Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars.
Hello again, thank you to those that read and reviewed the last chapter, I am enjoying writing this story a lot.
Now we are entering the Dark Times, this is where the canon starts to shift although its in the next chapter where the first major change comes.
Some of you asked about the Bad Batch, well guess who makes an appearance in this chapter. Also, Anakin will now start building his own team. Some members of which you might recognise.
Also, a rather beloved Kotor character will be hinted at in the chapter.
It was suggested to me recently that Ahsoka should go back home for a visit and reconnect with her family. What do you all think?
Some people have asked whether I will be bringing any more Harry Potter characters into the story. I decided to see what people think so I will be putting up a poll to see and I might include some characters to gauge which one's people might want if I decide to do it.
Review Responses from the last chapter, more will be posted at the end of the chapter…
Em6erPhoenix - Glad to hear you have enjoyed it, it is really rewarding to hear when people like yourself enjoy the story!
Starpottergeek - Thank you so much! Vader is indeed a clone of Anakin but not exactly, he is not as smart of Anakin was. But the Emperor has experimented with extra cybernetics to enhance his abilities and some Sith Alchemy too. His implants keep him in a constant state of pain which adds to his rage and therefore his powers not to mention he has no sense of self-preservation. So, in some ways he might be more dangerous than before. Trilla? I know, I think she was a fascinating character and wished they hadn't killed her off so we might learn more about her.
Anakin having Mace's lightsaber? I tend to think of it as him honouring Mace for saving his life. Will he keep using it? Maybe. Ara and Ursa on good terms? Not exactly but as you will see in this chapter things will improve as I bring her back into the story along with a certain future rebel. Can't reveal too much but I have a plan for Sabine. Revan, I couldn't resist adding him in as he is way too good of a character to just ignore.
Omega? Don't worry, she's with the Bad Batch as you will see in this chapter. That story remains unchanged although something does change for the squad in this chapter. Boba? He is a bit tricky to get into the story, I tried putting him in a couple of times and it just didn't flow very well. If you can think of one let me know. The Mass Effect species you mentioned, weirdly I have actually planned to add a few already, just a couple though. Thank you as well for your ideas for ships from Star Citizen, while the Mandalorian Fleet is full there are a couple of other factions that can use them.
Lycan01, JaKeS91, mwinter1, farhanhussain2003, Beburos, DeathCrawler, Nagato, Mando-Vet, fresh prince1, Gwynx, Alexander gadd, tf330129, EP, Bia1230, e10620ac, DeluxeHipster1945 - Thank you!
red demon161 - Thank you! The Jedi might have survived but they didn't really win and although the Sith didn't wipe the Jedi out they did take over the galaxy. I did put a lot of thought into the Jedi Temple's defences. And you are right, the Jedi will be changed by this and how that ends will be seen as time goes on. Another schism was possibly coming and ironically Sidious might have at least in some way prevented that.
Callum Runchman - Indeed, thank you for your comments! I appreciate them all. Haron doesn't want to abandon people but he has a family of his own to worry about not to mention throwing himself into danger as he now knows gets people killed. Sirius for example, this is Harry much older and perhaps wiser than he was before, much more careful. As for him being callous about the younglings, he did pick them up from Dustrox and get them to relative safety on Kessel. He does care but had a lot to worry about at the time. The Mandalorians will indeed have a very big impact in rebellion against the Empire as you will see in the next chapter.
frankieu - He finds out in the next chapter and yes it will unnerve him a great deal since he had no clue at all. Not to mention their large military build-up.
RoyalTwinFangs - Indeed.
Blaze1992 - Indeed, there will be a lot of battles and fighting in the chapters ahead.
Tellemicus Sundance - Thank you! I am very glad to hear you enjoyed it all. Anakin would have been a great fighter for the Jedi if he had been on the other side and which Jedi survived was something I put a lot of thought into, some of those killed like Windu I did like but it had to be done. I agree, I really wonder just what the Knights Templar managed to hide before their downfall and what might never have been discovered. Indeed, their fury over being denied their treasure would have been considerable.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark - Thank you! Indeed, the Empire and the Rebellion both are now underway, the fight for the galaxy begins and our characters will be on the front lines of that battle. Rebels is a bit in the future but there will be plenty going on to keep them busy in the meantime. Indeed, this is an unstable Vader and one that could turn on Palpatine but who knows.
Cam . Katarn - Haron isn't exactly an openly public person, he is popular with his own people as they are more prosperous and a real military power again under his leadership as he united their people for the first time in centuries. In the Republic, he wasn't exactly going out of his way to get his image out there, how many generals or admirals at headquarters do we really know about during wars? He was rarely out there winning battles but behind the scenes which suited his mission there fine. Those that know of him respect him but the connections he made on Coruscant play a big role in some of the events to come especially in the next chapter. As for Mandalorian territory? It has been stated to have a thousand worlds and the maps of the Star Wars Galaxy change like the seasons so I will go with what has been stated. Roughly it has increased somewhat by a dozen or so in recent years with their settling some new worlds and expanding in to Wild Space.
Azai Jin - I am glad that you liked the ending of the Clone Wars. This chapter might be quiet for them but soon that will change as they go head-to-head with the Empire for the first time.
HowlnMadHowie - Good One! I have thought about writing Omakes but I never seem to find the time. The Jedi do need to change I agree and the reason they have been divided like this plays a part in it.
DarthEmrys - Your support means a lot to me! All I can say is thank you for your words and hope to continue doing a good job. There will be an exploration of the Dark Times as it is a fascinating time and will shape the Rebels and Original Trilogy era as the changes made before now come to fruition.
- x -
It is now 981 ARR which translates to 19 BBY, the same year the Clone Wars end and the immediate aftermath. One with story…
Chapter 26 - The Imperial Era Begins
981 ARR…
All over the galaxy, people were unsettled.
The sudden and unexpected end of the Clone Wars and the change from the Republic to the Empire had shaken many, the former Separatists most of all. Their reality was so far from their hopes and dreams when they started or joined the movement and they had after the death of Count Dooku been hoping for a peace treaty with the Republic but now feared that the Empire would rather conquer them first.
Their territory was now falling apart into different factions as they argued among themselves with no real leader left to unify them. None wanted to join the Empire although some small planets did out of fear of feeling its wrath.
While some factions of the CIS holdouts began to talk with each other in hopes of ensuring their mutual survival, the Jedi who had survived Order 66 found themselves in a harsh new reality of their own with no friends of allies to call on in many cases largely due to their own social isolation from the galaxy prior to this. A few had managed to find places to hide but many were struggling with what they were supposed to do and how to follow the will of the Force when every day seemed to bring new challenges to their survival.
- x -
Ral'Kya, the edge of the Unknown Regions…
A planet on the edge of known space it had only been discovered two years prior to the Clone Wars, a cold mountainous but habitable planet it had once been home to the Korna, the native species who had built enormous temples four thousand years ago which still covered the landscape but had died out under mysterious circumstances. Five hundred years before the Clone Wars a lost colony ship had crashed there and now a colony of near humans inhabited the planet.
While the war had delayed proper investigation into the planet the Jedi Council had dispatched a Jedi Knight and a company of clones to investigate the strange force aura of the planet and to see if the Separatists had set up a base on the planet.
Avelyn Yelisin, a fresh-faced Jedi Knight had been leading the force. Knighted at only seventeen due to the need for more knights she had little experience at Jedi duties or command. She had been excited at her first assignment, eager to prove herself and have the kind of adventures that she had only read or heard about but now she was being chased through the mountain passes of Ral'Kya by her own clones. The winding passages were narrow and difficult to climb without special gear which had hindered the clones while she could do it by drawing on the force.
It was the only thing that had saved her life.
But the clones on this world were tenacious and not willing to give up pursuing her till they had completed their orders. They had chased her across miles of the mountain range, rarely giving her a moment to rest. To try and shake them she had even had to venture into the colder areas which thankfully as an offshoot of the Arkanian species which was adapted to cold environments so she coped with it well and thanks to the force she could keep going…but not forever.
Exhausted by over a month and a half of constant pursuit she tucked herself into a narrow break in the rock in the hopes the clones would miss her as they passed, she could already hear the hum of the gunships as they flew overhead. Her fear was spiking despite all she did to force it down and she trembled but it had nothing to do with the cold.
The sound of the gunships landing left her feeling full of despair, she was so tired her eye lids felt like they had starships attached to them. She just wanted to go to sleep, let herself slip away and maybe when she woke, she'd either be one with the force or things would be better she thought with exhausted resignation.
So, she stayed in her hiding hole, not sure what she was hoping for. Either they'd find her and this could all end or they'd miss her and she could get away from them. Either was fine with her at the moment she thought and waited to see what her fate would be.
She could hear the boots of the clones as they approached her, feeling more and more like this was the end. This was where she would end, on a cold mountain top having never achieved anything in her entire life. Never having been the hero she'd always wanted to be like Anakin Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi, never having travelled the galaxy or seen the amazing sights she had wanted to see. She would never get to study under Master Tuwan like she wanted too.
For a split second, she was resigned to her fate but then she felt indignation filling her up inside. Why?! She thought with a sudden rage, why did she have to die on this cold mountain top with no idea why or what had befallen the other Jedi. Could she be the last Jedi there was? She asked herself since she'd been unable to contact anyone in the brief moments when she'd been able to try.
Was she willing to let the Jedi Order die out? Here on this miserable mountain without a fight?
No, she thought as resolve returned to her bones and her hand gripped itself tightly around her saberstaff, its weight comforting in her hand as she got to her feet and looked outside. She saw the clones nearby and reached out with the force, drawing on it with all her resolve and fresh found determination that she would not die here, on this mountain.
The rocks slowly began to rumble as she shook them loose and began rolling down the mountain. The Clones, thinking it was an earthquake but as rocks bigger than a tank fell, they were running for cover, trying to avoid being thrown off the mountain or crushed by the falling rocks.
Avelyn was feeling tired from all the effort she was putting into this but she kept on going, sending the clones either running or crushed by the rocks. She fell to her knees as her vision darkened, her body no longer able support her and she saw a pair of clones that had managed to avoid her quake run towards her, she tried to stay conscious to stop them but her will was not able to overcome the exhaustion of her body.
Honestly, she thought she was done but then both the clones were stopped by the force and lifted off the ground, as she passed out, she saw a figure appear in front of them and ignite a lightsaber with a silver blade and cut the two clones in two. Avelyn wanted to know who that was but had no time to think about it before falling into unconsciousness.
Reijar, Ordo System…
Haron Ordo was just enjoying his time at home for the first time in ages.
The familiar sights of Reijar were a much-needed respite from the outer galaxy and worries they had about the new Empire. He would be meeting with the other house leaders to discuss their position in regards to that soon but for now, his first priority was to finally spend some proper time with his children.
"So, me and your aunt Deera stand against these two enormous warriors. No weapons or armour and no force powers." Haron said to his children, telling them a story from the days of the civil war while he played with them. Hearing their laughter was almost enough to bring him to tears, he had been so afraid they wouldn't know who he was anymore after being gone for so long but they all knew him straight away. He grabbed a hold of Markus, Astoria and Corridan, pulling them into a big hug while Li'anna slept nearby. He swung them around much to their delight and fell on the bed with them still in his arms. He held them close and just enjoyed the feeling of having his children in his arms.
Eventually when they fell asleep, he put them carefully to bed and smiled as they slept, wishing them sweet dreams before he left to check on the others. Seeing Neville and Hannah doing the same with their two sons honestly made him wonder if they had the same feelings he did when they had to go far from their sons.
"Hey." He said to them with a smile which they returned.
"Hey. Glad to be home?" Hannah asked him and Haron smiled as he told them.
"Oh yeah, never been better." Haron said with complete honesty. "How are your boys?" He asked since he had little contact with his surrogate nephews.
"Very well. Frank is taking being a big brother very seriously. Keeps trying to protect and teach Alexander." Neville said with amused pride.
Haron could see the immense pride the pair had in their children and bid them farewell as he went to see Deera only to stop when he sensed the feelings coming from her. Smirking he decided to leave his sister and her wife to their own devices. Instead, he went to see Ara who was now taking a rare opportunity to have a night off, something she would be able to do more now since he was here to relieve her of at least some of the strain.
He found her sitting in their living room, her feet up on the sofa with a glass of wine in her hand, smiling he sat down behind her and started massaging her shoulders. She groaned with pleasure as he carefully relaxed her muscles.
