Setting: Jedi Temple – Deep Archive Vaults | Reflection Garden | Cain's Codex
Theme: The Cost of Vision | Preparation Over Power | Becoming the Architect
Dual Voices – Bastila and Satele
In the low-lit archive vault, Cain knelt cross-legged between two holocrons—one glowing amber gold, the other deep silver-blue.
The voice of Bastila Shan swirled in the air:
"Control without compassion is tyranny. Passion without clarity is ruin. Unity is found not in codes, but in understanding."
From the opposite side, Satele Shan's echo replied:
"Leadership is not about authority—it's about resonance. A Jedi must learn how to be heard without domination. A flame that spreads—not consumes."
Cain's eyes were closed.
They were no longer lessons.
They were guides.
He moved between their teachings:
From Bastila, he learned deep emotional centering, battle meditation, and how to turn inner struggle into outward strength.From Satele, he studied Force diplomacy, leadership through crisis, and the balance of commanding without controlling.
Cain whispered into the chamber, "You two walked across wars. But your lessons… are for peacemakers."
The holocrons pulsed—almost in approval.
Force Codex Entry – Log 008
Subject: The Long Game
I've been here for nearly a decade now. Ten years old. Old enough to be sent to war in some cultures. Still called a child here.
I know what's coming. I feel it more with each shift in galactic whispers.
Anakin is being watched. He's growing too fast, and he's too good at hiding what he's feeling.His mother is still a slave. And the Order has done nothing. Death Watch is building in the shadows. If I don't intervene, they'll fracture Mandalore and plunge them into civil war. Palpatine is "Chancellor " and making moves from influencing Anakin and controlling the galaxy .Dooku is his apprentince. if not now will be soon. Maul… is still alive. Broken, but alive.
The Clone Wars will start in four to five years. The Jedi will fight a war we were never meant to lead. And we will fall for it.
But I am not ready yet. Not truly. I cannot stop a galaxy from falling when I am ten.
So now, I prepare. I build strength quietly. I forge allies slowly. I gather seeds for the future I want to bloom.
And when the war begins, I'll already have the foundations they forgot to build.
The Blueprint of the Future
That evening, Cain laid out a mental strategy map in his private holonote. It wasn't complete—but it was clear.
The First Steps:
Rescue Shmi Skywalker. Not immediately, but before Anakin's attachment breaks him. Gain allies within or outside the Jedi to free her quietly—possibly with Mandalorian help. Approach Mandalore. Find their true leaders—earn trust before Death Watch resurfaces. Plant ideals, not orders. Track Dooku's movements. Request diplomatic missions near Serenno in the coming years. Begin understanding his motives, not just his actions. Monitor Palpatine. Subtly influence others to question him. Keep eyes on his staff, aides, and allies. Never confront him directly—yet. Train hard. Push lightsaber combat to Master level. Study non-Jedi Force traditions discreetly. Learn how the galaxy uses the Force outside the Temple. Develop the others. Anakin: Reinforce brotherhood. Slowly help him reframe the Code, not reject it.Seris: Prepare her as a second leader—one who can hold Cain accountable. Barriss: Help her blend compassion with conviction—prevent her from being disillusioned later. Derran: Strengthen his political mind—make him their tactician. Expand his quiet network. Continue mentoring other young Jedi who quietly question the Order.
A Moment of Vulnerability
Later, under the starlit canopy of the Temple garden, Cain sat with Fay and Plo Koon.
"I know I'm pushing too far ahead sometimes," Cain admitted. "But I can't stop thinking about how much there is to lose. And how little time I have."
Fay looked at him, expression gentle but firm.
"You're ten, Cain. But you carry a burden that should belong to a thousand."
Plo added quietly, "That doesn't mean the burden is wrong. Only that it needs support. Let others help carry it."
Cain nodded slowly.
"I will. But I also need to be more than just another Jedi. I need to be… a bridge. Between what we were, and what we could be."
Fay smiled faintly. "Then walk gently. Even bridges must rest on steady ground."
Ending the Chapter
That night, Cain returned to the vault and activated the holocrons again.
Bastila spoke first.
"Your greatest gift is your heart. Let it guide your blade."
Then Satele:
"Leadership is lonely. But in that loneliness, clarity is born. Stay true to yourself—even when no one follows."
Cain whispered back:
"I'm not ready to save the galaxy yet."
He stood, eyes aglow in gold and black.
"But I'll be ready when it tries to break."