Chapter 2: The Storm
January 19, 2228.
Yoda's conditions had done nothing but deteriorate since that day. Mira had visited him once she had returned home, but for what little she knew about his biology, it was clear that Yoda was just at the end of his journey.
The past few days, his small hut had been the pilgrimage site of all the younglings, Padawans and Knights he had taught in the last few years he had spent at the Academy. Cal and his crew had rushed back to give him one last salute alongside Kota, but Yoda took everything with incredible lightheartedness, even if he was ever more sleepy and coughing more often, he barely ate anything but at least he wasn't denying it.
"I'm getting old." he said once again as Luke, Ezra and Jaral were assisting him in his little hut, which was just a little more comfortable version of the one he had put together on Dagobah. He liked it that way. "Yes. Old and weak."
"Then perhaps you should lay down." Jaral suggested gently.
Yoda chuckled. "Do I look that old, in young eyes?"
"It's not that, Master." Ezra replied, though he kept the overall quipping tone of the old green man.
"But there is." Yoda joked. "When 900 years you reach, look as good you will not, hm?"
"I doubt any of us can reach that far." Luke joked back while he looked at Yoda reaching his small bed. "Soon will I rest. Yes."
They then heard a knock on the door. They all turned and saw Din, holding Grogu in his arm.
"Excuse me." the mandalorian said.
"Come in. Come in." Yoda invited between a cough and another.
Grogu was cooing in a saddened way and looking at the only other member of his species as his life was slipping away.
"He wanted to say goodbye, too."
Yoda chuckled again and sat on the edge of his bed. Din crawled inside the hut, which was still very small for regular-sized humans, and let Grogu down. The little green alien thus walked with his tiny legs toward Yoda and looked at him once he had arrived beneath him.
Yoda sighed. "Little Grogu. So much to learn, you have. But in a hundred years, great things you will do." the dying Master said to the little one.
The Jedi were not sure if Yoda was serious or was actually messing with them, and they didn't want to ask, because none of them would be in condition to train Grogu in a hundred years. Still, they smiled as Grogu touched one of Yoda's foot claws and closed his eyes. The adults wondered if he was communicating with the Force, and probably he was since Yoda also focused on the Force for a few moments before Grogu detached himself and went back to his adoptive father.
"Then, before you take another sleep, Master. Allow us to thank you, for everything." Ezra finally said.
"Thank me? Why thank me?" Yoda replied with his joking tone, before making the following statement much more serious. "I, it is who must thank you. For another chance, you gave me."
To that, the Jedi had no reply. That was honestly the sincerest thing that Yoda could ever say to them. It was clear that Yoda saw his place at the Academy as his final chance to redeem at least partially his failures in the final days of the Republic. By training Luke and the next generation of Padawans, he had remembered what hope felt like, and he knew that all of that work would contribute to the final destruction of the Sith, the first step toward building a more peaceful galaxy.
A smile was clearly on Yoda's face as he slowly closed his eyes, always looking at the friends and pupils that had welcomed him into the new Jedi Order and had given him a purpose in the final years of his life.
"All of this...I had forgotten...much joy...this brings."
Then his eyes closed, along with the last drawn breath.
The Jedi now couldn't hold back some tears, which were quickly substituted by amazement as the body of Yoda suddenly vanished, leaving only his old clothing to deflate on the bed.
After a moment to let reality sunk in, the three finally acknowledged that Yoda had departed for his final journey through the Force.
Silently, Luke took the old mantle with both hands, holding it delicately and then crawled out of the hut, followed by the rest of the group.
Outside, pretty much every student of the Academy and the other Knights were waiting in silence. When Luke came out with the empty mantle, many of the kids started crying in a more or less restrained manner, but without hiding their pain. Yoda was by far the favorite teacher, always having a kind word to encourage everyone struggling, overall acting like a cheery grandparent. He was going to be sorely missed by all of them.
Kota, Cere and Cal lowered their heads in a pious expression of contrition, Petro, Katooni and their group also couldn't hold back some tears.
Luke walked forward and the crowd opened to let him pass as he headed to the final resting place that those ragged clothes would have to stay as a simple placeholder.
On top of the western hill of the Academy, after the tragic loss of the year before, the Order had established a little memorial. So far, there were only two names: Kanan Jarrus and Sellion.
Luke knelt and laid down the robe, inside the little moat that covered the monument.
