Kira Bridger and Ben Solo have been sent to the distant past. Roughly 3900 years. They now find themselves on the planet Tython, where they have encountered the former Jedi, Bastila Shan, now leading an order called the Knights of Revan. In their own time, Kira and Ben know Bastila as a Force Ghost, who appears to them to advise and train them. The version of Bastila they now find themselves with is far different- a woman of advanced age who has never met either of them. However, she knows why the two young knights have been sent to her, and she has accepted her role as their guide during their time in the past.
The planet Tython is a lightly populated, mountainous world located within the galaxy's deep core, a region of space that is filled with asteroid fields and other navigational hazards. The sole hyperspace route to Tython is unknown to the Old Republic, and will remain unknown for many years to come.
Kira and Ben accompany Bastila as she leads them through the temple of the Knights of Revan. Eventually, they reach a massive, underground chamber. In the center of this room is a small, circular area where two teenage boys are engaged in a practice duel, fighting each other with wooden swords. Their duel is being observed by several people, dressed in black and red outfits of varying styles.
"This is our training area. The pit you see ahead is used for saber practice." Bastila says.
"Everybody's wearing black and red just like you." Kira says.
"Those are the colors of our order. It's not required, but it is encouraged." Bastila says.
"To honor Revan, I'd assume." Kira says.
"Yes. Now, come. I will introduce you to our Training Master and second-in-command." Bastila says.
Bastila approaches a dark haired woman, who is facing away from Kira and Ben, observing the two boys as they practice.
"Inara… we have guests." Bastila says.
The dark haired woman turns to face Kira and Ben.
The hair's different… but she looks just like Vastia! Kira thinks.
"Kira, Ben, this is my granddaughter, Inara Shan." Bastila says.
"So… these are the two you've been expecting." Inara says.
"Indeed. Kira Bridger and Ben Solo. They are going to be with us for a while." Bastila says.
"A while? How long will that be?" Inara asks.
"I don't know, Inara. They will be here… until their task is complete." Bastila says.
"They are outsiders. They should not be allowed to roam the temple without escort. I will summon HK-47." Inara says.
"No. Kira and Ben will have full access to the temple… without escort. As we already decided." Bastila says.
"Very well." Inara says.
This Inara… her voice is even the same as Vastia's. This… is going to take some getting used to. Kira thinks. Inara observes Kira and Ben, appearing to study them.
"I sense some unease from you both. It's so strong, you're practically broadcasting your emotions. Is there something wrong?" Inara asks.
"It's nothing. It's just… you remind us of someone." Ben answers.
"An enemy. You look just like her. Same voice even." Kira says.
"I see. Since you are from the future, I believe it is reasonable to conclude… that this enemy of yours is a descendant of mine." Inara says.
"She is. Or, I should say was. She's dead now. I know you're not her, but your face is exactly the same. So is the voice. It's going to be… strange for me." Kira says.
"I felt quite strong emotions from you when you saw my face. This… descendant of mine was a great source of trauma for you, wasn't she?" Inara asks.
"You could say that." Kira answers.
"You… hated her." Vastia says.
Is she reading our thoughts? Kira thinks. Inara looks at Ben.
"As for you… when you were a servant of evil, this… descendant gained great favor with the dark lord you served, and… " Inara says. She stops speaking when Bastila raises a hand.
"That's enough, Inara! You are not to read their thoughts again! Is that clear?" Bastila asks.
"I was just following protocol. Your protocol, by the way. All visitors are to be scanned." Inara says.
"I understand that, but… we have to make an exception in this case. I don't want you learning something you shouldn't. They are from the future. Our future. That is not something we should know. I only know what I need to know to help them on their quest. Perhaps we may learn more in time. But, only if the force allows it." Bastila says.
"You read our minds… without permission." Ben says.
"Other than myself, Inara is the strongest among us. Her greatest gift is her ability to read thoughts and emotions. It has become second nature to her. She may be… overzealous at times, but she did not mean any harm." Bastila says.
"I apologize for the intrusion, but… I had to be sure you were who you appear to be. I am simply following our protocol for all visitors. I do not know either of you, so I had to be certain of your intentions." Inara says.
"They are not enemies. They are not spies. We can trust them, Inara." Bastila says.
"I realize that now, but… I was just doing what I felt was necessary. It's my job to keep this order safe, after all." Inara says.
"That's my job, Inara." Bastila says.
"You can't do it alone, grandmother. You need help. You're not as young as you used to be." Inara says.
