Early in the morning in Tao’s capital city, droid and humanoid workers were constructing bleachers along the sides of the road connecting the city to the Imperial base. Some stormtroopers and black knights were also in the area, ensuring the work kept pace.
Soon, one of the black knights turned around, seeing Ochô and Admiral Banner approaching them alongside some stormtrooper bodyguards.
“Miss Ochô, Admiral Banner.” The black knight received both of them.
“How are the works going, soldier? I hope there haven't been any setbacks.” Banner asked the imperial soldier.
“Of course not, Admiral. We're currently putting the finishing touches on the stands. Everything will be ready in time for the parade.” The black knight replied.
“Good. This will be the first parade the inhabitants of this planet have ever seen. Everything must be perfect, or the Empire's reputation will be seriously damaged.” Admiral Banner said.
“Don't worry, sir. Everything will be ready for the occasion.” The black knight said, soon looking around. “By the way, sir, how is the director doing? Since taking over as governor of the planet, he's barely focused on our divisions. We hardly receive any funding or resources for our troops.”
“Oh, Governor Prar is fine. It’s just that he’s too busy with all the paperwork that the position entails.” Banner said.
“Although, to be honest, he has been too absent for a year now for the liking of many,” Ochô mentioned.
“Yeah, you have a point there.” The black knight said. “Frankly, your lack of attention to the Black Knights corps is significantly affecting the morale of the others.”
“Don’t worry, he will be present during the parade,” Banner said.
“Excuse me, but can we talk for a moment?”
Ochô and Banner turned around, seeing the Ôshan Boss alongside a few members of his clan approaching them. Ochô simply raised a hand to the imperials as she walked to them.
“What’s happening, Ôshan Boss?” Ochô asked him.
“You know pretty well, Miss Ochô. I would like to know how long you will have some of my men working on the construction projects here.” Ôshan Boss demanded.
“You shouldn’t worry about that. After we finish the construction here, everyone will leave.” Ochô said.
“That’s what you say, Miss Ochô. But who says your friends, the imperials, will let them go?” The Mon Calamari said.
“You should have a little more faith in the Empire, Boss. After all, they are allowing you to maintain all your businesses in exchange for your cooperation.” Ochô said.
“Yes, I know that.” The Ôshan boss said, crossing his arms.
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’m busy right now,” Ochô said as she turned around and began to walk away.
“Have you ever wondered what happened?” The Ôshan Boss asked out of the sudden. That question made Ochô stop. “What really happened to the Great Families?”
Ochô stood silent where she was without moving.
“Nobody seems to talk about the subject, but all that is known is that after the great meeting where the Great Families handed over total control of the planet to the Galactic Empire, the Oyabun of all the Great Families disappeared, being replaced by their heirs.” The Ôshan Boss said. “Have you wondered about that?”
Ochô didn’t reply to his questions and began to walk away. He was obviously right. It was very strange that the heads of the Great Families disappeared just as the Galactic Empire gained control of the planet, but no one knew what had happened. The only one who could know the answer was the man who attended the meeting: Darth Vader.
But now he wasn’t here. Following what happened last year with Lop, Prar categorically forbade Vader from coming to the planet unless it was for official reasons, without fear of being branded a traitor for ordering an attack on Vader, despite being the only one with greater authority than the Emperor.
But that didn't interest her. For her, helping Tao thrive was her priority, regardless of the rumors. And with the Empire in control, that would be easier than before.
In the Acclamator cruiser, everyone was busy. Still, apparently, the spirits were higher than before now that Lop was back with them. Although, of course, in the few days she'd been on the ship, she hadn't attended any of the team meetings to plan tactics.
Lop was in the cabin that the rebels gave her, sitting on the bed, looking at her lightsaber between her hands. Even if the Kyber crystal that was there was stolen last year, the object was an heirloom of the Yasaburô Family, and she was surprised they still kept it all this time.
Even so, she still had some doubts in her mind, wondering if it had been a good idea to return. She had been gone for a whole year and had barely trained in the use of the Force. She doubted whether she could even consider herself a Jedi at this point.
In one moment, TD-4, which was with her in the cabin, activated her holovisor to expose a memory she knew pretty well. The memory in which she was adopted by her father and her sister a long time ago.
“With a little time… we're going to become a proper family.”
The voice of the young Ochô in the hologram made Lop show a small smile while eyeing her weapon.
Just at that moment, the door opened, with Brad passing inside the cabin.
“Hey, Lop. Still settling into your room?” Brad said with a smile.
“Yeah. It's different from what I was used to.” Lop replied, looking at him.
“Well, we missed you at the last reunion,” Brad said, crossing his arms. “Again.”
“I’m sorry, Brad. I'll need some time before I even think about taking action against the Empire. I still have a lot to think about.” Lop said as she turned her view down.
“Yes, that's true. A lot has happened in a whole year. It's a lot to take in in just a few days.” Brad said. “But remember, if you need anything, you can count on us for anything.”
“Thanks, Brad. But now I want to be alone.” Lop said.
Brad and TD-4 looked at each other, and then the man left the cabin, leaving the Lep and the droid alone there.
Out of the cabin when the door closed behind him, Brad spotted Rahm Kota leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and looking forward.
“How is she doing?” Kota asked without turning his head.
Brad sighed loudly. “She says she's fine, but it's clear she hasn't completely gotten over it yet. I may not be an expert, but I get the feeling she's doubting whether she has what it takes to be a Jedi. And honestly, I don't blame her. With everything that happened to her last year, and the life she's led since then…”
“True, and I feel partly responsible for it. If I had trained her better, none of this would have happened.” Kota said, looking down.
“What matters now is helping her recover mentally. As she is now, she won't be able to help anyone.” Brad said.
“The only solution would be to show her that, despite everything, she can still be a Jedi,” Kota said. “And for that, we must find a Jedi Temple. There, we could find a way to help her.”
“Good idea, General. The question is how? I highly doubt we can find some Jedi Temple or anything that might help.” Brad said.
The Kota looked to the side. “Just maybe…”
Time later, Lop was called to meet with Rham Kota in the hangar, in front of a small shuttle. But weirdly, she was asked to leave TD-4 behind. There she found him with a rebel pilot at his side, leaning against the shuttle.
“You called me, Master?” Lop asked.
“Yes, I called you,” Kota said. “Before anything, I must know if you’re ready.”
“Ready? Ready for what?” Lop tilted her head, confused.
“For a test. A real challenge. One that will reveal us once and for all if you’re really fit to be a Jedi.” Rahm Kota said to her. “After what happened last year, and after what you did for all this year, this is something that must be done.”
“Oh, I see…” Lop said, looking down.
“Look, I know that mentally you’re a mess, and if you want to help your planet, first we must have your mind focused, and this is the only way I can find,” Kota said. “But only if you want to take the challenge. I can’t force you to do it. You must decide for yourself.”
Lop thought for a moment about his words until she looked at him with a firm nod.
