Chapter One
Who are you, Jahita Krass?
A lone spacecraft passed the gas-giant Yavin, whose moon – Yavin 4 – orbited. A single young man sat behind the controls. It was Jahita Krass. He found it quite difficult controlling these 'very complicated things' as he called them. He was not of the sort that loved piloting spacecrafts or fixing them. In fact, he hated it. He could recall a few incidents, such as stopping a long trail of spaceships, almost causing a major accident. Such were his flying skills.
But on the lighter side, his Force sensitivity had surfaced and he had gotten an invitation to come to the Jedi Academy. Jahita smiled. Heck, who would have thought that I should become one of those fellows. He had spent some time thinking about it first. He could not just leave Coruscant and head to Yavin 4 without telling his family first for starters. They had agreed to let him decide for himself. Some of his relatives had been proud of his choice, while others murmured about the rash Jedi, who took the law in their own hands – or so had some of the senators at least said in some of their very long speeches. However, Jahita did not care about politics. He only thought of the possibility of becoming a Jedi Knight. He had learned some of the history of the Jedi through extensive research – that is with a little help from some people he knew, who knew some people that knew some people, etc.
His thoughts were interrupted as the ship's displays signalled that he was approaching the atmosphere. Jahita had fortunately experience in entering atmospheres and had no problem in doing so here at Yavin 4, but as he approached the landing area, he noticed to his horror that he had forgotten to activate the repulsorlift coils. "By the Ffib!" he shouted as he saw how fast the ship was nearing the ground. He frantically tried to find the right controls. The alarms began to sound and lights were blinking red. "Where is it!"
Luckily, he noticed the button right under his left hand and quickly pressed it. The craft landed with a nasty bump, leaving Jahita gasping for his breath – he had almost forgotten to breathe. "Why, o why can't they just invent something more simple!" he said irritated and was about to stand up, forgetting to unfasten his seatbelt and was therefore even madder by the stinging pain. "FOR ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THE UNIVERSE!" he yelled and almost maniacally tried to loosen his seatbelt. It finally gave a comfortable click and Jahita quickly rose up from the pilot seat.
Outside stood Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. He had landed only moments ago after a journey to the Outer Rim. He became a bit worried as he watched the spacecraft land in a very bad manner. Some students nearby were also alarmed by the semi-crash. The hatch opened and a young man stepped out. His light brown hair seemed to be quite messed up and he clearly had hurt himself by something. He did not look strong-built and reminded Luke more of a bookworm-type. There was also the fact that he was a little pale, which indicated that he did not spend much time out in the sun. His eyes had a mixed grey-green colour.
"Hi there," the young man said and tried to hide his pain. "I'm Jahita Krass. Ehm, thanks for the invitation."
"Welcome, Krass. Welcome to the Jedi Academy. Everything has been prepared for you. If you would come with me, please."
Krass was about to walk down the ramp, but had apparently forgotten something inside as he said, "Excuse me for a moment."
Luke smiled to him, but was unable to reply as Krass already had run inside. He suddenly heard a bump and an angry cry coming from inside the spacecraft, "OF ALL THE STUPIDEST, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING, UGLY, IRRITATING PIECES OF JUNK!"
The students nearby all turned their attention towards the shuttle. And out came Krass, humping with a backpack in his hand.
"Are you all right, Krass?" Luke said carefully.
"Aye, no prob," came the reply.
Luke smiled. "Well then, let me show you to your quarters."
"That would be nice, thank you," Jahita replied glad.
As they walked towards the Massassi temples, Jahita Krass could not help noticing that the students nearby were looking at him and whispering among themselves. All right. It appears I really made an impression, he thought, feeling a little awkward.
The two of them entered a temple nearby. Jahita had never seen such structures before, except for the skyscrapers on Coruscant, but these were entirely different. The temples stood in majesty, towering above the surrounding green jungle. All made out of rock! This surely isn't Coruscant. "Hey, Master Skywalker, it must be really nice with no traffic in the air. I bet you have very few flying accidents," he said and grinned.
Luke gave him a peculiar look. "Ehm…yes, none what so ever."
Great! No one ever gets my jokes. I hope that the others aren't that stiff. He sighed.
After a little while, they approached the chambers of the students. Luke guided him to a room. "Here it is, Krass. All ready for you."
The room was not big and yet not so small either. Actually, it was perfect for a single occupant. Inside were a bed and two chairs, as well as a wardrobe. There was only one window with no glass – green vines grew through it, but the jungle outside was quite visible despite the leaves. Beneath the window stood a table to which a glowlamp was fastened which was adjustable. The table also had a few coffers. "If you need anything, then don't hesitate to ask the other students. Try to get to know them. I'm sure that you'll make new friendships."
"Right. Thank you, Master Skywalker," Krass said and entered his new room. He dropped his backpack on the floor and almost dropped down on the bed. "Sure is nice to have solid ground beneath one's feet again."
