My special thanks to J. Hellscythe for his invaluable assistance, including writing the template of the confrontation between General Grievous and the Force ghost of Darth Zannah, without which this chapter wouldn't be possible.
Please review my loyal readers.
Disclaimer
All characters appearing in the Star Wars saga are copyright Lucas Arts and the Walt Disney Cooperation. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
Star Wars AU The Triumph of Darth Plagueis: Episode Thirty – Rebels Part V: Tuning up the Orchestra
By
Celgress
Main Space Station orbiting Sluis Van Prime, Sluis Van System 5 BBY
General Grievous stalked out of the docking bay, followed closely by the red & black Mandalorian inspired, armor wearing Boba Fett and a stream of grey armored, combination saber/electro staff wielding Imperial Guards. Recently Grievous had undergone extensive cosmetic modifications, after years of begging having finally convinced Emperor Plagueis of the necessity, restoring his original, Clone War era appearance minus his artificial eyes which remained neon red. Grievous' return to his classic appearance, including grey cloak, had earned him the moniker 'white ghost' amongst the Imperial rank and file. I nickname they dared not utter in his presence.
"Greetings Supreme General Grievous I trust your trip was a pleasant one?" High General, one of only six Imperial officers of said rank in the entire Galaxy, Sander Delvardus said after firing off a quick salute.
"I detest non-battle related space travel." Grievous said returning Delvardus' salute stiffly. "I understand our latest shipment of Star Destroyers is being delayed. I must advise you High General Delvardus the Emperor is most displeased by this development. He suspects the stress of your position may have become too much for you. Perhaps a more out of the way posting is in order? A relatively calm place where not much is expected of you, does that sound good High General Delvardus? Of course a substantial reduction in rank shall be required."
"No," Delvardus blurted out without thinking. Every eye in the place was suddenly riveted on Delvardus. Grievous glared at him. Delvardus withered under Grievous' merciless neon gaze. "I mean with all due respect Supreme General Grievous I feel I can handle the pressure."
"Why is the shipment delayed?" Grievous asked.
"The local population has been in a state of agitation recently." Delvardus explained. "A small number of rebels have committed acts of sabotage against our port and production facilities, damaging several of the incomplete vessels."
"I see, continue." Grievous said.
"Um due to the nature of the attacks we highly suspect the involvement of one or more force users." Delvardus gulped in spite of his best efforts.
"Which is why the Emperor sent us," Grievous said gesturing towards himself and Boba Fett. "We'll handle your force using rebels." Grievous opened his robe showing a fraction of his extensive lightsaber collection. "I only hope they have lightsabers I can add to my collection."
"I share your hope Supreme General Grievous." Delvardus said. "Come right this way your quarters await."
Grievous put up one of his metal hands halting the procession before it could begin. "We prefer to remain on the Emperor's Saber." Grievous said indicating his state of art Star Dreadnought class command vessel, and flagship of the Imperial Fleet, on which he and his companions had arrived.
"Of course sirs," Delvardus said. "I will have the information packets sent over at once."
"Good," Grievous said departing with a flap of his cape. Delvardus breathed a sigh of relief once Grievous, Fett and their entourage were out of sight.
On route to Secret Rebel Base
"I hate you." Lando Calrissian seethed from the area immediately behind the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon.
"Lando c'mon all is fair in love, war and Sabacc." Han Solo said enjoying the smooth performance of his newly acquired ship. His Ship for the first time in his life he owed something beyond the clothes on his back or the stuff stashed in his travel bag. Turns out being a wanted fugitive wasn't all bad after all.
"Your girl cheated." Lando accused. "She used the Force to tip you off. If not for her meddling I'd have won."
"Hey you cheated first. You were using a both a cheater and a shifter. I only evened the odds." Leia said cheerfully next to Lando.
"She's got you there Lando." Han laughed. "Isn't that right Chewie?" Chewbacca laughed from his copilot seat beside Han. Han and the Wookiee had become fast friends during the past several months.
