Kashyyyk
Everyone caught their breath before saying another word. The experience had been harrowing. If these were just prison guards, they'd hate to see what a whole army of trained Sith troopers could do. Rekkon Terak was the first to break the silence.
"So you're the Jedi we risked our lives for?" he said, glancing at the female Jedi, "I think some thanks are in order."
"Leave her alone, Rekkon." Joran said, eyeing his fellow apprentice.
"No," the female Jedi said, "He is right; I owe you my life and I thank you for rescuing me."
"You're welcome," Joran replied, "But I wasn't about to let anyone like you just die in that horrible prison."
"You are truly noble. But where are my manners? My name is Leia Katarn."
"I'm Joran Skywalker," Joran answered, "This is the crew of the Ebon Hawk."
"I should like to get to know all of you in time." Leia said politely, "Thank you once again. If you do not object, I should like to lend myself to your cause. It's the least I can do."
"I'd be honored to have you with us." Joran said, accepting her request.
"How about you, Iaco?" Rekkon asked the Zabrak bounty hunter, "What's your payment plan in all of this."
"I'm afraid we can't repay you what we owe for your services." Joran said.
"Well it just so happens that I was looking for passage off of Ord Mantell anyways." Iaco said, "I'll be content just traveling with you. In exchange, I'll continue to be of use when the occasional trouble spot arises."
"Good to have you," Joran replied and the rest of the crew agreed.
"Declaration: Excuse me, Master; we are receiving a transmission from Coruscant. Would you like to accept?"
"Yes." Joran said eagerly, "Put it on." In the Ebon Hawk's map projector the familiar image of Master Jolee Bindo flickered to life.
"Joran? Are you there?"
"Yes, Master Bindo. We read you."
"Good. You may or may not know that I once lived for long period of time on the Wookie homeworld of Kashyyyk. Of course, that's not important to your mission. What is important is that I left a holodisk with some contacts to other Jedi who were in exile at my home on the forest floor. I don't know whether scavengers have got to it or not, but if you find it, it could help you a great deal."
"Thank you, Master Bindo," Joran said.
"Good luck, young Skywalker. And may the Force be with you." With that, the bluish portrait disappeared and the image was replaced by the spherical shape of the planet Kashyyyk.
"So what now?" Rekkon asked, "We get down there and sift through his relics to find a holodisk that may or may not be there?"
"If Jolee Bindo is same Jedi I once knew, I can be sure he knows what he's talking about." Master Vrook said, "If the disk is there we should definitely look for it."
"Kashyyyk it is, then." Iaco said, "I'll set the coordinates."
"And I believe I'll retire to my quarters," said Vrook, "I'm a bit winded from that last expedition." The elderly Jedi Master stood from his seat and walked slowly to the cargo hold.
Rekkon accompanied Iaco to the bridge while T3 continued about the ship making repairs. HK-47 merely stood in silence. That left Joran and Leia to themselves.
"Well," Joran started, "We're out of crew quarters right now. If you'd like, you can use mine."
"Thank you, but I've learned to survive in that dump they called a cell block." She smiled, "I'll do fine."
"Well then, if I can't convince you to rest, would you mind talking?"
"Not at all. What would you like to know?"
"For starters, why were you at that prison in the first place? Iaco said it was only for criminals."
"Criminals, huh. So that's what they're calling us Jedi. I don't know for sure. Lately it's like the entire Ord Mantellian government is out to get me."
"How do you mean?"
"I was asked to be an advisor for the Ord Mantellian government a few years back. That's not unusual. Lot's of people trusted Jedi back then, before Revan."
"I guess since then they've grown to dislike Jedi. Or so I've discovered."
"You're talking about the Sith? Don't tell me you've…wait…you speak truthfully. I can see the scars upon you."
"Yes. When the guards at the center commerce square saw us, they said they had been given the authority by the Sith Empire to gun us down."
The gears were turning in Leila's mind now. She slowly put the pieces together. "Of course! I must be so blind. No wonder the warden felt strange to me."
"What are you talking about? The warden was a Sith?"
"I'm not for sure. I do know that he had quite a lightsaber collection, though. You don't strike down that many Jedi without some knowledge of the Force."
"Sith Lords running prisons? Sounds a little out of their league."
"I don't think that's all they were doing. They might have had some kind of secret operation buried deep within the base. All I know is that Sith are trained to be deceptive and true Sith master does it well."
"Do you know his name?" Joran asked, "Maybe we should look for him."
"I don't think so," Leia replied, "If he's is what I suspected he is, then he'll come to us. We can only be prepared when the time comes."
