A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
ROOTS
Season 1, Episode 5
40 years passed since
Emperor Palpatine was defeated.
For years and years chaos remained as
the remnants of the Empire tried to maintain control
of the galaxy and the leaders of the Rebel Alliance tried to unite
the people in an organized democracy. Such attempts failed on both sides,
and the galaxy fell back to the political structure it had known before the creation of
the Old Republic. Small systems, bigger systems, coalition of planets, yet some planets are still
divided and self-regulated countries. Democracies, monarchies, empires, warlords, anarchies, even
the Hutts control a few systems, and still some parts of the universe have not been explored or heard of.
The Jedi have been preparing for Drika's next move and a request to expand Ambulia's reach. She had been quiet for a while and Luke was starting to wonder and fear about her destructive plans…
##
Dor Muchal was in conversation with Luke Skywalker over holograms comm.
– Well, not so bad. But my world is hostage to this crazy woman. I believe her next move is imminent. A half-dozen squadron of Ambulian fighters have entered the alpha sector. Intelligence reports that command ships are on their way, including two M-class cruisers who left Basmili yesterday.
– Alpha sector… Let's hope they get caught in our surveillance trap on OsKos.
– Well, we've already gathered some of the information I just gave you from the OsKos relay system. I think you should get in touch with Livan Hnx, she is now supervising our intelligence in the sector.
– If that can make us more efficient that's perfect. Will be in touch.
##
Neeah was upside down, her head floating 2 feet above the ground, elevating through the Force along with different objects Brett was designating.
– Very good… Now, grab my lightsaber in my belt. You'll need to unhook the attachment and take it away.
As he moved in circle around is pupil, he felt the click of his lightsaber handle and saw his weapon moving towards her as if controlled by an invisible hand. The weapon he held the utmost respect for. His thoughts dwelled to the day he built it, someday, Neeah would build her own.
– Now, light the weapon and bring the branches to your left to it and slice them in three equal parts.
The weapon snapped open, and the blade was ignited. It was moving gingerly towards the branches and started to flicker.
– How far can you control things, master?
– Distance is not always an issue. Force connection is. It draws strength from living beings, so if the connection between things can be made then the Force can be used.
Brett's comm beeped. "Luke" he thought.
– Yes master
– greetings, Brett. Dor Muchal just contacted me. Drika is about to act. I'm in contact with his people, just stay on your toes and be ready.
Drika. She had been uncharacteristically quiet. What was she up to? He turned around towards Neeah.
– Let's try something. Get back on your feet and drop your toys. And give me my lightsaber. Now look at me then close your eyes. Concentrate on my Force presence as I try to envision Drika, and you try to channel my vision into your own.
They stared at each other for a few minutes before Brett could see anything: Drika was on the spaceship, manipulating Webell and is weak mind, as usual. However, she was in a hurry and overly anxious.
Neeah had a vision as well. It was much different.
– Master, I see a group of men hiding in some kind of cave. They are wearing old flight suits and seem starved. A small, bearded man is trying to find a way out by the entrance of the cave is blocked. I see old battle droids and storm trooper outfits. People are talking to him. His name is Loplah.
– I can connect with your vision, Neeah. What you are seeing could be the past or the future. Let's see if that name can lead us to anything.
The move to the computer and entered search for Loplah. The Republic database in the Jedi database did not bring up anything. However, the imperial one did. Neeah looked at the picture and recognize the face.
– That's him. Let's see his story… Imperial officer, TIE pilot, selected to the imperial elite pilot squad. His squad was not on site during the battle of Endor as Palpatine had sent them to escort some of black sun's representatives in the alpha sector. While no official proof was ever picked up, document here mentions the possibility that the squad was ambushed on Cyrilia III by the rebels and that the pilots died there, shortly after the Emperor himself.
The Commlinks beeped again.
– Let me guess Luke, Cyrilia III?
– The Force serves you well, Brett. It is a small planet near OsKos, inhabited by only a small colony that is not registered anywhere, meaning it's post Empire. Perhaps that's where she's trying to establish a communication relay instead of OsKos.
– Or maybe she's looking for some really good pilots.
##
– Tell me grandpa, is it possible to fly all the way to Coruscant from here?
The kid was four or five years old; the man was way past his prime.
– Of course. With your skills, my teaching, and a good ship you could be there faster than anyone else has ever done it. But there is no need for that you see...
– I read stories about Coruscant. It's not like here. It's a city planet everything is high-tech, fast and exciting!
– And full of people you can't trust. Coruscant is not what it once was. It is controlled by the Relians, and they can't even pretend to match the emperors might.
A middle-aged man entered the room.
– Father, cruisers and a few fighters have entered the system. At first, we thought they were headed to OsKos, but it appears they are coming… Here.
