One Week Later: Chandrila

The shimmering skyline of Chandrila greeted Luke Skywalker as he disembarked from his transport, his memories flickering to the last time he was here during Mon Mothma's funeral, marked by Gallius Rax's ruthless agents. The landscape of Chandrila had changed since then, the atmosphere much calmer now with the Republic's transition underway. But Luke wasn't here to linger on the past. He was here to discuss the future—with Leia and his father.

Before heading to the political meeting, Luke had made a brief detour to Devaron, collecting a few personal items and spending a couple of nights with Farnay, an old flame. It had been a necessary respite, a brief return to something familiar, something human before he dove back into the complexities of the galaxy's political landscape.

As he strolled through the halls of the new Senate building, his father's towering presence beside him, Luke could feel the weight of what lay ahead. The Jedi Temple on Devaron was complete, and now, it was time to chart the course for both the Jedi and the Republic.

"Hi, Father," Luke greeted casually, glancing at the unmasked visage of Anakin Skywalker beside him.

"You weren't on Devaron for long," Anakin remarked, his voice surprisingly light. "With the temple complete, are you here to tell your Jedi Masters to make the move?"

Luke chuckled. "I'll talk with them at their penthouse later. But honestly, I was more taken aback that I haven't met Ezra and Spectre Seven's baby yet."

Anakin's gaze sharpened with curiosity. "From what I sense, he will be a valuable asset."

Luke giggled softly, shaking his head. "He's a human being, Father. Not just an asset."

Anakin rolled his eyes, a rare hint of humor playing on his otherwise stern features. "Perhaps I've developed some language from Palpatine."

"Hard to wear off, huh?"

"Perhaps. Especially when dealing with naval officers constantly."

The two shared a knowing glance, one that conveyed years of experiences both shared and separate. Their strides brought them into the imposing building where Empress Leia Organa was waiting. The walls hummed with the activity of the burgeoning New Republic, a future bright but uncertain. Leia, smiling warmly at her brother and father, stood near the entrance.

"Hi, Lord Vader, Luke." Leia greeted them with a soft smile, embracing Luke tightly. "It's been a while."

Luke grinned. "Han busy, Leia?"

"Yeah," she sighed with a fond roll of her eyes. "He's been put in charge of the Republic Department of Trade Routes. Keeps him busy, but you know Han..."

Luke chuckled. Han had always had a way with navigating the galaxy, and it seemed fitting that he now played a key role in the Republic's infrastructure.

Leia gestured for them to follow her into a private chamber where they could talk freely. The air was more relaxed than usual, but there was still an underlying urgency in her voice as she began the conversation.

"I've come to discuss the pressure from the new government," Leia began, glancing at her father with a seriousness that only her political life could bring. "There's been talk about a transition phase to demilitarize the Republic within the next five to ten years. I was wondering, Lord Vader, if you wanted to testify before the incomplete Senate about why we should delay it even further."

Vader raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Wait. Demilitarization? That seems like it would be your idea, Leia. Why are you supporting my control of the Navy?"

Leia hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "I was skeptical at first. But with you being able to bring Thrawn onto our side and his knowledge of the Unknown Regions, we've uncovered potential threats—threats we can't afford to ignore."

Vader folded his arms, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. Leia continued.

"We won't attack these unknown entities, of course. But it's important for the Navy and our armies to have solid defensive strategies in place. The New Republic isn't ready for full demilitarization just yet. Not with the Vong still unaccounted for, and certainly not with remnants of the Empire lurking in the shadows."

Vader gave a slow, thoughtful nod. "I will reach out to Thrawn about possible defensive strategies," he said, his voice filled with a mix of responsibility and lingering doubt. "We cannot afford to be complacent."

Leia smiled, grateful. "Thank you, Lord Vader."

As the conversation shifted, Leia seemed to brighten, her demeanor softening. "There's one more piece of news I wanted to share," she said, glancing between Luke and their father.

Luke raised an eyebrow, sensing something significant.

"Han and I are going to have a child," Leia announced, her smile widening. "I'm about two months along."

Luke's eyes widened, and even Vader seemed momentarily taken aback. There was a heavy silence before Luke stepped forward, embracing his sister.

"Leia, that's incredible," Luke said, his voice filled with emotion.

Leia, always the pragmatist, added, "I've been thinking ahead—maybe too far ahead—about whether or not he should receive any kind of training… but I'm getting ahead of myself. Politics makes me think too far into the future sometimes."

"No worries, Leia," Luke replied with a gentle laugh. "With Ezra and Spectre Seven having a child, it's perfect timing."

Leia nodded, her usual composed self. "I think I'll take a page from your book and try to take a wait-and-see approach. We'll deal with it when the time comes."