"You look tired," Joran said, "I'll leave you to rest."
"May the Force be with you." Leia answered before she walked away for much needed sleep. Joran decided to talk with Master Vrook. Perhaps he would know more.
When Joran found Vrook in the Ebon Hawk's cargo hold, the wise Jedi was practicing fighting move. He sensed Joran even before he entered the room. "You've come with questions. That is to be expected."
"Yes, Master Vrook. What can you tell me about the Sith? The true Sith."
"True Sith are masters of deception and trickery. They use the dark side of the Force to cloud everything they do. Some Sith can even remain undetected amongst a group Jedi simply because the dark side aura surrounding them creates a barrier."
"So a Jedi would never know?"
"This is one reason why a Jedi should always keep their mind alert and their senses tuned to the Force. If you are wise, no trick of enemy will blind you. It is a method I will have to someday teach you."
"Why couldn't you teach me now?"
"I don't feel that now is right time, young Skywalker. But you have progressed more rapidly than any student I've ever seen. It shouldn't long before you have what it takes."
"I see." Joran pondered, "I will leave you to yourself."
"Hey guys!" came Rekkon's voice from the cockpit, "We're here! Get ready to land!" Joran rushed up to the cockpit and peered out.
Kashyyyk was a lush jungle planet where treetops served as homes for the native Wookiees, a towering fur-covered species known to be ferocious warriors.
The Mid Rim planet was the principal world of the Kashyyyk system, a star system that also contained the homeworld of the reptilian Trandoshans. The close proximity of those worlds and a deep-rooted cultural animosity fueled many altercations between the two physically powerful species throughout their history.
Visually speaking, Kashyyyk was a beautiful and yet, deadly planet. The tall trees housed many Wookie homes and villages. Most Wookiees were tolerant of outsiders, but a long slaver contract with Czerka Corp. had caused adamant distrust towards all non-Wookie visitors. The Ebon Hawk would be setting down in the large village of Rwookrrorro.
As soon as the large freighter eased onto the wooden supports that held up the landing pad, about a dozen or so tall Wookiees lumbered towards the Ebon Hawk. They didn't look friendly.
"I hope you brushed up on your negotiating skills." Iaco said to Joran.
"I hope you brushed up on your growls and grunts." Rekkon added.
"Well," Joran said, "We aren't trying to start a war, so let's play it cool."
"I'll join you," Leia said, calling from behind. Evidently she had woken up. "I have a bit of experience with Wookiees. Don't ask."
"Anyone else?" Joran asked.
"I'd go with you too," Iaco offered, "But ever since Czerka got pounded out of Kashyyyk, the Wookiees have never been too partial to bounty hunters. I'd probably do more harm than good."
"Then you have my services," Rekkon said, "In case some one needs to chaperone." Joran ignored his comment.
"Okay, let's go." Joran was nervous. He'd never confronted a Wookie before, much less an entire mob of them. He heard horror stories from spacers about Wookiees being strong enough to tear a human being in half and he had no desire to see if they were right.
As the exit ramp lowered, the growls and howls of the native Wookiees reached their ears. They approached what appeared to be an angry mob and held their ground.
The Wookie who appeared to be in charge stepped forward. He spoke with the now familiar growls and grunts. Leia translated.
"He says he hopes we have business with them. He doesn't like our ship being here."
"Tell him to space off." Rekkon said, then caught himself when Leia glared at him.
"Tell him, " Joran said, "We will only be here briefly and that we pose no threat." As Leia translated the message the Wookie growled back angrily.
"He says their chieftain will be the judge of that. He's going to take us to their village."
"Great, I'm starved." Rekkon quipped.
"We aren't going as guests." Leia corrected, "We're going as prisoners." Joran gulped and glance around at the angry Wookiees. They would never escape back onto the ship in time to leave. They had no option. They had just become prisoners.
- - - - -
"This isn't my idea of a noble mission for the good of the Jedi order." Rekkon was complaining again about their predicament. This time, however, Joran and Leia had to admit that he had good reason. The threesome had been stripped of their weapons and tied to long poles which the Wookiees hauled along the Great Walkway. As far as they knew, they would either be released when the Wookie chieftain saw that they meant no harm, or they would be deemed invading off-worlders, in which case the consequences would be much more dire.
Either way, being tied to the wooden poles was very uncomfortable.
"I hope you have some sort of plan." Leia said, craning her neck to get a good look at her surroundings. The wroyshr trees that populated the surface of Kashyyyk were truly beautiful. The Wookiees had meticulously crafted walkways and entire villages from these magnificient trees. At any other time, Kashyyyk could be a fantastic vacation spot. Right now it seemed it would be the death of the three Jedi.
Soon, the three prisoners arrived at the entrance of what seemed to be the Wookiees' village. The massive wooden doors opened and the prisoners were hauled inside. Many more Wookiees waited inside, staring at strange prisoners that had happened upon their planet.
Another important-looking Wookie ran out from within what appeared to be the equivalent f a town hall and greeted the leader of the band who had captured the Jedi. They conversed and then took the three inside of large building.
Once inside, the three Jedi were brought before what appeared to be some type of throne room. Their wooden poles were stood upright with a Wookie at their backs so as to discourage sudden moves. Before them stood who was evidently their leader. He growled in sadness at the display of prisoners before him. This time, though, Joran understood what he was saying.
"Why have you bound these Jedi?" asked the leader.
"They are off-worlders, mighty Zaalbar." Answered the mob leader, "They come with malevolence behind their backs."
"They mean us no harm, Goodorro. Release them at once."
"I wish I could comprehend your decision."
"You are not here to debate my decision! Now release the Jedi!" Reluctantly, the Wookie guards keeping watch over the threesome cut their bounds and released them from the wooden poles.
"I am sorry for the inconvenience, noble Jedi." The leader addressed as Zaalbar apologized.
"It's no problem," Leia answered, "We are only visiting anyways."
"Just visiting? What brings the Jedi here?"
"Tell him we are searching for more of our kind to aid us in retaliation against the Sith." Joran said as Leia translated. The leader roared in agreement.
"Ah, Sith. Despicable beings. I have never liked them. Brought slavers they have, and much sorrow and destruction. If you truly intend to strike against them, I will do whatever I can to help you."
"Thank you, Zaalbar," Leis said, "If you need anything, we will be glad to help."
"We will?" Rekkon asked. A quick glance from Joran made him silent.
"Thank Bacca you have come then," Zaalbar praised, "For we are in need of a Jedi's aid. Not too long ago a great ship hovered about our planet. It was no doubt one of Sith's terrible warships. It caused a panic in my village."
"The Sith were here?" Leia asked incredulously.
"Yes. They sent strange warriors down into the depths of the forest. Since then, we have not seen or heard from these strange ones. But their presence can be felt all who dwell on Kashyyyk."
"What kind of 'strange' do you mean?"
"I have never seen ones like these. They do not strike out against us, but then again, they have stayed hidden in the forest since they arrived. What they are doing down there is a mystery."
"Why doesn't he just send his mob down there and wipe them out?" Rekkon asked. Leia translated.
"Because," Zaalbar answered, "We have already seen what damage they have done to the forest's ecosystem. Everything from the Tachs to the Bull Katarns to the Kinrath have been slain. It is no longer safe to teach our young ones how to hunt."
"Can you tell us where to start looking?" Leia asked.
"Go down into the depths of the Shadowlands and you will feel their presence. It is evil like I have never felt. If you can expel the invaders, I will see what I can do to help you in your quest."
"Thank you, Zaalbar." Joran said as best he could, "We'll be back when we have cleansed the Shadowlands." With that, the three Jedi left the Wookie chieftain to his deliberations.
As the Jedi left the treetop village, Goodorro, the Wookie who had captured them, ran out to meet them.
"Noble Jedi," he apologized, "I am sorry for my mistake. If you choose to dislike me forever, I understand. But I have a request for you. My son Gorrworken has been lost to the depths of the Shadowlands since the mysterious invaders came. I fear the worst, but if you can find him, please tell me of his fate."
"I see no reason why we shouldn't honor that request," Leia said, "We'll be back when we find Gorrworken."
"Thank you, Jedi," Goodorro said, "I pray Bacca will guide you."
- - - - -
The decent into the Shadowlands was long and slow. The lower the gondola went, the darker and quieter it got. Joran increased his grip on the wooden railing as he peered out into the darkness. It was bright as day on the surface, but down here things were almost black due to the lack of light.
With a quiet thud, the gondola reached the bottom. Only its small lantern cast off any light. It was eerily silent. Zaalbar was right about the evil; The silence was a stark contrast to a forest that should be full of life.
"Where are we going to start?" Rekkon said.
"I guess we keep to the left," Joran said, removing his lightsaber from his hilt, "That way we won't get lost." The group moved slowly and cautiously. They couldn't avoid the feeling that something was watching them.
They continued, wary of the evil in the forest.
- - - - -
The Jedi Temple on Coruscant had fallen still for the night, oblivious to the constant drone of repulsorlift traffic that streaked across the sky in parallel lines. Only Bastila Shan stood alone in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, staring absently into the still waters.
Bastila had been thinking on Revan a lot lately; ever since the horrible image of the Star Forge had been implanted on her mind. How she wished that he did not need to leave her to search the unknown universe. He said he would miss her and Bastila believed that he did. She could still hear his voice on the deck of the Star Forge when he told her he loved her. That was ten years ago.
Where have you gone, Revan? Bastila wondered, The galaxy needs you.
At once she felt a change in the atmosphere. Someone was approaching the Temple!
Hurrying to the hangar bay, Bastila ran into Jolee and Atris. Evidently the Force had awakened them too. In the hangar bay, a very old Sith attack ship was docking.
"Curious, isn't it?" Master Bindo said as the ship's ramp opened. Two cloaked figures rushed out to greet them.
"Sorry," said the first, "We came as soon as we could."
"Kavar?" Atris exclaimed, "Master Kavar? Joran has found you then?"
"If you are referring to your quite-able apprentice then, yes, I have met with him."
"An extraordinary gift that one has." Master Zez Kai-El added, "I'm surprised you sent him out without more training."
"I would have waited longer," Atris explained, "But there is no time to waste."
"Of course," Master Kavar said, "It's not an accident that he choose to accept this mission you have for him."
"Then he has told you of our plan?" Bastila asked.
"From what we gather, it is time to retaliate." Kai-El answered.
"Indeed," Atris said, "But where is Vrook?"
"Against our wishes, he left to travel with your apprentice." Kavar explained.
"The time is coming soon once again." Zez Kai-El announced, "Is a plan be formed?"
"Not yet," Atris answered, "But I believe the time to consider the inevitable has come." Bastila felt a surge of excitement. The Jedi were uniting like never before. It was as Master Vrook had stated during her training: 'One is far more powerful, far more capable than a thousand apart.' The time for battle was coming soon.
- - - - -
After being in the Shadowlands no more than few hours, a tall, furry figure could be seen running from beneath a fallen tree. Joran squinted his eyes. It was a Wookie. I thought Zaalbar said no one was down here, the young Jedi thought to himself.
But then it hit him. It was Goodorro's son Gorrworken. But what was he running from. Leia also saw him and called out his name. At first, the glow in the Wookie's eyes betrayed fear, but then he realized that the mysterious visitors meant him no harm.
"Thank Bacca you are here!" the young Wookie said, "Please, do not kill me!"
"Don't worry, Gorrworken," Leia soothed, "We aren't here to kill you. Your father is worried about you, though."
"Then my father escaped the wrath of the invaders? Truly Bacca is shining his mercy on us."
"Escaped? Escaped what?"
"Those evil invaders on the forest floor. Surely a Jedi would have felt their presence." Gorrworken cowered in fear at the thought of them.
"Why were you running from them?" Leia asked, "What happened?"
"My father and I both disregarded Zaalbar's warnings to stay away from the Shadowlands until the invaders left. But father was too impatient to hunt. When we got down here, mysterious men that blended into the forest attacked us. Father ran and I escaped a day later. I do not wish to go back."
"Don't worry," Joran said, "The gondola has been lowered. Wait there for us when we return." The Wookie made no argument and promptly left.
"Do you really think we're going to find what that fur ball said was here?" Rekkon said, swatting yet another vine from in front of him. This forest trekking was not his element.
"Don't you feel it, Rekkon?" Leia asked, "The dark side is here."
"Yeah, but I can't help thinking that it may be just a spook. You know, the Wookiees think it's spooky and places a hex on the whole thing."
"I sensed no deception or fabrication in his voice." Joran said, scouting ahead through the blackness. Something in the air was different.
"Sometimes I think you're just an alien lover," Rekkon said in disgust. His tone was starting to annoy. He was ready for a good argument.
"Well I'm tired of hearing you whine like a child!" Joran shot back, "Are trying to be stubborn or does it come naturally?"
"Listen, oh great Master Jedi," Rekkon goaded, "Your lucky the Council even chose you for this mission. If they'd put me in charge, the Sith would be defeated by now!"
"Stop it, both of you!" Leia scolded, "You're both acting incredibly foolish." Joran caught himself. She was right. Why had he all of sudden become so high-strung and aggressive? It was very strange how his personality had momentarily changed.
"I'm sorry," Joran said, "That was very unlike me and I apologize."
