Caleb Dume and the Treks of the Stars

by Strige

Summary:

Two years are passed since the last encounter with Maul.
Ezra is 19 and Caleb and Hera are officially engaged.
Caleb's archaeologists are ready to study the secrets of the Lothal Temple, but the ancient structure hide secrets far bigger than expected.

Chapter 1

Summary:

Ezra’s birthday came and went in the usual joyful chaos. Now that he was of age, he ended the night passed out with the white loth-cat on a pile of pillows, tipsy after just one glass.

Caleb stayed behind to kiss Hera goodnight after their friends and family left Bridger’s place. When their lips parted, she was glowing in the Force like a beacon.

“I love you so much. I can’t wait to be your wife,” she said.

“We can move the wedding up,” he suggested before kissing her again.

“No,” she sighed. “I can’t handle another major showdown between my dad and your mom.”

“Your dad should just give up. Mom always wins.” He grinned.

Ezra’s birthday came and went in the usual joyful chaos. Now that he was of age, he ended the night passed out with the white loth-cat on a pile of pillows, tipsy after just one glass.

 

Caleb stayed behind to kiss Hera goodnight after their friends and family left Bridger’s place. When their lips parted, she was glowing in the Force like a beacon.

 

“I love you so much. I can’t wait to be your wife,” she said.

 

“We can move the wedding up,” he suggested before kissing her again.

 

“No,” she sighed. “I can’t handle another major showdown between my dad and your mom.”

 

“Your dad should just give up. Mom always wins.” He grinned.

 

Mom. After all his initial doubts, he’d fully reconnected with his family, visiting them often while on Lothal. He was even starting to hope the Council would let him establish a permanent temple on the planet once Ezra became a Knight. He knew his Padawan would love the idea of being a Jedi on his home planet.

 

But then there was Hera. He couldn’t ask her to leave the Navy, she loved being a pilot, and she was on the brink of a well-earned promotion. No way could he ask her to give that up. They’d talked about what married life would look like. With Shara having moved in with her fiancé after her own promotion almost two years ago, Caleb could move into Hera’s place. Ezra could join them, taking over Shara’s old room, but he wasn’t a kid anymore, he could stay at the temple if he wanted. Caleb was fine with that.

 

In less than two days, their engagement would be formally, and likely extravagantly, celebrated. He’d given up trying to suggest a simpler ceremony after his mom nearly snapped at him, then immediately apologized.

 

This wasn’t her first pandemonium of an engagement (or wedding). As Fariba had guessed, Cyra had a boyfriend at the University. They got married eight months after she graduated, and now they were living in the Dume mansion as tradition dictated.

 

Caleb liked his new brother-in-law, Sorush, who worked as an assistant to one of Cyra’s former professors. Cyra was now a full practitioner at Khota’sl hospital, working towards her license.

 

Their wedding had been an almost overwhelming celebration, with Elahe and Sorush’s mom working together enthusiastically. Caleb was dreading that his and Hera’s would be even more over-the-top, with his mom determined to crush Cham Syndulla’s arrogance, backed by Depa and, surprisingly, by Eleni, Hera’s mom. All Caleb could do was go along with it, focusing on Hera and their future together.

 

Fariba was waiting for him, a few steps behind the rest of the family. Smiling, his little sister took his arm, and they continued the walk to his house together. It was hard for him to believe there had been a time when his family wasn’t in his life.

 

—--------

 

The flight to Kothal was pretty packed with all of Caleb’s friends and family on board, but it was a quick trip, just a couple of hours in Lothal’s orbit. Caleb offered to wait with her for her family, but she preferred to hang out with Chopper alone since she was pretty sure her dad would be in a bad mood after having to give in to Elaheh about the engagement.

 

Hera didn’t really care about the ceremony or the party. All that mattered was the silly guy who was soon going to be her husband.

 

She never thought she wanted a husband, not until she reconnected with Caleb. Now, the idea of a life without him was just unthinkable. She loved him more than she ever thought possible. He brought her so much joy and hope for a bright future.

 

Chopper was rolling back and forth, beeping impatiently.

 

“Yeah, he’s probably planning to make an entrance, you’re right.”

 

WHOP WHOOOP WHOP!

 

“Exactly. He doesn’t stand a chance,” she laughed at her orange friend’s remark.

 

This time, the mighty Cham Syndulla was about to learn a thing or two about compromise. And he’d be in the minority—no one here cared about his title in the city of Dume’s followers.

 

Dume. 

The loth-wolf god hadn’t interfered in Caleb’s life so far. The dreams were still there, but Caleb seemed better at understanding them now. 

By tomorrow evening, she’d be engaged to the incarnation of a ‘god’, a caring, affectionate one, and the most handsome man she’d ever met. They’d learned to deal with Caleb’s nature together.

 

The light signaling a ship’s approach lit up the stall, and soon, the sleek silhouette of her father’s ship blocked the hangar entrance.

 

Hera took a deep breath, bracing herself for her father’s attitude, but as soon as the ramp lowered, it was Jacen who came running down, scooping her up in a hug.

 

“I still can’t believe you’re marrying him!” he laughed.

 

“Not yet,” she teased back with a smile.

 

“It’s only a matter of time! I’ve got to start getting ready to be that bachelor uncle who spoils his nephews.”

 

“You’ve got plenty of time. We’re not planning on starting a family right away. Caleb still has Ezra to look after, and I want to focus on my career for a few more years.”

 

“I guess I’ll have to spoil Ezra, then,” he chuckled.

 

They paused as the sound of their father’s firm footsteps echoed through the hangar.

 

He looked as rigid as ever, with his usual hint of disappointment, but that didn’t faze their mother at all. She walked right past him to embrace Hera, smiling brightly.

 

“I’m so happy for you, my love. Caleb is everything I ever hoped for you.”

 

“She means she and Depa have been plotting this for years,” Jacen joked, earning a playful slap on the shoulder from Eleni.

 

“Uncle Gobi and Numa couldn’t make it to the engagement, but they send their love. They promised they won’t miss the wedding, though.”

 

Hera smiled warmly. “Most of my friends made the same choice. Interplanetary flights aren’t something you just do easily.”

 

“Dad could cover their travel expenses,” Jacen quipped, getting another slap.

 

“Quiet, he’s coming.”

 

Cham was indeed approaching, deep in conversation with one of his aides who had come along to Lothal. Slow and steady, like a glacier, and just as warm.

 

“My daughter!” he greeted her, with none of the joy or affection her mother and brother had shown.

 

“Welcome, Father.”

 

“Why isn’t Mace’s Grandpadawan here?”

 

Hera wanted to snap back at him but took a deep breath instead and managed to smile.

 

“He wanted to wait with me, but I assured him it was fine for him to go help with the preparations.”

 

“That insufferable woman insisted on having everything her way.”

 

“My mother-in-law was reasonable. I’ll be wearing the family dress, and the tattoo ritual will be done after the wedding. If you want more, you can always organize another engagement ceremony on Ryloth.”

 

He twisted his mouth. “That won’t be necessary.”

 

Of course, it wasn’t about the ceremony or even about her. It was all about his damn ego.

 

“You’ll do me the favor of using some diplomacy with my future husband’s family while you’re here for the next two days,” she declared.

 

He pressed his lips into a thin line but nodded.

 

“I’ll keep him in line, don’t worry, my dear. Oh! Here’s our luggage. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up for the engagement,” Eleni said, beaming.

 

There was no way her father would ruin her happiness.

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

Chaos. Absolute chaos. He’d tried his best to avoid it, leaving the craziness of the engagement preparations to the women in his life, and hiding out with Mace at Uncle Farhab’s house.

But, of course, that didn’t work out too well.

Notes:

So, volume 5 is edited for one third and I'm working on the final part.
I had to adjust a couple of things because I decided to take another direction for the conclusion of Maul's arc, one that I like more and that have take form thanks to a great brainstorming with my more than precious editor.
This means the final volume will have some chapters more, but I think everything works better this way.

Chaos. Absolute chaos. He’d tried his best to avoid it, leaving the craziness of the engagement preparations to the women in his life, and hiding out with Mace at Uncle Farhab’s house.

 

But, of course, that didn’t work out too well.

 

Fariba came to get him in the late afternoon, insisting he needed to get ready. Wearing his Jedi robes to the engagement ceremony wasn’t an option, everyone involved in the preparations had shut that idea down. Even Mace thought it was better for him to wear traditional attire.

 

Maybe Mace couldn’t handle seeing his Grandpadawan commit to something other than the Jedi Order. Removing the Jedi robes probably made it easier.

 

Mace was happy, though—happy that his once-broken kid had finally found happiness. But the Grandmaster’s mindset was too deeply ingrained to let it go completely.

 

Depa, Cyra, and his mother were waiting outside his room, which only made him more anxious.

 

“Your dad and Grey are ready to help you get dressed, we’ve already finished with Hera, my dear,” Elaheh said.

 

Tradition. You don’t argue with tradition. If you do, you’ll just end up bruised and battered, so he swallowed his protests and walked into the room.

 

Inside, not only were his two fathers waiting, but also Ezra, Stance, and Hera’s brother Jacen.

 

“Look at how pale you are!” Jacen exclaimed, getting up from the edge of the bed to give him a hug. “We’ll need a miracle to make sure you don’t disappear next to my beautiful sister!”

 

“Take it easy, Jacen,” Caleb replied, “One day it’ll be your turn, and I’ll remember you said that.”

 

“Not a chance, brother. I’m aiming for a bachelor’s life.”

 

“So was he!” Ezra added with a wide grin.

 

“Let him in, we need to get a move on!” Grey took charge, as usual.

 

Grey and Selim helped him out of his clothes and into the ceremonial ones. They weren’t too different from Jedi robes in shape, but the similarities ended there. These were richly embroidered, with gems and gold threads. The overtunic was a vivid red.

 

“We had to borrow this one because the family robe is purple, and that would clash with your fiancé’s dress,” his father explained, adjusting the robe on his shoulder and fastening the delicate buckles shaped like stylized Loth-wolves.

 

“Borrowed from who?”

 

“Some cousin your mom knows,” Selim said, signaling Grey to grab the shoes, a pair of heavily decorated slippers that matched the cape.

 

“We had these made just for you. You’re a bit too tall for the ones we already had.”

 

“I’ll only wear them this time, my boots will do fine.”

 

“You’ll wear them for the wedding too,” Grey added.

 

Well, that changed things.

 

“You look ready for Life Day,” Jacen teased, earning grins from Ezra and Stance.

 

At first, he didn’t get the joke, thinking Jacen meant the wedding day, which was near Life Day. Then it clicked.

 

“Are you disrespecting my family’s tradition, dear brother?”

 

“I would never!” Jacen said, pretending to be offended.

 

“Where’s your father?” Grey asked. “He was supposed to help dress the fiancé too.”

 

“You’ve got me, which is way better. He almost had a stroke when he saw the decorations.”

 

“Poor Senator!” Ezra chimed in. “Not even his beloved wife took his side. She absolutely adored everything!”

 

“Yeah, Dad’s ego took a hit. He’ll probably take it out in the Senate.”

 

“I’m sorry your father isn’t happy with our arrangements,” Selim said as he started wrapping a loose turban around Caleb’s head and securing it with a matching brooch.

 

“Don’t be! Father always finds something to be unhappy about. He can’t stand not having the last word. He never learned how to compromise. I know you gave up a lot by not having Caleb wear your family’s color.”

 

“Don’t worry, we’ve got four kids. Arslan will wear the purple when it’s his turn,” Selim said with a kind smile.

 

Caleb looked at himself in the tall mirror mounted on the wardrobe door, which was as ornated as every other piece of furniture in the house. He looked like a nobleman but felt a bit ridiculous. The cape was heavy on his shoulders, uncomfortable in the still warm early evening air.

 

“My parents didn’t have anything like this,” Ezra observed. “I guess traditions aren’t as strong in Capital City.”

 

“You’re right. It’s also about our family status,” Selim nodded to the Padawan. 

 

“Don’t worry, Ezra. You’ll probably have to adjust to your girlfriend’s customs anyway,” Jacen grinned.

 

 

—--------

 

 

Hera could barely breathe under all the red and gold layers of her ceremony dress. Her mom and the other women had just left to make sure Caleb wouldn’t try to wear his Jedi robes into the ceremony. Only Sabine stayed behind, insisting on painting intricate designs on Hera’s hands and wrists.

 

Patiently, Sabine worked on the tiny details of a traditional pattern, which looked amazing against Hera’s jade skin. She was super precise with every stroke, even though she admitted, after finishing the first hand, that this was her first time trying this kind of decoration.

 

“You’re really talented, Sabine,” Hera said.

 

Sabine made a face. “Talent isn’t a thing. Sure, Jedi have their special abilities since birth, but even they have to train hard to get good. For the rest of us, it’s all about hard work. It wasn’t some magic gift that made you an incredible pilot. It was your determination and all the work you put in.”

 

Hera thought about that for a moment. “I guess you’re right. It’s not talent, just stubbornness.”

 

“That’s exactly it,” Sabine said with a smile.

 

She finished painting the other hand and used a special lamp to set the pigments so they wouldn’t stain the dress. The dress was the same one Hera’s mom had worn for her own wedding, and it had been carefully repaired over the years. New embroidery had been added to cover tiny holes made by the moth, despite all the precautions taken to protect it. These repairs were little masterpieces, and the latest addition was a beautifully embroidered pair of jarts, a bird of prey from Hera’s homeworld.

 

Hera smiled, knowing her mom had added the jarts to honor her love of flying. Jarts mate for life, so it was a sweet, meaningful touch.

 

“It’s a masterpiece,” Sabine said, admiring the dress. “There’s the history of generations of brides in those embroideries, isn’t there?”

 

“You’re right, but the kalikori is the most important record of a family’s history. We add a piece for every birth, wedding… and death.” Hera paused. “I’ll inherit my family’s and add Caleb to it during our wedding. It’s part of the ceremony, like the tattoo.”

 

“I can’t wait to see it. Caleb will get your family’s pattern. What about you?”

 

“Since tattoos aren’t part of Lothal traditions, Uncle Farhab is finding some appropriate symbols for me, something about good wishes or whatever. I’m too exhausted to care.”

 

“It’s probably a big deal for him. Caleb is his heir, after all.”

 

Hera sighed. “That’s another argument. It’s not clear if being a Jedi changes things. Mace would prefer one of Caleb’s siblings to inherit the title and everything else. Cyra would be next in line, but Fariba is more qualified. And Arslan’s the only male left.”

 

“Does it really matter? From what I understand, daughters inherit the house.”

 

“It’s complicated. And probably not that important,” Hera said, admiring her painted hands as Sabine handed her the rings that completed her outfit.

 

She was decked out in gold and gemstones. A diadem covered her head-tails with dangling pendants, gold rings adorned her lekku, heavy bracelets encircled her upper arms, and her necklace was lavish. A red, gold-embroidered veil was attached to the diadem. Hera couldn’t help but imagine those Lasat pirates crashing the ceremony.

 

Hondo Ohnaka would probably have a heart attack at the sight of so much gold.

 

“This all feels like such a waste of resources…” she sighed.

 

“Captain Syndulla, these are traditions. Traditions are important, they bring people together and define a culture. It’s the history of this family, nurtured over millennia,” Sabine half-lectured her as she adjusted the final details. “You look perfect. I’m going to paint this scene as soon as I can,” she smiled. “It’ll be my wedding gift to Caleb.”

 

 

Notes:

You have to be patient with me, I'm not a writer, I'm a painter, and I have the tendency to indulge in long descriptions.

Anyway, thanks a million time to all who are still following me in this adventure, you are more than I expected, the kudos received for the first chapter were over my more optimistic provisions.
The comments too!
As usual, no one likes Cham 🤣🤣🤣

I love you all, believe me!

Chapter 3

Summary:

The big garden was full again with clan members, his closest friends, and Hera's family. The banquet was set up on the street in front of the house, but the ceremony called for a more formal setting. The garden's grass was covered with the family's carpets, sprinkled with flowers, roses and jasmines everywhere. Glass lamps hung from the tree branches, casting colorful light all around, turning the garden into a magical place.

Notes:

I think I'll need 2 or 3 chapters to finish volume 5, but the hard part is done, now is all about regrouping all the characters, and give a conclusion to everyone's arc.
What a run!

The big garden was full again with clan members, his closest friends, and Hera's family. The banquet was set up on the street in front of the house, but the ceremony called for a more formal setting. The garden's grass was covered with the family's carpets, sprinkled with flowers, roses and jasmines everywhere. Glass lamps hung from the tree branches, casting colorful light all around, turning the garden into a magical place.

 

He was sitting cross-legged on a pillow in the center of the garden, under one of the bigger trees, with his father and the witnesses behind him. Uncle Farhab, as the head of the family, would lead the ceremony and sat beside him.

 

Across from him was the seat for his fiancée and her witnesses, though it was still empty since all the women were with her. Her father stood in the shadows, waiting with his aide, barely saying a word, probably venting his frustration from his mother onto him, despite their normally close relationship.

 

Mace had tried to talk to him but got nowhere. Then Jacen arrived, walking confidently, and since his family's side was still empty, he joined him.

 

“She’s ready, the procession will leave the house in minutes,” he assured them. Caleb turned his attention to the patio, mostly hidden by the crowd of his clan.

 

“She looks beautiful,” Jacen whispered to him.

 

After a few minutes, the sound of women singing came from the house, announcing Hera’s arrival. Her mother led the way, carrying a lantern mounted on a staff, the flame inside symbolizing the hearth of a new family about to be formed. Hera followed, hidden by a jeweled veil that matched his heavy robe, with his mother and his sisters just behind, and Reva and Sabine following. He felt a pang of sadness that Shara and the others weren't there for her. They’d be there for the wedding, of course, but for now, she only had her family to support her. It was a little lonely, surrounded by the colorful Dume clan.

