Tears of a red sun

“Master!” The young padawan balled down the corridor skidding on the newly washed floor. “Master, master!” He slid to a stop outside his master’s room and fell flat on his backside. Master K'Kruhk stepped out of his room and smiled “Ben, why must you always run along the corridors. A Jedi is patient and calm, yet you run everywhere.”
Ben stared nervously at his master and bowed his head. K’Kruhk grasped Ben’s hand and pulled him to his feet, “Why did you come here Ben?” K’Kruhk queried, folding his arms.
Ben looked up at his master and began to speak, “Master Sati wishes to see you as soon as possible.” He spoke every word clearly and precisely.
“Very well I shall go immediately, you however should continue packing for the trip to Coruscant.” K’Kruhk bowed to his apprentice and Ben bowed back before scampering off to his room. K’Kruhk shook his head and smiled as he made his way toward the room of his old friend Sati Huun.

The red sun rose from behind the mountains and illuminated the Jedi temple, glowing bronze and gold. The Jedi had set up this temple on the outer-rim planet of Kathos to provide a haven for Jedi traveling to war. It was master K’Kruhk, master Sati and master Ki-Adi Mundi who had envisioned this temple and it was master Ki-Adi who had it built. He was now fighting on Cato Neimodia and K’Kruhk was preparing to leave for the capital. Soon the temple would be nearly empty, only three other Jedi were present and it was likely the small security force that operated on the nearby mining station would take up residence. K’Kruhk walked the long gold and red hallways leading to the main door, the door which separated the recently reactivated mine and the main hallway of the Jedi temple. K’Kruhk typed in his key code and stepped through the door. Commander Kris of the security force greeted him, “Master K’Kruhk, this way please.” K’Kruhk frowned, “Why is Sati in the control room?”
Kris brushed his uniform ponytail back and tugged his cap further down, “He wishes to discuss something of military importance.”
K’Kruhk shrugged his shoulders and nodded, “Very well.”
The two men walked up the staircase to the control room; master Sati was at the large window overlooking the quarry. “I shall leave you to it.” Kris bowed and left.
Sati turned around and K’Kruhk instinctively walked over to his friend, “What’s wrong Sati?” He asked placing his hand on Sati’s arm.
Sati shook his head, “Nothing, at least nothing is wrong with me. Ki-Adi communicated with me a few days ago and I have been considering whom to tell. They have killed Dooku K’Kruhk, the war is almost over.”
K’Kruhk smiled before realising his friend’s expression and frowning, “Is this not a good thing?” He tilted his head in confusion.
“The war was the only thing keeping this place alive, without war the dream is dead.” Sati looked at the floor.
“Everything must end Sati, even this place.” K’Kruhk placed his hands on both of Sati’s shoulders and lent in, “We shall not let this dream die before it is over through.” Sati nodded and forced a smile. K’Kruhk took his hands away and left.

Ben leapt up and down on the bed in excitement; the padawan chambers were now completely empty. The last group had just left for Coruscant and it would be his turn tomorrow. He stopped jumping and listened to the hum of the transporters carrying security soldiers the mining station. The sun glowed red through the window and the bronze floor glistened, reflecting on the metal bunk beds. K’Kruhk entered and sat next to his padawan, “have you heard then Ben, that the war is over?” He asked, Ben nodded and bounced again. K’Kruhk was glad to see Ben so happy, his first master had been killed on Geonosis when Ben was only seven. Under the guidance of master Yoda, K’Kruhk had gained the confidence to take on someone else’s padawan temporarily. “I can’t wait to see the city again.” Ben laughed.
“Ben, you do realise that when we reach Coruscant you will be transferred to another master permanently?”
Ben stared out of the window, “I am ready master K’Kruhk.”
K’Kruhk turned to his padawan and ruffled his hair, “how about one last lightsaber drill, just to get you ready for your new master.”
Ben nodded and shot up, “Calm and patient.” K’Kruhk reminded him.
They both walked into the half disassembled training room, some of the room was already being turned into a lounge for the security forces. Three hundred had already arrived under the instruction of the senate.
K’Kruhk drew his lightsaber and dialed it down to minimum power and Ben did the same. “Shall we?” smiled K’Kruhk

The cold night air stung K’Kruhk’s nostrils as the sandy air whipped around the balcony. “The transport will arrive to shut this place down for good tomorrow.” Sati clutched the balcony and sighed, “Well, at least the temple will be used.” K’Kruhk said turning to Sati.
“Huh! This place was a hive of activity, a serene and glorious haven for the likes of master Yoda and master Windu. Do your remember what master Yoda said on the opening day some two years ago, ‘a wondrous place this is, truly a Coruscant for the outer-rim’, now look at it.” Sati stretched his hand out and waved it across the sky. K’Kruhk looked down at the bulldozers destroying the courtyard below. The statues of famous Jedi reduced to sand coloured rubble. “You know what they’re replacing it with don’t you.” K’Kruhk shrugged, “A swimming pool for the head guard, a swimming pool! That courtyard was filled with Fugi trees, fruit and vegetables not a leisure pool for the guard's version of aristocracy.” Sati clenched his fists in anger then forced himself to calm down. “This place was great once Sati, nothing can take that away.” K’Kruhk turned away and walked back into the dimly lit corridors. He strode to his dorm and slid into his bed, and there he meditated until the sun rose again.

"Colonel?"
Major Furth waited for a response.
"Colonel, the reports as requested." The Sergeant held out the papers
"Keep me informed of any changes in activity, Sergeant."
The Sergeant nodded and Furth walked out into the corridor, he came face to face with master K’Kruhk. “Ah master K’Kruhk, your transport is almost here.”
K’Kruhk bowed and walked into the padawan rooms, “Ben?” His padawan whined in protest, “Ben wake up, it is almost time.” Ben yawned and stretched he sat up and K’Kruhk smirked. “Perhaps you might like to sort out your hair first.” Ben rolled his eyes and rubbed them, K’Kruhk left the room walked to Sati’s. Sati was already dressed and his suitcase was sat on the bed. “No point hanging around is there?” Sati muttered
“You’ll see everything will be fine.” K’Kruhk said optimistically
Sati nodded and grabbed his case, the two Jedi walked out of the door and into Ben’s room. Ben was hurriedly dressed and there were clothes hanging out of his suitcase. “ That will do I suppose.” K’Kruhk led his padawan by the shoulder. Sati laughed, “Good job Ben.” He joked. The three Jedi laughed and walked briskly to the landing platform. They stood at the stairs and waited. The booming voice of colonel Furth erupted from the loud speakers, “transport has arrived.” A republic transport came flying into view, it hovered above the platform and landed directly in front of the Jedi. “Here we go.” Sati took a deep breath and stepped forwards.

The End
All Star Wars names, places and characters unless created by the author are otherwise owned by Lucas Licensing.