Two rotations later...
Location: Hanna City Expressway, Chandrila
Date: 5 ABY
The air had that crisp autumn bite, just cool enough to feel refreshing but not uncomfortable. Luke took a deep breath as he steered the speeder down the winding road, and the smells of fresh soil, a hint of forest wood, and the faint scent of rain hung in the air. Even though they were on the edge of the city, Chandrila's nature was everywhere, green and earthy, with patches of trees swaying under the slow-changing leaves. Hints of orange and yellow dotted the landscape, giving the surrounding hills an early wash of autumn.
Luke was dressed in a sport-style jacket, thick enough for the chill, with his beanie stashed in his bag in case the wind picked up. His usual worn-in pants and rugged boots had been his choice, practical as always. Beside him, Kata had opted for a warm-toned shawl over a close-fitting dark green tunic, layered with a cream-colored scarf and soft, insulated leggings tucked into knee-high boots.
She nudged his shoulder. "I'm assuming you did your research?" Her tone was playful, her eyes bright with excitement as she gazed out the window.
Luke flashed a grin. "Of course, you know me, Snips."
The nickname made her smile, a knowing look in her eyes as she studied him from the side. He hadn't used that name in a while. It was a small, almost unspoken connection between them, a tribute to her father's old apprentice and their shared experiences, their closeness.
Kata leaned back, arms crossed, a glint of humor in her gaze. "I think you're going to look forward to lunch," she teased.
"Oh, I don't doubt it," Luke replied, glancing over at her. "Caught you sneaking off early this morning to the cafeteria to cook. I had to go through my whole morning routine alone…"
Kata laughed, giving him a gentle elbow nudge. "We're spending time now, aren't we?"
Luke just nodded with a smile, giving her a quick glance before refocusing on the expressway. They drove in companionable silence, the only sounds around them the gentle hum of the speeder and the rush of wind slipping through the open windows, carrying the scents of the town as they neared it.
XX
They pulled into a small, reliable parking lot just outside the main area. Though it was technically a suburb of Hanna City, the town had a unique charm that felt worlds away. The roads were narrow and winding, lined with aged cobblestone and overhanging trees. Around them, nature blended seamlessly into the architecture; each shop and café seemed to almost grow from the ground, their earthy tones blending with the browns and greens of the landscape.
"This is nice," Luke said, closing his eyes for a second as he took in the atmosphere. It was quiet but alive with the soft sounds of rustling leaves, the occasional chirp of a bird, and the faint hum of voices from a nearby coffee stand.
"Right?" Kata said, beaming as she stepped onto the path. "Look, they even have these trails that go off through the woods."
Ahead, there was a winding path that led away from the town center, lined with autumn-colored trees and small wooden benches tucked into the greenery. The trail had a charm of its own, reminding Luke of a place Spectre Seven had once mentioned on some distant Outer Rim planet. The air was cooler here, shaded by the overhead trees, and the path was sprinkled with early-fallen leaves, crunching softly underfoot as they walked.
Around them, the buildings looked like they had been carefully carved by hand—modest shops and cafes with their doors open, offering cozy interiors filled with the aromas of fresh pastries, brewed drinks, and the scent of wood-fired stoves. Locals walked by, waving at Luke and Kata with a casual friendliness that was rare in the bigger cities.
Kata glanced over, catching the look on Luke's face. "Almost feels like stepping back in time," she said, her voice quiet.
"Yeah," Luke murmured, looking down one of the narrow, cobbled paths that led to a park. He could see a couple sitting on a bench there, quietly watching a pond dotted with water lilies, birds gliding peacefully along. There was something calming about this place, something grounding.
They strolled down the main path, occasionally pausing to peer into shop windows. In one window, an older shopkeeper waved, her white hair pinned in a tight bun, her expression warm and inviting. Luke offered a small wave back, charmed by the simplicity of it all.
As they walked, Kata pulled him toward a little side path. "Come on, let's check out the market."
They entered a small, bustling open-air market set up along a tree-lined street. Tables were piled with fresh produce: oranges, apples, jars of preserves, and bundles of flowers. The locals moved leisurely from one stand to the next, carrying woven baskets filled with everything from fresh vegetables to baked goods.
"Good call, Snips," Luke said, pausing at a stall with warm pastries. "I'm starting to get hungry."
Kata laughed, holding up a lunchbox strapped to her shoulder like a backpack. "We've got food, Skyguy," she teased, patting the box.
He shook his head, a grin on his face. "Right... well, since you've thought ahead, what do you say we take it to that park over there? Found a trail while I was doing a little research."