 

Finally, Cham stepped out of the shadows to sit just behind Hera’s seat. Eleni, glowing with joy, joined him after passing the lamp to Uncle Farhab. As the procession started moving, Jacen took his place next to Hera as one of her witnesses, with Sabine on the other side.

 

Shara should’ve been sitting there too.

 

Just as he was starting to overthink, Hera lifted her veil.

 

Caleb forgot how to breathe, stunned by her beauty. She looked like a goddess, and he couldn’t believe she was there for him. She smiled at him, and his heart skipped a beat.

 

No, this had to be one of his dreams, a beautiful one which he was afraid to wake up from.

 

Ezra nudged him, snapping him back to reality as he realized Uncle Farhab was talking, inviting him and Hera to stand and approach him.

 

They stood in front of him, their witnesses by their side, as Farhab invited them to grab the lantern staff, his hand covering hers. Caleb’s eyes were locked on her emerald irises as he automatically repeated the ritual lines. He was sure he was making a fool of himself, but he didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was her smiling at him.

 

Mace’s deep voice repeated the ritual line for the witnesses, followed by Stance. Jacen and Sabine did the same for Hera. Then Farhab blessed them and declared them promised to each other in the light of the "treks."

 

Treks. It was the first time Caleb had heard the Force called that.

 

 

—---------

 

 

Caleb's huge family, full of smiles, kept whisking Hera away from him during the dance that followed the banquet and lasted all night. No one in the Dume enclave slept that night. She danced with her brother, and even her usually reserved father loosened up enough to dance with her. He almost smiled while he danced with her and definitely did when he was dancing with her mother.

 

Hera occasionally caught a glimpse of Sabine’s colorful hair as she danced with Ezra. The two of them were glowing, their relationship clearly growing into something more.

 

No matter who she danced with, she always ended up back in Caleb’s arms. He looked so handsome, like a prince from some fantastic holo.

 

Her second most frequent dance partner was Chopper, who had red and gold ribbons tied to his antenna. He was on his best behavior, even playing with the bored kids during the long dinner, just like he had at Ezra’s first birthday three years ago. It felt like an eternity ago. As she spun in her beloved Jedi’s arms, she couldn’t help but think that a lifetime wasn’t enough, and the galaxy wasn’t big enough to contain her love for him. Where had all this intensity been hiding before Caleb Dume came into her life? Had she ever been this happy?

 

Every time she looked at Caleb, he was smiling at her, whispering, “I love you.”

 

When the party finally came to an end, they had to part ways since she and her family were staying with Uncle Farhab, the most prestigious person in the Dume clan and the most suitable host for a Republic senator. Officially, anyway. Unofficially, the two houses were far enough apart to make sure Caleb couldn’t sneak into her room.

 

They would have time when they returned to Capital City. Plenty of it, once the excavation season ended and they were back on Coruscant. Then they’d be married, with all the nights of their lives to share.

 

 

—----------

 

Caleb happily slipped back into his Jedi robes when he woke up in the afternoon. His first thought was to run to Hera, but he knew he had to help clean up the house and the street outside first. The cousins who lived nearby were already pitching in, chatting away. An aunt came by to retrieve the red cape she had lent them, commenting on how handsome Caleb had looked in it the night before.

 

“Definitely the best anyone’s ever looked in it,” she said.

 

“Caleb’s just taller,” his mother replied, though it was clear she was proud.

 

Arslan, now thirteen, was out in the garden helping to roll up the carpets to bring them back inside. Caleb decided to join him since those thick carpets were pretty heavy. He could tell his younger brother wanted to ask him something, he could see a bit of himself at that age in Arslan.

 

“Come on, little one, I know you want something,” Caleb teased.

 

Arslan turned as red as the vest he had worn the night before.

 

“It’s okay, as long as you’re not asking for a lightsaber,” Caleb joked, remembering how much of a handful he himself was at that age.

 

“Well, you’re heading back to your archaeological site, right?” Arslan asked hesitantly.

 

“After a quick stop in the capital, yes. We need to move the droids to the site.”

 

“I was thinking…” Arslan hesitated again.

 

“Go on, it’s alright,” Caleb encouraged him with a smile.

 

“I was thinking I could come with you too, to help out, like Fariba did.”

 

This excavation is turning into a summer camp for teenagers, Caleb thought to himself.

 

“Sure, if Mom and Dad are okay with it.”

 

Arslan beamed. “They said it’s fine. They want us to spend more time together.”

 

“Of course they do. We’ll be in the city for a couple of days for all the bureaucracy stuff. You can hang out with Ezra and Sabine, maybe go to the beach.”

 

Arslan blushed again. “I’m not a great swimmer.”

 

“Perfect! Teaching you will be good practice for Ezra.”

 

Arslan sighed. “When I was little, I wanted to be in his place. But now…I don’t know. I should figure out what I want to do, like Cyra and Fari, but I’m not sure.”

 

Caleb put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. He was getting taller. “It’s not easy to know, especially at your age. Don’t stress too much about it. It’s okay to change your mind later on.”

 

“What about you?”

 

“Well, when I was your age, I wanted to be a soldier, to do heroic things and be praised for my skills and courage. But by the time I was twenty and facing my trials, I didn’t want to fight anymore, so I became a Consular, an archaeologist and historian. And I’m happy with that choice.”

 

“But you still carry a lightsaber.”

 

“Yeah, the kyber crystal in it is connected to me. It’s part of my soul.”

 

“Can I see it?”

 

Caleb chuckled and handed the lightsaber to his brother.

 

“It’s heavy!” Arslan said, surprised.

 

“Yes, it has to be, but for a Jedi, its weight doesn’t really matter. We use the Force to wield it, so it becomes part of you, like an extension of your arm.”

 

“What else can the Force do?”

 

“It depends. Some Jedi are healers, others can have visions of the future. Ezra can connect with all living beings.”

 

“And you?”

 

Caleb flexed his hand, and all the remaining carpets started to float, flipping over to shake out the dirt, then rolling themselves up and neatly organizing into groups, waiting for the next command.

 

“I move stuff,” he said with a shrug.

 

Notes:

You have no idea how happy had made me to write this chapter!
They deserve to be happy and they will be!!!

Thanks for all the comments (yes,I will paint Hera’s dress!) And the new kudos!
I can't believe so many people is still here, reading my silly story.

I love you all, really!!! 😍😍😍

Chapter 4

Summary:

Caleb and his family came by to say goodbye to hers. Her dad was way warmer than the night before, even thanking Elaheh for doing such a great job organizing the engagement ceremony and banquet. It really had been a magical night, and Hera couldn’t even imagine how incredible the wedding would be.

Notes:

There's a bit of sexy time at the end but nothing explicit.

Caleb and his family came by to say goodbye to hers. Her dad was way warmer than the night before, even thanking Elaheh for doing such a great job organizing the engagement ceremony and banquet. It really had been a magical night, and Hera couldn’t even imagine how incredible the wedding would be.

 

The team heading to the Capital was almost ready to leave. Hera was surprised to see Arslan joining them since he’d never shown much interest in Caleb and Fariba’s work. When it was time to choose between the Ghost and the Escape, the teenager picked his brother’s ship. The two hadn’t been particularly close before, but maybe Caleb had promised to teach him how to fly.

 

Once they arrived in Capital City, only Ezra split off from the group to head home for some sleep. Hera hesitated for a moment, unsure if Arslan’s presence would be a problem, but Caleb smiled and invited her to join the group at his assigned place. Turns out, one of Caleb’s B1 units had already prepared a room for Arslan, right across from Caleb’s own, and the same setup was arranged for Fariba. Fariba probably knew what was going on, judging by her knowing smile, but she didn’t seem bothered.

 

Hera helped Caleb prepare dinner while Sabine and Fariba played dejarik, and Stance and Reva explained to Arslan what Caleb’s work was all about and what to expect in the next few days. Meanwhile, Chopper had tried to start a fight with every one of Caleb’s droids but was now sulking in a corner at the recharge station after getting nowhere.

 

“You’re good at this,” Caleb said, as she handed him some chopped vegetables.

 

“Thanks. Deba taught me a bit when we were flying together, and I’ve practiced some since then, I guess…”

 

“You learn quickly, my love.” He leaned over to kiss her lightly, still stirring the pot. A delicious aroma was filling the cozy kitchen, a place that had probably once seen lots of people working for the now-extinct wealthy family that owned the house.

 

Caleb seemed so at home there, more than he ever did on the Ghost during their travels. Maybe he considered this place his real home now. Hera couldn’t help but wonder how he’d adapt to living in the tiny apartment she had shared with Shara for years. They’d need to make compromises after the wedding, but she wasn’t sure it would be fair to Caleb.

 

Sensing her mood shift, he playfully bumped her side. “What’s on your mind, love?”

 

“Just thinking.”

 

“Whatever it is, remember, you’ve got two Jedi by your side. We can make the body disappear.”

 

“Are you offering to kill someone for me and then bury them in one of your tombs?”

 

“If needed,” he quipped back in mock seriousness.

 

“Don’t be silly,” she smiled at him.

 

He grinned back. “Jedi can’t be silly. It’s impossible. The Force won’t allow it.”

 

“You’re extremely silly, love,” she retorted affectionately.

 

—---------

 

 

Dinner was a success, the Dume kids were way more fun when their parents weren't around. Arslan immediately became a huge fan of Chopper’s awful movie, laughing the whole time and asking Caleb if he could teach him all the ridiculous fight moves.

 

“Sure! We can start with the palm-catapult!” Caleb proposed enthusiastically.

 

“There are no palms on Lothal,” Farida commented in a matter-of-fact tone.

 

“Well, tree-catapult then. You’re so picky, Fari!” Caleb shot back, teasing her lightheartedly.

 

“Someone has to stay grounded in reality, big brother,” she replied, though her words would’ve had more weight if her mouth wasn’t full of popcorn.

 

After tidying up the room and kitchen, they all said goodnight, still chuckling about the hilariously bad movie.

 

Hera noticed that most of the rooms near Caleb’s were empty or used for storage. 

 

“I didn’t want to wake up Stance or any of the temporary workers. You know, the dreams.”

 

“It’s totally fine,” she grinned, reaching up to untie his hair as he opened the door.

 

“Try not to lose that one too. At the Temple, they’re starting to question how many hair ties I need,” he teased, his warm voice full of amusement, before trapping her in his arms and pulling her into his room.

 

It was her first time stepping into a room that belonged to Caleb. Visiting his room at the temple wasn’t an option, and it would’ve been inappropriate to enter the one at his family’s home. So she took a curious glance around, finding it surprisingly different from what she had imagined.

 

There were plants hanging near the windows, probably tended by one of the droids while Caleb was away. Sketches and maps covered the walls, not quite Sabine’s level, but pretty impressive. A shelf held ancient books and artifacts, and a desk with some pottery fragments sat near the windows.

 

Then there was the bed, surrounded by a mosquito net, and a door near the bed that probably led to the bathroom.

 

“Do you like it?” Caleb murmured between kisses on her neck. “It used to be the master bedroom. There’s even a bath.”

 

“I could use a bath,” she sighed.

 

“Mhm, later,” he replied, lifting her effortlessly. The mosquito net flaps opened as if by magic, and she gasped as he gently dropped her onto the soft mattress, then climbed onto the bed next to her, starting to undress.

 

She bit her bottom lip, enjoying the view, she never got tired of watching him.

 

“Are you planning to just watch?” he grinned.

 

“You’re quite the sight,” she teased, playfully pushing him away with her foot as she started to undress herself.

 

“I could help,” he offered hopefully.

 

“Nuh-uh,” she said, getting rid of her boots and jacket but hesitating about what to do with them because of the mosquito net.

 

Caleb chuckled, using the Force to whisk her boots away and drop them to the floor nonchalantly.

 

“You should really let me help you, future Mrs Dume.”

 

“Aren’t you enjoying the show?” she replied with a playful smirk, as she unfastened her trousers, revealing her long, jade legs before tossing them to Caleb.

 

“I’m just eager for the action scenes.”

 

“My, my!” she said, unbuttoning her shirt very slowly.

 

“Hera…”

 

“You’ll need to be patient, General Dume.”

 

Hera squeaked as Caleb grabbed her ankle and pulled her toward him.

 

“You’re asking the impossible, Captain.”

 

“That’s outrageous,” she laughed as he removed her fancy panties. Shara’s suggestions weren’t needed anymore, she’d even bought a few new, sexy sets just for this occasion.

 

“I haven’t even started yet,” he whispered, burying his face in the valley between her breasts.

 

“Such disrespect…” Hera said, her breath catching.

 

“I outrank you, Captain,” Caleb replied, grazing her skin with his teeth through the thin fabric of her lacy black bra.

 

“This one’s new,” he admired, pulling down a strap with his teeth.

 

Hera moaned, trying to form a response.

 

“I love it,” he said, before removing the other strap and swiftly uncovering her breasts.

 

“It enhances them beautifully,” his hot breath teased her nipples before he started giving them all the attention they deserved.

 

Caleb grabbed her hips, pulling her onto his lap without stopping his ministrations. She could feel his impatience, but this was a game they’d learned to play together.

 

She tangled her fingers in his hair, guiding his attention to her other breast, which he eagerly obliged. Her hands explored his sharp features, loving the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers. He was a work of art. To think there was a time she couldn’t stand him.

 

Her hands trailed down his abs, lazily heading toward his shuddering erection.

 

“No,” he mumbled against her breast.

 

“Why?”

 

“I want you too much,” he said, moving to her neck, kissing his way up until he captured her lips.

 

“Mmmm. I want you too, love.”

 

“I want to make it last,” he said between kisses.

 

“Or we could just do it, and then you can show me that bathtub you mentioned.”

 

She moved her hips invitingly, earning a gasp from him.

 

“I’m not planning to let you sleep on my last night here,” she whispered in his ear, her lekku caressing his shoulders, savoring the feel of his hair on her sensitive skin. It was delicious, and she didn’t want to wait any longer.

 

“Actually,” he said, guiding her legs over his shoulders, his hands maddeningly caressing her thighs, “I need a pilot for the entire mission. My team doesn’t fit in the Escape anymore.”

 

Notes:

Thanks, Thanks and thanks again to all of you who are still reading, commenting and leaving kudos.
I'm receiving comments from new readers on the older volumes and this blow my mind!
I really loves you all.

Chapter 5

Summary:

They landed the Ghost about a kilometer from the temple, careful not to disturb the area. The grass was sparse and low, thanks to the high altitude, and if you looked closely, you could spot tiny, hairy succulents. There were twisted, sturdy bushes and patches of ground covered in slender stems topped with white turfs.

Notes:

I almost finished the first draft of volume 5!

Anyway, sorry for the late update, the energy company decided today was a great choice to leave all the neighbourhood without energy 😅

They landed the Ghost about a kilometer from the temple, careful not to disturb the area. The grass was sparse and low, thanks to the high altitude, and if you looked closely, you could spot tiny, hairy succulents. There were twisted, sturdy bushes and patches of ground covered in slender stems topped with white turfs.

 

A gravel path, laid out centuries ago when the people of Lothal still followed the old ways, led up to the plateau in front of the temple. Uncle Farhab’s books had been a huge help in preparing for this mission, hinting that there might be more levels to the temple than just the one he and Ezra visited while searching for the Kyber crystal for Ezra's lightsaber. The Jedi were just the latest to use the ancient structure, even though the Jedi archives said otherwise.

 

The texts he found on Coruscant mentioned that a group of Jedi Pilgrims built the temple into the rock, sensing a strong vergence in the Force in the caves beneath. They constructed two levels: the one he and Ezra had visited, which only had a meditation room and access to the caves below, and a deeper level with multiple chambers and entrances to an inner cave system. But the Dume chronicles tell an even older story, long before the Jedi, when the children of Dume were the only ones who visited. They had a way to access the deep caves without having to lift the massive rock formation, and according to legends, the loth-wolves were involved. These big predators had shown up several times during the last campaign, not doing anything suspicious—unless you count existing despite being supposedly extinct and popping out of a portal in a cave.

 

Maybe his people had figured out how to use this portal to move through the caves, or maybe they had such a strong connection with the loth-wolves that they could use them to travel. The wolves seemed to live elsewhere, appearing whenever they wanted, seemingly just to observe him.

 

It's possible the loth-wolves had been doing this for centuries or millennia, and his presence now was just a curiosity. They seemed friendly enough, even letting him touch them sometimes. They kept repeating the word "Dume," but Caleb wasn’t sure if they were acknowledging him or just saying the Guardian’s name.

 

Ezra had to cut his vacation short because they needed both a Master and a Padawan to open the temple. It required their combined efforts to make the huge rock formation rotate and rise from the ground.

 

They found a patch of ground where circles had been engraved, revealing the golden rock beneath. The climate and nature of the area kept these marks visible, even after centuries of abandonment.

 

Near where they landed, there was a big lake with a stunning view. The landscape was hilly, dotted with rock formations like the ones in the south, and the impressive temple stood out as the main feature of the scene.

 

The droids started unloading the equipment from the Ghost. “Ohooo!” one of them exclaimed, noticing there was still snow at the base of the temple, where the sun couldn’t reach.

 

“It’s a good thing we’ve got the Ghost for shelter instead of having to sleep in tents or containers,” Ezra said, rubbing his hands together like a true southern boy not used to the cold.

 

The Ghost’s accommodations caused a bit of concern over where to put Fariba. She and Arslan could’ve shared Caleb’s old cabin, but Ezra solved the problem by moving his stuff into Sabine’s, brushing off Caleb’s concerned look with a casual “What?” So, Fariba got Caleb’s cabin all to herself, and Arslan joined Stance in what used to be Ezra’s room. His little brother quickly bonded with the older crew member, who began teaching him hand-to-hand combat and how to shoot.

 

“Mom doesn’t need to know!” was the unspoken agreement among them. They would all be in big trouble if Elaheh ever found out.

