The Jedi Council's Chamber was a quiet place, established on the temple's topmost level, seemingly removed from the noise of the students and the jungle down below. Its wide windows offered a sweeping view of Yavin 4's dense forestation, the occasional massive birds flying over the treetops before disappearing either down below or high up within the clouds. The soft light of the setting sun filtered through the chamber, casting elongated shadows across the circle of Jedi Masters seated in their simple chairs without adorning gold fittings or luxurious cushions. Though the room was seemingly still, it thrummed with the constant pulse of the Force, a living presence that connected all within, thanks to the presence of the Jedi Council and its powerful members.
Seated at the head of the circle was Jaina Solo, the Sword of the Jedi. Her dark brown robes were unadorned, but her sharp eyes and commanding presence filled the space more powerfully than any ornate uniform ever could. She leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped in front of her, as she listened to the reports being presented by her fellow Masters.
On her right sat Luke Skywalker, calm and serene. Though he no longer directly led the Council itself, he was still the Jedi Order's figurehead. His presence was magnetic, and his wisdom was sought in every discussion. The other Masters stole occasional glances in his direction, even as they debated amongst themselves, wanting to see and feel his reaction. Still, he only spoke when he truly needed to. As their current discussion continued, Jaina raised a hand to signal to move on to the next topic, her tone steady but firm.
"Now that we've addressed the recent disturbances along the Mid Rim let's turn our attention to the new generation of Padawans. They are past their first month; we all observed them at least once. I want to hear your thoughts. The future of the Jedi Order rests on their shoulders, and we must ensure their training is both comprehensive and... individualized."
At her words, the mirialan Jedi Master, Vaelin Caedryn, a figure of serene elegance with elaborate tattoos marking her spiritual milestones achieved in the Force, adjusted her posture and spoke. She was someone who always approached the problem through Force before anything else.
"The new group is promising, but their experiences vary widely. They come from places torn apart by war, tyranny, and loss. This batch is... going to need more overview from us. Some of them carry burdens heavier than we might realize."
"I agree," added Kyle Katarn, his rugged features softened slightly by a rare note of concern, especially towards one particular youngster. "I am most concerned about the twi'lek girl, Vila Saresh. Her history as a slave has left her deeply scarred, and it shows in her every movement. She is twitchy and always on edge. When in training, she shows savage tendencies, and she lacks the ability to work in a group. She has potential, but her past is a dark cloud hanging over her head. Its shadows, as we all know, have a way of growing and turning into tendrils that could borrow into her mind when not addressed."
His words were taken seriously, especially as someone who experienced it through his own past and through his own Padawans once. The fall of Rosh Penin and subsequent redemption by his other student, Jaden Korr, was something that was a warning sign for future Masters on what to look for when training the young, their experiences helping the current Jedi to take proper care of their Padawans. Master Aren Solara, a human Jedi seated to Jaina's left, nodded thoughtfully. His role in developing new technologies, always tinkering with machinery, made him pragmatic and forward-thinking, and he agreed with Master Katarn's words.
"Vila's unclear connection to the Forces is undeniable, but it's yet to solidify into darkness and is still unstable. The danger is that she could mistake power for control. If we fail her, she could fall... and the consequences could be disastrous."
A faint murmur of agreement rippled through the chamber. Jaina tapped her finger lightly against the table, considering their words and their future steps to prevent it from happening.
"Vila isn't the only one we need to watch," Master Rosh Penin interjected. His tone was cautious, his gaze fixed on Master Jaina. "Kael Varo shows remarkable promise, but his natural empathy and the way he connects with other Force-users make him vulnerable. He's already picking up on the emotions of others—Vila, in particular—and that connection could either anchor him or drag him down if we're not careful."
Luke shifted slightly, his gaze warm but piercing. The moment he did so, everybody stopped, and all the eyes turned towards the Grandmaster, waiting for his assessment.
"What do you suggest, then?" His soft voice carried a gravity that left the room in silence for a moment. In the end, it was Jaina Solo who took a breath, meeting her uncle's gaze.
"When they're ready, they should become Ben's Padawans. His experience and temperament make him uniquely suited to guide them. They'll challenge him, especially the girl, but I believe he'll rise to the task and guide her well. He learned a lot from my... brother, and even under his tutelage, he remained steadfast in his own convictions. It could be the best choice for all three of them."
"Ben's training is strong, and his understanding of the Forces is nuanced. I trust he will guide them well, and it is indeed time for him to take the next step in his training. He needs to learn how to teach others." Luke agreed after hearing his niece's explanation.
The room seemed to exhale collectively, the decision solidifying among the Masters the moment Lueks stopped speaking. Jaina quickly led the conversation forward, not letting the silence fall back onto them.
"Now, to the other matter at hand." Her expression hardened slightly. A faint unease crept into the chamber as she leaned back in her chair, collecting her words to be less blunt than her instincts wanted her to be. A way of speaking she inherited from her father and was unfit for a Jedi Master. Well... unfit for a council meeting, that is.
