Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Star Wars movies, shows, books, comics or games. They belong to their respective copyright owners. This story is not for sale, or rent. The Mobile Armors, and later Mobile Suits mentioned in the story are inspired by the various Gundam shows. They obviously belong to their respective creators, and, or copyright owners.

Chapter 10

=FG=

Part 1

=FG=

7.5 ABY

Bridge

CIS Redeemer

Bespin system

If nothing else, the way interstellar geography apparently worked in this new galaxy of theirs meant that the Confederacy had all the incentives in the universe to expand into what, until recently, was a part of the Unknown Regions. Admiral Trench's fleet held high orbit above a copy of the Gas Giant Bespin. Considering this system's location, which was close to the heart of Confederate territory, and the quality and quantity of tibana produced here, there could be only one outcome. The Confederacy needed this system under its control and protection. Otherwise, the area's gas mining and refining facilities could provide a deadly staging area for enemy incursions.

Besides, another source of high-quality tibana supply could never hurt.

The only problem at hand was intimately entangled with an opportunity that would cause everyone headaches, Trench was sure.

The Admiral kept silent and observed as the Muun talked with the local administrator – a human dandy called Lando Calrissian. There was nothing about such a man in the Confederate databases. If what the human was telling them was even partially true, it was no surprise. If he had a counterpart in their part of the galaxy, he would be a young boy now of no consequence.

"I do hold a commission as a General in the New Republic military from my time with the Rebel Alliance," the human boasted. "I can get you in touch with the New Republic leadership. The only issue is logistics. We're off the beaten path out here, and the holonet is not what it used to be. There are a bunch of Imperial Warlords controlling chunks of the repeater stations between us and the core of Republic territory."

"That is in line with what little we know of this side of the galaxy," the Ambassador conceded. Despite all the issues the Bothan Spy Net faced as of late, its reach was still vast… and what the Federated Empire stumbled upon wasn't precisely a closely guarded secret. "We would appreciate it if you could get us in contact with the New Republic as soon as possible. We know they might run into the Federated Empire soon, and it would be for the best if that happens with your friends knowing what they are dealing with," the Muun smoothly added.

"Tell me all about it! I'll have my assistant arrange a message delivery. However, I can't stress this strongly enough: We are in no position to have direct communication that won't be intercepted by hostile elements," Calrissian noted.

"That might be a worthy risk in the name of expediency. Our Imperials are treacherous creatures. The Sith and Mandalorians who seized control of the Core are expert liars, and the people who sold the Republic to them for power are not to be discarded lightly," the Ambassador warned.

"What in the name of all Corellian hells happened over there?" the human exclaimed. "Sith? Mandalorians?"

"It is a long story, which might not be mirrored by the Clone Wars your people fought," Trench interjected.

"The Republic kind of won, only to transform into the Galactic Empire at the same time. At least, that was what I was taught in school. It's been a long time since then," Calrissian allowed.

"To be frank," the Admiral continued, "despite the official narrative, I would argue no one really won that war. We proclaimed victory due to surviving and winning the independence of the territories we held. The Federated Empire did the same, claiming that it survived the collapse of the Republic and the war was a victory in itself. We've been rebuilding and preparing for round two for years."

"My colleague is correct. There can be no long-lasting peace with the Sith controlling the Republic. It was their kind that subverted our leadership before we removed the likes of Count Dooku from power and nearly damned us. The Jedi attempted to do the same, and while they managed to assassinate Chancellor Palpatine, the Sith in control of the Republic, they failed in doing the same to his Apprentice or their Mandalorian allies."

"Or it is the other way around. The Jedi we work with are convinced that Darth Vael was the mastermind behind the war. We might never know the truth, but that's beside the point. There is a Mandalorian dynasty in control of the Core. A Sith married into it and seized control of the Mandalorians, building an empire of his own with more than a thousand worlds answering to him. The Tarkins of Eriadu lead a Mid-Rim Alliance, further strengthening the Sith's grip over the galaxy. And most relevant powers in the Core sold the dying Republic for power," Trench lowered his voice. "We know that Onara Kuat is now Kuat of Kuat because the Sith helped her seize power in Kaut. I must admit that my actions when my forces took the Corellian System pushed the Dictat and Senator Iblis firmly in the hands of the Sith and their Mandalorian minions."

"What about Vader? Emperor Palpatine's Sith enforcer?" Calrissian inquired. "I had the displeasure of hosting him here on Cloud City a few years ago," he grimaced at the memory.

"I know of no one calling himself Vader among the Sith in control of the Empire," Trench admitted after the Ambassador looked questioningly at him.

Calrissian tapped a few buttons on a terminal built into his desk and called up an image of what had to be a cyborg in sinister black armor.

"The only armor Veil wears these days is a modified Republic one, or Mandalorian styled," Trench looked at one of his subordinates. "Send over an image of Veil without a helmet."