 

“It’s definitely chilly,” Hera said, wrapped in a warm jacket with her lekku bundled in a scarf. She’d ditched her uniform for more casual clothes, confident that no one would be checking up on her.

 

This was shaping up to be their best excavation season yet. The new team members were eager to get started, and although Fariba acted like a veteran, Caleb could tell she was excited to study the temple.

 

“Ezra and I are going to open the temple, but I’m not sure how it works or if we are allowed past the first level. The chronicle I read mentioned the existence of other levels beneath the two the Jedi had modified, but there’s no record of anyone exploring them. The Force is very strong here and can cause visions in Force-sensitive individuals, so you shouldn’t have any problems. For now, we’ll map the upper levels and document the murals inside. I remember seeing some Loth-wolf paintings similar to those in Dume’s city, so maybe they’ll help us find a way to the lower levels.”

 

Ezra joined him in one of the engraved circles on the ground. They stretched out their right hands and closed their eyes, reaching out with the Force.

 

The vergence in the Force was a massive, bright turmoil, taking up a significant portion of the mountain and extending deep into the planet. It felt strange but familiar, like something Caleb had encountered in his dreams. But there was something more, just out of reach, a part of what he had been searching for since his first visit years ago, something that had awakened Dume within him and sparked his dreams.

 

The monolithic rock cone began to rotate on its axis, rising from the ground with a thunderous sound as rocks scraped against each other. The ground trembled as the rock formation rose dozens of meters.

 

When the movement stopped and they opened their eyes, Caleb saw that the temple had risen to the second level. The door was more ornate than the one they had crossed when searching for Ezra’s Kyber crystal.

 

“It doesn’t seem like it wants us to go deeper,” Ezra observed.

 

“Apparently,” Caleb sighed. “But we’ll find a way.”

 

The others caught up, and the first thing they heard was Arslan’s excited exclamation, “Boy, that was insane! You lifted a mountain!”

 

“Nothing special,” Ezra replied, clearly showing off and looking for Sabine’s approval. When Caleb turned to his companions, Hera’s joyful smile overwhelmed him.

 

“You two are amazing,” she said.

 

“Says the best pilot in the galaxy,” Caleb replied with a grin.

 

“When everyone’s done patting each other on the back, I’d like to take a look inside,” Sabine said, sounding less impressed.

 

They followed the gravel path to the temple’s entrance. This was the proper temple entrance, with multiple meditation chambers, rooms, and hopefully corridors leading to the lower levels.

 

The walls were indeed decorated with paintings similar to those in the ancient city’s temple, though less intricate, mostly depicting loth-wolves. The pillars and doorways the Jedi had added to the preexisting structure adapted it to their needs.

 

“For today, let’s just map the entrance and the first hall. We need to distinguish between the Jedi’s modifications and the original structure. I don’t think the Pilgrims removed any of the ancient features, but let’s stay alert for any alterations. Better safe than sorry.”

 

During the day, Sabine and Fariba proved their undeniable value to the expedition. Arslan diligently followed Stance’s instructions and quickly learned to use all the equipment. Hera, as on Lasat, filmed the entire process, while Ezra documented all of Caleb’s observations on a datapad.

 

By evening, the Consular was frustrated, the Jedi’s modifications were too extensive to find anything useful for his studies. It reminded him of one of the sanctuaries he visited in his dreams, where layers added over millennia had completely erased the original nature of the place. Sabine was outraged by the lack of respect the ancient Pilgrims had shown to the previous civilization, but Fariba, more practical, noted that it was common practice to erase history by building over it.

 

“The Jedi sensed the presence of this vergence and their only concern was securing the site. We’ll probably find some walled-up corridors with the echo-scanner tomorrow,” Fariba said, proving yet again that his sister was always right.

 

Well, almost always. They didn’t find a hidden corridor until three days later, when everyone was in a bad mood and ready to call it a day. Ezra and Caleb had to work carefully, with the droids’ help, to open an access point without compromising the Jedi’s temple. They sent a surveillance drone to explore the cavern they’d discovered, only to recall it after an hour and a half because it still hadn’t reached the end.

 

“We’ll try again tomorrow. We don’t have enough of these droids to risk losing them due to signal loss,” Caleb decided.

 

“This vergence, whatever it is, creates quite the interference,” Stance confirmed.

 

So, they retreated to the Ghost, where everyone pitched in to prepare dinner, Hera and Fariba had become his trusted kitchen assistants while Stance played dejarik with Arslan, and Sabine and Ezra acted exactly as you’d expect a young couple to act. Chopper, of course, was already listing the new movies he’d acquired for their bad movie night, pretending they had a choice when he’d obviously already made up his mind.

 

They had a habit of eating while watching a holo, some of them on the acceleration couch, others on the floor. They’d become a chaotic but incredibly well-functioning family. Caleb loved waking up every morning wrapped in Hera’s warmth, murmuring their good mornings before heading out to meet Ezra for their morning training. After a few days, Arslan started joining them, at first just to watch, but eventually joining in the hand-to-hand combat training. His little brother was eager to learn and picked it up quickly, only occasionally complaining about the cold northern mornings.

 

Fariba would wake up a bit later and start preparing breakfast. The other three couldn’t be convinced to leave their beds for anything less than a full breakfast and hot caf. Especially Stance had happily abandoned his martial training after becoming Caleb’s assistant, there was no reason to wake up early when Caleb would be busy training Ezra until mid-morning.

 

After breakfast, they would head to the temple, chatting along the way, and work until dinner, with a quick break around noon.

 

The second attempt with the surveillance drone also hit a dead end. The temple’s movement had caused a collapse.

 

Caleb spent the better part of half an hour ranting about ancient architects who didn’t consider the consequences of turning and lifting a mountain. To be fair, he hadn’t thought about it either until it became an issue.

 

Sabine and Fariba accompanied him to the collapsed section, trying to find a way through, but Sabine pointed out, “We don’t even know which direction the rest of the tunnel is going! It could be the opposite way.”

 

They still had plenty to study in the accessible sections, but Caleb had really hoped to reach the deepest caves to find some trace of the Guardians. Dume, inside his soul, seemed content to sleep. He probably was.

 

They made a habit of returning to the Capital every Benduday to visit Ezra’s family and enjoy the sea.

 

Having Hera, his friends, and part of his family around helped keep Caleb from getting too frustrated. They were treating this as a sort of vacation, and he managed to do the same to some extent. He just tried not to think about the report he’d have to write at the end of the season.

 

—-------

 

She was awakened in the middle of the night by Ezra banging on her cabin door, urgently calling for Caleb.

 

"Something’s wrong! The Loth-wolves are around the Ghost and they want us to follow them!"

 

Caleb was already throwing on his clothes, shouting for Ezra to calm down. At this point, it didn’t matter if they were quiet, everyone was definitely awake.

 

"How did he hear them?" she asked Caleb, still half-asleep as she climbed down from her bunk, searching for her clothes scattered around the room.

 

"It’s his gift. He’s really good at connecting with other living things."

 

Right, he was always hanging out with that white loth-cat back home.

 

Caleb slipped out of the cabin as soon as she was dressed, and she could hear his and Ezra's voices in the hallway. By the time she was ready to join them, everyone else was already there, ranging from barely awake to fully dressed.

 

"What’s going on?" she asked Ezra, raising an eyebrow.

 

"There’s a pack of Loth-wolves around the ship. From what I can tell, they want us to follow them. I’m getting a sense of urgency and fear."

 

Stance sighed, "Combat mode, I guess. Without caf." Sabine just nodded and headed back to her cabin to put on her Mandalorian armor.

 

"Are we really going to follow them?" Hera asked, incredulous.

 

"Not all of us," Caleb clarified. "You, Chop, and my siblings will wait here."

 

"There’s no way in the galaxy I’m letting you go without me, Caleb Dume!"

 

"Hera—"

 

"No way!"

 

"Don’t argue with her, Caleb. She’ll scare the Loth-wolves," Ezra chimed in.

 

"Mom will kill me if I lose you," Fariba added.

 

"I’m coming too!" Arslan jumped in.

 

"Arslan, you’re 13 years old!"

 

"You were younger when they sent you to fight the war."

 

WHOOOP!

 

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" Caleb threw his hands up in exasperation.

 

In less than 10 minutes, everyone was dressed and armed, and Chopper lowered the ramp.

 

Caleb and Ezra were the first to step out, ready to connect with the pack. A deep, unnatural voice rumbled, "Dume," and then, "Come."

 

Hera followed them down the ramp, with the others right behind her, not sure what to expect.

 

Caleb and Ezra stood in front of a white loth-wolf, the one that had spoken, apparently. The beast lowered itself to allow Caleb to climb onto its back. The rest of the pack did the same for the others.

 

They already knew we’d all be coming.

 

Hera climbed onto a warm red one, positioned to Caleb’s left. Ezra mounted a gray one, just slightly smaller than the white one, on Caleb’s right. Soon, everyone was on the back of a Loth-wolf, and the pack started racing towards the temple.

 

They moved fast, with no intention of changing direction. They were sprinting across the rocky terrain at an insane speed. Hera clung to the soft fur of her loth-wolf’s neck, almost certain they were going to crash, when suddenly, the white and blue stripes of hyperspace surrounded them.

 

This was crazy! They were running in hyperspace!

 

Notes:

We are finally at the Lothal's temple!!!
The fun is about to begin :3

Chapter 6

Summary:

So that’s how they used to do it!
That was the first thought that hit him when the Loth-wolves took them through a hyperspace path.

It made sense now how the Loth-wolves, thought to be extinct, could just appear out of nowhere, and how the ancient people of Dume reached those deep underground caves. It explained how they got to places the Jedi never found.

Notes:

Sorry, I totally didn't realized today is Saturday, since I was working on a new commission and my only concern was to make the client happy 😅
I finished to write volume 5, so, technically, this story is finished.
Now I have just to read again the last 10 chapters and see if everything make sense.
then Opalknight will edit the second part of the volume and I, months from now, will find still something to fix, reading the chapter before publishing it.

But working in comics teached me one thing. No matter how many time you and the team have proofreading something. There will be something some mistake you'll notice just wen the book is on the shell (or online, in this case 😅)

So that’s how they used to do it!

That was the first thought that hit him when the Loth-wolves took them through a hyperspace path.

 

It made sense now how the Loth-wolves, thought to be extinct, could just appear out of nowhere, and how the ancient people of Dume reached those deep underground caves. It explained how they got to places the Jedi never found.

 

It was wild to be in hyperspace without a ship and still able to breathe. The white Loth-wolf felt familiar, like an old friend, yet still strange.

 

They ran in a line. Ezra was just behind him, then Hera, his siblings, with Sabine and Stance bringing up the rear. The white Loth-wolf wasn’t much for explanations, communication was limited. He could sense what she felt, but not as deeply as Ezra could.

 

There was a threat waiting at the end of this path, and they needed help.

 

But what kind of threat was too much for a pack of Loth-wolves? And why did they think a couple of Jedi, a pilot, a Clone, and a handful of others could help? He could feel the wolves’ anxiety in a connection he’d never experienced before. They had been close to him before, but maybe it was him who was more open now, after seeing Ezra’s agitation.

 

When they exited hyperspace and the Loth-wolves slowed down, Caleb immediately knew where they were. The smell, the silhouette of the old city, and the distant sound of the river, it all clicked.

 

The Guardian had sunk the ship. We all drowned.

 

Yeah, he knew exactly where they were.

 

The elaborate gates of the gardens were open. He had made it this far a couple of times before in his dreams but he had never reached the temple deep within the garden.

 

WHOP WHOOOP!

 

Chopper was hanging from the mouth of the red wolf carrying Hera, who gently set the droid down.

 

WHOOOP WHOP WHOOOP!

 

Chopper had picked up the signal from a nearby ship. One he recognized.

 

“Can you get our coordinates, Chop?”

 

WHOP!

 

“Hera, you and Chop need to go back and jump here with the Ghost.”

 

“We don’t even know where we are!” she replied, shocked.

 

“We’re near one of the temples I’ve seen in my dreams. Maul is here.”

 

Even in the dim light, he could sense her concern. Her posture was stiff, he could tell that much.

 

“I’ll never make it back in time!” she said, desperation creeping into her voice.

 

“You’ll make it, love, trust me. You’ll be on a trek.”

 

“Caleb, it’s impossible!” She sounded really desperate now.

 

“The Loth-wolf will lead you back, I promise,” Caleb insisted firmly.

 

He was more certain than ever before. The other part of him, the one deep within his soul, was stretching, testing its limits. This was it. They would cross the garden, reach the temple, and stop Maul.

 

“Go, love. We’ll be fine until you return.”

 

There was a change in his voice that Hera must have noticed because she nodded, and the red Loth-wolf grabbed Chopper again before sprinting back in a flash of blue and white lights.

 

Ezra moved up alongside him on his gray Loth-wolf.

 

“Is Dume here?” he asked.

 

“Yes, he’s awake.”

 

“Is everything okay, Caleb?” Ezra’s concern was clear.

 

“It is. We are one.”

 

The others began gathering around them.

 

“So, you know what’s going on?” Stance asked.

 

“At the end of this path, deep in the garden, there is one of the temples I’ve dreamed about. Darth Maul is here. We have to stop him from getting inside. The Loth-wolves will help us but he might have company.”

 

“Why didn’t you send your siblings back with Hera?” Stance asked puzzled.

 

“They’re Dume’s children. The Loth-wolves will protect them. They can cover our backs.”

 

“Arslan is 13,” Stance hissed, almost in his face.

 

“Try telling him that!”

 

“We can hear you, and we know how to use a blaster just fine. You taught us,” Fariba said.

 

Sabine pulled her blaster from its holster to make her point.

 

“Alright, let’s go. I know the way.”

 

 

 

—--------

 

Hera was furious. And scared. But she was also kind of amazed.

 

The red Loth-wolf got them back to the Ghost in record time, then casually walked up the ramp like it was a house pet. It even turned around, giving Hera a look with those golden eyes, as if to ask why she was still standing in the cold grass.

 

Chopper, figuring that riding through hyperspace in the mouth of a big carnivore was weirder, went up the ramp to secure the ship and prepare it for take off.

 

Hera hesitated for a few more seconds, then followed. The Loth-wolf nudged her with its big nose and made a comforting sound.

 

“You really can get us back with the ship, can’t you?” Hera asked.

 

The wolf gently pushed her shoulder and made the sound again.

 

“Okay,” Hera sighed, climbing up to the cockpit.

 

With a sound of sliding claws, the Loth-wolf squeezed its way up to the ladder, then calmly sat down between the crew seats, lifting a big paw to tap her thigh. Hera took it as a sign to go.

 

“Chop?”

 

WHOOOP!

 

“Alright, let’s do this.”

 

The Ghost lifted off and gained speed quickly. Hyperspace opened just a few meters above the ground, which should’ve been impossible since the engine wasn’t even active! Hera glanced back at the Loth-wolf, who sat calmly behind her, its eyes glowing blue like the stripes of hyperspace.

 

“Will we get back in time?” Hera asked again, still worried sick about the man she loved and their friends.

 

The red Loth-wolf nodded and gave her thigh another reassuring tap.

 

It’s all good, it seemed to say.

 

Chopper was freaking out, his circuits struggling to process everything. They were in something like hyperspace but not quite, and he couldn’t calculate their position.

 

The Loth-wolf opened its mouth in what looked like a satisfied grin, tongue hanging out and tail thumping.

 

Everything’s just fine, I told you.

 

It was hard to resist the positive energy of the red quadruped, so Hera had to let go. A Loth-wolf was, in some way, piloting the Ghost, and things seemed to be under control.

 

The journey didn’t last long, and they exited that sort of hyperspace right above Maul’s ship.

 

The Loth-wolf grinned.

 

SHOOT!

 

Hera figured she wasn’t in a position to argue with a creature like this, and the idea was perfect anyway.

 

“Gladly!”

 

Moments later, the black and red Kom'rk-class fighter was a ball of fire.

 

 

Notes:

Thanks to all the people who are still here reading!
Thanks for the kudos I still receiving even on the first volume, and for all the comments, even those in language I don't speak. (Luckily today's translators works better than Babelfish!)
Your support means the world for me.
I really love you all ❤️❤️❤️

Chapter 7

Summary:

The garden was exactly like the one in his dreams, lush, alive, and vibrant. Large, shiny leaves lined the path, and massive trees with roots hanging down from their branches blocked out the stars. Under the thick canopy, bioluminescent bugs floated around, completely unfazed by the group’s hurried pace.

Notes:

Some force didn't wanted for me to post this chapter.
It's half an hour that I try 😅

The garden was exactly like the one in his dreams, lush, alive, and vibrant. Large, shiny leaves lined the path, and massive trees with roots hanging down from their branches blocked out the stars. Under the thick canopy, bioluminescent bugs floated around, completely unfazed by the group’s hurried pace.

 

They were running close together, but Caleb could tell that Maul was on his own this time. His awareness stretched across the garden, into the old city, and the bustling high city night. But something was missing. Someone. The Guardian wasn’t there to protect the sanctuary. It wasn’t lurking in the big river, ready to challenge anyone who dared sail it. It wasn’t asleep like Bendu. Instead, there was just a void where it should’ve been.

 

“Fewer than before,” Bendu had said. “One less now.”

 

What Caleb could sense clearly was Maul, the Sith’s frustration and anger practically radiated from him as he searched for something in the temple, just out of reach. He was so focused that he didn’t even notice them until the pack attacked.

 

Caleb’s Loth-wolf charged, sending Maul flying into the air and crashing against the intricate sculptures on the temple’s outer walls. Caleb and Ezra leaped off their mounts, igniting their blue lightsabers mid-air.

 

Maul struggled to his feet, using the wall’s sculptures for support.

 

“Ah, Consular Dume. I see your eyes healed nicely. Can barely see the scar. Where are your more capable friends tonight?” Maul taunted him.

 

“My Padawan and I are more than enough for you, Sith.”

