Several weeks later.
Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, courtyard.
As he watched several younglings playing together, Galen mused, "This is what we've been fighting for.
So the kids can just be kids, and not have to worry about fighting the wars we did,"
"Let's hope the dangers they'll face aren't worse, love," replied Ahsoka.
"Depends how you define worse, Master Ahsoka," pointed out Bardan, "Exar Kun's forces grow fewer by the day, and his resources are limited.
Exar himself and the Dark Reaper are the main threat.
Where Vader walks, we do not know for certain,"
"When was Vader's last confirmed sighting?"
"A week ago, on Vjun, where he slew Masters Oppo, Kcaj, and Trebor."
Observing his friend's calmness, Bardan questioned, "And you're not even worried, are you, Star?"
"If I spend all my time stressing over it, I'll be distracted by paranoia.
If our paths cross, I will deal with it then.
And if Exar remembers our duel, he will seek me out,"
"Are you sure?"
"He wouldn't resist a rematch, given we were almost evenly matched when I was just a child,"
"Unless he believes you died of your wounds, after the duel,"
"Good point, vod."
"What'll you do if he shows up here?"
"I'll send him back to Chaos.
Especially if he dares come anywhere near my Aliit,"
"Speaking of aliit, have you heard from Revan?
Last I heard, he single-handedly brought down Czerka, freeing all of their slaves, and bankrupting them in the process,"
"He's my elder, he comes and he goes as he pleases.
He's been out of contact, but I know he's with HK-47 and Tee-three,"
"You broke him out of jail.
Doesn't that make you responsible for him?"
"No."
Exterior: Salucemi, fields, crashed Jedi shuttle.
As he confronted a figure looming over two unconscious Twi'lek children, holding a small briefcase, Qui-Gon Jinn ordered, "Step away from them!"
Striding towards the Jedi, the figure stopped, set down the case, drew his hilt, and discarded his cloak, revealing Exar Kun, "Qui-Gon Jinn, is it?
Stand aside, old man,"
"I will neither allow you to harm the children, nor allow you to take the holocron," stated Master Jinn as he ignited his emerald blade, Kun's crimson blade following suit.
Readying their stances, Ataru and Niman, Qui-Gon and Exar slashed, lunged, countered, thrusted, flurried, flourished, and parried and blocked each other's attacks.
"Do you even understand how outmatched you are?" asked Kun, "You are nothing but an old man!
And I am the Dark Lord of the Sith!"
"Your arrogance will be your undoing.
While it's true that you may be able to kill me, you will neither truly defeat nor destroy me."
"Qui-Gon!" exclaimed Cody, Waxer and Boil who rushed over, and aimed their weapons.
"Protect the children!" ordered Jinn, "I'll handle this," as he parried another strike.
"You are too old for this," taunted Exar as he knocked the aged Jedi Master back, "too weak, and alone,"
"I am not alone," dismissed Qui-Gon as he repelled an overhead strike, "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me."
Blasting the older man with dark side energy, Exar shattered the Force shield he'd blocked with, "You should've retired when you had the chance.
Just accept your limitations and give up, you old-" before a wounded trooper tackled him to the ground, and repeatedly punched him in the face.
It was a recently promoted ARC trooper, Wooley, from the 212th Attack Battalion.
Snapping Wooley's neck, and throwing him into the remains of the shuttle with the Force, Kun rose to his feet, no longer amused by the Jedi Master, then ignited his second blade.
Drawing strength from the Force, Jinn tapped deeper into it, "You cannot win.
If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
"Jedi lies!"
Relentlessly barraging Qui-Gon with a flurry and whirlwind of Juyo strikes, Kun's eyes burnt orange-yellow whilst he gave a sinister smirk.
"If you think your saberstaff is giving you an advantage, know that I have faced others using the same variety of weapon," mentioned Jinn as they entered a blade lock.
"Amateurs, no doubt," scoffed Exar who boasted, "I invented the saberstaff, none can match my skills with it.
I am the greatest swordsman in the galaxy, and no one can beat me."
"When one makes such a claim, their defeat is inevitable."
With a primal snarl, Exar growled, "You dare claim you'll defeat me!?"
"I never said who would defeat you," reminded Qui-Gon, "I merely point out even one as skilled as you will be surpassed,"
"By who!?" demanded Exar.
"The Force will choose its champion when the time comes."
30 mins later.
Stepping back as the Force whispered to him, Qui-Gon smiled, closed his eyes, and raised his weapon before the crimson blade cut through him, yet his body disappeared.
As Qui-Gon's lightsaber extinguished, and fell to the ground with his robes, Exar picked up the briefcase, and boarded his starfighter.
Interior: Serenno, Dooku's castle, dining room.
As his glass shattered upon impact with the ground, spilling its contents, Dooku shed a tear, "Nooooo!"
Exterior: Salucemi, fields, crashed Republic cruiser, bridge.
Having assessed the condition of the two younglings, Commander Cody picked up Qui-Gon's lightsaber, "We need to contact the Jedi Council.
Let's search the area for a settlement, and find the parents of these kids.
Maybe some locals will be willing to help us."
"Here's one who'll help, vod," chuckled a human male who'd stepped into view.
As he removed his helmet, Cody asked, "Who are you?"