"You hoping to get lucky tonight?" Ara asked him with a slight grin on her face. Haron just kept on smiling.
"I would never be so bold." Haron told her with a smirk. "I just want to treat a lady to a good night of relaxation."
"You are insufferable." Ara said with a smile, humour in her eyes but enjoying the feelings he was creating. "I hope you didn't have too much trouble with the children. They can be handful." She said with a tired sigh.
"They were never a handful at all. A testament to you." Haron said as he gently let her rest against him. "I am just glad to be here with you again."
"And we are glad to have you back. Seeing you eased a lot of their worries." Ara said with relief. She had been worried given that had happened on Coruscant but knew the real challenges lay ahead. Haron knew that too and renewed his efforts with his skilled hands reducing her to jelly.
- x -
Luna was smiling broadly as Haron had brought her back such a nice gift, two new students! Both with a basic understanding of the force and lightsaber combat already. This made her training them a lot easier. They needed more instructors! She thought with glee, given they had only her, four graduates and two former Jedi.
"Now, the force is not just the dark and light that you Jedi have always believed it to be." She said as she addressed Trilla Suduri and Cal Kestis who listened to her with unease. "Finding balance in yourself is the best way to hear and feel the force within you."
"Balance? How can we find balance when we have been abandoned by all we knew?" Trilla said with a fearful look in her eyes. Her issues were fairly easy to divine, she felt abandoned by her former master and from what she had managed to learn she hadn't been a very attentive one anyway. Not even noticing her being on another ship or teaching much it seemed.
"How do you think?" Luna asked, her eyes moving between Trilla and Cal. They both looked at each other and then away, not sure what to say.
"The first step, is that you have to accept that your feelings are a part of you and that you have a right to feel as you do. Abandoned or grief stricken." Luna told them both, knowing that Cal felt full of grief for his lost master and felt guilt at his death however misplaced that guilt might be. It was natural feeling to go with what had happened but it needed to be faced so he like Trilla could overcome their inner demons and become stronger and healthier as young people.
"How do you do that?" Cal asked her with a trembling lip. His own guilt at Master Tapal's death still raw.
"By accepting, as hard as it is that there was nothing you could have done." Luna said with emphasis on him. "That it is life, the chaos of the universe and we must embrace the changes it brings. Under me you will learn just how much more you are capable of and who you really are under the skin. It may take some time, but you will learn." Luna told them with a smile. She was planning on bringing in a therapist for the pair as well to help them find their own ways past their trauma. It was one thing to know that it wasn't your fault, quite another to accept it.
Luna however was also intrigued by the bond that seemed to have formed between them, not necessarily a romantic one but a strong bond of trust and dependence. They would be there for each other through hell and high water or whatever else the galaxy threw at them. That brightened things considerably Luna thought to herself and started leading them through meditation exercises till they were more in tune with the force and ready to go to the next level.
- x -
The following morning, they had a visitor.
A Kom'rk-class transport landed in the field and out of it, to their great surprise Ursa Wren appeared with the now toddler Sabine and a baby boy in her arms. Ara smiled at the little Sabine who she hadn't seen in a while now and the girl smiled back even if Ursa looked pretty annoyed at that given what had happened before. The boy was sleeping and Ara who knew he was called Tristan, her nephew who was only just turning a year old.
"Welcome to Reijar." Haron at her side said with a stern look on his face. Ursa whatever the issues she still had with her sister was respectful of her brother-in-law though and bowed in the presence.
"Mandalore, may I present my two children. Sabine and Tristan Wren." Ursa said politely and Haron smiled.
"Greetings Countess Wren. I appreciate you may not consider me your brother-in-law yet but know that you and your children are quite welcome in my home." Haron said with welcoming look. "I want my children to know their cousins, now shall we go inside?" Haron said, Ursa bowed again, somewhat taken aback by how welcoming he was. Nevertheless, they all went in and sat down in the living room of their home. Markus, Astoria, Corridan and Li'anna all were there too along with plenty of toys to amuse them. The Ordo children all smiled at the sight of their parents and Haron knelt down to tell them just who had come for a visit.
"Now, I want you to meet someone. Kids, this is your aunt Ursa. She's your mummy's sister like your Aunts Deera and Vysa are mine." Haron told them with a smile and they all looked at the severe woman who wasn't sure just what to say as the children all looked at her with smiles on their faces. "And those are your cousins, Sabine and Tristan. Say hello." He said to them and they all looked up and did as their father bid, eager to meet these new children and their aunt.
"Hello." Markus, Astoria and Corridan said, Li'anne was yet to start speaking but she gurgled happily which made them all laugh and Ursa somewhat reluctantly put her two children down and Sabine crawled over to her cousins who immediately offered her their toys which made all the adults smile while Tristan was more comfortable in her arms.
They all sat down and watched as the children played just enjoying the scene while they could.
Ral'Kya, the edge of the Unknown Regions…
Avelyn when she woke up had a pounding headache and her hand slowly went to her head.
"You used way too much power for a body so starved. Lucky you didn't bury yourself alive. Who let you out unsupervised with so little experience?" An old rasping voice said sounding annoyed.
Avelyn was feeling very much like a bad student who was being lectured by a teacher, finally her vision returned and she saw that she was in a cave, wrapped up in a blanket next to a fire. The warmth was very much appreciated but the smell of food nearby and the sight of a pot filled with a broth of some kind was making her stomach rumbled. She wanted to go straight for it but saw a cloaked figure sitting opposite her stirring the broth. Underneath the hood she saw a much older human woman with many lines on her face.
"Girl! Stop staring! It's rude." The old woman rebuked her and Avelyn immediately looked away feeling very self-conscious. The woman then poured a ladle full of the broth into a bowl and handed it to her with a stern order. "Drink it slowly or you'll make yourself sick."
Avelyn nodded and did as she was told, sipping it slowly from the bowl and the rich invigorating taste was enough to almost made her groan in satisfaction, it had been so long since she had properly eaten. She turned to the mystery woman and nodded.
"Thank you. You saved my life." Avelyn said with genuine gratitude, the old woman just lazily waved a hand.
"Think nothing of it girl, just be grateful I was meditating nearby although I don't appreciate the interruption." She said with an irritated look in her eye. "What is your name?"
"Avelyn Yelisin. Jedi Knight." Avelyn said and the woman just scoffed.
"Oh my. The order put you in the field before you ready. Typical." The old woman said with a bitter look in her eye. "Yoda, the old fool…he should know better."
"Hey." Avelyn said with indignation at her insult towards the great master who had trained nearly the entire order at one point. "Who are you anyway?"
"Vima-Da-Boda. I don't expect you to know that name but girl I have a need for you so be grateful." Vima said and Avelyn was struck dumb as she did know that name. It was more of an urban legend than an actual person but she heard of her, most of the Jedi Order had at some point or another. A descendant of the great Jedi Nomi and Vima Sunrider, a Jedi Master in her own right that had broken the tenants of the Order and had a secret daughter who had herself been trained by the Order only to leave when frustrated by the pace of her training. That same daughter who had become a wife to a warlord and then fed to rancors before her mother could reach her. How Vima had used the dark side to slay her daughter's killer before slipping away.
That was over a hundred and seventy years ago! Avelyn thought with astonishment. She was supposed to be purely human but somehow, she was still alive! She had popped up several times over the centuries, helping out Jedi who were in trouble and then disappearing again. There had been some Jedi who had spent years looking for her and never found even a trace.
Avelyn suddenly felt very small when compared to the woman that was sitting across from her. She had such a long life, living through events Avelyn had only heard of in history classes, presumably delving deeply into the force. What could Avelyn say to that experience. She might live that long but who knows and certainly wouldn't live the same kind of life she had.
"You need my help? What could I do that would be useful to you Master?" Avelyn said with respectful deference. Vima just shook her head.
"Vima is not your master girl! Do not call me as such." Vima told her sternly and Avelyn was suitably chastised. "I will help you get off this planet so I can be left in peace but I need you to take something to Ossus for me."
"What…Vima?" Avelyn asked, feeling uncomfortable at calling the legendary master by her first name, so informal it was almost unheard of.
Vima didn't answer, instead she produced a small box with and opened it, inside were three ancient looking cube-like holocrons although they lacked corners and glowed with a pale white-green light.
"Found them here, seems Darth Desolous left them on this planet. Apparently, the Ancient Jedi had contact with the Korna, helped them build their temples only to disappear at the same time they did. I've been looking into it and found these hidden here by Desolous although how he found the planet, I have no idea." Vima explained to Avelyn who was amazed at the three ancient-looking holocrons. "The Jedi have been looking for these since Desolous stole them three and a half thousand years ago. What we have here child, is the Noetikons."
The Noetikons! Avelyn thought with shock, knowing their legend as well as any other Jedi. The Council had actually left a standing order that if a Jedi found any potential lead to their location, they were to pursue it immediately regardless of what mission they were on. The incredible importance made her feel weak at the knees, three of the most important sources of lore held by the Jedi Order were now right in front of her and she was being asked to transport them. That was when the location finally registered in Avelyn's mind.
"Ossus!?" She said with complete shock. Vima just shook her head and sighed.
"Definitely needs more experience." Vima said with a slight shake of her head.
Reijar, Ordo System…
Despite having been to Reijar before and her family, both sides coming from here, Vysa was still uncertain of having to be here for any real period of time but now the outside universe was looking a hell of a lot more unfriendly these days. It was safer to be here for now at least.
A Dark Jedi had been sent to kill her; someone really wanted her dead which unsettled her a great deal. The idea that they might try again honestly terrified her and she needed to be ready she thought to herself with determination.
That meant she would finally have to start to train in using the force properly, something that could take years and would mean staying here on Reijar for the long term.
That…didn't sound as bad as she had imagined it would.
She had not had a single place to stay for longer than a month in a long time, not since her childhood home had been sold and she had taken off to find her own fortune in the galaxy. Being tied down had felt like a curse before but now, the idea of having somewhere safe where she was wanted…where she was loved honestly sounded incredibly tempting.
She wasn't sure though, her mind uneasy at being in one place for a big amount of time for too long. Being here would let her learn new abilities that would make sure she would never be so helpless again but still, time would wear down her walls and let the rest of her family in.
Her nieces and nephews would soon be calling her 'Aunt Vysa'.
Oh hell, Vysa thought with unease. Domestic…her?!
She shuddered, not sure just what to think but at the same time she was…drawn to being a part of a real family again. To have her siblings and all her other relatives around her.
Was that so bad? She asked herself with a yearning inside to not be alone anymore.
- x -
Deera and Zara were both lying in bed with a satisfied looks on their faces, enjoying themselves while they could. The main reason for their prolonged time in bed was that they were making the most of their time of it being just the two of them.
They had decided to have a baby!
While normally they would need to resort to adoption or a sperm donor for this but thanks to improvements in science that wasn't necessary anymore. They could now take your partner's DNA even if you were the same sex and convert it to fertilise another woman's ova. It was expensive and it was just good they had the money for it but it would mean they could have a child that was truly theirs.
It would take some time to arrange but they were both excited, hoping dearly for it to work.
- x -
Din was working hard in the training area to refine his skills, many of the people here whispered that although the Clone Wars had come to an unexpected end another war was coming and the new Galactic Empire would eventually turn its eyes on them. He had not been able to fight in the last war but he would not be left behind this time he resolved to himself.
He was currently working hard to prove he was ready to go into the field. At fifteen he was now considered old enough to serve properly but only if he proved himself worthy in the battle circle and on the shooting range. He was proud to have some of the best scores with his blasters and proficiency with the vambraces and now he was showing the other warriors how much he had learned about hand-to-hand combat.
One of the more experienced men came at him but with all the practice he had been doing Din easily sidestepped the attack and delivered a brutal kick to his leg which sent him down hard on the ground. Another lunged from his right but Din used his momentum to swing him around into the one he had just downed and then punched another in the gut, using all the force he could muster.
A clapping sound could be heard and they all looked over to see the Mandalore standing there, applauding their performance and smiling broadly.
"Well done to you all. You all show a great deal of promise that will be refined in the fire of the battles to come." Haron said with a pride in his people's warriors. "Since you will be part of the honour guard to Mandalore to attend the wedding of Duke Kryze and his new bride I suggest you get some rest before resuming practice tomorrow." Haron told them, they all left with a smiles and jokes between them. The camaraderie between them clear but when Din went to go with them Haron stopped him.
