An Interlude

Our training began again early the next morning and lasted until midday. Having been cooped up in a ship for so many weeks, I was not used to the physical activity, but I felt I did not perform too poorly. After the training was over it is time for chores. The concept of forced work is not something I am familiar with, but I felt I should try to do my part and so I follow the large bearlike trainee named Kodanaka to the garden. The sun was high in the sky, and the day was clear - I rolled up my sleeves and commenced pulling weeds.

I must admit at first I had to have my companion point out to me which growths were weeds and needed pulling and which were valued crops and should be left alone. As I said, this kind of activity was completely unfamiliar. More than a few of my fingernails broke during the process, but I believe I handled the loss with a measure of decorum. During the course of the afternoon I conversed a little with Kodanaka, learning what more I could about the Jedi. I am still not sure if this is the path I wish to take, to become one of them, but I do feel a certain attraction to it.

A while later we are finished, and Kodanaka takes his leave of me. Left with nothing better to do, I walked about the compound some more. I did not get far before the Jedi Kirana Ti approached me, the crystal staff as always in her hand. She told me a little about Dathomir, the planet she hailed from - the wildness of the place, and that the women there held the power of governing and leadership. Because of this similarity, she felt a certain kinship with me. My heart rose a bit, since I had been deeply impressed by this powerful warrior, and I replied that I shared her sympathy. This kinship, she explained to me, was the reason she felt able to ask of my what she did then. The crystal staff, she said, was the last remnant of a powerful Jedi and Battle-Priest name Aerth Choerash who had been her teacher. The staff formed itself from the weapons he carried with him and, like the Holocron device, was imprinted with a part of his personality. Kirana Ti had apparently for some time been able to commune with the spirit of her former master through the staff. But now she wished to part from it, and send it to the Singing Mountain Clan on her homeworld. The Clan sisters were trained in the use of the Force through chants and spells, but Kirana Ti said their training was without wisdom and awareness of the dark side. Even more distressing to her was the presence of the Nightsisters, witches who have succumbed to the dark path. She feared her Clan could be engulfed by the dark side without some way of proper teaching, and so she asked me to take the staff to her Clan mother on Dathomir. In return, her clan mother would give me something to bring back to her, but she did not say what that thing was.

This would not be an easy task. The planet's name was familiar to me, only because it had been recently annexed by the Hapan government, and was now blockaded and off-limits to all traffic. Most in the New Republic have never even heard of the place. I knew not why this blockade was in place, until Kirana Ti revealed that my people feared to loose the Nightsisters upon the galaxy. Their leader, Gethzerion, had once tried to take her clan to spread their brand of evil among the stars. She failed, but the Royal Family was not going to take any chances. And so we would have to sneak the staff in past the Hapan blockade, which was bolstered by ships from the New Republic. A daunting task indeed - I know very well the prowess of my people's military.

My head bowed for a moment - this was not an easy thing the Jedi woman was asking me. She knew this to be true, saying that she would only ask in the greatest need. Her Jedi duties kept her on Sanctuary, but she felt it imperative the staff reach her people. It only took me a moment to get over my reservations, however. I wanted to help this woman, who I felt could be a good friend to me in time. And I have never been much for thinking through possible risks. So I raised my head and told her that I would be honored to aid her in this matter, but that the minds of my companions would have to be made up as well.

It was then I noticed Bleez Nondo and Gorrix approaching, conversing among themselves. I excused myself for a moment and told them about what the Jedi had asked of me. Bleez's brow darkened for a second, but in the end he agreed to help. Gorrix was, as always, eager to follow the older Jedi in whatever he did. There was only one thing left. I went back to Kirana Ti and explained the final obstacle - Regis and Tiki. They would not likely agree to such a dangerous trip without a certain level of payment. She said that would not be a problem, so I commed the Tynnen to explain the situation to him, letting him know he would be well paid for his assistance. The opportunity to acquire currency was enough motivation - it was only a little while before the Gamera landed at the complex.

At this point I found myself very impressed with the Tynnen engineer. I had been planning to suggest we repaint the ship to be less garishly noticeable, and perhaps changing the ship's ID to something other than what it was. But Tiki had already thought of that, and the ship when it approached looked nothing like the turtle-esque boat that had left us here. It seemed run down, scratched, less space-worthy than it was - this pleased me to no end. I met Tiki outside the ship and handed him the payment I had received from the Jedi, a bag of rare stones. They appeared to glow from the inside, though not as much as the Fell-possessed rainbow gems. Tiki examined the stones, pronounced them worthy, and we departed once Kirana Ti had entrusted me with the staff. I gave her the most sincere vow that I would not rest until it had reached its destination.

A mantle of responsibility settled upon me as we left the planet - a serious trust had been placed in me. I hoped I was up to the challenge, but only time would tell me that. In the meantime, I should not waste my time on self-doubt and reservations, but plunge ahead to whatever awaited me at Dathomir.

Resolution (Week 7)

The two figures that approached us were women, and I admit I was relieved. It has been hundreds of years since my foremothers swore a man would never rule them again, and old ways die hard. They presented an interesting contrast, these two Jedi. The one in the lead wore robes of all while, and her skin was not much darker than her clothing. I could read a calm passion from her, but did not know from whence this knowledge came. The other, who stood slightly behind her, was as fierce a creature as I have ever seen. Her robes were dark, made of leather, and her hair grew into wild dreadlocks. Her face was solemn, but her eyes seemed to glitter with a perpetual readiness. She carried a most curious artifact, a staff made of blue crystal, which puzzled me since I had thought the laser sword was the chosen weapon of her kind.

The white-clad Jedi spoke, first saying her name was Tionne and her companion was called Kirana Ti. She said we had been expected for some time, but this puzzled me only a little. We had been seeking out the Jedi after all. Tionne asked me then what I desired from her and her kind. Having never before played the part of the supplicant, I was for a split second unsure how to proceed. My instinct was to present myself as formally and courtly as was possible, and so I followed it. Giving the two Jedi the formal salute of my family, I told them my name and my two wishes from them - asylum and information. Tionne bowed to me solemnly and said I was welcome to stay before turning to Xan. I find it strange that these people welcomed us so readily and without suspicion. Wither they are dangerously trusting, or they are certain we can pose them no threat.

