"Squadron" marks the initial segment of the sixth episode within the animated series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. Its debut occurred on Disney+ on May 4, 2023.
On the world of Tenoo, Nash Durango offers Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs, who are Jedi Initiates, a trip aboard the Crimson Firehawk. She showcases the "Throttle Buster" maneuver and navigates the Firehawk around a massive Tenoo tree. After reaching the tree's peak, Durango initiates a descent. Nubs opens his eyes, and Solay expresses her enjoyment. Brightstar inquires about piloting the Firehawk, but Durango initially declines, deeming him unprepared. However, she concedes and allows him to take control. RJ-83 displays concern, shaking his head.
Despite Durango's instruction to be gentle, Brightstar directs the ship into a dive toward the adjacent river. Brightstar silently apologizes before resuming flight over the river. After Brightstar's extended low-altitude flight, Durango praises his piloting skills. Brightstar reveals that he has undergone introductory lessons and elevates the ship. Distracted, he brings the Firehawk too close to a Tenoo tree, resulting in a scrape on the ship's port wing. Brightstar accelerates towards the Jedi Temple's landing zone. The force from the ship's engines causes Jedi Master Zia Zaldor Zanna's cape to be blown upward.
Brightstar, lacking experience, executes a harsh landing. Brightstar offers an apology, but Durango assures him of the Firehawk's resilience. Upon touching the console, a metallic rumbling sound is heard. After exiting the ship, Brightstar apologizes to Master Zia for the rough landing. Zanna reassures him, stating that she has witnessed worse landings, and reminds him of a forthcoming flying lesson scheduled for the next day. Solay jokingly suggests that Brightstar could benefit from additional instruction.
As the three Jedi younglings share laughter, Zanna informs them of the necessity of starships for flight and announces that she is dispatching them with Durango to acquire them from her acquaintance Zepher, who manages a starship workshop situated on one of Tenoo's moons. Durango recalls that Zepher is a friend of her mother. Durango notices a damaged thruster on one of the wings. Zia instructs the younglings to pilot their ships back to the Temple. While Brightstar is enthusiastic about learning, he is still green. Brightstar vows to return the ships without any damage. As the Firehawk's engine falters, Durango requests assistance. Solay proposes that they depart for the mission immediately after aiding Nash.
Subsequently, Durango transports the younglings on the Firehawk toward Tenoo's two moons. She indicates that Zepher is located on the larger one encircled by rings. While observing the asteroid field, Brightstar expresses excitement about flying a starship there. He is startled by a space creature, which Durango identifies as a space slug. Solay expresses amazement, while Nubs vocalizes something in Poobian.
The Firehawk lands inside an underground circular landing area. Upon landing, they are greeted by Mon Calamari Zepher, who embraces Durango and comments on her growth. He also acknowledges RJ-83. Durango introduces her three Jedi companions, mentioning that Zepher taught her mother about starship engines. Zepher, familiar with Master Zanna, anticipates the younglings' arrival and guides them to their respective ships.
The three starships are revealed to be Jedi Vectors, eliciting excitement from the younglings. However, Zepher clarifies that he has modified the starships for younglings and that adaptation will be necessary. Brightstar anticipates enjoyment, but Zepher stipulates that they must demonstrate safe operation before he permits them to fly the Vectors back to the Temple. Solay inquires whether it will be a test flight. Zepher confirms this and assigns Durango the task of leading the three younglings on a test flight.
Durango poses a riddle to the younglings about a wipplebog snorting during sleep. The younglings are perplexed until Durango reveals the answer is yes. Brightstar, Solay, and Nubs enter their Vectors and activate their starships. Durango assumes the lead aboard the Firehawk and announces that they will execute some fancy flying. She instructs them to follow her as they navigate over the rugged mountains of Tenoo's large moon.
Nubs experiments with the seat controls and accelerator. Durango and the younglings pilot their ships through expansive rocky rings. Solay becomes distracted by a group of Karnis birds, causing her Vector to nearly collide with another. Durango reminds her to maintain focus, prompting Solay to express gratitude. Durango is impressed by Brightstar's flying skills.
As Durango prepares to guide the younglings through the second phase of the test flight, Brightstar becomes distracted and decides to fly into the asteroid ring. Brightstar takes his Jedi Vector on an adventurous ride in the asteroid ring. Durango and the others soon follow. Solay says that they didn't realize he had left and asks Brightstar if he is alright. Brightstar says that he got distracted by the asteroids and thinks that they are amazing. While flying with RJ-83, Durango believes that the asteroid belt could be a fun area to assess their skills if they remain together.
Brightstar takes the lead. Approaching a large asteroid, Brightstar considers it an ideal location for a Throttle Buster. Durango attempts to dissuade him, but Brightstar is resolute. Before completing his run over the asteroid, Brightstar prematurely pulls the throttle, resulting in a scratch on the ship's surface. Although he manages to regain control of the Vector and rejoin the others, his actions awaken a space slug residing within the asteroid. Brightstar explains to the others why he didn't proceed with the manuever. Durango anticipates that Zepher will be able to repair the scratches.
The four younglings' starships are chased by the space slug. Although Brightstar escapes, Durango and the others are engulfed by the space slug. The children are safe from the slug's digestive system for now. Communicating via comlink, Brightstar apologizes for taking risks with the Throttle Buster. However, Durango devises a plan and instructs Brightstar to listen and follow her instructions. Brightstar acknowledges and requests the plan.
As the space slug rests within the asteroid, Brightstar reviews Durango's strategy for him to use the Throttle Buster to entice the slug to chase him. Durango hopes that she and the Jedi can escape when the beast opens its mouth while pursuing Brightstar. Kai expresses nervousness, but Durango assures him of her belief in him. Solay says that they are going to blast out as soon as he makes the slug open its mouth. Nubs says something in agreement.
After praying to the Force, Brightstar lures the space slug into pursuit. As Brightstar prepares to execute the Throttle Buster, the others activate their starships' engines. Durango is pleased that Brightstar is adhering to her instructions. Brightstar engages the throttle, removing him from danger. Durango and the others propel out of the space slug's maw. Following their escape, Durango tells Brightstar that she knew he was ready. Before returning to the Temple, they fly back to Zepher's depot to repair Brightstar's ship.
At the depot, Brightstar apologizes for disregarding Durango's instructions. Zepher reassures Brightstar that these are merely training ships, which are expected to sustain damage. Zepher is pleased to assist with repairs. Based on Durango's assessment, Zepher believes that the younglings are prepared to pilot them back to the Temple. Following their encounter with the space slug, Durango anticipates that flying home will be straightforward. Zepher offers to repair their ships in the future.
The younglings return to the Jedi Temple with their Jedi Vectors. Master Zanna expresses admiration for Zepher's craftsmanship. Durango informs Zanna that her younglings are prepared for tomorrow's flight lesson. Zanna invites the younglings for a practice flight before tomorrow's lesson. Brightstar, Solay, and Nubs express their enthusiasm. When Durango asks who wants to try the Throttle Buster, Brightstar declines the offer.