Title: Republic Saga - Vengeance, Chapter One
Author: Jonathan Evans
Author email: noggins@ic24.net
Summary: A year after the events of 'Revenge of the Jedi', Leia Skywalker reaches an important part in her training as a Jedi Knight under the tutelage of her father while Lando Calrissian begins a journey of self discovery...
Disclaimer: George Lucas owns everything and I'm not making any money off of this nor do I intend to (I'd like to but that's not the point). You can distribute this freely provided that it's complete with this disclaimer.
REPUBLIC SAGA
VENGEANCE
CHAPTER ONE
It had been a long, long year but she had got through it. Leia
had embraced the ways of the Jedi but more importantly the ways
of her family. It wasn't long after the Battle of Endor that she
adopted the name Skywalker, feeling it was her duty to continue
her lineage.
She somersaulted over her father's head and landed on the other
side of the room. They clashed sabers before Leia rolled along
the ground and got to her feet behind Anakin. She held her weapon
to his throat and smiled.
"I think I win again..."
"You are agile, my daughter and strong with the Force. I see a
powerful future ahead of you."
"Yeah, you always say that when I beat you," she grinned as she
turned off her saber and placed it at her belt. Anakin did the
same and put his hand on her shoulder. "Let's go, I have to meet
with the Council..."
Leia looked at him inquisitivly. "Are you going to take them up
on their offer?" she asked.
"Not until I think you are a full Jedi Knight," he replied. "Then,
perhaps I will. It is a great honour to be a part of the Council
but it will be a long while until we are back to the level we
once were. Many of the Jedi have taken padawans so it will not
be long..."
The two walked out of a set of double doors and out into the
main reaches of the Republic headquarters built on New
Naboo. As they made their way down the corridor they passed
various aliens who were either members of the Republic Senate
or Jedi Knights. Leia greeted several who she had befriended
during her training as they continued.
The two stopped at another set of doors and they opened
automatically. Anakin entered first, followed by Leia. They
bowed before the Jedi Council.
"I am here as you requested," the elder Skywalker said.
"As well you should be," Adi Gallia replied. She was nominated
leader of the New Council. To her left sat Kas Grendor, a male
Kel Dor from the planet Dorin. Just like all members of his
race he wore a mask to prevent him from breathing the deadly
oxygen of New Naboo.
Next to Grendor was Hela Zapalo, a human survivor of the original
Naboo. She was aged around twenty five with brown hair and
matching eyes. A truly enchanting sight for Anakin, being
reminded of his former wife.
"President Mothma has began plans to retake Coruscant," Gallia
continued. "She is requesting that the two of you lead the
attack along with General Calrissian. After your victory at
Endor and other conflicts with the Empire since she believes
you are the best for the job."
"I thank you..." Anakin began but was interrupted by his
daughter. "I don't think the Republic forces are enough for
a full scale assault on the Imperial planet as yet. We are
still reeling from the near-loss at Iridon and I don't think
we could muster up the strength."
"The Force will..."
"I am speaking from a purely military point of view here,
Master Gallia," Leia said. "If we are to continue this line
of attack we must branch out, make more allies."
"Allies?" Zapalo queried. "In what form? Most of the races
in the Outer Rim and some of the Core Worlds already have
treaties with us. Who could you be talking of?"
Leia stood forward, bringing herself into focus of the Council.
"Several months ago I heared rumours that a small group of
Mandalore survived the Clone Wars..."
The Council chamber fell deathly silent. They all gazed at
Leia as if she was mad. She tried to ignore them and continued
her speech. "I managed to get into contact with one of their
ambassadors..."
"Ambassadors!" a Rodian Council member exclaimed. "For
them to have ambassadors a race must be considering peace. The
Mandalore are only warriors. Fierce, evil warriors!"
"Silence, Yarled," Gallia said. "Let her continue."
She nodded to Leia. "As I was saying, Ambassador Keylar feels
that it is time the Mandalore came out of hiding and faced
the galaxy. He is confident that his people will be prepared
to join us in our battle against the Empire."