"Name's Cut, and you, my good man, are on my farmland.
And those are my kids."
"You're a clone who left the army?"
"I'm also a married man blessed with two children.
I recognise you, Commander Cody."
"How long have you been here, Cut?" inquired Waxer.
"I'll answer your questions when we're indoors.
And could you do me a solid in the meantime?"
Boil raised an eyebrow, "What's the mission?"
"I need you to help me bring my kids back to the homestead, and help me harvest my crops.
It'll take me the whole day by myself, but the four of us can do it a lot faster,"
"Lead on."
Later.
Interior: Yavin IV, Exar's temple, throne room.
As he opened the briefcase, Exar clenched a fist, breathed heavily, and unleashed a rageful roar upon discovering the shattered remains of the dark holocron.
Purring as she sat chained to the throne, Miraj Scintel, in nothing but a shock collar, asked, "Is there anything I may do to cheer up and please you, my Master?"
"Not now!"
"You'll have the galaxy in chains soon enough, my Lord,"
"Do not presume to know my plans or goals, slave.
Animal aliens like you are no more than pets and slaves to be put in their place.
It's no less than your kind deserves,"
"As you desire, my Lord and Master.
I live solely to obey and please you,"
"As should all animal aliens.
Now dance, slave,"
"Yes, Master."
Later.
Interior: Cardooine, Zann consortium headquarters, audience chamber.
Tyber, his lieutenants, staff, and guests were gunned down by Fennec, Boba, Aurra, Atton, and Jango.
Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, courtyard.
"Qui-Gon's dead," sensed Obi-Wan who shed a tear, "yet I feel no pain from his passing, only peace.
He's become one with the Force on his own terms,"
"Do you feel the dark side calling to you, encouraging you to seek revenge?" asked Galen.
"Oh, some small part of me does.
But my heart knows that's neither the Jedi way nor what he would want,"
"I sense Kun didn't even get what he wanted," observed Barriss, "he's probably lashing out as we speak."
Interior: Yavin IV, Exar's temple, torture chamber.
Bloodied, beaten, scarred, deformed, and shackled to a wall, Pre Vizsla defiantly spat blood into Exar's face, "I'll never betray Mand'alor, especially not for you, Dar'jetii filth," before his eyes were ripped out, "Agh!"
"Such loyalty," taunted Exar, "here is your reward," who ignited his blade, and held it against Vizsla's flesh.
"Long live Mand'alor." thought Pre who was slowly burnt to death by Force flame.
Suddenly, Kun was thrown across the room by an explosion which then brought the ceiling down upon him.
As one of his fists emerged from the rubble, Exar got to his feet, his eyes burning hateful yellow.
Interior: Dromund Kaas, Imperial Palace, Emperor's bedroom.
Cay and Talon intimately explored each other's bodies and passionately made love to each other.
"At first, I agreed to us just so I could be Empress, but I really do love you," confessed Talon, "I've always enjoyed your company, and you've been my best friend since we were infants.
It's a pity it took until our marriage to realise I loved you romantically."
"At first, I tried to fill the void left by Daesha's death with you, but I've come to honestly love you too, Tal."
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, Depa's quarters.
As he got down on one knee, Grey held out a ring, and looked into Depa's eyes, "Cyar'ika, will you marry me?"
As she pressed her lips against his, she held him close, "Yes." before Dume entered.
"What's going on?" asked Caleb before spotting the rings, "Oh…" and beamed, "congratulations, Mum, Grey,"
"Thank you, my precious one." mused Depa as she embraced her child.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, Aayla's quarters.
Snuggling up to Aayla, Kit revealed a gold diamond ring, "Will you marry me?"
Radiating enthusiasm, Secura smiled, "Finally, it certainly took you long enough to ask, love.
Of course I'll marry you."
Exterior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, courtyard, Zen garden.
Sitting underneath the great tree, Yoda held Maz Kanata's hand, and gently kissed her, much to the surprise and adoration of nearby younglings.
Interior: Kalevala, clan Kryze settlement, Bo-Katan's quarters, bedroom, evening.
Lying naked, tied to her bedposts, with Fenn Rau on top of her, Bo-Katan mused, "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, Fenn,"
"Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, ner Bo'ika." returned Rau as he passionately made love to her.
Interior: Kalevala, clan Kryze settlement, hallway.
As she overheard Bo's antics whilst approaching her door, carrying a book, Satine's cheeks flushed as she quietly giggled, "I'll return it in the morning."
Interior: Krownest, Clan Wren stronghold, infirmary.
Taking a relieved breath, Ursa smiled at the sight of her newborn son, Tristan, while Alrich Wren cradled little Sabine in his arms.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, halls of healing.
As she sat up on the medical bed, Padme nervously asked, "What's the cause of my symptoms?"
"My sincerest congratulations, Padme, you're pregnant," cheerfully informed Luminara, "with a perfectly healthy set of twins,"
With a radiant smile, Padme's eyes lit up, "I… that's wonderful,"
"Agreed."
"Oh, my Ani will be over the moon when I tell him.
But quite possibly stress over it to the point of having nightmares, afterwards,"
"I'll help you through this, okay?
As both a healer and your friend, I will help you in any way I can, and so will Barriss,"
"Thank you, Luminara." mused Padme.
