Star Wars: First Order of Business, Part 6

6: KNIGHTS OF REN

Naos III, 8005 C.R.C.

Located on the fringes of the Outer Rim, the frigid moon of Naos III was hardly a welcoming place, but it had its uses. The Naos sharptooth was an export high in demand among those who could afford such rare delicacies, and the Naos III Mercantile’s business operations continued to run strong even after the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire. Indeed, the only reason anyone would come to Naos III would be to partake or be recipient of these operations, for the icicle-littered, low-slung prefab buildings were not exactly places one wanted to stay at for long.

The Knights of Ren were no exception to this. The only reason they had come this far to such a frigid moon—the only reason they went anywhere—was because someone on Naos III claimed to have something they desired and was willing to give it to them… for the right price, of course.

The eight marauders, all clad in their dark armor and clothing, stood uncomfortably close to one another in the rather small office of Kevhar Sonrik as they watched the Pantoran collector count the credits they had provided him. Sonrik’s species was apparently much more adapt to the freezing temperatures of Naos III, as he wore a simple thin shirt that was a stark contrast to the heavy sets of armor that the Knights of Ren wore. Well, save for their leader. Kylo was used to seeing Ren bare his heavily scarred and burnt chest for all to see, but he could not help but wonder how the older man could possibly be surviving in these temperatures. Then again, he had seen his master suffer through far, far worse.

“It should all be there,” Ren intoned impatiently, his voice modulated by the featureless mask he wore. “We Knights may be many things, but stingy we ain’t.”

“You have no idea how many times I’ve heard people say that to me,” Sonrik said wryly as he resumed counting. Kylo noticed Cardo and Kuruk shift slightly, holding their respective blasters aloft in their arms, ready to shoot the Pantoran should he try anything funny.

Finally, Sonrik finished counting and closed the case full of credits, locking it and putting it away behind the counter as he grinned at Ren. “Everything looks to be in order. Now then….” He reached behind the counter again and brought out an ornate case, which he opened in front of Ren to reveal its contents. Laying on a soft velvet bed was a lightsaber of ancient design, bearing a modified crossguard that was rarely seen on modern lightsabers.

“The lightsaber of Darth Atrius,” Sonrik proudly declared. “Kept in pristine condition, as everything in my collection is.”

Ren stared at the lightsaber but did not touch it. “Where is the other one?” he asked, his tone cold and emotionless.

“The other one,” Sonrik echoed, not really as a question.

“Darth Atrius carried two lightsabers. This is just one. Where is the other?”

“Sold to another client,” Sonrik said, avoiding Ren’s hidden gaze. “You’re not the only clients I have who are interested in these types of artifacts.”

“What was the name of the client?”

“You know I can’t disclose—”

Cardo stepped forward and aimed his arm-mounted cannon at Sonrik’s head. “Answer the damn question,” he snarled.

Sonrik’s eyes briefly flickered at the weapon pointed at him but, to his credit, kept his composure. “The only name I was given was Brisha Syo. She was some woman from Commenor. That’s all I know.”

Ren said nothing at first, instead merely gesturing for Cardo to lower his weapon. He then stepped forward and took the lightsaber out of the ornate case, turning it around in his hand. His thumb hovered over the activation switch and pressed it. Nothing happened. No blade emitted from the hilt.

Turning it over, Ren opened up the lightsaber and looked within. “There’s no kyber crystal.” He looked back up at Sonrik, and although his mask hid his facial features, Kylo could feel the rage emanating from him. “Why is there no crystal?”

Sonrik scoffed as he closed the case and put it away. “It would be rather foolish of me to keep a functioning lightsaber around, especially in a place like this. Do you have any idea how dangerous those things are?”

“Yes, actually.” Ren unhooked his own lightsaber from his belt. “Because mine actually works.”

Igniting its crimson blade, Ren drove his lightsaber straight into Sonrik’s chest. The Pantoran’s eyes widened briefly before glazing over. Ren then withdrew his blade and allowed the collector’s body to fall unceremoniously to the floor.

“Trudgen, Ushar, go through his collection and see if there’s anything of value,” Ren then ordered.

The two Knights wasted no time and eagerly went behind the counter to begin their rummaging. Ren then looked down at the useless lightsaber of Darth Atrius before turning to Kylo and handing it to him.

“Remember, kid, never take a businessman for his word. Everything they do is for their benefit, not yours.”

Kylo looked down at the lightsaber in his hand, considering its unique design. He then hooked it to his belt as he followed Ren outside, leaving the other Knights to rummage through Sonrik’s shop.

“So, are we going to go after the other lightsaber?”

Ren paused with one hand on the doorway, staring out into the cold icy night. “Eventually,” he said quietly. “But first, we’ve got another stop to make. It’ll be a bit of a trip, but I think you’ll find it worth it.”

Kylo tilted his head, staring at Ren from behind his own mask. “How so?”

“Patience, kid. Gotta learn how to savor the surprise.”

With that, Ren walked out into the cold night, leaving Kylo standing there in the doorway to what had been the collection shop of Kevhar Sonrik.

Kylo would have been lying to himself if he had said that he wasn’t starting to get a little impatient with Ren’s so-called teachings and endeavors. He was so much different than Snoke, in both goods ways and bad ways; whereas Snoke had often been cryptic and vague, Ren was generally blunt and to the point. Where Snoke had been gentle and caring, Ren was rough and cruel. To Kylo, it seemed as if Ren was far more interested in seeking out dark side artifacts and making money than he was actually teaching Kylo.

At first, Kylo had been fine with this arrangement. He had thought that these relics of darkness would serve as stepping stones for his own progression. But for the last seven years, his access to them had been restricted if not outright nonexistent. He could tell that Ren was keeping secrets from him, and the other Knights were certainly of no help either.

He was beginning to wonder why Snoke had sent him off to Ren in the first place. What was it that his old teacher was expecting him to get out of this experience? Kylo had not heard from him since he had left Amaxine Station for Varnak seven years ago; he wasn’t even sure if Ren was in contact with him. Was he just being led along?

Kylo hated being left in the dark. Sooner or later, he was going to find out the truth, whether Ren allowed it or not.

*  *  *

Ren was right. The trip from Naos III to wherever they were headed next was a long one. Kylo had begun to lose track of the days.

He sat alone in his personal quarters aboard the Night Buzzard, the others being at their respective stations. In the seven years he had gotten to known them, Kylo felt very little camaraderie with his fellow Knights, outside of possibly Ren himself given that he was supposed to be his teacher. Vicrul, Ren’s right-hand man, was perhaps the most talkative, although he was usually just barking orders when Ren wasn’t available to do that. Trudgen was an impatient brute, always itching for the next fight so he could pick his foes’ bodies clean for trophies to add to his collection and modify his armor. He shared this eagerness with Ushar, although the latter seemed to be more in for it for the fun of killing. Cardo he was always wary of, given the large blaster cannon he had attached to his arm. Kuruk spent most of his time at the ship’s controls, not much for conversation. Neither was Ap’lek, the only sound coming from him being him sharpening his beskar ax.

All of these traits were surface-level, barely worth noting, and yet it was all Kylo had been able to discern in all the time he had gotten to know them. They did not make him feel welcome, make him feel like he was one of them. He was an outsider, a glorified stowaway that they couldn’t get rid of.

He was sick of feeling this way. He wanted there to be some change. Perhaps once Ren was finally finished training him, the others would start to respect him. Otherwise….

Kylo wasn’t sure how to finish that train of thought, and he didn’t get the chance to as he felt the Night Buzzard come out of hyperspace. He stepped out of his quarters in time to hear Ren announce to the rest of the crew: “Welcome to Endor, boys.”

