While we breathe, we shall defend - GW/Star Wars Chapter 1

[DesignGuy]

While we breathe, we shall defend

Chapter 1 - Flame follows smoke.


Disclaimer: Don't own it

" " = spoken
italics = thoughts
"italics" = spoken by in the past
********* = scene change

This story is taking place about 27 years after the Battle of Yavin, as if the Yuuzhan Vong War and everything after it never happened, for those familiar with the SW universe. I am also changing some events around that happened in Star Wars canon to make it flow better in this story.

After Colony 200 - Brussels

Relena sighed as she looked out her window from her office. Tomorrow night was when the ESUN would be formally inducted into the New Republic. If two years ago someone would have asked her if Earth was the only planet with life in the galaxy, she would have answered yes.

But then when the Star Dreadnought* Lusankya drops out of hyperspace just beyond the orbit of the moon, one's opinions on the matter can change quickly, mused Relena. She gave a small smiled and continued to reflect on the past two years.

Pushing aside the mass hysteria which accompanied the news of the dreadnought's arrival and said visitors were friendly and were not planning invasion, conquest, or mass death, the people of the ESUN acclimated quickly to being incorporated into the Galaxy at large. The past two years were spent bringing the ESUN up to speed on intergalactic events, history of the Republic and upgrading the current technology on the Earth and the Colonies to accommodate the far more advanced New Republic technology. In the short two years, the ESUN made considerable progress, but still a little behind interfacing technology.

The Preventers were instrumental throughout the past two years in helping the ESUN assimilate into the New Republic. The former Gundam Pilots went above and beyond the call and did more than their fair share in the process. All were highly ranked Preventer agents and respected throughout the agency.

All but one.

Heero Yuy seemed to have fallen off the proverbial map shortly after the Barton Insurrection four years prior. He was set to assume the duties as a Special Agent, the necessary rank required for protection of dignitaries and highly covert assignments. To be awarded status as a Special Agent, one has to go through a hearing to determine if the candidate is an acceptable choice.

He never proceeded any farther than the hearings.

His promotion was balked through the entire hearings once it was made public just who he was to those in attendance. They praised him for his efforts in stopping the piece of Libra which threated Earth the prior year and breaking through the shield of the Presidential Blockade effectively stopping Dekim Barton. But many of the presiding were former members of the Alliance and the New Edwards Attack was still too fresh in the minds. Due to Yuy's enigmatic background, the majority felt that he was too unpredictable to be put in that sort of position of responsibility. Relena argued for his sake but could not dissuade their verdict.

After the preceding, Heero uncharacteristically vented his frustrations over the fact that he felt he was unfairly being singled out for past actions he committed when others being affiliated with OZ, the White Fang, and the Barton Foundation weren't given the same scrutiny. Days later he up and disappeared. Une voiced that she had the authority to give him status as a normal field agent but hypothesized that in a way he felt betrayed by the world that he helped create.

Now with the ESUN integrating into the New Republic, it was anyone's guess if Heero choose to be a part of it or remain in obsurity. The other pilots suggested that he needed to find his role in the larger world and probably needed time alone. Relena had hoped that he would have stayed around, with the Preventers or not, she felt safer with his presence near. Hoping that his proximity to her would open him up to a closer friendship with the other pilots and her, and perhaps eventually something more between Heero and herself. When a year, then two passed and no trace of him was found, she decided to move on. She wasn't going to spend her entire life pining for him.

Inside, she still believed that Heero's and her own destinies were intertwined. Wherever Heero was, Relena was sure that he would eventually make his presence known, one way or another.

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The Next Evening

"Do you think tonight will go smoothly Uncle Luke?" asked Anakin Solo.

"I don't have any reason why it wouldn't go smoothly." replied Luke Skywalker to his 16 year old nephew.

"I wouldn't worry, the ESUN's Preventer force is well prepared to deal with any unexpected surprises, also our presence here should be enough of a deterrent to those who wouldn't want tonight to go smoothly." added Mara Jade Skywalker.

The others of the group nodded in agreement. The group consisted of Jedi Masters Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker, newly anointed Jedi Knights Jaina and Jacen Solo, Anakin Solo who was close to become a Jedi Knight, and their father Han Solo with Chewbacca. Leia Solo was Cheif of State of the New Republic and would be inducting the ESUN into the New Republic.

