Chapter XXIII: One Final Injustice
Cal - ?
With a smile Cal ran through the grand halls of the Jedi temple, waving his hands towards a group of younglings as he passed them by. Today was a good day: it was the first time ever since he became a Jedi Knight he'd go on a mission with his old master. Not as a student, of course, but as an equal. And somehow, being called an equal to Master Tapal managed to ignite something within him. Cal knew that Jedi shouldn't be too prideful, lest they risk toying too much with their emotions, but damn it all, he just couldn't help it in this case.
Entering one of the temple's many halls he scratched his head in confusion as he watched how Tapal merely sat there seemingly lost in meditation as his lightsaber rested in front of him.
''Master Tapal. Is everything quite alright? To be honest, seeing you here and not training is sort of an odd sight.'' Cal stated with a teasing spirit as he closed the door behind him, stepping towards him before he joined him on the floor.
''Jedi Knight Cal Kestis. I'm so sorry.''
His words sounded hollow, void of any emotion ere the world around was plunged into darkness. The tiles beneath Cal's feet cracked into a thousand pieces, every crack to be soon illuminated by stunning white light. There was a gush of air followed by a sound that could only be described as rusty chains howling in the wind. It didn't last for more than a second until Cal found himself on a platform made out of white energy floating into endless nothingness, white stars shining brightly in the distance as Cal grabbed his lightsaber in a panic.
''Calm yourself, Jedi Knight. We haven't got much time.''
Cal glared at the Lasat with countless questions dancing over his lips. Where was he? What sort of trick was this? He spun around, his eyes darting through the endless void. He was crazy, that had to be it. None of this could be real. This was a nightmare, some sort of hellish dream. He probably drank something weird or ate something he wasn't supposed to - there could be no other explanation. Soon, he'd wake up and everything would be -
''You're right. This isn't real. It isn't fake, either. Sit down and listen.''
There was something in Tapal's voice that managed to grasp his attention even amidst all of that chaos. And although he couldn't quite place his words on it he felt that he should listen to his old master, as he did so many times before. And thus Cal was now seated in front of him, constant worry branded in his face.
''We're in the World between Worlds. A place that bleeds through the Force just like the very air we breathe. You ... '' Tapal closed his eyes and sighed ''I'm sorry, my former apprentice. Events were now put in motion that shouldn't have transpired. You've toyed with fate and it has reacted - violently.''
Tapal seized his lightsaber, the cold wrinkles in his face softening as his fingers glided over its cold surface.
''You know Jedi K - ... Cal. The day you became my apprentice, I swore to myself that I'd do anything to prepare you for this ... unjust galaxy. I thought that I did a decent job at it, at least. With the Clone Wars, it was the only thing I could do. Everyone in the temple knew that we wouldn't be able to treat this generation of students like the others. We raised you to be soldiers, swords of justice for the Republic. And yet in our hubris, we not only lost that what made us Jedi, but we were also blinded by the darkness that rested in our midst. We traded the protection of the innocent with dreams of ''just conquest'', as if there was any semblance of justice within those perversions of our ideals. But we were so blind to everything happening. It has cost us everything - it has cost me my life.''
Cal gasped at that. What was he talking about? What war? Worry spread through his body as he glared at his former master. Tapal didn't tend to be that emotional. What happened? Wh -
And all out of sudden, the dark memories that he kept at the back of his head came back to haunt him. This wasn't real. Tapal died in his arms as the Clone Army betrayed them. The temple was now long gone, replaced by imperial rulership. This wasn't real. And yet, it felt real. Too real. Was this a vision of the Force?
''But still, you soldiered on. After everything was taken from you, you simply moved on. And in that ... in that lies a strength I myself would never be able to summon. To turn my back on the Force, on its will and its wishes ... remarkable. Perhaps this is the gift of your generation. The generation we as a Jedi failed ... yes, I believe I understand. The true thing we've managed to teach you, if unintended: to live without the Force.''
Tapal rambled on, his eyes still kept on his saber.
''Whatever the truth is, Cal - it doesn't change a thing. Right now, for better or worse, I need to ask you to trust the Force once more. Perhaps when all of this is over, you'll turn your back on it for good. I hope you do. I can only see pain ahead of you if you don't.''
His voice grew cold as he dropped his lightsaber. A white light engulfed his eyes as his body began to glow like a torch in the darkness. His eyesight wandered up to meet Cal as the Lasat's body began to slowly dissolve into nothingness.
