Here is the next instalment in this story. I have to figure out the next step so it might be a bit before I post the next chapter to this story. Or I might get luck and figure it out sooner.
With the Emperor dead and the battle over at least for the moment, both fleets had pulled back far enough to keep an eye on the other but not strike at each other. Admiral Ackbar had ordered all remaining fighters to return to their ship. Admiral Priett ordered the same.
Admiral Priett was waiting to see if Lord Vader survived before leaving the system. His loyalty was to Vader and would stay as long as he could before leaving.
L/M
On the forest moon of Endor Luke, Countess Ursa and Ashoke were meeting. The Ghost had landed, and the wounded were taken aboard so they could be treated. Hera went and joined Ashoka and the others. Mara and Leia were watching over Anakin. While Hal and some commandos wathed over the remaining Storm Troopers. Luke did have one of his medics start treating any wounded Storm Troopers.
"I just got word that Master Yoda and Master Kanobie are on their way down here to the moon's surface. Once they arrive they will take Anikin into custidy. Anakin will also need a way to communicate with the Imperial fleet. They have fallen back and are waiting. My guess is that Admiral Priett is hoping to hear from Vader."
Ashoka spoke up. "My guess is that Priett will wait to see if Anakin survived but he won't wait too long. His fleet is more than likely too damaged to win a fight with the two alliance fleets"
Ursa asked, "Could he be calling in reinforcements?"
"It is always possible but unlikely. With the Emperor dead, many individuals may start trying to grab power for themselves. People like Sage Paige and Ysanne Isard will try to take control of Coruscant." stated Luke
Ashoka added "My bet would be Isard winning between her and Sage Paige. Once she has it secure, she will try to enforce her right to rule the Empire. While I think some high ranking Imperial officers will break off to form their own little empires she will have control enough of the Empire to be a problem."
"You are more than likely right about Isard. I have not met the woman in person, but I am well aware of her reputation. She is no fool and quite intelligent. She also from what I know of her may be a little insane." Ursa commented.
"It will be a problem for tomorrow. Today we have to come to some kind of agreement between our fleets and the fleet commanded by Admiral Priett. For that we need my father's help." Ursa was suprised when she learned Vader's true name.
"Hera, if your OK with it, I would like to let Anakin use the Ghost's communication, so he can contact Admiral Priett. Luke and I will be with him the whole time." Ashoka asked her friend.
"I have no problem with that. I think I will need to have to talk with Sabin first. Don't want her to do anything that leads to a fight. Anakin as Vader did almost kill Ezra."
Ursa let out a small laugh at that. "Yes my daughter may not want to admit her feelings but they are there."
Luke was confussed so Ashoka and Ursa explained the relationship between Sabin and Ezra. Once they were finished, Luke and Ashoka left to talk with Anakin while Hera pulled Sabin aside. The young Mandalorian woman glared over at Anakin but did as Hera asked.
L/M
A communications officer called out "Admiral we are receiving a communication from the moon, it is Lord Vader."
"Put him through." Priett then addressed Vader. "My Lord."
"Admiral, I want you to stand the fleet down. I have surrendered to the Jedi and will be going with them to speak to the rebel leadership. The Emeror is dead. It's time for a new start for us all.
I am hoping to work out a deal that will allow you and your men to remain free. It is my hope that the alliance will except this and that those who wish may join the alliance."
"My loyalties along with the ship's crew is to you, my lord. If you want us to join the alliance, then I will inform the fleet of your decision. I do not believe that all the ship captains will except this and will leave. What do you want me to do."
"I hoped you would stay. Those who wish to leave may do so. I will contact you once I am with the Alliance. I would like you to join me for the meeting."
"Of course, my lord. I wait your communication."
L/M
Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar were meeting aboard Home One. "Master Luke Skywalker has gotten Vader to surrender and has had him contact Admiral Priett. We detected several ships leave the system after this.
Master Skywalker says those ship are more then likely leaving to return to the Empire. The SSD and several other destroyers have stayed." Ackbar reported.
"What does Master Skywalker suggest?" asked Mon Mothma.
"He suggests we meet with Vader and Priett and work out a deal. Master Skywalker believe that the ships that remain should be allowed to join us. He also suggest we leave those in command of their ships to remain in command. Maybe with some alliance officers joining as ship XOs."
Mon Mothma sat there for a few minutes thinking. "We should be able to get the council to agree to that. What of Vader or are we addressing him by Anakin?" asked Mon Mothma.
"We wait to see what Master Yoda has to say first. There are those who are going to want his head. I believe we should leave his fate up to the Jedi. It was them he betrayed first." Ackbar commented.
L/M
It was a couple hours after the cease fire was agreed on. Luke and Mara were in a conference room with Cilghal.
