Chapter: 46 Reflections

"Honor the past by living for your future."

A rising change! Padawans Anna and Elsa Dellian continue their journeys towards knighthood. While Anna walks the path of redemption, Elsa delves deeper into Coruscant's politics. As the mystery of their wanderings unfolds, only time will tell where they'll end up...


Sergeant Blazer's deep brown eyes peered down at his workbench. The Onasi blaster, a Republic hero's four-thousand-year-old weapon, rested before him. He examined its intricate, worn grip and cooling module. He considered how many dastardly foes had been on the other side of its scope. Still, blasters weren't as clean and precise as lightsabers were. Blazer wouldn't be able to just fire this pistol like Anna was able to activate the Sith blade. With nothing but a power cell to light the room, Blazer rummaged through containers. He searched the old ship for whatever tools he could find and plopped them onto the bench with a thud. He prepared to disassemble the weapon, yet hesitated upon reaching for it. He focused solely on the Onasi family crest and considered its meaning. He hung his head and whispered, "Thank you for your service." Blazer still struggled to disassemble the pistol and realized he was holding himself back. He still felt that, as a clone, he had been cheated out of voluntarily serving in the Republic. It got him thinking about whether or not he even had free will in the first place. He recalled Master Mattias' words and thought, Of course I'm a future hero of the Republic. I never had a choice! The Kaminoans took me out of an incubator, shoved a blaster in my hand, and said 'Shoot those things over there!' Blazer sighed. But I have to believe my life is still my own.

"Don't think of it as carrying on his legacy," he remembered Anna saying. "Think of it as building your own."

"Here goes everything," Blazer whispered and plucked one of the tools. Sparks flew and gears cranked. Like Mattias' group, the Onasi blaster's pieces dispersed across the desk. He twisted, cleaned, and re-welded its framework. He bonded with the blaster as if it was part of him and felt its weight in his palm. He disposed of its aged cartridges and withdrew several of his own. The Hammerhead's frigid interior kept Blazer refreshed as he labored away at the pistol. The clone's aching fingers nitpicked every detail to perfection as he fastened the cartridges into place. With a firm grunt, he tightened the firing coil and fastened its grip plate. To outside eyes, his toils would've seemed complete...but there was only one way to truly know. Blazer swallowed hard and examined his handiwork. He rubbed his chin inquisitively and scratched at the growing stubble. Cautiously, Blazer scooped up the blaster and held it to his ear. The room's silence was as deafening as it was heavy. He slid his finger up the sleeve and flipped a calibrator. Blazer's heart raced as a sudden roar powered through the pistol's cooling vents. He gasped in astonishment as several blue indicators gleamed along the pistol's side, displaying his new ammunition. A delightful, stupefied grin crept across his face. He was like a giddy child with a new...lethal toy.

"Ha-ha!" Blazer cheered and raised the blaster triumphantly. He practiced aiming it and relished in the weapon's bold hum. While keeping the safety on, Blazer nestled a finger on the trigger and practiced shooting. Just as he found an invisible target, he heard a prominent clamor down the hall. Blazer raised a brow and powered down his weapon. He leaned in for a better listen as several bangs echoed towards him. "What the hell?" he whispered. His companions should've been in the crew quarters or command bridge...both of which were on the opposite end of the sound. Curious but mostly longing to test out his blaster, Blazer pursued the noise. While one hand held a power cell for light, the other kept aiming across the corridor. He slowly crept through the chilly ship as the noises intensified. The frequency and aggressiveness behind each thud made Blazer quicken his pace.

He rounded a shadowy corner and heard which room the sound's perpetrator was in. Blazer backed against the nearest wall and shimmied closer to the room's entryway. He went to set his power cell down, but a fiery flicker caught his attention. It was as if there was already another cell in the room and someone was constantly moving in front of it. Blazer watched as a furious, slender silhouette danced across the floor. Its sporadic movements were coupled by heavy strikes against a cylindrical object. Amidst the vast array of furious grunting, Blazer could make out a familiar growl. He relaxed the grip on his weapon. "Anna?" Blazer whispered and peeked into the room.

There was the Padawan, lunging at a suspended punching bag in the Hammerhead's ancient training room. The bag's decrepit chains rattled as Anna delivered punch after punch. Fury filled her eyes as she struck the bag. Her grunts became sorrowful whimpers and her mind wandered elsewhere. It was as if each punch transported her to another tragic moment in her life. She saw Ventress killing Chaki and Nelani...then hunting each of her friends down. With Anna's next strike, she felt Dooku's Force lightning climbing up her arms. The third punch had Metora and her slavers laughing at her. "Run, Jedi. Run!" she heard the Umbaran taunt on the fourth.

"No!" Anna roared and practically attacked the bag. She alternated between punches, kicks, and even clawed at its aged leather. Once she had a firm enough grip, she headbutt the bag and accepted its throbbing pain. Anna's attacks were so relentless that she managed to dislodge the bag from the ceiling. The chain clattered beside the fallen bag and Anna threw herself down. She straddled her inanimate foe and smashed her fists against where a face would've been. Her face flushed into a scarlet red and her eyes were bloodshot. Before she could batter the bag any further, Blazer scooped Anna up from behind and dragged her away. "Get off!" she growled and flailed. "Don't you kriffing touch me!"

"Anna," Blazer assured. "It's me, Sarge. It's me!" They fell over, but the clone refused to let go. "I've got you."

"I-" Anna panted. "I just-" Her hasty breaths transitioned into sniffles as tears streamed from her eyes. She rested her head against his forearm and he held her close.

"I know," Blazer whispered. "Just breathe with me, okay?" Anna nodded through her tears. "Deep breaths together." While keeping a firm grip on her, Blazer guided Anna through slow breathing. He loosened his hold with each exhalation as they breathed together. "That's it," he assured. "In...and out."

Anna relaxed against his chest as her breaths mirrored his. It was as if they were a single, living being in those moments. "I just get so angry," she uttered against his tear-drenched chest.

"Me too, kid." Blazer murmured. "We couldn't save them."

"Rapunzel says we aren't broken and that we need healing," Anna mumbled. "But what do you think, Sarge? Are we broken?"

Blazer sighed and released Anna. "Yeah," he said. "But so is everyone is else. I like to imagine that we all come into this world disassembled. Even clones. So we're all broken from the start and it's up to us to figure out where all the pieces fit. The point is, we fix ourselves. Others can help us...give their own opinions...but at the end of the day, we had all the pieces from the start. You know what you need, Anna. You have to save your own life and no one can do it for you. That doesn't mean I won't help you get there though."

