Date: 5 ABY
Location: En Route to Ilum
The T6 Jedi Shuttle cut through the starry expanse, its hull gleaming in the light of distant stars. Inside the vessel, a quiet hum filled the air as its passengers prepared for their journey's purpose. Luke Skywalker sat at the central gathering table, the soft vibrations of hyperspace travel a gentle reminder of the galaxy outside. In his hands was a sweet, protein-rich drink that he casually sipped as he contemplated the task ahead.
Across from him sat Spectre Seven, a former Inquisitor and once a Jedi herself. Time had tempered her sharp edges, but the quiet strength and knowledge she carried within her remained evident. She, too, sipped from her drink, her eyes distant, perhaps lost in thought or memory.
Luke cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had stretched too long.
"Hey, Master..." Luke said quietly, his voice carrying a note of gratitude.
"Hm?" Spectre Seven glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Thanks for coming along. I'm not too familiar with what the Jedi did in the past. You're helping bring these traditions alive again," Luke admitted, feeling slightly awkward for not knowing as much as he would have liked. But there was a truth in his words—a yearning to rekindle the old ways.
Spectre Seven gave him a small, knowing smile. "I'm flattered. We'll make it more alive... one student at a time," she replied, her voice steady, carrying the confidence of someone who had walked many paths. But her tone shifted slightly as she added, "But make no mistake—we won't follow traditions and dogma just for the sake of it. If we do, we risk falling like the Jedi did those years ago."
Luke nodded slowly, understanding. His father had echoed similar sentiments—about the dangers of rigid adherence to old ways. The Jedi had fallen before, and Luke was determined not to repeat those mistakes.
A long silence settled between them once more, the hum of the shuttle filling the space. Outside the viewport, hyperspace stretched on, a tunnel of swirling blue and white light.
Luke shifted, feeling the weight of the quiet. He glanced over at Spectre Seven, searching for a way to break the stillness. "How difficult was it?" he asked, his voice awkward but curious.
Spectre Seven blinked, glancing at him. "Difficult?"
"On Ilum," Luke clarified, nodding slightly toward the ship's navigation panel, where the course was set for the icy world. "When you got your crystal."
Spectre Seven leaned back in her seat, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup as she considered the question. For a long moment, she was silent, her brow furrowing slightly as if she were sifting through old memories—ones buried deep. Memories of her Jedi past were harder to access after the darkness of the Inquisitorius had tried to erase them.
"Hm... it's been a long time," she said finally. "But I remember enough."
Luke listened intently as she began to recount her experience.
"It was Huyang who guided us," she gestured toward the ancient droid in the cockpit, who was currently regaling Kata Akuna, Luke's apprentice, with stories about the different lightsaber designs Jedi had crafted over the millennia. "He took us to the cavern system on Ilum. Each of us eventually separated, sent into the caves to find our own crystals. For the first time in a long time, I was truly alone. Outside of my quarters, that is."
Spectre Seven's voice softened as she continued, the memories growing clearer as she spoke. "I remember hearing this... ringing sound. It echoed through the cave, guiding me deeper in. Eventually, I came across a large, frozen body of water with a faint green glow at its center. A crystal."
Luke leaned forward slightly, intrigued. He had read about the trials, but hearing them firsthand was something else entirely.
"I thought it would be easy," she said, a slight smirk on her lips. "But the water was freezing—far colder than I expected. I dipped my legs in, and it felt like they were encased in ice. I froze up... couldn't do it. So, I got out, completely discouraged."
Luke stayed silent, letting her continue at her own pace.
"So, I meditated. I cleared my mind, and slowly... everything began to change." Spectre Seven's eyes narrowed slightly, the memory vivid in her mind. "When I opened my eyes, the water had disappeared. The glowing crystal was there, but now it was embedded deep in the ice, in a ditch. I walked over, reached out, and when my fingers touched it... I saw a vision."
Luke's interest piqued. "A vision?"
She nodded. "It wasn't clear at first. But then, I saw myself... younger. A memory, I think. Of being picked up by my Jedi Master as a toddler, taken to the Temple for the first time. The crystal glowed brighter when I touched it, and when the vision ended, I realized something."
Luke's eyes followed hers closely. "What was it?"
She chuckled softly, a rare sound for someone with her history. "I'd fallen into the water while meditating. My whole body, was submerged in that freezing pool. I hadn't even noticed." She smirked at the recollection. "I got out of there as fast as I could after that."
