II
Stars whip by in a frenzy, like streaks across the black of space as they begin to enter hyperspace. The stars are seemingly stretched into long lines of light as a blue haze envelopes them. Twisting and wriggling around them in a cylindrical manner, indicating they are now traveling at lightspeed in hyperspace.
Trace stands up from his seat. "It's going to be a few hours before we reach what's left of Jedha." He then walks toward the rear of the ship. Caius stands up, taking a moment to stretch, before following him.
"We should get some rest. I have a journal to look through." Caius informs Trace.
Both walk further into the ship, until they reach a semi spacious room with a sofa and a few chairs with a small table between them. There are some crates tucked away in the corner and a sealed door off to the side, otherwise the room is quite plain and empty. Trace lays down on the sofa, putting his feet up on the arm rest as Caius takes a seat in one of the chairs. He takes out Obi-Wan's journal and begins looking through it.
"I don't suppose you know how long we plan on staying at Jedha." Inquires Trace.
"Don't worry Trace. I don't expect to be there long. After that, we can get that eye checked out and sell a few things."
"Good. I'll be taking a nap in the meantime."
Trace nods off as Caius begins to have a quizzical look upon his face. He begins turning pages in the journal, staring at each one, but only reading part of each page. With each passing page, a more intrigued yet puzzled look morphs over his face as he continues to skim through the journal. He sighs before closing the journal and placing his hand on his chin. Pondering what he read. He then stands up and walks over to the sealed door with the journal in hand. There are no handles, electronic key pads, or anything of the sort to indicate a way to open the door.
Standing in front of the door, he closes his eyes, then holds his left hand in front of it. Suddenly the door makes a metallic sound of gears churning and then the sound of a metal pang. The door slides open slower than a standard door. As if it is a heavily reinforced vault door. With the door fully opened, its contents are revealed. An assortment of books, scrolls, tablets, artifacts, as well as a few Jedi and Sith holocrons are placed around a small room on shelves and tables. Adorned on the back wall above a small table are two ancient looking, decrepit wall fabrics. The colors have mostly faded, but the images are still clear. On the left fabric at the bottom is an image of two wing like patterns in a semi-circle stretching ever upward, with what appears to be a lightsaber or some kind of light in the middle. It has an intense glow toward the bottom as it pierces through the center of these two semi-circular wings. The faintest hint of blue can be seen in the symbol.
The right fabric has a symbol at the top. It still has some of its luster, an almost blood looking red where it hasn't completely faded. This image is of two round circles, the inner filled, the outer devoid of color. Decorating the four corners of the outer circle diagonally are sets of three points. The middle being the largest. Both of these fabrics adorn text, the left speaks the Jedi Code, the right speaks the Code of the Sith. Neither are written in the common tongue.
Below the fabrics on the table, rests the broken pieces of a lightsaber, or possibly several lightsabers. Though it is not clear whether the pieces belonged to a Jedi, or a Sith. Caius walks toward the table and places the journal in the middle carefully, then takes a step back. He speaks softly to himself, reading the text on the fabrics. He takes in every word. Feeling them. Experiencing both codes meaning. It is almost as if he is making a connection with both of them. He begins first with the Jedi Code on the left;
"There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force."
Then the Code of the Sith on the right;
"Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion I gain strength.
Through strength I gain power.
Through power I gain victory.
Through victory my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me."
Caius reflects on the words of what he just recited further, then says to himself; "The Jedi and Sith. Both very different, yet similar. Flawed." He takes a breath. "The Jedi were blinded by their ego, by their rules. They spoke against fear, yet feared losing their power. They became complacent and arrogant. Their intentions were well, but there was great flaw within the Jedi order. I think that's why they fell. Don't you agree Trace?"
Trace is standing behind Caius outside the room. "Is this what you do while I sleep? Talk to yourself in here?" He asks. He does not question how Caius knew he was standing there, because he knows Caius can sense others around him that do not have a connection to the Force when meditating.
"Kind of. It helps me meditate on past Jedi and Sith ideologies. Helps me to see their mistakes too."
"What mistakes have the Sith made?" Asks Trace. "From what you've told me, it sounds like their whole ideology is one big mistake. But now it sounds like you think only some of it was a mistake."
"Their mistakes. I think they were foolhardy. Like the Jedi, they too were arrogant. Their rules weren't as strict as the Jedi's, yet at the same time, stricter. They took too much pride in themselves and always underestimated others. Even those in their own order. They could be ruthless and barbaric, but they allowed emotions and attachments where the Jedi forbade it. That right there, allowing emotions and attachments, was not a mistake as I see it."
