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It travelled through the depths of space, the voice – high pitch and alien – resonating across all of subspace, flooding those closest with its song. A long smooth cylinder covering in different patches of black with a single white ball immersed in a shaft of light emerging from the front of the vessel. No sign of propulsion, no sign of a bridge. No sign of any life except the sound it wove as one approached.
Captain Aril Nunb's ears tingled as they approached closer to the object.
The Valiant, an old Alderaanian Thranta-class War Cruiser, was patrolling a portion of space for any probable Imperial activity when it came across the first transmissions. After altering course to intercept, the officers and crew of the refurbished light cruiser were now gazing upon the strange smooth vessel as it approached.
Standing from her command chair, the Sullustan ex-pilot turned ship captain moved to the science station. "What do you make of it?" she asked in Galactic Basic Standard, which she was more fluent in then her older brother Nien.
The science officer, a young human female from the long-destroyed Alderaan with an ensign grade, kept her eye on the screen but equal attention to her commanding officer. "It appears to be a probe, Captain," she replied. "From an intelligence unknown to us."
Aril nodded. "Continue transmitting universal peace and hello in all known languages," she ordered before moving back to her command chair, before sitting she looked over at the communications station. "Get me High Command."
The communications officer, a male of her own species with a junior lieutenant rank badge, nodded and turned to his station to flick a view switches. "Ready, Captain," he replied in Basic.
Aril took a seat, crossing her hands before her as she began to speak. "High Command, this is N.R.V. Valiant on patrol in Sub-Sector Five, Border Zone. We're tracking a probe of unknown origin on apparent trajectory to the Coruscant system. Attempts to communicate with the probe have been negative on all known frequencies."
Almost instantly, the gruff voice of General Carlist Rieekan came over the speakers. "Continue tracking, Valiant. We will analyse transmissions and advice."
With a smile, the Sullustan captain nodded to herself. "Roger, Command. Valiant, out."
At her station, the science officer continued to watch the probe in fascination.
*
Far away on Coruscant, Senator and Princess Leia Organa Solo of the Alderaanian people was walking along the Concourse hallway that ringed the upper levels of the Senate Building. Following closely was her aide and trusted friend Winter and the gold-platted protocol droid See-Threepio. The three were engaged in a conversation on personal matters when they were about to be interrupted.
"Senator Organa Solo," Senator Borsk Fey'lya, representative of the Bothan people, approached with his chief aide Tav Breil'lya following close behind. "I understand the next meeting of the Ministry Council is being postponed until the following week."
Resisting the urge to groan openly, the former rebel leader turned New Republic political leader smiled. "Yes, Senator," she replied in a pleasant tone. "It is my youngest son's first birthday coming up in a few days and I dare not wish to miss it."
"Oh," the Bothan's ears lowered. "Surely the business of the New Republic could be done on such a day," he said.
"Not when my brother and his ward are attending," she smiled. "Han and Chewie are already on their way to Yavin 4 to collect them."
"Is that wise?" the other asked.
"Why shouldn't my youngest son or indeed my older children's uncle not attend an important family event?" she countered. "Birthdays are always important, aren't they? Even to the great Bothan people."
Violet eyes lowered. "I refer to his ward," he said. "And yes, we do believe birthdays are important to my people. My nephew's birthday was only last month."
Leia chuckled. "And you took time away from the Justice Council to attend it and yet the New Republic still stood when you returned," her face then turned neutral. "And I caution you, Borsk, not to bring up Ken's status again."
Realising the implication of the statement, the Bothan nodded. "Then I hope you enjoy your son's birthday. I shall see you at the next council meeting."
With that, Fey'lya stepped to one side and passed, his aide following close behind.
Letting out a breath, Leia turned to Winter and Threepio. "A small victory there," she chuckled.
"Indeed, Mistress Leia," the protocol droid spoke.
"Still," Winter said in a neutral tone. "His bringing up Commander Skywalker's ward in relationship to Anakin and the twins does startle me."
