Title:  Republic Saga - Vengeance

Author:  Jonathan Evans

Author email:  noggins@btinternet.com

Summary: A year after the events of 'Revenge of the Jedi', Leia 
Skywalker reaches an important part in her training as a Jedi Knight 
under the tutelage of her father while Lando Calrissian begins a 
journey of self discovery...

Disclaimer:  George Lucas owns everything and I'm not making any 
money off of this nor do I intend to (I'd like to but that's not the 
point).  You can distribute this freely provided that it's complete 
with this disclaimer.


		CHAPTER ONE:
		HIDDEN ALLIES

It had been a long, long year but she had got through it. Leia had 
embraced the ways of the Jedi but more importantly the ways of her 
family. It wasn't long after the Battle of Endor that she
adopted the name Skywalker, feeling it was her duty to continue her 
lineage.

She somersaulted over her father's head and landed on the other side 
of the room. They clashed sabers before Leia rolled along the ground 
and got to her feet behind Anakin. She held her weapon to his throat 
and smiled.
"I think I win again..."
"You are agile, my daughter and strong with the Force. I see a 
powerful future ahead of you."
"Yeah, you always say that when I beat you," she grinned as she 
turned off her saber and placed it at her belt. Anakin did the same 
and put his hand on her shoulder. "Let's go, I have to meet
with the Council..."

Leia looked at him inquisitivly. "Are you going to take them up on 
their offer?" she asked.
"Not until I think you are a full Jedi Knight," he replied. "Then, 
perhaps I will. It is a great honour to be a part of the Council but 
it will be a long while until we are back to the level we
once were. Many of the Jedi have taken padawans so it will not be 
long..."

The two walked out of a set of double doors and out into the main 
reaches of the Republic headquarters built on New Naboo. As they made 
their way down the corridor they passed various aliens who were 
either members of the Republic Senate or Jedi Knights. Leia greeted 
several who she had befriended during her training as they continued.

The two stopped at another set of doors and they opened 
automatically. Anakin entered first, followed by Leia. They bowed 
before the Jedi Council.
"I am here as you requested," the elder Skywalker said.
"As well you should be," Adi Gallia replied. She was nominated leader 
of the New Council. To her left sat Kas Grendor, a male Kel Dor from 
the planet Dorin. Just like all members of his race he wore a mask to 
prevent him from breathing the deadly oxygen of New Naboo.

Next to Grendor was Hela Zapalo, a human survivor of the original 
Naboo. She was aged around twenty five with brown hair and matching 
eyes. A truly enchanting sight for Anakin, being reminded of his 
former wife.

"President Mothma has began plans to retake Coruscant," Gallia 
continued. "She is requesting that the two of you lead the attack 
along with General Calrissian. After your victory at Endor and other 
conflicts with the Empire since she believes you are the best for the 
job."

"I thank you..." Anakin began but was interrupted by his daughter. "I 
don't think the Republic forces are enough for a full scale assault 
on the Imperial planet as yet. We are still reeling from the near-
loss at Iridon and I don't think we could muster up the strength."
"The Force will..."
"I am speaking from a purely military point of view here, Master 
Gallia," Leia said. "If we are to continue this line of attack we 
must branch out, make more allies."

"Allies?" Zapalo queried. "In what form? Most of the races in the 
Outer Rim and some of the Core Worlds already have treaties with us. 
Who could you be talking of?" Leia stood forward, bringing herself 
into focus of the Council.
"Several months ago I heared rumours that a small group of Mandalore 
survived the Clone Wars..."

The Council chamber fell deathly silent. They all gazed at Leia as if 
she was mad. She tried to ignore them and continued her speech. "I 
managed to get into contact with one of their ambassadors..."

"Ambassadors!" a Rodian Council member exclaimed. "For them to have 
ambassadors a race must be considering peace. The Mandalore are only 
warriors. Fierce, evil warriors!"
"Silence, Yarled," Gallia said. "Let her continue."

She nodded to Leia. "As I was saying, Ambassador Keylar feels that it 
is time the Mandalore came out of hiding and faced the galaxy. He is 
confident that his people will be prepared to join us in our battle 
against the Empire."

The six Council members began to quietly discuss this between 
themselves. Anakin turned to Leia. "Are you sure about this? Trusting 
our fate to a race that helped to reduce the Jedi's numbers during 
the wars," he began. "If it wasn't for them the Empire wouldn't have 
gained the strength it did."
"But you forget, father," Leia replied. "The Empire took them for 
granted and began to mistreat them. They want revenge and we have the 
means..."

Adi Gallia motioned with her hand and everyone stopped talking. "We 
have come to a decision," she said. "I have learnt to trust your 
judgement, Leia Skywalker, and I allow you to take this before 
Chancellor Mothma. What she says will be final but we will support 
you in your plan."
"Thank you, master Gallia," Leia bowed. She turned to the door 
followed closely by  Anakin.

Once they were outside he smiled. "It won't be long until they grant 
you full Jedi knighthood. You have an effect on them that no one I 
have ever known has had."
"You have to remember, my knowledge is based around politics."
"Of course," her father replied. "That is to be expect, you growing 
up on Alderaan."

The two Jedi walked down the corridor, heading towards Mon Mothma's 
offices.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Lando Calrissian sat alone in his quarters, thinking everything in 
his life over and over like he had been since Adi Gallia had told him 
he was a clone. And not even an effective clone, part of an 
experiment project that went wrong and had to be cancelled. He 
managed to give out a brave front in public but when alone he just 
wanted to crack up.

Perhaps if he hadn't reawoken the Jedi he would never have found out, 
but that would have meant the Rebellion would have lost on Endor. He 
put his head in his hands and tried to cry but he wasn't sure why he 
wanted to.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Chancellor Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar were discussing the events 
unfolding around them, both insistent that the Empire was weak enough 
for one final strike at its heart.

"Coruscant is our best target," Ackbar nodded in reply to what Mothma 
had just told him. "With it back in the hands of the Republic I'd 
give the Empire another six months before it crumbles."
"Exactly," the galactic leader replied. "But we must wait until we 
hear what the Jedi have decided.

With that the automatic doors opened allowing Anakin and Leia to 
enter. They exchanged greetings before the elder of the two Jedi 
spoke. "We have come from the Council."
"Have they made a decision?" Ackbar asked.
"They have," Anakin nodded. "But a request has been made to ensure 
victory is ours?"

Mothma gave Skywalker an intrigued glance. "Explain," she said.
"I'd better leave that to my daughter..."
"As you know, I have been in contact with the Mandalore,"
Leia began. "Their ambassador has agreed to meet on neutral territory 
to discuss a potential alliance."

Mon Mothma saw the determination in the young Jedi's eyes. She had 
known Leia since she was born due to her close friendship with Bail 
Organa, her adopted father. All that time she never expected the girl 
to be the key to bringing back the Jedi. "As you know I am willing to 
agree with anything you have to offer. Have you started making 
plans?"
"I am currently discussing a location to hold the meeting with 
Ambassador Keylar. If you allow this to go ahead I can be ready to 
leave in less than two days."

"Good. I will arrange a transport to take you there." Thinking the 
chancellor had finished, Leia made a move to leave. She sensed 
something on the other woman's mind and span back around.
"Leia, I do hope you're not planning on going alone..."
"I was..." the Jedi princess said. "It would be better for the safety 
of the Republic if fewer people were there."

Anakin put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I'll go with you. 
You don't want to risk the Republic's safety but I don't want to lose 
you like I lost Luke."
"You won't. I'm facing a Mandalorian not a Sith Lord. If things turn 
sour I'll be able to handle myself."

Ackbar shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Mandalorian armour is made 
using cortosis shields, a metal that is causes lightsabers to 
deactivate. You would have to rely on your wits, not your weapon."
"That's what I was planning to do. I am a Jedi. I try to take the 
peaceful way in everything I do," Leia said, almost under her breath. 
Ackbar seemed to have something against the Jedi since the Council 
was set up. They were always the first to hear of developments, 
sending the Republic military further down the command chain.

Mon Mothma sensed the tension in the room and stood up. She addressed 
Leia with a smile. "You and your father will take a shuttle to the 
chosen destination. Providing the talks go well we will delay our 
attack until there is peace between us and the Mandalore."
"Thank you..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Leia returned to her quarters and sat at a computer console. She 
flicked a switch and a small device situated on the edge of the desk 
scanned her. Several seconds later the blue, shimmering holographic 
image of the Mandaorian ambassador Keylar appeared on a projection 
pad. Although she could not see his face, Leia knew he was pleased to 
see her.
"Ah, Princess," he said. "Have you discussed the plans with the Jedi 
Council?"
"Yes, and they agree. I will meet with you at a place of your choice 
as soon as possible."

The Mandalore nodded his head. His body armour was slightly different 
to that worn by Anakin Skywalker when he had adopted the persona of 
Boba Fett. The eye-slits curled up at the top and a traditional 
symbol of the Mandalore military was on the forehead area. "I've 
considered that and I believe Chakran would be appropriate. It is a 
meeting place for smugglers. No one would give us another glance if 
we were seen there."

"There used to be an Imperial garison there," Leia replied.
"I don't intend to be captured within minutes of arriving."
"You're a Jedi, are you not? Surely you can handle Imps with little 
effort," Keylar continued with what appeared to be over confidence.
"Yes, but the numbers of our forces are small. We can't reveal 
ourselves yet."
"Of course... but I believe the Imperial presence has fallen since 
your marvelous victory on Endor. They have most likely moved their 
forces to more essential areas."

Leia remained unsure. "I would rather wait until it was confirmed 
that they have been moved away."
"I understand your caution. I will make sure that everything is safe 
and will contact you tomorrow."
"Thank you, ambassador."

The image flickered away. Leia sat back in her seat, and sighed. 
Things may have been going well, too well. "I sense fear in you, 
sister..."
Leia turned to see the ghostly visage of her brother standing behind 
her. A smile came to her face. "Luke."
"Here as ever," he said with comfort. "It has been a while since we 
last spoke but I feel you may need my help."
"You know me better than I do," the princess smiled. "So, what's 
happening?"

"I sense a dark presence, Leia," Luke replied. "There is something 
happening in the galaxy which could turn the tide for the Republic. 
The Empire is gaining strength again. It is up to you to stop it 
while you can."
"Can I do it alone?"
"You have our father and you have me. You will never be alone, dear 
sister."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

In the central core of the galaxy, the galactic captial of Coruscant 
sat, its presence emminating for thousands of light years around it. 
For over twenty five thousand years it was the seat of power, 
originally for the Old Republic and now the Empire.

In the throne temple of Imperial City, a red haired woman entered the 
massive automatic doors, each one carefully designed by the best 
scuptors in the galaxy. She walked to the throne which was turned 
away from her. "I have the latest reports, my Emperor."

The seat turned. The white skinned, red eyed Chiss, Thrawn sat 
comforably, his fingertips resting on each other. He smiled. "What do 
they say?"
Mara Jade inspected the datapad in her hand. "The Republic base is 
located in the Outer Rim as we originally expected, however our deep 
space probes have begun to pick up signals coming from a certain 
area."

"Indeed," Thrawn said, his face showing no emotion. He had been 
declared Emperor only three months previously once the High Council 
decided that a new leader was needed. He originally refused the title 
he now held but when Mara Jade came into the picture he felt it was 
perfect to bring her into his fold. The Emperor's Hand. Palpatine had 
not made enough use of her, keeping her in the shadows for far too 
long.

"I suggest we send a fleet to attack straight away. If we comb the 
sector with precision we will be able to draw them out. We could 
destroy them in one swoop."
"No. Not yet. They are too weak. I want challenge..."
"What? You can't be serious. They have us on the run already! More 
than we release to the general public. The Jedi's return has caused 
more races to join the Republic."

Emperor Thrawn shook his head. "Things will go well. They may have 
the Jedi but we have a secret weapon too." He reached out and stroked 
Mara's cheek. She wanted to move away but knew that her execution 
would be imminent if she turned against the new Emperor.