Meanwhile, Ezra took his omni-tool, activated the blowtorch and went to spell the name of Yoda on the large plate that adorned the wall. He then stepped back to take a look.
While honoring the fallen was important, Ezra for a moment was impressed by the fact that that monument had a lot of blank space to fill…
Sensing his pessimistic thoughts, Jaral put a hand on her brother's shoulder and went next to him. Luke also reached his other side and gave him an encouraging nod. Now it wasn't the time to think about death. Yoda had spent his last few years passing down his knowledge and wisdom in order to prepare the three of them for the daunting task in front of them, and they were not going to back down.
One way or the other, soon enough they were going to settle the score with the Sith.
January 23, 2228.
Francesco had been aboard the Sentinel only once before the start of this campaign, and he still wasn't used to how huge the bridge alone was. The conference room alone had nothing to envy to the one in the halls of power back on Earth.
As the ship waited with the large invasion fleet of the Coalition around Lianna, inside that room there were all the Admirals and Generals of the allied forces that were taking part in the offensive. While the vanguards were beginning probing attacks all along the front, the higher-ups were right there, listening to the report of two Spectres that was going to decide the conduct of the whole operation.
"That's the essence of it, Your Majesty." Jordan was finishing. "The Death Star is far from being completed, but I wouldn't be surprised if they manage to make the main weaponry operational in a few months."
The assembly looked at each other with preoccupation.
"Are we sure that we want to wait?" General Kirdenny of the Iego Independent Territory asked. "After all, even if we attack, from Sullust to Endor is a 30-hour-long hyperspace travel. It would be a do-or-die situation."
"But our intel that the Emperor will transfer there seems to become more accurate every passing day." Admiral Vo'lor of the Mirialan Republics replied. "If we destroy the Death Star right now, it would be a victory, but our greatest enemy will still be around."
"But do we even have the firepower to take down this station, too? If they complete it, I assume they have corrected the previous flaw in its structure." someone else asked dubious.
"The Jedi have repeatedly pledged their full participation, when the attack on Endor will take place." Ackbar reassured. "Whatever trap the Emperor is preparing, I'm confident we can foil it with their help. Our main concern should be the destruction of their veteran fleets and armies in the Mid Rim."
Those words rang a bell in Francesco's mind. Destroying the Mid Rim Force implied either removing their commander from the picture or to leave him without his loyal soldiers.
And for the endgame of the Federation, that couldn't be allowed to happen.
"Rather than seek the total destruction of the enemy, at the expense of our own troops, I have another suggestion." he intervened calmly.
The assembly turned toward him, so the Emperor lit up his omni-tool and made a map of the galaxy appear right in the center of the table. "If we are planning to hit Endor, then our main objective should be to reinforce our position in the Trailing Sectors. First of all, we need to secure Eriadu, then we should consider the idea of pushing directly toward Naboo, to deprive the Mid Rim Forces of their main administrative center. Still, I reiterate that our priority should be preparing the ground for our final assault on Endor."
"There is also the matter of liberating the occupied planets of the Commonwealth."
That opinion had come from General Romero, the leader of the new army sent by the Terminus Commune as contribution to the war effort of the UACT.
"Thank you for bringing it up." came the voice of Cham Syndulla, who was sitting next to Garm Bel Iblis in what was going to be their last political act before stepping down as Consuls of the Commonwealth. "We know that it's nearly impossible to liberate all of our planets in a short time, but with our election coming, we would like for as much of our people to take part in them."
"Not to mention they have some of our more industrialized worlds on the Corellian Run. If you want us to contribute more to the war, we need them back." Iblis added.
"There is also another question that should be considered vital." the representative of the Bothan Union said. "Even if we manage to reach Endor, we need to find out a weakness in the Death Star before attempting an assault. Like with the first one, we need to search and acquire an accurate plan of the station."
"That's an excellent point, Executive Fey'lya." Claudio replied. "And another reason why we shouldn't focus too much on the Mid Rim: we know that even the Lord-Protector had been kept in the dark about the Death Star until the Jedi told him. We won't find the plans there."
The members of the reunion looked at each other, seriously pondering on that last point made by the Prince.
"A fair view on the matter." Ackbar eventually said. "However, we should at least use this opportunity to consolidate our front. For example, retake Ringo Vinda and the worlds we have lost in the last imperial offensive."
"Nothing to object on that matter." Francesco reassured.
The debate went on for a while, but the objectives had been already decided. After another hour of polishing and detailing the contribution of each nation to the two major fronts, the meeting was adjourned and the representatives of the other UACT nations started to leave the bridge of the Sentinel.
