Aau's Song

A young alien, yearning to express herself through song, is raised by her father, who, despite his love, insists on her silence due to the destructive impact her voice has on the crystals located in the nearby mines.

The opening narration explains that the planet Korba was once abundant with kyber crystals, the energy source for Jedi lightsabers. These crystals were revered across the galaxy, until the Sith order tainted them with the crimson essence of the dark side of the Force. For many generations, the inhabitants of Korba have mined these corrupted kyber crystals for the Jedi, who would painstakingly purify the crystals back to their original, harmonious state.

The episode commences with a young female Korban character named Aau rappelling up the face of a steep, rocky cliff. Upon reaching the summit, she pauses to admire the mountains and structures in the distance. Aau begins to sing, directing her voice towards the landscape. As a yellow starship descends towards Korba, she rappels back down to her village. She is greeted by her father, Abat, who is also aware of Kratu's arrival. As they prepare a meal in their home, Abat anticipates that Kratu is likely undergoing port security checks and will arrive at their home shortly.

Father and daughter share a meal consisting of a warm broth filled with vegetables. Some time later, Kratu's starship lands. While the adults are inside, Aau rests outside the yellow starship. Aau later overhears Abat's conversation with Kratu. Abat mentions discovering a new mine shaft containing some of the most intensely corrupted kyber crystals he has ever encountered. Kratu, being a Jedi, expresses concern that these crystals may be too difficult for her to purify.

Abat presents Kratu with a red kyber crystal, cautioning her about its unstable and hazardous nature. Through the Force, Aau feels the crystal resonating with her. However, she accidentally trips over some logs. Aau is introduced to her aunt Kratu, who remarks on how much she has grown. Through the Force, Aau senses Kratu's blue crystal calling to her. Before they can converse further, Abat informs Kratu that he and Aau must go to work. He hands Kratu a boxed kyber crystal, explaining that mining kyber is their purpose. Kratu responds that answering that calling requires courage. She mentions having business in town but promises to return later.

After Kratu's departure, Abat scolds his daughter for using her voice near the crystal, despite repeated warnings. He emphasizes the need for restraint and assures her that his priority is her safety. The two then set off on a speeder bike, driving through the village streets. They cross a stone bridge and continue through the town. Among the town's inhabitants is a Mandalorian clad in silver Mandalorian armor. Large purple beasts roam the streets.

While Aau starts her shift caring for and grooming the purple beasts, Abat descends into the mine to begin his work. During her shift, Aau removes a brown, woodlouse-like insect clinging to the fur of one of the purple beasts. The insect then scurries away. Later, Aau notices the wind picking up, causing the leaves to rustle. While a group of miners are on break and chatting, Aau "borrows" a helmet and climbs down a cliff face towards a deep tunnel.

Aau senses a powerful force emanating from the tunnel. Distracted, the rock she is standing on loosens, causing her to slide down a slope. Aau manages to hold on, preventing a fall down the cliff. The miners attribute the disturbance to rock mice. Aau discovers a small opening leading into the dark tunnel. As she descends, Aau briefly loses her footing but quickly recovers. Aau begins to sing, which causes several red kyber crystals to illuminate and resonate with her.

The crescendo builds, but is interrupted by her father's voice. Abat tells her that they must leave immediately. Abat rappels down the wall of kyber crystals and carries his daughter. The two ascend back up the cliff face towards the surface. Upon reaching the entrance, Abat informs another miner that they must evacuate the spire, as the structure is beginning to collapse. The three flee across a rope bridge as the mountain behind them crumbles.

Aau and the other miner reach the opposite side just before the suspension bridge collapses. However, Abat remains trapped on the last rung of the bridge. Aau attempts to reach out to her father using the Force. Abat warns her against it. Suddenly, the entire bridge gives way, sending Aau and Abat plummeting into a deep ravine below. Before they can fall to their deaths, Kratu arrives and uses the Force to cushion their fall. She also creates a protective bubble around her brother and niece, shielding them from the falling debris.

Kratu asks if they are able to run. Aau reassures her father, then stands and sings through the Force to the crystals. In the spiritual realm, her voice transforms the red kyber crystals, purifying them into blue. Back in the physical world, Aau finds herself with her father and aunt. While Aau hugs Abat, Kratu examines a box containing a kyber crystal and discovers that Aau has purified it.

When Abat inquires about how she did it, Kratu tells Aau that she has never encountered a voice like hers during her travels across the galaxy. She explains that Aau possesses a unique gift, but it would require her to accompany her. When Abat objects, stating that his daughter's life is here, Kratu counters that they cannot choose where their calling leads them, but they can choose whether to answer it. Kratu gives Aau two weeks to consider her offer before they depart from Korba.

Later, Aau and Abat share a meal of fruit. When Abat asks if she is ready, Aau confirms that she is. Before Aau boards Kratu's starship, Abat tells her that she is the first of their people to venture out into the stars. He touches her face, expressing his pride. Aau hugs her father before leaving. Kratu's ship powers up, and Aau boards. As the starship rises into the sky, Aau waves to her father. They fly past a giant kyber crystal.