Scars of Mustafar II: Skywalker's Children (Updated 3/5)

[Darth Fanboy]

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away and a universe that might have been...


SCARS OF MUSTFAR II: SKYWALKER’S CHILDREN

It is a period of civil war. The armed forces of Emperor Anakin Skywalker, secretly the Sith Lord DARTH VADER, besiege the galaxy in their search for members of the Rebel Alliance, led by General Ben Cody, who unbeknownst to the Emperor is actually his former master OBI WAN KENOBI.

Unable to sit idly by, Kenobi has traversed the galaxy numerous times; rallying forces to the cause of democracy championed by former Senators Bail Organa and Garm Bel Iblis. At the same time, he seeks out the hidden survivors of Skywalker’s Jedi Purge, hoping that one of them will be the key in helping him restore balance to the Force.

As tensions build in the galaxy, rumors of a new weapon known only as the DEATH STAR reach the ears of rebel sympathizers. Sensing both importance and danger, Obi Wan Kenobi dispatches some of his most trusted operatives to seek answers…

. . .

Chapter I – Mission at Mygeeto, Part 1

The planet Mygeeto glistened brilliantly against the blackness of space. The planet’s name itself was derived from an ancient Muun term meaning “gem”, and not only did it possess the beauty of a jewel, but held all of the value as well. Even after extreme collateral damage suffered across the world during the Clone Wars, the mineral wealth of the world had it back to prosperity in less than two decades. Only now, the Galactic Empire reaped the benefits in place of the Intergalactic Banking Clan and other organizations abolished by the Emperor Anakin Skywalker. For all of its vast wealth though, Mygeeto was still located in the Outer Rim, within distance of the Rebel Alliance.

The danger manifested just beyond range of the planet’s sensors, as a squadron of the Rebellion’s new X-Wing fighters emerged from hyperspace in the blink of an eye, accompanying them was a tri-winged assault shuttle, one of the precious few the Rebellion possessed.

“This is shuttle Varactyl to Red Squadron, Red One do you copy?”

“Varactyl, this is Red One, we read you loud and clear. I just received word from back home for you to stand by for a transmission from General Cody.”

The shuttle’s pilot acknowledged as he gave the signal to the rest of his squadron to switch their s-foils into attack positions and await further orders. After a few brief moments, the transmission resumed as the voice of Red One was replaced with the Supreme Commander of the Rebel Alliance, General Ben Cody of Alderaan.

“Master Jennir, I thought it might have been your unit that had volunteered for this assignment.”

“There is no need for me to use that particular title anymore sir; ‘Commander Jennir’ suits me much better these days.” Jennir said. The former Jedi Master wanted to add another line commenting on the Supreme Commander’s own situation but thought better of it, as the transmission could be compromised.

The response came succinctly, “Fair enough then,” as if the mysterious being on the other end had been able to discern Jennir’s thoughts, which would not have been surprising to the former Jedi Master in the least. “Are your commandos ready?”

“We’ve been training for this very moment; the Nosaurians have the resolve of durasteel General. We will be in and out of that ship in a Coruscant minute.”

“Your confidence is reassuring Commander. However, while I am encouraged by said confidence, I must remind you of how critical this mission is. The Empire has been one step ahead of our intel for years now regarding this weapon and my senses tell me it is paramount that we find it before it can be completed.”

Jennir understood that General Cody had once been a Jedi himself, though he was not familiar with him and it was an open secret that he was using an alias for one reason or another. Still, he had met the man in person and there was no questioning his presence in the Force.

“We’ve taken every precaution General, we’ve rehearsed the operation dozens of times already, and Lt. Brood’s team is already in position.”

“Yes but even still, be mindful. The Empire is not oblivious to our efforts, it could be a trap.” The General cautioned.

“It’s not like we have a choice sir, there are too many lives at stake. I’ll gladly trade mine.”

General Cody heaved an audible sigh of mournful regret. “I never question the resolve of those who are willing to make sacrifices Commander, but that is what our enemies want us to do. Show the Empire that we don’t need to die to uphold our beliefs, even if it means a strategic retreat and living to survive another day. That is an order.”

The transmission ended and Dass Jennir, leader of the Rebel Alliance’s elite Red Squadron, thumbed the switch on his communicator to the frequency that his squadron was using.

“This is Commander Jennir of the Varactyl to all ships, form up with your wingmen and prepare to advance on the Imperial Frigate Priam. Reds One through Four will take out the engines and hyperdrive, Five through Eight will destroy the communications array, the Nine through Twelve will escort the shuttle to the docking tube towards the center, we’ll board from there. Engage enemy fighters and weapons emplacements as necessary but don’t stray too far from the target.”

“Red Six to Commander,” came a reply from one of the pilots “Enemy frigates tend to have things like guns and shields, how is your team even supposed to board?”

Jennir’s answer was fast, “Our team on the ground is already infiltrating the planetary defense batteries, and once they have their primary target under control we’ll make way.

“Hurry up Maris…” He thought as he checked his chronometer.

At that moment, Jennir noticed an energy spike on the shuttle’s sensors, the unmistakable reading of a massive ion cannon connecting with its target.

Dass Jennir felt as if the Force itself was smiling down upon him, and with a short excited yell, his part of the mission began.

“Let’s go!”

. . .

Wiping blood from his brow, Captain Jurgen of the Imperial Nebulon-B Frigate Priam regained his feet, his eyes and attention locking on the junior officer, an ensign, operating the ship’s scanners.

“What in blazes just happened, where did that attack come from?”

“Sir,” The ensign called out. “It came from the ion cannon on the planet’s surface! We took a direct hit…shields, weapons, hyperdrive are all out…emergency power being routed to life support and artificial gravity. Our communications array is intact, repairs will begin there so we can contact for support from the surface.”

