Star Wars – The Force Unleashed – Daughter of Fate
Chapter 11
2 BBY – On the Eclipse as it makes its way to the surface of Corellia
The planet Corellia was quite beautiful. Setra looked in awe out of the viewport upon the snow covered peaks of the polar regions of Corellia. Surely enough just ahead was the rendezvous and the scanners indicated the presence of the Senators waiting for them. From the scanners Juno could identify that as well as Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan there was Senator Garm Bel Iblis of Corellia and Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila. Juno went back to her and Galen's quarters and found Galen dressing himself in the proper garb of a Jedi Knight. He was putting on his undershirt when he saw Juno and smiled back at her. She helped him put on the rest of the complicated clothing. When finished she looked at her lover admiringly. The undershirt was white and his pants light brown, the over tunic was brown and along with the white hooded tunic they both provided a lengthy overskirt, the under sash was large and white while the proper sash and utility belt were both brown along with his field boots. Galen placed his hood over his head and turned to face Juno.
"Well. What do you think?" said Galen
"I think you look like a proper Jedi now, also very dashing" Juno replied.
Galen laughed and then the two of them kissed each other deeply. The door then flew open and Setra stood there in warm clothing due to the cold temperature outside.
"Everyone is ready when you are" said Setra
"Okay, let's go" replied Galen.
Juno and Galen took Setra's hand on either side and along with Graddick and Maris made their way to the access ramp. PROXY quickly came and followed.
"PROXY where is Kota" said Galen.
"Why master I do believe he passed out in the cargo hold. I looked at his intake of Andoan Ale and I am surprised that the man is still breathing" replied PROXY
" (Of course he is. Where else would the General be when today history is being made)" said Graddick.
"That's our Kota though" replied Maris.
The party of six made their way into onto the cold and snowy surface of the mountain summit and walked towards the entrance of the ruined temple. They were met there by Rebel soldiers who escorted them into the centre of the complex where they saw the Senators gathered there. Organa came forward and shook Galen's hand and introduced the crew to Mon Mothma and Bel Iblis. PROXY then took his position beside Senator Organa who then transformed into the holographic image of Leia whose signal was broadcasting from her private chambers back on Alderaan to witness the event as it unfolded.
"Friends. Thankyou for coming. I know it was a difficult decision. By meeting here, we have all put our lives at risk – as you have on many occasions already. I believe that hope exists for a better future. This meeting heralds a time in which we won't need to gather in secret – in which all will live in peace and prosperity, fear of the yoke of fear the Emperor has cast over the galaxy. I believe that together we can make our dreams a reality" said Organa.
"We have discussed this at great length" began Mon Mothma "We agree that the time for politics and diplomacy has passed. It is time for action"
"Well timed" replied Bel Iblis.
"Logistically, it makes sense to join our forces. My wealth can fund such a rebellion, while Garm will provide our fleet and Mon Mothma our soldiers. We've been working at cross-purposes for years now, waiting for the catalyst that would bring us together. I believe that we have the catalyst now and that we would be foolish not to take advantage of it" said Organa.
"All we needed was someone to take the initiative" replied Mon Mothma.
"And we also have the power of the Force on our side" added in Maris.
"In short" said Bel Iblis "We've agreed to follow your lead. We'll join you Alliance"
"You have saved two of us here already. If the Emperor thinks that he can push us around forever, he's mistaken" replied the projection of Leia.
"You're wrong on one point princess" said a voice coming from the entrance.
Galen smiled broadly. It was Kota, cleaned up shaven and the blindfold had been removed from his eyes. They still looked extremely pale and damaged from the lightsaber wound but regardless Kota had regained his character. He was a Jedi Master once again.
"The boy saved three of us. I will join his rebellion to, if I'm welcome" said Kota.
"I thought you were still passed out in the cargo hold" whispered Galen.
"I finally came to" Kota replied.
"It's settled then" declared Organa "Let this be an official Declaration of Rebellion. Today we vow to overturn the Empire in order that the galaxy and all its peoples will one day be free, be they human or Hamadryas, Wookie or Weequay. Every sapient being has the inalienable right to live in safety and to fight for that right if it is ever –"
Suddenly Organa was stopped by a violent rocking. Galen looked up and couldn't believe his eyes. Myriads of Star Destroyers and Tie Fighters were filling the skies. Galen then realised that Vader had once again used him indirectly and had now been able to gather all of the Emperor's enemies in the one place.
"PROXY cut the transmission" shouted Organa as the projection of Leia disappeared.
