Saga Star Wars - Part 2 (AU - Luke is not the son of Vader) Last update 12/16

?We have dealt the Empire a harsh blow, but not a fatal one.? Mon Mothma looked out over the assembled leaders and representatives of the Rebel Forces gathered in the assembly room of the ?Theed?. ?While we have lost a portion of our forces due to tragedy at Yavin, we still have a strong fleet, one that is growing day by day. The people of Wallach have announced their secession from the Empire and are joining us in our cause. Their world is rich in resources, and while we do not wish to strip them of their own natural wealth, what they are willing to provide us; manpower, capital ships, weaponry and resources, can only strengthen our forces. We will be victorious; we will overthrow this tyrannical empire and bring back peace to the galaxy?.

A loud, but brief round of applause came in response to Mon Mothma?s words. She took a moment, then called for order. ?Admiral Ackbar will now provide to you the details of our upcoming campaign. Admiral??

Mon Mothma deferred to the Admiral. The admiral appeared like a giant crustacean with large round eyes on either side of his ruddy head. He was a bit difficult for most to understand at first, has his vocal system had developed for an aquatic environment, but like most from his planet, we has amphibious and quite comfortable on dry land. He also possessed one of the most gifted tactical minds in the galaxy. If it were not for the Emperor?s pro-human bias, he would most likely have been the commander of the Imperial Starfleet.

?Our fleet had grown to a size where we can hold our own with small group of Imperial Star Destroyers and supporting TIE fighters. We do not yet rival the entire Imperial Starfleet, but fortunately for us, the Empire had divided its fleet in an attempt to locate us. With the Death Star destroyed, we feel now is the time to start a liberation campaign of oppressed worlds. Our plan is to liberate key planets and to use their resources to grow our forces so that we can contend better with the Empires. It is time we went on the offensive.?

A question came from the audience. ?What is our first objective??

?We need to send a strong message to the Empire. We need to let them know that we are not a ?pitiful rebellion?, but a force to be contended with. Therefore, our first objective is Naboo and the orbital Imperial Shipyards there.?

This statement from the Admiral stirred up quite a commotion for the audience.

General Altarr, sitting in the audience, spoke up and questioned Admiral Ackbar ?Naboo is our first objective? You can?t be serious! Are we really going to make a move on the Emperor?s home world?? Why would we make such a bold move??

Mon Mothma interrupted the Admiral as he was about to speak. ?We have chosen Naboo precisely because it is such a bold move. The Empire does not fear for Naboo, feeling it is secure. However, we have something that the Empire is unaware of. Shortly before we launch our attack on the shipyards, a planet side battle will already have begun, from within the populace of Naboo.? The audience stirred with this statement and Mon Mothma turned towards one of the commanders sitting at the table with the Admiral and herself. ?General Binks??

The Gungan general stood up to address the audience. ?The Gungan population of Naboo has been largely ignored by the Empire. They have always felt us to be a bit backwards, as we do not, to their eyes, rely on the technology that has made them so ?advanced?. We trade with the human settler population of Naboo, but we largely stay out of the way of each other; the humans preferring the land, the Gungans living under the seas. The Gungans are a peaceful people and most of us would prefer to be left alone. However, we also understand injustice and oppression, and we realize that if left unchecked, the Empire will destroy all that we hold dear. On behalf of Mon Mothma, I have been in contact with the Gungan leadership on Naboo, and we are ready to support the rebellion. What the Empire does not know about the Gungans is that we have a grand army, a

 

The Imperial Shuttle carrying Darth Jade emerged from hyperspace near the Endor system. The new Death Star came into view as they approached the forest moon of Endor. It appeared to be nearly complete, with the last areas of construction being around the primary weapon of the Death Star. That was, however, purely an external view. She would enquire as to the true status the Death Star soon enough.

As they approached the Death Star, they were hailed. ?Imperial Shuttle on approach, please transmit your clearance codes.?

Jade instructed her pilot to transmit the clearance code to the hangar bay commander.

A few moments later, the reply came back from the Death Star, ?Shuttle Bytor, you are cleared for landing bay Alpha 14.

Jade nodded at this and motioned to her pilot to send the other message. ?Landing Bay command? he said, ?My passenger requests that Grand Mof Abbis be informed of her arrival and that she expects to meet with him immediately.?

?The governor will be informed? came the reply.

Jade doubted that Grand Mof Abbis would actually meet her at the shuttle. Pity for him if he did not, she thought.

