Star Wars - Shadow Of The Outer Rim

1. | Blockade

Kiera stood on the command deck of the Republic star cruiser gazing out at the vast, empty stretch of space that lay before them. Her blonde hair falling below her shoulders, onto her white robes. The faint hum of Republic star fighters and transports departing from and to Sirath echoed inside the ship. Beside her, Jedi master Kallor, surveyed tactical positions on the planets capital, his expression calm but alert.

They were part of a Republic blockade, stationed near the Separatist-held planet of Sirath, a world vital to the Sith Empire's resource supply. Sirath's defiance had led the Republic to cut off its trade routes, and now the cruiser fleet orbited as dark shadows looming in the atmosphere. The blockade had been in position for a few days and tensions were beginning to run high as they waited for further military resistance. Republic troops occupied parts of the capital city. This mission made her feel strange, the force was calling out to her.

"Master, something doesn't feel right," Kiera said quietly, trying not to sound uneasy. "Do you think the Separatists will try to break the blockade?"

Kallor's gaze flicked to her briefly before returning to the holomap. His silence, although subtle, stretched on a little too long. "If they are wise, they won't. They know the Republic's forces are overwhelming. We hold the advantage here, but that doesn't mean we should grow complacent."

Kiera nodded, though her thoughts wandered. The Force had been unsettled lately, and she could feel a growing disturbance that was not tied to their current mission. Something darker lingered on the edges of her awareness.

Before she could voice her concerns, they received an incoming transmission from the Jedi Council. Kiera shot a look to her master before she put the communication through. In front of them the Jedi Council appeared in a flickering blue hologram. Master Rhenor, a renowned Jedi known for his discipline stepped forward and spoke, "Master Kallor, Kiera" He greeted.

"We have a new assignment for you."

Master Kallor stepped forward, his hand brushing against the hilt of his lightsaber. "What is the nature of the mission, Master?"

"The Council has been receiving troubling reports from the Vandors Reach system for quite some time now. However the situation appears to have deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. Corruption, civil wars, and rumors of settlers and politicians disappearing are spreading through the system. We need someone to investigate," Rhenor said, his gaze shifting to Kiera. "Kiera, we believe you are well-suited for this task."

Kiera blinked in surprise. "Me? Alone?"

Kallor's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent. Kiera could sense his hesitation, but Master Rehnor continued.

"The situation may require delicate mediation, and we believe it requires the unique skills you possess as a sentinel. The political landscape is unstable and they need someone to bridge their differences" Master Rehnor explained. "You will go to Vandor's Reach and investigate these rumors. The system used to be home to some republic operations due to its valuable resources decades ago."

Kiera straightened, masking the uncertainty she felt. "I understand, Master. I will do my best. Is there anything else you can tell me"

"The king of Korath and his advisors are the ones who specifically requested a Jedi. Beyond that we have little information. Details are scarce and time is working against us. Report your findings directly to Master Kallor"

Just then, Master Kallor interjected, his voice steady but concerned. "Master Rehnor, with all due respect, Kiera may still be too young for this assignment. The stakes are high, and we cannot afford to underestimate the risks involved."