Commendation

[Leah Reach]

Everything had gone better than Alliance Command could have ever hoped or imagine.

Because of a boy barely in his adolescence, because of someone who knew the world well, because of someone who pitched the idea to the Rebel Council, Ruusan would fall into Alliance hands. The world was distant, even a little too close to Imperial territory, but nothing the Rebellion couldn’t hold, defend and use. Its strategic positioning between their greatest enemies would prove crucial to the war effort. Aside from that, the resources and artifacts hidden across the planet surface may turn out to be meaningful to the Alliance and to the renewed Jedi Order. Leah believed long ago the Jedi had set up residence on the world. Perhaps there was something to find.

However, for now, she was there to celebrate and congratulate the boy responsible for bringing about the entire operation. He was far too young to personally lead it, but Leah knew a leader when she saw one. The boy, known only as Jake in their records, had been the root cause of this triumph. Perhaps not a driving force, but still integral to the takeover. He deserved to know that he was appreciated and respected in Rebel Command for his efforts on the wayward planet. His dedication would not go unnoticed. While a celebration would be ongoing, Leah aimed to meet with the boy and personally thank him. Already, among the crowd of rebels, she spotted him.

“Jake, right?” She said as drinks clinked and laughter resounded. The woman eyed him. For some reason, he looked strangely familiar but she couldn’t place a finger on it. Regardless, she wondered if he might recognize her too. After all, she was no ordinary rebel.

@Andrewza

 

[Jake2]

Ruusan the world of the black markets and freedom the first place Jake had fled to after he fled the Sith and where he found out about the Galactic Alliance. So when trouble had brewed on the word Jake had brought it to the attention of the Galactic Alliance high command and helped set up the plan that would not only save Rusaan but turn the entire planet in to a ally of the Alliance.

Now with the civil war at a end and peace returned it was time to celebrate. There was no party in the street with fire works or any parades up to a palace. Nothing like that for the Galactic Alliance not yet at least since they where not official a thing still that did not mean there was no celebration just that it was small.

Drinking some blueish drink that was fizzy Jake was approached by women who greeted her. "Hi, and yeah the Name Is Jake" Jake was not sure if they had met before. She looked familiar but Jake could not think of where or if they had really seen each other before today.

 

[Leah Reach]

“It’s good to meet you then, Jake.” She said, shifting back into pleasantries and introductions. As a rebel ambassador, she was a natural at it. Of course, her words and intentions were every bit genuine. Truly, Leah was there to thank and congratulate the strange boy for his actions. Ruusan was team effort but he nevertheless deserved some taste of the limelight. “My name is Leah Reach, an Alliance ambassador and advisor to Commander Ion. Both he and I wanted to extend our thanks and respect for what you’ve done here today.” She gestured to the celebration around the two. “I doubt this would have come about without your contributions.”

With a humble smile, she continued, “It’s especially rare given your… youth.” She tried to maintain a sense of respect, even if she was both his superior and elder. “The Alliance doesn’t have much of anyone around your age. Let alone those willing to risk their lives for the cause. But you? You managed to do all that and more.” A droid approached the two and offered each a drink. Initially reluctant, the woman caved in and plucked a glass from the tray. Taking a sip, she glanced down to Jake. “But if you don’t mind me asking— what brought you to the Alliance?” She paused and corrected herself, unsure if she was being too nosy. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I’m just curious.”

She eyed the boy. There was something about him that struck a chord with the Jedi Master. Not in a bad way. She felt as if he had seen him in a dream, or during one of her meditative sessions, but she was certain she had seen him before. The name was likewise familiar. Her dear friend and fellow Jedi, Master Luy, had mentioned it briefly before. However, the galaxy was a big place. There could be millions of anyone else with the same name. Dozens that she had already met before. Still, she felt pulled to the boy. Despite his newfound prestige with the end of the operation, there was more to him than mere rebel potential. He was more than that.

@Andrewza

 

[Jake2]

Jake nodded his head as the women spoke and she was right Jake was young and yes he was the youngest in the Galactic alliance that at least he had seen. But Jake did feel he alone should get so much credit for this victory since it belonged to the Alliance as a whole not mention even though he was young Jake had military training of sort and had the force to guide him. "Thank you Leah, but I feel you give me far to much credit I am not worth of the level of praise you are presenting me with. "

The question was asked before and there where a few in the Alliance that knew the truth and Jake knew that he could not be the only one. But still it was a delicate subject matter that Jake preferred to not dwell on to much. Though this was more for Jake than for others. Still he would not refuse to answerer the question even if she said he could "I was meant to be a sith trained and every thing. But, but I could not do it. As soon as a opportunity came I fled. As for joining the Galactic Alliance, what else could I do really. Any one I stay with will be targeted by the Sith. At least now I am with people who under stand the risk."

 

[Leah Reach]

“Please, Jake. You are too modest. Although the Alliance had thrown much of their effort into taking the world, if I recall correctly, it was your idea in the first place.” She presented a wide smile, reassuring him that the operation was his, even if he wasn’t leading it directly. That had rested with other rebel commanders and Alliance High Command. Still, it never hurt to thank the real reason behind the takeover. Jake deserved some form of commendation for his thoughts, ideals and his actions. A rebel so young deserved to know they were not alone in this fight. That they were appreciated for laying down their childhood, and future, for the cause.

Leah was surprised to hear him mention the Sith, no less training under them. Natural instinct would have urged the Jedi Master to reach for her lightsaber just at the mention of her enemy. But seeing the boy, knowing where his heart laid, she knew it would do no good. Instead, she raised a single eyebrow and observed him with growing curiosity. If he was training under the Empire, then it meant he was force-sensitive. Could that have been why she felt such an abnormal gravity around him? Was that why Leah had been so compelled to meet and greet him in-person? Questions buzzed around her head. Still, she was proud to hear his story.

“That is incredibly brave of you— renouncing the Sith, risking your life to leave them behind, and risking it again to fight. Even I don’t know men who would have been so willing to do the same.” There is one, but only one. Not many managed to escape the Sith alive, and not many even considered it. But there was Jake, a boy, who had done it all and more. At his final remark, she answered too: “And believe me, we understand the risk, but we also understand that the Empire cannot continue to subjugate the galaxy. Five hundred years was too long. I hope that, one day, we can destroy them once and for all. So that you can live the life you deserve.” The woman flashed another smile. That was when she recognized him.

His poise, strength, courage and determination. They were all traits of a true Jedi, and if he was force-sensitive, there could be no doubt about it. He was the Jake of Master Luy. Her voice dipped low out of precaution, even if they were alone among the crowd. “Wait— Jake.” His name now carried greater meaning. “You serve under Master Luy, don’t you?” She knew the question would surprise him, given Leah had long hidden under the guise of a rebel ambassador and rarely as a Jedi Master. She hoped he may understand, however, especially at the mention of Luy.

@Andrewza

 

[Jake2]

Jake did not know how brave it really was. If he did not leave it would only be a matter of time before he was killed by some one and at least now he was free from the control of the empire. Really it was fear of death that drove Jake to leave. Still Jake did wonder how many wanted to leave but failed to leave to. Though not like Jake left to go in to hiding. The Alliance was proactive, this adventure on Ruusan proofed that. "500 years is indeed to long, there rule as brought misery to many worlds and the sooner they are gone the better"


On hearing the name Luy, Jake stopped and thought about his Master. The large Jedi had aided him in his fear of loneliness and was far wiser than any Jedi he had met. "Yes, yes I am. Though I did not think such knowledge was common in the Alliance. May I ask how you knew?"

 

[Leah Reach]

She was glad to hear his enthusiasm. Happy to know he shared her own revulsion for the Empire. The oppression of the Sith, the subjugation of a thousand worlds and the atrocities committed over the span of five hundred years demanded retribution. The Galactic Alliance would give it to them. One step at a time. The ongoing development on Endor, the expansion of the Rimma hyperlane, as well as the Ruusan operation, only proved the Rebellion’s willingness to see the end of the Empire. Soon enough, they would strike worlds under the banner of the Sith. Planets like Mon Calamari, or Nar Shaddaa, or even Corellia. The options were all around them. All they needed to do was act. Act like the boy in front of her had.

“Indeed.” She answered at his earlier response, nodding in agreement. The rebel ambassador felt herself gravitate more and more toward Jake. Not in any creepy manner, but through the Force. She was interested in him, his potential and strength. In fact, she was almost tempted to steal him away from Master Luy, much like she had with Fey Meraska on Kashyyyk. Of course, the Jedi Master did not want to start some kind of rivalry with the other. She doubted he would simply overlook her constantly undermining him, even if she did it with only good intentions in mind. She respected Luy. Although she was not always a fan of his teachings and passive stance. Still, she was happy to know he was training so many, Jake included.

However, at his question, she offered a tiny and knowing smirk. There was nobody else around them. Nobody listening. Even if someone was, they would have never believed it. Not as the rebel ambassador leaned in and answered, “I know because I am a Jedi Master too.” She was blunt and straight to the point. Leah imagined the boy would appreciate her quick honesty. “Master Luy and I met not long after the tragedy on Dantooine. Together, along with several others, we renewed the Order. An Order I am glad to know you are a part of, Jake.” She leaned back now and crossed her arms, a sudden thought passing through. “But if you don’t mind me asking, I’m curious— what do you think of Master Luy?”

With a brow raised, she looked at the young man intently.

@Andrewza

 

[Jake2]

Jake had never really been asked to quantify his thoughts on master luy. He knew he liked him but why. "I see master luy as some one who is able to understand others. He is then able to use this knowledge to help them. I see him as a good guide and teacher that truly wants the best for his students. He is all so kind and even though physically large and imposing he has a calming auro that seems to make being afraid around him hard if not imposbil."

Jake all so realized he knew very little about master luy and the Jedi order in general." Master if I may, how was it that the Jedi survived, how where you as a order not compelled to move against the empire sooner. 500 years is a long time for the champions of light to site in the shadows."

 

[Leah Reach]

“I see.” She said with a soft smile. Although Leah was not so fond of Master Luy, she could relate with everything Jake told her. The other Jedi was indeed large and imposing when they first met one another, but seconds into conversation led her to believe he was not as menacing or threatening as she first assumed. While she would have enjoyed the company of another hardline Master, like Valentine or Aurora, Leah was still glad to have Luy on her side. He was a pacifist at heart, but he possessed a strong understanding of the old Jedi ideals. He not simply trained, he taught. While Master Reach personally preferred a more hands-on approach with her students, she respected what Luy was doing with Jake and his own Padawans.

Before she could pick up a new conversation, Jake pierced her thoughts with something else. A familiar subject, and nothing the Jedi was going to shy away from. Leah nodded. “Five hundred years is indeed a long time, but the Jedi Order was brought to the brink. While they scattered, the Sith and their Mandalorian Crusaders made quick work of those who ran or hid. While I was not there, neither can I speak for the Jedi before, I believe they had to do anything, everything, to survive. Abandon the tenants of the Order, live as hermits until death, not only meld into the shadows but to disappear altogether. They were separate, isolated and lost. While there were Jedi who wanted to champion the Light, they struggled to find anyone else, so they struggled alone, until the Sith swept in.”

She sighed. “There was a gathering a few years ago. Another rebel organization. We fought the Sith in the shadows, but they caught wind of it and bombed our sanctuary on Dantooine.” Her husband died there, but she made no mention of it. “I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. There was only myself and Valentine left. And eventually, the three other Jedi we found, Master Luy included. Now, together, we are making up for the mistakes of our past by fighting the Sith and liberating the galaxy one world at a time. Ruusan, especially.” She gave a wide smile and gestured to the gathering again. “Thanks to your efforts and those of the Jedi and the Rebellion. Together, united, we are strong. And the Sith, divided, are not.”

A pause. “Of course, Ruusan is only the start. I know you are experienced, and capable, but you are young. Do you believe you are ready for the wars to come, Jake?” It was a genuine question, one Leah was curious to hear an answer out of. Indeed, Jake was younger than most but managed to accomplish much. She wondered what he had planned next, and if he understood the risks.

@Andrewza

 

[Jake2]

It was no secret of what transpired at Dantooin though Jake did not know all the details it was done thing he learned while in the Empire. But no mension of Jedi or even rebels where made, even now the Sith probably thought it was pirates. "I have heard of Dantooin I know most of the rebel leadership are survivors and that most did not survive. I all so under stand it could not of been easy for the survivors of the old Jedi Order to maintain faith in defeat."



Jake wondered if he was ready for the wars to come. War was not some thing he had ever really experienced. Not Galactic scale war of the type that was looming. "It is foolish question to anserw with out experiencing it. Can some one say they ready for death, loss and hardship if they have not felt it?" Even so Jake felt that he would at least try, he did not know what the future would hold but right now he was ready to endure the coming war. "I guess I will find out if I am ready for war"

 

[Leah Reach]

Jake was clever. He surprised the Jedi Master even more than he already did. Young as he was, he knew a thing or two about war. He understood the hardships ahead, how difficult the journey would be, and he still stood willing. A part of her wondered if the boy was squandered under the tutelage of Master Luy, but she trusted the other Jedi to raise Jake up to be a promising student of the Force. She could already sense it in him. His connection was palpable, as was his resolve. She believed the young man would go far with the Rebellion, and already saw a Commander in him. Maybe not now, but in time, perhaps. She wished only for the best for him, and prayed he might survive the wars to come and emerge from the thicket in one piece.

“I guess we will.” She answered with a reassuring smile. “But don’t worry. Have faith. Trust in the Force.” The glass of champagne perched between her fingers rose to her lips. She took a quick sip, sighed in relief, and nodded to the young man. “Well, the night is still young and there is much to celebrate. I will leave you be, then.” She took a step back. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Jake. Here’s to hoping it is not the last.” She raised her drink and eyed him one more time. “May the Force be with you.” She spun on her heels, hair draped over her back, as Leah left the boy to his own devices. Indeed, there was much to do, for him and for her. There was a Rebellion to lead, and an Empire to defeat.

End Thread.​