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.