Epilogue

It was just shy of a year later that Denz announced the completion of a device he called the Force generator. It was a machine capable of harnessing and recycling the Force energy fed into it. Simply put, the group of Jedi that had been protecting Jedron's youth with their mental barrier, could now feed a set amount of Force energy into the machine, which would then utilize the energies to create and sustain the mental barrier for an indefinite amount of time.

In the past months, not much had happened. All the younger Jedi abroad returned safely and continued their training planet-side. Nothing had been reported concerning strange Jedi behavior that could be the result of the strange new species. In fact, there was a total absence of any proof of their existence. The only knowledge that remained of them was in the minds of Cordell Durron and Denz Solo.

"Now that my work on the Force generator is complete I really feel that I should be out there looking for these … psylons or whatever you decided to call them." Denz pounded a fist on the table.

He sat in Tahiri's quarters along with Luke, Ben, Jyo, Salah, Zeek and Cordell.

"I understand your desire to catch these things, but what do you plan to do that is any different than what we're already doing?" Luke asked.

"Well, I figure that because I actually know about the psylons and they've made contact with me before, they'll be anxious to be rid of me. Here on Jedron I'm too safe. Out there they might take more of a chance and possibly reveal more about themselves than they had ever intended."

"It will take some time to call back one of the Jedi already searching, so that he can accompany you." Ben said.

Denz shook his head. "That won't work. Only on my own can I really go about exposing the psylons my way. Another Jedi would only get in the way."

"I do realize and respect the fact that we have given you the title of Jedi Knight based on your actions on Duro," Luke said, "but you are still young. Probably the youngest Jedi Knight ever to be given the title."

"Master Skywalker." Jyo said as he rose. "Can you honestly sit there and say that you do not believe Denz mature enough to undertake this mission? I know I couldn't."

Denz smiled his thanks as Jyo sat back down.

Luke Skywalker sighed as he leaned back in his chair, then a grin crept across his face. "I have a feeling you are going to leave with or without my consent. So at the risk of having you escape the planet again, I agree to your solo mission."

Denz stood first and said. "Oh, and Master Skywalker. I would also like it to be one of those 'don't call us we'll call you' deals."

"May the Force be with us all!" Was Luke's only response.

For the next several weeks, Denz spent his time training. Through intense meditation he sharpened his mind, and through strenuous exercise he pushed his physical strengths to their limits. Then the day came that Denz would leave Jedron. Not knowing when or if he would ever be back.

Denz walked slowly across a meadow not far from the Jomes. Beside him, Jyo, Cordell, and Zeek kept pace. He wanted to spend the last few moments with his family. The four of them had been through a lot, and it was nice to just be together.

"Here's good." Denz said suddenly.

At this the four of them sat down on the soft ground in a circle.

"I just want to say that I'm going to miss all of you." Denz began. "And," he added as he reached in a pocket on his robe. "So you don't forget me, I made you all a little something."

Immediately Jyo looked like he was getting ready to run. "Uh oh!"

Denz smiled. "Relax, Jyo. These don't explode or anything dangerous like that." Denz reached out and handed something to each of them.

It was a small, square piece of metal they found in their hands.

Before anyone could inquire, Denz said. "Gently push on it with the Force."

They did, and immediately a holographic image appeared. Jyo's was the scientific dissection of a human brain, Cordell's was a clenched fist, and Zeek's had an open palm with an object suspended above it.

"Oh, wow!" Zeek said.

"See, I knew you could make something simple if you wanted to." Jyo said as he punched him in the shoulder.

"Thank you, Denz. This means a lot to me." Cordell said quietly.

Denz smiled even bigger. "I'm glad you like them." He had made his own into a necklace, which he now pulled out of his shirt and activated. His was the holographic image of two crossed lightsabers. After they had seen it, Denz put it away.

"Promise me one thing." Denz said after several moments of silence.

They all nodded.

"That no matter what happens, you will all become great Jedi and follow the path of the light."

"I promise." The three of them said at once.

Denz rose and the others followed suit. "I think that's about as thorough as goodbyes get, so I should probably get going."

Denz stared off into the distance for a moment, and a few seconds later a Jedi Starfighter streaked into view; then set itself down a few feet away. Denz climbed onto the ship as the cockpit hatch opened; then he plopped into the pilot's seat.

"Hey, Denz!" Jyo called over the whine of the Starfighter's engines. "Don't go changing on us!" He said then smiled knowingly.

Denz smiled back. "I'm afraid it's too late for that. As a matter of fact, call me … Dax!" Then the cockpit hatch sealed shut, and the Jedi Starfighter lifted from the ground, rotated around, and blasted off into the sky.

The three friends watched until the flicker of his engines disappeared in the distance. "May the Force be with you." They whispered in unison.