A

The three suns of the planet Dyran rose in the sky, warming the atmosphere with an orange glow.

Dawn was the only time of the day when the planet looked beautiful.

It was no welcoming place, densely covered with dried crops, rock and dust, all of which gave the planet its filthy grey appearance.

But the planet was one of legends. Described in hidden parchments, spoken about when no one was listening, the planet was no one planet at all.

It was the collision of a thousand worlds.

Far away from the dried coarse lands that covered most the planet, layed a forest of lush, auburn trees that shed colourful leaves. Between those trees there were sparkling potent streams of water that ran through the vivid green grass. It was almost an entirely different ecosystem, yet nothing but a crack in the ground separated the two lands.

But the true myths came from the whispers of what laid beneath the crust of the planet, whispers that had been spread for billions of years.

The legend stated that beneath the crust, there was a world, above world, above world.

A world of sea. A world of stone. A world of flames.

All stacked upon each other, separated by mysterious pathways that stretched only a few metres wide. The legend was only a legend, but yet, it had reached familiar ears.

The whispers had been carried and spread as fast as the wind amongst citizens.

Whispers that were unknown to the empire…

But not unknown to its enemies.

Standing upon a rocky-cliff of dark stone was a figure hidden in a dark blue cloak.

Perfectly still, looking up in the sky, the wind blowing in the folds of their cape.

In the sky, a distant rumble was heard. A ship was approaching.

The figure turned around and walked down the platform, pulling out an intricate device that projected a holographic map into the air.

The figure studied it one last time, seemingly to be sure that they had charted the right path.

The person took a deep breath of the fresh, gushing wind, and sighed.

They were almost ready to set on their journey, one that had been months in preparation.

But it was a perilous one, one that meant life or death.

Yet it came with such a great prize that now that the opportunity had come, they had to seize it.

For the rebel effort.

For the Jedi.

Because standing there, taking one last look at the map, was none other than a jedi themselves.

None other than… Su Snuttles.

Su was ready to set out on her quest, but there was one last thing she needed to do.

One last person she needed to see.

Within minutes the ship landed next to the cliff, right in front of Su. As it came to a halt, smoke went up as the door extended. Standing there was Su’s mother.

Sya.

As she exited the ship, Sya froze as her eyes laid upon Su. They had not seen each other in 16 long years.

Sya looked Su up and down, barely recognizing her.

Sya: (unsure) Su?

Su: (equally uncertain) Mom?

Sya ran towards her daughter and embraced her tightly.

Sya: Oh, how I’ve missed you. (Sya looked her daughter up and down and grabbed hold of her shoulders) And how you’ve grown up.

Su smiled, but there was something holding her back. A feeling of estrangement. But also something that she held against her mother, and questions she had. But she let herself bask in the singular joy of that moment. The joy of seeing her mother again.

Su breathed in the fresh air that rose from the sea, filling her nostrils with the smell of her childhood.

Su: Remember when we used to go hunting by the lake, way past nightfall?

Sya: (softly) Of course I do. Those were some of the happiest moments in my life. (quietly) But now…

Sya paused, looking into the distance. Her eyes were riddled with fear and worry.

But Su, having not noticed this, went on, as more memories of her childhood, including those of her father, resurfaced in her mind.

Su: And Dad would always take us to the spot by the water to watch the meteor showers…

Sya turned back towards her mother, as her expression softened.

Sya: (placing a hand on Su's shoulder) Your father may be gone, but those memories will always be with us. (pauses) But you know, sometimes I wonder if it's the memories that hurt more than the loss itself. They can be so vivid, so real, that it's almost like he's still here with us. And yet, he's not. (sighs) It's a strange feeling, isn't it?

Su: (looking down) I know what you mean. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse of someone who looks like him or hear a song he used to love, and it's like he's right there with me. But then the moment passes and I'm left feeling empty.

Sya nodded and embraced her daughter again, and this time Su wrapped her arms around her mother too.

But good things never lasted forever.

Sya suddenly froze again, looking in the distance. Then she became coughing raspily, and feebly swayed a bit, almost tripping on a rock.

Su: You okay?

Sya: Of course, yes, yes. My bones just give up on me from time to time… (Sya smiled slightly before she coughed) It’s just old age, is it not?

Su frowned, and helped her mother forward.

Su: You need to rest.

A few minutes later, Sya was comfortably seated at a table, as Su walked over to join her, carrying a pot of brewed medicine.

Su smiled bittersweetly as she poured her mother a cup of the mixture, as worry made her bite her lip. Her mother seemed increasingly feeble.

