Hey Super Star Wars Fans!
For reference, we are about 2/3's of the way through the book. So still obviously a lot left, but the end is near.
Hope you all enjoy
Chapter Fifteen
Touching down in one of the secondary hangars of the Temple did not bring the usual warmth and comfort that it usually did. When the two Jedi exited the 'Guile and walked through the halls with the giant pillars, there was no comfort. Now the huge constructs felt like bars of a prison. Where there was openness before, now there was oppression, ornate walls pressing down Aedan, restricting him.
Leaving Chandrila and the Dawnstars was far more difficult than he expected. The goodbye was hard, particularly on Kyra, and she had even stated that she wanted to stay longer. And kriff it all to mustafar, he would have. In fact, he had every intention of suggesting that himself in the morning. The night they shared was...how could he begin to categorize it? To put an adjective to it? He knew he only wanted more time with her, and to explore this crazy thing called love.
Then he drifted off to sleep, and Force told him what it thought of his plans. While it was only just images or fragments of images, he knew it was a Force dream. There were battles, big battles fighting troopers frighteningly similar to Clone troopers, massive angular capital ships and swarms of odd looking fighters. There were massive explosions or supernovas in space, he couldn't tell which. And foreboding figures cloaked in shadow. All of it Dark, kriff the whole galaxy felt dark. But Kyra was there, present through it all, shining bright, her light fighting against the encroaching darkness.
He had no idea what it all meant, but he knew Kyra had to stay with the order. All his ideas of escaping, of running away with her were eradicated. They were irrelevant now. The galaxy needed her. And it was his responsibility to make sure that happened.
They were heading towards the dormitories when a padawan rushed up to them. "Master Kahl and Knight Dawnstar, the council requests your presence."
That was odd, "Okay," Aedan said, "Inform them we'll be up in soon, we have to drop our things off."
The padawan winced, "I'm sorry, Master, but they said it was urgent, and demanded that you come right away."
"Demanded?" Aedan echoed.
The padawan just nodded, eyes wide.
"Understood, we'll head there now." The padawan rushed off without another word, and Aedan and Kyra began heading towards the Council Spire.
"We're in trouble, aren't we?"
Aedan sighed, "Yes, Kyra, I believe we are."
Kyra rested a hand on his shoulder, "Whatever happens, I don't regret anything."
The concern leaked out of Aedan's eyes. Softness replaced it. "Neither do I."
"Together?" she asked.
"Together," he confirmed.
Entering the council chambers was not the typical experience it normally was. Aedan, and he guessed Kyra as well, no longer held the council in the highest regard. He had witnessed firsthand how fallible they actually were. Where there was awe before, standing in front of such powerful masters, now the two Jedi exuded defiance. However, he could also feel that the council held similar sentiments towards them. All of it creating a tension to the room, a grimness even.
And to top it off, this wasn't an unofficial meeting with only a few masters present. This time all twelve master were there, either in person in in blue hologrammed form.
This is not going to be pleasant
"Master Kahl, Knight Dawnstar, concerning information has been brought to our intention," Master Yoda said.
Aedan and Kyra just remained silent.
"Where were you two for the last week?" Master Mundi asked.
"On Chandrila, Master," Aedan said, leaving out the bit about Tython.
"And what were you doing on Chandrila?" Plo Kloon asked.
"We were spending time with my family. My biological family," Kyra answered.
Gasps and mutterings sounded throughout the chamber, but Master Windu's scowl and Master Yoda's grunt were the loudest out of everything.
"A war has been going on, clones have been dying, Jedi have fallen, and you two have been on what, vacation?" Master Windu said.
"Broken many codes you have, Master Kahl. Reuniting a Jedi with her parents, dangerous and harmful it can be."
He stared back at Yoda, unflinching, "Perhaps, for some, but it was not harmful for Kyra. It helped her."
Yoda considered that, and leaned back in his chair, pointer finger going to his lip, eyes turning misty.
