Here is the next chapter to The Skywalker Plan. Luke and Mara and others will battle at Bakura and then move on to their next mission.
Luke's fleet dropped out of hyperspace just outside the Bakura system. "Master Skywalker, all ships accounted for. We are just outside the system."
"Thank you, Admiral. Sensores, let's find out what is going on in the Bakura space around the planet."
"Master Skywalker, General Syndulla and her taskforce report they are in position." a communications officer called out.
Luke immersed himself in the force. Reaching out he could feel the pain and fear around the planet. There was a battle going on.
"Admiral as soon as we have a plot of the Ssi-ruuk take us in. The Ssi-ruuk are making their final push."
Admiral Priett looked over to Luke and see he had his eyes closed and was reaching out with the force.
"Communications as soon as we have the information of the enemy ships send it to the Ghost. Then sent the message to Commander Thanus that he is not to fire on any alliance ships, that they are here to help."
"Admiral, we have all enemy ship placements." Priett looked over the enemy ship placements plus the imperial ship. He then started handing out ship orders.
"Whenever you are ready Admiral." Luke told the Admiral.
L/M
"Commander, we are receiving communications from Admiral Priett."
"Play the message."
"Commander, we will be jumping in with Alliance ships. You are not to fire on them. More will explain after the battle."
Commander Thanus sighed in relief. Help was coming. "All defense force, help will be here in minutes. Do not, I repeat do not fire on any alliance ships."
Shortly after that a large fleet made up of Imperial and rebel ships jumped in behind the Ssi-ruuk. Then a second group came out on the far side of the planet made up of the freighters and X-wing fighters.
L/M
Luke watched as the fleet split up to deal with the Ssi-ruuk ships. They had them out numbered but that was never a guarantee. He watched the Admiral direct the battle.
"Admiral, General Syndulla reports they have reinforced Commander Thanas's remaining ships."
"So far so good Master Skywalker."
"Let's finish a fast as we can, the faster we can destroy the Ssi-ruuk the far less lives lost or enslaved by them."
Luke watched as the battle continued. The Ssi-ruuk only had 6 ships so Admiral Priett divided the fleet accordantly.
While his fleet went for the kill he watched as the Ssi-ruuk tried to disable his fleet ships. "Admiral, are you seeing what I am?"
"Yes, I have ordered all disabled ships to be guarded."
Just then two of the Ssi-ruuk cruisers exploded. Another a few minutes later. The Executor and 4-star destroyers where closing on the Ssi-ruuk flag ship. Once they were in weapons range, they opened up with everything they had. Ties painted with blue strips to mark them as Aliance ties flew past the SSD and engaged the drones.
The Executor shook but the shield held. Luke and the Admiral both watched as the Battle Cruiser took more and more damage.
While the Executor was starting it's attack Hera and her small group were fending off drones. She had already lost a few fighters, but the Ghost and Escape were holding strong.
"Mara, take your group and try to hit them from the side."
"No problem, Here. Looks like the fleet has dealt a lot of damage to the Ssi-ruuk."
"Hopefully this will be over soon. My crew wants to head out find Ezra."
"Don't worry, Luke will see to it that we leave as soon as possible."
"I hope so or he will have an angary Mandalorian to deal with."
L/M
The battle had been going on for around a hour when the last Ssi-ruuk cruiser was destroyed.
"Admiral let's see what the damages are. Recall the Ghost and Escape. Have them return with their fighters."
Priett acknowledged the order and started giving his to the crew. He was impressed. They did not lose on capital ship, even if several of them were disabled. He had reports that a couple had fighting on board. He ordered more storm troopers to those ships to help repeal the Ssi-ruuk.
L/M
Once the fleet was reassembled Priett contacted Commander Thanas. "Commander, as soon as you can I want a run down on what forces you have left."
"Of course, Admiral. Can you explain the rebel ships?"
"Palpatine is dead. He was killed on the second Death Star. What remained of the fleet was ordered to stand down by Vader. Lord Vader and I met with the Aliance High Command. We were given the opportunity to return to the Empire or join them.
Lord Vader decided that joining the Alliance was better than fighting a fight we could win. We received reports from Coruscant that Isard has taken control of the Empire. I have no desire to follow the insane woman.
I will be meeting with Governor Nereus, we will be turning the planet back over to the Bakurans and Minister Captison. I am hoping that you and your men will remain and help keep the planet secured in case the Ssi-ruuk try to return."
"I would like to stay; I can tell the Governor Nereus will not give up the planet so easily."
"I will be heading to the planet to inform him personally. I will be bringing with we enough troop to help secure the planet till Ministor Captison feels things are settled enough that they can handle things.
I do hope to handle this fairly quick because I do need to leave in a couple days."
"Very well Admiral, I will contact what troops I have on planet and have the Governor taken into custody and inform the Minister that you are turning the planet back over to him. Maybe it can be handled before you reach planet side."
"Very well Admiral." Thanas looked surprised. "I will be planet side in a few hours."
"Thank you, Admiral."