The magnetic shield emanating from the forest moon was lowered and the shuttle made its approach and eventually landed in bay Alpha 14. After waiting what she felt was an appropriate amount of time for the Grand Moff to make his way to the landing bay to greet her, instructed her pilot to open the external hatch and lower the exit ramp for the shuttle. Jade put on her dark robes and left the shuttle. As was no surprise to her, Grand Mof Abbis was not there to greet her, but the Landing Bay commander was.

?Governor Abbis regrets to inform you that he will be unable to meet with you at this time and asks that you await him in the visitors quarters until such time that you are contacted.?

?Does he indeed?? said Jade, fixing her eyes upon the commander. ?Then perhaps you could provide an escort for me to my quarters so that I may await the governor??

The Landing Bay commander felt a chill run down his spine. Her voice, so sensual yet with an icy undertone. He motioned to a storm trooper standing by. ?TK-424, please escort?.? He paused, he did not even know her name.

?Jade?

?Please escort Lady Jade to the visitor?s quarters on deck Beta 21.?

?Yes sir? said the storm trooper. ?Follow me my lady.?

Jade followed the storm trooper to the lift and they made their way through the Death Star. She made mental notes about what she saw about her. Areas of concern as it were. The crews were working she could tell, but she felt they could be doing more. She would find ways to motivate them, if she had to. The finally reached the visitor?s quarters and she instructed the storm trooper to wait for he outside the door as she went inside. The room was spartan, and altogether insufficient to meet her needs. However, she never had any intentions of staying that that room. She was hardly a visitor.

Jade left the room and spoke to the awaiting storm trooper. ?This room in unsatisfactory. You take me to the governor?s quarters immediately.?

The storm trooper really had no choice but to comply. Not only were the storm troopers, by their nature, very responsive to commands from their superiors, but Jade could be very convincing. ?This way my lady? he said.

Grand Mof Abbis?s quarters were several decks above the visitor?s deck, but she did not mind the exercise nor the tour of the Death Star. She could learn much by simple observations. When they reached his quarters, the storm trooper asked if he should inform the governor that she was awaiting him.

That sounded a little too eager to please, she thought. Maybe a lighter touch on the storm troopers would be necessary. She did not need mindless followers after all. ?That will not be necessary, he is aware of my arrival. You may leave?.

After the storm trooper turned and left, Jade entered the override password into the panel so that she could enter Abbis?s quarters. To no surprise, he was not there. That suit

 

The second of Tattooine?s suns was starting to rise as Luke?s speeder approached the Palace of Jabba the Hutt. Although a desert, Tattooine mornings could be cold this time of the year. Luke was wearing one of Obi-Wan?s robes from his cave, and Han had on a black jacket. Emerging from the pass, Jabba?s palace loomed ahead. The palace was an imposing edifice built into the craggy mountains of the southern borders of the Dune Sea. There was only one approach possible by land, and anyone who dared approach by air without authorization was dealt with harshly.

Han took a satchel from the back as he Luke, and Chewbacca stepped out of the speeder and walked towards the main entrance to Jabba?s palace. Han looked towards Luke and Chewbacca and asked ?Are you ready for this??

Chewbacca growled in assent and Luke smiled at Han. ?Ready as I?ll ever be? he said.

?Ya know Luke, this is my issue with Jabba, you don?t need to be here.?

?I know Han, but I want to be here. Everyone on Tattooine has dealt with Jabba in one way or the other, so we both have issues with him.?

?Right kid. Well, here goes.? Han placed his hand on the pad that would announce his presence to the door warden droid. Moments later an electric eye one a mechanical arm popped out of the door.

?State name and business? came the query from the probe eye.

?Han Solo to see Jabba regarding the repayment of a debt.?

?Name of others accompanying you??

?Chewbacca - my first mate and Luke Skywalker ? ummm, crewmember:?

The eye withdrew back into the portal and a few moments later, the door opened to admit them to the palace.

The interior was quite dark compared to the brightness of the desert. It took a few moments for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, but soon enough, they could see where they were headed. The area they were walking through was quite large, but empty. From around them they could here strange sounds, but they pressed forward. Ahead of them was a light where they could see three individuals. Two Gammorean guards were blocking the entrance to Jabba?s chamber; along with them was a white skinned Twi?lek.

?The Twi?lek is Bib Fortuna, Jabba?s Major Domo? Said Han. ?No one sees Jabba without getting past him. Follow my lead.?

?Hello Bib? started Han. ?Are you going to let us in to see Jabba??

?Jabba has no interest seeing you Solo, unless you are here to repay your debt? said Fortuna.

?You know darn well that?s why I am here. You?ve been watching us since we got here. I have Jabba?s money right here? said Han as he patted the satchel.

?Perhaps you should give that to me, so that I may verify it and present it to my master??

?I would prefer to deal with Jabba personally. If I gave it to you, some of it might not make it to Jabba.?