As he ran to her bedside, Anakin asked, "Are you okay, Angel?"
"I'm better than okay, Ani," assured Padme who revealed, "I'm pregnant,"
As his eyes gleamed, Ani beamed, "I love you, Angel,"
"I love you too." mused Chancellor Skywalker who gently kissed her husband.
"Does this mean I'll have baby siblings?" asked Reva before being brought into a hug.
"It sure does, Sweetie," answered Padme.
"Will they make you step down as Chancellor?"
"Temporarily, but Bail Organa's my vice chancellor,"
"Thank the Force for that,"
"Agreed."
"Congratulations, Skywalkers," chimed in Shaak Ti, "I can already tell they'll be as adventurous as their father,"
"That's true," giggled Padme, "let's hope they take after me more than Ani,"
"Agreed, they'll need your maturity and wisdom."
"I have a feeling you came bearing bad news before you found out I was pregnant,"
"Unfortunately, yes," confirmed Shaak who informed, "Qui-Gon Jinn has been killed."
"How did Qui-Gon die?" asked Anakin.
"He was shipping an artefact to Ossus.
His transport was shot down by Exar Kun who fought him in lightsaber combat.
Qui-Gon's body vanished just before Kun could strike him down,"
"Trust Qui-Gon to have one last trick up his sleeve,"
"Indeed, Qui-Gon becomes one with the Force, and Padme's confirmed pregnant shortly thereafter.
The Force works in mysterious ways."
Luminara observed, "Ani, you're taking the news of Qui-Gon's passing far better than anticipated,"
"I'm pretty sure he'd prefer I celebrate my wife being pregnant," stated Anakin.
"He certainly would, Ani." agreed Shmi who arrived with Owen, Beru, Kitster, Wald, and Cliegg.
As his eyes widened, Anakin asked, "No way… Kitster? Wald? Is that you?"
"Who else would it be?" chuckled Kitster who hugged the Chosen One, "and you look great,"
"It's been a long time, Ani," mused Wald.
"I'm glad to know you're both safe… how are things?"
"Couldn't be better, we actually have our own families now.
And your wife helped us find homes on Dantooine, in Khoonda, which is awesome,"
"Dantooine? Not Coruscant?"
"What work could farmers, especially moisture farmers, find on Coruscant, son?" inquired Cliegg, "farming's all my family's known for generations,"
"Good point."
Exterior: Dathomir, Nightsister village.
As the great clans of Dathomir finished off the invading forces of the Krath, Mother Talzin turned to Asajj and Maris, "I thank you for returning to aid us in our fight, my daughters,"
"This is our home, and we're family.
Of course we'd come to help protect it, Mum," replied Maris.
"Indeed, my child," mused Talzin as she held Brood in a gentle embrace, "are you well?"
"Yes, Mother."
Interior: Malachor V, Vader's fortress.
"Hunt down, draw out, and destroy our enemies," commanded Vader as he stood over nine black-clad, cloaked, faceless wraiths of darkness.
"We shall leave at once, Master," hissed the lead wraith.
"If you fail me, death will be a mercy compared to the fate I will inflict upon you should you return,"
"No mere mortal man can kill us,"
"For your sake, that had best be true."
Exterior: Ossus, great library, courtyard, afternoon.
Overseeing the organisation of the newest batch of artefacts, Cordova and Jocasta ticked off all but one item.
"Where in the galaxy is Qui-Gon Jinn with that holocron?" hissed Nu, "he's a week overdue… with a simple delivery,"
As she joined them, Cere informed, "Sorry to interrupt, but something's happened,"
"What now?"
"News from Marshal Commander Cody,"
"Well? Spit it out before I die of old age!" snapped Jocasta.
"Qui-Gon Jinn has been killed in action,"
"And what happened to the holocron he was transporting?"
"Really, Madame Nu?" asked Cordova, "not even offering condolences?"
"I have a job to do, I don't have time to-" began Jocasta.
"Make time, and spend it with Dooku," interjected Trilla, "it's no secret you two are back together, and he just lost his son,"
"Young one!" warned Jocasta who gave a scowl.
"Pardon me, ma'am, but you do have adequate staff to 'hold the fort,' while you're on leave," interjected Tech, "Given the number of scholars, archivists, historians, and other lore preservers present."
Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, track.
As he showed his Padawan a quick demonstration of his own speed, Galen instructed, "Kat'ika, you'll be practising your use of Force speed by doing laps around the track."
"Okay," Katooni, in jeans, a tank top, and her headdress, acknowledged.
"Now run, Katooni, run," encouraged Galen before she sped off in a blur.
By the third lap, she, via telepathy, noted, "Dad, I feel strange, and there's some kind of kinetic electricity.
I'm not sure what to do about it."
Via telepathy, he guided, "Feel the air. Feel that wind on your face.
Feel the ground, your feet lifting you up, pushing you forward.
And the lightning, feel the lightning. Feel its power.
It's a 'speed-force,' so to speak."
A dozen laps later, Katooni abruptly sensed a disturbance, lost momentum, tripped, and landed on the ground, "Ahhh!"
As he rushed to her side, with a med-kit, Galen helped her turn over, and saw a deep cut across her right kneecap, "You've cut your knee on broken glass which is in the wound.
Can you please hold still while I remove it?"