Su: Here, drink this. It’ll help.

Sya gulped the cup down, as Su sat to face her. There was a moment of silence as She placed the cup down and studied it, watching as steam rose from it like cottony clouds.

Su: (worried) Have you been seeking help? There’s a doctor down Bax street, I remember that. You should go see him.

Sya smiled at her daughter.

Sya: Look at you, all worked up about me, when you have much greater things to worry about...

Sya nudged to the holo-map placed in front of Su, but Su placed it aside.

Su: This can wait. Right now, there’s something I need to tell you.

Sya studied her daughter’s face.

Sya: What- Now? (Sya’s voice took a cold tone) I’m not sure this is the right time for this. Things are… different now. (Sya shook her head) You should have told me another time.

Sya saw the surprise in her daughter’s eyes, and was herself taken aback by the harshness of her own answer, realising that she had grown too afraid of the empire.

But Su’s tone changed as well, as her memories came rushing back.

Su looked at her mother in the eyes, a visible hint of disappointment shining through. She sighed.

Su: It’s not like I haven’t tried before… Last month. And the one before. I’ve called, and I’ve called. I’ve been trying to reach you for years but you… You never respond. (Su exhaled) But I know you listen to my transmissions. I know you shut your com down when I’m speaking through it. I just… (Su took a deep breath, knowing what she wanted to say) I want to know why.

The light faded from her mother’s eyes as she looked down.

For a moment there was silence again.

Then she looked back at her daughter.

Sya: I was scared, guilty. I wasn’t sure how to talk to you. But… let me tell you why.

As Sya spoke, her mind wandered back to a memory of her and Su, left to take care of Su's younger sisters after her husband had left. Despite the hardships they faced, Sya remembered Su always stepping up to help, taking care of her sisters and keeping the family together.

Sya took a deep breath as she looked at her daughter with pride.

Sya: I was surprised when I saw you, standing there, my daughter, all fierce and grown up. Confident, brave. But shining through your eyes I knew there was so much you keep tucked away. Your thoughts… so perfectly hidden no one would know you they passed through your mind. I know this because- because you’re so much like me. More than any of your sisters.

Su studied her mother’s expression.

Sya: Your sisters… They remind me so much of your father. He used to be such a kind man. He was… charismatic and bold, never afraid of what others think, just like Si. But he was also hard-working and passionate, and clever, like So. And you, you… (Sya gulped, thinking the words through one last time before they left her mouth) You remind me of me.

Su looked at her mother and saw she began to shake.

Sya: You fight hard because I had to leave you to fend for yourself. You keep your thoughts to yourself because I told you it would make you vulnerable. You suffer because I- I cried in front of your eyes. I exposed you to hate, to suffering. The world made you seem like you didn’t belong and I… (Sya’s voice began to tremble) I was a terrible mother, and I… I’m so, so sorry Su… I… I… (Sya shook her head) I failed you.

A tear slipped down Sya’s cheek, glistening on her face.

Sya: (to herself) And I named you after me, Su Sya-la Snuttles. I thought it would bring us closer together, but I see now how wrong I was.

Sya looked away, choked with guilt and shame.

But Su carefully outstretched her hand and wiped the tear with her thumb, looking her mother straight into the eyes.

Su: No, you made me stronger. Because the struggles I overcame with you gave me strength. Gave me courage. (Su gently placed her hand on her mother’s shoulder, as she spoke with utter confidence) I’ve once heard that a smile on the face of a happy person is the most beautiful thing. But I believe there's something even more powerful: (Su gave her mother’s shoulder a gentle squeeze) a smile that's been hard-earned through struggles and tears.

Sya looked up to her daughter as a bittersweet smile of pride spread across her face.

Slowly, Sya wiped her remaining tears away and grabbed hold of Su’s hand.

Sya: I am so so proud of you, Su Snuttles. Never forget that. I hope you’ll forgive me. One day, hopefully. But I am proud of you. I am, and I…

A blast seemed to occur in the distance, but she didn’t hear it.

Sya: I always will be.

In the sky, the rumble became increasingly louder as lights began to emerge. Creatures? No, ships. All bearing the imperial mark.

The empire had found them.

The empire was here.

Su noticed the imperial ships arriving. Her mother had been followed by them.

Sya’s mouth gaped.

Sya: The empire… they’re here…

Sya turned to her daughter, shaking her head in guilt.

Sya: I brought them right to you…

But Su shook her head.

Su: They were going to find me eventually.

The old Su would have immediately panicked.

But the Su of that moment knew what she had to do.

