Well we got the chapter up late Sunday for us. So it's still Sunday. :)
The delay originated mostly from it being kriffing long. So forewarning we tried our best with the typos, but if you find any please PM me.
Birthday
Leia looked at the blue sky and the tall mountains of her homeworld of Alderaan. Everything was peaceful and calm, just like it was supposed to be. A soft breeze pulled at the hair secured in her buns, and she smiled happily. Scattered in the ground around her were her dolls, one holding a toy lightsaber she had fashioned.
She picked up the figure she had dubbed as a Jedi. "In the name of the Republic, I will save these people. They will not suffer under your tyranny any longer."
A gnarled piece of oak then shook to reply, "I am the Emperor! Nothing will stop me."
A branch snapped behind her and she spun around in surprise, a man around the age of her father stood there, cringing. She observed him for a moment as he stood there very still in his crisp uniform. He stood out like a sore thumb against the background of lush scenery.
Glaring at him boldly, she stood up. "Who are you? This is my meadow!"
Something briefly flashed across his face, before it was replaced with a false smile. "I'm sorry, child. I didn't know anyone would be in this meadow. So what's happening here?"
She narrowed her eyes. "I'm playing," she said slowly.
He smiled at her, asking, "Can I join?"
Leia's brown eyes narrowed as they regarded the stranger. "Sure…" she looked at him and pointed to the dolls, "That's the Jedi and his rebel friends," she gestured to some brown lumps of fuzz, "Those are the oppressed wookiees," pointing to the gnarled piece of oak, "That's the Emperor. The Jedi is going to beat him up, because he's a meanie."
The false smile fell and the stranger pulled out his commlink. "This is Agent Darwin, I need a squad. Tell Agent Keathrow that he has permission to arrest the royal family. I will be bringing the child."
Leia stood up in shock, he wasn't good. The false visage transformed into an ugly one. Dark and murderous, he lunged forward to grab her. She stumbled backwards trying to evade the grasp, but then he caught hold of her and a storm of white troopers emerged from the forest, cuffing her hands.
They dragged her along with them, back to the palace. Vainly she struggled, trying to free herself. They emerged from the forest and the palace revealed itself, standing proudly and surrounded by Imperial ships. In the atmosphere, she could make out the faint outline of a Star Destroyer. More stormtroopers crowded outside of the palace, and they dragged her to the biggest clump of soldiers. A hissing sound greeted her ears and the men diverged from her path to reveal the object of their interest.
Standing in the center was Darth Vader, a crimson lightsaber in his hand and her parents lying in front of him, dead.
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-4-2; 17:12]
[FROM: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]
Hi Han,
How are you? I figured I should let you know that you're going to be told soon that you're being pulled out of negotiations due to internal matters that require your attention. You're welcome. So, I managed to book The Dagger for Ben's birthday dinner. He loves that place, or I hope he still does. I've also took the liberty to invite some of his friends from home. All Luke needs to do is bring Ben and the rest of his students.
What do you plan on getting Ben for his birthday? I'm still wondering myself as he hasn't mentioned wanting anything. I wonder what he'd need. Any suggestions? What do boys even like at his age? I can't ask Luke; he'll tell me that he was always about getting more fighter models. I don't believe Ben is that enthusiastic about ships, thank the Force. At least if he's not flying it. Can you imagine having a kid running around who always wants to go flying, or trying to build his own speeder in the garage where it will definitely blow up? I suddenly feel very sorry for Luke's aunt and uncle. I find his excitement tiring nowadays, and he's an old man! Ok, not that old, but we are getting on in our age. Also, please run your gift by me so I can make sure it is appropriate for a ten-year-old.
Speaking of age, I had another one of those dreams. I really should be over them by now, but they come back over and over. For once it wasn't about Alderaan's destruction, although I've had this particular dream since I was very young. Lately, Vader shows up at the end. I once talked to Luke about the dreams and Vader. He had the audacity to tell me that I need to forgive Vader for the dreams to go away. Forgive the man… He wasn't even a man, Han, not ever. He was a monster that relished destruction, a machine that followed orders without hesitation or remorse, and an interrogator who broke his victims without a care. How am I supposed to forgive someone like that? Even if he's technically related to me by blood, how can I be expected to somehow forget who he was?
