Chapter 5: Debrief

Date: 8783 AD
Location: Jedi Temple Hangar, Coruscant

Darkness. Everywhere he looked all he could see was darkness. Then they came, memories of the end. The chaos of combat as he fought countless battles to protect against the destruction of his world. The despair he felt as they were pushed back until they had no choice but to leave. He saw the six large Ark ships as they took off from the planet. Saw them head into space as an armada followed close behind them. Then the images became fractured and jumbled up. He saw flames bloom in space headed for him. Felt a jolt as his ship entered the atmosphere before crashing into the earth. He heard a scream filled with agony and saw a hooded figure standing over him, felt a hand caress his cheek and pain explode in his head.

With a jolt Harry James Potter sat up breathing heavily. Instinctively, he cast his mind out searching for any sign of life around him as his eyes scanned the darkness for any threats against him. His mind finally caught up to him and he fell back onto the bed with a sigh. He wasn't in the middle of a war, well not the war he was fighting, in fact he wasn't even in his home galaxy.

It had been two days since he had arrived in this galaxy and returned the Jedi and the troops to their planet. It had been an interesting experience to say the least. The trip had been spent learning their language as well as getting to know his travelling companions as well as the state of the galaxy that he would be calling home. It had been disappointing to learn that this galaxy as well was involved in a war as he knew that sooner or later, something would happen that would drag him into the middle of it. However one thing that greatly disturbed him was the clone troopers who were used to fight this war. It didn't sit right with him but he had refrained from making any judgments until he learned all he could about the war.

His companions had been interesting people and he could see that they might become good friends in the future. They had stopped at the midway point between the two galaxies as they waited for the engines to cool down where they had spent a majority of the time enjoying the wonderful view. Afterwards, he had increased his study of the alien language with some help from Ody and the virtual interface on board the ship. He didn't want to ask for their memories as he had tried to limit their knowledge of what he could do and what the ship was capable of as even though they seemed like good people, he didn't know them well enough and he didn't want them to know all his secrets. At least until he could trust them. Still, there were instances where he had no choice such as when he healed their injuries and when he fixed and piloted the ship.

After arrival, they had headed to the planet Coruscant where they landed on the platform at the Jedi temple. Harry had remained on board the ship going over the diagnostics while the Jedi went to make their report to their council. He had later been requested and had been led to the council chambers by another Jedi. They had thanked him for healing the clones and for bringing back their people. The council had been most intrigued about his abilities and had expressed their disappointment that they could not be able to meet his people.

Harry frowned slightly and stood up before heading to the bathroom. He stopped in front of the mirror and carefully looked at his reflection. Through all that had happened, something had been bothering him. He could remember the war with the Vaneer, all the battles both in space and on the ground. It had been a massive campaign that had taken a hundred years before they had been pushed back to Earth. He remembered the decision to leave as well as the ships, which included the Odyssey that had been sent out to search for suitable worlds in the neighboring galaxies. All but one returned and two had found suitable planets. One was chosen and after a year of construction, the ships were completed and had taken off with all his people and everything else they could cram into them, animals, plants, everything they would need to start anew, all this he could remember. But as for what happened next, his mind was drawing a blank. He had cast himself into his mindscape multiple times but he could not find any of his memories about what happened next after the Ark ships had taken off. Only fragments that came during his dreams.

There were two possibilities for this. One, that what happened was so traumatic that his mind had blocked those memories to protect itself. Or someone had taken away his memories. Both had worrying implications as the first implied that something bad had happened possibly to him or the Arks or both. The second and most likely meant that someone powerful had erased his memories for reasons he couldn't explain. He could count the number of people capable of this on one hand and all of them were on those ships. This caused even more confusion as his mind tried to come up with any theories as to what might have happened.

"Harry, I would like to remind you that your meeting with the Chancellor is in less than thirty minutes." Ody said.

"Thank you Ody." He answered. There would be time to contemplate all this later but for now, he had a meeting to prepare for.

Harry had never really liked politicians. Despite the fact that he had known quite a few good ones and had even held a position in government for a time, he still despised politics and was weary of politicians who he didn't know personally especially after the bad experiences he had endured with Fudge and his ilk. The Chancellor was no exception to the rule. He had listened to the fantastic tale told to him with rapt attention and had seemed especially interested in the Odyssey and his magic. He could understand the fascination, they were at war and a ship such as his would be a huge advantage to say nothing of his magic which would help in fighting these Separatists. Still, something about him felt off.

