Ahsoka Returns – Chapter 10: Peace in Our Time
The battle continues and takes an unexpected turn …
Chapter 10: Peace in Our Time
Jakku, Western Inner Rim, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days, 13 hours
While the battle was raging in the Jakku System, the Four arrived. Ahsoka and Luke on her ship Essence II, while Ezra and Reema were on Mira Bridger. Realizing – via the Force – that Hera Syndulla was also in-system, Ahsoka reached out to her.
"Hello, old friend. I'm here. Ezra is too. Can you meet with us?"
Hera, momentarily startled, quickly recovered, and answered. "Sure, Ahsoka. I'd like to bring you up to speed. Can you dock with the Valiance?"
"Yes, but please come aboard my ship."
A few minutes later, Hera had boarded Essence, after it had landed in the hangar bay of the Valiance. Soon, the Mira Bridger had also landed and was just a few metres away. Ahsoka invited Captain Doza to join them as well. After introductions were made, Ahsoka led off the discussion.
"Hera, my friend, tell us what's going on." Ezra and Reema also paid close attention.
"Well, we are seeing a strange pattern. The ISDs that you see in the theater are remaining rather silent, only putting up token resistance. We've not lost a single fighter, while we've taken out more than twenty of the TIEs."
Ahsoka pondered this for a second, then cleared her throat. Soon, all eyes were on her.
"Hera … are we quite sure that any of these craft are manned?"
The general glanced back at her Togruta friend for a second, then seemed to make a connection in her mind. She thought a bit more, then asked.
"Ahsoka, about a year ago, you and Sabine helped us take out an Imperial vessel in the Ryloth system. I seem to recall the debriefings. Sabine told us that you met almost no resistance."
"That's right," Ahsoka replied, knowing where the Twi'lek was going with it. "Just a few troopers, which we easily dispatched. Then we had no opposition to planting the detonators."
Doza seemed a bit incredulous. "Are you saying they let you just come aboard, plant detonators, and destroy the ship? Do you recall what its name was?"
Ahsoka scratched the top of her head for a second, then remembered. "I think it was something like the Mistreater. Does that ring any bells?"
The captain responded immediately. "It sure does. I served with the captain of that ship. It was Pedlan Deyvius, a fine officer, one who cared greatly about his people. I cannot believe he would have just surrendered like that. It seems something – or someone – else is driving this strategy."
Luke and Ezra stared at each other, neither one sure of what they were hearing, but Reema quickly broke in.
"What if they are trying to suck us in? Maybe they have a much bigger plan that we don't know anything about."
The others stared at the young Coruscanti, who continued. "Do we know who is really in charge here? The Emperor is gone. Who's the new boss?"
Ahsoka then broke the silence. "Whoever it is, that person has a most interesting strategy. Maybe we're overthinking this. What if they are using droids to fly the ships?"
"And they then expect us to spend our energy destroying unmanned ships?" Doza said quietly. "It might be a possible strategy."
"But whose strategy?" Ahsoka frowned. "I can't help but feel we are being played, here."
As the words left her mouth, alarms sounded. Hera leapt to her feet. "Ahsoka – we may get some answers." She picked up her com. "What's going on?"
The response crackled across as she put it on holo for the others to see. "General! Incoming Imperial ships!"
Aboard Super Star Destroyer Ravager, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days, 14 hours
Grand Admiral Sloane turned to her immediate underlings. "Time to execute the next phase of Operation Draw. The Republic has now committed sufficient resources."
"Yes, Madam. We will deploy the weapon." Admiral Saté Pestage responded.
Admiral Gallius Rax whispered in her ear. "Rae, time for us to go to the Arbitrator, per the Chairlady's orders."
Sloane turned to him and nodded stiffly. "Saté, you have the con. Keep me informed. Let me know once fifty Republic ships have been destroyed."
"Aye, madam. It will be done."
As Sloane and Rax headed for their shuttle, Pestage gave the signal to two commanders. They transmitted the orders. Soon, well below the command deck, a rumbling was heard as the bulkheads opened to the outside of the Ravager's center ventral surface. A large structure then descended, one that consisted of a pair of 200-metre diameter barrels that could be aimed at any target in the immediate vicinity. Once deployed, the commanders – one in charge of each barrel – could target and destroy (or do severe damage to) any vessel in range.