"I'm a professional gambler sweetie what did you expect?" Lando said patronizingly.
"I'm a Jedi what did you expect." Leia snapped back.
"You're a real Jedi, give me a break." Lando laughed.
"What's so funny?" Leia said.
"Nothing," Lando said suppressing his laughter. "You a Jedi I mean you're just a girl."
"Uh oh you've done it now." Han said.
"I'll have you know some of the greatest Jedi masters were 'girls'." Leia fumed.
"Don't get upset sweetie I didn't mean anything by it." Lando said grinning. "I'm sure you're very talented with the Force. Do you have a lightsaber, or are you not old enough for the responsibility?" Lando again burst into laughter. He was silenced a minute later when Leia used the Force to render him unconscious. Lando slumped forward in his seat.
"What did you do!?" Han said in alarm, Chewie laughed.
"I rendered him unconscious using force stun." Leia said calmly. "He deserved it."
"What do you mean its' hilarious?" Han said glancing at Chewie. In the back Leia started giggling. "What am I going to do with you two?" Han said smiling.
Secret Rebel Base, one solar day later
"Nice new ride." Luke said whistling at the Millennium Falcon.
"Thanks," Han said slipping down the off ramp followed by Chewie, Leia and an irate Lando.
"Rebels, I should have known you'd be involved with the rebellion." Lando grumbled crossing his arms.
"Recognize you I do." Yoda said hobbling up to the group.
"Grand Master Yoda is that really you?" Lando said looking at the small Jedi with disbelief.
"In the flesh I be." Yoda said. "Long time it has been Lando Calrissian. Your father how is he?"
"Dead I'm afraid." Lando said sadly. "The Empire doesn't approve of gamblers. What about you Master Yoda. I heard the Jedi and Senate conspired to betray the Republic."
"Deception that was," Yoda said. "Undermined in secret the Galactic order the Sith did. Controlling both sides of the Clone Wars they were."
"Figures," Lando said. "I never believed the propaganda about the Jedi nor did my father. He had faith in the Jedi until his dying day. During the years he lived under the tyranny of the Empire he always said 'life without liberty is like a hologram, a hollow imitation of reality."
"Wiseman your father was." Yoda said. "Regret his loss I do. In our current time of crisis use his assistance I could."
"You have me." Lando said. "I'll fulfil our family obligation. Anything you want you need only ask."
"You two know each other?" Han asked somewhat amused by the situation.
"Know each other Yoda and the late Jedi master Mace Windu, saved my parents lives. My parents were smugglers during the Yinchorri Crisis. They got caught behind the lines when the Yinchorri murdered seven Jedi. They would have died if not for Yoda and Windu placing my parents under their personal protection. I assume the girl is one of your trainees? What do you call them, padawns?"
"I'm not a girl." Leia said. "I'm a young woman."
"Indeed she is." Obi-wan said appearing seemingly out of thin air.
"Obi-wan you old space dog." Lando said briefly embracing the Jedi master. "I should have known you'd survive."
"I see you've made the acquaintance of my daughter, Leia." Obi-wan said.
"The girl is your daughter?" Lando said.
"I sure am." Leia said.
"Sorry," Lando offered weakly. "Who's the mother?" Lando whispered leaning in close to Obi-wan. "I always thought you Jedi weren't allowed pleasures of the flesh."
"Things have changed, since the purge." Obi-wan said slowly. "Remember Jedi Master Siri Tachi?"
"Ah the young blonde woman, I sure do she was…" Lando said Leia meeting his gaze a disapproving expression on her face. "I always thought you two were sweet on each other. You made a cute couple even back then. But what do I know I was just a dumb kid when last we met. Where is Mrs. Kenobi anyway?"
"She's not feeling well." Katooni said emerging from the throng of rebel personal busying themselves in the hanger with various tasks.
"Lando Calrissian may I introduce my eldest daughter Katooni." Obi-wan said.
"Wow you and Siri must have started young." Lando said giving Katooni the once over.
"Actually I'm his surrogate child." Katooni said. "I was originally his second Padawn before the purge."
