Chapter 9
Salvage yard
It made him sick when he heard the news about the former 'Alderaani' Princess. She had stood with the other refugees of his beloved home world. But she wasn't from Alderaan it was all a lie. She was a fraud. Leia Solo wasn't Alderaani. Her family didn't die. All that had been stolen from him and the other Alderaani she still had. She was now a Naboo princess and heir. She had her family including her Father Darth Vader, who had killed who knows how many and was involved in the destruction of Alderaan. Maybe the destruction was part of a plot that she and her Father had schemed up to get her in a position power seeing that the Empire couldn't survive much longer. THEY stole everything from him for their gain. He couldn't let them get away with what they had done to him and his family. It was almost like a sign when he was assigned to salvage what turned out to be the remains of a 'Jedi' ship. The Nav computer provided him a way to get his revenge on the Vader's and their Jedi puppets, records of the last three fights of the vessel. Including a trip into and out of a place labeled 'sanctuary' known to the common people as the 'Maw.'
It all fell into place in his mind. Copying the data he called his boss and informed his supervisor that the vessel was scrap. Once he handed it over to the techs that would clear out any of the useful parts he was off duty. His next stop would be a small cantina he knew of where an old friend worked. An old friend with connections to the Peace Brigade. They would know how to make the traitors pay, nothing else mattered.
o O o
Norghi Chambers, Mon Calamari
While waiting for the Senate to finish their closed discussions the strains of the day caught up with Padme and secure in the presence of her family she dozed off. She found herself dreaming of the day that she met Kenan.
Sabe came in and announced Kenan. "Go on in." She said holding the door open.
He was tall and well built with long hair and a well-trimmed beard like the pre-Imperial Jedi. He was nervous as he looked around, finally spotting Jaina and walked over to her.
Jaina smiled. "Hello Kenan, let me introduce you to my Grandmother, Queen Amidala."
Turning to the Queen he gave a half bow. "Greetings, Your Highness."
"I wanted to express my gratitude to you. According to Jaina you risked your life to save hers. She also told me that it is most likely that your home is now in Yuuzhen Vong hands and no longer safe. As of today you have a full Naboo citizenship and are welcome to stay in the palace as long as you please." As Amidala spoke she couldn't help but think that she should know this man, he seemed so familiar but she couldn't put finger on why. He also seemed very nervous. "Kenan have we met before?"
Kenan had just begun to relax. Then she asked if they had met and she could see him tense back up. "No, Your Highness, we have not met." Kenan answered. Amidala felt a confusing mixture of truth and falsehood in his reply. Then he continued, "Thank you Your Highness, for the offer of a place to stay. I was only doing what was the right thing to do and I feel that I should still be allowed to earn my keep. Soon Naboo will surely come to the attention of its enemies, for they will want to know where the new Jedi are coming from. I ask as a citizen of Naboo to be allowed to take my place in protecting her." Kenan paused and this time Amidala thought that he wasn't going to continue. Then she could see him come to some kind of decision. Something told her that it was not an easy one so she listened carefully to what so important to him. It seemed as if it freed him of a long carried weight only to replace it with another more manageable one.
"I am a Jedi Knight and I ask to be allowed to stand with your Jedi in the battles to come."
'Jedi... Kenan is a Jedi Knight?' Amidala thought in surprise. 'Maybe I met his father. He almost reminds me of Obi-wa,n, so formal.
Luke sat forward at this. "Who was your Master and where were you trained?"
His change of stance as he turned to face the questioner, pulling himself up to his full height as if preparing for the worst if it should come. Like he expected it to come. He seemed so different from just moments before. Gone was the timid and submissive man that had been answering her questions. Kenan was still respectful but gone was the submissiveness as he started to answer Luke. What struck Amidala was that the change made him even more familiar. Like she should know him.
Then the beginning of his answer sank through her musings "I am a clone."
Time seemed to slow down as an unexpected option came to mind. It was the answer and she knew it was true. She could see it in the man standing before her and sense it in the Force. How had she failed to see it immediately? Her heart knew the truth though her mind refused to give form to the thought didn't even want to hear it.
"The original's Master is," Kenan continued unaware of Padme's train of thought. 'Please, don't say it. Please don't say it. Please, Please...' "Long gone and to me he is not mine to claim. I am a Jedi though."
