Star Wars Episode IV: A New Beginning/First Edition

Chapter 1: Invasion of Alderaan
Throughout the years, Alderaan was said to be “Shining Star” of the core worlds. It was a place where peace and beauty were the common preoccupations, and art and learning were the popular pastimes. Alderaan was indeed unique and one would have to travel long and far to even find a planet remotely similar to her. But, beneath her beauty lied a past shrouded in darkness. Many of the galaxy’s worst nightmares were born on Alderaan, such as the many members of the Qel-Droma family that turned to the Dark Side, enslaving themselves within the Ancient Sith Empire. But, with every shred of darkness, a glimpse of hope shined through. Ussej Padric Bac, a man who disappeared long ago, was born on Alderaan before becoming part of the great Jedi Order.

Alderaan was home to one of the founding members of the Old Republic charter. After the Unification Wars, Emperor Organa of Alderaan was one of the men who signed the peace treaty, thus giving birth to the Old Republic charter. But, the Old Republic eventually rotted and gave way to Emperor Palpatine’s New Order. Alderaan had strongly opposed the Military Creation Act, but the planet as a whole remained loyal to the Old Republic during the Clone Wars. As a sign of good will, Alderaan permitted refugees and exiles from worlds occupied by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, thus being one of the main worlds in the Refugee Relief Movement.

Once the Clone Wars ended, Alderaan dismantled it’s weapons and military as a show of good will towards the Emperor and his Clone Army. But, shortly after, anti-Imperial protests plagued the planet, therefore giving weight to Emperor Palpatine’s claims that the House of Organa was not all that it seemed.

When the Alliance to Restore the Republic was formed, many Alderaanians volunteered to sacrifice their lives for the sake of preserving democracy and freedom in the galaxy. Leaders such as Bail Organa and Mon Mothma took this as a sign of what the future might hold for the Alliance.

The sun rose gently over the shimmering Lake Aldera at the edge of the University of Alderaan, casting an early morning light on the glistening towers of the Alderaan Palace. Beings of this world would flock to the area just to catch a glimpse of the sun rising over Lake Aldera, as it’s beauty truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

All of this was being observed from the highest tower of the Alderaan Palace. Viceroy Bail Organa, former Senator of Alderaan, also admired the beauty of the surroundings. He saw it everyday, yet everyday he found something new to admire whether it be the way the sun rose or the reaction of the people. He had woken up a few hours before, just as he did every morning, leaving his beloved wife Breha Organa, Queen of Alderaan, asleep in their bed. The walls of the palace were filled with memories of the Houses of Organa and Antilles.

He sat upon the balcony, praying to the Force to keep the planet safe from the Galactic Empire for yet another day. He knew Breha would be their soon, just as she was every morning. They held the same routine for years, but neither of them ever tired from it. A small smile crept upon his face as he could hear her approaching.

Before the sleep had been completely wiped from her eyes, Breha had dressed in a soft ceremonial robe and stepped onto the balcony. Her dark hair was tinged with white streaks and the once young face began showing lines. Still, the beauty held with her all of these years. It was within the eyes that her strength and love for her people burned brightly. She saw Bail, her one true love, sitting on the balcony has he had for the last few mornings, seemingly worried about something. She had grown a lot spiritually and mentally since she met him. The grounding she needed was here...on Alderaan...with Bail and their daughter Leia, the Princess of Alderaan. She moved to her husband’s side, smiling. Her smile to him was radiant as he leaned in to hiss her one true love.

“You woke early again,” she said, comforting him. “What’s wrong? Tell me, I want to help you.”

He smiled, returning her kiss. “It’s nothing,” he lied. His lying about his feelings had become more frequent recently, as the pain of knowing something was wrong was too strong to share with another person...especially the woman he loved.

But, she did not want to avoid the pain. She wanted to share in it and work through it as husband and wife, not ignore it like total strangers. “If we can’t be honest with each other now...after twenty years...when will we ever be able to tell each other the truth?”

He did not want to tell her what he was feeling about the future, but he knew better than to keep anything from her. “Something is coming. I don’t know what it is, but in my thoughts and in my dreams I can see that a storm is coming. I don’t know what the storm symbolizes, but we must all be ready for what is to come.” He turned back and looked out at the snow-capped mountains, wondering at what is to come. A single storm cloud sat in the distance, possibly symbolizing the coming struggle.

---

The shimmering blue-white planet of Alderaan emerged from a total eclipse, her moons glowing against the shimmering darkness that was space and time. Small clouds moved across her surface as if they were podracers on their final lap. A shadow was cast over the glowing gem as a tiny silver spacecraft, the Tantive IV, raced through space. The ship fired at an unknown object...the one that was casting the shadow over the planet. The shadow was that of the Imperial Star Destroyer Avenger, the Star Destroyer leading the Omega Fleet. The Avenger had been pursuing the tiny spacecraft for hours until finally the vessel led the Empire exactly where they wanted to be: Alderaan.

Within the sleek royal vessel, Captain Raymus Antilles, cousin of the Queen of Alderaan, sat at the controls, piloting the vessel as fast as he could towards the surface of the magnificent world. But, it appeared as if they would never make it home. Hundreds if not thousands of deadly laser bolts constantly emerged from the Imperial Star Destroyer, causing the tiny ship more damaged than it could bare.

An explosion rocked the interior of the tiny starship as two robots, Artoo Detoo and See Threepio, struggled to make their way through the shaking, bouncing passageways. Both robots were old and battered, obviously having seen a fair share of action while being in service of the Alliance to Restore the Republic. Artoo was a short, domed droid with every utility a man could think of. His face was a mass of computer lights surrounding a radar eye. Threepio, on the other hand, was a tall and slender android of human proportions. He had a gleaming bronze-like metallic surface of an Art Deco design, one of the many designs made popular by Alderaanian artists. Another sudden blast caused the protocol droid to fall forward, but he quickly caught himself on the wall. He looked around, hoping to find a safe haven. If his face could show expression, it would have been one of nervousness and anxiousness to return home.

“Did you hear that?” the protocol droid asked his companion. “They’ve knocked out the main sensor grid. We’ll be destroyed for sure&#33;” A beeping was heard, causing the two droids to stop in their tracks. “What’s that?” the protocol droid asked.

A voice, that of Captain Antilles, was projected like a bolt of lightning through the ships corridors. Crew members stopped, hoping to hear the good captain tell them that it was all over. But, of course, they knew that would not happen. “All hands,” the captain stated. “Prepare for emergency landing.”

The tiny starship entered the atmosphere of Alderaan. The ship, after losing it’s heat shielding systems, began to break up. On the downbeat, atmospheric drag fins deployed outwards; the pilot tweaked their angles and cycled them in and out in an attempt to slow the vessel’s descent without burning up altogether. Their contrabass roared took on a punctuated rhythm like a heart that skipped a beat. The tactical officer attempted to delay the Star Destroyer’s pursuit, but the small vessel’s systems were too badly damaged in the chase that the weapons began firing in random directions. Captain Antilles, being an experienced pilot, stroked the vessel onto the correct course and they headed for a field just outside the capitol city. Like a great symphony, the ships systems began to communicate with each other once again and the lush green fields appeared before them.

The ship gracefully landed in the field, seemingly safe. But, unbeknownst to the majority of the crew, a small Imperial Attack Cruise, reminiscent of the Old Republic Attack Cruisers used frequently during the Clone Wars, had just descended from the belly of the Avenger and had begun it’s descent towards their very position.

The droids scurried along the passageway towards the Droid Holding Area to find the bodies of soldiers that were killed at their posts. But, Threepio is pleased that they survived nonetheless. “Finally,” the protocol droid shouted, seemingly happy. “We’ve finally outrun those Imperial murderers&#33;” A deep, low hum rumbled over the structure of the Tantive IV, forcing the entire crew to cover their ears in almost pain. The sound, so loud, muted the screams and cries for help coming from throughout the ship. Threepio, unaffected by the noise, stopped for a moment. “What...what is that?”

The noise was that of the Imperial Attack Cruiser Liberty. It landed directly beside the Alderaanian vessel. Imperial Stormtroopers stood ready on the platform as it lowered down to the ground below. As they were lowering to the ground, the Alderaanian crew rushed past the droids and they too made their way out of the vessel. Captain Antilles rushed down the corridor, making sure every last crewmember alive made it off of the vessel.

Threepio saw the captain running towards him. He waved his arms, signaling Antilles to stop. “Oh, Captain Antilles&#33;” Threepio shouted. “Captain Antilles&#33; What do we do?”

The captain stopped, sensing the worry coming from the droid that had been in his service for quite some time. He did not have any good way of telling the droid this, but he had to. “Every man...or droid...for himself.” The captain quickly turned, running down the platform.

Threepio turned to his companion and stared at him for a moment. He looked up, seeing the troops running for safety. “We’re doomed,” the golden droid said finally. “We’re doomed...”

As the crew attempted to run towards the capitol city for safety, the Stormtroopers quickly spotted them and attempted to move the battle directly into the heart of Aldera. Citizens flocked to their balconies in an attempt to figure out what was happening, but they soon moved back indoors as the Imperial garrisons rolled in.

---

The bridge of the attack cruiser Liberty bustled with activity as the battle truly began. Lights flashed and alarms sounded, but the Imperial crew remained focused on the task at hand. The door of the bridge slid open, revealing the imposing figure of Starkiller, the Dark Commander of Darth Vader’s Lettow Guardians. The dark commander moved to the window, witnessing the battle for himself. Starkiller, tall and muscular, had a shady past. No one knew where he came from, for not even he knew where he came from. He was unable to remember anything before he became part of the Dark Guardians of the Lettow, but the Dark Lords of the Sith told him that he had suffered severe head injuries when the Jedi tried to destroy his world. Thus, the dark commander held a hatred for any who belonged to that long dead order, or anyone who chose to support it. He had nothing to comfort him now, other than the heat of battle. That is why he had chosen this assignment....that is why he chose any assignment that involved bloodshed and panic.

“Private,” the dark one yelled. “Signal Lord Vader on the Avenger. The battle has begun....”

The Imperial Private saluted his commander. “Aye, sir.” Turning back to his console, a message was sent to the Dark Apprentice of the Sith signaling him to arrive on the surface for a full interrogation of the Alderaanian Viceroy.

The Dark Commander turned back to the window, smiling as the Imperial troops quickly overwhelmed any and all resistance Alderaan had to offer. He wished to join in the fray, but knew that Darth Vader would have his head if he went in before him. Starkiller was a phenomenal warrior and leader, one of the best the Empire had to offer. His belief was that war made one and hiding in the shadows only led to death. Believing that negotiation and diplomacy was for the weak and cowardly, he would fight until the bitter end. If he was to be a lone warrior facing an army of thousands, the battle would not end until his head was served on a silver platter.

Although he was a Dark Commander within the Lettow, one of only two in the entire order, as well as a General in the Grand Army of the Empire and a member of the Imperial Council, there were still times that he wished he could be a young boy on his homeworld...whatever that world was. He could remember small flashes of his life before the Lettow, such as the day he saw bodies lying all around him. A black gloved hand had reached for him and the young Starkiller held on as long as he could. When the smoke cleared around him, he finally saw the face of the man who had saved his life: Anakin Skywalker...the Chosen One.

The Jedi Knight carried him to safety and stayed with him just to be sure that he was safe. When the Republic left, so did Anakin Skywalker. The young Starkiller begged him to stay, telling him that he no longer had a family to be with. The Chosen One told him that one day he would return to see him....he never returned. Even though Anakin Skywalker had left, the Jedi Knight had always remained a sort of father figure to the young Starkiller.

But, then the news came: the Jedi were destroyed. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, severely disfigured from an assassination attempt made by Jedi Master Mace Windu, dissolved the Galactic Republic and instituted a new order: the Galactic Empire. Then, more news came: Darth Vader, the new apprentice of the elusive Darth Sidious, was searching the galaxy for a group of semi-Force sensitive beings to recruit into a secret order of guards. Darth Vader, searching for a runaway Jedi, came to Starkiller’s world and found the young boy. He took Starkiller under his wing and trained him personally until the day he made him his Dark Commander. Ever since the day he left his homeworld, unable to remember most of his youth, Darth Vader had become a new father figure to him. Unbeknownst to the new Commander Starkiller, Darth Vader had already been a father figure to him....going by the name of Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One.

Under his new master’s training, Starkiller learned to hate the Jedi Order, except for one: Anakin Skywalker. The man who saved his life had always remained a figure of importance in the back of his mind. He also learned the startling truth: the Clone Wars were orchestrated by the Dark Lord of the Sith. Even more frightening, it was revealed to him that Darth Sidious was none other than Emperor Palpatine himself, the beloved leader of the new order.

As the Galactic Civil War broke out, Starkiller was taught to love war and live by its teachings. He was given more and more assignments until the day he was finally given the rank he deserved: Dark Commander of Darth Vader’s Lettow. He then found that he had an equal, one who served Emperor Palpatine. This woman, a girl the same age as he named Mara Jade, always attempted to be better than Starkiller, though she knew it would be next to impossible to achieve that goal. Thus, a great rivalry formed between the two. Though the did not see each other much, their hatred for one another burned like the fiery rivers of Mustafar. One day, Starkiller thought, he would kill Mara Jade as a way of showing her how much more powerful he truly was.

The battle continued within Aldera as he watched the screen, hoping to see Viceroy Bail Organa somewhere in the battlefield. Capturing him was Darth Vader’s goal for this mission, but Starkiller did not care what the Dark Lord’s goal was. All he cared about was the battle and its success. Success for him was a triumphant victory over the Rebel Alliance until one day he destroyed the rebellion once and for all.

War, nothing more exciting, he thought to himself. It’s the people’s fear that drives us to push forward, for fear attracts the fearful...the strong...the weak...the innocent...the corrupt. Fear...fear is my ally. He had heard the words of Darth Maul, once the apprentice of Darth Sidious until he was killed by then-Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi on Naboo, many times during his career from holo-recordings given to him by the Dark Lords of the Sith. Starkiller knew that one day...one day Emperor Palpatine would be dead and Darth Vader would take his place. Then, he would be the next Sith Apprentice and he would have the honor of destroying Palpatine’s Lettow, thus destroying Mara Jade. He would do anything...anything to secure that right.

---

Darth Vader, the man once known as Anakin Skywalker, stood aboard the bridge of the Avenger. It pleased the Dark Lord immensely knowing that Bail Organa would soon be in his grasp, therefore leading him to his main target: Princess Leia Organa, the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala. Before he turned to the Dark Side, Anakin knew that Padmé was pregnant, but after what he did to her on Mustafar...that fateful day when he had lost all he had worked so hard for...he was told that Padmé died, so he naturally assumed that their child died with her. But, years later, he discovered that the Princess of Alderaan truly was the daughter of Skywalker and he knew that if he was to overthrow Emperor Palpatine that he would need all the help he could get. And, who better than to become his next apprentice than his own daughter? There was only one man that stood in the way of her apprenticeship: Dark Commander Starkiller.