The transmission ended after that. Priett started getting reports and had Veers start assembling a ground force to help secure the planet.
"Admiral, I have spoken to Admiral Ackbar, if you had a couple of your Star Destroyers that would like to stay and help protect the planet then he has given his blessing. Even if Bakura does not want to join the Aliance we still what them safe."
"I will check with a couple of the more damaged Destroyers. They would not be able to return to the fleet for a while nor join us on our next mission."
Luke gave his approval and headed to meet his wife in the hanger.
L/M
Priett went to the planet and had it secured in no time. His meeting with Minister Captison went well. Beside the two Star Destroyers, General Veers and his troops would stay to help keep the planet safe.
Priett was back on the Executor after 8 hours of talks the planets government. They spent the next two days repairing ships.
When they all were repaired the Executor, and 2 Star Destroyers headed for Lothal. The rest headed back to Endor to rejoin the Aliance fleet.
L/M
The fleet of three ships had been in space for a few days. They had to skate around Imperial patrols so that Isard did not discover where Priett was taking the Executor. She was petty enough to come after Lothal just because he stopped by the planet.
"Admiral we will be arriving in 30 minutes." Navigations reported.
"Very well ask General Syndulla and Sabine Wren to come to the bridge. Also contact Master Skywalker."
All three of them arrived a few minutes later. "Admiral."
"Master Skywalker we are about 20 minutes out. I plan on dropping us out of hyperspace outside of the defense line. Once I do I need General Syndulla ar Miss Wren to let the Defense forces know we are not a threat."
"Sabine would be the better of the two. All the ships commanders know her since she helped train the defense forces on Lothal."
"Guess back to being Commander Wren again." After seeing Priett and Lukes expressions. "I hold the rank of Commander in the Lothal Defence Forces. Like Hera said I was responsible for training them."
They heard navigation call out 'Dropping out of Hyperspace."
"Admiral defense forces moving to intercept."
Sabine walked up to a consol and transmitted to the Lothal Defense Forces. "Lothal Defense Force stand down. This is Commander Wren on the Executor with General Syndulla and Master Skywalker. We are here so Master Skywalker can collect his fairly so they can return home. Palpatine is dead. The Alliance was able to destroy the second death Star."
"Commander this is Captain Lake; can you send clearance codes."
"Sending."
"Welcome back Commander. How did you get the Executor?"
"Admiral Priett and his ships have joined the Alliance. He is helping us get Commander Bridger back."
"Very well Commander I am standing down defense forces. Your cleared to approach the planet."
"Ok Admiral, you can take us in."
L/M
Once Sabine contacted Azadi and assured him that there was no danger the Ghost and Escape headed for the old communications tower that Ezra had called home that Sabine now did.
When they arrived, there were a couple speeders with Luke and Mara's family in them.
Mara was the first down the boarding ramp. She took bath Salena and Samara in her arms. Both girls were crying along with their mother.
Luke came down and engulfed his family in his arms. When Luke and Mara let them go Owen and Beru hugged their nephew and Niece-in-law. Then the whole Naberrie family.
"So, is it done Luke, is the Emperor finally dead?" asked Owen.
Everyone let out a sigh. "He is dead along with Vader."
"Vader is dead."
"Yes, but Anakin Skywalker lives. In the end Anakin surrendered to the Jedi. After the Emperor was killed a lot of the hate my father felt left him. We believe the Palpatine had more influence then was known. Master Yoda and Kenobi both checked him for any remaining darkness and found none."
"What will happen to him. He has a lot to answer for." Jobal asked.
"He was sentence by the Jedi to spend the rest of his life helping right the wrongs the Empire caused. The Alliance Counsel after being reassured by both Masters Yoda and Kenobi have agreed.
I don't expect everyone in this family to forgive him. It will be up to each and every one of you to decide for your self. He has agreed to abide by whatever you decide. Right now, he is still in Bacca. We have been working to heal his injuries he received from his fight with Kanobi on Mustafar."
Sola asked "Are you saying he was never healed. That has been years. Palpatine only healed him enough to live in the suit he had to wear. It was also designed to make him suffer. This was to keep him in the darkness."
"Yes, he has a lot of scaring from what I have been told. He has been in a healing trance and Bacca since the end of the battle other bringing him out to eat and drink every couple day.
Now, the reason we came was to let you know you can all go home. Admiral Priett has agreed to provide you with transport. Selena and Samara are coming with Mara and I.
We are heading out to find a friend to the Ghost crew. He sacrificed himself to help free Lothal buy letting himself be taken away along with Thrawn. We are going looking for them."
"When are you leaving?" asked Beru.
"As soon as we get the girls things. Hera and her crew have been waiting for 5 years to go find him. We can't make them wait any longer."
"When your done you need to spend time with all of us." Sola told him. "I know Owen and Beru have a lot to do getting things going again on their moister farm, so let us know when and we can all come to Tatooine."
"I will. Let's all get packed then we can have one last family meal in town before we go our separate ways."
