A New Player in the Force

I look around, taking in the gently rolling green hills and clear blue skies, and relax in the warm light of a sun sitting about halfway up from the horizon.

“Cam.” I turn at hearing the familiar voice coming from somewhere to my right. “Cam, where are you?”

The air shifts as I move, reacting to my presence. I move forward, heading towards the voice, but when I reach the peak of the nearest hill, I fail to see the speaker, though I note that clouds are gathering on the horizon.

The familiar hum of a lightsaber powering up comes from my left, yet when I look that way, I fail to see anyone or thing. The hum of a second lightsaber comes from further to my left, yet still I see nothing.

“Cam. I’ve missed you dearly.” The voice drifted on the wind even as the lightsabers buzz around me. “Where did you go?”

I pivot, looking around for who was speaking. I knew the voice, yet still I fail to see anyone as the clouds spread across the horizon, cutting the sky off from the ground with a thin white line.

“I’m looking for you, Cam.”

I spin around, still unable to see who was talking, even as the ring of white grew stronger; clouds rolling towards my location. A breeze kicks up, cooling the air.

I move down the hill only to stop when my foot clips something. I look down and see a vambrace, immediately recognizing it as one of Bo’s. The breeze grows stronger, drawing more heat from the air as the clouds start to blot out the sun.

“Where are you, Cam? Why are you hiding from me?” There’s a shift in the voice, taking on an almost unhealthy tint. The hairs on the back of my neck and arms stand up. An urge to get away from the speaker drives me forward. “Don’t go. You’ll miss all the fun.”

I demand my legs carry me away, but with each step they seem to sink into the ground, as if the grass beneath me has turned into quicksand.

“There you are.” A shiver rockets down my spine, almost paralysing me with fear. A second later I am frozen as a familiar, twisted laugh echoes around me. “I have you now.”

In the blink of my eye, the world around me shifts. Gone are the green hills and dark clouds. I find myself lying on a hard surface, my arms and legs pulled away from me.

I strain to free myself, but my limbs are bound too tightly.

A sinister beam of red appears at the foot of my bed, followed by a second. A figure, a female, is silhouetted against the red. I go still as the figure steps closer and her face, once elegant and beautiful but now pale, twisted with yellow eyes framed by white hair, looks down at me.

“Finally, I’ve found you once more,” Vosa says with a smile that is both caring and deranged at the same time. I struggle with greater ferocity against my restraints, but they refuse to move.

One of her hands touches my leg, her lightsaber still active, and I freeze. It feels as if lightning has shot through me as she traces her fingers carefully upwards. “You left before we could finish our training.” She continues to smile, making her look both more attractive and insane.

Her fingers kept drifting upwards, the heat from her blade adding to the sensation, only for her fingers to drift outward as they reached my waist. Any relief I gain from that vanishes as she lifts a leg and then straddles me just above my knees.

She leans forward, both lightsaber-wielding hands coming toward my face. The heat from both almost burns my cheeks as all I can see is her face illuminated by the red glow of her blades. “We’re going to have so much fun.” She drags out the word ‘so’, then leans forward, licking the scar on my chest from my verd’goten.

She wiggles her hips upward, and then giggles as she stops over my groin. “See, your body wants this even if your mind is not yet ready.”

The lightsabers depower, sending me into darkness. The only sensation comes from Vosa as she rocks herself from side to side. I feel her fingers touch my stomach and then slide down. “Time to finish your training.” They hook under the rim of my underwear. “This is going to be so much fun.”

… …

I shot up in my bed, my heart beating so hard it felt as if it would leap from my chest. My eyes darted around the room, looking for the source of that… nightmare. Nothing came into focus as the room seemed to spin in time with the frantic thumping of my heart.

I could feel my blood rushing through my veins, looking for a way to escape as my heart pushed it around at insane speeds. As the world came into focus, I reached for a cup beside my bed, only to knock it over, spilling the water all over the table. My hands were shaking as if from a high fever.

My breaths were quick and shallow, yet I felt as if I was struggling to breathe. My mind struggled to process what I’d just experienced even as I felt something shift at the foot of my bed. It took me a moment to remember Fenrir was there, and another to recall that during my captivity he’d grown from the size of a poodle to a German Shepherd; and according to Fay, he’d keep growing quickly until reaching close to his full height – potentially on-par with a Kath hound – by the time he was three.

I felt his presence, young and unfocused, within my mind; a feature of bonding with him. He was confused, frightened, likely because of how I’d awoken. I reached out a still wildly vibrating hand, wanting to comfort him and myself even as my heart rattled around my chest. I needed to…

Calm flooded my mind as I regained enough awareness to engage Player’s Mind. The terror that’d been wrenching at my soul was banished in an instant along with every emotional link to the dream I’d just experienced. I rebuked myself for trying to sleeping without Player’s Mind, but in the days since we’d left the Lokella system, I’d become reliant on it to avoid having episodes where my thoughts turned back to my time under Vosa’s control and I needed to stop doing that.

Logically, I knew I was suffering from some form of PTSD. I’d seen and experienced it in my former life. But that dream was… something else entirely. While it confirmed my choice to not sleep even with Player’s Mind active as the right choice, I’d been ordered to rest by Fay as we were less than a day out from Coruscant and she wanted me rested and centred before we faced the High Council. I’d taken the chance that I’d be able to manage a night of sleep without the strange power active, but after … that, I knew I’d been wrong.

Both my masters had commented on the fact that my mind seemed unusually tranquil since we’d left the Lokella system, which meant they could sense when Player’s Mind was engaged. That made perfect sense as not only had they known me for years, but both were highly skilled and experienced members of the Order. Still, suspecting I wouldn’t be able to keep Player’s Mind active while speaking with the Council, especially as Fay had explained they’d wish to observe me within the Force to see how my brushes with the Dark Side had affected me, I’d thought trying to sleep without it would work. Given the chronometer in the room saying it was barely past midnight and I’d gone to sleep around ten-thirty, it was safe to say the idea hadn’t worked.

Fenrir pushed against my arm, then slumped against my leg – with far more weight than I’d expected – and my hand drifted to his head, scratching him just behind the ears. Hopefully, neither of my masters had been woken or disturbed by my dream, though I knew I’d have to discuss it with them come the morning. And Force was I not looking forward to that. As much as I’d try to avoid mentioning the more… provocative elements of the dream, both would likely pick up on it. While I might not be embarrassed about them knowing, as I was far from a normal teen, I was concerned about how Bo would react to it if she overheard us. Especially since at first, I’d thought the voice I’d heard was either her or Serra.

I’d spoken to Bo again about the kiss, and tried to further smooth things over, but she’d been distant, which made sense. Her learning that I’d had a dream like this, and thought perhaps the voice might’ve been hers, would not in any way help her deal with my kissing her and her reactions to it. Observe was still saying she was confused about what I’d done and about me in general, but at least she didn’t seem to think I’d taken advantage of her.

A part of me did wonder if pursuing things with Bo would be worthwhile as, while I’d told Serra and myself that I didn’t want to start anything until we were older and more mature, Bo was already physically older than me and lightyears beyond Serra in mental maturity. Then there was the fact she was a redhead; something I’d always had a weakness for. However I’d promised Serra that we could revisit our feelings once we were older, so getting involved with Bo before then felt as if I was discarding Serra for Bo…

I shook my head. Nope, I wasn’t going to think about this issue for now; even when I was putting the emotions behind it to one side with Player’s Mind. And certainly not after just dreaming about Vosa in a highly provocative manner. I needed to talk with a shrink, or whatever the Jedi equivalent was, and neither Fay nor Dooku would likely have any interest in dealing with this. That was fine with me as discussing such things with either just felt all sorts of wrong. Now, I’d been talking with Fay every day since she’d arrived in the Lokella station, but she’d made sure we didn’t go into too much detail as the wounds were still very fresh in my mind, and while those talks had been awkward as fuck, it was still far better than doing so with Dooku would ever be.

Still, I knew that at some point reasonably soon, I was going to have to sit down with Bo and determine what her feelings toward me were, if I wanted to act on them, and how to handle how I felt about Serra as well. Honestly, I’d considered not telling her about me kissing Bo, but quickly dismissed the idea as that would only make things worse if she ever learnt about it at a later date if we were to grow closer.

Hopefully, Serra would understand why I’d kissed Bo when I had and would get over her anger about it quickly enough that it didn’t damage our friendship as, when it came right down to it, Serra was my closest and best friend – in or out of the Order – and I needed that connection; which had surprised me a touch when I’d realised it.

I sighed and leaned back in bed. Fenrir pushed against my side as my hand started scratching him under his front leg. With Player’s Mind active, I knew I wouldn’t have another dream like I’d just had, yet even with my emotions suppressed, I was still concerned I would. Illogical, but entirely human. Plus there was the fact that sleeping with Player’s Mind active wasn’t a long-term solution, but hopefully, that would be something I could work on once back at the Temple with Jedi trained to help those with mental problems.

… …

… …

“While we understand that this base was a trap, one soaked in the Dark Side due to the Bando Gora’s actions beforehand, we are curious what drove you to race off toward these voices?” Windu’s question was pointed but I was able to avoid flinching under his gaze as while he was a scary motherfucker, I’d faced review boards for actions in combat before. However, the fact that the High Council wished to review every action I’d taken since first setting foot on Mandalore over two years ago was, in Dooku’s opinion, a highly unusual one to be taken regarding a Padawan. He'd stated that such matters were generally handled by the Council of First Knowledge and Yoda had explained, in that strange speech pattern of his, that I was an unusual Padawan, and the High Council reserved the right to review the actions of any member of the Order; from the smallest youngling to the wisest master.

So far, we’d reviewed my time on Mandalore - with a heavy focus on why I’d chosen to go there for training -, my decisions leading up to and during the honour duel, and the completion of my Verd’goten. Their opinions on all three could probably have been predicted by the aforementioned younglings for their dogmatism. And though I could feel that Dooku was about as impressed with their responses as I was, and Fay being more disappointed than frustrated, all of us were able to weather the - what I felt was unjust - scrutiny with a calm exterior.