“Okay, now get inside. We have a lot to do.” Kota said.
Just then, Lop entered the shuttle with the pilot and Kota behind her. Both the old Jedi and the Lepi stood up as the pilot sat on one of the cabin’s chairs to take the ship’s controls.
“Well, what do we have to do now?” Lop asked.
“Now we must find the place where we can take the test. And that’s something you must do.” Kota said, crossing his arms.
“Really?” Lop asked him.
“Yeah. Long ago, there were around 10,000 Jedi Knights defending the galaxy from its dangers. Now, it will be a miracle if we get beyond ten. But in those days, we had small outposts, temples spread throughout the stars. The Empire sought out these temples and destroyed many of them, but not all.” Kota explained. “Actually, we don’t know if there’s a Jedi Temple around, but you must try to find one, or at least an alternative to them.”
“And what do I have to do?” Lop asked.
“Simply meditate. Let the Force guide you and show you the path. That way, we will see if you’re up to the challenge.” Kota said. “Trust in yourself. Trust in the Force.”
Lop gave a loud sigh and closed her eyes to meditate, while Kota ‘looked’ at her and the pilot turned around to see them. As she meditated, her hair began to wave up.
“So, did you take this test at my age?” Lop asked, her eyes still closed.
“It was different for me, Lop. We weren't at war then, so things were very different. But the Force was still the same, no matter the time.” Kota said.
Lop continued meditating in the shuttle until she began to feel something, seeing something in her mind.
“I think I see something… a cave, inside a forest… and a symbol over it…” Lop began to say.
“And where is?” Kota asked her.
“It’s… It’s in Tao!” Lop exclaimed.
“You know where?” The old Jedi said.
“I can’t pinpoint the location, but I can take us there,” Lop said as she sat at the copilot’s chair with the pilot.
With the pilot’s aid, Lop began to pilot the shuttle out of the cruiser, going back to Tao.
At the same time, the remaining members of the Tengu crew, TD-4 included, were in the cruiser’s meeting room with Commander Cody.
“Okay, where are Lop and General Kota?” Yavis asked.
“The general will be out for a while with the young Lop, but he asked me to inform you about something that might interest you,” Cody said to them.
“Yes? And what is?” Drasha asked.
“Well, to begin with, I suppose you know what day it is today,” Cody said.
Brad thought for a moment. “The Day of the Empire, isn’t it?”
“Correct,” Cody confirmed. “Today is the day they celebrate the formation of the Galactic Empire and show their power to the people through parades and propaganda.”
“Yeah, we know that already. And how does that affect us?” Frall asked him.
“Well, as far as we know, this celebration will take place for the first time in Tao,” Cody said.
“That’s obvious. Tao is now part of the Galactic Empire, so they want to celebrate that day there.” Brad said, crossing his arms. “I'm sure Prar will have prepared a great party.”
“Of course. We’re sure that he’s going to present to the planet’s inhabitants everything he has to offer in the name of the Empire.” Cody said, soon manipulating the holotable. “And this will be the crowning jewel.”
Immediately, the hologram of a large vehicle appeared, which was roughly rectangular in shape, save for a tower that rose from the rear of the vehicle along its midline, and with a large red orb in front of the tower, in the center of the vehicle.
“What’s that thing?” Frall asked, looking at the hologram. “From what it looks like, it's bigger than an AT-AT.”
“We called it the Decimator. It was an old prototype weapon used at the beginning of the Clone Wars.” Cody said.
“At the beginning? What happened to it?” Brad asked.
“The weapon was stolen and used by the Separatists, which replicated the model. We thought that after the Battle of Krant, the Decimator met its end, but it looks like Shador Prar has resurrected the weapon.”
Yavis then crossed his arms. “Doesn't this sound familiar?”
“You mean the Defoliator we destroyed last year, and Prar was interested in getting it?” Frall asked.
“It appears that the Black Knights are not Prar's only program. He is also apparently interested in resurrecting ancient weapons lost from the Clone Wars.” Brad said.
“Yes, it seems so. This is worrying because some of those weapons are better left in the past. Certain weapons would be far too dangerous today.” Commander Cody explained.
“Okay, so what arsenal are we talking about?” Drasha asked.
“It has mounted four frontal turbolaser cannons and a side turbolaser cannon on each side. But its main weapon is the orb itself, which stores energy that later shoots a single focused beam on its target, capable of damaging even the heaviest of armored vehicles. That includes aircrafts too.” Cody explained. “Just one of these things could cause us serious problems. I just hope they were only able to create one vehicle.”
“Really, that thing seems worse than the AT-AT,” Byte said, looking at TD-4. “I’m not going to fly close to that thing.”
Brad thought for a moment before looking at the others. “Guys, how about we have a little fun at the expense of Prar and the Empire?”
“What are you thinking about?” Drasha asked, getting a smile from Brad.
Time later, after the shuttle reached Tao safely, it flew through the sky, avoiding any patrols. They spotted a large forest under them that extended for kilometers.
“This is the forest of my vision!” Lop said, amazed as she looked down.
Kota then nodded at the pilot, who then took control of the shuttle.
“And you already knew it, right?” Lop wondered, raising an eyebrow.
“As Brad and I looked for possible Jedi Temples, Commander Cody informed me of a strange place with a connection to the Force they found during the war on the planet. I was surprised to know that there was something like this here.” Kota explained.
“I see,” Lop said, looking at the forest.
“This will be the first time in this location. It will be interesting to know what it is.” Kota said to her as she nodded.
“I’m seeing a clearing down there, General.” The pilot said.
“Land there. We will continue on foot. I doubt we'll find it through the air.” Kota said.
The shuttle soon landed in the clearing. The three moved out of the ship, and the old Jedi tasked Lop to try to sense the location of the place they were looking for and go in that direction. After walking for a few minutes, the group reached in front of what seemed to be the entry of a cave in a large rock formation hidden between the trees.
“The cave of my vision,” Lop said, looking at the entrance.
“What are you seeing?” Kota asked her.
“It’s the cave we’re looking at. It appears to have been built into a hill, no higher than the surrounding trees, and there are also trees on top of the hill. Clearly, it would have been difficult to find from above.” Lop described, soon noting something over the entrance. “Also, there seems to be an image here.”
“What image?” Kota asked.
“I don’t know. It looks like… a red bird… And by the shape… I may be wrong, but it could be… the Vermilion Bird!” Lop said.
“The Vermilion Bird?” Kota asked, confused.
“One of the four divine creatures of Tao,” Lop said. “Father told me about it.”
Suddenly, the old Jedi turned his face to the entrance, with the Lepi doing the same. Just then, from the cave’s entrance came a female anthropomorphic pheasant of red and white feathers and blue eyes, wearing an aquamarine furisode with red trims while having her shoulders and cleavage exposed.
The creature seemed to exude an air of elegance and authority despite its appearance. Even so, it bowed in reverence.