"Yeah, whatever." Rekkon waved him off. What was biting at everyone?
"Hey," Rekkon said lazily, "Do you think the air smells funny?" Just as he finished his sentence, the young apprentice dropped to the forest floor unconscious.
Joran instantly felt danger and drew his lightsaber out, the blue blade lighting the surrounding forest.
"I…can't…breath." Leia sputtered before she fell unconscious beside Rekkon. Joran frantically looked about. The air was starting to get to him too. His vision was blurring. Before he collapsed, the blue light from his lightsaber illuminated the image of a figure clothed in black and wearing very familiar black armor.
The Sith Lord from Tatooine. They had been deceived.
- - - - -
When Joran woke, his head was pounding. He felt like he had been dropped head first into a cruiser bulkhead. His eyes slowly opened and took in his surroundings. To his left was Leia, still unconscious, and to his right was Rekkon in the same state. Joran tried to move and a shock of electricity hurtled through his body. He screamed in pain.
He was trapped in force chains.
Besides the barbaric holding mechanisms that held the three of them down, the room was small and non-descript. A simple layout encased in cold, hard metal. A control console lay against one wall. Evidently it held the power to free them. Joran quieted himself and focused his energy. If he could move the switch just a little bit…
All of sudden the door to the chamber opened. Before them was the Sith Lord; menacing and cold as ever. Though Joran could not see his eyes, he felt them boring into him like mining lasers.
"I hope you were not thinking of escaping, young Jedi." Came the dark tone of the evil figure, "Such thoughts betray you. You'll find my techniques of enforcing compliance to be quite…harsh."
"Why did you bring us here?" Joran heaved, "Why didn't you kill me?"
"In time, you'll wish that I had killed you," the Sith Lord answered, "But you are far too useful to be handled in such a way."
"I will not be your pet!" Joran shouted, "The Jedi are not to be bartered with!"
"Anger I sense in you. Is that the way of the Jedi also? You are foolish! Don't you know how much information you've given me already?"
"I…haven't told you…anything!" Joran coughed.
"Not with words. Your thoughts betray you."
"What do you want with me?" Joran demanded.
"Isn't it obvious? You are far too powerful for a mere padawan learner, yet you chose to obey the Jedi Council like a Kath hound to its master. Such potential I can see when they cannot. It is your power that interests me, not you."
"Why?"
"Because I know of only one other who possesses the ability to bring life to dead places; to conjure up the very essence of the Force where there is none."
"Who?"
"You know who, Joran Skywalker. You've known all along yet you deny it. Perhaps it is for the better. You may never understand until it is too late. But we have spoken enough of this; I have matters to attend to. I don't believe Master Atris has been informed of the fate of her apprentices."
"If you know, then tell me!" Joran said. The Sith Lord left the chamber, ignoring Joran's question completely. He had said what he needed to and that was enough. The door to the chamber closed and silence befell the room.
- - - - -
It was not until sometime later that Joran sensed a disturbance. A faint echo of the Force. It was like hope. An unlikely expectation in such a place, but it was there nonetheless.
Normally, Joran would have readied his thoughts and his body, but his strength was almost gone.
Then the door to the chamber opened once again. Joran squinted to make out the figure. Whoever it was bore the faint outline of a stealth field generator; the individual it self could not be seen. Then the distortion faded and was slowly replaced by the image of a female Cathar. With a wave her hand she released Joran from the force chains.
Her yellow eyes bore into Joran; not in fear or intimidation, but in kindness. He noticed the lightsaber on her belt. So this Cathar woman was a Jedi.
"At last I have found you," the Cathar spoke in quiet tones, "I apologize for being late."
"It's not a problem," Joran said, "Where is this place?"
"You are still on Kashyyyk, at a hidden Sith training ground." The Cathar answered, "I must get you out of here before Sarroth discovers I'm here. We have little time to waste."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Juhani. I'm an agent of the Force. I serve the light and follow the ways of the Jedi. You have nothing to fear from me." The Cathar's words rang true with Joran.
"I know you care for your companions," Juhani continued, "But there is little time and I fear they will slow us down."
"What?" Joran said, shocked at what his rescuer had said, "I'm not leaving without them. How could you say such a thing?"
"I know you care for your companions, and there is much honor in that. But you are the sole reason of my rescue. If you die, the galaxy dies with you." That comment stopped Joran cold. The galaxy would die with him? Was that possible? The only thing Joran knew at the moment is that Juhani's face did not betray jest. Her words were as serious as the Council's.
