It was strange. She should have felt some sense of relief. Her desperate gambit had worked, after all. The Empire was going to leave, and she knew Eskel had enough boldness and intelligence to help his people and planet recover. Maybe her father could assist them. He always did do better when he was working. Between the three royals, she trusted that they could help the rebellion to go to ground.

Master Yoda would be fine, she was certain. He had been right, after all, about her being too attached. Perhaps this would be a lesson for another hot-headed woman, decades from now.

And Adam would-

Adam-

Kijani felt like her soul was being ripped out. It hurt, physically, like someone was squeezing the very air from her lungs. She thought of him. The warmth of him in her arms, the way he looked at her when he thought she didn't see, their first and last kiss. Everything she thought they would have. Her happiness was meaningless, in the face of the galaxy's survival. But his...

Adam, Adam, Adam.

I love you with everything I am. Everything that I was.

Thinking of him being with someone else, loving someone else. Living out his life with someone who truly deserved to be by his side. It would truly kill her, to never see him again, to hold him, to hear his voice.

Hate me. Despise me. Spit and swear every time you hear my name.

That was best. Kijani needed to die.

Mourn me.

Forget me.

I'm sorry.

The soft gold of Kijani's spirit screamed out through the Force. Echoing across space and time. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry --

And then there was nothing but an empty hole in the galaxy. Like Alderaan, shattered into so much dust.

Darth Oratrix rose up at the Emperor's request. "As you wish, My Lord." She walked without pause, and was swallowed up by the dark of the ship.

"What are you talking about?" Adam said, keeping his lightsaber raised and ignited. The soft blue light filled the stone room. Sure enough, this was a tomb, but for whom, he didn't know.

"Padme was a Queen of Naboo, and a good friend. She would have been a good mother, had you not killed her." Darth Vader said, casually taking a step towards Adam.

"Kill her? I don't even know who that is..." said Adam as the realization dawned on him. "My mother was a queen?" he said, feeling his guard begin to relax.

It was all Vader need. With the speed of the wind itself, he closed the distance towards Adam and ignited his own saber. Adam nearly failed to recover in time, but managed to catch Vader's red weapon on his own.

"Is that why were down here, Vader? For you to tell me who my mother is? How could you even possibly know that?"

"Obi-wan never told you the truth about your father, Adam Skywalker." was all that Darth Vader said. At first, it didn't even register with Adam, but the words echoed around both the nearly empty room as well as his own mind. Adam, seeing the words for what they are, felt the sting of tears come to his eyes.

"No..." was all he could say, as his mouth had begun to dry and his heart began to beat faster and faster. The Sith Lord, sensing Adam's resolve weakening, pushed Adam way and grabbed him by the neck with one, massive arm.

"Search your feelings, you know it to be true!" he said, flinging Adam against the wall. The young Jedi hit the stone and felt the air pushed out of his lungs.

Adam felt weak in his limbs, and looked up at the black, skull-like visage of his father. Even saying it in his mind nearly brought him to madness.

"I don't want to kill you, my son." Vader said. "The Jedi have betrayed you just as they have betrayed me. Obi-wan kept you from me and turned your mother against me." Vader lowered his saber but didn't shut it off. Adam rose to his feet, but kept his eyes on his foe.

"Join me, son, and together we can rebuild this galaxy, defeat the Emperor and bring peace at last."

"Peace? I've seen what this peace of yours looks like. You can't get peace and prosperity by standing on necks!" Adam blurted out. He felt his vision begin to turn red. This... man, after all the pain he caused Adam. Killing his master, murdering thousands of innocents across the galaxy and tormenting him and his friends had the gall to make an offer like this? Not a chance in hell.

"The galaxy is a violent, flawed place, my son-" Vader began before Adam cut him off.

"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Adam said before rushing him again. With a leap, Adam brought his saber down on the Sith Lord's shoulder, causing Vader to give a mechanical cry of pain. Before Adam could strike again, however, Vader decided that the time for niceties was over.