Kylo looked out the ship’s viewport to see the large, verdant Forest Moon of Endor filling up the transparisteel visor. He had heard Endor be mentioned in passing, but never fully grasped it’s significance. From what he had been able to piece together, it was where the once-mighty Galactic Empire had fallen over twenty years ago.

As he marveled at the Forest Moon, Kylo heard Vicrul say, “Why are we here of all places? There’s nothing here but Ewoks.”

“Endor is home to much more than just that, old friend,” Ren replied. “But we’re here for one object in particular. One that’s gone too long without anyone attending it.”

“No.” Ushar looked at him. “You’re not talking about—”

Ren silenced him with a wave of his hand. “Take us down, Kuruk.”

Powering through the atmosphere, the Night Buzzard descended through the tall, thick green foliage of the moon-wide forest before landing at an opening that was just barely large enough for a ship its size to land. As soon as they had touched down, Kylo joined Ren at the landing ramp but was surprised to see that the other Knights did not gather to join them.

“Is it just us?” Kylo asked.

“No,” Ren said as he lowered the ramp. “It’s just you.”

He motioned for Kylo to walk off the ship and, after a moment of hesitation, the young Knight did so. The thought briefly crossed his mind as he stepped down that this was all a ploy for them to get rid of him; that Ren would close up the ship and have Kuruk take off as soon as his boots had touched the grass. But if that was the case, then they would have had plenty of opportunities to do just that over the last seven years. Why do that now after all this time.

As soon as he had touched down from the ramp, Kylo looked up ahead at the massive forest in front of him. He could hear strange sounds coming from within, ranging from the chirping of birds to the growling of larger predators, yet he could see none of them. He was tempted to look back at Ren for guidance but he stopped himself; obviously this was the direction he was supposed to go. Why else would he have been brought to this exact spot?

Steeling himself (and taking into account that he was unarmed save for a Sith lightsaber that didn’t even have a kyber crystal in it), Kylo stepped forward and ventured into the foreboding forest, not knowing what mysteries awaited him.

Star Wars: Tales from the Jedi Order - Journal of a Missing Padawan

JOURNAL OF A MISSING PADAWAN 

To: Colonel W. Yularen, Imperial Security Bureau

From: Office of Imperial Intelligence Director

Date: 17:8:14 GrS (1 AE)

Per request, the following records were retrieved from a datapad found during excavation efforts at the Jedi Temple following the conclusion of Operation: Knightfall. Said records are believed to originate from a journal authored by former Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano (status unknown, priority level 3). Most of the entries on the datapad were either corrupted or erased; these were all that were retrievable.

It is highly suggested that these records be forwarded to the Inquisitorius for use in their efforts to track down and eliminate all remaining Jedi. Failure to do so will incur the disappointment of His Imperial Majesty.

It should be noted that not all entries are dated. Intelligence has done its best to include speculative dates based on context clues, but such dates are, again, speculative and designated appropriately. 

* * *

[Entries 1-137 were irretrievable]

Entry 138 (13:5:16)

I can’t believe it! I’m a Padawan! I never thought this day would come.

I haven’t met my Master yet, but I hear he’s a real piece of work. A lone wolf kind of guy. Very aloof. But I’m sure I’ll get him to come out of his shell. A part of me wishes that I’d been picked by Master Plo, but… well, Jedi aren’t supposed to be picky. Besides, I think he’s already got a Padawan….

Anyway, I’m supposed to pack up my things and move into my new Padawan quarters. Wow, I can’t believe I’m even saying those words. It feels so surreal.

I can’t help but feel uneasy, though. I overheard on the HoloNet that there was an assassination attempt on the Senator from Naboo. Things have been getting pretty scary in the galaxy as of late. I hope that everything sorts it out soon; I would hate for my first day as a Padawan to start with somebody important getting killed….

Entry 139 (13:5:17)

Boy, they were not joking. Master Lonfil is something else.

First off, he’s not just a “lone wolf”; he’s a literal wolf. Wolfman, rather; a Shistavanen I think they’re called. But he’s also not a people person. I’m getting the impression that he only took me on as a Padawan out of obligation rather than because he wanted to.

Secondly, he’s already got me doing exercises that my body just can’t handle. I don’t know what he thinks I am, a Boltrunian or something?

I wish I could say there was more that happened today, but my entire time was spent doing arduous exercises. Hopefully there is more to being a Padawan than just this, because so far, I am not enjoying it.

But I suppose “enjoying it” was never the point….

Entry 140 (13:5:20)

Well, this is just great. My first mission as a Padawan and I blew it.

We were sent to the lower levels of Coruscant to track down a Senate Guard that was making some rather illicit dealings with spice traders. We found him and cornered him but I… kind of got ahead of myself.

I don’t want to get into the details, but, needless to say, the Senate Guard is now in the medbay with a blaster-burned hand and I’ve been confined to the Archives as punishment, to teach me a lesson about patience. I’m also apparently not supposed to hold my lightsaber in a reverse-grip stance. Master Lonfil says that it’s “too dangerous” and can get others, or myself, hurt. Well, someone should tell Master Drallig that because I’ve seen him teaching that form to students.

Now I’m really wishing Master Plo had taken me as his Padawan. I don’t think he’d be as much of a grouch as Master Lonfil is.

Entry 141 (13:5:21)

I should have been there. I could have saved him. Why didn’t he take me with him?

Master Lonfil is dead. A lot of Jedi are. The Republic is at war now, and we are supposed to lead some new “Grand Army.”

I’ve always been taught that Jedi were peacekeepers, not soldiers. Sure, there are some exceptions to that unwritten rule, especially if you go far back enough in the history books. But that’s in the past, and we’re not supposed to dwell on the past.

Of course, this is now. I wonder what future generations of Jedi will think of this looking back… if we’re not still serving as soldiers.

I don’t know what’s going to happen to me. The Council of Reassignment hasn’t summoned me yet; everyone’s been too busy to remember me. Of course, I’m not the only Padawan who’s been left without a master. Scout lost her master at Geonosis as well. So did Iskat, and Bairdon.

I’m not alone but I feel alone. I’ve never felt so lost in my life. 

I hate ending these entries on such dour notes. Hopefully my next one will be a bit more optimistic.

Entry 142 (13:5:23)

It’s been two days. Still no word from the Council.

Scout hasn’t heard from them either and is afraid she’s going to get reassigned to the AgriCorps. Is that what’s going to happen to me? I don’t want to sound awful, but my connection to the Force isn’t as… unpredictable as Scout’s. Surely there’s some Master out there who would want to take me as a Padawan.

Entry 143 [entry undated; speculated to be approximately a week after the First Battle of Geonosis]

Well, it only took little over a week. Alright, good news and bad news time.

Good news: I’ve been reassigned! And it’s to Master Plo!

Bad news: It’s only temporary. Only reason I’m being assigned to him is because he’s been given a mission that shouldn’t be too combat-heavy, so he has time to give me some instructional guidance, at least until I’m given a more permanent reassignment.

I know I should be grateful—Scout and Iskat still haven’t been reassigned—but I still can’t help but feel that I’m being held back or passed over.

Who knows, maybe Master Plo will be impressed enough with me that he’ll take me on as his full-time Padawan.

A girl can dream, I suppose.

[Entries 144-250 irretrievable]

Entry 251 [entry undated; established to be written prior to the Battle of Christophsis. Will need to cross-reference with Database Division for exact date]

I can’t believe this is happening. Scout is going to be sooo jealous.

So, I’ve been reassigned again. What a surprise. I wonder if this is normal for Padawans? Could it be a bad thing that I’ve been jumping around so much?

Whatever, doesn’t matter now, because I’ve just been reassigned to the Chosen One himself: Anakin Skywalker!

Yes, you read that right! I didn’t even know he had been knighted at this point. It makes sense, especially after all the press he got for the Battle of Virujansi. I’ve heard some whispers at the Temple that it isn’t, like, “official-official” and that it’s only a formality because we’ve lost so many Knights to this war and the Chancellor says that we need more generals… but I’m getting sidetracked again.