''I'm so sorry Cal, but ... the Jedi have failed you. We've failed you all. And yet, although it tears me up from the inside, I have to ask you for one final injustice.''
Tapal's shimmering hand grabbed Cal's shoulders.
''The fallen apprentice of Cere Junda. Her life was bound to end, the Force has decided so. And yet, she survived. And through her survival, she changed the course of history, an alteration of fate that has affected the very order of nature. Once, within this World between Worlds, I saw two siblings, a princess and a farmer, uniting a galaxy to defeat evil as we know it. Then, many years in the future, a scavenger girl would finish what they started, her fate bound to an agent of darkness desperately searching for the light. But now, I only see oblivion ... and her. It tears me up from the inside, but ... Cal. For the sake of not only the galaxy but also your own life.''
His hand disappeared, followed by his body. It was only his voice that echoed still, though it was in his mind and not in this strange place.
You need to kill Trilla Suduri. One final act of injustice to save your life and restore order to the galaxy. It will not be easy, for she has made a powerful ally. But you'll not be alone. Find my blood, teach him what I taught you. And don't shut out the Nightsister - let her be your strength as you were her strength. In the Force, you are one.''
He was gone now and the white stars around him were banished with him. Strangely, only Tapal's lightsaber remained. Cal kneeled down to grab it, his mind too confused to create even one single coherent thought. As his hands touched the hilt, it too disappeared, only for its crystal to remain. And then, as he picked it up, he felt an unnatural cold creeping up his body.
''Cal, don't move. It's ... it's going to be alright. She showed me ... it's going to be alright.''
It was Trilla. With every word that he heard, the coldness grew exponentially, holding his entire body in its icy grip as he was thrown back into reality, the star-sprinkled void of this strange place quickly being replayed by the rocky mountains of Ordel. It didn't even take a second until hellish pain made his body shake as his very own bones seemed to shift with unnatural force, the smell of blood and gore besieging his nostrils. Trilla - the woman that should've never survived according to Tapal - hovered above him, her hands wandering up and down his body. He could feel the Dark Side sliding over her hands as another bone started to crack, the sensation of it enough to make him scream in torment.
''We're almost done ... one more wound and that's it!''
Trilla didn't lie. Another wave of unimaginable pain drove over him before she dropped to the floor next to him, the sweat on her face telling a tale of certain exhaustion.
''Trilla? W-What happened ... I saw ... I -''
''Calm yourself. It's over now, you'll live.''
Her voice sounded stern, yet Cal couldn't help but pick up on the weak undertone that followed her words. Risking a hopeful look at his legs, he almost choked on his own screams as he saw what happened down there.
''Trilla ... what happened. What have you done?''
Naturally the dirt floor around him looked like a bloody mess - literally. But it wasn't the blood that concerned him, he has seen worse during the Clone Wars. It was the fact that the grass around him seemed to have died off, its once green color replaced by morbid grey. A strange smell lingered in the air, as if decay met sulfur in an epic struggle. The echo of the Dark Side left a bad taste in his mouth, one that made him gasp in response. Cal grimaced grimly. What has she done? How did she even know to do such a thing?
And then Cal spotted something in the distance that silenced every other thought. Above Stone Town, a gigantic Star Destroyer flew between the clouds as rain scorched the earth below.
''What is that?!''
''I don't know.'' Trilla stated as she got to her feet once more, a tired breath escaping her mouth ''I guess the explosion managed to attract the Empire.''
Explosion?
Slowly his memories returned and placed themselves in the storefront of his mind. They were investigating a mysterious power on Ordel, one that managed to get them caught into some dark ruin. There they discovered a mysterious arc of energy amongst the rubble, one that violently blew up and brought the world around them to its knees.
Instantly, Cal turned his head and looked behind, hoping to put together what happened. He soon realized that in the chaos, Trilla and him must have been displaced by it. He couldn't remember his immediate surroundings and truth be told, somehow even the mountains looked different. Similar, yet not quite what he could recall. Pulling his legs towards him under heavy breaths, he winced somewhat as he stood up. Stretching his hand outwards to help Trilla up, he recalled the words of his former master. One final injustice - her murder. It couldn't be true, could it? Cal was convinced that he had to hit his head during the explosion, his brain temporarily turned to mush as it tried to deal with the trauma. Truthfully it was the only rational explanation he could come up with and yet, he knew the flow of the Force. It didn't feel fake. His heart knew it to be true, even if his head told a different story altogether.