My brother was asked the same question as I - what does he desire from the Jedi. I had to sigh when he brought the coin out of his pocket, and attempted to levitate it from his had. Expected, perhaps even as inevitable, as this was I could not keep irritation from my mind. We have been chased halfway across the galaxy and back, stopping only for a while and doing our business furtively and under cover. Yet the only thing he is concerned with is his ability to move objects with his mind. But enough. After making the coin move a couple inches above his open palm, he asked the Jedi what this peculiar power was and how he could learn to do it better. They did not dismiss his display as irrelevant as I thought they would, but said with all seriousness that the ability to use the Force rarely manifests itself without training and that careless use of it was very dangerous. They invited him to stay and learn more, and then turned to Bleez Nondo.
The older man merely introduced himself and said he was interested in learning about the new order of Jedi.

After introductions were made, Tionne explained that most of the Jedi were off-planet on various errands. The two women before me and one other, Jedi Master Thurman Xavier, were the only knights on Sanctuary. We were, however, welcome to stay and make ourselves comfortable. Tionne then turned to me and asked how long we planned to stay with them, so that quarters might be arranged. I hesitated a moment, and then explained what happened in the Devon system. Despite my protestations, the suspicion that I was at fault for the violent battle there remained with me. I would not wish to impose my situation on anyone else. Tionne responded to this by saying that it was not my place to take responsibility for actions that were not of my choosing and that I had no control over. Nodding in agreement, I secretly prayed that the Pentastar Alignment would not find us here. There was something about these two... I would not see them harmed. They then explained they had responsibilities elsewhere about the compound, but invited me to look around to my hearts content. I decided to go with Bleez to the training ground.

When we arrived, there was a group of young people doing exercises with lightsabers. Having only see the one in Bleez's possession previously, seeing dozens of them all arrayed together was quite impressive. The training was lead by a young man named Mercury, who approached us and asked if we were interested in participating. I was enchanted by the display, and was eager to try. However, my fortune with weapons of late has not been good, and I so asked if there was somewhere more isolated where I could practice. I would not like to have the device suddenly fly out of my hand and impale someone. Mercury laughed and said that we were already about as secluded as we could get, and assured me that he would jump out of the way should I loose control of the lightsaber. He showed me a couple basic moves and I moved off for a while to practice them on my own. After a while I was able to perform them without too much difficulty, but I found I was using muscles I did not realize I had before. It was tiring, but strangely satisfying.

The training ended a bit later and all the students moved off to their various chores and other occupations. With nothing else to do, I wandered the compound until everyone gathered for dinner. It is a peaceful place, and I do admit I feel safe here. Strange - it has been many years since I felt this serene. Even the newest threat of an Imperial army seems far away. In any case, I spent the day in contented inactivity, returning to the ship in the evening to wash and dress for dinner. The meal was simple but well-prepared, and I found I had a great appetite from the hours I had spent in the beginnings of training. Not long after we began to eat, another Jedi entered the room, and I assumed it was the Jedi Master Tionne had mentioned. Thurman Xavier was his name. I expected him to take a seat and begin eating, but he came straight towards me and speared me with a most frightening gaze, demanding to know who I was. I give him my name and my place of birth, but that does not seem to quiet him. Next he asked what I am carrying, in a tone that brooked no dispute. I did dispute, though, and told him only that I carried what wealth I have left from my home and did not wish to parade it about without knowing why I should do so. His eyes flashed at me and a second later his lightsaber was ready in his hand, glowing blade pointing straight at me. He asked again, and this time it seemed he would kill me if I did not answer. By this time I was on my feet, angry at this unexpected intrusion into my space and affairs. I studied his face for a moment, and knew immediately that he was deadly serious. He would see the crystals, whether I produced them or not. The voices of the other Jedi reached my ears dimly - apparently they were just as shocked as I. Xan also urged me somewhat testily to hand over the gems, but I ignored him. This was not his concern. I glared back at him, reaching into my clothes for the gems, and asked if this was normally how strangers were greeted by the Jedi. He was unaffected by my questions, demanding again to see the crystals. I had no choice, but I did not have to be happy about it. Terrified as I was, I managed to bite out my opinion of bullies between clenched teeth before setting the crystals on the table out of his reach.

The moment they were on the table, he extinguished his lightsaber and seemed to relax somewhat. Tionne and Kirana Ti rebuked him loudly and apologized to me, saying this was an unexpected and shocking turn of events. Xavier seemed unaffected, staring fixedly at the crystals and nothing else. After a moment, he raised his hand and they floated off the table towards him. They remained above his hand, spinning a little in the air, never touching him. He asked my if I had any idea what it was I had been carrying. Well, obviously I had not. The crystals were valuable, yes, but it was obvious their monetary value was not this man's concern. He handled them (or didn't, rather) as though they were dangerous and volatile.

Apparently I had stolen gems from the treasury that were possessed by evil spirits known as the Fell. They were beings who had been strong in the dark side of the Force during life, so much so that part of them remained in this plane of existence and sought to infect other beings with their evil. Xavier told us that he had sacrificed a great part of himself to cleanse a temple of these malevolent beings, and suffered greatly because of it. He apologized for his behavior, explaining that the Jedi had believed that all the Fell had been trapped in human bodies, many of which were known to them. It was not only the presence of their darkness that had perturbed him so, but the fact that they resided in my crystals. It implied, he said, that these Fell were able to transfer their consciousness to other vessels after all, and that was a disturbing thought indeed. I did not understand much of this, but enough to be frightened. Upon asking, I learned that it was almost certainly the spirits dwelling in the crystals who had reached out to me in that dark place, promising me life and power. Further, Xavier told me that it was surprising that I had not been dominated by them completely given how long I'd had them in my possession. Suddenly things began to become clear to me. If these things were as evil and as dangerous as Xavier indicated, it was no wonder certain people would go to such great lengths to obtain them.

They had to be taken off my hands, that was certain, and the Jedi Xavier practically offered me whatever I desired if I would relinquish him. Well, what I desired was not something he could give, and after what I had just heard I was almost ready to give them to him outright. But the practical part of my brain fought through and kept me from doing so. After some internal deliberation, I asked for the sum of the crystals worth, 10,000,000 credits, in a credit account accessible only to me. I did not wish to be carrying such a large sum about with me, my nerves would never be able to handle it. I did, however, but enough money on a small credit chip so that Tiki could pay the rental company for their speeder. They would not be giving it back. He rushed from the dinner hall, and I think he looked someone jubilant. Perhaps I gave him more than I had to. No matter, it is not as though I will run short soon.

