Spark of Rebellion

[Leah Reach]

On the river moon of Al’doleem, dawn was near. Morning fog sifted through the forest canopy, trails of clouds littered an orange sky and the gas giant overhead looked on with pride. Leah was the same as her quiet eyes pierced the fog and settled on the ancient sanctuary. It was the home of the Galactic Alliance. It was the pedestal on which the flame of rebellion endured. As long as the spark was lit, then there was always hope— hope for the return of the Jedi, restoration of the Republic and the end of the Sith. And the spark of rebellion was not out yet.

She walked down the avenue into the sanctuary. Several ships occupied a hangar which could hold dozens. Men dressed in frayed uniforms barely guarded its doors or populated its halls. The Alliance’s base of operations seemed almost abandoned, left to rot on the faraway world. But in the morningtide there was a sense of beauty in the decay. Wildflowers hatched from narrow cracks in the temple foundation, blankets of moss ran with a brilliant green, the roots of trees climbed along the walls. The sanctuary was nature’s paradise. It was a lump in her throat.

Leah observed the natural charm that surrounded her but she recognized why it was there. The old monastery looked bare not because its residents were still tucked in bed waiting for daylight. In reality, it was empty because its three quarters of its original inhabitants were now tucked under the rubble of the Jedi enclave on Dantooine. They had the Empire to thank for that. Them and the reckless actions of a band of rebel extremists. It was their fault the Alliance stood on the verge of extinction. It was their fault the last of the Jedi had joined their ancestors in the ash and dirt. It was their fault her husband was—

She sighed. Leah was still in mourning. It was best not to think of him, even if he was the reason why she came to the Alliance headquarters. A secret meeting with the Alliance Commander, and the only other Jedi survivor from the Dantooine enclave, was at hand. While she had met the Commander, a former Captain, Leah hardly knew lone other Jedi. But who they were was unimportant. It was what they did that mattered. And what mattered was the survival of the Rebellion and the Jedi smitten with them.

“Commander Ion.” Her voice arrived like a gentle whisper, followed with a manageable bow when she entered the private chambers. Her heart still ached with loss, a loss she partially blamed on the new rebel leader. “Thank you for convening with me. I know it is early and I understand you are busy, but I bring news— good news. The first, I imagine, in a long time.”

@Minuteman75 @Orbit

 

[Hugo Ion]

Inside the ancient chambers Hugo Ion, sat wearing worn out combat fatigues and his red eyes from lack of sleep. Not exactly the fine image of a military officer that many people would first imagine. Then again their organization wasn’t most the professional unit to begin with, he knew that by now.

Still hard to be believe I’m the Alliance Commander. I did not see that coming.

The ‘promotion’ had only been made possible due to a disaster whose memories ever so recent kept often him up at night. Granted, the last rebel council made a number of decisions he had objected but did not wish for the terrible fate they had suffered. It can’t be changed, the blue humanoid was reminded in self rebuke. So he sat on the bare floor, reading the latest dispatch from the cell leaders still operating under the Alliance’s banner.

Mildly groaning from fatigue Commander Ion put the data pad down and rubbed the side of his head with the right hand. He turned and looked out to an open window, displaying the wilderness just as the sun rose proudly like a mighty king.“Stunning, absolutely stunning.” He whispered and softy smiled. The fact this place once housed the ancient Jedi brought some comfort to his burdened soul.

When not bombarded with his responsibilities Hugo took the time to tour the establishment outside. Clears my head from the frakking mess we’re stuck with. His left hand squeezed in silent fury, remembering the slaughter on Dantooine and who he held responsible for it. The Empire and the extremists his former superiors once allied with so carelessly lead an enemy fleet back to their doorstep.

Part of me wonders when their plan failed if those fools purposely lead the damn Sith there just to snuff us out? Whether they did or not those bastards can’t be trusted. They’re no better than the force damned Sith.

Shaking his head at the mental rant raging inside, Hugo took a deep breath and exhale. Having calmed down Hugo subsequently saw Leah Reach enter the chamber addressing him by name and a bow. “Master Leah.” The Durosian replied with a short salute. Leah was a very capable woman he had come to know since Dantooine’s aftermath. He respected the widow but still felt a bit awkward and somewhat distant with her, despite their shared connection with her late husband and his best friend, Eli Reach.

The commander’s instincts told gave him a solid guess why it is so but choose to keep the unbearable topic buried as Leah announced she had some good news for them. Now intrigued, Hugo raised an eyebrow and said.

“By means do share. To be honest, we could really use some good news for a change.”

@Deviant @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine knew it was time to meet the new Rebel leader and a Jedi he heard about but never formally met. Her husband was his master and while he didn't speak much about her to Valentine, he did offer stories from here and there to at least know her name and the basics of her. The destruction of Dantooine was still fresh for everyone and that was the reason for the meeting, at least find some plan of action to get them back on track. So far, Master Leah was the only other full-fledged Jedi that he knew was still alive and that was reason enough to come to this meeting alone. It saddened Val slightly at that realization, excited by the fact of just one Jedi when he knew there have used to be so many. They would have to rebuild but that would be after this meeting.

As Val made his way to the meeting point, he pushed the memories of Dantooine from his mind. The mistakes he made there were fresh for him but now wasn't a time for him to dwell on that. As easily as they came they disappeared from his head, closing his eyes to help push them away in order to clear his head. Val would near a clear head for this meeting as whatever they discussed here have a future impact they didn't know. He entered into the headquarters, navigating through the various halls as he could sense another signature that was similar to his own. Val didn't fail to notice the vacancy of the headquarters but that was something to dwell on for another time.

Val reached the door that led to the private quarters and he waited a moment behind it before pressing the button, the door sliding open as he stepped into the room. His eyes immediately went to Master Leah first before to Commander Ion. Val offered a bow to the both of them before introducing himself, "Pleasure to meet you both, my name is Valentine Rayth. Or Master Rayth if you wish to address me as that." He wore robes that hid his signature weapons or other distinguishable marks but Leah would be able to sense what he was and vice versa. Val glanced over to Leah for a second, staring at her as he realized who this really was before giving her a brief nod as it appeared like she was about to speak, "Don't let me interrupt, we can save pleasantries after we finish what we need to discuss here." While it may not have been as obvious, they had limited time and resources for what they wanted to accomplish and the moves they made were important.

@Deviant @Minuteman75

 

[Leah Reach]

“Master Rayth, happy to have you join us.” She said once the man slid into the private chambers, granting a welcome nod but no warm smile. He was late, and by how well groomed he was, fashionably late. The older woman stopped short from adding a snarky “at last,” knowing it contributed nothing to the discussion but spite. But Leah couldn’t judge. The Alliance Commander had arrived before the Jedi, even when this meeting was convened on her own accord. She was only content to see they were here, still in one piece, and prepared to listen to the news.

“But yes, as I was saying, my husb—” she continued before pausing to interrupt herself. A moment later, her voice shifted back to its earnest tone. “—Master Reach went on a number of missions to recruit lost Jedi leading up to the tragedy on Dantooine.” She kept her mind clear of dark thoughts, no matter how close they lingered to heart. “As I’m sure you know, he enlisted and retrieved many, either alone on faraway worlds or in dying enclaves. But some refused, and others were never contacted, for reasons I’m also sure you understand.”

She cleared her throat. “Those Jedi were the lucky ones. They were able to avoid the disaster on Dantooine, and I believe they’re still out there. Alive and well. Waiting for someone, for a reason to help, or for something to happen. We could be that something.” The Jedi Master stepped to the holographic console, where each of three rebels were gathered around. “But I assumed they were lost. Without their locations, it would take us the same years it took Master Reach to track them down. And in our state, we don’t have years.”

“Fortunately, I found something.” Fingers unfurled, she revealed to both men a small disc in the palm of her hand. “I have with me a special piece of data from Master Reach’s old archive in the Jedi monastery. One that contains an astrology map with the locations of every surviving Jedi he tracked down.” With the twitch of her hand, the disc hovered through the air and into the console’s mainframe. The same map she mentioned flickered upon the table center for the others to see. Her eyes locked with Valentine’s. “We’re not the only ones. There’s still hope.”