"He is no more a threat than you or I or even Mara, Winter," Leia said. "He is not his grandfather."
The silver-blonde haired woman smiled. "No, your Highness. He is not," she then chuckled. "Just a smart young man who your brother has brought into the family."
With that, the talks returned to what they were discussing before their interruption, resuming their walks towards the turboshafts down to where the senator's offices were, and no doubt in chaos from the twins and their little brother for the caretakers Leia and Winter had 'procured' for the day.
Unaware of what approached Coruscant from beyond the stars.
*
The Millennium Falcon was on final approach as Jedi Master Luke Skywalker was speaking outside the entry to the old Massassi Temple with the blond-haired gruff Kam Solusar and Mon Calamari female ex-Ambassador Cilghal. Nearby, several students were busy practising with the more experienced Jedi apprentices in supervised settings while a few others were meditating at the edge of the jungles outside, aware of the imminent arrival of the famous freighter carrying equally famous heroes.
"And remember to ensure that the additional power generators I requested have arrived," he said, pausing to stroke his stubbled chin. "And Kyp's sessions with Doctor Hanal are kept up. And that he and Dorsk 82 keep away from the flight simulator until I get back. And –"
"Luke," Kam interrupted with a chuckle. "Don't worry, we've got this handled."
"Indeed, Master Skywalker," Cilghal said. "This is not the first time you've left the Academy on its own. Just relax and enjoy this vacation time. The Academy is in good hands."
"Sorry," Luke apologised with a smile. "With the new students and Vima-Da-Boda's recent health scare, plus that situation with Brakiss, I can't help but be concerned."
"Hey," Kam grunted. "Brakiss is the fool who decided to run. Just be thankful he left without a fuss. Or that he tried to take a few others with him."
Luke's blue eyes lowered and looked towards where his teenage ward approached, chatting away to Artoo-Detoo. "Yeah," he replied. "No one can ever find out."
"Indeed," Cilghal said with a nod. "It's only lucky only we know."
Any further talk ended as the Falcon landed on the clear field before them. The ramp soon lowered as the engines cooled. With a slight twist, Luke made his way to greet his brother-in-law as Han and Chewie exited.
"Hey, kid," the Corellian ex-smuggler called out, giving a wave to the approaching Jedi. "You and Ken ready to ditch this place for a vacation."
Chewie growled in response.
Luke chuckled. "Just making sure some things are in place before I go."
"Luke, you'll be away for a couple of weeks at most," Han said with a snort. "What could happen?"
"Nothing, Han," Ken answered on behalf of his guardian. "Though if you don't at least say hi to Kyp, he'll be annoyed."
"Watch it, Ken," he said to the gray-eyed teenager who came to stand next to the Jedi. "Or Chewie will have you cleaning up the main hold with a small scrubbing brush."
The Wookiee let out a few growls.
"What do you mean I will if I don't go see Kyp now?" Han asked in response, eyes lowering.
Chewie's response left Luke and Ken in stitches from laughter.
Even Artoo squealed in tones approximate to the feeling.
*
As the Valiant continued its approach, the strange song grew growing stronger.
As if it were reverberating off the hull.
"Here it comes now," the Valiant communications officer said gruffly.
Then the lights dimmed with a squeak of the pitch. Lower with the next one.
In her seat, Aril's black eyes looked up at the ceiling lights of the bridge. "What's causing that?" she asked her science officer.
"The probe's call is carrying an amplification wave of..." she paused. "...enormous power."
"Can we isolate the wave?" the captain asked in concern.
"Negative," came the response. "It's impacting on all our systems."
The lights dimmed more, the R2 astromech plugged into a station behind her let out a mournful tone.
"Yellow alert," Aril ordered. "Shields up. Helm," she called to the helmsman. "Reduce our closing speed."
The helmsman, a dark-skinned human male from Naboo with a lieutenant grade, attempted to do so but grunted suddenly. "Thruster controls have been neutralised," he responded.
Aril leaned forward. "Emergency thrusters?" she asked.
The man shook his head. "No response, Captain," he replied.
