Star Wars: After the Rise

Chapter 6: Consideration

Finn was sitting on a cot in the small cabin of a chartered ship. In front of him, BB-8 was projecting a hologram of Poe. They hadn't had the chance for a proper goodbye before Poe had to run off to a meeting about his Rogue Squadron plans, so he contacted him after finishing up with Aftab.

"Are you sure you trust this guy?" Poe asked. "I trust your judgment, but he's a little...strange."

Finn exchanged a look with BB-8.

"Rey says Jedi masters can get a bit strange. But we have no reason to distrust him, at least right now."

"If you say so." Poe was idly playing with a tool in his hands. "So, if you and this Oppo guy aren't going with Rey and the rest of them, what are you two doing?"

"Master Rancisis wanted to assess my skills before officially taking me on as a student. He said he had unfinished business in Boz Pity. If I can prove myself there, we'll see where things go."

Poe looked off to the side as someone called out for him, although Finn couldn't see who it was.

"Hang on, I'll be right there!" Poe called out before turning back to Finn. "I gotta run. I'm meeting with Casterfo and the others about the Rogues. I don't know what you're doing, but if you run into trouble, I'll be there as soon as I can. Good luck, man."

Finn smiled. "May the Force be with you."

"You too."

With one last wave, the hologram disappeared. The little droid rolled towards Finn, beeping inquisitively.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Finn looked out the window at the glowing blue fog of hyperspace. "It just feels weird to do this without Rey or Poe. I miss them."

BB-8 let out more beeps, making Finn smile.

"I'm glad you're here, at least."

Finn meant that. As much as he was looking forward to learning more about the Jedi, he was hoping it would've been with Rey at his side. Letting Oppo do his assessment first was the right move, but it still felt weird not having her here with him. She and Poe had been by his side since he defected from the First Order, so it was an adjustment for him.

At least he had BB-8. The little droid is one of the most loyal friends he could ask for. Not to mention their enemies always underestimate droids. BB-8 may be small, but Finn could count on him to watch his back.

There was a knock at the cabin door, followed by the hiss of its opening. Finn looked over to see Oppo sliding in, taking a seat on a chair next to the cabin's desk.

"Captain says we'll be arriving shortly," he said.

"Got it." Finn cleared his throat. "Er, Master? I was hoping you'd be able to tell me more about this artifact before we get there. What even is it?"

"Good question. Our first lesson is that I appreciate an inquisitive mind. Do not hesitate to ask if you are uncertain of my actions or intentions."

Finn nodded.

"As for the artifact, what do you know about Kyber crystals?"

"Kyber crystals?" Finn thought back to one of his discussions with Rey. "They're the crystal in a lightsaber that gives it its power."

"Correct. Kyber crystals are a powerful and dangerous object. None more so than a piece of the Kaiburr Crystal."

"Kaiburr?"

"The Kaiburr is believed to be the first ever recorded chunk of Kyber crystals. Legend states it was a planet-sized asteroid of pure Kyber, from which the first lightsabers were forged from. The veracity of some of these legends is debatable, but Jedi scholars did confirm it as a powerful piece of Kyber. Shards of it turn up every so often."