"NO! NO! NO!" shouted Galen "Juno! Get Setra and the others and get back to the Eclipse as fast as you can"
"No Galen! I am not leaving without you!" replied Juno frantically.
"Juno please" said Galen as he kissed her deeply "Go now!"
Juno nodded as Graddick roared out and grabbed Setra off the ground and sprinted off towards the Eclipse with Juno and Maris following close behind. Kota force pulled Galen's lightsaber from his belt and ignited it just as stormtroopers came through the entrance and immediately arrested the Senators and took them away. Galen looked on in horror as he saw his former master come through the entrance way. How could he have been so stupid? Vader had still used him to complete his goal, which then had brought him to another realisation but was cut short as the Sith Lord Force pushed him through the back wall and into the back wall. Kota had let go of the lightsaber and had been captured himself. Galen warily pulled his blade back to him only just as Vader pushed him again and fell into the snow.
"YOU! WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME?" shouted Galen at the Dark Lord.
"I lied. As I have from the very beginning" replied Vader.
"You never planned to destroy the Emperor" said Galen.
"Not with you, no" replied Vader.
"YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A SLAVE TO THE DARK SIDE VADER! WITHOUT ME – YOU'LL NEVER BE FREE!" shouted Galen
Vader ignited his crimson blade and was about to kill his former apprentice but a cerulean blade blocked the Dark Lord's attack. It was General Kenobi and at once the short duel began. It was only enough for a distraction as Vader quickly disarmed him and stabbed him through the chest. Galen looked on helplessly as he saw the holographic image of Kenobi fade away and saw it was none other then PROXY. It was no use, the droid was dead, and his photoreceptors were blank. Galen rolled himself off the cliff in time so his former master would think him to be dead. Galen landed with a heavy thud on another cliff below slowly sinking into unconsciousness. Hours passed and Galen woke up wearily to see the Eclipse hovering at the side of the cliff. Getting up painfully he leapt onto the lowered ramp and crawled only a metre up it to be met by Juno who embraced him tightly and wept into his shoulder. Everyone had seen what had happened to PROXY. Maris was staring blankly at the floor while Graddick was trying to calm down a weeping Setra. Seeing her father Setra leapt out of Graddick's grasp and Galen took her into his arms.
"I'm sorry I scared you sweetheart. I'm here. I'll always be here" replied Galen.
Setra didn't answer and continued to weep into Galen's shoulder. Maris and Graddick remained where they were sitting while Juno helped an injured Galen into the cockpit with a now calm Setra following. Juno helped to sit Galen down in the co-pilot seat.
"They're gone. Vader took them all to the Emperor" Galen said desperately.
"I don't understand. How did Vader know our every move?" replied Juno
"To sell the deception. Credits, starships, Imperial lives – they're all meaningless to Vader. He needed me to find the Emperor's enemies, not matter the cost. I played right into his hands ever since the Empirical" said Galen.
"Yes you did what he wanted. But there is no pint hiding from it – and now the fate of the Alliance rests on our shoulders. The question is, what are we going to do about it?" replied Juno
:"We're going after Vader and the Rebels" said Galen.
Juno nodded "Where"
"I don't know. Not yet" said Galen.
He left the cockpit with Setra following. He made his way towards Maris.
"Listen guys. We need to meditate. We're going to find Vader and save the Senators. If he thinks that this is the end he's wrong. It's only the beginning, and the Empire will lose this fight and peace will return to the galaxy again" said Galen.
Both Setra and Maris looked up hopefully to Galen. They all formed a small circle and adopted their meditation positions. They knew that if they linked their force signatures together, the quicker they could find what they were looking for. Juno came back to the foyer to see what was going on and both she and Graddick watched on as the three Jedi meditated. Suddenly objects around the Eclipse were beginning to levitate, the force signature was strong here and it quelled the fears of everyone inside. Setra suddenly picked something up and was Kota. He was being hurt terribly by Sith Lightning. The reaction had her break out of her trance and she quickly fell backwards. Galen and Juno instantly caught her and made she was alright.
"Setra are you alright! Setra can you hear me!" said Galen as he looked at his fear stricken daughter.
"What did you see little one?" replied Juno stroking Setra's hair softly
"A terrible thing. A massive space station – still under construction. They're in the Horuz system" said Setra shakily.
"Good job little one" said Juno as she kissed Setra's head and quickly ran off to the cockpit with Graddick following to help set a course for the Horuz system.
"That's my girl" Galen whispered to Setra s he cradled her in his arms.
............