In that same moment, Rekkon and Leia awoke from their stasis. They too wore looks of surprise and yet calm as they noticed the Cathar Jedi. Juhani sensed the two would be unprepared for what she needed to tell Joran so she quickly closed the conversation.
"It is something we must speak of when the time is right, but it is not here. Come quickly! We are already late." Though the three imprisoned Jedi were sore and tired, they quickly came to attention.
"Follow me," Juhani said, releasing the blade of her lightsaber from its projection emitter. The blue blade shimmered like a lantern in the darkness.
Juhani led the three Jedi out of the chamber into a long, dark, imposing hallway. It was wide at the base and came to a point at the top. The pillars that lined the hallway were shaped like giant beings, holding up the peak with all their might. The dark side was strong here.
In what seemed an eternity, the Jedi reached the end of corridor.
"This leads to rest of the academy." Juhani said, "After we pass these gates, there will be no turning back."
Then, as if to horribly prove Juhani's point. The metal gates before them slid ominously open. The Sith Lord stood before them with two dark apprentices at his side. "You speak the truth, Jedi! There is no turning back! Watch and learn, my apprentices."
"We are eager to learn, Master!"
It was then that Joran saw the Sith Lord's cloak flutter open. Their lightsabers had been placed inside. Joran thrust his hands forward as Juhani began her first move. Commanded by the Force, the weapons flew from their places and into the three prisoner's hands.
In that sudden moment, the Sith Lord was taken aback. He was no longer staring at one Cathar Jedi, but four mighty warriors; weapons drawn and stances set.
"So this is all the Jedi have taught you?" the Sith Lord taunted, "Magic tricks and slight of hand? Now I will finish what I began on Tatooine!" From there, the conflict only escalated. Two Jedi and two apprentices against a Sith Lord and his students.
The Sith Lord was the first to strike. Raising his deadly red lightsaber and striking forward against Juhani with all his might. Juhani nearly missed his parry and returned the gesture with a spinning upper slash. Her opponent did not seem fazed in the least by her noble attempts to strike at him. The dark side was flowing strongly through him now, feeding his base emotions of anger and hate.
Joran and Leia side-stepped the first of the Sith Lord's apprentices as he jumped high in the air trying catch the Jedi from above. He landed in a stance as Joran swung low. The red tip of the dark student's blade caught the blue blade of Joran's lightsaber and a flurry of attacks and parries ensued.
It was only when he attempted to jump over Joran again that Leia forced herself up with all her might. When the purple blades of her weapons struck the dark student's feet he screamed in pain, falling to the floor in a crumpled heap. The sound of his demise was followed by the noise of his lightsaber plinking to the ground.
Rekkon had chosen unwisely to attack the Sith Lord's second student by himself.
"Wait!" Joran called. But Rekkon was in no mood to listen; ran towards the dark student lightsaber pointed forward. Joran was on the other side of the hallway right now and could not reach his fellow apprentice in time. It was like a vision of what was to happen had already been imprinted on his mind.
Rekkon's green blade swung hard and fast, but the student leapt backwards in a somersault. When he became upright again, he sneered at Rekkon's attempt. "You have much anger, padawan, but you don't use them. Show me what you really have!"
Rekkon screamed at the student as he struck again and again; relentlessly slamming his lightsaber into this opponent's. His form was getting more and more reckless.
"Rekkon, focus!" Joran shouted above the noise of the battle. As if to heed Joran's advice, Rekkon calmly backed up and reset his energies. Now it was the dark student who attacked. In one stunning move, Joran spun around and the green blade met with the palm of his opponent. The student creamed in agony and dropped to his knees.
The student was overcome by a mere padawan. His thoughts shifted to ones of fear if his Master ever tore himself away from the battle with the Cathar and saw that he had failed. He would-
SLASH! In one sweeping move, the dark student's thoughts ceased. A decapitated body slumped to the floor as his assassinator stood above the corpse in a state of hatred. Rekkon eyes turned almost red with passion over the death of the dark student.
But Joran and Leia didn't have time to stand and watch Rekkon. Juhani's strength was failing against the Sith Lord. He was too powerful. This evil place feed his hatred like a power conduit. Joran and Leia rushed at the Sith and joined their rescuer.
Juhani had been pushed back by the Sith Lord's unrelenting assault and now stood inside an even larger chamber that existed beyond the long hallway. It was a large round room in the same cold color and the same dark feeling.
Joran suddenly placed himself between Juhani and the Sith Lord. The Sith's head shifted slightly as if to understand why the young Jedi would put himself in such a vulnerable position.