Strangely, they had not had many issues with the attack on the slaver base in the Tantajoc system, nor with me bonding with Fenrir, save that I was possibly too young to establish a bond with such a potentially dangerous creature. Still, Plo Koon and Yarel Poof were interested in studying the effect of the bond on both me and Fenrir while Micah Giiett had wondered if my choosing to learn with the Mandalorians was in preparation for what specialization I’d follow once I was knighted.

After I’d given my reasoning for each action, they’d gone quiet. If not for the fact that both Fay and Dooku had informed me they’d likely do this beforehand I’d have been unnerved. Force, even knowing it was going to happen was still unsettling. The High Council debated issues telepathically so they could project a unified voice when making decisions, but I’d noticed that on a few decisions, they’d taken longer to reach consensus than others. Still, while an approach I wasn’t used to, it was no different than when senior officers had dismissed me and my unit from the room so they could discuss issues regarding a mission privately. Hell, if the officers could’ve, I was sure they’d have loved to do it telepathically to simply unnerve those they were reviewing.

“I… I don’t truly know, Master Windu,” I said in response to his question. “I’d love to say I did so because I thought my friends were somehow both on the planet and in danger, but I should’ve known better. Master Dooku warned us about the dangers we’d face inside before we breached, but even with the Dark Side swirling around us and trying to breach my mental defences, I should’ve tried to sense them instead of running in half-cocked.” I’d already gone over this twice before – once in my head and once with Dooku – yet it was only getting worse with time. Yes, hindsight was a bitch, but even ignoring me underestimating the Dark Side, which Dooku had suggested I’d done out of arrogance, the sheer number of stupid arsed mistakes I’d made on Kidriff were frankly insulting. And that’s saying nothing about me not using Player’s Mind or my other unique powers.

“Mistakes you made on Kidriff, no one here doubts. Yet learnt from them, have you not?” I lowered my head at Yoda’s words of wisdom. “And suffered for your mistakes, no one here doubts. A more pressing issue to us, that is.”

“Indeed.” I turned to Ki-Adi-Mundi as he spoke. “Regardless of how this council feels regarding your actions before encountering the Bando Gora, we are glad you are back with us. The… trials you faced under Komari Vosa’s care,” the Cerean’s gaze shifted to Dooku for a moment, “are ones many would struggle to survive; never mind overcome and return to us afterwards.”

“While we are impressed with the strength of your mental barriers,” my focus turned to Oppo Rancisis as he spoke, and I was glad Player’s Mind was active as it diluted any issues that I had with staring at the massive snake-like Jedi master, “and fully understand why you have them so powerfully raised, we require you to lower them. Yes, you have returned to the Order after your ordeal, but there is little doubt your mind and connection to the Force will have been altered by this event.”

“To be clear, we aren’t targeting you due to your age or the strength of your connection to the Force, Padawan. If what you’d endured happened to a member of this council, we would ask the same of them. The need to examine how this affected your connection to the Force, and how you are coping are things we need to know. For your wellbeing more so than our curiosity.” I gave Sifo-Dyas a nod in understanding and thanks for his explanation as, for a moment, I had been concerned I was being targeted due to how elements of the council felt about me.

Both Dooku and Fay had made it clear that this was going to happen, but that didn’t make me feel any better about letting the High Council examine my connection to the Force or read any surface thoughts I was having. I knew they’d never be able to see the future knowledge I had – as neither Fay nor Dooku had seen it during the numerous sessions where we spent time telepathically linked – but my plans for how to handle what was to come were things I’d rather not have them see. Out of context, it’d look like I was preparing for war on the Republic, which while possibly true, wasn’t my motivation. Then there was them sensing anything I might feel regarding Vosa and how I still had a desire to kill her as brutally as possible, or my conflicted feelings regarding Serra, Bo, and a few others.

To counter this, as I lowered Player’s Mind, I focused on random thoughts. Wondering how people I didn’t have a stronger connection to were doing, what was going on in the Senate and other random bullshit. If they sensed that, they’d know I was hiding things, but I hoped they’d think I was just trying to not relive my trauma once more.

Almost as soon as Player’s Mind went down, I felt the familiar sensation of the mind of another brushing up against mine; though this time, the mind was not one I instantly knew. Nor was it alone. There was an urge to slap away the gentle brushing probes but I chose not to. Instead, I closed my eyes and let them touch my mind with theirs. I had no idea how long this was going to take and the idea of staring at the apparent vacant eyes of the High Council as they examined me wasn’t something I wanted to do; not after dealing with it from Fay and Dooku when they’d examined me before we’d arrived back on Coruscant.

After some time – though I had no way of knowing without glancing down at my chronometer which I suspected wouldn’t go over well with the High Council – I felt the various presences pull back, and I opened my eyes to see the council was still stationary. More than likely, they were going over what they’d sensed from their examination.To avoid having to watch them have their mental conference, I turned my attention to the view of Coruscant through the windows that lined the council chambers.

“Has his mind always been so… distant?” My head snapped back to the council at Yaddle’s question, wondering what she meant by that. A nod from Fay to my right made my brow crease.

“Yes. It is something that Master Dooku and I have spoken at length about.” My frown deepened as my mind tried to understand what they were implying. Was there something wrong with my connection to the Force, something that had been there for as long as the pair had been training me? “At first, we suspected it was a residual effect of how he arrived in our time, yet when it continued to exist even after several years, we realised it was caused by something else. Master Dooku has some theories on why his mind seems remote within the Force, and how he interacts with the Force, but that is, perhaps, a conversation for another time and place.”

By now, my brow likely looked like a cracked eggshell with how pronounced my frown had become. Had I been using the Force wrong ever since I’d been reborn? Was that why I felt distant to the other Jedi, or was there something else at play here? Could it be because I wasn’t originally born into this universe, but inserted by powers beyond anyone’s comprehension, or was it a result of having to use the Force through the Interface?

“That is true, and I for one would be interested in Master Dooku’s theories.” Windu’s words and Dooku’s nodding acceptance of them drew me from my thoughts, though I knew I’d return to them later. “However, I feel you’re correct, Master Fay, regarding this strange connection not being relevant to today’s topics of discussion.”

“Agree with you Master Windu, I do. Though concerns about this unusual connection, I have.” Yoda’s eyes drifted over me as if looking at me like something was both fundamentally wrong and incredibly fascinating at the same time. “Easy to observe, it is, how affected by events, you have been. What you endured, none should.” Yoda’s head shook as he spoke, remorse clear in his voice as I sensed his grief as he released it into the Force. “Holding up, you appear to be. But observation, we recommend.” His eyes shifted to my right. “Master Fay, trained in the mental arts you are, yes?”

“It has been some time since I’ve used that training, but I remember my lessons well, Master.” A ripple in the Force passed between the two, possibly linking back to a long-shared memory regarding Fay’s time as a Padawan or young Jedi Knight. Yet under that, there was a faint taste of pain, as if the memory also brought up memories Fay would rather not face.

“Good, good.” Yoda tapped his small hand on the side of his chair. “To assist you, a healer we will assign. Work with them, you will. Help Padawan Shan, together you shall.”

“Padawan,” I shifted focus to Windu as he spoke to me, “from what we can see, your mind has held up remarkably well for what you’ve faced. The hardships you faced… we can sense echoes of them from you, and while your connection to the Force doesn’t appear to be unbalanced, and as such, even ignoring your actions that predate your torment, we recommend you remain within the Temple’s walls for some time.”

“Yes, Master Windu.” While the idea of being locked up in the Temple wasn’t the most appealing, I understood why they wanted me to stay and agreed with them entirely. What I’d gone through with Vosa needed time to recover from or at least time to allow me to return to my training outside the temple without the risk that I’d suffer a fatal relapse over what I’d endured. Then there was the fact I’d used the Force three times since last being in the Temple, and each time the amount of time using the Dark Side and desire to draw upon it had been greater. All in all, it was both the medically, spiritually, and tactically logical course of action to take.

Windu nodded before turning to Saesse Tiin. I followed his gaze. When I’d first met this Jedi up close and, in the flesh, he had reminded me heavily of a demon. I knew that wasn’t the case, but deeply ingrained teachings from my former life were still within, and I’d reacted to them. Now, that feeling, while still present, was far less noticeable.

“Padawan, from the reports we’ve read, you admit to not only changing the plan for your rescue to destroy the Bando Gora base – a worthy choice – but that you also wished to go after Komari Vosa.” He leaned forward, making it seem as if he was a monster toying with his food (namely me) before he ate it. “An admirable choice to make, especially given the circumstances of your situation.

Being reminded of what that forced the images to come flooding back into my mind. I took several deep breaths, seeking to drive away the memories as I felt a hand come to rest on my shoulder. It left a moment later, but it was enough to help me push those memories out of my thoughts. They were replaced by my fight – and calling it that was being generous – with Vosa. Seeing her face once more, twisted with that deranged smile as she taunted me, brought up the anger within me once more. However, I knew this was going to happen, and after a few sessions with Fay, I was able to, if not let go of that anger, then push it aside for a time. Which is what I did now.

Even as I did that, I felt a gentle brush against my mind and turned to Fay. She smiled down at me, though it was easy to see the concern behind the smile.

“Do you need a moment, Padawan?”

I shook my head. “No, Master Giiett. I’m just… not at a point where going over my actions doesn’t cause me to once more feel anger. Though now some of it is directed inward at how foolish I was to engage her. I was too weak and disoriented to stand a chance against her, yet seeing her again after being freed… I rushed in and, if not for the help of the Mandalorians, would’ve likely been recaptured by Vosa.”

“Great horror, you have faced. While demons still plague your mind, to stand here today, great strength it shows.”

“Thank you, Master Yoda.” I took another deep breath, trying to find a centre of calm in my mind; though when my thoughts drifted to Bo and Serra, I swiftly moved away. I didn’t need the council thinking I was feeling anything like that when speaking about Vosa. Especially not with the nightmare I’d had on the way to Coruscant still rattling around in my mind. Fucking Eidetic Memory was working against me on this.

