At the Jedi Council’s request, Generals Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi had been dispatched to the far reaches of the Outer Rim—to a planet called Kryath—in search of what Master Windu had referred to as a “Force professor.”

Kryath was smaller than Anakin had expected, especially for a self-sustaining world at the edge of known space. From orbit, it shimmered like an emerald. Upon landing, the two Jedi discovered a planet brimming with life—a strange, unexpected blend of cultures and species, from Twi’leks and Ithorians to the occasional grumbling Trandoshan. The marketplace was a pandemonium of color and scent: sizzling street food, drifting incense, and the hum of starships coming and going above.

Getting to Kryath without being blasted into stardust had been the hard part. The planet sat beyond several pirate trade routes and separatist patrol zones—and even Anakin had to admit that their landing was more crash-adjacent than graceful.

Now came the “easy” part: finding this so-called Force professor. According to the Council, this mysterious scholar had studied the Force outside Jedi doctrine—an unorthodox expert whose insights might help the Order understand the growing tremors in the galaxy.

Still, based on everything locals had told them, Anakin had pictured a frail old hermit—someone with wrinkles rivaling Master Yoda’s and a staff to match.

Obi-Wan, as always, remained patient and diplomatic, following the trail with calm efficiency while Anakin grumbled about “wild bantha chases.”

When they finally reached a quiet stone dwelling on the outskirts of the city, Obi-Wan pressed the chime. The door slid open, and both Jedi blinked in surprise.

Standing before them wasn’t a wizened elder but a young figure—alert, steady, and far from what Anakin had imagined.

A beat of silence hung between them before Anakin caught himself, smoothing out his expression and straightening his cloak.

“Professor?” he asked, his tone a careful mix of curiosity and disbelief.