Location: New Jedi Temple on Chandrila

Date: 5 ABY

The New Jedi Temple on Chandrila stood proudly under the warm sunlight, its towering spires reaching towards the sky. Within its hallowed halls, the air buzzed with tension and anticipation. The Jedi gathered around the holomap—a starmap of unprecedented size and detail, shimmering above them. The map had been a gift from Baylan Skoll, acquired from his brief alliance with Morgan Elsbeth.

Luke Skywalker stood at the helm, his gaze focused on the far reaches of the starmap. "We have three hyperspace rings," Luke began, his voice calm but carrying the weight of responsibility. "Each one capable of traveling this far. We'll split navigators into three groups, each probing a different sector of this... unknown."

Baylan Skoll's eyes narrowed as he traced a specific region on the starmap with his gloved hand. The Hellhoop. He had seen this area once before—during his vision on Peridea—and now, it called to him again. The Hellhoop, ringed by a dense asteroid belt, had an ominous reputation. Ships that ventured into its space rarely, if ever, returned.

Baylan felt the pull of destiny.

"I sense... something here," Baylan spoke, his gravelly voice cutting through the room. "My apprentice and I will head to the Hellhoop. It calls to me. My destiny lies there."

Luke glanced at Baylan, uncertain. "Master Skoll, I insist that you return to Peridea. You've been there before. Your experience—"

Baylan shook his head. "I insist you trust my instincts, Skywalker. My path... is different. It leads to the Hellhoop." His gaze was resolute.

Luke exhaled slowly, conceding. "Alright... you and Shin will be the first group. You'll travel with Grand Admiral Sloane aboard the Aegis. Will you need a third?"

Shin exchanged a glance with her master. "We'll be fine," she said, her voice steady.

"No, but I appreciate the offer," Baylan echoed. His confidence was absolute.

Luke's eyes flickered with a hint of concern. "Be careful. The Hellhoop... No one who enters... leaves." His warning lingered in the air.

Baylan gave a curt nod, bowing slightly. "I've faced worse."

From the back, Spectre Seven smirked, muttering to herself, "Whatever happens on Canto Bight stays on Canto Bight..." Her dry humor earned a few looks, but she simply shrugged.

Luke continued, his attention shifting. "Spectre Seven, Ezra, Kata, and I will head with Thrawn and his Chimera to Peridea. Thrawn's knowledge of Peridea will guide us deeper into unknown systems."

Cal Kestis, standing beside Kata, grinned at his adoptive daughter. "Ready to finally use that saber, Kata?"

Kata chuckled, a mix of excitement and nerves in her laugh. "I hope not... but who knows what we'll run into out there."

Luke smiled, observing the dynamic between them. The banter—it reminded him of a younger time.

"Alright..." Luke shifted his gaze to another group. "Cal, Merrin, and Gungi, you'll be with Admiral Piett on the Executor. Once we reach Peridea, we'll split into two directions."

Gungi, standing quietly among them, shifted uncomfortably at the mention of the Executor. Memories of the past flickered in his mind. The Wookiee Jedi had once witnessed the horror of Order 66, and the name Vader still carried dark echoes. Cal and Merrin shared a glance—both wary. Vader had killed so many: Cere, Eno, Trilla... the scars were still fresh.

Cal's brow furrowed. "The Executor? Is Vader... coming with us?"

The air thickened. Luke caught the unease in their expressions and sighed softly. He nodded, sensing the tension.

"No. Vader has been on missions with Thrawn. He'll be traveling with my group."

Cal and Merrin were unaware of Vader's true identity. Kata, though, knew that Luke's father had been part of the Empire. What she didn't know was that he was Vader. Sabine and Ezra exchanged brief, knowing glances, and Spectre Seven—Yalara—stood quietly, her face impassive. The secret was heavy, but not yet ready to be unveiled.

Cal raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of the silence. But Merrin spoke first, her voice cutting through the uncertainty. "Very well. We'll work with what we have."

"Good," Luke said, nodding. He was about to move on when Sabine interjected.

"Hold on," Sabine called out, stepping forward.

All eyes turned to her, waiting.

"Master Skoll... Luke's and Cal's groups are heading to a different galaxy entirely. You're still going to remain within the Unknown Regions, in our galaxy."

Baylan raised an eyebrow but remained unmoved. "I know, Lady Wren. But I sense the answers I seek... they lie within the Hellhoop."

Sabine crossed her arms, curious. "What kind of answers?"

"Hidden power. Knowledge beyond our understanding." Baylan's voice was dark, as though he were speaking of something far older than the Jedi.

Luke stepped in. "I suppose it's beyond our understanding until we find it for ourselves." His tone was lighter, but the tension didn't lift.

