Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars.
Hello, glad to be posting the latest chapter. Thank you to those that read and reviewed the last chapter.
A lot of people are asking about the Bad Batch and the problem with using them is I planned a lot of these chapters before the first season finished airing so I didn't account for them since I didn't know what they'd get up to in the future. I am trying to integrate them now when I can though.
983 ARR - 17 BBY
Review Responses from the last chapter…
Starpottergeek - I see you really know the Star Wars lore extremely well. The Mandalorians in this story have issue with clones and Boba is a clone even if he does think himself Jango's son. I want to use Boba but not sure just where to bring him in. Jango's sister? Is she even still alive? I will look into it. The bounty hunters from the clone wars? Maybe but where? John Wick? Have admit I never saw that one coming. It's a neat idea but John Wick and the hotels are a big thing to insert but actually it might tie in for something else I have in mind for the future. The mythosaur, I know that one shocked me but if I did it, what do you think it means as I am sure there is a greater reason for it being there. In regards to Ahsoka, I think I have an idea for how her sibling would feature into this. I will give it some thought. Pirates of the Carribean? Sorry not for this one, there are plenty of things going as it is without Jack Sparrow and all the other wacky things he brings. Cool idea about the Venator but bare in mind how many people that ship would take to run. Pellaeon? He is alive and serving in the Imperial Fleet, I was tempted to bring him over to Anakin's side but I didn't in the end. He will appear again at some point in the future as a captain in the Imperial Fleet. I know, the Mandalorians are very much fast and hard hitting, Vader? I know but without Anakin's intelligence he is not quite as dangerous in some ways but given he is now cybernetically and chemically enhanced Vader is stronger in others, in constant pain and drugged up state. Indeed, you are right there. The Separatist Holdouts seemed one of the best places to start for building a rebel faction in this time frame. The Shadowblade? It is an interesting concept but bringing it into the story might be a little too complicated. More Subjugator class ships would be interesting but although they have the design, they probably haven't got the resources to build one. One of the incomplete ones? I will look into it.
HK-47 is tricky to write but I think he will be useful to Anakin in the times ahead. For now the children are young but they are starting to grow up and will join the fight eventually. Saw and his Jedi? True, but they are as you are about to see going to cause a lot of headaches too. I have brought in characters from other fandoms but only when I think they fit, Kagame and Liber8 I felt would fit well into the fight against the Empire. I know the Blacklist, Red is cool but I am not sure if he would fit into this story, cool idea though. Other Sith? I have an idea for some future characters that maybe might come in, including one of the ones you mentioned. They already have the Silencer from SWTOR, they just haven't had cause to use it…yet. Impressive technology, the Ripper tech.
Joe02 - Interesting ideas, I will have to check his stories out. I really appreciate the support, thank you! He and the Mandalorians have established 'sector fleets' for local defence so they are organised. The Keldabe class? That is coming, the Mandalorians are going to have three capital ship classes, the Keldabe which will begin construction when the shipyard at Mandalore is finished which will be soon, the Atin which is their current capital ship and based on the 2003 Battlestar Galactica and another ship that has yet to be revealed. But the Keldabe is a powerful ship like you said and want to use it so it will be coming. The Rift Alliance at present is more about defence and them co-operating by sharing resources and intelligence with each other. The Empire isn't even aware it exists just yet but they will soon.
Marauder Corvette, I know it's an awesome ship and will be appearing in two fleets in the future but probably not Mandalorian as they have two ships that can serve that function already. I know, Haron looks at what they discovered about Vader in this chapter but for now he isn't aware that its Anakin's clone. That comes later, as for fighting him? Wait and see.
Talonwalker, Zak, JaKeS91, Chillingbear, Jctherebel, RoyalTwinFangs, Bia1230, TheYoungAuthor, Mando-Vet, DeluxeHipster1945, Gwynx, Jebest4781, tf330129 - Thanks!
megacarroll - Glad to hear you liked the duel. I was a bit worried but Haron had to resort to Earth magic to win so that's not good. Vader is only deployed at important points so he won't be a lame constantly defeated villain, they have to work for it. Vader does indeed look like he did the movies and his cybernetics are in all his limbs and chest, amplifying his entire body so he is physically stronger than normal while being kept in constant pain and rage. In the case of Sidious and Tarkin, you are right they are both psychopaths but Sidious is a smarter psychopath than Tarkin who is far more arrogant then he has a right to be. Indeed, Saesee Tiin is making waves and not good ones either as you will see in this chapter.
Guest - Thank you! Writing this story is a bit hard since I have some stuff going on in real life and I decided to write this and Northern Wind at the same time! Thanks for the encouragement to take care of myself and not burn out.
Blaze1992 - You bring up a good point, I will think about it.
HowlnMadHowie - Loved the Omake! I do cover what they found in Vader's body at the end of this chapter, it was supposed to be there but I forgot to put it in sorry! They might figure out its Anakin but do they have his DNA on file? Probably not. I know, going by what's been said in the new canon the Death Star was largely built by the Geonosians this time around so it still is. As to why Tarkin hasn't been killed by Palpatine yet? Well in some endeavours Tarkin has failed but in others he's been very successful, he is a very effective if brutal administrator and that's why he's a Moff now. The Kalderans being used as salve labour is being helpful in expanding the Empire and its fleet, as a military man he is certainly lacking, I certainly never found a single battle where he was able to win without a huge numerical advantage. Tarkin is also good at deflecting blame onto others but like you said, he is on thin ice right now. You are right, there should be more of a reaction but right now the Jedi are focused on other things and the Mandalorians are fighting the same enemy as them…The Enemy of My Enemy is my friend kind of thing.
red demon161 - Thanks! I thought that Haron would rather get some strong allies now and get them grateful towards his people rather than wait and let everyone else get crushed first. He and his people have known the war was coming for a couple of years and been preparing for it. He knows the Empire would steamroll them if they could use their full might though so he is doing his best to keep others in the fight so the Empire has to divide their attention. Tarkin is a character I love to see humiliated as well and believe me he is on thin ice with the Emperor right now. But that being said he will have a rude awakening of a different sort soon. I never thought of Saw and Tarkin being similar and you're right they are in a way. Saw is a hard character to write sometimes as he is supposed to a rebel but in reality he is a killer who uses this as his excuse sometimes.
Mighty Ares - Thank you! I know, it will probably be some small time skips as this war won't be a short one. Tarkin, I liked humiliating but he has also made one mistake that will come to haunt the Empire and possibly the whole galaxy, I will reveal that in a couple of chapters time. Darth Krayt or A'Shared Hett, I know he and the others with Saw are on a collision course that is all I will say. The Lost Tribe of the Sith? Unfortunately, not sure if I can bring them in at this stage not to mention Palpatine would do his utmost to crush them as they are the old way, not followers of the Rule of Two. Kagame while extreme was nowhere near as bad as Saw is, his followers? Probably but it might be a while, maybe even Kiera but who knows. Palpatine has other problems to worry about as you will see in this chapter. Palpatine is certainly dangerous I agree, look at all he achieved, while maybe not the most powerful Sith ever he is certainly one of if not the most cunning.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark - Thank you! I appreciate you saying that! Palpatine made the mistake of thinking that the Mandalorians are simple and easily manipulated like other Sith have done in the past. But these are Mandalorians are wise to his tricks and ready stand on their own. Tarkin wasn't leading that invasion, just one of his puppets, he will appear again. Sidious has problems beyond what Haron, Anakin and the others are causing him though. HK-47 was a character requested by a lot of people and I decided to bring him in as muscle for Anakin when he needs it. Cal and Trilla in this have each other and the Mandalorians to help get over their trauma and finish their training so both aren't so alone anymore.
More Review Responses at the end of the chapter…
Chapter 28 - The Fire Rises
Praadost 2, Nembos Sector, Outer Rim…983 ARR…
Praadost 2 was one of a number of planets in the Nembos Sector which had long been a hotbed for pirate activity and had no political affiliation, not during the Clone Wars and not now either.
The Empire however had other plans.
A Pacification of the sector was underway, led by one of the Emperor's Dark Disciples. Months of open resistance which was dogged but completely unorganised finally came to an end as bombardments, mass arrests and executions all took their toll and resistance finally died out. Tens of thousands of casualties had resulted from this strategy but the Emperor had gotten what he wanted and suppressed all rebellion against him, not to mention sent a warning to the rest of the galaxy at what fate awaited those that resisted the Empire.
The Dark Disciple, Regera Girawan was proud of herself for the victory she had achieved. She had plundered much wealth for herself and reminded the galaxy of the power of the Dark Side she thought with a sneer, drawing her red lightsaber before executing the last rebels herself right before their own people. The fear coming from them was enough to give her satisfaction alone without even killing anyone but she could enjoy that too.
The Emperor would be pleased she thought and would let her learn more of the Sith ways, he would need to choose a new apprentice sometime Regera thought with smug satisfaction, Vader was nothing more than a creature of destruction, no finesse she thought with amusement, surely at some stage the Emperor would realise he would need a new and smarter apprentice.
And that someone she thought with determination would be her.
Maiden point Station, Mid Rim…
A transfer station on an unimportant planet that only served as a hub for ships stopping before heading on to other places, that meant there was a lot of coming and going here and that made it easy for some to slip through.
Or so Morvet Storm had hoped.
Morvet had been in years past a Jedi Knight, one with a great skill in seeing the future and a rule breaker as he had decided to marry and have a family in secret. He had a wonderful wife and son and that son was now married with a son of his own on the way. He had foreseen it was going to be a son that they would name Havet. Morvet of course had not shared this with his family as he didn't want to diminish such an important event in their lives, so he had been quiet about what he had foreseen.
But what he had informed them of was the fact they were being hunted.
An Inquisitor as they were known had begun hunting them since he had refused to join Saesee Tiin's quest for vengeance, knowing for the sake of his family that he had to stay in the shadows. But the reckless Tiin had exposed him and his family to the Empire and now there were being chased by one of the Empire's Jedi Hunters.
Morvet had made a show of his orange lightsaber to attract the hunter's attention in the hopes that he could lead him away from his family while they escaped. He knew this would likely mean his own death but if his family lived, he was at peace with that Morvet thought with resolve.
His hunter was a Cerean, like Ki-Adi-Mundi had been but he was a vicious hunter that liked killing people for the sake of it, he had armour on too Morvet thought but during a previous encounter he had discovered it was lined with cortosis which disrupted his lightsaber's blade, with a sheer cliff in front of him, he could no longer run and turned to face his enemy.
The Cerean was sadistic, his smile demented in the joy he took in killing people. Morvet held his lightsaber ready although he knew it would do him little good against the armour.
"Another one for the tally." The hunter said with a sadistic smirk. "Del Korrot gets his man again."
"We shall see." Morvet said with gritted teeth. He prepared himself for what he felt was likely his last battle but suddenly he felt the force surging and right before his eyes, Del's special armour was pulled apart at the bindings and left him standing there in a simple body suit.
Del was confused and shocked at the sudden event, he had not sensed that coming and then a figure appeared behind him in a cloak.
"Now, the odds are much more even." A cultured male voice said and Morvet had no idea just who his mysterious saviour was, only they had a great amount of skill at telekinesis to take apart Del's armour like that. But whoever he was Morvet immediately took advantage of the opening he had created and charged at Del who was used to fighting with his special armour and had little idea what to do without it. Morvet easily struck him down and turned to the figure who lowered his hood.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi. I thank you for your assistance." Morvet said with a grateful smile which Obi-Wan returned.
"It is my pleasure Master Storm, but we should hurry, my apprentice has arranged a new ship for us and your family to escape in, though before we find somewhere safe for you and your family to settle, we need to find another Jedi being hunted by the Empire. Will you help me?" Obi-Wan asked with a calm not unusual for him with situations like this. Morvet admired him for that and for not calling him out on breaking the rules of order by having a family.
"Very well, after Saesee Tiin exposed us to the Empire, we have little option now." Morvet said with distaste at the so-called master that had put him and his family in danger for the sake of his crusade that Morvet was fairly certain was leading him and those that followed him straight to the dark side.
Obi-Wan was relieved to hear that but later as he, Kalifa and Morvet Storm accompanied by his family left the planet he worried about recent developments, especially in regards to Master Tiin.
Fighting the Empire was one thing, but what Saesee was doing put Jedi survivors in danger and from what he had heard, he and the Partisans he had joined were doing a lot of harm in their fight against the Empire and not just against the Empire either.
Bombings and raids on starships carrying supplies whether they had civilians on them or not, bombing buildings in the centre of settlements that was causing a lot of damage and civilian deaths.
Pressuring Jedi survivors and others into joining them not to mention using their powers to force secrets from Imperials they captured.
It was not the Jedi way Obi-Wan thought with worry.
What lines was Saesee Tiin willing to cross for his vengeance?
Obi-Wan knew he would need to find more help before he considered confronting the Jedi Master on his own as Saesee had about six Jedi with him or so the rumours went.
He and Kalifa could not take that many alone.
Speaking of fighting though, Obi-Wan thought, turning away from that issue for now. The Mandalorians were now openly fighting the Empire and had helped a number of other factions including the Wookiees and the Mon Calamari avoid being conquered by the Empire and kept the Separatist Holdouts in the fight.