The rest of the discussion centered on political matters—finishing off the last of the Imperial remnants and debating the merits of releasing Rae Sloane from house arrest to assist Thrawn and Vader in managing the complexities of the Unknown Regions.

After a while, the conversation began to wind down, and Luke and Vader prepared to leave.

XX

"Luke," Vader said, stopping his son before they parted ways. "When you begin developing your order, let me know. I've said before that my destiny lies in studying the force and aiding the Navy, but if you ever need support for missions, I'll be there."

Luke nodded, touched by his father's words. "Thank you, Father. I'm off to see Spectre Seven and Ezra now."

They embraced briefly, and Vader nodded. "Farewell, my son. Tomorrow, I'll be seeing Sloane."

As Vader left, Luke took a deep breath and made his way to the penthouse where Ezra and Spectre Seven lived. It had been too long since he'd seen them, and the thought of meeting their child filled him with warmth.

When Spectre Seven opened the door, her face lit up. "Luke! Finally, you've made it back to Chandrila. Ezra and I have been captivated by this place since we first visited."

Luke grinned. "No worries. I'm just excited to finally meet my nephew, Ygnacio."

"Oh yes! Come in," Spectre Seven gestured, leading Luke inside.

The scent of a home-cooked Mirialan meal filled the air—Nerf sausage and Kellsh Root stew, a recipe Spectre Seven had learned from a cookbook gifted by her birth mother. Luke could hear Ezra laughing in the kitchen as he prepared the food, and Sabine Wren was sitting with Ygnacio in her arms, her gaze thoughtful.

Luke approached, smiling at Sabine as he sensed the strong Force sensitivity in Ygnacio. "So, Sabine," Luke said, sitting beside her, "long time, no see."

"Yeah, Luke," Sabine quipped. "I hear you're trying to get part of the Ghost crew to your new Jedi temple?"

Luke chuckled. "Well, no pressure. What about you? Been up to much?"

Sabine sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly? Not much. I've been a bit of a drifter lately—just hopping from world to world, riding the expressways in my speeder. I love the thrill of it. It's been good for me… gives me time to think."

"What about the rest of the Ghost crew?" Luke asked.

"I keep them to their own business," Sabine replied. "Zeb's with his people, and Hera's busy with the Rebel—now Republic—forces."

"Yeah, that's been… complicated. Balancing two fleets—the Alliance fleet and the old Imperial or Republic fleet—isn't easy."

Sabine shrugged. "You're close with Vader. You should ask him for a solution."

Luke smirked. "Come on, Sabine. You know me better than that. Besides, I'm sure Ezra and Spectre Seven have already told you enough about me."

Sabine rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of affection there. "I've just been messing with you, Luke. But honestly, I guess it's been strange being alone so much. I miss the crew—the way it was before Ezra and Spectre Seven went off to train you."

Luke nodded slowly, a pensive look crossing his face. "I get it, Sabine. Lately I have been spending a lot of time alone too. And sometimes, I've found myself falling into vices or distractions to numb that feeling. But deep down, I know I need the time… to figure out what I really believe in."

Sabine smiled softly, her eyes distant but warm. "We… have more in common than I thought."

As they sat together in silence, the warm aroma of Mirialan cuisine filling the air, Luke couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie with Sabine. The way she spoke about drifting from world to world, seeking the thrill of life on her own terms, resonated with something inside him. The Jedi path was often a solitary one, but there was something appealing about the idea of stepping outside of his circle of Jedi Masters, finding people like Sabine to spend time with, people who didn't always demand that he be the teacher or the leader. He grinned at the thought of maybe even hanging out with her, just enjoying life outside the temple for a change.

"Okay, y'all, it's ready!" Ezra called from the kitchen.

Spectre Seven and Ezra brought the food out, the scent of the traditional Mirialan dinner wafting through the room. It was hearty and warm, reminding Luke of simpler times, even though his life had been far from simple.

As they all sat down, Luke looked across the table at his old master. "So, Ezra, is Chandrila home to you guys now?"

Ezra paused, considering the question before nodding. "Yeah, I'd say so. Spending time here with Seven made me realize I kinda like the urban vibe. Don't get me wrong, we like Devaron, but I think the best course of action is to have multiple temples. Some in rural places, some on urban planets. Gives us flexibility."

Luke nodded, seeing the wisdom in Ezra's words. "I get that. My father brings up the point that it reminds him too much of Coruscant and the Jedi Purge, but maybe it's time to move past that fear."

Spectre Seven chimed in, her voice firm but understanding. "Luke, you've told us before that your father doesn't want to be directly involved with our Force Order, right?"

