Jedi Master Kirk Sotth awoke refreshed aboard the Jedi transport vessel. He stretched and yawned, enjoying the rare luxury of a restful night's sleep in a galaxy constantly in need. They had another few hours of travel ahead, so the downtime was welcome. As Master Sotth rose from his bed, he sensed a familiar Force presence - his Padawan Lira, deep in meditation. The young Twi'lek girl exhibited a level of focus and discipline beyond her years.

Despite having entered his sixth decade, Master Sotth still stood tall and fit. Years of Jedi discipline and training had served him well, keeping body and mind sharp. Yet he could not help but notice the subtle signs of age starting to appear.

He knew he was getting older, yet refused to let that slow him down. There was still so much wisdom to impart, so many young minds to nurture and guide. Master Sotth made his way to the training area with a smile, eager to join his Padawan Lira in meditation. The young Twi'lek's determination and enthusiasm reminded him of his own youthful enthusiasm and eagerness to soak up every bit of knowledge and wisdom he could. The training area doors opened as Lira emerged from meditation.

"Good morning, Master," she greeted Sotth with a smile.

"And a good morning to you, young Padawan," Sotth replied warmly. "You seem eager to reach Aridax."

Lira's eyes lit up with excitement. "At last, we're leaving Republic space!" she said eagerly. "The Outer Rim has so many fascinating worlds to explore and interesting people to meet."

Sotth smiled gently at his Padawan's enthusiasm. "While new discoveries await," he said, "remember our true purpose."

Lira nodded solemnly, Her words became sober. "I have researched Aridax Master,"

"You can share what you've learned over breakfast," Sotth's smile faded as he heard the somber note in Lira's voice that signaled the distressing truths she had uncovered about Aridax. Lira continued as Master Sotth strode purposefully through the transport "From my research, it seems the leader, Gogron, essentially enslaves his workers. The contracts strip them of all legal protections and basic rights."

They made their way to the simple but comfortable crew dining quarters

Master Sotth set the food synthesizer to produce Lira's favorite waffles "Though unfortunate, we still require Gogron's permission to access the temple." Master Sotth set a steaming plate before his Padawan Lira gazed at her waffles, frown deepening."If the Republic can send Jedi to investigate,why not help people living like slaves?" Sotth sighed. "The Republic Senate moves in mysterious ways. Still, our mission is to explore that temple." He retrieved his meat pie from the synthesizer and joined Lira at the table. Between bites, Lira described what else she had learned about the dire conditions on Aridax.

After breakfast, Master and apprentice made their way back to the training area to spar, they moved through the familiar forms and techniques as the transport carried them ever onwards.

The shrill alarm rent the air, jolting Master Sotth and Padawan Lira from their practice

As the ship exited hyperspace, Aridax came into view - a dusty, arid world. Sothh settled into the pilot's seat.

An gruff, unfamiliar voice suddenly crackled through the intercom. "Republic vessel, the docking fees for auction attendees have substantially increased due to unforeseen demand. If u cannot pay, remain in orbit until the auction's completion. "

Master Sotth raised an eyebrow at his Padawan, a flash of irritation crossing his features before he swallowed it down. He spoke calmly into the transmitter:"How much is required?"

The gruff voice replied tersely:"One thousand credits."

Master Sotth exhaled quietly through his nose,suppressing a expensive, credits were just credits; their mission mattered far more. "We'll pay the fee," he said firmly.

Clearance to land was granted, irritably, with no offer of apology. But Sothh ignored the rudeness, focusing on piloting the ship safely down. The Jedi cruiser descended through the dusty orange atmosphere of Aridax. Master Sothh piloted the ship expertly. The transport settled onto the landing pad and Master Sotth and Padawan Lira disembarked, making their way across the busy spaceport toward the docking authority's office.

"Because of auction more and more ships wants to land here, Docking fee is one thousand credits ," the officer said gruffly.

Sothh sighed but remained calm. "We have come a long way. Credits are unimportant; we seek only to attend the auction."

The officer shrugged. "Pay up if you want to dock, or get back in orbit. Makes no difference to me."

Lira spoke softly. "Good sir, we mean no disrespect. But we are here to only examine and explore temple for better understanding it purpose. Might we request an exemption from fee?"

The officer started laughing "thats good one kid" then turned still laughing to sotth "Shes funny, i give one credit off" Once the payment was made, he returned one credit chip to Sotth.

Sothh and Lira exited the spaceport and stepped into the dusty streets of the city. sidewalks lined with beggars holding out hands for credits. Trash littered the gutters and alleyways. Buildings , many with cracked windows and crumbling facades. Lira could sense the hopelessness that permeated this place. Poverty and desperation threatened to consume these people. As they walked, Lira spotted a lone pristine high-rise in the distance. "That must be Gogron's office," she said.

Sothh nodded. "His wealth sits on the broken backs of this planet's poor."

Lira glanced at the downtrodden people they passed. "So much suffering. Why republic doesnt do something?"

Sotth looked at Lira "You know we are not in republic space.

Lira's anger swelled. "So we do nothing while they suffer?"

Sothh's voice remained gentle but firm. "Lira, the Force does not demand we solve all injustice ourselves. Our focus must be wisdom, not fight."

Lira protested, "But the Light Side calls us to help the oppressed!"

"It calls us to walk a middle path," Sothh replied. "Overtaking tyrants rarely ends , wisdom and understanding offer surersteps toward justice."