Padme could almost hear her family gearing up to ask more questions. They were questions Kenan wasn't ready to answer and Padme wasn't ready to have answered. Nodding she cut them off before they could say anything. "Yes, Kenan, you are a Jedi and you have more than proved that by your deeds."' Kenan's deeds and no one else's.' She thought. "You have also proved yourself a friend both to my family and to Naboo. I do not need to know anything else to know that you deserve my trust, what came before is yours to tell or keep. We will respect your privacy. You will stand with the Jedi when the time comes."
'You saved Jaina and I know that coming back to Naboo could not have been easy for you, Kenan. Hopefully I will be ready should you ever choose to tell your story.' Padme thought to herself as someone knocked on the door.
Then Amidala woke up realizing that the knock was not a part of the dream. As she opened her eyes she saw an aid deliver a message to Luke. "What does it say?" She said sitting up and stretching.
"The New Republic hereby accepts your offer of a non-aggression treaty but at this time chooses not to form an alliance or enter into the trade our technology due to your previous association with Palpitine and Darth Vader." Luke stopped reading and handed her the Message.
The next part sent chills down her spine. She somehow managed to read the shocking words. "We ask that you remove all of your forces from New Republic territory, including all Jedi who are now citizens of Naboo."
Amidala shook her head, "That was not what I meant. I cannot believe they would exile all of the Jedi."
"They probably hope the Vong will switch the brunt of their attacks to Naboo. No Jedi no threat." Mara said sitting beside Luke. "The Maw isn't in New Rep territory but there are still a lot of Jedi to get evacuated."
"It just gave them a way to get rid of us without having it on what little conscience they have." Jaina said from her corner.
Luke just sat there trying to come to grips with what had just happened. The government that they had helped to build and defend had just kicked them out.
"We should probably be on our way since I don't think we are welcome anymore." Amidala said standing. "I don't know what all Luke and Mara will have to do to get the Jedi evacuated but it would be safer to do so from the New Hope."
The Norghi delegation entered the chambers and Mal'barukha approached Amidala. "We are sorry about the grave injustice that was done today and ask for your forgiveness for our part in divulging Lord Kenan's identity."
"It was an honest mistake. You didn't mean any harm." Amidala said trying to reassure the Senator.
"Thank you My Lady. The Norghi home world is in Yuuzhen Vong hands and our people are without a home. Our refugees would be honored to join you and your forces, Lady Kenan."
After a long pause Amidala spoke. "The appropriate title would be Lady Skywalker and we welcome all the friends we can get."
o O o
This is a public service announcement to all of the Jedi in the New Republic. As of today all Jedi have sole Naboo citizenship. All citizens of Naboo are required to begin making arrangements to travel to Naboo. We will do our best to ensure your safety as long as you remain in our territory. Requests for travel information should be directed to Luke Skywalker and the other Jedi Leaders. New Republic Immigration and Naturalization.
o O o
New Hope
Padme was not looking forward to calling Leia but there was no way around it. Leia had to be apprised of the situation they now found themselves in. Preparations had to be made to handle the displaced Jedi and Norghi and any others that might decide to side with the Naboo. Looking at the clock Padme realized how late it would be at the palace. She wasn't really surprised when it was Sabe that answered her call.
"Sabe, I need to talk to Leia." Amidala said in a grave voice.
"What's wrong?" Sabe asked setting aside the role of handmaiden for that of a friend.
"Things did not go well with the Senate. Sabe, I need to talk to Leia and she deserves to hear this first and from me." Amidala said watching Sabe nod and disappear then the call was forwarded to Leia's quarters.
Leia was dressed for bed but there was no sign of sleep in the concern filled eyes that were searching her Mother's face. "What happened? Is everyone okay?"
"We are safe back aboard the New Hope. No one was hurt. Leia, I need you to sit down so that I can tell you something." Padme said calmly hoping to soothe her daughter's frayed nerves.
"If nothing is wrong why do I need to sit down?" Leia asked as the last of the adrenaline that had been coursing through her system started to wear off forcing her to sit.
"Things did not go as we hoped with the Senate. Something unexpected came up, something I need to explain. Do you remember the Norghi debt to their former Lord?" Padme asked trying to find a tactful way to explain what was going on.
"Of course, it took me forever to get them to stop following me around calling me Lady Vader. Luke had it a little easier since I was the 'Heir' since they are a matriarchal society." Leia paused, her brow crinkling. "How could the Norghi cause us problems with the Senate?"
"Do you remember how they identified you as the Mal'ary'ush?" Padme asked still unable to put words to the situation.
"They said I smelt like Vader." Leia said slightly bemused by the memory.
