As a quick disclaimer I do not own or wish to profit off of Star Wars and all of my original ideas in this are not to be used without my permission. I hope you enjoy this preview!
The Curse of Byntaru (formerly Dark Jedi): Chapter 1
Luke Skywalker strode down the open corridor on the way to his private chamber. Beyond the transparisteel walls of the corridor lay the brilliant sunset of Yavin 4, the two moons offsetting the sun as it slowly sunk beneath the horizon, casting rays of light all over the jungle. Luke had not realized how much he would miss the familiar sights of the Jedi academy, but after being light years away in the Corellian system facing near death it was good to be back. It was a peaceful time for the Jedi master - a time in which life finally seemed to be settling back into its normal pattern. Just then Luke realized he had stopped walking and was gazing out at the sunset. He did not mind, however, for he was in no hurry. With all the recent adventure Luke needed a little time for reflection and meditation.
He found himself thinking about Gaeriel Captison again. He wanted to shove the thought of her as far away from him as possible for grief, but his training had taught him better. He had mourned for her and visited her daughter. Malinza would be well cared for, he was sure of it. There was no more to be done, and Luke also knew better than to dwell in his thoughts. He would always remember Gaeriel and that thought gave him peace, but their time together was in the past.
So Luke moved onward through the corridor to his private chamber. Once inside he walked over to the holoprojector and punched in the appropriate code. He had promised to contact Leia and Han once he had returned to Yavin 4, and he was looking forward to seeing them. Just then a three familiar faces flickered into view.
"Hi Uncle Luke!" Shouted Jaina, Jacen and Anakin in unison.
"Hi kids," said Luke with a smile. It seemed the bubbly happiness of the children never failed to put a smile on his face. "Are your parents there?" Right then another figure appeared.
"Oh, hi Luke."
"Hello, Leia."
"Just a second, let me get Han in here."
"All right." Leia left the view of the holoprojector, and the children started up a conversation.
"So Uncle Luke what's happening at the academy? Are you training with lightsabers?" Asked Jacen, his excitement evident.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," said Luke, "but there's only informal training right now. Many of our students are away, and I guess you could say there's a lull in activity."
"Aww, that's too bad," said Jaina.
"Actually, it gives your uncle a little time to rest," said Han as he entered the view screen. "Hey Luke, good to see you."
"Good to see you to, Han," said Luke. "So how is everyone over there on Coruscant?" Han smiled lopsidedly, Leia let out a sigh and the children averted their eyes. For the first time Luke noticed some unidentifiable hunk of broken machinery in the corner, letting off a small amount of smoke.
"Back to normal," said Leia, "but at least we're home."
"Then you're planning to stay there for a while?"
"Yeah," said Han, "This family's had enough adventure for one vacation. How about you, Luke?"
"Same here. Where's Chewie?"
"He's sleeping," said Han, "I thought it best not to wake him up."
"Ah, I see," said Luke. "By the way, any news from Lando?"
"Not yet," said Han, "last I heard he was still on Drall helping Tendra contact her homeworld. They aren't having much luck though, with all the commotion over the Triad on Saccoria. "
"I'm sure they'll get things sorted out soon," said Luke. "Will you be playing a part in that Leia?"
"No, thank goodness," said Leia with obvious relief. "As Chief of State I would normally have to oversee the sorting out of all the legal issues but Admiral Ackbar took that job on himself. He said he was sure that I would like to return to Coruscant with my family and I thanked him generously."
"It was good of him to do it," said Han. "Finally we can relax and have some peace and quiet."
"And boredom," sighed Jacen. Then he flinched as he realized his mistake.
"Isn't it past their bedtime?" Leia asked Han.
"Why, I believe it is," said Han with a wry smile. "C'mon kids, time for bed." A chorus of objections from the children followed.
"Listen to your parents, you three," said Luke, "and be good." At this Jacen, Jaina and Anakin stopped whining and engaged in subdued pouting.
"We will, Uncle Luke."
"Thanks Luke," said Han. He slowly herded the children out of the room, leaving only Leia in view.
"It was great seeing you again, Luke," said Leia.
"I was glad to see you again too," said Luke. "We'll keep in touch."
"Of course," said Leia with a smile, "Goodbye."