"I guess I can see that, but that's a lot to reflect upon. Too much for me." Replies Trace.
"You're not exactly the reflecting type." Caius retorts.
"That's true. My reflection is a good long nap. Which I think you should do as well."
"I am a little tired. I guess I should look over the journal later."
Caius leaves the room, puts his hand up and closes his eyes as the door closes in the same manner that it opened. He then walks over to a chair and sits down, closing his eyes.
Caius opens his eyes and is in a darkened room, devoid of most light. He looks around, but cannot see anything that would give a hint as to where he is. There appears to be just enough light to see, but not enough to make out any walls or details. He begins stepping forward, but does not seem to move. Suddenly a whisper is heard. "Caius", the whisper sounds. He looks around, but there is no one. Again it is heard, "Caius". He turns around once more only to see nothing. Just the same room he has been in. "Who's there?" He replies. Another whisper, this time louder and with more force, "Caius!" He begins stepping around, looking for where the voice is coming from. Suddenly there is another voice, whispering his name as well. This one is angry and forceful sounding. "Caius!" As he continues looking and stepping around, the whispers become more numerous and with various volumes. Louder, softly, angrily, forcefully, these whispers continue unabated. "Enough!" Caius exclaims with frustration. The whispers suddenly cease, and a calming, older voice is heard. "Do not listen to them."
Trace is standing next to Caius lightly shaking him on his shoulder. Caius wakes up in a seemingly dazed fashion and lifts himself straight in the chair.
"It was that dream again wasn't it?" Asks Trace.
"I think at this point, it's safe to assume it's more than just a dream," he says, wiping some sweat from his brow. "Perhaps a vision or premonition. Force sensitives and users tend to have these I read." Says Caius.
"I don't know. It looked to me like you were having a nightmare." Replies Trace with a worried look on his face.
"It certainly felt like one. Although there was something different this time."
"What was it?" Trace asks.
"There was a voice. A different one. It was calming, and not a whisper of my name like the others. This one spoke and said, "Don't listen to them." Caius pauses for a brief moment and takes a breath of relief. "It was reassuring, and a welcome change."
"That's good to hear. Maybe you'll get some better sleep now."
"Hopefully" Caius replies.
"Anyhow, we should head up to the cockpit, we're almost to Jedha." Trace informs Caius.
They both leave the room and make their way to the cockpit and sit down. Trace grabs the lever to his right and pulls it back. The ship exits hyperspace as the stars return to normal twinkling dots in the black of space. Off in the distance, a small reddish orange orb floats in a seemingly lifeless manner. The orb draws nearer as they fly closer to it. This orb was once Jedha, home to one of the Jedi temples. The Temple of the Kyber, protected by some of the last remaining guardians of the Whills. There was once a bustling city, also named Jedha, which sat at the foot of the temple. Stretching outward from it along the top of a large plateau. Where this great temple and city once resided, now sits an immensely large crater filled with rubble and debris.
"There she is. Jedha. I still don't know why you want to come here. Not only was it stripped of all its valuables by the old Empire, but also stripped of any knowledge that may be of use to you." Says Trace, questioning Caius with doubt and uncertainty.
"You also forgot the part about the huge crater. Such a terrible thing the old Empire created," Caius says with a heavy voice. He then takes a deep breath as they fly into the crater. "I would not have come here, but the Force called to me. There must be something here for me to find."
"Perhaps the Force has misguided you. Or maybe dabbling in the dark side has clouded you from what the Force is actually trying to tell you."
"The Force never misguides you. But I can understand your concerns over the dark side." As they fly deeper into the crater, Caius notices something. "There, set the ship down over there."
Caius points to a flat surface near what looks to be rubble from the temple, close to the base of the crater. "What you've told about the dark side, it only makes sense that it could cloud you. Fighting for dominance as you learn from both the light and the dark. I fear that it may try to corrupt you." Says Trace in a concerning tone.
"I know you are concerned, and I know the dark side can be dangerous. But I think it is important to learn from both the dark and the light. To find a middle ground, or balance between to two. One should not dismiss the other and place precedence over the other. That will eventually lead to failure as I see it. I trust in the force and that it will not lead me astray. You should do the same, even if you cannot sense it."
Trace lands the ship near the rubble and Caius stands up, ready to leave the ship. "I think I'll stay on the ship for this one. I don't think there will be much excitement, and I'm not a fan of the cold." Trace says.
