Chapter 16

Returning from their long journey, Han and Leia pulled up to the homestead. They were expecting a nice welcome back, after their run-in earlier, but instead they were greeted to the sight of a Y-Wing fighter, located near the Falcon, as Luke, Mara and a stranger exited the ship.

As they walked over, Luke and Mara noticed that Han and Leia were in a different speeder, and Artoo wasn't with them.

"Glad you're back, we've got a lot to talk about," Luke said as the speeder stopped.

"Same here, but first mind telling us, who that is and where that came from?" Han asked as he gestured to the stranger and the fighter.

"Let's go inside, and we'll bring you up to speed," Mara repiled.

Once in the garage, Luke introduced Han and Leia to Kira. It was during this exchange that Leia recognized the alien from her clothes.

"I never got the chance to thank you, for helping me with the Jawa's. But why are you here?" wondered Leia.

"It was my honor to help you. And as for why I'm here, well, it was to find your brother, and show him a message of hope." answered Kira as she told the Solos about her mission.

They were surprised to learn that Kira was a Jedi who had been trained by a member of the old Jedi Order, and who had survived for so long. And had chosen now to contact Luke.

Kira also said that she knew to come here, after a vision through the Force showed Luke coming back to Tatooine.

This led to her arrival a few weeks ago, where she waited patiently. But during one outing in Mos Eisly, Kira used the Force which got the attention of some locals. Which is what lead the Bounty Hunters to look for her, as they thought she was one of Luke's students.

"That would explain that. And you said that this K'Kruhk wants Luke to bring his students to Arkinnea. Correct?" Han asked, once Kira was done speaking.

"Yes. Master Skywalker's Jedi students will be safe there," The fox-alien said a gentle, yet gruff way.

Taking in this information, Leia looked at her brother. "I wasn't aware that any of the old Jedi were still alive?"

"I thought the same. But before I decide to take up Master K'Kruhk on his offer, I'll need to meet with him in person."

"That can happen. Once you are ready, we can go there," Kira added.

"Hold on you two. Before anyone heads to Arkinnea, we need to repair the Falcon first. Speaking of which, where are the parts and Artoo?" Mara stated in a stern way, then looked at Han and Leia.

The two answered by telling Mara of their encounter with the two Bounty Hunters and how they lost them earlier. When it came to the supplies, Han said that Riku was bringing them and Artoo along soon.

Luke and Mara were glad to hear that Artoo was okay. After they were done, the two told Han and Leia about the conversation with Jacen, Jaina and Anakin earlier.

Hearing that their kids were alive, brought joy to the Solos.

"How long ago did they call you?" Han wondered.

"A few hours ago. They were able to reach us through the hidden line in the Falcon's systems."

"That explains it. Did they saw where they are?." Leia asked next.

Mara shook her head at this question. "All they said was they made it out of the Myrkr system. The details of how they escaped weren't given."

"Well whatever the reason is, I'm sure we will find out. Let's go get him on the line," Han stated as he got up and headed to the Falcon with the others following him.

(Rogue Shadow)

Since the return from the rescue mission yesterday, Juno had spent her spare time repairing the damages caused to the ship during the battle. She instructed the repair droids on which areas to work on. The outside hull was nearly done, with burned away panels taken off, and new ones put in, then painted in the ship's black color scheme. As for the insides, Juno worked with PROXY as they input the data from the previous battle into the ship's computer.

"Okay, that should do it. Hopefully next time we face the Vong, this well go differently," Juno stated, once she was done.

"I hope so Captain. The damages these aliens caused put the ship through quite a workout," PROXY repiled back as he followed her to the next section.

As they walked to the Medical Station, Juno stopped as she heard the familiar hum of a lightsaber nearby. Walking over to the training area, Juno found Starkiller working on his two sabers as they floated in the air.

"I thought you were taking it easy?" she asked calmly.

"I was, for awhile. But it got too quiet. So I came here to do a little work for a bit," he replied as the two sabers were deactivated, then placed on the workbench.

"So, how are things with the ship?" Starkiller asked as he looked at Juno.

"They're coming along. A few more things and it will be done," she answered, then asked him something. "And what about you?"