Vader, now in pain, began an assault on the young Jedi. Adam called deeply on the Force, but even as dialed in as he was, he knew that his opponent had been holding back until now. This could only end one way.

The Sith Lord's red saber slipped past Adam's guard. For just a moment, the red lightsaber blade flicked past the front of his face. For just a moment, Adam thought he had stepped away just in time.

Then the left side of his face erupted in pain and Adam smelled burning ozone and flesh. His lightsaber switched off and hit the stone floor with a loud clang. Adam could only hold his face and scream.

"You brought this upon yourself." Vader said from outside of Adam's now limited vision. "You are strong in the Dark Side, young Skywalker, but if only accepted it, you might be able to defeat me. I trust that the next time we meet, you will be more receptive."

The last words from Vader echoed throughout the chamber and Adam felt himself cast into total darkness. Despite his body's protests, he fell to stone floor and let the shadows envelope him.

Yoda stood on the command deck of the Death Star, watching the escape pods and shuttle craft evacuate the space station. His role in this war was over, and he knew it. He sensed something terrible had happened on green and blue planet below him, but he sensed that both of his pupils were still very much alive. That would have to be enough for now.

Adam's X-wing had already been sent away, and with any luck, the astromech droid on board had already sent a message to the Rebel Alliance explaining the situation. By now, the entire fleet would be on their way to consolidate their latest victory.

On the view screen before him, Master Yoda could see several Star Destroyers move into position. Surprisingly, they did not move to bombard the planet. Rather, they were preparing to destroy their own super-weapon.

"Such a waste, this is." Yoda said to no one in particular. Perhaps the Emperor was sure they could build another and didn't want to let this one fall into the hands of the Rebels. Tarkin was surely spinning in his grave right now.

The first destroyer opened fire, and the old master felt the entire station shake under the oppressive firepower. Yoda, leaning on his cane, steadied himself.

"Fear death, I do not. For my ally is the Force. And a powerful ally it is." Would be the last words the nine-hundred year old master would ever say, as the cannons from multiple Star Destroyers ravaged the Death Star, breaking it apart.
------

And so it came to pass. The Battle for Naboo ended in a tactical victory for the Rebel Alliance, as the Death Star had been destroyed. Greater still, Naboo, under the rulership of King Eskel, threw its support behind the Rebellion, granting it a permanent foothold in the galaxy. Other nearby planets would follow, and in the wake of the victory, Mon Mothma would declare the New Republic to be reborn, with the senate seated at the Royal Palace of Naboo.

For all of this, however, the battle was a strategic stalemate. Both the Imperial and Rebel fleets survived to fight another day. With two major powers in the galaxy, a line had been drawn in the sand. It was time for every planet in the galaxy to pick a side and determine it's own destiny.

On the planet of Naboo, however, a curious event was taking place. One that would have great ramifications for every planet in the galaxy...
-----

The speeder dashed across the verdant green hills of the Naboo plains. It was a government issue model, and Sergeant Kael was at the controls. He carried only a single passenger, who wasn't saying much. They had been driving for nearly an hour at top speed, but the young man sitting in the back had kept to himself nearly the whole trip.

Eventually, the pair arrived at the villa. Gently lit by the falling dusk, the stone and marble building seemed to glow.

"Here we are, sir. Varykino Villa. No one has lived here for decades now, and the previous kings were thinking about demolishing it." said Sergeant Kael. "Are you sure this is what you are looking for?"

The man in the back of the speeder stepped out and gazed at the building. He would need to inspect the interior of course, but so far it looked perfect.

"So far, I think this is exactly what I need." said Adam Skywalker. "The Force is strong here, and I can think of no better place to start an academy."

"Very good, sir. Shall we take a look inside?" said Sergeant Kael, motioning for the Jedi to step inside.

Adam gazed out over the lake. It had been a week since his fight with Vader. His new, mechanical eye was certainly advanced, but Adam felt like he needed more time to get used to it.

He signed, inwardly. Kijani would love this place. he thought to himself.

Eskel had told him she died fighting the Emperor, and the news shattered his heart into a million pieces. But something in his heart told him it was wrong. Kijani was alive somewhere. Adam had vowed to find her, no matter what it took. But it was something he knew he couldn't do alone. Perhaps with a new generation of Jedi, the galaxy might finally right itself...

The Lambda shuttle came out of hyperspace both on target and on time. The pilot, a youth straight from the academy, breathed a sigh of relief. They felt safe in the knowledge that their charges would soon get off his ship. Flying with one dark Jedi was bad enough, but two was enough to make him sweat.

He gazed out into the view port at their final destination. The Death Star II was finally beginning to take shape, but it was still far from complete. The hanger bay was fully functional, so that was good enough for him.

"We should be landing in just a few minutes, my lords." he said to his passengers.

"Good." said the looming black shape of Darth Vader. "Do not disturb us again until we land." The Dark Lord turned to his new apprentice.

"They are weeks behind schedule. The Emperor has decreed that we must... motivate them. I will let you take the lead on this, my young apprentice. Do not disappoint me."

The other figure opposite Vader inclined her head gracefully. Despite wearing a polished black mask that hid her face, and every expression, there was a sense of aloof regality in her posture. "When have I ever, Lord Vader? Perish the thought that I would run low of expectations." The red-painted lips on her mask were forever upturned in a slight smile, like she knew something that others didn't. Eyes painted dark, and forever wide, watching, watching, watching....

"Considering what happened to the last station, I am less than surprised that the workers continue to drag their heels. They likely need a touch of redirection. Less of the whip, more of the sugar."

Despite knowing that Lord Vader could not see it, Oratrix smiled beneath her mask. There was a tightness in Oratrix's poise. Perfect control, like a dancer balanced on tiptoe. A beauty that seemed effortless - unless you knew the years of work that went into making it seem just that.

"It will be my utmost pleasure, my lord. I anticipate your future praise." She inclined her head in a bow, ever the polite charmer.

If Lord Vader felt any skepticism at his apprentice's attitude, he chose not to show it. "Very well." the Dark Lord stated. As he spoke, the Lambda shuttle began it's landing sequence, coming to a halt above the polished deck hanger and gently lowering.

Moff Jerjerrod had prepared a full honor guard for the arrival of the Sith Lords. Though he appeared to only be welcoming his guests with the deference they deserve, those serving under him knew better. Jerjerrod knew that the arrival of the Emperor's enforcers meant that his time was running out on this project. Any perceived insult to either of them could quickly end his career and his life.

When the pair approached the sweating Imperial officer, he glanced from one to the other in quick succession. "My lords, this is an unexpected pleasure. We are honored by your presence."

"Of course the pleasure is yours." Despite the shine of her mask, the collected troops could feel the weight of Darth Oratrix's gaze as she overlooked the assembly. "Well done on such short notice, Moff Jerjerrod." She walked gracefully, flanking the Moff on Vader's opposite side as they walked inside.

"You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. We're here to put you back on schedule."

Jerjerrod swallowed heavily. "I assure you my lords, my men are working as fast as they can."

"Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them." Vader sounded unimpressed.

"I tell you, this station will be operational as planned."

"The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation."

Jerjerrod floundered, clearly searching for words.

Oratrix hummed mildly, a melodic thinking noise. "If I may, Lord Vader. An honor guard in less than ten minutes warning time. Pressed and polished-" She paused midsentence, stepping toward one of the soldiers in line. The man in imperial black froze, like a prey animal. Oratrix scrutinized him from behind the mask, then delicately reached out to adjust one of the medals on his chest. Straightening it minutely. "... better."

Without any acknowledgement that she'd likely given the soldier an impromptu stress test, she rejoined the other two.

"Organized as they should be. Clearly, the problem is not with his leadership or delegation." Oratrix turned her face to the Commander. "So that leaves... resources." One ruby gloved finger touched her chin. "Correct?"

Emboldened and terrified, he spoke the truth. "The Emperor asks the impossible. I need more men."