“Lord Vader,” the ship’s captain shouted. “We’ve just received a signal from General Starkiller, sir.”

Speak of the devil, the Dark Apprentice of the Sith thought to himself. “Yes, captain, what is it?”

“The battle has begun, sir,” the captain said, excited. “Aldera is under siege. They are moving in on the palace now.”

“Alert the Dark Commander to prepare for my arrival,” the Dark Lord commanded. He threw his cape back, stepping onto the turbo shaft. The door slid shut, leaving the bridge crew to wonder and to hope.

Phase One: Complete

Phase Two: Commencing

Chapter 2: The Art of Interrogation
Alderaan had been the capitol of the Organian Empire thousands of years ago. After The Great Unification War and the signing of the Galactic Charter, it became one of the founding worlds of the Old Republic. Democracy was at it’s finest on Alderaan, and the precedent of democracy spread throughout the galaxy and the Old Republic. Throughout every war, every battle and every petty conflict Alderaan served as a reminder of what good can come from the aftermath of a destructive full-scale war.

After The Great Unification War, Alderaan had not been touched by destruction until the beginning of The Great Sovereign Crusade. The Dark Lord Dire and his Dark Apprentice Mortis created a virus so powerful that it would be a plague on whatever world they dropped it on. They tested this virus on Alderaan. Under the cover of darkness, Darth Mortis spread the disease known as the ‘Black Death’ into the water supply. Months went by before the people of Alderaan felt the effects, and when they did millions of people died as a result of the incompetence of the administration of Supreme Chancellor Cos Jonathan Dashin and the Jedi Council.

With the help of an organization known as The Galactic Aid, Alderaan was able to pick up the pieces and move on. It regained its former glory as the brightest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the galaxy when King Antilles brought the planet back from the brink of turmoil. Never again was Alderaan harmed....until now. Though the Royal Family kept as much of a democratic system as they could under the oppression of the Galactic Empire, the Imperial troops and artillery that were not moving through the streets of Aldera vanquished what hope Queen Organa still had.

The first shot from an All-Terrain Tactical Enforcer shook the Alderaan Museum of Natural History, the second causing it to collapse completely. Half a kilometer away, two of the oldest buildings the city had left standing telescoped in on themselves sending dust and debris flying for miles on end. The 501st of the Imperial Army knew no mercy, and that was what gained them the nickname ‘Vader’s Fist’.

The destruction and mayhem was being observed from the highest level of the government complex. The building remained undamaged, intentionally left unscarred by the Imperial forces. Bail Organa moved to the window in time to see an apartment complex fall to the ground.

“How many people lived in that building,” the former Senator asked.

A military recruit snapped to attention and moved to a computer console, checking the registry of the collapsed building. “Eight hundred and forty five men, women and children, sir. Sir, we have no weapons of mass destruction or anything more advanced than a foot soldier. What could they possibly want?”

The former Senator did not move. He simply stared at the window, watching dozens hundreds if not thousands of people die all around the city. He subtly turned his head, though the recruit still couldn’t see his eyes. Bail knew in his heart why they were here, but he didn’t want to accept it.

---

The shuttle carrying Darth Vader moved through the atmosphere of the lush green planet. Vader never cared for this planet, as it was a painful reminder of the times Anakin Skywalker spent on Naboo with his wife, Padmé Amidala. As the shuttle flew past the capitol city, the Dark Lord could not help but crack a smile at the destruction that had engulfed the area.

The shuttle landed safely near the Tantive IV and a dozen-or-so troops lined themselves in formation. As the shuttle ramp descended, the sound of a robotic respirator caused them to immediately snap to attention. Starkiller took to one knee as the large figure of Darth Vader strode down the ramp. As Vader passed him, he rose and dismissed the troops.

“Report,” the Dark Lord demanded.

Starkiller had to run to catch up, as Vader had not stopped to wait for him. “The city has been under siege for the past half hour, and I can safely say that the city is ours. It won’t be long until the rest of the planet falls under our control.”

“Has Viceroy Organa shown himself yet,” Vader asked, obviously hopeful that he would get the answer he desired.

“Not yet, my Lord,” Starkiller responded. “But, we know he’s in the government complex. I can send my men in and-”

“No,” the Dark Lord snapped. “An armed garrison will cause Organa to flee. We will draw the coward out of hiding.”

“May I ask how,” the Dark Commander inquired.

“It’s simple,” Vader quickly replied. “Viceroy Organa feels no pain greater than to see others in agony.” Vader paused for a moment, considering the best course of action. “The Royal Hotel has thousands of guests in it, if I’m not mistaken. Bring four squadrons there and have them line up at the door.”

Starkiller smiled, knowing what Vader had planned. It would be a glorious day indeed.

---

In the highest floor of the government complex, Bail Organa was sitting in front of a viewscreen trying to calm his frantic wife he was on the other end of the line. Tears rolled down her eyes as she rambled on about the dictatorship that would soon form on the planet, among other things.

“Honey,” Bail said, calm as ever. “Please, calm down. I know what they want and it’s only a matter of time until I get this situation under control.”

“Sir,” the military recruit interrupted. “I think something’s happening.”

---

Hundreds of Stormtroopers stood in formation in front of the Royal Hotel, ready to act at a moments notice. Dozens of captive rebel forces, including Captain Antilles, were held beside them in a small town square. Those who broke free were either shot or beaten, but they persisted. Captain Antilles’ face was filled with confusion as the crowd began to part, but he quickly realized why. Darth Vader and Starkiller walked into the town square, followed by a small group of Lettow warriors. They stood atop the wreckage of a small speeder, and Vader stepped out before them.

“Where is Viceroy Organa,” Vader demanded to know.

Antilles spat towards Vader, an obvious look of disgust on his face. “Go to Hell, Sithspit.”

Vader turned to the Dark Commander Starkiller, whispering orders. All was silent until the Imperial troops barged into the Royal Hotel. When things quieted down, Vader turned back to the captive rebel forces. “At this moment, the 501st is pulling all of the women and children in the hotel out into the courtyard. Each time you do not comply, one of them will be shot.”

“You’re bluffing,” Antilles accused. “Not even you would dare go that far.”

“Wouldn’t I,” Vader asked, sarcastically.

Inside the building, Stormtroopers ransacked room after room, pulling the women and children out. Some of the men tried to fight back, protecting their wives and children, but they too were killed, leaving their wives to fend for themselves. One woman jumped onto the back of one of the Stormtroopers, but she was knocked off and thrown out the nearby window sending her plummeting dozens of stories to the streets below where she met her fate.

Almost ten minutes had gone by until the troops had the hostages lined up in front of the hotel. Starkiller pulled out a gun and pressed it to the head of one of the women. “Where is Viceroy Organa?” No answer came from the crowd, so Starkiller pulled the trigger and the blast entered the woman’s head. She fell backwards onto the street, dead, her daughter crying over her. Starkiller walked down the line looking for a new target; he soon found one. He raised his gun again and forced it against the head of a beautiful young pregnant woman. He turned back, his eyes showing no mercy. “Same question.” Again, there came no answer. He proceeded to pull the trigger, but something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, causing him to put his gun away.

Bail Organa moved into the center of the town square, flanked by Alderaan’s Royal Guards. He stood atop a smoldering statue, now eye-level with Darth Vader.

“Viceroy Organa,” Vader sneered. “We meet again at last.”

“Trust me,” Bail shot back. “The pleasure is all yours.”

Starkiller jumped down from the sidewalk he stood upon and motioned for his Lettow Guards to follow. Without warning, their crimson blades quickly sprang to life and cut the Royal Guards down, leaving the Viceroy surrounded. Starkiller grabbed his shoulders, dragging him away into a back alley. The Dark Apprentice of the Sith soon followed, flanked by the Guardians of Lettow.

---

Breha Organa stood at the window of the Royal Palace, watching the smoke from the distance. The thought of losing Bail was unbearable to her, though she suspected that he was the target. See-Threepio walked up beside her, his blank expression giving her no comfort at all.

“He’s been arrested,” Threepio told her. “Is there anything we can do?”

Breha burst into tears, distorting her view of the burning city. Her aide came in and placed an arm around her, leading her out of the room. Threepio looked back and forth, unsure of what to make of the morning’s events.

“Oh,” Threepio nervously stated. “I feel so...I feel so helpless.”

---

The last blow from Darth Vader’s fist caused a gash in Bail’s face, sending blood streaming down from his eye. Vader knocked him to the ground once again, towering over him. “Where is she? Where is Princess Leia?”

“Go to hell,” Bail insulted.

Vader leaned forward and picked the Viceroy up, hanging him above the ground. “I’ve been there..” Bail was thrown against the wall, landing hard on the ground. Vader stepped away and motioned to Starkiller who quickly kicked the Viceroy in the face, sending him flying into the wall once again. Bail slumped to the ground, unconscious.

“Prepare a holding cell aboard the Avenger,” Vader ordered Starkiller. “There’s nothing more we can do here. The Emperor will have far more efficient means of dealing with this on Coruscant.”

“Yes, my lord,” Starkiller acknowledged. He motioned for his Lettow to pick up the Viceroy and they stepped into a speeder. The speeder shot away back towards the field where the drop ship was waiting to bring them back to the Avenger. A shuttle landed near the alley and Vader stepped onto the ramp. When he was safely aboard and seated in the main hold, the shuttle lifted off and blasted towards the orbit of the planet.

---

Raymus Antilles and his men tend to the wounded from the day’s battle inside an underground command center.. Men, women and children....dozens were wounded and even more were dead. Why such a travesty would take place was beyond any of their comprehension. As Antilles looks over the damage report, a rebel officer ran up behind him and called for his attention.

“Captain Antilles,” the officer shouted. “We’ve just received confirmation. Viceroy Organa has been taken into custody&#33;”

Antilles places his hand over his face, rubbing his temple in an attempt to relieve the stress and rid himself of the splitting headache he now had. “There is no doubt that he will be charged with treason against the Empire. Palpatine will be jumping for joy when he hears about this. Viceroy Organa has been on his hit list for years.”

“Shall we begin preparing a rescue mission, sir?”

“No,” Antilles commanded. “For now, we stay here and regroup. I’ll contact command and see what they want us to do.”

“Aye, sir,” the officer responding, saluting before turning and running towards the turboshaft. Antilles made his way to the viewscreen, typing in the coordinates for the secret rebel base. A red symbol spun on the screen....the crest of the Alliance to Restore the Republic....the last remaining symbol of peace and justice in the galaxy.

---

In the field on the outskirts of Aldera, the Imperial dropship roared to life and lifted off the ground. Moments later, it too shot into the atmosphere and within no more than ten minutes it came to rest in the large docking bay at the belly of the Avenger. Darth Vader was there waiting for them as Starkiller carried the battered, unconscious body of Bail Organa towards a holding cell. Vader knew that it was only a matter of time until he found what he was looking for....the Daughter of Anakin Skywalker.

Phase Two: Complete

Mission: Success

Chapter 3: The Art of Deception
Starkiller stood at the massive window on the bridge of the Avenger, watching the fleet move into formation. It wouldn’t be long until they would be leaving this once peaceful planet, and he couldn’t wait to be back in the comforts of Coruscant. Alderaan was peaceful and scenic, of course, but on Coruscant he was a king amongst men with every luxury one could desire. Being the Dark Commander of the Guardians of Lettow, an Imperial General and a member of the Imperial High Command did have its benefits, after all.

The bridge fell silent as Darth Vader strode through the titanic doorways, the crew snapping to attention as he passed. Vader ignored them, as he always did, not bothering to return the salutes. All Vader was worried about was the success of his mission and accomplishing his greater goals. Nothing would get in the way of him seeing them through. As he stood next to Starkiller, he said nothing, which worried the Dark Commander. When Vader simply stood beside him without acknowledging his presence, he knew there was something wrong.

“Is the planet secure,” the Dark Lord inquired.

“Yes, my Lord,” Starkiller quickly responded. “All rebel activity has been halted, for the moment.”

“Good,” the dark one hissed. “Alert the fleet to prepare to jump into hyperspace on your order.”

“It will be done, my Lord,” Starkiller acknowledged, turning to the Communications Officer. “Alert the fleet. Tell them to stand by.”

The young officer nodded, quickly turning back to his station to carry out the Dark Commander’s order. After a few minutes went by, Starkiller became impatient. “Have they acknowledged my orders?”

“Yes,” the officer responded. “A few minutes ago, sir.”

“A few minutes ago,” the Dark Commander asked, angered at the lack of competence from the young officer. “Why did you not tell me?”

“Well,” the officer said, shaking in fear. “I just thought that -”

“Who are you to think?” The Dark Commander turned back to the window, the young officer shaking in fear behind him. Starkiller relished the presence of fear, as he lived off of it just as anyone who served the Dark Side of the Force would. “Execute....”

Before him, the stars grew brighter until they were but white streaks of light moving past the gargantuan vessel. The fleet made the jump into the hyperspace route behind the Avenger, all of the ships en route to Coruscant.

“General,” an officer shouted, running up towards him. “Lord Vader wishes to speak with you in his chambers. He says it’s urgent.”

“Very well,” Starkiller acknowledged, annoyed that he would be taken off of the bridge by something that was probably nothing. “Lieutenant Piett, you’re in command until I return.” He turned, his cloak billowing behind him. As he approached the exit, the massive doors slid open, clearing the way into the main hall of the vessel.

He soon arrived in Lord Vader’s chambers to find him standing in front of a large holo-projector, awaiting his arrival. Starkiller assumed that by bringing him to a holo-projector he would be contacting the Emperor, though Starkiller did not understand why he had to be taken away from the bridge for Vader to do so. “I mean no offense, my Lord, but I don’t know why I have to be here for you to make a transmission.”

“It’s your lesson for the day,” Vader shot back. He always had an agenda, and this was but another lesson in the training that he had been giving Starkiller for years. He had groomed the young warrior to become his apprentice should anything happen to Darth Sidious, though that was all about to change. “It’s the art of deception, my friend. Watch and learn....” Vader adjusted the controls and moved onto the large holo-platform in the center of the room, waiting.

What felt like years went by until a sharp wine broke the silence that had engulfed the room. Before them, the face of the dreaded Darth Sidious, known throughout the galaxy as Emperor Palpatine, came to life in the form of a blue-tinted hologram. Palpatine’s three-dimensional figure was covered in simple dark robes, his face concealed behind a hood. The image towered over them as Darth Vader took to a knee in homage to his master. However, Starkiller’s body filled with fear at the sight of the Dark Lord of the Sith and it was moments before he too bowed deeply to the Lord of the Sith.

When the voice finally spoke, Palpatine’s presence was enough to send a thrill of terror throughout the bodies of his two most trusted servants. “Rise, my friends.”

