Chapter 98

"Definitely," He said, and took a few slivers in his hand.

"Where did you get these?"

"My secret, pal? Are you interested?"

"Of course, I am, Han. Want to make a trade deal?"

"Not for myself, buddy, but for those Quelans. Their town is ruined. To restore it, will cost many credits. Credits they don't have. They are mostly farmers and crafts men. They sometimes trade their surplus, but that won't be enough to build a new Ribana."

Yarnick look at Han Solo.

"Very generous offer, Solo. How much of these sliver do you have?"

Han smiled.

"How much credit can you pay in advance?"

"In advance? What do you mean, Solo?"

"The quantity available is huge, Yarmick. I only ask for a payment in advance to make a deal. After you have sold the stuff with profit, you can pay the Quelans the fair price you will pay for the whole lot."

"The whole lot? Do you have that much of aludium crystals?"

"You probably have to come back to Palomintar Four to load all of it."

"That much?"

Han nodded and made a sweeping gesture to the mountain ridge.

"Probably this whole mountain ridge."

"What!" Yarnick gasped. "Are you sure?"

"I am, Yarnick, and as I said, I'm looking for some trustworthy traders who don't cheat."

"Why aren't you trading the stuff yourself, Solo?"

Han grimaced

"Pal, I'm married to the Supreme Chancellor's advisor who also is a Jedi Knight and the sister of Luke Skywalker, my best friend. I surely would like to trade this myself, but Leia doesn't want me to. Therefore I'm offering you this trade to you and your brothers."

"How much do you have at the moment?" Yarnick asked

"About fifty of these containers," Han said and grabbed a square metal container that is only slightly smaller than a regular cargo container from the corner of his tree house."

"You have fifty of these normal containers filled with aludium slivers."

"The Quelans have, pal. If you're interested you have to make a deal with Toallin and Mugin. It's their stuff, or better, its the Quelan people's stuff, but they need a reliable trader to sell it for them, for this is, isn't something they can do themselves."

"My brothers and I need to talk to Taollin and Mugin. They once have offered us a small bag with aludium slivers when we met them at the Ktafunda market. They ask us if those slivers would be of any value. I told them the truth and offered them a fair amount of credits. They seemed overwhelmed and accepted the deal. Of course we have sold the aludium slivers with profit. What you're now offering me, Solo, is beyond any comprehension. If we can make a deal with Toallin and his brother I will offer them much more than I did when they sold us that small bag. Solo, you have made me feel ashamed about the first deal my brothers and I made. I will compensate the Qualan governors for it."

"I shouldn't worry about that first deal, Yarnick. Toallin and his brother were content with your offer at that time. They were fugitives and needed credits to build a new life. I don't think they will blame you, because you didn't pay them a better price."

Yarnick shook his head.

"No Han. If I will make a new deal I will compensate them for what I feel wasn't fair enough. Do you think that in the future the Quelan can provide more?"

"Getting reedy, Yarnick Grann?"

"No, Han. I'm doing a quick thinking, how about depositing the profit we can make selling this, so that it will come to benefit to this community. We made a huge profit selling their small bag. This time I think my brothers and I will be satisfied with very minor part of the profit."

Jerno Thai looked at Luke and Liane.

"You're sure it was our suspect, master Skywalker." Jerno asked.

"Absolutely, grand-master. Shaayla-Car and I only sensed his clear presence through the Force, nothing else disturbed the Living Force."

"And where is he now?"

"When we left we saw him stumbling back to a shack, a temporary shelter for the nagawas that were once held on the farms around Ribana, sir" Liane said.

Jerno laughed.

"Now at least I know where those harvest men got their nagawas. Yesterday evening master Cornell and his men have served us a very delicious meal. The one Chati Fonaldris mentioned before we left. It was a very tasty plate. Our whole visit was amazing. We paid our respect to the harvesters for the work they have done. But know, master Skywalker and miss Kenobi I have to excuse myself. I want to get back to the shuttle to refresh myself and have word with Kalip and Valann. We're not used to sleep in the wild and certainly not in those amazing tree house."

Jerno Thai left the Millennium Falcon and walked over to one of the shuttles, while Mon Mothma and her advisor were just leaving their shuttle again. They exchanged some words before Jerno walked up the ramp of his shuttle. Mon Mothma, Sorjon Tyloban and general Madine entered the Millennium Falcon and smiled at Chati.

"Well, young padawan lady, you haven't exaggerated. It has been a very enlightened visit. I heard that you have build that high wall along the plateau."

"I worked on it together with the sons of master Cornell, ma'am, and later on also Chewbacca has been a great help, for he helped us to place the heavier stones into place."

"It's also has been quite an experience for me to sleep high up in a tree, but I must admit that those tree house are very comfortable. I love to listen to all the noise I heard during the night."

"Didn't you have a good sleep ma'am?"

"I had, Chati, for all those noises made me feel drowsy so I finally must have fallen asleep."

Mon Motha looked at the five Jedi Knights.

"Any word from our adversary, masters Jedi," She asked, "How has your vigils faired?"

"Me and Ian have kept company with the crew of the shuttles. Wedge joined us because he wanted to stay in touch with Gold Squadron, but they had nothing to report, ma'am. We have urged the crews to take a nap, while we were on the look out, but several men keep enjoying our company. They said, they weren't used to meet some Jedi Knights in person."

General Madine got tears in eyes while laughing.

"Master Martan, you still haven't lost your specific sense of humor, right? Despite you are a Jedi Knight now."

"Sir, being a Jedi Knight doesn't mean I have to change my personality. It certainly brings more responsibilities, but there still is a lot to enjoy. If the Supreme Chancellor will send us on some mission, like I did with my former master, we will be aware that we are the representatives of the New Republic and Jedi Knight, but that doesn't mean that we won't enjoying a stay on a different start system."