The Captain slammed his fist impatiently. “If in fact the surface is even still on our side!” He spat, “What else could go wrong? Ensign, tell me, how long until full power can be restored?”

“First response teams are saying they can swap out the worst of the burned out circuits in about an hour, we won’t be down for long.”

The answer, while presented optimistically, did not satisfy Captain Jurgen, who grabbed the microphone attached to his captain’s chair. “Do we have communications?”

The ensign nodded in the affirmative. “Yes sir, I’ve already established contact with the surface, and they’re warning us that there are multiple contacts coming our way. The contacts are moving too fast for positive identification and broadcasting no IFF signal.

A sickening realization overtook Jurgens as he moved to his Captain’s chair, and the built in console on the arm of the seat. Grabbing the comlink which allowed him to address the entire ship, he thumbed the switch and delivered his orders.

“This is Captain Jurgens to all hands, prepare to repel boarders.”

. . .

Two mysterious figures were cloaked in darkness within the ship’s armory.

“Did you hear that brother? It looks like our theory was right.”

“Then all is proceeding according to the plan, let’s find some suitable armor and head to the docking tube. The others will be making their way up here from the surface soon.”

. . .

As the shuttle closed in on the frigate’s docking tube, Jennir intently observed the X-Wings on the monitor. The fighters were using their proton torpedoes to great effect, causing incredible damage to the unprotected capital ship. Planetary forces from Mygeeto had already begun to scramble.

“Even at two to one odds they’ll be fine,” thought Jennir. “There’s little chance that a bunch of stand by base pilots are any hope against our elite squadron.”

Satisfied that the situation was in hand, Dass Jennir stood up and turned to the back of the shuttle, where the Nosaurian commandos waited eagerly for their chance to strike back. Their home world of New Plympto was a Separatist World during the Clone Wars, and the deactivation of the Droid Army protecting the planet left them helpless. Despite a valiant rebellion led by the fugitive Jedi Dass Jennir, who had joined their cause, The world was eventually occupied by Force and those wanting to continue the fight fled their world to do so or risk their homes and families.

“Listen up! I know many of you can’t wait to get off of this bucket and kill everything wearing white plastoid that you can find, but we have a very specific job to do, one that if we accomplish will hurt the Empire much more. Stay to the plan and be prepared for anything that might happen.”

“Death to the Empire!” One of the commandos yelled, and a cacophony of cries rose up. The use of the Nosaurian commandos had the added benefit in that their small stature allowed a shuttle to carry more soldiers, but the added number contributed to the deafening chorus.

Still, Dass Jennir did nothing to stop them; however it took a punch on the arm from the human pilot that they were within seconds of arrival and Jennir had to reclaim his seat. Because the artificial gravity aboard the Frigate was far stronger than that of the shuttle and because they would be boarding through a docking tube and not forcibly entering a hangar or cargo bay where there would be room to unload the shuttle’s own gravity would have to be turned off and Jennir’s team would have to float in. The rebels would have to unfasten their restraints and invade the airlock a few at a time or risk floating into each other in an embarrassing and catastrophic mess.

Jennir would be among the first to go through, his experience in such actions being one factor, and for his unique weapon’s suitability in this situation.

. . .

“How long until the TIE’s can get up here from the planet?” asked Stormtrooper DW-7202 asked as he and his squad took up firing positions. The ground shaking beneath them as the impact from the rebel’s proton torpedoes continued to rock the ship.

“Can the chatter,” The squad leader barked as he motioned for the repeating blaster to be set up at the far end of the narrow and dimly lit corridor. At the other end of the corner, portable ray shields had been erected not connected to the ships power that would trap the rebels and force them into the path of the troopers, who were already setting up a repeating blaster poised to mow them down.

A glow came from the hatch just as the blaster was set up and a green spike emerged, a split second later and the large section of the hatch had been cut away was tossed aside. Acting instinctively, Trooper DW-7202 began firing the repeater and flooding the corridor with scarlet blaster bolts. Despite what seemed to be a constant stream of fire one figure emerged wearing a combat suit of a type that none of the stormtroopers had ever recognized before.

If those troopers were part of the early generations of troopers that had fought in the clone wars, and not a mixture of newer generation clones, conscripts, and recruits, they might have recognized it as armor worn by Jedi during the days of the Old Republic. They might have even recognized former Jedi General Dass Jennir as he began deflecting the blaster bolts back at the source, forcing them to take cover.

With the troopers’ concentration broken there was a momentary pause in fire from the repeater, which was all Jennir needed. With a quick motion he summoned the Force to him and burst it away from him in the form of a strong wind. Strong enough that the magnetized grip of the tripod released allowing the blaster to topple to the floor. Jennir then leapt backward behind the opening he had created where the Nosaurians had begun to move out of and into the corridor, before the troopers could react to him Jennir gave the signal.

“First team out, blind them!”

One of the unique biological features the Nosaurians possessed were bioluminescent gums that could be flashed brightly when needed. Originally evolved to send signals in dark forests, the modern galaxy had many more potential uses. With the stormtroopers helmet imaging displays adapted for the darkness of the corridor, the bright flash of the Nosaurians was as bad as any flash grenade available.

For all of their training and experience, the troopers could do nothing but cover their eyes in pain as they toppled over, vainly reaching for their blasters in a desperate attempt to mount a defense but well placed blaster shots from the commandos struck true. If any of the squad survived that they certainly didn’t survive being trampled as the rebel infiltrators moved forward towards their goal, the computer cores located near the main bridge.

. . .

“There is definitely a Jedi leading this group brother.” The younger of the two mysterious figures commented.

The elder one confirmed his comrade’s suspicion. “I sense him too, but there are two of us and one of him and our brothers are on their way up from the surface.”