 

“Sith?” Maul stepped forward, his red lightsaber igniting, casting an eerie glow. “No, not a Sith. Something more. Something better. And who are these others? Not Force-sensitive, I see. Wait! Is that a Clone? And a Mandalorian! What interesting friends you have, Dume.”

 

“They’re just here to make sure you don’t run away again,” Caleb replied, assuming a Form VII stance, beginning to circle Maul. Ezra mirrored him on the other side.

 

“You know,” Maul said, his gaze shifting to Ezra, “I’ve always wanted an apprentice.”

 

“This one is already taken, old man,” Ezra shot back, staying in a defensive stance. Smart.

 

“Such a pity,” Maul murmured, then suddenly lunged at Ezra. He was fast, unbelievably so for his age, but Caleb was ready.

 

He moved even faster, drawing on the Force to shield his Padawan, effortlessly pushing Maul’s lightsaber aside. A low growl rumbled in his throat.

 

“You’ve trained, Scholar,” Maul said, almost impressed. “But no, this isn’t something you can achieve through training.” The old Zabrak reignited his lightsaber, both blades blazing now, turning his weapon into a weightless, elegant dance of light.

 

He was good, no doubt, his body conditioned for swift, fluid movements. It wasn’t hard to believe he once killed a Jedi. But he had lost that fight too.

 

Caleb decided to go on the offensive, using the fast movements and unpredictable tactics his Grandmaster had perfected. It felt almost too easy this time, like he could see Maul’s moves before they happened. Not only did he block every attack, but he also forced Maul into a defensive position.

 

Caleb aimed to end it with a kick to Maul’s legs, but he’d forgotten about the cybernetic prosthetics.

 

“How disappointing. Did you forget Kenobi’s gift?” Maul snarled, his voice dripping with rage and hate, his eyes wild with madness.

 

Caleb growled back, using the Force to shove Maul several meters into a large tree, hard enough to crack it.

 

“As much as I’ve enjoyed our little game of hide and seek over the years, I’m afraid it ends tonight,” Caleb said, walking toward where Maul lay, possibly with some broken bones. He lifted his lightsaber to deliver the final blow but hesitated.

 

“Did you kill it?” he asked.

 

“The Guardian of the temple, the big Snake in the river? It was old and tired. It wasn’t hard.”

 

“The people here might see you as a hero. It wasn’t exactly a benevolent entity,” Caleb commented.

 

“How do you—oh, wait! It’s not you who’s stronger. You have some kind of link with one of them! You must have all the answers now!”

 

“They’re not for you. This ends here,” Caleb replied in a harsh voice.

 

“Are you going to execute an unarmed man? That’s not the Jedi way!”

 

Caleb grinned, raising his blue saber. “I’M DUME,” boomed the voice of the god.

 

Just then, a powerful explosion lit up the sky over the garden wall. Caleb snapped back to reality in an instant.

 

But Maul was gone.

 

—-------

 

Hera landed the Ghost in a square near the garden, and the Loth-wolf led her and Chopper to the temple where the others were waiting.

 

Maul was nowhere to be seen, but without his ship, he couldn’t have gotten far.

 

“Hera,” Caleb called out, his voice weary.

 

Caleb looked exhausted, sitting on a rock bench near the impressive temple.

 

“What happened, love? Where is he?” Hera asked, her concern clear as she approached him.

 

“Gone, into the trees. Sabine, Ezra, and Stance are searching for him, but I can’t sense him,” Caleb replied, his frustration evident.

 

“I blasted his ship,” Hera said with a hint of grim satisfaction.

 

Caleb chuckled. “I heard that! Send our coordinates to the temple, we need a squad here to search for him. We need Kenobi and Skywalker,” he said, regaining some of his focus.

 

“They could take weeks to get here. We don’t even know how far we are.”

 

“You’ll be holding a blockade in orbit in case he finds a ship. Just identify the Hyperlane entrance to our galaxy,” Caleb instructed.

 

“Chop can handle that. And what about you?” she asked, concerned.

 

“My team and I suddenly have a lot of work to do. I’ve been wanting to get into this temple for years,” Caleb said, a spark of excitement breaking through his fatigue.

 

Hera looked up at the massive pyramid, its facade carved from a dark, reflective stone that shimmered under the light of two moons. She then glanced at the sky, where a nebula filled the space, muted by the moonlight.

 

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered in quiet awe.

 

The Loth-wolves were mostly sleeping near the large trees, with Arslan and Fariba nestled between them.

 

“Why did you bring them here? It could be dangerous,” Hera asked.

 

“The Loth-wolves were protecting them, and they needed to see this too. They’re part of the team, and their presence will be crucial for studying this temple.”

 

“Did Maul get inside?”

 

Caleb shook his head. “He didn’t know how.”

 

“Do you, love?” Hera asked softly, her eyes searching his.

 

“Dume knows,” Caleb said, his voice lowering with a hint of something darker.

 

A chill ran through Hera as fear crept in. “Is he here?”

 

“He’s resting now, but he helped us against Maul,” Caleb reassured her.

 

She grabbed his shoulder, panic just beneath the surface. “Are you okay?”

 

“I’m fine, Hera, I promise,” he said, gently brushing her cheek. “He doesn’t want to take my place.”

 

Hera took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

 

“Do you know this planet?”

 

He nodded. “I’ve dreamed of it thousands of times.”

 

“Are we in another galaxy?” Hera questioned, curious.

 

“We’re on the outer rim, but yes.”

 

“Are the locals hostile?” Hera asked, clearly concerned.

 

“They’re not, but the Loth-wolves will stay with us, just in case,” he reassured her.

 

“Alright,” she hesitated, and he took one of her hands, still gripping his shoulder, and kissed her knuckles softly.

 

“I guess Chop and I should head to orbit and send that message to Coruscant. You could all come too, sleep on board…”

 

He shook his head. “He might come back and try again. I have to guard the temple now that its guardian is gone. Just leave the Phantom so we can reach you if he tries to escape.”

 

She sighed, “Alright, love. Just promise me you’ll all stay safe.”

 

Caleb leaned in for a soft kiss. “I’ll keep my comm on. Call me if you need anything.”

 

Hera wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him with a touch of desperation. “If things go wrong, we’ll be here to pick you up in seconds.”

 

“I know, my sweetest love. We have the Phantom, and we’ll be safe, but it’s comforting to know you’re watching over us.”

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

Summary:

The kids and Stance came back a couple of hours later without Maul. Without Dume’s help, Caleb couldn’t sense Maul like before, the “god” seemed to be in a deep slumber, drained from intervening.

Notes:

I'm late, again.
My doctor changed my therapy last week, and I'm still adjusting, mostly with colossal naps.

Volume 5 is finished and just needs editing.

 

The kids and Stance came back a couple of hours later without Maul. Without Dume’s help, Caleb couldn’t sense Maul like before, the “god” seemed to be in a deep slumber, drained from intervening.

 

Maybe I'm resisting too much. I still don’t know how this should work.

Caleb was exhausted too. He had mustered just enough energy to escort Hera and Chopper back to the Ghost and watch them leave. Maul’s ship wreckage was still burning slowly, and he couldn’t help but think about all the antiques burning with it. He’d never mention that to Hera, she did the right thing by destroying it.

 

Maybe with some rest, Caleb could wake Dume again and use his enhanced Force perception to locate the Sith. He had thought about sending the Loth-wolves to hunt Maul, but he wasn’t sure how cooperative they would be. Plus, the idea of the pack hunting down an old man in the night seemed a bit grim, even if Maul deserved it. But Caleb was in control now, and he was still a Jedi.

 

Ezra had parked the Phantom close to the temple to use as a place to sleep and set up camp the next day. All their gear was back on Lothal. Would the Loth-wolves agree to take them back to Lothal and then return to this planet, whatever it was called?

 

Would they be able to communicate with the locals? Maybe a protocol droid could help, but Caleb doubted it. They were probably way outside the galaxy, so the language might not even be in a droid’s database.

 

More problems, and then even more problems.

 

“You pulled off some great moves earlier, but now you look like hell,” Stance said.

 

“I can always count on you to lift my spirits,” Caleb replied, reaching for the flask Stance handed him.

 

“The kids are all safe and sound, sleeping in the Phantom. I doubt anything bigger than a mosquito could get past the pack.”

 

“Maul killed the local Guardian.”

 

“Well, from what you’ve told me, the Guardian wasn’t exactly a nice guy,” Stance shrugged.

 

“He was protecting the planet and this temple,” Caleb shot back.

 

“Still, you had to be called here. Maybe he should’ve taken a page from Dume’s book and joined with a vessel. His arrogance got the better of him,” Stance replied calmly.

 

“He wasn’t very reasonable and definitely hostile, but now this planet has no Guardian. Who knows what kind of balance is disrupted now?” Caleb sighed.

 

“Why don’t you stop worrying about philosophy and at least take a nap? We need you functioning tomorrow.”

 

“You’re right, but I’m scared he might come back.”

 

“The Loth-wolves will wake us up in an instant.”

 

“How can you be so sure?” Caleb asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

“They’re canines, they bark if a branch so much as moves in the wind,” Stance chuckled.

 

---

 

The next morning, Caleb sensed Dume was awake again. It wasn’t as intense as during the duel with Maul, but it seemed like the entity was also keen on tracking down the Sith who had killed one of his own.

 

“Fariba, you and Arslan will go with the Loth-wolves back to our camp on Lothal and bring our equipment here. We’ll go after Maul before he hurts any of the locals,” Caleb said with a sense of urgency.

 

“Let’s hope he hasn’t already,” Sabine muttered, checking her blasters.

 

“What about the locals?” Ezra asked.

 

“We’ll try to avoid contact. They’re not hostile, but we can’t communicate with them,” Caleb replied.

 

“Where do we start?” Stance asked, fully in battle mode.

 i think I can track him now that I’m rested.”

 

“Then lead the way,” Stance said, putting on his helmet as Sabine did the same.

 

Two Jedi, a Mandalorian, and a Clone made for an impressive hunting team. Caleb found Maul’s trail easily enough, but the Sith was already far ahead, his cybernetics giving him an edge. The group had to take four Loth-wolves to close the gap. The other three wolves were probably more than enough to protect his siblings, and Caleb trusted them to get Fariba and Arslan back to Lothal if needed.

 

Maul was still moving quickly, avoiding the city and its spaceport, likely guessing they’d come after him. He probably hoped they’d leave soon, giving him another chance at the temple. That might’ve been true in the past, but now Caleb had Dume’s help. The question wasn’t if he could beat Maul, but if he could control himself enough not to kill him. Caleb didn’t want to lose himself to Dume’s rage.

 

This hunt was a good test of his connection with Dume. Caleb needed to get used to it to maintain control in the future. Dume, excited for the hunt, wasn’t trying to take over, and everything felt surprisingly natural. If Caleb stopped to think about it, he would realize how monumental the situation was.

 

The landscape changed as they reached low hills descending toward a wide river, covered in tall red grass and dotted with round boulders.

 

“I think he spotted us. He’s heading east, hiding behind the hill,” Caleb said, pointing in the direction he sensed Maul.

 

“I guess the Loth-wolves aren’t exactly stealthy,” Ezra remarked.

 

“They’re like beacons in the Force,” Caleb agreed.

 

“Do you think he’s trying to circle back?” Ezra asked.

 

“No, not yet. He’s smart, he knows there must be other cities near a river this big.”

 

“So what now?” Sabine asked, sounding a bit frustrated with her mount.

 

Caleb pulled out his comlink. “Hera? Can you send us the surface scans of the planet? I’m sure Chop already took them.”

 

After a moment of static, Hera’s voice came through. “He said ‘of course’ and ‘I’ve also analyzed them and added notes.’ He’s already sending them over, love.”

 

“Tell him he’s my favorite droid.”

 

“Not very nice to your assistants.”

 

“They know I appreciate them. Did you find the Hyperlane?”

 

“Yes, and Chop is offended you doubted it. The entrance is far from the main route off the planet. Most of the traffic comes from the opposite hemisphere. There are other cities along the river, and the one you’re at isn’t even the biggest.”

 

“Probably an ancient religious site, then,” Caleb remarked.

 

“Should I expect visitors, love?” Hera asked, concerned.

 

“No, Maul’s far from any spaceport right now. We’re not enough to surround him, but we can keep him occupied. What about Kenobi and Skywalker?”

 

“The transmission was spotty, but Master Kenobi was impressed. They want you to guide them through the Loth-wolves’ hyperspace lane in six days.”

 

“Fariba and Arslan will handle it. We’ll keep Maul busy until then.”

 

“Understood.” There was a pause before she gently asked, “Caleb, are you okay, love?”

 

He smiled. “I’m fine, he’s behaving. Don’t worry about me, my light.”

 

Another pause, then, “Call me later?”

 

“Yes, I’ll talk to you tonight.”

 

“I love you.”

 

“Not as much as I love you.”

 

Chopper’s usual grumbling could be heard in the background.

 

After ending the call, Caleb pulled out his datapad and checked the scans Chop had sent. They were thorough, detailed, and packed with notes. The droid had analyzed the terrain, all the settlements, and even included a weather forecast with river flow predictions.

 

“Chop says it’ll rain in a few hours. Maul will either need to find shelter or leave the gorge between the hills, because it’ll likely flood.”

 

“Well, we’re pros at missions in the rain, aren’t we?” Stance said with a grim smile.

 

“We are,” Caleb replied, a flash of distant memories crossing his mind.

 

—------

 

Hera didn't have much to do except map the new part of space the Ghost was floating in. She and Chopper threw themselves into the task, fully aware of how significant it was to create new maps in a space region everyone thought was already well-known.

 

As they studied the distant stars beyond the Hyperlane, they even began calculating the positions of different systems. Chopper kept joking that they deserved medals and promotions when they got back, and maybe even a few stars named after them.

 

Hera wouldn’t mind a promotion, but she was more excited about the protocol droid Kenobi and Skywalker were bringing. She hoped it could help them establish contact with the locals and learn the actual names of the planets, moons, and stars.

 

Caleb called her at least once a day, genuinely interested in how her day was going. He always reassured her that he was fine, that Dume was behaving, and that they were successfully keeping Maul away from any ships. They planned to avoid a confrontation until Kenobi and Skywalker arrived, timing their arrival with the alignment of the Lothal temple.

 

Fariba got the message, and she and her brother led the Loth-wolves to bring the two Jedi and their ship to the unnamed planet.

 

Notes:

I hope this part is not too slow. I didn't wanted to rush this confrontation and there was a bit yo say about the planet.

Thanks to everyone is still here reading, leaving kudos and commenting.
I love you all.
I just can't believe I wrote this story and someone I reading it!

Chapter 9

Summary:

During the days spent hunting Maul, or more accurately, keeping him from finding a way to escape, they nearly clashed a couple of times. But surprisingly, the Sith seemed reluctant to face the Loth-wolves. It was hard to reconcile this with the fact that, just over a week ago, he had taken down the feared Guardian of the big river.

During the days spent hunting Maul, or more accurately, keeping him from finding a way to escape, they nearly clashed a couple of times. But surprisingly, the Sith seemed reluctant to face the Loth-wolves. It was hard to reconcile this with the fact that, just over a week ago, he had taken down the feared Guardian of the big river.

 

WEAK

This was the only word his Loth-wolf offered. Caleb wasn’t sure if she was talking about Maul or the fallen Guardian.

 

It was a relief when Hera finally announced that Kenobi and Skywalker were on their way. Caleb had no doubt the two Jedi Masters would be more than capable of capturing Maul and turning him into a “not-our-problem-anymore” situation.

 

Skywalker’s ship looked like it had seen better days, a stark contrast to the shiny new ships typically gifted to newly knighted Jedi or used at the Temple. It was a workhorse, nothing fancy, but designed to capture ships that were theoretically faster and more powerful. Hera would probably want a tour.

 

They landed on a hill at a safe distance from the Loth-wolves, then approached on speeder bikes.

 

“What in the galaxy was THAT?” was Kenobi's greeting to him, somewhat shaken.

 

“We’re not entirely sure yet. Our main goal was to keep Maul in sight,” Caleb replied.

 

“Wait, are you controlling them?” Kenobi asked, pointing at the Loth-wolves, with a mix of disbelief and curiosity in his voice.

 

“Not exactly,” Caleb explained, “We’re communicating in a way, there’s a connection through the whole Guardian God thing. They’re helping us so we can help them with their problem.”

 

“Maul,” Kenobi said flatly.

 

“Exactly.”

 

“Where is he now?”

 

Caleb double-checked, just to be sure. “He’s on that hill with the boulders on top, watching us. Probably trying to figure out if he can steal your ship.”

 

“He can try,” came a familiar feminine voice. Ahsoka had joined them on another speeder bike, closing the distance quickly.

 

“Did you face him?” she asked, looking him over.

 

“I had to. He attacked Ezra,” Caleb replied in a resigned but firm tone.

 

She gently held his face, checking for any new scars. “How are you?”

 

“I’m fine, Soka,” Caleb reassured her, “Let’s just catch that damn cockroach. I’m so over him.”

 

“Well, then. Does he have any way to escape?” Kenobi asked, his posture all business now.

 

“No, Master Kenobi, but he’s got those cybernetic legs.”

 

“I see. Palpatine must’ve helped him out back then. He was still the Naboo senator and could move freely,” Kenobi mused.

 

“So, we hit him from all sides? How fast are these wolves?” Skywalker asked.

 

“Faster than you’d think, as you’ve experienced yourself, Master Skywalker,” Caleb replied with a slight grin.

 

“It was weird, but definitely cool,” Skywalker admitted.

 

“We can encircle him with the Loth-wolves and push him toward you,” Caleb suggested.

 

“He might fight back if cornered,” Kenobi warned.

 

“We can handle him until you arrive,” Caleb said confidently.

 

“Alright, Caleb. Let’s get started,” Kenobi agreed ready for action.

 

The Loth-wolves spread out across the hill in a fan formation, aiming to encircle Maul. Realizing their plan, Maul began to move, heading south, hoping Ezra and Caleb wouldn’t reach him in time. Unfortunately for him, the wolves were faster than he anticipated.

 

Suddenly, Maul stopped, looked up at the sky, and then abruptly changed direction, heading for the low mountains running parallel to the river. Was he hoping to find a hiding spot? And why did he look at the sky before changing course?

 

Caleb grabbed his comlink and broadcasted to everyone, “He’s definitely up to something.”

 

Just then, a transmission came through, directed at him. It was Hera.

 

“Love, something big just exited hyperspace from our galaxy. What should I do?”

 

—------

 

 

 

 

The ship that dropped out of hyperspace was at least four times the size of the Ghost. It had a sleek, vertical design, elegant but clearly built for combat, with turrets equipped with quad laser cannons at both ends. If they decided you were a problem, they had plenty of firepower to back it up.

 

Hera could man the nose guns, but with the Phantom grounded, Chopper couldn’t operate the turret gun.

Just great.

 

“Love, something big just came out of hyperspace from our galaxy. What should I do?” she asked, trying to keep calm.

 

There was a brief pause filled with static. “What? What is it?” Caleb's voice was laced with concern.

 

Chopper was already scanning. “It’s a modified Nauur-class yacht. It’s got two turrets with quad laser cannons.”

 

“It must be what Maul was waiting for,” Caleb replied.

 

“Chop says it’s Dryden Vos’s ship. The leader of the Crimson Dawn?”

 

Chopper confirmed, and Caleb let out a curse that wasn’t exactly Jedi-like.

 

“Okay, love, don’t engage. Stay away from them. You can’t fight and fly alone in the Ghost,” Caleb said, knowing the harsh truth. The Ghost needed at least two people to run it effectively.

 

“I don’t think they’ve spotted me yet. I was expecting to intercept something from the atmosphere, not from hyperspace, so I’m closer to the planet than to them.”

 

“I see some high-altitude clouds. Can you hide in those?” Caleb suggested.

 

“Yes, I think so, but I’m worried that any movement might give away my position,” Hera replied as Chopper chimed in.

 

“Great. Chop thinks that if they’re Maul’s allies, they probably know the Ghost’s specs,” she added.

 

“Hera, take cover. Lose them in those clouds!” Caleb urged.

 

“Alright, I’ll try to stay out of sight,” Hera agreed, though she knew it wouldn’t be easy.

 

The Ghost was hovering over hills covered in dry grass, with the sun casting a clear silhouette. If anyone bothered to look, they’d see it for sure.

 

First things first: reduce the profile. Hera smoothly rotated the Ghost 90 degrees to present a narrower target to any overly eager gunners.

 

The yacht began descending, heading straight for the hills below.

 

“Caleb, they’re heading to your location,” Hera warned.

 

“Skywalker considers himself the best pilot in the galaxy,” Caleb replied.

 

“Then I’ll leave it to him. But those days are long gone,” Hera muttered with a grin, trying to keep her focus.

 

The clouds were farther than they looked, and the strong winds were pushing them away.

 

They’re getting too close. There’s no way their sensors haven’t picked us up, she thought.

 

Unfortunately, she was right. The yacht’s bottom lasers fired, missing the Ghost’s hull by mere centimeters. Hera had to drop altitude quickly, forcing the gunner to adjust for another shot.

 

Entering the turbulence at a 90-degree angle meant catching the wind like a sail. Everything on board began to rattle as the wind tried to twist the Ghost. Hera gritted her teeth, using all her strength to stabilize the ship.

 

The good news? The Ghost was now like a leaf in a raging river, nearly impossible to hit and moving away fast. Hopefully, the gunner would think she’d lost control and assume the ship was done for.

 

Not yet. Hera was doing her best to regain control and angle the ship to minimize drag.

 

“Chop, I need you at the stabilizers!” she called out.

 

For all his attitude, Chopper never hesitated in a crisis. He had already survived one crash and lost his pilot before Hera found him and gave him a new purpose. He wasn’t about to let that happen again.

 

It took some effort, but together they managed to ride the wind and dive into the cover of the fluffy clouds over the hills.

 

“We found cover!” Hera reported to Caleb.

 “Good! Leave those scum to us,” Caleb replied.

 

Notes:

To all who are still reading, thank you!

Chapter 10

Summary:

The massive yacht descended gracefully toward the ground, heading straight for Maul’s location. But Skywalker had faced far worse than a fancy pleasure ship. Sure, it had cannons, but he’d walked unarmed into entire legions of droids before. Ahsoka swore it was true, though it didn’t exactly reflect well on the judgment of the Jedi Master. At least Kenobi was there to be the voice of reason. Hopefully.

Notes:

In Italy, traditionally, Christmas decorations have to be put on nit first of the 8th of December, the day of the Immaculate.
But in the streets nearby, the war of Christmas is already started between the elders of the town.
They should follow the rules, as devoted catholics, instead they have their houses covered in lights already!

So today I started too, arranging the lights on the terraces.
Tomorrow I'll make the three!
My neighbour have already settled the lights too!

The massive yacht descended gracefully toward the ground, heading straight for Maul’s location. But Skywalker had faced far worse than a fancy pleasure ship. Sure, it had cannons, but he’d walked unarmed into entire legions of droids before. Ahsoka swore it was true, though it didn’t exactly reflect well on the judgment of the Jedi Master. At least Kenobi was there to be the voice of reason. Hopefully.

 

Skywalker’s ship charged directly at the Crimson Dawn boss like an irritated bantha. Caleb had hoped naively that there was a plan.

 

“Let’s catch that damn relic! We can’t let him escape!” Caleb yelled to his companions as he led the charge, with Dume urging him to focus. Maul had stopped running, confident his ally would handle the situation. He was far too calm, which meant he hadn’t sensed Obi-Wan’s presence.

 

The Nauur-class yacht started firing from the lower turret at the Loth-wolves, while the upper turret targeted Skywalker’s ship. The Loth-wolves dodged effortlessly, as if they knew exactly where each laser would strike. Meanwhile, Skywalker’s ship pulled off an impressive ascending spiral maneuver, dodging the lasers with a bit of flair. As it dropped in a sharp arc, the pilot managed to destroy the upper turret before circling the larger ship.

 

Despite the size difference, the yacht’s pilot knew that a collision would seriously compromise the ship’s ability to leave the atmosphere, at best.

 

On the ground, the Loth-wolves continued to evade the lower turret’s fire until Skywalker finally hit it. It crashed several meters away, rolling downhill and setting the dry grass ablaze.

 

Caleb glanced at the approaching ship. Its ability to land was compromised by the last strike, but a ship that big could easily carry a shuttle or two. He just hoped they hadn’t brought any fighter jets.

 

Skywalker’s ship was now pulling away to gain enough distance to target the engines. Caleb hoped he was considering the ship’s potential crash trajectory, so they wouldn’t end up directly in its path.

 

In the meantime, Caleb and his team reached the top of the highest hill where Maul waited for his extraction, surrounded by Loth-wolves. Sabine and Stance had their blasters aimed and ready, and the Loth-wolves growled menacingly, but Maul looked completely unfazed.

 

He was drawn from days of running, but not weakened. His cybernetics likely kept his internal organs functioning.

 

“You’re persistent, Scholar, but it’s too late,” Maul sneered.

 

“Your escape route is damaged and will soon be completely disabled. You should surrender peacefully. It’s over,” Caleb responded.

 

“Is that so?” Maul asked, eerily calm.

 

A ship fired.

 

Twice.

 

Skywalker’s ship spiraled down toward a hill to the west.

 

—------

 

A sleek shuttle, just as elegant as the yacht it came from, emerged from a hangar in the larger ship and headed straight for Maul’s location.

 

Stance jumped off his mount and took aim at the shuttle, his skills as sharp as you’d expect from a Clone Wars veteran. He waited for the shuttle to get close enough. Meanwhile, Sabine positioned herself to cover him, ready for any tricks the old Sith might try. Caleb and Ezra dismounted too, igniting their lightsabers to keep Maul from escaping. The four Loth-wolves surrounded him, growling threateningly.

 

“It’s over this time. Your allies won’t save you,” Caleb declared.

 

“So annoying. Do you really believe that?” Maul sneered, igniting both ends of his lightsaber and spinning it dramatically before settling into a stance.

 

Behind them, Stance fired off several shots.

 

“That damn jewelry box has quite some shields!” he shouted in frustration.

 

Sabine joined in, tossing a couple of grenades, judging by the explosions.

 

“Damn it! It’s still holding up!” she yelled.

 

Caleb assumed a Vaapad stance, feeling Dume’s power surge within him.

 

“Caleb?” Ezra’s voice sounded worried.

 

“What are you going to do, Scholar? Kill me? Maim me so I can’t escape? I can feel your rage,” Maul taunted.

 

“I’ll do what I have to,” Caleb replied.

 

“And then you’ll lie to the Council, claiming it was a fair fight.”

 

Gunfire rang out behind them again.

 

“Caleb!” Ezra jumped in, deflecting the shots aimed at them.

 

Stance and Sabine were giving it their all, but the shuttle pilot was no amateur. Caleb could sense their determination through Dume’s consciousness, he could feel the young Mandalorian, his best friend, and Hera, still hidden in the clouds.

 

He stopped thinking and let Dume take over. They moved with unnatural speed, aiming the blue blade at Maul’s head. Maul’s eyes flashed with surprise, but his experience and the dark side guided him. His crimson blade intercepted Caleb’s at the last moment. A scream of pain escaped Maul as the left side of his head burned, his ear singed and bloody.

 

He leaped back, using his prosthetics to create some distance, and took a defensive stance, gritting his teeth in pain and rage.

 

“I killed the snake, I can kill you too,” Maul spat.

 

“We’re not like them,” Dume growled through Caleb’s voice before launching another attack. A quick, inverted strike that Maul blocked easily, but Caleb then spun on his feet, pushing Maul’s saber aside and landing a punch on the burned side of his face. Blood and scorched skin stuck to Caleb’s knuckles as Maul stumbled back, screaming in pain.

 

Caleb followed up with a couple of vertical strikes, but Maul, driven by pain and fury, dodged them and countered with a spinning attack. Caleb parried it, using the contact point to land a high kick to Maul’s exposed back.

 

He was strong, fast, and full of energy. When more blaster fire targeted his back, he effortlessly created a barrier to block it.

 

Somewhere, his friends were shouting his name, trying to get his attention, but his focus was entirely on the fierce duel with the old Sith.

 

Maul was tiring, Caleb could tell. But the dark side kept pushing him to continue.

 

“Yes, you’ve gotten better, Scholar. But it won’t be enough,” Maul sneered.

 

Caleb ducked under Maul’s attack, aiming for his legs. The Sith lost his balance as one of his prosthetic legs was sliced off at the ankle.

 

Maul managed to stay upright, but his movements were now clumsy. Caleb blocked another strike, let his blade slide along Maul’s crimson saber, and hit Maul’s jaw with the hilt of his lightsaber. He stepped back to avoid a desperate slash from the injured Sith, preparing for the final strike. The killing blow.

 

And then, everything went black.

 

Chapter 11

Summary:

"Calm down, you were just stunned," said Master Kenobi, gently pushing him back onto the med bay bed.

"We saw the end of the duel. You're lucky that woman didn't kill you."

"Woman?"

Notes:

I have to say, it's strange to don't have to write new chapters before going to sleep.
I'm watching all the series and movie I missed in the last months, when the Consular was my priority in matter of hobbies.

I'm starting thinking about the story of Caleb finding Ezra, but I don't feel like starting writing yet.
You know, fall mood and the period of adjustment to some new medications that make me a lot sleepy.
It would be just some chapters, but feels strange to don't have Hera in it.

"Calm down, you were just stunned," said Master Kenobi, gently pushing him back onto the med bay bed.

 

"We saw the end of the duel. You're lucky that woman didn't kill you."

 

"Woman?"

 

"The one piloting the shuttle. She managed to land close enough, despite your companions' efforts, and positioned the fuselage between you and the others. Then she just walked right past your barrier and stunned you. I think Maul wanted to finish you off, but he was in no shape to do it. So, she took him aboard and flew back to the yacht. They all left the planet."

 

"Why didn't you do anything to stop them?"

 

"Unfortunately, the 'gracious lady' has excellent aim and knocked out our targeting system."

 

"I can fix it!" Skywalker's voice echoed from a corridor.

 

Caleb groaned, hitting his head against the pillow. "We were so close..."

 

"Seems like Dume isn't great at multitasking," Kenobi remarked.

 

"Yeah, I should've sensed her," Caleb said, covering his face with his hands.

 

"That's something you need to work on," Kenobi advised.

 

"We'll help you," Ahsoka said, entering the room with a steaming mug of caf, which she handed to him.

 

"Thanks. I’ll get back to it when I return to the temple after the excavation season."

 

"In the meantime," Skywalker said, wiping his hands with a rag as he entered the crowded room, "there aren’t many shipyards that can handle a repair job on a ship like that. They'll need to visit one of them."

 

"Yeah, that's something to go on," Kenobi replied.

 

"Maul won’t be on board by then," Caleb mumbled.

 

"And that's another good point," Kenobi sighed.

 

"Caleb, the Ghost just landed. We didn’t tell Hera what happened. She thinks you’re just giving a report, and the others don’t know either. It was pretty scary, so you should talk to Ezra. I’ll tell them you’ll be there in ten minutes, okay?"

 

Caleb sighed, "Thanks, Ahsoka."

 

"Anytime for the most terrifying Consular we have," she smirked before leaving the med bay.

 

Caleb turned to look at Kenobi, still by the bed, and Skywalker, leaning against the doorframe. Skywalker grinned, "I saw Mace duel Palpatine, and that was impressive. But you? Yeah, that was really terrifying."

 

—-------

 

The wolves were lounging in the shade of the Ghost like well-behaved dogs…huge, well-behaved dogs. Chop was waiting for him on the ramp, rolling back and forth, looking surprisingly worried. When he heard Caleb approaching, the droid rushed over, beeping furiously.

 

“Who told you?” Caleb asked surprised.

 

WHOP!

 

Ezra, figures. 

“Well, don’t tell her,” Caleb said firmly.

 

WHO WHOOOP WHOP!

 

“Yes, I know you won’t. Where are the others? Common room?” Caleb asked, as he started toward the ship.

 

As Caleb moved toward the ship, he noticed one of Chop’s “hands” had grabbed his. Surprised, he stopped and looked down at the droid.

 

WHOP

 

“Okay, let’s go meet them,” Caleb said gently, appreciating the concern.

 

Chop held onto his hand until they reached the ladder, waiting for him to safely climb up.

 

“Love!” Hera called out, practically leaping at him, her voice full of relief as she pulled him into a tight hug.

 

“They told me Maul escaped. I saw the ship jump into hyperspace on my monitors. Are you hurt?” she asked, checking him over for lightsaber wounds, but miraculously, he didn’t have a scratch.

 

“I’m fine, love, just a bruised ego,” Caleb reassured her.

 

She chuckled softly, her relief starting to show. “What about Kenobi’s and Skywalker’s egos?” she teased.

 

“Oh, you know, they’re already planning their next move to track down that yacht,” Caleb replied with a smirk.

 

Chopper stayed close to Caleb’s legs, which felt a bit awkward.

 

“I can see them doing that,” Hera said with a soft smile just for him.

 

“Now,” she added, “I was thinking of flying the Ghost straight to the temple. Fariba and Arslan are probably worried.”

 

“More ‘Riba than Arslan,” Caleb laughed.

 

“What about the Loth-wolves?” Hera asked.

 

He reached out with the Force. “They’ll be fine. They can just jump there,” Caleb said confidently.

 

“They can do that anywhere?” Hera asked, sounding impressed.

 

“Seems like they take their shortcuts with them,” Caleb commented, a little amused.

 

WHOPWHO WHOOOP!

 

“Yes, pick a good one! We need comfort food and a bad movie tonight,” Caleb said with a grin.

 

Finally satisfied, Chop rolled off to his recharge station, leaving them to head to the common room.

 

“Caleb!” Ezra jumped up, though he managed to hide his worry, mostly for Hera’s sake. Stance and Sabine were deep in conversation about weapon upgrades, just in case.

 

“Are Master Kenobi and the others leaving yet?” Ezra asked, trying to stay casual.

 

“Not yet. They want to see the temple and try to communicate with the locals, hoping their protocol droid can understand them,” Caleb explained.

 

“Oh, that makes sense,” Ezra said, nodding.

 

“Get some rest. Hera and I will fly us back,” Caleb advised.

 

“And the Loth-wolves?” Ezra wondered.

 

“They’ve got their own way,” Caleb replied with a slight smile.

 

“Okay. They’re pretty cool, aren’t they?” Ezra said, trying to hide his excitement.

 

“Do you have a favorite already?” Caleb teased.

 

“Caleb!” Ezra sounded scandalized, his voice rising with playful indignation. “You can’t have favorites! That’s not fair!”

 

“Get some rest,” Caleb said, chuckling, before following Hera to the cockpit.

 

As soon as the door closed behind them, Hera turned and closed the distance between them, grabbing his hair and pulling him into a desperate kiss. It was intense, stirring something deep inside him.

 

He pulled back, trying to lighten the mood. “Easy there, the kids are still awake,” Caleb said with a small, teasing smile.

 

“What happened?” she asked, in a serious tone and deep concern in her eyes.

 

“It’s just like they told you. Despite our efforts, Maul got away,” Caleb replied, maintaining a neutral tone.

 

“That’s not all, Caleb. I’m not stupid. Ezra looked pale, Stance was beside himself, and Sabine’s already designing new, more powerful weapons. Skywalker’s ship is damaged! What happened?” Hera pressed, her frustration clear.

 

Caleb sighed. “They sent a shuttle to rescue him, and I... unleashed Dume to try and stop it,” he admitted.

