Chapter Three

Space over Roonadan

The Republic ship blasted away at the Corporate Sector Dreadnaught, intent on destroying it. After a few tense moments, the Bothan situated at the weapons display turned to his commander. "Sir, we are taking a huge risk. The Jedi vessel is situated directly between us and the CSA vessel. They've already taken several hits, and their shields are down to twenty percent."

"That's their problem," the General replied. "It's called collateral damage. We will not let up on our attack. Send out the X-Wing squadron." In fact, the older human had to repress a grin as he gazed out the viewport. Destroying the Jedi ship would be a bonus, and his report would simply state the CorSec ship was responsible. With all the ensuing fire, it would be impossible to determine whose shot made the actual kill, anyway.

A few moments later, the small Jedi shuttle took another direct hit, and its lights flickered out.

"Sir? The Jedi vessel is asking for assistance. They have lost their main power and their life-support is failing. They need to dock."

"Ignore them and keep the docking bays closed. We're busy."

"But…"

The Republic General spun around to face his communications officer. "Are you questioning my orders?"

"No, Sir."

Admiral Han Solo was furious. "We've been set up," he snapped out to his bridge crew. "Send out a squadron of Z-95's and call for more backup."

"Our outgoing signal is being blocked, sir," a rather young, skinny ensign replied, his shaky voice betraying his fear.

"Great," Han muttered in disgust, struggling to recall the kid's name. He doubted it would matter much longer, since this probably wasn't going to end well for him or his inexperienced crew. "Put the Independence between that Republic ship, and the Jedi transport." The Corellian watched as the large Republic Dreadnaught shifted through the darkness of space, trying to get a clear shot. So far, their shields were holding and they were managing to pound the Republic ship as much as it was pounding them.

"Sir?"

"Yeah?"

"The Jedi transport Dogger has taken a nasty hit and is hailing us."

"How did they get hit? We aren't targeting them."

"I do believe it was the Republic ship that accidentally shot them. They might be in serious trouble."

"I couldn't care less," Han replied darkly. "If they're in trouble, let them contact their own people." At that moment, one of his Z-95 pilots got in a nice, clean shot on the Republic's Dreadnaught, sending up a spray of sparks. The Republic ship trembled and starting listing to one side.

"We've taken out their rear deflectors, sir," a young woman named Lieutenant Nouri stated.

"And now the Republic Dreadnaught is trying to contact us."

"Yeah, having your tail on fire has a tendency to make people chatty," Han said, smirking. "Patch 'em through, but don't stop firing."

A crackling voice came through the speaker. "Corporate Authority ship, this is General Crix Madine of the Republic ship, Resolution. You are threatening and interfering with a Jedi transport that is on a diplomatic mission. You are hereby ordered to surrender, or you will be destroyed."

For a few seconds, Han was completely taken aback. Madine? The same low-life that kicked him out of the Corellian Navy for stopping a slave ship?

"Are you Corellian by any chance, Crix Madine?" Han asked, unable to stop himself. If it were the same Madine, Han suspected the man was simply playing for time while trying to repair the damage to his ship.

"Yes, although I have no idea why that would matter."

"I would've thought a lazy gundark like you would've retired a long time ago," Han mused aloud. "You must be older than the Tanabe mountains by now."

"Who is this?" Madine demanded.

"Doubt very much you remember little ole me," Han said conversationally. "I was only a young, idealistic lieutenant when you pretty much destroyed my life. But I'm good at picking myself up an' dusting myself off, so now I'm an Admiral with the Corporate Sector and I'm about to blow you an' your lousy ship into space dust." Han hesitated for a heartbeat, then added, "Admiral Han Solo out." He turned to face his bridge crew. "Don't make me a liar, people. Blow them apart."

Urdur

No sooner had they exited their ship than the three Jedi were surprised to find themselves surrounded by a large squadron of the Corporate Sector Security Police. Their weapons were drawn, and they appeared to mean business.

"Yup," Mara said with a sigh. "A trap. How'd I know?"

Leia held up a hand in a gesture of peace. "We aren't here to cause trouble."

"In my long experience, that is usually a signal for the bad guys to start firing," Horn stated worriedly as he put his hand close to his lightsaber. Judging by the sheer numbers, it would be difficult to deflect that much blaster fire.