Just then several stations shorted out and the lights went out completely. Only the blinking lights of her astromech Zeethree were still on plus the white light of the approaching probe beaming through the viewport. Officers sucked in their breaths.
"Emergency lights!" Aril called out. The red lighting came on. "Damage report," she ordered.
"All systems have failed," the science officer replied. "We're functioning on reserve power only."
Through the viewport, the probe passed by on an angle as the Valiant drifted to port out of the way, engines and main power offline. With barely a nod to the communications officer, Aril swallowed deeply to restore her calm. "High Command, this is Valiant, can you hear me?" she said through the emergency channel. "Come in please, come in please."
The emergency call went towards Coruscant, still far away and now under threat from something unknown and unable to listen.
*
The skyline outside was clear as day as Admiral Gial Ackbar completed looking at a report from the Quarren officer Commander Sirlul before handing it back to her.
"Thank you, sir," she replied as she stepped away.
The Mon Calamari then turned to see Mon Mothma approach at speed.
"Status report, Admiral?" she asked in an urgent tone.
"Not good, Madam Chancellor," he replied grimly. He then directed her to the status board behind her. "The probe is heading towards us, disabling everything in its path. Two cruisers and three smaller vessels have been neutralised."
"Neutralised?" Mon Mothma said in surprise. "How?"
"We don't know," Ackbar answered. He then noted that at their stations, Commanders Sesfan and Toryn Farr were taking reports from Captain Sarin Virgilio of the escort frigate Quenfis and Captain Irenez of the Dreadnaught heavy cruiser Harrier. "It's using forms of energy our best scientists cannot understand."
"Can you protect us?" the chancellor asked gravely.
Ackbar's eyes turned on her and he said solemnly. "We're launching everything we have," he then paused to let out a sigh. "But it may not be enough."
*
On Yavin 4, halfway across the galaxy, Luke stepped into the cockpit of the Falcon as Han and Chewie took their respective seats at the pilot and co-pilot stations. Taking a seat behind his brother-in-law, Ken took the one behind the Wookiee, his eager eyes still enthralled by watching the processes of getting the freighter ready to depart. Artoo remained at the door into the connecting corridor.
As the pitch for the engines reverberated through the ship, Han turned back to the Jedi.
"Ready to go, kid?" he asked.
Luke smiled. "Let's go," he said.
Chewie let out a positive bark.
Ken laughed in response.
Artoo beeped along.
Han took the control yoke and began pulling up. The tree line behind disappeared and soon the clouds soon approached, picking up in speed as the ship departed the planet.
On the surface, all the Jedi students watched its departure. When they were out of sight, Kam and Cilghal turned to the others.
"Alright, you 'lot," Kam said with a serious look. "Back to your lessons."
The Mon Calamari beside him smiled.
*
A failed response to stop the probe with force failed and now an additional eight ships were drifting on emergency power in deep space, their calls for aid beaming back to the galactic capital. The large cylindrical vessel had withstood the firepower of not just a Mon Calamari Star Cruiser like the Defiance but also an Imperial-class Star Destroyer like the Freedom. Captain Verrack and Commander Sair Yonka, along with the captains of the six other ships, were just as surprised by their ineffectiveness.
At the Orbital Defense Headquarters, Admiral Hiram Drayson watched as transports and shuttles fled from the surface. The call to evacuate to shelters or to any fast ship had been heeded quickly. The skies above the city were clear of air traffic. The Chandrilan turned his attention to the approaching probe. It was within range and lights were starting to dim in response to the signal.
"ODH, this is Command," Rieekan's voice came over speakers. "Launch all vessels, launch all vessels."
Drayson didn't need to give the command. The techs were working frantically to open the bay doors to allow starfighters and gunboats to launch while the docking clamps keeping other ships locked to the newly-built space station could be released.
"Sir," one of the techs, a green-skinned Ishi Tib male, called. "Launch bay doors inoperative."
"Docking clamps not releasing, Admiral," another tech sitting beside the standing man, a green-skinned Twi'lek female, said. "All systems going offline."