Within a matter of hours the Eclipse had arrived at its destination. Galen had insisted that he go alone. They had already lost enough and they didn't need to lose anymore.
"Be careful papa" said Setra as Galen embraced her.
Galen took out a small pendant from his pocket and put it around Setra's neck.
"What's this papa" said Setra.
"I found it on that hut back on Kashyyyk. I remembered that it used t o belong to your grandmother Mallie. When she was killed my father gave it to me and said that even though she was gone, she would always be here with me. And the same goes for you. No matter what happens to me Setra I'll be with you always" replied Galen.
Setra hugged Galen one last time before he let go and faced Graddick.
"Graddick if anything happens to me-"
"(Don't say that Galen. You will come back. You have redeemed yourself and are a true Jedi and like the rest of your brethren have before you, you will defeat these Sith Lords and return peace to the galaxy once more)" replied Graddick.
Galen hugged the big Wookie and then went and embraced Maris.
"You freed me. I will always be indebted to you Galen" said Maris.
"We helped me as well Maris and for that I am indebted to you" replied Galen.
"May the Force be with you Galen" said Maris.
"May the Force be with you Maris" replied Galen as he headed for the ramp which had been lowered just above the Death Star.
Juno followed him as he walked down the ramp.
"Keep the ship cloaked and wait beyond scanner range" said Galen.
"I have a really bad feeling about this" replied Juno.
"Then maybe we're doing something right" said Galen.
"Galen. Will you be coming back when all of this is over" replied Juno.
"If I can free the Rebels, they're going to need extraction" Galen then looked at Juno and saw she wasn't satisfied with that "I will Juno. I promise"
"Good. Because like you said, this isn't the end. It's only the beginning" replied Juno.
Juno pulled Galen towards her and kissed him deeply. Time seemed to slow down and for at least one moment there was nothing else but him and Juno and the loves he shared for her but after an all to brief eternity their lips parted.
"I love you" said Juno.
"And I love you. Goodbye Juno" replied Galen as he let himself freefall down to the floor of the Death Star.
Galen ignited his lightsaber and ran towards his destiny with the light guiding every stride he took.
............
"Traitors to the Empire" said the Emperor "You will be interrogated. Tortured. You will give me the names of your friends and allies. And the when you are no longer any use to me, you will be executed" said Palpatine gloatingly.
"Our deaths will only rally other" replied Organa in defiance.
"Your executions will be very public and very painful, Senator Organa. They will serve to crush any further dissent" said Palpatine.
Kota then sensed him and grinned "There may yet be a Rebellion"
Both Vader and the Emperor turned to see Galen coming towards them with his lightsaber ignited looking solemnly towards them.
"Lord Vader, deal with the boy. Properly this time" said the Emperor.
Vader ignited his blade and walked slowly towards Galen. Galen knew that this had been coming from the moment he had defied Vader aboard the Empirical. All of the brutal and psychological sparring sessions had led to this very moment, the battle between Master and Apprentice, Sith and Jedi, Life and Death. Instantly the two warriors met in battle, their lightsabers locking onto each other as they tried to Force the others hand behind the hissing and the crackling of the converging blades. Vader pushed Galen back with a telekinetic storm and hurled a mass of missiles towards Galen who only just knocked them back only moments away from impact. Vader hurled down two heavy strikes that should have killed him but Galen blocked both, stabbed at Vader's torso who himself only just blocked the move. This was the time where both opponents would unleash each others true potential. Vader was strong and relentless while Galen was fast and sly. Both opponents began to test their abilities in the Force and hurled numerous attacks and objects at each other resulting in the floor tipping, any loose projectile that had been thrown was wedged into the floor upon impact and beams from the ceiling hung down with the circuit plugs within them sparking madly.
"You are weak" said Galen as with surgical precision he blocked another lethal myriad of blows from Vader.
Each blow from Vader was a kill shot as was Galen's. The opponents seemingly danced around the chamber displaying equal strength, defence and Force ability, This truly was the greatest duel of opposing forces that had ever happened in the history of the galaxy. Never had two opponents, two minds been so perfectly matched and yet so opposite from the other.
"You thought I was dead but I survived again" said Galen as he continued to taunt his former master.
Galen attempted to catch Vader with a bolt of Sith Lightning but Vader caught it and the opponents force in into one another sending them sprawling to the opposite sides of the observation deck. Instantly Galen jumped up and was on top of Vader, their lightsabers once again crackling from the friction between them.
"I understand you now" said Galen still trying to goad his master "You killed my father and kidnapped me from Kashyyyk, not just to be your apprentice, but to be a son to you. Was that how your father treated you?"
"I HAVE NO FATHER!" yelled Vader as he sent another rain if blows onto Galen.
Galen only just blocked the blows and took a brief glimpse towards the Emperor who was watching the duel with evil delight. Galen would not satisfy the Emperor's wishes, his mind was no longer filled with anger but with light. He no longer depended on his anger to fuel his mind but his love for his friends and family, especially for Juno and Setra. They were his world and he would not fall this day because of a single battle. He would go on to relive his vision. To marry Juno, to have the children that were playing with Graddick upon the fields of Corulag, to watch Setra grow up into an adult and teach her the ways of the Force and see her become the Jedi he could only ever dream to be. Galen sent another bolt of Sith Lightning catching Vader off guard and knocking him back
"I don't need hate in order to beat you. That's something I will teach you now" said Galen.
"You can teach me nothing" replied Vader as he attempted to Force choke Galen.
Galen forced back the blow and again knocked Vader back to the ground.
"I don't hate you anymore Vader. I pity you. You tried to destroy who I was but you failed and I redeemed myself to be what I am now. But I can see that the Emperor has already done it to you. You are his creature – just as I was once yours. I no longer serve you Vader, and you don't have to either. I know it is hard, but you can still set yourself free" said Galen.
Vader tried to plough into Galen again but he was on top of him and finally found his opening through Vader's defence. Galen ducked through another blow and cut through Vader's throat. Instead of blood flowing from the gaping wound electrical sparks and circuits flared madly. Vader though struggling to breathe lunged again as Galen but this time Galen dodged and inflicted two more blows, one into Vader's shoulder and the other one deeply into his thigh. Vader yelled out in anger but it was no use as Galen Force pulled Vader's lightsaber from his hands and landed face first into a barrage of poles aimed at his head. Galen walked slowly towards Vader taking up the poles and tossing them away and he would never forget what he saw now that Vader's mask was broken. The menacing Dark Lord who had broken his will was nothing more then broken himself. His face was hairless, wrinkled and covered in almost nothing but large amounts of scar tissue, his blue eyes, the only sign of life left ton Vader's face were filled with nothing but pain, suffering and fear, the same look that had once always been in Galen's eyes. He then heard the Emperor's voice behind him.
"Yes! Kill him! He is weak, broken! Kill him and you can take your rightful place at my side!" said the Emperor.
"NO!" shouted Kota as he launched himself at the Emperor
Instantly the Emperor rained down torrents of Sith Lightning towards him but was then blocked by Galen who telekinetically pushed back Palpatine and sent him sprawled to the ground.
"Yes! You were destined to destroy me! Do it! Give into your hatred!" said the Emperor.
Kota got up wearily and placed his hands on Galen's shoulders "That's it boy. He's beaten. Let it go" said Kota.
"You are a fool your highness! I will never return to the Dark Side" replied Galen as he turned his back on the Emperor who suddenly shot sparks of Sith Lightning towards him.
Kota instantly got up and placed himself in front of the Emperor holding back the lightning.
"Go boy! Hurry!" Kota shouted to Galen.
Just in the nick of time the Eclipse hovered through the window of the observation dome and quickly lowered the ramp and Maris ran out and freed the Senators from their bonds while Graddick provided cover fire against the stormtroopers. Galen helped Maris and then they all ran for the Eclipse. Galen looked back.
"KOTA!" shouted Galen.
"Go boy. It is my time and you still have a destiny to fulfil. The Force will be with you, always"
Galen ran onto the ship and the ramp closed just as the energy force between Kota and the Emperor exploded. Galen felt Kota's life force leave his body but felt content when he felt it enter the place where it was meant to. There truly was no death, there was the force. The Eclipse quickly got out of range of the observation deck and went to lightspeed leaving behind the Death Star.
Back upon the observation deck Vader weakly got up and waled over to the dead body of Rahm Kota.
"He escaped" said Vader.
"And he is now more powerful then ever. He was meant to root out the rebels, not let them escape. This victory will only inspire them" replied Palpatine.
"But we now know who they are, my master. I will hunt them down and destroy them, as you always intended – starting with the traitor Bail Organa" said Vader.
"You must be relentless Lord Vader. If even a single Rebel survives, this Alliance that we have unwillingly created, will be our undoing" replied the Emperor.
............
Back upon the Eclipse everyone cheered with happiness. Andoan Ale was give to all of the crewmembers, except Setra who had Jawa juice, and they celebrated the first victory of the Rebel Alliance but Galen wasn't there. Juno took Setra's hand and the two of them found Galen in his quarters looking sorrowful.