Anna smiled softly and wiped her tears. "Thanks, Sarge," she said.

Blazer observed her devastating handiwork and chuckled. "I don't think that bag did you much good. Looks like you might be in need of a sparring partner."

Anna smirked as they helped each other up. "Oh I don't know," she teased. "I wouldn't want to hurt you."

"You won't even land a hit," Blazer taunted and raised his fists. "Think of it as Kamino - Round: 2. Now gimme your best shot." Enticed, Anna threw her first punch. Blazer blocked and went for one of his own. While Anna was able to weave away at the last second, she mistakenly pushed her attack too quickly. Blazer elbowed her back and they stared each other down. "Take your time," he said. "You can't just barrel through me."

Can't...Anna's favorite challenge word.

Like a wild mudhorn, Anna charged Blazer head on. She kept her head low, spread her arms, and attempted to tackle him. The clone planted his feet in preparation for the attack and stopped Anna in her tracks. She punched at his tightened core until he flung her at the nearest wall. While her acrobatics weren't as honed as they had been, Anna still managed a decent wall-kick. She bounced back towards Blazer and delivered a right hook across his cheek. The strike sent him spinning while Anna looked at her own fist.

"Okay," Blazer huffed and rubbed his cheek. "Now it's on." He rushed towards Anna and the duo continued their match. Their punches, kicks, and grunts echoed throughout the ship. It was only a matter of time before the rest of their crew came to investigate.

"By the Force," Mattias uttered from the doorway while the others peeked behind him.

"Hey Master!" Anna groaned in Blazer's headlock. "Wanna join in?" She elbowed the clone in his chest and tried flipping him over. Unable to do so, she resorted to stomping on his foot.

"What is this?" Sparx blurted. "Kamino - Round: 2?"

"Yes!" Blazer and Anna answered simultaneously. They continued to brawl as their audience grew.

"Well, no shame in staying in shape is there?" Sparx remarked. The lieutenant made his way over to a shelf and plucked a pair of weights from it. While he started lifting, 85 observed a worn out mat. Feeling unsure about anything too complicated, 85 started by simply jogging in place. A warm smile found its way to his lips.

Mattias and Rapunzel observed the athletic feats before them. "Your Padawan is making astounding progress," she said.

"I think they all are," Mattias added. "Little by little, it's as if new life is being breathed into them. That's always nice to see in the wake of such tragic events."

"Speaking of new life," Rapunzel considered and Mattias raised a brow. "I may have an idea of sorts. The discovery of this ship has only brought this team of yours closer together. What if we could power it back up and raise it from the ice? There's plenty of supplies back on our corvette. It could be the ultimate symbol for them and our Republic."

"Fixing this relic would only bring us closer," Mattias mentioned. "And we could all use a little more revival in this galaxy. Why not?" he agreed and Rapunzel grinned. As the knight went off to start planning, Mattias focused on his Padawan. He rejoiced in Anna's rising enthusiasm and let it inspire him for the journey ahead. Even as a master, he'd still had his doubts...but it appeared his mission of redemption was working.


A morning, Coruscant breeze blew through the Jedi Temple gardens. Padawan Elsa Dellian embraced the chill while observing a pair of blueblossoms. The bright flowers remained together in their pot and let the sunlight shimmer on their petals. A familiar set of footsteps had Elsa averting her eyes and offering a bow. "Master Yelena," she greeted.

"Padawan," Yelena replied. "As punctual as always. So tell me, how goes your political adventure? Is it everything you hoped for?"

Elsa bit her lip. "It's...something."

"Is Senator Veritaz helping you get that voice you wanted in the Senate?"

"I think so," her apprentice admitted. "The Ethics Committee keeps her very busy. I'm fortunate enough to be involved in her work. Master..." Elsa sighed. "I think this blueblossom is still trying to fix the whole garden."

"Oh?" Yelena inquired.

"Between law enforcement and stubborn politicians-" Elsa explained. "-it just seems like it's always an uphill battle."

Yelena nodded. "Such is the unfortunate truth for those who play fair. It's easy for anyone to give in to corruption, greed, anger...the Dark Side. It takes true strength to stay your course. Your honesty is a rarity, Elsa."

"So why do you try and control it?" she asked and Yelena choked. "Control me?"

Her master was dumbfounded. "I don't follow, Elsa. I'm trying to compliment you."

"But respectfully, those are still just words. In the past, you've tried getting me to bend towards decisions based on what you thought was best. How can you tell me to stay my course when you're also influencing me otherwise?"

Yelena huffed. "What is Veritaz telling you?"

"Senator Veritaz isn't telling me anything about this," Elsa assured. "This is my own observation. And your response shows me that you still don't accept my own word for it."

"What do you want from me, Elsa?"

"The truth," her Padawan insisted. "I want to know why you feel the need to play politics and side against me at times."

"You know, you aren't always right." Yelena contested.

"I know that," Elsa replied. "I didn't mean-...We can disagree. It just feels like you're selectively there for me."

"Selectiv-" Yelena couldn't even finish the statement as the winds picked up around them. "I don't know where this attitude of yours is coming from, but I will not stand for it."

"What attitude?" Elsa countered. "I'm trying to find the truth. I see it and sense it."

"Sense what?" Yelena murmured.

"The fear," Elsa answered. "I don't know what it is or why, but I feel it within you at times. And I believe it's contributing to the tension between us so please...what scares you?"

"Nothing," Yelena affirmed. "That's enough."

"Why are you afraid?" Elsa asserted. "Why won't you tell m-"

"There is no emotion, there is peace!" Yelena snapped and instantly regretted it.

Elsa backed up with widened eyes and observed the elder's aggression. She finally spoke after regaining her composure. "I-...I need to go."

"Elsa," Yelena sighed. "Wait. I-"

"Senator Veritaz has a hearing soon and I need to be there."

Elsa stormed past her and left Yelena stuttering. "I can give you a ride," the master insisted.

"It's alright. I've got it," Elsa answered hastily and rushed inside.

Yelena somberly hung her head and found herself alone in the garden. She pinched the bridge of her nose and rued her outburst. Yelena glanced at the blueblossoms and noticed the wind had knocked one over. She knelt beside the pot and observed the pair of flowers. While one stood amidst the winds, the other had collapsed to endure nature's wrath. The elder remorsefully scooped the fallen plant up in her hands. She caressed its crinkled petals and whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm so...so sorry."


Senator Dia Veritaz's fingers drummed against her armrest. Her eyes impatiently strayed across the senate chamber as the session was about to commence. "Looks like it's just us," she muttered to Taline. "Go ahead and shut the door."

