Alliance

Part VI

 

 

Chapter VII – Leia Part I

Leia accompanied her mother on several – almost all – occasions when she addressed the leaders of the Rebel Alliance. She was very interested in the politics of it all. Her father insisted that she learn at least some Jedi skills even though she had no interest in becoming one herself. No, her arena was politics. They fascinated her to no end and all the talk about the Empire and its ‘nastiness’ as she termed it, intrigued her especially.

“So the Emperor was once a Senator of your home planet of Naboo? And he turned evil, right?”

“Yes, darling. He was once a good man but somehow the good man disappeared and the corrupt one appeared in its stead.”

Despite her tender age of thirteen, Leia had more knowledge of the inner circle of the Alliance than most adults did. She was able to grasp everything around her and although she may think on some things for a time, she had insightful ideas.

“What are we discussing today, mom?”

Padmé sighed, “We believe the Empire has discovered one of our outposts and we have to warn them to evacuate before it’s too late.”

Leia wrinkled her brow, “They would get blown up, right?” A mixture of emotions crossed her face. The potential loss of life saddened the teenager.

“If we don’t get word to them right away, I’m afraid that’s a possibility.”

“The Empire is so cruel! I hate them!” Leia spat.

Padmé stopped, stunned by her daughter’s outburst. “Hate is a very strong word, Leia, and not one to be used lightly. Remember your lessons about the Force.”

Sucking in her breath to withhold her next innuendo, Leia closed her mouth as shame-filled eyes fell to the floor, unwilling to meet her mother’s bereaved gaze. “Can I say that I don’t like them? That they are awful?”

Padmé’s hand found its way to her daughter’s head and she caressed the rich, brown hair, so much like her own. “Yes, you can say that. Now, we better hurry or we’ll be late.”

************************************

Since the birth of the Imperial Galactic Senate and the Rebel Alliance, Prince Bail Organa remained loyal to both, in a manner of speaking. He had become quite the master of deception when it came to the Empire as they had no suspicions of his true loyalties. Bail smiled inwardly each time he attended a Senate session, knowing every bit of information was invaluable to the Alliance. The pleasure he took that he had yet again another chance to foil one of the Empire’s plans made him smile broadly.

Leia entered the grand chamber with her mother and although they had attended several meetings in this very room, Leia was still in awe of its majesty. Pillars of marble and Alderaanian mahogany ascended to the high ceiling and flowered outward, creating a stunning visual effect. The ceiling itself was made of transparisteel allowing the natural sunlight as well as moonlight to cascade unencumbered throughout the room. Leia gazed at the walls – painted meticulously as if it were an artist’s canvas. Leia often found herself immersed in two of the scenes that decorated the walls. A man dressed in elaborate clothing, a headdress of gold atop his head and by his side a beautiful woman, dressed in the same tailored clothing as her counterpart, her long dark hair trailing down her back. Both of them rode in a gorgeous chariot, richly decorated in gems and symbols from an ancient alien language. The horses pulling the ancient chariot were made of fire, their stance proud and grandiose to behold. Walking further Leia came upon her other favorite mural and this painting fascinated her in particular. It featured another creature of myth – one created of fire – a regal phoenix, looking down upon a nest of a single bird. She knew the images were from a time long forgotten but they provided endless fascination to her.

Padmé approached her entranced daughter, placing her arm around her lithe shoulder. “Beautiful, aren’t they?”

Leia could only nod in agreement, her eyes fixated.

“C’mon,” Padmé urged, “we’re about to begin.”

************************************

The members of the Rebel Alliance Council were all seated at a long rectangular table made from a type of Endorian wood and polished to such a bright shine that Leia could see her face reflected back in it. Bail Organa of the hosting planet of Alderaan, addressed the assembly first.

The murmurings of numerous voices in the chamber hushed as Senator Organa began.

“Greetings to each and everyone. This emergency meeting has been called due to the Empire’s knowledge of one of our Rebel outposts. We have affirmative confirmation of this – it is no longer speculation. We must get them evacuated and to safe haven before the Empire deploys their troops. We need volunteer fighter pilots to serve as escort as well as pilots for the passenger ships. Do I have volunteers?”

“I will.” Came a new voice from the doorway. “And I will lead the mission.”

Padmé knew that voice all too well. She turned, smiling, and nodded her approval to her husband.

