Temple Island, Ahch-To - Unknown Regions

3rd person POV...

The sound of ocean waves crashing against the rocks echoes through the air. Porgs are chirping peacefully in the tropical climate. However, their peace is soon disturbed and a few porgs, as well as Terrible Terrors, scatter with startled squawks as a Deadly Nadder with gray and violet scales swoops past the cliff face.

The Deadly Nadder in question, Zenna, swoops through the air proudly, soaring elegantly around the length of the island. On the dragon's back was Mara and her little sister, Talia, who was making her joy about the flight quite known. Every time Zenna would take a dive or make a sudden turn Talia would yelp in surprise and then burst into delighted laughter, motivating the dragon to do so even more. Talia's laugh was infectious, and Mara couldn't help but laugh along with her.

During their adventurous flight the three swoop past the courtyard of the Jedi village where the rest of the family is observing them. Jarik sits on a makeshift stone bench with the datapad in his hand looking through reports some of his spies have sent him regarding details of the Empire's project... at least he would be looking through them if he wasn't distracted by his kids flying around, though he's not complaining. Ahsoka walks up from behind him, also observing the kids' flight.

"They're getting along well," she comments.

"Yeah… they really are," he agrees.

They both share a smile with each other, the mutual thought of their family giving them nothing but joy.

"I'm just glad Mara's happy about it now," Jarik continues to say.

"You kidding?" Ahsoka scoffs. "I'm more happy that Talia didn't freak out at first. I hate the whole 'stranger-danger' phase."

"Hey, it's completely practical for kids," he argues.

"Not when I they go crazy if I set them down for one second," she retorts. "Honestly, I'm still surprised she didn't scream when Rylla was here."

"Fair point," he concedes. "I'll just count our blessings and leave it at that."

Ahsoka shakes her head at him but smiles in fond amusement. Jarik returns to watching the kids pass by in the air every now and again while she moves behind him, eying his hair with a frown.

"When's the last time you cut your hair?" she asks.

Jarik sighs in exasperation.

"This again?" he grumbles.

"No, no, it's fine! I'm just curious," she quickly placates him. "It seems longer than usual."

"If you say so," he shrugs.

Acting on her curiosity, Ahsoka inspects a few locks of his hair on the back of his head with a thoughtful frown.

"So... where should the next braid be?" she questions, though mostly to herself.

"You sure you didn't marry me for my hair?" Jarik asks her.

"Hey, it's good for me to practice for our next kid," she defends herself.

"Next kid?" he whirls around to gape at her.

"Yes, that's what I said," Ahsoka states.

"Nope, two is enough," he declares.

"Oh come on―" she starts to say.

"Besides, if we have another kid then it has to be a boy, so you won't need to braid his hair," he tells her. "If he even gets hair."

He turns back around to continue looking out at the view while Ahsoka lifts a brow and regards him with crossed arms.

"Ok, Mrs. Shan," she says dryly.

Before Jarik can offer a retort Zenna swoops in with a loud flap of her wings and touches down with a satisfied squawk. Mara jumps off the dragon's back and then turns toward Talia, holding out her hands. Talia giggles in delight as she's lifted off the dragon's back and floats down to where Mara catches her.

"Do it again!" she squeals.

"No, don't do that again!" Jarik admonishes.

"What's the matter, Dad? She likes it!" Mara protests.

"Yeah, well, I don't," he shoots back.

"You're just doing your annoying Dad thing again," she dismisses him. "Come on, it's not like I'm not gonna drop her."

"Oh Force..." Ahsoka groans, rubbing her eyes.

"Not you too!" Mara complains.

"Alright, alright, calm down. It's not that you can't do that it's just... we worry," she explains. "It's natural as a parent."

"Well it's natural as a sibling to have fun with each other," she argues.

"Fun!" Talia quickly nods her head, a wide smile on her face.

"Also, correct me if I'm wrong..." Mara starts to say, raising an eyebrow at them. "Are you really going to scold me for lifting Talia with the Force while simultaneously letting me take her in the air on Zenna?"

Jarik rolls his eyes and shakes his head, scoffing slightly in amusement.

"Point taken," he admits. "I've already used the Force with her anyways."

Mara gapes at him in disbelief while Ahsoka rolls her eyes with a sigh.

"Wh- wha- then why the―" she starts ranting.

"Okay, I think that's enough out of you both," Ahsoka interjects, giving Jarik a look.

"I'm content," he smiles in amusement.

Partisan outpost, Wrea - Outer Rim Territories

He's not exactly happy right now. The main source of his frustration is currently staring him dead in the face while on his way to talk to Saw. Literally.