XX
They wandered over to a nearby park nestled between rows of tall, leafy trees. It wasn't huge, but it had a charming simplicity—a few picnic areas, a winding creek with a steady trickle, and trails that stretched into the surrounding greenery. From where they stood, they could catch glimpses of the city beyond, framed by the autumn-hued trees that dotted the hills.
Luke took a deep breath as they walked into the park, letting the cool air fill his lungs. Being in nature was grounding, a break from all the chaotic responsibilities that waited back in the Temple. Still, his mind wasn't completely quiet. Thoughts, uninvited and persistent, slipped in, each one sharper than the last. He couldn't help but worry about his father. Was he pushing himself too hard? What if something went wrong? And then there were the constant conflicts—peasants and workers across the galaxy forced into battle, a lot siding with the Vong. Would they end up as cannon fodder?
And then there was Farnay. He wondered if she was safe on Devaron. Had Devaron steered clear of Vong attention, or was it only a matter of time? He'd hoped she'd stay out of the worst of it.
"Breathe," he muttered under his breath, and took a slow, deliberate inhale. His thoughts weren't something he wanted to drag into this peaceful day. One breath at a time, he let them drift past without latching on. Kata glanced over, sensing the strain beneath his relaxed front, but she let him be, letting him work through it in silence.
They started up a gentle incline, the trail curling around tall trees and moss-covered rocks. At the top, they stopped to catch their breath and take in the view. Ahead, the bay sparkled under the afternoon light, the capital city's skyline rising in the distance, with the mountain ranges framing everything like a natural border. Further off, they could make out the planet's main spaceport, bustling with ships coming and going, the distant hum of engines carrying faintly to where they stood.
"Not bad," Kata said, looking around, a smile playing on her lips.
"Not bad at all," Luke agreed, his worries slowly fading as he took in the sight. The landscape was calming, a good reminder that there were places in the galaxy where life felt simple.
They wandered a bit further until they found a sturdy bench-and-table set nestled under the shade of a tree. It was quiet here, just the two of them and the distant sounds of nature. Kata set the lunchbox down on the table, giving him a knowing look as she unclipped it.
Luke leaned forward, his eyes widening as she popped the lid open to reveal a Scazz steak sandwich—thick, juicy meat with melted cheese, the tangy aroma of sauce wafting up, hitting his senses instantly.
"Whoa," he murmured. "This... this is impressive, Kata."
She smirked, clearly pleased with his reaction, as she pulled out two glass bottles of Bantha juice, setting them on the table alongside a couple of small bags filled with Aleudrupe berries. "Only the best for my Jedi," she teased, handing him one of the bottles.
Luke laughed, taking a moment to appreciate the spread before him. "You spoil me, you know that?"
"Consider it a payback," she said, biting into her own sandwich. "For all those times you dragged me out of bed for morning meditations."
"Hey, those meditations are important," he protested, though there was a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But… maybe I'll ease up a bit. For a meal like this, I could cut a few corners."
They both laughed, the sound carrying into the stillness around them. As they dug into the sandwiches, the silence that followed was comfortable, punctuated only by the occasional breeze rustling through the leaves and the distant hum of a transport ship passing overhead toward the spaceport.
"So," Kata began, picking up one of the berry bags. "What do you think's gonna happen, with everything going on?"
Luke paused mid-bite, glancing over at her thoughtfully. "Hard to say. The Vong are… well, they're a different kind of threat. But we'll find a way through it. We always do."
Kata nodded, though her expression was pensive. "I know. Just… feels like it's getting harder to keep everyone safe."
"It is," he admitted, taking a swig of his juice. "But that's why we train, why we stay ready. Not to worry about what could happen, but to be prepared for it when it does."
She leaned back, looking out over the landscape, her gaze distant. "Guess I've got a lot to learn, then."
"Maybe," Luke said with a small smile. "But you're handling it just fine. Trust me."
They fell into a comfortable silence again, letting the conversation fade. There was something about just sitting here, enjoying the quiet companionship, that felt like a break from everything. No grand battles, no responsibilities, just a couple sharing a meal under a vast, open sky.
After a while, Kata broke the silence. "Hey, think I could fly one of those?"
Luke followed her gaze to the spaceport, where a small freighter was lifting off, its engines humming as it rose into the sky. He raised an eyebrow. "Confident, huh?"
She shrugged, a playful grin on her face. "Well, I've learned from the best, haven't I?"
He chuckled. "One day, maybe. But for now, stick to the speeder. Besides, freighters aren't exactly as fun as they look."
"Yeah, but it'd be a start," she said, popping a berry into her mouth. "Next thing you know, I'll be flying circles around you."
"Oh, is that so?" Luke replied, amused. "Big words, Snips."