"We all are his surrogate children." Luke said joining the conversation. "Obi-wan and Siri found me sister Leia and me not long after the purge. Our parents were rouge Jedi who'd left the order years before. They were killed by Darth Vader and Darth Cyrin."
"The cybernetic Sith." Lando said. "I've heard of the pair. They're origin remains quite the mystery."
"They are traitors." Leia said darkly, "fallen Jedi who betrayed their own order."
"Intriguing," Lando said. "And who are you young man?"
"I'm Luke." Luke said with a goofy grin, "only son of Obi-wan and Siri Kenobi." Katooni muttered something not so nice under her breath while Leia rolled her eyes.
"Don't mind him he's our idiot brother." Leia said.
"You're just jealous because I'm the cutest." Luke declared in exaggerated fashion.
"Please," Leia said with another eye roll. Luke stuck out his tongue at her, Leia returned the favor. Katooni shook her head.
"Children please not in front of our guest." Obi-wan chastised.
Obi-wan's and Siri's Private Quarters
"You can't tell anyone, understand R2-D2 which does double for you C-3PO." Siri said staring at the positive pregnancy test with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
"Mistress I'm offended by the implicit allegation in your statement that I am untrustworthy." C-3PO said in a tizzy. "I will have you know I have never… What do you mean she has a point?" C-3PO scoffed at his beeping fellow droid. "I most certainly am not a robotic 'busybody'. Furthermore R2 I resent your remark. I…."
"I can't deal with your antics right now, please leave." Siri said now sitting on the makeshift bed, head in her hands.
"Mistress with all due respect I do not think you should be left…." C-3PO tried to say.
"Out both of you now, or so help me I'll make toasterovens out of the pair of you!" Siri said surprised by the vehemence of her command. "And remember not a word until I say otherwise."
"At once mistress," C-3PO said backing out of the room as R2-D2 did the same.
Once alone Siri considered her situation. Since declaring her love for Obi-wan more than a decade ago she'd always hoped for a child of their own someday. It would appear that day had arrived. Why now, when things were in such disarray? Why couldn't they have been blessed at a more convenient time like when they lived a relatively settled life back on Tatooine? Now they were being hunted by both the Empire and the Hutts. Was it right to bring an innocent new life, a child into their situation? Siri knew what Grand Master Yoda would say. Jedi have no business raising children and certainly not birthing their own. Though he'd stoically tolerated the situation she knew he'd deeply disapproved of the improvised family unit She, Obi-wan, Katooni and the twins had joyously formed. What could she do? Force she needed guidance in the worst possible way.
A series of massive space stations hung in orbit around a sun that seemed oddly familiar. The largest of which orbited a heavily industrialized planet. The system was filled with Imperial Star Destroyers of various classes and sizes, most in obvious states of construction. One completed Star Destroyer however dwarfed nearly all others. The behemoth hung in space not far from the planet orbiting space station.
"I'll still add your lightsabers to my collection in spite this treacherous wraith!" The menacing General Grievous said his two arms bisecting into four a stolen Jedi lightsaber ignited in each. "Her trickery cannot save you're worthless hides, Jedi scum!"
"Who are you?" Luke asked a short haired, red headed girl about his age. She was adored in scruffy, patchwork clothing. A group of Storm Troopers were strewn about the chamber around them.
"Mara Jade," The red head said.
"Discover your true heritage, know thy self." A female voice whispered. "Fear not the truth my child. Through the truth your shackles are broken."
The intensity of the vision was such it knocked Siri back onto the bed. She'd seldom seen glimpses of the future and never before received one so vivid. What was happening? That voice, it seemed soothing, familiar even. Then it hit Siri the system she had seen it before. The Imperial shipyards at Sluis Van! Fortunately their current position wasn't far from Sluis Van. They could easily reach the system in a couple of days. She had to tell the others. Her prior dilemma forgotten she raced from the room.
Approaching the Sluis Van System, three standard solar days later
"I hope your plan works." Lando said clutching his powder blue cape tightly around his form.