Oratrix shifted, as if to speak. But Vader was quicker. "Then perhaps you can tell him when he arrives."

"The Emperor is coming here?"

"That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress."

Oratrix interjected, as smooth as a knife between the ribs. "As we did not bring more troops, we will make the best of what we do have. Increased rations across the board. Extra protein, double the caf for the welding staff and their direct superiors. Those who elevate themselves shall be rewarded in kind. Those who do not... will bear the consequences that their efforts win them."

She watched the gears spin behind the Commander's eyes. Watched the twin seeds of praise and punishment take root. "We shall double our efforts."

Stepping back, she let Lord Vader have the last word. "I hope so Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am." He spun on his heel and walked away. Oratrix followed. Silently, Vader turned to her.

"Extra rations, Lady Oratrix?"

"We have given them the opportunity to shine, and rewarded them for their candor. The news will travel, and productivity will rise. Not to mention, word of the Empire's benevolence and generosity. So many planets out there, bursting with people that would gladly join were it worth their sweat and blood. That should lead to a rise in volunatary recruitment, thereby adjusting the resource issue. You see, my Lord?" She watched the lights dance in the gleaming reflection of the floor. Soldiers scattering to fulfill orders. Like insects on carrion, desperate for the largest piece. "Sugar."

Vader breathed deep, showing no emotion at Oratrix's words. "The Emperor is not in the habit of rewarding failure, Darth Oratrix. Should your... strategy prove inadequate, then the Emperor will extend his wrath to you, as well." With that, Vader turned and walked away.

As he walked the halls of Death Star, Vader reflected on the meteoric rise of his masters new favorite. Though he could feel the Dark Side within her, but there was something that the Dark Lord of the Sith could only describe as off. As if she still had one foot in the light.

Where did her true loyalties lie?

“Yes, my Lord. I will take your words into advisement.” Oratrix bent her head as Vader turned his back on her and walked away. She felt irritation bubble in her chest at the dismissal, but stayed bowed until she could properly shove it. Vader’s dislike was obvious, and had been from the start. It was unsurprising. She was the Emperor’s new toy, after all. He’d tire of her, eventually, once she lost her shine.

If only they could have a civil conversation.

Oh well.

When she was certain the hallway was clear, she followed in Vader’s wake. Soldiers snapped to attention as she passed, deferential murmurs of ‘My Lady’ trailing after her like smoke. Her gaze cut to one smart-looking official, and she strode up to the young woman. Uniform was a touch ill-fitting, but the medals were shined to perfection. Newly promoted, no doubt, and proud of it.

“Lieutenant... Vexa. Escort me to my quarters.”

Panic and sweat broke out on the woman’s face as she paled. “My Lady.” A swift salute. “I would be honored. Right this way.” Oratrix was silent as they walked, her looming posture casting a shadow over the smaller woman. Stormtroopers and soldiers scattered as Lt. Vexa led the way. “Lord Vader’s quarters are further down the hall. These belong to you.”

The door slid open, revealing the hastily assembled finery. It was no palace, but it would do. Once the door was closed and locked behind her, she removed her uniform piece by piece, except for the mask. For that, she stepped into the restroom and locked the second door behind her.

Only then, slowly, did Oratrix pull the black mask from her face.

If anyone had seen that face, they might have noticed a passing resemblance to the late Princess Kijani Organa. They could have been sisters, perhaps, but Oratrix’s bearing was different in many ways.

A pair of yellow eyes met her in the mirror. Bright, but feverishly so, gleaming with an almost manic energy. Dark circles rung them, from sleepless weeks that turned into an endless three years in the dark. On the left side of her face, she bore a scar from the corner of one eye to the back of her head - like lightning itself had torn under her skin. Her hair was shaved to a meticulously even fuzz, edges sharp and perfectly lined.

