Author's Note: Hello, readers. Our heroes will meet the Ghost Crew soon, but I don't want to rush straight to it. Though it will come before you all realise. Anyway, spoiler alert! I have checked the views on the game, Star Wars Outlaws and…well…it doesn't to be a game that peeks my interest. Even Star Wars Theory said it was a flop. Before Disney, Lucas Arts use to make such fun games. The Lucas era was truly special! Force Unleashed, Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Outcast + Academy, Bounty Hunter, Dark Forces, Shadow of the Empire...so many classics! But alas, we won't really have that anymore.
I don't own Star Wars or its characters, but Nadia Aomori and my other OCs I own only.
Enjoy!
Fire of the Rebellion
Chapter 12: Reckoning
(Chandrila)
From their apartment in Hanna City, Nadia was in the bedroom of her and Ferus checking the latest news in her datapad.
Nadia wore a white V-neck buttoned shirt with a black hem and three-quarter sleeves, black leather pants that have a vertical grey stripe on the outer side of each leg and a black belt. Attached to the rear of the belt was a black piece of fabric that covered her from hip to hip. Underneath this was a longer translucent purple piece of fabric. She also wore black high-heel boots with two straps and buckles and purple under roles, reaching to mid-calf. Her raven black hair had straight-cut bangs hang low on her face while the rest of her wavy hair fell loose past the shoulders.
The 32 year old woman was looking at the latest news in her datapad which had news about the Battle of Montellian Serat.
The Battle of Montellian Serat was a battle fought at the city of Montellian Serat, on Devaron. Devaronian supporters of the anti-Imperial rebellion were hunted by the Devaronian Army, led by Kardue'sai'Malloc, in the northlands of the planet. They were eventually besieged in the city of Montellian Serat and bombarded until they surrendered.
After the battle, the Devaronian Army was ordered to reinforce Imperial troops in another battle but the Devaronians were unable to take care of any prisoners. Kardue'sai'Malloc eventually gave the order to execute the seven hundred captured Rebel supporters, including men, women, and children.
Nadia scowled lightly as she placed the datapad on her desk, seeing no point to read it anymore.
She then poured in her glass cup some Corellian Reserve; a rare and expensive Corellian brandy that had a golden colour.
"Even if it is not Imperial Propaganda, the news within the Empire is never good."Nadia muttered slightly."Every tale is ghastly than the previous one."
Nadia took a sip of her brandy beverage as a knock on the door was heard in the background.
"Come in."Nadia insisted.
The door opened up, revealing Ferus coming inside the bedroom.
Ferus wore a pale blue shirt with silver buttons, light grey trousers and brown shoes.
"You doing alright, Dia?"Ferus asked.
"Just checking the latest news I got from Senator Organa."Nadia admitted with a frown."Besides the massacre of its people, the city of Montellian Serat was also destroyed to prevent any other city to shelter Rebels. It took almost six months for the Rebellion on Devaron to be put down. The slaughter of Montellian Serat gave Kardue'sai'Malloc the nickname 'Butcher of Montellian Serat'."
Ferus shook his head as he sat on the opposite seat next to Nadia as his wife poured a glass of Corellian Reserve for him as well.
"Though our main enemies beside the Emperor and his allies are the Inquisitors and…Darth Vader."Ferus complemented.
Ferus slowly drank the brandy in his glass as Nadia rested her head against his shoulder.
"Did Padmé really believe there is still good inside Anakin, Ferus?"Nadia murmured softly.
Ferus closed his eyes as he remembered his deceased sister's last words after giving birth to Luke, Leia and Lisa.
"I honestly don't know, hun."Ferus replied with a small frown."His more machine now and we don't even know him anymore. Though I wonder sometimes through that haunting mask of his, if any of Anakin Skywalker is left in there and just chained up."
Nadia touched Ferus' face before planting a small kiss on his lips.
"I can tell you something that is for sure."Nadia stated kindly."That our nephew and nieces will become extraordinary people like their parents. Look. Leia is now attending the University of Alderaan and Lisa is now Queen of Naboo."
"But Luke is living a life as a farm boy in Tatooine."Ferus commented."I doubt his step-relatives are not allowing him to have Jedi training by…"
Ferus paused when he noticed Nadia raising an eyebrow at him since she knew who's name she was going to mention.
"Overall, I think he is just keeping an eye on Luke."Ferus responded.
Nadia finished her glass of brandy before placing it down on her desk as she remembered beating up Obi-Wan in Tatooine after telling him that Anakin was now Darth Vader.