"You have come a long way the last couple of years. I am just ashamed I wasn't here to see it." Haron said with genuine regret. "But you have grown into a good warrior, one that is ready to face the galaxy." Haron said with pride in all that Din had accomplished.
"Thank you Mandalore. Your faith in me…" Din said but Haron interrupted.
"Is not as important as your faith in yourself. I have faith in you but you have learned to trust your own wits and your own skills. That is what makes you a man." Haron said with a smile and put a hand on his shoulder. "And while I would prefer you like my own children will never have to fight at all, the galaxy is not so kind. To that end, I think it's time you had something I have been holding on too for you." Haron told him and started walking back towards the main building, specifically the Hall of Armour with Din at his side who was growing more and more excited by the moment, hoping dearly this meant what he thought it meant.
Soon they found the locker they wanted and Haron opened it with his security, he'd been holding onto this for years till Din was finally ready to take it as his own. The heavy-duty locks disengaged and slowly it swung open, revealing a full set of Mandalorian Armour with vambraces and a jetpack. It was completely pure beskar and had no paint, leaving it a silver colour except for the black visor.
Din stared at it with complete admiration and Haron smiled, knowing how much this meant to him.
"We have upgraded the Heads-Up Display, the jetpack and gadgets to the latest standard. The body suit is the same special one standard for our warriors now that is both tear resistant and strong against blaster fire. All it needs now is someone to wear it." Haron said with a smile as the young man looked at the special suit that belonged to his family, he had earnt this and it was time to give him control of his own legacy.
He was proud of Din, Haron thought with complete honesty and while he wasn't keen on him being anywhere near a battlefield, he was doing his best to ensure he had the best chance of survival.
YT-1300 Light Freighter Open Sky, Injopan, Kessel Sector…
Anakin was considering growing a beard.
It might make disguising himself easier he thought with annoyance.
His recent fame during the Clone Wars was proving something of a curse now as it made him easily recognisable and he was having to resort to some very bad disguises to avoid being noticed. It had so far prevented them from settling on any planet since he and Padme too were far too easily recognised and until they found somewhere that they were able blend in, they had decided to keep on the move. Obi-Wan, Rex, Fives and Ahsoka who themselves were quite recognisable had separated to try and draw them away while finding a safe place for the younglings they'd rescued. Obi-Wan claimed to know such a place from an old friend of his but it was best Anakin knew little about that.
He had enough worries of his own, he thought and for now had decided to keep them on the move till a safe place could be found. So, he had 'acquired' this ship Open Sky in a pazaak game which Anakin would never admit to using the force to win. It was an older design but a reliable and capable one and for now was the home of the Skywalkers.
Padme was doing her best but it was hard on her he thought with sadness. One moment you are a respected senator and then you are a fugitive and, on the run from the Empire, at the same time you are now a new mother to twins. She had sent a message to her family on Naboo and to Bail Organa to let them know she was alright but couldn't risk more than that.
But she was a fighter Anakin thought with a smile, doing her best to adapt to the situation and for the children. It was just them now, well him, Padme, the twins, C-3PO, R2 and Allara on the ship now. They were quite a little family he thought with surprise, he had dreamt of being with his wife more but this was hardly how he had pictured it. Moving around the galaxy in an old freighter, never stopping in one place too long.
But at the same time, he had never been happier, he was at last free of many of the burdens he had carried for so many years. He could at last be with Padme and their children without having to worry about the Jedi.
"Don't tell me to be quiet you incessant talking scrap pile." Anakin heard 3PO say to R2 which brought a smile to his face with their usual bickering. Allara's annoyed sigh was enough to nearly make him laugh but still he was struggling a little with becoming a father. The weight of responsibility was honestly terrifying especially with the Empire after them. He was not blind to the fact that Palpatine would want either Luke or Leia as his new apprentice, something that made him almost shake with rage at his precious twins being anywhere near that vicious creature.
Anakin felt a headache coming as he directed the ship in to land, the force was still out of balance now more than ever with so few Jedi to hold it in check not to mention the Empire and all its actions across the galaxy. He wished he could do more; knew he should do more but at the same time he had Padme and the children to worry about.
Landing he needed to arrange to refuel and reprovision the ship, Obi-Wan had thankfully managed to find the credits somewhere that would keep them going for a while but they would need to find another place to set down roots soon or failing that another source of credits. As much as he enjoyed flying, he didn't want to have to raise his children on a ship.
- x -
With Allara at her side, Padme who had dyed her hair blonde much to Anakin's dismay and put some temporary black markings like tattoos on her face to disguise herself, so had Allara was paying the docking fee so they could get the supplies they needed. Both now dressed in simple overalls which were non-descript enough to hopefully not draw attention. It also allowed them to carry their weapons, her blaster pistol was fine on her belt but Allara had her lightsaber concealed up her sleeve just in case they needed it. She was dearly hoping they didn't though, Padme thought with worry knowing the sort of attention that could bring them. She would have to make her and Anakin carried blasters soon, at least that would help their cover.
Oh, how the galaxy had changed. She thought with dismay, already the signs of oppression and ruthlessness were peeking out behind the façade that Palpatine had so carefully crafted, she could hardly believe herself that such evil had been in front of her all that time and she had never even caught a whiff of it.
That only made her worries for their present situation even more dire.
She sighed as she walked through the spaceport to get their supplies, Allara close at her side having taken the role of bodyguard to heart. She followed Padme every time she left the ship if Anakin wasn't with her. Her eyes alert for any sign of trouble, she was actually touched by the girl's protectiveness even if it wasn't necessary. She could handle herself. R2 who was trundling along at their side was similarly alert to trouble.
However, then Allara noticed something in the force, something that neither Padme or R2 had. An alien, obviously badly injured from a species that none of them was familiar with ahead of them crouching in an alcove ahead, tucking himself in deeper as the clone troopers walked past them. Once the sight of them had been a comfort and a blessing but now it was something to be feared, for Allara more than her as they would try and kill her if she was ever exposed as a Jedi. So, they got out of their way and kept their heads down, however seeing the injured alien they immediately felt sympathy especially when they realised that he was so weak he couldn't stand on his own. He seemed to growl at them the moment he saw them before relaxing when he realised that they didn't mean him any harm. He had rather vicious looking teeth and grey skin and while not tall, he was very muscular.
Leaving him here was not something Padme was willing to do, she just couldn't turn a blind eye to his suffering and she carefully offered him her arm. Allara was alarmed by this and hissed.
"We aren't supposed to be here! Remember? We don't know who he is."
"He needs our help, and you of all people should be willing to help. Being a…" She started to say before Allara put a hand over her mouth to stop her saying what she had been about to say. They couldn't reveal themselves now and Padme only realised herself what a mistake she had been about to make. Looking sheepish she just helped the somewhat reluctant alien to his feet and with Allara's help carried him back to the ship.
- x -
Anakin hadn't been happy when they had come back with the alien although at least he knew his species.
"He's a Noghri." Anakin said with some concern. "They're extremely strong fighters and resilient. Excellent hunters and assassins, their world was devastated by a crashed Separatist ship during the war and they have been struggling ever since."
"And the Republic did nothing to help?" Allara asked with concern, Padme was busy tending to his wounds and explained.
"Lost in a sea of other devastated worlds. A bill was being drafted to help them and other worlds after the war but that's not going to happen now." Padme said sadly, whatever decency there had been in the senate vanishing almost overnight.
"And all the while my world suffers." The Noghri said in a rasping voice. "It is still poisoned and now the Empire comes to subjugate my people!"
Anakin nodded, knowing the devastation was largely from a chemical and radiation spill and the last thing the Noghri needed was an Imperial Occupation as well. But then Anakin remembered something, a project that had been mentioned to him by one of the Jedi at the Temple. Equipment that would aid in the cleaning up of such disaster that was being stored for widespread use.
Equipment that could save the Noghri, if they could get their hands on it. But that meant stealing it! Anakin thought with worry, the sort of thing that could get them noticed. He was torn, not sure what to do and called Padme and Allara over to talk while their 'guest' recovered.
"A while ago, I learned that there is a bunch of technology that could help the Noghri start to recover and resist the Empire…but we would need to steal it." Anakin said with some worry at how they would react to his idea.
Padme and Allara both looked surprised, astonished given their situation that he would suggest such a thing. It was huge risk but Padme was surprisingly all for it.
"We'd need to be careful not to be recognised but…it's the right thing to do."
Allara however had rather different views.
"Master! This is exactly the kind of thing the Empire will notice. What about the twins? What happens to them if you get caught or we all do?" She asked him with concern.
Anakin was brought up a bit short by that, he knew this was an incredible risk but despite that he couldn't just stand by and let these people suffer. He thought for a moment before he came up with an idea.
"They're looking for Anakin Skywalker. So, if I wear a disguise, then it doesn't give me away." Anakin said, then before either Padme or Allara could say anything he turned to the Noghri who was listening to them intently and told him. "I think I know how to save your world. But I can't do it alone, we will need a team of about ten or so and a bigger ship maybe a couple. I think I know some people I can call on but will you trust me to help your people?" He asked the Noghri who looked at him strangely.
"Why would you do that? Risk your life for us?" He asked him and Anakin told him.
"Because it is the right thing to do. I need no reward for this or even thanks but saving your people is all the reward I need. Will you trust me?" Anakin asked again and the Noghri regarded him for a moment before nodding and saying.
"Save my people."
Anakin nodded with a smile, knowing he had a few calls to make. Might take a while but he knew just who he wanted at his side during this mission.
Cid's Parlour, Ord Mantell…
"You're sure they're here?" Fives asked as he and Rex sat in the seedy bar, cloaks hiding them as well as possible. Rex nodded and told him.
"All the sources I could find told me they're working here now. Shouldn't take long to find out." Rex said as he sipped his drink, an alien approached them and immediately seeing trouble Rex and Fives prepared themselves for a fight.
Two trained clones, experienced clones at that were far too good to be taken down by a simple bar fight. Within a few short moments they had all their attackers down on the floor. Three members of the Bad Batch as they were known soon ran into the room and a female Trandoshan. Fives immediately perking up as he saw a friend that he had thought lost years ago.
"What's going on in here?" The female Trandoshan asked with confusion and Rex lowered his cloak. The apparent leader of the Bad Batch recognised him immediately.
"Rex! Fives!" Echo said with a smile on his face as his two brothers he had feared dead were alive.
"Captain." Hunter said with a respectful nod and Fives walked towards Echo and his smile disappeared off his face for a moment as his face fell.
"What's wrong?" Echo asked his oldest friend and brother in arms. Fives guiltily looked up.
"I shouldn't have left you there. I should have made sure you were alive." Fives said, guilt over what had happened to Echo at the hands of the Separatist eating away at him but Echo put his remaining organic hand on Fives shoulder and told him.
"There was no time and no way you could have known. I am fine, whatever happened I am fine." Echo told him. Fives was uncertain as he looked up at him but Echo's smile made him smile too, before giving each other a brotherly hug.
- x -
Bracca, Two Days Later…
It had been a hard day; Wrecker's chip activating had almost destroyed them but thankfully they were now all chip free and no-one had been badly hurt so they took it for the rare win they needed.
Rex was wondering if he should extend an invitation to the squad to join the early rebellion that was forming against the Empire but before he could Tech detected an incoming transmission.
"It seems an encrypted transmission coming in on a channel you marked as high priority." Tech stated and seeing which channel the transmission was coming in on Rex smiled and spoke.
"Stick around, you'll like who's on the other side." Rex said with a smirk before opening the link. A hologram of Anakin Skywalker appeared before.
"General Skywalker!" Echo exclaimed seeing his former commanding officer but Anakin just shook his head.
"Not a general anymore Echo but I am glad that you and the squad are alright. I was just expecting Rex and Fives but thankfully I may have a job for you all. Not sure if you can make any credits off this but you're help would be appreciated." Anakin said, Hunter intrigued asked him.
"What did you have in mind?"
"A little heist of some experimental technology." Anakin told him with a smirk. "But first we're going to need a bigger ship."
Jedi Grand Library, Ossus…
The day on Ossus started early, not a problem for the Jedi as they were used to early starts and long days.
Now hundreds of Jedi including many younglings called this planet home and would do for the foreseeable future. They were still bunking down in the ships they had come in for the moment as more of the ruined city of Knossa was rebuild for them and the Ysanna to inhabit.
