The Jedi Order has fallen.
The guardians of peace have been annihilated by betrayal, and the galaxy is drowning in the shadow of the Empire. Fear and oppression suffocate hope… but they do not destroy it.
Despite this great tragedy, two Jedi survive, clinging to the last remnants of their extinct brotherhood. They carry guilt, loss… and an unfinished mission.
Meanwhile, in a forgotten corner of the universe, a child hears the whisper of the Force. A call awaits him, a destiny yet to be written.
Darkness has risen, but the story is far from over.
STARS DESTINIES – VOLUME 1
THE TWILIGHT OF THE REPUBLIC – CHAPTER 5
Deep within his lair, Darth Sidious stood before his inquisitors-in-training.
Each was a sharpened tool, deadly in their own way. Asajj Ventress, cunning and elusive, was the perfect shadow, she carried out her missions with precision, leaving no trace, showing no mercy. Savage Opress, on the other hand, was pure brute strength, a tempest of fury and uncontrolled power. He did not merely kill; he made his victims suffer, making him the ideal executioner for those who dared to defy Sidious.
Both were efficient, relentless… but neither was suited for the mission the Dark Lord had in mind.
Only Darth Maul was the right choice for this task. Of the three disciples under his tutelage, he was undoubtedly the most formidable in combat. His skill with a lightsaber far surpassed that of his peers, and his ferocity in battle made him the ideal candidate for the assignment he was about to receive.
Maul was ready. He could not only face a Jedi, he could defeat two at the same time. And that was exactly what his master expected of him.
Sidious observed him with dark satisfaction before speaking, his voice laced with promises of power and destiny.
"You are about to embark on a mission like no other" his tone was seductive yet unwavering "On the planet Naboo, you will exterminate the last two Jedi in the galaxy—the final remnants of their failed Order."
Maul inclined his head in understanding, his hunger for battle burning in his yellow eyes.
"I am ready, Master."
Sidious allowed a barely perceptible smile.
"In addition to eliminating the Jedi, you must ensure that Queen Amidala does not leave Naboo. The Jedi have undoubtedly warned her, and she is likely to attempt an escape. Take a squad of probe droids and sabotage her ship, as well as any other she might use. I want her trapped on her world… until her extinction."
"Do not worry, my lord. I will ensure everything goes according to plan."
Sidious narrowed his eyes.
"I hope so. Make sure the Jedi's deaths appear to be the work of the Force itself… a punishment for those who strayed from the path of light."
"Understood, Lord Sidious. I will leave at once and take care of them."
With his mission assigned, Maul left the chamber. Wasting no time, Sidious turned to his other inquisitors.
"Ventress, you will eliminate the leaders who could become a threat to my plans… a danger to the emerging Empire. In this datapad, you will find their names and locations."
Ventress took the device and glanced at the list. Among the names, one stood out, Queen Amidala.
"As always, I expect the utmost discretion in your work" Sidious continued "Their deaths must appear to be the work of their own enemies, those who have already threatened their lives and the lives of their people. No one must suspect that the Empire was behind their elimination."
"It will be done as you command, my lord."
Ventress bowed before departing.
Now, Sidious turned his gaze to Savage Opress.
"And you, Savage, have an equally important task. Eliminate the Count of Serenno. His betrayal will not go unpunished. I want him to suffer. I want him, in his agony, to understand that his greatest mistake was defying me."
Savage smirked darkly.
"Consider it done, Master."
As the inquisitors left, Sidious activated a private communication channel. An image flickered to life before him, that of his daughter.
"Rey, my child, what news do you bring? Has the presence of any other Jedi been detected?"
"No, Father. All the Jedi abandoned their missions abruptly. Since then, there have been no reports of their presence in any sector… except on Naboo."
Sidious let out a low growl of approval.
"Then they are the only obstacle left. But I have already sent someone to take care of their extermination. Once the last Jedi falls, the galaxy will be ours. We will rule it as we see fit."
"I will continue to monitor the frequencies. If any other Jedi dares to remain alive, I will inform you immediately."
Sidious smiled, pleased.
"Excellent, my dear. Dooku will fall as well. No one defies me without paying the price."
Meanwhile, on Naboo, Qui-Gon and his apprentice were making final preparations in case an escape became necessary.
"The ship has two chambers, one for the queen and another for her handmaidens. It includes a bathroom and shower, a washer and dryer, sufficient provisions for a short stay, and even a stocked wardrobe" Obi-Wan noted with a slight smile "So the queen won't have to worry about a lack of clothing."