“I, I don’t deny that when I fought her, I wanted her dead. Nor that I still feel that urge, even if I’m not sure if I’d act on it if given the chance. Yet, as strange as it sounds, the very fact I wanted her dead is likely why she was more interested in recapturing me than killing me. She wanted to break me, to turn me to the Dark Side as a way to hurt Master Dooku. By forcing me to keep fighting her, to keep trying to rather pathetically fight her, she felt I would fall and she would win.”

“And did she?”

“No, Master Koon, she didn’t. In the end, after Bo-Katan Kryze had stunned her, I had a moment where I could’ve killed her, but I didn’t.” My eyes sought out each member of the council as I spoke, making sure they believed the half-truth I was telling. It was a simple trick to use to convince people of your sincerity, but one they might not expect from me, which was likely why Dooku insisted I do it. I felt some of the council as they brushed against my mind with the Force. They were looking for the truth in my words, and they’d find them so long as I didn’t focus on the bits I was leaving out. “I did use the Force to ensure she stayed down, but I didn’t kill her when I had the chance.”

Silence once more fell over the chamber as the council conferred with each other telepathically. I wanted to speak with my masters, but even doing so mentally would be sensed by the council and might make them wonder if I was hiding something, and what it was. As the silence stretched onward, I once again looked out over the gleaming surface of Coruscant. It was such a shame that underneath the shiny surface, where the Senate and Jedi Temple were, corruption ran rampant.

“While there are elements of what you’ve just said that we are concerned about, and will be discussing further with your masters over the coming weeks, we have reached a judgement on how to proceed.” Windu’s word snapped my attention back to the chamber. “While your usage of the Dark Side is extremely troubling – especially as it isn’t the only instance where you’ve shown a susceptibility to the Dark Side – the fact you stand here now to not only to explain your actions but to receive our judgement speaks highly of your mental strength. Many Jedi more senior than you would struggle to survive what you did. The fact that your presence within the Force, however muted, isn’t corrupted by the Dark Side is a testament to your strength of will and the training given to you by your masters. That said, you have willingly used the Dark Side, and that is something we cannot overlook, no matter how… understandable the circumstances were.”

As I worked out that I wasn’t going to be killed or thrown in a dark cell for the rest of my days, I released a breath I hadn’t realised I’d been holding. Yet any hope I had that I’d get off lightly vanished with the fractional upturn of Windu’s mouth. “As we, like your masters, are concerned about your mental state, and also wish to ensure you’re not placed in another situation in the near future, we have decided that beyond simply seeing a Jedi healer along with Master Fay, you will be confined to the temple for no less than five months for observation.” I wanted to groan, but I knew it could’ve been so much worse. “During this time, when not meditating on what has happened, you will assist Jedi Instructors in the teaching of the Code to Younglings and Initiates. Also, while you are still allowed to continue practising your velocities and maintain your lightsaber, you are not permitted to spar with any other member of the Jedi. This also extends to teaching elementary velocities and moves to other Jedi, regardless of if your masters feel you are sufficiently versed in those forms of combat or not.”

“I… Yes, Master.” The punishment wasn’t the worst but being banned from any type of combat training was irritating. Still, I wasn’t stupid enough to complain about it, even if I suspected a few of my friends might.

“Do you have anything you wish to ask the council before we move on from this matter?”

“Yes, Master Rancisis, I do,” I replied after taking a moment to consider things. “When I was captured, Master Fay returned to seek help from the Order, yet none was given. While I know I’m not privy to your reasoning, I… I want to know why the only help that came was from Knight Vos and a squad of Mandalorians.” I tried to keep my anger at them for not providing more help under control, but it was hard. Dooku had hinted heavily that he was as perturbed by it as I was, and I suspected if I was already a knight that he’d had left the Order over this. Hell, if not for his words about there being benefits to being a Knight, I may well have left already. And even then, it was still a close-run thing.

“The Council sent a team of Jedi after the Bando Gora once before. It did not end well.” Giiett explained slowly, his eyes not meeting mine initially. “When Master Fay sought our help, we were reluctant to risk another such disaster. Plus, with the mission being a rescue and not a confrontation, we felt a team of Master Fay, Dooku and Knight Vos would be sufficient to achieve the desired outcome.” A small smile came to his lips as he finally met my eyes. “It seems we were right in our judgement, even if the exact outcome was not one that we’d foreseen.”

I wasn’t going to thank him for revealing that little, but it was still more than I’d expected. “I see.” Within the Force, I felt a sliver of remorse from him and a few others, including strangely Windu, but that was it. Still, at least it hadn’t been a simple ‘will of the Force’ bullshit speech about why they’d done nothing.

“Now, Master Dooku, after reading over your report, we are led to believe that the former Padawan, Komari Vosa, is being held in a location you deem secure?”

“Yes. While I had considered bringing her here with us, I felt it better for the state of my current Padawan to leave my former Padawan in another location. One that has the facilities to restrain a Force user when called upon.” I fought to keep a smirk off my face at that. Vosa was back with the Lokella, stuck in the training room that disrupted Force connections while secured in a cell and with the very mask she’d used on me secured over her skull. “I wish to request that I be allowed to attempt to rehabilitate her.” While his words were, as usual, clear and controlled, I could sense some faint discomfort or displeasure coming from him.

Yoda leaned forward in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he focused intently on Dooku. “Your fault, you believe her fate to be?”

Another faint ripple of either discomfort or displeasure drifted through the Force. “Yes, Master Yoda. While I feel her infatuation with me was a valid reason for her to be removed as my Padawan, I fear not assigning her to another, and not helping her complete her training to become a Jedi was a mistake on the part of the Order. That decision is what led her to seek, and for this council to approve, a role on the task force to Baltizaar.”

Dooku had already discussed his plans with me and Fay, and while I understood his reasoning for wanting to help Vosa, a large part of me would prefer if the Council simply chose to have her pay for what she’d done to me. Still, it was odd to see him concerned about anyone, and didn’t fully fit with his personality; not unless he had an ulterior motive for doing this. However, I’d failed to determine what that was and when I’d asked him directly, he’d refused to reveal anything. That annoyed me heavily until I’d used Player’s Mind to take the emotion out of my thinking and come at the problem logically. Working from what I knew of Dooku and his plans, I felt there was a decent chance he wanted to help Vosa to prepare for what was to come and possibly even find a use for Vosa. While I felt this made some sense, I’d not brought it up with Dooku and certainly wasn’t going to with Fay as I knew she’d never approve even if my idea was without merit.

“From you, unusual it is, for regret to show. Yet wisdom, I find in your words.” The diminutive, but deceptively powerful Grandmaster leaned back in his chair. “However, grave her crimes were, punishment, she must face.”

“The Bando Gora have been a thorn in the Republic’s side for decades. One that evolved into a problem of the Order in more recent times. That the one responsible for their recent growth in power and influence was a former Padawan of ours is troubling as it could be seen by some as a sign the Republic has grown weak. However, with her capture and the destruction of their main base of operations, we feel the immediate threat posed by the Bando Gora has been neutralized.” Windu had taken up the point from Yoda with ease, and that was something that, the longer this meeting dragged on the more apparent it became. The two seemed to work in tandem, shifting control of a conversation to not only keep me on my toes but, I suspected, give the impression the High Council was in lockstep over their decisions and the reasoning behind them. Yet, from the subtle glances and shifts in postures from others – mainly Sifo-Dyas and Giiett – I wondered how complete the apparent unity of the council was. “As such, while this council agrees that rehabilitation should be attempted, it can only take place after she has stood trial before a Republic court and been sentenced for her crimes, and only then if we feel that there is any regret within her regarding her actions.”

The urge to snort in disbelief was strong, but I managed to resist. It would be a cold day on Mustafar before Vosa, in her current state, would express guilt for what she’d done. Force, even after years of rehabilitation I doubted she would. It was almost as if the council was simply giving Dooku an empty platitude as they washed their hands of her; likely preferring if she was executed for her crimes so they could move on with pretending all was right in the galaxy. Of course, Dooku had expected this – as had Fay, though she had held out some hope the council might see reason – but seeing it play out was still a sight to behold.

“This is the will of the Council?” Dooku’s tone gave no hint to how he felt about their ruling, but I didn’t even need to sense his feelings to know he was both angered at their decision, and unsurprised to be proven correct.

“It is.”

“Very well.” A lesser man might’ve ranted at the council over this; cursing them openly at their foolishness, but I knew Dooku wouldn’t do so. Though I’d have paid him every credit I had – currently a little south of three hundred million according to the publicist who wished to speak with Fay and I about a proposition he’d received – to see him do so.

“Your disappointment in our ruling, we understand. However, face punishment for her crimes, Komari Vosa must. Our logic on this matter, you must agree with. Know this, your current Padawan does.”

“Yes, Master Yoda.” Dooku lowered his head in acceptance, but I already knew he had plans for this happening, even if I wasn’t fully aware of them to spare me from having to lie to the council once he enacted them. Plus, this was another moment when it became clear where Qui-Gon Jinn got his tendency to go against the council from. “With your permission, I will speak with those holding her to arrange a transfer.”

Windu stared at Dooku intently, almost as if he was looking into his soul, in a way I’d seen him stare at me before. For a moment I wondered if Windu could sense what Dooku was planning. Windu’s brow twitched, near the same place it had when he’d stared at me before he leaned back in his chair and crossed his fingers under his chin. “Very well. I will have the Temple Guard expect your call by the end of the day.”

For the umpteenth time today, silence fell over the chamber before I saw Fay and Dooku turn. Realising the meeting was over – though not having been given a hint of that by the council – I followed a split second later, cutting off Windu from staring at me as I did.

The walk through the antechamber was made in silence, though once we were on the elevator heading down, Fay spoke. “The council was far more lenient than I’d expected. Not so much regarding Komari Vosa, but toward their restrictions on Cameron.”

“Indeed, though their insistence that he cannot have any martial training feels misguided. And as for their insistence that a healer is present while you help him through his trauma… They are close to overstepping their boundaries.” A frown marred Dooku’s face in a rare display of emotion. “As for Komari, it is as I expected.”

