Echoes of Light: The Confederate Crusade

Prologue

The galaxy teetered on the edge of transformation, though few were prepared to face what lay ahead. The Republic, once the paragon of peace and stability, had become a bloated institution, its purpose eroded by corruption and bureaucratic decay. For Silas Dorne, a Jedi Knight who had once dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the Order's ideals, the gradual collapse of the Republic's integrity was a painful reality.

In 27 BBY/973 ARR, Silas made a decision that few Jedi could comprehend—he left the Order. Disillusioned by the Council's passivity and the Republic's corruption, he set out to find a truer path, one that aligned with the principles he still held dear. His journey was only beginning, but he sensed that the galaxy's fate was soon to be shaped by forces greater than himself.

The Ruins on Teyr

The wind swept across the desolate plains of Teyr, a planet whose ancient ruins bore witness to civilizations long past. Silas moved through the weathered stone corridors, his footsteps echoing softly as he absorbed the solitude of the place. He sought answers—wisdom that went beyond the teachings of the Jedi, something that could guide him as he forged his new path.

As he moved deeper into the ruins, Silas felt a presence in the Force—a powerful signature, disciplined and unfamiliar. He stopped, his hand instinctively moving toward his lightsaber as he scanned the surroundings. Emerging from the shadows was a tall, striking figure with blue skin and piercing red eyes. She wore a dark uniform marked with the insignia of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, her gaze sharp and calculating.

The two regarded each other in silence, each assessing the other. Finally, she spoke, her voice smooth but edged with curiosity. "It's rare to find a Jedi wandering so far from Coruscant, especially alone. Should I assume you're here on Republic business?"

Silas relaxed his posture, releasing his grip on his lightsaber. "I'm not here for the Republic," he replied evenly. "I left the Order less than a year ago."

Her expression shifted slightly, a flicker of interest crossing her face. "Did you now?" She stepped closer, her gaze never wavering. "Most Jedi are tethered to their doctrines, unable to see past the Order's narrow perspective. But you... you're different."

Silas studied her, noting the strength in her stance and the confidence in her gaze. He sensed no hostility, only curiosity. "The Jedi have lost their way," he said quietly. "They serve a Republic that has forgotten its purpose. I couldn't stand by and watch them betray the ideals they once stood for."

The woman's gaze softened, becoming more contemplative. "So, you've seen it too—the decay within the Republic." She paused, folding her arms. "Tell me, if not a Jedi, what is it you're searching for in these ruins?"

Silas glanced around at the ancient stones, choosing his words carefully. "I'm seeking knowledge—wisdom that existed before the Order became what it is today. Something that can help me understand how to protect the values they've forgotten."

After a moment of consideration, the woman extended her hand. "Sev'rance Tann, General of the Confederacy of Independent Systems."

He accepted her hand, nodding in acknowledgment. "Silas Dorne. I left the Jedi Order to follow the path I believe the Jedi were meant to walk."

Sev'rance's lips curved into a faint smile, a glint of approval in her eyes. "You're an intriguing man, Silas Dorne. In many ways, you remind me of myself. I, too, grew frustrated with the limitations imposed by tradition, by a system that valued control over progress."

Silas raised an eyebrow, curious. "What brought you to the Confederacy?"

Her gaze turned distant, thoughtful. "I was once bound by the expectations of my people, who valued stability above all else. But I wanted freedom—the ability to make choices unburdened by the galaxy's politics. The Confederacy gave me that freedom. They understand that real change requires strength and conviction." She met his gaze, her eyes sharp. "The Republic has grown complacent, content to let the galaxy suffer as long as their power remains unchallenged."