[H10 - Jedha - RM] Rise of the Red Moons

Years ago, while men slept a darkness came over the galaxy. One of the greatest lights that went out in the deluge of nightmares was destruction of the desert moon of Jedha.   

Jedha was a lighthouse of the spirit, drawing pilgrims from across the galaxy looking for answers in the Force. 

To protect those pilgrims and pass on the knowledge held on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills was formed in Jedha City. Their temples would house spiritual warrior-monks known for their faith in the force and dedication to purpose.

For hundreds of years they lived in peace.

They hosted pilgrims of many sects, beliefs, and home worlds.

Until the day the darkness came. 

At first the city hosted Imperial ambassadors, tourists, and explorers, sharing the gifts of Jedha. Soon the Empire began monitoring the space and travelers above Jedha. Without starships, the Guardians could do little to protest the harassment of the pilgrims from the skies. Soon monitoring turned into checkpoints, inspections, and licensing to continue on their pilgrimage.

The Imperial presence only grew. Star Destroyers dipped lower. TIEs began monitoring ship landings. Troopers started patrols. And, inspections became routine.

Those who had come before to explore began to take and the Guardians had to respond.

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The temples cried out as kyber began to disappear.

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But for the Guardians, it was too late. Lulled to sleep by their temples and catacombs, unwilling or unable to take a stand against Imperial encroachment, coercion, and finally plunder.

Jedha City was no longer their own.

Some found ways to fight back. Some sent envoys to their brothers afar to warn them or ask for help. Many died. 

"The Empire is a disease that thrives in darkness. It is never more alive than when we sleep." Red Moons light up the night and will burn up their lives to give a sunrise to the galaxy.

After Jedha

With the remains of their city, their people, and their faith bellowing towards them, the few Guardians in Sal Gerrera's encampment made for the Partisan's ships. Cramming into cargo holds, engineering cutouts, and any space they could find. They were safe from the moon's fracture and destruction, but they soon found that their shipmates were not offering free rides. 

The Partisans came from every reach of the galaxy and their reasons for fighting the Empire were just as diverse. Perez Hezron, a malnourished Twil'ek from Selvaris escaped trafficking and enslavement from Imperial run corporations. Ram Amminadab, an Ansionian merchant turned smuggler and then fighter, was on the run from the ISB after being investigated and then framed for sedition. Nahshon Sal Mon grew tired of his life sharecropping and breaking tee-muss on Felucia and slowly found himself among the most extreme fighters of the Rebellion.

They had no room in their ship or the hearts for any kindness due the fearful and broken Guardians, so it was either man the ship or out the nearest airlock. 

As years passed, several Guardians worked off their debt to the Partisans and took their chances in a galaxy now dominated by the Empire where their chain codes were now linked to the most prolific terrorist organization aside from the Empire itself. Others, like Boaz Odeb carved out a place amongst the Partisan cell on New Cov. There he could train; work fields; provide food medicine, and a safe house for Partisan cells; and preach the faith to his fellow fighters. From Boaz, many Partisan cells found a deeper purpose in their struggle against the Empire. 

Another Guardian, Jes Sedavid joined the Partisan cell back on Jedha where they fought Imperial miners. He would continue to stand guard over the moon beyond the Empire's end and eventually helped establish an orbiting temple for pilgrims, a safe house for all rebels, and storeroom for those who continue in the spirit of Gerrera - the Red Moons.