ECHOES OF ALLEGIANCE

The twin suns of Rugosa dipped lower, casting gold across the shattered coral cliffs. Jason Shan wiped grit and sweat from his brow as the last embers of battle cooled behind them. Around him, clone troopers moved through the remains of the droid battalion—scouting, sweeping, securing.

They had done the impossible.

A Jedi Master, three clones, and a single Padawan had turned back a mechanized army.

And yet Jason could feel it—it wasn't over.

"Something's coming," he murmured, instinct sharpening like a blade unsheathed.

Yoda, standing ahead on the bluff overlooking the rendezvous site, nodded faintly. "One more test, perhaps."

Jason stood beside him, his violet saber still clipped at his belt, but his hand rested on it. The Force was stirring again, like breath held too long. From across the ridge came a familiar sound—whining engines. A Separatist landing craft descending.

"It's Dooku's final play," Jason said quietly. "He's not letting this go."

[Minutes later – At King Katuunko's camp]

King Katuunko hovered with regal grace, his wings fluttering in the gentle breeze as he looked over the horizon. A Separatist hologram flickered into being—Count Dooku, tall and imperious, hands folded.

"You were right, Count Dooku," the Toydarian king said, voice calm but sharp with purpose. "One Jedi is not worth 100 battle droids."

Jason narrowed his eyes, watching from behind Yoda. There was a long pause before Katuunko added, smiling—

"More like… 1,000."

Jason allowed himself the faintest smirk.

"I'm sorry," Katuunko continued, "but I will be joining the Republic."

Dooku's expression didn't flicker. "I urge you to reconsider, wise king. I promise you won't regret it,"

Jason's eyes flicked to Yoda, who said nothing—only waited, calm and unmoved.

Katuunko pressed on, voice colder now. "Your agent also promised me Yoda would get a fair fight."

A pause.

"I will not deal with those who break their words."

Jason's muscles tensed. The air felt like glass about to shatter.

"So be it," Dooku replied darkly. "Perhaps our negotiations will be more fruitful with your successor."

The words hit like a blade.

"Ventress, kill him!"

Jason's saber snapped to life.

A blur of motion came from the shadows—Asajj Ventress, lithe and lethal, leaping from her perch atop a nearby coral pillar. Twin red lightsabers ignited mid-air, casting blood-colored light across her pale skin and sharp features.

Jason moved to intercept, but Yoda held up a hand gently.

"Let her try," he said softly.

Ventress descended on the Toydarian king like a vulture.

But Yoda was faster.

In a single, effortless motion, he deflected her strikes, spinning through her attacks with impossible grace. Jason watched with awe as the Jedi Master outmaneuvered her with barely a flick of his wrist.

Ventress hissed and leapt backward, blades whirling. She landed, feet skidding in the dust, snarling with fury.

"Jedi Master Yoda." Her voice dripped venom. "I am very pleased to meet you, at last."

Yoda straightened his back, eyes never leaving hers. "Share the feeling, I do, King Katuunko."

Ventress snarled again, voice sharp. "I don't fear you, Jedi."

"Strong you are with the dark side, young one…" Yoda's tone was sad, not angry. "But not that strong."

Jason stepped forward, ready, but Yoda raised a hand again.

"Still much to learn, you have. Surrender, you should."

Ventress's lips curled in contempt.

Yoda's gaze didn't waver. "In the end… cowards are those who follow the dark side."

There was a flicker in the air—Dooku's voice returned, cold and distant.

"It's a pity I wasn't there in person, my old master."

Yoda bowed his head slightly. "A pity, indeed, my fallen apprentice."

Ventress hissed again but did not strike.

The red sabers deactivated, hissing out like serpents slipping back into the dark. She turned, cloak billowing behind her, and leapt into the shadows without another word.

Jason stepped forward beside Yoda, hand still on his hilt, eyes scanning the ridge.

"She's gone," he muttered. "But she'll be back."

Yoda nodded. "Likely so."

[Moments later – Diplomacy is sealed]

King Katuunko stepped forward, his posture regal but warm. "Perhaps now, begin negotiations, we can."

Yoda turned toward him, smiling. "That is not necessary, my friend."

Katuunko spread his hands. "You have my faith. Toydaria would be honored to host a Republic base."

He turned to Jason, Thire, Jek, and Rys.

"My people... are at your service."

Jason bowed his head respectfully.

Yoda stepped forward with quiet pride. "Your Majesty, fail you, we will not."

As the sun lowered into the horizon, painting the sky in gold and crimson, Jason stood alone for a moment beside the cliffs, staring at the horizon. The wind tugged at his robes, his saber still at his hip, warm with the echo of the battle.

Something had changed in him today.

Not just skill.

Not just confidence.

But clarity.

Not of his origins. That still remained hidden. But of his purpose.

He could feel the Force more clearly now—not as a storm, not as a whisper—but as a path.

And he was walking it.