Chapter 7: The Shattering of Hope

Scene 1: A Forewarning

In 22 ABY, Thad Correlius woke early, the first light of dawn casting a soft glow across the lush Ossus landscape. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of dew-kissed grass. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of native birds added to the serene morning ambiance, but it did little to calm his nerves. His companion, the ever-loyal LX-9, hovered nearby, its lights pulsing gently.

"Thad," LX-9 said, its voice unusually somber. "I am a therapy droid. I've noticed your behavior over the last several months. I've noticed Ben's and Luke's as well. I can accurately predict what's going to happen today... Thad, before it happens... I just want you to know ahead of time... that I forgive you."

Thad's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean, LX-9?"

But LX-9 remained silent, its lights dimming slightly. Thad felt a knot of dread tighten in his stomach. The weight of his anxieties, the relentless expectations, and the ever-present fear of failure pressed down on him.

Scene 2: The Confrontation

The training grounds on Ossus, usually a sanctuary of growth and learning, were charged with tension. The verdant fields, bathed in the morning light, felt more like a battleground today. Thad stood opposite Ben Solo, his mind racing. Ben's eyes were filled with a dark intensity, a reflection of his growing connection to the dark side.

"You're weak, Thad," Ben taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You rely too much on your gadgets. You're not a real Jedi."

Thad's grip tightened around his lightsaber, his palms sweaty. "I'm stronger than you think, Ben."

Their lightsabers clashed, the sound echoing across the training grounds. The bright energy of the blades contrasted starkly with the tension between them. Thad fought with everything he had, but Ben's connection to the dark side made him a formidable opponent. Each strike was filled with anger and desperation, the force of their blows sending ripples through the grass.

"Why do you fight, Thad?" Ben sneered as their blades locked. "You don't belong here."

"I fight for my family, for the Jedi," Thad replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. Memories of his parents, their unwavering support, and the lessons from Luke and Mara flashed through his mind.

Ben's laugh was cold and hollow. "Your are so weak. The Jedi are doomed if you ever become a Knight."

The words stung, shaking Thad's resolve. His strikes became more frantic, his form faltering. Ben saw his opening and with a powerful strike, disarmed Thad, sending his lightsaber flying.

"Enough!" Luke Skywalker's voice cut through the chaos as he stepped between them, his presence commanding. "This ends now."

Scene 3: The Expulsion

Thad stood before the Jedi Council, his heart heavy with the weight of his failure. The room was dimly lit, the solemn faces of the council members reflecting his inner turmoil. Luke Skywalker, his mentor and friend, looked at him with a mixture of sadness and disappointment.

"Thad," Luke began, his voice gentle yet firm. "Your actions today have shown that you are not in control of your emotions. You allowed your anger to cloud your judgment, and you put yourself and others in danger."

Thad's throat tightened, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I... I tried to fight, but Ben... he's so powerful."

Luke sighed, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his eyes. "It's not just about power, Thad. It's about control, balance, understanding. You have potential, but you're not ready to be a Jedi Knight."

Thad's mind raced, replaying the confrontation with Ben. He could see every mistake, every moment of doubt and fear. He wanted to explain, to defend himself, but the words wouldn't come. The memory of Ben's taunts, the look in Luke's eyes, all of it swirled in his mind, amplifying his sense of failure.

Thad tried to focus on the present moment, but his thoughts kept drifting to the past. He remembered his training sessions with Luke, the lessons on patience and self-control. He had always struggled with those concepts, and now it seemed they had finally caught up to him.

Luke's decision weighed heavily on him. He felt a mix of shame and anger, not just at Ben, but at himself for letting things spiral out of control. The look in Luke's eyes was the hardest to bear—disappointment from the person he had always tried to make proud.

Without further discussion, Luke made a unilateral decision. Thad was to be expelled from the Jedi Order. The words hit him like a physical blow, his heart shattering into pieces. He had dedicated his life to the Order, and now it was being taken away from him.

Mara Jade, standing beside Luke, looked at Thad with deep sadness. She had always believed in him, seen his potential. "Thad, this isn't the end. You have a journey ahead of you, a chance to find yourself. But for now, you need to step away from the Order."