Luke smiled. Krass's accent reminded him of his first mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. "I'm glad you like it, though the modest look. I will have an announcement in the Great Temple in an hour or so. Afterwards you will be taught your first lessons."
"Great! That's what I came here for, anyway. Heh heh," Krass grinned, but received no response to his laughter except for a nod.
"Well, I'll see you, then, Krass," Luke smiled to him and left.
Jahita sat alone on the bed. He almost hated foreign places that were filled with unknown people, but he really hoped that he would make some pals. Speaking of which, he thought, I ought to check this place out. He nodded mentally as he rose up from the bed, heading for the door. He stepped outside the room and closed the door. It was then that he noticed some students, three humans and a Bith, standing in the corridor. They were talking amongst themselves.
Jahita could not discern what exactly they were talking about, but it really did not matter to him anyway. "Excuse me," he said. "Could you tell me where the Great Temple lies?"
A young woman – wearing a dark blue flight-suit with a yellow stripe running down the sleeves, which totally contrasted the dark colour, but in a very fashionable manner – turned towards him. Her dark brown hair rested beautifully on her shoulders, curling slightly upwards as they touched her shoulders; her light blue eyes seemed full of life. On her face was the most charming smile he had ever seen on a girl. She sure has some very white teeth.
"Looking for the Great Temple? You're new here, then, right?" the young woman said. "It's always nice to see that people still take up the Jedi way."
"It's just outside on the left. A very big temple. Can't miss it," a male human said humorously. His appearance seemed to be older than the girl was. He was a tall, well-built man with blond hair and a beard, which was not thick – it covered the jaw and joined with the hair by the ears. His eyes were dark blue and matched his hair quite nicely. Jahita guessed that the man was in his late twenties. He was wearing a light brown jacket with many pockets all over, which told him that this fellow was probably accustomed to repairs and maintenance of spaceships. He wore a red blouse underneath the jacket, black trousers and some leathery army-boots of an unknown origin, and, of course, a lightsabre. Even though his clothes stated that he was not too bothered about today's fashion, it actually looked quite all right – to be specific, he looked like a practical chap. He clearly contrasted the girl.
Another human male stood there also. He was black haired and had a slender face with no facial hair, except for the eyebrows. He wore Jedi robes – as did the Bith, whose gender Jahita could only guess, since he lacked knowledge about that particular race.
At first Jahita just smiled back, but then remembered his manners. "Thanks. I'm Jahita Krass, by the way. From Coruscant. Pleased to meet you," he said and extended his hand.
"Ehm, pleased to meet you, too," the young woman said, shaking his hand briefly. "I'm Shiala Meno, Corellia."
The blond haired and bearded man interrupted by stepping forward and squeezing Jahita's hand a little too hard. "Vrilas K'tor, Krass."
The black haired man only nodded once, while introducing himself, "Tarrik Wend."
The Bith, on the other hand, politely extended his hand and shook Jahita's. "Eyoul Gaad. Pleased to meet you, too." The Bith's voice suggested that it was a male.
For a moment they only stood there, saying nothing. An uncomfortable silence hovered in the air.
"I see that you're not a regular I-know-it-all guy from Coruscant," Shiala said and ended the embarrassing silence.
"No, no, I'm a reading-type of chap," Jahita replied, happy to have something to talk about.
"Was it you then that came with that last ship, which landed quite badly?" Vrilas K'tor asked.
Jahita felt the urge to say that it was not he who had flown the small spaceship, but since he had read something about Jedi sensing lies, he chose to tell the truth. "Aye, 'twas me, all right. I hate those very complicated things."
"What? The spaceships?" K'tor said confused.
"Aye, the very complicated things," he said again. "They give me nothing but probs."
"Probs, eh?" K'tor said humorously. "Well, gotta love them anyway. They're the ones that get you around."
"Aye, that's true, but I don't like them anyway."
The others grinned in return. "Hmm, honest too," Eyoul Gaad added. "It's good to know that at least some are of the better stock."
"What do you mean?" Jahita asked a little puzzled.
He was interrupted by Tarrik. "Hey, just because some folks don't like what Kyp's doing, doesn't mean that he's bad. He just has a different view of the Force – a view that's more up-to-date."
"It's too aggressive," Eyoul replied. "Aggression leads to the Dark Side."
"Er, I'll just leave now," Jahita said to Shiala and K'tor. "Thanks for the help." He smiled.
"No prob, Krass" Vrilas replied with a smirk.
"A pleasure," Shiala Meno said. "I hope your training will be fruitful." She returned his smile.
He nodded once and left them to their discussion.
