Star Wars: The Phantom World

The ship was large for its class, being more akin to a light freighter than a personal transport.

It meant there was more than sufficient room for two new passengers though.

Nala was currently sat in the communal area. The droid, B3 M8 was sat opposite her and trying to teach the small girl basic, her language skills having been quite poor when they found her and having deteriorated in the time since.

So-lin was present also. He was currently meditating, with the added challenge of having to do so with the child and her droid's talking getting in the way and the instruction to maintain a trance while also keeping an eye on them.

It was good practise to learn to connect with the Force through obstructions like that. It was by pure coincidence that it also served as a suitably irritating punishment for the Padawan who had neglected his other training to practise his lightsaber forms.

Again.

"Yes, that is correct, Master," Lofin replied to the Aleenan Jedi as she sat in the pilot's chair. "It was like something I've never seen before. One half of the ship was… sound. It was in poor condition of course but it was theoretically salvageable. The rest looked like it had been there for millenia and K2's scans confirm that it is indeed over eight thousand years old."

"And you say the droid you found claims to be from the time of the Mandalorian wars?" Master Paratus answered slowly. His blue holographic form flickered briefly as he turned side to side on the four mechanical arms holding his small from up. It was clear that his curiosity was piqued by the tale Lofin had just told him. "I am not a great student of history, you would be better speaking to one of the archivists, but the Mandalorian Wars were only around four thousand years ago."

"The dates simply don't make any sense," Lofin agreed. "Do you know of anything in the Force that could have allowed for… time travel, or time manipulation of some sort?"

"If I did I would certainly not voice such things over a holocall, even one as secure as this should be," the Jedi replied seriously. "But no, it appears we have a mystery on our hands. Did you sense anything significant in the Force while you were on the planet?"

"Only perhaps a general unease," Lofin replied. "Although considering the planet's state, and not being within an actual star system, that was probably as much to do with the local wildlife than anything else."

Indeed the planet's situation had been grim. It had an atmosphere, but not being within an actual star system would see the planet struggling to maintain life and the struggle to survive was evident in the animals Lofin had sensed, more palpable than would be found on other words like even Kashyyk or Felucia where every day was a fight to continue breathing. If the planet was not subject to whatever interference had taken place there then it would be reasonable to expect the world to be rendered lifeless within the next several years.

"So it may in fact not be a phenomenon of the Force… Truly an interesting adventure you have stumbled upon," the Jedi Master said after a few seconds of thought. "There could be some technology about that is facilitating that phenomenon. Such things are incredibly rare, but not undocumented. Obviously this is far beyond my usual wheelhouse, adventures and mysteries are something I have often tried to avoid…" He nodded to himself in thought.

"I shall have one of my droids inform the rest of the Council, and they will likely have their own questions for you to answer in person once you return. Otherwise, your diplomatic adventure went well, I take it?"

"I'm surprised you even asked, Master," Lofin said, fond amusement in her tone. "But yes, there was nothing amiss. In fact the Skynarrans didnt even know the Empire had fallen and were happy to return to a new Republic."

"To be so blissfully separate from the wider Galaxy. Even decades later and they were still out of the loop?" the Jedi across the call commented dryly. He chuckled.

"For a functional workshop though it was worth coming back, wasn't it?" Lofin joked.

"Among other things," Paratus replied, a hint of familiar sadness colouring his tone as he looked down. Then he looked back up.

"But the other thing you found, the droid? It claims to know the secrets of the Mandalorians?" He asked seriously.

"Indeed. Its former owners were spies of some sort for the Jedi before they crashed on the planet. It is willing to share what it found with the Order, despite the fact the war is now long since over. We also brought with us the samples of Mandalorian Steel that were present on the ship."

"Incredible," the older Jedi said over the call, clear excitement lacing his tone. "Keep that droid safe and away from any prying eyes, please. I do not think I need to tell you of all people exactly how significant ancient Mandalorian smithing techniques could be to the Order. You must keep that droid happy and above all else safe."

