Star Wars: 30 Years Later The Real Story

Phindar Orbit - Mandator IV-class Siege Dreadnought

Grand Admiral Enryc Pride looked at the holographic monitors around him with cold eyes as he witness the destruction of the Republic fleet without a single emotion showing in his face. The Star destroyers shot any enemy vessel without mercy and the TIE fighters were going all around destroying Starfighters and escaping pods. It was justa matter of time before the fleet of the Republic was absolutely anihilated.

- "It's still not enough..."- thought Pryde as an unsatisfied expression appeared in his face - "the humiliation we had to bear for so long cannot be sated with just this... The Republic must fall!"

- "Enemy Flagship has fallen, Grand Admiral!"- informed an officer and Pryde put his attention on the monitor showing the once powerful Mon Calamari MC90 Star Cruiser Galactic Voyager showing explosions while being sliced in two parts which started to float around as multiple explosions were shown all over its fuselage.

- "Give me a zoom into the command center"

The monitor showed the command center which was a clear bubble in the center of the ship, giving the bridge officers a vision of the area below as well as above, but it was now open like a cracked egg and showed only remains of melted metal and ashes. There was no way anything could have survived that blast and so all the crew must have died.

- "It's not enough... but it is a good start..."- said Pryde seeing the Mon Calamari vessel go down in flames which reminded him many of the Imperial start ships which had gone down similiarly with many of his friends and allies.

- "70% of the forces in Phindar have returned to the fleet, Grand Admiral"- informed an officer as soon as he received the information- "Kylo Ren has arrived into Finalizer."

- "In that case let's start the second part of the operation"- said Pryde with absolute resolution in his voice- "Order all forces to enter Hyperspace and attack their objectives!"

- "Yes, Sir!"

- "Sir, General Hux is requesting permission to make sure the enemy flagship is down."- said another officer which only made Pryde scoff.

- "Tell Hux his request is denied"- said Pryde watching as many of the Star Destroyers were already jumping into Hyperspace- "Remind him that his objective is the Glythe sector in the Mid Rim and that we expect results in less than a month."

- "Yes sir."

- "Set course to the Nojic Sector"- said Pryde giving no more attention to Hux and preparing for the next phase of the operation which would advance his dėsɨrė of vengeance against the republic- "Enter hyperspace."

(...)

After the First Order abandoned the area, the silence that reigned was creepy and heavy. The Voyager remained floating adrift without signs of life as if it were a forgotten relic of the past. Nobody would believe it was once the mgnificent pioneer of the most advanced Mon Calamari technology. However, after some more minutes it awoken and the energy returned to both parts as if a dead person had received a defilibrator shock. Both parts started to move and stayed afloat once again. Anyone would have been absolutely shocked about seeing this.

- "Life preservartion systems operational, Grand Admiral"- informed an officer who was using an oxygen mask and grabbed his chair to stop floating all around.

- "Basic systems at 20%..."- informed another officer who seemed to be very surprised to be alive.

- "Enemy fleet has abandoned the area completely"- said another officer with relief in his voice.

- "Damn you Quidrit! You really did it old fool!"- said Grand Admiral Ackbar with a relieved expression still wondering how they had really managed to avoid total anihilation.

- "I told you we could pull it off, Gial!"- said a raspy voice through the intercom- "I've told you many times never to underestimate engineers!" .

Once the systems had gone down, he established a private communication using personnal radios hidden in special compartments. He had immediately talked with the engineer chief officer, who was a veteran who had accompanied him for hundreds of battles. He was a pain in the neck but he was the best engineer and spacecraft expert in the galaxy.

- "Any plans?"- Ackbar had asked as soon as the communicaiton was accepted.

- "Im sure that we can reactivate the systems, but once we do they will pummel us and destroy us for good"-said the old engineer voicing Ackbar's fears- "So I tink we need to be destroyed."

- "What do you mean?"- asked Ackbar having a small hint of what he wanted to do. owever, he did not know if that feat would be possible.

- "We plant bombs and divide the voyager in two making it look like its been destroyed."- said Quidrit with a calm and even teasing tone.

- "We play dead then"- said Ackbar who was fighting to stayed on his feet as the enemy continued bombing the Voyager- "Can you pull it off?"