Jahita marvelled at the wonders of the Jedi Academy - especially after a little trip to the top of one of the centuries old buildings. The view was breath taking. It sure beats the skyscrapers of Coruscant. Though Jahita was from the urban planet, he did not like it much there. What he really loved was mountains. They were not man-made, but of nature itself. Beautiful and majestic in all their modesty. The only thing he missed back home was the sometimes enormous clouds that would cover the urban planet, or at least some part of it. However, knowing that these buildings were ancient and the fact that they had an excellent view of the forest that encircled the temples was actually very nice.
At the moment he was on top of the Great Temple. It had proven quite a problem getting there, but he managed to find his way. I bet a lot of students spend a great deal of time sitting up here. He felt great being up here. A great uplifting sense of joy almost made him forget that the buildings have a boundary.
"Hey there! Watch your step!" someone shouted. Jahita felt something pulling him, but it was no hand.
Jahita turned about and found himself facing Shiala Meno and Tarrik Wend. He stood a few seconds looking at them and then looked at the edge. He turned his eyes towards them again. "Thanks. I hate flying," he said with a big smile.
It was clear that the two Jedi did not understand the last remark. "That's all you have to say? You nearly fell down," Tarrik said slightly puzzled.
"Hey, at least it wasn't, AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Jahita grinned. "No, really, thanks for the save."
Shiala giggled in return, but stopped as she noticed Tarrik's eyes. However, they were all distracted as a shuttle roared above them and started its landing near the Great Temple. It made a lot of noise as if the pilot wanted all to know that he was landing. The temporary trio watched it land safely, while a group of students hurried over to it.
Though they were high above the landing site, Shiala recognised the pilot who came out of the spacecraft. "It's Kyp Durron! Come on, Tarrik!" Shiala said and glanced at Jahita, "Hey, Krass! You gotta meet this guy!"
Jahita recognised the name and it seemed that a shadow suddenly went over his face. But neither Shiala nor Tarrik noticed it, as they were busy running towards the stairs and on to the turbolift.
"Come on, Krass! Hurry up!" Shiala shouted.
Jahita decided to come along, turning about and ran to the stairs. They made their way to the turbolift and began their descent.
It was then Shiala noticed that Krass's mood had changed. What could be the matter? she thought.
It did not take long before the three of them stood outside and watched Kyp Durron being greeted by many of the students. Word had reached Yavin 4 that Kyp's apprentice – Miko Reglia – had died. He had taken two enemies with him as he had jumped into the icy waters of Helska, thus sacrificing himself in order to help Jacen Solo and an ExGal scientist – called Danni Quee – escape from the new and mysterious enemy that called itself the Yuuzhan Vong.
Shiala and Tarrik ran into the crowd to greet Kyp, but Jahita hid himself by the entrance of the temple, and after while he decided to go to his new room. Of all the places in the galaxy, he pops up here. Jahita turned about and quickly ran down the corridors.
He sat down on his bed, found the small gadget that was able to play some of his favourite music – pre-Imperial classical concerts. They had always had a relaxing effect on him, especially when he needed solitude for a moment. He sighed comfortably and looked out from the small window. All the trees and plants were very beautiful and most importantly, they were real. Not some bad imitations or holographs placed in some dusty museum. He felt that this moment was perfect to contemplate on the Force, or at least the things he had learned through studying what he could find regarding this mysterious power. Hmm, since the Force is strengthen by life then the Force should be very close here with all these plants and trees around. There sure has to be many animals, too. He wondered for a moment how it could be possible to actually come in contact with this mysterious Force that the Jedi revered so much. He also had in mind what bad effects it could have, too, bearing in mind the Emperor, who had died some time before he was even born. That's probably what the Jedi call the Dark Side, he thought, relaxing to the sound of the instruments that played.
His thoughts were interrupted as Shiala came to his room. "There you are. Come, Master Skywalker wants to address us all. We are to go to the Grand Audience Chamber in the Great Temple. Come, Tarrik and I'll show you where it is."
Jahita sighed and rose, turning off the music and tried to catch up with her and Tarrik, who had been waiting outside.
They arrived at the Great Temple and quickly made their way to the Grand Audience Chamber. Jahita stood in awe and tried to catch as many details of the Chamber's interior wonders. All made out of rock. Awesome! His fascination was then interrupted as a turbolift arrived and the doors opened. Master Skywalker entered the Chamber and a fellow in green robes followed him.
Shiala politely leaned over to him and whispered, "That's Corran Horn. He's Corellian and descendant of a great Jedi family."
"Oookay," Jahita whispered back. He had heard of the bloke, who had had something to do with the famous Rogue Squadron.
The crowd stood in silence and awaited the Jedi Master's words. Luke stood for a moment and looked at the assembly of Jedi. Jahita then suddenly noticed how the Jedi had split into two groups. He quietly whispered in Shiala's direction, "What's going on?" But Shiala did not have time to give him an answer, because Luke had started to speak.