Sometimes, in her deepest dreams, she remembered a different face. One that matched the flawless, lifeless holographic memorial that marked a dead heroine’s grave. Sometimes she remembered the warmth of a smile, a pair of blue eyes that looked at her like no one ever had… But once she woke up, damp with sweat and phantom pain, she let the truth take hold. Kijani had lived her life and died a legend.

Oratrix was a murderer, her hands yet wet with the blood of soldiers. Her heart pounded at the deference and fear when she walked into rooms. Ire, revulsion and death followed her, and it would be so until the end.

One day, she too would be celebrated, her name whispered with reverence reserved for legends.

It was just a matter of time.

Across the galaxy...

"And so, class, the Jedi library on Ossus was lost for a time, but thanks to efforts, much of it's texts can be viewed in our own archives." droned on the metalic voice of C-3PO, a gold plated droid who had been with the academy for quite some time. Though original designed for etiquette and protocol, the talkative droid found some satisfaction in it's new role as a teacher.

Jedi Knight Adam Skywalker stood at the back of the room, bemused. History was an important part of Jedi studies, but even he could it admit it was a little boring. The two dozen students in this class would certainly agree.

For nearly three years, Adam had built and maintained the Naboo Academy, though he refused the title of Master. "Once the war is over, I can start calling myself that." he thought to himself. If I live that long.

Thanks to grants from the fledgling New Republic, as well as a few donations, the Naboo Academy was home to nearly a hundred Jedi. His earliest students had all stayed on to help him teach, but he knew that it would be decades before the Jedi Order returned to its former glory. Still, it was a start, and Adam was mostly content.

On occasion, his thoughts lingered to Kijani. Though their relationship was very short lived, Adam felt his heart ache at her absence. Part of him refused to believe that she had died. Sometimes, he could still feel her presence in the Force, though just barely. But it was a foolish notion, and he knew it. Nearly everyone he spoke to said she was gone.

If only she could see him now...

"Master." said a small voice from behind Adam. He recognized it as Corran Horn, one of his oldest students. "There is a ship coming to land at docking bay two. General Solo says he wishes to speak to you urgently." Adam smirked at the mention of his old friend. Coming on New Republic business, no doubt.

"I'll meet him there." Adam said. "And please see if he wants any refreshments."

Jin was bored.

The young Zabrak fidgeted slightly in her seat as the teacher droned on. History was not her favorite subject. While she was great at remembering the dates, something about the combination of having to sit meditation-still and yet focus was downright agonizing. It didn’t help that her horns were coming in. Seven tiny, irritating itchy nubs across her hairline like an invasion. Splitting the soft lavender skin at her scalp, peeking through the voluminous curls of her voilet hair.

The throbbing headaches felt permanent.

Her mind desperately sought an escape. But the Master was watching. Master Skywalker never made his presence an accident. All 24 of them were doing their best to be model students, but she’d caught more than one stifled yawn amid the electronic monologue.

And then it happened, like a gift from the Force. She caught Knight Corran’s voice and focused on it without turning. An important visitor, dock 2, refreshments… a mystery? Certainly more exciting than the history of the eons of texts. Luckily the class didn’t go for much longer. Soon, the bell sounded that indicated the end of the course – and freedom! Packing up her things and itching at the nub that gave her the most trouble, she looked around for her friend, Maybe he would want to go hunting for a lttle excitement.

One of the benefits of being apart of a religion that mandated the everyday use of face-covering helmets was that no one could tell when your eyes were closed. Which is certainly what young Bastian Ordo was doing during the dreadfully slow history class. "Seriously..." he thought to himself as the gold plated droid was winding down his planned lesson for the day. "What scrap pile did Master Skywalker find this piece of crap? My clan's warriors wouldn't use this for target practice."

Thankfully, just as Bastian contemplated headbutting his own desk, the bell rang out. Free period was next, which suited the young warrior just fine. That meant spending more time with... her.