While rebellion against the Empire was welcome and a good sign that there were still people willing and able to resist their rule it worried him that one force might become the centre stone for it. He knew the Mandalorians were a mixed bunch, on the one hand they were some of the most honourable and dedicated men and women he had ever met, on the other side they could also be very treacherous and self-serving.
Only time would tell he thought if they were going to help save the galaxy, or make it submit he thought, knowing it depended on just who was leading them. So, for all their sakes, Obi-Wan hoped that Haron Ordo continued to lead them.
The alternative wasn't worth thinking about.
YT-1300 Light Freighter Open Sky…Hyperspace…
Travelling in hyperspace for long periods was always boring, there was often little to do and far too much time one your hands.
Anakin though had found a way to keep himself busy on this particular trip.
He was force forging himself a new outfit for his first appearance as the 'Masked Jedi'.
A set of white- and gold-coloured robes with a mask that was based on the ones the Temple Guards used to wear. He had even created a new lightsaber to go along with it, using a yellow crystal he had acquired recently it was plain but fitted his hand.
It was laying alongside his other new lightsaber, this one with a blue crystal and modelled after his original to use when he wasn't in costume.
When he was finished, he turned to see Padme standing there, he didn't need the force to know that she was worried about this plan of his.
"Are you sure? This is so dangerous." Padme asked him and Anakin got up and took her in his arms.
"You are the one who always stands up for what she believes in, now I have to do the same. But that is the reason why the mask. No one will know it is me." Anakin said to reassure her but Padme still didn't like it.
"There is so much risk, for Luke and Leia." Padme said, worried at the idea of having to raise her children alone, or worst them falling into the Emperor's hands.
"If the galaxy is ever going to be a fit place for our children, I have too." Anakin said, he didn't want to risk his life when his wife and children needed him but if they were going to have a future where they didn't have to hide and run all the time, he and others had to put in the work.
The Mandalorians certainly were Anakin thought, glad they had decided to join the fight so openly, thanks to them a number of other states including the Mon Calamari and the Wookiees remained free, he knew Haron wouldn't stay on the side lines for long and hopes he and his people would be able to keep going, they had done the galaxy a favour by showing them all the Empire could be beaten.
He left his new disguise and left with Padme to sit and have their evening meal with the rest of their little family. Seeing Luke and Leia, now two years old brought a lump to his throat. They were growing up so fast he thought sadly, they were even starting to walk and beginning to talk. He honestly despite the circumstances wouldn't have missed this for the world.
Getting to see his children grow up.
The Noghri surprisingly were actually fairly good babysitters, very diligent in watching over their two children who were not frightened by them at all. Instead, they loved to play with them and Anakin was thankful their two alien friends bonded well with the children.
Allara was at the small kitchen area, finishing up their meal with help from C-3PO who at least could fetch and carry, R2 though was the one monitoring the dishes as they cooked.
HK-47 though, he had shocked both Padme and Anakin and Allara because he was the one that always managed to put the twins to sleep each night with his story telling, granted Anakin had told him nothing graphic but he ability to mimic voices and other sound effects had the children in stitches more than once and he always managed to put them to sleep.
They were certainly an odd mix Anakin thought but he had never been more content than this moment.
His small family, in their ship travelling the universe.
Border of the Than Hegemony, Mid Rim…
The Than-Thre-Kull, an insect species who controlled an area roughly as large as the Mandalorians, a thousand or so star systems. They had been members of the Republic for thousands of years and peacefully co-existed with it, but had left during the Clone Wars due to their concerns with the way the war had been run and with the direct the Republic had been taking. However, while the Kalderans had been attacked by Tarkin solely to be exploited and to sow fear of the Empire, the Than had been left alone until now.
But with recent losses, certain figures were aiming now to remove Tarkin from his high and favoured position and one of them was a freshly promoted Moff called Delurin. A tall and powerfully build human male, he had hopes of building the most powerful fleet of ships the galaxy had ever seen, ships so powerful and intimidating they would terrify planets into submission by their presence alone.
And to achieve this goal and get the resources needed to build this fleet, he had leveraged his existing political favour which had gotten him to the rank of Moff at a relatively young age to assemble a fleet to attack and conquer the Than Hegemony. The Than had always been somewhat reluctant to allow people into their space and since they had emerged on the galactic stage, no one had really been allowed to chart their territory. The borders were known but little beyond that, so it was to be hoped that there were plenty of resources and worlds to take for the Empire and given how fast the Than reproduced, plenty of slave labour for building projects.
Delurin had assembled a very large fleet for the task, it comprised over twelve ships of capital ship size with accompanying escorts and transports carrying the army units that would secure planets once the fleet had bombed the population into submission. More units would be added if Delurin could managed to establish a foothold so it was crucial that he got things started quickly.
He could almost feel the sneer of Tarkin as his ship, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Rupture led a fleet of two other Imperial class ships along with smaller Victory-class vessels across the border and into Than territory. Nothing seemed to happen at first and soon they came across a Than Colony. Delurin was quite happy as he saw little in the way of defences which was perfect for him.
"Establish a high orbit and prepare for planetary bombardment." Delurin ordered, standing there with his Imperial Uniform perfect and clean. He would see himself become a much more powerful figure with this success Delurin thought with a smirk. All by bombing and enslaving some bugs, he honestly was wondering why no one had conquered them before…it was easy he thought as his fleet started to move into position.
Then the sensor officer on watch noticed something coming from the other side of the moon.
"Moff Delurin. We have a huge contact coming from behind the moon." The young human, not a clone said. Delurin was confused and ordered.
"Identify." He just hoped the Mandalorians hadn't managed to get ahead of them again somehow. But the Sensor officer was adjusting his instruments before his face froze in horror. Delurin was impatient and demanded.
"I asked you a question!" The sensor officer finally managed to answer, but his voice was full of terror at what he was seeing on his scopes.
"It's not one huge contact sir…It's…the Than…Than warships." He managed say and the ship's captain clapped him over the head to try and get more sense out of him and asked.
"How many?"
The sensor officer managed to choke out the answer.
"Over six hundred sirs!"
The news shocked everyone on the bridge, on the other ships too who were seeing the same thing on their own scopes and the tactical display updated itself.
Like a swarm of insects, the Than built and operated their ships like they structured their colonies. One type of vessel, only one but it was a marvel of engineering and attacked in overwhelming numbers…massive swarm fleets that would move as one. The Than had created one of the most intricate and advanced battlefield management systems to make this possible.
Each was a small ship, tiny to some but it was a design they had been working on for hundreds of years. It landed horizontally, much like Slave 1 flown by the Fetts but rotated in flight so the cockpit faced the enemy. It was narrow and three prongs stuck out of the centre, these created a powerful deflector shield for its size and due to its agile frame, it had one of the best rates of acceleration and sublight speeds for a ship its size. Only Ten Than were needed to operate each one and it had a three interlinked light turbolasers, six rapid fire laser cannons and two ordinance launchers which could carry either concussion missiles or proton torpedoes.
The Than ships charged in at high speed, moving almost as fast as a fighter before breaking into squadrons of ten each to focus on specific targets. The Imperials opened fire but their ships darted around and when one did get hit and was destroyed the others just kept on coming.
Each squadron began to strafe an individual target, the troop transports, the light cruisers, the landing bays on the larger warships, the exposed sublight engines on the Star Destroyers, the large turbolaser batteries on the Imperial and Victory class ships. The Imperial ships were being hit from every conceivable angle, their combined fire was overwhelming and coming so fast the Imperials just couldn't concentrate on one aspect of the attack as things fell apart.
The light cruisers fell first, their shields nowhere near as strong as the larger Star Destroyers or large troop transports and the Than seeing their weakness concentrated their fire and tore them apart before turning their attention back to the larger vessels.
Now their shields began to fail as hundreds of turbolaser blasts and laser shots hit them from nearly every angle, they couldn't launch fighters as Than ships strafed the landing bays.
Delurin was frozen, not able to understand just how this was happening while the bridge of the ship was in chaos as they tried to get out of the situation they were confronted with, no matter where they turned, they were surrounded and the Than showed no mercy to the invaders.
The Rupture's shields failed and then the Than really tore into it, turning the once mighty warship into a battle-scarred wreck, followed by the other ships in the formation. The Than were so through to make sure no escape pods managed to survive the battle either to leave no one alive in hopes of sending a clear message to the Empire.
The Than Hegemony was off limits.
Ogoth Tiir, Western Reaches…
The Western Reaches Campaign was nearing a key point, a number of systems had fallen prey to the Empire but some managed to hold on, at Ogoth Tiir the Separatist Holdouts were led by former general Kendu Ultho, an Aqualish male who had done well in organising surviving Separatist units and pirates led by Guun Cutlax into a credible military force.
But it wasn't enough, Imperial Forces under the command of General Hurst Romodi were pressing them hard and time was running out. The Aqualish general was thinking that maybe he should order the units to scatter to have a chance at saving themselves when suddenly, in the thick of the fighting something happened.
A single figure emerged onto the battlefield, a figure in white- and gold-coloured robes and a mask. The figure seemed almost aloof from everything that was going on around them before turning towards the Imperial Troops and igniting a yellow bladed lightsaber in his hands.
The Separatist troops were stunned, they had never expected to see a Jedi again as the Empire claimed to have killed them all and they had all but disappeared from the galaxy. But the Jedi in front of them was very real and seeing the stormtroopers and AT-ST walkers advancing he began to charge forward.
The Separatist troops watched as the Jedi seemed to move faster than a land speeder, darting across the battlefield cutting down Stormtroopers left and right while throwing his saber at the legs of the small walkers, slicing them apart and sending the heavy and ungainly machines tumbling to ground.
The rebels were emboldened, this one Jedi was doing it! He was stopping the Imperial Army all by himself and they felt their moral soar! They began to fight more furiously than ever, doing all they could to help the Jedi and push back the Empire, now believing that they could win this fight.
Going from defeated to fighting harder than ever in moments. Taking risks and giving their all to ensure the Empire would not win this day.
This renewed fighting spirit from Separatist holdouts and the Jedi's hard work stopped the Imperial's forward advance. The Stormtroopers, many of which were not clones now the Emperor was replacing them didn't know how to handle the Jedi. Their General, one that the Imperial Propaganda was pushing as a hero, Hurst Romodi was screaming from the top of his HAVr A9 Floating Fortress, exposed as he stood out of the open hatch. He was trying to get the attack renewed and this style of leadership while it had been effective for him and had gained him acclaim, it had also left him vulnerable. He had received several injuries already like this and would soon likely become deaf from all the noise but that would not happen to him as the Jedi, using the opening the renewed Separatist defence had given him leapt on top of the tank and decapitated the general with a single effortless strike.
The Jedi wasted no time after that, using the force to throw the headless body out of the open hatch before jumping down inside, the two gunners were caught by surprise as were the drivers and had no time to reach for their blaster pistols before the Jedi killed them too. He then took control of the heavy blaster cannon mounted to the top of the floating fortress and started shooting at the enemy troops and walkers alike, turning their own weapons against them.
The Stormtroopers had been relying on the heavy firepower of the floating fortress as the ground was too awkward for the larger AT-AT walkers to operate here. The smaller walkers could manage, just but now they were under fire from their own heaviest unit.
Now the Imperials were leaderless and without their heaviest unit, the Separatists abandoned wherever cover they had been using and charged forward, attacking the Stormtroopers in an effort to finally end this battle. Seeing this the Masked Jedi used the heavy cannons to break Stormtroopers from their cover and to finish off the remaining walkers.
The Stormtroopers, many of whom were fresh out of training and no leader began to throw down their weapons, choosing to surrender rather than be killed by either the Jedi or the Separatists. The cheers went up as their weapons were taken and they were marched towards a holding area till the general could decide just what to do with them.
They all turned to the floating fortress to see the Jedi get out, they all cheered again and expected him to come over but he only saluted them and then leapt into the distance, disappearing into the forest without any word spoken. The Separatist rebels were understandably disappointed but would cheer for the 'Masked Jedi' whoever they had been especially as they linked up with San Hill's faction a few days later, making them safe for the moment from further Imperial attacks.
Thisspias, Expansion Region…
Oppo Rancisis, Jedi Master and one of the sternest Jedi around had unlike his colleague Saesee Tiin, decided against fighting the Empire at least at the moment. He was of the mind to wait until the Empire became more complacent and the Jedi were all but forgotten and then strike. Even as his own planet was conquered and his people enslaved, he had not done a thing, staying in isolation with his students, members of his own race that had the force as he did.
It was not yet time to strike, he reasoned, not when the Empire was here in such force or when they were so openly looking for Jedi.
No, he reasoned with considerable meditation. He would wait, many of his students were eager to take the fight the Empire but it was simply not the right moment to try and take back their world yet. His students had much to learn, the Jedi path was a very hard road to walk and their spirits must be strong to do so. That required discipline he thought and they needed to learn that before they could even try to fight the Empire.
So, he used the hardest of training methods, all intent on making Jedi strong enough to walk the path and to one day fight the Empire.
Orbit of Sirpir, Arkanis Sector…
The planet of Sirpir had risen in prominence from the Empire unlike many other worlds, the Empire had established a large training centre on the planet for their personnel, both the army and navy could train their future members here and the Empire had even built a spaceport on the surface which was a pleasant place to visit not to mention to handle the arrival of cadets and those exiting a large orbital platform that hung over the planet. It allowed the transfer of heavier cargo without needing to land the large cargo vessels which could then transfer it to purpose-built landers.