"Play your role perfectly old buddy. We shouldn't have any problems." Han said.
"Unknown vessel this is Sluis Van Flight Control you are entering restricted Imperial Military Space, identify yourself and state your business immediately or face defensive action." A sterile voice stated.
"Sluis Van Flight Control this is the private vessel of Ambassador Cliv Op'x of the Wild Space Consortium requesting an audience with High General Delvardus. We wish to negotiate bilateral agreements between our two powers." Lando said.
"Transmit your identification codes." The voice stated.
"Here goes nothing, except our lives." Han whispered transmitting the forged codes.
Several tense minutes later the voice said. "You may dock at the main station orbiting Sluis Van Prime, berth 19B-72. An official delegation along with a customary military escort will greet you there. On behalf of the Galactic Empire and the ruling Order of Sith we hope you enjoy your time with us Ambassador Cliv Op'x. Sluis Van Flight Control over and out."
"Whew, that was jarring." Lando said.
"Pfft it was nothing, am I right Chewie?" Han said. His copilot voiced agreement.
Main Space Station orbiting Sluis Van Prime, three standard solar hours later
"I thought we'd never ditch those Strom Troopers." Luke said working a kink out of his neck.
"I know huh. I hated being under those floor panels so long." Leia said.
"Hush children," Obi-wan said as the group of Jedi sneaked down the corridor. "There is something familiar here, besides Grievous."
"I sense it too." Katooni said. "An opponent we've faced before."
"Bobba Fett here he is." Yoda said. "Though something else be here not Greievous, not Fett, not this young Mara Jade we seek something else something dark, ancient. Proceed with utmost caution we must."
Siri steadied herself. Whatever was here she also sensed it. She only hoped she wasn't leading her family into a trap.
While the Jedi searched the station for their goal in a lavishly decorated reception room Lando, Solo and Chewie were preoccupied entertaining High General Delvardus and most of his officers & a good chunk of his private staff. The High General was a dreadfully boring man as were his officers. It wasn't long before the impromptu "summit" had degenerated into a mixer. The gathering was quickly spiraling towards debauchery; the last officers to arrive were accompanied by a group of Twi'lek dancers/prostitutes. When Supreme General Grievous and half his Imperial Guards entered the gathering grew silent.
"What is the reason behind this disgraceful behavior, answer me at once!" Grievous demanded.
"Sir it er I don't believe you've been formally introduced to Ambassador Cliv Op'x of the Wild Space Consortium and his two guides." Delvardus said pointing at Lando, Han and Chewie. "May I do the honors sir?"
Grievous slapped Delvardus' outstretched hand away hard enough to cause a bruise. "Delvardus you are a disgrace to the uniform." The cyborg snarled. The cadre of Imperial Officers wisely stepped away from the action. "I should slay were you stand. In the old days you'd be dead already. However expediency demands I give you one last chance. If anything, I repeat anything else questionable happens prior to me departure you are finished. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir." Delvardus whimpered.
"Ambassador Cliv Op'x I apologize you've been subjected to such, perversion." Grievous said looking disapprovingly at the dancers and drunken Imperials alike. "You have my personal assurance such behavior isn't indicative of our usual diplomatic and commercial dealings. We Sith pride ourselves on self-control, a quality our underlings often regrettably lack. I must take my leave of you now, farewell." Grievous finished with a deep bow.
"Thank you Supreme General. I look forward to our next meeting, until then." Lando said with a deep bow of his own. Lando, Han and Chewie silently breathed a collective sigh of relief once Grievous and his guards had left.
Elsewhere the Jedi had spilt up into three groups to search the immense station in the time allotted; Siri & Leia, Yoda & Katooni, Obi-wan & Luke. Back aboard the Millennium Falcon the group had agreed to rendezvous back at the ship in five standard hours, over half of which had already elapsed. After another hour of fruitless search Obi-wan and Luke found themselves in a sealed area while following a disturbance in the Force.