Instead of opening fire, a slender woman stepped forward. "My name is Jessa Solo. My father is Governor of Urdur, and I'm here on his behalf. I apologize if greeting you with a squadron of troops seems a bit unfriendly, but you have to consider the facts from my perspective."

Hal Horn smiled politely. "I am Jedi Master Horn, and with me is Jedi Leia Naberrie and Jedi Mara Jade."

"We've come here to try and prevent a war," Leia said, her inner diplomat kicking into high gear.

"Really?" Jessa arched a blonde eyebrow. "It seems your President Tarkin is intent on war."

"Yes, but if we can prove his allegations against the Corporate Sector are false, the Senate may see fit to reverse their course," Mara said.

"May see fit?" Jessa questioned. "But maybe not? They didn't feel the need for much evidence to vote in favor the first time around."

"We are aware of that," Horn said. "Which is why Senator Amidala and Jedi Master Yoda sent us on this fact-finding mission."

Jessa tilted up her chin, pursing her lips thoughtfully. "I see no reason why you can't snoop around until your convinced there is no super-weapon being constructed on Urdur."

"Do you mind if we have our droids tag along?" Leia asked.

"Of course not."

Leia signaled toward the lowered ramp of their ship, and a few moments later a golden protocol droid exited, followed by a small blue and white astromech droid. "Hello," the tall droid said upon approaching the group. "My name is C-3PO and I am fluent in over six million forms of communications." The smaller droid gave a toot, and Threepio added, 'Oh, yes. I was getting to you, Artoo. Don't be so impatient. Not everything is about you, you know." He tilted his head toward Jessa. "This is my companion, R2-D2. I am afraid his communication skills are rather limited, which is why he requires my assistance in almost everything."

"I can understand why my husband doesn't much like droids."

"He does not care for droids?" Threepio asked, sounding appalled. "That's most incredible."

Jessa faced the guards and gave a hand signal and the CorSec police immediately turned and left. She then turned back to the humans. "If you'll follow me, we can go to my home for lunch. We have enough room space that you can stay for as long as your investigation requires, if that's what you desire."

"Are you sure your husband won't mind?" Hal questioned.

"My husband is currently away on a mission to Roonadan," Jessa replied. "I hope you don't mind children, though. Our daughter is only a year old, and she can get quite loud and boisterous when we have guests."

Leia smiled. "You have a little girl? I love younglings."

"I'm sure you plan on having family of your own in the future," Jessa said without thinking, watching Leia lose her smile. Then she froze slightly, realizing that she'd heard that Jedi were not supposed to marry. Or was that rule in the past? "I'm sorry… I shouldn't presume…"

It was Hal that answered. "I was married, and I have a son, Mrs. Solo. Although Master Yoda seems to cling to the Old Order rules, I do believe that times are changing for the Jedi. I wouldn't be surprised if Jedi Leia has a family someday."

Leia looked over at Master Horn and thought about Corran, and felt herself blush madly. Was it possible that Corran had already discussed his desire to marry her with his father? And how would Master Horn feel about her once he found out she wasn't in love with his son? Oh, why did life have to be so complicated?

Space over Roonadan

Onboard the Resolution

General Crix Madine was livid. Alarms were ringing loudly throughout the ship, warning occupants of imminent systems failure. Technicians were frantically working to restore shielding as well as several decks' life support. It was bad enough that he'd have to issue the order to withdraw, which would infuriate President Tarkin, but to withdraw meant that Solo had bested him in this battle. And his X-wing pilots weren't faring much better against the Corporate Sector Z-95 pilots, and that was nothing other than embarrassing. It was very possible that Tarkin would demand his resignation over this debacle.

Madine, however, was a practical man. He had been around long enough to know when it was time to pull back and live to fight another day. So, despite the bitter taste the words left on his tongue, he gave the order, "Have the X-wings return to the Resolution, then prepare to jump into hyperspace the moment they are inside."

Although his crew quickly obeyed his orders, he could tell this defeat had lowered their opinion of his ability to command. Solo would someday pay the price for his humiliation, even if he had to wait a decade to exact his revenge.

"We have only five minutes of life-support left," Corran said, trying not to sound frantic.