The local population, the primitive Eklaad were peaceful but had been turfed off their lands by the Empire but no more for the moment.
The security here wasn't high and the place was scarcely defended, despite some terrorist incidents as they thought them, the Imperials in charge here had no reason to worry.
That unfortunately was a rather arrogant and false statement, as the Partisans were about to prove.
The orbital platform had ships coming and going all the time so they didn't notice a single odd energy emission from one of the freighters that was coming in. The airlocks likewise were not secure or closely monitored, this meant the strike team of six Jedi led by Saesee himself could sneak onto the station undetected while two more waited in the shuttle clamped to the underside of one of the freighters for the extraction when their task was done.
The Jedi entered the industrial station, where much of the heavy moving was done by automated systems and droids meaning they were able to sneak through most of the station unseen and the few personnel that did see them met the business end of a lightsaber before they could report it.
Soon the Jedi strike team found what they were looking for, the orbital stabilizers which held the station in place. Placing explosive charges around the large device after killing the few staff on duty, they quickly retreated to the airlock where the shuttle docked and took them off. The station's staff finally did notice the shuttle as it sped away from the station but this would soon be the least of their troubles as the Jedi detonated the charges.
The charges were small, but powerful and destroyed the delicate orbital stabilizers, the station held for a second where it was without them but then gravity took over as the large platform started falling towards the surface of the planet.
Below and on the station, it was chaos, those below could see the station falling towards them and panicked as those that had speeders did their best to get away while others just stood there, frozen in fear or resigned to their fate. Some did try in vain to run but no-one could get far enough away.
The large platform, some ships still docked to it came crashing down with tremendous force, crushing anything that was beneath it and the shockwave it created blanketed the entire area. Destroying several Imperial facilities and killing thousands of Imperial personnel.
Elsewhere on the planet, which was out of range of the impact on a high desert plateau was 'Nonessential Equipment Storage and Disposal Facility 456' a storage facility where the Empire put outdated vehicles, equipment, weapons, star ship and vehicle parts and more before it was disposed of. Security here was actually more decent than most of the other facilities on the planet due to what it contained…but the scale of the disaster happening elsewhere was enough to send most of the facility's staff on emergency response duty to the disaster site.
Which is just what Saw Gerrera had planned.
He and his people moved straight in on the now undermanned facility and easily overpowered the remaining staff before using the disaster to take all the equipment they could manage and escape before the Imperials even realised what was happening.
Now the Partisans had all the equipment, vehicles and weapons they needed to become more than a 'headache' the Imperial Regional Governor. In one move he had dealt a blow to the Empire that would actually hurt and become a far more dangerous threat to them at the same time.
Reijar, Ordo System…
Watching Lelia sparring in the yard was bringing back members for Haron and Deera, especially as Markus was now starting to learn too.
The days when they had been children themselves, going through training that might be considered torture by some. They had been made the stronger for it but seeing their baby sister and Haron's own son go through training made them wonder if they could ease things but while they would never be abusive, they had to keep the training intense and support them because the galaxy was not a friendly place and sooner or later the children would need to be ready to face it. One thing Haron had done away with though would be sending his son out into the galaxy at sixteen with nothing to see if he could survive. His grandfather might have brought it back but generations before him hadn't used it for a century or two after it cost them heirs and nearly ended the family a few times.
So, they looked on, supervising the fighting while Astoria and the other children continued their learning programs. Vysa walked over and looked at the sight of their youngest sibling learning to fight with worry in her eyes.
"Isn't she too young for this?" Vysa asked and Deera who to be honest now she had a daughter of her own had very mixed feelings too said reluctantly.
"If she is going to be strong enough to survive on her own, not to mention lead her own house one day it has to be like this. How old were you when you started training?" Deera asked her and Vysa reluctantly admitted.
"About her age, I wanted to be just like…my adopted father." She said, making it clear who she meant and Haron and Deera understood why completely, given what their mutual biological father had been like. They were just glad Lelia would never know him and his poisonous influence.
"We were younger than her when we started." Haron admitted which Vysa blink in surprise while Deera nodded her head in agreement. "Five was when we started learning to fight, and our instructors were far less supportive than they will be." Haron said, nodding to those he had entrusted his youngest sister's training to.
"Five. Hell." Vysa said, knowing her half-siblings had been treated harshly by their father but not that they were forced to learn that young. Haron then asked her something.
"I see you have been dating Eliza Kane. Serious?" He asked her with a knowing look in his eyes. Vysa looked surprised that he knew.
"Maybe." Vysa admitted, not sure if she wanted a relationship yet but Deera warned her.
"Careful, Eliza Kane is a slippery one. While I am sure she is loyal in her own way, you can never be sure what she will do next."
"I know." Vysa admitted with a shrug. "But she has a softer side, she's just afraid…" She started explaining before Haron smiled, knowing exactly what she was going to say.
"Afraid of letting herself be seen as vulnerable…of letting people in case they are taken away or they betray you." Haron said with a smile knowing that pain well himself. In this life he had been lucky but during his 1st life on Earth he had been the same way as many times before Hogwarts and even after sometimes he had let people in only to lose them or be betrayed by them. Dudley had seen to it that many supposed friends during his early years had turned on him and every time it happened only made the pain worse the next time. Hermione and Ron likewise when they had turned against him, he thought with a stab of old pain running through him.
He knew Eliza had seen a lot of pain in her life, she had lost her father, her mother, older brother and older sister to the criminals that had infested their space years ago during the chaos. Not only that but her uncle had tried to usurp control of the house away from her and she had faced a long battle to retake control and had to have him killed along with his side of the family which left her alone. He didn't offer sympathy because he knew she wouldn't want it, like Vysa who had been let down by their father, Eliza just didn't want to leave herself vulnerable again.
Birds of a feather, stick together, Haron thought hoping that this was a sense of understanding each other's pain and helping each other deal with it.
Vysa was surprised as she could tell he did understand, they left it at that. He and Deera just hoped that Vysa wasn't going to have her heart broken and vowed to be there for her if that happened.
Ara came into the yard and turned him, giving him a cross look, which told him he was in trouble for something and so he sighed before deciding to get it over with.
He left Deera and Vysa who smirked as they knew their brother was going to get it from his wife, he honestly might be fearless and unstoppable in battle but faced with the woman he married, he was helpless.
Haron went in and saw that only Luna was around which surprised him, and he felt the slap before any warning in the force.
"Again, why does this keep happening? I used protection, are you?" Ara asked him with a look in her eye that promised pain if you said the wrong thing.
It took a moment for Haron to realise what she was asking about and what she meant.
"Of course, I do we both agreed. So, you are?" Haron asked, already knowing the answer and feeling the excitement filling him up.
Ara sighed and nodded, Haron smiled and took her in his arms immediately, kissing her with all the passion he could muster, breaking only for air. She too was smiling a bit now as despite her not wanting more children she loved the ones they had more than anything and would certainly not be averse to another, it was just having to go through pregnancy again that she didn't like.
"This will be the last time." Luna said, breaking the moment with her comment but becoming mysterious when she added. "There will be something special about it this time." Before making her exit leaving both Haron and Ara behind who were both worried for a moment at what Luna had meant by that but knew she might not even know herself.
That was just Luna.
Haron and Ara just held each other as they considered their fifth child was on the way. They were not afraid for their child and whatever happened they would face it together; they were a family and real family stood by each other. But still there was much to worry about, they both thought with the situation out there in the galaxy.
With Saw's attack on Sirpir the Empire was now more violent and careful that ever, striking at it the way he had made them lash out and now many worlds had felt reprisals which of course only made things worse. Saw clearly had little regard for life and while Haron knew bad things happened in war all too well, he was concerned Saw was now becoming as much of a fanatic as he had feared he would. Worse he now had Jedi working with him, Saesee Tiin he knew was the ringleader of the little group and he certainly wasn't doing the Jedi's remaining reputation any favours. Whatever good the Jedi did right now was being dampened by that.
They also learned that Kamino had been wiped out by the Empire, which had sunk all of their cities and left most of their people dead. It was shocking but while Kamino could have been an ally, both he and Ara had their doubts as they had been far too willing to go along with Sidious's plan to ever be really trusted and more to the point, their people wouldn't have liked allying with them as clones didn't count as real people to Mandalorians and therefore cloners weren't seen as much better.
It was an almost racist thing to think but that was how most of their people felt.
But there was some good news too, they reassured themselves.
The Than repulsing the Empire all by themselves had surprised the galaxy but it was a major morale booster to those that were fighting the Empire, and elsewhere the planet of Dornea was despite its tiny fleet of only eighty vessels in all had managed to defend itself against the Empire, no doubt due to the brilliance of its leader Admiral Etahn A'baht. It hadn't managed to free the rest of its sector though till Admiral Ackbar had led a fleet of Mon Calamari ships to join them and now their control was firmly established.
So not only was Dornea now being sponsored for membership in the Rift Alliance by the Mon Calamari, but the Than Hegemony had also been approached by the Salient and shown some interest in meeting with them.
Getting one was great, both was coup.
But he was getting ahead of himself, Haron thought with rigid discipline. The meeting was scheduled for a few weeks from now, security was of course extremely tight as for the moment they were keeping the very existence of the Rift Alliance as secret as possible, the Empire knew that each faction of resistance was not dangerous in itself as they could break any one faction…but if they were unified…if they started working together against the Empire…then they had a chance of tearing it all down.
The Rift Alliance was his achievement and honestly, he was proud of it, unifying as many factions as they had but he knew this was not going to be an easy fight. At the moment they were sharing resources and intelligence with each other, not to mention promising to come to each other's aid if needed but only time would tell what those words were worth.
They had even given the plans for the X-wing to the Mon Calamari, the Salient and Wookiees who were having to make several alterations so they could fit in it. But they now had the exceptionally promising fighter ready for action if needed, and it would certainly be needed Haron thought grimly.
"I meant to ask." Ara said, breaking him from his thoughts. "Ursa is asking if we can allow Sabine and her son when they're both old enough to come here and train with their cousins. As warriors I mean." Ara said as despite neither Sabine or Tristan having any force sensitivity, they could learn a great deal here.
She was of course not blind to what her sister was doing by this, hoping to make sure her children were close with their cousins as it would see them rise in status and influence. Ara was annoyed at her sister for this but would be glad to have her niece and nephew close to her own children. She and Ursa still hadn't really resolved any differences but for the sake of the next generation they both put a brave face on it.
She meanwhile was dealing with another issue; the Empire had begun construction of a large-scale monitoring station not so far from their border. The station was ideally suited to spy on them, it would be easy to monitor ship movements and communications and that was something Ara was not going to allow.
So, it was time, she decided to deploy their new special forces unit. So new in fact that despite training for two years now they still didn't have a name, something she would need to remedy eventually. But they had their high-quality armour and state of the art weapons now, so it was time to see if the expense had been worth it Ara thought with a smile.
Imperial Surveillance Base, Unnamed Planetoid near Mandalorian Border…
The base was large and filled an enormous crater on the planetoid, easily over a couple of miles across from some great impact thousands of years ago. It was still under construction so many construction modules were set up around it, but the large signal dishes and antennas were already going up and the framework was now being filled out.
It would they hoped ensure they could keep an eye on the brutal Mandalorians and when the time came to enforce Imperial will and justice for their crimes against the Empire, this station would give them the best intelligence possible to plan their invasion.
Meteor storms were common around these parts and a satellite controlled by the control tower of the station used tractor beams to deflect them away from the station. The tower had been the first part of the station built and now co-ordinated all construction efforts while the Victory-class Star Destroyer Storm's Edge stayed on watch nearby.
So, when a small storm appeared none of the station's staff nor the crew of the ship were that worried as the station diverted them away easily, one of the meteorites however was different to the rest. It had been hollowed out and inside it a series of tunnels had been dug, to allow for a number of Mandalorian Special Ops warriors to hide inside it. They leapt out of it, using the debris and other smaller meteors for cover so the Imperials wouldn't detect them.
Now they were passed the security perimeter and able to make their way over the barren surface to the base where the construction staff were supervising the droids building the place and operating the tractor beams.
They were on a strict timetable and had no time to waste so they applied charges to the exterior plate of one of the walls, pulling back before detonating the charge, blasting a large hole in the side of the tower's living area.
The breach was sudden and violent, causing a massive decompression of the tower, sending workers flying out into space as the Mandalorians used their packs to force their way in through the hole before the oxygen field sealed it.
The Mandalorians were all using the special multi weapon system rifle like those used by the elite clone commando units in the Clone Wars. They switched to semi-auto mode for close quarters while one of them attached the scramble unit that would dampen any cries for help.
The sixty warriors started moving through the tower, using scanners to track down and kill all staff they could find, silently and ruthlessly. Even droids were not spared to leave not witnesses as to their presence.
One of them switched to a heavy blaster cannon mode, blasting open the tower control room's door before throwing some gas grenades into the room before advancing themselves, using scanners to find the choking Imperials in the smoke and kill them.
Once the tower was securely in their hands the Mandalorians checked the time, seeing they had a few minutes they ensured there was no security recordings left that could trace this back to them before activating the tractor beam array, just as a second storm of meteors came into view. This storm had been purposefully diverted here by their colleagues in the Mandalorian Fleet to arrive at the exact moment they wanted. The Storm's Edge, completely unaware of what was going on down there just expected the facility to divert the meteors as was normal.