Lira took a breath. Sothh's wisdom was often lost on her youthful impatience. Sothh continued. "Change begins humbly, with the spirit, not hearts of people shifts, governments follow."

Lira considered this. "If we inspire hope in Aridax's people, they may demand change themselves."

Sothh smiled. "Wisdom grows within you."

Gogron's high-rise office tower rose above the decaying city like a glittering beacon. Its glass and steel facade gleamed in the desert sun, a stark contrast to the crumbling structures around it. Sothh and Lira entered the lavish lobby, all polished marble floors and towering plants imported from richer worlds. A crystal chandelier cast rainbows across the walls.

The stern secretary looked up from her desk as Master Sotth and Padawan Lira entered.

"Names and purpose of your visit?" she asked.

"I am Jedi Master Sotth," he replied calmly. "This is my Padawan Lira. We wish to speak with Director Gogron regarding the upcoming auction."

The secretary adjusted her spectacles. "Director Gogron is a busy man. An audience with him requires a two hundred credit administrative processing fee."

Master Sotth's eyebrows rose in surprise. "A fee simply to request a meeting with the corporate leade ?"

The secretary's expression remained impassive. "Those are the director rules. Two hundred credits or no audience will be granted."

Master Sotth hesitated, annoyed by the bureaucratic obstructiveness but knowing they needed to speak with Gogron to gain information vital to their investigation. With a sigh, he handed over the credits.

The secretary buzzed them through. As they waited for the lift, Lira turned to Sotth. "two hundred for meeting, he is more greedy the i thouth"

Master Sotth contemplated thoughtfully. "Gogron has insulated himself from his people's struggles. The fee ensures he only meets with those who can profit or benefit him, like auction attendees."

He continued "Greed and ambition have clouded Gogron's mind. But wisdom can still pierce the fog, if we remain steady in patience and compassion."

Elevator doors of polished steel opened with a soft whoosh, revealing an interior lined with rich leather and hand-carved wood panels. Soft music played as the lift whisked Sothh and Lira upward. They emerged into a hallway with a view of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, the ruins and poverty of Aridax stretched as far as the eye could see. But here, wealth and privilege remained untouched by the suffering below.

Gogron's personal office was even more lavishly decorated, filled with exotic sculptures and expensive artworks. His large desk was made from imported rare wood. Gogron stood to greet his visitors, revealing his tall, lean Twi'lek frame. His ochre skin and dual head tails marked him as a Ryloth native, though years on Aridax had dulled the region's accent from his voice.

Gogron's fine orange robes and jewel-encrusted belt betrayed his love of wealth and material excess. Rich colognes wafted from his person, mingling unpleasantly with the smells of dust and decay that clung to Sothh and Lira after their walk through the city. A slick smile spread across Gogron's face as he gestured for his visitors to sit, revealing gleaming white teeth that had never known hunger or hardship. His violet eyes, though sharp with intelligence, lacked any sign of compassion or wisdom. Sothh and Lira sat across the large wooden desk from Gogron.

"Director," said Sothh,"my apprentice and I seek access to the ancient temple - not for profit, but to documen it for jedi order and see if its free from Dark influence."

Gogron leaned back in his chair. "An admirable goal, Master Jedi. Yet you fail tog rasp reality here. Aridax is a poor planet,kept barely functional by revenue from mining."

Master Sotth spoke firmly."Auctioning an ancient temple without understanding its history or dangers could have dire consequences."

Gogron responded calmly. "I respect your ideals Master Jedi, but good governance demands practical solutions. Tax credits from the auction will fund much needed services for my people."

Padawan Lira spoke respectfully but firmly. "Short term profit often blinds us to long term consequences. True wisdom considers how actions will reverberate over time."

Gogron spoke decisively. "True wisdom also accounts for the needs of citizens in the present. Attend the auction and see firsthand how the funds raised will be used to improve life for countless

"We will certainly attend your auction, " said Sothh. "

Gogron nodded. "An open mind reveals - " his words were cut short as his secretary's voice abruptly crackled over the intercom."Governor, the trade delegation has arrived for your three o'clock appointment." Gogron sighed in irritation. "Very well, send them in."

He turned to Sothh and Lira. "It seems our discussion must end for now. But I expect to see you both at the auction."

Sothh bowed his head. "We will be there."

Gogron rose from his desk. "Then I wish you safe travels until we meet again, Master Jedi."

As they walked out into the city streets again, Sothh added, "Tommorow I will speak with Gogron again. You should focus your energy elsewhere, Lira, maybe you could observe people who are here for auction, ask for their support in investigation temple for jedi order in case they win auction."

Lira met his gaze. She sensed his wisdom in this, though part of her yearned to confront Gogron herself. But if this could grant them temple access, it would be worth it.

Sothh watched Lira deep in thought The wisdom of patience came slowly to young hearts, he knew. But it could be learned through trust, experience and openness. Lira spoke softly. "There is truth in what you say, Master. i will start looking for people who are here for auction."

Sotth smiled at lira "Good, in meantime i willl try find where is temple located. In evening come back to ship, dont trust this city at night"

"Dont worry master i will be careful" said Lira and started walking down the street.

Sothh watched as Lira disappeared into the dust and chaos of the city streets. Though young, a fire burned within her - a passion for justice that could so easily tip into anger and he sensed a growing wisdom as well. A willingness to learn from experience, and from her master.