Master Yoda was one of the first to rise, not surprising given the importance of his position and the force aura of this planet, even if it was struggling to recover was strong and invigorating. He smiled despite the recent horror that had struck the galaxy many of the Order were here or in places like it and safe from the emperor's eyes. As walked into the Great Library Building, he looked around and nodded to the Jedi that were working already on the restoration of the great temple. Other Jedi were working on the city buildings which was much simpler and hopefully would mean the Order could re-establish itself here.
The Ysanna had been most welcoming Yoda thought with a smile, they were glad to have them here as they did their best to help restore the planet to its former beauty and help them in any way they could. He had yet to meet with their leaders but it was a good sign for the future Yoda thought. Some of the Jedi had even started teaching the Ysanna to use their own force sensitivity, a fact that unsettled some of the Jedi given many of them were older than the Jedi Order would accept under the Ruusan Reformation but look what following that had gotten them. Allowing themselves to be basically told how they could and would act under the Republic.
The Order betrayed and devastated, a Sith in command of the Republic now the Empire and the galaxy under the boot of the Sith.
Yoda was starting to wonder if the Jedi hadn't made an enormous mistake in tying themselves to the Republic. That while it gave the Jedi Order the ability to enforce law and order on the galaxy it had slowly corrupted them and made them little more than puppets to the Senate. How much evil had they left untouched because the Senate which itself was rotten to the core had allowed it? He had been meditating on this in the Eye of Ashlanae, a large pyramid shaped ancient temple built on top of a powerful force vergence here in the centre of the city which had been why the city and the Grand Library had been built here. The strong presence of the force had made him realise many of the Order's failings were self-inflicted too, as much as following the Senate despite knowing its corruption they had become rigid and arrogant.
Something that he knew must change.
Today he was speaking to someone that had become his chief advisor in this, Master Tuwan who had been in much demand as more Jedi wanted to seek his wisdom and learn his unique skills. He was now teaching more of the Order than ever and the Ysanna too, Yoda had actually considered standing down as Grand Master so the Neti Jedi Master could take his place but the ancient Jedi had actually refused to sit on the still non-existent Jedi Council let alone lead the Order.
Maybe that was a good thing Yoda thought as he walked through the still damaged areas of the Great Library. That way he could be freer to explore the force and to do with it what he felt was right as he was free of the burdens that came with such positions.
"Greetings my friend." Tuwan said as he saw Yoda approach, smiling broadly which Yoda returned and told him.
"Hope you are well, I do. With all your new students." Yoda said and Tuwan nodded.
"I enjoy teaching, what better way is there to learn than by teaching." Tuwan said with a wise expression. "Besides there is much work for us all to do if we are to make this planet a worthwhile home for the Jedi Order again."
"Indeed." Yoda said and fell into step with Tuwan as they explored the still ruined areas of the Grand Library. Ahead of them they saw an enormous tree that had apparently grown within the ruined temple, the pair of experienced Masters sensed it was incredibly powerful in the force and that immediately caught their attention, but what happened next shocked them both.
"My old master! I had never thought to see the day." An ancient croaky sounding voice said out of nowhere which surprised them both but then Tuwan, familiar of course with the life cycle of his species realised just who the tree in front of him was.
"My old apprentice. Ood, I had feared you dead." Tuwan said with a warm smile.
"As I did you. Your disappearance was a blow to the Order at a difficult time but we endured." Ood Bnar said before remarking. "So many Jedi have come to Ossus now! Fewer than the old days but so many more. I had sensed your presence but none of you came close to me. It is…a relief to see the Order has survived the latest threat to its existence and I just hope it learns from its mistakes this time." Ood Bnar said with a tired voice. He had been able from his constant state of meditation to see the force and through it the rest of the galaxy. He had learned so much after nearly four thousand years in this state but also, he had seen the Jedi and their slow and steady or rapid depending on the period decline.
"Do that, we shall." Yoda said feeling very much like an apprentice again as he was now faced with a Jedi who was far older and more experienced than he would ever be. "Paid the price for our hubris we have, the galaxy will for some time yet. But learn and recover, we will." Yoda said with fresh determination, the sheer presence Ood Bnar created in the force was almost strengthening him. Making him feel…uplifted like the situation was not as bleak as he feared it too be. Yoda had honestly never felt anything like it and he smiled with the effect this planet had on the Jedi.
Tython might have been where the Order had begun, but it was on Ossus that they had truly found themselves. Here was the place that they would find themselves again Yoda thought with a smile, he would do his best to learn as well, look deep into the lost archives and teachings here to discover just what secrets they held and expand his own knowledge of the force.
"An important piece, approaches." Ood Bnar said suddenly and a droning filled the sky as a small one-person starfighter descended from the sky to land near the landed ships. Everyone suddenly grew tense, wondering if their safe haven was about to be breached and if the Imperial Fleet was going to come here to finish them all off. Leaving Ood Bnar Tuwan and Yoda made as fast a time as possible to the landing sight were Celeste Morne and Rachi Sitra were already there with their lightsabers in hand as were most of the Order, expecting they would soon be fighting for their lives.
Those who knew starships recognised the ship as a Cutlass-9 patrol fighter, a long-range fighter designed to operate for long periods on its own. Not a standard Republic design although the Jedi Order had used them in the past, when a single young woman emerged with a lightsaber at her hip it sent a wave of relief through the crowd. She was Arkanian or at least partly judging by her extremely pale skin and white hair. Master Yoda recognised her as one of the generation of knights he had the honour of knighting during the Clone Wars.
"Knight Yelisin. Relieved I am, that safe you are." Yoda smiled, feeling her emotions quite clearly and knowing her own relief and feeling that at last she was safe was genuine.
"Master Yoda! I honestly didn't know if she'd given me the right co-ordinates. But Ossus!" Avelyn said with excitement at being here, where the Jedi had so much history and the sight of so many other Jedi honestly was making her feel so much relief that the burden of being the last Jedi would not be hers.
"Who is she?" Celeste Morne asked, worried that their safety had been compromised but Avelyn told them.
"The Jedi that saved me! Vima-Da-Boda." Avelyn said with awe in her voice. "Although how she knew about this place, I can't say. But got me a ship and told me how to get here."
"Vima-Da-Boda." Yoda said with surprise, he would have thought her long dead by now given how short human lifespans were but that being said he knew not to underestimate the force. She had always had a strong connection to it and who knows what she had been doing all these years, what she might have learned or come into contact with. She was perhaps a highly skilled Jedi Master although how she had known about this place he couldn't answer.
"She sent me here, to give you these." She said as she climbed fully out of the cockpit with a small box in her hands and once, she had climbed down from her borrowed ship she opened the box where all the Jedi could see.
Rachi Sitra had the biggest reaction, a gasp that seemed almost exaggerated in how much shock it contained.
"The Noetikons!" She said, recognising them from the pictures they kept in the archive, rushing forward before anyone could stop her and taking one of them in her hands, holding it like it was the most fragile glass or crystal. "We've been looking for these things for over three thousand years! And we even have a terminal for them!" She said with obvious excitement.
"The real ones?" Master Sabla-Mandibu asked as she came forward to examine them. Yoda meanwhile while considering that his notion that the Order needed to learn and wondered if this was a greater blessing than he had ever considered possible. These three holocrons were massive archive of knowledge and experiences from some of the Jedi Order's greatest masters. Interactive so they could teach those that used them and with the terminal they'd discovered they could even be convened as a council to consult with.
The Jedi would not just refine and improve their skills here, Yoda decided with a smile. They would learn new ones; he was going to make learning force forging compulsory learning for all Jedi from this point on. It was an important step he knew from personal experience in seeing past what you thought was possible and that was something the Jedi needed to realise or at least remember…the Force was limitless and while they themselves weren't they had far more to learn than they had already learned and that anything was possible.
Jedi Temple, Auratera…
The bright sunshine of Auratera was warm and the Jedi who now called this planet home were enjoying the warm and pleasant weather. Work on the new Temple had accelerated since they had arrived, they didn't want to be stuck living out of their ships permanently so they had to build a proper home for their order here on the planet.
While Jocasta Nu was busy getting the new archive here organised, Tholme who sat in the middle of the ruined old Jedi Temple to meditate was considering his concept for a Jedi Underground.
Many Jedi who had survived Order 66 were now cut off from their aid not least of which were his two former apprentices Quinlan and Aayla, he doubted they were monitoring channels that were well known to the Republic or Empire as it was now, he thought with disdain. He could almost admire the Sith for how perfect their plan had been, evolved over a thousand years they had completely fooled all of them, Tholme thought with dismay.
The Jedi and the Republic had been completely fooled and it now looked like the entire galaxy was in for some very dark years. Maybe more than he had left Tholme considered without much worry, he had long ago accepted his own mortality and come to terms with his eventual demise by whatever way it came.
Being with T'ra Saa again was at least something he could look forward to Tholme thought with some joy, he had missed her in the years she had been away and spending his twilight years with her would be a good retirement.
Tholme reluctantly turned his attention back to the Jedi Underground, an organisation to find not only Jedi who were lost in the galaxy and get them to safety, but also look for any force sensitive children that might be out there in the galaxy. Fortunately for the latter task was made somewhat easier by the crystal brought by Jocasta which contained the list of force sensitive children the Jedi maintained.
He considered bringing them here but that he realised put the Jedi here in danger which went for all the other secret temples built by T'ra Saa and the others across the galaxy. K'kruhk had suggested that maybe setting up another location for the outsiders might work or at least look for some where to go.
As he spoke Jocasta was looking through the records for a suitable location for their new hiding place while he was working on the ins and outs of how this network of his would run, fortunately he had quite a few contacts around the galaxy so he should be able to get something up and running soon. Not only would they need people to listen for any hint of a Jedi but also safehouses and transport links too. It was going to be a big effort to get it up and running but it would well be worth it to get their lost brethren to safety.
Any who operated out in the galaxy would need he realised to learn the skills he had learned from the Anzati assassins early in his career, to hide themselves in the force completely and feign death if they needed too. There was also a planet that he knew well, one with plenty of places a Jedi could hide. It was a major planet and along a major hyperspace lane with many ships entering and leaving all the time.
A perfect place he thought as he scratched his chin in thought, perfect to hide.
Senate Building, Coruscant…
Palpatine sat in his newly restored office and pondered on his situation so far in the galaxy.
Despite his failure to bring Anakin to the dark side and many Jedi escaping the trap he had carefully laid, the best estimate Imperial Intelligence had managed to get concerning the Jedi was anywhere from a third to half the order might have survived Order 66. That number angered him greatly as even one Jedi left alive meant the possibility of resistance remained.
Unconsciously though, his real fear festered away. As long as any Jedi remained alive the chance of his defeat remained. Of being overthrown and losing his power, his greatest fear which was ironic given it was him who had taught Anakin that lesson. He was at least to his mind the most successful Sith Lord in history and he was not going to give that up for anything. It had been a hard rise to power and now it would be a struggle to stay in power.
Senators who were judging and plotting, admirals and generals who were too ambitious for their own good. Governors who would surely want more power within their own domains and then extend their reach.
His enemies had not diminished, he thought, no instead they had multiplied and now surrounded him.
So, he must always be on his guard.
He had Vader, he could be sure of his loyalty since the cybernetic implants and conditioning would make sure of that but Vader was a brute and while the implants increased his strength and rage that in turn made him unsuitable to manage more delicate missions although he would be a good tool for keeping his servants and potential enemies in check. A little Sith Alchemy increased his dark side powers considerably if it did shorten his life expectancy but, in that case, he could always activate another.
So…he would need different servants for those tasks, beings who he could be sure of their obedience. His Dark Disciples…maybe in time one would emerge as a possible apprentice he considered but then shook his head as he had chosen those that while powerful and skilled, but would never possibly be a true threat to him.
Six, he thought with a nod of approval there would be six Disciples at one time and no more. They would be placed in competition with each other for his favour and he would openly favour one or the other to keep them at odds with each other. He would not call them lords as they would never be real Sith even if they would learn basic techniques. Each one would carry a title 'Corrector' officially, a title from the old days when the completely self-centred Lord Daiman had ruled but while Sidious had great disdain for the arrogance narcissist fool this idea of having them go in to 'correct' problems was a suitable name for them.
He had his six Dark Disciples/Correctors already Sidious thought with a sinister smile.
Valin Draco, a former Jedi Knight who had seen the Order plainly for its hypocrisy and failings and joined the Empire willing after embracing the dark side.
Sarcev Quest, a wasted opportunity for the Jedi who had cast him into the Agricultural Corps without realising his full potential, Sidious was not so blind.
