Star Wars: Age of Rebellion II

## *Star Wars: Age of Rebellion*

***Star Wars: Age of Rebellion***, otherwise known as ***Age of Rebellion*** or ***Age of Rebellion II*** (to ensure its independence with other *Age of Rebellion* games on this wiki), is a multi-session, fan-run, non-canon Star Wars Roleplaying Campaign set chronologically after the events of ***Star Wars*: Episode IV *A New Hope*** and before ***Star Wars*: Episode V *The Empire Strikes Back*** using Fantasy Flight Games' Star Wars Roleplaying system.

*Age of Rebellion* is set between 0 ABY - 1 ABY, or 0 years after the Battle of Yavin to 1 year after the Battle of Yavin. It is connected to sister campaigns, ***Star Wars: Edge of the Empire***, **Star Wars: Age of Resistance**, ***Star Wars: Force and Destiny***, ***Star Wars: Alliance at War***, and ***Star Wars: The New Frontier***, ***Star Wars: Age of Rebellion***. It features six main characters named Jonaa Duelian, Marco, Domino, Calo Pliskin, Kodrick Zusk, Suob Nobo, and Venat Zeriv, all Rebel freedom fighters trying to liberate the planet of Onderon.

## **Liberation of Onderon**

### **Season One - War in the Jungles**

#### **Episode I - Onslaught on Lika Town**

##### **Synopsis:**

Soaring through the night skies of Onderon, an old transport shuttle landed within the hidden Rebel base on Onderon, Delta Base. Four Rebels were met with a young Lieutenant Ollins and Rebel recruit Jonaa Duelian. Introducing themselves as Marco, Calo Pliskin (Foxtrot), Domino, and Kodrick Zusk, the group met with Head of Onderon Operations leader Colonel Raith Gensly, and were briefed on the ultimate objective of Onderon before being turned over to their current CO, Lieutenant Ollins. The Lieutenant directed them to the objective at Lika Town, informing them that the Empire planned to send a garrison to sack the settlement. The team, designated as Strike Team 42, were issued necessary gear to complete the mission and a complimentary group ship loaned to them by Rebel command alongside a droid named R3-N1. The U-wing Starfighter was loaded with 20 DH-17c Blasters and the team made their way to Lika Town.

On edge to not alert the Empire to their presence, the team landed 3 kilometers away from the settlement and approached on foot. While Jonaa went into the town alone, the others pulled security, only for Marco to find and kill three Imperial Scout Troopers, which were buried to hide their bodies. Jonaa made way into the settlement and met with the Mayor of the town, Mayor Aku Zaric, who was a Rebel spy. Mayor Zaric offered them shelter in the barn, letting them land their starfighter not far from there either. The team rested there, training the villagers for several days. However, on their first night present, they encountered ISB Agents and killed them, hiding their bodies as well but finding no intelligence on them and their purpose whatsoever. After a day of rigid training and defensive preparations, Strike Team 42 began to turn in for the night when Marco made his way to follow tracks he had found of the ISB Agent's movements from the night prior. This led him into a wilderness where they encountered a pair of scout troopers, killing one while the other quickly escaped deeper into the jungle. Despite Marco's wishes, the team decided not to continue further into the jungle and continue tracking the ISB agents, claiming they were under-equipped and straying to far from Lika Town, which they were to defend. After returning to their quarters for the night, Agent Foxtrot was able to decrypt an Imperial datachip that labeled attack orders coming from Fort Jaed, the operations center for the entire sector and nearby sectors. They were to send mechanized forces and wipe out the settlement.

Waking early the next day, Marco made his way to speak with the mayor, who had revealed he had formerly worked for ISB before joining the Rebellion. While Marco revealed some of his past to him, he also learned that Fort Jaed was the closest Imperial base, and likely meant that the Empire was deploying forces from there. The team, deciding it was best to wait for the Empire to send troops their way, did not take any action to infiltrate Fort Jaed and continued to train the villagers, while Private Domino focused on building defensive emplacements, Private Duelian focused on training the locals, and the others assisted with other means. As they continued for days, the Rebellion sent missile tubes to help combat the mechanized forces and ensure Alliance victory here. When night began to fall, the militia and Strike Team 42 made their way to their positions. The Imperials began to approach, and the Sergeant leading them from the front noticed Jonaa Duelian and demanded he surrendered, but Jonaa instead demanded their surrender. The Sergeant ordered his forces to attack, and a company of Stormtroopers mixed with Imperial Army Troopers began to push forward, attacking the brave defenders. With the defender's determination, they were able to take down a large swath of the group, Jonaa engaging them direct with his double-bladed vibrosword, while Domino focused on leading the militia. Kodrick began to swoop in with the U-wing Starfighter while Calo tried to open fire only to realize that the blasters were never loaded before they left Delta Base. With that in mind, Calo and Kodrick landed the *Liberator One* and made their way to support their allies in battle in what ways the can. Meanwhile, Marco began to pick off the Sergeant, leaving them without their immediate superior, the Imperial began to attack separately instead of as one unified force, and allowed the militia to engage and take down many of the Imperial Army Troopers, which advanced forward towards the rebels in full force. Jonaa began to fall back until the Imperials were drawn into firing range, then moving to engage half a platoon of stormtroopers on his own. Despite his determination, the stormtroopers and their fierce training continually threw Jonaa for a loop, wounding him to a great deal, the warrior continued his battle. After Calo was able to fire a missile and destroy one of the three incoming AT-DPs, a pair of X-wings swooped in and supported their allies in battle, firing and damaging one of the walkers while providing support in engaging the incoming stormtroopers. Their continual onslaught and Calo's missiles were able to take down two of the AT-DPs, and Jonaa quickly managed to capture the third thanks to the help of Marco and his expert sharpshooting skills. Jonaa had also left a message to the Empire, stating his name and that he was coming for them, gaining notoriety within Imperial ranks.

After securing this victory, the team decided to leave the AT-DP and blasters with the locals to help protect them in case of another attack. With orders to return to base for debriefing, the team gathered their remaining equipment, wished the villagers the best of luck in their future endeavors, and made their way to Delta Base to continue their fight against the Empire.

#### **Episode II - Jungle Ambush!**

##### **Synopsis:**

As the *Liberator One* soared through the skies of Onderon, the communication was entered from Rebel security personnel. "Send secure code for landing procedure." The code was forwarded to Delta Base, the *Liberator One* landing inside the Rebel Base again. Exiting the ship, Jonaa, Domino, and Marco made way to the headquarters, reporting for debrief after the defensive operation of Lika Town. Lieutenant Ollins, their commanding officer, ordered them to recuperate and prepare for a new objective. Informing them that the Alliance starfighters had intercepted and shot down a *Carrack*-class Cruiser, noting that it crashed in the jungle containing important intelligence. Strike Team 42 was sent to find the crashed cruiser and capture the intelligence. A secondary objective was to find a rebel pathfinder team lead by Corporal Natala Stannick. After receiving medical attention, the team began to make their way into the jungle, leaving Kodrick and Calo Pliskin behind for them to rest.

Flying low to the ground to avoid detection, the *Liberator One* eventually landed in a clearing in the jungle, making their way deep through the terrain, which was thick with foliage and hard to track the whereabouts of the crashed cruiser. Despite the terrain, Marco was able to locate the cruiser, however he noted that only the back half was all that remained, unsure of what happened to the front. Marco began to probe the outside with Jonaa's help, and the two were not able to locate anyone nearby. As the three began trying to enter an airlock door to gain access to the interior, an Imperial strike team jumped out of the jungle, four army troopers surrounding them and opening fire. Marco was able to quickly blast the team leader twice while Jonaa quickly moved and cut into the leader's chest, killing him. Marco turned and blasted another army trooper which caused him to drop as Domino drew his blaster pistol and shot one down as well. Marco finally cleaned up with the last shot impacting the Army Trooper as he fell into the ground. Marco quickly searched the leader, finding a vial of Coaxium on him, and choosing to keep it, not telling the others about it. Domino and Marco eventually pushed the airlock door open, finding nothing but slain Imperial personnel inside, likely killed by the crash. Searching around the ship, which was tilted in the crash site, they were able to find a terminal and found a jungle road that an Imperial convoy would be passing through on, containing something important. Despite this, they were unable to capture the intelligence, and instead tried desperately to remember which road. After, they made way into the jungle to search for the missing pathfinder team. Marco eventually walked right into a trap, where one of the pathfinders pressed his blaster against the back of Marco, telling him to drop his weapons, not believing Marco was a rebel due to being a Gank killer. Domino then stepped up, pressing his blaster against the back of the pathfinder only for two more to rush out. When Jonaa arrived, seeing this, they talked down the pathfinders, managing to find Corporal Stannick and urged her and her team to return with them to Delta Base. Agreeing to do so, they all made way back to the *Liberator One* and flew off to Delta Base.

After arriving at the Rebel base, the team eventually returned the pathfinders to their commander before reporting to Lieutenant Ollins once more, who was unable to requisition additional ammunition and equipment for the team due to supply shortages. Despite Jonaa's needless complaining about the lack of supplies, the team took Kodrick and Calo with them to ambush the convoy. Marco, leading them to a jungle road, managed to find a good ambush point. Jonaa quickly lead the team into cutting down nearby palms and creating a barrier on the road, only for the convoy to stop right in front of Jonaa, who pretended to be a local stressing about the blocked off road. The Imperials, not buying it due to protecting something important, ordered their troops to fall out and open fire on Jonaa. Jonaa quickly rushed to the side of the front ITT, but the stormtroopers rushed out and fired on them, managing to find all of their whereabouts, even those hiding inside the jungle, and called in reinforcements. Jonaa quickly cut down one of the troopers, rushing inside of the front IIT while Marco went around the side to the middle one. Hearing the stormtrooper sergeant order the troopers to fall back and protect the middle transport, Marco threw a thermal detonator inside of the middle transport, destroying it entirely. Calo desperately tried recovering what was inside, but to no avail as the destruction was too high. Calo instead turned and rushed inside the front transport, which Kodrick and Jonaa were commandeering. Jonaa, firing on the other ITT, was unable to hit it, and Kodrick quickly backed up into it, only throwing off Jonaa with the gun. As they continued fighting, they heard the roar of TIE Fighters incoming, and quickly retreated into the jungle back to the *Liberator One* and flew off into the skies, but the TIEs remained in close pursuit due to the Liberator One traveling at slow speeds. Marco and Jonaa attempted to throw the vial of coaxium into the TIEs, with Kodrick banking the U-wing for them to have an angle, only for Jonaa to throw it into the wing of the *Liberator One*, which left quite the dent. Marco then attempted to impersonate the Sith Lord Darth Vader, sending a communique to the Imperial Navy orbiting the planet, but the Admiral in charge knew better. They soared towards the mountains at Domino's request, flying by an arch, to which Calo took the one shot they had with the forward facing cannons of the starfighter. After shooting down the arch, Kodrick quickly flew through, throwing off the TIE Fighter group as two crashed into the falling arch and the third veered off, trying to avoid being hit. The transport soared back to Delta Base once more, trying to avoid being spotted.

After returning to the base, the team brought the intelligence into the base, sitting down in Colonel Gensly's office with Lieutenant Ollins, they reviewed the intelligence, learning that a former Imperial senator would be coming to Onderon on a trip with plans to visit the local casinos. Informing the team that they would be infiltrating the base on an intelligence gathering mission, the Colonel chose to put Agent Foxtrot and Jonaa in charge of the mission as they went to infiltrate Iziz....

#### **Episode III - The Iziz Infiltration**

##### **Synopsis:**

After resting several hours, a Rebel technician approaches Strike Team 42, informing them that Colonel Gensly and Lieutenant Ollins wish to meet with them. Sitting down in the Colonel's office, they are informed that an Imperial Advisor, a former senator, is traveling to Onderon on a gambling trip, and will be stopping in one of the casinos in Iziz. Knowing this, they intend to use the Advisor to infiltrate the main palace and capture major intelligence believed to be held inside. After loading up with their gear, they were told to meet with Yostar Keesta, who would help them complete the task.

After loading up on an X-34 landspeeder, they jetted off towards Iziz, where they were stopped at the entry by an Imperial patrol. After Domino revealed his ID to the troopers, which they found to be out of date, they kept the idea, charging them a "city pass" to allow them with full access to Iziz, and sent them on their way. After heading to the Drunken Drexel, they meet Yostar and immediately went to work, gathering fancier suits to fit in with the social class present when the Advisor, whom was named "Viskif Soldera," would be present.

After resting for a few hours, night began to fall, and they went to the casino. Kodrick, who was a non-human, played the part of the "servant" while Calo, Jonaa, and Domino went into the casino together. Calo, sitting down and introducing himself with his fake identity, began to befriend Viskif. Meanwhile, Jonaa sat down at his own table, playing sabaac. After noticing one of the players who was watching both Calo and Viskif alike, Jonaa confronted him and attempted to get him to talk by playing sabaac. Losing a great deal of money, Jonaa snagged his opponent's winnings and ran off, being chased by Imperial guards.

Calo continued talking with the advisor, who invited both Calo and Domino to join him for drinks in the Unifar Temple. After following him there, they were met by a quick comlink interruption to their pleasant conversation from Jonaa, who had managed to escape from the Imperials only to find Kodrick knocked unconscious, lying on the ground. After seeing Kodrick attempted to climb the smooth walls to the palace and fell, nearly meeting their end in the process, Jonaa began to take them back for medical attention, but Calo and Domino attempted to convince Viskif that the interruption was nothing. However, Viskif disagreed, and immediately, Calo sprung forward and knocked him down, smashing his head into the ground and killing the Advisor while Domino quickly shut the door before anyone could hear the commotion. Hiding Viskif's body in the refresher and taking his ID card, they made their way to the command room, hiding to overhear a conversation from General Carrick, discussing with a local Imperial officer about the Emperor's attention on Onderon. They snuck into the room and capturing the data, they discovered the name "Duelian" with a black mark underneath it. Unable to erase the data, they quickly retreated to the safe house and met with the others once more.

As Kodrick came to and began to recover from the injury, Marco and Jonaa loaded the speeder with their gear, leaving to return to Delta Base. After loading in, Calo informed Jonaa of his discovery inside the command room, and Jonaa quickly began to fear the worst....

#### **Episode IV - Mystery of Evil**

##### **Synopsis:**

After returning to Delta Base and reporting for debrief, Jonaa scampered off, leaving Strike Team 42 behind in fear. However, Calo, Domino, Marco, and Kodrick reported into the command center and met with Colonel Gensly, reviewing the intelligence, which appeared to be a star chart, and were introduced to a new member, Suob Nobo, a new Rebel that would be joining Strike Team 42. Suob met with the four, but quickly had trouble with Kodrick. After Kodrick was being insubordinate to the Colonel, Suob and Marco grabbed him and threw him out, which Kodrick fell and landed on their left leg, twisting and breaking it. Domino walked over, helping Kodrick to the physician and putting him inside of a bacta tank, healing his injuries for the most part. However, the bacta hadn't managed to heal the leg injury. Domino and Marco made their way to the barracks and rested for the night after being ordered to report in the next morning. Suob spent the rest of the day talking with Rebel pilots and trying to get on good terms with flight personnel in the rebellion. Calo informed the Colonel of additional mission details he did not want to mention in front of the others, as it pertained to Alliance Intelligence solely. He then purchased some gear, and joined the others in resting for the night after Suob did the same. They reported in the next day, meeting with Lieutenant Ollins who was sending them to inspect an Imperial cargo shipment, carrying a Class II weapon, that traveled from Dxun to station XQ-2-7394. However, the mercenaries sent to inspect the shipment did not report back, so the Lieutenant chose to send the rebel team instead. They loaded their gear, and made their way to the station, departing the system as Kodrick took it easy and let Suob do the flying this time.

As they arrived at the XQ2 landing platform, which they realized was an Imperial platform, they began to fear the worst. However, after discussing what to do, they realized the Empire would've contacted them by now, and noticed little to no activity in or around the station. They flew towards it, landing inside the hangar and finding the emergency lights on, and dead bodies littering the hangar. Unable to determine the cause of their deaths, Marco began to make his way forward to the main door. Opening it, he was suddenly greeted by one of the mercenaries, an Arcona that was slowly dying. Quickly doing what they could to heal the wounds, the Arcona began to recover, informing them that he was the only survivor, as his allies were slaughtered by the horde of "red stormtroopers." The five began to believe the Empire sent advanced troopers, and Calo discovered, after climbing around the ventilation shaft, there were three on the other side. While Suob, Kodrick, and Domino began to make a plan to handle it, Marco instinctively opened the door, only for Domino and Suob to rush over and handle the three, as the red glow mentioned before began to disappear. They began to grow wary of their situation.

While Kodrick helped the Arcona back to his ship and kept it ready in case of an emergency, Suob, Domino, and Calo made their way to the command deck, while Marco chose to inspect the emergency deck alone. Calo, Suob, and Domino found the command deck littered with even more bodies, and Foxtrot discovered a datapad stating the following:

> *"Transport received. Unknown effects on soldiers. Imperial personnel went mad. We've barricaded the bridge but they've rewired the security droids. We're trapped and they're draining the oxygen. Don't know what happened. They chanted in whispers, cutting off the life support. We're slowly dying. Send help--"*
>
>

As Calo attempted to slice past the Imperial terminal's security, Marco entered the storage deck on the station, only to find the area littered with dead mercenaries. Opening the door, Marco instantly saw twenty possessed Imperials kneeling before a red glowing pyramid, and a dozen security droids next to them. He began to comm his team, but the possessed had noticed Marco by now, and began to say in a deep, dark tone: "We will return!" Repeatedly. Marco managed to stave off the spirits for a moment, but they overtook him eventually, and the communicator repeated the prior statement, then saying again "The Naddists will return!" Unaware of what this meant, Calo, Marco, and Domino communicated with Kodrick, informing him that they were going to attempt to rescue Marco. However, Marco managed to fight off the spirits, and rushed over, snagging the glowing red pyramid and rushing into the elevator, managing to escape the spirits as he inspected the strange device.

Meeting up with Suob, Calo, and Domino, Marco informed them of their discovery, and they agreed it was in their best interest to leave the station immediately. Kodrick noticed the sensors aboard the *Liberator One* going off, and saw an Imperial Heavy Cruiser incoming. They joined together, powering on the ship and flying off until they saw a massive Imperial fleet blockading the hyperlane ahead. Quickly realizing it was the Japrael Sector Command Fleet, they rushed the opposite direction, jumping back hyperlanes to return to Onderon, or perhaps into more trouble....

#### **Episode V - Fate's Confrontation**

##### **Synopsis:**

The UT-60D U-wing Starfighter, *Liberator One*, soared through hyperspace, watching the elliptical lights as the fighter continued speeding one hundred times the speed of light. In the interior, Strike Team 42 communicated with Lieutenant Ollins, who reported Delta Base was under lockdown with the Imperial sector fleet tipped off, the Moff ordering Onderon be blockaded. Hoping to remain hidden, they were ordered to meet with Rebellion personnel at secondary coordinates and use an encrypted communicator there to proceed with the debrief. Arriving there, they were interrupted as two X-wing starfighters began to swing to each side of the starfighter, and following their instructions, followed them to a small rebel fleet, landing inside the MC80 *Liberty* Star Cruiser, the *Aurora*. Following the personnel inside, they met with Vice Admiral Gaals, who sent them into their briefing. After being informed that they would be returning the weapon to its original location on Dxun, the group agreed it would be in their best interest for the mission to find and located Jonaa. Meanwhile, Marco, who intended to interact with the holocron, found a remote bathroom and attempted to gain a reaction, but it did not react. However, he discovered he had accidentally broken into Mon Mothma's personal lodging, and was arrested. After the bail was paid, Strike Team 42 departed the *Aurora* and headed towards the coordinates given on Dxun.