"The weapon has been deployed, Admiral."
Pestage checked the display in front of him. The computers had located several targets, Republic ships that were hammering away at nearby ISDs. He transmitted the signatures of three vessels he selected to the gunnery crew. Soon, a huge red laser beam surged across space and slammed into a republic light cruiser, targeting its reactor area. A huge explosion followed and the cruiser had been obliterated, taking with it almost all of the two thousand crew members aboard.
Two more Republic ships followed … and soon Fleet Command had detected what had taken place. Republic supreme naval commander, Admiral Gial Ackbar, had sized up the situation.
"We can't just sit here and take that kind of firepower!" He growled. "We have to retreat."
Aboard Republic cruiser Valiance, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days, 15 hours
Following orders, Captain Doza pushed the Valiance into a retreat and circled behind the planet Jakku. Hera, Ahsoka, and the others had all gone to the ship's bridge and were reviewing what had just taken place.
"Immanuel, you served with them. Where did they get that new capability?" Hera asked, her tone turning somewhat frantic.
"I've never seen it," he replied. "Certainly not on any ship I served on."
"Those lasers are incredible." Luke noted. "Like maybe a smaller version of the Death Star."
"We need to deploy," Ahsoka stated. "No offense, captain, but we're sitting ducks on this cruiser. Our ships can outperform just about any vessel out here."
"You're right, Ahsoka," Hera responded. "We need to deploy all fighters and take these guys on hand to hand."
Things were rapidly going from bad to worse. The Republic ship count had reached 25 and there seemed to be no answer for the Ravager.
As Ahsoka and Luke sped away in Essence, she turned to him. "We've got to take out those guns!"
"How? They're much bigger than our ship!"
She stayed calm, then reached out with the Force. Soon, an answer came to her. In her mind, she was glimpsing the tall lady of the multi-colors. Su … can I do it? Incredibly, she soon had her response. Relax, my child. You have all the power you need.
Ahsoka turned back to Luke. "Get me in position. I'm going to aim the cannon."
She then raised Hera. "General, give me some cover. I'm going in after those guns on that dreadnaught."
"Ahsoka, are you sure?"
"Just do it!"
"Roger."
Soon about twenty X-wings came up alongside the Essence. Their weaving tactics thoroughly confused Imperial gunners and allowed Luke the opening he needed to get within range. Ahsoka then aimed one of her shipboard cannons, and grasped it tightly. All of a sudden, a surging white beam leapt forth from the Essence. It slammed into the side of the Ravager, narrowly missing the massive weapon, but taking out a large chunk of the ship nearby.
Over on the Mira Bridger, Ezra quickly guessed what Ahsoka was doing. Reema looked at him, as if to say, what are you thinking? He sent a wave over to the Essence. Ahsoka opened the com.
"Hey … Ezra, I need you to help. We're targeting those big guns on that SSD."
"Sure. Just tell me what to do."
At this point, the droid SA-1R (Sara) rolled over to Ezra. "Sir, I may be of some assistance. Lock our cannon 1 onto the signal from Essence. The two ships will combine power."
Ezra nodded. "Ahsoka? My droid says we have to work together on the shot. Do you copy?"
Some static, then a reply. "Yes. My R6 unit is now connected in with Sara. Transmitting new firing coordinates now."
"Roger."
The two ships synchronized their navigation as their firing battery systems aligned, then the pair made a beeline for the Ravager. Aboard the massive Imperial ship, little attention was paid to the two smallish ships. A group of TIE Advanced interceptors laggardly approached.
"Ignore them!" Ahsoka shouted. "Our shields will hold!"
Ezra nodded, then glanced at Reema. "Any questions, my love?" He heard himself asking.
"Just one …" the Coruscanti said softly, but didn't specify what it was. Her brown eyes bored into him as she smiled demurely.
A few seconds later, and Sara spoke up. "Sir, R6 on the Essence is indicating we are in range."
Ezra nodded. "Ahsoka – we are ready, Let's do this!"