Vader immediately stood, followed by Starkiller who still feared the image that stood before him. He did not often see the Galactic Emperor, and that was something that he was almost happy about. Vader stepped out in front of Starkiller, who was still standing at attention. “Alderaan is secure, my master. However, Viceroy Organa was....uncooperative, to say the least.”

“I did not expect any less,” Palpatine hissed. “Organa has always been a rebellious one, which is exactly why I fear that he is in the process of creating a weapon of mass destruction to use against our Empire.”

On the inside, Vader smiled. He was not concerned with weapons of mass destruction. All he cared about was finding the daughter of Anakin Skywalker before it was too late. Unbeknownst to the Emperor, Vader had been plotting to capture Leia Organa ever since he found out that she was Skywalker’s daughter. Though, when he first found out it was a shock to him. From what he had been told, Padmé Amidala died before she gave birth to the child, further evident by her pregnant body when she was buried. But, that all changed when he met the Princess of Alderaan and no power in the galaxy, save the Force itself, could prevent him from bringing her into his grasp.

“My thoughts exactly, my master,” Vader sneered. “What are your orders, my Lord?”

“Go forth,” the Emperor commanded. “Go forth, my boy, and work my will&#33;”

“It will be done, my Lord,” Vader acknowledged. He bowed, assuming the hologram would soon fade away. However, the Emperor turned his attention to the young leader of the Lettow, furrowing his hidden brow.

“Is something wrong, young Starkiller,” the Emperor asked him.

“No,” Starkiller replied nervously. “No, nothing at all.”

“I should hope not,” the Emperor hissed. “Fear has no place in my hierarchy.” With that, the image of Emperor Palpatine disappeared and Starkiller’s shoulders fell, relaxing.

“Do you understand why I called you here, young one?”

“No,” the young Dark Commander replied. “Not at all, really.”

“I am going to let you in on my plan, my young friend, though you must promise never to reveal my true intentions.”

Starkiller stood unshaken and undisturbed by the comment. Treachery was the way of the Order of the Sith, so he knew this time would come eventually. “You have my word, Lord Vader.”

“Regardless of what Palpatine thinks, I did not come here looking for weapons of mass destruction,” Vader revealed, his true intentions finally being revealed. “I came here to capture Viceroy Organa to use him as bait to draw his daughter out of hiding.”

“Princess Leia,” Starkiller asked, confused at what she would have to do with any of this. “What does she have to do with this mission?”

“Nothing,” Vader revealed. “I used this mission as a cover-up. Leia Organa is but the adopted daughter of Bail and Breha Organa. Her real parents were somewhat better known.” He could tell that Starkiller still did not grasp what he was trying to convey, though it was no matter. “Princess Leia is the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Senator Padmé Amidala.”

Starkiller was shocked by the revelation, as he had no idea that Skywalker and Amidala had a relationship. He had heard that Senator Amidala was pregnant at death, though no one ever knew who the father was. How Vader knew this was beyond him, though the Sith always had their ways.

“I intend to use the daughter of Skywalker to help overthrow Emperor Palpatine,” Vader continued. “Then I will crown myself Emperor with you standing by my side as my apprentice.” It was a lie, to be sure. He fully intended on disposing of Starkiller when the time was right, as he would be taking Skywalker’s daughter as the Heir to the Dark Lord.

Starkiller grinned, not knowing that he was just a pawn in Vader’s game. The idea of being the Heir to the Dark Lord pleased him immensely and he would stop at nothing to ensure that Vader saw his plan through. He would enjoy the power of being the Sith Apprentice, though his first act would not be acquiring power. He would kill Mara Jade, showing her who the better of the rivalry between them was. It would be a glorious day, indeed.

---

On the city-planet Coruscant, Emperor Palpatine sat down at his desk. His chair turned, now facing the city itself. This office served as a reminder of the power of the Dark Side and the fall of the Jedi. No more than two meters away from where he was sitting, Anakin Skywalker made the fateful decision to join the Sith in an effort to save his beloved wife. Moments later, the traitorous Jedi Master Mace Windu met his doom, sealing the fate of the Jedi Order itself. Much like that night, it was raining hard across the city, lightning striking in the far distance. Speeders flew past the massive window at breathtaking speeds, though the Galactic Emperor had become well accustomed to this city life. While many believed that he preferred the solemn darkness of Thule or Korriban, he could never leave Imperial City forever. The past thirty years of his life was centered on Coruscant, and he would have it no other way.

The silence of the office was broken by the hissing of an opening door. Grand Moff Wilhuf Tarkin and his top military advisors came through, setting up a holo-projector in the middle of the floor as the Dark Lord’s throne turned to face them. He had been expecting the men for hours now, though he was still somewhat angered that they would not divulge the nature of their visit. He did not like having meetings go unexplained beforehand, though unexplained meetings were always the most important as there was a reason for them being secretive.

“My Lord,” Tarkin bowed, his advisors following his precedent. From his belt, Tarkin pulled a remote. With the press of a button, the hologram of a spherical battle station came to life, though the image was that of an almost half-way completed station. “This is the current status of the weapon, your highness.” A clap of thunder and a ball of lightning accompanied the report, symbolic of the future of this weapon. “The weapon is forty-seven percent completed, and we expect to be operational within the next two years.”

“Two years,” the Emperor hissed, obviously disappointed in the news.

“Yes,” Tarkin quickly replied. “The system we set up was faulty. Bureaucracy has taken its toll once again. Contractors claim that the idea of the weapon is unethical. Along with that we’ve had labor shortages, man power problems and - ”

“Spare me your line of reasons, Tarkin,” the Emperor demanded. “I’ve heard all about these issues for the past fifteen years. You tell these contractors that if they don’t get the job done they will be executed as traitors.”

“Yes, my Lord,” Tarkin replied, grinning. If there was one thing the Grand Moff enjoyed more than anything else, it was the thrill of sending someone to their death for incompetence. The hologram faded away and the advisors disassembled the projector. Tarkin turned, but stopped when he caught the Emperor standing out of the corner of his eye.”

“Are the plans securely hidden,” Palpatine enquired.

“Yes, my Lord,” Tarkin replied.

“I hope so, Tarkin, for your sake,” Palpatine insulted. “If the rebels should acquire these plans, I will hold you personally responsible. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal, your highness,” Tarkin said sarcastically. With that, Tarkin and his advisors turned and left the room. As the massive doors slammed shut, Palpatine sat on his throne and turned back to the cityscape, silently watching the activity throughout the area. Vader thought he was hiding his true intentions from him, but Palpatine could see right into Vader’s game. Some would call him foolish to allow his apprentice to gain the upper-hand, but when it came to his apprentice Palpatine always had the upper-hand. From the day Vader was placed in his robotic prison, the Dark Lord of the Sith had held him with a leash. That leash would not be broken by a teenager. Vader assumed he was smarter than his master in the art of deception, but it seemed as if he would need to learn more about the sacred Sith art of deception and manipulation.

Chapter 4: Skywalker's Heir
Dantooine was a small, peaceful world in the Outer Rim territories. It was a pleasant world of grasslands, rivers and lakes and it was one of the most desirable vacation spots for those who wanted peace, quiet and the time to reconnect with their natural surroundings. The population of the planet was small, spread across single-family settlements and other small communities throughout the various continents. The population itself was comprised mostly of humans, most of whom were either farmers or local officials.

The planet, while relatively peaceful, had seen its share of action throughout the years. During The Great Sith Wars, the Dark Lord Malak bombed the surface and destroyed the small Jedi Enclave. This action sent the local communities into disarray, as they no longer had anyone to protect them. The Old Republic almost lost the world to the Exchange when they tried to use it as a trade point in the Outer Rim, but the Old Republic was able to keep the small planet under its jurisdiction.

For years, Dantooine remained peaceful. But, soon, the newly formed Alliance to Restore the Republic sent their forces to Dantooine and promised the local officials protection if they would be allowed to set up their base in the old Jedi Enclave. The officials agreed and the Alliance hierarchy transformed the rundown Enclave into a fully functional command center. From the surface, it looked like a simple communications center for the local officials. However, below ground was the command center as well as a small military staging ground for the relatively small alliances forces. Kilometers away, there was another underground fortress, this one a staging area for the Alliance starfleet.

On the second underground level was the living quarters where Leia Organa, the Princess of Alderaan and, unbeknownst to her, the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala, was asleep in her bed. She stirred, her mind playing tricks on her. A recurring nightmare continued to torment her, though she did not know what to make out of it. It was Darth Vader, the Emperor’s trusted right arm and one of the most feared men in the Empire. Beside him, she saw herself standing with battle scars and warriors makeup covering her face. A lightsaber hung at her side, though she did not know why. At this point, the image always faded and the image of a young man, about her age, came to be. He was handsome and relatively charming, though he seemed unsure of his surroundings. He looked to be nothing more than a simple farmer, so she assumed that he lived on Dantooine. However, no record of anyone matching her description of him existed on Dantooine.

I have your father, a dark, metallic voice said in her mind. The princess shot out of bed, covered in a cold sweat. She stood, walking into the bathroom. She splashed water onto her face, though the fear did not go away. After getting dressed, she headed out into the halls. Though bustling with activity, they seemed empty as the words rang through her head over and over. I have your father....I have your father....I have your father. The thought of someone taking her father was terrifying enough, but the voice is what terrified her the most. Dark, metallic....evil. The sound could not escape her, though she tried desperately to stop it. Being a fifteen year old girl was hard enough, but having to go through this didn’t make her life any easier.

This is my punishment, she thought to herself. This is my punishment for all the times I acted up and disobeyed my father. The thought circled her mind, though she knew it wasn’t true. Though it’s true she was somewhat of a troubled teenager, always landing herself in trouble with the local authorities, she knew her father would never do something like this to her. It wasn’t his way; never was, never would be.

She stepped through a doorway into the office of Mon Mothma, Imperial Senator of Chandrilla. Mon Mothma had always been the leader of the Alliance with Bail Organa, and she knew that Emperor Palpatine had his suspicions about her. She had been part of the Loyalist Committee thought fought to prevent the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic, as well as one of the leading names on the Delegation of 2000 that tried to persuade then-Chancellor Palpatine to give up his Emergency Powers. But, that did not work out as they planned and now, fifteen years later, they fought not to fix the Republic but to re-create it.

The senator turned, seeing Leia stand in her doorway. She had always been somewhat of a second mother to Leia, just as Leia had always been somewhat of a daughter to her. Though she knew when Bail sent her to Dantooine for protection something was wrong, she secretly enjoyed having the princess stay at the base, regardless of the reasoning behind it. She sat at her desk, offering Leia a chair. A look of worry was on the faces of both women, though Leia’s was filled with confusion.

“Senator,” Leia said worriedly. “Did something happen to my father?”

“How did you know that,” Mon Mothma asked, surprised by Leia’s question. A look of worry and dread now filled the young girls face, fearing that the voice in her head was right. “He went missing this morning after the Empire attacked Alderaan and - ”

“They attacked Alderaan,” Leia asked angrily, jumping out of her seat. “How could they do that? We have nothing that they would need to worry about&#33; This is outrageous&#33;”

“Please,” Mon Mothma consoled. “Calm down, Leia. We’re doing everything we can to ascertain what is happening here. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

Leia was not at all convinced, nor was she pleased. There was something the Senator was not telling her. She could see it in her face. “I don’t see how we can do anything. We’re just a group of rag-tag rebels. There’s nothing we can do to the Empire.”

“Alone, you’re right,” the Senator told her. “But, we believe there is someone out there who can help us. When you were in school, did they ever teach you about The Great Sovereign Crusade?”

“No,” Leia replied. “I don’t remember hearing anything about that.”

“I thought not,” the Senator continued. “Almost eighty years after The Great Territorial War and the fall of Empress Viea’s Sith Empire, a new Dark Lord arose that threatened the very stability of the Jedi Order and the Old Republic. However, two groups allied themselves with the Jedi. They were the Bendu Order and the Shadourian Order, both based in an unknown location in the Unknown Regions. The Bendu and Shadourians eventually turned against the Jedi, stating that the once-great Order had become incompetent and were no longer fit to protect the galaxy. However, once civilians began to die, the Bendu Order realized the error in their ways and returned to their homeworld, vowing never to return.”

“Is there a point to this story,” Leia snipped, as she was never a fan of history lessons.

“Yes,” Mon Mothma quickly shot back. “We sent a mercenary out into the Unknown Regions to locate the Bendu homeworld so we can establish communication with them, requesting their assistance. That was four months ago, and he’s due back any day now.”

“But I thought you said they vowed never to return?”

“That’s the problem,” the Senator admitted. “We’re going to have to do our best to make sure they return. They’re our only hope in the fight against the Empire and, more specifically, the Guardians of Lettow. I just hope they see that.”

“Well, this is all very interesting but I’m not going to sit here and listen to a history lesson while my father is out there missing.” Leia shoots up and quickly leaves the office, Mon Mothma trying to catch up. However, the senator stops in her doorway.

“Leia,” she shouted. “Wait, please come back.” But, her efforts were futile. Leia headed off into the base, determined to locate her father at all costs. She would not eat, she would not sleep, she would not do anything until she knew where her father was.

Chapter 5: Homecoming
From the cold, dark depths of space emerged the Avenger, moving into high orbit around the legendary planet of Coruscant. For thousands of years, the sprawling city had been the capitol of the Old Republic and when that body fell Emperor Palpatine saw it only fitting to raise his fortress in the very heart of the city. Palpatine enjoyed his surroundings immensely as it reminded him of the victory he scored over the Old Jedi Order. Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Cin Drallig. They had all met their end on Coruscant, along with thousands of other Jedi traitors. But, to Palpatine, the victory he scored over the two corrupt bodies was insignificant next to his true trophy of glory: Anakin Skywalker. For thirteen years, Anakin had been tormented and pulled like a rope in a child’s game between the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic. But, that torment finally manifested itself as anger and hatred when he struck Mace Windu, allowing the then-Chancellor Palpatine to send the aged Jedi Master to his death. Anakin had sworn loyalty and became Darth Vader, the Apprentice of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Vader’s first task was to eliminate the Jedi within the ancient Jedi Temple just a few kilometers away from where he had been crowned the Dark Lord’s Apprentice. Simultaneously, the Grand Army of the Republic received an order to wipe out the remaining Jedi Knights across the galaxy. It had been done, and in the end it had seemed as if no Jedi Knight remained alive.

Palpatine had predicted all of this, to be sure, but not even he foresaw Vader’s defeat on Mustafar, the true birthplace of the Dark Guardians of Lettow, by his former Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan disappeared and was presumed dead, but Vader lived. Incased into a deathly-black bio-suit that would strike fear into the hearts of trillions, Vader let go of the man that was Anakin Skywalker and embraced a new path: a path of hatred, mayhem, treachery and destruction.