"Do you not remember the oaths you both took?" Master Windu said, "Have you forgotten? There's a reason we don't let members of this order see their families."
"Yes, and that reason is bantha kark," Aedan said.
Master WIndu's eyes widened. His nostrils flared. His lips parted, baring his teeth in a sneer. Well, that is a horrifying sight, Aedan thought.
Before the Korun Master exploded into rage, Master Mundi spoke up, "It has come to our attention that you and Kyra Dawnstar have formed a...relationship. And have developed feelings for each other. Is this true?"
Aedan, without looking at Kyra, answered, "Yes."
Stunned silence met him with that admission. They did not know how to respond.
"It was never intentional. Neither of us meant for it to happen, and we've fought it for years now."
"And what, you've given up fighting? Let your baser urges take over?" Master Windu bit back.
"No," Aedan said sharply. "Why fight against something that only makes us better and stronger? Because we are better and stronger together."
The quiet was even more pronounced now, if that was even possible. Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.
Master Windu broke the silence, "And what if the decision came up between completing the mission or saving her life what would you choose."
"I would choose her every time," he whispered.
"That's what I thought."
"No, you don't get it. By choosing her, I'm ensuring the good of all people. Kyra Dawnstar is more important than any one mission, you have to see that by now. She will change the Galaxy. And change it for good. I'm protecting the order by saving her. She is going to do amazing things."
The Council stared at him, taken back by his admission and viewpoint.
"I'm going to ignore that idiotic and selfish declaration, and get right to the heart of it," Master Windu said, and then turned to Kyra, "And you Kyra, if you had to choose between the mission and Aedan's life, what would you decide?"
She dropped her head. "Him."
Master Windu sneered, "Do you see the problem here? If her destiny is to change the galaxy, as you say, how can she do that if she's more concerned with your well-being. Her overall mission as a Jedi is to protect and serve and keep the peace. But she can't do that if she has this attachment to you. So if she truly were that powerful, and destined to change everything, you, Aedan Kahl have ruined that destiny, and destroyed any hope of it."
"I can't do this without him," Kyra yelled, surprising the council with her outburst. "I am this way because of him. If you, Master, had trained me, I would not have become...whatever I am."
Master Windu held up a hand. "Aedan, if Kyra was just an average Jedi, and you didn't believe she was going to do the things you say she is, would that change anything?"
He had him there. "No."
Master Windu leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
"You have broken the Jedi Code. You have compromised your missions, risking everything, putting everyone around you in jeopardy by letting this attachment fester, and eat away at you from the inside. You have started down the dark path, and worst of all, you've betrayed your oath and all the Jedi within the order. I can't-"
"No, we haven't," Aedan interrupted softly.
"What?" Master Windu snapped.
"We haven't betrayed anyone. And we certainly haven't started down the dark path." The masters remained silent, either too stunned or too angered to say anything. Aedan took advantage of the silence, "This is something an old Jedi Master once said, and you can confirm this in the Archives if you wish, 'Love doesn't lead to the dark side. Passion can lead to rage and fear, and can be controlled, but passion is not the same thing as love. Controlling your passions while being in love, that's what they should teach you to beware, but love itself will save you, not condemn you.'"
"I think we'll be the judge of that."
"Fine, go ahead. Look at us through the force. My shields are lowered," he reached for Kyra's hand, and clasped it firmly. "Look at us together. We are completely open to you all. Seek us out within the Force. Appraise our bond. Understand our commitment. But also understand what we have been through together.
"Master Mundi I'll wager is the exception, but I don't expect any of you to understand. Have you ever cared for anyone? I mean really cared. But go ahead, see us through the force. I'll save you the suspense. There's nothing but light there. Nothing but love. And if you had any idea what love can do, how positive of a force it can be, then you would understand," he spun on his heel, and looked at the Grandmaster himself. "Go ahead, Master Yoda. See us. Truly, see us. And comprehend just how wrong you've been."
The little green master closed his eyes.