@Minuteman75 @Orbit

 

[Hugo Ion]

Just as Leah and Hugo made their exchange when their third member Valentine Rayth stepped in to the meeting finally. The Alliance commander glanced over the other human’s direction with a acknowledging nod. They really never had met until now but Hugo in his new position had time to read up a little bit about Valentine’s alliance dossier. A committed man both as an operative and as a Jedi. Thank the Force he survived what happen.

Not wanting to spent more time reflecting Dantooine’s aftermath, Hugo turned focus back to Leah. Her pause at mentioning her late husband did not go unnoticed. Commander Ion remained silent as the lady Jedi began the briefing. Eli’s efforts to recruiting lost Jedi weren’t a mystery to him though Hugo. Of course the deceased master wisely did not share too many details. Ion had mixed feelings about the Jedi who refused to join earlier.

On one hand they left their brethren to shoulder the burden while hiding away. Yet it was that very absence that spared their lives.

Sometimes Hugo felt that life was written like an Alderaanian tragedy on the stage by some unknown hand. Prefer watching those comedy holonet shows like the Fresh Duke of Coronet. Suppressing further thoughts on that subject Hugo approached the hologram console with Valentine and Leah.

When the map was fully revealed the Alliance Commander’s mouth slightly dropped before he let a short whistle to say he was impressed. Even in death his old friend was aiding them. Moments later Hugo spoke up.

“This is a great find Master Leah. Believe me I’m pleased there is more out there however we need to address the bantha in the room.” He cleared his throat before adding.

“How do we go about convincing them to change their minds and join ranks? They have turned down offers to do so before to remain in hiding after all.”

@Orbit @Deviant

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Val listened intently as Leah spoke, choosing not to interrupt as he observed her reactions and actions. So he was right, Master Reach had been her husband. Even if there was a slight chance it wasn't her, her little mishap and the slight of emotion that showed was enough for Val to conclude it. Leah was right, Master Reach went on a heavy recruiting mission, himself one of the students who actually accepted his teachings. It was a little disheartening to see that he was the only one out of everybody that he had asked but their numbers would swell, they would just have to bide their time and play their cards correctly to do it.

The disaster on Dantooine had been spoken enough about and Val had enough personal experience that he didn't want to have to experience through any of it again. As Leah pointed out, luckily there were those out there who didn't have to experience the horrors of that day and possibly still could be swayed to join their side. When she stepped to the console and stated that she had found something, Val arched his eyebrow as he crossed his arms over his chest, hoping she did actually come with good news as he had some nugget of his own. When she showed the disc and slipped into the console, Val's eyes immediately went to the map as the blue light reflected through his amber eyes.

Val remained silent, almost missing Leah's look entirely as he just stared at the map. Some of the planets were highlighted, offering as points of interest at best for them to explore. "No, we're not." Val murmured softly but hopefully as he gave his own look to Leah before adding on, "I have my own news as well..." He gave a quick glance to Commander Ion before back to Leah, "Before Master Reach passed he told me of someone. A student on the planet of Vestar that had rejected him before but he was convinced that she would join us. After this meeting, I planned on flying there myself to recruit her to our cause." Val swept his gaze between the two of them, "Within luck, we could have one more by our side very soon and make this much easier." His gaze then just rested on Commander Ion and he shrugged, "As for the others we'll have to make do, things are different I believe. The Datooine strike was savage even more so for the Empire, women and children along with other innocents were killed in it. The Empire may have lit a fire in the Rebellion by nearly destroying it."

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah and Valentine locked eyes for the shortest moment before both returned their fixation to the map. They were the last of the Jedi, two threads now tied to hold the Order together. She hardly knew the man, save for mentions from her late husband, but she trusted him. In the Force, in how determined he was, in his willingness to act— it was strange to think it, but Leah was glad the other man was by her side. There was no way she could do this alone. As for Commander Ion, he was no different either. Both of them were essential to the Alliance, both of them a model of hope and counsel for her to look to. Leah wasn’t the only light in this dark path.