Drayson grunted. The order to release them came too late. A gaze through the three-hundred-and-sixty degree windows indicated that the Golan defense platforms were losing power as well. "Engage reserve power now," he responded before leaning to the main communications system. "High Command, this is Orbital Defense Headquarters on emergency channel," his eyes glanced as emergency lights came online. "We have lost all internal power."
Across orbit, anything flying or stationary in the perimeter of Coruscant slowed and drifted, fortunately away from the planet's gravity well. No weapon systems, no propulsion. The probe advanced and once orbiting the Western Sea – the only main body of water that covered half a standard continent – the signal changed and burnt to the ocean below, unaware or uncaring as storms began to spread outwards through city blocks. Without weather satellites controlling the strength, it was growing stronger and stronger over the city blocks.
There was no escape.
*
From the quickly reinforced windows of Defence Force Headquarters, the swirling storms had grown larger and larger.
It had been fourteen hours since the probe arrived. The massive city's power was slowly draining but not at the level of spacecraft and other vessels. Failed attempts to launch a mass transport had left the trapped passengers in place. Floating platforms were moved by large droids – unaffected by the power disruptions - to safe locations before emergency power failed and they'd crash into the undercity below.
Standing at the main console table, Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar watched the probe's progress.
"Westport, cloud coverage has increased ninety-five percent," Toryn Farr spoke in a professional tone.
"Calacour Heights, total cloud coverage," Sesfan reported. "All power from reserve banks," the Mon Calamari paused for a moment before his trembling webbed hand flicked a panel. "Uscru has lost all electrical power. Cloud coverage is one hundred percent and temperatures are decreasing rapidly."
Looking up, Mon Mothma asked. "What is the estimated cloud cover of the planet at this time?"
Rieekan, standing opposite, stood to lean over Farr's shoulder. "Seventy-eight point six percent, madam chancellor," he replied grimly.
"Notify all stations, High Command red alert," Ackbar said, his gaze turned to Colonel Bren Derlin standing off to the side as the lights dimmed somewhat. "Switch power immediately to planetary reserves," the human commando nodded and walked away, just as the probe's influence passed over them, letting out a burst of its signal at a higher strength. Gravely, the Mon Calamari admiral turned to the human woman beside him. "Madam Chancellor, even on reserve power we cannot survive without the sun."
Mon Mothma sighed as she took straight, eyes catching an approaching Leia. "I'm well aware of that, Admiral," she said as she stepped away towards where the Alderaanian princess waited. The absence of her aide and children indicated they were kept safe below. "Leia, it appears we are now trapped here," her voice addressed her sadness at the finality of the statement. "There's just no way to answer this probe."
"It's difficult to answer when we don't understand the question, I guess," Leia noted. It frustrated their colleagues on the Science Council to no end. "Madam Chancellor, perhaps we should send out a planetary distress signal on the HoloNet," she said firmly, despite knowing what those words meant for her and her children. "While we still have time."
*
"This is the Chancellor of the New Republic, do not approach Coruscant. The transmissions of an orbiting probe are causing critical damage to this planet. It has almost totally ionised the atmosphere. All power sources have failed. All orbiting spacecraft are powerless. The probe is vaporising the Western Sea. We cannot survive unless a way can be found to respond to the hail. Further communication may not be possible. Save your energy, save yourself. Avoid Coruscant at any cost. If there is no hope for the capital, I then hereby transfer authority of the New Republic to Senator Garm Bel Iblis. Farewell."
*
In the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, those present were stopped still. Mon Mothma's words affected them as much as the calmness Luke felt from his twin sister on the doomed galactic capital planet. Han was holding onto the control yoke hard. Chewie was mournful.
Ken, however, was inquisitive.
"Artoo," the teen asked the astromech, who was likely saddened with the soon-to-be lost Threepio. "Give me both the sound from the probe and its location over Coruscant."
"What are you thinking, Ken?" Luke asked, noting his ward's words.
