I don't own Star Wars Rebels or it's characters, but Lisa and my other OCs I own only.
Enjoy!
Sparks of Rebellion
Chapter 37: Secret Cargo
In the Imperial Senate on Coruscant...
Queen Costil walked into the senate chamber with her two royal guards and sat next to Pooja.
The Queen of Naboo wore a wide-shouldered blue throne-room robe that was accented by hand-stitched gold embroidery and a series of illuminated sein jewels just above the robe's wide, potolli-furred hem. In addition to this robe, Lisa wore an ornate gold face frame including the prominent Jewel of Zenda and had her hair combed over a padded form.
"What is going?"Queen Costil asked.
"There has been a massacre on the people of Ghorman."Pooja replied. "Most senators are saying they were executed for opposing the Empire."
"That's not true."Queen Costil said with a frown. "The people had hardly enough food and supplies to help them survive during these harsh times. This is just another of those worst atrocities that the Empire carried out."
"I know, Lisa."Pooja assured.
Queen Costil notice Leia on one of the repulsorpod.
Leia gives Queen Costil a small wave causing the young queen to give her friend a wave back.
"Senator Mothma will be permitted to speak."Mas Amedda stated.
Queen Costil and Pooja watched as Senator Mon Mothma brought her repulsorpod forward to say her message.
"I name the Emperor himself for ordering the brutal attacks on the people of Ghorman."Mon Mothma admitted firmly. "Their peaceful world is one of countless systems helpless against his oppressive rule. This massacre is proof that our self-appointed Emperor is little more than a lying executioner, imposing his tyranny under the pretence of security. We cannot allow this evil to stand."
All the senators grew shocked at Mothma's respond except for Pooja and Queen Costil.
Meanwhile...
The Ghost was hiding near two wrecked former Separatist warships: a Recusant-class destroyer and a Munificent-class star frigate.
Inside the Ghost's cockpit, Ezra, Zeb and Hera were listening to a propaganda HoloNet broadcast played by Chopper.
"In zero-ten, I will discuss the dramatic events transpiring in your Imperial Sen..."Alton Kastle said.
Zeb switched off the HoloNet broadcast.
"Hope we're not going to be hiding in this can forever."Zeb muttered. "There's only so much HoloNet I can take."
"Well, I'd say they're late, but we don't even know when they're supposed to show up, or who we're meeting."Ezra complemented.
Chopper let out a grunting beep.
"Whoever they are, Senator Organa wants them to get where they're going, and he's trusting us to get them fuel."Hera explained.
"If he trusts us, why is he keeping us in the dark?"Ezra questioned.
"You know as much as I do."Hera replied.
"No wonder Kanan volunteered for that supply run."Ezra commented with a frown.
"Heh."Zeb chuckled.
Suddenly the hologram of Alton appeared again.
"Imperial Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila has shocked the Senate with her treasonous remarks against Emperor Palpatine."Alton reported.
A hologram of Mon Mothma appeared in the holonet.
"I name the Emperor himself for ordering the brutal attacks on the people of Ghorman."Mon Mothma admitted firmly. "Their peaceful world is one of countless systems helpless against his oppressive rule. This massacre is proof that our self-appointed Emperor is little more than a lying executioner, imposing his tyranny under the pretense of security. We cannot allow this evil to stand."
The hologram of Mothma vanished.
"Wow!"Ezra said with a surprised look. "Did she really say that about the Emperor?"
"I'm surprised she's still breathing."Zeb remarked. "Lady's got guts."
Suddenly there was a proximity alert and the spectres see a tactical infiltration pod approaching them.
"Maybe that's our contact."Ezra suggested.
"I don't think so."Hera replied and looked at Chopper. "Chopper, scan."
The pod opened revealing an E-XD infiltrator droid, a model which Zeb and Chopper had encountered earlier on Chopper Base.
Chopper beeped and displayed a hologram of the outside object to his fellow rebels.
"A probe?"Hera said. "What's it doing way out here?"
"Speaks Imperial."Ezra stated. "That's bad."
"Let's blast it before it spots us."Zeb suggested.
"Ezra, get in the nose gun, but hold your fire."Hera instructed. "We don't want to attract attention if we can avoid it. I'll power down so it can't scan us."
Hera power downs the Ghost and walked up to Chopper.
"That includes you, Chopper."Hera added.
Chopper let out a complaining beep.
"Shush it."Zeb hushed.
Hera powers Chopper off.
"Nobody make a move."Hera instructed.
The infiltration pod passed over the rebels, who remain silent and don't move a muscle.