The team did indeed divert the meteors but instead of changing their path so they hit the barren surface of the planetoid, they altered their trajectory so they were heading straight for the Storm's Edge.
The officers on board realised quickly what was happening but weren't able to escape as the Mandalorians used the tractor beams to lock the ship in place, the Storm's Edge was a big ship with powerful engines but the tractor beams managed to hold it just long enough to make sure the meteors hit it. Smashing hard into the hull and knocking it straight down to the planetoid's surface right near the base.
Satisfied with that result the Mandalorians disabled the tractor beam array controls and proceeded out of the tower and across the surface of the planetoid as the Ordo's Revenge decloaked and landed, staying still long enough to get everyone aboard before recloaking and heading away from the surface before the last part of the assault came into play.
A third meteor storm, larger than both the first storm and the second combined had been diverted like the second storm to hit the planetoid, this one had enormous rocks that would pulverise everything, hence why the corvette had been so eager to get out of the way before it hit.
The Storm's Edge was defenceless as the ship's engines and weapons both were offline and the ship's shields were not able to deflect such huge objects, the Mandalorians had been extremely careful about the placement and direction of the meteors, ensuring they went exactly where they were supposed to. The enormous rocks hurtled down and smashed with tremendous force into the damaged ship and the still under construction base, hitting with great force and pulverising whatever they hit. One huge rock smashed the bridge tower of the star destroyer clean off, followed closely by more hits as the bombardment continued.
The corvette watched this, making sure that the destruction was complete, like a brush to their footprints they left nothing behind. Only leaving when they were certain there was no survivors left, not even droids before making their way back to Mandalorian space.
Phelzepham, the Mid Rim…
A single sector in the Mid Rim had three planets or moons that were in a state of revolt, Namzor, Ahn Krantarium and Phelzepham. The local rebels were not in anyway unified and each insurgent group fought on its own. The three planets fell under the control of Moff Ahr, a fat and arrogant man who had been sure he would be able to suppress these uprisings. He would often send his soldiers into dangerous situations purely to see if it would be enough to kill them, largely for his own amusement.
Namzor though had been fortunate to have reserves of the rare hypermatter fuel Coaxium, that was a resource that was useful to some states and so the Separatist Holdouts and the Mandalorians had sent forces to ensure the planet was protected and able to stay free. Their combined might was too strong for Moff Ahr to defeat alone and the Empire had decided to concentrate efforts on the other two planets first before sending all their forces against Namzor in the hopes of carrying the day.
Ahn Krantarium was a world that had once been inhabited but now was home only to a particularly violent group of droids that slaughtered anything organic creature remorselessly, rebuilding themselves deadlier each time they were destroyed. They had been left alone during the Republic Era and by the Empire until now when Moff Ahr decided to make an example of them. Wave after wave of stormtroopers was poured against it under the leadership of one of the Dark Disciples, Valin Draco.
Ruthless and calculating he was hardly one to risk destroying himself and therefore avoided Ahr's attempts to kill him, instead plotting ways to kill him later in retribution.
So, despite the high cost the pacification of Ahn Krantarium was complete, that only left Phelzepham before they turned their attention to Namzor. This world Draco and Ahr were both sure would be easier to deal with as they had only human insurgents fighting there rather than deadly droids although they brought the aging clones in to form the vanguard of the attack.
The battlefield was chaotic as all battlefields usually are, the Imperial troops bogged down as they charged against the Insurgent positions. The Insurgents were far better equipped than they had been led to believe, they had anti-infantry and anti-vehicle turrets in place, AT-TE tanks, IG-227 Hailfire droid tanks, TX-130 Saber-class fighter tanks, AV-7 Long Range Artillery cannons and even some SPHA-T, the moving heavy turbolaser walkers.
The Insurgents even had a Juggernaut Tank acting as the command post for the battle. How they had acquired such weapons confused many Imperials but they were confident that they were going to be victorious all the same, it was just that they didn't seem to be making any headway against them. Worse though, they saw a set of lightsabers among the rebels.
Jedi, Valin thought with disgust. He had once been one of them himself before he had realised their great stupidity, proven in how easily they had been torn down by the Emperor, he would need to deal with them he thought and knew the Emperor would be pleased if he brought back two dead Jedi Valin thought, knowing there were at least that many from the lightsabers he was seeing.
So Valin Draco who was directed the battle from the rear ordered the transports to deliver the clones into the heart of the battle where survival was impossible but it would break the Insurgents lines and let them press their advantage. The clones' lives meant little to Valin but if they proved useful with their deaths then that was something he thought with callous dismissal of them and their sacrifice.
- x -
On the other side of the field, the stalemate in the battle was worrying the Rebels too.
"Hold the line!" Dass Jennir said, using his lightsaber to deflect blaster fire with one hand while firing back with a heavy blaster pistol in the other. "Our time is right now! Don't miss it." He said to the rebels fighting in the trenches. He grimaced though, knowing that despite the advantages brought to them by their mysterious benefactor, the battle was far from won. He turned to the other Jedi that was fighting alongside him, even if she didn't consider herself one anymore and told her. "I hope your friend comes through! These people are risking everything for this."
"Trust me." Ahsoka Tano said as she used her lightsabers to deflect more blaster fire back at the Imperials, she was smirking as her old friend had spent months setting this up and wouldn't let it fail now. "The Empire is about to get a big kick in the teeth and learn just why you don't mess with the clones."
- x -
On board the large troop transports that were carrying a full brigade of experienced clone troopers into battle five thousand of them in all, the clones checked their gear as they would normally before going into battle. Entering from orbit they saw the battlefield coming into focus before the clones made their move, the troopers nearest the pilots of the transports moved and swift and clinical precision snapped their necks before pulling them out of their seats and taking over.
The clones now they had control of the transports all cheered as the troopers now piloting the transports flew right over head and put down the transports well behind rebel lines. The ringleader of this insurrection was waiting for them on the ground with some more of their brothers.
The clones disembarked the transports and Rex smiled as he stood there with Cody, Fives and Bly who had all used every bit of the old comrade in arms loyalty not to mention the hatred of what the Empire had done to Kamino and their own poor treatment within it to rally as many of their brothers as possible into defecting to their side.
Rex saw Jesse coming up to him and he gratefully grasped hands with his old comrade in arms, Fives did too as they all came back together. Many had come from the old 501st but they had clones from many different units from across the clone army, all sorts specialists. It was somewhat surprising that so many had been willing to come over to their side but Rex knew something the Emperor didn't in this case, the clones were brothers, that was something that ran far deeper than any programming Kamino might have given them.
Bonds of blood and of experience, all of them had fought in the Clone Wars together and stood for each other more than they had for the Republic.
Rex saw Cody smile at him along with Bly and then give him the gesture that told him they wanted him to give a speech and he honestly didn't want to do this but the pressing looks of his brothers made him sigh and stand up on the supply crates nearby so he could be seen and everyone gave him their attention. Rex honestly felt more scared now then he had been when they had been climbing the mine infested wall at the Citadel, or facing endless hordes of droids. He was soldier, not a politician for whom words came easily, but he took a deep breath and started to speak.
"Brothers. We all know the Empire has betrayed us, discarded us like used ammo cases after we cease to fit into their view of the galaxy." Rex said and saw the angry agreement with his words. "But we are now free to carve our own fate, our own lives. From this day forward you now have your own life and what you do with it is up to you." Rex said with pride as the clones realised like he said that they were free now, free to go anywhere and choose what they wanted for the first time in their lives.
"It is my hope that the rest of our brothers will see for themselves they don't have to remain in chains, like us they can be free and so leave to find lives of their own. Now, if you want, come with me for one last battle." Rex called out and all his brothers cheered before putting their helmets on again and followed him to join the fight.
Rex smiled as he saw Ahsoka standing there, even though they were both older and her lightsabers were different now they still could find each other on a battlefield he thought with a chuckle. He and his brothers all came forward and leapt into the trenches or manned the heavy weapons. Ahsoka laughed a little as she saw Rex join her on the battlefield. Just like old times she thought with nostalgia for the days when they had been fighting for the Republic, only now they were fighting against the evil it had become.
"You okay kid?" Rex asked with a smirk as he fired his rifle, Ahsoka returned the smirk. Both of them glad to see each other again after so long apart.
"I'm good Rex." Ahsoka told him while Dass nearby looked on and was cautious of clones as a matter of principle and yet here they were, fighting together again against a common foe.
The universe was mad sometimes he thought as he returned his thoughts to fighting the battle.
However, as the two larger AT-AT walkers approached he gritted his teeth, knowing they were about to deal with a real problem only for a ship to scream overhead at great speed. A YT-1300 unless he was much mistaken but then he saw two people leapt from it, one onto each of the large walkers. At this distance they could just make out a blue and a yellow blade but not much more although he and Ahsoka could feel them through the force. Ahsoka's face brightened considerably as she obviously recognised who it was, well whoever they were Dass thought, they made themselves useful by cutting into the top of the cabin and jumping inside. Moments later the walkers then started firing on the Imperials below, shocking the hell out of them while the rebels cheered as the enemy's two biggest assets on the field were turned against them.
Valin Draco was looking at the scene in front of him and then had a moment's warning to get himself out of the prefabricated command centre just in time to avoid the laser blast from one of big walkers. The man looked to see his command centre being blown to smithereens and with it his shuttle a moment later.
He honestly was now worried; his only real escape route was now cut off and worse the defection of the clones had left them outnumbered. He reached for his communicator, needing to get Ahr up in orbit to call down a bombing run or turbolaser barrage on their position but despite his thumbing the communicator hard he found communications were being jammed.
The situation was bad he thought and figured it was probably time to run but found himself faced with four Jedi as they now took advantage of the situation and encircled his remaining forces, Valin knew he needed to get out of here but as he tried, he found himself cornered. He drew his red lightsaber and scowled as he recognised his opponents; the blasted Dass Jennir he had expected and Ahsoka Tano, he had thought she would be present. But worse for him was the two Jedi who had taken over the AT-AT walkers then joined the fight.
Both of whom topped the wanted lists of Jedi in the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker and his apprentice Allara. Both had grown older than their pictures. Allara had grown much as puberty had set in, now fifteen nearly sixteen years old. Her dark hair in a long ponytail, wearing a simple short jacket and spacer cargo pants in place of Jedi robes now.
Anakin Skywalker though…terrified Valin he thought with fear. He was so much more powerful in the force than anyone he had ever met. Only matched perhaps by the Emperor himself, he was intimidating in his force armour and Valin ignited his red lightsaber which made the Jedi do the same.
"Surrender." Dass said with a smirk. "You are outmatched."
"We shall see." Valin said with a scowl, hoping to prolong the fight until he could escape and snarled as he called on the dark side, letting out a fierce roar as he called on the power of Force Rage, all of his own fear about dying, his rage at losing this battle and terror at facing the Emperor with such failure not mention his own greed, lust, envy and every dark emotion and impulse he had ever had and channelled it through him, he let out a force wave which pushed the four Jedi back but not as much as he would have liked and blasted the two females with force lightning but they managed to block it with their lightsabers, their distraction allowed Anakin and Dass to get close and he was forced to stop his attack to meet their attack.
Anakin got to him first and began to batter away at his defences, the sheer force of the assault was almost overwhelming if he hadn't already been using force rage, he tried to use the Sith magic he had managed to learn from Darth Rivan's holocron but Skywalker was just too strong for him to concentrate enough to use it.
Then he felt a stabbing pain in the back, looking down he saw a green lightsaber blade sticking through him and could almost see Dass Jennir smirking behind him as he fell forward, his heart destroyed by the lightsaber and fell forward in death.
- x -
Anakin deactivated his lightsaber as did the others, the threat now passed and turned to see that Ahsoka and Allara were both okay before then to Dass Jennir who smirked.
"Couldn't help but pick a fight, could you Skywalker?" Dass said with a satisfied look on his face which Anakin returned before replying.
"Got to do what we can these days. Ahsoka." Anakin said before turning to his old apprentice who smiled, she had missed him a lot in their time apart and they hugged before she quickly looked to Allara who was awkwardly standing to the side but Ahsoka didn't let her stay there and pulled her into a hug too which she returned eventually. Rex too approached and Anakin and him grasped each other by the hand.
"General. Been a while." Rex said with a smile, a smile Anakin was all to happy to return.
"That it has, you know there is always room for you on the Open Sky." Anakin said and Rex just shook his head.
"It would be a privilege to fight alongside you but while there are things I can do for my brothers; I have to be elsewhere sir." Rex said, Anakin understood immediately and nodded sadly. He would love to have both Rex and Ahsoka with him for no other reason than their own safety, Obi-Wan to come to that but it was important to let them have their own lives.
He then saw his new droid coming towards them, holding a large repeater blaster like it weighed nothing. His orange eyes made him seem almost demonic which unsettled Ahsoka, Rex and Dass as they had never seen the murderous droid before.
"Statement: Master I found these 'Stormtrooper' meatbags to be hardly a threat, is this the sort of thing that passes for a soldier in this century? The soldiers of the Sith Empire of my day were far more deadly." HK-47 said with actual boredom in his voice. Allara just rolled her eyes at his behaviour while Anakin just raised an eyebrow and shook his head. Turning to Ahsoka, Rex and Dass he introduced the newest member of his team.
"Everyone, this is HK-47, the assassin droid that once belonged to Darth Revan and my newest crewmember." He admitted with some humour.
