Chapter 35

Upon the death of Emperor Nexus, and the subsequent broadcast of his death, the battle ended quickly. Those that had betrayed the Galactic Alliance and sided with Nexus quickly surrendered, though the clones, still loyal continued fighting. It took many more casualties on both sides until the clones were finally and completely destroyed. Afterward the remaining Alliance fleet arrived on Coruscant and began to restore order. It became apparent that several senators, including the former Chief of State had disappeared during the crisis and were no where to be found. Up above in orbit the Millennium Falcon docked aboard the Tokijin and met with Tenel Ka and the holograms of Bwua'tu and Pallaeon.

"We have received word from Master Skywalker that Nexus is dead, and that it was her son who defeated him in combat." Bwua'tu said.

"When did Ben change sides again?" Han asked, surprised at the turn of events. "I'm glad he came back to our side but when did all of this happen?"
"It appears many things have happened after Mara left," Leia said. "Including Zonama Sekot's appearance. It was most unexpected, but fortunate. We would not have been able to succeed with those reinforcements."

"Do we have any idea where Ben and Master Skywalker are now?" Pallaeon asked.

"I feel Ben and Mara are together on Zonama," Leia said. "And that they will rejoin us shortly."

"We have much to do before they arrive," Bwua'tu said. "There are going to be many reconstruction efforts to heal the wounds from this crisis."

Leia agreed. "And new laws and amendments shall have to be made," Leia said. "And they will have to be made quickly. In fact, all old laws should be entirely abolished, not only those that go against democracy."

"Otherwise someone else like Nexus might find a loophole and become Emperor once more." Tenel Ka said.

"We are going to need someone to become the new Chief of State," Bwua'tu said. "But most senators who would have held that position have disappeared. Is there anyone else we can place in charge as an intermediary?"

They were silent as they thought.

"I have a suggestion," Leia spoke and turned to Pallaeon's image. "Grand Admiral Pallaeon, you have constantly shown us that you are a capable leader and always one to do what is right. Would you be willing to take command of the Alliance for the time being?"
"I would be honored to." Pallaeon said. "As long as I have the permission of the public and remaining senators."

"I will convince them to allow you to do so," Bwua'tu said. "it should not be a problem."

"And of course I will have to deal with the Imperial Remnant," Pallaeon said. "I will set someone up to take my place in the Remnant while I'm acting Chief of State. I will begin when you want me to."

"Meet me by the senate building," Bwua'tu said. "we have much to discuss." Pallaeon's and Bwua'tu's image blinked out.

'When is Mara going to contact us again?" Han said. "I want to find out what happened."

"I feel that she's busy, Han." Leia said. "But don't worry, she'll contact us in time. I'm just so relieved that this is all over."

"Yeah, me too," Han said. "For a while I didn't feel like we could win."

"Neither did I," Leia said. "But the Force led us to victory."

"The Order is going to have much rebuilding to do as well," Tenel Ka said. "I will support both the Alliance and the Jedi order towards rebuilding all that was destroyed."

"Thank you, Queen Mother." Leia said. "We should make plans for a memoriam service for all of those killed. The pain is great now but it will subside eventually."

"it's going to be a lot different without Luke." Han said.

"Yes," Leia said, holding back tears. "It will be."

-

"You saved us all, Ben." Mara said. Ben arrived back on Zonama after his victory over Nexus. "The Alliance won the battle in space and have reclaimed Coruscant. We should leave to rejoin Leia and the others."

Ben looked at the image of Sekot.

"Mara, Ben cannot leave here." Sekot said.

"What?" Mara asked, looking at Sekot. "Why?"

"His healing is not done yet," Sekot said. "There is still much darkness within him and until it is gone, Darth Fier might live again."

"Then I will stay with you." Mara said. "I won't be separated from you again."

"Mom, you can't stay here," Ben said. "This is something I have to do alone."

Mara stared at her son.

"I know, the Force is telling me so, but I do not want to lose you again."

"Don't worry, Mom, I'll be back one day," Ben said. "And then I'll be with you and everyone else again."

"Zonama has to leave shortly," Sekot said. "It can no longer be so close to Coruscant."

"Be safe, Ben." Mara said, knowing it was her time to leave. She embraced her son and touched him in through the Force. Then she let go and went for her ship and left for Coruscant. Ben stood next to Sekot as they watched the ship leave.

"You have much healing to do, Ben," Sekot said. "In time the darkness within you will be gone and you will serve the light once more. But your power will become even greater. Are you ready for your healing to begin?"

"Yes." Ben said.

Zonama Sekot activated its hyperdrive and launched back into the Unknown Regions, leaving the past behind and heading towards a new destiny.

End

Author's Note: To date this has been my longest story and I hope everyone enjoyed. Please review the story and give me any feedback or criticisms, just no flames please.