"Okay." sniffled Katooni who gasped in pain as he carefully extracted several small shards of glass which he sealed in a ziplock bag.
He then closely examined, cleaned up and sanitised her wound, applied bacta, and patched her up.
Using the x-ray vision in his helmet's HUD, Galen informed, "You've dislocated the knee, so I'll need to put it back in place.
I should warn you, it's going to hurt, but it will relieve you of most of the pain,"
"Do it," blurted Katooni before there was a loud click as her bone moved back into place, "Karabast!"
"There we go, Kat'ika.
The patch will have to stay on for a few days, but you won't need stitches," said Galen who kissed her temple, "and great job keeping calm despite the pain from your injury,"
"Thanks, Dad."
Gently lifting her into his arms as he stood, Galen asked, "Would you like some ice-cream, after we visit the infirmary, Kat'ika?"
As her eyes lit up, Katooni smiled, "Yes please, Father,"
"Shall we see if Omega and Petro want to join us?"
"Yep, and I want to learn more about Force healing,"
"I'll make sure you do,"
"Petro should learn it too,"
"I'll let Obi-Wan know."
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, infirmary, observation room.
Laying his apprentice down on a large, adjustable medical bed, after taking off her shoes and socks, Galen personally conducted the assessment.
When he was finished, he asked, "Comfortable, my young Jetii'ad?"
"Yep, and I want strawberry ice-cream," answered Katooni as she adjusted the bed.
"Ask and you shall receive, Kat," chimed Petro as he, Obi-Wan, and Omega appeared with multiple tubs of ice-cream, "are you okay?"
"Had a bit of an accident during a run, but I'll live."
As he kissed Katooni's cheek, Petro opened a tub of ice-cream, and handed it to her along with a spoon, "If you need someone to take care of you while your leg heals, I volunteer,"
"Thanks, cyare," replied Padawan Allie.
"Cyare?"
"The Mandalorian word for beloved," explained Katooni.
Petro blushed, "I love you too."
"How might I ask, did this injury happen, dear one?" asked Kenobi.
"I was practising using the Force for super speed when a disturbance in the Force distracted me.
Then I tripped, and fell onto broken glass,"
"Are you okay, little one?"
"I will be, although we haven't tested for any potential nerve and sensitivity damage to the leg yet,"
"I know an easy way to test your sensitivity," cheekily said Petro.
"How?" wondered Katooni before erupting into laughter as Petro tickled her feet, "Hahahahahaha Petro, hahahaha you hahahahaha know hahahaha how hahahaha ticklish hahahaha I hahahaha am hahaha,"
"I also know laughter is the best medicine, and you enjoy it,"
"True."
"I think it's safe to say you have no nerve damage, precious one." observed Galen as he used a variant of Force sight to assess his Padawan's nervous system.
As Petro paused, Katooni pulled him into a warm hug, with the Force, "I love you,"
"I love you too," returned Petro as he wrapped his arms around Katooni's waist, "with all my heart and soul,"
"If you love me so much, why don't you marry me?" teased Katooni before the two Padawans blushed at the thought.
"Galen, dear one, aren't you concerned by how quickly our apprentices' relationship is growing?" inquired Kenobi.
"I was far younger than them, the first time I told Ahsoka I loved her," replied Galen, "And our Padawans are responsible for their age, with us watching over them.
They'll be just fine,"
"Oh, I agree."
"Kat'ika suggested you teach Petro Force healing, which I also recommend.
People call our Jetii family tree the 'disaster lineage,' after all,"
"I shall do this with Luminara's aid, as she's a far more experienced healer than I am."
Petro looked up at Galen, "Why didn't you just heal her with the Force?"
"I knew we could treat her without it, and one shouldn't trivialise the use of Force healing.
Overusing it on someone may eventually affect their natural immune system and healing process,"
"Oh,"
"There's also recklessly timed use of it.
If I closed a wound with the Force without first inspecting it for contamination, or disinfecting it, I could make things worse,"
"Good point."
As he knocked, Rex appeared at the door, "Pardon me, Mand'alor, General, Jetii'ade, may I come in?"
Katooni smiled at the clone, "Of course.
And congratulations on your promotion, Marshal Commander Rex,"
"Thank you, lil 'un," replied Rex before his expression turned grim, "however, I also regret to inform you all of the passing of Qui-Gon Jinn."
Breaking the silence, Obi-Wan spoke solemnly, "May you find peace in the Force, my Father.
While the vessel of your spirit's journey in the physical world has ended, you shall never be forgotten.
You shall live on through the Force, and in the hearts and memories of those blessed with the privilege of knowing you.
All you stand for survives, and your teachings endure.
May the Force be with you, always, Qui-Gon Jinn." and shed a tear.
"Now I've gotten the bad news out of the way, I can bring you glad tidings," mentioned Rex.
"What glad tidings have you come bearing, vod'ika?" asked Galen.
"Chancellor Padme is pregnant with twins.
General Skywalker's going to be a father,"
"Awww." adored Omega, Katooni, and Petro.
Appearing before them, Meetra greeted, "Galen,"
"Meetra, as much as I love your visits, dare I ask what crisis is on the horizon this time?"
"The nine have been released from their tombs on Malachor V."
"The nine?" panicked Katooni, "who or what are they?