Obi-Wan was already inside the ship's lower decking panels, desperately trying to repair the damage. "Luke? Has the Resolution responded yet?" he called up from inside the ship's interior.

"No."

"What about the CorSec ship?"

"They're ignoring us, too."

"After how you spoke to the Admiral, that doesn't surprise me," Corran snapped out. "But I don't understand why our Republic isn't replying. Maybe the comm panel is trashed."

"Don't you think I've already checked that out?" Luke barked back at his friend. "I'm not stupid."

"Now, let's not spend our last five minutes of oxygen arguing," Obi-Wan muffled voice said from the floor.

"We're dead," Corran muttered unhappily. "I never even told Leia that I loved her."

"Spare me. You're not the only one in this ship that's going to die pure and unsullied," Luke griped. "It isn't fair."

"Could you boys please keep your attention on what you're supposed to be doing, and not think about females for one second?" Obi-Wan yelled up.

Corran looked out of the viewport at the battle scene. "It's not looking good for our side, Master Kenobi. The Resolution has taken a lot of hits."

"The remaining X-wings are heading back to the ship, which probably means they're getting ready to leave," Luke added. "Maybe we can sneak inside with them?"

"We don't have power," Corran pointed out. "We'd need for them to tractor us in."

"Try raising the Resolution again," Obi-Wan said as he pulled himself up from inside the maintenance access chamber in the floor of the shuttle. "They are our only hope."

"Still nothing," Corran grumbled as he fiddled with the comm panel. "Three minutes of life support left."

Obi-Wan pointed out of the viewport. "The Resolution is positioning itself to make the jump into hyperspace." And as those words left his mouth, the Resolution disappeared into the blackness of space.

"That's it then," Luke stated grimly. "We're dead in two minutes." Just then, their shuttle gave an unexpected lurch. Luke looked over at Corran. "We've got power?"

"No," Corran answered. "The Independence just grabbed us."

Urdur

Hal Horn, Mara, Leia and the two droids followed their hostess to her hovercraft, making polite small talk as Jessa drove them through the winding streets. Although outside of the domes the planet's climate left much to be desired, inside it was perfectly comfortable and the dome was large enough that it didn't feel like an enclosed space.

They finally reached a residential area where Jessa parked in front of a small home, then led the three Jedi inside. Her home was warm and cozy, and more than a bit messy. The kitchen area was in disarray and there were baby clothes and toys strewn throughout the living area. Jessa grinned and appeared to be a bit embarrassed over the clutter. She quickly started to gather up the more obvious items and said, "I'm sorry for the mess. I wasn't expecting company, and although I employ a Wookiee that tends to Callian when I'm out – Callian, that's my daughter's name – I don't have a cleaning droid, so I've been pretty much doing everything myself since Han left on his mission."

"Han would be your husband?" Hal asked politely.

"The human that doesn't care for droids?" Threepio added worriedly.

"Yes. Han Solo."

"Why does that name sound familiar to me?" Hal mused, then stopped short. "Is he a smuggler?"

Jessa gave a frown. "He was. I worked on the wrong side of the law for a while, myself. Do you have a problem with that, Jedi Horn?"

Hal grinned. "Not anymore. I worked for CorSec for a while, and his name came up on occasion."

"Yes, my husband is quite the scoundrel," Jessa replied, dumping the items she'd gathered up into a storage bin. "I'm sorry he's not here so you could meet him."

"So am I," Hal said with a wink. "I would like to finally see the guy that got away."

At that moment an older, female Wookiee came out from another room, carrying a squirming, crying little blonde girl. *Callian's nap seems to be over,* the Wookiee said with a tired sigh. *Not that she ever actually fell asleep.*

Jessa took the child from the woman. "Thank you, Ryyplyn. I know you try to get her to nap. I can never do it, either."

The Wookiee nodded an acknowledgement at the visitors before leaving.

"Callian seems to have arms that expand when we're not looking," Jessa said with a laugh. "I swear I've put things out of her reach, then I turn around and just like that, she's holding whatever it was I put away. I don't know how she does it."

Leia walked closer to the pretty child. "Hello, Callian." Leia looked at Jessa. "She's so darling. Can I hold her?"