"Warning," said a voice accompanied by a klaxon. "You have entered a restricted area! Activating perimeter lockdown protocol! Security forces will arrive on the scene shortly! Failure to cooperate with security forces will result in the use of lethal force!"
"Wonderful," Obi-wan said.
"It could be worse." Luke joked. "Storm Troopers could surround us from both sides." Blast doors opened on both ends of the hallway filling the area with gun toting Storm Troopers. Obi-wan shot Luke a nasty look. "Hey it was only a joke."
"Next time refrain from such comic relief." Obi-wan said activating his sapphire blade with a snap hiss.
Luke did the same with his emerald blade. "Got it," Luke said.
Back to back the two Jedi, father and son, squared off against the advancing Storm Troopers. Caught in the two pronged assault the Jedi fought furiously, deflecting dozens of laser bolts each. The pair had dispatched but a fraction of their enemies when a powerful force wave emitted from beneath their feet throwing the Storm Troopers into the ceiling rendering the majority unconscious, killing an unlucky few. It was only Obi-wan's and Luke's force shields that kept their feet firmly planted on the floor.
"Did you do that? Because it wasn't me," Luke asked confused.
"Don't look at me." Obi-wan said. "I have no idea where the force wave came from."
"Are you Jedi?" Asked a female voice.
"Excuse me?" Obi-wan said kneeling down.
"Are you Jedi?" The female voice repeated.
"Yes, we are." Obi-wan said hesitantly.
"At last I've found you." The female voice said. A nearby grate popped out of the floor. A young woman squirmed her way out of the opening.
"Who are you?" Luke asked in awe staring at a short haired, red headed girl who was about his age. She was adored in scruffy, patchwork clothing.
"Mara Jade, rebel agent," She said. "I hope we can help each other."
"You defeated the Strom Troopers by using a force attack." Obi-wan said realization dawning upon him. The elder Jedi could clearly see Mara's signature in the Force, it was brilliant. Almost strong as any he'd seen. He could also tell right away it was tinged with a rather large amount of darkness, though the light was the dominate component. In many ways it reminded him of Mace Windu's force profile.
"Guilty," Mara said.
"How did you learn such a technique?" Obi-wan asked.
"I didn't, such things come naturally to me." Mara said seemingly unsure of her words. "When I get really angry, or frightened it happens stuff like what you saw. What I did to them." Mara pointed at the Strom Troopers.
"Hmmm," Obi-wan said putting away his lightsaber and stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"I need help. Can you teach me to control my power?" Mara asked with equal parts hope and fear in her eyes.
"Of course I can and will, child." Obi-wan said.
"Thank you I'll never forgot what you've done for me today." Mara said embracing Obi-wan tears in her eyes. "No one has ever helped me before. I was always on my own, until I joined the rebellion. My abilities helped me find the weak point in structures; speeders, ships, buildings. They made me their explosive expert, my former cell. They're all gone now, killed by the Imps. Disabling this station I thought would be my last mission." Mara said extracting herself from Obi-wan.
"Shatterpoint, her abilities truly are akin to Mace's." Obi-wan whispered.
"What did you say?" Mara said.
"Nothing important," Obi-wan said. "I assume you were sabotaging the station while down there?" Obi-wan pointed at the open hatch from which Mara had emerged.
"I was, matter of fact I planted a powerful explosive device on a key power relay unit." Mara explained. "It'll go off in another hour. The resulting explosive should destroy the station along with everything nearby."
Obi-wan and Luke exchanged glances. "We better find the others." Luke said.
"Yes we best do so, at once." Obi-wan said.
Elsewhere
"Wait," Siri said restraining Leia with her left arm. "Up ahead I sense, danger." Carefully the Jedi, mother and daughter, rounded the corner.
"Greetings Jedi slime," Grievous said. Behind him eight Imperial Guards activated the electronic emitters on their staff weapons. "Back away leave us I shall destroy these two myself." The guards did as they were instructed. Soon Grievous, Siri and Leia were alone.
Leia took a step forward Grievous laughed. "Stay back," Siri instructed. "Trust me you're not ready for this."
