Hey folks, Grubkiler here.

This is the last chapter.

Please enjoy.

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Epilogue.

The long night has begun.

Huge solemn crowds line Palace Plaza in Theed, the capital of Naboo, as six beautiful white gualaars draw a flower-draped open casket bearing the body of a beloved Senator, and former Queen, through the Triumphal Arch. Behind her casket, walked many of her closest friends and allies, as well as her parents, sister, and nieces. In her clasped hands, now and forever, was a snippet of japor, one that had been carved long ago by the hand of a nine-year old boy from an obscure desert planet in the far Outer Rim . . .

In the Fardi compound, on the planet Thabeska, a young Togrutan teen, operating under the name 'Ashla', was working on a maintenance droid to earn some extra credits. As she worked, a pair of Clone Stormtroopers that were out on patrol walked into the shop, and began to check for suspicious activity. The girl made eye contact with one of the troopers for a second, before putting her goggles back down to cover her eyes. The trooper looked curious for a moment, but was then recalled back to base, leaving young 'Ashla' to her work unhindered . . .

On the jungle planet of Dagobah, a Jedi Master disembarks from his escape pod and inspects the unexplored, yet somewhat familiar swamp of his exile . . .

From the bridge of a Venator-class Star Destroyer, two Sith Lords stand with a sector governor named Tarkin, and survey the growing skeleton of a spherical battle stationthe size of a moon . . .

But even in the deepest night, there are some who dream of dawn.

On Alderaan, the Prince Consort delivers a baby girl into the loving arms of his Queen.

And on Tatooine, a Jedi Master brings an infant boy to the homestead of Owen and Beru Lars. Then he rides his eopie off into the Jundland Wastes, toward the pair of setting suns.

The dark is generous, and it is patient, and it always wins - but in the heart of its strength lies weakness: one lone candle is enough to hold it back.

Hope is more than a candle.

Hope can ignite the stars.

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well folks, this is the end of the 'Rise of the Empire'.

I sincerely hope you enjoyed, and I hope to see you all around for my future stories.

Until next time, this is Grubkiller, over and out.