"Excellent. It will serve us well while we find a refuge far from the Empire" Qui-Gon agreed.
Obi-Wan crossed his arms, thoughtful.
"I never imagined we wouldn't return to the temple after this mission, Master."
"The last thing Master Yoda told you was that upon our return, you would take the trials to become a Jedi Knight" Qui-Gon reminded him.
Obi-Wan lowered his gaze.
"Yes, I remember… But now, there is no one left to evaluate my performance in those trials."
Qui-Gon placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
"The Force will do so, Obi-Wan. It will decide when the time has come."
Obi-Wan let out a quiet sigh before a glimmer of humor appeared in his eyes.
"Will informing the queen about the possibility of escape be one of my trials as well, Master?"
Qui-Gon smirked.
"You can be sure of it. It will probably be the most difficult of all the trials a Jedi must face."
In a remote corner of the galaxy, on Tatooine, the day was proceeding as usual… until an unusual customer stepped through the doors of Watto's shop.
Anakin, busy organizing some spare parts in the corner, barely looked up. His mother, Shmi, who was unoccupied at the moment, stepped out from the back workshop to attend to the newcomer.
The man was tall and sturdy, his skin weathered by the sun and the desert dust. His clothes, though simple, were clean and well-maintained. He had a serene expression, but his eyes, when they landed on Shmi, shone with something more than mere business interest.
"Good afternoon" he said in a deep yet kind voice "I'm looking for parts for a moisture vaporator. I was told I could find what I need here."
Shmi smiled, and Anakin, who had been paying attention to the scene from his spot, felt a slight jolt. It wasn't the polite, distant smile she usually gave customers. There was something warmer, more… personal about it.
"You've come to the right place. We have several parts in good condition. What model is your vaporator?"
As she and the stranger exchanged details about the parts, Anakin couldn't help but notice how his mother slightly lowered her gaze when the man spoke or how her lips curved gently into a smile he didn't recall seeing before. The man, for his part, seemed more interested in the conversation than in the parts themselves, asking questions that unnecessarily prolonged the exchange.
When Shmi turned to retrieve a piece from a high shelf, the customer watched her with a mixture of admiration and respect, as if every movement she made was worth observing.
Anakin frowned from his corner. He had never seen his mother behave that way with anyone, and certainly, no customer had ever looked at Shmi like that before.
Finally, Shmi returned with the correct part in her hands.
"Here you go. This should work perfectly."
The customer took the part but did not look away from her.
"Thank you… May I ask your name?"
"My name is Shmi."
"That's a beautiful name. Just like its owner."
Anakin clenched his jaw. He didn't like how that sounded. But his mother only smiled, lowering her gaze as a slight blush colored her cheeks.
"Thank you, Mister…?"
"Lars. Cliegg Lars."
"Mister Lars" she repeated, with that smile Anakin didn't entirely understand.
Cliegg paid for the part, but before leaving the shop, he stopped at the door and looked at Shmi once more.
"Perhaps… I'll be back soon. It's always good to have spare parts, right?"
Shmi nodded gently.
"We'll be here."
As Cliegg walked away, Anakin approached his mother with a frown.
"Who was that guy? Why was he looking at you like that?"
Shmi just chuckled softly, brushing her son's hair.
"Just a customer, Ani. Nothing more."
And though Anakin wasn't convinced, there was something about that exchange that he didn't understand but that unsettled him. Something told him that Cliegg Lars would return and that things might change.
But no, that scene he had witnessed was not the sign he had been waiting for. It was certainly unusual, something he hoped not to see again, but it wasn't what he was searching for. It wasn't the vision he longed for, something ripped from his dreams and materializing before his eyes.
Meanwhile, back on Naboo, Padmé was speaking with Boss Nass and Jar Jar about their recent victory and the new alliance between their peoples.
"This day will be marked in history" she declared with emotion "We shall call it Freedom Day, and it will be remembered for generations. We will organize a triumphant parade to honor the bravery of our people and celebrate the alliance we have forged."
"Mesa thinks it will be very beautiful… and with lots of tasty food!" Jar Jar said enthusiastically.
"As a symbol of our unity, we will march together through the streets of Theed all the way to the steps of the Royal Palace" Padmé continued "And there, as a gesture of eternal unity, we will present the Gungan people with the Globe of Peace."
"A sign that there will always be harmony between us" Boss Nass nodded solemnly "From today onward, our races shall be as brothers."