Bib Fortuna stiffened at that comment, and the Gammorean guards shifted to a more ready stance.

?I?m afraid I cannot let you in to see Jabba at this time. He is unavailable for receiving you. You should come back another time perhaps??

?So you can send more bounty hunters out to find us? I don?t think so.? Chewbacca growled in assent.

?I?m sorry Solo. Jabba has no desire to see you?alive that is.? Bib motioned to the guards who moved towards them, battle pikes at the ready.

With that, Luke stepped forward and made a motion towards the guards who promptly dropped their weapons and froze in place. ?You will take us to Jabba now? he said to Bib.

Bib?s expression and he replied in much calmer tones ?I will take you to Jabba now.?

?You serve your master well? Luke said to Bib.

?I serve my master well? said Bib as he showed them to the entrance to Jabba?s chambers.

Han and Chewbacca stared at Luke with confusion. ?What just happened??

Luke replied, ?He changed his mind and decided to take us to see Jabba, that?s all.?

They followed Bib Fortuna inside into Jabba?s inner chamber. Luke thought to himself that if Mos Eisly was a wretched hive of scum and villainy?then what would he have thought of this place? All around them was

 

Wonderful. I like the I quit. Sometimes I would like to say that too.

 

The bridge of the ?Theed? was busy as the final departure preparations for the assault on the Naboo shipyards were being made. General Bink?s cruiser had left the day before so that he could be ready to lead the Gungan ground assault force prior to the arrival of the space based attack. 2 larger carrier ships led by Admiral Ackbar would carry three squadrons of X-Wings, two Y-Wing squadrons, and a single squadron of the new A-Wing fighters, while a larger cruiser would carry the special forces that would board and occupy the shipyards.

Mon Mothma, Leia and General Madine, from the bridge of their capital ship were in contact with Admiral Ackbar and the other commanders when a klaxon went off on the bridge.

?Mon Mothma! Scout ships report that a fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers have emerged from Hyperspace just outside of Sullustian space!? shouted the bridge commander.

?How many?? demanded Leia?

?Unknown ma?am. Communication was lost almost immediately.?

That was not a good sign. It was crucial that the assault forces made it to Naboo. The Gungan attack was crucial to their plans, as was Ackbar?s assault; both were dependant on the other and would fail horribly without the support of the other.

?Where are they now? How long do we have?? asked Mon Mothma in much calmer tones.

?Based on the patrol pattern of the scouts, I would put the location of the Imperial?s location here?. The bridge commander indicated a position on the space charts of the region. ?From this, I would estimate that we have only a matter of minutes before they are upon us.?

Mon Mothma spoke Admiral Ackbar on the comm screen. ?Admiral, you must depart immediately. We wills scramble all available wings of fighters to provide cover for you, and then flee ourselves.?

?Understood? came Ackbar?s reply. ?It will take a few minutes to bring the hyperspace engines online. We will report as soon as possible at the designated location.?

?May the Force be with you Admiral? said Leia.

?May the Force be with us all Princess. Ackbar out.?

Looking out into space Leia could see the squadrons of X-Wings streaming out to meet their attackers. Hopefully, with the unique properties of the Sullust system making it near impossible to view the area, the Imperials would not be prepared for the X-Wing attack. She knew better, but still hoped.

From the bridge of his Flagship, Darth Vader spoke to the communications officer. ?Was the rebel pilot able to signal his fleet??

?We think so my Lord, but his ship was destroyed before he could he could have relayed much information? said the comm officer.

Vader turned to the man standing next to him. ?Admiral Ozzel, you had best pray that the pilot of that scout ship did not get a meaningful message to his fleet. You should have emerged from hyperspace inside the Sullust system and gained the element of surprise.?


Admiral Ozzel blanched at this implied threat from Darth Vader; it was not wise to disappoint the dark lord. ?Yes my Lord, but with the unique properties of this system, it would have been almost impossible to?.?

Vader cut him off. ?Do not think to lecture me on the properties of space travel Admiral, the Force would have led us to the proper point. We shall see what your caution has brought us. You may launch your fighters Admiral.?

Admiral Ozzel turned and spoke into a comm panel. ?Fighter bays, deploy all TIE fighter wings, repeat, deploy all TIE fighter wings.?

Moments later, the TIE fighter wings started coming from the bays of the five Star Destroyers in the assault fleet. They would know momentarily if their attack was a surprise or not.

From the bridge of the ?Theed? Mon Mothma, Leia and General saw the Star Destroyers appear on the view screens. The comm officer said; ?We have them! Four Imperial Star Destroyers and one Super Star Destroyer on direct approach?TIE fighters in the lead!?