"We, master Martan? Who do you think will accompany you?" Sorjon Tyloban asked.

"Oh, sir, Ian and I of course. We're friends and we would like to carry out any mission together."

"And what does master Skywalker think about your ideas, young Jedi Knight?" Madine asked, looking at Luke.

"He certainly will agree, for he and Shaayla-Car will also do new mission together, sir."

"Yarmod is never short of an answer, general," Wedge commented and grinned.

Jerno, Kalip and Valann entered the control room dressed in clean and neat uniforms.

"Our crew told us how much they have appreciate to be on the look out together with the Jedi Knight," Valann said.

"See, honorable leaders, those crew members appreciate us," Yarmod couldn't help but notice.

Mon Mothma turned to Luke.

"Commodore Skywalker do you have anything to report?" She asked, "for you and Shaayla-Car haven't join the crews of the shuttle."

"We have done surveillance above Ribana and it's surroundings," Luke answered, "I've already told grand-admiral Thai that we have seen Trevor Matrik during our flight. He certainly has seen where the shuttles landed and wants to find his way to western plains to get away with one. We saw him standing on the opposite low hill that formed the eastern river bank. The riverbed is overgrown with thorny bushes and he clearly hesitated to attempt to find his way through the dried riverbed."

"Is it still dry, Luke?" Han asked.

"Not anymore, Han. We were right about the overflow of that deep basin, but a huge pile of overgrown fallen trees blocked the chasm to the riverbed and the water took another path downhill. Liane and I have removed the trees, after which the water plunged in chasm and found its way through the dried riverbed in huge waves. Trevor has seen those water flows and expressed his frustration in a loud scream. The stream has now blocked any attempt to reach the western plains. He is trapped behind the new river."

"That's good news, although it is possible that he will seek one of the houses of Ribana to hide." Valann remarked.

"He won't, sir. He is exhausted. He probably hasn't eaten since he left his cave system. In and around Ribana there's no food. He might have quenched his thirst from water in some swallow pools, but I doubt that, for ever since I've landed on Palomintar Four it has been raining." Liane said. "As Luke said, he is trapped behind the river and he also doesn't have the strength to flee."

Jerno turned to Luke Skywalker.

"Master Skywalker is your space ship available to make a flight above Ribana with me and my co-leaders. We want to see for ourselves what Trevor's occupation has done to a thriving community. I already have asked miss Kenobi to join us and be present when we arrest the former admiral."

"The Astræga is at your disposal,sir. When do you want to leave."

"Immediately master Skywalker."

"My three Jedi friends also wants to join us, sir, do you object?"

Jerno looked at his co-leaders.

"Not at all," Kalip said, "The more Jedi we've around the easier Trevor's arrest will be, I guess."

Liane shook her head. Kalip looked at her with suspicion.

"You're not agreeing with those words, miss Solichor. Are you pitying our former admiral? Do you still see him as your companion."

Chewbacca let out a grunt, but Han immediately stopped his co-pilot. Also Mon Mothma and her advisors looked displeased with Kalip's words. Yarmod wanted to step up, but Ian held him back. Liane looked at Kalip Ru'undo with a calm expression on her face.

"General Ru'undo, those words are an insult of all of us here and to the hard work the Quelan harvesters have been doing. For months all of us has been busy to find a proper way to end the occupation on this planet."

Kalip looked at her.

"You posses the knowledge our admiral wants to learn, Liane Solichor."

"I know, sir, but that doesn't make me the admiral's companion."

"Then why did you came to this planet?" Kalip retorted, getting angry.

"To get my friend Luke Skywalker out of hibernation which he intended as a way to get the two of us inside Trevor Matrik's cave system. Your undercover agent master Doran Whain teamed up with us."

"Master Whain was supposed to put you in detention, Liane Solichor. He should have prevented you should meet the deserter who posses a threat to the peace treaty. Are you aware of that?"

Jerno and Valann wanted to interrupt, but Liane kindly raised her hand and shook her head.

"General, I'm aware of the many more thoughts you're not expressing," Liane said, still calm. "In your eyes, I'm still a threat to the peace treaty, for I'm a Sith lady in your eyes. From the moment you met me, I sensed your hostility and your dislike for me. You even expressed these thoughts during a meeting with the other leaders of Coruscant and tried to convince the High Chancellor to have me arrested so I wouldn't see Trevor Matrik again."

Kalip responded furiously.

"You have been eavesdropping," He asked on a raised voice.

"General, I'm a Jedi Knight, a user of the Force. There isn't much that other humans can hide from the Jedi, but to answer your question: no I haven't been eavesdropping, but your thoughts are betraying you, for you have proposed a plan to have me arrested, but you couldn't convince grand-admiral Thai and commodore Namaran to asked the Supreme Chancellor to cooperate. Nevertheless the thoughts of your proposal are still whirling in your mind. I sensed them clearly now during our debate."

Liane looked at Jerno Thai and Valann Namaran who looked very ill at easy.

"No, gentlemen, I'm not asking you to confirm what I just said. I want to end this debate about my assumed companionship with your former admiral. I want you all to listen to my point of view. I don't want to prevent the arrest of our common adversary, but - yes - I pity Trevor Matrik. He is a disillusioned man now. All his ambitions have been shattered. For years he has lived with the believe that the Force would help him to revive the Empire, so he could become the next Emperor and he knew what my foster-father had taught me. He craved for the knowledge of the Sith, forbidden knowledge which he assume I possessed.

When I met him inside his cave system, he thought his dream would be fulfilled and that I would explain and teach him the Sith lore. Instead I told him that he couldn't make use of the Force ever again.

The three leaders from Coruscant looked at her in disbelieve.

"Should we conclude that he isn't a Force-user, miss Kenobi?" Valann said.

"How can you be sure about that?" Jerno asked.