"Suit yourself. I shouldn't be long anyway." He then pats Trace on the shoulder before turning around and making his way toward the exit of the ship, not putting on any protection from the cold.
Caius exits the ship and walks onto the surface. He puts his hands together and starts rubbing them, "It's rather chilly here," he says to himself as the cold air of Jedha nips at him. As he walks closer to the rubble, he notices that a lot of it isn't just rock and sand. Caius begins speaking to himself out loud. "Amazing that there's even any rubble at all from the city. It looks like some of this might even be part of the temple. Maybe even some homes." Caius winces for a moment before placing his hand on his head. His voice filled with sadness. "I can still feel the pain and terror. What a horrible fate befell these people."
He then bends down to one knee, closes his eyes, and places his hand onto the ground. "The force was once strong here," he says. Just then Caius is seemingly in pain. His face wrinkles, teeth grit, and eyes tighten as he lets out a sound as if in pain. His body feeling a burning, tingling sensation. The burning sensation grows stronger and pulses as he cries out further in pain, the tingling beginning to feel like needles penetrating his skin. His whole body is hot as he begins to sweat. It is as if the Force itself is seeking some form of punishment or sacrifice through pain for calling upon it as Caius does for the purpose he seeks.
Caius suddenly is without pain as his eyes open. He finds himself standing, as life on Jedha bustles around him. He hears the sounds of its people. The chatter of trade and carefree. The laughter of children. The smells of unfamiliar foods. He sees the narrow streets packed wall to wall with buildings and people from all across the galaxy. Just then, a few Stormtroopers from the Old Empire walk by. He turns around behind him to the direction the troopers were coming from. There he sees the tall, ever reaching Temple of the Kyber, still in one piece. As he looks up further, he sees hovering over the city, an Imperial Star Destroyer. He then hears a calm, older voice behind say, "You." Caius turns around but the street is empty. Again, behind him, he hears the same voice. "Behind you," he turns around once more to see he is no longer on Jedha. He finds himself in a darkened room with several people in uniform. The metal looking room feels cold and empty, despite the presence of others. He turns around to see more figures, one in white, standing in front of a large window. Outside Caius can see5 Jedha. It looks barren and lifeless as he hears the man in white speaking with another. Suddenly he says fire. Caius reaches out and exclaims, "No!" But he falls to his knees. When he looks up, he sees he's back on Jedha as a green light appears in the sky. Everyone is running, screaming, terrified. "No!" Caius exclaims again as the green light reaches the ground. But all is silent and dark. The deranged sound of an old man cackling as someone says, "It's beautiful," is heard in the darkness. Suddenly, out of the blackness, shines a bright light. First it's small, then it grows. "Reach for it," a voice says to Caius. A voice that sounds the same as the first.
"There, look." The voice says. As Caius is reaching for the light, it takes the shape of a white crystal. When he grabs it, the shrill sound of a lightsaber igniting is heard. A bright white light fills the dark void as the lightsaber hums. Suddenly a dark presence is felt by Caius. It feels heavy and suffocating. "Do not listen to them," the voice says. In the distance a dark figure is seen standing, featureless among the light.
The figure then speaks in a voice, guttural in sound, yet calm and neutral sounding at the same time. As if the figure is two separate entities as one being. "You cannot control both the light and the dark. If you take up that lightsaber, then you must destroy us. The key to that saber lies in the rubble. Leave it, and become one with us. The choice is yours."
The figure fades as the ground beneath Caius shakes. A bright orange light, brilliantly piercing outward toward the black of space, shines greatly upon the snow white surface of which he stands. A heavy wind breaks past Caius as the snow beneath begins to melt and the trees tear from the ground. He is lifted off his feet and lands face first to the ground.
As he picks himself up off the ground, he notices he is back in the crater on Jedha. The ordeal has left him breathless, breathing heavy and frequent. Sweat drips from his brow as the cold air nips at him once again. He dusts himself off and looks toward the rubble. He takes a few steps closer and stops. He then lifts his hands as pieces of the rubble begin to float into the air. With each piece they are tossed aside as Caius makes hand movements, directing the rubble to where he wants it. As he nears the bottom of the pile, lays a large piece of wall that looks as if it could have come from the temple. He uses both hands to cause the wall to lift into the air. He struggles a moment from the weight, before motioning it to the side and dropping it.