Lux watches in frustration as a dead female Imperial officer is moved out of the interrogation room by a few Partisan soldiers. It's clear that there is a ton of bruising and injuries on the corpse, and even more aggravating is that this officer was still rather young, nothing more than a lieutenant at most.

Muttering a few curses under his breath Lux storms into the interrogation room and finds Saw and Benthic still there conversing privately with one another.

"—such a waste of time..." Saw was saying.

"Am I to understand that you're doing things behind my back?" Lux announces loudly.

Benthic whirls around to stare at him in surprise and irritation while Saw tenses up, not yet turning to look at Lux.

"And what would that be?" he demands.

"I think you know exactly what I mean," Lux retorts.

Saw finally turns to face Lux and heaves a deep sigh of clear frustration. He glares at Lux with narrowed eyes, a wild look in his gaze. Lux doesn't back down.

"Give us a minute," Saw tells Benthic.

His second-in-command nods in acknowledgement and makes his way out of the interrogation room, intentionally bumping shoulders with Lux on the way out. Once he's gone the door closes and Saw turns to throw some tools into a bag, some of which are bloody.

"I wonder if you forget who runs this group, Bonteri," he says quietly.

"You agreed to me keeping your barbarism in check!" Lux snaps at him.

"Is that what you call it?" Saw scoffs in reply. "I prefer to think of it as getting results."

"At the needless expense of people's lives," he retorts. "And your own honor."

"This is war, Bonteri! In war there is only life or death!" Saw exclaims angrily. "Honor? Heh. It doesn't exist. Especially with those who side with the Empire!"

"Not every person in the Empire is evil, Saw. Most are just simply living their lives!" Lux argues. "You would know this if you didn't spend your time murdering every single one that you met!"

Saw shakes his head with a chuckle and points a finger at him.

"You're starting to sound like her royal highness," he mocks.

"Perhaps it's because she's right about you," Lux replies dismissively.

Saw breathes in loudly, his eye twitching with rage.

"You want to know something, Bonteri? We aren't going to win this war with kindness or gentle words! Our enemy has no mercy; no remorse!" he exclaims. "Just look at what they did to Geonosis. What they're now doing to Kashyyyk! They enslave entire planets to create weapons this galaxy has never seen!"

"We still don't know anything about this weapon, Saw—" Lux starts to say.

"But we know it EXISTS!" Saw yells at him, slamming his fist on the table for emphasis. "Think, Bonteri! The prisons on Narkina 5? The kyber crystals? Abducting Galen? All of it is connected! If the Empire finishes their weapon, you can be sure that they're going to use it. And if we want to beat that then the only way is for us to match it!"

"And what happens then, Saw? What happens if you become the very tyrants you seek to destroy?" he challenges.

"I don't care about ruling. All I care about is that we have the freedom to live in peace wherever and with whoever we choose," Saw declares.

He packs everything away into his bag and picks it up, preparing to leave the room himself, while Lux watches with a smoldering gaze.

"If that were true... then you wouldn't have abandoned Jyn," he says quietly.

Saw freezes in place and glares at Lux for a long time, unmoving, though his hands tremble noticeable while gripping onto his bag tightly enough that his knuckles start to turn pale. Lux shakes his head in disappointment and turns away from Saw, departing the interrogation room and leaving Saw to himself inside.

The Partisan leader continues to stand in silence for some time, heaving deep breaths. Eventually he snaps and, with a roar of anger, he throws his bag against the wall and all of the things he just packed up clatter to the floor.

Great Temple, Yavin 4 - Outer Rim Territories

Surrounding the conference table within the command center of the Massassi group headquarters are some of the prominent figures of Rebel High Command. Those present in person were Mon Mothma, Garm Bel Iblis, General Draven, Rex and Boil, and Cal Kestis, whilst Senator Organa and Jarik were attending via hologram. Another figure is also in attendance via hologram to give a report about his latest assignment: Cassian Andor.

"... information is getting harder to uncover," he was saying. "The Empire doesn't want anyone to know what they're building."

"But they are building something?" Draven asks.

"Yes," he confirms. "And from what my contacts have said, it seems like they're using wookiee slaves to do it."

"Just like Gerrera said. Hmph," Rex comments with a frown.

"Apparently so," Draven replies irritably, before sighing. "Thank you for your report, Captain Andor. You're dismissed."

Cassian nods his head in acknowledgement and his hologram vanishes as he departs from the meeting.

"Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to assist the Wookiee populace," Senator Organa states sorrowfully. "Kashyyyk is on complete lockdown, even to the Imperial Senate."