Luke shut down the holoprojector and seated himself on a plain chair in the corner of the room. Then he took a deep breath, shut his eyes and began to meditate, to let go of his conscious self. He felt his feelings and his thoughts lift from him, replaced with a peace in his innermost being. Then he felt a tremor of the force, something not right. He tried to identify exactly what it was, but could discern nothing but a blackness that seemed to radiate hatred. Ignoring his desire to break the meditation, he concentrated on whatever it was. It seemed ancient, but if it was its anger and darkness had not diminished with time. Then he heard, no felt, a laughter so cruel it struck a fear and a pain deep within.
Suddenly Luke was jolted out of his meditation by a com buzz at his door. He breathed deeply for a moment to calm his thoughts, but could not determine whether the evil he'd sensed was from the past, present, or future. Perhaps he was just remembering his encounter with the Emperor. Yes, that made sense; Luke remembered having the same feelings when confronted with that evil. And the Emperor did have a laugh that was similar. Yet was it only similar, and not the same as what Luke had just heard?
He got up, feeling not exactly centered after his meditation, and reached out with the force to see who was visiting him. He did not recognize the being behind the door, but he sensed its nervousness clearly. He approached the doorway slowly.
"Come in," Luke said. The automated door opened and there stood the nervous, shifting being he had sensed. It stood about half a meter tall and had rather large black eyes for its size. Its rabbit-like body was covered in a fine golden coat from its two drooping ears that reached nearly half its height to its long tail that allowed it to maintain its balance on two scrawny hind-legs. Luke noticed that in its three fingered hands/claws it held what appeared to be a box of some sort. As soon as it saw Luke the creature's agitation increased, and it started to tremble.
"Ah, great j-Jedi Master Skywalker," said the small figure with a forced smile.
"Yes," said Luke, "that is my name. Who might you be?" Although Luke spoke with a calm, friendly voice the little creature only trembled more furiously. It raised a two-toed foot and began scratching itself behind the ear so quickly that its foot became a blur.
"Uh, yes, my n-n-name is Panjwa. I h-have a m-message to deliver to Jedi m-Master Skywalker." At this Panjwa stopped scratching itself and held up the box it was holding, which Luke now recognized as a message cube. Panjwa held the cube as far from itself as possible (about a foot and a half) as if it were a thermal detonator about to blow, and waited for Luke to take the cube with its eyes closed and teeth clenched.
Luke would have laughed at the ridiculous scene the little creature made, but having witnessed Panjwa's inexplicable, fearful reactions he thought better of it. He took the message cube and examined it, and Panjwa's trembling subsided slightly.
"Thank you," said Luke reassuringly, although he wasn't quite sure what it was exactly he was thanking the creature for yet. Perhaps if he could get it to calm down a bit Panjwa would explain itself. "Will you come inside?"
"Um, uh," Panjwa said uneasily. It glanced up and down the corridor quickly, then stared at Luke for a moment before responding. "y-Yes, certainly." Luke moved aside and the creature hopped in nervously, watching him as it went. After Panjwa entered Luke closed the door, walked over to the corner chair and seated himself. He could not understand what was making Panjwa so afraid of him; Panjwa stood just over a meter away from Luke, wringing its two small hand/claws and staring at him. There could be other things Panjwa feared as well, from the way it had glanced around in the hallway, but once inside Luke's chamber it only seemed to grow more anxious.
"Now," said Luke, "May I ask who this is from?"
"No!" Said Panjwa with wide eyes. "I mean, yes, I mean, uh, I cannot say until you see the message. p-Please Jedi Master sk-sk-Skywalker, please just open the message." There was a tone of urgency in Panjwa's voice that made the Jedi Master very curious, but did not make him any more eager to open the message box. However, Luke could tell that Panjwa meant him no harm and feared that the little creature would die of anticipation and anxiety if Luke waited any longer. If it was some sort of trap he would worry about that later.
"All right," said Luke with a sigh, "what do I do to open it?" As soon as Luke said this Panjwa seemed to forget its fear momentarily. It darted over and began instructing Luke with lightning speed.
"Put the cube on the table. This hand should go here with your forefinger on top. Yes, yes. Now place your other hand right here. Turn it slightly, yes, good." The little creature darted around, arranging the message cube and Luke's hands properly. Once Panjwa had finished it paused and, for a brief moment, smiled at Luke. Then, seemingly remembering its fear, Panjwa stopped smiling, blinked its large eyes once, and hopped back to its meter distance where it commenced trembling. Luke hardly had time to ponder the strangeness of Panjwa's behavior, for right then a holographic image appeared from the message cube.
Luke was surprised to see a foot-tall hologram image of a young girl, not over 15 years old. Her jet-black hair fell loosely over a plain black coverall and cloak, and her complexion was fairly dark. She looked at Luke intensely through gray-brown eyes, giving him the impression that she was looking into him. The holographic image began to speak, and Luke listened with increasing curiosity.
"This message is for Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. I am sorry I could not meet you in person, but the situation is urgent and I must remain here for the moment. Time is short so I will try to tell you all of what I know as quickly as possible:
There was a power-hungry man called Tudaan Porsair who dreamed of total control of the planet Shiopa. Following the way of the Sith to satisfy this hunger, he used the Dark Side to gain a group of human followers called the Dark Lords, naming himself Darth Byntaru. Although he and his followers were unable to achieve any great skill in the force they successfully used violence and mysticism to strike fear into the Fromm, the native inhabitants of Shiopa, and take control of the entire planet.
Porsair was not satisfied with Shiopa's conquest and his rule of tyranny, however, for he had a new goal: reviving the Sith by training an apprentice stronger than himself or any of the Dark Lords. He believed that by doing this he would achieve an even greater dream than Shiopa, although why it would do him any good I cannot understand.
In his search for an apprentice he came across my family. When he found that I was strong in the force he threatened to kill my family if I did not cooperate. I agreed in order to protect my family, and went with him to his palace at Yakuano. There he tried to train me in the Dark Side of the Force, keeping my family hostage in a place hidden from me. I had made it appear in every way possible that I had followed the training - fooling Porsair. He was so obsessed with his 'ultimate goal' that it seems I'd kept my true thoughts and feelings hidden. It was my hope that one day I would be able to find help, to end the Dark Lords' rule of this once free world and save my family.
That brings me to why I sent this message to you. I need your help. Tales of your great deeds reach as far as to Shiopa, and if anyone can understand the importance of preventing a Sith revival it is you. I've kept my secret from Porsair for five years now, but I do not know how much longer it will be until he realizes I am not truly following his training. I wish to stop the Dark Lords and Porsair, but I need your help in order to succeed without endangering any of the Fromm or my family. I pray you believe me. If you do, then I have left instructions to my friend Panjwa. He will give you the proper coordinates for Shiopa and tell you anything that you need to know. If you do not, then I ask that you keep Panjwa with you. It will do him no good to return to Shiopa."
At this the message ended abruptly. Luke stared at the space were the holographic image had been for a second, then looked to Panjwa. The little creature had stopped trembling, but was still staring at Luke, awaiting his next move. Luke looked into Panjwa's mind, searching for any hint of deception, but like he expected there was only fear and uncertainty. Would the Jedi Master agree to go with him, or send him away or even worse, kill him?
"Well, Panjwa," said Luke at last, "I have a few questions to ask you." Panjwa started trembling again, but said nothing.
"First of all, what is her name?" asked Luke, nodding towards the message cube.
"h-Her name is Kularia Dotheri, b-b-but I call her Kula."
"Really," said Luke, "in the message she said you were friends. How did you two come to know one another?"
"I w-was a slave to one of the Dark Lords in the palace Yakuano. All the Fromms are slaves to the Dark Lords. One day, however, my master grew angry and tried to k-kill me. Kula came in and said that she would take care of me for him, and by the way she acted both he and I thought she meant to kill me for him and save him the trouble. So he let me go with her, but instead of killing me she cleaned my wounds and cared for me until I was better. There had been rumors amongst the Fromms that Kula was going to stop the Dark Lords and I asked her if I could help. That's when she sent me h-here, to deliver the message to y-you." Luke shifted slightly in his seat, which caused Panjwa to start trembling more violently. Luke could no longer resist asking.
"Panjwa," Luke said calmly, "why are you so afraid of me?" Panjwa looked surprised at the question.
"y-You are Jedi Master Skywalker. Kula t-t-told me not to be afraid of you, but I cannot help it."
"Why, Panjwa?" Luke persisted.
"You use the f-f-Force like the d-Dark Lords. And you use the same w-weapon." Panjwa pointed weakly to the lightsaber strapped to Luke's waist.
"Panjwa," Luke said, "not all who use the Force are like the Dark Lords. Isn't your friend Kula a perfect example of this to you?"
"Well yes, but…" Panjwa trailed off.
"But what?" Luke said. At this the small creature lifted a furry ear, revealing a long burnt scar across its right shoulder.
"This is what the Fromm know of the Force, Jedi Master Skywalker, and we know it well."
