The *Onix Cinder* and the *Unbound* had become more than just ships—they were home. After months of hard work, the crew had successfully integrated the *Unbound* freighter into the *Onix Cinder, creating a sprawling, interconnected vessel that was as much a sanctuary as it was a starship. The new design provided more space for the crew, including a forward meeting hall with expansive windowed views of the stars ahead. It was a symbol of their unity, their growth, and their shared future.
KB's Triumph: The Hull Demolition Switch*
KB sat in the cockpit of the newly expanded ship, her fingers deftly working on the final touches of the hull demolition switch. It was the one button SM-33 had warned them never to touch when they first joined the *Onix Cinder* as teenagers. Back then, it had been a mystery, a forbidden relic of the ship's past. But now, after years of exploration and growth, KB had finally reconstructed it.
"You sure this thing won't blow us all to space dust?"* Fern asked, leaning over KB's shoulder with a smirk.
KB rolled her eyes, not looking up from her work. *"Positive. It's not a demolition switch anymore. It's a... well, I'm not entirely sure what it is yet. But it's safe."*
Fern raised an eyebrow. *"Famous last words."*
KB chuckled, finally securing the last wire. *"There. Done."*
SM-33 whirred into the cockpit, its photoreceptors scanning the newly reconstructed switch. *"Analysis: Hull demolition switch has been repurposed into a... decorative light fixture? Query: Why?"*
KB grinned. *"Because we don't need demolition switches anymore. We're not running from anything. We're building something new."*
A New Name: The Nexus's Gift*
As the crew gathered in the new forward meeting hall, KB stood at the center, her mind buzzing with the faint whisper of the Nexus. It had been quiet since they closed the portal, but now, as she looked out at the stars through the expansive windows, she felt its presence once more.
"The Nexus has given us a new name,"* KB announced, her voice steady but filled with emotion. *"It's not just the *Onix Cinder* anymore. It's the *Eclipse Horizon*."*
The crew fell silent, the weight of the name settling over them. It was a symbol of their journey—the darkness they had faced, the light they had found, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead.
"The *Eclipse Horizon,"* Wim repeated, a smile tugging at his lips. *"I like it."*
Exploring Their New Home*
The crew spent the next few days exploring their newly expanded ship. The *Onix Cinder* was now safely tucked inside the *Unbound's* hull, surrounded by the love and camaraderie of its crew—no, its family. The new spaces were a testament to their growth, their resilience, and their shared vision for the future.
Jax and Fern were the first to discover their new room, complete with a door leading directly to the cockpit. Fern grinned, flopping onto the bed. *"Finally, a room with a view. And by 'view,' I mean easy access to the snacks in the galley."*
Jax chuckled, leaning against the doorway. *"And by 'snacks,' she means the entire pantry."*
Neal and SM-33 gave them a tour of the new anti-fog windows, which had been installed to prevent the glass from steaming up during... certain activities. *"It's a necessary upgrade,"* Neal explained, his face turning red as several couples exchanged knowing glances. *"Things can get... steamy on board."*
Wim's Fantasy: Rule of Two*
Later that night, KB and Wim found themselves in their new quarters, the soft hum of the ship's engines filling the air. Wim had been unusually quiet, his mind clearly elsewhere. KB, ever the mind-reader, couldn't resist poking fun.
"Thinking about your Sith fantasy again?"* she teased, her voice low and playful.
Wim's face turned red, but he couldn't help but smile. *"Maybe. But only if you're willing to play along."*
KB grinned, leaning in closer. *"Oh, I'm always willing to play along. But remember, I'm the one in charge."*
Wim laughed, pulling her into his arms. *"As if I'd ever forget."*
Fern and KB: Telepathic Teasing*
The next morning, Fern and KB found themselves in the galley, their minds buzzing with telepathic banter. KB had been experimenting with her abilities, finding new ways to communicate with the crew. Fern, of course, was more than happy to take advantage of it.
"So,"* Fern projected, her mental voice dripping with mischief. *"How's Wim's Sith fantasy going?"*
KB nearly choked on her caf, shooting Fern a glare. *"None of your business."*
Fern grinned, leaning back in her chair. *"Oh, come on. You can't just drop something like that and expect me not to ask."*
KB sighed, knowing there was no escaping Fern's teasing. *"Fine. It's... going well. But if you tell anyone, I'll broadcast your most embarrassing memory to the entire crew."*
Fern's eyes widened. *"You wouldn't dare."*
KB smirked. *"Try me."*
The Future of the Eclipse Horizon*
As the crew settled into their new home, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. The *Eclipse Horizon* was more than just a ship—it was a symbol of their journey, their growth, and their shared vision for the future. Together, they had faced darkness, found light, and built something new.
And as they looked out at the stars through the forward meeting hall's expansive windows, they knew that their journey was far from over. The *Eclipse Horizon* was their path forward, their new beginning, and their shared destiny.
Epilogue: A New Chapter*
Later that night, KB stood in the cockpit of the *Eclipse Horizon, her hand resting on the newly reconstructed hull demolition switch. The stars stretched out before her, endless and full of possibilities. She felt a faint whisper in her mind, the Nexus's final gift.
"You are the bridge,"* it said. *"The link between the past and the future. The one who can bring them together."*
KB smiled, her heart full. The *Eclipse Horizon* was more than just a ship—it was their home, their family, and their future. And together, they would explore the stars, face whatever challenges lay ahead, and continue to build something new.
As the crew gathered around her, their laughter and camaraderie filling the air, KB knew one thing for certain: their journey was just beginning.
The Nexus's Reach: A New Jedi Order*
Word of the Nexus and its connection to KB had spread far and wide, reaching even the ears of Luke Skywalker. Through R2-D2's review of SM-33's notes, Luke learned of the Nexus's role in guiding KB and her crew, as well as its message of balance and connection. Intrigued and inspired, Luke decided it was time to form a new Jedi Order—one that embraced the lessons of the past while forging a new path forward. This new Order would not demand detachment from family or loved ones, as the old ways had. Instead, it would reinforce the idea of balance, connection, and the importance of bridges like KB.
Luke's decision was also influenced by his nephew, Ben Solo, who was beginning to show raw Force power. At just two years old, Ben was already a handful, his Force abilities manifesting in chaotic and often hilarious ways. Han Solo, ever the reluctant father, found himself exasperated by his son's antics. *"Parenting a kid in the terrible twos is bad enough,"* Han grumbled to Leia one evening. *"But a kid who can move stuff with his mind? That's just unfair."*
Leia, ever the diplomat, simply smiled. *"He's your son, Han. What did you expect?"*
Luke, meanwhile, saw potential in Ben—and in Wim. He knew that both young men needed guidance to control their powers, but he also understood the importance of their connections to their families and loved ones. Luke had learned from his attempts to train Grogu, the young Force-sensitive child who had been separated from the Mandalorian. The old Jedi ways of detachment and single-minded focus were not the answer. Luke wanted to do better. He wanted to create a new Order that embraced love, family, and balance.