The young one’s brow furrowed beneath his pilfered trooper’s helmet. “This one is different though not as powerful as some of the others we have seen but somehow more dangerous.”

“Agreed,” the elder remarked. “I can sense that he is willing to compromise his beliefs for a greater purpose. He may not be as strong as other Jedi, but he could be decidedly more dangerous.”

“Should we erase the ship’s navigational data then to be sure? If he somehow manages to get past us then this whole mission will be for naught.”

Pondering the statement, the elder of the two turned and carefully examined the door behind him; it was the last barrier between the Rebels and the ship’s central computer.

“He will not pass us, and besides, if the Captain of this ship wants to improve my opinion of him he will have already done that by the time the rebels reach us.”

. . .

Jennir’s green blade flashed again, weaving a dizzying pattern as blaster bolts were reflected back at their point of origin. There were only two doors left between his team and the central computer core, and scores of dead stormtroopers now lined the passageways compared to very few Nosaurian losses. While the fighting had seemed one sided, the overpowering speed and strength was necessary as the longer the mission lasted the greater the chance of failure existed.

Still, all was going according to the plan as he began to cut through the next to last door. Jennir’s thoughts raced like lightning through him and his adrenaline kicked into overdrive.

“Soon we’ll have that navigational data, and then we can find out where Skywalker is hiding his ultimate weapon and face him head on!”

His circle now completely carved, he retracted his blade and pushed the cut section away with a Force-aided shove. He immediately reactivated the blade expecting to come under fire from multiple angles but the only resistance he saw came in the form of two stormtroopers standing in front of the final door, one of them a little bit smaller than the other.

Looking at the more diminuitive one, Jennir smirked. “Aren’t you a little short to be a stormtrooper?”

[Darth Fanboy]

Chapter I – Mission at Mygeeto, Part 2


“Aren’t you a little short to be a stormtrooper?”

The insult did not sit well. Without even hesitating, the shorter stormtrooper unclipped the lightsabers from his belt and ignited them into a pair of deadly crimson columns.

Sensing the potential danger, Jennir ordered the Nosaurians to shine their gums at the enemy . Too angry to make a coherent verbal retort, Luke hurled the twin blades in Jennir’s direction. The blades moved incredibly fast, but Jennir dodged deftly. Obviously this was no ordinary stormtrooper, at first Jennir thought he was some sort of amateur. Carelessly tossing a lightsaber was a green mistake that Jedi younglings even rarely made. But when the former Jedi heard screaming coming from his commandos behind him he turned and to his horror he realized it was no amateur attack. Whoever it was under that armor they had used the Rebels’ own tactic against them.

The lightsabers were spinning so fast they had become a pair of crimson discs, whirring behind him like saw blades and cutting the entire group of Nosaurian commandos down while they were distracted in their attempt to blind the stormtroopers. Nosaurians at the rear attempted to flee but could not. The narrow corridor which they had used to their advantage against the stormtroopers was now decidedly working against them.

Jennir moved to try and stop them but was forced to turn and defend himself when the taller trooper moved in to attack with a red blade of his own. As his own emerald blade moved into a defensive stance the two sabers struck each other and Jennir slid backwards.

“Bad idea, the Prince doesn’t like to be teased about his height.” The taller trooper said, flashing a toothy grin before kicking Jennir square in the chest.

“What Prince?” Jennir thought as he regained his feet, looking on as the two troopers tossed their helmets aside. His heart sunk as he recognized the two men.

The taller trooper was the infamous Imperial General Galen Marek. The son of Jedi Master Kento Marek, who Jennir had known before the Jedi Purge, his mother was rumored to be a Jedi as well. He had become a popular figure after he had been “rescued” by Emperor Anakin Skywalker during a raid on an old Jedi safe house on Kashyyk. Marek had been raised in the Imperial Palace along with Skywalker’s own children and blossomed into one of the most fearsome military figures of the Imperial Armed Forces.

The other one was none other than the Crown Prince Luke Skywalker himself, the supposed heir to the Imperial Throne and an Admiral in his own right, though his resume was not as extensive as Marek’s. However, the rumors that his power could potentially match his father’s were well founded. Regardless of experience, it took a deep connection to the Force to cut down a few dozen commandos with two lightsabers at once in barely a minute.

Jennir drew as much of the Force to him as he could; he was literally backing himself back toward the corridor. The words of General Ben Cody echoed loudly.

"Show the Empire that we don’t need to die to uphold our beliefs, even if it means a strategic retreat and living to survive another day. That is an order.”

Backing towards the corridor he formulated his plan to escape, if he moved fast enough he could reach the rear of the ship and get to one of the escape pods and one of the X-Wings could pick him up. Using all of the Force energy he gathered, he made his break with Marek and Skywalker in hot pursuit.

“I can only hope that the fighters are holding up out there.” Jennir cringed as he moved as fast as he could. However when he arrived at the docking tube he noticed something was amiss. There were two more figures standing before him and a third unconscious figure lying at their feet.

Jennir pulled up into a stop but before he could the two figures hefted pairs of weapons. Jennir raised his blade to counter, but the weapons were not typical blasters. They were heavy stun blasters based on weapons originally modified by the Mandalorian Death Watch to combat Jedi. Nearly unblockable by a lightsaber, they could wear down and stun all but the most powerful Jedi. And even then it would take an admirable effort. Dass Jennir was powerful, but in his weakened state he could offer no resistance.

Crashing to the ground as the energy coursed through him, sapping his strength, he looked up and recognized his newest attackers. Kam Solusar and Corran Halcyon were high ranking members of the Royal Guard and Imperial Intelligence respectively. Like Galen Marek, their parents had been associated with the former Jedi Order and then “rescued” to live with the Emperor’s family.