“Lop of the Yasaburô Clan, General Rahm Kota. I was expecting your arrival.” The female said to them, standing up and looking at them, who looked at each other with confused looks.
“Wait, you already knew we were coming?” Lop asked her.
“Yes. Your races aren’t the only ones who can feel and see into the Force, Lop.” The female pheasant said.
“Excuse me, miss, but who are you?” Rahm Kota asked her.
“The people of Tao know me by many names, but you can call me Suzaku.” The avian female said.
“Suzaku, the Vermilion Bird!” Lop said surprised.
The old Jedi looked at her. “Could we enter your home, please?”
“Of course, Rahm Kota. But your companion must remain outside.” The Vermilion Bird said, signaling the pilot.
The old Jedi turned to the pilot. “Return to the shuttle and wait for us there. If we don't return in a few hours, go back to the cruise ship.”
The pilot nodded and left the place, while Lop and Kota entered the place following the female Vermilion Bird.
When they got inside the cave, the three began to descend using the stairs, always following the Vermilion Bird lady who was guiding the way through the cave.
“Um, miss Suzaku…” Lop spoke for the first time when they were in the cave. “I think you deserve to know why we’re here.”
“Your mind is in turmoil, and you think you're not made to be a Jedi, besides not knowing if you're capable of helping others.” The Vermilion Bird replied without turning around.
Lop looked at her, surprised. It seemed she knew her better than she knew herself. And she wasn't wrong. She'd never been able to shake those doubts since she ran away a year ago.
Eventually, the three of them reached a large chamber with pillars that reached the ceiling, as well as an entrance at the back.
“It seems we're below the forest floor.” Rahm Kota said, looking up.
“Well, what do I have to do?” Lop asked the female bird.
“You must venture deep into the sanctuary. Follow its path, and you will find what you seek.” The Vermilion Bird said.
“Ah, fine for me,” Lop said as she began to walk.
Lop passed at the female’s side, but when Rahm Kota was to pass, she put her arm to block him from the way as Lop turned to them.
“Yet, your master must stay here.” The Vermilion Bird said as she turned to Lop. “This is a test you must do alone. It wouldn't be a real test if you received help from your master, young Lop.”
Lop was silent, looking at her.
“Listen to her, Lop.” Rahm Kota said as he walked to one of the pillars. “We’re in her home, and we must obey her rules.” He then knelt on the ground, with his hands on his legs.
Lop looked at her master for a moment, but then began to advance to the entrance that the Vermilion Bird said.
“So, I must do this alone, isn’t it?” Lop asked as she stopped just in front of the entrance.
“No, the very temple thought the Force might help you, or might hinder you. It depends on your state of mind and what you carry within you. Besides that, you will be the only one there.” The Vermilion Bird said. “If you do it right, you'll find what you're really looking for. But be careful, sometimes what we seek leads us to confront what we fear.”
“And remember, Lop. Use the Force.” Rahm Kota said before closing his eyes.
Lop gave a loud sigh and passed the entrance. She followed the tunnel that was illuminated with some crystal, giving some light to the place, until she reached a room with three more paths to follow.
“Okay, now what? This is some kind of labyrinth or something?” Lop asked herself, looking at the three paths in front of her. After rubbing the back of her neck for a moment, she began to point at the paths one by one. “Which one should I choose? As the-”
“Really? That's how you're choosing?” Lop jolted as she turned around, seeing Rahm Kota walking to her. “What happened to using the Force?”
“What happened about following the house’s rules?” Lop asked with a wry smile.
“I know you better than you think. Come on, at least I'll take you where you need to go.” Rahm Kota began to walk.
Lop began to follow him, but then stopped and began to think.
“Wait.” She said, and the old Jedi stopped. “She said that I will be the only one here, and that only the temple would help me,” Lop said to herself for a moment, until she looked at her master, tilting her head. “Wait a second, you’re the temple?”
The old man simply began to laugh softly. “It seems you got it quickly, young Lop.” He said as he turned to her, revealing himself to be a version of Rahm Kota before getting blind. “And regarding your question, it depends on the point of view.
“Oh, here we go.” Lop sighed, shaking her head. “What do I have to do now? Follow you?”
“Well, you could follow me through one of the tunnels. Or you can ignore me and go through another tunnel. It's up to you.” The fake Rahm Kota said as he began to run into one of the paths.
Lop sighed as she placed a hand on her head. “I have a bad feeling about this.” She said and began to run into the same path the imposter took.
After running for a while, she reached a large room filled with large mirrors that reached the ceiling. Lop stopped in front of one of the mirrors, seeing her reflection there.
“You'd better be careful here, lest you break one of these mirrors. They must bring years of bad luck, given their enormous size.” Lop joked while waving her hair with a hand, using the reflection in the mirror.
Suddenly, the image in the mirror changed, showing something different. To her surprise, what she saw there was the small shrine in the Yasaburô temple. Not only that, she was seeing the exact moment where her father, the Yasaburô Boss, handed her the family lightsaber, before the image returned to normal.
Blinking in confusion, she began to look at some of the mirrors, and in each one of them she saw a fragment of her past, being living in Tao, when she was with the Tengu Crew, and even when she was hiding herself in that club.
Lop rubbed the back of her neck in confusion, looking at her mirrored image after the last vision until she saw the reflection of something behind her, passing fast, which made her spin around as fast as she could, but she didn’t see anything.
“Great, now I’m seeing illusions…” Lop commented with a worried look.
“Come on, what’s with that long face?” Lop tilted her head. She just heard herself behind her?
Lop turned around, not seeing anything there.
“Come on, calm down. Enjoy the experience.” Lop turned around again, and just at that moment, she saw a figure passing by her side.
When she finally saw who it was, she was taken aback by what she saw. Right in front of her was herself, wearing the revealing dress she used to wear back in her pub days, dancing as if the tunnel was her stage.
“Come on, Lop. Why are you really doing this?” The other Lop asked as she danced in front of her, giving a taunting smile as the ones she used to do before.
“Great, this is ridiculous.” Lop looked down with her eyes closed. “Look, if you've come here to bother me, let's finish up quickly. I'm very busy.”
Lop began to walk fast, passing at the other Lop’s side as she kept dancing. But suddenly she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders, and what she thought to be her breasts pressed against her back.
“Come on, Lop, don’t be like that.” The other Lop said. “Tell me, why did you have to leave? You were very comfortable there, don't deny it.”
“I’m not denying it. It's just that I thought it was about time to quit.” Lop replied to her without turning around.
“Well, the situation hasn't improved compared to before. Before, you were surrounded by people who cared about you, and now you're in a filthy cave.” The other Lop said, looking around.
“Enough!” Lop said as she walked away from her, turning around to see her copy. “You know as well as I do why I had to come back!”
“Yeah, but at the same time, I know why you had to leave.” The other Lop said.
Just at that moment, the reflection of a mirror in front of Lop began to change, making her look at it. But she only saw it there the moment when she was shot down, almost killing her, making her close her eyes and look away.