"I am glad to see you all here. Your bright, shining faces are lit with the Force. You all work hard, and someday, you young Jedi will stand here with us as Jedi Knights. I look forward to that day, and I know you do, too."
"We can be out fighting the bad guys," someone young replied. Jahita did not see who made that comment, but then again did not quite understand what was going on, but what he did notice was that many were smiling at that comment, as was Luke.
"Yes, that will be it. However, for now, I would ask Tionne to take you away to continue your studies. There are things I need to discuss with the others that you need not know about at the moment. Thank you for greeting all of us, and may the Force be with you," Luke said. All the children began to leave the chamber and some of the older children sought to keep order among them all. The adult – or near adulthood – remained. Jahita, however, did not know where to go, but then decided to stay near the entrance. Shiala did not notice him going – nor did the others.
As he was standing in the entrance – semi-hiding – he could hear some of the discussions that were between the Jedi, who were talking in the Chamber. He did not get much of it, save something about the aliens called Yuuzhan Vong. At one point it seemed that a heated conversation was about to start between Jacen Solo – Master Skywalker's nephew – and Kyp Durron, but Luke managed to stop it in getting hotter and started to speak peacefully to the Jedi. Jahita tried to catch what Luke was saying, but only managed to hear anything when all went silent and Luke's voice echoed through the Grand Audience Chamber, "Over the next week or so I will give you assignments. I will be sending you into dangers I cannot even guess at knowing. I hope all of you will return unhurt, but I know that will not happen. While the outside world may be divided about us, we cannot afford to be divided against ourselves. If we do not stand together, we will be torn apart, and with us will fall our galaxy."
Jahita's mouth dropped. The galaxy will fall! What the heck is going on here! He had heard some vague rumours about these strange aliens that had been sighted in the Outer Rim, not so far from Imperial Space. Part from the destruction of Sernpidal and some fighting at Helska, he did not know much. The Jedi Master's words, however, seemed to tell him that things were about to get quite heated in the New Republic.
It was then he noticed that some were looking the way he was standing, and he quickly turned away, running towards the nearest turbolift and out of the Great Temple. He did not stop until he had arrived in his room. There he stayed for a while.
Some fifteen minutes later someone knocked on his door, and he carefully opened it. Outside stood a tall man with blond hair and looking somewhat muscular.
He eyed Jahita and finally asked, "Jahita Krass, right?"
"Aye," Jahita replied a little nervously.
"Pleased to meet you, Krass," the man said and extended his hand. "I'm Kam Solusar. Jedi Master by rank, but otherwise an administrator." He smiled a little.
"Pleased to meet you, too, Master Solusar," Jahita said and extended his hand, as well.
"I'm here to take you to your first lesson. You'll be in a group with some novices, but who have received some training already, but I think you'll come along nicely."
"Grand," Jahita replied.
"Er, that's now, Krass," Kam chuckled.
"Oh, sorry, Master Solusar," Jahita said frantically. "Please, show the way."
"Excellent, just follow me," Kam said and added as they were walking down the corridor, "By the way, I was asked by Master Skywalker to tell you that he'd appreciate if you kept everything you heard in the Grand Audience Chamber for yourself for the time being. Better not alarm the other students just yet, okay?"
Jahita felt sure that his size had shrunk as Kam looked at him. "Er, I – I just didn't know…where I was supposed to go…and – and I didn't hear that much. You know, er, of what he was talking about."
Kam laughed, apparently finding it amusing how Jahita was stuttering. "Well, whatever you heard, just keep it to yourself, okay?"
"Sure, no prob," Jahita quickly said and nodded sincerely.
It was quite warm outside, yet bearable, but almost no one was walking around in what could perhaps be called a plaza. Many were having lessons with Tionne, Kam Solusar's wife. She was an administrator, too, at the Academy and an official Jedi historian.
On their walk over to the Great Temple, Kam and Jahita met some of the Jedi that had been talking to Master Skywalker. It was none other than Kyp Durron and some of his supporters. Apparently, some of them hoped to become Kyp's new apprentice. That much Jahita had learned. He did not return Kyp's smile.
"Greetings, Master Solusar" Kyp said.
"Kyp," Kam replied.
Kyp Durron then turned towards Jahita. "Hi there. I'm Kyp Durron, Jedi Master. What's your name?"
Jahita did not even reply, but only looked at him. The coldness in his eyes seemed to have its effect on Kyp and the others. Kam did not notice this, though.
"You haven't heard of me?"
"I have heard of you, all right," Jahita finally replied. His face remained as cold as the ice planet of Hoth itself.
Kyp chuckled nervously. "Say, you like flying? If you do, you might want to join our little group of justice-fighters after you've completed your basic training."
"I'd rather have that you didn't involve the younger students in this, Kyp," Kam said a bit sternly.
