With the Knights of Ren defeated, Vala and Arvon turn their attention to the mysterious Star Forge, now seemingly thiers for the taking. Both Jedi are currently in the hangar of the ancient station, where their ships are landed.

"So… you found this… Mandara Ren… dead. You think she might have killed herself?" Arvon asks.

"I don't think that's what happened." Vala answers.

"What do you think happened?" Arvon asks.

"I think it was... force lightning. I think she was killed by another darksider." Vala answers.

"What gives you that idea?" Arvon asks.

"You remember… the old holocrons that grandmother used to show us? Remember her lessons about the Sith, and their dark powers?" Vala asks.

"I think you're jumping the gun here. We don't know what happened. If there isn't any surveillance in that area, we might never know." Arvon says.

"I realize that we don't actually know, but… I think there's someone else here. I think they killed Mandara. She seemed very confident in herself and her abilities. When we defeated her, she wanted to escape. I don't think she wanted to end her life." Vala answers.

"Okay… let's run with your theory for now. How do we find… whoever this is?" Arvon asks.

"We search this station, top to bottom, and close off all means of escape." Vala answers.

"Alright. We'll lockdown the hangars, and post guards at all of the escape pods." Arvon says.

"I'll put squadrons on regular patrols." Vala says.

"Good. In the meantime, I'll return to the command ship, and update the chancellor." Arvon says.

"I'm going to take Aja back to the Endurance. She got a little banged up in the fight, and could use a few hours in bacta." Vala says.

"Aja's a tough kid. She'll be fine. Why don't you both take the rest of the day off? You've earned it. I'll call you if anything comes up. Otherwise, I'll see you later this evening." Arvon says.

"Later, then." Vala says.


Vala and Arvon return to their flagships. A few hours later, Vala is now in her office, speaking to a hologram of Arvon.

"I've just been in touch with the chancellor. He wants to talk to both of us. The Jedi Council will be there too. I think they want to debrief us about the Knights of Ren." Arvon says.

"You mean interrogate us?" Vala asks.

"Possibly. Depends on who's asking the questions. Hopefully Jonas and Master Varn can keep those idiots in check." Arvon says.

"That would be a good idea. I don't care to deal with Master Vok unless it's absolutely necessary." Vala says.

"I know what you mean. Just… try not to insult him this time. The chancellor will be there as well. I don't think he needs any of our drama." Arvon says.

"I'll do my best." Vala says.

"How's Aja?" Arvon asks.

"Her injuries weren't serious, so she only had to spend an hour in a bacta tank. She'll be sore for a few days, but otherwise, she's fine." Vala answers.

"Did you call your mother?" Arvon asks.

"Yeah. She wants me to come home as soon as possible." Vala answers.

"Maybe you ought to. Take Aja with you. Take a week off. Maybe two." Arvon says.

"Two weeks? Are you serious?" Vala asks.

"You've both earned the time off. There's no telling when the next crisis will be. Maybe you should at least… think about it." Arvon answers.

"Okay. I'll... think about it. When do we need to speak with the chancellor and the council?" Vala asks.

"In two hours." Arvon answers.

"I'll meet you on the command ship in… an hour and a half. That'll give me enough time to make myself more presentable for the chancellor." Vala says.

"Are you going to wear that little red…" Arvon says. Vala chuckles.

"Oh, I don't think so. Although… I would like to see the look on Master Vok's face." Vala says.

"You're trouble, you know that?" Arvon asks.

"Just part of the package, dear. Deal with it." Vala answers.


Just over an hour later, Vala arrives on the Alliance Command Ship. Instead of her armor, she is now wearing a white, sleeveless wraparound tunic with gold trim, and white leggings. Unlike her battle outfit, this one seems more suited for the meeting she is about to attend, and is considered traditional attire on her home planet of Aquilae.


Vala takes some time to tour the command ship, visiting a few friends and acquaintances. Once she is done, she proceeds to Arvon's office, only to find the supreme commander seated behind his desk, reading a datapad. Since he is alone in his office, his helmet is off.

