Chapter 5
Flashback - A few years before the Battle of Yavin
"I can't do that" Ezra's voice called out through the comm back to his friends as he focused his energy on keeping Thrawn at bay. "It's up to all of you now" he goes on
"And remember the force will be with you always" he informs them and before any one could say anything, Anakin, Hera, Sabine, Luke and Leia all watched as Thrawn's ship was suddenly gone disappearing from the skies above Lothal.
And at the same time back in the Rebel base on Yavin 4 where Padme had remained behind with their six year old daughter Keely and even though she had only been taught the force by her father within the last year, she was learning the force. She had bonded with their new Rebel friends in particular Sabine and Ezra and so as Ezra was saying his goodbyes to everyone, young Keely felt him disappear from the force.
"I couldn't have wished for a better family" Keely then suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion and suddenly started crying which alerted Padme to her daughter's distress. Padme picked up her daughter in her arms. "Keely, sweetie what's wrong?' She asks as Keely teary looked at her mother
"Ezra's gone" she sobs throwing her arms around her mother who held her close rubbing her back. Padme was confused, she didn't quite understand the force, she knew about the connections the Jedi had and Keely had admired their new friends. Keely continued to sob into her mother's chest
"Ezra's gone" she sobs as her mother continued to contact her hoping Anakin, Luke, Leia and their friends would be back soon so she could find out if Ezra was really gone
End of flashback
The Academy was under attack, no one of them wanted to believe it especially with Keely's reveal that Admiral Thrawn was behind this surprise attack, the very same Thrawn who disappeared many, many years ago when Ezra disappeared to stop the Empire from attacking Lothal. While Padme, Leia and Han ensured that Ben and Rey were safe with R2 and 3P0 while Luke and Henry rounded up the other students leaving Anakin and Keely alone to prepare for the fight and who they would be facing.
Anakin looks down at his youngest daughter "You going to be okay sweet princess?" He asks as Keely silently looks up at him, red eyes from crying, she nods. "I will be. It's been a long time since I saw Thrawn. I'm not afraid of him like I was when I was a child" she admits as Anakin smiles down at her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Seeing you in his grip was one of the most terrifying moments of my life" he confesses "It's something I don't want to experience again" he admits as Keely smiles "That won't happen again. I just wonder…" her voice trailed off as Anakin realises what she was thinking "You're wondering if Ezra is back" he says as Keely nods. "When I sensed him leave my emotions overtook me" she reveals as Anakin nods "When we got back to the base, your mom told me what happened, which surprised me. Your emotions have helped you in your training" he reminds her. "If Thrawn is somehow back, maybe Ezra was found" he admits. He then realised that meant that Ahsoka and Sabine had found him and he hadn't seen his padawan since she left to help Sabine, would he see his former padawan again?
It was at that moment Padme, Leia, Han and Chewie came running in. "Luke's informed us that a ship has landed not far from here" Padme informs him. Anakin then closes his eyes realising his fears were correct, Thrawn was back."He's here" he breathes before he then asks "Are Ben and Rey safe?" He asks as Leia answers him "They're with R2 and 3PO in our quarters. R2 won't unlock the door unless it's us" she assures him
Anakin, lightsaber in hand, nods. "Let's head out" he tells them "Remember Thrawn is formidable. He's going to want me, but you all need to be on alert" he warns. Padme gives him a small kiss on the cheek "We're going to defend this Academy. Thrawn may somehow be back but he won't win" she informs him. Anakin takes one of her hands in his, "That's right. We're going to protect the Academy and our family" he tells er before they all raced out of the quarters to meet up with Luke and Henry.
Anakin, Padme, Leia, Han, Chewie and Keely raced out of the Academy where Luke, Henry and the Academy students were holding their defensive stances. Luke turned towards his father "We're ready. I just hope we find out how they've found us" he admits as Anakin nods "Thrawn was always a formidable opponent and his battle plans were precise. He's working with someone who lead him to us" he cautions him as Henry shakes his head "Well, he's not taking this Academy" he admits. Anakin and Padme both looked over at their younger son.
Henry never saw much battle because the Empire had been defeated when he was born. He had only heard stories from Luke, Leia and Keely. Luke looked over at his young brother "Don't let your guard down Henry. When Thrawn's around, none of us is safe" he cautions him just as they heard the sound of blaster fire coming through the trees.
Anakin moved to the front, lightsaber blaring. "Here they come!" He calls out as Leia, Luke, Keely and Henry activated their lightsabers right as they started to see soldiers coming through the trees. The fight to protect he Academy had began.
From their place inside the Academy, Rey and Ben had a view above of the battle. For young Rey, she had never seen a battle before. She was afraid for her new family even if Ben was attempting to re assure her they'd be fine.
"Grandpa's a strong fighter. This battle will be over soon" he boasts. "My family's tough" he adds as they looked down out the window seeing everyone scatter through the grounds, lightsabers blaring across the grounds. Ben instantly spotted his parents fighting side by side. He rarely saw his mother with a lightsaber, opting to use a blaster when she needed to but right now, she was using her lightsaber as his father fired his blaster picking off soldiers one by one along with Chewbacca.
