Mysteries of the Force
As you can see, I haven't updated in a loong time—over a year! I apologize for the long delay. As always, please read and review so I know what you think! Also, I know this chapter is very short, but I am really busy at the moment. But that doesn't mean I'm too busy for reviews! Tell me or email me what you think—should I continue or stop?? Thanks!
He became aware of the fiery heat first; a heat that threatened to burn him from body to soul. He fought it of course, not completely understanding how he was holding it at bay, only knowing he had to do something—anything—to prevent it from overwhelming him. Then it was gone. What it was or why it left he did not know—did not care to know, really. It was gone, and that was all that mattered. Until the cold. It came swiftly and without warning. One second the heat was all around him in a fiery furnace, the next he was shivering and drawing heat into his body from all around him. He could feel the strain, the feeling of exhaustion creeping up on him, and it was not unexpected. He had been through a lot in the last few hours; an argument with his sister in which Leia had emerged victorious; entering a machine that whispered of instant pain and death; fighting the effects of the machine as soon as he entered it, doing everything in his power to shield himself from the lasers and escape before he lost his strength and began to take its toll, realizing that it was already too late…
He realized now it was a trap. It had been all along. Kassik T'klin had not been willing to join the New Republic; it meant giving up his power as a ruler and handing it over to someone else— someone who had sided against him during the war with the Empire. Or so they thought. It had not yet been proven, but Luke was certain Kassik and his father had volunteered their services to the Empire willingly. Of course that meant nothing. Kassik was the kind of man to side with whomever was strong and powerful… he was ruthless and cunning, offering his services to those who might please him. And the New Republic would not. The New Republic would take away his much cherished- power and Kassik would become no more than a figure, an image associated with Yutobaugh's once-ruler. But he couldn't simply say no— his people would protest. They wanted to join the New Republic for the benefits were overwhelming, yet Kassik T'klin would rather die before seeing that happen. So he devised a way to strike at the New Republic. The plan was dangerous and risky, yet if it succeeded…no. It was impossible. Luke's whole theory was based on half ideas and gossip. It couldn't be true! Could it? He remembered the feeling of impending doom, of danger and death in the room before he entered the machine. He remembered using the Force in trying to pinpoint the source, but only succeeded in becoming drowsy and disoriented. He remember knowing something was wrong, that he should have found it easily… and then dismissing it as stressed nerves after the fight with Leia. He had believed his explanation true until now. Something had been done—to him in general or everyone in the room he didn't know—but something had prevented him from discovering the truth. It was a fact that sent chills down his spine yet he knew it to be true. Either himself (his food or water), or the conference room had been tampered with. But how? How could you block the force from a Jedi? It was impossible! Well, not quite impossible. The force hadn't been blocked from him— if it had he'd be dead right now, not lying shivering and shaking on a soft mass of ground. But something had been done—something that made him slightly drowsy and uncertain of his senses. It was something that made his mind wander… and then he knew. The answer hit him like a thunderbolt; he opened his eyes, not truly seeing his surroundings, instead replaying the conference scene in his mind. Talking with Han, arguing with Leia, the sense of danger and residue of evil surrounding Kassick…
"Tarnsburry root!" How could he have been so stupid? But it didn't matter now; he couldn't change the past, and had no intention of trying—not when he could still shape the future.
He peered around, seeing his surroundings for the first time. It was a swampy area, filled with moss and trees and… he sniffed. There was a strange scent in the air that he did not recognize, but seemed strangely familiar. With a shrug he dismissed it as not important and stood. Aside from the slight disorientation—which was, without a doubt, a result of the strange transportation device that had somehow brought him here— he was relatively unharmed. Good. With his senses now clear of the drug he could attempt to find a way out of this strange land. He chose a direction that seemed safe and began walking, not knowing where he was headed but certain it was the correct choice. The morning sun beat on his back, humid and sticky, and he was tempted to use the Force as a cooling method. He dismissed the thought an instant later, realizing he knew nothing of this land. Better to wait until the Force was absolutely necessary lest he draw attention to himself. Besides (here he allowed himself a satisfied grin) he had his lightsaber.
Hot. It was hot. She became aware of the feeling an instant before she felt Han's presence in the room with her— his mind was filled with such sorrow and pain that she couldn't help but wonder what could possibly be upsetting him— when she remembered. Pain and guilt came crashing down as one, a waterfall smashing into a dam. Luke. Her brother, dead because she had refused to listen to his fears. Oh, she had pretended to at first, pausing for him to speak before telling informing him of his stubbornness, but had quickly repressed any more resistance. Even when Han, his best friend and her fiance had supported the Jedi she refused to listen, instead forcing her twin to his death.
It should have been me. She suppressed the thought to the best of her ability, realizing her brother needed her now more than ever: his killer would be brought to justice. She had failed Luke once; she would not do so again. No matter what argument Kassik gave, no matter what excuse, she would squish it and see him brought to justice. Even if it turns me to the dark side, a voice in the back of her mind thought. Even then? But she knew the answer; no matter the cost to her, her brother had deserved better, and still did. She could not allow his murderer to simply be jailed for a few years, nor could she allow him a quick and painless death. It was a dangerous thought, far too close to the dark side for her comfort, but she ignored it. Her brother's murderer would pay. She would pay, for in truth she was as much to blame as Kassik himself, and if that meant drawing close to the dark side, so be it.
She only hoped Han could save her before she pulled herself in.