The rest of the dinner passed without incident, and shortly after I retired. Training began early the next day with a run around the compound. It had been a long time since I had exerted myself so - back on Gallinore I spent many hours keeping my frame from softening into a regal and languished lifestyle, but lately I had not had time for calisthenics. The run was hard, but I forced myself to keep up. After all, I was used to a different sort of running which I found much less pleasant that simple physical exertion. Xan and Bleez were unable to keep up the pace, however, and I looked back for a second to see them fight off another couple of those horrible invisible felines. I supposed the predators had thought them weak and sick to be straggling from the herd, but a moment later I heard them yelp in pain and saw that my companions were not so winded as to be unable to defend themselves. That incident was the only thing exciting about the day, the rest of it we spent in training and chores, which is not to say I was unhappy. The lack of excitement was a welcome respite, and I slept better that night than I had in a long time.

Horror and the Wilderness (Week 6)

My inner conflict did not diminish as the distance between ourselves and Corescant widened, and the words of the Sage Veda do nothing to assist my state of mind. Of all the things he said, two stick in my thoughts. We do now know why the pirates are after us; this is the most troubling. This means it is neither the reason I was convinced of, nor what the others insist on thinking. The Blight Queen very well may desire a new vessel, but this is not why we are pursued. Neither is it the gems. What, then, is left? And how can I obtain the information necessary to save myself? Perhaps the Jedi can be of help after all. I learned on Corescant that they were involved with a mercenary army called Redemption, and the thought occurred to me that they might have some resources they would be willing to share. If only to get a dangerous fugitive off their hands, even. How depressing these thoughts are!

The only other option I can think of is to attempt to capture one of the pirates for interrogation. This seems highly unlikely to succeed, and even if it does the low level pirates may not even know their employer.

The less troubling, but still unhappy, element of Veda's information is that we may be safe on Sanctuary, but not for long. The question, then, is how to best make use of our time there.

My brother, as usual, is sequestered in his quarters, probably working on his still-paltry levitation abilities. I have not changed my opinion that his recent obsession is excessive and bordering on useless. But it does bring an important question to the fore. The voice of darkness - the power that was so eager for me to join with it - could it be that I was capable of using this Force? Could that be the reason my mother was so eager for me to take the throne? Was it the reason my thoughts were breached so when I was most vulnerable? It is a disturbing thought, but one I am forced to consider.

If I am able to use this power, however, there is the chance I can learn to defend myself from such attacks in the future. There is only one person aboard this ship that can tell me anything about these matters, and so I sought him out. It did not take long for me to find the Jedi Nondo in one of the cargo holds instructing Gorrix about some form of meditation. He answered my questions in a cryptic manner, saying that to use the Force for my own gain would only lead to the dark side, and that he could not be a part of another's journey to oblivion. It made no sense - I am convinced that the spirit that contacted me was of the dark side itself. Am I to conclude that an effort to protect myself from this "dark side" will lead me straight into its clutches? I express my confusion to the Jedi, and he tells me I should meditate on my intentions. To do so would be pointless, in my view. I have never done anything in my life with any intention other than my own benefit, and do not believe anyone is different. But I hold my tongue and attempt to quiet my mind as instructed. Apparently the Force is not a tool for the Jedi, but a guide for them. I should have known there wold be no simple solution to my perilous situation.

After a while, I began to gain a measure of clarity in my thoughts. While I do not believe in a stony inevitability of fate, there are things that will happen in a certain flow. If I am to use the Force, I am confident I will learn. It was not long after this that Devon Jr. summoned us to the main area. He'd intercepted a message from the Devon System. It was meant for his father, and there was a video attached.

It is difficult for me to express the dismay I felt upon seeing it, nothing I write seems to suffice. The video was relayed from the Triumph, obviously on the losing side of a fierce battle. It seems the pirates attacked after all. After expressing the dire nature of the situation, the video cuts to an exterior view of the system, where moments later a horde of Imperial vessels appear to materialize out of the void! Cloaking technology? My knowledge of the great powers in this area is limited, but do know how rare this technology is. My planet does not possess it - the scientists on Charubah developed it and gave it only to the Royal Family of Hapes itself! A shudder ran through my body then - these could not be mere pirates.

I was unfortunately correct. The cloaked Star Destroyers belonged to the Pentastar Alignment, a rogue branch of the Empire. At the end of the video they had taken complete control of the Devon System. I was agog. First pirates, and now this alignment? What in the seven hells was going on?

After the video finished, Regis emerged from the refresher to a stunned silence. His brow was creased with agitation, but he seemed confident that his father had gotten out of the system in time. After all, the message was addressed to him, which should not have been necessary if he had been aboard the Triumph when it was sent. He did however, send an accusing glance towards me and Xan, bitterly stating that this only happened because of us. I felt for him, but I had to point out that it was necessarily our presence that invoked this vicious attack. After all, we were not there, and a search would take much too long if the seekers stopped to destroy every place their quarry had been. My words seemed to ring hollow, though, and so I subsided as worried as before. In the end, we decided not to alter our course. Turning back would be a futile and suicidal measure, and so we continued to Sanctuary.

Upon arrival, we were contacted by the planetary authorities, giving us permission to land in one of three places - the Jedi Home, and orbital station, and the main city of Starbrand. The pilot chose the city, in hopes that those not involved with the Jedi would have something to do. The only hitch in that plan was that once we landed in the city, no one seemed to know where we could find the Jedi Home. Apparently we would not have been given landing coordinates, but a beacon to lead us in to the location. But now that we were on the ground, we were stuck. Feeling restless, I set off to do the only thing that made sense - try to find a guide.

As we were landing, I recall, a feeling of great peace came over me and continued to persist as I left the ship to explore. It felt as though a weight had been lifted from me, that after all the running of the past weeks, I was finally safe. It was a strong feeling, one that affected me deeply. But I had to remind myself that this feeling of safety could not, and would not last. I had to find out what fate was overtaking me, and quickly.

