Celestia stood on the bridge of the Endurance, the flagship of the 2nd Fleet and the home of the 187th Legion. She stared out into the vastness of space, a sight she had grown used to since the war began. The aura was calm, a rare occurrence these days. Most of the crew was still asleep, since it was technically dawn on Kamino and Coruscant.

“Enjoying the view, Commander?” Celestia turned to see General Skywalker approaching her, holding two mugs of glorious coffee in his hands. She smiled and about faced the Jedi. Without a word, he handed her a mug and she immediately sipped it down. The alicorn may be an early riser, with a record of waking up before her instructors back during her youth, but it was coffee that made it possible in times of war.

“It’s one of the few sights that’s always constant, sir.” She said after draining half of her cup. Skywalker hadn’t even taken a sip yet. He chuckled before asking his next question.

“Is it in your sisters’ DNA to need coffee?” Celestia laughed. Only one being in the Galaxy could match the cream alicorn’s need for coffee, and it was her little sister, Luna.

“I take it you’ve seen her addictive side?”

“Oh you have no idea.” The General then began to tell her a story from the front, of when Luna organized a nonviolent raid of Republic stores in order to find a single cup of coffee. The blue alicorn ordered her company to search, and swore her wrath upon any who had a sip of the liquid energy before her. They understood the severity of the threat and almost tore down the supply tent in an epic search for even a single bean. There was none, so she led a much more violent raid on a Separatist base, and they found an entire section of the supply depot of the stuff. There were no casualties, so the captain only received a slight scolding for leading such a dangerous operation without informing Command first. But the alicorn got her coffee, and a droid outpost was destroyed, so the punishment was null and void.

Celestia laughed, that did indeed sound like something her sister would do. She turned back to look at the stars once more, getting lost in their beauty. It made her remember being a cadet on Kamino, and the nights where her and her sisters would sneak out to see the stars on clear nights, which were almost nonexistent on the hydroplanet. Luna especially loved the stars, she imagined what it would be like to make them into cool shapes, one time trying to do so when they discovered their power. Cadence just enjoyed the change, getting away from the white walls of the barracks and training room.

But Celestia loved the idea that she could see it all, defend all of it, and become a hero of the Galaxy. That is what their Father intended for them, to be the best soldiers the Galaxy would ever see, to become Legends.

Now she just wants the war to end, and find somewhere peaceful to live out the rest of her days.

“General, Commander.” The Jedi and Alicorn looked to see one of the troopers approaching. “The Cadet Frigate is within visual range.”

That’s right, Celestia remembered, the Cadets were coming on today for a tour. Well, weren’t they going to be surprised.

“Good, prepare for docking and make sure everyone is on their best behavior today.” The trooper saluted and walked off. Anakin turned to Celestia.

“I suppose you want to greet the cadets.”

She thought for a moment, then shook her head. “I’ll meet up with them when they arrive on the bridge. I think they’d like to meet some Jedi for a change.”

Anakin smirked that cocky smirk her sister had warned her about. “Alright then, I’ll be sure to give them a true Anakin Skywalker welcome.” Celestia gave her own smirk.

“Just don’t crash my cruiser, General. She may be called the Endurance, but you seem to have a knack for wrecking Republic Property.”

The Jedi blushed, something she thought they were incapable of, and walked away. No doubt to escape the burn he was just inflicted, and find General Windu. Once he was gone, the Alicorn turned to finish her coffee.

But the mug was already empty. She stared at the lack of coffee and groaned. “Maybe I should cut back a bit.” Well, back to her duties of watching space and preparing to welcome the next generation of soldiers.

Celestia laughed as she dodged an attack from her younger sister, Luna. The two were sparring in the arena, and having a blast while doing so. Cadence watched from the sidelines, enjoying the show the two were putting on. Other cadets gathered around, wanting to see the mysterious Alicorns in action.

She ducked under the stun baton and responded with an upper swipe. The blue alicorn blocked the attack and sent a hoof toward her jaw. The unexpected strike managed to hit, knocking the white alicorn off balance. A swipe against her legs sent her to the floor. Luna placed the baton against her throat.

“Gotcha, Sis.” She said smugly. Celestia smiled back, her horn glowing with yellow aura.

“Sure you do.” Luna’s eyes widened in realization, but it came too late as Celestia’s baton struck home. She spasmed for a second, then dropped to the floor next to Celestia, who jumped up and cheered.

“Yes! Now you have to do the paperwork, tonight!” Luna groaned as the effect of the baton wore off. Since the fight was over, the clone cadets dispersed, going back to their duties. Celestia helped her sister up and they both walked over to Cadence.

“You guys were awesome!”