And with them out of the way, Francesco summoned his brother and the two Spectres into his lodgings, a large room that was exclusive for the Monarch and was twice the size of even the ship's Captain's quarters.
"Great job with your recon on Endor, gents." the Emperor first congratulated the Spectres. "I knew you wouldn't let us down."
"You're too kind, Your Majesty." Jordan replied.
"Now, if I have to wonder why you called us here, I'd say you want to explain us why you said those things at the meeting." Jane said after the pleasantries were done.
The Emperor chuckled: Jane knew him too well to hide anything from her.
"Indeed. You two need to understand my reasons before I give you your next assignment." he replied calmly.
He then turned his gaze toward Shepard. "Jane, do you remember the first time you came to Andromeda? My mother's orders?"
Jane didn't take long to remember. "She tasked me to protect Grand Admiral Tanis, which I could do so long as we fought together in Wild Space, but then I...kinda missed how I could carry it out."
"I can't blame you. It's not like he actually needs protection, but if you use that order, you might start seeing why I was steering our allies toward attacking the forces of the Core."
"Well, for sure they are much weaker than the Mid Rim Forces, but that's not a sufficient reason...unless you are already thinking about the post-war."
Francesco smiled. "Excellent. I see you haven't lost your eye for politics."
Jordan, instead, was more surprised, even if he caught up quickly. "Wait a second...are you planning to leave the Empire standing? With Iulius on the throne?"
"When my mother told me about this plan, I thought it was too early to discuss about such an idea." Francesco replied calmly. "But now, with the final battle in sight, I think it's time to seriously consider what the asset of this galaxy will be after we kill Palpatine."
"But wouldn't it be in our interest that the Republic controls the galaxy?"
"Actually, not at all, Major."
It was Claudio who brought that cold shower on the Legionnaire. Jordan looked stunned.
"The main reason why our mother came up with this idea...is because she wanted to prevent a new hegemony here in Andromeda." the Prince added.
"It shouldn't be a surprise, Major." the Emperor said. "You have lived in this galaxy for decades. You have seen for yourself how the Old Republic became the Empire."
Jordan gulped silently. Those memories had gone so far down his mind, that they had become a blur. Lothal was never that much active in the political life of the Republic, and the Clone Wars never reached the planet.
Besides, he had landed on Lothal only a few weeks before the three years of conflict started. During that time, he was mostly preoccupied with hiding his identity, survive, integrate into the local society and falling in love with Mira, the young nurse who had noticed his struggling and had helped him all the way.
That doesn't mean he wasn't aware of the general politics of the galaxy, and how one day democracy was suddenly replaced by a brutal military occupation and exploitation. All because the institutions of the old Republic had become corrupt and unable to stop Palpatine's rise to dictatorship.
Who could guarantee that this New Republic wouldn't end up the same? Becoming an expansionist power with the whole resources of Andromeda and a link to the Milky Way?
He hadn't realized that his expression had become one of nervous foresight as he looked downward. Everyone in the room could tell, and Francesco nodded a few times.
"Looks like you get it." he said calmly.
With a bit of reluctance, Jordan nodded an affirmative.
"So you want to create a new balance...a Cold War for Andromeda." Jordan said, a bit skeptical about that idea.
"You can see it that way, but if the Empire changes and becomes more restrained in its foreign policy, I think it would be best to try and reach a peaceful solution to this conflict. Even if it will take years before relations between the two sides can reach a cordial understanding."
"And the best way for that, would be to put someone like Tanis on the throne." Jane concluded in understanding. "But who says that he will seek peace and not simply continue the conflict."
"If we achieve the victory I hope we will at Endor, the Empire would not have the strength to carry out another offensive for a while. Also, according to Darvos Tanis' reports on his brother, it seems quite clear to me that even the Grand Admiral understands that there is now a huge divide between the worlds of the center of the galaxy and the ones in the Outer Rim."
"Yeah, I have been under that impression, too." said Jordan. "The Outer Rim has been exploited for thousands of years. The Republic and the Commonwealth are the first two institutions that ever granted them sovereignty and development. That's why the Unionist have a limited power base: most people here don't want to be in the same borders as the Core again."
"But the rhetoric of destroying the Empire is gaining traction." Claudio warned. "That's what we fear the most: that the people will embrace that and forget that the Unionist want a unified galaxy."
