Kira Bridger, Ben Solo, Jyn Erso, and Finn are in the World Between Worlds, having just escaped from the Sith Lord, Darth Umbra. Now, they find themselves standing before a group of force ghosts, who are debating what to do next. As these ghosts are not actually physical beings, they float several feet above as they commune with one another using the force. After several minutes of silence, most of the ghosts vanish, while the rest return to the ground. Only five remain- Bastila Shan, Revan, Ashoka Tano, Kanan Jarrus, and The Exile. Bastila, the group's de facto leader, steps forward to address the four heroes.
"Now that most of us are in agreement, we can proceed as planned." Bastila says.
"What exactly is the plan?" Kira asks.
"The four of you… have been chosen for a very important task. You will be sent in pairs to two different points in the past. There, you will learn what you need to learn." Bastila answers.
"In each time period, you will also find an artifact that will be necessary for the final confrontation with the Sith." Revan says.
"What kind of artifacts?" Kira asks.
"The staff that you carry… is not the only one of its kind. There is another. Difficult to obtain, but not impossible." Ahsoka answers.
"Even in the correct time, you will still have to find the staff. And… you'll have to earn it." Bastila says.
"Earn it?" Ben asks.
"If you're not properly bonded to it, the staff is little more than a worthless stick." Ahsoka answers.
"How do we… bond to it?" Ben asks.
"You'll find that out once you're there. Jyn Erso and Finn… recovering the other artifact will fall to the two of you." Bastila says.
"What exactly will we be looking for?" Jyn asks.
"A very unique weapon, constructed by the ancient Dai-Bendu over thirty thousand years ago. A hammer… of great power and strength. A perfect weapon… for whosoever proves worthy of it." Bastila answers.
"Okay… magic hammer. How exactly do we prove ourselves worthy?" Finn asks.
"You'll learn that from your guide once you get to your destination." Bastila answers.
"Guide? You mean… you won't be helping us?" Jyn asks.
"We are helping you." Kanan answers.
"At least, some of us are." Ahsoka says.
"Why do we need a guide, then? Why can't you just tell us what we need to know?" Jyn asks.
"Because there would be no challenge for you. And you must be challenged. You must be tested. Our trials only make us stronger. That will be the case with you." The Exile answers.
"It will be difficult, but… this is how things must be." Bastila says.
"When we go to these different times, we need someone who lives there to help us, don't we?" Kira asks.
"There will be someone from each time period that will help you on your mission. We have already made contact with these individuals, and given them the information they need. They know that you are from another time, and that you are fighting a great evil." Ahsoka answers.
"Both of them were once Jedi, but now walk different paths. They will be great resources for you. Trust them. Use their wisdom. Learn from them. Perhaps… you will teach them as well." Bastila says.
"What can we possibly teach them?" Jyn asks.
"You will see." Bastila answers. Kira glances at the Exile, who has mostly remained a silent observer.
This one… hasn't even shown her face, and has hardly said a word. Why so mysterious? Kira thinks.
"I sense… that you have questions for me. Ask, and I will answer." The Exile says.
"You're the Exile, aren't you? The one who fought Darth Traya, Darth Nihilus, and Darth Sion." Kira says.
"I am." The Exile says.
"There are several entries in the Jedi records about you. However, not one of them mentions your name. It's like… someone erased your identity." Kira says.
"That would be the Jedi Council, about a century after my death. Besides, my name doesn't matter. Call me Exile. That… is what I am." The Exile says.
"Your name matters! That's who you are!" Kira says.
"Is it? I accomplished far more as the Exile than I ever did as the young fool who followed Revan and Malak into the Mandalorian Wars. No offense." The Exile says, looking at Revan.
"None taken. We were wrong. Our actions during that war led to a great evil being unleashed upon the galaxy. You were fortunate to not fall as I did." Revan says.
"I fell. Maybe not in the same way you did, but I did fall." The Exile says.
"The same one was responsible in both of our cases." Revan says.
"Traya, who was actually Darth Umbra the entire time. It appears she deceived me twice." The Exile says.
"Deceived you twice?" Ben asks.
"She presented herself to me as a mentor and friend. She helped me as I tracked down the surviving Jedi Masters, and worked toward reforming the Jedi Order, so that we could defeat the Sith Lords hell bent on conquering the galaxy. Of course, I failed. Traya… double crossed me and killed the masters. The order… didn't reform until after my death. Of course, my failure paved the way for Bastila. She would become the Grandmaster that the order needed at that time." The Exile says.
