A fleet of fifty Alliance ships patrols the Coruscant system, while the flagship orbits the planet. Things seem relatively quiet, so the crews of the Alliance ships are unprepared when a large number of Star Destroyers suddenly appear out of nowhere.
Aboard the Alliance flagship, Admiral Miara Larte stands at the front of the bridge, looking out the forward viewport. A younger man in an officer's uniform approaches.
"Report, Captain." Miara says.
"Detecting close to one thousand enemy ships, admiral. I don't know how they just appeared so quickly. Our defense perimeter should have picked them up." The captain says.
"Cloaking devices… would make them nearly impossible to detect." Miara says.
"Cloaking devices? On all of those ships?" The captain asks.
"Looks that way. Signal fleet wide red alert, and all hands to battle stations!" Miara says.
"Battle stations? They outnumber us ten to one, and our closest support is nearly an hour away! I recommend immediate retreat!" The captain says.
"No! I will not abandon those people on the planet below! We stay and fight! Communications, put me through to the Chancellor!" Miara says.
Meanwhile, on Coruscant, Ezra Bridger is standing on a balcony of the Jedi Temple. He is looking upward, watching as the massive fleet of Star Destroyers appears.
"So… it's happening." Ezra says.
"You knew this was coming. This… is what has to be." A disembodied female voice says.
"I know, Ahsoka. Doesn't mean I have to like it." Ezra says.
The force ghost of Ahsoka Tano appears next to Ezra. She appears to be in her thirties, and is dressed in a dark cloak.
"I know you don't agree with the plan Ezra, but… this is the best hope we have. You will face Umbra today, and you will lose. But Kira and the others who have been chosen… will survive. They will learn what they need to learn. Then, they will have a chance. One chance… to defeat the Sith, once and for all." Ahsoka says.
"That's why I finally agreed to this plan. I don't like it, but it's the only way." Ezra says.
"Do you have faith in Kira?" Ahsoka asks.
"You know I do." Ezra answers.
"What about the others?" Ahsoka asks.
"I'm not sure about Finn yet. His journey's just begun. I know he could become very powerful, but…" Ezra answers.
"You're not sure about his mental state." Ahsoka says.
"He's doing better, but I don't know him well enough to know how he'll handle that power within him. Will he find balance? Or will it corrupt him?" Ezra asks.
"There's always that danger. Even the best of us can fall." Ahsoka answers.
"He'll be tested. They all will. It'll be hard for them, but… if we manage to pull this off, then… maybe it'll all be worth it." Ezra says.
"You're worried about Kira." Ahsoka says.
"Can you blame me? I know what she's going to have to go through, and I won't be able to be there for her." Ezra says.
"She won't be alone." Ahsoka says.
"I know. Still…" Ezra says.
"You can't protect her forever, Ezra. She's a grown woman now. You have to let her find her own way." Ahsoka says.
"You're right. As usual." Ezra says. Ahsoka puts a ghostly hand on Ezra's shoulder.
"You have your own challenge to face. You should get ready." Ahsoka says. Ezra nods.
The Alliance fleet is quickly overwhelmed, and several ships are destroyed, leaving openings for the Empire to send landing craft to the surface of Coruscant, including a black command shuttle, bound for the Jedi Temple.
The shuttle lands outside the temple, where it is quickly surrounded by the members of the Jedi-Bendu Order, as well as Chancellor Sabine Wren, Juno Eclipse, Zeb Orrelios, Jacen Syndulla, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia Organa, R2-D2, BB-8, Chopper, and the members of Rogue One.
"A command shuttle? This must be the Empress." Juno says.
"She's not on it. I'd feel her." Ezra says.
"Who could it be then? Doctor… I mean Grand Moff Aphra? Damn. That still sounds strange." Juno says.
"Tell me about it." Ezra answers.
"Last I remember, Aphra was loyal to no one. Yet… she's somehow the Empire's second-in-command now." Juno says.
"It's been almost twenty years since you crossed paths with her. Almost ten for me. We don't know how she ended up with the Empire, or how long she's been with them. She could have been playing us for fools back in the day. She wouldn't be the first person to do that." Ezra says.
"True." Juno says.
The boarding ramp to the shuttle lowers, and about twenty black armored death troopers emerge, as well as twenty red armored Sith Troopers, and six red armored warriors that somewhat resemble stormtroopers, but with more intimidating helmets. Once all of these soldiers exit the shuttle, Grand Moff Aphra emerges. Instead of her Imperial uniform, she is now wearing black and red armor.
That armor… looks like cortosis. That means lightsaber resistant. I know Aphra can fight with a blade as well, so we'll need to be careful, even with her lack of force powers. Ezra thinks.
"Star Destroyers are now deployed throughout the system, and we have thousands of troops on the way to the surface. You face a hopeless cause here. Why prolong the inevitable?" Aphra asks.
"Because this is far from over, Aphra." Ezra says.
