Note: This chapter is short, but I wanted to set a a parallel between Piett and Vader. The idea on focusing on what is in front of us, what we are in control of, to avoid planning too far ahead.
XX
The Lambda-class shuttle descended gracefully onto the rugged terrain of Jakku, its engines humming softly as it settled in the far outskirts. Iden Versio, a skilled pilot with a history entwined with both the Galactic Empire and the Alliance, looked over her shoulder at her passengers.
"The code has been cleared, we're good to go," she informed them, her voice steady and professional. "We'll be heading to the rendezvous point shortly."
Vader, his imposing figure clad in dark armor, stood with an air of authority. Beside him, Luke Skywalker, awaited the next steps of their mission.
As the shuttle touched down, the trio observed a small encampment in the distance, a testament to the ever-present struggle on Jakku. Vader, with an almost imperceptible nod, signaled for Iden to maintain caution.
"Sloane will enter the ship first," Vader directed, his deep voice resonating through the shuttle's interior. "We will not exit until she is on board."
Iden acknowledged the order with a brisk nod, her hands expertly maneuvering the controls. The shuttle's ramp lowered, allowing a glimpse of the harsh Jakku landscape beyond.
Minutes passed, the quiet tension within the shuttle accentuated by the distant sounds of Jakku's winds. Finally, Admiral Rae Sloane, who has been navigating the complex politics of the remnants, made her way up the ramp.
"Lord Vader, Skywalker," Sloane greeted them, her eyes darting between the two figures. "I trust our meeting is in pursuit of a common goal."
Vader, acknowledging her with a curt nod, motioned for Luke to follow him as they exited the shuttle, leaving Iden Versio behind at the controls. The stage was set for the clandestine mission on Jakku, where secrets and strategies would unfold amidst the echoes of war.
Vader began outlining the crucial elements of their strategy. "The primary objective is the elimination of Rax. Once Rax is dealt with, the Rebel and Imperial forces would jump out of hyperspace to engage the remnants. Following this we would proceed to the Valley of the Eremite to locate and deactivate the facility's self-destruct mechanism."
Sloane listened attentively, her focus on the details of the plan. Luke Skywalker, standing beside him, considered the challenges ahead. When the discussion turned to the method of approaching Rax, Luke suggested that he could disguise himself as a stormtrooper. However, the issue of Vader's presence loomed – it wouldn't be possible to present the Dark Lord as a prisoner.
"The easiest way to take out Rax is while he's on Jakku's surface," Vader asserted, his deep voice resonating with authority. "Sloane, inform me when you know he's planetside, and we'll act accordingly."
Sloane, acknowledging Vader's suggestion, "In that case, I shall keep you informed of any changes."
With the battle plan outlined, Sloane excused herself, leaving Vader and Luke standing on the desolate plains of Jakku.
As they watched Sloane disappear into the distance, Vader turned to Luke. "This will be a test for you, my son. Be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. And hopefully clearing these remnants can cause Ameeda to officially seek peace."
Luke nodded, a steely determination in his eyes. "I understand, Father."
The trio then set out to make camp, the winds of Jakku carrying whispers of the impending clash between the remnants of the Empire and the Rebel forces, all under the watchful eyes of the father and son Skywalker.
XX
The desolate landscape of Jakku lay beneath an ink-black sky, dotted with the distant glow of stars. Vader, Luke, and Iden Versio stood in the shadows cast by their Lambda-class shuttle, discussing the impending mission.
Vader starts, "Sloane has provided us with the opportunity to strike. In two rotations, Rax will be on the surface inspecting soldiers near Plaintive Hand plateau."
"I'll need to prepare the Rebellion for the assault on the Imperial fleet. I'll send the coordinates to an encrypted channel," Luke responds.
Vader, though masked, seemed to sense something in Iden Versio.
"You seem troubled, Versio."
"It's nothing, Lord Vader. Just intrusive thoughts trying to paint the worst scenarios."
"Intrusive thoughts are the seeds of fear. Focus on what is in front of you. Fear can cloud judgment and lead to actions we might regret."
"Yes, Lord Vader. Thank you for clearing it up," Iden responded with a respectful grin.
As they stood in the quiet night, the dark outline of the Imperial fleet in orbit overhead, the trio prepared for the critical mission ahead.
XX
Above the world of Chandrila, the assembled Imperial and Rebel fleets waited in anticipation. Admiral Piett, commanding from the Executor, conferred with Admiral Versio aboard the Eviscerator. The vastness of space spread around them, punctuated by the glinting lights of other spacecrafts.
"Admiral Versio, we'll receive a ping from Vader when we're to jump into the Jakku system. Keep your forces ready."
"Understood, Admiral Piett. We'll be on high alert. Keep in touch."
After the transmission concluded, Captain Needa approached Admiral Piett with a question that weighed on many minds.
"Admiral, what becomes of our men once this conflict ends?"
"Lord Vader has secured immunity for our forces. They won't face persecution from the Rebellion."
Needa contemplated this, thinking about the future of the Imperial forces.
"I still wonder, Admiral. Will the new government keep the order and safety under the previous?"
"We can only hope, Captain. Our duty is to focus on what we can control. The galaxy's fate is a broader question—one we'll have to trust in the hands of the reformed government."
As the fleet hung in the void above Chandrila, the uncertainty of the future loomed, and the officers grappled with the question of what comes next.