Good. He has the helmet off. I know it's Mandalorian tradition, but I hate that thing. I always have. Vala thinks.

"Back to work, I see." Vala says, as she approaches Arvon's desk.

"Wow… you look..." Arvon says, as he takes notice of Vala's outfit. Vala smiles, and puts a hand on her hip.

"I take it by your sudden loss of speech that you approve?" Vala asks.

"You could say that." Arvon says.

"Glad to hear it. Since the war is apparently over, I can finally rid myself of that damn armor. I never liked it. I only wore it because my mother insisted. Don't get me wrong, it offers protection in battle, but… it's not very stylish." Vala says.

"Your armor looks fine to me. Of course, you look great in anything." Arvon says.

"Thank you, but… I still don't like it. I'd rather wear something like this, or one of my dresses. I know that Jedi aren't supposed to feel this way, but… I like pretty things. I always have." Vala says.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with that." Arvon says.

"I didn't join the order until I was nine. Before that, I was just Princess Vala of Aquilae. I was raised to be that. I grew up around wealth and fame, as well as more personal possessions than anyone has a right to. When I joined the Jedi, the more conservative members tried to push me to give up everything, including my title, and all claim to the family fortune. Grandmother rarely overrode another master's orders, but she did when Master Vok ordered me to surrender all personal possessions, and my access codes to the family accounts. I have… disliked that man ever since." Vala says.

"I remember you annoyed the hell out of Vok whenever you had the chance. Master Finn thought it was funny as hell. Your grandmother… who knows? She was too busy being mysterious for me to ever get a proper read on her." Arvon says.

"I'm her granddaughter, and I don't even understand her. So, don't feel too bad." Vala says.

"So, are you ready to face the gauntlet?" Arvon asks.

"Let's get this over with." Vala answers.


Arvon puts his helmet back on, then walks to the holotable in front of his desk. Vala approaches the table as well, and stands at Arvon's side. She briefly squeezes Arvon's hand, then the Mandalorian Jedi presses a few buttons, and the hologram of a bald, middle aged man appears. This is Chancellor Oreth, leader of the Alliance government.

"Grand Admiral Cade. General Skywalker. It's good to see you both again." Oreth says.

"It's good to see you as well, Chancellor." Arvon says.

"I've read your report, and so has the Jedi Council. They have requested this meeting, and I have agreed. Shall we begin?" Oreth asks.

"Of course, Chancellor." Arvon answers.


Several other holograms become visible. They are- Grandmaster Varn Sundar, a bearded man in his late 60s; Master Selanon Vok, a bald man in his late 60s; Master Adrana, a black woman in her 40s; Master Jonas Bridger, a dark haired man in his 50s; Master Yentu, a togruta man in his 60s; Master Bel Abin, a man in his 60s, with long, silver hair; and finally, Master Varandi Sorra, a mirialan woman in her 30s. Most of these masters wear Jedi robes in traditional styles. However, Jonas wears colorful Mandalorian armor without a helmet, and Master Sorra wears a sleeveless, dark blue dress with an attached hooded cape.

"Master Cade. Master Skywalker." Varn says. Vala and Arvon bow respectfully.

"Grandmaster, Masters of the Council." Arvon says.

"Good to see you made it through the war, brother. Is it really over?" Jonas Bridger asks.

"Looks that way, Jonas." Arvon answers.

"Good. Well, we'd better get on with it, then. The chancellor is a very busy man. We can talk more later." Jonas says.

"Later, brother." Arvon says. The two Mandalorians bow to each other.

"Now that everyone is here, let's get started. I would like to begin by asking about the status of the Sedition." Oreth says.

"By what we've able to gather so far, the Sedition seems to be effectively finished. All of the known leaders are dead, and what's left of their fleet has surrendered. We are still in the process of analyzing the records of the ships we've seized, but I am optimistic that the Sedition will give us no further trouble." Arvon says.

