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 5: Dark Times
In the Guardian, Nadia slept in the second seat due to the tiredness she got from her supply run with Ferus at Ta'a Chume'Dan, the capital city of Hapes.
Nadia wore a high-collared low-cut red corset with short light green puffy sleeves worn underneath a sleeveless magenta trenchcoat that flared behind her being shorter and pleated in the front and black elbow-length fingerless gloves. Underneath she wore velvet coloured tights and dark red low high heeled shoes. Around her neck was a dark red neck choker and an emerald crested golden cross-shaped medallion. Her raven black hair was styled in a braid with straightened bangs that have a tiny split at the corner. Short layered forelocks framed her face.
Two months have passed since she went to Tatooine with Ferus and RG-G1 to speak with Obi-Wan.
But after that, she and her boyfriend continued to lay low despite the Empire's wrath on the galaxy growing more.
The couple didn't still have enough allies to form a rebellion to fight against their enemies.
With the rise of the Empire, all the institutions of the old Republic found themselves either dismantled or modified beyond recognition.
There was a riot of renaming all things 'Imperial' to glorify the new Emperor.
Overnight, the Coruscant sector was renamed the Imperial Sector, Coruscant itself was renamed Imperial Center and Galactic City was renamed Imperial City.
The Galactic Senate became the Imperial Senate, the Grand Army of the Republic became the Imperial Army with the Clone Troopers and the Republic Navy became the Imperial Navy.
The four decrepit intelligence agencies of the Republic were merged into Imperial Intelligence, with former Senate Bureau of Intelligence (SBI) director Armand Isard at its head.
The Palace of the Republic was rebuilt and expanded, becoming the Imperial Palace, eclipsing all other buildings on Imperial Center.
The former Commission for the Protection of the Republic was renamed the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order.
Within days, there were few names left to remind the people that there had ever been a Galactic Republic.
There had been reports of Jedi being hunted down before being destroyed by Darth Vader and his inquisitors.
However, neither she or Ferus attended to share the same fate as them.
Nadia felt her stomach twist as she thought of the Supreme Commander of all Imperial Forces.
Darth Vader.
A monstrous being in a haunting mask who was born after Anakin lost the battle with Obi-Wan on Mustafar.
She was no longer in good terms with her former Master after what happened to Anakin.
It was his fault that Anakin was now a monster and a slave of the Dark Side for Darth Sidious to use to terrorise the whole galaxy.
The Jedi had failed Anakin.
Their lack of action and lack of foresight was ultimately what lead to Darth Vader.
The Jedi had pushed Anakin away, either directly or indirectly, just as they did with Ahsoka.
And all Sidious had to do was be there to offer a slight nudge, so that everything went as he planned.
But that didn't mean Nadia was considered as a favourite member in the Jedi Order by the Jedi Council.
The only reason she was treated unfairly by the Jedi Council like Anakin was all because she was a descendant of Darth Nihilus, the Dark Lord of the Sith during the era of strife following the Jedi Civil War and was highly known as a living wound in the Living Force following the destruction of his home world of Malachor V at the end of the Mandalorian Wars.
But what made Nadia's ancestor frightening was Darth Nihilus that gained enormous power and also developed an endless hunger that would lead him to consume entire worlds just to survive.
However, unlike Anakin, she escaped from Darth Sidious' web before it was too late.
A frown appeared on Nadia's face as she slept.
She tried to think about something good, but the bad thoughts kept coming into her mind.
It made her feel that things were only get worse and more people were going to suffer in the galaxy.
Ferus then came inside the Guardian and placed a brown blanket around Nadia as she slept.
The second Jedi Knight wore a white shirt with a black cloak and rust coloured pad on the left side, grey coloured trousers and dark grey boots. Around his waist was a dark brown belt that held his lightsaber.
RG-G1 let out a beep causing Ferus to simply smile at him.
Ferus then sat down on the pilot seat before starting up the Guardian and heading into hyperspace.
After several minutes passed, Ferus carefully took out the tiny box that held the engagement ring that he wanted to give to Nadia.
However, he wasn't sure whether his girlfriend would accept it after everything that happened.
"Why don't we go to Rishi?"
Ferus became nervous and quickly placed the little box away as he glanced at Nadia, only to see her eyes still closed and in the same seat she was in.
"Huh?"Ferus said in confusion.
"How about we go to Rishi then?"Nadia suggested as she opened her ruby red eyes."The planet was never part of either the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire, but instead maintained a galactic neutrality and created it's own loose constitution-like guidelines. Actions or events that are considered illegal in the Core Worlds are legal including goods smuggling, contraband, black marketing and bounty hunting."
Ferus gave Nadia a bewilderment expression.
"Aren't there pirates in Rishi?"Ferus questioned.
