And thus begins my first ever 'epic.' Well, epic in my eyes at least. It'll go about 7 or 8 parts probably. I haven't gotten it all edited just yet, but here's part 1. Thanks for reading!
Part 1
TITLE: Become
SUMMARY: Pre-TPM timeline. Jedi Master Taash Evram and his apprentice, ten year old Ryin Cyr, are forced to deal with a life threatening crisis during what was supposed to be a peaceful and easy mission.
JEDI CHARACTERS: Taash Evram. Ryin Cyr. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon Jinn. Terran Va'lor (healer).
AUTHOR: Obi the Kid ()
RATING: PG
MY WEBSITE: /movies/obithekid/
DISCLAIMER: The characters and venue of Star Wars are copyrighted to Lucas Films Limited. The characters not recognizable from this venue are copyrighted to Tracy C. Knight. The story is the intellectual property of Tracy C. Knight and is copyrighted to her. There is no profit made from the writing or distribution of this story.
May 1, 2008
Part 1
Become
The wall-com sounded. Young Jedi Master, Taash Evram not far from the com, in the tiny room of the ship, responded almost immediately. "Yes, Captain Tallas?"
"Final approach to Ventas, sir. ETA is ten minutes. And a reminder sir, that as a foreign ship, we are not permitted to remain in this sector during your mission here. Nor can we remain on planet. The rules of Ventas have instructed that only those directly involved in the trade meetings are permitted to remain. We are also on schedule to pick up two other Jedi teams in the next day, and return them home. Therefore we will be returning Coruscant. You will remain here without transport. You must request passage home on your own. Because of the long flight, I would advise you to request transport several days before you expect your mission to end, if at all possible."
"Thank you, Captain. We will do so." Taash released the wall-com button and turned to his apprentice standing a few feet behind him. "Ready, Ryin?"
Ryin Cyr nodded. His short ginger colored braid hanging stiffly behind his right ear. Ryin was small, even for his youthful age of ten. But he was extremely attentive to both his master and the feelings of all around him. Already during his abbreviated time as an apprentice, he'd seen difficult trials. He had learned from those trials.
He carried them with him. Mistakes he'd made. Successes he'd had. It was all part of him so early in his life.
He'd been extremely nervous when Taash Evram took him as an apprentice. His first teacher. The teacher's first student. Each was new to their role. And it had helped them form a bond quickly. They would learn with each other. They would learn from each other.
None of that however had readied the boy for the week long journey they'd just endured. There was only so much one could do on a small transport ship with that many hours to spare. It was an extreme test of patience. One that both Jedi had failed miserably.
"Yes, Master. I can't wait to get off this ship. My back end is numb from sitting down for so long."
"I sympathize. If nothing else, it will be good to just get out and walk around. Now, tell me the general information about the Ventas people."
"Yes, Master. They are an affluent people. A rich and beautiful planet. And generally have few quarrels with surrounding planets. They are mostly human-like in appearance, but their internal make-up is vastly different. Their ancestors were water dwellers. They've evolved since then, but they still maintain some of those physical attributes from long ago, mainly some webbing between their fingers and toes, two gill slits on the side of the neck. The only hair on their bodies is on their heads and a slight impression of an eyebrow line. But because of their water based heritage, they have a great love for the water and have surrounded themselves with many man-made lakes and streams. But the great oceans all around them are what they treasure most. They speak in basic, so we should have no trouble communicating. And although they are friendly in general towards Jedi, we should refrain from speaking about the Force during our visit, if possible. In their people, they see it as a weakness. Any child born that appears to be Force sensitive is immediately implanted with a permanent microchip that works to inhibit any use of the Force. The child will never know that they were born with Force ability. The only side effect from this procedure is that the learning ability of the child is slowed by several years. By the time they reach adulthood that is a non-issue." The boy finished up and let out a deep breath. Taash knew he was ready.
"Very good, Ryin. Grab your travel bag. Our presence here is only as negotiators, and only if needed. Governor Colton is attempting to begin trade with the seven neighboring planets. He does not foresee any major problems, but for fairness sake, he has stated, the ruling body for each planet is permitted an outside party to observe and assist if asked. The Jedi were his choice as a third party."
Ryin nodded, waiting impatiently for the door to open. He was desperate to get off the ship after being contained within its tiny walls for what seemed like a lifetime. But something did confuse him. "Master, if the Ventas people think that the Force is a weakness, why have they asked for help from Force users?"