 

Hera’s expression hardened. “And it wasn’t enough,” she said flatly.

 

“No, the pilot of the shuttle caught me off guard and stunned me,” he said, frustration creeping in.

 

“You lost control of Dume.”

 

“Not exactly. It’s different when he’s awake. It’s not like he takes over, but I do feel different,” Caleb tried to explain.

 

“It’s not the same?” Hera asked, her concern deepening.

 

“Kenobi and the others promised to help me learn to control him,” Caleb tried to reassure her.

 

“What if it’s not possible?” Hera asked, unable to hide her worry for him.

 

“Love,” Caleb said, pulling her into a gentle embrace, “there’s always a way. The light side is stronger. I just need time to get used to him. He’s been dormant my whole life, and now he’s awake. I’ll get him under control,” he said with confidence.

 

Her eyes started to well with tears. “What if it changes you?” she whispered, her fear finally surfacing.

 

“No matter what happens, I’ll always be the one who loves you more than anything in the galaxy and beyond,” Caleb replied, his voice filled with love and determination.

 

Notes:

Thanks to all those who are still reading.
It really means a lot and I know I overcome your patience 😅

Chapter 12

Summary:

Ahsoka, Kenobi, and Skywalker stayed at the alien temple site for about a week. With the help of a rather quirky golden droid, they finally managed to establish communication with the locals. It turned out the locals were speaking a variation of an ancient language, which Caleb picked up pretty quickly. The tricky part was their musical accent, but by the end of the week, they were able to have basic conversations.

Notes:

For once I remembered to update before the hour to go to sleep.
It's not even noon here!

Ahsoka, Kenobi, and Skywalker stayed at the alien temple site for about a week. With the help of a rather quirky golden droid, they finally managed to establish communication with the locals. It turned out the locals were speaking a variation of an ancient language, which Caleb picked up pretty quickly. The tricky part was their musical accent, but by the end of the week, they were able to have basic conversations.

The locals explained that they were frightened by the first explosion but some of them had made it to the edge of the temple’s square. Once they saw the wolves guarding the two people studying the temple’s facade (Fariba and Arslan had actually completed a 3D scan of the exterior), they knew the "wolf walkers" had returned after centuries.

There were old stories of travelers from distant worlds who journeyed across the stars with the wolves, purgils, and other creatures whose names had been forgotten.

C-3PO, Skywalker's golden protocol droid, was assigned to stay with them until the end of the expedition. With his “personality,” it was amazing he accepted the task without complaining, probably because the danger had passed and the temple’s inscriptions were “fascinating” to him.

The three Jedi Knights left in the evening to track down the Crimson Dawn yacht, hoping for any leads on Maul. The Sith must have been furious as he had once again failed to access a temple. Like Lothal, this temple required the combined power of two Force users.

For Caleb, this temple was a huge relief. It was completely untouched, with no modern alterations.

C-3PO confirmed that the inscriptions inside were written in the ancient language of the Architects and provided an exact translation. The inscriptions spoke of the "Trek of the Stars", which was crucial for maintaining peace between distant systems and galaxies through visits and cooperation. It also hinted that the trek walkers all came from a lost, ancient planet and were sent to different systems to protect vast regions of the universe.

Sabine kept a beautiful voyager’s journal, filled with vibrant illustrations that the whole team loved analyzing during dinner on the Ghost. She even included portraits of local scholars and authorities who would occasionally stop by the temple, curious about Caleb and Ezra’s ability to communicate with the wolves.

“Stories say it wasn’t uncommon for people like you to visit,” an elderly woman once commented, sitting under a tent they had set up near the temple. “And for others from distant places. They could all communicate with creatures that opened the treks.”

She had brought sweets and a kind of tea, assisted by a group of younglings she called her nephews, though they were probably just kids from the neighborhood. The children played with Chopper under the watchful eyes of Ezra and Arslan. Fariba, Hera, and Stance sat nearby, enjoying the sweets and tea.

The old woman, who seemed to be some sort of religious figure, felt more like one of those chatty grandmas you’d see sitting outside their homes on Lothal, casually performing domestic tasks. She was indeed embroidering and despite her age, her long fingers were still nimble, though worn by time, as she worked on her embroidery.

"They stopped coming when the Guardian went mad. Or maybe he went mad because they stopped coming. I’m not really sure," she said to Caleb, her fingers moving with surprising speed.

"I’m sorry for what happened to him."

"Tzk! I’m not," she replied, narrowing her eyes. "What good comes from an angry, unreasonable protector?"

Caleb glanced at her. She had a point, he had seen firsthand what the Snake Guardian, Elaphe, was capable of. But it was still a bit shocking to hear a religious figure say that so bluntly.

"He was supposed to protect the temple, the treks, and this planet, but he stopped a long time ago. Some texts say he killed his own followers who went to the river to try to placate him. That’s why there are no more walkers among us."

"Do you think that’s true?" Caleb asked.

She paused to examine her stitching, then started undoing a section. "No, I can hardly believe that if he had turned against the children, the mothers wouldn’t take them and flee. No one’s that fanatical. Something else must’ve happened. But if there are records, I’ve never read them."

Then she nodded toward the temple. "What’s inside?"

Caleb took a deep breath. "Very ancient sculptures and inscriptions. Our art expert and protocol droid are still cataloging everything." He noticed she seemed a little tense. "I can show you if you’d like. The structure is perfectly safe."

She turned to him and, with surprising strength, grabbed his forearm.

"What about the voices?"

"Voices?"

"Don’t you and your apprentice hear them?"

Caleb met her intense, stone-grey eyes. "Do you?"

"Since I was a child. I can’t remember a day without them."

After a long pause, she added, "Most of them... they just scream."

 

—-------

 

After the old lady and the kids had left, Caleb seemed a bit uneasy and asked Ezra to meditate with him under a large tree near the temple, while the rest of the team went back inside to continue cataloging.

Fariba and Sabine had already formed a solid team, with similar backgrounds in studies, and they worked well with C-3PO. On the other hand, the droid wasn’t as fond of Ezra and Arslan’s bluntness, so Arslan was paired with Stance, who was teaching him how to use all the technical equipment.

Hera and Chopper chose to stay with Stance.

“How can we help?” Hera asked the Clone.

“Oh, Hera. You’ve done some recording of operations before, right?”

She shrugged. “I just helped Caleb a couple of times on Lasan.”

“That’s good enough,” he said, handing her a holocamera. “We’ll be doing recon down this corridor,” he pointed to the left, “and we could use Chopper’s data. If there’s any structural damage or leftover energy signatures, better to know before we walk into trouble.”

Chopper responded with a mock salute.

“Is it safe without Caleb and Ezra?” Hera asked.

“We’ll go slow. We have to scan everything anyway, and Chopper will let us know if we need to turn back.”

“Alright,” Hera said, turning on the camera’s powerful light, casting a big circle of light ahead of them.

Arslan had a precise 3D scanner strapped to his chest, as did Stance.

“We’ll scan a section of the corridor before moving further. Chopper, you go ahead a bit and take your measurements. Let us know if you find anything unusual.”

As soon as Stance finished, Chopper lit up his torch and sped down the corridor.

“Are we sure he won’t accidentally activate some sentinel droids?” Arslan asked, making a valid point.

“Nah, the one who always manages to find and activate ancient droids is Kestis. It’s like he’s in one of those holo games where you die over and over.” Stance shook his head.

“There are a lot of those?” Hera asked, a little worried for Chopper.

“The ancient architects left some scattered around the galaxy, but they’re rare. Genoa told me once she and her team found a big battleship and successfully deactivated it.”

“Genoa?”

“Phee. One of our informants. Remember the Kaliida incident with Maul?”

“How could I not? She was the one that tipped us off?”

“She works with a squad of my brothers, enhanced ones. She married one of them, actually. They live on this nice island when they’re not treasure hunting.”

“Is that legal?”

“It is on that island.”

They continued scanning the corridor slowly, chatting casually.

“Is it true you clones didn’t get any compensation during the war?” Arslan asked after a bit.

“Yeah, we were considered property. Our creators were paid for each of us, but we only got our equipment—which was included in the cost—food, and shelter.”

“That’s outrageous!” Hera cut in.

“After the war, a group of senators proposed using the Separatists’ sanctions to fund our compensation and retirement. I used mine to buy the apartment where Reva and I live.”

Just then, Chopper came back in a hurry, announcing he had found a closed door ahead.

 

Notes:

Thanks to all who are still here reading.
In the past weeks there was a problem with Ao3, for some reason it duplicated 3 chapters after the new update, so the things were a bit confusing.
I think it's fixed now.

Chapter 13

Summary:

Caleb focused on his breathing, tuning into Ezra’s familiar presence beside him, the vibrant life in the garden, and the Loth-wolves napping peacefully in the shade of the trees. His friends and siblings were safe in the temple, and then there was Hera, a warm, blinding light that filled his heart. Everything felt balanced, untouched, like the death of a Guardian hadn’t left a mark.

Caleb focused on his breathing, tuning into Ezra’s familiar presence beside him, the vibrant life in the garden, and the Loth-wolves napping peacefully in the shade of the trees. His friends and siblings were safe in the temple, and then there was Hera, a warm, blinding light that filled his heart. Everything felt balanced, untouched, like the death of a Guardian hadn’t left a mark.

 

That Guardian had been more of an unwanted guest, tolerated through centuries of madness. Now, there was nothing in his place. It felt… right.

 

Caleb dove deeper into the essence of the planet, the intricate web of the Force that connected everything. At first, it was vague, blurry, dark but strangely peaceful.

 

He had the sensation of standing, even though he knew he was still sitting near the temple with Ezra. And then, without warning, the voices hit him like a flood. He was suddenly thrown into chaos.

 

Red lightsabers slashed through the air, mowing down lives. Women, who looked eerily like his mother and sisters, ran for cover with their children in their arms. Some tried to fight back, they were Force-sensitive. but it didn’t matter. The enemies, cloaked in black, moved with a terrifying unity, like they were controlled by a single mind.

 

Elaphe, the ancient force of the Snake Guardian, tried to empower his champions, much like Dume did for Caleb, but the enemies were too many, too organized. One by one, the champions fell under the crimson blades, and the sickening smell of scorched flesh filled the air.

 

When the last of them hit the ground, the real horror began. The senseless massacre of the Snake’s children, the entire civilization, started. Every person was hunted down in their hiding places. The Guardian’s rage couldn’t hold back the overwhelming darkness that had descended on his peaceful planet. He tried to shield the mothers and children, but it was all in vain.

 

The children were ripped from their mothers’ arms and slaughtered like animals. The screams… they were unbearable, maddening. Caleb tried to protect a small group of kids that ran toward him, but a towering figure, face hidden behind a hideous mask, passed right through him like a ghost.

 

Caleb snapped back to reality, panting like he’d just been in battle, tears in his eyes. He turned to Ezra who was actually screaming and his face bore the same look of horror that he must have had.

 

“Caleb,” Ezra’s voice trembled, “What was that?”

 

“The end of our people on this planet,” Caleb replied, his throat tight, like he could barely get the words out.

 

“When… when did it happen?” Ezra asked, still shaken.

 

“I don’t know…” Caleb muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

 

“That place was real, Caleb. We were there, as if we had traversed a window through time,” Ezra insisted, his voice laced with disbelief.

 

“I know,” Caleb said, nodding.

 

“Is this what Maul has been after? A passage in another time?” Ezra asked, his voice steadying, but there was a hint of urgency.

 

“A place between times… yeah, I think so,” Caleb answered, piecing it together.

 

“We have to stop him. He can’t reach it!” Ezra said, his determination growing.

 

“Or he’ll rewrite the entire story of the galaxy,” Caleb agreed, his voice serious.

 

“We were like ghosts though,” Ezra pointed out, confused. “We couldn’t do anything.”

 

“We were just looking through a window,” Caleb explained. “We have to find the door to this place before he does.”

 

“In the Temple?” Ezra asked, his voice filled with hope.

 

“In one of them,” Caleb replied, his voice grim but resolute.

 

—------

 

Hearing the screams, the rest of their team rushed outside the temple to find Caleb and Ezra. They looked like they’d just woken up from an awful nightmare. Both of them were pale, shaken, and there were tears running down their faces.

 

In an instant, Hera was on her knees beside Caleb, while Sabine helped Ezra to his feet. Then they both pulled the guys into a tight hug.

 

“What happened? Love?” Hera asked, her voice full of concern.

 

“She was right. The old lady. There was a massacre here,” Caleb said, his voice heavy. “We heard the screams she talked about. We saw what drove the Guardian mad.”

 

“Like... in a vision?” Hera asked, searching his face.

 

“No,” Caleb sighed and rested his head on her shoulder. “We were there. The Sith came here, centuries ago. They wiped out Elaphe’s children—everyone. The warriors, the women, the kids. It was brutal, and we could only stand there and watch. Like spectators.”

 

“Love,” Hera said, gently taking his face in her hands, making him look at her. “As you said, it happened centuries ago. It’s already done. It can’t be changed.”

 

“I think that we just haven’t gone deep enough,” Caleb replied, shaking his head. “There’s got to be another level and that’s what Maul is after.”

 

“Well, he’s out of luck for now. You beat him here,” Hera said firmly.

 

Caleb gave a weak smile. “It wasn’t me.”

 

“Doesn’t matter. He ran, and now we’ve got control of the temple,” she said with confidence.

 

He couldn’t help but smile a little wider. “We’re not really in control. We’re just trying to figure it out. Once we secure it, we’ll give it back to the people of this planet.”

 

“For them, it’s just some decoration in a garden,” Sabine added, sounding a little bitter.

 

“We’ll share what we discover. That way, it’ll become part of their history,” Caleb reassured her.

 

“Well,” Stance jumped in, sounding a bit more practical, “While you guys were visiting the realm of the dead, Chopper found a door, a really weird one. We came to get you.”

 

“A door?” Caleb asked, standing up now.

 

“You’ll want to see it,” Stance continued. “There are symbols on it that remind me a lot of the ones in front of the Lothal temple.”

 

“Are you serious?” Ezra’s curiosity was sparked again. He stepped out of Sabine’s embrace, though his hands still rested on her shoulders.

 

“Get moving, Jedi! See for yourselves,” Stance said, with a smirk.

 

------

 

Fariba, Arslan, and Chop were waiting inside with a rather anxious-looking C-3PO, who was not at all happy about the idea of opening the mysterious and probably dangerous door.

 

"I don't see why you're so concerned," Arslan remarked, arms crossed. "You’re a droid. You can’t be cursed."

 

The droid gave a firm, indignant reply. "I beg to differ! Just because I’m mechanical doesn’t mean I’m immune to… unpleasantness."

 

The door didn’t even look like a door. There were no hinges, no visible mechanism, not even a seam separating it from the rest of the wall. It looked more like a beautiful geometric mural, finely crafted and inlaid with what appeared to be iridescent scales, Elaphe's gift to his children. He had loved them.

 

"It kind of looks like the star charts we saw in the other temples," Ezra pointed out.

 

Caleb shook his head. "No, look closer. Those symbols are different. C-3PO, any thoughts?"

 

The droid glanced at them briefly. "I’m afraid not, sir. These don’t appear to be any form of language I recognize, and I am fluent in over three million languages."

 

Sabine stepped forward, studying the mural intently. "No, these aren't words. It’s more like… a puzzle."

 

She moved in closer, eyes narrowed in concentration. "They’re really stylized, but I think I’m seeing some shapes. Ezra, can you give me a lift? Up there," she pointed at one of the circles high on the upper left.

 

Ezra crouched down, letting her climb up onto his shoulders. Sabine stood on them with surprising ease, demonstrating her agility and balance.

 

"I think…" she leaned forward, fingers brushing the symbol, "this might be the key."

 

As soon as she touched it, the lines on the mural began to glow gold. The circles shifted, their patterns rearranging. The symbols morphed into golden snakes, slithering out of the mural and across the adjacent wall. They stopped, arranging themselves in a perfect circle.

 

The snakes moved faster and faster, spinning around in the circle, until finally, a black portal opened between them.

 

Notes:

So, now we know what happened to the children of Elaphe and why he turned crazy.

Chapter 14

Summary:

They were all staring in awe. Just seconds ago, there had been a solid, geometrically ornate wall. Now, a circle of void stood before them. It wasn’t just darkness, they could sense the difference. Darkness has boundaries, it reacts to light. But through this perfectly circular passage, there was nothing. Their powerful torches could illuminate the entire corridor, yet not a single speck of dust was visible through the portal. There was no sound, no smell, no rush of air.

Notes:

A very short chapter, so I'll update chapter 15 too.

They were all staring in awe. Just seconds ago, there had been a solid, geometrically ornate wall. Now, a circle of void stood before them. It wasn’t just darkness, they could sense the difference. Darkness has boundaries, it reacts to light. But through this perfectly circular passage, there was nothing. Their powerful torches could illuminate the entire corridor, yet not a single speck of dust was visible through the portal. There was no sound, no smell, no rush of air.

It felt like fate. Someone had created this hidden portal for a reason. Maybe it was Elaphe, maybe his children. Or perhaps something beyond them altogether. Whatever the case, this passage was calling to be crossed.

“I feel no threat from it,” Ezra said, breaking the silence.

“Me neither,” Caleb confirmed. “That should be a good sign, but I’ll go alone this time.”

“WHAT? No, you don’t!” Ezra replied forcefully.

“Love…” Hera started, her voice soft but filled with concern, her eyes locking on Caleb’s.

“Dume is quiet,” Caleb reassured her, “which probably means no harm is coming from there. But just to be cautious, I don’t want to risk Ezra’s safety too. Better to stay on the safe side.”

Hera moved closer to him, gently placing her hand on his cheek. “Are you sure?”

“I am, love,” he smiled, leaning into her touch. “I’m just trying to look like a responsible master.”

“FINE!” Ezra said, not exactly in his most mature tone. “But as soon as you know it’s safe, you come get me.”