The Mirialan was about to oblige when Elsa came rushing in from the hall. "Sorry I'm late," she panted.

"So nice of you to join us," Dia muttered. "Was starting to think you'd gotten cold feet."

"That's not it at all," Elsa assured and sat beside her. "I-"

"Save it," Dia interrupted. "Excuses offer little assistance in this line of work. This crowd would see right through you if you were a senator, just as I do." Elsa slouched in her seat and Dia gave her a nudge. "Come on, now. Cheer up. You're about to witness a historical hearing. It isn't every day that a neutral world such as Mandalore graces us with its presence."

"I was saddened to hear about the attack on our cruiser," Elsa replied. "But if Duchess Satine herself is here, I have to believe she's trying to clear things up."

"Or cover them up," Dia grumbled. "People aren't always who they seem to be. Don't let that pacifistic guise fool you for a second."

"If it's all the same to you-" Elsa contested. "I'll let the duchess' own words speak for themselves."

As Elsa leaned forward for a better look, she sensed a strong and familiar connection through the Force. Glancing upward, she noticed Master Obi-wan Kenobi observing the hearing as well. Given his involvement with the investigation on Mandalore, Elsa found it admirable that he was continuing his duties through the Senate.

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine gathered the chamber's attention and spoke up. "It grieves me to say it...but Death Watch is now a significant, deadly threat."

His words were met swiftly by Duchess Satine's. "Mandalore is making great strides to find the leaders of this terrorist movement," she declared. Her voice was strident and regal. Elsa noted Satine's arched, navy blue headdress and tightly knotted braids. The duchess' hair was of the lightest blonde and shined in the senatorial spotlight. "They are not powerful enough to destabilize our government," she assured. "We will resolve this without conflict. If the Republic gets involved in our affairs, it will only lead to further violence. Thus, I shall reassert our position of neutrality."

Dia scoffed at her proclamation. "Here we go," she griped to Elsa.

"Talk of an idealist," Mas Amedda scorned and Dia nodded.

"No," Satine defended. "Those are the words of a pacifist and a people who have chosen nonviolent action."

"That may be so, duchess." Palpatine replied. "However, this message was delivered to my staff just this morning. I think you shall find it most illuminating." The chancellor activated a hologram which played on every senators' platform. Elsa, Dia, and Taline watched as a Mandalorian official started speaking.

"The actions by our government have taken us into a period of civil war," he said. "To acknowledge it would be to invite panic in the streets. And so we hid the truth from our people."

"Uhoh," Dia commented sarcastically. "Busted."

"How can you be so sure?" Elsa asked.

"Because I've seen this scenario play out time and time again," Dia replied. "Meltdown in three...two-"

"Stop!" Satine's outburst made Amedda pause the recording and had Dia snapping a finger. "Deputy Minister Jerec is an honorable man. He would never commit such lies to the record. The Mandalorian government holds no secrets from its people."

"If only that were true," Palpatine replied and continued the message.

"Death Watch is far stronger than we once thought," Jerec detailed. "If we are to combat them effectively, we must have Republic assistance."

"This is what happens, Elsa." Dia muttered. "Leaders think they can stay neutral in this war, but they can't handle what's out there on their own."

"This isn't right!" Satine refuted. "Something here isn't right. I wish to speak to Jerec immediately."

"Sadly, Deputy Minister Jerec perished this morning in a Death Watch bombing on Kalevala," Palpatine announced. His words came as a somber shock to the duchess and had senators murmuring amongst themselves. "Let us ensure that his death was not in vain. Let us commit our military might to defending the Mandalorian people."

"Defending?" Satine countered and refused to yield. "You mean to occupy our home. You would trample our right to self-determination."

"We mean to save your people," Palpatine insisted.

"You will turn our planet into a military target, which will bring the war to us. Mandalore must remain a neutral system."

Elsa admired the duchess' words and felt like she was reliving Ryx's speech. Satine was also speaking on behalf of her people and wishing to defend them from the Republic's dominion. She and so many others looked to the chancellor for his response. It was as if Palpatine had completely disregarded everything Duchess Satine had even said. He simply raised a hand to those in the chamber and stated, "The vote shall commence in the next session."

Doors opened and platforms hovered, leaving Elsa shaking her head at the ignorance of it all. "But won't there at least be an investigation?" the Padawan asked.

"What is there to investigate?" Dia inquired. "It's her word against a dead man's holomessage. But dead or alive, you heard him. Death Watch is out of control and Mandalore wants Republic intervention."

"But the duchess doesn't," Elsa asserted. "She's being bullied. As a member of the Ethic's Committee, you-"

"I what?" Dia snapped and furrowed her brows. "I admire that big heart of yours, Elsa, but don't let it blind you. We've all heard the reports from Mandalore. Kenobi himself was attacked and had to save Satine from Death Watch. Then those terrorists attacked her private starship enroute to Coruscant. Satine already owes her life to the Republic twice. If she doesn't want Republic intervention, that means one of two things. Either she's secretly backing Death Watch or she's a foolish glutton for punishment." Dia leaned over their platform and scoffed. "I'll go with the latter given the company she keeps."

Elsa followed Dia's gaze and saw Satine conversing with Padmé. "What's your problem with Senator Amidala?" she queried.

"The same issue plaguing the rest of our government," Dia replied. "Hypocrisy, hypocrisy, and good old hypocrisy. Amidala there fights all these bills against the production of more troops. She's trying to bring a swift end to the war while our enemies show no signs of yielding."

"What's wrong with that?" Elsa asked.

"Oh nothing. That'd be fine if Miss 'No More Troops' wasn't also out on the frontlines from time to time. Because when she gets captured, who comes to save her? The boys in white."

The trio exited into the corridor as Elsa contemplated her next statement. "So that's it then?" she queried. "Your mind's made up?"

"Indubitably," Dia asserted. "Next session, this Corellian will be voting for Republic might to put those terrorists in their place."

"And what if the Republic shows the same mistreatment on Mandalore that they're showing citizens in Coruscant's undercity?"

Dia huffed. "That won't happen. Mandalore's population is generally human so speciesism is out of the question."

Elsa glanced at Dia's handmaiden and asked, "What do you think, Taline?" The Mirialan's eyes fluttered with surprise and her lips parted to speak. It had been some time since the Hoth rescue and Elsa was trying to help her recuperate.

"I-" Taline uttered. "I think Dia will make the right decision." She hung her head and trailed behind her companions.

Elsa leaned towards Dia and whispered, "I'm worried about her. Has Taline opened up to you at all since the rescue?"

Dia glanced back at her handmaiden and sighed. "Hardly," the senator admitted. "Sometimes I worry that whatever those fiends might've done to her could be irreparable. But I have to keep the faith that my good friend will find her way back to us. She just needs-" Dia smiled faintly. "-time."

In that instant, sirens rang throughout the building. Politicians gasped, shrieked, and clustered together during the alert. Taline panicked and tried to flee, but Elsa took her hand. "Stay close," the Jedi assured. "I'll protect you."

Taline swallowed hard as Elsa guided her towards Dia. Elsa stood in front of them and clenched her lightsaber. She remained ready to ignite it and asked, "Any idea what's going on?"

"Those are emergency lockdown sirens," Dia realized.

"Think it's the 'Coruscant Killers'?" Elsa considered until a set of footsteps echoed from around the corner. The red-armored clones of the Coruscant Guard arrived and Commander Fox secured the perimeter. Elsa caught a glimpse of her older friend amidst the chaos and called to him. "Master Kenobi!"

Obi-wan seemed as bewildered as she was. He shuffled through the crowds of worried senators and offered Elsa a nod. "Padawan Dellian," he said. "Did you see anything?" She shook her head and left him to ask the nearby clone leader. "Commander Fox," Obi-wan said. "Status report."

"There's been a speeder crash just outside, sir." the clone explained. "Given the developing incidents, we're following protocol to keep everyone safe."

"Speeder crash," Obi-wan reiterated. "But Duchess Satine just departed!" The master's blue eyes widened with worry. "Commander, have a detachment investigate this crash immediately." Elsa and Obi-wan exchanged a concerned glance while Fox relayed his orders.


The Unknown Regions were infamous for their desolate and vacuous voids of space. For many, the vast patches of unmarked space served as more mystery than marvel. The amount of myths surrounding the stars in its sectors was lengthy. While some travelers embarked to uncover the truth, others just never returned. Black holes, solar storms, and a maze of rogue magnetospheres saw to that. All was quiet on the northernmost fringes of of this interstellar void. Clusters of jagged asteroids aimlessly floated by until a ship boomed out of hyperspace. A triangular Delta-7 Jedi starfighter hovered alongside the asteroids. Without a built-in hyperdrive, the craft remained linked to a colossal hyperspace transport ring. Master Yelena steadied her hands on the starfighter's controls and weaved through the rocky debris. Once she was clear, she leveled out and disengaged her hyperspace ring. A dimly-lit world still found a way to brighten her cockpit and she sulked back. With a deep and solemn breath, Yelena glimpsed her homeworld of Aren.

She had only begun her descent through the planet's atmosphere and could already sense its overwhelming turmoil. Aren had only become far more depressing since her previous visit. Her starfighter pierced a sea of silver clouds and glided over a forest. She could see the fires of industry burning from the capital. Smokestacks towered over the land and plagued Aren's atmosphere. Yelena flew low and kept her scrambler online. She knew precisely where she was heading as she flew across the woodlands. A pack of anoobas howled from the nearby ridge while Yelena passed a razed village. No amount of acceleration could prevent her from seeing the Trolls likely murdered in an Aren raid.

Yelena pressed on from the grim scene until she neared a forested cliffside. A pair of hooded, fur-tunicked guards spotted her and rushed into their cave. She landed her ship just outside its mouth and cautiously exited. When Yelena did so, the Northuldra returned in greater number. She could hear their frantic commands and footsteps as her ship powered down. While some readied their spears, others aimed bows from atop ledges. Every gaze fixed on Yelena was one of fear and anger.

"I mean no harm," the elder Jedi said and raised her hands. She noticed a significant, young man standing amidst the warriors and called to him. "Chieftain Ryder." His blue eyes trailed across the floor as he struggled to acknowledge her. "I seek an audience with you and your sister."

"Do you now?" his sister snapped from the cave's recesses. Chieftain Honeymaren emerged with a deepening glower. "Yelena," she scoffed. "Jedi Master. How's that treating you?"

"This isn't about me," Yelena insisted.

"If it wasn't, you never would've left." Honeymaren retorted. "You chose your side. Even when you reached the age of reason, your beloved Jedi Order still came first." Ryder tried to intervene, but his sister continued. "Don't worry though, Yelena. Between the genocides, starvations, and occasional disease...I'd say we're doing just fine without you."

"Sister," Ryder uttered. She glared at him as he cleared his throat. "Chieftain Honeymaren. Why not hear what she has to say? She's come all this way. Perhaps she wants to help-"

"Help?" Honeymaren jeered. "Oh no. The time for help is long gone." She trudged between her warriors and stormed up to Yelena. "Tell me, Yelena of the Jedi." Honeymaren brought her voice down to a spiteful whisper. She leaned in as the elder boldly stood her ground. "Would you ever kill me?"

"Never," Yelena intoned. "I would never harm you nor any of our people."

Honeymaren exaggerated her laugh. "Excuse me? Our people? Look at you...living the lie." Honeymaren sneered at Yelena's patterned, ceremonial sash. "Let's get one thing straight. You aren't one of us and you don't deserve to wear that."

Honeymaren tried ripping Yelena's sash off, but the Jedi snatched her wrist. The swift maneuver had Northuldra archers aiming their bows. They would've fired had Ryder not ordered them to hold. Yelena maintained a firm grip on Honeymaren's wrist and looked her in the eyes. "Now it's your turn to listen," the master spoke calmly. "This sash was woven before you were even born. Say what you will about me, but this is not yours to claim." She released Honeymaren and stood strong.

The chieftain scowled and rubbed her throbbing wrist. "You may have your rules about not harming us-" Honeymaren said. "-but I have mine. And if you or that verminous apprentice of yours ever come here again...I will not hesitate to slit your throats. Am I clear?"

"As kyber," Yelena muttered.

"Then leave," Honeymaren hissed.

Yelena bit back a sigh and returned to her ship. The Northuldra backed up into their cave while their chieftains observed her departure. "Did you have to threaten her?" Ryder asked.

"She deserved it and always will," Honeymaren replied.

"And what if she tells someone about our hidden enclave?"

"She won't," Honeymaren assured. "Because in that fool's eyes, we're still her people." As Honeymaren exited and Yelena flew off, Ryder was left at an impasse. He'd always looked up to his sister and also tired of their struggle with the Aren. He wondered if it was time to put their troubled past with Yelena behind them. As he watched the Jedi starfighter disappear over the trees, he sat down and sighed.


Senator Dia Veritaz poured a pitcher of fresh water over her decorative plant. She let its dark, violet leaves soak up each droplet and whispered, "Nice and healthy." She, Elsa, and Taline sat in her office as night fell over Coruscant. A portable police scanner crackled from a pedestal and broadcasted the latest, citywide developments.