"Hang on," he asked. Artoo's speakers then emitted the sound as a hologram showed the cylindrical vessel orbiting directly over the Western Sea. "If it isn't responding to us, it must mean a message isn't meant for people like us."
"What?" Han asked. "Considering where the probe's sitting, and that old man Ackbar is present with just about every water-based species in the galaxy, who could it be for."
Ken's silver eyes looked to Chewie's blue. "What is a Wookiee to a katarn?" he asked the taller being.
The Wookiee growled out a few works in his native language.
"So it's meant for something like..." Luke trailed off.
"Someone of different intelligence that lives or lived in the oceans of Coruscant," Ken grinned. "Artoo, replay the sound in a similar pattern if it was being heard underwater."
The astromech worked quickly and soon it played exactly like a cetacean species.
"Great," Han groaned. "We're looking for something like the Whaladon."
Luke nodded. Then he recalled something he'd read years ago. "Get Lando on the line," he said. "He once told me something about a whale species that was transplanted from the capital like three hundred years ago. I just can't remember what he called it."
Han turned around. "Right," he then flicked a switch to connect to the HoloNet system and a direct line to their friend, who was currently on Mon Calamari overseeing the construction of a new Nomad City for his project on Nkllon.
It didn't take long for Lando to get on the line. "Oh yeah," the charming businessman replied, stroking his moustache. "The Corus'Varth," he chuckled. "Also known as the Coruscant whale. They were a big sight in the Western Sea until pollution forced their mass relocation to Corsin before they went extinct."
"But pollution levels are a lot less than three hundred years ago, right?" Ken asked.
"You got it, Ken," Lando replied. "I was actually thinking about getting involved for an easy fee about ten years back but then the war went nuts and the project got postponed indefinitely."
"You'd need a big ship for one of those things, buddy," Han replied. "Those things get big when they grow up."
Chewie growled in agreement.
"Not really, just a couple of new carfs ready to go," he chuckled. "Just need to convert a lower cargo hold into a make-shift water tank on an Action series freighter or AA-9 and you're done. Shouldn't take much time at all."
"You got someone on Corsin to arrange it in less than ten hours?" Luke asked.
Lando nodded. "The party, yeah, but the ship..." he paused. "I've got a friend there who can help. But you may not like it."
Artoo beeped. Everyone else's eyes lowered.
"We've got no other option," said the Jedi. "Coruscant doesn't have much longer. By the next rotation, people may die."
"Got it," Lando said. "Putting in the call now. Meet them near Coruscant in seven hours."
*
Seven hours later, the Falcon waited out near the orbit of Ulabos for the ship carrying a small pod of whale carves aboard. When the ship appeared, Han groaned.
"Did it have to be her?" he asked.
Chewie groaned in agreement.
Luke just smiled. "She hasn't tried to kill me in over a year, Han," he replied.
Ken chuckled but said nothing.
"Right," the ex-smuggler said. "Starry Ice, prepare for docking. You've got someone coming aboard."
"Can't wait," said a crisp female voice. "The New Republic owes me and Karrde big for this job."
Han gave a snort. "I'll see if there's a spare Mon Cal frigate for him to play with if this works," he replied. "I'm sure Ackbar can be persuaded to give up an MC30c for retirement."
"I'll keep that in mind," the other's voice said.
Docking proceeded quickly as Luke and Artoo made their way over to the Action V transport. Mara Jade, dressed in a simple jumpsuit and flight jacket and with her red hair in a tight bun, watched him with green eyes. "Can't keep away from me, hey, Skywalker?" she asked.
Luke chuckled. "The Force works in mysterious ways," he replied as they both took seats at the pilot and co-pilot's seat, Artoo taking up a safe spot behind them, beeping in low tones. "Not too late to go over to the Falcon."
"Nuh-uh," the redhead replied with a grin. "Karrde's ship, his rules. You aren't borrowing it."
"Right," he smiled. "But I have control."
"We're about to crash into the sea with some whales aboard," she said. "I'll let you do the honours on that one."