"I still don't think..." the woman began but Thrawn interrupted.
"It is what Palpatine would have wanted..."

Mara fell silent. These words had a strong effect on her. It was 
because of her loyalty to her former master that she even put up with 
the alien insurper. She nodded.
"Of course..."


		CHAPTER TWO:
		DIRE SITUATIONS

"Entering hyperspace.... NOW!" Anakin called as the small shuttle 
with barely enough room for two people was enveloped in a flourescent 
blue light. He turned to Leia and smiled. "Well, nothing's gone wrong 
yet."
"And I hope nothing does," she replied carefully. "This mission is 
too important for the Republic. If we don't get the Mandalore to join 
us I know Mon Mothma will launch an attack on Coruscant."
"And are you so sure that attack will fail?" her father asked.
"You told me yourself you have the ability to see things before they 
happen. Haven't you forseen the danger?"
"My powers have gone dim in the years  couldn't use them. Or perhaps 
they have been passed down to you..."
"Either way, I have a feeling something's going to go wrong if we 
don't do this."

She flicked a few switches, activating the autopilot and leaned back 
in her seat, twirling the braid that came down over her left ear. "I 
still don't see why I have to have these things," she pondered. "Sure, they're the traditional style of apprentices but Luke never 
had to have one."
"Obviously Obi-Wan felt that since it was an emergency to get to 
Alderaan to rescue you he didn't have time to sit Luke down and cut 
his hair," Anakin laughed. Leia jabbed him in the side with a smile. "Okay, okay. He probably felt it was passed its time, however the 
Council doesn't. You're my padawan learner and so you should have the 
braids. At least you get two. I only had one when I was training."
"I don't think two would have suited you, father," Leia grinned.

Anakin reached behind his seat and pulled out a datapad with the 
mission instructions on it. He switched it on and read the 
information for what was probably the hundredth time. His face became 
serious again. "Are you sure our contact was right about the Empire 
having left Chakran? I'd have thought they'd want to ensure the 
smugglers didn't get out of control."
"That's what I thought, but Keylar has reassured me."
The elder Skywalker nodded. "I would say never to trust a Mandalore 
but it is time we put our old predjudices behind us and look to the 
future. It is the only way we can end this conflict for good..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Lando entered the resting area in the Republic base on New Naboo. He 
looked carefully around to see if anyone he knew was there. Wedge 
Antilles noticed him and smiled. Lando realised it was too late to 
escape now. "Hey, General! Come over here!"
He smiled gracefully and sat next to the leader of Rogue Squadren. "Hi, Wedge," he said.
"So, what've you been up to? I haven't had a chance to speak to you 
for weeks."
"I've been keeping myself busy, I guess." Lando squirmed a little. He 
didn't really want to talk to anyone right now but was too polite to 
get out of this conversation.

"I heard you were thinking of going back to Bespin," Wedge said 
trying desperately to get information out of the Republic officer. He 
sensed the atmosphere was tense too but knew Calrissian needed 
someone to talk to.
"Well, I have considered but it'd take way too long to retire from 
the Republic gracefully."
"So you are considering it?"
"Yeah. I want to go back to when things were a hell of a lot simpler. 
Plus I'm not going to be at risk from the Empire now. I doubt they'd 
care about some two-credit gas mine now they're practically on the 
run."

Wedge shook his head. He knew what was going on more than most. He'd 
been on the front line since he'd signed up and things were not just 
going to fall into their hands that easy. "If they're anything, on 
the run is not it," he said. "I've been in quite a few battles over 
the last two months and they're gaining strength. Rumours are going 
around that they've got a new leader."
"Impossible. I hate to say it but no one could rally the troops like 
ol' Palpy."
"All they need is fear to put them in line. I'm sure they've found 
just the person to do it."

Lando refused to believe it. He sighed and looked around. The kid had 
tricked him into talking but he realised that he really didn't care 
about the Empire any more. Ppart of him, he thought, wouldn't mind if 
a fleet of Star Destroyers attacked New Naboo and wiped it out right 
now. At least then he wouldn't have anything to bother him.
"Look, Wedge, I gotta go..." he said making his excuses.
"You only just got here."
"I know, but now I gotta go."

Lando got up and walked out of the room. Antilles watched carefully 
as the now almost broken man disappeared behind the door. The pilot 
was beginning to worry about the general but he just couldn't work 
out what was wrong. It all started back after the victory at Endor. 
That Jedi Adi Gallia took him away to talk to and he wasn't the same 
again. For a while Wedge thought maybe he'd tried to make a move on 
her and she turned him down but a year was too long for Calrissian to 
be suffering from heartache. Way too long.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

A loud bleeping sound coming from the console woke Anakin with a 
start. He checked the computer read out and shook Leia. "We're coming 
out of hyperspace!" he told her. She quickly came to her senses and 
took control of the shuttle again as the darkness of space became 
visible at the end of the blue, swirling tunnel.

The shuttle shot out and the portal disappeared behind them. Inside, 
Anakin checked the star charts. "We're several parsecs from Chakran. 
Shouldn't take us too long to get there now."
"Good. The sooner we get this over with the better." Leia pressed 
several buttons on the control pad and readjusted the course they 
were taking to head straight for the moon.

Anakin looked out of the window to see the stars rushing by. A 
feeling suddenly hit him. "Move! Quickly!"
"Wha- What?" Leia stuttered as her father pushed a control to move 
the ship away from its current position. Just as he did an Imperial 
Star Destroyer emerged from hyperspace.
"That was too close," the older of the two Jedi sighed.
"We're not out of it yet!" Leia replied. "They want to open a 
communication with us! What are we supposed to tell them?"

"Leave it to me," Anakin said taking over the situation. He flicked 
the comm-link on and waited for the Imperial commander on the other 
end to speak.
"Unidentified vessel, please submit your name and reason for being 
here."
"I, uh, My name is Keldor Drailik," Skywalker said, adopting a 
completely different and convincingly fearful voice. Leia honestly 
didn't know her father had it in him. Anakin continued,
"I'm delivering spare parts to the outpost on Chakran."

There was a pause. Leia looked at her father. "Do you think they 
suspect anything?"
"I'm not sure. However, I sense something disturbing."
The officer spoke again. "Our sensor detect a high midi-chlorian 
count in your vessel. Are you transporting Jedi?"

"I didn't know they had that kind of technology!" Leia whispered.
"Neither did I. I guess they're getting sensible in their old age."
"That's hardly a good thing for us is it?"
The voice came from the speaker for a third time. "Do you copy? Are 
you transporting Jedi?"

Anakin began to work quickly at the hyperspace computer. His daughter 
turned to him with shock. "What are you trying to do? There's no way 
we can enter lightspeed this close to the planet!"
"Just watch me..."
He pressed a button and the engines began to whirr but it soon became 
a louder roar. Anakin pressed a button and the light surrounded them 
again. Suddenly the console exploded as a blast from the Star 
Destroyer hit them. "Too late!" he cursed himself.

"We have to get to the planet!" Leia shouted. "I'm putting us on 
manual." She took control and built the speed up to the highest she 
could get it before beginning to short journey to the planet, 
swerving to avoid the laser blasts coming at them from the hundreds 
of gun mounts along the Star Destroyer. She fell from the pattern and 
one hit them, followed by another. "I can't maintain control for much 
longer!"
"Stay here," Anakin told her. "We're going to have to split up!"

He rushed from his seat into the cargo bay, by far the largest part 
of the shuttle as Leia tried her best to avoid certain destruction. "Shields are down! Whatever you're planning do it..."

Before she could finish what she was saying, an X-wing flew out of 
the back of the shuttle and headed towards the Imperial Cruiser, 
drawing its fire away from the shuttle. A different voice came 
through the comm-channel - Anakin's. "Get to the moon," he told his 
daughter. "I'll meet you there as soon as I can."
"Be careful..."
"When am I not careful?" he joked.

Leia piloted the shuttle safely to her destination, made easier by 
her father's reckless but brave attack against the Empire. The probes 
orbiting Chakran were easy to get passed and soon she was landing on 
a docking platform around fifty kilometres above the poisonous 
surface of the moon once used for mining but leaving it scarred and 
inhospitable.

She left the ship and put her Jedi robes on, covering her face so 
that she could not be recognised. Jedi were supposed to remain as 
anonomous as possible but that wasn't likely for Leia with her 
notrious past as a princess, senator and Rebel leader. She walked 
into a cantina and looked around for Ambassador Keylar. Surely he 
would not be wearing his Mandalorian in such a public place.

She walked passed a group of insectoid Yam'rii, their stick- like 
arms rubbing together in order to communicate with each other in loud 
clicking sounds. Beyond them a black and grey haired Wookie growled 
at a Gran for not paying him what was due. Leia once hated everything 
about space pirates and smugglers but then she fell in love with one 
and everything changed. They couldn't all be like Han, that just 
wasn't possible but she now understood what they had to go through to 
survive. Once you had a criminal record in the Old Republic and the 
Empire it would tarnish you for life and you could never go back to 
honest work yet at the same time they were being used for taken 
stolen technology back to the corrupt senators who made the most they 
could out of the current situation. Things were changing but it could 
never be right until the Imperial control was vanquished.

A gloved hand came down on her shoulder. Leia turned around, her hand 
stroking the chrome plating of her lightsaber. Another cloaked figure 
stood behind her but just under it she could see the distinctive 
Mandalore mask. Well, he was trying to remain unseen even if he 
insisted on keeping his head-piece on. She wondered for a moment what 
a Mandalore looked like under all of that armour. She brought herself 
back to her senses as he spoke.
"Excuse me, do you know where you can purchase a hurlothrumbic 
generator?" he whispered.
She nodded. "You could try the Hutt stall just around the corner."
"Will it have what I want?"
"It has everything from hyperspace power coils to maintenence 
droids..."

Keylar smiled. They had both gone through the code correctly. "So, 
you're Princess Leia Organa," he said.
"I am a Skywalker now."
"Of course, but such information doesn't always reach our humble 
planet. Come, come, sit over here." He pulled out a seat at an empty 
table and Leia sat. He took another one opposite her. If she didn't 
know better he was smiling. "I didn't think you were coming alone," 
he mused, prying for more information.
"We were caught by a Star Destroyer just after we came from 
hyperspace. My father took a fight to draw them away. I only hope 
he's okay," she replied. "You didn't know anything about that did 
you?"
"Why... why would I?" he asked.
"It was just they were looking for Jedi. Strange, isn't it?"
"Yes. Very..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Anakin pulled the X-wing up to avoid fire from one angle but was hit 
by another barrage from his left. The fighter shuddered as the shield 
dropped further. "To hell with this," he muttered. He switched the 
deflector shields to full aft and made a run for Chakran, getting hit 
by lasers and the occasional proton torpedo. The shields drained even 
further. He pushed the speed up to its maximum but a shot hit one of 
the engines. It exploded in an array of colors.

Anakin gripped onto the joystick harder than ever, desperatly trying 
to maintain balance but was failing miserably. There was only one 
thing he could think of. He smiled as he said something he hadn't for 
over thirty years. "I'll try spinning, that's a good trick!"

He turned the controls and the X-wing seemed to turn over and over, 
seemingly out of control but successfully avoiding the blasts that 
were coming towards it. The smuggler's moon was getting ever closer 
and Anakin just knew he was going to make it. Just a few more seconds 
and he'd be out of firing range. Just a few more seconds...

A lucky shot hit one of the other engines. The spinning craft 
increased in speed and the control console exploded. Anakin was no 
longer able to maintain the X-wing as it headed towards the surface, 
nowhere near the area where he planned to meet Leia.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

"And you think it would benefit both parties?" Keylar asked, knowing 
full well he was not going to lose out on this deal - for his own 
sake. "My people will not join you unless..."
"The Mandalore will receive immediate entry into the Republic as well 
as pardoning for any actions that occured during the Clone Wars."
"That is a remarkable offer, but are you in a position to make it?"
"Of course. I spoke with Chancellor Mothma before leaving our base. I 
know exactly what is in my right to offer."

