Chapter Five
"Yes the Yuuzhan Vong were very terrible," See-Threepio was saying, "They had a particular distaste for mechanicals of every kind, from droids to starships."
"That sounds horrible," Rommie replied, "Artificial intelligence in the Commonwealth was excepted as equal to biological sentience, but prejudice existed. I couldn't imagine an entire spacefaring civilization that could get along without machines."
Artoo whistled his agreement in the matter.
"Magog are a different kind of beast," Rommie told them, "a bigger terror to biologicals then to AI but still willing to destroy anything that gets in their way."
Artoo beeped out a question to Andromeda.
"No Artoo," she answered, "I don't know what Dylan's plans are. He will want to do what he can to help your galaxy, but we do have our own to defend. The sad fact is we know how this war is going to turn out. Your galaxy will fall, why else will the Magog survive."
"Oh dear," Threepio intoned, "Your certain?"
"It is the logical conclusion," Rommie replied, "This war is ancient history to my people, and yet the Magog still invade my galaxy, nothing we can do will change that."
"Rommie," Dylan said poking his head around the corner of the hallway they were standing in, "It's time."
From his position on the far right of the Galactic Alliance military delegation, Dylan could make out three Imperial shuttles approaching. All three craft were similar to the designs captured by the Commonwealth, from the perspective of this galaxy, nearly three decades ago.
Dozens of military officers and political figures decked out in their finest attire stood waiting for the shuttles to arrive. Even the Chief-of-State, Cal Omas, stood ready to greet the shuttles as they touched down.
Seeing Admiral Meduk, Dylan walked over to her and picked up a glass of green wine from a nearby waiter droid.
"I thought you guys didn't stand much on ceremony these days," Dylan quipped.
"Normally we don't," Meduk replied, "But when the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Remnant arrives we do what we can to show our best face."
"Interesting," Dylan said with a smile.
Looking back to the Imperial craft Dylan could see that the shuttles had landed. All three ships lowered their entry ramps and a series of Imperial officers and soldiers debarked from each ship.
Stepping down from the central shuttle, wearing a dark overcoat over his resplendent white uniform, was Grand Admiral Pellaeon. For decades this man had served the Galactic Empire and he had ruled the Empire for many years. Instinctively Dylan understood that this man was no one to be trifled with, despite his obvious age.
Over on the podium, Cal Omas awaited the Grand Admiral.
"Admiral Pellaeon," Omas began, "Welcome to Coruscant."
"Thank you, Excellency," Pellaeon replied and a tired look came over his eyes, "I understand that we have a new problem."
"It never ends," Omas replied with a tiredness of his own.
Leading the older man down to the reception area, Omas caught the eye of Captain Hunt. Dylan placed his glass of wine down and gestured for Meduk to accompany him as he joined the two leaders.
"You must be Captain Hunt," Pellaeon said as Dylan approached, "I was aware of the original mission into your galaxy, Captain. A pity that the situation could not have been resolved better. For both of us."
"Yes sir, Admiral," Dylan replied.
"I've read the reports about these Magog," Pellaeon told him, "despicable creatures."
"You have no idea, Admiral," Hunt told him.
"Yes," Pellaeon said cautiously, "Sadly the Empire cannot commit forces to this battle. We are still recovering from the pounding the Yuuzhan Vong gave us. We would like to help though, if we can."
"I'm sure will find something for you to do, Admiral," Omas said with a tight smile.
A small section of the Government Buildings had been set aside for the use of the Jedi. Many had argued that having the Jedi working out of the very seat of the Galactic Alliance government was offensive, while others proposed rebuilding the Jedi Temple on its ancient site.
Harper was being escorted through the labyrinths of the Government Buildings. The "Jedi Sector," as it had come to be known, was near the foundations of the massive structure.
"How much further is it," Harper asked.
"Not far," Harper's escort, Jacen Solo replied, "Patience, Mr. Harper. We will arrive soon."
Harper had asked the young Jedi to fill him in on Luke's exploits over the past few years as they walked through the tunnels near the foundations. Jacen had just finished telling Harper about the Battle of Endor when they finally arrived.
"So Darth Vader was really Luke's father," Harper cried out in fascination before seeing Luke standing not far off to the right of the largish chamber.
"That's right Seamus," Luke answered for his nephew with a smile, "Thank you Jacen, that will be all."
The young Jedi Knight bowed to his master gave Harper a friendly nod and exited the chamber.
The chamber was obviously some kind of gathering place for the Jedi; the room was large but not so big as to be ostentatious. Several large draperies hung on the walls inscribed with stylized Basic, the writing system of this galaxy.