“And I am certain that same fire will burn the Empire down once and for all.” She continued, picking up from where Valentine left off. As for Commander Ion’s question, the answer was right before them. “Our circumstances are bleak. We lost many on Dantooine, and I’m sure many more will be lost in the coming battles. The other Jedi have no more reason to refuse our requests than they did before.” She nodded, acknowledging the dire truth. “But we have hope. Faith. The Empire is fractured, weaker than ever before. The Mandalorians are chewing them away piece by piece. It should be clear to anyone that now is the time to step into the light.”

She gestured to the astrology map and the several highlighted worlds checkered across it: Vestar, Rishii, Nar Shaddaa and more. “They may have a reason to stay where they are, but what benefit would it bring? They could happily meet death alone knowing they gave into their fears and into an enemy this evil and oppressive. Or— they can join their brothers and sisters, redeem themselves after years of indifference, and fight for a new Alliance.” Her voice was strong and her resolve stronger. “The Force calls to them. The Jedi Order calls to them. The galaxy cries out for them. And they will have to answer. Now or never.”

With her spiel over, she scrolled through the map. “I will venture to Rishii and meet with the old Jedi Master settled there.” The Jedi glanced to the other, Valentine. “I understand you will seek out the student on Vestar.” Last but not least, she turned her attention to Hugo. “And Commander Ion, I know this is much to ask of you, but for the Rebellion, may you reach out to the lone Jedi on Nar Shaddaa?” Then there it was. The game plan. The outline of the path they were now set upon, one that needed to succeed for the Alliance to one day prevail.

@Minuteman75 @Orbit

 

[Hugo Ion]

Standing back Hugo made an the effort to observe his two allies closely, taking in their words and expressions. The more pragmatic side of the commander wanted to argue with the possibility of the hidden Jedi not being at these locations in the map anymore. The wounds from Dantooine were just healing for him. Could they really place their bets on a collection of ghosts who hide away while the rest of the galaxy continued suffering?

The thought did spark a bout of resentment in Ion’s toward the Jedi still hiding. He wanted to drive that point with Valentine and Leah. Yet the conviction in each Jedi’s voice stops him in his tracks.

They were filled with hope, despite every evidence to the contrary. In a way Hugo envied their faith in the Force. He accepted the entity did existed and was curious but it’s dual nature and other mysteries can be quite baffling to the mind. Subsequently, Leah further complicated things when she requested him of all people to seek one of her wayward brethren. The Durosian in the combat uniform stood motionlessly, internally deciding on his course of action.

Stay here where and play it for the Alliance or go look for someone who could be dead already?

Hugo silently asked himself. The choice became obvious...he wanted to hope again. They can’t let the fallen down not when it an opportunity like this present itself. Looking up at the map, specifically at the dot symbolizing Nar Shaddaa Ion then turned toward Leah with a resolute nod before grinning.

“I’ll drag that ghost’s ass back here if I have to. Kicking and screaming.”

@Deviant @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Leah had picked up his words and Valentine let her continue, focusing his attention back to the map while also keeping an ear open for her while she spoke. They had a vast challenge ahead of them, everybody could see it but it was never meant to be easy. If it was, the Empire would have already crumbled by now. This was their chance to make a change in the galaxy, for the better at least and it gave him a surge of emotion. Val knew it could be done, it just hinged on everyone playing their cards right and hopefully no traitors or spies that could destroy the whole if they wanted to.

Commander Ion had a point, how sure were they that the other students at their joined their efforts? Nobody had a real clue, they were just basing it off opinions and hoping the force will somehow make the galaxy align with them. But it had to be done, not just the Order but possibly everybody in the galaxy was calling to them for help. Val just hoped this all wouldn't be a wasted effort and they just prolonged the inevitable with retreating to the moon. They lost too many for that to happen.

Val gave a nod to Leah before directing his gaze to Hugo, glad to see the man to agree to their plan. Val lifted his hands from the table before waving his hand in front of the console and shutting it off. "Well, we all know what to do. If we can, prevent radio contact with each other until you can complete your objective. I'll head to Vestar immediately in search of this woman, may the force be with you all." Val gave a slight bow to both of them before stepping back to the console and casting a gaze to Leah that she would know, the Jedi would need to have their own plan of action after this. Without another word, the Jedi made his way to exit, the start of possibly another long and brutal war. But this one, they couldn't lose.