Liane saw the denial of her words in Kalip Ru'undo's eyes, but he didn't comment.

"Let me tell you, gentlemen, what master Antilles and I discovered, after we had transcribed two files which had been send to Doran Whain probably together with other information about Trevor Matrik. Those two files couldn't be translated by any protocol droid.

The largest file revealed the full report of the investigation - by order of emperor Palpatine - of the humiliating retreat of the Imperial fleet after the battle near Solgar. That same report also described the Emperor Palpatine's verdict.

The second file held a description of the way the verdict should be executed. It had to be carried out by the emperor's Sith second-in-command, my foster-father Darth Vader, or as I always call him Anakin Skywalker, the father of my friends Luke and Leia Skywalker. During the execution Anakin had to encased Trevor in the Wall of Light, a punishment that only could be carried out by a Jedi Knight. I assume that you know that Anakin Skywalker once was a Jedi Knight, before Emperor Palpatine seduced him to embrace the Dark Side of the Force.

When a Force-user is encased in a Wall of Light, there is no turning back. It can't be undone, it's permanent, for the former Force-user has lost all contact with the Force. Before I fled the cave system I left Trevor Matrik a copy of the transcription of that second file. He is now a man without illusions who has to face the truth and that's why I pity him."

Jerno Thai turned to his co-leaders. Valann nodded clearly happy. Kalip looked uncomfortable.

"Thank you miss Kenobi for your explanation." Jarno Thai said, "We always have lived with the knowledge that our former admiral, who once was a member of the Praetorian Guard, could make use of the Force which made him a dangerous enemy."

Liane nodded.

"I accept your words, sir, as an well-meant apology for the disrespectful words of general Ru'undo." She said and turned to Luke.

"I am going to the Astræga to prepare your ship for departure. I'll see you later."

She left the control room of the Millennium Falcon. Chewbacca grunted an angry comment. Nobody said a word and the tension was palpable. Luke wanted to follow Liane, but Ian had already jumped up and caught up with Liane near the ramp of the Astræga.

"Shaayla-Car, I don't know if this was the correct way to address the leaders from Coruscant." Ian said and grabbed her arm."

Liane looked at him.

"I'm aware of that, Tama-Hin. You're more a diplomat, I'm not. From the moment I met those leaders I have sensed general Ru'undo's mistrust in me. I simply confronted him with his own thoughts. Tama-Hin, you surely have sensed the same, as have the Luke and Wedge."

Ian looked guilty.

"I have, Shaayla-Car. I didn't understand why he disliked you so much."

"General Ru'undo still want to stick to his believe that I'm the dangerous Daughter of Darth Vader who knows how the use the Force like a Sith. I'm a Sith lady to him."

"Wouldn't it be better if you have left this matter to the Supreme Chancellor. She surely would have stand with you. She likes you, she fond of you."

"Tama-Hin, I didn't want to involve Mon Mothma. She didn't know the content of those files. I choose to be the one to reveal the truth about Trevor Matrik and do that by explaining the content of those files. Surely I could have make more use of the Force; Affect Mind for instance to suppress the general's own thoughts, but that's not what I should do as a Jedi Knight. Using Affect Mind or other Force use is a last resort a Jedi should use. I hope that none of you expected, I would give him a lesson using my old Sith knowledge as I once did on Endor."

Ian gasped.

"Did you consider to do that, Shaayla-Car?"

Liane began to laugh.

"No, absolutely not. You all would have known and withheld me. I wasn't even tempted. Kalip Ru'undo behaves like Trevor Matrik did as a staff member on Morantan. He might be a high-ranking officer, but he is a man with a lot of grudges against opinions which doesn't match his point of view. It's good that the grand-admiral is the real leader of the Council on Coruscant."

Ian suddenly laughed, looking reassured when Liane walked quietly up the ramp, while she continued

"Don't you think, Tama-Hin, that Luke would have accepted it, if I would have used what Anakin has taught me. He surely would have cast me out of the Jedi Knights. Maybe he even would have encased me in the Wall of Light, like Anakin had to do with Trevor."

"Don't say that, Shaayla-Car. That would have been a real disaster, for you never would have been able to tell our parents what has happened to you and I would have had the task to explain that."

"I've learned to restrain myself and be patient. I have learned that during my stay on Endor and on Na'ctaMagh'Ba where the Jedi of old taught me what really matters and how a Jedi Knight should behave under strain and stressful situations, but that doesn't mean that we, as Force-users, have to accept everything people are saying or thinking about us. General Kalip Ru'undo insulted me and he also insulted my ancestry, my parents, my mother Severini and my father Obi-Wan."

"I understand, Shaayla-Car, but master Ru'undo will join us on board with the other leaders to arrest Trevor Matrik. You will be in his company as long as needed to find Trevor."

"I know where Trevor is hiding, Tama-Hin. Trevor might have behaved foolishly, but he is a human being. I want him to surrender voluntarily, no fight, because Kalip Ru'undo has also thought about killing Trevor upon his arrest. I'm happy that we all, you, Luke, Yarmod and Wedge will accompany me. I want you to keep an eye on master Kalip. Maybe you haven't sensed his hatred against Trevor, I have, but I want Trevor to stay alive. If necessary I will defend Trevor as a Jedi Knight against any unworthy attempt of a man who hates him the way Kalip Ru'undo does."

"Do you really think that the lieutenant-general would act like that?" Ian asked.

"I'm no longer sure of it after my debate with him and his co-leaders. I hope he realizes that the secrets he has kept well hidden, are now known to his co-leaders. Trevor deserves a fair trial for what he has done. I won't defend his deeds. He has caused a lot of harm here on Palomintar Four, he has caused a lot of harm to master Nori Thai...

... and he has caused a lot of harm to you." Ian added.

"That's no importance anymore, Tama-Hin. Now that Trevor's lunatic dreams have been shattered I'm a really free person. The moment I read the transcription of those files I knew the threat he had posed was all over. Trevor isn't my adversary anymore. He isn't my friend, but he is a human being, he has done wrong, but that doesn't mean he deserve a dishonorable treatment or even death. On Endor Luke correct me in no uncertain terms when I near killed Dendicott, using forbidden Sith knowledge. He said that justice has to be done in another way, not the way I choose at that moment and that counts for Trevor as well. Justice has to be done, but that doesn't mean that someone with a grudge against him might take his life. Now help me to prepare the Astræga to be ready for take off, for I guess that the leaders will arrive here shortly."

Instead of walking to the cockpit Ian saw how Liane went over to the pantry, took a box and a bottle from it and put them in one of the deep pockets of her coat. He looked at her, but she only smiled and he immediately understood.

In the control room of the Millennium Falcon an oppressive silence reigned after Liane's departure. Finally Sorjon Tyloban took the floor.

"What miss Kenobi has revealed is certainly a reassurance for both our governments." He said.

Jerno Thai looked at his co-leaders.

"Before we will join you, master Skywalker, I will have a private meeting with the other leaders from Coruscant. It won't take long. "

Luke nodded in agreement. The three leaders of the Provisional Coruscant Council rose. Jerno looked Nori and beckoned him to follow them. In silence the four men left the Millennium Falcon. After they had left Chewbacca grunted a long sentence to Han.

"Yes, mate, you're right," He nodded and turned to Mon Mothma and the two members of the High Council: Sorjon Tyloban and General Crix Madine.

"Chewie says, that none of the leaders from Coruscant have ever trusted Liane." Han said.

"That's right, general Solo. The three of us have done a lot of talking to convince them they should look at the facts we had about Liane Solichor with a more open mind," Mon Mothma said and sighed, "It's obvious to me that they never have changed their opinion about the young woman who has faced so many ordeals. I felt very uncomfortable when lieutenant-general Kalip Ru'undo accused her of being our adversary's companion, but I admire her calm and honest response which was admittedly direct and confrontational. Yet, I'm not sure that her words and what she told us about Trevor Matrik's verdict, will change the opinion they have about her. They know all her wrong-doings in the past and see that as evidence that she can't be trusted, whatever she has done in recent times. When I met her again on the Tychorion I was glad to notice how much she had grown in her believe of the Good Side of the Force. It struck me to meet a fuily-fledged Jedi Knight."

Sorjon Tyloban look at the Supreme Chancellor.

"I remember her honest report at Irithim after we talk with her about the loss of her memories due to the forbidden practise at the Wegoyy detention. Even then, she made no direct accusations against the commander of Wegoyy prison, although she knew who had ordered to wipe out her memories. She simply stuck to the facts, so we could compare her story with the earlier testimony of sergeant Tydon."

General Madine looked at Luke Skywalker.

"Commodore Skywalker I understand that all the Jedi, except your sister Leia, will join the leaders from Coruscant on board the Astræga, when you will show them Ribana and its surroundings."

"That's right, general. The Jedi Knights have to prevent that no harm will be done to Trevor Matrik."

"What do you mean with those words, master Skywalker?" Mon Mothma asked alerted. "Are you assuming that when the Coruscant leaders will arrest Trevor Matrik something harmful will occur to him."

"Ma'am, Shaayla-Car didn't tell it in so many words, but yes, I'm convinced that the Jedi Knights have to prevent that Trevor Matrik will be punished immediately the moment he is arrested. Ma'am, the former admiral is a deserter, he has committed high treason, stolen two small star destroyers, blew up one of them and killed the remaining ground force when he no longer needed them. It a long list of criminal offenses, not to speak of what trouble he has caused for the Quelan people. We five want to prevent that Trevor Matrik will be executed on the spot."

"That's very generous of you all, master Skywalker, but the leaders from Coruscant will take Trevor Matrik home to Coruscant. You can't prevent that something happen to him on their way back."

Luke smiled.

"That's were master Nori Thai comes in. Nori expressed his concern about a possible premature execution of Trevor Matrik to me. I have allowed him to inform the other members of the Provisional Coruscant Council using the communication system of the Millennium Falcon. Han, did Nori succeed to inform the members of the Council?"

"I was tempted to mention it, Luke, yes, he has while we were visiting the campsite. According to what Nori told me, the full Council of Coruscant has declared that they will send a letter of commitment to the three Council leaders, stating that Trevor Matrik must stand trial on Coruscant. Their answer has also been passed to the communication system of their shuttle of which Nori had the access key."

"This might certainly bring Nori Thai into problems, I fear, " Mon Mothma said.

Han and Luke shook their heads.

"Not what so ever, ma'am." Luke said, "Nori Thai is an extraordinary undercover agent. The message he has send doesn't bear his real signature or will reveal anything about his identity, but its content has surely convinced the members of the Council that the message is genuine. Nori Thai is a master in disguise, and although he has suffered a lot of humiliation while pretending he was loyal to Trevor, he is also convinced that Trevor is entitled to a fair trial. I'm sure that Nori is now talking to his uncle and the others to make sure that Trevor will be treated fairly. The letter of commitment will make sure that Trevor will arrive safe and sound on Coruscant where he will be detained."

Mon Mothma had to laugh.

"I hate conspiracies, general Solo, but in this case master Thai's action might prevent a certain disaster. Nevertheless I find it reassuring that five Jedi will join the leaders. “Perhaps that majority will prevent those leaders from intervening.”

In the meeting room of the shuttle Jerno looked at Kalip and Valann.

"This shouldn't have happened," He said sternly.

"What do you mean, Jerno. I only asked that woman if she's still Trevor's companion," Kalip answered.

"I heard what you said, Kalip, and she rightly called your comment disrespectful."

