The jungle world of Yavin 4 emerged from hyperspace like a silent sentinel—lush, ancient, and alive with mystery. I stood near the cockpit viewport as the Falcon broke through the cloud cover, mist swirling over the treetops. The air seemed thicker here, like the Force itself clung to the planet.
Below us, nestled between dense forests and towering cliffs, rose the stone ruins of a long-forgotten temple.
"That's the base?" I asked, stepping closer to the glass.
As the ship descended, my eyes remained locked on the temple. Something about it tugged at me—something old, something familiar, though I'd never been here before.
The Falcon settled onto the landing pad with a low groan, hydraulic systems hissing as the ramp extended.
Leia was the first to step out, her posture regal even in her exhaustion. Luke followed, quieter than usual, his eyes dark with loss but still full of that burning need to do something.
I lingered behind them, taking in the towering stone steps that led up to the main entrance. Vines clung to the ancient walls, and strange birds called from the treetops.
As I stepped off the ship, the air hit me like a wall—warm, thick, buzzing with life and tension.
Leia turned to us, her voice firm. "We need to get the plans to the command center. There's no time to waste."
Luke nodded, already walking at her side.
I hesitated. My fingers brushed against the pouch at my side—the satchel, the holocron, the scrolls. The weight of it all pressed down on me, and yet something about this place… it welcomed it.
Welcomed me.
As we climbed the temple steps, the Force pulsed stronger with every stride.
This place had seen Jedi before.
And maybe—just maybe—it would again.
The corridors inside were dimly lit, cool and humming with quiet purpose. We passed groups of techs and soldiers, each one moving with focused urgency. The walls, still bearing the ancient carvings of a civilization long gone, now echoed with the sounds of resistance.
Leia led us into the command center, where a cluster of officers surrounded a large tactical display. At its center stood a man with a long white beard and a calm, commanding presence. He turned as we approached.
"Princess Leia," he said, inclining his head. "It's good to see you safe."
Leia gave a tired but respectful nod. "General Dodonna. We have the plans. They're with R2."
Dodonna's eyes flicked to Luke and me, lingering for a moment as if sizing us up. "You've done well. All of you. These plans could be the key to destroying the Death Star."
Luke straightened at the words, shoulders tight with purpose. I said nothing, the Force still humming in the back of my mind, mingling with the ancient energy of the temple.
Dodonna motioned toward the display. "We'll begin analysis immediately. There's a lot of work to do. Get some rest if you can—briefing is in a few hours."
As Leia stepped forward to speak with the other leaders, Luke and I exchanged a glance. His eyes were still shadowed with loss, but there was a spark there too. Determination.
We had made it. We were part of something bigger now.
And the fight wasn't over.
As the command center buzzed around us, a familiar voice broke through the din.
"Well, that's our cue," Han said, striding into view with Chewbacca close behind, a small bundle of credit chips in hand.
Leia turned sharply. "You're leaving?"
Han shrugged, trying to play it off with a smirk. "Got what we came for. You said there'd be a reward, and I never argue with credits."
Chewie grunted in agreement, though there was a reluctance in his stance.
Luke stepped forward, disappointment plain on his face. "But we need you. There's a battle coming."
Han raised an eyebrow. "You've got your war. I've got mine—staying alive."
He paused, glancing toward me for a moment, and for the briefest second, I saw something shift behind his eyes. Maybe regret. Maybe conflict. But it was gone just as fast.
"Take care of yourselves, kid," he said to Luke, then gave Kai a half-nod. "And you too."
I didn't respond. Part of me wanted to stop him, to argue—but another part understood. Han had never promised to be a hero. He'd done more than most already.
With a final wave, Han turned and strode back toward the Falcon. Chewbacca gave a low, conflicted growl, then followed.
The ship's engines roared to life moments later, rising into the humid air as the jungle watched in silence.