EPILOGUE

Kneeling before his private holographic communications projector, Darth Vader bowed his head before the wavering apparition of the Emperor. "You survived your encounter with the young rebel, Lord Vader," his voice vibrated across the gleaming deck.

"Yes, my master."

"Good. Very good," the Emperor spoke slowly. He paused. "I sense great anger within you."

Vader remained silent.

"Is your anger directed at me?"

"No, my master," the Dark Lord lied.

"Where then?"

Too many unknown variables, Vader thought. He needed answers. Answers the Emperor would not give him. He also needed to redirect his anger with a quick cover. "The rebels destroyed the mining facility on Circarpous V."

The Emperor chuckled. "It is of little concern. They don't yet know what the mineral is being used for."

"What is thy bidding?"

"Continue to hunt them down. This was merely the first step in a plan calculated to ensnare the Rebellion in a trap."

Darth Vader lowered his head. "As you wish."

Following a debriefing with Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar; Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, Bexen, Halla, Threepio, and Artoo stood near a large view port aboard a Mon Calamari cruiser. The Rebel Fleet drifted through a far corner of the galaxy.

Halla held the Kaiburr Crystal against her stomach. "We did pretty good back there, Luke boy," she said.

"We sure did," Luke agreed.

"I think your Obi-Wan would be proud of you." Luke simply nodded.

Princess Leia smiled at Bexen. "Once the Empire has cleared out of the system, I'd be more than happy to meet with the Circarpous underground."

"I know it will boost their morale greatly," Bexen said. "They truly admire you and everything you stand for."

"And you, Captain Solo," Leia turned to Han. "You did pretty well convincing everyone to join The Alliance. You just might make a good diplomat yet." Chewbacca growled and laughed.

"Not likely, sweetheart," Han said. He smiled and put an arm around Leia's shoulder. They all gazed into the Rebel Fleet as it floated between the stars.