"I was the Grandmaster, but my fellow Jedi had begun to repeat the mistakes of the past, and they wanted to turn back to the old ways that had failed them. I couldn't be a part of that, so I left. I created my own order, and my students were taught according to what I believed was right. Did I make mistakes? Yes. Many. But… that's life. We make mistakes. We learn. We grow." Bastila says.
"As we… have to grow." Kira says.
"I know that all of you have faced hardship in your lives, and I know that all of you are in pain right now. Pain and loss… are a part of life. When we lose someone we love, we can choose to dwell on that pain until it consumes us, or we can accept that there are things we cannot change. We can choose to move on, and live our lives as best as we can. Long ago, I struggled with this, as you now do. I can only say… do your best, and believe in yourself." Bastila says.
"That's the challenge, isn't it? Do the best we can, and have faith?" Kira asks.
"That's right. The four of you are here now, because you have a very special journey ahead of you. Come. Let's get you to your portals." Bastila answers.
"Good luck, young knights." The Exile says. She bows her head briefly, then vanishes.
"So, are you going to tell them about…" Revan says.
"I will tell them what they need to know. They will learn the rest on their journey." Bastila says.
"Very well. I hope this plan of yours works. This… is a desperate gamble at best." Revan says.
"Fortunately, I learned from a master gambler, didn't I?" Bastila asks.
"And who is this… 'master gambler'?" Revan asks.
"Oh, he's a complete pain in the ass, but he does have his redeeming qualities. From time to time." Bastila answers.
"It's been a long road, hasn't it?" Revan asks.
"Indeed. We have been through so much." Bastila answers.
"One day… we will rest." Revan says.
"One day. For now, there is work to be done." Bastila says.
"Then, I'll let you get to it. Kira… Ben… Jyn… Finn… the path ahead will be difficult… and strange. But, you will learn. You will grow. Good luck." Revan says. He vanishes soon after, leaving Bastila, Ahsoka, and Kanan as the only remaining force ghosts.
Kira, Ben, Jyn, and Finn are led to a portal, guided by Bastila, Ahsoka, and Kanan.
"Jyn and Finn… this one will lead to your destination." Bastila says.
"Where are we going?" Jyn asks.
"From your point of view, about fifty years ago." Bastila answers.
"It'll be a few years after the end of the Clone Wars. The Empire will be at its height. It'll be a dangerous time for you both." Ahsoka says.
"It would be best if you kept your abilities concealed. Don't use the force. Unless you have no other choice." Kanan says.
"Fifty years ago… we'll have to watch out for Inquisitors and Purge Troopers, won't we?" Jyn asks.
"That's right. Do not engage them. Do not draw any unnecessary attention to yourselves." Ahsoka says.
"If you do, you may alter history. The consequences could be… catastrophic." Bastila says.
"So, we're recovering two artifacts. One of them is a staff, identical to the one that Kira now has. I'm guessing Ben is getting that one. As for the hammer, I'd guess it's for Finn or myself. So, one of us gets nothing, and with my luck, it'll probably be me. Why exactly am I here? Why couldn't I just die with the rest?" Jyn asks.
"You have so little faith." Bastila says.
"It's kind of hard to have faith right now." Jyn says.
"I know, but you have to try. Your life has been hard, and filled with pain. But you are here now. You carry great sadness and anger within you. Surely you have been warned of the dangers of that." Bastila says.
"I know. Anger leads to the dark side." Jyn says.
"It's not quite as simple as that. A single emotion will not lead you to the dark side, but your actions will. I once… struggled greatly with my anger, and… for a short time, I fell." Bastila says.
"It wasn't your fault! You were tortured!" Kira says.
"That's no excuse, Kira. I fell, because I was naive. My will was not strong enough to resist the temptation that the dark side offered. All of you must be very careful. You could all potentially fall to the dark side. Jyn Erso, you are in the most danger of all. That is why I am most concerned for you." Bastila says.
"If that's the case, then what can I do?" Jyn asks.
"Let go… of the pain. Let go… of the hate. You're dwelling on the death of your mother. You've allowed that moment to define you. Until you confront that moment, and accept it, you will never find peace." Bastila answers.
"I'd really rather not discuss that if you don't mind." Jyn says.
"It's okay, Jyn. She's just trying to help." Kira says.
"I'm fine." Jyn says.
"No you're not. None of us are." Kira says.
"I don't know what the hell we're doing here, so I'd rather just get on with it, and get back into the fight!" Jyn says.
"Always so eager to fight." Bastila says.
"Stop trying to analyze me! You don't know me!" Jyn says.
"Jyn…" Kira says.