“Then you will commence with your plan?”

Dooku nodded at Fay and then looked at me. “I understand your feelings regarding Komari are strong, and that you may feel I am abandoning you to help her. However, I need you to trust my judgement on this matter. I do not have the same connection to her that I do to you; not then and certainly not now. That said, I feel she can play a role in coming events far greater than rotting away in a Jedi-controlled prison.” He turned and gazed out of the elevator, taking in the sight of the temple as we ascended towards the roof. “Therefore, before the council is aware, I will be departing the temple and returning to the ShaDo system,” even if I couldn’t do anything about it, I really hated that name, “to remove Komari to a more… remote location away from the council’s prying eyes.”

“Yes, master.” A part of me was angry that he was going to abandon me here to head off with her, but I did trust him. Or at least as much as I could without being sure he wasn’t going to become Darth Tyrannus. “I understand, though I’m not happy about it.”

The corners of Dooku’s lips lifted upwards. It wasn’t a smile, but the beginnings of one, which was an unusual sight on his face. “I am glad that you can see past your, entirely valid and reasonable, dislike of Komari to trust me. I did not want to part with you thinking I was abandoning you.”

“I know you’re not, master. And while I don’t think she can be redeemed, may the Force be with you.”

“It’s good to see you’re already starting to let go of your feelings regarding Miss Vosa, Cameron. It is a good first step on your path to recovery.” I turned to Fay as she spoke, and while she wasn’t smiling, there was warmth in her expression. “Something that we’ll continue over the next few months.”

“I feel the healer assigned to help will report their findings to the council.”

“Yes, I feel the same,” Fay replied to Dooku’s comment. “To force you, no pun intended, into a personal situation like this is highly unusual. One that I agree comes close to overstepping their influence on how a Jedi trains their Padawan. Still, additional help should never be turned away; not unless the offer comes from one you cannot trust even slightly to work for a common good.” She paused and fixed her gaze upon me. “With that in mind, I think it would be best if, during our sessions, we avoid mentioning our friends within the Order. At least more than we would naturally do so.” The slight stress she applied to the word ‘friends’ made it clear she was referring to the Coalition, though that only consisted of a handful of other Jedi.

“Of course, master.” Of the members, only Sifo-Dyas could be compromised if his name was revealed. And he was the one I’d least like to reveal as having a potential ally on the high Council wasn’t something I was willing to lose. Certainly not before I was knighted when I could move more freely around the galaxy and Dooku could reveal what exactly he was planning regarding the holocron vault and the archives.

I frowned as my thoughts turned back to the just-finished meeting. “Um, why does Master Windu get that twitch on his forehead? The one right here,” I touched my forehead in the same spot. “He gets it whenever he stares at me intently; as he did today with Master Dooku.”

My masters shared a look before Fay replied. “Much like Knight Vos, Master Windu has a very rare Force ability. Though Knight Vos can use psychometry, Master Windu’s ability is far more… esoteric. With the Force, he is able to see, let’s say cracks, in anything he focuses on. Be it an object like a sealed door or window, an event and its ramifications or even within another sentient being and how one action might affect their future. While other Jedi do have this ability, Master Windu’s ease with it is something I’ve heard of no other Jedi being able to do throughout my entire life. He can locate and, if he chooses to, exploit the faintest weakness in anything; even allowing him to determine a threat before it develops into one. Or that is at least how I understand the power.”

“I have seen Shatterpoint in action, and while Master Fay’s words are vague, they are accurate as to what the ability is capable of.” I felt my jaw fall as Dooku added a confirmation to Fay’s words.

“That’s… just… wow.” A new notification in the Interface drew my attention and while I wanted to open it, I knew doing that in front of my masters – and my likely emotional response – would concern them. Thus instead, my mind wandered back to a clip of Windu using the Force during the Battle of Ryloth. There, Windu had used the Force to shatter the permaglass cockpit of an AT-TE. Up until now, I just thought he had that much control of telekinesis that he was able to shatter it without harming the vehicle’s driver. Now, however, I wondered if it was this power that allowed him to know exactly where and with how much force to shatter it safely.

“Indeed. Master Windu is not averse to using the power on individuals when he is unsure of the path to follow or doubts the veracity of a being’s words. While he should use that knowledge to follow the will of the Force, I believe he chooses at times not to; but that is simply a personal feeling and not a proven fact.” Even though his voice was calm, I could easily sense Dooku’s unease about the ability, and frankly, I quickly understood why. The potential to use such a power and not abuse it wasn’t something I think most people could handle. Then there was the issue that, if misunderstood, there was the chance Windu could fail to see something in the same way Force user might misinterpret a vision. “He has, I suspect, used the ability on you multiple times already, but based on what Master Sifo-Dyas and others have stated about their visions, I am fairly certain he cannot see the path you are following. Though knowing Master Windu as I do, there is a high probability that this is why he often appears antagonistic towards you. And armed with this new knowledge, you may one day be able to predict his behaviour.”

“While I don’t think you should be looking to manipulate a senior member of the Order, Cameron, Master Dooku’s point is valid.” I turned to Fay as she spoke. “Also, while I’m sure you are curious about Shatterpoint, since you have failed to show any inclination toward the ability to date, I don’t think you ever could use it to the extent Master Windu does. Nor should we concern ourselves with that ability during your training.”

“Yes, Master.” Though based on the notification that was waiting for me, I suspected Fay was off base about this. Yet with both masters watching me, I’d have to wait a little longer to confirm my feeling.

A gentle ping was followed by the doors opening, and we stepped out onto one of the upper floors of the Temple. Dooku took a few steps away and then turned to face us. “I leave our Padawan in your care, Master Fay. Hopefully, while I am engaged with my project, he can avoid finding trouble within the walls of the temple.”

Fay chuckled, filling the air with that sweet, musical laugh of hers. “I think we both know that is unlikely, Master Dooku. The Force does seem to have a plan for Cameron that often leaves us exasperated with his actions. Still, may the Force be with you during your work.”

Dooku bowed slightly. “And with both of you.” With that he turned and walked away, heading, I assumed, towards either an exit or the hanger. We stood there and watched until he turned a corner before Fay spoke to me.

“Come along Cameron. While I know you don’t wish to stay here any longer than necessary, I believe there may be a few people who will be glad of our return. Plus, it will do you good to spend time around Jedi your age for once.”

“Yes, Master.” I slipped into step beside her. I knew she was jesting, but a part of me did wonder if she was concerned about the growing closeness between myself and Bo; and how that might affect my future within the Order. Fay might understand the Mandalorian culture, and may even be seen by many as one, but she didn’t want me to be influenced by their philosophies. Though with me now stuck in the temple, the odds of getting to see Bo outside of holocalls were slim. Hopefully, she wouldn’t grow too bored stuck on the Ne’tra Sartr with just HK for company.

On second thought, I probably should be more concerned with HK convincing Bo that a good way to pass the time was to burn down the Senate or something.

Putting that amusing but concerning thought from my mind, but not before noting to try and find a way to have HK not egg-on Bo, I opened the Interface’s notification.

Force Power Discovered!

Shatterpoint

This is the ability to use the Force to see the faults within whatever they focus on. Be that an object, a living being, a style of combat, or even at its most powerful, how an event can affect the course of those involved in it. Both directly and indirectly

...

WARNING!

As you don’t have a natural affinity for this ability, nor have taken a perk to gain such an affinity, several restrictions are in place.

XP gains for this power are reduced by a factor of 15 and you will be unable to take the ability above Professional: 1 without the relevant perk.

Said perk will be available from level 30 onwards.

...

Yeah, after Fay’s description that’s about what I expected. The wording and the issues with the power were almost word for word the same as for Psychometry; bar the fact the penalty factor was fifteen instead of ten. This was in keeping with certain Force Powers requiring an innate ability to use, yet the Interface allowed me to slide around those restrictions, to a degree, which while not ideal, was better than never being able to use those powers. Plus, when the description was added to Fay’s words, this seemed like a very impressive and useful power; one that, in the right hands, could be game-breaking. Pun intended. And with me being stuck in the temple for the next half a year, it might be worth training up.

While getting it to Professional:1 would certainly not get me close to the level Windu could use it, I expected at even that level it would be extremely useful. And if I spent the perk point, then I’d have a power that, once trained up, could, in theory, allow me to see paths within visions that were the most beneficial to what I wanted to achieve. Of course, there was the possibility that at level 30 I’d discover more useful perks, but that was just something I’d have to deal with when I reached the level.

“Cam!” The shout of my name drew my thoughts from Shatterpoint – though I knew I’d return to it later – and I turned right just in time to intercept a younger brown mass as it slammed into me. From the horns poking out of the black hair and the familiar sense I got from the child in the Force I quickly worked out it was Tedra. Something confirmed as a young-looking Jedi walked over with a group of Initiates behind him. The group were whispering to each other while staring at Tedra and me.

“Hello, Tedra. It’s been a while.” As I spoke, I ran my hand over her hair, making sure to avoid the horns.

“Initiate Zill,” Tedra pulled back from the hug as Fay spoke to look up at her, “it is good to see you again. How are your studies going?”

Tedra bowed her head to Fay before answering. “Master Fay. It’s ok, I guess. The classes can be a bit boring, and I don’t like being told what to do.” The Jedi that was the one escorting her group came closer even as Fay commented.

“To become a good Jedi, you must understand the fundamentals of the Force, Initiate. And while we understand why you dislike having to follow their orders, your minders are only trying to look out for you.”

“I know,” Tedra all but whined, “but what’s outside the Temple is just so cool.”

I frowned even as I saw most of her clanmates had shifted their focus to Fay. “Tedra, are you…”

“Initiate Zill!” The loud, slightly exasperated tone of the approaching Jedi cut me off from asking if Tedra was sneaking out of the temple, and had me instantly disliking him. “You shouldn’t be bothering senior Jedi!”

“She wasn’t bothering anyone,” I shot back. The Human male’s eyes shifted to me, before widening a touch though they widened even further when he looked at Fay. “After all, we were the ones to find and bring her to the Order.”

