4 BBY — Sullust — The now familiar hum of the ship’s engines reverberates through the corridors as Arya makes her way to her quarters. The mission to Sullust looms ahead, its gravity weighing heavily on her mind. Nora’s revelation about the Cobalt Laborers Reformation Front adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate situation.
Once inside her quarters, Arya settles at her desk, surrounded by ancient Jedi texts. She delves into her research on crystals, eager to learn more about lightsaber construction and the significance of different colors. As she immerses herself in the texts, she stumbles upon the history of the Lordians, a race that sacrificed vocal communication for physical expression. Their engineering prowess resulted in the creation of purple crystals sensitive to movement and gestures, granting wielders a heightened sense of prescience in combat.
Intrigued by this discovery, Arya decides to experiment with her own lightsaber. With a sense of trepidation, she reluctantly releases her current crystal and replaces it with one of the purple stones. Igniting the blade, she is greeted by a brilliant purple glow, the weapon feeling lighter and more responsive in her hands. Satisfied with her modification, Arya carefully packs away the remaining crystals, hiding them from prying eyes.
The journey to Sullust is uneventful, the Rebellion pleased with the influx of funds from the crystals. However, as they enter the planet’s hostile atmosphere, Arya’s focus shifts to the mission at hand. Sullust’s landscape is marked by hot springs, streams, and geothermal vents—a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
Arriving at Pinymb, Arya is struck by the sight of the factory wasteland dotted with Imperial ships. An AT-ST patrols the area, a grim reminder of the Empire’s presence. As they make their way to the SoroSub Centroplex, posing as a “business delegation” from Chandrila, Arya can’t shake the feeling of unease.
Upon landing, they are met by a Centroplex officer, introduced by Nora. The change of plans catches them off guard, but they follow the officer through clean Imperial hallways and down below ground to an office. The sterile surroundings only serve to heighten Arya’s apprehension.
Micha serves as the translator for Nien Nunb, and they are informed of a tour of the Centroplex. Despite Nora’s nervous agreement, Arya senses the tension in the air—a palpable Imperial presence lurking beneath the surface. Uniformed officers and Stormtroopers are a constant presence, their watchful eyes following their every move.
Micha suggests lunch at the EatGo, and they head to the automat cafeteria in a land speeder. The local proprietor greets them warmly, and they settle at a table near the entrance, seeking solace in this CLRF safe space. Over the meal, Micha reveals the Empire’s increased crackdown on the CLRF, with Biel Browan arrested on trumped-up charges. People are disappearing, and fear grips the populace.
As Arya scans the room, her gaze lingers on a woman a few tables over—Mara, the quartermaster. Arya brushes off the encounter, but the feeling of being watched persists. When she hears a commotion behind her, she turns to see two individuals in dark cloaked armor approaching Mara. The female reaches out with the Force, holding Mara in place, while the male blocks her path. Arya hears a plea for help in her mind, prompting Nora to urge her to leave.
In a split second decision, Arya shoots the female inquisitor with her blaster, but the male retaliates, killing the Padawan. As the female inquisitor attacks with her lightsaber, Arya defends herself, but the Inquisitor’s strike leaves her stunned and vulnerable. Despite her best efforts, Arya is overwhelmed, falling to the floor as darkness envelops her.
She awakens in her quarters, Tuk Tuk watching over her. Nora reassures her, recounting how Micha’s intervention saved them. Arya is consumed by a sense of failure, haunted by her inability to protect the Padawan. As she mends her armor, she reflects on the consequences of her actions and the weight of her newfound identity as a Force user.
Emerging into the mess, Arya confides in Nora about her Force-side backstory, unsettling her friend with tales of Jedi and Inquisitors. The revelation leaves Nora at a loss, uncertain of how to navigate this new reality. As they contemplate their next move, Arya’s resolve hardens—eight people know her secret, and she must confront the challenges ahead, starting with their journey to Chandrila.