In the aftermath of a fierce conflict with the Mandalorian Dominion, Jedi Master Kyle Katarn faces an unforeseen twist of fate. His young apprentice, Polina, now held captive, Kyle finds himself in the custody of the enigmatic Jedi Order he once sought.
As Kyle grapples with the weight of his loss and the uncertainty of his future, he embarks on a journey to an unknown destination. Amidst the turmoil, memories of the past haunt him, and questions linger unanswered.
But amidst the shadows of uncertainty, a familiar face emerges as his captor, hinting at the possibility of unexpected revelations and unforeseen alliances...
As the cool breeze of Sulon's night played with their surroundings, Kyle and Jan found solace under the expansive blanket of stars, embracing in each other's arms. Chuckles from their exchange of funny stories still echoed in the quietude. Kyle, ever the storyteller, couldn't resist a final claim that made his partner in crime chuckle.
Jan's laughter lingered as she regarded him with a teasing skepticism. "Kyle, you never lie? I find that hard to believe."
With a feigned look of innocence, Kyle responded, "Come on, Jan, you know I'm always truthful."
Jan raised an eyebrow, her eyes reflecting the starlight. "Always?"
"Well, almost always," Kyle admitted, his grin widening. "But in matters of the heart, you can trust my every word."
Jan's smile softened, her gaze meeting Kyle's. "I do love that about you."
As the banter settled and the two lay in each other's arms, the night air took on a more contemplative tone. Kyle shifted seamlessly, his playful demeanor giving way to a more earnest reflection.
"What if we left this mercenary life behind?" Kyle proposed, his voice carrying a touch of longing. "A home in the fields, a farm, a bunch of kids running around..."
The words hung in the air, and Jan's expression shifted to one of thoughtful contemplation. She shared love for Kyle but couldn't shake the shadows of uncertainty that clouded their existence. "Kyle, the galaxy needs us," she reminded him.
Undeterred, Kyle gently took her hand and met her gaze. "It won't need us forever, and not if we leave this life behind. We can build a different world for ourselves, Jan. A world where every moment isn't tainted by the fear of the next mission."
Jan considered his words, the weight of their shared experiences evident in her eyes. "In a different world, maybe," she said, a hint of both hope and skepticism in her voice.
With a light-hearted grin, Kyle responded, "Well, that can be arranged, hop into the Raven's Claw and we're on our way, right?"
Their laughter intertwined with the night, the starry sky above them seemingly approving of the dreams they dared to share.
Kyle sat in restrained silence, the subtle hum of the ship's engines creating an ambiance of uncertainty. Shackles bound his hands, a symbol of his captivity, as he observed the cohort of Jedi accompanying him. Chief among them was Jan, focused on a data pad, her expression invoked a mix of concern and duty.
Beside her, two other Jedi, both distinct in their own ways, inspected Kyle's lightsaber with a curious fascination. One, a bearded figure with azure-skin and grizzled features, marveled at the saber's design.
"Intricate craftsmanship," he remarked, his deep voice resonating within the confined space.
The other Jedi, a younger more excited and scholarly female with silver hair and piercing yellow eyes, examined the lightsaber's crystal with analytical interest; she bore a pattern tattoo on her forehead. "The energy from this crystal is unlike anything I've encountered before," she mused, her words filled with a scholarly fascination.
Amidst this scrutiny, Kyle couldn't help but faintly chuckle at the scene. His amusement echoed through the vessel, a subtle acknowledgment of the irony that, even in captivity, the essence of a Jedi's connection to the Force could not be fully contained.
One Jedi, a broad shouldered and tall stern figure with a shaved head and a scar running across his left cheek, glared down at Kyle with undisguised disdain. His piercing eyes bore into Kyle's, demanding an explanation for the perceived amusement.
"What's so amusing, fallen one?" he spat out the inquiry, his tone sharp with scorn as he stood over Kyle. Despite the confrontational stance, Kyle remained unperturbed, meeting the Jedi's gaze with a calm resolve.
With a nonchalant demeanor, Kyle suggested, "Take a seat, friend. These ships can get turbulent, and it's better to be strapped in." His lack of fear seemed to irk the confrontational Jedi even more, but before he could retort, Jan intervened.