That the four had united into one unit was bad enough, but it was also clear to Jennir that these four men were also combining their formidable powers to deal with the threat poised by the Rebel Alliance was even more unsettling.

As he thought his heart could sink no more Jennir looked across the way to the collapsed figure at Solusar and Halcyon’s feet. To his sadness it was his subordinate and fellow former Jedi, Maris Brood. He had formed a close relationship with her as the two fought together for the Rebel Alliance, and had helped him form his commando unit. Her team had been tasked with capturing and firing the ion cannon down on the surface, and as elated as he was when her team had managed to pull of the incredibly daring feat, deep down he knew that he would have preferred her to fail and escape than end up like this.

“And I couldn’t even get the data to make your sacrifice worthwhile…so this is what General Cody meant when he spoke of being forced to make sacrifices.”

“So glad you could finally join us brothers!” the voice of Galen Marek reverberated as he and Luke Skywalker strode confidently down the hallway.

Kam Solusar grinned. “All this trouble and the two of you couldn’t catch one second rate Jedi?”

“He had commandos with him,” Luke protested. “About 50 or so, I’m not sure.”

“Of course you weren’t sure,” Marek grinned. “You were too busy cutting them down like the Rebel Scum they were. Though if I hadn’t been there your little temper tantrum might have cost you if that Jedi had rushed forward and I hadn’t been there to block his blade.”

“Don’t start with me Galen,” Luke said, making no effort to conceal his contempt. “I did what I did because it was the fastest way to deal with them. If you had gone with my plan we could have used four of the new TIE fighters that father had made for us we could have stopped them before they nearly ransacked an Imperial frigate!”

As Galen Marek and Luke Skywalker glared at each other their auras glowed with hate, Corran Halcyon stepped in to diffuse the tension and refocus them on the task at hand. “Brothers, now is not the time. We have two Jedi prisoners to deal with. Galen, His Majesty gave you command, what do you want us to do with them.”

Breaking his glare from Luke, Galen looked down at the two Jedi. Brood was completely unconscious from the beating she had received on the surface, and Jennir was drifting off as he suffered the effects of a concussion from hitting his head on the durasteel deck.

“We have no need for them; His Majesty already knows what their plot was. It was sufficient that we stopped it and confirmed the presence of Jedi in the attack force. Kam, you and our little brother will dispose of them as you see fit. Corran, you and I need to go have a talk with this ship’s Captain.”

The news was grim as Jennir’s gaze faded to black, with all of his remaining strength he reached left hand to his right wrist and pressed the button on a small discretely concealed device in his glove…

. . .

Garven Dreis, designated “Red One” of the Rebellion’s Elite Red Squadron saw the message flash on his X-Wing’s HUD. It was the “Black Signal” he had been dreading once the mission had reached the fifteen minute mark. While his squadron had been doing well in holding off the first wave of Imperial TIE Fighters and taking no losses to the Empire’s three, there was no point in continuing.

“This is Red One to Red Squadron, break off the attack and retreat. The mission is over. Set escape vector Alpha Tac Zero One and make a break for hyperspace.”

. . .

“Captain Jurgens, the Rebel Fighters are retreating!”

Jurgens scoffed at the Ensign, who had been following the battle via the planetary sensor grid, which he had tapped into using his direct communications link. “Of course they are, they are Rebels, they think that shooting down three of our fighters is somehow a great victory and they are off to brag to their friends. But no matter, we’ll hunt them all down soon enough. Once the Emperor’s new battle station is finished there is no way they…”

Jurgens was interrupted as the doors to the bridge opened, despite their being sealed by an emergency lock designed to protect them from the Rebel boarding party. The two stormtroopers guarding the bridge turned to point their blasters but were knocked unconscious by an unseen attack as two men strode confidently into their midst. One of the men was wearing stormtrooper armor minus the helmet, while the other was wearing the far more distinctive field uniform used by agents of Imperial Intelligence, with his rank insignia clearly visible.

Jurgen’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped slightly before he came to his senses and offered a salute. “General Halcyon! It must have been you must have helped scare off the Rebels! I knew the Empire wouldn’t let us down!”

Corran didn’t bother to properly return the salute and instead waved his hand dismissively. “While I wish I could take credit Captain I’m afraid that honor would have to go towards General Marek here, and I’m also afraid that, based on information from the good General here that I will also have to inspect your navigational computer.”

“Our navigational computer, what for?” Jurgens asked quizzically. “There is nothing wrong with our computers, save for the damage that might have been caused when those incompetents on the surface for whatever reason fired the ion cannon at us! They are the ones you should be investigating!”

The sidestepping did not amuse Corran, but he maintained composure, knowing that any further deflecting from the Captain would unleash Marek’s pent up anger from the near fight he had provoked with Skywalker back in the corridor. “There is nothing to investigate down there General. We allowed the Rebels to access the cannon in order to lure them onto this ship. We needed to know with certainty what their target was, and now we know just that. Now, I will tell you again, I need to inspect your navigational computer.”

Jurgens was incredulous, and he allowed it to get the better of him. “General I protest! I don’t know what you are accusing us of but this entire crew is loyal to the Empire and exemplary members of the Imperial Navy and do not deserve...ughh…”

The breath escaped from Jurgens’s lungs in a hurry as Galen Marek raised his hand with a menacing gesture and strode closer. “I have had enough with your prattle! I can already tell from your thoughts that you failed to erase the navigational data from your ship’s computers. You know fully well that data could have proved useful to the Rebels in locating His Majesty’s Death Star and you know fully well that all ships transiting from the Death Star are to erase their navigational data in the event an enemy boards the ship!”

Marek squeezed harder and Jurgens grasped as his throat desperately. “Your loyalty, Captain, is not in doubt. Your competence however leaves much to be desired. I hereby remove you from duty.”

