Note: One of Luke's flashbacks is shortly before Chapter 11 of the story.
XX
Luke sat cross-legged on the rocky surface of Ahch-To, the ancient Jedi temple standing as a silent witness to his contemplation. He closed his eyes, delving into the depths of the Force, seeking guidance for the future of his fledgling order.
In the stillness, he reached out with his senses, seeking whispers from the cosmic energy that bound the galaxy together. A serene quiet settled around him, the rhythmic crashing of waves against the cliffs providing a natural backdrop to his meditation.
Minutes, perhaps hours, passed in the profound silence. Luke persisted, his mind an open conduit to the Force. Then, like a distant echo, a vision began to take shape. A lush, forested planet materialized before his eyes, bathed in the soft glow of a sun setting on the horizon.
Curiosity stirred within Luke as he observed the verdant landscape, rich with life. It felt like a place where the Force flowed freely, untainted by the conflicts that had plagued the galaxy for centuries. Could this be the location he sought for his new Jedi Order?
The vision shifted abruptly. Luke found himself standing beside a younger Master Yoda. The air was thick with the scent of foliage, and the distant crackling of a fire filled the serene scene.
Yoda, his small form illuminated by the flickering flames, was engaged in a conversation with three clone troopers. Their armor bore the unmistakable markings of the Grand Army of the Republic. The flames cast dancing shadows on the cave walls as Yoda imparted wisdom to the soldiers.
"Your helmets, remove them. Your faces I wish to see," Yoda orders.
The clones comply. One of them remarks, "There's not much to look at here sir, we all share the same face."
"Deceive you, eyes can. In the force, very different each of you are."
Yoda then explains the differences between Thire, Jek, and Rys.
"Clones you may be, but the force resides in all lifeforms."
"Use it you can, to quiet your mind."
As the vision played out, Luke sensed a connection to this place. It felt ancient, a sanctuary where knowledge was passed down through generations. The resonance of the Force in this forested haven suggested an unbroken link to the Jedi way.
XX
Now, Luke found himself standing on the rugged surface of Devaron, surrounded by the same foliage that characterized the planet. It was a memory from his youth, a time when the weight of destiny had just begun to settle on his shoulders.
A training remote hovered before him, its glowing red eye fixated on Luke. He moved with fluid precision, deflecting blaster bolts with his lightsaber. The maneuvers were a blend of the techniques he had learned from the holovideos of his father, Anakin Skywalker, and the flair he developed through his own experiences.
Watching from a distance were his three mentors—Seventh Sister, Ezra Bridger, and Ahsoka Tano. Their expressions varied from measured scrutiny to quiet encouragement as they observed Luke's training routine. The former Imperial turned Rebel, the young Padawan who had grown into a capable warrior, and the seasoned Togruta ex-Jedi formed a diverse trio of guidance for Skywalker.
As Luke concluded a multiple sequences, he sheathed his lightsaber and went toward a rock where a water flask rested. The atmosphere crackled with the energy of the Force, a silent testament to the rich history of Devaron.
While Luke quenched his thirst, he overheard the conversation among his mentors. Their voices, tinged with wisdom and experience, spoke guidance for the young Jedi.
Seventh Sister, her sharp gaze fixed on Luke, remarked, "Tano, Skywalker has gotten one-on-one training from you and Bridger. Why are you so wary of me?"
"Let's say I'm worried about your potential sessions. Darkness is still within you."
Spectre Seven smirked. "Perhaps it's important for him to know how to control it. To use it responsibly to protect what he cares for. It's not like he will always use it. Balance is key."
Ahsoka pondered the scene before her. She now recognized the need for a more personal touch in Luke's training, a one-on-one session that could delve into the intricacies of his connection with the Force.
"Very well. Ezra and I will stay at camp near the ship in the meantime." Ahsoka then shouts to Luke.
"Yes masters?"
"Spectre Seven will give you a personal session this afternoon. Ezra and I will stay near the ship."
Spectre Seven, understanding Ahsoka's suggestion, approached Luke with a nod of acknowledgment.
"Come, I have an idea on where to head."
The other mentors, sensing the shift in the Force, dispersed quietly, giving the two force users space for their private training.
As they walked along the forest trail, Luke couldn't help but feel a certain tension in the air. The vibrant greenery of Devaron's forest seemed to hold its breath as if awaiting some revelation.