"Ferus, am I good person?"Nadia questioned as she clasped her hands onto her lap."Even though I don't know how to forgive people that easily."
Ferus was silent for a moment before responding to his wife again.
"Forgiveness is a hard thing, Nadia. It's not easy and usually takes time."Ferus complemented."But I still believe in giving some people second chances to make them do better."
Ferus slowly placed her hand onto Nadia's.
"Though I do remember my late birth mother Vanessa telling me that forgiveness does not change the past, but it does change the future."Ferus exclaimed as he rested his head against Nadia's."Because forgiveness is like this: a room can be dank because you have closed the windows, you've closed the curtains. But the sun is shining outside and the air is fresh outside. In order to get that fresh air, you have to get up and open the window and draw the curtains apart."
Nadia's ruby red eyes stared deeply at Ferus' hazel green eyes.
Ever since they got married and having their own children, she felt she found a sense of serenity and joy that she had after losing her family.
Though the past and its scars still hurt, the raven haired woman was slowly willing to let go and move on to enjoy the next chapter of her life with the man she loves.
"Forgive the past and let it go with great gratitude."Nadia commented."It will allow us to embrace the present and future with love, enthusiasm and passion."
Ferus smiled in approval as he and Nadia stood up from their seats.
"That's it."Ferus agreed and then remembered something."Oh. That reminds me."
Ferus then took out two tickets to the Hanna City Opera House and showed them to Nadia.
"What's this?"Nadia asked.
"Two tickets to the Opera House."Ferus remarked with a smirk."I thought it would be a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary."
Nadia chuckled as she wrapped her arms around Ferus' neck and kissed him.
"I happily accept the invitation."Nadia sneered.
In the living room, Zachary was reading a novel on the sofa while Gwendolyn was on the floor doing designs on her sketchbook.
The Olin twins were now thirteen year old teenagers, but both would be turning fourteen soon.
Zachary wore a cyan long pyjama sleeved shirt with matching trousers.
Gwendolyn wore a simple lavender dress with a light blue crescent moon on the chest and lavender light blue striped socks. Her chestnut brown hair was loose and stopped right to her back.
RG-G1 let out a beep as he came into the living room, earning the twins' attention.
"What is it, G-G?"Zachary questioned.
Then Ferus and Nadia stepped into the living room.
Ferus wore a black tuxedo with brown shoes. The white streak on his hair was dyed chestnut brown to match the rest of his hair streaks.
Nadia donned an elegant sapphire blue gown trimmed with buttercream roses and white ruffles. She also wore white gloves that reached up to her elbows and a silver choker around her neck. Her raven black hair was styled in an ornate up-do with ringlets to frame her face.
Gwendolyn gasped in amazement as she stood up to go up to her parents.
"Wow! Mum and dad!"Gwendolyn remarked."You guys look great!"
"Thank you, Gwen."Nadia replied with a smile."Me and your father will be heading to celebrate our anniversary."
Ferus glanced at Zachary.
"Which means you're in charge until we come back, Zack."Ferus declared.
"Yes, dad."Zachary answered with a nod.
Gwendolyn folded her arms and pouted at her father's declaration.
"And if you two behave while we're gone, we'll be going to a mission on Auratera."Nadia admitted.
Gwendolyn grinned and punched the air in delight.
"Yes!"Gwendolyn sneered.
Nadia then went over to RG-G1 and gently tapped his head.
"Be sure that they don't get into any mischief while we're out, G-G."Nadia instructed.
RG-G1 let out a beep, agreeing with his friend.
Nadia planted a kiss on Zachary's head before doing the same with Gwendolyn.
"See you two later."Nadia declared.
"And don't stay up for too long."Ferus instructed.
"Yes, mum and dad."Zachary and Gwendolyn answered in unison.
Ferus and Nadia then headed out of their house while closing the door behind them.
After seeing their parents leave, Zachary and Gwendolyn stood up from where they stood up to treat them selves with some midnight snacks.
Once arriving to entrance of the Opera House with a limospeeder, Ferus and Nadia showed their fake IDs before being allowed inside the theatre.
The couple went to take their private seats in the upper circle.
Not far from where she and her husband were, Nadia caught sight of Senator Mon Mothma and her husband, Perrin Fertha.
Unlike Mon Mothma, Perrin enjoyed living the life of luxury in the Empire Era and spend time with his wife's opponents such as Sly Moore and Ars Dangor whom he described as 'fun'.