With that statement Marek applied even great pressure and crushed Jurgen’s trachea completely. The former Captain’s neck distorted and bent slightly before the body collapsed in a heap to the floor.

While on the spot executions were not Corran’s style, he was satisfied that all of his questions had been answered, and also relieved that Galen had been allowed to release his pent up anger.

“By the authority of Imperial Intelligence, I invoke jurisdiction in this matter on the grounds of Captain Jurgens’s incompetence in dealing with Rebel Infiltration. Whoever the First Officer is, I am placing them in interim command of this ship until a suitable replacement is determined by the Fleet.” Corran stated, knowing no further orders would be required.

The two Imperial Generals walked off the bridge, leaving the crew of the Priam to continue without them. “Kam and I detached and destroyed the Rebel Shuttle before using the docking bay ourselves. Rogue Shadow is waiting for us.”

“Good” Galen growled. “I would like to return to Coruscant and get this report over and done with immediately. If the Rebels are launching fugitive Jedi at us it must mean they are desperate. We need to strike now before they realize what they are dealing with and go deeper into hiding!”

“Patience brother, we will have our opportunity. His Majesty will be pleased to hear of our accomplishment in this battle. We will have all the opportunities we need to finish eradicating the Jedi in time.”

Galen dismissed Corran’s reassurance, and Corran was not pleased to see Galen refocus his scorn back on Luke.

“And as usual Father will push all of the credit onto our little brother and dote on him as excessively as he does our mewling pacifist sister!” Galen clenched his fist and spat.”

Corran shrugged. “I readily admit that His Majesty shows Leia affection, but she is the spitting image of Padme Amidala. You know how he still mourns for her. Those two are all he has left.”

Galen spat again. “Did he not take us in? Did he not kill our mothers and fathers so that we might be spared from the Jedi Purge and be raised to bring the peace and order that the Jedi failed to do? Were we not all raised as equals?”

“Galen,” Corran said calmly as he placed his hand on his adopted brother’s shoulder. “You were given command of this assignment for a reason. Whatever father thinks one way or another it is apparent that he believes that you are the one best suited for this mission. He has placed his faith in all of us to be his eyes, his ears, and his reach within the various parts of his Empire, but you have been placed on a further pedestal. Focus your hate and your anger to where it is deserved, just as he taught us.”

Galen heaved a sigh. “Perhaps you are right brother, but before we head home I would like to find out if any of those TIE Fighters out there tracked where those X-Wings went.”

. . .

General Ben Cody, secretly the Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi, lay still as the medical droids carefully examined his armor for defects and damage. Although more efficient technology existed, it was not robust enough to handle the day to day activities of one of the most prominent military leaders of the Rebel Alliance, which included piloting starfighters, diving headfirst into firefights, and close range combat with a lightsaber.

His procedure was interrupted by a holographic communication from the Captain of his personal ship, an accomplished pilot named Wedge Antilles who had joined the Alliance and was selected as Obi Wan’s personal pilot due to his extreme skill and tenacity in battle. The two had grown close, and Wedge was joking referred to by some within the Alliance as “General Cody’s Nephew.”

“General Cody, there is news from Mygeeto.”

Obi Wan had felt Jennir’s death in the Force. With the number of Jedi in the galaxy at such a pitifully low level, and a connection to the Living Force fostered by one Qui Gon Jinn it was not difficult to sense even the most distance of deaths anymore. Still, Obi Wan played his part. “Go ahead.”

“Lieutenant Brood’s team successfully infiltrated and utilized the planetary ion cannon against the target and initial reports from our fighter pilots confirm that the Commander’s attack shuttle did breach the target’s hull. Aside from the eyewitness reports of the Ion Cannon firing, we have no other confirmation that the mission was successful, and contact with the ground team was never regained.

TIE fighters from the surface engaged the X-Wings not long after, but within predicted paramters, however, at the same time a freighter of unknown type arrived from the planet’s surface. It destroyed the attached attack shuttle and assumed its place at the main docking tube. Not long afterwards, Captain Dreis received the “black signal” transmission, we can only assume from Commander Jennir since it came from his personal comlink.”

Obi Wan sighed as the medical droids began replacing portions of his artificial legs. “Where is Captain Dreis’s squadron now?”

The blue hued image of Wedge Antilles quickly scanned the datapad in his hands. “Red Squadron initiated a hyperspace jump to the Sinjan System, still in the Outer Rim, and is currently executing evasion protocols before returning to Stronghold.”

The droids put the finishing touches on Obi Wan’s refinished feet and he sat up, feeling grateful for the opportunity to put on his boots and cover at least part of his mechanical appearance. Although he would never be free of the mechanical face he was now forced to wear.

He looked over at the aide, “First things first, we cannot abuse the generosity of the Polis Massans. Make sure we take every precaution in covering our presence, and then prepare for our departure. Once we are far enough from Polis Massa we will use the Shadowfeed to contact President Organa on Averam.”

“Yes sir, anything else?”

Obi Wan considered for a moment, filtering his thoughts through the force in an old meditation technique taught to him by Yoda many years ago. “There is one thing, you mentioned an unknown freighter. Gather all of the data on that ship that you can, and cross reference with other unique Imperial ships from previous mission data. Report back to me immediately if you find anything.”

[Morningstar]

Much love for your first story! Very glad to see you starting second one!

[Eternal_Freedom]

Indeed, I was very much hoping you'd continue this one. I find it amusing that Leia is still apparently a pacifist in this scenario. And Corran and Kam being adopted brothers of Luke and Leia? Gold.

[spartasman]

At long last, the promised one has returned. wierd to, as I just re-read this story last month.