Leia looked towards Admiral Ackbar?s assault force. Why haven?t they left yet? She thought to herself. General Madine looked to Mon Mothma

 

Wonderful action post. I like how you had the element of Vader choking those who do not do what he wants etc, it tied in to the original movie I thought.

 

I've been trying to bring in some elements of the films we've seen, to try and keep some of the flavor while telling a completely different story as you'll see again in the next chapter which borrows a bit from ROTJ.

I am largely making up alot of this as I go along. I have an overall plotline in my head, a general map as it were, but the actual scenes...well I don't always know what the next line will be until I write it.

I think I am about half to three quarters done here, but my work schedule is picking up again, so we'll see how much I get done before I am brought back to reality.

 

While Darth Jade could be very patient, after several hours of waiting for Grand Moff Abbis, her patience was wearing thin. She had, after all, demanded an immediate meeting with him upon her arrival. His apparent disregard for her would weigh against him in her reports to the Emperor. Add to that, that he had taken the title of ?Governor? for himself when he was merely in command of the construction of a battle platform, indicated that he had ambition that would need to be put into check. Jade sensed through the force that Abbis was approaching and she prepared herself for the potential confrontation.

The doors to Abbis? quarters opened and the Grand Moff entered. He was momentarily caught off guard by the presence of Jade. ?Who are you and what do you think you are doing in my private quarters?? he demanded.

Jade rose gracefully from her seat and stepped towards Abbis. ?You may call me?Jade.? She would save the ?Darth? title for a more appropriate moment. ?I am here as a representative of the Imperial government??

Abbis cut her off. ?I have no time to deal with Imperial functionaries, and that gives you no right to be in my private quarters. You will leave immediately or I will have you removed.?

?As I was saying, I am here as a representative of the Imperial government to gather information as to your progress on the completion of the Death Star.?

Abbis sighed in exasperation. ?If you need a progress report you may deal with Commander Ytris, if you require a tour you may?? Abbis? voice trailed off as Jade fixed him with a gaze.

?No Governor? Jade said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she walked towards Abbis. ?I wish to deal with you directly. Like you, I have no time to deal with functionaries and intermediaries. You will provide me with the information I require.?

To Abbis, the room seemed to grow warmer as Jade moved towards him. With her gaze locked on him, it seemed as if...but he shook himself from this reverie. He was a Grand Moff and should not have to deal with such matters. ?Jade,? he said in calmer tones. ?You may report back to your Imperial masters that construction is proceeding as expected and we do not expect any further delays. I appreciate that you have those that you must report to, but the Death Star will be completed, and no tours or reports or investigations or inquires or anything will speed matters up.?

?Governor Abbis, I do not think you understand my purpose in being here.?

?Your purpose is no different from any other Imperial overseer that comes here. You do not understand what we have to deal with. There was the indigenous population of the forest moon that had to be neutralized, there are issue of manpower and resources, and not to mention the constant pressure of you and your ilk demanding progress reports. If you want the Death Star to be completed on schedule, then the best thing that you could do provide us with the resources we need and leave us alone.?

Jade?s expression changed. She smiled slightly at Abbis and stepped closer to him. Clearly Abbis felt that he was in charge here. ?I am not interested in your excuses Grand Moff Abbis. I am Darth Jade and I am the Emperor?s Hand.? Jade raised her hand to Abbis? face. He had tensed greatly at her statement; clearly he was aware of the Emperor?s Hand. Her fingers gently stroked his cheek. ?The Emperor is displeased at your apparent lack of progress. I am here to put you back on schedule? she whispered to Abbis.

Abbis felt an electric charge at the touch of Jade. All thoughts of any discord or disagreements faded from his mind. He knew his command could be better. He knew his work force could be motivated to work harder. He swallowed hard as sweat started to drip from his forehead. ?We will?redouble our efforts, my Lady?.

Jade backed away from Abbis and again smiled at him. ?I hope so for your sake Governor Abbis. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.?

 

Wow. That was awesome. Still keeping some of the aspects of the movie but using Darth Jade the Emperor's Hand, with a slight twist with a different location etc, that is great. I know I would not want to get her mad at me.

 

Luke, Han and Chewbacca were in the speeder heading back to Mos Eisly from Jabba?s Palace. ?I feel like a weight has been lifted from me, being out of Jabba?s debt.? Chewbacca growled in assent at Han?s comment. ?But, you have to tell me something Luke; your coming back after we were sure you were dead, that thing you did to Fett, they way you dealt with those guys back at Jabba?s palace?I?ve never seen anything like it. Last time I saw you were just some farm boy who was good in a fight and made a lucky shot or two. What happened to you back on Yavin anyway??