Vader’s crippling defeat on Mustafar put a hold on his plans to kill Palpatine and make things the way he wanted them to be, but he never faltered from his goal. When he discovered that young boy named Kane Starkiller on Telos IV, it had appeared that he had found an heir and for fourteen years he trained him to become just that. But, once it was revealed that Leia Organa was truly the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, everything began to change. Vader put aside his plans for Starkiller and began the search for the daughter of Skywalker. Palpatine could never find out, and Vader had to be sure of that. He therefore launched erroneous claims and fabricated evidence that the Organa Household on Alderaan was developing weapons of mass destruction to use against the Galactic Empire as a false pretext for a preemptive strike against the small, peaceful world.

Now, he had returned to Coruscant. When he had left for Alderaan he had nothing, but now he had Viceroy Organa and the perfect bait to lure Anakin Skywalker’s daughter out of her seclusion and back into the public spotlight. It would be then that he would launch the boldest phase of his plan yet, the phase that would determine the course of the future.

Vader stood motionless at the window of a small attack cruiser as it descended from the belly of the dreaded flagship, staring out towards the great Imperial City as they moved through the atmosphere. Whereas Palpatine enjoyed the surroundings and complexity of the cityscape, Vader despised it. There were too many memories within the walls of the buildings on this world. Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda: the memories of them echoed throughout the vast skyline and mocked him wherever he went. But, no memory was greater and more heartbreaking than that of Padmé: Anakin’s beautiful, caring and understanding wife. How he wished she would have understood what he had said on Mustafar. It was all for her&#33; Not for Anakin Skywalker, not for Darth Vader, not for Emperor Palpatine and not for the Sith Empire but for her. She simply couldn’t see past the propaganda that Obi-Wan had corrupted her with about the events at the Jedi Temple. And, when Vader saw her slump to the ground before his near-fatal encounter with Obi-Wan, his heart stopped and his soul died. Anakin Skywalker died at the moment he learned of Padme’s death, leaving on Darth Vader in his place.

Why, Padmé, why?

“Lord Vader,” the commander of the small attack cruiser stated at attention, saluting his superior. Vader turned, the black lenses that were now his exterior eyes not showing any trace of emotion. That was the most frightening aspect of the Dark Apprentice of the Sith, and everyone in the Empire knew it. “The vessel has landed, My Lord. There is a small party waiting our arrival, including His Excellency Emperor Palpatine.”

“Very well,” Vader said calmly. He strode towards the turbolift door, his cloak billowing outwards as the breeze of his motions became stronger. As he stepped in, he quickly turned back to face the Commander who was still standing at attention. “Alert Dark Commander Starkiller that Viceroy Organa is to be taken to the Galactic Prison at once.”

“Yes, My Lord,” the Commander replied, saluting. The turboshaft door closed, leaving the Dark Lord’s Apprentice alone once more to only hope and wonder about what was yet to come. But, being back on this world left one thought stronger than any others.

Padmé.

---

As the ramp descended, Starkiller stalked down the ramp holding Viceroy Organa’s hands behind his back. Battered was the face of the former Republic Senator, obviously beaten at the hands of the Lettow. However, his demeanor was still resolute. The Viceroy of Alderaan swore long ago to keep the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala safe and he was not about to give up that vow, regardless of the pain inflicted upon him. He would do anything for his daughter. He would even die for her.

“Keep moving,” Starkiller ordered, Organa slowing down because of his thoughts swirling around him. Not noticing who or what was standing in his surroundings, Viceroy Organa was surprised when Starkiller stopped him. But, soon, the crackling voice of the tyrannical despot standing before him made him cringe, his blood literally boiling.

“Well done, Dark Commander,” the Dark Lord of the Sith hissed happily. “Bring him to the Galactic Prison. If he does not break under your ‘care’ then I shall teach you the new art of interrogation.”

Starkiller bowed, the Galactic Emperor still the one thing in this universe that he feared. He quickly moved away from his master’s master and stepped into his personal Imperial Shuttle. With the Viceroy of Alderaan thrown and gagged in the back of the vessel, it lifted off and headed deep within Imperial City.

As Starkiller left, the Dark Apprentice Vader stepped onto the boarding ramp of the Imperial Attack Cruiser. Only darkness glowed from the exit at first but then came footsteps and the characteristic electrical respirations of a machine and finally Vader set foot on the Imperial Capitol once more, emerging from the void. However painful it was to be on this world, the feelings of fullness, power, dark and demon mastery, secret lusts, unrestrained passion, wild submission....all of these things were in the cold black heart of the Lord Vader when he was near the power that was Darth Sidious. Quickly he knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully to the ultimate power of the Order of the Sith.

“Rise, my friend,” the Emperor commanded, and it was done. As Palpatine began his walk back to his shuttle, Vader followed and waited for the Dark Lord to say something....anything. The thoughts of the Dark Lord of the Sith were sealed off, which could only mean that he was hiding something. But what that something was had been unknown to Darth Vader for quite some time. Finally, Vader decided to speak.

“Alderaan is under complete Imperial control, my master,” Vader revealed, a hint of joy hissing across his hidden lips.

“Excellent,” the dark one told him. “You have done well Lord Vader. However, what of the reports of these weapons of mass destruction. Have they been found?”

“Not as of yet,” Vader admitted. “However, we have strong intelligence suggesting that they are in the areas north, east and west of the capitol.”

Of course, this was all a façade created by the Dark Apprentice of the Sith to justify his occupation of Alderaan. Had he not presented the fabricated intelligence to the Emperor and the Imperial High Command, no one would have gone along with his plan. Not even Palpatine, as Vader believed that he knew nothing of his true plan.

“Be quick in finding them, Lord Vader,” Palpatine ordered. “Do what must be done. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy.”

Had anyone been able to see Darth Vader’s face at that moment, they would have seen the anger of a tortured soul wanting to strangle the life out of his deranged master. Do what must be done, Lord Vader. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. Only then will you be strong enough in the Dark Side to save Padmé. But, it was all a lie. Padmé was dead, and the time was rapidly approaching where Palpatine would follow her. Vader would be sure of that.

Stepping into the Imperial Shuttle behind the Dark Lord, the echoes of the past continued to haunt the Dark Apprentice. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how hard he pressed forward, Anakin Skywalker would not escape him. Even though Anakin was long since dead, his legacy continued on and every time the name was uttered the Dark Apprentice had to restrain himself. There were too many occasions where he wanted to tell the entire Empire that Anakin was gone and all that was left was Vader, but that would not be in the best interest of the Galactic Empire which proved him to be a pawn even more. All of his life he had been a slave, whether it be a slave of the Hutts, a slave of the Jedi Order or a slave of the Sith Order. He would always be a slave, regardless of his name.

That is what it meant to be Darth Vader, forever.....

Chapter 6: The New Art of Interrogation
I have your father....

The words continued to flow through Leia, haunting her every move. As her ship was being prepared, she took a moment to study the Alliance databanks hoping to find who that voice belonged to. She knew she had heard it once before, but from where she had no idea. It was if it had been something out of a dream or a brief moment in time. But, when the final entry appeared on the viewscreen, she could not help but be taken aback by who it was.

Darth Vader.

She had met him once before, though it had been years ago on Coruscant. Her father had brought her to the capitol city when he was attending an Imperial Senate meeting, and it was the first and only time that she had met Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, the latter said to be a Sith Lord. If there was one thing that Leia feared as much as losing someone she loved, it was a man such as Darth Vader. Along with the Grand Army of the Old Republic, now the Grand Army of the Empire, Vader destroyed thousands of Jedi Knights. It took him years, of course, but the dark deed was carried out until there were no remaining Jedi.

“Princess,” a voice came from behind. “Your vessel is ready for departure.”

Leia turned to see the Alliance technician standing in the doorway. She stood up and grabbed her belongings, though the technician came in to try to carry them for her.

“No,” she ordered. “I will carry them myself.”

“As you wish, your highness,” the technician replied. As he turned to leave, Leia soon followed and began her long walk towards the docking bay. Normal it would not take long, but as much as she was anxious to leave she slowly and nervously paced the hallways. Part of her knew that her father would not want her to run off on some foolish crusade to save him, though the other part of her knew that she had to at any cost. She would not tolerate the loss of her father, nor any family or friend for that matter.

---

By the Force, make it stop....

Viceroy Organa was slumped shirtless up against a wall in the Galactic Prison, a blue field of light blocking the exit. But, it was no matter. It was not as if he could even make the ten foot walk to the exit, as Dark Commander Starkiller was still towering over him. Even then, Lord Vader stood outside the cell watching and hoping the Organa would break. But, he never would. When it came to the safety and security of his daughter, nothing could make him break. Blood poured from every corner of his body, bruises lining his eyes and his torso. Burn marks stained his arms while his chest was inked with cuts.

“Viceroy Organa,” Starkiller said. “Say something....anything&#33; Lie if you have to but please say it now&#33; You have no idea how close to death you are, and the Imperial Senate would not take kindly to your possible demise....nor would Lord Vader or the Emperor.”

Organa spit in the Lettow’s face, obviously angering Vader’s right-hand-man. Starkiller wiped it off, but quickly slapped Organa across the face sending him back down to the ground.

“I thought you might want that back,” Starkiller said sarcastically. With his immense strength, he picked the Alderaanian Viceroy up with a single hand and thrust his knee into Organa’s back. Organa’s body arched in a reactionary spasm, his face showing the pain that flooded within him. The Viceroy’s head jerked back, momentarily showing the muscles in knots throughout his body. His body sagged and sweat beaded across his skin. He groaned as Starkiller dropped him to the ground, barely able to move.

Starkiller kneeled down to face the motionless Viceroy, the Lettow showing absolutely no mercy anymore. He took the Viceroy’s ears and harshly twisted them, but soon let them go only to slap his cheeks hard several times. Organa’s head moved from side to side before he collapsed down to the ground, gagging for air. To a small extent, Organa was exaggerating his physical collapse though it did take have a painful effect on his body, to be sure. However, he would do anything to gain time and anything to defer the next searing pain....anything but selling out his family and friends.

“You’ve put me into a very difficult position, Viceroy,” Starkiller said. “If I fail in getting the answers Lord Vader desires then not only will I be punished by you will be killed as well. Your terrorist sympathizer friends in the Imperial Senate will undoubtedly state that we have committed some ‘sacred’ war crime, but with enough propaganda and lies it will be no matter.”

“You can’t....win....Lettow,” the Viceroy said, still reaching for those last pockets of air.

“Wrong,” Starkiller laughed. “Your rag-tag group of terrorists doesn’t stand a chance against the Dark Guardians of Lettow or the Grand Army of the Empire.”

“You’re delusional,” Organa replied, the air having returned to his lungs.

“Wrong again, my dear Viceroy,” Starkiller told him. “It’s not a delusion if one has the power to do what they say, and we most certainly do. You, my friend, are the delusional one.”

“There will be a day, Starkiller, when a new Republic will rise,” Organa vowed. “I assure you that you will face justice when that day comes.”

Starkiller smiled eerily before turning away, only to come back with a kick to Organa’s face. A large gash opened up the Viceroy, blood pouring out of it. The guards lowered the security field, allowing Starkiller to exit. He approached his master, bowing.

“He won’t talk,” Starkiller told Vader. “We should just kill him now and get it over with.”

“No,” Vader replied, motioning for the guards to leave. When the doors slid shut, Vader turned back to his young disciple. “Organa is simply the bait. This interrogation was set up to make the Emperor believe that we were searching for the weapons of mass destruction on Alderaan. I have no use for Viceroy Organa, but he must remain alive. He is the key to fulfilling my plan. With him dead, it will crumble apart.”

Starkiller bowed before turning to leave the room, though he turned back for one last look at the Alderaanian Viceroy. Alderaan could have been a valuable asset to the Empire from the beginning, if their government had let it. But, Alderaan resisted and became one of the founding members of the Alliance, or so intelligence reported. If Starkiller was to be given the opportunity to kill Bail Organa and his family in the future, he would have fulfilled one of his many goals he set out to fulfill years ago. He hoped that time would come soon.

---

The doors to the docking bay slid open and on the other side stood Mon Mothma, standing firmly beside Leia’s personal shuttle. The former senator stood calm and resolute, still disapproving of Leia’s choice to leave Dantooine for Coruscant. As Leia approached, Mon Mothma tried to help her with her bags but, because of Leia’s upbringing where she learned not to act like a spoiled princess, she once again refused the help. She set them down at the foot of her vessel before turning back to the former Senator.

“You know you’ve always been like a second mother to me,” Leia told her. “For that, I thank you, but I have to do this.”

“I understand,” Mon Mothma admitted. “I do not, however, approve but I know that won’t change your opinion on this matter.”

“You’re right,” Leia told her, chuckling. “Look, nothing bad is going to happen to me. But, if the worst should happen to me and my family, keep fighting. Make contact with these Bendu Knights. Continue with the plan to attack that Imperial outpost that I know you and General Madine are planning. Keep fighting the Empire. We’re doing the right thing here, and I don’t want it to stop just because the Organas can’t help anymore.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Mon Mothma replied. “You too have been like the daughter I’ve never had. I love you as a student, as a friend and as a daughter and in my heart I know that I will see you again.”

A tear rolled down Leia’s cheek. She stepped forward, hugging Mon Mothma tightly. If this was to be the last time that they saw one another, she was glad that they had said what needed to be said so long ago. She loved Mon Mothma as well, and she would miss her greatly if anything was to happen to her. Grabbing her bags, she stepped onto the ramp of the shuttle and waved goodbye to her friends and those that she considered to be family.

Chapter 7: The Bendu Order
One hundred thousand years ago, the Jedi Order was much different than it had been a mere two decades ago. After the family of the holy man known as The Skywalker, who dwelled on Ashlan Four, learned of the Force, they called themselves the Jedi Bendu Order, Knights of the Ashla. The Ashla was what they called the Light Side of the Force, the Dark Side being the Bogan. After The Skywalker first spoke of the prophecy of the one who would bring balance to the Force and left his mortal journey, his twelve children knew that, per their father’s advice, they would not be able to safeguard the Republic that would one day govern the majority of the galaxy.

Years went by and the Jedi Bendu had moved out into the galaxy to find more disciples. On Kal’Shabbol, they found a tribe of people in what they called the Valley of the Shadow of Death. The Jedi Bendu spoke of their treasure and the people of the Valley were determined to get their hands on it. They murdered the Jedi Bendu in cold blood in the name of their Gods. However, when the warriors found out what the treasure was, they took their own lives in shame of what they had done. The Jedi Bendu of Ashlan Four found out of this and traveled to Kal’Shabbol. The people of the Valley agreed to become the first of many disciples of the new order.

Millennia passed and The Great Unification War began. The Jedi Bendu urged the dozens of Empires involved with the conflict to end the pointless debate, telling them that they could end up like the Infinite Empire or the Empire of Xim the Despot. The Empire’s soon gave in and, after months of debate, signed the Galactic Charter giving Dantius Bac of Alderaan, ancestor of the legendary Bac Family, the title of First Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. It was then that the Old Republic was created.