When Bastian left his kinsmen behind to go with the hooded strangers, they insisted on throwing a going away party. While Master Skywalker and the few Jedi he brought along enjoyed the festivities, Bastian and the rest of Clan Ordo knew exactly what they were celebrating. It was his own funeral, for they knew he would never return. So, the poor child found himself lost amongst the stars, surrounded by strangers. He knew that path of the Jedi was his future, but to turn his back on The Way, on his peoples culture, cut deep. He had contented himself on being alone, until she sought him out.

Was it curiousity? Pity? Something else entire? Whatever it was, Jin was the only being at the entire academy that Bastian would ever consider calling a friend.

Trying not to act eager, he sought out Jin in the bustle of his fellow student.

"It's free period." he said to Jin, his voice muffled by his helmet. "What should we do?"

Jinny sought out her friend the second class ended, nimbly dodging the other students that couldn’t wait to escape the confines of the classroom. “Bastian? Bast- there you are!” The short Zabrak looked up at her friend with a toothy grin. “Thought you fell asleep again.” Despite Jin’s outward joy, there were signs of pain in her face. It was something she never really discussed with others – these strange changes her body was enduring. Only those who knew her well really got that truth out of her. Bastian was one of those few.

“Something interesting is happening on Dock 2. I overheard Knight Corran informing Master Skywalker just a few minutes ago. General Solo’s coming to visit, and I don’t think it’s just for snacks and war stories.” Jin looped her arm around Bastian’s to lead him.

“And since it’s free period, they can’t stop us from taking a walk, right?” She needed to do something to keep her mind off the pain. As they walked, and things got quieter, it only seemed to get worse. Her shoulders slumped, and she sighed faintly. “Hang on a sec.” Without preamble, she leaned over to him and pressed her forehead against the cool durasteel plating of his armor.

“Ahhh…” A sigh of relief, as her voice was half muffled against him. “Do your people have horns, Bast? There’s got to be a better way to deal with this. I can only meditate the pain away so much.” There weren’t any other Zabrak in the Academy yet, and she didn’t feel quite comfortable asking for assistance from the older Knights. Not yet, anyway.

Somehow, Jin was the only person that could get Bastian to come out of his cold, durasteel shell. When it wasn't her whimsical, fun loving nature or her witty remarks, it was silly shit like pressing her entire face to his breastplate. His first instinct told him to step back, to keep her at bay. Yet, the feeling itself wasn't unpleasant.

After giving his brain the moment it needed to compute exactly was was going on, he found his voice. "No, my people don't have horns. At least, I don't think so..." he finally managed to say. "I feel like I would have noticed by now if we had." He glanced down to see she was still absorbed in his armor. Was she even listening to me?

Faking a cough, be spoke again. "Do you think its a good idea eavesdrop on Master Skywalker's business?" Bastian didn't know exactly what his master was up to, but he couldn't imagine it was anything for their ears. But this was how things usually went. Jin had a bad idea. Bastian would try to be the voice of reason. Bastian would fail miserably and then go along with Jin's shenanigans. It was the way of things. As constant and predictable as a sunrise.

Bastian, despite his better judgement, mentally prepared himself for what was about to come next.

“No, Bastian, of course it’s not a good idea. But I need to do something - anything else, or I’ll explode into stardust. I know you’d enjoy the quiet… but then you’d miss me!” An impish grin lit Jinny’s face, her black eyes glittering with excitement. “And I think you’re old enough for your horns to sprout, if you get them? Don't ask me how it all works.”

Jinny was not certain exactly how old he was, to think of it. Not all of the members of the Academy were children. Master Skywalker had found Jedi from all across the galaxy, some adults who had secretly been training their own students. Some had been sought, and left behind their families to train, like Bastian had. Others were just foundlings, trying to make a life out of nothing. Jinny was one of those –

The blonde human's pockets had been picked clean, like so many others on the south Coruscant ports. Unlike the north ports, which were reserved for the wealthy and well-off, the south ports were for the average traveler. Busy, crowded, full of people in a hurry. People made mistakes, left things behind… or didn’t watch their belongings. If something went missing, it was just assumed that it’d been dropped and would never be seen again. Jin was underfed, and smaller than the average child. Slipping through the crowd was no challenge. Getting her small, nimble hands on things was even easier. Along with an instinctive knack for choosing potential targets, theft had become profitable enough to keep her from starvation.