I wandered the streets of Starbrand for a few hours, but no one seemed to know where the Jedi had set up their base. Frustrating as it was, I had to admit it made sense. One of the best defensive strategies in existence is to hide, something I had been attempting but was growing weary with. Unable to produce any results, I decided to spend some time just walking aimlessly. It was then I received a comm from Bleez, telling everyone to meet him at the ship and that he knew where to go. Odd. Nonetheless, I had nothing else to offer so I complied. The Jedi, myself, Xan, and Gorrix set off in a rented speeder Tiki had acquired towards what we hoped was the Jedi home.

A few hours later, I began to doubt the older man's guiding talents. It seemed we had been traveling in the same damp wilderness for days, and we did not appear to be getting anywhere. But I held my tongue since I didn't have a better idea and contented myself with watching the gigantic trees. More hours passed until we came across an insurmountable obstacle. It was a chasm, too wide to cross and extending to the horizon in either direction. Getting out of the vehicle to stretch my legs, I tried to find the bottom of this canyon. It did not appear to have one, but as I strained my eyes I felt my senses extend for a moment further than they normally would. Still I had no luck seeing how far down this chasm went, and so turned back to the speeder. I still cannot explain what happened next, so I will simply relate it. I felt a crippling urgency, a pressing need to throw myself to the ground. It was only for a split second, but I obeyed, and as I did so a shimmering shape passed over my body and fell into the chasm with a piercing howl. It was a predator of some kind, and it was not alone. There were more shapes clustering around the speeder, but I could barely make them out. They must have had some kind of natural camouflage. I rolled away from the edge and drew my pistol. My companions had the same reaction - I saw the brilliant blade of a lightsaber appear within the speeder and Xan drew both his blasters. He released a blazing torrent of fire at one of the shapes, wounding it critically. I admit I was relieved his skills were not diminished by our time on the run and his new enthusiasm for using the Force, especially since my own effort to defend myself failed in a most frustrating manner. I had not used my target blaster in so long the power pack was drained! Cursing myself for my carelessness, I barely escaped one of the creatures' claws. It tore at my clothes as I rolled away from it, but did not draw blood. Not long after, the remaining creatures fled, one wounded by Bleez's lightsaber. The Gamera came to collect us immediately and I went to my quarters to clean up and calm myself while the Jedi directed Regis to where he believed the Jedi to be.

He was correct in his instincts, and we landed some time later. The sun was bright and welcoming as I descended the ramp - I fear I will never get used to this darkness that persistently occurs every evening. There were a couple of ships alongside ours, but I was more interested in the figures who were approaching to greet us. So these were the Jedi.

An Exercise in Futility (Week 5)

Our arrival at Corescant was bitterly anti-climactic - as the center of the civilized galaxy, I had expected something a little more glorious, less dingy. On Gallinore, the suns never set and the entire planet is bathed in the radiance of them. The cities are vast and the buildings splendid. Everything is constructed with an eye for beauty, nothing is made that is simply useful. Here I feel cramped, shut in. The planet is covered in one giant city that - since there is no room to expand outward - continuously grows into the sky. Parts of it are rubble from battles long past, and everything seems to have an aura of wear. I do not doubt I am the only one who feels this way. Many of the structures on this planet could be considered majestic if one was not fleeing from a place that outshines it a thousand-fold. I must admit that as we approach our landing point I felt a twinge of homesickness, a longing for the simplicity of the life I left behind. Now, rather than watch as hordes of servants obey my bidding, I am hunted. Dogged by enemies at every turn.

In any case, everyone seemed to be eager to leave the ship to explore or pursue their own interests. I felt no inspiration to go anywhere - my disappointment in this place combined with my fear of the pirates chasing us kept me in the ship. I decided to occupy myself reading on the Holonet about these Jedi. I have come to realize my perception of them is not the popular one, and while I do not remember exactly why my people distrust and hate them, I could not help but feel suspicious of them. Perhaps it is their label as the protectors of the galaxy - in my experience no one does anything out of pure altruism. It does not make any sense to me, this selflessness they seem to exhibit.

My inquiries lead me only to very general information, and a history full of empty spaces. There was an amusing holodrama based on them that kept me occupied for a few hours - amusing, but uninformative in the end. The Jedi may have great power, but I doubt anyone could escape from a Super Star Destroyer's brig with nothing but the Force and a pretty smile.

This Force business troubles me. I have lived my life so far believing in nothing more than what I could see before my eyes and do with my hands. But it appears I am mistaken, and there is something more to the galaxy than what is visible. It frightens me, this thing that I can neither see nor effect. The Jedi obviously believe in it, and the demon possessing my mother could not have come from any natural source. The voice that spoke to me as I lay dying - I had thought that there was nothing when we died, only the quiet embrace of the void. These philosophical questions hurt my head, but they at least give me something to muse upon while I wait for the others to return.

A couple hours later we gathered in the main area of the Gamera. I noticed my brother sitting at table, concentrating intently on a pack of cards. I have noticed him doing that a great deal lately, almost to the point of an obsession. I believe he is trying to move them with the Force. This I did not understand. I was willing to accept the Force as a necessary part of my existence, but to seek to use it? I would only do so out of necessity. The conversation of our shipmates brought me out of my musings, however, and I learn how very little was done that day. The Jedi Nondo had spent the day attempting to find the connections of his past that had been in this place, and had failed. I could not say I was surprised - this entire planet exudes a transitory nature. Nothing can stay the same for long in such an environment. There is one piece of information gleaned from this stretch of hours, though, and that is that the Jedi are coming to this planet. They will be addressing the Senate and negotiating with the New Republic for entrance as a system of government of their own. It is fascinating to me - all my inquiries earlier in the day had told me the Jedi were the peacekeepers of the galaxy, aligned with and supporting the Republic. But now apparently they have become their own entity.

On a side note, I did laugh to myself for a while concerning the structure of this sector's leading class. Democracy is a most inconvenient and time-consuming form of government.

However, my thoughts quickly return to the matter at hand. The pilot Regis believes we should try to contact the Jedi to as for their aid. I was incredulous - why would these creatures wish to extend themselves on behalf of a ragtag group of people they have never met? It makes no sense at all! My instinct was to ignore the conversation completely, but someone pointed out that Bleez might be welcome in their company given his age and the fact he survived the Purge so many years ago. That very well may be, but I gleaned that getting an audience with the Jedi delegates will not be a simple task. Bleez heads off to the Alderaanian embassy to try his luck, Tiki to the Tynnen embassy. I have no connections in this part of the galaxy, and no way of producing the effects I require, so I returned in frustration to the Holonet.