Thank you for taking the time to read this preview, and I hope it's captured your interest. The rest of the story will be completed, and from what I've written I think the ending will be very exciting.
The Curse of Byntaru (formerly Dark Jedi): Chapter 1
Luke Skywalker strode down the open corridor on the way to his private chamber. Beyond the transparisteel walls of the corridor lay the brilliant sunset of Yavin 4, the two moons offsetting the sun as it slowly sunk beneath the horizon, casting rays of light all over the jungle. Luke had not realized how much he would miss the familiar sights of the Jedi academy, but after being light years away in the Corellian system facing near death it was good to be back. It was a peaceful time for the Jedi master - a time in which life finally seemed to be settling back into its normal pattern. Just then Luke realized he had stopped walking and was gazing out at the sunset. He did not mind, however, for he was in no hurry. With all the recent adventure Luke needed a little time for reflection and meditation.
He found himself thinking about Gaeriel Captison again. He wanted to shove the thought of her as far away from him as possible for grief, but his training had taught him better. He had mourned for her and visited her daughter. Malinza would be well cared for, he was sure of it. There was no more to be done, and Luke also knew better than to dwell in his thoughts. He would always remember Gaeriel and that thought gave him peace, but their time together was in the past.
So Luke moved onward through the corridor to his private chamber. Once inside he walked over to the holoprojector and punched in the appropriate code. He had promised to contact Leia and Han once he had returned to Yavin 4, and he was looking forward to seeing them. Just then a three familiar faces flickered into view.
"Hi Uncle Luke!" Shouted Jaina, Jacen and Anakin in unison.
"Hi kids," said Luke with a smile. It seemed the bubbly happiness of the children never failed to put a smile on his face. "Are your parents there?" Right then another figure appeared.
"Oh, hi Luke."
"Hello, Leia."
"Just a second, let me get Han in here."
"All right." Leia left the view of the holoprojector, and the children started up a conversation.
"So Uncle Luke what's happening at the academy? Are you training with lightsabers?" Asked Jacen, his excitement evident.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," said Luke, "but there's only informal training right now. Many of our students are away, and I guess you could say there's a lull in activity."
"Aww, that's too bad," said Jaina.
"Actually, it gives your uncle a little time to rest," said Han as he entered the view screen. "Hey Luke, good to see you."
"Good to see you to, Han," said Luke. "So how is everyone over there on Coruscant?" Han smiled lopsidedly, Leia let out a sigh and the children averted their eyes. For the first time Luke noticed some unidentifiable hunk of broken machinery in the corner, letting off a small amount of smoke.
"Back to normal," said Leia, "but at least we're home."
"Then you're planning to stay there for a while?"
"Yeah," said Han, "This family's had enough adventure for one vacation. How about you, Luke?"
"Same here. Where's Chewie?"
"He's sleeping," said Han, "I thought it best not to wake him up."
"Ah, I see," said Luke. "By the way, any news from Lando?"
"Not yet," said Han, "last I heard he was still on Drall helping Tendra contact her homeworld. They aren't having much luck though, with all the commotion over the Triad on Saccoria. "
"I'm sure they'll get things sorted out soon," said Luke. "Will you be playing a part in that Leia?"
"No, thank goodness," said Leia with obvious relief. "As Chief of State I would normally have to oversee the sorting out of all the legal issues but Admiral Ackbar took that job on himself. He said he was sure that I would like to return to Coruscant with my family and I thanked him generously."
"It was good of him to do it," said Han. "Finally we can relax and have some peace and quiet."
"And boredom," sighed Jacen. Then he flinched as he realized his mistake.
"Isn't it past their bedtime?" Leia asked Han.
"Why, I believe it is," said Han with a wry smile. "C'mon kids, time for bed." A chorus of objections from the children followed.
"Listen to your parents, you three," said Luke, "and be good." At this Jacen, Jaina and Anakin stopped whining and engaged in subdued pouting.
"We will, Uncle Luke."
"Thanks Luke," said Han. He slowly herded the children out of the room, leaving only Leia in view.
"It was great seeing you again, Luke," said Leia.
"I was glad to see you again too," said Luke. "We'll keep in touch."
"Of course," said Leia with a smile, "Goodbye."
Luke shut down the holoprojector and seated himself on a plain chair in the corner of the room. Then he took a deep breath, shut his eyes and began to meditate, to let go of his conscious self. He felt his feelings and his thoughts lift from him, replaced with a peace in his innermost being. Then he felt a tremor of the force, something not right. He tried to identify exactly what it was, but could discern nothing but a blackness that seemed to radiate hatred. Ignoring his desire to break the meditation, he concentrated on whatever it was. It seemed ancient, but if it was its anger and darkness had not diminished with time. Then he heard, no felt, a laughter so cruel it struck a fear and a pain deep within.