“You left this planet because you learned the hard way what you were risking. You learned what could happen to you in the long run if you lost your focus for even a second.” The other Lop said, placing her hands behind her head as she stood, crossing her legs. “That was the day you changed. Knowing that Tao was fully integrated in the Galactic Empire was just the icing on the cake.”
Lop sighed at her words and turned to her, still without saying a word.
“But that's not all, is it? There's a reason you haven't wanted to return to Tao until now.” The other Lop said. “When all that happened, you realized that if you wanted to free Tao from the Empire, you'd have to play by its rules, which included eliminating anything that stood in your way. You know who I'm talking about.” The other Lop smirked. “Prar... and Ochô.”
Lop then turned around with her eyes closed.
“That’s why you ran away. You're afraid that one day you'll end up facing Ochô, and then you'll have to end his life. All to free the planet. That's what you fear most of all.” The other Lop said. “And now that fear has returned to you, making you wonder if you can help anybody without having to kill your sister.”
Lop sighed loudly, clenching her fists tightly.
“Yes, maybe you’re right,” Lop said, shaking her head. “But it doesn't matter what you say. I swore I would get my sister back, no matter what. So I'm not going to cross that line, however tempting it may seem.”
“In that case, perhaps I should do it myself.”
Lop’s eyes opened widely after hearing those words, followed by the sound of a lightsaber activating. She turned around, spotting her copy, but now she was completely different. Now she was wearing the same clothes as her, but her form-fitting leotard was black, her short-sleeved gi was red and wide open, leaving her clothed breasts free, and her eyes were yellow, holding a lightsaber with a red, crimson blade with her hands.
Lop looked scared at the other Lop as this one held her lightsaber menacingly, stepping away with fear in her eyes. Suddenly, the Dark Lop jumped to her with the lightsaber up, but Lop was able to avoid the slashing attack from her double.
“What are you doing?!” Lop asked as she avoided another slash from the other Lop. “Stop!”
Lop used the Force to push the Dark Lop away, but this one was able to keep her feet on the ground, looking at her with a menacing glare.
“Why are you doing this? Isn't this supposed to be a test? You're supposed to have come out of me through the temple as another illusion!” Lop asked her.
“Me? Part of you? Maybe.” The Dark Lop said. “An illusion? Just now. But after I get rid of you, I’ll be real. And then I get rid of everyone and everything until there are no imperials in Tao. Even if that means killing those you don’t want!” She said, aiming her lightsaber at Lop.
Lop looked at her, terrified. Seeing how serious she was, Lop turned around and began to run as fast as her legs would let her.
“Run all you want! You'll never get rid of me!” Dark Lop exclaimed as she began to walk slowly in the direction that Lop had run away.
In the planet’s capital, thousands of people were sitting on the bleachers built along the sides of the road, and more people were standing on platforms between the bleachers for those without seating, while music played all around, with a few sniper scout troopers watching over a few elevated platforms on all the roadway. The first thing the people saw was a few companies of Stormtroopers marching in military formation.
As the Stormtroopers marched in front of the public, on a special platform between the bleachers platforms, Shador Prar, Admiral Banner, and Ochô were watching the event with a few black knights guarding them. Prar was simply looking forward with his arms crossed behind him, while Ochô looked around, eyeing the people in the bleachers at times. Just at the same time, the bounty hunter Zats was sitting on the ground giving his back at the event.
Ochô soon turned to the bounty hunter. “If I were you, I'd behave myself today. You've already got the governor pretty angry since what happened last year. And I won't even tell you what I'd do to you if it were up to me.” Ochô warned him.
“Bah! I’m not a fan of parades. Besides, I was pulled to come here against my will.” Zats said, stretching his arms. “And when will he let me go? I haven't received any work for a year.”
“You know perfectly why,” Ochô said to the tall Lepi. “Prar won't let you stray too far after that, understand?”
“Pff, got it.” The bounty hunter shrugged.
Soon, Banner advanced to the intercom that was on the platform.
“People of Tao! On behalf of the current governor, Shador Prar, it is a great honor that you have attended the celebration of this great day, not only for the Empire, but for all of you as well.” Announced Admiral Banner with his arms spread. “Today you will be able to see firsthand and for the first time the power of the Galactic Empire, whose forces are designated to protect their planet from those who seek to bring chaos.”
“First, as you can see, there are our Stormtrooper forces, representing the military strength of the Empire,” Banner said as the stormtroopers marched in front of them, turning their heads to them as they passed.
“Ah, and just behind them we have our light military vehicles.” Admiral Banner announced just as the light military vehicle weapons began to pass slowly, going at the same speed as the stormtroopers marching in front of them.
“And let's not forget our elite warriors, the black knights, designed primarily by your Governor!” Banner said just as the black knights began to pass, ceremonially holding their weapons.
At the same time, the Tengu, accompanied by Cody, watched the parade along with some of the public.
Brad whistles, looking at it. “It seems that Prar has spared no expense for this parade.”
“It would be a shame if we ruined it,” Frall said.
“Come on, let’s go!” Cody said to them.
Everyone began to move through the people, trying to avoid getting the guarding imperials’ attention. Eventually, the group found the section with the heavy war vehicles, and just between two packs of AT-ATs advancing slowly, they spotted the vehicle they were looking for: the Decimator.
Yavis whistled, looking at the large vehicle. “Have you seen the size of that thing?”
“Well, it was designed to be larger than the AT-TE in its time,” Cody replied.
“Yeah, I can see that,” Frall said, soon turning to Brad. “Are you sure it’s safe to try to take this thing?”
Brad turned to Cody. “This is nothing more than a parade for them. They'll barely have enough personnel to operate this machine. Besides, all the vehicle's functions are controlled from the bridge.” The old clone explained.
“Okay, let's go inside and ruin their party,” Brad said.
Everyone quickly moved to the Decimator’s side and began to climb the exterior part of the vehicle until getting inside of it using one of the vehicle's access points, making sure they weren’t spotted in the process.
“And those are our soldiers of the Imperial Army who fight for the Empire’s goodness against our enemies and protect our homes.” Admiral Banner continued talking during the parade until the army troopers passed. “And now I am proud to present to you our heavy weapons divisions. And leading the AT-AT units is the Galactic Empire's latest acquisition, thanks to the efforts of your noble Governor.”
Everyone in the bleachers and platforms turned to see the Decimator passing slowly with the AT-AT walking behind it.
“True to its name, the Decimator will decimate any enemy that attempts to endanger the stability and security of the Empire's inhabitants!” Banner announced as everyone looked at the vehicle passing in front of them.
But suddenly, a stormtrooper went flying out of the Decimator’s bridge, landing on the platform, startling the ones there.
“Now what?” Prar asked as he saw the unconscious stormtrooper on the ground.