Luke snorted but said nothing. Instead, he flicked the comms on. "Han, I'm aboard. Let's get going."
"May the Force be with you, kid," Han said. "And good luck."
Chewie growled.
"Yeah," Luke chuckled. "I'm definitely going to need it."
The Starry Ice detached from the Falcon and sped to Coruscant at all speed.
*
Outside of range of the planet, General Wedge Antilles sat in the cockpit of his X-wing watching the small ball of Coruscant grow whiter and whiter as the storms covered the city scape. Behind him, Gate was offering mournful beeps. And the channel was alight with similar worries, from his own frigate the Yavaris where Qwi Xux was to the X-wings of Rogue Squadron he'd assumed temporary command for to head up the blockade of the capital.
"Rogue Leader," Corran Horn's voice called out. "We've got an Action V transport calling on us to let them pass through to the capital."
"Damn crazies," Myn Donos grumbled. "Unless they're Janson's cousins."
"Hey!" Wes Janson shouted.
"Enough," Wedge called before switching the channel. "Action V, this is General Wedge Antilles of the New Republic Defence Force. Turn around and depart. No ships can approach Coruscant."
"Sorry, Wedge," Luke's voice came through. "But we may have one chance to save the planet, so Mara and I are gonna take it."
"Luke!" Tycho Celchu and Derek "Hobbie" Klivian called out at the same time.
Wedge pondered for a second but nodded. He trusted Luke to the end. Mara, depended on what she was feeling towards his friend at any given time. "Rogue Leader to all ships, let them through."
"Think they can do it, Rogue Leader?" Gavin Darklighter asked optimistically.
"I hope so, Rogue Six," he said in response. "I hope so."
*
With perhaps two hours left of reserve power and the windows reinforced even further, Admiral Ackbar and Mon Mothma stood at the main control projector looking at the probe orbiting Coruscant through the fading light of the room.
"Admiral," Farr's voice rang out. "We got a tight transmission from General Antilles."
Rieekan and Leia, who stood opposite the Mon Calamari and the Chancellor, peaked around the failing projection. "What does it say?" they both asked.
"It appears Master Skywalker and Captain Jade are approaching with some kind of plan to break the probe's control over the planet," the controller said. Across from her, Sesfan's eyes widened more. "It wasn't specified how."
Leia closed her eyes and felt her brother through the Force. With a smile, she opened them and looked at the Chancellor and the Admiral.
Mon Mothma smiled as well. "May the Force be with them then," she said as she shut down the hologram, plunging the room into darkness.
"Yes," Ackbar's voice called out solemnly. "For all our sakes."
*
If there was one thing worse than flying blind through a storm on a fool's errand, it was flying without main power or even auxiliary power. If it weren't for Artoo still being active and at full power, they wouldn't even have a navigator to guide them through the emergency thruster sequences needed to get to the Western Sea.
"Not exactly how I pictured Coruscant in a storm," Mara said as her green eyes glanced through the viewport. They'd managed to avoid the taller buildings on the way through despite the rest being shrouded in heavy blankets of cloud and rain.
"How much longer, Artoo?" Luke asked, keeping his hands on the control yoke, blue eyes seeking their targeted zone.
The astromech beeped in a positive tone.
"Okay," the Jedi nodded. "Beginning ascent now."
Dipping the yoke downwards, he could finally see the outline of the Western Sea, grateful at seeing the water. And the eight carves in their hold a new home.
As it got larger and larger, Mara's eyes got wider. "Pull up the nose at the last possible moment," she said. "We'll probably fry the engines but at least the hold will be in the water."
"Got it," Luke responded. "Artoo, slow up down as best you can."
Artoo beeped and did so.
At the last moment before touching down in the water, Luke dipped the nose up. The soft cushioning meant they were at an angle, but the freighter was still intact. He sighed in relief for a moment as Mara let out her breath.
"Full emergency power, blow the hatch now!" Mara called.
The emergency lights went dark, and the sound of a compressed opening occurred. Luke then got up and with Mara raced down the corridor to the hold.
