Interlude 2: Dark Visions
It was black, midnight everywhere, yet full of a dim, ambient glow. Just enough light to make out the vague forms of a shadowy cast, in the performance that would be the future. Many of her visions were like that. Events were always in flux. Some things, some things could be avoided; others . . . well, they were truly fate.
And often unpleasant.
Before her stood Jern, the way he had been when she had first found him. Lost. Broken, and angry. Emerging from the wreckage of a ruined ship that had spiraled out of hyperspace into the atmosphere of Alderaan, he radiated an aura of hate and pain. Like a monster out of a childhood tale, he staggering through the rubble, torn robes hanging off him and splattered with his own silver blood, a horrible wheezing sound emanating from his breathing apparatus. It was small wonder that the Jedi with her had suggested it would be kinder to end his misery then and there, so far gone to darkness did he seem. But she had sensed within him the spark, something that still strove for reason. She alone had stayed their sabers, prevented his demise.
Now Akila saw the Jern that he had become, strong and disciplined, clothed in the simple robes of the Jedi who had helped nurse him back to himself. The spot where the curling bulk of skin near his left ear had been singed and burnt had hardly left a scar. He still looked alien, with those great knots of flesh around either ear and the heavy folds of his forehead and mask that encompassed so much of his countenance; but it was a noble appearance. The glittering eyes were those of a calm man, one who has faced his inner demons and come out on top. He never spoke of what came before they found him, and she never asked.
Slowly one of the dark figures separated from the shadows milling in dull glow, approaching Jern from behind. And a change came over him. The peaceful man she knew was fading, and Akila realized too late that his demons were not conquered yet but merely suppressed. His eyes narrowed, fists clenched, body adopted a more aggressive posture. The energy of the dark side filled his aura and he let out a feral snarl as the faceless man put a hand on his shoulder in wicked camaraderie.
Akila awoke with a start. Artificial sunlight from the nearby botanical gardens filtered in through the window of her suite, deceptively close to the conditions in her room back home. But this wasn't home, and Jern was about to be a lot farther from his heart's abode if she didn't hurry.
She donned the concealing blue robes of her profession swiftly, and bound her eyeless visage with a jewel spangled scarf. She would have to run half the station if she were to make it to Von Lormac's private space dock in time.