StarWars

                    Episode 10: The Dark Ages

     Nine generations have passed since the Fall of the GALACTIC 

EMPIRE. The great Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker, has aged to beyond

his years. He has perpetuated the Jedi into that which they once 

were, the Guardians of Galactic Peace. However, the ancient 

scourge that has always plagued the Jedi has returned. New Jedi 

have arisen to claim the Dark Side as their ally, with only one 

mission in mind: the destruction of the Jedi of the Light. With 

Jedi Skywalker into his years, he has called upon his students in

a final stand, one that shall determine the fate of the Galaxy.

     Along with this struggle between brothers, is the new 

emergence of an EMPIRE. This new and powerful EMPIRE has steadily

regained sector after sector in the wake of the faltering NEW 

REPUBLIC. The heirs to the galaxy must rally once again to defeat

the cancer of evil that returns to rend apart the galaxy, hurling

it into chaos.


                         Chapter 1

     An aged man hobbles towards his bed. He is surrounded by 

four men in the ancient garb of the Jedi Knights. The room is

filled with men, men who practice the ancient ways of the Jedi.

One shares his sister's name, the others have come from afar to 

aid the master in his quest. The air is stale with tension, and 

with expectance of what is to come.

     "Noble Jedi", Skywalker speaks ever so slowly,"now is our 

darkest hour. Not since the fall of the Empire, has there been 

such treachery and danger. It falls upon us, the Guardians of the

Republic and the progenitors of these Dark ones, to stand to 

defeat them."

     "How can we defeat them, Master? They have evil and deceit 

as their allys," says one of the hooded figures.

     "Aye, they do. We, however, are aided by all that is good 

and pure. We are aided by Life itself," says Skywalker.

     "Grand Uncle," speaks the bloodnamed one,"we shall give our 

lives in defense of the Jedi Code."

     "I'm afraid you shall," says the Master,"Go now, travel the 

Galaxy in search of these tainted ones, return them to the Light,

for they know not what they are."

     As the four robed figures begin to exit, Master Skywalker 

calls one back. "Orion? Might I see you for a moment."

     "Of course, sir," says the one so called.

     "It is you who shall be most endangered. You have always 

skated perilously close to the Dark Side; you must not falter in 

your ways, or they will destroy you. Beware the powers of the 

Dark Side, do not underestimate them."

     "I shall endeavor to follow your example, Master."

     "Good. Leave; go forth and save us from this scourge."

     Orion exits Skywalker's chambers, to find his friend 

waiting. "So what'd he say?"

     "Not much, simply a new lesson about the Dark Side."

     "Oh well, shall we?"
          
     "We shall," says Orion with a grin.
     
     The two comrades board the small Lambda-class they have 

owned what seems like forever. As Alexanian begins launch 

proceedure, Orion checks the sublight drives. Nothing has come 

about since the Galactic Civil War. With the New Republic's fight

to gain final and lasting victory over the Empire of ages past, 

ship design almost came to a standstill. Indusrial complexes of the

Empire had been destroyed, and the planets that could have been of 

aid in the reconstruction had themselves been mauled by Imperial

occupation. Even now, 150 years later, they were just recovering from

the chaos of the Imperial rule. X-Wing fighters of 

immaculate repute still serve as frontline fighters in most 

sectors, with only some being replaced by the newer V-Wings. 

Then, with a lurch, the two Jedi are away from the planet of 

galactic government, Coruscant.
     
     Passing two B-Wing fighters, the two young men gain 

clearance and press on into hyperspace, watching as the stars 

turn into lines. 

     "Well, I guess that we might as well cover Bespin, since the

others have covered most of the regular sites," states Alexanian.

     Orion ponders for a moment,"Yes, I suppose. Do you really 

think that the Dark Clan will strike Bespin again?" 

     "Yeah, they need those refined gases to run their equipment.

They'll be back all right."

     "Great."


     Slowly the great Star Destroyer moves across the system. Two

robed men stalk back towards the sensors array, and approach the 

officer in charge.

     "Do you have a new site?", one asks.

     The officer responds,"Yes, but I believe another strike at 

the floating city of Bespin will yield more results."

     One robed man turns to the larger,"Shall we raid Bespin, or 

select a new site for raw materiel?"

     "Graneth, will you never learn? We shall simply take what we

require from both systems at once. Send the 'Dominator' to 

Bespin, and the 'Eliminator' to the Minos Cluster. The Republic 

Guards will not have time to respond in either sector," speaks 

the larger figure, his gray eyes boreing through the bridge 

officer.

     "What of the rumors of Jedi Skywalker's Quest?" Graneth 

asks.

     "What of it?"the larger speaks,"Even if they are true, what 

are his Jedi to do? Chase us until we turn and destroy them like 

we did on Hammeldar? No Jedi remain to threaten us. Skywalker is 

too old, and the others too weak. We shall show them the true 

power of the Force. Captain, turn about, point 186. Bring us into

position for lightspeed to Tatooine. Now Graneth, witness what 

befalls foolish Jedi who meddle in our affairs."


