The Legend of the Jedi Queen

35. Shooting Star

Nellith Solo's heart pounded against her chest as her feet slapped the hard black floors of the Imperial Palace. The alarm blared through the compound. Other pilots, Jedi, and former Knights of Ren rushed through the corridor to the hangar.

She ran into her TIE-fighter, and pulled on her helmet.

"Angel Blue, reporting for liftoff," Nellith said.

"Liftoff authorized, Angel Blue," a radio controller said.

Nellith heard the click of the tether for her TIE being undone. She shifted the joystick and took off into the atmosphere of Uphatu. She joined the TIE piloted by her mentor, Jaina Solo.

"There you are, Angel Blue," Jaina said.

"Sorry, Sticks," Nellith said. "Had to grab my jumpsuit."

"Well, we've got company," Jaina said. "The copycats are here."

Indeed, Nellith could see the sleek black starfighters coming over the horizon, descending into the planet's atmosphere.

"What do we do?" Nellith asked.

"Wait for my signal," Jaina said. "We've gotta do this right— or else the Second Order will wipe us flat."

"Got it, Sticks," Nellith said. "I'll wait."

The line went silent, except for the occasional other pilots checking in and reporting. More shiny ships of the enemy lined up into an ominous formation looming over the Imperial Palace.

"Get into formation," Jaina ordered.

Nellith took her place towards the back of the V-shape. Despite her abilities as a pilot, she had been chosen for this because of her status as the princess of the First Order and her necessity to both the First Order and the New Jedi Order. There was also something to be said of the protective nature of her parents.

Indeed, the Supreme Leader and his Empress had been dismayed to allow Nellith into the First Order fleet even now, as their homeworld was threatened.

Only two short weeks had passed since the incident on Yavin IV in which Andromeda Hux had become host to an ancient Force entity and Nellith had tapped into the dangers of the dark side of the Force.

She knew that most likely that had scared them, and they were afraid to let her fight again. But Nellith wanted a shot at redemption, so she couldn't blow this one.

"TIEs on approach," Jaina announced.

"Continue forward, Sticks," Ben ordered.

"Alright team, we're doing the Porg formation!" Jaina announced. "Get ready for some company!"

"Aye, Sticks!" Nellith called. Her thumbs hovered over the trigger for the guns. She was ready to prove her worth in a real air battle.

The formation of Second Order ships surged forward, barraging the fleet with blaster bolts. Nellith quickly dodged a bolt and started on the path of surrounding the Second Order fleet.

She already had lost sight of Jaina, who was in the thick of things. She quickly looked away and immediately spotted a ship trying to break out of the formation to go after her. Without hesitation or use of her targeting computer, Nellith fired on the Second Order ship, shooting it down in one go.

"Yes!" she hissed to herself. She continued on the flank, just trying to get escapees. But then a fear overtook her— what if Andromeda was among the fighters?

She extended her senses out— which was immediately a mistake.

Pain and fire, from comrade and enemy alike burned, and Nellith felt it as if it were her own pain. She tried to withdraw, but she'd already engaged too much. She could feel everything now— and with the heightened energy, the Force was living and drawing her in even as she tried to close herself off.

"Silver Squadron, fall back!"

The words from her father washed over her like a tidal wave, forcing her out of her hyperconnection. Nellith looked to the battle. They appeared to be winning— why would they retreat?

"Angel Blue, fall back!" Jaina shouted.

"Copy that," Nellith said, and she turned around the TIE fighter, incredibly confused. She watched as the Second Order ships suddenly turned, leaving the atmosphere, as if they had received the same instructions.

Within a few seconds, they all docked in the hangar. Nellith leapt out of her TIE, and followed all the other pilots to the center of the room, where a large holo transmission of her father was being broadcast to the entire First Order.

"I understand you must all be confused as to why I asked for a retreat," Ben said. "But I have received a transmission from the King of Artorias, who has extended an invitation to the First Order, the New Jedi Order, the Second Order, and the New Republic for a peace conference— which I have just received word all parties have accepted and agreed to."

Whispers filled the hangar. Nellith tilted her head in confusion but said nothing.

"I know this is unconventional," Ben said. "But if the Second Order can be reasoned with, then we might be able to end the cycle of war in this galaxy. This could be a new era of peace in the galaxy, unlike before."

Ben's eyes fell on Nellith's. "Certain individuals will receive transmissions requesting their presence in the generals' room. These individuals will be a part of the diplomatic envoy to Artorias to negotiate during the peace conference. Report to your stations at once. While we may have a chance at peace, that doesn't mean we should let our guard down. May the Force be with us."

Ben's image fizzled, and Nellith immediately heard a beep from her commlink. Knowing it was from her father, she started towards the generals' room, following her aunt there.

The generals' room was not as filled with tech as it had three weeks prior, since several of the old generals had betrayed the Supreme Leader. Within the room, Nellith saw some familiar faces. There were of course her parents, Ben and Rey Solo, General Mitaka, her aunt Jaina, Rowley Dukane, a former Knight of Ren, Kiernan Solsaur, and Tallis Shan.

"Glad to see you all have a sense of urgency," Ben said. "Tomorrow morning, we will be leaving for the conference."

There was a pause in the room.

"I know it's short notice," Ben said. "But we could bring peace to the galaxy, for all factions. It is something my mother would have wanted."

The room grew silent at the thought of the beloved Princess Leia. Nellith in particular thought of the apparition she had met in the ice caves located on the planet of Uphatu.

"You were all chosen for a reason," Rey said. "Kiernan, Rowley, Jaina, you are my most trusted Jedi Knights and will be able to protect any other diplomats should the negotiations become aggressive."

Jaina nodded with all the regality of Princess Leia's daughter, Kiernan preened, and Rowley appeared quite shocked.

"I think the other choices are rather obvious," Ben said. "General Mitaka, you are my only trusted general at this point in time. Tallis, as the wanted Emperor for the Second Order, your opinion might actually mean something at this conference. As for you, Nellith—Well, that will be revealed."

Nellith deflated within at the secret obviously in front of her. Yet, for once in her life, she kept her mouth shut.

"Yes, Father," Nellith said.

She didn't see the hurt in Ben's eyes at the more formal name.