"I don't think it saw us."Zeb said.
"I'll be convinced when it leaves."Hera responded.
Inside the pod, the droid mumbled in an Imperial code and flies its craft towards the Ghost.
"That doesn't look like leaving."Ezra stated.
"It's headed right for us."Zeb complemented.
"Must be scanning for life signs."Hera replied.
"Well, that's just great."Zeb chuckled sarcastically. "We can't shoot it with the power down."
"Ezra, be ready."Hera instructed.
"Just say when."Ezra admitted.
Ezra waited for the pod to approach their ship.
"Move a bit closer."Ezra said quietly. "Just a little bit closer."
"Now!"Hera ordered.
At Hera's signal, Ezra fired the Ghost's frontal turbolasers at the pod but misses.
"Come on, kid, hit it before it transmits our location."Zeb reminded.
"Thing's quick."Ezra admitted.
The Ghost pursued the pod, but Ezra was unable to get a clean shot in the debris field.
"I can't get a clean shot."Ezra stated.
As the chase continued, a large freighter with a Y-wing escort emerged from hyperspace.
"Whoa, who's that?"Ezra asked.
"Never mind."Hera answered. "Stay on target."
Ezra manage to destroy the pod just as Phoenix LeaderHera receives a transmission from Gold Squadron.
"Phoenix Leader, this is Gold Squadron."Jon Vander said. "We catch you at a bad time?"
"Sorry about that, Gold Squadron."Hera apologised. "Close call with an Imperial probe."
"Were you detected?"Jon asked.
"Chances are high, it called for reinforcements."Hera responded.
"Begin fuelling immediately."Jon admitted. "We need to get out of here before the Empire arrives."
Afterwards...
The Ghost docked with the large freighter, which turnrd out to be Mon Mothma's ship Chandrila Mistress.
There Hera, Ezra, and Zeb meet Mothma's senatorial attache Erskin Semaj and Captain Vander.
"Captain Syndulla, I presume."Erskin said. "I'm Erskin Semaj, Senatorial attache. And this is Captain Vander, he leads Gold Squadron."
"This is Ezra and Zeb and Chopper."Hera introduced.
"So, what're ya transporting?"Ezra asked.
"Please understand, due to security concerns, your crew will not be allowed to board our vessel."Erskin commented.
"Well, you're all welcome aboard ours."Hera admitted. "Let's get to refuelling."
The rebels proceed to refuel the freighter's Y-wing escorts.
A female pilot known as Gold Two meets Ezra.
"We've heard a lot about you, Phoenix Squadron."Gold Two said.
"You have?"Ezra asked.
"Yeah."Gold Two replied. "You blew up the comm tower on Lothal and Tarkin's Star Destroyer."
"The tower wasn't us, but the Star Destroyer, guilty as charged."Zeb chuckled.
"You might think twice before you pull another stunt like that."Gold Two complemented. "The Imperials have tightened security throughout the entire Outer Rim as a result. You're making things harder for all of us."
"Well, we don't mind doing things the hard way."Zeb retorted.
"Let's have this argument another time."Captain Vander admitted. "Your little encounter may have jeopardized this mission."
"Oh, you mean the probe."Zeb said with a glare. "What did you expect us to do?"
"It would have been prudent to avoid detection, as ordered."Captain Vander stated. "This assignment is extremely sensitive."
"Yeah?"Ezra questioned. "Well, maybe you should have given us a few more details instead of being so sensitive about your assignment."
Chopper beeped at Gold Two.
"Did your droid just insult us?"Gold Two scoffed.
"My crew did the best we could, but you didn't give us much information to go on."Hera assured.
"Look, that probe, it was probably looking for us, specifically."Erskin stated. "We are carrying cargo highly valuable to the Rebellion and desperately wanted by the Empire."
The rebels then hear a proximity alert as an Arquitens-class command cruiser and a Gozanti-class cruiser exit hyperspace before dispatching TIE fighters.
"We have incoming!"Hera protested.
Gold Three contacted Captain Vander via comlink.
"Gold Leader, we have enemy contact."Gold Three reported. "Imperial cruiser and fighters."
"Move to intercept."Captain Vander ordered. "I'm on my way."
Back in Coruscant...
It was night time.
Lisa was having dinner with Pooja in the apartment that belonged to her birth mother, Padme Naberrie.
"Leia told me that her father have ordered the Lothal rebels to meet Senator Mothma."Lisa said. "Hopefully Mon Mothma's meeting will change the galaxy for the better."