"Hey, he can answer for himself, can't he?" Kyp replied, but did not bother to look on the Jedi Master. "What do you say?" Kyp's smile faded away by Jahita's silence and still frozen-and-careless-looking face. "Are you all right?" he asked.
"What does it look like!" Jahita said. His voice grew in volume.
Kyp did not know if he had said anything that had offended Jahita, but he sensed through the Force an anger growing inside Jahita, which was turned towards him. The cause, though, was unknown.
"Hey, I'm sorry if I said something wrong…"
Jahita interrupted him. "Said! Said! What about 'done'!" His eyes almost glowed with anger.
"Easy there now," Kam said and tried to cool him down. "What's the matter?"
"Leave me alone," Jahita said in a very low tune and turned away from the group.
"What have I done?" Kyp demanded.
Jahita stopped his walk and turned slowly towards him. He looked grim in his face and uttered a single word, "Carida."
Kyp went silent. He surely had not forgotten the time when he had blown the planet Carida and its inhabitants into space dust. The guilt hung heavily upon him. He walked with fast paces towards Jahita, who had started to walk away again. "Hey, Jahita," Kyp said and put his hand on Jahita's shoulder.
"Kyp, I think –" Kam started, but never got to finish his sentence.
As soon as Kyp's hand touched his shoulder, Jahita gave an angry outcry. A very bright light, which was followed by a very loud thunder, sent the group flying a couple of metres backwards. Jahita stood alone and watched the Jedi, who had fallen to the ground. They all had been blinded and shocked by the sudden bright light. The sort period of flying had also shaken them quite. Kyp – who had been right behind Jahita – had first received the impact of the sudden wall of sound. He was lying unconscious on the ground. Kam, however, was already starting to get back up on his feet, although he appeared a little groggy.
Jahita leaked with sweat and felt how his consciousness slowly began to fade. He struggled to run, but barely managed to keep a straight pace. As he entered the Great Temple, he fell to his knees. His eyes were failing him and he suddenly could not feel if he was flying or if he still was on the ground. He tried to crawl, but his strength was slipping away very fast. Suddenly darkness engulfed him.
"Jahita. Jahita, can you hear me?" a voice said in the blur.
Jahita struggled to focus. He felt exhausted and totally worn out. Above him stood Master Solusar and Shiala, if he was not mistaking. Behind them stood two young Jedi, whom he believed to be Jacen and Anakin Solo, if he remembered correctly the footage on the HoloNet. "What? Where am I?" he almost stuttered.
"You're in the Great Temple. What did you do?" Shiala asked.
"Do? I don't know?" Jahita felt so confused. He was bathed in sweat. He could remember talking to Kyp about something. Carida. He felt how his eyes began pouring water. "Carida," he said.
Kam immediately responded to this name. "Did you know anyone there, Krass?"
Jahita felt more tears running down his cheeks. "My mother's sister…" His voice drowned.
Kam nodded solemnly. "That's what I thought," he said quietly. After a short moment of silence he continued, "What were your thoughts, while you spoke with Kyp Durron?"
Jahita felt his stomach twist when he heard Kyp's name. He remembered his beloved aunt, who had saved him during the Imperial Inner Circle's attack on Coruscant shortly after Grand Admiral Thrawn had died. Had it not been for her – she, who he considered a mother – he would not have been alive today.
Though Jahita said nothing, Kam sensed his thoughts and put his hand on Jahita's forehead. Jahita could feel the Jedi Master's approach into his mind, but put no barrier in his way. He allowed Kam to see his pain, since he did not feel like talking.
Kam saw in the Force an image of a woman carrying Jahita, who was only a child. Fires were all around them, but the woman managed to make her way to a shuttle and take off to the air. The shuttle carried them to a safe place in the war-torn Coruscant. The image faded and another erupted. Jahita and his family crying, they had received the news of Carida's destruction. Jahita's aunt had died. Another image flashed before him, it was Kyp Durron who was being greeted by students. Kam felt the anger Jahita had felt when he first met Kyp. He opened his eyes and removed his hand.
He sighed slightly. "I've seen enough. Rest now, Jahita." He placed again his hand on Jahita's forehead and used the Force to let peace flow into the young man's mind, and before long Jahita was fast asleep. Kam turned towards Tarrik Wend and Eyoul Gaad, who had been standing at a distance observing, and asked them to carry Jahita to his room. They quickly acknowledged.
As they carried Jahita off to his room, Kam, Jacen and his younger brother, Anakin Solo, were joined by Luke Skywalker. He had heard of the incident and had therefore come.
"Kam, what happened?" Luke asked.
"To tell you the truth, I don't really know," Kam answered. He then told Luke what had happened and how Jahita had suddenly drawn upon the Force to create some sort of a sound or light wall, which knocked almost everyone to the ground.
