(Orbit over Utapau, Imperial Blockade, 3rd P.O.V)

Over the occupied planet of Utapau, 4 Imperial Star Destroyers and 2 Light Cruisers blockaded ships from entering or exiting the system. Aboard the lead Star Destroyer was Commander Jawalsh. An officer looked at the commander in slight worry. "Sir, there are a some ships exiting hyperspace." Jawalsh looked at the officer with a stern face and asked. "Are they Imperial or Rebellion?"

Just after asking, 7 ships emerged from Hyperspace. One of which was a massive battle cruiser. "Neither, it's Separatist, 4 Frigate class, 2 Cruiser class, and one of an unknown design." The officer stated as Jawalsh looked on at the Separatist fleet.

In the Malevolence cruiser, Admiral Trench sat upon the Captain's seat with his Tactical droid commander next to him. "Bring the Malevolence broadside, all ships maintain your positions and fire on my command." Trench ordered as the Malevolence began turning sharply to the left. This made the Imperials quite baffled, but not enough to back down.

"Send out fighters to intercept, All cruisers Battlestations!" Commander Jawalsh ordered. TIE-Fighters began to speed out of their hangers and headed for the enemy fleet. As the TIE-Fighters sped towards the mysterious capital ship, hundreds of Vulture Droids came rushing to meet them in a haze of blaster fire.

“Sir, we are now engaged with the enemy.” TA-235 reported. Trench smiled at the gullibility of his opposition. “Good, give the order to re-direct our fighters away from the capital ships. We wouldn’t want to disable our own droids now would we?” Tench said as he continued to watch the immense fighter-to-fighter battle raging outside. “Roger roger.” The tactical commander replied.

Outside, squadrons of Vulture droids began turning tail and fleeing in opposite directions and continuing to baffle some Imperial staff aboard the cruisers. “Commander, the enemy fighters are retreating.” An officer reported. “Why would they be retreating? The fight has only just started, this doesn’t make any sense, something’s not right.” Jawalsh said as he tried to remember something. “Sir! There’s a massive energy reading coming from the capital ship!” Another officer shouted.

“Charge the plasma rotators and fire on my command.” Trench said with confidence. “Energize shields and set the cannons to a full charge.” Droids at their stations began powering the ships’ massive ion cannon, giving off it’s purple electrical glow from the starboard side. “Sir Ion cannon fully charged.” TA-235 said looking at the Admiral. “Fire!” Trench shouted as a massive shockwave of plasma energy shot from the starboard cannon and sped towards the Imperial blockade.

“Brace for impact!” Jawalsh shouted as he and his officers held on for dear life as the massive shockwave impacted their ship. Shouts from various crewmembers resounded from Jawalsh’s men, some reporting that they lost power to their weapon systems, communications, and various other functions. “Damn it! That must’ve been an Ion wave, we’re at their mercy now!” Jawalsh said as he pounded his fist into a wall.

“Successful hit sir, All ships are disabled.” TA-235 reported. “Good, move us in closer and prep for boarding. We’re going to… negotiate.” Trench grinned as the Separatist Fleet sped forward to the disabled blockade. “Aye Sir.” The commander replied. Trench walked towards a shuttle with a few droids as his escort. The shuttle took off from the Malevolence and neared the lead Star Destroyer.

(Keteris Residence, Equestria, John’s P.O.V)

It was really exciting to see my father after all the years he’s been fighting in the newly forming Rebel Alliance across the galaxy. Even though I’m just able to hold and swing a lightsaber, I wanted to fight alongside him. Except when my mom tells me I’m not old or trained enough to even go out and free the galaxy. “Morning sweetie!” Mom said with a smile. “Morning Mom.” I said with a slight yawn. “Did you sleep well youngling?” I heard dad ask. “I slept fine Dad, but why are you coming to the base today? I thought you were done with missions for a while.” I asked with slight concern. “It’s really important buddy, and when I say important, I mean this is something that the Empire would want to be kept a secret, type of important.” Dad said as he held a data chip in his left hand.

“Okay Dad, I understand.” I said looking at the data chip. He responded by ruffling my head which in turn always makes me laugh when he did that as a baby. “Dad!” I said with a childlike demeanor. “I’ll be back later.” Dad said as he and mom hugged one another, while also passing a kiss to one another. “I love you.” Mom said with a smile. “I love you too.” Dad replied as he left out the door.

(Ponyville Base, Valrun/Malachor’s P.O.V)

I knew today was going to be strange, but I was definitely not expecting Commander Dash’s parents to come for a surprise visit. “Mom, Dad, this is the by far the coolest guy I ever met, Darth Malachor, primary commanding officer of the Equestrian Defense Department!” I hear Rainbow Dash shout from across the room. While most know not to disturb me while I’m meditating, it seems that Rainbow wanted to introduce her newest friends to her parents after some incident in Cloudsdale three weeks prior. “Dash, you know that I hate being disturbed, but since you gave me proper credit, I won’t hold this against you.” I said with slight irritation. “Hehe, would it help to say that I tried to avoid coming here, but my parents wouldn’t listen?” Rainbow asked nervously. I merely furrowed my brow in response. “Right, leaving now, sorry.” She said as she pushed both of her parents out of my meditation chamber.