As he looks back toward the rubble, he sees a small glint. He walks closer toward it, and as he nears it, notices that it is a small white crystal. "Could this be the crystal from the vision?" He asks himself. Caius walks to it and bends down onto one knee, examining the crystal. It is no bigger than the palm of his hand. A pure white glow emanates softly from it. As he looks at the crystal, he notices it does not appear to be damaged. Looking at the base of it, he can see that it looks as if the crystal has grown in under the rubble.
Caius begins looking intrigued as he reaches for the crystal. He grasps it with his hand, and with a twisting motion, he pulls it upward and out of the ground. The crystal makes a snapping sound as it comes loose. There is a faint warmth to the crystal as Caius holds it in his hand. "Will you use it?" A voice suddenly says. Calm and older sounding, same as the one from his dream and vision. Caius looks around, but the crater is empty except for his ship. He stands up and places the crystal in a small pouch on his person.
Trace is laying down on the sofa in the room, his feet propped up on the armrest, his left arm under his head. He is holding a small round device that is emitting a holographic image of the ship as Caius enters the room.
"Looking over the ships schematics?" Asks Caius.
"Yeah. Just seeing where I can maybe make some modifications." Trace replies.
"If you are to make any modifications, we will be stopping at Casdan for a little while."
"So that's where we are heading to next. About time." Trace turns off the hologram, sits up in the sofa, and places the device on the small table between the sofa and chairs. He looks over at Caius who is standing in front of the sealed door. "You did it again didn't you?" Trace asks.
"What did I do?" Caius asks, with a coy sound in his voice and a coy look about his face. As if he knows what Trace speaks of, but is reluctant to answer.
"You know what." Trace's voice begins to raise. "You know I've seen what it does to you for a few moments after you do it." Trace prods him with concern on his face and in his voice.
"I can't get anything past you. Don't know why I bother trying." Caius shrugs his shoulders. "I am alright, just so you know."
"But what if one day it takes more than just your energy, causes you more than just pain. It's clear as day just how drained you are." Trace has raised his voice even more in concern for his friend.
"Well, I did have to move some rubble right after. So I am a bit more tired than usual."
"Unbelievable. You're going to kill yourself one day!" Trace is now angry at Caius.
"Moving some rubble hardly takes the kind of focus and effort that inducing a vision like that does." Says Caius in a worry-free manner. "Besides, I had to see."
"Dammit!" Trace slams his right fist onto the table as he stands up, fiercely pointing at Caius. "Stop making excuses for using that!"
"I know of your concern for my safety, there are things that I just need to do. Tapping into the dark side is dangerous, but it is necessary to induce a force back vision willingly and quickly. The force was once strong here, and given the tragedy that transpired here, I had to see."
Trace breathes out to calm himself. "I'm sorry I snapped. But please, just be careful. I don't want to lose any one else I care about." Says Trace, somberly. He pauses for a moment before taking a deep breath and speaking again. "So, what did you see?"
Trace sits back down on the sofa as Caius walks over to the chair and sits. "I saw Jedha before its destruction. I saw from within the Deathstar. I saw everyone as they ran in terror before everything went black and silent. But the vision did not stop there."
"What do you mean?" Trace interjects.
"Something took over and I was given a vision. A vision of this crystal." Caius takes the crystal out from the pouch and shows it to Trace. "It's a kyber crystal. It's what gives a lightsaber its power, and what gave the Deathstar its. The voices from my dream were in the vision too."
"The old mans too?" Asks Trace.
"Yes, his too. The other voices spoke as one, and told me of the crystal. They made it sound as if I were to use this crystal in a lightsaber, then I would have to destroy them. Otherwise they want me to join them."
"I wish we knew who they were."
"Unfortunately this vision did not give any insight as to their identity. But we at least have a clue as to what they want." Caius holds up the crystal and begins looking at it. "I do not know if this crystal is truly a key to a specific lightsaber as they alluded to, or just referencing that it is the key to the lightsaber that I will eventually create. As all lightsabers require a kyber crystal." He closes his fist around the crystal and then rests his arm back on his leg.
"Are you even willing to create one right now? You've never been too interested in creating one for yourself." Trace says to Caius.
"You're right, I have not been interested in one. I don't know if I'm afraid to, or just don't feel as if it's the right time yet. I have almost enough pieces from other lightsabers I collected over the years to create one. And now I have a kyber crystal." Caius opens his hand and looks at the crystal once more. "It is said that the color of the crystal indicates the color of the blade. If that is the case, then this one should be white. A rather neutral color don't you think?"
"Seems kind of fitting. You wish to find a balance between the dark and light, a neutral point. I'd say it suits you." Replies Trace.
"Yes. It does doesn't it?" Caius stands up and walks over to the sealed door, puts his hand up, and opens it. He places the crystal on the table next to the journal and pieces of lightsabers. He exits the room, closes the door, and sits back down. "I was shown one last thing. A brilliant light, filled with energy, shot into space. This light came from a snow covered planet I was standing on. There was such power that it instantly melted the snow and ripped the trees from the ground. I do not know what it could be, but I had a terrible feeling about it."
"That sounds terrible. But what you saw, it could be from the past, or the future." Trace sighs and scratches his head. "Whatever it was, let's just hope it's not another Deathstar."
"It didn't feel like the past, so I fear that it was the future. How close a future though, I do not know." Caius leans back in his chair and adjusts himself to be more comfortable. "I was shown it for a reason, so it must be real. Its power sure felt real." Caius begins stroking at his thick black goatee. "This has me worried, as I fear it may be a far greater threat than the Deathstar if it is another superweapon."
"Maybe we should inform the resistance." Trace suggests.
"No. It was only a vision. Not something the resistance would likely believe." Caius says with doubt.
"Are you sure? It's not like they haven't acted on word of mouth before. Or on only a faint glimmer of a possibility." Trace says with some hope in his voice. "I'm sure the resistance would send someone to investigate. If the First Order is possibly building something like the Deathstar, but more powerful, then they would want to know." Trace is leaning forward with his arms on his legs looking downward. He has a look of frustration and concern about his face. Frustration over what Caius said, of the possibility that the resistance won't believe them, and concern over the possibility of another superweapon that could kill billions.
"The vision never showed who has control over this possible superweapon. Besides, many in the resistance that have a respectable position are fools. They wouldn't believe their own nose if it wasn't in front of them." Caius leans forward and lays his arms on his legs, resting on them as he looks at Trace. "They have good intentions. Very commendable. But they have flaws. Usually with political nonsense. The occasional backstab. And sometimes frivolous missions. And I have this sneaky suspicion that if they realize I can utilize the Force, they would try and suck me in to do their dirty work. To fight with them in pointless engagements. No, I won't concern myself with them unless I deem it absolutely necessary. Or the Force wills me. Which it has not." Caius has leaned back into his chair. "I'm an explorer and seeker of knowledge. I go where I will, and where the Force wills me. I fight when I need to, and I protect those that need it."
Trace sighs. "What about Leia? Isn't she Luke's sister and the leader of the resistance? Surely she would understand you."
"Leia may understand the Force, she may even wield it with some power, but I doubt that it would have any influence on the resistance. Even if she is their leader. Not without proof. Of which we have none. Just a vision. Hardly enough to convince someone other than one who is wise with the Force." Explains Caius, who has taken a more relaxed position with his head resting on his hands stretched behind his head.
"Maybe you could at least go to the academy and speak with Luke."
"I never had any intent to go there. I was pressured into going there when I was younger to train. But I insisted on doing things my way. But after these dreams, and now this vision, I am considering it. But not to train." Says Caius.
"And what about the journal? That didn't give you a reason to seek out Luke? You're the one who told me Obi-Wan was his first Master." Questions Trace.
"That journal wasn't meant for Luke. I don't think it was meant for anyone. Though I'm still not finished looking through it." Caius sits upright once again.
Trace has leaned back, squishing himself against the cushions of the sofa. "It was probably his personal journal then. Has stuff in it he didn't want Luke to see I presume. In any case, I suppose you will be wanting to head to the academy after Casdan."
"I'm in no rush. Which is why I think we shall stay at Casdan for a little while. Rest from our travels, stock up, get some information. You can get that eye checked out, make some modifications to the ship." Caius leans back in the chair once again, putting his arms behind his head. A smirk wrinkles up his face. "We have some things to sell, and a certain underground mob boss will be there. I have a few items in my collection I no longer need and are not worth much to me anymore, which would be worth quite a bit to him. That should hold us over for a little while."
"He's going to be there?" Trace says with surprise and apprehension. "Are you sure about this Caius?"
"I am. I've already set up a meeting a few days after we land."
Trace begins shaking his head and sighs. "Be careful this time. You don't want to piss him off again. I still haven't fully recovered from that." Trace shakes his head and hand in disgust.
"Don't worry. I learned my lesson." Caius informs.
"Good." Replies Trace. He then stands up and stretches. "Before we leave though, I want to do some system checks on the ship and some maintenance on my leg. It's starting to itch and jam up."
"Oh, so you're fine working on your limbs, but when it comes to your eye..." Says Caius in a facetious manner.
Trace interrupts, "Working on my eye is different. I just, don't like to do it. It weirds me out."
"It weirds me out too. Don't worry." Caius jokes.
"You know, sometimes I want to sew that mouth shut while you sleep." Retorts Trace.
"Oh don't be so harsh. You know you would miss my beautiful voice. My whimsical remarks." Replies Caius facetiously, loosely pointing and shaking his hands toward Trace.
"I say we find out." Trace begins feeling around his person and digging into pouches and pockets. "I've got a needle and some string around here somewhere."
Caius has stood up and a grin has worked its way across his face. He then starts loosely pointing and shaking his finger at Trace. "Oh, you're funny Trace. I see I'm beginning to rub off on you."
"I'm not too sure if I'm happy with that." Trace replies.
"Well I am. I'm proud of you Trace." Caius says, still grinning. "I shall head off and get some sleep now. I'm drained. Wake me when we get to Casdan." Trace nods, acknowledging his friends request. Caius walks out of the room and turns down toward a different hall. This hall leads to small room with two beds. One at each side of the room. Two chests sit at the foot of each bed. Each contains items belonging either Caius or Trace. Belts, satchels, pouches, and various other pieces of garments are housed within. Next to each chest is a small table. On the table by Trace's chest and bed, rests a blaster rifle and some thermal detonators. "I really wish Trace would put those thermal detonators somewhere safer. Instead of rolling around on the table," says Caius to himself.
Caius takes his blaster and holster off his belt and places it on the table. He then removes his belt which contains several small pouches and a few larger ones, placing it on the chest. Removing his coat, he places it on the chest as well. He kicks off his boots and walks over to the bed on the left, lays down, and closes his eyes.
Trace is sitting down on one of the chairs with his prosthetic leg resting on the small table. He is bent over the leg, prodding at it with a tool. Small sparks wiz and burr as they light up his face. Small thick goggles cover his eyes and little beads of sweat form and drip from his forehead. He takes the tool and sets it on the table and lifts up his goggles. "There. That should do it." He says to himself. He takes the leg and brings it up to his stump, just below the waist. He places it up against the metal and wiring that has been grafted onto it, pushing the leg into a hole in the center, and then twists the leg to the right in one quick movement. As he does that, he lets out a quick moan of pain and then places his leg on the ground. "I hate that bit," he says as he wipes sweat from his forehead. He then raises his leg and bends it inward and outward a few times. "Ah. Much better."
He stands up, stretches, then says to himself, "The diagnostics should be done by now. I'm ready to take it easy for a bit. Can't get to Casdan soon enough." Trace walks to a room next to the cockpit filled with blinking lights, toggles, switches, and displays. He walks up to the largest display, which glows with many letters and numbers. "Looks like everything is in order. At least for now." Trace presses a few buttons and the display goes dark. He then walks over to the cockpit and sits down. He presses a few buttons and switches, and the ship rises off the ground and begins moving. He grabs the controls and points the ship toward the atmosphere of Jedha and pushes a lever slowly forward. The ship begins to move at a faster rate as it pierces the atmosphere into space. Trace then reaches over to the center of the cockpit and begins tapping some buttons, inputting the coordinates for Casdan. He then flips a switch above him, engaging the auto pilot. "There, now I can get some sleep. It will be almost six hours before we get there." Trace then grabs the large lever and pushes it forward, sending them into hyperspace.
He stands up and walks back into the room with the beds. Caius is asleep under the covers. Trace removes his belt containing small and medium sized pouches and places it on the chest in front of his bed. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out a small rectangular object that looks made of thin clear plastic or glass. On the bottom is a small button. Trace presses the button and it illuminates with a picture of five people in color. A woman stands on the left holding a young boy. Next to the woman and young boy is Trace, with his right arm around the woman. The woman stands several inches shorter than him. On Trace's left, are two other men. One as tall as Trace, the other shorter by about a foot. Both are fairly stalky. They are all smiling. Trace sighs and wipes a tear from his eye, then presses the button turning it off, and sets it on the table by his bed. He walks over to his bed, sits down and pulls his boots off, then lays down. Trace rolls over, pulling the covers over him, then closes his eyes and drifts to sleep.