The Gift
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. This is merely a fanfiction. I gain no income from this story.
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Darth Vader stood at a computer console in the Mandalorian Base's cloning facility. All around floated bodies – the hideous, deformed abominations that were Plagueis' failed specimens. Their dull eyes gazed hauntingly forward, fixed on things that no mortal could see.
Their specters did not faze the masked Sith Lord. Instead, Vader inserted a disk into the master computer's receptacle. The monitor lit up with numbers, words, archaic figures and hieroglyphs known to the ancient Sith. Vader stood mesmerized, the eyes of his helmet transfixed on the screen in front of him, deciphering the codes.
His background in mechanics and computers served him well. He leaned over the console and began typing. Within minutes, he had breached the Mandalorian firewalls … he was in control of this cloning facility. He stepped back, reading the giant monitor, the secrets of life and death uncovered by Plagueis now revealed to him in full.
A command query appeared on the monitor, prompting him for his next action. Vader paused, hesitating for a moment. Then, he leaned forward and with a gauntleted finger, pressed the upload key.
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"I picked these out from the terrarium. I remembered once you said they were your favorite."
The Dark Apprentice placed a small, foreign flower into a vase and set it next to Juno's bed. He pulled up a seat and fell back into it. He stared at his former pilot.
Juno was nearing her end, that much was clear. Though unconscious, though completely unaware of the world around her beyond the beeping of the EKG machine, though her face was bathed with sweat, her breathing ragged – in his eyes, she was beautiful.
"I don't know where these feelings are coming from," he said. He leaned forward to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. Her lips moved wordlessly at his touch and for a moment he snapped his hand back as though burned, afraid she would burst up from the bed.
But no. After a moment, her lips stopped. Had she been trying to tell him something?
The Dark Apprentice stood up – he stared at his reflection at a holomirror. His power was already beyond belief, he was on the verge of immortality – and yet …
It seemed so hollow, so empty. He saw himself, filled with all the powers of the universe coursing through his body, crushing everything in his path. Destroying Sidious. He saw himself letting Plaugueis sit on Palpatine's throne, a new Emperor. So what if Plagueis ruled the galaxy – let him deal with intergalactic politics day in and day out. Let the responsibilities of intergalactic governance fall on the Muun's shoulders, what would that be to him? He would be the real power in the galaxy anyway.
So then … why did it suddenly seem so hollow?
He stared down at Juno, his brow furrowed.
"Vader has a cure … he won't give it up … so I will make him give it to me. And if he doesn't … well, the power of Mortis will." He took her hand in his own … her palm was cold, almost lifeless. Her lifeline was running thin.
"All the cosmic power of the universe doesn't mean anything to me if I'm alone … I don't want supremacy if it means a galaxy without you. Vader wanted me to kill my feelings for you, and for a while I thought I did. But I choose my own way now – not the path Vader set for me. With the power of Mortis, I will be my own master. And I decide that I want you at my side." He kneeled. "I will save you, Juno. That you can count on. Everything else – is incidental."
A sudden ringing buzzed throughout the base.
The Dark Apprentice stood up. He knew what that mean. "It's time for departure …" He kissed Juno's forehead. "This time … you will see me again …"
He drew his black cape around him and with a flutter, was gone.
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Plagueis stood in the command center, arms folded, a giant viewscreen before him. Mandalorian troops and officers were busy at various monitors. A corporal approached him and saluted.
"Sir – all systems are ready for departure."
"Good," the Muun replied. "Then we go now. Rally the fleets – we can be certain Starkiller will be there to meet us."
"Yes sir."
The corporal departed to be replaced by Darth Vader.
"Are you ready for the dawn of a new Empire, Lord Vader?"
Vader joined Plagueis and folded his arms. "Do not forget our agreement."
"Yes. Your wife. Restored in the flesh. Not a clone. I have not forgotten, nor would you let me."
"And what of the Rebellion? And Starkiller?
"What of them? We have collateral. Soon they will be crushed under the heel of our young friend and then – we march to Coruscant. To face your old Master."
"You are a fool if you think he has not foreseen these things."
Plagueis turned his head and snorted. "Have you forgotten – as he once clouded the minds of the Jedi Council, blinding them to his movements, so I have blinded him."