"It will, Lisa."Pooja responded. "As long as we keep fighting for freedom and remain strong, the rebellion will get rid of the Empire's brutality once and for all."
"Mum would be happy if she knew what I was doing isn't Pooja?"Lisa asked.
"She would be ferociously proud of you."Pooja complemented.
Lisa rose her glass of green juice.
"To freedom?"Lisa asked with a smile.
Pooja smiled. "To freedom."
The two cousins rose their cups in toast.
Back in Space...
The rebel ships flee into hyperspace after their fight against the imperials.
Hera introduces her crew to Senator Mon Mothma inside the Ghost.
Senator Mon Mothma, this is my crew, Zeb Orrelios and out there, in one of your bombers, Ezra Bridger."Hera said.
"I know of young Mr Bridger and I thank you, Captain Orrelios."Mon Mothma admitted.
"We saw your speech on the HoloNet."Ezra remarked. "You really let the Emperor have it."
"I only wish words had more of an impact."Mon Mothma admitted.
"Senator, let's forget this mission and get you back to Chandrila to a proper hiding place."Erskin suggested.
"No hiding."Mon Mothma stated. "My presence at the meeting is not optional."
"You mean the meeting?"Hera asked.
"Erskin, I trust them to get me there. We're in the process of building an alliance, uniting the various rebel cells across the galaxy."Mon Mothma said. "My challenge to the Emperor was a call to stand against the Empire. My hope is, all who answer it will see that they are not alone. I must be there to meet them."
"Her involvement has been a secret, but the Empire will be attempting to track any ship that tries to leave this system."Erskin explained.
"I know a way to sneak you out of the sector."Hera assured. "Senator, we'll get you to that meeting."
Mon Mothma looked at Erskin.
"Give them the coordinates to Dantooine."Mon Mothma ordered.
In Lothal's Capital City...
Admiral Konstantine was talking to Thrawn and Governor Pryce.
"The rebel squadron defended their transport vigorously, but we thwarted their attempt to refuel."Admiral Konstantine reported. "A scan of the vessel before it was destroyed revealed no cargo aboard and only a small crew."
"Their cargo was something prized, a certain Senator, I suspect."Thrawn admitted.
Thrawn pressed a button to show a hologram of the Outer Rim.
"Senator Mothma?"Governor Pryce asked. "Her capture is a priority. If she escaped aboard the Ghost, where is she now?"
"Not where you'd expect. Captain Syndulla will be creative in avoiding your blockades."Thrawn explained. "She will brave the unlikeliest path to transport her passenger out of the sector. There, the Archeon pass, a favorite of Outer Rim smugglers."
"Through the nebula?"Admiral Konstantine asked.
"Our capitol ships can't follow her."Governor Pryce admitted.
"Precisely."Thrawn responded. "So I've readied my new prototype and our best pilots to hunt down and capture this rogue Senator."
"Grand Admiral, allow me the honor of silencing her."Governor Pryce suggested.
"Very well, Governor."Thrawn replied. "Take Admiral Konstantine to the far side of the nebula and wait there. When our fighters flush the rebels out into the open, you'll be in position to capture Senator Mon Mothma alive. She could be our key to locating the true rebel fleet."
"As you wish, Grand Admiral."Governor Pryce answered.
Admiral Konstantine and Governor Pryce walked away as Thrawn studied the map.
In the Ghost...
Senator Mon Mothma brought drinks for her and Hera in the cockpit.
"Sometimes I envy pilots like you, traveling through the stars."Mon Mothma admitted. "You can always leave your problems far behind you."
"Can't imagine you running from your problems."Hera complemented.
"I've spent my life in the Senate trying to do good, to preserve the rights of the people."Mon Mothma explained.
"And we are grateful."Hera responded.
"Little good it's done."Mon Mothma commented. "The Emperor has crushed freedom over the years, bit by bit. I've opposed him where I could, but I've begun to see that the fight cannot be won in the Senate."
"The stakes are a bit higher out here on the front lines."Hera said. "Instead of being outvoted, you're outgunned."
"Life or death."Mon Mothma replied. "It's a new experience, being on the run. But if that's what it takes..."
"Whatever it takes, this Rebellion is worth it."Hera answered.
In Space...
The rebels approached the Archeon Nebula.
"The Archeon Nebula."Captain Vander said. "There are stars forming in there. Get too close and you'll burn up."
"Mmm, I can handle it."Ezra stated. "Hera taught me a few tricks. She's the best around."
Suddenly a cruiser and a hyperdrive-equipped TIE Defender exit hyperspace.