After arriving via a hidden smuggling route to Onderon, the team made their way to Lika Town, and spoke with Mayor Zaric, who stated that Jonaa had passed through, but he did not see him since. However, Calo was able to eventually find him, and after bringing the rest of the group to Jonaa, they briefed him on their mission, and Jonaa agreed to help, but knew there would be great risk. The six flew to Dxun, but meanwhile, an *Imperial I*-class Star Destroyer entered Dxun's orbit closely following, with a mysterious Inquisitor informing the officer in charge to not send troops, and that he would handle this alone.

After landing in a jungle clearing, Domino and Kodrick noticed an outcropping ahead, but chose to ignore it. After realizing it could be useful, Jonaa, Domino, Marco, Kodrick, and Calo decided to make their way to it to see if they could spot a vantage point while Suob, R3-N1, and the Arcona they had rescued from before, stayed behind on the ship to keep an eye out. Making their way up to the outcropping, Calo saw an entrance, and after going inside, he realized that something was present. The rest followed suit, and noticed a strange interior of old stone carvings and fire ahead. As they continued inside, they noticed stone doors, and Jonaa read the writing on them, which mentioned a key. Trying to understand the door, he placed the holocron inside a small slot, and after seeing the door react to it, removed the holocron, to which the door opened. However, with every door he opened, the previous door shut, essentially trapping them inside the structure. While the rest of the team followed Jonaa, Marco chose to stay and provide watch, keeping an eye out for anyone closing in. Jonaa found many sarcophagi, but could not ascertain the location until after Calo spotted an important one of some kind. Jonaa, Calo, Domino, and Kodrick opened it and discovered skeletal remains, and what appeared to be many jewels and items inside, but they believed it was best to not interact with them, and placed the holocron inside the sarcophagus, but did not close it. However, realizing they no longer had the key to open the doors, they tried to determine a way to escape. Meanwhile, the lights that brightened the interior of the location where Marco was at suddenly flickered out. Using his night vision scope and keeping an eye out any threats, Marco quickly noticed a figure approaching, who batted the weapon out of the way and force him into one of the pillars, extending his hand and reaching into his mind after saying: "Where is he?"

Inside the room, while Domino and Calo began to see if they could spot anything to get out with, Jonaa approached the holocron after finding something he believed could allow him to interact. After beginning to unlock the holocron, he felt himself awaken in a sort of spiritual plane. The interior where he was at was familiar, but it seemed different, and a red glowing figure stood elsewhere, with no allies in sight. Jonaa spoke to him, and found the apparition of King Ommin. Despite King Ommin attempting to lure Jonaa to the Dark Side, Jonaa chose not to take his wisdom, arguing against the Sith, but King Ommin continued trying to manipulate the conversation, until Jonaa disconnected from the holocron. Stating they needed to leave immediately, Marco's body was suddenly thrown through one of the doorways. As they began to check up on them, they heard a dark and unfamiliar voice speaking at them. They turned, noticing an Inquisitor who introduced himself as the Eleventh Brother. Completely casting what the others had sad aside, he zeroed in on Jonaa, continuing to inform him that he would bring him before an individual's court. Jonaa, however, readied his weapon after ensuring Marco was still alive, and the Inquisitor activated a single blade from his lightsaber. Calo, who had managed to slip to the side, quickly rushed behind the Inquisitor and threw his garrote over his neck, attempting to suffocate him, but the Eleventh Brother quickly reacted, and cut the garrote into pieces and smacked him with the back of his lightsaber. Domino attempted to shoot the Inquisitor, but he deflected the blast right back into Domino, and Jonaa charged him. After managing to inflict minor damage, Agent Foxtrot tried using his harpoon to knock the Inquisitor down, but it missed. The Eleventh Brother came in full swing, slashing at Jonaa and managing to injure him, to which Jonaa had no way to deflect or block the attacks against the Inquisitor's unique weapon. Domino rushed forward, attempting to tackle the Inquisitor before the Eleventh Brother quickly side stepped him, cutting off his left hand. Jonaa, who was afraid at the risk of losing this battle, attempted to throw the Holocron towards the Eleventh Brother and send him into the spiritual plane he was once in, but the Eleventh Brother simple caught the holocron in his hand, and Jonaa could not managed to activate it. Calo quickly rushed over to Marco, picking up his unconscious body and throwing him over his shoulder as he attempted to escape with Marco while Domino made his way up. The Eleventh Brother swung at Jonaa, but Jonaa was able to dodge the attack, then jumping down and trying to cut his double-bladed Vibrosword towards the Eleventh Brother. However, simply dodging the attack, he pushed Jonaa into a pillar, and quickly shot Force Lightning at Jonaa. Lying helpless against the ground, Calo rushed towards the dark individual, attempting to throw the liquor into him, but the Inquisitor dodged it as well, and Force Sped towards Calo, cutting into him and leaving a very agonizing wound. Calo rushed back towards Marco, who was still asleep, and Domino standing next to him without his hand. Kodrick tried jumping on the Inquisitor, who was zeroing in on Jonaa, but the Inquisitor threw him off, simply activating the dual blade and swinging at Kodrick, blinding the Bothan as he cut both eyes out. Jonaa attempted yet again to activate the holocron, but to no avail. The Inquisitor was unrelenting. Pulling Jonaa towards him and onto his knees so he could cut him down, Calo quickly came in from no where, narrowly tackling the Eleventh Brother onto the ground. Kodrick attempted yet again to body the Inquisitor, but he continuously batted Kodrick away, cutting into Kodrick with his lightsaber once more and leaving another scar on the pilot. While the Eleventh Brother was still on the ground, Jonaa grabbed Kodrick and began to rush out, while Calo, Domino, and Marco had already returned to the *Liberator One*.

After escaping the Force user, who had recovered himself and began to walk out, Strike Team 42 soared off into the skies, but not without consequence. The weapon they intended to hide away was now in the hands of the Empire once more, and they had injuries--some permanent--that would be scarring. The Eleventh Brother watched them fly away, but while the Star Destroyer above requested permission to fire, the Inquisitor had stated that he would simply let them escape and that greater plans were in place.