The six Council members began to quietly discuss this between
themselves. Anakin turned to Leia. "Are you sure about this?
Trusting our fate to a race that helped to reduce the Jedi's
numbers during the wars," he began. "If it wasn't for them
the Empire wouldn't have gained the strength it did."
"But you forget, father," Leia replied. "The Empire took them
for granted and began to mistreat them. They want revenge
and we have the means..."
Adi Gallia motioned with her hand and everyone stopped talking.
"We have come to a decision," she said. "I have learnt to
trust your judgement, Leia Skywalker, and I allow you to take
this before Chancellor Mothma. What she says will be final but
we will support you in your plan."
"Thank you, master Gallia," Leia bowed. She turned to the door
followed closely by Anakin.
Once they were outside he smiled. "It won't be long until they
grant you full Jedi knighthood. You have an effect on them that
no one I have ever known has had."
"You have to remember, my knowledge is based around politics."
"Of course," her father replied. "That is to be expect, you
growing up on Alderaan."
The two Jedi walked down the corridor, heading towards Mon Mothma's
offices,
* * * * * * * * *
Lando Calrissian sat alone in his quarters, thinking everything
in his life over and over like he had been since Adi Gallia had
told him he was a clone. And not even an effective clone, part
of an experiment project that went wrong and had to be cancelled.
He managed to give out a brave front in public but when alone he
just wanted to crack up.
Perhaps if he hadn't reawoken the Jedi he would never have found
out, but that would have meant the Rebellion would have lost
on Endor. He put his head in his hands and tried to cry but he
wasn't sure why he wanted to.
* * * * * * * * *
Chancellor Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar were discussing the
events unfolding around them, both insistent that the Empire
was weak enough for one final strike at its heart.
"Coruscant is our best target," Ackbar nodded in reply to
what Mothma had just told him. "With it back in the hands
of the Republic I'd give the Empire another six months
before it crumbles."
"Exactly," the galactic leader replied. "But we must wait
until we hear what the Jedi have decided.
With that the automatic doors opened allowing Anakin and Leia
to enter. They exchanged greetings before the elder of the
two Jedi spoke. "We have come from the Council."
"Have they made a decision?" Ackbar asked.
"They have," Anakin nodded. "But a request has been made to
ensure victory is ours?"
Mothma gave Skywalker an intrigued glance. "Explain," she
said.
"I'd better leave that to my daughter..."
"As you know, I have been in contact with the Mandalore,"
Leia began. "Their ambassador has agreed to meet on neutral
territory to discuss a potential alliance."
Mon Mothma saw the determination in the young Jedi's eyes.
She had known Leia since she was born due to her close
friendship with Bail Organa, her adopted father. All that
time she never expected the girl to be the key to bringing
back the Jedi. "As you know I am willing to agree with
anything you have to offer. Have you started making plans?"
"I am currently discussing a location to hold the meeting
with Ambassador Keylar. If you allow this to go ahead I
can be ready to leave in less than two days."
"Good. I will arrange a transport to take you there." Thinking
the chancellor had finished, Leia made a move to leave. She
sensed something on the other woman's mind and span back around.
"Leia, I do hope you're not planning on going alone..."
"I was..." the Jedi princess said. "It would be better for
the safety of the Republic if fewer people were there."
Anakin put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I'll go
with you. You don't want to risk the Republic's safety but
I don't want to lose you like I lost Luke."
"You won't. I'm facing a Mandalorian not a Sith Lord. If
things turn sour I'll be able to handle myself."
Ackbar shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Mandalorian armour
is made using cortosis shields, a metal that is causes
lightsabers to deactivate. You would have to rely on your
wits, not your weapon."
"That's what I was planning to do. I am a Jedi. I try to
take the peaceful way in everything I do," Leia said, almost
under her breath. Ackbar seemed to have something against
the Jedi since the Council was set up. They were always
the first to hear of developments, sending the Republic
military further down the command chain.
Mon Mothma sensed the tension in the room and stood up. She
addressed Leia with a smile. "You and your father will take a
shuttle to the chosen destination. Providing the talks go well
we will delay our attack until there is peace between us and
the Mandalore."
