As evening falls on Mandalore, Kira Bridger, and her apprentice, Chana Salari, are outside the palace, standing on a long walkway connecting separate areas of the massive structure that serves as Alliance headquarters.
"Alright, Chana. I think this is a good spot. We'll practice here tonight." Kira says.
"What are we doing out here?" Chana asks.
"My father's using the training room right now, so… here we are." Kira answers.
"Okay. What are we doing anyway? We usually don't train this late." Chana says.
"I know that, but… this is special. You've been with me for two months now, and you've learned so much in such a short time. You've picked up the basics very well, so... I would like to start teaching you some more advanced things, which means… extra time. Probably for the next several days at least." Kira says.
"That's okay. Whatever it is, I want to learn." Chana says.
"I know, and I couldn't be prouder." Kira says. Chana smiles.
"Thanks." Chana says.
"You're welcome. Now, onto tonight's lesson. My father and I are both in agreement that it's time for you to start learning battle meditation." Kira says.
"Battle meditation… wow… Are you… sure?" Chana asks.
"I believe you're ready, and I know you can do it." Kira answers.
"Then, I won't let you down." Chana says.
I know you won't. You never have. Kira thinks.
"I know you've read about the technique, so you know the basics of what it's supposed to do, but… " Kira says.
"Knowing and doing are two different things." Chana says.
"Exactly. Before you can learn how to use battle meditation against a group of people, you need to learn how to use it against one person. I think the best way to do that… is a practice duel. Ready your saber… and attack me with everything you've got." Kira says.
"Okay." Chana says with some hesitation. She takes her lightsaber from her belt.
"As you're attacking, call on the force to make you faster and stronger." Kira says.
"Oh. That sounds easy enough." Chana says.
"Is it? I guess we'll find out." Kira says.
Kira and Chana activate their sabers, and engage one another. Soon, Kira overpowers her student, and knocks her back.
"Remember, faster... and stronger." Kira says.
Okay… I can do this. Chana thinks. The girl closes her eyes. A few seconds later, she reengages Kira. This time, Chana moves more quickly, and is able to hold her ground against Kira's attacks.
Good. I knew you could. Kira thinks.
"Alright... I think that's enough for today. You did very well." Kira says. The two back away from each other, and shut off their sabers.
"Thanks." Chana says.
"We'll pick this up again tomorrow. Don't have any plans, do you?" Kira asks.
"Nope. I'm all yours." Chana answers.
"With your grandmother's permission, of course." Kira says.
"Don't worry. I'll ask her. I haven't forgotten since that one time last month." Chana says.
"I'm glad for that. I don't like punishing you." Kira says.
"You think your punishment was bad? Grandma Riyo took away my net access for a week!" Chana says.
"You forgot to tell her where you were. She was worried about you. She loves you, and you're all the family she has left. She doesn't want anything to happen to you." Kira says.
"I know. She's all I have left too. And you, of course." Chana says. Kira smiles, then embraces her.
"Thanks, Chana. You're not just my student. You're my friend, too." Kira says.
"Right back at you." Chana says.
"Before you go, I'd like to know… did you finish your reading assignment?" Kira asks.
"Yeah." Chana answers.
"Good, because I'm going to quiz you on it." Kira says.
"Okay. Ask me anything." Chana says.
Rather confident, aren't we? Kira thinks.
"Which Jedi Master was the first to write about the origin of the Sith?" Kira asks.
"Master Odan Urr. His book covered Sith culture and language, as well as the Order's start on Korriban." Chana answers.
"Very good. What did he say about the first Sith Lord?" Kira asks.
"He didn't know the name of the first Sith Lord. In fact, he didn't seem to know all that much, other than she was a woman who ruled over several small kingdoms on Korriban. Sith records were pretty vague according to Master Urr. All that he knew was… the woman's territory later became the First Sith Empire. That was Darth Umbra, wasn't it?" Chana asks.
"Yes, it was. She's been hiding in the shadows, playing puppetmaster for the last seven thousand years." Kira answers.
"I'm surprised you're letting me learn this stuff. Grandma said that the old Jedi Order didn't allow certain things to be taught." Chana says.
"Our order is different. My father and I both believe that in order to defeat the Sith, we must understand them. Yes, there is a danger. Knowledge of the Sith can lead to temptation. It's up to us to be strong enough to resist that temptation." Kira says.
"I'll do my best." Chana says.
"I know, and I'll do my best to teach you everything I know." Kira says.
"That won't take long." Chana says. Kira raises an eyebrow.
"Are you suggesting I don't know much?" Kira asks.
"You're only five years older than me, so I figure… you probably don't know too much more than me." Chana says.
"I beg your pardon?" Kira asks. Chana giggles.
"Hey, relax! I'm just messing with you." Chana says. Kira smiles.
"I thought so. Alright, looks like we're done for the night. I'll see you at my parents place… 1900. I have a few things to take care of before that." Kira says.