Luke thought about this for a moment. What had happened to him anyway? How could he explain his contact with the Force to someone who barely even acknowledged the Force existed? ?I don?t know Han, it?s difficult to explain. I faced Vader that much I assume you know, and I was struck down. Before that though, I heard the voice of Obi-Wan again, like I did on the Death Star and again in my X-Wing. He told me to ?Let Go?, and I did.?

?Let go? He told you to die??

?Not die really, but to let go of my existence and?well, it?s hard to explain it but I joined the Force. I was one with it. I guess my body disappeared like Obi-Wan?s did on the Death Star.?

?That would be why R2 could not find any trace of you beyond a bit of blood.?

?I guess.? The desert sped by in a tan blur, the suns high in the sky. Luke kept silent for a moment, remembering his education with the Force. ?After that, I found myself somewhere else. It wasn?t like I was in a physical place, but I was somewhere, and so was Obi-Wan.?

?You saw the old man again??

?Yes, but there was more. I met many other Jedi Masters of the past, ones that had been killed by Vader and the Empire. I learned from them Han, I learned the ways of the Force. I can?t say how long I was there, but I was there. I met master Jinn, and master Windu. I even met Obi-Wan?s master Yoda. They and the other masters taught me what I needed to know.?

?Sounds like a hallucination if you ask me Luke.?

?It wasn?t Han. They were as real as you and Chewbacca are, as real as this desert is. Time didn?t really exist there though. The training I received was more like a mental communion with the Jedi Masters, I made contact with them and learned from them that which they knew.

?What about your father? He was a Jedi, wasn?t he??

?Yes, he was, but I did not meet him. I guess not every Jedi is able to physically manifest themselves in the Force, or at least can?t continue to do so after too much time has past. I felt his presence though, but I did not see him.?

?I?m sorry kid.?

?That?s alright Han. I never knew my father and it would have been nice to meet him, but I guess it was not the will of the Force. Anyway, Obi-Wan told me it was time to go back and?and I knew how to come back like I knew how to become one with the Force. I found myself in the same temple where I had left. I made my way back to the base and found it overrun with Imperials.?

?I guess it?s a good thing we got out when we did, I hope the rest of them made it out safely.?

?I don?t think many did Han. There were too many rebel ships still there. However, I managed to get aboard a shuttle and with the aid of the Force, make it back to where I knew you would be, where the Force told me you would be.

?That?s a lot to take in Luke, but you?re here, I can?t dispute that, and I can tell something has changed you.?

Luke brought the speeder to a halt outside the boundaries of Mos Eisly. ?I am a Jedi now Han, possibly the only one left in the Galaxy.? He paused again in thought. ?You know, I thought once before that I would never be coming back to Tattooine, but I did. This time I know I won?t. I know now what I must do.?

Within the hour, the Millennium Falcon was prepped a fueled and left Tattooine for the Sullust system to rejoin the rebel forces.

They arrived just outside the Sullust system. The properties of space in the Sullust region, combined with the peculiar theta-band radiation made t

 

oooooh...wow!! I have missed sooo many posts....anyway, they were all great!!! And now Luke an co. are going to Bespin...that's cool...I rather like the place, cause there's always something unexpected happening there.



~Blue

 

I wonder what will happen once they get to bespin. Sounds interesting things are about to happen.

 

Leia looked out upon the gas giant Bespin from her VIP quarters. The ?Theed? had emerged from hyperspace near Bespin the previous day after multiple hyperspace hops. Standard practice was that in an emergency escape from Imperial forces, each ship of the fleet was to escape in a different direction, making multiple hops to throw any potential pursuing forces off their tail. Within a standard week, they were to meet up with the rebel fleet and re-establish a base at a new location. Bespin was their last stop before they met up with the rest of the fleet.

Cloud City was much more than she had come to expect. She had thought that it was a simple, out of the way timpana gas mining station, but it had grown to become a floating city in the clouds above Bespin and was largely self sufficient. Her VIP quarters were in the administrative section of Cloud City and offered an excellent view of Bespin. Cloud city was not large enough for the ?Theed? to have docked, so she had taken a shuttle to the city while the ship remained in orbit, Leia was currently acting in her role as a diplomat on behalf of the Rebel Alliance, ostensibly to work out a deal for refined weapons grade timpana gas. In that role, she had requested a meeting with the Administrator of Cloud City, Lando Calrissian and was to meet him for an evening meal shortly.

The announce chime for her quarters rang, and she went to answer it. When she opened the door she was greeted by a handsome man in blue wearing a dark cape. ?Senator Organna?? he asked.

?Administrator Calrissian?? she replied.

