The wind rolled gently over the grassy hill, rustling the leaves of the nearby trees and carrying with it the scent of soil and life. Finn sat cross-legged atop the hill, his eyes closed in quiet meditation, his mind at peace. Beside him, his young Padawan, Link Na'tina, mimicked his posture. Her violet-colored skin shimmered slightly in the sunlight, and her lekku lay across her shoulders.
Finn took in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the clean, fresh air. His thoughts were calm, steady. The galaxy was a chaotic place, but here, atop this hill, he found a rare moment of serenity. He had fought his battles, both external and internal, and he had chosen his path. Now, it was time to pass that knowledge on to his Padawan.
"Remember, Link," he said, his voice calm and quiet. "Breathe. Let the Force flow through you."
Link followed his instruction, inhaling deeply. Her chest rose and fell slowly as she allowed herself to relax into the Force, opening herself to the energy that connected all living things.
"Now," Finn continued, his tone soothing, "reach out. Feel the life around you."
Link's face softened as she extended her awareness, not just through her physical senses but through the Force itself. She had done this many times before, but each time, Finn could see her connection growing stronger. She had a natural gift, one that reminded him of Rey.
Finn watched as Link's expression shifted, her face serene as she felt the presence of the world around her, the grass beneath them, the creatures darting through the trees, the birds soaring high above. The Force pulsed gently around her, a rhythm of life.
But their peaceful moment was soon interrupted by the sound of clanking metal approaching the base of the hill.
"See-Threepio, what did I say about interrupting lessons?"
The droid was moving slower than usual and his leg joints were creaking. "I am terribly sorry, Master Finn, but you did instruct me to inform you the moment the Millennium Falcon returned."
Link's eyes snapped open, her concentration immediately broken by the excitement of the news. "They're back?"
Finn chuckled and shook his head. "Thank you, Threepio." He rose to his feet and helped Link up as well. "You've been doing great, Link. We'll continue your training later."
She tried to keep her composure, but she couldn't hide the joy in her eyes. She had looked up to Rey ever since Finn had brought her to the temple for training.
"Come on, let's go."
As they approached the ancient freighter, they could see Rey exiting the ship. She stood at the bottom of the ramp, smiling at them. Ben walked down the ramp looking stoic as usual. His eyes briefly met Finn's, and he offered a nod before heading toward the temple.
"Hello, Master Solo," Link said as he passed by.
Ben turned his head slightly and gave her a soft smile. "Hello, Link," he said, before continuing on his way.
Ben was often quiet around the temple, he was still adjusting to his new role, after a lifetime of inner turmoil and darkness. Though the shadows had faded, they were never far from him.
Rey, on the other hand, lit up with the same vibrant energy that Finn had come to know so well, and she quickly stepped forward to embrace him.
"Welcome back."
"It's good to be back," Rey replied, stepping back and glancing at Link. "I've missed seeing you two."
Link was beaming and bowed slightly. "Master Skywalker."
"How was the mission?" Finn asked.
"It went well," she said. She turned to Link and smiled, trying to keep the conversation light. "And how's your training going?"
Link hesitated. "She's a natural," Finn interjected proudly.
Her face flushed with pride, and she smiled widely. "Thank you, Master."
Rey placed a gentle hand on Link's shoulder. "I can tell you've been working hard. The Force is strong with you."
Finn gestured toward the droid. "Threepio sounds like he needs fresh oil. Link, could you help him with that?"
"Yes, Master," Link nodded. She turned and followed C-3PO, who had been waiting patiently by the edge of the platform.
—
Rey led Finn into the library, a small room overflowing with books and ancient texts. The space was a reflection of Rey herself, organized in a chaotic way that only she seemed to understand. Piles of books were scattered on the shelves and even on the floor, some neatly stacked, others left open as though she had been in the middle of reading them before being pulled away by more urgent matters.
Rey went straight to one of the piles on the floor, her brow furrowed in thought. "Their leader's name is Mar Corrik."
Finn, standing near the doorway, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Does Kaydel have proof that Mar Corrik was behind the assassination attempt?"