Keylar stopped and put his hand on his chin. He thought over 
everything carefully. His people had entrusted him with this position 
and he wasn't going to lose it for a mistake he made here. As far as 
he knew, once they joined, the Republic would wipe their race out for 
the crimes commited decades earlier.
"I'm still not sure. I want to believe you but..."
"But?"
"The Jedi do not trust my people and they are powerful enough to find 
a way to destroy us."
"I know the Jedi Council. They too have agreed with everything I have 
said. They want peace just as much as we do."
"Peace, perhaps," the Mandalore frowned. "But for what reason? For 
our aid in going to war?"
"It is not like that. The Empire is a threat to the entire galaxy."
Keylar shook his head. "They don't know about us."
"Maybe so, but they will find you eventually and they will wipe you 
out. A treaty with the Republic would be beneficial for all 
concerned."

Leia gripped her left hand with her right. She held tightly as she 
waited nervously for the ambassador's final decision knowing it could 
mean life or death for all concerned. He finally spoke. "My people 
have sent me to analyse this situation and I believe your aims are 
truthful. If you are prepared to do so we can travel to our outpost 
where you can meet the Mandalorian Ruling Council."
The princess smiled. "Thank you. But I'm afraid we can't leave just 
yet. I have to wait for my father's arrival. No doubt he will not be 
long."
"Of course," Keylar replied. "Then tomorrow we shall leave for 
Yarori."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Anakin finally came to. He raised his head and looked around. He was 
on the surface of Chakran. Near the old mining colony. The sensors on 
his X-wing, perhaps the only system still remotely functional 
informed him of the poisonous atmosphere. He pulled out a gas mask 
and goggles and lifted the top hatch to climb out into the not so 
fresh air.

As he jumped out he noticed a blaster pointing at his head. He turned 
to see a red haired woman with similar facial attire to himself. He 
lifted his hands above his head slowly. "What do you want?" he asked.

He received a blast that whizzed passed his ear as a reply. As the 
woman reset her blaster, Anakin pulled out his lightsaber, deflecting 
the next lasor that came towards him. His opponent threw the gun 
aside and took out her own, red bladed laser sword. The two clashed 
as Skywalker forced her back.
"Who are you?"
"It is not your concern," she replied, taking a swipe at his head 
which he avoided easily with a quick step to the right. He hit her 
back and she rolled with the attack, somersaulting to safety. She 
picked her blaster up again and gave of several random shots which 
Anakin was forced to deflect. This gave her the opportunity to rush 
forward, blade held out. It went through his side as if it were 
paper. He grabbed it in pain but then realised what he must do to 
win. He began to focus, keeping his mind on the here and now, letting 
the Force control his movement...

Anakin jumped into the air and came down with a crash, knocking the 
woman's lightsaber out of her hand and well out of her reach. She 
cursed him under her breath as he smiled. "Now, I think you have a 
few questions to answer, don't you?"
"I'll tell you nothing, Jedi," she hissed. "It isn't you I'm after, 
but when we meet again you'll remember the name Mara Jade as the 
person who killed your daughter and you could do nothing about it."

Skywalker came to his senses. He had to find Leia as fast as he 
could. With a quick manipulation of the Force he sent Mara's weapon 
far into the distance before leaving her standing in the red, crater-
filled area.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Leia entered her quarters and activated the lights. She realised she 
was not alone. Luke's spirit was with her again. "Twice in as many 
days. I feel honoured," she smiled.
"I'm afraid I have grave news..." he said solemnly.
"Father!" Leia's eyes were filled with fear.
Her brother shook his head. "No. He is fine. He is a Jedi Master who 
can take care of himself. When the time comes he will not be the 
target." He stopped so that Leia could recover from her unfounded 
shock. "You, my sister, are the greatest power in the Republic, in 
the galaxy. When the darkness arrives I will not be able to help you, 
not in this form..."

As he finished his sentence, the doors burst open with a bang as five 
men and droids stormed into the room, blaster rifles at the ready. 
The lead one looked at the princess Jedi and smiled. "Ah, I see 
you're waiting for us..."
"Bounty hunters..." Leia frowned as they opened fire on her.

		CHAPTER THREE:
		DEFIANCE

The first blast caught Leia by surprise but she managed to avoid it 
with a leap into the air. She swung on the light placement, kicking 
the first bounty hunter to the ground. She dived behind the sofa, 
using it as a barricade as the other four took random shots at her. 
She moved her hand under her cloak and pulled out her lightsaber, the 
red blade extending with a loud buzz. The Jedi robes fell to the 
floor to allow her to move easily.

Two blasts came towards her head but they were deflected with ease, 
one going back and hitting its firer in the chest the other creating 
a small hole in the wall. Leia held out her arm and two of the 
mercenaries fell backwards onto each other. The princess Jedi smiled. "You really should give up. It's not going to get you anywhere."

As she spoke those words a loud crashing sound came from above as two 
heavily build reptilian creatures burst through the ceiling. Leia 
jumped out of the way to avoid a piece of falling rubble. She came 
down on her feet but was lifted into the air by the strong, grey 
skinned thing. With a quick movement of her wrist, its arm sliced off 
and the shoulder and fell to the floor with a thud.

The remaining bounty hunters had got their senses together by this 
point and had their weapons trained on her as she backed slowly into 
a corner. She may have been a Jedi but she was overwhelmed by the 
numbers. The large creature with the missing arm was still fully 
functional. The only thing she had done was to make it even angrier.

With one final strike, Leia ran at one of the creatures in an attempt 
to take it out of the battle but misjudged her opponent and was send 
flying through the air, he saber rolling to the floor on the other 
side of the room.

The lead bounty hunter, a scarred human with a cloth around his head 
held his gun at the princess' head and grinned. "I've always wanted 
to kill a Jedi," he said. "I was beginning to worry I'd never get the 
chance..." Leia sensed the pleasure flowing through him as his finger 
pulled down on the trigger. A quick spasm went through his body as he 
fell to the ground. Everyone turned to see the masked visage of the 
man they knew as Boba Fett.
"What you boys doin' here?" he asked them calmly.
"Fett!" a short, dark grey droid exclaimed in its electronically 
produced voice. "We thought you were dead."
"You thought wrong, droid," was the reply. "This here's my target. 
Ain't no one gonna take that away from me..."
"This was a free bounty. Our benefactor said it was up to anyone to 
bring her in. Dead or alive."
"Anyone? Last I heard she was wanted alive and I was the one to do 
it."

A tall, green skinned Trandoshan Fett knew as Bossk looked down on 
him, trying to instill fear in the heart of his rival. "What are you 
going to do to stop us? You're old, weak. You have no power. People 
aren't afraid of you as they used to be."
Fett looked up, standing as tall as he could and looking as deeply 
into the alien's eyes as he could. "Do you want to try me out?"

There was silence. Everyone looked at their fellow bounty hunter in 
the Mandalorian armour. He looked back at each and every one of them 
without moving his head. "I will kill anyone who gets in my way. You 
know I will."
4-LOM looked down at the body of Dengar before turning to the others. 
"I think we should, uh, leave him to it..." Bossk and the others 
nodded. He looked at Fett as he made his way to the exit. "We'll meet 
again, Fett. And you will die."
"Sure..."

The door closed behind them. Anakin, still with his armour on looked 
at the two grey-skinned aliens who stood watching what they 
considered to be a bizzare interchange. "Greetings, Noghri," Anakin 
said. "I am Boba Fett. I'm sure you've heard of me."
"We have. We are not afraid like those lower lifeforms."
"Maybe you should be."

The Noghri with the missing arm jumped at Anakin who pulled a rounded 
blade from a holster on his back. He threw it at his enemy and hit in 
in the chest. It fell to the floor, dead upon impact as his heart was 
pierced. "Want to try anything else?" The second of the two aliens 
pulled out a blaster and shot the weapon out of Anakin's hand. He 
rolled along the floor to avoid further hits as he took a blaster 
from his belt. His first shot missed as he regained his balance and 
the second scoring a hit in the Noghri's shoulder but doing no harm. 
He tried again but the recoil was jammed. He tugged at the back as 
hard as he could and pulled his pistol up to fire again only to see 
the creature falling into two pieces thanks to his daughter's 
lightsaber.

"Good work," he commented. "But I could have dealt with him."
"Hmmm..."
"Really."
"Is it just me or are you a little reckless for a Jedi Master?"
"Yoda used to think I was too reckless to be an padawan!"
"Maybe he was right," Leia smiled. After several seconds her face 
became serious again. "But what I want to know is who sent them 
here?"
"Perhaps the same person who sent a Sith apprentice to attack me once 
I arrived on this planet..."
"A Sith? Like Vader?"
"No. Not that strong, but given training under a powerful enough 
master she could have been..."

At that moment the door opened again. Anakin and Leia turned to see 
Keylar watching them. Rage filled his body as he seemd to recognise 
the man the princess was with.
"You...." he hissed and pulled out a Mandalorian blade and diving at 
Anakin with it held above his head.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Mara Jade walked through the doors from the docking ring to the 
starport itself. She looked around carefully around to check for 
traces of her prey. An empty table stood before her with two glasses 
that once held drinks. Mara picked up the first and sniffed it. Juri 
Juice. Alcoholic, no Jedi would drink that. The same for the second. 
She continued to another empty one but a large alien slumped down on 
the seat before she could get there.

"Hey, there pretty one," he smiled when he noticed her. "You wanna 
sit her? There's room on my lap."
Within seconds his head had collided with the wall on the other side 
of the room. Mara examined the cup that had not yet been cleaned 
away. Blue milk, not the sort of drink your average smugler or spacer 
would consume. Only a Jedi could have been here. He picked it up and 
sensed Leia's presence. She had been here only several hours before.

A group of three suspicious looking beings of various races were 
coming her way. They kept looking back over their shoulders obviously 
worried that someone or something was after them. Mara walked in 
front of them. "Hey!" the first one shouted. "Get outta the way."
"Not until you tell me what you're doing," the young woman hissed.
"It's none of your..." The first of the aliens suddenly recognised 
her. "You - You work for the Emperor, don't ya?"
"I've been known to," Mara replied coldly as she noticed the fear 
growing in their eyes.
"Look, we - we tried to kill her... but Fett got in our way. Said our 
orders had changed."
"You were told to kill her?"
"The Emperor himself s-said so."
"Did he?" Mara thought everything over. Thrawn said he wanted to take 
his time in taking over the Republic. He knew she had to kill Leia 
Skywalker to fulfil her orders from Palpatine himself. If he did it 
for her she would have to keep working for him. Anger filled Mara's 
entire body. "Come with me. You have new commands."

The bounty hunters followed Mara into an alleyway just far enough 
away from any prying eyes. "So, what do we do now?" the first one, 
Bossk, asked.
"And what's the pay like?" Zuckuss continued.
"Oh, you may not like the pay," replied Mara as she pulled out a 
blaster, taking all three of them by surprise. She looked down on 
their smoking bodies with a grimace. It was time she severed her 
links with Thrawn and did the real emperor's bidding.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Anakin side stepped out of the way of Keylar, sensing the exact time 
he would come down. The Mandalore got to his feet and tried again but 
once more the attack was counteracted. "You are scum Boba Fett! You 
are the nemesis of all the Mandalore!" He swiped again and Anakin 
ducked, this time grabbing the blade in between both of his hands and 
pulling it out of his enemy's grasp.
"This isn't the way to go, ambassador!" he said.
"How do you know who I am? All that we Mandalore were to you were 
targets for your sick games..."
"I am..." Anakin ducked a punch that Keylar threw at him and blocked 
another. "...not who you think I am."
"Really? Who are you?"