I’m supposed to meet with him on Christophsis, where the Republic’s been countering the Separatist offensive in the Savareen sector. I’ll also be given a command position in the 501st Legion as Jedi Commander; hopefully this means that if Skyguy gets fed up with me, I’ll just be reassigned to another General in the division.

But I hope it doesn’t come to that. I really do.

[Entries 252-500 are either lost or irretrievable. The following entries are either corrupted, unmarked, or undated. Their inclusion here are for the sake of completion and unlikely to be useful in tracking down this Jedi]

Unmarked entry #1

Just got back from a mission on JanFathal. Met a Jedi named Callista. She’s… interesting, for lack of a better term. Kind of unorthodox. I mean, so is Master Skywalker, but she’s a bit… different. I’ll just leave it at that.

Unmarked entry #2

I’m drifting again. Technically I’m still assigned to Master Skywalker but he’s been on a lot of solo missions without me. Almost like he doesn’t want me around. Master Kenobi is a lot more friendly; almost wish he’d become my teacher instead. But I don’t want to say anything because my status is already unpredictable as it is. I don’t want to make things worse.

Unmarked entry #3

Heading out to the Chrelythiumn system to answer a distress call. I’m surprised Master Skywalker is bringing me along for this one, since it’s so far out in Wild Space and we’re going to be stuck together in a cramped ship for a while. Heh, maybe the Council got on him for not being a proper teacher.

Unmarked entry #4

There’s always a bit of truth in legends there’s always a bit of truth in legends there’s always a bit of truth in legends there’s always a bit of truth in legends there’s always a bit of truth in legends

Unmarked entry #5

She lives in me and I live in her. Niphal will always be with me. Morai will guide me to her.

Unmarked entry #6

They’ve been talking about me. They think I’m not fit for training anymore. Say I’m too far gone.

But am I? If anything, I am more certain about myself than I have ever been in my entire life. I have seen the true purity of the Force. I am closer to the light than I’ve ever been; than any Jedi has ever been. 

Perhaps they’re right. Perhaps the path of the Jedi isn’t the one for me. Perhaps it never has been.

Perhaps my destiny lies elsewhere.

Unmarked entry #7

The Council has summoned me. They are going to cast me out of the Jedi Order.

I’m not going to give them that satisfaction.

I decide what path I will walk, not them.

Scout, if you find this journal (because I know you like to go through my stuff), know that the Jedi path is not the only one. You don’t need to force yourself to fit in. You can choose your own destiny. They can’t stop you. No one can.

Until our paths cross again—

May the Force be with you.

* * *

To: Office of Imperial Intelligence Director

From: Office of Imperial Security Bureau Director

Date: 17:8:16 GrS (1 AE)

Per further consideration, as well as persuasive input from Lord Vader, it has been decided that these records and all copies are to be destroyed, as well as any possible traces of the subject’s existence. All Jedi who are marked Priority Level 3 by the Inquisitorius will be dealt with as time allows but are not a pressing concern as of present time.

Colonel Yularen extends his appreciation for the prompt response to his request.

Star Wars: The Path of Revan, Part 5 - The Mask

THE PATH OF REVAN

Part V: The Mask

  No one knew who she was before she put on the mask.

Before then, she was simply Bel. Growing up on her homeworld was difficult yet peaceful. Her people had never known strife or conflict; they simply survived, and they were good at that. They were happy. She was happy.

But then the monsters came.

They weren’t quite machines, but also weren’t quite people. They were a mix of both, mostly in ways that would frighten even the strongest of spirits. Their ghostly blue faces bore no expression, their black eyes carrying no souls. They showed no remorse as they burned their homes. Ransacked their village. Killed their parents.

She and her brother were among the view that survived, and those that did were taken captive to be sold into slavery. She did not know what they were going to do them. She did not want to know. She would have rather they killed her than subject her to this fate.

Fortunately, she would never have to find out. For not long after being brought back to the monsters’ home, her saviors came.

Warriors clad in mighty armor descended from the heavens, riding mechanical chariots that were the thing of dreams. They swung their battle axes, chopping the monsters to pieces. One of them came down to the place where she and her brother were being held, and extended a hand towards them. Some of the other slaves hesitated, but she did not. She took the warrior’s hand, and started her life anew.

Now, she was no longer Bel. She was Bel Vizla, crusader of the Mandalorians. Her brother was taken in by the Mand’alor himself and given a new name, but that did not sever their bond. All Mandalorians were brothers and sisters. They were united as a people. They were one.

This was the Way.

Years passed. Battles were fought. Some were won, others were lost. A deal was made with a Dark Lord. Mand’alor fell and a new one rose to take his place. In the meantime, they bid their time, waiting for the moment when they would rise up again.

Before long, she started hearing whispers about a Great Last Battle—the Ani’la Akaan. The new Mand’alor had begun acting differently. Whereas before he had advised them to lay low and to be patient, now he was calling them to arms, rallying them for what would be the ultimate battle. A new crusade.

She was weary, but her brother was quick to take arms and don the new armor that Mand’alor had forged. She chose to keep her old armor; it had become a part of her, a representation of who she was. But more than that, it stood for what she believed in: a sense of honor and virtue. Something that she felt the Mandalorians had lost as Mand’alor pushed for the glory of battle and nothing else. Her brother, much to her despair, had lost himself to the rhetoric and now served as Mand’alor’s right-hand man.

Still, she continued to fight. If nothing else, she would see this through and help her brothers and sisters live to see the Great Last Battle.

But then came Cathar.

Three years after Mand’alor had given the order to mobilize their forces in preparation for the Great Last Battle, they came to Cathar to take their revenge on its felinoid people. Two decades prior, the Cathar had stood with the Republic and helped saw to the Mandalorians’ first defeat, a disgrace they had never known in the three thousand years of their people’s existence.

The Cathar had been caught off-guard. Without the Republic or the Jedi to turn to, they were swiftly defeated and the remaining survivors had been cornered.

She thought that it should have ended there. But then her brother gave the order.

“Finish them,” Cassus Fett said.

Her eyes went wide behind her mask. She looked down at the Cathar people staring back up at them. Not all of them were fighters. Some of them were children; far too young to even know why they were being slaughtered like this. They weren’t the ones who had delivered the Mandalorians their first defeat all those years ago. They didn’t deserve this.

She looked into their eyes and did not see the enemy. She saw herself, and her brother, at the mercy of cyborganic monsters.

Only, this time, she was the monster.

Hovering on her jetpack, she flew over to situate herself between her fellow Mandalorians and the Cathar, staring straight at her brother.

“Cassus, wait! They’re defeated! We don’t have to do this!”

Her brother’s face was hidden behind his mask, but it would not have made a difference if she could have seen it. The past twenty years had shaped him into a cold-hearted warrior, one that obeyed every order his Mand’alor gave him. Regardless if it was just or not.

“The Cathar left a stain of dishonor amongst the Mando’ade,” Cassus Fett replied coolly, his voice carrying no hint of remorse. “Today, I wash it clean in the waters of their own presumption. But if you truly feel they need a defender to stand with them….”

She heard the others prime their weapons, pointing them at her and the Cathar. No words would dissuade them from this. The only thing more impenetrable than a Mandalorian’s armor was their will.

“Then do so, warrior. I salute you.”

Warrior. Not sister. It was in that moment that Bel Vizla realized that the brother she knew had truly died all those years ago. Perhaps he had done so from the moment he had taken their savior’s hand.

The Mandalorians opened fire and Bel Vizla knew no more.

*  *  *

Ten years passed.

A Jedi revanchist stood in the waters of Cathar, holding the mask of the one who had spoken out. It had shown him, through her eyes, the events that had unfolded on that fateful day.