"When I finally got back to my senses, I found him lying here unconscious," Kam said. "I tried to ask him what had happened, but he didn't seem to know himself."
"Disturbing," Luke said thoughtful. "Did he reveal anything to you?"
"Well, sort of. I couldn't get much of what he tried to say except it had something to do with Carida and some aunt of his, so I decided entering his mind to catch some images. He didn't block me, so I figure that he really wanted me to know." He paused a moment, before saying, "His aunt was on Carida the day Kyp Durron destroyed the system."
"No wonder he was upset," Anakin said after some seconds of silence, "but what did he do to Kyp and the others? They were blind for two minutes or so."
"Yeah, there was even a great thunder, which could be heard all around the area," Jacen added.
"I was, too, you know, but it passed away a little quicker than that. As for what it was – well, who knows?" Kam said and looked at Luke. "Do you?"
The worried expression on Luke's face revealed it all. "No, Kam, I don't know. And as far as I know, Krass has never been instructed in the ways of the Force and I would reckon that only a trained Jedi could do such a thing."
"It couldn't have been Exar Kun again – that's for sure," a voice added.
"That's true, Corran," Luke said as he smiled to the Corellian Jedi, who stood in the doorway. He surely had not forgotten the meeting with the spirit of the long dead Sith lord. It had been a dangerous time then, as it was now with the approaching of the virtually unknown enemy, called the Yuuzhan Vong.
"His sudden ability to call on the Force has to be some sort of gift or inner strength," Luke continued. "But I've never had students, who made such a display of the Force in such a short time," he said with a half smile. "Except for Kyp Durron that is, but he did undergo training before he could master the Force." He paused for a moment and looked over to the Corellian. "It must be some sort of ability that we've never encountered before."
"Well, all Jedi have different strengths and qualities, but this guy seems not to have control of it at all," Corran said with a hint of concern.
"Well, you and the other Masters should be able to handle this. Right, Uncle Luke?" Anakin said encouraging.
"That I'm sure of, Anakin." Luke walked into the Great Temple, followed by the others.
"I sure would feel more comfortable if I knew that he wouldn't go berserk through the galaxy with that ability of his – whatever it is." Corran meant every word. He did not like the fact that Jedi – such as Kyp's former squadron – had caused alarm amongst the senators of the New Republic; even though it seemed that, some of them had bargains with the pirates, who Kyp's squadron and other Jedi had attacked. "In some way, though, I'm glad that he won't join Kyp and the other enthusiastic young Jedi, who want to execute law by means of aggression."
Luke did not give a hint of comfort from that comment. "Unfortunately, though, there's the possibility that Jahita would want to revenge his aunt's death on Carida – and the thought of Jedi killing Jedi in lust for revenge is not what I had in mind for the purpose of this Academy."
Tionne suddenly entered the room where they were standing. "I just heard of the incident. Are they all right?"
"Yes, they were not in danger, but only blinded and shocked for a moment," Kam assured her.
Luke sat down on a rock bench and seemed to be in deep thoughts, while Kam answered Tionne's questions. Needless to say, she was puzzled, but more pressing affairs concerned Luke. He and Jacen were to travel to Belkadan to examine the planet closer, along with the ExGal compound situated there. Jacen's twin-sister, Jaina Solo, had left Yavin 4 along with Danni Quee; the two women would meet with Luke's sister Leia Organa Solo – the mother of Jacen, Jaina and Anakin – on Coruscant, who was acting as an ambassador of Dubrillion. She was to report on the Yuuzhan Vong attacks on Belkadan and Dubrillion. Then after this, the three women were going back to Dubrillion after a stop at Agamar, where Leia would give the same report. Mara Jade Skywalker and Anakin would travel to Dantooine, where they hoped that Mara would recover her strength. She had been battling a mysterious disease for quite some time now. Anakin was supposed to help his aunt if she needed it. Corran Horn and Ganner Rhysode were going to Bimmiel to see if an expedition from the University of Agamar were still alive.
Plenty of work to be done, Luke thought.
"What should we do about him?" Kam interrupted his thoughts.
"About Krass?" Luke inquired.
"Yeah."
Luke pondered for a moment, opening himself to whatever the Force might tell or indicate to him – usually he could only hint what it was telling him, but now it seemed unclear. "I'm not sure," he finally said. "I don't think we should isolate him, but I'd advise you to keep a good eye on him. This may be a seed of anger, which could mean trouble later on." He paused as he closed his eyes for a second. "Time will tell, Kam. Time will tell."
Shiala Meno walked quietly down the corridor to Jahita's room, carrying some water. He had been sound asleep for three hours. She carefully opened the door and looked inside. Jahita was awake now.
"Who's there?" he asked and tried to wipe the sleep from his eyes.
"It's Shiala Meno. May I come in?" She popped her head inside. "I brought you something to drink, if you like."