As the Jedi approached, their somber expressions contrasted with the joy of the moment. Padmé, too immersed in the euphoria of victory, barely noticed.
"During the celebration, we will present you with the Medal of Valor for the service you have rendered to my people" she announced with a smile.
"It is an honor, Your Majesty" Qui-Gon replied respectfully "But unfortunately, this is no time for celebrations."
Padmé frowned, confused.
"What do you mean? We won. The Trade Federation was defeated, and now we have an alliance with the Gungans. If this isn't a reason to celebrate, I don't know what is."
Obi-Wan stepped forward, his expression grave.
"Your life is in danger, milady. Everyone's is."
Padmé shook her head.
"But the Federation was vanquished. They no longer pose a threat to me or anyone else."
Qui-Gon exchanged a look with his apprentice before speaking.
"Something darker has arisen, my lady. The Jedi Order has fallen."
A shiver ran down Padmé's spine.
"That's impossible."
"We can feel it in the Force" Obi-Wan stated tensely "We are the last Jedi."
The weight of those words fell upon her like a heavy stone.
"And we suspect not for long" the padawan added "They have surely already issued our death sentence, just as they did with the rest of our Order. That is why we must leave immediately… and you must come with us."
Padmé straightened, standing firm.
"I cannot abandon my people now, when they need me the most. I am sure this is a mistake. If the Jedi Order has fallen, that would mean…"
"That democracy has died" Obi-Wan finished for her, his voice hollow.
Padmé felt her hands tremble.
"That's exactly what's happening" Qui-Gon confirmed "That's why the Republic isn't responding. It's not that they don't want to help… It's that there is no Republic left to respond."
A lump formed in Padmé's throat.
"No… that can't be true."
"The Order has been destroyed" Obi-Wan insisted, his patience waning "We have felt it."
"The Republic's silence is proof that it has also fallen" Qui-Gon added grimly "And with it, democracy."
Padmé slowly shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears.
"No… It can't be true."
But before anyone could react, a sinister presence sent a chill through the air. The Jedi sensed the imminent danger and, turning around, discovered a hooded man with a menacing aura, his gaze burning with a dark intensity.
"Who are you?" Padmé demanded, aiming her blaster at him.
The brave queen showed no fear before the ominous figure standing before her.
However, the Sith didn't even acknowledge her. With a simple gesture, he used the Force to hurl her and the Gungans through the air. Padmé hit the ground hard and lost consciousness.
Without exchanging a single word, the Jedi ignited their lightsabers. The stranger responded by unveiling a double-bladed saber, a terrifying red weapon they had never before seen in combat. In a swift, precise motion, he lunged at them with relentless aggression.
The lightsabers clashed in blinding flashes: good against evil. The battle was fast, brutal. Maul attacked with acrobatic ferocity, combining feints, kicks, and deadly spins. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan struggled to maintain a coordinated defense, but the Sith pushed them to their limits with his inhuman intensity.
Guided by his master's orders, Maul strategically led the Jedi deeper into the Royal Palace.
"Take them to the power generators. Once they fall, throw them into the fusion core. There must be no trace of them left. The galaxy will believe the Force itself consumed them."
In the midst of the fierce battle, the three warriors reached a series of elevated walkways within the power generator. Maul, agile and calculating, led the Jedi deeper into the metallic labyrinth, using his knowledge of the environment to his advantage.
The duel shifted to a narrow walkway over an abyss of pure energy. Maul, with lethal movements, exploited the terrain to his benefit. The Sith attacked with relentless brutality, combining feints, kicks, and rapid spins with his double-bladed lightsaber.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon tried to maintain a coordinated formation, but their opponent's ferocity forced them to move constantly. In a critical moment, Maul delivered a precise kick to Obi-Wan's chest, sending him tumbling onto a lower platform.
The young Padawan fell with a pained grunt, rolling until he stopped at the edge of the walkway. Quickly, he tried to get back up, but before he could rejoin the fight, Maul took advantage of the separation to redirect all his fury against Qui-Gon, who now faced the Sith assassin alone.
From his lower position, Obi-Wan watched his master face the enemy with unyielding determination, but his heart clenched as he realized that Maul, with his unleashed aggression, was beginning to gain the upper hand.
The Jedi Master fought with serenity and resolve, but Maul's speed and savagery were overwhelming. With a series of precise and ruthless strikes, the Sith gradually wore Qui-Gon down, preparing for the final blow.
Meanwhile, on the surface, the Gungans raised the alarm. Boss Nass ordered his people to prepare for another confrontation, while Captain Panaka carried the unconscious queen and, followed by Jar Jar, placed her aboard the royal ship.
