Starlight Beacon
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Starlight Beacon
Production information
Type
Technical specifications
Location information
System
Usage
Role(s)
Affiliation
Destroyed
Present for battles/events
Crewmembers
Commander(s)
Points of interest
- "This station will be a symbol of the Republic in the Outer Rim. A place where we will celebrate our union, and help each other to make it grow. It will send out a signal, for anyone in this sector to hear, at any time. The beacon. The beacon of the Republic. The sound... of hope."
- ―Lina Soh[8]
Starlight Beacon, also known asStarlight Station and often referred to as simplyStarlight, was aspace station constructed in theOuter Rim Territories during theHigh Republic Era, built on theGalactic Frontier. Situated in the center of the Outer Rim's unexplored dark zones, the station's large size caused its construction to cost a great effort and expense. As the region was difficult to navigate at thetime, the station, launched in232 BBY, acted as a beacon, sending out a signal that guided travelers, and boosted communication networks active in the Outer Rim. It was a hub for theJedi Order and theRepublic Defense Coalition, designed to unite and protect.
Description[]
- Porter Engle: "I'd like to see it, too. It sounds beautiful."
- Loden Greatstorm: "It is. Wouldn’t you say, Bell?"
- Bell Zettifar: "Gorgeous. There's a biosphere zone, where visitors can check out actual re-creations of various worlds in the Outer Rim Territories. Dantooine jungle, an ice flat from Mygeeto... I liked it."
- ―Porter Engle, Loden Greatstorm, and Bell Zettifar discuss Starlight Beacon[8]
Starlight Beacon was established bySupreme ChancellorLina Soh as part of herGreat Works,[8] standing as a Republic symbol of guidance, protection, and prosperity.[7] Also known as Starlight Station[24] or just Starlight,[22] it was multi-purposespace station that worked as a communications center, military hub, hospital, observatory, research station, market, and cultural center, providing visitors with a glimpse into the diverse culture of countless worlds in the Republic. It was intended to be run as a militarystation if need be and had a strong contingent of security provided by theRepublic Defense Coalition.[8]
The initial exhibits showedsubsonic whisper-fiber concerts byChadra-Fan masters,Mon Calamari ocean dancing, and modules showing flora and fauna from theplanetsKashyyyk,Kooriva, and more. It also featured comprehensive environmental replicas of various planets from theOuter Rim Territories, including thejungles ofDantooine and the ice flats ofMygeeto. The exhibits would be constantly updated to ensure the representation of many worlds.[8] Serving as a prominent medical center, Starlight had an infirmary crewed bydroids. Its medical records updated every half-day.[7] Also inside was anArchive, led byJedi archivistOrbaLin. In addition, the station housed the largest number of Jedi outside of Coruscant, with atemple designed by Jedi architectPalo Hidalla.[25]
The station's command was shared by three individuals: a Republic Defense Coalition admiral, a Republic territorial administrator, and a Jedi Master. Decisions would be made via a majority vote between the three. Jedi MasterJora Malli was chosen to step down from her position on theJedi Council and command the Jedi quarter.[8] However, her death at theBattle of Kur resulted in Avar Kriss being assigned to take her place asmarshal, after being elevated to that rank by the Jedi Council.[25]
Starlight was extremely expensive and required a great deal of effort.[1] Construction of Starlight Beacon was overseen by theBith administratorShai Tennem. The station itself was nineteen percenttriazurite, a rare mineral that helped to boost transmission signals from the station. Some workers who built the station were contracted from various planets. Starlight Beacon carried a hefty accompaniment, including the JedistarcruiserAtaraxia.[8]
Starlight Beacon would be completed in232 BBY.[9] Ultimately, Starlight Beacon would lie in theEiram system, specifically near the lostmoon ofEirie.[7] The system lay in the unexplored and difficult to navigate dark zones of theOuter Rim Territories, which added to the production difficulties.[1] The location was chosen to honor the deaths of MonarchCassel of the planetE'ronoh and Jedi MasterSimmix, who had died many twenty-fiveyears before.[7]
History[]
The Great Hyperspace Disaster[]
- "The Starlight Beacon is due to open in thirty days. I would like to use the occasion to celebrate a Republic triumph over adversity. I do not wish to open that station while a huge swath of the galaxy is locked down, underscoring the Republic's inability to keep its citizens safe."