?Please, my lady, call me Lando? he said, taking her had. ?We do not operate on much formality here on Cloud City.?

?I see. Well, the as you know the Senate has been dissolved by the Emperor, so I am not a senator any more. You may call me Leia.?

?A beautiful name for a beautiful lady? he said, kissing her hand.

This was very different from most of the meeting she had made in the past. Lando appeared to be quite charming and his presence seemed to put her at ease for the moment.

?If you would accompany me, I have arranged for a private meal so that we may get to know each other. This way, my lady.?

Leia smiled and followed Lando through the corridors of cloud city. Along the way she admired the layout of Cloud City. It appeared to home to many people, human and otherwise. However, she thought it strange that there was not an Imperial presence here. Timpana gas was an important resource in the galaxy and served as the basis for many of the blaster-type weapons that were used. She assumed that the Empire would be interested in controlling it here.

They arrived at the dining room and Lando opened the door for her, inside a dining table was prepared with a fine looking meal. It had been quite a while since she has had a nice meal and she was looking forward to it. Lando pulled he chair out for her, and then moved to his seat on the opposite side of the table.

After a bit of casual, informal conversation, Leia decided ask more important questions. ?Administrator?Lando?, how is it you have managed to avoid Imperial entanglement here??

Lando put down his glass and paused before speaking, as if gathering his thoughts. ?By Imperial standards, we are a small operation and we do not received much oversight from the. We do of course have to produce regular reports of production and refinement, sales and such, but they largely leave us alone if we grease the right hands, if you get my meaning.?

?You bribe Imperial officials??

?Part of the price of doing business with the Empire. It keeps them off our backs and allows us to operate autonomously, for the most part.?

?With the Emperor taking more power for himself, don?t you worry about coming under greater scrutiny??

?Of course we do. Many of the people who have settled her at Cloud City are hiding from someone somewhere and really do not want any undue attention. Would you believe I myself used to be a smuggler before I lost my ship gambling? However, I am confident we

 

That was great. I like the twist on the Lando scene. I'm glad that Luke and Leia have found each other again. Now I wonder if we are going to see Lando turn them over to DV? Shall wait to see.

 

Darth Jade knelt before the holo-communicator. She had been instructed that the Emperor wished to make contact with her, and it was not wise keep him waiting. She activated the communicator and moments later, the holo-image of the Emperor?s head appeared before her, large and looming. With her head bowed, she asked ?What is thy bidding, my master??

?Arise, my servant? intoned the Emperor. ?I wish to hear from you as to the status of the Death Star.?

?Construction is now ahead of schedule, my Lord. The outer superstructure is now complete. What we are awaiting is the completion of the primary weapon and of the new hyper-drive. I expect that the project shall be completed in 3 standard weeks.?

?Excellent. It appears that my faith in your ability to motivate was not unfounded. I am pleased.?

?Thank you, my master.?

?Lord Jade, when the Death Star is complete, I wish you to bring it here to me.?

?To Coruscant, my Lord??

?That is correct. I foresee that the Rebel Alliance is moving towards a final confrontation and will be attacking in force her. I wish my most powerful weapon to be here waiting for them.?

?As you command, my Lord, it shall be done.?

The holo-image of the Emperor disappeared from the space in front of her. A rebel attack, she thought to herself, wonderful, a chance to prove herself in battle. She activated the smaller comm panel and called to Moff Jerjerrod who appeared on screen.

?Yes, my Lady? spoke Jerjerrod to the image of Jade that appeared on his monitor.

?Moff Jerjerrod, we shall be leaving the Endor system within 3 weeks for Coruscant. Will that be a problem?.

?No, my Lady, it will not be a problem.?

?Excellent Moff Jerjerrod. I have faith that you will not disappoint me as did your predecessor.?

Visibly nervous, Jerjerrod said ?We will be ready to depart within 3 weeks, as you command, my lady.?

?Very good? said Jade, who then broke contact with Jerjerrod. She had been forced to deal with Grand Moff Abbis harshly as he tried to inform her of yet another delay. He had started out promising, but in the end had proven himself to be a liability, unwilling to make sacrifices for her. Jerjerrod appeared to show no such weakness. They would be done in time for the Emperor and the Rebel Alliance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vader sensed that he could now enter the Emperor?s chambers and did so. He approached his master and knelt before him.

?Arise, my good and faithful servant. You come before me unbidden Lord Vader, to what do I owe this?? said the Emperor. ?Do you wish to report to me your failure in the Sullust system??

Vader knew that there was no use in keeping anything from the Emperor. ?Yes, my master. The rebel fleet managed to escape us. I have dealt with those who cost us our element of surprise in this matter.?

?Excellent, Lord Vader. Is there more you wish to inform me of??