Sya: But they’re too close- there’s no time to run…

Su looked back at her mother, with nothing but pure determination in every word she uttered:

Su: Then I will face them.

Sya smiled slightly but proudly at Su as the jedi stood up, removing her cape.

The glint of the golden armour woven into her outfit shone on her bold blue tunic with flecks of magenta.

Su placed her lightsabers in her belt as she walked out the door.

Outside, an entire garrison of stormtroopers lined up, ready and armed, aiming their weapons at the house. In front of them stood an Imperial Commander. Dressed in a black garment, he stood, analysing the house with a snivelling glare.

Commander Matrok: (dismissive) What a pitiful place.

Commander Matrok turned to his men as a sadistic glint began to glow in his eyes.

Commander Matrok: (snarling) Set your weapons to kill. Let us see if the Jedi is foolish enough to come face us…

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and the entire garrison froze.

Su walked bravely towards them, stopping only a few meters away.

Su studied her opponents, remaining calm and collected.

The 30 stormtroopers did not scare her one bit.

Commander Matrok watched Su’s every move, as he raised his voice and addressed her.

Commander Matrok: You are bold to come before us, Jedi. (He cackled) Fool.

Commander Matrok tilted his head.

Commander Matrok: But it raises the question, what was your plan, hm? To hide away in this little corner of nowhere, and hope we’d never find you? (He scoffed) How pitiful.

Su observed her opponent carefully, and immediately understood that his entire grand strategy relied on dominating his enemy through intimidation.

It did not affect Su one bit.

Su: (shrugging) I have some more important things to worry about.

Commander Matrok tilted his head and scoffed, still trying to dominate his adversary, a spark of anger burning through his words.

Commander Matrok: Do you, now? What about death? Does that not worry you? (growing increasingly aggravated, Commander Matrok turned to his stormtroopers) READY WEAPONS!

The entire garrison simultaneously charged their blasters with the swift movement of their hands, creating a thunderous uproar that shook the leaves off the ground.

But Su remained calm, and continued to study her opponent, answering right to his face.

Su: Not in the slightest.

Infuriated, Commander Matrok’s eyes began to glow with hatred. Having realized that his strategy was useless, he raised his voice in fury, his boiling anger pulsing through every word.

Commander Matrok: (enraged) Arrogant scum! You are nothing but a pitiful coward hiding behind a facade, some form of courage that does not exist! I’ve dealt with scums of your type, and they all ended up dead in minutes once their bravado fell apart!

Commander Matrok’s anger only grew as he realized his words did not affect the Jedi one bit.

But then, right in that instant of rage, the Imperial Commander remembered something crucial. Something that could use against his enemy.

Smiling with a plentiful amount of greedy pride, he composed himself and spoke to his enemy.

Commander Matrok: Oh, and yes, before you ask me, my experiences were all with Jedi.

Su frowned as she noticed something pinned on his chest.

A pin she recognized: It belonged to Sblu…

But that didn’t make sense… or did it?

The realisation hit Su like a knife twisting her gut.

No…

Su glowered at the Imperial Commander, asking a question that she feared she already knew the answer to.

Su: No… (to Matrok) Where did you get that?

Commander Matrok’s eyes sparked with evil intent.

Commander Matrok: Oh, that… (he grinned) Ever heard the name, Sblu Shmootles, Jedi?

Su shook her head. It couldn’t be…

But yet…

Everything faded to black as the sound of blaster fire echoed in the distance. In disbelief, Su realised what was happening as her surroundings came into focus.

The force was showing her a vision.

She was in the middle of a chaotic battlefield on Felucia.

Bodies of fallen clones and Jedi littered the ground, the desperation and fear in the air attacking Su like a thousand shards piercing her skin.

Lying on the ground next to her, motionless, was the corpse of a twi’lek Jedi. Su stepped back, horrified, as she realised it was Aayla Secura, her master’s cousin.

Suddenly, a shout pierced through the air, as Su jumped to the side to see a garrison of clone troopers trudging through the clearing, led by Commander Matrok, and heading towards…

Towards Master Sblu.

Sblu stood defiantly, his sabre ignited, and the bodies of his friends scattered all around him.

Matrok: Now, what do we have here? A Jedi Grand Master, wounded and alone? (Matrok sneers) It's a shame you won't live long enough to enjoy your reputation.

But Sblu stood tall, his expression resolute.

Sblu: (firm) I will not stand idly by while you and your ilk destroy everything the Jedi stand for. We will fight to the end!

Matrok: (scoffs, a cruel smile crossing his lips) You Jedi are all the same. You cling to your outdated beliefs and refuse to see the truth. The Emperor's vision is the only future for this galaxy, and we will see it through. You and your order will fall.