On Earth, after the Unveiling and the Dark Decade that followed, a list of protocols and rules had been established for anybody seeking to hold a position in government. Too many politicians who sought to further their own agenda had exacerbated the already tumultuous situation that the world had suddenly found itself in. Who knew how many millions could have been saved had they truly cared for the people. Therefore after the chaos and the wars, after the Earth had been reborn anew and the people were starting to unite, it was decided that the politicians had to take certain oaths to ensure that they truly wanted to serve the people. It had taken a few more years before the process was perfected, but in the end, the Earth was all the stronger for it.

On Earth he could at least know that the people in charge would always do what they thought was best for the people instead of what was best for themselves. Here he didn't have such a luxury. The Chancellor may have been a good man for all he knew, but he didn't really know the man. He had done a passive scan using Legilimency but found that the man's mind was protected from his intrusions. There was nothing unusual about this, he had known quite a few people who were natural Occlumens and unless he wanted to really launch a concentrated attack which would have been noticeable and highly unpleasant for the Chancellor, he had no choice but to get to know the man. This fact made him even more cautious of the Chancellor.

He knew he was being slightly unfair to the man due to his past experiences, and maybe he was even being a bit paranoid. But if he learned anything from good old Mad Eye it was that it never hurt to be slightly paranoid especially if you were suddenly dropped in a new galaxy that was currently at war. Constant vigilance he repeated to himself.

Harry shook his head slightly and decided to pay attention to the conversation as the story came to an end. Anakin and Obi-wan were there to debrief the chancellor along with the diminutive but powerful Master Yoda and the stoic Master Windu both of whom he had met during his arrival. The other person in the room was a blue skinned man with two horns protruding from his head and two fleshy appendages that draped down his shoulders. He stood next to the Chancellor paying close attention to the story and especially to Harry himself.

"That is quite the adventure you had Anakin." The Chancellor said after they had finished the tale. "And Mr. Potter is it?"

"Please, just call me Harry."

"Very well, Harry. The Republic could use a man of your particular talents in our fight against the Separatists. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement that can benefit both of us."

Harry shook his head, "I'm sure we could, but this war isn't mine. What I know I only got from secondary sources so you can understand my reluctance to fight especially when there are things I do not agree with. That isn't to say that I will go and join the Separatists. No, in fact I want to search for my people." He took a breath before he continued, "I have been thinking about this and according to the Odyssey, most of the crew was stranded here when she was stranded on that planet. If there is a chance that some of their descendants have survived then that means that I have to find them."

The Chancellor nodded in understanding but Harry could see the disappointment that he would not be staying. "That is understandable."

"That isn't to say that my people, if they exist, may not be amenable to some kind of agreement with the Republic in future." Harry added.

"Well, then it is my hope that you may find what you are looking for. However, if you can't find them, then I would like you to think about my offer of joining the Republic."

"Of course." Harry answered. "If there is nothing else, I will be on my way. There is much to do before I have to depart." He bid them farewell then he left the office to prepare for his journey.

"What is your opinion of the man?" Palpatine asked after a few seconds of silence.

"Well, he is very powerful that much I can tell." Anakin answered. "When he was trapped in that crystal, he was radiating high levels of energy or what he calls magic. But after the fight he was able to hide it somehow such that he was undetectable through the Force."

"He is also a very skilled warrior if he was able to fight off three Jedi and a padawan at the same time." Mace added.

"Yes, but I think we don't have much to worry about from him." Obi-wan said. "I didn't sense any malice in him and he seems to be a decent man."

"Agree with you, I do." Master Yoda added. "But troubling it is this new faction of Force wielders."

"Yes, do you have any idea of who they might be?" Palpatine asked.

Mace and Yoda exchanged a look before he answered, "no. The galaxy is a large place, who knows from where they might have come from or what they want. All we can do is keep an eye out and trust that in time the Force will show the way."

"Very well, hopefully we find out who they are and what they want before it's too late." The rest nodded in agreement before they moved onto the matter of the ongoing war.