"Oh? I'm old? I hadn't noticed. Thank you for reminding me. Now, let's move on to why we're actually here before my feeble old mind forgets what I'm supposed to be doing." Bastila says.
"Grandmother…" Inara says.
"Relax, Inara. I was only joking." Bastila says.
"Hard to tell with you sometimes." Inara says.
"Then, I am doing my job. I have to keep you sharp after all. Now, onto business. I brought Kira and Ben here for a reason. They need to be tested. Clear the arena." Bastila says. Inara nods, then turns to face the two boys practicing.
"Jaren! Toral! That'll be enough for now! Put away your gear, then I want you to run five laps around the temple!" Inara says.
"Laps? We're supposed to be here for another hour!" One of the boys says.
"I know that, but grandmother needs the arena! You can finish your exercises once she's done here." Inara says.
"But, mom!" The boy says.
"Now, Jaren." Inara says.
"But, I hate running laps!" Jaren says.
"Jaren Shan, you listen to your mother this instant, young man!" Bastila says.
"Now, Jaren! I will not ask again!" Inara says.
"Fine!" Jaren says.
"I will be timing you. T5!" Inara says. A nearby astromech rolls to Inara, and utters several beeps.
"Oh, great! You're going to have the droid go with us?" Jaren asks.
"T5-B4… will follow you, and make sure you complete your laps. Now, move it!" Inara says.
After putting their gear away, the two boys leave the training room, followed by T5-B4.
"I'm sorry you had to see that. My son can be a bit of a handful at times. He's fifteen, which means he thinks he knows everything." Inara says.
"I think everybody goes through that when they're that age." Ben says.
"True. He'll grow out of it eventually. He just needs a firm hand every now and then." Inara says.
"Indeed. Kira and Ben, if you are ready, please enter the circle." Bastila says.
Kira and Ben do as instructed, and enter the training pit. Inara follows suit.
"Alright. Let's start with…" Inara says. She stops speaking when Bastila raises her hand.
"That won't be necessary. They're not children, Inara. They have faced war. They have fought Sith Lords. They have been knighted by their master. There will be no need for drills." Bastila says.
"Then, what do you have in mind?" Inara asks.
"They are going to fight." Bastila answers.
"I see your point. Kira and Ben, grab yourselves training sticks, and let's get started." Inara says.
"No training sticks. They'll use their actual weapons." Bastila says.
"Very well. Ready your sabers." Inara says. She takes her lightsaber from her belt, and activates its purple blade. KIra and Ben follow suit, and ready their sabers.
"Not you." Bastila says.
"Why not? This is what I do! I've been Training Master for eight years!" Inara says.
"I'm not doubting your ability, Inara. It's just… I need to know exactly what I am working with here. So, they will fight… me." Bastila says. She drops her cane, and pulls out her lightsaber. Then, she charges toward Kira and Ben with great speed. Not expecting this, Kira and Ben barely manage to block Bastila's strike.
Okay… she's stronger than I expected. Kira thinks.
"Good. A true knight is always prepared." Bastila says.
"What in blazes are you doing? Are you out of your mind? " Inara asks.
"This… is not the time to argue!" Bastila says.
"You're going to hurt yourself!" Inara says.
"We'll see! Kira! Ben! Attack me!" Bastila says.
I know she's testing us, but… she's old. We need to go easy on her. Kira thinks.
Bastila backs off. Kira and Ben ready their weapons, then advance. As they have no wish to actually injure their aged mentor, they attack slowly. Bastila suddenly uses the force to throw them both to the floor.
"What… was that?" Bastila asks. Kira and Ben get to their feet.
"This is practice, right?" Kira asks.
"Oh, I see. You're worried you'll injure me? I don't need your pity! I may be old, but I am no invalid! Fight me, and don't hold back!" Bastila says.
"You mean… attack you full force, like a real fight?" Kira asks.
"Yes! Fight me like you mean it!" Bastila answers. Inara steps in front of Bastila.
"No!" Inara says.
"I welcome your input Inara, but… this is my call." Bastila says.
"Your last sparring session put you in a bacta tank, and you haven't exactly gotten any younger since then!" Inara says.
"I'm not dead yet, Inara. You worry too much." Bastila says.
"I worry because you're my grandmother and I love you." Inara says. Bastila switches off her lightsaber, and takes Inara's hand.
"I love you too, Inara. I ask you… please, allow this. The force is telling me… that this must happen." Bastila says.
"Alright. I don't like this… at all. But, alright." Inara says.
Inara steps aside, and takes a seat on a nearby bench.