I think you know that I need to do this. His mind and heart told her what he could not voice at the moment.

Yes, I’m proud of you, Ani.

Bail’s voice came to Padmé’s ears again. “Thank you, Commander Skywalker. Do I have any others?”

“I’ll assemble a team of fighters, Prince Organa, you just find the transport pilots.” Anakin winked to his wife and daughter and withdrew from the room.


Some time later, Padmé’s meeting finally ended after the situation had found a resolution. The pilots were accounted for as well as the transports. It was all falling very neatly into place and that made the Nubian Senator suspicious. It was too easy. It’s always been such a struggle, albeit a manageable struggle, to ‘accomplish the mission’, she silently considered, replaying the last few hours in her mind, why do I feel…hesitant?

“What’s wrong, mom?” Leia asked concerned at her mother’s expression.

Stirred from her ruminations, Padmé hugged her daughter as they walked, “Nothing Princess, nothing.”

*************************************

“Uh, oh, looks like you’ve been found out, sir!” A handsome young man informed his commander while he smirked at Padmé and Leia as they walked into the pilot’s ready room.

“Watch yourself Anson, I’ll send my daughter after you!” Padmé grinned then glanced at her now blushing daughter.

A man of average height and build smiled back at the Senator, his green eyes twinkling mischievously. Anson Jetters jet-black hair sported a cropped military cut that only accentuated his high cheekbones and incredible smile. The wandering eyes of a particular teenager found herself enraptured by his form-fitting flight suit that hugged his enticingly muscular body. In spite of herself, Leia smiled. Handsome and energetic, Anson’s piloting skills had earned him respect within the Rebel Alliance, but more importantly in the young pilot’s mind was the respect of a certain Jedi. Such esteem was difficult to gain and Anson found himself elated when he had attained this goal after flying several missions with the renowned Anakin Skywalker.

Anson threw up his hands, “Oh, no! Not her! Ick!” He feigned his displeasure.

“Anson, you’re bantha fodder!” Leia Force-leapt toward the snickering pilot who turned and began darting behind chairs to escape her.

“She has a crush on him, you know.” Padmé whispered to her husband.

Anakin arched an eyebrow as his arm encircled his wife’s slender waist. “She does, does she?” He watched the antics of the twosome as he outwardly smiled and inwardly groaned. His little girl was growing up, much to Anakin’s dismay. “I better keep an eye on him then so I won’t have to face her wrath when we return.” He sighed.

“Stay still!” Leia demanded of the handsome pilot.

“Oh no, you can’t win that way. That’s cheating!” He retorted and the chase began anew.

“Ok Leia,” her father’s voice boomed in the small room, “we have to get ready. Enough for now.”

Instantly Anson ceased his antics while Leia scowled at her adversary, “Next time you won’t have chairs to hide you,” and stalked from the room.

Padmé simply rolled her eyes, kissed her husband and walked after her perturbed daughter.

************************************

Mother and daughter watched from above as the pilots assembled into their cockpits and one by one gracefully flew out of the hanger. Anakin led the mission and had five pilots to make up his team. Anson Jetters was absolutely giddy to fly with the Jedi Knight again and it took every bit of control the young man possessed to keep his wits about him.

“All fighters report in.” Anakin’s voiced resounded over the comm.

“Jetters, standing by.” Came the first reply.

“Snaders, standing by.”

“Copper, standing by.”

“Huttun, standing by.”

“Antaree, standing by.”

“Confirmed and accounted.” Anakin hailed the main transport ship, “We’re ready Captain.”

“Confirmed, Commander Skywalker. Calculations for hyperdrive are complete. On my mark.”

Mother and daughter moved to the outside observation deck to watch the takeoff into hyperspace. As the ships disappeared one after another, Padmé felt a tear slide down her cheek. She didn’t know why, only that she felt a certain apprehension about this mission. Leia stared after the ships, smiling. After all, to her it was just another mission; she had no reason to believe anything could go wrong. She boasted full confidence in her father’s proficient piloting skills and to doubt that he wouldn’t return home was ludicrous.

“Just wait until you come home Anson.” Leia whispered, a definite smirk playing across her face to match the gleam in her eye. Just as quickly her demeanor changed as her gaze softened. “And you Daddy. I miss you already.”

Padmé watched the departing ships and wished she could still the quickened pace of her heart.

