The morning emerged, tirelessly as always. The light danced off the intricately-designed walls of the Jedi Temple making this time of day an aesthetic experience in itself. But there was no appreciation of the beauty at present. These were dark times that the Knights lived in; a band of Separatist rebels had dared to oppose the Republic and many Jedi Knights lost their lives in a large battle that followed on the planet of Geonosis. The Republic had no choice but to pass on full responsibility to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine who wisely used the newly discovered clone army to launch a heavy assault on the Separatists - some of which fled or were killed in the onslaught.

Or was it wise? Thought the man, seated cross-legged, meditating on the past.

"Master Windu." Said a gravel-like voice from a corner.

"Go, we must. Become a Jedi Knight Zeydan Utos-Rii has, and provide him with his first assignment we shall."

"But he has not undertaken a Padawan...surely we cannot ignore that fact! He has already faced the trials and now is the time for him to pass on his knowledge to others." Replied Mace Windu.

"Mmmm. But find for him a suitable Padawan we cannot. Find one for himself, he will. More important matters there are!"

With that, both Jedi left the comfort of the meditation quarters and proceeded to the Council room.

Not all of the Council members were present on this day. Due to heightened feelings of apprehension and sensing that not all was well with the Force, many of its members were dispatched to various regions in the galaxy to watch for any activities indicating the emergence of the Sith.

Master Yoda, Mace Windu, Adi Gallia and Ki-Adi-Mundi were of those that were present.

"Bring him in." Said Yoda, gesturing towards the main entrance of the circular room.

A young man walked in, dark eyes darting from one Council member to the next. A scar ran down the back of his left hand, and he fingered it nervously, waiting for someone to speak.

It was Mace Windu who broke the silence.

"Before we address the main matter, I would like to voice my concern that you have not taken anyone as your Padawan apprentice as yet. Perhaps you already have someone in mind and would like to take this opportunity to declare it at this meeting?" His voice was hopeful.

"No. There is no one here suited for me. Master Yoda has understood this, and we have agreed that the best thing is to proceed with the next stage: my assignment."

Adi Gallia spoke before Mace Windu could comment on the new Jedi Knight's statement.

"You must know by now that the presence of a Sith Lord has raised grave concerns among the Jedi Knights. We have dispatched several Jedi to follow up on leads which may shed some light on any sinister plans this dark lord might be brewing. Many of these leads have proved to be false, but we must remain alert nonetheless."

Ki-Adi-Mundi continued.

"You will be provided with a freighter ship, and disguised as freighter pilot you will travel to Dantooine where you will keep a close eye on the activities of a merchant by the name of Dylar Sven. He is in the trade of shipping and selling materials that manufacture healing bacta baths. We do not know of Sven's home planet, but from what information we've gathered, we know that he has previously resided on Coruscant, Corellia and is now on Dantooine."

"Report to us every month, you will. At any sign that much more is going on than appearances show, alert us at once!" finished Yoda.

"Any dangers about this Dylar Sven that I should know of?" asked Utos-Rii.

"None that we know of, are there. But be careful! The Dark side is as powerful as it is deceiving. Look after yourself, you shall, and may the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you, Master." bowed Zeydan before he left the room.

Utos-Rii was not anticipating this mission. He felt as though his true skills were being undervalued, but voicing this at the Council as soon as one had turned Jedi Knight would not be wise. He resigned himself to the thought that he would be stuck on Dantooine, but he would do all he could to make this assignment a short one. He would quickly prove that Dylar Sven was no more than a benign bacta merchant, and the Council would then allow him to return, where he would be provided with more fruitful assignments.

Glancing quickly at his scar, he made his way down to his room to prepare for his journey.

* * *

Elori sat at the edge of a fountain staring down at her lightsaber. She had made it from a Nwar crystal, which emitted a silver beam - like no other saber that she knew of. She had constructed it six years ago, when she was seven, and was full of dark enthusiasm about this new life she had encountered. But at this moment, things were drastically different from the past. She harbored deep resentment against her mother for abandoning herself and Aidan - she always had. Ever since she woke up from that warm bed, waking up to no memory of her past, being told nothing except that her younger brother was dead and mama had abandoned her for good - she hated her mother. Oh how she hated her. Elori imagined that after her master had told her what he did, her anger would increase ten-fold. But it didn't. Perhaps it was because she needed time for this mass of information to sink in. Perhaps it was because she was already numb to it. Or perhaps it was because of the visions she was seeing... of a woman's face, appearing and disappearing into the mist.

Elori looked up at the setting sun. Night was coming.