Chapter 5. Ryle Norg
Corellia
His name is Ryle Norg and many in the galaxy saw him as a hero. Ryle Norg had helped Donovan Leers steal Alpha Red and they released into the Yuuzhan Vong Empire, because of this the tide of the war turned dramatically. The citizens of the Alliance demanded his release, but the law had been broken and people died because of Ryle Norg's actions. It was decided that he would stand trial on Coruscant for his crimes.
Ryle Norg was on house arrest, because many believed that if he had been placed in prison those who supported him would try to bust him out. Placing him on house arrest was the only way to placate the people.
"Sir…" One of the soldiers guarding him entered his room, "…the transport is ready to take you to the Star Fire."
Norg didn't acknowledge the soldier he just stood up, grabbed his bag and followed the woman out.
The Star Fire a Capital class military cruiser was chosen to pick up Ryle Norg and bring him to Coruscant. In command of the Star Fire was Captain Dell Mason. Serving as his second in command was Commander Niala Holm. His command crew was Lt. Peter Voles a descendant of Jedi Master Theron Voles. Lt. Lio Si'Daul (Male Twi'Lek) and Guard Captain Trenton Call.
"Captain Ryle Norg's shuttle is launching from the planet…" Niala said.
"Good as soon as it docks have us get under way…"
He paused to listen to the message over the COM, "Captain Mason will you report to hanger five…" The voice over the COM belonged to Deppa Hekard, a Chiss lawyer for Ryle Norg's defense.
Mason sighed, "Commander will you go to the hanger…I have a ship to run and no time for pleasentries…"

Niala Holm was a long time friend of Captain Mason, secretly she was attracted to him, but she didn't want to ruin their friendship. She exited the turbo-lift and made her way to the hanger. Ryle Norg's Lawyer Deppa Heckard was waiting with the Deputy General Prosecutor a Twi'Lek named Warhej Led.
"Where is Captain Mason?" Heckard asked.
"He is busy ma'am…The captain asked me to join you…"
The shuttle landed in the hangar and when the ramp lowered twelve soldiers exited the shuttle and stood six on the right and six on the left. Then Ryle Norg was lead down the ramp in binders with two guards in front of him and another two behind him.
"Ryle Norg…" The Deputy General Prosecutor said stepping forward, "You are charged with conspiracy, theft, falsifying orders and reckless endangerment…I have been authorized by my superiors to offer you the following terms. In exchange for the identity of the men who helped you to steal Alpha Red the charges will be waved and you will be given a sentence of ten years in minimal security prison…"
Heckard whispered into his ear, "I have instructed my client not to accept…"
Warhej shook his head disapprovingly, "As you say Commander have this man taken to the brig…"
"I protest!" Heckard barked, "Commander we are on a star ship where can my client go…I request that you place him in quarters under guard…"
Niala sighed with great anger in her heart. Anger directed at Ryle Norg, but she couldn't allow personal feelings to get in the way of her job. "Guard take this man to deck four and place him under heavy guard…"
"Yes ma'am…"

The Bridge:
"Niala to bridge…"
"Go ahead…"
"Captain we are secure…ready for lightspeed…"
"All wings report in…"

Because of all the public attention the Star Fire was given an escort by Rogue Squadron. Jaina Solo had also been requested by the Alliance to lead them. "Rogue Leader standing by…" She said into her headset. Jaina was piloting the Stealth Xs built for the Jedi during the war. As Jaina sat in the cockpit the members of Rogue Squadron reported in.
Jaina thought about her life in the other timeline and how she broke off her engagement with Jag Fell. She hadn't seen him in a good while. She swore to herself that she would spend more time with him the next time she saw him. Then her mind went to the different members of her family. Her mother and father were still searching for Anakin and she would join them soon. Zek and several other Jedi were searching for Gavin Kai and his allies Lumiya and Alema Rar. Luke, Mara, Ben, Vestera, and the boy Callen were still on family leave.
As Jaina thought on all these people, things, and situations her cockpit grew cold. Jaina…a voice said calling out to her. It sounded like Anakin her younger brother. Suddenly Jaina found herself floating out into space towards the Yuuzhan Vong Imperial territories. The planet Othar loomed before her, then the plant began to reshape into a human face, it was Anakin.
"ROGUE LEADER!" Captain Mason screamed into her headset.
Jaina jumped and checked all her instruments, "I am here Star Fire…"
There was a pause, "Pay attention Rogue Leader…"
"Sorry it won't happen again…" Jaina smiled because she knew where Anakin was now and she was going to save him.