"Enough, Malakar," Jan asserted firmly, her eyes still fixed on the data pad. "We're still on a mission, and we need everyone focused. Sit down and save your energy." Malakar grumbled under his breath but eventually complied, taking a seat with a scowl, leaving Kyle to reflect on the dynamics within this group of Jedi.
As the ship sailed through the quiet void of space, one of the curious Jedi, the young scholarly woman with the yellow eyes, couldn't contain her curiosity about Kyle's lightsaber.
"So, Kyle is it?" she began, her voice carrying a tone of genuine interest, "when did you make this lightsaber? It looks so well put together yet rugged, not like something carried through battles and conflicts."
Kyle, with a nostalgic smile, responded, "I crafted it when I first joined the Order, many years ago. As for its condition, credit goes to a friend who kept it safe for me for quite some time, and luck I suppose."
The other Jedi, the bearded warrior with azure skin, marveled at the revelation. "Impressive craftsmanship and care," he remarked, examining the lightsaber with a newfound respect.
However, amidst the intrigue of the Jedi, Jan's expression turned more complex. She seemed caught in a web of conflicting emotions, torn between curiosity and a hint of unease. Kyle noticed this and decided to address it directly.
"Something on your mind, Jan?" he questioned, his gaze meeting hers. The yellow-eyed and the azure-skinned Jedi both paused, waiting for Jan's response, curious about the underlying dynamics of their leader and the mysterious fellow passenger.
Jan continued to eye Kyle with a careful scrutiny, her earlier emotions still lingering beneath the surface. Without answering his question, she raised a hand in a silent gesture for him to be quiet.
Turning her attention to the other two Jedi, she addressed them sternly, "Garen, Sela, refrain from engaging in conversation with him. We're here on a mission, and unnecessary communication with a fallen Jedi is not our priority."
The two Jedi, Garen and Sela, nodded apologetically. "Understood, Master Ors," they responded in unison.
Left to his own thoughts, Kyle leaned back against the transport's cold metallic wall, shackles still secured on his wrists. The atmosphere in the ship grew tranquil, with Jan immersed in her data pad and the other Jedi avoiding any interaction with Kyle. The hum of the ship's engines seemed to echo the muted dynamics within, as they hurtled through the vastness of space towards an uncertain destination.
The transport vessel gently shook as it exited hyperspace, prompting the pilots at the front to announce their successful exit.
"Exiting hyperspace now…"
Jan, acknowledging the announcement, set aside her data pad. Kyle for his part curiously asked.
"Where are we?"
Ignoring Kyle's question, Jan maintained her silence, leaving Kyle in an atmosphere of uncertainty. Garen and Sela, though silent, exchanged a brief glance, and Sela offered Kyle an awkward smirk, hinting at a lack of hostility.
As the ship steadied, Kyle couldn't resist injecting a bit of sarcasm. "Nice try with the whole mysterious silent Jedi routine, but I've been searching for Jedi, and this isn't exactly how I imagined our meeting."
Jan, growing visibly frustrated, once again urged Kyle to be silent.
"Remain quiet."
His curiosity, however, got the better of him, and he questioned her directly, "Why are you being like this Jan, did I crash the Raven's Claw or something?"
Malakar, the confrontational Jedi, stood up, lightsaber in hand, and threatened Kyle into silence.
"You're not in a position to be questioning anyone, fallen one, be silent if you know what's good for you," Malakar said with disdain.
Unfazed, Kyle met Malakar's gaze. "I've faced mightier and uglier than you, scarface."
Jan, attempted to maintain control, "Malakar, back off!"
Suddenly, the transport jolted forward, catching Malakar off guard. He slipped and slammed onto his back, prompting Kyle to smile and casually remark, "Guess I warned you." The tension in the ship lingered, but Kyle seemed to find amusement in the Jedi's struggle for control, Malakar for his part simply stepped away and sat back on his seat, his glare continuously directed at Kyle who payed little mind to it.
As the ship initiated its descent, the pilot's voice crackled through the intercom, "Prepare for arrival shortly." The continuous hum of the engines and the anticipation in the air heightened Kyle's confusion. The vessel descended and a noticeable thud signaled its landing.
The side door opened, revealing a stunning vista—a sunlit, vibrant forest sprawled beneath a blue sky. Jan, breaking the silence, spoke directly to Kyle, "I suggest you cooperate, you'll be able to make your case to the Grandmaster soon…"
Still puzzled, Kyle queried, "Who's this grandmaster you're talking about?" Jan maintained her enigmatic silence, leaving Kyle grappling with unanswered queries.
The allure of the forest, bathed in sunlight, stood in stark contrast to the uncertainty that enveloped Kyle upon his arrival.
The dirt road stretched ahead, winding through the enchanting forest. Kyle, shackled and flanked by the four Jedi, couldn't help but appreciate the serenity of the woods—the rustle of leaves, the melodious calls of birds, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage.
In their beige cloaks, the Jedi walked in disciplined formation, with Jan and Garen at the front, leading the way. Malakar and Sela followed at the rear, the young Sela seemingly enjoying the nature around her.
The journey unfolded in quietude, broken only by the distant sound of the transport ship soaring above. Kyle's curious gaze followed the vessel, prompting Malakar's stern warning "Eyes forward, fallen one!"
"Perhaps it's you who should keep the eyes forward," Kyle quipped. "Wouldn't want you tripping over your robes again. Hazardous business, this Jedi escort."
Garen shot Kyle a disapproving look, while Jan kept her focus ahead, seemingly indifferent to the banter. Sela, sensing the escalating tension, attempted to diffuse the situation.
"Master Malakar, we must embody the principles of peace, even in challenging times," she implored.
Malakar's response was curt and authoritative. "Sela, silence. This is not a time for lessons."
"The young one seems to be wiser than the master, go figure," Kyle remarked.
The woods continued to envelop them in a calming symphony of nature. Kyle couldn't resist but comment on the peaceful surroundings, his words carrying a playful tone. "Quite the scenic route you all picked for a stroll. A little vacation, perhaps?"
Jan glanced at him, her expression unreadable beneath the hood of her cloak. "Silence. We're almost there."
Kyle chuckled, unfazed. "You know, if you wanted a guide, all you had to do was ask. I've been to more planets than I can count, could've easily found my way around here."
Garen, walking beside Jan, interjected, "We don't need your guidance. Just your cooperation."
Malakar, trailing behind, continued to shoot a seething glare at Kyle.
The group continued through the forest, Sela, once more trying to maintain a sense of peace, addressed Kyle. "It's for the best to try and work together for the benefit of peace, even when we may be on opposing sides."
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's a nice sentiment. But it's hard to maintain peace when the welcome party has me in shackles."
Sela sighed, her eyes meeting Kyle's. "The grandmaster has her reasons. Please, for all our sakes, try to understand."
Their exchange echoed through the woods, a subtle undercurrent of unease beneath the sounds of nature.
As they progressed, the terrain changed. They crossed a ravine, a narrow path winding through the depths. Emerging on the other side, the woods gave way to a clearer expanse, and a large lake came into view. In the distance, a structure resembling a Jedi temple loomed, a trio of towering structures could be seen from afar, weathered by time and surrounded by the beauty of the lush landscape.
Kyle, momentarily surprised by the sight, couldn't help but comment, "Well, at least we're not sleeping under the stars." He continued to walk with the group, navigating the terrain carefully with his bound hands, the large structure beckoning in the horizon, promising answers and challenges alike.
The group approached the outskirts of the temple, Kyle's observant eyes took in the sight before him. The once majestic trees surrounding the temple had been cleared, revealing the worn-down structure beneath. The temple, a shadow of its former glory, bore the scars of time and conflict. Various portions of its walls were missing, and the first gate stood battered, a testament to the battles it had endured.
As they neared, Kyle couldn't help but scrutinize every detail. His gaze moved across the damaged exterior, and he noticed signs that indicated the temple had been the site of a fierce battle. The remnants of once proud walls and pillars now stood as solemn witnesses to the passage of time.
Approaching the second set of doors leading into the temple, Kyle's eyes fixated on a single, tattered banner. The emblem of the Jedi Order was still visible, though worn and faded. It lay draped over the doors, a clear sign of the temple's history.