"She has been eavesdropping our meetings, Jerno. How could she know what we have been talking about."

"She's a Jedi Knight, Kalip," Valann commented.

"She a Sith, Valann, A Sith lady with numerous of tricks on her sleeve." Kalip answered getting angry. "You all have shown your mistrust about her. We never agreed with the stories from Irithim."

"What stories, general Ru'undo. What have the leaders of the New Republic told you about her," Nori Thai asked.

"You'd better keep your mouth shut," Kalip said on a angry tone. "You have the order to put her in detention. You didn't. You overstepped your authority, master Thai."

"I have gotten carte blanch to work out this mission as I saw fit. I was on site, general, all the time. I have met Luke Skywalker after I had received the information with the two unreadable files. If he hadn't been there I would have been dead by now. Trevor confiscated all my personal belonging when I entered his lair to fix his shattered and ruined communication system, everything, my weapon, my infocom, even the ID-card in the name of Doran Whain."

"We didn't send you to the Basilisæa so you could go down to the planet. That was your own decision," Kalip snapped.

"As an officer on board the Basilisæa I was bound to the orders of admiral Vestor, general. Trevor Matrik requested the admiral should take his best communication officer with him to Palomintar Four to make repairs on his com system. My stay inside Trevor's lair wasn't voluntarily, as you assumed, general. Trevor refused to let me go back to the Basilisæa. I was more or less kept as a hostage. Although being inside the cave system gave me numerous opportunities to observe Trevor's plans, I certainly didn't take the decision to stay there for an indefinite time."

"Nori, what happened once you were inside. You didn't state that in your reports." Jerno asked.

"Many unpleasant things, uncle. I was pummeled with electric bolts, tied on a chain at the wall of a cave, force the eat and drink gruesome stuff and beaten by two of his killer droids."

"When did you meet miss Kenobi, Nori?" Valann asked friendly.

"At a much later stage, commodore. In between many other things happened. For instance Trevor made me a lieutenant-colonel in his non-existing army. He tried to buy my loyalty and I had to pretend I would serve him. My promotion brought me more freedom which gave me the opportunity to amend a considerable number of his killer droids. Trevor allowed me to roam the surrounding area in and around Ribana which gave me the opportunity to meet Luke Skywalker several times.

"Under what circumstances did you meet Jedi master Skywalker, Nori?" Valann asked.

"Commodore, I had received information about Trevor Matrik. Most of it I was familiar with."

"Who sent you that information, Nori?" Valann asked again and Nori heard some tension in Valann's voice.

"Admiral Vestor. In the accompanying message he warned me never to reveal the content of the different files. I sought a safe place in a deserted vineyard building and there I met Luke Skywalker. During that first meeting he defended me against four of Trevor's killer droids which had been following me. He gave me his trust.

At a later meeting he gave me a new blaster and his infocom, explaining how I could communicate with him using the com system on the Tychorion. Very generous. I showed him two of files I couldn't read and he told me that the languages used belonged to the Sith and Jedi, which could held dangerous information and after what we just heard I have to agree. It would have been dangerous if Trevor Matrik would know a truth he might not expect, I think. Later on Luke and I made a plan to bring him inside Trevor's lair, but Trevor became more an more obsessed with the cold body of the Jedi Knight, as Luke has brought himself into a special way of hibernation."

"Who warned you, that miss Kenobi and master Antilles had arrived on Palomintar Four?" Jerno asked.

"Luke's two droids who I had brought to the overgrown vineyard building. There I met Shaayla-Car Kenobi and Wedge Antilles, two Jedi Knights who took it on themselves to eliminate the ten killer droids which Trevor had force me to take with him. These ten killer droids weren't under my control. I brought Shaayla-Car to the cave entrance where we met Trevor in person. I never have met a woman like her. She completely neglected everything Trevor told her to do from the beginning. She overwhelmed Trevor completely.

Somehow two other Jedi had managed to enter the cave system and woke up Luke Skywalker from hibernation. Shaayla-Car joined her friends and she urges me to leave, warn you and tell you about the transcription of those two files. Unfortunately once outside I got injured. Wedge Antilles had brought me to the Astræga and I must say that thanks to the Jedi I survived, as Shaayla-Car and her brother healed my wound with their Force abilities. What happened meanwhile inside the cave system I don't know, but I assure you that Shaayla-Car never has had the intention to team up with Trevor."

"She claimed that she has told Trevor he isn't able to use the Force any longer, but we don't have proof about that, only her words." Kalip said showing he still disbelieved what he heard.

Nori took his infocom from his pocket and activated it.

"Read this transcription of Palpatine's verdict on Trevor Matrik. This is the one of the two files I couldn't read. The other one I will show you later," He said and threw the device on the table.

A holographic image popped-up.

'Emperor Palpatine's verdict in the case against Admiral Trevor Matrik. This verdict is being carried out because Admiral Trevor Matrik grossly neglected his duties as an admiral, resulting in serious damage to the Imperial Fleet and the loss of a significant portion of his men. Therefore, Admiral Trevor Matrik is sentenced to the total loss of the ability to use the Force. I sentence the Admiral to be cut off from the Force by the Force Wall of Light. My loyal advisor Darth Vader will executed the sentence in my presence.'

"This is the transcription of the second file the two Jedi allowed me to read. Shaayla-Car gave me a copy of it when she asked me to leave the cave system immediately, for she was afraid that my life would be in danger if I would stay with her and her Jedi friends," Nori Thai said determinedly.

"Master Antilles also promised us that he would hand over the two original files and their transcription," Valann remarked. "Maybe we should remind him."

At that moment the holodisplay on the conference table activated and the first representative of the Coruscant Council appeared.

