Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
THE ICY winds of Orto Plutonia howled as Aruna adjusted her robes, eyes narrowing at the distant snow-covered peaks. The cold barely bothered her, but what did was the figure standing just ahead, a familiar silhouette in dark robes—the Chosen One himself, Anakin Skywalker.
She couldn't believe they had dispatched her to work with skywalker of all people for her first mission
"You're late, Skywalker," Aruna remarked coolly, her voice sharp as the frozen air.
Anakin turned with a smirk. "And here I thought you'd enjoy some time to meditate in solitude."
"Being alone isn't something a Jedi should seek. You, of all people, should know that."
His smirk faded slightly, but before the tension could thicken further, Captain Rex approached, clearing his throat. "Generals, we've received word from the Pantoran delegation. Chairman Cho is demanding immediate action against the natives—the Talz."
Aruna's jaw tightened. She had been briefed on Chairman Cho's rigid stance, but the idea of violence to solve the conflict gnawed at her. She exchanged a glance with Anakin, who seemed less conflicted and more... eager.
"We need to assess the situation before any rash decisions are made," Aruna said firmly, already walking toward the Pantoran camp.
Anakin fell in step beside her, his tone lighter. "Don't tell me you're siding with Senator Chuchi on this."
"She understands diplomacy. Something you struggle with, Skywalker."
Anakin shot her a sidelong glance, his pride stung. "We're not diplomats. We're warriors, Aruna."
"No. We're peacekeepers. Or have you forgotten?"
The two Jedi reached the Pantoran camp, where Chairman Cho paced impatiently, his face flushed despite the freezing air. "Jedi, we must eliminate the Talz threat at once! Orto Plutonia belongs to Pantora!"
Aruna stepped forward, her voice calm but resolute. "Chairman Cho, we must first communicate with the Talz. They've made no direct threats. This planet may not be uninhabited, but that does not mean it belongs to Pantora."
Anakin, leaning against a supply crate, folded his arms. "If we don't act soon, this 'peace' you're hoping for could turn into something far worse."
Before Aruna could respond, a rumble echoed in the distance. Talz riders on their narglatch mounts appeared on the horizon, moving swiftly through the snow.
Aruna's hand instinctively went to her lightsaber, but she did not ignite it. Instead, she stepped forward, raising her hands in a peaceful gesture. "We come to speak," she called out over the wind.
As the Talz riders approached, Aruna could feel the tension radiating from Anakin beside her. He shifted his stance, fingers twitching toward his lightsaber, but she cut him a glance.
