Chapter 27
"How are they doing?" Han asked Leia. They were in the medical facility, where both Jacen and Saba were being kept.
"Fortunately, none of the wounds were fatal, so they'll both recover soon," Leia said. Both Jacen and Saba were floating in bacta tubes. "But their wounds were severe."
"Did either Jacen or Saba say anything?" Han asked.
"No, they were too badly wounded, and were rushed to the medlab," Leia said.
"Surprising how they were able to make it so far so badly wounded," Han said. "it must have taken them all they had to escape and stay alive."
"That's a Jedi for you," Leia said. "You can never underestimate them." Leia put her hand on the tube containing her son and reached out to him in the Force. Jacen responded, but very weakly.
"They're gathered in the war room, Leia," Han said. "We have to go meet them."
"Great." Leia said sarcastically and gave one last look at the two wounded Jedi, and then left.
-
"As I have already stated, from the start, you have my full support," Queen Mother Tenel Ka said, seated at the head of the table. Others gathered included some of the few remaining Jedi Masters; Corran Horn, Kyle Katarn, and Cilghal all sat next to each other. Lando Calrissian had arrived as well, ready to begin a new venture. The holoimage of Grand Admiral Pellaeon sat as well, having received the encoded message. Han and Leia Solo were seated next to the image of the Grand Admiral. Several seats were empty however, and the presence of the those missing was felt throughout the room.
"And the Imperial Remnant shall give you our support as well," Pellaeon said. "This Darth Nexus may have started a New Empire, but we are no longer how we once were, and the Imperial Remnant wants no part of the new galactic government."
"But are you sure that all those in the Imperial Remnant share your same belief system?" Leia asked.
Pellaeon sighed. "While most of our citizenry is happy with the way we have been proceeding, there are a few dissidents who wish for the Empire of old. I am sure that they may even try to secede to join the so called New Empire."
"Do you know who might want to?" Han asked the aging Admiral.
"Yes, I do, and I can provide their names if you so please," Pellaeon said. "But we must not take any action against them. If we do they may be further pushed to join our enemies, or betray us in some other way. However, I am sure that they will betray us eventually, and when the time comes we will deal with them."
"Leia, do you have any information regarding the Chiss?" Corran asked.
"They have sent me a reply and, as I should have supposed they will not join," Leia said. "They will not fight unless they are provoked first, so until Nexus attacks them, we are without their help."
"But you did tell them that Nexus will attack them eventually?" Kyle Katarn asked. "Do they understand that it is only a matter of time?"
"They most likely realize it," Leia said. "But until that time has come we cannot count on their support."
"As for Alliance support, they have already contacted us," Corran said. "Rogue Squadron is already on their way here, as are others who are still loyal to the former Galactic Alliance."
"But not all of them, based on what you said about those still loyal to the Alliance." Lando stated.
"Unfortunately, no," Corran said. "Wedge told me about some fleet commanders who have remained with Nexus. It's obvious why really. They're scared and have only aligned themselves to avoid persecution. But now they have become a threat, and must be handled in kind."
"Surely we can convince them to come back to our side," Clighal said. "They must be convinced of the danger Nexus presents."
"They probably do realize that," Corran said. "And what better reason to stay on the side they think will win?"
"That must mean that not everyone thinks we can win." Leia said.
"The odds are against us," Corran said. "Even with our combined efforts."
"We can only do what we can," Tenel Ka said. "Until then we must continue to gather our strength until the time comes to fight."
"I shall immediately begin to mobilize our fleets," Pellaeon said. "When we are ready we shall contact you to further our plan."
"Very good, Admiral Pellaeon," Leia said. "Thank you for your help, and may the Force be with you."
"And you as well." Pellaeon said as his image blinked out. A light flashed on the arm of the Queen Mother's chair.
"What is it?" Leia said as Tenel Ka read the message transmitted to her.
"A ship is coming in," Tenel Ka said. "An unknown ship, but its sending a friendly code."
Everyone stood together as they headed for the nearby garden to view the incoming ship. Breaking through the atmosphere, they saw the ship as it began to come in. Light reflected off the long, curved features of the ship as it began to land on the same landing pad where the Nilum had taken off from. Leia shivered as the ship hissed as it landed. She had a bad feeling, and instinctively reached for her lightsaber. The boarding ramp began to descend.
Mom, get away! Jacen called in the Force.
Before the latch opened entirely, a blurred figure dressed in black jumped out.
"Mara?" Leia asked.
"Hello, Leia." Mara said, and there was a snap-hiss as Mara's red blade came down on Leia, but Leia had already reached for her blue blade and intercepted the attack. Mara swung her blade, putting Leia on the defensive.
"Mara, what are you doing?" Han called to Mara as she continued her attack, but she did not respond. Han aimed his blaster at her.
Han, no! Leia made the effort to tell Han in the Force. Not yet!
Not understanding, Han lowered his blaster as the fight between Mara and Leia continued. Leia could not get a chance to strike back as Mara constantly continued her relentless assault. Blue and red blades clashed and the air sizzled. Leia reached into the Force and felt around for Mara. There was a deep darkness surrounding her and Leia nearly got lost in it. But then a small light shined and Leia went towards it. Mara paused momentarily, and was knocked over from behind the stun bolts from the Royal Guard. Mara began to collapse, but not before Leia paused as well. At that moment Mara's lightsaber blade came out of Leia's back. Leia continued to the light.