Maridun's sun hung low in the sky as Kaelen stepped out of the wrecked escape pod, taking in the endless stretch of tall grasses and swaying trees. The world felt strangely untouched—peaceful, even—compared to the battlefield they had just escaped.
Aayla Secura was already surveying the horizon, blue skin glowing in the morning light as she assessed her troopers.
"We need shelter," she said calmly. "And medical supplies. Fast."
Anakin nodded, wiping soot from his brow. "The pod's a total loss. We find civilization or we improvise."
HK-47 scanned the area, photoreceptors gleaming.
"Observation: This planet is rich in primitive organic life. Low technology, minimal defenses, susceptible to immediate domination."
Ahsoka groaned. "Can't you ever say something helpful?"
HK turned toward her.
"Clarification: I did. That information is extremely useful—for those interested in planetary conquest."
Anakin rubbed his forehead. "He's worse than Threepio…"
Kaelen stepped between HK and the others.
"HK. We are not conquering anyone. Do you understand?"
HK straightened.
"Immediate Acknowledgment: Understood, Master. Oppression deferred."
"Deferred?" Ahsoka muttered.
Kaelen sighed. "It's… a work in progress."
Across the Plains
The group set out through the tall grass, carrying their wounded on makeshift stretchers. Kaelen walked near Anakin and Ahsoka, occasionally glancing at the treetops.
Aayla eventually moved to his side. "You seem troubled."
Kaelen paused. "The crash. The vision. I'm still sorting it."
"Visions can be confusing," she said gently. "But trust the Force to guide you to their meaning when you're ready."
HK chimed in as though hearing a conversation he had not been invited to (which he hadn't).
"Statement: Organic visions are notoriously unreliable. Hallucinations, delusions, repressed trauma—it all blends together most of the time."
Aayla raised a brow. "Charming."
Kaelen elbowed HK lightly. "Stop analyzing Jedi Masters."
"Complaining Whirr: But they're fascinating."
The Lurmen Village
After hours of travel, Ahsoka pointed ahead. "Look! Buildings."
Circular huts built of woven leaves and wood sat nestled among a clearing. A peaceful village—quiet, untouched by war.
Anakin motioned the group to slow down. "Careful. We don't know how they'll react."
HK's scanners whirred with excitement.
"Preliminary Analysis: Small stature. Height: substandard. Physical resilience: negligible. Combat ability: nonexistent. Conclusion: Harmless."
Ahsoka glared. "HK…"
Kaelen whispered, "Try not to call them harmless to their faces."
"Amended Conclusion: Potentially harmless."
"Better," Kaelen muttered.
As they approached, the Lurmen villagers emerged cautiously. Their leader, Tee Watt Kaa, stepped forward, his movements slow but wise, his voice soft and weary.
Anakin bowed politely. "We're survivors of a crash. We didn't come here to cause trouble."
Tee Watt Kaa studied them long, then nodded slowly. "You may enter our village… but know that we are peaceful people. We do not wish for war to touch this land."
HK leaned toward Kaelen.
"Sarcastic Remark: Their pacifism will make invading them exceptionally easy."
Kaelen elbowed him harder. "HK."
"Resigned Submission: Yes, Master."
Ahsoka stifled a laugh.
In the Healing Hut
Inside one of the Lurmen huts, natural medicines and herbs were applied to the wounded clones. Aayla assisted the healers with graceful precision.
Kaelen knelt beside a soldier whose leg had been burned by shrapnel.
"Easy," Kaelen whispered. "You're safe here."
HK watched him closely.
"Observation: Your compassion protocols are unusually strong today, Master."
Kaelen smirked. "I don't have compassion protocols, HK."
"Affirmation: Exactly my point."
Tee Watt Kaa entered, observing their efforts.
"You Jedi bring war wherever you go," he said quietly. "Violence follows you like a shadow."
Anakin stiffened. "We're trying to protect the galaxy."
"By fighting?" Tee Watt Kaa asked, voice sad. "There must be another way."
Kaelen sensed the tension in Anakin. He stepped forward gently.
"We didn't choose war," Kaelen said. "But we won't let others suffer because of it."
Tee Watt Kaa considered him, eyes narrowing slightly.
"You speak with conviction, young one. Yet even conviction can lead to destruction."
Before Kaelen could answer, HK interjected—
"Clarifying Comment: Master's conviction is vastly superior to your pacifist denial strategy."
Kaelen's face went pale. "HK—NO."
He grabbed the droid's shoulder and yanked him back.
HK's photoreceptors flickered.
"Immediate Compliance: Silencing offensive commentary."
Tee Watt Kaa blinked at Kaelen. "Your… machine speaks boldly."
Kaelen bowed deeply. "And out of turn. I apologize."
Ahsoka leaned over to Anakin and whispered, "I kinda like him."
Anakin whispered back, "That's the scary part."
Trouble Approaches
Hours later, the sky darkened with approaching engines. A Separatist dropship descended nearby, kicking up dust and wind.
Ahsoka tensed. "They found us."
Anakin ignited his saber. "We need to protect the villagers."
But Tee Watt Kaa stepped forward with raised hands. "We will not fight. Not for you… not for them."
Kaelen looked between Anakin and Aayla, sensing the impending clash of beliefs.
"We won't force you," Aayla said gently. "But we can't allow the Separatists to harm you."
HK stepped beside Kaelen, blaster arm warming.
"Eager Permission Request: May I vaporize the incoming intruders, Master?"
Kaelen clamped a hand over HK's arm. "Not yet."
HK sighed with metallic disappointment.
"Resigned Utterance: Peace… what a fragile and boring concept."
Kaelen looked toward the darkening sky.
War had reached Maridun.And the Lurmen would soon face a choice they had avoided for generations.