     A small hyperdrive shuttle leaps from hyperspace above the 

historic planet, native planet to Master Skywalker. Scanners show

empty, but the two only members of the crew no what is lying in 

wait in the sensor shadow of the planet, darkness and death.

     "Quick! Turn about, bring us onto...uh...point 514. That'll 

give us an escape route out," screams Halven.

     "No! We have to report this in first. The others must know 

that they are here," Jakler says.

     "Look, that's an Imperial-class Star Destroyer, 

complemented by a Dark Jedi. Do you really want to face it?"

     "Doesn't look like we're gonna have a choice, brother."

     Halven looks up in terror to see the giant bulk bearing down

on them at maximum drive. Jakler throttles the engines and dives 

portside in a vain attempt to avoid the oncoming cruiser.

     "Graneth, watch as I show them the true power that we 

possess. We are not bound by the frail rules that they follow. We

have seen the true way to harness the Force," the large robed 

figure speaks. He squints his eyes, and the entire bridge crew 

stares in awe at the shuttle crumpling before their eyes. "You 

see Graneth? Two more inane followers of those obselesent ways 

enter the journey to beyond, and leave us no poorer," says 

Renlar, amidst a soft cackle.


     "Whoa. Did you feel that?,"asks Orion.

     "Yeah. I think we just lost another battle in this war, 

Orion," Alex says.

     As the old shuttle exits hyperspace, the planet Bespin 

appears on the sensors. The two young students of Skywalker clear

to land, and settle down on a docking pad, awaiting the 

maintenance droids that will come out and link the ship to the 

fuel pumps. Once the ship is connected and grounded, Alex and 

Orion leave the ship for the interior of the famous Cloud City. 

     The two friends walk down the concourse, until they find a 

suitable watering hole, namely the 'Seventh Heaven', a semi-

reputable gambling and bar establishment. Finding seats far from 

any overt action, they settle down to a rest after the trip from 

Coruscant. Just as they get comfortable, a Quarren approaches, 

obviously inebriated with some strong ale.

     "I shed, I waaant yur sheets," the alien speaks in ever so 

eloquent terms.

     "We were here first," Alex says," find another seat, 

friend."

     "NO!", the Quarren screams out, attracting the attention of 

nearby occupants of the bar, "I want yoor shet, Jeedi!"

     "Friend, we wish no quarrel, have our seats, we will gladly 

find others," says Orion.

     As the two get up to find other seating, Alex asks,"Why did 

you do that? We had right to be there."

     "Jedi must seek nonviolent solutions, even if that means 

eating a little humble pie every now and then my friend," says 

Orion.

     "Well, I suppose. But we should've made a case anyway," Alex

says with a small grin, admitting his folly.

     Suddenly both men stop dead. With a confirming look at one 

another, they race for their ship at full tilt.

     "Captain, when we have arrived at Bespin," Renlar 

orders,"send the strike force down on my mark."

     "Yes, Lord Renlar."

     The Star Destroyer 'Dominator' exits hyperspace above 

Bespin.

     "Mark."

     Four shuttles launch from the cruiser's main hangar, 

carrying the elite shock troops that haunt the minds of any good 

member of the Republic, Stormtroopers. The shuttles dive onto 

Cloud City, repeating a task done five times in the last standard

month. As turbolasers fire at them from below, the shuttles 

continue, pulling alongside the floating city. Stormtroopers, 

long gone from the Galaxy, and now returned to it, leap 

from the planks, onto the city, flanking out to cover all 

entryways into the vital gas exchangers. Army troops from the 

city converge on the scene, but to no avail. The stormtroopers 

make easy work of them, and connect the hoses to the barge that 

has come down after the area was secured.

     "What is that ship there?" demands Renlar.

     "It's an old Lambda, sir, only two lifeforms aboard," 

responds the sensors officer.

     "Order TIE Squadrons one and two to intercept. I want that 

ship destroyed."

     "Yes, sir. TIE Squadrons one and two, launch and move to 

intercept target Beta-Nine," the officer utters into the 

intercom.
     
     "Uh oh. TIE fighters on intercept course, Orion," says Alex.

     "Oh boy. How long 'til hyperspace?" asks Orion.

     "'Bout a minute or so, but they'll be on us before that."

     "No they won't," says Orion with a grin. Squinting in 

concentration, Orion reaches out with the Force probing the TIE  

pilots' minds, altering their perceptions ever so slightly.

     "TIE Squadrons one and two, moving to intercept target Beta-

Eight, the Barge leaving planet," Renlar hears over the ship's 

com. 

     "Arrrrrrrrrrgh! Fools! Alert all pilots, Jedi on board 

target Beta-Nine. Move Squadrons three and four to intercept. 

Turn us onto point 437, go to three-quarters sublight," orders 

the Lord of the Empire.
     
     "That Star Destroyer is moving to cut us off, Orion."

