Location: Miwok System, near Peridea, New Galaxy
Date: 5 ABY
The Chimera cruised smoothly through the vibrant blue tunnel of hyperspace, its hull gleaming under the glow of distant stars. Attached to the Eye of Sion, the star destroyer carried a formidable team aboard—Grand Admiral Thrawn, Captain Eli Vanto, Lord Vader, Luke Skywalker, Kata Akuna, Spectre Seven (the former Seventh Sister), and Ezra Bridger. This mission was a blend of the known and the unknown, as they ventured into uncharted space with only the starmap provided by Merrin, herself having received it from the Great Mothers of Dathomir.
Inside the cockpit of their TIE fighters, the four Jedi, alongside the former Sith Lord, prepared for their descent to the Miwok System—a system shrouded in mystery and never charted in any Imperial or New Republic records.
As the stars elongated into streaks and the jump to hyperspace ended, the planet Miwok loomed ahead—a serene globe with a temperate, mild atmosphere. The sunlight bathed the surface in a golden hue, while sparse clouds lazily drifted across the sky. Descending toward the planet, it felt like flying down an expressway, with endless stretches of deep blue waters to their left, sprawling, vibrant green forests to their right, and rugged cliffs that separated the two biomes.
"It's perfect flying weather," Luke commented, guiding his TIE Defender gracefully as the gentle updrafts from the planet's surface stabilized his descent. The wind ruffled the tops of the trees below, and beyond, the ocean sparkled like diamonds in the sun, rhythmic waves rolling against the shore. Small, bright creatures, their feathers a blend of white and soft grey, flitted around in the distance, moving gracefully through the sky as if they had no worries in the world.
"Feels like a vacation spot," Kata chimed in, adjusting her course as they followed Luke. "Doesn't feel like we're landing for some dangerous mission, that's for sure."
Vader's gruff voice cut in, "Stay focused. We must remain vigilant, Akuna"
Kata Akuna snickered softly over the comms. "I'm still getting used to you saying 'we'."
The silence that followed from Vader was enough to communicate his disinterest in engaging with Kata's sarcasm.
After nearly an hour of steady flying, they spotted it—a small village nestled near the coastline. It blended naturally into the environment, with structures built from natural materials, mud, and woven reeds. The inhabitants moved peacefully, attending to their daily tasks, seemingly unaware of—or perhaps unconcerned with—the approaching ships.
The five ships landed gently on the outskirts of the village. As the engines powered down and the ramps lowered, the Jedi and Vader stepped out, greeted by a gentle breeze and the curious eyes of the villagers. The people here were human, or close to it, with tanned skin that glowed under the sunlight. They wore layered garments made of woven materials, the kind that would keep them warm during chilly nights but were loose enough for the mild daytime weather. Their tools were simple but functional—crafted from stone, bone, and wood.
"They don't seem alarmed," Ezra observed, her eyes scanning the area as a few villagers approached, their faces curious but friendly.
One of the elders, an older man with deeply lined skin, stepped forward. He made no sound but raised his hand in greeting. Luke, recognizing the gesture, mimicked it and smiled, earning a nod from the elder. Communication didn't seem to require words here. Hand gestures replaced language, as the elder waved for them to follow.
The village was small but well-organized. Huts lined the edges of a central fire pit where food was being cooked. Families worked together, some gathering berries from nearby bushes while others worked on weaving nets, likely for fishing in the nearby waters. The villagers waved and smiled, their lives seeming peaceful and content despite the simplicity.
Spectre Seven leaned in toward Ezra, "This kind of reminds me of Mirial. Simple, peaceful, you know?"
Ezra nodded but kept his focus on the surroundings. "Yeah. You gotta take Barriss to the motherland one day."
"Perhaps..."
The elder gestured for the group to join him near the edge of the village, where trails led down to the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore echoed through the air, accompanied by the call of the seabirds. Along the way, the elder pointed to different areas, showcasing their agriculture, small plots of land where root vegetables, fruit, and grain were being harvested by a handful of villagers.
"They're self-sufficient," Kata remarked. "No need for technology when you have everything right here."
Vader's helmet tilted slightly, observing the simplicity of it all. "Primitive, but effective. They've found balance with their environment."
Spectre Seven, standing nearby, crossed her arms, her eyes scanning the tools and techniques the villagers used for farming and hunting. "This place is untouched by the galaxy's chaos. They have no idea what's out there."
"Like your brother on Mirial said, ignorance is bliss..." Ezra replied. Spectre Seven lightly chuckles in response.
The elder led them to a larger hut, where a man and a woman, both young, were brought forward. They seemed eager but uncertain. The elder made a hand gesture—one that translated to an invitation for the two young villagers to leave with the group.
"They want us to teach them," Luke said, interpreting the gesture. "Basic, probably."
Vader folded his arms. "I will arrange for instructors from the Chimera's naval ranks to be brought here. They will learn."
The elder, although not understanding the words, seemed to grasp the intent behind Vader's tone and nodded in gratitude.