Baylan merely nodded.

Luke continued. "You're probably wondering how long this mission will take. We're setting aside two months for the journey—then two months back here to rest. But we don't know what we'll find or what obstacles we'll face. We take it one day at a time, like everything else in life."

Ezra leaned into Spectre Seven, whispering with a grin, "Wait, what about Ygnacio?"

Sabine shot him a glare, overhearing his whisper. "Hey... Hera and I will take care of him. Jacen too."

Ezra grinned. "Oh, thanks Sabine. And Grogu..."

Baylan nodded in silent appreciation of their camaraderie.

Then Gungi, hesitant, let out a deep growl. Huyang, ever the translator, spoke up. "Gungi asks... with all of us gone, who will remain at the Temple?"

The room quieted, and Luke and the others exchanged glances. No one had expected that question.

"Well... Sabine will be here," Luke said, trailing off. "And... uh..."

Sabine rolled her eyes. "Look, I get it. Ezra, Yalara—you two are inseparable. Same with Cal and Merrin. I know it's hard to be apart for long."

She let out a sigh. "But seriously, there aren't many Force-sensitives left to be at the Temple."

Cal interjected. "Hold on. I can contact some Jedi from the Path. They've been isolated since the Empire's surrender, but I can reach out. Some might come."

Spectre Seven's eyes narrowed. "How many are we talking about?"

Cal shifted. "I don't have an exact number. But I know a reliable contact—a hermit, of sorts. He keeps track of them."

Spectre Seven or Yalara stared at him, her gaze heavy. "Alright. Reach out. Let's see what you can manage."

Cal nodded respectfully.

Luke smiled. "Alright. We leave in ten rotations. Cal, do what you can to bring help."

Cal inclined his head.

Ezra nudged Shin playfully. "Let's get back to training."

Shin smirked. "So sure you can overpower me?"

Ezra grinned, playfully cocky. "Overconfidence is one's downfall. Right, Yalara?"

Yalara—Spectre Seven—rolled her eyes, that signature grin pulling at the corners of her lips.

And with that, they all dispersed, each Jedi already preparing for the long journey ahead, bound for the stars and whatever lay beyond.

XX

Two rotations later...

Luke awoke to the pale light of dawn filtering through the high windows of his quarters. The morning was quiet, save for the rhythmic breathing of Kata beside him. He turned slightly, watching her peaceful face in the soft glow. They'd fallen asleep like this the night before—cuddled close, the lingering warmth of whispered words and stolen kisses still hanging in the air.

Yet, there was a familiar tension gnawing at Luke's thoughts. He wanted more, but there was a line he wasn't ready to cross. Not yet. It wasn't fear of intimacy—he had been with Farnay, a Devaronian, in the past. But that felt different. Transactional, he thought. She'd offered him sexual needs, and he provided her with the means to economically help her people. Once he'd found Kata as his apprentice, his focus had shifted, and communication with Farnay dwindled. The thought of Farnay lingered now, not as a longing, but as a reminder. Had he left her behind? And if so, was she holding resentment?

Kata stirred slightly, nestling closer to him. Her innocence and the pure affection that radiated from her had a way of grounding him. The simplicity of their bond, untarnished by complications, soothed him. Luke smiled, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. This was different. He didn't want to rush anything, not with Kata. He wanted their connection to grow naturally, even if part of him struggled with the restraint.

Luke took a deep breath and slid out of bed. He moved through his morning routine—a cup of caf, meditation, stretching, and a light workout. As he meditated, he felt Kata's presence drift into his awareness. Her thoughts lingered on the previous night, the closeness they shared, the hope for more.

Patience, Luke reminded himself, both to her and to him. The Force had its own timing.

Later, after their shared morning meditation, Luke and Kata strolled through the grand corridors of the Jedi Temple. Chandrila's skyline glistened outside the tall windows as they made their way to the training hall. Through the clear panes of glass, Luke saw Spectre Seven, or Yalara Rusis as she now preferred to be called, sparring with Ezra Bridger. Their lightsabers crackled with energy as they exchanged quick, precise strikes, moving with fluid grace.

"They've been at it since dawn," Luke remarked, watching as Ezra deflected a wide swing from Yalara with practiced ease.

Kata said, nudging him gently, "Are we going to spar today?"

Luke chuckled, "Maybe after breakfast."

They continued walking until they reached the hall where Cal Kestis stood, talking with two women Luke didn't recognize. Cal waved enthusiastically, catching their attention.

"Luke! Kata!" Cal called out. "We have some guests."

Kata waved back, excited. "Hi, Cal! Where's Merrin?"

"She's on Dathomir," Cal explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "She's speaking with some... force users. Possibly former Jedi and her sisters of course."

Luke raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story, but decided not to press. "Well, introductions then?" he prompted.

The taller of the two women stepped forward. "I'm Barriss Offee," she said, her tone careful. She studied Luke for a moment, as if trying to decide something.

Luke smiled politely but felt the tension in her gaze. He filed it away for later.

"And I'm Lyn Rakish," the other woman said. Her eyes seemed to flicker between Cal and Luke, cautious but open.

"Pleasure to meet you both. I am Luke Skywalker. This is my apprentice, Kata," Luke introduced. He glanced at Cal. "So, you've brought us some new allies?"

"Yeah," Cal nodded. "They've been hiding for a while, but I managed to convince them. Figured we could use the help, especially since we'll be... you know, leaving soon."

"Experienced Jedi to help with the younglings while we're gone," Luke clarified.

Lyn frowned slightly. "And you trust us with that responsibility? I mean, we just met."

Luke exchanged a look with Cal and smiled warmly. "Any friend of the Path is a friend of mine."

The weight of those words hung in the air, and for a moment, both women seemed to hesitate, as if reflecting on their own pasts.

XX

As the group reached the training room, Luke announced their arrival.

"Masters, we have guests."

Spectre Seven and Ezra disengaged their sabers, the hum of the blades quieting as they turned to face the newcomers.

"Fourth Sister... and Barriss Offee?" Spectre Seven's voice was calm but edged with surprise.

Lyn, the former Fourth Sister, inclined her head. "Seventh Sister. It's a pleasure to know you survived."

"Likewise," Spectre Seven, or Yalara, replied, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Thought you'd died on a mission years ago."

"I go by Lyn Rakish now," Lyn replied evenly. "We didn't cross paths as Jedi padawans, did we? The Inquisitorius made sure to wipe most of our past away."

Yalara glanced at Ezra, then back at Lyn. "Well, we're not the Jedi of old anymore. There's a lot more... flexibility now."

Lyn's gaze swept the room, landing on Luke and Kata standing close. "I see... you accept attachment?"

Cal interjected, his voice calm. "Attachment can help, but it's about not letting those attachments pull us to extremes."

Kata shifted uncomfortably at the mention, the memory of her father's fall from grace lingering in her mind. Lyn caught her reaction but said nothing, nodding in understanding.

Spectre Seven then turned to Barriss. "And you, Barriss? You left the Inquisitorius—what have you been doing all this time?"

Barriss hesitated before speaking, her tone quieter now. "I became a healer. I helped the sick, the injured... and families with force-sensitive children, helping them escape the Empire."

She glanced at Lyn, and Lyn added, "When Barriss offered to help, I joined her. Eventually, we found refuge with the Path, with the help of Quinlan Vos and Cal."

Luke nodded, recognizing the name from the list his father, Vader, had given him of possible Jedi survivors. He sighed, realizing that not every Jedi was ready to return.

"Some Jedi are content to stay hidden, to remain hermits," he remarked.

Barriss replied softly, "Not all of us want to be warriors for a cause anymore, Skywalker. Especially not after the betrayal during the Clone Wars."

Luke couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy, understanding the weight of the past that some Jedi carried. Kata, still learning the depths of the Order's history, stood quietly beside him, absorbing the conversation.

"Well," Luke said after a moment, "let's not dwell on the past. My apprentice and I would love to show you our younglings."

XX

The children's area of the temple was a quiet sanctuary, filled with soft light and warm, earthy tones. Shin Hati and Sabine Wren were there, keeping a watchful eye on Jacen Syndulla, Ygnacio Bridger, Ben Solo, and Grogu. Jacen was showing off his force ability drifting a toy speeder, while Grogu amused himself by levitating clear balls from Neimoidian-style glass soda bottles. The small, marble-like balls clinked together as he juggled them in the air.

"Grogu," Shin called out, her voice calm but firm. "Careful with the glass. You don't want to cut yourself."

Grogu, grinning mischievously, relented and lowered the balls, much to the relief of the others.

Ben Solo, still a toddler, was cradled in Sabine's arms. He looked around with wide, curious eyes, his latent force abilities already radiating potential. A recent M-Count test coming back to around 16,100.

"He's going to be powerful," Barriss commented quietly as she observed the child.

Luke nodded, "His midi-chlorian count is... high."

They all stood in a comfortable silence, watching the children. Though many of them had scars, physical and emotional, there was a shared sense of purpose. Here, among the younglings, they saw the future—one not bound by the mistakes of the past.

Kata looked over at Luke, smiling softly. "Well, I think we have seven rotations before our mission. Might as well make the most of it."