"Thank you..."
* * * * * * * * *
Leia returned to her quarters and sat at a computer console.
She flicked a switch and a small device situated on the edge of
the desk scanned her. Several seconds later the blue, shimmering
holographic image of the Mandaorian ambassador Keylar appeared
on a projection pad. Although she could not see his face, Leia
knew he was pleased to see her.
"Ah, Princess," he said. "Have you discussed the plans with the
Jedi Council?"
"Yes, and they agree. I will meet with you at a place of your
choice as soon as possible."
The Mandalore nodded his head. His body armour was slightly
different to that worn by Anakin Skywalker when he had adopted
the persona of Boba Fett. The eye-slits curled up at the top
and a traditional symbol of the Mandalore military was on the
forehead area. "I've considered that and I believe Chakran
would be appropriate. It is a meeting place for smugglers.
No one would give us another glance if we were seen there."
"There used to be an Imperial garison there," Leia replied.
"I don't intend to be captured within minutes of arriving."
"You're a Jedi, are you not? Surely you can handle Imps with
little effort," Keylar continued with what appeared to be
over confidence.
"Yes, but the numbers of our forces are small. We can't reveal
ourselves yet."
"Of course... but I believe the Imperial presence has fallen
since your marvelous victory on Endor. They have most likely
moved their forces to more essential areas."
Leia remained unsure. "I would rather wait until it was
confirmed that they have been moved away."
"I understand your caution. I will make sure that everything
is safe and will contact you tomorrow."
"Thank you, ambassador."
The image flickered away. Leia sat back in her seat, and
sighed. Things may have been going well, too well. "I sense
fear in you, sister..."
Leia turned to see the ghostly visage of her brother standing
behind her. A smile came to her face. "Luke."
"Here as ever," he said with comfort. "It has been a while
since we last spoke but I feel you may need my help."
"You know me better than I do," the princess smiled. "So,
what's happening?"
"I sense a dark presence, Leia," Luke replied. "There is
something happening in the galaxy which could turn the tide
for the Republic. The Empire is gaining strength again. It
is up to you to stop it while you can."
"Can I do it alone?"
"You have our father and you have me. You will never be alone,
dear sister."
* * * * * * * * *
In the central core of the galaxy, the galactic captial of Coruscant
sat, its presence emminating for thousands of light years around
it. For over twenty five thousand years it was the seat of power,
originally for the Old Republic and now the Empire.
In the throne temple of Imperial City, a red haired woman entered
the massive automatic doors, each one carefully designed by the
best scuptors in the galaxy. She walked to the throne which was
turned away from her. "I have the latest reports, my Emperor."
The seat turned. The white skinned, red eyed Chiss, Thrawn sat
comforably, his fingertips resting on each other. He smiled.
"What do they say?"
Mara Jade inspected the datapad in her hand. "The Republic base
is located in the Outer Rim as we originally expected, however
our deep space probes have begun to pick up signals coming
from a certain area."
"Indeed," Thrawn said, his face showing no emotion. He had been
declared Emperor only three months previously once the High
Council decided that a new leader was needed. He originally
refused the title he now held but when Mara Jade came into the
picture he felt it was perfect to bring her into his fold. The
Emperor's Hand. Palpatine had not made enough use of her, keeping
her in the shadows for far too long.
"I suggest we send a fleet to attack straight away. If we comb
the sector with precision we will be able to draw them out. We
could destroy them in one swoop."
"No. Not yet. They are too weak. I want challenge..."
"What? You can't be serious. They have us on the run already!
More than we release to the general public. The Jedi's return
has caused more races to join the Republic."
Emperor Thrawn shook his head. "Things will go well. They may
have the Jedi but we have a secret weapon too." He reached out
and stroked Mara's cheek. She wanted to move away but knew that
her execution would be imminent if she turned against the new
Emperor.
"I still don't think..." the woman began but Thrawn interrupted.
"It is what Palpatine would have wanted..."
Mara fell silent. These words had a strong effect on her. It was
because of her loyalty to her former master that she even put
up with the alien insurper. She nodded.