Bridge of the Star Fire:
"All ships prepare to go to hyperspace on my mark…" The stars streamed lined and they all went to lightspeed.

"I don't need any surprises in the courtroom…so I'll ask again…Those men who helped you steal Alpha Red who are they…"
Ryle Norg just stared at the holo-pic of his wife and children. He sighed before speaking, "They were men who gave me a means to an end…A way to get revenge on the people who killed my beloved wife and children…"
"That doesn't help…" Heckard said in frustration.
"Why are we going through this anyway…you said yourself that a judge would be a fool to convict me with all the public support I am getting…"
Heckard sighed and stood up, "The prosecution can still paint you in a bad light…" She started gathering her holodisks, "We shall continue this when we reach Coruscant…"
When Heckard left the room Ryle Norg went to the refresher for a shower then he lay on his bed looking at a picture of his wife and children. Meanwhile Heckard made her way to her cabin, where her assistant was waiting.
"Have you received the witness list from the prosecutor?"
"Yes ma'am…"
As they went over the witness list the doors opened and Captain Mason entered the room. "You wanted to see me…"
"Yes Captain Mason…I was wondering if I could pass a petition around your ship…It's a request for Ryle Norg's release…"
"I have no problem with that…Is that all you wanted to see me about…"
"No…I would also like to have dinner with you and the command crew…"
Mason remained emotionless at the request, he liked to eat alone to clear his head. "My second in command will join, but I have other matters to attend to…"
"Very well then…"

Four hours later Niala, Peter Voles, and Lio met with Deppa, her assistant, and Warhej for dinner. They dined on salad, nerf stake with tubors, and steamed vegetables.
"Will Captain Mason be joining us?" Warhej asked unfolding his napkin.
Niala smiled, "I'm sorry the Captain likes to eat alone…It's nothing personal...He will join us for desert…"
"Your captain gave me permission to pass around a petition for the release of Ryle Norg…Can I count on the three of you to sign it?"
Peter and Lio gave their consent, but Niala remained silent. When she looked up Heckard was looking at her with expecting eyes, she sighed. "I'm sorry ma'am, but I cannot sign your petition…My brother served aboard the Damacleis as an engineer…He died onboard the ship as it was making its escape from Vong space…He died ma'am giving his life to repair the damaged engines…He was a real Hero not that pretender Ryle Norg…"
"I'm sorry for your loss Lt."
The doors opened and Niala breathed a sigh of relief when Captain Mason entered the dinning room. They had a desert of ice-cake and caf. The rest of the trip to Coruscant was uneventful. When they reached Coruscant all the major holo-news reporters were there to get a holo-pic of Ryle Norg.
While Ryle Norg was taken to the detention center at the Court of Justice, Heckard made her way to the Jedi Temple to speak with the Jedi Council. "Thank you all for seeing me…I have come to ask the Jedi Council if they would petition the courts to release Ryle Norg…"

The Office of Admiral Wedge Antillies:
Captain Mason entered Wedge's office and after he saluted, Mason sat down. "You wanted to see me sir…"
"Yes…The Star Fire and its crew has been chosen for the Unknown Regions exploration mission…"
"Thank you sir I feel honored…"
"A small contingent of Jedi will be joining you and official representatives for the Alliance…You will leave as soon as the Star Fire has been fully stocked…"
"Thank you sir I will not fail the Alliance…"
They stood up and saluted one another. After Mason left Jaina entered Wedge's office a few minutes later. "Am I disturbing you?"
"No of course not come in…Would like a drink?"
"No I came to see you about something personal…" Jaina paused before continuing, "I need a leave of absence to take care of something personal…"
"If it is Jedi business you know you don't have to ask for permission for that…"
"Actually I need access to a Vong planet…The planet is under quarantine, but if you give me the access codes for the drone satellites…"
Wedge folded his arms, "What is this about Jaina? A Jedi Master could give you those codes just as easily as I could…"
"I don't trust anyone else with this, but me…Please…"
Wedge sighed, "Alright…but don't make me regret this…"