"I may be old, but the Force still fights with me! Now, attack!" Bastila says.
Kira and Ben advance once more. This time, they attack with full effort. Bastila blocks both of their sabers, seeming to be very agile despite her advanced age.
"Good teamwork. You fight as one. But, keep in mind, you cannot always rely on each other. There may come a time when one of you is alone, and must depend solely on yourself. You have each other now, but nothing lasts forever. Now, again!" Bastila says.
Kira and Ben ready their sabers, and engage Bastila once more. As they duel, Bastila's appearance suddenly changes. She now appears to be in her fifties, and attired in brown and gold Jedi robes instead of her usual black and red.
"What the hell?" Ben asks.
As Kira and Ben are distracted by her sudden change in appearance, Bastila attacks them both. Unprepared to defend themselves, Kira and Ben are knocked to the floor.
"Surely you've heard of Force Projection?" Bastila asks. Her voice is different, now matching her younger appearance.
'Yeah, we have. But, not like this. Even your voice is different." Kira answers.
"You project the false image over yourself… like a disguise." Ben says.
"Correct. On top of that, I can use any form I wish. Perhaps… something you're more familiar with." Bastila says. Her appearance changes yet again. Now, she appears to be in her twenties, resembling her force ghost appearance in Kira and Ben's time.
"You're going to have to teach us that trick." Kira says.
"I will. In time. For now, ready yourselves. We're going to try something more advanced." Bastila says, as she returns to her normal, elderly appearance.
"More advanced? What else do you have in mind?" Ben asks.
"Attack me, and find out." Bastila answers.
Kira and Ben ready their sabers, then advance. Suddenly, a floating lightsaber appears out of nowhere, and flies toward Kira. She smacks it away, then her secondary saber floats away from her belt and activates.
"I can do that too." Kira says.
"Oh, I'm not done yet." Bastila says.
Six more lightsabers emerge from a nearby weapons rack, and float toward Bastila. The sabers activate as they begin to circle around her.
"That's new." Ben says.
"It's hard enough doing that with one saber! But six?" Kira asks.
"Things are only as difficult as we believe them to be." Bastila answers.
The floating lightsabers suddenly advance toward Kira and Ben. They try their best to fight the sabers, but are quickly overwhelmed. As Kira and Ben go down, the weapons continue to attack them, leaving numerous small burns. Eventually, Bastila stops her attack, and the lightsabers deactivate as they float back to where they came from. Kira and Ben slowly get to their feet, in obvious pain.
"I admit that it is a hard lesson to learn, but pain can be a powerful teacher. As I often say to my students- no pain, no gain. You will learn from this. You will grow from this." Bastila says.
"If you're just going to beat the hell out of them, I could have done that for you! There was no need for any of this!" Inara says.
"Stop worrying, Inara. I'm fine." Bastila says.
"If you say so. Although I don't agree with her decision to fight you, grandmother is correct. Pain is a powerful teacher. We endure it. We overcome it." Inara says.
"Is it really necessary to go so far?" Kira asks.
'I believe it is. My methods are harsh. I admit that. But… my task is to prepare you for the greatest challenge that anyone has ever faced. The fate of the galaxy is on your shoulders." Bastila says.
"We know the stakes. If we fail… it's all over." Kira says.
"Good. I'm glad you understand that. I realize you are in pain right now. Pain I have caused. For that, I am sorry. But, I am doing what I believe I have to do. I will ask nothing of you that I wouldn't ask of myself." Bastila says. She reactivates her lightsaber, then touches the blade with her free hand.
"What the hell?" Kira asks.
"You are in pain. Now… I am as well." Bastila answers.
"Grandmother, stop!" Inara says.
"I am no better… than those I teach. What they… endure, I will endure!" Bastila says.
Bastila continues to touch the blade, burning her hand. Inara walks to her grandmother, and presses her right hand against the blade.
"What… are you doing?" Bastila asks.
"I will not let you face this pain alone." Inara answers.
"Let go, Inara." Bastila says.
"No. Your pain is my pain. You hurt yourself just to prove a point? So be it. I will share the burden." Inara says.
"I… forbid it! Let go… of the saber!" Bastila says.
"You first." Inara says.
After a moment's hesitation, Bastila takes her hand away from the blade, and Inara does the same. Bastila then deactivates the lightsaber and puts it away.
"You… are as stubborn as your grandfather." Bastila says, as she recalls her cane.
"I learned from you, didn't I?" Inara asks.