Hundreds of years passed and the Old Republic throve and grew. Thousands of star systems pledged their allegiance to the Old Republic. However, the newly elected Supreme Chancellor Contispex was a corrupt bureaucrat who wanted to shape the Jedi Bendu Order with his own beliefs of the past. Through treachery and deception, he was able to place Jedi Master Zoz Appenkee into the seat of Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. Grandmaster Appenkee spent years amending their code and history, and the Jedi Bendu followed him willingly. However, the family of the Skywalker still had somewhat of a voice within the Order. They managed to convince no more than one hundred Jedi Bendu of what was happening, and they formed a non-violent resistance movement.

The newly renamed Jedi Order fought back by attempting to expel these “non-believers” from the Order. However, before they could do so, those loyal to the old way left and traveled into the Unknown Regions. They happened upon the ancient world of Kal’Shabbol. It was there that they formed their own order. It was unanimously decided to name it the Bendu Order, the disciples proclaiming themselves to be Bendu Knights of the Ashla, guardians of peace and justice in the Ashlan Expanse. In an effort to keep their numbers small, they decreed that only those that dwelled within the light of the Ashlan Nebula would be trained as Bendu Knights.

Thirty years after the Jedi Civil War, a group of refugees from Coruscant was picked up by the Bendu in the Ashlan Expanse. This group comprised of Ussej Padric Bac, Laili Jeyna Rendar and Kit Corwin Rendar, along with the son of Ussej and Laili. They were accepted by the Bendu Order as they shared the same philosophies, regardless of the fact that Ussej and Kit had been Sith Lords. Ussej and Kit eventually became the Bendu High Priests, positions they held into their deaths. Ussej’s death was the most significant as he sacrificed his life for all of Kal’Shabbol. However, Bendu history would later record that he became the Shaman of the Whills and dwelled, as a spirit, on Ashlan Four with the Whills. Because of all that Ussej Padric Bac had done, the Bendu decreed that all first-born male sons of the Bac family would be named “Ussej Padric” in his honor.

One hundred years after the Jedi Civil War, the Sith Lords were thought to have been destroyed by a Dark Jedi named Carden Mannux, the man who would eventually become Darth Lettow, Dark Lord of the Sith. However, it proved to be untrue. After the return of the Sith under the Dark Lord Viscerus and his apprentice Darth Dire, the Bendu Order left Kal’Shabbol, under the command of High Priest Ussej Padric Bac III, to help the Jedi Order against what they believed would be the armies of the Dark Lord of the Sith. However, the Jedi Order had become complacent and incompetent, as the Bendu would say, and during the fight with the Sith the Bendu, along with the Shadourian Order of the Shadows, turned against the Jedi Order. However, the Bendu eventually returned to Kal’Shabbol after a disagreement with the Shadourian Prince of Darkness. Ussej Padric Bac III returned to the core worlds and sacrificed himself for his son and his second love, First Daughter of the Galactic Republic Isabella Dashin. This sacrifice also marked the death of Carden Mannux, the Prince of the Dark Guardians of Lettow that he himself created.

Almost four thousand years had gone by and the Bendu still remained on Kal’Shabbol. They felt the fall of the Jedi Order through the Force, though they thought nothing of it. Little did they know that the Dark Lord of the Sith sat as Emperor of a new Galactic Empire. However, the time was soon approaching when the Bendu would travel once more into the known galaxy to fight against the forces of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

---

Mon Mothma nervously paced her office, anxiously awaiting the news that could possibly turn the tide of the coming war. A mercenary-for-hire, Dash Rendar, was hired by the Rebel Alliance to head out into the Unknown Regions in search of the ancient Bendu Order. Little did Dash know that his heritage was within the Bendu Order. Dash had left four months ago in search of the Bendu Order so that Mon Mothma could make contact with him herself. Dash had told her dozens of times that it would make more sense for him to make contact with them himself, though she pressed that the little information they had on the Bendu pointed to the fact that they do not like outsiders on their world. It would be far easier to contact them from Dantooine once he could find their coordinates than it would to come trespassing on their sacred land.

Her train of thought was interrupted by a beeping on the desk. She turned to read a message stating that Dash Rendar had arrived and he was on his way to her office. Moments later, the door slid open and Dash stood before her. She quickly stood up and moved towards him. Shaking his hand, she motioned for him to sit. She too sat at her desk, anxious to hear the news he brought with him.

“It was just as we had suspected, Senator. The Bendu are still on Kal’Shabbol,” he reported. His lack of enthusiasm disturbed her, but she had learned to ignore it. “I gave the coordinates to the boys down in the Command Center, but it will take some time to establish a connection with the Bendu.”

“That’s excellent news,” she happily exclaimed. “Thank you, Mr. Rendar.” She stood up, turning towards the window. She looked out beyond the plains of Dantooine towards something further...the future, though she could not yet see it.

“Excuse me,” Dash interrupted. “I don’t mean to interrupt your meditation or whatever you’re doing, but I was promised four million credits for this journey and I expect you to pay up.”

Mon Mothma rolled her eyes as she turned back towards the dashing young mercenary. She sent a message over her datapad to the Command Center signaling his request. “Your payment is waiting for you in the Command Center. And, I ask you not to impute our honor, Mr. Rendar. When we say we will pay, we will pay.”

Dash grinned, suddenly realizing that he was well on his way to being a very rich man. A few more missions like that could buy him a whole fleet of ships, though he would never part with the Outrider. The vessel had been in his family for generations and he was not about to give it up. He stepped into the turboshaft and was sent flying down towards his just reward.

In her office, Mon Mothma thought of things other than money. She knew that with the coordinates of Kal’Shabbol, they would now be in a position to request the Bendu to help them in the fight against Dark Commander Starkiller and his Lettow Guard. But, most importantly, they would have a force powerful enough to combat the might of the Imperial Army. She paused for a moment before opening a channel with the Command Center blow.

“Command,” she firmly stated. “This is Mon Mothma. Begin your work to contact the Bendu....now&#33;”

---

Ussej Padric Bac LXIV, descendant of Ussej Padric Bac and current High Priest of the Bendu Order sat upon an alter in his chambers on Kal’Shabbol. He looked out of the large window atop the Bendu Temple of Light into the Grasslands of the Ashla as travelers flocked from the sunrise to catch a glimpse of the first rays of sunlight reflecting off of the ancient temple.

He rose, heading out into the Temple to greet his new disciples. Sola Prime, descendant of the Bendu High Priest Kravin O Prime, and Jos Hohler, descendant of Bendu Knight Wes Hohler, were to begin their training this very morning. He found them waiting at the Temple of a Thousand Voices in the temple courtyard, taking in the magnificence of their new home. Ussej smiled, remembering how he felt when he first laid eyes upon its majesty.

The young hopefuls looked up, noticing the High Priest standing before them. They became evermore excited, knowing that he would approach them only if they had been accepted into the Order as apprentices. Sola jumped up, her heart racing.

“Did we get accepted, your highness?” she asked, incredibly excited. “Are we to be Bendu?”

The High Priest smiled, nodding his head in approval. “Yes, child, you have both been accepted into the Order.” Enormous joy was shown in their small faces, something that he always wished to see in his new disciples. “However, we cannot begin your training now. Come to the temple gates tomorrow when the sun first strikes my tower. We will be waiting for you.”

They respectfully bowed to their new master. Although they had to wait one more day, the joy could not be erased from their faces. They ran out into the Grasslands, excited by what was soon to come. Ussej watched as they disappeared into the distance before turning back to the temple.

---

Mon Mothma exited the turboshaft into the Command Center, the action overwhelming her. Most of her day was spent in her office, surrounded by the great plains of Dantooine, so journeying underground into the Command Center was always an adventure for her. General Crix Madine noticed her approaching, standing at attention.

“Senator on deck,” he exclaimed. Crix Madine was a former Imperial Officer who defected to the Alliance. The circumstances surrounding it were not known to many others, but some knew that it was because he was ordered to release the Candorian Plague onto Dentaal. Because of his guilt over the mission, he went AWOL from his unit in a training mission. Because of his computer skills, he was able to erase all of his records from the Imperial Database on Coruscant, although the HoloNet reported that it was a glitch in the system while they were changing his status to MIA.

“As you were,” Mon Mothma motioned. “Report, General Madine.”

He picked up a datapad from the console, handing it to her to look over. “We believe we’ve established a connection, but there is no answer from the other side. There is some spatial distortion, so it may take some time to work through that.”

She was quite pleased with what she saw. She smiled, handing the datapad back to him. “Very good, General. Keep me abreast of your progress.”

---

A day had passed since Ussej last saw the two young hopefuls. The first rays of the early morning sun hit the side of the Bendu Temple of Light and he could sense that the young ones were waiting out near the gate, just as he requested of them. Though most of his thoughts dwelled on the training that was about to begin, a phantom menace clouded his mind. The immediate future was filled with cries for help, though he did not know how to answer them. But, it was not important now. He reached into the minds of the young hopefuls, guiding their way.

“Greetings, young ones. Your first task is upon you. The Temple Guardians of Light have been told to ignore you, for now. You must find your way to my chambers, but do not assume for one moment that it shall be easy. There is no direct path to where I am. The halls are long and wide, short and narrow. Find your way hear using only the Ashla as your guard. If you can do so successfully, you will have passed your first test. Good luck, young ones, and may the Ashla be your guide....”

At the base of the temple, Sola and Jos looked around in confusion. Unsure of where the High Priest was, they looked throughout the area in an attempt to find him. Eventually, Sola stopped and turned back to Jos.

“You know,” Sola mentioned. “I read about the Bendu being able to use the Force to reach into your mind to talk to you. That’s probably what High Priest Bac was doing.”

Jos nodded, obviously agreeing. They both knew that this task would not be easy. He looked onto the floor of the ancient temple, noting how it shined with boldness as it reflected their faces when they looked upon it. “Come on, Sola. Let’s get going.”

They stepped through the gates, taking no more than four steps before jumping in shock as the doors slammed shut behind them. Jos stepped behind Sola, his voice deepening. “Scary...”

“Will you grow up,” Sola demanded. Jos laughed as they kept looking throughout the Temple.

“This place is huge,” Jos commented, but Sola responded with a look of disgust. Always stating the obvious, she thought to herself. They both jumped back as strange voices came from within the very walls of their surroundings chanting “Ashla” over and over. The Force flowed through them both, the sensation soothing and relaxing to both of them. It felt as if they were underwater, given the ability to breathe. Everything around them glowed with life. The magnificent staircase seemed to shine the way upwards, almost as a guide of where they needed to go next.

They stalked the staircase, careful not to disturb any of the artifacts that lined the walls. As they moved further up, the staircase was lined with pictures of the Bac family. Jos stared at them in amazement. Though he had seen pictures of the first legendary Ussej Padric Bac, there was one picture that caught his eye. Looking closer at the portrait, he could see that the plaque beneath it had the name Laili Jeyna Rendar written across it. If his memory from last year’s history class was any good, this was the wife of Ussej Padric Bac.

Sola placed an arm on his shoulder and they continued upward. A large, golden door stood before them. Before they had a chance to open it themselves, it flung open in a spectacle of light that amazed them like nothing ever before. A three-way intersection now caught their eye. Though each hall appeared to be the same, one glowed with the light of the Ashla and signaled them to come forward. The voices echoed towards them, sending a shiver down their spines.

One final door now stood before them. It too glowed, so they knew that it had to lead to the High Priest. The voice of the Ashla echoed around them, stronger than it had before. However, they still couldn’t make anything out of it. They could not tell who the voice came from, if it even came from anyone at all. The largest door, glowing with the light of the Ashla, opened before them and a bright light shot out throughout the area. As the light dissipated, they could see that behind the door stood two guards, and behind them was a cloaked figure. The guards moved out of the way and the cloaked figure threw back his hood, revealing the High Priest Ussej Padric Bac LXIV.

“Welcome, children,” the High Priest said, his voice echoing throughout the chambers. “Welcome to your future....”

---

Technicians cleared the Alliance Command Center on Dantooine as the connection with Kal’Shabbol was finally established. Mon Mothma stood before a holo-projector, awaiting the signal to begin. Her demand that it be a coded channel, preventing Imperial access, was granted though it delayed the progress of establishing the connection.

“Is it ready,” she asked. The suspense was getting to her, as her dream of a New Republic was something she did not want shattered by a faulty holo-transmission. The few technicians left gave her the signal as she adjusted her dress. “Greetings, my friends. I am Senator Mon Mothma, leader of the Alliance to Restore the Republic. I wish to speak with your leader.”

---

“Wow,” Jos exclaimed, his face white as if he had just seen a ghost. “They taught us the history of the Bendu Order and your family in school, though I had never heard it in such great...detail.” The High Priest reciting the history of their Order he expected, but sharing the tragic history of his family meant a lot to both him and Sola. It was as if the High Priest opened up to them.

Just as Sola was about to ask a question, the comlink went off. The High Priest stood up and moved to the wall device, pressing the button to accept the message. “This had better be important.”

“Your highness,” the voice on the other end said nervously. “I know you said not to disturb your training, but we just received a transmission that you’re going to want to take.”

“Who is it,” Ussej demanded to know. “Is it one of the village priests?”

“No,” the voice said. “The woman says her name is Mon Mothma, a Senator from what we assume is the Republic. She says it’s urgent that she speaks with you.”

Ussej could think of nothing to say to this. He stood at the wall for what seemed to be an eternity, trying to comprehend what was happening. Never had anyone from the Republic contacted them like this, and the thought of what it was about disturbed him greatly.

“I told you that you’d want to take the call,” the voice said sarcastically.

He didn’t waste any time to get to the Communications Center. He ran down the grand staircase and stepped into the turboshaft, plummeting down floors and floors of training chambers and living quarters until he finally got to the bottom. The Communications Center was bustling with activity. Anyone who was anyone was at their post, waiting to hear what this message was all about. If this truly was the Republic calling, Ussej fully intended to let them know that they had no right interfering with the lives of Bendu any longer. He stepped over to the holo-projector where the image of a middle-aged woman already had come to life.

“I am High Priest Ussej Padric Bac LXIV, leader of the Bendu Order,” he subtly bragged. “Please state your business in contacting us.”

“My name is Senator Mon Mothma of the Imperial Senate,” Mon Mothma shot back. She could tell from the look on the High Priest’s face that he did not know about Palpatine’s New Order. “I am here to ask for your assistance.”

“I’m sorry, Senator,” Ussej quickly shot back. “We do not give assistance to the Republic. That will be all.”

He turned to leave, but Mon Mothma begged the surrounding Bendu not to disconnect the transmission. “Please, your highness&#33; The Republic is dead and the galaxy is under the control of an Empire with the Sith Lord Darth Sidious at the throne.”

This caused Ussej to stop just shy of the turboshaft. He turned back to face her, a look of shock crawling across his face. “A Sith Lord?”