Suddenly Luke was jolted out of his meditation by a com buzz at his door. He breathed deeply for a moment to calm his thoughts, but could not determine whether the evil he'd sensed was from the past, present, or future. Perhaps he was just remembering his encounter with the Emperor. Yes, that made sense; Luke remembered having the same feelings when confronted with that evil. And the Emperor did have a laugh that was similar. Yet was it only similar, and not the same as what Luke had just heard?
He got up, feeling not exactly centered after his meditation, and reached out with the force to see who was visiting him. He did not recognize the being behind the door, but he sensed its nervousness clearly. He approached the doorway slowly.
"Come in," Luke said. The automated door opened and there stood the nervous, shifting being he had sensed. It stood about half a meter tall and had rather large black eyes for its size. Its rabbit-like body was covered in a fine golden coat from its two drooping ears that reached nearly half its height to its long tail that allowed it to maintain its balance on two scrawny hind-legs. Luke noticed that in its three fingered hands/claws it held what appeared to be a box of some sort. As soon as it saw Luke the creature's agitation increased, and it started to tremble.
"Ah, great j-Jedi Master Skywalker," said the small figure with a forced smile.
"Yes," said Luke, "that is my name. Who might you be?" Although Luke spoke with a calm, friendly voice the little creature only trembled more furiously. It raised a two-toed foot and began scratching itself behind the ear so quickly that its foot became a blur.
"Uh, yes, my n-n-name is Panjwa. I h-have a m-message to deliver to Jedi m-Master Skywalker." At this Panjwa stopped scratching itself and held up the box it was holding, which Luke now recognized as a message cube. Panjwa held the cube as far from itself as possible (about a foot and a half) as if it were a thermal detonator about to blow, and waited for Luke to take the cube with its eyes closed and teeth clenched.
Luke would have laughed at the ridiculous scene the little creature made, but having witnessed Panjwa's inexplicable, fearful reactions he thought better of it. He took the message cube and examined it, and Panjwa's trembling subsided slightly.
"Thank you," said Luke reassuringly, although he wasn't quite sure what it was exactly he was thanking the creature for yet. Perhaps if he could get it to calm down a bit Panjwa would explain itself. "Will you come inside?"
"Um, uh," Panjwa said uneasily. It glanced up and down the corridor quickly, then stared at Luke for a moment before responding. "y-Yes, certainly." Luke moved aside and the creature hopped in nervously, watching him as it went. After Panjwa entered Luke closed the door, walked over to the corner chair and seated himself. He could not understand what was making Panjwa so afraid of him; Panjwa stood just over a meter away from Luke, wringing its two small hand/claws and staring at him. There could be other things Panjwa feared as well, from the way it had glanced around in the hallway, but once inside Luke's chamber it only seemed to grow more anxious.
"Now," said Luke, "May I ask who this is from?"
"No!" Said Panjwa with wide eyes. "I mean, yes, I mean, uh, I cannot say until you see the message. p-Please Jedi Master sk-sk-Skywalker, please just open the message." There was a tone of urgency in Panjwa's voice that made the Jedi Master very curious, but did not make him any more eager to open the message box. However, Luke could tell that Panjwa meant him no harm and feared that the little creature would die of anticipation and anxiety if Luke waited any longer. If it was some sort of trap he would worry about that later.
"All right," said Luke with a sigh, "what do I do to open it?" As soon as Luke said this Panjwa seemed to forget its fear momentarily. It darted over and began instructing Luke with lightning speed.
"Put the cube on the table. This hand should go here with your forefinger on top. Yes, yes. Now place your other hand right here. Turn it slightly, yes, good." The little creature darted around, arranging the message cube and Luke's hands properly. Once Panjwa had finished it paused and, for a brief moment, smiled at Luke. Then, seemingly remembering its fear, Panjwa stopped smiling, blinked its large eyes once, and hopped back to its meter distance where it commenced trembling. Luke hardly had time to ponder the strangeness of Panjwa's behavior, for right then a holographic image appeared from the message cube.
Luke was surprised to see a foot-tall hologram image of a young girl, not over 15 years old. Her jet-black hair fell loosely over a plain black coverall and cloak, and her complexion was fairly dark. She looked at Luke intensely through gray-brown eyes, giving him the impression that she was looking into him. The holographic image began to speak, and Luke listened with increasing curiosity.