"If things really go back to the old status quo, another civil war would only be a matter of time." Jane realized.
"I'm glad we're on the same page." Francesco said, quite relieved. "To ensure a lasting peace, we need to make sure Andromeda reaches a balance of power. I'm sure the Jedi would be willing to do that, too."
"I doubt they would care that much, since they declared they don't care what happens after Palpatine is killed." Claudio noted.
"Trust me, Your Highness, a balance would help them greatly into fulfilling their role as guardians of peace. I'm sure they won't object too much." Jordan reassured sincerely.
"That's what I hoped to hear." Francesco finally said. "Because from now on, you two will be critical toward establishing that balance."
"Just point us in the right direction." Jane declared.
The Emperor thus turned around and handed them a datapad each.
"MI6 found some imperial personnel of high rank that can increase the chances of making our scenario a reality. Jane, go to Corulag and find this contact." he said to Shepard, pointing a finger on the screen of the datapad.
The woman nodded a positive and then looked better into the details, allowing the Emperor to shift his attention onto Bridger.
"And Jordan, as you heard in the conference, one of our main targets for this offensive will be Eriadu."
"I heard."
"The local Governor has refused to leave the planet alongside the fleet, but he's a staunch supporter of Iulius and has many influential contacts into the Core. So, when the battle started, I want you to make sure he stays alive."
"Might be easier said than done." Jordan said doubtful.
"I'm not saying it will be easy, but I know you can pull it out. The point is: if our allies are close to get him, you have to get him first, so we can keep him safe and return him to the Lord-Protector in some prisoner exchange. If they don't get him...well, I can't ask you to do magics. Just make sure they stay away from him."
"Yes, sir." the Legionnaire finally replied.
"Excellent. Now, before we launch into the storm…" Francesco said as he reached an old table that turned out to have a hidden bar. "Would you like something to drink? You may not find them for a long time." he said with a smile.
The Spectres smiled. "You got some Scottish Whiskey?" Jordan asked.
Francesco nimbly pulled out a bottle of the most expensive one available on Earth.
"Don't mind if we do, then." Jane said.
January 27, 2228.
Finally, it had begun. The Coalition's greatest offensive of the war was in full swing and the Mid Rim Forces had already been put under critical condition.
The orbital defenses of Eriadu had been vanquished without dealing any damage to the invading fleet, but the orbital cannons on the surface were keeping the landing crafts at bay, for the moment. At least, the report from Governor Setumb indicated that.
Iulius could not verify that intel. All he knew was that his Admirals were forced to slowly retreat toward the fore-established defense worlds to try and stop the Coalition, but with supplies and fuel constantly on the brink of complete emptiness, they had no room to counter-attack. They could only hold their ground for a while before inevitably been forced to retreat to avoid the destruction of what few precious Star Destroyers they had.
The only meager consolation was that the Coalition was actually attacking mostly sectors under the authority of the central government, taking out the forces who still steadfastly supported that corrupt oligarchy, but in front of the disaster unfolding in front of his eyes, that was a meager consolation to the Lord-Protector.
That state of things could not last: either the government started giving him the resources he needed to operate optimally, or they might just as well order him to shoot himself.
Not that he would give them that satisfaction. Right after they took his wife, Iulius had sworn to himself that he owed no obedience to Coruscant, only to the Empire as a whole; to the millions of men and women that were fighting at his side for the dream of a better society, for a State that would care for and protect its subjects, not serve as the personal fiefdom of a single person and its entourage.
And to do that without causing a civil war, there was only one thing to actually do, which was the reason why Nembrek walked inside his office aboard the Admonitor.
"Lord-Protector." the reporter greeted respectfully.
"Hello, Nembrek. Please, have a seat." Iulius invited.
The young reporter obliged and went to sit on one of the chairs, if a bit stiff for the tension.
"Nembrek, you have been assigned to our fleet for a while, now. What do you think about us?" Iulius calmly asked after sitting down.
The reporter was clearly surprised by that question. Civilians in the Empire were certainly not used to having their opinions asked for, even if Iulius had granted some freedom of speech in the Mid Rim. Still, he steeled his resolve and spoke up.
"I think that what you do is amazing. Despite what little you are given, you have kept the invaders out of the Mid Rim for years. It's a shame that Coruscant doesn't realize it."
He sounded sincere, and for all the time he had observed him, Iulius knew that the man had his own integrity as a journalist. Perhaps he could trust him with the request he was about to make.