L/M
Luke was on the bridge of the Executer looking out the front view port while they were traveling to Niraun to hopefully find Grand Admiral Thrawn so they could hopefully bring Ezra Bridger home.
He had been here for a while thinking about all that happen before they left. They had a big family dinner at a restaurant that Hera suggested. Luke would have asked Sabine, but she was more interested on them leaving right away. Once they finished, they headed back to the Executer. As promised Admiral Priett had shuttles ready to take them home with a squad of storm troopers to make sure they were safe.
Before his aunt and grandparents left, they went to medical to see Anakin. It was a tense time, but Anakin took full responsibility for his actions. They told him that they could not forgive him yet but if he proved he was the man Padme loved then in the future they may be able too.
After they left, he headed to a meeting with Priett about the current mission. Luke was surprised to see Countess Ursa there. She explained that her clan owed Ezra, plus as soon as here daughter finished beating him of for leaving, he would more than likely be family. Luke had looked over to where Sabine was sitting seeing a bright red face. He knew it wasn't anger.
After the meeting they set course for Niraun. The trip was expecting to several days. At the last course change it look like they just had a few hours left in the trip.
Luke was brought out of his thoughts when he felt Mara approach. She was not alone.
"Hello Father, I see they were able to fit you with prosthetics OK."
"Yes, Mara has informed me of everything that has happen so far. How do you plan on getting planet side with out getting shot down?"
"Ask nicely if we can come talk. I mean we do have a SSD, so I drought they will want to start a fight."
"Always the optimistic Farmboy."
"Well, you're the practical one that's supposed to keep me grounded."
Mara turned to Anakin. "It's not easy at times. He gets these ideas in his head and wants to charge forward with out thinking things threw."
Anakin just laughed at the banter between the two. Priett walked up just then.
"Master Skywalker, we will be dropping out any minute now."
"Thanks Admiral. I guess it's time to see if this trip will be worth the time."
The small fleet dropped out of hyperspace just short of the planet. Priett and the others went to a station they could use to contact Admiral Parck and General Fel.
A communications officer told Priett that they had Admiral Parck. He transferred it to the station they were waiting at.
"Admiral Parck, thank you for taking my call."
"Admiral Priett, I was surprised to receive it and then learn that the Executer was approaching Niraun."
"We came to talk with Grand Admiral Thrawn. I have news for him and the rest of you."
"Oh, what might that be?"
"Palpatine is dead. Vader is no more also."
Parck stood there motionless for a few seconds before replying. "Why come out here. Unless you are hoping that Admiral Thrawn can help now the Emperor and Vader are dead."
"If you would allow myself and some others to come down we can explain everything."
"I will contact the Admiral and let you know."
"Very well we will wait to hear from you."
The transmission ended and Anakin spoke. You caught him off guard. They had not heard of the 2nd Death Star's destruction as of yet. Thrawn we want to speak with us. This will effect what he has going on here."
"OK, we wait, I don't think it will take long."
A minute later Thrawn himself contacted them. "Admiral Priett, I was surprised to hear you are above Niraun. I am curious as to why."
Anakin moved so he could be seen by Thrawn. "Thrawn it has been a while."
"Lord Vader, or Is it Anakin now?"
"Jedi Skywalker, or Anakin will do."
"So, Jedi Skywalker what brings you all the way out here?"
"My son wish to speak with you and also see if Ezra Bridger could be returned to his friends."
"So, you and Senator Amidala had a child?"
"We had two, twins a boy and a girl."
"Congratulations then I suppose. I will be there in 2 days. Bridger is not with me at the moment, but I will let you know where you can find him."
"He is alive then?"
"He was the last time I checked the planet he was staying on. As you can imagine he doesn't trust me or my men. So, he declined helping us with my mission in the Unknown Regions."
"Not without reasons."
"No not without reasons."
"Are you on the Chimaera?"
Thrawn seemed a little surprised. "I am."
"When you arrive, I would ask you to shuttle over to the Executer and bring Giliad Pallaeon with you. We have much to discuss. Including the Yuuzhan Vong or as your people know them the far outsiders."
That surprised Thrawn even more. "It would seem you know more than I expected."
"I don't my son and his wife do."
"Very well, we will be there in two days."
The transmission ended. And Luke let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He told Priett that he and Mara were going to inform the Ghost crew and Countess Ursa that Ezra was alive and Thrawn would let them know where he is located. The two left while Priett gave a few orders to the other ship captain about their stay.
The battle Bakura was not that long. In the book it took a lot longer due that the force Luke arrived with was a lot smaller and he had no idea what he was getting into. This time he went in with overwhelming force and hit fast and hard. Ending the battle faster with a lot less loses.
A reviewer mentioned I never named to twins. So, I made sure to do so in this chapter. I first saw these names in a story that I don't believe is posted any more. I had it saved as a favorite, but it no longer shows on my favorite list.
So, they have talked with Parck and Thrawn. Ezra is alive and stranded on a planet. We will find out net chapter how that came to be. We will also have the big meeting between Thrawn and Luke.