Love,
Your charming wife
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-4-5; 19:34]
[FROM: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]
Hi sweetie,
How's life going on the frontier? Fought any space beasts yet? Things finally seem to be slowing down at the home front. Perhaps I'll have a week of peace without the First Order causing some sort of trouble. (Though it is almost suspicious how well behaved they are.) Did your Force powers ward off the First Order so you can have a relaxed birthday?
Out of curiosity, anything you find yourself wishing for? Maybe I could ask Uncle Luke to accommodate your requests for your special day. He is perfectly willing to be your uncle at least for one day out of the year. How have birthday celebrations with the other kids worked out?
In regards to your father, you should definitely apologize. I imagine he's a bit gloomy thinking his only son hates him. I'm glad that you still love him. You still love me too, right Ben? Sometimes your dad acts without thinking, and, unlike your uncle, us mortals succumb to fear. Are you becoming a Jedi who will transcend us and move into the realm of calm precision?
Unfortunately I won't be able to send you a happy b-day message on your birthday as I will be preoccupied. It can't be helped, so know that Mommy loves you and still hopes that you'll have the best birthday. Study hard and have fun in the meanwhile.
XOXO,
Mom
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-5-2; 17:09]
[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]
Hey kiddo,
I know our last conversation didn't end particularly well, and you didn't get a chance to fully respond in that last message, but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. Being your dad is an adventure, and I don't want you to feel bad because I mess up sometimes. I really am sorry.
How's it been since we talked? Uncle Luke teach you any new tricks? I know that it can be hard around there at times, but I know you'll make the best Jedi ever to come out of Luke's training. It's got to be a real fun time out there. Learning is one of the best things you can do. (Learning boring stuff is annoying. Jedi stuff is some of the cool stuff if I know anything.)
You miss anything you can't get out with Luke and the other Jedi from back home? I know there was plenty you couldn't take with you, but I've just been thinking about if you ever get a chance to come and visit us. I know your mom (and me and Chewie too!) would love to get to see you and embarrass you with mom-hugs in front of all your cool Jedi friends. We haven't moved much of your stuff, none of it in your bedroom, so you could just come pick up where you left off if you come home for a little while.
I love you so much, Ben. I will always love you. You're my favorite son and my best co-pilot-in-training ever.
The galaxy's coolest dad
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-6-1 2:22]
[FROM: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Luke Skywalker, DID JDI-2356126T]
Luke,
Please give me the option to tell Ben in person about Vader. Yes, I can't shield him from the truth about how his grandfather is a monster forever, but let me break the news slowly. At a pace that I can control. I hope everything works out for Ben's birthday, and that you can bring all the kids along. I've been cleaning out my schedule for weeks to make sure that nothing would happen on this particular day. I should not even get any messages until the next afternoon, just to be safe. It hasn't been that long since we've last seen Ben or you, but I look forward to seeing two of my boys again. It is lonely being here without Ben.
Love,
Your sister
P.S. I do hope to talk to you face-to-face soon instead of in delayed messages.
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-6-5 1:13]
[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;
TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]
Dad,
I know we didn't talk a lot since the argument. I really didn't mean to get as angry as I did…I still love you a lot, Dad. I don't want to argue I want to be able to be myself around you. I'm sorry too I'll try to not get so mad as easily.
I've been training more, learning to use the Force to calm my mind. Yesterday I even managed to clear my mind for five minutes, right at the end of meditation. Normally I end up thinking about games or something, but I actually thought about nothing for awhile. It was weird and different. Meditating is really relaxing. I'm also getting better at levitating stuff and using the Force in general. I don't know when Luke will let me get a lightsaber, but some older kids talk about how getting at least your first lightsaber is an experience more than anything else. I keep wondering what they mean by that.
I don't really get new stuff here like I can at home. Any toys or books or games Luke has are always shared and I can't exactly buy the newest games even if I could get them virtually at home. Maybe if I get to visit home for my birthday I could buy some games to play when I get free time? And a holovid or two to watch with the other kids from time to time. That would be nice. Not all of them have nice moms and dads who can send them off with holovids, and I could try to make more friends if I had something to share.
My room at home must have a whole inch of dust by now. Maybe I can use the Force to make a dust monster and chase Threepio with it. That'd be funny.
And if I get to go home I definitely have to get a flying lesson! There's not enough time here for Luke to teach us all to fly, so I want to do that with you since you don't get to come here with me. I love you Dad.