"Of course, Master," Lofin said to placate him, not commenting on the Jedi's repetitive instructions. "I doubt I am going to have any troubles with it as long as its charge is happy and Nala seems like a lovely girl so far. We'll see about getting you that information as soon as we return. As long as you promise not to hide away in your lab tinkering for the next decade once you have them."

The Aleenan Jedi fidgeted slightly.

"I have been trying to be more sociable lately, you know," he said.

"Then I for one will be happy to see my old Master showing his face outside the Technical Rooms for once," Lofin teased lightly. "Shall we have a meal together when I return?"

"I would… enjoy that," the Aleenan said. "Although, not in the meeting halls. Somewhere not too crowded."

"Of course," Lofin replied with understanding. "If there is nothing else, then I had best go and keep an eye on my guests. We expect to arrive at Naboo in about half a standard day. We will refuel and collect the droid as was arranged before, and nobody will be the wiser about what we also have on board. I will send another update before we set off back to the temple, but it will likely be a few days."

"Excellent, then I eagerly anticipate your return," the Aleenan said..

The conversation was at its conclusion. "I will see you soon. Be well, Master," Lofin said.

"And you as well," the old Jedi said. "And Lofin, do be careful. I have been feeling an uneasiness in the Force as of late. It could be nothing, but try to be safe."

"We will be returning very soon, Master," Lofin promised. "We shouldn't be long on Naboo and from there we shall be returning immediately to the Temple without delay. I'll update you once we arrive, and when we depart too."

"Very well," Paratus said, although he still sounded slightly concerned. "May the Force be with you."

"And with you, Master," Lofin replied softly.

The connection cut off.

Lofin let off a sigh and relaxed into her chair. She smiled fondly for a few moments before checking the monitor. Their heading was correct, nothing was amiss. There was a fair bit of traffic around Naboo, having maintained its status as one of the wealthiest worlds in the galaxy following the fall of the Empire. Short of a security check there wasn't likely to be anything amiss on the next leg of their journey.

"K2 take the reins please," she said.

There was a beeping from amongst the woman's clothes and the tiny droid crawled out. It hopped up onto the main console and from out of the droid's base a coupler emerged. The droid plugged itself into the console and let off a few more beeps as it took control of the ship. A little arm turned around along with it's small face unit. The droid offered her a thumbs up with its tiny hand.

"Thanks," Lofin said, patting the droid lightly on its head, making it let off another couple of beeps before it turned to deliver its full attention to the ship. Lofin stood up and left to go check on her current charges.

Entering the living quarters she found both her Padawan and their guests. Leaning against the doorframe she took in the scene.

So-lin was perched in a meditative position on one of the booths and Lofin was pleased to see that he was diligently trying to meditate as instructed, despite the distractions around him.

On the opposite side of the room B3M8 and Nala were sat in a booth of their own. The droid had retrieved a number of dataslates from the ship which were for teaching children. They were educational games, aimed at teaching through play and Nala was enjoying herself with the droid's patient guidance.

The materials were clearly aimed at an age earlier than Nala currently was. Having been alone for so long had caused her education to atrophy considerably but the girl was… vibrant. There was a distinct cheerfulness to her that Lofin would not have expected from a child who had been forced to fend for themselves for so long. She should have been wild, probably aggressive and far more difficult to interact with. Simply surviving on her own was a feat in of itself that a small child shouldn't have been able to accomplish.

They hadn't encountered any large predators in their brief time on the mysterious rogue planet, but if there had been a single one… Well Lofin didn't think the orphaned girl would have survived such an encounter even with the Force on her side.

The most obvious explanation for Nala's survival was of course the Force. If the girl was Force sensitive then that would explain a great deal of how she had lasted as long as she did.

Lofin went to sit down next to her Padawan. It was far from an ideal meditative position, but the seating did not lend itself to such.

"Master?" The boy asked, cracking open his eyes. He had sensed her presence.

"How are you faring?" She asked.