"So they won't die?" Rey asks in a soft voice as Ben wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "No. Whoever chose to attack, don't know who's here" he promises her. Ben then looks over at 3PO. "3PO, do you know who's down there?" He asks as the protocol droid looked over at him "Master Ben, I couldn't say who's decided to attack but I will admit I am glad to be in here" he admits as R2 whistles in response.
Ben sighs before he moves over towards his friend. "Don't worry about 3PO. He worries too much" he grins as Rey remained silent instead looking out the window watching her new family, spread out over the grounds amongst the Academy students. Having spent three years on the desert planet of Jakku, Rey had never seen much fights except for those which happened in the marketplace, however unlike those fights, her new family will defeat this enemy.
Down on the grounds, fighting side by side with his wife, Anakin took down another four more soldiers whilst keeping alert for when Thrawn made his appearance. He knew from his past experiences Thrawn held back and revealed himself when the timing was right, but Anakin would not let his guards down. His family was all here not to mention his grandson and his new friend Rey were inside the Academy.
He still couldn't believe Thrawn was here after all this time, somehow he had survived and escaped from wherever Ezra had taken them. Anakin would ensure this was the last time he would see Thrawn and Thrawn would be near his family.
He watched his wife take another another soldier. All these years and Padme was still skilled with a blaster. "We can never escape the danger huh" he calls out to Padme who turns to him smirking "No matter how hard we try" she smirks back taking another soldier who had just emerged from the forest as Anakin laughs right before he heard Keely's voice
"Dad!" She calls to him as Anakin looks over at his daughter before he felt the familiar sense in the force. He was close. "Stay alert!" He calls back to her.
Thrawn may have been close, but he hadn't left his position at the entrance to his ship. He watched his soldiers continue to charge into the forest towards the Academy. He hadn't proceeded after them but was biding his time. It had taken a long time since he managed to escape the Rebel's trap he had set upon him and then to track down Anakin Skywalker, one of the Rebellion's heroes. His revenge was in sight.
"Sir!" One of the soldiers called out to him. The Chiss Admiral then turned to him as the soldier then went on "We've reached the Academy breaching their perimeter. We have confirmation that all of the Skywalkers are here" he informs him. Thrawn smirks "At last, we will meet again" he spoke in his cool, calm voice before he made his way out of the ship heading into the forest.
Henry had never been in a battle like this, except when training against the other students and secretly he had been a little jealous of his sisters and brother about being in the Rebellion even if they would tell him it wasn't all glamorous as he was imagining it. This was one of his first battles. Henry looks over at his sister who was deflecting blaster bolts from the soldiers.
"Is this how it was in the Rebellion?" Henry asks as Keely laughs "Worst and I never saw much of it because mom and dad always ensured I was safe in the control centres with her and Leia" she replies adding "And we didn't have this many Jedi" she reminds him as she looked around at the other students who were showing how far they had all come in their training over the years since Luke had started the Academy.
It was then Keely and Henry both saw a figure stepping through the trees. Keely tightened her grip on her lightsaber. "Henry, get behind me" she says as Henry looks confused. "What is it?" He asks deflecting another blaster bolt from another soldier as Keely's eyes widen as she saw who was emerging from the forest.
"Dad!" Keely called out alerting Anakin to look towards his two younger children before he spotted a figure he wished were still dead. "Keely! Henry!" He calls out to them at the same time Luke looked over to see Thrawn emerging from the trees with two soldiers flanking him, their blasters raised and aimed towards his sister and brother. Luke started to run towards his siblings at the same time Anakin began to race towards him right as Thrawn, thin long sharp staff in his hand, begins to move towards the two young Jedi.
Luke saw the two soldiers fire their blasters at his siblings however Luke, using the force to accelerate his speed, lands right in front of Keely and Henry, his green lightsaber deflecting the blaster bolts back at the soldiers hitting them straight in their chests however that didn't deferred Thrawn who continued to advance towards Luke, Keely and Henry.
Luke, remains in the defensive stance "That's close enough Thrawn" he spoke, his voice strong and firm however Thrawn only smirked, his red eyes glaring straight at Luke. "You're not the Skywalker I want, but I'll ensure you're the first Skywalker I kill" he warns moving into his fight position. "Luke" Keely spoke in a soft voice as Luke looks back at her "Don't worry Keely, I can take him" he promises her before both Keely and Henry watch as their brother begins to fight Thrawn. However Keely and Henry couldn't relax as more soldiers appeared from the trees just as Anakin reached them
"Where's Luke?' He asks as Keely tilts her head "He's taking on Thrawn" she replies her voice shaky as Anakin follows his daughter's gaze seeing his eldest son taking on an enemy who should be dead. "We need to help him dad" Henry says as Anakin shakes his head "You two need to stay with here with your mother, Leia, Han, Chewie and the rest of the students and defend the Academy, I'll help Luke" he informs him racing off before Keely or Henry could argue.
Henry then looked over at his sister seeing her shaking "Keely, what's wrong?" He asks worried as Keely struggled with her emotions "Dad and Luke are strong but I fear Thrawn may be stronger" she admits as Henry, knowing their father wanted them to stay with the rest of their family and the students, shook his head. "Come on, we need help them" he insists before they both raced off in the direction their father had taken.
Meanwhile, watching the fighting from his parent's quarters, Ben then felt a tremor in the force. His uncles, grandpa and aunt were in danger, even more danger then what was around his parents or his grandma. Ben could feel the force flowing through him, itching for him to be out there with his parents despite them wanting him to be safe.
