The morning light filtered softly through the high windows of the Tython temple refectory, illuminating long stone tables, as members of the order ate and talked in peace. I sat across from Master Plo and Master Fay. I absently stirring a bowl of warm soup with cooked meat and fresh fruit on the side. I talked while the two were listening to me and the distant hum of the people in the temple.
I was halfway through explaining my finalized projections for the hybrid clone army. From the ethical concerns, and rotating command structures for the military section. The Force-null integration, and holding centers for those who fall to the dark or lose their way due to any number of concerns.
Thats when Master Plo calmly lifted his cup of tea and spoke." While I am glad to hear your thinking far ahead. You have larger concerns for today, my Padawan."
I paused mid-sentence, brow furrowing. I had other concerns, what did he mean? That's when it came to me. "You're right master. The summit with the political leaders is today. I should review the talking points again—"
Fay laughed softly, the sound warm and teasing. "Oh no, Cain. That is not what Plo means. You have something much more concerning then that."
I looked between them, confused. Do they know something I don't?
Plo Koon's face crinkled with gentle amusement or what Cain thought was amusement. "We are referring to your date with Seris."
The spoon slipped from Cain's fingers and clattered loudly against the bowl. As silence followed.
I stared at the fallen utensil as if it had betrayed me . Slowly, color crept into my cheeks. "Oh…Right. That."
Fay covered her mouth, shoulders shaking slightly as she tried—and failed—not to laugh at Cain.
Cain cleared his throat and leaned in, lowering his voice. "Um...Masters… you both know my special situation. Since my soul isn't from this universe. My mental age doesn't align with my current physical one. And you're both from long-lived species. What would you do in my shoes?"
Plo Koon and Fay exchanged a glance.
Fay took a slow sip of tea before answering. "Cain, I have lived far longer than most. In my life stil I have not taken lovers, nor sought romance. That path simply was not mine." She then tilted her head slightly. "But you are not me."
She continued gently, "You clearly care for Seris and it clear she does the same for you. That much even a Miralukan could see that. Your conflict comes from your own awareness. From your previous worlds moral, and emotional beliefs. That is wisdom that even now you care how it looks and how it could affect Seris."
Cain listened intently.
"You show her respect," Fay went on. "You see her as a person, and acknowledge her adjacency as a woman. Whatever laws governed your old world no longer apply here for the most part, but your mindfulness of her and her feelings does. You are not an adult by the standards of this galaxy, yet you conduct yourself as one. That matters slightly more."
Plo Koon nodded. "Indeed. And Seris comes from a noble line of Force Lords on Corellia. There may be expectations placed upon her. If you wish to wait and grow are relationship, communicate that. If you wish to remain just friends then communicate that." Plo then folded his hands. "There is nothing wrong with loving someone and choosing patience. But do not push her away, and keep her close out of fear. It ignores how she feels as well. And you are about to turn sixteen soon. By most worlds in human society you would be adults by now. Sephi from what I know hold the view."
Cain felt something settle in his chest, a tension he hadn't realized he was carrying. I smiled faintly. "Thank you Masters. That's what I needed to hear."
Cain stood, bowed respectfully, and left the refectory at a brisk pace. Cain went to his room and made a few calls. Then Cain practically jogged through the long corridors of the temple, heart pounding. Then he stopped outside Seris's quarters and knocked once.
"Come in," her voice called.
I entered to find her seated at a desk, a physical book open in her hands. Here Silver-white hair spilled loosely over her shoulders, ears twitching slightly as she looked up.
"Oh—Cain," she said, surprised. "Sorry, I got caught up in this." She held up the book. "Your Dune volume. This history of the Bene Gesserit and it's is so interesting. You really outdid yourself."
I laughed softly. "Thanks. I had… a lot of inspiration."
I made a mental note that I should probably burn an offering to Frank Herbert later, considering all the plagiarism I did. Cain rubbed the back of his neck out of nervousness. "I know this is last-minute, but… would you like to go on our date now?"
Seris blinked. " Wait right now? But Cain, I haven't prepared or anything."
"Trust me," I said, smiling. and gesturing out a hand.
Seris looked at still a little flustered. Before she could protest further, I gently took her hand and led her out toward the hangar bay.
Seris looked at his hand holding hers. His rough callused hands have soft spots. She thought as she smiled.
The hangar buzzed with activity. Several Jedi were tuning ships along side some of the works and civilians from the neighboring town. Anakin was there, half inside an access panel of a sleek, gold-and-black starship.
He looked up and grinned. "Hey, lovebirds. Your ship's ready."
Seris blushed, but didnt saw anything she just kept a calm composure.
Anakin saw them holding hands and smiled. "She's already Cain. Derren is on mission and Barriss is with the Kaminoan scientist, otherwise they would be here with me to see you guys off."
Seris and I smiled. "Oh well maybe next time." I said.
I followed Anakin's gesture to the vessel: The Dawnfire. Its A Horizon-class star yacht, its lines elegant yet aggressive, polished gold accents cutting through matte black plating. I took inspiration from the starship Luke got his Wife Mara. I think with this I can half a lot of adventures. Considering it was a early birthday gift to myself.
Seris's eyes widened. "This ship is beautiful… but the colors are questionable. Who picked them?"
Anakin laughed and pointed towards Cain. "Your date did. It's his ship afterall."
Cain's face flushed. "I like it."
