Chapter 38 - Reflections and Departures (1/2)

Takodana Planet - Maz Kanata Castle Headquarters.

The main room where they where and in general every single place in the base had exploded with cheers and shouts of happiness. The relief that every person felt was shown in different ways according to each individual. Some started to shout lie madmen, others hugged anyone in their reach and started jumping and dancing all around. There were also those who felt to their knees and started praying to their deities wtith deep fervor and tears. Some just collapsed on the ground after the relief turned into exhaustion and there was a case in which a very shy individual shouted his feelings for the person he loved in the heat of the moment. Even though the actions were very diverse, in general it all could be described as a crazy celebration.

- ”Well, that was extremely close”- said Maz Kanata who could only breathe normaly again after the confirmation of the success in the mission- ”This is why I prefer to be in situ fighting instead to be in the back of the action.”

- ”I know what you mean”- said Leia looking around the happy faces of the officers wishing she could share that moment with them.

However, Leia could not do that. Even though she was happy for the victory, it had been just too costly for her. She was smiling just to not make the things weird for the rest but her smile was sour and empty. It would totally affect the morale if she were to cry in this moment so she toughened up knowing that although this was an important victory, the war had just started.

- ”Open communications to the fleet”- said Leia knowing that they still had to take the fleet out of the area

- ”At once, General”- said an officer

- ”Admiral Ackbar!”- Leia said using the communication systems- ”what's the situation with the enemy forces?”

- ”They are retreating and the systems indicate they are about to jump into hyperspace”- informed the Mon Calamari commander- ”we're doing as much damage as we can but it won't be possible to destroy a fleet of that size completely.”

- ”Abort the attack and make your arrangements for retreat”- said Leia knowing that the battle was already over- ”the planet will collapse in some minutes and I don't want more casualties in this operation.”

- ”Understood, General”- said Ackbar and he started to give instructions to his officers.

- ”Most of the Rogue Squadron has already returned.”- replied Ackbar- ”the IronBone Squadron already left and have safely reached their stations.”

- ”Good”- said Leia with a tone of relief- ”retreat as soon as possible, General.”

- ”Copied!”- said Ackbar cutting down the transmissions.

- ”General”- said an officer- ”we have received a communication from the Centrist and Populists fleets.”

- ”Open communications”- said Leia and soon she cold see he faces of the leaders of both factions- ”Amylin... Ransolm... you have really saved the day and you have my deepest gratefulness.”

- ”You have nothing to thank, Leia”- said the leader of the centrist faction scarfo- ”we are just showing those brats of the First Order the cost of messing with the Republic.”

- ”My dear Leia...”- said Holdo while smiling elegantly- ”the Populist faction will always serve the Republic to the best of our abilities.”

- ”Hmph”- Casterfo made an ironic sound.

- ”Anything to say?”- asked Holdo with a cold voice.

- ”You...”

- ”My dear friends...”- said Leia with a conciliatory tone- ”I'm sure we all have much to say but you also know that this is just the beginning of a a war that will reshape the galaxy.”

- ”You are right”- said Casterfo using his serious tone- ”the most important thing now is to stabilize the system and bring order to the broken republic.”

- ”I heard many groups that sympathize with the First Order had started to cause riots in many systems”- mentioned Holdo with an annoyed expression- ”they must feel emboldened after what happened to the Senate.”

- ”The destruction of the base will slow them down”- said Maz Kanata with a firm voice- ”but if the Republic do not use this momentum, it will only show openings for the enemy.”

- ”Amylin... Ransolm... I know you must be tired after the battle but I have to ask for your help again”- said Leia with a kind of embarrased tone- ”I will send a message to all the Republic members to have an emergency meeting where we will discuss our future actions. I wish you could help me passing the message.”

- ”Of course”- said Holdo with a tone that showed her eagerness.

- ”Where shall be the meeting?”- asked Casterfo using a fearless grin- ”I suppose there is only one possible location.”

- ”Yes, we have no other choice”- replied Leia and Holdo immediately had a change in her face.

the tyranny we all had to suffer and...”

- ”Only Corruscant has the facilities to held a meeting of this size while providing the necessary security of the event”- said Casterfo who seemed to be enjoying Holdo's reaction- ”It's kind of poetic in my opinion... we'll use the symbol of the Empire to make plans to destroy its renmants in the First Order. I want to see their faces when it happens.”

One of the first things the New Republic did after the treaty was signed and put an end to the war against the Empire was to change the location of the Capital to symbolize the dread all felt for the Empire and their actions and to mark a new beginning for the galaxy. So, Corruscant was left behind and even though it was still a metropolis who a vibrant economy and important social hub, it was also branded with the stigma of being the symbol of the nefarious Empire under Palpatine which made many talk badly of not only the planet but also its inhabitants.

- ”Amylin... I understand your feelings”- said Leia using her most diplomatic tone- but we have no other choice”

- ”I understand”- said Holdo who seemed to have an internal battle- ”Corruscant is it then.”

- ”Yeah it seems it all returns to the beginning”- said Leia imagining the reactions of the many systems, especially those who suffered the most under the Empire, after the announcement is made. She had a headache thinking of that now so she put it aside for the future- ”We still need to wrap the things up here... We'll be in contact...”

As soon as the communications with the representatives stopped, another entered.

- ”Communications from the Millenium Falcon”- said another officer.

- ”Open it”- said Leia and immediately the voice of his beloved friend sounded.

- ”I know... I know, Chewee... I felt it”- said Leia with a choking voice and immediately Maz placed a hand over hers to show her support- ”it's not your fault...”

- ”Grieeeeeraaa”- replied Chewee

- ”Chewee... where are luke and the the rest?”- said Leia surprised to not listen the voice of his brother along with Chewee's

- ”Ggrrr... gorrraaaaaeee”