I have a very bad feeling about this,"
"They were once mighty Lords and Kings of the galaxy seduced by and devoted to the dark side.
Their names were lost to history, as were their origins."
"I'm not afraid," interjected Petro.
"You should be," cautioned Meetra, "the closest I can describe to the nine who've been unleashed are the Nazgul and Dementors.
The Nine answers to the last Dread Master, Darth Vader.
They neither tire, nor sleep, nor bleed, nor require food or drink.
And no mere mortal man can slay them."
"I take that back… I'm terrified," admitted Petro who went pale, "shaken to my core level terrified,"
"I'll protect you, Pe'ika," assured Katooni as she held her boyfriend's hand, and met his gaze.
"As will I you, to the last breath, Kat," promised Petro who kissed her temple, "and if I fall, I'll figure out how to become a ghost so I can protect you even beyond death,"
"Ditto."
"May the purity of your love flourish and thrive eternal." approved Meetra.
Exterior: Cato Neimoidia, city, late evening.
Laying waste to everything in their path, the new Brotherhood of the Sith cut down the pathetic, snivelling worms that made up the population whilst the Dark Reaper laid waste to the entire planet.
Later.
Exterior: Maridun, Lurmen village, evening.
As the moon eclipsed, Three of Vader's Sith wraiths massacred the Lurmen without mercy, hesitation, or remorse.
A wraith grabbed Tee-Watt Kaa by the throat, cut off his head, and cast aside his corpse.
"Nooooo!" cried Wag-Too whilst tears streamed down his face as he watched his village burn.
Then a wraith struck at him, but a fireball hit the foul creature in the face before a Force wave sent it through a wall.
"Right then, which of you sorry bastards wants your bloody shebs kicked first?" asked Constantine as he ignited his yellow blade.
"You cannot defeat us, human."
Exterior: Raydonia, settlement, evening.
Storming the colony, three other Wraiths cut down Jedi Masters Eeth Koth and Ima-Gun Di, and eradicated the villagers, despite the best efforts of Captain Keeli's company.
Interior: Rhen Var, Ulic Qel-Droma's tomb.
Standing before Ulic's spirit, Revan said, "Ulic Qel-Droma, I need your help.
Exar Kun has returned, and rebuilt the Dark Reaper,"
"Indeed, Revan Sunrider.
I will teach you to harness the power of the Force around you, making you immune to the Dark Reaper's effects, for a time.
And you will in turn teach this to Galen Marek and Anakin Skywalker." replied Ulic, "but be warned, this knowledge comes at great risk."
"What must I do?"
"We are alike, Revan.
Be warned, for the knowledge you seek is very powerful.
Use it carefully, or it will lead you back to the dark side,"
"I do not fear this fate,"
"You should be more than anyone, Revan.
I once believed myself immune to the dark side, like you do even now," said Ulic, "I had never been so wrong, and it cost me everything.
Do not share my path nor my fate."
"I will heed your warning,"
"You have always been gifted, Revan, but you are not presently whole.
You are but one half of a split soul,"
"Every moment we waste discussing this could cost the galaxy another planet's destruction.
Teach me how to become immune to the Dark Reaper's effects… please?"
"Very well… but you must also become whole again."
"Whole?" asked Revan, "I do not understand,"
Appearing, Spirit Revan explained, "We must become one, and undo the damage Vitiate inflicted upon us,"
Meetra's spirit appeared, "They're right, love."
After a moment of deep contemplation and seeking guidance from the Force, Revan nodded, "Very well."
Merging their physical and spirit forms, the Revans fused into a single physical body, "I am whole again."
Interior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, infirmary, Katooni's recovery room.
Arriving, Ganodi, Zatt, Byph, Gungi, Stass, Adi, Caleb, Ahsoka, Cal and Reva visited Katooni and Petro.
A few days later.
Exterior: Lothal, field.
Disembarking from the Rogue Shadow to see the Jedi temple, from a distance, in all its glory, Galen smiled at his young Padawan, "What do you think?"
"I think it's amazing, and I can't wait to see it up close."
"Temples like this one can have their own tests and trials waiting inside.
Sometimes they'll grant visions, show illusions, or revisit the memories of those who enter."
"Like the Jedi Trials?"
"Depends what one sees,"
"What'd you see, the first time you went inside?"
"I saw two Sith Lords storming the ruins of the Jedi temple on Coruscant, accompanied by soldiers in white armour.
I've determined it was a vision of Order 66 being carried out… by a dark side version of me and Anakin,"
"That's a scary thought.
Good thing that's never happening."
Gently holding her hand with one hand, and carrying his helmet with the other, he smiled, "After we visit the temple, shall we go into town, and get a pizza?"
"Yes, please,"
"Then it's settled."
"I have a question," she stated.
"What is it, young one?"
"Am I allowed to wear stuff like crop tops?"
"You are if that's what you're comfortable with, however I'll need you to be extra mindful and vigilant.
I'll also teach you electric judgement and an aura creating variant which will give unwelcome hands a nasty shock or severe burn, or worse if they really deserve it,"
"Thanks for looking out for me, Buir,"
"You're welcome, sweetie."
Sensing his Padawan's amusement as they started walking, Galen asked, "What's so funny?"