The significance of his name nor who he had once served did not escape Ahsoka or Dass who blinked in surprise at the incredible find while Rex looked at him with suspicion.
"You sure you want clankers on your ship General? Seem more trouble than they are worth." Rex said looking at the droid with suspicion. Allara and Anakin both cringed inside as they both knew how the droid was likely to react and he certainly didn't disappoint.
"Angry Declaration: I am more capable of destruction than any normal meatbag. Remember I was bringing down empires long before you were even born mass produced meatbag." HK-47 said with anger in his electronic voice.
Rex honestly was impressed at the statement and would have argued back if they had not been interrupted by the arrival of Padme, Luke and Leia not to mention their Noghri guardians and of course R2 and 3PO.
"Oh R2! Its Miss Tano, maybe she can convince Master Anakin to get rid of this awful droid." 3PO said with a statement of desperation which only made the rest of them smile. R2's response didn't exactly help as he dismissed him with a shrill beep, 3PO took offense at that and kicked the small astromech who ignored it with much experience.
"Sarcastic Statement: At least the astromech is useful which is more than can be said for you, golden scrap pile." HK-47 said with arrogance.
"Golden scrap pile!?" 3PO said with outrage and the others all just ignored them as the droids argued. Rex and Ahsoka instead greet Padme with a smile and a hug each before turning to the two younglings holding her hands.
"By the force. This can't be Luke and Leia." Ahsoka said with astonishment as they had grown up so much since she had last seen them. They were already about two, they were walking and even starting to talk. She had little experience with younglings but she was shocked at how fast Luke and Leia had grown.
Rex, himself a victim of accelerated aging looked at the two younglings with shock too.
"Oh yes they are, and now I can't let them out of my sight for more than a second or they go off exploring." Padme said with an exasperated huff as the two children were fast starting to become more mobile and with two of them it was impossible for her or their two Noghri guardians to keep track of the all the time. But she had noticed already how close they were already, when one spoke, the other would finish the sentence. When one was hurt, both cried. When one of them learned something, the other always seemed to know it too.
It was eerie Padme thought with a smile, she loved the twins and they loved her and Anakin back, heck they even seemed to think Allara was their older sister and followed her everywhere, they weren't even afraid of the Noghri and HK-47 even if Padme wished Anakin would get rid of the droid as it creeped her out.
"Force sensitive twins have one of the deepest bonds possible between living things. As they grow that bond will change somewhat as their individual personalities separate themselves but always will they know what the other is thinking or feeling and will feel pain when separated. Bare that in mind when it comes time to train them." A wise but stern voice said, they all turned to look and saw an old human male approach. His hair was white and grey but also thin on his head and beard but he had a stern and lined face which spoke of much hard living and trials.
He wore white and grey robes, not exactly Jedi robes but similar enough and would allow for ease of movement if need, at his waist was a lightsaber and his face while familiar to Anakin, Ahsoka and Allara was much better known to Dass Jennir who had a look of awe on his face.
"Master Gamil! You're alive." Dass said remembering the man from the Temple while he had been a padawan.
"That was once a name I went by, no longer is it suitable. I go by the name Kagame now." The old man said with a calm and stern look on his face. The name finally registered for Anakin who now knew who they were speaking too. Ahsoka and Allara meanwhile had no clue and nor did the others so Dass explained for them.
"Master Keln Gamil, the last member of the Lost Twenty-One. Masters who left the Jedi Order because they became disillusioned with it and went their own way. The used to call him the Sage Master because he honestly was the most accomplished force user in the Order. He mastered abilities that even Master Yoda didn't have, he…has such a unique connection to the force." Dass said with awe at the master and his accomplishments.
"He was a firebrand in his youth, used to travel around the Outer Rim and other more chaotic parts of the galaxy as a diplomat and a teacher." Dass giving those less aware of his legend the full story. "Dedicated himself to the plights of the normal people of the galaxy, started and fought in a number of uprisings to help them before defeating the Malevolence Cult on Prakith, the Apex Society and the last of the Seyugi Dervishes Assassins on Recopia before retiring to the Temple to delve into the Archives and study the force. He still kept teaching though although it was in the schools of the lower levels of Coruscant, helping the people again. He was offered a seat on the Jedi Council but he refused it. When the Jedi Council insisted that he stop non-Jedi though he left the Order. Said the Jedi had forgotten their duty to the people of the galaxy and that he had learned all he could there, no one has seen him since until now." Dass told the others who all blinked in surprise that they had never really heard of him before which shocked the Jedi present especially, given all he had achieved and more that he had turned down a seat on the Jedi Council which was rarely offered and even more rarely turned down.
Keln Gamil or Kagame as he preferred to be known was unmoved by the description of his abilities and achievements. He remained stern before telling them.
"The past is the past, it cannot be changed nor revisited, only looked at through faded and often corrupted memories. It is in the here and now that we have the power to affect change and so in the moment we must stay." Kagame said with a wise look in his eyes.
His presence in the force was very powerful, Anakin thought with surprise, easily more powerful than any master he had ever met with the exception of Masters Yoda and Tuwan. His presence in personality was easily as impressive, he could be as intimidating as Master Windu with his intense gaze.
Anakin offered his hand in greeting, not the bow he might usually give a master of such experience but 'Kagame' was hardly a normal Jedi. The old man looked at it for a moment like he was going to reject it before shaking Anakin's hand. Ahsoka and Allara both stayed deferential to him in this before Kagame turned to Padme and gave her a small nod.
"It is just as well that I already dealt with the ship in orbit as you all seem to have forgotten about it." Kagame said with an almost exasperated look in his eyes. The reminder that there was a Star Destroyer up there had shocked them but apparently, he had dealt with it although none of them knew how.
Flashback…20 Minutes Earlier…
Kagame sat in deep meditation in a cave not far from the battle, his movement apparently dubbed Liber8 by its members had been very busy in raiding Imperial Surplus Yards to acquire weapons and vehicles although they had more cunning than to have to drop a space station onto the nearby Imperial base to get it. It was old Republic and Separatist equipment but it worked fine and was in some ways superior to the equipment used by the Empire. It had already proven exceptionally useful here.
But he was busy with making sure the Empire didn't rain fire down from orbit on them, meditating deeply he reached out towards the ship in orbit, his power amplified by the meditation crystal he had brought from the Temple before he left. He managed to reach the Star Destroyer, now able to feel the officers on the bridge. Kagame reached out to the officer at the navigation station and began to press his own will onto the officer, his mind was far stronger and the officer folded easily and Kagame now had control of him for the moment.
Kagame reached out his hands which the officer did too and started typing co-ordinates into the Hyperdrive, the ship was on the edge of the gravity well as Moff Ahr had been eager once the pacification was complete to leave to deal with a nearby space creature. But this meant they were at a position where a hyperspace jump was possible, so when the controlled Navigation Officer hit the button to trigger the jump there was little to know warning before it happened. The jump was short but it sent the ship straight into the nearby asteroid field.
The asteroids pummelled the large ship and one huge rock in particular smashed the bridge open and crushed Moff Ahr with it.
Flashback ends…
"Like I said, it has been dealt with. Now I suggest we all rest, there will be more fights in the future and we must conserve our strength for when we need it." Kagame told them, sharing a look with Anakin as if assessing each other for something but no one said anything as they all met the leader of Liber8 for the first time.
Imperial Palace, Coruscant…A Few Days Later…
The newly constructed Imperial Palace and private residence of the Emperor was an enormous structure from where the Empire could be run, standing near the now empty Jedi Temple it was put firmly in its shadow, as a triumph to the Emperor's victory over the Jedi.
Palpatine himself was proud of his palace as while twisting the Jedi Temple had seemed tempting the structure was just too dull and sickeningly light in its atmosphere, so he had this enormous palace built for himself and top Imperial figures so he could keep an eye on them. He could command the entire Empire from here and the palace was now his permanent residence, its towering shape, similar to the Sith Temple's of old which only helped him enhance the reach of his powers.
Palatine sat on his towering throne, glad very much for the success he had achieved with his cunning and mastery of the force. He had started taking unruly worlds back under the Empire's heel and asserting his dominance over all things.
But recent failures were now starting to worry him, more worlds seemed to be rising up in rebellion against him. Not just former Separatist worlds but now some outer Imperial worlds too were starting to reject his authority, many of them had been forced by his growing Imperial military and servants back into line but some were beginning to slip through his fingers and that he thought with great rage building up inside he could not allow.
Even the clones, who had once been useful to him were now a liability he thought with disgust at the pathetic copies that thought they were real people. They had shown far too much defiance and over five thousand of them had defected to the rebels. Most had gone their own way and he was ordering the ISB to hunt down and execute any errant clones they managed to find. But some of the clones had according to current intelligence joined the growing resistance movements across the galaxy like this 'Liber8' that people were whispering about.
Not only that but some of the clones within the Empire had done the same, defecting or running away.
The ISB was now arresting any clone that they even suspected of potentially defecting and had them imprisoned before being killed. Some had stayed loyal as they were programmed too but others were angrily moaning about their treatment.
That complaining didn't worry him, but the fact the experienced soldier clones were joining up with Rebel units across the galaxy…that was something to worry about. They had all the training and combat experience those seeking to cause trouble needed to become a genuine nuisance to the Empire.
This was how Resistances went from a mere annoyance, to a real threat.
Palpatine was truly disturbed as he had failed to foresee the defection, nor this rising tide of rebellion across the galaxy. He could feel the future was slowly growing shorter for him, like outcomes favouring him were getting smaller and smaller.
That he could not allow, Palpatine thought with anger and knew he must act swiftly to reclaim his rightful place as master of the Force itself however much it tried to work against him. He would replace Valin Draco with Sha Koon, who was eager to rise up the ranks and become one of his 'elites' and was reasonably capable.
Palpatine made a decision to make a proper demonstration of the price of defying him, he thought with a scowl on his drawn face. He would again deploy Vader again and he had been assured that this new Vader was stronger than the last one and far more effective as a weapon. Palpatine had ensured they knew that failure on Vader's part would mean failure on their part too and how he treated those that failed him.
If only he could be as ruthless with his own body, he thought with disgust at his own weakness, a hacking cough coming almost at the same moment he thought about his own frailty.
His battle with Talzin the utter fool that she had been had warped more than his face, his body had been hit with a wave of dark side energy which had on one hand strengthened him but it was corrupted by her own idiot mishandling of the scepter which still to his annoyance hadn't been found.
The long-term effect of the blast was a decay of his organs and of his body, meaning he would continue to get frailer and lose his power in the force. Palpatine fumed at that, that which gave him power was now slowly killing him.
He was of course refusing to allow this…sickness to be the end of him! Palpatine thought with determination, he had a team of the best doctors and scientists working on a cure and they had found a solution that would keep it at bay, cloning fresh organs for him based on his own genetic material. The corruption would spread to them eventually but this approach would gain him years to work on a more permanent solution.
Palpatine had been delving into all the holocrons he had access too and he had sent his servants far and wide in the galaxy to find more, looking for a technique that would allow him to transfer his body into another body free of the corruption. One younger and more powerful than his current limited form he thought with great anticipation but so far, the exact method eluded him.
Still, he was working to ensure he had a suitable body ready for him, Palpatine thought with anticipated satisfaction at having a healthy young body for himself again. He could of course just clone himself but that was far from all he wanted; he wanted a body that would be even stronger than the one he had before…a body that was suitable for the Emperor of the galaxy.
To that end he had raided the Jedi Temple Medical Vault, a place where genetic samples of the entire Jedi Order had been stored, even ancient samples kept from hundreds if not thousands of years ago held in stasis in case it was needed for some reason. Already his scientists were at work preparing to clone some of the Jedi and even Sith from samples he had acquired to see if they could improve his own future body. This might take time and he had made sure they knew he expected results but it was something he honestly was looking forward too very much.
For the moment though, Palpatine thought with a sinister grin, it was time to unleash Vader once again. Oh, he was going to take a great deal of pleasure from seeing this world crumble under his will.
Cato Neimoidia, The Colonies Region…
The Neimoidians had enormous wealth, generated from their greedy and exploitative business deals on the part of their various enterprises not least of which was the Trade Federation. The loss of Nute Gunray had shocked the organisation but they had swiftly recovered, pulling their own forces back to defend their home world Neimoidia and their purse worlds Deko Neimoidia, Koru Neimoidia and perhaps the richest of all Cato Neimoidia. They had hoarded all their wealth here and guarded it with considerable droid forces although they had refused overtures from San Hill to join his Separatist holdouts as they were confident that they could negotiate favourable terms with the Empire that would allow them to do business across the galaxy again. After all peace could be far more economically useful to them than war and they had much to offer the Emperor, they reassured themselves. It was far better and smarter move to side with the Empire than a rebel movement that was sure to be crushed.
Why launch a messy invasion when you could just absorb them harmlessly into your own Empire and make considerable profit while doing so? They thought, sure of themselves that they had chosen the right side.
They were soon to realise much like Nute Gunray had done, that you cannot trust a Sith.
The reports of incoming Imperial vessels they had received at first were dismissed as trade vessels, they even had the spaceports prepare for them and thought of their current economic plans and how to make them suitable for the Emperor and themselves, offering him huge wealth in their minds would easily make him more willing to accept them.
It was only later that they realised as the ships dropped out of hyperspace that they realised they were not cargo ships or even diplomat vessels, they were Imperial warships! Dozens of them over each of their worlds and none of them had any intent of being peaceful.