"Yes and I am actually hungry to have a little danger back in my life."Nadia declared casually and stood up to stretch a little."Besides, we need a better ship."
A slight chuckle escaped from Ferus' mouth.
"Yeah…no offence, Dia. But I don't think we should rush to have the Empire go after us more than it is now."Ferus commented anxiously."Also, Queen Apailana is trying her best to help us."
"Even so that doesn't give us the right to help those in need, right?"Nadia questioned, raising an eyebrow."The Empire is not as great as people think it is. Darth Sidious has brought peace through persecution."
"I am just saying you shouldn't be brash and reckless."Ferus suggested."That is something that…Anakin would do."
Nadia became silent at Ferus' declaration as RG-G1 let out a gentle beep.
"If we want a new ship, we might as well go to Fondor."Ferus suggested."It's a planet in the Freeworlds Territory of the Tapani sector, famous throughout the galaxy for its extensive orbital shipyards, which were outclassed only by those at Corellia and Kuat. The Shipyards were associated with the Techno Union prior to the Clone Wars. I actually happen to know someone who may provide a good ship for us."
"Is it true that the native Fondorians are a Near-Human species with no hair and purple blood?"Nadia sneered.
Ferus frowned at Nadia.
"Oh, you are serious."Nadia remarked.
RG-G1 let out a few beeps.
"As I was saying, my friend is an engineer and a very reliable person."Ferus exclaimed."He graduated from the Fondor Academy of Engineering and Design. So if anyone wants a ship, he can provided it for them though it'll cost us."
"What makes you think he is not loyal to the Empire?"Nadia questioned.
"He was a friend of my birth parents."Ferus admitted with a small smile.
Nadia simply nodded in respond as she went to sit next to Ferus while the Guardian headed towards Fondor in the background.
Almost entirely industrialized, Fondor was an ecumenopolis surrounded by orbital shipyards and drydocks.
Its surface was almost totally covered with factories, cooling towers and workers' barracks as well as mine shafts leading deep into the planet's core and office complexes for the planet's ruling Guild of Starshipwrights.
The planet also housed hectares of labourers' barracks for the dockworkers, many of whose jobs were above them.
After passing a couple of starships, the Guardian landed in the spaceport within Oridin City.
RG-G1 let out a beep as he followed Ferus and Nadia.
"This city is very-"Nadia started.
"Factory-like?"Ferus guessed.
Nadia nodded. "Yep."
After walking past a few towers and a mine shaft, the two Jedi Knights and their droid arrived to a repair shop called 'Zallow's Repairs'.
Ferus knocked on the door causing a magnifying eye scope to appear from the compartment on the wall.
"Hey, Gruncle Vlad."Ferus greeted with a small wave."I'm back."
Nadia and RG-G1 glanced at each other as the door to the repair shop opened causing the two of them and Ferus to go inside.
When the door closed, Vladimir chuckled as he appeared and gave Ferus a hug.
Vladimir Zallow was a slender man in his late 40s with fair skin, reddish grey hair and sky blue eyes. He wore construction gear and equipment and carried around a holographic display, where he kept all of the blueprints of his work. He also carried around a backpack full of supplies, just in case he ever needed to build something.
"Ferus Olin! I can't believe it's you!"Vladimir remarked."The last time I saw you were barely four yet!"
Ferus nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Uncle Vlad. It's been far too long."Ferus complemented before introducing Nadia and RG-G1."This is my girlfriend, Nadia Aomori and her droid, RG-G1."
Nadia smiled at Vladimir as she shook hands with him.
"Nice to meet you, Mr Zallow."Nadia replied.
RG-G1 let out a beep.
"Ah, I've heard of you."Vladimir declared with a smile."You're one of the Jedi Knights that were mentioned many times during the Clone Wars."
"Thanks."Nadia answered casually.
Vladimir, Ferus and Nadia then sat down together, eating toasted Shawda club sandwiches.
RG-G1 looked around the shop, only to see a photo of Vladimir with Ferus' late parents; Istvan and Vanessa Olin that appeared to be in their young teens.
"When I heard all the Jedi were to be executed for treason, I was scared that you would've been killed, Ferus."Vladimir exclaimed."But I see now that I was worried for nothing."
"I am sorry that I made you worry, Gruncle Vlad."Ferus apologised with a frown."But I had to lay low since all the Jedi were now reported to be enemies of the Republic."
"I understand, kid."Vladimir replied with a nod."So what can I do for you?"
"We need a ship actually."Ferus admitted.
"The one we have is a Naboo craft, but me and Ferus would like one that's more unique and equipped with extra fire power."Nadia stated.
Vladimir let out a chuckle.