"I have spoken with several of the doctors. We believe getting Anakin out of the suit will be no problem.
We will place him on oxygen and sedate him. Once he is under, we will start to remove the suit. We know he will need several prosthetics and will look into replacing what arms and legs need them after he is treated for any immediate health issues.
I believe that once any surgery is complete, that needs to be done, then I will place him in a healing trance. We will then put him in a Bacca tank. I do not know how long all this will take, but once he is out of Bacca, we will fit him with the prostetics."
Luke nodded "Thank you Cilghal. We have a meeting with alliance high command then we will move to start his treatment." turning to Mara "We will need to meet with Yoda and Ben to discuss what will become of Anakin. I don't think killing him would be the best option. Though I am sure there are those who will want it."
"Vader was never as bad as the emperor. He was effective in whatever he did but was never cruel to be cruel.
From what little we have learned since he surrendered, I believe that the Emperor had a bigger influence then even Anakin knew the Emperor had on him. Anakin even said most of the hate just vanished with the Emperor." Mara explained.
"OK, for now we just wait and see. Cilghal, start setting things up. After the meeting is finished, we will have Anakin sent to you to start his treatment."
The Mal Calmari jedi healer bowed and left. Leaving Mara and Luke alone for the first time in days. "I spoke with your aunt. I let them all know what has happen. Beru said that the girls were having fun but missed us."
"We have something to deal with before we go see them. The drone from Bakura should arrive soon. When it does, we will need to deal with the Ssi-ruuk.
I am hoping that Admiral Priett will be willing to help with this. If the SSD Executor is able, I would like to use it as the flag ship of a small fleet of alliance and imperial ships.
I believe this will make things go a lot smoother this time around. Maybe we won't get betrayed by the planet's governor. If he tries, then we let Priett remove him."
"What of the young man Dev that has been brainwashed by the Ssi-ruuk. Will you try to save him?
Luke, I know you want too but remember to do that you would need to be captured. We are not strong enough for the jedi to storm the Ssi-ruuk flag ship. We migt be better to go in with the Executor and the fleet and attack them. Hit them hard and fast. If we can destroy the Ssi-ruuk flag ship fast enough we will end up saving more then just a single life. Once that is done Admiral Priett can work to bring Bakura into the alliance." Mara explained to her husband. She knew Luke would try to save everyone. As much as she wanted to save the young man, to do so could cost a lot of lives.
"I know. I just hate it. He has had a cruel life and deserves better."
L/M
Mon Mothma sat in sat in the center seat of one side of the table with Master Yoda on her right with Master Luke Skywalker next to Yoda. On her left was Bail Organa with Admiral Ackbar next to Organa. Across from Mon Mothma was Anakin with just Admiral Priett with him.
This was the last meeting between them. They had met a few hours before and Anakin had spoken of what he hoped for his men. Yoda had confirmed that there was no more darkness in Anakin and that Vader was dead. Luke had also had a say but left the talking to Yoda and Ben, sence they knew his father best.
After that meeting Mon Mothma met with Luke, Yoda and Ben privately to see what they thought. She asked if having Anakin kept alive would have a big effect on Luke's plans. Luke said he only saw it being more positive then negitive.
After that Mon Mothma and Ackbar met with the High Council. Yoda and Ben were asked to be there. Both supported Mon Mothma when she suggested that Anakin be turned over to the jedi and Anakin receive a life sentence in fixing what he helped destroy. Luke and Mara were then brought in and asked their opinions.
Luke told them that he could only see that it could help them. Mara spoke of what she knew of Vader before she was able to free herself. It was not easy, but they finally got the councils backing.
L/M
Anakin had his helmet removed and was fitted with a clear breathing mask for the meeting. This was done so that everyone would be more relaxed and see the man he used to be.
"Jedi Skywalker, the Aliance High Council has met and debated what should happen to you and your men that surrendered. I will be honest. There are many that wanted you killed right away, and Admiral Priett imprisoned. Between Master Yoda, Kanobi and both Masters Skywalkers, that will not happen.
Admiral you and your remaining ships will be welcome into the fleet. We will not remove the ships captains but will have some alliance officers added to the ships command. This is to help intergrate your ships to their new fleets." Priett relaxed at this. "Also Admiral a couple hours ago we intercepted a prob from Bakura. They were requesting aid. They are currently being attacked by the Ssi-ruuk.
If the Executor is able, I would like you to take it and a fleet to Bakura to aid them. Master Luke Skywalker will be the mission commander. Anakin you will be going along so that you can begin the treatment that Jedi Cilghal and the doctors have set up for you.