Every time she went to make a pull, she repeated a silent mantra in her heart. “Don’t see me. Don’t see me, don’t see me.” It drummed in her mind like her heartbeat, picking up the pace as she took a hard earned prize. In went her hand, out came a shining device. She dipped through the crowd, not looking backward as she did. Looking over your shoulder was bad luck – and an obvious tell of guilt besides. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the same aspects that made the little criminal’s work so simple also made it easy for others to follow her…

“Look, just come on. I’ll make you more of that metal polish you said you like.” She hooked her arm around his and led the way to the docks. As they walked, she felt herself calming. Her mind was always going – seeing too much, hearing too much, cataloging and calculating. So far, the only thing that had ever quelled it was repairing things. Until she’d met Bastian. She couldn’t explain why, and had never tried, but something about his presence quieted the chaos in her. Ever since they’d met, his calm manner, his patience with her constant chatter, his focus and discipline had impressed her. Sure as the stars coming out at night… it made her better.

-
It took little time for them to reach the second dock. Jinny pulled up her hood and slipped away from Bastian, letting her instincts choose a good hiding spot. It was almost like stealing again, having to put her eyes and ears and body on the alert.

Even as Jin put her arm through his, Bastian was trying and failing to think of a reasonable explanation on why they should stop and find something less rebellious to do. "Fuck, she even offered the metal polish." Bastian thought to himself as he resigned himself to his fate. Maybe Master Skywalker would go easy on them?

-------

When they reached the small outdoor landing pad, Bastian couldn't help but notice at the ship that slowly touched down with it's landing tracks. He recognized it as a YT-1300 light freighter. Corellian made. Well loved by spacers of all stripes throughout the galaxy. Back in Bastian's grandfather's time anyway.

"No one in their right mind would fly a hunk of space garbage like that unless they were incredibly skilled, incredibly broke or incredibly stupid. I wonder which this guy is?" Bastian said from behind the nearby crate of parts that currently served as the pairs hiding place. hiding place.

Master Skywalker walked onto the pad as the ships small boarding ramp came down. From deep inside the ship, Bastian heard what sounded like a roar of some hellish monster. The kind of thing the myth keepers would tell around the campfire.

In the blink of an eye, a massive shape bounded down the ramp and, to Bastian's shock, tried to grapple the Jedi master. The creature was tall, easily dwarfing their master and was covered head to toe in coarse brown hair.

"I'm glad to see you too, Chewie." Adam said, returning the hug. "I hope Han hasn't been giving you too much trouble." The creature gave another growl that almost sounded like a laugh and let go.

"I think you have it backwards, kid." said a human male coming down the ramp. Bastian could tell this man was the pilot, as only a daredevil would swagger and draw out his words the way this man did. Bastian wondered if this was a real life Corellian?

Jin leaned forward with interest, looking at the Corellian ship with an engineer’s eye. “It’s an antique!” She mentally cataloged the heaps of modifications, the wear and tear from decades of work. “... all of the antiques, apparently. But…” Unconsciously, she shifted closer, head tilting slightly to parse the worn paint on the side. Something… Falcon. “She’s a gorgeous old lady, Bastian. Full of stories. And dirt.” A sort of reverence was obvious in her voice.

The roar startled her, and she found herself pressing against Bast in a sudden attempt at defense. Once she realized it was just the Wookie’s voice, echoing down the halls of the ship, she relaxed.

“No way. Master Adam speaks Shyriiwook? He really does know everything…” Jin watched the reunion, fascinated. She hadn’t seen a Wookie since before the Academy, and her grasp on the language had gotten rusty. Growing up by a tradeport full of all sorts of folk, Jin could usually pick her way into trade or trouble in several languages. It came in handy. Now her attention was torn between getting to learn more about the Master as a person… and getting to look around that fascinating old ship. But she knew Bastian wouldn’t go for that. Maybe once they brought out the snacks, she’d tell him he could go back.