“They were beaten!” he screamed at the mask, but not at the one who had wore it. “You didn’t have to do it! One of you knew, but you didn’t listen!”

Turmoil raged in the Jedi’s heart, but it was quickly supplanted by something else. Not peace, but… focus. Determination. After fighting this crusade for so long, he had finally gotten the Jedi Council to see what he had known all along; something that this sole warrior had failed to do all those years ago.

He turned the mask around, hovering it over his face.

“I don’t know your name… but I take up your cause.”

He placed it over his head. He was surprised at how… comfortable it felt. Almost as if it had been made for him.

“I will not remove your mask until there is justice.” He ignited the violet blade of his lightsaber and held it high to the sky. “Until the Mandalorians have been defeated once and for all. So swears… Revan!”

No one knew who he was until he had put on the mask.

But now, they would.

Star Wars: First Order of Business, Part 5

5: MIRRORBRIGHT

New Alderaan, 8005 C.R.C.

“Well, there she is. Ain’t she a beaut?”

Jaina Solo stared up at the YT-1300 light freighter that Chance Calrissian had brought her and her brothers to. She had to give credit where it was due; it was certainly a lot more stylish and “clean looking” than the Millennium Falcon. The ship appeared to have a fresh coat of light gray paint with blue stripes accenting it, giving it an almost patriotic look. The space in between the freighter’s front mandibles made for moving cargo was filled out with a new modular component that she had never seen on YT-1300 before, although she wasn’t sure if it served any purpose besides mere style… which, knowing the Calrissians, probably was its main purpose.

Making his way to the ship’s lowered ramp, Chance spun around to face them and spread his arms to gesture at the modified freighter. “I call her the Best Chance. Rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?”

“You named your ship after yourself?” Anakin asked.

“Well, no.” Chance smiled sheepishly. “After all, my name’s just Chance, not ‘Best Chance.’”

It took everything in Jaina’s power to not roll her eyes. “Whatever,” she huffed. “Let’s just go already.”

“Should we tell Mom and Dad that we’re leaving?” Anakin asked as the four of them stepped onto the ship.

“Why?” replied Jacen. “We’re not kids anymore. We’re Jedi Knights. We can do whatever we want; go wherever we want.”

“I know, but you know they’re going to get worried about us.”

“Relax. I’ll just transmit a message to Artoo and he can deliver it to Mom. She’ll probably be too busy to notice we’re gone.”

This seemed to do little to assuage Anakin’s concern as he shook his head. “I still have a bad feeling about this….”

Jacen did not seem to care as he followed Chance to the ship’s cockpit. Jaina lingered behind in the main hold with Anakin and decided to take a seat on one of the cushioned seats that encircled the holographic game table. The ship’s layout was more or less identical to that of the Millennium Falcon, albeit with a more clean and upkeep look to it. The seats even had a golden sheen to them, rather than the dirty, torn gray leather that was on their father’s ship.

She turned her attention back to Anakin and watched as he packed back and forth, shifting uncomfortably on his feet. “Okay,” she said gently. “What has you so worried?”

“I don’t want to go back to Vjun,” Anakin whispered.

Jaina frowned. “Was it really that bad when you visited it all those years ago?”

“I’m not sure. I mean, I had others with me—Tahiri, Artoo, Masters Tionne and Ikrit—so I felt safe. Even when we encountered that weird mage. But even back then, I could sense a darkness in that place. In Vader’s castle. Now that I’m older and more experienced… will the dark side try even harder to tempt me?”

Jaina sighed quietly. Her younger brother had always been haunted by the heritage of his given name, often fearing that he would follow the same path as his grandfather. No matter how many times she and Jacen, as well as their mother and Uncle Luke, had tried to reassure him, he continued to doubt himself. Going to a place like Vjun, former home to Darth Vader himself, certainly wasn’t going to help matters.

“Well,” she said, “maybe think of this as a test. If you can resist whatever temptations you find on Vjun, then you can tell yourself that you’re not like him. That you won’t follow the same path Vader did.”

Anakin nodded but Jaina doubted that he was fully convinced by her words. Regardless, he finally stopped pacing and sat down across from her at the game table. He switched it on, and Jaina fully expected it to light up with the holographic forms of dejarik pieces. Instead, the tiny figure of an immodestly dressed Twi’lek materialized and started dancing in front of them. Anakin scoffed in disgust before hastily switching the table off.

“I can’t help but wonder if this is all an act he’s trying to put on,” he muttered, putting his arms on the table as he slumped forward.

“If that’s the case,” Jaina murmured, “then who is he trying to impress?”

Within moments, the Best Chance hummed to life and took off from the ground, heading towards the sky of New Alderaan.

*  *  *

“…pretty confident that we have a solid lead on whoever these ‘Children of Vader’ are. As soon as we find something on Vjun, we’ll let you know. Love you, Mom. Bye.”

Leia stared at the tiny holographic figure of her son Jacen as R2-D2 played the message he had left her. Almost as if on cue, a stylized YT-1300 light freighter launched from the New Aldera Spaceport, falling in with the other ships that were departing now that the lockdown had been lifted. She watched it vanish into the cerulean sky before taking in a deep breath and exhaling it.

Children. No matter how old they get, they still find ways to surprise you.

“Thank you, Artoo,” she said softly.

The astromech droid put away the hologram and tilted himself up to look at her, swiveling his dome side to side as he whirred in a questioning manner.

“No, it’s fine. They are Jedi Knights, after all. I’m sure they know what they’re doing.”

Straightening up, Leia decided to take one last look at the city of New Aldera. The celebrations had been brought to a premature end and most of the vendors had all but packed up and left, or were in the process of doing so. A sole Zelosian musician remained behind, plucking the strings of a tri-harp as his soft voice carried through the near-empty streets.

“Mirrorbright, shines the moon, its glow as soft as an ember.”

Leia stiffened as the familiar notes reached her ears. She swallowed hard as her eyes began to water against her will as painful memories washed back into her mind.

She smiled down at the baby bundled in her arms. Curious brown eyes stared back up at her and cooed as she serenaded her firstborn child.

“When the moon is mirrorbright, take this time to remember.”

She looked on proudly as Ben held his small arms out at the toy bantha, making it float towards him as he tapped into the power inherent within him.

“Those you have loved but are gone.”

Han squeezed her shoulder as she buried her face in her hands, refusing to believe the words being spoken by the solemn detective.

“Those who kept you so safe and warm.”

She stood with her family as they watched the floating memory moths, echoing the name of her fallen brother.

“The mirrorbright moon lets you see.”

A green beam of energy lanced out into space and obliterated everything she had known and loved.

“Those who have ceased to be.”

A quiet whine from R2-D2 brought Leia out of her reverie. Sobering herself, Leia dried her eyes before looking back down at the white and blue astromech.

“I’m fine, Artoo.” She smiled weakly. “It’s just been a long day.”

She beckoned him to follow her as they made their way to the awaiting Millennium Falcon. In the distance, the Zelosian singer’s words continued to carry through the solemn air.

“Mirrorbright shines the moon, as fires die to their embers. Those you loved are with you still.”

Leia closed her eyes and sang to the last words of the song as she stepped onto the Falcon and closed its landing ramp behind her.

“The moon will help you remember.” 

Star Wars: Vergence V, Chapter Two

 CHAPTER TWO

The Finalizer

“Why are we letting them get away?”

General Hux seethed as he stared out the viewport of his Star Destroyer, watching as the fleeing Resistance ships jumped into hyperspace one by one. It was already infuriating enough that they had been deliberately delayed by Kylo Ren in commencing their assault on the base upon arrival, giving the Resistance time to prepare a hasty evacuation. But now they were being allowed to escape without so much as a scratch on their ships. Were he the one in charge, he would be having each one of them picked off by their turbolasers. But their so-called “Executor” had insisted that they focus on destroying the base itself rather than any of their personnel.