-Ben
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Status: Delayed, Arrived: 25,066-5-7-2; 2:15
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-6-4 18:52]
[FROM: Luke Skywalker, DID JDI-2356126T;
TO: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A]
Hey sis,
I'm so totally calling you that from now on. You're probably going to hate it, but it's better than Your Worshipfulness. So, I took my time with this message, but we're so coming over. I hope you have enough stuff prepared to feed all my kids. Lately I've been calling them that more. Watching them grow older and have tantrums and hug you randomly definitely makes them your kids to some extent.
Have the galaxy quail under the threat of Luke Skywalker's kids! I mentioned this to Ben (ghost Ben) the other night and he just looked at me in horror. Apparently it is terrifying to imagine me running around with a lot of kids. Well, I guess when thinking about Father it could be terrifying. Personally, I think the whole situation is amusing.
We got a new recruit yesterday. Perfectly adorable, she is. I think she is a she. Maybe by the time we arrive she won't be a she. Basic is too limited at times. She gets along with Ben pretty well so far, probably because he finds her antics amusing. They're going to turn into a super pranking team, I just know it. May the other kids tremble in fear.
There's some things I'd like to talk to you about in person, mainly the letter sender. I'm considering upping security measures to include incoming messages. This could be problematic for emergencies, though, so I need to consider the pros and cons. I suspect that the current system is compromised. I also asked my students if they knew anything about the sender of these Snoke letters. It turns out there have been multiple letters sent that have the same security access code, but different DIDs. I respect my kids' privacy, so I will not go searching through their inboxes, but it seems that the letter sender has a hold on my kids deeper than I thought or assumed.
Talk to you soon,
Luke
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-8-1 7:32]
[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;
TO: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A]
To the wonderful and beautiful owner of this old smuggler's heart,
Kriff, thank you. I'm not sure how much more of this diplomacy talk I can take. These are the times I'm so happy to have a wife who runs the world. Or at least this one. Internal matters are my favorite, they usually involve looking tough and spending time with the galaxy's smartest senator.
The Dagger has been that kid's favorite for years, I'm sure a few months haven't suddenly changed his taste buds. We're going to be feeding a small army if Luke brings all his students, so we might have to book out the whole place. I know he misses his friends at home. Let's just hope he and Kylo don't get any smart ideas because they haven't seen each other in so long. I'm going to get him a game or two, mom-approved of course, a book on flying, no not written by me, and a pilot lesson in the Falcon, provided that he make sure all his friends know to keep their hands off. Because you know they'll want to jump in if the birthday boy is as well. And Luke's aunt and uncle are saints for not going crazy on that desert junkyard with all that crap raising Luke. Why did he want to build his own speeder anyways? Cheaper to buy one and fix it up.
Luke has some magic power from the Force where he can stay nineteen for fifteen plus years without breaking stride. It's how he teaches all the mini Jedi, probably.
You should sit down with Luke and make him listen, hun. He's not going to listen unless you stop him and sit him down and tell him about what is wrong with his mindset. He's the forgiving type, but he didn't grow up when Vader was becoming Vader and he didn't see the destruction of his homeworld due to Vader's actions. Leia…his soul is kind and forgiving and all that lighthearted kriff, but he doesn't see why you are incapable of forgiving him. I don't care if he stuck his [REMOVED] somewhere, that doesn't make him your dad. I certainly don't have parents to speak of even when I wanted them to be. Luke is too good, and you need to get him to see that being twins doesn't make you two the same. And besides, whoever your bio dad was, his name was not Darth Vader. And frankly, you don't need to know his name. He didn't think about you when he destroyed lives of everyone, even himself. That's no father.
Talk you soon, much much adoration,
Han hasn't-been-Solo-in-years
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-9-1 19:15]
[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;
TO: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A]
Hi Mom,
So sorry it took me so long to reply… Training has been crazy and when I did get time I took your advice and I said sorry to Dad. I sent him a letter with a big section just about how sorry i was. It's getting harder for me to have time to write to you and Dad. Whenever we have free time it always ends up in social time or meditation or something else. I didn't even remember I had this letter to write except at dinner a couple of others were talking about letters home.
I mostly wish that you could be here too. I miss you so much, Mom. I want to be able to give you lots of hugs and be closer to you and why do you have to be all the way back on Coruscant. Like I told Dad, I think I want some holovids more than anything else. It's something I can share with everyone else since we've spent so much time trying to get to know each other better now. And maybe some games for my Exma, since I have kind of played and replayed all the ones I already have there.
