OSSUS
The training exercise took place deep among the multicolored vegetation that surrounded the ancient Jedi Academy that was home to Luke Skywalker's Jedi Order. Luke had moved his Jedi there from Coruscant about eight years ago to ensure their safety.
At the moment, several long, twisted tree logs and stumps were flying through the forest, with the little extragalactic critters occupying the habitats nearby scurrying for cover..
A small, thin figure leapt off an extended tree branch, landing her feet on a floating log. The brown-haired girl was wearing a training visor that covered her eyes, and held her blue-bladed lightsaber in one hand.
As Kira Solo struggled to remain balanced atop the floating log, a round training remote appeared from the cover of the forest canopy, opening fire.
Kira turned her head towards the rapid fire coming her way and used her lightsaber to bat each bolt to the side until she managed to send one into the remote, causing it to explode.
"Woah!" she cried out as her legs wobbled, nearly causing her to fall off the log.
Another remote appeared from the inside of a hollow tree, firing even quicker.
Kira twirled her lightsaber from side to side, batting away the stun bolts coming from the remote.
Within ten seconds, the remote was damaged enough to go spiraling down from the air, crashing into the grass with a small explosion.
Kira grinned in satisfaction before turning around to slice in half another spherical remote that had snuck up on her.
She looked to the right to see a blonde, similarly- built girl who, like Kira, wearing a visor over her eyes engaged in battle with two remotes on either side. Kira's fellow trainee was also standing on airborne logs manipulated by the Force.
Kira leapt from one log to the next, making her way towards the other girl, who sensed her coming.
Tahiri Veila sliced open one of the two droids while roundhouse kicking the other.
The second remote blasted just past Tahiri's right leg, just before she poked her violet-colored saber blade through its nozzle.
The electrocuted droid slid to the ground against the bark of a deciduous tree.
Kira jumped about five yards onto a branch, grabbing on as she swung onto the next log. Her feet landed perfectly on the floating branch, though she had to put her hand on the tree trunk for balance.
Tahiri ran from one log to the next, preparing to meet her opponent.
Kira assumed a defensive stance as Tahiri jumped onto the log next to hers.
As Tahiri swung her blade, Kira faked right and parried down. Tahiri stumbled to keep her balance, one foot slipping off the log. She rolled over and regained her footing without slipping off.
"Nice move," Tahiri said, panting.
"Then you should see this," Kira replied snarkily, dipping her blade low. Tahiri moved to counter the oncoming strike, but it didn't come in the way she had expected. Instead, Kira dug her saber into the log that her fellow pupil was standing on, slicing it in half.
Tahiri cried out as the log's pieces fell, barely managing to grab onto a nearby piece of tree.
Kira swung again, cutting against the wooden bark so that Tahiri would loosen her hold.
But instead, Tahiri sprang upward, somersaulting onto the same log on which Kira's feet were planted.
Kira couldn't see her fellow Padawan learner, but she could sense that Tahiri was close by.
She backed up as Tahiri inched closer, holding her humming lightsaber diagonally in front of her to block an oncoming strike.
Tahiri hesitated to attack, instead studying her opponent's stance and deciding the best tactical move.
Kira took advantage of the standoff and aimed a kick at the other trainee. Tahiri Force-jumped to avoid the sweep, then used the Force to push Kira slightly backwards.
"Hey!"
Kira grunted as she failed to maintain her balance, instead stumbling from the wooden piece of trunk onto the thin air.
She vainly tried to keep hold of her lightsaber as the metal hilt slipped through her fingers, neatly cutting in half a column of floating tree branches as it hit the grass below.
Before Kira knew it, she too was falling from her perch in the air, through the layers of yellow and orange leaves. She could only slow her fall through the Force as her back hit the dirt with a thud. Kira's visor slipped clean off her face as she landed.
Tahiri looked down with a look of concern on her face, and began to hop from log to log as she returned to the ground level.
As Tahiri ran to check on her fellow Padawan, the logs that had been levitated into the air slowly began to lower until every one was resting on the ground once more.
"Kira!" Tahiri shouted as she reached the other girl. She extended a hand to the fallen Kira, who took it grudgingly.
"You cheated," Kira teased, her face red and sweaty from the rigor of the training exercise
"I did not," Tahiri replied, panting, "I just won."
"I was winning before you decided to change the rules" Kira said. Of course, Kira was not really angry. Tahiri was her closest friend at the Jedi Academy, and this back-and-forth bantering between them was nothing unusual, nor was their mutual competitive streak.