– That's odd. Why?
– No idea. The only thing we've noticed is how clumsy their pilots are.
– Get the others, willing to discuss our course of action.
##
– So here you are, Jedi. Good to see you again.
Livan Hnx welcomed Brett and Neeah to her ship.
– Young lady you must be Neeah? How is witchcraft school treating you?
Nobody laughed at her joke.
– Okay I'm sorry. Don't petrify me or anything…
Brett cut her off. She was the pretentious kind, he liked that.
– What do you know about the colony on Cyrilia three?
– Rumor says that a group of Empire pilots crash there with a load of black sun representatives shortly after Endor. I've heard, perhaps by mutiny, that the black sun folks did not survive. The pilots settled the plant with the crime lord's mistresses. They barely trade with other systems.
– No military activity?
– The odd ship comes in and out for trade but that's about it.
- How long until we get there, three hours?
– This is the Candlebox. Two hours, max…
She was very proud of her ship.
##
They were all gathered, a dozen old men, about 20 middle-aged men and women. Probably their sons and daughters.
– Squadron of fighters? Cruisers? Why here?
– We don't know. Maybe they're here for us. Maybe they're here for something else this plan has to offer. Or maybe it's just the planet's location.
– Let's gather everyone and head for the mountains. Let's pretend were not here, there's no need to fight.
The continued the discussion for a few minutes then the door opened and a group of armed men in uniform stormed him. They were led by led dark-haired strong looking woman.
– you children are being transported around aboard my ship as we speak. We will release them when you're done in your service to our cause, which I am certain you will embrace after a brief description.
– What do you want from us, we don't have anything to offer.
– And the contrary my dear Loplah.
There was something about this woman that scared everyone in the room. Loplah remembered when he crossed paths with Lord Vader decades ago, this was similar.
– My name is Drika. I am at war and trying to bring back order and strength to the galaxy. And I need good pilots.
– We are old men. Our sons have never trained or had combat experience. Surely you will understand that they cannot match your military trained people, wherever they were trained.
– Don't worry I'll provide the combat experience opportunities. I'm giving you a chance to be a part of history with us, whether you like it or not. I'm sure you can train my pilots to be much better than they presently are.
Her commlink beeped, her personal channel. She turned to the group
– you may discuss my offer.
She headed outside letting the guards inside with the colonists. She opened her commlink.
– Yes Tantrum. What's the bad news again?
– The ship with the children, Mistress. It was attacked. A Basmilian freighter came out of nowhere and shot it down. We lost communication when they hit the ground, we got exact location and scans show everyone on board is still alive. The Basmilian ship is landing in the same area with three life signs.
Drika lost it. She screamed, yelled and kicked everything in the vicinity, including some very big steel barrels that were stacked outside the building. Tantrum, again, fearing she would choke him even in orbit.
– Were moving to intercept as fast as we can. Will you be joining us?
– No, I can't leave. They must not know that we have lost the kids.
##
– Great shot, Livan. Don't harm it anymore.
– The crash might kill them all, you know? I thought you Jedi did not kill people for the fun of it.
– You're right. But the crash is not an issue, I will smoothe their landing with the Force. Just watch…
Brett smiled. He had a chance to show off for his unfaithful audience. Although the ship should've been accelerating in the freefall it was slowing down. When it hit the ground it was barely moving and there was no crash.
– I'll check the life signs.
She tried not to show that she was impressed.
– "Everyone is alive" Brett and Livan said simultaneously.
– "42 humans" she added. At least her technology was more precise.
– Let's get down there as quickly as we can.
##
Brett, Neeah and Livan were mounting land speeders to reach the crashed ship.
– Are you sure they can't track your ship's location? Neeah asked Livan.
– 200% sure. Will be alright don't worry...
Confident, arrogant yet deeply intelligent. A frustrating combination Neeah thought.
– Wait, I'm picking up a transmission on the Ambulia frequency. They're coming after us. Also, there's someone already down on the planet. Someone mad…
Brett cringed. He was worried. Livan wondered
– I may not be a witch, but what's the surprise. You weren't expecting them to let us go through this without a fight, where you?
– That woman is Drika. She's more dangerous than you can imagine. We need to be extra careful and to hurry.
Neeah knew that Brett didn't like to have Drika so close to her. But he had people to save here.
##
The son of Loplah was the first to talk.
– will you harm the children?
– Not if I get my pilots.
Drika's response was really dry, you could sense that she was worried.
– What about the others they can't be of any use to you. Release them.
– No, but I don't want them running around the galaxy plotting against us. Plus, we could use a few flight instructors. They'll be brought along to Ambulia, but they will be well treated.
– What is this war you're fighting?
Drika was growing impatient.