Luna scoffed. “She only won because she cheated.” Celestia stuck her tongue out.

“All’s fair in love and war, sis.”

“Exactly, Celestia.” All eyes turned to see Jango Fett approaching. As his gaze was on Luna, she shrunk a little bit. Jango was never harsh, but it can still be humiliating when he agrees with the other sibling.

“You have to remember that your enemy cannot always be defeated in a fair fight, most times, deception and strategy will win the day.”

“But why learn to fight Jedi, papa?” Cadence asked innocently. Jango stiffened slightly before answering.

“You never know what might happen, Jedi can be deceitful and may one day betray you. The only people you can rely on are yourselves and your brothers.” Cadence nodded, but didn’t fully understand. Jango hoped she never would.

“Speaking of brothers, Celestia, you need to watch Boba tonight, I have a job that needs me to leave soon.” Celestia groaned. She was hoping for the rest of the day off, since she heard it was a sunny day outside. Since when was it ever sunny on Kamino?!

“Aw, but Father…”

“No buts, Boba is still young yet, and needs to be watched.” He grinned slightly. “Beside, from what I hear, you have a free day.” Celestia sighed. She supposed she deserved that.

“Alright, I’ll head up now.” Jango nodded and walked off, heading back to grab his armor and weapons. Luna and Cadence said goodbye and went back to their barracks, while Celestia went to Jango’s personal quarters.

“Commander.” Celestia was snapped out of the memory by a trooper calling her attention. She turned to face him and let him speak.

“The Generals were called into the War Room, General Skywalker suggested that you meet with the Cadets.”

Celestia shook her head. Of course, they had all forgotten about the War Meeting taking place today. It was for Jedi only, so that there would less likely be a chance of a security breach.

“Well, can’t disappoint them now, can I?” She walked away, calling up Ponds to take over the bridge.

Celestia walked into the Gunner Section 15, where the Admiral and the Cadets were waiting. She walked up behind them and waited for them to notice her. Admiral Kilain did first, his gaze falling on her. It took one cadet to notice her, and he quickly signalled his squadmates to look behind them.

She stood tall before the cadets, who stared back at her with wide eyes. All except one. One trooper looked at her with narrowed eyes. It made her feel uneasy, but it was a look she had seen before. Mistrust.

"Tell me, Cadet." She said softly. "What's your name?"

The cadet looked away, seemingly embarrassed. He didn't speak up for several seconds. The other cadets looked at him like he was crazy. One of them looked ready to laugh.

"It's okay if you don't have one." Celestia placed a hoof on the cadet's shoulder. "We all get one even-"

"Lucky." The cadet said, surprising the alicorn. He turned to face her again, this time with a blank expression. "My name is Lucky." Celestia blinked, then smiled.

"Well, let's hope you live up to your namesake, Lucky." Lucky nodded and looked away again. She gave him a saddened look before turning to the Gunnery Officer. “How did the weapons drill go?”

The Gunner shrugged. “They could use some work, but Lucky here. He’s a natural.” Celestia smiled, feeling a sense of pride. She looked at Lucky, who still refused to look at her. He must be one shy trooper.

“I see, perhaps I’ll see your skills soon enough, Lucky.” He said nothing, earning some gazes from his fellow cadets.

"Now, I will leave you with your tour and see you again in the Mess for Lunch. There, I can tell you a story I was told as a cadet by…" Celestia had to stop herself, she was about to say 'Her Father'. But the cadets wouldn't understand. "Someone who trained me." A quick glance at Lucky showed his face flash with shock before he looked away again.

Celestia couldn't out her hoof on it, but the cadet seemed very familiar. Sure, all clones looked alike, but there was something about him that brought back memories.

Memories that she didn't have time to relive. She turned to the Cadets’ Instructor.

“Trooper, take them to Observation Deck 13, I have some troopers there that want to share some stories.” The clone saluted and began marching the cadets out of the Gunner Section. She watched them leave, but her eyes connected with that of Clone Cadet Lucky. She would have to pull up his file when she had the chance, but for now. She would have to return to the bridge. No doubt General Windu and General Skywalker were finishing up their meeting and would want to brief all commanders as soon as possible.

She was right. General Skywalker was ready to give the briefing while Windu was nowhere to be found. Anakin had sent a trooper down to retrieve him, until then, he would give the briefing.

“So our new strategy will involve better landing tactics. Geonosis proved that we need to change up how we conduct landing operations.” Ponds and Celestia nodded in agreement. She had heard from Luna about what happened on Geonosis. Thousands of troopers were killed within an hour because of the Landing Strategy. She tried to ask Cadence about it, but her youngest sister seemed unwilling to even mention that planet anymore. Luna wouldn’t explain it either, feeling it would be up to Cadence to explain what had happened. Perhaps one day she would find out.