"The time has come" Panaka murmured as he secured the queen in the co-pilot's seat and fastened her seatbelt "Take care of her, Jar Jar. My men and I will support the Jedi."
"Don't worry, Captain. Mesa will protect da queen wit' mesa life!" Jar Jar assured him with an unusually serious tone.
At that very moment, unnoticed by anyone, Darth Maul's probe droids were stealthily infiltrating the queen's ship and all other vessels they encountered. Their mission was clear: sabotage the systems and ensure that Padmé could not leave the planet. The purge of great leaders was already underway, and her fate was to be sealed alongside that of the dying Republic.
As Naboo's forces began to reorganize, in the shadows of his lair, Darth Sidious established contact with his accomplice, whose death sentence had already been decided: Count Dooku.
"Something curious has happened, you know?" his voice hissed with chilling calm "I have just learned that two Jedi have survived the purge. Do you have any idea who they might be?"
Dooku tried to maintain his composure, but the weight of suspicion fell on him like a crushing slab.
"Who, Your Excellency?" he asked, a hint of nervousness in his tone.
"Your dear former apprentice, Qui-Gon Jinn… and his Padawan. I imagine the rescue of the latter was merely collateral."
Dooku took a deep breath, searching for the right words.
"Well… Qui-Gon has never been one to follow orders blindly. You know he has always had a will of his own… If he was called back to the Temple, it was predictable that he wouldn't obey without question."
Sidious let out a barely audible laugh, full of contempt.
"Is that what you think? Or perhaps, unlike the other Jedi, he simply never received the message."
Dooku frowned.
"The message was sent out universally, my lord. No one was excluded."
"And yet…" the Sith's voice grew more severe "My dear daughter has discovered that his signal was excluded. There is no record of the message ever being sent to Naboo along with the others."
A shiver ran down Dooku's spine.
"My lord… I…"
Sidious tilted his head slightly, as if savoring the treachery lingering in the air.
"You have failed me, Lord Tyranus. And you know our philosophy: If you are not with me, you are my enemy."
Dooku's fate was sealed in that instant. Before he could formulate a response, the door burst open, and Savage Opress entered with his lightsaber ignited. His gaze burned with the fury of a predator unleashed to hunt.
Without further warning, the clash of sabers illuminated the darkness of the chamber with crimson flashes.
Meanwhile, back in the fight between the Jedi and Darth Maul. After Obi-Wan's fall to the lower platform, Qui-Gon Jinn found himself alone against Darth Maul. The Jedi Master, though experienced and composed, began to feel the strain of the intense combat. Maul, on the other hand, continued attacking with relentless energy, pressing Qui-Gon with fast and aggressive movements.
The battle progressed deeper into the power generator until they reached a corridor leading to a series of containment ray shields that activated and deactivated at regular intervals. In the midst of a fierce exchange of blows, Maul forced Qui-Gon forward until both were trapped in the corridor.
The Padawan, still recovering from his fall, rushed toward his master, but the energy barriers stopped him. Now, he could only watch helplessly as Qui-Gon and Maul stood face to face, waiting for the energy field to reopen so they could resume their duel.
Qui-Gon took the brief pause to close his eyes and breathe deeply, trying to center himself in the Force and regain his energy. Maul, on the other hand, paced like an anxious predator, his saber still ignited and his defiant gaze fixed on the Jedi. When the barrier finally disappeared, the fight resumed with even greater intensity.
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan watched helplessly from behind the last energy barrier. His heart pounded, each passing second filled with the dread of the imminent danger his master faced.
The combat grew fiercer until Maul found an opening. With a swift and brutal move, he used the lower half of his double-bladed saber to strike Qui-Gon in the face, destabilizing him. Before the Jedi could recover, Maul spun and plunged his red blade into Qui-Gon's abdomen.
"NOOOO!" the young Padawan screamed, his voice torn with pain and helplessness, echoing through the vast reactor chamber.
While he watched in horror as his master remained motionless for a moment, an expression of surprise and pain on his face, Maul withdrew his saber, and Qui-Gon fell heavily to the ground.
The energy barrier finally disappeared, freeing Obi-Wan, who, filled with rage and desperation, ignited his saber and ran straight at Maul with an unprecedented fury, determined to avenge his master in a final confrontation.