“Yes,” she said worriedly. “And the Jedi Order was destroyed almost fifteen years ago. Now the Emperor and his apprentice, Darth Vader, have a force sensitive group known as the Guardians of Lettow to do their bidding. The Alliance to Restore the Republic is outgunned and outmanned. We need your help, your highness.”

The word ‘Lettow’ worried him greatly, as he had heard the stories of the Dark Lord Lettow many times in his youth. However, he had to listen to reason and reason told him that this was not a Bendu affair. There was nothing neither they nor anyone else in the Ashlan Expanse could do about this problem. “I’m sorry, Senator. There’s nothing we can do about this.” He turned back, heading towards the turboshaft. “Disconnect the transmission.”

“Your highness, wa-,” Mon Mothma shouted before being cut off. As the hologram faded away, the High Priest went back to his chambers to contemplate what had just happened.

---

“Damnit,” she shouted, slamming her fist to her desk. Mon Mothma stood up, furious at what had just taken place. “I can’t believe this. That selfish, inconsiderate bastard&#33;”

“There’s nothing more you could have done, milady,” General Madine chimed in. “Our reports mentioned how stubborn and arrogant the Bendu Order can be. Did you expect any less?”

“I just thought they would at least try to help us,” she admitted. “They weren’t even sympathetic to what had happened.”

“You never know,” Madine reassured her. “Maybe you’ll just get that miracle you’ve been praying for after all.”

Chapter 8: Echoes of the Past
As the small Alliance vessel made its descent towards Coruscant, Leia could not help but feel a sense of anxiety. She had been calm, stern and resolute as she was leaving Dantooine though now she was not sure if she had made a mistake by coming to the capitol of the Galactic Empire. The more she thought, the more the arrest of her father and the erroneous claims of weapons of mass destruction on Alderaan seemed out of place. However, she could not risk that. If it was a trap, so be it, but if it was not then she had to save her father at all costs.

I have your father....

The words of Darth Vader continued to haunt her, and she knew that the only way that she could put aside her fears was the see her father alive and well, though in order to do that she would undoubtedly have to give herself over the Empire. Hopefully there can be a peaceful and diplomatic solution to this mess, she prayed to herself. If not, then I may just be the catalyst in the coming war.

“Alliance vessel, respond,” a voice from her transceiver ordered. “Alliance vessel, I order you to respond at once&#33;”

She had been so immersed in her thoughts about the future that she had completely shut out anything else, leading to what now seemed like an inevitable conflict with a short-tempered Imperial Officer. Looking out her window, she noticed an entire squadron of TIE Fighters escorting her to the surface where she would undoubtedly be capture. But, for now, she would play along with their games and protocols.

“This is Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan responding,” she said into her transmitter. “I demand to know why I am being followed by this Imperial Squadron.”

“You are part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor,” the Imperial barked. “Therefore, you will be treated as such.”

“I demand you take me to Viceroy Bail Organa of Alderaan as soon as I land,” Leia replied.

“You are in a position to demand nothing, traitor,” the Imperial chuckled. “It is no matter, as I am in a position to grant nothing as well. My orders are to bring you before Darth Vader himself, alive.”

So this is a trap, she said to herself nervously. Part of her wanted to turn around and hope that the TIE Fighters weren’t able to realize what happened in time, but she knew that would be of no avail. Saying nothing more, she brought the ship down for a soft landing. Standing from the pilot’s seat, she placed a blaster by her side and a small dagger in her boot before stepping onto the ramp. When she set foot upon the ground, she was immediately surrounded by dozens of Imperial Stormtroopers. Cursing under her breath, she threw the blaster to the ground and placed her hands in the air. A small, diminutive Imperial Officer walked up to her, placing her hands in restraints.

“You have the right to remain silent, traitor,” the Officer told her. “Anything you say can and will be -”

“Stuff it, shorty,” Leia snapped. “I know my rights. Let’s just get this over with.”

The Officer snorted in disgust, leading Leia into an Imperial Shuttle. As the door came to a close, the vessel gently rose from the ground and shot into the flow of traffic, heading towards a large building in the Industrial Center known only as ‘The Works’.

---

Alone in his personal chambers was the Dark Apprentice of the Sith, the memories of Anakin Skywalker still dwelling in his tormented soul. The message that his daughter had been captured came through just moments before, and with that message came a flood of more memories of the fallen Jedi Knight. More so, however, came the memories of Padmé and his life with her. Memories of the past flickering through his mind, he could only help but listen to them.


 * She reached for him, and he came to meet her hand. Rising tears burned her eyes, and her lips trembled. “I’m....Annie, I’m pregnant....”


 * “That is,” he said slowly, that wild spark returning to his eyes. “That is wonderful....Padmé. That’s wonderful.”


 * “What are we going to do?”


 * “We’re going to be happy,” he told her. “That’s what we’re going to do. And we’re going to be together. All three of us.”

That then-foreseeable future was nothing but a lie. Padmé left him and died for it, Anakin was killed by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader became a slave to the Dark Lord Sidious. He would give anything to have the life that he wanted as ruler of the galaxy, with Padme by his side. But, that life was unattainable. That life was long since past. That life was long since dead.

And that was what it meant to be Darth Vader, forever....

Chapter 9: The Path to Redemption
Ussej sat upon his alter, eyes closed in solemn meditation. A gust of wind burst through the windows. He opened his eyes to see that this was no ordinary wind, but the winds of the Ashla itself. All went white for what seemed like an eternity before he appeared on a planet he had seen only in his dreams. He looked to see birds flying in the sky and as he turned his head he could see a large nebula casting a light upon the planet. Could this be Ashlan Four, he asked himself.

The story of The Skywalker ran through his head as he wandered through the area. Things were becoming clear to him now. The Shadow of the Bogan did indeed fall upon the galaxy, and a darkness emanated from within this planet now that he had never felt before in any life forms. If this was indeed Ashlan Four, some things would make more sense.

“Where am I?”

A voice, a voice that was somehow familiar to him, filled his head like an explosion in an early morning’s breeze. “You’re on Ashlan Four, Ussej.” He turned to see who was talking to him, and right before him stood a youthful man who he instantly recognized as his ancestor....Ussej Padric Bac, the Shaman of the Whills. Though he was suprised that he appeared so young, considering he had died as an older man, he did not ask why. In his heart, he already knew the answer. The Force always had worked in mysterious ways.

“Ussej Padric Bac,” the young High Priest said, stunned at what was happening. “So, the stories of the Bacs before me that had spoken of seeing you here were true?”

“Yes,” the Shaman told him. “As you can see, I do indeed dwell within the light of the Ashlan Nebula and I did tell the story of The Great Territorial War to be recorded into the Journal of the Whills. And, I did indeed discover a very important secret, one that could prove to be the turning point in this coming war.”

“What do you mean,” the young Ussej asked him.

“Always remember the name Qui-Gon Jinn,” his ancestor told him. “And you will learn the story in time.” The Shaman of the Whills placed his hand upon the face of his descendant, a smile crossing over him. “Take the knowledge that I have just given you and study it. Share it with the Bendu and, when this war is over, share it with the Jedi. But, you can only teach them this knowledge. They have to discover the true meaning for themselves.”

The High Priest still could not help but to be confused at all that was happening. The knowledge was inside of him, but he did not know what any of it meant. “Why am I here?”

The Shaman led his descendant into a lush garden, the same garden he had led those such as Ussej Padric Bac III into when he had to give them an important task. The Living Force was strong in the place and it flew through all life like a spear of a Noghiri Warrior. “You have been contacted by a Senator from the Galactic Empire have you not?”

“I have,” was all that the High Priest could say as he tried to comprehend what was going on around him.

His ancestor nodded his head, knowing that he refused to help Mon Mothma. “These are dark times for the galaxy, Ussej. The Chosen One has fallen to the Dark Side and the Force is in great turmoil trying to find a way to bring him back to the light. Ussej, there are only two Jedi left. With them are two others who have the potential to save the Chosen One from the Hell he has gotten himself into. One of them has been captured and I fear that she too will fall prey to the darkness. You must put aside the titles of Jedi Knight and Bendu Knight and become a Keeper of the Way. The Force grows dark, be mindful of your feelings. Don’t let you or anyone else make the same mistakes that I made or that the Chosen One has made. Don’t let anyone fall prey to the Dark Side as I did.”

“So,” Ussej asked his ancestor, worriedly. “So, are we to help the remaining Jedi Knights defeat the Dark Lord of the Sith?”

“Only the Chosen One can defeat the Sith,” the great Shaman reminded him. “However, the Chosen One is a Sith. You must help the Alliance to Restore the Republic do just that: restore the glory of the Old Republic. If you can weaken the Empire and allow the Son of the Chosen One to gain access to his father, the Sith will be destroyed forever. But, you must put aside your prejudices against the Jedi left over from thousands of years ago. Only then can you truly help in this crusade.”

“We’ll do it,” the High Priest promised. “But, it will take at least two weeks just to get to Coruscant. Dark deeds may be carried out by then.”

“Don’t worry,” the Shaman assured him. “The Alliance will be closer to the Unknown Regions than you think.”

“Where will they be,” Ussej asked.

With that, Ussej Padric Bac disappeared and became one with the Force once more. The High Priest looked around, confused, as the voice of his ancestor rang through his head. “Use your feelings, Ussej, and you will find them. May the Ashla guide you on your journey, and may the Force be with you....”

Without any warning, he was once again sitting upon his alter on Kal’Shabbol. Wondering if it was all a dream, he stood up and gazed out the windows at the distant Ashlan Nebula. “And may it be with you as well, Ussej Padric Bac.”

Turning to the wall mount, he turned on the Communications Device sitting there. “Valens, gather the Order in the Grasslands. Tell them to be there at sundown.”

---

“So, you’re telling me that I took that trip for nothing,” Dash asked, furious at what he had just heard. “I spent four months in the Unknown Regions looking for these people. This is ridiculous. I should have asked for more money.”

“This wasn’t about money,” Mon Mothma scolded. “This was about trying to prevent or win the coming war.”

“I don’t care about your war,” Dash said. “I get jobs from both sides, and I have to say the Empire is a bit more generous than the Alliance.”

General Madine entered the room, his datapad in hand. He pressed a few buttons and a hologram of a planet came to life. “The planet’s called Endor. Supposedly, that’s where the plans to this rumored weapon are being hidden.”

The Senator looked over the intelligence data that was on the pad before turning back to Dash. “It seems we have a new job for you. Are you up for a scouting mission?"

---

Hours passed by until the time came to address the Bendu Order. The High Priest Bac had a speech thought out in his head, though he was unsure whether or not they would like what they were about to hear. Within a few minutes, he left the temple and sat atop a rock in the center of the Grasslands of the Ashla. Behind him stood the Bendu Council of Priests, the governing body of the Bendu Order. A recorder was placed in front of him so that all of Kal’Shabbol would be able to hear his address.

“Good evening,” he announced. “Today, after consulting with the Council of Priests, I have decided that the entire Bendu Order is to travel into the known galaxy to help in the fight against the Dark Lord of the Sith.”

Angered cries came from all around him, the exact reactions he expected. “I would like to recite to you a speech given thousands of years ago by my ancestor, Ussej Padric Bac III. However, it has been altered a bit to fit in with modern times. As some of you may know by now, the Jedi Order was destroyed almost fifteen years ago leaving only two Jedi left alive. This morning, that was confirmed when I was transported beyond the comfort of our home to Ashlan Four where I came face to face with my ancestor, Ussej Padric Bac....the Shaman of the Whills.”

The Bendu looked around, amazed that the great Shaman would contact them after so many years. “You may be sitting in your homes saying, “Why would the Bendu want to help fight against the Sith when it is not our problem?” Well, that’s simple. Things have changed. The Republic has fallen and the Dark Lord Sidious sits at the throne of a New Empire. As good people who have the ability to help we must help. Ussej Padric Bac told me that we must all put aside our prejudices that we have held onto for thousands of years and do all that we can. Therefore, it is my solemn duty to make sure the job is done. The Dark Lord must be destroyed so that the dark time the galaxy is in can end.”

He turned, pointing behind him to the small staging grounds to the east. “As of this very moment, our flagships from years past are being prepared to begin our voyage to the Outer Rim territories where we will find the Alliance to Restore the Republic.”

He stood up, towering over his disciples. “The path we walk is a treacherous one, but we will win the day. With the combined power of those loyal to the Old Republic we cannot....we will not fail. And should we win the day, perhaps a new allegiance can be formed with those that we now call ‘the wrong’. Whatever New Republic comes out of this war would be lucky to have us as an ally, as there is no Jedi Order to protect them. Do not fear for us, good citizens of Kal’Shabbol. You are all strong and the records of our teachings can be found all throughout the Bendu Temple of Light. If the worst should happen....use them well.”

He took a moment to collect himself as the Council of Priests nodded to him, reassuring him that they were doing the right thing. “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We have some difficult days ahead of us. But, it doesn’t matter to me right now, because I have been to the mountaintop, and I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do the Ashla’s will. The Ashla has allowed me to go up to the mountaintop, and I’ve looked over. I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And, I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I do not fear any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of The Skywalker and the Shaman of the Whills.”

He sat back down, smiling to the crowd to assure them that all would be fine. “I want to thank you for listening to us and believing in us. But, now it is time that we leave you and fight the good fight. Don’t be afraid....don’t be hateful....don’t be angry. Remember the words of Ussej Padric Bac: ‘One lone candle is enough to fight the darkness. Love is more than a candle. Love is the answer to the darkness. Love can ignite the stars....’ May the Ashla watch over you and guide you throughout life’s journey, and may the Force be with you all.”

The recording device moved from out before him as the entire Bendu Order erupted with applause. Ussej felt warm inside knowing that he, the Bendu and all of Kal’Shabbol no longer feared the future and the coming storm. “Thank you, all. Now, we’ve got a galaxy to save. Head for the ships and may the Force be with us all&#33;”

The crowd cheered once more before quickly heading out for the under-level space docks. Ussej smiled and slowly toured the Bendu Temple of Light, just as a captain would tour his ship just before battle. He felt comforted by the life force within the Temple’s walls. He could feel the presence of Ussej Padric Bac and The Skywalker as if they had their arms wrapped around him, comforting him before he left. He would not fail. He stepped into the Grasslands and took one last look at the ancient Bendu Temple of Light before heading to the dock. But, he first had to make sure his ship, the same ship that belonged to generations of Bacs before him, was safely secured in the hangar bay: Laili’s Rose XX, the twentieth ship to bare that name. If he had to go into battle, he would not fly any other ship but that. The Bendu Order had not been in battle since The Great Sovereign Crusades, but that was the interesting thing about the order. With their solemn skill and dedication, one Bendu Knight was always equal to at least five Jedi Knights, hence why the Bendu Order would allow their numbers to range somewhere in the hundreds rather than the thousands.