"Of course you can, but I have to warn you, she cries when strangers hold her." Jessa frowned at her wailing daughter. "Well, she cries louder when strangers hold her." Jessa shifted her daughter into Leia's arms and the child immediately quieted, smiling at Leia and tugging at her braids. "Would you look at that?" Jessa said in amazement. "You must have some special, magic touch. The only person she usually stops crying for right away is her father."

Leia smiled at Mara. "Isn't she cute? Do you want to hold her?"

Mara's eyes widened, and she took a step back. "No, thank you. I've never gotten along with babies. Hand her to Threepio."

"But, Jedi Jade," Threepio twittered nervously. "I am not programmed for nanny duties."

"She's not exactly a baby anymore," Leia pointed out, ignoring the protocol droid.

Hal moved closer to the little girl. "You say she gets toys from places she shouldn't be able to reach?"

"All the time," Jessa said. "My husband once joked that she was going to grow up and become a magician, but I didn't find that too amusing since he once dated a magician."

"I'd guess that she might grow up and become a Jedi," Hal said, to everyone's surprise.

"You think she's Force-sensitive?" Leia questioned.

"It's a strong possibility," Hal said, nodding. "We'd have to do a blood test to be certain, but even at this young age she seems to radiate the Force."

Jessa recovered her wits and asked, "How is that possible? Neither my husband nor I are in the least bit Force-sensitive. At least, I don't think we are."

"That's not necessarily a requirement," Hal informed her. "In fact, since Jedi aren't supposed to form attachments, we would have died out generations ago if only children of Jedi were Force-sensitive."

"If she is Force-sensitive, Yoda will want to train her," Mara stated.

Jessa shrugged. "I suppose that will be her choice after she's of age to decide on her career."

"It doesn't work like that," Mara informed. "Younglings should start their training by age three or four. At least that's what Master Yoda keeps telling us."

"That isn't going to happen," Jessa replied firmly. "My husband and I have no intention of moving to Coruscant, or wherever it is you Jedi do your training, nor will we decide our child's future for her. After what happened nineteen years ago, I'm surprised you have any students."

Hal nodded his understanding. "That's true, Mrs. Solo. Still, we have to try to recruit any youngling that shows potential, especially after what occurred during Palpatine's reign of terror. If no one allows their off-spring to be trained, the future of the Jedi Knights is grim."

Jessa took Callian out of Leia's arms. "That's not my problem, Jedi Horn."

Space over Roonadan

The Dogger settled softly on the floor of one of the hangers inside the Independence and the outside door shut with a resounding clang. Obi-Wan looked out of their small ship's viewport as a large array of armed guards with weapons drawn came rushing toward their ship, surrounding them on all sides. Corran quickly opened an outside vent, and the thin air of the Dogger was once again more breathable while the three Jedi took in an appreciative, deep gulp.

Pointing out the viewport, Corran noted, "Because of your smart mouth, Nabierre, you know you still might end up dying pure and unsullied."

Luke just glared daggers in Corran's direction as Obi-Wan stood up. "It's time to face our fate, boys," Obi-Wan said, trying to sound jolly. "Everyone play nice and refrain from making insults and threats and maybe our host will see fit to let us live."

"Solo's the one that should be worried, not us," Luke grumbled as he followed Obi-Wan from the cockpit of the small shuttle.

Keeping their hands in clear sight, the three Jedi exited the ship, watching as a tall man with a mop of dark brown hair approached them, followed closely by a towering Wookiee toting a large bowcaster. Although the human was wearing an officer's uniform, it was clear he was rather uncomfortable in the fancy suit, leaving the normally tight collar unbuttoned. Luke sized up the man as he stopped walking about a dozen feet away from his 'guests.' Solo was younger than Luke had expected, perhaps five to ten years older than his own age. And judging by the scowl plastered across his face and the fact that his hand was resting on a rather unconventional non-military type of blaster tied to his leg, he wasn't in a particularly good mood.

"You're under arrest for entering restricted space, as well as attacking my ship. You're lucky I didn't leave you out there to die," Solo ground out, his jaw tight.

"Thank you for rescuing us," Obi-Wan said with a polite nod. "Now that we meet in person, let me properly introduce myself. I am Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and these two young men are my assistants, Jedi Luke Naberrie and Jedi Corran Horn."

