On the Star Forge, a mysterious force user has just revealed himself. Claiming to be the true Master of the Knights of Ren, he has also claimed responsibility for the Sedition War. His current objective now seems to be turning Vala Skywalker to the dark side. Cut off from her friends, Vala is now alone with this darksider. Will she give in to temptation, or will she be strong enough to resist?
Vala Skywalker is seemingly at the mercy of the mysterious old man known only as "The Master". Separated from help thanks to a ray shield, she is forced to listen as the Master tries to recruit her.
"Your council is divided. Incapable of making even the simplest of decisions. The Jedi Order is doomed, Vala. There is no reason for you to remain with them. They are all beneath you!" The Master says.
"I may have accomplished many things, but that does not make me better than anyone else. It took me a long time to learn that, but I did learn it." Vala says.
"You are the descendant of Darth Vader! That alone makes you better than everyone else! Your abilities are wasted serving the Jedi Council! Join me, and I will show you your true path!" The Master says.
He's losing patience with me. I don't know how much longer I can do this. Vala thinks.
"Not for much longer, Vala. I will be there soon." A disembodied, female voice says.
Grandmother? Vala thinks.
"Yes, Vala. I am with you." The voice says.
I have a little bit of a situation here. Vala thinks.
"I know. BB-8 has already told me. I'm sorry, Vala. I had hoped that he had changed his ways. I should have killed him when I had the chance. Now, my failure has led to this." The voice says.
Never mind that now. Can you tell me how to beat this guy? Vala thinks.
"Stall him for as long as you can. But, do not fight him!" The voice says.
I may not have a choice! Vala thinks.
"Yes, you do! There is always a choice! Do whatever it takes! Lie if you have to! But, under no circumstances are you to engage him!" The voice says.
He's an old man! Maybe ninety by the looks of him. I think I can take him. Vala thinks.
"This is not the time for arrogance, Vala! No matter what you may think of your skills, you are outmatched. You cannot fight him. You would lose. I don't want to see you hurt. Or worse. Wait for me. Please." The voice says.
Alright. I'll wait. But… for how long? Vala thinks.
"Have faith, Vala. Trust in the force." The voice says.
Aboard the Endurance, Admiral Jek Desaro stands at the front of the bridge. He looks out the forward viewport, observing the massive Star Forge.
"Admiral! There's a ship entering the system!" An officer says from a nearby console. Jek walks to the console.
"We're not expecting anyone. Scan them, lieutenant." Jek says.
"Yes, sir." The lieutenant says.
Another officer, a bald man in his 40s, walks to the console and observes as the lieutenant works to identify the ship. This is Colonel Elzar Merandus, Executive Officer of the Endurance.
"What have we got, Colonel?" Jek asks.
"Looks like an old freighter. Correllian made. YT… 1300 class? That piece of junk's got to be a hundred and fifty years old." Colonel Merandus says.
YT-1300? There's only one ship I know of. I wondered when she might show up. Jek thinks.
"They should be transmitting a clearance code any time now." Jek answers.
"Clearance code? You know who this is?" Merandus asks.
"I have a pretty good idea." Jek answers.
"Care to fill me in?" Merandus asks.
"I'll have to clear it with the general." Jek answers.
"Understood." Merandus says.
"Sir, receiving clearance code. It's… Gold Level." The lieutenant says.
"Gold Level? That means senate or Jedi Council. Why would somebody with that high of clearance be flying around in an old junker like that?" Merandus asks.
"That's classified by the order of General Skywalker. Now, give them clearance to land on the Star Forge." Jek says.
"Aye, sir." Merandus says.
Outside the Star Forge, a small ship approaches. The ship is roughly saucer shaped, with two claws sticking out front. It appears to be quite old, with missing pieces of armor plating, as well as unrepaired battle damage. The ship approaches one of the station's hangars, and lands next to Vala's ship, the Centurion Eagle.
The ramp to the old ship lowers, and a figure in a gray cloak emerges. Their face is concealed by their hood, although two long braids of silver hair are visible. The mysterious figure stops at the bottom of the ramp. They are soon joined by two droids. One is humanoid shape, and painted gold, while the other is a blue and white astromech.
"What an uninviting place this is." The gold droid says. The smaller droid whistles and beeps.
"This is a place of evil. Once used by the ancient Sith to build their machines of war." The cloaked figure says, in an aged, female voice.
"Oh dear. We're doomed." The gold droid says. The figure turns to face the droids. Although the hood still conceals a great deal, her face is now partially visible, revealing a woman who appears to be in her sixties.
"I think not. Whatever danger awaits here, I will handle it. Why don't you and Artoo stay here? Guard the ship." The woman says.
The smaller droid beeps.
"No, Artoo. I'll be alright. Why don't you stay here for now? Keep an eye on Threepio." The woman says.
"Mistress Rey, I hardly think…" Threepio says. The woman raises her hand, and the droid stops speaking.
"If I leave you unattended, you're likely to go exploring. And, in this unknown place, there's no telling what lurks in the darkness. So, yes. I do think it will be best if you stay here for now. Can you do that for me, Threepio?" Rey asks.
"Of course, mistress." Threepio says.
"Very good. Now, I must go. Vala needs me." Rey says.
Meanwhile, in the throne room, Vala is still speaking with the Master, while her friends try to find a way to shut down the ray shield.
"Master! I believe I have identified the power source." U5 says.
"Where is it?" Arvon asks.
"A generator located directly below the throne." U5 answers.
"So, does that mean we can't just turn it off?" Aja asks.
"Not from out here. We'll have to go to the level below and cut our way up." Arvon answers.
"I don't think Vala has that much time." Aja says.
"You have a better idea? " Arvon asks.
"I believe I might be able to help." A voice says from behind.
Arvon and Aja turn to face Rey, who now stands at the throne room's entrance.
"Master Rey…" Arvon says.
"Arvon. Aja. I see we have ourselves a situation here." Rey says.
"You could say that." Arvon says.
"Your lightsabers will take too long, and Vala needs us now." Rey says.
"What do you have in mind?" Aja asks.
"Watch." Rey answers.
Rey extends her hands toward the throne, and closes her eyes. Seconds later, the ray shield shuts off.
"How the…" Aja says.
"Years of practice." Rey says.
"So, what's our move here?" Arvon asks.
"My move will be to have a chat with our host. I ask… that you please stay back." Rey answers.
"What about Vala?" Arvon asks.
"I am here now. Please... stay back. You don't know what you're dealing with here." Rey answers.
"And you do?" Aja asks.
"Possibly." Rey answers.
"Alright. We'll play it your way." Arvon says.
I apologize for the lack of updates to this story. I have been working extra hours, and have had to cut back on my writing. I am hoping to post a chapter every month for this story, but we will see. It all depends on my work schedule. For those that have stuck with this story, thanks for your patience, and thanks for taking the time to read my work.