"Of course..."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author: Jonathan Evans
Author email: noggins@ic24.net
Summary: A year after the events of 'Revenge of the Jedi', Leia Skywalker reaches an important part in her training as a Jedi Knight under the tutelage of her father while Lando Calrissian begins a journey of self discovery...
Disclaimer: George Lucas owns everything and I'm not making any money off of this nor do I intend to (I'd like to but that's not the point). You can distribute this freely provided that it's complete with this disclaimer.
REPUBLIC SAGA
VENGEANCE
CHAPTER ONE
It had been a long, long year but she had got through it. Leia
had embraced the ways of the Jedi but more importantly the ways
of her family. It wasn't long after the Battle of Endor that she
adopted the name Skywalker, feeling it was her duty to continue
her lineage.
She somersaulted over her father's head and landed on the other
side of the room. They clashed sabers before Leia rolled along
the ground and got to her feet behind Anakin. She held her weapon
to his throat and smiled.
"I think I win again..."
"You are agile, my daughter and strong with the Force. I see a
powerful future ahead of you."
"Yeah, you always say that when I beat you," she grinned as she
turned off her saber and placed it at her belt. Anakin did the
same and put his hand on her shoulder. "Let's go, I have to meet
with the Council..."
Leia looked at him inquisitivly. "Are you going to take them up
on their offer?" she asked.
"Not until I think you are a full Jedi Knight," he replied. "Then,
perhaps I will. It is a great honour to be a part of the Council
but it will be a long while until we are back to the level we
once were. Many of the Jedi have taken padawans so it will not
be long..."
The two walked out of a set of double doors and out into the
main reaches of the Republic headquarters built on New
Naboo. As they made their way down the corridor they passed
various aliens who were either members of the Republic Senate
or Jedi Knights. Leia greeted several who she had befriended
during her training as they continued.
The two stopped at another set of doors and they opened
automatically. Anakin entered first, followed by Leia. They
bowed before the Jedi Council.
"I am here as you requested," the elder Skywalker said.
"As well you should be," Adi Gallia replied. She was nominated
leader of the New Council. To her left sat Kas Grendor, a male
Kel Dor from the planet Dorin. Just like all members of his
race he wore a mask to prevent him from breathing the deadly
oxygen of New Naboo.
Next to Grendor was Hela Zapalo, a human survivor of the original
Naboo. She was aged around twenty five with brown hair and
matching eyes. A truly enchanting sight for Anakin, being
reminded of his former wife.
"President Mothma has began plans to retake Coruscant," Gallia
continued. "She is requesting that the two of you lead the
attack along with General Calrissian. After your victory at
Endor and other conflicts with the Empire since she believes
you are the best for the job."
"I thank you..." Anakin began but was interrupted by his
daughter. "I don't think the Republic forces are enough for
a full scale assault on the Imperial planet as yet. We are
still reeling from the near-loss at Iridon and I don't think
we could muster up the strength."
"The Force will..."
"I am speaking from a purely military point of view here,
Master Gallia," Leia said. "If we are to continue this line
of attack we must branch out, make more allies."
"Allies?" Zapalo queried. "In what form? Most of the races
in the Outer Rim and some of the Core Worlds already have
treaties with us. Who could you be talking of?"
Leia stood forward, bringing herself into focus of the Council.
"Several months ago I heared rumours that a small group of
Mandalore survived the Clone Wars..."
The Council chamber fell deathly silent. They all gazed at
Leia as if she was mad. She tried to ignore them and continued
her speech. "I managed to get into contact with one of their
ambassadors..."
"Ambassadors!" a Rodian Council member exclaimed. "For
them to have ambassadors a race must be considering peace. The
Mandalore are only warriors. Fierce, evil warriors!"
"Silence, Yarled," Gallia said. "Let her continue."
She nodded to Leia. "As I was saying, Ambassador Keylar feels
that it is time the Mandalore came out of hiding and faced
the galaxy. He is confident that his people will be prepared
to join us in our battle against the Empire."
The six Council members began to quietly discuss this between
themselves. Anakin turned to Leia. "Are you sure about this?
