Feel free to join my Discord server: . disc ord. gg /3b3B xdHQKG (delete the spaces). You can talk about whatever you want in there. SW and RDR channels are in there as well.
Chapter 35
Leia was better at Dejarik than Luke ever could be.
No matter how much time passed, it didn't seem like Luke could ever learn. Han and Leia let him know it. Mara, too, when Chewie eventually abducted her into finding such an interest in a game. He guessed it came naturally to Leia. After all, it was a way to establish a peace talk between the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant with Pellaeon.
It turned out the same was true between Vader and Leia. Han was only pretending not to be interested as he leaned against the wall, though he could tell his friend was paying attention.
"Ha! Beat you, Father! You'll have to do better than that!" Leia cheered smugly, standing up and thrusting her hands in the air.
Vader stood up and grumbled something about how the Empire should have outlawed such games years ago.
"Hey, don't be a sore loser! I want my credits!"
Vader hummed, moving away.
Leia began chasing him.
Vader's head turned to face her, his blue eyes shining with a bit of levity. "We have never established the grounds of your victory, my daughter. As it is, consider your boasting as your prize." And he began walking again.
Luke resisted a laugh at Leia's flabbergasted expression.
"Cheater!" Leia poked at his back, looking torn between amused and frustrated, mostly the former. "I won fair and square! You can't be mad that you're bad at the game!" She followed after him in false aggression. "Anakin Vader Skywalker, don't you ignore me! You know, I am the only one who backs you amongst the Rebellion! I could always change my mind... get back here!"
An extended silence fell between them, and then she returned.
"The nerve of that man!" Leia shook her head, but her eyes sparkled with merriment.
Han smirked subtly. "You know, Princess, I think you might have finally met your match."
Leia rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Shut up, flyboy. I could take him and you any day. He just needs to accept defeat gracefully."
Luke chuckled softly.
Han snorted decisively. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Sister. You couldn't take me on if my arms were cut off."
Leia scowled. "Oh, really? And here I thought you were too busy pretending not to care about such trivial matters."
Luke could feel the air spike, even before Han responded, "I usually don't, but it's not every day we have your type on my ship."
"Well, congratulations," Leia replied sarcastically, "you're part of the Rebellion now. Should I hold up your medal?"
Han glared at her. "Look, I ain't in this for your revolution, and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid by the end of this. I'm in it for the money and benefits."
"You needn't worry about that. My brother is trustworthy unlike some men. If money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive." Leia sassed, looking at Luke. "Your friend is quite the mercenary. I wonder if he really cares about anything. Or anybody."
"Does Chewie count?" Luke called behind her.
"Name someone who's not a walking carpet," Leia moved down the hall.
"I have to remind myself she's your sister," Han said, loud enough for Leia to hear.
"I heard that!" Leia called out.
"Good!" He called back, waiting a few seconds nonetheless, before staring at Luke again. "How do you two share the same genetics when you're completely opposites?"
"Think you'll shoot your shot, Han?" Luke teased. "You can if you want to. I'll protect you from our father."
"She's got a lot of spirit. I don't know. I don't exactly want to be the man who looks at your father afterwards." Han said.
"All mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like," Luke replied with a shrug. "It's the only way we grow."
"I don't imagine he's the best mentor," Han grinned. "And hey, I don't need growth from him. Her? That snob-nose Princess has ways to go."
"You're afraid of her?"
"Never, kid."
Han moved back to the cockpit.
He felt Mara moving up in the shadows and searching for his father. Once it was clear he, or nobody for that matter, wasn't here, she finally revealed herself.
"Skywalker." She approached the nearest cargo hold containing most of the cooking and kitchen necessities to start her breakfast.
"Mara," Luke greeted in response.
Nothing else happened for a few seconds.
"Hey, Skywalker, I need your assistance," her annoyed voice called him.
Luke followed where she'd just gone. "How can I help you?"
Mara stared for a moment with disdain not directed at him. "...How long does it take to cook a Nerf sausage?"
"Two minutes. You have to flip it on each side using the microwave." He couldn't help but add with a quip, "Do you know how to cook?"
"Obviously," Mara harrumphed. "I'm not just an assassin."
She moved the plate over to the nearby microwave, Luke's eyes following her every movement.
She lowered the plate and started the countdown. After a minute, she followed his instructions. She quickly turned around and grabbed his collar, shoving him into the wall.
Chuckling, Luke arched an eyebrow. He gripped her wrists as they gripped his collar. She looked up at him, eyeing his lips temporarily before his eyes and, at last, their shared hands.
"What did I do this time?" he asked, his voice low.