"Me?, what do you mean."

"I mean, have you had a chance to get to know any of the others?" Juno inquired with a raised eyebrow.

Silence followed as Starkiller was uncertain how to answer her.

"So, by your silence I take it you haven't at all."

"Well...it's..." Starkiller sighed. "Sorry Juno, I'm just not used to mingling with people," Starkiller answered.

"I know that, but given what's at stake, you could at least try to connect. Just try taking it one step at a time."

"You could see it as a mission, Master," PROXY stated as he joined the two. "Think of trying to get to know your new comrades as like a training session. Only try talking with them. Instead of fighting them."

Juno laughed at this. "Good one PROXY. I wasn't aware that you could tell jokes," Juno said to him, then walked away to the next area.

"I told a joke?" The droid asked as he looked at his master, who said nothing at first, then took him aside to explain.

(Bridge)

Kneeling on the bridge, Ahsoka was meditating by herself as she opened up to the Force. In this state, she found herself alone at first in a vast area of stars. Here Ahsoka was at peace, as the voices of those she had known were heard. This brought a smile to her face.

But that smile soon faded as Ahsoka found herself back in the Jedi Temple on Courscant. Only it looked different, overgrown with planets and animals. It felt like being in a jungle, as she called out. No one answered at first, then a plumes of smoke appeared around her. It was so thick that Ahsoka couldn't see anything. Then a feeling of dread came when a mass of darkness swirled before her.

"You should have not come back. The old Jedi betrayed you and now you will die like they did!" a sinister voice said as a ripple of energy surged through the Force. A ripple of energy which brought the temple down upon Ahsoka.

Opening her eyes with shock, Ahsoka breathed heavily as she looked around. She was still on the bridge, with only the droids around as they continued their duties. Calming herself down, Ahsoka got up and wondered to herself as to what she saw. "A vision of the temple, and that voice?"

She walked over to look out the view port. From here, things look so peaceful and calm. This made Ahsoka feel better as she looked out at the sea of stars. With beauty like this, it was hard to imagine the galaxy was at war, again.

"No sooner does one war end, then another begins to start the cycle all over again," she thought. "I wonder if things will ever become a time of true peace?"

As she was contemplating this, one of the technician droids approached her.

"Excuse me miss, but we're receiving a call on the same line that Jania Solo used earlier."

"It must be Skywalker again!" Ahsoka thought as she walked over to the station. "Contact Captian Rex, tell him to bring Jania Solo and her brothers here immediately," she said to the droid who set off to do so.

Ahsoka went and sat at the comms station and heard the voice of a gruff man on the other end.

"Hello kids, are you there?" the man asked.

Judging from his tone, Ahsoka guessed that this person must be Han Solo. While she had imagined a different way of meeting him, Ahsoka decided to answer his call.

"Hello Captain Solo. Your children aren't here right now, but they will be joining us shortly," she responded calmly.

"Who is this, and how do you know my kids?" Han asked in a rather rude way.

"My name is Ahsoka Tano. I helped save your children and their friends from the Yuuzhan Vong. And as to how that happened, I'm afraid that's going to have to wait for now."

A pause was heard following this. "Miss Tano, this is Leia Organa Solo. If what you say is true, then could you tell us where you are?" Leia asked.

"I can. Were in a nebula far from the Yuuzhan Vong's territory. And we got the survivors medical attention for their wounds."

Leia was glad to hear this as she thanked Ahsoka first, then talked with her about some other matters for a bit.

(Hallway)

Walking through the corridors of the ship. Padme listened as Chewbacca told her about his family who lived on Kashyyyk.

He spoke of his father and his sister, and of her children. Then he told Padme about his wife Mallatobuck and their son Lumpawaroo.

Hearing that Chewbacca was a father and husband was surprising. "I guess it would explain, how he was so good at looking after the my grandkids when they were younger." she thought.

Then she saw the Wookiee look a little sad as he asked Jacen how his family was doing. The young Jedi said they were devastated to hear about his death two years ago. He also told Chewie about the funeral service, they held in his honor on Kashyyyk.

