Chapter Seven

Morning broke over the fourth moon of Yavin hazy and warm. Esor climbed out of her bed. She had not been aware that she had even fallen asleep. Her mind had been so full of turmoil the night before. She rubbed her eyes and went to the refresher.

She had already decided to start her day out with a meditation, and she knew just the place to do so. The waterfall where she had spotted Aidan the night before was a peaceful spot, and it would be thick with fog at this time. It would be perfect. She grabbed her weapons and her cloak and headed out.

The halls were nearly empty. Some students were still in bed, but she could sense the presence of a rather strong Force-enable individual. She tried to hone in on it but was unsuccessful in trying to pinpoint it. Esor shrugged it off and headed down the steps of the temple.

The air was heavy and humid, and she almost regretted taking her cloak with her. She pushed through the trees and made it to the waterfall. The fog was thick and wet, but Esor found it wonderful. She took a seat on a rock near the water's edge and got comfortable.

Then she began her meditation.

She could feel the Force all around her. It surrounded her. She breathed it in. She was determined this time to hold her concentration. The light surrounded her from the sun, and was warm. She was comfortable.

Then the warmth was replaced with a chill and the Force submerged her once again. She recognized the dark from her vision before. It was the cargo bay of a ship, just like the one she had boarded illegally and like many she had seen since.

She was facing the human male. His robes were flying wildly, and he was laughing. She could see his face, and at once noticed the horrible scar forehead. She was prepared to fight. Esor felt the weight of her saber in her hands.

A lightsaber hummed to life beside her. Everything was submerged in red light. The laughing man's red lightsaber switched on. She turned, watching the blur of motion that was the figure beside her as he raced forward. She recognized the dark hair a vest.

Aidan…

And then she screamed as the lightsabers hit.

The Force released her from the vision and Esor started quickly. She had to tell Master Skywalker right away. Aidan was going to return to the Dark Side!

"Aidan…" Luke was sitting on the steps of the Temple. Aidan, who had been on his way out, was stopped by a black gloved hand. "Sit with me, please. I wish to speak with you."

Aidan scowled a little to himself. He had planned on practicing with the remotes this morning, but Luke's eyes were imploring. He paused there, and relaxed his stance.

"Is something wrong Master Skywalker?"

"No." Luke smiled, "I simply wanted to discuss a mission with you."

Aidan's dark eyebrows flew up. "A mission?"

"Yes, there has been a disturbance in the Force. Jedi have gone missing all over the galaxy. The most recent one happened in Coruscant. I want you to investigate."

Aidan blinked a few times. A mission…he was finally getting some recognition around here. He felt a wave of pride and arrogance suddenly. He smirked.

"I would be delighted. What am I looking for?"

"Any clues to suggest where the missing Jedi have gone." For a moment, Luke looked grave, and he turned his head slightly. "You are far advanced in your training, but you have not traveled to Coruscant, have you?"

"No." Aidan shook his head. He was eager to get started. "But I can learn quickly."

"Yes, I know you can." Luke was pensive, then turned his head back to him. "But I am sending a partner with you on your mission."

His hopes fell. "A partner? I don't need a partner, Master Skywalker."

"You need someone who knows the underground of Coruscant. This won't be an easy mission. You will have to contact some nasty individuals…"

"But who?" Aidan asked. He was seething at the thought of a partner. He could do this alone, and Luke knew it. Why didn't he let him go on his own?

Luke turned his head just as Esor emerged from the trees below the steps. She stopped when she saw them there, and for a brief moment she was focused on Aidan. Her face was pale, and she was panting out of breath. Luke looked at her with concern.

"Is something wrong, Eiram?" He asked calmly.

"Master Skywalker, I must speak with you, in private…"

Luke nodded. "Very well. We can speak in my office if you wish." He turned his attention to Aidan. "Aidan DarKloud, meet your partner, Eiram Esor. She will be your guide to Coruscant."

Esor's bright grey eyes widened. "What? Partner?" She looked to Aidan in disbelief. There was a similar look on his face.

"Her? But Master Skywalker…"

"We can discuss this later. I feel that what Esor wants to tell me is of the utmost importance."

Not liking the idea of being put on the back shelf, Aidan set his jaw. With an angered look, he stormed down the steps of the temple and into the trees. Esor stared after him, confused.

"Master Skywalker…?" She began to ask, but he interrupted her.

"I will explain it to you all once we are inside." Esor moved forward and into the temple. Luke lingered, his eyes following the path where Aidan had vanished. He hoped he was doing the right thing.