"According to your report… you encountered five individuals who claimed to be Knights of Ren." Grandmaster Varn Sundar says.

"That's right, Grandmaster. Vala and her padawan engaged them." Arvon says.

"You didn't?" Varn asks.

"I was in another fight. Besides, they didn't need me. Vala and Aja managed things fairly well on their own." Arvon answers.

"Were you able to take any of these knights into custody?" Master Selanon Vok asks.

"No, master. They were all killed. We had intended to take the leader into custody, but… she escaped, and was killed shortly after. We're still investigating, but it looks like their leader might have been killed by someone else. Some… unknown party. That's all the information I have at this time." Arvon says.

"You killed them all? You should have brought at least one of them to us for questioning!" Master Adrana says.

"That… was not possible." Vala says.

"Did you even try, Knight Skywalker?" Adrana asks.

"You weren't there. You don't know…" Vala says. Varn raises a hand.

"I think… that's enough for now. We'll discuss these Knights of Ren later. For now, we need to deal with more important matters. The Chancellor is the one that called this meeting, and I'm sure he would prefer to discuss the war." Varn says.

"Thank you, Grandmaster. Grand Admiral, do you really think the Sedition is finished?" Oreth asks.

"I believe so. No one has attempted to retake Had Abbadon, or any of the other Sedition worlds. And their main ship production facility is now under our control as well." Arvon answers.

"What kind of facility are we talking about here?" Oreth asks.

"A Rakatan Star Forge." Arvon answers.

"A Star Forge? Like the one used by Darth Revan thousands of years ago?" Vok asks.

"It looks that way." Arvon answers.

"Now that this foolish war is over, the Jedi under your command can return to their duties. Let your generals and admirals take care of the aftermath. As for this Star Forge, it should be destroyed." Vok says.

"I am in agreement with Master Vok. Such a device is too dangerous for anyone to possess." Master Adrana says.

"You do not understand it, so you fear it." Jonas says.

"Of course, leave it to a Mandalorian to support a weapon of war." Adrana says.

"A lightsaber… could also be described as a weapon of war. It depends on how you use it. The same applies to this Star Forge." Jonas says.

"We've only just begun investigating the place, but the Star Forge seems to contain archives from the Infinite Empire. I don't think all of that knowledge should just be… thrown away." Arvon says.

"I am in agreement with Master Cade. We should keep the Star Forge, and use it as a place of learning." Jonas says.

"It is tainted by the dark side, and must be destroyed! Furthermore, these two should be punished for violating council orders!" Vok says.

"Agreed! They willingly entered a place strong with the dark side! This has been against our rules for many years! To blatantly defy this order is…" Adrana says.

"As Masters Vok and Adrana are well aware, Arvon and I were acting as leaders of the military in a time of war. Under Alliance law, we have the right to take whatever action we deem necessary to keep the Alliance safe. That meant pursuing the enemy to this Star Forge, and boarding it to engage them! In my opinion, we did nothing wrong." Vala says.

"Our actions led to the Sedition's defeat, and the end of the war. I would say our actions are more than justified." Arvon says.

"Every rule this order has… serves a purpose. Places strong with the dark side are off limits to Jedi. And for good reason. We have no wish to see Jedi corrupted, lest we end up with another Kylo Ren." Vok says.

"Well, I don't feel tainted. Do you?" Vala asks, looking at Arvon.

"Vala…" Arvon whispers.

"I see your disrespectful ways continue. That is why you will never sit on this council. Not as long as I draw breath." Vok says.

"That's not up to you. You… are not the Jedi Order. Just one voice among several." Vala says.

"Insolent…" Vok says. He stops speaking when Oreth holds up his hand.

"We seem to have lost focus here. We need to return to the task at hand." Oreth says.

"Agreed. We need to decide what to do about the Star Forge. I am in agreement with Master Bridger that the Star Forge can be used for good, if it is used wisely, and responsibly. That being said, I don't think it's our responsibility, or our right to decide. That should be left up to Chancellor Oreth and the senate. I move that the council vote to have no further involvement with this decision." Varn says.

