The dense canopy of Akiva's jungle stretched out endlessly beneath the Millennium Falcon as it descended toward a clearing just beyond the settlement. The ship, though battered and worn, still carried an air of legend about it, its familiar silhouette cutting through the humid air with practiced ease. Inside the cockpit, Rey Skywalker sat in the pilot's chair, her expression calm but focused, her hands steady on the controls as the Falcon's thrusters slowed their descent.
Beside her, Ben Solo was quiet, his gaze fixed on the jungle below. He had grown accustomed to the stillness that came with these moments, a far cry from the storms of anger and conflict that had once clouded his mind. Now, he found peace in silence, in the shared purpose he and Rey carried together. As the Falcon touched down, the sounds of the jungle filled the cockpit—the calls of strange creatures, the rustle of leaves in the warm breeze. It was a stark contrast to the tension they both felt radiating from the settlement just ahead.
Rey stood first, adjusting the folds of her black robe, its fabric contrasted by a vertical strip of gray cloth running down each side. The robes were utilitarian but symbolic, a reflection of the balance they sought within themselves—light and dark, united in harmony. Ben mirrored her movements, rising behind her.
They didn't need to exchange words. Their connection, strengthened by the Force, hummed silently between them. Together, they made their way to the exit ramp.
The jungle air hit them as the ramp lowered, warm and thick with the scent of damp soil and foliage. Stepping out onto the soft ground, they moved in perfect unison, their boots making no sound as they approached the gate of the settlement. The walls were rudimentary but tall, wooden structures reinforced with metal.
The settlement of Urvak had been a quiet, thriving town before the Crymorah Syndicate had arrived. Now, it was a shadow of its former self, under the control of arms dealers who sought to use this place as their new stronghold. The Mayor had contacted Rey, requesting her assistance. She had come, as she often did, to restore balance and assist those who were fighting to free themselves.
As they approached the gate, two guards stepped forward, their armor dull under the jungle's filtered light. They carried heavy rifles, their postures rigid, trying to project authority. These men did not belong here; Rey could feel it in the way the Force recoiled from them, sensing the malice that had taken root in their hearts.
"Halt," one of the guards barked, stepping forward to block their path. "No one enters without authorization."
Rey held up a hand, her voice calm but firm. "You will step aside and let us through."
The guards became still, their eyes glazed over instantly, their minds bending to her will with no resistance.
"We will step aside and let you through," one guard repeated, stepping back and motioning to the gate controls. With a mechanical creak, the gate slid open, revealing the settlement beyond.
They exchanged a brief glance, then stepped through the gate. The guards now forgotten, their minds left clouded and unaware of what had just transpired.
Inside the settlement, the streets were eerily silent. Small, square buildings lined the pathways, their windows dark, their doors closed. The people who lived here were hiding—afraid. But Rey could feel them through the Force, their presence like a quiet murmur beneath the surface of her awareness. They were waiting, hoping.
At the center of the settlement, the heart of Urvak, stood a large circular courtyard, its stone surface cracked and worn by years of use. And waiting for them there, at the center of it all, was Jafan Tane.
Tane was pale, his skin almost ghostly under the harsh light of the midday sun. His sharp, angular features gave him a menacing appearance, his thin lips twisted into a sneer as he watched the two Jedi approach. Surrounding him were a half-dozen B2-series battle droids, their bulky frames standing at attention, weapons at the ready. The droids shifted their blasters toward the new arrivals as they entered the square.
"I've heard of you," Jafan said, his voice dripping with disdain. "The Jedi. Always meddling in matters that don't concern you."
Rey stopped several paces from him, her expression neutral. "The people of this settlement want you and your soldiers to leave."
"Is that so?" Jafan gestured to the droids with a casual flick of his hand. "And what if we don't feel like leaving?"
For a brief moment, time seemed to stretch. The stillness before the inevitable storm. Rey's hand hovered near the hilt of her lightsaber, she could sense Ben beside her, calm, ready.
"Last chance, Jedi. Leave now, or die."
Rey gripped her lightsaber, her fingers tightening, but she remained still. "The people of Urvak have suffered enough under your control. We won't leave until they're free."
Jafan's expression twisted into a snarl. He stepped back behind the line of droids and gave the order. "Open fire."
Suddenly, the air was filled with the sharp crackle of blaster fire, the energy bolts racing toward the Jedi.
In a single fluid motion, Rey's yellow lightsaber snapped to life, its golden blade humming as she deflected the first volley of shots with ease. Beside her, Ben's blue blade ignited a moment later—Leia's lightsaber, now his, glowing brilliantly as he joined Rey in defense.
They moved together, a single unit, their blades a blur of light and energy. The Force connected them, their minds linked in perfect harmony as they deflected the incoming blaster fire. The droids were relentless, but they were faster, their lightsabers weaving through the air in flawless arcs, each deflection sending bolts of energy back toward the attackers.
Then, with a nod from Rey, they lunged forward, their movements perfectly synchronized. Rey vaulted over the nearest droid, her lightsaber slicing cleanly through its armored torso, sending it crashing to the ground in a heap of sparking metal. Ben followed, his blade sweeping through two more droids in a single strike, cutting through their limbs with effortless precision.
Jafan Tane watched, his confidence draining with every droid that fell. He had underestimated them.
Within moments, the battle was over. The last of the droids fell, its circuits sparking and crackling as it hit the ground in a smoldering heap. The Jedi stood together in the center of the courtyard, their lightsabers still ignited, their eyes locked on Jafan.
From the surrounding buildings, the Syndicate soldiers began to emerge, their weapons lowered, their faces pale with fear. They had seen what the Jedi were capable of, and they knew they were no match. One by one, they laid down their rifles, surrendering without a word.
"Cowards!" Jafan yelled.
The doors of the buildings began to open, and the citizens of Urvak poured out into the square. Men, women, and children, their faces filled with a mixture of relief and determination, rushed toward the surrendered soldiers. They picked up the discarded weapons, turning them on their oppressors, arresting the mercenaries who had terrorized them for so long.
Rey extinguished her lightsaber, her chest rising and falling with the quiet rhythm of her breath. Beside her, Ben did the same, his blue blade vanishing with a soft hiss. The battle was over.
The mayor of Urvak, an older man with graying hair and a weathered face, approached them cautiously. His eyes were filled with gratitude. "Thank you… thank you both. We owe you everything."
Rey inclined her head, her expression warm. "The people of Urvak freed themselves. We were only here to help."
The man smiled. "Still, we will never forget what you've done."
Rey glanced at Ben, a silent understanding passing between them. It was time to go. Their task here was done. Together, they turned and made their way back toward the gate. The settlement was alive with the sounds of freedom.