Herald of the Force
Author Notes: I know you guys want answers but they will be revealed at the bottom of the chapter. Please R&R and like! :)
This chapter as been beta by LimerickChaos
Chapter 13: The Power of the Rift Alliance
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, had only been in office for a year and things for the Republic were turning for the worse. Palpatine put on the face that he would be strong in the face of the crisis. However deep down, he was pleased with the chaos the Republic was in. The Separatist's were becoming stronger and the Republic was growing weaker. There was rumor of a Ghost Army, but Tarkin reported there have been no sightings of the Ghost Army and it was just a rumor. So he was surprised when Master Kenobi claimed he met leaders of the Ghost Army.
He was watching the Battle of Geonosis unfold on the Holo-Terminal where the entire Republic was watching their greatest heroes fall. He had many loyal men among the group but their sacrifice would grant him the power he so rightfully deserves. It was even harder for him to prevent himself from smiling. So many Jedi were dying from the new Battle Droids. He didn't even have to use his new Dark Military to over powering the Jedi and the remnants of the Republic Judicial Forces. The Droid Army was over ten trillion strong and growing. Palpatine had many reasons to be happy and the Death of the Jedi Order was enough to make him smile.
Imagine his surprise when another army showed up. Raining down from the skies and quickly over powering the Separatist Droid Army. What was worse, the Republic had just a couple dozen Jedi Knights and Masters left. But this new army had hundreds of Jedi. Worse, they had millions of soldiers and thousands of heavily armed tanks.
In the background of this army were some of the largest warships Palpatine has ever seen. It took him a moment to realize the insignia the troopers and ships had was that of the Rift Alliance.
The Rift Alliance. He knew they were only a couple dozen worlds that united together under a common goal. They also had lost their faith in the Republic. Palpatine thought the Rift alliance was weak at best because there was no leader.
Now he realized what an error he made when he thought of the Rift Alliance. They clearly were more powerful then he originally thought. Their army was over powering the droids. They also had hundreds of their own Jedi. Jedi who appeared to be better trained and equipped then the Republic's Jedi.
It got even worse for him. He soon realized the one who was issuing the orders. Thane Harry Potter. The person he had secretly banished from the Republic. All around him, Senators were whispering about the recent events as the tide was turning and the Rift Alliance was forcing the droid army to retreat.
Palpatine was once again stunned. All his well laid out plans were now in ruins, as the Rift Alliance claimed an easy and swift victory over the Separatist's. He knew, he could lose face if he didn't salvage the situation carefully.
It was clear he could not eliminate Thane Potter, he was too powerful. But perhaps he could manipulate his superiors into doing what he wanted. No doubt Wilhuff Tarkin would attempt to learn all he can about the military of the Rift Alliance. He would have to put together a plan once Tarkin returns.
"No, Anakin no!" Obi-Wan shouted as Anakin rushes towards Dooku only to be blasted back by Dooku's Force Lightning.
"You're apprentice is very foolish Master Kenobi. Now you can see, that my Jedi powers are far greater than yours. Now, stand down." Dooku said as he unleashes another wave of Force Lightning. Obi-Wan brings his lightsaber up and blocks the incoming attack.
"You are not as strong as you think Dooku." Obi-Wan said.
Dooku said nothing as he brings out his custom lightsaber. Dooku took the stance of the second form Makashi. Obi-Wan took the stance Ataru and attack Dooku with blinding speed but Dooku easily swept aside Kenobi's attack before pointing his blade at Kenobi.
"Master Kenobi, you disappoint me. Master Yoda holds you in such high esteem."
Obi-Wan attacks again only for Dooku to parry his attack to the side.
"Surely you can do better."
Obi-Wan backs away but Dooku attack cutting Obi-Wan's shoulder which caused his defense to break apart. Dooku then cut Obi-Wan's thigh causing him to fall down.
"Such a pity. You could have become stronger under me Obi-Wan." Dooku said as he went for the killing blow.
"No." Anakin said as he jumps in between Dooku and Obi-Wan.
"Brave of you boy, but I thought you would have learned your lesson by now." Dooku says in a mocking tone of voice.
"I am a slow learner." Anakin said.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan shouted tossing Anakin his lightsaber.
Anakin grabs it causing Dooku to back away as Anakin slips into the Jar'Kai stance. Anakin attacks Dooku but Dooku seeing Anakin's weakness cuts the green lightsaber forcing Anakin to fall back with Obi-Wan's blue saber. Anakin slips into the Niman stance and attacks Dooku with lightning fast attacks. Dooku spins and blocks Anakin's attack to the side allowing Dooku to attack and cut off Anakin's right arm before cutting off his left hand.
"You have potential, but you are throwing it away. The Jedi life isn't for you young Skywalker. Join me, and you shall know power greater than any Jedi." Dooku said.
"I'll never join you!" Anakin screamed.
"So much anger, so much hate. It truly is a shame."
Dooku moves in for the kill only for a blue lightsaber to appear and hit his causing it to move off course. Dooku turns to the door only to be met by a powerful force push causing him to crash onto the stone floor.
Dooku recovers and flips backwards and stands tall as a male Zabrak along with a squad of troopers appeared.
"Well now, it seems that this location is no longer a secret. But it doesn't matter, you can't defeat me. No Jedi can." Dooku said as points his hand at the Zabrak. The Zabrak saw the crates moving towards him and pushes them aside. Several more pipes and pillars move towards them but they were all pushed aside.
Dooku sent several crates and pipes back at the group before using the Force to drop rocks on them. The Zabrak saw this and holds the rock in place above their heads before dropping them to the side.
"Look after the wounded." He orders and he ignites his lightsaber just as Dooku unleashed his Force Lightning at him. The Zabrak Jedi, still blocking the the Force Lightning, was able to charged forward at Dooku who was shocked at what he was seeing.
Ending the attack just as the Zabrak makes a powerful slash to Dooku; which force Dooku to back away and ignite his crimson saber and block the powerful blow that would have cut him in two.
Using all his strength, Dooku pushes the Zabrak off of him but the Zabrak was quick to recover and sends a few powerful strikes at Dooku forcing Dooku to back away, each blow seem to be targeted at Dooku's weak points forcing him to back away and try to recollect himself.
The Zabrak was having none of that as he quickly stays on Dooku and attacks with powerful and relentless strikes. Dooku tried his own attacks, but the Zabrak used his weight to counter any potential strikes and force Dooku back on the defense. Dooku blocks the blow to his head and puts his hand in the Zabrak face pushing him away.
He did not fly backwards as Dooku had hope but flips backwards in midair before landing on his feet. He quickly shoves his own left hand forward creating a very powerful Force Push that sent Dooku flying, causing the wall to stop him from going through.
"It's not over." Dooku said as he fires a powerful lightning burst from his fingertips towards the ceiling that was holding many pipes.
They exploded causing the pipes and part of the ceiling to fall down upon the troopers and Obi-Wan and Anakin.
Dooku took off towards his ship as the Zabrak shuts off his lightsaber and uses the Force to stop the rubble descending upon them. He made it just in time as the rocks and pipes were mere inches from their heads. He throws them aside and turns around to see Dooku's ship engines roar to life.
Harry and Padmé got off the gunship before they heard the sound of an engine roaring and a ship taking off. Padmé opens fire as did the troopers but the ship was soon out of range and jumped into hyperspace.
Senate Hall, Coruscant – Four Days Later
Chancellor Palpatine stood before the Senators.
"Then my friends, the vote is in, the Rift Alliance Coalition Military Forces shall be placed under the Galactic Republic Military Forces."
The cheers went up as the Senate was so proud they now had a backing army to protect them from the Separatist's who were now calling themselves the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
"The death of so many Jedi and Republic citizen's shall not go unanswered. Our time being united and loyal to the Republic has rewarded us. For our resolve has never before been stronger!" Palpatine said to the ongoing cheers. "The Separatist's are threatening our way of life and our security to live in peace. With the power of the Republic and the Rift Alliance Forces, it shall be known as the Grand Army of the Republic to counter the threats of the Separatist's and its menacing Droid Army. I promise you, when this war is done, we shall usher in a new era of peace that will last for thousands of years!" Palpatine said. The cheers were hard to imagine as Palpatine raised his arms to encourage the countless Senators to cheer his name.
"Why should the Rift Alliance fight for you?" A voice said.
The cheering stop as a holographic image appeared showing Thane Harry Potter in his Jedi Military outfit. Two figures appeared next to him both showing frowns upon their faces. Celeste Morne and the Zabrak Jedi Master Kao Cen.
"The Rift Alliance is not a part of the Republic nor are we allies of the Republic." Celeste Morne said in a stern tone of voice.
"The Rift Alliance Coalition Forces belongs to the Rift Alliance and answers only to leaders of the Rift Alliance Council." Kao Cen said in a strong tone of voice.
"There are no treaties or agreement between our two governments Chancellor. You cannot command our forces just because you want to." Harry said.
"Nor have you made any attempt to ask us for help or even try to become allies with us." Kao Cen said.
"My friends…"
"Don't call us your friends. We are not friends and I have no respect for you." Harry said in a strong voice.
"Thane Potter, please understand that I must act in the interest of the Republic. If I can send ambassadors to you to speak of an alliance…"
"That would be pointless. There are many of us, both the leaders and citizens of the Alliance that have questions about your leadership capabilities Palpatine." Harry said.
The Senate hall was stunned silent. Harry bluntly told the Republic, the Alliance didn't trust Palpatine.
"The Alliance doesn't rule like the Republic." Celeste Morne added. "While our leaders make decision, one of the agreements that was made when the Alliance was formed, was there is to be no back-door politics in Military Affairs.
"We also cannot trust the Republic because of this." Kao Cen added.
