Star Wars - Shadow Of The Outer Rim

2. | Reflection

Kiera sat cross-legged on the floor of her small quarters, the soft hum of the ship's engines barely noticeable in the background as she meditated. Her white robes pooled around her, and the cool air of the cabin felt distant as she focused inward, reaching out to the Force. The mission ahead weighed heavily on her mind, and she sought clarity, hoping the Force would guide her through the tangled web of political tensions and conflict waiting in the Vandor's Reach system.

The war-torn planets, the mining colonies, the fractured politics— she had trained for this though. Being a Jedi Sentinel it was her calling to solve disputes like these with minimal interference.

A soft chime from the door interrupted her meditation. She opened her eyes slowly, letting the calm energy of the Force linger for just a moment longer before she spoke.

"Enter," she called, her voice steady.

The door slid open to reveal one of the soldiers—Corporal Reznik, recently promoted to the rank by Jax. His posture was strong, though his eyes held a hint of wariness. "Commander" Reznik addressed her, his tone formal. "We've made the jump to hyperspace. It'll be several hours until we reach the Vandors Reach system."

Kiera nodded, standing and brushing the folds of her robe into place. "Thank you, Corporal. What do you or the other soldiers know about the system? Have you received any intelligence from command?"

"No. Were in the dark." Reznik's posture stiffened, his gaze briefly flicking over her as though weighing her capabilities before he responded. "With all due respect, Commander, we've seen systems like Vandor's Reach before. Civil wars never stay civil for long."

Kiera frowned slightly but kept her tone neutral. "I see," she said, her hands clasping behind her back. "We need to understand the lay of the land. Keep the team sharp—we can't afford any mistakes."

Reznik saluted. "I'll see to it, Commander. I'll make sure the troops are ready." He hesitated for a moment, as if about to say something more, but instead nodded and exited the room, leaving Kiera alone once again.

With a quiet sigh, she returned to her position on the floor. She had hoped for more insight from the soldiers, but it seemed she would need to rely on her own instincts and preparation. She closed her eyes, letting the Force guide her once more, but the looming uncertainty of the mission stayed with her.

Some time later, Kiera stepped out of her quarters and made her way to the meeting room, where the troops were already gathered. The holomap of Vandor's Reach flickered in the center of the room, casting pale blue light across the assembled soldiers. There was a quiet murmur as they waited for her to speak.

She glanced over the group, noting their disciplined posture, but also the underlying tension. Without Master Kallor by her side, the weight of command felt heavier, unfamiliar. They weren't used to her leading them without him.

"Attention," Kiera called, and the room fell silent, all eyes turning toward her. She stepped closer to the holomap, her hands clasped behind her back as she began.

"As you know, we are approaching Vandor's Reach—a system in turmoil. Our mission is to keep the peace and lead diplomatic discussions. The civil wars between Korath and Dastrurn have not yet reached the point of an official declaration, but the tensions are high. We'll be landing on Korath first, where we'll make contact with King Corvak and assess the situation on the ground. Your primary role will be providing security to high value political figures during these negotiations."

She motioned to Sergeant Jax, who stepped forward to continue the briefing. Jax's calm, experienced demeanor reassured the soldiers.

"There are four primary planets in the system," Jax explained, gesturing toward the holomap as it shifted to display each world in turn. "Korath and Dastrurn host most of the population and are the key players in the political conflict. They've been at odds for years, though things haven't escalated into full-scale war—yet. Korath is the more traditional, monarchy-led planet, while Dastrurn is ruled by a senate of leaders from major factions"

The map shifted to the next planet.

"Tenor," Jax continued, "is mostly a mining and farming planet. It's been relatively peaceful compared to the other two, with the population living simple lives away from the capital planets and their wars. Files indicated decades ago, the Republic had strong interests in Tenors resources. A few operations were established but have since been disbanded."

Finally, the map zoomed in on the last planet.

"Lark," Jax said, his voice lowering slightly, "is a desolate, war-torn planet. Large parts of the planet are uninhabitable. We shouldn't have much reason to go there, but be aware of its history."

Jax stepped back, and Kiera took the floor once more. She surveyed the room, her gaze steady, feeling the weight of the responsibility she now carried.

"Remember, we are not here to fight," she said, her voice firm but calm. "Our goal is peace. Diplomatic discussions will be at the forefront, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy. Your job is to ensure the safety of key political figures, and that means staying sharp and ready at all times."

The troops nodded, their faces serious, though Kiera's eyes caught a small movement at the back of the room. Two soldiers, new recruits judging by their uniforms, were quietly whispering and exchanging glances, their expressions marked with small, uncertain smiles. The whispering at the back of the room was faint, but Kiera felt the weight of every word. She didn't need the Force to sense their doubt—she could see it in their eyes, hear it in their nervous shifting. She was young, and in their minds, youth meant weakness. Her jaw tightened for a moment, but she forced herself to remain still, her gaze unwavering.

But Kiera didn't let it show. She held their gaze for a brief moment, then turned back to the rest of the squad, addressing them all.

"We will face challenges, but we face them together. The Force is our ally, but it is your courage, your discipline, and your strength that will carry us through this mission. Do your duty, protect each other, and remember that we are here to bring peace."

The soldiers stood at attention, saluting in unison. Kiera gave a final nod of approval before dismissing them to their stations. As they filed out of the room, she caught another glance from the two recruits, their skepticism still lingering, but she knew she would prove herself soon enough. There was more to being a Jedi than age or experience—and they would see that firsthand.

​​Kiera remained behind, her eyes lingering on the holomap. She barely noticed Jax approaching, his familiar presence grounding her.

"You seem tense," Jax said quietly, standing beside her.

Kiera sighed, shaking her head slightly. "I'm fine. It's just the pressure. I've led before, but it was different with Master Kallor here."

"We'll get through this," Jax replied, his voice steady as ever. "You've got what it takes, Kiera. Is it them"—he glanced at the door—"the new recruits. They're green. And they haven't seen a battlefield yet, or a jedi, let alone one as young as you."

Kiera nodded, her jaw tightening. "I noticed. Some of them aren't sure about me. I don't know if they see me as a leader yet."

Jax paused, then asked, "Want me to talk to them? Ease the tension?"

Kiera shook her head. "No, they need to see it for themselves."

Jax placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Give them time. They'll come around."

She smiled slightly at that, appreciating his confidence in her. "Thanks, Jax. I'm just glad you're here."

He gave her a reassuring smile as he exited, leaving her alone with her thoughts, Kiera turned back to the holomap, the blue light reflecting in her eyes.