     "I see. Better get us out of here FAST, or we'll be Bantha 

Fodder."

     "Alright, ready for hyperspace, let's watch those guys 

follow this!", shouts Alexanian as the shuttle lurches into 

hyperspace and leaves the cruiser and its fighters far behind.

     The female sensor officer lies dead on the grey metal floor.

"Failure," Renlar states," will NOT be tolerated. Is that 

understood?"

     The entire bridge crew nods in unison. A new officer moves 

up to take over the now vacant position at the sensors station. 

Not since Lord Vader had anyone heard of a commander like this. 

Some liked it, thinking it was the way to reclaim the glory of 

the Empire of ages past, others think it was folly to waste good 

crewmen. Both were wrong. Lord Renlar had grouped his Dark Jedi 

about him, and with their power, he proclaimed himself Lord, and 

began his brutal takeover of the Outer Rim. He would not rebuild 

the long gone Empire, but he would establish the New Empire, 

built from the true Force as he saw it, and his Jedi would rule 

the Galaxy, with him as its supreme leader, leading through power

and fear.


     "How can we not have information on this new leader? He's 

been around for two years!," yelled General Jundar. Jundar was 

one of the few leaders to emerge from without the families that 

had sprung from the Rebellion of long ago. The Solo's were 

situated throughout the aerospace forces of the Republic, and 

most had nothing more to their piloting skill than the name of 

their long dead father, the hero, Han Solo. The Solo Jedis were, 

of course, prone to follow their survivor into the Jedi ways, but

there, most could be turned away. If only that one....

     "I don't know why, General," the speach bringing Jundar from

his mental rhetoric. Klas Mothma believes that he hails from 

beyond the Outer Rim, and that that is why he has remained hidden

from our Guardians," stated the noble descendant of Admiral 

Ackbar.

     "Klas doesn't know anything about the situation, Faber."

     "Careful, Jundar. Talk like that has seen the impeachment of

many people."

     "I don't care. We must find a way to stop the incursion of 

the Imperials into Republic space," Jundar says.

     "I think that may be impossible for all but our Guardians, 

Jundar. May the Force be with them in their struggle against 

their own," Faber prays.

     "Yes, may it..," Jundar trails off.

     The New Republic had been beleaguered of late by multiple 

problems. Not the least of which was the new Dark Clan. Many systems

had fallen to the Jedi who proclaimed himself Lord of the Empire. Many

more Jedi had fallen to him. The sudden collapse of the Galactic 

peacekeepers, and the subsequent blitzkrieg of Imperial attacks had

caught the Republic flat footed and unprepared. Now they were paying

a hefty price for their lack of forsight.	


     "Sir. Sir. I have the information you requested," the 

lieutenant said.

     Lord Renlar carefully examined the intercepted message and a

small smile crossed his lips.

"Excellent. Skywalker will be leaving Coruscant for Tatooine in 

four days. Captain, plot a course for Tatooine; best speed to 

Tatooine when you are done. You see Graneth, final victory over 

the Jedi shall be swift and merciless. Their esteemed hero shall 

fall at my hands, and the Jedi will be crushed, for good."

     "Yes Lord Renlar," Graneth groveled. Graneth had been one of

the first 'chosen' by Renlar when he had formed this 'Empire'. 

Renlar had gained a fleet of ancient Imperial Star Destroyers, 

althougth they still had power against even the mightiest 

Calamari Cruiser of the Republic. Graneth had followed when 

Renlar had claimed the souls of so many Jedi, Jedi that were 

ambassadors to the Outer Rim territories. Some had fallen to 

Renlar, others fell to his lightsaber, but all had fallen. Now, 

Skywalker had called upon the last vestiges of his Jedi, the 

young and weak, to aid him in a final quest to rid the Galaxy of 

the terrible scourge they had spawned. One Solo remained inside  

from the Skywalker line. Sel, decendant of the famous Han and 

Leia Solo, was strong like the others of his family. Other Jedi 

had answered his call, like all Jedi would. Renlar counted upon 

this. This would mean that his enemies would come to him, and he 

would see to their destruction personally. More and more Jedi had

come and died, like Renlar had proclaimed. Skywalker was to fall 

next, should Renlar's plans go straight. Skywalker had reached 

nearly two-hundred years of age, and he was feeble and weak, even

with his Force powers. Renlar felt assured of final victory, and 

Graneth could not object with his evidence.

     Far away, in the Sluis sector, three Star Destroyers shot from

hyperspace, followed by an escort of frigates and cruisers. The 

garrison of X-wings and light cruisers sped to the defense. Blasts 

of turbolaser fire lanced across the black void, as several groups

of drive trails left the hulls of the Star Destroyers. 

     "Careful Gold Squadron", Gold Leader shouted, "TIE fighters

at twelve o'clock."

     "Roger Gold Leader", came the replys.

