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Star Wars AU The Triumph of Darth Plagueis: Episode Twenty-Seven – Rebels Part II: Trouble Brewing on Kashyyyk

By

Celgress

5 BBY

Deep Space

The Imperial Star Destroyer Conquering Light limped through the vastness of interstellar space. An unexpected encounter with an intense ion storm two standard days before had seriously damaged the hyper driver complex. On the bridge Lt. General Kardue'sai'Malloc a battle hardened Devaronian asked his chief navigation officer, a Neimoidian, where the nearest layover site suitable for repairs was.

"The only planet within range that meets our criteria sir is Kashyyyk." The Neimoidian navigation reported.

"The Wookiee home world, how charming," The Pau'an Darth Tropiheus said arms behind his back.

Kardue'sai'Malloc considered growling at the young Sith's flippant remark, then thought better of it. "Open a subspace channel to the Imperial garrison stationed on Kashyyyk."

"At once sir, establishing contact now," a human communication officer announced.

Kardue'sai'Malloc was mildly disappointed but not overly surprised when the holographic image of an old T-series tactical droid flicked to life. He had thought the series retired at the end of the Clone Wars, apparently he'd been mistaken. "Greetings I am Lt. General Kardue'sai'Malloc of the Imperial Navy this is Darth Tropiheus lord of the Sith Order." Kardue'sai'Malloc said throwing back his cape and gesturing to his compaion. "May I speak with your commanding officer?"

"I am in command of the garrison." The life sized holographic image of the Tactical Droid said.

"Are there no organics stationed there with you?" Kardue'sai'Malloc asked.

"Negative sir, there are only droids currently stationed here on Kashyyyk. I am their commander." The hologram of the Tactical Droid answered. "How may we be of service?"

"The hyper drive complex of our Star Destroyer Conquering Light has received substantial damage as the result of an ion storm we encountered two standard days prior." Kardue'sai'Malloc. "We require a stable planetary system to orbit while repairs are made. Additionally our troops require shore leave during the layover period. Your system is the only suitable one within range."

"When can we expect your arrival?" The hologram of the Tactical Droid said seeming to tense at the suggestion.

"Within one standard week," Kardue'sai'Malloc said.

"Be advised sir our garrison headquarters are not equipped for the needs of most organics." The hologram of the Tactical Droid said. "In fact no organic has been stationed here on Kashyyyk since before the construction of the base following the Clone Wars."

"Don't worry my troops enjoy rustic accommodations, as do I." Kardue'sai'Malloc chuckled, "Kardue'sai'Malloc out."

"He's hiding something." Darth Tropiheus proclaimed coldly.

"May I ask how, droids aren't programed to lie my lord." Kardue'sai'Malloc said, an edge of contempt creeping into his voice.

"I sensed deception. The droid wasn't completely forthcoming with us." Darth Tropiheus said hands still firmly clasped behind his back.

"Lay in a course for Kashyyyk, maximum available speed." Kardue'sai'Malloc ordered ignoring the suspicions of the Sith.

Kashyyyk Garrison Headquarters

The Tactical Droid would have cursed if his programing permitted such an activity. A surprise visit by Imperial organics now of all times it simply wouldn't do. The Wookiees were in full insurrection. The garrison did not possess enough resources to pacify them. As a result the Tactical Droid designation T-One-Three-Seven had been forced to take drastic actions. T-One-Three-Seven had the battle droids under his command incinerate a large portion of the fabled Wookiee city. T-One-Three-Seven's forces then abducted the Wookiees' younglings. T-One-Three-Seven was holding the children as bargaining chips. The older Wookiees wouldn't dare attack the garrison headquarters while the droids were using their children as living shields. The situation had settled into a tense standoff in recent weeks. The droids controlled the area directly around the garrison headquarters while the Wookiees controlled the remainder of the planet.

Perhaps T-One-Three-Seven could use the impending arrival of the approaching Star Destroyer Conquering Light to his advantage. T-One-Three-Seven would allow the Wookiees to learn of it making them assume he'd requested a pacification team. He hoped the fearsome reputations of Vader's apprentice Darth Tropiheus and Lt. General Kardue'sai'Malloc should be enough to frighten the Wookiees into submission. If not perhaps T-One-Three-Seven could convince the organics the situation on Kashyyyk had spiraled out of control leaving an orbital bombardment as the only viable solution? It would prove a hard sell however not an impossible one. With a plan now in mind T-One-Three-Seven set about 'gathering' the evidence required to justify his aim.

Kashyyyk Wookiee City

"This place is a bigger dump than I thought." Han Solo said earning a force smack from Leia. "Hey there is no need for violence." Han said rubbing the back of his head. "I thought you Jedi were supposed to be tolerant, pacifists?"

"Where did tolerance and pacifism get us? I'll tell you where nearly wiped out by the Sith." Leia said fire in her dark eyes. "Do you have any idea how many Jedi were slaughtered in a single standard day during the Great Jedi Purge? Plagueis and his acolytes have hunted our kind to the brink of extinction."

"Correct me if I'm wrong. Didn't you guys nearly destroy the Sith at one point?" Han said.

"The Sith nearly destroyed themselves." Luke corrected.

"Conflict nature of the Dark Side it is." Yoda said hobbling out of the space ship leaning on his gnarled cane. "Compete to excel Jedi do. Compete to surpass Sith must. No lasting peace can there be within the ranks of the Sith."

"If you Jedi are so perfect how come Darth Vader & Cyrin left your Order?" Han countered. "I heard both were once Jedi."

"Troubled from the beginning young Cyrin & Vader were." Yoda said a look of sadness passed over his aged feature. "Lost spirits tainted by violent pasts they were. Tried to help them find peace we did. Seduced by the lure of the Dark Side they were. Underestimated the cunning of Darth Plagueis failed them we, I did."

"See no one is perfect, not even you Jedi." Han said almost smugly.

"Watch your mouth." Katooni said angrily leaving the ship. "You shouldn't speak of things you don't understand. I was there. I saw the cruelty of the Sith first hand. Do you know how many younglings were in the Jedi Temple on what is now Imperial Center the day of the purge? Ask General Grievous or Lord Vader I'm sure they could tell you."

"That is enough children." Obi-wan said departing the ship with Siri, C3PO and R2D2 in tow. "We should allow Mr. Solo to form his own opinions, even if they are misguided."

"Gee thanks," Han said. "I wonder are you guys an Order, a family or both?"

"I thought you hated Jedi?" Luke said.

"I do." Han confirmed.

"Why do you care?" Leia asked.

"I'm just wondering what kind of wacky cult you are?" Han said. R2D2 poked Han with an electrified prod. "Now the droids are attacking me."

"He's angry you're insulting of us." Siri said. "For your information young man we are a family who happen to be Jedi. We are not a wacky cult."

"Just a violent one, right?" Han joked, no one laughed. "Wait shouldn't there be plenty of walking hairballs around here?"

The Jedi and droids ignored Han. Rounding a corner the group gave a collective gasp the wooden, tree top world of the Wookiees had been reduced to a scorched wasteland. Before the group could get over the initial shock they were ambushed by a large contingent of heavily armed Wookies.

"Worst vacation ever," Han said putting up his hands.

To Be Continued