"It's… difficult," the boy admitted as opposite them Nala laughed loudly in excitement as she completed one of the games B3 M8 was walking her through. He glowered at them. "But I am making some progress," he admitted.

"Good," Lofin said, pleased. "We have quite a few hours before we arrive at Naboo. We can meditate together for a while before eating."

She went to copy her Padawan's stance, crossing her legs as she reclined slightly in her seat. It was not exactly a traditional meditation stance, but meditation could take many forms. There were no real rules to meditation. The only goal was achieving and deepening your connection to the Force. As long as you could manage that, then that was all that mattered.

For most it was absolute silence they craved when connecting to the Force. A complete lack of distractions through one's senses and that was the way that most were initially taught. It was the most simple way to connect to the Force for the first few times and most Jedi continued to practise in such a way throughout their lives. It was only as one grew more experienced, aware of themselves that they occasionally started to branch out into other more personalised approaches like immersing oneself with nature or finding one particular location where they felt most at peace.

Nala laughed again from opposite her, bringing a slight smile to Lofin's face.

So-lin's presence beside her was the first thing she felt as she entered into a trance. A beacon in the force, proud, eager, restless, slightly annoyed.

"Your feelings are a distraction," she advised her pupil. There was a sound of a long exhale from the boy but he didn't respond other than to continue trying to match his teacher.

And he was improving. So-lin had a poor habit of spending his time on other things but when he applied himself it was clear to see her Padawan had a lot of potential. Butwhen it came to willfully allowing oneself to be distracted, Lofin couldn't exactly throw stones there. She'd been much the same at his age.

Lofin let her senses spread out further, exploring her immediate surroundings with the Force.

The droid, B3M8 was prominent and familiar to her senses. The echoes of her use of Mechu Deru came off the otherwise normal metal and would remain for some time unless the droid's new parts were replaced. Having touched the droid with the Force, Lofin had left a mark on it that any Jedi with the right training would be able to identify for some time to come.

Nala was there too, a beacon in the Force much like her Padawan. With proximity and her senses much more focused now she was meditating she could feel the girl's Force potential far more clearly. Whether or not the planet they had found her on was experiencing the odd temporal phenomenon via the Force or natural means, it was undoubtedly through the Force that Nala had survived as long as she had.

Nala would need to be taught to harness the Force, if only out of respect of her parents' loyalty to the old Jedi Order.

Now there was an innocent joy radiating off the girl as she continued the educational games with her droid. Companionship, safety. These were things Nala had not had for a very long time and a child of her age should never have been left without and Lofin would happily see delivered to the girl.

They would return to the temple soon after visiting Naboo. The Masters would be more than pleased she'd stumbled upon another Force user. Hopefully Nala would find a home there.

In the distance, K2's force presence was palpable for something of its size. The little droid had been with her for many years, becoming saturated in the Force to the point it was almost as in tune with Lofin as her own Lightsaber.

Inhaling deeply, Lofin let herself settle deeper into the Force, feeling not just her surroundings but the ebb and flow of the wider Force around her.

Peace enveloped her, and then that peace disappeared as she delved deeper.

Because of course the living Force could not be truly described as peaceful. The Force flowed through everything and everyone taking with it the echoes of their existences and like every Force user who meditated like she did, Lofin tapped into it all.

The feelings and emotions of an entire galaxy. Happiness, contentment, rage and restlessness, even hate and despair flowed through her. It was only truly the echo of an echo that while wild and untamed was so vast it was hard to parse just one single emotion from the rest. The disparate cacophony fell into the background with practised ease as she sunk deeper into the Force.

It was here that everything grew more tranquil. Like the choppy waves on a great ocean, beneath the Force flowed less violently, less chaotically.

That was not to say… that it was safe. The Force still flowed, but while the currents were more stable, they also flowed with more power. Enough to wash away the inexperienced.

This was where the difference between the uninitiated and the trained appeared. An uninitiated Force user was capable of many things, they could tap into the Force in a myriad of ways and often it was subconscious on their part. But often when those individuals tried to reach deeper?