- ―Lina Soh urges the Jedi to control the Great Hyperspace Disaster[8]
As the station neared completion, theEmissary-class Republic CruiserThird Horizon carried Republic officials to the station for a tour, includingAdmiralPevel Kronara, Master Kriss, and MasterLoden Greatstorm. Administrator Tennem led the tour, showing them every inch of the station. However, shortly after the tour concluded and theThird Horizon was set to depart the station, notably much later than originally scheduled due to Tennem's officious thoroughness, theGreat Hyperspace Disaster and the destruction of theLegacy Run led the ship to head forHetzal Prime to assist in its defense.[8]
Meanwhile, Maru's PadawanReath Silas, having finished his historiography class at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, was arranged to travel to Starlight Beacon to join his Master. He would be joined by Jedi MastersOrla Jareni andCohmac Vitus. However, the ship they planned to take encountered problems, so they ended up taking passage to the space station via theVessel aByne Guild ship crewed byLeox Gyasi,Affie Hollow, andGeode. During their travels, the Jedi sensed the Great Hyperspace Disaster.[7]
As the tragedy developed, Chancellor Soh closed down the hyperspace lanes until further notice, sending out the world throughout the galaxy to warn travelers that hyperspace was both unnavigable and hazardous. The move promised to delay Starlight'sdedication and opening ceremony. Although Senators likeIzzet Noor were unhappy with this decision, Soh maintained her position.[8] Meanwhile, any Jedi within reach of Starlight were assigned there to help assist.[7]
Following the disaster, Starlight's scheduled dedication remained intact. Without Master Malli, MasterEstala Maru arrived on the station to oversee the hundreds of delegates that were set to arrive. To Maru's dismay, MasterSskeer left the station along his Padawan,Keeve Trennis, and had not returned with less than a day before the ceremony.Keeve Trennis. Despite rarely leavingCoruscant,Grand MasterYoda arrived at Starlight along with Grand MasterPra-Tre Veter ninehours before the ceremony for the dedication. The two Grand Masters met with Maru and Kriss and appointed Master Kriss as the marshal of the station.[14]
Master Maru would soon be contacted by Trennis, who told him that the signals from the station were causing chaos on the planetShuraden, making theridadi, aspecies ofstar-locusts, be drawn to the station. Maru recalibrated the frequency to allow the ridadi to continue their normal migration patterns and not be influenced by the signals. Following their time on Shuraden, Sskeer and Trennis hurried back to the station, and to Trennis's amazement, she wasknighted by Kriss.[14]
Prior to the official dedication ceremony, MasterZia Zaldor Zanna and herJedi Initiates toured Starlight Beacon. The JediyounglingsKai Brightstar,Lys Solay, andNubs traveled with their friendNash Durango aboard her starshipCrimson Firehawk to Starlight Beacon, carrying aTenoo tree sapling as a gift. The younglings were delayed after helping a group of reformedpirates led byChigg, whose starship had gotten stuck on the planetGaljaero. Though late, the younglings and the former pirates managed to reach a station where they were given a tour by Master Maru.[26]
The dedication[]
- "My friends, this beacon is a symbol ofhope… not just for pioneers on the frontier… or for those who join the Republic day by day. Starlight is a symbol of hope for theentire galaxy. A symbol of trust. Of unity. Whenever you feel alone… whenever darkness closes in… hear our signal, and know thatthe Force is with you. Know thatwe are with you.This is our promise. This is ourcovenant. Forlight andlife."
- ―Avar Kriss's dedication speech[14]
The Dedication of Starlight Beacon
As theEmergences crisis was managed by the Jedi, the station eventually opened on time. Despite the threat of delays, it was christened on the exact deadline that Chancellor Soh had set. Luminaries from acrossthe galaxy arrived for the dedication.Bell Zettifar,Indeera Stokes,Porter Engle,Stellan Gios,Elzar Mann, Sskeer,Nib Assek,Burryaga Agaburry,Vernestra Rwoh,Imri Cantaros,Yarael Poof,[8]Zia Zaldor Zanna,[27] and countless other prominent Jedi traveled there for the dedication.[8] Silas also attended, albeit in a somber mood due to his Master's death.[7] Other notable attendees includedKingPychor Vuundir,QueenDafne Vuundir,PrinceCyrus Vuundir, Brightstar, Solay, Nubs, and Zettifar's petcharhoundEmber.[27]
Prior to the ceremony Prince Cyrus, who also had a secretpirate alter ego known asTaborr Val Dorn, attempted to steal Starlight Beacon'sdedication plaque. He tricked theJediyounglings Brightstar, Solay and Nubs into giving him a tour of the space station. Following a lengthy pursuit and confrontation, Taborr managed to escape his Jedi pursuers by claiming thathis gang had taken Cyrus hostage. Despite escaping, Cyrus gained respect for his Jedi adversaries and subsequently attended the dedication ceremony with his Jedi friends, who were unaware of his alter ego.[27]