"I agree with the Grandmaster." Jonas says.

"This is madness! The Senate will simply allow Cade and Skywalker to do whatever they please with the thing! These two… are supposed to be Jedi Knights! No Jedi should have so much influence with the Senate and military!" Vok says.

"We... will vote on this matter. All those in favor of the senate deciding the fate of the Star Forge, please raise your hand." Varn says. He raises his hand. Jonas follows suit, as do Master Yentu and Master Sorra.

"So, it would appear that the majority of the council is against further Jedi involvement in this decision. It shall now fall to the senate to decide the ultimate fate of the Star Forge. Until a final decision is made, the station will remain under military control." Oreth says.

"Which means you've basically given it to these two!" Vok says.

"The council has voted on this matter, Master Vok. We will abide by whatever decision the Chancellor makes." Varn says.

"We cannot allow this!" Ardana says.

"We have reached our decision, Master Ardana. There will be no further debate! This council is now adjourned! Thank you for your time, Chancellor Oreth. Master Cade, Master Skywalker, I'll be in touch." Varn says. His hologram vanishes. Soon, the holograms of the other Jedi follow suit. Now, only Vala, Arvon, and the chancellor's hologram remain.

"Is this… lack of unity commonplace among the Jedi Council?" Oreth asks.

"I'm afraid so, Chancellor." Arvon answers.

"Most unfortunate. Let's hope it doesn't lead the Jedi Order to one day fracture." Oreth says.

"My grandmother was the stabilizing force. She kept everyone on the same page. In the ten years since she resigned, things have changed. Master Varn tries his best, but… he isn't my grandmother. Unity isn't there anymore. Only clashing agendas. If something doesn't change, I think there might indeed be a schism in the order one day." Vala says.

"Let's hope that doesn't happen. This Alliance needs the Jedi. They're a symbol of hope for the people." Oreth says.

"Agreed." Vala says.

"The full Senate is in recess for another month, so there will be no final decisions made until that time." Oreth says.

"Until the senate reconvenes, I suppose the Emergency Powers Act is still in effect?" Arvon asks.

"It is." Oreth answers.

"Then, I would like to begin setting up a provisional sector government on Had Abbadon, and start sending out scouts to explore the surrounding space. The deep core has never been fully charted, thanks to all of those anomalies. There's so much out there we still don't know. We should explore it at the earliest opportunity." Arvon says.

"I know that you have the legal authority to annex captured space, but… I think it might be wise if you… hold off on that for now." Oreth says.

"You're worried about what the senate will think, aren't you?" Vala asks.

"I am. You should be too. The Alliance suddenly taking on so much new territory is going to cause some controversy in the senate. You should be prepared for that." Oreth says.

"Had Abbadon, and its surrounding territories… need order. Those worlds once belonged to the old Empire." Arvon says.

"These people still maintain some degree of Imperial culture. Slavery and child labor are very common. We have a moral obligation to put a stop to it!" Vala says.

"I agree with you in principle, General Skywalker, but… that much territory… The senate will be in an uproar." Oreth says.

"Let them uproar. The Insurrection Act gives me the authority to seize Imperial and First Order assets. That includes any world found to have Imperial sympathies, which, in my opinion, applies to any world that willingly joined the Sedition." Arvon says.

"I realize you have the legal authority, but… I think some restraint is warranted here. There are some within the senate who feel you have too much influence. If you take an action that they deem to be out of line, then, there may be a push for your resignation." Oreth says.

"They wouldn't dare! Arvon has done more for this Alliance than every senator combined!" Vala says.

"I agree, general, but… that's politics for you. Some of these people like to play their games. Trust me. I know. I was in the senate for thirty years." Oreth says.

"Then, Master Rey was right after all. The Alliance is turning into the Old Republic. That old corruption is rising again." Arvon says.

"Grandmaster Skywalker… actually said that?" Oreth asks.