"Listen to your master silly Padawan." Grievous taunted. "I am far beyond your feeble capabilities. I've killed over eighty Jedi and am undisputed master of the seven classical lightsaber combat forms, fear me."
"You're using Dun Moch." Leia said with a knowing grin. "Could it be you're less proficient than you boast General? Dun Moch is often relied upon by those lacking confidence in their own ability with the blades. They seek a much needed edge."
"How dare you, a mere Padawan, question my dueling ability," Grievous shrieked in rage falling into Leia's trap. "I have something special in store for your arrogance. I shall use it to cut your wagging tongue from your mouth girl. Behold my most prized trophy, the Heart of Darth Bane founder of the modern Sith Order and the now defunct rule of two!" Grievous reached into his cloak withdrawing a saber staff of classical design.
Siri froze her blood ran cold. Saber staffs were notorious. During the Battle of Naboo Darth Maul had used a saber staff to cut down Obi-wan's master Qui-Gon Jinn, one of the greatest sword masters of the Jedi Order at the time. In the hands of a novice such a weapon was hard to deal with in the hands of a dueling master such as Grievous in all probability it would prove impossible.
"Get behind me!" Siri said.
"Won't we stand a better chance if I circle around…" Leia said.
"No matter what happens I'm making you survive this." Siri said. "Listen you, your brother, sister and this girl we are looking for are the future of the Jedi Order. I can't jeopardize your safety."
"Mother please…" Leia attempted to counter.
"Leia I love you. I won't let this monster kill you like did so many of my friends during the Clone Wars." Siri said. "Get behind me!" Leia did so without further protest.
"How touching," Grievous laughed holding the Heart of Bane with both hands across his chest. "I think I'll cripple you then make you watch your Padawan's agonizingly, slow demise. I'll dissect her one piece at time until she begs for the sweet release of death."
"I'll destroy you first General." Siri said with grime determination activating her violet lightsaber.
Grievous tossed back his cape, assumed a low crouching stance and pressed the activation button on his weapon, nothing happened. Confused Grievous pressed the switch, again nothing. Frustrated Grievous growled shaking the device violently with one hand followed by the other.
"What is wrong with this hunk of antiquated junk!? Grievous said examining the sabers staff closely.
A high pitched buzzing filled the hallway along with a pale red light. The light consolidated midway between Siri and Grievous. Slowly the semi-transparent form of a blonde haired woman emerged. She glowed with the same pale red light as the bubble surrounding her.
"Nothing is wrong with the Heart of Bane save you are unworthy of wielding it abomination," said the spirit. The saber staff was then ripped from Grievous' inhuman grasp. It flew through the air ending up in Siri's free, left, hand. "Ah much better, the Heart of Bane is where it truly belongs."
"What is the meaning of this outrage!?" Grievous bellowed. "Who are you insolent spirit?"
"Tell Plagueis he has invoked the Wrath of Darth Zannah," the ancient Dark Lady declared, "Tell him that because of his blasphemy, I shall aid in his downfall."
"Why would you do that," snarled Grievous, "Why would you betray the very Order you helped create?"
The pale red light seemed to fade as the Sith spirit spoke with cold anger, "First, I helped create the Order of Sith Lord's under the Rule of Two. Second, I am not aiding the Jedi; I am siding with the one win shares mine and Bane's blood." Zannah pointed at a shocked Siri. "She is the one who has the right to wield Bane's Heart, not you."
Grievous was outraged by this apparent act of betrayal. "I'll still add your lightsabers to my collection in spite this treacherous wraith!" General Grievous threatened his two arms bisecting into four a stolen Jedi lightsaber ignited in each. "Her trickery cannot save you're worthless hides, Jedi scum!"