Many dignitaries from both the New Republic and the ESUN were in attendance. Luke and Mara came to represent the Jedi Order and the Solos obviously there due to their mother being part of the ceremony. The two families found adequate seating in the first balcony which gave them an unobstructed view of the stage in the auditorium.

"Is that Foreign Minister Darlin?" asked Jaina, pointing to the young woman sitting at the stage with the other high ranking members of the ESUN.

"Yes, very nice young woman, around your age I believe, a little older I think." answered Mara. "She is much like your mother...a genuine care for others, especially the less fortunate. But I sense a headstrong and fiery attitude as well."

Luke and Mara along with other Jedi were involved in bringing the Preventers up speed on the weapons of the New Republic. Being here also gave them the opportunity to see if there were any other Force Sensitives on Earth and the Colonies. In the short amount of time they were here, they sensed many Force Sensitives, several with very strong signatures, some in this very auditorium. One of them was sitting on the stage right now quietly, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

The Foreign Minister, Luke had told Mara was quite strong in the Force, as strong as the Solo children or stronger. They both knew that Relena was ever devoted to her duties as Foreign Minister of the ESUN. They had decided they would ask her and some of the other strong Force Sensitive after the ceremony. They were aware of her immense popularity and influence with the people of the ESUN. The question was whether she would give up her duties here and join the Order. Luke was aware there are some unaccounted Force-users still roaming the Galaxy at large who could use Force Sensitives like Relena against the good of the Galaxy.

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Duo Maxwell paced anxiously backstage while the Preventer agents below himself, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei finished their security sweeps of the premise. The four of them were the top Preventer Commanders within the agency, only under Zechs Merquies and Une.

"Man, I hope tonight goes well...I've got this proverbial bad feeling about this," exasperated Duo earning raised eyebrows from Trowa and Quatre and the rolling of eyes from Wufei.

"We're prepared well enough for whatever may happen, the Jedi and New Republic soldiers were through in updating us on New Republic technology," replied Quatre.

"Speaking of the Jedi, I saw Jedi Masters Luke and Mara Skywalker in attendance here along with the Solo family. With their added presence, I'm sure we can manage what unforeseen event may happen." added Trowa

"I know...but still I can't shake this feeling. If Heero was here I'd probably feel better about the situation. Heh, you'd know him, five steps in front of everyone." said Duo.

"But Yuy is not here and we can manage fine without him. He made his choice and so have we. We can't always have Heero coming to save the day whenever disaster strikes. Now, the ceremony is about to begin, we should take our respective places." Wufei said with finality.

The four youths dispersed and took their places flanking the stage. As they passed they nodded their acknowledgments to Relena who returned the gesture. Une, Zechs, Noin, and Sally chose to remain in the audience as guests. Over the past four years the nine of them had become closer seeing each other in and out of the Preventer Headquarters.

The lights dimmed signaling the beginning to the induction ceremony. Relena took the podium first giving the introductory speech and introducing Cheif of State Leia Organa Solo. Everything was proceeding just as planned. Leia finished her speech and asked for the President of the ESUN to come forward to the podium to accept being a part of the New Republic. Leia embraced him in a welcoming gesture and took her seat next to Relena. As the President made his way toward the podium, that nagging feeling Duo had came true.

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Up in the rafters, above the stage, a figure in black robes dropped to the stage floor and ignited his lightsaber in the direction of the President. The four Gundam pilots drew their blasters but before their sights were trained on the figure in black they were ripped from their hands by some unknown force.

"Now, now, we can't have any unnecessary fire that could injure the President." His voice was deep, smooth like oil. Luke narrowed his eyes in thought, somehow this assassin of sort managed to sneak past the Preventer guard and conceal his presence in the Force, a rare ability, the former Emperor used this power to its highest extent. More than likely this figure knew that he was here along with his wife and nephews and niece.

"No one try and be a hero. By the time you reach me the President will already be dead."

Relena was horrified. She knew that Leia was trained in the Force but she was not carrying her lightsaber. If the President was murdered, would she be next? The Preventers could only stand and watch. Something touched her hand and looked over to see Leia's hand on top of her's in a comforting gesture. Something in her eyes told Relena that things weren't over yet.

The assassin gave the audience another once over making sure his point was made. Satisfied, he turned to his target, advancing on him like a predator on a wounded prey. Grabbing the President by the collar he smiled cruelly with a dangerous glint in his eyes as he pulled back his arm preparing to run the President through with his crimson blade. "Nothing personal, just business."