I'm not that good of a Jedi just yet, I still have to work on it if I'm gonna be that good. I think Luke is probably good at pretending he doesn't feel stuff as much. Like I said, I did a big apology to Dad. And I love you so much, Mom.
It's okay. I know you're really busy. I'll remember what you said. And you were there for nine other birthdays right? I'm sure we'll be able to holo next year. I hope that I get to do something fun on my birthday anyways. Maybe the other kids are planning a surprise party. Love you, Mommy.
Ben
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-6-1-2 19:15]
[FROM: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]
To a little bit too Solo lately,
You're arriving tomorrow so I'm quite glad. I was wondering if you could pick up some things for me. I need some more streamers (there's a shortage here who would have thought) and I need you to pick up some more C78 Liquid Cloro packs as well as some Gel 92 packs. Can't seem to find them in any stores nearby and considering how large this kriffing planet is it is sort of impossible. Actually the Senate just increased tariffs on imported goods, so be a good smuggler will you?
See you tomorrow. I think Ben is a bit preoccupied lately. Good, this will be a great surprise. Can you imagine the look on his face. Okay, I'm a little evil saying I wouldn't be able to send a message on his special day, but this party is going to be awesome.
Despite planning being so stressful, I can't remember the time I had this much fun. No Han, I was absolutely miserable when you tried to decorate Ben's room. I was panicking because you were doing worse than me. Nope, the days lately have been quite good. Only a minimal amount of death threats and blackmail letters sitting in my inbox. Maybe I should forward them to Luke? Would be funny if he tracked them down.
Not signing this letter,
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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-6-1-2 19:15]
[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;
TO: Leia Organa, STR-3876651A]
Mom,
Why is everyone being so quiet lately? I used to have messages in my inbox every day. I'm really hoping you aren't mad at me. Sorry anyway. Please reply.
Wish me Happy Birthday tomorrow,
Ben
Ben stared at the cockpit again where Uncle Luke was guiding the shuttle. Things didn't make sense at the moment. His uncle had announced earlier today that everyone should pack their bags with no explanation. The Force was calm, placid, and quite devoid of disturbance, so their hasty departure wasn't the result of an emergency. It didn't make sense.
He muttered angrily and slouched back down in his seat, crossing his arms. It was his birthday, his parents were too busy, and he was stuck in a chair flying to who knows where. Maybe it was a test because a Jedi wouldn't be upset. The idea didn't help that much, it was still his day and he hadn't received a single Happy Birthday comment, not even from his own uncle, who'd had plenty of chances.
Turning his head to the glass panes, he watched the stars swimming by in nice squiggly lines.
"Strap in everybody, we're coming out of hyperspace," Luke's voice rang through the intercom.
The few other initiates who had wandered around in boredom hurried back to their seats. Ben smiled happily and look out of the viewport, prepared to see the first glimpse of their destination.
The ship shuddered and growled, the swirling lights stopped, and Ben was faced with a wall of twinkling stars. They appeared to be in the middle of nowhere. Disappointed he leaned back, but his attempt at sulking was cut off by excited shouts as the ship banked to the right.
Where space had first shone, the viewport was now filled with golden lights. Ben knew those lights; he had watched them before from the Falcon. Home… He was home.
The ship began to descend and Ben smiled as he saw the familiar realm of Coruscant. The shuttle moved gently through the traffic, moving with swift precision. Traversing the death trap known as Coruscant traffic, Ben could see how his uncle was a good pilot - no, a great pilot. Nobody could move with that much ease, not even his father.
A tower rose in front of him, but, unlike the other ones, he knew which one this was. He was going home! A dark pit grew in his stomach though as the shuttle landed gently. Perhaps he wasn't going to be a Jedi since he had gotten into a fight. Maybe this was him getting a send-off back home. Worst birthday present ever.
The door slid open revealing the unusually bright world of Coruscant, and his parents standing there, smiling happily. They weren't disappointed.
"Surprise, Ben! Our little Jedi!" his dad shouted out enthusiastically.
Uncle Luke walked up behind him and gave a firm, but gentle push to his parents. Returning back to reality, Ben felt a smile growing on his face.
"Mom, Dad!" he shouted, running forward.
Strong arms from his father enveloped him, giving him a bone crushing hug. His mom was there, more gentle, but sure of herself as she wrapped him in a hug and whispered, "Happy Birthday, my little Ben."
Besides him, Chewie roared out his own greeting, setting a heavy paw on Ben's shoulder. He winced at the unexpected weight, but smiled back. "I missed you too, Chewie."