Luke smiled, shaking his head. "Wow glad you got out... Is that... normal? For younglings to see a vision before they get their crystal?"
"Not always," Spectre Seven admitted. "Some don't see anything. Others might just grab their crystal without any grand revelations. We'll see what happens with Kata."
As the shuttle continued its course through hyperspace, the conversation lulled. Luke's thoughts drifted to his apprentice. Kata was talented, determined, and strong in the Force. This journey to Ilum to get her kyber crystal would be her first true test, and Luke hoped she would be ready.
XX
In the front of the shuttle, Kata stood by Huyang, listening intently as the ancient droid went on about the intricacies of lightsaber construction.
"... and of course," Huyang continued with an enthusiastic wave of his hand, "the emitter matrix is crucial for stabilizing the blade's energy. But! All of that comes later, young Kata. The most important thing, of course, is your crystal. Without it, you can't even begin to build your saber."
Kata nodded, absorbing the information. She had been preparing for this moment for what felt like her entire life. And now, here she was, about to embark on the journey every Jedi before her had taken—finding her own kyber crystal.
Luke stood and joined them near the cockpit, looking down at his apprentice with a soft smile.
"Ready for this, Kata?" Luke asked.
"I think so, Master," she replied, her voice steady but with an underlying current of excitement.
Spectre Seven approached from behind, standing beside them. She looked down at the young Padawan, her own memories of Ilum fresh in her mind.
"You'll do fine," Spectre Seven said, her tone encouraging. "The Force will guide you, just as it guided me."
Kata smiled up at her before turning to look out the viewport. "I hope so."
XX
A few hours later, the shuttle emerged from hyperspace, and Ilum appeared before them. The icy planet stretched out, a barren and frozen wasteland. Once a sacred place for the Jedi, it had been ravaged during the Imperial era. But now, free from Imperial domination, it was ready to serve its purpose once more.
The shuttle descended through the atmosphere, snow and ice whipping around them as they approached the cavern system deep within the frozen tundra.
Luke, Spectre Seven, and Kata stepped out into the harsh cold, their breaths visible in the frigid air. The wind howled around them, but there was a sense of calm that came with being on such a significant world.
"Let's get started," Luke said, pulling his cloak tighter around him.
Kata nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. She looked toward the entrance to the caves, knowing that her crystal—her future as a Jedi—awaited inside.
As the three of them made their way toward the cavern system, Spectre Seven spoke quietly to Luke.
"Ilum has a way of revealing where you came from," she said, her voice carrying on the wind. "Whatever Kata experiences in there, I have a feeling it will stay with her for the rest of her life."
Luke nodded, glancing at his apprentice as they entered the icy cave.
He knew that this journey was not just about finding a crystal. It was about discovering who she truly was—just as it had been for so many Jedi before her.
And as the cave swallowed them whole, Luke felt a deep sense of anticipation. This was only the beginning.
XX
As the darkness of the cave enveloped them, Luke Skywalker felt the air shift—a familiar sensation, as if the Force itself was holding its breath. Ilum's icy caverns had seen countless Jedi walk its paths, from younglings eager to prove themselves to Masters refining their connection to the Force. Now, Kata Akuna, his determined young Padawan, was stepping into that tradition.
They moved silently, their breath misting in the cold air. Each step crunched softly underfoot, the sound muffled by the thick layers of frost coating the cavern floor. The deeper they ventured, the more the temperature seemed to drop. And then, suddenly, Kata stopped in her tracks, head cocked slightly as if listening.
"I hear a ringing," she whispered, a puzzled look crossing her face.
Luke glanced at Spectre Seven, the former Inquisitor who had come along to guide them. They exchanged a knowing look, and Spectre Seven gave a small, satisfied smile.
"I suppose our part is done here," Spectre Seven said softly. "We'll see you back at the ship, Kata."
"Wait, hold on a minute…" Kata insisted, a hint of urgency in her voice.
Luke's smile widened. "You've got this, Snips. I believe in you."
"Snips?" Kata raised an eyebrow, momentarily distracted. "What kind of nickname is that?"
"A nickname my father gave his apprentice when she got a little... snippy," Luke explained, an affectionate lilt in his tone.
Kata crossed her arms, the corner of her mouth quirking up in amusement. "I'm not snippy all the time."