It was a few hours before I heard anything else. The Jedi may have been able to secure job-placement assistance as a survivor of Alderaan, but nothing that would serve out needs. To my infinite surprise, Tiki was the one who turned up the most helpful information. Apparently the Jedi were already on the planet, even though they were officially slated to arrive the following day. And it was possible we could get a message to them, if it was couched in the form of a gift. After much deliberation, Bleez recorded a message onto Daltry's R5 unit and that was sent. The argument lasted into the evening, and so it was determined to give the droid gift to the Jedi first thing the next morning. Tiki and Gorrix were to escort it, but at the last minute I decided to join them. I had not been out of the ship in some time, and could use the exercise and a look around.

The drop off at the Jedi residence was uneventful, but when I returned to the ship the docking bay was crawling with law enforcement. I cringed at first, hoping that Kaos hadn't tried another of her pickpocketing escapades, but that was not the problem. Apparently an elderly couple in the ship a few slots down from ours had been killed in their sleep, and for no apparent reason. The soldiers were there investigating, and asked to see our papers and investigate the ship as part of the routine. I always feel nervous showing my false documents to anyone, but they were sound and did not bring up any trouble.

It was not long before a reply came... in the form of an aged Tynnen, Tovarish Veda. Their race is an interesting sort, alternating between harmless fun and cryptic advice within milliseconds. He interrogates the Jedi for a few minutes about his past, facts which are of no conceivable use to me. And so I drift off in thought until our attention is brought to a news broadcast. Apparently they have settled on an abandoned mining colony, calling it Sanctuary, and their intention is indeed to join the Republic as their own entity. It is, I gather, a historic event. So historic, in fact, that the Tynnen informs us that the Jedi delegation will have no time to speak with us or hear our requests. It was no surprise. What was a surprise, however, was that the Tynnen pointed directly at me and my brother, naming us as the source of danger for all present. I suppose I should not have been so taken aback - extraordinary measures have been taken to secure my return to the Cluster. But I did not think I was the sole danger for this group... weren't some of them being chased by pirates themselves? Tovarish then said that if I and my brother were to cease to exist at that moment, everyone would be safe. How very helpful. This entire jaunt to Corescant has been very discouraging.

My mind was occupied with my current predicament - too occupied to realize what plans were being laid. We were heading for the Jedi planet of Sanctuary. I thought to argue for a second, but I thought better of it. There was one thing I required now, and that was information. There are four pirate groups after us, and after us with a vengeance. And I must admit I do not know entirely why. If nothing else, the Jedi may be able to give us information we would otherwise miss. And so, I retreated back to my quarters while we made our way to Sanctuary. As I left the main area, Kaos abruptly leapt from the airlock into Corescant's docking bay, shouting something about leaving the cursed ship behind. In truth, I was too tired to pay her any mind.

Defiance (Week 4)

The Devon's Triumph glowed in the viewscreen, festooned as it was with uncharacteristic gaiety. I learned from Jean that this ship, in fact the entire system was owned by one Devon Regis, whose son captained the ship we were now on. I found it interesting that such gaudy splendor belonged to the father, while his offspring flew about the galaxy in a heap barely held together with adhesive and prayers. I have encountered many oddities outside the cluster, however, and this is certainly not the largest of them.

Regis took the girl Kaos with him to see his father while Tiki remained on the ship. I did not wish to stay, nor did I wish to accompany our captain on his errand. Instead, I followed Nondo and Goryx to the casinos. I have no interest in gambling - I have always had more than enough currency for my needs and do not desire more than that. But with a casino there is always a crowd, and I thought watching the happenings around me would take my mind away from the broiling madness my life has become of late.

The game did not appear to be going well - Goryx kept his attention completely upon bringing the Jedi drinks and that may have been part of the problem. Soon, appearing frustrated with his losses, he turned to me and asked my opinion of our journey this far. Obviously, I informed him, I had spent most of the last few days drugged up to my hairline and in considerable pain and the only thought I had on that was how to avoid such injuries in the future. To that, he informed me that Regis' hasty flight had been the very thing that had nearly caused my death, and in the process he had almost left my brother stranded on Mandragaard! Once I recovered from my immediate fury, I admitted to myself that I cannot blame him as such - after all we are a motley, thrown-together crew, and barely know one another. I probably would have done something similar in his situation, although perhaps not the hyperspace jump in atmo. The ship still bears the scars from that particular command decision. In any case, my understanding of the action does not cancel out my anger, nor does it incline me to trust our captain from this point. I said as much to my companions and Nondo mentioned that he was pondering leaving our patchwork crew for a better, possibly safer option. This was indeed news - I wonder what the chances were of us commandeering a new ship for ourselves. The security on the station was heavy, but I've found that necessity always breeds possibilities.

Intent on my musings, I never noticed Kaos approach us. She seemed agitated, grabbing my arm in a most disconcerting fashion, telling me that we had to talk for a second alone. I got out of my chair, but before she dragged me off the Jedi warned me to be careful - it was obvious he was suspicious of the Lorrdian. With good reason, I found out. Apparently this meeting she'd been at between Regis and his father concerned my brother and I. Instead of the one or two pirate organizations that were pursuing us there were four! And it seemed they were all pounding down the elder Regis' door with demands to hand us over. Kaos told me that Regis had been given only three hours to find us and bring us to him. I had know doubt what would transpire after that - we would be handed over to whatever fate awaited us with the pirates. Though the girl tried to convince me to comm Regis to tell him where I was, I tore away from her and hurried back to my companions. The Jedi's brow darkened when I gave him the news, doubtless the same thought of betrayal had occurred to him. He ordered Goryx to escort me to the ship immediately while he determined what was going on.

On the way, the wolfboy got a comm. I could not hear exactly what was being said, but it could not have been good. Goryx told me that both Kaos and Regis were calling him, frantic and insisting that we come to the ship's command center immediately. His tone clearly said that he thought we should obey. I had no idea what to do. The Jedi thought I should be back on the ship - but it would not take the security long to ferret us out from there. If this Devon knew we were on the station, he surely knew where we were docked. But to face him directly seemed utter foolishness. How complicated my life has gotten! In the end, I took the path of least resistance and went with Goryx to the audience chamber.