"You dare call my powers trickery abomination." Zannah smirked viciously as she used the Force to crush Grievous' bisected right hand and pulled the corresponding lightsabers away. "Of all of Plagueis' heretic servants you are by far the worst," the Mother of the all modern Sith Lords declared as she propelled Grievous off the ground slamming him face first against the ceiling, "You are an abomination to both the living and to the Force." She then shoved Grievous into the furthest wall behind them, "You have gone as far as to claim a stolen power as your own," she seethed before throwing him through the ceiling and out into orbit around the space station. Darth Zannah finished in a more cheerful tone. "TOODLES~"
Siri and Leia stared. "What are you waiting for silly Jedi an engraved invitation?" Zannah admonished. "Even I cannot maintain the integrity of this now heavily damaged section and dampen the Imperial sensors forever. Flee before it collapses, besides I have it on good authority your new recruit Mara Jade has planted a bomb onboard. Run silly Jedi. Don't worry I'll see you again, sooner than perhaps you'd like." Leia grabbed Grievous' two lost lightsabers thinking the spare blades, one blue the other green, might come in handy down the road.
Heeding the Darth Lady's words Siri and Leia rushed away. Siri sent a message through the Force to her husband and Yoda, informing both Jedi masters of the imminent danger. Surprisingly Obi-wan also sent her a similar message via the Force. It seemed he and Luke had located Mara Jade. Subsequently they'd learned of the bomb Jade had planted. The only remaining problem was how to warn their non-Force sensitive friends without further tipping off the Imperials?
"Let me tell your father and Yoda about what happen, okay?" Siri said as the two continued running.
"Sure, I have no idea what happened anyhow." Leia said, "or more precisely why it happened."
Near the Power Core
"We meet again, and you've brought a friend." Sith assassin Boba Fett said spying Katooni and Yoda. "You won't escape my clutches this time." Boba Fett activated his red lightsaber with a flourish.
"Have time for you now we do not." Yoda said effortlessly lifting Boba Fett off his feet, slamming the unlucky assassin hard enough against the ceiling so that Fett lost his lightsaber Yoda used the piping and wires of the station to encase Boba in a cocoon from which he couldn't easily escape. "Leave here at once we must. Come rejoin the others we shall."
"Some other time Fett," Katooni said blowing the struggling young Sith a kiss over her should before leaving the chamber.
"One day you are mine!" Boba Fett screamed after the departing Jedi using the Force to retrieve his lightsaber. Slowly Boba Fett began cutting his way free.
Outside Berth 19B-72, fort-five standard minutes later
When the Jedi, accompanied by powerful force sensitive Mara Jade, arrived Lando, Han & Chewie were already waiting for them. The trio were surrounded by several obviously deceased Strom Troopers. By now the station was engulfed in chaos. Klaxons & an emergency evacuation message had begun sounding several minutes ago they hadn't ceased since.
"How…" Obi-wan said.
"The Imps we were partying with got carried away." Han shrugged.
"The remaining Storm Troopers who were 'guarding' my 'delegation' passed out before the crisis." Lando chuckled. "These Imps are poorly trained. I assume she's your new recruit?" Lando said indicating Mara.
Before anyone could answer the station shook violently. "We'd better get out of here." Obi-wan said the others readily agreed pouring into the Millennium Falcon.
After a quick instrument check Han frowned. "What's wrong," Leia said.
"The docking clamps are still engaged. I doubt anyone is manning Flight Control at this point." Han said.
"Meaning what exactly?" Siri said.
"Meaning we're struck." Han said.
"Does this tub have rear turbolasers?" Mara asked.
"Hey don't call me, um I mean my buddy Han's ship a tub." Lando said indignantly.
"Well does it," Mara said ignoring Lando's outburst.
"It does," Han muttered.
"Good," Mara said running to the back of the ship. A few moments later twin explosions rocked the ship. "There, you're free." Mara said reappearing.
"How did she?" Katooni wondered aloud.
"Shatterpoint," Obi-wan said softly.
The Millennium Falcon pulled away from the station jumping into hyperspace an instant before a series of enormous explosions left a fireball orbiting Sluis Van Prime. Several active Star Destroyers were caught in the blasts. The ships were either severely damaged or destroyed outright. The partially constructed fleet Grievous had come to pick up was obliterated when the careering out of control Star Destroyers impacted with the smaller porter facilities slicing a path of destruction through the heavily built up system.