A few minutes after the Jedi had left, the Chancellor sat in his office going over the events that had transpired. When he got the news that Anakin and his fellow Jedi had found their way upon a ship that had taken them who knows where, he of course thought that they would return in a few days. But as the number of days increased, he began to wonder if maybe they had gotten into trouble they could not get out off. But fifteen days later, he got word that they had returned with a visitor from another galaxy. That fact alone piqued his interest. A ship that could traverse intergalactic distances in only a few days would be invaluable but it was the visitor that came with them that was cause for concern. A man that could hold his own against three Jedi and a padawan was quite dangerous indeed. Especially with his unique abilities, being able to heal grievous injuries in moments whether inflicted on others or himself, increased speed, strength and agility almost on par with a Jedi, able to hide his Force presence from detection, not to mention the effect his 'magic' had on lightsabers. If such a man could be brought under his influence, then he could be a huge boon to his cause. But that thought diminished as soon as he met him. He knew as soon as he lay eyes on him that this man would not be swayed by thoughts of power or riches. This was a man who would always do what was right. He could see it in his eyes. They would be nothing more than adversaries.

And when this, Harry Potter, had reached out with his mind, he had felt the strength of not only his will, but he also got a small taste of his power. And it excited him as much as it concerned him. He would be a worthy foe indeed. But if he did not take precautions then it could mean his downfall. This man would have to be watched closely.

He was brought out of his musings by his door opening. He frowned slightly as he had asked not to be disturbed but the person who entered quickly put him on his guard. He was dressed in black robes similar to his former apprentice Darth Maul, while an intricately designed helmet hid his face from view. He walked with purposeful strides towards the Chancellor's desk and sat down, leaning back and getting comfortable. After a few seconds of silence he spoke in a deep gravelly voice, "Peace, I mean you no harm, Sidious."

Palpatine's left eye twitched slightly in irritation but he could not help but be impressed if a little wary. Whoever this man is obviously knew who he truly was, but he still sat there without a care in the world. As if he wasn't worried that he was seated across from the most powerful Sith Lord in the galaxy. This further put him on his guard as this meant that he was confident enough that he could handle anything he threw at him. "If you know who I am then you would know better than to say that name out loud, especially in a place where anyone might hear you."

"Do not worry, no one within a twenty meter radius will be able to see me let alone hear our conversation."

"Then what is there to stop me from ending your miserable life." Palpatine asked, his voice dripping with malice.

"Absolutely nothing, but should any harm come to me then my associate will release evidence of your true nature to the entire galaxy and then your plans to rule the galaxy will be for naught." The man answered calmly.

Blackmail, of course. He wouldn't be that calm unless he was assured that nothing would happen to him. And if what he spoke was truth then he had no choice but to listen. "Very well, speak." He ordered.

"I am here on behalf of my master to offer an alliance."

"And who is your master?"

"You are not worthy to know his name."

Palpatine felt his hatred for this worm rise. Who was he to tell him he wasn't worthy. He would make sure that he suffered before he died. "I do not need to ally myself with someone I do not know nor care for."

"On the contrary, you will need our help." The man answered. "You plans for securing your rule over this galaxy did not take into consideration one thing, Harry Potter. He has proven himself quite gifted in derailing the plans of dark lords throughout his life. He might have just gotten here, but believe me when I say that sooner or later he will find a way to thwart you and without our help, he will surely succeed."

"And what do you have to offer me."

"Knowledge, material, manpower anything you might need. Things that you will surely need to beat him. In exchange we ask that you offer the same. With both of our resources we will be able to achieve our objectives."

"Which is what exactly?"

"We seek the downfall of all wizards in this galaxy. They are an abomination and we will wipe them out of existence. You can rule the galaxy, we do not care. But we will not rest until all magic in this galaxy is eradicated."

Palpatine thought about all of this. This Master didn't want to eradicate magic, in fact he was sure that the Master wanted to control it and with it the galaxy. Even he could see its potential and he didn't know its full capabilities. This meant that sooner or later, they would try to get rid of him. That wouldn't do, he had spent too much time and energy putting his plan into action. The only course of action would be to find out who this Master is and get rid of them. He reached out with the Force and tried to get a read on the person seated in front of him and recoiled in shock. That is not possible he thought as he reevaluated his thoughts of the person sitting in front of him. "What are you?" He asked.

"I am a member of the greatest civilization to have ever existed, do we have an understanding?"

"Yes, we do." Palpatine answered after a moment.

"Very well, I shall be in touch." He stood up and started walking towards the door.

"May I at least know your name?"

The man stopped and turned to face him, "you may call me Hex." And with that he opened the door and left.

Palpatine sat there thinking about the conversation he just had. It seemed he had another contender for ruler of the galaxy and he would not allow that. He would find out everything there was to know about this new faction and when the time was right he would wipe all of them off the face of the galaxy. Because if what he felt when he used the Force was right, then they were more dangerous than anything he had ever encountered. Add that to the 'wizard' and it seemed that things in the galaxy were about to get even more interesting.