“They have nowhere to run to,” Kylo Ren had transmitted to him and the other commanders. “The Galactic Alliance has already been turned against them. Without support, without a home, they will be no more dangerous than fleas on the back of a spamel.”

While Hux understood and even agreed with the logic, he still saw no reason as to why they couldn’t just destroy them now and be done with it. While the First Order had scored a major victory with the ascension of Senator Tyron Valrisa, solidifying their grip on the Alliance, there was still much work to be done and the Resistance, regardless of their size or scale, would simply be an annoying distraction. There would have been no harm in dealing with them now rather than saving them for later. In fact, it would have been far more pragmatic. But Kylo Ren was anything but pragmatic. Why the Supreme Leader had entrusted him with the position of Executor—or, frankly, any high-ranking position at all—was anyone’s guess.

He was tempted to go around the Executor and order his forces to target the Resistance ships. He wondered if General Pryde and the rest of the Supreme Council would support this move and stand with him against Kylo Ren… or if they would all simply suffer his wrath.

Still, the idea was tempting. So tempting that he nearly gave the order. But instead, he simply kept his mouth shut.

If Kylo Ren had a reason for letting the enemy go, then it had better be a good one. One that he couldn’t wait to hear about after this was all over. If the Executor’s reasoning was sound, then he would not question any further orders from him.

If it wasn’t, then Hux would not think twice about going against him next time.

The Raddus

“The Vigil and Ninka have successfully made the jump to hyperspace,” Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix reported from her station, standing over the shoulder of controller Vober Dand. “They’re on their way to the rendezvous point.”

Leia acknowledged the report with a nod. Ever since establishing the Resistance base on D’Qar, she had been prepared for a scenario in which they would be forced to evacuate. Fortunately, she happened to know of a secret hyperspace route, one that was known only to senior Rebel officers from during the Galactic Civil War, that led straight from D’Qar to the Grumani sector. A number of planets within the sector had been the sites of Rebel bases during the Civil War, and were about to be used again after nearly forty years because history was so keen on repeating itself lately. Once they all reached the rendezvous point, they would then split out and disperse to these various locations, which would force the First Order to divide their forces as well. Today would be a severe defeat for the Resistance, yes… but it was not going to be an easy victory for the First Order.

In fact, it could have been a lot easier for them than it actually was. When the First Order ships had dropped out of hyperspace, it had caught them all unawares. And yet they had enough time to get as many supplies and personnel as they could on the transports before the enemy had commenced its assault. Even then, the Star Destroyers were targeting the base and attacking Resistance fighters rather than focusing on the fleeing ships themselves. It was almost as if they wanted them to escape. Was this all a trap? Or was there something more?

Leia closed her eyes and reached out. She knew her son was out there, leading the First Order’s forces. Since killing Supreme Leader Snoke, he had taken command and was no doubt in control of the entire operation. If the Star Destroyers weren’t firing on them, it was because he wished it. He wanted them—wanted her—to live.

Perhaps there was still good in him. Or maybe it was all just wishful thinking.

“The Anodyne is away.” Kaydel’s voice brought Leia back to the present moment. She sounded so much like her mother—Leia’s adoptive sister and lifelong friend Winter—it wasn’t even funny. And of course she inherited her determined nature from her father, who still served with the Alliance along with the likes of Nek Bwua’tu, Cha Niathal; even Gavin Darklighter, whose daughter also now flew out there with Poe Dameron and his team of Rogues. She knew it was not her business, but she could not help but wonder what Kaydel and Selena’s relationships with their respective families were like now that they had joined the Resistance. Had Leia torn families apart due to her insistence on fighting this fight? Would she face resentment from those she had once considered to be her closest friends? She knew her family was still together (Ben notwithstanding), as was Ackbar’s. But that did not account for everyone else following her.

Her father had once told her that families were often the greatest casualty of war. After four decades of leading a rebellion, a new Republic, and a resistance, she fully understood what he had meant.

Turning to another bridge officer, Leia asked, “How is the Errant Venture holding out?”

“They seemed to have diverted the attention of the TIE fighters,” the Pantoran officer replied. “Their shields seem to be taking a beating though. Not sure how much longer they can hold out.”

“Hopefully long enough for us to make the jump to hyperspace.” Leia glanced out the viewport, watching the massive Mega Star Destroyer observing the battle from a distance. Soon, the Raddus would be within its line of sight and targeting range. Was that what the First Order was waiting for? Were they simply toying with them, playing the waiting game?

For a brief instant, she felt a chill come over her. She had sensed it before when her son had briefly passed by in his TIE fighter… but this time it felt closer. As if the source of it was in the same room as her.

She looked around the bridge, her eyes roving from Kaydel and Vober, to Ackbar and Helricks, before finally landing on Rey and Finn.

Then the sensation vanished. Just like that, as quickly as it had appeared.

Masking a frown, Leia returned her attention to the viewport and watched as the next two freighters ahead of the Raddus made the jump to lightspeed. Due to her priorities and focus on the Resistance, she had not been able to keep up on her Jedi training as much as she would have liked. As such, she wasn’t sure if what she had felt was merely her own dread getting the best of her or something more. Right now, she was too distracted by everything around her to figure that out.

She held her breath as the Raddus reached the marked jump point. The Supremacy was in clear view, and Leia was certain that it went both ways. If the Mega Star Destroyer wanted to fire on the Star Cruiser and destroy it, it could; they could not have been in a clearer position.

But the massive vessel remained stationary and did not fire any of its weapons. Meanwhile, the TIE fighters continued to swarm around the Errant Venture, battling Resistance fighters and not once breaking off to prevent their escape. The other three Star Destroyers continued firing on the D’Qar base, not paying the Resistance ships any heed.

This had to be deliberate. It had to be a trick. But to fulfill what end?

Leia could feel that her apprehension was shared by everyone else on the bridge. Nonetheless, Kaydel kept a calm composure as she spoke.

“General, we’re ready to make the jump to lightspeed.”

Leia kept her eyes on the Supremacy as she gave the order. “Do it.”

The distinct hum of the hyperdrive engaging filled the bridge as the stars began to elongate into thin white lines. Leia closed her eyes as the Raddus lurched forward into hyperspace, leaving the battle behind.

*  *  *

“They did it! The fleet is away!”

“Great,” Poe replied over his comm. “Time that we do the same.” He banked hard to the right to avoid an incoming TIE fighter, which Lensi then flew in to obliterate. So far the Rogues had managed to hold it all together despite their differences, although some of the other squadrons had lost some fighters to the onslaught of TIEs.

Switching comms to the Errant Venture, Poe said, “Booster, General Organa and her fleet are away. We need to get out of here before those Star Destroyers get bored with firing on the base.”

“Easier said than done,” the old smuggler replied. “Those Destroyers are blocking our path and we can’t get our systems stabilized enough to make a jump. Our best hope now is that the Wild Karrde makes it here to buy us some time.”

Poe frowned as he turned his attention to the scene unfolding before him. Looking past the TIEs, he saw that the Star Destroyers were slowing their bombardment. By this point, there couldn’t have been much of a base left for them to destroy. With the base gone and the fleet having escaped, there would be nothing left to target but the Errant Venture and the fighters protecting it. With the state that the older, crimson-painted Star Destroyer was in now, it would stand no chance against three Resurgent-classes and a Mega-class. Not unless something was done about them….

Switching comms again, Poe said, “Rogue Leader to Gold Leader. Do you copy?”

“I copy, Rogue Leader,” responded Aftab Ackbar. “What is it?”

“Can you and your bombers perform a run on one of those Star Destroyers before they turn their attention to us?”

Hesitation preceded the young Mon Calamari’s response. “Maybe. It would be pretty risky though, especially if the other two start targeting us in response.”