“Hey, Prar!” Prar and the others turned to the Decimator’s bridge, spotting Brad there, waving his hand to them. “You've really outdone yourself this time, Prar. And you've created a very interesting weapon. I hope you don't mind if we take it around for a while, right?”
Brad laughed while waving his hand as everyone on the platform stared at him, dumbfounded as it passed in front of them.
“That's the last straw!” Banner exclaimed in a shocked face.
The Decimator increased its speed, forcing the army troopers marching in front of it to move away to the sides to avoid being run over by it, just as the four AT-STs in front of them began to turn around.
“Yavis, those things are turning for us!” Frall told him as Yavis manipulated the Decimator’s controls.
“I’m doing all that I can. Just let me do it.” Yavis said.
The AT-ST began to fire at the Decimator, its shields being able to resist the shots from the light vehicles. But when the Decimator’s weapons began to fire, three of the AT-STs were taken out easily, but this also scared the people in the bleachers.
“Okay, let’s test this weapon, people,” Yavis said while manipulating the vehicle’s controls.
The energy in the Decimator’s orb began to concentrate there until it became fully green, and suddenly, an instant-focused beam hit the AT-ST’s pod, immediately destroying it and making it fall down.
“Wow! That thing packs a good punch!” Yavis exclaimed, seeing how powerful the Decimator’s main weapon was.
“Okay, let’s take this thing outta here as soon as possible. Let's take the party out of town.” Brad said.
“Good idea,” Drasha said.
Unexpectedly, the cabin began to shake. “Now what?” Frall asked.
“It looks like the AT-ATs behind us are making their move,” Cody informed.
“Okay, let’s see how powerful this thing is against something heavier,” Yavis said.
The Decimator began to turn around to face the AT-ATs that were firing at it with their laser shots, even when the vehicle’s shield repelled all their firepower. Soon, the Decimator’s orb charged its energy, and when the power was at max, it fired a focused beam against one of the AT-ATs, making a deep dent in the enemy walker’s cabin, making it fall to the ground.
Yavis whistled seeing it. “Seriously. That thing is powerful indeed.”
“Come on, let’s get outta here as soon as possible,” Brad said.
On the platform, Prar looked to his men and the Decimator before turning to them. “What are you doing? Retrieve the Decimator immediately! I want my Decimator back!”
“Yes, Governor!” Admiral Banner called, soon ordering the soldiers to follow the Decimator, being followed by Ochô too.
Soon, Prar looked at the bounty hunter with an angry face before pulling him up and pushing him away. “And you too, you stupid furball!”
“Okay, okay! I’m going! I’m going!” Zats said as he moved away with his sniper rifle to follow the Decimator with the imperials under Prar’s angry look.
Lop Lop lost track of how long she ran through the tunnel until she stopped, breathing heavily to catch her breath. She could hardly believe what was happening. So many things didn't make sense, and now a dark copy of herself was chasing her. As if the whole situation wasn't confusing enough already.
She looked behind her to see if her replica was behind her, walking backward. But then she saw something passing at her side in the dark, making her turn around defensively.
But to her surprise, she was no longer in the temple. She was in the middle of a market. And judging by the place, she was in the capital of Tao.
“How did I get here?” Lop asked, confused.
Soon she saw a figure running between the people, and she began to follow it. Eventually, she stopped following the figure when she recognized it. It was her with TD-4, but younger. Much younger. She looked at her with confusion in her face until she recognized the ragged clothes the younger Lop wore. That and the slave chain on her neck.
She didn’t know how, but she returned to the same day when she escaped from the Empire’s slavery, to the day when…
The young Lop extended her hand to grab a fruit in a shop, when suddenly a large hand grabbed her, making the young Lepi turn to its owner.
Lop recognized him immediately. He was the Yasaburô Boss before he adopted her. And at his side was a younger Ochô with her happy smile.
The Yasaburô Boss stared at the young Lop and the chain on her neck. “So, you're one of the Empire's laborers… Who managed to escape.” He took her hand with both hands. “Where are your mother and father?”
The young Lop looked down. “My mother and father aren't around anymore.” She replied, her belly shortly sounding, and putting her hands there as the small droid floated near her.
Soon, the young Ochô giggled, looking at her, and soon approached young Lop. “Oh, hey! You can join our family. We have lots of food. You can eat as much as you want.”
“Ochô! You cannot say these things out loud and certainly not to a strange child from another planet.” Yasaburô Boss scolded Ochô, soon giving his back to her while crossing his arms. “Leave the poor thing alone.”
The young Ochô narrowed her eyes, looking at her father while making a pouting face, until she sighed.
“Okay, father,” Ochô said with a sad tone.
Wait. That's not what happened.
“Yes, think about what would happen if the Empire found out we were sheltering a runaway slave. We'd be in serious trouble.” Yasaburô Boss explained. “It's best if we avoid having problems with her.”
The young Ochô didn’t say anything else and began to walk with her father as he left, leaving the young Lop standing in the market alone with her small droid.
“Hold it!”
Both the Yasaburô Boss and the young Ochô turned around as Lop began to walk to them with a frown on her face.
“That never happened! Ochô managed to convince you to adopt me into the family despite your initial reluctance. I ended up becoming her little sister. I know this perfectly well because, despite everything, this is my most precious memory. And I won't let anyone twist it like that!” Lop said with a serious tone.
“Pretty clever.”
Lop turned around after hearing her voice, and instead of seeing her younger form, she saw her dark double leaning against the shop stand with her arms crossed.
“And I was thinking you'd change your mind if you saw a false memory.” The Dark Lop said with a grin.
“That’s not funny!” Lop exclaimed. “You're not going to convince me to hurt Ochô or anyone else!”
“Oh, really? Even if you knew what she was going to do?” The Dark Lop said as she snapped her fingers.
Suddenly, everything in the capital was in flames. Everything in the city was destroyed and in ruins, with people running scared. When looking around what happened, Lop saw that the stormtroopers and the black knights were responsible for the destruction, demolishing every building they found in their path.
Then saw Ochô, now loyal to the Empire, walking to her and looking at Lop with contempt.
“Ochô, what are you doing?” Lop asked her.
“What needs to be done for the good of the planet,” Ochô said.
“But how? How burning everything might be good for the planet?” Lop questioned her.
“The only thing that matters is that Tao develops. And sometimes the only way for that to happen is to destroy the old to make way for the new.” Ochô answered her, soon taking her bladed three-section staff ready. “Including you.”
Lop stepped back, seeing Ochô threatening her in that way, just as a few stormtroopers and black knights began to surround her from every direction, while the Dark Lop laughed.
“You see, Lop? This is what’s going to happen to Tao if you don’t do anything to stop it.” Dark Lop said. “Everything will burn. Your beloved planet will be burned because of your sister’s fault. There’s nothing you can do to convince her to follow this path. You know what to do now, Lop.”
Lop looked around, scared, seeing the imperial forces and Ochô advance toward her. But then she closed her eyes and breathed deeply.
“No!”