"If you think," Vader answered.
"As I know. Have a little faith, Lord Vader. And now – we rise." Plagueis raised his arms upwards, parallel to each other. There was a flare of light, the thunder of boosters. And suddenly … they were moving.
And Vader realized for the first time, with the slightest hint of awe – the underground Mandalorian Base was no base at all.
It was a spaceship.
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Rebel Fleet
In space, the Rebel Fleet had amassed. Home One was surrounded by dozens upon dozens of frigates, blockade runners and escorted by X-wing and Y-wing fighters. The fleet moved into formation – except for a dozen smaller ships that veered to the left. The smaller task force moved into a formation of its own while the larger fleet suddenly streaked into hyperspace.
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Aboard the lead ship in the smaller task force, Bail Organa stood at a viewscreen, watching Home One and the rest of the Rebel Fleet disappear. He shook his head. "There are some people in this galaxy who reason will just not reach." Mon Mothma and Garm Bel Iblis had declined to aide him on his quest for Mortis. They had taken the portions of the fleet under their command and gone.
Pooja appeared behind him, hands folded in front of her. She cleared her throat. "Thank you. I mean that."
Bail nodded. "I happen to owe Starkiller a lot. He saved my daughter on Kashyyyk. And … then me too … I'll tell you the full story one day – if we make it through the night."
"We will." Pooja was resolved.
"And if Starkiller doesn't return -."
"We fight anyway. We stop this madness once and for all, no matter who is on our side fighting with us."
Bail swallowed. "It's not who's fighting with us that has me worried … it's who's fighting against us. And with only a fraction of the full fleet pledging to support me, our odds of winning are -."
"Slightly better," Pooja smiled. Noticing Bail's odd look, Pooja cleared her throat and elaborated. "I have some influence on Naboo … and Onderon. Queen Ashti owes us and owes us big." Pooja turned and began walking away. Bail turned and walked with her.
"You didn't -."
"Your reinforcements should be arriving now, actually."
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Bail could hardly believe his eyes. Rebel pilots waved down several dropships. Several Naboo starfighters docked, led by a few rogue Naboo pilots who had defected from Imperial control. Leading them was an older man, who clasped Pooja's hand.
"Senator Organa – may I present Captain Ric Olie – former pilot to my Aunt Padme. He fought in the battle to liberate Naboo from the Trade Federation over thirty years ago."
Bail clasped Olie's hand. "It is an honor to meet an esteemed veteran."
"You can count on Bravo Squadron, sir," Olie replied. The captain turned, briefing the rest of Bravo team. Pooja led Bail on. "And in case you haven't noticed – some old friends from Onderon."
Korr Sunka, leader of the Beast Riders from Onderon, was unloading weaponry with several other Beast Riders. They opened several footlockers, examining giant rifles. Korr Sunka picked out the biggest gun. "This one." He slung it over his shoulder before giving a curt nod to Pooja and Bail.
Bail couldn't believe this. "You really rallied all these people? You truly are Padme's niece."
Pooja beamed.
Bail watched as the Beast Riders and Bravo Squadron met with Red Squadron. Ric Olie clasped Wedge's hand and introduced the rest of the Bravo team to the X-wing squadron. Red Leader leaned in, said something to Ric, and the two shared a hearty laugh between veterans.
Across the hangar, they watched PROXY and Kaden fueling an X-wing. The two were bickering.
"There are so many people here," Bail commented.
"I told you. Everyone Starkiller came across in his journeys. He aided so many people … guess they figured it was only fair they return the favor. They're with us to the end, Bail."
"I'm with you too!"
Pooja's heart rose at the new voice. There was a silence that rang out over the hangar and everyone looked up in amazement.
Starkiller, dressed in white Jedi robes, Kanto's lightsaber hanging at his side, walked through a door in a brilliant display of light. He was not at all like he was when he left. There was a newfound sense of confidence – inner peace that was not there before. The turmoil inside of him was gone.
Pooja threw her arms around him, hugging him. "I knew you'd return."
Starkiller rested his cheek on her hair. Inner peace he may have achieved, but his feelings for Pooja – now mixed-up with his feelings for Juno – were still conflicted. She looked up into his eyes and could see there was something troubling him.