[Darth Fanboy]

I find it amusing that Leia is still apparently a pacifist in this scenario.

Without revealing too much of my plan for her, I hope that it will make a good deal of sense later on.

[Sidewinder]

I find it amusing that Leia is still apparently a pacifist in this scenario.

Without revealing too much of my plan for her, I hope that it will make a good deal of sense later on.

Let me guess: Leia was raised by Padme's relatives, on Naboo. Her aunts and uncles' pacifist ideals have infected her.

By the way, does Luke have any additional "sisters"?

[Darth Fanboy]

Let me guess: Leia was raised by Padme's relatives,

No

on Naboo.

No

Her aunts and uncles' pacifist ideals have infected her.

No

By the way, does Luke have any additional "sisters"?

I guess you will just have to wait and see (the answer is no).

[Crazedwraith]

Wow. I was not expecting this fic to ever materialise. Nice work.

Is Corran going by Horn or Halycon? You seemed to use Halycon on most occasions but there was a reference to a General Horn at one point.

[Darth Fanboy]

Wow. I was not expecting this fic to ever materialise. Nice work.

Is Corran going by Horn or Halycon? You seemed to use Halycon on most occasions but there was a reference to a General Horn at one point.

That would be....AN ERROR! It's Halcyon.

[Crazedwraith]

Wow. I was not expecting this fic to ever materialise. Nice work.

Is Corran going by Horn or Halycon? You seemed to use Halycon on most occasions but there was a reference to a General Horn at one point.

That would be....AN ERROR! It's Halcyon.

UNTHINKABLE! Here was thinking you were infullable.

[DrMckay]

Wedge was joking referred to by some within the Alliance as “General Cody’s Nephew.”

I see what you did there. Clever, sir. Very clever.

[Darth Fanboy]

Chapter 2 – Heart of the Empire



Even after nearly two decades of authoritarian rule, the Chamber of the Imperial Senate was not without its heated debate. While the authority to enact decisions had been removed in the Empire’s early days by Palpatine of Naboo, the Senate was now an arena of political battle where varying factions competed for the Emperor’s favor, and sought to persuade him to act in their interests.

Despite the Emperor’s central role however, Anakin Skywalker tended to recuse himself from this sort of discourse, leaving said matters to Grand Vizier Sate Pestage. A former underling of Palpatine, Pestage had accepted Skywalker’s offer in the wake of Palpatine’s death to help him garner the support needed to ascend the throne. Though he still dabbled in his own scheming, he counted himself fortunate enough to have survived the change in regime and served loyally. But there was one particular aspect of his service that Pestage could barely tolerate, an aspect currently occupying the Senate Pod drifting towards his station, the former podium of the Supreme Chancellor.

“Vizier Pestage!” a female voice called out, “The Coruscant Delegation requests the floor!”

The Grand Vizier outwardly maintained his composure, but his stomach churned. Despite wanting to deny the Coruscant Senator’s request, he was not in a position to do so.

“But of course, the Chair recognizes Princess Leia Skywalker, you may have the floor.”

Leia made only basic effort to hide her displeasure towards the Grand Vizier, despite working hard of her own accord with her father’s permission to become the elected Senator of Coruscant, she was still more often recognized as a Princess of the Empire rather than a member of the Imperial Senate, even during her last diplomatic mission to Alderaan. She knew that Pestage used the title less as an honorific and more as a means to draw a divide between her and other Senators, politically isolating her.

“My fellow Senators, the Grand Vizier and the Military would do everything within their power to convince you that funding the new Super Star Destroyer projects will end the conflicts in the Outer Rim, they would convince you that these behemoth machines will deliver a quick victory over the myriad of forces arming themselves at the galaxy’s fringe.

What they fail to recognize is that we are not facing secessionists armed with uncounted battle droids, nor an external threat from beyond the galactic rim. No, the fighting in the Outer Rim is between the Empire and the Empire’s own citizens! The rebellion is a manifestation of the discontent of our own people! Our military grows at the expense of those it is sworn to protect; legislation supported by this very body that has benefitted the Core Worlds impoverishes those in the Outer Rim. We are fighting the right war, but with the wrong weapons and on completely incorrect battlefields.”

Looking over, Leia could see the disinterest as clear as day on Pestage’s face, knowing that she was getting under his skin.

“Instead of blasters and Star Destroyers, we should be fighting with schools and hospitals. We should be funding the infrastructure needed so that these planets are part of a more connected galaxy, and not flickers of light at the periphery of our focus. We cannot continue only to take notice when a world is discovered to have exploitable resources, only to ignore it once the Empire has depleted everything of use. Even now, seven years removed from the conquest of the Hutt Systems, planets full of newly liberated Imperial Citizens have little access to modern technology and basic services such as the Holo Net.

I have sent to all of your Senate Pods a petition, a petition to divert spending from Imperial Weapons Research and spending on opening new military fronts towards developing the infrastructure of Imperial planets in the Outer Rim. Together, we can send a clear message to my fa…to the Emperor that the interests of the citizens are first and foremost in the minds of their elected officials. Sign this petition, and send the message that we are a force for good in this universe!”

Pestage watched as the Pod retracted; a fair applause went up throughout the chamber, though not all of it was genuine as nobody wanted to be the Senator who snubbed the Emperor’s daughter. Still, it was proving problematic to his own assignment of furthering his master’s agenda when the princess herself was actively sabotaging it. A few keystrokes of his modified console later and his high level access to each individual Senator’s pod was activated. Agents of Pestage would now be able to trace the digital signature of the Princess’s petition, and anyone who signed it would soon find themselves under investigation. Not that he would attempt to conceal that fact. It was a tactic he had been using for months now in order to keep the Princess from developing contacts with the remaining holdouts in the Senate with sympathies for the Rebellion.