"Then, would you like to help me show this fact to the rest of the Empire?"
Nembrek was surprised, at first, but then he quickly realized what the Lord-Protector was asking and his answer came swift. "It would be my honor, Lord Tanis. What do you want me to do?"
Iulius smirked and started explaining his idea.
"For starters, I want you to tour some of the frontline worlds. Show everyone how the troops are forced to fight with little to almost no ammo or food, because of the greed of the people on Coruscant. Interview them, show how the convoys are almost empty because of that. I want the public opinion to rage against the government and demand more support for our boys."
"I really think it's the right thing to do, my lord. But aren't you afraid that Coruscant might...vehemently disagree with you?"
"I would have...until a few days ago. I received a message that made my heart much more at ease in doing this move." Iulius replied calmly.
"If that's the case, I'll be glad to help. Where do you want me to start?"
"Reach Mon Gazza. General Veers is coordinating a retreat, but they're having a hard time because of the lack of fuel. The people must know that we're being left to die. I have a shuttle ready for you."
"Thanks for the opportunity, Lord Tanis. I will not fail you." Nembrek replied with increasing enthusiasm.
Satisfied with that show of support, Iulius nodded. "I don't doubt it. But be careful: you're still walking into a warzone."
"It wouldn't be my first time. I'll be fine."
"Great. Then go out there and bring me a hit reportage."
And while Nembrek hurried to gather his gear and headed for the hangar, Iulius returned to his datapad. Because Pauly had just finished her calculations in the Roche Belt, and she had confirmed that her absurd idea was feasible. Now it was up to him to understand how they could turn that movie-like plan into reality.
February 7, 2228.
Despite the rapid conquest of the orbit, the ground invasion could not reach Eriadu, as the only region with enough room to host the land army was covered in orbital cannons that were preventing any landing. So, Jordan offered the Constantinople to be part of the strike force that was going to neutralize as many of them as possible and punch a hole in the imperial defenses.
"We spotted three cannons defending this valley. We need to take them out to allow the invasion force to have a stable foothold." Jordan explained to his Marine detachment in the hangar. "Me, Dobrowsky and Khekwani will lead a squad each. Each team will have to demolish their objective and then rendezvous at these coordinates, where the Constantinople will be finally able to unload the vehicles for some fire support. Then we will dig in and wait for reinforcements to arrive. Everything clear?"
A choral 'yes' came from the group, so they split into the three squads. Jordan and Michalina had their own inside the first shuttle, while Thabo received the second one, mostly because he had Mau'kur in his team, and the Elcor occupied a lot of space.
With the frigate orbiting around the dark side of the planet, the dropships released the moorings and launched down toward the surface. It wasn't difficult to spot the origin of the orbital cannons, since they were firing at the few cruisers in orbit drawing fire.
Fending through the atmosphere, the Kodiaks sped toward the insertion points that Jordan had pinpointed on the map. The first one was for Thabo's team, and it was close enough to their objective that they could storm right away while giving Mau'kur the space to fire with his mortar missiles.
For Jordan and Michalina, they were dropped at a point that was halfway for both.
"Good hunting, Micha." Jordan said before they jumped down.
"You too, boss." the woman replied. "All right, próżniacy, let's get going."
The two teams split up and headed toward their objectives, which were making their position clear as the day for every loud and luminous bolt they fired toward outer orbit.
Using the cover of the night, Jordan guided his team toward the cannon post, which was composed by a few trenches, pillboxes and some walls to create corridors inside, but nothing that the Marines couldn't overcome quite easily.
"All right. Aun, you and me will storm the front door and draw their attention." he said to the Tau, then turned toward a Human corporal. "Awad, once we get their attention, get in and set the charges."
"Yes, Major." the corporal replied with a nod.
"Keep an eye out for me. I'll see if I can bust that door open." he finally said to Roi'Ka.
"I got your back." the Tau replied.
Engaging his cloaking device, Jordan started running as lightly as he could toward the gate on the right side of that base. He spotted five guards, all Army Troopers with no technology that could detect him. Finding a section of the wall that was momentarily empty, Jordan activated the magnetic fields on his armor's feet and palms and easily climbed up.
Just in time for his cloaking to run out, when a Trooper turned around and spotted him from his back.
"Uh-? Alarm!" and fired a shot. Jordan dodged it and fired back with his rifle, killing him.
But the others were now on guard, so the Legionnaire rushed to the gate, seizing that small moment of confusion to overcome the guards and push the button to open the gate.