#### **Episode VI - The Jedi**

##### **Synopsis:**

After spending days resting from their encounter on Dxun, Marco still remained in the Bacta tank receiving treatment, while the rest of Strike Team 42 met with Lieutenant Ollins, who informed them that a Rebel ally wanted to meet with them specifically. Sending them on their way, Strike Team 42 found the contact's location in Iziz. While the rest provided overwatch, Jonaa made his way to meet with the contact who introduced himself as Kel Forsec, Jedi Knight and Rebel. After rendezvousing with the rest of the team, they made their way to the forest and spoke with the Jedi. Kel explained that he was on a vision quest, guided by the Force to meet Jonaa and put him on a path forward. Meanwhile, Kel revealed a weak Imperial outpost that the rest could attack to provide support and ensure Imperials would steer clear of him and Jonaa for a brief moment of time. As Calo, Kodrick, and Domino made their way on foot to the outpost, Kel and Jonaa took the speeder to a nearby cave.

As they approached the cave, Kel explained that something awaited Jonaa inside. Jonaa, feeling a call deep inside, went into the cave, with Kel igniting his blue lightsaber to defend against possible intruders and protect Jonaa. While Jonaa began traveling inside, Calo began scouting out the outpost, who found a single Imperial stormtrooper guarding it. Calo quickly made his way over and hopped the fence, sneaking into the base while Domino and Kodrick devised their own plan to get inside. Inside the cave, Jonaa encountered illuminating lights and treacherous paths, walking by many different colored crystals. Jonaa encountered a vision however, one of his past that briefly scarred him, a voice and a laugh that sent him into fear, but as the vision faded, Jonaa began to move forward. Jonaa then, however, encountered a Matukai he had become familiar with. An old mentor, who explained that the Will of the Force was ever-constant, and that Jonaa would need to let go of his emotions and rely on his instincts. Jonaa began to realize this was another vision, however, and continued down the path until finding one more vision: the Eleventh Brother, standing before him. Jonaa chuckled claiming that he was only a vision and could do no harm, but the vision of the Eleventh Brother quickly pushed him back, engaging in a fight that hurt Jonaa to a minor degree. After calming himself, becoming patient, the vision of the Eleventh Brother faded, and a single small crystal floated in front of Jonaa. After taking it, he saw another, a small, green alien with long ears and a strange voice. The alien was old, but spoke to Jonaa for a few minutes, explaining the dangers of the Dark Side and that he would need to be careful. After leaving the cave, Jonaa reemerged and met with Kel Forsec, who congratulated him for surviving this encounter, and gave him a small Jedi Holocron of an old master to his master. The two then made their way to support the rest of Strike Team 42 at the Imperial outpost.

After making his way into the base, Calo found the communication center, but discovered it to be too heavily guarded to sneak into himself. Domino began to rush over to the fence, trying to climb over it himself but failed in the process, falling onto his back and injuring himself. This alerted the stormtroopers, who began to send a patrol outside, supported by a single trooper who spoke of hunting a "traitor." After being arrested, Kodrick continued hiding just outside the outpost until a speeder rolled up, with Kel and Jonaa hopping off and fighting off the team. Meeting with Calo, Domino, and Kodrick, Kel told them that they needed to get control of the communications tower while he and Jonaa would secure the command center. As he and Jonaa rushed towards the command center, Calo and Kodrick took the lead, blowing open the door to the communications room and fighting off several stormtroopers. Meanwhile, Kel and Jonaa quickly cleared out the command center, Jonaa emboldened by his success in the cave and supported by a Knight of the Jedi. However, Jonaa quickly encountered the trooper, fighting against his electro-batons for several minutes. While Jonaa finished off the Purge Trooper, Kel turned and rushed towards the communications tower, which had become overrun by Imperial forces. After clearing them out, Kel and Calo called for Imperial bombardment of the station, gathering everyone and loading up inside a landspeeder and jetting off, the sky turning green as heavy turbolaser blasts destroyed what remained of the outpost.

After returning to an E9 Explorer vessel, Kel and his trusted droid loaded their supplies into the ship, thanking the rest of the team for their help. He turned to Jonaa, informing him that he had a choice now: to follow the Jedi path or strive to make it out on his own. While they would both be difficult paths to follow, he encouraged him to use the holocron, and understand the very basics of Jedi knowledge, and if he felt ready to become a Jedi, then the door would be there for him to open. Thanking the Strike Team for their help, Kel departed the planet while the rest of the team returned to Delta Base.

#### **Episode VII - Rebel Rally**

##### **Synopsis:**

92 days after meeting with Jedi Knight Kel Forsec and Jonaa Duelian's disappearance into the wilds of Onderon, Delta Base had grown significantly, with corvettes and wings of starfighters, bustling personnel and a growing Rebel movement in Onderon. Called into the office of Captain Regulas Ollins, Strike Team 42, consisting of Sergeants and Petty Officers alike, met with Captain Ollins and General Raith Gensly, who assigned them a new forward outpost: Aurek Outpost. They were given the special task of running the affairs of the outpost, and reporting back to Captain Ollins for their mission. They were, additionally, introduced to a new member of their team, Sergeant Venat Zeriv. After leaving the office, they loaded into the *Liberator One*, traveling to Aurek Outpost and conducting a quick inspection before reporting in to Captain Ollins, who sent the team to investigate a missing Rebel sympathizer ship, the *Resolve*, an Assault Frigate Mark II. They were to check in on the ship and its crew and return to their new outpost when completed. Prepared for the mission, Special Agent Calo Pliskin remained behind to handle operations in the base while the rest of the team moved onto their objective.
Arriving at the last known coordinates, nearly an hour of sensor scans and searching happened until Strike Team 42 was able to pick up the *Resolve* on its scanners. Noticing it ahead, the team eventually flew around the ship, making sure everything was clear until they noticed an Imperial transport docked with the airlock. Quickly engaging the transport and destroying it, Suob and Kodrick then boarded one of the airlocks, finding the hangar to be empty while the main hallway connecting the ship together to be pitch black dark, with even the emergency lights offline. As they continued down the hallway, guided only by Sergeant Domino's glow rod, they came at an intersection, where they could either turn right or continue down the hallway. As they discussed, a blaster shot came ringing down the right hallway, with everyone getting into cover while Sergeant Marco charged at the attacking force, who quickly incapacitated him. After hearing the scuffle and complete silence, Petty Officers Suob Nobo and Kodrick Zusk led the way down the hallway, blasters drawn while Domino showed the way for the rest of them. After arriving at what they believed to be the location, they found nothing but scuff marks, indicating that the enemy force had withdrawn. They attempted to track them down until finding Novatroopers holding Marco hostage. Quickly engaging, Suob, Domino, and Venat fired away at the Novatroopers while Kodrick rushed past them, helping Marco up. After a fierce battle, the Novatroopers were eventually taken down, but they still did not know where the rest of the enemy force was, only that Marco heard them say they have called for reinforcements.