"Ah, my old friend, Ezra. You may dress yourself in the robes of a Jedi again, but in your heart, you're not really one of them." Aphra says.
"You don't know me as well as you think you do, Aphra. Of course, I guess I don't really know you at all." Ezra says.
"Very true. The archaeologist you worked with years ago was in fact already a loyal servant of the Empire. Of the Sith. But… our dealings are in the past. It no longer matters. Soon, the Empress will be here, and she will destroy you. All of you. Except for… this one. The Empress wants her alive." Aphra says. She steps away from the shuttle, and walks toward Kira.
"You stay away from her!" Ezra says. Aphra ignores him and keeps walking toward his daughter. Ben, who is standing next to Kira, put his hand on his lightsaber.
"No, Ben. I'll handle this." Kira says.
"You must be Kira. I've heard so much about you. The Empress holds you in very high regard." Aphra says.
"I've heard about you as well, Doctor Aphra. Archaeologist. Thief. Umbra's favorite pet." Kira says.
"You're Ezra's alright. Sharp tongued, and short on brains. A shame the Empress wants you intact. I'd like to see what you're made of." Aphra says.
"I'm up for a fight. If you think you can handle me." Kira says.
"You have no idea what I can handle. You may have your Jedi powers, but I have experience and training!" Aphra says.
"It's just you and a bunch of stormtroopers, Aphra! What do you think you're going to accomplish here?" Sabine asks.
"Stormtroopers? You think these are stormtroopers? How little you know! Guardians! Ready weapons!" Aphra says. The six red armored soldiers suddenly ignite the red blades of the lightsabers in their hands.
"Wait… they have lightsabers now?" Zeb asks.
"They have lightsabers now." Ezra answers.
"Before we go any further, there is someone who wishes to speak with you." Aphra says. She steps away from Kira, and returns to the shuttle. Then, she presses a button on the control panel on her left wrist, and a hologram of Grand Admiral Thrawn appears.
"Karabast! Not him again!" Zeb says.
"So, she resurrected you." Ezra says.
"The Empress thought that I might be of use to her, so she gave me life once more. I must say, the years have not been kind to you, Commander Bridger." Thrawn says.
"It's been a long time since I've been Commander Bridger." Ezra says.
"Indeed." Thrawn says.
"So, why throw in with the Empire?" Ezra says.
"For the survival of my people, I will do what I must." Thrawn says.
"I know. So, what's the play here, admiral? Sanam shuru?" Ezra asks.
"T'shar darai." Thrawn answers.
T'shar darai… roughly translated… means double cross. Well, admiral, let's see what you have up your sleeve. Ezra thinks.
"Bold… but effective." Ezra says.
"I agree. It proved to be a most useful strategy at Midaron Prime." Thrawn says.
"What the hell are you doing? We're on the clock here!" Aphra says.
"My forces are positioned to ensure absolute victory, Supreme Hand. There is no need for concern." Thrawn says.
"What… are you doing?" Aphra asks.
"You don't know Chiss culture very well, do you, Aphra? Of course, you always were more of a thief than an archaeologist." Ezra says.
"This will only take a moment, Supreme Hand. We are simply two warriors showing the proper respect for one another, as is the tradition of my people." Thrawn says. Aphra rolls her eyes.
"Very well. Make it quick." Aphra says.
"Ezra Bridger… Since this is likely our final encounter, I will take this opportunity to salute you as a fellow warrior. May you die with honor." Thrawn says.
"Die with honor." Ezra says. Thrawn bows his head briefly, and Ezra does the same. Then, the hologram vanishes.
"Thrawn… seems a little soft for my tastes, but the Empress believes he will be useful to us, and that's good enough for me. Now… let's get on with it. Guardians! Attack!" Aphra says.
The red armored Guardians advance. The Jedi-Bendu ready their lightsabers, while their allies prepare whatever other weapons they have.
"Finn! You might need this!" Ezra says, as he offers his secondary lightsaber. Finn accepts the weapon, and ignites its blue blade.
"Thanks." Finn says. Ezra nods.
"Okay, Ezra. You call the plays here." Sabine says.
"Alright, force users… focus on these Guardians. Pair up. Students… support only. Astromechs, get to the hangar. I want the ships on standby. The rest of you, work on the troopers." Ezra says.
R2 and BB-8 leave. Chopper stays put.
"You too, Chopper." Kira says. The droid emits a frustrated grunt, then leaves as instructed.
As the Guardians get closer, Ezra is the first to advance. He engages one of the saber wielding soldiers. Although the Guardian puts up a good fight, he proves no match for the experienced Jedi Master, and is defeated quickly.
"You felt it, didn't you?" The voice of Ahsoka asks.
Yeah. These Guardians are force sensitive. Not that strong, but just enough to cause some trouble. Ezra thinks.
"There's more. Look deeper." Ahsoka says.
They were… created… on Exegol. Regular troopers enhanced with Sith Alchemy. Ezra thinks.
"Be careful, Ezra. The Empress is using every means at her disposal to achieve victory." Ahsoka says.