To the side of the docking bay, Ben witnessed the amusing sight of Threepio trying to run with his knobbly knees to Artoo.
"R2-D2, it's good to have you back." The voice of the protocol droid carried over and Ben had to stifle a grin as Artoo whistled shrilly. "Why I'd never. Take that back, Artoo… I can't even remember why I missed you… Oh, you missed me. Well, I do miss you… Oh, you good for nothing piece of scrap metal."
Unable to contain his amusement Ben let out a loud laugh as he watched the droids bickering, only one side comprehendible for him. He only got the gist of Artoo's wild whirring and beeping.
"I missed you," he whispered and buried his head in his mom's arms.
"Oh Ben," she replied, stroking his head, "We did, too. Come on though, there's a birthday party for waiting for you."
Ben nodded and looked around to see the various other initiates staring at him with mischievous faces. They had known, all of them had known! All of the supposed "surprise" trip was just for him. This was for him.
As they went to the restaurant, Ben saw some of his friends from home gathered outside, including Kylo. "Hey!" He exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement as he began to dash towards the group there. A couple of the Jedi trainees followed him, and the three adults and the Wookiee exchanged amused glances.
The reunion of friends was followed by the arrangement of a table setup so that Ben was the center of attention. He was so happy, so glad that he was being allowed to be home. The group dissolved into conversations, snacking, more chattering, and the meal. No one was in a rush, they were all just enjoying the day together.
should've expected that her moment of peace wouldn't be allowed to continue, but she'd been much too happy seeing Ben again to even consider her work at the moment. Sadly, her bubble had to be burst by her job as one of the most important people in this system and quite a few others.
Her comm blinked on, trying to get her attention. She had to leave her son's side, stepping out of the way and tapping the button to listen to the person on the other end. The image of one of her fellow senators popped up, quickly saying, "Senator Organa, we need you to join us for an emergency confrontation of the First Order. They bombed one of our non-militant planets less than an hour ago and have already avoided contact."
"I'll be there soon. If you give me enough time to explain to my son why I have to leave." She paused, lips pursing, eyes focused on the hologram standing on her wrist. "It's his birthday, you know. See you momentarily."
With another blink, the link was severed. She didn't want to hear any more words from her colleague when she was already being forced to abandon the one occasion she was allowed to see her son. Her feet carried her back to him, seeing his smile and hearing his voice chatting with his old friend Kylo and his new friends from the New Jedi Order. She put a hand on his shoulder, and the young Jedi turned his head towards his mother. She told him, with a disappointed glaze over her eyes and pressed into her lips, "Ben, sweetie, Mommy's got to go deal with some work. I'll be back as soon as I can. Do you think you can be a good host while I go deal with big problems?"
Ben decided to try and pull on a brave face. He knew his mom didn't want to leave…right? He knew this was just because her job needed her so much…right? "I'll make sure everyone has a lot of fun. Promise you'll be back in time for cake and presents?"
"I promise. Thank you for being such a trooper." She leaned and lovingly placed an embarrassingly large mom-kiss on his forehead. "I'll be back before you know I'm gone."
With that, and not another word, Leia stood up straight once again, turning and walking directly towards the exit of the room, wanting this situation handled sooner rather than later. Her pace was quick and decisive, and she finally made it out of the building and onto her speeder. A practiced motion sent her flying off towards a ship that would take her to the Senate building, where she would take the lead in demanding to talk to the First Order and get it over with in time to cut cake and serve it to her now ten year old son.
As the speeder whirred in the wind, she considered what she'd have to learn to make a good opening statement. Specifically, what was the attack? Who had been injured? Was anyone other than the Galactic Senate getting involved in the aftermath? What were the official claims of the First Order of their intentions and execution of this attack?
Before long, she'd stopped in front of the ship where two other senators were boarding to be taken to the main bulk of the Senate. This was obviously an issue that had not only been brought to her attention. Of course not, she remembered, this was business for a Senate. Even though the New Republic had been established for ten years, she still wasn't used to the idea of a senate in the way the Galactic Senate was as a republic. It still felt so new, so unpracticed. Yet there was no alternative and she wouldn't settle for anything less, not after having fought all her life for democracy.
"Senator Organa?" R'vinr intruded on her private thoughts as she walked up into the transport, "Mind if I have a word?"
"Of course. Something bothering you?" Leia replied, glad to be out of her own mind for a moment and listen to a colleague. Besides, it probably had more to do with the situation than her own grievance about her family.