Taline served Elsa a cup of tea as she asked, "Why do you have one of those?"

Dia's grin was subtle, yet sophisticated. "What can I say...I love exotics and symbolism. The buaroshade is a Felucian wonder. But not for its structure or vibrant, purple hues. No. Its toxic leaves can render one paralyzed or even dead. And so this plant is shunned by the galaxy. Never to be loved. Never to be touched." Dia hovered a bare hand over its dangerous leaves. "Misunderstood. But that doesn't mean it can't still thrive. With the right amount of nurturing-" Dia sprinkled her plant with more water. "-even poison can be pretty." Elsa sympathized with her metaphor until Dia realized she'd misunderstood. "You were talking about the police scanner, weren't you?" she blurted.

"I was," Elsa admitted. "But I didn't know you could be so poetic."

"When I want to be," Dia chuckled and glanced at the scanner. "It's important for the Ethics Committee to stay up to date on public happenings. I personally like to stay ahead of the game." Dia smirked and leaned towards Elsa. "In reality, I'm actually the famed vigilante 'Super Dia' and Taline is my trusty sidekick."

Elsa snickered at her remark. "A poet and comedian. Not bad, senator."

A sudden chime from the scanner had the women looking over. "All units be advised," a police droid reported. "We have a shooting in Sector GL-5. Subject identified as Duchess Satine Kryze. Victim identified as Davu Golec of the Ministry of Intelligence."

Elsa's eyes widened and jaw dropped. "That can't be right," she uttered. "It just can't be!"

Dia huffed. "I'm sorry, Elsa. Really I am. Believe it or not, I was once like you. When I began my career in the Senate, I saw the best in everyone. I threw caution to the wind like this bright light amidst a gallery of darkness. But there's a bitter truth that we all have to face at some point. People aren't always who they seem to be, but nothing you can do can change that."

"It just doesn't add up," Elsa said. "I appreciate your words, but Satine was almost murdered after she spoke out this morning. Why would she commit murder now?"

Dia sighed. "I don't have all the answers, but I will tell you this. If you're smart, you'll save yourself the heartbreak and accept the facts you hear. Evidence doesn't lie." A notification flashed on Dia's datapad. "I'm being called in for an emergency session," she said. "It appears the vote to occupy Mandalore has been accelerated."

Elsa reluctantly followed Taline and Dia out of the office. On her way out, she heard another call come in from the scanner. "Explosion reported in-...-send backup-...unidentified susp-...Jedi engaging-"

"Elsa," Dia intoned. "Are you coming?" The Padawan hesitantly obliged as the scanner continued to chime.


Dia yawned while the late night session carried on. Palpatine's initial presentation was rather short, as it seemed most senators were in agreement. Given the attempt on Satine's life and now a murder on her hands, opinions had swayed against Mandalore. "Voting on the occupation of Mandalore shall commence now," Palpatine decreed.

The massive chamber echoed with countless beeps as senators touched their panels. "Senator Veritaz," Elsa whispered. "Please reconsider your vote. There was a reason Ryx Finc of Avinaria seceded. He saw the damage a Republic occupation was causing to his planet. We need to make the ethical decision."

Dia sighed. "And that's what I plan to do, Elsa. Because unlike Finc, a veteran of the Avinarian Civil War, Satine hasn't fought for anything. She wants to sit on her throne of morals and judge the very people who've saved her. If the Republic doesn't intervene, Mandalore will become a lawless wasteland." Without another thought, Dia cast her vote while Elsa shook her head. The Padawan looked to Taline, who seemed equally dismayed.

Fed up, Elsa vented to her. "Surely you aren't alright with this." Taline remained silent. "I can see it in your eyes. How can-"

"Because why would my opinion matter?" Taline spoke up and Elsa gasped. The Mirialan brought her voice down and sank into her seat. "We-...I always lose anyway." The Padawan peered at the ailing handmaiden and sensed her deep distress. Surely her kidnapping had taken a deeper, darker toll than Elsa could understand. While she lacked the proper words of comfort, Elsa stretched out a hand. She rested it on Taline's lap until the Mirialan took it in her own. A single tear fled her eye and she leaned on Elsa for support. Meanwhile, Dia remained focused on the hearings.

With the votes calculated, Palpatine made his next announcement. "The occupation of Mandalore will usher in a new level of security for the Republic and its fight against corruption. If there are no objections-"

"Supreme chancellor!" a familiar voice interrupted. Elsa watched as Padmé Amidala guided her platform towards his. She was accompanied by a gold-plated protocol droid and Obi-wan Kenobi. "There has been a development in the case for Mandalore's neutrality," Padmé said.

"What the?" Dia muttered while Elsa started to smile.

"The chair recognizes the senator from Naboo," Palpatine accepted.

Padmé held up a module and said, "I think this should cast a new light on the so-called 'evidence' we saw earlier." She proceeded to play a new message of Deputy Minister Jerec for all to see.

"The actions by our government have taken us into a period of civil war. To acknowledge it would be to invite panic in the streets. Death Watch is far stronger than we once thought, but we have been training for this. We can stop them. But if we are to combat them effectively, we must have the temerity to stand strong in the name of peace. And if we are to do so, we must reject any Republic assistance. Instead, this government will act. It acts not out of pride, but for safety. Intervention by the Republic will inflame the opposition. And this is why our government rejects the help of the Jedi. We must listen to the Duchess Satine. If we do not, we will ultimately cause our defeat."

The new footage had senators squabbling amongst each other. Elsa rejoiced and shook Taline's arm to reinvigorate her spirits. Dia...just sat in disbelief. "It appears the evidence isn't always what it seems to be either," Elsa remarked.

Dia glanced over her shoulder while new deliberations were made. She corrected her posture and put on a smile. "Well, I know when I'm beaten. I can't say I'm not envious, Elsa. It isn't easy for someone your age to stick to their beliefs when everyone else says otherwise. I wish I'd had your resolve when I started." Dia pat the Padawan's shoulder and said, "Job well done, senator in training."

"Thank you," Elsa replied. "I-"

"But..." Dia interrupted and Elsa braced. Rather than criticize her assistant, Dia pondered another point. "This new evidence shows that someone tampered with the footage. I have no doubt that the vote for Republic occupation will be overturned...however the questions remain. Who tampered with this evidence and why?"