Rey, who was still looking out the window, spotting Padme, Leia, Han and Chewie fighting with the students, looks back at him. "They're winning" Rey speaks softly with a smile as Ben nods "Yes, but my grandpa needs my help" he insists before he turns to 3PO and R2. "We need to find grandpa, uncle Luke and Henry and aunt Kee!" He exclaims as 3PO only points out "Master Ben, mistress Leia insisted we remain here where it is safe" he reminds him as Ben shakes his head "That was before I could sense the danger. R2, open the door, we need to find them!" He orders. 3PO turns to his friend "R2, don't you dare open this door" he snaps as Rey looks over at them silently
"Please R2, I can help them!" He insists as R2 whistles in response before he ignores 3PO's orders and unlocks the door! Ben smirks looking back at Rey "Come on Rey, I'll protect you" he promise her offering out his hand. Rey, hearing the blasters and the lightsabers outside hesitates
"We need to stay here" she replies as Ben looks over at her "True, but my family needs me" he tells her. Rey slowly takes his head before they race from the quarters with R2 leaving a bewildered 3PO with no choice but to follow them.
With no idea that their son was no longer in their quarters, Leia, Han, Chewie and Padme continued to hold their own against the soldiers who thankfully their numbers were dwindling. Chewie had just used his bowcaster to take out three soldiers as Leia looks over at her mother.
"We need to go find the others before it's too late" she says as Padme nods "The students can finish off the reminder of these soldiers while we go after them" she tells them as Han then looks over at his wife "I thought you said this Thrawn guy was dead" he says as Leia nods "He was suppose to be" she replies "And he found us for a reason" she adds as Padme tightens her grip on her blaster.
"And let this be the last time he comes after our family" she insists before they hurry across the grounds in the direction where Anakin, Keely and Henry had followed Luke and Thrawn.
Luke was holding his own against Thrawn proving that he was not the young boy he had encounter when he joined Kanan and Ezra in rescuing his father and sister all those years ago. "You're proving yourself young one" Thrawn smirks as Luke smirks back "You'll find I'm full of surprises" he replies as Thrawn shakes his head "I'm sure you are but you won't defeat me" he warns just as Luke herd his father's voice "Luke!" Anakin called out as Luke saw his father racing towards them as Thrawn grins even more "Anakin Skywalker, at last I've found you" he declares as Anakin glares back at him
"Your business is with me Thrawn, leave my son alone" he warns as Thrawn nods "Of course" he warns however before he could turn his focus towards Anakin completely, he raised his staff towards Luke, and before he could react, Thrawn used his weapon to slice Luke's hand off! He cried out in pain as Anakin saw red feeling his anger burning however it was Keely's voice he heard.
"Luke!" She cried as Henry tightening his grip on his lightsaber suddenly raced towards Thrawn "You'll pay for that" he warns as Anakin shakes his head "Henry, no!" He cries as Thrawn only grins even more raising the staff, he aims it straight for Henry watching it fly straight into Henry's thigh stopping him suddenly in his tracks. "No!" Anakin and Keely both cried seeing Henry drop his knees as Keely started to race towards her brothers, but not before Thrawn took out one of his blasters and fired meters from her feet halting her.
"Skywalker, it's your choice, surrender yourself to me or watch your family die" he warns. Keely shakes her head "Dad no!" She cries, she had lost control of her emotions feeling Luke and Henry's pain and Anakin's anger at Thrawn. Anakin takes a deep breath before he sighs letting his lightsaber drop to the ground
"Alright Thrawn, you win. Take me but leave my children" he says as Thrawn grins before he signals for his commander. "My new ally will be very pleased to meet you" he informs him before they heard another voice "Anakin!" Came Padme's voice before he saw Padme, Leia, Han and Chewie. Chewie let out a small cry before he raised his bowcaster firing straight at Thrawn hitting him in the top of his right leg.
"Chewie, no!" Anakin cried seeing Thrawn angrily grab his leg as Han speaks up "We're not going to let this blue creep win" he informs him right as another soldier emerged beside Thrawn. "Sir, are we ready to leave?" he asks as Thrawn nods. "Yes we have who we came for" he replies "Cuff General Skywalker" he instructs the soldier seeing him pull out a pair of binders and starting to move over towards him right as Padme, rushed over towards her husband
"Anakin!" She cries turning him towards her, she placed both her hands on his face, the tears falling down her cheeks. "I won't let him take you" she says as Anakin holds her close "It will be alright" he simply says "You'll come for me" he tells her as Padme shook her head "We need you here, we can take Thrawn now" she cries voice barely a whisper as Anakin looks over at his children, Leia, Han and Chewie had rushed over towards where Keely knelt beside Luke and Henry.
"It's too dangerous. Take care of Luke and Henry then come rescue me" he says before she then felt her lips touch his in a romantic gentle kiss right before the soldier roughly pulled Anakin away from Padme, cuffing his wrists together grabbing his arm to bring him over towards Thrawn.
"The Crimson Dawn has been most happy to meet with you" Thrawn reveals. At the mention of Crimson Dawn, this made Han's eyes widen looking over at him. He hadn't heard or thought about Crimson Dawn in years. One of his first jobs with Chewie, he didn't think they were still operational, but what did they want with Anakin? Anakin took one last look at his family just as Thrawn was ready to leave however just before he could leave, Thrawn then felt a rock hit him in the side of the face.