So focused on his target that he failed to notice a figure running down the second balcony stairs, jump over the edge and propelled himself with inhuman speed toward the stage like a bullet. The assassin was about to bring his arm forward for the killing strike when he found himself flung against one of the pillars to the side of the stage. In the moment of distraction, Leia grabbed Relena and the President and ran in the direction of the four pilots.

The assassin stood back up and looked at the source of his hate which caused him to fail his mission. Between himself and the President stood a figure, also dressed in robes, but with his hood up concealing his face. The Jedi was standing with his blue-bladed lightsaber ignited. He stood with his left leg forward and right leg back. He held his lightsaber vertically to the right side of his body at shoulder height. The assassin reignited his lightsaber, sneered, and charged the Jedi.

Relena and the pilots watched in fascination as the two figures dueled their deadly dance. They all heard of how the Jedi fought but never had seen it in action before. The blades whrilled at blazing speed, one mistake on either their part and they were as good as dead. Relena thought back to what Luke had told her once about lightsaber combat, "Its like playing chess going a thousand miles an hour and every move is check**." Obviously the would be assassin was the aggressor, being on the offensive since the fight began. The Jedi was on the defensive, but in his body language appeared to be in complete control, not overly exerting himself. The two fighters locked blades, pushing against one another trying to gain leverage over the other. The Jedi pushed the other back and delivered a high side kick to the assassin's chin. Without a moments hesitation, the Jedi pulled his left hand back and brought it forward open palmed toward the assassin. The assassin was immediately launched through the air and through the window of the auditorium out into the street. The Jedi ran and jumped through the broken window after his target.

"What in the hell was that?" asked the President.

"That was a Dark Jedi," answered Luke. "Are you all alright?"

The auditorium had cleared out once the two Force users began their fight. All that remained were Preventer agents assessing the situation. The Skywalkers and the Solos had finally made their way to the front of the stage where the four pilots were guarding the President, Relena, and Leia. Une, Sally, Zechs, and Noin managed to get to the front to assist the pilots when the cloaked Jedi foiled the assassination attempt. The Solo children embraced Leia while Han kissed her on the cheek.

"Are you sure you're all right?" asked Han to his wife.

"Yes, we all are fine, but I'm sure the President will need to sit down and rest." replied Leia. "I hope this incident does not change your mind about joining the New Republic?" asked Leia to the President.

"No, no...the ESUN fully plans on going through and joining the New Republic, even before you came across our system we were still recovering from political stability." answered the President. "But I would like to meet the young man who saved me from my would be killer."

"I'm sure that can be arranged. I believe he will return after he finishes with his...hunt, so to speak," said Mara.

A young aide to the President came running up to their group, face flushed from running around the building to find him.

"Sir, the news helicopters have the assassin and the Jedi on the TV! They are tracking them now as we speak. We have a TV in the waiting room backstage."

Luke turned to his nephews and niece, "Go and find a speeder, catch up with them, and bring in the assassin, alive. We want answers from him."

The three youths nodded and ran off. "Be careful out there. Watch each others back" warned Han.

"I think I am going to return to my hotel room. I think I've had enough excitement for one night. I will make a statement in the morning," said the President, "Master Skywalker, thank you and your Jedi Knights for their actions tonight"

"No thanks are necessary, a Jedi's duty is to put the needs of the people before themselves." replied Luke.

As the President left, Luke turned back to the diminishing group. Now was probably a better time to tell them than ever. "If you are willing, would you nine mind accompanying us to somewhere more private. I have something I wish to discuss with you."



*************************************************************

By the time the Jedi landed outside, his target was getting back up and making his escape. Needless to say a body being thrown through a window into the middle of a busy street is going to cause something of a commotion. Especially when the body gets back up.

He knows he has failed his mission and is going to make a run for it.

The assassin jumped his way from anything he could get a hold on to make it to the roof tops. Once reaching the roof, the assassin sprinted to loose his pursuer. The Jedi was hot on his tail keeping up with him, knowing eventually he would run out of roof tops. The roar of helicopters followed them as they progressed over the roof tops of the city. The Jedi gave an exasperated sigh, he really did not need the press literally hovering over his pursuit. The chase suddenly stopped when the next roof top was too far away to jump to, even using the Force.

No where to run now. The Jedi gave a small smirk. Now for some answers.