Calrissian soon looked at an image of the deadliest creature in the galaxy and shrugged. "I've never seen this man or heard of such a Sith."

"Then you're a fortunate man, Baron Calrissian," the Ambassador concluded. "Besides contacting the New Republic, we want to discuss trade and security."

"We are always open to trade as long as you can pay. Security, on the other hand…" The human smiled thinly. "Here in Cloud City, we don't appreciate outside interference. We pushed out our Imperials multiple times until they finally got a clue."

"You seem like a serious man, Baron Calrissian. I will be blunt and clear so there can be no misunderstandings. I am not a politician or diplomat like my colleague here," Admiral Trench pointed a mechanical appendage at the Muun Ambassador. "I am a soldier who has fought through the hell of the Clone Wars," he gestured to his cybernetic body. "And I paid for my service with flesh and blood. For years, I've been the one in charge of the Confederacy's military. The security of my nation is my primary concern. Due to the location of this system and the production of military material you are involved in, Bespin represents a dagger aimed at important Confederate systems. Hostile elements taking control of this system and using it as staging grounds to attack us is unacceptable. We would very much like to work with you to our mutual benefit. However, allowing a hostile power to take control of Bespin's space or even leaving this system ripe for the taking is not acceptable. Such an event is a line I cannot allow to be crossed. I will leave you to discuss the details with the Ambassador, and I hope you can reach a conclusion that will benefit us all."

The Muun shook his large head and looked crossly at Trench, who shrugged as much as his cyborg bulk allowed.

"I wouldn't have put it precisely this way. However, the Admiral is correct. We have no intention of landing troops in your city, much less seizing it or the industrial stations in this system. However, we can't allow hostile elements to move around this area of space. After all the betrayals of the Clone Wars and the Black Rebellion, we are slow to trust. More importantly, I regret to inform you, Baron Calrissian, that we can't compromise on security matters. "

=FG=

Part 2

=FG=

7.5 ABY

Palpatine Class Star Destroyer Dauntless

Coruscant System

"Skyguy, this was rather tame for Skywalker family drama. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop!" Snips declared as soon as she disembarked from her shuttle.

"We have almost nothing to do with this!" Anakin pointed out.

"You're Skywalkers. Everything Skywalker-related is somehow your fault! Don't try to tell me different, mister!" Ahsoka pointed an accusing finger at Anakin, though her lips twitched in a barely restrained smile.

"Ahsoka, it's good to see you. I must admit, you kind of have a point. We have a history…" Padme trailed off.

"It's hard to argue when the Admiral sends a platoon to keep an eye on you just in case," Snips smirked.

While the soldier's helmets kept their faces hidden, it was easy to tell through the Force that they were both amused and on edge.

"We have a reputation," Anakin allowed after glancing guiltily at the gathered troopers.

"Don't mind us, sir. We're here just in case," their Lieutenant noted. "The Admiral and Colonel both have experience with Skywalkers."

An old, small Corellian freighter slowly flew into the hangar. At the same time, an escorting squadron of Torrent fighters broke off, returning to their patrol. The transport landed nearby, and its landing ramp slid open with an audible hiss.

"That thing is moving a bit too smoothly for a standard design," Anakin thought aloud.

"You would know, Skyguy," Ahsoka hummed and walked to greet their guests.

"Ambassador Skywalker, I received your credentials from Mon Mothma shortly before your arrival. You should have a two-man security team as well?" Padme inquired.

Luke winced at that.

"Two friends of mine decided I would get in too much trouble if they left me run around without supervision. Captain Wedge Antillies and Lieutenant Tycho Celchu. General Solo and Chewbacca are here to transport us and see us settled in before returning. Han will want to join us, but it would be best if he smoothed things with the New Republic before that."

A lanky Wookie came down the ramp and roared indignantly at that.

"Apparently, you've got yourself a third minder, Luke," Anakin chuckled. He looked at the Wookie. "I've seen you before, haven't I?"

"He was in the Kashyyk contingent that helped liberate Mandalore, I think," Ahsoka nodded thoughtfully. "Most Wookies I've seen are… bulkier? You kind of stand out," she added.

Chewbacca growled mournfully.

"He's a runt?" Luke suggested.

"Chewbacca is indeed slimmer than most Wookies we've seen. I can't recall where I met our version of him, but it certainly wasn't during the liberation of Mandalore. Padme and I were dealing with a different mess at the time," Anakin explained. "I am not seeing your Leia?"

"She is still stunned. I am pretty sure General Solo might stun her again until we can settle her somewhere safe," Ahsoka admitted.

Luke and Chewbacca looked at each other. A distinct sound from a blaster set to stun came from inside the ship, followed by an exclamation and a curse.

"Speaking of General Solo, considering how many times he had to stun Leia today, it might be for the best if he indeed makes himself scarce for the time being," Ahsoka suggested.

"He had to stun her multiple times?" Anakin exclaimed.