"We didn't attack you," Luke immediately argued. "In fact, the Resolution was the one that shot us up!"

"And they abandoned us, too," Corran added, much to Master Kenobi's displeasure.

"Listen," Solo said, taking a few steps closer, his scowl growing harder. "I'm not an idiot. I know that your decoy ship arrived first so I'd let my guard down and then your Republic scout ship could take us out. I don't doubt for a second your people will return and bring an armada this time."

"Why did they shoot at us?" Luke demanded before Obi-Wan could speak. "Why did they leave us to die? For someone that claims he's not an idiot…"

"Luke!" Obi-Wan interrupted his padawan. "This is not the way we need to handle this situation."

"Yeah," Luke grumbled loudly. "Lightsabers would be more effective."

"Are you threatening me again?" Han snapped at the younger man. "Because, from where I'm standing, that wouldn't be in your best interest, kid." At this point, the Wookiee let loose with an angry growl, raising the bowcaster up to point at the Jedi.

"I'm not a kid!"

"And I'm not an idiot."

"Gentlemen!" Obi-Wan pleaded, "Please… can we be civil?"

"I don't know," Han groused. "Ask your whiny brat."

"I AM NOT A WHINY BRAT!" Luke lunged forward, only to find himself being restrained by Corran while the Wookiee reached forward to try and pull Han behind him.

"BOYS!" Obi-Wan shouted, trying to assert control of the situation.

Solo addressed the Wookiee, "Don't worry, Chewie. I have this under control." He then turned to address his security team. "Take their weapons and escort them into the securest cells we have onboard. I'll need to discuss this situation with Prime Minister Limpan before I send them back onto their shuttle and let them breath space vac."

"Yeah," Luke said snidely. "Ask your keepers what you're allowed to do, first."

Han's lips tightened and he was about to respond to that comment when his comlink beeped. Irritated at the interruption, he turned it on and spoke into the device. "Admiral Solo."

"Sir? I'm sorry to interrupt you, but another Republic shuttle has just dropped out of hyperspace."

"You're kidding me."

"No, sir…. Kidding is in violation of proper protocol."

"That was sarcasm," Han said with a tired sigh.

"They are hailing us, Sir. What would you like me to do?"

"Forward the communication directly to me."

"Yes, Sir."

A moment later, Han said, "This is Admiral Solo of the Corporate Sector ship, Independence. A Republic Dreadnaught just engaged my ship in battle and were defeated prior to returning to hyperspace. The Republic has now fired the first shot in this war and since you are violating Corporate Sector space I order you to surrender immediately."

A woman's voice came over the small speaker. "My name is Senator Amidala of Naboo, and we are not leaving or surrendering until I find out what happened to my son."

"Mom?" Luke said, utterly surprised.

Han regarded Luke with a smirk. "Why am I not surprised your mommy's here looking for you?"

"Padme!" Obi-Wan shouted toward Solo's comlink. "What in the stars are you doing here?"

"Luke? Obi-Wan?" Padme's relived voice said before the Corellian Admiral quickly cut the audio feed.

Solo turned to address his security team. "Allow her shuttle to dock, and then escort her to my private ready room. I intend to get to the bottom of all of these coincidental appearances by Republic ships." He spun back around to glare at the three Jedi. "I intend to question this newest arrival first." He gave a signal and several guards nervously approached the Jedi while their commander continued speaking. "You will hand over your weapons to my security team and you will remain silent," he shot a glare at Luke, "until we are all gathered together. And then you will answer every single one of my questions. You'd better hope that your answers match her answers."

Obi-Wan Kenobi carefully handed over his lightsaber to the guard, and nodded at Luke and Corran. "Do as he asks."

Face flushing, Luke tossed his lightsaber on the floor, forcing one of the guards to bend over to retrieve the cylinder, while Corran politely passed his weapon over.

"That's it?" Han questioned Kenobi. "No blasters?"

"Blasters are crude and unrefined," Luke replied before Obi-Wan could respond. "Like you."

"Yeah, maybe I am unrefined," Solo said with a nod. "But I'm still in charge here, and you're not, kid."

"Quit calling me kid!"

"All right," Han agreed easily. "Mommy's boy."

