Hey Guys,

Happy New Year to you all ! I hope 2024 will be the year of change for good for humanity. I hope for every single one of you reading that you will in good health, wealthy and happy.

I spent new year's eve sick instead of being with friends as planned. So the year started weirdly for me.

But that's ok. Here is a chapter I finished from my bed :)

Enjoy

DISCLAIMER: STILL DON'T OWN ANYTHING STAR WARS !

Chapter 18: Return to Tython

The journey back from Tatooine was marked by a serene quietude aboard the Dreadnought-class cruiser. Anakin Skywalker, the young boy whose fate was intertwined with the galaxy's, had found comfort in his mother's arms, and had fallen asleep, his innocent face a stark contrast to the turmoil his life had seen so far.

Obi Wan sensing the subtle tension between his master and Shmi, offered.

Obi-Wan: "I'll take him to my cabin. He needs rest. He's been through a lot and will be more comfortable in a bed."

Shmi and Revan nodded, watching as Obi-Wan gently picked up and carried Anakin away, a protective and tender bond already forming between the young Jedi and the child.

Revan then turned his attention to Shmi Skywalker, who sat quietly, her eyes reflecting the storm of emotions she was trying to process.

The silence stretched between them until Shmi broke it, her voice hesitant but needing answers.

Shmi: "Master Jedi, why? Why us? I need the truth."

Revan felt a push from the Force, guiding him to share the whole truth, even the darkest parts of the alternate timeline where Anakin's destiny had taken a tragic turn.

Revan: "Shmi, the path the Force has set for Anakin is one of great significance. In another reality, one I've seen, he suffered greatly and so did the galaxy. The Force brought me to you to prevent that future."

Shmi listened, tears streaming down her cheeks as Revan recounted the tale of Anakin's fall in the other universe. The weight of such a destiny for her son was overwhelming, yet there was a glimmer of hope in Revan's words.

Revan: "The Force intervened because it seeks a different path for Anakin, one of light and hope. I vow to protect both of you. Anakin is not just the Chosen One; he is, in a way, my son too."

Shmi's eyes widened in shock and confusion.

Shmi: "Your son? How can that be?...I don't know you…"

Revan smiled at her, shaking his head.

Revan: "I don't mean like that Shmi. He is not biologically mine but spiritually."

Shmi seemed even more confused.

Revan took a deep breath, choosing his words with care.

Revan: "In my efforts to stop a Sith Lord named Plagueis to corrupt his essence, I inadvertently became part of Anakin's creation. My essence, my connection to the Force, it... it merged with the Force's act of creating Anakin. It's hard to explain, but it makes our destinies intertwined."

Shmi sat in stunned silence, trying to comprehend the enormity of what Revan had just revealed. The notion that her son was part of a larger cosmic plan was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

Shmi: "Where are you taking us?"

Revan: "To a place where you'll both be safe, a hidden world away from the Sith and any danger. A sanctuary where Anakin can grow, learn, and fulfill his true potential."

As Shmi absorbed this information, Revan gave her the space to process everything. He stood up, looking out into the vastness of space.

Revan: "I promise you, Shmi, your son will have the life he deserves. A life free from the shadows that once threatened to consume him. And…you will too."

Shmi looked into Revan dark eyes and felt oddly comforted by his vow. Her life as a slave has beaten the notion of trust out of her but somehow, she believed Revan.

In his heart, Revan knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. But for now, they were on a path of hope – a path that could change the course of the galaxy.

As the Jedi cruisers approached Tython, the final touches were being put in place on the planet's new planetary shield - a marvel of Jedi engineering designed to ensure the security and secrecy of their sanctuary. Revan's ship, along with the escort that had accompanied them from Tatooine, prepared to be the first to test this advanced defense system.

The shield was unique, not just in its technological aspects but also in its connection to the Force. It needed to be activated by a Jedi who had achieved balance in the Force, allowing passage only to those who harmonized with its energy. An additional layer of security required ships to emit a specific frequency to pass through the barrier. Any vessel lacking this frequency, or a balanced Jedi aboard would be repelled.

As the ships approached, the shield's barrier, obscuring the view of the planet and making it appear baren from the outside, activated. There was a moment of tension in both cockpits as they neared the barrier, but the ships passed through seamlessly, welcomed by the breathtaking beauty of Tython.

Shmi Skywalker, who had been silent during the journey, gasped at the sight that unfolded before her eyes. The planet was a tapestry of vibrant greens and blues, a stark contrast to the harsh deserts of Tatooine.

Obi-Wan: "Welcome to Tython, Shmi, Anakin."

Anakin, who had grown fond of Obi-Wan during the journey, hurried him to get close to the pilot seat. He then climbed onto Revan, trying to get a better view, his youthful curiosity piqued.

Anakin: "fly! fly!"

Revan laughed, holding the young boy close, despite Anakin's mild protest. At a gentle but firm word from Shmi, Anakin settled down, content in Revan's arms.

As they disembarked and walked towards the Jedi Temple, the entire Jedi Council awaited their arrival. The presence of Anakin resonated with the Force-rich environment of Tython, almost as if the planet itself recognized the significance of his arrival. The planet literally vibrated around them for a moment.

Every jedi in the vicinity including the Council members were awestruck, and even Yoda seemed visibly moved, his eyes misty.

Yoda: "Welcomed by the Force, this child is."

Anakin, undeterred by the gathering of Jedi Masters, greeted Yoda with a wide smile, eliciting a hearty laugh from the wise old Jedi - a sound rarely heard in the halls of the Temple.

The Council welcomed Shmi warmly, offering her and Anakin chambers connected to those of Revan and Obi-Wan, to ease her into her new life. Shmi, overwhelmed by the sudden shift from slavery to a place of her own, gratefully accepted.

Obi-Wan: "I'll be happy to be your guide on Tython, Shmi. And if you ever need, I'll look after Anakin."

Shmi smiled, touched by the kindness and generosity extended to her and her son. She followed Obi-Wan, with Anakin eagerly clinging to her, as they began to settle into their new life.

Tython, a world that had once been the cradle of Jedi civilization, now echoed with the promise of a brighter future.

As Revan watched Shmi and Anakin being led away by Obi-Wan, he felt a sense of hope and responsibility.

The path ahead would be challenging, but with the Skywalker family safe on Tython, they had taken the first step towards a future where the force would finally be one.