Sblu's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing.

Sblu: Your arrogance is matched only by your ignorance. The Jedi have survived for centuries, and we will continue to do so, even in the face of your tyranny.

But Matrok only tilted his head, amused.

Matrok: Is that so? Then let's see if you're as skilled as the legends say you are.

Sblu: (smirks) We'll see about that. But enough talk. Let's settle this like warriors.

Matrok raises his blaster, but Sblu is ready. With a flick of his wrist, he charges forward, lightsaber blazing. Matrok and his troops begin firing relentlessly on Sblu as the area is filled with a flurry of sparks and blaster fire.

Sblu expertly deflected the blaster bolts with his lightsaber, but the clone troopers kept coming. Hours passed, as Sblu fought valiantly to protect himself.

Blaster-fire rained on the Jedi Grand Master from every side, and soon, the bodies of hundreds of clone troopers lay dead on the ground.

But three blaster shots sneaked past Sblu's defences, all three hitting his legs.

The Jedi fell to the ground, paralyzed, struggling to reach his lightsaber, as Matrok emerged from the fray and pointed his blaster at Sblu's chest.

Matrok: (cold and taunting) It's over, Jedi. You should have surrendered when you had the chance.

Sblu: (smirking) I'll never surrender to the likes of you, Matrok. You may have won this battle, but the Force will always prevail.

Matrok shook his head, his lips curling into a cruel smile.

Matrok: Not this time.

Matrok pulled the trigger, and Sblu's body fell to the ground, lifeless.

His eyes were wide with shock and pain.

Su: (screaming) No!

Su rushed to Sblu's side, feeling as if she was there, her body moved on autopilot and she knelt beside him. Gently, she took his hand in hers and shook his body in despair, as if willing him back to life.

Su: (imploring) Sblu, stay with me.

Tears streamed down Su's face as Sblu's breaths became shallower and shallower, and soon, he lay still, his eyes fixed on some distant point.

The vision faded away as Su jolted back into the present, a single tear slipping down her cheek.

Su was left in a daze, unable to believe what she had just seen.

Sblu Shmootles, her friend, had been killed in battle by the very man who was now standing before her, Matrok.

Su's thoughts were interrupted by Matrok's voice, as he stepped towards her, smiling cruelly.

Matrok: It seems like you've figured it out, Jedi. Yes, I killed your precious Master Sblu, just like I killed all the others who stood in the way of the Empire. And now, I'll kill you too.

Su felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She felt her anger boil against Matrok and what she had done, mixed with the insufferable pain of having to watch her friend die in front of her.

Su's fists clenched.

She ignited her lightsabers.

Matrok: Yes, show me what you got, jedi. (Matrok cackled) Show me how you and your pathetic Jedi Order are such hypocrites.

Su felt her anger grow stronger, like a match waiting to be set on fire, her anger and her sadness fighting for control.

But she knew revenge would only lead to more violence and suffering, as much as she couldn't help feeling a pang of anger and grief for her fallen friends.

She knew that she had to stay focused, as she remembered the path that she had embarked on. A path that had saved her from agony and pain.

And that had changed her forever.

Matrok: Well, jedi? What are you waiting for? Don't you want to avenge him? Him and your other Jedi friends?

Su took a deep breath, filled with a new kind of energy.

A new kind of determination.

Su: No.

Matrok's eyes narrowed as Su swiftly twirled into the air, landing in a defensive and firm stance, holding her sabres in front of her.

Su: I will honour them.

Matrok bellowed in fury.

Matrok: (enraged) You dare to defy me, Jedi? You will pay for your arrogance! Men, show this Jedi scum what it means to defy the empire. OPEN FIRE!

Su had the time to draw just one breath.

The blasters emitted a unanimous roar as the bolts attacked her from every direction, and she braced herself, her thoughts racing faster than her pulse.

I will honour them. The phrase echoed in her mind, as her senses sharpened. Su knew that she had little chance of succeeding, and yet the faces of her fallen friends seeped into her mind. She believed more than anything that their spirits deserved to be glorified. And that reminded her that she had something worth fighting for.

Su spun, jumped, twirled through the air, her sabres whirling against the roaring wind.

She blocked hit after hit, the bright red flicker of the blaster bolts bursting into a flurry of blue glimmering shards as they came into contact with her blades.

Matrok: MORE! INCINERATE HER!

The fire of the troopers gained even more momentum, and Su knew it was only a matter of time before she was overwhelmed.

But she had more then one trick up her sleeve.