No member of Mattias' crew could've imagined that a simple workout session would spur the ultimate motivation. Over time, everyone was hard at work in their own special way. Betterment was on everyone's mind as they strived to heal together. Having brought the Republic corvette to the chasm, Rapunzel oversaw the transfer of parts and power. Refurbishing, unthawing, and powering the old Hammerhead would take weeks of hard labor. Mattias spent most of his time meditating on the Force and observing his apprentice. Anna and the clones had formed their own little exercise group. In many ways, Blazer and the boys had become the older brothers Anna never knew she needed. Using the ship's training room, they exposed her to the rigorous drills they'd grown accustomed to on Kamino. Sparring became one of Anna's many routines as the clones tested her bodily limits. With the Padawan's rising muscles came a confidence she hadn't felt since the Corellian Cup. Each day became a challenge to break boundaries and her team was there to support her. But as they rested every night, Mattias would always hear a similar sound outside. He'd take a peek for himself and glimpse 85 ascending the icy incline. While he'd seem docile during the day, he was undoubtedly trying to master his cybernetics. Everyone was so occupied with their goals, that they'd lost track of time itself.


ONE MONTH LATER...

"Come on, kid!" Blazer roared through his thick, black beard. "Three more!" He kept Anna pinned as she performed sits ups from the ship's rafters. "Two more!" Anna grunted and heaved herself upward. "One more now. Don't you give up on me. Everything you've got!" Sweat soaked her forehead as auburn strands clung to her head. Anna flexed her firm biceps and pushed up. She tightened her core until her six-pack crept through her tank top. With a proud huff, Anna crunched her way to Blazer and backflipped to the floor. "That's the stuff!" he cheered.

Anna caught her breath as Blazer landed beside her. They high-fived while Sparx and 85 applauded from a bench. "That's a new record, isn't it?" 85 inquired.

"How many did I do?" Anna asked.

"One too kriffing many," Blazer joked and crossed his arms. Anna noticed how significantly larger his muscles had grown after a month of heavy lifting.

"Something tells me we put this room to better use than those Old Republic boys," Sparx jested. "That and...I'm seventy-five percent sure those energy pellets must encourage muscle growth."

"Good morning, everyone." Mattias called from the doorway.

The clones stood at attention while Anna wiped the sweat from her brow. "Morning, Master," she said. She raised a brow upon noticing his stern gaze. "What's going on?"

Mattias took a deep breath and said, "It's time."

"Oh?" Anna inquired and curiously tilted her head. Realization suddenly dawned upon her as her eyes widened. "OH."


The men of Mattias' group stood in the Hammerhead's refresher. Each stared into an ancient mirror and examined how far they'd come. "Become who you want to be, gentlemen." Mattias proclaimed. "Everything changes today. The master was the first to take a blade to his beard. He neatly trimmed it while the clones followed suit.

85 observed his cybernetics in the mirror and watched them move as he commanded. "These are my legs," he softly affirmed. He eliminated his scruff and shaved his head bald.

Sparx chose to keep his hair neat and orderly. The lieutenant shaved his face until it was as smooth as a newborn's and nodded at the reflection.

Blazer took his time. When the sergeant looked into his own eyes, he no longer saw a failure. He didn't see a clone, but a soldier of the Republic. A man destined to protect his brothers and sister from all of the galaxy's perils. While he gave his hair a trim, Blazer chose to keep his short beard. It rose when he smiled and accepted his identity.

Back by the hatch, Rapunzel finished refurbishing a section of the Hammerhead's corridor. Anna was packing her bag when the knight asked, "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be," Anna replied. "I know it's been quite a journey, but I want to thank you for sticking it out with us...with me."

"Of course," Rapunzel assured. "Whether you see it or not, the Force is with you. Just as we are."

Anna smiled at her as the men arrived. "Well look at you all," she lauded their appearances.

"Ready for action," Sparx assured.

"No snowstorms this time," Mattias added as the group departed.

Their trek across Ilum's glacial plains had proven quite different from the previous venture. This time, the group was far more enthused and reinvigorated about their destination. As they traversed a snowy slope, they glimpsed an icy, mountainous structure atop the nearby ridge. "The temple," Mattias said. "We're nearly there."

"Hey kid," Blazer quipped and nudged Anna. "I'll race you there."

The sergeant dashed ahead and left Anna scoffing. "And lose!" she countered. The Padawan bolted after him and Sparx quickly joined. As Anna raced the other clones, 85 looked at his legs...and took a deep breath.

"All that training and you still can't beat me!" Blazer taunted while running.

"Keep talking smack," Anna panted and raced to catch up. Having regained her endurance, she was able to leave Sparx behind and reach Blazer. The two were neck and neck as they reached the jagged ridge. "See you at the top, Sarge!" she jeered and leapt for a handhold.

Blazer growled and climbed next to her. They hauled and heaved through their heated duel, each pushing the other's limits. Anna had a daring grin plastered across her face as she lunged towards the highest ledge. Blazer kicked off his previous handhold and hoisted himself towards her. With a mighty grunt, Anna vaulted over the side and rolled towards the temple first.

"Yes!" she screamed and her voice echoed across the ice sheets. Blazer ascended seconds later and leaned on her for support.

The clone's lean became an embrace as they pressed their foreheads together. "You did it," Blazer panted. "I knew you could...I always knew, sister."

Someone cleared their throat and the duo suspiciously followed the sound. 85 was stretching his body beside the ice wall. "I hate to break it to you-" he began. He demonstrated the power of his cybernetics by bolting towards Anna and Blazer. "But I've been here," he said and skidded to a halt. Anna and Blazer stood with mouths agape, leaving 85 unsure how they'd react.

Rather than lash out from defeat, Anna and Blazer erupted into a series of cheers. 85 was caught off guard as they rushed over and nearly tackled him to the ground. "Way to go, brother!" Blazer admired. "The fastest of us all!"

"Nicely done, Speedy." Anna complimented as 85 raised a brow. "Sorry," she said. "It just kinda-"

"-works," the clone concluded. "Speedy...I like it, Anna."

The group reunited to cheer on Speedy and observed the tremendous wall before them. The reveries faded beneath a deafening silence as Anna stared down the ice. "Together now, Jedi." Mattias said and stretched out a hand. Anna and Rapunzel mirrored his motion and reached out with the Force. Sparx attempted to do the same, just to consider the idea of being Force-sensitive. His inquiry was cut short when Blazer swatted his hand down.

The clones watched in awe as several, icy obelisks descended under the will of the Force. If Anna was being sincere, she felt exactly as she did when she was a youngling. She had merely stretched out her hand and let the other Force users do the work. As the obelisks collapsed, they revealed the colossal gates of an ancient temple. Mattias was the first to enter while the others trailed behind.