“The new strategy will involve bombardment of the landing zones and all areas along the approach. The payloads will depend on the area and type of landing. Which means we cannot land in or near villages and cities. We cannot risk civilian casualties.” Again, that she could agree with.

“Will this be for all landing operations, sir?”

“No, our idea for smaller operations will be to-” The ship rocked suddenly, knocking a few troopers off balance. Alarms blared, and the warning lights left the bridge in a deep red hue.

Celestia turned to a trooper on the console. “Damage Report!”

“Sensors picked up an explosion in Section 12A.”

“That’s where General Windu’s quarters are located.” Ponds explained. Celestia activated her commlink.

“I need a squad and fire crews at Section 12A, now!”

“Sound General Quarters. I want this whole ship sealed off and scanned.” Kilrain instructed. Celestia pulled out her pistol from its holster and ran to meet with the troopers. General Skywalker ran to join her. Ponds stayed behind to help the Admiral coordinate the sweep of the ship.

It did not take long to reach Windu’s quarters, or what was left of them. The entire room was charred and warped beyond recognition. Windu was inside, inspecting the damage. General Skywalker joined him.

“You’re lucky to be alive.” General Anakin Skywalker, the only Jedi who could match Windu for his bluntness. “And our trooper?”

“Dead.” Celestia came in.

“Report says the explosion was caused by an explosive that was triggered from inside the room.” She explained. “This was no accident.”

Windu turned to her. “Seal this ship and warn all troopers that we have a saboteur on board.”

“The question now is, what was he after?” The three thought for a few moments, until Anakin had an idea.

“The ship’s navigation is nearby.” Windu activated his commlink and contacted the bridge.

“Admiral, has the ship’s navigation been damaged?”

“Probable, but not fully. They can be repaired, but I’m ordering all engines tah shut down until we are fully operational. We’ll hold off at Vanqor.”

“Any sign of attack ships?” This would be the perfect time for the Separatists to attack, meaning this saboteur was likely working with them. But who on this ship would work for them, and why?

“None, but we’ll keep scannin’. Until we get navigation back online, the Endurance will be an easy target. Ay won’t ‘ave it.” Under normal circumstances, Celestia would smile at the Admiral’s love for the ship, but now was not the time.

So navigation wasn’t the target, meaning the saboteur was after General Windu, she thought. Both Jedi seemed to have the same idea.

“I’ll order all sections locked down and take a squad with me to search the ship.” Celestia suggested. Windu nodded.

“I’ll gather Ponds and the other security units on standby. Be careful, this isn’t sabotage anymore.”

Celestia nodded and readied her blaster.

“I want him alive, Commander.” Windu said before walking away with Skywalker to the bridge. She watched him go before turning to the troopers in the hallway. “Split up into groups of three. No one goes anywhere alone, and stays in constant communication. Ponds will sweep the ship while we secure the hard points. I need some men to reinforce the guard at the Main Reactor, and a squad to make sure no one leaves in an escape pod without my permission. Understood?”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Good, let’s move out!”

Celestia entered the room, expecting the young Boba to run up to her as he used to when she and her sisters would visit. But he didn’t. The hallway was silent.

“Boba?” She called out. “It’s me, Tia.” Nothing. It was quiet. Too quiet. She focused more energy into her ears as she slowly advanced down the hall. Something faint hit her ears. It was soft, like a child… sniffling? Her instincts took over and she ran into the main room.

There, curled up on the sofa, was the young Boba Fett, barely seven years old. She slowly approached, hoping not to startle the young lad. It didn’t work as she accidentally kicked a ball on the floor. Boba shot up and glared at Celestia with a look of mistrust and anger.

“What… Do you want?” Celestia’s ears went flat against her head.

“Father left to do a job, I came to see how you were.”

“You mean Dad sent you to watch me.” He stated, getting up and walking past her. Celestia frowned and looked at the floor. Boba was young, and simply wanted to be with Jango as much as possible. For him to leave so suddenly, so often, it hurt him. But she knew they both loved each other, and she cared about him just as much as she did her other sisters.

But for now, he needed time alone. She would make sure he ate something later.

“This is CT-1138, nothing to report, over.”

“Engine room is all clear, out.”

“Escape Pods are all accounted for, nothing further to report.”

How could there be nothing? They had searched most of the ship at this point. What were they missing? Celestia’s brain was in overdrive, trying to think about how this assassin was able to evade them for this long. There was almost nowhere left to go. But who could have snuck aboard the ship? Maybe someone snuck in with the cadets? No, impossible. But… what if… No, she shouldn’t even humor that line of thought. They were cadets, loyal. None of them would even dream of trying to kill a Jedi.