"Every day it seems the Senate's power continues to dwindle," Mothma says worriedly. "I fear the Emperor may soon dissolve it entirely."

"Even so, there is little we can do about that," Garm says grimly. "But I feel it is imperative that we do something about Kashyyyk. The Empire sees the wookiees labor as a great resource, and if we put a stop to that then progress on their weapon will stall."

Jarik lowers his head in thought, a hand on his chin as he contemplates the suggestion. The wookiees aren't exactly a new topic of discussion in regards to the Empire's exploitation of their home, but it is true that there has been even more activity than usual. Especially if his vision yesterday has anything to do with what's going on there.

"I always did have a soft spot for those big furballs," Boil remarks in agreement.

"I'm not sure we have the resources to mount an assault on Kashyyyk, especially if the Empire has it locked down," Draven states cautiously.

"Not to mention we are still not ready for open war," Bail adds.

"I don't see there ever being a time if we keep waiting," Rex argues.

"If I might add," Cal chimes in, getting everyones attention. "We don't necessarily need an army or navy to help; Lothal is proof of that. I've been to Kashyyyk before and they had a resistance group that's still going strong.

Garm nods his head in agreement.

"I agree. The wookiees are a great people, and though they might not be able to defeat the Imperial Starfleet they can still defend their home like no other," he says.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Mothma asks.

"Supplies. Munitions," he answers. "Anything they need to outlast the Empire."

"But then there's the issue of getting those supplies past the Imperial blockade," Bail points out.

"I'll take care of that," Jarik interjects.

The statement catches some of the group off guard, and Mon turns to look at him in uncertainty.

"Are you sure of this?" she asks.

"I've done it before," he points out. "I can carry a group of whatever soldiers are willing to travel there, as well as any supplies we send."

"There is a good chance you will be discovered," Draven says in warning. "General Kahdah leads the Imperial operation on Kashyyyk, and his second in command is the Clone Commander Cody."

Jarik frowns slightly and Draven narrows home his point with a grim look.

"They will know your strategies," he states.

Jarik contemplates the news for a few moments in silence and shares a glance with Rex and Boil, the two troopers he served with who also know Cody just about as well as he does. They both return the look with reservations of their own, yet there's a fire hidden in their eyes.

"All the more reason for me to go," Jarik determines in finality.

"Rex and I are in as well," Boil announces, and Rex nods in agreement. "Cody may know how we operate, but the same holds true for us about him."

Draven exhales but offers no further argument, acknowledging their decision. Mon and Bail both share an uneasy look with each other, whereas Garm and Cal nod their heads in support.

"Very well. Captain Rex, you may put together a team you deem capable of this mission, and we shall supply you once Jarik arrives," Mon concludes the verdict. "May the Force be with you."

Everyone acknowledges the decision to conclude the meeting and Senator Organa's hologram disappears while the others turn to head off to their own assignments. Instead of vanishing himself, however, Jarik's hologram remained.

"Garm, Cal, if you have a moment I'd like to speak with you both," he calls out to them.

The two glance at each other curiously but return to the holotable.

"Sure. What's this about?" Cal asks.

"There's a bit more behind my decision to lead an otherwise ordinary mission like this," Jarik starts to say.

"I figured as much," Garm agrees. "Is there something on Kashyyyk we should know about?"

Jarik hesitates briefly before responding, looking down in contemplation.

"I believe there's another survivor on Kashyyyk," he reveals.

"Survivor?" Garm asks, confused.

Cal narrows his eyes before gaping in realization.

"…you mean… from the purge?" he murmurs anxiously.

"I hope so," Jarik replies.

"What gives you the idea?" Garm inquires.

"I had a vision last night," he explains.

Garm frowns at him and crosses his arms expectantly, not humored by the simple answer. Jarik merely shakes his head and sighs.

"Call me superstitious, but you'll find out quickly that it's startlingly common for me," he wryly tells him. "Anyways, my vision admittedly wasn't too clear, but I'm worried that this… survivor… may actually not be who we'd hope for."

"You think it's a rogue then? Or one of those Inquisitors?" Garm asks warily.

"I'm not sure. There's a dark shroud hanging over Kashyyyk that has left everyone afraid," he informs them. "Someone, or something, is responsible."

"Do you need help then?" Cal asks.

"I would rather you wait, for now at least," he replies. "Rumors have popped up every now and again of survivors of the purge. Most are dead ends, but if any of them prove to be true…"

"You want to find them," Garm deduces.

Jarik nods his head in acknowledgement.

"I can't do it alone," he admits.

"I'd be happy to help," Cal readily states in support.

"I'll see what I can do, but I can't make any promises," Garm says, shaking his head.