The Neimoidians did order their battle droids and modified cargo ships now warships to engage the Imperial Forces but they had been too complacent in their defence and some of them had actually been partly disarmed to appear less threatening and in anticipation of returning to normal freight duties.
Against the Imperial War Machine, they were no match.
The mass of Tie Fighters rushed forward and started dogfighting with the Vulture droids the Trade Federation was able to muster and the Imperial Star Destroyers turned their heavy turbolaser batteries on the warships that stood in their way.
The Trade Federation officials were businessmen, not soldiers and had little idea of military tactics or strategy, they left that to their Tactical droids but they had no time to formula a workable strategy as the Imperial forces moved relentlessly forward, smashing their way through the Trade Federation picket lines with overwhelming firepower.
They were not going to accept defeat this time!
Having crushed the ships in orbit the Imperial landings began, on the bridge cities the Neimoidians, their servants and their slaves all looked up with fear as a massive formation of Imperial ground troops and walkers landed in their streets while overhead the screaming sound of Tie fighter engines could be heard.
The flimsy B1 and sturdier B2 battledroids marched forward to face them, accompanied by their own familiar beige Armoured Assault Tanks as usual. The Stormtroopers meanwhile had their more modern walkers and hover tanks with them, moving forward with relentless momentum. The flimsy droids were easily taken down although the B2 droids were able to withstand some punishment before going down, the Stormtroopers did take losses but the Empire just kept pressing more and more of them into battle but the worst thing was to come as on Cato Neimoidia the Imperial ground assault was led by none other than Darth Vader himself.
The relentless cyborg moved ahead of the invasion, his red lightsaber acting like a beacon for the stormtroopers and walkers to follow as they went through the city streets and cleared each building out one by one, ruthlessly executing anyone they found.
Vader was radiating the dark side as he craved a bloody path through the city, his rage was stimulating with an improved batch of chemicals being injected straight into his brain and he was grabbing whole tanks and forcing them into the buildings or if they were close enough, off the sides of the city into the murky depths below.
The Imperial Officials before the slaughter was even finished began to loot the vaults containing all the wealth of the Trade Federation, loading it onto transports to return to the Emperor. Those that did survive the initial assault found themselves being loaded onto Imperial prison ships where they would find a new life as slaves to the Empire, being forced to work on Imperial Construction projects across the galaxy, including a highly classified one in orbit of Geonosis.
The Empire was careful to paint the invasion of the former worlds of the Trade Federation as a victory against their enemies while advertising new opportunities for those willing to settle on the now largely vacant worlds of the former Trade Federation. Jobs a plenty for the hard-up economy and opportunities for advancement to draw people from the Core Worlds that were overcrowded to these new worlds.
Any notion of the cost of this was swiftly buried under layer upon layer of propaganda and misinformation, those who did see through what had happened found few willing to answer their questions or stand with them to try and hold those accountable for their crimes.
Jedi Grand Temple, Ossus…
Master Yoda sat in the deep meditation, inside the now restored Eye of Ashlanae, a meditative retreat built inside the now being rebuilt city of Knossa. It was a nexus of great power and allowed for those that had a deep enough connection to see much.
He had seen the events of the wider galaxy and it troubled him deeply, the great loss of life and more places falling under the oppression of the Sith. True many were starting to see the Empire for what it truly was and had taken up the fight against it, led surprisingly by the Mandalorians and many Jedi were doing their best to help those the galaxy but just as many had turned their backs on the Order or like those that allied with Saw Gerrera who went down a dark path that would lead to a bleak and dangerous place.
Yoda was greatly worried.
Again, he wondered if his decision to withdraw from the conflict was the right one. The Jedi Order could do more, even in its weakened state but he just felt the Order needed to recover and to deeply reflect on itself and its future before they committed to this fight.
Some Jedi here he knew were not happy about this, especially the younger ones who were eager to go and fight the Sith and their Empire but they couldn't afford to let anyone go because if they did and they were captured it would bring the Empire right to their doorstep.
Breaking his meditation, he got to his feet and started walking along the ancient stone until he reached the edge of the ziggurat shaped temple. He looked out at the city they were rebuilding beyond, a smile coming to his face as he felt the force so strongly.
He took his hover chair down the large stone steps towards the Great Library Building, which was at last now restored, another sight that brought a warm feeling to his heart. Entering the structure, it was busy with a quiet calm as Jedi were busy studying and training themselves to deepen their connection to the force, Yoda himself spent much time doing the same and he had already learned a great deal more than he could ever have though possible.
Seeing Master Tuwan instruct the younglings in force forging while Master Morne taught several younger Jedi in telekinetic combat techniques and his old friend Master Sinube was enjoying his own new role as Head Librarian, maintaining the enormous collection of lore held here.
They and a few others had joined him on the newly established Ossus Enclave Council while they spread out from Knossa and started working on the other Jedi sites across the planet in hopes they could make this planet a true home for the Jedi Order again.
That was the moment his mind wandered to another wonder of the library, something that could be even more effective than the Eye of Ashlanae.
The Crystal Meditation Chamber.
The chamber had laid untouched since they had discovered it while the Grand Library was being restored, Master Tuwan had been very worried about the chamber as he said they were not meant to have that kind of insight and had made it clear he didn't want anyone to use it as he felt it might be too much for anyone to handle.
But right now, Yoda honestly was tempted to use it…to see what he should do.
He knew this was not something he should do, temptation for more power often led to the dark side but guidance was what he really needed right now and so in that moment, he made his decision.
He made his way to the chamber and opened the door with a wave of his hand, it easily parted for him so he could walk inside. The simmering crystal surrounded him and he could feel its pull but closed his eyes and sat in the centre, letting himself be drawn into the force which began to swirl around him. The crystal walls too began to move as the simmering grew brighter and Yoda now deep in meditation started floating off the ground.
At first Yoda was in control, he could see the force much like he had always done. It was comforting and familiar.
But then everything changed.
Suddenly it felt like he had been thrown off a cliff and sent into a vicious free fall, he felt he was spinning like the walls of the crystal chamber, lost in a sea of noise and images that raced passed so fast it was almost impossible to make sense of them.
- x -
Outside the chamber, Tuwan who had just been finishing his class seemed to sense something and looked towards the crystal chamber in alarm before sighing as he realised there was only one way for people to truly learn and that was to make the mistake in the first place.
- x -
Yoda honestly had never felt this lost or overwhelmed before, not even when he had been a padawan had he been this confused and overwhelmed when faced with the force.
He could see not only the paths of the future and the past but also it was like he could see everywhere all at once. All across the galaxy he could see things happening and places he had never even imagined before.
He could see the Mandalorian force users practicing their powers, shocking even him with how advanced they were in the force arts. Nor how powerful their fighting forces had become. He saw the blonde human female teaching them look up suddenly as if sensing him.
He saw a planet ruled by a Hutt wielding a lightsaber, hidden away from the rest of the galaxy.
A planet where an entire Sith colony had evolved, cut off from the rest of the galaxy for nearly five thousand years!
The Chiss with their cold worlds in the Unknown Regions.
A moon where Jedi in humble and simple robes worked the fields and lived the simplest of lives in seclusion from the galaxy so that no matter what the Jedi would survive after splitting from the order nearly four thousand years ago.
Then another species…one unlike any he had ever imagined with technology that was grown rather than built, like something out of a nightmare that was just waiting out there on the edges of the galaxy.
Yoda was completely horrified at all that he was seeing, the sheer scale of things happening all at once not to mention he was being confused by events and how they had gone but then seeing how they might have gone. Seeing how the Jedi stopped Sidious only to be banished from the Republic, or how they had failed and been decimated like he had feared with only a handful of survivors scattered across the galaxy. He saw a timeline where the Jedi took over all power in the Republic and ruled over it as Palpatine did now.
So many other followed, some almost paradise while others descended in hells unlike anything he had seen in his worse nightmares. Yoda was desperate for it to all stop but he couldn't even tell where he started anymore, lost in a storm of visions that mortal minds simply couldn't comprehend.
"Oh my, someone has gotten into trouble, haven't they?" A deep and old voice called out with a chuckle. Yoda didn't know just where the voice had come from till, he found the vortex he was trapped in slowing down and come more into focus as a figure emerged from it all.
A huge figure with almost rocky growths on his long arms and back, his fists on the ground like how some monkeys walked and a huge red coloured beard dropped from a face that had sightless eyes but somehow you knew he was looking straight into you and nothing could be hidden from him.
"Who…are you?" Yoda asked tentatively, grateful for this strange being's intervention on his behalf but he could feel great power within him, far more than any other being that he had ever known and it was not all with the light side of the force. He looked at him with a smile and humour, before answering his question.
"You Jedi and Sith, so busy with Ashla and Boga. I'm the one in-between, the Bendu." The large creature said. "And I see you are rather lost at the moment. Delved in too deep and got lost in the currents, like an ocean the force is and even beings such as I cannot see all of it. This chamber you have entered, it gives you an insight beyond your kind but still, to endure it as well as you have is remarkable in one so young." Bendu said with a small amount of respect. Yoda given his roughly nine hundred years of life hardly considered himself young but the creature before him was so ancient that he felt a new born youngling in comparison.
"Foolish I was to think I could control such things. Need help I do to return to the present." Yoda said with a hopeful look towards Bendu who smiled and told him.
"Worry not young one! I will help you and maybe later when you have reflected on what you have experienced, we can have chat." Bendu said with a smile before putting his huge hand with surprising tenderness to Yoda's head.
Then abruptly, Yoda found himself back in the crystal chamber, falling to the floor of the chamber as the crystal slowed and finally stopped, breathing hard in rapid breaths but thankfully out of the maelstrom he had been caught in.
Yoda got his feet, almost stumbling in his rush to exit the chamber and when he finally got out of it, he collapsed on the floor. Trying to calm his racing heart he saw a figure standing to his right, turning his head he saw Tuwan standing there with a concerned look on his face and said sadly.
"I warned you that such things are not for our kind. I am just glad he was able to help you." Tuwan said with relief.
"He?" Yoda asked, confused at how Tuwan seemed to know about Bendu but Tuwan merely smiled sadly and told him.
"The Jedi might be the best known of all the force traditions in the galaxy but we are neither the oldest or the most developed. Other paths in the force exist and today I think you found one, perhaps one of the oldest. Come, I think some dinner will be the best remedy before you think on all you have seen. I should be interested to hear all you saw and felt during your dive into the force." Tuwan said as he led Yoda off to the dining hall for some food.
Yoda followed, still shaken by his experience but in some ways…elated Yoda thought as he was able to look back on what he had experienced more clearly. Seeing deep into the force he had seen and felt things he had never imagined and he had to admit, he had learned things about it that honestly, he wasn't sure just how to put into words.
He now saw more clearly than ever how little the Jedi had truly learned about the force, how so many disasters and their own fear and bias had curtailed their development. Not to mention involving themselves as they did in galactic events, that too had hindered them and led to them becoming corrupt and stagnant.
The Jedi, he realised needed to evolve. They needed to take a fresh look at themselves and see what it was they wanted to become, for good or ill they couldn't stay as they were now or had been.
Maybe the current separation of the order was a good thing Yoda thought with consideration as he ate his meal, left to find their own paths in the force as they were finding their own way here. While they in places like this and in others kept the spirit of the Order so did those still out there fighting for a free galaxy. The Jedi had been more than peacekeepers in their time, they had been teachers, healers, engineers, scientists, explorers, gardeners, craftsman and more. The Order had flourished like that, when the individual was free from dogma such as they had been forced to conform too after the Order had taken a more active role within the Republic.
By focusing on only one, by enforcing a rigid and inflexible standard on their entire order…they had doomed themselves to stagnate and decay.
Yoda smiled, sure now of a way forward. The Order would survive and it would do it by allowing those within it to find their own path, as would those outside. He had noticed many Jedi were starting to interact more freely with the Ysanna and each other, the younger generation even going a step further to start relationships between them.
Some, he sensed even taking a romantic direction Yoda thought and would ensure that they were left alone to such things. If their colony here was to survive then allowing for families was the right thing to do and he would allow it.
Yoda, now much more at ease wondered just how Tuwan knew of Bendu and would hopefully chat with him again soon, thinking it would be a real experience to speak with a being of such wisdom.
Selonia, Core Worlds…
Drake Lo'gaan and Ekria had been lucky, having not only managed to escape Order 66 and the initial hunt for Jedi survivors, but they had found each other and another surviving Jedi Padawan Zonder. They had tried their best to fight back against the Empire and to help the people living in the lower levels of Coruscant before finally they had lost Zonder when they had been confronted by the Inquisitors. He had given his life to save theirs and they had brought his body back to his homeworld to give him a proper Jedi funeral.
Only to discover they had failed to give the Empire the slip, as a team of Inquisitors got onto their trail.
Trapped now in the remote regions of the planet Drake and Ekria held their lightsabers aloft, ready to go down fighting as they found themselves confronted by three Inquisitors; none of them were recognisable although two did have Jedi roots.
"Give it up Jedi. You've nowhere left to flee too." Nolor taunted them with a wide grin. "You failed, just like every single member of your order failed." Using his favoured tactic of using mind games to put the Jedi off balance before they fought.
"The only one that failed was the Emperor, he failed at least twice." Ekria said with gritted teeth, holding her blue lightsaber in ready position as she prepared to probably go down fighting.
