Shadow of the Purge

Chapter 1

The planet of Feron was at peace as it had been for many years. It had escaped the violent conflicts of the Clone Wars, isolated from the troubles that had besieged other worlds.

Feron had no great mineral wealth, no important industries, nor was it a strategic outpost. It was a simple planet, populated by rural communities. Its fertile soil and warm temperate climate made it a natural home to many farms. Livestock roamed the open plains and lush crops grew in the fields. It was for these reasons that Ahsoka had chosen to settle here as a farmer after she had been forced to leave the Jedi order.

She had no enemies here on this peaceful world – no need to check over her shoulder. She – like the planet- was at peace. Ahsoka had quickly adapted to this rural life, free from conflict. It was a small farm, a mixture of cattle and crops and Ahsoka ran it with the help of Edward, a young farm hand from Feron. Edward had been with Ahsoka since the beginning. When she landed on Feron and bought the farm, he had immediately offered his help. Ahsoka had thought she could run the farm by herself, but she had been told that the work was hard and the hours long. She was told she would need help to run the farm. She didn't recall who had told her this, but Edward had been there offering his services and Ahsoka had hired him.They quickly struck up a good working relationship, happy with their simple life. The farm was indeed hard work – but enjoyable and rewarding. A close trusting friendship between Edward and Ahsoka soon followed.

The life of a Jedi, fighting in the Clone Wars, commanding troops and wielding a light saber seemed like a distant memory. Ahsoka had learned to trust Edward as their friendship grew and eventually she had told him of her past. At the end of the working day on the farm, they would share dinner as the sun set, Ahsoka would tell stories of her Jedi life.

It seemed such a different world from her current life, that when she was telling Edward these stories, it sometimes felt to Ahsoka that she was making up an adventure story, not recounting her own past. Edward would love listening to these stories, always egging Ahsoka on to tell more stories. His smiling face and wide eyes encouraged her to keep going. She was happy and at peace. She loved her farm, enjoying working the land with Edward. She didn't miss the adventure and excitement of her time in the Jedi order. She was content to live out her days on the farm. There was nothing happening in the wider galaxy that would change that.

Or so she thought.

When Palpatine issued Order 66, it led to a massive disturbance in the Force that rippled through the Galaxy. Many Jedi were killed by Order 66, but those who survive felt the disturbance. Even former Jedi remained Force sensitive. So when Ahsoka felt the disturbance, she instantly knew that something dreadful had happened. And she also knew that this was likely to mean changes to her peaceful life. Even though since she had been on Feron she had not missed the Jedi life, her natural instincts immediately returned. She knew she had to act; the question was how?

Edward was with her. He had no Force sensitivity, and had not felt any disturbance. However he could sense something was wrong with Ahsoka. He was a simple man from a rural planet. He had no experience of adventure or a life of battle. He did, though, have strong empathy with other people. He could see Ahsoka was troubled and his immediate instinct was to help. He wasn't sure what he would be able to do, but he wanted to try.

"What is it, Ahsoka?" he asked. She turned to him. "Something bad," she said. "I don't know what it is or what caused it, but I've felt a massive disturbance in the Force." She closed her eyes. "This will change things, I fear" Edward looked at her, his eyes burning with sincerity. "Let me help," he said. "The sooner we can sort this out, the sooner things can get back to normal." Edward showed his true character with that simple statement. This was a young man who wanted to help his friends, but also a man who enjoyed his life as it was – a simple rural life. He looked at Ahsoka, quizzically. She smiled. "Thank you, Edward," she said. "I really appreciate your sentiment, but if I'm honest, I'm not sure what to do, where to go or who to ask. I feel I must do something, but whenever I've had to face an issue in the past, I've normally had a Jedi master by my side to ask." Edward paused – he knew he wasn't a Jedi master and he suddenly felt inadequate. Then his face brightened. "A few villages from here, there is an old wizard," Edward said excitedly. "He's a friend of my father.""So?" asked Ahsoka "I'm not sure I really understand the Force, but I'm sure I heard my father say that the wizard could sense things. It sounded like he is Force sensitive like you."Ahsoka looked shocked. "Really?" she said. "Another Force sensitive being on Feron – who is he?"