“M-Master Fay, I’m sorry if the Initiate caused you any bother.” This Jedi choosing to ignore me further soured my opinion of him. “While she is gifted with the Force, she is far more... rumbustious than most Initiates.”

“As my Padawan stated, Initiate Zill was not bothering us. That said, I’m not surprised she is having issues settling into the Jedi way of life.” Fay’s tone was light, but the slight tightening at the corners of her lips let me know she wasn’t impressed with this Jedi. Likely from his decision to ignore me. “As you appear to be her clan’s minder, I assume you were briefed on the fact that before we found her, she had grown up a slave?”

The other Jedi blinked a few times before he looked down at Tedra as if seeing her for the first time. “I did not. The origins of new Younglings and Initiates are not something generally revealed to those who chose to teach them. The Council feels that way we won’t judge them on where and how they came to us. Or that is at least the case with most cases.” He paused and looked my way, which made me smirk. It wasn’t every day that the Jedi got a new Initiate who was technically older than even Grandmaster Yoda. Quickly, his gaze shifted back to Tedra. “I have only been assigned to Soaring Hawkbat Clan for a few months, but that piece of information does explain her… rougher edges.”

“Nothing wrong with being rough around the edges.”

Fay chuckled once at my retort. “No there isn’t. However, it means it takes longer for what is underneath to be polished into a corusca gem.” That made me chuckle even as she directed her focus to the other Jedi. “Which is why we will be staying in the Temple for at least half a year. Something I suspect Initiate Zill will be glad to hear.”

I lowered my head, understanding both the compliment and note of caution in her words, though any retort was cut off by Tedra, who with a squeal of delight, hugged me once again.

Once I’d eased her off, I looked down at her and ruffled her hair. “I’ll talk with you later, but for now I think you should rejoin your clanmates.” She smiled then, after giving Fay a nod, did as I suggested and walked over to the group.

“I take it this is your first time working with Initiates?” Fay’s question drew my attention from Tedra – who was quickly engulfed by her clanmates so they could question her – to the clan-minder.

“Yes, Master Fay. After passing my Trials of Knighthood at the turn of the year, I felt that spending time giving back to the Order by helping the next generation would be a good way to spend my time until I felt ready to venture out into the wider galaxy.” He smirked as he looked back at his clan. “Perhaps I might even find my first Padawan among the Initiates.” He paused and his eyes widened a fraction. “Ah, forgive me.” He lowered his head to both of us. “I’m Cheenn Eislard and while I’d love to speak with you about Initiate Zill’s past, I need to escort the clan to their next class.”

“Of course, Knight Eislard. Though when time allows, could you send me a copy of the clan’s schedule so I might arrange a time for us to catch up with Initiate Zill in greater detail.”

Eislard nodded. “Of course, Master Fay. Good day to the both of you.” After nods from us, he turned and walked away, gathering up the members of the Initiate clan, though the group seemed to still be focused on Tedra as he led them away.

“An unexpected, but not unwelcome, encounter.” Fay’s remark drew my attention and I saw she’d taken a few steps away from me. “And apart from having to remember to send a message to Miss Iradel on Mtael’s Gift,” I groaned at hearing the name for the Lokella’s station, which made Fay’s smile grow, “to let her know how Initiate Zill is doing, I wonder if we might run into others who would be glad to see you return. Some more so than others.”

“Master,” I groaned out, knowing full well she was once more teasing me about my friendship with Serra. While Dooku was less than thrilled about how close I was to my fellow Padawan, Fay took it as an easy way to needle me for her amusement. Not that I minded all that much when, as was often the case, her musical laughter filled the corridor.

… …

… …

“So how long are you back for this time?”

I looked up from my breakfast – a bowl of fruits grown by the agricorp, some bread, a meat broth and a glass of blue milk – to look over the table at Darihd. When I’d arrived in this mess hall for breakfast I hadn’t expected to see anyone I’d wanted to speak with, but not long after I’d sat down, he came over and joined me; though the other Padawans were keeping their distance without being far enough away that they couldn’t listen in.

“Council mandated at least five months, though I’m not complaining,” I dipped the bread into the broth, “I need the time to… refocus.”

“Yeah, Aayla told us some details about what happened when she arrived back at the temple a few weeks ago with Knight Vos. Plus, Master Sifo-Dyas mentioned you’d gone through an ordeal.” After taking a bite of the now broth-laden bread, instead of my thoughts – once more – drifting back to my ordeal, they turned to the previous evening.

When Fay and I had arrived at the nearest training area, I’d seen Aayla sparring with Vhiblul Soddid, an Ithorian former member of Dragon Clan who was a few years younger than me, and the last time I’d been in the temple, hadn’t yet been taken as a Padawan. I’d moved closer while observing Aayla had adapted a few Makashi velocities into her style and noted that Vhiblul preferred Niman, though was very, very limited in what she could do with the form. I could see various mistakes both were making, and if the High Council hadn’t banned me from doing so, I’d have pointed out and suggested corrections to them. Yet, before I could reach their sparring circle, Aayla ended the bout with an overly elaborate aerial move. Vos had approached right after and quickly led Aayla away.

After speaking with Vhiblul and discovering she’d been taken by a Jedi Librarian as a Padawan, Fay suggested that Vos had taken Aayla away quickly as they may have another assignment they needed to begin. While that was plausible, I wondered if Vos might’ve done it over some residual anger towards me for his near-death experience at Vosa’s hand.

Until Darihd sat down this morning, Aayla and Vhiblul were the only two people I’d run into that I’d consider friends.

“That’s certainly one way to describe it,” I muttered before taking another bite of my bread. I couldn’t tell what type of meat was in the broth, but it tasted like pork. While exact details of what’d happened to me would eventually spread around the Temple – after all, the only thing quicker than hyperspace were rumours and gossip – the longer it took to spread the less chance there was people would look at me funnily or, Force forbid, ask me about what I’d gone through.

“Right, right.” Darihd quietened down and took a bite from the steak on his plate. As I continued to dip my bread into the broth, I wondered just how it had happened that, out of all my friends, the only male was Darihd. While I’d spent considerable time with Mirali Redi, Raun Wott and Andeeld Krhul – the male members of my team at the Institute on Mandalore – I considered them more teammates than friends. Hell, the male Mandalorian I was closest to was Gar, which since I’d killed his father, was all kinds of fucked up.

“So,” I looked up from my tray – having finished the broth and just picked up a Corellian apple – to see Darihd looking over at me, “you know Serra’s not here, right?”

“Huh.” After that lovely reply, I closed my eyes and reached out with the Force. Using Detection within the Temple was just asking to make the minimap look like a smudge of bright light, but even through all that I failed to sense her. Not in the Temple, the surrounding district, or anywhere even on the planet. I’d not bothered searching for her, or anyone else, last night as I figured I’d just run into them as I spent time in the Temple, so hearing she wasn’t here was a surprise.

“Yeah. Master Drallig was given a mission by the High Council about a week ago. Right after Aayla returned now that I think about it.” Darihd paused and took a sip of his milk, which unlike mine was green instead of blue. “According to Sia-Lan, Master Drallig hasn’t taken a mission off Coruscant in almost a decade. Force, he hasn’t even taken one on the planet since before he became Battlemaster.

“Is that so.” Even as I replied, my mind was playing what Darihd had said, and I quickly suspected the High Council had given Drallig the mission to ensure that Serra wasn’t here when I returned. While that meant Bo and I had more time to unpack my kissing her, it also meant that the person I trusted the most within the Order wasn’t here to help me when I needed them the most. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more I felt it unlikely the Council had given them the mission to ensure I couldn’t meet Serra as acting that petty was beneath them.

“Yeah. Also, Serra mentioned that you did the Mandalorian trial of adulthood.” He leaned closer and I saw a few of the Padawans at nearby tables seemingly perk up at his words. “What did you hunt?”

I put my thoughts on Serra’s absence and what it meant, to one side as I smiled at Darihd. “Dar, you could ask for a week, I doubt you’d even get close to getting the answer.” He leaned closer and movement to my left drew my attention. Three Padawans at another table – one Human, one Duros and one Sullustan – had stopped eating and were now looking our way. As were, I suspected, other Padawans at other tables.

While the Jedi discouraged betting pools, I knew that some did exist among the Initiates and Padawans over chores that needed doing and, as the smile on my face grew wider, I wondered if any of them had gotten close with their guess as to what I’d killed. And how the general Order would react when they learnt I’d killed a Greater Krayt Dragon with nothing more than a knife.

“Was it a rancor?” I chuckled as I took a big bite out of my apple, then shook my head. “A gundark?”

I chucked again even as I chewed. This was going to be fun, and how I wished Belfarr had still been a member of the High Council when this came up so I could see his face as he tried to process everything. That would almost make up for having had to deal with his obnoxious behaviour.

Darihd leaned back and tapped one of his montrals. While it was silly to watch, it was nice, for once, just relax and enjoy the moment. All thoughts of what had and will happen were banished, for the time being.

… …

… …

I shifted around, for the umpteenth time, on the soft cushion seat I was resting on. It was one of the standard cushion seats in the temple that were used but, as had been the case since I’d returned to the temple, I was finding myself unable to sit comfortably enough to meditate for more than a few minutes at a time.

I opened my eyes to see Fay and Jedi Healer Stass Allie sitting on their cushions nearby. Both looked comfortable and deep in meditation, which allowed me to focus on Stass. She was the healer assigned to me by the High Council and from what the Jedi records revealed was that apart from being a member of the Circle of Healers, was one of the youngest to ever be granted that honour having been added to the Circle not long after being knighted. Stass was, according to her and Fay, well versed in helping with psychological issues and had been the one to help Bultar Swan recover from her ordeal several years ago; though they still spoke a few times a month when Bultar needed to.

While I was still reluctant to have her around, since Yaddle had been the one to introduce us and Fay trusted the diminutive Jedi, I was willing to let Stass help me; or at least more so than if it had been some random Jedi assigned by the High Council. Though even there I might not have been too concerned as while the Jedi had to listen to the High Council, healers had a code that, while not identical to the Hippocratic Oath, was similar enough that most of what I’d revealed in our sessions wouldn’t be passed on to the council; not unless it threatened the very Order as a whole.