A pair of Jedi statues stood watch over the entrance of a frozen chamber. A single pathway rested ahead of them and all but the clones understood its meaning. "I don't have to tell you to be strong, Anna." Mattias said. "You've never stopped before and you won't stop now. All I'll say...is know yourself." Anna looked to her master as he smiled. "Know yourself and you cannot fail."

"You've got this." Blazer said while the other clones nodded.

"May the Force be with you," Rapunzel added as Anna stepped forward.

"Here goes everything," the Padawan said as she entered the Crystal Caves.

The sights and sounds of her companions faded when Anna stepped into the depths. "Okay," she told herself. "You can do this. If little you could do it...please." Anna thought back to her first Gathering. She recalled all of Brith Clan being brought to the caves and how they'd split up to find their crystals. Elsa...Tori...Surk. Thinking of her fallen friend broke her concentration.

Focus, Anna enforced within. Remember. You don't find the crystal. The crystal finds you.

Amidst the darkness, Anna noticed a shimmer in the corner of her eye. She peered over and saw a dull glow coming from a nearby ledge. "I mean...okay." Anna said with a shrug. She leapt towards the ice wall and observed a series of protruding stones. Using the rocks as handholds, she cautiously made her way up towards the glowing ledge. Her bold reflection swayed across the ice with each lunge she made.

Anna looked up to see two stones to ascend from. She was about to reach for one when a gravely voice called, "Options, options, options."

"Who's there?" Anna asked and looked around the cave.

"But which to choose?" A far more soft-spoken voice asked. "Where to go?"

The final statement sounded like it was coming from right in front of Anna. She glanced down to find her reflection staring back at her. The unblinking image didn't gasp when she did. It didn't even turn its head with her. The only consistency regarding the reflection was how its eyes never left Anna's. In that instant, the ice wall split in two. A clean crack bisected Anna's reflection and lightning flashed around it.

The Padawan screamed and impulsively let go of her handholds. The cave she'd traveled through had been replaced by an endless void of darkness, but the fear of electricity remained. Bolts of lightning crackled and beamed around her as she flailed. Anna shut her eyes tightly, only to strike the ground with a thud. She barely had any time to catch her breath as thunder rumbled above. Lightning bolts obliterated the ground around her and rendered Anna a screaming mess. Wild eyed and desperate to survive, Anna she fled through the darkness.

The Padawan struggled to find shelter as lightning spewed from an unknown source. She feared any bolt could strike her until the two voices returned. "Anna!" the gravely entity called. She could see its silhouette beckoning her into a cave. "Take shelter here!"

"No, Anna!" the soft-spoken being countered. It stood atop a cliff and motioned for Anna to climb. "We can brave this!" As lightning continued to bombard the mystic land, Anna hugged herself for comfort. Bolts ravaged the cliffs so she immediately chose the cave.

From the moment Anna entered, the entity ushered her to a safe burrow within. "You made the right choice," it hissed. Anna took one look at the being and reconsidered what she'd done. The entity resembled Anna, only her eyes were yellow and her skin was a deathly pale. Ragged, black robes rested against her veiny body as she ignited a crimson lightsaber. "Here...you are safe," it said.

Recalling her encounter on Blúm Island, Anna dared to ask, "Are you a demon?"

"I'm you," the being answered. "But Dark, would suffice. I've only ever had your best interests at heart. Seeing justice done. Ensuring your happiness. I mean, who is anyone to say you can't be with Hans?" Dark held up her steaming, red blade. "Or to take away this from you?"

Upon closer examination, Anna realized Dark was using the same Sith saber Mattias had thrown away. "Let's get one thing straight," Anna asserted. "If you are part of me. I control you. Not the other way around."

Dark smirked. "Yet it is I who you come fleeing to when you're frightened. You chose security."

"No," Anna snapped. "I chose the easy way." Realizing her mistake, she stood up and started to exit the cave.

"If you stay here, your crystal will come to you." Dark said. "After all, you deserve it."

"Shut up," Anna scolded.

"Beware the beast," Dark warned and Anna rolled her eyes. "If you leave my dwelling, I cannot protect you from its wrath."

"I'll let you know when I start caring," Anna snarked and departed. As she cautiously emerged, she discovered that the lightning had disappeared. Anna planned her next move and quickly scaled the cliffs where the other entity had been. Anna had just reached the highest ledge when it crumbled in her hand. "No," she muttered and felt herself slip. "Kriff!"

Anna was about to plummet when a white-gloved hand snatched her wrist. She glanced up to see a much healthier version of herself. With glowing, silver eyes and a radiating smile, this version of Anna joyously pulled her up. "I just knew you'd come," the being rejoiced.

Anna observed her glistening white robes and said, "So if that was Dark, you must be Light."

"You've always been so brilliant!" The luminous version of herself rejoiced. "Now come! We won't find your crystal by lingering around." Light ignited a bright blue lightsaber to illuminate their path. "This way." She noticed Anna's frown and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I just miss my-" Anna stopped herself and analyzed Light's hilt. "That's my old lightsaber!" Light nodded and pressed onward. "Can't you just give me that one? I mean...you're part of me, aren't you?"

Light paused. "I am, but it isn't that simple. This weapon is tethered to me as Dark's is to her. We merely wield the weapons of your past."

Anna huffed. "It appears that it's never an easy road for me. That's always been more of Elsa's thing."

"Ah yes," Light considered. "Your sister. Do not confuse her victories with your hardships. Elsa's had her own struggles along the way."

"Like what?" Anna mumbled. "Not knowing which master to spend time with or trial to pass? She's-"

"Elsa has been doing precisely what you have-" Light assured. "-from a certain point of view. Where she has ventured with Master Kenobi, you have learned from Shaak Ti. As she has passed her Trial of Insight, you have gained your Trial of Skill. No matter what befalls you, your paths are intertwined."

"You may have a point there," Anna considered.

"Too often are you so focused on your own struggles, that you discredit those around you." Light said. "Elsa's efforts helped get you rescued. While you may not see eye to eye at times, your bond remains strengthened through the Force."

"So what am I supposed to do?" Anna asked while walking alongside Light.

"Forgive your sister. Understand the paths you walk are in the service of a greater good. Accept your perfect imperfections."

"Even if some of those imperfections go against the Jedi Code?" Anna inquired.

Light paused until she understood. "Oh...you mean Hans. You must turn away from him, Anna. Such a passionate desire will become destructive and lead to ruin. But there's still time to sever your attachment."