While Jaina got ready and the crew of the Star Fire prepared for a long trip into the Unknown Regions, the Alliance got ready for the trial of Ryle Norg. Deppa Heckard had gone to the Jedi temple to ask the High Council to intervene on Ryle Norg's behalf.
Luke and Mara had taken a sabbatical to spend time with the children and each other. So Saba Sabatyne was left in charge as acting Grandmaster. "I don't think we should get involved…" Kyle said, "…Let the Alliance sort this one out."
Corran Horn shook his head, "The Alliance lied to us and the fact that Ryle Norg stole Alpha Red and used it, doesn't make him a hero. Master Skywalker was adamant about not wiping out an entire race with a bio-weapon…"
"Even so we can't ignore the impact his actions had on the war…The Yuuzhan Vong had somehow connected with the force and on many occasions I felt in the force that they were going to win…I say we petition the courts for his immediate release…" Octa Ramis said.
"Thiz one thinkz juztice needz to be zerved…So we will not be intervening in the trial…"
Octa sighed, "If the majority of the council is in agreement…"
Most of the masters raised there hands. "Very well…but I want it on record that I do not agree…"
The doors swooshed open and Deppa Heckard entered, "Greetings to the Jedi Masters…As you may know I am representing Ryle Norg and I have come to ask the Jedi Council if they would petition the courts for the release of my client…"
Saba stood up, "The council cannot intervene…We are keeperz of the peace…Ryle Norge broke the law and the Alliance lied to uz…"
"With all do respect Master Sabatyne then the council should go after the ones in government who covered up the existence of Alpha Red…And may I remind you all here that Yuuzhan Vong had somehow learned to use the force and if not for my client…We may not be having this conversation…"
"I'm sorry councilor, but we cannot intervene." Kyle said.
Deppa was about to leave the council chambers when Donovan Leers entered the council chambers. "Council Heckard-Good you are here."
"Donovan it has been awhile-Have you returned to resume your training under me?" Kyp asked.
Donovan smiled, "No my old master-I have come to speak on behalf of Ryle Norg-I hope the council will request his immediate release."
Deppa beamed in hope and listened as Donovan Leers and the council faced off. "We have decided not to intervene." Kyp said.
"Typical!" Donovan turned to Deppa Heckard, "Councilor I heard a rumor that your office has started a petition for Ryle Norg's release-I would only be too happy to sign it."
"Thank you Master Jedi."
"Donovan is not a master!" Kyp said vehemently.
"Perhaps we can speak somewhere more private."
Donovan left and Deppa turned to follow, but before she could get out of the door Kyp called to her. "Councilor! A piece of advice-Donovan Leers left the Jedi order, it would not be wise for you seek help from."
"Thank you Master Jedi, but I will take help from where ever I can get it."

