Death of the Sith

Chapter 18: The Universe is Now One With Earth

Selmak, the other Jedi Tok'ra, and some Alliance team members were about to fly into the Andromeda Galaxy. Selmak suggested to the pilots of the ships to be careful not to do anything that might be a sign of aggression. "If we get them angry at us, then our mission here will fail. We have been used to Earth's customs and ways of doing things. From our own experiences as Tok'ra, we know how unique people can be, even in the same solar system."

Lantash said through the host Martouf, "It has been a wonderful time with the Tau'ri... I mean with the people of Earth."

Selmak replied, "A lot has changed for us and the people of Earth, including Samantha Carter."

"She has been through a lot, but I will always remember her as Samantha Carter. I hope she does too."

It was not long before the people of the Andromeda Galaxy got in touch with Selmak/Jacob's ship. After turning on the comlink of the ship, a voice said, "Welcome Jedi. We have been expecting you all."

Selmak replied, "Thank you..... Excuse me for sounding rude, but how did you know we were coming?"

"That would take some explaining. Would you rather hear what I have to say after you land?"

"Yes, thank you. That is why we are here in the first place to communicate with you all."

"It would be an honor to meet you in person. You should see a few escort ships. Please follow them to the landing platform."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

After turning off the ship's comlink, Selmak said to Lantash, "That is odd. Even if they're Jedi, how would they know who we are from simply crossing into their airspace?"

"I sense nothing wrong from the Force, but you have an excellent point."

"I sense nothing wrong, either. I don't like it just the same."

"I guess we will see what this is all about in due course."

"That's what concerns me."

The escort ships materialized with impressive speed. Lantash wasted no time, firing off an encrypted message to the entire fleet. Follow the escorts and stay vigilant. The Tok'ra ships, with practiced efficiency, fell in line behind their guides.

Selmak and Lantash disembarked to find a welcoming party waiting. At its center stood the figure they'd been communicating with, flanked by four attendants, two on either side.

"I am sorry to have startled you in contacting you, but we had to have you all land as soon as possible."

Selmak asked, "What's the problem?"

"Our scouting party has found, a few moments before I contacted you, a faction of Palpatine's army was about to scout the area you were in."

Lantash asked, "Why would they want to do that?"

"Look for you, I suppose."

Selmak smiled, "I see no one here ready to defend this planet. If they were after us, they may realize we're here and attack."

"If they did, they would be very foolish. We have a powerful force shield that not only keeps us from being hit, but it will reflect the attack onto the ships that fired."

Still not sensing any dangers from anyone around him, Selmak was diplomatic and introduced himself and everyone else to their host.

"I am Jacse Taale. This is my Second in command, Marla Anmur, and my Chief of Staff, Skylu Hagai. Please let me explain more about how we all know about you all. We are not Jedi Knights, but we have an extensive history with them. Before they all left Earth to get away from what we then called 'Dark Force,' they came to us and told us about their situation. We helped them escape without being detected. Do I need to go into that part of the Jedi's history?"