Pestage was quick to resume speaking. “On behalf of his majesty I thank the Coruscanti delegation for their perspective on this issue. I promise that I will see to it that his majesty receives a copy of this address right away, as of right now he is preparing to meet with some of his top military advisors regarding the recent terrorist attack on Mygeeto…” As he concluded his sentence, he looked up towards the Coruscant Senator’s platform and noticed that the Princess was already gone.

“Off to see her father no doubt to try and gain his persuasion. You’re welcome to try Princess but no matter how much you act like your mother there is no way that Skywalker will be deterred from his intentions.”

. . .

It was not like Leia to leave a Senate session before it had been officially dismissed, but her frustration had reached a boiling point. While those who knew her family readily acknowledged the stark similarities to her mother, she did possess at least a part of the infamous Skywalker temper.

Her aide, a young human woman just two years younger, quickly flanked her. “Prin…err…Senator Skywalker, are you so certain you want to leave this early? There are still a couple of resolutions that Vizier Pestage will be presenting.

Leia scoffed, you mean yet another statue of the 501st legion in the Imperial Plaza? Or let me guess, a commendation for a starfighter unit that blasted some freighter to be bits that was suspected of once visiting a Rebel hair salon?”

The aide struggled to match Leia’s brisk pace. “My father might be the architect and overseer of this overzealous gigantic war machine, but he is a good man and he will listen to reason. We don’t need bigger battleships than we already have. My own brothers command most of the Imperial Armed Forces, I have seen the reports myself. We don’t need to waste money and ruin lives when we could be making the galaxy a better place and succeed where the Old Republic could not!”

“You don’t think the Rebellion is a threat?” The young woman asked, surprising herself with how forwardly she asked.

She was further surprised when Leia gave perhaps the most frank and honest answer she had ever heard from a politician. “The Rebellion wouldn’t even exist if we didn’t have Star Destroyers in every sector that would give free beings a say in their own government. Bail Organa’s Alliance is wholly dependent on the idea that they can provide a better alternative to the Empire, and I respect him for that. I could see myself learning a lot from that man in another time and place. But if I can keep making progress in the Senate here on Coruscant, we can end this war peacefully one day, and countless lives will be saved.”

The two women eventually arrived at a shuttle station outside of the Senate Dome. While Leia Skywalker eschewed most of the perks and privileges of her status as an Heir of the Empire, she did have a royal transport at her reach at all times that was guarded by members of the 501st. While she knew that she was a target of Sate Pestage’s machinations, the 501st legion’s priority above all others was the protection of the Imperial Family, and under no circumstances would they allow any harm to come to her, nor would they allow her shuttle to be bugged or traced by anyone other than the Emperor himself.

Leia turned back to the woman and smiled, “I am sorry, I know you are new and all, working in my office can be quite overwhelming. The least I can do is remember your name.”

The young woman smiled, and bowed gracefully. “Mara Jade, your majesty, at your service.”

. . .

The Rogue Shadow docked at the private landing bay at the top of the Imperial Palace, formerly the Jedi Temple. The Ziggurats at the top had been designed ages ago by Jedi Architects to channel the Force and as Luke Skywalker and his adopted brothers stepped onto the concourse, they could feel a rush of energy around them.

It was here that they had called home. While the residential portion of the redesigned Jedi Temple was modest, the remains of the Jedi Temple had been easily reconfigured into the heart of the Empire’s military might, and most arms of the Imperial Armed Forces were headquartered within this very building, done so at the behest of the Emperor, who was very hands on with how he managed the overall war effort.

“Is he nearby?” Kam Solusar asked, “With all of this energy around us I can’t sense his presence.”

“He is here, I can feel his presence.” Luke said with confidence.

Galen Marek suppressed a scowl; the Skywalker children and their father had an incredible Force-bond allowing them to sense each other across vast distances even when other Force users could not. While he pretended not to care most of the time, it was a painful reminder that he was the adopted orphan and Luke was the actual son of the Emperor.

“Whatever the case, the sooner we report to him the better, I want to get back out on the trail while it’s still hot. Dass Jennir and Maris Brood were thought to have been deep in hiding, that they found their way to the Rebellion disturbs me.”

The four made their way to the far end of the hangar and were about to enter the lift when the doors opened with several figures inside, on the left and right sides were white armored stormtroopers of the 501st legion. Standing in the center, was the Emperor himself, standing tall garbed completely in black and bright yellow eyes piercing their way forward.

Immediately the four dropped to one knee in deference.

“The gesture is well received my sons, but not necessary at this time.” The Emperor said as he motioned for his stormtrooper guards to leave. “I trust that your mission went well?”

Galen stepped forward, eager to present the results of the battle. “Indeed it did father, and it was as we expected. The Rebels are growing desperate to find the Death Star, the infiltration mission was led by a Jedi that we identified as Dass Jennir.

Anakin Skywalker’s interest grew. “Jennir was a General during the Clone Wars, he was skilled but I hadn’t expected him skilled enough to survive Palpatine’s purge, nor would I have thought him stupid enough to emerge from hiding if he had. Was he alone?”

Galen attempted to reply, but the enthusiastic Luke Skywalker interrupted much to Galen’s dismay. “He had a few dozen Nosaurians with him, but nothing we couldn’t handle. There was another Jedi too but Kam and Corran took care of her easily enough.”

Luke’s exuberance was clearly annoying his brothers, the Emperor noted, especially Galen Marek whose aura had started to blaze unseen in the Force. Anakin didn’t let on though, choosing to lessen the tension by directing the conversation to Kam Solusar and Corran Horn. “And what of the Jedi, what were their fates?”