"This chamber," Luke began, noticing Harper's interest "was built out of hope." Even before the war with the Vong we wouldn't have been able to fill this room. Now we only have about forty trained Jedi Knights left, and many of those were promoted during the war."
"There are about seventy students left at the Academy, but most are mere children, including my young son, Ben."
"I remember you telling me about the Jedi of the Old Republic," Harper responded, "About how they protected people, and brought justice and order to the galaxy."
"I'm glad to see that you've brought them back, Luke. Even if you've had some troubles. But I have to wonder, what does any of this have to do with me?"
"Do you trust me Harper," Luke asked.
"Uh sure," he responded uncertainly.
Luke stretched out his hand and placed it behind Harper's head. A freaked out look crossed the young engineers face as he recoiled from the gentle touch.
"Hey Luke," Harper said his hands splayed out before him in a defensive gesture, "I'm not that kind of guy."
Luke couldn't keep the smile from his face, "It isn't like that Seamus, just trust me, I wont hurt you and I wont violate you."
Harper simply nodded for Luke to continue. Placing his hand on the back of Harper's head once again, Luke began to probe Harper's mind for the primitive nub he had discover so long ago.
A loud woof escaped from Luke and when Harper looked to see what had happened he saw Luke seeming to recover from a solid blow to the chest.
"What happened," Harper asked with obvious confusion.
"A simple test Harper," Luke told him, "for those who may be strong on the Force."
"Excuse me," Harper said in shock.
"Harper, the Force is strong in you," Luke replied, "and if you are willing, I would like to see you trained as a Jedi."
Night in the city of Coronet could be a very dangerous place for the unprepared. The streets of the Corellian Sectors capital city were often filled with thieves and the downtrodden, and other silent victims from years of galactic war. Aliens from all over the galaxy travelled to Corellia to seek their fortunes on the rich trade routes, many succeeded, most failed and some turned to crime in order to get enough money to return home.
That is why a half dozen angry Magog when largely un-noticed on the streets of Coronet.
These Magog had not come to Corellia in search of fortune or a free meal; rather they were hunting. They had already discovered the wreakage of a Swarmship not far from the city and were now combing the streets in search of their prey.
"Smell fear," one of the Magog reported to his leader.
Sniffing the air the lead Magog agreed, "Yes, this way."
They were getting close now.
Yu Wang could not have run any faster. A swarm ship had some how followed him to the Corellian system and in his fear of capture Wang had crashed his ship into the planet. He had not been seriously injured in the crash and had made his way to the city as fast as he could.
He knew the Magog were following him, once they caught a sent they could be relentless in pursuit. The only thing he could do was to stay near the more crowded parts of the city hoping that the Magog would not risk attacking him in public. He was now travelling through a crowded street bazaar not far from the spaceport. Treasure Ship Row it was called and while much of the city looked worn down the Row seemed alive with energy.
All Wang cared about was that the Row was crowded with hundreds perhaps even thousands of beings from across this galaxy. If he was fortunate he would be able to evade the Magog and they would lose his scent in the crowd.
Fighting his way through the shopkeepers, customers and other less reputable creatures was becoming more and more difficult. It seemed as though the crowd was closing in around him, making it much harder for him to even move down the street.
And that was when he saw them.
Six Magog were driving purposely through the crowd toward him. Most of the various humans and aliens took no notice of the vicious looking creatures except to get themselves out of the way. Paralysed by his intense fear, Wang nearly collapsed to the ground but he was prevented from falling by a strangely comforting hand.
Despite the comfort he felt Wang spun around startled into new action by the new presence. The owner of the hand easily blocked the clumsy attack Wang mustered.
"What is it, friend," a soothing yet commanding voice asked.
"The Magog," Wang breathed in terror and pointed to the group of six frightening creatures approaching.
"Get behind me," the voice demanded.
Pushing the terrified Wang behind him this lone man stood to face six Magog alone. An arc of light flashed from the belt of the man to swing through the first Magog slicing it clean in two at the abdomen. Like magic the crowd parted around the man leaving only him, Wang and the five remaining Magog. The Magog arranged themselves around the two humans, wary of the man's light weapon. The Magog rushed him as one but he was to fast for them, his light weapon blazed through each of the Magog before they new what had hit them.
The man leaned over Wang, checking for injuries.
"Are you alright," he asked.
"Yes," Wang answered quietly as he surveyed the bloody scene around him, "Who are you?"
"My name is Corran Horn," the man answered.
"You're a Jedi aren't you?"
"Yes," Horn responded.
"I need to speak to someone in your government," Wang told him, "Your galaxy is in grave danger."