Power can speak softly, or it can scream through history. Choose wisely how you let it speak through you.
[Coruscant – Jedi Temple Council Chamber]
The chamber was quiet as Master Mace Windu finished his briefing. The light from the sun domes above filtered in cool beams across the floor. Jason stood at the center of the chamber, flanked by Obi-Wan and Master Shaak Ti.
Windu's voice was as firm as durasteel.
"The planetary assembly of Mirial is divided. Separatist agents are stirring unrest among the moderates. The Council believes diplomacy may still win them back."
Jason shifted slightly. "With all due respect, Masters… I've been on the front lines. If they're already swayed, why send a Jedi?"
Master Yoda leaned forward, eyes heavy with intent.
"Fighting, you've done. Now test your voice, you must."
Jason exhaled slowly. "And if my voice isn't enough?"
"Then you will learn what is," Obi-Wan said quietly beside him.
[Day Later – Orbit Above Mirial]
The sleek diplomatic shuttle descended through pale green clouds over Mirial's capital city. Snow-capped mountains framed the horizon. The city below—spires of elegant design, with intricate rooftops and sacred murals—looked more like a temple than a government complex.
Jason stood near the viewport, robed in formal Jedi attire. No armor. No saber visible.
The planet was beautiful.
But his stomach turned.
Even before the engines cooled, he could feel tension in the Force.
[Assembly Hall – Mirial Government Chambers]
The high hall was lined with officials in silver robes, their tattoos marking caste and heritage. At the center sat Governor Laruun, a woman of strict posture and sharp gaze. Around her, whispers buzzed like flies.
Jason stepped to the speaking circle and offered a respectful bow. "Governor. Assembly. I am Jason Shan, Jedi Knight of the Republic. I come to speak not with command—but with concern."
The crowd watched in stony silence.
Governor Laruun spoke first. "The Republic has sent diplomats before. They offered words. What makes your words different?"
Jason gave a soft, charismatic smile. "Because I'm not here to convince you. I'm here to listen. And to ask one question: do you truly believe the Separatists care what happens to your people after the war is won?"
There was a murmur.
"Or do they want you to fight the Republic… so they don't have to?"
A few heads turned. Jason pressed forward gently.
"The Republic isn't perfect. But we don't burn our allies' temples to make a point."
That landed.
But Laruun's gaze narrowed. "And yet, you come with a lightsaber hidden beneath those robes. Peace, cloaked in a weapon."
Jason bowed his head. "I hope I won't need it."
[Later – Mirialan Temple District]
Jason walked alone through the snow-covered temple gardens, flanked by ancient statues worn by time. The talks had gone better than expected. Some members of the Assembly had spoken with him afterward—quietly, respectfully.
But his mind wasn't on politics anymore.
The Force around him shifted.
Heavy.
Like thunder before lightning.
He sat in the snow at the foot of an old stone shrine, closed his eyes…
And the visions came.
[Vision – Mandalorian War]
Ash.
A field of ruin.
Jedi and Mandalorians clashed beneath a black sky—flames rising in great spirals from ruined cities. Jason stood in the center, armored in something ancient, unfamiliar, his saber crackling through beskar steel.
He felt it again—that same fury. That same fire. Orders barked through comms. A name called out, distorted by time.
A woman fought beside him—he couldn't see her face.
Then…
A white sun fell from the sky.
Everything turned to fire.
[Vision – Zakuul]
Then the war shifted.
A golden throne.
A city of light and shadow—towers twisting with impossible elegance, lights flickering like stars.
And a man—faceless, cloaked in power. He raised his hand and entire fleets shattered in the void.
A different kind of darkness.
Not rage.
Not hate.
Control.
Jason stepped forward in the vision, drawn toward the throne.
And then—
The figure turned toward him.
And Jason saw… himself.
Then all vanished into silence.
[Back to Reality]
Jason awoke gasping, sweat cold on his brow despite the snow.
The statues around him hadn't moved.
But something inside had.
He stood slowly, heart racing.
"No names," he whispered to himself. "No records. Why can I see them?"
But the Force gave no answer.
[Later – Jedi Transmission to Coruscant]
Jason appeared as a hologram before Obi-Wan and Yoda, seated in the Council chamber.
"The talks have started to shift," Jason reported. "They're listening now. Quietly. Some of them want to stay neutral… but I think I've kept the Separatist ambassador from locking it down."
Yoda nodded. "Spoken well, you have."
Obi-Wan studied him closely. "But you're troubled."
Jason hesitated. "I've… been seeing things. Again. Not dreams. Visions. More vivid than before. Wars I don't recognize. Places I've never seen. Entire empires. I feel like I've lived through them."
Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed slightly. "The same ancient war you saw before?"
"More than that. There was something new. A city… not Republic. Not Separatist. Advanced. Clean. But wrong. Cold."
"Knowledge of the Zakuul Empire," Yoda said slowly, "long lost, it is. Buried in times even we no longer remember. Dangerous, such echoes can be."
Jason nodded. "I know."
Yoda's voice turned gentler. "You carry weight, Jason Shan. Old, it feels. But your own, still it is."
Jason bowed his head. "I'll complete the mission."
[Final Diplomatic Address – Mirial Assembly]
He stood before them again. This time, the mood was different.
Tense, but listening.
"I won't tell you who to follow," Jason said. "That's not peace. That's tyranny."
He stepped closer to the center.
"But I'll tell you this. The Republic will fight for your freedom—even if you choose not to stand with us. That's the difference."
Silence.
Then, slow nods from the Assembly. Governor Laruun stepped forward.
"You may return to the Republic. With our gratitude—and our neutrality."
Jason bowed.
And didn't show the flicker of concern deep in his mind.
Because something worse than war was coming.
Something the galaxy had forgotten.
But not him.
Not anymore.
To be continued...