"Aye-aye," the Togruta replied. "Fire!"
At the command, both ships launched bright white beams which quickly merged into one, but carried with them an exponential increase in power. At the same time, Ravager had drawn a bead on another Republic ship and was preparing to fire. The white beam from Essence and Mira met the larger red beam from the weapon head on, then, incredibly, had somehow absorbed that one as well and reversed it, transforming it to a pinkish color. Soon it slammed back into Ravager, not only taking out the weapon but a good chunk of the ventral munitions bay. A huge explosion was visible, and, all over the ship, alarms were sounding. It appeared much of the guidance systems had ceased to function.
As the crew members of Republic ships saw the display, a cheer went up. Admiral Ackbar quickly responded.
"Resume attack!"
Ackbar had little idea about what had just happened, but he knew an opportunity when he saw it. The rest of the Republic fleet had now arrived in system and there were a huge number of vessels, with laser volleys going in seemingly all directions at once. One by one, the Imperial ISDs in the theater were becoming overwhelmed. Without the Ravager able to back them up, they had no coordinated response, a situation Ackbar and his commanders took full advantage of.
Aboard Super Star Destroyer Arbitrator, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days, 16 hours
Admirals Sloane and Rax had convened after witnessing the damage being done to the Imperial fleet. They quickly contacted Chairlady Santhé.
"Milady, the rebels fired some kind of weapon of their own. It completely reversed ours and now the Ravager is severely compromised," Sloane reported.
Valles soon appeared via holo image. She was smiling broadly.
"How many of their ships were you able to destroy?"
"Over 150, my lady," Rax answered.
"Excellent. What are our losses at present?"
"Significant, but not severe," Sloane responded. "But at least ten ISD are wobbling badly and their guidance has also failed. I don't know who is inflicting this kind of damage but it has been observed to be coming from two small ships."
Valles seemed to pause for just a second, as her expression turned a touch sour, but then her smile returned.
"Wipe them out."
"Yes, milady, it shall be done," Rax assured her.
Aboard Essence II, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days, 18 hours
As Ahsoka and Luke were celebrating their success in destroying the Ravager's super-weapon, she knew better than to relax. Sure enough, they were met by a squad of about twenty TIE-Advanced interceptors, and these weren't manned by droids nor firing blanks.
Luke manned the port cannon and Ahsoka the other, and they were able to take out two of the ships. Their shields were taking hits, however, and she knew they had to take evasive action. Ar-Six was doing a fine job of keeping the ship away from as many of the shots as possible.
"Luke, we're going to need a short jump to hyperspace."
"Aye-aye." He took a seat and started punching in the info.
Ahsoka contacted the Mira Bridger and relayed her plans. Their sister ship was also running into trouble, even though Reema's skill with the cannon was impressive, and Sara's nav skills were as well.
"We're going to make a short jump, Ezra … sending you coordinates."
"Got it, Ahsoka!"
In another twenty seconds, the ships were ready and they made a quick hyperspace leap. Meanwhile, back in the battle theater, the Ravager had been abandoned by most of the Imperial crew members, who were then leaving in shuttle and evac craft. All remaining ISDs that were in flyable condition soon left the system as well.
Aboard Super Star Destroyer Arbitrator, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days, 19 hours
The SSD Arbitrator was, however, still in system. Sloane and Rax again conferred with Valles Santhé.
"So, we are done?" Valles inquired.
"Yes, milady …" Rax answered.
"What of those two ships?"
"From all accounts, they were destroyed." Sloane replied. "No trace was seen."
Valles wasn't so sure. "I'm going to need more than that." She took a breath, then added, "I need all the information we have on them. Galli, you won't be going to the Western Reaches. I want you to come to Lianna instead, via unmarked shuttle. You will assume a new identity, one pertaining to education, and also will become an informal adviser to me after my coronation later this year."
"Your coronation?" Rax asked, trying to stifle a smile.
Valles chuckled. "Why, yes. Don't you think it's time?"
Sloane kept a serious expression on her face, then asked. "What are your orders, my Lady?"