Trusting our fate to a race that helped to reduce the Jedi's
numbers during the wars," he began. "If it wasn't for them
the Empire wouldn't have gained the strength it did."
"But you forget, father," Leia replied. "The Empire took them
for granted and began to mistreat them. They want revenge
and we have the means..."
Adi Gallia motioned with her hand and everyone stopped talking.
"We have come to a decision," she said. "I have learnt to
trust your judgement, Leia Skywalker, and I allow you to take
this before Chancellor Mothma. What she says will be final but
we will support you in your plan."
"Thank you, master Gallia," Leia bowed. She turned to the door
followed closely by Anakin.
Once they were outside he smiled. "It won't be long until they
grant you full Jedi knighthood. You have an effect on them that
no one I have ever known has had."
"You have to remember, my knowledge is based around politics."
"Of course," her father replied. "That is to be expect, you
growing up on Alderaan."
The two Jedi walked down the corridor, heading towards Mon Mothma's
offices,
* * * * * * * * *
Lando Calrissian sat alone in his quarters, thinking everything
in his life over and over like he had been since Adi Gallia had
told him he was a clone. And not even an effective clone, part
of an experiment project that went wrong and had to be cancelled.
He managed to give out a brave front in public but when alone he
just wanted to crack up.
Perhaps if he hadn't reawoken the Jedi he would never have found
out, but that would have meant the Rebellion would have lost
on Endor. He put his head in his hands and tried to cry but he
wasn't sure why he wanted to.
* * * * * * * * *
Chancellor Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar were discussing the
events unfolding around them, both insistent that the Empire
was weak enough for one final strike at its heart.
"Coruscant is our best target," Ackbar nodded in reply to
what Mothma had just told him. "With it back in the hands
of the Republic I'd give the Empire another six months
before it crumbles."
"Exactly," the galactic leader replied. "But we must wait
until we hear what the Jedi have decided.
With that the automatic doors opened allowing Anakin and Leia
to enter. They exchanged greetings before the elder of the
two Jedi spoke. "We have come from the Council."
"Have they made a decision?" Ackbar asked.
"They have," Anakin nodded. "But a request has been made to
ensure victory is ours?"
Mothma gave Skywalker an intrigued glance. "Explain," she
said.
"I'd better leave that to my daughter..."
"As you know, I have been in contact with the Mandalore,"
Leia began. "Their ambassador has agreed to meet on neutral
territory to discuss a potential alliance."
Mon Mothma saw the determination in the young Jedi's eyes.
She had known Leia since she was born due to her close
friendship with Bail Organa, her adopted father. All that
time she never expected the girl to be the key to bringing
back the Jedi. "As you know I am willing to agree with
anything you have to offer. Have you started making plans?"
"I am currently discussing a location to hold the meeting
with Ambassador Keylar. If you allow this to go ahead I
can be ready to leave in less than two days."
"Good. I will arrange a transport to take you there." Thinking
the chancellor had finished, Leia made a move to leave. She
sensed something on the other woman's mind and span back around.
"Leia, I do hope you're not planning on going alone..."
"I was..." the Jedi princess said. "It would be better for
the safety of the Republic if fewer people were there."
Anakin put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I'll go
with you. You don't want to risk the Republic's safety but
I don't want to lose you like I lost Luke."
"You won't. I'm facing a Mandalorian not a Sith Lord. If
things turn sour I'll be able to handle myself."
Ackbar shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Mandalorian armour
is made using cortosis shields, a metal that is causes
lightsabers to deactivate. You would have to rely on your
wits, not your weapon."
"That's what I was planning to do. I am a Jedi. I try to
take the peaceful way in everything I do," Leia said, almost
under her breath. Ackbar seemed to have something against
the Jedi since the Council was set up. They were always
the first to hear of developments, sending the Republic
military further down the command chain.
Mon Mothma sensed the tension in the room and stood up. She
addressed Leia with a smile. "You and your father will take a
shuttle to the chosen destination. Providing the talks go well
we will delay our attack until there is peace between us and
the Mandalore."
"Thank you..."