It was as overwrought a room as the rest of the station was, with the owner sitting in the center on a throne. The Twi'lek dancer perched on his lap squirmed and giggled when he shooed her away, and he turned to face the lot of us. The chamber was built to impress, that was certain, and it appeared to be working. Kaos stared unabashedly at our surroundings, and Goryx began to look more and more uncomfortable as the seconds passed. Devon questioned the group sternly for a few seconds before turning to me, wanting to know what exactly it was that would bring so many mercenaries and pirates to his home looking for me. At that moment, I felt it was useless to prevaricate any longer. After all, this man held the advantage - it was his ship, his planet, his guards. I did not want to launch into the story of my past and the greater danger of the old evil I believe is chasing me. So I told him about the gems, a move which took the rest of the party aback. But it wasn't their reaction I was interested it. Devon's eyes glittered, he completely failed to conceal the lust in his face. He turned away, appearing to be lost in thought for a moment before he spoke again.

His offer was transparent - he would keep the gems for me until the pirates were off my back and lend us a ship to escape on. It was obvious that I would never see the jewels again if I handed them over willingly, his deception radiated from him. I heard the Jedi suggest offering a single gem for a ship, but I was too angry to listen. To be lied to in such a bald fashion was insulting, and I could not let it stand. No doubt my reaction was foolish, but I had not come this far to be duped by an ostentatious wealth-monger.

I told him exactly what was going through my mind. His offer was a farce, and I did not intend to hand my possessions over willingly to someone I knew to be lying. I would rather flee from this audience chamber, doing as much damage to this station and its inhabitants as I could before the security gunned me down. I wonder how many people would visit this man's casinos once word got out that a madwoman had opened fire on the crowd at the sabaac tables. In any case, I was livid.

I do not know if it was my threats that made him reconsider, or just the fact that anyone would defy him in such a complete manner. His falsely kindly demeanor faded and he inquired whether I had some kind of counter offer. As loath as I was to do so, I offered him one of the gems, not as a loan but for him to keep. I would not seek it from him. In return, if he would exchange our ship for one that was unidentified by the pirates and let us go on our way I would be most grateful. I have to admit I was surprised he accepted. I had definitely underestimated the worth these objects had outside the Cluster - back home most families have their own mines for them. In any case, he did agree and I produced one of the rainbow gems from their wallet at my waist, making sure it was the smallest one as I did so. He smiled graciously as he took it from me, and offered me a seat on his throne. Confusing. But I did so, and suddenly I was sliding down some kind of chute to land in his personal escape vessel, the Gamera. It was a far cry from our previous transport in luxury, that was certain. And much faster as well. Soon the rest of the crew joined me and we set off. As we jumped to hyperspace, our old ship floated out of the bay doors only to be met with a torrent of laser blasts from the Star Destroyer. There was a fleeting hope in my mind that the pirates would leave us for dead after that, but I did not dwell on it.

The question was then where to go next. In this area I am completely useless - I have knowledge of this part of the galaxy. It was eventually decided that we would go to Regis' home planet, as it is close but not heavily trafficked. I have no opinion, so I make quarters for myself and go to sleep. The events of the day brought back the pain from my recent injuries and it wasn't until we reached our destination that I felt close to myself again. Even so, I stayed on the ship the duration we were there and only found out our next destination was Coruscant while in hyperspace on the way there. Apparently it is a highly industrialized planet, with billions of inhabitants. That sounds promising to me - the more people there are around the more easy I feel it is to hide. I worry though - how long will this hiding be necessary? What can I do to rid myself of these troubles? These are questions I have no answer to - and more distressingly, I am not sure of anyone who would.

Overtaken (Week 3)

How Tumultuous the course of fate is, how cruel its eddies and tides! So much has occurred of late, it has taken time to collect my thoughts and feelings enough to record them. That is not the only reason for the gap in my tale – I have been recovering from a wound I was prepared to die from. But, I am speaking nonsense – without explanation my story would be the ramblings of one driven insane. Lately, though, I have felt parts of my consciousness straining to leave me. No matter! I must continue.

After the horrible events at the market I returned to the ship, intending to remain there until we’d left Mandragar. My brother left, satisfied with my assurances I would not venture out, possible to gamble. Sometimes I feel that he considers it his only function to ensure I do not endanger myself. I cannot hope to disengage him from generations of subjugation, but at times his dogged concern is trying. I was just about finished making a wallet for my rainbow gems when Kaos burst into my quarters, her face a carnival of distress. There were pirates on the station, vicious and determined, and they were looking for a Hapan female. Looking for me.

I am no fool, I know that three rainbow gems are hardly a matter to hire pirates for. The mineral veins that nurture them to not bear fruit often, but they do eventually. The kingdom is rich, and I know I did not take so much that it will me notices overmuch. No, apparently Mazikeen desires me still, and is taking measures to have my soul. Terrified, I ran to the engine room, seeking refuge. The Tinnen mechanic suggested the ducting, but obviously he was thinking of someone his own size. There was no possibility I would fit. Seeing this, he threw another suggestion over his furred shoulder – the escape pods. Not knowing what else to do, I locked myself inside the nearest one. There began a period of waiting which was almost worse than the horrible events that followed. Alone with my thoughts, only able to see the stars outside my little pod, I fretted. My complacency once escaping the cluster was not without reason. I had not thought that anyone would attempt to follow me or regain my person by other means simply because no one had every done so. Thousands of years passed, and anyone who left the Cluster was an exile, never to be heard from, never to be sought. I thought it would be the same for me, but that was idle fantasy. I considered for a moment, desperate to believe that it was the gems they were after. No; no one would break generations of tradition for a mere three gems. The same cycle of thoughts ran their circles in my mind for a thousand eternities, and were suddenly stopped when the ship lurched into motion. We were escaping? Where was my brother? Had he made it back from the gambling parlor? I thought of checking, but my fear was still too great and I cowered, wishing we were safe in hyperspace. I later remembered my wish, finding it vastly ironic. “Safe in hyperspace” – most amusing.

Through the tiny pod window there was very little to see, but every so often an ugly patched-together fighter would speed across my vision. We were being pursued. I do not know exactly how much time passed then, but it was certainly not enough time for the sluggish freighter to escape the planet’s gravity well. That was the last thought I remember before I say the stars stretch into hyperspace. No time to strap in, no time to even brace myself – I flew head-first towards the ceiling. There was a sick crunching noise, and darkness crashed painfully over my vision.