I finished my meditation and proceeded to meet with Eric and the rest of the Senators in the Rebel Alliance for an emergency meeting regarding Eric’s findings. “Senators, Admirals, warriors of the Rebellion, today our esteemed Eric Keteris has returned with a most intriguing discovery.” I said getting murmurs from the various people at the table. “What exactly is this discovery?” Senator Bail Organa asked looking at me curiously. “I do not know, but considering that Eric was the only survivor from his mission, this is something the Empire wouldn’t want us to know about.” I replied as I saw Eric approaching with Windy Whistles clutching his leg like a Buzz Droid on a starfighter.

“For the last time Miss, may I please have my leg back?” Eric asked looking at the clinging mare. “Mom, please let him go, or you’ll be put on a temporary ban!” Rainbow shouted as she pulled her mother off of Eric’s leg. Everyone stared at Windy, then at me. “I didn’t know she was coming to visit, but she’s welcome to stay if she can keep her questions for the end of this briefing is that understood?” I asked with my eyes glowing purple. Windy rapidly nodded and we continued our meeting. Eric dusted himself and whispered to himself. “I swear Roseluck was never like this.” Stepping up to the table, Eric inserted the data chip into the transmission and a hologram of a large sphere appeared.

“As you all can see, this is the Empire’s newest weapon, Project: Stardust. Weapon classification: Planet killer.” I said gaining worried whispers, and stares from the Rebellion’s leaders. “What are we to do now that the Empire has this weapon?” A senator asked in terror. “I say we fight!” An Ambassador shouted looking at the other top rebel leaders. “Are you crazy, they’ll eradicate us before we get a chance to draw out a fleet.” A second Ambassador replied. “You only say that because you haven’t faced this before.” I said to quell the other Ambassadors. “If we don’t fight, then the Empire has already won, and the deaths of all the men and women who fought for freedom would’ve been for nothing. Are you all really prepared to just allow these tyrants to intimidate you when we now have the upper hand for once?!” Eric asked as he knew that these politicians, with the exception of Organa, about being cowards.

“This tyrannical and corrupt senate has been nothing but trouble for the galaxy, It’s time for a change, Politics and diplomacy will not be able to help as it somewhat did for the Clone Wars. We need to take action and show the galaxy the mightiest of foes can be beaten, The keepers of the force can’t do it alone, Only together can we see a brighter future for this wonderful galaxy and all those who live in it, Are you with me?” Eric continued and stood amongst the Rebel High Command and looked at them with a confident and assuring look. “You very well know that I’ll follow you, my friend until the Force claims us.” I said as I stood up.

“I saw a Youngling die during the attack on the Temple, and sat through the birth of the Empire, I will not let my liberty be destroyed by a madman!” Bail Organa said as he stood up from his seat. “It’s about time we take the fight to them, instead of hiding! I’m with you three one-hundred percent!” An Ambassador said as he looked around the room seeing some of the others beginning to slowly stand up too. Windy Whistles cheered the loudest as if her excitement couldn’t be contained.

Just then Rex walked into the briefing and seemed quite confused as he looked at us. “Sirs, you may want to hear this, Utapau was under siege.” Rex exclaimed to us. “By whom?” I asked with an arched eyebrow. Rex hesitated then responded. “Separatists.” I swallowed and spoke. “Have we discovered who’s in command?” I asked. “I still can’t believe I’m saying his name after all this time, but it’s Admiral Trench sir.” Rex said as he stood at attention. Eric however seemed a bit uneasy hearing this. “Wasn’t he killed over Utapau?” He asked looking over at Rex. “No sir, We thought he was killed but, turns out he survived.” Rex responded. “It may be important, but we must mobilize.” Organa said. “Agreed, Eric you’re staying here, I’ll go and see if we can’t recruit Trench for our cause, surely he wants to help the Utapauians free themselves from Imperial rule.” I hypothesized as everyone left the briefing room to prepare for immediate departure. “With all due respect, I wouldn’t hold my breath on Trench. Let’s just say he still has a thing against the Republic after Christophsis and Ringo Vida.” Eric said with slight worry. “Your comments are most appreciated, but there’s no harm in trying.” I said optimistically. Eric sighed for a moment, knowing that my mind is set. “I tell you I’ve seen his handiwork first hand as did Yaluren. He’s going to have quite the strategic advantage.” Eric finished as he left the briefing.

(Crystal Empire, 3rd P.O.V)

Up north, beyond the crystal mountains lies an empire of crystal. Glistening in the sun, a massive castle stands in the center of the empire and within it, were the rulers, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor, and their baby alicorn foal Flurry Heart. While Princess Cadence dealt with tons of annoying adoring fans, nobles, and various other royal duties; she found that spending time with her daughter helped keep her sane. Shining Armor on the other hoof, was busy out and about tending to the Crystal Guard from their training to patrols of their positions, he also found taking care of his daughter a challenge. However their day started like any other, waking up, tending to Flurry, making breakfast, cleaning up whatever mess Flurry made, and then tending to their duties. Knowing that Sunburst was Flurry’s foalsitter, knew that trying to keep track of Flurry was a challenge, so about a week ago, he asked if his old friend, Starlight Glimmer, could come and give him some help. Starlight was eager and happily agreed, even more so to spend time with her long time friend.