Taash smiled and reached down, squeezing the shoulder of the boy. "Very good question, Padawan. I asked the same of the Council when I found out we were coming here. Master Windu tells me that although they have no belief in the Force and view it as a failing, they are highly respective of Jedi as negotiators and ambassadors. And I think that's part of the reason they chose us for this mission. You've been showing a knack for negotiating. They probably feel it is a good learning experience for you, one with virtually no potential for violence. Perhaps we can learn without getting shot at."
"I would like that, Master." Ryin grinned. "Will we get to explore the planet at all? I watched several vids on our way here. It's very beautiful. Lakes and mountains and trees that scrape the sky. The Governor's palace is near the ocean. I've never seen an ocean before. Well, I have in vids, but that's not the same thing as seeing it in person. Standing on the sand and watching those huge blue waves break so close to the shore. Could we go there, Master?"
"I don't see why not. I'm sure there will be free time. I haven't been near an ocean in a number of years. It is a sight to behold though. It might be a good way to wrap up our mission and to prepare for our long trip back home."
"Please don't remind me of that right now, Master. I'm finally getting the feeling back in my legs."
The young master laughed as the transport door finally opened. They stepped out and were immediately overwhelmed by the magnificence of the planet. The splendor was that powerful.
"Master, this is…" The boy's eyes were huge. Trying to take in the lushness of the colors in front of them, he closed his eyes, matching the actions of his teacher. The Force was strong here despite the people's disdain for it. Both Jedi soaked in it until they heard the transport ship take off behind them. Seconds later a large enclosed hover-car took its place. The darkened windows hid the pilot's face until he stepped from the vehicle and bowed to the robed figures before him.
"Ambassadors Evram and Cyr. Welcome. I am Adesh. I will provide you transport while you are here on our planet."
Taash and Ryin bowed in return. Adesh was very representative of his people. His hair was white. His skin darkly tanned. Eyes were as black as a starless night sky but more narrow than round. He was very human in form, but his four-fingered hands were webbed to where a human finger would normally have a knuckle. He wore no shoes or foot wear of any type. His bare feet, although also webbed, were callused and strong, as though he could walk over hot coals and not feel a thing. Legs and arms were hairless, and only the shade of a blonde eyebrow line highlighted his face. Ryin remembered that the white hair was common among the people of Ventas. But color and style was often changed to suit ones personality. Adesh had chosen to wear his hair long and naturally white. It fell past his eyes
when he bowed, and he had to brush it back as he stood. His gill slits were unmistakable and moved when he turned his neck. "My governor awaits you for lunch at the palace." He opened the back door of the hover-car. "If you will, please." Taash and Ryin weren't exactly overjoyed at the prospect of sitting down again. They were hoping for a brief time to stretch their legs. Those hopes however were dashed as they climbed into the car for the short run to the palace.
The palace was indeed just that. A true palace in every sense of the word. It stood tall and dominated the skyline. It was mostly white with accents of brown and black here and there. Although it wasn't as large as the Jedi Temple, it owned its place in the landscape. There were large gardens and skyscraping trees surrounding it on all sides. Some of the trees held enormous flower blossoms that pulled the branches towards the ground, causing a cascading umbrella effect and casting deep circular shaded areas over the lush emerald green grass. Ryin had never seen such a place. Never imagined such a place. The look on his face as he began the walk from the transport to the palace entrance showed just that. He looked up and all around, turning himself several times. He almost tripped over
his master's feet while watching the skies rather than the path ahead. Birds of all colors and sizes had made homes in the trees. Their beautiful songs seemed to be guiding the two Jedi and their escort on their way.
Finally, Taash decided that the boy had spun enough. As much as the master was enjoying Ryin's fascination with the planet so far, he had to try and focus him for their initial meeting with the governor. He put a steady hand on the small shoulder next to him and said quietly, "Pay attention, Ryin. Find your focus. I need you here with me, not up in the trees. You need to learn to focus quicker than that."
Ryin nodded dutifully, as inwardly he corrected himself for his lack of attention. For a brief moment, he felt that his master was disappointed in him, until Taash finished off with, "You keep spinning and you'll make yourself sick. And it's not good to greet the leader of a planet by vomiting at his feet now, is it?"
