Chapter Eighteen - Victory & Peace

After their victory on Cyclonia, Kyle Katarn's fleet returned to Coruscant. At the same time, the New Republic had achieved a decisive victory at the Battle Of Jakku. The New Republic's victory at both battles marked the end of the war. The Galactic Empire was at last defeated as the remnants of the Empire scattered across the Galaxy. As for those who pledged their loyalty to Darth Cyclonis, they too went into hiding across the Galaxy fearing retaliation. On Coruscant, a memorial was erected in Coruscant honoring those who sacrificed their lives in the war. Among the many names inscribed in the memorial were X2 and Starling. Following the end of the war, a triumph ceremony was held in the Galactic Senate Building. Kyle Katarn stood before Mon Mothma along with Leia Organa and Admiral Ackbar.

Mon Mothma: Commander Kyle Katarn. You have shown great bravery throughout this terrible conflict. Thanks to your efforts and many others like you, the Galactic Empire has finally been defeated.

Katarn: I couldn't have done it alone. The reason we're here is because of the Storm Hawks. 

As Katarn said this, the Storm Hawks stepped forward. As they stood before the three New Republic Leaders, Mon Mothma spoke. 

Mon Mothma: The Galaxy owes you all a great debt. You have help bring peace and freedom to the Galaxy. 

Leia: When they speak of this day, they will speak of how a single spark of courage can ignite the fires of hope. And with that hope, and restore peace to the Galaxy.

Ackbar: This victory belongs to all of us. If it weren't for the bravery of everyone here and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives, the Empire would've destroyed us a long time ago. 

Mon Mothma: And while the sacrifices are heavy, it allowed us to achieve the goals we sought when we first started this war. We have defeated the Empire and restored the Republic. Your bravery has helped peace and justice to the Galaxy.

With that, the Storm Hawks as well as the men and women of the New Republic were celebrated as heroes. A grand celebration was held. As the celebration was underway, Piper was called on to meet someone. When she answered the call, she stood before Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. 

Luke: Piper. It is an honor to finally meet you in person.

Piper: Luke Skywalker....

Luke: You are strong in the Force. You have resisted the temptations of the Dark Side. 

Piper: I did not do this alone. I had friends and comrades to help me. I couldn't have possibly have done this without them.

Luke: I am going to rebuild the Jedi Order. It would be an honor to have you help me on this task, Master Piper.

As Luke said this, Piper was in shock. Despite all that she accomplished, Piper felt that she didn't earn that title.

Piper: Master Luke, I....

Luke: No, you have earned that title. Will you help me rebuild the Jedi Order, Master Piper? Will you help me train the next generation of Jedi?

As Luke said out his offer, Piper thought carefully about this. To rebuild the Jedi Order with the legendary Luke Skywalker was a great honor to Piper. Despite this, Piper thought about all she had been through and her instincts told her something else.

Piper: Master Luke, I am deeply honored that you would have me help you rebuild the Jedi Order, but my instincts tell me to decline your offer. My...my destiny lies elsewhere. 

Luke: I understand. If that is what you wish, then I accept. But if you change your mind, the Force will guide you as it always has. May the Force be with you, Master Piper.

Piper: And may the Force be with you, Luke Skywalker. 

As the two Jedi departed on good terms, Piper made her way back to the celebration. After some time passed, Piper met up with the rest of the Storm Hawks in the hanger bay of the Senate building. Finn along with Junko and Stork were loading up the Condor with the reward promised to them by Kyle Katarn so long ago.

Aerrow: So you finally got your reward?

Finn: Courtesy of Commander Kyle Katarn and the New Republic. Gave me and my crew a very generous bonus. 

Piper: What will you do now? 

Finn: I got some unsettled business to settle on Nar Shaddaa. Once that's done, I'm sure there's still more jobs out in the Galaxy for a smuggler like me. 

Aerrow: Just like that? 

Finn: Just like that. Saving the Galaxy was fun and all, but I'm a smuggler. 

Aerrow smiled as he held his hand out to the smuggler captain. With a smirk on his face, Finn shook Aerrow's hand.

Aerrow: It's been an honor working with you, Captain. 

Finn: Likewise, Aerrow. If you ever need me, you know how to contact me. 

When Aerrow and Piper turned to Junko, they could see that Junko was on the verge of tears. Without warning, Junko hugged both Aerrow and Piper tightly. 

Junko: I'm gonna miss you, guys!

Piper: We'll...miss you too....Junko.....

Aerrow: We....can't breathe, buddy.....

With that, the friendly Wallop lets them go. As the two catch their breath, they spoke to Stork. 

Stork: This has been...interesting. 

Piper: It certainly has. 

Aerrow: Keep the Condor flying. 

Stork: Of course I will. One more thing. It's been emotional. 

Finn: All right, boys. Enough standing around! Let's get a move on! 

With that, Finn along with Junko and Stork boarded the Condor, but not before saying their goodbyes to Aerrow, Piper and Radarr. As the Condor took off, Finn spoke with Junko and Stork on the bridge. 

Stork: Where to next, Captain?

Finn: Nar Shaddaa. It's about time I paid Suzy Lu a visit. 

Junko: Is it for her cut of the reward or the wedding?

Finn: I guess we'll see what happens, old buddy. 

Finn smiled as the Condor jumped into Hyperspace. The future was uncertain for the smugglers of the Condor, but they were fine with it. Meanwhile, Piper and Aerrow along with Radarr were given a ship courtesy of Kyle Katarn. They then made their way to the Outer Rim world of Neverlandis: the place where it all started for the Storm Hawks. Once they reached Neverlandis, they landed the ship near the farm where Piper had lived until she began her journey. As the three got off the ship, Piper looked at the farm to see it was still standing. Seeing the place that she lived in was still standing came as a pleasant surprise to her. 

Piper: Hard to believe that this was where our journey started. 

Aerrow: General Kota would be proud to see how far you've come. 

Piper: The same can be said of you, Aerrow. In a way, you are responsible for starting my journey. 

Aerrow: It's nothing, really. I was just a soldier following orders. Nothing more. Nothing less. 

Piper: Now that the war's finally over, we can finally live out our lives in peace.

Aerrow: I never thought I'd ever reach this point if I'm being honest. I've been a soldier for all my life. Now that the war's over, I...I'm not sure what I'll do now. 

Piper: You've earned this peace, Aerrow. 

As Piper said this, Aerrow took a moment to reflect on the turn his life had now taken. The war was over. At first, Aerrow was scared of what the future would bring. But when Piper held his hand, all the fear seemed to fade away as a smile fell on his face.

Aerrow: I don't know what the future will bring, Piper. But with you by my side, I couldn't be any more happier. 

Aerrow and Piper smiled at one another as they kissed. The kiss was interrupted by Radarr who happily chirped at them. Aerrow chuckled at his long time friend while Piper smiled. 

Aerrow: We've been through a lot, haven't we, Radarr? 

Radarr chirped happily and nods his head. 

Aerrow: I wouldn't trade any of it either. You're my partner, Radarr. We're in this together as always!

Piper: Whatever the future holds for us, I'm ready. 

With that, Aerrow and Piper settled down on Piper's farm on Neverlandis. They would live out a life of peace with both of them becoming farmers. Whatever the future holds for them, Aerrow and Piper would face it together. With that, the Galaxy had finally achieved peace. Peace had finally been restored to the Galaxy, in no small part due to the strength, courage and bravery of the Storm Hawks. 

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