4 ABY
Mara Jade walked through the market stands of Svivren. Many different alien species did their business there; a few Storm troopers patrolled the streets. The planet had been divided among the richer north and poorer south. However the empire was more concerned with the more rebellious north.
Not only did Svivren resist Imperial rule but they also hosted criminal organizations such as the Black Sun and the Black Nebula. For the past few years Mara had infiltrated and prosecuted mob bosses in the Outer Rim. Because the Outer Rim was not in the jurisdiction of the Courscant courts the Jedi were sent to "instruct" civilized law to the people.
"You will have to give up your weapons at the check station," a Svivren official said.
"What?" Mara asked confused.
"We don't allow civilians to have personal weapons, only security forces," the official explained.
"I'm a Jedi, not a civilian," Mara said using her Force persuasion to get him to leave.
"Mara Jade, a pleasure," Captain Strok said greeting her with a few storm troopers.
"Captain Strok. I am here to investigate the presence of the Black Sun," Mara said.
"After the death of Xizor, it would seem the organization has dissolved," Strok lied.
"I doubt it, these people are like roaches. Kill one and another takes its place," Mara said. "I think I will be fine on my own, I'll contact you if I need you," Mara said walking away.
"No Hutts, no Jawas, I think I like this place," Mara said thoughtfully.
Captain Strok, however was a corrupt official who spied for the Black Sun and the Black Nebula. He alerted Black Nebula leader Dequc of Mara's raid on his organization. Dequc was a dark brown, hard skinned, long faced alien creature that came to power after the death of Xizor. Dequc quickly arranged for an imposter to take his place. He summoned a shuttle for a retreat to Bubble Cliffs of Nezmi. Strok stayed behind to stall Mara as the shuttle arrived.
It was not long before Mara slashed through the Black Nebula's doors looking for Dequc. "Tell me where Dequc is, and I won't kill you," Mara said her purple light saber ready.
Instead of cooperating the guards fired. Mara blocked several charges and began slicing into the guards. Storm troopers behind her entered the room. Strok allowed himself to get shot, he fell to the floor. Mara glanced at Strok for a second, thinking he was dead she continued on her rampage.
Entering the next room Mara received more resistance from alien fighters under the employ of Black Nebula. Strok got back onto his feet and dusted himself off. His Imperial uniform had a hole in it, but his armor underneath kept him from getting killed. Dusting himself off, he ran towards the shuttle. Strok and Dequc took off toward Nezmi. Mara slashed the last guard and watched with disappointment as the ship took off.
Dequc shuttle descended into the Bubble Cliffs of Nezmi. They were caves or chambers created from ancient lava eruption; they had been used by primitive civilizations of Nezmi.
Mara in the Jade Shadow, her personal star cruiser chased Dequc down. Mara took her speeder and dropped down towards the surface of the planet. Accelerating on her speeder she went through the caves sensing for Dequc's presence. Finding it she landed inside the cave and ran towards the source.
Dequc and Strok were enjoying a dinner in the many tourist spots inside the caves. Mara in her dark robes ignited her light saber revealing her presence. "You," Mara accused looking at Strok.
Strok reached for a blaster. Mara sliced at him killing him before he could pull the trigger. "Mercy," Dequc pleaded.
Mara sneered disgusted and sliced off his head. "I give mercy to those who deserve it," Mara said leaving.
With the death of Dequc the Black Nebula began to fragment. Orbiting Nezmi Mara contacted Luke. "I successfully killed of the boss of the Black Nebula on Nezmi, care to come by for a drink," Mara grinned.
"I would like that, as soon as I finish off the Tofs and Nagai at Saijo," Luke said.
"Don't get yourself killed. I won't have a sparing partner to beat," Mara smirked.
"As if," Luke said signing off. Taking his advanced Tie fighter he initiated the cloaking device and peacefully went through Saijo's atmosphere toward the Tof compound.
Using the Outrider Han, Leia, Dash, Fen Shysa (a Mandalorian), Den Siva, Dani, and commander Knife landed on Saijo's surface in the ruins of the capital city. The Nagai, as Anakin had predicted, had allied with the Alliance against the Tofs. Mon who secretly wanted to rid herself of Leia sent her on the dangerous mission.
"Commander Knife and Den will allow themselves to be captured to get access to the throne room. Dani and I will infiltrate the compound with these garments," Leia explained. She was wearing an exquisite ball room dress, it made it difficult for her to move, but it would allow her inside. "Han and Fen will be back up while we distract the prince," Leia continued.
"Sounds dangerous, let's do it," Fen said.
"What would you have me do?" Dash asked.
"You will provide air support in case the Tof launch fighters, Mon promised a squadron if necessary," Leia said.
"Stop!" the Tof guards demanded.
"Prince Sereno is expecting me," Luke said using his mind trick.
"Then let us not delay you," the Tof guards said apoplectically.
"Thank you," Luke said walking into the compound.
Prince Sereno had his two enemies right in front of him. Lumiya was at his side. Den and Knife were in front of the prince. "I am pleased to see you two finally in my grasp," Sereno said taking a sip of his drink.
"You two, dance for me," Sereno ordered the dressed up Dani and Leia.
Lumiya stared at the two as they danced before Sereno. Han and Fen went through the halls, their blasters ready.
"My prince, I sense something wrong about one of the dancers," Lumiya said.
"Can't you see I am enjoying myself," the prince protested her concerns. The dancers continued to get closer to the prince. Suddenly Dani and Leia threw off their dresses. Han and Fen began firing on the guards.