"Regardless," Master Windu yelled out, "You've broken the code and the trust of the order. There must be punishment. You, Aedan Kahl, have taken this bright, young prospect down a forbidden path, and you've don't it knowingly. We can't allow that."
Master Yoda finally spoke up, "Deliberate we will. Return this afternoon. Know that Such transgressions cannot go unpunished."
Deflated, Aedan sighed. "I understand, Master," Aedan said, and began walking out, but Kyra stayed.
"Knight Dawnstar, something you have to add?"
Kyra didn't answer and stood in the middle of the chamber room, and closed her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath. And the particles in the room were displaced. The shades on all the windows began lowering, causing the masters to squirm and turn in their seats as Kyra manipulated the mechanisms, and darkness flooded the room.
"I'm not one to boast," she whispered into the dark, "But this is what I've become. And I am this way because of him. Because of love." She let the quiet settle back down.
Then she exploded into brightness, instantly becoming Alight, causing the masters to flinch. In the darkened room the luminescent wisps of blue smoke were clearly seen wafting and curling off of her. She opened her eyes, and several council members jerked back in surprise. Shimmering, electric blue eyes stared back at them. She turned in a circle so that all could see. Her light lit up the entire room.
She held up a hand, palm facing the ceiling, and the masters watched in pure awe as she channeled light from her body into a ball that hovered just above her hand. She stared at it, seeming to pour more energy and light into it, causing it to grow and shine brighter.
Kyra stood there in electric, luminescent blue light. Azure vapors wafting up from her skin. She turned about, holding the sphere in her hand.
"Does this look like darkness to you? I don't know what I am. I don't know how or why this happened. But it has. And Aedan is the catalyst. And just so you know there's nothing dark about me..." She then turned her hand, fingers pointing upward, palm now facing Master Windu. Without warning she pushed the ball of light forward, shooting it straight for Master Windu. He tried to deflect it with his hands but it was moving too fast, so it collided with his chest, exploding in a flash of blue. He gasped.
Master Windu leapt out of his seat, and was now crackling with azure energy himself. His eyes blue and vibrant. He stood up in awe, holding his hands before him, and looked around the room. "This...I...how?" he asked.
"Master Windu, are you okay?" Master Mundi asked.
"I can see the Force. I can...hear it," he said, breathless. He turned towards Kyra, eyes traveling from her to Aedan to the rest of the council members. "I see more than shatter points." His gaze now shooting up to the sky. "Such...knowledge. So many answers. Such power." he shook his head, then faced Kyra again. "How often can you do this?"
"Whenever I want," she responded.
"Impossible," he said.
She held her arms out wide, and swept then down to her thighs, "Is this not proof?"
A few moments of Master Windu still being in awe, and then the light started to fade. Kyra walked towards Aedan and stood next to him. She snapped her fingers, the blue light instantly went away, and the window shades began rolling up, daylight shining in to the council chambers. She looked each Master in the eye, sizing each of them up, gauging their disposition. And then she walked out of the council chambers. And Aedan followed her out.
That's what she should have done. What she wanted to do. But all the power she had gained, all the wisdom, prowess, courage and power she had acquired could not break the Order's notions that had been ingrained in her. Sure, she had broken the code when she was far removed from the Temple and its masters. But here, now, in front of them, under their arrogant, scrutinizing gaze she couldn't. She was afraid to. The indoctrinations that had been thrust upon her since she was two years old could not be so easily surmounted.
She remained silent. She gave no protest. No show of power. She bowed her head, and followed Aedan out of the Council Chambers.
They took the turbolift down, the entire descent was spent in silence. When they both stepped off, Aedan turned to speak with her, but Kyra just kept walking, arms wrapped around herself, head tucked down. She could feel Aedan's worry. As well as his hopelessness.
Hours later, Kyra arrived outside the council chambers to find Aedan was already there, leaning against the wall, deep in thought. He felt her arrival, "They wanted to speak with you first," he said. "I'll be here if you need me."