"The water temps on Corsin and Coruscant are similar enough," she responded. "I was lowering it carefully as we went. But I hope the shock doesn't get to them."
Luke reached out with the Force towards the carfs. They were startled at first by the additional water, which was a tad colder than expected, but the feeling to venture out of the crammed cargo hold allowed the eight to depart easily.
The pair approached the still-intact viewport overlooking the hold just in time to see the last carf depart.
"Now we wait," Luke said.
"Wait for what?" Mara asked.
"I don't know," he said. "Whatever the probe is looking for."
*
Contact was soon made.
The carfs, though young and fresh to the world, easily explained where they were before and what their ancestors happened through the tales. They then spoke of their new world they felt in the cosmos, like all of their kind could feel. And the beings who looked after them after leaving the old.
The probe took in the information, understood, and began to lift the storms. Fortunately, the damage was minimal. It then turned away from the planet, hoping to return in five hundred years to hear the tales of any descendants. If they had once again left this world of machinery and light, however, it will be sure to visit the new world as well.
The carfs gave thanks in their final call and swam on, just as the final clouds lifted and lights came on everywhere.
*
On the Starry Ice, Luke and Mara returned to the bridge where Artoo remained. Upon seeing the clear skies, the pair hugged one another in excitement but stepped back and tried not to look at one another as their happiness was observed by the astromech. And perhaps even recorded for later on.
In Fleet Headquarters, panels and screens activated as controllers raced back to their stations. At the holoprojector, General Rieekan reactivated it to show Coruscant. Leia beside him smiling. Ackbar then ordered a status report from all ships, Mon Mothma turning to the window. Her face filled with relief.
In orbit, ships and space stations came to full power. Emergency thrusters kicked in at the right time to prevent their descent into the atmosphere where they could have burnt up. Very quickly though, the ships were pulled into the station's now open hangars for safety.
As the probe departed, Wedge ordered his forces to move in to provide any aid and soon starfighters and gunships were drifting through orbit, assisting any in need.
The Falcon soon approached Coruscant, Chewie and Ken cheering as Han struggled to keep the grin off his face. Their crazy plan had worked.
Over the course of the next twelve hours, the probe passed each of the disabled ships, power seemingly restored to each. The Valiant, the first ship to encounter the probe, was still adrift but fortunately the droids aboard had aided in keeping emergency power extended for as long as they could before shutting down. Captain Aril Nunb watched the probe go by the viewport of her bridge and sighed in relief, power being restored to full that she had to shield her eyes for the increased light.
It was over.
*
Anakin Solo's first birthday was noisy.
Noisy in the cheers from his older siblings Jaina and Jacen.
Noisy from the growls of Chewie.
Noisy from the beeps of Artoo.
Noisy from the general atmosphere of smiles and laughter from his parents, his uncle and adoptive cousin.
Noisy from the somewhat cheeriness Mara Jade was giving.
"Who invited her anyway?" Han asked later.
"Luke did," Leia replied, smiling knowingly.
Han gave a cocky grin. "Oh, that's something."
Something indeed.
*
"Keep out of trouble till I get back," Luke said to his ward as he prepared to go up the ramp of the newly-repaired Starry Ice.
Ken chuckled. "I'm not that twelve-year-old kid, Luke," he replied. "But who knows with those troublemakers you call nephews and niece."
"Yeah," the Jedi nodded. "Who knows."
With a nod, Ken turned away, leading Artoo to be mournful for a moment. Luke felt it too. But it'll be good for Ken to spend time with Han and Leia.
As for the Jedi, he was just looking forward to an extended vacation. He deserved one.
Stepping onto the bridge, Mara waited for him.
"My debt to you begins now, Captain Jade," Luke said as he took up the pilot seat.
Mara chuckled. "Just don't crash her this time, even by accident."
Artoo beeped as he plugged in.
This was going to be fun.
For everyone.
The Starry Ice set off from the landing pad, up through Coruscant's clouds, passing the orbiting starships into deep space and into the beyond.
The galaxy awaited...