"There's no rule against Force-pushing," Tahiri said.
Two robed figures emerged from the obscurity of the vast tree canopies; these were the two Jedi Masters observing their students undergoing more advanced training than any of their peers.
"You both did a fine job," Grand Master Luke Skywalker said, "Not many have lasted as long as either of you did in this exercise."
"I lasted longer though," Tahiri chimed.
"Don't forget that you are a team," the other Jedi Master spoke up. Tionne Solusar was a dark-skinned woman of middle age, slightly younger than Luke Skywalker, "I hope your girls won't be at each other's throats so much on the field."
"We won't" Kira said with mock resignation, "Besides, we never go on any missions anyway."
"Your time will come soon enough," Luke promised lightly, though with a touch of weariness. "Now, I think it's time for the Jedi to eat."
"Good work out there," Kira said quietly to her friend as they headed back to the Academy through the forest. She clapped Tahiri on the back affectionately, and they exchanged a smile of friendship, "You really were the best one."
"You did a great job, Kira," Tahiri replied, "I know you'll be the last one standing next time.
The adults walked several paces behind their young Padawans.
"They are the best of our students," Tionne pointed out to Luke, "We're going to have to take them on missions sooner or later. With the Coalition getting more powerful, we've had to send out an increasing number of Jedi to assist the Republic forces."
"I know," Luke replied, "But I want to make sure Kira is ready."
"Are you worried about her ability to survive in combat?" Tionne asked.
"Like you said, she's our best student here at the Academy," Luke admitted, "but Kira also has a lot to work on outside of her skills with the Force, or lightsaber combat."
He gazed out into the horizon as they cleared the forest and reached the plains separating it from the complex structure of the Jedi Academy, which was a network of towers connected by bridges and walkways that stood tall among the canopy trees of the Ossus wilderness.
"Are you afraid of her falling to the dark side?" Tionne asked, "Do you think she would turn if she was to go out into battle?"
Luke paused, making sure that Kira and Tahiri were well out of earshot. The two Jedi stood still in the grass as their pupils strode on further ahead, past a cluster of younger students being instructed by Jedi Master Kol in lightsaber combat.
"Kira is very committed to the Jedi, I will give her that much," Luke finally replied, "She is also very eager to prove herself. I just hope she doesn't repeat my past mistakes."
As the two senior Jedi climbed the steps up into the main Academy entryway, the Duros Master Glut Nodlad hurrying out of the stone temple and approached Luke and Tionne urgently.
"Master Skywalker," Glut said, affording the Grand Master a quick bow, which both he and Tionne returned, "We've received contact from the Senate. The Chief wishes to speak with you."
Due to the old age of the Ossus Academy, there was no turbolift system built in, meaning Luke had to take the long way up to the council chamber. He strode up the long, infinite staircase that diverged from the main temple entryway, followed by Tionne and Glut.
The three Masters then hurried down the walkway into a round metal dome perched atop the bridge, which slid open upon Force command.
A few more Masters waited for Luke as he entered the chamber. With a press of the control panel next to the doorway of the council chamber, a holotable rose from the floor.
Master Nodlad activated the channel connecting the Jedi with a group of Republic officials appearing via hologram. They included Chief of State Borsk Fey'lya, Senators Mon Mothma of Chandrilia, Triclops of Nar Shaddaa, Luke's own cousin Pooja Naberrie of Naboo, Horox Ryydder of Gravelex Med, and Grand Vizier Cal Omas.
"Chief, Senators, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Luke asked, barely disguising in his voice that he knew full well the conversation would not be pleasant.
"As you know, Master Skywalker," the holographic form of Fey'lya said, "The galactic crisis involving the so-called Freedom Coalition is growing worse. We are experiencing terrorist attacks in virtually all Republic systems."
"I know full well the wrath of the Coalition," Luke replied, "My Jedi Knights are doing everything they can to protect the people."
"Mere protection is not enough anymore," Fey'lya growled.
"I told them you would not agree to this," interjected Pooja.
Mon Mothma looked similarly disdainful as Luke asked, "What more do you ask of the Jedi Order?"
"It is the sworn duty of the Jedi to defend the Galactic Republic, as it has been for millennia," Fey'lya said, "The Dark Master is known to be a user of the Force and a ruthless leader of the terrorist Coalition. They will stop at nothing short of total war."
