Star Wars: Wanderers

Chapter Six

Crystal Caves, Ilum
10 days before Operation Lightning Strike

They were an impressive fighting force, with an even more impressive reputation. For any other commander of such a force, this necessitated a base that was constantly on the move, never staying in one place for very long.

It was just one of Captain Tilden's many peculiarities that the Hands' base had never been located anywhere other than the Crystal Caves of Ilum. None of the new recruits had ever heard of the planet before, let alone knew where it is. They did not understand its significance, and it was doubtful they ever truly would.

But Liberty knew, and she was fond of the planet. Not attached, not in love. Such things were forbidden, and led one down a dark path. But she felt it was important to remember where she came from, so she could remember what she was fighting for.

What they all were fighting for.

"You are all here today because you represent the best of the best, because you are willing to go up against the might of the Empire," she spoke in a clear, ringing voice. "To fight your enemy you must understand them. Before we commence our next operation, I will tell you how it came to this, so that you may understand why we are here and why we fight. For you can only know where you're going if you know where you came from."

Then she spoke to them of the Republic, of its corruption and decay, of its slow death at the hands of the Sith. She spoke of the Jedi Order, of its glory and ruin. She told them the story of Palpatine's rise, of his apprentice Darth Vader, a once valiant Jedi Knight turned to darkness, and the loss of all whom she had loved. She told them the story of how she lost her hands, and they were so moved they actually knelt before her, so much respect for her had they.

But she waved them off, saying: "I am not a Jedi Knight, and therefore not worthy of such deference. I might have been, but fate took a different course. Now we must turn to more important matters. The ISB's clandestine nature makes it difficult to locate their facilities, but that is no great obstacle for one in tune with the Force. I have located a series of their bases, which we shall scour clean of Imperials while freeing any prisoners they may have. Suffering at the ISB's hands will come to an end."

She met Jasper's gaze, and he smiled at her in gratitude. She smiled back, but again her eyes did not smile with her. She seemed locked in sadness, incapable of true joy. Had Vader taken not only her past but her future from her as well? Time would tell.

She raised her right arm into the air, and all those gathered raised their fists in a show of solidarity. "For the Republic!"

"For the Republic!" The crowd cheered, united in their belief in the fight they were presently engaged in. For freedom, against tyranny. There was no greater fight.