That's why we have that crazy plan for Kira and the others. Ezra thinks.
"Correct. It's the only way, Ezra." Ahsoka says.
Then, I'll do my best to make sure it happens. Whatever it takes. Ezra thinks.
Meanwhile, Kira is nearby, fighting two Guardians at the same time with the help of her apprentice, Chana. Kira's blue double bladed saber is in her hands, while her second saber, a yellow double blade, hovers around her in a circle, effectively acting as a shield, which the Guardians are unable to penetrate. Realizing the failure of their attack, the two soldiers turn their attention to sixteen year old Chana.
Chana's never been in a real saber fight! My first instinct would be to have her get to the Ghost, and away from the battle. But, she's probably safer here, where I can keep an eye on her. Kira thinks.
"Chana! Back off! Get behind me!" Kira says. The younger girl breaks off her attack, and gets behind Kira.
"Focus on the one on the left, and when I give the word… force push with everything you've got." Kira says.
"Okay." Chana says.
"Ready… now!" Kira says.
Kira and Chana extend their hands, and use the force to push one of the Guardians back several feet. The soldier loses his footing, and Kira sends her floating saber toward him. The Guardian is unable to block the incoming weapon, and is impaled through the chest. Kira recalls her weapon, and shuts it off as she places it on her belt.
"Thanks, Chana. Now, let's work on the other one!" Kira says.
"Right with you!" Chana says.
Meanwhile, Aphra, still standing near the shuttle, watches as the Jedi-Bendu and their friends fight her troopers and Guardians.
"You rebels put up a good fight, but this is just a warm up! The real fight hasn't even begun!" Aphra says. The Empire's Supreme Hand takes a lightsaber from her belt, and ignites its black, pointed blade.
"Another darksaber?" Sabine asks, upon seeing Aphra's weapon.
"You thought you had the only darksaber? There were in fact several constructed over the centuries! This one… was made by the Empress, and was given to me as a reward for my service!" Aphra answers.
"You don't have the force! What can you do against us?" Chana asks.
"You'd be surprised. People can still be excellent fighters, even without the force." Kira answers.
"Quite correct. I may not have your powers, but I was trained in the saber forms by the Empress herself! On top of that, my armor… is cortosis, coated with the venom of the ysalamiri. Your Jedi powers… will be useless against me! Only the Empress is immune to the force repellent effect of the venom, and she will use her power… to destroy all of you." Aphra says.
"We don't need powers to defeat you!" Kira says.
"I admire your confidence, but I'm not the one you have to defeat." Aphra says.
She's just stalling us until the Empress gets here. A waste of time, but we'll have to play along, because this is how things are supposed to be. Even without force powers, I don't expect Aphra to be an easy opponent. Ezra thinks.
"Luke, Mara, with me! The rest of you, keep working on those Guardians!" Ezra says. He makes eye contact with Kira, who nods. Ezra nods in return, then advances toward Aphra, with Luke and Mara at his side.
"Three Jedi… with no powers, and past their prime? I'm going to enjoy this!" Aphra says.
"Not exactly into the whole modesty thing, are we?" Luke asks.
"Skywalker… you look like shit. Like you've aged a hundred years since the last time I saw you." Aphra says.
"What happened to you? The Aphra I remember… the one I once called… friend… was maybe a little… misguided. Not evil, like you seem to be." Luke says.
"That… was a long time ago, Skywalker! All that matters… is the here and now! That young fool… is gone!" Aphra says.
"I see that." Luke says.
"Enough talk! Fight me! Or run away like the cowards you are!" Aphra shouts.
Ezra, Luke, and Mara engage Aphra. With their force powers unavailable due to the venom coating on Aphra's armor, the three are forced to rely solely on their physical skills. Luke and Mara seem to handle themselves well, while Ezra seems to move a little slower and more cautiously.
I haven't fought without the force in a while. I'm a little rusty. The bad knee isn't helping either. Guess I'm getting too old for this shit. Ezra thinks.
"What's the matter, Ezra? Getting too old to fight without the force?" Aphra asks.
"You're older than all three of us, so what does that make you?" Ezra asks.
"Frack off, Jedi!" Aphra shouts.
The fight continues. Eventually, Luke scores a hit on Aphra's right arm, but the lightsaber blade is blocked by the cortosis and bounces off harmlessly. Aphra laughs.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Aphra says.
Suddenly, a white, round portal appears in the distance.
"No matter. Looks like your time's up." Aphra says.
Well, here we go. This isn't the true Apocalypse. There are things that still need to happen, and not everyone is here that needs to be here. This is just a major step toward that final battle. I know what's about to happen, and I'd like to think I'm ready for it, but… I'm not. I'll just have to trust in the force. All will be… as the force wills it. Ezra thinks.
This story will be going on break for at least a month, as I will be focusing on Episode X, and attempting to continue my slowly progressing Star Trek fic, Years of War. Thanks for reading.