"As we discussed, take the Arbitrator and the remains of the fleet to Zakuul. That planet will become one of my dominions in the years to come. The survivors will settle there and, at some point, we will create a group of ship yards … but no hurry. This chapter of Galactic history is now ending and the Republic victory will be recognized and celebrated. Rae, you will agree to peace terms with Mon Mothma. All Imperial officers will resign their commissions in return for no prosecutions for war crimes. I will be assuming control of the Kuat Drive facilities on that planet as we are merging them into Santhé-Sienar, thus we will become the suppliers of all naval craft for the New Republic in the years to come."
Rae lowered her head slightly in deference to Valles. "And, after the terms are agreed to with Chancellor Mothma?"
"You may retire on Zakuul or wherever you like. Take some rest and know you have done the job well. The Empire will rise again, with a new sovereign, but until that day, we are openly loyal to the Republic."
"Agreed, my Lady."
Jakku surface, 5 ABY, 3 months, 22 days, 7 hours
The surface of the desert planet Jakku was now covered by the wreckage of hundreds of Imperial and Republic craft, and several personnel were there as well, having bailed from stricken ships before they crashed into the ground. Jarek Yeager and several of his A-wing squad pilots had descended to low altitude, looking for survivors. They decided to land and talk things over, when suddenly, a huge boom could be heard for at least 100 km in all directions as the Ravager – now presumably deserted – crashed to the planet surface.
The roar was deafening as Yeager and his fellow pilots covered their ears. As it subsided, he got a signal on his com device.
"Jarek! It's Immanuel. We are picking up survivors from the surface. The Valiance is still operational, even though we took some hard blows."
"That's great, Captain."
A few minutes later, there were several New Republic transport vessels on Jakku, who were gathering up as many service members as they could find. These included members of the now-defunct Imperial Remnant, who were happy to be rescued from the forbidding desert surface of Jakku. It seemed there were no traces of the Imperial ISD or SSD fleet remaining and the battle had ended in victory for the Republic, but a costly victory it was, as perhaps a million casualties had resulted during the day-long struggle.
Soon, both Essence II and the Mira Bridger had re-entered the Jakku atmosphere and were also lending a hand in the recovery effort. As she scanned the planet surface, Ahsoka saw downed ships – both Imperial and Republic – everywhere. She shook her head and rubbed her eyes in disbelief. Her ship touched down and she waited for Ezra's. As the Four reunited with hugs and handshakes outside on the planet's surface, Ahsoka remarked to her companions.
"If I hadn't seen this with my own eyes, I'd never swallow it. I fought in the Clone Wars, and visited many worlds, but never did I see anything like this. You really appreciate the size and scale of Star Destroyers when they are down on the ground."
Ezra had similar observations. "War is so destructive … but maybe we can have peace now. The Empire may really be gone now."
They could hear various shouts of joy and celebration as stranded crew members were found elsewhere on the planet. Local animals were being barbecued and much ale and other libations were flowing liberally. For the many members of the New Republic military, it was time to relax – for the first time in many years.
Reema also looked on with a smile. "It's good to see everybody so happy. I hope it can continue."
Luke sighed as he scanned around. "For me, it's been five long years, that started that day when my aunt and uncle were killed on Tatooine. But what comes next?"
Chandrila, 5 ABY, 6 months, 10 days
The negotiations were swift. Mon Mothma and the leading senators agreed to the terms that had been laid out by Valles Santhé and a contingent of now former Imperial officers had arrived on Chandrila to make the agreement formal. A two-hour session and the details were hammered out. Mothma was fine with no war crimes trials, understanding that most Imperial troops were conscripts and some of the officers had already joined the New Republic, such as Immanuel Doza.
The time had come to present the agreement to the general Galactic public. Mothma had already lined up the votes in the Senate for ratification, so a signing ceremony took place that was broadcast via the holo-vid network across the Galaxy. The agreement would come to be known as the Galactic Concordance, and would re-affirm the basic principles of the New Republic. When it was complete, Mothma gave a short address.
"A new era of peace and reconciliation has begun. My friend, Admiral Rae Sloane, and I have arrived at a settlement that will be the best thing for our Galaxy going forward – so that we may put away the guns of war and work together to improve the lives of everyone in the Galaxy – and know that we have finally achieved peace in our time."
