Author's Note: It would've been so cool to see Ben Skywalker and his cousins; Jacen, Jaina and Anakin Solo after the original trilogy films of Star Wars, but sadly that never happened. I am not a fan of the Star Wars films produced by J. J. Abrams because in my point of view, he really messed up the whole Star Wars Saga:(
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 4: The Hidden Jedi
As their ship travelled to hyperspace, Hal sat in the cockpit of the Draco Meteor with Stellar.
The couple sat together drinking cups of fresh-brewed caf and a plate of iced donuts with shredded Ishi Tib-cracked coconuts.
Maybelline, Katooni, Gungi and Zatt were sleeping in their private rooms, so the duo had the chance to be alone together.
"Did you hear the latest news from Coruscant, Hal?"Stellar asked."Darth Vader wiped out more Jedi Knights within an abandoned mine on Kessel. Among them was a Jedi Master named Shadday Potkin."
A scoff escaped from Hal's mouth.
"Master Potkin was an extremely arrogant woman upon believing that she and other fellow Jedi would be able to conquer Vader despite the fact that he had already killed more Jedi by himself."Hal retorted with a frown."Then again, she was always naïve and self-absorbed enough that her pride led to her own death."
Stellar took a sip from her cup of caf.
"It sounds that she had become disillusioned with the Jedi methods of meditation, reflection and careful planning."Stellar assumed.
"Yep."Hal agreed before taking another bite of the iced donut he was eating."But the official report by Sate Pestage stated that some of the Jedi had killed each other in a power struggle and the others were executed for numerous crimes."
Hal frowned as he stared at the view outside which showed the corvette going through hyperspace.
"Just another of the Sith Lord's lies to boost his popularity."Hal stated."Just like he did before he was even elected as the Chancellor."
The attack of Order 66 had wiped out 98% of the Jedi, but most of them have survived the purge.
Most of them however, were hunted down by Darth Vader and his Inquisitors.
"I am no Jedi Master, but that doesn't mean I can't train my younger sister and her friends."Hal declared.
Stellar followed Hal's gaze.
"Still you have to admit that it is disturbing how Emperor Palpatine rose himself to power."Stellar commented as she held her cap of caf."He created an army for the Jedi with the Jango Fett Clones to fight the Separatists, who he was using as well. He knew in the right momentum when they were the most vulnerable. But also when they were more morally triumphant since the Jedi thought at this point that they would've won the Clone Wars and he made the Clones backstab them with the cost of their lives."
Hal finished eating the second donut in his plate.
"It's deeply sad how things turned out."Hal scowled lightly."By the time the Jedi were aware the man who had been running the Republic for a decade was the Sith Master they had been seeking, it was far too late. All that time, all throughout the Clone Wars and for years beforehand, he had been playing both sides against the middle. Every manoeuvre and every stratagem fit perfectly into place. He even manipulated the entire Senate into becoming a Galactic Empire and he did it all without a lightsaber."
Stellar placed her cup of caf on the table before standing up to go over to Hal before sitting on his lap and planting her lips onto his.
"Things will turn out for the better, Hal."Stellar informed with a firm look."As long as there is life there's always hope."
Hal smiled lightly at Stellar.
"You're right."Hal agreed."Thank you, Stel."
As Hal and Stellar shared another kiss with each other, the couple broke off from their embrace when they noticed a contact coming through.
Stellar goes off Hal's lap and answered the call before a hologram of General Rahm Kota appeared.
"Hal."General Kota spoke up.
"Hey, General Kota."Hal greeted with a smile."Good to see that you have survived the Jedi Purge."
"You can clearly say that not relaying on my own men than Clone Troopers have really saved my life, my friend."General Kota commented.
A slight chuckle escaped from Hal's mouth.
"That I cannot deny."Hal agreed.
Stellar looked at General Kota.
"I assume you heard the attack on Kashyyyk?"Stellar assumed.
"I have, Lady Renar."General Kota replied with a frown."Though I heard the one responsible for the attack was a being by the name of Darth Vader."
Hal frowned at General Kota's declaration.
"The thing is we don't really know who this Darth Vader is."Hal complemented."All we know is that his the new Sith apprentice of Darth Sidious that showed up as soon as he declared himself Emperor."
Stellar leaned against her seat and folded her arms.
"You need to understand that Vader is Palpatine's executioner. He's powerful almost beyond belief."Stellar warned."His origins are shrouded in mystery and rife with rumour. One is that his a genetically optimised Clone that became the ultimate warrior and the last one was that he is a cyborg, some kind of specialised battle droid given a human form. Though the rumour that sounds more believable than the rest is that his a rogue Jedi."
General Kota became silent for a moment before responding to his comrades.
"Then whatever the rumours are about Vader, I suggest you two to be careful."General Kota instructed."Especially, looking after your younger sister and those other three younglings, Hal. The galaxy is now more dangerous than it ever was before."