Seris smiled apologetically. "You should've gone with neutral tones."
"It's fine," Cain said quickly, laughing it off. "Thanks, Anakin."
Anakin gave a mock salute. "Anytime. And don't mind me—I've got a date of my own."
Cain smirked. "Give my regards to Padmé."
Anakin froze mid-step. "…How did you—"
But Cain and Seris were already boarded. The hangar doors sealed behind Cain and Seris as The Dawnfire lifted off. As they entered hyperspace, Seris glanced at him. "How did you know about Anakin and Senator Amidala?"
Cain shrugged. "I know Anakin very well. He's been in love with her since he was a nine. I know one day they will get together."
Seris smiled softly. "That's… actually very sweet."
"So," she added, "where are we going?"
"Somewhere romantic trust me."
Seris smiled and sat back.
Some time later Alderaan greeted them with rolling green plains, crystal lakes, and sunlit cities nestled harmoniously with nature. As the Dawnfire landed Instead of customs officials welcoming them.
It was Queen Breha Organa herself, who waited near the landing platform, flanked by royal guards.
Seris stiffened slightly at the sight.
"Cain did something happen?"
"No but something good is about to happen."
The two offered a formal greeting. The Queen returned it warmly. "You must be Cain," Breha said, studying him. "I've heard quite a bit about you."
"The honor is mine, Your Majesty. I hope it nothing but good things." Breha smiled knowingly. "You're causing quite a stir. Corellia has been asking questions. So has the Coruscant Jedi Order. And Count Dooku is… he is the most displeased."
Cain felt the weight behind her words. She was giving him a warning. Good now I now who has their eyes on me.
Seris looked concerned. "What about Corellia asking question about Cain?" She inquired.
Beha just placed a finger to her mouth and then gestured toward a waiting limo-cruiser. "Everything is arranged. And my husband sends his regards."
Seris leaned toward Cain, whispering, "What's going on?"
"Our date," Cain said lightly, guiding her inside. "Thank you my queen. I hope we meet again."
As the limo flew away the day unfolded like a dream.
The first stop was a salon where Seris's hair was treated. It's silver-white sheen gleaming brighter than ever. My snow-white hair trimmed slightly, left to grow longer.
Then we went clothing boutique where Seris chose a simple ceremonial white dress, sandals, and a brown belt for her lightsaber. I couldn't help thinking she looked like a silver-haired Zelda. "Is this really necessary? I was fine with my robes."
I smiled as I placed on a blue tunic and tanned pants with brown boots. "Just trust me and have fun. Princess." I said winking at Seris.
That only made her blush.
We continued with Museums next. Some flower gardens. A Café with plenty of sweets overlooking crystal lakes. All paid for discreetly by House Organa.
The real fun came from our trip to a casino. Seris revealed a shocking talent for gambling, mostly sabacc. After her fifth straight win and ten thousand credits, security intervened.
"You're using the Force!" The owner said as he kicked us out.
"It's just math!" Seris argued. "I don't need the Force to win!"
"Good then don't ever come back. Jedi are banned from my casino"
I carried her out over my shoulder, laughing as she continued to argue with the owner. We ended the day with a picnic overlooking a golden valley at sunset.
"I had a wonderful time," Seris said softly. "What did you like most from what we did?"
I smiled, taking her hand. "Making you smile."
Seris's face went flush, her ears began twitching. "Oh. I— didn't expect that....I"
"It's okay," he said gently. "You don't have to say anything." As the sun dipped below the horizon, she asked me to close my eye. "Cain close your eye for me."
I did it no problem, but I be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. My heart was beating like crazy as I felt her face get close to mine. A moment later, a warm kiss brushed my cheek.
I opened my eye, stunned.
"Thank you, Cain," she said. "I really did have a great time with you. I hope we have plenty more to come."
For a heartbeat, as I looked at her she looked unreal from behind she was bathed in gold light of Alderaan's setting sun, she looked serene and radiant. Like a elf come to life.
It was just turning into night, as we returned back to Tython, I walked her back to her room and hugged her goodnight.
When I returned to my room I knew I need to meditate on my feelings and look for a answer. I be lying if I said there still wasn't some confliction there.
As I meditated searching through my feelings, I felt the Force shift. The world fell away around as I opened my eye to find myself in the Void world. I was pulled here I didn't know how that happened ,but the scarier part was there was no light anywhere. No Force lights anywhere to be found , not even my own.
Thats when I he saw him. A man who looked just like me, but he seamed—older, like in his thirties. Same coco brown skin, and short pointy ears. Same snow-white hair, but in long dreadlocks partially hiding his face. Even the same Golden eyes, and the same scar going down his left eye. And The same black dragon pearl necklace.
It was just like what I saw during my padawan trials.
He wore black tattered Jedi robes. But he had dark gray armor beneath them. He sat cross-legged across from me.
"Wait… what is this?" I muttered.
The man's voice was cold, steady. "Hello, Cain. I'm you."
My breath caught. "What in the Force—"
"I am speaking to you through Flow Walking, Through the World Between Worlds," the future Cain said. "I've come to tell you a story, and deliver a message."
My eyes widen. "A story of what?"
"The war we lost," the future Cain said calmly. "And the message how to prevent it." Fear gripped my chest. As I processed his words, but I still couldn't understand them
The future Cain did not blink, and the Void remained silent.