Luke nods.

"So, why does it matter what his concerns are? What's stopping us from establishing a temple here in the capital on Chandrila?"

Luke glanced at her, then shrugged. "You're right, Master. Nothing else is stopping us. The Republic already helped fund the temple on Devaron, so why not have one here too? If future children of our Order want their families to be in a place with more opportunity, a place like Chandrila makes perfect sense."

Spectre Seven smiled, her conviction clear. "Exactly! Look, if Ezra and I weren't Force-sensitive, we'd want to be somewhere that offers us the most opportunities. Somewhere we could build something for our family. And then, later on, when we want to slow down, we could always settle somewhere like Devaron, where life moves at a slower pace."

Luke sat back, nodding slowly as he processed what she said. "Yeah, I never thought about it like that. Devaron is definitely more affordable, but I see the point of living in a place that offers more opportunities, especially for the younger ones."

Ezra chuckled, adding, "Yeah, we're lucky that Leia and the Alliance helped hook us up with a nice place in a good area. Everything's in walking distance."

Spectre Seven nudged Ezra with a grin. "Don't forget the gym, hun."

Ezra laughed, nodding. "Oh yes, the gym. Luke, you down to stay the night and go with us tomorrow?"

Luke couldn't help but laugh along, feeling the warmth of the conversation. "Count me in, Master."

"Don't forget me," Sabine added with a smirk. "You know how agile I am."

Ezra raised his eyebrows playfully. "Oh, I remember," he said with a chuckle.

Luke looked around the table at these people he respected and loved. It was moments like this that reminded him why balance was so important in his life. The path of a Jedi required solitude and reflection, but there came a point where you had to turn outward—toward friends, family, and those who helped you grow. He could see now that growing his Order would require more than just building a temple. It would require building connections, nurturing relationships, and embracing the diversity of people and places that made the galaxy so vast and vibrant.

He thought about his father, so focused on his role in the Navy, so driven by strategy and the defense of the New Republic. But Luke's path was different, and he knew it. His path was about creating a new future for the Jedi—one that wasn't tethered to the rigid traditions of the past, but one that could embrace the present and the future. A future that might just include multiple temples, spread across the galaxy, offering a place for all kinds of people, from all walks of life, to come and learn about the Force.

"Well," Luke said after a moment of reflection, "I think it's time we really start thinking about how to expand. A temple on Chandrila might be the next step."

Ezra nodded, and Spectre Seven reached across the table to tap his hand.

Luke couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him. There was so much ahead—so many opportunities, so many challenges. But with people like Ezra, Spectre Seven, and Sabine by his side, he felt ready to face them.

For now, though, he would enjoy the quiet moments—the laughter over dinner, the camaraderie with friends, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by people who understood him. Tomorrow, they would visit the gym and explore the planet. But tonight, they would simply enjoy each other's company, savoring the calm before the next adventure.

As the night wore on, Luke found himself feeling a deep sense of contentment. In this moment, surrounded by the people he cared about, Luke knew he was exactly where he needed to be. The future could wait for just a little while longer. Tonight was for family.

XX

One month later.

Luke stood at the heart of Chandrila, overseeing the early construction of the new Jedi Temple. It was a far cry from the isolation of Devaron. Here, the building would sit near the Republic's political center, amidst the bustling streets and the hub of activity that marked this capital world. The political buildings rose around him, their architecture sleek and proud, a testament to the efforts of the reformed Empire and the Republic to work in unison. The new temple, in contrast, would blend ancient Jedi tradition with modern design, symbolizing a fresh start for the Force Order under his leadership.

Leia had given her blessing, and Luke was thankful for it. She had taken to her role as temporary Empress well, navigating the turbulent politics with grace. She had gone even further in supporting Luke's vision, reaching out to the medical departments across the galaxy to establish accessible blood tests. These tests, designed to detect Force sensitivity in children, would be offered to families who wished to know if their child had the potential to become a Jedi. The results would come with an invitation: if they chose, families could bring their children to Chandrila, where affordable accommodations and job opportunities would be arranged for them. This was essential to Luke. He didn't want Jedi to feel detached from their roots, like he often did. The Order would offer flexibility—some children could attend the temple like a traditional school, going home each day to their families. Others could choose to board, staying at the temple full-time and only visiting their families on special occasions.

It was a delicate balance between tradition and progress, one Luke felt deeply about. The Jedi would be a force for good, not just warriors or protectors, but healers, diplomats, and scholars. They would be embedded in the galaxy, not removed from it.