He wouldn’t. He never had. Even when the outcome was dangerous, when he knew trouble was ahead and said so, he was always at her back. It was nice, to have someone to rely on.

“...how long do you think they’ll be here?”

Bastian shrugged. "Who knows? But something tells me this isn't a social visit." The young mandalorian suddenly felt very concious about his beskar helmet, hoping it wouldn't reflect the early morning sun right into Master Skywalker's eyes. That would certainly be an embarrassing way to get caught. Realizing this, he tried to make himself seem as small as possible while still keeping an ear out for the conversation.

"Captain Solo." Adam said with a reverence that was only slightly patronizing. "Or is it General now?"

"Definitely General now." said the scruffy looking nerf herder. "Now that the Rebellion has some legitimacy, they need all the help they can get." Han stepped forward and clasped Adam's forearm with a firm grip. "It's good to see you doing well. How's the babysitting?"

Adam laughed. "Some days, I feel like they're teaching me more than I'm teaching them. They have a long way to go before they're ready to get involved with the galaxy, but their well on their way."

Han grimaced. "I'm glad. I know Organa has been pushing to get these kids enlisted as soon as possible, but thankfully most of the senate is on your side." It was pretty common knowledge that the relationship between the galaxy's first Supreme Chancellor in decades and the new Grandmaster of the Jedi Order was strained at the best of times. Master Skywalker's first and foremost concern was to protect the kids under his charge and keep them out of the war, while Chancellor Organa knew the galaxy needed more troops. The Empire was starting to lose ground in a few key systems, but victory was, by no means, guaranteed.

"In fact," General Solo said, becoming more serious. "That's partially why I'm here." With that, he reached for his pocket and pulled out a small holo-projector. "Rebel intelligence has uncovered some new developments that need your attention directly.

With a flick of his thumb, the projector came to life, showing an image that was just clear enough to be legible. In it, a figure in black armor and fluttering cape had his red lightsaber raised in a perfectly executed killing stroke.

"Vader." Adam said, his heart beginning to sink. Even after all this time, he still couldn't bring himself to call this man his father.

"Yes, but we don't know who this is." Solo said, pointing to another figure in the picture. At first glance, Adam thought it was nothing more than Vader's shadow. But after looking far more closely, he found this shadow was moving all on it's own. In it's hand was a lightsaber in mid draw. Unlit, but even from the still picture, Adam knew the wielder was fast.

What truly caught Adam off guard was the face, or rather, lack thereof. Vader's mask was harsh and war-like, but this one was smooth like glass.

"How did you get this picture?" Adam asked, his eyes not leaving the holo.

"There was a Bothan spy network on Danuta that managed to get this out to us before they were caught. The Imps had them displayed in the town square for all to see the same afternoon this holo was taken." Solo said grimly.
-----

Bastian's eyes were glued to the holo that this *General Solo* produced. So much so that he didn't hear the hard breathed from behind him til it was far too late.

"What is that sou-" Bastian started to say before he felt a massive had grab the back of his shirt and lift him into the air. The Wookie let out a growl that sounded somewhere between annoyed and amused.

Jin had been absorbed in eavesdropping as much as Bastian had. Up until the image of Vader appeared on the holo. Sudden, overwhelming pain crackled over her scalp, like her horns had been tied with metal and zapped. This came with a wave of nausea, but Jin knew that was just pure cowardice. Meditation came over her like a reflex - My ally is the Force, I know no fear. My balm is the Force, I know no pain - but it wouldn't go away.

She was going to be sick. The rebellion of her stomach continued, threatening a resurgence of breakfast.

But then she heard a beskar muffled yelp, and saw Bastian being lifted into the air by the Wookie. Everything was suddenly crystalline. She was on her feet and moving and yelling. Pain, fear, all else gone, except for the need to protect.

"You let him go, you mangy jerk!" Chewbacca would feel the mildest thump of impact as seven small horns hit him.