Set For Life

Porter Engle, stationed at the Jedi outpost located on the mining planet of Elphrona, is serving a stew to his fellow Jedi. This stew is uniquely crafted from herbs that sprouted from a nova crystals deposit within the Verdigris Hills. With a touch of humor, he suggests they inform him if the stew proves to be poisonous. Indeera Stokes specifically instructs Porter not to offer any to her pet Charhound, Ember, as she's in the process of teaching her not to beg for food. Bell Zettifar interjects, advising Indeera to be lenient, given Ember's young age.

Suddenly, a droid interrupts their meal, delivering news to the Jedi: an aurodium mine at Grid 24B-30 has collapsed, trapping at least one miner inside. With Elphrona's rescue teams several hours away, they've requested the Jedi's immediate assistance. Bell expresses his dismay at the interruption of dinner. Jedi Master Loden Greatstorm grants Bell permission to bring his stew along on the mission.

The Jedi make their way to the aurodium mine aboard a tracked Vanguard vehicle. Bell inquires as to why they aren't using a Jedi Vector for transport. Greatstorm explains that the strong magnetic fields near the mine prevent the Vector from getting close enough. Bell, lacking the necessary experience and skills to navigate the Vector in such conditions, accepts his master's judgment. Greatstorm assures Bell that his opportunity will come, hinting at exciting plans he has in store for him. In the distance, Bell and Greatstorm notice the miner's distress signal.

Upon arriving at the mine, Greatstorm and Bell are greeted by the mine foreman, who explains that their delver droids detected something unusual. His colleague, Freeno, ventured into the newly excavated shaft to investigate. Unfortunately, the shaft proved unstable, resulting in a partial collapse that trapped Freeno. Each movement he makes causes the ground to tremble. They attempted to use delving droids to rescue Freeno, but they were lost in the subsequent rockfalls.

Master Greatstorm declares their intention to enter the mine. The foreman expresses his concern, given their previous failed attempts. Greatstorm responds that Jedi and droids may differ, but fear is not a significant factor for them. Bell affirms his commitment to follow his master's lead, but suggests that Ember remain behind to avoid adding to their worries.

As they delve deeper into the mine, Greatstorm prompts his Padawan, Bell, to sense the inherent fragility of their surroundings. He describes it as a void where solidity once existed. Greatstorm attempts to reassure Bell, suggesting that the cave will communicate its intentions through the Force, warning them of impending danger. He insists that everything will be alright. Bell counters, urging him to convey that message to the wrecked droids scattered among the rocks.

As the Jedi draw nearer to the shaft, Freeno warns them to halt, citing the instability of the roof and the risk of vibrations triggering a cave-in. Freeno explains that he discovered a massive kantak crystal and attempted to extract it, inadvertently dislodging a critical rock. He reveals that the crystal is within reach, but he hesitates to use his tools for fear of causing further instability. Greatstorm reassures Freeno that they are there to assist him. He advises Freeno to remain still and concentrate on himself rather than the rock.

Greatstorm instructs Bell to use his Force abilities to prevent rocks from falling into the shaft. He emphasizes the need to maintain the passage, even temporarily. When Bell compares the task to lifting an entire mountain, Greatstorm clarifies that it's more akin to preventing the mountain from collapsing on them. He informs Freeno that they have used the Force to stabilize the mine temporarily and urges him to escape while he still can. However, Freeno remains fixated on retrieving the kantak crystal.

Greatstorm voices his disapproval of Freeno's greed, warning him that no stone is worth risking his life. Despite the Jedi Master's warning, Freeno persists in his attempt to extract the crystal using his axe. Bell cautions that they must leave and not allow the man's selfishness to endanger their lives. As the cave begins to collapse, Greatstorm commands his Padawan to evacuate. Bell refuses to abandon his Master, but Greatstorm uses the Force to propel him out of the mine just before it collapses.

Bell fears that Greatstorm has perished, but is relieved to witness his Master emerge from the mine, accompanied by Freeno and the kantak crystal. Greatstorm addresses the miner, emphasizing that his survival is a result of the choices made by others to help him in his time of need. He urges Freeno to reevaluate his life choices, a promise the miner makes.

When Bell questions Greatstorm about his actions during the mine rescue, the Jedi Master explains that Jedi are tasked with protecting life and the light. However, they cannot shield individuals from making foolish decisions, as that is beyond even the power of the Force. Since perfection is unattainable, the only choices one should strive to control are their own. He asks Bell to consider whether he would still have entered the mine if he had known that Freeno's selfishness would endanger them. Bell admits his uncertainty, but Greatstorm assures him that he will eventually find clarity.