"What is it?"
He merely smiled. "Ask me again sometime."
"Well then never mind. All that matters is you're here! And … we draw up our battle plan."
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Starkiller stood in a war room, holoprojector in the center. He was joined by Bail, Pooja, Zarbina, Kaden, PROXY, Korr Sunka, Wedge and Ric. Maris Brood was narrating as a holoimage of Plagueis' ship rose into view.
"… and as you can see, the base is actually a starship," Maris was saying.
Bail was stroking his chin. "And it'll be leading his forces to Mortis?"
"You can count on it," Maris replied. "That monstrosity – and a couple dozen times over Mandalorian cruisers. Not to mention their starfighters and Basilisk war droids."
"They'll never let us set foot on Mortis," Bail observed.
Ric pounded his chest. "As Boss Nass once said – 'wesa ready to do oursa part."
Starkiller's brows furrowed. "Boss who?"
"Never mind."
"We'll be dividing our forces," Pooja said, leaning forward. A holoimage showed the Mandalorian fleet. "Hammer Team and Shield Team." She swiped the air with her finger and the images changed – showing the Rebel forces dividing and intercepting the Mandalorian fleets. "Hammer Team will strike head on – Shield Team will have a different objective."
"Which is?" Wedge asked.
"Protect the Jedi," Pooja answered.
There was a moment's silence.
Pooja pointed at the image display again. "Hammer Team is just a diversionary force – divert the enemy's attention towards them. Shield Team will have one job, and one job only – get Starkiller to the planet's surface. At all costs."
Silence again.
"Shield Team will have a high casualty rate," Wedge observed.
"That's why it's on a volunteer basis only," Pooja answered.
"Very well. I volunteer," Wedge said. Pooja smiled.
"As do I," Kaden piped up. Everyone turned to look at him in surprise and he held out his arms. "What? Can't the selfish, no-good slicer turn over a new card?"
Wedge clapped the Twilek on the back. "Knew you had it in you."
PROXY held up a finger. "I suggest the Rogue Shadow be a part of Shield Team."
Pooja nodded. "Of course. PROXY, you and Starkiller pilot your old ship. The rest of Shield Team will be devoted to preventing its destruction."
Starkiller nodded to PROXY. "Just the two of us – like old times."
"How I look forward to it, sir."
Starkiller fixed his attention back on the holoimage of the Mandalorian base/flagship. "And what about Juno? Surely we aren't condemning her to death?"
There was another moment's silence. Pooja smiled. "Of course not. That's why we have a third team. Sword Team – the infiltration unit."
Maris put her hands on her hips. "And who better to lead the infiltration unit – than the one who knows their flagship the best?"
"Maris will lead Sword Team," Pooja answered. "Korr Sunka has also agreed to join them. As will I. We'll break through their defenses while they're distracted, rescue Juno and if we're lucky, even sabotage some of the ship's defenses."
Starkiller smiled at Pooja. "Thank you … thank you for risking your life for Juno."
Pooja held his gaze. The unmentioned tension had been building. She averted her eyes to avoid the awkwardness and turned to everyone else in the room. "The odds … are against us. But that doesn't mean we can give up. If we lose today, at least we lose fighting for our freedom, for our very lives."
The room was silent – she held their full attention.
"This galaxy used to be peaceful. The Jedi kept that balance. Until the Empire drove them to near extinction. For the past twenty years, we've lived under the shadow of the Dark Side. But that ends today. Today – the Jedi make their return known! Today, the Jedi fight once again for peace and justice! We all have had our differences … Naboo, Onderon, Alderaan … but today, we fight together as one! We are not just a Rebellion. We are the Rebel Alliance! This war has divided us for too long! Today, we put that all aside! We stand united! The Sith will show us no mercy! We will give them quarter! They will advance until the last of the Rebellion falls … but we will not fall! We will prevail!"
She was met with cheers.
"Each of us will be defined by our actions in the coming battle! Today, we stop the Sith! On our terms! Today, Darth Plagueis and Darth Vader will finally face justice for their crimes! And after them – Palpatine will face his own day of reckoning! Today, wedecide the fate of the universe! For the galaxy! For the Jedi!"
The audience erupted into cheers. Pooja looked solemnly at Starkiller, before walking out the door.