Anakin took the helmet off to reveal his true face. Keylar looked at 
him carefully. "Skywalker?" Anakin nodded. "Why do you wear the 
armour of such an evil creature?"
"Because... because I used to be Boba Fett." He waited for the next 
attack but it didn't come. He continued his explanation. "It was a 
time of war. I had no choice but to do what I did. It was the only 
way to protect the future of the Republic without them knowing who I 
was. If they did I would have been a target for the Empire..."
"And that is in the past now?"
"Of course. It is time we put old conflicts behind us and looked 
toward the future."

Keylar nodded. "Then we set course for Yarori in five hours. My ship 
is on docking platform thirty seven B."
He left the room as quickly as he had entered it. Leia looked at her 
father. "Very good. Now get out of that armour before we're shot down 
the moment we meet the High Council."
Anakin smiled. "I'll meet you before we leave. I'll need to arrange 
my own quarters."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Meanwhile, far away from all that was happening, Thrawn was sitting 
in his throne on Coruscant. Several aliens had tried to get on his 
good side, claiming that they had information on the Republic bases 
but he knew they were lying. Not by his usual means though. This time 
he could sense their fears of being discovered. His new found 
abilities shocked him. He had been noticing changes within himself 
since before he became emperor but now they were becoming more and 
more visible. And he liked it.

A Deveronian came into his room and bowed. "Hello Emperor man. Villie 
is here as you ordered."
"Vilmargh Grahrk," Thrawn hissed. "Information has come into my grasp 
that someone has betrayed me. I want her eliminated. I feel you can 
do it."
"Ja. Villie not as old as people thinks. He can do it in quick quick 
time."
"Her name is Mara Jade. She is powerful and in tune with the Force. 
She could be a danger to you."
"No. Villie has taken out many Jedi in his past, yes yes. He can do 
it."
"Good," continued Thrawn. "Use any means necessary."
"Of course. She is to be dead soon."

Grahrk turned and left the throneroom. Thrawn pondered his situation. 
When he sensed Mara had disobeyed his orders he did not want to 
believe it. He refused to, but the feelings were too strong. She had 
to die no matter how much it hurt him before she did something he 
would regret himself...

		CHAPTER FOUR
		DISCOVERIES

The Republic base on New Naboo was a busy as ever. In the Military 
room plans were continually being made for the future attack on 
Coruscant, some officers not knowing of the mission to the Mandalore.

Lando Calrissian wandered through the grey durasteel corridors, each 
one the same as the last with only the occasional number to give the 
sign that you were actually headed somewhere. He seemed drawn by an 
unknown force, perhaps even THE Force, to the entrance of the Jedi 
Council chambers. He stood by the door, looking at it while emotions
filled his entire body. He didn't know if it was anger or confusion,
or maybe even both, but it was powerful. Part of him wanted to walk 
in there and blast the hell out of them all for leaving him in the 
state he now was while the other wanted to demand answers.

"Come in..." a voice in his head called out. He walked forward and 
the massive door slid open. The only Council member present was
Adi Gallia - just the woman he wanted to see right now. He tried
to remain emotionless as he spoke. "You know why I'm here." She 
nodded in reply. "Then you're going to help me."

"No," Gallia responded. "You know of my feelings toward clones. Your 
kind were used to aid in the wiping out of the Jedi. It may have been 
over twenty five years for most of the galaxy but for myself and the 
rest of the survivors it has been barely one.."

Lando's anger continued to build up as he listened to the Jedi 
Master's words. "You say 'my kind' but I don't know anything about 
that. And I wouldn't have unless you had told. Surely *you* are the 
one that's made me the threat to you that you claim I am!"
"You are the most dangerous of all the clones. Your faults made you 
that way."
"And why is that exactly?" Lando asked.
"When the early experiments began it was intended to create being 
invisible to the Force - without midi-chlorians in their blood. That 
way they could strike without us knowing..."
"But something went wrong when I was..." He couldn't even say the 
word. He hated the idea of being artificial and he wasn't going to 
think of himself that way - ever.
"... when you were created, yes," Gallia said finishing his sentence. 
She didn't seem to care what his feelings were. Lando's hate began to 
swell as she continued. "The early types, it was discovered, were not 
only visible to the Force but their abilities were heightened and the 
possibility of falling the the Dark Side greater." She paused. 
"Surely you didn't think it was skill that made you such a good 
gambler?"

That remark hurt Lando. He had worked hard to be the man he was and 
now she was saying it was the Force that made it possible. Something 
suddenly struck him like a jolt of lightening. "Did you say that I 
can use the Force? That I can be a Jedi?"

After several seconds the Council member nodded. "The Sith played an 
important part in the Clone Wars. Emperor Palpatine was one himself 
as you know but by having armies of Force sensitive warriors who also 
have free will, another major flaw in itself, there was a risk to his 
status. Only two Sith are allowed at one time - Darth Bane himself 
stated it - and if the clones became more powerful they could 
potentially overthrow him and change his plans..."
"So he had us scrapped and replaced with drones who may not have been 
as powerful but were not a threat to his leadership. Clever bastard."

Gallia nodded. She did not believe Calrissian would take the news as 
easily as he did and even sensed that he accepted it. Maybe he wasn't 
as bad as she always thought. Maybe he was the person he claimed to 
be - self made gambler and sauve Rebel general. Perhaps there was no 
knowledge of his past hidden  deeply in his subconsious. Adi Gallia 
was filled with guilt - she was the one wrong here, thinking just 
because he was created in a laboratory, he wasn't evil. "I am 
sorry," she said with her head bowed.
"What?"
"I have been wrong here and I want to make it up to you," she 
confessed. "You want to discover yourself and I will aid you in your 
quest. Just tell me what you want."
"Well," Lando smiled. "There is just one thing..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

The disguised Mandalore vessel lifted from the surface of Chakran 
where it had spent the last day being forced through several 
inspections which it passed with flying colors much to the annoyance 
of the small group of Imperial troops that struggled to maintain 
control over the smugglers. It had been a long hard year for them 
since the death of the Emperor along with the destruction of the 
Death Star and now freedom was returning their iron fist could no 
longer remain closed.

Inside the vessel Anakin, Leia and Keylar remained in the cockpit 
until they were sure that they were well away from any patrols before 
relaxing. Anakin took a seat next to the ambassador as he inputted 
the hyperspace co-ordinates. "So, how far away is Yarori?" he asked.
"About two days. We tried to stay as close to the edge of the galaxy 
as possible. Even Outer Rim planets like Tatooine were to close to 
the centre."
"That's understandable given your situation," Anakin replied.
"But what I'd like to know is how you survived the Empire once it 
turned against you."

Keylar's motions showed this part of his race's history affected him 
personally. "They needed us to get the cloning technology from Naboo 
but with their new army the Empire only considered us a threat. Our 
former allies were now our new enemies and they were more powerful 
than either the Jedi or the remnants of the Old Republic - they knew 
our weaknesses. It wasn't long before we could fight no more..."
"And the Mandalore always fought to the death," Anakin continued, 
knowing exactly what was going through the ambassador's mind. "To be 
losing hurt you. You had to do what your sacred rites spoke outwardly 
against. You ran from battle."
Keylar nodded. "It was hard for us all but we have returned and we 
will get our revenge."

While the conversation was happening, Leia had slipped out of the 
cockpit into the small space that had been designated her own. She 
sat and called out her brother's name and his ghostly image appeared, 
lighting up the entire room. "What is it you called me for, sister?" 
he asked.
"I was wondering if you had any prophecies about what I am about to 
do. You are closer to the Force than anyone I know and..."
"Yes?" Luke replied in a calm, loving voice.
"I miss you," Leia smiled sadly.
"I am always with you Leia," he told her.
"Yes, but it's not the same. I want to see you, be with you."

Luke reached out his hand and touches Leia's cheek. Even though it 
wasn't physically there she could feel the warmth eminating from him. 
She looked into his eyes and nodded. "Thank you. I'm so glad you're 
here in whatever form it may be, but I wish you could help us by..."
"You know that isn't possible. Vader killed me and you avenged my 
death by not giving in to the hatred. By doing that you became more 
of a Jedi than I could ever have been."
"Don't say that!" she scolded him. "You know that isn't true."
"Oh, but it is. Through you I will live on - the Jedi will live on. I 
forsee a long future ahead of you."
"But will it be easy?"
"Is anything ever easy?" he said as he disappeared into thin air, his 
voice trailing off slowly, flowing through Leia.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Meanwhile, another ship passed through the Imperial probes into the 
reaches of space. Mara Jade hacked into the hyperspace computer of 
the Mandalore vessel and with the co-ordinates locked on, jumped to 
lightspeed just seconds after her intended prey. She turned to the 
droid at her side. "You take control, I've got something to do."
The robot nodded and began pressing buttons furiously in order to 
take over the running of the starship.

Mara took the short walk to her quarters where she began to remove 
her clothing she wore to get onto the outpost on Chakran and replaced them with a black catsuit which would aid her undercover infiltration
when they arrived at their destination, wherever that may be. She
reattached her belt which contained a small blaster and more 
importantly, her trusty lightsaber - the only weapon that should ever 
be used when facing Jedi.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

In the cargo hold of Mara's ship, a shadowy figure emerged from the 
darkness, the large horns protruding from his red skinned forheaed 
creating the kind of fear that his race was used to. The Devaronian 
stepped out into the lowly enlightened corridor with a grin on his 
face. "Villie make sure traitor woman dead now..." he smiled.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

The Republic archive was filled from floor to ceiling with datapads, 
old fashioned books and even the occasional Jedi Holocron. Lando 
picked one up and examined it closely trying to work out what it was 
and how it was turned on. Without needing to open his mouth, Gallia 
took it from him and it burst into light, activated by her touch. The 
green holographic Jedi Master that was projected from the top 
addressed them without even looking in their direction.

"Many questions arise," it began. "Some are answered while others are 
not. I am Master Vakros Tannin, guardian of the sacred Jedi 
Holocron." There was a pause as Lando turned to Gallia who motioned 
for him to continue watching the hologram. "In the past there were 
many now there are merely a few. Look to the dark planet and you will 
find what you are looking for..."

It vanished as quickly as it had appeared while Lando looked to his 
companion with a smile on his face. "It coulda been a little  less 
vague but I'm guessing it means there's someone else like me out 
there... That I have..."
"...a brother?"
"Yeah," Calrissian said, his smile turning into a large grin. "I've 
got a brother."

Gallia looked at the ornate blue cube in her hand. "But the question 
remains - where is he?""The Dark Planet?" Lando pondered. "Coruscant 
maybe."
The Jedi shook her head. "I do not believe that is true. As far as I 
know it has never been referred to as that since it became the head 
of the Galactic Republic."
"And that was a long time ago. Maybe we could find it somewhere in 
here." He walked over to a pile of datapads and picked the first one 
he saw up. Upon activating it he smiled. "Planetary names during the 
reign of the Galactic Republic... Too good to be true maybe?"
"Or perhaps your Force powers emerging?"
"I doubt that," Lando replied, wanting to put the idea of him 
possibly becoming a Jedi behind him. Far behind him. He looked over 
the information that he had collected. "I'll try running a search for 
dark planet... Should be a start."

Lando smiled as the information he wanted seem to come up almost 
instantly. "Here it is! Nar Shadaa - the Hutt's little safe haven."
"Looks like we've got a journey on our hands," the Jedi Master 
replied.
"*We*?" Lando asked. "You're coming along too?"
"Of course. I wish to help you all I can. It is the only way I can 
make it up to you for my doubts."
Calrissian nodded slightly. "Y'know, there's no need for that." He 
paused then quickly resumed what he was saying. "That's not saying I 
don't need company. That journey'll probably be pretty dull on my 
own."
Adi smiled back at him as they left the room.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Elsewhere in a hyperspace corridor heading to Yarori, Mara Jade's 
vessel was carefully follwing the Mandalore starship without being 
detected. The control droid ensured they were far enough out of 
sensor range that they could make the voyage safely.