"Seriously?" Anna snapped at Light. "Even mystical beings are filled with hypocrisy." The cave rumbled with the Padawan's deepening tone. "You tell me to mend my bond with Elsa, yet leave Hans. How can a sisterly attachment be acceptable, but a romantic one isn't?"

Light observed their crumbling surroundings. "Anna," she pleaded. "Please reconsider."

"No," Anna asserted. "I can see right through this Jedi lie."

"Remember, Anna." Light said. "I am but a reflection of yourself. Any lie you see is one you already live." Boulders tumbled from the walls and crashed beside them. "It is here," Light declared. "The beast."

Anna gasped as the fallen boulders rolled and melded together. Their jagged edges crumbled into colossal limbs and a rocky being emerged. The temple titan stomped forward and Light flourished her lightsaber. With a single swipe of its arm, the titan sent Light swirling into the shadows.

"No!" Anna yelled as the titan came for her. "Kriffing hell!" She tried frantically Force-pushing a boulder at the beast, but the projectile only added to its limb. Out of offensive options, Anna chose to run back down the cliffside. The beast's monstrous stomps shook the cave as Anna leapt down. She returned to the cave shelter and found Dark cowering.

"You fool!" her wicked self hissed. "I warned you what would come!"

"Shut up and help me fight it!" Anna scolded.

"The beast cannot be defeated," Dark intoned. "We will be destroyed."

"Not if we work together," Anna assured. "Come on!" She pulled Dark out as she reluctantly activated her lightsaber. Anna watched as Dark took a swing at the titan's rocky foot. Within moments, Anna's other persona was kicked away into nothingness. With both sides of Anna's reflection gone, the titan emitted a newfound power. It raised its rocky limbs to the ceiling and generated waves of lightning.

The sight and sound of electrical pulses had Anna scrambling across the ground. The lightning bolts cornered her until she fell over. She didn't just see Dooku in those horrid shocks. Anna witnessed Metora, Ventress, and her Umbaran assailant taunting her in the shadows. Each deathly crackle had Anna screaming as tears soaked her cheeks. "Stop it," she whimpered. "Stop it!" The titan increased its power until the entire cave was alive with electricity. "NO!" Anna screeched as her greatest fears were realized. The bolts surged around her and she buried her face in her hands. As she remained hunched over and sobbing, Anna thought about her friends.

"Anna, it's time to forgive yourself," she heard Rapunzel say.

Anna remembered the wingless bird she'd painted and what Rapunzel had told her. "I see she doesn't have any wings."

"Maybe they've been clipped. Or actually...try ripped off. Maybe she'll never fly again and she's just waiting to accept that."

"Or maybe she never needed wings to begin with. I think this bird could always fly. She just needs some time to realize it is all."

Anna opened her eyes and dried her tears. She noticed that despite the profuse amounts of electricity, none of it was actually harming her. She looked up at the titan and Blazer's words came back to her. "You know what you need, Anna. You have to save your own life and no one can do it for you." Anna Dellian rose to her feet and said, "I can't be one of anything. I can't pick a side because I love too much, yet can't let evil win. And I will go above and beyond any code to see justice done." As she spoke, Light and Dark materialized at her sides. "I accept who I am," she said as the entities phased into her. "A perfect imperfection." Anna began to glow and the blade in her hands alternated between red and blue. With a proud battle cry, Anna charge towards the titan with full Ataru fury.

The beast hurled everything from lightning bolts to icy boulders at her. Using her newfound strength, Anna weaved past each attack and leapt up towards the monster's chest. Lightning wildly strobed around her as she plunged her lightsaber into the titan. Its roar was ear-splitting as a blinding light overwhelmed the cave. A monumental explosion shook the temple's foundation as Anna landed on her feet.

As the ringing in her ears faded, so too did the overwhelming light. Anna slowly opened her eyesand found herself in a simple chamber. Gone were the high ceilings and lethal debris of some ancient battleground. She remained posed in a finishing stance with her fists clenched. It was as if she was holding an invisible lightsaber against a foe that never was. Anna's eyes widened when she suddenly felt something pinch her closed hands. She gasped, opened her palms, and marveled as the shimmer of kyber flashed across her face.


Rapunzel and the clones raised their heads at the sound of footsteps. They looked towards the cave and observed a lone silhouette emerging from the shadows. Anna stepped into the sunlight and boldly faced her friends.

"Well?" Sparx worried. "Did you get it?"

"Of course she got it!" Blazer grumbled. "She wouldn't come back if she didn't...right?"

Anna smirked at them and raised a bright green kyber crystal for all to see. Rapunzel applauded while the clones practically lost their minds with excitement. As they celebrated her victory, Mattias proudly approached his apprentice.

"Master," Anna said. "You knew what I needed and when I needed it. I just had to trust the journey like you said." She observed all of her companions. "Thank you for everything. We-"

Anna paused as Mattias held out his briefcase and cleared his throat. "Anna," he began. "Throughout your apprenticeship, you've never stopped amazing me. You've given me hope in the best and worst of times." Anna curiously observed his case as he ran a hand across it. "We cannot change the past," Mattias said. "But we can honor it." He unlatched the it and revealed a white-gray, polished lightsaber hilt. "I forged this weapon from the scavenged remains of the starship Ethereal." Anna's eyes filled with tears from the moment Mattias explained its origin. "Its doonium metals remain as powerful as your resolve. May the legacy of every Jedi lost that day live on through you."

Anna respectfully picked up the hilt and admired her master's craftsmanship. She looked to Mattias and noticed that he too was tearing up. "I'm honored, master." Anna said. Her companions watched as she inserted her new crystal and refastened the hilt. With a bold flick of her wrist, Anna activated her weapon. A bright and powerful green blade beamed into view. Anna gazed into the vibrant plasma as if Chaki, Nelani, and every fallen Jedi's soul was with her. She assumed a warrior's stance and let the blade bathe her in its emerald glow. Unbroken and stronger than ever...Anna Dellian was back.


Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter of "The Frozen Force". Your support during this ongoing adventure is always appreciated and it's a pleasure to entertain you all! Anna is on her way back, friends! This means that from here on out, the story cover is going to get a lightsaber change! And just in time for next week...

*sleigh bells jingle*

You know what's about to go down...

*jingles intensify*

Dear readers, tis the season to be Jedi! Next Friday, I invite you to experience this longfic's first ever "FROZEN FORCE HOLIDAY SPECIAL!" While the Republic prepares for a time of joy, General Grievous and his droids have other plans. I'll see you next Friday for an epic (and rather festive) showdown! Brace yourself for surprises and more only with "The Frozen Force"!

Long Live Imagination and May the Force Be with You!

Happy Holidays!

~ Michael