Summary: In which we see the final days prior to TFA. Evil spreads amongst the stars. The yoke of old hatred blinds the powerful as the government ensures it's own destruction.
Chapter Text34 ABY
For a government that claims it's eagerness to heal past wounds, the New Republic is slow to forgive. On some occasions it's completely justified. Doctor Isard definitely didn't deserve a pardon for his crimes against the galaxy, neither did the man who thought up the Death Star. Other times ( right now ) its just stupid. The First Order has been reported to be causing mayhem in the Outer Rim. A plea for help has been issued by Tatooine. Most senators turn a blind eye. The Outer Rim has been controversial in politics ever since Luke Skywalker used the power vacuum caused by Jabba's death to abolish slavery. Skywalker made himself quite a few enemies when the Hutts refused to sign the Outer Rim emancipation without the young Jedi. Republic and Imperial alike. Under the Old Republic and the subquescent Empire, relations with the Outer Rim were considered bothersome affairs. Far too trivial to waste time in the midst of Civil War. At one point most imperials had petitioned for a treaty with the Rebellion in which the Alliance was "gifted" the Outer Rim in exchange for peace. These days it's a surefire way to risk political ambitions. In light of current events, General Organa had reopened her case against the First Order. The Senate refused to heed warnings from Vader's daughter.
If Ben were alive, they could prank all these soft-headed pansies. His best friend had an talent for the trickster's craft. Uncle Han loved their troublemaking, most of the time anyway. My ear still hurts from when he and uncle Chewie dragged us across the hangar cause we accidentally covered the Falcon with meloorum jam. I would have hit the right ship if Dad hadn't broken our focus. They had fantasized about the future that seemed so straightforward at the time. Back when evil was a vague term and a year spanned forever and a day. In truth, they had no clue about tomorrow. How could they? Their parents had fought in the war to end all wars. Charged head-on to the abyss and restored the light of freedom. It should have been enough, perhaps it was in some alternate reality where fate was kinder. Here the wicked prosper as those in power blame heroes for the sins of their fathers. Darth Vader died before he was brought to justice, so now the Senate hurls every politician's pent up rage towards the Empire's bloody fist at his children. Ungrateful bastards, without them the Rebellion would have been crushed in Yavin Four and you'd still be kneeling to Emperor Palpatine.
He's lost count of how many people have greeted him with "A man of your talents is wasted on the Resistance." These pompous bureaucrats are all the same. Convinced that loyalty is no match for a wad of credits. The General pretends she's not afraid of him leaving but he knows all her tells. A lot of them were Ben's too. Mother and son were so similar to each other. That's why it puzzled him that they weren't close. If anything, ofttimes he thought Ben saw aunt Mara as his real mother. Mara Jade Skywalker, another ghost that haunts in silence. Somedays he's glad she didn't live to see uncle Luke humiliated and tortured by those he dedicated his life to protecting. Other days he desperately wants her back among the living. He asked her once, why Leia and Ben had such a tumultuous relationship, Aunt Mara said people can't stand their own image mirrored in someone else, they want their loved ones to be reflected instead. Poe hadn't believed it until years later, when Leia Organa confessed she helped him because he reminded her of her brother.
When the Senate hearing ends, the General holds onto his arm a little tighter. Despite her regal bearing and elaborate clothing, all he sees is an old woman who spent all her life fighting. Organa's stubborn pride won't let her admit she needs a hug so he gives it to her. It only lasts a moment, she won't allow herself anymore. Afterwards, they continue the Resistance's first priority: the search for Luke Skywalker. Part of him wants the Jedi Master to stay hidden (of course that desire will never be spoken). Luke got elevated to godhood and was betrayed for being human. Skywalker could have been the Emperor, he could have held the power of star systems at his fingertips. None of those sanctimonious gold-diggers would have refused it. Most of them don't deserve or comprehend such selflessness and probably never will. The First Order believes that man is treacherous by nature, incapable of merit without guidance. A half truth cleverly spun around unavoidable flaws. Tempting to those who wander aimlessly through life. Poe is a child of the Rebellion, the desire to save the galaxy was ingrained into him from his mother's womb. He'll die happily for the Resistance but that doesn't mean he's blindly following. His loyalty is to the dream his parents fought for.
Luke, I understand why you left.