This news brought had mixed feelings for Chewie. He knew when he had the chance, that he would need to let his family know he was alive again. And explain the whole Time Travel matter.

"I'm sure Dad will help explain things to them. Not to mention Lowbacca, as he knows your alive," Jacen said to him.

"He's right. When your family learns you're alive, they will be surprised, but also happy as well," added Padme.

This made Chewie smile.

"There you are!" said a voice, The three turned to see Jania, Anakin and Rex run up to them.

"We just got word that Mom and Dad have contacted us. And they want to speak with us," Anakin said to them. After learning this, the six headed back to the bridge.

(Bridge)

For the last 20 minutes. Ahsoka kept the Solo's busy, but knew they wanted to speak with their kids. Luckily she saw that the three arrived with Chewie, Padme and Rex.

"Miss Solo, your children have arrived," Ahsoka said as she stepped away from the station for some privacy.

"Kids, are you there?" Leia asked first.

"Hi mom, we're here," Jania answered first, followed by Jacen and Anakin.

"It's good to hear your voices. We were told about your mission's success," Han said next.

"Thanks Dad, but it came at a cost," Jacen repiled with sadness in his tone.

"That's the nature of war, son. You can't win a battle without sacrifices being made."

"So Dad, Uncle Luke told us you made it to Tatooine to make repairs to the Falcon. Have you finished them yet?" Anakin asked.

"Not yet. Your Mother and I ran into some delays in getting the parts, so we're going to be a little late."

That didn't surprise the three siblings, as they guessed it was the famous Solo luck at work again. "But listen you three, Uncle Luke wants to say something next," Han said to them as they heard the voice of their uncle.

"Kids, the ship you are on, is it normal-sized like a shuttle or something bigger?" Luke asked.

"It's a large-sized vessel," Jacen repiled, as he didn't want to say what type it was.

"That's good to hear. Now tell me, this Ahsoka Tano who saved you. Can she be trusted?" he asked them.

"Yes, she and her friends saved our lives. They've earned our trust," Jaina answered.

Luke was glad to hear this, as he asked to speak with her. Hearing this, Ahsoka came back over as she heard the voice of her master's son.

"Miss Tano, this Luke Skywalker. I wanted to thank you for saving my family and students earlier. But I'm going to need to ask for your help again with an important matter," Luke said in a serious tone.

"And what would that be?" she asked.

"Located in the Deep Core is a planet called Eclipse,where the Jedi Masters and Students have taken refuge, since the loss of our academy on Yavin 4. So far we've been lucky with its location being a secret. But with the Yuuzhan Vong now in control of Courscant, there's a chance that they might find it. And since I'm far from there at this time..." Luke explained.

"You would like me and your family to help evacuate the base. In the event the Yuuzhan Vong show up," Ahsoka guessed, to which Luke said yes to her.

"Master Skywalker, my ship can be there in no time." She answered in a serious way.

"That's great to hear, the kids know the coordinates to get there. When you arrive, have them contact the base," said Luke.

"We will, Uncle Luke," Jaina said to him.

"Good to know. We will try to get there as soon as possible. But if not," Luke said.

"We know, head to one of the sites we discussed," Jacen stated as he interrupted his uncle.

"Hopefully we will make it there in time," Han said next on the line as Leia cut in.

"Kids, take care of each other. We will see you soon. May the Force be with You," she said to them as the line ended.

Padme, who remained silent during the conversation, smiled at hearing her daughter's voice for the first time.

"Look's like we have our next destination." Ahsoka said as she looked at the others.

"Indeed. I'll input the coordinates. You contact Master Kota and the others. Then share it with the rest of the fleet," Jaina stated as the others did so.

(Author's Note)

Hi everyone. Sorry it took awhile to get this posted. I've been busy with other my other stories. But we're back with this new chapter.

The story is already a year old. Man, time flies by. I want to thank those for liking and following the story. It's cool to hear from fellow Star Wars fans.

We've got a lot to look forward to this year, not just with the Main Story, but also with the tie-in story about Thrawn and his allies, as they prepare for their fight against the Yuuzhan Vong.

Til then, May the Force be with You.