Turning and walking down the hallway further, they eventually found an elevator that would lead them to the command deck so they could find more details in the ship's bridge. They boarded the elevator, finding a shut door in front of them. The five quickly readied their blasters as they opened the door, finding four stormtroopers and an Imperial officer demanding their surrender. Strike Team 42 disagreed, opening fire, attempting to not hit the Rebel sympathizers imprisoned in the bridge. While Marco took care of the officer, the other four took down the stormtroopers, freeing the bridge crew. The crew explained their situation, informing them that the ship was boarded and overtaken by a small force, and they couldn't jump away until the hyperdrive was fixed. The sensors went off, revealing an incoming *Victory II*-class Star Destroyer. Unable to defend the ship without a proper crew, Suob took command, trying to keep things under control on the bridge while Domino, Marco, and Venat made their way to the Engineering deck, with Kodrick headed towards the small complement of A-wing Interceptors in the hangar. Entering the Engineering room, they quickly took down the Imperial force and found the remaining prisoners, sending them to their stations as Domino and the engineers began to fix up the hyperdrive. With Imperial boarding parties incoming, Marco and Venat moved to defend the airlocks of the ship, holding off the incoming Imperials. Suob began ordering the *Resolve* to open fire on the *Victory II*-class Star Destroyer, wailing away at each other's shields. Kodrick began to sit down in an A-wing, Venat and Marco posting up on the airlock door in which they anticipated the first boarding party coming in. Domino, meanwhile, found an Imperial saboteur droid while working on the hyperdrive, and quickly struggled to take it out. After firing a shot at the droid, it retreated up the ventilation shaft, and gave Domino time to fix the coolant leak on the *Resolve*'s hyperdrive. As this happened, Suob moved to get in an A-wing, saying he'd lead the other pilots in the defense. Meanwhile, the *Aurora* and a small supporting force commanded by Vice Admiral Gaals jumped in, engaging the *Victory II*-class Star Destroyer. The Rebels found themselves confused as to why the Imperials kept engaging, knowing they were overpowered. Venat, meanwhile, defended the airlock while Marco rushed over to another airlock to defend it. Venat opened fire on the door, killing a stormtrooper before shutting the door, buying time for his forces to take up a more defendable position. At this time, Domino came by, searching in a maintenance closet for a spare hose to fix the coolant leak with. As Kodrick and Suob lifted out of the hangar in their A-wing Interceptors, they engaged the incoming TIE/ln Fighters. After a few moments, the scanners picked up another incoming ship, an *Imperial II*-class Star Destroyer, fresh off the line and ready to engage the Alliance forces. While the *Aurora* moved to go toe to toe with the *Imperial II*-class Star Destroyer, the *Resolve* continued engaging the *Victory II*-class Star Destroyer, using their forces and splitting them to make it an even battle.

As Domino fixed up the hyperdrive, Venat managed to clear the airlock of Imperial forces, rushing over to the hangar, which had recently come under fire by more boarding parties. Kodrick and Suob continued engaging, taking a few TIEs down before they noticed a TIE/D Defender, with yellow stripes on the wings, signifying that it belonged to a Carida's Honors pilot, one of the best in the Empire. They moved to engage it, having the squadron make runs against the structure of the *Victory II*-class Star Destroyer, while they focused on the TIE Defender. Kodrick managed to nick the fighter, but Suob was unable to make a good run. The TIE Defender locked onto Kodrick's A-wing, firing and damaging the communications temporarily. Domino, hearing Venat ask for Thermal Detonators after crafting a dangerous plan, rushed towards the armory of the ship, finding only fragmentation grenades. Domino rushed back to the hangar, taking cover as he rolled a grenade towards Venat, accidentally blasting Venat with a few shards of shrapnel. Venat, however, was able to recover. Ordering the remaining Rebels to secure the two Lambda shuttles, Venat and Domino rushed to the ship's magazine, finding Baradium charges and liquid Tibanna. Knowing these would leave and extremely volatile explosion, they planned to board the *Imperial II*-class Star Destroyer and take it out by sabotage.

Outside, the *Victory II*-class Star Destroyer was engulfed in flames as it began to implode. The *Resolve* began to set its sights on supporting the *Aurora* in battle by engaging the *Imperial II*-class Star Destroyer, who they realized was captained by Estrik Ortyp, one of the most trusted Imperial Captains operating in the Japrael Sector. Believing this would be a crippling blow to the Empire, Kodrick moved to pick up the attention of the guns of the now identified *Imperial II*-class Star Destroyer, the *Eliminator*. Successfully able to do so and deal damage to it, Suob ordered the other pilots to lock on their concussion missile launchers on the bridge. Launching ten concussion missiles into the bridge with heavy destruction, the *Eliminator*'s bridge was destroyed, with Captain Ortyp flying into space. After scoring a hit, Suob and Kodrick returned to the *Resolve* to help Venat and Domino with their plan. While Kodrick would fly the loaded Lambda shuttle into the hangar of the *Eliminator*, Domino and Venat would prime the charges to explode, flying away on the secondary shuttle that Suob would be piloting. As Vice Admiral Gaals began to move the fleet away, the team loaded the ordnance into the Lambda, soaring into space. Managing to lie their way past destruction as one of the boarding parties, they rushed back to Suob's Lambda, activating the charges as they flew away, completely obliterating the *Eliminator* and scoring a major victory for the Rebellion.

Leading the Alliance forces without orders, and crippling two Star Destroyers as the key force in the battle, each member of Strike Team 42 was awarded with the Corellian Cross, the second highest award in the Rebellion, by Vice Admiral Gaals. The team would gain popularity in the Rebellion for their heroic actions, being noted as one of the finest teams that Vice Admiral Gaals had personally seen. Being dismissed, the team returned back to Onderon, soaring away in the *Liberator One* to report back on a very successful mission....

#### **Episode VIII - Chaos and Undoing**

##### **Synopsis:**

After the tactical victory that occurred during the previous engagement in deep space, the *Liberator One* soared through the skies of Onderon, landing in Delta Base as maintenance and flight crews guided their landing. Stepping out of the U-wing starfighter, the crew was informed that Captain Ollins intended to meet with them. Reporting in, they were praised for their success in the engagement, with General Gensly personally thanking them for their efforts, but informed that they were needed in Kast. The town had been dealing with riots for some time, and had reached out to Alliance agents for help dealing with the increasing Imperial forces, hoping they would aid them like they did Lika Town. The various members of Strike Team 42 gathered their equipment, and headed for the jungles, taking a speeder out to Kast.