He stepped into the turboshaft of the flagship, Ashla’s Light II, and was sent flying up towards the bridge. He quickly sat in his command chair, though he was not eager to leave his home. But, he would do what was requested of him. A storm was indeed coming and they were ready to fly straight into it. The Bendu Order had always been prepared to perform a task and this day was no different. Signals came in from the other two, smaller flagships saying that all were aboard and were ready to leave.

“Take us out,” Ussej told the pilot. The engines of the ship roared to life. As the ships rose higher, the spirits of all aboard them did as well. Ussej could feel the preparedness among his comrades and could feel no fear within himself or in any others. Space came fast, and all who were near a window or a viewscreen turned and gazed at the beauty of the stars and the Ashlan Nebula. He hadn’t been in space since he was a small boy with his father, but it was just as he had remembered it. The ships sailed into the Ashlan Nebula....into their destinies. A day of reckoning was upon them, and they were to make best speed towards it.

---

As the giant silver hulls of the Bendu flagships sent ripples through space, it too sent ripples through the immortal heart of Ussej Padric Bac. He walked within the Gardens of the Whills on Ashlan Four, smiling and unafraid for those who were onboard. Even though some would be killed, they had all made peace with the Force and were ready to walk beside him and The Skywalker in the Promised Land.

“Good luck, my friends. May the Force be with you all.”

He thought of his descendant, the powerful Bendu High Priest....his namesake....his legacy and reached through time and space into his thoughts, comforting him.

“I will always be with you....”

He smiled and disappeared, becoming one with the winds of the Ashla. The nearby Whills smiled and waved as their beloved Shaman was swept away with the winds.

Chapter 10: In the Name of Her Father
Bound, gagged and dragged across the floor as if she were an animal, Leia was thrown into a large chamber. She was untied and the cloth was removed from her mouth, but as she tried to run the guards stepped outside of the chamber and locked the macabre chamber doors. She turned, getting a feel for her surroundings. Her instincts, ones that was stronger than most of her friends and family, told her to be cautious and she did just that. Her senses swirled and she knew not what to make of what was happening around her, though something told her that she was not alone.

As she moved further down a dark corridor, she could not help but notice the statues of Sith Lords past. The macabre stone statues towered above her, emitting a pulse of darkness as she drew near. In her mind, a faint sound seemed to be emanating from the bass relief. It was as if thousands of people wept at once.

To her left, torches seemed to be lit through a form of black magic that was unfamiliar to her. The fire lined a hallway, leading to what seemed to be yet another chamber. The ominous surroundings spoke to her, chanting soul-crushing rituals and sadistic curses. As the hallway ended, the darkness overcame her surroundings. The fires died out and all that could be heard was the deep, robotic breathing of a respirator. Two fires lit above the shoulders of an armor-clad figure, the man that she had met once before....the man from her dreams.

Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith.

The Dark Apprentice seemed to be carved out of huge blocks of stone, immoveable, and yet he was aware as though some dreadful spirit of vigilance abode within him. Suddenly, he made a slight Force-laden gesture and two massive doors slammed shut behind the Princess of Alderaan. Visible or invisible, none could pass through the watchful eyes of the ancient guardians unheeded.

The Sith Lord stood, his very presence sending a chill down the young girl’s spine. She took a moment to look at him, studying his unnatural appearance. He was gloved with artificial limbs across his body, his right hand clamped on the hilt of his lightsaber. His helmet somewhat resembled those of Imperial Stormtroopers, though the dark metal used on the Sith Lord’s was far more foreboding than anything used on an Imperial Trooper.

As Vader stepped forward, Leia calmly stepped back. Her instincts told her to do so, but little did she know that her instincts were being closely studied by the man, if he could be called that, standing just before her. She begged whatever higher power that dwelled amongst the stars not to let her or her father die, and the Sith Lord knew this as well.

“The Force is with you, young Skywalker,” Vader said, mocking her very thoughts. “You just have not realized it yet.”

He stepped to the side, the fires burning brighter the closer he moved to the corner of the chambers. In the corner was a small spherical room used as a meditation chamber, the light from within it shining to life and gleaming on the black helmet of the Sith Lord. As they approached, the sphere opened slowly. The upper half lifted like a jagged-toothed mechanical jaw. Vader stepped in, sitting on one of two large seats.

To Leia, the dark figure seated inside the mouthlike cocoon hardly seemed alive, though a powerful aura of sheer evil emanated from him which sent another chill of fear throughout her body. Vader sat motionless as if he was waiting for something, and Leia knew just what that was. She lifted her leg, stepping into the small structure. She took a seat opposite Vader and the mouth of the sphere lowered until it was locked tight, cutting them both off from the outside world.

“I am Princess Leia Organa of Ald -”

“I know full well who you are, Princess Organa,” Vader told her. “As a matter of fact, I believe that I could tell you things about yourself that even you do not know.”

“Lies,” she spat. “What could you possibly tell me about myself that I don’t already know?”

“Who your parents are,” the Sith Lord replied coldly.

What is he implying, she thought to herself. She knew full well who her parents were, and one of them was locked away somewhere on Coruscant, whereas the other was undoubtedly under heavy guard on Alderaan because of the recent invasion of her peaceful homeworld.

“My parents are Bail and Breha Organa of Alderaan,” she told him firmly. “They are the Viceroy and Queen of Alderaan, respectively.”

“No,” Vader replied calmly. “I am your father.”

Stunned, Leia stared with disbelief at the black-clad warrior and moved back in her seat at his revelation. The two sat simply staring at one another, father and daughter. Her mind told her that he was a liar and he would do anything for power through fear, but something within her heart told her differently....something within her heart told her that there were perhaps truth to some of his words. But, she refused to accept it.

“No, that’s not true,” she calmly said, though her voice did rise. “That’s impossible....”

“Accepting it now would be less painful than spending time alone debating it,” Vader lecture, seemingly counseling her. It was a site rarely seen by a Lord of the Sith such as Darth Vader.

“Either way it wouldn’t matter,” she yelled, anger now in her voice. “You have no proof.”

Snapping his fingers, Vader seemingly gave a command. From the ceiling just inches above, a small robotic arm came down and grabbed hold of the dark one’s helmet as he turned. His back to her, Leia could now see the burns and the scars that adorned the Sith Lord’s bald head, the injuries a result of his fateful duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Another robotic arm coming from the side of the sphere came forward, pulling the Dark Apprentice’s mask off of his face, the sphere providing a habitable environment for him to remove his life-sustaining equipment.

As he turned, his disfigured features sent chills down Leia’s spine. He is human, she told herself. But, what caught her eye was not a scar or a burn or a missing strand of hair. What she saw with her blue eyes were his blue eyes, the same as his. Not only were the colors the same, but she could tell in her heart and soul that their eyes were exactly the same.

“You’re not lying,” she believed she was telling herself, though she truly said it out loud. “You really are my father....”

“Yes and no,” Vader revealed, noting the now confused look on her face. “Before I was a Sith Lord, I lived my life as a Jedi Knight named Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi Order believed me to be the Chosen One that would restore balance to the Force, and in a way I have. The Jedi Order is destroyed, and you have me to thank for that. However, when your mother betrayed me along with my former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker ceased to exist. I, Darth Vader, Dark Apprentice of the Sith Order, am what you see now.”

“How did you find me,” she asked him.

“When last we met, I felt something strange within the Force,” Vader revealed. “It was as if the Force had brought me to you, yet I did not know why. However, that sensation disappeared almost as soon as it had appeared. After long hours of meditation, I was able to reach out to you and I could sense the torment in your mind. I quickly checked the Imperial Medical Database and had your blood scanned. Sure enough, it told me that you are the daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.”

So it was Senator Amidala in my dreams, she thought to herself. For years, she had been having dreams about a foggy memory from when she was just a baby. She saw a beautiful young woman whom she assumed was her mother, one who was very gentle and kind, but sad. She did not know why, but when another person, a young bearded man, came into view she always woke up. At least part of that mystery is solved, she thought to herself.

“Why are you telling me this,” she asked the Sith Lord.

“Leia,” he told her, surprisingly calm. “You can help me destroy the Emperor, I have foreseen this. It is your destiny.”

“Never,” she shouted. “Never would I betray my family and my people.”

“You don’t understand,” Vader told her forcefully. “I can give you anything you want.”

“What,” she asked, obviously confused.

“I am offering you....anything,” he told her, his words echoing those that Darth Sidious had said to Anakin Skywalker so many years ago. Though what he could offer was somewhat different, the lesson and meaning behind what he was about to tell her was exactly the same.

“Anything,” Leia asked.

“Ask, and it is yours,” the Sith Lord told her. “A glass of water? It is yours. A bag full of Corusca gems? Yours. When you are near a window, look out into the skyline around us. Pick something, and it is yours.”

“Is this a joke,” she inquired, the same question that Anakin had asked Palpatine.

“I do not joke,” Vader told her coldly.

“Alright,” she said, giving in to what she felt was nothing more than one big façade. “How about Naboo? I’ll take Naboo.”

“The planet,” Vader asked, though the mentioning of that world stung his empty heart. “Or, would you prefer the entire system?”

“Are you insane,” she blurted out, though she quickly came to regret it. However, she was taken aback when Vader remained motionless, not attempting to punish her for her insults.

“I assure you, I am not,” Vader said.

“Then if I really wanted the Naboo sys -”

“It would be yours,” the Sith Lord told her, cutting her off mid-sentence. “You could become the Governor of the entire sector if you wanted. However, let’s not fool ourselves. I know full well that you have no interest in becoming a Sector Governor. What you’re searching for is something that is unattainable, though only to a select few.”

“How did you kn -”

“I know much more than you would think,” he admitted. “I know you want your father to live, and I know that you struggle with the thought of losing those you love almost every day.”

“It’s true,” Leia revealed. “If I lost someone....anyone, then I don’t know what I would do.”

“There is an answer to that problem,” he told her. “Have you ever heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise?”

“No,” Leia said, shaking her head.

“Not surprising,” Vader admitted. “It’s not something that is put into school books, as it’s a Sith legend of a Dark Lord who had saw inside of himself so far that he could come to understand life itself. He was able to comprehend and master the basics of life and death.”

“He could stop death,” Leia asked, moving forward. From the moment she had arrived, she threw everything Vader said to the side. But, this story intrigued her....it intrigued her enough to consider his offer.

“It is what the legend tells us,” he told her. “However, this knowledge did come with a price. When he had discovered this knowledge, his arrogance began to blind him. He thought that nothing could destroy him, but he was wrong. After teaching his apprentice the basics of the power, his apprentice killed him in his sleep. The Dark Lord never saw it coming, which is the tragic irony. He could save others from death, but not himself.”

Vader’s words disturbed even himself, as he could finally see that not only was he becoming the master of manipulation but he was becoming the man that his master was. Sidious had always been gifted in the art of manipulation, and Vader had finally found his weakness: overconfidence, much like Plagueis. And, also like Plagueis, Sidious would never see the swift and sudden retribution coming.

“What happened to his apprentice,” Leia asked.

“I was hoping you would ask that,” Vader told her. “His apprentice, Darth Sidious, became the Dark Lord of the Sith, though you would most likely know him by his public name of Emperor Palpatine.”

“What,” Leia asked, the shock of this revelation greatly impacting her. So Palpatine is a Sith Lord, she said to herself. It all makes sense now. The Clone Wars, the rise of the Empire, the fall of the Old Republic....everything. “So, did he teach you this power too?”

“He had promised he would,” Vader told her. “But, it was a lie. By the time I realized that he did not in fact master the power yet, Anakin and Padmé were both dead and I had become a slave to the Dark Lord. But, with the combined knowledge of you, me and Anakin Skywalker we can discover the secret for ourselves and destroy Palpatine. But, that is only if you join me....”

She sat in her side, frozen at the prospect of what he was telling her. Part of her desperately wanted to run away and never return, though that would mean losing her father. The other part of her, however, told her that this was the only way to save those that she loved. She knew not what to do, and it pained her to her very core.

“You can have everything you have ever dreamed of, my daughter,” Vader told her, his cold, robotic voice remarkably compassionate. “You can save those that you love.”

For her entire life, she had been taught to hate men such as Darth Vader. But, now she realized that she was wrong. Vader wasn’t an evil man....he was offering her something that no one else could: life. She wanted to be happy and she wanted those she loved to live. Darth Vader and the Empire could give her that happiness.

“You must learn to embrace the darkness around you, Leia,” Vader said, his life sustaining mask sliding back on to his face. “The rules that I live by give me more room to move around and do the things I want without qualms. Join me and I can teach you to protect those you love.”

Deep inside, Leia knew that Vader was right. She had to protect her father, and this was the only way she could do so. She considered his words greatly, her soul being torn apart in a violent game of tug-o-war with only one clear victor. She stepped off of her seat, kneeling down in the small space she had in front of her true father.

“What I do now is in the name of my father,” Leia told the Sith Lord. “And, when I say that, I mean the man that raised me and protected me for fifteen years, not the man whose blood flows within my veins.”

Vader accepted that statement, as he expected no less. She had just discovered that he was her true father, so to expect her to join the Sith Order in the name of Darth Vader would have been wishful thinking. He stood up, towering over his tortured daughter.

“Rise,” Vader commanded. “You are Lady Leia Skywalker, Daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala. You will serve me, and in turn I will give you the power needed to save anyone from death. But, you must first prove loyalty. It will take months, of course, but when your loyalty is proven your father will be released from prison unharmed. Show me disloyalty, and your father will be executed before your very eyes.”

“Of course, Lord Vader,” she said, her voice turning cold and ominous. She stood just as he had commanded. The upper half of the mouthlike structure opened and the two stepped out. The fires still burning, the Dark Apprentice of the Sith sat down upon his Throne of Skulls as his new apprentice kneeled before him. It would take months and perhaps even years, but in time the Obsidian Throne of the Sith Order would be his. In time, Palpatine would be dead. In time, the galaxy would belong to Darth Vader.

Chapter 11: Furthering the Plans
On Dantooine, the Alliance command center was bustling with activity. Everyone at the base, no matter what rank they held in the Alliance hierarchy, was dedicated to making sure that each and every fine detail of their first major strike against the Galactic Empire was laid out. Military commanders briefed their men on tactics that they would be using against possible Lettow interruptions while technicians were hard at work making sure the systems on the alliance fighters and vessels were in prime condition. Many lower ranking officials and soldiers were optimistic about their chances of success, but many of the leaders were less than hopeful that their fleet and army could stand against any force the Empire threw at them.

Mon Mothma was one of those people. The Alliance fleet was not even a quarter of the size of the Grand Navy of the Empire, so to be optimistic and believe that they were going to survive the coming encounter was, in her opinion, foolishly naïve. However, she would not tell any of her men that. It was not her decision to attempt to attack the Imperial Base on Endor, as she had been outvoted on the Alliance Command Council. What they were thinking when they agreed to this attack was beyond her.