But she couldn’t be too careful. She activated her commlink, but before she could use it, a message was coming through. It wasn’t meant for her, it was going to the bridge. She pressed the button to listen in either way.

“This is CT-1477, I need an escort for a cadet back to his group.” Wait, 1477 was in the Main Reactor. Why was a cadet all the way down there? She didn’t listen in on the rest of the call, as she instead rerouted to a different channel.

“This is Commander Celestia contacting the Youth Brigade, come in.”

“Youth Brigade here, Commander.”

“Crasher, I need a headcount, sound off all the cadets with you.”

“Understood.” The line was silent for a moment before it activated again. She listened carefully for each name. All accounted for, except for Lucky. Celestia thought hard about that cadet. She thought about how silent he was, how reclusive he tried to be, and the look she gave him. Her memories came flooding back to her. She remembered where she saw that look before. Her eyes widened, letting loose the tears she didn’t know she was holding back.

“Boba.”

The ship was rocked violently by another loud explosion. The lights went out and the emergency power kicked in. Celestia fell to the ground, losing her helmet in the process.

“We got breaches on Decks 13B to 17A, all hands evacuate the sector immediately!”

“Emergency Power has kicked in! We are dead in space!”

“Two out of three starboard engines are gone, and I mean gone!”

Her cheeks were stained with tears. How could he do this? Why would he… No, she knew why. She understood why more than anyone in the whole Galaxy. She had to find him, and fast.

“All hands evacuate, repeat, all hands evacuate!”

Celestia ran through the ship, in a vain attempt to search for Boba. she had to find him before he could escape, or get hurt. She almost fell when the ship shook again, another explosion. The ship was falling apart. Her commlink bleeped. On instinct, she opened the line.

“This is Commander Celestia.”

“Commander, Ay need you on the bridge, now. We’re preparing an emergency landin’ on the planet surface.”

“What about the cadets, sir? And the crew?”

“The cadets are away, and most of the crew are in pods. Only volunteers are left.” Celestia released the breath she had been holding. Boba was safe, and she could find him later.

“I’m on my way.” She said, then cut the line. She turned down the hall to make her way back to the bridge.

When she reached the bridge, she saw the Jedi arguing with Kilrain. Ponds was busy evacuating all the non essential crew to the escape pods. She ran up as Kilrain made his final argument.

“... an Admiral must go down with his ship. Ay don’t expect ya tah understand it, Jedi.” That ended the argument. When it came to Kilrain and the Endurance, there was no way of swaying his decision.

“I’m staying with the Admiral, sir.” She spoke up. “I’ll make sure he comes out in one piece.” Windu nodded and walked away, Ponds following close behind. Anakin stopped and placed a hand on her back.

“Keep yourself in one piece too, Commander. Luna would kill me if you died on my watch.”

Celestia smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to tell her the ship crashing wasn’t your fault this time.” Anakin chuckled and ran to join Windu and the others.

She stood alongside Kilrain, who looked at her with a forlong smile. “I’m glad ya decided tah join me, Commander.”

“The Endurance is my home too, Sir. I won’t leave her without a fight.” Kilrain laughed.

“Ay knew I liked you for a reason.”

The ship drew closer and closer to the planet, and soon a wall of heat formed around the bridge.

“Let’s hope we can set her down on the surface and not disintegrate.” Celestia said as sweat poured down her head. The heat was getting inside the bridge. Soon, everyone on board would be cooked.

“Aye, we should be fine. The Endurance is a tough lass.” The ship shook violently again, but Kilrain and Celestia stood firm. They cleared the upper atmosphere and were now sinking below the clouds.

“Brace for impact!” The surface revealed itself, and within moments, their ship collided with it. It screeched across the surface, slowly melting into the earth. The two officers struggled to stay upright as the ship swung and lurched in every direction possible. It continued for what felt like an eternity, then stopped so suddenly. There was a long silence as everyone on the bridge finally had a chance to breathe.

That moment didn’t last. “Alright, let’s get away from the ship. We still have explosives on board and I don’t want to be inside a bomb.” Kilrain nodded in agreement. She watched as the remaining crew slowly but surely made their way down the emergency stairs to the nearest exit. She was about to join them when her ears picked up the sound of an engine. A very familiar sound. She turned to see a ship approaching and it made her tremble in fear.

It was Slave I, her Father’s ship.

Author's Note

And here we go! It's ya boy, Boba! But what's going to happen next?! What will Boba do to Celestia?!