She smirked. "Big words, but I'll back 'em up. Just wait."
They sat together, the autumn breeze brushing past them as clouds drifted lazily above, the branches of nearby trees swaying slightly. Luke felt the calm settle over him, yet he could sense something deeper—a sense of quiet contentment shared between them, like a moment that needed no words.
"Hey…" he murmured, breaking their silence gently, almost hesitant to disturb the peacefulness they shared.
"Hmm?" Kata looked over, curious.
"Let's meditate," he suggested, a glimmer of enthusiasm in his eyes. It was a simple request, but it felt meaningful, almost as if he wanted to connect on another level with her, beyond words and even thoughts.
Kata's lips turned up in a soft smile, and she scooted closer until their sides were just touching. She took his hand as they closed their eyes, matching their breathing—slow, steady, like waves rolling gently against the shore. It wasn't about finding answers; they were simply letting go, trying to view what was cluttering their minds, what lay below the surface.
After a few moments, an image began to take shape, vivid and unexpected.
They saw Vader, yet somehow… different. His suit looked more refined, still protective but comfortable, with a lighter gray color that was almost warm. He was guiding three children toward a ship—one boy, probably around twelve, with dark hair and a face that felt familiar. It was an older Ben Solo. The other two were girls, younger, with dark hair and expressions that echoed Luke's own and, unmistakably, Kata's.
Kata's breath caught softly, but she stayed still, letting the vision unfold. Vader led the children onto an old T-6 shuttle, setting coordinates for Naboo. The scenes shifted, and they watched the ship land amidst the soft, lush landscape of Naboo, near the outskirts of Theed. The children followed him, and he took them to an elegant tomb—Padmé Amidala's resting place. There was a quiet reverence in Vader's movements, as if paying respect and showing the children something profoundly important.
Another shift, and the children were in Theed, now at a larger home near the city center. Sola, Padmé's sister, greeted them warmly, her face a blend of nostalgia and joy. Her own children, adults, joined the gathering, and they shared a meal together. It was warm and easy, a sense of family that felt close, almost tangible.
Then, the vision transitioned again.
Luke and Kata saw themselves, ten years older, standing on a bright, sandy beach, waves lapping at the shoreline. The air felt different—warmer, tropical. They were on Spira, a renowned vacation planet with golden beaches and grand island spires. Beside them stood Spectre Seven and Ezra Bridger, laughing as they soaked up the sun and the carefree atmosphere. It was a beautiful day, and everything about it exuded peace and happiness.
Another scene flickered. Luke and Kata sat alone this time, on a quiet stretch of beach, the water gently rolling up the shore nearby. There was no hint of worry, no weight of responsibilities pressing down. They simply existed, content, and a sense of maturity hung between them. They were quieter, more at ease, their bond deeper, stronger. The playful banter was still there, but softened, like the familiarity that grows from years spent together.
The vision faded, the images dissipating like mist, leaving them back on the bench, the sounds of the park filtering back in. They blinked, adjusting to the present once more, and Luke turned to her with a thoughtful expression.
"Did you… see that too?" he asked quietly.
Kata nodded, her gaze still distant, as though part of her was still lingering in the vision. "Yeah," she murmured. "It felt so real."
"It was more than just a vision," Luke said, his voice soft, almost reverent. "It felt like… like something that could be."
Kata tilted her head, looking up at him. "Oh yeah?"
Luke considered it, the quiet hope in her eyes mirroring his own. "I think it is. If we can hold onto what matters… maybe it's closer than we think."
They shared a moment of quiet, unspoken understanding, as if the vision had gifted them a fragment of something precious, something they could carry with them—hope, and the possibility of a future where all they loved and fought for might finally find peace.
With a smile, Kata reached into her lunchbox and pulled out the drunken glass of Bantha juice, sipping and offering him the other glass. "Well, here's to making it happen, Skyguy," she said, grinning.
Luke chuckled, taking the glass. "Agreed," he concluded, and they settled back to enjoy the warmth of the afternoon, the vision still lingering.
XX
That evening...
Location: Bridger Penthouse, Chandrila
The lights were dim, the soft hum of city life outside the windows settling into the background. It was quiet here in the penthouse—a kind of oasis away from the bustle of the Jedi Temple. Ezra liked this solitude. So did Yalara, the former Seventh Sister. Neither of them said much as they left each other to their own thoughts, but it was enough to be here, alone, as a family.