"Perhaps. I think we are done for the day. Kira and Ben, we've arranged quarters for you. But, first, I think a visit to a bacta tank is in order. Inara, please… escort them to the infirmary." Bastila says.
"You and I… have some order business to discuss. I'll call for one of the servant droids." Inara says.
"Alright." Bastila says. Inara takes out a comlink.
"CR-7, come to the training room, and… bring a hoverchair." Inara says into the comlink.
"A hoverchair? Is that really necessary?" Bastila asks.
"Yes, it is. I insist." Inara says.
"So be it. While we are waiting for the droid… let's discuss how you did." Bastila says.
"Alright. How did we do?" Kira asks.
"We may have a long way to go, but… not bad. You both are clearly well experienced in combat, and I am… impressed with your teamwork. There will be more tests of this nature in the days to come. Yes, I'm afraid there will be more visits to the bacta tank as well." Bastila says.
"If that's what it takes, then… that's what it takes." Kira says.
"You are not children. I will not treat you as such. My lessons will be difficult. Even harsh. But, I believe my methods are necessary." Bastila says.
At this moment, a gray, humanoid droid enters the room, and approaches Inara.
"You summoned me, Mistress Inara?" The droid asks.
"Yes, CR-7. Please escort our guests to the infirmary." Inara answers.
"Of course, mistress. If you will please follow me, I will show you to the infirmary." CR-7 says.
"I suggest you get plenty of rest. We have a great deal of work ahead of us, and I like to start early. See you at 0600." Bastila says.
"Of course. See you then." Kira says.
CR-7 leads Kira and Ben out of the training area. Inara helps Bastila to the hoverchair brought by the droid.
"There you go. You see this thing? It's called a hoverchair! You need to be using it. At your age, and condition, you don't need to be walking around all the time!" Inara says.
"Don't baby me! I know what I'm doing!" Bastila says.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Inara asks.
"You're being overly dramatic, don't you think? I am fine. This will heal." Bastila answers, as she shows Inara the burns on her hand. Inara takes her grandmother's hand, and uses the Force to heal it.
"You shouldn't have done that! You're exhausted, and Force knows what this little workout will do to your heart! Let me handle the saber training from now on!" Inara says.
"This task… has been placed before me, and I will see it through to the end." Bastila says.
"It's end… or yours?" Inara asks.
"Whichever comes first. My fate… will be my fate. You can't stop fate. We live when we live, and we die… when we die." Bastila says.
"You know… you really depress me sometimes." Inara says.
"When you live as long as I have, and been through what I have, you become a realist. What I say may be depressing, but it is absolute, unfiltered truth. If my words bring you pain, I am sorry for that, but… I believe what I believe." Bastila says.
"I know you don't mean to hurt me, but all this talk about fate and death…" Inara says.
"You are the only thing left in this world that means a damn to me. My friends… gone. My son… gone. My husband… gone. Nothing lasts forever. I'm tired. So tired. I've lived too long. It should be me in the ground. Not your father. Not my boy. But… it is the way it is. I know that one day… I will be with him again. I will be with your grandfather again. Then, I will be complete." Bastila says.
"I'm going to be blunt with you." Inara says.
"I expect nothing less. You are Revan's granddaughter after all. Oh, force… he would love you." Bastila says.
"You are one hundred and eight years old. Most people don't even make it to ninety! You've extended your life with that damn stone! Whenever you connect to it… time stops for you." Inara says.
"I am well aware of that." Bastila says.
"My point is…even though you are years younger than you should be, you… really need to take it easy." Inara says.
"You think I'm too old to lead this order? You think I should retire?" Bastila asks.
"Yes, I do. Father thought so too." Inara answers.
"I know. We had that conversation many times over the last ten years or so. Now, he's gone, and I'm still here. Yes, dammit! I am too old! Yes, I should retire! But, I can't. My work isn't done yet." Bastila says.
"Why not? Is it because your future self appeared to you during a vision and told you so?" Inara asks.
"That is exactly why. When I saw her… I saw my future. She is… like I used to be. Whole. Everyone she lost, she got them back… for all of eternity. Someday, that will be me. So, I will do whatever is necessary to make certain that future comes to pass. No matter the cost." Bastila answers.
"Even if it kills you?" Inara asks.
"Yes." Bastila answers.
"Haven't you done enough?" Inara asks.
"You are more than welcome to assist me, but I will oversee Kira and Ben's training while they are with us. I am doing this, Inara. And that's final." Bastila answers.
"I don't agree with this, but… alright." Inara says.