Captain Sarthus followed Senator Connix into the guest quarters. The rest of the team remained outside, their boots echoing in the hallway as they set up a perimeter.
She opened her jacket and took a deep breath. She turned toward him. "Daro, I need to contact Rey."
His eyes narrowed slightly, he crossed his arms over his chest. "Jedi involvement will only escalate things further," he replied. "Are you sure that's wise?"
She paused for a moment, looking into his eyes. His words echoed the fears of many in the Senate: that involving the Jedi would only worsen the situation, feeding into the Path's narrative.
But she wasn't just thinking about politics. She was thinking about her friend. Rey Skywalker was more than a Jedi to her; she was someone she trusted implicitly. And she knew that if there was anyone who could navigate this situation, it was Rey.
Without another word, she stepped forward and kissed him gently, her hand resting lightly on his chest. When she pulled away, she held his gaze for a moment. "I trust Rey."
He gave a subtle nod, his hand brushing against hers for a moment before he stepped back, his professional demeanor slipping back into place.
Kaydel's droid, BB-56, was waiting on her ship. The small BB unit had been with her since the days of the Resistance, its white casing adorned with pink markings, giving the droid a distinctive and cheerful appearance.
She tapped the small communicator on her wrist. "Beebee, I need you to contact Rey."
—
Back aboard the Millennium Falcon, Rey and Ben entered the cockpit, their robes still lightly dusted with the remnants of their latest mission. The adrenaline of the battle had faded, replaced by the familiar calm that came after successfully restoring peace to a place that had been on the brink of chaos.
Rey moved with ease through the cramped space, her fingers brushing the worn metal of the control panels as she made her way to the pilot's seat. The Falcon was more than just a ship to her now. It was a symbol of legacy, of battles fought and friendships forged. But as she sank into the chair, she noticed something out of place.
The comm panel was blinking.
She turned it on. "See-Threepio, what is it?"
"Mistress Rey, I have an urgent message from Senator Connix."
Rey glanced at Ben, who had already taken a seat beside her.
"Patch it through," she said.
The comm crackled and the recording began. "Rey, I'm safe for now, but there's been an assassination attempt. The Path of the Open Hand… I think they're escalating things. I don't know for sure who is behind it."
Rey sat up straighter.
"I need your help, Rey. The Senate is divided, I don't know who I can trust."
The recording ended. Rey stood, pacing the length of the cockpit for a moment before turning back to Ben. "They're shooting at Senators now. My friend."
Ben crossed his arms. "They're extremists, violence was inevitable."
"No, she is in danger because of me. Every time the Senate requests our help, the Path threatens them. Now they've actually done it."
"You did the right thing, you always do."
Rey dropped into the pilot's seat and sighed. "We need to get back to the temple."
—
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 two lekku—long, head-tails unique to twi'leks—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."