Leia turned, sensing the unease emanating from her mother, “What’s wrong?”

Padmé let out a deep sigh, “Just an uneasy feeling.” She thought back to a time not so long ago when Anakin had been weeping in her arms, finally releasing his guilt of the Tusken massacre. His torment replaced by inner peace at last. She resolved to have faith in him now, just as she did then. He’ll come home – he has too.

Leia took her mother’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Daddy’s an expert. He’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Padmé hugged her daughter close and after one last look to the sky, turned and walked back into the building.

************************************

In order to pass the time productively, Anakin grilled each of his pilots on the capabilities of their X-Wing fighters. He explained how to maneuver the ship more effectively in battle and what to do should they encounter any serious problems. Anakin’s passion for flying hadn’t dwindled over the years, he still found himself eager to jump into a cockpit at any opportunity. However, there were times that fatherhood deemed more pressing and he would relent until the next mission. In all he was very satisfied with how his life had turned out – his beautiful family, his soul happy and content – yes, life was very fulfilling. He shuddered at the remembrance of a time when Palpatine wanted to corrupt him, turn him to the dark side.

And he still does. That’s what’s so incredible. Anakin smirked in amazement at the thought.

Anakin had been ripe for such a transformation and the ills the galaxy would have suffered were insurmountable. Instead of finding comfort within the Jedi Order, Anakin experienced confusion, rejection and frustration from those he was striving to become. His emotions were his catalyst, which could have caused him to sway inadvertently toward the side of the Sith. If not for one person’s intervention, such a task may have been accomplished. Unwittingly, she spared what could have been decades of even more catastrophic turmoil than the galaxy now faced. Padmé Naberrie Amidala – the Nubian Senator, who lit the fires of passion within a certain Jedi while dampening others that dwelled within. She encircled his soul with her warmth and light and slowly purged the darkness into oblivion. It had taken a long time, but he finally learned the control Obi-Wan vainly tried to teach him. In fact, it was the combination of those two people that taught him such an essential tool. One he felt would be needed on this mission.

A sense of foreboding came over him in mid-sentence to one of his pilots, momentarily silencing the Jedi.

“Commander, is everything alright?” Jetters queried after a few minutes.

Anakin blinked a few times, not wanting to believe the sudden vision floating in his mind. “Standby.” He ordered. They had just finished evacuating the outpost on Yavin 4 and were about to jump into hyperspace when Tie-fighters suddenly appeared. Anakin could only watch as he witnessed one transport erupt into flame and his fighters losing the battle against the Ties. One by one they were blasted apart, left to float in space. The vision ended and Anakin swallowed hard. Instinct and trust in the Force warned him that the integrity of their communications had been compromised.

“I’m fine. Nothing to worry about.” Anakin said, keeping his thoughts to himself. Immediately, he switched from the standard comm. to a secret, and highly secure, channel – one that was monitored consistently for any breaches of security. Quickly he transmitted his encrypted message to the lead transport’s Captain, belying the thought of relaying his message in Huttese.

“Well there’s nothing we can do now. It’s not like we can turn back, we’ll just have to ride it out.” Anakin spoke outloud to himself. Switching back to the standard comm. channel his voice thundered, “Listen up, I want all of you to keep your eyes open and be alert. You never know if we’ll run into trouble after we get there.”

“Are you expecting trouble, sir?” Came the voice of Genne Copper in reply.

“When dealing with the Empire, always.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Anakin tried to relax. He couldn’t tell his crew what he envisioned if someone was monitoring their transmissions. Even if he told his crew to switch to a secure channel, the Empire could suspect they had been discovered and possibly speed up the plan of their attack. It’s time to do some fancy flying, Jedi, he muttered to himself.

************************************************************************

 

Chapter VII – Sorrow Part II

One by one each ship dropped out of hyperspace as they arrived at Yavin 4. There had been fervent hopes that the jungle moon of Yavin would be the ideal location for a Rebel base, hence the outpost. Volunteers from the thriving Rebel Alliance had spent the last few months scouring the moon for adequate resources, befitting their needs and had determined the capability of establishing a base were prosperous.


Having received Anakin’s earlier transmission, Captain Zuula immediately headed for the rendezvous point on the planet. Three of Anakin’s pilot’s served as escort but all of them hoped their people would be waiting.