Ezra was hunched over at his office table, datapad in hand, sifting through a starmap of potential battlegrounds. Little grid squares and planet names dotted the screen: Honoghr, Kessel, Kubindi—places the Vong had sunk their claws into. A few taps pulled up data on T-10, a square covering those worlds in the starmap's eastern region. Honoghr was grateful to the Vong after they restored the planet's life, and Kessel's former slaves were likely won over with promises of better pay and working conditions. Then there was Kubindi, home to people who'd suffered under the Empire. It wasn't hard to see why they might accept Vong support if it meant avoiding more hardship.
Further down, in R-16—another hot zone—the list continued. Andooweel, with its scattered farms and dried-out mines, was likely offered a way off that barren rock. The Pii systems had their luxury greel wood; maybe the loggers were promised better pay and sustainability efforts. But for places like Rodia and Christophis, Ezra still couldn't quite see the Vong's angle.
In the southern grid, K-18, it was a different story. The Anoat Sector—Hoth, Bespin, Ertegas, and the crime-ridden Darlyn Boda. Vader, Skoll, and Thrawn were there now, testing the Vong's capabilities in that stretch of space. The Rebels had abandoned Hoth long ago, and Ertegas had just booted its wealthy class out. And Darlyn Boda, Ezra thought with a sigh—it was practically a hive for Black Sun and the Bounty Guild. If the Vong had strengthened Black Sun's hand, it was likely they had a firm grip on Darlyn Boda by now.
"Quite the studious one, aren't you, Bridger?"
Ezra looked up to see Spectre Seven—no, Yalara—leaning in the doorway, arms crossed with that familiar smirk.
"Just trying to get a sense of where we're headed," he replied, returning the smirk. "Could be exploring any of these worlds soon."
"Yeah, feels like we've been stuck in the same systems for a while now." She drifted over, glancing at the datapad. "Chandrila, Devaron, a couple of new ones here and there…"
Ezra chuckled. "True. You used to be such a homebody here, though. Remember before they built the temple?"
"Oh, please. I recall you were the one settling in too comfortably. We were big on binge-eating and holo-movies, if I recall," she teased, arching a brow.
"Hey, I was making sure you were comfortable." He winked. "You were pregnant at the time, remember?"
"Smooth, Bridger. Flattering as always."
Ezra laughed, shaking his head. Then, before he could say more, she nudged his datapad away. "Back to your maps. Who knows—maybe we'll be hopping around the galaxy again like the old days."
"Yeah, back before we met Luke," he murmured, "we were practically meeting new people every other week. Hard to keep track of the names."
"Maybe. But you never know when you'll run into someone again down the line." She gave him a sidelong look, playful yet thoughtful.
Ezra leaned back in his chair and stretched his shoulders, arms extended. He glanced over at Yalara as she slid into bed like a cat claiming its favorite spot. When he moved to join her, she held up a hand, shooing him away with a mock glare. "Uh-uh. Not until you've cleaned up. Thoroughly."
"Oh…right." He nodded, embarrassed, and backed toward the bathroom. "Guess I…kind of forgot…"
"Sure, Bridger," she muttered with an eye roll, though her lips twisted into a smile.
While he rinsed off, she let herself unwind, her mind drifting to thoughts she rarely entertained: Mirial, her birth family, her little brother, who was out there somewhere. It wasn't too far from where the Vong were advancing, but she brushed the thought away. The present was what mattered—her family here, her son sleeping peacefully in his cradle across the room. Ygnacio, named after her own younger brother, a quiet connection to a past she'd almost left behind.
Occasionally, she would holocall her family. They were alive, healthy, and grateful, but deep down, she knew this Jedi family, these people she fought alongside, had become her real family. She gave herself to them without question—no regrets, no looking back. She only hoped they understood that.
Ezra returned, dropping onto the bed beside her. She watched as he lay back, eyes closed, a quiet sigh escaping his lips. His thoughts were likely tangled in Thrawn's reports and his starmap discoveries, but for now, at least, they had this moment.
"Interesting," Yalara mused aloud, thinking back to the Vong and their alliances. "It seems like most of the people who joined them were lower-class or criminals with something to gain. Cheap labor, better pay—easy promises to make."
Ezra nodded. "True. It's different from what we're seeing with the Grysk. They're taking a back seat, really—gaining influence over banking, agriculture, trade. Just setting up their own private economy in the Core. They've even got nonprofits funding relief efforts out here in the Outer Rim."
She let out a breath. "Smart of them. Like they're above the conflict entirely."
Ezra shrugged. "Well, it's Thrawn's job to handle that kind of strategy. I mean, we're the warriors in this fight. That's all we can be, with the way things are going."
She nodded, her breathing slowing, sinking into a meditative calm. Ezra lay beside her, finally letting the weight of the day slip away. The future felt uncertain, but for now, this was enough—just the quiet of their home, and the soft rhythm of each other's presence in the dim, evening light.