With that, Han turned and walked away from the Jedi, with the huge Wookiee tagging in his wake.

"I hate that man," Luke grumbled.

"There is more to him than meets with eye," Obi-Wan replied as they were herded from the hanger by the security forces. He was going to have a discussion with Padme about Luke's attitude. With each passing day, Luke was reminding him more of Anakin and if Luke were told about Anakin's fate, perhaps it would help him control his anger and arrogance.

"Nothing that soap and water can't wash away," Luke said, confirming Obi-Wan's internal musings.

Corran asked Obi-Wan, "Why do you think that?"

"I know the Wookiee."

Urdur

Jessa had shown Leia and Mara to her home's guest room, while Hal Horn agreed to stay in the Solo's office area, which had a sofa that converted into bed. After a quick lunch, Ryyplyn returned and took over babysitting duties while Jessa drove the Jedi around the dome, making frequent stops at building locations the Jedi determined they needed to check out.

After a few hours, Jessa was getting tired and asked, "Is there any more places in particular you wish to see?"

"Do you have any military bases?" Mara questioned.

"No. Of course, we do have CSA police stations, but not any actual military bases. Urdur is not considered a very valuable system in the Corporate Sector."

"But your father, the governor of Urdur, has a lot of influence on Prime Minister Limpan?" Leia asked.

Jessa smiled. "My father has influence because of his past associations with smugglers, who still hold him in high regard. Limpan knows that his life will be a lot easier if those smugglers either stay out of the Corporate Sector, or turn into legit shippers. Since the death of Palpatine, my father has convinced more than a few smugglers to go on the straight and narrow."

"Including Han Solo," Horn said.

"I might have had more influence with Han's decision than my father," Jessa replied with a laugh. "Well, both me and Chewbacca."

"Chewbacca?" Mara asked.

"Chewie, for short. My husband's friend and co-pilot. Chewie swore a life-debt to Han after my husband rescued him from slavers. Ryyplyn, is also Chewie's maternal aunt."

"Does Ryyplyn have a life-debt to you or your husband?" Leia wanted to know.

"Stars, no! One Wookiee life-debt per family is enough. She needed employment after her spouse died and since Han likes Wookiees and she was related to Chewie, we hired her."

"I am not understanding why your husband prefers Wookiees over droids," Threepio put into the conversation. "Droids do not shed and we speak Basic." Artoo gave a toodle, and Threepio added, "Well, most droids are able to speak Basic. There are always exceptions, of course."

"Is there any possibility we could check out the other large domed cities?" Horn questioned. "Random spot checks would go a long way in convincing the Senate there is no super weapon on Urdur."

"Of course, but it's getting quite late," Jessa agreed. "We can head to whichever city you desire tomorrow morning, if that's acceptable."

"Quite acceptable," Horn answered.

Death Star

Orbiting over Despayre

Admiral Daala shut her eyes, trying desperately to block out the memories of last night. She hadn't been able to stop her body from physically responding to the Falleen, but her mind was another matter entirely. Although she was totally repulsed by Lord Xizor she had no choice but to obey his orders, no matter how vile. Refusal would mean more than a demotion or loss of her job – it would mean torture and death. It would be good to get this mission underway. Perhaps, once they were in hyperspace, Prince Xizor would have more to think about besides….

"Admiral?" a young ensign interrupted her thoughts. "Engineering says everything is ready to make the jump into hyperspace."

"Good. Make it as soon as possible." She gazed out of the viewport at the desolate planet. Thousands upon thousands of slaves of every imaginable species had died over the course of the last two decades while building this monstrosity. And every single corpse was now floating in orbit over Despayre, eyes and mouths sometimes wide open having died in shock or while screaming. They would never rot away in the vacuum of space and would remain for all time a testament to Lord Xizor's greed and ego.

"Delay that order. We need to test this battle station before we head out," a sharp voice said from behind her.

Daala gritted her teeth and turned to face Xizor. "What type of test?"

Xizor nodded toward the viewport. "Target this station's main weapon on the planet."

"There are still workers down there."

"Most of which are slaves along with a few guards, which are clones. All expendable. Are you questioning me, Admiral?"

"No."

"Good. We wouldn't want the crew to see a bad example, would we?"