I have thought long on how to record what happened after that. I found myself in darkness, unable to see or hear, floating in a void. I was dying, that was certain – I could fee my death coming upon me, chasing my life force inexorably away. What I felt then is difficult to put words to – I was frightened, yes, but my fear was far away. As though it belonged to the part of me I was leaving behind. I tried to hold n to my fear, I did not want to die. That is when the voice came.

It was sweet, beckoning, even comforting. I did not have to die, it said, I could be saved. Confused, I asked how – my body no doubt was damaged beyond repair. Why else had I been brought to this empty place? The voice said it would save me, there was no harm it could not undo. All I had to do was let it join with me, and all would be well. There was a presence closing on me, looming and eager. The voice spoke again, soothing me, urging me to give in. But there was something behind it that frightened me even more than my encroaching doom – a desperate greediness, a sense of rotting. I could not give in, I closed what was left of my mind as tightly as I could. If I was to die now, so be it, I would not be the ward of a ghoulish spirit. I relaxed, giving myself over to the Force – perhaps there would be peace where I was going. As I slopped away, I thought perhaps I felt a howl of defeat shake me.

But it was not time for me, I suppose, because the next thing before my sight was the face of our sometimes-medic, the Lorrdian Kaos. She looked just as shocked as I that I was alive, apparently they did not have hope for me. The pain came rushing over me a second later, making me wish I had died after all. I was badly hurt, Kaos said, and bleeding internally. She told me not to move – which was fine, as I was so mad with pain that movement was beyond me. Somehow they got my broken form back to my quarters, where Kaos shot me full of some drug from the med kit. Whatever it was, it was a blessed numbness; the food of the gods would not have been more welcome. The pain was gone, and all I could do was sleep.

I am still weak as I write this, it will be some time before I am whole again. During my recovery, I have had ample time to reflect. The presence who beckoned to me in my delirium was surely the Blight Queen, of that I was certain. That she could extend her consciousness so far outside the Cluster makes me recoil in terror whenever I think of it. Perhaps there is no escape for me, other than death. The gang after us are the Blood Claw pirates, a vicious and notorious group. Whoever is seeking me and my brother has spared no expense. It is a troubling reality.

I have thought about it, and there may come a time soon where I am on my own, either because my companions have been killed or that they have abandoned me as too high a risk. Aware of this, I resolved not to waste my time of convalescence. I have been reading everything I can find on the running and maintaining of a starship. My mechanical skills are limited, centered mostly around slicing, but I find I am improving. And there is one thing to comfort me; even if I am alone, if I am overtaken, there is a final escape from the dark power I flee. That is death, and I do not think based on my recent experience that it is so bad as everyone believes.

A Crude Awakening (Week 2)

When I left the Cluster, I swore to myself that I would act as an average personage, a resident of the Republic and nothing more. Time and again I reminded myself that once I was free, my royal blood would count for nothing, and that I should hide it. I certainly did not think I would count on it to save me from problematic situations. But I fear I have done exactly that, and in dong I have caused harm that may not be mended. It was a mistake I will endeavor never to make again.

We have made port at an agricultural planet, Mandragaard. Having frown tired of seeing nothing but bulkheads and the inside of storage containers for weeks on end, I made my way to the market to get some air. I planned on taking a leisurely stroll to sightsee, but my plans were destroyed by two blaster shots that rang through the crowd, and the chaos that followed. I jerked my head, startled, and saw Kaos on the ground with a blaster drawn. Across from her was a man; unconscious from a new blaster would in his shoulder. My eyes took in the scene – the man’s purse was open and there was a handful of credits clumsily hidden in Kaos’ hand. Apparently she believed the crowded market a ripe filed for honing her skills in picking pockets, which seemed as effective as her healing skills. Security guards were approaching, and I acted without thought, pulling my new shipmate from the ground and urgently ordering her to run. I though, I now realize, that my diplomatic skills and status as a Hapan Royal would be sufficient to deal with the guards. I was gravely mistaken.

Why I exposed myself to help Kaos I do not know exactly. Aboard the ship she was the only one save myself who was willing to tell her story. Perhaps I felt some kind of bond with her for that. Perhaps I didn’t want to loose what mechanical skills she had learned over the last few days. No matter now.

The guards came, and I searched my mind for whatever would lead them furthest away from Kaos. I told them a Twi’lek had robbed the man and shot him, not knowing there was only one such being registered to be on the planet. Their questioning became unfriendly as I balked at identifying the woman as the thief. Without going into uncomfortable detail, I sent the woman to prison to avoid a closer look being taken at my person, origins, and possessions. Had my brother not intervened, perhaps I would have been dragged off for questioning regardless.

I feel as a coward, to use others so. And now an innocent is paying the toll for my fear. Upon further reflection, it occurs to me that there is another self-deception under which I have labored. Aboard the ship, I did not hesitate to tell others details about my past, and when we made port I brazenly appeared in the market with my only valuables so conspicuous, they might as well have been on display. I mistakenly believed that, once I was free of the Consortium, all would be well. I thought I could start a new life, safe as my distance from home increased. This was a dangerous mistake, and while I did not pay the price directly, I feel the burden of guilt settling upon me. My conscience is uneasy, the face of a woman I do not know haunts me.

When I re-boarded the ship, I constructed a wallet for the rainbow gems that I could fasten to myself under my robes. I am loath to give one up this early in the journey, but they are in some ways a weight on me. I thought to gain security… but no matter. Perhaps I can part with one in order to save the Twi’lek and soothe my conscience. Perhaps my greed and send of self-preservation will be too great and I will be unable to part with my only remaining wealth. One thing is certain; I have come out of this incident a more careful individual.

Week 1 - continued

It is not a nice place we have landed in. The shadow port did not look like much on the outside - now I feel I shall have to check myself for disease once we depart from here. I have reminded myself that this is not a vacation, it is an escape, but I admit I'd hoped for something less fragrant with humanoid feculence. My brother is very tight-lipped about our reasons for being here, but I assume we will be switching transports. The journey has been trying; I hope from now I will not have to hide in smuggling compartments and shipping containers. Jean led me into the first bar we came across - a dingy, poorly lit affair with far too many dark corners. There was a man in strange robes tending bar. His garb was familiar, but the name eluded me until I saw the lightsaber at his belt. A Jedi?! What in the seven hells is a Jedi doing in a place like this? I ha heard stories in my childhood - I thought them to be fearsome warriors. Why else would they be so reviled in the Cluster? But perhaps my people's fears had inflated their formidableness; perhaps they were simply normal creatures wielding strange tools. Nonetheless, I sat down and ordered a drink. The last few days I'd barely seen the outside of a cramped container, I certainly needed one. The Jedi poured me some kind of whiskey and an ale - the whiskey burned painfully, but the ale snuffed it nicely an a needed glow began to settle in my belly.

