Chapter 8: Solitude and Reflection on Tython
22 ABY - 12 years before the events of The Force Awakens
As Thad Correlius returned to Artorias, forced to cope with his sudden expulsion for the Jedi Order, his former instructor Mara Jade Skywalker was dealing with having to adjust to life after a bitter separation from her husband Luke.
Mara Jade landed her ship on the remote planet of Tython, a place steeped in Jedi history and resonating with the Force. As the ramp lowered, she took in the landscape: rugged mountains, verdant forests, and ancient temples scattered across the terrain. She felt the weight of Thad's LX-9 saber clipped to her belt, her own lightsaber secured at her side. With a deep breath, she began her journey into the wilderness, seeking solace and clarity.
As she trekked through the ancient paths, Mara's thoughts drifted to her past. The memories of her time as the Emperor's Hand, her struggles with the dark side, and her eventual redemption flowed through her mind. She thought of Thad, remembering his bright eyes filled with determination despite his anxiety. She had always admired his ingenuity, but she also saw the crutches he relied on, like LX-9, as signs of his inner turmoil.
For days, Mara trained vigorously, pushing her limits in the harsh and untamed environment of Tython. She explored the ruins of ancient Jedi temples, meditating in places where the Force felt strongest. The planet's dual Force nexuses provided a perfect backdrop for her rigorous exercises, helping her refine her connection to both the light and dark sides of the Force. Amidst her training, she felt a lingering curiosity about Thad's creation. She decided to explore its capabilities firsthand.
**A Curious Experiment**
One afternoon, Mara decided to visit a nearby village to gather supplies. She carefully secured Thad's LX-9 to her belt, its smart visor stowed in her satchel. The village was quaint, with small stone houses and bustling markets. As she navigated the crowded streets, she drew curious glances from the villagers, her imposing presence and the two lightsabers marking her as someone not to be trifled with.
At the market, Mara bartered for fresh produce and meats, her mind partially occupied with thoughts of the LX-9. She was curious about Thad's experience with the droid-saber hybrid and wondered how it would function in her hands. Just as she completed her purchases, a commotion erupted nearby.
A group of armed thieves, scruffy and desperate, had cornered a vendor. They brandished crude weapons and demanded valuables from the frightened villagers. Mara, sensing an opportunity to test LX-9, calmly placed her purchases aside and attached the smart visor over her eyes.
As she approached, the thieves turned their attention to her. "Look at this one," sneered the leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek. "She thinks she can take us on alone!"
Mara activated LX-9, the droid's familiar voice crackling to life. "Mara Jade, engaging combat protocol. Let's show these ruffians how a true master fights."
The thieves charged at her, but Mara's movements were fluid and precise, guided by the advanced sensors and tactical feedback from LX-9. She easily deflected their attacks, the green blade of LX-9 flashing in the midday sun.
"Nice form, Mara," LX-9 quipped. "But could you maybe not swing me around like a common bludgeon? I do have delicate circuitry, you know."
Mara couldn't help but chuckle at the droid's commentary. "Noted, LX-9. I'll try to be gentler."
As she disarmed and incapacitated the thieves with ease, LX-9 continued its humorous commentary. "Thad usually hesitates a bit more. You're making this look too easy. Maybe you should give lessons. Just don't expect me to do all the heavy lifting."
One of the thieves attempted a sneak attack, but Mara swiftly countered. LX-9 chimed in, "Sneaky, sneaky! Nice move, Mara."
The battle was over in moments, the thieves groaning on the ground. The villagers cheered, and Mara deactivated LX-9, removing the visor and placing it back in her satchel. She turned to the grateful vendor, nodding in acknowledgment before collecting her supplies.
"Thank you, stranger. How can we repay you?" the vendor asked, awe in his voice.
Mara shook her head. "No need. Just stay safe."
As she walked back to her ship, she reflected on the experience. Using LX-9 had been interesting, and she could see how it had been beneficial to Thad in his early training. However, she also realized its limitations. While LX-9 provided tactical advantages, it couldn't replace the instinct and intuition developed through years of training and experience. Thad's reliance on it had likely hindered his growth, especially as the challenges he faced became more complex and demanding.
She understood that Thad's mental struggles had exacerbated his difficulties, making him dependent on LX-9 for confidence. As Thad matured, the droid's assistance had become less effective, highlighting the need for Thad to build his self-assurance and trust in his abilities.
**A Haunting Dream**
That night, as Mara slept under the stars near the ruins of an ancient Jedi temple, a disturbing presence invaded her dreams. Abeloth, with her grotesque visage and malevolent aura, appeared, her voice a whisper in Mara's mind.
"Mara Jade, you are strong, but you could be stronger. Imagine what you could achieve with students like Thad. Build your own Jedi Order, free from the constraints of the past."