"Hello droid-being..." a voice said behind it. PQ-8 looked around and 
received a blast in the middle of its head for its efforts. Villie 
pushed the metal carcass aside and looked at the computer. "Ah, we 
are heading for far far planet. This interesting," he pondered as he 
left the cockpit and walked into the corridor leading towards the 
lone crew quarters. He pulled the door open with all the strength he 
had and looked inside. The lights were down low so it took the 
Devaronian mercenary several seconds to adjust to the darkness.

He stepped into the room fully and examined it carefully. Something 
was wrong. The door slammed shut behind him and at the same instant a 
viewscreen activated. Mara's face was on it, obviously pre-recorded.
"Welcome to my starship," she remarked. "I don't know who you are but 
I'm guessing Thrawn sent you. Don't feel too bad about being caught - 
you've done better than most have just by getting on board. The 
vessel is set to self destruct in several seconds. You may be dying 
but think of it this way: you'll make a great message back to the 
Emperor. Bye!"

The screen turned off and panic filled Villie's eyes. He ran back to 
the door but couldn't open it. Magnetically sealed! He bashed on it 
as hard as he could but to no avail...

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

The single escape pod shot from the bottom of the starship just as it 
burst into a supernova, creating a spectacular heavenly display. Mara 
looked back at it, knowing if things went wrong now she was trapped. 
She straightened herself out. There was no time for doubting her own 
abilities - she could do this and she was going to. No matter how 
hard Leia Skywalker pleaded for her life. The red haired woman 
smiled.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

On Coruscant a blinding vision filled Thrawn's head. He clawed at his 
hair until the pain died away. His aides looked at him and were 
obviously concerned - for their own lives. If the Emperor wanted to 
take his anger out on anyone right now it would be them. Their worry 
was sated when Thrawn motioned for them to leave him alone, a task 
which they did at a speed they never thought they would be able to 
reach in their entire lives.

The Emperor finally looked up with a frown on his face. This had 
proved it to him - he was now able to use the Force, a gift he knew 
nothing about the origin of but  it was beginning to serve him well 
even if it caused him pain. He pressed a button on the arm rest of 
his throne and the holographic image of an Imperial officer appeared.

"My Lord," he said. "You have called me?"
"Yes," Thrawn hissed. "I want you to prepare for an attack on the 
outer galaxy planet of Yarori. Mobilise all troops and expect heavy 
casualties."
"Sir, are you... sure?"
"I am sure. I want this threat wiped off the face of the galaxy 
forever."

The officer nodded and the link ended. Thrawn sat back into the 
throne, the large, ornate bones that created massive spikes above him 
causing a shadow to fall over his eyes. He frowned. "This time things 
will be different."


		CHAPTER FIVE:
		FORCES RISING

Yarori was a desolate world, laid to waste during conflicts long 
before the formation of the Old Republic. It made a perfect hide-out 
for the Mandalore who had been hiding away from the Empire's grip 
since the Clone Wars decades earlier. Their base was located in a 
dull grey mountain range where it could not be seen unless you were 
close enough to it that the guards could blast you away. It proved 
effective for hiding, but that was not what the Mandalore were 
designed for.

The vessel of similar design to much of the buildings landed on an 
outcropping which had carefully carved steps down to the main 
entrance. Leia and Anakin Skywalker were the first to leave, closely
followed by Ambassador Keylar. Their cloaks were pulled down over 
their faces as a sign of reverence towards the race they were about 
to meet - or at least that was what Anakin told his daughter.

The meeting party stood forward. "Welcome back ambassador," the first 
said as he shook Keylar's hand roughly. "It has been a long wait but 
we hope there is good news."
"The Republic are willing to accept us into their ranks," he replied.
"Good, but we must first deal with the High Council. They are still 
against any relations with them."

Anakin stood forward and addressed them. "I was to believe that they 
had already agreed to join us..."
The leader of the small group nodded sadly. "Yes, so did we but they 
have recently retracted due to the growth of the Empire that has been 
discovered."
"Surely then they should strike before it continues!"
"I wish they thought the same way as you, Jedi." He stopped for a 
moment. "However we can deal with that in time. Come, we have  
repared living quarters for you. I'm sure you would like to get 
comfortable before we begin the meetings."

Leia nodded and they followed the Mandalore down the steps into the 
surprisingly high-tech military base. Once they were out of sight the 
escape pod that had attached to them during the trip through 
hyperspace opened up and Mara Jade stepped out, shaken by the journey 
but nonetheless prepared for battle. She watched as the Jedi and 
Mandalore disappeared from sight and smiled. "Soon..." she hissed.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Adi Gallia waited for Lando to enter the cockpit of the Republic 
Cruiser. Once he appeared she smiled, "we're nearly at Nar Shadaa," 
she informed him. "I hope you've got the supplies ready."
"Of course," Calrissian replied. "Blasters, thermal detonators... 
anything else?"
"Did you bring the lightsaber I suggested you did?"
He shook his head as he sat down. "I know its a great honour to 
become a Jedi but I don't think its for me. Now, I don't want you to 
take this the wrong way - I love the Jedi - they're great for the 
Republic, but I just can't be one. I'm too old for a start..."

Gallia took this as quite a shock. "You know we've changed the Code 
to accept older trainees. It's the only way we can replenish our 
numbers."
"But it's not just that," Lando replied. "It's just not what I want 
with my life. I mean, that's exactly what it is - a life and that 
ain't something I'm willing to give up just yet, y'know."
The Jedi Master nodded acceptingly. "It's just I've never seen anyone 
who did not want to begin the training."
"First time for everything," he grinned as he brought the cruiser out 
of lightspeed into realspace.

The planet of Nal Hutta was in the distance and in orbit, Nar Shadaa 
- the smuggler's moon. The dirt and grime could even be seen from 
space, the influence of the Hutt's playing an important part in its 
appearance to the rest of the galaxy.

Passing the security fields was easy with the aid of Jedi mind tricks 
- something which Lando was forced to admit would be pretty useful 
given the opportunity. They came to rest in a spaceport where they 
hoped to remain inconspicuous.

Upon exiting they looked around but there seemed to no one here. 
"Something important must be happening," Gallia noted. "I sense great 
anxiety nearby."
"You can actually do that? Sene what people are feeling?" Lando 
asked. "Man, what have I turned down."
"You can still change your mind..."
"It was a joke, baby," he replied. "I guess that's just the way I 
am." He smiled back, something which the Jedi noticed he had been 
doing a lot of recently, for obvious reasons. It isn't every day you 
find you have a brother you never you knew you had.

They stepped into a cantina where everyone who was anyone seemed to 
be packed. Lando tried to lift himself to see what was happening but 
he was too short. "What's goin' on back there?" he asked his  
companion. She closed her eyes and used the Force to examine the 
entire room. "There is a Hutt there. He is gambling... playing a card 
game of some kind..."
"Sabacc?"
"Yes. That is it." She paused to detect several other things. "He is 
playing against a rival - a Hutt but from another clan. The second is 
using a slave to play the game and is doing rather well."

A large Horox Ryyder bumped Lando forward. "Hey!" he called out. The 
alien looked down at him. "Mi sorri," it replied in broken basic. 
"Game 'eskiting. Rellij Hutt loozin' to humin slave. Viry fonni."
"Human you say?" Lando asked getting sudden inspiration. "He look a 
little like me?"
The Ryyder studied him carefully and after several seconds spoke. 
"No. He look lot like yu."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

"I don't think you are listening to me, my friend,"  Leia said in 
reply to what the Mandalore Councilor had said. "What I am offering 
is a complete pardon for all of the crimes commited during the Clone 
Wars *and* integration into the Republic."
"That is what I have qaulms against, Senator Skywalker," Councilor 
Frakiw continued. "We believe that an apology is required from the 
Republic for the damage caused to our forces!"
"Statistically speaking," Keylar interrupted, "we caused more damage 
to the Republic than they did to us. It was the Empire that reduced 
us to this. That is why we can get avenge the deaths if we join them 
now..."

The ambassador stopped short as the attention was turned to him. 
Frakiw looked at him intently as he spoke. "And why are you for this 
Keylar? What benefits would joining the Republic have for you?"
"Only what it would the rest of the galaxy."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Absolutely. When have I ever, in my entire career, had ulterior 
motives?"

Anakin beckoned his daughter to sit down. She complied and he 
whispered in her ear. "I do not believe things are going well. I 
tried to detect their thoughts but it is difficult. All I could get 
was a determination to end this as soon as possible."
"I feel it also and it worries me. I don't think my current methods 
are working."
The elder Skywalker suddenly smiled. "Then its time you tried to
hurt them - hurt them where it affects them most..."
"I'm not sure what you mean, father," Leia replied.
"Then let me..."

Anakin stood up and addressed the crowds. There was a frown on his 
face. "You are cowards. All of you." There was uproar as the entire 
High Council called for him to be taken away. Skywalker continued 
anyway. "You have betrayed your sacred rites but running from battle! 
You have made a mockery of all you are supposed to believe in. Not 
only are you weak fools but you are also heretics!" The noise became 
deafening as he turned back to his daughter. "I did learn something 
from old Palpatine before I realised he was insane - how to rally the 
troops."
"As long as it doesn't get us both killed, father, I'll be happy," 
Leia nodded.

"Fools! Cowards! And heretics! That is all the Mandalore are! It is 
time you put an end to it and fought back against those who hurt you 
- fight back against the Empire!"
"You are the fool, Jedi! Do you wish to die?"
"If only! You could not do it - the Mandalore are no longer warriors. 
They are large, armoured Ewoks!"

Two massive security guards dragged Anakin from the podium in which 
he stood and out into a corridor. The doors closed behind them. Leia
looked back to him and then to the crowd. "Think this over! You know
how important it is for you... Just accept the Republic and put the
past behind you." With this she turned and followed the route in 
which her father had been hauled.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Lando and Adi finally clawed their ways to the front of the crowd 
much to the anger of the aliens they had to push out of the way to do 
so. When they reached there, everything stuck Lando in one swoop. 
There in front of him was a man who looked exactly like him except 
for that he had a full beard, longer hair and dirtier clothes. He 
didn't look up, sticking to playing sabacc as if his life depended on 
it. Knowing the Hutts it probably did.

The clone won yet another round and the Hutt playing alone threw his 
cards down in dusgust and slithered away swearing in Huttese. The 
victor pulled the credit chips into his playing field but they were 
taken away by his master.

"We have to do something," Lando whispered to his companion.
"But I don't feel that our Hutt friend is going to give up his ticket 
to fortune easily. And that is not taking into account that your 
'brother' could be happy here."
"Do you really think he would be?" Calrissian asked. "I wouldn't be 
in his situation - winning all those creds and not being able to keep 
them. No, he's not happy."
"Then what do you suggest?"

Lando stood forward and looked at the Hutt master. "Looks like you 
want a challenge, my friend."
Rellij glanced at the interloper but didn't seem to be able to 
compare his appearance to his slave. "Do you feel you can defeat 
my... player?" he spoke in Huttese.
"I think I could put up a good attempt." He paused. "I bid my slave 
for yours."
"Your slave?"
Lando motioned to Adi. She stood forward with an annoyed expression 
on her face. "You better win," she hissed under her breath.

Rellij studied the Jedi carefully. "Pretty... but what makes you 
think she is worth the same as my slave here? He is worth a lot to 
me."
"Yeah, well you've never had a slave like mine. She has certain...
abilities that could win you more than games of sabacc."
The Hutt realised instantly what Lando meant. He laughed loudly, his 
voice booming more than ever. "Then its a bet! Deal!"

The cards were shuffled and handed out. Lando tried to get the 
attention of his clone but he didn't look up, not even interacting 
while they bidded for his life. Both players picked up their cards. 
Lando grinned. Seven of coins, four and seven of sabers and five of 
flasks. Not a bad opening hand. The clone looked at him. "What you 
got?" Calrissian asked. Both put their cards down - smuggler, three 
of coins, bounty hunter and master of flasks. Lando had won with pure 
sabacc. The memories of his former victories came flooding back.