     Skating sideways into a classic Ethruian Slip, Gold Squadron

banked outside the oncoming TIE's line of fire. White Squadron hit

the TIE's head on, searing through them with minimal losses. Gold 

Squad broke up, intercepting the stray TIE's that escaped. 

     Gold Leader finished the last TIE in time to glance back at 

the frigate, and his error. The TIE's had lured both squadrons away

from the capital ships, and even now the TIE Bombers were making 

short work of the Carrack-Class cruiser 'Lowan'. Even as he barked 

the order to intercept the TIE Bombers, Gold Squadron was blocked off

by a frigate, and the situation went straight down the tubes from there. 


     The Tatooine system loomed into view as the cruiser left 

hyperspace. Renlar paced the bridge, awaiting his confrontation 

with Jedi Skywalker, a confrontation that would see the end of 

the Jedi forever. The shuttle down to the planet was guided by 

Renlar. He knew where Skywalker was, and he wished to go straight

to him, nothing shall stall his final victory.

     The shuttle came to rest on the soft sands of the Dune Sea, 

nearby, a hut stood in lone sentry over the desolate landscape. 

Renlar exited the shuttle and stood before a lone figure, a 

figure hunched over by age and tribulation. The Dark Lord's saber

ignited, spilling the scene in deep red. It's glow was met by a 

vibrant green eminating from Skywalker's own lightsaber. 

     "You shall meet your fate at my hands, Jedi,"taunted the 

Dark One.

     "You shall never have my life, disciple of darkness," 

Skywalker returned.

     And the two met in combat. Saber met saber in a duel to rule

the heavens, one that spelled the outcome of an entire galaxy. 

Flashbacks of the Lord Vader filled Luke's head as he parried and

dodged the heavy attacks of this new menace. Shred after shred of

cloth was torn from Luke's robe as Renlar's saber came within 

inches of claiming yet another Jedi. Luke had the edge of 

experience, but Renlar had the ally of youth. Luke could no 

longer withstand the blows of Renlar's saber, and it fell upon 

Luke's thigh, casting his leg off. As he fell, Luke felt the 

Force being drawn away from his body. With the final saber blow, 

all Renlar claimed was an empty shell, its lifeforce gone.

     "We are victorious, friends. Skywalker has fallen. I have 

claimed their mightiest hero, and the Galaxy SHALL BE MINE."


                         Chapter 2


     "May the Force save us," was all Klas Mothma could say. The 

news of Jedi Skywalker's death had traveled fast, reaching 

Coruscant within days. Many of the pupils of Skywalker had been 

turned by Renlar, or his subordinates, shortly thereafter, when 

they saw no point in continueing with their teacher dispatched so

easily. Some, however, remained. These few were the only hope of 

the Galaxy. The only hope for freedom.

     "Indeed. Alas, our savior has fallen, our only hope," said 

General Jundar. "We have no way to halt the agression of the Dark

Clan now."

     "What about the students of Skywalker that still roam 

free?", asked Faber.

     Klas said,"They are not of any level to spare with the likes

of this Renlar. He bested Skywalker. No one can save us."

     "May the Force save us then....", said Jundar.

     "And we lost valuable ships and men in the Sluis sector. This

Lord Renlar has us at a serious disadvantage. He has been able to 

pull materiel from unknown sources. We can't divert enough ships to

cover the kind of backup he's been able to muster," said Faber.
     
     "Five sectors have fallen. How many more can he afford to
 
garrison?," asked Klas.

     "Intelligence projects a fleet numbering around 200 warships

at his disposal."

     "Things look dark, indeed."


     Orion and Alex had left hyperspace near Coruscant, and had 

been on hand to hear the devastating news. 

     "We must find these Dark Jedi and destroy them, Alex."

     "Yeah, sure. And what if they kill us?"

     "Then we've lost nothing. We must, we are the only hope 

left."

     "There are others of us left, Orion."

     "Sure there are, but none near our level. We have the only 

chance, however remote, of ending this plague. We must leave for 

Minos immediately, my friend."

     A familiar voice stopped the two Jedi. "Some of us still 

have faith," the gurgling Mon Calamari voice said.

     "Thank you, Faber. May the Force be with you, and the entire

fleet," Alex answered.

     "We will need it."

     The time to Minos was minor, but upon arrival, both men 

faced a sight they thought they would never see. A 6 kilometer

long nightmare from the past lay ahead, one the Galaxy had not 

seen the likes of since the Emperor himself had reigned.

     "I thought those were destroyed after the War," Alex said.

     "Apparently not," Orion remarked, as the tiny shuttle bore 

down on the Super-class Star Destroyer. All four of this class of

ships had perished shortly after the Galactic Civil War. No 

records showed any fifth ship.

     "It must be new then,"said Alex.

     "How? Where in the Galaxy would they get the materiels? Do 

you know how much metal it takes to build one of those?"

     "No. But I bet they got it from the Outer Rim."

     "Good bet, friend."
     
     The intercom crackled to life,"Shuttle, identify yourself."