After arriving in Kast, the team quickly began to move, with Jonaa and Venat both making their way to speak with some of the locals. Domino and Kodrick had determined it was best to remain with the speeder while it was unknown what exactly they were dealing with. After speaking with one of the locals, Jonaa and Venat were both promptly interrupted by a riot happening by the main road, where Imperial AT-DPs and Stormtroopers were gathering to stop this disturbance of peace. Realizing the crowd was a powder keg, and that the situation was turning bad very fast, the Stormtroopers immediately began to fire upon the crowd, sending people running as Jonaa noticed a Lambda shuttle landing outside the settlement, sensing the Eleventh Brother was on board.

Turning and fleeing into the city, various members of Strike Team 42 rushed to hide inside homes of those they did not know, aware that the Empire would begin searching the town. Meanwhile, the Eleventh Brother stepped off of his shuttle, and began his search. Jonaa, who knew he was the primary target, hid on top of one of the roofs, alongside Marco, while Kodrick, Venat, and Domino all rushed inside homes. As fear began to crush Jonaa, he set his eyes on the Eleventh Brother, who had not yet noticed him. Jonaa quickly climbed down the side of the building and fled into the jungle, but not before leaving the Eleventh Brother suspicious as he sensed the commotion. Making his way through the jungle, Jonaa hid in the brush, doing everything he could to conceal himself in the terrain as the Eleventh Brother rapidly approached. Looking out for several minutes, and attempting to sense the presence of Jonaa. After finding nothing, he began to leave, but not after Jonaa's pride became his undoing. Jonaa called out to the Eleventh Brother, taunting him, and revealing himself, which caused the Eleventh Brother to draw and ignite his lightsaber.

Inside Kast, Kodrick, Venat, and Domino prepared for the worst, readying weapons until they were told they could hide below in one of the hidden basements. Hiding underneath, the stormtroopers forced open the door, searching the house for several minutes before finding the suspiciously looking entry to the basement. The stormtrooper quickly forced it open, where Domino yanked one of them into the basement and strangled him, while Venat shut the entry and remained hiding inside. After some time, the situation began to calm, as the stormtroopers move on to the next homes, unaware of their missing comrade and the hidden Rebel force inside. However, things took a turn in the worst for Jonaa, who was beaten promptly by the more effectively trained and stronger Eleventh Brother, taking him prisoner as he began to exit Kast, uninterested in the rest of his team and intent on finishing his objective.

As things began to calm in Kast, the members of Strike Team 42 quickly evacuated, trying to return to Delta Base as fast as possible. After reporting the incident to Captain Ollins, he gathered what remained of the team for a final mission, to rescue Jonaa from Imperial control, but informing them that if they could not rescue Jonaa, Alliance Intelligence directives required that he be killed to prevent the Empire from finding Delta Base, and ending the overall campaign on Onderon with a massacre of the smaller Alliance garrison...

#### **Episode IX - Extrication Duel**

##### **Synopsis:**

After Jonaa's capture by the Eleventh Brother, Strike Team 42, ordered by Captain Ollins and General Gensly, plan a daring rescue to free Jonaa from Imperial capture, or under special order to kill him if they cannot succeed to prevent the Empire from learning the location of Delta Base. Loading up in a Lambda Shuttle, the Rebel team departed for the *Retaliation*.

Approaching the *Imperial* Star Destroyer in orbit of Onderon, preparing its trajectory to Coruscant, the Rebel shuttle made its approach. Hailed by the officers aboard the warship, they ordered clearance codes. Domino, whom had experience with these systems, provided the codes and communicated his way into landing aboard the Star Destroyers starboard hanger. An Imperial Naval Lieutenant approached the shuttle, as Domino quickly changed into a spare uniform on board the shuttle. Approaching as the officer aboard the shuttle, Domino managed to convince the Lieutenant that he was indeed a member of the Imperial Navy, and the Lieutenant ordered the "Ensign" Domino to provide paperwork regarding his landing.

Meanwhile, after a brief visit from the Eleventh Brother, Jonaa Duelian rested inside his shackles. Breathing in, Jonaa began to connect to the Living Force, following what knowledge he had learned from his path and his brief interactions with the Holocron of Tonn Nu. After a few moments passed, the locks released, allowing Jonaa to begin his escape. Meanwhile, after surveying the decks and attempting to access additional information regarding Jonaa's position, Domino returned to the shuttle, as he, Kodrick, and Venat planned their infiltration, moving through small corridors as Domino continued making his way through the hallway, constantly interrupted by the Imperial Lieutenant's constant nagging to complete and turn in the paperwork.

Jonaa, navigating the halls on his own, found his equipment, only to bump into Jedi Knight Kel Forsec, who had been searching for Jonaa to help rescue him from the danger he was in. After helping Jonaa plan his escape, Kel made his way to clear the path and distract Imperial forces while Jonaa could quietly make his way through. Activating his lightsaber and fighting through a squad of stormtroopers, Jonaa quickly remarked "I gotta get one of those..."

Continuing through the halls, Strike Team 42 eventually ran into Kel, who had informed them Jonaa was free, and that they would need to link up with him. However, the Star Destroyer, in hyperspace, would be difficult to depart from. Deciding that Domino and Venat would disable the hyperdrive, Kodrick moved to rendezvous with Jonaa, who had found the Eleventh Brother's transport. After some time, Domino and Venat reached the bridge, finding the Lieutenant whom had demanded Domino turn in the paperwork, stating that he would be arrested for negligence. Drawing their weapons, Domino and Venat began to clear the bridge of the Star Destroyer, with Domino personally killing the Lieutenant for his nagging. Dropping the *Retaliation* out of hyperspace, Domino and Venat locked the bridge, shooting the controls to prevent any entry, while moving to escape the Star Destroyer. Jonaa, who had reunited with Kodrick, limped back to the shuttle, as a lightsaber was ignited. The Eleventh Brother had found them, giving Jonaa a brief compliment for his prowess before approaching to fight, but was interrupted by another blade. Kel quickly shouted that he would hold off the Eleventh Brother while they made their escape, and would someday reunite again. Flying out of the hanger of the *Retaliation*, Strike Team 42 set course to Onderon.

Recovering for some time, and emboldened by his escape, Jonaa accepted that there was no way he could escape his destiny. Jonaa clutched his crystal, prepared to continue his journey as a permanent member of Strike Team 42, promising the others he would not leave. The various members of Strike Team 42 were awarded a sum of credits for their continual service, and regarded as one of the best forces available to the Alliance's cause on Onderon.

## **Short Stories**

### **Dark Arrival**

*0 ABY*

Dropping out of hyperspace into orbit above the planet of Onderon, an Imperial flotilla quietly opened a communication to the *Onslaught*. "Imperial *Secutor*-class Star Destroyer *Onslaught*, this is the *Terror*. Sending clearance codes." A few brief moments went by before the Imperial fleet cleared the transport. A pair of TIE/IN Interceptors closing in behind as the transport flew down to the planet below. The skies were dark, quiet, unnoticeable as it soared over Lika Town, the locals looking up as the transport moved on.