"Deal," he called as the next set of cards were handed out. Jedi 
Knight, two of staves, seven of staves and two of coins to his 
brother's three of staves, five of staves, six of coins and a rancor 
monster. Pure sabacc against him. Lando quietly cursed himself but 
Adi sensed his agitation and began to worry for her own safety in the 
hands of a Hutt. She may have been able to kill him and escape but 
that was something she didn't want to resort to.

"Deal!" the Hutt shouted and the players were handed their next 
cards. Four of flasks, eight of flasks, ace of staves and rancor. 
Lando grinned. Things couldn't have been better. This should even out 
the score a little. The clone's cards showed how right he was - 
mistress of coins, one of coins, eight of sabers and mistress of 
staves. It was a close one but Lando managed to gain a thirteen to 
twelve victory.

Disaster struck when Calrissian got a Dark Jedi in his next hand. He 
had to replace it but there was a chance he could get a weaker card. 
He took the risk and threw it onto the table before flipping the card 
at the top into his hand. Master of coins. Not bad at all, especially 
with his four of sabers, master of sabers and bounty hunter cards. He 
was dismayed to find himself opposing a commander and seven of 
sabers, nine of staves and and ace of flasks.

Rellij the Hutt laughed. "One more game, my friend," he said. "And 
your woman will be mine."
"Don't count on it, fat boy" Lando quipped. "In fact I reckon we 
should up the stakes a little."
"What do you have to offer?"
"Only myself - the greatest living sabacc player in the galaxy."
"Ha! You overestimate yourself. It is no deal. You cannot win either 
way."
"Your mistake," Lando smiled behind the new hand of cards he had been 
dealt. "Now, last chance to change your mind."
"You bluff, scoundrel. You cannot beat my slaves hand."

The Hutt laughed out loud with his eyes closed. Taking this as an 
opportunity, the clone put a card down and picked up another in its 
place. Lando did the same, replacing his one of staves with an eight 
of flasks. For the first time the two players looked each other in 
the eyes. The clone gave Lando a smile that only his rivals had seen 
just before they suffered a massive loss. Lando cursed himself. This 
was not good. He put his hand down with antipathy. Two of flasks, six 
of sabers, eight of flasks and seven of coins. The other hand came 
down - ten, six and nine of coins and... a Dark Lord of the Sith! The 
Hutt looked down at it and almost fainted with shock! "You idiot! Why 
did you change the card? You lost the bet! "

"And it looks like I win," Lando replied.
"No!" the Hutt protested. "We were playing by Corellian Rules!"
"Strange since the last four games were using Rebel Alliance Rules. 
Dark Lord of the Sith worth minus ten last time I checked."
"How do you know that?"
"I've played sabacc in every variant possible, my friend... and won. 
Now free your slave to me."

The Hutt turned in anger and knocked the table over as it moved off 
followed closely by his aide. The clone looked at Lando and spoke to 
the first time. "Brother?" he said.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Leia walked into her quarters and turned the lights on. It wasn't as 
bad as the ones she had on Chakran but nowhere near as tidy as those 
back on New Naboo. After her father's outburst the talks had been 
delayed until the next day but she wasn't holding out much hope for a 
positive outcome. She could have done nothing to change this, in fact 
Anakin's attempts were probably the only thing that would possibly be 
able to change their views.

She wanted to sleep, to relax but there was so much stopping her from 
being able to do this. She had to stay focused, to meditate  
everything they had to go through. She sensed a presence behind her. 
"Luke?" she asked.

"Not quite, Leia Organa Skywalker..." a female voice said. The 
princess turned to see Mara Jade holding a blaster to her head. Leia 
turned around carefully with her hands raised. "Who are you?"
"My name is Mara Jade. I worked for Emperor Palaptine, but more  than 
that - I was his hand. I did his bidding and in return I gained an 
understanding of the Force, power, respect and most of all fear. All 
who knew me feared me, princess, and you took that away from me. For 
that you will die."

With a quick nudge of the Force, the blaster flew from Mara's hand as 
Leia pulled out her lightsaber and ignited the red blade. Mara pulled 
out her own and they clashed with a loud buzz. They began to battle 
as Mara parried every blow that Leia offered and gave back the same 
in return.

They were equally matched. Leia, although not having received as much 
training as her opponent, had the Skywalker reflexes and abilities 
while Mara's experience in the Force was enough to fight back, but 
she only had what Palpatine had allowed her in his lifetime and now, 
with his death, they were weakening slowly.

Mara attacked again, slicing down towards Leia's head but she lifted 
her laser sword and blocked it just before her skull was split in 
two. She pushed her opponent back into a wall but was unable to keep 
her there as she was kicked backwards. With a motion of the wrist 
Mara threw the Jedi to the floor and pounced on top of her before she 
could get back to her feet.

"Not bad for an apprentice," she smiled.
"It's further than you ever got," Leia replied.
"I never needed grading, princess. I was too good for that."
"Somehow I doubt that." The Skywalker woman pushed Mara off her and 
got to her feet with a backwards flip. "You don't have the strength."
"And what strength do you have? Only enough to destroy a weakened old 
man!"
"Palpatine was far from a weak old man. Plus I have fought Darth 
Vader and I live to tell the tale."
"Vader? I am impressed."

The two women backed off, ready to attack at any moment. Leia finally 
lowered her lightsaber and extinguished the blade. "That was a 
foolish thing to do, Skywalker," Mara hissed. "I could kill you where 
you stand."
"No you couldn't, and you know it. I can ignite my saber before you 
could even move forward. I sense your every feeling."
"And I yours."
"Then we've reached a stalemate..."
"For now," Mara replied. "But when we next meet things will be so 
different." She turned her saber off and disappeared as quickly as 
she had arrived. Leia breathed a sigh of relief. Her gambit worked 
out. There was a twisted sense of honour about Mara which she knew 
would win her over.

She looked up and Anakin was waiting for her. He face showed the news 
he had to offer was not good. "The High Council had denied our 
request. Ambassador Keylar has tried his best but was unable to 
convince them otherwise. It seems we're to go back to New Naboo empty 
handed."
"I suppose it was to be expected. I must admit I wasn't hopeful as 
soon as the greeting party told us they'd been reconsidering even 
before we'd arrived."
"They are ready to bit us farewell when you're ready."
"I'll prepare my things now..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

"We're gonna show you the delights the galaxy has to offer, my 
friend," Lando said, looking at the stars from the viewscreen of 
their ship. "Sure, sabacc is one of them but believe me there's more, 
far more."
"Really?" his brother replied.
"Sure. The Republic has restored freedom to the galaxy and now you 
can do what you want, when you want. Once the Empire is out of the 
way completely of course."

They entered hyperspace with a bang. The man jumped as if he had 
never experience this before. "It's okay," Adi Gallia told him. "We 
just made the jump to lightspeed. We're taking you home."
He nodded as a smile came to his face. "So," he asked Lando. "We're
exactly the same physically?"
"Sure. And by the looks of it our brains work the same way too. I was 
doomed if you hadn't swapped that card."
"I didn't need to look at you to realise the connection between us. I 
had to do all I could to come with you. All I can say is, I'm lucky 
you had the hand you did." There was a pause. "Have you actually won 
things for yourself playing sabaac?"
"You bet, credits, starships, hell even a tibanna gas mine!"
"Wow."
"You can see it next chance we get. I haven't paid a visit there in 
quite a while so I'd be needed at some point soon." He put his arm 
around his brother. "Face it, things are looking up for us both!"

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Anakin shook hands with Ambassador Keylar. "I'm so sorry I wasn't 
able to help you," the Mandalore said sadly. "I suppose you will now 
have to stop the attack on Coruscant?"
"No," Leia frowned in reply. "They are insistant on it going forward 
but now our chances of succeeding are small. It is we who must be 
sorry for not being able to bring your people from this self-induced 
seclusion."

Anakin boarded the ship they had been given for the journey home and 
prepared the engines for take off. Smoke began to fill the air as it 
powered up. Leia bid the group farewell and walked on board.

"I'm starting to worry about what's going to happen now," Anakin 
said, breaking the silence as they left the surface of the planet. 
"The Council will not help us in our attempts to win the Senate over. 
They left it up to us and..."
"We blew it!" Leia continued. She hit the edge of the computer 
console. "Why were they so difficult? They need our help as much as 
we need theirs."
"Races like the Mandalore are complicated to understand my daughter.
Their days of warfare are over - they'll probably become a colony of 
farmers."
"That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for this war."

As the Mandalore starship lifted through the upper atmosphere a light 
on the computer began to flish wildly. Anakin checked the read-out 
screen. "Sensors detect a group of vessels near our location! They're
waiting for us."
"How many?"
"At the last count nineteen... no! It's twenty now."
"What type?"
"Imperial. Star Destroyers!"

Leia looked out of the viewscreen as the fleet came into view. She 
shook her head. "I have a really bad feeling about this..."

		CHAPTER SIX:
		BATTLE STATIONS

The command ship of the Imperial fleet waited to issue the order to 
attack Yarori. It orbited the planet just ahead of the other Star 
Destroyers with its weapons focused on the Mandalore planet. Inside, 
Emperor Thrawn spoke with the holographic image of Mara Jade.
"You used me, Thrawn," she said angrily. "I do not wish to continue 
our agreement. I'm sure you appreciate that..."
The Chiss eyed her carefully. "You know that is not possible. It is 
you who betrayed me, if you remember, in destroying those bounty 
hunters."
"How did you..."
"I know," Thrawn interupted. "I should kill you now, but I don't. 
Because you are of some use to me. You will destroy Leia Skywalker 
because it will kill you if you do not obey Palpatine's last orders 
but until you do that you will follow me..."

Mara lowered her head. She knew it was true - her life depended on 
the programming she received from the last, the real Emperor. If she 
did not do as Thrawn commanded no doubt she could be hunted down by 
the Empire before she could fulfil her destiny. "Once more, my 
Emperor, just once more...

The hologram flickered away. Thrawn looked up to one of his officers  
who was looking at his computer read-outs with more intensity than 
the others. Thrawn was able to sense his emotions easily and smiled. "What is it?"

The officer looked up, obviously shocked by this order. He moved his 
eyes around the room before realising the emperor was talking to him. 
"There's an, uh, Mandalore designed vessel coming from the atmosphere 
of Yarori. It doesn't seem to be preparing for attack."
"Destroy it," Thrawn commanded as he gripped the arms of his custom 
made throne.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Deflector shields up!" Anakin called out to his daughter as the first
barrage of laser fire hit them. She quickly did as commanded, saving 
them from further hull damage. "How did they find this place?" Leia 
asked. "The Mandalore had kept it hidden for so long!"
"I agree," Anakin replied. "This is too much of a coincedence."
"It has to be something with that woman I fought, Mara Jade... she 
said she worked for Palpatine but I'd have thought she'd try to keep 
away from the Empire after his death..."

Her father turned to her. "You encountered her too?"
She nodded. "She was filled with anger. It made her strong."
"I experienced that in my younger says. I used my emotions in battle 
too many times. It nearly drove me to the Dark Side." Another blast 
hit them hard. "Open fire. I'll pilot us towards the command ship, 
you try to take out the shielder generators!"
"Yes, father!"

The vessel moved closer to the Imperial Star Destroyer, avoiding as 
much damage as possible coming from all surrounding starships. Leia 
locked the blaster cannons on the generators. "Firing... now!" The 
yellow streaks hit the first of the two massive globes but only 
resulted in minor surface hits.
"I'm taking us around for another shot!" Anakin called out.
"It's too late," his daughter replied. "We won't survive another run 
on them..."

Their shields went down with a hum which slowly became silence.
"Oh no," Leia groaned.
"Be calm," her father replied. "The Force will guide us through 
this."
The barrage finally stopped. The two Jedi looked at each other 
carefully. A light on one of the console began to blink and an alarm 
chimed.
"A troop carrier is joining with us. We're about to be boarded!"