Azrakel, a subject of his previous experiments which had created a superb wielder of the dark side who was a brutal weapon in his hands.
Regera Girawan, a former noble woman from the planet Kruskan who had discovered a Sith holocron and been drawn in by its power. She had managed to kill Jedi who had discovered her and outwitted them many times. Capturing her had been difficult but now she was in his hands he had 'convinced' her to serve him in hopes of increasing her own power and living the luxurious lifestyle she was accustomed too.
Jerec, another former Jedi who had the sense to realise just which side was the winning side and an expert on Jedi Lore and techniques. A Miraluka and powerful wielder of the force he would be a useful tool.
Taron Malicos, also a former Jedi but one that had been captured since Order 66 had been issued. He was powerful but easily manipulated by the dark side and had fallen swiftly when he had been subjected to the right kind of 'persuasion' Sidious thought with a vicious smirk.
They would be the ones he entrusted with more delicate assignments but to hunt Jedi he would need a different type of servant. An Inquisitor he thought and already he had a number of useful pawns for this task including the former Head Temple Guard for the Jedi Temple and a number of Dooku's failed Dark Acolytes.
But still he would need more, extensions of his will to do tasks that the others could not, assassins and spies to move secretly and eliminate his enemies and for this too he had managed to acquire some useful servants, one in particular that he saw great promise in. He had deleted her old identity and while she was but a baby now, she had incredible promise. He was willing to wait for her to grow up and be trained. He had even chosen a new name for her…Mara Jade. She and others like her would be his 'hands' he thought with amusement. He would keep them separate and unaware of each other to build a bond of being his 'most trusted' he thought with amusement to help keep them loyal to him.
Yes, he thought with satisfaction, overcoming his fears for now. His plans were falling into place and he would eventually find a worthy apprentice to work as his enforcer and replace Vader, maybe Skywalker's own child he thought a dark look in his eyes, loving the idea of destroying the fool Anakin with his own spawn.
Tantive IV, Unknown Location…
A brand new CR90 corvette was hanging in space as Ahsoka Tano docked her small ship with it. She disembarked and saw the man she had come to see and who was risking a great deal by doing so.
"Senator Organa." She said with a respectful nod. He returned it.
"It is good to see you Ahsoka. Good to see anyone willing to fight these days." He said with a frown given how tight a grip the Empire already had on the galaxy.
"You claimed you had a mission for me Senator?" Ahsoka asked him, aware of the great risk of opposing the emperor but that was a chance she was willing to take and so it seemed was the Senator.
"I need a free agent, someone who can go to the places where the Empire is showing its true face and help people learn to fight. To establish their own rebel cells. We will only defeat the Empire if enough people unite as one from across the galaxy and so we need to give people not only the information but the skills they need to fight back." Bail Organa explained to her.
"You are an experienced warrior and you know warfare, but with a strong moral core and resourceful too. You know the truth of what we are fighting against and know what is at stake. Will you help us?" He asked her plainly.
Ahsoka was surprised and worried about what he was asking, knowing how dangerous it was but more importantly that he was right. To defeat Palpatine and his empire, they were going to need a large and organised resistance movement. One that spanned the whole of the galaxy if possible and that was going to be a huge undertaking, something that could take years to achieve if they ever did.
But it was a cause worth fighting for she thought with determination and knew she would need to be extremely careful about her identity if she was going to risk it. So, she made her decision and told him her answer.
"I agree, but if I am going to do this. Then from this point on, call me Fulcrum." Ahsoka said choosing her codename. She knew this was the sort of mission that could take years to complete but it was worth it in the end. And needed to be done if they were to ever defeat the Sith.
Kaldera Prime, Kalderan Sector…
The Kalderan Commune had been peaceful for centuries, even during the last war with the Sith they had remained isolationist and not really involved themselves in the war but had joined the Republic to ensure good trade for their people. Their territory sat on some useful hyperspace lanes and they had a fairly good resource base.
But with the escalation of the Clone Wars, they like the Than Hegemony felt that they needed to distance themselves from the Republic and the Separatists and had left the Republic to that effect. Ever since they had been quiet and ignored by the wider galaxy. They had hoped that the Republic, now the Empire would ignore them too.
But they had refusal to join it, even after showing they had no weapons or ships capable of waging war against the Imperial Military and could only enforce law and order within their own territory. This would later become known as the 'Kalderan Folly' to the rest of the galaxy.
Their territory was too useful to the Empire for it to just be ignored.
The first signs of trouble came in the early morning, reports from colonies and outposts on the edges of the Commune's territory indicated a large number of Imperial Ships moving towards them. At first it was thought or rather hoped that they were just on some sort of military exercises and they would just pass them by.
But instead, those outer colonies and outposts had been the first to fall, seventeen in a matter of hours. Some never had the chance to send a distress call before their communications were either jammed or destroyed. Any vessels they did manage to rise in their own defence were swept aside with brutal efficiency.
From the bridge of the newly commissioned and renamed Imperial-class Star Destroyer Executrix, now Moff Wilhuff Tarkin stood watching his invasion take place. He technically was still an Admiral in the Imperial Fleet but he wore his Moff title more now as with time it would pave the way to greater influence and success. He had ambitions that went much further than being the governor of one sector and have a seat at Imperial High Command…no he wanted much more than that and this was how he was going to get it.
Falsified evidence showing the Kalderan Commune was supporting the Separatist holdouts and preparing to attack Imperial Worlds gave him all the proof he needed to justify this invasion and they would 'find' more evidence one way or another when it was complete. He had plans for this sector and when he was done it would see him gain a great deal of influence in the Empire.
Captain Bili Vist at his side was looking out of the viewing window at the planet below and told him with a cold look in his eye.
"The local government is offering a full and unconditional surrender. Orders?"
Tarkin turned to look at his Attaché and didn't even blink before telling him.
"Begin the landings, I want at least a quarter of the population exterminated. Be as brutal as possible to ensure they fear and obey the Empire." Tarkin ordered and Vist with a sinister smile nodded and told him.
"At once sir."
- x -
Gunships and landers exited the Star Destroyers, both Imperial and Venator classes and began their descent down towards the planet. The clones on board had been chosen for this invasion specifically because they followed orders and would not question what they were about to do. If Tarkin had his way the clones would soon be replaced with actual human recruits rather than retain the aging clone army. Not that the clones that were part of the landing force knew that.
As an extra incentive Darth Vader as he was known had been sent by Emperor Palpatine himself to lead the ground invasion and to help spread the terror that they were about to create that would not only make these creatures as Tarkin thought of them submit in fear and terror but would make sure no other world chose to defy the Empire.
The Kalderans, now completely terrified with no idea just why this was happening trembled. The central government was paralysed with indecision. Some were ordering their police units to stand down and not to aggravate the Imperial forces while others were ordering them to attack and try to defend their world. No-one seemed to know just who was in charge anymore and orders kept changing every few moments, some units obeyed the order to try and defend the city while others stood down and all co-ordination between different units broke apart.
V-wings and Y-wing bombers flew ahead of the landing craft and immediately began strafing the city streets and buildings, not picking any target in particular just shooting at whatever building that was within their crosshairs without any thought to what it might be just as they were ordered too.
Bombs, missiles and lasers tore into those buildings, few of which were able to stay standing with such punishment, sending them collapsing down to the ground crushing those both inside or around them as they fell. The people screamed in terror; they had no idea just what was happening but the situation was only made worse as the landing craft came down to the surface.
Troopers came running out of their gunships while landers put down tanks and artillery which immediately opened fire on the local population without any consideration or mercy and at the heart of it, leading the clones into battle was the terrifying form of Darth Vader who swung his red bladed lightsaber into any Kalderan that came within his reach, it didn't matter if they were female, male or child he killed them indiscriminately. Pulling rubble down on some or strangling them in full public view, advancing deeper and deeper into the city.
- x -
Aboard the Executrix, Tarkin read the reports that were coming in with satisfaction. The local government had been disbanded and all its members liquidated, the population had been devastated to a much more manageable level which would never dare challenge the Empire.
The evidence of their 'plot' to attack the Empire had been placed and recorded while all evidence of the rather indiscriminate attack had been suppressed. All in all, quite a successful operation Tarkin thought with quiet satisfaction and no feelings of pity or guilt at all.
But his work was not completed yet, no he intended to force the entire population into the Empire's service, they would build and maintain their ships while strip mining their own worlds for resources to fuel the Imperial Fleet's expansion. Their space would serve as a major distribution point for future operations in other sectors.
The Kaldera Shipyard would be built, operated and maintained by slave labour. Cheap and with appropriate punishments they would be kept in line. Tarkin was now privately smirking to himself in satisfaction at his achievement and now saw the road to advancement stretching out ahead of him.
Imperial Research Station 23308, Neshig Secor, Inner Rim…
The Research Station on Planetoid 230090 was a highly secretive facility, largely because it contained highly advanced technological prototypes and other important devices.
The planetoid had no atmosphere which was partly for defence along with its strong defence shield but other than that security depended on few people knowing it existed.
Anakin however had learned it existed and knew where it was. It had the equipment the Noghri needed to save their world here and so he was planning to steal it.
The Marauder stealthily followed in a supply ship, staying hidden in its thruster wake. Inside the ship Anakin stood next to Tech who was at the controls while Rex and Hunter were behind him.
"Supply Ship 8792, proceed to the landing zone." They overheard as they monitored the comms traffic between the ship they were following and the base.
"Our signature will be disguised by their energy wake until we reach a kilometre from surface but if we proceed down this vector their scanning equipment will not detect us." Tech told them and Hunter nodded.
"Do your best, we need to be exactly on time for this to work." Hunter said as they turned to the back of the modified shuttle where Wrecker, Echo, Fives, Allara, R2 and Ghazhak stood with a single other Noghri. All were already wearing masks with air supplies as was Anakin himself so they could breathe while on the surface except for R2 as obviously he didn't need it.
"Ha ha! You look stupid in that!" Wrecker said with his usual booming laughter as he looked at Fives and Allara. Allara was not one to backdown and told him with youthful indignation.
"What about you huh? What's with that paintwork?" She said rashly and Anakin felt Wrecker's annoyance and stepped forward to calm things down before they had a fight in the back of the ship.
"Hey! We're all about to head into action. So, no fighting! Stay respectful." Anakin said in a firm voice and immediately Allara fell into line and nodded.
"Yes master." She said respectfully. At least that was a start Anakin thought, given how stubborn she was. Wrecker too went quiet which was the most he could expect as he wasn't Hunter or a part of the unit.
"Almost at the landing spot Master Skywalker." Tech called him from the cockpit donning his own helmet as the ship came down in a crater. Depressurising the ship, they all exited the shuttle and out onto the dust covered surface. The gravity was much lower than they were used too but they made their way as quickly as possible towards the base. The Noghri, not used to the lower gravity struggled onward but did their best to keep up.
The complex was fairly large but an airlock nearby was an easy point of access. Anakin directed them towards it and he turned to R2 who thankfully didn't need telling what to do and plugged himself into the data port to open the door.
The door opened quickly and let them all inside, which was a blessed relief to have normal gravity again.
"Echo." Hunter said, turning to his comrade who knew his part of the mission and he plugged himself into the station's computers with the data spike that had replaced one of his hands. Fives looked at this and honestly while impressed at what his oldest friend could do now was disturbed by what had been done to him.
"I'm it, communications and alarms are…disabled." Echo told them and his slicing in allowed Tech to follow and find the information they needed.
"Shield control is up there on the right side of the complex. The science labs are on the left side. Security consists of forty security droids. Staff numbers fifty-eight." Tech told them.
"Right, Echo, make sure they can't get a distress call out. Allara stay with Echo and protect him. Wrecker, Hunter, Ghazhak and Riillaz with me to take out those security droids. Tech, can you keep the staff confined till we're finished?" Anakin asked.
"Yes sir, I can sound a fire alarm and lock them in the safety point, the living area." Tech answered and Anakin nodded.
"Right, do it. Remember, we don't want this coming back on us so keep your masks on." Anakin told them, certainly not wanting to give the Empire a lead to hunt them with.
"Finally! I get to smash something." Wrecker said with excitement while he and the others went with Anakin to deal with the security droids. Leaving Allara frustratedly standing with Echo who was keeping the facility locked down.