?Yes, my Master. As we attacked, it appeared that the Rebels were trying to protect three ships in specific. Several of their fighter wings broke off for defence of those ships and the rebel fleet did not flee until those three ships had escaped. It is obvious that those three ships were being protected for a reason.?

?Of course they were Vader. Those three ships you speak of would be the reason we have lost contact with the Naboo shipyards.?

?The Naboo shipyards, my Master? The Rebels have attacked there??

?We have not heard from them for a few days now, and the Force tells me that the shipyard has been taken.?

?Do you wish me to launch a counter attack my Lord, to retake the shipyards??

?I think not, Lord Vader. We will let them feel the overconfidence that comes from an easy victory and use that to our advantage. I wish you to send a token ?sacrificial? ship to play into this overconfidence, but no more than that. We will deal with the Rebels Vader, but on our terms. I have spoken to Lord Jade, and she shall be bringing me the Death Star, so that when the Rebel forces attack here, we shall be waitin

 

If vader is not careful, Jade will be replacing him.


I like the twist of moving the DS from Endor to the main planet of the Republic.

 

?You did what?? shouted Han Solo. Luke and Leia looked shocked at what Lando had just said. Chewbacca growled menacingly at him as well.

?You don?t understand, I had no choice; I had to tell them you were here.? replied Lando defensively.

?But you told me you had very little Imperial contact apart from basic reports and bribery? said Leia angrily.

?I had to make you feel secure here Leia so you would stay. If I want to keep any more Imperial influence out of Cloud City, I am under orders to report any rebel contacts or else?.?

?Or else what, pal?? questioned Han.

?Or else the Empire takes direct control of operations here. As long as we do not deal with the rebellion they leave us alone. There are a lot of people here who want to be left alone here Han. There are a lot of people here Han who view Cloud City as a safe haven. We supply the Empire with their needs and they leave us alone. It was a good deal.?

?There is never a ?good deal? with the Empire Lando. You just don?t realize how bad it is until it is too late? said Leia. ?We all know this all too well.?

?I know that. I knew it wouldn?t last forever, but?? Lando looked down dejectedly. ?You?ve got to get her out of here quickly. I can hold off the Imperials for a bit, tell then you got scared and left. Maybe they?ll understand.?

?You?re darn right I?m taking her out of here Lando. I hope you get what?s coming to you? said Han.

?I only did what I had to do for Cloud City. Han, I counted you as a friend. Turning over some random rebel was one thing, but when you got here, that changed everything. Han, I owe you a lot, that?s why I told you what I before it was too late.?

An uncomfortable silence followed Lando?s statement. It was broken by Luke Skywalker. ?I understand Lando. My aunt and uncle felt the say way. They did not want to get involved and did what they had to do to get by. The Empire killed them for it. I understand what you did.? Luke turned and spoke to the others. ?I sense no malice in Lando. He was in a difficult situation, but did the right thing by telling what he had done, at great personal risk. We?ll get out safely Han; we have enough time for that, but what about all the other people of Cloud City? When the Empire finds out who Lando let escape, it won?t be pleasant for Lando or anyone else, you know that.?

It was Leia who spoke next, making the surprising offer. ?Come with us Lando; join us in our fight against the Empire.?

Lando thought about her offer for a moment, then said ?But what about all the people here? I just can?t leave them.?

Han surprised even himself next. ?He's right you know. Lando, If the people here are they types I think they are, then they most likely already have plans to escape at a moments notice. Give the order to evacuate, tell them the Empire is on its way to take control of they city, you?ll see the city empty within a day.? Han looked at Lando with this, thinking about what Luke had said and wondering if he would have done any different, had he been in Lando?s place.

Lando thought about this. He would have to leave almost everything behind, but Han was right. Most of the city most likely did have evac plans already in place. He knew he did. It had been a good run, but it was over now, he knew that. ?Alright, I?ll do it. I?ll come with you, if you?ll have me.?

?Chewie, get the Falcon ready. Luke, take the princess to the ship. I?m going to help Lando get out of here? said Han. Luke, Leia and Chewbacca gathered their few things and left for the Falcon.

Lando stood up and went to the comm panel in the room. Hey keyed in his access code to open a channel to the entire city. ?This is Administrator Calrissian to all residents of Cloud City. I regret to say that out time of self reliance is most likely over. I have it on good authority that Imperial forces are on their way to take control of Cloud City. I advise all residents who do not wish to have direct dealings with the Empire to evacuate the city as soon as possible. Cal

 

Excellent post.

Nice twist on the Lando department having him tell them before Vader arrives and then going with them.