"I see you have an adventurous spirit, Commander Aomori. I respect that."Vladimir praised in approval."Vanessa had that sort of personality."
Ferus smiled lightly at the mention of his birth mother.
"I haven't had much costumers showing up since the Empire rose to power."Vladimir declared."All trade must be registered with this new order. Unlike other people, I just see Imperials willing to ruin Fondor like the rest of the galaxy."
"How so, Uncle Vlad?"Ferus questioned.
"There are whispers going around Fondor that the Empire is planning something called the Executor project."Vladimir admitted with a frown."The Empire required complete secrecy in the project, closing off all nonmilitary traffic in the system. Though the dockyard bosses were angered by the fact that they could no longer serve their commercial clients, the fact that the project took up the majority of the yard's resources."
"That's awful."Nadia retorted."Is this Executor some kind of ship?"
A scoff escaped from Vladimir's mouth.
"Not just any ship, Miss Aomori."Vladimir admitted."Here in Fondor, the workers are vast enough to construct major flagships. This Executor is a battle cruiser that is not for public sale. As a matter of fact, 1,143,350,000 credits has been paid to built it and it is direct property of the Empire."
"Eesh."Ferus scowled in disgust."That's a big amount money wasted for the garbage."
"Is this ship for the Emperor's use?"Nadia assumed.
Vladimir shook his head.
"No."Vladimir answered."This is a personal battle cruiser for the Emperor's Right Hand known as Darth Vader."
Startled looks appeared on Ferus and Nadia's faces.
"Anakin."Ferus thought in fear.
"We've heard of him."Nadia responded casually."Not a pleasant person to be around with."
Vladimir stood up from where he sat.
"In that case, you two follow me."Vladimir instructed.
Vladimir gestured Ferus and Nadia to follow him alongside RG-G1.
The engineer went over to a wall that had a bookshelf on it before carefully moving it, revealing a secret passage hidden in it.
Vladimir started walking in the hidden stairs causing Ferus and Nadia to follow him while RG-G1 used his booster rockets to follow after his companions.
"Istvan wanted for you have this when you were old enough to travel, Ferus."Vladimir explained with a smirk."It actually belonged to your great-grandfather, Eric Olin. It's a bit old fashioned, but I am sure you and your girl can handle it."
Vladimir led Ferus, Nadia and RG-G1 to a hidden hangar bay, only for the trio to become astonished.
Inside the hangar bay was a XS stock light freighter that was coloured in grey and had dark green lines.
"Oh my stars!"Nadia remarked in delight."That's a XS stock light freighter!"
"I heard those were usually around during the Great Galactic War and its resultant Cold War."Ferus complemented with a surprised expression."How could have my great-grandfather have gotten such a rarity?"
Vladimir simply shrugged in respond.
"That's a pretty long story."Vladimir informed."Why don't I show the three of you around?"
Ferus, Nadia and RG-G1 made their way inside the XS stock light freighter with Vladimir leading the way.
The XS stock light freighter was considered a major advancement in armament, speed and versatility over previous models of light freighter. It was considered one of the fastest and most agile starships in the galaxy.
It contained a large cargo hold, including many hidden compartments throughout the ship, ideal for smuggling or simply hiding valuables. The XS also boasted powerful engines which allowed it to easily outrun most opponents or authorities, but in the event a fight was necessary, it came armed with standard torpedo launchers and laser batteries.
In addition, it also held upper and lateral laser turrets which could be fired manually, or remotely from within the cockpit. Due to the fact that many smugglers and freighter captains both worked and lived aboard their ships, the XS was also designed with many of the standard comforts any being would need including a lounge for recreation and extra sleeping quarters.
"So what you three think?"Vladimir questioned.
"It's awesome, Gruncle Vlad."Ferus chuckled."Thanks."
Nadia sat on the pilot seat of the cockpit within the XS stock light freighter.
"It makes me feel like I actually time travelled."Nadia informed.
RG-G1 let out a beep, earning the two Jedi Knights and the engineer's attention.
Next to RG-G1 was something covered in a white cloak with a note on it.
"What is it, G-G?"Ferus questioned.
Nadia stood up from where she sat while Ferus picked up the note on the cloak and saw it had 'Property of Istvan Olin. Do not touch'.
"Whatever this is, it belonged to my dad."Ferus commented.
Nadia placed a comforting hand on Ferus' shoulder as Vladimir walked forward.
"Well, Ferus. It's now your property."Vladimir stated with a small smile."Let's see what it is."
Ferus took a deep breath before removing the cloak, revealing an T7-series astromech droid known as T7-O1.
"Wow! A T7 astromech droid!"Ferus stated in amazement and bent down to look at the droid."I always wanted to have one of those when I was a kid!"
Nadia looked at the left arm of the deactivated astromech droid.
