changed. Padawan, Jedi, terrorist, betrayer, murderer. I am Barriss Offee, and this is my story.