A smile crept across the young face. "No, Master. Not a good thing. I'm sorry, I've just never seen a place like this. Everything is so colorful. Beautiful."
"It is indeed. Come now, Adesh is getting away from us."
They hurried their steps and followed Adesh into the palace grand entrance doors. The interior was just as decorative as the exterior, but Ryin did his best to not let that fascinate him as much. He was only partially successful. His pale-blue eyes still bulged at the heavily detailed statues and paintings that lined the walls. The gold lined borders running parallel to the ceiling and marbled floors kept his gaze for several moments.
They walked the long corridor until they came to a room. A room larger than the ship that brought them here. Adesh lead them in. "This is the governor's Great
Room. He and his family are on their way. Please remain standing until he motions for you to sit." Both Jedi nodded and waited patiently.
The governor entered, followed closely on either side, and two steps behind, by his wife and only child. Governor Typar Colton was a large man. Taller and broader than the normal citizen of Ventas. His skin was several shades darker than Adesh. His white hair was long, hanging halfway down his back, but combed neatly. There was no mistaking that he was a man of confidence and of great power and authority. And despite holding the stature that he did, he also bore no footwear.
Adesh bowed before the ruler. "Governor Colton, may I present, Ambassador and Master Jedi Taash Evram, and his apprentice, Ryin Cyr. Master Evram, should you need my guide or my assistance during your stay here, all you need do is alert one of the palace staff and they will recall me to you. I take my leave now." He bowed again and hurried off.
Governor Colton began, his voice deep and authoritative, but friendly. "Ambassadors, I thank you for your presence here. It is most welcome. Please meet my wife, Myrel and my son, Vallon." He put a big hand on his son's shoulder. "He is to be our planets future. My legacy and eventual ruler of Ventas. Please respect him as you would me."
Vallon Colton gave a small bow to Taash. The Jedi estimated he was Ryin's age. Very young, with a responsibility and burden on him that would rival any. His skin was tanned, but not as dark as his father or Adesh. It began Taash thinking that perhaps their skin darkened with age. The boy's wavy hair was cut short. Not in a padawan style, but long enough for his bangs to lie in just over the barely visible eyebrows. He smiled at Ryin and offered a bow to him as well.
Myrel Colton was a stout woman. Not small, but not large either. She more resembled Adesh in size and skin color. Her hair was streaked with blue and was longer than that of her husband's. There were several long braids intertwined down her backside. She wore some make up, but only enough to highlight her subtly striking features. And although she was not as intimidating as her husband, she too held a presence about her. She was not a woman to be taken lightly. She was a woman very sure of herself and her position in the ruling family.
Taash took everything in. "We are pleased to have been asked to assist you in your trade negotiations. Ventas is a beautiful planet. You have quite a wondrous home."
"I admit that your presence is more posturing than anything, Master Evram. We have great respect however for the negotiation skills of the Jedi. That is why you are here. I believe that your attendance alone will help to deter my neighborly rulers to try for any trickery in their negotiations. If you feel they are being anything other than straightforward in their attempts, I would advise you to inform me at that time. I suspect things will so smoothly. I only ask that you refrain from using any Force related skills while you are with me or while you are in public. My
people do not trust it's power or believe in what it represents. And we do not encourage knowledge of it. That is all I ask."
Nodding firmly, Taash agreed. "You have my word."
"Very good. You must be tired from your long journey. Allow my wife and son to escort you to your suite and to your staff while you are here. You are my guests and I have provided you with the best I can offer. We will talk later."
More bowing, then Myrel directed them out of the room and down another long corridor. The ascended two floors, passed through stained glass double doors and into another large room. During their walk, both Jedi sensed a ripple in the Force. They didn't dare speak of it, but each knew that the other was aware of it. And it seemed to be coming from the governor's son, Vallon.
Myrel held out a hand and motioned for their entrance to their suite. "There are many sleeping rooms. Facilities of every type. A large cooking area and a balcony with an elevated garden that overlooks the ocean." She smiled as Ryin's eyes lit up at the mention of the ocean. "Never seen an ocean, have you Ambassador Cyr?"
"No, ma'am. If you please, you may call me Ryin. My master told me that it was very close though. I hope to visit it before our mission here ends. I've read about the various oceans of the galaxy, but to really see one and stand at the water's edge and feel the current rushing past my feet. The sand and…well I very much look forward to that, Lady Myrel."