"Of course not," he teased lightly. "Now, back to the task at hand. Find your crystal. We'll see you back at the ship."
Kata nodded, her focus shifting. "I will… thank you."
"That's the spirit," Luke said softly, watching as she squared her shoulders and turned deeper into the cave alone.
Spectre Seven and Luke exchanged a final glance before heading back. This was her trial—her journey. The Force was calling, and only Kata could answer.
Kata felt the cold pressing in around her as she walked deeper into the cavern system. The ringing sound was growing stronger, a high, crystalline chime that seemed to resonate inside her bones. She followed it, winding through narrow passages and crossing icy bridges until she reached a small, darkened chamber. The air was heavy here, almost tangible. And then, there it was.
A green light glimmered at the top of the cavern, resembling a suspended lantern hanging from the ceiling, casting a soft, beckoning glow. The source of the ringing.
Kata approached slowly, breath hitching in her throat. The closer she got, the louder the sound became, until it filled her head, her very being. Her knees buckled as a sharp pain spiked behind her eyes, the intense hum overwhelming her senses.
She collapsed to the ground, clutching her temples. The room blurred around her, shadows twisting and warping.
Breathe, she told herself. Just breathe.
Drawing in slow, deep breaths, she centered herself, focusing on the calm within. The pain receded slightly, and she pushed herself up, determination burning in her eyes. But when she looked up again, the cavern was completely dark. The kyber crystal—gone.
"What…?" she breathed, confusion lacing her voice.
A soft snap-hiss echoed through the darkness. A green blade ignited, casting its light in a wide arc, illuminating a figure standing before her.
"Papa?" Kata whispered, eyes wide as she recognized the man holding the lightsaber.
"You've grown…" Bode Akuna said quietly, his gaze gentle as it roamed over her.
"Yeah…" Kata whispered, her heart aching at the sight of him.
"What are you so stuck in a cocoon for?" Bode teased lightly. "I'm only using this for light."
With a smile, he dropped the saber and set it aside, stepping forward to embrace her. She felt herself sink into his arms, a sob catching in her throat. Warmth spread through her chest, a feeling of safety she hadn't felt in so long.
"Why are you acting like nothing ever happened?" she murmured, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
Bode's grip tightened, his face buried in her hair. "I… I suppose I realized too late that they kept you safe," he whispered. "Cal and Merrin… they protected you when I couldn't."
Kata pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "I forgive you, Father… I'm sorry for any anger I had."
Bode's expression softened, a mixture of relief and sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry for the anger I put in your past, Kata. I know I hurt you. But I'm glad… a certain someone is helping you move forward."
"A certain someone?" Kata asked, brow furrowing.
Bode smiled knowingly. "Yeah, Luke Skywalker. I can sense the feelings inside of you, daughter."
"Ugh, Papa… leave me be!" Kata rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
"Don't worry," Bode said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just… don't get caught up in that stagnant Jedi dogma. Be open to having attachments, okay?"
Kata sighed, feeling the old conflict stir within her. "We have those moments, you know… Luke and I. Where we don't have to say anything to enjoy each other's company. Where there's no pressure to break the silence, where we just… are."
Her voice softened as she continued, "But I know attachments can push people to extreme measures. To hurt others… to hurt themselves."
Bode looked down, guilt shadowing his face as he remembered his own actions. "I know, Kata. I do. But sometimes… taking no action, letting things be, can lead to even more suffering. Even more loss."
Kata swallowed hard. "I get these… these thoughts, Papa. These intrusive thoughts, and they're so… overwhelming."
Bode nodded, cupping her face gently. "If they get too much, don't run away. Don't escape into a drink, a snack, or a vice, or any distraction. Just… watch them. Like you're watching a holomovie. Let them play out, see what kind of spirit they come from. And if they're distracting, let them whiz away. They'll always come back… but you don't have to give them power."
"Thank you, Papa…" Kata whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks again.
Bode smiled, pulling her into one last, tight embrace. "It's good to see you, Kata. Good luck on your journey."
He placed his hands gently over her eyes, and everything went dark.
XX
When the light returned, she was back in the cavern, the green crystal glowing brightly above her once more.
Heart pounding, she reached out with the Force, feeling it respond to her call. Slowly, it drifted down from the ceiling, settling gently into her outstretched palm. The crystal's warmth spread through her, a comforting presence that seemed to hum in resonance with her own spirit.