Hal nodded at General Kota.
"You can count on us, General Kota."Hal assured.
Stellar nodded in agreement.
"May the Force be with you, Hal Corak and Stellar Renar."General Kota informed.
Then the hologram of General Kota disappeared from sight.
Hal and Stellar shared a glance with each other.
"Through Senator Organa, General Kota told me he was able to maintain communications with other Jedi, including Ylenic It'kla, who was serving as the Senator's aide; Shaak Ti, who was in hiding on Felucia and Kazdan Paratus, who had taken refuge on Raxus Prime."Hal explained as he picked up his cup of caf."I am grateful to Senator Organa. Though now a member of the Imperial Senate, his actually secretly assisting fugitive Jedi who had escaped Order 66."
Stellar picked up a donut from the plate.
"Hal, I don't really like the fact that Alderaan has to join the Imperial Senate."Stellar stated with a frown."Since the rise of the Empire, my home planet was wracked by anti-Imperial protests, mainly from alien refugees who were now forced to pay an exorbitant tax to return home."
Stellar munched on a donut as Hal took a few more sips of his caf.
"You know what I've been thinking, Stel."Hal complemented."Why don't we hide in Alderaan?"
"Huh?"Stellar said in surprise.
"The Empire is not aware of Senator Organa's actions. Plus Alderaan is actually a safe and peaceful planet for me to train Meibe and the other younglings. Unlike Corellia and other planets that have fallen to Imperial Rule."Hal remarked."Plus, you're a member of one of the Great Houses of Alderaan."
A slight smirk appeared on Stellar's face.
"House Renar is not known much in Alderaan's history, but I am actually a descendant of House Alde."Stellar exclaimed."They are devoted keepers of Alderaan's history."
"I hear they were Alderaan's original rulers."Hal sneered."But they have lost most of their political power, but none of their snootiness."
Stellar finished eating her donut before planting a quick kiss on Hal's lips.
"Just careful not to slip too much information when we get there, General Corak."Stellar instructed.
Hal smirked. "I promise."
Neither Maybelline, Katooni, Gungi or Zatt couldn't believe their eyes upon arriving to Alderaan when Hal and Stellar landed the Draco Meteor to the Aldera spaceport; the central public spaceflight facility located in Aldera, the capital city of Alderaan.
In addition, the four younglings were given disguises to make them look like they were from a foreign planet than Jedi younglings.
Hal placed a small brown hat on Maybelline's head to complete her disguise.
He, himself, wore a gray shirt with a brown jacket, white trousers and black boots.
"Here, Meibe."Hal declared."You're ready."
Maybelline pouted as she folded her arms upon having to wear a brown dress and black flats that looked a bit dusty.
"I look like a pauper, Hal."Maybelline complained.
"Don't worry, Meibe."Hal chuckled."You'll get to change into something better after you and the others are brought to the Aldera Royal Palace."
"Okay."Maybelline replied with a small frown.
Hal and Maybelline then went to join Stellar, Katooni, Gungi and Zatt outside the Draco Meteor.
Like her friends, Maybelline couldn't help, but be amazed at how beautiful Alderaan.
Upon reaching Aldera, they were breath taken at the white, flowing architecture of the buildings, many of them belonging to the planetary government.
The most majestic of Aldera's monuments was the Aldera Royal Palace, which housed Queen Breha Organa and her consort, Prince Bail Prestor Organa.
While the Palace's towers were high and occupied a wide stretch of ground, some of the buildings located west of them were tall enough to obstruct the view.
Stellar, Hal, Maybelline, Katooni, Gungi and Zatt were greeted by Senator Organa at the spaceport's main docking facility.
"Welcome to Alderaan, Lady Stellar and Hal."Bail declared with a smile before bringing his attention on the younglings."I hope your journey here wasn't grim."
"Not at all, Senator Organa."Katooni assured.
"We've seen some scary things, but we are happy to be here in your home planet."Zatt remarked.
"It's very beautiful."Maybelline praised.
Gungi let out an agreeable growl.
"Thank you. There are still many wonders for you all to see."Bail stated."But right now, you all must rest. Follow me."
The Senator of Alderaan brought his guests to the Aldera Royal Palace.
Stellar looked at Bail.
"Is Queen Breha aware of our arrival here, Bail?"Stellar questioned.
"Absolutely, Lady Renar."Bail agreed with a nod."As a matter of fact, she is looking for handmaidens she can trust to look after our daughter since the two of us will be busy taking care of the planet."
This caused Hal to place both his hands on Maybelline's shoulders.
"If Queen Breha wants handmaidens, I think Meibe are the right ones for the job."Hal declared with a smirk.
This caused Maybelline to look at Hal with a bewildered expression.
"Me?!"Maybelline said in disbelief.
"Well, think about it you two."Hal insisted."The Princess of Alderaan is a very important person and will need a protector to look after her. So who else is better for the job than my own sister?"
This caused Maybelline to smile.
"Well, when you put like that it sounds like a job for me."Maybelline remarked and grinned brightly."I'll take it then."
Hal glanced at Senator Organa.
"What do you think, Bail?"Hal asked.
"Very well, Hal."Bail replied with a nod."I hereby give your sister the order to look after my daughter as her handmaiden."
"Thank you, Senator Organa."Maybelline thanked joyfully.
Stellar simply covered her face while Katooni, Zatt and Gungi shared a confused expression since neither of them had no idea what just happened.
Soon after, the younglings were given their own rooms to stay in the planet that was their new home.
Maybelline was given her own room next to the one belonging to Alderaan's infant Princess and Hal was given his own room in the Aldera Royal Palace while Katooni, Zatt and Gungi went to live with Stellar at her family's house.
After both of them have refreshed themselves, Hal stood with Maybelline in the balcony of his room, staring at the city of Aldera.
Like the other few metropolitan areas of the planet, Aldera was designed in such way that the natural landscape was little affected.
With its gleaming white, free-form buildings standing on the uneven slopes of the island, the skyline of Aldera created an artful bridge between the green fields and white clouds.
The climate around Aldera was usually temperate without excluding occasional light snow.
"What do you think of Alderaan, Meibe?"Hal questioned.
"It's really peaceful beside beautiful, big brother."Maybelline commented with a small smile."It's not Coronet City, but it's cool. Though, I still really miss home and everyone we know there."
"So do I, little sister."Hal agreed with a nod."However, Alderaan is the safest planet and it's my job to make sure you and the others are out of harms way."
A smug smirk appeared on the seven year old girl's face.
"Also, taking care of your cool girlfriend too, right?"Maybelline sneered.
Hal rolled his eyes.
"Yes."Hal responded."That as well."
A sudden sad smile appeared on Maybelline's face.
"Say, Hal? Will we ever see Nadia and Ferus again?"Maybelline asked."I miss them a lot. The same with Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan."
A sigh escaped from Hal's mouth.
"Mai, you have to be careful what you say."Hal instructed."Not many people in Alderaan are likely to be fond of the Jedi because of the Clone Wars. But I am sure Dia and our close friends would want you to be strong. Because if you do that I am sure we'll see them again before you even noticed. Mum and your Grandmother Valerie would want the same thing as well."
Maybelline smiled and hugged Hal.
"Okay, Hal."Maybelline answered."I'll do that."
Then Artoo beeped and came into the room, earning the half-siblings' attention.
"Artoo!"Maybelline squealed in joy.
Maybelline rushed forward and tackled Artoo in a hug.
"How are you doing?"Maybelline questioned excitedly."I've missed you."
Artoo beeped at Maybelline.
"Queen Breha wants to see me?"Maybelline remarked."Okay. Led the way."
Hal gave Maybelline and Artoo a wave as they left the room before he brought his attention back on the sunset.
As she followed Artoo, Maybelline quickly checked on her appearance.
The seven year old girl was wearing a baby blue dress with triangles at the top. The dress had ruffles and har a ray of pearls. Her sleeves were ruffly as well and had on black flats.
Maybelline followed Artoo to Queen Breha's chamber and the two of them saw the Queen of Alderaan next to a cradle.
"Your Majesty."Maybelline greeted.
Maybelline curtsied gracefully at the Queen of Alderaan.
"Hello, Mai."Queen Breha responded."Come. I would like you to meet my daughter."
Maybelline took a deep breath before making her way to the cradle to see the small infant in it.
Inside the cradle was Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan.
The baby princess had chocolate brown hair and warm brown eyes as she gurgled quietly at her mother and companion. The attire she wore was a white petticoat dress with a matching fluffy hat.
Maybelline let out a soft giggle at seeing how adorable Leia was.
But the seven year old girl didn't know that the infant princess was actually one of the three children of the fallen hero she looked up to and his late wife.
"She's so cute."Maybelline gurgled.
"Would you like to hold her?"Queen Breha asked.
Maybelline grinned excitedly. "Yes, please."
The seven year old girl went to sit on a chair before Queen Breha picked up Leia and placed her into her arms.
Maybelline smiled shyly as she held Leia in her arms.
"Hello, Princess Leia. My name is Mai."Maybelline greeted kindly."I am going to be my handmaiden."
Leia gurgled and gently patted Maybelline's head before she started pulling a bit of her sandy brown hair.
"Ow!"Maybelline grumbled."You have a strong grip!"
Queen Breha covered her mouth to laugh lightly at the sight, making Maybelline blush furiously.
"Don't worry. She'll warm up to you soon."Queen Breha assured."Be sure to take care of Leia and nothing ever happens to her. Okay, Mai?"
"No problem, your majesty."Maybelline chuckled."I promise."
Maybelline winced a bit as Leia started pulling her cheek.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!