Obi-Wan attacked with a speed and aggressiveness he had never shown before. His strikes were precise, driven by the anger and pain of seeing his master fall. Darth Maul, however, did not seem intimidated. With his acrobatic style and mastery of the double-bladed saber, he blocked and counterattacked with lethal precision.
The battle quickly moved through the reactor chamber. The clash of lightsabers echoed violently, illuminating the dark surroundings with flashes of blue and red. Obi-Wan used his speed to try to gain the upper hand, but Maul stood firm, anticipating his movements and forcing him to retreat.
In a critical moment, Maul managed to disarm Obi-Wan with a swift twist of his saber, sending his weapon tumbling to the ground, far from where they fought. Obi-Wan found himself at the edge of a walkway, and with a cruel smile, Maul used the Force to push him, sending him plummeting into the reactor pit. Obi-Wan barely managed to react, grabbing onto a ledge with both hands. Hanging over the abyss, the young Jedi panted, knowing he was at the Sith's mercy.
Darth Maul walked slowly toward the edge, savoring the moment. He twirled his saber confidently, certain of his victory. He leaned forward slightly, ready to deliver the final blow.
But Obi-Wan closed his eyes, calming his mind. He remembered his master's teachings, his connection to the Force. And in a single fluid motion, he leaped with an impressive burst of power, using the Force to propel himself above Maul.
As he soared, Obi-Wan summoned his fallen lightsaber with the Force, catching it mid-air, and in one swift and precise strike, ignited the blue blade and cut Maul in half.
The Sith stood frozen for a moment, an expression of shock and fury on his face. Then, his severed body tumbled into the abyss, disappearing into the depths of the reactor core.
Obi-Wan, still gripping his ignited saber, breathed heavily. The battle was over… but the real struggle was yet to come. He rushed to Qui-Gon, who lay on the ground, mortally wounded.
The padawan cradled his master in his arms, his mind clouded with grief as he felt Qui-Gon's life slipping away.
But the old Jedi still had strength for one final act. With a titanic effort, he reached for his lightsaber, lying beside him, and ignited it.
"Obi-Wan… you are ready. You always have been."
With the last of his breath, he raised his saber and, with precision, cut his apprentice's Padawan braid. Obi-Wan felt the warmth of the gesture but also the immense weight of the responsibility now upon him.
"You are a Jedi Knight now… the last Jedi Knight of the galaxy… and with that comes a sacred duty."
His weak hand let the severed braid fall into Obi-Wan's palm, who held it reverently, his heart breaking.
Qui-Gon barely managed a smile.
"Obi-Wan… listen carefully… I am certain of what the Force has planned. The Chosen One is near. We cannot see him yet, but he is real. Promise me that, when the time comes, you will protect him, guide him. Do not let the darkness consume him. He will bring balance… but he will need you. The galaxy needs him, and only you can help fulfill his destiny… Do not fail, Obi-Wan… Do not fail."
The pain in his voice was palpable, but his determination remained unshaken.
"And watch over Queen Amidala. She will be crucial in what is to come… in the fight against the darkness. Do not let fear or despair steer her away from her destiny. Her safety could mean the salvation of the Republic… and of the Chosen One."
Obi-Wan nodded, his jaw clenched, his eyes filled with tears.
"I promise you, Master. I will protect the Chosen One when I find him… I will train him and guide him… and I will watch over Queen Amidala. I will not let them fall into darkness."
Qui-Gon managed one last smile.
"And one more thing, Obi-Wan… never abandon the Jedi ideals. I know the future is uncertain, but our Order… our light… must not be extinguished. You are stronger than you believe. Do not let despair… or anger… consume you."
The padawan grasped his master's hand, feeling his life slipping away.
"I will never abandon them, Master. No matter what happens, I will follow the Jedi path… and I will fight for the light."
A faint smile formed on Qui-Gon's lips.
"Then the Force lives on in you… and in the future."
With one final breath, the light faded from his eyes. Obi-Wan remained silent, feeling the weight of the moment. His master was gone, but his will, his faith, and his legacy now lived within him.
Clutching the braid in his closed hand, Obi-Wan felt the burden of his new responsibility. He was a Jedi… and the fate of the galaxy rested on his shoulders.
Thus, this chapter concludes, but the story is far from over.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, the last Jedi, moves forward, carrying the weight of an extinct era on his shoulders, holding onto the promise of an uncertain future and the unyielding hope of finding the Chosen One.
Darkness has risen, but the Force still whispers its will.
What did you think of the story? I would love to hear your opinions, your theories, and what emotions this part of the story left you with.
I'll be reading your comments! Until next time!