"Just remembering the look on Petro's face when you threatened to dismember him,"
"Mandalorians don't make threats, we make promises,"
"Good to know,"
"My Padawan, you've come a long way in our short time together, and I'm very proud of you,"
Her eyes lit up as she tightly hugged him, "Thank you!"
Interior: Lothal, Jedi temple, entrance.
(Begin vision.)
Galen found himself face-to-face with an older version of himself.
"Who are you?" asked Galen as the doppelganger smiled at him.
"I am you from a future that may or may not yet be.
You'll have taken Katooni as your first Padawan by now, if I'm not mistaken."
"And what of it?"
"I remember Katooni's apprenticeship.
She was for all intents and purposes our second daughter.
You'll be pleased to know we're still that close."
"How is she, in your time?"
"She's a Knight, and I just returned from hers and Petro's wedding anniversary party. Their marriage isn't too far away in your time."
"Didn't need Talzin's crystal ball to see either of those events coming.
How is Cal'ika?"
With a smirk, future Galen mentioned, "Knight Caleb's happily married to you know who it'll be, and they adopted his first Padawan,"
"Do I know his future Padawan?"
"The Force wouldn't let me tell you if you did, and we have more pressing matters.
If my timing is right, Padme is pregnant with the twins.
Vader will be after them,"
"Why's that?"
"They're Anakin's children, and they will be strong with the Force.
Their potential will rival Ani's."
To get the question out of his head, Galen wondered, "Is Darth Vader Anakin's father? Or an evil clone?"
Future Galen chuckled, "If he is, it's news to me because dead men tell no tales."
"Anakin's not dead in your time, is he?"
"He's meditating next to me, so no."
"Does anyone specifically need to be the one to defeat Vader?"
"I cannot tell you who finally defeats him, but I can show you a battle of heroes that never was, for another timeline's Darth Vader and The Master of Soresu do battle where Jedi go to die, and one's heart shall break whilst the other burns."
Exterior: Mustafar, landing pad.
Both Galens stood by a familiar silver J-327 Nubian, they watched a heavily pregnant Padme confront dark side Anakin.
"Anakin, you're breaking my heart, and going down a path I can't follow," solemnly said Padme.
"Because of Obi-Wan?" accused Anakin.
Turning to his doppelganger, young Galen asked, "Does he seriously think Padme and Obi-Wan are having an affair?"
Future Galen exhaled, "This timeline is very different to the ones we know, and yes, thanks to manipulation from Palpatine,"
"Obi-Wan wouldn't do that in any reality."
"Because of what you've done, what you plan to do.
Stop now, and come back!" begged Padme, "I love you!"
"Liar!" snapped Dark Anakin as he stared at something behind her.
Both versions of Galen observed Obi-Wan disembark.
"No!" gasped Padme, knowing what her husband was thinking.
"You're with him!" growled Dark Anakin, "You brought him here to kill me!" and raised his metal hand, choking her with the Force.
"Let her go, Anakin!" ordered Obi-Wan, "Let her go!"
"Anakin, stop!" shouted Galen, but he went unheard.
"This is a vision, we cannot interfere nor can they hear us." informed future Galen.
Dropping his wife, Dark Anakin stared at his mentor, "You turned her against me!"
"You have done that yourself," corrected Kenobi.
"You will not take her from me!"
"Your anger, and your lust for power have already done that."
"Don't lecture me, Obi-Wan," hissed Dark Anakin, "I see through the lies of the Jedi… I do not fear the dark side as you do," while Kenobi checked on the unconscious Padme, "I have brought peace! Freedom, justice and security to my new Empire!"
Obi-Wan, having risen to his feet, was in disbelief as he paced around his former apprentice, "Your new Empire?"
"Don't make me kill you."
"Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic! To democracy!" shouted Kenobi.
"If you're not with me… then you're my enemy," stated Dark Anakin.
"Only a Sith deals in absolutes, and I shall do what I must,"
"You will try."
Exterior: Mustafar, lava riverbank.
As his surroundings changed yet again, Galen found himself watching the fallen Chosen One engaged in a deadly battle with Master Kenobi.
Obi-Wan, weary and exhausted, stood atop a hill, "It's over, Anakin! I have the high ground!" whilst Anakin, in Vader's armour without the mask, stood on a repulsor-lift platform.
"You underestimate my power!" boasted Dark Anakin.
"Don't try it!" pleaded Obi-Wan, his spirit unwavering but his heart broken.
As the Sith Lord leapt into the air, Obi-Wan performed a series of strikes, severing three of Dark Anakin's limbs, sending him tumbling down the hill, to the edge of the lava bank.
"You were the Chosen One!
It was said you would destroy the Sith, not join them!
Bring balance to the Force! Not leave it in darkness!" shouted Kenobi.
Rage overflowing, Dark Anakin shouted, "I hate you!"
"You were my brother, Anakin," cried Obi-Wan as met the gaze of his fallen friend, "I loved you."
(End vision.)
Interior: Lothal, Jedi temple, entrance.
(Begin vision.)
Interior: Malachor, Sith temple.
Katooni found herself atop the temple as a Sith Stalker, whose mask was damaged, stared down a much older Petro.
Future Petro had short hair and a short beard.
Mechanical breathing echoed from the Sith's respirator.