An hour went by and the transports were still boarding people. A nagging feeling swept through the Jedi Knight.

“Jetters, be alert.”

“You know something, don’t you, sir?”

“Standby. Captain Zuula, how are you progressing?”

“Almost there Commander, another 15 minutes or so.”

Suddenly Anakin’s head jerked up and to his right. Quickly he broadcast on all channels, “Tie-fighters approaching – at least a dozen of them at eleven o’clock. Jetters, break!” Anakin punched his ship to life and pulled away to gain an attack position. “We won’t have that much time, Captain, get those people NOW!”

Despite his vision along the way, something – a feeling perhaps – told him this would happen. Anakin had chosen his pilots carefully for this mission almost as if in forethought for each received their training by none other than Obi-Wan and himself. He knew their capabilities and that their sound judgment would help them in the heat of battle. This was not their first mission but, unfortunately, it was their first test of this magnitude.

Immersing himself into the Force, Anakin allowed the wondrous power to guide him in and out of the Tie-fighters. His maneuvers were exact and deliberate as he dove and rolled throughout the mêlée of enemy fighters, shooting down a number of them along the way. Laser fire erupted on all sides and the region of space was lit afire from the enormity of the blasts. He glimpsed Jetters not far off his starboard side and was relieved to see that the young man was holding his own against the onslaught. Falling back on their training, Jetters and Copper flew calculated and controlled as they wove their way through the enemy lines inflicting damage with each blast of laser fire. Precise hits as Anakin had grilled into them, nothing wild. No sooner had they eliminated more than half of the Ties when reinforcements arrived and the ability to evade them grew increasingly complicated.

“CAPTAIN, NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME!” Anakin shouted over the comm.

“Just finished the last one. We lost our hyperdrive coordinates, resetting them now.” Captain Zuula responded.

Now that everyone from the outpost was safely on board, the remaining X-Wing’s catapulted into space and hastened to the aid of their comrades. The transports ability to launch in addition to the jump into lightspeed depended on the cover the fighters could maintain for them. A mixture of excitement and trepidation could be traced to every individual no matter what ship they found themselves in. As the fighters approached the battle, it was like watching stars blow up but that didn’t stop them from joining the fray – it merely intensified their actions.

Minutes later the transports broke through the atmosphere and the fighters did all they could to protect them. Several Ties changed course and charged after the larger targets with the fighters following close behind. One of the transports was being pummeled by laser fire and its shields were on the brink of losing power. It would take one more volley and the vessel would be done for.

“Watch your six, Antaree, one coming up behind you, whoa, one in front too!” Huttun called over the comm.

A quick flash of light behind him and the threat was eliminated, however the one in front remained which was quickly dispatched. “Thanks Copperhead.” Drake Antaree breathed a sigh of relief.

“Anytime flyboy. Now pay attention.” She scolded him.

“Jetters, look out!” Anakin shouted but he was too late. A chunk of flaming debris flew straight toward the side of the ship and a Tie caught him from behind. Anson Jetters X-Wing blew apart.

Snaders was remarkably effective in dodging laser fire but one had gotten close enough to start a fire in his cockpit. Everyone winced as his scream came over the comm.

In spite of taking on fire, two of the transports had managed to make the hyperdrive jump but the third wasn’t faring so well. They were frantically trying to get things under control but it was no easy task. Fires had sprung up inside the transport, wiring began to melt together and their hyperdrive wasn’t responding. The remaining Tie-fighters swarmed like an irritating itch and Anakin knew the transport wouldn’t make it and a few of his remaining fighters were damaged. He made his decision.

“Copper, Antaree, Huttun, return to base!” Anakin brusquely ordered.

“But Commander…” Came the rebuttal from Copper.

“Cop, take them home, now! I’ll stay with the transport.” Anakin responded urgently.

“But, sir.”

“No time to argue, Cop. Get out of here NOW!”

Anakin could feel her reluctance but knew she would get them home. Genne sighed in resignation but obeyed her orders. “Plug ‘em in boys, let’s go.”

Shortly, Anakin watched as the three X-Wings disappeared from sight.

“Commander Tolh, head for the planet surface before you lose all power.”