"Senator Mothma must have hired a nanny to look after Jobin and Lieda."Nadia whispered.
Ferus held Nadia's left gloved hand.
"Yes. But we should be careful around the Senator's husband."Ferus warned softly."He seems to be one that enjoys the Empire than opposing it."
Nadia nodded at her husband as the play in the Opera House began to start.
The play that was set in the theatre was known as the Dance of the Seventy Veils.
"She wants us to meet him."Nadia murmured.
"Who, my darling?"Ferus asked.
"Luthen Rael. A rebel spy."Nadia admitted."6 years ago, Luthen started laying the foundations for a counter-Imperial movement, recruiting up-and-coming Imperial Security Bureau employee Lonni Jung to his cause and taking an oath of loyalty with him."
"Looni Jung?"Ferus questioned."Isn't he-"
"A member of the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB)? Yes."Nadia finished quietly."Though he is strong loyalty is to the shadowy anti-Imperial network that Luthen is organising."
Ferus nodded. "I see."
Nadia rested her head on Ferus' shoulder as the two of them watched the opera play.
"I attend to create a base in Moenia."Ferus stated.
A glimpse of confusion appeared on Nadia's face.
"What?"Nadia questioned.
"Since Lisa is now Queen of Naboo, she can provide us safe passage to Naboo."Ferus complemented."Also, the Empire views Moenia as little more than an artist's retreat and virtually ignores all activity in the city. We can use that as an opportunity."
Nadia became lost in her thoughts for a moment.
From the eyes of the civilians, Queen Costil will seem to support the Empire.
But perhaps she can secretly fund Rebel Alliance activities, welcomed refugees from worlds under Imperial siege and arranged meetings between Rebel agents and powerful political figures from throughout the galaxy.
"That could work."Nadia agreed with a frown."Though she'll need to be careful on not to lose the love of the people or catch the eyes of Moff Panaka and Darth Vader."
A soft yet stern look appeared on Ferus' face.
"I know."Ferus replied.
In the Olin Household, Zachary and Gwendolyn unpacked their snacks.
A bag of popped grains the two of them made the night before, dried fruit, caf beans covered in chocolate they had snuck from their mother's hidden tin of sweets and a few Tepasi taffy.
They shared everything, but Zachary always gave Gwendolyn a slightly larger bite of fruit, let her have her fill of sweets.
As she opened an energy bar, Gwendolyn thought about the fifteen year old Nial Organa; the illegitimate child of a scandalous affair between Tia Organa and Padawan Halagad Ventor.
While Halagad abandoned the family to join the Jedi Order, Nial grew up under his mother's care and came to be acquainted with his adopted cousin, Princess Leia.
"Say Zack, what do you think of Nial Organa?"Gwendolyn asked.
"Huh?"Zachary scoffed.
"What do you think of Senator Organa's nephew as a person?"Gwendolyn questioned.
Zachary shrugged in respond.
"I don't know."Zachary replied and smirked."Though I think he has a smarter head than you do."
Gwendolyn ignored her older twin brother's declaration as she munched on a Tepasi taffy while RG-G1 let out a laughing beep.
"You know I wouldn't mind marrying him when I grow up."Gwendolyn admitted dreamily."His so dreamy."
Zachary's eyes widen and quickly swallowed down a chocolate caf bean with a bottle of water at Gwendolyn's declaration.
"Are you out of your mind?"Zachary retorted with a frown."The members within House of Organa are royalty."
"I am sure Senator Organa would approve of me dating his only nephew, big brother."Gwendolyn remarked."And who knows? If things turn out for me and Nial, I get to boss you around any day of the week."
Zachary groaned and face palmed while Gwendolyn happily ate a third energy bar.
Gwendolyn was best described as a cheerful and optimistic yet impulsive and determined girl which was consistent with her normally exaggerated expressions.
He, on the other hand, was more mature and sensible than his younger twin sister despite both having the same ambition to become great Jedi Knights like their parents.
"And most people wonder how the two of us are twins."Zachary muttered.
After the play in the Opera House ended, Nadia and Ferus attended a party within the Chandrilan Embassy that included politicians and imperials.
However, both of the two Jedi Knights were taking care to avoid two ISB officers.
Finding a remote planet and living out their lives hidden from the eye of the Empire was one of them perhaps would've been one of the smarter actions.
But then again, the couple agreed to do the unexpected in a carefully orchestrated way.
A slow soft song was heard in the background as Ferus and Nadia danced together.