The Jedi cautiously approached the assassin, lightsaber ignited at his side. He used this moment to study his opponent. He had shoulder length black hair, pulled back in a ponytail. He had a slight pale complexion. He also wore a goatee as well. He had heard that users of the dark side tended to have paler complexions due to drawing on the dark side of the force. He judged that his opponent was not overtly muscled, but it was hard to tell with the robes. No need to rush things, he is of better use alive than dead. I can sense Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin on their way here. Good.

"Who are you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know Jedi!"

"You have no where to go Dark Jedi. Reinforcements will be arriving here soon, give yourself up."

"I am no mere Dark Jedi, I am Sith...and after tonight you will have earned my master's wrath!"

"Fool, the Sith are no more. Sidious was the last Sith Lord, all Sith knowledge went with him when he died!"

"Heh...you are wrong Jedi, so very wrong. Soon you will understand how much your ignorance will cost you!"

With that statement, the Sith apprentice leaped off the building, apparently to his death. When the Jedi reached the ledge he realized he had underestimated his opponent. The Sith managed to buy enough time and waited until the hovertrain that ran through the city had passed this point, jumped and landed on the roof of the train. There was no way to catch him now. However all was not lost, he did manage to gather some information. Apparently the Sith were not truly gone as once thought. The fact that he could not sense the Sith presence until it was nearly too late was a equally disturbing one thought as well.

Master Skywalker is going to want to know about this.

He sensed the Solos were close. Thankfully, the news helicopters had disappeared. Nothing worse than thousands of people watching your every movement. He deactivated his lightsaber and returned it to his belt. The Jedi finally removed his hood. Heero Yuy gave a long frustrated sigh and looked in the direction of the escaped Sith.

Before he chased after the Sith he saw the other pilots, Une, Zechs, Noin, Sally, and Relena. When he descended to the stage, he caught a glimpse of Relena's expression. Shock, fear, and uncertainty. Being gone for over four years made him realize just how much she influenced him. Heero surmised she would have been confused and probably hurt from his sudden absence. Hence why he remained hooded throughout the fight, he did not want everyone to know that he was back...yet.

As his training through the Force advanced, he came to the conclusion their destinies were intertwined by the Force and should not fight it. In his path to becoming a Jedi, he faced and exorcised many of the demons that haunted him. Both Masters Luke and Mara were of an immense help, especially Mara since they had similar backgrounds and could relate. Still some of those demons remained and were difficult to remove. No doubt he was different than he was four years ago, but still retained the same disposition he had at the end of the Barton incident. As others had stated in the Order, he wasn't as introverted, abrasive, or anti-social as he was when he first arrived. He had begun to loosen up, but no where near as extroverted as Duo was or as empathetic as Quatre. The Order had become the closest thing he would ever have to a family. This had been the longest he felt he'd been at peace with himself for as long as he could remember.

Heero turned as he heard the speeder containing the Solos approach him. Needless to say there are going to be a lot questions being asked when he would return...from both Master Skywalkers and Relena and the others. He inwardly grimaced. Tonight was going to be a long night.

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A.N. - I bet you didn't see that one coming regarding Heero -___-; So how did Heero find out about the New Republic before everyone else? And what is with the Sith being back and all? Anywhoo...planned in chapter two so far: Heero explains how he found out about the New Republic before everyone else, Luke makes an offer, Heero and Relena have time alone, and Relena makes a choice.

* The Star Dreadnought class is the same class that the Executor was(Darth Vader's huge Star Destroyer in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi). The movies called it a Super Star Destroyer, but it's classification is a Star Dreadnought. The Lusankya is essentially the twin sister so to speak of the Executor.

** Nic Gilliard (the man who developed the combat style for the prequel films) used this phrase to describe lightsaber combat

Also, if you are confused about anything Star Wars go to this site http://starwars.wikia.com/
It's the Wikipedia of Star Wars.

Oh, yeah almost forgot. In addition to writing, I'll also be posting art which compliments this fic. I already have one in the fanart gallery posted titled 01 Unleashed.

Read and tell me you think

[Incantatrice]

Hm, I've not seen a story with GW and Star Wars mixed for awhile, I like the idea though being a fan of both. I look forward to more chapters...that's a hint to hurry along

[Angelchan]

Not bad.

[DesignGuy]

Thanks for the replies. Working on Chapter 2 right now. I kinda work in spurts...might post some more fanart in the mix too.

Oh, thanks for moving this mods...completely missed the crossover section

[The Forgotten Pixie]

Awesome job Hope you update soon, I look foward to it

[Elyn Yuy]

This is great! I hope you continue it