"Sure thing. My throat is as dry as a senator's speech."
That joke Shiala understood, she grinned. Jahita seemed to feel better by her laughter and accepted the cup of water. He emptied the whole cup in one big gulp.
"Hey, easy now, Krass. You'll just get a stomach-ache, besides we got plenty more where that came from."
"Sorry, but as I said, I'm very thirsty. I must have at least sweated a gallon or so," he said cheerful, but then noticed the smell. "Oops, must have been more than a gallon."
Shiala only smiled. "It's good to see that you're back on top again. Master Solusar said that if you felt up to it, you can still have your first lesson. But have some more water first. A meal has been prepared for you, if you feel hungry."
"Thanks a lot, but I think I'll have a shower before I go anywhere." He rose. "Could you tell Master Solusar that I'll be right over as fast as I can after my shower and meal?" Jahita said.
"Sure thing, Krass. I'll go right away." She went out the door, but halted as Jahita called her back. "What is it?" she asked.
Jahita smiled carefully. "Where exactly am I supposed to go?"
Jahita walked up to chamber, where the lessons were to be had. He felt well. It was good to be warm and clean again. He carefully knocked on the door, which opened itself a second later. It revealed a quite large room with about five to six 'windows' if one could call it that, bearing in mind that they had no glass in them – the windows reminded him of the one he had in his room, only that they were somewhat larger. The light shining through these windows was actually beautiful, and gave a sense of tranquillity in the room. And the vines were once again present, twirling up around the windows and through them. Despite the humid air outside, it did not seem quite the same inside – much to Jahita's joy.
"Come in, Jahita Krass. It's good to see that you're back on your feet again." Kam Solusar sat in the middle of the room with his legs crossed, surrounded by some other students of various species, races and genders. Some he had seen before in either the streets on Coruscant or in the HoloNet, but there were some that he had never seen before. Their age was not so easy to tell, although he felt certain that some of them were his age.
He remembered what he was doing and finally replied, "Thanks, Master Solusar. It sure was nice to get a shower and something to eat." Jahita smiled and risked a little wave with his hand to the others in the room. "Hello there," he said, hiding whatever insecurity might be within him. They politely greeted him back.
"Please, sit down," Kam made a gesture with his hand where Jahita should sit.
"Aye, Master." Jahita sat down and likewise crossed his legs. He suddenly felt a peace, which filled him and the room. He felt pretty sure that the Jedi Master emanated with the Force and that the other students did likewise.
"Okay, I'll start from where I left off, class," Kam said, his voice resonating in room. "Peace is of the Light side. Peace helps us focus and peace is the Force. Hence, the Force is peace and we can be filled with it. The Force is everywhere – surrounding and penetrating us, as well as binding us together. The great Jedi Master Yoda, who instructed Luke Skywalker, said that we are luminous beings and the Force is our ally, a very powerful ally. But this doesn't mean that we should be aggressors. Nor should we view the Force as a tool, for it is living. Life creates it and makes it grow. The Force is within you as it is within me." He paused a moment and eyed the students in turn.
A gush of wind entered the room, making everyone's' hair a bit ruffled – or at least those that had either hair or fur or feathers. Some smiled or giggled, while Jahita only looked around himself, wondering what was so funny. Then he pondered on the possibility that the Jedi Master had had something to do with it.
Kam continued, "In time you will create a bond with it and hopefully you will work out a close relationship with it, which will allow it to aid you in your struggles, which will come on your path of becoming a Jedi Knight. The path isn't easy, but is rewarding in the end. Peace and justice should be your goal and not ambitions of conquest or exploiting others, who seem inferior in your eyes. No one is inferior. All are equal in the Force for we are all living beings, no matter race or gender."
The students nodded, and Jahita began to feel the wisdom in Master Solusar's words. He felt how his spirit drank every word, absorbing them. In some inexplicable way the wonders of the Force began to unravel. It was as if a light had been lit within him – the light of life – the Force itself in all its glory. He felt sure that he was slowly beginning to connect with it in some mystic way – or that's how he felt, at least, since he had never known that much about the Force. The students kept their silence, knowing that they should honour their tutor and obey him. Where this submission came from, Jahita knew not, but he knew that he welcomed it by his own free will.
"You will face ordeals and tests throughout your life, but they will strengthen you," Kam continued. "Though you will die one day, it won't make you a failure. Only if you were to fall to the Dark Side and then die would you have failed, unless you would be redeemed as Master Skywalker has been. The love of his sister threw away the darkness that rested upon his soul and freed him from the Emperor's power." Kam paused. "I trust you have heard this?" he asked.
Many of the students nodded or voiced their knowledge of this – including Jahita; it paid off being interested in both history and Jedi even.