“Don’t worry, we can provide cover fire. We just need to draw these TIEs away from the Errant Venture so it can make the jump to lightspeed.”

“Hmm.” Aftab audibly considered the idea. “We might be able to pull that off. Blue Leader, any thoughts?”

Poe chewed on his lip in mild frustration. Among the pilots in the Resistance, even during his days in the New Republic Starfighter Corps, he had always been seen as something of a maverick, and his plans always treated as if they were the words of a madman. Despite his impressive record and experience as a pilot, his ideas were always treated with caution and doubt; even from younger pilots like Aftab, who tended to stick closer to the rules and regulations. It was something he should have been used to by this point but it still frustrated him to no end.

To his relief, Tallie’s voice crackled through and said, “It’s a good a plan as any. Let’s do it before they remember we’re here.”

“Copy that,” said Aftab. “Bombers, form up on me.”

Poe watched as the squadron of Y-wing bombers broke off and headed in the direction of one of the Star Destroyers, prompting some of the TIE fighters to take pursuit. At his command, the Rogues formed up and followed the pursuing TIEs, followed shortly by Blue Squadron. The TIEs that had been swarming around the Errant Venture quickly picked up on what they were doing and started to go after them.

Over his comm, Poe heard Booster growl into his ear. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Dameron.”

“Yeah,” Poe replied. “So do I.”

The Errant Venture

Not long after Poe and his fighters had broken off to attack the Star Destroyers, space briefly warped as an old brown Action VI transport dropped out of hyperspace near the Errant Venture’s position.

“About damn time you guys got here,” Booster growled into the comm as the Wild Karrde moved to defend the older model Star Destroyer from its newer counterparts. “Always have to make a dramatic entrance at the last minute.”

“Booster, I’d love to banter with you,” Talon Karrde responded dryly. “But we’ve gotta make this quick. We’ve got a situation brewing in the Mandalore sector.”

Toah sensed some nearby disquiet and he glanced at Kyla Kishanti. He knew that two of her Renegades were Mandalorians, but had noticed that neither of them had been present when the other Renegades had rescued him from the Galactic Alliance Guard. He hadn’t thought to inquire about their presence, and he wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate to do so right at this moment.

Booster grimaced but did not press Karrde on the matter, instead shouting out orders at his crew to prepare the hyperdrive. As the crew got to work, Toah glanced in Kyla’s direction and caught the Mirialan’s blue eyes. Resigning himself to a line of questioning he probably shouldn’t have been pursuing, he decided to speak, keeping his tone hushed so that Booster did not overhear.

“Where are your two Mandalorian crew members? They weren’t with you when you rescued me.”

Kyla held his gaze evenly. “Why do you want to know?”

“They went to Mandalore, didn’t they?” Toah went on. “I’ve heard that the First Order has been encroaching on the sector.”

Kyla sighed as she looked away. “Kadar ran into his father-in-law, and he and Vessin decided to go with him to Mandalore to check on the situation. They left after informing us that Booster had a spy on his ship. Kadar told me that they would be rendezvousing with us at Natalon, but… obviously, that wasn’t the case.”

“Have you tried contacting them since then?”

Kyla shook her head. “Haven’t had the chance.”

Toah nodded in understanding before turning his attention back to the rest of the bridge. At that moment, the Togruta comms officer spoke up from his station.

“Captain, we’ve got an unidentified shuttle approaching us. Appears to be a Xi-class light shuttle originating from… from the Supremacy.”

“Either ignore it or shoot it down,” Booster growled.

“But, sir, it’s hailing us.”

“I don’t care. Just shoot it—”

Without warning, almost as if it had a mind of its own, the overhead viewscreen lit up and Toah instantly felt a cold chill again, this one stronger than the other two he had felt earlier.

Displayed on the screen was the face of a weary young man, brown hair tousled over dark foreboding eyes. In the background was a woman with short dark hair, and in her arms was a child no older than five or six.

It did not take Toah long to deduce that the two adults were Varon Sendor and Lysira Naris. Both of them had once been Sith Lords no more than a year ago, and were essentially the root cause of everything the galaxy was dealing with now.

And yet, the chill he felt came from neither of them.

It came from their child.

The child’s eyes looked past his parents, through the viewscreen, and past everyone on the bridge of the Errant Venture, before finally reaching the eyes of Toah Jarsan.

Then, the child smiled.

As Toah felt his heart catch in his throat, the man on the viewscreen said, “I presume I am speaking to Captain Booster Terrik of the Errant Venture?”

Booster narrowed his eyes as he crossed his arms. “You are. What do you want?”

“My name is Varon Sendor. But you might know me better as Darth Taral.”

Murmurs broke out among the bridge crew but Booster quickly waved them silent. “Go on,” he said warily.

“I am surrendering myself to the Resistance to answer for my crimes. Any fate you have in store for me, even if it is death, is sure to be light-years better than whatever fate awaited us in the hands of the First Order.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Booster grunted. “Normally I would give this more time to deliberate, but given the circumstances… fine. I’ll have your shuttle pulled into our hangar. As soon as you’ve docked, we’ll be making the jump to lightspeed. If you pull anything funny—”

“You’ll atomize us.” Varon nodded. “I understand.”

“Sure you do.”

Toah opened his mouth to protest but the words died in his throat as Booster pressed the switch to end the call. The last thing he saw was the child still smiling at him, the boy’s eyes burned into his memory.

*  *  *

Even before the Resistance fighters had started their bombing run on one of the Star Destroyers, Kylo Ren had already been ready to give the order to withdraw from the system.

The objective had been accomplished. The Resistance Base was destroyed. The fleet had already fled, or were in the process of it. There was nothing left to be done; they had delivered the message they had intended to send.

At least, that’s what he told himself. That was how he had justified it to General Hux. That was the only justification he needed.

Or so he told himself.

Mere moments after the Y-wing bombers had begun to unload their payload on the Finalizer, Kylo Ren gave his order. “All forces, withdraw to the rendezvous point. We are done here.”

“But, sir, the Resistance fighters—” General Hux’s voice crackled through his comm.

“I said we are done here, General. That is an order.”

“Executor,” Hux spoke the word with thinly-veiled disdain, “I must object. We have an opportunity to annihilate their starfighter squadrons. Our shields are at full capacity and their bombers won’t stand a chance against—”

“I GAVE YOU AN ORDER, GENERAL, AND I EXPECT YOU TO FOLLOW IT!”

Even in space, the stars seemed to have been silenced by Kylo Ren’s outburst. After a long moment, he heard Hux draw in a deep breath before responding.

“As you command. Executor.”

Satisfied that he had gotten through to the general, Kylo Ren relayed the order to his fighters before flying his TIE silencer back to the Supremacy. None of the Resistance fighters pursued him, no doubt caught off-guard by the sudden retreat, and they flew around in disarray as the Star Destroyers began to turn and reorient themselves to make the jump to hyperspace.

In the time it took for Kylo to land his fighter, disembark, and make his way to the bridge, the Supremacy had already jumped to hyperspace ahead of the rest of the fleet. Waiting for them there was Captain Yago, who turned to face the Executor with a grave expression on his face.

“Sir, I tried to contact you, but—” Yago started to say.

“What is it?” Kylo snapped.

“The prisoners. They… they escaped. Stole a Xi-class light shuttle from our hangar. I’m not sure how they managed it—”

Kylo stepped closer to the other man, the Force tightening around them. “What prisoners?” he growled.

Yago swallowed hard. “The man and the woman. And their child.”

“And you didn’t stop them?” Kylo spoke the words quietly, but they came out like a thunderous storm to the captain’s ears.