"No, but I'm going to find him and get it."
"A New Republic Security team went to the Path temple on Uvond, it's abandoned."
Rey finally found the book she was looking for, a thick, weathered tome with a worn cover. She pulled it out from beneath a stack of others and opened it with a sense of triumph. "Got it!"
Flipping through the pages, she stopped at a particular section and pointed. "Here. Dalna."
"Dalna?"
Rey glanced up at him. "It's a planet in the Outer Rim. The Path of the Open Hand built their first temple there centuries ago."
"You think Mar Corrik is hiding out there?"
"I know he's there."
Finn waited for her to elaborate.
Rey's gaze became distant. Her eyes narrowed slightly as though she were listening to something far away. Ben was reaching out to her through the Force. She welcomed his words into her mind.
Do you know where he is?
She responded aloud, "He's on Dalna."
Finn blinked, caught off guard. "Yeah, you said that."
Her focus snapped back to Finn, a confused expression on her face. Finn's shoulders slumped as he sighed in mock frustration. "You know it's super creepy when you guys do that."
Rey laughed. "Sorry."
Finn couldn't help but smile. Rey's connection with Ben had grown stronger over the past few years. It was a bond that still amazed him, though it also made him feel slightly disconnected at times.
"Alright," Finn said, shifting back into mission mode. "We know where we're going."
Rey's expression became serious again. "No, Finn. I need you to go protect Kaydel, her life may be in danger."
He opened his mouth to speak, but she continued, "I trust you to keep her safe. Ben and I will go to Dalna."
Finn wanted to protest, to tell her that they should all go to Dalna together, but he knew Rey too well. When she made up her mind, there was no changing it. Besides, she wasn't wrong, Kaydel was likely in danger.
"Okay… I'll go."
Rey started to leave the library, but stopped in the doorway, turning back to face Finn. "And take Link with you," she added softly. "She's ready."
Finn blinked, surprised. "You sure?"
Rey nodded. "She's learned everything she can here. She needs real-world experience now, and with you watching over her, I know she'll be safe."
Finn looked at Rey for a long moment, considering her words. Link was young, but Rey was right. In many ways, she reminded Finn of himself when he had first joined the Resistance, eager to learn and prove himself. But taking Link into a potentially dangerous situation? That was something he hadn't fully prepared for.
"I'll take care of her."
—
Finn found Link in the training courtyard, practicing her lightsaber drills. She was focused, her movements precise and controlled, a sign of how much she had improved since the day she started her training.
"Link!" he called out as he approached.
The young twi'lek stopped mid-swing, her lekku twitching in surprise as she turned to face him.
"I've got a mission," Finn said, his expression serious, "and you're coming with me."
Her eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Where are we going?"
"We're going to protect someone important. It could be dangerous."
She stood up straighter. "I'm ready, Master."
Finn studied her for a moment, seeing the determination in her eyes. She was ready.
"Good, let's get moving."
—
As the two Jedi finished packing their bags, the soft shuffle of metal footsteps drew their attention. C-3PO was making his way toward them, with R2-D2 rolling at his side. Finn smiled as the two droids approached. They had been through so much together over the years, and though C-3PO's incessant worrying could be overwhelming, his presence was always comforting in times of uncertainty.
"Come on, Threepio, let's go," Finn said, swinging his pack over his shoulder.
C-3PO hesitated, turning toward R2-D2. "Goodbye, R2. Do try not to get into trouble while I'm away."
R2-D2 let out a low, sad-sounding beep in response, his dome swiveling toward C-3PO as though bidding his old friend farewell.
C-3PO turned with a sigh and walked toward Finn's ship, a sleek white T-6 shuttle. "Oh, I do hope we are not heading into danger. You know how I dislike danger, Master Finn."
Link snorted softly and smiled.
As they approached the shuttle, they saw Rey waiting for them at the base of the boarding ramp. Rey hugged Finn, then Link. "May the Force be with you both."
"We won't let you down, Master."
"I know you won't."