"It says its name is T7-O1."Nadia read."But I guess we'll call him, Teeseven."
RG-G1 let out a few beeps.
Ferus glanced at Vladimir.
"Should I activate it?"Ferus suggested.
"Go ahead."Vladimir encouraged.
Ferus pressed a few buttons at the back of T7-O1 and in a couple of seconds, the T7-series astromech droid came to life.
T7-O1 moved his head around a bit and then noticed Ferus, Nadia, RG-G1 and Vladimir looking at him.
"Hello, T7."Ferus greeted."My name is Ferus. Istvan Olin was my father."
T7-O1 let out a beep.
"I don't look like him?"Ferus repeated, making him frown while Nadia giggled in the background."If you don't believe it, then scan me."
T7-O1 scanned Ferus' face before beeping at the Jedi Knight.
"Thank you."Ferus commented."It's nice to meet you too, T7."
T7-O1 started moving out of the cockpit to go around the XS stock light freighter and check his surroundings.
"What's he looking for?"Nadia questioned.
Vladimir shrugged in respond before T7-O1 returned back to the cockpit and let out a few beeps.
"You're looking for Istvan and Vanessa Olin?"Nadia asked.
T7-O1 beeped in agreement.
"I am sorry to tell this T7, but my parents aren't around anymore."Ferus admitted with a sad look."You've missed a lot."
A sad beep escaped from T7-O1.
Ferus bent down to place his hand on T7-O1.
"I know this will be hard for you to accept, T7. But I need your help."Ferus stated with a firm look."The Jedi Order is gone and there's a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious ruling the galaxy. Even the worlds of the former Republic are drawn into the iron grip of Sidious' Empire, the galaxy seems adrift in a sea of chaos, lawlessness, and despair. There are many people in danger and no one seems to realise that except some of us. Will you join us in our quest to fight for freedom against the Empire?"
T7-O1 became quiet for a moment before giving a determined beep at Ferus while Nadia and Vladimir smiled in approval.
"Thank you, T7."Ferus thanked.
RG-G1 let out a soft yet happy beep as he went to introduce himself to his new friend.
On Coruscant, Darth Vader slowly walked inside the Imperial Palace.
Upon donning the armor that kept him alive, he initially remained uncertain, but regained his self-confidence following his killing of Roan Shryne on Kashyyyk. He also gained a firm belief that love was a weakness and was utterly meaningless.
Though it wasn't shown, the apprentice of Darth Sidious was actually troubled by what he recently learned.
The Empire practiced slavery.
It disturbed him that the New Order he was now following actually allowed the very wretched thing he despised beside anything in the galaxy.
It actually brought back to many painful memories of his youth as a slave in Tatooine alongside his late mother, Shmi Skywalker.
Because of his former identity's status as a slave, the Sith Lord was suffering from distress when the concept of slavery was brought up, especially regarding the Empire continuing the slave trade.
It came during his debriefing with Commander Vill of the 501st Legion regarding the Cleansing of New Plympto, abruptly end the debriefing without a word and walk off to join his master.
Darth Vader made his way to the balcony which it was where Darth Sidious was waiting for him, apparently too distraught at the revelation of the Empire.
"Lord Vader. I told you a new assignment would be forthcoming."Darth Sidious stated."There is a matter on Murkhana which requires your attention. It includes Jedi."
Darth Vader remained silent causing the Emperor to sense his frustration.
"Something troubles you, apprentice?"Darth Sidious assumed.
"I heard from Commander Vill on New Plympto."Darth Vader declared.
"Ah, I should have remembered that Anakin Skywalker was a slave. As was his mother."Darth Sidious declared slightly."My apologises, Lord Vader. I should have explained the current situation sooner."
Darth Vader didn't say anything as Darth Sidious began to walk away.
"The slavery that exists in the lawless reaches of the outer rim is wrong. The trading in individuals' lives and the freedom of personal gain must end. It will…in time."Darth Sidious exclaimed, his declaration sounding persuasive."But what the Empire is doing on New Plympto and elsewhere is different."
Darth Sidious stopped walking to glance at Darth Vader.
"Unrepentant Separatists like the Nosaurians must be dealt with. Put to work, they will make a positive contribution to the Empire and their lives will be spared."Darth Sidious complemented."It is a merciful alternative to what would otherwise be necessary. I am certain you understand."
The Emperor then walked away, leaving his apprentice by himself.
Darth Vader looked down in silence.
He knew he had to follow his master's orders despite his own discomfort.
Seeing no other choice, the Sith Lord then gave the order to the 501st Legion to sell slaves to Orvax IV to fall asleep for the night.
However, it was obvious that he would struggle to sleep and still feel troubled by the discovery the next morning.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!