Sometimes she wished that things were how they were at the beginning of the rebellion. Her morale had been low lately, but in the beginning everyone was determined and willing to stand up the Emperor, look him in the eye and tell him that what he was doing was wrong and that he would be brought to justice. Now, she didn’t see things that way. She couldn’t even give a speech these days without thinking she was lying. Thinking of the beginning, she recalled her very first words to the first Alliance Command Council.


 * The Galactic Republic, lost within a sea of lies and deceit. The new Empire was not even four weeks old, yet the destruction and chaos it was bringing about throughout the galaxy was unfathomable. The bureaucrats and bootlickers in the Galactic Senate were still oblivious to Emperor Palpatine’s true nature, but some were able to see through the lies. Some, such as Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, were willing to risk everything for the cause of freedom.


 * Now, a group of delegates loyal to the Old Republic had convened on Dantooine where Mon Mothma had been waiting for them. She stood motionless at the window staring out towards that vast plains that stretched for miles as the sun bore down upon them. On the edge of the plains was the new base for the young organization.


 * Inside, the base seemed almost empty. The only room that seemed to have any form of life was a small conference room, housing the group of loyalists. Mon Mothma turned from the window and took her seat at the head of the table, Bail Organa sitting to her right. Beside them were Commander Ackbar, a Mon Calamari solider, and Captain Jan Dodanna from the former Grand Army of the Republic. Many other delegates were seated around the table, with some in the form of holograms that attended the meeting from distant worlds.


 * As the final hologram came to life, Mon Mothma stood and paced the room. She knew not what to say at yet, though the words would come to her. They always had and they always would, though this time was different. Never before had she addressed a group of traitors, nor had she ever led a group of traitors. However, she would not call them traitors. To her, the true traitors were those who were loyal to Emperor Palpatine and his Galactic Empire. It was then that the words came to her.


 * “These are dark times for us all,” she told the delegates. “Democracy has been ripped from our grasp, the Jedi are being exterminated....the galaxy is in shambles. The very ideals that we all have given ours lives for are disappearing.”


 * “There are some among us who see this as an end,” Bail Organa told them, rising from his seat to stand behind Mon Mothma. “The end of the Republic, and the end of civilization. But, this is not the end. Freedom may have been stolen from us, but together we can restore it.”


 * “Senator Organa and I have called you here today to formally introduce you to the Alliance to Restore the Republic,” she told them. “It is now that we become not only colleagues, but brothers and sisters in our fight for freedom. You are here because you understand what needs to be done. The Old Republic was the Republic of legends, but the New Republic is the Republic of my dreams. This is not an end, my brothers and sisters....this is only the beginning.”

It was all a distant memory now, and she would give anything to get it back. But, alas, it would not happen anytime soon. After the coming battle, she couldn’t see how they could possibly build their strength back up without the might of the Empire destroying them entirely. As she turned away from her solemn thinking, she slowly walked back into the main area of the command center.

“M’lady,” an officer shouted, running up to her. “M’lady, we’ve received a communiqué from Princess Organa on the emergency channels. She says she wants to talk to you and you alone.”

“Put it through in my office,” she told him, not allowing him the chance to even salute before she quickly turned and stepped into the turboshaft. As the lift came to a halt a few floors up, she sprinted past the commanders and stepped into her office, nervously sitting at her desk. With the push of a button, the viewscreen came to life and Leia appeared on it.

“Leia,” she said, relieved that the princess was safe. “Where are you? Were you able to see your father? Is he alright?”

“I never had the opportunity to see him,” Leia told her. “They tried to arrest me, but I found a way to free myself. I also have assurances that my father will be just fine.”

“That’s good news,” Mon Mothma told her. “I only wish that I had good news for you.”

“You’re talking about the coming battle,” Leia asked. “Please, fill me in.”

“The battle will take place on Endor,” Mon Mothma told her, believing that because she was on a secure channel the contents of the conversation would be kept safe. “There is a secret military installation there which we believes houses the plans for an Imperial super weapon. Our intelligence suggests that should we knock out this facility, the Empire’s efforts on this project would be set back by at least two to three years giving us more time to gather resources and equipment.”

“But,” Leia asked, knowing that there was more to it than Mon Mothma was saying.

“But, I do not have confidence in this mission,” Mon Mothma admitted. “The outpost is heavily guarded by both ground troops and space forces. My colleagues just don’t seem to recognize that we do not have the resources to mount this type of campaign.”

“What about your alliance with the Bendu Order,” Leia asked.

“I spoke with the Bendu High Priest, but he rejected our offer,” she told the princess. “I guess they’re still not over what happened during the crusades. Without the Bendu, I don’t know what’s going to happen to us.”

“Have faith,” Leia told her. “Everything will be set right soon.”

“I hope your right,” Mon Mothma said, nervous and uncomfortable. “Where are you now?”

“I’m in an Alliance safe house on Coruscant,” Leia told her. “I’m about to leave. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll leave you to it then,” the former senator told the princess. “Mon Mothma, out.”

The former Imperial Senator rose for him chair, staring out into the vast plains of Dantooine just as she had so many times before. Perhaps Leia is right, she thought to herself. Maybe things will be better soon.

Leia deactivated her viewscreen, a slight grin passing over her now pale face, and removed a recorder from a slot just beside her. She stepped away from the console which now displayed the symbol of the Galactic Empire and turned a corner. As she stepped towards the door to the turboshaft, the figure of the Dark Apprentice of the Sith approached from behind. She turned, at first startled, but then quickly bowed. The two stepped into the turboshaft and Leia turned to face him.

“I have good news, Lord Vader,” she said, handing him the recorder. The doors slid shut and the lift shoot into the air, making its way towards the shuttle bay. It was time for Leia to come face to face with the Galactic Emperor, and she would dare not be late.

Chapter 12: The Worst Part of a Human
In the center of a dark chamber stood the Princess of Alderaan, her true father by her side. Her heart was filled with fear as she slowly looked around the dimly lit corridors on the far side of the chamber. She looked behind her, seeing the statues of ancient men, not knowing who they were. There was a man, anger filling his face. Beside him stood a horned creature, a woman, an abomination, a Chiss, a Human, a Zabrak, and old man and a young man with a scar adoring his right eye. The scared face looked familiar, and as she looked up at the pitch black helmet of the Dark Apprentice of the Sith she seemed to know why.

“Who are they,” she asked.

“Sith Lords,” Vader told her. “From before the fall of the Old Republic. On the left is Xendor. Though never a Sith, he was the grandfather of both the Sith and the Lettow. Beside him are Marka Ragnos, Empress Viea, Emperor Nefarius, Carden Mannux, Darth Bane, Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus and the man I once was.”

“What did they do,” she asked. “I mean, they must have done something to be made into statues, wouldn’t they?”

“These things are unimportant now,” Vader replied. “You will learn in time but now we are here to do the bidding of the emperor.”

From the dark corners of the chambers, the Galactic Emperor had been listening intently to the short albeit important conversation his apprentice and the newest disciple had been having. The omnipresence of the Dark Lord of the Sith would have felt like a knife piercing through a heart had he let the young girl know he was near, but for moments he did not.

Without hesitation, he slowly stepped out of the shadows towards the young princess. His deathly black robes and his mere footsteps seemingly impacted against the macabre surface, sending a calamitous ringing throughout the chamber that would bring torture and pain to all of those untrained in the satanic ways of the Dark Side of the Force.

The Dark Lord’s twisted eyes darkened as he saw the youth, inexperience and ignorance within the newest child of the night. She was strong in the Force, yet she was as naïve as Anakin Skywalker had once been.

“Welcome, young Skywalker,” the Dark Lord hissed. “I have been -”

“Organa,” Leia said, cutting him off. “My name is still Organa.”

“How dare you,” the Emperor growled. “You shall not speak unless commanded to do so. Is this understood, Leia Organa?”

“Yes,” Leia told him in fear.

“As I was going to say,” the dark one continued. “I have been expecting you for some time now, though I must admit your survival came to us as a surprise. When your mother was tragically killed -”

“By the Sith,” Leia said, cutting him off once again. Suddenly and without warning, she rose into the air and flew directly into the wall behind her. Vader turned his head, and beneath his helmet a small grin suggested that he was perhaps enjoying seeing his daughter in strife.

Leia tried to move, though it was if her wrists and legs were nailed to the walls as she was unable to move even the smallest and insignificant of muscles. Her throat quickly began to close and her face became blue as she was unable to breathe. She looked around, worried, not knowing what was happening around her and regretting her arrogance.

“You see, young Skywalker,” the Emperor cackled, letting his release on her go as she fell towards the ground. “You have no idea the power of the Dark Side and the punishments it can bring upon its disciples. I could have snapped your neck simply by thinking about it. That is the true power of the Force.”

“I am only here to save my father from death,” Leia said, having trouble speaking as she rose from the cold macabre surface. “Once he is safe, I will leave.”

“Your father is a coward and a traitor,” Palpatine snapped. “He will be treated as such unless you follow my commands exactly as I tell them to you. If you so much as think about thinking about running then your father will be executed via HoloNet for all to see. You may believe you have come to me for a noble cause, but you are curious. You are curious to discover what power the Dark Side holds and that curiosity will allow you to fully comprehend it.”

“You’re wrong,” Leia said, even though she knew deep down that the Emperor might have been correct. “Just teach me what I need to know to protect my father and those I love.”

“Vader, guards, leave us,” the Dark Lord commanded.

“Yes, my master,” Vader obliged, bowing before leaving with the guards.

“You will soon join the ranks of the Lettow to begin your training in the ways of the Dark Side of the Force,” Palpatine told her. “However, you will not have the restrictions that they have upon them regarding what you can learn.”

“I will not be Sith,” she asked.

“Perhaps in time,” the dark one responded. “For now, the sacred Rule of Two will remain.”

“Rule of Two,” Leia questioned.

“An ancient tradition started by one of our own,” Palpatine told her. “After the Seventh Battle of Ruusan, the Dark Lord Bane was the only Sith to remain. ‘Two there shall be,’ Bane said. ‘No more, no less. One to embody the power, the other to crave it.’ That is what has kept us alive for the last one thousand years.”

“What do you mean by restrictions,” Leia asked. “Are Lettow not allowed to discover greater power so you can control them, or is it something else?”

“It is to control them,” the Dark Lord responded, though Leia was not entirely convinced. “We only allow certain levels of the Lettow hierarchy to learn certain powers and skills. Only the two Dark Commanders of the Lettow are allowed to be exposed to what is almost true power.”

“And who are these Dark Commanders,” the Princess of Alderaan asked.

“The one we call The Starkiller,” the dark one told her. “And Mara Jade, my personal hand. You, however, will soon be exposed to the true power so you may one day become the Dark Apprentice or even the Dark Lord of the Sith Empire. Through patience, understanding and a new definition of pain a new realm of possibilities will be open to you. If you accept this task and all of the pain and suffering that comes with it, kneel before me. But, if you do not accept, the price for such failure will be death.”

A cocky grin spread across Leia’s face, one of immaturity, ignorance and arrogance. She kneeled before the Dark Lord of the Sith, the long fur coat she wore that showed the trappings of a princess trembling from the power of the master of the galaxy. What was a grin soon faded to a scowl, like the illegitimate child of sadness and anger.

“Prove to me your true power,” Leia cockily demanded. “And I shall be your servant, forever, so long as my family is left alone.”

The Dark Lord’s twisted yellow eyes flooded with joy as he heard the impulsive and cocky words of the newest Sith disciple. He spread his arms, his sleeves becoming black wings of death. A wave of deadly blue electric mayhem was forged on the fingertips of the dark one, scorching the ignorant pupil into a smoldering huddle of clothing on the far side of the room. It was, of course, non-lethal, but it was the right dosage to prove a point. Though she would have a headache and extra warm clothing, it would let her know her place within the Empire.

The pain of it was a surge that Leia had never felt before, as if the hands of the gods decided to slap her across the face in unison. The power she felt within them was indeed frightening, but her resolve would not be broken. She was there for her father, no more and no less. To do that, she would have to prove her worth whatever the cost and, to start, she would now have to give in as if she were a submissive Kath Hound.

“Forgive me,” she told the dark one as she struggled to stand. “This will not happen again....my Lord.”

The Emperor of All Things laughed as he turned around and sat upon the Obsidian Throne, a title that had been passed down since the days of the Dark Lord Dire during The Great Sovereign Crusades. As he sat, he truly began to realize how little this girl knew of his ways. The price of continued ignorance and arrogance was death, though he could expect little more from one untested and untrained within the Way of the Sith.

He reached to the side of the Obsidian Throne and pulled out a large, gothic book. It was an ancient manifesto and he turned the pages to a portion that accurately described training in the current Way of the Sith. He had consulted the manifesto often, as one could never learn enough about such ways. Now it would only be a matter of finding the Princess of Alderaan’s weakness and exploiting it.

“This is the manifesto of Carden Mannux,” the dark one told her. “He was once the Dark Lord Lettow and is without a doubt the most brilliant mind of the Old Sith Order. He recognized how the Way of the Sith had become tainted and documented what was to be done to fix it. Now, tell me, child, what do you expect to gain from my teachings, Lord Vader’s teachings and the Lettow’s teachings? Do you expect us to teach you how to harness the Force and shoot lightning from your fingertips? Do you expect us to teach you how to properly wield a lightsaber in battle? Do you expect us to teach you how to be a warrior?”

“I expecting you to give me the power, strength and will to dominate fear and protect those that I love, even if I must ride into battle to do so. I want to be able to stare death straight in the face and laugh, knowing that I have cheated it.”

For a moment, Leia’s eyes seemed to burn with a dim fire. It was certainly not strong enough to keep one warm, but it was enough to kindle a small fire, one with enough potential to one day start a forest fire.

“Then you have come to the wrong place for help, Princess,” the dark one told her. “We cant each you patience, we can teach you understanding and we can teach you to know your enemy better than he knows himself so you can gain his trust enough to seduce him. We can help you to understand the true nature of the Force and let you realize your skill with a blade but we will not make you a warrior. There is an old saying that every predator is prey to something bigger. Mine is democracy and freedom, yours is sensibility. Death, however, has no predator as nothing can stop what is destined for you. Staring death in the face will only lead to your eventual destruction. Power comes through understanding, and that is one of the few lessons you will learn from me.”

“Thank you, my master,” Leia said, bowing. Ever since she had made the pact with the devil they called Vader, she had sworn to herself never to let the prospect of power get the better of her. She had sworn that she had only done this out of love for her father and her family. It was the promise of love and the promise of family and she now knew that she might not be able to keep that promise any longer. Emperor Palpatine was right. She had become curious. She was intrigued. Though she was still determined to free her father and keep him safe, she now had a second interest: a lust for power, and she could not help it.

It is, after all, the worst part of a human.

Further Chapters
After Chapter 12, the novel underwent a short-lived rewrite. It can be read here.