"Don't take my grandpa!" Came Ben's voice as he emerged from the trees with Rey, R2 and 3PO. "Ben!" Leia and Han cried seeing Ben, close his eyes again before he used the force again to hurl another rock at Thrawn. Thrawn snarled angrily, before he turned his blaster towards Ben. "Skywalker, tell the brat to stop or watch him die" he informs him. Anakin looks back at his grandson, he felt the tears in his eyes as he saw his young grandson trying to stop them from leaving
"Ben" he spoke in a firm strong voice. "Stop" he says as Ben shakes his head "But grandpa….."he cries as Anakin goes on "Ben, stop please. You will see me again" he promises "But for now, you need to stop" he says. Ben felt the tears fall down his cheeks before he lowered his hands. It was at that moment a large group of soldiers appeared behind Thrawn, their blasters aimed in the direction of Padme, Leia, Han, Chewie, Keely, Luke and Henry before a further two more soldiers emerged behind Ben, Rey, 3PO and R2.
Anakin, his hands in cuffs, looks around at his family, and then the soldiers who's blasters were aimed directly at his family, ready to shoot. Anakin then looks back at Thrawn, his blue eyes glaring directly into Thrawn's red eyes. "You think you've won today Thrawn" he spoke his voice calm "You've only partially won"he tells him however Thrawn smirks once more before he signals to two of his soldiers as Rey felt the tears in her eyes as as she watched Thrawn and his solider drag Anakin through the trees and out of the sight. She sniffs "He's gone" just like her parents were. Ben then takes her hand before they rushed over towards the rest of the family.
"We need to get to the medical unit" Padme says, she kneeling in between her sons as Keely then had a thought as she heard Leia comm for help. Keely then knew what she could to help ease their pain. "Wait, I can help ease their pain" she insists, a slight nerve in her voice as she heard Luke's voice "Just focus" he breathes as Keely placed one hand on Henry's thigh and another on top of Luke's chest.
She closed her eyes as she stretched out into the force. Since she had been at the Academy, she had been learning about force healing however she hadn't had many chances to practice. As she stretched out into the force, she felt Luke and Henry's pain. She concentrated harder as Padme, Leia, Han, Chewie, Ben and Rey all watched as slowly Henry's wound began to disappear ahead of Luke's breathing becoming calmer.
"Keely, you did it!' Leia breathes as Ben watched in amazement. "What did you do aunt Kee?" He asks as he moved towards her right as Luke's students came running towards them to help take Luke and Henry to the medical ward. Ben knelt in front of his aunt who took a deep breath as she gave her nephew a small smile
"I transferred some of Luke's pain to me and started to heal Henry's wound" she explained adding "I'm just surprised it worked, I've not had the chance to practice it" she admits as Ben watches the students carry his two uncles away. "Was it hard?" He asks as Keely gives him a small smile. "I had to deeply concentrate with the force and it takes a few years of studies but they're family and I couldn't bear to feel their pain anymore" she confesses as Ben then tilts his head once more
"Can you teach me aunt Kee?" He asks as Keely smiles taking one of his little hands in hers "Of course, doesn't hurt to have a second healer in the family" she notes getting to her feet, she beckons Rey over towards her taking one of her hands in her other hand, they started to follow everyone back towards the Academy.
"Do you think grandpa is alright aunt Kee?' He asks. Keely goes silent before she looks down at her nephew and Rey. "I hope so Ben" she sighs before she adds "But I believe he's still alive" she promises them before she then heard Rey softly speak up "We can bring him back?" She asks as Ben looks over at his friend with a proud smirk "Of course Rey, our family will find grandpa" he promises her as Keely nods "That's right Ben, we will rescue him" she promises him as they headed back to the Academy, Keely wonderful what state her father would be in when they rescued him.
As soon as Thrawn was back on his ship, he ordered the rest of his men to set coordinates for their new destination before ordering two more soldiers to take Anakin to the holding cells which had been designed with force resistant cuffs which sent an electric shock through his body every few minutes. It was the similar holding cell that Obi Wan had told him he was held in when he had been captured on Geonosis.
Anakin attempted to ignore the stinging sensation which pulsed through his body every few minutes, his hands and ankles were cuffed in front of him as the two guards finished ensuring he was well secured in his suspended prison. His thoughts were only of his family - that Luke and Henry were being treated, that Ben wasn't too upset, Padme, Leia, Keely, Han and Chewie were alright and that little Rey wasn't too frightened even more.
He felt another electric shock surge through his body from the cuffs right as he heard Thrawn's familiar calm voice. "It's been a long time General Skywalker" he spoke. "We've come a long way" he adds as Anakin scoffs "Yes and to think I considered you an ally when you helped me back on Batuu and then years later you tried to kill my daughter and I" he reminds him referring to when he captured Keely and himself as Thrawn began to encircle him, his hands clasped behind his back.