The red light of Trilla's artifact managed to catch his attention. Was there truly any truth to Tapal's words or was it nothing but yet another nightmare that he managed to claim for himself? No matter the circumstances, what he did know however was that it was dangerous, even if Trilla didn't seem to believe so. Nothing good could ever stem from darkness, that much was certain.
We need to get out of here. Cere and others are probably panicked beyond belief right now.
Knowing that now wasn't the time to challenge Trilla's faith, he turned on his heels and glanced down at Stone Town. If they were quick, they could make it back before sunrise, rain or no rain. At that, Cal looked down at his legs. The texture of his pants was bathed in an equal mixture of dirt and blood. Yet somehow, he had to admit that whatever Trilla did to him worked. What he couldn't deny either was that he felt sick to his core as he glared at it.
''Are you alright, Cal?''
He shrugged. How was he supposed to answer that? He barely survived a cataclysmic explosion only to be patched up by rather dubious sources whilst Stone Town seemed to be in some sort of self-inflicted siege. Nothing of that made him feel alright, far from it. He closed his eyes and sighed ere he nodded. There wasn't any time for conflict, not now. They'd talk about it back onto the Mantis - with everyone. To add to that, perhaps Cere would know more about the vision he got. And if the vision proved itself to be true: Cal didn't even wish to entertain that thought.
''Sort of. But I'd feel better once we're back on the ship. You ready to go?''
Trilla didn't seem to be worse for wear, minus the way she put her weight onto her leg. He could pick up the scent of bacta stemming from it, probably from some light wounds she got during the explosion. Thank the Force they took those bacta bags with them, he added silently. She lowered her head and pointed towards Stone Town.
''Always. Let's hurry.''
Merrin - Ordel, Homebase
She threw the freshwater against her face, wiping off the dirt and oil she caught during her last flight. It wasn't the Mantis, far from it, but it got the job done, even if it cost her every last nerve.
''Greez would be better suited for this.'' she stated matter of factly to nobody in particular.
It might have looked weird if anyone spotted her, but somehow, talking to herself managed to soothe her thoughts. It made her current situation more ''normal'', even if it sounded paradox. As long as she'd have someone to talk about mundane things, their lives couldn't be that bad, right? As long as she kept up that act, there was something else to do than facing daily nightmares and hiding from the Empire. If that meant looking like an idiot, so be it. It was not like she had anyone left to talk about, she thought darkly. She cared for Cere, very much so. However, it was difficult to find common ground during conversations with her. Somehow, it always came back to the Force and to him, a subject that she certainly didn't wish to talk much about. And Greez, well ... -
Where should she even begin? A man that managed to defeat his inner monsters, putting his life and his ship into service for those who can't protect themselves, defeat by a never-ending amount of pain and suffering. He had a fiery spirit, once. A charm that was unique in all of the good ways. Now, he simply was. And it made her uneasy to no extend.
Merrin looked around in her room. It was bigger than her cabin in the Mantis, dearly so. Yet no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't feel at home. No matter how many trinkets and flowers she managed to place in her room, something was missing. Indeed, the only thing that her cabin in the Mantis and her room at Homebase had in common where the nightmares that wore her down day for day.
Smile. Act. Don't be a burden. They need you, Merrin.
She closed the door behind her and marched down the wooden hallway, Homebase's simple architecture calming her somewhat. It was beautiful, no matter the circumstances. Rock and wood harboring both people and animals alike, providing nourishment and safety in those dire times. Merrin wondered if perhaps one day, she could get used to such a life. Now, however, her priorities were clear. With a smile, she entered the rather big dining room, lowering her head towards Cere in a greeting manner. It would only be them and Greez today, given that the others were busy with their own duties. And she was alright with that, truth be told.
Their little insurgency started small at first. It was the three of them against the Empire., hitting them whenever they could without attracting too much-unwanted attention. Sabotaging a supply line here and there did help somewhat, even if the Empire was known for its iron will when it came to perseverance. Whenever they were successful, the lives of the people of Ordel got worse in the end. Managing to destroy an imperial Walker before they were able to use it? Reduced rations for one or two districts. A dead trooper? Mass incarnations. The Empire's cruelty knew no end, a fact that hit them hard. The worst thing about all of it was that no matter how much they thought they did to trouble the Empire, it mostly didn't even take a day until new reinforcements and supplies arrived. If it wouldn't have been for the former administrator, Administrator Loche, and his many allies, Merrin and the others would probably have given up by now. Through his intelligence and contacts, they were finally able to do lasting damage that wasn't so easily repaired.