Luke cringed at the mention of his former student and foster son, Skyler. He wasn't sure if Fey'lya was accusing him of anything, but he decided to dismiss the notion for his peace of mind.
"Furthermore," chimed in Omas, "It is known that the Dark Master has trained an elite group of dark side warriors to lead the guerrilla forces."
"Yes, we've faced them too," Tionne said, stepping up defensively behind Luke.
"So you'll understand why we are bringing you to task," Fey'lya replied, "Only the Jedi can hope to bring the Republic to victory against the Coalition."
Luke sighed, looking down with his eyes closed. He knew that this conversation with the Chief of State would come eventually, he had long heard of talk in the Senate from Leia about sending the Jedi to fight directly alongside Republic troops. And he knew what his stance on the matter was.
"With respect, Chief, the Jedi cannot repeat the mistakes of our forebearers. We will defend the people, but we will not escalate any war."
"Escalate?" Cal Omas questioned, "How can we hope to win if the Jedi are not leading the charge? Do you think the old Republic army stood a chance without the Jedi generals?"
"The Republic lost the war last time," Tionne said, "because the Jedi were manipulated. We're not privy to let that happen again." She narrowed her eyes at the scowling Fey'lya.
"The Senate is due to vote on a motion commissioning the Jedi as generals of our army," Fey'lya declared, "If the motion carries, you'll have no choice but to take the field and deploy your Jedi into battle alongside our ships and soldiers."
"You'd need our consent even if the motion passes," Tionne argued, "We are no longer bound to the Senate."
"Consider this," Omas's hologram said, "If the Dark Master's forces overtake Republic systems, we'll be helpless. What will it say if the Jedi refuse to do their duty and fight?"
"The Jedi are active on the battlefield, and have been since the incidents on Nal Hutta and Taris," Glut Nodlad pointed out, "We are not escaping our duties to the galaxy."
"But we are losing," Fey'lya said, "Losing because the Jedi are actively avoiding the battlefield and the New Republic will not survive. Our military is young and needs the support of the Jedi. Master Skywalker, the Senate is not asking, they are demanding that you fight with us. If you don't, you are no ally of the Republic."
Luke finally looked back at the hologram of Fey'lya.
"My sister, Master Organa Solo, will be there for the vote as Corellia's Senator. She will present the Jedi's stance on the matter."
"We know that you have the people's interest at heart, Master Jedi," Mon Mothma said in a conciliatory fashion, "Your service to the Rebellion and the Republic have not been forgotten."
"Thank you, Senator," Luke replied, "Chief Fey'lya, you will hear from us on the Senate floor."
Luke then waved his hand to end the communication.
"The Chief can't do this to us," Tionne protested, "He can't threaten the Jedi."
"We will follow your verdict, Master," Glut said, "Our loyalty is to the Jedi Order first and the Republic second."
"I will have to meditate about this," Luke sighed, wearily departing the enclosed dome back onto the bridge.
Inside Kira's quarters, she studied a holomap of the nearby Core Worlds, scanning curiously at zoomed-in images of each one.
She imagined herself flying from Ossus to the nearby capital of Coruscant, firing on the Coalition Syck fighters and blasting them into chunks of gas and fire. She remembered at age thirteen, holding her own against the deadly Hutt Cartel, as well as the minions of the Jedi Hunter over Taris.
Then, with her brother Ben, she had faced the evil leader himself, nearly dying. But she survived, and she knew that the Hunter would not forget. Kira wondered if he was as eager for their rematch as she was. This time, she'd have far more experience both with lightsaber combat and her piloting abilities. And it wasn't just the Hunter either. Kira knew that he now had apprentices of his own, and she was determined to take them all down.
She suddenly turned at the sound of a knock.
Tahiri entered Kira's room, sitting next to her.
"You gotten dinner yet?" the other girl asked.
"Not hungry yet," Kira replied.
"You'll get a chance soon," Tahiri promised, reading her friend's mind.
"I'm the same age my mom was when she fought the Empire," Kira sighed, "Uncle Luke sends all the younger Padawans on missions all the time. I'll bet Raynar's already fought a Sith. Luke just doesn't believe in you."
"Forget about Raynar," Tahiri said consolingly, "Skywalker knows you're good, the best actually. He's your uncle though, so of course he's going to keep you safe."
"That doesn't stop Ben from seeing action," Kira replied glumly, "Ben's on Nar Shaddaa now, with Antilles and his crew."
"You don't want to go to Nar Shaddaa," Tahiri said, "That's one of the most dangerous planets in the galaxy to be."