"This message is for Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. I am sorry I could not meet you in person, but the situation is urgent and I must remain here for the moment. Time is short so I will try to tell you all of what I know as quickly as possible:
There was a power-hungry man called Tudaan Porsair who dreamed of total control of the planet Shiopa. Following the way of the Sith to satisfy this hunger, he used the Dark Side to gain a group of human followers called the Dark Lords, naming himself Darth Byntaru. Although he and his followers were unable to achieve any great skill in the force they successfully used violence and mysticism to strike fear into the Fromm, the native inhabitants of Shiopa, and take control of the entire planet.
Porsair was not satisfied with Shiopa's conquest and his rule of tyranny, however, for he had a new goal: reviving the Sith by training an apprentice stronger than himself or any of the Dark Lords. He believed that by doing this he would achieve an even greater dream than Shiopa, although why it would do him any good I cannot understand.
In his search for an apprentice he came across my family. When he found that I was strong in the force he threatened to kill my family if I did not cooperate. I agreed in order to protect my family, and went with him to his palace at Yakuano. There he tried to train me in the Dark Side of the Force, keeping my family hostage in a place hidden from me. I had made it appear in every way possible that I had followed the training - fooling Porsair. He was so obsessed with his 'ultimate goal' that it seems I'd kept my true thoughts and feelings hidden. It was my hope that one day I would be able to find help, to end the Dark Lords' rule of this once free world and save my family.
That brings me to why I sent this message to you. I need your help. Tales of your great deeds reach as far as to Shiopa, and if anyone can understand the importance of preventing a Sith revival it is you. I've kept my secret from Porsair for five years now, but I do not know how much longer it will be until he realizes I am not truly following his training. I wish to stop the Dark Lords and Porsair, but I need your help in order to succeed without endangering any of the Fromm or my family. I pray you believe me. If you do, then I have left instructions to my friend Panjwa. He will give you the proper coordinates for Shiopa and tell you anything that you need to know. If you do not, then I ask that you keep Panjwa with you. It will do him no good to return to Shiopa."
At this the message ended abruptly. Luke stared at the space were the holographic image had been for a second, then looked to Panjwa. The little creature had stopped trembling, but was still staring at Luke, awaiting his next move. Luke looked into Panjwa's mind, searching for any hint of deception, but like he expected there was only fear and uncertainty. Would the Jedi Master agree to go with him, or send him away or even worse, kill him?
"Well, Panjwa," said Luke at last, "I have a few questions to ask you." Panjwa started trembling again, but said nothing.
"First of all, what is her name?" asked Luke, nodding towards the message cube.
"h-Her name is Kularia Dotheri, b-b-but I call her Kula."
"Really," said Luke, "in the message she said you were friends. How did you two come to know one another?"
"I w-was a slave to one of the Dark Lords in the palace Yakuano. All the Fromms are slaves to the Dark Lords. One day, however, my master grew angry and tried to k-kill me. Kula came in and said that she would take care of me for him, and by the way she acted both he and I thought she meant to kill me for him and save him the trouble. So he let me go with her, but instead of killing me she cleaned my wounds and cared for me until I was better. There had been rumors amongst the Fromms that Kula was going to stop the Dark Lords and I asked her if I could help. That's when she sent me h-here, to deliver the message to y-you." Luke shifted slightly in his seat, which caused Panjwa to start trembling more violently. Luke could no longer resist asking.
"Panjwa," Luke said calmly, "why are you so afraid of me?" Panjwa looked surprised at the question.
"y-You are Jedi Master Skywalker. Kula t-t-told me not to be afraid of you, but I cannot help it."
"Why, Panjwa?" Luke persisted.
"You use the f-f-Force like the d-Dark Lords. And you use the same w-weapon." Panjwa pointed weakly to the lightsaber strapped to Luke's waist.
"Panjwa," Luke said, "not all who use the Force are like the Dark Lords. Isn't your friend Kula a perfect example of this to you?"
"Well yes, but…" Panjwa trailed off.
"But what?" Luke said. At this the small creature lifted a furry ear, revealing a long burnt scar across its right shoulder.
"This is what the Fromm know of the Force, Jedi Master Skywalker, and we know it well."
Thank you for taking the time to read this preview, and I hope it's captured your interest. The rest of the story will be completed, and from what I've written I think the ending will be very exciting.