– I don't have time for this. You've got your options, Captain.
##
The prisoners were gathered in the ship, tending to bumps and bruises from the fall.
– Mother, are we going to die?
It was Loplah's grandson, Pathos, apparently unhurt.
– No, Pathos. Nobody is seriously hurt. These people look nasty, but they haven't harmed any of us yet.
Before the boy could answer, a small compartment door opened and a tall man in a grey robe appeared. A few of the children screamed but Brett sent out a wave of reassurance through the Force.
– I am Brett Ho-Xin, Jedi Knight. I am here to free you from your captors.
- What's going on? Tell me who they are. And why?
Pathos' mother was evidently in charge.
– You've been captured by the armies of Ambulia. They have been cooperating with an evil woman called Drika whose plan is to take control of the galaxy. We are trying to prevent that. Is anybody hurt?
– Nothing serious. Can you get us out of here?
He looked at them. Carrying them all in the Candlebox was going to be a stretch.
– Three guards just outside her door here.
– Any idea why you've been separated from the other colonists you?
– They want to use us as bait or hostages in order to convince our husbands and fathers in law to pilot ships for them. Now we know why, they have a war to fight.
– Do you think they will cooperate?
– I believe so. We are a small colony. If these children die, then so does everything was built in the last 40 years.
Brett took out his commlink and called Neeah.
– Ask Livan how many kids she can take in the Candlebox.
– She says we can probably take 25 or 26, but it's not going to be easy.
– Leave me two speeders and go back to the ship.
He turned and addressed the group.
– We can try to trade take a group away, a little over 20 people in our ship. The rest would have to help me back to your settlement before your husbands leave with Drika.
The mothers were scared.
Brett kept addressing the group.
– We don't have much time. You decide who stays and who goes. We'll take care of the guards.
He was calm and under control, as usual. Did they trust him? He thought so, and the Force was not telling him otherwise. None of them moved however.
– Listen, as long as Drika is on the run, Cyrilia three will not be safe. I'm sorry, but that's a fact.
Pathos' mother took the lead again.
– What scares me, sir, is that you're absolutely right... But I'm staying here.
She turned to phase the rest of the group.
– All the children plus the mothers who have more than two should go with you. The rest of us will stay and try to get back to the settlement.
The other women nodded. She turned to Brett.
– Please take care of Pathos.
A small teardrop from her eye, and on that moment the door opened and to guards came in. Before they could react, their blasters were cut into by a lightsaber beam. Before they could regroup from this surprise, their heads were banged together, and they were knocked unconscious. Another guard stepped in ready to shoot Brett, but his weapon was sent flying as if carried by an invisible hand towards the Jedi's hands. He put the weapon on stun and shot the guard.
– Get to the ship now!
He called Neeah
– right away I've got them. By the way, there is only one left.
It was not a guard, but the Ambulian pilot who was tending to his engines. Brett sneaked up on him and knocked him out.
– Everybody out, the ones going away should follow Neeah to the Eastern field. The ones coming with me stay close to the speeders. Hurry up, they've got reinforcements coming.
They stepped outside and respected is commands with high efficiency. A military man's colony. He could hear the Candlebox's engines running, ready to leave.
##
– I see six ships on our tail, they will be here in a minute.
Neeah was nervous. Livan was too.
– And I have to board 20 kids in the cargo hold? What a mess! Can't you make them smaller, or make us invisible?
Neeah paused, stressing her words
– I'll only say this once okay, and pardon me for being blunt, but you're not funny.
– I'm not trying to be.
She landed the Candlebox, opened the hatch and Neeah stepped out, inviting the mothers and their children inside. When they were ready to go, she walked out, and Brett grabbed her arm.
– There going with them, Neeah. I'm sorry, I have to.
She was disappointed but he was right. She turned around to join the crowd in the smaller freighter. He picked up his commlink.
– Get them out of here, somewhere you judge to be safe. And come back for me and the rest of the colony. Be careful
Livan… An entire civilization is in your hands…
– I will but have to go right now!
Without waiting for Brett's approval, she flew upwards as Ambulian ships started to appear in the skies. Now, we would see if Hnx was such a good pilot.
She did not disappoint Brett. Calculated shots, evasive maneuvers and a few spectacular spins were enough to escape the net the Ambulians add formed to prevent her from escaping. They stepped out of view and Brett felt Neeah's presence fade as the Candlebox jumps to hyperspace.
##
– You what? Drika yelled through her commlink
– we… Lost them, they are still about a dozen of them on the ground and they are dispersing through the woods. We've spotted two speeders and it seems they're headed towards your location.
Tantrum was trying hard to regain his composure. He had learned to deal with Drika's surges of rage, but he still feared for his life every time .