And while I disliked having to spend eight or nine sessions – varying from thirty minutes to two hours – each day with Fay and Stass, I’d take them over my classes any chance I could. Those were, unsurprisingly, so fucking boring it was ridiculous. Plus, the Council always had someone monitoring my classes to ensure I didn’t stray far – if at all – from the interpretations the High Council pushed. That, when combined with my lack of interest in teaching the classes, meant I was barely getting one-third of the XP I should. Haran, even when I did try and enjoy the classes, I could barely get the XP rewards above forty per cent of normal.

Once more I moved in the seat, though this time it made a faint noise which was enough to make both female Jedi open their eyes. Neither said anything, but after a month of this it was clear to me both were concerned at my struggles to meditate properly; never mind releasing my feelings over what the Bando Gora had done to me into the Force. And while I’d love to be able to do that too, Eidetic Memory was making it all but impossible to do so.

Slowly Fay moved to stand, a faint frown marring her face. “Perhaps we should try something different. Stand up.”

After I’d stood, and Stass had joined us, Fay lifted all three seats to the corner of the room with the Force. “Even before what happened, it was obvious to Master Dooku and me that you struggle to find a calm centre when meditating. Or at least fail to sink into the Force as deeply as someone with the strength of connection you have should. After a month of sessions, it has become obvious to me that even the limited centring you could manage with even levitating meditation has decreased dramatically. You can no longer sink into the eddies of the Force to release your burden into it. Therefore, I wish to try something that, for most Padawans, would not be considered.”

“Ok.” Nothing Fay said wasn’t true as, outside of the boost to regenerating my FP, I just didn’t get as much relaxation or the ability to centre myself out of meditating as other Jedi did. Sinking into the Force was harder than Fay, Dooku and others had said it should be, and while I could touch the Force it always felt as if there was something in the way. For the longest time I hadn’t given that much thought, but since learning that I was distant within the Force to others, it had been something that had been on my thoughts a lot. Or at least when I wasn’t experiencing disorientating flashbacks to my imprisonment.

The most recent time had been when in one of the temple’s elevators. The regular passing of lights as we descended triggered a memory where that motherfucking bastard had tortured me using light patterns and whenever I gave an answer he didn’t like – which was all the fucking time – he’d electroshock me at best. If I didn’t know he was dead and gone, I’d have happily spent years hunting him down to show him my gratitude for what he’d done. Force, there were moments where I wondered if I could raise him from the dead simply to kill him all over again.

I was drawn from my darker thoughts, and the worried frown Stass sent my way, by Fay stepping into the middle of the now cleared room and beginning to move. I was transfixed as she glided around the room with a grace that would make every dancer on Earth green with envy. The way she twisted, twirled and turned made it clear that even at over seven hundred years old, she was incredibly limber. My mind, as much as I didn’t want it to, wandered as I watched her move, and from the way Stass’ eyes widened, I suspected she too was enamoured with Fay’s display as even in simple Jedi robes, it was easy to see how flexible and trained Fay’s body was.

For a moment I thought she was channelling Niman into her movements, but that might simply have been my imagination as almost all the gyrations she performed weren’t in any way linked to a lightsaber form. Other elements of this dance, from which I was slowly feeling my body react, reminded me of non-aggressive martial arts like Judo and Aikido, which made sense given Fay’s preference to avoid combat where possible. At about the same time, I started to feel a shift in the Force, as it seemed to react to her movements and joined in with her. The sense of calm clarity and sereneness that began to radiate from Fay was awe-inspiring as it felt as if she had sunk so far into the Force that she and it were now of one heart and mind: moving together in perfect synchronicity.

Just as quickly as she’d started, she stopped. While her breathing was measured, her cheeks had darkened slightly, yet far less than I’d expected, and it was the only hint she’d done such a complicated and incredible dance.

“I, uh, um…” I mumbled out words, trying to clear my thoughts of a growing desire after seeing her dance – and calling it that felt like an insult – and the lovely shade of pink her face had turned. Fay smiled, seemingly amused by my reaction and I felt my knees tremble in response.

“That was a variant of Alchaka, a more advanced form of moving meditation that is normally only taught once a Jedi has been knighted. However, in your case, I feel it might be of more use than standard meditation practices.”

“While the Circle of Healers and the High Council may not approve of this, I bow to your experience in how best to help your Padawan, Master Fay.” As Stass spoke, I wondered why such a form of meditation wasn’t taught to Padawans.

“In its purest form, Alchaka is when one strong in the Force allows themselves to sink deeply into the Force. This is done by performing a series of highly complex and energetic movements such that, as the movements are completed the mind of the practitioner relaxes unconsciously and allows the Force to guide, help and move with them. The movements often, but not always, have their basis in a form of martial combat and while some can achieve this state with a lightsaber, it is generally not encouraged as then the Jedi subconsciously expects to begin meditating while using their blade.” From what Fay was saying, it seemed I had it wrong about her using some Niman in her moves. Still, the moves she did do, even before hearing her explain more about Alchaka, were clearly from a combat form meaning she was still able to fight without the Force if the need ever arose.

“It is also a highly personal matter; one often not shown even to your Padawan or master.” I lowered my head, letting her know I understood that what I’d seen was a highly private thing and that I was grateful for the demonstration. “However, you have always been someone who learns better by doing, be it learning to use the Force in a certain way or developing a more common skill. A fact I often lament on when worrying that you’ve yet to understand the deeper intricacies of the Force when asking it for help.” Stass smiled at that comment, while I accepted it simply. Even before my rebirth, I’d always been more hands-on in how I learnt so having that magnified by the Interface wasn’t the worst event. “What I just demonstrated for you was… a very slowed-down snippet of the routine I often commit to when using Alchaka,” I felt my brow rise at hearing she’d been going slow for my benefit as what I’d seen had been anything but slow or easy. “Now, while Healer Allie is right that the Council may not approve of me teaching this to you now - especially since they’ve banned you from any form of combat training - since Alchaka is a form of meditation, there is little they can do about me teaching it to you.” A small smile crept onto my face; one mirrored by my master.

She stepped back, giving me the centre of the room, and Stass followed suit. “As I suspect the Mandalorian combat styles of Beskar’rev and Beskar’pel are the ones you’re most comfortable with, I want you to start with those. Take it slow to ensure that you don’t push too hard and to allow you to open your mind to the Force as you move.”

I did as she suggested, however instead of adopting a Mandalorian stance, I took an elementary Judo one. It was far more reactionary than those used by the Mandalorian martial arts, but I’d found in sparring with Bo that it gave me time to adapt to her attacks and develop counters without relying too heavily on the Force. Plus Judo, and the bits and pieces of other Earth-based martial arts, were unknown to Bo making them useful for surprising her as I adapted them into my fighting style.

“Stop!” I’d barely begun to move before Fay called out. “Don’t think about your movements. This is not a class where you are learning from or teaching others. Let yourself go and relax. The Force will, I hope, first begin to move with you; flowing around you as if the wind is responding to your touch. Once you feel that, increase your speed until you find a rhythm where you feel both you and the Force are in tune.”

“I’d also suggest closing your eyes,” Stass offered. “Many who meditate this way find it easier to remove the visual distraction of their actions and focus inward.”

I took a breath before closing my eyes and sliding back into an opening stance. As Fay had instructed, I moved slowly, mapping out my actions in my mind instead of watching where my limbs were. I knew I had room to move around, but not wanting to risk it, I kept things simple and stayed in the centre of the room. The movements, from both my lives, came easily to me, yet as I moved I failed to sense any change in the Force around me.

“That’s better. Just keep going, open your mind and trust in yourself and the Force.”

Fay’s words, while predictable, were helpful as almost any support was better than none. I continued to essentially shadow-fight while trying to make my moves more instinctual instead of methodical. Slowly I could feel myself merging various combat styles into new movements while not actively thinking about doing so.

Time seemed to slow – or I’d been this way for ages but had lost track of time, though that was unlikely with how the Interface helped my mind focus – until eventually, I felt something shift nearby. Instinctively, I knew it wasn’t Fay or Stass moving, yet I couldn’t quite grasp what it was. Whatever was there was faint, as if standing on the other side of a door or outside a window, and as I continued, I felt whatever it was begin to mirror my movements.

I swore I felt something brush against me like a gentle breeze, but nothing was there. Or like water cascading over a raincoat that I was wearing. It wasn’t guiding my actions, but neither was it following. Instead it, and I realised it was the Force, was moving with me. Not in perfect sync as I could still sense the slight delay in its reaction, but it was still there and trying to move with me. While the Force was remote, I still felt an incredible warmth and comforting feeling wrap around me.

Thoughts of where I was, and what I was doing, drifted away as I focused on the Force as it mirrored my actions. For the first time in months, if not ever, I truly felt myself connect with the Force without any concerns or negative emotions getting in the way. The faint yet all-encompassing feeling of being enveloped in something far grander, ancient, yet more benign, was incredible. Without even trying, I could sense Fay and Stass as they mediated nearby. I could faintly perceive other Jedi within the Temple as they went about their daily business. Some flickered in the Force more brightly than others, though all sparked within its eddies. All in all, this was an incredibly awe-inspiring feeling that, while still feeling that I could sink further into the Force, was more comforting than anything I’d ever felt before.

Eventually, after Force knew how long, I started slowing my movements; letting The Force withdraw from me. The process was slow, gentle, almost as if it didn’t want to pull back but understood it needed to. As if it was a friend reluctantly saying goodbye but knowing we’d meet again.

When I opened my eyes, breathing only slightly heavier than I’d been before I started, I saw that Fay and Stass were stationary on their seats, meditating deeply. That gave me time to open a new notice in the Interface.

Force Power Discovered

Alchaka

An advanced form of Force Serenity that is achieved while carrying out other activities.

...