"Impressive, young Skywalker," The Sith Lord said, "But you over estimate your chances."
Joran stared ahead at the Sith. If the being had eyes, Joran's would be drilling into them, "So do you."
The Sith heaved another grunt and brought his lightsaber down hard upon Joran. The Jedi rolled sideways, letting the angry red blade strike up sparks against the stone floor. He spun like a top towards the Sith and slashed left, then right, then parrying a defensive blow.
Leia came alongside the Sith Lord, but the master of evil commanded the dark side against her and pushed her up against a wall with an echoing thud. Leia's body slumped to the floor unconscious. Her misfortune distracted Joran as he frantically looked to see if she was unhurt. It was then the Sith Lord decided to execute his revenge.
Juhani glanced in horror at what was unfolding. She couldn't let Joran die, not when everything depended so desperately on his survival. She called upon her last remaining reserves of strength and jolted through the air.
It was at that moment that the Sith Lord had his weapon raised. Joran was defenseless. Then Juhani's graceful form collided with the Sith. The two bodies tumbled along until coming to a rest at the center of the room.
The black-clad Sith was the first to rise and then Joran saw Juhani's fate unfold. The fiery red saber struck the Cathar through the heart, instantly killing off the vital organ. Juhani gasped as she tried to move. The Sith Lord merely deactivated his lightsaber and glowered over the body.
"At last you have fallen," his voice was dripping with hate, "No more shall the scourge of the Jedi poison the galaxy."
"If only you knew what the future holds for you, Sarroth." Juhani managed between gasps.
The Sith Lord glared back at Joran, "Your time will come soon as well. And when it does, you'll wish you died back in my chambers." But the Sith Lord got no further with his taunting. In a huge explosion, the roof of the training academy was decimated in a flurry of debris and falling rock. From below, Joran could see the majestic Kashyyyk treetops.
The Sith Lord turned and fled. He would need to get back to his ship in order to put his last pieces in place. This attack was only a distraction to him.
BOOOM! Another explosion rocked the academy, blowing even larger pieces of stone to the ground. Joran peered from beneath them into the sky.
The Republic! Republic fighters were assaulting the academy and leading the charge was a very familiar star freighter. The Ebon Hawk! Joran had never been so glad to see the ship in his life. Master Vrook had come through for them. Joran could hardly contain his elation. He rushed over to help Leia up as Rekkon also ran to see the sight.
Juhani! Joran had nearly forgotten her. He rushed over to the dying Jedi.
The Cathar's eyes were fading and her breathe came only in short labored gasps. The Sith Lord's lightsaber had done its damage.
"I'm sorry, Juhani," Joran said, "I'm so sorry."
"You have nothing to be blamed for," Juhani said, "You have in turn saved me. Now you must go a complete your mission. The galaxy is depending on you more than you know." Joran couldn't understand, but he knew what to do. He placed his hands over Juhani and closed his eyes.
"No!" Juhani said, "You mustn't!"
"But I have the power to resurrect life." Joran protested, "Let me save you!"
"You already have, Joran Skywalker. This is how it was meant to be."
"But we need help to defeat the Sith!"
"I…cannot." Juhani said with her last breath, "This weight rests on your shoulders, Joran and yours alone." The Cathar glanced back at Leia, "You must help him when the time comes, Leia. Though it may be hard, you must." Despite Leia's training, she fought relentlessly with herself to fight the wave of emotion that was trying to overwhelm her.
And then Juhani breathed her last.
Soon shouts came overhead. Joran craned his neck to see the source. It was Republic troops in their red and yellow armor, clamoring to see if everyone was okay. Joran and Leia gave their thanks and told them the situation was fine.
But in Joran's mind, the situation was not fine.
- - - - -
The Jedi were briefed by Admiral Dodonna after the crisis on Kashyyyk was over. Apparently Zaalbar had grown suspicious when the three Jedi did not return. After confronting Master Vrook with the matter, Vrook in turn sent a distress signal to any nearby Republic ships. Dodonna's fleet was in the Y'Toub System when the transmission was intercepted.
The Sith, however, must have detected the arrival of the fleet and evacuated the academy. The real danger was still out there, but Joran's decision to help the Wookiees had much larger repercussions.
First, the speedy Republic response helped encourage the Wookiees to join the Republic which they had distrusted for so long. Secondly, the taint of the dark side no longer poisoned the Shadowlands and the Wookiees were once again free to hunt. Zaalbar himself made every effort to tell Joran of his gratitude at the great feast that was prepared in honor of the Republic's victory.