"As I said earlier, I have been watching you for some time, Jyn Erso. I do not know your thoughts, but I know your actions. You want the Empire to pay for what happened to your parents. You want them to pay for the life they stole from you. This… is an obsession, and that can be very dangerous for those who use the force. Take great care, or it may destroy you." Bastila says.
Kira takes Jyn's hand, and Jyn seems to relax.
"You're just trying to help, and I'm being stubborn. I'm sorry." Jyn says.
"It's alright. You're angry. It's understandable. You have every right to be angry. Just… don't feed on that emotion. Trust me on that, okay?" Bastila asks.
"Yeah. I'll work on it." Jyn says.
'That's all any of us can do, and I wish you luck." Bastila says.
"Thank you." Jyn says.
"You're welcome. Now, it's time for you to go through the portal. I suggest you take a moment to say your goodbyes. It will be… a while before you return." Bastila says.
Jyn walks to Kira, and the two women begin speaking. Meanwhile, Finn remains at the portal, with the three force ghosts.
"So… I'm supposed to end up with some kind of… magic hammer? Why me? I'm nobody." Finn says.
"You're not nobody, Finn. You are a warrior. You believe in freedom, and you fight for what is right." Ahsoka says.
"I agree. I have been observing you for a while now. You spent most of your life as a slave to the First Order, yet… you overcame that. Now, you are becoming what you are meant to be. You will learn more about that in due time." Bastila says.
"For now, your job is simple. Support Jyn Erso. Be her friend. That's something she needs right now. The rest… will tend to itself." Kanan says.
"Alright." Finn says. He looks toward Kira, who is speaking with Jyn.
"You should go say goodbye. It'll be a while before you see her again." Ahsoka says.
Finn walks to Kira, and watches as she continues to talk with Jyn..
"It's been hard adjusting to a new time, but you've been a big help. Thank you." Jyn says.
"You're welcome. Take care of yourself, Jyn. I'll see you… when I see you." Kira says.
The two women embrace, then, Jyn approaches the portal, while Finn remains to speak with Kira.
"I'm going to miss you." Kira says.
"I have no idea what's about to happen. Will we even see each other again?" Finn asks.
"We will. I don't know what's going to happen, but I know that much." Kira answers.
"A feeling?" Finn asks.
"Yeah." Kira answers.
"I hope you're right." Finn says.
"Me too." Kira says.
Kira and Finn embrace, and Kira starts to cry. The two friends hesitate as they very slowly separate. Ben approaches, and wraps his arm around Kira.
"You… take care of her." Finn says.
"I will. You have my word." Ben says.
Kira trusts you, so… I will too." Finn says.
"I'm not Kylo Ren anymore. I'm sorry if you can't see that." Ben says.
"You're not, are you? I guess we were both slaves to the First Order." Finn says.
"We're free now." Ben says.
"Yeah, I guess so." Finn says. Ben extends his hand toward Finn. Finn hesitantly reaches out, and the two men shake hands.
"Good luck, Finn." Ben says.
"You too… Ben." Finn says.
Kira and Ben watch as Finn walks toward the portal, where Jyn is speaking to the ghosts.
"Before you go, I have… a warning. Jyn Erso, you will be tempted… to kill. No matter what, you must not interfere. The events you will see must play out as history records them." Bastila says.
"What are you talking about? How will I know what's supposed to happen?" Jyn asks.
"You will know… because you have been there before." Bastila answers.
"Been there before? So… it's my past?" Jyn asks.
"Perhaps." Bastila answers.
"So… not even a hint?" Jyn asks.
"You have all the information you need. You'll be fine. Now, go. May the force be with you." Bastila answers.
"Alright then. Finn, are you ready?" Jyn asks.
"Whenever you are." Finn answers.
"Okay. Let's get to work." Jyn says.
Jyn and Finn approach the portal. It opens, revealing a rocky, rainy landscape which seems to go on forever. After a moment, the two walk through as the others watch.
"Kira… Ben… if you'll follow us, please." Bastila says.
Kira and Ben are led to another portal a short distance away.
"Where does this one go?" Kira asks.
"An age that the galaxy has long forgotten. The stories of those that lived in this time are now considered to be legends. There is even some debate about whether or not certain people ever existed." Bastila answers.
"So… it's a long time ago." Ben says.
"A very long time. Centuries ago in fact. But… this is where you must go." Bastila says.
"Not only will you acquire the staff, you will also find additional training." Ahsoka says.
"The training will be… difficult, and it will take a long time. But… I believe it will be worth it." Bastila says.
"A long time? Like… how long? Days? Weeks?" Kira asks.
