The Jedi From Earth: A Star Wars Story #Wattys2023

Part 139

AN: the progression of the Imperial Mars project, second image would be from July 2015, the third December 2015 the Fourth presently. Also look up the word Letum you'll get the subtle meaning better and I was shocked to see it myself
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Mars was a different place from the last time Shawn saw the planet. The Empire had brought in climate changing satellites to deal with the nighttime in the planet as the average temperature dropped into the negatives. The facility Vader brought him to was the largest in the sector with there being over a hundred across the world stretching from the north and south poles, this one lay on the edge of a large expanse of unterraformed terrain called the Letum Desert. The desert was two thousand miles (3200 km) long and as wide as the length of California about eight hundred miles (1200 km) or so. TIE fighters patrolled the area more so now that the fleet had withdrawn here with only ten ships heading to Venus, only three light cruisers stayed by Mercury guarding an Imperial kyber research facility there.

After arriving at the large base a droid brought Shawn to what would be his quarters where he changed into one of his uniforms and acquired another Mandalorian blaster pistol. He liked it because like his room in the Imperial Palace it offered a great view of the Letum Desert that glowed a bronze colorization under the setting sun, Shawn stared at the horizon taking it all in, the last time he set foot on Mars the air wasn't breathable but the vast unknown of its desolateness was quite intriguing to many. But he did wonder if there truly ever was a civilization on Mars it would've made sense for the Rakata to have claimed it and Earth or for the Sith Empire colonizing the planet to strike at the Core Worlds again if need be.

For a moment Shawn almost forgot what'd happened and assumed he was on mission and would be home afterward. When he did realize that might not happen it hit him hard once more but he knew the Empire showed no leniency for weakness nor did the Emperor. Shawn's comlink beeped meaning he was being summoned so he turned around clicking the button neat to the door making it slide open then close behind him.

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Shawn was followed by Vader who'd caught up with him "there is someone here who wishes  to speak with you" Vader explained as the doors to the command center opened showing officers dashing all over the place, there were a few ISB among them as well. Around the holoprojector was Thrawn,Panaka and another human man Shawn didn't recognize but his rank plague was the same Tarkin wore suggesting he was very high ranking. "Ah Lord Vader welcome back, and this must be Mendes" the man said as Thrawn turned around when Shawn stopped, Vader stopped behind Shawn so close he bumped into him a little while his respirator nearly drowned out the sounds of the command center, Shawn also felt his breath on his neck. "Who are you?" Shawn asked the man, "I am Grand Moff Kaine Governor of the Expansion Region, sent by the Emperor to deal with the insurgency on Earth where another failed to" Kaine said looking to his right at Panaka who stood as firm as Thrawn.

"My assignment wasn't public knowledge of course" Kaine said shrugging slightly, "however the events of the past fifteen hours have changed things drastically" Kaine explained "and I had cause to believe that you knew about this, yes?" He asked. Shawn was taken aback a little here he was being accused of something he didn't do or know of, "no sir I didn't" Shawn replied. Kaine had a serious look on his face "you didn't help the insurgents?", "no" Shawn said knowing Vader would try to read his thoughts if not careful. Kaine stepped back "and what makes you so important and more valuable than an entire battalion?" He said stepping around the holoprojector showing Earth.

Shawn was about to speak bug Vader piped in "he is a wielder of the Force like myself Governor, that is more valuable than an army". Kaine scoffed shaking his head "the Force? Come now Lord Vader, the Jedi have been extinct for many years, their time in the Galaxy expired costing them their existence" Kaine said. "You speak of powers you are ignorant of Governor, as for your statement on the Jedi, if they were extinct I wouldn't have encountered one not too long ago" Vader said his deep mechanical voice rattled the air and Shawn's eardrums but didn't hurt them.