"And how is that?" Lanu Pasiq asked with an actually interest in what they had to say as she was probably the most well adjusted of all of them. Still dedicated to killing them but interested all the same.
"First he failed to kill all the Jedi." Drake said smirking broadly with his purple bladed lightsaber humming intensely. "Second, he chose all of you to serve him."
"Clearly he has no standards." Ekria added, now smirking herself as they taunted the Inquisitors.
They certainly didn't like that, the Jedi noticed immediately as they went from confident, to astonished at the taunt to nearly foaming at the mouth.
"At least we are going to live Jedi! You die here and now!" Wiffa Zett, the final member of the trio said with spit flying from her mouth.
The Jedi knew they were about to charge before they actually did it but then much to their surprise, they were flung back by a powerful force wave. The Inquisitors stumbled to their feet in time to see two cloaked figures leaping down in front of Drake and Ekria who were happy for the help but mystified at who their rescuers were.
"Three against two? Most uncivilised." A male and familiar voice said, pulled back his hood to reveal the face of Obi-Wan Kenobi while Kalifa his padawan did the same. Seeing him and his apprentice made Drake and Ekria's spirits lift as they had been worried the Inquisitors had been right that all the other members of the Order were dead.
"Kenobi." Nolor said with a painfully tight grip on his lightsaber and his teeth gritted in fear of the great master who had downed more than one Inquisitor. "The Emperor wants you dead in particular."
"Then tell him to try himself rather than sending such unimpressive lackeys like you." Kalifa said with a challenging smirk.
"Now my young padawan, remember we all have to start somewhere." Obi-Wan mockingly scolded her but in fact putting the Inquisitors off balance was a good tactic.
Wiffa Zett who had already been humiliated by the Jedi during the Clone Wars when she had been one of Dooku's Acolytes by letting herself get captured was so enraged she just screamed in anger and leapt straight at them.
Kalifa had her blue lightsaber in hand and easily met the older girl's attack, blasting her back with a force push before running forward to meet Wiffa in the middle, crossing their sabers again, Kalifa was smirking which only angered the Inquisitor more, renewing her assault with some Form 2 Makashi. Kalifa though was trained by the 'Master' of Form 3 defensive fighting and easily parried, deflected and sidestepped her clumsy assaults.
Obi-Wan meanwhile showed his mastery of defence by fending off both Lanu and Nolor on his own. The two Inquisitors thought that together they could kill the Jedi Master but Kenobi had sharpened his skills against the likes of Darth Maul, Count Dooku, General Grievous and Asajj Ventress.
Compared to them, these two were mere amateurs.
He easily blocked each of their attacks even when they tried to strike at him from different directions at the same time, he just seemed to be moving so fast it was like they were standing still next to him.
Nolor tried to break this by throwing objects at him with the force but Obi-Wan just carved them all in half without even trying, Lanu out of frustration tried to use her own very limited Form 5 to break through his defences but this had been exactly what Kenobi had been waiting for and he easily deflected the rough swing away before lightly cutting with surgical precision at Lanu's arm and legs.
She cried out in pain as she lost her footing and fell to the floor not to mention her lightsaber slipped from her grip, her limbs injured but not severed leaving her disabled and out of the fight.
Nolor was now alone against one of the best swordsmen the Jedi Order had produced in decades.
Kenobi then changed tactics since they were now one on one, he went on the attack with swinging sideways cleaves and while engaging in saber locks, summoning nearby rocks to smash into Nolor from the side but then just as Nolor was reeling from that he began a rapid series of one handed feints that was completely out of character for Kenobi and all they had read about him, but as Nolor struggled to defend himself he fell victim to a single thrust by Kenobi right through the chest.
Kenobi didn't gloat nor seem pleased by his victory, instead he simply pulled his lightsaber out of the man's chest, letting him fall to the ground dead.
Kalifa was less experienced than her master but was proving all the hours she had trained with him were not wasted. She easily parried the clumsy and unfocused strikes Wiffa threw at her and began using a similar if rougher version of her master's new hybrid form.
Incorporating the solid defence of Form 3 that he was famous form, but then switching to the modified Form 4 employed by her master's master Qui-Gon Jinn with cleaves and counterattacks before changing again to the focused fencing of Form 2 that her master had learned from Count Dooku's holocron.
Wiffa tried but Kalifa, using much more dance like moves rotated her blade so the overpowered lunge of Wiffa went straight passed her with momentum but Kalifa took advantage of her moment of helplessness by stabbing her lightsaber through the Inquisitor's back.
Wiffa felt to the ground dead, leaving only the disable Lanu laying on the ground, staring up in fear of Kenobi and his apprentice. Drake and Ekria were honestly staring in awe of the two, clearly seeing what the more skilled members of the Order could do.
"Master Kenobi." They both said with respect before looking down at the cowering Lanu. "What should we do with her?"
Obi-Wan looked at her with some pity, he couldn't remember her specifically but he had learned a number of the Agri-Corps had fallen into the Empire's hands and maybe that was where she had come from. He could feel the dark side within her, but also she did still have some light inside, buried beneath it.
He wanted to give her a chance, it was also not the way of the Jedi to kill unarmed prisoners. He knew however he could not take her with them without bringing great danger to those he was trying to protect.
So, he made his decision, levitating her much to the surprised of everyone, her equipment flying off before he floated her into a nearby cave. Laying her down gently inside he released his grip on her and Lanu's eyes were wide with terror as she realised what he was going to do.
"NO! PLEASE!" She screamed but Kenobi shook his head before explaining his intentions.
"I am not going to kill you, nor am I trapping you, that is something the Empire has done by turning you into an Inquisitor. I am giving you a choice." He said with the other three Jedi watched in shock and worry, not sure just what the Master intended here. "Your injuries disable you; the stone might trap you but the force can free you. If you let it, the force will help you find your way out of the darkness and into the light, mend your wounds and regain your strength. Find your freedom, but only if you can let your anger and fear go. Or keep them close, and be trapped there forever. It is your decision." Obi-Wan said with regret, he would much rather prefer another path but he just couldn't risk bringing her with them.
Lanu's eyes were wide with fear but she could only scream as Kenobi moved a large rock in front of the entrance. His face fell but he could do no more for her, she had to face this trial alone. He could feel in the force this would not be the end of her, he just hoped she would find a new and better path for herself.
"Master! I know she's enemy…but we can't just leave her in there." Kalifa said with worry directed at the cave. Drake himself had a different opinion.
"She can breathe, and while she's injured, she still has the force. It can sustain her if she trusts it too and open the cave. Either way though, she won't be able to stop us leaving." Drake having been hunted by these people had little sympathy besides as he pointed out, she was a force wielder. She could free herself with time.
"Its not right master." Ekria said with worry, almost ready to intervene and free the woman herself but Master Kenobi put his hand out to stop her.
"Some lessons are hard to learn, but if she is going to free herself from the Empire and from the dark side…this is something she must face." The three Jedi nodded, albeit reluctantly on the part of Kalifa and Ekria and all of whom followed them back to the waiting ship. Kenobi commenting as they went. "You both are lucky we intercepted the transmission saying the Inquisitors were coming here, our new associate is looking for signs of the Jedi."
"Associate?" Drake asked with suspicion before they arrived at the ship that had brought Master Kenobi here. Waiting outside was an older man with simple spacer clothing on but a lightsaber at his waist, but accompanying him were an older woman, a younger man and a younger woman. The younger woman had a youngling in her arms and they felt the force in the little boy too. While they were dealing with this Kalifa made the introductions.
"This is Master Morvet Storm and his family. We managed to find them like you before the Inquisitors got them, while we were looking for somewhere to hide though we were found by this man." She said, indicating another human male that had come out of the ship. Darker skinned with a trimmed black beard he was quite relaxed and smiling too at them all before he introduced himself.
"Greetings, I am Kawlan Roken. I represent an organisation that is working to find a safe place for not only surviving Jedi but also force sensitive innocents that are being targeted by the Empire. We are setting up a series of safehouses to help those like yourselves get to safety."
"Do you have a name?" Drake asked with curiosity and caution, he trusted Master Kenobi but was unsure of this new man. He smiled gently to reassure him before saying.
"Not as such, but we call ourselves the Hidden Path."
- x -
A week later, Antinnis Tremayne arrived, the rival for the position of Grand Inquisitor who had dispatched the three lesser Inquisitors to hunt down the two Jedi Padawans that had arrived on Selonia, he was looking for not only the Jedi but his own underlings as well.
Using the limited information that he was able to obtain he tracked them all to a remote mountain range, accompanied by a party of Purge Troopers he eventually found two graves which contained the bodies of two of his Inquisitors and no sign of Lanu Pasiq or the two Jedi. He went further up the mountain, looking for more evidence of what might have happened but all he discovered as an echo in the force centred around a cave. A large rock had been pushed away from the entrance and inside he could feel a trace of Lanu's presence, but she like the Jedi was long gone.
He frowned, feeling something had happened in that cave which had forced some kind of change in Lanu but he couldn't feel what. But what was clear was that she hadn't stayed around and had vanished, he couldn't sense her anywhere nearby.
He was sure to note in his report that her body had been found alongside the two Jedi, not wanting to give his Pau'an rival any satisfaction in his own servants failing him…or worse Tremayne thought with worry turning back to the light side of the force.
His vanity, not to mention fear for his own life made him cover up any possible hint that the Jedi and Lanu were still alive and he just hoped if they were that they met a quick and brutal demise for placing him in danger.
Formidable, Mandalorian Lucrehulk, Deep Space…
Meeting in deep space and away from any planet or space station was hardly practical but it was the best security for those that didn't want to be observed.
Haron who was intent on keeping the Rift Alliance a secret for now, had impressed as much onto the other powers that formed the Alliance although they all took turns in providing ships to host their meetings on. This time it was the Mandalorians turn as Haron had brought the Formidable out.
He sat at the round table, there being no position of leadership so the table was shaped like this so they all were equal. That being said Haron opened the meeting as he was the designated host this time.
"We are all aware of the events in the Mid Rim, the Empire is cracking down hard on any potential Rebellion. Our response is something that we now gather to discuss but after we make proposals for new members." Haron said before turning to the Salient representative and saying. "General Pykkl. I believe you and your people have been in communication with the Than Hegemony?" Haron asked as he turned to their representative from the Salient who nodded, his purple military robes and golden insignia showing his rank as a general in their armed forces.
"Yes, the Than Hegemony is quite content to stay isolated but they had expressed interest in acquiring improvements to their turbolaser technology and ordinance. It was in this capacity my people managed to open a dialogue with them, our president then made the suggestion they may benefit from an alliance with other factions that oppose the Empire. They are interested in acquiring intelligence and upgrades to their weapon systems and offer some of their impressive sublight engine secrets in return."
"Are there any objections to this trade?" Haron asked, looking around the room and nobody said anything and just shook their heads, giving their silent approval so Haron asked the next part of this. "Or to their membership of our alliance?"
Again, every shook their heads before Haron opened the door to their right, allowing a Than with a dark emerald green carapace to enter, signalling they were of the warrior caste. Fitting for a general of their people.
"General Sky Falls in Thunder." Haron said, standing as did the others at the table. "We are honoured by your presence and your interest in joining our hidden alliance."
"My people are naturally unwilling to commit forces outside our own borders, but a trade of technology and information would be a good way to start." The Than general said, being hermaphroditic like the rest of their species it was without gender in the conventional sense.
"Then we welcome you as an ally. Joining together will only make us all stronger." San Hill said with a self-serving smile that honestly unsettled everyone but they ignored it and Haron decided to retake control of the meeting.
"Indeed, the Than are a worthy ally to have and we are truly grateful you and your people have seen fit to join us. Please general, your seat." Haron said with a gesture towards one of the three new empty seats at the table.
The general nodded and with their bodyguards standing at the wall like all of the others she went to stand at her seat.
"Two other planets have declared their interest in joining our alliance, Dornea along with its own colonies and the planet Namzor." Haron said, getting back to the point of this meeting. Turning to Admiral Ackbar, one of the leaders of the Mon Calamari who was now representing his people and their king. Since his people were sponsoring the Dorneans, it fell to him to make their case.
"The people of Dornea were great in their resolve to not bow down to the Empire and have shown their great military prowess. Their small fleet has managed to hold off much larger Imperial forces and with only some reinforcements from us. Those abilities could be vital in the future battles with the Empire." Ackbar said and then turned to San Hill who was sponsoring Namzor.
"Namzor might not be a military power like some of us present, but they have significant natural resources and a great abundance of Coaxium, a highly efficient hypermatter fuel. While we do have other sources of fuel for our fleets but this world is potentially a major source for us all of high-quality fuel. By investing our own resources here, we secure it for our own use but also deny it to the Empire. It is something of a long-term investment, but worth it to us in the long run." San Hill said, making his case.
They all listened and a vote was made, all in favour of admitting both races to the alliance.
"Welcome Admiral Etahn A'baht, your prowess as a military tactician and strategist is exceptional." Haron said in greeting to the Admiral that had managed to fight off the Empire with only a fraction of the forces they had. The male Dornean nodded in greeting and returned the compliment.
"My people thank you for the aid Mon Calamari has been so kind to offer us and the improvements to technology as well. Your reputation as a strategist is equally impressive." Etahn said which Haron nodded respectfully before turning to Minister Kyburn of Namzor's government.