Kam Solusar, having participated in the disposal of Maris Brood and Dass Jennir, gave the answer. “When we last saw them they were floating in orbit above Mygeeto, by now they are probably disintegrated particles in the atmosphere.”

“Along with the incompetent Captain who nearly delivered the Death Star’s location to the Rebellion,” Corran Halcyon added.

Pondering the situation for a moment, Anakin Skywalker weighed his response carefully. “Do not mistake my demeanor as a lack of pride in what you have accomplished my children, you have served the Empire well. However, we are entering the next phase of a highly dangerous game with the Rebellion. They are running out of options, but desperation is not a sign of weakness. They will hit us as hard as possible at every opportunity and will not relent. We must match their desperation with an even greater amount of vigilance.

I have tasks for each of you, I hesitate to split your team apart, but the Rebels are too widespread to continue concentrating my best resources in one group. Corran, you will conduct the search for the Rebel headquarters using whatever means necessary. Kam, you will head to the Death Star and oversee the final stages of construction there; if the Rebels do manage to get a saboteur aboard you will intervene to prevent any compromising of the station.”

Skywalker turned to Galen Marek, and placed gauntleted hand upon his shoulder and looked him in the eyes, his eyes burning with hatred despite his composure. “Galen, the Rebels sending two Jedi Knights at us tells us that there are more alive than we expected. Independent of Corran’s investigation, you will hunt down any and all remaining Jedi and exterminate them, regardless of their current affiliations. This has been an ongoing mission ever since your training began, but the willingness of the Jedi to cooperate more openly with the Rebellion means undoubtedly that there will be new leads for us to discover the remaining Jedi.”

Galen’s ego swelled, not only was the task well suited for his abilities, but he would find great satisfaction in getting to test his combat skills without having to share the honor of the kill with his siblings, especially Luke.

“Father!” Luke protested. “Send me to take down the Jedi, or at least let me go with Galen! There isn’t a Jedi alive who is a match for me!”

Unseen by Luke but clearly seen by the Emperor, Galen scowled at the remark and slowly clenched a fist. “I have a special task for you, one that is best discussed in private. Your brother will be fine on his own for this task, trust in him as well as Corran and Kam that the next stage of our plans will come to fruition. The rest of you,” he said while looking at the other three, “…had best get started.”

…

Obi Wan Kenobi, in his armored guise as General Cody looked at the arrayed holograms on the display in front of him. While his quarters were quite modest and unfurnished, he had an very elaborate holographic conferencing display which allowed him to coordinate to the best of his ability with the far flung Rebel leadership.

Arranged in a circle, much like the old Jedi Council was, were some of the most notable figures of the Rebel Alliance.

“We don’t really have much choice. Whiplash is the only alternative we have left.” spoke Garm Bel Iblis, the former Corellian Senator who had thrown his considerable influence behind the Rebellion in its infant stages. “I know it is a considerable resource to risk losing, but our weapons do no good kept in check! If we do not use all means at our disposal to prevent the construction of Skywalker’s weapon then what is the use of opposing him to begin with!”

The aquatic being to his left, Admiral Ackbar of the Mon Calamari, was quick to offer support to Bel Iblis. “The Free Calamari Fleet concurs, our ships are free in the Outer Rim but our home remains under occupation. If the new battle station is completed the Empire will surely hold our people hostage to force our hand.”

Obi Wan’s response was measured, he was used to playing the devaronian’s advocate from time to time on the Jedi Council, a role he felt was necessary in order to ensure that discussion explored all areas. He also had his doubts.

“If Whiplash is the best alternative, then you are both certainly correct. However we must consider that it might not be our best bet. I believe that our operatives in that organization will be under more scrutiny than ever before, they may not have the advantages we believe them to have.”

Bel Iblis was skeptical. “What makes you so sure of this? Is your past not permitting you to risk your Jedi comrades’ safety? Have you forgotten how many lives are at stake?”

“General Bel Iblis, mind your manners. General Cody has risked just as much, if not more than anyone else in this meeting!” President Organa of Alderaan replied in support.

Obi Wan, not wanting tension to build between two important Rebel leaders defused the situation. “It is ok Mr. President, I appreciate your kindness but it is a fair accusation.” Obi Wan turned his helmeted gaze toward Bel Iblis, addressing him directly. “General, my hesitation to act in this way isn’t out of fear for our force sensitive agents’ safety. My fear is that their power will attract unwanted scrutiny. I have learned that our plot at Mygeeto was foiled by the Emperor’s finest warriors. All of whom are versed in the ways of the Force, if the Empire has any confirmation a Jedi is working on Coruscant it could bring unwanted scrutiny onto our attempt.”

It was a logical argument, but there was still resistance to it. “Cody, I won’t try and argue with your about the Force, but the Whiplash agents are the only ones in position to do anything about it. We no longer have agents anywhere else close to where they could give us the weapon’s location. Whiplash is our only hope right now.”

Obi Wan mused and stretched out into the Force, his thoughts were numerous, but one particular idea in his head immediately moved to the forefront, as if ushered there. At first it seemed a poor fit, but realization began to dawn on him and the foundation of a plan began to form.

“Perhaps they are our only hope General, but not in the way we might think. Allow me to suggest a plan…”

[Sidewinder]

I find it interesting that the Jedi Temple is now the Imperial Palace- I thought Skywalker hated the Jedi too much to use it as his HQ. Perhaps he intends to deter any Jedi attempting to take advantage of some undiscovered secret passage, to infiltrate?

[Darth Fanboy]

Would you like me to pm you spoilers?

[Crazedwraith]

Interesting chapter DF. Its nice to see more information about some the changed characters. Have to wonder what side Mara Jade will turn out to be on. She could still be the Emperor's Hand in this verse. Or if you wanted to shake things up she could be Whiplash.

I wonder if Jax Pavan is still alive...