The group entered the temple, the echoing footsteps resonating through the halls as they ventured deeper into the once hallowed grounds. Kyle's curiosity remained unabated, and he continued to study his surroundings, keenly aware that each corner held the potential for answers to the questions that lingered in his mind.
In the expansive, mostly empty room, the group stood poised for what lay ahead. Several staircases beckoned to deeper reaches of the temple, and as Jan and Garen proceeded, Jan's instructions echoed through the space.
"Guard the fallen one," Jan directed, her tone brooking no argument. Sela and Malakar, now Kyle's sole sentinels, positioned themselves, their vigilance evident.
As Jan and Garen disappeared into the depths of the temple, Kyle, standing amidst the echoes of history, couldn't help but break the silence. "Why do you keep calling me the 'Fallen One'?" he inquired, addressing the Jedi escorts. Malakar remained silent, his demeanor stern, but Sela, ever the voice of reason, chose to speak.
"We believe you've turned away from the Order's path, became a mercenary," she explained. "Though, I don't see how that's true. You helped save a town."
Before Sela could elaborate further, Malakar cut in sharply, "Silence, Sela. His actions do not absolve him of his past."
Kyle, visibly annoyed by Malakar's dismissive attitude, retorted, "Let the girl talk. She seems to have a mind of her own." Malakar, unfazed, drew his lightsaber threateningly, challenging Kyle.
"Make one wrong move, and you'll find out just how wrong you are," Malakar warned with a hint of hostility. Undeterred, Kyle maintained a steadfast gaze.
"Let the girl speak, or are you afraid she might make too much sense?" Kyle quipped, his tone laced with a mix of annoyance and sarcasm.
"I'll teach you what sense is!" Malakar retorted with anger, about to ignite his saber.
Suddenly steps from atop the stairs rang out, signaling an interruption to the building tension. A soft, yet commanding voice pierced through the air, "Malakar, cease!"
Malakar, obedient to the voice, immediately desisted, sheathing his lightsaber. Kyle's attention shifted upward, and recognition flashed across his face as the figure emerged from the shadowy hall.
She donned a pristine white outfit, moving with grace and purpose. The woman, an air of authority surrounding her, approached the scene and stood before Kyle. As his eyes met hers, a moment of surprise flickered on Kyle's face before he spoke.
"It's you..." he stated, his voice carrying a mix of recognition and curiosity.
Rey strode confidently across the sands of the Lars Homestead, her loyal companion BB-8 trailing behind her. She had buried the lightsabers of Anakin and Leia, a symbolic gesture marking the end of a legacy.
Returning to the Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca patiently awaited inside. The loyal Wookiee was already occupying the pilot seat. As Rey approached the Falcon, a faint smile played on her lips as she glanced back at the homestead. The horizon, once adorned by the spectral presence of Luke and Leia, stood silent with the setting suns.
Boarding the Millennium Falcon, Rey moved towards the cockpit. Chewbacca emitted a curious growl, his questioning gaze fixated on Rey. With a smirk, she responded, "They were at peace." Chewbacca nodded, a sense of understanding exchanged between them.
As Rey glanced at her Jedi Texts, a moment of reflection washed over her. The Skywalkers were all gone, one with the Force, leaving her as the sole bearer of their legacy. She felt the weight of her responsibility, not only as a Skywalker but also as the heir to the lineage of her grandfather, Palpatine.
With determination, Rey asserted, "Now, it time to rebuild." The Falcon's engines hummed to life, ready to embark on a new chapter in the galaxy's ever-unfolding saga.
Rey's eyes meet Kyle's as she softly inquired, "Who are you?"
Kyle, recognizing Rey from the holographic message on Ajan Kloss, bowed slightly and introduced himself, "Kyle Katarn at your service." His tone carried a hint of respect as he acknowledged her role. "And you, are Rey Skywalker, Grandmaster Rey Skywalker if I assume correctly."
Rey's lips curled into a warm smile. "You assume correctly, Kyle." She then posed a question, her curiosity evident, "But where do you come from?"
Kyle, still uncertain of how much he should reveal, chooses his words carefully. "Well, originally I'm from Sulon, but now, I'm not quite sure where I am… if I'm correct in what I've seen so far, I may not be in my own time if that makes any sense. I know it may sound crazy but it is the only way I can put it in words…"
Rey nodded, sensing there being more to Kyle's story. "You carry an aura of the past, yet also not of this past…" she remarked. "The Force within you, it's different, but there's ways the Force connects us all even across time."
Kyle looked at Rey with a mixture of surprise and understanding. "You've felt it too," he observed.
Rey's expression turned contemplative. "Yes, I have. The Force binds us all, even across generations."
The two Jedi, each from different lives and upbringings, stood in the ancient temple, feeling the echoes of the past and the resonance of their shared connection through the Force.
Having witnessed the interaction with increased wonderment Sela stepped forward, a question lingering on her lips as she addressed Rey, "Master Skywalker, what do you mean by the Force connecting across time? I've never heard of such teachings."
Rey's gaze shifted from Kyle to Sela, the young Jedi standing with an eager glimmer in her eyes.
Rey's smile widened, appreciating the young Jedi's curiosity. "Sela, there is much about the Force that extends beyond what is written in the Jedi texts..."
Sela's eyes widened with wonder, absorbing Rey's words. "But Master, how can we tap into such a thing, connect beyond times?"
Rey nodded, her expression serene. "It's a journey, Sela. Understanding the Force's intricacies is a path of discovery. The more attuned you become, the more you feel its threads weaving through time."
Kyle listened intently to Rey and Sela's discussion, absorbing the mention of the Force connecting across time. Once their exchange concluded, he offered a slight nod of acknowledgment. Clearing his throat, Kyle spoke up, "This is all fascinating, but it doesn't clarify why I'm in binds or why I'm labeled a 'Fallen One.' I'd appreciate some context here."
Rey and Sela shared a quick glance, a silent communication passing between them. Meanwhile, Malakar stood behind, arms crossed, a stoic figure casting a scrutinizing gaze.
Rey broke the silence, "We received a transmission from you not long ago. I've trained many Jedi, but your name is unfamiliar. When we traced the origin, we found you associated with a group of fallen Jedi known as the 'Unchained.'"
Perplexity flickered across Kyle's face as he questioned, "Unchained?" His mind thought back to when Kord had mentioned something of the sort before his demise at Kyle's hands. "Mind explaining?"
Rey took a moment before responding, "The Unchained are individuals who've strayed from the Jedi path, seeking their own interpretation of the Force. Mercenaries, often. Your connection to this group intrigued us, hence our caution."
Sela added, "Grandmaster Rey wanted to understand before passing judgment."
Malakar, maintaining a stance of skepticism, interjected, "But caution is necessary. The Unchained have caused trouble before."
Rey concurred, "Indeed. Kyle, if you're not part of the Unchained, we need to comprehend your intentions and your relationship with the Force and why you were in Ajan Kloss. Can you enlighten me on this matter?"
Kyle's initial confusion gave way to a more measured understanding as Rey explained their concerns. With a sigh, he spoke up, "Look, I get it, you have some kind of division and rivalry. But I'm not some fallen Jedi or part of this Unchained group. I was part of Luke Skywalker's Jedi Order. You know Luke, right? You have his name. Daughter? Granddaughter?"
Rey's response was a subtle evasion. She deflected with another question, "How long ago did you know Luke?"
Kyle, sensing her avoidance, persisted, "Since the fall of the Empire. I trained under him, helped him rebuild the Order after it fell apart. But the last I heard, he's no longer with us." Rey, her expression growing solemn, silently confirmed his assumption.
A melancholic air settled between them as Kyle, equally somber, pressed on. "What happened to him?"
Rey's expression remained pensive as she recounted the fate of Luke Skywalker. She sensed the genuine goodness in Kyle, yet an underlying energy perplexed her. "During the First Order's invasion of the galaxy, Luke became one with the Force at the battle of Crait. His sacrifice inspired the galaxy to continue the fight," Rey explained.
A sense of sadness washed over Kyle at this revelation. "He wasn't just a wise teacher and a brave warrior; he was a good friend," Kyle remarked, a touch of melancholy in his voice. As he thought about Luke's sacrifice, a wistful smile appeared on Kyle's face. "He always did have a knack for being the hero..."