"The Rebellion would have squashed if it hadn't been for your Rebel friend's little force trick" he tells him going on "And if it were up to me I would have killed you by now however my new ally wishes to meet with you" he informs him as Anakin rolls his eyes "The Crimson Dawn?" He asks "I've never done anything to cross their path before, why would they want to meet me?" He asks curiously as Thrawn continues to encircled him, with a shrug "They have not shared that information with me, only insisting I don't kill you" he admits
Anakin glares back at him "Lucky me" he replied in a sarcastic tone however Thrawn didn't acknowledge his response and instead moved back towards the door. "Although I ensure you once they're finish with you, I'll kill you and deliver your body back to your family" he smirks. Anakin shook his head, just as a jolt of electric surged through his body once more. "They'll foil your plan" he warns as Thrawn smirks once more "We will see" he only replies as he exits the cell as Anakin then saw the door slide shut leaving him in the dark with electricity surging through his body once more as he remembered the first time he met Thrawn
Flashback -
"One additional thought, Choses names are difficult for many species to properly pronounce. I suggest you address me by my core name, Thrawn" he informed him as Anakin shook his head
"That's all right, Mitth'raw'nuruodo" Anakin replies "I think I can handle it" however after several attempts, Anakin had become frustrated with unable to correct his version "Fine, Thrawn" He only hoped that this Thrawn would help him find his wife Padme down on Batuu who had just disappeared.
End of flashback
Padme, holding Rey, Leia, Han, his arms around his son Ben, Keely and Chewie watched as the medical droids tended to Luke and Henry, although thanks to Keely's healing, Henry was just resting and replenishing his strength as for Luke, he was getting a new mechanical hand to replace the one he lost. Padme hadn't said much since they returned to the Academy, still upset over her husband being taken prisoner by Thrawn.
Han leans closer to his wife, "Is your mom alright?' He asks "She's barely said anything since we got back to the Academy and she hasn't let go of Rey" he admits as Leia sighs "It's because of what happened to dad. Every time something happen to him, she would go into a state of distress and fear she'll never see him again" she explains. Ben looked up at his parents
"So I'll never see grandpa again?" He asks as Leia smiles down at her son, kneeling down beside him. She pulled him into her hands "No, of course you will Ben" she promises "If there is one thing this family does is looks out for each other and when one is in trouble, we save them" she promises before they heard Padme let out a small gasp "Not this time" she sniffs "I fear Thrawn will kill your father, because he didn't last time" she reveals as Keely was by her mother's side, an arm around her shoulders
"Mom, we can't think like that. Dad knows we will rescue him, we won't let Thrawn win" she tells her as Padme shook her head "How?" She asks tears falling down her cheeks "We don't even know where Thrawn went" she says as Han then remembered something he had heard Thrawn say.
"I might" he softly spoke now feeling all eyes on him. Han exchanges a glance with Chewie who gives a small moan and tilts his head as Han takes a deep breath "To be honest, I haven't thought about them since I met you all and truthfully didn't think the Crimson Dawn existed any more" he admits. He then goes on "After I left the Imperial Academy, I met Chewie and then landed my first smuggler job along side a guy named Tobias Beckett" he explains as Chewie gave a small angry growl.
"It was through him, I met the head of Crimson Dawn Dryden Vos, although I now believe that he was not entirely the head of the organisation" he admits as he hears his old friend Qi'ra's voice in his head "Even Dryden answers to someone" It was when I met Dryden, I was reunited with an old friend who helped us out on the job, I thought after this we could both run away together however she had other plans and after Beckett betrayed us, I went after him to stop him and that was the last time I saw them or Crimson Dawn" he concludes.
Ben then looks up at his dad "Is that also when you won the falcon from uncle Lando?" He asks him as Chewie sniggers lightly as Han allows a smirk to cross his face remembering that very moment:
Flashback..
Beckett was dead, Qi'ra was long gone, it was now Han and Chewie. It was time for them to begin a new adventure, just the two of them but first, they needed a ship and Han knew the exact ship he wanted even if it was already owned by someone else. He had managed to track Lando to the planet Numidian Prime where he would show Lando how he felt that Lando just abandoned them back on Savareen.
Lando had been in the middle of retelling one of his tales while in the middle of a game of Sabacc when Han and Chewie came storming in with Han furious and warning Lando about how Chewie could rip his arms out. However once he had calmed down, he challenged Lando to a game of sabacc for the falcon, which had gotten intense
"You fold now, you walk away with enough to get your own little ship" Lando suggests with a smirk "You call" he begins to say "I'm gonna clean you out again" he warns as the crowd excitedly cheers and Chewie lets out a growl however Han taps his cards on the table, one hand resting against his cheek before he shows his cards to Chewie who quietly sniggers as Lando watches him cautious before Han grins "I don't know, I'm feeling lucky" he confesses pushing his winnings into the middle. The crowd watches in intense as Lando chuckles
"Oooh, you really have it bad for the falcon, don't you?" He asks Han as Han smiles "It's mutual, trust me, she belongs with me" he simply replies however Lando chuckles once more before he goes silent, one hand under the table so that Han or anyone can't see the small device in his hand, he clicks it surprised to find it not working as Han notices Lando is taking his time to make the next move. "You got everything you need there, pal?" He asks
Lando only chuckles looking left and right before he places his cards down, he grins back at Han, his arms open up on each other as the crowd cheers. Han nods "Not bad" he says "Not bad" he continues placing his hand on the side of the table "You know, if you'd only had this little green sylop…." He pauses to hold up a green sylop in his hand, Lando squints silently at him "You would've beaten this" he declares revealing his cards as the winning set. The crowd cheers in delight as Lando's eyes widen as the crowd cheers and Chewie growls in triumph, arms in the air as Lando realises he has lost "Fair and square, baby" he hears Han call out "Fair and square!" He exclaims
End of Flashback
Han then places a hand on his son's hair, ruffling his hair "That's right kid, the only good thing to come from that mission" he admits as Keely then looks over at him "You said you were reunited with an old friend, do you think you'd be able to contact them to help locate the Crimson Dawn?" She asks as Han sighs. Qi'ra? He hadn't thought about her since that day, would she even want to see him after all these years? For the sake of his family, he'd have to try even if he and Anakin had their squabbles in the past.
