Before the Storm

Location: Tython Orbital Station – Eternal Alliance Command Chamber

Date: 22 BBY – Two Weeks Before The First Liberation Campaign

The Command Chamber was no longer a stone circle of eager ideals—it was now a tactical nerve center. A high-tier war table stood at the center, its holographic emitter projecting the galaxy in full—highlighted sectors blinking red across the Outer Rim. Dozens of floating icons pulsed over known Zygerrian strongholds, Hutt syndicate organizations and more from slave outposts, training facilities, and captured worlds long ignored by the Republic.

At the head of the table Cain, Seris, and Anakin, clad in sleek battle robes lined with reinforcement plates, flanked by officers from across the Eternal Alliance. 

Obi-Wan stood calmly next to his wife, Duchess Satine, who now served as a key ambassador and strategic advisor. Derren was deep in discussion with Syla Thanis, the Chiss tactician Sylan who had grown into her role as one of Cain's most trusted military analysts. Beside them stood Selene , now wearing the rank insignia of Captain on her left shoulder—her eyes sharp.

Cain's voice filled the chamber. "The campaign begins in one week. Troopers, Knights, and Paladins are already arriving at their designated duty station. The objective remains clear—dismantle the Zygerrian, Hutt, slave and criminal infrastructures planet by planet, and reestablish control through protectorate governments."

Seris tapped the console, switching the projection to three highlighted systems. "Tatooine, Kadavo, and Lux—primary targets. Each controls one of the major supply and transport routes for the slave rings."

Anakin pointed at Tatooine. "I've already begun receiving intel from our scouts. We'll have the element of surprise."

Cain gave a nod. "You'll lead the Tatooine assault. I've assigned Paladin teams and Spartan reinforcements to support your dropship deployment."

Anakin nodded. "Appreciate it."

Then, the doors to the chamber slid open with a soft hiss.

Master Plo Koon entered, the air of calm always following him. Behind him walked a young Togruta girl with vibrant orange skin, sharp white facial markings, and an unmistakably eager gleam in her eyes.

Plo addressed the room. "The Jadaii Knights who completed their military training have begun arriving at their assigned posts."

Cain smiled, stepping forward. "Good. Everyone dismissed," he said, addressing the officers. "Return to your units and meet at your fleet stations within the hour. conduct inspection and send me status update on any issues nothing is to little."

The room emptied swiftly. Only Cain, Seris, Anakin, and Plo remained—alongside the young Togruta.

Plo placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "This is Padawan Ahsoka Tano."

Ahsoka gave a confident bow. "It's an honor to meet you, Knight Cain, Skywalker, Seris."

Cain smiled. "You've grown a lot. Your mother always said you were the wild one."

Anakin blinked. "Wait. your Pav-ti Tano's daughter? The hunter on Tython?"

Plo nodded. "The same. She spent time with her mother tracking and being nature beasts with her mother. Her instincts are highly attuned."

Ahsoka turned to Anakin with a bold smile. "I hear you're going to be my Master."

Anakin froze. "What?"

Cain and Seris exchanged smirks. Plo crossed his arms.

"I didn't agree to this," Anakin said, spinning toward Cain. "You knew about this?"

Cain raised his hands innocently. "Plo the masters believe your ready for an Padawan learner and she is very talented and ready to learn. Cain said "You needed someone to ground you out there."

Ahsoka smirked. "So... just accept it, Skyguy. You're stuck with me."

Anakin recoiled. "Skyguy?!"

Cain cracked a laugh while Seris held back a snort.

Ahsoka's grin widened. "I thought the Chosen One would be taller."

"I am taller," Anakin grumbled. "Cain! You set me up!"

Before Cain could answer, the doors opened again. Two figures stepped through in matching Eternal Alliance Spartan armor—sleek black and deep cobalt, marked with the Paladin sigil on one shoulder and ARC tactical bands on the other.

They removed their helmets in perfect sync.

John and Sarah stood at attention.

"Sir," John said with a crisp salute. "Spartan Unit 01 reporting. Assigned to Task Force Nova."

"Hello again," Sarah added, smiling directly at Anakin. "I've been ordered to brief you on our full loadout capabilities."

Anakin narrowed his eyes. "Wait. You're—?"

She nodded, her red hair tied in a tight braid, blue eyes gleaming.

"Yes, Anakin. I'm your daughter. Genetically."

He turned toward Cain, who was trying not to laugh. "I forgot I donated my DNA"

John saluted again. "I was created from Jadaii Knights Cain and Seris. I'll be assisting ground command under Field Commander Kael."

Anakin slowly dragged a hand down his face.

"This day just keeps getting better."

Plo Koon chuckled softly. "Perhaps now you understand what Cain's been dealing with."

Anakin shot Cain a look. "What did I do to deserve this?"

Cain smirked. "Karma's funny that way."

Sarah smiled. "We'll try not to disappoint, Sky—Master."

Cain stood under one of the tall stone archways overlooking the Tython cliffs. The wind was cold, but the view of the fleets assembling in the valley below was enough to warm the soul.

Seris joined him.

"They're ready," she said. "All of them. Even Anakin."

Cain looked ahead. "I just hope the galaxy is."

"Do you think we've really changed anything?" she asked quietly.

Cain didn't answer at first. He looked at the rising transports. At the Paladins walking side by side with clones and soldiers. At the fire that had grown into something bigger than he ever expected.

Then he said, "We'll find out soon enough."