Private Trouble on Kathora

[Naestra]

Naestra tapped her foot on the metal floor of the ship, her armored boots making a sharp clacking sound every time her toe struck the smooth deck. Her halberd lay in the corner of the room, and her sword hung in a sheath at her side. Her helmet was set on the table in front of her, currently serving as a paperweight to keep one of the old scrolls she’d brought with her from curling back up on itself the way those old things liked to do.

She had a few of them open on the table in front of her. Along with a couple of books and her personal notes, which she had been taking in her studies the whole trip.

Apparently in the unknown regions of space, on the edge of alliance territory, something had been discovered by the Jedi Consulars. Some having visions of a planet known as Kathora, and of terrible things happening there.

But most interestingly they had sensed a nexus underneath the planet’s surface. A source of incredible light side power. One that didn’t send ripples through the force like many artifacts did, but one that more directly affected the area around it and little else beyond.

So an investigation team had been assembled to go to the planet and learn more. One of those selected by the council and Grandmaster was Jedi Knight Naestra, selected because of her obsession with learning more, and her vast collection of knowledge that not even the archivists knew. She was asked to go to cross reference the knowledge she already had with what they discovered to see if she could identify the nature of the nexus, and if it was new, or if it had simply been forgotten about in the millennia of conflict that had savaged the galaxy.

Leading this team was none other than Jedi Grandmaster Valery Noble . With them was another Jedi Knight, and a squad of Alliance troops.

So far Naestra had found precious little about any nexus in the region of space they were to visit. Nothing that wasn’t already found, confirmed destroyed or otherwise accounted for. And none on the planet in question.all she was able to find was that the planet was unusually strong in the force and that life grew on it rampantly. Beyond that… there was nothing. No records of spacefaring civilization, nothing to suggest that the planet was inhabited by anything aside from wildlife. The only thing she could find was a series of reports detailing an attempt to colonize the planet a few centuries ago, but citing the incessant growth of plants as a hazard, making permanent structures impossible to maintain. Attacks from wildlife also contributed to the abandonment of the colony. Beyond that? Nothing.

She sighed and massaged her tired eyes, she’d taken all the notes she could. Which wasn’t much. On the bright side it left plenty of room for her to add more about what they actually found.

She packed up her scrolls and books, putting her notebook and pen in a satchel on her hip before standing up, stretching to get the soreness out of her muscles, and making her way to the bridge. She wondered how long it would be before they arrived.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood on the bridge of the ship, her amber eyes fixed on the swirling expanse of hyperspace through the viewport. The steady hum of the ship's engines filled the air, a constant reminder of their journey into the unknown. But her thoughts were far from the reassuring rhythms of space travel.

A nexus of Light beneath the surface of Kathora. The concept was intriguing but equally puzzling. Nexus points in the Force often radiated their influence outward, rippling across time and space. Yet this one seemed different — contained, almost secretive, as if its power had been deliberately hidden from the wider galaxy.

The Grandmaster's hands rested lightly on the railing, her posture relaxed but her expression thoughtful. The idea that such a nexus could exist without mention in any recorded history was troubling. What secrets could it hold, and why would the Force reveal its presence now, at this particular moment? Was it a natural phenomenon, or had it been shaped intentionally by those who came before?

Valery let out a soft sigh, brushing a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear. These were questions that would only find answers once they arrived. Until then, all she could do was prepare — mentally, physically, and emotionally. This mission required more than just combat skills; it demanded curiosity, wisdom, and the ability to navigate the unknown with an open mind.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke her concentration. She turned to see Naestra entering the bridge, her presence marked by a quiet determination that Valery immediately respected. The younger Jedi's satchel hung at her hip, brimming with scrolls, notes, and books — tools of a mind eager to understand and uncover truths.

"Knight Naestra," Valery greeted her warmly, offering a small nod. "I trust your studies have been productive?" Her voice was calm but carried an undertone of encouragement, a quiet nudge to share what she had uncovered so far. Even the smallest details could make a difference on a mission like this.

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

Naestra mulled over what she had learned. Which was a pathetically little amount. She had nothing to report in relation to the nexus itself, and only a handful of reports and journal entries on a singular event from hundreds of years ago that occurred on the planet, many of them damaged, incomplete or inconsistent. She hated to return to Master Valery empty handed. But she had little other choice.

She’d gathered all the information she could find in the archives, even the old ones in the deeper reaches of the Jedi Temple that no one but her used anymore. And there was next to nothing. She supposed that was some news at least, this was likely a newly formed nexus, which meant that some unrecorded event happened on the planet to make the light side coalesce and concentrate on that planet very recently.

At least that was her current theory.

Upon looking at Naestra one might assume her to be a warrior, what with all the armor she wore and her odd weapon choice. But Master Valery Noble would know better, knowing that her armor and her weapon were meant to make up for her general lack of combat prowess by providing her additional protection, reach and power in her strikes. She was at her core a scholar, and a good one at that.

But sadly she had nothing to give to the Grandmaster. So she stepped onto the bridge, her sabatons clacking against the deck as she stepped. When questioned she sighed.

“I’m sorry Master.” She said with a shake of her head. “There’s nothing. Only a few reports about a failed colony, which seems entirely unrelated to the Nexus. I’m afraid I have nothing to give you that can shed any light on this. We will need to obtain all the information on this the hard way.”

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened quietly, her warm amber eyes fixed on Naestra as the Knight offered her report — or lack thereof. She could sense the weight of disappointment in the younger Jedi's tone, the frustration that came with an unproductive search for answers. It was a feeling Valery knew all too well, and her expression softened in response.

"Don't apologize, Knight Naestra," Valery said gently, her voice steady and reassuring. "The lack of information is, in itself, a clue. If there's nothing recorded, it tells us that whatever this nexus is, it either formed recently or has been intentionally concealed. Either way, it's important."

She took a step closer, her presence calm and encouraging, a subtle reminder that the journey they were on was as much about discovery as it was about action. "A failed colony might seem unrelated at first glance, but every piece of information matters. Even something as minor as the environment or challenges the settlers faced could give us insight into the planet and its connection to the Force."

Valery gestured toward the viewport, where the swirling patterns of hyperspace painted a mesmerizing canvas. "Kathora holds secrets that have remained untouched for centuries, maybe longer. That means this mission will be about more than just uncovering the nexus. We'll need to understand the planet itself, its history, and its connection to the Force."

Turning her gaze back to Naestra, Valery offered a small smile. "You've already done important work by narrowing our focus. The rest, as you said, we'll uncover the hard way."

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

Naestra listened to the Grandmaster’s advice and nodded in understanding. Her frustrations usually didn’t last long, and this time it was more apologetic regret for letting the Grandmaster down, rather than frustration at the lack of knowledge.

“Well… the colony in question, Master, failed because of the impossibly active wildlife.” Naestra began to explain, pulling out her notebook to look over the notes she took. “The reports and journals found on the colony reported plants that grew impossibly fast, making permanent structures impossible to maintain. Along with large and aggressive wildlife that seemed particularly aggressive towards the colonists. When we land we should expect the environment to be extremely hostile. We should remain on our guard. I would also recommend that we conduct our search primarily from orbit, and only touch down to pick up or drop off our crew for the more localized searches.”

The decision was ultimately Valery’s, but Naestra had given her recommendations based on the information she had. She didn’t think it was wise to leave the ship on the ground for long. If the reports were to be believed, and she thought they were since that was all they had.

Naestra looked out of the viewport, the swirling blue of Hyperspace still churning outside of the ship. She glanced to the helmsman, an Alliance Sergeant that had been assigned to this mission with them along with four other troopers.

“How long until we arrive?” Naestra asked.

“Less than an hour.” The Sergeant replied.

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened attentively to Naestra's explanation, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed the details about the colony's failure. Plants growing with unnatural speed and aggressive wildlife were more than just environmental hazards — they were potential clues. The nexus they sought could be influencing the planet's ecosystem, shaping it in ways that made it hostile to outsiders.

Valery's amber eyes shifted from Naestra to the viewport, the swirling currents of hyperspace reflecting her contemplative mood.

"That's valuable insight, Knight Naestra," Valery said, her tone carrying the warmth of approval. "If the environment itself is that volatile, it could very well be tied to the Force. The nexus might not just be a source of light — it could be a catalyst for the planet's unusual behavior. Understanding that connection will be crucial."

She crossed her arms lightly, her gaze returning to Naestra when she mentioned limiting time on the surface. "I agree. There's no reason to take risks. We'll scout from above and head down when we find a lead."

Valery glanced toward the helmsman as the sergeant confirmed their time of arrival. Less than an hour. Her focus sharpened as she turned back to Naestra.

"In the meantime, why don't we get to know each other a little better?" They had time to kill and the mission was clear enough for both of them. And Valery always enjoyed and valued getting to know the people she was supposed to lead.

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

“If that’s the case Master than this nexus is not a new one. So it was either obscured from our sight, or it intentionally prevented itself from being felt.” Naestra mused thoughtfully, her scholarly brain going to work figuring out just what was going on. With the little knowledge they had, that was a reach challenge.

As concerned as Naestra was about the dangers this mission posed to her fellows, the chance to obtain greater knowledge was beyond tantalizing. She was, more than she was concerned, excited. The prospect of discovering something as of yet undiscovered and documenting it, and giving that knowledge to the galaxy was a thrilling one.

She was dismayed just how many preferred to focus on furthering their skills in the force rather than delve into the history of it and the lessons that history taught. She thought it was such a waste. She knew that there was a deep wisdom to be found in the knowledge of the ancients, and that educating oneself in all things was the truest and quickest path to wisdom. And now she could be a part of something that would make the galaxy just a little wiser.

Naestra, upon hearing the Grandmaster’s suggestion that they simply sit and talk, blinked in surprise. As much as she cared about people, she wasn’t exactly a socialite. She didn’t do well in conversation. So she scratched the back of her head in uncertainty.

“W-what do you want to know Master?”

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's smile softened at Naestra's hesitation, her amber eyes warm with encouragement. She could sense the Knight's scholarly focus and the natural awkwardness that came with being drawn into a less formal interaction. But for Valery, moments like these were important. Bonding with her team wasn't just a nicety; it strengthened the trust and cooperation essential for their mission.

"Anything you're comfortable sharing," Valery said, her tone light and reassuring. She shifted her stance slightly, leaning back against the railing with her arms crossed loosely. "This mission is going to test us in ways we can't entirely predict, and I think knowing a little more about each other will help us work better as a team."

Her gaze lingered on Naestra, her smile growing a touch more playful. "For example, tell me what drew you to the Jedi path. Was it always about knowledge and history, or did something else inspire you?"

Something easy, to start with.

Valery's expression turned briefly introspective. "For me, it was about helping people in the field — finding purpose in service. But I've always admired the Jedi who dedicate themselves to preserving our history. Without that foundation, the rest of us wouldn't have the wisdom to move forward."

She tilted her head slightly, a gentle prompt. "Your turn."

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

Naestra listened to the Grandmaster’s question and her own answer to that same question. The desire to serve the common folk of the Galaxy. Something that a lot of Jedi did, and one that Naestra found very noble. One she respected very much.

She too felt that need to serve. The honor that came with her role to do good by the people was a duty that she upheld with pride. Though if she was entirely honest the way she did so was different from the usual. Most Jedi went and protected people, she found her calling as a healer and a teacher more than anything. The wiser the people of the galaxy were the safer and the better they would be. That was her philosophy, enable the people to stand on their own.

The way she saw it the Jedi were leaders above all. And the purpose of a leader was to make sure that those they lead can thrive without them.

“I… I was inducted into the Jedi Order from a very young age. I was found to be very gifted with the force. So much so that I was using telekinesis to play with my toys when I was but a year old, and I used it more than my hands. So I was found by the order and they took me in to train me. I wasn’t so much drawn to the Jedi path as I was… pulled into it.” She explained, somewhat hesitant to speak so casually with the Jedi Grandmaster. “As for my quest for knowledge… I’ve always had a drive to learn. I don’t know why, or how it started. I just… did. And I never stopped.”

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened intently to Naestra, her amber eyes steady and thoughtful as the younger Jedi spoke. There was a quiet honesty in her words, the kind that often revealed more than intended. Naestra's journey to the Jedi Order, her innate connection to the Force, and her relentless pursuit of knowledge — it all painted a picture of someone deeply committed to their path, even if that path had chosen them rather than the other way around.

"You were already showing signs of your potential at such a young age," Valery said with a warm smile. "That's remarkable, and it makes sense that the Order saw something special in you. But I can also imagine how overwhelming that must have felt, being 'pulled in' before you could fully understand what it all meant."

Valery had once been in the same position.

She leaned forward slightly, her tone softening as she shifted the conversation to something more personal. "You mentioned always having a drive to learn, and that's shaped you into an incredible scholar and Jedi. But I'm curious, Naestra — outside of the archives and the pursuit of knowledge, what drives you? What brings you joy?"

Valery's gaze was kind, but there was an underlying weight to her question. She knew how easy it was for Jedi to become consumed by their roles, their missions, their studies. Finding the moments of personal joy and fulfillment — the things that made them human — was just as important, if not more so. And in Naestra, Valery saw someone who might need that reminder.

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

Valery’s insight was spot on. Naestra blinked a couple of times in confusion at the question she was asked. What brought her joy? Well… she was happy already, doing what she did. The pursuit of knowledge and bettering herself through the absorption of wisdom was incredibly fulfilling! Or at least she thought it was.

Naestra didn’t fully understand the question put in front of her. And so she spent a moment or two in quiet contemplation, thinking about how to answer. She specified something outside of her pursuit of knowledge. But there wasn’t anything. That was pretty much all she had. She’d never had many friends, although she was certainly friendly and kind to everyone she met, or tried to be, she’d never had any real companions aside from her late Master, who had been slain by a Sith some time after she had been promoted to Jedi Knight.

And she was never particularly close with her Master either. She got along with him, and he was good to her, but he saw that she was following a path totally foreign to him. So he guided her and advised her as best he could, but ultimately she was very self-taught, pursuing knowledge that even her Master didn’t have.

“I’m sorry Master.” She said quietly. “There’s nothing that comes to mind.”

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery watched Naestra closely, her expression softening further as she noted the confusion and hesitation in the younger Jedi's response. Naestra's admission, quiet and hesitant, wasn't entirely unexpected, but it carried a weight that Valery felt deeply. She let a moment of silence linger between them, offering space for the Knight's words to settle.

"That's okay, Naestra," Valery said gently, her voice filled with understanding. "Sometimes we get so focused on our responsibilities and passions that we don't stop to think about what else might bring us happiness. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong — it just means you've poured so much of yourself into your work."

Valery's amber eyes met Naestra's, her gaze steady and kind. "But it's never too late to explore other parts of yourself. The galaxy is vast, and there's so much more out there than just our duties as Jedi. It could be something simple, like a hobby, or even spending time with people you care about. Small joys can make all the difference."

Valery paused and chuckled, "Though it's not required, of course."

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

Naestra tried to understand what she was being told. It sort of made sense. But it was so foreign to her that she wasn’t sure what to do with the information she had just been given.

After a brief moment of contemplation she spoke up. “I don’t think I understand Master. I find a lot of fulfillment in my duties and my studies. I don’t know what else I could do. I guess I could try to improve my skill with a blade… but I’ve never been particularly gifted in that field.”

She glanced back at the blue vortex that was the Hyperspace lane that they were taking to Kathora, suddenly wishing that they would arrive right about now. This was a subject she wasn’t particularly comfortable with. And while she knew that being out of her comfort zone wasn’t necessarily bad, she was altogether too unprepared for this subject. She was absolutely not a people person, and any subject unrelated to her studies was one she struggled with.

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery offered Naestra a warm smile, sensing the Knight's discomfort as she wrestled with the concept Valery had introduced. She could feel Naestra's unease, and she decided not to push further — the goal wasn't to make her feel out of place but to plant a seed for future reflection.

"That's perfectly alright, Naestra," Valery said gently, her tone reassuring. "Finding fulfillment in your studies and duties is a wonderful thing, and it's clear you're passionate about them. That's what matters most."

She folded her arms loosely and leaned against the railing, her gaze shifting briefly to the swirling blue of hyperspace, "Maybe once this mission is over, I'll show you something fun." Perhaps a simple cantina or bar for a drink, or an activity that would grab even Naestra's attention.

Visiting a museum?

Valery chuckled at the thought, then continued, "First, we do have a mission to complete."

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

“Y-yes, that we do Master.” She affirmed, relieved for the change of subject. Entirely unaware of the Grandmaster’s plot to drag her to someplace public once this mission was over.

After another thirty or so minutes passed before they dropped out of hyperspace, and a planet appeared in front of them. It was on the larger end of habitable planet sizes, so they would need to expect increased gravity, but nothing that they wouldn’t be able to move under. The planet itself was largely green with several identifiable bodies of water on its surface. And as they approached the planet, all the Jedi aboard the ship would feel the presence of the force on the planet. It was incredibly strong to be sure.

“Beginning the approach now Master Jedi.” The Sergeant at the helm told them, bringing the ship into the atmosphere.

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery straightened as the ship dropped out of hyperspace, her amber eyes narrowing as the swirling blue gave way to the vibrant green of Kathora. The planet's surface sprawled beneath them, its lush landscapes and shimmering bodies of water promising beauty but also danger. As they approached, the Force pulsed in the air like a heartbeat — strong, steady, and deeply woven into the world below.

She let the sensation wash over her, drawing in a deep breath and closing her eyes briefly to focus. It was unlike anything she'd felt before, a nexus of light that hummed with quiet power. Yet, there was something else, a subtle tension beneath the surface, as if the Force itself was holding its breath.

"Kathora..." she murmured, her voice soft but tinged with awe. "The Force is incredibly strong here, Knight Naestra. Whatever this nexus is, it's unlike anything I've encountered before."

Her gaze shifted to Naestra, her expression sharpening with purpose. "Let's begin with a first sweep over the surface," Valery said, gesturing toward the planet below. "Use the ship's sensors to scan for anything unusual — energy fluctuations, signs of activity, or anything that might help us narrow down where to start."

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

“It is Master. And it makes it all the more curious that it’s here to begin with.” Naestra commented, pulling out her notebook and scribbling down a few sentences of observations she already had. “A nexus this powerful takes time to form, usually it accumulates power over time, so it should have been detected a long time ago. And hiding something like that for the time it takes for a nexus of this magnitude to form… it takes a lot of power. My only guess is that the nexus is conscious, and actively masked itself. So now the question is, why would it show itself now?”

Another trooper on the bridge began to engage the scanners, doing as the Grandmaster had instructed. The scanners would run for a short while. And eventually they would return with something.

“Master Jedi, the scanners have picked up something on the far side of the planet. An unnatural break in the vegetation, and signs of excavation.” The trooper reported.

“I was under the impression that this planet was uninhabited by sentient life.” The Sergeant commented.

“So was I.” Naestra mused, her head already trying to work out what this could be.

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened carefully to Naestra's observations, her expression thoughtful. A nexus that powerful, able to mask itself over time, was indeed an anomaly. The implications were both intriguing and unsettling, but the Jedi Master knew speculation would only take them so far. Answers would only come through investigation.

Her amber eyes flicked to the trooper as the scanner results came through. An unnatural break in the vegetation, signs of excavation… Valery's brow furrowed slightly. This planet was supposed to be untouched, yet the evidence suggested otherwise. If sentient beings had been here, they had either gone unnoticed or left a mark that shouldn't exist on a world as isolated as Kathora.

"Good work," Valery said, nodding to the trooper before turning to Naestra. "If there's excavation, it could mean someone or something has been interacting with the nexus. We can't ignore it." Her tone sharpened, her determination clear. "Let's head to the site and see what's going on."

Valery glanced at the Sergeant, addressing his concern. "We'll proceed with caution. If this planet truly was uninhabited, whatever we're walking into might not be welcoming." Her hand rested lightly on her belt, where her lightsaber hung.

Turning back to the crew, she gave the order. "Take us down to the coordinates. Find a safe place to land nearby."

As the ship angled toward the location, Valery turned to Naestra. "Once we're on the ground, we'll start with a perimeter check. Let's figure out what we're dealing with before we approach the excavation directly."

Naestra ​

 

[Naestra]

“Right away Master Jedi.” The Sergeant said, bringing them into the atmosphere, and keeping their flight low to the ground as they approached the excavation site. Once they were five clicks out from it he brought the ship down among the canopy, and landed it.

It was not an easy or fast process either. The canopy was dense, and the trees tightly packed with one another. Not to mention the trees themselves were positively massive. The planet would be very reminiscent of Kashyyk or Endor, gargantuan flora, and most likely fauna to match it. They had to break a few branches on the way down, but eventually they managed to set the ship down, and lower the gangway.

Naestra grabbed her helmet and slipped it on over her head. The crest of hair on the back of the helmet forming a mane that flowed out behind her and down her armored back, much like her natural mass of red hair. Then she grabbed her halberd, a weapon a little taller than she was, and more than capable of doing some serious harm if she needed it to.

The group would step out into the underbrush, thankfully this particular area seemed to have been cleared of underbrush as indicated by the charred and blackened color of the lower haves of the trees surrounding them, a charred blackness shared by the earth beneath them.

Someone had definitely been there.

“Excavation site is roughly five clicks to the northeast of us Master Jedi.” The Sergeant informed Valery, his blaster held in one hand, with a handheld navigator in the other.

---

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stepped off the gangway with purposeful strides, her boots crunching softly against the charred ground. Her amber eyes swept the clearing, taking in the scorched earth and the blackened trunks of the massive trees. It was as if the planet had resisted the intruders, the evidence of fire stark against the lush greenery beyond. The juxtaposition only deepened her resolve.

She adjusted the grip on her lightsaber, though she kept it clipped to her belt for now. The Force pulsed faintly in her mind, its whispers urging vigilance.

"Five clicks to the northeast," Valery repeated, her tone calm but commanding. She turned to the Sergeant, nodding. "We'll move cautiously. Keep your team in tight formation, and stay alert for anything unusual. This forest could hide more than just remnants of an excavation."

Her gaze shifted to Naestra, her armor and halberd making her a striking figure against the backdrop of towering trees. "Knight Naestra, you're with me. Use your instincts and senses to help us identify anything that stands out. If the nexus has influenced this area, we need to be aware of it before it catches us off guard."

The dense canopy above cast shadows across the ground as Valery led the group forward. The air was thick with humidity, the scent of scorched wood mingling with the faint aroma of the thriving flora beyond the clearing. It was familiar to Valery, who had grown up inside a Jungle.

As they moved, her senses extended outward, brushing against the strange, powerful presence of the nexus. It was distant yet tangible, like a beacon half-veiled in mist.

Pausing briefly to scan their surroundings, Valery spoke quietly to the Sergeant. "Do the scans show any movement in the area? Lifeforms, heat signatures?"

Naestra ​