"Kota is gone" said Galen.
"Then lets celebrate his life and the lives that we have saved today and the end that will come to the Empire" replied Juno.
"It is only the beginning of this fight" said Galen standing up.
He smiled and took Juno into his arms and kissed her lovingly.
"But it's also as beginning for us" said Galen.
"All of us" replied Juno as she picked up Setra and they left their quarters holding Galen's hand.
"Kota will always be with us" said Setra "as long as we always stay together, and as long as we always trust in the Force"
"That's my girl" replied Galen embracing her and Juno tightly.
Graddick joined in and picked the trio off the ground causing laughs among the rest of the group. Organa went and talked to Maris.
"It seems I greatly misunderstood you young one. You truly are a great Jedi. I now that Shaak Ti would be proud of you" said Bail.
"Thankyou Senator. I know that she is" replied Maris.
Galen smiled at the young Zabrak and came towards her.
"I know that you don't have anywhere to go Maris, which is why I want you to stay here. We can learn a lot from each other and me especially from you" said Galen.
"Thankyou Galen. I know that together and with Juno, Setra, Graddick and the rebels We're going to make the Emperor wish that he had never been born" replied Maris.
Graddick chuckled and placed his large hands on her shoulders.
"(Not so fast young one. Not all of us have your energy)" said Graddick.
"I know Graddick. Let's enjoy the time we have now" replied Maris.
With that the members of the crew quickly flew back to Alderaan and made a pick up. Organa quickly grabbed Leia and brought her aboard the Eclipse. Leia met everyone else properly and got along well with them all. The Eclipse then headed for Kashyyyk, back to a hidden place that Galen knew well. The skies of Kashyyyk were beautiful and peaceful that night, no longer obscured by the terrible Sky Hook that had threatened to turn every single Wookie into a slave overnight. Galen, Juno and Setra sat together quietly outside looking upon the full moon in the sky while the others including the senators, Maris, Graddick and Leia were gathered around the table within the small house.
"So are we ready to finish what we started" said Bail.
The people in the room around him nodded in agreement.
"Then, at last, the Rebel Alliance is born. Here, tonight" said Organa.
A sense of happiness and achievement entered the room but it did not require any cheering to accompany it. They did it out of respect to mourn the spirit of Rahm Kota who was now one with the Force. Leia had asked something of Galen upon the Eclipse and though he was at first incredibly flattered he agreed to it.
"We need a symbol to rally behind. A symbol of hope" said Leia as she dusted the table counter and looked upon the Marek family crest, a sleek raptor with wings protruding from either side of it.
Galen heard the procession and smiled.
"That was for father, mother, Kota"
Juno looked at Galen's face and took his hand in her own and squeezed it tightly. They both looked down at Setra who continued to look up at the moon. But suddenly she sensed a familiar presence.
"Papa, mama, look" whispered Setra.
Galen and Juno looked and to Galen's happiness it was Kota in his now ghostly form.
"Putting you family crest as the symbol of the Rebel Alliance. That's quite a thing to live up to boy" said Kota.
"It's good to see you Kota" replied Galen as he smiled at him happily along with both Setra and Juno.
Something then dawned on Galen "You always knew who we were didn't you"
"I suspected, yes" replied Kota
"Then why did you help us? After all the things we'd done" said Galen
"When you came to me in the bar on Nar Shadda, among all the conflicting thoughts still in your head I glimpsed one bright spot, one beautiful thing that gave me hope – and the one thing I held onto even at the end" replied Kota.
"What is it?" said Galen.
"Them" replied Kota pointing at Juno and Setra "Always hold onto that love Galen. It will guide you through the darkest night like a single flame and it will never extinguish"
"Do you really have to go Kota" said Setra as she walked towards the Force Spirit.
"I'm afraid so youngling. But I will always be there to guide you. My time has ended and yours had only just begun" replied Kota.
"Goodbye Kota" said Galen.
"Goodbye to all of you and May the Force be with you" replied Kota as he disappeared.
"I'm going to miss him" said Setra.
"Don't worry little one, he is one with the Force now" replied Juno.
"She's right Setra, and he'll always be alive as long as we remember him" said Galen.
"I love you both" said Setra as she went inside the hut to see the others.
"And we love you little one" replied Juno as Setra disappeared into the small room.
"And I love you" said Galen as he took Juno into his arms.
The two loved ones kissed each other deeply and held onto each other for a long time. Not knowing what the future would bring them but knowing that they would face it together as they always had.