"I won't leave you, Katooni!" promised future Petro who was crying.
"Katooni is gone, I am all that remains," dismissed the Sith.
"I'm truly sorry, Kat, for everything," apologised Petro as he discarded his lightsaber, "I wasn't strong enough to save you.
But even after everything you've done, I still love you with all of my heart,"
"I'm not your failure, Petro," stated Dark Katooni, "You didn't kill Katooni Marek… I did."
Young Katooni could only watch the events unfolding before her, in horror and confusion.
"The same way I will destroy you." growled Dark Katooni as she threw off the rest of her mask, and her eyes burnt yellow.
Petro approached the Sith, delicately caressed her cheek with one hand, "I love you, Kat." and kissed her before a crimson blade ignited through his chest.
As she watched the older version of Petro fall to the floor, lifeless, Katooni screamed, "Nooooo!" before rushing at the Sith, her silver blade ignited, and slashed at her.
Blocking the attack, Dark Katooni taunted, "You have no future together, child.
Love is a death sentence,"
"No, it's what makes life worth living,"
"Give yourself to the dark side,"
"Never!"
Stepping back as she felt a soothing clarity whilst listening to the Force, Katooni lowered her blade, and closed her eyes, "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me." before the apparition faded.
Interior: undisclosed location, ceremony hall.
Opening her eyes, Katooni blushed at the sight of a slightly older version of herself in a white dress, standing by an altar, kissing Petro who wore a black tux.
Interior: undisclosed location, nursery.
Adult Katooni and Petro took turns cradling a half-Tholothian baby boy.
Young Katooni wondered, "Is that mine and Petro's son?"
"It can be if you choose the path truest to your heart, child," answered Adult Katooni, "and speaking of children, you must see something from our Father's childhood."
Exterior: Kashyyyk, forest, ruined hut.
Katooni gasped at the sight of the late Darth Maul.
Standing over a woman's corpse, Maul strangled a Jedi with the Force, "I sense someone far more powerful nearby.
Where is your Master?"
Struggling for breath, Kento replied, "The dark side has clouded your mind.
You killed my master, years ago,"
"Then now you will share his fate," hissed Maul, whose weapon was pulled away from him.
Turning in surprise, Katooni saw a little boy holding Maul's lightsaber, "Buir?"
"So, the Jedi have a son?" laughed Maul, "What fun… what fun."
"Galen, run!" Kento pleaded before being struck down by Maul who'd reclaimed his lightsaber with the Force.
"Nooooo!" screamed chibi Galen.
Turning to the boy, Maul snarled, "You are mine now, whether you like it or not.
Soon, very soon, you will call me your 'Master,'.
Be it as my slave or my apprentice, you will know me as 'Master Maul,'."
Despite his terror, chibi Galen defied, "Never!" suddenly glowing a bright gold, and casting a massive wave of yellow lightning before falling to the ground.
Rising to his feet, Maul snarled, "Then you will die!"
Rushing to her mentor's infant self's side, Katooni stared at Maul, and cradled chibi Galen in her arms, "Stay away from him!"
Maul cackled at the little girl, "Hahahaha, you have no power here, child.
You cannot protect him from me," before a repulsor blast knocked him back.
"But we can," interjected Mand'alor the Redeemer as he ignited his darksaber whilst several other Mandalorians arrived, "Step away from the adike, Dar'jetii.
They're under our protection."
As Maul vanished, Jaster knelt down to Katooni, removed his helmet, and said, "Tell Galen Ba'Buir Jaster sends his love."
(End visions.)
Interior: Lothal, Jedi temple, meditation chamber.
Opening their eyes to find themselves sitting cross-legged, Galen and Katooni exchanged looks.
"When did we get in here?" asked Katooni, processing all she'd seen.
"These temples are tricky to figure out.
We must have meditation-walked in here, and sat down," speculated Marek.
"Is that even a thing?"
"It seems so, considering the last thing I remember before seeing visions was walking through the front door."
"What did you see, Buir?" asked Katooni, curious.
"I spoke to my future self for the first time, and I saw a few visions," answered Galen.
"Ditto, I think.
How is that possible?"
"I'm not sure, Kat'ika.
And what did you see?"
"It's hard to explain, and I think we should get outside before something weirder, than usual, happens,"
"Agreed,"
"Also, your Ba'Buir, Jaster, sends his love," informed Katooni.
"Speaking of people we love, Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, ner Jetii'ika," replied Galen as he sent warm feelings through their training bond.
"Love you too, Father."
Interior: Lothal, capital city, Old Jho's.
Seated at a table, Galen, Omega, and Katooni each took a slice of pizza.
"So, what did you see in your visions?" curiously inquired Omega.
Noticing a hooded figure in a dark green cloak staring at them from nearby, Galen informed, "I'll answer your questions, but first there's someone who wants to speak to us."
As he approached, the hooded figure wore black pants, boots, a long sleeve shirt, high collared tunic, a leather belt carrying a lightsaber, a blaster pistol, daggers, and a sheathed sword.
His hood concealed the upper half of his face, but the two Jedi could tell he was a human with fair skin and grey eyes.
"And what, might I ask, brings a Jedi and two Mandalorians to the quiet world of Lothal?" asked the mysterious stranger, suspicious and stern.