As they turned to board the ship, a voice stopped them in their tracks. "Finn, Link," Ben called out as he approached. "Good luck."
Finn nodded in acknowledgment, meeting Ben's eyes briefly. It was a simple gesture, but it carried with it the weight of trust and understanding that had grown between them over the years.
They continued up the ramp. Rey and Ben watched as the shuttle's engines roared to life, the familiar hum filling the air as it lifted off the ground, its white hull gleaming in the light.
As the wind from the shuttle's takeoff whipped around them, Ben turned to Rey. "You're worried about them."
She took a deep breath, centering herself. "They'll be fine," she replied. She turned to face him fully. "We should get moving."
R2-D2 followed as they headed to the Falcon.
—
Finn and Link stood across from each other, in the training area of the shuttle, bokken swords in hand. The wooden practice blades were sturdy and well-worn. Finn twirled his expertly in one hand, his stance relaxed. Link gripped her own sword tightly, she closed her eyes, attempting to center herself in the moment.
They had been at it for nearly an hour already, sweat was glistening on Link's forehead. She was determined to show Finn that she was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Again," he said calmly, stepping forward to engage.
She didn't hesitate, bringing her bokken down in a smooth arc, aiming for Finn's shoulder. He easily parried the blow, sidestepping her attack with the precision of a seasoned Jedi Knight. His movements were fluid, almost effortless.
She shifted her weight, trying to adjust her footing for another strike, but Finn was quicker. Before she could react, his bokken tapped lightly against her arm, signaling that she had left herself open.
"Too slow," he said, "you need to be quicker on your recovery. Anticipate the counter."
Link nodded, resetting her stance and squaring her shoulders. She took a deep breath, focusing her thoughts, trying to push away the distractions swirling in her mind. As they began sparring again, the sound of footsteps approaching made her glance briefly to the side.
C-3PO stood at the edge of the room. "Master Finn, I've checked the communications system, everything looks normal."
Link, distracted by the droid, hesitated for a split second, her eyes flickering toward C-3PO.
Finn seized the opportunity, and with a swift movement, his bokken struck lightly against her leg, causing her to stumble.
"Pay attention, Link," he said, lowering his bokken and stepping back to give her space to recover. "Focus on what's in front of you. Your mind can't be split."
She winced, rubbing her leg where he had struck her. "Sorry, Master."
Finn set down his sword, indicating that it was time for a break.
Link, still catching her breath, glanced over at the droid. "Threepio, what do you know about The Path of the Open Hand?"
"Ah, well, they are an extremist faction with deeply rooted beliefs. They hold the conviction that no one should wield the Force, as they see it as a form of control over the natural order."
"They think that wielding the Force is unnatural?" Link asked.
"Precisely," C-3PO confirmed, "Their methods are quite extreme, and their leader, Mar Corrik, has been reported to take violent action against those who oppose their ideals."
"But how do they justify attacking people like Senator Connix? She doesn't even use the Force."
Finn chimed in, "They view anyone allied with Jedi as an enemy. Senator Connix has been working closely with Rey."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sharp beeping of the comm system. Finn walked over to the console and flipped the switch to activate it. A familiar voice filled the room.
"Hey, Finn!" Poe Dameron's voice crackled through the speaker.
Link perked up. "Poe!" she said, her eyes lighting up as she approached the console.
"Hey, Link," Poe replied warmly. "How's my favorite Padawan doing?"
"Great! We're on a mission. We are going to protect Senator Connix."
Finn smiled slightly, watching her enthusiasm. He had always liked Poe's way of making people feel at ease, no matter the situation.
"Yeah," Finn added, "we're heading to Chandrila. There was an assassination attempt on Kaydel, and we think The Path of the Open Hand is behind it."
Poe's tone became serious. "Those guys?"
"Rey's going to Dalna to track down Mar Corrik."
"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. It's been a while since I've been in the thick of things."
"Thanks, Poe. I know we'll need all the help we can get."
"Link, take care of Finn for me."
"I will," she responded.
Finn smiled. "I love you, Poe."
"I love you too, Finn."