I was a little surprised to see that come up as a Force Power, but after checking the base regeneration rate – and discovering the power had levelled up seven times already – I realised that once maxed out it would likely grant a greater FP regen rate than what Serenity provided. Putting that aside, I looked at my chronometer and inhaled sharply. A little over six hours had passed since I’d started my meditation. While I’d half expected it due to the level-ups Alchaka had gained, it was still shocking as it hadn’t felt as if that much time had passed.

My breathing, while faster than normal, wasn’t too deep and my heart rate was barely beyond where it would be after a light jog. What I did notice was that I felt more refreshed and centred than I’d been in… possibly ever. It was almost as if today, for the first time, I’d sunk into the Force far enough that I’d started gaining the more esoteric benefits it provided to other Jedi. And yet, I felt there was still further and deeper I could go; if whatever was preventing the Force from coming closer was removed. All in all, it was incredible.

“It is indeed.” I pivoted to see Fay had broken from her trance. She was looking up at me with a large smile that only enhanced her elegance. “While simple meditation, be it sitting, moving or levitation, is calming and grants one a sense of being part of a larger whole, it is nothing compared to the sense of fullness and completeness that mastering Alchaka grants. This is why it is one of the most fundamental skills taught to full Jedi since the days of the Je’daii Order on Typhon.”

“Master Fay is correct, though I must admit I hadn’t considered the benefits of teaching it to more mature Padawans after an ordeal. Nor how effective it might be in helping one handle the issues that arise from such ordeals.” Stass added as she and Fay stood then she glanced at her wrist. “However, while today has clearly been beneficial as we can both sense your calmness, this is but the beginning of your recovery, not the end. I expect you back here tomorrow bright and early for our first session.” I nodded in understanding, which earned me a smile before she turned to face Fay. “That said, if his process of releasing his emotions linked to Komari Vosa into the Force continues as successfully as they have today, I suspect we will soon be able to decrease the number of daily sessions required.”

“Thank you, Healer Allie.” I bowed as I spoke and chose not to focus on her bringing up Vosa. I knew it was an intentional move to see how I’d react and while I was nowhere near ready to forgive – and truthfully, I likely never would no matter how much the Jedi wanted me to let go of my feelings regarding Vosa – I couldn’t deny that this was the first session that felt as if something had changed for the better.

“There is nothing to thank me for, Cameron. The suggestion regarding Alchaka was Master Fay’s, which is hardly a surprise because, as you would suspect, she does know you far better than I do. Even if we spent every waking moment together for the rest of the year, I feel that would still be the case.” She chuckled at her joke as I slapped aside thoughts that started conjuring in my mind. Stass was in her late twenties and while the strange hat and skin flaps that fell from it were off-putting, she was a remarkably attractive woman. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. My Padawan is likely wondering why I missed dinner.” I chuckled at that even as Fay lowered her head.

“Yes, I’m sure they’ll be confused. Until tomorrow, Healer Allie.”

“Master Fay, Padawan.”

“Healer.”

Even as I watched Stass leave, my mind was already playing over what I’d experienced today. The kind of connection to the Force that I’d experienced, while something that both my masters hinted at was normal for all Force users, was a first for me. Yet, even though my connection felt far… cleaner and clearer, there was no denying the Force still felt more isolated than it should be. Perhaps this again linked to what the High Council had said about my presence within the Force seeming dulled.

I shook my head. I’d spent enough time over the last month mulling on that throwaway comment and didn’t feel like dwelling on it today. Instead, I was curious if, for the first time since arriving at the Temple, I would be able to sleep without Player’s Mind and not be subjected to the horrors that haunted my nightmares.

… …

… …

Bo-Katan was glad her helmet was on as she walked down the darkened street on a level about sixty below the surface of Coruscant. Seeing people huddling on the streets, begging for a few credits while roving groups of scum wandered around demanding protection money from the various merchants that worked down here continually made her want to find her sister and drag her down here. This level of decay and poverty, on the capital world of her vaunted Republic, showed Bo-Katan just how flawed the ideals those dar’manda worshipped were.

Still, at least Satine was beginning to change. Yes, she was still a peace-loving fool, but from the few talks the two sisters had had, Bo-Katan was seeing the blinders that Satine had been wearing were slipping. Satine still believed in the ideals of the Republic, of peace, but she now seemed to understand that there were flaws in the system; something that if Bo-Katan had mentioned to Satine before she’d left for Coruscant over two years ago would’ve resulted in the two having to be separated by their father or brother. Now, while their words were still heated, Bo-Katan didn’t feel a major urge to smack her sister around the head until the stupid leaked out. And, as much as it irked Bo-Katan, she had Master Fay to thank for that.

It was the ageless Jedi who had arranged the dinner between the sisters a few weeks after Cam had been locked in the Jedi Temple, though the Jedi had chosen not to tell Bo-Katan who else was coming. Still, she could admit that the Jedi’s heart had been in the right place and, as much as she still didn’t believe it, she’d continued having dinner around once a week with her sister. Honestly, she wasn’t sure who was more shocked at this, her, Satine, or their father when the topic had been brought up in a holocall with him.

A group of four Duros approached her, all armed with weapons and Bo-Katan grunted in amusement. Surely, they weren’t going to try and…

“Oi! Mandalorian. Take off that armour or we’ll gut you like a bantha.”

Bo-Katan chuckled in disbelief. While she was going to enjoy what was about to happen, she figured this would stop happening after that incident on level forty-four when she’d left nine humans lying in a pile of their own blood and bile after they threatened to have their way with her.

“Did you hear…”

The lead Duros’ words were cut off by Bo-Katan as she shot him between the eyes. The other three joined him before any could get off a retaliatory shot. She looked around, expecting and hoping there were others as, while this was annoying, it was a better way to spend her time than sitting around the Ne’tra Sartr. As much as she liked that ship, and privately hoped her father would have one made for her once she returned home, there were only so many times she could take comments on her biological nature by that blasted droid. While HK was a trove of stories, his need to put down every being – barring Revan and Cam – drove her nuts. Hence the various wanderings into Coruscant’s lower levels and the revelations about how skin-deep the Republic’s ideals truly were.

Seeing no further threats, Bo-Katan stepped over the four Duros. While she was within her rights to take their credits and weapons, the latter would be, if the previous groups were anything to go by, barely worth a dozen credits between them while she doubted there were a hundred credits between all four of them.

Of course, once it became clear to the locals that she wasn’t going to loot the bodies, nearly a dozen beings surged forward to do so. Before she turned the corner, about a hundred paces later, she glanced back to see the Duros had been stripped over everything bar their undergarments; something she was grateful for as she had shab-all interest in seeing naked Duros; male or female. While there were some alien species that she found attractive – like the green-skinned Twi’lek girl she’d taken to a hotel a few nights ago who could do amazing things with her tongue – most were physically repugnant to her.

The same could be said for most human males who had tried to get into her armour whenever she visited a cantina. Most looked like they’d just crawled out of a spice mine and the few that didn’t… They didn’t measure up. Now that’s not to say there weren’t a few that looked and talked the right way, but whenever a man came toward her and tried to start something, her mind was always comparing them to Cam. And not a single one had come close to measuring up, even if a few had come close to doing enough to persuade her to take them somewhere. Still, after nearly three months on this world, and comparing every male to Cam, Bo-Katan had slowly come around to the idea that not only was Cam an acceptable male for her to pursue if she had to but that she wanted to scratch the itch to see if he was worth the amount of time her mind thought about him.

What was making it hard to do that was the fact Cam was a prisoner within the Jedi Temple. Oh, he and Fay might not say he was, but the fact the Jedi’s High Council wasn’t letting him leave their temple left Bo in no doubt that he was. And as much as she felt they should be able to help him deal with what he’d gone through, rage constantly burned within her from being cut off from the one friend she had on the planet. Still, the up-side was that, until she’d let the issue settle – not die as she would never trust the Jedi as they were nothing more than lapdogs of the Republic Senate – she’d spent days watching beings coming and going from the temple. Haran, she still did. And because of that, she had over three dozen plans with varying likelihoods of success, for breaking into the temple and extracting Cam. And even if things were fine for Cam inside the temple currently, who was to say the situation wouldn’t change and she’d need a way to get to him?

Watching the temple had, beyond being a good way to pass the time on this shabla world, also let her observe Jedi and see how well the Force made them aware of a threat. While she wasn’t a sniper on par with Rook, she’d easily lined up shots on numerous Jedi from various angles, even going so far as to disengage her rifle’s safety. Only two dozen had reacted to her targeting them and four of them were listed in public records as either current or former members of their vaunted High Council. On a few evenings when she’d reconned the temple, she’d spotted a young Zabrak sneaking in and out of the Temple. While Bo-Katan hadn’t found the exact way the youngster was exiting the temple, the fact they could do semi-regularly implied the security was far laxer than Bo-Katan had expected.

Putting those thoughts aside and fighting off an urge to shoot a public news display as it talked about the good work the Senate was doing for the people of the Republic, Bo-Katan slipped through the door of a new cantina. This one was called The False Corn, which while a very stupid name, wasn’t the worst she’d seen over the last few months.

Glad that her helmet filters were working optimally, she looked around the place. Within seconds she’d spotted what looked to be two tables where trading of illegal substances was taking place and another where it looked like a Twi’lek female was being bought for a night. And just like every other night she’d come to a level below twenty, she’d yet to see any sight of planetary security beyond a few droids that never left the docking entrances to the level.

She moved over to an empty alcove and kept scanning the room. Most of the patrons were armed, but she knew she could take all of them; though maybe not all at once. She stopped watching as a blue-skinned Twi’lek that looked about her age approached. After ordering a drink, one she had little interest in drinking, Bo-Katan watched the Twi’lek saunter away. She knew she was doing it on purpose, but Bo-Katan didn’t particularly care choosing to simply enjoy the show.

The Twi’lek returned and placed a mug on her table, along with a glass filled with a green liquid. Her helmet sensors quickly determined it was an Alderaanain brandy and nothing else, but why the drink had been brought over, Bo-Katan didn’t know.

“From the Human at the bar.” Bo-Katan looked past the Twi’lek, though her eyes enjoyed drifting over the large breasts the female had, to see a red-haired male looking her way. The man lifted his glass, which made her roll her eyes. Yes, the man was fairly attractive, and with the red hair and faint green eyes, in a dark room, she might mistake him for Cam, but the smarmy grin on his face instantly made her blood run cold. Haran, she felt more of a need to simply shoot him instead of even talking to him.

She slid the glass back to the bartender. “Not my type. Of drink or lover.” The Twi’lek’s brow rose as Bo-Katan tilted her head to make it clear what she preferred.

Sadly, the Twi’lek didn’t do anything about Bo-Katan’s desire, nor did she take the glass when she left. Bo-Katan sighed as she once more watched the Twi’lek leave then groaned as the red-haired human begin to approach.

Not reading the air, the male slid into the seat next to her, one hand coming to rest on her armoured thigh. “I don’t think...ugh, AARGH!!” whatever he planned to say was cut off as Bo-Katan grabbed the offending hand, twisted it back before slamming it onto the table, and then with her other hand, drove a knife through the palm; jamming it into the table.

“Sooran shab!” she growled as she stood, ignoring the man’s cries of anguish. Her blood sang for her to do more to him, to make him suffer, but she wasn’t going to kill over such an offence, though he was lucky that was all she did for daring to touch her.

The movement of chairs in the cantina drew her attention away from the wailing hodar, and she saw about a dozen beings had stood; most moving their hands to their blasters. She tensed, wondering which of them would do anything about her actions; silently hoping someone would.

At least then, this evening wouldn’t be a complete waste of time.

… …

… …

“What? You really did that?” Sia-Lan’s face, like that of the others around us, was a mix of shock and awe at hearing what I’d killed for my verdgoten and how. After listening to Her, Darihd and others try and fail for months to guess what I’d killed, I’d finally shown mercy on them.

“Aye. I…” My voice trailed off as, somewhere else in the canteen, I heard a female laugh.

Instantly my mind was drawn back to Vosa; hearing her laugh echo around my head and I found myself back in that room, restrained and naked as she sauntered towards me.

“Have you missed me?” her fingers came up and caressed my cheek. “I’ve thought of nothing else but seeing you again, watching you see the truth about the Jedi, and then us ruling the galaxy.” She leaned forward, until I could feel her breath on my ears. “All you have to do is admit that the Jedi, the Republic is wrong, flawed, and all this will end. Then we can celebrate our future together.”

I shivered, fighting to ignore the way her body felt against mine as she pressed against me as the cold air in the room blew over my naked body.

This wasn’t real, it wasn’t.

A hand slid over my stomach, flicking my nipples. “Are you there yet? Can you see the truth,” her voice whispered huskily into my ear. “Or is further incentive required?”

From the shadows he appeared, the Sith-cursed hypo-syringe in one hand and a long, thin and disturbingly twisted knife in the other.

I found renewed strength to fight, yet my chains only grew tighter. He moved closer, a deranged grin plastered inhumanly to his face.

“The Priestess needs you to be ready.” His voice dripped with fanaticism as I felt the knife graze against my knee, drawing blood. “To have you see the light and embrace the true path.”

I stayed still, scared to make things worse as the knife slowly crept upwards, a thin red line trailing in its wake.

I tensed, fearful of what was to…

“Cam? Cam!” I felt myself being shaken hard and blinked. My terror, my helplessness, faded as Player’s Mind filtered my emotions from my mind and I found myself looking at the scared faces of Sia-Lan and Darihd.

“I,” I licked my lips, finding them strangely dry. “I’m fine. Just a memory I’d rather not relive.” My response was blunt, lacking any real emotion, but that was precisely why I’d somehow engaged Player’s Mind. This wasn’t the first time I’d suffered a flashback like this - Force, it was the ninety-sixth time since I’d come back to the Temple - but every time I’d eventually managed to engage my unique ability to cut off the fear rampaging through my body.

I knew it was dangerous to keep relying on Player’s Mind like this, but I had no other choice. I… I wasn’t ready to truly face what had happened to me. I needed the enforced calm the power brought.

“You sure?”

I forced a smile onto my face. “Yeah. Where was I?” I didn’t need them asking about what was wrong, so returning to the story was the logical course of action.

… …

… …

I lifted my head from the datapad I was reading – this one covering the events that led to the formation of the Trade Federation and how they’d developed a near total monopoly on Outer Rim trade – and looked toward the door of my quarters as it buzzed.

A quick use of Detection confirmed it wasn’t Fay nor any of the several dozen Padawans and Knights that had a connection to. Curious as to why anyone would come to my room at such a late hour – it was a little past twenty-two hundred – I lowered my book and spoke. “Enter.”

Knight Cheen Esilard stepped in. While he moved calmly, the way his eyes searched my quarters before his shoulders slumped let me know something was wrong; most like regarding Tedra.

“Knight Eislard, how can I help you?” Even as I spoke, I started to reach out with Detection.

“Padawan, I was wondering if you’d spoken to Initiate Zill today?” His tone is measured but because I’m already reaching out through the Force, I can easily sense his worry. One I’m beginning to share when I fail to sense Tedra within the Temple.

“No. I last spoke to her a few days ago over lunch.” My reply is honest as having a meal with Tedra at least once a month had been a feature of the last three months while I’d been stuck in the temple. Though what I left out, for now, was the fact Tedra had been regaling me with how she’d found another way to slip out of the Temple. While she’d only done that a handful of times – that I knew of – the fact she was missing and not in the temple had me concerned that something had happened to her during her latest jaunt.

“Ah. I’d been hoping…” he trailed off mid-sentence then with a loud sigh, shook his head. “Initia… Tedra missed her morning classes and after discovering no one had seen her since last night, the temple was searched but no sign of her has been found. She’s disappeared a few times before, but after learning about her past from you and Master Fay, I’ve been willing to overlook that. At least until now. With her missing for nearly a day now, I’m growing anxious that something’s happened to her.”

As he spoke I finally sensed Tedra through the Force. I could tell exactly where she was, only that she was somewhere westward of me, and on a lower level. From the stories Bo had told me when we’d spoken, that set off kinds of red flags in my head, and with barely a thought, I pulled my communicator to me.

As it flew towards me, I reviewed everything Tedra had told me. Not just about how she’d slipped out of the temple, but of any issues she’d had with her clanmates – nothing too major beyond a few comments regarding her ‘heritage’ – her teachers – just that they were all boring and, in Tedra’s words, had a stick so far up their arse you could see them when they spoke – or just in general. Nothing stood out that would make me think she’d run away from good from the Order, but it wasn’t a possibility I couldn’t discount.

“Hey, Cam. Just to check and say I’ve gone out for some air. Should be back soon though.” Tedra’s voice filled the room after I pulled up a message that’d come in last night, but I hadn’t noticed as with me being in the temple, I barely needed to check the communicator. While Tedra had messaged me every time she’d vanished, I’d rarely heard the message before she was back and meeting up with me, so checking it wasn’t a high priority. Clearly, that had been a mistake. “I’ll be back by lunch, just in case the overlord comes asking.”

Normally I would’ve chuckled at hearing her nickname for Eislard as she did enjoy using it when venting, but given the current situation, I had no desire to laugh. And the new notice in my Interface only confirmed that.

Quest Alert!

Initiate Lost [֍]

Tedra Zill, the initiate you brought to the Jedi, is missing.

Rating: C

Objectives:

Locate Tedra Zill and return her to the Jedi Temple alive and well.

Rewards:

900XP

Small to average increases in reputation with members of the Jedi Order

An average to large increase in reputation with Tedra Zill

Failure:

The possibility of injury to Tedra Zill

The possibility Tedra Zill will not return to the Jedi Order

The possibility Tedra Zill may die due to your failure

Accept?

Yes/No

...

“What did she mean by ‘gone out for some air’?” Eislard’s question prevented me from thinking about the new quest, but the fact one of the penalties for failure was the risk of Tedra dying was going to bounce around my head until I found her. I paused and took a few deep, calming breaths to prevent any worry from rising in me; or for it to mix with my issues that liked to pop up when I was stressed or unbalanced.

Once I was calmer, I ignored Eislard’s question and opened a channel with my communicator.

“Yes?”

“Master, there’s a problem with Tedra.” Even though I couldn’t see her, I knew that alone would’ve made Fay stop whatever she was doing. “Knight Eislard is here and after searching the temple for a day, there's no sign of Tedra. She said something about going out for air, so I suspect she’s found a way to slip outside the temple as I know she often finds it restricting to stay inside the walls.

There was a moment’s pause before Fay replied. “Yes, that is a concern. Is it safe to assume that the areas where Initiates can and can’t go have been searched?”

“Yes, Master Fay. The Temple guards have already searched the gardens, classrooms, training halls and even the holocron vault for her.” As Eislard answered I was glad that Fay didn’t ask how I was so certain Tedra had left the temple over an open line. Though I knew that once the situation was resolved, there'd be a long discussion about this as while Fay knew Tedra was slipping outside the temple, she’d chosen not to report it as a favour to me. “After searching everywhere and reviewing the security logs, the last sign of her was just past twenty-three hundred last night.”

“Very well. I will head to the hangar and secure a flyer. Knight Eislard, please meet me there.”

“Yes, Master Fay.” The Jedi Knight turned and walked quickly from the room, not even bothering to acknowledge me in the process. The moment the doors closed, Fay spoke again.

“Cameron, while I understand that you wish to be involved in the search, with the High Council restricting you to the temple, you can’t. If you walk towards any entrance or the hanger, the Temple Guard will likely block your exit and escort you back to your quarters. As such, there is no way you can visibly leave the temple.”

I smirked as while Fay had made it clear I couldn’t leave a normal way, she’d made no reference to the fact I could phase through walls or teleport outside, which had to be intentional. “I understand, Master.”

“Good. I will keep you updated on the search. However, it might be wise to contact Miss Kryze. She has likely spent time exploring the area near and beneath the Temple over the last few months and may have an idea of where Initiate Zill has gone.”

“Yes, Master. And may the Force be with you.”

Even as the commlink signalled the channel had been closed, I was moving. I clipped my lightsaber to my belt before my room faded into a sea of silver.

… …

… …