Secret Rebel Base, one solar day later
"Obi-wan there is something I have to tell you." Siri said reversing in front of the small mirror in their quarters. Biting her lip Siri continued after taking a deep breath. "I'm pregnant. There I said it. It doesn't sound so bad."
"What doesn't sound so bad?" Obi-wan said entering the fresher where Siri was reversing. Siri nearly jumped out of her skin. "Are you okay?" Obi-wan asked kissing Siri's neck. "You've been out of sorts since we returned from Sluis Van. Is this about your encounter with the spirit of Darth Zannah? Master Yoda said…."
"It isn't that." Siri said turning around putting her arms around Obi-wan's neck, "Obi-wan how would you feel about being a father again?"
"I think Mara is a little old." Obi-wan said. "Besides she appears fully capable of looking after herself."
"I'm not taking about Mara." Siri said leaning in close.
"Then who are you talking about?" Obi-wan ask.
"Obi-wan we're going to have a baby." Siri whispered.
"You mean," Obi-wan said.
"Yup, congratulations are in order papa because mama is expecting." Siri continued softly. "You're not angry, are you?" Siri again bite her lip in trepidation.
"Of course not, how could you even ask that." Obi-wan said. "This is wonderful news."
"Thank you," Siri said choking back tears.
"For what," Obi-wan said.
"For always being my knight in shining armor." Siri said. "I'll always love you."
"And I you," Obi-wan said. The two Jedi masters' lips met.
Imperial Center, four standard solar days later
"Are you certain General the force ghost was that of Darth Zannah?" Emperor Darth Plagueis asked glaring down from his throne at the contrite Grievous and Boba Fett.
"She identified herself as such. Additionally she matched both the physical description and psychological profile of Darth Zannah you had us study as part of our training." Grievous said groveling shamelessly before the Great Dark Lord.
"Depart, leave my presence at once! I cannot stand the stench of failure any longer, out!" Plagueis screamed rising from his throne.
Bowing low the lesser Sith back out of the throne room. Once they were gone a hooded figure emerged from the shadows behind the throne. Stepping into the light of the throne room the yellow eyed being pulled back his hood, revealing the elegant green scales of a young male Falleen. The Fallen stood silently by Plagueis' right side.
Plagueis had found the orphaned Falleen as a youngling not long after the death of his first traitorous apprentice the tripled cursed Darth Sidious. Sensing the boy's great force potential Plagueis had taken the Falleen on as his secret apprentice, based in large part upon the luck Sidious had demonstrated training the late Darth Maul from a youngling as a Sith assassin. Plagueis had kept the extremely loyal Falleen hidden all these years in case his other potential successors, Vader & Cyrin, proved failures which they recently had. Unlike Vader, Cyrin, Tyranus, Grievous and his other lesser disciples Plagueis had taught the Falleen nearly everything he knew, including the forbidden art of Midi-Chlorian manipulation. Now the being Plagueis had christened Darth Ultimin, the Ultimate expression of the Sith Order, would shine ascending above all others.
"I assume you closely observed our exchange as instructed my apprentice?" Plagueis said.
"Of course my master," Darth Ultimin replied.
"What are your thoughts my apprentice?"
"The loss of the Sluis Van shipyard while serious is in no way crippling. It can be compensated for. The interference of Darth Zannah however, is rather troubling." Darth Ultimin stated.
"Exactly my apprentice, "Plagueis said sitting back down on his throne. "This potential threat to our final goal, the total subjugation of the Force itself, cannot be tolerated. Together we shall stop the spirit of Darth Zannah from interfering with our design."
"How does one stop a non-material foe my master?" Ultimin asked genuinely curious.
By way of reply Plagueis grinned wickedly. "In due time my apprentice I'll demonstrate to you one of my most guarded tricks, a trick that will neutralize the threat posed by this pesky phantom."
To Be Continued