"Master, why are they worried of you personally training me?"
Spectre Seven, sensing Luke's curiosity, decided to address the question. "Tano has reservations, not about you specifically, but about the legacy you carry. Your lineage is a powerful one."
Luke, earnestly seeking understanding, asked, "What does she fear, then?"
Spectre Seven considered her words carefully before responding, "It's a long story, Skywalker."
"Master, I'm willing to listen."
As they continued walking, the sounds of the forest providing a natural backdrop, Spectre Seven elaborated, "Alright. Even though most Jedi were killed, some were still captured and indoctrinated to serve the Emperor. Their main purpose? To hunt Jedi survivors."
"Are there still some out there?"
"I'm... not sure. After joining Bridger, I wasn't on the loop on if any of them survived. I only heard about Vader since then."
"Anyway... you might wonder why I mentioned them. Well... I was a part of them. I served the Empire, doing Vader and the Emperor's bidding. Down the line, I was assigned to hunt down a rebel crew. Bridger was a part of it. I battled him multiple times, testing his skills and hinting at the idea of him becoming my apprentice."
"Oh, so how did you end up with the Alliance?"
"One battle I made him question his allegiance to a certain dark side user. And through that, he ended up saving my life. He gave me the chance to come with him. To fight this war for us as force users to be in control of our own destinies."
"I'm grateful you're here, master. I do wonder, what can you teach me that they won't?"
"Well, I'm glad you asked. The force as you know consists of light and the dark side. I want you to try to find a balance between the two since there are pros and cons in both."
"Perhaps we can use the hiking trails we walk on as circuits to train your skills."
Excitement flickered in Luke's eyes as Spectre Seven proposed the idea of turning the forest trail into a training circuit. The lush greenery of Devaron's woods seemed to echo with the potential for growth and learning.
"Agility is a crucial aspect of mastering the Force, Skywalker," Seventh Sister explained. "It's not just about wielding a lightsaber or using the Force for telekinesis. Your physical prowess is an extension of your connection to the Force. Let's design a circuit that challenges you in various ways."
Together, they began to identify natural features along the trail that could serve as training elements. Large rocks became potential platforms for jumping exercises, and tree openings presented opportunities for precision and timing. As they mapped out the circuit, Seventh Sister provided insights into how each element could enhance Luke's agility.
"This isn't just about navigating obstacles," she said. "It's about attuning yourself to the Force as you move. Feel the energy around you, anticipate the challenges, and let the Force guide your movements. Trust your instincts."
Luke absorbed her guidance, eager to put theory into practice. The forest, once a serene backdrop, transformed into a dynamic training ground. Seventh Sister demonstrated fluid movements, showcasing a dance with the Force as she gracefully navigated the circuit.
As they began their first run, Luke felt the cool breeze against his face, the uneven terrain beneath his boots. With each jump, twist, and turn, he started to synchronize his movements with the ebb and flow of the Force. Spectre Seven provided encouraging words, urging him to push his boundaries.
The forest trail, once a simple walkway, now echoed with the sounds of purposeful steps, the hum of a lightsaber, and the whispered guidance of a master. Through this training circuit, Luke wasn't just honing his physical skills; he was forging a deeper connection to the Force that surrounded him.
XX
Luke Skywalker, having traversed the realms of memory and vision through the Force, found himself back on the rocky shores of Ahch-To. The distant waves lapped gently against the cliffs, and the wind carried the ancient whispers of the island.
With newfound clarity, Luke understood the Force's guidance. His order of Force users was destined to find its home on the temperate, forested planet of Devaron. The vision had shown him not only the planet's lush landscapes but also the echoes of his past, the lessons learned, and the potential for growth.
The decision was made, and Luke felt a sense of purpose as he set his sights on building a new generation of force sensitives on Devaron. The tranquil yet vibrant environment would provide a balanced and harmonious backdrop for the training and development of Force-sensitive individuals.
With this revelation, Luke opened his eyes, still seated in meditation on Ahch-To. He felt a renewed connection to the Force and a determination to follow the guidance it had bestowed upon him.
The journey to Devaron would mark a new chapter in Luke Skywalker's quest to grow his Order, and he was ready to embrace the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead.