Hey SW fans!! Just for a little background…this story takes place after the Young Jedi Knight books and before all The New Jedi Order books. There are some new characters that I created. Hope you have as much fun reading as I did writing. Feel free to tell me what you liked, didn't like, and your overall opinion of the story…Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I did not create star wars or any of the original characters. They belong to George Lucas. Any new characters are my own creation. Please ask before you use them.

It was dusk on the city-planet of Coruscant. The fiery red-orange of the setting sun reflected off the cities many windows. The constant roar of the city filled the sky and seemed to make the ground vibrate.

Due to the lack of space left on the surface, the inhabitants of Coruscant had built up off the ground where there was room. These large structures shaded the lower levels of the global city. The lower streets were lined with speeders and people, going busily about their business. Restaurants and shops were packed with visitors from all different galaxies.

A purple-blue hue crept across the sky and millions of lights became visible. Starships looked like fireflies flying swiftly about in the sky.

Of all the buildings on Coruscant, the Imperial Palace was the best known. Its history dated back before the Clone Wars. It had been the residence of Emperor Palpatine – filled with many corridors and secret passages in which one who knew them well could escape in times of danger. The Imperial Palace was one of the current headquarters of the New Republic and housed many of those who were located in high commanding positions.

Inside one of its many rooms Senator Leia Organa Solo sat. She faced the single window gazing at the horizon. Her legs were crossed and she wore a maroon suit. Her hair was done up neatly in a braided crown that were rapped around her head. She sat waiting for a trusted friend and colleague, Goran Dale.

Goran Dale, a well know diplomat, had asked to speak to Leia. The former princess could have asked him to send her a data card with the message but she preferred to speak to him face to face. Leia felt more comfortable when she could read the face of whom she was talking to. It gave her a feel for how to deal with the situation.

She leaned back and let out a sigh. This was supposed to be a quick meeting. However, Goran had not yet showed.

He must be delayed, Leia thought to herself.

Her brown eyes searched for something to keep her from getting impatient. Several wooden bookshelves were leaned up against the walls to her right. They held hundreds of worn books positioned neatly in alphabetical rows.

Leia stood up slowly and walked over to the bookshelves. She glanced through the rows of books looking for something of interest. Her eyes stopped at the sight of a small book on the top shelf. She turned around to make sure no had entered the room and then reached up to slide the book out of its place.

Its cover was a deep red color with a centered title. Leia ran her fingers over the engraved gold letters. ALDERAAN: Planet of Peace

She remembered her childhood. She thought back to before the Empire had dared to destroy her home world. Leia remembered the fields of delicate blue flowers, the many beautiful buildings, and most of all, her family.

Though Leia had been adopted, she had always been very close to her foster family. She had often accompanied her father on diplomatic missions all throughout the galaxy. She had developed a love for helping others find peace and freedom.

She flipped through the pages of the book looking for anything that related to her past life on Alderaan. Most of it was just pages of text. Several pictures of famous government buildings and tourist sites were located in the center of the book, most of which Leia had been in at one point in time.

Leia was so enveloped in the reading, that she didn't hear the footsteps that were outside the door. Neither did she here the soft click of the safety lock and the quiet whoosh of the door sliding open.

"I would appreciate if you would ask permission before using my materials Senator Leia Organa Solo," came a deep voice by the door. Leia jumped nearly dropping the book.

She turned around quickly to see a tall man starring at her. His graying beard reached down slightly past his shoulders. He wore a dark blue uniform with the logo of the New Rebellion on one of the front pockets. A hint of a smile played at his mouth.

"Goran Dale I dislike it when people decide to sneak up on me like that," said Leia, smiling at him partly from relief.

He nodded slightly to acknowledge that he had heard and then walked over to his desk. As he walked, Leia studied him. He had a slight limp in his gait and put most of his wait on his left foot. Several wrinkles were appearing at the corner of his eyes and a bald spot at the top of his head was beginning to show.

The Goran Dale picked up a sheet of paper off his desk and looked over it briefly. Leia placed the book back on the shelf and turned back to face him. Goran handed her the paper.

"Was this your final decision?" he asked.

Leia glanced over it quickly and nodded.

"Yes. I sent it to you so you could look it over; maybe give me suggestions," she replied. "Well, unfortunately, I don't know much about this planet that you wish to send a team of diplomats to." As Goran spoke he looked Leia in the eye. "Though this contact of yours desires peace for their planet, I am unsure how the other tribe of Galacians will respond. For all we know, they may be completely against outside help in ending their civil war. That may lead to unwanted trouble."

Leia nodded. "I know it seems a little risky. But what other purpose does the New Republic have? We can not just leave this planet to civil war and destruction. Who knows how much more time will go by before its tribes kill each other off? We were asked to intervene with their problem and help find a solution."

Goran sighed. "If you believe you can convince the senate to take your side than you will have my support. But if you don't create a strong proposal, consider you mission trash."

"Yea, I know. I have spent much of my time considering it. Thank you for looking it over," said Leia. "You've been a big help."

"Hey, its what I get paid for," he said with a small grin. Goran had a tendency to look serious and almost standoffish at times. But those who knew the true him, knew he had a hidden, softer side as well.

Leia turned around and headed for the door. As she walked, she looked over the sheet again checking for any information she had missed. Well, most of it looks good anyway, she thought. Leia glance at her watch quickly and then opened the door. She stepped out into the hall and made for the nearest lift. She had a meeting in about a half an hour with Admiral Ackbar and Chief of State Mon Mothma and she needed to stop by her quarters before doing so.

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Luke Skywalker sat in the cockpit of his X-wing. He wore a dark shirt and pants that were hidden by a jet-black cape, which hung down over his shoulders and rested on the seat on either side of him. His dirty blond hair was disheveled and in need of a trim.

Luke had just added a few minor modifications and wanted to make sure everything was perfect before he took the X-wing for a test run.

He flipped several of the switches. Good, he thought, everything is all set.

Luke started up the engines and strapped himself in. The gray star fighter began to rise off the ground.

The X-wing had many dents and scratches from its many years of use. The red markings on its sides and wings were slightly faded. However, the appearance of the outer hull could in no way diminish the capability of its ability and maneuvering capability.

It was in this style starship that Luke Skywalker felt most comfortable. He had first flown it during the battle against the Imperials first Death Star. After destroying the battle station, he had become a well-known figure and hero of the Rebel Alliance. He had more experience in this style of ship than any other.

The ship rose higher and Luke piloted it out of the Docking bay. Yavin Four's sun was just peaking over the horizon. Flocks of birds rose out of the vast jungles. Leafy vines wound from tree to tree leaving very few openings.

Several Massissi temples could be seen off in the distance. Their walls of stone were crumbling with age and lack of upkeep.

Luke looked behind him at one of the pyramid structures. This particular temple was the current New Jedi Order training center. It was one of the few structures on the planet that remained in decent enough condition to be used.

Luke was one of several Jedi Masters. He oversaw most of the training was respected by all of the Jedi. Though he had some doubts about how successful the New Jedi Order would be, he continued to bring in recruits. He often wondered how those Jedi who belonged to the Old Jedi Order trained.

Luke let out a sigh. I wish Obi-Wan Kenobi were still alive, Luke thought. But Luke knew there was nothing that he could have done to help save Obi-Wan from the blow of Darth Vader's lightsaber. If Obi-Wan had not stayed to fight Darth Vader, Luke may not have made it back with Princess Leia and R2-D2, who carried the plans for the first Death Star. If Obi-Wan had not sacrificed his life, I may not even be here, thought Luke.

Luke shifted his mind to the present. There was nothing that he could do about the past.

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"You look tired," said Han Solo. He stood in the doorway of the Solo quarters, leaning against one of the walls. His dark hair hung partially in his face. He wore a tan shirt that was stained with grease and black pants that were worn.

"Maybe you should take a break."

Leia looked at him gently and smiled. Han had practically read her mind. She was dying to take just a short leave from all of her daily routines. How nice it would be to take a vacation somewhere far away with her husband and three children. No work, no responsibilities, no worries. But Leia knew Mon Mothma needed her to remain busy. Leia knew that for now her place was on Coruscant.

"I'd love to, but I have a meeting in just a few minutes. I may be late for it as it is," replied Leia.

Han frowned. He was never pleased when he learned Leia had something extra to do.

"You had a meeting last night. You'd think they could cut you a break," said Han. "What's it on this time?"

Leia thought for a moment on how to explain the plans that she and Mon Mothma along with many other current leaders of the New Republic had in store for the future.

"We are thinking of starting an new diplomacy mission. The New Republic has gained many supporters. However, some planets fear that the new order will be short lived and won't be able to function quickly."

Leia paused briefly, taking a moment to breathe.

"On top of this, there has been some reports of unrest on a planet by the name of Gala."

"Well, looks like their keeping you busy," said Han reluctantly, and stepping inside the doorway. Leia smiled again and walked quickly over to him. Han never resisted telling that he disliked her busy schedule.

"I had better go now. I'll be late if I don't," Leia sighed. She gave her husband a quick hug and rushed silently out of the room.