"Greetings Minister, I hope our alliance will be long and profitable." Haron said to the human female who was a stern looking woman who reminded him in some ways of Professor McGonagall. Stern but only because she wanted the best from you.
"Indeed Mandalore, I should hope so too." She told him and Haron couldn't help but smile, he might have been scared of McGongall back at Hogwarts but underneath all that hard exterior was a woman who loved teaching and bringing out the best in her students and would give her life for them if she had too. Kyburn would do the same for her people.
With the new members now sworn in they all took their seats again to discuss recent events.
"The fall of the Trade Federation was a rather worrying development; it means the Empire will prioritise conquest over any other kind of warfare." San Hill said with concern as while limiting that did put them at something of a disadvantage given the size of their enemy.
"That was partly down to their own lack of preparation and determination to make some kind of deal with the Empire, had they been more careful or sought out the help they needed, the outcome might have been very different." Pykkl offered, knowing a lot of their shortcomings had caught up with them that day. Ackbar echoed that statement.
"Indeed, they were too used to solving their problems with economics, so sure the Empire would value credits over establishing fear. They neglected their own defences." Ackbar said and Tarfful who was representing the Wookiees now made his feelings known.
"And now they've done it, many more will likely submit rather than risk the same treatment."
"Or rise up, the other side of fear is anger." Sky Falls in Thunder said, knowing her people had been angrier rather than scared when the Empire had turned its attention to them.
"But how many would choose to face their fear rather submit to it?" Etahn said with a frown on his face, knowing some among his own people had been ready to betray them out of that fear and they had needed to confine them to keep them from becoming a threat.
"Then we must find those that will, perhaps like this new group that has formed…Liber8." Haron said getting the meeting back on track. "We must keep them in the fight, aiding rebellions around the galaxy, perhaps by supplying weapons and equipment while we fortify our own borders. It's only a matter of time before the Empire tries to invade again." He said and let then think about that before moving to his next point.
"Now, the Mon Calamari will be familiar with this…but for those who might not be. During the battle of Dac City, we encountered…this." Haron said, turning on the centre projector to show a holorecording of Vader that they had captured. Those who hadn't seen the footage before had no real idea just what to make of it.
"Was he a Jedi?" Pykkl asked, not being that familiar with such things he didn't know what else it could be.
"No. He's not Jedi. He's Sith." San Hill said with some unease, knowing that much from his own research into the matter. However, the term Sith didn't seem as familiar to all of those present.
"What's a Sith?" Minister Kyburn asked in confusion. Haron answered, knowing more on the subject than anyone else at the table.
"There's an old saying. 'For every force in the universe, there is an opposite'. Well for the Jedi this is no less true." Haron said, having looked into many accounts of history and it seemed in the Republic at least ancient history had not been something taught widely, maybe due to the Sith themselves so few would even know just what they were. "The Sith are the ideological opposite of the Jedi, where the Jedi preach peace, they preach conquest. While the Jedi suppress their emotions, the Sith exploit them. The Jedi use the light side of the force, the Sith use the dark. Count Dooku and the Emperor himself are both examples of the Sith. They manipulate others to achieve their goals and revel in their passions. They now rule the galaxy, and cannot risk any of us staying outside their control because if we did then there is even the smallest chance of being overthrown. That is why he framed the Jedi as they were the only ones that he felt could defeat him." Haron said, needing for them to understand this before carrying on.
"This…Vader, is a creation of Palpatine. My people have spent a considerable amount of time studying the corpse and discovered he is a clone. A clone that can use the force and is supplemented by chemical stimulants and cybernetic implants while encased in durasteel armour that has been designed after ancient Sith warriors to scare others. The chemicals and implants not only improve his strength and resilience but keep him a continuous state of heightened adrenaline and in constant pain, fuelling his rage which only makes him stronger." Haron said with some trepidation.
The rest of the room was silent as they absorbed this information and decided in their own time to research the Sith on their own. This was something out of the norm for all of them and made them really wish more Jedi were around.
"But…you killed him in Dac City." Ackbar said, having known that already but while Haron nodded, he had to give them the real big point.
"That I did. This Vader anyway, since he is a clone its not impossible for the Emperor to recreate him as many times as he likes, giving him a dangerous and unstable killing machine that come back from the dead. A legend that can't die, see the issue." Haron said with annoyance, knowing that unless they found the source of the Emperor's cloning operations there wasn't a great deal they could do except kill him again and again till they could convince the galaxy of what he was.
Well there we are, a lot is going on and the next chapter is to do with a very important planet for the future rebellion in the galaxy.
Please leave a review and let me know what you thought.
More Review Responses…
Gredon1979 - Thanks! Ahsoka as fulcrum? I know but for now she is just trying to get rebellion started and Bail will be appearing soon as a big event is coming next chapter.
Eliazar Chandra - What force ghost do you think should?
Cats and Crows - True, it just seemed a good name for a ship. What sort of names do you think suit a Lucrehulk? I have one called Formidable in this chapter.
ShadowbaneXX - Thank you! I really am glad you like the story and this was the first Star Wars Story I'd done in a while so was a little worried at first.
Envy220 - It is the same lack colour, he wears it without paint since while he serves House Ordo he is his own man.
That2-one3-girl4 - I really appreciate that! Thank you!
mspears3175 - Really interesting names you suggested, I will look into the translations. Awesome!
Halo-Guy Fan - Thank you! I really am glad to hear you liked it! It worries me writing these fights to make them interesting. The Siege or Heavy Skytrooper? Excellent idea and concept! I will think about it.
Rio47 - Thanks!
Sanders7201 - I will try! Unfortunately, Anakin made it so HK can't hurt 3PO so he is stuck listening to him.
Nato - Interesting idea about the Trandoshans, but I think they are too involved in slavery to ever give it up. As for protecting Kashyyyk from future raids, the Mandalorians transferred some of their salvaged Separatist ships and gave them the X-Wing design not to mention left one of the captured Star Destroyers so they could protect themselves. Maybe the Trandoshans could join the Alliance I will think about it but I think there might be another faction they could join. In regards to the Jedi that is addressed a bit in this chapter. Zakuul is now a Mandalorian province, Kal is dead, killed a few chapters back when he was manipulated by Sidious. His son and daughter in law escaped with their child though. I have a few characters from the SWTOR game coming to fill in the blanks.
Envy220 - No goblins I'm afraid they are long dead.
Vic the Man - As nice as it would be I don't think I'll be bringing back T3M4 as they have R2D2 already and I personally don't see a reason to bring him in.
Guest - I know, but this was the early rebellion against the Empire. Quite a few of the big figures in the fight later aren't involved yet. The only reason I kept San Hill alive was to give the Separatist Holdouts a leader that could hold them together and he was the only one on the council I thought could work with the Mandalorians.
Mokoloco - Thank you! I appreciate you saying that! I know, I loved Bra'tac in SG-1. I guess people making Fallen Order did too as they used him as the basis for Eno Cordova.
darer1992 - I know but now the Wookiees can guard themselves better it will harder for the slavers to get a foot hold. The Trandoshans. Another reviewer did point these things out too and I think I have a purpose for them in this story.
Uber Ghidorah - Star Wars Visions? I wish I could but when do the stories in that series happen? The impression I got was that they happen years before the movies? Do you know where they fit in the timeline? I have gone deep into the lore with this story as Star Wars at least in the legends continuity has a very large and detailed universe. Why they keep the new one so small I don't understand. I was really worried about writing for HK-47 since he is such a unique character and I hope to do him justice.
Djberneman - I never thought of that! Interesting idea so I will have a think about it.
Zyvrexx - It is a good idea but they already have Matukai training as in this reality Hannah was born into the Matukai and brought their techniques to the Mandalorian force users. Luna was a Fallanasi, Neville brought the Wardens of the Sky and then Revan's vault brought the Jedi and Sith techniques combined with Earth Magic. You certainly have put a lot of thought into this and it is awesome work, while the Order has a lot of what you stated they have few trained teachers and that is why the order isn't expanding as quickly as it could. Right now they have Haron and Ara (who rarely have time to help out), Neville, Hannah and Luna combined with Kento and Mallie Marek and four knights. In terms of apprentices, they have about thirty or so right now. Runes and Goblin steel? I have to be honest not considered them but I actually have something that could bring them into play soon.
Mkfhda - There were a lot of good ideas that I will look into. As I said though the real problem the Mandalorians have right now is the same one Luke had when trying to restart the Jedi Order, he had to try and teach them all on his own. They have plenty of potential students but few teachers, the Order will as you said blossom but it will take time.
Arctic Wolf Fury - Did I write V-Wings? Oops, I did mean U-Wings if it was the Mandalorians sorry!
AnimeFan13579 - I hadn't heard that. Weird how things are with genetics, I wrote that in as I had heard recently scientists managed to use a woman's DNA to fertilise another woman's ova, so in my mind it would be fairly easy by the time of the Star Wars timeline. HK-47, I agree he would probably have loved shwing all the other droids how much better he is but against the Empire he will have plenty of targets.
WhiteElfElder - Tarkin will face justice for what he's done eventually, the only reason he is still alive is that he is one of Palpatine's more capable pawns.
George Cristian810 - Thanks! I see what you mean. I do try to refer to where they come from but I will try to describe their weapons when they appear. He does actually propose what you suggested to the rest of the Rift Alliance, part of it anyway. Something happens in this chapter towards the other part of what you suggested. There is something coming in the future towards the Underworld side of the galaxy and the growing war, the reason I brought the Ravagers into the story as well. The special ops unit would do a lot of what you suggested as you will see in this chapter. I understand how you feel, HK-47 is a chapter I think you either love or hate but he has a purpose in this story, muscle for Anakin when needed. LAAT gunships? Probably not but the Rebels might use them.
EP - Merci
Azai Jin - I will touch on some of that in this new chapter. Many Jedi groups are keeping themselves off the grid to survive so they won't be fully aware at first. San Hill is someone you can't really trust but you can trust he will look out of his own neck, Palpatine wants him dead so his only real chance of survival is to work with the Rift Alliance. Thank you!
Sweets 33 - Indeed, they are only just getting started, and give the Emperor more than he can happen.
Chris the Metis - Indeed, the Empire is not going to go unchallenged and he has like you said brought people together who might have been enemies before to stand against him. That was his biggest failing, he planned his rise to power well but not how to stay there when he became ruler.
adiablo123 - Some Separatists commanders are alive which will get a little attention in this chapter, new ones will come as required. I have a list of Separatist officers who can appear.
Regtech - I know, he might get his hands on magic but how would he?
adrian . enriquemontanez - Vader is a character I don't intend to use much. Like the Borg in Star Trek he works best I think when he isn't overused. Why Palpatine didn't sense the force in Haron while he was on Coruscant was that Haron and the other Mandalorian force users were able to learn to hide themselves from Revan's holocron so he was blind to their power as long as they weren't actively using it.
Callum Runchman - Well I thought it might be better to go with a name from the past rather than make up a new one, he will be doing some of what you said but he seized the opportunities that presented themselves. It is very risky but so is doing nothing or not enough. Vader isn't gone, he will return. Yoda makes an appearance in this chapter when he makes a critical decision about the Jedi going forward after a very intense experience. The Bad Batch will appear its just a bit hard to fit them in sometimes. OT characters and Andor? With time yes, a pair of familiar characters will be appearing soon. Thank you, believe me I am really glad of the support I get from you all!
Cam . Katarn - Awesome ideas, I was thinking about giving Haron a sort of council to co-ordinate across Mandalorian territory and you gave me so good ideas for positions. Indeed about Tarkin but bare in mind the Death Star is at present years away from completion. The traditional three Rebel founders will appear, next chapter in fact as things escalate. Why isn't Haron ruling from Mandalore? Well that is not his home, not to mention the Mandalorians have been ruled from other places in the past. Why is he letting House Kryze rule Mandalore? Well if he isn't going to be there then someone has too and he is not the sort to just kill Bo Katan and Korkie. The future shipyard around Mandalore is more to support its economy by being placed there.
frankieu - Glad to hear you liked it! The early rebellion against the Empire was often hampered by having to fight alone so if someone helped to unify these early rebels it when the Empire was still trying to retake the galaxy it could have made things very different. The report on Vader will be posted in this chapter.
Morkail - Thanks! He picked up HK-47 from a research facility he raided. Not sure. The Rift Alliance is more about mutual defence at first but as it grows that will start to change and the Rebel Alliance is coming, maybe sooner than people would have thought. Palpatine is like most Sith completely assured of his own superiority, so the idea that the Mandalorians could hide their growing power from him just isn't something he would admit.
M1stymix - I know, in my mind they are probably the same thing but I will try and separate the two a bit.
b - There is a bit of an age gap and I have a pairing in mind for him already, sorry!
savitarsurffer - Saesee Tiin is a hard headed Jedi and to be honest had he survived I can well believe this is the sort of thing he'd do. But he will have to face his fellow Jedi, you know the ones that aren't idiots. Tarkin? How do you think the Emperor should punish him, I mean we know how creative the Emperor can be. Tarkin has already made a great error that will haunt the galaxy it just hasn't been revealed yet. The Death Star? It will be built but stay secret? No but that is sometime in the future.
Next Chapter - Kagame shows Anakin he has much to learn in this war, the Ordos welcome a new arrival, Vader himself gains some sense of self and an important planet makes a big decision about staying within the Empire.