Warning: contains spoilers for Star Wars: The High Republic #1!
Star Wars: The High Republic #1 might shed new light on the so-called golden age of the Jedi that transpired centuries before the name Skywalker sent ripples throughout the galaxy. And yet, this renewed focus on this time period simultaneously reveals some rather unsavory Jedi practices that these ancient knights hopefully abandoned not long afterward. What's worse, the Jedi's morally questionable transgression that the issue delves into specifically tarnishes the legacy of the High Republic by portraying the democratic union as either negligent or indifferent to the survival and cultures of other races. The fact that many consider this era a time of great expansion for the Republic only makes the situation all the more tragic and disheartening.
At first, the series' writer Cavan Scott and artist Ario Anindito depict the incident in question as purely accidental, beginning when Jedi Master Sskeer brings his Padawan, Keeve Trennis, to planet Shuraden under the guise of something completely unrelated to the renowned Jedi trials. Keeve soon learns, however, that her ability to successfully fetch a pendant on top of some very high and menacing land formations will somehow contribute to her endeavors of achieving the coveted title of Jedi Knight. Not surprising, these millennia-old land formations, referred to as needles, are not conducive to climbing - even for those well-versed in the Force. But everything that could go wrong does - and quickly. A sudden swarm of massive insect-like creatures called Ridadi cuts the test short as they tear down the needles and threaten the lives of, at least, two of the planet's indigenous creatures who have taken a rather vested interest in Keeve's activities.
In one of the issue's many twists, Keeve first discovers that Ridadi not only come from another planet other than this one but only migrate through Shuraden once every generation. The fact that these insects just so happen to appear right at this exact moment during her trials couldn't be a coincidence. Her feelings do her credit as she later learns that these species are following a signal emitted by the Starlight Beacon, a new majestic vessel created by the High Republic. At first, this entire debacle just seems to be an unfortunate blunder. But after Keeve blows off the pendant-fetching exercise to direct her attention to the stampeding-insect situation and succeeds, it soon becomes apparent that the attack served a purpose. Upon arriving on the Starlight Beacon, Keeve expects Master Sskeer to discipline her but instead becomes a Jedi Knight. Later during her dedication ceremony, Keeve puts two and two together. Master Sskeer planned all of it. He knew what was going to happen and adjusted her trial accordingly.
This epiphany fills Keeve full of awe towards her master. But it should fill readers with disgust. The fact that Sskeer knew how the events would transpire means he was aware that the High Republic's newest vessel emitted a signal strong enough to not only change the natural course of a species' migration pattern and topple down a planet's iconic land formation but cause an overabundance of mayhem and destruction. In fact, he must have known that the ensuing devastation would be great (or, at least, hoped it would) because it needed to thoroughly test his Padawan who is strong enough in the Force to participate in trials that are infamous for their harsh and usually impossible nature.
This portrays Master Sskeer, if not the entire Jedi Order, as being apathetic towards other species and willing to cause chaos if it serves their wants. Lastly, did Sskeer alert the High Republic of the effects Starlight Beacon's signals had on other species? Regardless of whether he did or not, either the Old Republic knew and was indifferent or didn't and was negligent. Hopefully, this is all just an isolated incident that doesn't define both the Jedi and the High Republic.
Next: Star Wars: What Needs To Happen For A Padawan To Become A Jedi