Daala turned to the captain of the bridge. "You heard Prince Xizor, Target Despayre, Captain Needa."

The smarmy human smiled, pleased with both the order and seeing the Admiral being ordered around. "Yes, Admiral."

Everyone on the bridge watched with a mix of horror, fascination and pride as a few minutes later, Despayre blew into billions of pieces. For long moments, there was complete silence on the bridge as the crew stared at the mind-boggling destruction of an entire planet.

"That was most satisfying," Xizor finally stated into the stunned silence. "I am feeling the urge to celebrate." He leered at Daala. "There's nothing like a good display of power to prod those urges into full throttle, don't you agree, Admiral?"

Daala flushed, hoping the veiled implication wasn't obvious to her crew.

"Um, Admiral?" an ensign interrupted nervously, glancing in fear at Xizor.

Relieved at the distraction, she turned to the ensign, seeing him for the first time. Another clone, which annoyed her. It wasn't a surprise, really, since about two thirds of the battle stations personnel were clones. "What?"

"Docking station two-forty-two just reported an anomaly."

"Which would be?"

"A small Corellian freighter left the station less than a minute ago without clearance authorization. It's not responding to communication requests."

"Destroy it, then," Captain Needa snapped out before Daala could speak.

"The ship has been identified as one of our independent supply ships. Our fighters are trying to intercept…" the ensign tried explaining.

"I didn't say intercept… I said destroy!"

"Who outranks who on this battle station, Captain?" Daala said, annoyed beyond words that her authority was constantly being undermined by Prince Xizor, and now Needa.

"I… uh, you do, Admiral. What is your order?" Captain Needa stammered.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Xizor stated as he looked at the control panel. "The freighter just made the jump to hyperspace." He turned his angry gaze at Captain Needa. "If that turns out to be a problem, you will pay the price."

"It's possible the pilot was simply confused about proper exit protocol," Needa said, trying to downplay the situation.

"But not likely."

Daala turned to Xizor. "I will handle discipline on this station, Xizor."

"That is fine by me," Xizor replied. "Just remember who is responsible for your discipline, Admiral. In the meantime, order the jump to hyperspace. We have an appointment with Urdur."

YT-2000 Corellian light freighter, hyperspace

The young human shifted in the pilot's seat. It was unlikely that someone like him would ever have ended up employed by a power mad Falleen, running supplies from various locations in the Republic to the battle station over Despayre. But he'd needed the funds, and he lately he was running low on second-hand lightsabers to pawn, and he had no intention of selling the three sabers he held most dear. Just thinking about them made him pat his waist band, reassuring himself they were still safely attached.

He also had too much pride to return home to Coruscant to ask his mother and father for money, even if they had more than enough to spare. He had never cared for his parents' lavish lifestyle. Snobbish private clubs, boring, expensive parties, and illicit drugs handed out in discreet corners of the mansion; while the actual consumption of those drugs was anything but discreet. His mother, Artela Jinn, was a galaxy famous holo-star, well past her prime and resentful that big roles were no longer hers to pick and choose at whim. His father, Dibis Jinn, was an influential holo-director and was twenty years older than his actress wife. The marriage had soured not long after his birth, but they remained married because a divorce would cost them both too much in cash, friends and status. It was the reason Artis Jinn had left home at age seventeen, never to return. He did, however, occasionally wonder if his parents missed him. It seemed unlikely, even though he hadn't seen them for nine years.

When he'd first arrived at the huge battle station orbiting Despayre, it was nearing completion. Artis had been stunned at the sheer mass of the object. And only minutes ago, he'd been relaxing and having an ale with one of the crew members of this station - who had confided that the battle station's first destination was the Urdur system in the Corporate Sector - when their attention was drawn to a small viewport and they witnessed what should have been impossible. It was still impossible to believe an entire planet was now totally gone. This battle station was nothing more than a black orb of death and destruction, and Artis was guilty of playing a role in its creation. It hardly mattered it was a minuscule role, and if he hadn't delivered the supplies someone else would have. All that mattered was the end result.

Artis Jinn had always admired and idolized the Jedi Knights. Now it was up to him to emulate the Jedi and race to Urdur to save as many lives as he possibly could before the Death Star could give a repeat performance.