Star Wars Invasion: Episode X, Chapter Twelve and Epilogue

Well, this is it. Started this story last year, and took nearly a full year to put it out on my blog. Enjoy!

AFTER THE STORM

   In the aftermath of the Glorian War's conclusion, there was much that needed to be done.

   With the death of Cal Omas, a new Chief of State had to be chosen. Given the circumstances, the Senate decided to go with the running candidate with the highest vote count at the time and elected Via Eerin as Chief of State. The female Mon Calamari's first act was to move the Galactic Alliance to Fondor while repairs were made to Coruscant and other victims of the war. Following this movement, several- some unexpected- changes were made.

   First and foremost, Corellia asked to rejoin the Alliance. Chief Eerin agreed, but only on the terms that Governal Aidel Saxan and Thrackan Sal-Solo stepped down from their positions, for it was they who made Corellia's secession difficult.

   Secondly, many people were rewarded for their part in the Battle of Coruscant and the war itself. General Hawk was made Supreme Commander of the Alliance's Defense Force, and the Imperial Remnant, Hapans, and the Mandalorians were permitted to expand their territory.

   And lastly, given the presumed demise of Xanus Baran, Kro Sadoon was made Grand Master of the Jedi Order. At the same time, the Dark Jedi Order dissolved and joined the light order, for they were no longer needed now that nothing was left to threaten the Force's balance.

   Amidst all of these changes, funerals were held to honor those who had fallen: Chief of State Cal Omas; Grand Master Xanus Baran; Commander Zanjaar Naar; and, most importantly, the man who helped bring an end to the Glorian Empire: Animus.

   Despite all of this, there was still one loose end left unaccounted for for some: Where was Toah Jarsan?

*  *  *

   Anakin had never been much fond of parties, preferring to bury himself with tinkering machines. But given recent events, he had decided to make an exception.

   Wookiee music echoed through the night as dozens of people gathered on Kashyyyk to celebrate their victory over the Glorians. Among them, Anakin spotted several families- Chewbacca's, the Antilles and the Fels, the Horns and the Terriks- as well as friends such as Jast Kyjar, Sev Nep and his teammates. Jokar and his squad, the Exiles, numerous Jedi, and others.

   As he stood back to observe the number of people who had come, Anakin almost did not notice his sister Jaina approaching him.

   "You won't believe what I found," she said, smiling with her arms behind her.

   "A boyfriend?" Anakin asked.

   Her smile almost became a scowl. "No, this."

   She brought her arms around to reveal the head of a golden protocol droid.

   Anakin's eyes widened. "Threepio?"

   "Master Anakin?" C-3PO's disembodied head said. "Is that you? Oh, thank goodness you're here! I'm in complete darkness! Save me!"

   Anakin grinned as he flipped a switch on the back of the droid's head. "Done."

   With a flicker, C-3PO's optical sensors turned on. "Oh, bless the Maker! I- where's my body?!"

   "Don't worry." Anakin chuckled. "I'll get you a new one."

   "Oh, joy," a sardonic voice said. "You found Goldenrod."

   Brother and sister turned to see their parents emerge from the crowd, along with R2-D2, Kane Skywalker, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian. Looking down at C-3PO's head, Han Solo smirked.

   "And here I was hoping to live the rest of the year without anymore grievances."

   "I beg your pardon, sir?" the protocol droid said. "What other grievances are you referring to? I thought that Sith business was finished. Artoo, just what is he talking about?"

   R2-D2 merely blurted out a sarcastic note.

   "My word, Artoo! Do watch your language!"

   As Anakin and the others laughed, a glint of blue light caught his eye. He turned to look over the railing of the tree platform they stood on... and gaped.

   Down below, near the Shadowlands, a party of spirits took place. Vapors of light danced about, every so often taking the shape of a figure. Amongst these figures, Anakin recognized several familiar faces, including his uncle Luke Skywalker, Master Baran, and a man who looked a lot like Toah Jarsan.

   Jaina had noticed the phenomenon as well, gawking as she watched. "Is that...?"

   "No," another voice said as Anakin's fellow Jedi Jaden Korr walked up to stand beside them. "That would be the Revanchist, I believe. If Toah had died, I'm sure we would have all felt it."

   Anakin was about to ask Jaden how he knew this when a dark-haired, middle-aged man in GA uniform approached them.

   "Ah, Kane," he said to the clone of Anakin's grandfather. "I've been looking for you."

   "What do you need, Wallen?" Kane asked.

   "Well, I was just wondering; since my lieutenant... left me." The detective shifted his feet slightly. "See, ever since that mission to Dromund Kaas, I thought we would make a good team. So... are you up to it?"

   Kane grinned. "You know, even as a Sith, I've had a craving for adventure. How can I say no to an offer like that?"

   Wallen chuckled uneasily. "Trust me, several have." He glanced at Anakin and the others, who were still staring in awe at the spectacle down below. "What's going on?" he asked.

   "See for yourself," Han said.

   As Wallen walked up to stand beside them, Anakin felt as if everything that had happened- from Toah Jarsan's mysterious message to the Star Forge's destruction- had purposely all led up to this. Everything was not aligned.

   As many would say, it was simply the Will of the Force.

EPILOGUE: THE WANDERERS

   "Think we should join them?"

   Toah Jarsan shook his head, smiling. "No, I think we would draw too much attention."

   Xemer looked back down at the party. "I still feel like I should apologize to Wallen."

   "Trust me," Atha Prime said. "There will come a time in which we reveal ourselves. But today's not that time."

   "Indeed," Shadow said, hanging his legs over the tree platform which he and the others sat on. "I rather like this idea of a nomadic lifestyle."

   "We need a name for us," Xemer said. "Something like... Nomads."

   "I myself like the name 'Wanderers'," Atha said. "It adds a... mysterious feel to it."

   "I concur," Shadow said.

   "I like my idea better." Xemer shrugged. "But I guess 'Wanderers' does have a ring to it."

   "'Wanderers' it is, then." Toah glanced at his watch. "How much longer should we stay out here?"

   "Maybe until the party ends," Xemer said, tapping his foot. "I like the music."

   Toah grinned. "Sounds good."

   With that, the four Wanderers sat back and enjoyed the view as the music played well into the night....

THE END

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU