Prologue
Ord Mantell
The moment the ship landed on Ord Mantell, Jedi Master Nikova felt a great disturbance in the Force overwhelm him. As soon as the ageing Nelvaanian master stepped off the ship he could smell the smoke in the air. Smoke that was tainted by the smell of death.
"I have a bad feeling about this," said a feminine voice behind him. He turned and saw Master Iocasta emerge from the ship. The Fosh held a taloned hand on her beak, undoubtedly finding the smell to be unpleasant. Nikova sniffed the air again and detected the source of the disturbance upon the wind.
"The settlement isn't far from here," he replied. "We should get moving."
"Agreed," Master Iocasta replied, and began to walk away from the ship with Nikova close behind.
They walked through a hilled terrain until they came to the settlement they were searching for. They paused, starring at several buildings that were smouldering. From where the masters were standing they could see that several of them had blaster marks around the doors and windows. One building had the burnt remains of some unrecognizable life form , hanging out the window.
" By the Force, what happened here," asked Nikova.
"Check the buildings. Look for survivors," ordered Iocasta as she walked to the closest building.
Nikova wandered down the ruined street and attempted to feel for any signs of life. All the buildings that he had gone in and searched held nothing but corpses. He finally walked into the last house on the street.
The place had been ransacked and a portion of the ceiling had collapsed from what appeared to be mortar fire. Out of the buildings he had examined this one was was the only one that had faint life signs. He searched the dwelling very carefully, allowing the Force to help him discover the source of the life signs.
Then he heard a small groan coming from under the rubble of the collapsed ceiling. Force lifting the wreckage and moving it out of the way, he found a Human woman clutching a bundle to her breast. Her breathing was weak and shallow, the cause from what Nikova could see was a piece of metal, impaling her chest at an odd angle.
He knelt down and carefully sat her up. She coughed up some blood as he did and she let out a horrible gasp. As her breathing settled, Nikova stared into her sorrowful eyes, both knowing that there was nothing that could be done to save her.
"Please...save him," she gasped. Those were the final words she uttered before she became one with the Force.
As soon as he felt the life leave her body, Nikova heard a cry from her. He looked down and picked up the bundle that the woman had been holding on to. Inside was a baby boy, no more than a couple of days old. Gently he cradled the babe in his arms to silence it. The baby's cries soon turned into a gentle cooing that made the Master smile.
As Nikova looked into the baby's eyes, he started to feel a strong feeling overwhelm him. In a split instant he was no longer on Ord Mantell, but on Coruscant, just outside the temple. The city was plunged into darkness and the light from the temple was dieing. Along the ground where scattered corpses of Jedi, and in the distance he saw a black swarm quickly approach the temple.
From behind Nikova, he heard footsteps. Turning around, he saw a being made of pure white light walking from the temple and towards the swarm. The being stopped just in front of Nikova and ignited a white light saber, and with a mighty swing destroyed the swarm.
The remnants of the swarm reformed into a being of black flame. This being ignited a crimson red light saber and the two beings fought an intense battle. The white impaled the dark with his light saber, and the dark being began to glow red then burning white. The dark then exploded and the White remind went up into the starry sky.
The night scene of Coruscant returned and the being of white stood in front of the temple looking out into the horizon. Nikova walked towards the being and stood next to him. He tried to look into his face to see who it was. The master thought he could see some features of the being, but before he could make an identification he was disturbed by a voice.
"Nikova, come back. We have to go."
Nikova was back in the ruined building, holding a sleeping baby and a taloned hand shaking him back into reality. He looked up and saw Iocasta looking around like some unknown thing was coming. Then he heard it. The sound of speeder bikes, coming try towards the settlement and fast.
" Who are they? Scavengers," asked Nikova .
"Most likely. If it's all the same with you, I'd rather not be here when they arrive. Especially not when there's now as baby to protect."
Nikova looked at the baby now asleep in his arms. He knew that Iocasta was right and that the child had to be protected. Not because he was so small and helpless, but because of the premonition that he had received from holding the baby. This child was to play a key part in the galaxy's future. Nikova was certain of that.
The Nelvaanian got up, holding the baby to him. He and Master Iocasta quickly left the dwelling and the settlement. Halfway to the ship they were suddenly surrounded by five speeder bikes. The two jedi went back to back and ignited their light sabers. One of the bikers stepped off his bike and stepped forward to the masters.
"Well well well! Two jedi on Ord Mantell! You don't see this every day," the apparent leader of the group said. The other bikers stepped off of their bikes and snickered and likewise approached the jedi. Nikova gripped his light saber tighter.
"Imagine what the profit would be when we hand in two dead jedi and a snot nosed brat boys!"
Upon hearing the leader say this, Nikova's blood went cold. What would they want with this human child? There were billions upon billions of humans in the galaxy, what could they possibly mean by targeting this one Human child? Unless they were hired by someone who knew what the child was meant to do.
"Who hired you bounty hunter ," demanded Iocasta. "And what's so special about this baby?"
"Oh I wouldn't worry about that lady. You'll be dead soon so there really isn't any point on telling you anything. "
"Neither you or your numbers intimidate us," Nikova said. "Two jedi could beat five bounty hunters better than one can. You have no chance in defeating us."
"True, but we have an edge," the head bounty hunter said. He reached to his side and unsheathed a long metallic sword.
" Our employer gave us these swords in anticipation of any jedi interference. They are made of pure Mandalorian iron. Completely resistant to light sabers. I'd say our odds have increased. Now give us the kid."
"You're going to have to come get him," Nikova said.
"I hoped you'd say that," the bounty hunter said. He signalled his coworkers and they unsheathed their swords. They snickered and started to advance.
Nikova stared at the oncoming hunters. He really didn't desire to have a fight, especially when there was a baby to protect. There was a coo from the baby and Nikova looked down him. He locked eyes with the child and he had the feeling that he could sense the jedi's situation. Then the baby closed his eyes and what happened next surprised Nikova.
From the baby's chest a small blue orb formed. The orb grew until it enveloped him, Nikova, and Iocasta. There was no mistaking, it was a protection bubble, and it was the baby that formed it. Nikova glanced over his shoulder and saw Iocasta, staring over her shoulder in disbelief.
The leader of the bounty hunters screamed and ran towards the bubble and struck at it with his sword. The blade was deflected and the hunter was thrown back by a force beam. All the members of the band ran towards the jedi but were blown away by similar force beams.
Nikova and Iocasta stared at the bodies that littered the ground. The bubble shrunk down and disappeared. Nikova looked down at the sleeping baby in his arms and deactivated his light saber. Iocasta however walked over to the leader of the bounty hunters and hoisted him by the collar of his jacket.
"Now talk. Who sent you," she demanded. The leader laughed and grinned at her.
"You honestly think I'd tell you anything. After I failed my boss. You think any of us are going to live after this?"
Perplexed, Iocasta cocked her head at the leader then heard a rapid beeping and saw a flashing red light coming from the man's chest. Instinctively she force pushed him away from her. No sooner had she done that, a bomb went off and there was no longer a man to be seen. And likewise, the members of his crew were no longer to be seen.
"Not a good sign," Iocasta said.
"Indeed," agreed Nikova as he rocked the baby who had woken up to the explosions.
"The council should be informed. Let's get back to Coruscant. I'll call an emergency meeting along the way," said the Nelvaanian.
"Why do I have a feeling that there's something your withholding?"
"You'll find out when I tell the council."
Coruscant: The Jedi Temple
Iocasta and Nikova walked down the corridor to the turbolift that lead to the high council chamber. As they walked, they received looks from several pairs of jedi. Nikova could sense their curiosity in the child that he carried in his arms. He kept his annoyance bottled up and kept walking.
As they ascended in the turbolift, Nikova looked down at the child in his arms, pondering what the force's intention was for delivering this baby into his hands. What ever it was, he was grateful. He couldn't explain why but he had developed an attachment to him. And that was something dangerous to have.
The doors to the turbolift opened and Nikova and Iocasta walked out into the high council chamber. All twelve masters were seated facing towards the center waiting for the masters report. Nikova and Iocasta bowed before the council into he traditional manner.
"Masters, the council is anxious to hear about your mission to Ord Mantell," said Master Sibosa.
"We went to the village, there was only one survivor master," Iocasta said to the old male Ryn jedi.
"That is most unfortunate. But why call an emergency meeting of the council Master Nikova? "
"As we were leaving the village we were confronted by a band of bounty hunters. All armed with swords made out of Mandalorian iron," Nikova stated.
The council was dead silent, but Nikova could see that they were concerned by this piece of information.
"Are you certain that they used Mandalorian iron swords," asked Master Sibosa.
Iocasta nodded. "The leader of the band told us this himself."
"Who would have supplied bounty hunters with such tools," asked Master Taya Rehal, a female Cathar jedi.
"They said that their employer supplied the swords. Who knows where that person could have procured them."
"Did you find out who that person was," asked Sibosa.
Iocasta shook her head. "The leader refused to give us his name. He and his men had self destruct devices. They exploded before they told us anything. From the way the leader acted it seemed that they were willing to die."
"It seems that who ever this mystery employer is knew how to cover his bases," said Master Rehal.
"And knew that you would be there at the village. Consider the fact that Mandalorian iron is a light saber resistant material. Why would they be armed with such weapons If they didn't know you'd be there," added Master Jaz Magos, a male Togruta jedi.
"More than that," said Sibosa. "It's likely that they were watching everything that was transpiring. I have a feeling that who ever hired these hunters would be watchful to ensure that the mission was successful or not. And to tie up lose ends If they failed."
"I have to agree master," Iocasta said. "The circumstances couldn't indicate anything else."
"We will pull our resources together to find out who this mystery employer is. May the Force be with you both."
Iocasta bowed and walked towards the turbolift. Nikova had not moved from his spot. He knew something about the sleeping baby in his arms and he was compelled to share it with the council.
"Do you have something else to add Master Nikova?," asked Master Rehal.
"Yes Master. I believe I know why they were after this child." Nikova recounted his vision to the council. There were several masters that were stunned to hear such a powerful vision and were glancing around with unease.
"Master Nikova, do you think that this baby has anything to do with your prophecy," asked Rehal.
"I was holding him at the time I had the vision master. And given how the bounty hunters were pacified I have no doubt it is the baby's future self I saw in my vision."
"You mean you and Master Iocasta didn't pacify them," asked Master Magos.
Nikova shook his head. "The child created a protection bubble that deflected their swords and he pushed them back with force beams. Iocasta can testify to this herself."
There was an increased murmur of discussion from the masters that was quickly silenced by Master Sibosa.
"Master Nikova, your prophecy and the events that occurred on Ord Mantell may have given us a greater perspective on who is involved behind this ordeal. Its possible that a sith may be involved and could have sent the hunters to procure his or her new apprentice."
There were several murmurs of agreement. Nikova had thought the same thing on Ord Mantell when he and Iocasta encountered the hunters. He knew that the council would be left with one decision in regard to the chiId.
"I believe we can all agree that based off his force abilities that the child must be trained as a jedi. My concern is who will be responsible for him. He is far to young to begin the training, and there is the strong possibility of attachment."
"With the council's permission," Nikova began, "I would like to take responsibility for the child as his guardian and his master."
"That's commendable Nikova but something tells me you are already developing an attachment to him. I know your species value children as treasured sources of joy, but there is the jedi code to consider. It would be unwise for you to be involved any further," Master Sibosa said.
"I must disagree Master. Consider the Jedi who were allowed have children of their own." Nikova turned to two Human Jedi who sat on the council.
"You Master Skywalker, and you Master Solo, are members of strong Jedi families. Surely you must have some sense of attachment to them." Both Jedi nodded in agreement.
Nikova turned back to Master Sibosa. "During the days of the Old Republic there were instances of Jedi having deep relationships in the order, only to be monitored by the council to ensure there were no signs of attachment. If it makes the council comfortable then they too can monitor my relationship with this child."
Before Master Sibosa could speak there was a strong cough that was meant for silence him. Master Oaket, the grand master of the order, who had been silent the whole meeting had stood up and walked slowly towards Nikova. The old turtle like alien held out his claw like hands in a gesture to hold the baby.
Nikova reluctantly handed him over to the grand Master and watched. Oaket looked down at the baby with his old, kind eyes as If he was gazing down a deep pit, trying to see what was at the bottom. All was silent in the council chamber as everyone watched the old master. After a while the master smiled and handed the baby back to Nikova.
"I see no problems with the child's current situation. I move that custody be granted to Master Nikova, with the condition that inspections will be made to ensure that there are no attachments. In addition when the child becomes of appropriate age, he would be placed in a clan to be trained. Upon the initiate trials, Master Nikova will be given a chance to take him as his padawan. Do you agree with these terms Nikova," asked Oaket.
Nikova nodded and Oaket turned to the council. "How vote you?" It was a unanimous decision in favor of custody.
Jedi Temple: Master Nikova's room:
The baby lay asleep in a cradle that Master Solo had pulled out of his family's storage unit. Nikova was very grateful for that. He had named the child Aaron Mantell. Aaron being an ancient human name for light, and Mantell after the place he was saved from. Masters Oaket, Skywalker, and Iocasta thought the name suited him based off the prophecy.
As the child laid sleeping, Nikova went to his desk and pulled out a blue, dodecahedron from one of the drawers. His own personal holocron. He activated it and set it to record a new file. That night he recalled the events of Ord Mantell and the councils initial opinions. At the end of the report he opened a new file.
"Here marks the prophecy of Master Nikova, who foretold the bearer of the White blade..."