The Selkath man, who was admittedly not much younger than Leia herself, asked, brow furrowed and expression grim, "Do you think this is a formal act of war or something more random, less malicious? I would never trust the First Order, but this choice of action is…risky and unprecedented. It seems a royal family from the Dustig sector was going on a negotiation mission, but the Order caught them before they entered the independent system not far away from the Triellus trade channel. That's all I was told"
"I think there's more going on than we know, unless the Order made an alliance with that system with no public approval. There's no way this wasn't a political statement, but stating what is the question at hand."
"They'll need to address the Senate, and maybe we'll get to the bottom of this without starting a new war."
"We can both hope for that, Senator R'vnir." The inflection of "RUH-venehr" was always caught on Leia's tongue, yet she still managed to make it sound polite and official. A lifetime of training had finally caught on as she was hurtling through her 30s. "The New Republic is still young, and we need to prove that we're not going to tolerate any behavior that even semi-resembles the Empire."
Their talking ceased, though serious expressions exchanged said almost just as much.
It wasn't much longer until the two of them were unloading from the ship and walking to meet their fellow senators. Murmured mumbles were exchanged between many of them, but each Senator tried to hurry to their pods to collect in the senate chamber.
Mon Mothma stood at the head of the chattering senators. "SILENCE," a voice echoed throughout the room and the talking came to a halt. "We've received a holo transmission of exactly what happened and is happening starting less than two hours ago. I ask the Senate to remain silent until the completion of the recording we've already received."
Many nodding heads rippled through the crowd, and the large image projected itself into the center of the room.
Republic Probe Droid: Transmission (Time), Recording
…Info…
Date:
Weather Reading: Calm, light solar flares
Position: Colonies, Quadrant K9, Position IV
Nearest Planet: Vakkar
At first the space was calm, black with the twinkling lights of distant worlds. Then a cruiser dropped out of hyperspace. It hovered in space for a moment, not moving and then it began to turn, banking to the left.
Scan detected
Initiating cloaking
Avoided detection
The cruiser hung there for a moment, internal processes occurring that the droid wasn't privy too. Then the image flashed green as a plasma bolt was fired. Nothing occurred. And the ship disappeared.
Suspicious activity observed
Waiting
"Fast forward five minutes," the leader said to the recording, sending the almost-still image forward to when the actual action continued.
A Star Destroyer suddenly dropped out of hyperspace occupying the previously empty realm. Its surface glowed with activity and small TIE Fighters emerged from the hull, swarming across the empty space. They fanned out around the Star Destroyer, settling into a Twin Formation. Six groups of TIEs flew alongside the Destroyer and protected it from possible attacks. The Star Destroyer itself was a monstrosity from the age of the Empire. The ships moved farther into space, and the view camera zoomed in on them.
Hyper-waves pulses detected
Hypothesis: Gravity well being established
Gravity well established
Code Red, begin streaming
A burst of violent light shone across the camera and a Diplomatic shuttle was pulled out of hyperspace. The Star Destroyers surrounded it as it opened fire. It was quickly eliminated in a flash or orange. The numerous lifeforms aboard the Diplomatic shuttle were dead. The droid though continued to read a gravity well and the intention of the attack was revealed when Binary Dawn dropped out of hyperspace.
Leia was speechless and barely taking in breath. This was the type of attack the Empire would stage, the type that she rebelled against in her years of fighting.
A lone shuttle docked at the cruiser and then left again. Then it returned to dock again and left. Twenty times it did this before the cruiser was destroyed by a barrage of fire from the Star Destroyers.
The ships vanished again, space was quiet.
Suspicious activity ceased
End transmission
"This is an outrage!"
"How can they justify such a specific attack on Republic values!"
"Our senate was willing to work with them, but they've spat in our face!"
"This means war!"
Mon Mothma, standing in the center of the room, once again projected, "SILENCE." And they quieted, if for a moment.
Leia stood and began to speak, not giving Mon Mothma another chance to address the Senate before she had a chance. "My fellow senators, we cannot allow this outrage to continue while we are still a peaceful galaxy. This Order violated the peace that has been ten years in the making. We will not let it stand."
Many of the others cheered for Leia's words, though Mon Mothma herself looked frustrated at Leia speaking out of turn. "Senator Organa has a point," the woman said, trying to retain control of the Senate, "And we must act swiftly if we are to stop this from going unpunished or repeating itself. We must reach out to their leaders and solve this before it erupts into a war that none of us want."