Kyra just nodded, and walked on in to stand in front of the high council members.
"Kyra Dawnstar, you should be expelled from the Jedi Order. Do you understand that?"
Kyra's eyes dropped to the linoleum floor. "I do."
Yoda grunted, and Master Windu continued, "But we are at war. We have already lost too many Jedi. And we can't afford to lose any more. You are needed, Knight Dawnstar, and we have faith in you. Are you ready to honor your oath to the Jedi order, and carry out your duty?"
"I am."
Master Windu eyed her. All of the Masters present stared at her, seeking her out through the force, and assessing her commitment. They did not find it lacking.
Master Windu was nodding, "We have an assignment for you. Most of our forces are deployed to the Outer Rim Sieges that are now beginning, but you are to head to Commenor. That system, particularly one major outpost, is on the brink of invasion and it cannot fall to Separatist control. We need Commenor. We need their financial support. You and a small team, including two jedi masters will be taking over the defense of the outpost. The masters accompanying you are skilled and wise, but you, Kyra, will take command of the outpost. They are there to aid you. And-"
Kyra cut him off, "Me, Master? Are you sure that's wise? Especially if they're masters."
"Trust our judgment, and follow orders. Understand?" Mace Windu said with finality.
"Protect the outpost at all costs, Knight Dawnstar, or this war will be drawn out far longer than we hoped," Master Mundi said.
"We are trusting you to fulfill your oath as a jedi. We have faith in you, Kyra. Prove us right," Master Windu said.
Kyra bowed low, "Yes, Master. I will do my best." She turned to leave.
"One more thing," Master Windu said, "You must stay away from Master Kahl henceforth. Do you understand? This attachment must end here and now. Understood?"
Kyra felt the liquid brimming at the corners of her eyes. She felt the despair probing on one side, and the pain from the other. How in the force could she do this?
"Yes, Master," she said, inclining her head.
Yoda, once again, didn't say anything. Just raised his finger to his lips and grunted. What was going on with him?
"Good," Master Windu said, "You leave tonight. Find a transport suitable for a squad, and set a course for Commenor. We'll send coordinates to your datapad."
Tonight? She wanted to protest, but what could she say. Kyra merely nodded.
"And may the force be with you."
She didn't acknowledge the blessing, just continued on walking out of the chambers to find Aedan standing there. Of all the times she had looked into those grey eyes of his, never had she seen such fear. Such worry. What was he afraid of?
Kyra stopped in front of him, purposely avoiding his eyes now, unable to bear the sight of them. "I leave tonight for Commenor."
He didn't respond. He just stood there, quietly, as if a vocalized response would ensure its occurrence.
She filled the silence, being near him now under restriction was torture. She couldn't take it. "Good bye, Master," she said quickly, and walked past him.
"Wait," he breathed, the raw need and despair nearly broke Kyra on the spot, "I'm-"
She shook her head, causing him to exhale. He looked at the floor, gathering himself, then locked eyes with her. "Are you still with me, Kyra?"
She couldn't help the short whimper that escaped through her lips. "I'm always with you," she said, the tears finally falling. "Always." Then she turned and walked away.
"Take the 'Guile," he called out.
That caused her to stop and turn around, "What?" she said.
He shrugged, "As far as I'm concerned, the ship is yours, Kyra. I already reset the security protocols so only you and I can fly the ship."
"Master, I can't-"
"Please."
She stared at him, the dropped her gaze. "W-what will happen now? When will I see you again?"
Aedan chewed on his lips, then shook his head. "I don't know."
She hung her head, hopelessness starting to invade.
"But you can find me in the Force, Kyra. I'll always be there."
Kyra felt her body temperature rise, and moisture build around her eyes. She blinked several times, willing the tears to not fall. She took a deep breath, and then nodded. "I'll find you in the Force."
Aedan didn't respond. He simply turned around and walked into the council chambers.