"The situation is less than ideal. At least Leia hasn't killed anyone yet or worse, so the situation should be easier to salvage than otherwise," Ahsoka explained.

"The more I hear about this, the less I like it. Someone is going to explain to me exactly what is wrong with this Leia," Padme ordered.

"Wow. You sound just like Leia when her temper's up!" Luke stared at Padme with fascination.

"Yes, Padme is amazing and can be scary when her temper's up," Anakin agreed.

"It has something to do with her anger not being a thing you can solve with a lightsaber," Ahsoka pipped in.

"That's true," Anakin agreed.

Three arguing men came down the ramp. Two wore red-colored pilot suits, without helmets, while the third looked like he had just crawled out of the nearest shady cantina.

"You know, he looks like Admiral Solo's adopted son," Anakin noted as he examined the newcomers.

"From that gala last year? The kid has grown up a lot," Padme agreed.

"I keep hearing about that Admiral Solo of yours…" Han's voice turned wistful for a moment. "Knight Skywalker, Senator?"

"Senator Skywalker, General Solo. I understand the situation with my daughter's counterpart is bad enough. You've had to stun her multiple times?"

Solo grimaced. "Making a Vader impression really doesn't suit Leia. I sincerely hope you can help her," Solo's Corellian accent deepened a bit as he spoke.

"That's why she's here. We have people who've experienced the Dark Side more than they should have," Padme pointedly looked at Anakin.

"I've learned my lesson. Becoming Darth Skywalker means losing you and Leia, so that's a no-go for me!" Anakin promised.

"If it was only so easy, no one would really fall, Skyguy," Ahsoka sadly interjected. "Let us get this show going before Leia awakes and has another temper tantrum."

"We have some paperwork and limited security clearances to arrange for those of you who will stay. Obviously, you'll have an escort while on board a military ship or when at a military installation," Anakin took a datapad hanging from his belt. "It'll require a scan of your biometrics to get them into the system. You are not getting away without a full medical. It is to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises or that you aren't subverted."

"What do you mean subverted?" One of the pilots, Celchu, asked.

"During the Black Rebellion, the rogue droids used cybernetic implants to take control of people. Near the end of the war, they were using nanites to sneakily subvert people. They also had nasty little droids that burned into people's heads and puppeteered them," Ahsoka's voice dripped with revulsion as she recalled some nasty memories. "Needless to say, we're taking no chance with security."

"You let us land," General Solo pointed out.

"Between the two of us and the soldiers, you are no credible threat, General. If this was a trap, we should have sensed it in time to react," Anakin didn't boast but merely stated a fact.

"More space magic?" Solo inquired.

"The marvels and horrors of the Force," Anakin stated philosophically. "Who is first?"

"Rank has its privileges, or so people keep telling me," Solo stepped forward. "How are we doing this?"

Anakin raised the datapadd, and a scanner beam illuminated the Corellian.

"Nothing out of the ordinary, but if you want to leave the hangar, you're going to the nearby medical center, General. Who is next?" Anakin inquired.

=FG=

Most of the platoon that met them at the hangar escorted Wedge, Tycho, and Chewie to their quarters while Luke and Hand went to a nearby suite where Leia would enjoy her stay. After what the pilots saw, they were pleasantly surprised that the new Imperials didn't just toss Luke's sister into the brig under heavy security.

"This is like no Star Destroyer I've been in or shot at," Celchu spoke after they settled in.

"You know there's almost certainly someone from intelligence listening in?" Wedge wondered.

The Wookie meanwhile beelined for the largest bed in the quarters and put down his bag after leaving Luke's near the door. He opened his luggage and fished out a brush that looked stiff enough to strip someone's skin right off. Chewbacca sat down and began grooming himself as if he had nothing to worry about.

"At least someone is doing something productive," Tycho walked to the nearest chair and sat down.

Chewie growled in amusement a him.

"I got just a glimpse of the ship, but there were enough anti-air guns on that section alone to make a Lancer frigate blush in envy. The tales from Cal-Seti suddenly look even more credible," Wedge offered. "However, let us not give our hosts any tactical information unless we really have to."

"Speaking of them, do you think they can be bothered to do something constructive about Isard? Supplying Coruscant with all this Bacta is nice and will save many lives, but that bitch is still out there, plotting her next move."

"We can always ask? You've got a first-hand experience with her nastiness, Tycho. I am sure that sharing all the sordid details about our Imperials can't hurt," Wedge suggested.

"Now there's an idea…" Tycho looked thoughtful at that. "What do you think of what that woman told us about their Clone Wars? I don't recall anything like that from school."

"Droids hijacking people to use as puppets? That's something out of a horror holovid," Wedge shook his head. "Unfortunately, I didn't think she was feeding us bantha fodder."

"Wedge, what did we get ourselves in?" Tycho wondered.

"More Skywalker shenanigans, my friend. That is why I came along. Someone has to look after Luke and his sister and try to keep too much trouble off them."