Rey smiled in agreement with Kyle's remark about Luke's flair for heroics. However, she shifted the conversation to a more pressing matter. "Your statements, while heartfelt, bring about troubling uncertainty, Kyle. Your actions at Ajan Kloss, noble as they were, have shattered a fragile truce between what remains of the Reformed Republic and the Dominion," Rey explained, her expression carrying a weight of responsibility. "You will need to face the Council for your actions."
Kyle's visage transformed into one of shock at this unexpected revelation.
Rey's expression carried both understanding and authority as she addressed Kyle, "I know the situation is complicated, Kyle, but resisting won't solve anything. You'll get a chance to explain yourself before the council."
Kyle, still reeling from the news, spoke up with noticeable worry, "Rey, you have to understand. They took Polina, a girl I swore to protect. I can't just sit here."
Rey, maintaining her calm demeanor, replied, "I empathize with your plight, but we must follow due process. The council will listen, and justice will prevail."
Reluctantly, she directed Sela and Malakar, "Escort him to the underground chambers. Treat him as a Jedi, with respect."
Sela, with a hint of sympathy in her eyes, nodded. "Of course, Master Rey."
Malakar, stern and unwavering, added, "This is for the greater good. Cooperate."
Both Jedi stood firmly, their lightsabers close on their belt as they prepared to guide Kyle.
Kyle walked forward with a steady but noticeably slower pace. As he and his escorts reached the split in the path, Kyle inquired about their direction. Sela, with her calming presence, gestured to the right, and so they proceeded.
Entering the large round room with stony chambers, Sela led Kyle to one prepared for him.
"We got it ready for you, the bed is made and there's some food here, I'm sorry it isn't too pleasant," she said.
Kyle nodded appreciatively, his gait had become awkward, and Sela, perceptive, inquired "Are you alright?"
Kyle, downplayed the situation "Just a wound I sustained back on Ajan Jan Kloss, I'm fine."
As he entered the chamber, Sela, genuinely concerned approached him, raising up his shirt to reveal a bloodied bandage at the brink of falling off.
"Kyle, that wound looks serious. You shouldn't underestimate it," Sela said with a touch of worry in her eyes.
Kyle, a half-smile on his face, assured her, "I've had worse, Sela. Just need a bit of rest, that's all."
Malakar, still vigilant, reminded Sela, "Stay cautious, Sela. We don't know the full extent of his intentions."
Sela nodded, torn between her duty and genuine concern for Kyle. "I'll keep watch, Master Malakar. But we can't ignore his injuries."
Sela, with a gentle yet determined demeanor carefully removed the bloodied bandage, and Kyle winced slightly as it pulled at his wound.
"Hold still, Kyle," Sela said, her voice soft but focused.
As she inspected the wound, her hand hovered over it, emitting a soothing warmth. Kyle felt a peculiar sensation as if the Force itself was at work. He watched in amazement as the wound began to close up, the pain dissipating with each passing moment.
Kyle's eyes widened with astonishment.
Sela, concentrating on her healing technique, explained, "It's a basic Force healing technique. I've been learning to use the Force to mend wounds. It's nowhere near as advance as Grandmaster Skywalker's, but it does the job."
Kyle marveled at the fading pain, his wound now nothing more than a memory. "Well, that's quite the Jedi trick. Thank you."
She smiled, a mix of relief and satisfaction. "You're welcome, Kyle. Now, rest. We'll discuss everything soon."
Sela, before stepping out of the chamber, turned her attention to Kyle's still-bound hands. With a swift and practiced motion, she deactivated the bind mechanism, allowing the restraints to fall away. Kyle flexed his wrists, feeling the relief of freedom after being confined.
"There you go, Kyle. The binds are off," Sela said, offering a small, understanding smile.
"Thanks, Sela," Kyle expressed once more, his voice low with gratitude.
She nodded, her smile a continuously warm one inviting Kyle some kind of comfort. Before leaving, Sela turned back and spoke, "Master Malakar and I will be right outside if you need anything. Rest well."
With that, she left Kyle to his solitude, the dim glow of the chamber's lighting casting a contemplative atmosphere, the doors to the chamber shutting loudly which momentarily drew his attention. As he settled onto the makeshift bed, he couldn't help but ponder the events that had led him to this unexpected encounter with the Jedi and just how the beginning of something much larger.