"Do you remember that Kenan had a secret?" Padme asked.
Now Leia was getting annoyed, what in the world could one thing have to do with the other? "Mother, I remember a lot of things, including the fact that Kenan is a clone and we do not know who his original was, because you wouldn't let us ask." Leia paused laying her head in her hands. 'Kenan 'had' a secret.' "Are trying to say, what I think you're trying to say?"
"If you think I am trying to say that Kenan is a Skywalker and a clone of my late husband then, yes." Padme said wishing that Leia would look up so she could have some clue of how she was taking this.
"A week ago I was an orphan. Now, all of a sudden I have my mother back and a clone of my father. And the Senate knows, no wonder things did not go well." Leia said trying not to break out in hysterics.
"Well they know that the Norghi smelt Vader but they can't prove that it was Kenan's scent. Combined with someone remembering that Palpitine was born on Naboo was enough of an excuse for them." Amidala said.
Leia looked up at that. "He was?"
"Yes, he was a master of deception. He fooled even the Jedi." Amidala said shaking her head at the memories that surfaced.
"I need to call Han. Is there anything else I need to know before I go?"
"All of the Jedi are now Naboo citizens. So the Senate revoked their New Republic citizenship and ordered them to make their way out of the New Republic territories. The Norghi tried to prevent this but failed. They have asked to join the Naboo since their home world is in Yuuzhen Vong hands." Amidala said quickly trying to provide the needed details.
"I will ask Sabe to start making the necessary arrangements while I call Han and break the news to him. May the Force be with you." Leia said cutting the connection. "Sabe," Leia called out loudly knowing that she wouldn't have gone far.
"Yes, My Lady?" Sabe said reentering the room.
"I need you to start making arrangements for the housing of the Jedi of the Outer Order and their families. We are also going to be joined by the Norghi. They are loyal to my family especially to Kenan. They will prefer a more rural setting. They will probably also want to contribute to my entourage. I need to call Han, it will not be pretty if he hears that Vader is back from anyone else."
"You mean that Kenan is..." Sabe started only to be cut off.
"Is a clone of Vader." Leia said waiting for the connection.
"Anakin." Sabe said with a big smile as she thought of what this could mean for her friend as she left the room.
Leia was still watching the now closed door when Jacen's face appeared before her. "Mom, are you okay?"
"Yes, I am fine but I need to tell you father something that he won't want to hear. I need you to see if there is any liquor on board the Twin Saber, then have your Father call me back."
"Why does Dad need to get drunk and is that before or after he calls?" Jacen asked.
"After will do." Leia said with a laugh trust her son to lighten the mood. "I need to tell your Father first. If you don't hear it through the bulkheads, or still have any questions you can me call back. You might also make sure that no one disturbs him till he calms down."
"I'll see what I can come up with and have him call you." Jacen said cutting the connection.
o O o
Pulling out his com-unit Jacen called Noszae. "Yes," came a sleepy reply.
"Sorry to wake you up Noszae but I have an assignment and I need your help with it." Jacen said heading toward the young Jedi's quarters.
A little more awake sounding, "Jacen? How can I help?"
"What does this ship carry in the form of alcohol?" Jacen asked as if he were inquiring about the weather.
'Why?"
o O o
Naboo
Anakin had just dropped Tahiri off at her quarters but now instead of heading to his own as he had intended he found himself heading for his mother's. Something felt different. As he reached Leia's quarters he saw Sabe coming out smiling.
Smiling all the more Sabe held the door open. "Go on in Anakin, Leia is still up. She is at her com-station waiting for a call."
"Thank you Sabe," Anakin said.
o O o
Twin Saber
Han was sitting in his new office when in walked Jacen and Noszae. Each carried two bottles, at least one of which glowed. All that was said was, "Call Mom," as the door slid shut. Instructing the Com-Officer to connect him to the Palace he looked at the bottles lined up on the desk.
First, was Naboo Ruby Ambrosia, in an intricately engraved carafe.
Next, was a large bottle of Ale the label saying it was the best of Rori.
Third, a whiskey that according to the label had been aged 20 years in barrels of the finest Endorian wood.
And lastly, the glowing flask that had no label causing Han to suspect it was probably the Gungun home-brew.
Seeing Leia's face appear on the screen in his peripheral vision Han asked. "Why does your son think I need to get drunk?"
Leia grimaced. "I meant for him to make it available after we talked, not before."
"So what has happened to make me want to get drunk?" Han said starting to get worried.