Lop extended her hands to the sides, using the Force and making everything disappear but the Dark Lop and Ochô, returning to the corridor of mirrors.
“No,” Lop said, opening her eyes, looking at Ochô. “I don’t care what any of you said. I made a promise. I swore I would get my sister back, no matter the cost. And that I would save my planet from the Empire's oppression. Furthermore, many people trust that I will succeed, so if I betray that promise, it would be as if I were betraying them as well. So no, I’m not going to kill you.”
After these words, Ochô’s illusion disappeared. Lop then turned to her replica.
“So that's your decision, huh?” The Dark Lop asked.
“Of course. I will not follow your game, no matter what.” Lop replied.
“Tsk. Pathetic.” Dark Lop said, connecting her red lightsaber. “It seems I have to get rid of you anyway.”
The Dark Lop then jumped against Lop with her lightsaber, but suddenly Lop’s lightsaber turned on with its green blade and blocked the attack.
“That won't be so easy for you,” Lop said to her, holding her attack with her lightsaber.
The Dark Lop grinned maniacally as she began to attack Lop violently while she blocked each one of her strikes, not moving from her spot, while the replica tried to force her way in her defense.
Eventually, Dark Lop jumped away from her. Lop held her lightsaber with both hands, staring at her replica, as this one prepared to attack again. With a loud yell, the Dark Lop dashed toward the Lepi, who just stood there waiting for her movement. In a second, both of them made their attack, stopping at two meters from each other with their backs to each other without moving.
Lop stood up, moving with her weapon, just as the Dark Lop fell on her knees, before disappearing. Lop panted loudly as the lightsaber’s blade disappeared, but as she turned around, she got startled by Dark Lop’s reflection on the mirror in front of her, with a hand placed on the mirror.
“Don’t fool yourself, Lop. You will never get rid of me. Someday your conviction will fail, and then, I’ll come back.” Dark Lop said as she began to step away into the mirror’s image. “Remember, I’m your darkness…” She said before disappearing, leaving Lop’s reflection there.
Lop looked at it for a few seconds before falling to her knees, panting loudly. That was, without doubt, the hardest test she has ever done in her life. She defeated her own darkness, but… now what?
“Big fears have you faced, young one.”
“Yes,” Lop replied as she looked around, but she didn’t see anything.
“Made a decision, you have, you have not?” The ethereal voice asked.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Lop replied, looking up.
“But still worried, you are. Why?”
“Well, how much can I do with a lightsaber without a crystal?” Lop asked up.
“Right, that is. In that case, to fix that, we need.”
Lop then stood up, looking around. “But seriously, who are you?”
Then a small shining orb appeared, floating in front of her. “Who knows? Maybe a friend, or maybe a guide. Just follow me.”
Lop then began to follow the orb until it suddenly entered one of the mirrors. Confused, Lop placed her hand on it, surprised to see how she could pass her hand through it. She jumped into the mirror, and what she saw surprised her. It was in a strange place that looked like a vast sky with stars, with circles everywhere that acted like doors.
“Where are we?” Lop asked, amazed by what she was seeing.
“In a place where time and space converge. Past, present, and future coexist here.” The voice said, just as the orb began to follow a path that led to a door.
Loop followed the orb, stopping in front of the door, looking at the orb, confused.
“Cross it. To meet someone, you have to.” The voice said.
Tilting her head, Lop stared at the door, seeing how an image formed there, showing what seemed like the interior of an oriental house, with a man there in front of a table, seeing only his back. Soon, the man raised his arm with a finger pointing upward.
“It is rude to just stand there staring without approaching or saying anything.” The man said, starting Lop. “Come on, come closer.” He said, lowering his hand back to his work.
Lop was surprised at that moment, but then began to cross the door, finding herself inside the room.
“Oh, there you are.” The man said after she got inside the room, as he turned to her. Showing he was an adult man with a brown tunic. “I must say, it's a very curious way to get here, young lady.”
Lop looked at the man, confused as he laughed at her reaction.
“Could you please tell me your name, young lady?” The man said.
“Oh, yeah. I’m Lop. Lop Yasaburô.” Lop presented herself.
“Yasaburô, uh?” The man said. “Funny, I have a member of the clan as an apprentice.” He then spotted her lightsaber. “It looks like you're a Jedi, if what I’m seeing there is a lightsaber.”
“Well, more or less.” She said, trying to hide the lightsaber. “But now isn’t working.”
“Well, maybe I can help you with that.” The man said.
“But how?” Lop asked him.
“Well, let's just say I have some knowledge of how a lightsaber works.” The man said as he turned to the side, exposing what was behind him on the table.
Then she turned to see behind him, and her eyes widened. On the table, there was the very same lightsaber she had.
“But… but that means you’re…” Lop began to speak, as she found it hard to believe what she was seeing when she saw the man at that moment. “The Jedi…”
“Yeah?” The Jedi asked her.
Lop then shook her head to return to reality. “I know you! My father told me that long ago, a Jedi taught the Yasaburô Clan the way of the Force. I can't believe I'm standing before you!” She then scratched her head, confused. “But how?”
“A time traveler, uh?” The Jedi asked with a smile. “Well, you don't see that every day. But getting back to the topic, what's your problem with his lightsaber?”
Lop turned down. “I lost a duel, and before I knew it, the lightsaber’s kyber crystal was stolen.”
“Did they steal my kyber crystal? Okay, that's a good one.” He chuckled with a hand on his head.
“That’s not funny!” Lop exclaimed to him.
“Don't worry, dear.” The Jedi raised his hand to calm her. “Now that you're here, I can help you with that problem.”
“Really? Will you give me your kyber crystal?” Lop asked.
“It’s a good idea… but there’s a problem.” The Jedi said. “I’m using it too, and if I give it to you, we might cause a paradox here.”
“Oh…” Lop looked down in defeat.
Then the Jedi thought for a moment before snapping his fingers.
“But that doesn't mean it's the only kyber crystal I have.” He said and turned to a small box he had on the table.
When he turned around, he threw into the air a few small crystals of many colors that began to float around Lop. She was surprised to see so many kyber crystals there. The only time she could see one kyber crystal was when she made the routine maintenance to her lightsaber. But as she could see, the green one wasn’t between them.
She looked at the crystal before looking at him. “There’s no red crystal?” She asked merely out of curiosity.
“No. Red crystals have never existed naturally. Its existence is linked to an act primarily committed by users of the Dark Side.” He shrugged.
“Okay.” Lop nodded and began to look at the crystals. “And I can take any of them?”
“Yeah, you can take one of them.” The Jedi said.
Lop smiled and extended her hand to a purple kyber crystal.
“But I'm warning you, if you pick up the wrong crystal... let's just say bad luck will follow you to the grave.” The Jedi warned her.
Lop gulped and pulled her hand away from the crystal to her chest, scared to death. The last thing she wanted was to end up cursed despite having gone through all those problems in the temple. But the Jedi laughed at her reaction.
