The episode titled "Forest Defenders" serves as the second segment of the sixth episode in the Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures animated series. Its premiere occurred on May 4, 2023, via the Disney+ streaming service.
During their voyage aboard the Crimson Firehawk, Kai Brightstar triumphs over Nubs in a simulated racing challenge. Lys Solay informs the group of children that they are nearing the planet Federian, where she is eager to observe the renowned Federian trees. Upon Nubs' Poobian observation that the trees possess great strength, Solay references a holographic display, verifying that their timber is indeed among the most robust in the galaxy. Solay expresses her excitement to witness both the trees and the local wildlife.
Brightstar mentions that Jedi Master Zia Zaldor Zanna dispatched them to gain knowledge about the Federian trees, a subject Lys and Nubs already know a great deal about. Questioning what new insights they might gain, Solay responds that new experiences are always available when visiting new locales. Up front, Nash Durango alerts the Jedi younglings of their impending arrival in Federian's forest, but she also notes a complication. RJ-83 expresses concern with beeping noises.
After they land, the young Jedi discover the forest has been decimated by logging. Nubs displays obvious distress. Examining a cut tree, Solay identifies sawdust, concluding that the trees were recently felled. Brightstar wonders who could have committed such an act. Solay encounters a small skriffle creature, sensing its sadness and distress. The skriffle motions for the young Jedi to follow. Durango instructs RJ-83 to protect the Firehawk while she accompanies the others.
The skriffle guides the younglings through a narrow cavern. Emerging on the other side, they discover a remaining section of untouched Federian forest. The skriffle approaches the tallest tree, calling to its offspring, who descend from the tree. The youngest one slides down a branch. Brightstar finds the skriffle endearing, while Durango observes their somber demeanor. As the skriffles whimper, Solay explains that they typically inhabit trees throughout the Federian forest. She infers that they sought refuge in the tallest tree following the deforestation. Solay pets a skriffle, and Brightstar realizes that the trees are the skriffles' habitat. He and Solay pledge to identify the culprit.
Nubs discovers a series of tracks, which Brightstar determines were left by the vehicle responsible for the deforestation. The younglings trail the tracks, leading them to a massive harvester. The skriffle displays fear, but Solay reassures it. Discovering sawdust, Brightstar concludes that this is the machine that cut down the trees and decides to confront the owner. Brightstar knocks, greeted by a hovering green droid named RC-99, who requests the purpose of their visit.
Brightstar requests to speak with the vehicle's operator, while Solay asserts that they should cease cutting down trees. Nubs also voices his disapproval. RC-99 informs them that Raxlo is unavailable. When Brightstar inquires about Raxlo's identity, the droid reluctantly explains that Raxlo owns the vehicle. RC-99 introduces himself and states that Raxlo of the Raxlo Corporation is too occupied to receive visitors. Raxlo shuts the door and returns inside. Solay is determined to gain access. Durango concurs and suggests a plan.
The younglings dispatch RJ-83 to engage RC-99. RJ-83 successfully distracts RC-99 with a fabricated story. While RC-99 is occupied, the four infiltrate the harvester, witnessing a mechanical arm processing logs. Nubs stumbles, hitting his head on a container. This alerts RC-99, who gives chase. The younglings retreat further into the harvester, pursued by RC-99. They reach the control room, where they encounter Raxlo, a male Gozzo.
Brightstar informs Raxlo of their desire to converse. Raxlo insists he is too busy. Brightstar questions whether his harvester felled the Federian trees. Raxlo confirms this. Nubs protests, but Raxlo does not comprehend Poobian. The skriffle speaks, surprising Raxlo. Brightstar clarifies that it is a skriffle and that the Federian trees are their homes. He explains that continued deforestation will deprive them of their habitat. Solay echoes Brightstar's sentiment. Raxlo remains indifferent and offers to reveal a special attribute of the Federian trees. Raxlo is greeted by an alarmed RC-99 but assures them he is handling it.
Raxlo informs the younglings that the Federian trees are valued for their resilient wood, used in construction. He intends to harvest and sell them for substantial profit. The younglings display clear anger at his avarice. Raxlo mentions that his machine overheated before he could fell the largest Federian tree, which he considers highly valuable. Brightstar asks if he will cease his actions now that he is aware that the trees are home to animals. Raxlo remains unmoved, stating that his harvester has cooled down and is ready to resume cutting. Enraged by the Jedi's interference, Raxlo uses a grappling arm to restrain the four young Jedi and eject them from the harvester.
The harvester employs its massive mechanical saws to breach a rocky barrier and advance on the remaining forest. Brightstar wants to stop Raxlo but Durango notes that they are still bound. Their skriffle ally manages to escape and persuades its companions to release the younglings. Solay expresses gratitude to the skriffles. Brightstar states that they must intercept Raxlo, and Durango suggests using the Firehawk.
As Raxlo's harvester begins to tear through the forest, the younglings use the Firehawk to reach the giant Federian tree first. Brightstar outlines his strategy to the others. He assigns Nubs the task of locating a large boulder, which he then pushes with the aid of the skriffles. While Nubs and Solay position themselves atop a hill with the boulder, RJ-83, Brightstar, and Durango obstruct the path of Raxlo's harvester. Brightstar and Durango demand that Raxlo reverse course and leave the forest alone, declaring this his final opportunity.
When Raxlo dismisses their ultimatum, Nubs and the skriffles push the boulder down the hill, where it comes to rest directly in front of the harvester. Raxlo scoffs at the obstacle and uses his harvester's circular blades to obliterate the rock. At Brightstar's signal, Solay and the skriffles swing down on lassos, securing their ropes around the harvester's arms. Together, they attempt to disable and detach the harvester's arms. However, the Jedi used their combined Force powers to rip off the harvester's twin blades and arms. While the Jedi celebrate, Raxlo is furious. Acknowledging defeat, he promises never to return to Federian. Raxlo and RC-99 leave in the harvester, which separates from its tracks and arms.
Following Raxlo's defeat, Brightstar and his comrades discussed their lesson with Master Zia. They learn that a forest is not just trees, but home to various creatures. Zanna says that she is proud of them for protecting the forest and the skriffles' homes. She promises that the Jedi Order will assist in replanting the felled trees. Solay assures her skriffle friend that the Jedi will aid in rebuilding their homes. They spend time with the skriffles.