"I'll give it a try, I'll see if Lando knows how" he says as Padme, Keely and Leia all smile before Padme gets to her feet, holding Rey on her hip, she then moves over towards Han to give him a hug "Thank you Han" she whispers right as her comm became to chime. "Who is it mom?" Leia asks as Padme hands Rey to Keely before she takes out her comm letting out a small gasp saying there was an incoming message from Anakin. "Anakin!" She breathes as Leia, Han and Keely all look confused before she pressed the button hoping to see her husband, however the figure who appeared was not who she wanted to see.
"Thrawn" she breathes before she hands Rey to Han who quietly slips from the room, holding Ben's hand and beckoning Chewie to follow him leaving Leia and Keely alone with their mother and the hologram of Thrawn.
"Ambassador Amidala" Thrawn spoke in his calm cool voice before he smirks "Or should I be calling you Ambassador Skywalker" he says "All those years ago I suspected Skywalker had a personal bond with you and it would appear I was right" he taunts as Padme attempts to control her emotions. "What have you done with Anakin?" She asks in a firm, yet angry tone. Thrawn smirks "Indeed a remarkable relationship the two of you have" he goes on "I can say Skywalker is alive for now" he admits. Keely and Leia each exchanged nervous glances with each other before Leia spoke.
"What does the Crimson Dawn want with my dad?" She asks adding "I didn't think the Crimson Dawn existed any more" she states as Thrawn laughs "The Crimson Dawn never went away but were always in the background. They helped me escape from your Rebel friend" he informs him referring to Ezra "And I do know they are very much looking forward to meeting Skywalker" he informs him as Keely then asks "Our dad has never crossed the Crimson Dawn before, what would they want with him?" She asks repeating her sister's question. Thrawn remained silent before he spoke "They have their reasons wishing to see the one that one of their former leaders feared" he teases changing the subject
"I suppose you'd like to see Skywalker for yourself?" He asks as Padme felt her heart leapt as Keely then began to feel her father's pain as Thrawn turned the hologram over towards the image of Anakin, still suspended in his rotating cell, twitching with each shock that pulsed through his body.
"Anakin!" Padme cries as they all saw Anakin slowly lift his head, his face came into view on the hologram causing Padme, Leia and Keely all to gasp as they saw a large gash on one side of his head, blood had trickled down and now had formed dry patches. "Padme" he breathes, his blond hair hung lose over his face. Padme lets out a small gasp as Leia and Keely both feel tears fall down their cheeks seeing their father look broken, attempting to be remain strong but suffering.
However, Thrawn wasn't about to make the situation any easier and nodded to one of his soldiers who pressed a button on the wall which unknowingly to Anakin, increased the electrical charges already flowing through his cuffs causing him to scream out in pain. For Padme hearing and seeing her husband in pain, only reminded her times she heard his pain
Flashback - The Clone Wars
They had done it, with the help of the Gungans, they had captured General Grievous and while Padme should be happy, she was concerned, for Anakin had not returned from tracking the traitor Rish Loo, who had attempted to turn the Gungans against the Nabooian people. Padme was in the Gungan medic bay with Jar Jar, while a medic tended to Boss Lyonie. Jar Jar then looks over at Padme. "Whesa's Ani, he's been gone a long time" he points out as Padme sighs "I'm not sure Jar Jar" she admits right at the moment her comm chimes "Anakin!" She breathes activating the comm however she didn't see the hologram of Anakin, but the figure of Count Dooku, she gasps
"Senator Amidala, we meet again" he smirks "I must regretfully tell you that young Skywalker has been…detained" he grins. Padme glares at him. "What have you done with Anakin?" She asks her voice firm and strong however Count Dooku shakes his head "Now, now Senator, let's not become emotional" he warns. Padme stares back at him "What do you want Dooku?" She asks becoming annoyed as Dooku smirks
"I'm glad you asked" he begins to reply going on "I could be persuaded to return Skywalker to you in exchange for…" he pauses as his smirks grows "General Grievous" he informs her. Padme, knowing that she had to remain the politician and not just Anakin's wife, knowing that Grievous's capture would give the Republic leverage over the Separatists, sighs "I can't do that" she replies "I'm sorry" she whispers
Count Dooku smirks over at her "You soon will be" he warns flicking his hand to his two magna guards behind him, Padme sees a red ray shield come down and the two guards shoved their electro staffs straight into Anakin's sides causing him to scream out, his cries were something Padme did not like hearing "Stop!" She cries "You cannot torture a prisoner!" She cries
End of flashback
Anakin's cries filtered through the hologram as Padme felt the tears once more "Stop!" She cried as Keely, feeling her father's pain is unable to stop her tears flowing feeling his pain, wishing she could take some of it away right as Leia takes the hologram from her mother. "Stop this torture right now, as a member of the New Republic, you will tell us where you are now and surrender yourself and release my father" she warns in her strong political voice however Thrawn is unafraid of her threat.
