Mira’s P.O.V.
Mira’s gaze swept the outcrop of broken crystals, sparking a deep sadness within her.
“The forest used to be so beautiful,” a voice said, startling her.
Mira turned quickly to see a disciple of the Church of the Force standing there, a female Sephi cloaked and hooded, her emerald eyes staring intensely at Mira.
“Then the Empire did this,” the Sephi finished mournfully, gesturing to the crystalline remains.
“Frida,” Mira breathed, “You scared me.”
Frida placed a hand on her chest, inclining her head.
“My apologies.”
Mira turned back to the subject of their conversation.
“I wish I could’ve seen it in its glory,” she lamented, “When I was a child, my—” She hesitated briefly before continuing. “My sister and I went to the caves on Ilum to be tested. There were so many crystals, and they were all singing. It was beautiful. But these…these ones are silent…dead.”
Frida moved in front of Mira, clasping the Jedi’s hands in hers.
“Not dead,” she insisted, “Just broken. Sometimes I think I feel them trying to speak to me. Alas, I was not blessed with your gift. I hear only whispers, not words.”
She shook her head sadly. Mira contemplated the broken crystals for a moment, then turned to Frida with a gentle smile.
“Thank you. And…I’m sorry you can’t hear them.”
“It’s enough for me knowing there is still life in them,” Frida promised, giving one of Mira’s hands a reassuring squeeze before stepping back. “Perhaps you’ll be able to understand them.”
Mira turned away, her expression somber.
“Every day, I hear the force crying out. It’s unbalanced. The Empire has caused so much destruction…”
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“Yes,” Frida agreed, “And yet the soldiers who did this were merely following orders, just as their superiors were merely following theirs.”
“I know,” Mira sighed, “The stormtroopers were just as much victims of the Empire as anyone else. Taken as children…trained to be soldiers. They didn’t choose who they are. They’re no more than fodder for the Empire.”
If Rain were here, she’d say the Jedi were no different. But we weren’t trained to be soldiers. We weren’t trained to be disposable. I just wish she could’ve seen that…
“I imagine very few escaped victimhood,” Frida said softly, “Stormtroopers, Jedi, clones, Separatists, Inquisitors—”
“Inquisitors?” Mira interjected, feeling incredulous, “The Inquisitors turned their back on the Jedi Code. They revel in the destruction and despair of their former colleagues!”
Frida blinked at her, “Do you believe that was their choice?”
“Well, I…I don’t know.”
Frida strode forward, running a hand over the fractured kyber.
“Not everyone is deserving of sympathy, Mira,” she said, “But I believe all living things deserve to be understood.” She turned to face the Jedi with a smile on her lips, adding, “Just like these crystals.”
With that, she ventured off, leaving Mira alone with Frida’s words resounding in her head.
Is there something you want to tell me? Mira pondered as she watched the silent crystals.
Lowering herself to the ground, she assumed a meditative stance, closing her eyes and letting the force flow through her.
If you have something to say, then speak to me. I’m listening.
She was met with silence.
As much as she wanted to stay and dedicate more time to the effort, she knew the others would start missing her soon. She took a few extra moments, then uttered a reluctant sigh before getting to her feet.
When she looked up, however, she was greeted by a specter from her past, a childhood reflection of herself standing among the forest rubble gazing back at her. Mira froze, hardly believing her eyes.
“You’re…”
Me.
The child made no sound, just stared.
“What is it?” Mira whispered.
At last, the apparition spoke.
“Will you make it right?”
Make it right? Make what right?
But the phantom was already gone. Mira stood unmoving for a long while, just looking out over the mess of broken crystals. However, she was quickly snapped out of her daze by a familiar voice.
“Mira. Frida said you were still here. One of the church’s spies just reported in. An Imperial ship has landed in Tophen. It’s time for us to make our move.”
Mira turned to face Ahsoka, nodding her acknowledgement.
“We’d better get going then.”
“Are you still sure you’re up for this?”
“I told you, Ahsoka, I’m fine. Now let’s go.”
She moved past her Togrutan companion, and, without another word, left.