"Alright then. See you at dinner." Chana says. The young pantoran girl walks away.
"For someone who didn't believe herself ready for a student, you have done remarkably well." A disembodied female voice says.
"I've tried my best, but… she's not ready for a fight. I've only had her for two months, and she's so young!" Kira says.
"Do you believe in her?" The voice asks.
"Yes." Kira answers. The force ghost of a young woman appears in front of Kira. The woman appears to be in her mid twenties, and her dark hair is tied back into two tails.
"Then, have faith." The ghost says.
"I do." Kira says.
"I know. Yet… you're afraid… of what will happen when Umbra decides to show herself again." the ghost says.
"Yes, Bastila, I'm afraid. The Empress will come for me. I just know it." Kira says.
"I agree. Be careful when you face her. She knows you. She knows your strengths and… your weaknesses. She knows there is anger within you and she will prey on that." Bastila says.
"So, the visions are right. I will face her." Kira says.
"It is… inevitable. Now, I must warn you. I have foreseen a… complication that could have drastic consequences. You will face your greatest trial. You will face… defeat." Bastila says.
"We're… going to lose?" Kira asks.
"I'm afraid so. That being said, there is still a chance. A very small chance… for victory." Bastila answers.
"We're going to lose… and we're going to win? That doesn't make any sense." Kira says.
"Perhaps not yet, but… it will at the proper time. You will have a chance to defeat Umbra, once and for all, but only if you do exactly as I say when the time comes." Bastila says.
"I… don't understand." Kira says.
"I know you don't, but I can't give you any more answers. Not yet anyway. I ask you… to trust me." Bastila says.
"I do." Kira says.
"Thank you. I'm doing my best, but even I have limits. Umbra… is essentially the dark side itself. Her influence over the force is quite strong." Bastila says.
"So, you think she's… blocking you from learning more?" Kira asks.
"I'm certain of it." Bastila answers.
"That could be a problem." Kira says.
"That… is an understatement. Without knowing more, I have no idea what's going to happen beyond the few vague things I've told you." Bastila says.
"So, I guess… we just keep on doing what we're doing until Umbra shows herself again. Then, we'll hit her with everything we've got and hope for the best." Kira says.
"I admit… the odds are not in your favor, and you still have much to learn. That being said, I believe in you. Despite his past errors in judgement, I believe in Ben Solo as well. He has worked hard to become what he is now." Bastila says.
"I can't imagine my life without him. With Ben, I feel… complete." Kira says.
"You are meant for each other. It is the will of the force for you to be together. Your love for Ben Solo is what brought him back from the dark side. Just as Revan once did for me." Bastila says.
"I can't imagine you falling to the dark side. You seem so wise and disciplined." Kira says.
"I was… very young and naive in those days. In my arrogance, I believed myself to be the perfect Jedi, a blind follower of the code, and the council. After my experience with the dark side, I realized… I was wrong. Jedi are capable of making mistakes, just like anyone else, and it is sheer arrogance to cut ourselves off from feelings that are… simply part of our nature. Remember, no one… is too good to fall." Bastila says.
"I will. Thank you… for helping me. For being here for me." Kira says.
"You're welcome, Kira." Bastila says. As she speaks to Kira, a blonde woman in her forties enters the area. She is dressed in a brown jacket and gray pants. This is Juno Eclipse, Kira's mother. Juno stops walking, and leans against a nearby railing. Kira spots her mother.
I'm glad to have my mother back, but… Ahsoka paid a high price for it. Damn, I miss her. Kira thinks.
"Go on. Spend time with your mother. I'll see you tomorrow." Bastila says.
"Later, Bastila." Kira says. Bastila nods, then vanishes. Kira approaches her mother. Juno approaches.
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Juno asks.
"No. All done." Kira answers.
"Good. I just got off duty, and thought I'd swing by." Juno says.
"Checking up on me?" Kira asks.
"Of course. You may be twenty one years old, and an all powerful Jedi Knight, but I am still your mother, and I am making up for lost time." Juno answers. Kira smiles, then embraces her mother.
"It's alright." Kira says.
"Well, we've got about forty minutes until dinner. I wonder what we're having. I believe it's… Hera's turn to cook this time, if I remember right." Juno says.
"Should be good then." Kira says.
"Yes, I think so. Unless Chopper decides to 'help'. Then, it will be a total disaster." Juno says. Kira chuckles.
"Yeah, then we'd just have to order takeout or something." Kira says. Juno shakes her head.
"Please. I've had enough takeout for the month." Juno says.
"Me too." Kira says.
"Come on. We should probably get there before your Uncle Zeb eats everything." Juno says.
"Right with you." Kira says. The two women start walking side by side, with Juno putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
My mother… came back to me. My father, my mother, and me… all together again. I will enjoy every moment of this, and I will thank Ahsoka every day for the rest of my life. Kira thinks.