Just as a contingent of Regulars and some Stormtroopers came out to intercept him, the Marines charged through the gate, their much more coordinated and precise fire quickly cutting down the imperials. The strike team quickly made their way at the base of the cannon.
While Jordan and the Marines cleared the base, Corporal Awad went and planted the charges. The moment he was done, Jordan ordered a retreat. Once they were all safe, Awad detonated the charges and the cannon exploded in a huge ball of fire that illuminated a large radius of kilometers alongside a deafening rumble.
As the rumble ceased and only a crippling fire on the weapon remained, it became clear that the cannon was now a charred wreck.
"Nice job, everyone. Good work." Jordan complimented and the Marines also started to chuckle and exchanging signs of success.
Then another rumble came from behind them. Jordan turned and realized that Michalina's team had done their part. He then looked toward Thabo's direction and saw that there was a tall column of black smoke. Evidently, they had already finished, and the others didn't realize it in the heat of battle.
Then Jordan contacted the ship. " Spirit to Constantinople. Area secured. Tell the fleet that they can start the landing. All squads, proceed to the rendezvous."
The teams converged on the set of coordinates. Aboard the Constantinople, Raniza sent the all-clear to the fleet, then reported something that caught Jordan by surprise.
"Spirit, we have a reading on the imperial units around you. It seems like they're pulling out of the region."
"What? Where are they going?"
" Seems like they're heading for the mountains north of your position."
"The mountains?" Vetra asked confused. "What are they up to?"
But Jordan quickly understood that. "They're preparing to wage a guerrilla war."
The others looked at him in disbelief.
"The Imperials? Fighting in the shadows?" a Marine said. "What kind of timeline is this?"
"They know they're outnumbered and isolated. They intend to make our life a living hell as long as they can before we can strike deeper into the Mid Rim." the Legionnaire explained.
" Sir, should we try and chase them?" Raniza asked.
"Negative. We can't stop the majority of their forces. Let's wait for the landing forces."
Said forces arrived less than 30 minutes later, when the imperials had already evacuated the entire area and offered no resistance whatsoever. As dawn broke on that side of the planet, Jordan was pervaded by a grim feeling.
Just a few years ago, he was with the faction that had to fight while hiding. He knew how guerrilla warfare could be extremely effective and consume the larger army. History also taught him that an army subjected to constant raiding also starts to lose its nerve quite quickly, beginning a spiral of violence that can hardly be stopped.
He prayed that this wouldn't be another case.
February 10, 2227.
Namedra breathed and sighed as she prepared to start walking the stairs bringing the shining entrance of the Imperial Palace. This was the first time in her life where she was going to attend the monthly Grand Ball. Of all things, she had no real desire to most likely bump into Besher, but she had been invited by the Emperor personally, so refusing was not an option.
"Hey. It's gonna be all right." Qathora said as she patted her shoulder.
The Togruta had dressed herself in a much more elegant outfit herself, even if it wasn't meant to show off but to be functional as her chaperon.
Namedra smiled, reassured by the presence of her friend. And more importantly, she remembered that she was there for another reason, important enough that she would endure any social anxiety or the intrusive mannerism of Besher.
"Thank you for being here, Qath."
"Hey, that's what friends are for, right? I'll keep an eye out for our man, though something says me he'll find us first."
"Most likely." Namedra replied.
They thus gathered courage and walked up the dozens of stairs leading the entrance, following the queue of other guests that were streaming toward the Ball room. At first it seemed normal, but soon enough, they could hear that almost the entire crowd was starting to look toward Namedra, whispering all kinds of things, good or bad, about whatever they heard about her.
"Miss Heike!" a voice that Namedra hoped not to hear so soon called her.
Still, she turned toward the direction the voice came from and quickly spotted the source. "Hello, Mister Besher." she said with a humble smile.
"Oh, still can't bring yourself to call me Rorick, uh?" the man said with a flirting tone.
Namedra tried to ignore that tone and replied respectfully "I'm afraid that's not possible. You're my respectable colleague, and heir of a major family."
By the high-society's language protocols, that should've been interpreted like a clear invitation to cease the chase in the name of decency, but Besher didn't seem to care.
"Uh-uh." he murmured wily. "Well, I can understand. We've known each other for a small time, after all."
It bothered her to no end that Besher seemed to treat her as if she was still single, but after a month on Coruscant, she already heard that he was a womanizer, who had had dozens of short-lived affairs.
"Even if we knew for a lifetime, it would be improper on my side to call you by name, don't you think?" she asked wittily.
Besher chuckled. "So dictates etiquette, but I always found it uselessly prohibitive."
They were interrupted as they heard a loud thudding from the upper balcony. There, there was a door leading to the corridor for the Emperor's personal area. Now, from the handrail of the stairs that would bring to the ball's floor, stood the Grand Vizier, Mas Amedda, who loudly announced the arrival of the Emperor.
And indeed, a moment after the name had been pronounced, Emperor Palpatine himself emerged from the shadow, accompanied by none other than Lord Vader. Namedra felt her blood suddenly freeze, for some reason that she couldn't explain, seeing the sovereign had that effect on her. While everyone else, Besher included, applauded and cheered the arrival of His Majesty, Namedra struggled to clap her hands twice, while Qathora stood immobile, pretending to be too immersed in her duties as chaperon.
Palpatine then rose a hand and the room fell suddenly silent, with even the orchestra stopping their work.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the old man started with his croaking voice. "I bid you welcome. Unfortunately, I could not be present at the last ball, and I apologize. You all are the heart and blood of the imperial machine. The most devoted of my subjects, and this festivities are but a humble moment for Me to show you my gratitude. However, my absence was justified by the preparations for the final triumph of the Empire. Because let me assure you of one thing: by the end of this year, the Rebellion will be crushed, once and for all. Their insignificant 'New Republic' will be destroyed and everyone will remember forever who rules this galaxy.
"And once we're done bringing back order to the galaxy...then we will move to punish those who dared to stomp it. When we're done, only dust will be left from their Earth."
A cheer erupted from the crowd, again. Namedra instead just couldn't bring herself to even pretend, this time.
How could the Emperor blatantly ignore Iulius and the millions of men fighting, suffering and dying all along the Mid Rim to defend the Core? The sheer ingratitude of the elite, who was wasting money on this lavish parties while there were uncountable imperial citizens suffering from malnutrition or outright famine was twisting her gut.
But it mattered little: what mattered, was that she then noticed the gaze of the Emperor clearly fall upon her. The old monarch was clearly staring at her, making sure of the identity. She could swear that she saw a pair of glowing yellow eyes beneath the shadow of the Emperor's hood, followed by a sinister smirk.
Then the Emperor and Vader started walking down the stairs. As the monarch greeted the guests, it was still very clear that he was walking toward her. Namedra felt her legs unable to move, not even Besher trying to hook her with words could distract her by that feeling of powerlessness. Qathora noticed it and put an arm around her shoulders as Namedra found breathing ever more difficult.
Then the two top men of the Empire reached her. However, as the Emperor finally stood in front of her, Namedra felt as if the obscurity that was pressing her in and out had disappeared, but a sinister feeling seemed to still accompany the Emperor.
"Lady Heike, in the flesh." the monarch said, as amicably as he could.
Namedra quickly bowed her head. Qathora did the bare minimum. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'm humbled that you'd know my name."
Palpatine made a chuckle, which couldn't sound more menacing. "Everyone in the galaxy knows you, after that grandiose ceremony."
The ceremony. Namedra's mind couldn't help but rush back to that day, when she and Iulius tied their destinies forever. It had happened barely two months before, but to her it now looked just as distant as her beloved husband.
"I have been curious to meet you for a while. The Lord-Protector has always been extremely devoted to his military life. Who could convince him to think about starting a family?" the Emperor continued. Despite his tone of voice, he sounded genuinely curious, though Namedra had a feeling that it was the curiosity comparable to a zoologist that sees an anomalous behavior in an animal he believed he knew completely.
On her part, Namedra quickly realized that the Emperor was assessing her as a potential agent for Iulius. After all, even on Coruscant, among the elites there were whispers that the Lord-Protector was preparing a coup. Everybody knew that she was there as a hostage, a matter even more evident as her role as 'Supervisor' of Kuat Shipyards predictably turned out to be a void title.
"Sometimes, I wonder that myself." Namedra replied politely. "I am but a humble engineer."
"Humility is certainly an admirable virtue, in a wife." another voice came from behind.
Everyone turned and saw the one man that Namedra was there to meet: Moff Gideon.
Namedra noticed that Qathora was walking back to her. Clearly, she had gone to pick Gideon up and get his help.
"Ah, Moff Gideon." Palpatine greeted. "It's quite rare for you to attend this ceremony."