     "Um, Shuttle Arachos, technicl parts and supplies."

     "We don't hace you on record, I'm afraid you'll have to 

return to base."

     "Um, ur, we have orders..."

     The comlink beeped,"Shuttle, prepare to be boarded."

     "We can't let them get us, they'll slaughter us!," Alex 

yelled.

     Orion remained calm,"No, they won't capture us, not if I 

have anything to say about it! Run the hyperdrives up while I get

the numbers...move!"

     Alex frantically initiated the hyperdrive while Orion 

scrambled for the coordinates, but it was too late. With a sudden

rocking motion, the two young Jedis knew that they had been 

caught in the giant ship's tractor beam.

     As they came closer to the mammoth ship, the docking bay 

loomed over their heads. With a rough clank, they had docked and 

heard the sound of the hull breaching as Stormtroopers filed 

aboard. Taken away, towards the detention area, Orion and Alex 

saw the true scope of the ship. The cell was small and cramped. 

     "What now?, Alex asked quietly.

     "Easy. We escape," Orion said with a grin.

     "That's not funny."

     "It's not meant to be. Gimme a hand here, with this door."

     The two Jedi's collective power lifted the door, and they 

moved out into the hallway. Guards stood at both ends, facing 

outward. The two friends moved silently along the hallway, until 

they came to a ventilation duct. Removing the screws, the pair 

slipped into the vent. They made their way down, until they found

a suitable hallway for exiting the shaft. Replacing the grate, 

Orion said,"We need to find a fast ship outta here, before they 

miss us up there."

     "Agreed. But where in the Republic is the hangar bay on this

monstrosity?", asked Alex.

     Orion closed his eyes, concentrating on the guards on the 

floor above, "Six floors down, forward nine blocks. We can get a 

ship there.

     Alex grinned, "Let's go then."

     The pair of Jedi made their way forward and down, until they

were within sight of the hangar bay. There, they found their 

ship, several TIE fighters, and an Assault Shuttle. Darting for 

the Shuttle, they were spotted by Imperial Stormtroopers.

     "Halt!", came the mechanized voice from across the bay.

     Without lightsabers to deflect the bolts, they were sitting 

womprats. Diving behind a stack of crates, Orion barely missed 

the barrage of blaster bolts aimed at him. Alex caught one going 

over the power coupling to the Assault Shuttle.

     "You okay?", Orion shouted above the fire.

     "Yeah, just a nick, let's get outta here!", Alex yelled 

back.

     Orion, summoning all of his ability, lept over the crates 

and darted for the shuttle. Blaster bolts singed his cloth robe 

as he rolled into the shuttle's entryway. Alex followed suit, but

instead jumped onto the roof of the shuttle, avoiding the 

hazardous bolts of energy. Once inside, the pair lit the engines 

and was off.

     "If that tractor beam gets us, we're finished,"said Orion.

     "I know," Alex replied as he rolled the shuttle into a dive 

away from the behemoth star cruiser.

     Orion went aft to man a laser cannon, and just in time as 

four TIE fighters came bearing down on them. Three quick shots 

dispatched the first two, and Alexanian took the other two from 

the cockpit. Alex let out a yell as they pulled away from the 

Star Destroyer and lept into hyperspace towards Tatooine.

     "We'll need to make new lightsabers now, damn the luck," 

Orion cursed.

     "Calm down, we can probably jump to Coruscant to get the  

parts, but we need to stop at Tatooine first to get supplies and 

stuff," Alex replied.

     Neither was very happy. Both had lost their lightsabers, and

narrowly escaped the Imperials. On top of that, their teacher of 

old had been murdered, and the Dark Clan was gearing up to move 

on Coruscant. Things looked bleak for the Jedi and the New 

Republic both.

     Renlar was furious,"They _escaped_?! How? From our best 

troops! Prepare the 'Victorium' for the attack on Coruscant. The 

New Republic shall pay dearly for this! Graneth? Go to Tatooine, 

remove our supplies that we stored there. We will attack 

Coruscant upon your return."

     Graneth entered the hangar bay, and boarded his shuttle for 

Tatooine. He new that Renlar's wrath would be severe. He had 

witnessed this wrath first-hand. Many officers had died due to 

simple mistake made under fire, or worse, under pressure of 

Renlar himself. The other ships in the Fleet were already massing

near 'Victorium', the Super-class Star Destroyer that had been 

Renlar's first priority when he established the 'New Empire'. 

That ship had cost them time, time that could sped the conquering

of Coruscant. Renlar had remained adamant, however, that the ship

was vital to his goal, and no one was about to question his 

reasons.

     The trip to Tatooine was uneventful, for both shuttles  

headed there. Orion and Alex landed near their fallen teacher's 

abandoned hut, and stowed away supplies on their ship. Suddenly, 

Orion sprang up. 

     "What's the matter Orion?", Alex inquired.

     "One of them's here, on Tatooine. In Mos Eisley."

     "So?"

     "So??? We have to stop him. Let's go."