"Anywhere's better than being stuck here," Kira sighed, gazing out her window.
ORD MANTELL
The Millennium Falcon sailed over the peaks of the Ord Mantell City skyscrapers as Han steered it to the approaching Rogue Squadron.
"Nicely played, kid," Han remarked as Sam's escape pod sailed by, "I'll bet you wish you could land with more style though."
"Come on, at least I got the job done," Sam replied.
His escape pod descended towards the arena-shaped docking bay below the ground level of Ord Mantell City.
Han steered the Falcon alongside the rest of Rogue Squadron as they landed to regroup below.
As the entire party landed, the Falcon's radio blinked, prompting Chewie to switch it on.
"General Solo, we still detect dozens of Coalition ships in our space," Mayor Brackett reported, "Including two Infiltrators."
"Yeah, we're on it, Mayor," Han replied, "My men need to fuel up first."
"Hurry, General, they are surrounding our cities!"
"All right, all right," Han grumbled, switching off the radio. "Why won't he get off his rear end to give us a hand?"
"It only gets worse from here," Leia commented, "The Coalition has dark siders in their ranks now. A new generation of Sith."
"Sith?" Han asked, "Like the Sith Luke talks about?"
"Yes, the Hunter isn't the only one now," Leia replied grimly, "And I think they're on to us now."
As the two Interceptors appeared over Ord Mantell's capital, Han barked orders into the radio.
"All units, lift off immediately. Commander, take A group to the west side, I'll take B group to the east. Chewie, hit the throttle."
Chewbacca obeyed, pulling the lever to instantly launch the Falcon back into the air.
Sam had rejoined McCallum in the Blue Harvest, and eagerly followed the Falcon, but not all the Interceptors were able to take off before being bombarded with grenades from the enemy ship.
"Chewie, take the back cannons," Han ordered, while Chewbacca was already climbing out of the cockpit to assume firing position.
"Help me out up here," Han said to his wife.
Leia assumed the copilot's chair and activated the front guns as the Falcon sailed to meet the incoming volley of fire.
"Oh, does it ever end?" Threepio lamented.
In the control room of her Interceptor, the Twi'lek Talon set her sights on the Republic command ship.
"There's a Jedi aboard that ship," she remarked to the cloaked Shadowguard next to her, "I'll take care of it the old-fashioned way.
Talon picked up the long, moss-covered handle sitting next to her and hurried from the cockpit towards the ramp.
"That big ship's coming towards us," Han observed.
"Why isn't it firing?" Leia wondered.
Down below, local officers were vainly opening fire at the Coalition vessels descending on the city, while artillery cannons fired heavy lasers.
Several Syck fighters were taken out, but the swarm seemed to be endless.
"General Solo, do you read me?" Sam asked from the controls of the Blue Harvest.
"I read you, Commander, but I'm a little occupied with...holy!"
Han gaped as the Interceptor's ramp slid down in midair, revealing a young, female Twi'lek with bright red skin and menacing tattoos.
Observing the dark warrior, Leia sprang from her seat and drew her own lightsaber.
"This looks like a Jedi thing," Han said.
"You got that right, flyboy."
Leia hurried from the cockpit as Talon leapt from the ramp of her ship onto the hull of the Millennium Falcon.
Talon immediately plunged her red blade into the ship, beginning to cut a hole into it.
"Hey, what's she doing to my ship?" Han yelled.
Leia Force-lept through the top hatch of the Falcon and landed with her feet atop the hull, facing the Sith antagonist.
"So, it's Skywalker's sister," Talon sneered, "Someone of value. You'll be perfect for my first kill."
Leia didn't respond to the young Sith, but raised her hand to push her off of the Falcon.
Talon was caught in the chest, screaming as she flew from the Falcon down into the city below.
The dark disciple managed to land on her two feet on the boulevard, where she was confronted by a squadron of Republic troopers.
"Put your weapon down," the sergeant ordered.
Talon smiled at him before cutting through the entire squadron with two strokes of her blade.
The second Interceptor suddenly collided into the Falcon, knocking it off course.
Leia's feet shifted and she found herself flying off of the side. She managed to grab onto the ledge before flying off of the Falcon's hull, holding on as she struggled to climb up.
"Concentrate your fire on the big ship," ordered Sam, immediately targeting the Interceptor.
The Harvest trembled as it was caught by a stray jet of laserfire, skidding against the side of a marble structure.