"Don't," her throat tightened, "stare at me like that."
"I'm sorry," he said, voice filled with apology but something deeper. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just... you're hard to ignore."
Kriff, that was the teen in him speaking.
Mara's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, Luke thought she might pull away. But instead, she leaned in closer, her forehead almost touching his. She seemed to be conflicted for a moment, but she was obviously attempting to be threatening. "Just don't do it again."
Luke's grip on her wrists loosened, his thumbs gently stroking her skin. "I won't," he said softly, his eyes searching hers.
Mara's breath hitched again, and for a moment, it appeared as if time stood still. The microwave beeped in the background, breaking the spell, and she quickly broke away.
"Your sausage is ready," Luke said, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he stepped back, giving her space.
'To think, I judged Han and Leia for getting on my nerves when they were teasing each other back then. Turns out me and Mara wouldn't have been different if we met earlier...' the more rational part of Luke paused at that thought. 'No, we're even worse!'
Mara glanced at the microwave, then back at Luke. "Thanks," she muttered, turning away to retrieve her breakfast.
Luke didn't want to allow his lust for a much younger woman to blind his reality. Mara wasn't an object but a person to him, and she was where his heart belonged.
"Hey, Luke, there you are. Leia wanted me to tell you High Command is all assembled," Winter said, entering the cargo hold. "I think we should get this out of the way." She gave a slight start at the red head. "Oh, hello Mara."
"Hi," Mara greeted but not unkindly as she moved past her.
Luke exited the Falcon's cabin and left the Millennium Falcon with Winter in toe, traveling down the corridors until he found the Conference Room. The Holoforms of Mon Mothma, Garm Bel Iblis, Jon Dodonna, General Vernan, Bail Organa, and other leaders were already present, small forms over the diminutive manifestations of the various Rebel soldiers.
His father also participated in the meeting, lingering behind Leia. Luke joined them at their side, noticing Mothma eyeing him.
"Now that you're in attendance, Jedi Skywalker, let's start. Most of the former slaves that you've liberated have decided to join the Rebellion and are currently training to wield weapons here in our Base, though it will take time. While this mission would usually be a mission for us here, Rebellion's High Command believes that Jedi's aid-" She tossed a momentary look at Vader who rolled his eyes, earning a few silent chuckles from the more jokesters of the Rebel attendees. "-is needed. We understand if the Jedi abandoned their military past, but we need it more than ever."
"No, no, I can guarantee you that I am not a pacifist. What do you need to know?" Luke inquired professionally.
"This will be a tactical conversation," Garm Bel Iblis said. Truth be told, Luke was surprised that the man was still there. Didn't he all but leave the Rebellion last time after Organa's dea...? Wait a minute; never mind.
Luke expelled a breath of irritation. 'Time travel...'
Luke sometimes hated the subtle ripple effects due to what happened because of his decisions...
Luke nodded, "I believe tactics against the Empire is more suitable of a question for my father."
Vader was obviously still not trusted for good reasons, but this war had happened a long time ago. Luke was a veteran. However, anything his father knew could be more useful due to how deeply he was involved. The Empire would never be able to recover with Vader's absence entirely. Even with the Emperor operating and changing locations and such, no doubt, he would not be able to react fast enough, due to two decades of setting them up.
"The influence of the Emperor shouldn't be underestimated, but we have to be prepared to counter any psychological warfare he employs. Some of the treaties are conflicted at best. Not all are loyal to the Emperor for unfounded power or such; some may be persuaded to our cause, especially if they see the Rebellion gaining momentum."
Mon Mothma listened, her Holographic form nodding slightly. "These are sound recommendations. However, we must also consider the political aspect."
Luke saw the way Iblis rolled his eyes at that.
"Must you rebuild the Republic?" Vader challenged.
"Yes," Mothma responded.
"Even with the reality of the situation?"
"The reality?" A middle-aged blue Togruta asked. "What reality?"
Vader mentioned. "The Republic cannot be reformed, not without a costly sacrifice."
The reactions within were expected.
"That's a brave accusation, Agent Vader!" General Vernan roared, receiving a chorus of agreement.
Kriff, did his father ever heard of discreetness? But he was right, unfortunately. After the death of the Emperor last time, Skywalker became a legend and God overnight. As the Last Jedi, he was an icon of the old Order many in the Alliance desired to resurrect. However, Luke was no longer naivé as he used to be. People wanted the icon of him, not the Jedi, with morals, compassion, and pacifism repeatedly challenged, even after his new Academy rose.
