Our heroes have been sent to different points in history, so that they may learn secrets of the force that will help them defeat Darth Umbra. While Jyn Erso and Finn have been sent back roughly fifty years, Kira Bridger and Ben Solo have been sent further back. Much further...
Kira and Ben emerge from the World Between Worlds. They are thrown into a dark, mysterious room, only lit by candles, which are placed on columns along the walls.
"Ben…" Kira says, as she examines her surroundings.
"Kira? Are you… alright?" Ben asks, from next to her.
"Yeah. You?" Kira asks.
"I'm good." Ben answers, as he helps Kira to her feet.
"Where are we?" Kira asks.
"Where are you? Good question. Another question to ask might be… when are you?" An aged, female voice says from the shadows. Kira and Ben look around for the source, only to see a shadowy, cloaked figure in the distance.
"How do you…" Kira says.
"How do I know? I know all the force allows me to know. Yes, I know that you have come from the distant future. I know who you are, and I have seen your struggle against the darkness. I know that you are here to learn what you need to learn to defeat your enemy. My purpose… is to help you with your quest." The cloaked woman says.
"Kira Bridger." Kira says.
"Ben Solo." Ben says.
"Welcome… to the planet Tython. You are now in the temple… of the Knights of Revan." The woman says.
"Why is it so dark in here?" Kira asks.
"This is my meditation chamber. When I am here, I prefer no distractions. No gadgets. No lights. Just me… the candles… and the Force. Surely you are not afraid of the dark?" The woman says.
"No. Of course not." Kira says.
"Good. Darkness can only have power over us if we allow it to. Of course, you both already know that." The woman says.
"What exactly do you know about us?" Kira asks.
"I know that you have both faced darkness. Especially you, Ben Solo. You nearly allowed it to consume you. Even though you have turned away from that path, your actions remain part of you. You may be forgiven. You may even try to forget. But, what you did… cannot be undone. So it is with me." The woman says.
"You… went to the dark side too?" Ben asks.
"Perhaps. But, enough of that for now. I think an introduction is in order. My old eyes aren't what they once were, so excuse me while I turn on the lights." The woman says. She waves her hand, and the room's overhead lights come on. The mysterious woman is now clearly visible. She pulls back her hood, revealing herself to be a silver haired woman of extreme age.
"That's better. I can actually see you now." Kira says.
"As I can see you. Nice lightsaber by the way." The woman says.
Kira takes out her lightsaber, and shows it to the woman.
"Thanks. The hilt's made from parts of a quarterstaff. And… it can also operate as a blaster." Kira says.
"Impressive. A most unique weapon. However, I was actually referring to your… other lightsaber." The woman says.
Kira puts her saber back on her belt, and takes out her other lightsaber, showing it to the woman.
"I didn't build this one. It belongs to a friend. She said I could have it." Kira says.
"I know all about that saber. And… I know all about your friend. That conversation was… awkward to say the least." The woman says.
"You… know?" Kira asks.
"Yes, I know… because I built that saber!" The woman says, as she produces her own weapon, identical to Kira's secondary lightsaber.
By the force! She's… Kira thinks.
"It's exactly the same." Ben says.
"Bastila?" Kira asks.
"What's left of her." The woman says.
"This is… Bastila? She sent us back… to herself?" Ben asks.
"Looks that way." Kira answers.
"This is frackin' weird." Ben says.
"Actually, what's 'fracking weird' is a future version of myself… all young and beautiful again… appears to me, and tells me an interesting little story about two people from four thousand years in the future who are destined to become my new apprentices." Bastila says.
"So, you not only know who we are, you also know how far we've come back." Kira says.
"I know a great deal. My… counterpart was quite thorough. You are here to learn secrets of the Force, so that you may defeat an immortal Sith Lord, and undo the deaths of everyone you know. From what I understand, it appears we are going to be together for quite some time. But, to be completely honest with you, I do not know why I have been chosen for this task. As you can see, I'm not exactly the youngest person in the room. In fact, I'm older than dirt! Of course, I didn't actually invent dirt, but I was there." Bastila says. Kira laughs, then suddenly covers her mouth in embarrassment.
"Sorry." Kira says.
"It was a joke. If you didn't laugh, I'd have to have your head examined. Humor… is a great ally for those of us who live to the fantastic and youthful age of one hundred and eight." Bastila says.
"You're… a hundred and eight?" Kira asks.
"That's right. Under normal circumstances, humans rarely live so long. But… my aging has been somewhat… delayed. There is a reason for that, and it will be explained soon enough. My physical age is roughly... early nineties. Last I checked anyway. Now, onto business." Bastila says. She gets to her feet, much more quickly than someone of her advanced age should be able to.
"How the…" Kira says.
"You were going to say… how is someone so old able to move so quickly? The Force gives me strength. I do not have the faith in it that I once did, but I know it's there." Bastila answers.
"How do you plan to explain the two of us just suddenly appearing out of nowhere?" Kira asks.
"My knights have been told to expect you. I haven't told them everything, but they do know that you have been sent here by the Force to learn from me." Bastila answers.
Bastila approaches a door, and presses a wall panel next to it. The door opens, revealing a rust colored droid of roughly humanoid shape. The droid looks at Kira and Ben, then raises its blaster rifle.
"Observation. Intruders behind you, master. Query. Do you want me to blast them for you?" The droid asks.