Court of Justice 2 days later
Ryle Norg's trial was transmitted all over the Alliance and the court room was standing room only. General Prosecutor Heller was making is opening statement.
"Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the Jury-We are here today because of this man." He pointed at Ryle Norg, "Some of you may look upon him as a hero, but he is not. He broke the law and caused the deaths of over sixty people. The outcome does not justify the means-This man is guilty of genocide!"
As Heller took his seat Deppa stood up, "Conquest and conversion, that is what the Yuuzhan Vong was about and anyone who didn't confirm to their beliefs was meant to be sacrificed to their cruel gods. Now enter my client Ryle Norg, a scientist, a citizen of the Republic, a father, and husband first. His wife and children died in a Yuuzhan Vong attack and he was one of the scientists responsible for the creation of Alpha Red in the beginning. It was through the wisdom and interference of the Jedi that we didn't use this weapon and the war ended. Now a year later the Yuuzhan remnant unites under a new banner and this time they can use the force. These conquerors are even more determined to overthrow the galaxy. The Alliance is on the brink of collapse and Ryle Norg does what the Jedi are afraid to do and what our government can only think about doing, but has had the foresight to hide. And how do we reward this man? We put him on trial! Cowards we are I say and it is a cowardly act if you find my client guilty."
Deppa took her seat and the judge banged the gavel, "The prosecution may call its first witness to the stand."
Heller stood up, "Thank you your honor the prosecution calls Captain Ram Gadley to the stand. The six foot tall human Gadley proudly stood up from the prosecution's witness box and made his way to the stand. A droid swore him in then Heller walked from behind his table. "Captain Gadley-how long have you served the Alliance as a ship captain?"
"I have served the Alliance for the past seven years, I saw some combat and transport missions towards the end of the first Yuuzhan Vong war and the second."
"You were last stationed on Corellia is that correct?"
"Yes sir!"
"Can you tell us what happened on galaxy date 35-15,035-6. (date-time had been recorded and existence of the Republic/Empire/Alliance-month)
He sighed, "We were picking up medical supplies to deliver to the front. A long range ship came out of hyperspace signaling us to dock. They had an official transponder code."
"Did the defendant come down the ramp when it landed?"
"Yes sir he did."
"Who else came down the ramp?"
"Three men-"
"Can you describe these men?"
"One of them was ebony skinned-and he had dreads, the two younger men had similar features and they seemed to defer to the elder." He paused and Deppa thought to herself here it comes, "I believe all three of them were Jedi."
There was a shocked reaction from the people attending court. Deppa threw her pen down and looked at Norg for not telling her, then she snuck a look at the four Jedi Masters attending the trial. As they whispered amongst themselves, Kyle noticed Daalla who got up and left the court room.
Judge Orn banged his gavel, "Order in the courtroom!"
"Captain when they gave you the change of orders did you confirm them?"
He lowered his head in shame as tears began to stream down his face. "I didn't feel the need to-I was manipulated by the Jedi."
"Your honor the prosecution would like to enter into evidence medical file P-7T."
Deppa jumped up, "Objection your honor, the force being what it is-the chief prosecutor knows that law makes no provision for force effected testimony or evidence, I move that this evidence not be allowed."
The Judge sighed, "I will allow it, but your objection is noted."
"Captain one more question-did they unload anything from their ship."
"Eight large bio-containers."
"Did they tell what was in the containers?"
"I was told by Ryle Norg-that it was none of my concern and that I was under orders."
"Your witness!"
Deppa stood up, "Your honor I would like to request a recess to confer with my client."
He banged his gavel, "We will reconvene tomorrow at 1100 hundred."
Deppa whispered something to Ryle Norg then she turned her attention to the Jedi Masters who had walked up as the guards took Norg away. "We can see the question on your face," Kyp said. "and no we didn't authorize any Jedi to steal Alpha Red."
"Be that as it may Master Jedi this hurts my client-Who were the Jedi?"
"Donovan Leerz and hiz apprenticez." Saba said, before activating her wrist COM. "Mazter Katarn pleaze come in."
"Go ahead!"
"Zend out a general order to all Jedi that Donovan Leerz waz behind the theft of Alpha Red-He is to be brought in for queztioning. Alive and unharmed."
Kyle sighed, "What if he doesn't cooperate?"
"Take whatever zteps iz necezzary, but alive and unharmed."
Kyp stepped forward, "Grandmaster, if anyone should bring Donovan in it should be me-He was my student."
"Very well then." Saba said licking her scaly lips.
"You saw how Daala reacted when it was revealed that Jedi was involved?" Kenth said to Saba after Deppa left them alone, "I think someone should follow her and I think it should be me."
Saba looked at him and saw a flash in the force of her standing over his body. "Be careful Mazter Hamner."
"I will!" She watched him walk off and sent a message to her son and daughter to watch Kenth Hamner's back.

"Where are you taking me?" Ryle Norg asked to the two guards as they lead him out of the holding area at the court of justice.
"Keep quiet!" A familiar voice said from under the helmet.
"Kindo! Is that you?"
'Be quiet!" Jaddock said. they boarded a security transport and it took off. The ship fell in line behind the Eclipse and the vessel locked onto the ship and off it took into space.