- "Who do you think youre talking to?"- rebued Quidrit with a playful voice- "you know my second degree is in explosives and demolition. If someone can put a show, its me!"

- "Do it!"

And so the engineers started the double work of reactivating the systems and planting bombs in strategical places so it looked like the Voyager was split in two while exploding. In reality, however, it was just a show to convince the enemy they had won. The MC90 had the feature of being able to divide itself in two to help with maintenance and also in case of emergency escape, but since it was a new model, nobody new about it including the enemy.

- "I never believed your stubborness would pay off..."- said Quidrit laughing- "but I must admit your reluctance to place the command center in the center really saved us today."

The first time Ackbar had seen the galactic voyager, he had not been pleased with the choice of constructing the bridge in such exposed place. He argued that it was too much of a weak spot that the Imperial forces could exploit. This caused a lot of arguing between Ackbar and Quidrit who only accepted to place the command center in a different place with the condition of keeping the original bridge as a kind of moral vicotory. Ackbar did not care since it would be the perfect decoy. Even if the enemy had access to the original schematic, they would only see the command center in its original place and today this fact had been their salvation.

- "You have earned your check, old man"- said Ackbar with a voice that surprised all the officers present since they had never heard him speak to anyone in that tone or even swear like now. They started to see the old engineer in a new light.

- "You own me some drinks"- said the voice of the engineer- "It's been a while so let's have drink until pass out later!"

- "Deal! Now see if you can reactivate more systems and check how the tail is doing!"

- "Aye aye, Captain"- said the voice and the transmission was cut off.

- "Do we have long distance communications?"- asked Ackbar returning to his formal and imposing tone.

- "Yes, we do"- said an officer who replied inmediatly after hearing the change of tone of the Admiral- "The messages will have high static but it weill still be clear to understand."

- "Inform the Republic about what happened here immediately!"- ordered Ackbar- "Send as much information as we have about the new enemy starship and alert all the systems that may be still unaware of this attack."

- "Yes, Sir"

- "Try to establish communication with the fleet and search for survivors!"

Ackbar started to analyze the devastation around him and sadness filled his heart when he only saw scraps of what it had been a beautiful and valiant fleet. He could see starfighters and bombers left floating in the space in pieces. They had been victims of the gravity pulling system of the massive ship which started shooting down the X-wing fighters and bombers like flies. The offensive capacity of the new enemy vessel was even more powerful than the infamous Malevolance had been.

- "They must have a bigger plan"- said Ackbar wondering what the next step would be for the enemy- "I hope our Chancillor can receive the news on time!"

(...)

Hyperspace via Coruscant

Leia was in route to the capital, where she knew only bad things awaited for her, but he was already having to clean the mess they were into. She was receiving multiple and endless news of attacks in different areas of the North of the galaxy, specially in Centrist worlds and systems, some asking for reinforcements while others accusing the New Republic of treason and unprovoked attacks.

- "We received news from Admiral Ackbar"- said an ȧssitant which had met her in a near system- "he managed to survived..."

- "Tell me the important parts"- said Leia who was still reading and listeing to other messages, but she was very glad Gial had managed to survived.

- "Massive Dreadnaught-class capable of shutting down all systems in range and high offensive capabilities"- said the ȧssitant who could not hide her horror for the news- "ma... massive losses in our side. Vessel gone with unknown destination.

- "Send the information to all forces across the galaxy and prepare all forces to go reinforce the planets being attacked!"

- "Our best forces went to Phindar, Chancellor"- said the ȧssistant giving Leia a cold reminder- "the rest are just not enough to cover all the places."

- "We must help our allies!"- said Leia who knew deep down the harsh reality.

- "Communication requested from Senator Casterfo..."

Leia doubted for a moment since she knew that Casterfo's home planet had been one of the first in being attacked and surely he was calling to request for reinforcements. She also knew that the Populist faction had been behind this attack and had allied with the First Order, the most important memeber being Amilyn Holdo who was conveniently out of reach. Leia could expect a huge barrage of accusations from Casterfo, especially since he was the head of the Centrist faction which had suffered the most in Phindar. However, she needed all the support she could grasp and so she opened the communications.

- "Good to see you Senator"- said Leia preparing herself- "I must give you my apologies for your losses in the battle for Phindar... but I must ȧssure you this ambush was a total surprise for the New Republic..."

- "We can exchange those words at a later time, Chancillor"- replied Casterfo who seemed to be oddly calm- "What is lost is lost and we can't do anything about it... we must reassess the situation and see what we can do now... since you were out of Coruscant I took the liberty to invite all the senators who are still loyal to the New Republic to an emergency meeting. As I'm sure you understand, I did not extend such invitation to any Populist senator since I don't trust them, so I will have to ask you to do that..."

- "I'm grateful for being so proactive, Senator"- said Leia with a surprised but welcoming attitude- "I know who inside the Populist senators can be trusted so I will gather them."

- "Good... I will see you there..."- said Casterfo who also seemed to be very busy.

- "By the way, Senator"- said Leia with extreme caution in her voice- "what's the situation in Riosa?"

- "Riosa has fallen..."- said Casterfo without showing any change in his voice- "the forces have surrendered and the planet is under the control of the First order and Populist forces... I have to go now, Chancellor. I will explain with more detail in the meeting... wait what is this?"

- "Chancellor... all New Republic frequencies are receiving a message from the First Order"

- "Play it"- said Leia and she felt a knot in her stomach when she saw an obscured face with a name that could send shivers to anyone.

- "This is the First Order Supreme Leader Snoke speaking. For dozens of years the New Republic have brought ruin and disorder to the galaxy. They have abused the good will of the people and have robbed entire systems and worlds under its power of their resources and freedoms under the despotic rule of Leia Organa, daughter of the ȧssassin Darth Vader. Today, we started a campaign of liberation with the help of members of the Senate who have seen these injusticies and now fight for true freedom and order in our galaxy."

The holographic transmission showed varios members of the Sente behind Snoke who seemed convinced and supportive of what Snoke was saying. Leia found Holdo among them.

- "We would prefer a peaceful transition, but we understand that sometimes there is no other option than use the sword of justice and for this we have decided to defeat the worlds of the corrupt senators and politicians who only know how to bleed the resources that are rightfully of the people."

The transmission changed and showed various planets that belonged to the Centrist faction being surrounded by Star Destroyers and the new Dreadnaught.

- "We demand the immediate abdication of Leia Organa as Supreme Chancellor and the surrender of the New Republic forces. They must abandon the North Eastern area of the galaxy which is rightfully the legacy of the Empire to the First Order. Otherwise, we will raze all oppositionand we will have to make an example of all those corrupted leaders who are allied with the evil Republic. You have 6 hours to respond or we will take action."

Leia's breathing accelerated and soon flashbacks of her beloved home planet Alderaan being destroyed in front of her eyes. Snoke had been very clear with his intentions when he had used the term "raze" and Leia knew very well the destructive capacity of Star Destroyers just like Thawn had done with the extinct planet Oben. They would destroy all those worlds if she did not comply with their demands.

- "We will start the urgency meeting in 30 minutes"- said Leia whose eyes still showed determination- "we have some decisions to take!"

(...)

Phindar Planet - Lunex City

Luke and Poe had been very busy helping the injured and restoring the energy all along the city and were now inside a command center inside Lunex. After some hours they had managed to restore the enegy and had also received the transmission given by Snoke.

- "So they have put the Republic in check"- said Poe looking at Luke who seemed to be in better condition than before.

- "They definitely have the upper hand"- said Luke very surprised-"this move was extremely refined."

- "I would have never imagined the Populist faction betrayed the Republic"- said Poe with an angry voice- "Those vipers hid their intentions very well to be able to keep this secret from our network for so long."

- "This will certainly changes all the situation and Leia must be having a tough time along with the rest of the Senate."

- "We can only wait for their decision now"- said Poe sighing in defeat since he hated having nothing to do.

- "How are Artoo and BB-8"- asked Luke worried for the fate of his droid friend.

After the battle, Luke had immediately returned to his starfighter and had checked on Artoo who had been affected by the EMP attack from the First Order and gave no response. He had taken the little droid to the mechanical facility and had met Poe who had, like him, brought his own droid for checking. It had been some hours, but Luke had not heard anything.

- "Some circuits were lost but fortunately their memory data and other key components resisted the attack, so they will be fine, tough some behaviour ticks could remain..."- said Poe who also seemed to be relieved for the news.

- "That's good to hear"- said Luke with a smile.

Artoo had been his partner in crime for many years and they had shared much history together. In Luke's eyes, he was more than a simple droid, he was an important companion who had shared blood, sweat and tears with him, figuretively speaking of course. The news of his well being lifted a little the burden on his shoulders.

Beep beep!

Poe received a message and excused himself from the room. Luke nodded and then took the holographic device and entered a secret code that only one person had accessed to. The comunication was accepted and the holographic figure of a woman appeared before him.

- "Mara"- he said and he was surprised for the tone he had used saying this name.

- "I'm glad you are well, Luke"- said Mara who also used a softer tone.

They saw each other for some time, and then they simply smiled. It was true they had gone their ways some years before after a really ugly fight, but now they didn't even remembered why they had fought and they simply decided to nod in a forviging manner while filling each other of the events they had experienced on both sides including the battle in Phindar and the events in Bohiak. The talk inevitably steered to the young padawans and Phasma.

- "They have mastered the basics, but they need more training, especially the girl"- said Mara pointing to Rey who was sleeping along with Finn- "There is a big darkness inside that she must learn to control."

- "I have also perceived it"- said Luke with a sigh- "I had decided to wait a little more to see if she could manage it herself, but it seems I cannot delay it anymore."

- "We must return to Ahch-To to continue their training"- said Mara.

- "I'll contact Ahsoka..."- said Luke standing up- "We must call the rest. It's been a while since we had a meeting and I really need to talk to the others about Kylo Ren."

- "How strong is he now?"- asked Mara remembering the face of the innocent young padawan practicing his lightsaber skills years ago.

- "I was almost defeated"- said Luke honestly- "I was exhausted... true, but I can't simply shrugged like that. He's advancing too fast and next time... it will possibly be the last one so I need to be prepared."

- "You finally decided to fight together?"- said Mara with a grin- "the lone wolf will return to the pack?"

- "That was the plan, remember?"- said Luke with a defeated smile- "I would atract all the attention to me while the rest worked in the shadows... but it seems its not possible anymore."

- "You fool"- said Mara with a warm smile- "We knew it would only work temporarily. It's impressive it worked for so long The plan just needs to be modified once again and now we'll fight together."

- "I missed you, Mara"- said Luke with a longing tone.

- "And me too, you silly"- said Mara wishing they were next to each other at the moment- "We'll win this."

- "We will"- said Luke with a firm tone

And they simply continued talking for more hours waiting for the decision the Senate would make.

(...)

The Senate made a decision after some hours of agressive debating and once they made the response public, it left many systems and worlds in shock. Leia was in charge of telling the galaxy their public statement.

- "The Senate has reached an agreement and is as it follows:

1. The New Republic is shocked and appalled that the First Order is using the lives of free citizens in many worlds as pieces to blackmail and terrorize the galaxy.

2. Due to the importance of those worlds which would no doubtly be put in danger due to the terrorist organization known as the First Order is that we have decided to retire our forces temporarily from the systems marked in the galactic map.

3. The New Republic will not surrender, but is ready to sit down and talk to the Organization to reach an agreement in order to preserve the lives of the innocent people in the systems and worlds under the First Order rule.

4. "Since this moment all the senators shown in the transmission made by the First Order are stripped from their seat and titles and are considered expelled from the Senate.

5. Finally, as a show of the New Republic to preservethe peace, I, Leia Skywalker Organa Solo, resigned from my office as Supreme Chancellor and a new head will be chosen by the Senate.

Finally, as a common citizen of the New Republic I want to say to all systems and worlds taken as hostages by the First Order. Be strong and do not lose hope. We will return for you. Enjoy you fleeting victory, Snoke... It will not last!"

And thus the battle of Phindar ended with a massive loss for the New Republic and the First Order gained control over multiple systems on the North East of the galaxy where they started to affirm their power with iron fist.