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"That was an amazing speech," Starkiller said as he entered Pooja's quarters. She wiped her hands at a sink.
"Thank you. I spoke from the heart … but also … this is hard to explain – it was as though my Aunt Padme was there … speaking through me."
"After everything we've been through – I don't find that hard to believe in the slightest."
There was a moment's silence.
Pooja kept her back to him, her head down. "What will you do when you face the Dark Apprentice?"
"I'll do what needs to be done," Starkiller said.
"Will you try to save him?"
"If he gives me the choice … though to be honest, I don't think he will …"
Pooja nodded. "And what of Juno?"
"This whole thing has always been about saving her. From the very beginning. And when I begin a mission – I see it through to the end."
Pooja turned to look at him, tears in her eyes. "And if you do save her …?"
"I don't know …"
"If you kill the other you, that just leaves you as the only man in her life."
Starkiller nodded. "That thought has crossed my mind."
"Has it?"
"What do you want from me, Pooja?"
She held firm. "I have to know – is there any part of you that wants to kill him? Not just to stop him … but is there – anywhere in you – a part that wants him dead and out of the picture so you can have Juno to yourself?"
Starkiller remained silent.
"Please, answer me."
He sighed. "The thought has crossed my mind, yes. But something happened to me on Kashyyyk. Pooja, I saw Kohta."
"You – what?"
"And my parents. And Qui-Gon Jinn. They … kinda knocked some sense into me."
"I'm glad."
Starkiller wiped his eyes. "The part of me that wanted him dead to have Juno to myself is gone. That part of me died on Kashyyyk. Now, I only want to stop him. And save her. I just want her to make it …"
Pooja nodded, accepting his answer. "And …"
"Pooja … things got complicated. Fast."
Pooja turned her back on him. She hesitated. "I hope you do save her … I wish you two a happy life together …"
His hand found her forearm. She turned – he kissed her. She closed her eyes, kissing him back. They broke apart, staring at each other.
"Pooja … I don't know what my feelings are for Juno. Whether they were the result of the cloning process or natural … but I do know I have feelings for you."
"Starkiller …"
He held a finger to her lips to silence her, then held her face up with his hands. She enjoyed the touch of his fingers on his cheek.
"I don't know what's going to happen, or if we're even coming out of this alive. But this – whatever we are – we're going to figure it out."
"And what about Juno?"
He sighed. "If I can save the original Galen … she has the right to decide. She has the right to be with the man she originally fell in love with."
Pooja nodded. Starkiller turned – she grabbed him. "Not that I'll have to live this down or anything -." She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him again. He wrapped his arm around her as she settled into his arms.
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Starkiller exited Pooja's quarters to see Zarbina leaning against the wall, arms folded, a knowing look on her face. "You got your father's charm boy, I'll give you that."
The Jedi Clone blushed. "Were you -."
"Out here the whole time? Yes."
"I -."
"Never mind that right now. You and I need some alone time. I have a gift for you."
"A gift?"
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Starkiller followed Zarbina into her quarters. She had shuffled everything around to allow for a small meditation chamber.
"You're strong, there's no point denying it. You've got my blood after all," she was saying.
"Thanks – I think …"
Zarbina was pacing. She seemed nervous, eager to get something over with. "But your chances of winning – as you are now – are nonexistent."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"Oh come off it. You know I'm right. Even after you regained your connection to the Force – the Dark Apprentice's power is still far beyond yours."
"I don't know what else to do then! I have to face him! I have to at least try -."
"But – I know how to give you a quick power-up. I don't know if it'll put you on the same footing as him … but I can at least try."
"Zarbina – what are you -?"
The old woman turned, arms crossed. "You think he's the only one Plagueis showed how to transfer midichlorians to?"
"I – you want me to steal your midichlorians?"
"No. I gift them to you – willingly."
Starkiller shook his head. "No. I won't do it. You'll lose your connection to the Force -."
"And such a connection is not all its chalked up to be. I see things through the Force. Sometimes things that scare me … and the things I've lived through, the people I've lost … my own sister. Please … I tire of the Force. It's a gift and a terrible burden at the same time. I implore you – set me free …"
"Will you die?"