Anakin stood up and ignited his lightsaber. Leia did the same and 
they left the cockpit and entered the main section of the vessel as 
Stormtroopers poared out from a hole blasted into the side. The first 
three were hacked in half by the laser swords of the  Jedi. The rest 
moved back and began firing.

"Get to an escape pod!" Anakin ordered as he deflected several blasts 
back on the Imperial troops. Leia moved swifty through the short 
corridors, ducking laserfire. She glanced back over her shoulder to 
see Anakin brushing them aside with a slight movement of his wrist. 
Obviously his strong Force powers were returning.

Leia waited at the doorway to the pod. Anakin ran down to her.
"We could beat them but then we'd be a target to the Star Destroyers 
again. I should be able to use the Force to guide us back to the 
planet," he told her as he turned off the magnetic seal to the door. 
They got in and closed it just as the Stormtroopers got to their 
senses and came bounding after them.

With the press of a button their were launched into space and away
from the Mandalore starship. Anakin closed his eyes as he moved the 
pod away from the laser blasts with a perception only the Force could 
give him. Leia began to realise how he was the Chosen One as it was 
claimed. She looked out of the window to see a Star Destroyer firing 
at them. It was on a direct course. The princess closed her eyes 
tightly as they suddenly moved out of its range. She breathed a sigh 
of relief. There was still a long way to go though.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Thrawn suddenly felt something. He turned to the weapons officer.
"Fire three blasts. One directly at them and two to either side. Make 
sure it is a close a possible. There should be no margin for error."
"Yes, my lord."

The Imperial Cruiser fired again. The escape pod moved to avoid the 
blast coming towards it but collided with one at its side. Thrawn 
smiled. "The Force is not everything, Skywalker," he said, half to 
himself. "As I shall prove."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Anakin lost his concentration on impact. He opened his eyes and 
looked around. "There was nothing I could do," he told his daughter.
"I know," she replied. "I sensed a disturbance in the Force. I'm not 
sure what it was but..."
"I felt it also. I'm not sure how it could have come about, but..."

There was a quiet hissing sound around them. Leia stopped talking and 
knelt down to inspect where it was coming from. She fronwed. "Air is 
leaking out. I'd give us another forty seconds before there isn't 
enough for us to survive."
"Then we must conserve it..." Anakin took one last breath and slipped 
into a trance-like state. His pulse slowed and his life signs 
decreased.
Leia began to worry. She didn't think she could perform this 
technique at her level of training. She tried to mimic her father but 
soon the lack of air made it impossible. She grasped her throat as 
she began to choke. Anakin suddenly realised what was happening. "Leia! Concentrate..."
"It's... too... late..."

A loud bang surrounded them. Anakin looked out of the window to see a 
set of blast doors closing behind them. They had been taken into a 
vessel. He opened the door to the pod with the Force and looked in 
shock as he saw Mara Jade waiting for him.
"Hello, Skywalker," she hissed as she clasped eyes on him. "It's been 
too long."
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"It is my starship... well, it is now I've borrowed it from the 
Mandalore."

He stepped out, hand on lightsaber, glancing back at Leia who had 
passed out on the floor of the pod. A shuttle pod was also in the 
bay, ready for take-off if things went wrong. While he wasn't 
concentrating His weapon flew from his hand into Mara's. "We don't 
want you using that, do we?" she smiled.
"You know I could defeat you without that," he informed her.
"The Force is my guide."
"Then you will become lost when..." Mara walked over to Leia and 
pulled her out of the pod. She held a blaster to her head. "...you 
daughter is dead. I reckon I could pull this trigger faster than you 
could take it from my hands."

Mara dragged Leia's unconscious body out of the docking bay and 
towards a door. "Get in there," she ordered Anakin. He took one look 
at Leia and stepped in grudgingly. "Bind yourself."
He saw two sets of binders on the floor. He touched the first and 
realised it was made out of cortosis ore which deavtivated 
lightsabers upon impact. He tied up his ankles then his wrists. They 
locked automatically. "You know I can get out of these once you've 
gone," he said calmly.
"That's why I got this little beauty to make sure you don't try 
it..." Mara opened a case in the cell and an example of the familiar 
yellow lizard, the ysylamiri could be seen. Anakin suddenly felt 
blinded to the Force. "He'll be keeping you company until I have 
finished with Princess Skywalker here. Don't do anything I wouldn't."

Mara closed the door behind her as she left. Leia was beginning to 
come to as the other woman lifted her up to eye level. "I'm glad 
you're awake now. I would have made it painful for you if you hadn't 
come to by the time we got to the bridge."
"Why... are you doing this?"
"You humiliated me in front of the entire Empire when you destroyed 
my master. Now it is time for you to suffer the same."
"My father...?"
"He is taken care of. He is quite alive. Now, come with me."

Leia managed to stand safely and pulled her arm away from Mara 
forcefully. "I think I can do this myself." she replied.
"Walking to your execution. How brave of you."
"Who said anything about an execution?"
The two women walked to the bridge, Leia in front with a blaster 
trained on her back. She knew Mara wouldn't pull the trigger. She 
sensed something unusual in her emotions but couldn't quite put her 
finger on what it was. In the short time she had know this assassin 
Leia had realised there was something tormenting her... something 
more than the death of Palpatine..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Lando walked down the corridor in the Republic base on New Naboo
alongside the man who he now called his brother. Several Republic
officials looked in shock at the similarity between them. They
continued their conversation, ignoring the glances they were being 
given.
"So you've been in salvery as long as you remember?" Lando asked.
"Yeah, I guess so. All my life," the other clone replied. "I just 
thought that was all there was - some people were meant to be masters 
and others slaves."
"Man, that's bad. If I'd known I would have been there so much 
sooner..."
"But you didn't. You probably wouldn't have known either if it wasn't 
for Master Gallia."
"Yeah," Lando smiled. "She ain't bad for a Jedi. She helped me find 
you."

They came to a doorway leading to Mon Mothma's office. It opened to 
reveal the Chancellor at her desk. She smiled, obviously happy to see 
the two Calrissians. "Welcome," she began. "We are here to discuss 
your position in the Republic..."
"I, uh, guess so," Lando's brother responded. "Don't mind if I act a 
little... off at times. I've spent my entire life unaware of either 
of Empire or the Republic."
"Of course," Mothma said. "But do either of you know how you escaped 
the destruction of all the other clones of your type?" They both 
shook their heads. "I guess someone felt sorry for us and took us 
away before we could have been killed. Whoever that was I'd love to 
thank them."
"I'd reckon they were killed by Palpatine as soon as he found out."
"*If* he found out!"

Mon Mothma looked at the other Calrissian. "I believe you could play 
an important part in the Republic. I hope your brother will be able 
to help you with this... uh, I don't believe I have been given your 
name."
Lando looked at his brother. The latter finally spoke. "Actually, I 
don't have a name..."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

On the bridge of the stolen starship, Mara Jade opened a comm-link 
with Thrawn's Star Destroyer. The holographic image of the self
proclaimed Emperor stood before her. "Ah, I see you have captured 
your prey," he said, his hands crossed together in concentration.
"No doubt this is a show of force towards me to prove you no longer
have to work for the Empire."
"Something like that," Mara replied. She turned to Leia and as she 
pushed her in front of Thrawn whispered "play along," to her. Leia 
fell onto her knees in front of the blue flickering image of the 
leader of the Imperial forces.

Mara took a tube out of a pocket on her belt and showed it to Thrawn. 
"This is xeltron breil. I'm sure you know the details. Harmless to 
the wearer but deadly to the victim. It paralyses the entire bodily 
functions within seconds of entering the system. First the heart 
stops working, then the brain. I used it during assassination 
attempts for Palpatine. It worked effectively then and no doubt it 
will now."

Thrawn frowned. "And what do you intend to do with it? Use it on
Skywalker?"
"Of course. She has embarrassed me before the first Emperor now I 
will humiliate her before you." Mara applied the liquid from the tube 
to her lips and pulled Leia up to eye level. "Look at you. Pathetic. 
You can't even fight back..."

Thrawn smiled. He knew what Mara was about to do. She moved into 
Leia, kissing her hard and, seemingly against her will, passionately.
She tried to pull away but couldn't. Eventually Leia's body fell limp 
and collapsed on the floor. Mara looked up at Thrawn, wiping her 
mouth clean. The grin on his face showed that he knew something she 
didn't.  After a long pause he finally spoke.
"I don't believe she is dead. Maybe you should do it again."
"Oh, she's dead," was the reply. She took a shock stick from a 
holster and jabbed it into the princess. The electricity moved 
visibly through her body but she didn't move. Mara stopped. "If she 
had been alive she would have reacted to that."
"Then I believe your work is done. No doubt you never intend to see 
me again."
"That's right."
"Somehow I have a feeling that things aren't going to work out as you 
expect..."
The communication ended and Thrawn disappeared. Leia finally opened 
her eyes and got to her feet. She moved for her lightsaber. "I don't 
know what you were trying to do then, but you made a mistake..."

Mara shook her head. "You won't need that weapon yet."
"I thought you wanted me dead. Let's do it here and now. We'll fight
and the stronger will be victorious..."
"No. When I kill you it will be on my own terms. I wanted Thrawn to
think I had done it so I could escape his grasp. Now I'm free we can 
deal with it in time. For now I let you live - knowing that I will be 
coming for you and when I do you won't expect it."

She disappeared through the doors leaving Leia watching after her 
with a hand still ready to pull out her lightsaber. She lifted up her 
hand and touched her lips. Surely Maraa hadn't used xeltron breil on 
her. If she hadn't been able to slip into a trance both of them would 
have been killed by the Empire.

Leia rushed down to the docking bay to see the shuttle pod leaving 
via the blast doors. She opened the door to the cell her father was 
in. Once inside she couldn't see him - only two open binders and the 
ysylamiri - dead. She turned to see Anakin standing behind her.
"She didn't think I would take that option," he told her. "But it was 
the only way."
"You killed it?"
"I had to. It wasn't the first time. Many years ago I got severly 
reprimanded for doing the same thing on a mission with Obi-Wan. I 
have been walking the line between the light and the dark for a long 
time, my daughter. It is the only way to bring balance..."

Leia didn't have time to discuss this. "We have to get in control of 
this ship. We're on auto-pilot at the moment but I don't think 
that'll suffice soon."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

"Get a lock on that vessel," Thrawn ordered, standing up out of his 
throne. He marched across the bridge of the Star Destroyer and looked 
out of the front window. "I want it on board now."
He held his white hands behind his back, hidden in the many folds of 
his black robes.

"Tractor beam ready. I'm about to get them..." The officer turned 
back to the emperor with a look of horror on his face. "They're out 
of range. They took control at the last second!"
"WHAT??!?!" the pale skinned Chiss exclaimed. "Destroy them! Destroy 
the planet! We have waited too long. Reduce them to ashes!"

The entire fleet of Imperial vessels began to fire on the surface of 
Yarori as hundreds of TIE Fighters were launched towards the starship 
containing Leia and Anakin...

		CHAPTER SEVEN:
		CONSEQUENCES

Torpedos flew towards the Mandalore home-world as Anakin moved his 
starship out of the range of fire. It fired back reducing an incoming 
TIE Fighter to ashes in front of their eyes. Another dived towards 
them but was finished off in several shots.
"I always wondered why they don't have shields," Anakin smiled. 
"Surely the ways things are going it would have been more cost 
effective."
"This isn't the time for any of your jokes, father," Leia responded, 
moving the vessel away from three TIEs coming at them at record  
speed.
She pulled up and turned back at them as Anakin blasted them. Two 
span through space until they collided and exploded in an array of
colours.

"We may not survive this. They have greater numbers...."
"They're not being flown by me are they?" Anakin boasted as he took 
out another enemy fighter.
"Yarori is still in trouble. If the Mandalore weren't prepared they 
could be dead by now!"
"They'll be okay. If they are not then it was their own foolishness 
that caused it."
"That's all fair and good - but our lives rest in their hands!" Leia
exclaimed.
"No, my daughter - our lives rest in the Force."