It was why a student required a teacher because once you reached this level. Like a child learning to swim, one often required guidance lest something terrible occur.

So-Lin was there as she continued to sink deeper. His presence nearby and Lofin reached out to him, helping to guide her Padawan deeper to join her.

He truly had improved it seemed. Nala's distractions in the waking world had been more of a boon than she had anticipated.

They stayed like that, delving into the Force. Lofin deepened her connection only slightly. This session was about her Padawan more than it was her.

And then something touched her nose.

Rapidly losing her focus, Lofin allowed herself to end her meditation, So-Lin's Force presence beside her.

Opening her eyes, Lofin saw the girl in front of her. She had her hand outstretched, ready to poke her again because that was what she'd done. There was a cheekiness to her expression, but also a curiosity.

"Hello Nala," Lofin greeted her, reaching out to push the child's hand away. "That was quite rude you know? You shouldn't disturb someone while they are meditating."

Nala didn't look particularly apologetic, but then she was still young. No doubt once it came time for her to learn to meditate she would learn appreciation for why one shouldn't disturb someone else.

Next to her So-lin grunted as he returned to focus himself. His return to focus was a bit more rapid than usual, the boy having deepened his connection to the force a great deal and so he was slightly more disturbed by the return to the living world.

"Oh," he said flatly, looking quite grumpy as he realised that it was Nala who had disturbed their meditation. The girl didn't help by giggling at seeing his pursed lips and flat stare.

"I was doing so well," he groused. If he were not a Jedi, Lofin could easily imagine the boy trying to throttle the little girl opposite him. Instead, he took a deep breath and allowed his frustration to dissipate.

"I already can't wait until we're rid of her," he said frankly as he stood up to walk away.

"I'm going to go practise my lightsaber forms," he said as he reached the doorway leading to the rest of the ship. "I accept no responsibility for what happens to her if she wants to interrupt that too!"

"My sincerest apologies Master Jedi," B3M8 said, bowing at the waist. "Nala was curious about what you were doing."

Nala likewise seemed taken aback by the boy's reaction and her expression quickly turned from cheerful to saddened. She was no doubt realising that she'd probably taken things too far.

"Sorry," she said, and Lofin could feel her sincerity in the Force as she said it.

"Do not worry," Lofin said, patting the girl on the head as she spoke. "He's not really upset, but he was doing very well in his meditation just now and having been stopped short when you are on a roll like that is quite frustrating, believe me." Turning to the droid she continued.

"If I had been worried about distractions then I would have taken my apprentice to a different room. Nala's interruption was somewhat unexpected and interrupted my Padawan's meditation, but he isn't the sort to hold a grudge over what is really a minor thing."

"Thank you, Master Jedi," the droid replined, bowing once more. It was clearly worried that Nala had caused offence.

Lofin waved a hand, dismissing the droid's worries.

"Let's put this down as a lesson learnt shall we?" She asked. "I'm sure you won't disturb us like that again the next time you see us meditating."

Nala shook her head in agreement.

"Then all that is left to do is apologise in person," she said.

"So what games did you play with B3M8?" She asked. "Would you like to show me?"

Nala perked up at that and Lofin joined the droid with the girl.

Later, when it was time to eat Nala apologised to So-Lin. The boy still seemed slightly irritated from before but was willing to forgive her.

It was a bit more lively with more than just the two of them. They ate and then relaxed for a while before B3M8 declared it was time for young Nala to get some rest.

The girl was reticent at first, but it was clear by the way she yawned that she needed the rest. B3M8 had set up in one of the spare quarters for her and the droid settled in to recharge its batteries while the girl slept. So it was just Lofin and her Padawan left awake.

They both went to sit in the cockpit together, each taking one of the two seats controlling the vessel. Activating hyperspeed, Lofin looked out at the stars as they raced by, bright white lines created from the light of the stars due to their travelling beyond the speed of light itself.

In a few more hours they'd arrive at Naboo, and then unfortunately they'd have to deal with something Lofin always hated having to be involved with.

Politics.