"No. You'll take just enough to keep me alive."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I wait till you're sleeping and transfer midichlorians to you anyway."
He chuckled. Tears filled his eyes. "Thank you. Thank you, grandmother."
"Oh, you don't have to call me grandmother. Makes me feel so old."
The two faced each other and kneeled down, their eyes closed. Their bodies began glowing …
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Starkiller emerged from her chambers, energized, rippling with Force energy. He stared out a viewscreen. The final battle was upon them. He watched as the stars turned into streaks of light as the fleet under Bail's command streaked into hyperspace.
Destination: Mortis.
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Author's Note: Welp, here it is. We have finally come to last few chapters of the story. Next up is my multi-chapter finale. How many chapters will it be? I don't know – I'm aiming for about three but depending on how much I can get in, I may have to stretch it out. So, what do we have to look forward to in the finale?
· Mortis. As Starkiller met the Force echo of Revan (not the Force ghost!) how much more will Mortis have Force echoes? I won't reveal much but you guys can probably figure out – Starkiller will meet a Force echo of one who once walked Mortis' surface.
· What ultimately is Vader's game? Some may have wondered why Vader switched from Sidious to Plagueis so easily. Vader has an endgame in mind as well, especially spending so much time in the cloning facility. We'll find out he's planning.
· The final battle. Starkiller vs the Dark Apprentice at Mortis. I hope to make it as epic and apocalyptic as possible!
· What is Juno's fate? Can Starkiller save her?
With that in mind, I put together a small teaser with some scenes I plan to include in the finale:
The teaser starts out quiet. We hear the binary sunset them. The words A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away appear.
We open on the Rebel Fleet coming out of hyperspace.
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We see the Mandalorian Fleet. Plagueis stands on the bridge. "Are all things ready?" "Yes, sir." "Good. Today, destiny smiles upon me."
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We see the Dark Apprentice climbing up a mountain – he's carrying something in his arms.
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Pooja stares at the Mandalorian forces ahead. "This is it …"
Starkiller joins her. "My destiny."
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Zarbina smiles at her grandson. "Every step on your journey has led you to this destination. Very soon, you're going to be faced with a final choice … I hope you make the right one … for all our sakes …
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The Rogue Shadow breaks through a blockade. There's fighting all around as the Rebel Fleet engages the Mandalorian forces. "That was terrifying," PROXY says from the cockpit.
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An Imperial Fleet comes out of hyperspace, unleashing scores of TIE fighters which engage both Rebel and Mandalorian forces.
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"That complicates things," PROXY says.
"They won't be able to hold out too much longer," Starkiller says. "Enough is enough, let's finish this!"
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The Dark Apprentice stares ahead, fury in his eyes. Starkiller appears behind him. "I'm not here for you," the Dark Apprentice says.
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Pooja, Maris, Korr Sunka and others race through the Mandalorian base. They break into the med-bay looking for Juno – her bed is empty!
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Plagueis is filled with fury. "I should have known."
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There's silence.
And then …
Emperor Palpatine can be heard cackling.
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The scenes explode in front of us. Starkiller, holding his father's blue blade, duels the Dark Apprentice. His blue blade clashes with the twin red blades – lightning forks down between them.
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Plagueis stands shrouded in darkness. The camera pans around to reveal – Emperor Palpatine. Plagueis smiles. "The old tradition."
Sidious agrees. "Master versus apprentice."
Their hands spit red blades which cross with a stroke of lightning.
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Darth Vader is on the offensive, fighting an enemy with his lightsaber.
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The Dark Apprentice and Starkiller are dueling around a pit.
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Maris Brood is fighting Emperor Palpatine with her wrist-mounted shoto blades. The Emperor has his back to us and stands over her, his lightsaber in hand, slashing across her chest. She collapses and stares up at him, defying him. "Do it if you have the guts!"
Palpatine sneers, and stabs downward.
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The Dark Apprentice is unleashing a torrent of Force Lightning.
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Starkiller, beaten, frayed, and near death is on his knees, cradling Juno's limp form. His eyes are filled with tears. Out of darkness and smoke, Darth Vader appears, standing over them.
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There's a pause …
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Starkiller is in a white void and a figure emerges. His eyes widen. "It can't be …"
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