"Do you remember Kenan's secret?" Leia paused slightly amused with herself for using the same technique as her Mother in broaching this subject.
Han nodded slowly, having a bad feeling about this but not saying so.
"Well it is out and it was a big one."
"As long as he isn't Vader." Han said in jest only to see Leia freeze.
"I think you have been hanging around us Jedi to long Han." Leia said trying to lighten the mood.
"What is it with Sith not staying dead?" Han said pouring himself a shot of whiskey.
o O o
New Hope
Both Luke and Mara were tried of talking on their com-units, as soon as they ended one call it would beep again another Jedi calling. Most of the time they were now transferring them to a member of the Naboo Order to get details on their situation and location. Most of the Jedi had so far been in contact with them so they were starting to make plans on how best to safely relocate them and their families to Naboo. Sadly though in many cases the logistics of relocating to their new home wasn't that complicated, because many had lost their homes due to the war.
"Luke," Mara called. "Corran wants to talk to you."
Luke nodded, "Have them patch him through." It would be good to hear from Corran and get his help. "Corran?"
"How are you handling this Luke?" Corran asked having already spoken with the Naboo Jedi about their situation. What he wanted to know was what he needed to do to help Luke and the others.
"As well as can be expected. We are lucky that it was the Naboo they handed us over to. They have been lifesavers already and we will be safe among them." Luke said thinking of all that had already been done and all that was left to do.
"Sounds like you've got it easier there, Mirrax and Booster are still throwing fits. Booster also wanted me to tell you that the Errant Venture is at your command. He hopes that they can act as a go between to help in establishing trade."
"You sure my family will be safe among these Naboo, Skywalker?" Booster Terrik cut in. He sounded gruff but Luke knew it was just concern not any real meanness.
"Yes, Booster, the Jedi will be safe, accepted and even respected by the Naboo. They already have an Order that numbers more than ours did before the war. Let me put it to you this way, and this is something that we haven't been telling everybody, the ruler of the Naboo, Queen Amidala is mine and Leia's mother. She was not pleased in the least that we were being hunted again or how the New Republic had been treating their 'heroes' her children. That is why she gave us Naboo citizenship, she wanted to make them think twice about trying to hand us over to the Vong, what they did instead shocked her as much as anybody and she has almost as much experience in politics as Leia. We are already debating bringing Ben to Naboo and you know how precious our Son is to us, if we had any doubts about the Naboo then it wouldn't even be an option."
"Yes, Mara wouldn't allow any avoidable risks to be taken." Booster said leaving Luke and Corran to return planning the evacuation.
o O o
Twin Saber
Wedge made his way through the Twin Saber behind one of the big-eared talkative Gunguns. He was too furious about what he had just heard to even try to figure out what creature was going on about. Not paying Jacen any head he stormed into Han's office.
"I just heard that all of the Jedi are being 'evacuated' to Naboo. There are also rumors that the Naboo cloned Vade...er." Wedge trailed off seeing Han as drunk as when Chewie had been killed.
"They DIDN'T!" Wedge exclaimed.
"Nah, they diinn'a, bu-utt, hhe cam-me ba-ack. Blew all hope of alie-lina-nce." Han said as best as he could.
"On purpose?'
"Nah, juss 'cause ee's Va-er's clone."
Wedge takes the bottle away from Han and pours himself a glass full of the glowing concoction then pulls out his com-unit. "I want someone to go to my quarters and bring me as much of my stash of Correlian Ale as they can carry. I am aboard the Twin Saber with Admiral Solo." He said signing off.
o O o
Mon Calamari
"Our orders were to work with the New Republic in order to ascertain if we should align ourselves with them in this fight. Our orders say nothing of following the Jedi into exile." Jag's Chiss second in command calmly if forcefully reminded him.
"I would say considering what we have seen, we have the answer to the specific questions outlined in our orders. The New Republic is to divided at this time to be of assistance to the Chiss Ascendancy. That is why I ordered you to take half of the squadron with you back to Csilla, to inform them of the status of the New Republic." Jag paused taking a calming breath then continued. "At the time our orders were drafted our superiors had no knowledge of Naboo except maybe as historical notes. Yet, the same questions that warranted our being sent all this way could also be applied to the Naboo. It would be a waste of valuable time and resources not to take advantage of this opportunity to observe these Naboo. They seem far more stable than the New Rep ever did. I feel it is my duty to the Chiss Ascendancy to see if these Naboo are what they appear to be."