"Grand-admiral Thai, on behalf of all the members of the Provisional Council I have to send a letter of commitment to you, lieutenat-ganeral Ru'undo and commodore Namaran. Your message on the oncoming arrest of Trevor Matrik has reached us in good order. We're extremely happy that the problems on on of the Outer Rim systems we have been facing are almost solved. In the letter of commitment sll the other members of the Council express their consent and we are looking forward to see former admiral Trevor Matrik brought to Coruscant to stand trial for his unlawful behavior. Grand-admiral I thank you for keeping the other members informed."

The holographic image disappeared and instead a holographic document popped-up. Being somewhat surprised the three leaders read the content of the document.

To our honorable leaders.
The Coruscant Council is pleased to learn that our leaders have successfully captured former Admiral Trevor Matrik. Our leaders indicate that they will arrange for the aforementioned Admiral to be taken into custody and transported to Coruscant to be tried by the Coruscant Court-Martial for his reprehensible conduct during the Battle of Jakku, his illegal occupation of a planet in the Outer Rim, and his attempt to revive the Empire by proclaiming himself Emperor.

The members of the Provisional Coruscant Council

The three leaders looked at each other, but neither of them commented on the written message. Finally Jerno Thai turned to his nephew.

"Nori, send them an acknowledgment in which we state that we will proceed according to this letter of commitment. And now, gentlemen, we are going to board master Skywalker's space vessel, for I want to see with my own eyes what the illegal occupation of Ribana has brought about. Nori, I want you to stay here and report if any additional messages are coming from Coruscant."

Jerno, Kalip and Valann left and went back to the Millennium Falcon. Nori Thai watch them go and smiled.

"Thank you, Haym Nefloren, good work, pal. I surely hope to meet you some day."

Meanwhile Luke, Wedge and Yarmod had joined Liane and Ian on board the Astræga.

"Everything is ready for take off, Luke," Liane said.

Luke nodded, but he and Wedge went to Luke's private quarter. After some minutes they reappeared wearing the ceremonial outfit of the Jedi. Luke held out three other sets.

"Ian and Yarmod, I want you both to wear the spare ones of Wedge and me. Liane, this is Leia's ceremonial robe. I sure it will fit you perfectly.

Somewhat overwhelmed the three youngest Jedi left with the ceremonial clothes. When they came back to the control they looked a bit uneasy.

"Once we're back at Irithim the three of you will get your own sets of the ceremonial outfit. For now this is perfect," Luke said, as his gaze wandered over his friends' Jedi outfit.

Yarmod grinned suddenly.

"Luke, I don't think that those three leaders expect to be welcomed on board the Astræga with so much official pomp and circumstance."

"I want them to realize that none of us took this lightly, and that we are very serious about what must be done to end the illegal occupation of Palomintar Four. I want justice. Not just for the Quelans, but for Trevor as well. I don't know if Nori's covert action will be enough to deter Jerno Thai and his fellow administrators from pursuing their own agenda. I don't know the influence of the other members of the Coruscant Council or how much a declaration of intent is worth. That's why Wedge and I felt it was wise for us all to wear the ceremonial outfit of the New Jedi Order." Luke said, while he turned to Liane.

"Shaayla-Car, do you have the items you need, when we have located Trevor again?"

Liane took the bottle and the box from a small bag she was carrying. Luke nodded.

"When we see, where Trevor is. I will lower the ramp and you jump down and go over to him. Wedge, Tama-Hin, Yarmod, you follow Shaayla-Car and form a protective circle around her and Trevor. I will tell the grand-admiral that I will land the Astræga in the vicinity, but I will put some distance between the Astræga and the spot where Shaayla-Car meets Trevor to convince him to surrender."

They all nodded in agreement.

"Will they take our measures seriously, without coming across as too threatening? I mean, they're the leaders of a government, Luke?" Ian asked.

"I want to leave an impression which tells them they have to realize that they have to take the presence of the Jedi Knights seriously in the future again. The aim of the Jedi has always been to bring peace and justice. Palpatine ruined that image, spreading false rumors that the Jedi wanted to kill him which allowed him to have most of the Jedi killed," Luke answered.

"Our passengers are arriving. Tama-Hin lower the ramp and bid them welcome. Accompany them to the control room." Luke continued.

Ian went over to the exit ramp and pressed the control to lower the ramp. He walked down and made an inviting gesture.

"Welcome, on board the Astræga, will you please follow me," He said while he slowly walk back up. The three leaders looked amazed at the young Jedi in his official outfit. Once they entered the control room Luke walked over to his guests.

"Grand-admiral, we're ready to show you the town of Ribana first, after which we will set course to the area where Shaayla-Car and I have seen admiral Trevor Matrik the last time. You can make yourself comfortable in the control room and be ready for lift off. Master Antilles and the Jedi Knights Shaayla-Car and her brother Tama-Hin will keep you company until we've reach Ribana. Once the ship flies over the town you can join me and Jedi Knight Yarmod Martan in the cockpit to look at Ribana from above. I will land in the middle of the town so you will be in the opportunity to see the deterioration of the town yourself." Luke said.

Jerno looked at Luke Skywalker.

"A very formal welcome, master Skywalker, this time." He said, looking at the five Jedi Knights in their ceremonial Jedi clothes.

"We honor your presence, grand-admiral, in this former imperial space ship which has been the private shuttle of my father Anakin Skywalker."

"You're proud to fly his vessel, master Skywalker?" Valann asked.

"I am, commodore Namaran, although my father went by a different name at the time it was his private imperial shuttle, but please be seated and strap yourself in."

The three leaders took a seat on the couches and fastened their safety webbing. Luke and Yarmod walked over to the cockpit and Wedge, Liane and Ian took a seat on the opposite couch. Valann Namaran looked at Shaayla-Car with an approving smile.

"My compliments, miss Kenobi. You show that you have found your true destiny," He said friendly.