They swerved once more as the Jedi reached out with his mind. He 
fired five shots all of which hit their targets with the precision no 
human could possibly have.
"The Forice is with us. That is the most important thing of all."
"I don't know how I doubted you," Leia sighed. "But the fact remains 
we still need to..."

With that over twenty Mandalore vessels emerged from the atmoshphere 
of Yarori, firing in all directions leaving the squadren of TIE 
fighters in ruins within mere seconds. The comm-channel opened and 
Leia answered.
"Sorry about the delay, princess," Keylar's voice said. "But we had 
to mobilise all of our troops for the first time in too long."
"It doesn't look like you're out of practice though."
"Of course not. Now - head for the Star Destroyers - we can finish 
them off and victory will be ours."
The speakers clicked off. Anakin looked at his daughter and gave a
knowing smile. "Setting a course for Star Destroyer in Sector AA-56."

The first three Mandalore fightercraft headed towards the Star 
Destroyer just ahead of them. Their almost perfectly designed engines 
allowed them to avoid any incoming blasts from the Imperials before 
letting off four proton torpedos each. They penetrated the deflector 
shields as if there were nothing there and went straight through the 
bridge section. It started to move off course into another below it. 
Both Imperial cruisers exploded suddenly. The Mandalore and Jedi 
cheered. "I never could picture them as farmers," Leia grinned as she 
locked onto their target. "Fire away!"

Anakin let rip on the Imperials. Three shuttles evacuated the vessel
just as it exploded almost as if it was as puny as a TIE Fighter. The
Shuttles entered hyperspace quickly followed by several more Star
Destroyers.
"Let's give them something to remember us by!" Anakin said as he
began to enter hyperspace co-ordinates.
"What are you doing?"
"Something that could get us both killed..."
"What?!?"
"... but won't if I pull it off right."

The Mandalore starship began to accelerate after the Imperials and
was soon covered in a familiar blue light. Just ahead of them were
the Star Destroyers, retreating from the battle. Anakin shot a proton 
torpedo and dropped below lightspeed as the hyperspace tunnel 
collapses around the enemies. The came to a stop and Leia looked
at her father, her eyes open as wide as they could.
"Did you just do what I thought you did?"
"I went into hyperspace to destroy the tunnel around them. I think it 
worked effectively."
"It looked like it. But we could have died!"

Anakin shook his head sadly. "Surely you have enough faith in the 
living Force to know it will guide us in battle."
"Yes... of course..."
"I worry about you, Leia," Anakin said, his voice becoming more
concerned. "The Force is in your very blood. You accept its existence 
yet you do not trust it. A Jedi must do both."
"It's just I don't understand what it can do..."
"In time you will learn.  You will become a powerful Jedi Knight."

Leia blushed a little. She never thought of herself as a Jedi. Her
adopted father had told her tales of them but with the Empire trying
to write them out of history she was beginning to think they were 
only myths until she met Luke and now her father.

The computer console gave a bleeping sound. Anakin opened at comm-
channel with Keylar. "So, what made you change your mind?" he asked.
"Your speech affected the High Council more than you thought. They 
were outraged at first but realised their anger should be directed
not at you but at the Empire. You did a good job, Jedi Skywalker. If 
you would like to return to the planet we can continue our talks. 
More successfully this time, I hope."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

The news of the battle reached New Naboo soon after the Empire had
retreated. Chancellor Mothma held a meeting in her office for the
high ranking officers. Lando was the last to enter. He made his
apologies and sat down.

"We have won a battle on two fronts this day," she began. "Not
only have we caused another dent in the Imperial armour but also
we have conquered our past fears and made contact with a race that 
had been held in contempt for so long. If the Jedi there are 
successful we should soon have the Mandalore in our ranks. With a 
military force of that magnitude victory in this war will be
inevitable."
"But what are the plans after we have regained control of the 
galaxy?" the Rodian Jedi Master Yarled asked.

Mothma looked over to Ackbar. He stood forward and began speaking.
"Once we have Coruscant most of the job will be done. Anyone is 
control of the galactic capital should wield enough power to ensure 
systems stay in line."
"And what about after that?" Yarled continued.
"Well, obviously military bases will be set up in strategic locations
including Correllia and..."

"I don't entirely agree with that course of action," Lando said
interrupting. "What made the Old Republic have the power it did
were the Jedi. They maintained peace without a dictatorship.
From what you are saying you are setting the basis for a New
Empire not a New Republic."
"Of course Jedi will have an important part to play. However at the 
moment their numbers are low - not even close to the ten thousand 
that patrolled during the Old Republic. Until then they are 
vulnerable."
"You don't understand the Force, do you Admiral?" Calrissian smirked.
"It is not something that lets you throw things around. It is what 
gives a Jedi his or her power and one Jedi filled with it has more
power than an entire fleet of Republic starships."
"I don't see how this is relevant, general," Mon Mothma said taking 
over from Ackbar who was becoming increasingly nervous. "The fact
remains, an take-over is going to occur and it will happen within
the next year. Hopefully by that time the numbers of the Jedi will
have increased."

Several Republic senators agreed however the Jedi and Lando were
silent throughout. The meeting ended and Calrissian met with his
brother outside. "How'd it go?" he asked.
"Badly for the Jedi. Sadly Leia and Anakin's victory has only
fuelled Mothma's determination to rule without us..."
"Us?" the clone asked.
"I mean the Jedi..." he quickly said as he began to walk down the
corridor.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

On Yarori, the second meeting with the Mandalore High Council had 
gone successfully. The leaders had finally decided to put past 
differences behind them and help the Republic enter a new era. Anakin 
had applauded them before leaving with Keylar.
"Do you really think this will last?" the ambassador asked.
"Of course," Skywalker replied. "If there is enough will power on 
both side, and a little give and take, I honestly believe things are 
going to change."
"It's not my people I'm worried about. Many still fear the Republic 
is as weak as it was when the Empire was born."
Anakin shook his head. "It wasn't weakness that caused the 
transition. It was corrupt officials, and more importantly a corrupt 
Chancellor."

Keylar nodded but still seemed wary. "And you can trust Chancellor
Mothma?"
"I don't know her well by my daughter does. Enough to trust her 
completely."
"How did they meet?"
"Leia's adopted father was a close friend of Mothma during the Clone
Wars. Bail Organa... Have you heard of him?"
"Not directly. I was on a starship that nearly destroyed a Republic
transport that he was on once."
"Oh."

Anakin fell silent and continued walking. Keylar picked up his pace.
"But we didn't kill him. At least that's good."
"uh-huh," Anakin said.
"It wasn't like I was pressing the buttons to fire..."
"Yup."
"C'mon, you're supposed to be a Jedi - forgiving and forget. He was 
one of our enemies at the time"
Anakin turned to Keylar with a smile on his face. "To be honest I 
never really liked him."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Leia sat alone in her room. She was quietly meditating, trying to
make sense of the feelings she was developing. How could she feel
close to someone who wanted to kill her? There was something unique
about Mara... something dark but at the same time light. She was
treading a thin line between the both and was successful in not
crossing over to either. It amazed Leia. She found the other woman
intriguing and deadly at the same time.

"There is no emotion, only peace," she muttered to herself in order 
to concentrate on her task but just couldn't relax. The door opened
and Anakin entered.
"Hello my daughter. All has gone well. I'm surprised you didn't want
to be there yourself since it was you who started the whole thing."
"I needed to think."
"About what? What happened during the battle. I'm sorry I spoke to 
you the way I did. I guess you don't realise its possible to be 
reckless and a Jedi at the same time. I'm just trying to relive
my early years long after my prime. I apologise."

Leia didn't move, keeping her eyes trained into empty space. "It's 
not that. It's about back on the starship with that Jade woman."
Anakin sat next to his daughter and put his arm around her shoulder.
"What did she do?"
"I... I don't know. There was something... I don't know!"
"It is something. I can sense the torment. Tell me what's on your 
mind. I can help."
"You can't. It's beyond help..."
"Nothing is beyond help."
"Maybe so, but I have to deal with it alone. I'm sure you trust my
judgement."
"Of course."

Leia went back to her meditation, this time successfully calming her 
mind and slipping into a trance-like state. Anakin left her alone and 
went to wander the halls of the Mandalore outpost.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Lando and his brother sat in their quarters. The latter listened as 
the other threw names around randomly.
"Bareen?"
"That's a female name!"
"Okay, okay. How about Dri'Rik?"
"Do I look like a Twi-Lek?"
"No... Man, now I know how my parents felt when they had to come up 
with a name for me!"
"What were they like?"
"Great. Dad seemed busy all the time but I guess he only did it for 
me. I left home when I was sixteen and never went back. I was a 
little too rebellious I guess. I hated the order they imposed on me. 
I didn't realise it was the Imperial rule over the planet."
"What was his name?"
"Who? Dad? Narril. Narril Calrissian."

The clone smiled. "Y'know I kinda like that."
"You've found yourself a name?"
"I think so," the newly christened Narril replied as he mouthed the 
name quietly, trying to get used to it. "Yeah, I like that."

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

A starship came out of hyperspace just above Coruscant and moved
towards the upper parts of the cityscape. It passed the inspection
probes with ease then came to land on a civilian docking platform. 
The door slid open and Mara Jade emerged. She looked out at the 
endless skyscrapers. It wouldn't be long before Thrawn found her
on this planet despite the number of places she could hide.

After setting the ship to autopilot and letting it zoom off back
into space she hailed an air taxi to take her as far away as possible
from the Imperial Centre with streched higher than any other building
on the planet.

"So where ya goin'?" the Quermian pilot asked politely.
"As far away from here as possible."
"Why don't you just get off the planet if its that bad? The Empire's
getting worse. If you're on its bad side I wouldn't recommend staying 
here."
"What makes you think I'm an enemy of the Empire?" Mara said before 
falling silent. Her comment had the same effect on the driver who
quickly closed his mouth worrying whether or not she would report him
to any officials.

The journey gave Mara a time to think everything over. Se was filled
with anger at Thrawn for using her like he did but more towards
Leia for what the Jedi princess had reduced her to - on the run
after the death of the only man who made her feel safe. She began
to realise that it was Palpatine's presence keeping her from 
disappearing from Coruscant. She had to kill the murderer of her 
master.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

The hyperspace tunnel broke open with a loud bang and a Super Star
Destroyer came out, battered from the rough journey as the only
passageway had collapsed behind it. It moved to orbit the Imperial
capital. On the bridge the captain breathed a sigh of relief.
"We're out!" an officer called out.
"I will inform Emperor Thrawn immediately."

Captain Dasson walked nervously to Thrawn's private chamber. He
noticed the door was sealed with multiple command codes. He activated 
the caller and waited for a response.
"Yes?" the voice within asked.
"We have arrived back at Coruscant. It doesn't appear as if the
rest of the fleet survived."
"Which officer was at the helm during the journey?"
"Commander Craxon."

There was no response. Dasson made his way back to the bridge to 
discover everyone crowding around a body. The captain pushed his way 
through the crowd of Imperial officers to find Craxon, his throat 
crushed, seemingly from the inside. He glanced back in the direction 
he had just come and swallowed loudly.

*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Thrawn sat in his private chamber talking to a figure in the shadows.
"As you can see my officers are foolish. The Empire will remain weak 
without a wielder of the dark energies in command. It was born out of 
the Dark Side of the Force and without it there is little hope of it 
surviving."
"Indeed," the voice replied.
"That is why I have called upon you. It is time we stepped up our 
assault by targeting the Jedi in particular. I'm sure you agree with 
me."
"Of course. The Jedi are more of a threat than the whole Republic. I 
know that from experience." The red and black tatooed Zabrak came out 
of the darkness. His body was covered in wires and black metal 
plating but the ferocity of the Sith had not been lost.

"I know you do... Lord Maul. You will not fail me."
"Of course not, my master..."
Thrawn placed his hand on the Sith Lord's head and smiled. Things 
were going to change. Starting now...

		THE END........ FOR NOW