     Alex sighed and followed his friend aboard the shuttle. 

Within minutes they were within sight of the other Jedi, loading 

crate upon crate aboard a shuttle of his own. He looked up in 

amazement when they cleared the ridge, and he ran for his 

cockpit. A few well placed shots from Alexanian put an end to his

plans of escape, and Orion brought the shuttle to a landing 

nearby. The other ran towards the pair's ship, screaming demonic 

curses and wielding his lightsaber. Orion lept from the doorway, 

and rolled away from the maniac Jedi. Alex crawled around to the 

other side of the shuttle. The Dark Jedi came at Alex, swinging 

his saber in wide arcs. Alex dodged backwards, avoiding the 

deadly blade. Orion jumped Graneth from behind, and wrested the 

saber from his hand. Graneth spun and threw Orion onto the 

ground. In the meantime, Alex had drawn a blaster, and ordered 

Graneth to halt. Graneth simply grabbed the blaster with the 

Force and crushed it. That was the last thing he would ever do. 

With a single swing of his arm, Orion dispatched the Dark Jedi 

into oblivion with his own saber. 

     "Whew! That was close," Alex gasped out.

     "We can use this saber, and the parts in the hut, to build 

two new ones. I have a feeling we'll need them, my friend. We 

must journey to Coruscant, for Renlar is on his way there now to 

crush the Republic high command," Orion said, walking into the 

hut.

     "We cannot wait on Graneth any longer. Begin countdown for 

the jump to Coruscant. All ships report in," Renlar ordered, 

pacing the bridge. Graneth was never this late before. what 

could've happened to him? A comlink beep brought him back to the 

matters at hand. 

     "All ships ready, your Lordship. We await your signal," the 

captain said.

     "Very well, proceed to Coruscant, Captain, we need not await

or brother. We shall crush the Republic, and in its place, 

establish the Empire. With the Jedi gone, they are defensless 

against our might," Renlar said as a tight smile crossed his 

lips. Victory was his. The Jedi were dead, and the Republic was 

his to take.


     
                         Chapter 3

     Two lone figures stood within the small adobe hut amidst the

Dune Sea. They bent over a small cylindrical object, using tools 

of ancient manufacture, creating a weapon of lore and myth. When 

finished, a flip of a switch lit the room in blue light.

     "We are done, my friend," muttered one figure.

     "Yes, now, we must journey to Coruscant, to stop this 

scourge and stain upon our kind."

     The two men climbed aboard the small shuttle, and left the 

planet of their teacher's birth. Along the hyperspace journey to 

the site of what would be a climactic, and decisive, battle, the 

two companions of the Force lay quiet, joining with the source of

their power, to unlock the truest seeing that can be had by the 

ancient users of the Force. Upon arrival at the once capital of 

the Empire, and site of the New Republic's leaders, a sudden 

awakening shook the two from a dream state.

     "We have arrived, Alex."

     "So we have. I'll put us down at the palace," Alex said, 

referring to the site of an emperor's rule and the site of the 

justice that had replaced it.

     The shuttle landed calmly, and the star travelling 

companions were met by four cloaked figures who led them into the

heart of the Imperial Palace. The subsequent briefing at the 

hands of Klas Mothma and General Jundar was exactly that, brief. 

The Imperial Fleet was on its way to Coruscant, and the 

Republic's starfighter's were above, in a screen of protection 

over the Imperial City. All of the available warships that could 

make it had been recalled 'home'. Calamari Cruisers, Nebulon-B 

Frigates, and small Corellian Corvettes all provided the 

Republic's last ditch defense against the coming tempest of 

darkness. In his mind, and within Alexanian's, Orion knew that 

the warships would not be the last defense against the chaos that

threatened to reign, but it would he and his dear friend, the 

last of their kind that could provide what was required. Even 

they may not have the strength to face this Dark Lord. The Master

Skywalker could not, and yet they must conquer him, lest the 

Republic fall. 

     A Republic officer ran forward, "We have an incoming group 

of signals, sir," he reported to Jundar.

     "They have arrived to vanquish us," Klas whispered, 

revealing the emotions of all within the command room. No one 

noticed two robed men leave the room, headed towards the central 

gardens.

     The epic warfare erupted in a fury of turbolaser fire and 

starfighter explosions. The Super-class Star Destroyer pressed 

through the contingent of capital ships surrounding the 

governmental planet. Twelve dropships left the main hangar bay, 

heading down onto the planet. TIE fighters and X-Wings engaged 

each other in the well rehearsed battle of old. Many pilots had 

seen this scene in films, films from the ancient Galactic Civil 

War. Now, it was to be relived, fought out above the planet of 

the galactic government for ages past. 

