Chapter Text
Chapter 0. The Cataclysm
Battle of Utapau. The Clone Army clashed with the Separatist’s forces. Bodies are everywhere, lasers flying, explosions could be seen and heard every now and then.
Pau city was occupied, General Grievous - killed.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, riding on a varactyl, approached the battalion's commander - Cody.
— Commander, contact your troops. Tell them to move to the higher levels — Jedi said loudly, so the clone could hear him over the noise of weapons being fired.
— Very good, Sir — the man replied, holding his helmet in hands. He wanted to turn and leave, but then remembered something. — Oh, by the way, I think you'll be needing this — he said, handing the Knight his lightsaber, which he had lost earlier during the fight.
— Thank you, Cody. Now let's get a move on. We've got a battle to win here.
— Yes, sir. — The commander put the helmet on his head. Meanwhile, Kenobi accelerated the varactyl, which began to climb the slope, getting higher and higher.
Once he was gone, the white and orange armored clone received a holographic message.
— Commander Cody, — a hoarse, male voice said. — the time has come. Execute order sixty-six.
— Yes, My Lord — confirmed the man, after a moment turning off the communicator. He looked towards the Jedi racing down the embankment, on a screeching lizard. He turned to his soldiers, then gave them further orders.
— Blast him! — he said, pointing at the Jedi General.
The AT-TE cannon was aimed at Kenobi, soon firing a blue laser projectile that knocked down the Knight, along with his varactyl. At first they bounced off the cliff and then fell straight into the abyss. They landed in the water, which fortunately allowed them to survive.
Uncertain Commander sent a patrolling droid down to check if the Jedi had survived.
— Did you find Kenobi? — Cody asked the patrolman.
— Sir, no one could have survived that fall — the clone replied, completely convinced of his opinion, unaware of how wrong he was.
Meanwhile, the Knight listened carefully to them, trying to figure out what was going on here.
— Start loading your men on the ships.
Obi-Wan immediately made his way to his fighter, remaining undetected by the army. He took the machine into the air as quickly as possible, leaving the planet's atmosphere.
During the flight, he tried to establish contact via communication equipment.
— Emergency code nine thirteen. I have no contact on any frequency. — After a while, an interrupting hologram appeared.
— Master Kenobi — the sound was very unclear.
— Repeat.
— Master Kenobi.
— Senator Organa. My clone troops turned on me. I need help.
— We have just rescued Master Yoda. It appears this ambush has happened everywhere. We're sending you our coordinates. — And that was the end of the connection, the hologram was turned off. Kenobi reached the ship, leaving his fighter in the hangar, then went to talk to the Senator and Master Yoda.
— How many other Jedi have managed to survive? — asked the Knight, walking right next to the older Master.
— Heard from no one have we.
— I saw thousands of troops attack the Jedi Temple. That's why I went looking for Yoda — this time the Senator spoke up.
— Have we had any contact from the Temple? — Obi-Wan asked more questions.
— Received a coded retreat message we have.
— It requests all Jedi to return to the Temple. It says the war is over — finished the Senator.
— Well then we must go back. If there are any stragglers, they will fall into the trap and be killed. — Which, of course, Kenobi couldn't let happen.
— Hmm. Suggest dismantling the coded signal, do you? — Yoda was beginning to understand what Obi-Wan was planning.
— Yes, Master. There is too much at stake.
— I agree. And a little more knowledge might light our way.
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— Citizens of the Civilized Galaxy, on this day we mark a transition. For a thousand years, the Republic stood as the crowning achievement of civilized beings. But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took up arms to defend our way of life against the Separatists. In so doing, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within.
The Jedi, and some within our own Senate, had conspired to create the shadow of Separatism using one of their own as the enemy's leader. They had hoped to grind the Republic into ruin. But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever. At last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true natures.
The Jedi hoped to unleash their destructive power against the Republic by assassinating the head of government and usurping control of the clone army. But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly opposed by those without elitist, dangerous powers. Our loyal clone troopers contained the insurrection within the Jedi Temple and quelled uprisings on a thousand worlds.
The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated! Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger. The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years. An Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body and a sovereign ruler chosen for life. An Empire ruled by the majority, ruled by a new constitution!
By bringing the entire galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.
Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed.
We have taken on a task that will be difficult, but the people of the Empire are ready for the challenge. Because of our efforts, the galaxy has traded war for peace and anarchy for stability. Billions of beings now look forward to a secure future. The Empire will grow as more planets feel the call, from the Rim to the wilds of unknown space.
Imperial citizens must do their part. Join our grand star fleet. Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists. Travel to the corners of the galaxy to spread the principles of the New Order to barbarians. Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our glory for generations to come.
The clone troopers, now proudly wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled the dangerous work of fighting our enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.
The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicians. The direction of our course is clear. I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining.
We have been tested, but we have emerged stronger. We move forward as one people: the Imperial citizens of the first Galactic Empire. We will prevail. Ten thousand years of peace begins today.
— So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause.
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— This is Master Obi Wan Kenobi. I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic, have fallen with a dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi. Trust in The Force. Do not return to the Temple…that time has passed. And our future is uncertain. We will each be challenged. Our trust. Our faith. Our friendships. But we must persevere. And in time, a new hope will emerge. May The Force be with you. Always.
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At the same time, clone battalions scattered throughout the galaxy brutally ended the lives of many Jedi, simultaneously betraying their former commanders. They couldn't help it, they couldn't control the chips implanted in their brains. Fully conscious, without control over their own bodies.
However, some Knights managed to escape, avoiding death. They were really lucky, and in the years to come, they had to hide well if they wanted to survive.
The Empire began searching for a holocron containing a map of children sensitive to the Force. However, Cal Kestis was ahead of them and destroyed the holocron. The Imperials had no intention of stopping. They began sending out Bounty Hunters, and after a few years, they sent the Inquisition to search for future young Jedi.
Cal, with his crew, joined the Rebellion. The squadron, learning about the hunt for children, decided, with the Jedi at their head, to stop the dark hunts…