There was vocal complaints, as always. What if something happens, what will go wrong? What if they want this to be an act of war to throw the young Republic into turmoil?
"There is no point in fathoming what will or won't happen. We must see this through, and at least try to achieve peace. If not, it will be an act of war not only against the First Order, but against many systems who see them as a source of stability while we still recover from the Empire's reign," Senator R'vnir proclaimed in an effort to pacify the rest of the Senate and get them to agree. "For every second we debate what ifs, the First Order has another chance to antagonize us. We must speak now."
The leader once again clicked on the screen in front of her, and she announced that it was time to begin the negotiations. "You all know how this works. We must come to an agreement if there is to be peace. We will not compromise innocent lives."
A holo image of a general popped up in front of all of the senators, as well as in the center of the chamber. It began speaking, voice not befitting the appearance but seeming the type used to being listened to. "Galactic Senate, I hope you can all forgive this misunderstanding of a situation gone wrong. Our actions were never intended to be harmful towards the spread of peace across the galaxy, but they were in the name of our own attempts at an alliance that your vessel got intercepted by."
Another senator began speaking, voice full of barely-stopped rage. "How can you claim that this was in the name of peace? Your Star Destroyer obliterated a diplomatic vessel still carrying all the occupants. That family aboard was in no way connected to our military. They were going to perform talks of an alliance. And you claim that this was not intended to be harmful and then… And then you took hostage an entire force of Senators who were in discussion with an independent system."
Leia herself took the opportunity to speak, "If you will remember the treaties we have established forbid your actions. While you're free to abide to whatever rules within your own territories, we promised each other neutrality. However you construe this, your actions weren't neutral. Furthermore, both of our nations agreed to respect independent systems. In essence, by taking hostage of their members, you've declared war on the Dustig sector. If I weren't peace-loving, I could construe this as circumstances that show you breaking the treaty, and the Republic could declare war. The other independent systems, who you obviously don't respect, would side by us. So explain yourself."
"My dear Senator Greeth," and, as if an afterthought, "and Senator Organa, forgive your misunderstanding. We have been in the middle of our own talks with the planet you decided to send your little peace party to, and we assumed the worst of a vessel from another faction. Now that this has been cleared up, we certainly are willing to come to an appeasement agreement as an apology."
"You call the unprecedented attack on an obviously unarmed vessel a misunderstanding?" Leia spoke, over the outraged phrases of other senators. "It is not a misunderstanding to cause the deaths of peaceful negotiators, all the crew aboard their starship, and any family members that went along, knowing that the Republic, our Republic, was going to protect them."
"Senator Organa, we cannot undo actions we regret. I will be sending an envoy of the First Order to Coruscant to discuss our conciliation agreement. If your Senate will elect to allow us to maintain peace. I hope that nothing of this sort will ever happen again, and we will do our very best to maintain peace, order, and prosperity in our galaxy."
Leia narrowed her eyes angrily, "What about compensation to the families who lost people today? What of the hostages you've taken?"
The image disappeared and almost everyone in the room seemed to be having different thoughts.
"Shall we allow this envoy into Coruscant to discuss peace? All in favor," Mon Mothma jumped straight into the vote, not wanting to allow the senators to disagree with one another much longer.
Most of the room, about two thirds (and including Leia herself), chose this option. The others seemed angry, but the democracy must be sustained.
The rest of the gathering of the Senate was only formalities, so Leia allowed herself to think. This was a very strange occurrence, and it reeked of something not being right. But for now she could only hope for peace and do her job.
She wasn't the one elected to perform the peace talks with the Order's envoy, so as soon as Mon Mothma concluded the meeting she turned and left as quickly as she could manage. She had promised Ben she'd be home in time for cake.
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-6-1-3 14:13]
[FROM: Someone, DID 000-00000000;
TO: Supreme Leader, DID EVL-38766460]
Supreme Leader,
I am humbled to be allowed to contact you. I was told it'd be wise to inform you about the Senate's decision. The convoy will be allowed to Coruscant to discuss peace arrangements. We will proceed with our plans to capture Organa's family. Her husband, while most vigilant among them while away, will be more relaxed at home. The alliance with the Republic and the Dustig sector will not prosper.