     The dropships came to a earthshaking stop upon the ground 

nearly fifty miles from the Imperial City. Fearsome AT-ATs 

emerged from the bays, flanked by AT-STs and troop transports. An

entire army made its way towards the Republic's capital, driven 

by the will of their leader, and by the intent of restoring teh 

Empire itself. Republican troops met them, and the two sides 

locked in combat, gaining and losing ground as the battle 

progressed. Between the blaster bolts and ion blasts, a large 

Imperial Juggernaut broke through the defender's line. It made no

attempt to turn to support its allies in the fight, instead it 

broke full speed for the city, joined by a horde of stormtroopers

and two AT-ATs. The Republic defenders were held back by the 

Stormtroopers, and the Juggernaut and the AT-ATs approached the 

city unmolested. Two solitary figures stood at the edge of the 

city, cloaked in garb of ancient warriors and arbitrators. Two 

Jedi against the full might of the Empire. The AT-ATs passed the 

Juggernaut, and began a systematic levelling of the surrounding 

city. One figure gestured with his hand, and a nearby building, 

seized by the Force, crumpled onto the AT-AT, crushing it beneath

its rubble. Momentarily, the other armored monstrosity viewed its

compatriot's death before turning its cannons on the two men. The

other figure drew a small cylinder from his belt, and ignited the

mythical weapon of Jedi Knight's. The blade flashed in brilliant 

blue, and deflected the oncoming cannon blasts. The commander of 

the huge machine flinched, agast at the scene he beheld. Shortly,

he had no more worry, for the head of the AT-AT, the command 

module, fell to the ground, the neck sliced by a flying 

lightsaber. 

     The 'Vindicator' had rejoined the battle. The debris from 

starship explosions and collisions was strewn accross the 

starfield. The Imperial Fleet was overcoming the Republic Fleet, 

with the TIE's support after dismantling the X-Wing fighters 

numbers. The remaining capital ships held the final line against 

the Star Destroyers, hoping that the ground forces fared better 

than they. A man stepped onto the flight deck of one such ship. 

He was flanked by eleven men clad in flight suits. He was a 

student of the master, and now the time had come to support his 

fellow Jedi that fought below.

     "To your fighter's men, we'll concentrate fire on that Super

Star Destroyer," he ordered, climbing into an X-Wing fighter.

     The squadron shot from the cruiser, and sped past the 

surprised TIE's. A hail of laser fire sent the line of TIE 

bombers that intended to cripple the cruiser sprawling. The 

squadron formed up, and dove on the immense starship.

     "Blue one, head for the shield generators. Blue four and 

five, cover him. The rest of you, follow me, " the fledgling Jedi

ordered. Three X-Wings split from the group as it headed toward 

the hangar bay. The three fighters screamed toward the exposed 

shield generators on the bridge section, blasting away with the 

wingtip lasers that hallmarked the X-Wing. In an eruption of 

flame, the generator gave way, and the three fighters pounced on 

the bridge of the dark ship. Meanwhile, the rest of Blue squadron

threw torpedo after torpedo into the hangar bay, putting a halt 

to the swarms of TIE fighters that had continued to emerge from 

it. As the ship began to list, the squadron raced away, watching 

it fall into the atmosphere of the planet, and burst into flames.


     The Juggernaut came to a halt. The two robed figures stood 

adamant. A throng of Stormtroopers came forth, blasters firing 

into the two men. The Jedi backed into the city, herded by the 

white armor clad troops. The Stormtroopers reached the Imperial 

Palace, followed by a command vehicle. A dark clad figure stepped

from the armored vehicle, and joined his troops, leading them at 

the head into the inner palace. Republic troops met them at every

turn, and at every turn, fell to the elite Imperials. Nothing 

slowed the onslaught. The group continued to secure the palace 

for their Dark Lord. The Lord himself left to enter the sanctum 

of the Republic's leader. Joined with him were his disicples, 

Jedi tainted in the ways of the Dark Side, who numbered at ten.

They found the main corridor in the palace, and marched down it 

with determination and malevolence. The dark ones entered a large

open garden, and their leader halted. The two figures they had 

met at the city edge awaited them in the center of the gardens.

     Renlar grumbled, "Away Jedi! We shall not be stopped!"

     "Never, Dark One. The Jedi have returned to aid the Galaxy 

again, and you shall fall before us," was the only utterance from

the two.

     Three of the men with Renlar moved towards the heroes, 

lighting their sabers and prepareing for combat. The two Jedi did

the same, and combat ensued. Three red sabers fell upon the two 

friends, and were met by white and blue. Orion had been astute in

the wielding of the saber, and now he gave a final lesson to the 

darklings facing him. Two bodies fell, ad Alexanian dispatched 

the third. 

     "See Renlar, "asked Orion, "Your dark followers have failed,

you cannot win."

     Renlar stopped two more from approaching the two Jedi, "No. 

I will face them myself. I shall destroy them, as I destroyed 

their master."

     Renlar's red blade lit, and he dashed at Alexanian. Orion 

went to aid his friend, but was intercepted by the remaining Dark

Jedi. Alex parried blow after blow, and swung his blade wide, 

catching Renlar off guard. His saber missed the thigh of his 

opponent by millimeters, taking off half of the Dark Lord's 

cloak. Renlar twisted, striking down. His blade struke true, 

cutting a deep gash into Alexanian's leg. Alex fell, his saber 

rolling away. Renlar brought his saber down for a killing blow.