"That's good enough for me," he smiles in gratitude.

"I just hope you take care of whatever might be causing problems on Kashyyyk," he adds.

Jarik tilts his head in acknowledgement and then his hologram also vanishes, and the Jedi and rebel leader carry on with their activities.

Temple Island, Ahch-To - Unknown Regions

The family gathered around a table in the main courtyard of the village for a meal, today's course being a few cod caught by the Caretakers. Ahsoka helped Talia with carefully eating the fish while Jarik and Mara ate theirs normally. Jarik was mostly silent throughout the meal, deep in thought, which Mara picked up on quickly enough.

"So what's the news?" she asks him. "You've been rather quiet since your meeting."

Jarik glances up at her and then shares a brief look with Ahsoka, who returns it with a troubled frown.

'You want her to stay with Talia?' she asks him over their bond.

'Maybe,' he replies.

"Okay, sweetums, lets go on a trip," Ahsoka says, standing up with Talia.

"I'm not finished though!" the girl whines in protest.

Mara watches them go for a few moments with a frown and then looks at Jarik expectantly, who didn't react to her departure. Talia wasn't exactly good with serious conversations just yet.

"Some things have come up. Ahsoka and I are headed to Kashyyyk in an hour," he informs her.

Mara blinks in surprise.

"Both of you?" she asks, and Jarik nods. "... Isn't that a little risky?"

"It is. But it's a special case. I had a vision, and recent reports have given it some confirmation," he explains. "There's a dark entity there, tearing into both Imperials and Rebels alike. We're not sure what it is, but it's strong enough to wipe out entire platoons of soldiers."

"So not Vader if it's attacking Imperials as well," Mara notices with some confusion.

"It could be a rogue Jedi that was driven mad," Jarik theorizes, shrugging. "Either way, considering the circumstances Ahsoka and I both agree that we should confront this being. Not to mention the wookiees are desperate for Rebel support."

"Makes sense. You two are better together," she nods in acknowledgement. "So am I coming too? Or is this where you say I need to stay behind?"

Jarik contemplates for a moment before shaking his head.

"Ahsoka and I would feel a lot better if you stayed to look over Talia," he admits. "But if you feel obligated to come with us, then we won't argue."

Mara lifts an eyebrow at him, surprised.

"Just like that?" she asks in amazement. "Well, who would watch Talia then?"

"Ahsoka can ask her sister to fill in for a short while," he tells her.

"Her sister?" Mara exclaims, perplexed, before remembering. "Oh, right. My aunt. Weird."

Jarik shrugs his shoulders at her with a small smile of amusement.

"Life goes on. You almost never realize it in the moment," he remarks. "Well, shall we get ready?"

"Absolutely," Mara says in agreement. "As soon as I finish my fish. It's so kriffing good."

She starts to speedily wolf down her fish while Jarik rolls his eyes.

Fortress Vader, Mustafar - Western Reaches

Within the dark and sinister castle on Mustafar that is Fortress Vader, the Sith Lord hung quietly in his bacta tank, eyes closed.

His breaths echoes evenly around the room, audible to the two red Royal Guards stationed to keep watch over him. Standing completely still while listening to nothing but his breathing constantly would be an immense challenge for most people, but few in the galaxy were as disciplined and loyal as the Royal Guard.

Vader meditates within his bacta tank, reaching out into the Force. The dark side is strong on Mustafar, providing a constant battle for him. It seeks to challenge him, always, much like how the Sith challenge each other. He enjoys the challenge. It keeps his mind sharp and his hatred strong.

Yet he wants something more. He needs it. He needs her. He's heard whispers and fairy tales amongst the local mustafarians of a bright star which could restore the dead.

His Sith master, curse his name, never kept his promise. Why should he, when Vader meant nothing to him?

His Jedi master, curse his name, failed to help him. He was as worthless as all the other Jedi.

His Jedi apprentice... she thought she could help him once. But she gave up on him. Now she is nothing.

His Jedi... acquaintance, he is an irritant. A reminder of what he once was. And he helped his Jedi master turn her against him. He is an enemy. A blight upon his existence. But he has seen where the Jedi's life will end.

A battle raged on an icy shore.

He has seen where he will find him.

An army of primitives sought to conquer a mountain of beasts.

He has seen their duel.

On the mountainside, red clashed against gold.

As much as he hates him, he cannot deny that he is a formidable adversary.

Both warriors are pushed to their limits.

But he has seen that, in the end, the Jedi will fall before him.

A red blade is plunged through his chest.

The Jedi falls.

Darth Vader opens his eyes, which rage with sickening yellow.