“I was kidding, kid!” He said with a smile. “But I suggest you make an effort to find the crystal that resonates with you.”
Lop sighed at hearing him, beginning to look at the crystals, but then she turned her glare to him again.
“And how do I do it?” Lop asked him.
“You’re not a Jedi? Use the Force. Hear the crystals.” He said to her.
“Hear the crystals?” Lop asked him, confused.
“Believe it or not, the crystals are speaking to you. Use the Force to hear them.” He explained to her.
After a moment, Lop breathed deeply and closed her eyes, beginning to focus on the Force, until her hair and ears began to wave by themselves.
“Use the Force. Focus on their voices. At least one of them is speaking to you. Locate it and then extend your hand towards it.” The Jedi added.
Lop kept focusing on her spot, eventually beginning to feel some voices around her, and after some time, she began to feel how one of these voices focused on her more than the rest. Without losing focus, Lop extended her hand without moving from the spot. Eventually, she felt something warm make contact with her hand and closed it with a firm grip.
Lop opened her eyes and looked at her hand as she opened it, exposing a beautiful yellow crystal. She stared at the kyber crystal in awe.
“It sounds strange to say it, given the circumstances, but it seems to me that that kyber crystal has been waiting for you your whole life.” The Jedi said as he rubbed his chin with his hand.
Lop looked at the Jedi for a moment before looking back at her new kyber crystal.
Back at the temple, Rahm Kota was still waiting for Lop in his place, eventually taking a deep breath.
“She's taking too long. I'm starting to get worried…” The old Jedi said.
“You seem very tense, you, do not, hmm?” Said an old voice in his mind.
“Great, and now I'm freaking out. Is this a joke or something?” Rahm Kota asked Suzaku, who simply stayed there.
“No joke, this is, master Kota. And I am not an illusion.” The voice said.
He then raised his head after he recognized the voice clearly.
“Master Yoda? Is it really you? Where are you?” The old Jedi looked around.
“With you physically I am not, but with you through the Force I am.” Yoda’s voice replied. “Been a long time, it has, Master Kota.”
“Yes. I never thought I would hear your voice again after that fateful day.” Rahm Kota said.
“Yes, as lucky as we were, even though many weren't. Saved you, it seems your aversion to clones has. By the way, surprised you found a padawan these days, am I.” Yoda’s voice said.
“Yes. Her connection to the Force is strong. But she's still quite young, and for a while she's lost her way. I just hope she can find it again.” Rahm Kota said.
“You needn't worry. Strong as the force within her, her will is. With good guidance, a great Jedi, will she be.” Yoda’s voice said. “But only if you commit to it.”
“Yes, you’re right about it.” Rahm Kota said with a nod.
After a while, he heard some steps approaching. It was Lop who returned there.
“Are you okay, Lop?” Rahm Kota asked her.
“It couldn't be better,” Lop said with a smile.
“What did you find there?” The old Jedi asked.
“Let’s say that I cleared my path more than before,” Lop said, soon moving her hand with the kyber crystal to him. “And I got a souvenir too.”
Rahm Kota waved his hand over hers, feeling the crystal’s power.
“A kyber crystal? How?” He asked, confused.
“Let's just say this temple is more than we thought,” Lop said as she smiled at Suzako, who simply nodded.
“Remember everything you have seen here, and never forget what you have learned,” Suzaku said. “And if you ever feel lost, you can always come here when you need to.”
“Thanks, Master Suzaku. Will keep it in mind.” Lop bowed to her.
Time later, both Lop and Rahm Kota left the shrine, walking into the forest before Lop turned to look at the entrance.
“You know what, Master? Apparently, there are things about the Force that are difficult to understand.” Lop said.
“Yes, that’s right.” The old Jedi turned to the entrance. “But you can be sure that we'll uncover those secrets together.” Rahm Kota said
Lop nodded, keeping her eyes on the Vermillion Bird’s temple.
“General Kota! General Kota!”
Both turned around, seeing the pilot running to them.
“What’s happening?” The old Jedi asked.
“Commander Cody and the members of Team Tengu have just ruined the Day of the Empire celebration in the capital, and now they are being chased by the Imperials in one of their vehicles out of the city.” The pilot said. “He’s calling for reinforcements right now.”
“I told him to prepare something for that celebration, but not to create such a mess without my knowledge.” Rahm Kota shook his head before looking at Lop. “Lop, you'd better get your lightsaber ready while we head over there. We might need it.”
“Yes, Master!” Lop nodded to him energetically.
Out of the capital, the Decimator kept moving through the nearby forest as dozens of imperial vehicles kept their fire on the vehicle, which began to show signs of the constant attacks of the imperials against it.
At the same time, a gunship with Admiral Banner, Ochô, and the bounty hunter Zats, alongside a few stormtroopers, kept following them, flying over the AT-AT, AT-ST, and TX-225 occupier tanks, pursuing the stolen Decimator.
“Damn it, look what they've forced us to do.” Admiral Banner said.
“It's clear that when you get Prar's toy back, the poor thing is going to end up with more holes than a Byss cheese,” Zats commented.
“You shut up, understood?” Ochô said to the bounty hunter.
Inside the Decimator, everything was smoking due to the damage suffered during the pursuit.
“Tell me, are we close to the extraction point? Because I doubt this thing can hold out against the Imperials much longer!” Yavis said while desperately trying to control what remained of the vehicle's controls.
“Don't worry. We're close enough to get there.” Commander Cody said.
“Well then, let's leave this damn thing and run away,” Brad said. “But not before making sure they can't recover this weapon.”
“I like how you think!” Frall said as he began to place bombs on the bridge.
“Let's hurry, the Imperials will soon catch up with us, and we've lost all our rear cannons,” Drasha warned them.
In no time, the bombs were placed on the bridge, and soon the team began to evacuate the vehicle while more bombs were thrown at it, one of them getting caught on the vehicle's giant orb.
“What are they doing?” Why are they abandoning the Decimator?” Admiral Banner asked as they saw them run from the vehicle.
Ochô’s eyes widened as soon as she saw the explosives on part of the ship.
“Move away from the vehicle! Now!” Ochô warned the pilot.
A short time later, the explosives detonated, causing explosions in the hull of the vehicle and the bridge, causing the Decimator to explode, turning into a pile of burning scrap metal that blocked the path of the Imperial vehicles.
“Damn rebels!” Banner cursed.
“We can’t let them escape! Follow them!” Ochô said to the pilot.
The gunship flew over the burning remains, managing to catch up with the group that was fleeing at that moment.
“Okay, let me do my job!” Zats said as he prepared his rifle.
“We want them alive, understood?” Banner warned the bounty hunter.
“Yeah, yeah, I know it.” The Lepi bounty hunter replied.
As the gunship began to turn to the side, Zats began to aim his weapon at the Tengu crew and the clone and began to shoot at them with his rifle, one of the shots nearly hitting Brad.