"Thank you…" she whispered to no one in particular, clutching the crystal to her chest.
She turned and ran, the familiar paths of the cave blurring past her as she rushed back to the entrance. The icy wind hit her face as she burst outside, snow crunching under her boots.
Luke and Spectre Seven were waiting by the shuttle. Without hesitation, she threw herself at Luke, wrapping her arms around him in a fierce hug.
"Whoa!" Luke staggered back slightly, surprised but not pulling away. "What happened?"
Kata didn't say a word. Instead, she gently placed the green crystal in his hand, looking up at him with a gaze that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. He stared down at the crystal, then back at her, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Good job, Kata," he murmured, pride filling his voice. "What did you see down there?"
Kata hesitated, glancing over at Spectre Seven, who gave her a nod of understanding.
"I'll go help Huyang prep the ship," Spectre Seven said lightly. "Give you two some time to talk. Good work, Kata."
Kata watched her go, feeling a swell of gratitude. When she turned back to Luke, the cold air was turning her words to visible puffs.
"Luke…" she began hesitantly. "I saw my father."
Luke's expression shifted—understanding, empathy, and something else. A memory of his own visions flickered in his eyes, of fighting a dark Leia on Dagobah, and of confronting his father aboard a Star Destroyer.
"Did you fight him?" Luke asked quietly.
"No! No… he… he gave me a lesson," Kata said softly.
"A lesson?" Luke's curiosity deepened.
"Well, more than one," she admitted, glancing away. "You know how you always talk about forgiveness? How you told Sabine to forgive Ezra…?"
Luke nodded slowly. "Yes. Sabine resented Ezra for leaving her to train me. For his connection to Spectre Seven… Sabine felt abandoned."
"I forgave him, Luke. I forgave my father," Kata whispered, a weight lifting from her shoulders as she spoke the words aloud.
Luke's gaze softened. "I'm glad. Truly."
"But… there was more," she added quietly.
She could feel Luke's eyes on her, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. He hadn't pressed for more details, but she knew he had questions. She could sense it. The Force was humming around them, urging her to speak.
She was hiding something—something that wasn't easy to admit, not even to herself. The green kyber crystal was warm in her hand, a promise of what lay ahead.
"Kata..." Luke's voice was soft, yet firm, his tone the kind of gentle insistence she couldn't ignore. "You can tell me anything."
She stopped walking, glancing down at the crystal in her hand, the green hue reflecting faintly on the frosty ground. She took a deep breath.
"Okay, okay..." she started, exhaling slowly. "He also told me… that it's okay to pursue a relationship. Even though the Jedi of old taught us not to have attachments."
There. She'd said it.
Luke's expression shifted—just slightly—but it was enough. The realization washed over him, clear as day. The memories rushed back: their training on Devaron, the quiet moments between them on the long journeys, and that cozy evening watching holofilms on Chandrila. It all made sense now. They were close in age, shared the same dedication to the Force, the same path of rebuilding… and she had feelings for him.
"Kata…" Luke's voice was soft, gentle as he placed a hand under her chin, lifting her face to meet his gaze. Their eyes locked, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke.
"Kata… I know," Luke said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Her heart skipped a beat, the tension finally easing. She felt relieved, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her chest. "You…"
"Yes," Luke said simply, the unspoken understanding passing between them as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
The embrace felt natural, filled with warmth and a connection that had grown steadily over time. The cold wind around them seemed to fade, leaving only the quiet hum of the Force between them.
"Thank you, Luke," Kata whispered, her head resting against his shoulder. "You've taught me more than anyone ever has… more than just being a Jedi."
Luke smiled, but his voice was practical again, grounded. "You've come a long way. But you still have a saber to assemble, Snips. Can't leave us out in the cold too long."
Kata rolled her eyes, pulling back from the hug, but there was a soft smile playing on her lips. "Oh, my Force… don't call me that," she teased, shaking her head.
But she liked the change in energy—the playfulness, the shift from the heavy conversation to something lighter, more natural between them.
"You'll get used to it. Let's get back to the ship," Luke said, his tone taking on the familiar authority of a Jedi Master again, but there was an underlying fondness in his words now, a deeper connection.
They turned and made their way back to the ship, their bond stronger than before, the green kyber crystal in Kata's hand humming softly as if approving of the path she was now walking.