Thad nodded numbly, his mind reeling. He felt like he was falling into a dark abyss, his dreams and hopes slipping away.

Scene 4: The Abyss

Thad wandered through the lush forests of Ossus, his mind a whirlwind of pain and confusion. The towering trees and the rustling leaves, usually a source of solace, now seemed indifferent to his suffering. His expulsion from the Jedi Order had left a gaping void in his heart. The panic attacks, which he had managed to control with the help of LX-9, now surged back with a vengeance.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the Ossus ocean, Thad found himself standing at the water's edge. The calm water reflected the deepening colors of the sky, but inside, Thad was anything but calm. The weight of his failure pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe.

In a moment of sheer desperation, Thad unclipped LX-9 from his belt. The droid, which had been his constant companion and source of comfort, now felt like a reminder of his inadequacy. With a cry of anguish, he hurled LX-9 into the ocean, watching as it sank beneath the waves.

Tears streamed down his face as he collapsed to his knees, the cool sand beneath him offering no solace. "I'm sorry," he whispered to the wind. "I failed you all."

His voice broke into sobs as he called out, "Sara... Diop... I'm so sorry. I've failed you too."

The names of his wife and son hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the family he felt he had let down. The ocean's gentle waves seemed to mock his anguish, their rhythmic sound a stark contrast to the turmoil within him.

Scene 5: The Rift

The news of Thad's expulsion and his subsequent breakdown sent ripples through the Jedi community. It was a heavy blow to Luke and Mara Jade's marriage, the strain of their differing views on the situation becoming painfully evident.

Mara, devastated by Thad's expulsion, confronted Luke in their quarters. "How could you do this, Luke? Thad needed our support, not our rejection."

Luke's face was etched with sorrow. "Mara, he wasn't ready. His lack of control put everyone at risk. We had to make a difficult decision for the safety of all."

Mara's eyes blazed with anger and grief. "He needed guidance, not abandonment. You let him down."

The argument escalated, years of pent-up frustrations and disagreements surfacing. Their love for each other was still strong, but the strain of leadership and their conflicting views on the Jedi Order's direction were taking their toll. Luke's preoccupation with the prestige of the Order, influenced subtly by the manipulations of Abeloth, added a nuanced layer of conflict between them.

Finally, in a moment of heartbreaking clarity, Mara made a decision. "I can't do this anymore, Luke. I need to find Thad, to help him in my own way. I hope you understand."

Luke's heart ached as he watched Mara pack her belongings. "I do understand, Mara. And I hope you find him. But know that my love for you will never fade."

With tears in her eyes, Mara left their quarters, the door closing behind her with a sense of finality.

Scene 6: The Rescue

Mara's journey to find Thad led her to the shores of the Ossus ocean. She stood at the water's edge, her eyes scanning the horizon. The salty breeze ruffled her hair as she reached out with the Force, searching for any sign of LX-9.

With a determined look, Mara extended her hand, the Force guiding her actions. Slowly, she felt the presence of LX-9 beneath the waves. With a swift motion, she pulled the droid from the depths, the water cascading off its metallic surface.

Mara cradled LX-9 in her arms, her heart swelling with a mix of hope and sorrow. "I'll keep you safe," she whispered. "For Thad."

Scene 7: A New Path

Thad's journey after his expulsion was fraught with challenges. He sought solace and guidance from his parents, Xavier and Yvonne Correlius, on Artorias. The lush plains and serene lakes of Artorias provided a stark contrast to the turmoil he had experienced. They welcomed him with open arms, their love and support a balm to his wounded soul.

"You've been through so much, Thad," Yvonne said gently, her hand resting on his shoulder. "But this is not the end. It's a new beginning."

Xavier nodded, his eyes filled with pride and compassion. "We'll help you find your way, son. You're stronger than you think."

With his parents' support, Thad began to rebuild his life. He immersed himself in his father's diplomatic work, learning the intricacies of negotiation and peacebuilding. Xavier's stories of overcoming adversity and Yvonne's wisdom provided Thad with new perspectives. The skills he developed became a new foundation for his identity, helping him regain his sense of purpose.

Meanwhile, Mara Jade continued to watch over LX-9, keeping it safe until the day Thad would be ready to reclaim it.