– Collect every single one of them. Don't worry about the ones on the speeders. We've got plenty of firepower here, we'll handle them. You concentrate on the ones left behind. Hunt them down.
She took satisfaction and giving that order, closed her commlink and reentered the room.
– Get on the ships. I've waited enough. Any… Questions?
Her tone told them it was not an option.
– Let us see our children, talk with them. Then, we'll go.
– Once we're on the ship, you will be allowed to talk to them as much as you want. They are already gone light-years away. Go now!
They looked at each other, confused.
– There isn't much to discuss you see. Those who don't want to come will be eliminated.
She moved to the back of the room as if she was going to get the last ones out herself. They started moving slowly towards the ship.
##
Brett was riding his speeder, along with Pathos's mother. The forest was not very dense, so they moved swiftly. Until he heard the sounds of two ships approaching obviously looking for them. The woman kept their poise, to Brett's delight. But this was not going to be easy.
They maneuvered all they could. They split up then regrouped. Brett could feel the tension grow, but also felt through his comrade feelings that they were approaching their destination.
##
– Don't worry my son, we'll find a way.
Loplah was cheering the group as they walked towards Drika's ship.
– I'm afraid will never see them again anyway, since we'll never come back here.
– Coming home is an overwritten feeling. The only way we can ever come back here in peace is if she wins her war. Or gets killed along the way.
– Which I doubt will happen. She looks very strong yet her desperation to recruit us shows that she commands a weak army.
– The Emperor was 100 times more organized and resourceful, and even he was defeated.
– Maybe you're right – wait, what's this?
They turned around and saw two speeders coming in full speed.
– Somebody is coming to save us...
Loplah's message, although whispered, was understood by everybody as the moment they had hoped for to change the tides. The guards were also surprised. One of the men took advantage of it and shoved a distracted guard to the ground. Two of his fellow Cyrilians followed, ripping the guards of their weapons and starting to shoot at the others within range. A full-fledged rebellion was started, Cyrilians slowly gathering more and more weapons and overpowering the Ambulian guards.
Drika had heard the noise and was coming in at a speed most humans could not imagine. Her ship was there, ready to take these pilots to her strike force, yet she was once again dealing with interference. Then she felt it. A couple of speeders appeared one of which was empty, since the driver had jumped on the other one. The empty speeder crashed into her ship, creating an explosion that would no doubt cause irreparable damage to the only transportation mean she had for her prized prisoners.
Brett Ho-Xin. He had ruined our plans yet again. I should have known these filthy Jedi were here, the way everything was going since she had landed on this planet. The speeder slowed down to let Brett join the Cyrilians in their fight.
##
The dropped out of hyperspace as close as possible to Cyrilia three, trying to pass by the Ambulian strike force that was sitting there when they left.
Obu's voice came through Livan's comm.
– this is where the fun begins
The X2-Wing was accompanied by five UW combat ships from the Basmili resistance. They engaged the Ambulian fleet they had taken by surprise. Obu took out three fighters in a second, then plunged in pursuit of the ship Tantrum was taking to collect the prisoners. Her speed was no match for Tantrum's ship, and she closed the gap quickly.
– Mistress, were taking heavy damage. They have reinforcements, we've already lost three ships.
– Make that four. And maybe more
– I don't think these pilots are worth any more trouble.
– Agreed. Just pick me up, will you?
Drika turned around, leaving her guards get overthrown by the Cyrilians, and walked away.
##
Drika was back on the bridge of her cruiser.
– Don't bother. Let them go. We will rendezvous with the others and proceed to OsKos as planned. Will just have to do with our own pilots. These idiots will pay for this loss, at some point, I promise.
##
The Candlebox landed safely, and the children and the mothers were reunited with their fathers. Neeah was holding the hand of Pathos. The boy was no longer under stress and seemed to enjoy her company.
– Grandpa!
We shouted as he saw Loplah. He looked to Neeah to make sure he could walk over to him, and she let him go a smile.
Brett approached her, all smiles.
– you've made friends?
– I never really understood what these family values and bondages were. However, using the Force to sense the connection between these people, and spending time with Pathos, I think I can begin to see what I missed. The boy feels very strongly about his grandfather, and it kind of rubs on you after a while.
Brett smiled, as did Neeah. But before they could keep talking, Livan was walking towards them hastily.
– You witches probably know that already, but Ambulia has just invaded OsKos. That's where the rest of her firepower was.
– No surprise here. Good to know we were prepared , with our secret communications relays.
Brett turned to Loplah.
– She'll be back. Staying here is dangerous. Perhaps we could find another place to relocate your colony.
– A generous offer, albeit one I'm not certain you can deliver on. We'll think about it, master Jedi. But for now, I think uprooting everybody would be premature. But stay in touch…
##