He could tell that his second in command was still unhappy about his orders to her but when put that way she had to have a grudging respect for his logic on the matter. "Yes, Sir," she said turning to gather those that would be accompanying her home.
Jag needed a drink. He already had his few belongings packed and they weren't cleared for departure till midmorning the next day, so as long as he didn't go overboard he'd be okay. Leaving the decisions of who would be flying with him the next day to Chiss logic Jag headed to the nearest cantina. The small cantina was mostly filled with local workers only a few passersby like him.
Ordering his drink his thoughts about how to approach the Naboo were disrupted by the ramblings of what appeared to be a very drunk local. At first Jag tried to tune it out cause the guy was talking nonsense: Traitors, Vader, Vaders. 'Some people just can't handle their liquor.' Jag thought only to be brought up short by the drunk's next statement.
"'Princess' Leia 'Oragana' Solo, hah, more like Vader. Traitor, siding with the destroyers of worlds. They are worse than the Vong at least with the Vong you know where they stand. But, with the Jedi they portray themselves as saviors when they are really destroyers. The children of Vader, Kyp Duron and now Vader himself. They brought him back, cloned him. The next thing you know they probably would've brought back his 'master' Palpitine. But, I fixed them. With them exiled away from the New Republic we have a chance to do what we couldn't before. Fight fire with fire. Let them and the Vong fight it out, then we can finish off whichever one survives. You see my friends, I learned the location of the Jedi's hidden base, probably where they clone Vader at and I have made sure that the Vong will not only learn where it is but how to get in." The guy said with a smirk. "Those Skywalkers, Solos and the rest of the know it all Jedi think they're so much better than us, but their not. They make mistakes and their hidden base in the Maw's secret is out. And they will be just as surprised as anyone else when the Vong attacks."
Jag didn't know what to make of some of what he had heard; it was evident that the guy wasn't thinking straight but what was in his head and what was real. Jag hadn't put much faith in the rumors of why the Jedi were being 'evacuated.' He didn't think that the Jedi would clone Vader and knew that they would never be so dumb as to let Palpitine back out on the galaxy, but was there a real threat to a hidden Jedi base? He would need something that could be confirmed before he tried to take this to the Jedi.
Calling the waitress over he ordered another of what the drunk guy was drinking. While he waited for her to return he made sure that there was nothing to give away his identity showing. A lot of people knew his uncle and most of them knew that he had close ties to the Jedi and that would be counter productive right now. Setting down the full drink beside the man's now empty one Jag pulled a chair over and sat.
"Sounds like the Jedi are about to be taught a lesson that they won't soon forget." Jag said taking a drink of his ale trying to strike up a conversation using what seemed to be the guy's favorite topic.
"You got that right friend." The man said picking up the new drink. "Names Bail Sorin what's yours."
'Aldraani,' Jag thought trying to think of an Aldraani name. "I'm Jag Orret." Jag said giving up and just making something up. "Your Aldraani aren't you?" At that Sorin nods. "You have all the more reason to want to see the Vaders brought to justice then. It only seems right that it would be a true Aldraani to set matters right." Jag said trying to get on the guy's good side though he was not enjoying the part he had to play.
o O o
Twin Saber
The Lieutenant was not happy. Since the General was not answering his comm he was dispatched to deliver the new orders to him personally. Orders he knew the General would not like.
To all New Republic fleet Commanders: All contact with the Naboo is to be kept to the absolute minimal. Any trade of military information is strictly prohibited. New Republic Fleet Command
To General Wedge Antilles: You are to report to Mon Calamari for debriefing about your dealings with the Naboo, forthwith. New Republic Fleet Command
He was right. The General was livid. It probably wouldn't have been that bad except he was also drunk. With two, dunk livid Correlians focused on him in an enclosed area, he was lucky neither of them had been armed. At least with anything more than empty ale containers.
Having beaten a hasty retreat he heard glass breaking against the now closed door.
"I told you that you did not want to go in there, but does anyone in the Republic listen to the Jedi, Nooo." Jacen said.
o O o
Wedge's Cabin
Wedge hated this he wanted to tell his superiors what they could do with their orders but he knew that he had to stay. Someone needed to make sure that they didn't get everybody killed, to be a voice of reason and to protect his men.
That is why he was in his quarters on his ship with a hangover as the ship hurtled toward Mon Cal.
Wedge's personal com-line beeped, he hoped it was good news this time. "Yes?" He said silencing the annoying racket.
"Uncle Wedge, I just picked up some intel that I need help making sure it goes through the right chain of command," Jag said.
o O o
