Remnants of the Empire
Chapter 6
Coruscant
Disclaimer: Like you haven't heard this before. I don't own anything Star Wars related. We own Jask Haefkal though. She's our creation.
"There it is. Coruscant. The entire planet is one big city." said Luke.
"Oh my! I'm quite astonished. I've never seen Coruscant for myself before." said Threepio excitedly.
The Millennium Falcon blasted down into the atmosphere. As the ship broke through the spotless white clouds, the passengers were greeted with an astonishing sight. The New Jedi Temple was sparkling in the sunlight, radiating light and beauty, with the rest of the city as far as they could see, shining like silver. As Leia looked at it, she felt a tear trickling slowly down her face.
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. The Jedi Order is rebuilding. They have rebuilt the Jedi Temple, and they have regained much of their former numbers. The city is also rebuilding the areas the Empire destroyed" said Luke.
Suddenly two security ships flew up to them, and began circling the Falcon.
"Please state name and cargo." saidone of the pilots
"This is the Millennium Falcon, with five passengers and two droids, requesting permission to land." said Han.
"Please wait while we verify."
"They've tightened the security quite a bit, haven't they Luke?" asked Wedge.
"Yeah, it's gotten pretty tough since the last time we came here." said Luke.
"Permission granted. You may land at platform number 588"
"Thank you. All right guys, lets go." said Han excitedly.
The Millennium Falcon slowly approached the landing platform. The downward thrusters kicked in suddenly with a hiss, and steam whooshed out of the ship. With a bump, the Falcon touched down. The entry ramp lowered down slowly as Luke, Leia, Han, Wedge, Chewie, and the droids walked down onto the floating platform. Their footsteps echoed on the cold metal surface, and they looked around for anyone.
"Oh, no one to meet us." said Threepio.
"I don't think so, Threepio. I sense someone coming." said Luke.
"I have a bad feeling about this." said Wedge.
A door opened on the platform, and a small group of people walked out. They were dressed in the city security uniforms, but Leia noticed that they were quite heavily armed for security officers.
"Watch it guys. This just doesn't feel right." said Leia suspiciously.
Han, Wedge, and Chewie reached for their blasters, while the two Jedi's hand's drifted slowly to their lightsabers. Without warning, the troops crouched, and opened fire.
"Gosh, can't we ever get a break?" yelled Han, as he returned fire. "First it was the whole Vengeance thing, and now this!"
"Let's just take care of these guys first!" said Luke, as he ignited his lightsaber. "Chewie, protect the droids. Han and Wedge, cover us!"
Luke and Leia charged the troops, deflecting the blasts, and advancing quickly. As they approached, the troops started to panic. Leia dove forward, and slashed violently with one of her blades. One of the men screamed in pain, as his bloody hand, still holding the blaster, hit the ground. The sight of the man's severed hand unnerved the men. They dropped their weapons, and ran frantically to the drop shaft. Luke and Leia turned and shut off their lightsabers.
"Great security, huh?" asked Leia sarcastically.
"Come on guys. We need to get to get to the Chancellor's office." said Luke, ignoring Leia.
"Which way is the Chancellor's office, anyway?" asked Han.
Luke pointed over to the left.
"It's that way. Let's go!"
Chancellor Jask Haefkal looked out of the window, at the beautiful Coruscant sunset. She sighed as she thought of how even now, after the Empire had been defeated, and freedom had won, that the peace and beauty of the New Republic could be shattered. She watched the sun finally go down, in a final blaze of glory. The Chancellor looked up suddenly, as the buzzer on her desk began beeping. She walked over to her desk, and flipped on the hologram.
"Milady, Master Skywalker is here, with General Solo, and Captain Antilles."
"Send them in." said the young ruler.
The Twi'lek's face brightened as the famous Jedi Knight and General entered her chamber.
"Master Skywalker! It is so good to see you again! It is good to see you as well, General Solo. It has been far too long."
"Thank you, Milady. We are glad to be back." said Luke and Han.
Chancellor Haefkal looked over at Leia. Her face lit up with pleasure.
"Hello, Leia Organa." said the Chancellor graciously. "It is wonderful to see you again."
"Thank you very much, Chancellor. said Leia, smiling happily.
"Ok, ok, sorry to break up the happy reunion, but we have more urgent things to speak of." said Wedge hastily.
The Chancellor looked at Wedge in surprise. "We do?" Jask looked at the Jedi, seeking an explanation.
"Milady, we have not come to visit. Something of grave importance has occurred." said Luke grimly. He sighed, and told her of their ordeal upon the Vengeance.
The eyes of the young Chancellor widened in surprise as she listened. It was as if her worst nightmares were coming to pass, right in front of her. "So, you are saying that the Emperor survived, and the remnants of the Imperial fleet are massing to attack somewhere in the Republic?" asked Chancellor Haefkal in disbelief.
"Yes, Emperor Palpatine has survived, and the fleet is preparing to attack." said Han. "We have come to warn you of the danger, and to put you on alert."
"Thank you. It is most appreciated. We will heighten security as well." said the Chancellor, quickly regaining her composure. "But I have heard that Emperor Palpatine is a Sith Lord, and also, that the Sith of old always traveled in pairs. There is always a master and an apprentice. Who is Emperor Palpatine's apprentice, if he is a Sith Lord?
"You have been well trained, my young apprentice. They will be no match for you." said Sidious, to an ominous figure in a black robe. "You must move against the girl first. She is weak, and you will have no trouble in getting rid of her.
"Yes, my master."
A sudden gust of wind rippled the figure's hood, and for an instant, Luke could see underneath it. He caught a glimpse of a scarred face before the figure pulled his hood back down.
"Luke, are you alright?" asked Leia curiously. "You look like you've seen a Sith.
"I have, Leia" said Luke quietly. "I've seen Palpatine with his new apprentice."
"What? You mean, you've had a vision."
"I don't know. It was so real. It must have been a vision from the Force."
"I'm sorry Milady. We must speak with the Jedi Council. The situation has become even more complicated." explained Luke.
"Yes, of course. I understand completely, Master Skywalker." said the Chancellor. "I will send for an air taxi immediately."
"Thank you, Milady. It is much appreciated."
Luke turned to the others, and beckoned them out of the door. "Come on. We need to get to the Jedi Temple, and inform them of this."
Note: Thanks soo much, Sarah for reviewing. Tune in next time, for Chapter 7: The Jedi Temple. We should have it in about a week or so.