"Thank you, commodore, for your words. Yes, I have found my destiny, thanks to all the help I have had from master Skywalker, his sister Leia Organa and her husband and my friend, master Antilles and my brother Tama-Hin."

"Whose padawan have you been, miss Kenobi?" Valann continued.

"There have been many Jedi of Old who have supported me and lead me on the path to learn the ways of the Jedi. They have convinced me that it was my destiny to become a Jedi Knight."

"What do you mean by the many Jedi of Old?"

"The Force ghosts of the Jedi that went before me. At the end of their lives they became one with the Force, but they mastered the very ancient knowledge to keep their conscious self. In this capacity, they are able to provide support to a new generation of Jedi Knights. I have met several of them and I've learn a lot of their wisdom and knowledge. I'm aware that it's difficult for non-Force users to understand what I'm telling you."

"You said, you've met several of those former Jedi Knights. Does all Jedi Knights have similar experiences?" Valann asked curiously.

"Most of the Jedi Knights meet the Force ghosts of former Jedi Knights to learn from their experiences and knowledge."

"They are the advisors of the Jedi Knights?" Kalip asked.

"In my case, they have been my advisors and teachers, general, but for more experienced Jedi Knights they are more like friends to share insight with."

"Can you tell us which former Jedi you have met?"

"My father, Obi-Wan Kenobi; my mother Severini Solichor Kenobi, and my foster-father Anakin Skywalker."

"You've met with former Jedi Anakin Skywalker," Kalip asked surprised.

"Yes, general, and you are eager to know what he has told me, right."

"Eh ... yes, if you want to tell us?"

Liane sensed Kalip Ru'undo hidden embarrassment.

"Anakin has helped me to pave the path for me to become a Jedi Knight. I've talk to him on different occasions and he guided me when I took it upon myself to seek a confrontation with your former admiral. He warned me to be on my guard for Trevor Matrik and his ambition to revive the Empire."

"Why did you want to confront Trevor Matrik?"

Liane began to laugh.

"Is this another interrogation, general?" She asked but kept smiling. "To answer your question: Trevor knew what knowledge I had gained during my upbringing on Morantan. He craved that knowledge to become a Sith Lord, but with what I know now, he might already have been aware that he doubted how to gain the Sith lore, for when Luke and I were in his lair, he has confessed to Luke, what he had experienced when he stood before Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader which he thought was to be a formal audience. He felt that he became surrounded by a circle of light, but the phenomenon only lasted for a short time and he paid no further attention to it. As a member of the Morantan staff he told Luke, that he has tried more than once to use Affect Mind on me, but his attempts were in vain. He couldn't influence me, while my foster-father and even the Emperor could."

"So for years Trevor Matrik wasn't a Force-users any longer?" Jerno asked surprised.

"That's right, grand-admiral, but he wasn't aware of it. Maybe he never had heard of the Wall of Light and its consequences."

"How did you learn about the Wall of Light?" Valann asked.

"My ancestral mother Nomi Sunrider told me about it. She once made use of this terrible Force use to encase her lover and my ancestral father Ulic Qel-Droma in the Wall of Light, after he had killed his brother Cay."

"What influence has the Wall of Light on a Force-user?" Kalip asked.

"His ability to use the Force and feel her influence is forever blocked. It's even assumed, but I don't have evidence about it, that the midi-cholorian count in the victim's blood is altered in such a way that any connection with the Force has become impossible."

"What are those midi-chlorians?" Valann asked interested.

Liane looked at Wedge Antilles.

"Maybe it's better if you explain what influence the midi-chlorian count has on the possibility to use the Force, Wedge," She said.

"Midi-chlorian are tiny life forms in the blood of everyone. Those tiny particles influence everyone, but the higher the number of midi-chlorians the more likely it is that the person becomes aware of their influence as they form a symbiotic relationship with him. When the person learns to listen what those microscopic life forms are telling him about the Force he might become a Force-user, not a Jedi Knight. Becoming a Jedi Knight requires the person's full commitment to let the Force show him what she want, or assist him to do his commands. It requires a long and intensive training and study."

The three leaders had listened to Wedge's explanation with great interest. Kalip turned to Valann.

"You once told us about that staff member in the old archive felt strange one day. Hasn't he told that he once had been a member of the Praetorian Guard?"

"Yes, and he was sure that there must have been more members of Palpatine's private army who became victims of the emperor's wrath."

Jerno turned to Wedge Antilles

"Master Antilles, we have heard a lot of amazing revelation from miss Kenobi who seems well versed in the lore of the Jedi Knights. Do you have similar experiences or knowledge?"

"Shaayla-Car is a very privilege Force-users, grand-admiral, being the daughter of two famous Jedi Knights as marriage was forbidden for a Jedi Knight in the time of the Old Republic. During Shaayla-Car's stay in the underground residence of the Supreme Chancellor she has learned so very much about the ways of the Jedi from those Jedi that went before us. I have followed a different path to become a Jedi Knight for Luke Skywalker has been my master, but in a certain way Shaayla-Car has been a kind of mentor to me during the short time I spend with her as her guardian in the Supreme Chancellor's residence. She taught me and my former padawan Yarmod Martan how to learn from the ancient texts which are stored in the Jedi Archive. Later I was impressed by her relentless determination to confrotn Admiral Trevor Matrik and stop the threat he posed to peace and prosperity in the galaxy after our two governing bodies signed a peace treaty."

"Thank you, master Antilles for your clarification," Jerno Thai answered politely.

Yarmod Martan entered the control room.

"Luke told me that we are flying above Ribana. From the cockpit windscreen you can get an impression of what years of dilapidation and deterioration have done to the town. The six passengers rose and walked over to the cockpit where Luke pointed to the view outside. He flew at low altitude circles above the town and its surrounding farm lands. The three leaders form Coruscant looked shocked.