The Lambda Shuttle closed into Fort Jaed, sending another clearance communication before it landed in the main landing bay of the command center. Fort Jaed wasn't just a stop and go location. It was the main Imperial Headquarters for the sector. Quickly walking down to the shuttle as Imperial stormtroopers stood in formation, General Carrick brushed his shoulder, ensuring his uniform was neat and orderly before the boarding ramp lowered, a dark armored and helmeted figure walking down as he stood over the General. "Remus Carrick." A dark voice echoed from the user, metallic and empowered.

The General cleared his throat, looking up to him. "Inquisitor. It is an honor to have you to join us."

"Dispense with the pleasantries General. I did not come to listen to you grovel." The figure began to walk forward, the General quickly following.

"Well, sir, I didn't mean any offense. I'm surprised you have come. Lord Vader didn't mention you were-"

"Lord Vader didn't send me, General." He stopped, looking at him for a moment before he continued walking again. "I came on the order of the Emperor himself."

"The Emperor? What does he want with Onderon? There's nothing but mediocre civilian militias. The Rebellion isn't even confirmed to be here yet."

"I did not come to slaughter rebels, though I certainly believe they are present in the system. No. I came on a very specific task, one you do not need to know of. I have already spoken with Moff Bain, who is providing all assets in the sector to complete my task. You would be wise not to conflict with this."

The General and Inquisitor entered an elevator to a private command room, red robed figures with pikes standing behind them. "Yes, sir. I will oblige. But all I ask is that we continue our operations against local forces."

"You may refer to me as the Eleventh Brother." He turned, staring down the General, who was briefly intimidated for a moment before regaining his composure. "And yes, General. I am not stopping the affairs of your forces. I am simply here to accomplish the will of the Emperor on his behalf. If you interfere, I will remove you from life itself. But, General, do not expect to see much of me."

The General gave a nod, the door opening before the two. The Eleventh Brother walked forward, taking a look over the computers before opening up a holo dossier of a certain individual. "Tell me, General. What do you and your friends know of this... rebel?"

### **Warrior in the Wilds**

*0 ABY*

The man sat alone in the hut, only the sounds of the village surrounding him as his company. That, and something more. Something that seemed to ebb and flow from the simple beings working and playing in the space around him.

The Force.

The man took a sip of his tea. It had been given to him by one of the village's elders, Tokhi. She had witnessed him ward off a pack of vicious gutkurr that had threatened the farmers tending the fields outside the village's northern slope, and offered the warrior shelter and food inside her tool shed. It had suited him fine. Jonaa Duelian was a man not accustomed to the riches and prosperity he had seen in both the high and low places of the galaxy. A dry place to lay his head and a warm cup of tea were all the comfort he needed. After months of drifting between settlements and the wilderness, searching for something to aid him in his quest, it was nice to be somewhere he could collect his thoughts.

A single drop of water slipped from the thatched roof onto the lip of his deep hood, making a *splish* sound as it rolled off and into his cup. He smiled and chuckled. Perhaps it wasn't as well put together as he had thought. Taking another sip of his tea, he pondered on his next step, as he had done for months. The absence of his new Rebel friends deeply troubled him, but if it meant the Eleventh Brother wouldn't bother them and rather pursued him, that also suited him just as well.

That weapon. Both of them, actually. The lightsabers of both the Eleventh Brother and his mentor, Kel Forsec. The young man was much younger than Jonaa, but he carried a sense of peace and calmness that eluded Duelian. It was as if the boy were content with his situation and burden of responsibility. The responsibility to manipulate the mystical energy field that bound all things, including the villagers surrounding Jonaa, himself, and even the destructive wild animals that clung to the jungles. Duelian had always felt it, but now he truly knew what it was. He had witnessed its peace and serenity, yet also its destructive potential and haunting visions. Those, however, had gifted him something beyond which he understood.

Down with one hand went the tea, now empty, and up with the other into the folds of his new grey and black robes. His hand slipped inside, clutching the cool surface of the crystal, feeling it warm into his hand with its mere touch, and out it came before his eyes. It was smooth and polished, which he had thought was impossible for such a wild elemental object. Its crisp edges and smooth texture permeated deep inside, and when Jonaa had looked deep into it, he had seen a segmented criss-cross of web patterns, demonstrating its resilience and strength. Much like the energy field he felt flow through it, as well. The shriveled green creature that had given it to him called it a *kyber crystal*. Forsec had told him it could be used to craft a functional lightsaber.

A tool and companion of the Jedi, and a weapon of the Sith.

Yes, he had known what the Sith were. The Emperor had to have been one, as was his lackey, Vader. The Eleventh Brother spoke and moved like a Sith, but his wickedness was on a lower level. He was not Sith. And then there was that one, King Ommin, from his tomb. Jonaa's forced visit to his spiritual realm revealed that he as well was something like a Sith, one from long ago. Jonaa had no clue how many of their order there were, but his choice to destroy what they were was clear. He had not a single idea what the Jedi were, however. Were they better than the Sith? Truly? He had heard the Imperial propaganda about their evil during the Clone War. But Kel Forsec's restraint and collectiveness revealed something different entirely.

Jonaa Duelian's path would be different. He could not use the Force like a Jedi or a Sith. Not yet, at least. But he could attempt to use his gifts to craft a similar weapon such as theirs, so that when the time arrived, he would be well suited to doing battle on their level. That required the knowledge of even having to make one, and that was not something that Kel had taught him. Rather, he had given him a device to perhaps do so. A holocron, he had called it. One from a master of his own master. Ancient knowledge, of better times long past. Duelian reached into his robes once more, and fetched the cube of equally intricate design as his kyber crystal's. Placing it on the ground, he would attempt once more to open its contents, and with it, return back to the Alliance with his new knowledge and weapon. Then, only then, could he protect those he had drawn into the myriad depths of the apparently eternal duel between light and dark.

The crystal went into his lap, and Jonaa rolled his shoulders back, calming his mind and putting aside thoughts of the future, and even his past. Only the here and now was needed, and all that he could control. The separate folds of the Force began to move and shift around him as he did so, and as he closed his eyes and breathed, they entered him, moved between him, the crystal, and the holocron. The whole village, planet, galaxy, and universe was connected to him at that moment, and it felt *good*. He remembered what Kel Forsec, the Jedi who had given him a new hope, and the little green figure who had given him knowledge, both told him.

"May the Force be with you."

It was, and always would be.

It was time for him to be with his friends again. Now, and forever.