“I will,” Caleb promised, giving his Padawan a reassuring smile. With a brief wave to the others, he turned and stepped into the void.

 

—-------

 

It felt like standing in the middle of the universe, more likely being inside a bubble floating there. The stars were impossibly distant, scattered in a way that didn’t make sense to him.

Caleb found himself on some kind of ethereal path, with identical paths splitting off in every direction, curving and twisting gracefully. He knelt down to touch the surface beneath him. It looked like solid clouds of space dust, milky and translucent. His instincts told him it shouldn’t be able to hold his weight, but it felt as solid as transparisteel.

He stood up and turned around. Behind him was a circular portal, framed with snakes traced in white light, the one he’d come through. It was beautiful, radiating serenity, as if existing beyond the usual struggle of light and dark. This place was perfectly balanced.

He started walking along the path in front of him, which seemed to stretch on forever. There were branches leading to other portals, some of which looked like the one he had crossed. Maybe each one led to a temple? Could this have been a way for the ancients to move between them? It didn’t make much sense, considering beings connected to the Force, like the Loth-wolves, could travel through space on their own.

Still, something caught his eye. A portal, much like the one he had come through, but instead of snakes, it was encircled by Loth-wolves. It was on another path, disconnected from his, and that’s when he realized, the place was a maze, impossible to navigate without the help of the Force.

He was about to turn back to get Ezra when he heard a deafening sound—rain. A flash of fear and anguish shot through his mind. A sense of helplessness.

Caleb started running toward the sound and soon reached another portal to his right. The symbols around it were vaguely familiar, like something from years ago.

Looking through the portal, he saw a caravan of refugees from the Clone Wars. He could see himself and Stance walking alongside them, grabbing the edge of the carts. And with insane clarity, he knew the flood was coming, the one that would sweep away some of the carts.

Without thinking, he jumped through the portal and started sprinting toward the carts, knowing the moment was near. He heard surprised exclamations from the clones as they spotted another Jedi.

The sound of the flood was approaching, but Caleb was ready, his grip already firm on the carts and their passengers.

“What now, hmm?”

The voice startled him, coming from knee-height beside him.

“Intervening in the course of time, dangerous it is,” came the familiar voice of Master Yoda.

Caleb blinked, staring in disbelief at the ethereal form of the Jedi Master. He looked like a holo projection, only more real, more defined.

“You can save them, yes. But consequences there will be,” Yoda continued, tapping Caleb’s knee with his cane for emphasis. “A different path you will create.”

“I can save them!” Caleb insisted.

“You can, yes. Powerful you are becoming. But this power, not for you to handle.”

The scene replayed in front of Caleb…again, the screams, the deafening noise of the flood, the clones, his younger self trying desperately to save the ones swept away.

Caleb froze, overwhelmed by the horror of it all, while Yoda stood calmly beside him, unaffected. He watched the tragedy like it was just a holodrama, not the real thing, leaning on his cane, waiting.

“If I’m not supposed to fix the past, then why am I here?” Caleb’s voice cracked with emotion, nearly trembling as he watched the scene unfold again.

He remembered how Depa had run back to the caravan, finding her Padawan almost hysterical after failing to save the people on the carts. She had held him like a mother, whispering comforting words.

“Guardian you are, Dume,” Yoda finally spoke. “Denied passage you must to the wrong people.”

“Maul,” Caleb whispered.

“To rewrite history, he could.”

“So, I just watch the gate? Never interfere?”

“Not easy, your path is,” Yoda nodded. “But alone, you are not.”

“Ezra…”

“Two Jedi from Lothal. Interesting times these are.”

Caleb looked at Yoda, noticing the slight satisfaction on the Jedi Master’s face.

The late Grand Master tapped Caleb’s knee again with his cane. “To your Padawan, you must go. Now.”

“Wait, what is this place?”

Yoda chuckled. “The most powerful of places,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “A world between worlds.”

“And I’m supposed to protect it?” Caleb asked, exasperated.

“You. With Bridger. About him right you were. Now, go!” With another tap from Yoda’s cane, Caleb felt himself being pulled back along the path.

 

 

 

Chapter 15

Summary:

He couldn’t hide his discomfort as he stepped out of the portal, what felt like hours later. He was pale, soaked in water, with drops falling from his hair and the hem of his tunic.

He couldn’t hide his discomfort as he stepped out of the portal, what felt like hours later. He was pale, soaked in water, with drops falling from his hair and the hem of his tunic.

Hera rushed over, her concern obvious. "What happened? Are you okay? Caleb, look at me!"

He lifted his head, meeting her eyes. "Sorry, I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed. The place beyond the portal is safe, technically at least."

Stance handed him a flask of clone medicine. "So, then, if there is some kind of danger, what is it about?”

Caleb took two deep sips from the flask before returning it. "Thanks. That’s better."

"Caleb, what did you find?" Ezra asked, clearly worried.

"I’ll show you, just... give me a minute to catch my breath."

Stance, always blunt with Caleb, jumped in again. "Can’t describe it, or don’t want to?"

Caleb sighed deeply. "Let me try... It’s like a space outside of reality, connecting different places and moments in time."

Ezra frowned. "Like a way to travel between places?"

"Not exactly. You don’t just move between places. You can access a moment in time, a specific place... as far as I could see."

"So... it’s random?"

"In my case, it was the moment…" Caleb took another breath, "…of my biggest regret."

Understanding crossed Stance’s face, and he paled as well. "The rain," he gestured at Caleb’s drenched clothes.

"Yeah."

"Did you...?"

"I wanted to, but Master Yoda appeared. He stopped me from doing it."

Ezra’s eyes widened. "But he’s dead!"

"He was... some kind of ghost."

"Even after death, he’s gotta force his lessons on us!" Ezra muttered, rolling his eyes. He had only known Yoda briefly, but it was clear the diminutive Jedi had opposed Ezra’s candidacy to become a Jedi. Plus, Yoda’s habit of speaking in riddles hadn’t helped Ezra warm to him.

"Yoda thinks Maul is trying to access this ‘world between worlds,’ as he called it, to fix the events that prevented his rise as a Sith."

"That actually makes sense. Do you think there’s a portal like this on Lasat too?"

"Maybe. Could be in the collapsed part we haven’t explored yet. I’ll contact Zeb when we’re back on Lothal. It’s been a few years since we visited. They must have made progress by now."

"And on Lothal?" Ezra asked, with evident curiosity.

"I think I saw a portal that could connect to our temple. We should check it out before nightfall."

Ezra offered his hand to help Caleb up. "I’m ready when you are."

Caleb nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright, let’s go."

 

----

 

When Ezra stepped through the portal, he couldn’t help but gasp in awe. "Wow, it really takes your breath away."

"Yeah, it does," Caleb agreed.

Ezra shot him a look. "So, what did you see so bad that it made you look like a ghost when you came back? Yoda aside."

Caleb sighed heavily. "It was something from my past. My biggest regret."

"From the war?" Ezra asked gently.

Caleb nodded.

"You were just a kid. It was too much for anyone to handle."

"Maybe. I thought I could fix it, but Yoda stopped me."

Ezra looked confused. "Why did you let him?"

"Because he was probably right. Every action has consequences, like ripples in a lake. Who knows how history would have changed if we started messing with things?"

"Thinking like that helps you come to terms with what happened?"

Caleb paused, reflecting. "No."

Then, without another word, he started walking back the way they came. "I’ll show you where I think I saw the Lothal portal."

 

They hadn’t gone far before Caleb stopped and pointed to a higher path on their left. "There. The portal. The carvings almost look like Loth-wolves.”

“Any idea how we can reach it? Jumping doesn’t seem like the best option," Ezra wondered.

Caleb shook his head. "We should find the crossroad that leads to that path."

"It might take a while."

"If you have a better idea..."

Ezra grinned. "No, but we should map this place."

Caleb pulled out his holopad. "Let’s try."

Ezra chuckled. "What’s that thing Yoda always used to say?"

"Doesn’t matter. He’s dead." Caleb smirked.

 

They walked on, eyes on the path above them, which crossed another but didn’t seem inclined to move closer. As they passed several portals, the sound of rain echoed from one of them.

Ezra tilted his head. "Do you think it’s like a time loop? An important moment frozen in time?"

Caleb shook his head. "No, it was just an accident, like thousands of others that happen every day across the galaxy. It was only important to me because I failed. For the clones who couldn’t do anything, and for the families of the deceased."

"Can I see it?"

"No. It’s awful and pointless, like the war itself. I’m just grateful you never had to experience it." Caleb pointed ahead. "Look, the path is finally coming toward us."

It was true—one of the new paths looped left and down toward them. They quickened their pace, reaching the junction and taking the new path.

The holopad helped them keep track of their route, as they passed dozens of doors. From one portal, they could hear Caleb’s voice arguing with several others, Mace Windu’s voice rising above the rest.

"No, you can’t see that either," Caleb said quickly, stopping Ezra before he could even ask.

 

As they got closer to their goal, it became obvious Caleb had been right. The portal ahead was surrounded by stylized carvings of running Loth-wolves.

"Alright," Caleb said, taking a breath. "Let’s take a look and figure out where this connects in the temple."

With only a moment’s hesitation, they stepped through the portal.

The pitch darkness of the new environment prompted both of them to ignite their lightsabers. They found themselves in a cave, mostly natural, but the wall they had emerged from was unnaturally smooth.

“This kinda reminds me of the other side," Ezra observed.

"Let’s follow the wall. It should lead us to a way to open the portal from this side."

They hadn’t gone far before their lightsabers illuminated a stunning mural. Three figures stood before them, perfectly formed and vividly colored. An old bearded man, a serene woman on his right, and a pale, stern man on his left. Each was encircled by golden rings, with Loth-wolves lying at the younger man’s feet.

"That’s the most beautiful mural I’ve ever seen," Ezra said, awestruck. "Who are they?"

Caleb studied the mural. "I think they’re the Father, the Daughter, and the Son. They represent the balance of the Force, the light side and the dark side. Ancient Powerful Force Entities."

"Why are they here?"

"Look at the circles behind them."

"They’re a lot like the ones on the door of the serpent temple," Ezra noted.

"We saw something similar on Lasat, and on the artifact we took from Maul."

Ezra nodded thoughtfully. "You’re right."

"Now, let’s figure out where we are," Caleb said, trying to connect with the camp’s droids. After a few moments, one of his B1 units appeared in a hologram.

"Sir? You’re back! Why can’t we see you?"

"I think Ezra and I are deep under the temple. Can you calculate our position?"

"One moment, sir... Here! I’m directly above you, nine meters from the temple entrance, about 35 meters deep. Your signal’s coming through 140 meters of rock. You’re about three levels deeper than we’ve ever been. No direct passages. How did you get there, sir?"

"Thanks, B1-3. I’ll update everyone when we’re back on Lothal."

"Very well, sir. Be safe, please."

Caleb shut off the comm and turned to Ezra. "Let’s find the collapsed passage and mark it. We’ll figure out how to open it later."

"And if there isn’t one?" Ezra asked.

"There was one on the Snake planet."

"Yeah, but that was in the temple. The Jedi probably found this and repurposed it. Maybe they never saw this mural."

"Maybe the passage had already collapsed, and they didn’t see a reason to dig deeper."

"This place is strong in the Force. How could they not sense it?"

Caleb sighed. "You’re right. This portal’s presence is intense. But we didn’t sense the one in the snake’s temple either when it was closed."

"The vergence must be nearby too."

"Let’s do a little more exploring. We’ll map what we can, and we’ll sort out our ideas later. The others must be worried."

"Right," Ezra agreed, pulling out his pad. "Let’s meet back here in half an hour?"

 

Notes:

Thanks to everyone who are still with me.
I know I overgrown your patience times ago 😅

Chapter 16

Summary:

They had been gone for hours. Sure, they said they needed to check out another portal, but why was it taking so long? Hera did her best to keep a calm, positive face to avoid adding to Fariba and Arslan’s worry about their brother, but even Stance was showing little signs of nervousness. Sabine was lost in her thoughts, focused on reproducing the wall decorations, and the golden protocol droid was doing his absolute best to make everyone anxious.

They had been gone for hours. Sure, they said they needed to check out another portal, but why was it taking so long? Hera did her best to keep a calm, positive face to avoid adding to Fariba and Arslan’s worry about their brother, but even Stance was showing little signs of nervousness. Sabine was lost in her thoughts, focused on reproducing the wall decorations, and the golden protocol droid was doing his absolute best to make everyone anxious.

 

Hera had to stop Chopper more than once from trying to dismantle the droid. Maybe Skywalker would understand, but she wasn’t about to take that risk.

 

Just when she thought she couldn’t wait anymore, the white snakes carved into the wall began to move in a circle again. Ezra came out first, practically buzzing with excitement, followed by a more composed Caleb, though his eyes sparkled too.

 

“We found a portal under Lothal’s temple!” Ezra practically shouted, like he would burst if he held it in any longer.

 

“We did,” Caleb confirmed, “but there’s no way to connect the hall containing it to the outside. No hidden or collapsed passages—nothing. Whoever built it had their way of getting in and out, and we need to figure it out.”

 

Ezra was already passing around his pad, showing a holo of an intricate mural, causing gasps of admiration, especially from Fariba and Sabine.

 

“This style is way too advanced to be from the Children of Dume,” Sabine said, eyeing the holo. “Did you manage to estimate how long ago it was created?”

 

Caleb nodded, “It’s older than the local civilization.”

 

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Sabine was floored.

 

“I’m certain if we date this portal, it’ll be much older than the rest of the temple.”

 

Stance was adjusting data on his pad. “So, what you're saying is... the temples were built to hide the portals?”

 

“Exactly. And the Guardians and their followers were stationed to protect them,” Caleb explained.

 

“And who would have assigned them this task?” Stance asked, curious.

 

“The Architects, maybe?” Ezra chimed in. “We found a lot of traces of their presence.”

 

“Could be. We know almost nothing about them. We’ll have to get Cal’s team involved, but they won’t be available until the end of the season.”

 

“You’re suggesting we continue this campaign in the fall? At this altitude? That’d be rough,” Stance pointed out.

 

“We’ll manage. This is top priority right now. Maul and his crew aren’t going to back off just because of bad weather,” Caleb replied confidently.

 

“We’ll manage,” Stance agreed with a smirk. “But you’re the one who’s going to have to make all the requests for new gear.”

 

“And for permanent Jedi garrisons even outside the borders of our galaxy,” Caleb added with a grin.

 

“Yoda’s lucky he’s already gone,” Stance joked. “Mace is the one who will suffer a heart attack.”

 

“Mace is resilient,” both Caleb and Ezra said in unison, grinning at each other.

 

 

—--------------

 

 

A request for a team of Jedi Knights to protect the Temple of the Snakes was sent to Coruscant during a quick stop on Lothal, along with a detailed report of what Caleb and Ezra had seen behind the portal.

 

Caleb had little doubt the request would be approved, given the importance of what they’d discovered. Still, they received the usual notice saying their request was “under review.” Ah, bureaucracy!

 

They also reached out to Kenobi and Skywalker. They had, in fact, tracked down the yacht in a shipyard on Corellia. But, as expected, no one was onboard, and the facility’s director had no useful information. The name on the documents was fake. 

 

No one had seen or heard a thing about the luxury yacht...Classic Corellia.

 

So, they were back to square one, waiting for updates from Rael's informers or any interplanetary crises involving the Loth-wolves. No one really believed Skywalker's plan would yield results, but the disappointment still stung.

 

Ezra got into the habit of traveling between planets daily, waiting for word on their request or better yet, for a team of Jedi Knights to replace them at the Temple of the Snakes. Their work was almost done, and they had started passing the non-sensitive information to a newly formed committee for the temple’s preservation. Sabine was convinced the discovery would bring new prestige to the city as a historical site rather than just a religious one.

 

Finally, after about twelve days, a ship from the Jedi Temple arrived. 

 

Master Bek, one of the top duelists in the Order, was practicing his forms in the crisp morning air. His nickname, “Saberhand”, was well-earned, his lightsaber moved in perfect harmony with his body, like it was an extension of himself.

 

There were plenty of great duelists, but Bek was on another level, both in grace and technique.

 

He stopped, sensing someone nearby.

 

“Ezra! So, it's true, you actually traveled through hyperspace on those wolves!”

 

Ezra, who had joined the Order at 10 and hadn’t studied under Master Bek, jumped off the grey Loth-wolf, which immediately stretched and scratched its ear with a hind leg.

 

“Master! Good morning. Yeah, the first time was... overwhelming.”

 

“Are you saying it’s boring now?” Bek chuckled. “But how do we even “travel”, though, with just one wolf?”

 

“We’ve run some tests. This one can actually transport an entire ship. We’ve done it a couple of times.”

 

“I think Skywalker mentioned that in his report, but, well, considering it’s Skywalker, we took it with a grain of salt,” Bek said with a light smile.

 

“Who else came?” Ezra asked.

 

“Knight Tano. She considers this mission pretty personal. Malachor didn’t sit well with her, you know. And Lady Jocasta is here too. She joked about us locking her in the archive if we wanted to keep her from seeing this ‘miracle.’ Oh, and Grand Master Windu.”

 

“Mace is here?”

 

“You found a world between worlds and time. It’s a big deal.”

 

Ezra sighed, “What’s his mood like?”

 

Bek smiled sympathetically. “Worried, which is understandable in a situation like this.”

 

“Well, I guess I’d better head in.”

 

“I’m sure everyone will appreciate it.”

 

Ezra turned to the Loth-wolf, which immediately stood up and trotted alongside him.

 

“Does he have a name?” Master Bek asked.

 

“They recognize each other within the pack, but not in a way that makes sense to us.”

 

“So, what do you call him?”

 

“I just call him Buddy,” Ezra said, scratching the wolf behind the ear, the creature lowering its head for more.

 

“Well, nice to meet you, Buddy,” Bek said.