Additionally, the New Republic and Jedi Order were never family as Luke once believed. They worked closely, however, that didn't mean members of the Core didn't operate in private dealings at the sacrifice of innocents. That was another pretty lie Luke told himself for a better galaxy.
"Don't interpret this as an insult," Vader continued. "One crippling issue for the Old Republic is that were countless people who misunderstood that the Republic is a very different organization to what it actually is. During times of crisis or relative 'golden ages' the Republic inclined to being an actual Republic with a Federal structure and a fairly strong central government that maintain everyone if not on the same page then at least the same chapter. By the last days of the Republic and the early Imperial era, it was an alliance. Their central government had no real power and two key pillars had either been dissolved or disintegrated into a shell of its previous state and that is how the member states preferred it to be."
His political standing silenced the room.
"Jedi," Vernan said, "what do you think?"
Luke closed his eyes, knowing that his next words would perhaps end many friendships before they'd even begun. By doing this, he would be standing behind his father and confirm that restoring the Republic wasn't his top priority. The Force guided his next words now.
"I do believe," and know, "Reformed Republic is a recipe for Civil War," he responded, at length.
And he felt the anger shift toward him.
"You know this speaking as a Jedi," Bel Iblis stated more than asked.
"Correct," Luke confirmed. "As a Jedi, we were never meant to stagnate as much as we did. The Jedi are supposed to survive with the changing time. Ultimately, the Republic failed into corruption and that was why it was unavoidable." Even he had been a victim of fear of the Dark Side.
Kyp Durron was right that the Vong needed to be eliminated and that the Jedi should start opposing them. But he had a radical approach, taking on the one which the Vong as a whole were monsters. That couldn't be further from the reality. The Vong customs and divinity were horrendous, but the evil wasn't intrinsic to the species, wasn't something that couldn't be practiced, and Kyp's singular focus on fighting that evil as aggressively as possible blinded him to alternate possibilities and led to the carnage of almost everyone under his command.
Luke, on the other hand, stood for dormancy by the Vong's invisibility through the Force, and the Force at this point wasn't just one of the only means by which Luke diagnosed the principles of his actions; it was the only means by which he did so. That left him without a means to center himself and the Jedi whom he commanded, to justifiable action, at least on the large scale. He feared that leading the Jedi to undertake aggressive actions against the Vong the way Kyp was would indeed result in a crusade, but a dark one, as Jedi functioning aggressively against the enemy without the Force's guidance to encourage proper limits for their measures would result in many or most Jedi turning dark. And he was right to be disturbed by this; more than one Jedi toyed with or outright fell to the Dark Side fighting the Vong.
Kyp received a harsh reality lesson with the results of his aggression when his squadron was slaughtered, and then had to see Jaina slip toward the dark. Luke was likewise with the consequences of his passivity as Coruscant burned, and then finally learnt enough about the Vong from Jacen and Vergere that he could formulate a plan against them that would decrease the possibilities of Jedi going too far and converting.
Neither was entirely correct, and neither was entirely wrong. Both had to learn to move through life.
And while it was a mischaracterization to say that Luke believed now that the answer should always be fighting, it didn't mean that Luke was above it after considering the circumstances.
Not everyone had redeeming qualities like his father did in the Second Death Star.
"And you propose what? The Empire sustaining control?" Organa recommended, narrowing his eyes.
"If that is what must be done. Would you sacrifice the galaxy to restore the Republic?" Vader dominated the room with his voice.
"No," Mothma replied adamantly. "Of course not, but that's different."
"What is your recommendation if you don't wish to restore power to the Republic?" Organa asked tightly.
"To steal the throne from the Emperor," Vader summarized.
"And give it to yourself?" Bel Iblis assumed.
"No," Vader dismissed without hesitation.
"No?" The Corellian blinked in surprise.
"No," he said again, "I am unfit to be Emperor and will never have the political support to do so. I'm sure you know what that means, Iblis. After all, you had plenty of deals to make sure that Corellia didn't burn for your affiliation with the Green Jedi."
"You're proposing to turn the Alliance into an alternative solution for both Republic and Empire?" Iblis danced around the subject.
"The idea of the Rebellion becoming different than the Alliance to restore the Republic will garner controversy but it could also lead to more joining us. The Republic proved to be a failure time and time again." Vader pointed out.
"That is a very good point," Bel Iblis admitted, receiving glares. However, it was not unexpected. Corellians have always been the type who would sacrifice what others considered moralistic.
"If you wish to survive," Vader said one last time, "you must prove yourselves as capable."
Many people in the room expressions darkened at that.
Mothma spoke for them all. "We are morally above the Empire."