"One might ask the same of a Ranger." countered Galen as he rose to his feet.
Grimly staring each other down, the two men's expressions relaxed as they chuckled, and clasped each other by the forearm.
"Su cuy'gar, Strider," greeted Galen.
"It's been too long, Kane," returned Strider as he lowered his hood, revealing long dark hair.
"Jate to haa'taylir gar, Vod," mused Galen who gestured, "Omega, Katooni, this is Strider.
He's a Ranger of the Ashla."
"A what?" asked Katooni, curious.
"The Rangers of the Ashla are a Creed of light side users who journey the galaxy, seeking out injustice, and vanquishing agents of evil," answered Strider, "we utilise a variety of other skills in addition to our own mastery of the Force,"
"Are you similar to Jedi Sentinels?" asked Omega.
"Close enough, some would say."
Katooni gave her mentor a curious look, "Hey, why did he call you Kane?"
"Because that's my Mandalorian name.
Kane Fett was a name I adopted after a skirmish on Galidraan wiped out most of my clan."
"And when did you meet Strider?"
"Several months after Galidraan, he found me in the wilderness of Dxun, while I was being held prisoner by the Death Watch.
He's the one who gave Jango'Buir my location so he could rescue me and several others,"
"Oh, okay."
Later.
Exterior: Lothal, atmosphere, sky.
Decelerating, the Rogue Shadow made a smooth turn before resuming speed.
Interior: Rogue Shadow, cockpit.
Sitting next to his Padawan and Omega, who were piloting and co-piloting, Galen praised, "Well done, you two, you're naturals,"
"Thanks," appreciated both girls as the ship stopped.
"So, did your future self say anything about my future?" asked Katooni.
"He mentioned attending yours and Petro's wedding," answered Galen, with a hint of mischief, before catching her as she fell off her chair, "why do you ask?"
"I hope you invite me to the wedding, sis," giggled Omega.
Cheeks flushed as she sat back in the chair, Katooni admitted, "I saw a future version of me, as a Sith stalker, killing Petro.
But after that, I saw another version of me at our wedding, then of our child."
"Your child?" gasped Omega.
"Maybe the first possible future I was shown will happen if I don't accept."
"What made the difference in the different futures you saw?"
"The only one without Petro and I wearing wedding rings is the one where I killed him,"
"Anything else?" asked Galen.
"Darth Katooni claimed she killed me, but she was using your family name." answered the Padawan, "I guess I changed my last name to 'Marek,' at some point,"
"Well, Ni kar'tayl gar gai sa'ad," he mused.
"What does that mean?"
"I know your name as my child.
It's the Mandalorian adoption vow." explained Galen.
With all her might, Katooni hugged him, "I'd be honoured to be your daughter,"
"And I would be honoured to officially be your father," said Galen, fondly, as he smiled at his Padawan.
Checking the time, he informed them, "We're going to finish today's flying lesson, so we'll be returning to the spaceport."
"Five more minutes," pleaded his daughters as they gave him kitten eyes, "please?"
"Your piloting learner's guides only allows an hour of practice at the most without taking a break.
And you have some of your studies to do,"
"Okay."
"How about this, I'll help you study, and after we're finished for the day, we get smoothies?" he suggested, "then I'll cook anything you want for dinner and dessert, tonight," before their eyes lit up.
"Deal,"
"What subjects do you need to catch up on?"
"Master Junda wants me to practice a song for music class," answered Katooni, "but I need a wind instrument for it."
Summoning it to him with the Force, Galen held out his ocarina, "How about this?"
"That's perfect!" declared the Tholothian.
Later.
Exterior: Lothal, spaceport, docking bay, evening.
Interior: Rogue Shadow, quarters.
Carrying his exhausted apprentice in, Galen gently set her down upon a bed, next to Omega, then tucked them in along with a plush Tooka cat and custom plush clone trooper, then kissed their temples.
"Hey, Buir?" Omega asked, "Will you read to us before bed?"
With a smile, he sat nearby, and opened a book, "Long ago, in a hole in the ground, there lived… a Hobbit."
Interior: Coruscant, Padme's apartment, refresher, late evening.
Having awoken in a panic, Anakin breathed heavily as he splashed cold water on his face, then looked in the mirror, "Okay, that needs fixing," before picking up some scissors.
"Ani, are you alright?" asked Shmi as she walked in.
"I had a nightmare about Padme dying in childbirth," he admitted.
"Padme will give a healthy birth, Ani, your friends will see to it," Shmi assured, "and would you like me to cut your hair for you?"
"As long as I don't have a bowl cut again.
Anything but that."
Mando'a translations.
Vod - brother.
Vod'ika - little brother.
Aliit - Clan/Family.
Mand'alor - sole ruler of the Mandalorians.
Dar'jetii - Sith.
Cyar'ika - sweetheart.
Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum - I love you.
Ner - My.
Bo'ika - Little Bo-Katan.
Kat'ika - little Katooni.
Pe'ika - little Petro.
Cal'ika - little Caleb.
Buir - Father.
Ba'Buir - Grandpa.
Jetii'ad - Child of the Jedi, Padawan.
Jetii'ika - little Jedi.
Su cuy'gar - so you're still alive.
Ni kar'tayl gar Gai sa'ad - I know your name as my child.