 

The Loth-wolf wagged its tail enthusiastically in response.

 

 

 

—------------

 

They were in the middle of a conversation with the representatives of the conservation committee when a ship suddenly landed near the Ghost. The locals, as usual, were impressed—just as they were every time they saw Ezra leave or return from Lothal. They held him and Caleb in high regard, treating them like figures straight out of their legends. They were also grateful for all the records the archaeological team had shared about the temple.

 

Caleb excused himself, leaving C-3PO to explain to the committee about the newly arrived Jedi and the need to protect the temple from an individual who had tried to raid it. Over time, the locals had learned to trust Caleb and Ezra, so they didn’t oppose the Jedi’s presence. They even agreed to allow them to stay temporarily and guard the temple until the looter was captured. But they made it clear that a permanent outpost wasn’t on the table.

 

They were hospitable, within limits—not hostile, just firm in setting their boundaries.

 

The first to leave the ship was a grey Loth-wolf, who went off to join his pack. Ahsoka followed, immediately hugging Caleb, with Master Kelleran Beq and Lady Jocasta Nu close behind.

 

“Rest assured, Caleb, my dear,” Jocasta said warmly. “Every Consular in the Order will come by, sooner or later. I just hope the locals don’t mind.”

 

“As long as they don’t all come at once, I think they’ll manage,” Caleb replied, smiling at the woman who had once done everything in her power to keep him out of the archives, but who had since become one of his biggest supporters.

 

“How does it work?” Jocasta asked, her scholarly curiosity evident.

 

“It’s easier to show you,” Caleb replied. “We’ve done some tests, and it turns out even non-Force sensitives can enter, though they feel a bit of discomfort. I’m sure we can let you all take a look. But... where’s Ezra?”

 

Jocasta gave him a knowing look. “I’m sorry, dear, Mace is here and he required the boy’s presence. Be prepared.”

 

“Stars above, thanks for the heads-up, Master Nu,” Caleb said with a sigh.

 

She pointed toward the group near the temple. “Are those representatives of the locals?”

 

“Yep, that’s the committee of conservation,” Caleb confirmed.

 

“We’ll go introduce ourselves. I see Skywalker’s protocol droid is handling things. He’s capable, but I’ve never seen a droid as anxious as that one,” she chuckled.

 

As Jocasta and Kelleran headed toward the temple, Ahsoka stayed by Caleb’s side. 

 

“You’ve really impressed Jocasta with this discovery, you know?” Ahsoka teased.

 

“Really? I thought I was already her favorite,” Caleb replied, playing along.

 

“Well, it’s official now. She’s even advocating for you to get a bust in the archives.”

 

“Oh, Force, no!” Caleb groaned, horrified.

 

“She’s determined,” Ahsoka laughed. “But you can always start a campaign against it, she’ll be around for a while. Oh, look, they’re coming.”

 

Sure enough, Mace Windu was walking down the ramp with his hand on a very pale-looking Ezra’s shoulder. Alarmed, Caleb rushed over to them.

 

“Master Windu,” he greeted quickly before turning his full attention to Ezra, gripping his shoulders. “Ezra, what’s going on?”

 

Ezra lifted his head, his voice shaky. “Master Windu said I passed my trial. We’re doing the ceremony tonight.”

 

 

Notes:

Boom!
Ezra will be knighted soon.
Looks like be one of the guardian of one of the most important secrets in the Galaxy is a big deal 😝

Chapter 17

Summary:

He knew this day was coming. And, honestly, it was kind of convenient with him and Hera getting married in a few months.

But…

He just wasn’t ready.

Nine years with this rebellious kid, and now it was time to let him go? He still wasn’t prepared for that.

He knew this day was coming. And, honestly, it was kind of convenient with him and Hera getting married in a few months.

 

But…

 

He just wasn’t ready.

 

Nine years with this rebellious kid, and now it was time to let him go? He still wasn’t prepared for that.

 

Ezra had always been more interested in zoology anyway, so their paths were bound to diverge. After tonight’s ceremony, things were definitely going to change.

 

Sure, Ezra would visit Lothal often, but it wouldn’t be the same.

 

A part of him swelled with pride at the young man Ezra had become. But another part of him? Well, I wasn't ready to accept this. It just felt too soon.

 

What if Ezra chose the path of a Knight over a Consular? He hadn't trained him to be a warrior, but rather a curious, empathetic soul.

 

Caleb didn’t even notice Hera beside him until her fingers slipped into his.

 

"It’s going to be okay, love. Ezra's ready and you know it."

 

He took a deep breath. “I know you’re right, but…”

 

“You’re going to miss him. I will too. But it’s his time,” she said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

 

“You should show them the portal before Master Jocasta pushes you to,” Hera teased with a smile.

 

“Right, that’s why they’re all here.”

 

They didn’t bother letting go of each other’s hand. Everyone knew they were getting married soon anyway.

 

Even Jocasta smiled openly, remembering the lost teenager who used to hide in her library. Seeing him now, so healed, made her genuinely happy.

 

"So, let’s show them the temple now."

 

Ezra still looked a little uneasy as he joined Caleb to open the portal. Together, they led the group through the dimly lit corridors.

 

Even Mace showed some respect for the beautiful craftsmanship of the place. But when they reached the ornate portal, the group fell completely silent. A wave of shock rippled through them as the portal opened.

 

“I didn’t dare to believe it was real,” Master Nu whispered in awe.

 

Caleb stepped halfway into the portal, holding out a hand to help the old librarian. “Shall we?”

 

One by one, they passed through the void, gathering on the other side.

 

Caleb’s team had all been here before. Stance was actually the first non-Force user to volunteer to visit. But for the newcomers, it was overwhelming, even for the usually stoic Mace.

 

“I never thought I’d live to see something like this,” the librarian said, still gripping Caleb’s arm with the hand that wasn’t holding her cane.

 

“How many of these portals are there?” Master Bek asked in awe.

 

“We’re not sure. This place doesn’t seem to have physical boundaries. Some portals only open under certain conditions. For example, there’s one that opens only when either my assistant or I are here. It’s like they represent important moments in time, but it feels subjective. The ones we’ve found so far are all linked to our era, but the further we explore, the further back in history they go.”

 

“We think we’ve figured out why Maul is trying to access this place,” Ezra chimed in.

 

“We found a portal that shows the night you faced Palpatine, Grand Master,” he added respectfully, “and another that connects to Maul’s final duel.”

 

“He wants to change that,” Mace said with a stern nod.

 

“Exactly,” Caleb agreed.

 

“You two need to locate all the temples connected to this place so we can set up defenses at each one, until Maul is no longer a threat.”

 

“Access to the ones on Lothal and Lasan are blocked. We think the people of Dume used the Loth-wolves’ ability to travel between places to get to the portal hall. As for Lasan, the earthquakes have collapsed the entryway. My droids estimate it’s been buried under meters of rubble for decades. Maul had no idea about the portal there, or he would’ve gone himself instead of sending those grave robbers. The Lasan military is guarding the site now,” Caleb explained.

 

“We’ll send a Jedi team to Lasan as well. Master Tapal would gladly lead it. But first, show us the other portals,” Master Windu informed them.

 

“They’re mostly arranged in sections, corresponding to different time periods,” Caleb said, leading the way.

 

“We might encounter someone new since you’re here. The appearing portals usually reflect a traumatic event in someone’s life, something they’d want to change.”

 

“Is that even possible?” Ahsoka asked.

 

“Yes, but Master Yoda’s Force ghost warned me against doing it.”

 

“Even the smallest change could have unpredictable consequences,” Jocasta nodded.

 

“That’s exactly what he said. Here,” Caleb said, pointing to another portal. “This is strange.”

 

They all peered in. The scene showed what looked like the command deck of a Venator-class ship. A young woman dressed in white was standing before a man who looked remarkably like General Tarkin. He wore a variation of the Republic Navy uniform, as did his men, though none appeared to be clones. A tall, menacing figure in black armor watched over the scene.

 

“That girl looks just like Leia Skywalker, and that’s Tarkin. She seems to be a prisoner. Watch closely.”

 

The girl appeared distressed. They couldn’t hear anything from outside the portal, but it was clear an order had been given. The girl struggled to break free, protesting fiercely.

 

Outside the deck window, a planet hung serenely in the distance.

 

Then, an eerie green beam of energy shot from the ship, obliterating the planet in an instant, leaving only a cloud of debris.

 

“That was Alderaan!” Ahsoka gasped. “When is this?”

 

“It’s not,” Caleb replied. “Some portals show hypothetical scenarios. There are others where Palpatine survived and seized total power. This is one of those.”

 

“The damage someone could cause by controlling this place…” Master Bek said calmly.

 

“We’re the ones controlling it,” Ezra pointed out.

 

“We’re guarding it,” Caleb corrected him, “That’s why the Force led us here,” he added, finally at peace with himself. Hera quietly took his hand again, though no one seemed to notice, all focused on the gravity of what they had witnessed.

 

“There must be one of these portals beneath the Temple on Coruscant,” Mace remarked.

 

Caleb nodded. “We think so, but we haven’t found it yet. If it exists, it’s likely deep beneath the planet’s surface, unreachable due to the layers built on top over millennia.”

 

“If it exists,” Lady Jocasta said, “I can’t believe the scholars let its memory slip away. There must be something in the archives.”

 

Mace cleared his throat before speaking. “The Coruscant temple holds more political significance than any real Force power. The planet’s been virtually dead for centuries. It’s possible it’s not connected to this network. We’ll keep looking, but not every planet has a portal, right?” he asked his Grandpadawan.

 

“Exactly. Only a few planets have one, and most aren’t active anymore. The guardian of Atollon didn’t seem to be protecting anything.”

 

“Maybe,” Ahsoka suggested, “he didn’t see you as a threat, sensing your nature.”

 

"Maybe," Caleb nodded, "He definitely won’t be cool with the Jedi getting involved on his planet. He’s more than capable of handling Darth Maul on his own. I’ve felt his true power. It’s beyond anything a Jedi or Sith could ever hope to reach."

 

"And what about Dume?" Mace asked, treading carefully.

 

Caleb intertwined his fingers with Hera’s, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze, her gesture saying, we’ll face this together.

 

"I don’t know about him, Master Windu," Caleb replied, keeping his voice calm.

 

"Tomorrow, you’ll introduce us to the local authorities and explain our purpose here," Mace said. "After that, your team will head back to Lothal and look for a way to access the portal from that side. You’ll also reach out to the Temple and organize a group to send to Lasan to support the local forces. If I remember correctly, you’re on good terms with one of their officials?"

 

Caleb nodded, "Yeah, Captain Orellios and I are good friends."

 

"Good. Contact him and bring him up to speed. Make sure to inform their religious leader too. They can brief their government for us."

 

"It’ll be done," Caleb assured him.

 

"Alright," Mace said, "Now, show us this wonder you’re guarding, Master Dume."

 

Chapter 18

Summary:

They stayed in the World Between Worlds until evening, finding several new portals. Some of them stirred emotions in the group, even though they kept them under control. After all, they were seeing moments that involved fellow Jedi, which hit hard for some of the newcomers.

Master Windu went pale when they saw a portal showing a young Master Skywalker executing a separatist leader, clearly under the influence of the former chancellor. Everyone was horrified by how Skywalker beheaded the old man, to be honest.

They stayed in the World Between Worlds until evening, finding several new portals. Some of them stirred emotions in the group, even though they kept them under control. After all, they were seeing moments that involved fellow Jedi, which hit hard for some of the newcomers.

 

Master Windu went pale when they saw a portal showing a young Master Skywalker executing a separatist leader, clearly under the influence of the former chancellor. Everyone was horrified by how Skywalker beheaded the old man, to be honest.

 

Most of the portals showed crises, and Hera could tell they were testing the Jedi in their group, almost as if the place itself was challenging them.

 

Caleb had once told her about his own trial, late one night, quietly murmuring as he caressed her arm after they'd made love. He spoke about the flood he witnessed as a teenager, how he couldn't save the mothers and children being swept away by the waters. The guilt and grief from that moment still haunted him. In the dark of her cabin, he confided how he jumped into the portal without hesitation, but stopped only when the ghost of Master Yoda appeared and convinced him not to change history.

 

"I still think they weren't anyone of importance," he'd whispered. "Just widows and their children. What harm would it have done if they survived?"

 

"Still," she replied, playing with his hair, "You listened to Master Yoda."

 

"It must’ve been important if he went through the effort of appearing to someone like me."

 

"Why do you say that? You were the kid he was willing to face a god for."

 

He mumbled something in response and then went silent, gently stroking her arm until he drifted off to sleep. That night, though, he didn’t have any dreams.

 

Now, they were all gathered in the small square in front of the temple. The Loth-wolves were watching from their spot under the trees. Hera stood by the edge with Sabine, Stance, and Caleb’s siblings, observing the Jedi, who had formed a circle around Ezra in the middle of the square. All their lightsabers were ignited, lighting up the space between the trees and the temple.

 

Ezra knelt in the center, eyes downcast, his lightsaber dormant in front of him. Caleb stood behind him, with Master Windu in front. The atmosphere was solemn, and Hera realized this was a ceremony not meant for outsiders like her to witness.

 

Master Windu, in full authoritative mode, spoke about Ezra’s path and the progress he’d made so far. Caleb kept a stern face like the other Jedi, but Hera knew him too well not to notice the emotion flickering in his eyes.

 

When Windu finished, he lowered his lightsaber, just enough so it wouldn’t hurt the boy, and touched it to each of Ezra’s shoulders.

 

“By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force… Ezra Bridger, rise, Jedi Knight.”

 

Ezra picked up his lightsaber and stood tall before the Grand Master, looking fierce. Caleb stepped forward, cut off his former Padawan’s braid, and handed it to him, whispering something only Ezra could hear. The way Ezra blushed made Hera suspect it was a suggestion about who to give the braid to. She wondered who had Caleb’s braid. Probably Depa. The thought left her feeling a little cheated, even though she wasn’t even part of Caleb’s life back when he was knighted.

 

She pictured a quiet ceremony, no friends or loved ones, just Depa by his side. She wished she could have been there, but it felt silly to think that way.

 

Once the Jedi circle opened up, and they began congratulating the newly knighted Ezra, Hera and the others went over to greet him too.

 

Mace pretended not to notice the passionate hug exchanged between Sabine and Ezra. Maybe one day he’d come to terms with the changes happening in the Order after the Clone Wars.

 

Arslan was the most enthusiastic, congratulating Ezra with admiration where there had once been envy. If he were Force-sensitive, maybe he would’ve been Ezra’s first Padawan.

 

They moved to the Ghost, where Caleb and Fariba had started cooking the best dinner they could muster. If they’d had more time, they would have gone to the market for some special ingredients Caleb had been dreaming of, but even without anything fancy, they managed to throw together a delicious meal, complete with a quick dessert.

 

Ezra seemed a little dazed by it all, and he and Caleb kept exchanging glances. Neither of them was ready for the separation. Master Windu had ordered them to keep working together on Lothal, but they both knew it was temporary. Ezra would be sent elsewhere to establish himself as a Knight, and only after that would he have some freedom to choose his own path.

 

Seeing them so lost in what should have been a joyful moment broke Hera’s heart. She knew how much Ezra relied on Caleb, but now she understood that Ezra had also brought stability to Caleb’s life. They only had a few months left to figure out how to live without each other. Maybe this was the danger of attachment the old Masters warned about. Caleb had broken so many rules teaching his Padawan, and now he was dealing with the consequences.

 

After dinner, Mace and his companions excused themselves, heading back to their ship for the night.

 

Fariba hugged Ezra before announcing she was exhausted, dragging her younger brother with her, despite his weak protests. Stance gave Caleb a brotherly pat on the shoulder and joked about being too old to stay up late before following the others.

 

Hera patted the seat next to her and invited Ezra to sit. “Wanna talk?”

 

Sabine, never shy around her or Caleb, sat on Ezra’s lap, resting her head on his shoulder. The fierce Mandalorian was just as tired and uncertain as the rest of them.

 

“I just…,” Ezra started, hesitating. “I thought there’d be more time, you know? For us to still be like we were…like family. I’m wondering where they’ll send me once we figure out the portal. Could be some faraway planet… maybe for years.”

 

“Master Yoda said we’re the Guardians of the World Between Worlds. Me and you,” Caleb reminded him, sounding serious.

 

“I doubt Mace will take a ghost’s suggestion that only you saw,” Ezra replied, clearly feeling defeated.

 

“I’ll ask to reestablish the Lothal temple. What’s hidden here is important, and I’ll need more Jedi. I’ll ask for you first.”

 

Ezra sighed. “That’d be nice, but I doubt they’ll assign me to my home planet. Too many connections.”

 

Sabine hugged him tighter, clearly worried about the same thing. Caleb, though, was determined. “I’ll talk to the Council, just like I have in the past.”

 

Ezra chuckled. “Please don’t give any of the older members a heart attack for my sake!”

 

Caleb laughed, feigning offense. “I didn’t cause Master Yoda’s death. He was just very old!”

 

Hera took Ezra’s hand. “We’re all exhausted. It’s been a long day. Things will look better in the morning.”

 

Ezra sighed. “You’re right, as always.” Sabine stood up, waiting for him to follow.

 

“Goodnight,” she said.

 

Ezra echoed her goodnight, and the two of them headed toward her cabin.

 

“We should give them a little privacy tonight,” Caleb said, rubbing his eyes.

 

“There’s a camp bed in the Phantom,” Hera suggested, kissing him softly. “We could use some privacy too.”

 

“What more could a man ask for?” He grinned, standing up and offering her his hand.

 

She loved him so much it was hard to believe it was real.

 

 

Notes:

I decided to publish the last 2 chapters of this volume together, since next week it's Christmas and I don't know I I'll have the time, and I'm sure all of you will have better to do.

Happy Holidays to you all and to everyone you love ❤️

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 13 of the Consular AU
• Part 4 of The Consular