Leia ignited her light saber as the guards approached. Slicing through one she used the Force to grab a blaster to give to Dani. Knife attempted to battle one of the guards hand to hand. Lumiya stunned him with her pistol.
"Do something?" the prince said as he fired at the intruders.
Lumiya sneered at the Tof and engaged Leia. Leia whirled her light saber at Lumiya, she missed twice allowing Lumiya to grab her wrist. Crushing it she forced the light saber out of her hand.
Luke witnessed the battle take place, activating his wrist communicator for back up. Lumiya Force pushed Dani away and took her pistol to fire at Leia. A Tof guard suddenly fired through her chest. Lumiya felt her body collapse to the floor.
"Capture the prince," Leia yelled as he attempted to flee.
Luke intercepted the prince as he called for a ship. Luke ignited his green light saber and slashed him through. The Tof imposter known as Bey told Leia that Tof fighters would arrive soon.
Leia's crew ran towards the Outrider as Tof fighters approached. "Tof fighters coming in," Dash informed them. The Outrider rose into the air towards space.
"Let's hope the squadron comes in time," Leia said.
Luke walked by a crippled Lumiya. The laser bolt had sliced through her respiratory systems, she could barely breathe. "Help me," she pleaded with him.
"You are no longer needed; your purpose has been completed. Soon the Nagai and the Tof will be under the firm control of the empire. I can't have you wanting to kill my sister, she is necessary for the final destruction of the Alliance," Luke said.
As Lumiya's systems failed she watched Luke walk away, in death she couldn't help feel admiration for the powerful Jedi Knight.
Several Alliance fighters arrived to meet with the Outrider. Tof fighters engaged the Alliance ships. Two Star Destroyers on the other side of the planet observed the battle as two sides fought.
Luke walked onto the bridge of his Star Destroyer. "Prince Sereno is no longer a problem," he informed the captain.
"Shall we engage then?" the captain asked.
"Yes, but I want the Outrider and her crew alive," Luke allowed.
Rebel fighters struggled against the more numerous Tof fighters. "Star Destroyers, two of them," Dash reported.
"They're launching fighters," Dash added.
Tie fighters swarmed blasting away at the surprised Tof fighters. The Star Destroyers advanced wanting to get into tractor range of the Outrider. "We must retreat," the rebel fighter leader said pulling out.
"Lock onto the Outrider," Luke ordered.
"Too many Tof ships interfering," the controller told him.
"Then destroy them all," Luke said annoyed.
Tie fighters overwhelmed the Tof and destroyed their forces, but in the victory the Outrider and a few remaining rebel ships escaped into hyperspace. Luke watched disappointed as he realized the Outrider was gone.
Anakin looking at the star maps found the right place for his newest project. The completed Death Star was close to the star of the system. "A construction of this magnitude is beyond the empire's resources," a commander complained to Anakin.
"I didn't you assign you to give me excuses, trust me this will pay off," Anakin said.
"I will be taking my ship to Coruscant, when I come back I expect detailed plans for the station's construction," Anakin said leaving for his shuttle.
Coruscant.
Anakin was greeted with large parades and fireworks over the battle of Endor victory. Hundreds of thousands flooded the Coruscant court to get a glimpse of the emperor. Anakin approached the stage, Sate Pestage, Ysanne Isard, and several Jedi masters were present.
Anakin's face could be seen on large viewing screens on the skyscrapers. "Peace is at hand!" Anakin said to the applause of the crowd.
Sate and Ysanne applauded politely. "It is good to be home once again, among the people of Coruscant," Anakin continued.
"I have been informed that the Nagai and Tof conflict has ended, in the spirit of peace the empire will assist in the signing of the treaty between these two people," Anakin said.
"With the rebels crippled at Endor it is only a matter of time before they will too sign for peace within the empire. I am a merciful man, I will forgive rebel systems and rewards those that have stayed loyal," Anakin said.
"Some consider this war a war of rights and liberties. Only together can we secure rights for everyone, divided we will fall into anarchy. It is because of these constant threats by separatists and rebels that I am forced to increase security. But the war is almost over, and I have served as your emperor for too long," Anakin said finally.
The crowd gave a yell of protest. "I will continue to be the father of the galaxy, to bring balance to the Force, but there is a threat more powerful than the rebels. It lives outside the boundaries of the galaxy, elusive, and it waits for the day when we will be too weak to defend ourselves. I have decided to explore this threat, and thus I leave the empire in the capable hands of my Grand Visor Sate Pestage," Anakin said.
Sate Pestage stood at Anakin's side. "I will preserve the empire you have built," he promised.
Anakin nodded. "Remember your time ends with the rise of my son," Anakin whispered. "Do not fail me," he told him.
Anakin began signing decrees quickly relinquishing governing powers of Coruscant and the Core worlds to Sate Pestage and the Imperial Centre. "I do not think this wise to hand power to Sate," Ysanne said.
"Are you saying this as a security official?" Anakin asked.
"Certainly, but Sate while loyal is not charismatic. He is not the ideal choice for your successor," Ysanne advised.
"Maybe, but the empire has many enemies outside and within. The enemies of the empire will reveal themselves by opposing Sate," Anakin explained.
"You would sacrifice Sate to reveal the empire's factions," Ysanne asked.
"Of course, and you will then prosecute them. In doing so you help your position within the empire," Anakin told her.