Yago swallowed again, his throat constricting slightly as the veins in his temples became more prominent. “We didn’t detect them, sir. Well, we did, but only after they had—”

Kylo Ren didn’t remember activating his lightsaber. He didn’t remember swinging it at Captain Yago. He didn’t remember watching the man’s lifeless body falling to the deck. Nor did he question its presence as he stepped over it and departed swiftly from the bridge. He ignored the eyes that trailed him as he left, focusing only on the whirlwind that was raging in his mind and heart.

My chains are broken, he told himself. Vorath was gone. Snoke was supposed to be gone. He was supposed to be in control.

And yet, even as he ascended the turbolift to the throne room that now belonged to him, he felt anything but free.

Star Wars: Vergence V, Chapter One

 CHAPTER ONE

D’Qar, present day (moments before disaster)

Poe Dameron took a deep breath as he stood before his team of Rogues, feeling weighed down by the burden that had been placed upon his shoulders.

As someone who had grown up with a love for flying and a dream to become a pilot, he naturally looked up to people like Wedge Antilles and Luke Skywalker and aspired to be just like them. And of course he had followed the exploits of Rogue Squadron and dreamed of some day flying with them. But not once had he ever seriously considered the possibility that he would one day lead Rogue Squadron himself, let alone on such short notice.

It didn’t help that the team he was presented with was made up of either those who had never met him and thus had expectations he could never hope to meet, or those that already knew him and were counting on him based on their faith in his skills… which was something he was constantly doubting himself on, no matter how much confidence he exuded whenever he was in the cockpit of his X-wing. And while he had plenty of experience leading squadrons as the former leader of Black Squadron, that was nothing compared to being the leader of Rogue Squadron. That position had a legacy that spanned the history of both the New Republic and the Rebellion that had birthed it… and there was no way he could ever live up to that legacy.

But he had to pretend he could. If not for his sake, then for those that were counting on him.

“All right,” he said. “You’ve had some time in the simulators. Now it’s time for some real practice. Your X-wings and astromechs are all prepped and ready to go.”

“About time,” piped up Olot Aleego. The spindly Xexto pilot had his helmet tucked underneath the lowest of his two sets of arms. “Those simulators you guys have are a joke.”

Poe acknowledged the remark with a simple nod. Olot was one of the six members of Rogue Squadron that had decided to join the Resistance after the Battle of Mon Cala, with the rest—including their leader Tyreez Vitrus—having died in combat. While they all seemed to be dedicated to the cause, Poe could tell that not all of them had complete confidence in the Resistance’s effectiveness, especially without the support of the Galactic Alliance. This had forced the Resistance to cut costs in a lot of corners, which meant that their flight simulators were not quite as up-to-date as the ones Olot and his teammates were used to.

“We’ll start by practicing a Dreis Formation,” Poe went on. “I know that might sound basic to some of you, but I want to make sure we’re all on the same page and are able to work in tandem. That’s also why I’ll be pairing you with someone you’ve never flown with before. That way, we don’t end up splitting off in different directions.”

The disquieted looks on some of the faces in front of him, from both halves of the team, did not escape Poe’s notice. He understood that this was going to be a rough process, not only for him but for everyone else as well. But the original Rogues did not make a name for themselves because things were easy.

“Lensi, you’ll be my wingman,” Poe said to the Duros pilot. As the oldest serving member of the Rogues, he could think of no one better suited to fly with and help him guide the others. The fact that he reminded him of his old mentor L’ulo certainly helped as well. “Snap, you’re paired with Olot. Jessika, with Selena.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Poe noticed Jessika shift slightly. Knowing that she had always idolized Luke Skywalker, he understood that having a call sign evocative of the one he had flown under at the Battle of Yavin brought a certain amount of pressure to her. Not only that, but her wingmate was the daughter of former Rogue Leader (and current admiral for the Galactic Alliance) Gavin Darklighter. While the maneuvers they would be practicing would be basic and simple, he knew that the pairings he was assigning would be anything but.

Continuing with the pairings, Poe said, “Ello and Kili, you’re a team. Same goes for Bastian and Veda, and finally, Ziff and Shyra. Now then, any questions?”

Before any of the assembled pilots had a chance to speak, a loud alarm began to blare throughout the base. Poe turned around in time to see a number of pilots, technicians, and other personnel scramble to their stations, moving from one facility to another. He then cast his gaze up to the cloudy blue sky of D’Qar and felt his heart drop like a stone into his stomach.

“I don’t suppose this is another drill?” asked Shyra.

“No,” he said quietly, staring at the faint outlines of Star Destroyers in the sky. “No, it’s not. Get to your fighters, now!”

So much for practice, he thought to himself as he put on his helmet and rushed over to his black X-wing, where his astromech droid BB-8 was already waiting for him. He could only hope that this mismatched team he had been handed would be able to hold their own in their first combat mission together. Besides, they were already great pilots on their own. What could possibly go wrong?

Moments after disaster

Everything had gone wrong and Rey knew that it was her fault.

Vi Moradi had expertly weaved the transport she and Finn were in through the swarms of TIE fighters and made their way to the transports that were beginning to take off from the surface of D’Qar, flanked by starfighters that exchanged fire with the TIEs. At the center of the retreating fleet was the MC85 Star Cruiser Dawn of Tranquility (since renamed the Raddus in honor of a revered Mon Calamari admiral), which Vi immediately gunned for as she tried to shake off a few TIEs that had broken off in an attempt to pursue them. After a flight of A-wings came to their rescue, Vi managed to safely land the transport in the Raddus’ hangar.

As she stepped off the ship along with Finn, Rey’s mind raced on how she was going to explain this to Leia. She would have to tell her about the existence of 11-4D, who she had first encountered on Naboo and secretly brought to the Resistance’s base on D’Qar. The droid had then directed her to Ronyards so she could search for her parents and—if her and Finn’s suspicions were correct—established a channel with the First Order and leaked the location of the Resistance’s base to them, leading to the battle that was now taking place. If there was anyone to blame for this mess, it was her; and she knew she had to be the one to take the blame because otherwise it would fall on Finn, whom she knew some in High Command did not trust due to his status as a former soldier for the First Order.

But what she dreaded the most was the disappointment she knew she was going to see on Leia’s face. Growing up on Jakku, she had heard countless stories from passing spacers by heroes of the Rebellion, among them being Princess Leia of Alderaan. Along with people like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and General Calrissian, Rey had looked up to Leia and could hardly believe when she met her in person for the first time. Now, as a Jedi learner sworn to aid the Resistance in the goals, she felt she had not only failed Leia but the cause she stood for as well.

And then, of course, there was Toah. She had abandoned her teacher in favor of following 11-4D’s directions, just as he had been about to set off for a mission to Coruscant. She had no idea if he was still on Coruscant or if he had returned to D’Qar in the time that had passed since then. She could only imagine the reprimand she would receive from him, especially once he found out her complicity in this whole mess.

As they made their way to the bridge, trailing behind Vi Moradi, Rey felt Finn’s eyes on her and sighed. “Don’t worry,” she said, quiet enough so that Vi did not overhear them. “I’m going to take full responsibility for this.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Finn said. “It’s the droid. Is it still at the base?”

“No idea. Frankly, I would be fine if he gets blown up with it.”

Finn raised an eyebrow. “That’s pretty harsh, coming from a Jedi.”

“It’s just a droid. They don’t count as intelligent lifeforms.”

“Don’t let some of the astromechs hear that. I know that Poe’s BB unit can be a bit touchy.”

They finally reached the primary command bridge of the Raddus, where Leia and the rest of the Resistance’s leadership—including Admiral Ackbar and General Helricks—were gathered. Upon noticing their entrance, Leia turned to face them and, after briefly acknowledging Rey and Finn with a mere glance, focused her attention on Vi.

“Agent Moradi. It’s good to see you are safe and well. I would ask you how your mission to Batuu went, but I’m afraid we have more pressing priorities.”