After more remarks along these lines, which were received to polite applause from the gathering on Chandrila, Sloane was invited to speak.
"Thank you, Chancellor. I want to thank you on behalf of all my fellow brothers and sisters in arms that we can move forward and put the past away. Growing up as a little girl on Ganthel, we were often victimized by the lawlessness we encountered on our home world. I joined the Empire and attended the Academy, wanting to be part of an organization that would restore order to the Galaxy. Although many mistakes were made, I think we did a good job in many areas as well. But I intend to support the New Republic and may it be successful."
More applause, and then the two leaders traded kisses – on the cheeks – and then raised their arms together for a photo opportunity that soon would appear on every news feed around the Galaxy.
Lianna, 5 ABY, 10 months, 2 days
A few months later, the Galaxy had started to move forward under New Republic leadership. The new setup made plenty of allowances for local rule among sectors and systems, which was ideal for worlds such as Lianna. As the de facto ruler of her home planet – yet one with near total support, as she had brought ever greater prosperity to the Liannese people – Valles Santhé was making plans to restore the monarchy to her home. A woman of nearly unparalleled intellect, socially as well as academically, she was that rare leader who had the "common touch" and was given to such public displays as kissing infants and honoring local heroes from law enforcement and other first-response professions.
But under the surface, Valles was driven by a desire to rule, and felt inwardly that an imperial structure was still the best arrangement. Only those closest to her knew she harbored these ambitions, and one of them was former Imperial Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax. "Galli", as she addressed him, somewhat affectionately, was more than willing to take the long view and had settled down under a new alias on Lianna. He would now be publicly known as Rockford J Baccus, a professor of galactic history and astronomy, who gave weekly lectures to rapt audiences at the esteemed City University.
One morning, he and Valles were meeting at the urban palace along Palmyra Boulevard, one of the city's most upscale neighborhoods.
"So, milady, is everything set for the coronation?"
She smiled, and swished her black gowns as she seated herself.
"More or less. The people deserve this as much as anyone. They see me as a servant leader."
He chuckled. "How convenient. I must say, if Palpatine had put as much attention to public relations as you have, I dare say he would still be comfortably on the throne."
She laughed in response. "That was never a consideration for him. How shortsighted … but, Galli, how much do you know of what actually happened to him?"
"I only know what people are spreading around. Somehow, he was killed when the second Death Star was destroyed by the rebels. Along with Vader – whom few will miss, by the way – but I should think you might have a different take?"
She scoffed softly. "Galli. You know as well as I do that rumors often contain a kernel of truth. Having met Anakin Skywalker and his later persona as Darth Vader, I knew him to be almost as ambitious as myself."
"Did he carry on well with you, milady?"
"Indeed. I was able to reach him on a different level. I saw a man carrying deep sorrow and in intense pain. Anakin paid me a visit on more than one occasion … I had a way of easing his burden." She sighed. "But now he is no more."
"Valles, I understood some things from my long friendship with Sheev, one of those being the Force – and I know that you are adept in that as well. So, can you tell me who else might still harbor that kind of ability in the Galaxy of today?"
She smiled and her cheeks blushed a little. "Galli," she said in a hushed tone, "far more individuals than may be understood now." She then took a sip from the tea he had poured her. "You are one of the only ones that understands my own capacity in this area, because I know that you have some affinity as well. The Galaxy at large may believe it's all superstition, which is actually in our favor."
"My Lady, I am proud to stand at your side. Looking forward to seeing your reign begin on this fortunate world that your esteemed grandfather did so much to help make it as it is today. A wise and gracious queen you shall be."
"Thank you, Galli. I am looking forward to the pomp that surrounds the occasion. The people will be inspired by it as it is my desire to uplift the heart of every Liannese."
She then stood majestically and the train of her gowns followed as she stepped over to the large window that overlooked the lovely gardens some fifteen levels below. In the distance, the gleaming Santhé Tower – a 215 story structure – towered over the city. She glanced at it, then turned back to Rax.
"To a new era … may we all realize our dreams."
To be continued …