As noon came around, the train from Ponyville pulled into the station. Sunburst was standing on the platform, wiping his glasses from the steam that fogged them up. Starlight stepped off from her passenger car, looking at Sunburst with a nervous-looking smile. Sunburst didn’t notice but walked up to her. “Hey Starlight, so glad you could make it.” Starlight came up to him and hugged him. “It’s nice to see you too Sunburst, it’s been pretty busy in Ponyville lately.” She said as the hug ended.

“Oh really, what’s been going on over there?” Sunburst asked with interest. “Well Eric’s finally back from his mission, and the information we just received, is possibly more important than anything we’ve had before.” Starlight said cryptically. “Oh well this is quite a lot, but let’s head to the castle, I’m certain Cadence and Shining Armor would want to hear this.” Sunburst trotted ahead towards the castle, Starlight trailed behind, with the nervous look returning. “I just wish it wasn’t bad news.” She muttered quietly.

(Crystal Castle, Cadence’s P.O.V)

I sat on my throne listening to the Crystal Nobles prattling on about such mundane concerns, I actually considered ending court early just to relax for a few minutes. Thankfully, I wouldn’t have to since the clock chimed the hour, and court was dismissed. “Phew, I thought it would never end!” I said with a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, my relief was short-lived as a knocking came from the large doors. Mentally groaning in frustration I opened the doors. “What is it this time?” I thought to myself, and I was surprised that it was Sunburst and Starlight who were there.

“Oh, what a surprise, please come right inside.” I invited them in, even if I was on the verge to just pass out from exhaustion. “Hello Cadence, I hate to bother you, but this visit isn’t just for fun, there’s a bit of info you guys need to know about.” Starlight said with slight worry. “Oh, then please what is it you wish to discuss?” Cadence asked with a little worry, but maintained her posture. “Well Eric returned from his mission not too long ago, and he was the only one who made it back because the information we were receiving was important enough for the Empire to wipe out his entire task-force, and blockade Nar Shadaa.” Starlight said with sweat dripping down her forehead. “Continue.” I inhaled then exhaled in annoyance. “Shortly after his arrival the Rebellion Council held an emergency session and we discovered what warranted the Empire’s response. We stole the schematics for their new weapon: Project Stardust, otherwise named, the Death Star.” Starlight said starting to resist the urge to cry.

I was shocked to hear that the Empire would build a weapon that could destroy planets just to keep their grip on the galaxy. “So what is going to be done about it?” I asked. “As Malachor put it, “The time to act is now, we must fight, or we’ll be destroyed.” so basically we’re going to war, again.” Starlight said as she wiped her eyes. “Well he is right, we can’t hide forever, so I’ll tell Shining, so relax your job as a messenger is done, now just relax and let me handle things from here.” I said with a smile.

(Orbit over Utapau, Trench’s P.O.V)

Taking a boarding party, my shuttle landed aboard the disabled flag ship's hangar bay. My TA unit stepped off as I followed behind. Some vulture droids and multiple droid units dropped by gunships followed me as I walked toward the stricken and cowardly officers aboard.

“Well, It’s been so long time since I’ve tasted victory this rewarding.” I said with a couple of clicks following afterwards. “Agreed Admiral.” TA said as we walked out of the hangar and towards the bridge. Approaching the bridge, the droids subdued and stripped the officers of their weapons and comms. I arrived shortly after. “Now then, let’s begin our negotiations, regarding the citizens on the planet below.” I said with a grin, seeing the fear on their faces. “Wait! I think we can come to some sort of understanding, there’s no need for violence!” The lead officer pleaded while falling to his knees. “Such cowards beg for forgiveness, but as long as we are clear that the Imperial occupation of Utapau is over, Utapau is now under the control and protection of the Separatist Alliance.” I said proudly, looking down at the officers. “Yes, of course, but could you do me a final favor?” The lead officer asked. “And what would that be?” I asked. “Please kill me so Vader won’t have to.” The officer requested. I looked over at TA and was silent for a moment.

“Send all the prisoners to their leader, let them suffer for their failure.” I then turned and left the bridge. “No! I beg you please kill me! PLEASE!” The office screamed in horror as the ship’s power came back online. “No I think I’ll leave that to Lord Vader.” I said as I went to the holo-terminal and requested a call with Vader and left the crew to their fates. Regardless of their outcome, Utapau was free. “Send the fleet to the surface, we’ll give the citizens a ray of hope.” I said to TA as we walked to the shuttle. “Roger Roger.” he responded as he remained at my side.

Author's Note

Hello Ponies and Bronies, Dark here and I am officially back for now. I greatly apologize for my long absence and how this was so late, however I do hope this chapter will make up for it. I do hope to expand upon this more and give you a conclusive ending. Moving onto other projects I like to get on and live my life. But other than that little announcement, be sure to Like, Comment, Favorite, and Follow me and this story and help make the series as great as when I started it. Til next time, I will talk to you all later.