''Merrin, do you want some caf? We've got some milk too.''
Cere's words made her blink as she focused her mind once more.
''Sure, thanks Cere'' she answered with a kind if faked spirit.
It wasn't easy though. No matter how much they achieved, things just tended to become worse around them. Some time ago, another resistance group entered the stage, their approaches a thousand times more radical than their own. Where Merrin and the rest preferred precise and effective strikes against the Empire, the others seemed to lash out at anything in their way, no matter the cost. Often enough, that meant severe punishment from the Empire as a reaction. Last time that meant that an entire housing unit of civilians was executed. She didn't dare think what would happen in the future.
''I've talked to Relor. He'll help me with the data later after he's back.''
She scoffed at that. Merrin didn't trust the Lasat, no matter how often Cere tried to claim his arrival to be the will of the Force. Yes, to his credit he's been honest to them so far. He told them that it was he that tried to kill Cal on Nar Shaddaa all that time ago. He also claimed that he had visions, echoes of what Cere believed to be the Force, that brought him to them. Yet only a fool wouldn't see the risk that Lasat carried with him, Merrin thought. The bounty on Jedi was higher than ever - how long until he betrayed them? How long until this frequently drunk and drug-riddled former gun for hire would sell them out? This man was broken and broken people could be twisted, it wasn't exactly science for her. Out of all the people, Cere should know best what could happen to people once they were broken. But she didn't tell her that.
''Great.'' she deadpanned ''And then?''
''We'll see. Until we managed to crack that data, I don't want to be out there. Empire's cracking down again and Force knows what they are planing in the meantime.''
Merrin looked at Cere's face. She was tired, that much was obvious. She knew that she didn't sleep much - who did, nowadays? - but still, Cere should get her rest. There were a thousand seeds of doubt ingrained in her mind, ranging from their own allies to the Empire's plans. But that would wait. There was no reason to strain the Jedi any further.
They've endured the last year well enough, even if their souls didn't shine as brightly as they once did. They'll manage the next one too. For all of their sakes, they had to.
The rest of the dinner was spent in silence. Greez didn't show again. He was probably hiding in the kitchen, eating less than he should before he tried sneaking away into his room, not wishing to talk to anyone that could cross his path. Merrin tried to help him. She still did, or so she thought at least. Yet no matter what she tried, she didn't seem to make any progress. And how could she? You couldn't mend a broken dagger with a broken hammer. Merrin simply didn't have the energy anymore.
After dinner, she left the room as quickly as she could without gaining unwanted attention. Tomorrow, it was her time to be on guard duty. Merrin knew that if she didn't try to get any sleep now, her nightmares would ensure that she wouldn't be able to get more than a couple of hours of sleep. Ensuring that her door was properly locked, she threw herself on her bed, face directed at the wooden ceiling as she let her thoughts run rampant. She might not feel the Force as Cere did, but she didn't think that she needed to. Logic alone told her that Stone Town turned into a powder keg begging to be ignited. One way or another, chaos would soon arrive on this planet. People would die, there was no need to sugarcoat it. She just hoped that it was the right people at least.
''It would be easier with you around, you know?''
Her eyes wandered to a poncho resting on a nearby table. It belonged to Cal once. After his death, she needed something physical to keep him alive in her mind, even if that notion sounded foolish even to her. So she kept it, wearing it with both pride and solace whenever she thought back to what once was.
''It would all be easier with you.''
She stated weakly ere she closed her eyes, hoping that sleep would claim her as soon as possible.
AN: Boy. We live in interesting times, eh? Now that university was shut down and my party told me that they'd stop every political activity until further notice, I've got time on my hands. Too much time. Good for fanfiction, I guess? Sorry for the so-so quality of this chapter but I wanted to get something out to motivate me again. I'll probably try to get a beta reader so that should make things easier in the future.
That also means that I can finally re-revisit my WoW fic (third time's a charm eh?). Yay me.
Guest: Time and space is such a weird thing, isn't it? ;)
Zenith: Valid comment! But don't worry, although I agree that it looks a lot like the focus shifted, I can assure you that the focus will shift back to Cal soon. Generally, it's going to boil down to primarily Cal/Trilla, though their stories are strongly connected anyway. I'd like to write some more stuff about Merrin Cere and Greez though. I concur that they didn't get as much time in the spotlight as I originally wanted. Thanks for reading and thanks for your invested time! It means a lot.