Anakin ignited his current lightsaber, still Mace Windu's he thought guiltily. He knew he should replace his own but there simply hadn't been time. He also couldn't risk a trip to Ilum right now as it was a fairly sure bet that the Empire would be watching it. It was almost wrong he felt to keep using the late master's lightsaber but what other choice did he have? He asked himself as he saw the security droids had despite Tech and Echo's best efforts activated, the clones behind him started shooting while he ran forward with his lightsaber humming in the air, cutting into droids with experienced ease. It was strangely nostalgic he thought, fighting droids alongside the clones again.
The Noghri however despite not having blasters ran at a terrific speed for those without the force and cut through the admittedly flimsy droids with their bladed weapons easily. It surprised both Anakin and the clones just how skilled a warrior that a Noghri was. Easily on par with most of the best in the galaxy.
The droids really were not worth the credits Anakin thought as he and the clones advanced. They broke so easily that he guessed whoever had chosen them had done so for cheapness than effectiveness. No clones stationed here at all. Ridiculous given how defenceless this place was without them Anakin joked to himself.
That was when he felt a tremor in the force, Allara was in danger! He realised and turned around without saying a word which confused his allies no end.
- x -
Allara was annoyed at her master leaving her behind again! He had never done this with Ahsoka she thought with resentment. But she was always being kept away from the action and she was starting to get sick of it.
Then she felt a warning in the force followed by a snap hiss and barely moved in time to stop being stabbed by a lightsaber through her chest. She drew her lightsaber and its yellow blade came to life, letting her block the next attack. A red blade she realised, seeing it was a rather large, heavy-set man with black hair down to his shoulders and grey eyes. He was not talking as she had thought he would though, instead he just bashed his lightsaber against hers as rapidly as she could move it. Her arms started aching from the weight of the blows raining down on her and then he blasted her with the force, sending her flying back against the wall and ripped her lightsaber from her hand, leaving her defenceless.
He extended his hand and she felt a cold pressure at her throat, her body seemingly of its own volition started floating upwards till she was suspended above the floor. Her feet moving helplessly in the air while her hands grasped at her throat. She looked the dark side user in the eye and saw his completely hatred of her. Echo seeing what was happening drew his pistol and started shooting but the dark sider used his lightsaber to deflect the blasts away from himself.
Her vision was now becoming clouded with her lack of breath. Allara was honestly more terrified than she had ever been in her entire life. Even when facing General Grievous had she felt this close to death. She was struggling but couldn't summon the will to break his hold and she was suddenly faced with the reality that she simply didn't know how to get herself out of this situation. She was completely helpless as her life was dimming.
Apprentice to the Chosen One, promising padawan she had been called and this was how it was going to end. She thought with disgust at herself for being so unprepared. Was that why Master Skywalker had let Ahsoka go off on her own? Because she was simply better than Allara would ever be?
What a failure she was Allara thought to herself as she felt death coming to claim her. But then a moment later she saw in her dimming vision a flash of purple and then the pressure on her throat was released!
She fell to the floor, gasping for breath and thankfully she could finally get some into her lungs. Her vision started clearing and she saw Anakin was there, his lightsaber battering away at the dark sider who was completely unprepared for her master's harsh and unforgiving assault. The look of fury on his face was terrible to look at but it was followed by a snarling statement from Anakin when he cleaving the man in half.
"No one harms my padawan!" He said to the man's corpse while going over to Allara who looked up with complete astonishment that he had come. "Are you right?" He asked her with some desperation.
Allara was surprised as she could feel how concerned he was for her, how much he cared. She was still new and yet he cared so much for her already. Combined with her own still very active fear, Allara just had to say what was on her mind.
"Master. I was so scared. Helpless." Allara admitted, feeling very humble for the moment. "Is this why you didn't want me with you? Because I'm so weak?" Allara asked him with her voice almost trembling with her emotions.
Anakin was shocked that Allara would think that of herself but realised a lot of her confidence was probably covering deep seated insecurities much like he had once done himself. He had never realised that he and Allara had more in common than he had thought and told her calmly and with reassurance.
"Allara, never think that. You are not weak! I kept you back because I was simply worried you would get hurt." He admitted to her. Allara was surprised at this.
"But Ahsoka?!" She asked confused and Anakin smiled a little before telling her.
"Ahsoka nearly got herself killed plenty of times when we were first paired together. Including a time when she tried to take General Grievous on by herself." Anakin told her with bitterness as he remembered those early days and his own inexperience at handling a padawan. "That is why I keep you as protected or as far from danger as I can. At least until you have the skill to deal with it, something we will need to work on after all this." He said knowing he would need to continue her training more rigorously after this mission. It had been spartan since Order 66 but now he knew she would need to have more training.
Allara was comforted at that and managed a smile even if Anakin couldn't see it due to the mask she was wearing. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder and turned to Echo was thankfully unharmed.
"Right, if you can lock down the system Echo, come on! Work to do." Anakin said with a smile as he relit his lightsaber. Allara started smiling as she called her own lightsaber back to her hand and was ready to leap into action with her master. Echo smirked a little under his helmet as he remembered the unexpected and Anakin Skywalker often went hand in hand.
- x -
A short while later the facility was completely in their hands and just in time as the planetoid was bombarded by meteors.
"The Marauder!" Hunter cried out in dismay as his unit's transport was destroyed by one of the falling rocks. Wrecker and Echo too looked devastated at the loss of their ship. But while Anakin bit his lip Tech interrupted.
"If I may be so bold. I think this facility may furnish us with a more than suitable replacement." Tech said as he called up a small ship. "This is docked in the landing bay. Rendili Stardrive have recreated one of their most unique designs in hopes of acquiring a contract with the Imperial Military. The BT-7 Thunderclap." Tech said with detachment as they looked at the sturdy but unusual design.
"It is a design from over three thousand years ago but acquitted itself as one of the most effective vessels of its time. A cross between a dropship and a gunboat, it is heavily armed with three heavy laser cannons and a concussion missile launcher which can be adjusted to fire proton torpedoes if needed. In this version a small laser cannon has been rear mounted for defence. High strength hull armour, powerful deflector shields, quite manoeuvrable for its size with three s-foils to cool the laser cannons and increase flight speed in combat. This version has a brand-new electronic warfare suite, able to serve as a mission operation centre for us not to mention military grade long range holonet transmitters. A hyperdrive at Class 0.7 with military grade hard wearing parts and very high fuel efficiency means it can operate for long periods without refuelling. Capable of rapid atmosphere entries and exits as needed it is also much larger on the inside. Enough for all of us to have a bunk and even a sick bay should we need it." Tech told them without much emotion.
The Bad Batch were impressed at the ship Tech had found for them and already had christened it the 'Marauder 2' in their minds. It was a far more suitable home for them however much the old ship had meant to them. It would serve their needs well.
"We also discovered that they were experimenting with a prototype hyperspace motivator. It increases the thrust of the vessel it is equipped too. Cid can sell that for a lot of credits. Should make her happy." Echo said telling them what he had discovered. Hunter nodded knowing Cid would love this.
"Nice, it was good to be on a mission again." Fives said with a smile, having really enjoyed working with the Bad Batch and Rex again not to mention General Skywalker, still thinking him that despite the war being over and him not being a general anymore.
"Was that how missions used to go?" Allara asked with genuine interest, unfortunately not having gone on many since she had only been Anakin's apprentice for a year or so. Rex smirked before telling her.
"No, usually they get a lot more interesting." He said with a teasing look in his eyes which Anakin returned, remembering all the things they had gotten themselves into during the war. While they were recalling better days Ghazhak came up to him and bowed which surprised them all.
"Freighters are arriving Jedi Skywalker. They will take the equipment back to our home world, and start to heal it. You have saved us all!" The Noghri said with awe and reverence. Anakin was a bit surprised by that, the sudden hero worship. He told them with a bow of his own.
"It is quite alright; it is my honour to help your people. I will accompany you back to your world if you wish to help your people learn how to maintain the equipment." Anakin offered and this only made the awe increase.
"You have done so much and now you offer more? Jedi Skywalker, the elders of my people have declared our people owe you a blood debt. With your consent, myself and my clan-brother Kohvrekhar will join you to protect your and your blood." Ghazhak said with pride and Anakin not to mention Allara and the clones were shocked at this turn of events.
"If I may Master Skywalker." Tech said having already familiarised himself with the Noghri prior to going on a mission them. "This a most sacred vow that extends to not only you but to your children as well. It is a truly rare honour."
Great Anakin thought with resignation, not wanting to offend them but hardly wanting to have two Noghri pulled away from their people due to an obligation that he honestly felt they didn't need to take.
"I will be traveling the galaxy Ghazhak. It will take you and your clan brother far from home. You realise this don't you?" Anakin asked while Allara looked at him with confusion as did Rex who knew him well enough to know he wasn't keen on this however skilled they were. The Noghri however did not look phased at all and said with a deep rumbling voice.
"Then we will have the chance to see the galaxy at your side. This is a blessing, not a curse." Ghazhak said with pride and Anakin had to stop himself from sighing in resignation, knowing this was going to happen whatever he felt he nodded and told them.
"Then I am honoured to accept your vow for however you want to travel with me." Anakin said and then turned to Rex who was surprised at his general's actions but like a good soldier didn't question them openly. "It was good to fight alongside you again Rex. Let's not let it be too long before we do this again."
"We can only hope sir." Rex said with a smile before accepting a handshake.
- x -
Freighter Open Sky, Unknown Space…
"So, this is Luke and this is Leia." Omega said with a bright smile as she looked at the two small humans in their cots, not liking being left behind by the others but she was actually enjoying spending time with Padme Amidala. The former senator had so many interesting stories to tell and to be honest it was nice to spend time with another female, one that could give her some advice and tips about being a female. She loved her brothers; she really did but it was difficult sometimes being the only girl in the group. She had even been allowed to hold babies Luke and Leia who were still young. The funny protocol droid they had C-3PO was arguing with Gonky which made her laugh.
The proximity alarm sounded and they looked to see an unfamiliar ship approaching, Padme and Omega were worried and Padme sat down quickly in the pilot seat, her hands gripping the controls tightly as she prepared to escape with her children and Omega, run as far away as she could but then she heard a familiar voice over the communication system that made her sigh in relief.
"Padme, we're back." Anakin said with tired relief, his voice being a welcome sound.
"Is everyone alright?" Omega jumped in to ask and Hunter answered this time.
"We are kid. But we lost the Marauder." He said with regret. "But…we got a new one, a bigger one." He told her and she frowned, not liking the idea that their home was gone.
"This one let's all have a bunk each!" She heard Wrecker say in the background. Tech then took over.
"Either way we must return Master Skywalker and his friends to their ship. We will dock in a moment."
Padme nodded and held the ship still till they docked before leaving to go to the docking port. When it opened, she smiled at the sight of her husband and Allara standing there with Rex and Hunter. Anakin walked forward and embraced her while Omega went over to Hunter and asked him.
"Is this our new ship?" Hunter smiled and told her.
"Sure is kid. Believe me, we're going to make the most of it."
Anakin after embracing his wife had to inform her of their new passengers. The two Noghri in the background lingered. As he explained the oath that they had made to Padme who didn't look thrilled about this either Omega jumped in with an excited statement.
"It's like the life debt Wookiees swear." She said brightly and the pair of Noghri came on and bowed slightly to Padme who accepted it as best she could before she let them pass. R2 trundled past with them, no doubt to find 3PO and regale him with the tale of their adventure. Allara levitated a box that Anakin had discovered on the base in one of the labs and felt compelled to take.
"Rex, it was good to fight alongside you again. Let's not let this be the last time." Anakin told his old clone captain. Rex too looked mournful at them separating again but just said.
"It won't be sir. That is something I think we can all be sure of." Rex said with a smirk, knowing full well he was going to keep fighting just like his general was. They shook hands and finally the Jedi and former senator watched sadly as the clones went their own way. It would have been nice to keep travelling together but they all had to find their own place in the galaxy.
Anakin set the ship off to its next destination and while in the small living area where Padme was feeding Luke and Leia, he picked up the mask he had worn and held it up, an idea forming in his head.
"People will need hope, they need something to inspire them." Anakin said to Padme as she fed the twins. She looked up, confused at what he was saying before seeing the mask he had in hands.
"I know, but what can we create that the Empire can't crush?" She said, worried about what Anakin intended to do now.
"An idea." Anakin said with a smile on his face. "A figure that could be anyone, someone who fights then blends back into the crowd. A 'Masked Jedi', always hiding their identity with a mask. Like Revan did with his." Anakin said, few had ever seen Revan's actual face but his mask was incredibly well known. The legendary Revan was always in his mask and distinctive robes.