Vader scoffed. "And although most of the loyalists of the Confederacy was morally in the right for seceding, that did not mean they'd won the Clone Wars."
"And you stand behind dictatorship, Jedi?" There was the makings of a plea in her tone.
"I don't, but I do stand behind the fact that the galaxy isn't black and white," Luke replied calmly.
Disgust bottled within the room.
"Is this how far the Jedi have fallen, or are you even a true Jedi?" Venom was in Dodonna's grave tone.
"I wish nothing more to inherit to the virtues of the Jedi that are possible in this situation, General," Luke addressed the accusation, still cordial. He had witnessed the dirty work of aiding in establishing a New Republic what way he could. "Even before the Emperor was born, the Core took advantage of the Rim. That much should be addressed."
That clearly struck a cold spot in Mothma, Organa, and other Core idealists. But most of all, it was true. The Core did take advantage of the Rim, disrupting their colonies. They were the same leaders or part of the same families when the Republic, Empire, and New Republic was concerned. Most have just went with one that would be likely to survive.
Argument brokered out.
"Ridiculous!"
"This is why their Order fell!"
"Jedi do not understand politics!"
Among others ripped from the Rebel leaders.
Luke wanted nothing more than to stand behind them. He really did. But he couldn't. He knew that he couldn't.
"Judge me how you will, the Senate wouldn't have been dissolved and the Empire would have never happened if over 25 thousand systems in the Core didn't sell out the entire system for personal benefit," Luke defended passively. "We have to all face reality. I am not going to devote myself to a system if wars will just continue to break out when they're avoidable. Far too many people are disgusted with the Empire but they believe it is a problem with the leadership alone. We cannot do anything if we're handicapped and fighting mini skirmishes."
To think, he shook many of those people's hands, despite how they would sold his Order under for an extra increase in power.
"The Empire is only a name," Luke continued honestly. "Destroy the Emperor and another would eventually consolidate their forces as the Core will continue to play their games."
Either Zsinj or Isard, most likely. Thrawn, later too. Luke would have to be careful.
"However, restoring everything back to the way it was won't solve anything and just lead to endless suffering. For this reason, I believe the hypothetical New Republic will just be a disaster." Luke stared at his father now. "That said, the Empire shouldn't stay around as the dominating force in the galaxy either."
Ackbar and Iblis seemed to be considering his words.
Bail's tired eyes locked on Luke, "What will you do if the Rebellion doesn't change?"
"I will remain here and help where I can but, if I see that nothing is being done to address both the Old Republic and Empire's issues that avoid more rift, I would have to regretfully pull back my support and locate allies elsewhere." That was such a dirty trick, and everyone knew it. "Either a more reliable power base which can help the galaxy or another fraction like the Mandalorians. I would not enjoy leaving the Rebellion but I am not impressed with the stories about the Old Republic nor Empire currently..."
He shook his head as he looked at them. "If you wish for my assistance, and I implore you to consider how beneficial it is since I have... counseled the Rebellion's greatest enemy and dealt with several of the Empire's plans as well, you will take this seriously. We need to make changes that don't just lead to more problems. Present ourselves as the alternatives to the dysfunctionality and cruelty of the Republic and Empire, showing that we're the more pragmatic power of them, or just depend on outdated beliefs that isn't how the real galaxy works."
A chill went down Luke's spine.
And the moment Leia gave him a murderous look, Luke knew both he and Vader were in trouble.
Suffice to say, the meeting pretty much ended there, at least for them, as they were asked to leave.
Leia soon followed.
His sister marched them to her quarters, stopped, and turned to look at them, her face angry. They were uncertain if Leia was about to draw that lightsaber off of her belt and cut them both down.
"I'm going to kill the both of you!" She exclaimed, her hands balling up into fists.
"For pointing out facts, my daughter?" Vader taunted.
"For being so ignorant and stupid!" She hissed, crossing her arms across her chest. "Are you two trying to lose support, especially you?!" She pointed at her brother. "You may have forgotten a war is for the horizon!"
"If the Rebellion wants to survive, it needs to prove that it's capable and won't cause more harm than good," Vader replied. "This system as it is can hardly stand for itself. It is not through being moralistic that we'll prevail."
"Luke?" Leia asked sharply.
"Leia?"
"Do the right thing. If you at least renounce those views and..."
"I cannot," Luke shook his head. "The good guys aren't liable to win just because they're the good guys. In my experience, democracy isn't something sacred most regular citizens would vow by." Far from it. So many people loathed him for what happened to the Empire last time. "If I recall correctly, Mon Calamari is virtually powerful."
"Correct, and they'd joined the Rebellion when we saved Ackbar." Leia nodded, wondering where this was going.