Her smile broadened. "You are so very young, aren't you? About Vallon's age. Perhaps you both can get to know each other while you are here. Vallon does not have many friends because of the position of power he holds. You both have a lot in common on the outside. Vallon?"
The youngster stepped forward. He carefully held his place until permitted to offer his voice. "Yes, Mother. Ryin, I am glad to have someone my age here. At least for a short time. I have several off-world collections if you would like to see them later."
Ryin looked up at his master who nodded shortly, then he turned back to Vallon. "I would like that."
"Ryin and…" Myrel glanced at Taash.
"Please, call me Taash."
"Very good. Ryin and Taash. We are very pleased to have you. Make yourselves at home. Your staff will be in shortly to get you whatever additional items you require. We did plan for human guests and have stocked many varieties of food which I hope will be to your liking. Vallon was clever and did a bit of research before you arrived. Actually he's been anticipating your arrival so that he could try
some of your human based food. We will not be dining formally this evening, as the governor has prior commitments, however if you would not mind Vallon's presence while you dine here in your suite, he would be delighted to be your guest. And he can answer any questions you may have about the planet and our people."
"That would be welcomed. We would like to get settled, but perhaps in a couple of hours. Vallon, you will join us?"
Vallon nodded, "I would like that Master Evram."
"Taash, please."
"Master Taash. It is important that I refer to you by your title. And it is our custom for one younger when addressing a higher rank."
"Very well," Taash replied as he and Ryin bowed towards Lady Myrel once more before she and her son took their leave.
As the pair unpacked their bags and got situated, Ryin could not help but question his master about young Vallon Colton. "Master, did you feel it around him?"
Taash stopped unpacking and sat on the couch. "I did. Although it's very confusing. He's definitely Force sensitive."
"But that's not permitted here I thought."
"As did I, Padawan. We shouldn't question him on it though. Just observe."
Vallon arrived promptly two hours later. The staff had come and gone, providing food for dinner, for the freezing and cooling units, as well as towels, blankets and other items. Ryin was busy fixing a plate for himself. He was overwhelmed by the amount of food that had been brought in. Enough to feed an army of Jedi. But there appeared to be several things here that were favorites of his. Someone had done their homework on human foods.
The three of them sat with full plates. Taash found it amusing that Vallon's eyes as he stared at the food were as big as Ryin's had been earlier after seeing Ventas for the first time. The young governor-to-be had obviously not seen this type or this volume of food before.
"It smells wonderful. Is this what you eat on your home planet, Master Taash? On Coruscant at the Jedi Temple?"
For a moment, Taash was surprised to hear the boy asking about the temple. And he wanted to be careful to stay away from any conversation that the governor
asked him not to get into. "Well, we eat smaller portions of it. If we ate this much, we'd spend more time rolling around the temple than walking around it."
Vallon laughed, his black eyes lighting up his browned face as he stuffed a huge bite of bantha steak into his mouth. He looked almost blissful as he tasted and relished the rich flavor. As he continued stuffing his face, there began a fascination with Ryin's braid. Without the intimidation of his mother or father nearby, Vallon was quicker to speak. Although still respectful, the veil of formality had lessened. That was not lost on Taash, but he was still surprised at the ease and quickness at which the boy had changed gears. It was almost as if he had been waiting for the Jedi's arrival to come out of the shadow in which he'd been cast. He continued to stare at the braid until he finally asked Ryin about it. "Do you keep your braid until you become a Knight? Do the colors of the bands represent anything?"
A mouthful of steak prevented Ryin from responding right away, but he nodded vigorously, then swallowed. "Yes, it represents my place as a learner. Right now there are two bands. One yellow and one green. That means I am a first year apprentice. As I get older, the colors and number of bands will change. But the braid won't be cut until I take my trials and pass them. My friend Obi-Wan at home, he's an apprentice. But he's a lot older than me. His braid is down past his chest. Mine will be like that one day, won't it Master?"
"It will, Padawan. Vallon, you seem to know a lot about the Jedi, and have many questions. Do you have interest in what we do?" he said carefully, careful to not breech the issue of the Force that surrounded the youngster so strongly.