"Maybe that is what the people need right now. A figure that strikes at random, always hiding his identity and then disappears. Someone the Empire can't track down; someone they can't identify. Someone that can inspire people." Anakin said with strange look in his eyes. Padme was deeply worried that her husband was about to do something extremely foolish and warned him.
"That's dangerous Anakin. So many things could go wrong and I need you. The Twins need you!" She implored him and Anakin realising how much this worried her went over to embrace her in his arms which she gratefully accepted.
Anakin hugged her, trying to reassure her the best he could but he was serious about this. A single Jedi who fights the Empire yet they have no idea just who he is and appearing randomly so they can't track him down. A figure that could be anyone.
That was something he could do, keeping his identity hidden so to protect those he cared about from reprisals Anakin thought, at least as much as they could be.
He would need to craft himself a new mask and outfit unrecognisable from anything that had been seen before at least in associated with him. He'd need a new lightsaber too he thought with worry, one that looked nothing like his old one either and he'd need a kyber crystal which was incredibly rare and he certainly didn't want to risk going to Ilum for it.
Then he remembered that Master Tuwan had told him that he and his then apprentice, Ood Bnar had made a pilgrimage to the ancient planet of Jedha and Ood had harvested a crystal for his lightsaber there.
Jedha so far, he thought had been ignored by the Empire and was a planet with a lot of travellers coming and going. That would allow them to slip in and out and retrieve a crystal or two for him to build some new lightsabers. One for his disguise and one for his own personal use.
Anakin with that in mind decided once they had reached their next port of call, he would take them straight to Jedha to acquire the crystals he needed.
At the same time, he had another mystery to solve. Looking over to the crate he had taken from the facility he opened it and revealed parts from an ancient droid, looking far more awkward in its build than a modern droid and painted a rust red colour. It was in pieces but the memory core was intact and so was its head, picking it up and saw the head was almost skull shaped with two square slots for eyes.
He had no idea just what droid this was but he intended to find out Anakin thought with curiosity, feeling this was important somehow and while it might take him awhile, he was determined to fix this droid up and find out just what secrets it contained.
Imperial Prison Transport, Ryloth…Three Months Later…
Seven clone troopers including their former commanding officer Captain Howzer sat fixed in place as they were being taken to the spaceport for transport to a penal facility elsewhere. Howzer regretted deeply that he had gotten his men into this but knew there had been no choice. He had been bred and sworn to defend the Republic and to protect Ryloth…not oppress it.
That was where all of this was going, he realised with despair, everything they had fought, bled and died for was corrupt beyond any hope of saving it. He had been extremely disappointed in the sniper Crosshair for going along with this. The unease with the oppression of the Empire was growing throughout the clone units of the galaxy. Many others were starting to question a lot of things including executing the Jedi. While Howzer and his men had not had a part in Order 66 he had spoken to several who had and many of them had been deeply disturbed by their own actions. They questioned why they had to wipe out the Jedi without any trial or even real evidence of them trying to take over the Republic.
And then there was the stripping of all liberty in the Empire like he had already mentioned, it honestly was more than some could bare and some had started to desert. Or like Howzer had tried to take a moral stand but they were being imprisoned and some even 'disappeared'.
Was that what waited for him and his men? Howzer worried.
But then the transport was rocked by an explosion, sending it high into the air and had he and his men not been fixed into their seats they would have been bashed around the inside of the transport like their unfortunate guards.
When it finally came to rest it was with an enormous thump and the rocking knocked Howzer and his men out cold, blaster fire could be heard from outside which quickly stopped. The hatch on the transport was pulled open and a group of cloaked fighters with blasters in their hands entered. They checked Howzer and his men before freeing them from their restraints and carrying them out of the wrecked transport before they threw a large improvised explosive inside the wreck.
As they clambered onto their waiting blurrgs and arranged the unconscious clones on them before riding off as fast as they dared into the hills beyond.
- x -
Sometime later Howzer regained consciousness, looking up he saw the ceiling of orange rock above him and his head he realised hurt a lot. He slowly put his hand to his head and felt a bacta patch over his temple. He looked up and saw Cham was sitting there and around him were his squad, still unconscious.
"Good my friend, you have been asleep for a good while now. We were starting to get worried." Cham said with a smile. Howzer with his head still throbbing got up slowly and walked unsteadily towards Cham.
"Cham, where are we? I remember the transport and then nothing." Howzer asked him, wondering just where he was although he could guess Cham was responsible for his rescue.
"The caves, some of the ones my people used to hide in during the Separatist Occupation. But I couldn't allow you my friend to languish in a prison or worse after saving me and my people." Cham said with a smile. "Although we did have some help with your rescue." Cham said, pointing towards a nearby tunnel. Howzer turned and saw another clone was standing there, wearing a clone commander's markings with yellow pauldrons and paint on his armour. He pulled off his helmet and Howzer immediately jumped to attention.
"Commander Bly! Sir!" Howzer said quickly but Bly just smirked and told him.
"Neither of us is a part of the Republic military again more Howzer. Just men who have to make decisions of our own now." Bly told him with a smile. "You and your men took a brave step to save the Twi'leks. Now that is what a real soldier does, stands by his own honour and fights for what he believes in. That's why I'm here, sorry about the head though, we needed to make sure the chips weren't going to pose a danger." Bly told them.
"Chips?" Howzer said with confusion, his hand going to the bacta patch on his head as Bly explained.
"They were implanted in all clones from the moment we're born. They take away our free will and make us do exactly what the Emperor as Palpatine has named himself wanted us to do. Namely kill the Jedi, the only real threat to him. Interesting enough though the chips seem to be losing their potency quite quickly and more and more of our brothers are overcoming their control. Since given who is going to helping the resistance here, we needed to make sure you and your squad were safe." Bly told him.
"Who is helping us?" Howzer asked, not realising he was identifying himself as a member of the Ryloth Resistance. But a female figure appeared behind Bly and walked out into the open. Howzer could hardly believe it.
"I am." Aayla Secura said as she appeared but kept her hand close to her lightsaber he noticed and he could hardly blame her. "I came to this world originally to hide and keep myself and my apprentice safe." She said as a younger twi'lek female appeared behind her; her hand also ready to go for her lightsaber. "But when I saw what was happening, I knew I can't stand by and so it seems neither could you. Clam's Resistance fighters are brave people, willing to fight whatever the odds but they lack the training of true soldiers like yourselves have received. To know how to think and act on the battle field. I know you may feel trapped by this captain, but if you want it…the people of Ryloth can be your people now. They need your help and that of your men. Will you help us?" Aayla asked him with a rather piercing look in her stunning eyes.
Howzer was torn for a moment, as much as he wanted to get away from this planet it was true. He had been stationed here for years now and knew the people of this planet well. He was far more comfortable here than he had ever been on Kamino and to be honest…he liked the people here, the Twi'leks were a good and passionate people that deserved help especially if they were thinking of fighting against the Empire.
He couldn't speak for his men; he would let them decide just what they wanted to do but he knew what he was going to do. He stood up straight and saluted Aayla Secura and Bly who both smiled at him joining them and hopefully the beginning of a bigger and better resistance for Ryloth.
Sundari, Mandalore…
"Today is a grand day for the Mandalorian people, we come together to witness the joining of this man and this woman in the sacred act of marriage. Coming together to forge a new future and create a family of their own." The Official said as he performed the ceremony.
Haron and Ara sat with Deera and Zara watching from the seats back from the altar where Korkie Kryze stood with his soon to be bride Lagos. Amis and Soniee stood next to them as best man and maid of honour or at least their Mandalorian equivalents and Bo-Katan stood alongside her nephew, smiling proudly as he married and forged his own family.
All the dukes and duchesses of Mandalore were here today, one of their own was getting married after all and they were expected to attend to pay their respects. Not getting married in their armour might upset some but Haron didn't mind, they didn't have to all be warriors. They could be anyone that they wanted as long as they remembered they were Mandalorian and all that came with it.
That they stood together, they put all that they were into whatever they did and held true to their own honour.
Simplistic? Perhaps but as long as they stood together as a people, they could be whatever they wanted. A merchant, an artist, an engineer, a poet? The options were endless as long as they committed to it.
They continued to watch the ceremony play out and everyone applauded as it concluded with Korkie kissing Lagos, sealing them as married and her as the new Duchess Kryze.
They had all given the couple gifts of course, ranging from weapons and armour pieces, credits to rare materials. House Ordo had given them some custom-made jewellery for them both. Made from gold, silver and platinum with intricate patterns worked into the metal, they were each one of a kind and they even had a signet ring made for Korkie in gold with the symbol of House Kryze engraved in it that he could pass down to his eventual successor.
From the ceremony they all attended the reception afterwards, listened to the speeches and ate the food. It was a big show really but the fact that it brought them all together for an event that wasn't war related was nice Haron thought, seeing that Korkie and Lagos were indeed in love with each other thanks to the besotted looks in their eyes when they looked at each other. He knew love was something to be cherished, while he and Ara would never have such looks in their eyes, he thought with a slightly morose feeling due to how they had been forced together even if they had managed to make it work…they loved each other deeply he thought. It might have taken time but they had worked at their marriage and made it into something they could be proud of.
For today at least he thought with a smile, let it be about joy feeling that they were going to be faced with many harsh days ahead.
- x -
The Next Day…
While Korkie and Lagos were enjoying their week of newly wedded bliss, the next day the House Leaders all sat in the throne room along a table set up for the meeting. Bo-Katan was representing House Kryze since they all were willing to give Korkie some privacy for his wedding night and first few days of married life.
"So" Haron said as he called the meeting to order. "We have all I take it been monitoring events in the wider galaxy. Specifically, what happened to the Kalderans and with the Sy Myrthian Insurrection?" Haron asked which they all nodded with uneasy looks on their faces.
The former Separatist leader Toonbuck Toora had led her people, a fairly strong Separatist holdout in resisting an Imperial Invasion after they had refused to submit to the Empire and they had even reactivated the deactivated CIS military units to fight on their side. It had been a bloody campaign and the Empire had eventually whittled down Toora's support with a harsh war of attrition directed at her people and broken them.
Haron was aware of several other Separatist holdouts that had refused to side with the Empire and somewhere now fearing the same kind of treatment.
"With the Sy Mythians it was to be expected if not that brutal." Ijaa said with a worried voice as he like them recognised the danger. "But the Kalderans?" He asked with surprise.
"Yeah, why pick on them? And as brutally as that?" Harlan asked with confusion.
"Maybe they were stocking up on weapons?" The young Duchess Morli Kast suggested but Duke Alain Ma'Gard scoffed.
"They're bloody pacifists! Have been for centuries, no way they would build up weapons and not as fast that." He told her with dismissal of her suggestion which made the young woman wilt a little. Made worse when Eliza Kane correctly guessed the right motive.
"They were targeted solely because they are pacifists. People who can't defend themselves as an example of what the Empire can and will do those it considers its enemies." She said with a bitter anger in her voice.
"And what Tarkin will do, since he masterminded the whole invasion." Ceta Farr said from the side.
"I know Tarkin, worked with him and I can tell you from first-hand experience the man is a complete psychopath." Haron told them after knowing him for years in the Republic. "He cares nothing for the rights of any living thing, no guilt about anything he does, engorged sense of self-worth, manipulative and with no long-term concerns. He has no real strategic skill, he's a political animal more than a military one and only wins with a massive numerical advantage."
"Something the Empire holds over us." Yal Takan said with worry.
"And if they are intent on conquering the entire galaxy, they will eventually turn their attention to us." Deera said with a frown, sitting here still to represent their little sister Lelia who was too young to take House Qarl's seat.
That made all of them nervous, they weren't afraid of a fight but a fight against such a vicious and massive thing as the Empire made all of them worry.
"Preparations are at least complete with our fleet and army." Duke Sarek Ralmiz said as he looked at the current disposition of their fighting forces. They had numerous capital ships and smaller vessels, large numbers of combat droids and vehicles stockpiled and weapons ready.
"Not to mention thanks to my wife's foresight and my sister's fast work, we have gained roughly two hundred and fifty Separatist starships of various types when they were shut down at the end of the Clone Wars, not to mention a large army of battle droids to supplement our fighting forces and work force." Haron said with pride as he thought about both Ara and Deera, his sister he noticed looking rather proud of herself. That made a lot of them smile.