"No, HK. That will not be necessary. These are guests of mine." Bastila says.
"Observation. I have been guarding the only entrance to this area since your arrival two point six hours ago. Query. How did these unauthorized meatbags gain entry?" The droid asks.
"Jedi business. Nothing you need to concern yourself with. You may stand down now." Bastila answers. The droid lowers its rifle.
"Observation. You certainly know how to ruin my day." The droid says.
"If someone's day isn't ruined, I haven't been doing my job, have I? As for our two visitors, I have been expecting them. They are not a threat. You will recognize them as allies. Is that understood?" Bastila asks.
"Acknowledgement. Yes, master." The droid says.
"Very good." Bastila says.
"This… is an HK series assassin droid. I've never seen one intact, but I do know the design. Since you are who you are, I'm guessing this is HK-47." Kira says.
"Indeed. You know of him?" Bastila asks.
"A little bit here and there. I know he was built by Revan, and travelled with you on your mission to find the Star Maps." Kira answers.
"Correct. I didn't particularly care for this droid in my younger days. After Revan… left us… HK-47 apparently ended up with numerous owners. Eventually, he found his way to me. Thanks to a secret protocol installed by Revan, I was able to assert my control of HK, and he has recognized me as his master ever since. I use his services from time to time, but he is essentially my personal guard now." Bastila says.
"You… use his services? You send him on kill missions?" Kira asks.
"Yes, but I only allow him to kill those who actually deserve it. Drug runners. Slave traffickers. The worst of the worst. The nearby sectors are filled with them. Although we have cut ourselves off from the Jedi and the Republic, we still try to do our part in making the galaxy a better place. When I hear of some lowlife scum harming innocents, I cannot allow that to go unpunished. If it becomes necessary, I send HK-47 to deal with it. Distasteful, perhaps. But, in my eyes, it is necessary." Bastila answers.
"I think I understand. Still, why cut yourselves off from the Republic? Couldn't you help them openly? You're a war hero. Surely they would listen to you." Kira says.
"Perhaps the Republic would support us, but… the Jedi wouldn't." Bastila says.
"You used to lead them! Why wouldn't they?" Kira asks.
"You ask a great deal of questions." Bastila answers.
"Sorry, but I'm new here. I'm just trying to understand how things work. Also, I'm curious by nature." Kira says.
"You're somewhat like my granddaughter in that regard. Now, to answer your question. The Knights of Revan is an order that exists as an alternative to the Jedi. We use the force, but we do not conform to the Jedi Code. Our existence is kept secret, because the current members of the Jedi Council would not accept us. If they became aware of our order, they would try to use their authority under Republic law to shut us down. I would prefer that not happen. I have no wish for a confrontation with the Jedi. I left them due to philosophical differences, but they are not my enemies. On the contrary, I wish them the best of luck. The Jedi are a symbol of hope for the galaxy, and most of them are good people. That being said, many of them are now blinded by their devotion to dogma. They see any force user not following their path as a rogue. Which is why… I do not allow my knights to use the force in the presence of outsiders. When travelling the galaxy, they pass themselves off as mercenaries, scientists, or whatever is best suited to their skills. Does that satisfy your curiosity?" Bastila asks.
"Yes, it does. Thank you." Kira answers.
"You're welcome. Now, let's get moving. HK-47… I will be in the training area for a while. You are dismissed." Bastila says.
"Acknowledgement. Understood, master. Observation. If you should require my services, do not hesitate to ask." HK-47 says.
"I will keep that in mind. Now, go." Bastila says. HK-47 walks away.
"You don't act very much like a Jedi these days, do you?" Ben asks.
"I haven't been a Jedi for a long time. Does this… bother you?" Bastila asks.
"No. Just trying to get some perspective here." Ben answers.
"There is one thing that does bother me." Kira says.
"What is that?" Bastila asks.
"I know your other self really well. In fact she's my friend. You… you're different. Your presence in the force… it's darker." Kira answers.
"Let's get one thing clear right now. Although I may one day become her, I am not the same person as your friend. I'm old, I'm tired, and... I have lost so many that were close to me. Even though Jedi training says to let go of those who pass on, I find that very difficult." Bastila says.
"I know. I've been there." Kira says.
"Everyone I know… goes away in the end." Bastila says.
"We live… then we die. That's life. It's hard… but that's just the way it is. There are things we can't change. But… you can't focus on the negative. Surely you have good memories of everyone you've lost. Hold on to that. It… works for me." Kira says.
"Fascinating. I thought I was supposed to be the teacher." Bastila says.
"I'm sorry. I'm just trying to be helpful." Kira says.
"Perhaps you have been. This... is going to be a very interesting relationship, I think. Now, follow me to the training area. It's time for your lessons to begin." Bastila says.
I apologize for the long gap between chapters. A couple of months ago, I got sick with you-know-what. Doing good now, but I'm way behind on everything. Hoping to start regular updates with this story again, and the next chapter is almost done. Should be up in 2-3 weeks. For those of you who have stuck with this story, thanks for your patience.
So, here we are. Another twist thrown your way. Kira and Ben find themselves roughly 80 years after Knights of the Old Republic. Soon, they will meet the Knights of Revan, and their training will begin. Next chapter, we return to Jyn and Finn. For the time being, chapters will alternate between Kira/Ben and Jyn/Finn. The four heroes will not reunite until they complete their quests in the past. This will take a while, so please be patient. Thanks.