Su: (shouting through the wind) R12, now!

A moment of pause came before the window of the shelter shattered and Su's droid came bursting through, jolting into action as a dozen arms extended from his mechanical body, all equipped with blasters, and firing a flurry of electrical charges towards the troops.

R-12: (chirping happily)

Multiple troopers knocked onto the ground, paralyzed, as Su jumped forward and threw out her arms, propelling another few troopers aside.

R-12, upgraded to fight as effectively as an IG-unit, began spinning in all directions, picking off the enemies one by one with precision and speed.

Su felt her heart race as she fought for her life, adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Soon, as Jedi Knight and Astromech fought with everything they had, the entire garrison of troopers lay unconscious on the ground, twitching in bewilderment.

Su breathed, panting, as R12 came over to her, beeping and whistling.

Su: (smiling) Good job buddy.

R12: (beeping enthusiastically)

Su's smile faded as she returned to a state of focus and sprinted towards the shelter.

Su watched as Sya stumbled through the doors, her face pale and strained. She rushed over to her mother, embracing her tightly.

Su: (urgently) Mom, you have to go. It's not safe here.

Sya nodded, tears flooding her eyes.

Sya: I know. But I can't leave you here to face this alone.

Su: (shaking her head) I'll be fine. Just go, please.

Sya hesitated, her eyes scanning Su's face.

Sya: I don't understand why you're doing this. Why you're risking your life for… for what, exactly?

Su took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

Su: For the Jedi. For everything they stood for. For justice, and peace, and… and for my friends.

Sya's eyes softened.

Sya: (repeating) Your friends. The ones who died?

Su nodded, her throat tightening.

Su: Yes. I have to do this, Mom. I have to make sure their sacrifice meant something.

Sya's expression looked sad, but determined.

Sya: I understand. But you have to be careful. You can't take on the whole Empire by yourself.

Su: (smiling faintly) I won't be alone. (She gestured to R12) And I have the Force on my side.

Sya looked skeptical, but she didn't argue.

Sya: (softly) Just promise me you'll be back.

Su hugged her tightly.

Su: (fiercely) I will. I promise.

But then…

Voice: JEDI!

Su turned around abruptly, as she saw a figure emerge from the smoke.

Matrok.

Su: (to Sya, determined) I've got this, Mom. You need to get out of here now!

Sya nodded in anguish as she lingered on for one more moment before racing to her ship.

Matrok strode confidently towards Su, a sneer on his face. Su tensed, her hand reaching for her lightsaber.

Matrok: (mockingly) Look at you, Jedi. Reduced to hiding in a bunker like a scared animal.

Su didn't respond, her eyes fixed on her enemy.

Matrok: You know, it's almost too easy. The great Jedi Order, wiped out in one fell swoop. And yet, here you are, all alone. No friends, no allies, nothing.

Su kept her calm, her fingers holding tightly onto her lightsaber.

Matrok: (smirking) But you know what they say, Jedi. Pride comes before the fall. And you, my dear, are very, very prideful.

With that, he lunged forward, igniting an electro-staff. Su barely had time to react, parrying his blow with her own sabre.

The two engaged in a fierce duel, their weapons flashing in the air, cornering each other dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. Su fought with all her might, channelling the Force to guide her movements and anticipate Matrok's attacks. But he was a skilled warrior, and every time she thought she had him, he slipped away, striking back with deadly precision.

Finally, Su saw her opening. With a swift movement, she disarmed Matrok, sending his staff flying off the cliff.

Su: (panting) It's over, Matrok. Surrender.

Matrok glared at her, hatred burning in his eyes.

Matrok: (spitting) I'll never surrender to a Jedi scum like you.

Su: (firmly) Suit yourself. But know that I will see to it that you will eventually face justice.

Matrok snarled and lunged towards her, blaster raised.

Su quickly deflected the shot with her lightsaber, the bolt flying harmlessly into the air.

Matrok: (laughing maniacally) You'll have to do better than that, Jedi!

Su narrowed her eyes.

But suddenly, as Matrok stumbled backwards and attempted to shoot her once again, he lost his footing, his rear leg hanging above the precipice. Matrok flailed his arms, trying to grab onto something, but it was too late. With a scream, he tumbled backwards off the cliff and plummeted towards the rocks below.

Su ran to the edge and peered over, her heart racing. She felt a pang of sadness, but also a sense of relief. It was over. Finally, it was over.

Su turned and walked back towards the shelter, where R12 was waiting for her. She deactivated her lightsaber and took a deep breath.

Su: (determined) Let's go. We have work to do.