Jedi Master Aedan Kahl stood in front of the Jedi High Council. He prided himself on being strong, but his knees quaked as he stood in the center of the room. Was this to be his last day as a jedi? All of his hard dedication, discipline, and hard work gone in a moment. Had he made a mistake? Should he have stayed away and kept his distance from her?
How could he? Seriously, how can you stay away from something like that? All the teachings of the Jedi say to "Seek the light." And that's exactly what he did. Kyra is light incarnate, brightness personified, and so he moved towards her, and sought her out.
"You are to be expelled from the Jedi Order," Mace Windu said.
Aedan felt his stomach sink, and his shoulders slump. In his mind he handled this punishment in a much more dignified manner, but reality was far too caustic for him to remain anything but broken.
"At least that was my resolute suggestion, but evidently that order has been countermanded," Mace said. "Didn't even make it to a vote," he said again, looking over at Master Yoda, not disguising his distaste at the decision.
Aedan immediately straightened, hope blossoming. He looked to Yoda, evidently his savior, and obviously the only person that could stop such an intention from the Order's champion.
"An uprising there has been on Bpfassh. On a warpath Dark Jedi have gone in that system. With your certain skills, stop them we can. Stop them we must."
Aedan was dumbfounded, and it took him a few seconds to gather his wits. "What about my punishment?" Eyes shifting among Yoda, Windu, and Mundi.
"You are to be stripped of your rank of Master. And you are to be separated from Knight Dawnstar. You are not permitted to see her."
Aedan's nostrils flared, "Ever?" he asked through clenched teeth.
"Until over this war is."
He deflated, letting out a breath. That's understandable. He nodded in response.
Yoda made his customary grunt, "Tomorrow we leave for Bpfassh. Oh-Eight-hundred in the main hangar."
"I'll be there," Aedan said.
And Yoda nodded his approval, while Master Windu remained scowling. Aedan began to walk out, and then stopped, and turned on the Korun Master. "You know, you saw all of this. You saw our connection that one day long ago in the Room of a Thousand Fountains."
Master Windu sneered, "I've been wrong."
"No, you haven't, not in this regard," Aedan said. "You say I've broken the code by forming an attachment, but you yourself have formed an attachment to the system, and to the code, so much so that you're ignoring the will of the Force which you must realize brought us together."
"You are on thin ice, Knight Kahl," Windu said, "Are you sure you want to pour hot coals on it?"
"Oh, so now telling the truth isn't the Jedi way either?" Aedan shook his head. "You police and pass judgement on everyone else, but have never confronted your own soul."
"What do you know-"
"Silence," Yoda said, "Discuss this more we will. Go, Knight Kahl, tomorrow we begin our mission."
Aedan let out another breath, "Yes, Master," he said, and exited the council chambers.
Kyra walked into one of the secondary hangars and saw four clones, one commando, and one Jedi master standing next to one of the big red consular ships. The commando had white armor with grey stripes on his helmet and shoulder plates. The clones, however, were wearing dark grey painted armor, which she'd never seen before. She walked up to the group of troopers. All five of which snapped to attention when she neared. She sought them out in the force and then gasped. "Hoppie!" She said, lunging forward, wrapping the commando with grey stripes up in a big hug. "You're alive!"
"Um," Hoppie said, noticeably uncomfortable with the sentiment.
Kyra quickly let go, "Sorry..." she observed the markings on the helmet, "Lieutenant."
"No worries," He said, then took off his helmet, "Just haven't been hugged by a general before."
Kyra laughed, "Clearly, I'm not like other generals."
"I know, Ma'am," he said, "That's why I requested this mission."
That came as a surprise, "You requested this?"
Hoppie nodded, "So did they," he said inclining his head toward the dark grey armored clones.
Kyra eyed them curiously, then perceived them through the force. Her eyes widened, and lips broke into a smile, "My fireteam from Sarrish," she said, holding out her hands wide.