"It was one of the reasons she retired. She believed that the Jedi and the Alliance were repeating the same mistakes of the past. Chancellor Emnon didn't seem too interested in her counsel at the time either." Arvon says.

That… was only one of the reasons grandmother retired. But not the main one. I will never discuss that with anyone. I gave her my word. Vala thinks.

"Rey Skywalker was one of the founding pillars of this Alliance. It's most unfortunate that the actions of my predecessor contributed to her decision to walk away from it all. The Jedi Council seems like they could use her leadership. So could we. We could have also used her help in the war." Oreth says.

"I asked. She said no. She said it wasn't her war. It was ours. She felt that if she stepped in, then… everyone would look to her to lead them. She saw enough war when she was young. Her fight's over. She's earned the rest." Vala says.

"If I may, where is your grandmother anyway? She's been out of regular contact for years." Oreth says.

"I don't know. She doesn't always tell me where she's been, or where she's going." Vala says.

"I see. Well… let's hope she was wrong. I don't care to see history repeat itself." Oreth says.

"It's up to people like us to make sure it doesn't." Arvon says.

"I agree. As long as it's within the law. I don't want another incident like Cato Nemoidia." Oreth says.

"Demarak acted without authorization. That's why I removed him as second-in-command, and promoted Vala." Arvon says.

"Now that the war is over, General Demarak may be made to account for his actions. Senator Amrost of Chandrila is pushing for him to be charged with terrorism." Oreth says.

"Terrorism? That's the death penalty!" Arvon says.

"I know he's your friend, Arvon, but… he brought this on himself." Vala says.

"His service as a Jedi Knight may earn him some clemency, but I cannot guarantee that. I know that you recently relieved him of his command, but… that may not be enough. No Jedi has been charged with a crime since the order's reformation. I hope that continues to be the case." Oreth says.

"So do I." Arvon says.

"It would appear… that the war is over. Well done. Both of you. What you've done for us… is worthy of recognition. At the earliest opportunity, I will be recommending the both of you for the Alliance Medal of Honor." Oreth says.

"That won't be necessary, Chancellor. I don't serve the Alliance for fame or glory. I serve… because it's the right thing to do. There are others who deserve awards more than me." Arvon says.

"I feel the same way, Chancellor." Vala says.

"You're both being too modest. You're heroes. Period. How appropriate that one of you has the Skywalker name. That inspires people. The people of this galaxy need hope. They need heroes. So, you may not feel like you deserve these medals, but you do. You have both done so much for this Alliance, and that should be celebrated." Oreth says.

"A Jedi is not supposed to crave fame, but… on a personal level, I am honored." Vala says.

"You do make a good point, chancellor. So, I suppose we will… accept these medals." Arvon says.

"That's the spirit. I know that neither of you are in it for the fame or glory, but… think of the people." Oreth says.

"Everything we do… is for the people." Arvon says.

"Very good. I'll be in touch again once these awards are finalized. Until then… I had better let you return to your duties." Oreth says.

"We'll keep you updated on any further developments." Arvon says.

"Very good. Then, I will bid you both farewell. May the force be with you." Oreth says.

"May the force be with you as well, chancellor." Vala says. Oreth briefly bows his head in acknowledgement, then his hologram vanishes.

"All things considered, that went fairly well." Vala says.

"The council is divided… as usual. No surprise there. Jonas, Varn, and Yentu are good masters, but the rest are pretty much useless. Even Sorra, who supposedly supports the Grandmaster." Arvon says.

"I've always liked Sorra. You have to keep in mind, she's new to the council, and not much older than me. Being in the presence of the veteran masters can likely be… intimidating." Vala says.

"You make a good point. As usual." Arvon says.

"Now that we have approval from the chancellor, what's our next move?" Vala asks.

"I want to study the Star Forge. I want to know it from top to bottom. I'd like to start with the station's archives. If that thing is as old as we think it is, then there's no telling what kind of secrets it holds." Arvon says.

"I'm ready whenever you are. Just give the word." Vala says.

"Alright, then. Let's get to work." Arvon says.