“Damn, it's that bounty hunter again!” Brad said, beginning to move in zigzags. “Avoid getting on his aim!”
“You don't need to say it!” Yavis said as he ran with his head low and his hands over his head.
The bounty hunter kept firing at the rebels until his shots were able to force the old clone to move away from the rest of the group. And using that time, Ochô jumped down from the gunship and began to run at him.
Cody found that Ochô was running to her and turned around to shoot at her, but she used her bladed three-section staff to disarm the clone and push him to the ground.
“Cody!” Brad called when he saw the clone on the ground at Ochô’s mercy.
“A clone, uh? Never expected to see one these days.” Ochô said as she aimed her weapon at the old clone. “You're really too old to fight these days.”
“Believe me, even at this age, we clones are far better than your stormtroopers.” The old clone said. “Just look at the aim of your stormtroopers. They're embarrassing. I still don't fully understand why they became our replacements.”
Ochô simply narrowed her eyes, looking at the clone. “That's a shame. Your experience could be useful to us. But if you want to die helping the rebels…”
“That, young lady, is a great honor.” Cody taunted her.
“So be it,” Ochô said as she lunged her weapon against Cody as he tried to cover himself with his arm.
But Ochô’s weapon was blocked in that instant, and when she looked at what happened, she saw a yellow curved lightsaber blocking her blade, soon turning her eyes to who was holding it. Soon he looked up, seeing the shuttle beginning to land close to them.
Lop was blocking Ochô’s attack with her lightsaber, keeping her from attacking Cody, who turned to look at her in surprise.
“Lop? Is that you? You’re alive?” Ochô asked, surprised to see the small Lepi in front of her.
Without saying a word, Lop pushed Ochô away, keeping her guard ready as the woman recovered from the initial shock.
“Guys, is that Lop?” Yavis asked the others.
“Yeah, but from where did she get another crystal?” Drasha asked.
Brad and Frall shrugged, looking at each other, knowing the same as them.
“What a surprise. We all thought you were dead since that day.” Ochô said as she stood up, looking at Lop.
“Believe me, for a while, I was dead inside. But no more,” Lop said, looking at her, before looking at Cody. “Are you okay, Commander?”
“You are certainly a lifesaver, young lady. Just in the nick of time.” Cody said as he stood up. “Just be wary, that bounty hunter is here too.” He said before running to the landing shuttle, just as the others did.
“I’m sure of it,” Lop said as she turned her eyes back to Ochô.
Both of them kept staring at each other for a while until Ochô jumped over Lop, attacking with her bladed three-section staff, but the Lepi blocked each one of her attacks without moving from the spot.
Right at that moment, Zats, surprised to see the Lepi alive after having shot that deadly blast against her last year, began to aim his rifle at Lop while she was busy fighting Ochô.
“What do you think you are doing?” Banner warned Zats, looking at him.
“Don’t give me orders, Admiral,” Zats said as he kept his aim, but he had no firing view with Ochô on the way during their fight.
The two kept fighting with each other until Lop pushed Ochô away, making her fall on her back, and using that moment, the Lepi began to run to the shuttle as everyone got inside it.
“Go ahead, run like always! Come back with the rebels!” Ochô exclaimed as she began to stand up.
Just that moment, Lop stopped midway, standing there without moving.
“You can say whatever you want, sister. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. I will free our planet from the Empire's oppression. And I will bring you back to our family.” Lop then turned to her, smiling. “And that's something the Empire won't be able to prevent, no matter how hard they try. I'll get you back, one way or another.”
Ochô looked at Lop, surprised at her words as the Lepi turned around to run into the shuttle. But just at that moment, Zats got a good aim on Lop, and without doubting, he opened fire against her, hoping to get rid of her for good.
But just as the shot was about to hit her, Lop turned around, hitting the shot with her lightsaber, bouncing it back at Zats. The last thing the bounty hunter saw before widening his eyes was seeing the shot back at him, passing through his rifle scope, hitting him in the eye. His body was pushed by the impact, falling dead on the ground.
Both the Admiral and Ochô looked surprised at the dead bounty hunter before turning back to Lop, who was looking at Ochô before the shuttle’s door closed and began to fly away, escaping from the imperial fighters that soon reached the place.
Ochô simply stared in the direction the shuttle escaped with a serious face. But deep inside her, she was glad to know that Lop was alive.
Inside the shuttle, Lop breathed deeply after everything, but then she felt Frall’s arm around her neck and his hand ruffling her head.
“Hey, Lop! You gave us a good scare this time!” Frall said as he ruffled Lop’s head.
“Yeah, I know. Sorry for being too late for the fun.” Lop said, smiling.
“Ah, don’t worry. Next year we will make something bigger for the occasion.” Brad said, smiling with his arms crossed.
“That’s if we survive that long,” Yavis said, rubbing his head.
“Don't be such a pessimist, man,” Drasha said to him.
“In any case, welcome back to the team, Lop!” Frall said as he walked away from Lop. “Byte and your droid will like to know you’re back in action, girl.
Lop simply smiled as she rubbed her head with a hand, soon looking at Rahm Kota, who was smiling at that moment, nodding to her, while Cody sat at his side.
“So, what happened?”
Prar was back in his office in the Yasaburô mansion, hearing Ochô’s report some time after the parade was ruined by the rebels.
“We weren't able to recover the Decimator from the rebels. But Banner says they were able to recover the vehicle's operational data. He believes we can put it to good use in troubleshooting any malfunctions it may have experienced during the rebels’ ‘testing’ of the weapon.” Ochô explained.
“Well, something is something. Those busybodies just ruined the most important day of the Empire, and in front of the whole world, no less.” Prar said, rubbing his forehead.
“I must also inform you that the bounty hunter Zats has fallen in combat,” Ochô informed.
“Ah, some good news at least. It will be nice not to hear anything about that traitor for a change.” Prar said. “And who did it? The rebels?”
“No, Governor Prar,” Ochô said, closing her eyes just for a moment. “It was Lop.”
Prar’s eyes widened after hearing that name, turning to Ochô.
“That's right, Governor. Lop survived the fatal wound the bounty hunter inflicted that day. And it seems she's going to help the rebels for now.” Ochô informed.
Prar just stared at Ochô for a moment before looking up, eventually showing a smile on his face.
“You know what? That's really good news!” Prar said as he stood up from his chair, walking to the window. “After a whole year, the Lepi is within my reach again. My Dark Knight project is safe again.”
“But Governor, what would happen with Lord Vader? Will he not try to eliminate Lop again?” Ochô asked him.
“Don’t worry. I've already made sure that Lord Vader never sets foot on this planet again or interferes in any of my affairs unless it's absolutely essential. And clearly, hunting a Jedi isn't essential in my opinion." Prar explained to Ochô.
Prar began to look to the outside through the window, placing a hand on the wall.
“The hunt begins again,” Prar said, starting to laugh quietly as Ochô looked at him silently.