"It's even worse than I thought," Valann expressed. Jerno nodded. Kalip addressed Ian.

"It's unimaginable that one man can do this to a comminity." He said and his voice sounded hoarse.

"In the beginning he must have ground troops at his disposal who expelled the population of Ribana into the western wilderness. We have found the remains of several soldiers in the woods on the southern hills." Ian answered. "The governors told us that he must have been accompanied with several battalions of ground forces, but they couldn't give us real numbers."

"Do you know how those ground forces have died?" Jerno joined the conversation.

"They were shot, sir. Shot from behind. Probably they were ambushed." Ian answered.

"Gentlemen, I going to land on that large square. That's the town center. As soon as the ramp is lowered you can leave the Astræga and have look around in the town yourself," Luke sat, looking over his shoulder.

He steered the ship above the town center and touched down. As the ramp went down all of them left the Astræga. Luke closed off the ramp and activated the ship's cloaking. The five Jedi Knights formed separate groups with the Coruscant leaders. Ian and Yarmod walked with Jerno Thai to the main street, while Luke and Valann Namaran explored the buildings surrounding the plaza. Wedge and Liane accompanied Kalip Ru'undo, who seemed to be focusing his attention on the eastern hills.

"The grand-admiral's nephew told us that you had a rendez-vous in a vineyard building." Kalip said and looked at his companions. "Is it possible to reach that spot."

"The vineyard and the building lay behind those eastern hills. It's quite a walk, general. Maybe you should ask Luke if we can do a fly-by before we went looking for Trevor Matrik."

Kalip turned to Liane.

"Are you sure, miss Kenobi, that we will find our former admiral in the area where you have seen him before? You said he was exhausted."

"He is on the run for at least three days now, general. He left the cave system before the Quelans flooded them."

"How did he know the water was coming?" Kalip asked.

"Luke and I warned him, but he didn't believe us. He said he wanted to die inside his lair, but somehow he must have changed his mind.

"Wedge, didn't Gold-Squadron report that they have seen him running through Ribana?"

"That's right. He has walked back along the road the entrance of his lair, my men reported later."

"And Luke and I have seen him standing near the dried riverbed which formed a natural border between the farmlands around Ribana and the western plains. As the water flow filled the riverbed we heard him scream in frustration. I sensed his exhaustion, general, possibly because he didn't take any rations with him when he left his lair."

"I still hear your concern about him in your voice, miss Kenobi?" Kalip commented on Liane's words. "Our former admiral deserted during the Battle of Jakku with two stolen small star destroyers of the imperial fleet. He reported the annihilation of one of the ships due to a meteor shower and join the commander of the other ship. He never returned to Coruscant as he was ordered. Instead he settled himself here at the expense of a existing town and he possibly sabotaged the last star destroyer and killed the whole crew."

"Shaayla-Car and I still see Trevor Matrik is a human being, general," Wedge said, "We understand that you disgust what he done wrong and that's a long list. Trevor made a wrong choice, as many living beings often do. Tell me, general, you have been an officer in the imperial fleet during the Civil War, right? Have you never regretted to be an officer in the army of the Empire?"

Kalip was taken aback for a moment.

"Yes, I did, master Antilles. After Moff Tarkin eliminated Alderaan I, like many officers was wondering if the emperor's reign was completely based on fear and suppression. I recalled the violent elimination of the Jedi Knights, despite the rumors the Jedi had plotted against the emperor to assassinate him. I had once believe in the glory and victory of the Empire but more and more I began to feel doubts. Nevertheless I remained at my post, but the more I saw and the more I experienced the more I felt I was no longer serving a leader who sought to protect the galaxy."

"Many have thought as you did, general, and many decided that they regretted their choice to serve the Empire." Wedge said.

Kalip nodded.

"And many, master Antilles, deserted and joined the Rebel Alliance.

"I've once considered doing the same, but after a secret meeting with Jerno Thai and my old friend Valann Namaran, both officers in the Imperial starship fleet, the three of us formed a secret group. We met in secret and developed an initial plan with ideas for what to do if the Empire ever collapsed. Especially after the Rebel Alliance destroyed the first Death Star, such a plan seemed absolutely necessary to prevent any chaos on Coruscant. Master Antilles, I can't speak for the other leaders, but you are right: joining the imperial army has often felt a wrong choice. A choice I often have regretted."

Wedge and also Liane smiled after has listened to Kalip Ru'undo's confession.

"General," Wedge said, "your story tells me that you are human, and humans make mistakes. You blame yourself for what was done in the name of the Empire, because what happened during Emperor Palpatine's reign was not in keeping with what you three stood for. You and your other leaders decided that another way had to be found to restore justice. When the Empire collapsed and both the Emperor and Darth Vader were dead, you succeeded in preventing the remnants of the Empire from falling into chaos. Your collective action was even more successful when you consulted with the leaders of the Rebel Alliance and signed a cease fire. I have great respect for what you three did, General. The many choices you made proved to be the right ones, but Trevor Matrik made a different decision and chose wrongly. He must certainly answer for his actions, but that does not mean we should not feel sorry for him. During the Emperor's reign, you and the others wanted justice to be served. That vision of justice must continue to guide the trial against Trevor Matrik."

Kalip looked at Wedge Antilles.

"The Jedi Knights thrive for peace and justice, right, master Antilles?" He asked.

"That has always been their main goal, general, and it still is."

"Thank you, for what you told me, master Antilles. I will keep your words in mind when we will arrest Trevor Matrik."

Wedge and Liane made civil bow.

'You have prevented a clash between us and those leaders' Liane said.

'That was my aim, Shaayla-Car, after the general made that remark during your discussion with him.'

"I think, general, that it's time to look for our suspect, but I will ask Luke to show you the vineyard to satisfied your curiosity."