Upon our return, we found several things were vastly different. The Alliance had begun training an international team of scientists, technicians and armed forces personnel in the repair and operations of the Star Destroyer before I had left, but I was completely surprised when I found out how well they were doing adapting to the new technology.
In addition, apparently the idea of having an orbiting weapons platform manned by such an international team was enough to convince the world powers to quietly agree on a global peace accord. They now knew that they would only survive by getting along with one another. They also knew if we would stand no chance in a future battle against the Empire if we were too busy fighting with ourselves.
The Alliance had also delivered several pieces of their technology. Interestingly enough, many were those that I had mentioned in my speech before the Senate. Several fusion-based power generators had been brought to Earth, but none had been installed. It would be necessary to keep them hidden until a scientist “discovered” the technology to use them.
The same was true of the holonet transceivers and anti-gravity platforms. As the Earth adapted, it seemed less and less likely that I would be needed to stay around.
I needed something to do, though. I wanted some more action. After a few days I went into seclusion, studying the books I had. I soon had my answer.
I returned to the Gaea. I began searching its computer for any references to the Adega system or the planet Ossus. There was something there I was greatly interested in. When my search turned up nothing, I turned, once again, to my allies on Alderaan.
I was surprised when Leia, and not Bail, answered my call.
“Your highness! I was not expecting to see you. No matter, I was hoping someone might be able to answer a question for me. I’m looking for the Adega system. The computer on my ship has no information regarding its location. Would the resources of Alderaan be able to provide that information to me?”
“I don’t know, let me check for you.” She said.
I waited a few moments, then I got my reply.
“I have good news, and bad news. The good news is that I have some coordinates for you. I’m transmitting them now. The bad news is that our records show it to be mostly devoid of life, and previously a war zone during the Clone Wars. The records also say that the planet was previously bathed in radioactive matter. We do not have a reason for it. I would not recommend going there. There doesn’t appear to be any practical reason for what your doing.”
I replied by saying, “Perhaps when I get back, I will be able to update your records, because there is something there. Don’t ask me how I know, because I just do. If we get to know each other better, that is something you’ll need to expect me to say for a long time. Thank you.”
I closed off the transmission.
My weapons already on board, I left Earth for the Adega system. It would prove to be a long trip, plenty of time to prepare what I would have to say when I arrived.