“So I’ve noticed,” Vi said as the ship subtly rocked from enemy fire. “Do you have any idea on how the First Order were able to find our base?”

Before Leia could answer her, Rey chose that moment to interject. “I do.”

Both Vi and Leia turned to look at her. While the former had a look of surprise, Leia’s face remained neutral. “Is that so?” the general asked.

Rey swallowed and took a deep breath before speaking. “On Naboo, I found this droid that claimed to know where I could find my parents. I brought him to D’Qar and hid him at the base; when Master Jarsan and I came back from Tython, it told me to go to Ronyards for answers, which is why Finn and I took a ship and left.”

Leia eyed her evenly. “And did you find your answers?”

“No,” Rey exhaled. “I didn’t. Just trouble. Another droid came to our aid and took us to Batuu, where we eventually met up with Vi. Then we came back here to find the base under attack.”

“And you think this droid is what summoned the First Order here?”

“I don’t know for a fact,” Rey admitted. “But I can think of no one else who could have known about the Resistance base and alerted the First Order.”

“Not even the ex-stormtrooper standing next to you?” General Helricks remarked, having overheard the conversation from afar.

Rey glared at the older woman but Leia raised a hand to belay her retort. “The point is moot,” she said. “If no one else but you and Finn knows about the droid, then it is likely still on the planet’s surface and will be destroyed with the rest of the base. Since we can’t afford to go back and retrieve it, then we have no choice but to leave it. Right now, our priority is evacuating as many personnel as we can.”

“Right.” Glancing around the bridge, Rey then said, “Has Master Jarsan returned from his mission yet?”

Leia shook her head. “We have not heard from him since he left. Again, we will have to wait until after—”

“General!” a Tarsunt officer reported from his station. “The Errant Venture has responded to our distress call! Reinforcements are en route!”

“Good,” Leia said. “Hopefully they’ll be able to buy us enough time. If there’s one thing smugglers are good at, it’s providing a distraction.”

*  *  *

Kylo Ren knew he could not afford to be distracted, yet distractions were all that surrounded him.

He was supposed to be in control of the First Order forces attacking the Resistance base on D’Qar, yet he did not feel like he was in control. The location of the base had been received just as he had sensed that his former master, Supreme Leader Snoke, was still alive despite the fact that he had struck him down with his lightsaber back on Naboo. Before he had time to make sense of this, they had arrived in the Ileenium system and he had insisted on taking charge of the TIE fighter squadrons in his own TIE Silencer. He had hoped that combat would take his mind off things, but clearly that was not going to be the case.

Especially when he detected the presence of his mother through the Force.

That was why he had ordered his forces to focus on targeting the base itself rather than the ships fleeing from it. He knew she was on one of them—she had to be, given her rank and status as leader of the Resistance. Of course, some of the units—particularly those under the command of Major Vonreg—had broken off to deal with the Resistance fighters defending the fleeing ships and were no doubt delivering damage to said ships’ shields. He was too preoccupied to call them off, and the mere act of doing so would no doubt raise questions with Vonreg and the other presiding commanders. 

While they would never say it to his face, Kylo knew that many of the First Order’s command—including the likes of General Hux and General Pryde—were wary of Kylo and his sudden ascension. Could they see through his lie of taking command in lieu of an injured Supreme Leader? Was it even a lie anymore if Snoke was indeed still alive?

All of these questions and concerns insisted on sticking in his mind despite his best attempts to ward them off… which was why he was caught completely off-guard when a crimson Star Destroyer dropped out of hyperspace and opened fire on the First Order ships.

Cursing under his breath, Kylo Ren broke off from his current attack run, allowing the black and orange X-wing he had been pursuing to escape from his sights. He then transmitted an order for all nearby fighters to concentrate their fire on the unexpected reinforcement. He had no idea if there were more on the way, but at the very least he wanted them to all be prepared for it.

Despite himself, he was almost grateful for this distraction. It gave him an excuse to redirect the attention of the fighters and Star Destroyers away from the retreating fleet and by extension his mother, allowing her to get to safety.

He shook his head fiercely. No, what was he thinking? Leia Organa was the mother of Ben Solo, who was no more. He was Kylo Ren. Why did he care what happened to her?

Pushing back these thoughts, Kylo gripped the yoke of his fighter and pushed forward towards the crimson Star Destroyer, setting his guns ablaze. 

The Errant Venture

“Looks like we’ve bitten off more than we can chew here,” Booster Terrik mumbled under his breath.

Toah Jarsan stared out the viewport of the Errant Venture, assessing the situation in front of him. Beyond the attacking TIE fighters and the Resistance fighters chasing after them, he could count at least three Star Destroyers firing down on the surface of D’Qar, no doubt destroying the Resistance base. Overseeing them was the massive flagship of the First Order itself, the Supremacy, although it had yet to open fire on either the planet or the Resistance ships that were fleeing past it. Closing his eyes, he reached out with the Force and was able to sense that Leia was aboard one of the ships, as was, to his surprise, Rey.

And that was when he felt it.

A cold chill ran down his spine as he detected the presence of the Sith holocron. Its close proximity to Rey was enough for him to gasp as his eyes snapped open. Booster did not seemed to have noticed this, his attention focused on the battle at hand, but he did feel a glance from the young woman standing near him. Sare Valrisa.

His daughter.

He still wished the circumstances of that particular revelation had been better, especially one in which the disembodied spirit of Darth Vorath was not involved. But there was no time to dwell on that, nor the fact that her mother was also in danger. One thing at a time, he told himself. He only hoped that he lived long enough to handle each thing.

“Cap’n, Wild Karrde says she’s on her way,” a comm officer called out from their station.

“Hopefully we’ll still be in one piece by the time she gets here,” Booster said. “How are our shields looking?”

“They’re already down ten percent,” said another crew member. “Whatever new model TIEs they’ve got, they sure do pack a punch.”

Booster grimaced. “More like this ship’s an old model. Maybe we should steal one of those new fangled Star Destroyers and paint it red.”

The Errant Venture trembled slightly as the TIE fighters renewed their assault. While most of the fighters bore the standard “eyeball” design that Toah associated with the term, there was one that stood out from the rest. Its wings were pointed and pronged, similar to that of a TIE interceptor, while its core component had a more rectangular appearance with a red-tinted cockpit. As it streaked past the bridge’s viewport, firing on the deflector shield generator domes above, Toah felt another chill, one less intense than the one he had felt earlier. Without having to reach out with the Force, he knew that the occupant of the unique TIE fighter was none other than Han and Leia’s lost child; the man who now called himself Kylo Ren.

Silently, Toah blew out his breath. Booster wasn’t wrong; they all had a lot on their plate at this moment.

From their station, a Mikkian crew member said, “One of the Resistance ships just made the jump to hyperspace. They’re getting through the First Order’s blockade.”

“Doesn’t seem like much of one,” remarked the Mirialan smuggler Kyla Kishanti, standing next to Booster. “Seems like they’re more focused on blowing up the base than any of the ships. I wonder why that is.”

Toah felt that he knew the answer, but he did not voice it. He wasn’t sure how many knew about the connection between Leia and the First Order’s current leader and it was not really his business to spread around. Instead, he looked over at the Mikkian and asked, “Any idea where they’re headed?”

“Nothing beyond that it’s further into the Outer Rim.”

“Probably for the best,” said Booster. “If we don’t know where they’re headed, then that means the First Order probably doesn’t. We’ll just have to wait until this whole thing’s blown over before we can try to reestablish contact with them.”

Toah looked back out the viewport as the Resistance ships continued to jump into hyperspace one by one. He hoped that Rey would be able to stay out of trouble for a little bit longer, and if Leia was with her, then he had nothing to worry about.

But then his mind went back to the chill he had felt, and the dread settled back into his heart.