Ferus had placed his free hand on Nadia's hip.
Taking his lead, Nadia rested her hands on his shoulders and allowed Ferus to lead her in a silent dance, unaccompanied by the melody of music.
"I didn't think you'd ever want to dance again."Nadia murmured.
Ferus twirled Nadia around, a bright smile on his face.
"You never asked."Ferus stated.
Nadia rested her head on Ferus' chest, a slight pout on her lips.
"Have we made a mistake?"Nadia questioned.
Ferus sighed, his hand rubbing circles on Nadia's back.
"Either that, or the best damn decision of our lives."Ferus complemented.
"I hesitate to predict it'll go that way."Nadia replied with a mumble, her ruby red eyes fluttering shut."I'm terrified, Ferus."
"I know."Ferus whispered, wrapping Nadia in a tight yet assuring hug."But being terrified is good. It means you're alive."
A frown appeared on Nadia's face as she thought about how easily the Empire manipulated the minds of others to their cause.
"True power lies not in the strength of armies."Nadia mumbled with a frown."But in the subtle art of manipulation where a single whisper can turn the desires of others into the very chains that bind them. It disgusts me how the Empire twists others to do their bidding."
Ferus glanced at their surroundings as he and Nadia slowly danced together.
"The role of a Sith Master is to forge power from ambition and to demand excellence through relentless discipline and ruthless expectation."Ferus whispered.
"Though many people of the upper and low classes think Sidious has brought peace to the galaxy."Nadia admitted."But the more rotten actions of the Empire are exposed, the more people from the galaxy are willing to join the rebellion."
Ferus and Nadia stared at each other silently while dancing together.
"We'll be fine as long as we carry hope, Dia. The same for Zack and Gwen."Ferus murmured."Hope for a better future."
Nadia smiled lightly at her husband, silently agreeing with him.
(Coruscant)
Inside his office within the Imperial Senate, Grand Admiral Thrawn was looking through files about the Jedi Knights Nadia Aomori and Ferus Olin.
Thrawn was a male Chiss officer with a long-spanning career. He served the Chiss Ascendancy early in his life and later the naval forces of the Galactic Empire as the only non-human Grand Admiral.
However, he was regarded as one of the best commanders to serve under and a brilliant military strategist in the starfleet.
His skills were appreciated enough by the reigning Sith Lords that he rose to a position of significant power despite the New Order's speciesist policies.
Then Grand Moff Tarkin arrived into the office.
"Grand Moff Tarkin, thank you for coming on short notice."Thrawn replied."I apologise for interrupting you. But I ask you how well do you know Nadia Aomori and Ferus Olin?"
Grand Moff Tarkin glared at the images of Nadia and Ferus.
"I've known Commander Aomori since the mission that she and some of her recruits were sent to free Master Even Piell during the Clone Wars. She is unpredictable and has a manner of viper despite having been Obi-Wan Kenobi's second student."Grand Moff Tarkin exclaimed with a slight irritation in his voice."As for General Olin, he was an adopted brother of Senator Amidala and an impudent child who was just another thorn on my side."
Thrawn glanced at a datapad.
"From what I heard, Nadia Aomori is nothing like her Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. She hates being reprimanded or lectured. She was in many ways his opposite in personality. Though I analysed she had been seen as a troubled youth by members of the Jedi Council due to her relation to Darth Nihilus."Thrawn declared as he placed his datapad on the desk."Although it was always strictly emphasized in the Jedi Temple that one student is never better than another, Ferus Olin seemed to have all gifts. He was steady and brilliant, a physically gifted athlete and popular with all the students. He excelled at everything he tried."
Grand Moff Tarkin touched his chin for a moment.
"Have you perhaps found where they may be hiding?"Grand Moff Tarkin questioned.
"Not exactly, Grand Moff Tarkin. But I may have the source on where they be their next destination."Thrawn informed."Jedi can't ignore the desire to seek knowledge for their own benefits or train others in their way. Though it would be wise to inform Lord Vader about it."
A frown appeared on Grand Moff Tarkin's face.
"Are you certain of this, Grand Admiral Thrawn?"Grand Moff Tarkin questioned.
Thrawn gave a malicious smile in respond.
"If General Olin and Commander Aomori are unpredictable and quite dangerous, it doesn't mean they're not ones who take risks."Thrawn answered."Every action they take increases the threat to Emperor Palpatine's master plan. So, in return, we should imitate the enemy's thought process with incredible accuracy."
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!