No reply came from the badly damaged transport but Anakin saw from the corner of his eye that it was heading back down to the planet. The remaining Ties were few in number and the Jedi felt confident that he could rid himself of them before more reinforcements arrived. He took to the task and flew straight toward one of them. Apparently the pilot wasn’t accustomed to such a bold maneuver and froze, not a single blast erupted from the ship leaving Anakin to easily destroy it. He cut sharp to the right and did a few barrel rolls, placing himself in position behind another Tie.

“Anson and Tarik – may you find peace through the Force.” Anakin regretfully said to himself as laser blasts flew toward their target and hit with precision, obliterating the ship completely.

Anakin reached farther into the Force and flew as he never had before. He knew that it was up to him to destroy the last of the enemy and he let the Force guide his actions entirely. The last few Tie-fighters only managed to see a fiery ball of light overtake them before a cunning Jedi Knight snuffed out their existence.

*************************************

Anakin landed not far from the damaged transport and quickly made his way over to it. He hurried inside to survey the damage knowing that at any moment the Empire could have troops landing to capture them. An expert mechanic, Anakin set to task immediately repairing the ship. He had people running everywhere, following his commands and preparing themselves should another attack come. Most important was the hyperdrive, if he could repair that and bring the engines on line, he felt they could get back but he would have to pamper it along the way.

Time quickly passed by and finally Anakin heard a familiar hum as the engines came to life. “Ahhh,” the Jedi smiled and covered the console he had been digging around in. “Got any pilots on board?” He turned to one of the bridge officers.

“I don’t know, sir.”

“Well, ask. I need one to fly my X-Wing if they can. I’ll have to stay on board and make sure this thing makes it back.”

The lieutenant dashed off and the Jedi’s thoughts were interrupted as images of Padmé swirled in his head. I’ll be with all of you soon, beloved, I promise! He silently determined.

A short time later the officer returned. “Excuse me, Commander Skywalker, I found a pilot but not one who has flown an X-Wing.” The Lieutenant stammered, nervous to be in such a dangerous situation.

“What have they flown?”

“Freighters.”

“That’ll have to do. We can’t leave ships behind if we can help it. We need every one that we have.”

“Yes sir.”

“Where is this person?” Anakin inquired.

“Right here.” A voice replied from behind the shaky lieutenant.

“Think you can handle this?” Anakin asked as a red-haired woman moved away from the officer. She stepped forward and shook his hand. “I’ve heard of you Jedi Skywalker, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Thanks. You are?”

“Sakoya Jade.”

“Nice to meet you. I don’t think we even have time for a crash course. The coordinates are already set in on my fighter, you just have to do the jump.”

“I can do it with my eyes closed.”

Anakin sensed an energy Force from the woman and was certain she was Force-sensitive but did she know? He studied her for a moment: she was of average height and weight and her red hair stopped at her shoulder. She carried a blaster at her side; secured to her leg and light colored, loose fitting pants that allowed her ease of movement and an equally unrestrictive shirt. She had a square jawline dotted with barely visible freckles and a warm smile.

“You're Force-sensitive, aren’t you?” He inquired.

“I don’t know. I know that every once in a while I can move things with my mind but only small items and not very far.”

“Providing you’re willing, we should test you when we get back. But for now, trust your instincts, you’ll make it safely.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a good pilot.”

Anakin smiled, “My ship is due West of the transport, you can’t miss it. Tell R2 that you have my blessing.”

“R2?”

“My droid or rather my wife’s droid. He’s not your usual little R2 unit.”

Sakoya laughed, “See you on Alderaan, Jedi.”

“May the Force be with you, Sakoya Jade.”

“And with you, Jedi.”

It had taken more time than he would have liked, but Anakin managed to repair the hyperdrive enough so they could make it back to Alderaan. “Let’s get this thing into space and head for home.” He told the Captain who happily responded to the good news.

The coordinates were input and the transport was waiting for Sakoya Jade aboard the X-Wing to make the jump first.

“See you on the other side,” she chirped.

“Get going, I want my ship back in one piece.”

Sakoya’s reply was a hearty laugh over the comm. and a few seconds later she was gone. Anakin looked out the large window on the bridge and smiled as a Star Destroyer just came out of hyperdrive and they jumped into it. The ship was a blur for a few seconds then gone.

“That was too close.” Captain Tolh exclaimed.

Anakin smiled, they had beaten the Empire again. However, his smile quickly faded as his daughter’s face loomed in his mind – how was he going to tell her about Anson?

*********************************************************************