"But you shouldn't worry too much about the Dark Side for now. Now you should focus on your training. You are to learn how to feel the Force inside you and learn how to use it. But you must always remember this: the Force is not a tool, but your ally. You will have learned nothing if you think that the Force is the solution to every problem. That isn't how things work here in life. It may guide you in days of trouble, but you must also trust yourselves. You must also remember that every action and every decision you make can have a consequence or impact on another being, and even for the entire galaxy. Hopefully, it won't be dire consequences if such a decision should occur." His face seemed sombre, but it then changed to an encouraging smile.
"But don't be afraid of making mistakes, they help us mature and grow in wisdom and in the knowledge of the Force. To avoid making mistakes may be good, but don't ever think of yourselves as flawless. Even Master Skywalker makes mistakes and learns from them. A Jedi's training never ends. At least not until he becomes one with the Force." He looked sincerely at Jahita. "Do you understand this, Krass?"
Jahita nodded with all sincerity. "Aye, Master Solusar," he said, but added, "However, it worries me a bit. I feel a little afraid of what I might encounter on this path."
"Push aside your fear for fear can lead to anger and anger is of the Dark Side." Kam looked at the other students as he continued, "A Jedi knows no fear. Let the Force guide you. It is your ally as well as your comforter. It is always there. Everywhere."
"But, Master Solusar, how will we know this?" a student asked.
"Through the peace you find in the Force – for the Force is peace. You will have a clear mind when you're at ease." He thought for a second. "Let's try it," he suddenly said, "Everyone stand up, please." They all rose. He pointed at several objects that lay behind him. "Could you lift the cup without taking hold of it?" he asked them.
"Aye," Jahita answered ahead of the others. "If we're trained in doing so. I've heard of how Jedi lift things and stuff."
"Ah, but there are some Jedi that can't use telekinesis. Corran Horn, for example, can't lift anything, but he has other gifts that are just as good. I know that all of you here have already tried this, but you haven't, Krass." Kam waved him forward. "Let's find out if you can."
Jahita's eyes almost glared at the Jedi Master. "But how do I begin?"
Kam smiled. "First close your eyes and let go of everything. Don't think about anything, except for the cup you see here," he said and pointed at the particular cup. "Clear your mind, just relax and open yourself to the Force and let peace fill your mind."
"Oookay," Jahita said and closed his eyes. He let all thoughts fade away and took a deep breath. He exhaled slowly and felt how relaxed he had become. He could feel a slight tingling on his skin and in his interior. To him it felt like something began to fill him up almost as if someone was pouring water into a bottle. Peace came in great abundance. It was as if his entire body was being filled with the Force and that it would virtually flow out of his mouth, nose and ears.
This prompted him to open his eyes again. "Whoa," he whispered. "Did you feel that, too?"
Some of the students grinned, as did Master Solusar.
"That's a good sign, Krass. But you have to concentrate. Try again."
Jahita again closed his eyes, and did the same procedure as before. Once again came the tingling and the sensation of being filled by something.
"Now feel the cup on the table," Kam advised. "Don't think of anything else. Feel it. Imagine it levitating. Imagine taking hold of it with an invisible hand."
Though Jahita's eyes were closed, he noticed that the room seemed to become visible around him, but in some diminished form. At the same time, it was as if the room – or what he believed to be the room – was filled with a cloud or fog that seemed to flow and shine with light. The fog seemed to be alive. It penetrated everything with ease, yet it seemed as if it was binding everything together. He thought he could see Master Solusar moving, but did not hear him move until a couple of seconds afterwards. He then reassumed his concentration on the cup. It felt as if he did actually take hold of it. How strange. I can feel it as I can feel my hand or leg. In his mind's eye, he lifted up the cup. He extended his off hand and slowly put the cup into it. He opened his eyes and saw that he was actually holding it in his hand.
"Wow! That was awesome!" Jahita said and almost jumped up by sheer joy.
The students applauded a little, and Master Solusar looked glad at him.
"Very good, Krass. Few students have managed to levitate anything at the beginning of their training."
"I was just lucky, I guess," Jahita said and reassumed his usual modesty.
"There is no luck; only the Force," Kam said and chuckled, as did some of the students. "Anyway," he said and reassumed his tutor look, "modesty is a good thing, which prevents us of becoming proud and arrogant, but we should allow ourselves to receive encouragement from others."
"I understand, Master." Jahita nodded. It was not in his nature becoming proud, but remembering the words of Master Solusar still made him uneasy. I must never become arrogant.
"Students, there is one thing you must know at all times," Kam said and paused and crossed his arms below his chest.
"Yes, Master?" some students asked in almost unison.
"You must always know who you are."
Jahita wondered what the Jedi Master was talking about, but slowly understanding began to grow.
"Who are you, Jahita Krass?" Kam asked and looked directly at him, as though he could sense his thoughts.
Jahita smiled. "I'm a luminous being, and a Jedi, Master Solusar."