Underling
Ben looked up from his slice of cake morosely. Mom wasn't there like she had promised. The day had gone so well until she was called away to the Senate. The stupid Senate was once again monopolizing her time and taking her away. She always tried to be there for him. He could see it in her eyes and feel it in the Force. A bond that he hadn't noticed before connected him with her; he could feel the anger and worry radiating off of her. The emergency session in the Senate was indeed an emergency. It still hurt though.
"Hey kiddo," his father whispered into his ear causing him to jump slightly in shock.
Scowling at his father, Ben grumbled back, "Please don't do that."
Han laughed loudly and sat down besides him, whispering conspiratorially to him, "I thought Jedi weren't supposed to get surprised. Guess you still need some work there, but I won't tell Luke. Everything good?"
Ben frowned slightly and stared back down at the partially-eaten cake in front of him.
His father noticed and scooted closer to him. "Hey, the cake didn't do anything to you! It is festive and you're hurting its feelings." He pointed at a small smudge in the frosting. "See? It's frowning."
Ben couldn't find it in himself to give a reply.
"Oh Ben," his father whispered, pulling out a small, wrapped gift, "I know you're upset that your mom isn't back yet. She'll be back before you know it, and she'll be very angry at whoever called her away from you. She's been looking forward to today since you went away."
Grabbing the fork, he poked at his cake again. "Jedi aren't supposed to be angry."
"Well, Mom isn't a Jedi. She has a temper. Don't let her know that I ever said this, but I think it came from her father."
Ben noticed how his dad flinched slightly at the mention of his grandfather. Snoke had mentioned his grandfather, but nobody seemed to ever speak of him. In his youth, people would ask what he thought about his grandfather, if he wanted to be like him, but then his parents would turn on them, fury in their eyes. Ben would be whisked away, and he learned that Grandfather was a taboo subject.
"But Mom can use the Force, can't she?"
Letting out a long sigh, his father looked down at the wrapped gift. "She didn't want anything to do with it, still doesn't most of the time. I used to not believe in it, but at least I had it easy. She blocks it out. Your uncle tells her to be calmer, then she'll glare at him, then he shuts up. Your mom will never use the Force the way Luke does because the last time she tried to reach out to it, she had a flashback."
"I don't understand," Ben told him coldly, "And what about Grandfather?"
Once again his father winced. "Your grandfather didn't know he had kids Ben. Your mom had no idea he was her father, and, when they crossed paths, things tended to go to hell. Pardon my Huttese. The Force can do many, many good things, but plenty of bad things too."
"But I'm going to be a Jedi," Ben whispered back, "Wait, do you mean when I destroyed stuff by accident?"
Han bit his lip and pressed the gift into Ben's hands. "Kid, before you were born we had the Empire to deal with and no matter how bad the First Order seems, it was worse. The Empire made an art out of every despicable thing they did. The Force can be used to heal, to kill…" Han's face darkened and Ben could feel the fear in him. "And to torture. It can be used to rip information out of a person's head. Your grandfather tried that with your mother. He failed because she called on the Force to protect her mind, but whenever your mom tries to access the Force, she remembers that day. And it's too much for her to handle."
"But," Ben began, disturbed by what he was hearing and almost hesitating to speak, "What about Grandfather?"
"Open the present, Ben."
He wanted to open his mouth to protest, but knew it was pointless. He wasn't going to get answers, despite the ever increasing urge to get them. Slowly, his hands unwrapped the gift. Inside was a pendant, with small carvings.
His father stood up. "When the Empire fell, your mom and uncle tried to find out more about their parents. Through the Force they found that necklace. According to your uncle it's jappor, from Tatooine. Neither of them wanted it, I thought they might change their minds. Been over ten years, they're not going to change their minds. So I'm giving it to you."
Curious Ben picked it up, there appeared to be nothing special about it. "Why is it special?"
Sitting back down, Han continued, "Your grandfather supposedly made it. He gave it to your grandmother and it was buried with her. Luke didn't want it because it reminds him of Tatooine, which he has a particular vendetta against and apparently is too sad in the Force. Your mom doesn't want it because your grandfather made it."
The piece was part of their family history, it was important. "That seems stupid."
His father shrugged, "To me it's just a necklace, kiddo." Standing up again, he finished by saying, "Have fun, Ben. Mom should be getting back any minute now."
The Force nudged him gently as he watched his father walk away. Mother was near. A few minutes later she walked through the doorway and swept him into a hug. As he hugged her back, his fingers traced over the carvings on the wood, wondering what they meant, to Grandfather and to him.
Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter even though it is so long. Have a nice day/night.