The grey armored clones took off their helmets, revealing the same faces, but all with subtle differences. "Got it in one, General," the clone sporting a Sergeant's insignia said. "We are Cobalt Squad, and happy to be part of this mission, and fight alongside you once more."
"Cobalt Squad, huh?" Kyra said. "I'm honored."
The Sergeant, who had a full beard, touched his chest, "I'm Link, this is Rook, Gamble, and Pogo."
Kyra inclined her head, "I am truly glad to have you boys along." Kyra finally made her way over to the middle-aged Jedi Master dressed in a grey tunic and black robe. He had a neatly trimmed goatee and short hair. Kyra bowed, "Master," she said.
The Master smiled warmly, "Please, none of that," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Neeja Halycon, and I am very pleased to meet you."
Kyra smiled back, shaking his hand. "Kyra Dawnstar, at your service," she said, "So you're Master Halcyon."
He nodded, "Heard of my previous shortcomings?"
"I didn't care for those. I was more interested in your victories."
Master Halcyon regarded her for a moment, then glanced away, "You would be in the minority then."
Kyra shrugged, "Seems to happen quite a bit to me, particularly lately," she said, "And yet I continue to find myself in the right."
"Even recently?" he challenged, a twinkle in his eye.
"Especially recently."
He appraised her once more, then gave a single sharp nod, "I think you and I will get along quite well."
Kyra smiled, "I think so too. Now what exactly are we doing on Commenor?"
"I'll tell you on the way," he said, "Let's go ahead and get boarded. You got us a ship, right?"
Kyra nodded toward the Peerless Guile across the hangar.
Neeja took in the 'Guile, and then stared at Kyra. "He gave you the 'Guile, huh?"
"You know Aedan?"
Neeja's eyebrow rose at the informality, "I do. But come on, we can tell stories in hyperspace."
"You got it," Kyra said, then yelled toward the five troopers, "Saddle up, Boys." She looked around then turned back to Master Halcyon, "Wasn't there supposed to be two Jedi Masters?"
Master Halcyon's lip twitched, as Kyra felt a ripple through the force, and an entity fast approaching from above. She turned just in time to see that entity land on all fours. Then rise up on to two legs, and walk towards her. A long snout with sharp canine teeth filled her view. Yellow piercing eyes bore holes into her. Its nostrils flared, testing the air, while long pointed ears turned and twisted. Brown fur covered his body, and a customized Jedi tunic covered his torso and thighs. His black razor-sharp claws cut scratches cut into the floor. A Shistavenen Wolfman, Kyra thought. Unbelievable.
"May I present Voolvif Monn, the Order's only Shistavenen," Neeja said.
Kyra bowed low, "It's an honor to meet you, Master."
The Wolfman stalked forward, right up to mere inches away from Kyra. Then he bent his head down, and sniffed Kyra, who remained absolutely still, not wanting to show any discomfort or fear. Voolvif then stepped back and continued to eye her strangely.
Kyra, gathering her boldness, stepped forward, and rose up onto her tip toes, and then sniffed the Shistavenen, then backed away. Voolvif's ears perked straight up, and he blinked several times. Then a low rumble emanated from his chest and exited through his jaws.
He was laughing.
"I like this one," he growled to Master Halcyon, then walked up the boarding ramp into the ship.
Kyra turned to Neeja, seeking answers. The old master chuckled, "Master Monn, typically keeps to himself, and doesn't interact much with others. So that was just about the highest praise he could give you. Good first impression, General."
Kyra shook her head, grinning, "Thanks."
She watched Master Halcyon walk up the ramp, and then paused. An odd sensation came over her, and she looked around trying to figure out what it was. Something was supposed to happen before she walked on board.
"Waiting for something?" Master Halcyon asked from inside the 'Guile.
Realization struck. Not something, but someone. She had been waiting for Aedan to go ahead of her onto the ship as they had hundreds of times before. It had become habit, become tradition, and now that loop was broken.
She took a breath and lifted her head. She was on her own now. And she had to do this. She took one step, and then another, and continued on into the ship.