As Vader prepared to return to his ship, the villagers gathered around, offering small gifts—woven baskets, fresh fruits, and hand-carved trinkets. Ezra, accepting a small fruit, smiled and waved back. "Kata is right. This place is like stepping back in time."
"It is," Luke agreed, taking a moment to appreciate the serenity of the village. But the mission loomed ahead.
Vader turned, his cape flowing in the wind as he motioned for the others to return to the ships. "My task is not complete. I will inform Thrawn of our progress."
"Very well, father. See you soon."
The villagers stood at a distance, watching the former Sith board his ship once again. The engines of Vader's TIE Advanced hummed steadily as it climbed higher into the atmosphere, leaving the serene surface of Miwok behind. The peaceful sights of the coastal village faded beneath him, replaced by the darkening sky, dotted with distant stars. He headed back to the Chimera, to speak with Thrawn, his mind on the recent events of the day.
As the TIE slipped into the hangar of the star destroyer, the mechanical hiss of the landing gear echoed through the bay. Vader disembarked, his cape billowing slightly as he made his way toward the bridge, where Thrawn awaited him.
"Lord Vader," Thrawn greeted him, his back to the Sith Lord as he studied the tactical maps in front of him. The blue-skinned Grand Admiral turned slowly, his glowing red eyes meeting Vader's masked gaze. "You return alone."
Vader nodded. "The Jedi remain on the surface. I wanted to discuss matters with you personally."
Thrawn clasped his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable but his tone calm as always. "It is a unique challenge, this journey. Pursuing a path without clear direction can be... disorienting. But we must learn to take it day by day, while ensuring our contingencies are always in order."
Vader stood still, arms folded, as Thrawn continued.
"That planet, Miwok, while peaceful, could serve us in ways beyond simple exploration," Thrawn added, his voice becoming more measured. "In the worst-case scenario, should the Grysk or the Vong take over our galaxy, Miwok and Peridea could be an adequate place to seek refuge and regroup. Remote, untouched, easily defensible."
Vader's mind drifted momentarily to the image of Chandrila's upper levels crumbling under the weight of a Vong attack, the destruction he had witnessed there. His fist clenched slightly at the vision, but he pushed it aside. "An escape, yes," Vader agreed, his voice low. "The possibility has crossed my mind."
Thrawn, sensing Vader's shift in tone, continued. "I must admit, Lord Vader, I have concerns. The four Jedi with us... they seem to be treating this expedition as a vacation rather than a mission of great importance."
Vader's voice cut through Thrawn's calm musings. "Their time with the tribe was productive," he said sharply. "Despite relying on universal gestures and hand signals, they established a connection."
Thrawn raised a brow, intrigued. "Is that so? Elaborate."
Vader's posture stiffened slightly as he spoke. "The tribe has shown an interest in learning our language. They understand that knowledge is power. I suggest we provide instructors—former naval officers or soldiers who were once teachers or Basic language tutors. If we help train the tribe, give them the means to communicate, introduce technology and other advancements... we will secure their loyalty. Should we ever need to retreat to Miwok, they will be ready."
Thrawn's red eyes glinted with interest. "A fascinating approach, Lord Vader. Very well. I will arrange for suitable personnel to begin the task."
Vader nodded. "Once the tribe sees the value in our technology and knowledge, they will see us as allies."
Thrawn inclined his head. "Indeed. But remember, it is of utmost importance to keep these missions classified, far from Grysk eyes and ears. I trust your son and Jedi are aware of this?"
Vader's tone darkened, though it held no emotion. "They are. We cannot afford another turncoat... not like Kallus."
Thrawn's lips curled into a thin smile. "Quite right, Lord Vader. I will remain mindful of that."
Vader gave a final nod before turning to leave, his cape trailing behind him as he exited the bridge. There was much to do, but for now, he had ensured that Miwok would become more than just another pit stop on their journey.
XX
Back on the surface of Miwok, the late evening sun cast a soft orange glow across the sky. Luke and Kata Akuna walked along the coastal trail, their footsteps light as they strolled by the cliffs. The wind carried the scent of saltwater, and the gentle crash of waves against the rocks below was soothing.
Kata glanced over at Luke, her dark hair catching the breeze. "I never would have expected this trip to be this peaceful so far. Kind of reminds me of Devaron..." she remarked, a smile tugging at her lips.
Luke chuckled softly, his gaze fixed ahead on the ocean. "Thrawn's approach: take it day by day, but be prepared for anything." He grinned back at her.
Kata giggled in response, nudging him with her shoulder. "Sounds like something you'd say."
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the soft, grassy hills beneath their boots giving way to a panoramic view of the rocky shoreline. The cliffs rose tall and jagged in the distance, stretching along the coastline like the rugged edges of an ancient world. Down below, the waves rolled in with rhythmic consistency, crashing against the rocky outcrops. Flocks of black-winged creatures flew overhead in sweeping arcs, their calls echoing faintly across the open sky.