"I'm sorry, Master Taash. I've been asking too much. It's just, we don't get many visitors other than politicians, and they can be quite boring. And a lot older than me. I've read about Jedi. My father does not wish me to do so, so I've not told him. But I have a lot of alone time and he trusts me to stay out of trouble as long as I keep it quiet."
"Keep what quiet?"
"I'm sure you've sensed it by now. I can't use it. I'm not allowed to access it. But it's there. My people don't believe in it. They think it's a weakness. Children are medically inhibited from using it. It's why I don't have any friends my age. Or any friends at all. If the people of Ventas found out that I was Force sensitive, I would not be permitted to take my place as governor when my father is no longer able. And it is my dream to one day rule Ventas. To be able to be a ruler that all the citizens are proud of. A leader that will look out for them and do what is right by them. If they find out my secret, that future…my dream dies. And likely, my family falls apart from the pressure that would be on them." Head held low, he flashed his dark eyes at Taash. A plead to keep his secret.
"Have you touched the Force?" Taash asked quietly after glancing around to be sure none of the staff were close by. It was an action not lost on the boy.
"No one will hear you, Master Taash. The staff do only what is required of them, then they return to quarters. And my father does not believe in listening devices in his palace. He places a great trust in those he invites here." A pause and a deep breath before Vallon continued. "I have touched it. But only once. I wanted to know what the Force was all about. What it felt like. That small touch was overwhelming. I felt dizzy from it. But I also felt comfort and acceptance. I've never felt acceptance before," he finished sadly.
Taash nodded softly and felt a twinge of pain run through him. Pain for the boy's loneliness. A loneliness forced on him because of his perceived 'weakness.' But he was curious still. "Why were you not given the same Force inhibitor that others get when you were a baby? As I understand it, it's routine that when the Force is known in a child, that it be dealt with as quickly as possible. Why did that not happen to you?"
"It slows learning and growth during childhood. My father could not risk any chance that my mind and body would not develop as it should. I have been under the care of teachers since I was two years old, learning the ways of the people, learning every bit of information that I would eventually need to be ruler of the planet one day. I was the only child my mother could have. The only heir. They risked severe punishment to keep my secret. And part of the way my secret is kept is that I am unable to have much contact with other children"
"And you are okay with this." Concern touched the Jedi's voice.
"Master Taash, I would love to have friends to talk with and to play with. But my future is just as important to me. And when I am governor, one of my goals will be to eliminate this need to see the Force as a weakness. Children should be able to live with what they were born with. What I have…what you have…is not a weakness. It is a gift." He finished his steak and sat back content. Not only content as the filling meal he'd just had, but at finally being able to talk with someone about the masked part of his life. Both Taash and Ryin could feel the relief washing off him.
Taash smiled knowingly. "This is why your mother invited you to eat with us this evening. She wished for you to be able to talk to someone about this without fear of backlash or that the family secret would creep out."
Vallon nodded, "Yes. And it is the true reason why my father decided on Jedi as his third party negotiators. Although he too believes that the Force is a weakness, he has never condemned me for it. He does love me very much, and it was his decision when I was a baby to not have me inhibited. So, he lives with this every day. He could do this, invite Jedi, without arousing suspicion. Mother believes it's his way of giving me a gift. And allowing me a chance to talk about what I have to keep hidden without fear of saying the wrong thing or telling something to the wrong person. Although we do need you here for the trade talks, he could have very easily called for negotiators within this sector of the galaxy. What he didn't realize though is that one of the Jedi would be an age-mate of mine. This is a
happy accident." He looked at Ryin and grinned a grin that only a 10 year old could give. Mischief.
Ryin returned the look. "Could I see your collections now? Maybe you can teach me about the local customs and the local…games? Do you have games here?"
"We have many games. Childhood is a wonderful time on Ventas. I only get to observe the other children during the outside games, but even then I enjoy my time. I have vids and holos in my room. I play a lot of holo adventure games. Father says they simulate reality sometimes in the skills it takes to defeat the game logic. I can show you those too."
The two boys got up from the table, Ryin addressed his teacher. "Master, may I go?"
"Sure you can. But not too late. I believe the first trade talk meeting is tomorrow morning. You should be rested and ready."
"Yes, Master. I will be. Thank you."
Almost as if they had been friends since birth, Ryin and Vallon sprinted off. The young governor leading the way to his room, down one flight of stairs to the second level of the palace. The level that belonged to Vallon and him alone.
Tbc…