"Joran Skywalker," Zaalbar said regally amidst the throng of Republic soldiers and Wookie warriors, "The village of Rwookrrorro is forever indebted to the services of the Jedi. We are honored by your selfless act of cleansing the evil taint from our depths."
"Thank you, Zaalbar," Joran said in the best translation he could muster, "I too am honored to have served you."
"I'm quite sorry," Master Vrook interjected, "But the Sith who inhabited your Shadowlands have escaped and must be found. We thank you for you hospitality, but a much more serious plot is at work here."
"Of course," Zaalbar growled, "We would not keep you waiting. Thank you again, noble Jedi. And may the great Bacca guide you in your quest."
- - - - -
With the dull sound of hyperdrive to accompany it, the Ebon Hawk sped across the stars as the brilliant blue glow of the lightspeed tunnel enveloped the freighter. In all truthfulness, even the annoying sound of the Ebon Hawk's ailing hyperdrive couldn't take Joran's mind off of Juhani's last words. When Master Vrook had learned of what had conspired at the Sith academy, he asked that he be left to contact the Council privately on ship's secure transmission. The crew had never seen the old Jedi in such a strange mood, but they dared not disturb him or inquire as to the purpose of all the secrecy.
It was when Vrook called everyone to a meeting that the crew was truly in bewilderment.
"Normally the Jedi Council would deliberate on matters such as this, but quiet frankly, the Sith aren't going to wait around."
"Question: Forgive me, Jedi Master, but what is the matter at hand."
"The fate of the galaxy as we know it." Vrook did not mince words; his statement was regarded with utmost attention.
"And what is the galaxy's fate?" Iaco asked, "Not more of your fatalistic Jedi teachings I hope."
Vrook continued, "You all have seen the death and destruction brought about by the Sith. They are not merely a political faction vying for control; they are a scourge. They are a monster that threatens to swallow a galaxy whole."
"You make it sound impossible," Rekkon said.
"Nothing is impossible," Vrook corrected, "And I don't begin to understand how the fate of a universe came to rest on one young Jedi."
"But my mission is to recruit Jedi." Joran protested, "I can't fight a war or destroy the entire Sith Empire by myself."
"If you are to destroy the Sith than you will be imparted the gift in due time. Trust, Joran. Don't doubt. There is no chaos…"
"…There is serenity." Joran finished.
"The Force has chosen you, Joran, just as the Jedi Council has. Because of this burden you bear and the affinity you've shown for staying true to the path of the Jedi, the Council has granted you the level of Jedi Knight. An apprentice you are no longer."
Joran was instantly overwhelmed. A Jedi Knight. The Force truly did work in mysterious ways. If the Council thought it wise to grant him this rank, then maybe he could do what everyone believed he could.
"And that is your mission, now." Vrook finished, "The defeat of the Sith and the restoration of peace. For a Jedi, there is no higher calling."
- - - - -
Rekkon Terak sat quietly in his quarters near the rear of the Ebon Hawk. His mind was in turmoil. He had struck down an opponent in cold blood on Kashyyyk. What was strange was that he felt almost a sense of pleasure when doing so, even though everything inside of him told him otherwise. It was at that moment when Rekkon was mulling it over that Iaco came in the quarters.
"You look like you've killed someone," the Zabrak said bluntly. His words echoed in Rekkon. Yes, I've killed someone.
"Don't sweat it, Rekkon," Iaco said, "I've killed many people, comes with the job though. Don't worry about it; it comes naturally after a while."
"What are you saying?" Rekkon asked.
"Didn't feel it, though? That surge of energy?"
"Yes, I did." The apprentice said, "It felt warped though."
"Warped or not, that is the feeling of power. When you have such power, people like that are beneath you."
"Power," Rekkon said absently.
"They've kept it from you, haven't they." The Zabrak said, staring off into space. "The Jedi don't want you to use your power."
"The teach control," Rekkon corrected, "Without it, power is a reckless force."
"Power on a leash is not power," Iaco said, "Only through other means can you gain true power."
"But what of self-control and respect? Are these truths not of value?"
"Look at the Sith, Rekkon," the bounty hunter said, "The Jedi and their teachings are dwindled to nothing while the Sith Empire continually grows stronger. Why? Because the Sith have discovered how to use their power." Although Iaco's assessment of the condition of the Sith was horrible, it was true; The Jedi were weakened while the Sith were strengthened.
"Do you know how to use such power?" Rekkon asked curiously.
"Indeed," Iaco said, "Would you like to learn?"
"Yes! Of course!" Good. He was an eager follower.
"Then let me show you."