* * * * * * * * *
Leia returned to her quarters and sat at a computer console.
She flicked a switch and a small device situated on the edge of
the desk scanned her. Several seconds later the blue, shimmering
holographic image of the Mandaorian ambassador Keylar appeared
on a projection pad. Although she could not see his face, Leia
knew he was pleased to see her.
"Ah, Princess," he said. "Have you discussed the plans with the
Jedi Council?"
"Yes, and they agree. I will meet with you at a place of your
choice as soon as possible."
The Mandalore nodded his head. His body armour was slightly
different to that worn by Anakin Skywalker when he had adopted
the persona of Boba Fett. The eye-slits curled up at the top
and a traditional symbol of the Mandalore military was on the
forehead area. "I've considered that and I believe Chakran
would be appropriate. It is a meeting place for smugglers.
No one would give us another glance if we were seen there."
"There used to be an Imperial garison there," Leia replied.
"I don't intend to be captured within minutes of arriving."
"You're a Jedi, are you not? Surely you can handle Imps with
little effort," Keylar continued with what appeared to be
over confidence.
"Yes, but the numbers of our forces are small. We can't reveal
ourselves yet."
"Of course... but I believe the Imperial presence has fallen
since your marvelous victory on Endor. They have most likely
moved their forces to more essential areas."
Leia remained unsure. "I would rather wait until it was
confirmed that they have been moved away."
"I understand your caution. I will make sure that everything
is safe and will contact you tomorrow."
"Thank you, ambassador."
The image flickered away. Leia sat back in her seat, and
sighed. Things may have been going well, too well. "I sense
fear in you, sister..."
Leia turned to see the ghostly visage of her brother standing
behind her. A smile came to her face. "Luke."
"Here as ever," he said with comfort. "It has been a while
since we last spoke but I feel you may need my help."
"You know me better than I do," the princess smiled. "So,
what's happening?"
"I sense a dark presence, Leia," Luke replied. "There is
something happening in the galaxy which could turn the tide
for the Republic. The Empire is gaining strength again. It
is up to you to stop it while you can."
"Can I do it alone?"
"You have our father and you have me. You will never be alone,
dear sister."
* * * * * * * * *
In the central core of the galaxy, the galactic captial of Coruscant
sat, its presence emminating for thousands of light years around
it. For over twenty five thousand years it was the seat of power,
originally for the Old Republic and now the Empire.
In the throne temple of Imperial City, a red haired woman entered
the massive automatic doors, each one carefully designed by the
best scuptors in the galaxy. She walked to the throne which was
turned away from her. "I have the latest reports, my Emperor."
The seat turned. The white skinned, red eyed Chiss, Thrawn sat
comforably, his fingertips resting on each other. He smiled.
"What do they say?"
Mara Jade inspected the datapad in her hand. "The Republic base
is located in the Outer Rim as we originally expected, however
our deep space probes have begun to pick up signals coming
from a certain area."
"Indeed," Thrawn said, his face showing no emotion. He had been
declared Emperor only three months previously once the High
Council decided that a new leader was needed. He originally
refused the title he now held but when Mara Jade came into the
picture he felt it was perfect to bring her into his fold. The
Emperor's Hand. Palpatine had not made enough use of her, keeping
her in the shadows for far too long.
"I suggest we send a fleet to attack straight away. If we comb
the sector with precision we will be able to draw them out. We
could destroy them in one swoop."
"No. Not yet. They are too weak. I want challenge..."
"What? You can't be serious. They have us on the run already!
More than we release to the general public. The Jedi's return
has caused more races to join the Republic."
Emperor Thrawn shook his head. "Things will go well. They may
have the Jedi but we have a secret weapon too." He reached out
and stroked Mara's cheek. She wanted to move away but knew that
her execution would be imminent if she turned against the new
Emperor.
"I still don't think..." the woman began but Thrawn interrupted.
"It is what Palpatine would have wanted..."
Mara fell silent. These words had a strong effect on her. It was
because of her loyalty to her former master that she even put
up with the alien insurper. She nodded.
"Of course..."
TO BE CONTINUED...