"The Sith are no longer just whispers in the dark. Reports indicate they're attempting to consolidate power, establishing their own dominion under the leadership of Vestara Khai. They are trying to replicate an empire that resembles their legends, stretching back to more than 4,000 years into the past."
"Vestara Khai," Kyle Katarn muttered, his hand rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "The Lost Tribe of the Sith's most promising leader. Trained, resourceful, and ambitious." He mumbled, remembering what Luke told him, how she helped him and Ben defeat Abeloth but also how she betrayed them at the end. Not to mention leaving Ben behind, even when his son was so sure he could redeem the woman.
"And dangerous," added Vaelin, her voice low. "The Galaxy has seen enough destruction. The Sith can't be allowed to rise again. We must find them and eliminate this threat before it grows!"
A ripple of agreement moved through the Council. Even Aren Solara, usually the voice of moderation amongst the masters, seemed inclined to agree.
"The Jedi are guardians of peace, but peace doesn't mean ignoring a wildfire when it's still smoldering."
Master Rosh Penin hesitated before speaking, adding his own thoughts to the discussion.
"If we strike first, we risk becoming the reason for what we seek to prevent: War. The Sith thrive on conflict. We could be playing directly into their hands by confronting them on their terms. They grow from battles, be the ones they win or lose. If they survive, they will grow and return as an even bigger threat. If we fail, they will not just become more powerful; there is an even worse possibility... That they scatter and start hiding again."
The debate grew more fervent, voices overlapping as the Masters weighed the risk of action versus inaction. Some argued for decisive strikes to cripple the Sith's momentum. In contrast, others cautioned against the potential fallout of an aggressive approach, especially in a Galaxy that was still wary and could see the Jedi as the aggressors, pushing them further into the Sith's hands. In many worlds' eyes, the Sith and Jedi were the same.
It was Luke who finally spoke up again, his voice cutting through the din like a lightsaber igniting in the dark.
"We cannot eliminate the Sith simply because we fear what they might become." The chamber fell silent at once as Luke rose from his chair, his presence filling the room, his hands held behind his back. "The Sith thrive in darkness. They hide, they manipulate, and they strike when we least expect it. If we drive them into the light, force them to reveal themselves, we strip them of that advantage. Let them claim their dominion if that is what they seek. We will watch and wait."
"Wait?" Master Vaelin's voice was incredulous. "Grandmaster, are you suggesting we allow the Sith to consolidate their power?"
"I'm suggesting we allow them to expose themselves," Luke replied calmly, walking towards the windows, "A dominion of the Sith cannot sustain itself for long. Their nature is rooted in conflict and betrayal. They will fracture under their own weight. Their empires always followed the same pattern. Find a home, consolidate power, and then... start fighting within themselves for the right to wield that power. It is the essence of the dark side. Power. Always the fight for more power... There is no peace in their tenets."
"But what of the damage they'll cause in the meantime?" Jaina asked, her voice steady but her eyes questioning. She was on the side of striking them down without question.
Luke turned to her, looking back over his shoulder, his expression softening.
"We will intervene if they strike against the innocent. But if we move too soon, we risk reigniting a war that the Galaxy isn't ready to survive. Trust in the Force, Jaina. It will guide us. Our priority is peace... and..."
"And?" She asked the only person who would dare interrupt the Grandmaster's thoughts.
"Ben believes that he can redeem Vestara."
"Nonsense!" Jaina spoke out by reflex, her voice carrying a patch of roguish tint in it. She was already standing and opening her mouth to speak, but then she simply sat back, reigning in her sudden outburst, saying in a calm tone that wasn't merely an act. "My apologies." She indeed already calmed down, thinking it through and remembering the last time she saw her brother. When she defeated him... How, before his death, he acted like a proper Jedi once again, caring not for his own fate but for that of his wife and daughter, willing to accept death just to save them.
"I can't, and I won't stop Ben from trying." Luke continued, looking back out of the window, watching the sunset, remembering how it felt to do the same back home... on Tatooine. "What he is believing is the same idea that I always held most precious." The Council sat in contemplative silence, the weight of Luke's words settling over them. "I believed in my father's redemption, too." After what felt like an hour of silence, Jaina finally inclined her head, no longer trying to convince her uncle of a different approach.
"We'll monitor their movements closely. But we will need to keep tabs on them, know where they are, and know where they are trying to get a foothold. When the Sith reveal themselves as a local power, we must be ready."
Luke didn't say anything more; with a peaceful gaze, he simply returned to his seat, and the discussion shifted to logistical matters, pleas for help from nearby and faraway systems. Yet, the lingering tension remained, a reminder of the delicate balance the Jedi Order sought to maintain in a galaxy still healing from its scars. They knew their Grandmaster was right. A war between Jedi and Sith would be something that very easily could break the Galaxy.