XX

Vader had just finished a long meditation session in his chamber. The dark emptiness of space loomed outside his viewports, the faint hum of the Executor's engines providing the only sound. As he opened his eyes, the residual energy of the meditation still tingling in his limbs, a calmness settled over him that was uncharacteristic of his old self.

He felt a disturbance—a pull that he could no longer ignore.

"Piett," Vader called through the communicator.

"Yes, my lord?"

"I will be departing on a solo mission to Lothal. You will be in charge of the fleet in my absence. Should any of the other Admirals require anything, they are to forward it directly to you."

Piett acknowledged, his voice as steady as ever. "Understood, my lord. Safe travels."

Vader nodded, rising from his meditation platform. Lothal… the world that he had seen with Ezra Bridger, and now, Vader suspected, had something else to show him. There was something calling him there. He would go alone, without Bridger's guidance. This was a journey he needed to make himself.

As Vader prepared his personal shuttle, Admiral Piett and Captain Needa spoke on the bridge.

Piett started, "I've heard the Republic officials are eager to establish a timeline for the demilitarization of the fleet. A dangerous gamble."

Needa replied, "Dangerous indeed. These officials are becoming as reckless as the old Republic, risking us to disorder, not only from alien threats but also from the re-emergence of criminals and potential rebels."

Piett affirms, "We cannot stand by while the Outer Rim falls into chaos. Lord Vader plans to address the corruption and criminals filling the void left by the remnants of the Empire."

Needa sighed. "With Admiral Sloane freed from house arrest, perhaps we'll see a stronger front."

Piett concludes, "Indeed."

XX

The shuttle touched down on the outskirts of the now-ancient painting that served as the key to the World Between Worlds. Vader exited the craft alone, the vast emptiness of Lothal's plains spread out before him. The familiar hum of the Force intensified around him, guiding his steps.

He approached the mural and, with a deep breath, used the Force to open the gateway. The portal shimmered to life, a pathway into the World Between Worlds—a place that transcended time and space. As Vader stepped through, the memories of his past hit him like a flood. He heard the haunting echoes of Order 66, the sounds of his duel with Obi-Wan on Mustafar, the cold finality of the moment he struck down Dooku on the Invisible Hand. He heard the whispers of his doing on Cymoon 1, where he killed Ahsoka. He heard Luke's voice as they fought aboard the Star Destroyer—the moment he revealed himself as Luke's father. And then, he heard the screams from that fateful day when he failed to save Mon Mothma from a bombing, though he had managed to protect Leia.

The memories threatened to overwhelm him, but then, a figure emerged from the swirling mists of time and space—Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

"Qui-Gon?" Vader's voice trembled with emotion he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years. "Is it really you?"

The old Jedi Master smiled softly. "It's been a long time, Anakin."

"What is this place... from your perspective?" Vader asked, his voice lower, as if speaking aloud would break the delicate balance of this moment.

"This is a place beyond time, beyond space," Qui-Gon explained. "A convergence of the Force, where the past, present, and future all meet. You, Anakin, are one of the few who can access it because you've brought balance to the Force."

Anakin—Vader—stood silently, digesting this.

Qui-Gon continued. "You've always been the Chosen One, Anakin. But the balance you've brought is not the end. There is still much for you to learn."

Vader, his tone more reflective, asked, "How do I use this power responsibly?"

Qui-Gon smiled, his eyes twinkling as though he was about to give one of his cryptic lessons. "Consider the Force like a coin with two sides. One side opposes the other in a constant dance, a balance. But if the coin is caught in a fire, both sides must work together to escape the flame."

Anakin furrowed his brow. "What does that mean for me?"

Qui-Gon interrupted before Vader could ask more questions. "You and your companions—your allies, whether they are on opposing sides—have gone this far because of compromise. Even if they represent different ideals, they all work toward the same goal: the well-being of the galaxy, not their self-interest."

Anakin thought of Thrawn, whose loyalty to the Empire had always been pragmatic, focused on protecting the galaxy from external threats and treating all species with fairness. He thought of Ezra and Spectre Seven, raising and training his son. His attachments had once led him down the dark path—to Order 66—but they had also driven him to redeem himself, to destroy the Emperor and bring peace to the galaxy.

"Master…" Anakin hesitated. "The alien threats we face… I believe it's right for the galaxy to be prepared for them. I'm not trying to change the past or control my fate, but we need to be ready for the worst."

Qui-Gon studied him, seeing the growth, the wisdom that had taken years to develop. "You've learned much, Anakin. You are ready for the next step. And in time, you will be able to become one with the Force, just as I have."

Vader watched as Qui-Gon's image began to fade, leaving him alone in the vast expanse of the World Between Worlds. There was much work left to do. But for the first time in a long while, he felt truly at peace.