"Fighter inbound."Gold Four commented. "Looks like a TIE of some kind, closing from point one-nine."
"Since when do TIEs have hyperdrives?"Captain Vander asked.
"Oh, no."Ezra muttered bitterly.
"Attention, rebel ship, this is Commander Vult Skerris of the Imperial Navy."Commander Skerris reported. "You are harbouring a traitor to the Empire. Surrender immediately."
"Gold Three and Four, send him our reply."Captain Vander ordered.
"Get out of there, both of you. I know that ship."Ezra warned. "It's a prototype TIE Defender. It's armed with heavy cannons and shields."
The pilots ignore Ezra's warning and Skerris swiftly wipes out the two Y-wings with his turbolaser cannons.
"Go. Close formation."Hera ordered. "We might be able to lose him in the nebula."
The Ghost and the three remaining Y-wing pilots go into the Archeon Nebula in an effort to lose Skerris.
"Stay on the Ghost tight."Captain Vander instructed.
"And disable your proton torpedoes."Hera added.
"Why?"Ezra asked.
"They've been known to ignite the gas in clouds like these."Hera responded.
Zeb was manning the Ghost's rear cannon, but was unable to damage the TIE Defender, which was protected by a deflector shield.
"Those shields are too strong!"Zeb growled.
Gold Five, seeing that the Ghost was about to get shot down, sacrifices herself to save the senator by flying into Skerris' path and taking the shot herself.
"We lost Gold Five!"Captain Vander said.
"It's just us now."Ezra complemented.
The Y-wing pilots outrun the TIE Defender and it's TIE Interceptor escorts.
"They're too fast."Captain Vander stated. "We can't outrun them."
"Ain't over yet."Hera reminded. "Gold Leader, stay tight. We're going in close to that forming star. Put all power in your deflector screens. This is our only chance."
Hera takes the Ghost in close to one of the forming stars. The nebula starts to cook the starships.
One of the TIE Interceptors gets destroyed by the intense heat of the protostar.
"You got one!"Captain Vander said.
Zeb managed to shoot the second TIE Interceptor as it tries to break off.
"Break off, kid!"Captain Vander protested. "Break off!"
As the rebels travel closer to the star, the Ghost's hull takes damage from the intense heat.
"Hera!"Ezra shouted.
"We're burning up."Mon Mothma admitted worriedly.
Commander Skerris was forced to withdraw his TIE Defender as his ship's deflector shields began to take a hit from the star's heat.
"He'll be back."Hera warned. "And that star took its toll. We're losing power."
"We'll hold off the Defender while you get the Senator out of here."Ezra assured.
"He's right."Captain Vander agreed. "Go now. We've got this."
The Ghost escaped the nebula with Mon Mothma.
The Ghost exits the Archeon pass, only to be intercepted by two Imperial Star Destroyers that have emerged from hyperspace.
"Hera, got a new problem."Zeb warned. "Two of 'em."
"Chop, get me emergency power."Hera ordered.
Chopper beeped at his companion.
On the bridge of Governor Pryce's Star Destroyer...
Admiral Konstantine walked up to Governor Pryce.
"They've sustained damage to their core systems and it seems Commander Skerris has dealt with their Y-wing escort in the nebula."Admiral Konstantine said.
"Hail the rebel ship."Governor Pryce ordered.
In the Ghost...
"This is Governor Pryce."Governor Pryce said. "You have been charged with treason against the Empire. Now, submit or be destroyed."
"Very well."Mon Mothma replied.
Hera pressed a button to prevent the governor from hearing her respond.
"She'll never keep her word."Hera reminded with a frown.
"I know."Mon Mothma answered. "I'm stalling her while you figure out a plan."
Chopper grunted in respond.
"I'll take what I can get."Hera said. "Keep working."
Inside the Archeon Nebula...
Ezra and Captain Vader lead Commander Skerris TIE Defender on a pursuit.
"Look out!"Ezra protested. "He's on top of us!"
The TIE Defender continued firing.
"Gold Leader, I'm bringing him right to you."Ezra ordered. "Be ready with that ion cannon."
"He's too fast."Captain Vander said. "I'll never hit him."
"Sure you will."Ezra assured. "Just fire when I tell you."
In the Ghost...
Mothma stalled Pryce with a list of demands to the Emperor while Chopper and Hera prepare the Ghost's hyperdrive.
"That is an impressive list of demands, Senator."Governor Pryce commented.
"You must understand, I cannot allow others to pay the price for my actions."
Chopper beeped softly.
"Charging the hyperdrive."Hera ordered quietly. "Just another few moments."