"You seek to control our military might, so I must ask you why should we fight for the Republic." Harry said.
"We share a common enemy. The Separatist's are no doubt going to wage war against you just as they are against the Republic." Palpatine said as if he was trying to let that sink in.
"You think that concerns us. If the Separatist wish to attack us, then so be it. We can go to war with them and defeat them. So the fact that we share a common enemy doesn't mean we'll help the Republic like we did last time." Harry said.
"We have resources and hyperspace routes you could use… surely you would benefit from these if you were to join."
"Also pointless. We have enough resources to wage a hundred year war." Harry said.
"Do you know what baffles me?" Celeste Morne said as she brings her hand under her chin. Everyone turns to look at her hoping she would say something to help the Republic. "Seven years ago, Palpatine was indirectly involved in having you banished from the Republic for crimes you've never committed. Now that you have something the Republic needs, he thinks he can command you to do what he wants you to. Without so much as giving you an apology."
Everyone in the Senate turns to look at each other before turning to look at Palpatine who was turning several shades of gray as Palpatine took this in.
"I see. You are right of course. Why should I fight for someone who seeks to take what is not his. Why should I fight for someone who had me banished for something I never did. No, it is clear to me, the Republic isn't worth even fighting for. It's not even worth spending a single credit on to save. Perhaps it's best to let the Separatist's destroy the Republic, because its leader is corrupt and weak." Harry said.
The transmission ended and the Senate Hall erupted in chaos as shouts and demands were being made. All of it was being directed at Chancellor Palpatine. Who quickly retreats into his private office.
The Jedi Council welcome Obi-Wan Kenobi into its ranks as Anakin Skywalker was made a Jedi Knight.
Obi-Wan however was in council with Master Yoda, Master Windu and Master Shaak Ti.
"Do you think what Dooku said about the Sith controlling the Senate is true?"
"This hasn't been the first time we've heard of this. Thane Potter also believed the Sith are involved in the Senate." Master Shaak Ti said in a slow tone of voice.
"Even if we sought to arrest Palpatine for being a Sith Lord the Senate would turn a blind eye about it. Palpatine has done no crimes that we know of and he is popular in the Senate. We cannot arrest him when he has committed no crimes."
"Then we should keep a close eye on the Senate." Obi-Wan said.
"I agree." Yoda said.
"As well as young Skywalker. Despite being a Jedi Knight, he was only promoted to help us replace our fallen." Mace Windu said.
"Speaking of our fallen Jedi, did you know the Rift Alliance has asked us to join them?" Obi-Wan said.
"We have received the invite. However it's a tough choice. It would mean leaving the Republic."
"The message Thane Potter left has left the Senate scared. Senate Amidala made a motion to seek out the Rift Alliance support and create a treaty with them." Shaak Ti said.
"Dangerous times are ahead. The shrouds of the Dark Side have fallen. The Great War, begun it has." Yoda said in a small voice.
Author Notes: So ends the chapter. Now I shall reveal why I had Harry banished. Because I wanted it to bite Palpatine in the ass later on. Harry is the Supreme Commander of the Rift Alliance Coalition Forces. When the Rift Alliance was formed, a Council was created. It's the Highest Ruling Government of the Rift Alliance. They agreed not to interfere in the Military as long as the Military does not attempt to seize control from the governments. To ensure that doesn't happen, the Council has a military representative who reports to them about military action. The Council also controls the resources and finances of the Military. Harry also will not be Emperor. Nor a Government leader. He sees himself as a fighter. So he leads the Military of the Rift Alliance.
I will explain more, but I will share the Rift Alliance more in the next chapter.
I'm sure some of you are aware, but the Rift Alliance comes from the Online Game Star Wars The Old Republic on the Jedi Consular Storyline.
Here's a list of lightsaber combat forms I'm using in the story.
Lightsaber Combat Forms
Form 1: Shi-Cho – A basic stance that is good against lightsaber to lightsaber and basic blaster defection.
Form 2: Makashi – A strong lightsaber stance that is strong against other lightsaber forms.
Form 3: Soresu – A powerful defensive stance that is excellent at guarding and defending against attacks from other forms or blaster fire.
Form 4: Ataru – A form that requires one to be agile and have excellent reflexes. Sometimes requires a lot of jumping and quick movements.
Form 5: Shien – A powerful and skilled lightsaber form that is excellent in duels. Renowned for its spend and power.
Form 6: Niman – A strong form against multiple opponents but weak against a single opponent. It is strong against multiple range attackers but weak in close range.
Form 7: Juyo (Vaapad) – The Juyo Form is like the Shien form, but requires the user to attack with high levels of stamina and endurance without break. It was design to break an opponent's defense.
Sokan – (This is remade from its original form) The saberstaff attack and defensive form. It takes after the forms Ataru, Shien and Niman.
Jar'Kai – The dual lightsaber form that offers both excellent defense and offense. Few Jedi's are capable of using this form.