Everyone in the bar seemed uneasy except for the Jedi bartender - someone mentioned a scuffle in the refresher. Apparently a group of pirates had chased a girl in there. Fine with me. With any luck the confrontation would stay in the bathroom. I turned back to my drink.

Luck was not on my side, however, an it was not long before the conflict exploded out into the bar. The noise was deafening, the lights split my head asunder; I had never before been so close to a firefight, and had absolutely no idea what to do. And so, without thinking I dove behind an overturned table, thereby managing to miss most of the fight. I peeked over the edge every so often when the noise would seem to abate - apparently the entire bar was involved except for myself, Jean, an a couple old derelicts who cowered behind tables as I did. Having finally chase the girl out of the bathroom, the pirates found themselves up against not only their quarry, but a human, a Tinnen, a Shistavenan, and even the Jedi! These people must enjoy fighting other people's battles for them. Perhaps the goddess had led us into this unclean place after all.

The battle was done in short order, with the pirates fleeing back to their ship, leaving only their companions who'd been welded into the refresher by the Tinnen. I listened to their conversation without speaking at first, and it seemed the Tinnen and his human companion were the crew of their own ship! Given the obvious need for us to change our transport, I quickly ordered my brother to pay for both our passage. As it happened, the Shistavenan, Jedi, and the strange pirate girl came along as well. The captain, once introductions were made, urged us towards the hangar. It would not do for us to stay there long. The Jedi led the way - apparently he was familiar with this shadow port. On his way out he grabbed several bottles from the bar and secreted them into his robes. His demeanor puzzled me - when he drew his lightsaber on the pirates (saving the wolf boy's life) he seemed fiercely powerful, eyes glittering with experience and deadly threat. Now he had folded in on himself, seeming weary and embittered. There is a story behind that one, I think. In any case, I followed his lead and took a bottle of my own. I was looking for the whiskey he'd poured me earlier, but couldn't find it. It was until later, when I'd completely failed to get drunk, that I realized the cordial I'd lifted was not alcoholic. A pity, I'm sure I could have used the relief from my troubles, but there wasn't any way I was going to admit my mistake and ask the Jedi for some of his.

What Came Before (Week One)

I am Maelisaandii, the second-born daughter of the royal family of Gallinore, of the Hapes Consortium. I have no doubt that my flight from the cluster will be chronicled in the histories as the desperate final move of a scheming power monger. The reasons for this memoir are unclear to me even as I write it, as the likelihood of its propagation is slim. And, too, I know in my soul that I have done no wrong, save perhaps being born in the wrong place among my sisters. However, write it I do, and perhaps someone will find some amusement in it in the future.

There is a legend among my people, of Mazikeen, the Blight Mother. Thousands of years ago, she ruled for fifty years, every one of them bringing pain and suffering to the people of Gallinore. It was rumored she worshipped a dark power, pulling people from the streets to be victims in her unholy rituals. She never seemed to age, and it appeared she would not die until an army of angry citizens finally rallied against her. Mazikeen was deep in her final pledge to evil as the triumphant cries of angry raiders reached the chamber, and finished it just as the mob swarmed in to end her. Standing in a bath of the blood of second-born girl-children, she cut her own throat and sealed her spirit to the bowels of the palace. There she lurks, and when a Queen of sufficient power takes the throne she returns and claims her soul. A few hundred years ago, there was a Queen who, it was told, had the power to heal the sick. She would move among her people, and in the wake of her touch their ailments would vanish. The Blight Mother returned and possessed her, turning her gift on its head. A plague came then, and reduced the population of the planet by almost half.

But that is a version of the story not widely told on Gallinore. My people do not believe the legend to be true, and instead credit some unknown natural pathogen for the plague. Until recently, I myself did not believe the story of Mazikeen to be anything more than fable.

It is odd, though, that they do not believe, for there is a remnant of the legend engraved in our culture. It is believed that the second-born daughter of every family is always delivered under a malevolent star, and grows up nursing dreams of revenge against her family for some unspecified wrong. This tradition is not connected to the myth, not in the collective minds of the people. It simply exists, and the group of us live under constant suspicion of treachery.

I grew up alone, ignored by all the members of my family save my brothers. We shared a bond, superficial thought it was, of being traditionally discarded, I for my position and they for their sex. Beyond the royal training I was required to endure, I was left to my own devices. I was not discontented – the intrigues of the palace held no interest for me and I was happy to distance myself from it. And until a year ago, I would have ascribed the story of the Blight Mother to nothing more than myth along with the rest of my people. No longer.

My mother, the queen, fell ill and it seemed to most that she would not live to see the next lunar cycle. Months passed while we waited for her to leave us, and then a series of events fell into place that shocked us all. My older sister, Palell, died during a meeting of state officials. It was completely sudden, literally without cause. Our physicians were mystified – it was as though she dropped dead from nothing more than breathing. The following day, I was summoned to the Royal audience chamber. Being the second-born, I had never entered that room. It was cavernous. My mother beckoned me closer, telling me that I would be the one to ascend the throne. This was unprecedented – generally speaking, if the firstborn daughter dies the second is assassinated as a matter of course and the third takes the throne. I approached her in puzzlement – and reaching close enough to see her I realized that it was Blight standing before me. Understand, my mother was a wasted form last I saw her, desiccated from her illness. When she called me, I saw her whole again, but not alone. Something was with her, glittering behind her eyes, occupying the same space. I did not know why, but it wanted me to be the ruler. It seemed to be that it would claim my soul. And so I ran. I fled the chamber, and went directly to my older brother. I begged him, blind with fear, to get me off-planet any way he could. He assented, and engineered a kidnapping that took us both far from the Cluster. To support us on our way, I removed a few of the most mature Gallinorian rainbow gems from the treasury. No doubt there are tales of the murderous second-born thief already spreading over the planet. The future, for me, is completely uncertain. Perhaps this asteroid before us will hold a path for me to take.