Mara felt the dark tendrils of Abeloth's influence trying to wrap around her consciousness, tempting her with visions of power and control. Yet, Mara's past experiences had steeled her against such manipulations. As the Emperor's Hand, she had been trained in the ways of the dark side, making her intimately familiar with the insidious allure of power. Her transition to the light side, guided by Luke Skywalker and her own deep introspection, had equipped her with the tools to recognize and resist these temptations.
Her extensive Jedi training had not only enhanced her connection to the Force but also instilled a deep understanding of its dual nature. Mara's unique journey—straddling both sides of the Force—had fortified her mental defenses. She knew the signs of dark side manipulation well, having faced them countless times in her past battles and internal struggles.
Mara focused her mind, drawing on her hard-earned strength and resilience. The lessons from her past, the discipline instilled through years of rigorous training, and her unwavering commitment to the Jedi path combined to form a shield around her consciousness. To Abeloth's surprise, Mara did not falter. Instead, she countered, diving into Abeloth's mind with the same intensity. She glimpsed the chaos and destruction Abeloth planned to unleash, the manipulation of key figures, and most disturbingly, how Abeloth was using Luke.
Mara saw vivid memories of her and Luke together, flashes of their shared moments of joy and struggle. She remembered their first meeting, their training sessions, and the warmth of his embrace. These memories gave her strength as she navigated Abeloth's mind.
In one memory, she saw Luke on Yavin 4 shortly after the victory at Endor. His optimism was infectious as he rallied the fledgling Jedi Order. "We will bring balance to the Force and restore peace to the galaxy," he had declared, his eyes shining with hope.
Another memory took her to Coruscant, where Luke stood before the New Republic Senate, advocating for the Jedi's role as peacekeepers. "The Jedi serve the galaxy not just as warriors, but as guardians of peace and justice," he had said, earning the respect of senators and leaders.
But then darker memories surfaced. Mara saw Luke in his quarters on Ossus, poring over ancient Jedi texts. Abeloth's insidious whispers echoed around him. "You must be more than a teacher, Luke. You must be a legend." She watched as doubt and confusion clouded his judgment, leading him to make decisions driven by a need for recognition rather than the Jedi principles he once held dear.
Another memory flashed by: Luke standing before the Jedi Council, advocating for aggressive expansion of the Order's influence. "We must assert our power, show the galaxy that the Jedi are the true protectors," he argued, a far cry from his earlier humility. Abeloth's influence was clear, twisting his noble intentions into a quest for prestige.
**Visions of Future Chaos**
The dreamscape shifted, and Mara found herself witnessing terrifying future events. She saw Leia Organa floating through space, defying the vacuum and cold with an unnatural Force ability. It was a scene that defied logic, hinting at Abeloth's manipulation.
Mara then saw a Resistance ship, the Raddus, slicing through a First Order Star Destroyer in a desperate, suicidal maneuver. The spectacle was breathtaking and impossible, a clear sign of Abeloth's reality-bending influence.
Next, she saw Force Ghosts, including Yoda and Luke, interacting with the physical world in ways previously unseen. Yoda ignited a tree on Ahch-To, while Luke's ghost seemed to approve of Rey taking on the Skywalker legacy. These interventions, twisted by Abeloth's hand, furthered the chaos and confusion among the living.
Abeloth's plan became horrifyingly clear. She intended to destabilize the galaxy, making it believe that only her chosen Daughter, Rey, could bring peace. The galaxy would see Rey as the solution to the chaos, unaware that she was merely a pawn in Abeloth's grand design.
**Mara's Awakening and Resolve**
The realization struck Mara like a physical blow. Abeloth was corrupting Luke from within, and he was unaware of it. Mara's heart ached with the knowledge that her husband was being manipulated, his pure intentions twisted by Abeloth's insidious influence. The horror of this realization jolted Mara awake. She sat up, drenched in cold sweat, her heart racing. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she processed the weight of what she had seen. Despite the intense psychological pressure, she had resisted Abeloth's manipulations, a testament to her enduring strength and the depth of her understanding of the Force.
She knew she couldn't tell Luke directly—it would only trigger Abeloth to escalate her chaos. Tears streamed down Mara's face as she mourned the loss of the man she loved, knowing that the Luke she once knew was slipping away years before his actual death.
For the next few days, Mara could do little but cry and sob intensely. The weight of her knowledge and the helplessness she felt consumed her. She stayed on Tython, grappling with her grief and the immense burden of her newfound awareness. Despite her pain, Mara resolved to find a way to combat Abeloth's influence. She would train harder, strengthen her resolve, and prepare for the battles ahead.
In the solitude of Tython, Mara Jade found a new purpose. She would protect the legacy of the Jedi, honor the memory of her husband, and ensure that Abeloth's plans would be thwarted. The fight would be long and arduous, but Mara was ready to face it, armed with the strength of her convictions and the power of the Force.
As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, Mara stood resolute. Tython's tranquility belied the storm brewing across the galaxy, and she was ready to face it. Abeloth's chaos would not go unchallenged, and Mara Jade was determined to protect the galaxy from this ancient darkness.