In the Star Destroyer...
"They are in range now, Governor."Admiral Konstantine stated.
"Activate tractor beam."Governor Pryce ordered.
In the Ghost...
"Your requests are denied, Senator."Governor Pryce said. "Prepare to be boarded."
The ship got caught by the tractor beam.
"Chop, divert all power to the engines."Hera demanded.
Chopper beeped a respond.
In Space...
"Get ready!"Ezra warned. "I'm gonna fly right through your sights."
"What if I hit you?"Captain Vander asked.
"He can't, so you won't either."Ezra stated. "And Fire!"
Ezra's plan worked and the TIE Defender hurtles into the nebula.
"Oh, you got him!"Ezra chuckled.
"He'll recover from that ion blast, but you bought us some time."Captain Vander warned.
"We've got to get out of here and find the Ghost."Ezra said.
"You take the lead."Captain Vander instructed.
In the Ghost...
"Hera, what's the plan?"Zeb asked.
"We're not going to be able to break free."Hera replied and looked at Mon Mothma. "I'm sorry, Senator. I'm going to have to shut her down."
"Hera, do you read me?"Ezra asked.
"Ezra?"Hera said. "Ezra, I'm afraid I've got some bad news."
In Space...
Ezra notice the Ghost was being drawn into Pryce's Star Destroyer's hangar bay.
"Oh, great."Ezra muttered and rolled his eyes.
The Y-wings quickly avoid the blasts from the star destroyers.
"We're caught in a tractor beam."Hera admitted. "Can you break us free?"
"Kid, charge your ion cannon and arm your proton torpedoes."Captain Vander instructed.
"Negative, do not attack the Star Destroyers."Hera ordered. "Fire at the nebula."
"The nebula?"Captain Vander asked.
"Of course."Ezra responded in realisation. "Remember what Hera said about firing torpedoes in the nebula?"
"I understand, Phoenix Leader."Captain Vander asked. "We're going in."
The Y-wings flew towards the Nebula.
In the Ghost...
"You think this will work?"Mon Mothma asked.
Chopper beeped at her.
"We'll know in a minute."Hera said and looked at Chopper. "Chopper, be ready on the hyperdrive."
In Space...
The rebel Y-wings fire on the Archeon Nebula and the gas ignited causing extensive damage to Pryce's Star Destroyers.
In the Ghost...
"We're free."Mon Mothma remarked.
"Make your jump now!"Hera ordered.
In Space...
The Ghost and it's remaining Y-wings reached the planet Dantooine.
With the tractor beam disabled, the rebels flee into hyperspace.
"Phoenix Leader, that was some of the best fighting I've ever seen."Captain Vander admitted.
"I could say the same, Gold Leader."Hera added.
"Kid, you can fly in my squadron any day."Gold Two commented.
Ezra smiled at Gold Two.
"We're coming up on the rendezvous point."Erskin stated as he walked forward. "Ready to transmit, Senator."
"Let's just hope someone's listening."Mon Mothma complemented and stood up.
Afterwards...
Mon Mothma gives a speech on the HoloNet.
Her hologram broadcast was witnessed by many people across the galaxy, including Senator Bail Organa and General Jan Dodonna at the rebel base in Yavin 4, Ferus, Lisa and the Naboo rebels on Rori's secret base, Ryder Azadi, Marida Sumar and Old Jho at Old Jho's Pit Stop on Lothal and Commander Jun Sato, Rex and AP-5 at Chopper Base on Atollon.
"This is Senator Mon Mothma."Mon Mothma announced. "I've been called a traitor for speaking out against a corrupt Galactic Senate, a Senate manipulated by the sinister tactics of the Emperor. For too long, I've watched the heavy hand of the Empire strangle our liberties, stifling our freedoms in the name of ensuring our safety. No longer. Despite Imperial threats, despite the Emperor himself, I have no fear as I take new action. For I am not alone. Beginning today, we stand together as allies. I hereby resign from the Senate to fight for you. Not from the distant halls of politics, but from the front lines. We will not rest until we bring an end to the Empire, until we restore our Republic. Are you with me?"
The Lothal rebels and Mon Mothma initially have no response or see any ship appearing.
But then a lone CR90 corvette jumped into the system followed by many more ships of all kinds: Phoenix Nest, Home One, the Defender Class Light Corvette, Hammerhead corvettes, GR-75 transports and Nebulon-B frigates.
"They came."Ezra said with a smile. "Look how many there are."
"This, my friends, this is our rebellion."Mon Mothma admitted proudly.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter:)