"It is. But when I heard who the guest of honor would be, I just had to come and see for myself." Gideon replied with a quip.
"Moff Gideon." Namedra said politely. "We met, but we never talked. I'd like to thank you for helping my husband so many times."
"The Lord-Protector wouldn't have his title if he weren't the strongest bastion of the Empire against barbarity and the rabble of the Outer Rim. Wouldn't you agree, Your Majesty?" the Moff asked the monarch.
"Of course." the Emperor deflected calmly. "His loyalty to the Empire is not in question. However...given the recent rumors, one should wonder…" he said with a smirk. "Does he know what is best for the State?"
Something snapped inside of Namedra. After taking a huge breather, she calmly and firmly replied.
"Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty...but how is that a question?"
The Emperor hummed surprised, as did the whole room, who was listening with great interest.
"Three years ago, it looked like the Empire was destined to succumb. Yet, when everyone struggled to find a solution, who took the initiative and saved the Empire time and time again? The one you made Lord-Protector."
Palpatine was starting to frown slightly.
"Had Iulius wanted to take the power, that might have been his best occasion ever, for he had the loyalty of the entire army, and even now he commands the respect of every soldier who ever saw a real battle. And yet, he didn't. He didn't because he is a loyal citizen of the Empire, dare I say its staunchest defender.
"Let me tell you this, Your Majesty: were you to order my husband to commit suicide, he would do it, rather than defy you and plunge the Empire into the abyss of chaos. He knows that his place is to fight the external enemies. To preserve the integrity of imperial territory, no matter the cost and no matter how little he might have.
"And if you still doubt it, Your Majesty...then take my life, right here and now."
The crowd was shocked. Everyone believed Namedra to be a simpleton, but there she stood, defending the honor and integrity of her man in front of the Emperor himself.
In response to her last words, though, Vader made a step forward and suddenly ignited his lightsaber. The crowd gasped as everyone feared that he was about to strike her down.
Namedra's heart skipped a beat, but as Vader pointed the blade at her throat, she didn't move. Qathora almost jumped to get her out, but Namedra signaled her to stay where she was. Then she turned and proudly looked at the warrior in black armor that was threatening her life.
"Do you still stand by your decision, now?" Vader asked with his mechanical tone in a provocative way.
"Any suspicion of treason against my husband befalls on me, as well." Namedra replied calmly. "If my death will protect his honor, then I will embrace it with no regrets."
Time seemed to freeze. Entire seconds passed with no one moving a muscle and the only sound in the air being the humming of Vader's lightsaber. Namedra could feel the heat of the blade on her neck, making it seem like it could melt any moment.
Then a clap filled the air. And another one.
To the surprise of everyone, it was the Emperor who started it, accompanying it with a smile that could perhaps look amused.
He then started laughing, Vader deactivated his saber and went back next to his master. Slowly, other people joined the clapping, as if that had just been an elaborate sketch and not an actual confrontation. Or perhaps the elites on Coruscant treated confrontations this way.
"Good, Miss Heike. Good." Palpatine said. "Now I start to see why the Lord-Protector took an interest in you. My apologies for Vader: he has a thing for theatrics."
He then turned toward a butler that was distributing glasses of sparkling wine and asked for one, which was immediately delivered.
"A toast then. To Lady Heike, the most virtuous wife of the galaxy, and to the Lord-Protector. May our brave warriors stand strong and victorious."
Many lifted their glasses and yelled 'cheers!' as if nothing had happened. Namedra was still confused and felt sore in all her muscles.
"Enjoy the rest of the evening, Lady Heike." the Emperor finally wished before walking away into the crowd.
Namedra could finally draw a huge and silent sigh of relief. Besher looked nauseous and excused himself, at least leaving her in peace.
Qathora instead walked forward and put both arms around her shoulders, smiling at her friend to encourage her.
"I must say...I have never seen such a determination in a civilian."
That was Moff Gideon, who stepped forward. "It's honestly admirable. Not many manage to persuade His Majesty with pure honesty."
"I just told him the truth." Namedra defender herself.
"Truth. A rare good, around here. Now, Lady Heike, there are a few person who you should probably meet...if your feel like it, of course." he said with unusual care.
Namedra slightly shook her head. "I'm fine. I would be glad to meet them." she said, remembering the real reason why she was there.
Gideon made a respectful nod and accompanied the two women toward a group of richly dressed men and women.