Luke and Kata eventually reached a small grassy hill overlooking the beach. The view was stunning, the setting sun casting long shadows across the landscape. The golden light shimmered on the surface of the water, while the cliffs stood proud, untouched by time.
They sat down on the soft grass, side by side, watching as the sky shifted from bright orange to deep pink. Luke casually draped his arm around Kata's shoulders, and she leaned her head against him, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips.
"This is nice," Kata whispered, her voice barely audible above the gentle breeze. She didn't need to say more. In moments like this, words seemed unnecessary. There was peace here, a sense of clarity that came from simply being together.
Luke smiled, resting his chin atop her head. "Yeah..."
The two of them sat there in silence, watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon. The black-winged creatures flew in flocks above the ocean, their silhouettes dark against the fading light.
They were just Luke and Kata—no mission, no battles, no galaxy in need of saving. Just two people, sitting on a hill, watching the sunset.
As the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, they both knew the peace wouldn't last forever. But for now, it was enough.
XX
The chill of the evening air outside contrasted pleasantly with the warmth inside the guest hut. Ezra stepped through the front, shaking off the cold. The hut's walls, made of carefully woven reeds and bark, felt solid enough, despite its rustic appearance. The ceiling was low, but it gave off a comforting, snug vibe, and the circular layout reminded him of something older, something ancient like tribes he'd read about.
Across the room, Spectre Seven, the former Seventh Sister, lay comfortably on their bed, wrapped in a soft fur blanket she'd brought along with the portable heater from her TIE Defender. The heat pushed back against the mild coastal chill that blew in from outside, like the brisk yet refreshing weather of Naboo.
"It sure took you long enough, dear..." Seven said, her voice smooth, her gaze lazy as she looked at him with a small smirk.
Ezra grinned, already shrugging off his light outer tunic. "Sorry, I uh… got caught up learning how to cut up one of their farm animals. For meat, fur, organs, and other parts."
Seven raised an eyebrow at that. "Well, in that case, your hands better be clean for tonight."
He gave a mock-offended look. "My hands? Always spotless." Ezra held them up in a dramatic display before cracking a smile. "You seem happy with our lodging…" he added with a playful tone, nodding toward the bed.
"Indeed," she replied, leaning into the pillows with a sigh. "I'm very comfy in this fur blanket, and this pillow is so soft. The benefit of hunting the land," she added, her fingers sinking into the natural fibers around her.
Ezra chuckled, throwing his jacket aside. "Good point."
They both settled in, lying together in the small but comfortable guest hut, the mild wind brushing against the walls. The hut's construction might've been primitive compared to the technology they were used to, but there was a quiet simplicity to it, the kind of thing Ezra could appreciate after a lifetime of chaos. The weather outside was chilly, though not too harsh—just enough to make the warmth inside feel more welcoming. Like those cool, foggy evenings near the coast, a little damp but never unbearable. You could hear the wind rustling through the nearby trees and the faint lapping of distant water.
"You haven't been meditating before bed?" Seven asked, her voice cutting through the quiet.
Ezra hesitated for a moment, rolling onto his back and staring at the ceiling. "I guess I've been slacking... Hopefully, Luke, Kata, or Vader are keeping it up, you know? Seeing if they can sense anything that'll happen ahead of us."
Seven merely nodded, her gaze softening. She hadn't been meditating either, but she wasn't about to admit it outright. They both knew how important it was to stay connected to the Force, especially with everything going on. Still, it seemed neither of them was particularly focused tonight.
"I trust Sabine is taking good care of Ygnacio," Seven said after a moment, her tone a little lighter.
Ezra smiled at that, his mind wandering back to his friend. He closed his eyes and let the Force guide his thoughts, trying to reach out. The Force felt like a vast ocean, and somewhere far off, he could sense Ygnacio's presence—faint but steady. After a few moments, he spoke softly. "I feel him only faintly, but he's well."
Seven glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She'd always admired Ezra's connection with the Force, the way he could tap into it so naturally. It was something she hadn't fully embraced herself, but being around him made it easier to feel like she could.
Satisfied with the faint connection, Ezra shifted in the bed, pulling the blanket closer around them both. The soft rustle of the fabric and the quiet hum of the heater filled the small space as they settled in for the night.
The warmth was comforting, the dim light of the heater casting soft shadows across the room. Ezra reached out, taking her hand lightly, and they fell into a comfortable silence. Outside, the wind continued to whistle through the trees, and the stars above the floating dome flickered in the sky, undisturbed by the events of the galaxy.
As they lay together, Ezra's thoughts lingered on the mission, on the uncertainty of what was to come, but for now, in this quiet moment, it was enough to just rest. Seven rested her head on his shoulder, her breath soft and even. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, they had each other, and in moments like this, that was all that mattered.
With the warmth of the heater surrounding them and the cool air outside, they slowly drifted off to sleep, their minds readying for the challenges ahead.