"The New Republic does not scare me. The Crimson Dawn will ensure I am protected. I only wanted to give you one last look at the great General Skywalker" he smirks before the hologram disappeared, the message gone. Anakin's screams still in her ears as Padme fell to her knees. "No!" She sobs as Keely was beside her mother, her arms around her as Leia knelt beside her. "We won't lose him mom, we will rescue him" she insists "Remember Han knows of this Crimson Dawn, he just may be able to help" she insists. It is then Padme looks up at her eldest daughter. "I just hope we're not too late" she cries.
"Qi'ra?" Lando asks as a smirks cross his face as Han sighs. He was in his quarters with Chewie watching Ben and Rey nearby. "I've not seen her since that mission to Kessel, although I try not to think about the events which led up to me losing my ship" he reveals as Han smirks "You mean the rightful owner took ownership" he reminds him. Lando glares at him before he changes the subject
"So, why the interest in Qi'ra again, you and Leia have marriage troubles" he teases as Han shakes his head "Never, Leia and I are strong" he assures him going on "I need to find the Crimson Dawn and Qi'ra was working for Dryden Vos who was in the Crimson Dawn. Leia's father, Anakin was captured and this smug guy who captured him mentioned the Crimson Dawn" he reveals. Lando's eyes widen "Anakin's been captured?" He asks "Next time buddy, start with that" he tells him. Han lightly chuckles. Lando did help them at the Battle of Endor however after the events of Cloud City in which Han was placed in carbonite and Anakin saw his his daughter distraught over losing the man she loves, it had taken time for Anakin to see Lando as a friend and not want to punch him.
Han leans back in his chair "Well, you did try flirt with his wife in front of him after you smoothed talked Leia" he reminds him as Lando grins "Can you blame me?" He replies
Flashback - 10 years ago
Needing a place to lay low for a while from the Empire, Han had promised that Cloud City would be safe because his old friend Lando now lived them and he had no love for the Empire. Anakin still had a bad feeling about this but wanted to trust the Captain and only wanted to keep his family safe and hopefully Luke would be back from Dagobah.
Han landed the falcon at one of the empty landing platforms before they all disembarked to an empty landing platform with no one in sight!
"Oh no one to meet us" 3PO notes as Leia, who was leaning against one side of the falcon as Han moves back over towards her "Well, what would you like?" He asks as Anakin folded his arms across his chest "If he's your old friend, he'd want to be here to greet you" he admits as Padme, holding their 10 year old daughter's Keely's hand, shrugs "Maybe he hasn't been told we're here" she notes just at the moment they hear the door to the landing platform open and Han looks over to see his friend talking to another figure.
Han smirks back at them "See, my friend" he smirks before he moves over towards Chewie "Keep your eyes open" he whispers as Chewie roars back in response watching Han move over towards Lando. "Hey!" Han cheerfully replies as Lando and his small entourage move out onto the landing platform
"Why you slimy double crossing, no good swindler" Lando only replies "You've got a lot fo guts coming here, after what you pulled" he warns him referring to when Han stole his ship from him. Anakin, Padme, Keely, Leia, 3PO and Chewie all watch as Lando cautiously moves over towards Han. Anakin cautiously watches Han's friend before Lando startles Han by suddenly embracing him laughing "How you doing, you old pirate?" "So good to see you!" He exclaims
3PO looks back at them "Well, he seems very friendly" he notes as Anakin exchanges a glance with Leia who shrugs "Yes, very friendly" she mutters as Keely looks up at her mother "Can we go meet Han's friend?" She asks as Padme smiles "Of course we can" she says as they all moved over towards Lando and Han
"YOUR ship?" They heard Han say "Remember you lost her to me, fair and square" he reminds him. Han is silent as Lando then sees Chewie approaching "And how you doing Chewbacca?" He smirks "You're still hanging around with this loser?" He teases as Chewie gives a small tease roar right at the moment Lando spotted Leia approaching
"Hello, what have we here?" Lando asks, his voice going smooth and deeper. "Welcome I'm Lando Calrissian, I'm the administer of this facility" he smiles introducing himself "And who might you be?" He asks taking her hand in his as Leia finds herself smiling "Leia" she simply replies "Welcome Leia" he replies as he then notices Padme, beside her. "And who's this beautiful woman?" He asks taking her hand. "I'm Leia's mother, Padme" she blushes as Lando grins "I see where she gets her beauty from" he notes as Anakin rolls his eyes before he steps up slipping his arm around his wife's waist
"And I'm her husband, Anakin and Leia's father" he says "Perhaps we should head inside?" He suggests as Han takes Leia's hand in his "Yes, come on you old smoothy" he teases before Han and Anakin both lead Padme, Leia and little Keely past Lando with Chewie and 3PO to follow
End of flashback
"I really thought Anakin was going to force push you over the edge" Han grins as Lando nervously laughs "You weren't there when he nearly choked me even after I helped them escape" he points out as Chewie gives a small roar as Han laughs "From what Chewie says, both he and Anakin tried to choke you" he reminds him as Lando quickly decides to change the subject.
"So you want me to see if I can where Qi'ra could be and if she still had any connection to the Crimson Dawn?" He asks as Han nods "We'd appreciate any help. I mean I didn't even think the Crimson Dawn existed after the Empire" he admits as Lando nods "I'll see what I can do" he promises him right as they both heard a small voice "Are you going to help find my grandpa, uncle Lando?" Ben asks as Lando saw the young boy move over towards them. Han lifted his son onto his lap as Lando smiles at his godson.
"Of course Ben. Your grandpa is a very important man to the New Republic, we're not going to let Thrawn take him away" he promises him seeing Ben smile "Thanks uncle Lando" he replies "My grandma will be very happy" he adds as Lando nods "I'm sure she will, she loves your grandpa very much just like your dad loves your mom" he reminds him as Ben looks up at him before he then looks over at his friend Rey "Uncle Lando, I got a new friend" he tells him as Lando gasps "Already replacing me eh little buddy" he teases as Ben gets down off his father's lap moving over to take Rey's hand and bring her back over.
"Uncle Lando, this is my friend Rey" he grins as Lando nods "She's very sweet, it's nice to meet you little one" he replies as Ben looks down at Rey "Uncle Lando going to help find grandpa" he tells her as Rey, one finger on her lip, "Thank you" she replies softly. Lando smiles "It's what family does" he simply replies.
The Crimson Dawn was a group that had never sought to gain the attention of the Empire or Rebellion. For years, they had been in the shadows, conducting their own business even after their leader Darth Maul died. Shortly afterwards, Qi'ra who had been working closely with Maul as he had promised, assumed the ranks of leader of the Crimson Dawn and she had set out to discover just who and what Maul had been after.
First, it was the Jedi known as Obi Wan Kenobi, and according to the notes Qi'ra had found, it had been ever since the Battle of Naboo, that Maul had seemed a vengeance with the Jedi which then soon crossed to the Jedi known as Anakin Skywalker. Thinking he would be the one to betray his family and friends, Anakin instead didn't and went into hiding with his family and it was then that Maul thought that Skywalker would lead him to draw out Kenobi however it was Kenobi who ended up killing Maul after he finally discovered his whereabouts.
Never the less, as Qi'ra stared at the hologram of Anakin Skywalker, after confirmation from Thrawn, that he had captured the Jedi turned Rebellion General, Qi'ra tilts her head "Why did Maul want to find you?" Qi'ra whispers to herself.
"He is the Key to Everything" she heard him say to shortly after she had arrived on Dathomir after Dryden's death and she chose the Crimson Dawn over her old friend Han. Back then, there had been no sighting of Anakin Skywalker since the rise of the Empire so Qi'ra was surprised he was looking for the Jedi General
Flashback - Dathomir - Before the Battle of Scarif
"The Jedi have been wiped out Lord Maul" Qi'ra spoke in a clear voice "Any sightings of Jedi and they are quickly captured by the Empire or immediately killed, what makes you think Jedi Generals Kenobi and Skywalker are still alive?" She asks as Maul raises his head, turning his head slightly
"They're alive. Kenobi is to die by my hand and I refuse to believe he is dead and as for Skywalker, my master may have failed to groom him to his apprentice but it doesn't mean he does not still seek to him out. I must ensure that my master never finds him and succeeds in turning him" he spoke in his cold voice
Qi'ra nods "I will send out more hunters Lord Maul to continue searching" she insists as Maul nods "And don't forget the search for Ezra Bridger. He helped me unlock the holocons to find Kenobi, I want him with me when I kill Kenobi" he adds. Qi'ra nods "Yes Lord Maul" she replies
End of flashback
"Palpatine's dead" she muttered even the Crimson Dawn knew when the Empire had fallen, if only Maul had seen that Anakin Skywalker did end up killing Palpatine. With the end of the Empire, the Crimson Dawn rose and when they had found Thrawn, he had convinced that that Skywalker was still a threat and had them help him find him. She only hoped it wasn't a failure.
It was then at that moment, her comm chimed indicating an incoming message. Qi'ra leans over to activate the message seeing the hologram of Thrawn. "Thrawn" she spoke "Were you successful in your mission?" She asks seeing Thrawn smirk "I am on route with Skywalker" he informs her "And I made sure I cannot be followed by anyone from his family" he promises as Qi'ra looks down at the hologram of Thrawn, one eyebrow raised
"We must still remain on alert. As you had pointed out, they will come for him" she warns reminding him of one of their first conversations about his previous confrontation. Thrawn nods "But this time we will be on alert and with the Crimson Dawn by my side, they will fail in rescuing him" he assures her. Qi'ra straightens herself looking down once more. "I hope capturing Skywalker hasn't proved disastrous for the Crimson Dawn" she warns. She then closes the message off before she moves over towards the window. Little did she know that Thrawn's capture of Anakin Skywalker would reunite her with an old friend and lover.
Next time: Lando comes through for the Skywalkers and finds out the Crimson Dawn's current activities and provides coordinates, before Padme leads a rescue mission with Luke, Keely, Han and Henry to rescue Anakin leading to a reunion Han never thought he'd have.