Orion lept into the air, flipping over the shocked figures, and 

landed in front of Renlar. His white blade blocked the blow that 

would have ended his friends life.

     "Very well, Jedi. I shall dispose of you first, "Renlar said

quietly.

     "You cannot destroy me Renlar, for the Force is my ally. It 

stands at my side to aid me," Orion retorted.

     Anger filled the Dark One, and he lifted his saber. Orion 

parried the blow and swung his own attack at Renlar. Blow after 

blow was exchanged between the two duelers, as the battle raged 

above and inside the city itself. Renlar forced Orion down, 

striking repeatedly and heavily with his saber.

     "Don't you know, Jedi? No Jedi trained by Skywalker can best

me, that much I have forseen," Renlar exclaimed over lightsaber 

blows.

     "That's convienent, Renlar, but you forget something..., 

"Orion responded.

     "And what would that be?" Renlar asked, adding another blow 

for effect.

     Orion calmly said,"I was not trained by Skywalker..."

     Horror crossed Renlar's face. In an instant, his Jedi 

farseeing had shown himn the truth. Orion had come from his own 

training, trained by a Jedi Knight killed in the ancient purge of

Jedi by the Emperor. Orion had grown and trained alone, without 

the aid of Skywalker. Now, Renlar had met his destiny.

     Orion rose up, repulsing Renlar's furious blows. The two 

Jedi locked in combat, in a battle to determine the future of the

Galaxy. Orion swung wide, throwing Renlar's lightsaber into the 

garden. Renlar lunged at Orion, but to no avail. Orion swept his 

arm low, removing Renlar's legs. As he fell, Orion asked, "Cease 

this sensless war, or die as a Dark Jedi."

     "I will never surrender to you, impotent one!" Renlar 

shouted. A pain shot across Orion's skull, and a laugh sounded

from Renlar.                                                 
 
     "You see, fledgling, I am more powerful than you can ever be.

Now, I will show you the true power of the Dark Side," Renlar 

leered at Orion, failing to notice the new absence of Alexanian.

White lightning, reminiscent of the Emperor, arced from Renlar's

hands, engulfing Orion in agony. Orion cringed on the ground of the

garden, winceing in pain. Slowly, Renlar was killing the very life

force within the Jedi. With a final twitch of pain, Orion left the

mortal world behind.

     The Dark Lord shouted aloud," I have truimphed! Can no one in

the Galaxy stand against me?!"

     Several cloaked figures appeared at the edges of the garden.

They stood quiet, watching the scene in silence. Then, they joined 

hands as their leader spoke.

     "Yes," spoke one figure, as the Dark Jedi spun as a group to

find themselves surrounded,"we, the heirs to Skywalker's legacy, 

stand against you."

    "Ha!," the Dark Lord shouted. "You are weak and powerless

against me."

    "No Dark Jedi, we are Jedi, and our ally is the Force, Life 

itself," the group said in unison.

    Bright light flooded the garden area, a light of purity and 

life. The Dark Jedi cringed in pain, pain and truth. In an instant of

sight, they found themselves lonely and sad, not with power, but with

empty souls. Renlar stood at the center, and the light poured into him

and around him. Then, with a violent explosion, a blue-white light 

seared from his body, leaving it a lifeless hulk upon the ground.

The orchestrator of the chaos that had engulfed the Galaxy was

vanquished, and the Dark Side defeated.

     With their master gone, the other Dark Jedi abandoned the 

power he had taught them, returning to the Light. They stood 

aghast at the man they had followed, and aghast at the deeds they

had committed. Alex, healed by the Jedi that had been present, ran

to Orion's lifeless body that lay onthe ground. His Jedi healing 

techniques encompassed far more than mere medical technology could 

ever comprehend, and even as he knelt over Orion's body, the life 

force was moving from his body to the dead Jedi's. Orion awoke, and

they ran again to the head of the Republic troops that

even now were repelling the Imperial from the city. A large 

object was burning in the atmosphere, and the Fleet had routed 

the Imperials. 

     After the mopping up of the Imperials, removal of the dead, 

and the following ceremony of victory, Orion found himself alone 

atop the palace. Alexanian was healing soldiers in the camp, and 

the Fleet had claimed a fair number of ships n the aftermath of 

the battle. The 'New Empire' had been halted and destroyed. The 

evil plague of the Dark Side had been defeated, and the Jedi once

again meant justice and peace to the galaxy. 



---This story is NOT canon, of course. I simply wrote it as much
for my amusement as for others enjoyment. I hope you like it. It
also isn't the best grammar, I know. Just deal :) If you liked 
it, or have any ideas, email me at stu_jsdrisco@vax1.acs.jmu.edu

					Jeff Driscoll