 

As I have said, I make up alot of this as I go along. I know the story I am writing, but the individual scenes unfold to me as I am writing them. Funny thing is that I seem to be re-writing alot of the ESB/ROTJ scenes with a twist. That was not my original intention, strange as it may seem, it's just what is happening. I almost had them go to Hoth for something but scrapped that idea. I guess the CT has too much influence on me. We'll see how much this continue. As there will be a Death Star battle, there will most likely be more similarities to come.

I also noticed that I have been leaving out R2D2 and C3PO. Don't know if that will change just yet.

All my plotlines are starting to come together. Everything is proceeding as I have forseen.

 

Bump

I'm working on it....More work related responsibilities kicking in right now though.

 

The ships of the Rebel Fleet were gathering in the Tenab Nebula. The dispersal of the fleet had gone according to plan, with each making several different hyperspace jumps, all leading back to the designated rendezvous location a week later. Comm traffic was spreading about the victory at the Naboo shipyards and spirits were high.

The attack on the shipyards had gone off exactly as planned. The Gungan forces attacked the command center planet side. There was a small defense force there, but they were unable to hold off the surprisingly large Gungan army. Communications were thrown into disarray and the rebel forces from the fleet were able capture the shipyards relatively easily. The empire had made an attempt at retaliation, but by the time it had arrived, it posed no threat to the rebel forces. Among the captured ships at the Naboo shipyards was a nearly completed Imperial Star Destroyer, several shuttles, plus ordinance and storm trooper gear.

A meeting of the command staff had been called for later in the day, to discuss the next campaign against the Empire. Han was off again performing repairs on the Falcon with the assistance of Lando and Chewbacca. Luke and Leia were taking this time to catch up in her quarters on the ?Theed?.

?I still find it hard to believe that you were dead?.? Started Leia.

?No Leia, I did not say I was dead? interrupted Luke. ?I said I had joined the Force.?

?What?s the difference??

?I?m not sure really. I guess it?s more like I gave my self to the Force before Vader could take my life, sort of like what Obi-Wan did on the Death Star.?

?But you came back from death, I mean the Force.?

?Right.?

?So why didn?t Obi-Wan come back??

?I don?t know. I know he was very strong with the Force, but I also sensed that?well that it was his time. It was his destiny to join the Force and stay there. Maybe it had to do with his age or my age. I guess what I am saying it was the will of the Force that I come back. Not from death, because I wasn?t dead and no one is that strong with the Force, but back.?

?I don?t think I?ll ever understand Luke.?

?You will some day Leia; I can sense that the Force is strong with you.?

?No Luke, you have something I could never have.?

?That?s not true Leia, and you know it. You?ve felt it before haven?t you? Haven?t there been times when you found an inner strength that you did not know you had??

Leia thought about this. The Force, strong with her? Was there a time when the Force was with her? Then it came to her. ?Yes, there was?when I was being interrogated on the Death Star. Vader brought in an interrogation droid and I was drugged, but I did not give up the location of the base on Yavin.?

?That was the Force working with you Leia, helping you. The Force is not always overt, like using it to move an object or some sort of physical feat. Sometimes it is just an inner strength. I was taught that the Force is generated by life, that it surrounds us at all times. You had many people concerned about you and depending on you. That was part of the Force as well, and it is part of what helped you in that time of crisis.?

?But I thought only Jedi could use the Force??

?Well, many Jedi were trained from birth in the ways of the Force. The Jedi used to search out those that had great potential with the Force so that they could be trained. The Force is with us all, and it is always with us. Some people are naturally more attuned to it. With the proper training though, many can be taught to use the Force as the Jedi do. You could, Leia.?

?A Jedi, me? I?m not a warrior, I?m a politician.?

?Not all Jedi wielded a lightsaber in battle Leia. There were Jedi scholars, healers, teachers, diplomats, even a senator or two.?

?But how could I become a Jedi Luke??

?Leia, I know now that part of my destiny is to rebuild the Jedi Order that was wiped out by the Empire. To do that I have to seek out those that the Force is strong with. You Leia, the Force is strong with you whether you realize it

 

[face_shocked] Her mother. I did not see that one coming.


Its a well written post. I enjoyed it.

 

I just came across this story. This is really good. I like how you did it different from that of the trilogy. I also like how you have it where Luke and Leia are not brother and sister.

I am just curious as to who Leia's father is. I can't wait to read more.

 

CrystalKenobi - Actually, I stated that Leia was Mon Mothma's daughter when she first came aboard the Theed after leaving Yavin. Of course, that was a long time ago based on my update pattern.

MysteriousRaven13 - Leia's father is still Bail Organa, it's just in my story she wasn't adopted.

 

Opps I did forget that. sorry.