"More like… years." Bastila answers.
"Years?" Kira asks.
"I'm sorry, Kira. This is the only way." Bastila answers.
"You have to be ready, or you'll fail. What have I told you… about patience?" Ahsoka asks.
"That it's something I need to work on." Kira answers.
"Remember that. Where you're going… you'll need patience. Your training will take… as long as it takes." Ahsoka says.
"I just saw my parents die. If I can undo that, then… I'll do whatever I have to do. No matter how long it takes." Ben says.
"Same here." Kira says.
"Good. I think you're ready. One last thing. Some advice… concerning your guide." Bastila says.
"You said something earlier about our guides being former Jedi." Kira says.
"Indeed. As for her name, you will learn that soon enough. I will tell you this much. She will be a difficult teacher. Her faith has been somewhat… shaken. But… give her time. She will come around. Eventually. Perhaps… she will learn from you as well." Bastila says.
"I'm not sure I understand." Kira says.
"You will." Bastila says.
"Okay. I trust you." Kira says.
"Things will get better, Kira. Have faith. The same goes for you, Ben." Bastila says.
"You're asking a lot." Ben says.
"I know." Bastila says.
"Believe in yourselves, and each other." Ahsoka says.
"Will we… be able to contact you?" Kira asks.
"We won't be able to appear to you, because we can't let anyone from that time see us." Ahsoka answers.
"However... There will be a way for you to contact us. Your guide will explain it to you." Bastila says.
"So, this guide is aware of you?" Kira asks.
"Yes. Our first conversation was… awkward to say the least." Bastila answers.
"Why's that?" Kira asks.
"You'll find out." Bastila answers.
"So, I guess we just find out everything later, then." Kira says.
"Kira… you need to slow down. Enjoy life. Enjoy every moment, and live in it for as long as you can. You will have your answers when you have them." Ahsoka says.
"It's a little hard to enjoy anything right now." Kira says.
"Have faith." Ahsoka says.
"I'll try." Kira says.
"You're ready. It's time for us to say goodbye now." Ahsoka says.
"I hate goodbyes." Kira says.
"Then, how about… until next time?" Kanan asks.
"I can live with that. Until next time." Kira answers. Kanan embraces her, then vanishes. Ahsoka puts a hand on her shoulder.
"You'll be alright, Kira. The pain… will pass. Give it time." Ahsoka says.
"Okay. I'll make sure to work on that patience you're always telling me about." Kira says. Ahsoka chuckles.
"That's my girl. Remember… have faith." Ahsoka says.
"I will." Kira says. Ahsoka embraces her. Then, she vanishes, leaving Bastila as the only remaining force ghost.
"I'll be here when you get back." Bastila says.
"Since time doesn't really matter here, I guess… you won't have to wait long." Kira says.
"It'll be like you never left." Bastila says.
"We're not… heading into a war, are we?" Ben asks.
"You have no need to worry about that. I wouldn't endanger either of you, unless there were no other choice. Fortunately, the time you will be going to… hasn't seen war in decades. Your training might seem dangerous from time to time, but your lives will not be threatened." Bastila answers.
"Alright, then. You ready for… whatever?" Ben asks, looking at Kira.
"Yeah. Let's go." Kira answers, as she squeezes his hand.
"Call me, and I will hear you. You will not be alone. Ever." Bastila says.
"Thanks. For everything." Kira says.
"You're welcome." Bastila says.
Kira and Ben approach the portal, which opens. A scene of the past appears before them- a large temple, surrounded by mountains.
"I know that place! I saw it in the archives! That's the Jedi Temple on Tython!" Kira says.
"That's right. Although… I should point out that the archives barely scratch the surface. Especially where this period is concerned." Bastila says.
"So… we'll be with a group of Jedi." Ben says.
"In this time, Tython is hidden from the Republic, and the Jedi. So, the occupants are not Jedi." Bastila says.
"They're Knights of Revan, aren't they?" Kira asks.
"Indeed they are. There is much to be learned there. For both of you." Bastila says.
"We can trust them, can't we?" Kira asks.
"Yes, you can. I guarantee it." Bastila answers.
"Well… I guess… we'd better get to work." Ben says.
"Right with you." Kira says. Bastila puts one hand on Kira's shoulder, and the other on Ben's.
"Good luck. To both of you." Bastila says.
Bastila steps aside. Kira and Ben take each other's hand, and slowly walk into the portal.
I will continue to work on Apocalypse, but updates will be slow for the time being, since I'm also working on other stories. I'm hoping I can do at least one chapter a month, but we'll see how that goes. Thanks for reading.