"Speaking of which." Duke Sel'ban said with a smirk as he himself had something to say. "Our economy is strong and the upgrades to the infrastructure of our worlds is vastly improved."
"And the new shipyard's framework is finally complete." Bo-Katan reported with pride. "It still lacks many of its construction facilities and modules but within two years at present speed it should be finally ready to begin production." She told them.
They all nodded, this new shipyard would even be improved with Iokath technology that would allow them to produce ships at a faster rate than normal and of good quality too. It was a major step forward.
"We have a good intelligence network; Fenn Rau is now opening his flight school to train the next generation of Mandalorian pilots and the new Special Operations Unit is being established. These warriors will undergo far more rigorous training than our regular ones, the elite." Haron said with a smirk. "Armed with better equipment and training they will bring many of our enemies to their knees." Haron said with pride.
He had chosen some of the hardest taskmasters from among their warriors for this task. Vhonte Tervho, B'arin Apma and Llats Ward might be former Cuy'val Dar but they had sworn themselves to themselves to the Mandalorians once again and all had been ruthlessly scrutinised by Luna who had assured him that they would stay loyal. As would Hudu Shiv, a highly skilled Death Watch sniper and stealth operative. Karen Dochek, Hondo Karr and his wife Tes Vevec meanwhile were three of their finest warriors and they too had been thoroughly checked out before being brought in to help train these new elite warriors.
"Duke Ge'hark has kindly provided a training base for their education." Haron said gesturing the duke in question who was smirking widely as he had himself come up with some of the ideas for their training. "But even with all of this, we cannot win this war alone." Haron said regretful. That did anger a lot of them he noticed but he was not alone in this statement.
"I must agree." Mors Lok said with anger which shocked some of them. "If we try to fight them alone, they will just use their enormous numbers and massive industrial capacity to overwhelm us as they have done in the past."
"So, what do you propose we do?" Amili Ti'harn asked him. Duke N'Val however like him had already realised the answer.
"We need to find allies, others in the galaxy that oppose the Empire and that can help us defend ourselves while we help them in turn." N'Val suggested and Haron nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, I had much the same thought. But one thing we must do if we want to see the downfall of this Empire within our lifetimes is to fan the flames of rebellion across the galaxy. Encourage and support it where we can, give the Empire so many headaches that they don't know where to turn. And certainly, so they cannot turn their full attention to us. We have to be fast and precise in the moves we make. I have seen their plans for the future and if we can weave around their large and bloated military, we will defeat them." Haron said with a confident look in his eyes.
"So, who first?" Ijaa asked with concern about just who they might have to get into bed with. Haron reassured them.
"We will only choose those that can be trusted. Those that honestly bring things to the table, we will not be chained down by those that are not worth the trouble." Haron said, wondering just who he might approach first but thankfully, he had some contacts in the senate that might be interested in making their own alliances with his people.
The Great Jedi Library, Ossus…
Yoda and other Jedi Masters gathered around the newly repaired Holocron terminal, eagerly waiting for the moment when they would activate it for the first time. The Noetikons hung suspended at the terminal, the gentle hum starting as it powered up. Bright blue lights lit up as power ran through it, hologram projectors came to life and nine holographic Jedi Masters came to life.
"Strange, it feels like much time has passed since we were last spoken too." One of the holograms said.
"Indeed, the force feels out of balance somehow. And yet unless I am much mistaken, we are here, on Ossus. Clearly the Jedi have returned to our home." Master Arca Jeth said with a calm voice.
"Indeed." Master Yoda said as he came forward to address them. "A dark time has come for the Jedi Order. In great danger the Order is and gone into hiding we have."
"It feels…not as bleak as the Dark Wars felt but not much better either." Master Bastila Shan said with a grimace on her holographic face.
"Many Jedi have fallen, and prepare we must for the future. Guide and aid the Order, you can we hope." Yoda said with a smile. These were some of the most powerful, wisest, knowledgeable and skilled Jedi the Order had ever produced. The amount of experience they had was far more than many of them could ever dream of.
"Then we must help. The Dark Side only triumphs if those in the light stop trying." Master Nomi Da-Boda said with a smile, she having lived through Exar Kun's brief but destructive war with the Jedi knew the importance of this.
"Indeed. Where shall we begin?" Master Vandar Tokare said with a small smile, Yoda copied that smile, it looked strange given they were the same species but thankfully it had worked and all the knowledge of the Noetikons was with them again. All the knowledge of the Jedi Archives of Coruscant and Ossus and all the books, scrolls, data cards and holocrons too.
They had a great deal to study Yoda thought with a smile, but when the Jedi Order was finally ready it would emerge evolved and ready to bring balance back to the Force and peace and justice to the galaxy, it would be a far more wise and capable entity than it had been before.
There we are, hope you all enjoyed the new chapter, please review and let me know what you thought.
I did briefly hint at the sort of allies Haron might seek out and how that brings them into conflict with the Empire in a previous chapter. But it will be an important one that they start with and followed not long after by another.
The Kalderans and the Than are races from Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda series that I thought would suit the story and to give us some less human centric factions in the wars to come. Both were chosen for specific reasons.
981 ARR - 19 BBY
More Review Responses from the last chapter…
MalSer - Thank you! I appreciate your support.
BlackWatcher1234 - Indeed, the Mandalorians having force users is something I think that would scare the Jedi a lot, next to the Sith they are their biggest enemy. At present they have fully trained ten members which includes Haron and his inner circle but the number will expand with time. Trilla and Cal? Sorry, I did think about it but in the end, I think they will be too much like brother and sister. In regards to how many Jedi survived Order 66? I am being a little vague in terms of numbers I will admit but this time, anywhere from a third to half the Order survived and many went into hiding at the hidden temples while others are out in the galaxy but if you want a rough number? I would say anywhere from three to four thousand Jedi survived although many have now withdrawn from the galaxy and outside that? About two to three hundred out in the galaxy. As for 'The Gathering' yes, they did happen but I didn't really have a reason to cover them. The Younglings from that episode? If they were in the Jedi Temple when Operation Knightfall happened then they were evacuated to either Auratera or Ossus.
Eliazar - For the moment, only Aayla, Cere, Ahsoka and Lali know but Anakin will learn when he and Haron next meet. That they were preparing wouldn't be such a surprise to them I think but using the force? Yeah, that would be a shock.
dan . lew . upg - Thanks!
Biowind - Happy to hear you are finding it exciting. Not directly, but Haron or his actions will have many ripples although you will see more characters having an impact on the galaxy.
Cam . Katarn - Perhaps I did overdo it there, but that being said this is a cybernetically and Sith Alchemy enhanced Vader, a clone of Anakin with no thought of self-preservation. He is in some ways more powerful than Anakin was as Vader and weaker in how he is less intelligent. A Sith Juggernaut might be the best term I can use.
MightyEagle - I have had a few people ask for that and I have thought of a method for doing it, but should I? I will put up a poll to get an idea as to what you guys think.
Forsitis13 - I know, I'll get on it next chapter.
chao-hellsing - I know! A Vader that the Emperor can replace if anyone ever manages to kill him.
Joe02 - Thank you! More of the Magical world maybe, but to be honest not sure if that is the best thing to do. Bringing more of the Magical world into it would be cool, just not sure if it is the best thing to do. Maybe in the ruins of Gringotts things could be found. I do preserve the canon to some extent because it helps keep track of where we are with things. Luke and Leia? They will be different when they finally start growing up.
Infinite Khaos - Thank you!
raw666 - Glad to hear you like it!
ColdOnePaul - I really appreciate you saying that! It means a lot that you are enjoying the story. Lothal Temple? Sorry not that one but it is still there its just that it wouldn't really work as a hiding place for the Jedi. Would any of the mysticism come into the story? Not sure but possibly.
CrowsFlow - Cheers!
ShadowPhyr - Killing Clone Vader isn't as easy as it sounds. Nor will he appear in every chapter, mentioned maybe but not seen. If he shows up it is because of an important event happening. Thank you! That will happen in the next chapter when the Mandalorians engage the Empire for the first time.
megacarroll - I know, the Jedi Order is now broken and divided. Many are cut off from each other and with no real way to communicate with each other. There is however a reason for this which comes into play late in the story. As for Tinn and Rancisis? They will appear again later and yes in terms of one of them definitely trouble is ahead.
Envy220 - Time jumps will happen but not so big. As for Haron's children joining the Ghost? Not happening. But there will be some crossover.
TB-GB - I know, maybe I should have had them meet Luna but it just didn't occur to me at the time. You make a lot of good points but Ara would certainly not let them stay for long, not with the problems having them there could cause. She is a protective mama bear.
Mighty Ares - Really happy that you liked it! There will definitely be more factions, some of which have been hinted at already. Some will be big problems in the future and sources of conflict. Ahsoka did leave as she has her own path to walk. Anakin hates sand so no Tatooine. Thank you for your review!
WhiteElfElder - I agree, there will be some elements of the Jedi have been assimilated into the Mandalorian force users but they are going in different directions.
Sanders7201 - Not really, there is a lot planned for the next few chapters and no Ahsoka and Anakin will not be staying with the Mandalorians. The only Jedi who know are a bit removed right now and it will spread slowly.
George Cristian810 - Okay, see you are a Windu fan. Sorry but I felt that his death would have an impact on Anakin in a way that will affect what he does in the future. The promise he made to him before he died will be kept.
Mystery56 - The Vong? Probably not since they are so far in the future like you say.
Bigreddog68 - Thanks! I appreciate you saying that!
Raisinman - Whether force sensitives can be cloned or not is a bit of a tricky subject. Sometimes they can sometimes they can't, the canon has never really sorted out the issue. And there are other cloners in the galaxy though and in the old legends Palpatine did take possession of some Spaarti cloning chambers which can clone force sensitives. As to why he wouldn't make a force sensitive army? Well if you think about it, how big of a threat could that grow to be if it turns against him.
Djberneman - I know what you mean, it felt like someone given how dark things would have been for them at the time that someone would have come to give them hope. Anakin will not be joining the Mandalorians although they may be allies in the fight to come. As to how powerful he is, well that will be tested in the next chapter.
Zak saturday 1 - Rebels will make an appearance eventually.
M1stymix - That is something that isn't really covered, can non-force sensitives see force ghosts? It's never been stated either way and if the ghosts want it, maybe they can see them.
Extra-Element19 - And the fight for the galaxy will not be a short one.
Isebas - He is conditioned and had a rapid and intense learning program forced into his brain while he was developing.
TakemyKryptonite - Your comments are truly appreciated. I am so grateful that you said that.
nato12 - The Organas? I have to be honest I never understood why they didn't have children of their own. If there is a reason it has never been said. If not then I assume they will adopt another girl or have child of their own. Probably a child of their own in this reality with scientific aid like you mentioned.
Kenka - If he can't have Anakin, this is exactly the sort of thing Palpatine would do. There will be trouble in the future though. Will Anakin's presence influence the clone? The point you raised will be addressed in the future.
Batcard - They will be slow at first but as the war goes on, they will grow. The Sith and the Jedi? Well, how do you think they'd feel about this?
Jebest4781 - That is indeed planned for the future.
1stSlug - Probably not, the Vong are too far in the future.
hanterofnight123 - Thank you!
Devilking1994 - Perhaps, isolation between groups of Jedi will lead to some unique traditions and traits between groups, depends on what they experience and how they live I suppose. On Ossus for example Yoda makes a point that might show where they are going on that world. Yes, the Mandalorians found the Katana Fleet and have now refitted them for their use, you will get to see some of them in action soon as the Mandalorians fight the Empire for the first time. I know and it will be looked at in a future chapter.
Hadrian . Caeser - I know, but this also means many are removed from the action so it has its downsides too.
Leaf Ninja 91 - I really do appreciate you saying that.
savitarsurffer - Cheers! The Skywalkers will not really be able to stay anywhere for too long in case Palpatine finds them. Underground? Yes. Hide? Anakin might find that a little difficult as you see in this chapter but he has an idea at the end. Their arrogance I think came from being unchallenged for roughly a thousand years, they were top of the league and no one could threaten them not to mention they thought they had wiped out the Sith. They unfortunately started believing their own press. Indeed, those two will be seen in the future although they take somewhat different routes. The Mandalorians are one of the few potential threats to the Empire as they will prove in the next chapter.
- x -
Next Chapter - Haron and the Mandalorians gain their first two allies in resisting the Empire as they fight them for the first time, an important new ship is completed, Anakin gains a new member of his team and the fires of Rebellion begin to spread across the galaxy.