Luke grinned, playfully nudging her. "One day at a time, Snips..."

Kata rolled her eyes but smiled, that familiar warmth returning between them. And with that, the group dispersed into the temple, each knowing that soon, they would embark on a journey that might change everything.

XX

Location: Dathomir

Merrin's visit to Dathomir had a sense of homecoming, the second visit this year being brief. As she landed her ship on the ancient soil of her world, she felt the familiar pulse of dark energy rising from the depths of the planet. But Dathomir was different now—its recovery from the chaos of the Clone Wars. Rebuilt structures now dotted the landscape, and the reestablished Nightmother council was quietly growing in influence again. The Nightsisters were no longer what they once were, but something was rebuilding them, and Merrin had returned to witness that first hand.

At the entrance of the village, Morgan Elsbeth stood waiting. Beside her were the Great Mothers—ancient and powerful, their presence commanding attention. As Merrin approached them, she greeted the Great Mothers and Elsbeth with a respectful bow.

"Great Mothers, Lady Elsbeth," Merrin said solemnly. "I see you continue to reach into the past for power, connecting to the spirit of Mother Talzin."

The Great Mothers exchanged knowing glances. "Talzin's spirit remains strong in Dathomir. We seek guidance from her, for there are whispers in the ether, whispers of a distant threat that grows," one of the Mothers intoned, her voice low and gravelly.

Merrin glanced to her side, noticing the two younger figures standing among them: Mill Alibeth, a Dathomirian woman with a hardened expression, and Vivert Stag, a human with long, flowing brunette hair. She hadn't seen them before, only whispers. The way they carried themselves with confidence piqued her interest.

"They are newcomers," Elsbeth said, sensing Merrin's curiosity. "Mill Alibeth and Vivert Stag, both former Jedi younglings. During the Empire, they turned to the ways of the bounty hunter, and were among those who aided Vader in freeing slaves from Hutt Space."

Mill offered a curt nod. "We fought in the Kessel mines, the spice trades, on Tatooine and Zygerria," she explained, her voice firm. "Vader sensed our abilities and suggested we come here."

"To Dathomir?" Merrin raised an eyebrow.

"We weren't sure at first, but here we are," Vivert added with a smirk, brushing her long hair behind her ear. "Figured we'd find some answers or strength."

Merrin looked them over, seeing the Force flickering around them, sensing their potential. They were still rough, still figuring out their paths.

"It was wise of you to come here," Merrin said softly, "There is much to learn from Dathomir. And more still to fight for."

Her eyes drifted to Marrock, the silent and stoic former Inquisitor who now stood by the Great Mothers. He had learned new tricks during his time on Dathomir—short-distance teleportation and temporary cloaking abilities. His transformation had deepened since Merrin last saw him. He was more than just a hunter now—he was something far more dangerous.

Merrin turned back to the Great Mothers. "I've come with a warning," she said. "There is a distant threat… from beyond our galaxy. Their power is great and insidious. They will come, and when they do, we must be ready."

The Great Mothers looked at one another before they spoke. "We have seen glimpses of this danger in our visions," one said, her voice deep and laden with power. "The enemy is unlike any we have known. We must prepare."

Merrin's expression hardened. "How? What guidance can you offer?"

The Great Mothers gestured for her to follow them to the center of their village, where an ancient stone table stood. Upon it, a mist began to form as the Mothers gathered around and began to chant. The air grew thick with dark magic, and a swirling starmap appeared before them, tracing out paths through the stars, some familiar, others uncharted. Among them was a destination Merrin had heard whispered about—Peridea.

"This map will guide you through the other galaxy," one of the Great Mothers said. "It holds the key to navigating the path from Peridea and beyond, where the answers to your quest await."

Merrin's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the starmap, but she quickly gathered herself and bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Great Mothers. This map will help us find the answers we seek."

"Take it," one of the Mothers said. "And make Dathomir proud, Merrin. You and Mill are daughters of this world. Protect it from this distant threat."

Merrin and Mill exchanged a glance before both nodded solemnly. "We will," they said in unison.

"Now go," one of the Great Mothers urged. "Your journey will be long, and the galaxy awaits your return."

With that, Merrin, Mill, and Vivert began their preparations to leave for Chandrila, where they would spend a little under a week gathering the supplies they would need for their expedition before setting off on their great journey through the unknown regions.

As they boarded their ship, Vivert turned to Merrin. "So... we're really heading into the unknown, huh?"

Merrin gave her a half-smile. "Actually, my colleagues had something else in mind..."

And with that, they were off, Dathomir fading into the distance as they soared toward their next destination.