In addition to Kriss, who gave a dedication speech, there were multiple other speakers, includingQueenThandeka ofEiram, who emphasized unity and acknowledged the sacrifices of her former opponent in theEiram and E'ronoh War, Monarch Cassel and Jedi Master Simmix. In an effort to showcase the two worlds' newfound connectivity following the conflict, Starlight was placed near the two planets. Following the speakers, the grand feast began.[7] MasterYoda andSupreme ChancellorLina Soh also spoke at the dedication ceremony.[27]
Future operations[]
Kriss remained on Starlight as Sskeer and Trennis were joined byTerec andCeret on a mission to theKazlin system. When they encountered AHutt Clanstarship carryingVratixian barley that had beenattacked, Kriss advised two of them to visit the nearby planet ofSedri, where the ship had been coming from, while she and Vernestra Rwoh took theAtaraxia to recover the ship. Sskeer and Ceret departed for Sedri while Kriss and Rwoh traveled from Starlight and met Trennis and Terec at the wreckage of the ship.[28]
The body of theHutt was brought back to Starlight for autopsy.[29] As Archivist Orbalin, Imri Cantaros, and Rwoh inspected the corpse, they learned that it was infested with an unknown substance. However, they quickly learned that it was infested by aDrengir. Maru contacted Kriss, who had joined Sskeer, Terec, and Trennis on Sedri, asking for help, but the Jedi on Sedri were also battling the Drengir and soon enough, Huttmercenaries.[11] The Drengir had spread to thousands of other planets, many of whom were contacting Starlight Beacon for help. Maru told Kriss of this development as she, Rwoh, and Cantaros continued to battle the Drengir, and Kriss told her to reroute the communications to her. Showing the Hutts that the Drengir were their common enemy, they began to fight together. Sskeer, who had allowed himself to be possessed by the Drengir, had an idea to stop them. He urged Trennis to perform amind touch on him as a means to combat the Drengir. This allowed the Jedi on Starlight, as well at other locations, to push the Drengir back.[30]
Meanwhile, following the attacks by theNihil,[25] whose leaderMarchion Ro believed that Starlight's construction was a trespass into Nihil territory,[8] Master Kriss became obsessed with finding theEye of the Nihil after several attacks from theNihil.[25]
By the time of theDalnan evacuation, Starlight Beacon was supposed to havehyperdrives installed. However, they were delayed, forcing the station to engage in atandem jump to reachDalna.[2]
Destruction[]
The Starlight Beacon would be destroyed by the Nihil.
Eventually the Nihil would infiltrate Starlight Beacon and disrupted Starlight systems before they set off a bomb that caused the station to fall out of orbit and onto the planetEiram.[12] Kriss blamed herself for the station's destruction, and went into the Occlusion Zone to attempt to destroy the Nihil.[25]Ghirra Starros managed, however, to save herdaughter from the destruction.[31]
Age of the Empire[]
- "In the days of the High Republic, the galaxy was not as settled as it is now. Areas like the Outer Rim were dangerous, hard to navigate. So the people of that time built a huge space station at great effort and expense and placed it in the center of the dark zones. It sent out a signal that acted as a sort of beacon, helping travelers find their way. They gave that station an inspiring name, fitting its purpose."
- ―Commander Grek[1]
Manyyears later,[1] in3 ABY,[32]CommanderGrek of theRebel Alliance used the station as inspiration forOperation Starlight, a plan to reassemble theAlliance Fleet following its fracture after theBattle of Hoth.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
Starlight Beacon was created for theStar Wars: The High Republic publishing project.[33] The station was indirectly mentioned in thecomicStar Wars (2020) 2, written byCharles Soule and published byMarvel Comics[1] onJanuary 29,2020,[34] and its name was given in the project's official reveal onFebruary 24, 2020.[33] Starlight Beacon is a central setting of the project'sPhase I and, according to authorJustina Ireland, is "very closely tied" to New York'sWorld Trade Center and the Twin Towers' collapse in theSeptember 11 terrorist attacks of2001.[35] Being before named Starlight Beacon, the station was known as "Starlight Observatory" during early development ofThe High Republic.[36]
An excerpt ofThe High Republic (2021) 1 published inThe High Republic Free Digital Sampler placed Starlight Beacon in a region called theStarless Expanse.[37] This was removed from the final comic.[14]
Appearances[]
Sources[]
Notes and references[]
External links[]
Quiz: WhichStar Wars: The High Republic Jedi Should You Invite Over for Life Day? onStarWars.com(backup link)(Picture only)
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