Once that mission is complete then I beleave Master Skywalker has another task he would like the two of you to help him with. We are putting a lot of trust in you Admiral. Master Yoda has spoken up for the both of you and believes that with you on our side things will go a lot smoother in the long run."
Anakin spoke "Thank you Mon Mothma. I know I have a long way to go before any of you trust me. I can only try to help you and the galaxy as a whole, but I will never full be able to make up for some of the things I have done."
"I have no issues with the conditions you have placed on myself and the rest of the fleet. If Master Skywalker wants my ship for these missions, then I will be happy to help. I have worked under one Skywalker for many years. I don't foresee any issues working under another. What ships will be going. I'm assuming that it will not be just former imperial ships."
Ackbar spoke "No it will be a mixture of a few of your destroyers and a few of our ships. We will also be sending Rogue squadron and a couple other squadrons with you."
"Admiral, I would like General Syndulla and her crew to join us. I'm taking to Escape with Mara, Coran and Cighal with me. The rest of the jedi will be staying with the Alliance.
After we are finished at Bakura, we will be heading to the Niraun system. I am hoping to find Ezra Briger and bring him home. I believe that this will be the best place to start." explained Luke.
"I have no objectives. Commander Bridger sacrificed himself to free his world and if you believe you can bring him home then it needs to be done. I am curious to why Niraun system?" Ackbar asked.
"A vision. It will be the first step in finding him and possible Grand Admiral Thrawn." Luke explained.
"Master Skywalker, while I would like to see Commander Bridger returned. I am not sure what you hope to achieve with Thrawn. He could unite the Empire and rally them to fight us." Mon Mothma stated.
"Not if Mara and I explain a few things to him."
"So are you planning on sharing what you have shared with some of us." Organa asked.
"With him and my father and Admiral Priett. I feel it is the best course of action if we want the peace we all have been fighting for to come to be." explained Luke.
Anakin and Admiral Priett were confused but hope to have answers soon. What could Luke know that could bring the Grand Admiral over to the Alliance.
The meeting went on for a couple more hours. Ackbar explained which of the Imperial ships would stay with him and where the others would be placed. He explained they did not know what alliance officers that would be transferred yet but said they would be human till the imperial crews got use to worked with other species.
He went on to explained that beside the Executor the fleet Luke will be taking will have two Mal Cal cruisers a few alliance corvettes and several imperial star destroyers. The task force will have 20 ships total. They were to go in and drive the Ssi-ruuk out of the system or destroy the invading fleet if they did not leave. Once that was taken care of, then they were to offer Bakura a chance to join the alliance.
Admiral Priett said that what he knew of Governor Nereus, that he will need to be removed before Bakura might consider joining. Anakin back this up by saying the Governor would be more likely to stab the Aliance in the back once the Ssi-ruuk were dealt with.
Mon Mothma said she would leave it up to Master Skywalker and the Admiral to handle things. She trusted them both to do what was right for Bakura and the Alliance.
Once the meeting was done everyone, but Anakin and Admiral Priett left. The both of them stayed with Luke and Mara. When the doors closed then Luke started his and Mara's story. To say that both Admiral Priett and Anakin were surprised was an understatement.
"This explains much. Over the last few years things just started going to well for the Alliance. Palpatine could not understand what was going on. It also explains Mara why you are so furmiliar. I am glad that you are able to have a better life. I can also help you learn about your family." Mara was surprised at this. She never learned about who her family was in the old timeline.
Priett then spoke up "As far fetch as it seems I have to believe what you are saying. I don't understand the force, even after serving with Anakin all these years, but it does explain some things. I will do what I can to help you. My ship is your ship. You have saved mine and my crews lives. If things had gone like last time I along with my crew would be dead right now."
"Thank you, Admiral. Hopefully you get to have a long life. The plan is once we are done at Bakura, we will be going to Lothal. Mara and I would like to get our daughters and bring them with us. The mission to find Thrawn and Ezra should not be a dangerous one.
I also need to ask if you can have a shuttle return my family to their homes. My family on my father's side will most likely like to return to Tatooine and my family on my mother's side to Naboo if it is safe enough for them." Luke informed the Admiral.
"I can arrange that. I believe we can insure the Naberrie family's safety. Moff Panaka once served your mother. I believe we can get him to see reason. The current Queen was placed on the throne by Palpatine but more than likely will be replaced once elections can take place." Anakin explained.
"Ok, let's all discuss what needs to be done with the mission to Bakura. Once that we have finished with Bakura then we can talk about the next trip." Luke told the group.
With that they got a good plan in place. Then Luke asked Ashoka if she and Hera would join them. An hour later they all were in rout to Bakara.
I'm as of right now not planning the Bakura part to be all that long. Just one or two chapters. Not sure yet. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and are still enjoying the story.