"Then you have the manifestations of a strong Navy, but our Armies are still lacking. They're many in the dark shadows of the Empire that wishes to join the Rebellion but remains isolated because they believe that joining would be suicide and this Rebellion will accomplish nothing. We have to show positive change." Luke sighed.
"My treachery will coerce the Emperor to adapt," Vader added. "As I believe, Coruscant is shielded with an increase military presence all over the planet. The Emperor has called many of his assets and prepare for a prolonged engagement to this conflict."
"What do you mean?" Leia asked, her hands tightening in trepidation.
"It is possible that this may continue on until the original Vong War," Luke said painfully. He had many years to worry about the Vong, but the logistics problems that came with the Rebellion at this time that came with the lack of the destruction of Alderaan continued to painfully remind Luke of why things wouldn't be so simple.
"You need to bring an idea unmentioned to the table," Vader enforced.
"What idea?" Leia asked through gritted teeth.
Nothing happened momentarily, and then Vader finally answered: "Recommend that your Rebellion contact the Hutts and offer an alliance."
Leia snapped. "You'll have us go so low?! To even recommend such..." she gripped the bridge of her nose.
"The Hutts are at an all-out war with the Empire. Nar Shaddaa is the central hub of all criminal activity throughout the galaxy; not to mention that it orbits the Hutt homeworld, Nal Hutta. Such a power move by the Empire in assassinating is viewed as an act of war; any Imperial hopes of entering the Outer Rim safely would be immediately dashed. A bounty on any and all Imperial military personnel or materiel would be extremely likely, thus ensuring that bounty hunters are likely to try to compensate than to work for the Empire."
"A providence answer, I'll admit that, Father," Leia growled. "However, even if the Hutts do help us, they're going to try to amass much power wherever we build our system. The New Order we have in such a scenario would be worse than the Empire..."
"We need their armies, not their leaders," Vader countered smoothly. "We can move calculatedly. We arrange assassinations against the leaders, frame it on the Empire, pick apart their resources while they're turning a blind eye, and compensate. Jabba's resources benefit the Rebellion. By the time they realize what's happening, it's far too late."
"This is beyond disgusting," Leia said with scorn, glaring at Luke, "and it's the fact that you're agreeing to what is being suggested. You do realize that countless Alliance's leaders will do anything they could to destroy the Empire!"
"I told you I didn't agree with the Old Republic," Luke said regretfully.
"But why, Luke? I know that you disapprove, but I thought you needed time to think about it."
"Leia, it took me years to question everything I knew. I once believed in the Rebellion and the New Republic, but what I saw was Civil War after Civil War. I told you this. Yearly terrible wars! The New Republic was a disaster! People don't care about who's the good guys as long as they accomplish what they want!" Luke played the terrible Vong War in his mind again, most of all, and both could see the haunted look in his eyes.
"L-Lu-Luke..." Leia stuttered over her words, evidently astonished. "I'm..."
In dramatic irony, Vader's hand was on his shoulder. "Son, calm."
Leia breathed in relief when Luke's infuriated look dissipated. It was times like this when she'd grown to appreciate Vader's supportive presence more often than not. Without him, Luke would have more concerns...
"I'm sorry," Luke apologized sincerely, breathing out. "I didn't mean to snap at you..."
"Don't worry about it..." Leia ensured.
"But we'll have to do morally questionable things if we're to survive, and I need your help."
Leia grasped her head. "I... I..."
"It's a lot to take in," Luke assured, "but I encourage you to at least think about it."
She promised, "I will."
She would have to choose.
Author's note: It appears there's been a misunderstanding in the last chapter. Yoda is not attacking Luke. He's merely preparing for the worst: "Prepare for any alternatives and negative outcomes, we will. Treat the Skywalkers as an enemy, we will not. For now." Right now, the Jedi are doing what they believe is best. It's fairly reasonable for them to be concerned because of what Vader did to the Jedi for years.
The reason why Luke is being vocal against the New Republic is because of what happened. In my opinion, the deaths of Anakin Solo and Chewie would break a lot of things down for him. The Vong being defeated once? Luke isn't someone who would leave his family and the galaxy's potential future in the hands of the trainwreck that was the New Republic. Not again. I feel like Luke changed after the Vong War. There isn't any morality in politics and military standing, just more bickering and shattering ideals. It angers him, and thus, he's very vocal. He wants to be the man behind the throne basically and ensure the Vong comes to a well-preserved galaxy. In my opinion, he'd held onto his views so remarkably for so long, and it stabbed him in the back every time.
May the Force be with you all always.